Magazine - June 2010
AIM Magazine – June/July 2010
Contributors P-SQUARE Exclusive interview! Content Linda Obel Editor AIM Network
Mutheu Fashion AIM Contribuutor
Evalyn Githina Editor AIM Network
Alita Watson Alita’s Travels AIM Contributor
Wangechi Ruguaru Graphic Designer AIM Network
Gerald Montgomery G-Spot AIM Contributor
Health O Food O Fashion O Furniture O Tech Buzz O On the Spot O G-Spot O Poetry O Buzz
Bernice Mitoko B’s Kitchen AIM Contributor
Anthony Odufuye Tech Buzz AIM Contributor
Our AIM is to celebrate and share our differences. We publish a monthly magazine that highlights “Africans In Motion” i.e. Fellow Africans that are inspiring, driven and successful in their various fields. For more information please contact AIM Network Cell: 612-205-9828
Editor’s Note By Linda Obel Those who know me personally know I tend to get emotional and say “I love you guys” a lot. My friends know it and understand it. In my life I have met people I thought were my friends and I have lost people close to me, the biggest loss to me being my brother James. That day changed my life; it changed my outlook towards life, my relationships and friendships. In life nowadays we tend to constantly be on the go. We move through life without realizing that time is flying by. It feels like just the other day it was January 1st, and I was wishing everyone a Happy New Year, planning what I was going to do for the coming year. Most of us had New Year’s resolutions, we made decisions to change or improve something in our lives. We are now half way through the year, and we look around and summer is here. In Minnesota we KNOW how to enjoy the summer, because we know in a couple months the winter season will be back again and its back to hibernation. Have you taken the time to enjoy your summer? What are you doing for fun? Take a moment and take stock of your life and what is going on with it right now. When was the last time you laughed or even smiled? When was the last time you hung out with friends and laughed so hard your face and stomach hurt? There is no better time to stop and smell the roses; before you know it, winter will be here again. Take the time to enjoy time with your family and friends, because such precious moments can never be recovered. I am blessed to be surrounded by the best friends and family anyone could ever wish for. I know this, and that is my motivation to tell them I love them because life is short. If this was the last time I was to ever see them, I want them to remember what they meant to me. Try it some time. Trust me, it feels good to sometimes show your “emotional” side. As AIM Magazine takes a break for the next 2 months to regroup and prep for the next year, please take the time to do the same and enjoy life. As my mom says “Life is not a rehearsal”. There is no “Take 2”. Take care of yourselves, because if you don’t do it, who else will? Much Love and Respect,
Linda
Paul and Peter Okoye are the twins who make up the electrifying duo that is P-Square. When you meet them, they are so down to earth and two of the nicest guys you could ever meet. Born on November 18th, 1981, they have already accomplished more than most other American artists would wish for in a lifetime. They are known for their modern beats which have a lot of African influence. Listen to their song “Do Me” and the beats sway you into tapping your foot without even realizing it. Their music always seems to draw you in with their beautiful lyrics and ear catching beats. Their song “No One Like You” is known the world over and makes you proud that such a song could be released by an African group. They draw from their personal experiences and you can certainly see this in their lyrics because when you listen you can tell they are genuine.
P-Square By Linda Obel In 2003, P-Square released their debut album, titled Last Nite, which was released under Timbuk2 music label. They were nominated as "Most Promising African Group" in the KORA Awards three months after the release of their debut album. P-Square went on to win the 2003 Amen Award for "Best R&B Group". They have since gone on to win numerous awards, including the 2008 and 2009 MTV Awards Africa “Best Group” Award. They were most recently nominated for the 2010 BET Awards “Best International Act”. In its first week alone their 4th album titled Danger, which debuted toward the end of last year, had sold 1 million copies. It has since gone platinum and still shows much promise. They make this a family affair with Paul producing and writing their music. Together the brothers do their own beats in house, drawing inspiration from various influences. They also have an older brother, Jude Engees Okoye, who acts as their manager/video director. Jude exudes a quiet confidence and has been with them from the beginning, ensuring they get their just deserts. He is responsible for their incredible videos and is widely known for his creative approach in video directing, which has won him several awards in the music entertainment industry. Check out what P-Square had to say… AIM: You have a reputation for being great performers, which is an area that most artists and musicians struggle with. What is your secret to a great performance? P-Square: We try to portray a positive energetic image of Africans. Everything came from Africa so we want to show the energetic side, we think about what our fans would want to see. We always learn something new when we perform and we try to make it better each time. AIM: You are credited with being the first group in this generation to really perfect the quality of videos. Who or what inspires you, and who does your videos? P-Square: Our manager, Jude, is the one who directs the videos. When he started making the videos he looked at American videos and tried to figure out how we could make videos of the same calliber. He even goes as far as to import the equipment from the US to show that we as Africans can also compete in the same arena, and that we are making progress. AIM: Musicians in Africa have struggled to break through and make a living through their art because of pirating. How do you address this issue? P-Square: Government is supposed to be regulating that but it is a struggle. They recently passed a legislation to help protect us, but whether or not that is effective remains to be seen because it affects us so much. We do sell copies,
“Do something because you love it, believe in yourself and don’t give up!”
P-Square By Linda Obel but to make money you have to sell over 5 million copies. Thankfully P-Square has been blessed with being able to sell over 10 million copies of each of our albums. Because Africans love us so much they will come out to see us perform live. The best way we make money is through our live concerts. AIM: Please tell us about your participation in the strike and protest, “No music day”. What motivated you to do this? P-Square: It was to show the government that they need to be there for us as artists all the time, not just when they need us. When election time and political rallies come up they invite us and treat us like we are important, but then when that is over with they say some of the artists’ music should be banned. We wanted all of Nigeria to boycott and not play Nigerian music on the radio stations for one day so that they could feel the impact we actually have on music in Nigeria. It was to cause hunger for music so that they can come up with constitution to protect us as artists. AIM: Your concert was incredible; we witnessed girls going crazy over you. How do you stay grounded and not let it get to your heads? P-Square: It’s the fans; they basically put the food on the table. We are nobody without them. We see them love us like they do, they buy the CDs and they go to the concerts, so the best way to give back is to be appreciative and interact with them. Whenever we have the opportunity, we have to give back to them because they may not get the opportunity to see us again for a long time. AIM: What do you like to do for fun outside of music and dance? P-Square: We like to relax, go out and just not do anything that has to do with music. Sometimes we just take a 2 week break and say “No Music, no concerts, no interviews”. We just hang out, go visit with friends and just… try to live a normal life as much as we can and meet new people. AIM: Which artists out of Africa do you like? P-Square: Magic System and Fally Ipupa have something about them that is interesting. The late Lucky Dube is a big one; he was the biggest Reggae artist out of Africa. AIM: You were recently nominated for “Best International Group” Award in the 2010 BET Awards. How was that experience? P-Square: Just being able to be nominated and attend was a wonderful experience. It was not about winning, more so we knew that African fans were watching to see P-Square on the stage. We got to meet some artists the likes of PDiddy and Kanye West. It was nice having them recognize us.
P-Square By Linda Obel AIM: What advice do you have for aspiring artists? P-Square: First and foremost you must appreciate where you are from. Most of us from Africa want to become like Americans as artists, and that is where we go wrong. Don’t think about money first because that’s not the way to go. Do something because you love it, believe in yourself and don’t give up. Even if you don’t make money, when you do something because you love it you can enjoy yourself. Do some research and don’t try to be like everyone else. Be unique; don’t try to give people what they already have. AIM: Which artists would you get star struck by? P-Square: P-Diddy, Damien Marley and the late Lucky Dube. If I got the opportunity t take a photo with them I would. The next stops on P-Square’s tour are Maryland, Toronto, Canada and New York. Their stage presence is undeniable and their extremely precise dance moves will leave your heart thumping and yearning for more. If you have a chance to check P-Square out, make sure you do because you will definitely get your money’s worth. It is obvious that the sky is the limit for these phenomenal, yet down to earth, superstars. I can’t wait to see what else they have in store for their fans. Their next video, which is slated to be released next month, is “Possibilities” featuring 2face. In the meantime, be sure support them and pick up their latest CD, Danger which is also available on iTunes.
P-Square with the AIM Magazine ladies
Ododo Originals
Ododo Originals Lesley was born in the UK to Igbo parents. Her family moved around quite a bit, dividing their time between Nigeria and various African and European countries her father was transferred to. In 1996, her family settled in the US in Lafayette, Louisiana, where they still reside. Lesley moved to Florida for college, then Minnesota for graduate school where she still resides. AIM Magazine caught up with this budding entrepreneur for a little one on one..... Please tell us your full name and where you come from? Lesley Nneka Arimah and I'm from Nigeria, specifically Anambra State. What is/was the hardest adjustment to living far away from home? Well, my family moved to the States when I was very young, 12 going on 13, so I've adjusted since then. But I remember how big of a cultural shock it was, especially moving to a small town in Louisiana. Now, I really miss the food and I miss hearing Igbo spoken by the people around me. Tell us about your business, when you started, the name, the products etc My business is Ododo Originals ("ododo" means "flower") and I started selling in late 2008. I'm an accessories junkie obsessed with hair, but I could rarely find good quality, truly unique hair pieces to purchase in stores. Since I've always been "crafty" and enjoyed crocheting and sewing, I decided to make them myself. I started out a few years ago, altering silk flowers into hair pieces, but soon realized that silk flowers are a dime a dozen and not quite the look I was going for. I played with leather and wood, but they didn't hit the mark. Then, one afternoon, I walked into a bead store with rows upon rows of various beads in various colors and I saw the possibilities. After several months of experimenting with wires and bead sizes and various tools, I ended up with the flowers I sell on Etsy. I try to have something for everyone in every mood; from loud, brassy pieces reminiscent of cabarets to soft, muted flowers that would fit comfortably in the strictest of tearooms. What is your most unforgettable career milestone? My first sale. I don't think anything can beat that first rush when you get the validation that you've created a product that someone wants to buy. Where do you draw inspiration from? I love color. And if you know Nigerians, you know that we are not afraid to rock some bold colors. Plus, I grew up with a fashionable mother who passed the gene to me. Consuming art and fashion media has also been an inspiration. It lets you develop an eye for what works and what doesn't. What projects are you currently working on? I am in the process of forming a new line of flowers that feature pearls, Swarovski crystals, and semi-precious stones as the raw materials. They are perfect for bridal and special occasion wear. If you had to pick your favorite African designers, who would be on the list? Momo, Deola Sagoe, and Ozwald Boateng. I like clothing with bold, clean lines. But beyond some of the more well-known names, I love the many unsung African designers and tailors who keep the everyday man looking good. They really are quite amazing. What advice would you give to people about accessories? Keep it simple. Just because you own six fabulous cocktail rings doesn't mean you have to wear them all at once. Don't worry too much about matching accessories to your outfit in terms of color. Sometimes it's an unexpected contrasting piece that really sets off an outfit.
Ododo Originals What causes or issues are you passionate about? Literacy. Most of our knowledge is housed in text form and being able to read and fully understand what one reads opens up so many avenues for personal growth and advancement. Think of all the things you couldn't do if you didn't know how to read. That many people all over the world are without those opportunities strikes a chord of unfairness. What advice would you give to young/upcoming designers? To my fellow young/upcoming designers, I would say, legitimize your business i.e. register your business name, file taxes etc. As soon as you start taking yourself seriously, others will too. Good luck. Contact information: ododooriginals@gmail.com www.facebook.com/OdodoOriginals twitter.com/OdodoOriginals website: www.ododooriginals.etsy.com
www.ododooriginals.etsy.com
Furniture By Wangechi Ruguaru
Rolston Collection The best seller so far this season Pieces sold separately. Coffee table - $ 99.00 Loveseat - $239.99 Club Chair - $ 179.99 Ottoman - $ 89.99
Furniture can be found at Target, prices may vary.
Parkway Dining Collection
Set of 4 chairs - $499.99 Table - $ 199.99 Umbrella - $ 89.99 Umbrella base - $ 39.99
M
In The Spot By Linda Obel
úkami Kinoti Kimotho has a Master of Applied Communication degree from the University Of Denver, Colorado, and a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems degree from the United States International University, San Diego, CA. She has a wealth of experience in global media and the performing arts including television, film, runway and print modeling, and presentational speaking. She has a strong crossfunctional background and a successful record of accomplishments in mass communications, public
relations,
advocacy,
organizational
effectiveness and communications, global business management and crosscultural effectiveness strategies in global organizations. In one of her more noteworthy roles as a journalist, Múkami covered the 2009 United States Presidential Inauguration on behalf of Kenya’s leading television network – KTN – delivering critical news on the historic unfolding of the event to an audience that spanned the African continent. Previously, Múkami was a continuity announcer and anchor televised on KTN and received national recognition as recipient of the honorary ‘KISIMA - Personality of the Year’ Award. Her contributions as a primary spokesperson for the network in regional and national marketing campaigns resulted in significant increases in national viewership and subsequent escalation in advertising revenues.
Cont. In The Spot By Linda Obel Mukami continued to add value as a keynote speaker and network representative at various community building initiatives, national conferences and events addressing diversity, gender equity and leadership issues. Múkami's journey as a global media and multidisciplinary performing artist can be traced back to her early years on the theatrical stage. Debuting on the African media and arts scene in the 1980's, Mukami was heavily involved in television, theatre, music and dance. She leveraged her gift for storytelling and her unique background and perspective to write, direct, produce and deliver compelling and socially relevant performances in individual and large-scale productions, several of which won national and international acclaim. She catapulted her award-winning artistic talents into careers as a professional actress on both small and silver screens, and a nationally recognized anchor. Múkami continues to leverage her strengths and core competencies in global media and communications within the corporate arena and founder and President of Mawazo Media. As a journalist, organizational ambassador and celebrity spokesperson, Múkami has been on the front lines of mainstream media communication, hosted numerous local, regional and international events and advocated on behalf of global issues that span themes such as Global Diversity, Creating Inclusion, Leadership Development, Gender Equity, Child Survival, Health, Education and Sustainability of the Arts. Múkami is committed to serving her local community, and has been actively engaged with non-profit boards and in a variety of media and performing arts capacities. So what’s next for a woman who obviously has so many achievements under her belt as such a young age? How about getting her own show on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN)? Múkami views herself as a servant leader, an agent of change and an instrument of encouragement and inclusiveness. She is passionate about making meaningful human connections, and continues to channel her creative energy and gifts towards fostering cross-cultural effectiveness, an inclusive perspective and the greater good of the communities in which she lives and serves. Please join us in showing our support for her as she competes to have her own show on the OWN Network. To view her audition video and vote for Múkami, please go to http://myown.oprah.com/audition/index.html?request=video_details&response_id=3612 You can become a fan of hers on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/MukaTV/125244974167046?ref=ts
Health By Evalyn Githina Swimming Workout Swimming is a great way to lose weight, build muscle, and it burns fat like no other activity. It is also a crucial life skill to acquire. Swimming, unlike running, is easy on the joints and can be fun depending on the type of swimming you are doing. Swimming with friends is a great way to enjoy yourself as well as enhance your physical and mental strength and endurance. This is also a great way to change up your workouts from time-to-time. Research has shown that swimming workouts burn approximately three calories a mile per pound of body weight. One mile is 1,609 meters. So for a 150 pound person, at a 30-minute/mile pace, they would burn around 900 calories. Nine hundred calories in a half hour; it takes an hour on the treadmill at a fast pace to burn 900 calories! Below are a few different swimming workouts that you may want to give a shot!
Workout Option 1 Try each stroke for 25 meters: Front Crawl, Breast Stroke, Butterfly, Elementary Back Stroke, Back Crawl, and Side Stroke. For more experienced swimmers:
Workout Option 2 Repeat the following five times: 50-100m sprint/rest with 50m kickboard using flutter kicks 50-100m sprint/rest with 50m kickboard using breast or dolphin kick
Try each of the previous strokes for 50 meters. Swim with fins for 15-30 minutes non-stop Stretch your legs well as you will feel the burn after kickboarding using flutter kicks. For more of an upper body pump add in some calisthenics or weights in between laps.
G-Spot By Gerald Montgomery
The 10 Commandments of Flirting Outside of your Relationship Flirting is a woman’s prerogative and thus by all accounts the tempo is set by her. When a woman flirts or is responsive to flirting, however, it doesn’t have to mean she wants to take things any further or go beyond the moment. Sometimes women flirt for flirting sake. Men, we should take a lesson from women in this regard and not always feel the need to “cash in” when a woman pays us a little extra attention. In some cases the fact that a man is settled down as well as moderately successful makes him attractive to a woman. Her admiration for him could turn into a small crush. But the moment he is responsive to her casual advances (i.e. show signs of unfaithfulness) the fantasy is ruined and the crush dissolves. Flirting may be passive, even harmless, but it is never innocent. It is, at the very least, intended to send a not-so-clear signal of interest; that you approve of what you see. For a passerby it signifies that you would possibly consider breaking the ice with him or her to see if the interest continued IF your present situation was different. For acquaintances it is confirmation of an attraction not yet acted upon or an indication of what could otherwise be. At the very most, it is a mock mating ritual. Women cannot continue to deny this fact. For those in committed relationships flirting should be less like window shopping and more like sitting on your couch flipping through a catalog. Window shopping, specific to this analogy, is about coveting and plotting. You see something you want so you eyeball it for several minutes, touch it a bit, walk away from it then revisit it a couple times until you work up enough nerve to get it! Looking through a catalog is much less serious and much easier to walk away from. If you’re not in a committed relationship and are just dating, then window shop ‘til you drop! Heeeey {snap}! Episodes of flirting are best, or rather less complicated, with a passerby or as an isolated incident (e.g. once or twice at a monthly or annual social event or while on vacation). Flirting with people you have a casual acquaintance with (i.e. people you see more than once a month) has a much greater possibility of spilling over into your primary relationship. When flirting with people you see with any degree of regularity all of your cards should be on the table. They should know you’re in a committed relationship and likewise. Having difficulty mentioning your mate in this person’s presence is a pretty good indication that the flirting has gone too far. Healthy [reciprocal] flirting is a good esteem-builder and positively impacts our mental, even physical health. But like anything we consume, it only continues to be good for us when done in moderation and in intervals that are not harmful in any way to our primary relationship. Flirting should be respectful and complimentary with no strings attached, not intrusive or disruptive to the rhythm of ours or the other person’s life. For women a man should limit his flirting to words (no facial gestures or physical contact) by simply complimenting her on her efforts to refine her appearance and should in no way lead to a suggestion to violate the covenant of her primary relationship. In
G-Spot By Gerald Montgomery contrast, a woman should contain her flirting to non-verbal methods, like eye gestures or facial expressions (also no touching). Verbal flirtation from women can be misleading to men but facial innuendos still provide enough mystery to keep the men guessing, thus remaining in the realm of flirting. This is admittedly the most controversial of the commandments. Who you flirt with should be as selective as who you date- you wouldn’t date just anybody so don’t flirt with everybody. Otherwise it becomes common and meaningless. And meaningless flirting is no longer respectful and complimentary. It’s more like virtual whore mongering. Never flirt with the friends of people you flirt with, it’s disrespectful even at this level of human social behavior. Again, flirting is like a scaled-down version of casual dating. There’s a light-hearted intimacy of sorts established with routine flirting. Once a man establishes a flirting relationship with a woman he shouldn’t flirt with her girlfriends and vice versa. Sounds a tad bit juvenile, I know. But sometimes women tell their girlfriends about the “cute guy at the gym” she sometimes works out with. One of the most embarrassing things, for her, would be if he flirted with one of her girlfriends the first time he bumps into them at a night club. Never flirt out of necessity; it’s tacky! In other words don’t force it simply because you don’t want to pass up on a perceived opportunity. Flirting is just as much about sharing your positive vibes as it is about letting someone know you find him or her attractive. Like, when we’re on a “natural high” induced by beautiful weather and all is right with our world. Flirting with attractive people (note: beauty is in the eye of the beholder) is one way we express this euphoria. We should never force it nor do it with expectations. We should give it without expecting to get it in return; walk away from it with the other person smiling. Flirting that is either aggressive or excessive is a turn-off! {Two thumbs down!} Flirting with our mate is not only ok to do on occasion it’s highly recommended! For all the reasons we feel good when complete strangers compliment us, or people we see 2 or 3 times a week at the gym says a few nice things to us on their way to the trend mill, are the reasons we should also flirt with our mate. Besides, guys, if you don’t tell her that her hair looks good “Romeo” at the gym will! Iron sharpens iron, so let’s be better because of it!
Nice hair sweetheart!
See, Hear, Speak No Evil
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By Evalyn Githina
Design Africa is a visionary initiative dedicated to showcasing and supporting Africa’s leading designers. Design Africa aspires to create a new impression of African design among international buyers and to assist a select portfolio of pan-African designers to reach their commercial potential.
Vote for Múkami Kinoti for Oprah’s Show
The Design Africa collection represents designers from seven countries, including Ethiopia, Ghana, Mali, Senegal, South Africa, Swaziland and Zambia. The designers in the Design Africa collection demonstrate the high standards of commercial professionalism desired by international interior designers, architects, specifiers, decorators and retailers.
Currently, Múkami serves in a senior position in Corporate Business in America as Vice President Bank of New York Mellon, responsible for Global Diversity.
The furniture, basketry, ceramics, home textiles and tableware showcased is available through their retailers or distributors located in Europe, South Africa, United States and Canada. To make your update your style with African flair and to learn more go to www.designafrica.ca
Múkami Kinoti Kimotho, a Kenyan who resides in Washington DC, is requesting Kenyans and all Africans in the Diaspora to vote for her to get her own show from Oprah's search for the next TV star in America. Múkami’s dream is to help the poor and the needy all over the world via television and film.
Besides her renowned journalism efforts, Múkami is also known for her lead role in the Kenya Premier film "Saikati", representing the aspirations of a young Masai girl for success, for which she won the Best Actress for M-Net Africa Click on the links below for more information: http://myown.oprah.com/audition/index.html?requ est=video_details&response_id=3612 http://myown.oprah.com/audition/index.html?requ est=video_details&response_id=3612
In 2009, P-Square released their fourth studio album, Danger also available on iTunes. This album features collaborations with 2face Idibia, J Martins and Frenzy. It is evidence of the P-Square phenomenon that catapulted the duo to keep improving their craft and surpassing expectations. P-Square’s release of Danger earned them a BET Awards nomination for “Best International Act”, and earned Peter and Paul Okoye the Artiste of the Year award at the KORA All Africa Music Awards in Ouagadougou, Burkina-Faso which also earned them the sum of $1 Million Dollars as Award Winners.
Fashion By Mutheu Ghana 2010 Africa Soccer Jacket $69.99 Be bold in your love for the Black Stars
http://www.worldsoccershop.com
Argentina Flag Soccer Bracelet
$11.99 A subtle way to show your not-so-subtle love for Argentina. This would also make an excellent and thoughtful gift for the Argentina fan in your life. Made from the same elements as a soccer ball. One size fits all with a unique elastic soccer ball bead closure.
http://www.worldsoccershop.com
Barcelona Dangle Earrings $8.99 Unique way to show your love for Barcelona.
http://www.worldsoccershop.com
adidas Women's Princess Soccer Shorts http://www.worldsoccershop.com
Men’s slip-ons created by Vans retail for $52 at http://shop.vans.com
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World Cup 2010 sneakers…….I SOOOOO WANT!!!! They are stylish and a work of art. For just under $75, you can make them yours.
FIFA WorldCup Zakumi scarf $19.99
Silence???? Love the World Cup 2010 hoodie for Blow Me – that’s only $49.99 you can own a piece of right. You too can own a Vuvuzela for history under $10, and why not get the Tshirt to go with it?
The Zakumi Mascot is just too cute
World Cup 2010: Get your football on in style!!!
Rock a Donovan or Messi jersey for under $100 http://www.worldsoccershop.com/12592.html
“..........I like to cook food that is quick and not complicated. With a 4 year old child, kitchen time has to be short. You can turn chicken, pork or fish into an elegant and simple meal. Always keep fresh herbs, such as thyme, in the fridge. My staple flavorings are rosemary, chives, scallions, shallots, garlic and salt & pepper; you would be amazed at what you can create in terms of flavor with these.”
B’s Kitchen
B’s Kithchen By Bernice Mitoko
Black Peppercorn Crusted Filet Mignon filet mignon steaks, each 1 1/2-inches thick 1 tablespoon ground rosemary 1 tablespoon ground thyme 2 tablespoons kosher salt 2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper olive oil sprig of rosemary Preheat the grill or oven to high and preheat a pan with olive oil as well. Remove the steaks from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes before cooking. Meanwhile, combine the rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Liberally season both sides of each filet with the spice (seasoning) mixture. Sear the filets on the pan for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side for medium doneness. Remove the steaks from the sautĂŠ pan onto a baking sheet. Place in the preheated oven for about 4 min (The best way to eat any filet or steak is always medium rare). When your grill filet is done, get ready to plate up. Place a spoon of Garlic mash in the middle of your plate, place the filet on top, and garnish with a sprig of rosemary. Asparagus is served on the side as shown, or you could cut them on a bias and place them on top or under your filet.
www.utamaduniwear.com Email: Utamaduniwear@gmail.com Tel: +254 717681674
Photo Credits Uchefotography Š
Alita’s Travels By Alita Watson
Alita is blessed to be able to travel for work (through Smile Network), passion and pleasure. These travels take her to countries in Africa and South America. While on the road, Alita is witness to a great many adventures. She pens these encounters in the most amazing way that captures our hearts, transports us to the regions she is visiting and traveling through, and she unwittingly brings us face to face with all she encounters on the road. Alita shares these writings with her friends and family and AIM Magazine is honored that she has chosen to share this series of stories with us. Thank you Alita!
Entebbe, Uganda By Alita Watson July 1st 2010~ I write from the road leading from Mbale to Entebbe, Uganda, where the Smile mission has come to an end after two amazing weeks, working with a group of people that now strangely feel like family. I don’t think you could do something like we just did together, and not feel bonded beyond the means of our roles on this mission. We met some of the most kind and endearing people I have ever come across, and saw things that were both inspiring, and heartbreaking. The hospital we were working at is the only hospital in the country that treats hydrocephalus, which causes a swelling of head and is perceived as an alien and freakish disorder (similar to cleft lip) in the rural villages of Uganda. Mothers come here with their babies as a last hope, and some of them have sadly already given up. Yesterday I went to embrace a mother waiting to be seen by a doctor, her child had a head that was at least ten times its normal size. She removed the pants of the child and I was astonished at what I saw. Spina bifida was the cause of this child’s swelling head, and he had received surgery months before to drain the fluid from the spinal cord. This child would have had a chance of survival but his mother had left him sitting in his own feces for twelve hours a day, causing him to develop horrific pressure sores. The mother had waited so long to come in for treatment, that the infection had caused enormous holes through his small and fragile body cavity. Nothing has taken my breath away like that since I started this work, almost three years ago. Another mother came to us holding her two-year old daughter who had been set on fire with kerosene. Her hand had been burned into her chest and mutated‌I became physically ill as I touched the little soft sweet skin that remained, next to the burnt and raw tissue that covered 90% of her body. There is nothing that can be done for so many of these patients. There are only ten practicing plastic surgeons and 16 anesthesiologists in the entire county of Uganda that has a population of 30 million. This hospital is one of two in existence that offers free medical care. The average Ugandan makes $1 a day, and provides for a family of 8-10 people.
Entebbe, Uganda By Alita Watson When you look around, and let this start to sink in, your heart will break…over and over again. The only thing that relieves this morbidity is the love that is all around us. The love and the joy that comes from making any difference we can. We did 35 surgeries in just eight days, on children as young as 2 months, to adults as old as 35. One woman, Evelyn, came to us with her husband. They told us they had been the laughing stock of their village, “why would you marry a creature like that!” The men would shout in public. Women excluded her from community functions, and the couple became isolated from their families altogether. I wish you could have seen their faces when we came into the ward the morning after she’d had surgery. They were sitting on her bed, touching foreheads and he kept lifting her chin to stare at her beautiful new smile. It was amazing because you couldn’t even see stitches; she glowed with pride, knowing she would be returning to her village later that day saying “HA! You see what a beauty I am!” What a gift. What a gift! This is the hardest I can remember working in my life. The days are long, physically and emotionally exhausting, but what a true honor to give this gift that will forever change the lives of each and every one of these precious people. My family buried my grandfather today. He was a hero who led many men through tragic war, and always spoke for those who had no voice. While it is difficult to be honoring his life from so far away, I know this is where he would want me to be right now. My girls in Ghana await me tomorrow....their hugs and smiles are exactly what I need today. Love to Mbale and all of the children we promise to come back for. And love to you!
Alita
One Mic Show By Wangechi Ruguaru
AIM: Please tell us your full name? Humphrey: My name is Humphrey Muturi Gachihi AIM: How long have you lived abroad? I have lived here for 15 years. Primarily in the Maryland/Washington DC Metro area. AIM: What was the hardest adjustment to living away from home? Humphrey: There were many. First, my mom’s cooking. Secondly, being away from family and having had to adjust and become an adult at only 19. At 19 one is not fully mature. Coming straight from High school, and a boarding school at that, straight into a life of individual responsibility where I had to earn my own keep, pay my way through college and make major life decisions which I was not really equipped for at that age was a major challenge. But I am happy I made it, albeit with a few bruises. I use the show to share my experience and to encourage other young people who are starting a new life in the Diaspora. AIM: What or who is the OneMic show? Humphrey: The OneMic show is the sitting room where AFROPOLITANS meet and discuss issues affecting their day to day lives especially RELATIONSHIPS. By AFROPOLITAN, I mean an African living in a METROPOLITAN city be it New York, Sydney, Australia, Washington DC, or Nairobi so on and so forth. The OneMic Shows tries to address issues that affect the modern urban African individual. AIM: When did this show start? What is the show about? Humphrey: I pitched the OneMic show to the founders of www.afriziki.com as a show that would incorporate legally acquired music with a talk show that would create a platform for the adult AFROPOLITAN to have a discourse on life in the Diaspora. This was in the summer of 2008. Afriziki.com was the first website to offer legally acquired music where the artists were paid royalties. By partnering with Afriziki.com, the OneMic show was able to Promote African artists within the context of its show. The OneMic show primarily addresses socio-economic and cultural issues which affect the Afropolitan. The show makes a deliberate effort to stay away from political issues. This is because the OneMic show believes that the issue of politics is widely
covered elsewhere. AIM: What inspired you to become a radio personality? Humphrey: I love telling stories, sharing life experiences and entertaining people. Funny enough, I was a very shy guy in high school and had no avenue to express myself. This all changed when I hooked up with DJ Amo who is now based in Kenya, and he gave me the opportunity to be a master of ceremony (MC) at one of his parties. I found my voice behind that microphone and that is where the nickname OneMic began. I remember when I started emceeing; it was not a very smooth start. At first I was horrible, interrupting the music and the DJ and just being loud. Eventually I started crafting the art of being a hype man. I started being an Emcee for the major events and artists that would come to Washington DC like Nameless, Necessary Noize, and Nonini. Eventually I was asked by a number of close friends if I ever thought of doing radio. I had the interest but it was not until I partnered with Afriziki.com that I got the opportunity to showcase my abilities. AIM: What is your most unforgettable career milestone? Humphrey: Going live was a major milestone. At first my Co-Host (Kawa aka Mtoto Msawa) and I used to prerecord the show and then post it on Afriziki.com weekly. Earlier this year, I got an opportunity from MEXXRADIO.com to air the show live. Unfortunately my co-host Kawa was not available to broadcast the show live due to prior education obligations. But as life had it, a friend of mine, Dombolo, came to the studio as a guest host and he ended up being a co-host. Soon after that a chance meeting with Flo K led to a guest spot on the Show. Flo K brought such a different dynamic to the show that I asked her to join the show’s crew. Dombolo, Flo K and I have been able to deliver what I believe to be a superb product to our listeners every Friday evening from 8.00pm to 10.30pm on Mexxradio.com. As I always say, it is the better, cheaper, more interesting happy hour plan to be at home, listening to the OneMic show sipping on your favorite drink. The future is bright and there are more milestones to be achieved. This is just the beginning of what I hope will be a very interesting, intriguing yet challenging journey. The encouraging support and positive feedback for the show has fanned the fire to continue. AIM: Where did you draw your inspiration from? Humphrey: I draw my inspirations from my personal experience and the people that have helped shape my life. I am a fan of Michael Baisden, and even though sometimes I do not agree within his position(s) on certain issues, I find that his show has a very interesting approach toward socio-economic and cultural issues. I draw some inspiration from his show in regard to how to deliver The OneMic show content. AIM: What projects are you currently working on? Humphrey: I am concentrating on making the OneMic show the premiere talk show for the East African. There are TV and Movie projects in the works. Just stay tuned!!! AIM: Who are your top 5 African heroes? Humphrey: Nelson Mandela Wangari Mathai Wangu wa makeri Bildad Kagia My Mom AIM: What causes or issues are you passionate about? Humphrey: I am passionate about the welfare of children. Being a parent myself, I believe every parent should do their possible best to assure the child’s success in life. Even in situations where the parents are not together, I believe both parents should play a major role in the child’s development. There is no excuse for single dads in particular. AIM: Advice? Humphrey: We live only once, so make the best out of life. Enjoy it, have fun, but also be responsible. Readers can listen to the show on Fridays from 8pm eastern time to 10.30 pm on www.mexxradio.com. Also for those not able to listen, the show is posted on www.afriziki.com every Monday after the prior Friday’s show. I send it out from the OneMic group on Facebook every Monday. So please join the OneMic show group to get regular updates.
Tech Buzz By Anthony Odufuye
IPHONE 4 In case you missed it, the iPhone 4 (Apple’s latest baby) is out and causing a frenzy among Apple geeks like me. Preorders for the iPhone 4 ran out within less than 24 hours of when they were made available. Here in the Twin Cities, by 9.40pm on the night the iPhone 4 was released for sale, only 15 phones were left in stock. By the next day all stores had run out and no one knows when the next stock of iPhones will come in. So what is all the fuss about?
It's difficult not to get excited when holding a smart phone as gorgeous as the iPhone 4. Holding the phone in the palm of my hands just feels right. It is a sharp contrast when compared to the plastic like feel of the iPhone 3g and 3gS. For starters, the material used in the construction of the case is completely different. The front and back sides of the phone are covered with strengthened glass. Unlike the previous generation phones, Apple chose to straighten out the back side of the phone and give it a flat surface. This change slims down the width of the phone and gives it a much more compact feel. There are now two cameras on the phone. The front facing camera uses a lower resolution than its 5 Megapixel counterpart on the back of the phone, but provides for a lot more ease of use when taking personal photos and video. My favorite hardware change so far though has to be the newly improved display. Comparing the screen on the new phone to that of the 3g makes its superiority immediately apparent. It is crystal clear, and has a much higher resolution. Reading text in bright sunlight is now completely feasible
and
does
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Tech Buzz By Anthony Odufuye
On to changes in the software for the iPhone operating system. Apple has found a decent way in which to re-invent a decade old technology which has seen limited use in many countries in England, and attempts to make it popular here in the United States. Facetime is more than just the ability to make video calls. It sports an open standard that makes it easy for other manufacturers and software developers to create devices that can utilize the technology. This means that video calling will eventually be available on a multitude of devices and potentially change the way in which we communicate. The iOS 4 (Apple’s terminology for the operating system version 4) brings new functionality that will be welcomed by most users. For starters, the iPhone 4 and 3gS now supports multitasking. This long awaited feature makes it possible to listen to your favorite streaming app while using other functions of the phone. Also new to the updated operating system is the ability to create folders. Dragging an app on top of another will automatically create a folder with a predetermined name based on the type of applications selected. If you're a power user and have lots of apps, this feature
is
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useful
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will
lower
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The iPhone 4 has not come without its share of problems though. The most prominent problem at the moment is the reception issues experienced by a large number of early adopters. The antenna is located around the edge of the phone and, while Apple swears it provides for improved performance, users have noticed that skin contact can bridge connections between different parts of the antenna and cause signal degradation. A colleague of mine, who had no problems with his 3g phone, ended up having to replace his iPhone 4 three different times due to reception issues in his house. It turned out that the new phone could only pick up a signal from the edge network where the older phone worked with 3g effortlessly. Other users are also starting to report issues with the screen developing yellowish discoloration in spots. This has been attributed to the bonding glue not being completely dried during the manufacturing process. The tint reportedly dissipates after a few days, possibly due to the bonding agent completely drying up.
This new phone is definitely a worthwhile upgrade if you can find a store that still has one in stock. The upgrade in hardware and software is leaps and bounds above what is available on the older phones. The most important reason to upgrade for me though is a very simple one. To quote my girlfriend, "The iPhone 4 is just so pretty".
“New functionality that will be welcomed by most users”
Dobet Gnahoré By Evalyn Githina
Dobet Gnahoré quietly walked onto the Cedar stage and played a modified version of a flute that looked similar to a short 3 inch bamboo stick. It felt like prayer when she started and all the while, we, the audience, were silent. The sound was unlike anything I had ever heard before, but there was comfort in it and the rythm was infectious. Dobet’s songs talk about love, joy for life and the uncertainty of life. She is a master singer, percussionist and dynamic dancer who learned her art by observing her grandmother sing at funerals. She also learned from her father Boni Gnahoré, a master percussionist who plays with the Ki-Yi Mbock based in Abijan. This is where Dobet’s journey gained momentum and led her to meet Colin Laroche Felin who was in Ivory Coast to immerse himself in African Melodies. The chemistry, between Dobet, Colin Laroche de Feline who plays the guitar & backing vocals, Boris Tchango, who plays drums & percussion and Clive Govinden, the bass player & who backs vocals is obvious. Boris, plays the drums like the match that ignites the flame that brings in the heat to the melodies that effortlessly flow from Dobet. Colin and
Clive have an ease about them which is amazing considering the complex rhythms they play. There is something magical about Dobet and her band and the result is soulful, genuine and has the power to get you moving without thought. I was fortunate enough to speak to Dobet Gnahoré after her concert at the Cedar on July 7th. Dobet’s English is sparse and so a French speaking friend was gracious enough to translate what Dobet did not have the English words for. Dobet talked about her grandmother who sang at funerals and her experience observing and learning different things from all the artists she sees. When I tried to find out who her favorite artists are, she told us that for her it is very difficult to pick because she has so many. Dobet confessed that her musical influences are as varied as Africa itself. She talked about using her music as a tool to preserve the traditions, languages and cultures of Africa. Dobet is influenced by mandingue melodies, rumba, from the Congo, Ivory Coast Ziglibiti, Ghanian High-Life to Zulu compositions. She is determined to keep singing in African languages and the audience was very
responsive to that variety of language, when she sang “Samahani”, which is swahili for “forgive”. This is Dobet’s second tour of the US. Her first concert tour had her performing 37 concerts in two months in the great company of Vusi Mahlasela and Habib Koite. This time around though, she and her band are flying solo and they kicked off the US tour in Minneapolis from where they will then go on to Chicago for two concerts, then two in Canada and the back to the US for a concert in New York and the finale as far as the US is concerned for this leg of the tour, winds up in Grass Valley, California. For more information on specific concert locations and dates click here. Dobet is a modern African woman who has transformed the African music scene through her unique blend of the abundant culture and tradition that is still deeply embedded despite the colonial and mass media influence. Her presence on and off the stage is dynamic especially when combined with her beautiful and melodic voice, theatrical and choreographically talent infused with remarkable musicality and dance. Asante Sana Dobet Gnahoré for a magnificent experience!
Dobet with the AIM Ladies Evalyn and Wangechi
“My musical influences are varied like Africa itself!” -Dobet-
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