Issue Six Vol. 2 of YAV Magazine

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APRIL/MAY 2015

VISIONARY OF THE MONTH:

Jessica Chibueze

LIVING FASHION

Dapper Afrika

AN AFRICAN CITY

BEHIND THE LENS Nicole Amarteifio

LAUNCHING DAHIL

Hilda N. Mauya

PHOTOGRAPHY EXPOSE Ofoe Amegavie Kwesi Eyipey

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BOOOMING BAMBOO BIKES Kwabena Danso

CONNECTING ART

Adejoke Tugbiyele

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Letter From Editor

Dear YAV Magazine Readers: After a year long hiatus, YAV Magazine is back and our mission has expanded to include working to share stories of not only the youth of Africa, but YAV Magazine will share the stories of African youth throughout the diaspora along with documenting the stories of those who have inspired African youth worldwide towards positive change or movements in Africa. Embracing the ideas of visionaries and sharing their hopes, dreams, and struggles is just one way that YAV Magazine has been able to shift the paradigm in how African youth are viewed in the media. Since our start in 2012, YAV Magazine has published six issues and two volumes of stories spanning over at least three continents. We cater to an audience that is sometimes neglected by mainstream media and often searching for substance. Having a community base value platform and approach to new media structuring puts YAV Magazine in the position to shed light on the great work that is being done in African communities worldwide. YAV Magazine represents also those who are inspired by Africa or have a love for Africa and African culture. As the creator and Editor-in-Chief of YAV Magazine, I spend a lot of time researching what is relevant to the youth of Africa and what are the core issues that young people in Africa value. During the past year, I became a mother and it became more evident to me the importance of continuing sharing the vision of YAV Magazine with the world. There is a need for young African people to have access to role models, to mentors, to gain knowledge, and to give them hope. Without these things it will not be possible for Africa on a whole to grow; if the young people of Africa do not have communities that support them. I learned this first hand spending the past year raising my son and seeing just how important it is to have a foundation. My vision for YAV Magazine is for our magazine to become a foundation for hope. We will now be publishing three issues a year, sponsoring events that speak to our mission, and developing youth community partnerships. I am so grateful to our fan base and readers who have continued to write us showing their appreciation for our publication. I am also excited to be working with amazing contributors, organizations, and supporters helping push for the YAV Magazine vision. Please enjoy this special YAV Magazine re-launch issue “I Dream of Africa� and visit our website www.yavmagazine.com to see more of what we do at YAV Magazine. Rebekah A. Frimpong Editor in Chief Of YAV Magazine Twitter: @YoungAfricanVis Email: yavmagazine@gmail.com YAV Magazine-BGNB Productions (c) 2015


CONTRIBUTORS

Special Contributor Ojonoka Agudah

Ojonoka Agudah is a young entertainment and intellectual property lawyer by day, and publicist by night as well as a full committed writer. With a strong passion for music, entertainment, media, and sports, she has merged all of her passions with what she enjoys doing most; practicing law. Once a PR consultant with one of the leading PR firms in Nigeria Bobby Taylor, Ojonoka is currently working in Business Affairs/PR and Legal of record label 960 music. She is staying true to her passions by working in both the field of law and entertainment. Ojonoka hopes to one day start helping out creatives and athletes throughout Africa. She is hopeful about the huge potential of Africans in these creative and sports industries. With her accolades including certificates

earned from UN’s World intellectual property Academy and Berklee Edx on music business and her currently being engaged in a course on representing professional athletes, she is enthusiastic about what she will learn to help develop innovative ways to assist Africans in these fields. As a freelance writer, she has contributed to Africa Music Law , Ok! Nigeria, Thisday Glitz Youth, and more. She takes pride in writing for publications to provide entertaining, educative, and inspiring stories to impact readers.

Gilbert Frank Daniels Photography In Uganda’s vibrant art scene there is one young photographer whose work stands out because of his unique perspective on “Liberating Self Expression”. Bwette Daniel Gilbert, calls himself a Hip-Hop Archivist rather than a photographer because he considers what he does to be more than just photography but instead he feels his photos document moments in time and personal self-expression and a love for Hip-Hop culture.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Inside This Issue:

Community Rita Kusi

Features Yasin Abdur Dapper Afrika

Arts and Culture Frances Bodomo

Visionary Of The Month Jessica Chibueze

I D R E AM O F AF RI C A Issue six of YAV Magazine: I Dream of Africa will feature stories of people who are inspired by Africa and its people; the beauty of Africa. In this issue we speak to community leaders, innovators, activists, and artists. In this issue we she how they all have created projects, artwork, or programs centered around Africa and inspiring the next generation of African thinkers. YAV MAGAZINE APRIL/MAY 2015

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YAV MAGAZINE’S NEW COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP Silas Balabyekkubo of The Bavubuka Foundation started the We Got Skillz Soccer Academy in Uganda in 2014 engaging over 200 young people in Uganda. YAV Magazine will now be a full media sponsor and community partner with We Got Skillz soccer academy in Uganda. YAV Community Partnership with We Got Skillz Soccer Academy in Uganda. YAV Magazine will have a special community partnership with We Got Skillz soccer academy in Uganda. YAV Magazine will be helping sponsor teams and working to connect individuals and organizations to the soccer camp. We will be focusing our efforts around these core goals of leadership:

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Social Impact Personal Development Education and Wellness

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ROAD BACK HOME


COMMUNITY

YAV PROFILE: RITA KUSI

YAV Magazine discuss with CEO Rita Kusi about moving back to Ghana to start a career and making it work in Africa. Written by YAV Staff Photo Courtesy of Rita Kusi

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ccra city is buzzing with activity on a typical Friday and CEO Rita Kusi is busy connecting to young people in Ghana sharing wth them information about career development. In addition, Rita is heavily active in community outreach and the arts. It is evident that Rita not only has a passion for helping others succeed but she is thriving and enjoying getting back to her roots working home in Ghana. YAV Magazine asked Rita a few questions about her transition into moving back to Ghana to start a career and the current projects she is working on. Her is what Rita Kusi shared with YAV Magazine about her experience in Ghana.

A growing number of young Africans are moving back to the continent (Africa). What were some of the factors that prompted you to move back to Ghana? The opportunity presented itself and I took advantage of it. I always knew that I’d return one day but I never knew when exactly. It felt like the right time to come back and put my skills, experience, and expertise to use. This is home, it’s always going to be home.

KUSI consulting focuses on providing services dealing with career development and marketing, can you explain a bit more about how KUSI Consulting connects with its client base and why you decided to start this type of company in Ghana? Keeping “U” Simply Intact (KUSI) Consulting is a marketing and HR company. I saw a need for our services after a few trips to Ghana. Not to mention, I have over 12 years experience in marketing and 10 years in HR. The company is a combination of my passions, expertise, and experience. We rely a lot on technology as a means to stay connected to our clients and candidates. At KUSI Consulting our focus is on “U” the client and the candidate. In 2015, we added website development services to our list.


What is #CPAW2015 and ARK Jobs Fair 1.0 ? And how can our readers find out more about this event? ARK Consortium is a group of firms with a common interest in Human Resource Management, Recruitment, and Training in Ghana with a purpose of achieving a mission through combined networks, resources, experience, and expertise. KUSI Consulting is one third of ARK Consortium. Last year, we held our 1st “Career Preparation and Advancement Worksop” (CPAW), which is a CV/resume building and interview preparation workshop aimed at empowering and preparing university students and working class professionals for growth in their field of interest. This year we are combining the 2nd annual CPAW with our first Jobs Fair and targeting major companies in Ghana from various sectors. The two day event is happening on 26th and 27th June at the UDS Guesthouse in Cantonments Accra. To become an event sponsor or to register visit www.arkconsortiumgh.com.

ThreesixtyGh is another endeavor you are apart of, can you share briefly what threesixtyGh is about? ThreesixtyGh is a social enterprise and a subsidiary to KUSI Consulting. It’s the fun part to everything I do. We have fun while creating impact. It is an online portal showcasing ongoing developments impacting the growth of the country, while providing businesses in various industries and organizations the needed exposure. Also, offering creative and innovative individuals and visitors to Ghana an outlet to share their work via our YouTube channel. The videos on our channel are screened at selected senior high schools in Ghana. This summer we are partnering with another organization to facilitate a summer school program, which we are super excited about.

Your company is geared towards supporting career goals and fostering opportunities for many young people in Ghana, what are some of your personal hopes and dreams for the youth of Ghana you like to see happen in the next 10 years ? Well, I will like to see the youth of Ghana get more support from the government, their families, and their communities. There is so much talent among the youth and if we invest in their potential only then will we see a better Ghana, a better Africa. I remain hopeful and believe that things will change soon because of their determination.


INNOVATIVE SUSTAINABILITY YAV Profile:Booomers International

Kwabena Danso’s vision to bring bamboo bikes to Ghana and the world. Interview By YAV Staff and Photos Courtesy of Booomers International

Kwabena Danso of Booomers International has created a product that is

innovative and environmentally friendly. Booomer’s International’s bamboo biking manufacturing company based in Ghana is creating a new way for communities in rural Ghana to develop and prosper in a foreign market with the entrepreneur startup concept. Booomer’s bamboo bicycles are now being spoken about from New York, to London, to CNN as the next creative sustainable product of this generation. YAV Magazine interviewed the founder Booomer’s International Kwabena Danso about how his company differs from the rest. YAV MAGAZINE APRIL/MAY 2015

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How did Booomers International get started? Booomers International was incorporated in Ghana as a limited liability company under the Yonso Project in 2014. Booomers History dates back to 2009 when Yonso Project entered into an agreement with Bamboosero, a company of Craig Calfee which focuses on the sale of bamboo bikes, to train youth in rural communities on how to manufacture bamboo bikes. The organization started the production of bamboo bicycles for the international market in 2010 through Calfee designs. The upsurge in demand in over the last couple of years and the need to seeks further investment for funding actually motivated and drove the formation of Booomers International as a subsidiary social enterprise of the Yonso Project to focus on the production and marketing of bamboo products. Thus Booomers was incorporated in 2014 to focus on the production of the bamboo bicycles, its accessories and other bamboo products in commercial quantities.

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Please explain why you feel having a business model that is centered around a sustainable product and services like Booomers International is set-up, will help promote economic growth in Ghana? Ghana stands to gain a great deal from companies that are built on the idea of sustainability. This is because environmentally conscious businesses save the country a lot of money which the country loses as a result of mitigating climate change effects. With special emphasis on Bamboo, it is a great way of saving the fast depleted forest reserve the country has. It also absorbs the most amount of carbon than

any other plant. Once planted, it regenerates after harvest and this means it is very difficult to get depleted. Sustainable business also creates sustainable jobs thereby helping the country to solve its unemployment problems. One thing worthy to note is that, a lot of consumers and customers are now turning to sustainable products. Thus, they are looking for products that have positive impact on the environment and as well as on the society. Thus, creating sustainable products become easy to sell. For Booomers, we currently provide jobs to rural youth, prevent rural-urban migration, invest in social programs such as educational development and women’s business development. Aside these, we also generate foreign exchange for the government.


Where are Booomers International bamboo bikes available for purchase? We are currently selling in Germany (www.my-boo.com), Holland (www.forestabikes.com), Australia (http://www.ethicalwheels.com) and Taiwan (https://www.facebook.com/bamboobiketaiwan). We are working to officially launch the product in Ghana in August this year. People can also order directly from our website www.booomers.com. From Ghana, our next stop is Kenya and Nigeria which are a huge market for our products.

Can you share some about Booomers International’s community commitment and educational development program? Booomers has a deep rooted community development through its affiliate organization called The Yonso Project (www.yonsoproject.org). Every bike sale we make support a child in the rural community to go to school and have his/her dreams realized. Some of our past beneficiaries of our scholarship program from the rural communities are now in medical school, Nursing Training colleges, Teachers Training Colleges and other universities within the country. It is worth mentioning that, most of these kids were on the verge of dropping out school but today are able realize their dreams. We also provide community libraries, School renovations and a business training and microcredit to rural women. Since 2007, we have provided over 300 rural children access to education through the scholarship program. Beneficiaries receive school supplies like uniforms, bags, shoes, books and school fees. We have provided over 8 libraries to different communities and supported over 400 women with business training and credits. Some of the testimonies can be found on our website at the impact page.

Any future projects or new products coming from Booomers International? We see a very bright future where Booomers become a hub for bamboo products. We plan to start our International Bicycle in September this year where we will host international and local guests for a week for them to use the bikes to tour several tourist sites within the week. Tourists have the opportunity to send their bike home by buying it or leaving it for other tourists to use. We plan to add new products such as toothpicks, housewares and ultimately go into affordable bamboo housing to help solve the housing deficit in Ghana and other parts of Africa.


FEATURES

PROJECT CATALYST

Written By YAV Staff and Photos Courtesy of Project Catalyst

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roject Catalyst is an award winning transmedia company that recently unveiled a multi-cultural film and entertainment app. The Project Catalyst app is the first application software to showcase the work of filmmakers of Black, Latino, and Asian descent. The app features three content chanels: Reflections, Vibes, and Truth. Available on all mobile devices, users get to view digital content easily. Project Catalyst founder Artel Great shares with YAV Magazine more about how the app was created and how Project Catalyst helps filmmakers get their work viewed by audiences worldwide. Project Catalyst is a very ambitious project; can you please share with us how the concept was developed? Well, first and foremost I am a social practice artist, which means that I create artwork to have a positive social impact on the world around me. Most people are familiar with my work as an actor in films like Save the Last Dance, Their Eyes Were Watching God, Dahmer, and The Soloist, etc. But I’m also the first Black valedictorian to graduate from film school at UCLA. I’m an accomplished filmmaker, poet, visual and installation artist, media scholar and cinema professor. I was teaching a class in American film history at NYU Tisch we got into a discussion about Tyler Perry and one of my students thought he was the first Black person to create a film studio. This is not true. I explained to the class that Black independent film studios date as far back as the early 1900s, when companies like the Foster Photoplay Company, Lincoln Motion Picture Company, and the Micheaux Book and Film Company were founded. The students had no idea and were blown away. It got me thinking--- if these pioneering Black filmmakers could create their own studios back then, under some of the most egregious conditions white supremacy--imagine what we could do now. They didn’t have cell phones, fax machines, the internet, emails or anything. And yet they created a movement around Black cinema that fostered and served their communities with rich content intended to uplift their people. That’s when I decided to create Project Catalyst as a platform to extend the work of these incredible Black visionaries of the past--- and help enable filmmakers today reach wider audiences and build community--- because I know that Hollywood and the dominate system does not have the best interest of our people in mind. They do not have the capacity to understand the vastness of our needs and desires as a people. I know what it’s like to be a really creative person then not having a platform upon which to express that creativity, Project Catalyst fills that void. YAV MAGAZINE APRIL/MAY 2015

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Many independent filmmakers struggle to grasp all that is involved in film distribution. Can you explain how Project Catalyst helps filmmakers with distribution? Absolutely. In today’s highly digitized media environment the parameters of film’s ecology has fundamentally changed. In the past, movie studios strictly regulated the number of films that reached the masses. However, that’s no longer the case. Virtually anyone has become empowered to create given the democratization of information and technology. Because more people are making films that creates a superabundance of available content. The questions then become, how do I know what to watch? And where do I go to see films that are most relevant to my interests and the interests of my community? Project Catalyst solves these issues. We work specifically with filmmakers who are creating the most exciting work from diverse backgrounds that the Hollywood industry doesn’t know what to do with, and we connect those filmmakers with audiences and communities that are actively seeking diverse content created by and for people who look like them. So filmmakers and artists who are featured on the Project Catalyst Movie & Music App have the opportunity to have their films seen by our audience, which reaches over 250,000 people across 42 countries on every continent in the world. That’s pretty powerful. How did the partnership with the National Black Programming Consortium come into play with the launch of the Project Catalyst app? NBPC has been very supportive from day one. Particularly, Kay Shaw who is one of the executives there. She was really instrumental in the collaboration. She’s a forward-thinking person who really understands the value of what I’ve created with Project Catalyst, and she wanted to see how we could do something really exciting together. I respect the work she does, NBPC’s mission, and how they use stories to impact the African Diaspora. One of the ideas I had about collaborating with them on a digital film series was the potential for the crosspollination of our audiences. The majority of Project Catalyst supporters represent the millennial generation while NBPC’s represents generation X and baby-boomers. We thought it would be intriguing to bring those groups together around ideas and entertainment they are passionate about. How do you hope Project Catalyst will grow in the next five years? I’ve been working very diligently to ensure the companies growth. The fact of the matter is it’s grown tremendously in a very short period of time. My goal is to be able to ensure the sustainability of the platform long term. Right now, I’m designing a major symposium to be held in New York City this April. This event will serve as a culmination of the amazing work we’ve done with the company throughout the year as a presentation for investors. The symposium


will showcase our achievements with the Project Catalyst Movie & Music App, which in only six months has reached audiences across 42 different countries around the world! We’re very excited about that, we’re looking to partner with film festivals and angel investors to help increase exhibition and distribution options for the underrecognized Black filmmakers out there who are doing really amazing work outside of the traditional Hollywood channels. My goal is to eliminate the desire for content creators to be a part of the so-called “mainstream” that doesn’t have their best interest in mind, by creating our own stream, I call it the “bloodstream” because we’re all about giving life to our people. In that sense, the plan is to make our platform a signature destination for media excellence. What advice would you give young people looking to emulate your success with developing the Project Catalyst app? Two things. First, read constantly. Read everything you can get your hands on. Study people you admire in the field. That’s the only way you’re going to be able to stay ahead of the curve. You have to read and study to know what’s out there. What are people doing? What are they not doing? You have to constantly think about these things. This will help you position yourself accordingly so you can find your lane and perfect it. Second, stay focused. So many people have a good idea but lack the follow through and the focus to carry it out to its logical extension. You have to stay focused, which means you have to make sacrifices because not everyone you encounter will share your values or believe in your mission. You can’t let that deter you. Things happen. They always will. The only thing you can really control is how you respond under a given set of circumstances. If you stay focused, and eliminate distractions you can achieve amazing things--- but you have to stay honed in and never give up!


TheView From Within The Dapper Afrika Movement

C reative Director and Fashion Curator, Yasin Abdur, shares with YAV Magazine about his love for fashion,

music, and all things creative. Yasin also speaks on his new movement Dapper Afrika which fuses all these elements together to form a fresh perspective on African inspired pop culture. Dapper Afrika, represents a new form of unconventional popularity. ____________________________________________ Yasin describes the Dapper Afrika movement as fluorescent originality involving a range of things from impromptu photo-shoots on the rooftops to encouraging a collective of independent artists to create beyond the standard. Dapper Afrika is a creative collective of Mavericks. By which Yasin defines Maverick as someone who refuses to follow the customs or rules of a group, or one who refines their inner rebel


without the intent of simply being different knowing the difference between being first and being the first to create and helping others even in the midst of their own struggle. At an early age Yasin found an outlet through music and fashion as a way to express his emotions. Yasin feels that being humble and creating from the heart is why he is not intimidated by competition or others who are in the field of fashion and music. Yasin looks for ways to work with other artists and this is a major component of the collective movement he created; Dapper Afrika. Dapper Afrika’s work credits include: Wardrobe, Editorial, and Creative Direction for Dawn Richard (Danity Kane), Monifah (R&B Divas ATL), Yasmine Warsame (IMG Supermodel), Girbaud Jeans, Mixed Chicks Hair Products & “Love In The City” (OWN Network). Dapper Afrika has also been featured in: The New York Times, The Huffington Post, and The Sartorialist. The Dapper Afrika movement has even made headway and got the acknowledgement of celebrities such as: “One to Watch” or “Next to Blow” by the likes of June Ambrose (Jay-z, Missy Elliot, Busta Rhymes), Ty Hunter (Beyonce), Debra Ginyard (Lauryn Hill, TLC, Brandy), and Memsor Kamarake (Celebrity Fashion Editor/Stylist). Yasin Abdur has taken his brand Dapper Afrika to NYC and Los Angeles, California showcasing independent designers to major publications.


5Questions with Dapper Afrika Can you briefly share how you got your start as a wardrobe stylist? I consider myself more of a creative director, but in the industry wardrobe stylist is a common title because my life consists of wardrobe and dressing others. I got my start in survival mode I’m 33 now, and from ages 17-23 it was an honor to have lived and learn from being on sets with stylist such as Debra Ginyard(Lauryn Hill, Left Eye, Robin Givens, Monica, Brandy). I stayed with her for three years and learned about life as well as what it was like to be in the presence of an iconic African American stylist in the entertainment world. She took me in and years later I guess it rubbed off. But honestly I have always dressed people other than myself. You have a special friendship with the people of South Sudan, can you share with us about the project you contributed to that is helping with efforts in South Sudan? I have not been to South Sudan. Yet, I have a very close relationship with many of the girls who are from South Sudan and working models who are doing work outside of modeling serving a purpose for humanity. I was introduced to the models of Sudan from my dear friend Mari Malek aka DJ Stiletto after I was honored to style her we became like brother and sister. I hear their stories and I want to serve as well to make things better.

Do you feel that the fashion industry is finally realizing the beauty of Africa? No, never.

Our theme for this issue is “I Dream of Africa”, what are some of the ways you feel you are inspired by Africa? I’m inspired to know that I am and will always remain a powerful spirit. America doesn’t have that spirit. I look forward to returning to my roots and baptizing myself in the Sun. My brand and movement is called Dapper Afrika so I feel very connected.

Lastly, what are you currently working on? I’m also a singer check out my music on Sound Cloud www.soundcloud.com/YasinAbdur And I am also an actor, and at the moment recording my music and working with Mari Malek and her movement Stand4Education. On a daily working as creative mind, helping the world see that “We” matter as people of color.

For More On Dapper Afrika Yasin Abdur Wardrobe Stylist and Creative Director Visit: www.artmademe.webs.com Instagram @dapperafrika


ARTS/CULTURE

Adejoke Tugbiyele

A VISION CONNECTING ART AND ACTIVISM

YAV Magazine ask questions of Visual Artist Adejoke Tugbiyele and she explains her passion for the creating art and dialogue around social issues reflecting through her work. Written By YAV Staff Photographs Courtesy of Adejoke Tugbiyele

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Currently you are a part of the exhibit in New York “No Such Place” featuring two pieces in your body of work Flight and Fall, can you share how that experience has been being a part of such a historic art exhibit? I am honored to be showing alongside other talented artists and grateful that Larry Ossei-Mensah and Dexter Wimberly, the show’s curators, invited me to participate. The gallery, Edward Tyler Nahem Fine Art, has a wonderful reputation and the owner Edward helped to produce the show ‘Fela on Broadway.’ I feel at home in this exhibition and I have been treating it as another platform for engaging people about various issues my work is concerned with including sexuality, human rights and also corruption in Africa. The two pieces I have in the exhibition are “Water Go Find Enemy (2013)” and “Past/Future (2015).”


Adejoke Tugbiyele

A VISION CONNECTING ART AND ACTIVISM

In regards to LGBTQ activism and educational awareness how do you feel your work engages audiences to be more aware and care more about the LGBTQ community? I find the relationship between my art and activism to be cyclical. Activism helps me stay in touch with the issues and ideas I respond to in my work. My work in turn educates and empowers others in the LGBT movement in Nigeria and beyond. Political art is not as powerful when it operates in a vacuum. It must engage people and serve as a call-to-action. Upon returning from Nigeria in early 2014, I helped organize a Global Day of Protest outside the Nigerian consulate in New York. Shortly afterward, I produced the piece “Homeless Hungry Homo” which was presented by October Gallery in London that same year at 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair. It was very well received by the public and got good reviews. I attended the fair and a handful of Nigerians in LGBT community living in London who came to the show told me that they were deeply inspired by the work. That’s the ultimate reward for making art.

African contemporary art is now receiving more recognition than ever before from the American art scene, why do you think this shift has occurred? I believe the success of international artists like El Anatsui, Julie Mehretu, Wangechi Mutu, Odili Donald Odita and Yinka Shonibare over the past decade have inspired not only younger artists like myself, but contemporary art galleries and Museums who have collected African art in the past. There has also been a lot of talk about global investment in Africa or Africa as ‘the new frontier.’ Finally, the drive to do business in Africa by the West has made it more critical to advance progressive values and practices, and do away with ultra-conservative thinking. Historically, art has always been a way to assist this process.

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Adejoke Tugbiyele

A VISION CONNECTING ART AND ACTIVISM

What do you think is next in the world of contemporary African art? And what do you hope to see develop? I think what will come next is greater investment in infrastructure on the continent for developing young emerging artists. In Nigeria, for example, a national museum of contemporary art does not exist and there has not been a single global art fair like that of Dak’Art in Senegal or the Joburg Art Fair in South Africa. I hope to see contemporary art become a bigger priority in Nigeria at every level of government. I also believe young Nigerian artists will continue pushing the boundaries of their craft. The youth are angry and make up over 60% of Nigeria’s population and so I’m optimistic and excited about the possibilities.

Can you describe your creative process and what inspires you to create? My work deals with issues of spirituality, sexuality and human rights in Africa. My latest works “Homeless Hungry Homo” and “Past/Future” both use gesture and material to spark conversations about the hardships that come with being gay in Nigeria. The marriage of concepts like - sex, religion and labor - have their roots in Foucault’s theories, but I want to revisit them through an African lens. I weave together repurpose objects - African masks, traditional brooms/palm stems, yarn, bathing nets, perforated metal and wire - unto a skeleton/structure.

For More of Adejoke Tugbiyele’s work visit: AdejokeTugbiyele.com Twitter: @Ade_Tugbiyele Facebook: Adejoke Tugbiyele http://www.edwardtylernahemfineart.com/artists/adejoke-tugbiyele/ http://www.octobergallery.co.uk/artists/tugbiyele/index.shtml


FRANCES BODOMO Eclectic and worldly filmmaker Frances Bodomo who has lived in places like Hong Kong, Norway, Ghana, and New York is the new trailblazer in film bringing forth an educated and intellectual voice in cinema. Her two short acclaimed films Afronauts and Boneshaker have won awards and recognition as storytelling mystics. Frances shares with YAV Magazine about her new projects, future plans, and where to see her work. Can you share more about your new project the Collective:unconscious web series? C:U is the wonderful brainchild of Dan Schoenbrun and a chance for five indie filmmakers to collaborate in a wacky new way: by interpreting each other’s dreams. There are very few spaces for filmmakers to experiment without restrictions and I’m elated to simply do what an artist does for once. The dream theme is the cherry on top of the cake, because it really enables us to go anywhere with it. We’ve all been able to create a nonjudgmental safe space, and I’m thankful! How did you come to develop the short film Afronauts (now in works in becoming a feature film)? It’s based on real events, so first I heard about it through hearsay: this group of Zambians who attempted a moon mission. I was immediately smitten. There’s something magnetic and funny ha-ha about the story, but the deeper I went, the more passionate I became about interpreting the psychological story at play; the really delicate balance between imagination and reality, desire and physics. The images were just bursting out and, as luck had it, I got a grant from the Alfred P Sloan Foundation to tell a science-themed story … so it was easy to decide to make a short film. I’m really thankful for the people that went along YAV MAGAZINE APRIL/MAY 2015

with me on this mission to create a summer desert landscape on a cold New Jersey beach (it wasn’t easy). It’s been three years since I started on this trip and I’m still in love (even though making that first feature can often feel like its own jerry-rigged space mission)! You have an impressive portfolio with your two shorts Boneshaker and Afronauts , what do you hope that audiences come away with after viewing these films? And where can those who have not yet seen these films view them? The editing room is the last place where I’ll talk about what the audience should feel. I personally like it when I walk away from a movie unmistakably arrested or taken by it, but still piecing things together & needing to discuss it with fellow viewers. The world and characters stay with me beyond the screen time. That definitely affects what I choose to direct, and how I choose for a narrative to unfold. As for viewing: Afronauts is still on its festival tour. Boneshaker is enjoying a theatrical run in the US alongside Alexandre Rockwell’s Little Feet. They’ll both be online when their tours are over, hopefully later this year. What are some things you would like to see progress in African Film and Cinema? I think African film has always been a progressive, PAGE 25


desiring space. A space of imagination. I used to be disappointed by who go to make the films, but thanks to the explosion of local film production (from Nollywood to Ghallywood to Bongo Cinema etc), we’re finally seeing a crazy mix of people making movies across national, gender, and class lines. I hope we continue to blur the lines and erase the binaries! The two most pervasive ones I see are: “Nollywood vs Cinema” and “watched in African homes vs in European film festivals.” Both constructs. My wish for the next few years is more discourse and dialogue between African filmmakers. You have worked with so many talented people, can you tell us one person that you would like to work with that you have not yet worked with and why? My favorite thing about filmmaking is building and join communities. There are too many people I’d love to collaborate with! I’ve recently been thinking a lot about Kibwe Tavares and the detailed, tumor-esque, maze-like worlds he’s created to tell his stories. I’ve also been digging on Nana Mensah’s Queen Of Glory and her attention to tonal detail. I also recently heard Moonchild’s voice on Fantasma’s song Shangrila and it’s sent me to the cosmos and back. I’m greedy, I want to collaborate with everyone I admire! Luckily there’s a lot of time.


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RECAP OF THE I LUV AFRICA FILM FESTIVAL IN GHANA ILAFF 2014 YAV Magazine presented with RWUL and the Goethe-Institut of Accra in Ghana, West Africa the 2nd Annual I Luv Africa Film Festival (ILAFF 2014) last October. Here are some highlights from ILAFF 2014 and look for the 3rd Annual ILAFF 2015 later this year! Visit www.rwul.com for more information. At ILAFF 2014 there were over 10 independent films screened and discussions and Q&A sessions all free to the public highlighting the work of filmmakers of African descent from across the globe. Now RWUL is hosting a RWUL Film Academy from March 2015-July 2015 to help nurture the same spirit of

supporting African filmmakers. The RWUL Film Academy with include film screenings, discussions, a film lab, and workshops. Pictured are screenshots from Tengo Talento by Eli Fantauzzi, Afripedia by Stocktown Films, and Let’s Stay Together by Joshua B. Alafia. Additional photo credit by LightVille Photography in Ghana.



Behind the Lens of “AN AFRICAN CITY” The Writer Behind AN AFRICAN CITY, Interview with Nicole Amarteifio Interview By Rebekah Frimpong and Photos Courtesy of Emmanuel Bobbie

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Behind the Lens of “AN AFRICAN CITY” The Writer Behind AN AFRICAN CITY, Interview with Nicole Amarteifio

After a highly successful pilot and season using the online distribution platform of YouTube, An African City is now an overnight sensation. Audiences across the globe are now getting a glimpse into the lives of modern day African women. The writer and director of An African City, Nicole Amarteifio sits with YAV Magazine and discusses how she got inspired to write the show and what she hopes to see change in the world of African film and television.

When did you first know that you wanted to be a writer and work in the field of film and television? I love writing, but I didn’t know what that meant for my future. I certainly didn’t plan for TV and film, as film and TV is not a career expected of the child of African immigrants. So, I put writing to the side. However, as I pursued a more traditional career, I took notice of the negative narratives of the African continent. I worked with international development agencies hoping that respective communication departments - and their migration from disseminating negative to more positive stories - could help change the African narrative. However, it was when I was sitting back home in Accra watching re-runs of Sex and the City that I had my epiphany. That’s the story to write. The African version. The story of African women in a way that has never been written before. That’s a turning point. And, that’s what we need... other narratives to make a difference in the branding of our continent.

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What inspired you to create “An African City” web series? And are you surprised by its success? I was tired of seeing the African woman portrayed by western media as weak, poor and uneducated, especially when I grew up around African women that were and are strong, successful and intelligent. It was with this desire of an alternative narrative that we now have An African City. I knew the show would be successful, but just not so soon! I thought it would take some time. I thought we would use season one as a pilot and as our pitch to TV networks. I thought once the show was on TV and once the TV networks poured in some marketing resources, then it would become a success. But, by the time we launched episode three on YouTube and I saw the online traction - with no network support - I was like, “wow, something big is going on here.”


Behind the Lens of “AN AFRICAN CITY” The Writer Behind AN AFRICAN CITY, Interview with Nicole Amarteifio

Do you have any new projects in the works? Yes. We are working on season 2

Can you share with us one challenge you have faced and how you overcome it in regards to your work (film and television)? Prior to shooting season one, pitching to television networks was a challenge and that’s one of the reasons we turned to the YouTube platform. And, yes, the response has been great. And now, all of the networks that turned us down for season one are interested in working with us for season two. However, I have really enjoyed the YouTube experience and I want the show to be accessible to our global fans online. So, if we can figure out a sustainable business model, we’ll see...

Many African women are coming to the forefront and being acknowledged in film, what hopes do you have for African film and cinema in the next 10 years in regards to the role that African women will play? In the next ten years, I certainly want to see more high quality African productions, especially from female filmmakers. I want people to think African film and simultaneously think quality. But, most of all, I want an African film industry where the balance of power lies more with the creatives than with the business executives. But, we don’t have to wait ten years. Right now, African filmmakers are certainly making their mark.

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Photos Courtesy of Hilda N. Mauya Written By YAV Staff

Hilda N. Mauya Launching Dahil Republic of Couture


Dahil Republic of Couture is a Minnesota based upcoming Fashion Company established by its own CEO and Chief Creative Visionary Hilda Mauya ,a Kenyan Native 30yr old single mom following her dream. DRC gives you the ultimate western and African infusion lifestyle experience. DRC has been providing its valued customers with the latest women’s unique exotic fashion and accessory trends; superb customer service and unmatched boutique style exclusivity for online shoppers. Infused with an opulent African atmosphere, high-end designs, as well as low-mid priced unique styles, DRC has became the most exciting one-stop-shopping destination and continues to be a “trend-setter”within the MN African fashion Industry. DRC offers a huge selection of self branded product that focuses on current styles in the ever-changing world of fashion. YAV Magazine got the opportunity to interview the creator of Dahil Republic of Couture, Hilda N. Mauya for more insight on her creations and inspirations. Recently you were a featured designer at AFWNY, can you tell us about that experience? It was your first fashion show in New York, correct? Correct, This was my first fashion show on such a grand stage and of all places in New York City; the mecca of creative fashion. To say it was an amazing experience would be an understatement. It was truly a blessing to be apart of an event that’s so instrumental to the world of fashion. The organization was thorough with media and publicity, which as a designer I could appreciate. The exposure and recognition I gained from participating was just the steam I needed to mobilize Dahil Republic of Couture to the next chapter of development. I feel its pivotal I touch on the journey to AFWNY because I was faced with multiple unforeseen challenges and the story is quite inspiring. For starters, this was the first time I would be so far away from my daughter and as a mother that alone took an emotional toll on me. However she is the motivation behind my line so I knew I had to follow through on this opportunity for her sake as well. I had to utilize my networks and raise the $3,000 registration fee. As a single mother and a hard working aspiring designer, you just don’t have that kind of of money lying around. I decided I was going to share the experience with my sister-in-law, good friend and biggest fan Emma Ombaba. Her help and support has been vital in the process of the brand up to this point. The morning of the trip got off to a rough start and we ended up missing our flight to NYC from Minnesota! The first flight I have ever missed in my life. I literary fell to my knees and sobbed. Teary eyed, I spoke with the delta attendant and asked if there was anything they could do to help. Nothing, the next available flight was 8am the next day and it would cost $1025 each, totaling $ 2050. We barely had enough money to sustain us while in NYC and we knew we couldn’t afford those tickets. I was heart broken.

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I reinforced to myself that this was something I had to MAKE happen no matter how difficult and chaotic everything seemed. My sister in law felt bad about the situation and insisted I go alone due to the cost. I refused, I wanted her to share this adventure with me because her and I have weathered some tough storms in the name of progression and she deserved to be apart of this milestone. We came to the solution that we would just drive. We drove my sister in-laws’ 2005 Chevy Impala 21 hours to New York City. I drove 8 hours straight then Emma drove 7 hours stopping for only restroom breaks, food and gas. I trumped the final 6 hours none stop until we saw the Hudson Bridge. We called my mom and celebrated in excitement; “ momma we made it!” we were enthused about our arrival but was pressed for time so I quickly had my game face on. I literally had no time and was forced to get ready in the car. I prepped like a champ and off I went to the United Nation Headquarters in NYC for the first ever AFWNY Master class with elite designers and entrepreneurs. That’s how we got to NYC. I share that story to tell the world that the path to your dreams will be sprinkled with obstacles, major and minor. Everyone has their struggles and its what you choose to do with your struggle that determines your outcome.

When did you first get interested in fashion design? Was fashion always your passion? Well I have always loved and appreciated great fashion ever since I was a little girl. I enjoyed dressing up in unique and unconventional designs. Whenever my mother would buy me an outfit I didn’t like, I would alter it myself to suit my personality. Growing up in Kenya, I was exposed to robust fabrics and patterns at a very young age and as I grew so did my fascination with these beautiful combinations of designs and textures. The fashion culture in Kenya is and has always been enticing and alluring. I spent a lot of time watching people and how they expressed themselves through clothing. I would define fashion as a very creative channel individuals use as another form of genuine self-expression. Fast-forward to about 2010, and I found myself seriously competing in national and international beauty pageants. I competed for Miss Africa U.S.A and won 3 titles all with my own original designs; Red Carpet Diva, Miss Africa USA Super Model With Style and Miss Kenya USA Finalist all in 2010. My pageant coordinator, Linda Arrey, (an impressionable dresser herself) told me jokingly “Hilda right there before your eyes is your career, FASHION!!” At the time, I’d never imagined designing garments for a living but at that very moment the idea seemed to have connected to my soul. It was what you would call an “aha” moment but with my heart. I had my answer to the most important question in life; what I wanted to do with it. Not long after, I met Harold Greaves, a photographer based in Atlanta. He too sparked a flame in me. After working together, he was crucial in keeping me motivated and focused through the early stages of manifesting my ideas into reality. People were starting to believe in me and most importantly, I was truly beginning to believe in myself. From there I took action and fashion has remained my strongest passion since. YAV MAGAZINE APRIL/MAY 2015

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What challenges did you face developing your fashion line and company? Can you share some tips for other aspiring fashion designers wanting to start their own company? The early developmental stages of my line were particularly challenging. I was juggling a new relationship, working two jobs and there was the load of school. Like most designers and entrepreneurs in general, finances were one of my largest hurdles. The quest to capture and maintain a solid clientele base that would represent my brand in the way I envisioned was one that really forced me to grow. I was faced with a lot of opposition and discouragement but all that only motivated me even more. I embraced the fact that this brand was bigger than just myself. There were a lot of stakeholders of hope and faith in my dream. That pride was the fuel to my fire but also reminds me of my humble beginnings. Staying true to yourself and your designs is very essential. My advice to aspiring designers, I’ll sum it up with the best advice I ever received from Kenyan Based, well Established and Seasoned Fashion Designer and Entrepreneur Sally Karago :”stay true to yourself and your roots, whichever they may be. Be open to new ideas but never let anyone change your vision. Always understand the story behind your sketches and designs. Make sure that whatever you are feeling as you sketch or as you describe the design translates clearly to the audience. Always remember that visions, success and achievement don’t come easy. Whatever hurdles you have had in your past, whatever challenges of tribulations you are going through in your life, never let them take over your life or consume your mind or creativity. Translate that to sketches and let your designs speak your story for you. I call them “Crucibles” and not challenges because they fuel my creativity. Always know the story behind your collections and study one’s own religiously.”


Do you have plans of expanding Dahil Republic of Couture to Kenya or working in the Kenya fashion industry? Yes. Kenya being the roots of the brand, I definitely feel a sense of responsibility to eventually establish a presence there. Though I will always be true to the fabrics and textiles of my homeland, I plan to keep the brand innovative and contemporary. My goal is universal appeal. There are many great up and coming Kenyan designers so that’s surely a scene to keep an eye on.

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If you could dress any two celebrities, which two women would you want to style and dress? Not to sound politically correct but my first choice would most definitely be First Lady Michelle Obama. She has a very elegant yet adventurous style that compliments her free spirit. She’s open to fun and variety and that’s a designer’s dream. My next choice is Motivational Speaker Iyanla Vanzant. She has a rich undertone of heritage that she expresses very creatively through her taste of fashion. Both women are bold believers, inspirational, motivational, empowering, groundbreaking and game changing women who have a story and a journey to their success. That is the embodiment of my brand- to exude Empowerment.

Find Hilda N. Mauya’s Fashions Dahil Republic of Couture Fashion House www.dahilrepublicofcouture.com

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E.L. Music Man Photograph Courtesy of E.L

Music sensation E.L based out of Ghana and the UK is blending his own modern spin on Hiplife, Rap, and Azonto Dance Music. With hits like Kaalu, Obuu Mo, Auntie Martha, and Hallelujah E.L has been able to put himself on the map. His debut album Something ELse in 2012 gained E.L international acclaim and has help him revolutionized the music scene in Ghana. E.L has produced and work with such artists as M.anifest, Tiwa Savage, Sarkordie, Ice Prince, and Banky W. to name a few. YAV Magazine had the opportunity to interview E.L. to speak on his music, understanding the music industry, and what he is passionate about. YAV MAGAZINE APRIL/MAY 2015

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How You Got Your Start In Music

When I was a kid my parents enrolled me into music school and I played the keyboard and fell in love with music. Then I started writing poems, my mom always encouraged me to start writing poems when I was little. Then that turn into rapping, I got in touch with other guys in my neighborhood that were rapping and started rapping. There were certain times when we wanted a beat and things but there was no one around so we had to start making beats ourselves and that is how came to start producing music as well. It was a step by step thing.

What E.L is Working on Now; New Music

My first album Something E.Lse released in 2012 won an award for best album in Ghana and it got rave reviews all around the world, it is a double album with 26 songs on it. My next album that I am working on is due to drop soon called E.L.O.M. (Everybody Loves Original Music) and it is based off my real name and is very different and it will tend to appeal to a wide demographic of people. I am excited about it and its release.

Breaking Into International Markets

Every artist who takes their craft seriously sits down and sees how to market their work and have it understood by many. As an artist you need to be able to bridge whatever elements are important to you as an artist and make sure that everybody is happy and appreciates your craft. I have been able to find that bridge and I know that everybody that picks up my album even though they may not understand the Pidgin English that I speak they still feel it because it is an universal language ; music. And there is always an underlying bassline of Africanism in my music. You will definitely know that this guy singing and rapping is an African and that he comes from Africa but at the same time you know it is appealing to you in your own terms of how you understand music or process music. It is a challenge but it is something I have studied hard and work hard on it. I encourage other artists to look deeper than their craft and do the same.

Speaking on Identity and Music

As an artist if you don’t have identity you just fall in with the rest of the other artists. Identity is something that can get lost in commercialism or making music for commercial purposes. It is important to make money, but if you are able to infused in your identity you have created a special niche for yourself and then people will appreciate you being an African artist; a genuine artist.

Committed Passion to Global African Music

I am committed to African music globally and I am trying to make moves to help promote all African music, that is my passion. It is easy to make good songs (well it is hard too, and takes time) but there needs to be a balance.

Advice to Youth Interested in Pursuing Music

Get an education in that area and get expertise, there is so much more to it than getting on the mic rapping or singing. If you have a broader scope and span your horizon you can make better music, start understand the industry itself, and you can be successful. Also, look within yourself and realize the talent God has given you and once you do these things you can forward your agenda and be successful in not just music, but in anything you do. Basically, get yourself very well educated in that area of music and the sky is the limit!

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A CREATIVE FORCE MUSIC & FASHION WITH WUNMI

Creative, sassy, original, African, regal, and talented...just a few words to describe the artist known as WUNMI! YAV Magazine interviewed WUNMI and asked her about her music and fashion collection Wow Wow. Can you briefly share how you got your start as a musician? My involvement in music world began as a solo dancer with the popular UK R&B group SoulIISoul. I traveled round the world with them and during that journey I kept being offered record deals. In the early 90’s I moved to New York to record my demo for Gee St records, a division of Island Records. Around that time there were many African musicians relocating to NY! So the underground live music scene was bubbling. I started attending jam sessions, and through word of mouth started booking shows. One day I received a call from Legendary JazzFunk Master Roy Ayers! he was working on a new album for BMG records and he wanted me to feature on a couple of songs. Soon after I received a call from Masters At Work (Louie Vegas & Kenny Gonzales) to feature on their tribute to Fela AnikulapoKuti. This collab titled Maw Expensive Sh*t became a massive Afro -House hit... this opened more doors to more collaborations with producers from around the world!

You have a wonderful clothing line, can you share what inspired you to create your fashion designs? I was inspired to create my fashion line by all the people who kept expressing real admiration for the one of a kind outfits I would design for my ‘Wunmigirl’ stage shows, as well as the costumes I designed for Ronald K Brown and his world renowned Evidence a Dance Company. Through my collaboration with RKBrown, now spanning over 25 years, I have designed costumes for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company and Philadanco to name a few. Years ago I won a Bessie for the costumes I designed for Evidence and for Marlies Yearby’s Moving Spirit Dance Company. So there were lots of people, friends, fans, dancers and patrons of the dance world, who were seeing my work and asking for the chance to own my creations.


Many compare your sound to Fela or categorize your sound as Afrobeat, but how would you describe your music? When asked to describe my music I often say Afro-fusion.... Afro for the roots of my voice and the landscape that inspires my lyrics and fusion for all of the quirky musical elements that tickles my dancing bones. Combining to create a progressive fusion sound.....as much rooted in Africa as in the West.

Our theme for this issue is “I Dream of Africa”, what are some of your hopes and dreams for Africa? Some of my hopes and dreams for Africa . . . one is for the continent to truly embrace PAN AFRICANISM I dream that African countries will remove restrictions that stop the flow of commence and people between African countries. It is a crying shame that is is often cheaper to travel outside of Africa than within Africa!. I dream of Africa where the rights of women and girls are not over looked because of old traditions. I dream of Africa where there were no more warsI dream of Africa where education for every child is free.. In 2015, there is a lot coming up for Wunmi. Her follow up album See Me is due out this summer and Wunmi is heading back into the studio to record her “children’s album” . In addition, Wunmi is creating for Wow Wow by Wunmi Spring/Summe 2015 collection, entitled “I Am” which is to launch very soon. In the midst of this all, Wunmi is also working with her management ironing out new tour dates. For More on Wunmi: wunmi.com wunmi.bandcamp.com wowwow.bigcartel.com facebook/wunmiakaswunmigirl facebook/wowwowbywunmi) http://youtu.be/GgG1XDPWXy4

Photos Courtesy of: ‘Covergirlfinal’ photograph by Jamel Toppin Look For: ‘DONTLOOKAWAY’ latest single release, photo by Chriss Aghana Nwobu, art by Lemi Ghariokwu, design Jennifer Breen


VISIONARY OF THE MONTH

Jessica Chibueze Her Purpose Driven Life

Written By YAV Staff and Photography By Devin Allen & Courtesy of Jessica Chibueze

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VISIONARY OF THE MONTH Jessica Chibueze For Jessica Chibueze, a mission trip to Kumi, Uganda in 2011 changed her outlook and view on life drastically. Her first trip to Uganda, motivated Jessica to pursue a degree in International Studies and minors in Nonprofit Organizational Studies and Public Health. Her first trip to Uganda sparked a desire in her to push forth with humanitarian efforts and to pursue a larger connection to the continent of Africa beyond just cultural identification. At the age of 18 years old, Jessica decided to start going on mission trips with a faith-based nonprofit organization called African Christian Fellowship USA (ACF USA), as a member of their East Coast division. She set a personal goal for herself to visit various African countries and share her faith and willingness to help those in need. After her first trip to Uganda, on August 16th, 2011 is was evident that Jessica was able to learn first hand how significant one person can be on impacting a community. Through Jessica’s one good deed, and the hope she was sharing with the people she came in contact with she could feel not only the transformation of herself but those around her. She writes in an excerpt from her blog: “I was ready to pick up a 5-year old with rashes I’ve never seen before and hug him so tightly as if my hugs had the ability to heal his skin. On that particular Thursday, the idea to bathe and clothe the kids in this village began to formulate in my mind”. Jessica started to develop a plan to engage more young Africans apart of ACF USA in America with those in the community she was serving in Uganda by starting small public health hygiene projects. She had the idea to gather more young people to travel to Africa to be apart of these project and to engage them in service while strengthening their faith at the same time. Jessica describes on her blog that her experience in Uganda gave her “life-changing encounters”, and that she would like to connect with other African youth and hopefully help them find their purpose in life just she has now found purpose within her own life. Jessica attributes her success to her faith in God and now is committed to work tirelessly to engage more with people in Africa and to make it her personal mission to do what she can to make Africa a better place. Her ambition and spirit inspired YAV Magazine to feature her as our Visionary of the Month. She is currently working on funding her next trip to Uganda with ACF this year. YAV Magazine asked Jessica a few questions so that she could further share with us her hopes and aspirations for Africa.

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Who is Jessica Chibueze? How would you describe yourself in one sentence? Jessica Chibueze is a 22-year old first-generation Nigerian-American who is tired of being too broke or too powerless to cause an impact back home in her father’s land. What inspired you to go work in Uganda and can you share a bit more about what your initiative in Uganda (ACF Uganda 2015)? I was inspired to begin this work in Uganda after my first medical missions trip in 2011. After that trip, I knew that I had to do this (working to develop Africa) for the rest of my life. Four years later, and I’m still singing the same tune God willingly. After my first trip to Uganda, I realized that I had more power to cause a change/impact than I thought I did. Me being on ground in East Africa, seeing and touching and feeling and hearing the Ugandan people, raising the money to be able to fund my trip, walking in the Ugandan grasslands, eating the food there, all these actions just made this realization straight up REAL to me. Like, if I can get myself here to this country on a mission trip, imagine if I took an initiative to plan something to better the lives of these people? I can do it! It was God who put the idea in my head, and he gave me the strength and grace to execute the task. #ACFUGANDA2015 is a hashtag I’m using to coin my fifth consecutive trip to Uganda. This year will be my fifth time going and God willing, if I can raise the money, it will be my fourth year of carrying out the #AfricanDreamsChildhoodHygiene public health initiative that I started in 2012. The public health program teaches young Ugandan children the importance of hygiene as a way to combat diseases. These kids already know how to bathe, but because of lack of knowledge concerning why they should do it consistently, or not having money to afford the materials to do so, they can. So I provide them with the materials and we have an interactive lesson to teach them. In addition, we take it a step further by choosing the neediest children out of the hundreds of children that come and physically bathe and clothe them with “new” (donations we’ve gathered in America prior to us coming) clothes in the presence of mothers and other officials. There are many organizations that speak on helping African youth, how does the initiative or the work you are doing in Uganda make an impact on the African communities you serve? ACF stands for “African Christian Fellowship”. They are a faith-based organization here in America who go to Uganda, as well as many other parts of African to carry out missionary work. They’ve been serving Africa in various capacities for over three decades now. When I went on my first mission trip with them in YAV MAGAZINE APRIL/MAY 2015

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2011, I noticed that because they were so overwhelmed with the 1,000s of Ugandan adults that they had to attend to, they were unable to really tend to the children who would come to receive medical treatment on the mission field. I saw this discrepancy and simply acted as a vessel to fill the gap on their behalf. The program I started had never been done before and it was serving the African community we were operating in in a new way: we were involving children and actually catering to them. Their parents were getting taught how to better their health, so it was only right to figure out a way to teach the youths how to better theirs in a way they would understand. One thing I’ve learned over the years of me doing this, is to get on my hands and knees and really serve these children that we see in Kumi (the village the program is executed in), Uganda. I never go there with the mindset that I am an American coming to help your life. They honestly, don’t need their lives to be helped because even when we aren’t there for the 50 weeks out of the year, they are still living live in the way they know how and God is providing for them. But for those two weeks that we are in Uganda, we are serving them. We are coming there to work in tandem with them to make their lives a little more easier by passing on knowledge that we believe will help them in living more comfortable lives, without ruining the essence of how they operate within their villages. I’m a servant to them and that’s how I believe I cause an impact.


Can you share with us one experience you had while working in Uganda that made the most impact on your perspective of Africa? So on the day after I completed the pilot of this program one of the kids I bathed came back the next day and gave me a live chicken! I will NEVER forget it. I remember this particular boy so vividly because on the day before when I was bathing, I had to give him girls clothes because I had ran out of boys clothes. I was so disheartened that I had to give him girls clothes and it really hurt me, but he seemed happy and his mother was thankful. After I bathed him, he was following me around everywhere. I’m not sure if it was because he knew I was from America or because of the long twists I had in my hair, but I took a very strong liking to him and he was my friend for the day. Because hundreds of people go through our medical program, I thought I wasn’t going to see him again, but the next day him and his mother found me and gave me a chicken. I was stunned. The Western in me wanted to decline thinking “Oh, they must be poor so how can I accept this chicken from them?! I’d be taking away their source of food right now!” BUT I WAS HUMBLED severely. I was later told them it’s a form of Ugandan culture for someone to give you a gift if you help them. So because I bathed the woman’s son, this was her way of saying thank you. I honestly felt like crying. It was so amazing. I think that is what I used as my “sign from above” to know that the program was a good thing to do in this village, because I had so many doubts and naysayers not believing in it. Our theme for this issue is “ I Dream of Africa” , what hopes and dreams do you have for Africa? I have this crazy dream that all young Africans that live in diaspora will take their intellect, gifts, talents, and influence back to their respective countries and help develop them. I was born in America, yet I have this burning desire to go back to Nigeria and use the skills I have to cause a change there. A lot of young African people are doctors, lawyers, engineers, nurses, etc. and I can’t help but wonder that if their took their various occupations back to their home countries, how much development and progression, and just overall change could happen in the lives of their people. For those interested in supporting your efforts and work, where can they find out more about what you do and how to get involved with your initiative? I have a gofundme account to raise online donations here: http://www.gofundme.com/acfuganda2015 or they can email me at jessnnecee@gmail.com for more information about my current projects.


LIBERATING SELF EXPRESSION

A closer look and the work of photographer Bwette Daniel Gilbert.

Photos by Bwette Daniel Gilbert

In Uganda’s vibrant art scene there is one young photographer whose work stands out because of his unique perspective on “Liberating Self Expression”. Bwette Daniel Gilbert, calls himself a Hip-Hop Archivist rather than a photographer because he considers what he does to be more than just photography but instead he feels his photos document moments in time and personal self-expression and a love for Hip-Hop culture. Bwette Daniel Gilbert, shares with YAV Magazine, how his photography not only shows how indigenous Hip-Hop has played a huge role in youth movements in Uganda but also shares a bit of his own story of how he started on a personal journey of liberating self-expression.


You call yourself an archivist rather than a photographer; can you expand upon that some more? I have worked in, worked with, and worked for various youth communities in Uganda since I completed my high school education back in 2008. I joined a Hip-Hop based community called Bavubuka Foundation, and I managed to learn photography through the sponsored workshops that were taking place every weekend and that’s how I developed my passion for photography. With much practice and research, I taught myself most things and was also greatly helped by my first mentor Roshan Karmali. But then I realized that being a just a photographer was not enough compared to energy that revolved around Bavubuka Foundation. Also, given the fact that Ugandan cultural arts and journalism did not cover Hip-Hop in its full essence. The greatest reason why I chose to start calling myself “an archivist” was the purpose I wanted my photography to reflect. I chose to start prioritizing documenting indigenous Hip-Hop culture in Uganda in every essence and that has made me unique from the rest of other culture & arts photographers. With the help of Silas Balabyekkubo aka Babaluku, we opened up The UG Hip hop Archivist movement to purposely create digital and physical archives of indigenous Hip-Hop of Uganda beyond just rap music and this quest over the past four years has grown global to start attracting scholars from all over the world learn about Hip-Hop in Uganda. I find it important that I use my passion for photography to serve as a vehicle for the voices not heard in mainstream media yet globally in demand.

YAV MAGAZINE APRIL/MAY 2015

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I chose to start calling myself “an archivist� it was the purpose I wanted my photography to reflect.


How does Hip-hop influence your work?

“Until the lion learns to speak, the tale will always favor that of the hunter”.

YAV MAGAZINE APRIL/MAY 2015

I actively joined Hip-Hop culture in 2008 when I joined Bavubuka Foundation. I actively don’t participate in the physical element of hip hop of (emceeing, deejaying, break dancing or beat boxing) but found my way exercising the most important element of Hip-Hop: Knowledge of self. Indigenous Hip-Hop has greatly influenced my work because it shows a direct translation of my struggles and those of my peers around me. Understanding the fact that Hip-Hop is a lifestyle not just music helped me so much and how to search and find direct translation of what it means to live a HipHop lifestyle. My experience working in creative urban youth sectors in Uganda gives me an opportunity to find how best to carry the message of youth empowerment within grassroots communities to help influence policy making in youth sectors. I feel Hip hop always gives a balance to make realistic relations in dialogues especially when engaging youth.

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Do you believe that photographers like yourself are truly changing the narrative about Africa? And what kind of impact do you think this will have? There is an African proverb that says: “until the lion learns to speak, the tale will always favor that of the hunter�. So many African narratives have been passed on from an outsider perspective and therefore our story is never reported with the entire truth. I truly believe photographers especially from Africa, have given a new perspective to how people from the rest of the world look at Africa. We as African people are tired of being documented in categories of hunger, flies over children noses and huts to represent our habitats. As a photographer, I have a responsibility to change this and I don’t have to wait for a big photography agency or press agency to employ me to do this. It is important that we create our own media, learn the craft of photography and document successful African stories that will inspire our up and coming young Africans who are following our footsteps. Doing this will completely change that the rest of the world perception of Africa. I also believe that it will change the way Africans feel about themselves and develop confidence to stand for what is right. I deeply feel the social commitment and responsibility to my community getting wider especially when I get connected to an opportunity that I feel learning from will impact more people in my community.


An Eye For Magic Ofoe Omegavie

LISTEN TO THE ART OF AN AFRICAN

Young Africans are the voice of the present and future in not just the continent but the world. Ofoe Amegavie is one of such young Africans with stories to tell through his art photography. The Ghanaian photographer who is the definition of a young African visionary, talks to YAV about the passion for his art, his foray into his photography journey and more.

O

foe’s photographs are very personal to him as he has developed a thought process that has made him different from others in the field in his country. The artistic nature of his work is credited to the manifestation of his emotions with each click of his camera and this has helped in his work not being caged into a specific category or genre. Though the diversity in individual African countries is sometimes seen by most as a hindrance to development or a challenge, Ofoe views it as something special that can be used to tell stories and in his own words “it is like our lives and thoughts are being documented to be put in a capsule which is going to be saved for future generation”. It is therefore no surprise, that one of the strong influences in his photography is the diversity in his country, Ghana and the individual African countries. YAV MAGAZINE APRIL/MAY 2015

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Where a lot of Africans have tried to push aside and forget moments of struggle in their countries, Ofoe has used these moments to develop his thought process for the creation of his work. This, he has been able to combine with happy moments experienced in his country together with personal struggles of life. One of such was a heartbreak that spurred one of his series which earned him a place on the list of 100 best posts on tumblr by Dynamic Africa. Using his experiences in his home as a strong influence on his work, hence the creation of his series titled ‘Accra, my home’ which has expanded to experiences from other regions or outside Ghana titled ‘Upper East, Ghana my home’ and ‘Africa, my home’. Growing up as a child on the streets of Ghana drawing, painting,


playing with clay and eventually using photography as an outlet to air out his frustrations to organizing a solo exhibition hosted by Alliance Francaise in Accra in 2014, Ofoe believes he has definitely chosen the right profession. At a point in his life however, he gave up painting and sketching as he needed an outlet to take his mind off the course he was studying at the time in university, till he came across the work of ace Ghanaian photographer, Bob Pixel and from that moment, his love for photography grew beyond the regular Sunday after church photos he was accustomed to in his house. His attachment to Bob Pixel’s photographs eventually led him to buy himself a small digital point and shoot camera and later ‘graduated’ to a DSLR (digital single-lens reflex camera) and the rest we can say is history. But what exactly is his story you might ask? Ofoe Amegavie comes from a country where they are generally less appreciative of art and it has been hard for them to understand what exactly he does for a living but slowly, he is changing the mindset!. In a unique way, he is speaking through his art and is succeeding in attracting both young and old. While it is still difficult to sell art in Ghana and he encourages more avenues for artists to show and sell their work, Ofoe remains positive that a time will come when art will be highly appreciated by his people. This young African visionary has been able to get himself out of a box of photographers and let his voice be heard. He has been able to present his African story to the world using his series of projects and most importantly, he is getting people to ‘listen’ to his art. What do you hear from Ofoe’s photographs?


Kwesi Eyipey THE AFRICA I KNOW

Written By YAV Staff Photography by Kwesi Eyipey Appo Photo of Kwesi Eyipey Appo by Diego Asamoah

Young aspiring photographer Kwesi Eyipey Appo is gaining recognition through social media sites like Instagram and Twitter. Being featured on blogs and websites noting new talent from Africa, Kwesi shares with YAV Magazine what his unique lens reflect about Africa today.


Photography is so big right now in Africa, how would you want or hope your photography engages audiences? Photography in Africa has really evolved. Its no longer taking pictures of events and the stereotypical photographer found at churches and schools but more about telling a story and capturing and making art. It has now become telling stories with a click, showing the world set in a particular time freeze. Every photographer has a recurring theme. For me its about capturing the basic everyday things that most people would overlook and bring them to life. I just want people to see the beauty in the ordinary and hope my photos awakens a creative eye in people.

You have received a lot of recognition recently on Instagram, do you have any plans to exhibit your photography this year? No, I don’t have any plans of exhibiting my photos now. I have a lot on my hands and it’s been hard juggling them but I will one day have an exhibition.

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You are based in Ghana, if you could travel to any other African country to do a photo shoot where would you go? Kenya, because that country is made up of a diverse mix traditions and cultures that somehow comes together to create beautiful art. It is full of unique art which is shown through the people, customs, music, dance, and etc. The tourist sites there are breathtaking and will be just the perfect scene setter for artful photography.

Our theme for this issue is “I Dream of Africa” , what are some of your hopes and dreams for Africa in regards to the arts? Africa is an endless mine of art and culture. We have been so focused on adopting the western culture that we miss the magic that is around us. Fortunately, there are a new breed of Africans embracing the local culture and exposing it to the rest of the world. This is my dream for this continent. For us to reach the point where we export our cultures and art to the western world. An Africa where having a white collar job doesn’t necessarily mean success but one where kids are allowed to follow their passions, be it as a performer, artist, photographer, singer etc. A place where Africa will be synonymous to Art.

Lastly, what advice would you give to anyone thinking of getting into photography? You have received a lot of recognition recently on Instagram, do you have any plans to exhibit your photography this year? To anyone interested in photography what I have to say is go for it! Follow your instincts, be original in how you use the camera and how you present your work. Use photography as a means to wander through the world as you see it. Reimagine the world with your pictures and do it with integrity and conviction. Do not worry about the device you are shooting with, improvise, your passion and art will shine through, be it a Polaroid, digital camera, DSLR or even an IPhone or HTC. Just be great.


About Young African Visionaries-YAV Magazine YAV Magazine’s mission statement is: “Envision Tomorrow Today”, meaning dream and make it happen. YAV Magazine strives to achieve a commitment to excellence by sharing authentic stories of real young Africans making a positive change in the world as well as sharing the stories of those who inspire them.. YAV Magazine is committed to telling these stories without bias or subjective perspectives but rather allowing our readers to observe for themselves stories of success, triumph, and even stories that tackle challenging topics. We present to our audience the choice to have a say in the world they see beyond them and to also commit to excellence along with us. YAV Magazine celebrates the achievements of African youth worldwide.

BGNB PRODUCTIONS (C) 2015

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