THE HOUSE AFRICA MAGAZINE
IN THIS ISSUE 37
BARAK JACUZZI Speaks about quitting radio and focusing on his priorities.The rapper also talks to us about his fears and his upcoming mixtape and album.
43 TANASHA DONNA Talks about her upcoming projects for the year and her music career getting firm and firmer by the day. 16 CHELSEA WAMBUI Breaks down what you need to know about style and personality and dreams.
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ZAINAB YUSUF Gives us some notes on what's behind her style.
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EMMA CHERUTO Confidently answers personal questions on the take
SEPTEMBER 2021
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CONTENT
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SNEAKER LINKS
26 Take a look at September's fresh kicks STYLE-APP 28 Get the more out of Pinterest for your style. ADDIS WAY 32 THE For ethiopian cuisine lovers
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7 CAR MAINTENANCE HACKS
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3 BEACH HIDEAWAYS FOR YOUR HONEYMOON
Save money with this simple hacks Sneak your partner to paradise
THE
AFRICA
H OUSE
SEP 2021 ISSUE 3
CEO & CHIEF EDITOR SYDNEY K. OTIENO
EDITOR'S LETTER Nearing the end of the year might be crammed with quite a lot of thoughts of the done and the undone.This issue is here to create a huge buzz to your September. This month we go virtual with Kenyan hiphop rapper Barak Jacuzzi.We also chat with amazing women in different fields including singer and songwriter Tanasha Donna and fashion content creators-Chelsea Wambui and Zainab Yusuf. Emma Cheruto joins our Q&A on September's take. In this issue we highlight how to improve your style and closet using pinterest and our three beach stays for your September honeymoons. Finally we have some delicious recipes you need to try this September.Enjoy!
Sydney Otieno Sydney K Otieno Chief Editor The House Africa Magazine
CONTACT thehouseafrica
informationonthehouseke@gmail.com
(+254) 778-079-901 Nairobi,Kenya
ON THE COVERS STARRING Barak Jacuzzi SHOT BY @therapeutic.pause
ZAINAB YUSUF By Pras Jadi Ezekiel Photographed By Edgar Minanga Instagram @edgar_minanga
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Describe your fashion sense in three words? Modest, Classy, and Elegant. What’s your favorite junk food? Most definitely beef barbecue pizza.I love it Who is your favorite fashion content creator?Why? Jasmine Yaskaa,Queen Nabila,and Salmajj. These are some of the hijabi models who inspire me in fashion. Have you ever created fashion content for corporate marketing blogs or fashion educational websites? No not really,but I’ve worked with clothing and scarf lines. Are you comfortable with pairing complexity? Back then I wasn’t, but now I get to explore certain styles and I find myself taking risks.
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What’s your view on how people accommodate hijabi fashion content creators? I feel like hijabi fashion content creators are underrated. People want to see more than just the covered body. International hijabi fashion content creators are making breakthroughs.
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I find myself taking risks.
Yusu
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usuf
ainab Zainab
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Zainab
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ainab Zai Yusuf
f u s u Y usuf
Photographed by Mue philip Instagram @just_phillip
FASHION What’s the creative process like for you? It takes quite a long time especially given that I’m working. Back then I used to shoot up to three videos. Currently it's over the weekends since that’s the only free time I have. Has your content been criticized before? Yes.People would come up to me and shun a particular look under the notion of “Muslims are not supposed to wear this or that”. What makes good fashion content to you? Background and music. When the background is too noisy,then the message gets destructed.With music, you just have to keep up with the trends.
Which song would you sing at a Karaoke night? That would have to be Bundles by Kayla Nicole. What would you do if you won a lottery? Well I’d invest in myself,open up a daycare and appreciate my parents. How often do you buy clothes? Very often. I like shopping, I
"I like shopping. I can shop anytime." can shop anytime.
People only dm me for collaborations but it’s overwhelming, so I just have to be strong and push forward. What’s the craziest thing you’ve done for love? Back then I used to do stupid things can't even mention. Is there a style that you’d with to come back to fashion? The 90’s or the 2000’s but I think it’s already here.I love baggy attires even though I’m tiny in size. What’s your favorite holiday family tradition? Every day is a family tradition for us but generally events that are just happy and joyful.
How do you cope with fans in your dms or even in real life?
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Chelsea Wambui Chelsea is an accounting and finance student at the University of Loughborough in the United Kingdom and a content creator.Talking about fashion and style,Chelsea likes her style reflecting her personality.
CW CHELSEA WAMBUI
Tell us about your personal style? My style is expressive, bold, and loud and in your face.l love colors so much and I would definitely attend a 9am lecture late in a neon orange outfit. I hate being placed in a box, since it takes the fun out of fashion. Everybody needs to understand every person has his or her own aesthetic. I also think people who are struggling with their personality are the ones looking for fashion boxes to fit in. Do you think that being a fashion model would be an enjoyable interesting life? Would you like to be one? Runway model, no. I don’t fit the requirements, first, I’m slim thick and secondly I’m not tall enough but I would 18|THE HOUSE AFRICA
love to be a commercial model for a fashion house or brand.It comes with pressure but I’m ready for it as pressure is normal for any career path. According to you, do you feel fashion allows people to express themselves? And does it force people to conform? It is expressive in the biggest of ways.An outfit says who you are and what you stand for.In terms of people’s sexuality, I think it can tell whether one is gay or straight which you have to respect. If you care about how people perceive you and your mind set to ‘I need to look like this’ you are limited to expression. The fact that you are naturally not expressive
you sure will conform. About how much money do you spend on clothes a year? Embarrassingly high amount. My money goes a lot into taking care of me and that includes buying shoes, clothes and having things like my hair and nails done. Who is your fashion role model? I will have to go with Rihanna- I just like her fashion sense. I love Billie Eilish’s style although I just can’t dress the way she dresses it just isn’t me
"Pressure is normal for any career path."
In a scenario where you have $5000 to spend on any one item, what is your first pick? A car. That is what I need like right now, but I’d also probably buy myself 2 Dior saddle bags. What do you see yourself loving in 4 or 10 years from now? Designer pieces. I would love to have a massive closet like Kylie Jenner’s. I’m a huge
20 |THE HOUSE AFRICA
lover of high, expensive and sophisticated fashion.
spotted by business brands for collaborations.
What role do you think social media plays in fashion today? It is the house of inspos. Platforms like pinterest and instagram are serving people with access to worldwide fashion doors. A lot of people are able to express their passion for fashion online which creates freedom and opportunities for one to be
What’s one thing you’d love a person you inspire to take home? Seek to be the best version of you since that version only comes from you. Get inspiration from people but be clever enough to not copy, develop a version that chooses your happiness first.
•Balmain Cropped embellished quilted printed shell down jacket •Grlfrnd Hailey mid-rise straight-leg jeans •Bottega Veneta Glossedleather ankle boots •Bottega Veneta Cassette padded intrecciato leather shoulder bag •The Elder Statesman Cashmere cardigan •Khaite Circle medium leather tote •Isabel Marant Ophie embellished suede sandals •Ksubi Playback high-rise straight-leg jeans
it's shop
o'clock
GO BUY
September is actually a perfect time to do your purchases as it is only two months away from the end-year-month.This month we got you covered with our best picks for you to wear and look trendy!
•Oliver Peoples Laiya cat-eye acetate sunglasses •Bottega Veneta Alpaca-blend sweater •Bottega Veneta Herringbone bouclé straight-leg pants •Bottega Veneta the Chain Pouch gathered leather clutch 22|THE HOUSE AFRICA
•Conner Ives+Net sustain, the Vanguard printed cotton-blend voile halterneck top •Jacquemus Sierra ribbed linen-blend shorts •Giuseppe Zanotti crystal-embellished leather mules •By Far Billy glossedleather shoulder bag
•Net Sustain Varenne recycled cashmere-blend cardigan and tank set •Ganni Paneled leather straight-leg pants •Alexander McQueen signature large embossed leather tote •Loren Stewart + Net Sustain silver necklace •Philip Lim's kate leather chelsea combat boots
•The Row Sisilia silk crepe de chine shirt •The Row Cesto cotton-jersey track pants •The Row Constance leather slingback sandals •The Row Everyday texturedleather shoulder bag
•Tom Ford brushed mohair-blend sweater •Tom Ford Leather mini skirt •Bottega Veneta leather sandals •Khaite Envelope Pleat leather clutch SEPTEMBER 2021|23
men's
day out
It's time to get off that cosy seat and tag your buddy along for shopping. September doesn't get much fun than this,get your boys and go grab some shorts!
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1.Tom Ford denim Trucker Jacket 2.MR P. logo-appliquéd loopback Cotton-Jersey Golf Jacket 3.Brunello Cucinelli logo-print two-Tone cottonjersey Half-Zip Sweatshirt 4.Bottega Veneta denim Jeans 5.Sal 2 calf hair sandals-yuketen 6.Brushed cotton-blend Jacquard SweaterCeline homme
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You know you are about to have some good time the moment you step outside in your fresh kicks.Check out these September must-haves to add a little excitement to your outfits.
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FASHION
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1.Social status x Nike Dunk Mid "Chocolate Milk" 2.Social status x Nike Dunk Low "Strawberry Milk" 3.Nike Air Force 1 Low "Sports Specialities" 4.New Balance 990v3 x Joe Freshgoods "Outside Clothes" 5.Serena Williams Design Crew x Nike Air Max Koko DJ1453-100 6.Nike Dunk High "Sports Specialities" 7.Adidas Forum Low "Pulse Aqua"
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Make a purchase board for pieces you want to buy. To separate pieces you want to buy from pieces you already own.
7 ways to improve your style using pinterest
Precise pinning You should always remember you’re pinning either for inspiration for pairing pieces you already own into outfits or ideas for what pieces you want to buy and not pieces you don’t have and have no intention of buying.
Make different strategic boards Pinterest can be helpful but also worthless when not used wisely. To get the most out of this app is to make sure you organize your inspirations and ideas in different boards reflecting either different seasons,activities or occasions. Accumulating too many ideas into one board makes it difficult for you to look for an idea or item during a time of need .Save yourself some time and know what to wear by creating specific boards for different items. Use your collected pins for theme inspiration Keep your pins up to date deleting those that you feel your taste has overgrown. In case of an event or going out for fun,look back at your boards for an outfit that suits the activity,this will help you save time and get your style on-point. Keep a close eye on constant themes,pieces,patterns and colours in your boards Pinterest suggests your style based on your saved preferences,looking at these will help better your style.
Caption your boards Using a caption will remind you the specific inspiration that led you to create that board or it can be about the pieces of clothes you want or have in your closet.
Pay attention to what's attracting you to an outfit Don't just pin anything for the sake ,analyze what feature of a certain piece draws you to it.
Beauty
BEAUTY
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The hustle to get a good September beauty product is on and we are cutting you the chase with these amazing picks.
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1.Tarte Cosmetics Babassu Foundcealer 2.Stila Magnum XXX Mascara 3.Sunday Riley Good Genes 4.Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant 5.RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner 6.Colorwow Dream Coat for Curly Hair• 7.Indie Lee Energize Body Wash
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Dr. Samantha Ellis is a board-certified dermatologist in her early 30s.She practces in the San Francisco Bay Area Photo Courtesy Instagramdrsamanthaellis
THE ROUTINE There are no shortcuts when it comes to skin care,you must invest your time and effort. This month on the routine we look at Dr. Samantha Ellis skin care routine in the morning. Samantha's skin type is dry and sensistive.She has a skin condition called Rosacea.Her skin care routine strives to achieve a glowy,plump and youthful as possible skin. Wrap your face with water(no cleansers)because of her dry skin type,doing a cleansing stuff in the morning is just an overkill as it can strip the skin off those natural oils and protective lipids that you build up in your skin overnight while your skin is resting Tip-consider a morning cleanse if you wake up with visibly oily skin or if a dermatologist has instructed it. Splash a little bit of water on face and then pat dry.
Put a topical antioxidant-Dr. Ellis thinks of it as a protective boost.Your skin encounters so many insults in the course of the day from uv radiation to pollution and the byproducts of the normal cellular metabolism that your cell undergo leads to oxygen free radicals in the skin which are basically,highly unstable molecules that bounce around and damage your skin structures.Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals You can press and pat or swipe,she also pays attentin to the back of her hand Products:Skincheuticals Phloretin CF(not greasy on the face and is absorbsed in like 30 sec) Put some serum Serums work by drawing water to the skin surface to make it appear more plump,rejuvenated,bouncy and glowy.Put 3 drops on the palm
of your hand and slip it on the surface of the skin and press it into the skin.You can apply it both day and night. Product:Vichy Liftactiv Supreme H.A Serum(it is gentle enough) Controlling Rosacea Dr Ellis uses a pea sized amount of the gel.Start from the cheeks and work it outside. Product:Azelaic Acid Gel 15% Put your sunscreen on Make sure you are applying enough,rub some on the face and neck,don’t overly rub it in,let the first layer dry then do the second layer. Product:Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+PA++++ Rosacea is a condition that causes redness and often small,red,pus-filled bumps on the face.Most commonly affects middle-aged women with fair skin and can be mistaken for acne SEPTEMBER 2021|31
RESTAURANT REVIEW
By Where's The Food
The Little Addis
The Little Addis cloud kitchen serves delicious authentic Ethiopian cuisine.I’ve been able to try out their dishes a number of time and here’s a list of what I’ve had:
Injera-This is a sour fermented flat bread with a slightly spongy texture made out of teff flour. It has a sour taste that grows on you over time. It can be brown or white. Kei wot-This is well spiced hot sauce of beef marinated with butter and berbere.Its quite flavorful and spicy. Kei tibs-Dried beef cooked with tomatoes,berbere(powder seasoning)and spiced clarified butter.This isn't as spicy as kei tibs. Kei sir-This is stir fried beetroot.It tasted like cabbage that has a bit of sugar in it,I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Firfir-This is injera that encloses a sauce made with minced meat.A boiled egg is also included.I loved how the injera soaked up all the sauce and how spicy it was. 32|THE HOUSE AFRICA
Atakilt-This is simply stir fried cabbage.It is crunchy and lightly salted. Gomen-This is stir fried kales. Dinicha-These are potatoes that are slightly mashed and salted.They are partly soft. Shiro-This is powdered legumes, mostly of chickpeas and red lentils that is often prepared with berbere and other traditional spices.Its soft and thick in texture. Misir-These are lentils,they are not as soft as shiro. Misir wot-This is a rich and spicy red lentil stew made with sauteed onions,berber,cardamom and other spices.I'm not a fan of lentils but this misir wot has just made me want to cook more of it.
Derek tibs-This is meat seared in butter till crunchy. The inside is tender and I loved the charred bits.The extra berbere spice packed elevated the taste and it tasted even better.When it comes to berbere,the more the merrier.
I appreciate that their menu is friendly for vegetarians and non-vegeterians.I really love how they package each side separately and label them.I find this helpful as Ethiopian cuisine is new to me,so I’m able to know the different dishes by their name.The sides are a mix of spicy and mild flavors. Their texture varies too. I love how Ethiopian cuisine encourages togetherness. The meal is best eaten when served on a plate and shared with family or friends.Their portions are quite generous too. The food is affordable and they have offers during the week. They also deliver. Check out their instagram page for more and on how to order.
FOOD
Mojito Cake
Ingredients •225g salted butter , softened, plus extra for the tins •225g golden caster sugar •4 large eggs •225g self-raising flour •2 limes , zest finely grated •50g natural yogurt •lime wedges, lime zest and mint leaves, to decorate
For the syrup •3 limes , juiced (90ml) •100g light brown soft sugar •small bunch mint , leaves picked and roughly chopped •120ml white rum For the buttercream •150g unsalted butter , softened •400g icing sugar , sieved •2 limes , zested •50g cream cheese Method STEP 1 Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Butter and line two loose-bottomed 20cm round cake tins.
Esther Clark/ BBCgoodfood
STEP 2 Put the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat for 5 mins with an electric whisk until pale and fluffy. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, then fold through the flour, grated lime zest and yogurt. Divide the batter between the prepared tins and bake in the centre of the oven for 25-30 mins, or until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean. Leave in the tins for a min, then turn out onto wire racks. STEP 3 To make the syrup, put half the lime juice and all the sugar and mint leaves into a saucepan and bring to a simmer, adding 1 tbsp water if needed to dissolve the sugar.
Gently bubble for 7-10 mins, or until syrupy. Remove from the heat and stir through the rum and remaining lime juice. Leave to infuse for 10 mins, then strain into a bowl. STEP 4 Prick the warm cakes all over with a cocktail stick and pour over the syrup. Leave to cool completely. STEP 5 To make the buttercream, put the butter, icing sugar and lime zest in a bowl and beat with an electric whisk for 5 mins until light and fluffy. Beat in the cream cheese until just combined, being careful not to overbeat. STEP 6 Put one of the syrupsoaked sponges on a large serving plate and spoon over one-third of the buttercream, spreading it over with a palette knife. Top with the other sponge and spread the remaining icing over the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with the lime wedges, lime zest and mint leaves. Will keep in the fridge for up to three days. SEPTEMBER 2021|33
Go on a carbo-hi-date
AUTO
A guide to simple car maintenance hacks 1
Make your windshield clean using club soda
Break the gunk on your windshield with a bottle of club soda to make them easier to wipe away.
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Heat up dents with a hairdryer. The hair dryer will heat up the dent area making it malleable,the compressed air from the air duster will cool the area rapidly and pop out the dent.
2 For your headlamp accumulations brush them off with toothpaste Remove rust with It is important to keep your Coca-Cola headlights clean as they
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enhance your visibility at night .To remove the layers of grime on your headlamp use sandpaper and toothpaste.
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Use olive oil to glow your dashboard
A dull dashboard is boring and unpleasant to see but, there’s an easy way to make it glow. Just as you use it to remove your makeup,you can also use it to shine your dashboard. Smear the olive oil onto the dashboard and rub it using a paper towel.The final result is a great looking dashboard. 36|THE HOUSE AFRICA
Strip rust from your car's exterior using a bottle of cocacola.use a spray bottle,spray the affected area with the coca-cola and using a scouring pad scrub and then rinse with water. You can substitute the scouring pad with an aluminium foil.
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Make your car's paint job shine using hair conditioner
As hard as it is to actually believe,the hair conditioner at your house is not just for your hair but your car too. Make your car llok new again by applying some conditioner on it. .
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Use washing soda to clean your fabric seats. Washing soda or sodium carbonate is a natural cleaner,it's common source is the ashes of burnt plants.It is helpful in cleaning stains and other grime off your fabric seats.Mix it with soap and water and scrub the seats.
Photographed by Kimty Dennis Instagram @kimtydennis
Barak
jacuzzi
Photographed by therapeutic pause Instagram @therapeutic.pause
ON COVER How would you describe your sound? I’d say I create party music. Music that you can vibe too and don’t forget it’s also quality music too. I really want to tweak it a bit of which you will notice in my upcoming album ‘More Vibes’ which will be out after my Juice Bar 3 mixtape
What celebrity would you rate as a perfect 10? First of all, Drake as he has been on fire for the longest time. The inspiring thing is he didn’t start off as an artist but he worked his way to the top. Secondly,2pac.Pac was an actor, producer, style icon and this diversity is what I liked about him. Thirdly, Asap Rocky, the fact that he bagged Rihanna and he is a fashion icon and a rapper too, definitely adds him to my list. Also Asap has never switched sounds and vibe, he is consistent. Diddy also is an addition to this list as he is a mogul, an entrepreneur, an artist. I actually would like to be like Diddy one day. Wiz khalifa also makes this list not forgetting myself. If you were not famous right now, what would you be up to? I’d still be fly, probably wilding at Kempinski with my ’20 bad girls’.My life lit in real life, I enjoy life. Jokes aside, I think I would be a clinical psychologist because one thing I’m good at is reading people.
What’s your most embarrassing childhood moment? So there was this time a package was delivered and I grabbed the sticker on the package and stamped it in my ear to like block the ear and it got stuck in my ear, I was rushed to the hospital and it was sucked out. I felt stupid like why was I blocking my ear in the first place You hosted the Burna Boy concert and the Thrift Social, not forgetting you hosted varieties of events in Charlotte, how do you connect with your crowd when hosting? When I’m hosting there’s one thing I have in common with my crowd and that is we all came to party. The energy comes naturally to me and it’s the same energy I always want my crowd to feel. Hosting is my passion making it real easy for me, I can say it comes as a second nature like breathing .Sometimes you get bad crowds but there is always that one person holding you down. The motive is always to make them have fun as much as I am.
What is your dream project? All I ever want is having an album produced by Tpain. On what do you spend the most, clothes, accessories, perfumes or is there anything else? Much of my money is reinvested back to me as a brand.A lot goes into my merch, videos, audio productions, photographs,my event company and mojuice campaign. Despite all these, clothes also take a chunk of my expenses. How do you feel when you meet younger artists whom you are an inspiration to? If they are coming with the same energy it’s all love because we were that younger person at some point looking up to someone. I rock with the youngins plus I love them all and my fans too. Pick one theme song to describe where your life is right now? And the beat goes on by The Whispers and What’s Next by Drake.
How do you balance your work and private life? I don’t. I wake up to seeing my stuff on the internet every day.It is hard juggling these two in 2021.let’s say I go for a private staycation and a certain fan notices me around and she is quick to remove her phone to snap me, my cover is blown, it’s not private anymore!
What makes you smile and what makes you scared? My reason for smiling is just brought up by embracing and being present in the moment of good times. I can’t really say I’m scared about it, because most people are-I’m scared about when I will die. If I was like 70 or 80 years and accomplished all the things I wanted to I’m comfortable with it taking its course but right now,no I’m not. What’s the most exciting thing you’ve ever seen in the music industry? Barak Jacuzzi
What are the dumbest questions you’ve ever got? I get them all the time. Questions like are you single? Are you high right now? Is your celebrity status a gift or curse? It is a big gift. Although the status comes with a couple of Ls and unwanted publicity, it is 100% a blessing. Sometimes I feel like I don’t want to be one but it’s what God put me on. You were a radio host at NRG radio station which you quitted in July .are you joining another station? I loved radio.It gave me a good experience plus it looks good on the resume but right now I feel the urge to prioritize my priorities and radio isn’t just one of them.
STAY Diani dream house 11 This is a perfect stay for just you and your partner to get boo'd up.It is 350 metres away from the beach so warm up for some swimming and sunbathing.With restaurants,hotels and a leisure lodge golf course this might just be your next dream honeymoon location
Just Got married stays The whole process of arranging a wedding upto completion is a tiresome and difficult process.Most of the time to bond ,a honeymoon usually sets the mood and the direction where the marriage is likely to go.Can you imagine your wedding with no honeymoon?For all the persons planning their beach honeymoons,here are three places to create some beautiful memories in Diani,Kenya
Mnazi House (Frangipani Cottages) Inshallah Cottage
Spend your first 'just got married' night in an entire spacious,cozy,modern and self cattering cottage which is located in a beautiful garden with ocean views through giant baobab trees. Daily housekeeping service is offered by the host,nicole. There are a variety of services and activities you can enjoy doing while in your stay like kite surfing and bird watching.
Best friends for life enjoy sharing moments together and if you had a double wedding,this is your honeymoon location. The house accomodates 4 guests and has 2 bedrooms,beds and baths assuring you two separate lives under one roof .It is approximately 750 metres to the beach meaning you are free to wild out in your swimwears.
SEPTEMBER 2021 |41
Photographed by Sunche Instagram @suncheafrica
Tanasha Donna is a Kenyan artist and a mum.Aside having major hits that have scooped millions of views,Tanasha is a voice of the young african women.She is not only a voice to battle with in music but also in fashion-she knows what to wear and how to wear it.With an album set to drop later this year,Tanasha says the album is soulful and really defines the sound and type of music she wants to create .
Tanasha
donna Growing up, did you want to become a musician? I was born in a musical household, music is like a part of my family. My father was a creativean architect and a videographer, and I think being in this
environment was the base of it all. Actually, it was seven years ago that I started being passionate about music and decided to pursue it. Where do you source your music inspiration from?
There are so many artists right now; there is talent all around the globe in different genres. But from the word go I was obsessed with Jennifer Lopez. Growing up that has changed and I lack specifics.
CULTURE
How do you create a track from scratch to completion? My creative process launches from a melody aroused by chords. I’ll then record it on a mic or my phone and then start the building of the track. In my upcoming project, it’s more of different collaborative efforts. How would you describe your sound? When I started out,my sound was Caribbean of which I later shifted to bongo. I’d say that the transition was part of my growth. It’s been like three and a half months since I last dropped a song as I am working on a new project.In my upcoming works you will notice a different sound as I want to venture into more of afrofusion. Is there anything prepared for your fans ? I have an EP coming up comprised of 6 songs which is a fusion of different sounds. The EP is soulful and spiritual, so they should all be waiting for it. What energizes you as a musician? The fact that I’m growing and learning, my family, son and people who take pride in my work-that cheers me. At the end of the day it comes down to how bad you want it.At the onset of my career, staying relevant was one thing I’d focus on but in travelling and seeing what people are doing out there the feeling that I’m getting it right overrides it all. My focus right now is dropping timeless music not just for the hype or to trend but one that will still move people 20 years from now. Let’s say an album like Wiz Kid’s Made in Lagos is an example of music that people will vibe to many years from now including me. How would you describe your fashion style? Comfortable and Street.Even if it’s a tight fit, it should be comfortable. Recently I’ve been having a weird need to try high fashion but I’m still exploring myself.Plans are en route to establish a fashion line in future, however my focus right now is still mainly on my music.
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THE WORLD IS CHANGING AND SO IS THE TIMES, WOMEN ARE SCALING FURTHER.
What advices were you given that you would pass to your fans? These two advices were given to me by two different people but they do hit home everytime. First-the minute you stop comparing yourself with people that is when your doors open. Focus on your path, journey and goals. Second-if you think you are working hard right now, work harder. The right amount of pressure to drive you is good because pressure builds diamond. What is your view on women in the African music industry? We are slowly venturing into a female era and we are still in the growth process.In Africa, we have way less fewer females that have reached higher heights than men. Men need women, women need men, we can never be equal because there are things men can do that women cannot and vice versa. The world is changing and so is the times, women are scaling further.
What to Read Feed your mind with adventures and fantasies in our September library picks
City of Thorns:Nine Lives in the World's Largest Refugee Camp by Ben Rawlence
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Rawlence in City of Thorns interweaves the story of nine individuals to show what life is like in the Daadab camp and to sketch the wider political forces that keep the refugees trapped there. Rawlence combines intimate storytelling with broad socio-political investigative journalism.
In the shadows of Sangui city,there lives a girl who doesn't exist.After fleeing the Congo as refugee,Tina and her mother arrived in Kenya looking for the chance to build a new life and home.Her mother quickly found work as a maid for a prominent family,headed by Roland Greyhill,one of the city's most respected business leaders.But Tina soon learns that the Greyhill fortune was made from a life of corruption and crime.So when her mother is found shot to death in Mr. Greyhill's personal study,she knows exactly who's behind it.
2 City of Saints & Thieves by Natalie C. Anderson
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With revenge always on her mind,Tina spends the next four years surviving on the streets alone,working as a master thief for the Goondas,Sangui's city local gang.It's a job for the Goondas that finally brings Tina back to the Greyhill estate ,giving her the chance for vengeance she's been waiting for.But as soon as she steps inside the lavish home,she's overtaken by the pain of old wounds and the pull of past friendships,setting into motion a dangerous cascade of events that could at any moment cost Tina her life.
The Perfect Nine:The Epic of Gikuyu and Mumbi by Ngugi wa Thiong'o
Ngugi tells the story of the founding of the Gikuyu people of Kenya,from a strongly feminist perspective.A verse narrative,blending folklore,mythology,adventure and allegory.The perfect nine chronicles the efforts the gikuyu founders make to find their partners for their ten beautiful daughters-called "The Perfect Nine"-and the challenges they set for the 99 suuitors who seek their hands in marriage. Reviews from goodreads
EMMA CHERUTO
Emma Cheruto is a singer songwriter, architect,designer and content creator.From her soulful freestyles on instagram and twitter,one can never seem to get enough of Emma's voice but in her own words she wraps it all up as a lover of life who does nothing but enjoy it.She is the talent behind the album,Shift Happens and singles such as Slow Down with Mutoriah .
Take 15 with Emma
CULTURE
What is the most ridiculous fact you know? Conspiracy theories are 90% true What is the most embarassing thing you've ever worn? Well there was this time I went to Kisumu,so I carried clothes and didn't even check them-the fit was a black dress and a sweater,so I wore them to an event but I was shocked I only got compliments from the elderly,so when I came across a video from the event few months later ,I requested it to be taken down cause it was really displeasing. If you were an artist,what would you paint on your first day? Well the funny thing is I am an artist but if I was to restart my journey,I would paint something abstract. What is the craziest bet you have ever made? The bet was that I cannot reach Mombasa in a day of which I did and won fifteen kenya shillings. What inspired your last album?And if you were to auction it on a global market how much would you start the bidding at? Shift happens was inspired by a cycle of love right from when you meet someone then fall in love and later on fall out of the same love.It was also inspired by Nairobi,what people go through till they find the right one. My initial bid would start at 5 million Kenya shillings that is if I'm losing the rights to the album. What career would best substitute your music career and why? I am equally passionate about architecture so I'll have to go with it
What is the worst song ever? I don't hate any music because there is music for different people and in addition I have empathy because I know the work it takes to make music. If you could star or be in any movie,what would it be? Rick n Morty because it is futuristic and so different from others. What is your favorite ice cream topping? White chocolate chips What is your go-to guilty pleasure? Eating and painting.Well,those are two. How old were you when you had your fist celebrity crush?Who was it? I was in class six-the young Justin Bieber.I remember I had this poster of him stuck on the ceiling of my room so that he could be the last thing I see before I go to bed. What song always gets you out on the dance floor? Overdose by Nviiri What is your most prized possession?Why? Tangible I would say my laptop because of all my projects in there but intangible,my music. Are you into after-work happy hours? Definitely-I love them. What makes you feel at peace? Being around friends chilling having fun.