Australia’s Premier Monthly African Magazine BRISBANE • PERTH • MELBOURNE • SYDNEY • ADELAIDE
July 2011 • Issue 10
Ghanaian actress from Zimbabwe turns her dream into reality in Australia
INSIDE
Professor, celebrated researcher and chef
Professor Jean Du Plessis shares his journey from Namibia to Australia
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IN THIS ISSUE
04 06
7
To Our readers Moments
Events Afriqan Times could not pass by in June
08
Nelson Mandela International Day: United Nations
General Assembly declared 18 July Nelson Mandela Day
09
Where did it all go wrong::
a woman’s perspective on relationship break-ups
Emmanuel Solomon
10 12
Yes, I Am Afro-Aussie Afriqan & Distinguished:
Afriqan Times Director
AQT chats with Professor Jean Du Plessis from Deakin University about how to make it in Australia
16
Around Africa:
Planning your holiday to Africa? Plan your itinerary with Around Africa.
18 23
My Africa: Kenya Phenomenal Woman:
Meet Ghanaian Effie Nkurumah who set her mind on making her dream of becoming an actress come true
26
Afrillionnaires:
Look at the Global Profile of the first black South African owner of a mining company
30
Entertainment:
History Has Officially Been Made we look at Daniel ‘Scrim” Okoduwa as he produces “Gossip Nation”
32
10 Q’s to Afro-Aussies
Let’s see how much we know about Australia And what we remember about Africa
32
Web Spy:
We send our Web Spy under cover each month to Social media to pick the most interesting conversations you have on FB
33
Nollywood News:
Top 3 movies from Nollywood we recommend you watch this month and major Australian premiers
34
Obsessions:
Top 5 gadgets you should put on your your wish list… and mail it to your rich friends and relatives
10
African from Down Under
While visiting the Qantas lounge early this month, I bumped into two smartly dressed young gentlemen. After exchanging pleasantries, I got to know both work from an Australian corporate icon BHP Biliton and African Australians. Ironic to many in our world today but so obvious is the fact that African Australians come from various ethnic backgrounds, speaking various languages and different skin colours They are White, Black, Indian and Asian African Australians – and our numbers are increasing exponentially. You may wonder who these African Australians are and where in Australia they make their living. Today you will find African Australians anywhere from the corridors of corporate excellence to the halls of academia, down to the highways and suburbs and I dare say your neighbour. Just to mention a few, Marios Kloppers - CEO of BHP Billton, Gail Kelly - WestPac CEO, Eve Howell – Woodside Petroleum and more. You can read more about these great African Australians and their immense contribution to our new HOME, right here in The Afriqan Times Magazine Get to know your new neighbours.
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TO OUR READERS
18
Lena Kozak-Fretwell Afriqan Times Editor
Global Conversation
This month I attended a conference on social media and semantic web in Sydney and among tons of useful information mixed with hard to understand professional slang, one fact drew my attention: Australians are the leading nation when it comes to social media. Now, why is this? I see a very simple explanation: this is because of people like you and I, those of us who want to stay in touch with the rest of the world and our home countries where we have family and friends. Maybe I am wrong but let’s agree that you and I have more reasons to share our photos, update our status and look for “news from home” more often than those who have their social circle conveniently located in the same geographical area. Here, at Afriqan Times, we love to talk as much as we love to listen. So, let’s engage in a conversation. What’s the best way of doing this? About 20 years ago, an e-mail would have been the best thing any magazine could offer to ask for your opinion. Today, you can tell us pretty much anything you want without going out of your way and it will be shared with the rest of the world at the same time. If something or someone in this issue makes you go “Aha… I’m not alone” or “I always believed it!” or maybe “Hang on! I have more to say about this”, let the world know. Blog it, post it, share it!
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Images: Melanie Sinton
Founders Circa 2009 • Emmanuel K Solomon, Gabriel Gomado
The Afriqan Times welcomes comments and suggestions, as well as information about errors that call for corrections. We are committed to presenting information fairly and accurately. The Afriqan Times Level 28, AMP Tower 140 St Georges Terrace Perth WA 6000 P. O . Box 445, South Perth 6951, Tel: +61 8 9278 2624 Fax: +61 8 9278 2727 Feedback: info@afriqantimes.com - News inquiries: editor@afriqantimes.com Advertising inquiries: len.fretwell@afriqantimes.com • Mobile: 0417 001 080 Editor : Lena Kozak-Fretwell - Writers: Rumbidzai Chekeche, Mukuka Mayuka, Tendai Kambikambi Guest Writers: Ireen Pedro, Sunshine Kamaloni, Kehmuile Nolizwe Special Features by: Emmanuel K Solomon Graphics: Efrén Cavazos, Elvin Wong Photography: Emily Dimozantos, Armand Du Plessis, Ben Scott, Priscilla Appiah, D-Mo Zajac Subscribers Visit: www.afriqantimes.com/temp/subscribe Publishing Information: The Afriqan Times is Australian owned and operated. Afriqan Times Pty Ltd ABN: 521 386 161 09 / ACN: 138 616 109. Cover: Ireen Pedro - Yes, I am Afro-Aussie!
e u q i n u t s o m s ’ h pert
e u n e v g n i d d e w
Perth Zoo is undoubtedly one of Western Australia’s most extraordinary venues. The perfect setting for those looking for something extra special. We offer you a choice of stunning locations and function rooms for your wedding ceremony, photographs or reception. For more information contact weddings@perthzoo.wa.gov.au or call (08) 9474 0444
Photography by Merge Photography.
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Moments
APAAU Ball Perth at Pan Pacific
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Images: Priscilla Appiah
APAAU Launch in Sydney at Ryges Paramatta
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Applause: Mandela
UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY DECLARED 18 JULY NELSON MANDELA DAY By Kehmuile Nolizwe At its 42nd meeting, United Nations declared 18 July Nelson Mandela International Day. This annual celebration will commemorate Mandela’s contribution to ‘promotion of a culture of peace’. Underscoring the importance of dialogue and tolerance to enriching cultures and promoting understanding among faiths, the General Assembly capped its two-day debate on the culture of peace with the adoption of two consensus resolutions that sought to make peace a way of life for people around the world.
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With that in mind, and recognizing the long-standing dedication of former South African President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nelson Mandela to humanity - particularly in the areas of conflict resolution, race relations, human rights promotion, reconciliation and gender equality -- the Assembly adopted a text declaring 18 July, his birthday, as an International Day, to be observed annually. As the Nelson Mandela foundation puts it, Three good reasons to celebrate • Madiba turns 92 on July 18! • You’ve been handed the torch to take his life’s work forward. • This is an historic opportunity to literally make the world a better place.
Where did it all go wrong By Ireen Pedro
?
From a woman’s eye
D
o you recall that day when you met at the park, cafe or at your friend’s party and the moment your eyes locked you said to yourself “Oh goodness! I think I have found the ONE!” Do you remember the indescribable feeling you experienced when you received a text or a call from that special one saying “Missing you heaps baby”. The Goosebumps you felt when you had that first kiss? The nights you stayed up until 4am talking on the phone knowing quite well you have to be at work 6am sharp? Do you remember when you received that “Listen baby....we need to talk” phone call? I bet you do! Falling in love is the most wonderful and fulfilling emotional experience ever! Falling in love somehow opens your eyes to amazing things in life. It takes you to a level where you feel you cannot function properly when your man is not around. Thoughts of him keep haunting you every second and you cannot go to bed without hearing his voice. When you love someone you go an extra mile for them and all you want to do is please them and make them happy all the time. Every minute you spend together is gold and every second spent apart is torture. You talk about the future, getting married, how many kids you are going to have if any, going on a cruise together when you are old and retired. It could be two months or two years, when it all comes to a sudden, unexpected and painful end!
Yes, I am talking about the worst pain you can ever experience: heartbreak! Relationships break up for various reasons as we already know. When you have a headache you can take Panadol to ease the pain, with any kind of physical pain in most cases there is some sort of remedy available almost everywhere. It’s really unfortunate that there is no instant cure for heartbreak. I cannot begin to explain what it feels like to lose the person you thought you were going to spend the rest of your life with. Most of us have experienced heartbreak maybe once or twice in our lives. Maybe more? You get to a point where you feel hopeless, you lose your appetite or you start binge eating, some turn to alcohol or drugs to numb the pain, it saddens me a lot to say some have committed suicide because of the pain heartbreak has inflicted on them. Some jump straight into denial. Even more depressing is the fact that none of these things help ease the pain. Heartbreak takes you to a level where you feel that life is no longer worth living and everything that was beautiful and heart warming in life
no longer holds any significance to you. You experience a constant change of feelings, one minute you want pick up the phone and call your ex and the next minute you don’t want to hear anything that has to do with him because he is as good as dead to you. Some put on a brave face while they are dying inside and some wear their emotions on their sleeves. It feels like someone has stabbed you right in the chest for the second time when you hear that you have been replaced by someone else. You start having these negative conversations in your head which will only lead to frustration and depression. You find yourself thinking, ‘what is it that she has that I don’t? You know that it’s inevitable but just the thought of him being with someone else makes you want to punch a hole in the wall. You start comparing yourself to the ‘replacement’ and then you’re back to crying your eyes out again. The worst thing you can do is to go and ‘hook’ up with some random guy or that guy next door who stares at you in a perverse way because you want to show you ex-boyfriend you are over him. I am no expert in love and relationships but one thing I have learnt is that everything happens for a reason. No matter what you go through always know that ‘at the end of every cloud there is a silver lining’. Yes it is going to hurt and the time it will take foryou’re your wounds to heal depends on how emotionally engaged you were. Chances are if you had stayed together you would have led a miserable life so it may be a good thing it ended. The time will come when you’ll say to yourself “Enough is enough! It’s time I stop moping around feeling sorry for myself”. Take your time and don’t rush into a new relationship because you feel lonely or you miss dating. Sit back and think about the qualities you want in your man, write them down and try by all means not to lower your standards because of desperation. He may show up today, tomorrow or a year from now, sometime later when you least expect it you will meet that special somebody. My advice from past experience is cry if you have to, don’t be ashamed to show you are hurting. Friends and family are there to help, talk about it with someone you trust. Most importantly do not let your past experience haunt your life forever. You are awesome, unique, beautiful woman and so much more. Rest assured there is someone out there who thinks you are an absolute stunner and is dying for just a simple smile from you. So get yourself back together and start living your life again. JULY 2011 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 9
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Yes, I am Afro Aussie
Yes, I Am Afro Aussie Your Name: Ireen Pedro Meaning of Name: Ireen originated from the Greek word which means Peace Ethinicity: Shona Country of Origin: Zimbabwe Profession: Financial Advising Student (UWS) 3 words to describe Australia: Scenic, Cosmopolitan, Multuicultural 3 words to describe Africa: Grand, Natural, Humbling
Photographer: Ben Scott www.photographlive.com | Make up: Terri Smith www.misstez.com | Hair: Amy Youngs
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AFTER A STORM THE SES CAN HELP WITH DAMAGE YOU CAN’T FIX YOURSELF
Call 132 500 for EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE 12 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | JULY 2011
From Namibia to Australia By Emmanuel Solomon
J
ean Jacques du Plessis was
born in South Africa and raised in present day Namibia. He has lived, worked, studied and travelled in Germany, South Africa, The UK, and now Australia. He is a professor, a celebrated researcher, a chef, an administrator, and a teacher. Jean currently lives in Julong with his wife Tharien and his son Armand. He teaches corporate law at Deakin University. He is a true inspiration, and he shares his life and experiences with us.
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African & Distinguished
I was born in Newcastle in South Africa. When I was three, we moved to Namibia, though it was called South West Africa at the time. My father was a teacher. He taught in a school for black children and became the principal. Apartheid was still practised back then, so I had to attend a boarding school for whites, which was 180 km from home. I won a lot of debate competitions when I was young, and when I visited a career testing centre, they suggested a career in law. My father died while I was in Year 10, so my mother moved to Bloemfontein. There were no universities in Namibia, so in 1978, I went to The University of the Orange Free State in South Africa, which is now called The University of The Free State. I got a BProf, LLB, and Masters. In 1986, I became a Senior Lecturer at The University of The Orange Free State in Bloemfontein. Then I got a scholarship for my LLD research in 1988. I spent the year researching company law at The Institute of Advanced Legal Studies in London while my wife worked. I was exposed to company law as practised in South Africa, The UK, New Zealand and Australia, so I could comfortably work in any of the four places. I was also an Alexander von Humboldt Scholar. I’ve spent a total of two years doing research on corporate law in Germany. When I completed my LLD in 1991, I became a full Professor at the Rand Afrikaans University in Johannesburg. In 1997, the Vice Chancellor sent me to Deakin University in Australia to explore the possibilities of distance learning. The Head of the Law School there was Philip Clarke, and we got along really well, so when a staff member – Julie Cassidy - went on Outside Study Programme or OST for six months, Philip invited me to come over as a visiting professor and teach her subjects. After that, he offered me a permanent position, but I wasn’t ready yet. I went back home for two months, then I decided to take up the offer. It was an embarrassing phone call for me to make, but he accepted, and we migrated to Australia in January 1999. I started out as an Associate Professor at Deakin, which was lower than my position in South Africa. But within a year, Philip Clarke was promoted to the Dean of Law, leaving his position as Head of Law open. I applied and regained my full Professor status in the process. I held the position for three years, but I didn’t enjoy the administrative work, so I stepped down and focussed more on teaching and research, which is what I really enjoy.
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My wife Tharien is a radiographer at Burwen Health Hospital here in Julong, and she is very happy there. She started as a standard radiographer and worked her way up to a level where she’s a specialist in the cath lab, and also handles nursing and tech, so she’s multiskilled. My son Armand – who is 19 - finished school 2 years ago. He took a gap year and set up a computer shop in Moldura. He’s now at Monesh University studying Commerce and Business Information Systems, and has hired someone to run his shop. You should never migrate unless you have a guaranteed job. Make sure you can support yourself and your family before you come over here. It’s opportunities that make you happy, not the country itself. For lawyers who have practised law in South Africa, if you want to come and practice law in Australia, you have to do four to five units of bridging courses. I haven’t abandoned South Africa completely. I became the president of the Corporate Law Teachers Association in 2007-2008. It allows me to share my international know-how and mingle with other experts in the field. I was also part of the International Reference group that helped revise the Companies Act in 2004. Africa suffers badly from brain drain, so I’m glad that I can still contribute to my country of origin. I’ve maintained my culture. Afrikaans is our first language, and I like to listen to music. I personally handle all the cooking in my home, and I regularly cook poikicos [sp?] and ox tail using traditional African pots. I have dual citizenship, and I’m happy to contribute to both countries. You can like both your old home and your new one. Africans immigrants should realise that this country owes us nothing. You have to earn your place here. Don’t just sick with your African friends and your African circle. Reach out to the Australians and build new networks, and don’t expect any favours.
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Destinations: Around Africa
Saint-Louis Jazz Festival, Senegal
Zanzibar International Film Festival
The Saint Louis Jazz Festival is held annually in the colorful town of Saint Louis in Senegal. Jazz legends from all over the world come together to play in various venues throughout the town. Past musicians who took part in the festival include Herbie Hancock, Randy Weston, and Joe Zainul. The festival is also an excellent platform for new jazz groups to perform in front of an international audience. At least 30 new groups perform each year. If you’re interested in a tour that includes the festival
This festival is East Africa’s premier cultural event and it takes place annually on the historic island of Zanzibar. You can enjoy music, arts, literature, film and more, from all over Africa and countries bordering the Indian ocean. Dhow races take place throughout the festival. An excellent tour is available through Zanzibar Festival Tours based out of London. They’re offering a 10 night package, front row seats to all the events, and first rate accommodation.
Where: Saint-Louis, When: June 9 - 12 (2011)
Where: Zanzibar, Tanzania When: June 18 - June 26 (2011)
The Royal Show
Essaouira Gnawa and World Music Festival
An agricultural event that has been held for 150 years, the Royal Show is one A music festival based on the traditions of Gnawa music has grown to include of South Africa’s biggest annual events. Not only do you get to see over 1400 musicians from all over the world. This successful annual festival has been examples of Southern Africa’s best livestock but there are also traditional around for a decade and venues are dotted all around the picturesque town of dances, music concerts and a motor bike extravaganza. Essaouira. Here’s a tour if you would like to join in the fun as a group. Gnawa music is a combination of acrobatic dancing as well as music. Its origins lie in a unique mixture of Berber, African and Arabic songs, religious rites and dance. Where: Pietermaritzburg When: 27 May - 5 June (2011)
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Where: Essaouira, Morocco When: June 23 - 26 (2011)
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My Africa: Kenya
Lake Nakuru, Kenya Lake Nakuru is a paradise for bird watchers, with over 1080-recorded birds species to be observed in their different habitats. Flamingoes pelicans and storks are in abundance on the lakes, while birds of prey (smaller and bigger) are to be observed widely North and South of the equato
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Images: RUTH SCHĂ„FER
Capital: Nairobi Region: East Africa Population: 41 million (2010 est.) Currency: Kenyan Shilling, KES [1AUD = 92.8KES] Language: English, Setswana GDP: US$32.163 billion (2010 est.) Calling code: +254 Tourist Attractions The Masai Mara National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, Mount Kenya National Park, Aberdare National Park, Mount Kenya’s Flora and Fauna *above information from Botswana Tourism Board and Wikipedia
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Phenomenal Woman
Phenomenal Woman
a
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a
Phenomenal Woman
I Have A Dream… By Rumbidzai Chekeche
the same risk, as well as bring laughter and joy to the hearts of people all over the world. Effie admits that it is not an easy dream to have but she enjoys her career and will come head to head with every challenge. She was born in Zimbabwe to Ghanaian parents and moved to Sydney Australia at the age of one. As much as she was raised in Australia Effie is very connected to her roots as she can speak her language, cook her food (yes even fufu) which she cooks on her live comedy shows, and has even acted in African movies in Ghana.
Ok, before I say too much, read on and hear what she had to say… AQT: The entertainment industry can be pretty competitive and challenging, how do you cope? Effie: You have to be tough and disciplined and prove that you are good enough. In order to support my dream I started out in the Sydney Youth Theatre, I was in the Senior High Drama HSC band 4 and I studied a Bachelor of Performance studies at the University of Western Sydney. You have to try and get into as many productions as possible even if it means unpaid work. I try to be versatile so I can play the flute, sing and do accents. My family is very supportive which helps me cope. AQT: Tell us a little bit about your acting career, your show and the character that you play. Effie: In Ghana, when I was 15, I acted in “Gossip nations” Daniel Okodwa’s first film, “Love Lost” and “Temptation”. In 2010 I was in the drama “Home Sweet Home” directed by Emmanuel Apea Jnr.
N
ot meaning to sound cliché and take you down the Martin Luther King Jnr road, but it is something important to consider. How many of us have a vision, how many of us have a dream, weather it is to be or to do something? You need vision a.k.a, a dream to have a sense of direction, to have a life filled with passion as you travail to accomplish your dream. Now you have to know that vision is different from ambition, as one man said; ambition benefits you, where as vision benefits others.
I have had the fortune of directing two productions, “The Slave” and “Meet the Hongs”. I have been in a Roverman production entitled “Dad is Mum, Mum is Dad”. I have also done a documentary dramatization on the Discovery Channel called “Deadly Women”. Ama and Chan has been a long road - Alan and I studied together at University and we came up with traditional and heavy accented characters Ama, a Ghananian woman married to Chan, a Chinese man, who interact and combine traditional foods in the kitchen. Fufu hands down is my favorite African food which is made up of pounded yam and plantain so I love to cook it on my show.
Ok now we know that our vision is worth every penny of our thoughts, now imagine how much more powerful you can be when you know what it is when you are young. This is where the talented and daring Ghanaian Effie Nkurumah comes in. She is a young lady full of surprises and purpose. She is the rising star of the successful play/comedy “Ama and Chan” directed by Drew Fairley, and was the third runner up for the 2006 Miss Africa Australia Pageant.
AQT: So you are young (24) and taking a risk, what motivates you? Effie: It is my sense of purpose. I believe everyone is called to be something and I know that I am called to be an actress. There are a lot of people have invested in my dream so I have to push, their part of my dream so if I don’t do it I let them down.
Effie’s dream since she was a teen has been to become an actress. A passion both realised whilst she was young, and nurtured in her teens with the support of her parents. To date she has not only had acting roles but has directed two productions. Effie’s purpose is to break barriers that say Africans, especially African women can not make it in Australia’s film industry and beyond. She wants to inspire others to take
AT: What are you hoping to achieve through your acting career? Effie: I want to influence young women and men, especially those who are rolling in their beds at night wanting to do something but thinking that they can’t, that YOU CAN. I want to make people laugh, cry, self evaluate and change their lives for the better. I especially want to give people a sense of national and African pride as I cook my traditional food. Be proud, aware and involved in your culture.
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“
I highly recommend that
you go and get your training because it is hard work and not
just glamour. Look at others who have done it and know
”
that you CAN
AQT: What is in the future for Effie Nkrumah? Effie: We are hoping to tour Australia with “Ama and Chan” and for it to be on the comedy show on television. I would like to do more feature films and different kinds of theatre so I can be an all rounder. I am hoping to direct another production of “The Slave”. AQT: Finally what words would you like to say to young Afro-Aussie ladies? Effie: I highly recommend that you go and get your training because it is hard work and not just glamour. A lot of girls try to sleep with directors to get the role but ladies, get the role honestly! It’s much harder but the reward is much greater. If it is your passion and dream sass everything out, look at others who have done it, work hard and know that you can do it and the sky is the limit. Don’t let anyone hold you back.
Images: D-Mo Zajac | CI Studios
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Afrillionaires
South Africa’s Black Diamond Global Profile
A
t 48, Patrice Motsepe is one of Africa’s younger billionaires. Patrice was born in Johannesburg on 28th January, 1962. He started his working life at his father’s shop, selling liquor to mine workers. He worked from 6.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. and he knew his father wanted him to take over the shop, so at age eight, he decided to become a lawyer instead. He has a Bachelor of Arts from Swaziland University and an LLB from Wits University.
After receiving his J.D (Doctor of Jurispudence), he became the first black partner at Bowman Gilfillan in 1994. His key areas were mining and business law, which is how he got into mining. He started out running a briefcase business for 8 months, because he couldn’t get a loan. He called his company Future Mining, and it was a service operation for Vaal Reefs Gold Mine. Later, in 1997, he founded the Africa Rainbow Minerals Consortium, which specialised in gold, platinum, base metals, and ferrous metals. It was the first mining company in South Africa that was owned by a black man. In 2002, the company merged with Harmony Gold Mining Ltd and was listed
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on the JSE as ARM Gold. He is said to have strong ties to The ANC, and is sometimes referred to as South Africa’s only black billionaire. Patrice is more than just a businessman. He is a recognized leader and a celebrated guru. For this reason, he holds chairmanships of several entities including Teal Exploration and Mining Incorporated, and UbuntuBotho Investments. He is the president of the South African chapter of the Chamber for Commerce and Industry. He is also the President of BUSA – Business Unity South Africa. On a more personal note, Patrice’s family life is a key part of his being. He is happily married to Dr. Precious Makgosi Moloi, and she has blessed him with three children, all boys. He also owns the Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club, proving that he is not a man that is all work and no play.
JULY 2011 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 27
o
Entertainment
History Has Officially Been Made By Ireen Pedro | SYDNEY
D
aniel “Scrim” Okoduwa is one of many Afro-Aussies striving to make a difference in the African community. He is a man of many passions and possesses an active entrepreneurial spirit. Daniel was born in Benin city, Nigeria. A city where art was the heart of the city and it’s no wonder he turned out to be an amazing artist.
His main passion being music, he moved to South Africa to pursue his career and later moved to Australia 10 years ago to take it a step further. In Australia is where all the opportunities to fulfil his dreams presented themselves. Of the many talents he has, Daniel is a musician first. As a musician he is very well known by his stage name Scrim. His second album ‘Beyond my control’ was a huge success featuring the likes of Chaka Demus. Having produced and directed, written and produced 3 movies Daniel partnered with Mike Kang to produce the big budget movie Gossip Nation. Daniel wrote and directed the movie and Mike Kang produced it making it the first ever big budget African-Australian movie to be shown in the Australian mainstream movie house, Hoyts. Gossip Nation took 2 years and about $100 000 to produce. The Nigerian Ambassador and the entire embassy staff were expected to be present at the movie premier at Hoyts cinemas including some Australian MPs. Monalisa Chinda, Ejike Asiebgu, Sofia Edosomwan, Robin Queree are some of the movies actors who stars in the movie. The trailer is available on youtube for previews. Mr Okoduwa, a man known for his good character and hard work will be creating history and making all Africans proud with the premier of the movie ‘Gossip Nation’ in May. “What we are doing now is opening doors for the young generation and also making them aware that they can do anything if they set their minds to it” says Daniel. As this movie is being promoted, the focus is mainly on what the ‘African community’ has done and not what ‘Daniel’ has done. The reason being “No successful man has ever made it to the top purely by himself. There are always many people lifting him up every step of the way. Keeping that in mind ensures one remains grounded always” says Daniel. He is a man of many dreams and he is doing his best to fulfil them. He is a firm believer in the saying “nothing worth having comes easy” and he believes that we can make a difference if we all come together. He is a man with a strong sense of community and believes the work he is doing now is the foundation he is laying for the young generation and his greatest desire is that they take advantage of the doors being opened for them. He is same man behind the Afro-Australian Music and Movie Awards (AAMMA). His passion to promote and recognise talent in others led to the formation of this awards show. “The idea was to recognise talent and to appreciate it”. As if he wasn’t busy enough, he owns and operates a video store and a barbershop in Blacktown called Scrim entertainment. “To be successful you have to work hard, believe you can make it and never give up. Determination always pays.” says Scrim. He believes you can never stop learning and encourages the youth to copy the good things happening around them. Block Quotes “What we are doing now is opening doors for the young generation and also making them aware that they can do anything if they set their minds to it” says Daniel.
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“
No successful man has
ever made it to the top
purely by himself. There are always many people
lifting him up every step of the way. Keeping that in mind ensures one remains
”
grounded always
ROCKINGHAM WILD ENCOUNTERS, PERTH’S BEST WILDLIFE CRUISES
See dolphins, sea lions, pelicans, spectacular bays and beaches… Includes Penguin Island and penguin feeding Costs: Ticket Type
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$50
Includes: › › › ›
90 minute cruise on eco adventure boat Chance to see wild dolphins & sea lions Return ferry transfers for Penguin Island Entry for Penguin Feeding at Discovery Centre
Departs Mersey Point Jetty: 10.45am or 12.45pm Returns at your leisure on the ferry: 10 minutes past the hour every hour Last ferry of the day 4pm sharp. * Concession rates apply to pensioners, students, health care card holders and the disabled. A valid card must be presented when paying to qualify for concession rate.
dolphins.com.au
JULY 2011 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 29
o
Entertainment
“
No successful man has ever
made it to the top purely by
himself. There are always many people lifting him up every step of the way. Keeping
that in mind ensures one
”
remains grounded always
History has officially been made By Ireen Pedro Daniel “Scrim” Okoduwa is one of many Afro-Aussies striving to make a difference in the African community. He is a man of many passions and possesses an active entrepreneurial spirit. Daniel was born in Benin city, Nigeria. A city where art was the heart of the city and it’s no wonder he turned out to be an amazing artist. His main passion being music, he moved to South Africa to pursue his career and later moved to Australia 10 years ago to take it a step further. In Australia is where all the opportunities to fulfil his dreams presented themselves. Of the many talents he has, Daniel is a musician first. As a musician he is very well known by his stage name Scrim. His second album ‘Beyond my control’ was a huge success featuring the likes of Chaka Demus. Having produced and directed, written and produced 3 movies Daniel partnered with Mike Kang to produce the big budget movie Gossip Nation. Daniel wrote and directed the movie and Mike Kang produced it making it the first ever big budget African-Australian movie to be shown in the Australian mainstream movie house, Hoyts. Gossip Nation took 2 years and about $100 000 to produce. The Nigerian Ambassador and the entire embassy staff were expected to be present at the movie premier at Hoyts cinemas including some Australian MPs. Monalisa Chinda, Ejike Asiebgu, Sofia Edosomwan, Robin Queree are some of the movies actors who stars in the movie. The trailer is available on youtube for previews. 30 AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE | JULY 2011
Mr Okoduwa, a man known for his good character and hard work will be creating history and making all Africans proud with the premier of the movie ‘Gossip Nation’ in May. “What we are doing now is opening doors for the young generation and also making them aware that they can do anything if they set their minds to it,” says Daniel. As this movie is being promoted, the focus is mainly on what the ‘African community’ has done and not what ‘Daniel’ has done. The reason being:“No successful man has ever made it to the top purely by himself. There are always many people lifting him up every step of the way. Keeping that in mind ensures one remains grounded always,” says Daniel. He is a man of many dreams and he is doing his best to fulfil them. He is a firm believer in the saying “nothing worth having comes easy” and he believes that we can make a difference if we all come together. He is a man with a strong sense of community and believes the work he is doing now is the foundation he is laying for the young generation and his greatest desire is that they take advantage of the doors being opened for them. He is the same man behind Afro-Australian Music and Movie Awards (AAMMA). His passion to promote and recognise talent in others led to the formation of this awards show. “The idea was to recognise talent and to appreciate it”. As if he wasn’t busy enough, he owns and operates a video store and a barbershop in Blacktown called Scrim Entertainment. “To be successful you have to work hard, believe you can make it and never give up. Determination always pays,” says Scrim. He believes you can never stop learning and encourages the youth to copy the good things happening around them.
JULY 2011 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 31
Entertainment
10 Q’s to Afro-Aussies 1. What do we remember on Anzac Day? a. The landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps at Gallipoli, Turkey b. The arrival of the first free settlers from Great Britain c. The landing of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove 2. Which official symbol of Australia identifies Commonwealth property? a. The national anthem b. Australia’s national flower c. Commonwealth Coat of Arms 3. Which of these statements about voting in Australian elections is correct? a. People are free and safe to vote for any candidate b. Voting is by a show of hands c. People must write their name on their vote 4. Which of these is a role of the Governor-General? a. The appointment of state premiers b. The signing of Bills passed by the Australian Parliament c. The appointment of the Head of State 5. Who maintains peace and order in Australia? a. Public servants b. Police c. Lawyers 6. In 2006,what city in Africa has the greatest population whitin its city limits? a. Cairo, Egypt b. Casablanca, Marocco c. Johannesburg, South Africa d. Lagos, Nigeria
7. What former South African President freed activist Nelson Mandela from prison, and lifted the ban on the ANC? (African National Congress) a. Kwame Nkrumah b. Julius Nyerere c. F.W De Klerk d. Jan De Klerk 8. What are the people of Tuareg, a tribe in Northern Africa known as? a. “Camels” b. The Red People” c. “Nakoes” d. “Blue Men of The Forrest” 9. What is the Main reason why the European settlers attracted to the plateaus that spread alongside the Great Rift Valley? a. The plateaus had deep alkaline lakes b. There were many exotic animals that you can’t find anywhere else c. The plateaus had fertile soil and mild climate perfect for farming d. The plateaus had most of Africa’s mineral wealth 10. This country is probably best known for its ancient history. Its main river the Nile was the lifeblood of one of the world’s cradles of civilization. Its art and culture was a great influence on ancient Europe, and many of the most impressive monuments are still standing after thousands of years. What country is this? a. Egypt b. Ethiopia c. Cote d’Ivoire d. Togo
Web Spy
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Answers: 1a, 2c, 3a, 4b, 5b, 6a, 7c, 8d, 9c, 10a
o
Nollywood News Nollywood again suffered a big blow from death as actor Ashley Nwosu died yesterday morning at the Yaba Military Hospital, after weeks of battling a severe liver dysfunction. His death comes after the passing on of entertainers Chidinma Mbalaso of the Koko Mansion reality show, John Chijioke,popularly known as CD John, a comedian, and Alasari, whose real name was Ishola Durojaiye. The late actor had an acting career spanning decades. He started acting in 1988 on NTA soap operas and telemovies and later moved on to Nollywood, featuring in many high profile movies including ‘Glamour Girls’, ‘Day of Reckoning’ and ‘First Lady’.
Movie Reviews
Tears From The Heart 1:44 | ROMANCE | M (E) | 2.5 stars STARS: bukky wright, alhaja mairo, yvonne nelson Director – Tchidi Chikere Synopsis: Dami played by Senanu Gbedawo works for the family business and his life is being controlled by his overbearing mother who is constantly calling him and ordering him about on her whims, so much so that his girlfriend Bimbo breaks up with him. Meanwhile him mother seems more impressed with her nephew Tunji played by Tchidi Chikere who has many many girls that he plays. She wants her son to be like this as opposed to serious with one girl. She sends Dami to do business in Abuja with his cousin TJ as a chaperone to make sure that he does not get serious with any girl. The question we must ask is why?
Jewels of the Sun 1:44 | THRILLER | M (E) | 2.5 stars Stars: mercy johnson, mike ezuruonye, kenny artus frank Director – Desmond Akudinobi Synopsis: A group of men played by Artus Frank, Mike Ezuruonye, Emeka Ike and Browny Igboegwu join a cult to make money but have to sell their souls in order to get in. Kenny has been instructed to kill his wife Nneka played by Mercy Johnson and Frank is busy sleeping with some Princess played by KLinda Chinyere from “the other side” while he and Duncan fight over any money neither of them can claim ownership of.
I Love you to Death 1:44 | THRILLER | M (E) | 3 stars STARS: john dumelo , nikki samonas Director – Ugezu J Ugezu Synopsis: Jessica is desperate for her brother Kelvin played by John Dumelo to settle down. At one point she even believes that he may be gay and so sends her friend to go and seduce him in an attempt to find out either way. Her attempt is unsuccessful. Kelvin however is talking to Erica played by Nikki Samonas on Facebook, but little does he know that he is not really her that he is talking to but to her brother who is an unemployed graduate who has taken to 419 to support them. New in cinemas
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 1:46 | ADVENTURE, FANTASY | PG-13 | Australian Release - 14 July Synopsis: This will be the end of era. The last of eight movies based on the Harry Potter book series by J.K. Rowling, the final chapter begins as Harry, Ron, and Hermione continue their quest of finding and destroying the Dark Lord’s three remaining Horcruxes, the magical items responsible for his immortality.
JULY 2011 | AFRIQAN TIMES MAGAZINE 33
oz
Entertainment Obsessions
Red Pop
Mac OS X Lion
Sure, Apple might have said something today about using volume buttons to take a picture -- we’ll take the Red Pop ($75) any day. Inspired by the classic camera equipment of designer Brendan Dawes’ father, Red Pop is an oversized grip and dedicated shutter button for the iPhone 4, with a slick retro futuristic design, grippy texture, and delightfully oversized red button. Is it totally necessary? No, but it sure as hell isn’t the craziest iAccessory we’ve seen.
Packing in a whopping 250 new features, Mac OS X Lion ($30) looks to be a worthy upgrade to Apple’s awesome operating system. Available in July as a download from the Mac App Store, it’ll bring new features including iOS-style full screen apps, new Multi-Touch gestures, Mission Control and Launchpad (new things for seeing all your apps at once and for finding and launching apps quicker), a redesigned Mail app, Auto Save for everything, and AirDrop (easy file sharing).
Stars: ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪
iCloud Syncing all your stuff between all your digital devices is going to eventually drive you insane. Apple is here, once again, to help. iCloud ($25 a year) seamlessly stores your music, photos, apps, email, calendars, and documents, and wirelessly pushes them to all your devices automatically so everything stays up to date and in sync. When something changes on one of your devices, all of your others are wirelessly updated almost instantly. You can also use iTunes Match to have all of your ripped music available to you on any device for a yearly fee. You’ve been hearing about this “cloud” stuff on IBM commercials for a year, but now (well, this fall when iOS 5 is released) you’ll actually benefit from it.
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Audi R8 GT Spyder Been sitting on a bean bag full of Benjamins, lusting after the Audi R8 GT but patiently waiting for a drop-top version? Your day has come. Limited to just 333 units, the Audi R8 GT Spyder brings the scorching-hot 5.2-liter V10 — good for 560 hp, a 0-62 time of 3.8 seconds, and a top speed of 197 mph — to open-air driving, along with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer panels on the sides and rear, quattro all-wheel drive, an automated sixspeed R tronic transmission with paddle shifters, round exhaust tailpipes, dark LED tail lights in a clear-glass design, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and, of course, Bluetooth tech so you don’t have to take your hands off the wheel when talking on the phone doing 185.
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Kiki De Montparnasse Chess Set Google Wallet We’ve seen more expensive chess sets, but never We’re already living in the future, so why is it we still one as kinky. The Kiki De Montparnasse Chess need silly things like cash and credit cards? Google Set ($10,000) is a limited edition set featuring Wallet (Free) is aiming to get rid of those relics deliberately sunsual shapes for the glossy or matte from a bygone era by connecting your credit card black pieces, all of which sit on a handmade walnut — Citi MasterCards or Google Prepaid cards only, game board. It’s not cheap, but if you’re the kind of to start — with your NFC-capable Android phone person who enjoys slowly seducing your partners to let you pay at any PayPass-capable terminal, by playing chess with what amount to really highand also letting you take advantage of exclusive end dildos, price probably isn’t the issue. Google Offers to help you save money at the same time. Next up? The flying car... Stars: ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ Stars: ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪
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