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Augustine Rutasingwa is one of forefront skateboarding activisits in Africa. Since 2011 he has been working to help spearing and ensure growth of skateboarding in African countries. He is also among founders of this Magazine.
On Front Cover: Yassine from Morocco On Back Cover: Innocent from Zambia
Dear Readers Africa Skateboarding Diary is a continued project that is run by African skateboarders who contribute contents, and being edited by Africa skateboarders for a sole purpose of supporting the growth of skateboarding in Africa. The urge to start this project is the fact that, media is an important integral part for the growth of anything and skateboarding in Africa needed the lift. At the start of this Magazine there were no any magazine that features the whole of Africa and that has stayed to this Day. Over the years our Magazine has been growing and significant changes have been made. This Magazine has a website which publishes daily contents only as they happen and also it features stories via social media. It has never been a single group of people project rather than an esteemed collaboration from Afican Skateboaders and the rest of the community worldwide. We are connecting the scene to the international community. This is our 8th edition in the print series. We are indebted to all of the following contributors who have made this possible; Anas, Patrick Rodney, Miki Deo and all our fans. Lastly we are encouraging the African skateboarders to support their local scene and help them to grow. We believe that charity starts at Home, and so it is important we support local programs,, companies, parks, shops, brands and many more to ensure we are building our scene first. Grow Us, Grow Skateboarding Yours Sincerely Augustine Rutasingwa, Executive Editor and Co-founder. www.africaskateboardingdiary.com The views and opinions expressed in editorial and advertisements within Africa Skateboarding Diary do not necessary reflect the opinions of Africa Skateboarding Diary nor any of its associates. Africa Skateboarding Diary welcome all letters, e-mails, and photos. We will review all the contributions and assess whether it or not it can be used as print or online content. Everything contained within is copyrighted Africa Skateboarding Diary. No material may be reproduced without written permission. Subscription And Contribution africaskateboardingdiary@gmail.com
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Fahd Amzani Nollie Heelflip Taghzout Skatepark, Morocco.
Hassan Takashi Portrait Dar es salaam, Tanzania
INTERVIEWi | CHRISTABEL CHOMBA First skateboarding is mental.So i guess people are afraid to get hurt. You have to overcome that fear. That’s what skateboarding is all about. Second, the awareness is not really that high.It’s seen more like a boys sport...And also support from African parents it’s also not there. Oooh yeah Parents can be little PIA... So when did you start Skateboarding? December last year...I started my skateboarding classes with Abuga Aroni..he’s a longboarder. It was a good experience.Which pushed me to get my own skateboard and i’ve been skating hard since then at the skatepark and on the streets. How do you feel being a skateboarder?
Well so can we start with the basics? Your own self introduction of what you do and who are you? Uumm.My name is Christabel Chomba.I am currently in campus in Nairobi. How is Campus life and Skateboarding? Well, it’s not that easy.I mean you have to balance everything. It’s a different experience when you get from campus to skate..I feel like am at one with myself ..having all the freedom and not having to worry about anything. I assume you are the only Girl skater, how is it to you? Not really..There are other girls in the skateboarding scene too but quite a few.That’s the fun part i guess coz you have to push harder to become better like the boys.We also have our girl sessions and they are the best coz you learn alot from each other. Other times people can be really mean to you but you just have to be strong and believe in yourself Girl skate in Africa is rolling at the back, why do you this is happening?
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Its magical! Doing challenging stuff like on ramps and at the pool is of course very exhilarating. You have to keep pushing your limits and discovering all the good things that come from it. Forcing yourself out of your comfort zone. Forcing yourself to do things which you are really scared of. Being a skateboarder has boosted my confidence so its rewarding in its unique ways
“SKATE BOARDING IS MENTAL”
That is awesome. So who is your motivational skater? Malewise is Bob Burnquist,he’s a legend! Femalewise is Leticia Bufoni..she is badass!! Why Letty? She has passion and is self motivated. And has the best skate girl style
So Letty is your role modal, any African female skater inspiring you? Myself..lol Other girl skaters in Kenya -Hadassah Saya and Sharlene Muoki. We usually sesh together and they are so rad!! Awesome.. skateboarding has made way into Olympic any thoughts Get more African skaters to participate.We have what it takes too. Awesome... Any significant changes you expect from it More skateparks.Make our own skateboard brands which make it easier for locals to access skating equipments. Yeah.. so the Kenyan skateboarding scene how is it in general It’s really growing fast ...both adults and kids are gaining exposure.The kids do gnarly tricks which also challenges you to do better.We hold skateboarding competitions at least twice in a year which brings us together as skateboarders Downhill skateboarding is also picking up...I hope soon there will be downhill competition too! Awesome to know, any advise to African Girls Don’t be intimidated by the male domination.Skateboarding is not a gendered activity.Anyone can do it.It helps you regain confidence and freedom. You will definitely fall but that’s the good part because that’s how you get to learn...and you will eventually get used to it. Get a board and shred!!
“DON’T BE INTIMIDATED BY THE MALE DOMINATION”
A lot can happen in one year time. Get Your Shit Together was officially founded 10 months ago, with their mission to make skateboarding accessible for everybody. In January, they brought 100 skateboards to South Africa and gave them away to kids in less fortunate areas. They shot a documentary during their 3 week trip, with the purpose to increase awareness and gain support to do more projects in Africa. After months of editing, the movie is finally finished! The premiere will be at the SCENECS International Filmfestival from June 22nd -29th, in the Netherlands. Follow @gyst_skateboarding on Instagram to find out about new projects and - of course - where to find the movie so you can watch it yourself.
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Specialist concrete skatepark design and construction for the African continent. Contact: deependskateparks@gmail.com
FGL TANZANIA APRIL 2018
After 1 year the program has changed the philosophy and has opened Doors to many. On the second Edition in February 2018 FGL for the first time featured BMX and Roller skaters.
Flat Ground League FGL is a prestigious program that started as a skateboarding program and grew into something bigger. The event is meant to run simultaneously contests on African countries without well established spots to skateboarding. On her early days in 2017 the program debuted with contests in Tanzania, Angola, Mozambique and Zambia.
On April 28th 2018 the Third FGL Edition went down in Tanzania and uniquely featured HipHop Artists and Graffiti as well as BMX Contest and Roller Blade Show. The program also grabbed local attention after being joined by famous Graffiti Artist, Mejah Mbuya who is also a serving UWABA Leader and HipHop Mogul as well. In addition an amazing crowd of cheerful spectators gave power, energy and love to the contestants. The FGL started with series of free rap battles and later we spun into BMX Qualifiers which were grouped into Brake and Brakeless and featured a total of 12 BMX Riders. They hard stomped the court and pulled amazing stunts not to be missed. Well at the end Awadhi won the title for BMX Brake Stunts and Muksin kept his crown by wining street BMX – Brakeless. The final between Muksin and Mohanna was hard and they scored 84.02 and 83.98 respectively, a very slight wining! Abubakar Amour from Zanzibar Island won the Skateboarding Division. More story to come soon‌
left; Hassani Takashi during the FGL Tanzania April Event.
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Above: Abubakr Amour, Winner of FGL April Event in Tanzania Sponsored by Mbezi Theory Inc.\YouthBrand
Above: Dj Seckylito mixing amazing vibes, she is also a roller skater. Below: Rap Battles and Free Style Performance Session
Above:Ms. Salma aka Sista Dada doing amazing FGL Graffiti Painting during Intermission.
Left: BMX Riders rolling the court during warming session before the event. Picture by Miki Deo
THE AMERICAN DREAM
By Manil Lovkvist Kampala, Uganda
At the moment I’m studying documetary filmmaking and I was in Uganda to make my examination movie. So it’s what I’m working on now.
Are you in Uganda, what do you do exactly? Why Uganda at first place? No, I came back to Actually the whole of my class went there. It was Sweden about 2 months already decided by the school I’m studying in. So I ago. But before coming dont know why they choose Uganda specifically. But back I was there between the general reason is to show a more nuanced picture January to March. of Africa to the Western society. 40//AFRICASKATEBOARDINGDIARY.COM
How was Uganda to you? were you disappointed or amazed from your imagination. I didn’t really know much about the country before going there. I’d been to Kenya before and was told it was similar to there. But otherwise I didn’t really have any expectation. But it was a really good visit. In the beginning it was a little bit hard to adapt, especially not being able to go anywhere without being noticed.
But after the initial cultural clash I was amazed by the people’s hospitality and the beautiful scenery. So lets talk on Skateboarding, Why did you film skateboarding? To be honest, I’m not a skateboarder myself. I tried to longboard back in the days but after falling and stopping the fall with my face, I never dared to get back up. But I’m very interested in urban cultures and I wanted to tell a positive story of Uganda.
When I saw a picture on Ugandas skateboard community’s Facebook, focusing on girls skateboarding I felt I’ve found it. However the movie ended up not being about the girls but focusing instead on the brothers behind the community. What is your general comment of the film. A name and the idea.
So about your studies and skateboarding. Will you consider working as a skateboarding film maker? It’s been a really great experience so far. It’s so much fun even though it’s hard work. If I do get the opportunity to do another skateboarding movie, I would definitely say yes! What event or episode while filming you remember the most and how was it I don’t think I can pick out a specific event. But what I take with me is the opportunity to get to know the amazing people around the skatepark and I’m so grateful that they let me into their lives. It’s truly an incredible experience being allowed to participate in someone’s everyday life in the way that I was. You learn so much about yourself and the world around you! Awesome. Why naming it The American Dream We got the feeling that alot of people skateboarding in Uganda was hoping (or dreaming) that skate would So the movie follows the two brothers struggle to spread the skateboarding culture and with it create a better future for them selfs and the kids skateboarding. Since the sport is new they face alot of challenges like lack of materials etc.
“The American Dream”
Awesome. We believe there are skateboarders in Sweden, ever met one and shared your Ugandan story with? There are alot of them, but I haven’t meet one since coming back. I’ve been to busy in the editing room. But our idea is to have a screening next to one of the skateparks here in Stockholm! Awesome. Let us know the screening dates, would love to attend lol.
help them get a better life. And skateboarding comes from America originally, so we thought it could be fun to play with the concept of the American dream a little. Any final remarks? Thank you, I’m not used to being in the receiving end of interviews.
Above: Gose Gerald, From Uganda Skateboarding Community Picture from ASD Online Library
“It’s truly an incredible experience being allowed to participate in someone’s everyday life in the way that I was.” -Manil
I’m Anas FALIH from Morocco specialy Agadir city, I study economic science in university, skateboarder and photographer Well that’s nice to know. So how long have you been Skateboarding? I started skating in 2008 What an epic life time, how was it and how is it now? Yeah, it was really fun I was excited about skating, learning new tricks, skate new spots, make videos..I miss those days.But recently I suffered many injuries which made me stop skating for a long time, now I just skate for fun. What happened? Was it during a competition?! And what is Skateboarding to you? No was in Street I was filming in a gap and I broke my Ankle So sorry. So through your years of skating what things did you hoped for and came true. After this one I dislocate my shoulder 3 times in less than a year You are a pair of bad lucky. Sorry champ Hhh it’s okey Cool. So what motivated you into skateboarding 10 years Ago. I just like the vibe of Skating with friends and traveling to skate contests and new spots and meet new people because of Skateboarding Awesome... So tell about the last trip you went into skateboarding? We went to Rabat the capital of morocco, it was a contest there, I remember that we enjoyed skating Rabat streets and my friend Fahd Amzani won the second prize, it was really fun
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With Anas Falih
Seems Skateboarding in Morocco is no Joke. Any comment Hhhhhhh skateboarding in Morocco is suffering the federation founded after they hear that skateboarding will be in the olympic games 2020
Hamid Oubelaid Melone Grab Taghzout Skatepark, Morocco.
El Habib Aarab One Foot Up The Wave Taghzout Skatepark, Morocco. Federation in Morocco are just a way to loot public money, but there is some peoples and brands who try to make skateboarding cool and support Moroccan Skaters That is happening everywhere now. What are your inputs in Olympic Im not interested about Olympic, Skateboarding is a urban sport. Yes. The subject has so many different opinions. Why do you think Skateboarding should have not been into Olympic at first place?
I do not know how things will be inside this new suits Yeah sure. Things are not so clear. Anyway, the cool thing Skateboarding will always be there. So how big is it in Morocco? Agadir and Rabat as examples In Morocco there is a kind of discrimination between the cities. Rabat has recently benefited from new skateparks I think 7 or 8 while Agadir 1 but it is built by the Make Life Skate Life Association, And a little far from the city in Taghazout village Oooh that’s somewhat not good. Did you take time
in volunteering with Make Life Skate Life in Agadir Honestly I could not go because of the exams I took two opportunities to take some pictures One during construction and the other at the opening That’s so amazing. Going back into your early days of Skateboarding, have you had problems starting up? Of course it’s expensive to buy a board. I remember that I was working or selling things and saving money so I could buy a new board
That’s still exist today in Many African countries. Is it African are lazy or why Yes it’s bad for African skaters. We buy boards with a European price. To skate in Africa you should have a work to finance your gear Yeah I Agree. So ever took a European Trip? No and I can not now possibly when I get a job hhhhhh What are your dreams Get a good job or maybe Create a personal business. Improve my skills in photography.
INTERVIEW | MIKEMIKE ON MTI I am Mohamed Abdu Mtamike but my friends call me mikemike ,23 yrs and an engineering student at St.Joseph university in Tanzania,doing Computer Science & Engineering
all in the name of skateboarding. well it’s in our company best interest to support and grow skate boarding in the Africa continent,there is not much to call success but the company has sponsered two FGLs in Tanzania and it’s sponsoring one of the most promising skater of Tz Abouy. We are also planning on opening an online Sb shop to provide affordable skateboards and spares as well as gears like shoes,etc
What do you do outside class Well i am a content creater,i draw,make videos ,photography and graphics and i am also a project manager for the company we just started ,dealing in product and services.
What are your view on Tanzania skateboarding? Also one of our biggest goals is to insipire and push all skaters in africa to do what they do best,i’d love to talk about the big plan but it’s a bit too early ti spill the beans
What is a company? Any engagement with Children and Youth? The company is Mbezi Theory Inc (MTI), which Youth is one of it’s brands and the real story behind MTI is SKATEBOARDING, u see i’ve always like skateboarding since i was a kid.watching documentaries on tv about it and i had a chance to learn skateboarding about a year and a half before .and aome more friends joined and we formed this skating crew wiyth the name Mbezi Theory. The company was started a while later as we were chilling this day and started talking about our futures and being independent and responsible about our lives. What a tremendous start. Over the short time of MTI, what are the success?So ther we had it,starting a company
Hahaha don’t spill em. Comment on Tanzania Tanzania skate boarding needs a lot of support in all aspects,the availability of gears is hard and very expensive,also most gears we get are 2nd hand which dont even last
“MBEZI THEORY INC IS SKATE BOARDING” Also the society view on skateboarding is still on the negative side of the scale so we need to push really hard so just we can show that being a skater can be a good thing and not just a form of entertainment but can also be used as an opportunity to create employment and provide education though Youths Talking about MTI and Africa, with all those plans coming. What do you think real Skaters need from MTI well the support finacially as in providing gears for affordable price but also the insiparation to do something not just having fun skating but ttake advantage of the opportunity to mix up with different skaters and talk responsible things
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on the services side of MTI -the main goal is to provide education,pyschological education - as in most of these skaters just do it for fun but am pretty sure during these sessions and jams we could be making stories but instead of talking about othher things we could talk about how to make skateboarding a opportunity in Tz. Skaters need to create awareness about what they do,and we at MTI are alwaays ready to help them out in anyway possible Can’t wait. Africa has no international event, why do you think this is happening? Can skaters do it themselves I bealive that skateboarding is more than a sport,for me its a lifestyle and in todays worl of Fashion and styles,we could sell what we do ,am talking adds,entertainment videos,docs,etc Well i believe we as skaters if we unite we can do it ourselves, and at MTI that is in our To do list but we alone cant do it so i call out to all skaters and other people who wish hey could make a change and help grow skateboarding in Africa to reach though to us on out ig @mti_2017 and we will make this work Well so the world is talking about Olympics and skateboarding, what are your insights?
Abobe; Mbezi Theory Ince Team with Augustine Rutasingwa ASD at Mtaani Maskani Gallery Show and Exibition in Dar es salaam, February.
well it’s pretty simple with me i say “ WHY NOT?” Will it change anything? It will change a whole lot in all aspects starting with how people look at it to how skaters take their skateboarding.Being in the Sumer Olympics 2020 will be an honour to all skaters since those who will participate will be representing their countries,now thats a real honour right there. Appearing in the Olympics is a game changer fo skateboarding and so far thaat will be a big one since the “sidewalk surfing era” to an official olympic sport.Amen to this Cool. Any remarks and advise A word to africa skaters,lets keep doing this but at a different level now.am talking videos that way we get to expose ourselves and create awarenes out there,we cant be seen if we dont show ourselves
The views and opinions expressed in editorial and advertisements within Africa Skateboarding Diary do not necessary reflect the opinions of Africa Skateboarding Diary nor any of its associates. Africa Skateboarding Diary welcome all letters, e-mails, and photos. We will review all the contributions and assess whether it or not it can be used as print or online content. Everything contained within is copyrighted Africa Skateboarding Diary. No material may be reproduced without written permission.