Afroelle Magazine by Afroelle Magazine

December 2018 - January 2019

Celebrating Women of African heritage

AFROELLE

Afroelle Magazine is a digital publication celebrating and empowering women of African heritage in Africa and diaspora.

FOUNDER Patricia Miswa {1985-2018} EDITOR– IN– CHIEF Christabel Telewa

PUBLISHER Afroelle Media FOR SUBMISSIONS & GENERAL ENQUIRIES Afroellemagmedia@gmail.com

COVER CREDITS Model: Hayaati Njuki

Photographer: Halema Begum @Wwags Make up artist: Zainab Hassan @ZainabHassanxo

Contributors

Amina Touray Photographer Los Angeles

Moiyattu Banya

Ashley Makue

Writer

Philadelphia

South Africa

Amina is an award winning fashion and portrait photographer. Born to a Swedish mother and Gambian father, Amina gets inspiration from her multicultural background, which allowed her to move across European and African continents as she was growing up. This instilled in her a sense of curiosity and love for travel which is reflected in photography. Her work has been published on Vogue Italia and in magazines such as Afroelle, Bronze, LA Style Magazine, Elegant, and others.

Moiyattu enjoys cultivating communities of women and girls through her company Women Change Africa, an African media brand curating stories and experiences for African female entrepreneurs, and her organization Girls Empowerment Sierra Leone . She helps women led start ups tell their stories and enhance the visibility of their brands online via her communications boutique firm WCA Creatives. She teaches courses in social entrepreneurship at Columbia University and was recently recognized by Okay Africa magazine as an #Okay100woman honoree. @womenchangeafrica

Aminatouray.com

Ashley is a South African writer and facilitator. Her debut collection "i know how to fix myself" was released in April 2017 by the African Poetry Book Fund as part of their NewGeneration African Poets chapbook box set: Nne. Her work has been included in multiple journals, including "Pain" by Icelandic Vala Press, and Botsotso. She was recently longlisted for the Sol Plaatje European Union Prize, and was selected as a finalist for the 2018 Sillerman Poetry Book Prize.

ashleymakue.com

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Decâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Jan issue 7 Monthly gift guide 8 In her good books -The storm saved me 10. Meet Oluwaseun Babalola 14. Spotlight on 25 A fine balance 36 Get to know Kim Tibbs 44. In conversation with Legakwana Leo Makgekgenene 48 Focus on Mattine Guillaume + So much more

Girls chronically Rock

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Pg . 10

P 44 Pg. 22

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elcome to the December issue of Afroelle Magazine. It seems like it was only yesterday that we ushered in the New Year and made resolutions to improve our businesses, families, spiritual lives and other aspects of our lives. It’s now time to reflect on our efforts to see what we have achieved so far and what we can further cultivate so that we can do better next year. This edition is dedicated to women who not only dreamed, but worked hard to make those dreams come true. Ashley Makue interviewed Christie Van Zyl, a sangoma, who talks about her spiritual work, which started in 2011 when she began having paralyzing daily maniac episodes that led to an 11 month spiritual journey to becoming a spiritual healer. Our cover model Hayaati Njuki also talks about her spiritual journey. From her childhood, pressures that she experienced as a teenager and finding meaning in Islam. I hope you get inspired by Kim Tibbs, a musician, who writes about her father’s influence in her life, finding her place in the crowded music industry and events that changed her outlook on life. Mattine Guilliaume shares about struggling in school and later discovering her passion lay in designing and styling. I hope you enjoy reading these stories as much as I did. Before signing off, I will leave you with the wise words of Heather Bresch: “There is simply no substitute for hard work when it comes to achieving success.”

Christabel Editor-in-chief

The Perfect Storm Octavia Burney has released a poetry book â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Storm Saved Meâ&#x20AC;? sharing her raw experiences and encouraging others to soldier on in tough times. 8

ctavia Burney wrote “The Storm Saved Me” when she had lost everything - her boyfriend, car, friends and money. Hoping to inspire others, she shared her experiences in the new poetry book, which is available on Amazon and at a link on Octavia’s blog site beyondhereyes.com.

I then let go and came out on the other side stronger." Octavia now strives to pass on messages of hope through her work. Becoming better

“While I love to talk and help other people, I became more aware that I was lacking in communication after reading ‘Invaluable Laws of Growth’ by John C. Maxwell and attending “It’s a part of me that I am not my husband’s lesson on communiashamed or sorry of because if I cation. My Bishop T.C Daniels also hadn’t gone through it I wouldn’t reminded me when he read the be the woman that I am today,” scripture James 1: 19 ,that states, says the Virginia native who is ‘My dear brothers and sisters, take currently happily married and resid- note of this: Everyone should be ing in Greenville, NC. quick to listen, slow to speak and A young author slow to become angry,’ my issue Octavia began writing poems when was I reacted without fully listening.” Octavia believes that listening she was just 12. Her first poem titled “Tears that I cry,” was about a and patience will help her become a better person and poet. young girl who loved everything about life, but lacked fatherly love. When she’s not writing , Octavia So her mother and intermediate loves modeling , dancing and family became her motivation. designs some of her clothing. She Octavia won a young authors com- started a business called Lilly Moní petition for this piece. in 2015 and uses her connections to provide prom dresses for young Her favorite poem ,though, is women. “Revived,” which was inspired by Octavia’s relationship with God. “I was battling anemia and constant headaches, my finances were low and I felt like everything was falling apart. I had to remember that nothing worth having comes easy.

Follow Octavia on Instagram at burneylove and Facebook name Octavia Burney. To contact her for speaking engagements email beyondhereyes18@gmail.com 9

Telling the

Authentic African Story Interview by Christabel Telewa Tired of seeing a narrow version of Africa in the media, Oluwaseun Babalola, a Sierra Leonean-Nigerian- American Filmmaker, created the SOJU docuseries. As a one-person show, she's highlighted surfers in Sierra Leone, death metal heads in Botswana, and guerrilla filmmakers in Nigeria. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also engaged people living in Kenya, Ghana and the Ivory Coast to discuss their identity and culture, and its effects on their local communities. Oluwaseunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s focus is to create and collaborate on projects across the globe, while providing positive representation for people of color. SOJU has been featured on Afropunk and screened at 11 festivals with high acclaim. The docu-series was won the Black World Cinema 2017 Afrofuturism Film Competition. 10

“ I think conscious efforts to have these conversations about identity will start to affect ignorance about what makes an African, African, and what doesn’t.” Have you always wanted to be a filmmaker?

Did your childhood shape your career choice or inspire your work in any way? When I was younger, I wanted to be I grew up in Brooklyn, New York, a lot of things. For a long time I and while it didn’t exactly shape my assumed I would be a doctor, but career choice, it definitely shaped also had dreams of being a chore- why I’m inspired by and interested ographer, photographer or a musi- in conversations surrounding identician. Filmmaking, however, came ty. My father was born and raised in naturally. My sister and I would al- Lagos, Nigeria and my mom was ways make home movies with our born and raised in Freetown, Sierra father’s video camera, editing the Leone. The upbringing I had in footage to make it look like we were terms of food, rules, the music, or completing magic tricks. the languages I heard in the house, were all very African. As I got older, filmmaking seemed to be a really great way to express I also went to public school in myself and the ideas that I have. Brooklyn all of my life and so being When I got to college, I majored in a New Yorker is a really large part of film. From there I knew it was me as well. Furthermore, the neighsomething I wanted to pursue, so I borhood I grew up in was very black tried my hand at internships, differ- (West Indies, American, Afroent PA jobs, created my own proLatino) ,so I had exposure to the jects to get the practice when I differences among us as Africans couldn’t find work, and then settled and African diaspora. When I visitinto post-production as an editor to ed Nigeria for the first time, the instart my career. Most of my work teractions I was having surprised has been heavily word of mouth, I me. I went by myself and stayed worked on one project, did a good with an Aunt. It was the first time job, and got a referral for the next meeting my cousins, and they alone. ready had so many assumptions . 11

“Telling my cousins tidbits like my school lunches being packed with jollof was a mind blowing situation for them, I ordered Ubers and drivers would tell me that I don’t look like a ‘Seun’.”

Growing up in New York you exist in this multi-cultural immigrant bubble (at least I did) where it’s easier to hold onto your culture. Telling my cousins tidbits like my school lunches being packed with jollof was a mind blowing situation for them, I ordered Ubers and drivers would tell me that “I don’t look like a ‘Seun.’ At the same time, it was nice to hear my name finally pronounced correctly! It was frustrating to explain my existence when I already did that back in New York, but after a while I embraced the crossing of cultures and no longer felt the need to explain or justify. After traveling to different countries, I enjoy looking into what makes us who we are, which is what a lot of my work is about. I think conscious efforts to have 12

these conversations about identity will start to affect ignorance surrounding what makes an African, African, and what does not. Are there any experiences that have shaped you as a filmmaker? The pursuit of filmmaking has not been easy. It’s been a zig-zag of events and achievements and there’s no direct path to follow. Learning this has really shaped who I am as a filmmaker because I’ve learned to trust my gut. I’ve come across really supportive colleagues, but I’ve also had doors slammed in my face. I ran a production department where the company refused to acknowledge my contributions after growing revenue and clientele.

I’ve been told that my ideas would never work because no one cares about Africa. I’ve had a boss tell me “No one cares about your story” and that my curiosity didn’t make me a team player. It’s experiences like these that made it clear that I need to be fearless in what I’m after and believe in myself, because no one owes you support and many won’t give it to you. It can also be difficult if you’re from a lower income background where you don’t have a safety net to take risks, but it’s made me craftier, more resourceful, and in a lot of ways, more creative, as a filmmaker.

What’s your plan for the future? I’d like to expand ṢOJU to tell more stories and get more in-depth in its storytelling. I’ll be screening a few episodes of the series at ITVFest this October. I’m hosting an event in Lagos this November that is an exhibition of the comics and animation industry in Nigeria to demonstrate the power, reach, and profitability of African content. My co-hosts and I want to create a sustainable foundation for local businesses to build on. It’s called UNICON. Ultimately, I want to continue to create and collaborate on all things (but not limited to) creative and cultural. That’s the plan for now.

i i v

By: Laura Onyeneho

ased in Nigeria, Ladies March gives a voice to African women in a popular international sport dominated by men. Anthony describes Ladies March as the “Associated Press” of news in women’s football in Africa. Since 2015, Ladies March has been recognized by BBC Africa, the F.A.M.E Foundation, and FIFA women’s football league to name a few. How Ladies March began The vision for this platform began with Anthony and five of her friends who shared an interest in women’s football. It started off as a radio show in Lagos, Nigeria in 2013. While on-air, the ladies gave play-byplay commentaries on games. It created the buzz it needed on the airwaves until the untimely death of one of its commentators in a drowning incident. “It wasn’t the same so we disbanded,” says Anthony. “But I figured there could still be a way to reform this digitally.” Anthony didn’t have an education in journalism but her love for all things gritty and risqué gave her the motivation to launch Ladies March. Anthony graduated with a degree in Marine Biology from the University of Calabar in Cross River State, Nigeria and soon after she took an unpaid radio gig to build experience in hopes of reaching a bigger audience in the bustling city of Lagos, which she did. Anthony decided to shoot her shot and pitch her ideas to the news director of Cool FM Lagos 96.9. “I slid in his DM on Twitter and the rest was history,” she says. “Social media became the tool that allowed me to meet some of the best in this industry.” Anthony and her team of five journalists continued to make stories trending on social media and posted live videos which also helped drive in more contributors for the brand. “It was important to give our work a face,” she says. “I can’t stress the power of word of mouth because that really helped also.” “Anthony didn’t have an education in journalism but her love

for all things gritty and risqué gave her the motivation to launch Ladies March.” 15

Five years later her team of five grew to 20, reporting from more than six African nations, “uniquely capturing the women’s game for the world’s growing audience.” However, all of this came at a price. She singlehandedly had to fund the launch of the network, while working a second job to cover her contributor's stipends and save to pay for equipment. All contributors joined voluntarily which meant that she was going to work hard to motivate her team of reporters. Other issues affecting African women’s football The team knew that just covering African women’s football wasn’t enough; there were other serious issues in women’s sports that had to be addressed. “The lack of government support and welfare of the players, resources, organizational mismanagement, lack of visibility for sponsors and stakeholders are just some problems that these teams face,” Anthony explains. Ladies March continues to put pressure on top officials to close the gap. Ladies March was present when the Nigerian women’s national team staged a street protest over unpaid bonuses spanning over many years. It happens to women all over the world,” said Anthony.” “We can start with equal play time for our women. They need more games and the pay needs to match. It’s their livelihood and this causes them to quit the league prematurely or even go overseas.” Anthony also noticed that not enough women in power support women’s teams and hopes that those that are can consider how valuable these teams are. “We have the richest woman in Africa right here in Nigeria, Folorunso Alakija,” she says. “I know she has other interests, but imagine if she and other philanthropists push this cause? It would be amazing.” Anthony says the players also must be accountable to market themselves in this technological advance society. “There is not enough awareness to be marketable. Players have to put themselves out there,” said Anthony. “We want brands to capitalize on what they can see.”

“The lack of government support and welfare of the players, resources, organizational mismanagement, lack of visibility for sponsors and stakeholders are just some problems that these teams face.” 16

“We need to catch these secondary school girls while they are young and convince them that there is a future in women’s sports.”

The issue of sports and sexuality The issue of sports and sexuality is another topic that Anthony says needs to be addressed. She recalls speaking with a young school aged girl about sports and the responses appalled Anthony. “The little girl was in complete disbelief that women could play sports,” she says. “We need to catch these secondary school girls while they are young and convince them that there is a future in women’s sports. Even as far as advocating for the women who are judged based on their sexuality because of the way they dress, behave, or their choice just to play sports.” Anthony has accomplished a lot at such a young age and she says she is just scratching the surface. She hopes Ladies March can challenge the mainstream media to do better and plans to hire and train more women of color. “Mainstream media is still very selective in its news coverage and who is covering the news, leaving citizen journalists and independent networks to do most of the grunt work,” she says. “It’s being left to people who pick up a camera to give their opinions on certain issues to gain likes and popularity. They don’t follow the editorial and ethical guidelines of journalism.” Ladies March is working on great things this year. “We are working to have an administrative office space, give documentary coverage, produce e-books, and digital podcasts. Ladies March will be selfsustaining, and unbiased,” said Anthony. 18

DĂŠcortege

NAME. COMPANY

Home dĂŠcor and lifestyle textiles, arts, crafts, and other accessories sourced from the African continent and its Diaspora

Nigeria | Ghana , United States of America info@decortege.com www.decortege.com Phone: +1 703 956 0011 WhatsApp https://bit.ly/2O3ywH2 19

Aullyn Cosmetics Sisters Alexandra St Germain and Christye N’Ganga founded Aullyn cosmetics, a company that manufactures multi-functional products, specially designed for busy women struggling with dry and damaged hair. They talk with Afroelle about their journey to success. Please tell us about yourself, sister personally, my typical wash day was and your business? a 3 hour process : I would first sepaMy name is Alexandra St Germain,I rate my 4C hair and pre-detangle am 35 years old and my sister Chris- them, then wash and apply the hair mask for one hour. During that tye N’Ganga is 26. Together we founded Aullyn Cosmetics in 2014. break, I would get busy with other It’s a beauty brand for women who things in the house, then rinse are looking for reliable products to again before drying, moisturizing per portion and styling. I would use care for dry or damaged hair. six products of diverse American Have you always wanted to own a brands on my wash day, from the cosmetics company? shampoo to the gel. Because of Not really. My sister and I have al- that, I felt the need to find products ways been very close, we love to that I could apply faster without gicook, to shop and watch movies to- ving up on the quality. gether. We used to wash our hair While searching for an ideal together on Sundays. Our hair mask product in the market, we realized was an efficient mix of avocados, that the brands usually prefer to bananas and honey. In 2013, my multiply the number of products to first daughter was born and it bebe used (and the spendings !) whecame difficult for me to maintain reas busy women like us wanted my routine as I always had a hectic the quick and efficient solution at a schedule, and so had my sister. bargain ! That is when the idea to Our lives were punctuated by our create multi-functional products, careers, studies, family lives and specially dedicated to busy women hobbies. Doing our hair appeared to struggling with dry and damaged be a long and exhausting task. On a hair, was born. daily basis, I could manage but 21

After 18 months of formulation with our partner lab in France, in March 2015, we launched the Evolution range: 4 natural, effective and practical care offering two to three functions in a single product, allowing women to save up to 50 percent of the time spent on their hair.

By 8:00 pm we were done with our evening routine and at 9 pm I was behind my computer working till midnight.

‘Eventually, we started to out source some tasks to specialists that we found via What are some of the biggest obs- our network : community tacles that you’ve experienced management, content creaand how did you overcome them? tion, accountancy to focus on My daughter was just six months our core activity ; and since when we launched our company then our productivity never so my typical day would start at stopped improving.’ 6:00 am with her and continue at work from 9:00am to 5. 00pm.

Visit www.aullyncosmetics.com online shop and use the code AFROELLE18 to get 10% discount on your first purchase. Offer valid until January 31, 2019 ! However, I realized that to be a successful wife, mother and entrepreneure I had to take care of my health too.So we had to delegate. It wasn’t easy : we were so excited about creating our brand that we thought we could do it all. Fortunately, I met experienced entrepreneures in networking groups who advised us. I also follow and got inspired by successful entrepreneurs like Tony Robbins who give wonderful advice.

The products also contain cosmetic actives like silk and wheat protein, keratin as well as essential oils. Our formulas exclude irritating or occlusive ingredients like paraben, silicone, sodium laureth sulfate, mineral oil, petroleum. We do not test ourproducts on animals. What’s your plan for the future?

Our main focus for the coming years is to expand our brand all over Europe. The Aullyn Cosmetics brand is sold in Brussels, Paris, Eventually, we started to outsource French Caribbean, Reunion, Luxemsome tasks to specialists that we bourg and soon in Spain and Lyon found via our network : community (France). management, content creation, accountancy to focus on our core activity ; and since then our productivi- ‘Aullyn, contraction of "All Incluty never stopped improving. sive", makes the promise to

create combined solutions that facilitate haircare routine while saving time and money. We Aullyn, contraction of "All Inclusive", makes the promise to create take the challenge to use between 90 percent and 100 percombined solutions that facilitate haircare routine while saving time cent of natural ingredients in and money. We take the challenge each product.’ How does Aullyn Cosmetics stand out ?

to use between 90 percent and 100 percent of natural ingredients in Visit www.aullyncosmetics.com, each product.Our selected ingreFacebook page Aullyn Cosmetics dients are shea butter, aloe vera and Instragram @aullyncosmetics and several organic oils like coconut, avocado, castor, kukui and hibiscus flower. 23

A Fine

Balance Hayaati Njuki, a hijabi model, talks with Christabel Telewa about finding religion and merging her outgoing personality with her new Islamic identity.

had a fun childhood growing up in Tottenham, North London. I took part in all school dance clubs, talent shows and plays. My mother was queen of bodycon dresses and heels who would turn heads wherever she went. One time, for parents evening, she wore a short, figure accentuating black dress paired with heels, an expensive handbag and designer perfume that smelled from miles away. All the teachers in the Physical Education Department were stunned and lightheartedly asked me, “Is that your mum? "Well, that’s my mum. She is a stylish woman who provided me with whatever I wanted and made sure my outfit and hair was perfect no matter where I was going.

As a teenager, my style was heavily influenced by pop culture. I would watch 106 & Park on BET every morning to catch the latest hair trends in the music videos featuring my then icons Beyoncé, Ciara, and Rihanna. I was particularly a huge fan of Aaliyah and even after she passed away, I kept her style alive by always wearing a long fringe over one side of my eye. 24

â&#x20AC;&#x153; I fell in love with the fact that covering myself up was my prerogative and I can show my beauty beyond the scarf to a set category of people.â&#x20AC;? 26

I got involved in the gang culture When I started secondary school, I got involved in the gang culture that surrounded my neighborhood, until an incident at a house party that set me on the path to being the person that I am to day. On that day, I was walking to my house when I met my friends, who asked if I was going to a party that was going on. I told them that I was, but explained that I had to get changed first as I was in a tracksuit and intended on wearing jean shorts and a vest and slick my hair into a nicer style. I loved the party, the atmosphere was perfect and impressive dancehall music was playing throughout the cramped space. There were boys and girls everywhere, some dancing and others standing around. Then all of a sudden, a fight broke out, the police came, and everyone had to leave the building. The police decided to search the boys and a boy I knew but wasn’t particularly close to came up to me and worriedly told me, “Here hold this,” and I looked down and saw a knife. I slid it up my vest, but I was so scared because my mother is a lawyer and she had always told me, “If you’re caught carrying a knife, whether it’s yours or not then you can go to prison for two or more years”. The police officers who came to our schools also warned us about the same thing. But at that moment I couldn’t really say no, it all happened quickly and I just had to go around a crowd of friends. When the search died out and the police left, he took the knife back and said thanks, and I was disgusted. Had they found it on me, I would have been in prison or serious trouble and my life would have gone down the drain. But those are the pressures of that lifestyle and various people do take the blame for others. I found that Islam has deeper meaning The pressures of it all made me look for a higher being and I thought, like everyone around me, that if I were to ever pick a religion it would never be Islam. However, I found that Islam has deeper meaning and is full of so much wisdom and respect for all religions. I fell in love with the fact that covering myself up was my prerogative and I can show my beauty beyond the scarf to a set category of people.

I then embraced the hijab and long dresses, a stark contrast to what I would usually wear. Before, I loved miniskirts and shorts. Every spring or summer term in school, I was the first to bring out my short skirts. My teachers would complain and my best friend, Shayla’s dad used to say “Hey girl, where’s the rest of your skirt?” Once I became a hijabi and went to Shayla’s house fully covered, her parents were stunned and to bring humor to the situation I said “Hey Shayla’s dad, I found the rest of my skirt now,” and we were all laughing. It was hard trying to merge my outgoing personality with my new Islamic identity when everyone was just shaking their head, saying I was trying to be something that I’m not. I found strength in accepting that I am who I am! I am loud, bubbly, love to rap and sing for fun and dress exuberantly and I am a young Muslim woman . And young Muslim women do not have to be quiet and silenced. I found my confidence and strength by accepting that I am beautifully unique and now everyone has caught on. Becoming a hijabi Model I made the decision to become a hijabi model as I did not want my Islamic identity to limit any passions of mine. It helps show people who have deep views that Muslim women are incredibly oppressed by the hijab that we are not. I also wanted to show girls who were like me - ready wear the hijab but are concerned that they will not look beautiful anymore, that we can still look beautiful covered up. I want to touch those girls who were raised in Muslim households wearing the hijab but secretly remove it when going out to blend in with the normal standards of beauty. Although I experienced a lot of challenges then, it has now become easier for women who wear the hijab in the fashion industry. Halima Aden has opened doors by being the first hijabi to be on the cover of British Vogue and Teen Vogue. We also have Mariah Iddrisi London’s first H&M Model. We have so many hijabis that are making a way for all of us. The only problem lies in dark skin hijabis being underrepresented, which is something I didn’t notice until Hodan Lien publically voiced it in a range of media platforms and through her her instagram platform @darkskinhijabies ,but hopefully that will continue to get resolved. 28

Living in the

Now

Poet and sangoma (traditional spiritual healer), Christie van Zyl says that living in the now is about understanding that showing up is enough and the rest of the work will do itself. Ashley Makue met with her in Cape Town, South Africa, to find out more about her practice and approach to â&#x20AC;&#x153;living nowâ&#x20AC;?.

There is a lot of talk about living in ment of my mandate. the now – what does it actually I am happy when I am at peace, and mean? my peace is achieved by protecting My experience of being present has my energy. I do not process what is taught me that I do not need to pre- not for me to process – I give it up empt anything or try to steer anyto my spirit guides when it feels bigthing towards what I want it to be. I ger than me. I let things pass trust the process and learn from through me while maintaining neueach experience. trality. This way, I don’t get affect by anything at face value. How do we find fulfilment? I find fulfilment from being as transparent, open and honest with the world as I am with myself. When I found the facets of my life that make up the crux of my purpose – I chose to marry my worlds to the purpose of my existence.

How can we achieve this?

What about happiness?

much you probably do not want to be worrying about these things all the time and get it out of the way.

Let go of what is not yours to carry. Know what you need to engage and what you do not need to stress yourself with. Let go of panic, let go of anxiety, let go of stress. Gain a new and progressive perspective of Secondarily, simplifying my life has how to view the challenges that life been the best way to ensure refine- throws at you. ment. I constantly check in with myself and ask whether the direction If you sit and observe the situation that I am taking is still working for from a space of neutrality, it beme and the things I have mandated comes an easier task to know myself to do. I remove what no whether it yours to carry and enlonger serves me or the mandate. I gage or not. Once you have picked it keep what is aligned with and refine up that it needs addressing, do not it until I am making the progress I waste time holding on for a right intend. time. Take your cues from how Happiness is internal. Happiness is personal. I find my happiness in knowing how to differentiate between what should satisfy me personally and what I should take satisfaction in based on its fulfil-

“Let go of what is not yours to carry.”

painful spots because the more you release the more room you have to self manage because you are giving yourself space to breathe. Empty the glass of the old, dirty water, wash out the glass of the remanence of the gunk and then you have more space to receive fresh water. We must constantly purge to refine and destroy to build in a refined manner. Everything is work in progress. How do we heal?

Do we need to heal before we can access this? Honestly, it is part of the healing process. The healing process starts teaching you how to redirect your energy, how to recalibrate your priorities and how to manage your energy. The secret is in engaging those

Healing starts from within. We have to interrogate the parts of our lives that make us feel the most pain and the most out of place. We have to decide what it is we want to gain from these experiences and then align ourselves with what we envision as functioning from a space of healing. Our lives reward us with healing too in ways that we are often resistant to or even unaware of.

The more we engage our sore spots, the more we can remove the gunk and see the little gifts of healing we are presented with.

exposed to the circumstances within which most people are doing their training. Most of the time, the process takes longer than it should What was your journey to spiritual because of financial constraints and lack of support from family work? members who do not understand My journey to spiritual work start- the calling or are not aligned to ed in 2011 when I began to have those belief systems. paralyzing daily manic episodes. I I want to provide this assistance was studying a Bachelor of Social through archival of the African InWork and able to attend classes digenous Knowledge systems – inand submit all of my work but would struggle to meet DP or write vesting in the human as an institution of indigenous knowledge sysexams. At the end of that year,I confided in my mentor about the tems. This allows for young healers in training to be able to focus on episodes and she suggest that I the mastery of aligning with their might have a calling. ancestors and not worrying about My journey was eleven months financial constraints . long. The first 3 months I was inFrom a psychological perspective, I structed to do an ‘imvumakufa’ (loosely translated to want to provide support that takes care of the mental and emotional ‘agreeing to perish’) ceremony – turmoil that comes with transitionconsenting to die as the self and emerge fully as a vessel to my an- ing into that space. cestors. And at the end, a graduation ceremony. What do you think is the baseline of your work?

“We have to interrogate the parts of our lives that make us feel the most pain and the most out of place.”

The baseline of my work, as I have been shown, is for the preservation of African Indigenous Knowledge Systems. This means their practice, their archiving and their amplification. Throughout my training I was 33

I am hoping that this can be coupled with diversity training for HR departments in the working world, most companies do not know what it means to have a healer on their workforce and how to negotiate this kind of development.

sentiment of the practices and knowledge. Every human has their own journey. I also believe that none of these belief systems or ways of life should be cast against each other, or compared in anyway. I believe humans should allow their path to guide What do you think are the chalthem. As a spiritual practitioner, lenges to black women carrying Van Zylgoes by the name Ndosi, out their spiritual work? which is the name of the dominant Black Women in our economy carry ancestor that she carries. entire families and extensions of For her poetry, she has travelled the them on shoestring budgets. The radical black women I have encoun- world under the stage name Fossiltered who have responded to their Soul. She has recently graduated callings do so in very confined cir- from the Raymond Ackerman Academy of Entrepreneurial Developcumstances. ment and is currently working on Because the ancestors are trying to starting a foundation that will proremove blockages from your psyche vide psychological and financial and spirit, the calling is an isolating support to traditional spiritual healprocess before response is ers in or needing training achieved, so your monies, your rela- (ukuthwasa). tionships, your education, your health and most of your good fortune in life is jeopardized by not re- “I also believe that none of sponding to the calling. This is espe- these belief systems or ways of cially hard for women who are also life should be cast against each single mothers. A lot of western “spiritual influencers” have emerged in the last decade or so, do you think this in any way steals from early practices and knowledge?

other, or compared in anyway.” Twitter: @fossilsoul

I don’t believe it steals from the 34

Afroelle African inspired Christmas gift guide

How I found

My Space Words by Kim Tibbs Kim Tibbs’s first single, "I Need You for Your Love," entered the Official U.K. Soul Charts at Number #24 in November 6, 2016. In two weeks, it skyrocketed to Number #1 alongside second single, "Soul!” and both stayed there for four consecutive weeks, before ending the yearly chart at a respective Number #2. Kim shares her journey to success with Afroelle Magazine .

rom an early age, I knew that I would be happiest on a stage and planned to become a musical artist. My late father, Pastor Robert L. Tibbs, was incredibly supportive. He would say things like, “You are beautiful and, “You can achieve anything that you want in life. Just always remember to honor God.” He made me feel like with him around, I couldn't do anything but win! When I was 12, I had a major surgery on my right hand, quickly followed by another one. I can remember my father telling me to go play the organ so that my hands could adjust to being used again. He was trying to help me break my fears of quitting music. Because of him, I have over thirty years of musical experience as an accomplished arranger, B -3 Organist, keyboardist, lyricist, pianist, producer, and songwriter. 36

â&#x20AC;&#x153;My confidence as an artist came from figuring out how to place myself out there so people knew I existed.â&#x20AC;?

Although my father encouraged my dream to become a musical artist, he wanted me to have something to fall back on. So I spent a considerable amount of time building my educational portfolio along the way. I am currently working on a Doctorate of Business Administration in Leadership and hold multiple associates’, bachelors’, and masters’ degrees.

bling moments. My confidence as an artist came from figuring out how to place myself out there so people knew I existed. I learned how to network and how to find the needle in a haystack so that my career would be a substantial one. I learned a long time ago that not everyone will accept me or how I sound, but I appreciate those that do.

The big break

I forgot what “no” means

While I was at a student at Calhoun Community, the head of the Music Industry Communications Department, Jimmy Cantrell, wanted me to do an open audition in front of some of the past alumni of Calhoun Community College. The alumni come back every spring to showcase what they are doing along with making themselves available for students to ask questions. For that audition, I chose to play the piano and sing. When I was done, a gentleman by the name of Phillip White went outside to his truck, and came back in panting, quickly asking me, “How soon could you come to Nashville?” I literally was in Nashville, Tennessee the very next day. Since then, it’s been 13 years of musical achievements and hum-

After figuring out my voice and making my inner self feel pleased, I forgot what the word "No" means and started making my "Yes" be heard. I am already working on another project, a double album. This album is packed with tons of music, positive vibes, and a new sound that I normally would not have explored. Although I can see several other albums following, I would like to explore opportunities to be on stage in musical productions, plays, as well as film. I would like to challenge everyone reading to just do what makes them happy. Do everything in your power to be true to yourself, first. Always allow yourself a moment to regroup when things seem a little too hard to deal with.

Lastly, just remember to live. Live life like it is your last and don't worry about the negative moments that may come. Your true calling in life will present itself to you in an amazing way. Hold firm to your dreams and think about them to make them stick. Three life defining moments Becoming a mother was the first time that I had truly ever experienced what real love was. All the pains that I experienced all the way to the labor cannot even begin to compare to how much joy, peace, happiness, and love that my son has brought to me and my entire family. I have no other nieces or nephews and my son is the only baby in the family. He has also become everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s baby - his sparkle, witty words, beautiful personality, and loving demeanor are just so awesome to experience. He has taught me how to be a better mother, a better singer, a courageous musician, and a confident business owner. I know how to survive just because of all the many times I have had to do so as a single mom and that is something I truly am excited about. My son gives me courage and makes me feel like I am a personal superhero every day with all the loving tender care that he bestows upon me, I feel like I can accomplish anything. Divorce has also changed my outlook in life. Although it is a very hurtful process, there are such cases where some people are better off not being together than trying to be married. Such is the case with my own ex-husband. Those were very dark years, but the only thing I am grateful for is my son. I took time to detox myself away from the situation, I am grateful for the life lessons that I learned: the main one being a new form of survival. Learning how to laugh when I should have been crying was the best way to move forward. Being excited about living when I should have felt like dying was the greatest asset that I had going for me as people couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell just what was really going on with me because I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t showcase anything bad on the outside.

“If you could have told me that my father would have only lived to see 61, I would have spent way more time trying to capture more moments with him.”

I thought marriage was supposed to be something that everyone dreams of just about like the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. However, it was everything but that and I felt a little betrayed, used, and just wanted it to be over. My father’s death also changed me. It was something that I could not have ever had preparation for, but it is something that we all go through. If you could have told me that my father would have only lived to see 61, I would have spent way more time trying to capture more moments with him. There is not a day that I don’t miss him. Losing him was extremely difficult to get over just because there were so many events that I had to replay in the back of my mind leading up to his death. So, death hurts and comes when people least expect it. That alone is why I try to live every day like my last so that I won't have regrets. Official Site: http://www.kimtibbsmusic.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KimTibbsMusic Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TibbsKim Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/KimTibbsMusic 43

In conversation with Legakwana Leo Makgekgenene , founder of Leo Today and a fine art student, specialising in New Media at the University of Cape Town. Born in Gaborone, Botswana, Makgekgenene moved to South Africa in 2009, and is currently studying and working as a multi-disciplinary artist and maker in Cape Town. Ashley Makue met with her to learn more about Leo Today.

Do you identify yourself as a fash- ed to who I am, my ‘fine art’ work is ion designer or dress maker? personal, political and meditative. I don’t think either fit, artist would Leo Today’s conceptual foundation is something I am slowly forming do better. My journey to this has been almost purely artistic and ex- and integrating as I engage with this perimental. I have no formal dress- new environment but will surely remaking or fashion design training, flect the above. which is something I am becoming more comfortable with as I go through and appreciate the process of learning without instruction.

Do you believe there is an “Afro aesthetic”?

what I am attempting to do or create. Usually that’s the hardest part, figuring out how to engage in a way that is honest and comfortable for my wellbeing, then the rest is just plenty of trying, doing and learning.

African people of color.

To be honest, I am not sure about these far-reaching terms. Surely How did you get into this field? there are things; specific images, Mainly by mistake or divine chance. symbols, iconography that speak directly to an African context or can I would also like to think I am not within the field at this stage. I imag- be linked to Africa. I think the capaine myself as sitting on the periph- bilities of Black creativity are widely ery and affording myself the privi- undermined and that while homoglege of being involved but still being enisation is important to establish a free to learn, to experiment and to support and safety structure, it does create certain boundaries and further change or develop myself expectations that we should be and the brand. wary of. What is your work process? Who owns the product of this I don’t really have a process, I think homogenisation? I just try my best to connect with And who can change it?

African people of color, ideally. In reality, I suppose a lot of that agency is held by the capitalist elite, and the true owners are left in this awkHow is your design aesthetic politi- ward position where they are excal? pected to both influence and consume their own ‘cultural aesthetic’. I think as a conceptual artist, the work I make is very much connect45

“ I think to allow problematic dogma to circumspect creative output is really just counter-productive and irresponsible if artists or creatives are who we trust to subvert our societal mess. Are these ‘cultural aesthetics’ gen- In an African context – can we dered? steal from each other’s cultures? Sometimes they are, in the way that they are represented but I definitely don’t think they should be. I would like to trust that at this stage there is a general understanding of how damaging binaries are on several levels. The imbalances make room for abusive and toxic exchanges in even basic human interactions.

No. Going by its definition, it is not often that minorities are likely to be guilty of cultural appropriation but it is possible. And there are still so many other power dynamics that need to be addressed and levelled out before we can share freely.

What counts as appropriation when making use of culturallyconnected material, design and aesthetic?

often that minorities are likely to be guilty of cultural appropriation but it is possible.”

Makgekgenenei s currently working toward a graduate exhibition and “an exciting transformation for Leo I think to allow problematic dogma Today that will begin in a few to circumspect creative output is months with a lucid clothing and really just counter-productive and accessories collection; Kêlêlêlô”. irresponsible if artists or creatives are who we trust to subvert our so“Going by its definition, it is not cietal mess.

Anything that involves that culturally-connected material, design and/ Facebook: @leotodayclothing, or aesthetic being used outside its Instagram: @leo_today, Context without the value of its cul- Twitter: @legakwanaleo. tural significance being understood, respected and handled accordingly.

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Tame Your Style Founder of TAME your style, Mattine Guillaume, talks with Christabel Telewa about her journey, unique approach to fashion and future plans.

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buses to make it to work,” recalls Mattine, explaining that her mothne of Mattine’s earliest er shares a story of immigrant memories is of her women who came to America to smiling mother getting off a bus make a difference for their family. while it was raining heavily. “She was able to buy a home Mattine’s mother, an immigrant when people said she wouldn’t.” from Haiti, was cheerful although This is one of the influences that she had spent the whole day shaped Mattine and helped her cleaning hotel rooms. But then achieve success despite experiencagain, she was always happy no ing problems at school. She also matter what was happening. “I gained confidence to attempt wondered why she never comstyling jobs that would have plained and what made her wake scared off others. up every morning to catch three

“ Everything I work on starts from within before moving outward.”

High expectations Since Mattine is the first born, her parents had very high expectations of her and wanted her to become a lawyer or doctor. At some point her mother thought that she would become a nurse, but Mattine had no patience for the hospital. She did not like school very much either. Things got worse when her middle school English teacher told her that she would never achieve anything. “At that point, I gave up on school and did the bare minimum to get by,” Mattine says. She then turned to her creativity because she realized that she was happiest when designing things and putting outfits together.

Mattine realized that she would succeed in the fashion world when her younger sister Suzie introduced her to a logo designer. When she received the logo she’d designed, she knew that she was onto something, “The logo became a brand where I started designing shirts, tank tops, bathing suits, jackets, and so much more, “ she explains. It’s about slaying and praying

Fashion journey

Mattine’s company uses a positive approach, infused with God’s love, to help individuals achieve a distinctive image. “Everything I work on starts from within before moving outward, “she says. “ I am honest with my clients and respect their time. It’s about slaying and praying for me.”

In high school, Mattine would style herself with the most fashionable clothes and got a lot of compliments from neighbors and friends. For inspiration, she would cut fashion pictures from magazines and stick them on her wall. She also gained exposure by working in fashion stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bakers.

Mattine plans to open a unique boutique hotel that will give people an unforgettable experience and an affordable way to travel. “I love the hospitality and tourism industry and believe we are all in a service business as we serve people everyday. I believe in giving people an ultimate experience in everything that I do.”

â&#x20AC;&#x153; I am honest with my clients and respect their time.â&#x20AC;?

with the world. God will never give you an idea and not help you reach the mission.” “Take your time to grow. Social media will give people the perception that their business can grow overnight but that is a false notion. Learn to communicate effectively and accept rejection as part of the process. Accept the situation but never dwell in the same place forever.” Mattine also stresses that it is important to get a mentor to help along the Mattine would like to start a nonway. Remember, we are in the serprofit organization to educate teenvice business. We are here to serve agers about dressing up for school people and change lives. and the workplace .She also hopes to partner with larger organizations “The greatest impact you will to provide clothes and shoes to have on people is how you treat needy children. “You never know the lives you can change by just tak- them. Be mindful of your actions and your words.” ing a chance on something,” she says. Her advice to people starting off in the fashion business is to not compare themselves with others. “There is room for all of us to grow and enough room to share our gift

Website: www.tameyourstyle.com IG: @Tameyourstyle Facebook: @Tameyourstylellc

Zanta Adeyde TRAVELLING BAGS

Girls living their vibrant lives in color

Hair: Yene Damtew @YeneDamtew ,www.yenedamtew.com Makeup: Marquia James @Glam_Qui ,www.glamqui.com Photographer: Dominik Jenkins @Domoshotme Models: Aida @Aida_tmodel and Jamia @Jamia.Lakita Wardrobe Stylist: Bahgi Solomon and Gifty Markos @bahgiandgifty ,www.bahgiandgifty.com

Girls Chronically Rock The clothing companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s founder Keisha Greaves talks to Christabel Telewa about living with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, from diagnosis, denial to acceptance and motivating others.

efore I was diagnosed with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, I was able to run, walk up the stairs without any assistance and jump up the bed continuously. I was an active kid who loved playing softball. I felt like a kid, which I still do, but I am unable to run, jump, and bend over without getting any back pain. I also have to take my time while getting dressed because I can easily lose my balance and fall to the ground. I miss doing those little things now that I am unable to do them anymore.

find out what was going on. During all of these incidents, my mom or sister were with me and also noticed there was something wrong with my body. I did not want to call anyone or talk about it because I was in so much denial that I couldn’t even utter the words. A battery of tests followed

Although I did not know what was going on in my body and I wanted answers, I wasn’t ready for them. Before I went for each doctor visit, I prepared myself with notes of I would lose my balance questions so I would not forget to ask what I wanted to know. I noticed something was wrong My first doctor’s visit was with Dr. around 2010, while I was in gradu- Katherine Wang. I was scared, ate school receiving my master’s nervous and didn’t know what was degree in business. I would be going to happen. I could not get a walking, and my leg would just give good night rest the night before, out and I would lose my balance, but thought that whatever it was, end up on the floor and not be it was curable. able to get myself back up. I knew I went through a battery of tests to something was wrong but I just get a diagnosis. I got EKG testing, thought that I needed to go on a an MRI, an echocardiogram and diet and lose a few pounds. most importantly a muscle biopsy Once I started exercising, I noticed to test the piece of muscle to that I couldn’t raise my right arm determine what kind of muscle properly and I felt so tired and disease I may have. Having a weak. My mom was the first per- muscle biopsy done was scary and son to take me to the hospital to painful. 61

I remember having class that night, but I could not attend because I was in so much pain and walking with crutches. All I remember is looking at the piece of muscle. Although I was in pain, a part of me wanted to touch it because it looked so soft and gooey.

Fast forward a few years later, I am now the Massachusetts Muscular Dystrophy State Ambassador where I speak at different engagements, bring awareness about the disease, and raise money for our annual “Muscle Walk” and more. I wanted to create something to inspire and motivate others

I was in denial and shock After my diagnosis, I was in total denial and complete shock. I honestly thought the doctors were wrong and the tests came back wrong. Every time I went for a doctor follow up visit, I thought the doctors were going to say, “You don’t have muscular dystrophy, it was a mistake.” But that wasn’t the case. I had never heard of muscular dystrophy before, so I was completely confused and had to do a lot of research on the muscle disease. I was scared, confused and all emotions came over me and I did not know how to cope with them. I am a very private person, so I would not even share with some family or friends. When people would see me walk with a cane, or crutches, I would say I broke my ankle or that I was in a car accident, instead of saying I have muscular dystrophy. I was total denial for years.

I always had a passion for fashion and studied Fashion Design and Merchandising at Framingham State University. My business “Girls Chronically Rock” was inspired by the fact that I was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. I wanted to create something to help inspire and motivate others who may be battling a chronic illness on a daily basis. I know it took a lot for me to come to terms that I had muscular dystrophy, but now I say it proudly. I still have my days, don’t get me wrong, but I just take it day by day. My business also inspires me every day.

“ I speak at different engagements to raise awareness about the disease, and raise money for our annual “Muscle Walk” and more.”

Although my business ,Girls Chronically Rock ,is a clothing company, I am looking to turn it into a movement that raises awareness about muscular dystrophy and all disability and chronic illnesses. I am looking to make Girls Chronically Rock an Empire! I want to spread the word about my business on talk shows, TV stations and more. Looking back, I realize things happen for a reason. I want people to know Girls Chronically Rock is not just a clothing business, it is a movement created to inspire and motivate others who may have a chronic illness or know someone who does. I am looking to turn Girls Chronically Rock into an Empire and more and I will not stop until I do. Whether you have a chronic illness or not and you have a business idea you would like to accomplish, just go for it because before you know it, your idea/ business will be up and running and ready to take off. You never know

who can relate to your story and whom you may be inspiring. Please check out my website at https://www.girlschronicallyrock.com/,

you can find everything there ,like my different posts and soon my upcoming podcast, Girls Chronically Rock .

Girls Chronically Rock, LLC Check out my t-shirt line at www.girlschronicallyrock.com IG @ girlschronically_rock Facebook @GirlsChronicallyRock Twitter @girlschronical1

African Chic

Creatives Model: Osamudiamen Enosegbe Styling and Photography: Promise Bakare Boutique: Rita Aryitey