Afrikan mbiu issue 05 azza

ISSUE No.05 / FEBRUARY - MARCH 2015

KShs. 100

AFRIKANMBIU THE

BY AFRIKA FOR AFRIKA

FASHION ISSUE

EME First Lady

Niyola

Azza Niyola Fahmy EME First Lady

Jewellery Azza Fahmy @AfrikanMbiu /AfrikanMbiu

Jewellery

EDITOR

FROM THE Who do you want to be by December 31st 2015?

from Azza Fahmmy, they have just celebrated their 45th anniversary of being in the industry.

We get to see a little bit of men’s fashion with Laurence Airline who is a talented designer

What are you plans for this year? It is a new from Ivory Coast. year; a blank slate .You can revamp your life and The fashion issue would not be complete be whatever you want to be. You can change without getting to know fashionable people in anything you want.

Africa. We have the sexy and talented Niyola.

One of the major transformations we should She is a singer and songwriter from Nigeria, achieve is in our style. Style comes with signed to one of the top recording labels in personality, background, exposure in life, new Africa, EME(Empire Mates Entertainment).

EDITOR Jullianne Obonyo obonyoj@afrikanmbiu.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Martha Ogonjo WRITERS Levi Obingo Alexandria Akena Nora Lutonadio Nkori Thabo Ledimo PHOTOGRAPHERS Cedi Mungai Contact information Editorial & Advertising info@afrikanmbiu.com www.afrikanmbiu.com

trends in the market and the company we keep We searched high and low to show you what is around us. This edition is timely in helping you happening in Africa, to show you how African attain a new glamorous and sassy look.

designers and celebrities dress . Hope you enjoy

Kicking off our fashion issue we have some and remember to have a fashionable February. wonderful gowns for valentines from the By Afrika For Afrika talented designer Taibo Bacar who is from Mozambique. We showcase some jewelery

- J.

@AfrikanMbiu /AfrikanMbiu

contents 04 MTINDO

(Swahili: FASHION)

THE MODERN MAN: HIS STYLE

06 MODE

(French: FASHION)

LAURENCE AIRLINE

10 MTINDO

(Swahili: FASHION)

BLACK IS BACK

11

MODE

IDEOLOGY OR JUST A SHOWOFF?

(French: FASHION)

13 MODE

(French: FASHION)

AZZA FAHMY JEWELLERY

16 OGE

(Yoruba: FASHION)

NIYOLA

20 MUSONO

(Luganda: FASHION)

SOMETHING BLUE

22 ISIKOTHI

(Zulu: FASHION)

RESEARCH IN MARKETS

Mtindo Fashion

The Modern Man His Style

by Levi Obingo Photos © Cedi Mungai

T

he modern man. Who is he? What does he do?

How does he dress? In case you’re getting the idea of a guy dressed in skinny pants and forcing a fedora on his head, then you have the whole idea about who a modern man is, and how he should dress completely wrong. Perhaps I should make a clear distinction between a modern man, and a modern ‘boy’ as I’m sure some of you were starting to register in your thought trains.

A modern man does not follow fashion trends. He can choose to set them, or better yet, he can choose to set his own style. Fashion fades with time, but style is eternal. Style is timeless. That explains why certain style themes from the 20s are still applicable today. A boy on the other hand, will wear what he sees as cool (among his friends and on TV), as uncomfortable as it maybe – like skinny jeans. Oh yes I tried them, not because I wanted to buy them or because I was curious, but my tailor, perchance in the event of burning the midnight oil in preparation of my arrival the following day (through last minute preparation of course) managed to sew me a trouser two sizes down.

Having a fitting trouser and having a skinny trouser are two very different things. Why? Because a fitting trouser, even though (loosely) following the outline of your legs, gives you room to ‘manoeuvre’.

This means that on a rainy day you can unleash the baby Tarzan in you by jumping a few puddles without worrying if your trouser will symmetrically tear from the point in which it bears most tension.

However, unless you plan to seem attractive to the ‘more dominant’ sex by advertising your features, I would advise you to invest in fitting, rather than ‘skinny’ trousers.

Afrikan Mbiu / FEB-MAR - 4

That being said, baggy trousers also do have their time, and usefulness – apart from making you comfortable in bed. And I don’t mean the kind of baggy you would see in a Congolese music video, with the shiny suits and trousers baggy enough to accurately make a small tent, should the wearer find himself in the wild with a keen need to fix himself a tent. I mean the casual kind of baggy. Not too baggy though. Sort of like two and a half inches from your body when you stretch it outward. And that, gentlemen, (and all those ladies reading this either for fun or on behalf of their stubborn better halves) is probably the only situation where a baggy trouser may be stylish – to a modern man. The era of superior baggy jeans faded I the 90s and early 2000s, and back we went to fitting trousers (and not skinny – I hope you still remember the distinction).

Perhaps I should indulge you in a tiny bit of history. This will probably be the shortest history paragraph you’ll read, but that’s exactly the point. This isn’t exactly a history issue, so here goes nothing. Style.

I mentioned it in the beginning. But have you ever noticed that the more stylish men that we see around dress in certain ways that share similarities to a man in say, 1920? That’s for official wear. Men in the 1920’s to 1940’s didn’t have time to brag to the world about how rich they are and how much material they could splash just to make a

single trouser. You know, just like how big your car is can give the world an idea about how financially free you are? I’m guessing that’s probably what goes on with the baggy trousers. Inasmuch as I may be walking on egg shells right now with this article, I have seen men in their 60s who dress fitting and not superiorly baggy. All the top fashion stores in town do not stock baggy trousers. They have fitting ones. And for the younger and less conservative buyers, they have a skinny section. You get my point?

Enough about trousers. Let’s move to the more fun part. The shirts, t-shirts and vitenges. These too should have a close fit to your body.

A fitting shirt will help you seem more presentable when you tuck in – no enormous chunks of shirt will be left hanging somewhere between your back and your belt. A good shirt will almost always cancel out a bad trouser. Shoes? They should at least match your belt.

“Always dress well.

It’s a form of good manners.” ~ Anonymous The modern man invests in good official as well as casual wear. Invest in a good suit. Please. And a watch too. Unless you’re making some good change from your hustle – enough to enable you purchase

visibly good looking clothes, stick to the fitting rule and watch your look transform.

Be unpredictable. Take people by surprise by how you dress. They might get used to you constantly dressing well, but they will always notice each time you pull off something different.

There’s however a habit that I have noticed a couple of times I walked out in the street or attended a day time event – people wearing evening wear during the day. Especially dinner jackets – for those who can clearly afford them. They look good, but… well…they’re just meant for evening events.

Which reminds me…jackets! A man who knows what it means to have style will invest in one or two (or more – of course it depends on how deep you pocket is) good jackets. They exhibit confidence, and a good jacket always works with the ladies.

Lastly, it pays not to make a good meal but present it poorly - your guests will not be elated. Presentation is everything. No matter what you have on, be confident about it. That’s how men were meant to be – confident.

Once you build yourself a reputation of constantly dressing well, the world will always forgive you when you pull off something out of the norm – however unstylish it may pose. People will probably think you knew what you were doing, as you so often prove to them. So even in your failed outfit, you may still seem stylish in their eyes.

Afrikan Mbiu / FEB-MAR - 5

Mode Fashion

Laurence Airline

by Jullianne Obonyo Photos © Eddie Wrey & Laurence Chauvin Buthaud Art direction by Philippe Galowich Models: Eddie Wrey & Romeo Kouassi

L

aurence was born in Abidjan on the Ivory Coast.Her strongest inspiration is a story of West Africa meeting other continents through the medium of fashion.

Laurence Airline new collection entitled “Cocotchéqué”,has a graphic and dynamic edge, mixing the timeless beauty of traditional motifs with the straightforwardness of an urban wardrobe. The silhouette is clean, unfussy and direct, finding its roots within contemporary sportswear and the optimism of 1960s Pop Art. Large polka dots adorn shirts, trousers and a reworked tunic style, a piece which is introduced for the first time within the line. The sleeveless tunic does, in fact, stand for the essence of the designer’s approach, celebrating the strength of geometrical lines, the subtle charm of unisex clothes and the purity of essential shapes.

Afrikan Mbiu / FEB-MAR - 6

Afrikan Mbiu / FEB-MAR - 7

Afrikan Mbiu / FEB-MAR - 8

Afrikan Mbiu / FEB-MAR - 9

Mtindo Fashion

Black is Back A Taibo Bacar Collection

by Jullianne Obonyo Photos Š SDR Photos

Taibo Bacar dresses from the A Luta Continua collection which she showcased during MBFWA are the best this season. Valentine’s Day is around the corner and who said red is the only colour to wear. This year try a different colour am thinking black is perfect, it looks good on anyone, and it is slimming.

This year break the rules and try a black dress, rules are meant to be broken right?

Check out some of my favourite dresses from the collection and try convince me which colour is better?

Afrikan Mbiu / FEB-MAR - 10

Mode

Fashion

Ideology or just a showoff?

by Nora Lutonadio Nkori Photos © Duke and Dude

C

all it whatever you want: passion, stupidity, eccentricity, style or just a phenomenon but for its ideologists it is a religion on its own; for them, it stands out among others if not taller. Like any other religion those who are not adepts do not see or comprehend the point of it all.

I was one of those strange spectators who disapproved a sightseer always on the outside watching from afar with blindfolded eyes. I say blindfolded because I used to see them without really looking at them. In fact, I used to stop for a maximum of five minutes at the end of which I’ll shake my head as if I know better, and then I walk away. But when you learn about the ideologists, when you take time to study this curious religion there is a risk of you turning into a believer or at least you might change your views about it. The joie de vivre (“joy of living” expressed as an enjoyment of life) those ideologists bring to their lives and that of others in the society in their daily lives and during their shows is almost infectious.

Afrikan Mbiu / FEB-MAR - 11

Do you wonder who or what I’m talking about? Do I have your attention now? Yes? No? Then let me continue in the hopes to allure you.

The Société des Ambianceurs et Personnes Elégantes (S.A.P.E, translated in English it means the Society of cheerful and elegant people) regroups people from the two Congo [Democratic Republic of Congo (ex Zaïre where la sape started) and Congo Brazzaville]called the sapeurs or sapologists adorning their most dapper look. A sapeur adheres to a set of rules: be polite, abide by the law, sport a clean haircut, be well dressed, fragranced and groomed; the morecostly the outfit, the better.

It all started in the 1970s and evolved in the 80s with at its head or the renowned “pope” of this religion, the Zairean singer Niarkos (ne AdrienNgantshie Mombele) who made it popular. So much so that with the help of his disciples called “high priests” and “priests” a new religion was created and attracted many followers. Those celebrities, having travelled to Europe for performances, they developed a love for well-known French, Italian or Japanese designer clothes.

is the better. Sapeurs from the DRC are known for standing out from the crowd with one of the favourite designers being Yohji-Yamamoto, who is known for his bright costumes.

The most striking trait of the sapeurs though is the fact that most of them are poor. The expensive garments they show off come from their relatives based abroad. Through la sape, they found a means to express themselves, to rebel against the routine of their lives, to hope Niarkos, grandson of King Ngaliema (king of Bateke, a tribe in the for better days so that they can buy even more expensive clothes. It DRC), son of Pierre Mombele (Education minister in the Lumumba’s is ideal to reach one’s highs, and to escape, even if it is for a moment, government) set himself apart as the founder of the Kitendi (meaning the sad realities of poverty. Another point is many sapeurs are men fabric in Lingala, one of the languages in DRC) religion, he died on perhaps because it was created by men, and ladies still shy away from the 10th February, 1985 left a that culture that may prove to legacy way beyond his songs. be too demanding or they see it The sapeurs celebrate that day as a “guy thing”. by visiting his graveside located in the Gombe cemetery in When you hear from the mouth Kinshasa followed by a fashion of a Congolese that someone show where each participant “est sapé” (used as a verb), you walks through the catwalk with should take it as a compliment well-studied manners called by for being well dressed – and not the Congo-Brazza sapeurs la necessarily in designer clothes. “diatance”.

La diatance defines the art of movement while walking in designer clothes: the walk is well adjusted, shaking the clothes, pulling the pants upwith the foot lifted up to show their expensive and colourful socks and shoes, and pulling the back of the suits in front or just opening in order to show the label and also the price since the sapeurs make sure they leave the tags inside. Redingote, leather suit, sunglasses, tie, bow tie, scarf, socks, shoes, hat, belt, and even the most ludicrous accessory like a cigar are all part of the mix-andmatch that the sapeurs adorn: all is authorized, all is accepted.

One of those Brazzaville dandies said when showing his shoes: “They cost the price of two plots of land in Brazzaville, highlights Sily Yoka Yama, the happy owner. God so loved the good sapeurs like us. To trust someone who doesn’t dress well is like lending your house keys to a burglar”.

Love or hate them the truth is wherever they go, people stop and look to either admire, take pictures or simply have a good laugh. After all, those gentlemen do nothing wrong but entertain themselves and whoever is curious to know what they’re doing in the streets one can just have a look because that’s the aim to attract attention. And it works all the time. That’s why the Brazzaville sapeurs were featured in a Guinness ad that made them famous internationally, as seen here.

Those Sapeurs from Congo Brazzaville in particular tend to stick to wearing no more than three colours/tones at once, excluding white.

For them, pocket handkerchiefs are not folded, however stuffed into the blazer pocket effortlessly. Brazzaville Sapeurs prefer to match and Love them or hate them, one has to admit that the sapeurs have a accessorize with canes, cigars, umbrellas, scarves, socks, suspenders certain class; they are the modern day trendsetters. you name it! On the contrary Kinshasa Sapeurs have a tendency to be more garish and daring. For them the more colour clashing there Afrikan Mbiu / FEB-MAR - 12

Mtindo Fashion

Azza Fahmy Jewellery LIMITED EDITION MINI SERIES 2014

by Jullianne Obonyo Photos © Azza Fahmy

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he journey started in Egypt in 1969 with a jewellery book discovery that ignited a passion and a spirit of ingenuity. Since then,Azza Fahmy continues to take her passion to new heights. She continues to do her favourite thing - designing jewellery, researching, being inspired and inspiring other people through her jewellery. Azza Fahmy is uniquely characterized by incorporating different cultures into wearable art while combining it with intricate craftsmanship.

They recently released a collection to symbolize their 45th anniversary.

Each piece in our ‘Limited Edition Mini Series’ has undertaken an artistic voyage of discovery and creation through the hands of more than 200 skilled artisans, symbolizing a precious moment in time and a place in history.

The honorary capsule collection captures the spirit of Azza Fahmy Jewellery through an opulent selection of precious stones and time-honoured craft that is simply made with love.

The Sultan Ring Flawless in its cut comes this faceted Topaz and Quartz ring in vivid Lemon and Smokey shades bejewelled with diamonds and rare filigree, in 18kt gold and sterling silver.

Afrikan Mbiu / FEB-MAR - 13

Cartouche Ring A story born during the 4th dynasty in Ancient Egyptian times; this cartouche -that used to carry royal engravings- is an eternal symbol of luck, set in pave diamonds and Lapisregarded as a regal stone by the Pharaohs.

Eternity Chevalier

‘My Eternity’ the enchanting words spelled in this all 18kt gold Ottoman inspired chevalier, sung by an Egyptian icon; Umm Kulthum.

The Ajoure Ring Belonging to a time of the Ottoman Sultans, this magnificent creation of nostalgia reminisces of past moments, in 18kt gold fine ajoure and cabochon Lapis & Turquoise stones set in pave diamonds all around.

The Winged Scarab

A story of renaissance and transformation born centuries ago along the banks of the Nile River in Ancient Egyptian times; a winged scarab protecting its wearer is encrusted with pave diamonds, in rare filigree, 18kt gold and sterling silver.

The Golden Scarab A story of renaissance and transformation born centuries ago along the banks of the Nile River in Ancient Egyptian times; an all 18kt golden scarab encrusted with pave diamonds.

Sculpture Earrings An architectural pair inspired by modern lines from buildings across the globe fused with 17th century Persian Empire motifs, in all 18kt gold.

Architectural Earrings

Lotus Button Earrings

Eternity Earrings

Lotus Charm Earrings

Lotus Charm Earrings

Coin Plates Collar

An architectural pair inspired by modern lines from buildings across the globe fused with 17th century Persian Empire motifs, in all 18kt gold.

A cascading pair encapsulating the spirit of Ancient Egypt, celebrating the Lotus flower; the blossom of life and creation, set in pave diamonds, 18kt gold and sterling silver.

Afrikan Mbiu / FEB-MAR - 14

A button pair encapsulating the spirit of Ancient Egypt, celebrating the Lotus flower; the blossom of life and creation, set in pave diamonds in 18kt gold.

A cascading pair encapsulating the spirit of Ancient Egypt, celebrating the Lotus flower; the blossom of life and creation, set in pave diamonds, 18kt gold and sterling silver.

‘My Eternity’ the enchanting words spelled in this 18kt gold button pair set with pave diamonds all around, sung by Egyptian icon Umm Kulthum.

A coin plates collar encapsulating the hidden spirit of Ancient Egypt, celebrating the Lotus flower; the blossom of life and creation, 18kt gold and sterling silver.

Architectural Necklace An architectural pendant inspired by modern lines from buildings across the globe fused with 17th century Persian Empire motifs, in 18kt gold and sterling silver.

Coin Necklace ‘The heart adores all that is beautiful’ the words once sung by Umm Kulthum that ignited the inspiration behind this charm pendant reminiscent of antique coins, set with x carat pave diamonds all around, 18kt gold and sterling silver.

Coin Necklace ‘The heart adores all that is beautiful’ the words once sung by Umm Kulthum that ignited the inspiration behind this charm pendant reminiscent of antique coins, set with x carat pave diamonds all around, 18kt gold and sterling silver.

Coin Bracelet ‘My Precious love’ the words once sung by Umm Kulthum that ignited the inspiration behind this 18kt gold pendant reminiscent of antique coins, set with two emeralds and pave diamonds all around.

Coin Bracelet ‘The heart adores all that is beautiful’ the words once sung by Umm Kulthum that ignited the inspiration behind this charm pendant reminiscent of antique coins, set in pave diamonds all around, 18kt gold and sterling silver.

Coin Necklace ‘My Precious love’ the words once sung by Umm Kulthum that ignited the inspiration behind this 18kt gold pendant reminiscent of antique coins, set with two emeralds and pave diamonds all around.

The Lotus Cuff

An architectural sculpture encapsulating the spirit of Ancient Egypt, celebrating the Lotus flower; the blossom of life and creation, set in pave diamonds, 18kt gold and sterling silver.

Afrikan Mbiu / FEB-MAR - 15

Oge

Fashion

Afrikan Mbiu / FEB-MAR - 16

Niyola

EME’s FIRST LADY

by Jullianne Obonyo Photos © Niyola

E

niola Akinbo popularly known as Niyola is a talented singer and songwriter who is signed to one of the top recording labels in Africa EME(Empire Mates Entertainment). She is known for her songs such as ‘Don’t Delay me,’ ‘Toh Bad,’ and most recently ‘ Love to Love you’.

Afrikan Mbiu talked to her to find out about her and her music career.

Afrikan Mbiu / FEB-MAR - 17

AM: Describe yourself in 5 words.

NY: Reserved yet fun, opinionated, patient, sapiosexual, enigma.

AM: How old are you?

NY: I am old enough.

AM: Tell me about your family?

NY: I am the last child of my parents. I come from a large family

of 10 siblings.

AM: You have a really toned body, what do you do to stay fit?

NY: I work out and I really do watch what I eat and most

importantly what I drink. I mostly drink water.

AM: When did you notice you can sing?

NY: I was 9 years old when my father told me I was a singer. I had

no clue! I just knew I sang and danced while doing errands and

in the process broke dishes, got injuries and the lashing many

times. My dad made me sing at a church convention and

peoples reaction made me know I had something.

AM: How did your music career begin?

NY: It started when I took part in Awards for Musical Excellence

in Nigeria AMEN awards in 2000 and emerged 1st runner

up. I was young and didn’t plan to do music professionally but I

got exposed to the music industry through the people I met.

I worked my way to where I am today. I have been through

stages. From backing up for Sound sultan to being the only

singer in Trybe Records after which I got signed to West Side

Music and now EME. Quite the journey I must say but it has

been most rewarding.

AM: How did you get to be the first lady of EME? NY: Banky W had always been my friend over the years ever since

he moved to Nigeria but I was signed to another label at the

time and he didn’t have one then. I took a long break from the

music scene and when I decided to come back.Banky W was

one of the people who encouraged me to use my talent. We

worked on a song together and that was when he decided to

sign me to his label.

AM: How many times do you work out in a week?

NY: At least three times a week if not every day.

AM: What do you usually do?

NY: I do Pilates, squats, and T25 now. I have been able to work out

a formula that works for my body. One that focuses on

specifics.

Afrikan Mbiu / FEB-MAR - 18

AM: How does it feel to be working with leading male artists?

NY: It definitely feels great to work with immensely talented

people. I have learnt so much and God willing, I will continue ` learning from them.

AM: How would you describe your sound?

NY: What comes naturally to me is R&B but it’s 2015, an age with a

faster pace and of course African music has become widely

accepted around the world so I infuse my African roots

whether in my language or with the beat itself, so I call my

style Contemporary R&B /pop.

AM: What influences your songs?

NY: I get influenced to sing based on experiences either mine or

that of another person, direct or indirectly.

AM: What do you have in store for us this year?

NY: Definitely more fabulous music, more insight into what Niyola

is about and there is no better way of doing that than by

videos and collaborations ; both local and international and

eventually an album.

AM: Who are you planning to collaborate with?

NY: I can’t divulge any information just yet. But you will soon

find out.

AM: How was it shooting a video with Banky W in your recent video

‘Love to Love you’?

NY: It was great. I love acting and I considered Banky W the actor

in the movie I was starring in . It could have been anybody else,

I would have done the same thing.

AM: Tell us about your style?

NY: My style is simple, comfortable yet classy. If it’s not

comfortable, I am not interested.

AM: What trends are some of your favorite trends today??

NY: I hardly follow trends, I just follow my moods. Right now I love

hats all over again and I am back in my crop top phase.

AM: What is you go to piece for any occasion?

NY: A little black dress always saves the day when all else fails.

AM: Your favourite designer?

NY: I love April by Kunbi. She is a fantastic Nigerian designer.

AM: What are you working on now?

NY: I am currently working on my new single and a couple

of videos.

AM: What do you love most and least about yourself?

NY: I love the faith and confidence I have in myself. I love

everything about myself, I wouldn’t change anything.

AM: Who is your favourite African artist, other than the ones from

EME? NY: I love Mi Casa, Bucie, Casper and a few others.

AM: Most memorable moment in the industry?

NY: I have many memorable moments but one of the moments

was when I won my first award. (Best female vocal

performance in The Headies).

Afrikan Mbiu / FEB-MAR - 19

Musono Fashion

Something Blue

by Alexandria Akena Photos © UgandaLetter.com

T

he person I was sitting next to was probably the coolest looking elderly guy I’ve ever seen, he had on designer shades and he was drinking what seemed to be water but after a whiff of it, the clear liquid turned out to be pure neat liquor. “You know the fact it’s a water glass doesn’t hide the fact that you’re drinking alcohol,” I said to him. He then replied, “The water glass is for my wife, I like to make her feel like she can still scare me, it gives her a sense of accomplishment,” we both chuckled and the ceremony begun.

I am learning a lot, I am always learning when I interact with different lifestyles and cultures, that is one of the greatest pleasures that traveling and writing affords me. I will admit sometime back, I used to routinely absorb little, if not no information at all about the lifestyle around me. Now, as I attend even the most mundane of events, I vicariously attempt to soak up all the life lessons that I can. Now, as I travel, I write and share my experiences with you in the hopes that we can improve ourselves by learning from other cultures.

and his entourage must come into the girl’s home and present their request to the family, a request to take the girl from the household.

As custom has it, before any requests are made, a meal must be shared between the two families to calm all nerves and to create a relaxed atmosphere. Back to what I was saying, the meal shared also helps reduce the uncertainty that may arise during the negotiations.

At this stage, if the negotiations do not go well between the bride’s father and the groom, he could very well leave without a wife. Harsh?

Some might think so. Nevertheless, the battle in deciding an earnest ‘trade off’ is no feat task, an African woman no matter the ethnicity is priceless, and deciding what token the family should receive is sometimes difficult.

The negotiations are a success when the family starts bringing groups of different girls out of the house for the groom to pick the girl he so claims he wants from the household. This wedding was particularly hilarious because the first lot of girls were no less than seven years old. The bride’s family had quite the sense of humour. In between Today we’re talking about traditional weddings, particularly in Uganda. different lots of girls there would be some form of entertainment, However, the wedding I attended was for a Rwandese lady who was the best performers were the dancers from Rwanda and their hands getting married to a Ugandan man and so the Kuhinjira (traditional glided with the music with such perfection, it was breath taking. When wedding) followed the dictates of Rwandese culture. the groom finally picks his bride from the different groups of girls, the people in attendance burst in ululations and the ceremony is half The wedding ceremony begins with a lot of uncertainty, the groom done.

Afrikan Mbiu / FEB-MAR - 20

I love the philosophy that traditional weddings present, from the beginning to the end. A philosophy of care and love that communicates that marriage will present its fair share of lemons. The happenings of the ceremony symbolize this view point, the material that the wife enshrouds on her husband, represents an acceptance of love and hence a union that ought to take down any lemons presented. In fact it conveys that the couple should get those lemons and build a gun that shoots out liquid so acrid it blinds anyone who tried to present them with troubles. And while the two are building the gun, they should take the opportunity to learn everything they can about each other so that they can grow and mature together. This is symbolized by the African brew that the husband brings to his future in laws. The ceremony does not pre-empt the institution of marriage, the wedding makes the couple feel like they are worth something to someone through the exchange of vows, gifts and most importantly the exchange of love. It is on this day that the spouses appreciate all the magnificence in each other, the day that they are not just the millionth person in this galactic assortment of numerous stars. On their special day, they burn a thousand times brighter, not only for their friends and family but for each other.

Afrikan Mbiu / FEB-MAR - 21

Isikothi Fashion

Research Into Markets

by Thabo Ledimo Photos © Cedi Mungai

O

ften I am called by young business owners who tell me that their business are not doing well because they do not know what to do with the market.

What they really mean is that they do not have the information needed to work out pricing strategies and market penetration. They often tell me that it is too hard and so they need some money to get consultants.

I often ask them this question: do you think that marketing consultants are given special information that you can never get?

And the answer is always “No, uhm, I don’t know”.

Well just to make it clear, they do not get special information. They get the same information that you would get if you ask around. Every time I say these, I see sweating and swallowing of saliva. I often offer them a glass of water and give them this scenario as an example of how they can find out what is happening in their markets.

Afrikan Mbiu / FEB-MAR - 22

Bob wanted to open up a pig farm, he told all his friends about this and he was given nods of approvals and was told it was in fact a money making machine. He was told about how pigs breed and how you could sell them at a low price and still make your mark and a profit. So with the support from friends and family he went forth and wrote his business plan. Like a graduate that he was, he based all his plans on a module that was there, a module that worked 50 years ago.

When it came to the finical section of his business plan, he could not really calculate his operating expenses and so he got stuck with the plan and kept on telling his friends and family that he could not do it.

He was advised to hire a consultant and so he did.

So one day he drove to the market and bought his groceries and was rather annoyed by some young fellow who kept on asking questions

to the cashier, ‘how much is this, can I get a discount’ the young fellow kept on going. After an hour or so, the queue was so long that everybody started complaining, the young man thanked him and bought a bottle of water and walked out of the shop.

Furious Bob stepped out of the queue and confronted the young fellow in the parking lot. “Hey man, next time do that at your own time, you got me late for a business meeting” Bob fired. The young man apologized with a smile, got into his car and drove off.

Thirty minutes later, Bob stepped into a coffee shop to meet with a young marketing consultant. What he saw really shocked him; the very same fellow who was in the store was the very same fellow he was to meet. Knowing that he would be paying by the minute, he got straight to business and got the marketing analysis from the young man.

As they were walking to the parking lot, he cared to ask him what he was doing at the store; the young man told him that he was doing his market research.

So this means that as an entrepreneur you have to go out there and ask questions. Don’t go there as a marketing guy, go there as a consumer and you will get to know how much they sell, how much they willing to go down in terms of discounts. Once you do that, you will be able to do the pricing.

But don’t think that you will have to do this physically, the internet is there, send your competitors emails, make them tell you how much they charge.

Do it by making them think you are there to buy not research!

Afrikan Mbiu / FEB-MAR - 23

- Zimbabwean Proverb

Photo Š Raziq Swaleh From Music Planet Centre

Every woman is beautiful until she speaks.