Salt Magazine: ISSUE TWELVE

African Australian NEWS MAGAZINE.

I S S U E T W E LV E / / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7

AFUA RIDA

A new wave of african fashion Inside this issue Writing Nelson Mandela's Memoir Lucy Guchihi: First African Australian Senator Melbourne celebrates 2018 African Music and Cultural Festival SANAA Street Festival 2018 $5.00 AUD ISSN 2203-0972

9 772203 ISSUE 097002 T WE LV E >

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Contributors ANDREW LODIONG Andrew is a graduate journalist from the University of South Australia with a passion for writing and a sport enthusiast.

NYANWELL AGOTH Nyanwell was raised in the north-east of Adelaide in South Australia. She has a longstanding interest in the development of Australia's legal system, and participation of young people in institutional

Inside this issue Nelson Mandela's 2/ Writing Memoir SALT Magazine caught up with Mandla Langa - the South African author who helped Nelson Mandela complete his much anticipated sequel to his autobiography.

Rida: A new wave of 4/ Afua African Fashion

political processes.

Ghana based fashion designer, blogger and stylist Afua Rida is making waves in the fashion world.

STEVE BARLIEA

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Steve came to Australia in 2010 from Liberia and is currently completing his honours in Health Sciences at the University of Adelaide. He is also a volunteer with Multipurpose Media Inc.

ACHOL ACHIEK Achol is an Afrocentric and Pan-African recent dual degree graduate of Law / Government

Lucy Gichuhi – First African Australian Senator

Kenyan Born Lucy Gichuhi made history as our nation’s first African Australian senator.

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ROSEÉ – African print in fashion

Adelaide based entrepenuer Awa Chibikwa and her African inspired fashion label.

and International Relations who is adamantly passionate about social justice, equality, International Relations and the world.

TARE RAINE Tare Raine is a musician, writer, photographer, film editor, and producer who is presently on a life expanding adventure as a skilled migrant in Australia.

MICHELLE SMITH Michelle is an Adelaide-based teacher with a passion for community radio. She teaches radio skills to newly arrived primary school children and

Credits ARTICLES

Sidique Bah, Andrew Lodiong, Steve Barliea, Tare Raine, Nyanwell Agoth, Michelle Smith.

EDITORS Sidique Bah Ellena Bezzina PHOTOGRAPHY Sidique Bah, Alee Bonnue, Seun Omolewa, Half & Halve DESIGN inadifs Productions PRINTING Replica Press

Cover

Afua Rida.

PHOTO: Red Skyte Studios

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscribe online at: www.saltmagazine.org

presents a weekly music show on Radio Adelaide.

DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or its servants or agents. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

AF RICA N AUS T RA LI A N N EW S MAG A Z I N E

Copyright © 2017 Inadifs Productions. ISSN 2203-0972. All rights reserved.

Sidique Bah

From the Editor’s desk Welcome to the end of year edition of SALT Magazine.

With the festive season and big celebrations upon us, let’s

Social media is pervasive, and has overtaken the

spare a thought for of our fellow Africans desperately

occasional photos in front of skyscrapers or shopping

risking their lives in perilous land and sea journeys to

malls sent back to Africa by uncles, aunts and siblings.

join us in the west.

Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms

In recent weeks we have been inundated with footage and

have taken these photographs to a whole new level.

images of West African migrants being auctioned off as

Sure, social media can showcase inspirational stories

slaves in Libya. This has drawn worldwide condemnation

and shine a light on injustice but mostly it is a platform

as hundreds of stranded Africans in Libya are repatriated

to self-aggrandize. On a daily basis quite a large number

by their governments, the European Union and the

of Africans on Facebook indulge in sharing photos of

International Organization for Migration.

themselves and videos living the good life.

According to news reports, there are over 20,000

But how real is that depiction anyway?

migrants to be repatriated.

Our photos belie the realities we face on a daily basis –

Blame sits squarely at the feet of people smugglers who

from racism to low-paid jobs demanding long hours.

lure vulnerable people into these situations and on the

The social media picture we paint of our lives must

failed governing institutions in Africa who have stripped

look like paradise to our desperate kinsmen and family

any vestige of hope from their people. The comments

members left behind.

on Facebook were numerous with a lot of anger and disappointment directed at the Libyans and western societies for not doing enough. Yes, such inhumane treatment does warrant our condemnation.

So anytime we post or upload a photo on Facebook suggestive of fleeting moments that don’t reflect the reality on the ground, please let’s think of the message we are sending and the impact it may have on those

However while we share those stories on Facebook

less fortunate; whose yearning for a better life may turn

expressing our disgust at the treatment of our fellow

them into risk takers and put their lives in danger.

Africans, we tend to ignore the partial role we in the West could be playing in spurring on these acts of desperation by constantly uploading photos of ourselves depicting a heavenly and blissful existence.

magazine now available online!

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To end on a lighter note, we thank all our readers, contributors and subscribers for their ongoing support. Wishing you all a happy New Year.

Want to contribute?

get to Don’t for ibe g subsmcar gazine.or www.salt

SALT Magazine is all about the community so we are always looking for contributors for future issues. Perhaps you have a story idea or a passion for writing? Get in touch at hello@saltmagazine.org and we’ll contact you.

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Mandla Langa. PHOTO: Victor Dlamini

Writing Nelson Mandela’s Memoir

By Michelle Smith

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Growing up as a witness to the vast injustices of apartheid in South Africa during the 60s and 70s, Mandla Langa’s harrowing experiences led him to a life in exile, a leading role in the ANC in the United Kingdom and eventually the opportunity to not only meet Nelson Mandela, but to also complete the memoir he’d started but was unable to finish.

As a socially aware 19 year old in South Africa, Mandla Langa was keen to communicate his observations of the political landscape to the wider world as a cartoonist.

His friends, however, recognised his somewhat superior talent as a writer and encouraged him to travel down that path instead. It wasn’t long before his first poem against the Pass Laws (laws which controlled the movement of black South Africans within the country)

but due to the many demands on his time, he’d been unable to complete the task. This honour was bestowed upon distinguished poet, short story writer and novelist Mandla Langa. SALT Magazine had the opportunity to chat with Mandla, exploring his life growing up in South Africa under apartheid, his experiences as a young activist and his personal connection to Nelson Mandela.

Mandla was born in 1950 in Stanger in Durban to church leaders. His parents’ work saw them travel throughout South Africa, giving him his first insights into the widespread poverty and daily struggles facing the country’s predominantly black population. His own family was no exception - he recalls often going to bed hungry as well as his parents’ struggle to put their children through school. “The long and short of it is that life was a daily grind. I wanted to see the system of apartheid done away with.”

The struggle against apartheid was grim. The regime was brutal and sought to grind people under its jackboot was published. Mandla continued to hone his story

As a teenager, listening to the politically charged

telling skills and in 1980, whilst living in exile, earned

conversations of his parents and teachers, something

international recognition when he won an Africa-wide

struck a chord with Mandla. He began reading activist

short story contest with The Dead Men Who Lost Their

material and by 19 years old, he was successfully

Bones. Another milestone came seven years later with

publishing his own opinions through poems and

the publishing of his first novel Tenderness of Blood. In

stories. “The struggle against apartheid was grim. The

1990, two months after Nelson Mandela was released

regime was brutal and sought to grind people under its

from his 27 year jail sentence in South Africa, Mandla

jackboot. People were dying in prisons and detention

Langa had the privilege of meeting the great leader in

centres and there were cross-border raids against

London, a remarkable encounter which would later lead

‘enemies of the state’ in neighbouring countries.”

to an intimate working relationship between the two men.

Mandla became a member of the African National Congress (ANC), whose primary mission at the time

Dare Not Linger: The Presidential Years by Nelson

was to end apartheid. A widespread student walkout

Mandela and Mandla Langa was published this year

of universities in 1972 also prompted him to become

(Pan MacMillan), four years after Mandela’s death. The

an official of the South African Students Organisation,

much anticipated sequel to his autobiography Long

immersing himself further in the philosophy of black

Walk To Freedom, Mandela commenced writing the

consciousness. Then, following a massacre of students

memoir as he prepared to finish his term as president,

by the police in 1976, Mandla fled the country for exile.

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Despite the despair and desperation of that period

residence of Sir Shridath Ramphal, Secretary-General

in South Africa’s history, Mandla recalls the strength

of the Commonwealth, in London and I was one of the

and inspiration that flowed from the anti-apartheid

people to meet with Mandela.”

movement. “In all that – given that people, in all their diversity, were resolute and optimistic, and the world was on their side – there was a lot of camaraderie and solidarity among the people and organisations engaged in opposition to apartheid.”

Throughout his time in exile, Mandla continued the fight for South Africa’s freedom through his writing and political work. He was working as the Deputy Chief Representative of the ANC in the UK in 1990 when the joyous news finally came of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison. Two months after the release, he assisted with the organisation of the historic music concert at London’s Wembley Stadium, Nelson Mandela: An International Tribute for a Free South Africa, a momentous event which officially welcomed Nelson Mandela back into the world. Mandla recalls: “This was my first meeting with him. He was hosted at the

When Nelson Mandela was elected president of South Africa in 1994, Mandla closely observed the mixture of strength and compassion which marked his particular style of leadership. “He could be warm though demanding, disciplined while evincing understanding of human frailties and foibles.”

After stepping down as president five years later, Nelson Mandela continued to advocate for “reconciliation and transformation, which he saw as two sides of the same coin.” In their discussions about his vision for the future of South Africa, Mandla recalls that Mandela always spoke about the struggle being a twophased process, with gaining political power being only the first of these. “The second phase had to be a greater distribution of wealth and participation by the underprivileged in the economy. He was anxious about

Nelson Mandela visiting township.

PHOTO: Louise Gubb

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A F RICA N AU S TR A L I A N N EW S MAG A Z I NE

the maintenance of continuing stability and social

Mandla further explains that the title “is an exhortation

cohesion. Secondly, he sought to roll back the effects of

for anyone willing to take up the cudgels that we all

more than 300 years of colonialism and apartheid and

cannot wait for others to define our destinies for us.

knew that the scars were going to remain long after he

It echoes Martin Luther-King’s ringing cry: Why We

had exited the scene.”

Can’t Wait or even Malcolm X’s dictum: ‘When they

The passing of Nelson Mandela in 2013 led to a massive global outpouring of grief, but it was the people of South Africa who felt the loss the most deeply.

say go slow, they mean, don’t go.’ Mandela wanted all the people under the yoke of oppression to take a leaf out of the South African book and soldier on.”

Mandla reflects that Mandela’s death “meant the loss

Whilst author Mandla Langa has yet to visit Australia,

of someone who had been the country’s – if not the

he has nonetheless observed the country with interest.

world’s – moral standard. He was the mirror in which

“The history of Australia is the history of the modern

we gazed to get a measure of our humanity.”

world, where the past, if left unaddressed, has the

Following Nelson Mandela’s death, the job of finishing his memoir fell to Mandla, a task that took him eleven months to complete. Using Mandela’s unfinished draft as the starting point, Mandla trawled through the many detailed personal notes Mandela had made throughout his presidency as well as a vast amount of unseen archival material. Dare Not Linger: The Presidential

Years is a candid account of Mandela’s presidency with many insights into the challenges he faced in his quest to steer South Africa out of the oppression of the apartheid years and into a new democracy. Mandla hopes that those who read this inspirational book “remember how it was possible to solve very difficult problems through dialogue. The time of Mandela did

capacity to rise up and become totally uncontrollable.

It is a beautiful country with great possibilities.” He also sees links between the plight of many Africans who now reside in Australia, and his own experience of living outside of South Africa. “As someone who was in exile, I am familiar with the condition of being far from home, unanchored. I’m of the view that what helped most of us was international solidarity and the knowledge that minorities become vulnerable if they don’t organise themselves. Since Africans are united by knowledge that they have one common ancestor, it’s always useful for them to seek each other out, organise cultural activities and invite writers and artists from the Diaspora to share with them.”

not mean there were no problems. What was different

It was most enlightening

was that the problems did not succeed in splitting us

talking with Mandla Langa

apart.”

and we appreciate his many

Serving as a sequel to Nelson Mandela’s phenomenally successful autobiography Long Walk To Freedom, this latest publication draws its title from the final words of the first: “I have taken a moment to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back at the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a

insights into the life and times of Nelson Mandela. Hopefully that invitation to visit Australia is in the pipeline.

We wish him all the best with Dare Not Linger.

moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended.”

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GHANA West Africa

Afua Rida in Cape Town, wearing CHULAAP sweater | MAXHOSA skirt | OKAPI bag.

PHOTO: Half & Halve

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AFUA RIDA: A new wave of African Fashion

By Sidique Bah

Social media has taken over the way we interact and do business. Currently over 2 billion people use Facebook, while over 800 million use Instagram, and Twitter has about 330 million monthly active users.

Africa is part of this global trend which has given rise to a new generation of online entrepreneurs and

The need for people to take the Ghanaian fashion industry seriously is one of the reasons Afua began to promote local Ghanaian designers. Describing herself as a problem solver and consultant, Afua helps her online followers wade through fashion trends on the continent and challenge brands to raise their standards in order to have a distinct voice and strong presence in the market space.

entertainers harnessing the power of technology as a

“As a brand influencer and blogger, I connect the

platform to showcase their arts and products.

producers to the potential consumers. I put brands

We recently got in touch with Ghanaian born fashionista and blogger Afua Rida to ask about her role promoting trending African design labels online.

on social media and my blog, where all of Africa and the world can see what Africa has to offer in terms of fashion and the creative arts”.

“Our culture is rich and colorful and we love fashion...

As you travel from corner to corner, the cultures differ, the weather changes and the fashion is also different but equally as exciting" Born in a household where fashion was the norm,

A day in the life of Afua usually consists of client

Afua’s flair for style kicked off at an early age. Afua

meetings, planning projects with photographers,

grew up in Accra, Ghana and moved to Canada in

makeup artists and creative directors, shooting for her

her teen years for further studies. While she was in

blog and social media or on-set styling and directing

Montreal, her interest in fashion came to the fore.

shoots.

She said Rida is actually her last name and it is a

“I go between fashion studios checking out new

common Arabic name used in the Middle East and it

collections. This also puts me in a position to

means to be content and obedient to God.

understand what challenges designers face in Accra and

“I was born into a home where my mother was as

also see where they are lacking in their business”.

stylish as they come. I watched her express herself

According to Afua she is always working on her blog,

through African prints, silhouettes, and heels. My older

taking pictures and writing about brands from Africa

sister balanced my mother’s strong bold flair with her

and other parts of the world - she has promoted lots of

simplicity. I was always glued to the television when the

brands in Ghana and even Nigeria since she started her

program Style came on CNN. That was my view into

online blog and is currently working on developing a

the international world of fashion. I didn’t realize how

brand store for a client.

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“One of the first brands I ever worked with in Ghana was Christie Brown and Mina Evans. I have also worked with fashion brands Duaba Serwa, Pistis, Studio 189 in Accra. From Lagos, I have worked with Tiffany Amber,

Meena, Lisa Follawiyo, Grey, and The Lady Maker. I have also worked with life style brands such as Moët &

Chandon, Uber, Nepresso, Daniel Williams, Vlisco to name a few.”

Asked about how she makes money from what she does Afua, said it’s not all about the money. She want to make sure she puts out her best work using great images and articles that people could easily relate to and actually learn something from.

“My target audience is the woman from about 23 to 40. The easiest feedback I get is the number of likes, the comments and questions that my followers give me. When there is a lot of activity under an image or a particular blog post, this gives me the signal that this topic is of great interest to my readers, or that this kind of image of a particular product is really loved”.

Based on her experience in the blogosphere Afua’s advice to young people wanting to follow in her footsteps is you have got to have a story. “You cannot just start it because you think that blogging is “cool”.

You have to have passion for whatever you write about because blogging is hard work. The love that you have

The best brands solve problems. Whether it is a beauty or lifestyle issue, I love to share these finds with my audience.

“The best brands solve problems. Whether it is a beauty or lifestyle issue, I love to share these finds with my audience. The best innovation and design gets my attention. I am always looking for the new fashion

for your topic will keep you going. Do a lot of research, find bloggers who are already successful, are similar to you and study them. Get inspired by them. Be yourself.

Your followers and brands can easily sniff out phony

trends, interesting fabrics and garment detailing.”

personalities”.

Though she hasn’t been to Australia, Afua does know a

Afua would like our Australian readers to know that

bit about the land down under. “My first introduction to Australia was in elementary school where we read the book “Walkabout” by James Vance. It was an extremely educational experience for me learning about the rite of passage Aboriginal people and the Australian Outback.

The late Australian animal expert, Steve Irwin, brought my attention back to the country. I love learning about animals and his larger-than-life personality had me glued. I’ve never been to Australia, but I do know that it is a beautiful, diverse, exciting country.”

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Ghana is in West Africa and is filled with the most hospitable people. “Our culture is rich and colorful and we love fashion. The African continent is a very diverse land. As you travel from corner to corner, the cultures differ, the weather changes and the fashion is also different but equally as exciting”.

It was great communicating with Afua, SALT Magazine wishes her all the best and will keep in touch with her to update our readers on her work.

Champions again

By Andrew Lodiong

Flair, passion, teamwork, goals and spectacular celebrations have all become customs of the African Nations Cup in South Australia (ANCSA).

The 2017 Cup was no different, with plenty of action

Just over 2000 people attended The Parks Football

taking place on the field and vocal support from the

Centre in Adelaide to watch the final unfold.

stands. 16 teams competed for the coveted prize but only one nation could claim victory.

Mabok Deng Mabok, chair of African Communities Council South Australia (ACCSA) who have hosted the event since 2013 said eventual winners Libera were worthy of the cup.

“They deserve to be champions because they put a lot of work into it,” he said.

The West African nation have become the most successful team in the competition’s history after clinching a record fifth title.

The reigning champions secured a convincing 3-0 win over Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Burundi and Sierra Leone rounded up the top four, finishing third and fourth respectively.

ANCSA’s newly appointed coordinator Arsene Iribuka believes he can drive the competition forward and was proud to see so many countries being represented this year.

“Though we started in the late 1990s we still have a lot to achieve on a number of fronts,” he said.

Mr Mabok outlined that partnering with the Football Federation South Australia (FFSA) has helped the tournament grow each year.

“Our young people out there can be seen by other big clubs and may be get the opportunity to play for those clubs,” he said.

“This has made the African Nations Cup [SA] really popular, attracting a lot of mainstream clubs and interstate players to come and show their talents.”

Liberia’s Teeboy Kamara was named the tournament’s best player for 2017 while DRC’s Anthony Taylor claimed the top scorer award.

Mr Iribuka said making the competition sustainable is the goal and is currently developing a way to help solidify the annual event.

“What is certain is that we will continue to work with our African communities in SA, corporate sponsors, FFSA, the State and local Government to make this competition sustainable and the best of its kind in Australia, and then the world,” he said.

The ACCSA chair praised tournament organisers,

“Right now, it is by far the premier African community

officials, sponsors and the media for their hard work in

event that people look forward to from year to year.”

facilitating and promoting the event.

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Lucy Gichuhi – First African Australian Senator

By Sidique Bah

In recent years, we've seen some African Australians unsuccessfully vying for parliamentary seats in both federal and state government.

But sometimes success comes from being the right person, in the right place at the right time.

At last year's federal election, Kenyan born Lucy Gichuhi was listed second on Family First's ticket in South Australia, behind Bob Day.

News stories followed, depicting her ‘fairy tale’ journey from her childhood spent in the slums of Kenya to attaining one of the highest offices in Australia.

SALT Magazine sat for a one-on-one interview with the new senator to talk about her new role and how she will address some of the challenges facing the African community in Australia.

Senator Gichuhi said entering politics was not on her mind when she arrived in Australia from Kenya with

As fate would have it, the Australian High Court ruled

her husband William and young daughters Peris, Agnes

Bob Day’s election to the senate invalid and Lucy

and Joy in 1999.

Gichuhi made history as our nation’s first African Australian senator.

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She was more concerned about how to settle and adjust to her new environment.

Reflecting on how it all started, Senator Gichuhi said her political journey happened very quickly.

“After finishing my law degree, I started doing an internship with former senator Bob Day in Canberra, he asked me to be on his ticket, I agreed and the next thing I know I’m a senator.”

When the Australian Conservatives Party absorbed her party after the election, Senator Gichuhi opted to serve as an independent instead: “I’ve never thought of myself as a politician but I’ve always been keen to champion people’s causes, I’m kind of a problem solver,” she said with a hearty laugh.

The Senator said her primary focus will be on aged care, financial literacy and adult literacy for people from

“It’s called positioning, there comes a time when we

multicultural backgrounds.

have to be clever and think of what this country needs.

When it comes to the challenges facing the African Australian Community such as unemployment,

Doctors and nurses will not be discriminated against because they are needed.”

domestic violence and racism, she said she hopes that

According to Senator Gichuhi being the first African

her current position helps to demonstrate that people

Australian senator feels like first day of high school.

are free to pursue their goals in Australia. “If just one

“It’s a challenge, I’m not only doing for me but for all

person hears my story andis encouraged to pursue

of us coming from multicultural backgrounds, for most

their dreams and know anything is possible, then I am

of us who are the first of our generation to come to

happy,” she said.

Australia. We must know that anything is possible here and we can challenge racism.”

It’s a challenge, I’m not only doing for me but for all of us coming from multicultural backgrounds...

Senator Gichuhi would also like to see African

Her parting message to African Australian readers is to

Australians engage with the wider community and

start at grassroots level and work your way to the top.

volunteer in all spheres of life, including local councils and the legal system, so that people of African descent are more visible and able to help each other as well as break down racism.

“Let’s position ourselves to be seen. Let’s recognize we are here now and ask questions and ask for positions, I’m not saying employment, I’m saying ask for leadership positions. Ask , to volunteer…we

She also talked about the dependency syndrome in the

need to break through and be involved in mainstream

African community and emphasized it was vital to go

activities.”

to school and study English and then develop the skills needed in Australia so it is easier to get a job.

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It was great talking to Senator Gichuhi and SALT Magazine wishes her all the best.

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PHOTO: Alee Bonnue

ROSEÉ – African print in fashion

By Sidique Bah

Over the last ten years, the African community in South Australia has steadily grown giving rise to numerous African retail, barbing and online stores run by young and aspiring entrepreneurs.

“My friends and I often discussed how expensive it is

Awa A. Chibikwa from the Democratic Republic

patterns and styles largely influenced by traditional and

to obtain an African inspired outfit. I truly believe that fashion doesn’t equal expensive. I imagined that there were other women who felt the same as my friends and so I did some research and started working on some

of Congo (DRC) arrived in Australia as a teenager

contemporary African fashion.

in 2006. While pursuing her postgraduate degree in

“There’s beauty in African print my brand aspires to

International Trade and Development, Awa has set up her own online fashion label ROSEÉ.

justify this through the different collections we produce, hence the name ROSEÉ (“ro-ze”) which embodies all of

SALT Magazine got in touch with Awa to talk about her

this”.

business and what is motivating her down that path.

New and small businesses always face challenges and

Awa said ROSEÉ was originally created to celebrate the

ROSEÉ is no exception. Awa said she is aware that she

chic, elegance and beauty of African culture through

works with limited resources and time due to full-time

fashion. Her aim is to provide affordable African fabrics

study, work and other volunteering commitments.

to the community and mainstream Australians who

Reflecting on her role in the business Awa said she

might want to try something different.

doesn’t consider herself a designer, but a business person providing something needed by her community and the Australian public as a whole.

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“I see myself as someone who loves her culture and heritage and want other people to experience the feeling I grew up with, dressing in African clothing and the joy that comes with it”.

So far Awa is grateful with the way things are going and is continuously looking at new ways to expand her business. “Starting and running a business can sometimes look easy when looking in from outside.

Over 90% of start-ups fail so my goal is not to end up there. There’s always room for improvement and I am always looking to new ways to achieve this”.

Awa describes her collection in three words saying they are bold, chic and elegant. “The boldness comes from the bright colours I select which symbolises happiness and a sense of celebration. African print for me is never out of fashion which is why I describe my collection as chic, it is simply timeless. And there is elegance in African print, every piece tells a story which can be interpreted differently”.

As much as she loves western attire Awa want to encourage Australians to embrace African attire. She said people do turn their heads to look when they see someone wearing an African outfit from head to toe.

The general response to ROSEÉ amongst the African community has been amazing. “I think people are so used to seeing expensive African clothing that when they stumble across my site, there’s that moment of surprise. Those I’ve spoken to either in person or online constantly ask me how I keep my prices affordable whilst offering great quality at the same time”.

“Secondly, do not go in blindfolded, do your homework. There’s always a gap in the market that needs filling and it’s up to you to find this gap.

Otherwise you will find yourself in a market that is already saturated, competing with well-established businesses and feeling overwhelmed. Finally, stay true to who you are, money is not the be all and end all of life!”

I see myself as someone who loves her culture and heritage and want other people to experience the feeling I grew up with, dressing in African clothing and the joy that comes with it Awa’s advice to others in the community wanting to start their own business is a quote from Karen Lamb.

SALT Magazine thank Awa for sharing her business story with our readers and we wish her all the best.

“A year from now you will wish you had started today.

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Australian, to be or not to be?

By Tare Raine

For many African migrants, the day they stepped foot onto Australian soil was a day of good tidings and joy.

Many had been victims of war and famine, moving from country to country as people without a home or a place to call their own. Then there are those who come in through the skilled migrant program professionals that jumped hoops to get in to Australia seeking a better life for their families and Foreign students seeking to become members of the Australian community at the end of their studies.

For some of these people becoming a citizen of the Australian society was akin to finding a place to call their own, and live out their hopes and dreams.

However over the years the Australian Government has fiddled with the process it takes to become a citizen.

According to the Australian parliament house website (www.aph.gov.au)

“Australia’s citizenship legislation has been amended over 30 times, as immigration policies, immigrant source countries, settlement philosophies and notions of national identity have changed. It has been amended

The crux of his speech and the details filled up by the immigration minister Peter Dutton, state that applicants would spend four years rather than the current two years as Permanent residents before they can apply for citizenship. Then a tougher English test using the IELTs exam with a standard of 6.0 across all bands. The new test would also show inclusion into Australian society and adoption of “Australian Values”. For many migrants that would mean a wait of at least seven years against the current four years before they can apply for

many times to remove anomalies and discrimination,

citizenship.

and it has been amended many times to make

The reaction from the migrant community was

citizenship easier to acquire, reflecting the goal of

understandably that of shock and bewilderment. The

successive governments to encourage settlers to take out

English requirements were seen by many as being

citizenship quickly. However, changes to the citizenship

too difficult for a great number of people to attain

legislation in 2007, which increased the residence

even for the average Native Australian. The level of

requirement from two to four years, and saw the

6.0 is currently what university admissions use for

introduction of a citizenship test, represent a departure,

international students and what the Immigration

and possibly an end to this trend.”

Department asks of aspiring Skilled migrants. For

On 20 April 2017, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced that new citizenship rules would apply.

In his words “Today we are announcing changes to

strengthen citizenship, to make for a stronger Australia, stronger citizenship, stronger citizens.”

people with skilled migrant visas it seems more like a repetition and a means of double taxing them on a test they had already passed. For other classes of migrants who have attained functional English within the Australian community the language test seems more like a means of excluding them from attaining full citizenship in Australia.

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A F RICA N AU S TR A L I A N N EW S MAG A Z I NE

The second narrative was that of Australian values,

communities. It’s a general observation that different

values that even the Prime Minister said would be

migrant communities live in certain areas. It’s the same

determined by asking the general public. Issues like

with the Italians, Greeks, Afghans as well as African

domestic violence and gender equality were mentioned

communities. These communities get engaged within

but some of the migrant communities already feel

these areas with school, work and play. As such can they

threatened as they feel the new tests are targeting their

not be said to have integrated? It is clear that the issue

traditions and culture.

of integration within society goes beyond employment

SALT Magazine spoke with two migration lawyers who shared their opinions with us. For Stephen Tongun “One of the things everyone talks about on getting to

and enrollment in schools. It takes effort from people from all communities within the Australian society to reach out to each other to attain full integration.

Australia is the concept of a 'fair-go' As soon as you

The proposed changes were defeated on the floor of the

come to Australia everyone is given a 'fair-go'. This

House by the Opposition, but the news of the defeat did

legislation is contradicting all of that!”

not elicit much joy from the migrant community. Many

The values raised as Australian values by the Prime Minister are generic values found in most countries today. Stephen's business partner Omar asks a vital question, “what constitutes Australian values? You don’t break laws, do you have to drink and have barbeque's everyday to become Aussie?”

Stephen added that “One of the values not mentioned by the Prime Minister is the fact that as a migrant nation it is Australian to accept that people have different values and that we are here to appreciate people's values and actually uphold the rule of law.”

The language test has also been seen as an elitist move to exclude various members of the migrant society from engaging in full rights as citizens. The political class seem to rate English as a measure of intelligence or as a the only tool of integration as alluded to by the Prime minister when he said “The key to successful integration into the Australian community, and every success, is being able to speak English.”

are ambivalent, they feel that they are contributing to the economy, they are law-abiding and fulfilling all the requirements and yet the government seems not to be cognizant of these efforts. On this ground many migrants are losing faith in this Government.

“I wasn’t surprised that this bill wasn’t passed. Three days ago Australia was given a seat on the UN Security Council and also the Human Rights Commission so it was a bit contradictory that they would be pushing this now. As the Opposition Immigration Minister said, 'if you have an opportunity to apply now, do it, because this Government will try again and again to push this bill through,'” said Omar.

The way forward is for the various African migrant communities to come together and fashion out their own voice. Statistically speaking there are a greater number of Africans who are law-abiding and contribute to the economic advancement of Australia. The political class can also take the bull by the horn by incorporating members of the migrant community into the political

The issue of integration raises a question of how

class of Australia in various advisory roles as we have

migrant groups sometimes are allocated to areas -

seen in other western countries like the United States

especially with refugees. It was observed that when

of America, the United Kingdom and Germany. This

the Sudanese refugees came in the late 1990’s and early

would pave the way for increased integration and a

2000's, the Government put them in low economic class

better understanding of the different cultures within the

areas. With time, those areas become hubs for such

Australian society.

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Why were we asked if gay and lesbian couples should be allowed to marry?

By Nyanwell Agoth

Marriage equality is among the most high profile political issues in Australia at present, regularly reported on in the media.

The Marriage Act 1961 (Cth) has been changed many

Many of Australia’s closest allies, including the United

between one man and one woman to the exclusion of

Kingdom, and the United States of America, have

all others. Yet, the current Liberal Government decided

allowed same-sex couples to marry, and there is a

to waste millions of taxpayer dollars on a nationwide

groundswell of support across the country for Australia

plebiscite.

to do likewise.

times by a vote of Members of Parliament, including in 2004 when then Liberal Prime Minister, John Howard, introduced a clause to specify that a marriage must be

Eligible voters received a survey form from the

The recent marriage postal survey showed that up to 62

Australian Bureau of Statistics with one question:

per cent of Australians support marriage equality, with

should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to

this number rising among young people.

marry? It was a silly question from a silly Government.

But why did the Turnbull Liberal Government spend $122 million on a plebiscite when the marriage legislation can be changed by a vote in the Federal Parliament? Taxpayer dollars that should be invested in health or education, particularly in light of Turnbull’s

I say this because unlike a referendum, Governments are not bound by the results of a plebiscite. Your answer to the same-sex marriage question, whether it was ‘YES’ or ‘NO’, was only an indication of public opinion, which the Government can, lawfully, chose to ignore.

school funding plan that threatens to widen resources

Like former High Court Judge, Honourable Michael

gaps and inequity.

Kirby AC, I contemplated boycotting the survey. But, I

Well, in 2015, Prime Minister Turnbull, a long-term supporter of marriage equality, toppled then Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, in a Liberal leadership spill.

Prime Minister Turnbull is reliant on both the National Party and the right wing of his own Liberal Party to

am a complete sucker for democracy, and acutely aware that my mother, Maria Abur Malual, courageously fled her native country, South Sudan, to start life anew in Australia, so that I would have an opportunity to fully participate in all facets of public debate.

maintain power. As part of his agreement to govern

I voted in the plebiscite, along with my Mum, and

with these two groups, Prime Minister Turnbull agreed

brothers, Ariik and Peter. We voted differently, but

to hold a national vote on same-sex marriage before

that’s ok, because at the very least, we exercised our

introducing it through legislation into the Federal

inalienable right to vote, along with 12.6 million of

Parliament. Interestingly, the idea of a same-sex

Australians.

marriage plebiscite came from deposed Prime Minister, Tony Abbott.

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A F RICA N AU S TR A L I A N N EW S MAG A Z I NE

STOP WAITING START DOING. TM

It is worth noting that the outcome of the plebiscite did not break the deadlock in the Federal Parliament or alleviate tensions within the volatile Coalition Government.

In fact, in late 2017, Prime Minister Turnbull cancelled a Parliament sitting week for the House of Representative. Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Tanya Plibersek, rightfully emphasised that “this is the kind of thing that happens in a dictatorship: when Parliament becomes inconvenient, the Government suspense democracy.”

After Prime Minister Turnbull pushed for an unprecedented plebiscite, and admonished his MPs who stood in the way, forgetting that he too once

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DISCLAIMER: Any views or opinions represented in this article are personal and belong solely to the author of the article and do not represent those of the people, institutions or organizations that the author may or may not be associated with in professional or personal capacity, unless explicitly stated.

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ISSUE T WE LV E

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50 Shades of beige

By Achol Achiek

any colours beyond beige or “tan” which is honestly code word for ‘slightly less beige’. However, this selective product selection happens with every product we inquire about. From lipsticks to contouring palettes to eye liners and primers, they would always show us the lower end products. This could be my paranoia and over-observational habits projecting however, when it has happened one too many times, you start putting two and two together and notice a pattern. A pattern I have

I wake to the sound of my phone ringing and my best friend eagerly chirping on the other end of the phone telling me that she is on her way to Brisbane. We have been planning this day for a while. Amidst our studies and busy schedules, we finally found the time to schedule a proper shopping trip.

She’s particularly excited as she’s driving up from Toowoomba, a regional town with small shopping prospects, to Brisbane where the range and variety of shops and boutiques is arguably ‘bigger’. She is particularly excited as she will finally be able to replenish her makeup collection and will be able to purchase foundation which matches her skin tone.

We are both South Sudanese and have been blessed with

not verbalised but have kept to myself because there are bigger things for me to concern myself with other than not being shown a $50 eyeliner. Besides, I always note it down on my mental list of ‘simple privileges’.

We would try different shades and in the end, walk out disappointed and with no foundation. This is how it always turns out and I doubt it will be any different this time around.

We do a little shopping for clothes, which is a whole other shit circus show of its own accord, we walk past a guy raising money for starving children in Africa who greets us with “yo whatsup”, I roll my eyes and keep it pushing because this type of greeting is a regular occurrence that I have become accustomed to and somewhat now a norm. It is so much of a norm that if I don’t get a stereotypically ‘black’ greeting a day from at least one white guy, who pretends to be ‘down’, I feel

unlimited amount of melanin. Her skin is the colour of

like my day is missing something.

rich dark chocolate with a cool undertone while mine

We go have lunch with gawking eyes constantly staring

is a warm undertone of medium alder red wood. While she is optimistic, I, a natural pessimist and realist, am not because I know exactly how this whole scenario is going to play out. We would enter the store, the Makeup artists would start instinctively panicking at the sight of two dark skinned girls walking in to find the right shade of foundation for their skin tones. Shades they know they do not have in stock but will pretend otherwise. They will spend half an hour trying to colour match our tones with foundations from different brands but of course, never bringing the higher end or more expensive products. At first I didn’t see this as a big deal as I am a student and have no business buying expensive products. In addition, the high end brands never carry

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A F RICA N AU S TR A L I A N N EW S MAG A Z I NE

and observing us. I tune it all out and have a nice lunch and conversation with my best friend.

Finally, its early afternoon and we head over to the makeup store with my best friend raving about this makeup brand whose website displays a range of shades including one dark enough for her skin tone. We walk in and undoubtedly they start to panic. The girl at the door greets us and we head straight to different brands in search of their darkest shades. Not to my surprise, it is all 50 shades of beige. I turn to my best friend to express my lack of surprise and disappointment. She is still somewhat optimistic as we are yet to browse the brand whose website she had visited.

In case you haven’t noticed, we are yet to be approached

blonde hair and blue eyes,

by a makeup artist. 10-15 minutes of arriving or so,

thus, this country caters to

a young makeup artist starts walking towards our

her beauty standards.

direction with a nervous smile on her face, she greets us nicely and asks if we need assistance. We express to her that we are looking for foundation and she plays it cool and starts off asking us what kind of foundation we are looking for. My best friend says that she’s looking for full coverage while I state that I don’t like heavy makeup and thus looking for light to medium coverage.

The truth of the matter is, I can guarantee that this is the experience of almost every black woman, regardless of how light or dark her skin tone is. Of course, the lighter your skin, the less difficulties

She starts going to different brands and bringing back

you have. At least my lighter,

their darkest shades and commences nervously colour

white-passing sisters can make ‘beige’ work but if I ever

matching. Like I said earlier, I know exactly how this

try, I look like an ashy Nigerian ghost in a Nollywood

will play out. I was already very pessimistic regarding

film. In a country that promotes multiculturalism, I do

finding my tone however, my fears were confirmed

not understand why our only options are ‘making beige

when I noticed she didn’t bother to tell us what our

work’.

undertones were and started using the same tones for both of us.

For consumerist and simple economics purposes, I understand that in order to have supply, there must be

I get it, to the untrained eye, we are both dark skinned

demand. However, how does one explain when there is

however in actuality, we are two different shades and

demand and supply is still unacceptably low? Well that

while she has a cool undertone, I have a warm one. At

ladies and gentleman is a reflection of a multi-billion

this point, I was done and was ready to go.

dollar beauty industry that is hell-bent on maintaining

The fastest way to find out whether someone is a good makeup artist or not, is to observe whether they first and foremost detect your undertone. After trying several brands, none of the foundations matched either

Eurocentric beauty ideals and is incapable nor willing to extend an olive branch to other diverse groups of women that do not meet these Eurocentric beauty standards.

of our skin tones. The issue was, like I said, she was

Given these type of occurrences, I have become less

using the same shades for both of us so they were too

critical of women who lighten and bleach their skin.

light for my best friend and too dark for mine. My

Although I do not nor will I ever bleach my skin

best friend enquires about the foundation she had seen

because I love my skin tone as it is that of my ancestors

online and makeup artist informs her that it was the

and clearly tells a story, I can understand why a black

American website and attempts to relate by stating that

woman living in a country with Eurocentric beauty

she too has difficulty in finding foundation because of

ideals as the norm would choose to want to assimilate

her pale complexion. I guess that is her ‘attempt’ at

rather than suffer in embracing her differences. I just

relating. I am not doubting that she has difficulties and I

wish that these cosmetics companies would catch up

am not trying to compare struggles but I can guarantee

with the times because it is nearing the end of 2017, not

that her struggles, although valid, are nothing compared

the 1800s.

to ours.

A note to these companies: There are black people in

Sure she’s a woman and may have other struggles in life

Australia of many different shades - I am tired of going

but the bottom line is, she is a Caucasian woman with

shopping for foundation and seeing only 50 SHADES OF BEIGE.

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The 2018 WOMADELAIDE Festival is around the corner so we decided to round up a few of the artists with roots in Africa.

The world music festival event is in it's 26th year and will take place at Adelaide's Botanic Park from 9 - 12 March 2018.

More info and the full lineup is available at womadelaide.com.au

JOJO ABOT Ghana Born in Ghana, Jojo Abot is an artist expressing herself through music, film, photography, literature and performance art. Part of creative communities in Accra, Copenhagen and New York, her experimental blend of electronica, Afrobeat, jazz, neo-soul, house and reggae is an empowering and hypnotic exploration of spirituality and identity.

MOUSSA DIAKITÉ & WASSADO Mali/Aus Influential guitarist Moussa Diakité was part of the golden era of Malian music in the 1970s and ‘80s, performing with some of Africa’s best, including Salif Keita and Toumani Diabaté. Since migrating to Australia, he has stamped his mark on the local scene, teaming up with Sydney band Wassado for a dynamic mix of blues, jazz , Cuban and Afro-rock sounds.

NOURA MINT SEYMALI Mauritania Noura Mint Seymali's scorching Afro-funk desert blues have seen her rise to become a leading light of African music. Having performed regularly with her stepmother, the late, great singer Dimi Mint Abba, her goal now is to modernise the music of Mauritania. Prepare to be entranced by a powerful voice and some truly psychedelic guitar lines

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TINARIWEN Mali Scorching desert blues returns to WOMADelaide with the Grammy Award winning Tuareg guitar masters, Tinariwen. Their songs preach peace and rebellion, sharing experiences of struggle and freedom, as well as celebrating the beauty of their homeland and the joys of a simple life. This is hypnotic, uplifting music that is a salve for difficult times.

PAT THOMAS & KWASHIBU AREA BAND Ghana One of Ghana’s all-time greatest vocalists, Pat Thomas was a mainstay of the ‘70s and ‘80s vibrant Highlife music scene. After a stellar 50 year, performing with the likes of Ebo Taylor and Tony Allen, his funk-driven self-titled 2015 album put him back on the map and proved that he’s still at the top of his game.

RAJAB SULEIMAN & KITHARA Zanzibar For over a century, the lush combination of Arabic and Western instruments with delicate poetry and soaring vocals has formed Zanzibar’s gorgeous Taarab music. In 2012 the virtuosic qanun player Rajab Suleiman formed his Kithara mini-orchestra and added mesmerising vocalist Saada Nassor, aiming to revitalise the form, honour the past and stir new musical conversations.

BLICK BASSY Cameroon/France Blick Bassy is a traveller whose adventures are reflected in his eclectic and intriguing compositions, many of which feature the unusual combination of banjo and trumpet.

A unique voice in African music, he cites American blues musician Skip James as the influence for his last album, Ako. It’s an inspiring blend of blues, Bossa Nova, folk and the sounds of New Orleans.

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Race and racism;

a radical take on racism beyond the classic skin colour narrative

By Steve Barliea

On a bright afternoon In July 2012, disoriented as I struggled to locate my Public Health class on my first day at Adelaide university, I asked a Caucasian lady (on the corner of Pultney Street and North Terrace) if she could help me locate the Free Mason building on North Terrace, unfortunately, the lady “did not pick me up to lay me down” as we say in Liberia when someone ignores you.

I kept it moving but as I walked back and forth I was suddenly stopped by the same lady and she apologized for ignoring me; stating that she was scared and having a bad day. Scared of what? Scared of someone in a busy public space? I wondered. As I later reflected on the experience, I began to ask myself; was the lady sincerely scared of me and if so, what was it about me that scared her? Was her fear based on how I presented or her perception of what I represent?

people who look different to them, not necessarily out of hate but fear or insecurity as they don’t know what to expect as you are different. He further noted, imagine if I were to go into a room full of dark skin people, they may be suspicious of me as I look different to them, not necessarily because they hate me.

There is no evidence that phenotypical traits in themselves have any correlation to supremacy. However, while certain races like the Chinese and Caucasians hold economic and military dominance (power), they have implemented strategic and specific economic, scientific, and technological initiatives that have improved their military, technological and economic capacities. Therefore, their power (in this case, the ability and capacity to do something) must be deduced from these programs they have implemented to make themselves powerful rather than their race. If race which is permanent – was directly linked to power then, power itself would be naturally attainable by those racial groups without any pragmatic efforts and would

Even though I conceived the lady action was

not waver over time – which is not the case in modern

suspiciously racist; covert and subtle, nonetheless,

society.

beyond my own interpretation, was her intention truly racist? This experience led me to theorise about three key questions about racism: what is racism, why do people behave in a racist manner and how should we deal with racism?

Racism is also often defined as being a result of power plus prejudice. Not only does this definition make no mention of skin colour, it emphasises that power is fundamental to the actions that qualify as racism.

Thus in order for racism to be effective, it must be

To begin with, racism is defined as prejudice,

underpinned by power. Slavery and colonialism are

discrimination, or antagonism directed at someone of

events produced by racism; technically, both events were

a different race based on the belief that one own race

not solely achieved on the basis of prejudice towards

is superior. Let’s unpack this definition. Prejudice and

the black man, but by the power possessed by the white

discrimination are common human characteristics. For

man to enforce his prejudice towards the black man to

example, a young Caucasian male with cerebral palsy

his own advantage.

asked an older Caucasian male; why is it that people look at me strange when I catch public transport? The older male replies; sometimes people behave strange to

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A F RICA N AU S TR A L I A N N EW S MAG A Z I NE

Why people behave in a racist manner can be analysed from two main perspectives: as a result of psychological conditioning and due to the acquisition of power

As I later reflected on the experience, I began to ask myself; was the lady sincerely scared of me and if so, what was it about me that scared her? Was her fear based on how I presented or her perception of what I represent? (in this case, the ability and capacity to enforce one’

and creating employment opportunities; wherein, we

prejudice). The notion that one race is superior or

Africans (blacks) will no longer humiliate ourselves

inferior to the other (which is false) is often a largely

(and in some circumstances endanger our own lives)

internalised process but often people act consciously or

in desperation to migrate to western countries seeking

subconsciously on racial stereotypes. According to Dr

better life opportunities. Until we do, the irony is

Claude Anderson, most African Americans renamed

that we are not good enough and unless we prove

themselves after slavery as the names of their parents

the contrary (foremost to ourselves by leading our

were largely given by slave masters, interestingly, for

own destiny) we will often encounter the experience

those who chose to use colour as their surname (i.e.

we call racism. Put simply, other races will not only

James Brown) avoided choosing the colour black as a

disrespect us, they will take full advantage of us. Lastly,

surname (i.e. James Black) because ‘black’ for them had

a psychological deconditioning of the black man is

negative connotations.

warranted and should focus on deconditioning the

Let us be reminded that racism is not troubling merely because of prejudice, the disadvantages and issues that racism causes are essentially produced and enforced by power. Therefore, in order for racist behaviour to be

black man into disbelieving that his own struggles are a direct consequence of his skin colour. Thus, in order to reverse his situation, he must make a full commitment and take initiative for the change he advocates.

effective, one must possess, or, at least believe to possess

In conclusion, racism is a tremendously polemical topic

the power and privilege to enforce their prejudice.

due to its historical legacies and current ramifications;

In other words, if someone holds prejudice against

therefore, I take due precaution as I articulate my

you on the basis of your skin colour but do not have

thoughts. My true intentions are to to spark a

the power to enforce their prejudice, their prejudice

discussion about racism that reflects a thoughtful

may not necessarily matter. On the contrary, if they

analysis of the factors that influence why people behave

are in a position of power, their prejudice against you

racist, how to deal with racism and what constitutes

may produce certain disadvantages for you and have a

racism.

greater effect. Ultimately, the disadvantages which result from racism and prejudice are a product of power.

I cannot categorically label my experience with the Caucasian lady as racist, not only due to the subtle

Racism is not a humanitarian matter, rather, a form

and covert nature of her action, simply; it is not

of politics orchestrated those in power to exploit and

important. There is no need to invest energy and effort

oppress. In order to effectively deal with racism, the

into verifying racism. The systematic and collective

black man must first seek to understand the concept of

nature of racism means a collective solution is required.

power, particularly, how to accumulate and consolidate

Therefore, instead of seeking to verify racism, I must

power, and above all else, its benefits and advantages.

commit to efforts that aim to empower African (black)

The systematic and collective implementation of

people as it is the single most viable and practically

racism means a collective solution is required. Racial

effective way to deal with racism.

empowerment is crucial and entails: building our own economy, quality healthcare and education system,

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SANAA festival is coming back to Adelaide with music, visual art, street art, performance, workshops and storytelling, the festival will showcase artists and creatives from East and West Africa, as well as South Australia’s diverse multicultural community.

Senegal

In March 2018, Adelaide will be hosting West Africa’s first female graffiti artist, Dieynaba Sidibe - aka Zienexx from Senegal, Kenyan street artist Kaymist and visual artist Joan Otieno plus three returning artists, street artist Bankslave and Swift9, and visual artist Onyis Martin. They will collaborate with leading South Australian street artists, transforming city spaces, as well as sharing, exploring and learning about one another’s culture, through their art form.

An Exhibition will be held in the Kerry Packer Civic Gallery - the University of South Australia, showcasing the work of these emerging artists from the African continent. A number of artist-led workshops will be delivered and a public lecture will be presented by Pakistani writer, educator and poetry slam champion Zainab Syed - who through written expressions will share her stories about the world, in a unique and poetic manner.

SALT Magazine got in touch with three of the artists to glean an insight in to what drive them to do what they do.

Dieynaba Sidibe aka Zienexx You are Senegal and West Africa’s first female street artist. Tell us a little bit about your journey?

“I started to learn graffiti when I was 17 years old through the association in which I work AFRICULTURBAN with graffiti artist of the name of GRAFIXX and it was only in 2008 that I started to mix with the walls little by little until now”.

West Africa is renowned for its creativity. Can you tell us about Dakar and Senegal’s artistic scene?

“Dakar artistic scene is so hot with good vibes.

And artists are very kind. In Senegal we have different artists with different style some people are dope in wild style, bubble, portray, trompe l'oeil and others styles like that. But we can find

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A F RICA N AU S TR A L I A N N EW S MAG A Z I NE

a big different with others area like Europe or America. Here in West Africa the artistic scene is so spiritual, politic and social. Not just the Blaze or the name on walls”

You are passionate about helping women and girls, how does street art help you to achieve this? “ Women and girls lives are very important. So they need to be represented in my artwork to

Kenya

help them understand their value”.

What advice do you have when it comes to females breaking through male dominated industries like street art?

Bankslave

sex. That they live their passion truly and

You were in Adelaide almost one year for the inaugural Sanaa Festival. What’s been happening over the past year in your world, artistically?

never accept to be shattered by the words

“I have been working on some commissioned pieces

or reactions of others about what they do.

in my country Kenya and some work on canvas that I

Each person is special, and each of us has

plan to have with an exhibition in the capital Nairobi

something deep inside of him that someone

in mid-2018”.

“I will simply tell them that art does not have

else does not have, just self-boosting and planning for the future”.

The street art scene in Nairobi has had a light

What are you most looking forward to about your time in Australia?

people are starting to take notice?

shone on it in recent years. Why do you think “People are taking notice on our artwork because it

“The exchange and sharing with all the other

speaks of our character as Kenyans and as Africans

artists who participate in this festival, I’m so

in an artistic angle. Our hard work and support from

excited, especially to see a Kangaroo in real

the audience also helps build more attention to our

life. Looool”.

street art scene”

> CONTINUED OVER PAGE

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25

> BANKSLAVE INTERVIEW CONTINUED

We hear you Miss Adelaide! What was it that you most enjoyed about Adelaide?

“I really do miss Adelaide. I found some new friends

You are a role model to a multitude of Kenyans. What is it you hope to inspire others to achieve, through your art form?

there and the warmth of the people really makes

“I hope to improve lives with my art, put up smiles

you want to stay longer. I miss everyone, even the

and make my city as beautiful as I can as Leonardo

kangaroos”.

da Vinci did at his time”.

You have only become a full time artist in more recent years. How did you enter into the scene and why?

“Once an artist always an artist! Since I did not get any art support from my mother and step father, I was forced to do accounting. But when I went on a campus trip to Mombasa and saw painters’ paintings at the beach with tourists buying.....my life took a turn and I dropped my studies half way and immediately started painting again at the beach at another artist's studio. Art is my passion. It’s my choice, and nothing gives me more joy like art. With art am able

Kenya

to explore my world freely”.

Joan Otieno Tell us about yourself as an artist?

“I am Joan Otieno, a Kenyan artist born May 1983. My father was a painter. My mother is a fashion designer

Transforming trash into art is what you are known for. Where does your inspiration come from?

“My inspiration comes from my environment, the change in fashion trends and the cultural differences”.

painting was a lion portrait which was exhibited

What are you most looking forward to about your time in Australia?

in 1995 at Gallery Watatu in Nairobi alongside my

“I am most looking forward to working with youth

father's artworks. My father died and I kept on

and creating fashion dresses, hats and ornaments

painting but only on a few occasions. After which I

out of waste materials... And more so, seeing these

came back to the art scene in 2012 to do it full time”.

been modelled on the runway!!”

part time. I started painting at a tender age. My first

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A F RICA N AU S TR A L I A N N EW S MAG A Z I NE

RECI

STIRRING THE POT

MOZAMBIQUE

They say 'food is life' and over thousands of years this fuel of life has continued to evolve. Migration has played a key role in spicing up recipes and creating lasting distinct culinary flavours from around the globe.

In this edition of SALT Magazine, University of Adelaide student Vanda Lucas from Mozambique shares with us Caril de Amendoim - a popular local dish from her homeland.

Mozambican cuisine is a blend of local, Portuguese and Indian cuisine. Boasting of a coastline which stretches for more than 2,500km their local food recipes usually include coconut milk, peanuts, cassava roots and leaves, chicken and seafood. Most of their curries are accompanied by a popular African side dish made out of maize flour into a porridge and hardened.

Mozambicans call this xima (pronounced “shima”) or uthwa (pronounced “ooshwa”).

Caril de Amendoim is a typical Mozambican recipe mostly found in the southern part of the country, mostly in Maputo and Gaza Province. It literally translates to Peanut Curry. It is typically made with coconut milk and ground peanuts (ground to a powder). Chicken or fish (horse mackerel) is usually added to the curry to make it extra delicious.

PE

Caril de amendoim (Peanut curry) INGREDIENTS (SERVES 3-4) 200g of chicken

1-1.5 tablespoons of

1 onion

smooth peanut butter

2-3 ripe tomatoes

200ml of coconut milk

2-3 cloves of garlic

Oil or olive oil Salt to taste

METHOD 1. Chop the chicken into small pieces. Chop the garlic finely or crush them and use it to marinate the chicken together with taste to taste. Skin and chop the tomatoes and onions into. I usually skin the tomatoes putting them in a bowl of hot water and let it sit for 3-5 minutes.

After this, the skin starts peeling off by itself.

2. Heat the oil or olive oil in a pot over medium heat and add onions, stir and sauté until it starts to brown. Add the tomatoes, stir and let it cook for 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic marinated chicken to the pot, lower the heat and let it cook for 10-15minutes until the chicken is cooked.

3. While the chicken is cooking, take the peanut butter into a small container and add bits of boiling hot water and stir until the peanut butter has a flowy texture.

4. Once the chicken is cooked, add the flowy peanut butter and coconut milk to the pot, stir and let it all cook for an extra 5-7minutes. Stir every minute to ensure the peanut doesn’t stick to the base of the pot and burns.

5. Serve hot with xima or plain rice!

6. Then voila! You have your Mozambican dish with a twist in the recipe but it is almost the same!

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Special note from Vanda “ This recipe is what I like to call the “far from home” recipe, where not all ingredients are readily available and adaptations need to be made. This recipe usually uses a fresh coconut and ground peanuts”.

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Melbourne celebrates at the 2017 African Music and Cultural Festival Now in its fourth year, the African Music Cultural Festival (AMCF) has continued to deliver non-stop entertainment for the people of Melbourne. The whole day family event is filled with entertainment activities ranging, from dance, fashion, music, spoken word and drumming which is spiced up with a mouthwatering array of cuisines from across the continent.

Held in Melbourne's Federation Square, the event attracted over 40,000 visitors and went on until late in the night.

AMCF promotes cross-cultural awareness, mutual respect, understanding and unity, whilst providing locals and visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural offerings of the African continent. “This year we were delighted to have food stalls from all corners of Africa including Mauritius, Egypt, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Ghana, Senegal, Cameroon and Nigeria� said AMCF Chairperson Fred Alale.

SALT Magazine would like to congratulate the event organisers and is looking forward to participating in the 2018 event!

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A F RICA N AU S TR A L I A N N EW S MAG A Z I NE

PHOTOS: Seun Omolewa

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through the SALT Magazine

lens

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1. Refugee Week Cooking Demo. PHOTO: Georgi Bah 2. African Music and Cultural Festival. PHOTO: Seun Omolewa 3. Unmasked African Festival 2018 4. African Music and Cultural Festival. PHOTO: Seun Omolewa 5. Refugee Week Cooking Demo. PHOTO: Georgi Bah 6. African Music and Cultural Festival. PHOTO: Seun Omolewa 7. African Music and Cultural Festival. PHOTO: Seun Omolewa 8. Unmasked African Festival 2018 9. Unmasked African Festival 2018

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10. Palaver Night. PHOTO: Alee Bonnue

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11. Unmasked African Festival 2018. PHOTO: Sidique Bah 12. African Music and Cultural Festival. PHOTO: Seun Omolewa 13. Refugee Week Cooking Demo. PHOTO: Georgi Bah 14. Unmasked African Festival 2018. PHOTO: Sidique Bah 15. African Music and Cultural Festival. PHOTO: Seun Omolewa 16. Refugee Week Cooking Demo. PHOTO: Georgi Bah 17. Unmasked African Festival 2018. PHOTO: Sidique Bah 18. Unmasked African Festival 2018

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