Imagine that
JULY 2016
FASHION FACE BUSINESS What you need to know about SNAPCHAT
Simplicty is Elegance. Best Believe!
LIFESTYLE
21
days is all you need for a fab body!
A CASE FOR COLOURED FOLK
FIONAH UMULISA
simple
Fanny Wong
Fifi dress
Margrit dress
SolĂŠne dress
We make garments or accessories published in a very limited series and made with fabrics such as wax, woven loincloth, and recycled textiles from Africa that tell a story.
Born in 2011, we have two passions: creating our fashion, and, bringing new life to old clothes and accessories, through recycling.
We have dresses, small leather items, shoes and accessories for men and women, plus so much more!
Art n Style
Maidie dress
Margrit dress
Greda dress
Maisie dress
Magali dress
Blacky Gyan
The originality of the brand lies in the choice of its ambassadors Models Fanny Wong Blacky Gyan Photographer Beethoven Saintiche Designer A’S de la Perfection MUA Servonne Ku Location Montreal, Canada Paris, France Dakar, Senegal
Imagine that
Imagine That 8 Ways
to Flow with Foes
Fashion Face Blame it on the NET
Roy
Lollchand SUGAR SPICE
SWEET SUCCESS
9 Ways to NEVER send an email
SUMMER The Pressure
to
Love
Meklit Baye
8 down,
so many more to go. we promise you
EXCELLENCE
Candles of the
EDITOR'S NOTE
Heart
Where there is love, there is life. _ Mahatma Gandhi Candles have a peaceful ambiance about them; they create an aura of romance and holiness. Most nights, at least the ones I manage to, I try to light up candles and just be by myself to reflect, think about something or nothing, and feel a sense of peace. The power of a single conviction is enough to move masses to action or inaction, like the power of a single candle to light up an entire hall, similar to the heart which can rule the mind.
These same causes are like flames on a candle; they burn in a peaceful, steady and almost silent, unnoticed manner. But they still burn. They still produce light. And our hearts desires, our genuine hearts purpose manifests in the same way. We feel in certain ways about certain things. And when we look closer or listen more intently, we get to experience the flame with increasing intensity.
Our potential as humans is crazy! It’s 2016 and what we have achieved is phenomenal. But we haven’t yet I believe that our hearts have candles reached our climax. Because there in them. are so many of us, and each of us has a candle in the heart, and that candle These candles have everlasting wax that is burning with a flame so real and produces flames of cause for as long as impactful, waiting to be released to we live. our world, to shine bright, to inspire and illuminate lives and to make the Companies open up because of a world a better place. burning desire to create something or change something- a cause. It’s that simple. Strikes occur, and revolutions take place because of a burning desire to What’s your flame? effect change- a cause. Babies are made, and relationships are Find it. formed because of a burning desire to create something new, something great Happy reading and beautiful- a cause.
Eric Maingi
Editor-in-Chief
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ggie! Gr
Speaking of time travel, can you shed light on
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THE CREW
CEO - JOSEPH RUTAKANGWA
COLUMNISTS BUSINESS Kabo Madigele FASHION FACE Mary Mang’eni Meklit Baye
MODELS Fionah Umulisa Hellen Tesfamariam Catherine Kuria Zibusiso Mtunzi
Hawi Tiyo Kaone Tlagae Fanidh Sanogo Charles Msilanga Joseph Rutakangwa
CONTRIBUTORS Eric Maingi Editor-in-Chief Ermias Mehari Lead Designer
FEATURED
Elsa Yeboah-Boateng
Haute Baso
Creative Director
LIFESTYLE Torey Foss
Imagine that
Ebenezer Graham COMMUNICATIONS Baraka Pilipili MARKETING Andrew Wani
Asst. Graphic Designer René Solomon Sookara Akshee Eric MainFanidh gi Sanogo Linda Admassu
Photography
Banza Magazine The CREW herein represents all individuals who facilitate the Banza Expereince JULY 2016
Table of Content 72 108 40
86
68
16
f
04
A'S de la perfection
22
Banza previous issues
23
Editor’s Note on Candles of the Heart
24
28
40
66
72
78
Banza Social
Banza Crew Meet the team
36
Feature Video Haute Baso, Kigali, Rwanda
67
Fashion Face Behind the Lenses 60 Seconds with Meklit Baye
80
Banza Business Meet Zama, in The 2-step guide to on Snapchat Banza Diary living simple
86
90
Go nude this July and For people of colour. Case Files look stunning
92
98
The danger in despising Your 21 day breakthrough common things
102
108
Blast Workout A letter from Uncle Charles
Damn it! I took a walk through pages of Banza in different editions and I gotta admit, You're waaaaaay up.... Masterpiece. You and the whole team is fantastically producing elegant works. Truly, neat work. Kudos kudos @jovinowski
Good content and diverse African team. I liked rading @Banza_Imagine! #Africa #Content Enyo Kumahor @enyok
One thing I know about Banza is that the next one is always better.
I appreciate it 100%
#Dare2be @ArinzeObiezue
#Dare2be @ikram_omar_
Blimey! Looks so good #Dare2be @chepkorir_
Pamoja sana #Dare2be @AirtelTanzania
#Dare2be @Afrotrendsworldwide
H AU TE BASO , K IGA L I, R WANDA Haute Baso is an ethical Rwandan fashion brand designing high-quality local products inspired by Rwandan culture with a global twist. It was established in February 2014 when the two young, ambitious and talented Rwandan fashion designers, Candy Basomingera and Linda Mukangoga, merged their respective brands believing that “two heads are better than one.” Using their passion for fashion as a vehicle for positive change, they work towards advancing women and youth empowerment through training, mentorship programs and job creation.
Determined to put Rwanda on the world fashion map, Haute Baso is helping create a thriving local fashion industry by unleashing the potential of Rwandan art and showing that Rwandan fashion is chic, contemporary and accessible. Working in collaboration with 52 local artisans who bring the brand’s modern, functional and innovative designs to life and provide all raw materials, Haute Baso’s stunning collections of globally-minded culturally inspired clothing, accessories and jewellery prove that Rwanda is a country full of talent, entrepreneurship, and creativity. This week, Haute Baso is represented at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Silicon Valley. Watch this short video below to learn more about Haute Baso.
FEATURE STORY
Click for Full Video
FASHION FACE Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak. Let yours portray a stunning simple, elegant and an understated fashion. Let it manifest in how you are wearing it and with whom you surround yourself. In character, in manner and all things, let your style portray simplicity. BY MARY MANG’ENI
Models Hellen Tesfamariam Fionah Umulisa Creative Director Elsa Yeboah-Boateng Photographer René Solomon Makeup Artist Lucia Uwalaka Fashion Directors Mary Mang’eni Linda Admassu Hawi Tiyo
High waist ripped jeans. Pink fitting blouse. Nude heels
White long sleeved bodysuit with a round neck. Peach linen shorts. White platform heeled sandals.
Sun hat
Long sleeved navy blue plain chiffon top. Pink strapless bodycon dress. Navy blue dollhouse wedge with a side zipper.
LBD, Black and Maroon peep toe heels with a back zipper decoration
White balloon dress with a v-neck. Floral head scarf. Skyblue pointed toe pumps with silver detail.
BEHIND THE LENSES
60
seconds
with Meklit Baye
I like my fashion because it makes me feel comfortable in my skin. My style is unique because it fosters the art of simplicity and understatement while remaining very feminine.
Catherine Kuria
I looked up to Frida Kahlo, a self-portrait artist because her style and identity are intertwined with the love of self. And, this is evident through the bright flowers in her hair, the long flowy skirts, the embroidered blouses, the striking jewellery and her legendary mono-brow. They tell of a strong of a woman who refused to conform to the feminine beauty ideals and who dressed for no one else but herself. In future, I would like to be known as the woman who embraced her femininity and saw beauty in her flaws by wearing whatever made her happy and not conforming to any modern day beauty ideals. I do not consider myself a trendsetter because trendsetting is all about being ahead of the curve, which is not me. So I prefer to have my lane where I get to play with beautiful colour combinations, floral prints, natural hair and a signature oxblood ombre lip.
Lastly, I would rather wear flowers in my hair than diamonds around my neck because my natural hair is a fun outlet for self-expression.
Zibusiso Mtunzi I like my fashion because it defines who I am and displays my character. I'm crazy and serious at the same time!
I looked up to no one because I always try something new which looks good on me.
In the future, I would love to be known for my style and inspire the world.
I consider myself a trendsetter because I get asked by hundreds where I get my clothes.
Lastly even if you buy everyday clothes, just pimp them to define who you are.
B
I S U
N I
S S E
THE SIMPLICITY
IN
BIG
THINGS Kabo Madigele
T
he 21st century is punctuated by all forms of disruptive innovations across all sectors. This wave has a similar ripple effect caused by the industrial revolution, whereby large corporations and financiers like J.P Morgan, Rothschild, and Rockefeller emerged as the dominating forces in the world’s economy. Of late, their hegemony is on a downward spiral because a new force is taking over: start-ups.
CEO, Snapchat
Evan Spiegel
These start-ups are disrupting the way these corporations do business, both regarding speed and cost efficiency. The predominant model is that of the sharing economy or collaborative consumption, which has brought people even closer by eliminating traditional middlemen in the process. People can easily transact with each other within seconds, with the advent of the internet and mobile technology.
BUSINESS I have been observing the meteoric rise of these start-ups into multi-billion dollar companies. And one question began to bug me, what does it take to conceive such disruptive ideas? Because it is evident that there are still many systems that are yearning for disruption: banking, insurance, investment wealth management, aviation, health and so forth. How can we develop that capacity to come up with such ideas? I think the answers lie within us, from our daily experiences and disappointments. We can translate them into big things. Whether you spend hours in a long queue and fill in too many forms to open a bank account, wait for a train or bus for a long time or find it difficult to find a cheap restaurant in town, solutions to these frustrations have the potential to become large enterprises. Convert your disappointments into opportunities to create a new and better way of doing things. Monetize them. Now, back to the question I posed earlier on, what does it take to conceive disruptive ideas? It is not rocket science; it is simple.
Snapchat Snapchat, officially launched in September 2011, works just like our human face to face conversations. Created amid the strong base and followership of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram that appeared untouchable, Snapchat came in and changed the scene altogether. The norm is that all the information on the internet is saved and stored digitally, but Snapchat took a different approach by emulating what happens in our lives. Our moments are temporary, and that is what they modeled. This new invention attracted Facebook’s attention which unsuccessfully bided to acquire it for $3 billion. In 2013, they launched an absorbing feature called Stories, which are longer snaps lasting for 24 hours. Last year in 2014, they started Discover, which delivers content from media companies like National Geographic to users meaning that the company gets unparalleled attention from the users, most of which are young people. By January this year, Snapchat had daily video views of more than 7 billion, giving Facebook stiff competition. It has more than 100 million users and what is a surprise to many is that is it valued at $16 billion, after a $ 175 million venture capital funding round this year. It is all about believing in yourself and executing the idea because the idea you have may potentially be the next big thing.
Leading The Brain Gain
The
RELEAF GROUP Empowering Agricultural Entrpreneurs for Lasting Economic Impact
Releaf’s five founders, listed from left to right: Emmanuel Udotong, Ikenna Nzewi, Toby Nzewi, Joshua Nzewi, Isaiah Udotong.
Who Are We? Releaf is comprised of high achieving students from Harvard, Yale, Princeton, MIT, Duke and institutions alike. We are Gates Millennium Scholars, Gold Congressional Medalists and Harambe Entrepreneurs, but more importantly, we’re passionate about African development.
The Problem
BUILD TANK
Forget think tank--The Releaf Group is a build tank. Started in 2015 by a group of Nigerian-Americans, The Releaf Group builds bridges between Africa and its diaspora by matching talented students in the UK and United States with Nigerian agri-businesses.
The Nigerian economy has failed to adequately capitalize on the agricultural market. The proliferation of subsistence farming has fostered a competitive and ultimately counterproductive agrarian community. We call this agricultural inefficiency.
The Solution Agriculture is 11 times more efficient in reducing poverty than any other sector in West Africa. The Releaf Group is facilitating data-driven, real and lasting impact by empowering the entrepreneurs with a passion for developing the industrialization of the Nigerian economy through agriculture.
Get Involved Our team currently put us in the position to influence Africa's most relevant, ambitious entrepreneurs and we would love to see how you can add. If you have a passion for impacting Africa, please visit our website and contact us.
Releaf with CEO of Heirs Holdings and Nigerian billionaire Tony Elumelu
Releaf’s partners discussing cassava production with specialists at the IITA (International Institution of Tropical Agriculture)
+1 646 875 8146 info@releaf.ng Releaf.ng
L Y T S E F LI
LE
Zama
by Gcinek ile Zwane
My stomach is groaning
for food, and I can’t seem to do anything with my bristly hair. I have all my pens, papers, notebooks and other miscellaneous items stuffed into my spanking new blue book bag. My aunt is in the kitchen drinking her morning mug of coffee while preparing my lunch, yelling at me to hurry up. I gave my brand new Buccaneer shoes a quick blackening, checked to make sure I had everything; money for transport, all my books, paper, pens, and a calculator. My aunt continues to yell at me from the kitchen. “I’m going to leave you behind if you don’t come here this minute Zama!” I am nervous. Knowing my aunt is going to be there makes it easier for me to go. It is nice to have a close relative there to set me off on my new life- life in the city. Everything has changed. Now I will see new faces every day, new school, and I’ll have to make new friends. I know that this journey I’m embarking on will be hard but knowing that God is with me makes it a cinch. One more look into the mirror- school shoes check, white socks check, tunic check, shirt check... wait something is missing.
DIARY Oh yes, a tie. I rush to the wardrobe, luckily enough I asked Auntie to make it for me yesterday, so all I have to do is put it on. I can feel my heart pounding as I get into the car. My mind starts wandering. How is my day going to be? Am I going to make any friends? “Seat belts on,” she interrupts my thoughts. Then she starts to drive mechanically. We are stuck in a massive traffic jam. Cars stretch ahead and behind. We stay in the same spot forever. We check periodically to see if the cars ahead of us are moving, which they never do. All we can do is sit and wait. “I’m sorry Zama, looks like you will be late for your first day,” my aunt comments. In almost an instance, she jerks the steering wheel and makes her way to the soft gravel road, reaches the end of the road safely, then makes a turn and rockets through the beaming sun. Finally, at school. “Have a nice day Zama!” she says as she drops me off at my new school St. Francis high. A strange and inexplicable feeling blooms in my heart. Then a feeling of worry and fear as I get sight of the imposing and gigantic school in front of me. It looks so majestic in its maroon and blue colors. Somehow those colours remind me of my previous school-Sibuyeni High schoolexcept that it was built next to a dusty gravel road. Its maroon colour had turned to brown due to the dust. The schoolyard is quiet. No one in sight. I reach into my
bag and take out the school map my aunt drew for me over the weekend. With anxiety on one hand and fear on the other, I reach for the door knob, opening it slowly. Everyone’s eyes are on me as I walk into the room. Without paying attention to them, I walk straight to the teacher and asked if this is the right class. With a soft voice, he answered, “Yes.” His voice comforts me a little. He gives me a sheet called Mathematics Syllabus, which I would never get in Sibuyeni because we didn’t have anything like that. Then he asks me to choose where I will sit. I pick the seat closest to the door instead of the corner where all the girls are sitting. I’m surprised I’m supposed to pick a place. In Sibuyeni we had assigned seats, so I never needed to worry about that. The teacher continues, “open page 11 of your textbooks”, as he switches on the overhead projector. At my previous school, we didn’t use the technology we have here. We had to take notes as the teacher spoke. “That is the end of our lesson today,” says Ms. Dlamini as she walks out of the classroom. Everyone marches out in groups of two, four, five, eight. I steal a glance around; the classroom is empty. “I can’t wait for this day to be over,” I mumble as I reach for my lunch box. I pack all my books and dash out of the classroom. “Hey new girl, wait up” I stop and turn back. Two girls move towards me. “What’s your name? ” asks one of them. “I’m Zama,” I answer bashfully.
Simple You: A 2-Step Guide to Live a Simple Life wa g n a k a t u R by Joseph
D
o you find life to be difficult? Do you wish life was as simple as ABC?
If yes, then you are on the same bus as most people on this planet. In the pursuit of simplicity, people feel compelled to do stuff they’re uncomfortable with so that they can live simpler. Thus, rather than making life simpler and enjoyable, pursuing simplicity turns to be a heavy load. But do they have the correct meaning of a simple life? Dictionary.com defines “simple” as easy to understand, deal with, use, etc. A simple life is one which you do more of the things you love and have only that which gives you value. A life where relationships are easy to deal with and everything around you makes sense. I bet you would like to simplify your life. There are only two steps to live a simple life:
1. Know what’s most important to you You may often talk about priorities in life. But have you stopped to think about which things stand out most to you, let alone the amount of time you spend on this stuff? Imagine that you’re going to die, and you get a chance to give yourself advice. What would you say? Spot a quiet place where you
can think freely. Write down the top 18 things based on your priorities at this point in your life. Ties are not allowed! The first six things are your imperatives – what you consider most important and hold on dearly. The middle six are great to have – what you consider important but can let go of if circumstances arise. The bottom six are optional – what you do/have just because and can forgo. How was it? This exercise is all about trade-offs. You have to decide which things you’re willing to let go so that you can put more time and energy on the important ones.
2. Get rid of everything else Re-evaluate each item on your list. Ask how your life appreciates due to each item, how each item serves you, and what you reap from them. Take some time to redo the ranking exercise if necessary. Now that you have your final list of 18 items eliminate all optional items – the bottom 6. Then take on this exercise to your possessions, people, time commitments, and words (what you say.) Get rid of the bottom 6 – the non-essentials. So, let put these steps into practice. How do you start living a simple life today?
BETTER ME
A.
Let Go
You shift to something better when you let go of what wasn’t intended to be. When you let go of the life you projected, you will enjoy today and the life that is waiting for you. Letting go is not giving up. Giving up implies selling yourself short; allowing fear and life battles limit your opportunities and keep you locked down. On the other hand, letting go suggests liberating yourself from something that is no longer serving you. It means removing toxic friends and belief systems from your life to create more space for ideas and relationships that are conducive to your happiness.
B.
Put Your Life in Slow Motion
Live in the moment. When you slow down the pace of life, you’ll spend more time in the present and experience simple pleasures that you’ve taken for granted. Among the most satisfying simple pleasures in life are: - Sleeping in fresh, clean bed sheets - A good laugh - Making someone smile - Hearing the right song at the right moment - Listening or telling a funny, interesting real story - Making brief eye contact with someone These moments are priceless.
BETTER ME
C.
Focus on What You Can Control
Start focusing on the elements that are in your control and get the most out of them. Spending more time worrying and complaining leads you to create more of the things you don’t want through your thoughts. Reality is usually as bad or good as you think it is. The source of happiness is usually right in front of you, not elsewhere. We all know what makes us happy and see meaning in life because we all have hearts. The voice of the heart stands for things that matter most to you – the few imperative things through which you get fulfillment. It acts in a place of the things that you can’t live or do without. When you focus on your most important things and eliminate the rest, then you’re living a simple life.
A case for Self-hatred amongst people of colour BY FA N I D H SA N O G O
S
CASE FILES everal people of colour around the world suffer from self-hatred, which in my view triggered by slave trade and colonialism. Self-hatred leads to practices such as depigmentation and hair relaxing which decelerates the economic development of numerous countries, especially in Africa. I believe this self-hatred is causing a lot of harm around the world, as people of colour make up about 90% of the world’s population. “You would have been so beautiful if you were light skinned,” a male friend told me a few years back. The most shocking part of this statement was not only the fact that he thought light skin was a synonym for beauty, but also that so many people agreed with him. Indeed, some researchers at the San Francisco state University conducted a study that proves a subconscious bias against dark skinned blacks. Sadly, several dark-skinned people are trying to look whiter through depigmentation or skin lightening. According to the World Health Organization, In Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and Togo, 25%, 77%, 27%, 35% and 59% of women, respectively, are reported to use skin lightening products on a regular basis. Why? Because, during slavery and colonization, black people were treated like animals and made to believe that white people are supreme beings.
As a result, colorism, which is a form of discrimination against individuals of a dark skin tone, typically among people of the same race, is currently very common amongst people of colour. We see it every day on the TV, on social media, and on Google. When doing a quick search on beautiful girls, 99.9% of the images are that of white girls with straight hair. This contributes significantly to the colourism and the self-hatred that is going on in more than 50% of the post colonies in Africa and Asia. Another means through which people of colour portray their subconscious self-hatred is through hair relaxing. Although there is currently a natural hair movement that promotes African natural hair, over 65% of black women still have relaxed hair, according to Ebony. On several occasions, I have been asked by my girlfriends why I chose to go natural when I can choose long and straight hair like Beyoncé through hair relaxers. Black women and men have been conditioned to believe that their naturally curly hair is ugly, unprofessional, and extremely hard to maintain. They therefore relax their hair with chemicals, which, unfortunately, have negative side effects such as deep ulcerations, dermatitis, broken and damaging hair, and irreversible baldness. Moreover, hair relaxers contain chemicals such as sodium hydroxide and thioglycolic acid, which are substances used for products like Drano to dissolve hair in drains. Yes, to dissolve hair in drains! According to the Global Industry Analysts, the skin lightening product
market will be worth USD 23.0 Billion worldwide by 2020. The same goes for the hair-relaxer industry which is also a billion-dollar industry. As mentioned above, the top consumers of these products include South Africa, Nigeria, Mali, India, and Senegal. It must also be noted that most of these countries still have a long way to go when it comes to development, especially in the education sector. For instance, 75% of girls in Mali between 7 and 16 years old have never been to school and 51% of Nigerian girls in the same age bracket have never been to school. Every year, billions of dollars are spent on skin whitening and hair relaxing products, which are very hazardous to people’s health. I believe that if people invest in education by investing in just one girl or by empowering the youth, instead of spending money on these life-threatening products, the world would be a better place. Currently, the women’s labor force is the 5th largest economy in Africa at 32.4%. This represents just one-third of the women’s population in these countries. Finally, It is important to know that some of the companies that manufacture skin bleaching products such as Lancôme, Clinique, and L’Oréal, yes, L’Oréal, are owned by Westerners. By buying such products, people of colour do not only invest in sicknesses, but also enrich western industries, instead of investing in local industries. Thomas Sankara, a wise man, said: “The wise child is one that buys food from his mother’s restaurant instead of going to the neighbor’s restaurant.” Keeping things simple is more profitable. It is time for Africans and other people of colour to make the right investments for a conducive and profitable future.
Be-you-tiful 101
by Hawi Tiyo
Tips for everyday Natural looks
Go Nude
face Moisturize and cleanse your skin every day to have a comfortable routine of natural look makeup. Start by applying a primer as usual then opt for a foundation close to your skin tone that will even out your complexion. Cream blush for a dewier look, preferably one that is close to the natural colour of your cheeks when you blush. Go for a translucent oil-absorbing powder to help prevent too much shine or oil. Finish up with a cream based blusher and highlighter for a final touch and make sure that you created an even skin tone.
BEAUTY
Eyes Matte eye powder has a classic texture that works well on any skin type to get a natural look. When applying mascara, start applying from the root and wiggle the wand back and forth at the lash base. Focus less on the tips because It’s the mascara near the roots not the tips -that gives the illusion of length. If you want to add volume to your lashes, use individual false lashes because they look more natural than a full fringe lash. You should opt for a regular mascara for a natural look. Make your eyes pop by sweeping on a dark shadow where the brow bone meets the crease.
Lips Remember to exfoliate your lips and apply a lip balm often. When choosing a shade of lipstick colour for nude looks, it’s important to keep skin tone in mind. Try a peachy, pink or totally nude shade if you have fair skin. Go for a peachy beige, light brown or something warmer in colour if you have a brown/ dark skin. Use the similar colour of lip liner with the shade of lipstick you chose to make it more natural and stay for longer as well. Lips should be neither overly glossy nor completely matte. Don’t forget to add your lip gloss very lightly after finishing with your lipstick. Stay away from pale beiges, creams or white tones when trying to get a natural look.
I
PINK PRINT n almost all occurrences in life, we associate simplicity with effortless, painless, less demanding and crystal clear things and often forget that it’s in this plain-sailing phases that we draw the greatest lessons and courage for the bigger things in life.
Agatha, like most of us, would assume, had a frail perception of simplicity. At the age of 27, she had already accomplished many things than anyone her age could have. She was the head of a well-booming manufacturing business, lived in a multi-million house in New York’s most lavish suburbs, Tribeca and had scooped few awards for being the youngest rising black star. In the speeches and interviews she had, she always attributed her success to choosing not to be simple. “I always tell people I am the most complicated ass they have to deal with in life and look where it has landed me! I would definitely not be BFF’s with Leonardo da Vinci because, for me, simplicity has never been slightly close to sophistication. Had I chosen to be simple and take the easier course in life, I would not be where I am today. I am here because I chose to take the harder way that fewer people take. The harder way that “simple” people disregard, and that is my sole ingredient for success- Don’t be simple!” Agatha said as she closed off at a Young Women Leaders Summit. Everyone rose in delight as she walked off stage in a Dolce Gabbana black spot. Beyond the enormous walls of Stockholm Palace, Agatha was a miserable, lonely and bitter young lady searching for happiness like a needle. Her job was the sole purpose for her existence and today marked the highlight of her career. She was going to meet one of the top-dog investors in Europe who contemplated
prospects of investing in the company. As usual, Agatha went to work earlier than everyone else to audit the entire staff secretly and summon them to higher authorities if their work was not up to standards. As the day rolled out, her well-anticipated guest made way to the boardroom where he was formally introduced to everyone then a champagne-lit fete sealed the night. Courteously, Agatha emailed the investor thanking him for a night well spent and to her awe, the investor scheduled a meeting to sign contracts pertaining the largest investment that the company was about to witness. The ecstasy that filled her soul was incomprehensible. Off, she went to look for a striking outfit for the meeting and a good weave to match the attire and while dress-hunting, she met a young, average-looking lad who seemed to be shopping as well. “Hi, miss! Can I help you do your shopping?” Asked the young man as he offered his hand. Agatha shove his hand away in anger “Did I ask for your help? Look at you, pathetic and all filthy, trying to make stupid advances towards me! Do I look like I would be interested in a shop keeper? If this is your way of approaching ladies then honey, give up the chase because no lady will throw themselves to a death sentence like you! Move out of my way!” Agatha said as she made her way to the counter leaving the young man frozen and in shame. The big day finally came. Agatha slipped into her new dress, wore her expensive makeup and perfume then put on a few accessories to add life to her already dazzling look. Half an hour later, Agatha’s classy Benz made way into the huge
corporate building parking lot and like a real boss, she stepped out of the car with a leather briefcase in her hand. She found the investor and her bosses waiting for her. “My apologies gentlemen for keeping you waiting,” She said as she took her chair. “Oh! Don’t worry. You are not the only one who is late. I came with my financial advisor who, unfortunately, could not go with me to last night’s gathering but he will be here any minute from now. Oh! Here he is. Just in time!” Everyone’s focus shifted towards the young man who made his way into the room, and Agatha gasped under her breath as she immediately recognized the young man who walked in as the man she lashed out on at the shops. The young man also knew Agatha and gave a cocky smile as a response. The investor began to unfold his interest to invest a lump sum of 100 billion in the manufacturing company for a 30% stake, citing the company’s overall good performance over the past few years since its establishment. “I, however, cannot take this decision without the endorsement of my fellow, Mr Williams because he is the sole factor for my stand today. He has given me enough counsel to trust his judgment. Mr Williams-over to you!” Everybody else turned to Mr Williams and by this time, burning churns had begun to fester Agatha’s throat. “Well, thank you for according me the privilege of being here. This is an enthralling atmosphere because just before I came in here, I was very certain that investing in this company would be the best decision we ever had to take but now, I don’t even know why.”
Agatha’s bosses jerked in shock as Mr Williams continued to deliver his message. “This company is, without a doubt, amongst the rising economic powerhouses in Europe. Evident is the flashy financial reports and the rising stock price that has had the public drooling over investments. However, one wonders, how long will this be the case? Ms Agatha knows what I am talking about.”
“Errr! Let me say my final word before Ms. Agatha begins her storytelling. I am not endorsing any investment on this company unless Ms. Agatha is expelled. It’s a necessary disciplinary measure. Mr Greg, if you so wish to invest then suit yourself but I do not want to be held accountable if your investment ends up muddy. My dear fellows, let me excuse myself.”
Everyone turned to Agatha, who, at this time had buried her head in her hands. “Making such a huge investment in a company comes with more than just its ability to perform. As I have had experience in financial forecasting, an investor does not only invest looking at the good performance of the company but also looks at its future to avoid any losses that might occur. And with the reputation of poor discipline and work ethic displayed by Ms Agatha yesterday, I can only say, the future of this company seems bleak. Having said that, my advice to you Mr Greg would be to withdraw any interests to invest in this company.”
Mr Williams then rose to his feet and left. Hardly a minute later, Mr Greg and his bodyguards left the room. By this time, Agatha was sobbing bitterly that her makeup was wearing off. A week later, she was suspended as media probed on why the company had lost such a massive cut. Slowly, significant shareholders began to cut ends with the company and the stock price sharply took a decline. The top management had no choice but to fire Agatha a month later, in response to rescue the tumbling company that had already lost a total of 10 investors in a month. They took away her car and all the benefits that came with heading the company including her house, medical aid insurance policies and had to exit the business without a penny to her name.
Agatha quickly emerged to her feet, with a pale look on her face. “Please! Let me explain. I admit that my encounter with Mr Williams yesterday was a nasty one. I spoke impudently to him when, all he wanted was to help me and for that, I take full responsibility for my actions, and I am truly sorry Mr Williams. I know that I totally tainted my image but the dynamic should not hold for the image of this company. I have already informed every stakeholder of this company about the possibility of this investment and it would do great harm to the goodwill of this company. Please!” “What happened Agatha? Explain to us,” demanded one of her bosses.
Realizing how much a simple thing had cost her, Agatha crumbled into tears and succumbed to shame and regret. The wisest person is not the one who is filthy rich or the one with brilliant ideas. The most sensible person is the one who can acknowledge the existence and importance of other people and is humble enough to respect them knowing that, everyone, despite where life leads them to, can be of crucial help in times of crisis. Do not despise common things.
Simply stick
Forming
a “health-goal� may seem like a tedious prospect or just another thing to add to your already exhausted to-do list, but this need not be the case. In life, we often seem to face an obstacle and see a giant standing before us, when in reality it is nothing more than a yapping puppy. You may wish you were twice as fit as you are now, but the thought of changing to get there causes an uncomfortable cringe. Does this mean I have to stop eating all my favorite comfort foods and start doing a bunch of exercises that I sincerely hate? These are the thoughts that prevent us from even looking at the giant.
We don’t contemplate and think about it long enough to see the actual size of the thing standing between us and our dreams of living healthily. Once we take what seems to be a huge change and simplify it, this goal can start looking less like a tedious chore or fearful giant and more like a possibility. Research proves that it takes 21 days to form a habit. The key is not to limit, but rather to replace. Instead of looking at a far distant goal such as eating only healthy, natural foods and cutting out treats completely, rather simplify the goal. Replace one high carb snack with an apple for four chosen days in the week. One simple step is a victory. After 21 days, you will not even think about those
to it!
HEALTH
by Torey Foss
unnecessary carbs your body was once a slave to. The recipe to your success is inside your capable mind. Tailor and set your simple goal and use your creativity to replace one habit with another. Here are some examples. -drink two glasses of water between meals -Find a hobby THAT YOU LOOK FORWARD TO and involves you using your body. Do it when you feel you need to clear your mind or unwind - instead of taking a step into the kitchen for that comfort food. -Put your music really loud and dance about, join a yoga class, jog, swim once a week, take a long beach walk, cycle or do a gym class. -Give yourself one more helping of veg and one less of heavy carbs/meat for supper. (Night time snacks are one of the worst habits affecting your health.) Follow by brushing your teeth. If you still think you’re hungry, remind yourself that you’re sleeping soon.
-Try a new healthy recipe that you enjoy every 3rd day. -Sleep half an hour earlier than your usual time. Enough sleep before midnight is the foundation of all healthy habits. -If too many cups of coffee are your downfall, replace it with half a cup and drink it slowly. -Go for a long walk with a friend next time you need to catch up or gossip instead of going for coffee/ meal. Alternate between the two and save cash! What we eat and how often we exercise is not only controlled by our minds but also our bodies. As crazy as it sounds, our tissue cells, hormones and blood form connected communication lines to our brains and tell us what they need. To develop a new habit, our
HEALTH
minds have to override the behavior our bodies are accustomed. After an average of 21 days, our bodies learn a new way of life and our cells have rebooted to this new way. Have you noticed how difficult it is to stop eating junk food after you’ve had a bad week? You know you want to drop the habit, but something inside you just wants nothing more than a chunk of chocolate cake or an oily KFC bucket. This is partly due to the addictive and highly toxic MSG chemical in most fast foods, and partly because your body has learned a way of eating which’s hard to think away simply. One more thing.
Endorphins are naturally occurring opioids with rewarding pathways like heroin. These hormones are released in copious amounts whenever you exercise. Smaller amounts are released when you eat a piece of dark chocolate or have a good laugh. Once your body gets hooked on something such as exercise (yes 21 days!), your life will feel incomplete without it, and you’re well on your way to a happier, healthier, fitter you! Mark 21 days from today on the calendar and create your simple goal!
B L A S T
W O R K O U T
By Torey Foss
W
FITNESS
1) Standard Squat- with a twist Begin in a standard squat, putting your weight on your heels. From this position, using the momentum from your arms, jump up onto a platform and lower into a squat again. Stand up, and jump backward off a platform, gently lowering into a squat and repeat.
2) Standard Push Up- with a twist Begin in a straight-arm plank position, and slowly lower yourself down into a push-up. From this position, push your body up using your arms and chest and clap while you are in mid-air, ensuring you provide for enough time for you hands to be back on the floor or platform to support you again. If you would like an easier option than the clap, keep one hand on the platform, and twist your arm outwards, engaging your core and arms.
3) Standard Lunge- with a twist Begin with one leg in front of you, and your rear leg raised on a platform of your choice, the higher, the harder. Slowly lower into a lunge, keeping your leg raised and ensuring that your front knee does not drop in front of your toe on the same leg. Repeat ten times on one leg and change over to the other.
4) Standard Situp-with a twist Begin with legs raised to 90 degrees from the floor- positioned on a bench or any elevated surface. From this position, slowly lift your chest towards your knees, supporting your neck if you need to, and lowering back down. Repeat from starting position.
New Album Release
MUSIC RECOMMENDATION
Major Key
“
With a long list of superstars: from Future playing the role of hype man in ‘I Got The Keys’ and Drake in ‘For Free’, to Jay Z, Rick Ross, T.I and many others, Major Key is set to be the best Hip Hop album of 2016. It’s going to be a banger. - DJ Khaled
MUST LISTEN TO R&B ALBUMS OF 2016
Lemonade
Milestone
TRAPSOUL
Beyoncé
Christette Michele
Bryson Tiller
What I'm Feeling
Eldorado
Coming Home
Anthony Hamilton
Ro James
Leon Bridges
The Heart Speaks In Whispers
Take Me To The Alley
Royalty
Corinee Bailey Rae
Gregory Porter
Chris Brown
RECOMMENDED
MOVIE RECOMMENDATION
Jason Bourne
“
Jason Bourne’s search for the secret of his identity is finally over. But he doesn’t know everything, and as you might have guessed, he will stop at nothing until he gets what he’s looking for. A strong performance from Matt Damon directed by Paul Greengrass, Jason Bourne is set to be the best of the Bourne collection.
JULY MOVIE RELEASES
The Legend of Tarzan Genre: Action Release Date:01/07/2016
The BFG Genre: Fantasy Release Date: 01/07/2016
The Secret Life of Pets Genre: Animation Release Date: 08/07/2016
The Infiltrator Genre: Thriller Release Date: 13/07/2016
Ghostbusters Genre: Fantasy Release Date: 15/07/2016
Star Trek Beyond Genre: Sci-Fi Release Date: 22/07/2016
Ice Age : Collision Course Genre: Animation Release Date: 22/07/2016
Nerve Genre: Teen Release Date: 27/07/2016
Bad Moms Genre: Comedy Release Date: 29/07/2016
A letter from Uncle Charles
F
or the years I have lived, I’ve picked up some lessons and experiences from other people, books, articles among others. I’ve always had a wonder from these experiences, especially the negative ones; the hurdles, challenges, and mistakes. Why do they all make life seem complicated, hard and puzzling? Somebody told me; we make life for ourselves; if we want it to be complicated, it will be. If we want it to be simple, then we will have it simple indeed. I recently met a beautiful young lady who had a cute smile and so much potential in her. However, she had a problem. She told me that challenges in her life knocked her down and that life had no meaning anymore. She had gone through discouragements, heartbreaks, and disappointments. All this made her feel and be miserable deep in her heart. She could not handle it anymore. All this kept me thinking about how hard life can be at times and if there exist ways in which we can tackle the challenges we face today. And this is what I came up with.
S-Stay Positive
It’s true that everyone faces tough times in life. However, complaining and pitying oneself never helps. What about staying positive and hopeful that someday you will come out of a particular situation and things will get better? I’m sure you will experience determination and inner strength to become a winner. Staying positive is an important aspect which we should apply in life.
I-Inspire around If you never knew; somebody somewhere is looking up to you. He or she is curious to see how you handle and manage the situations in your life. Every choice you make is a learning curve for them and in one way or the other, they will emulate you. It is, therefore, necessary that you become an inspiration in your deeds and choices in life. Now you know!
ITS JUST S.I.M.P.L.E
M-Make Peace with your Past I’ve made some mistakes in my life in the past. However, I forgave myself and no longer use them to destroy my present. There are people today who still have not been able to make peace with their past, and it derails their present and negatively influences their futures! It’s very necessary therefore that we make peace with our past.
P-Polite but firm This is one important aspect which most people especially the youth don’t apply. We all have values, and they should always be involved in our lives regardless of what others think. Let’s choose to be assertive and to stand by our values politely without condemning anyone while doing so. It will save us from many troubles.
L-Love your God It’s necessary that we love our God. Loving him should be shown through honoring Him and obeying His commands. His commands will save us from sin, shame and discouragement, enabling us to live in harmony.
E- Expect Nothing in Return This is linked to the aspect of helping others in life. A lot of us mistake helping to being an investment. It’s not! Once you decide to help someone, just do it with all your heart and expect nothing in return! It will save you a lot of heartaches and disappointments. Yes, It’s true life can be challenging at times, but we can make it simpler by following S.I.M.P.L.E I wish you all the best and God bless you so much. Charles W Msilanga.
LIVE SIMPLE