Groove magazine zimbabwe issue 2

...the beat of the nation!

Groove Magazine Zimbabwe

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Groove Magazine Zimbabwe

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CONTENTS

On the cover Double Cover Stories: When R&B meets Hip hop Diva In the making: Davina Green 8-12 Running the hip hop scene: Rontingz 14-18 G Quiz: What’s your Love Language? 32 Summer Fashion Trends 36 G Money: Financial advice: Getting Out Of Debt In 2014 65 Reasons Why 2014 Will Be A Great Year 83

14 71 Aura The Poet 75 The beat makers…..Music producer Simba Tagz 78 On the decks..... Club DJ T Bass Gukuta

Regulars

8 Features Music & Entertainment: 5 G Scene: Artivism 13 Groove meter…..Who’s hot?

20 G Real Talk: Amadoda; Men of Value 23 Under the Groove: Karma 25 The strum: Fungai Nengare 29 Star power: Pharell makes us so happy!

37 Fashion: Fashion designer: Kloque Clothing 50 Gadgets 52 Ridez 56 Radio Personality: Jason Le Roux’s Hidden Culture 59 TV People that we know: Tin Tin Katsande wears yellow 63 Young business person: Profile: Blessed Mushamiri

3 Letter from the Editor 5 Urban Dictionary….Know your lingo!

6 In The Groove: What’s going on?

19 G Real Talk: Love & War 28 Groove Theory: Life Advice 34 G Woman: Women’s Fashion 39 Face Facts: Acne 44 G Body: Fitness, exercise and health trends 46-47 Health& Wellbeing 48 G Men: Men’s fashion 58 Groove Deck 601 G Business: How To Draw An Impressive Business Plan 69 G Food: 3 easy recipes to tickle your taste buds 72 G Voices: Poetry 74 Music: Album reviews 82 In our next issue…..

Columns 42 MPV…..my point of view!

66 The Shark in the Japanese fisherman

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Groove Magazine Zimbabwe

Groove Team Editor in Chief

The Editor’s Letter Dear readers,

Elspeth Chimedza

Entertainment Editor Peggie Shangwa

Fashion Editor Natasha Kanonuhwa

Desk Top Publisher Jeffrey Chimedza

Photography Fresh Twigs Images

Postal address: Suite 9 Matherhurst building Corner 2nd street & Baines avenue Harare

Mobile: +263 772 355 188 +263 733 817 786

Email: groovezim@gmail.com

Marketing & information: sales@cyberbiz.org

We are still getting into the groove with the second issue of the beat of the nation; hoping that the first one made a good impression.

In this issue ,our theme was “DARE”, so we switched things up by having a double cover of two beautiful and talented musicians who have made groove’s beat, with R&B songstress Davina Green and rapper-producer, Rontingz.

Fresh and young is how we do it, and these two amazing artists are setting pace as to how far they want to grow as artists and to share with the world their interpretation of music.

2014 has been proving to be a promising year and the first quarter has surprised a lot of us.

It is also important to get your house in order if you want to make 2014 a great financial year for you, so why not read on how to make and impressive business plan and set yourself up for potential success.

Check out the fashion trends of what’s in and the how to wear it, whilst taking our quiz to find out how best you relate in your relationships.

As we take this journey and discover the world of the young Zimbabwean and the world around us, keep reading and dare to be more than just a dream!

Groove magazine…the beat of the nation!

Elspeth Chimedza Editor in chief

Are you in the groove? Write to the editor and tell us what you think is groovy at groovezim@gmail.com

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Groove Magazine Zimbabwe

URBAN DICTIONARY

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placed in laws and constitutions.

Art Speaks louder than words!

AFRICA IS A GREAT COUNTRY

By Bryanna Chifunyise

By Elspeth Chimedza

As young as some of us are, at times it can be hard to interpret a conversation when everybody is speaking gibberish, right?

Well lucky for you, I go to lengths to research what people are saying when they are texting, (forgetting that some of us do not speak short hand).In this issue it’s all relative. So what’s the word for mum by the way?

ARTIVISM

Word: Quan (formerly queen) Meaning: Mother Example: “My quan is ferusing for me to jump out!”

Word: Lala Meaning: Father Example: “Dude if your lala finds out, you’re toast!”

Word: Relies Meaning: Relatives Example: “Sorry Tee can’t make it for the movie. Got some relies coming by our cabin.”

TEXT Lol- laugh out loud Smh- shaking my head Omg-oh my gosh

Only weird people believe that art speaks to people right? No! Out and about on the arts scene, I attended the FLAME Pamberi’s “ Artivism Workshop” which aimed to discuss the use of art as a channel for activism. Different women within the journalism, music, theatre and activism spheres joined together at the Book Café, giving definitions to terms and how they feel about different “rights”, causes, mainly about gender-based violence and female empowerment.

The round table included singers Cindy Munyavi, Clare Njakure, Kessia Mangosha, theatre actress Rutendo Chigudu, poet Batsirai Chigama, representatives from the One Billion Rising organization and other women from the different artistic disciplines.

The most important thing to come out of this discussion was how best can all these women use their talents to help structure a movement that will influence change in society pertaining to issues of gender based violence and the plight of the girl child and woman, since this is still a great challenge despite all the feministic agendas that have been structured and have been

Groove Magazine Zimbabwe

For anyone who has a flare for visual art, this was one exhibition that you would have wanted to attend. Imagine a European viewing your continent from a different eye?

Well, renowned Swedish photographer, Jens Assur, (who unfortunately did not manage to make it to Zimbabwe as he fell ill), however was represented by a colleague, Alex, took journalists through an exhibition of how this great continent of Africa might as well be one country as one could see several similarities from different cities on the continent.

The purpose of the exhibition was to highlight the spreading growth of Africa in terms of urbanization. The title in itself is very provocative and somewhat eye opening to the African who might have always separated themselves due to geographical borders, ethnicity and religion only to find that we all practically live in cities that are so similar, although others more developed than the next. Gaborone, Kigali, Johanessburg, Lusaka, Cairo, Monrovia, Maputo and our majestic Victoria Falls, each city felt like home and that is why “Africa is A Great Country”.

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In The Groove…

2014

A new year means new beginnings, or a continuation of the good from the previous year. We rounded off 2013 on a good note especially with the entertainment. 2014 promises to be bigger and better with the World Cup taking place in Brazil, we can only expect exciting music and surprises from a lot of artists.

Grammy Awards

The Grammy awards this year were more than exhilarating.

Queen Bey and Jay Z really got the show heated up with their sexy performance of Beyonce’s hit song “Drunk In Love”.

Hosted by LL Cool J who reminded audiences and fans of the power of music and the influence of the Grammys.

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The night had surprise winners, like Macklemore taking home the “Best Rap Album” award, (although Kendrick Lamar, didn’t seem happy with that), well that’s music politics for another day.

Lorde, took home the “Song of The Year” award, whilst Jay Z won “Best Rap/Sung Collaboration” for “Holy Grail”. We weren’t surprised when “Get Lucky” nabbed two awards including one from the prestigious awards category. Other outstanding performances came from the man of the moment himself Pharell Williams, sharing the stage with the iconic Stevie Wonder and Daft Punk, whilst Kendrick Lamar rocked the house with Imagine Dragons. Other performances included Metallica and Lang Lang, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr and Robin Thicke and Chicago.

Lupita Nyong’o

She is the current ‘It-girl' in Hollywood having won a NAACP award, among many awards for Best Supporting actress in the multi-award winning film "12 Years A Slave".

Other than winning and being nominated for awards, Lupita also graduated with a degree in film and theatre studies from Hampshire College. She is a red carpet favorite having been chosen as one of the faces for Miu Miu's Spring 2014 campaign, with Elizabeth Olsen, Elle Fanning and Bella Heathcote. She has also appeared on the covers of several magazines, including New York's Spring 2014 fashion issue and UK magazine Dazed & Confused. She represents the true African woman with her ethnic looks, which we absolutely love her for. Right now the temperatures keep on rising for this Kenyan beauty and we can only say Hollywood turn your air conditioners on, because Lupita's only getting heated up.

Oscars Who is to say that one of the biggest nights in entertainment definitely brought a few surprises and according to host, Ellen DeGeneres, "made

Groove Magazine Zimbabwe

Beat"; taking everybody down memory lane, and dedicating the music awards to the iconic late, former South African president, Nelson Mandela. A medley of kwaito hits from the early nineties brought audiences to their feet with featured performances by Thebe, who sang “Groovers Prayer”, and Zola history". And that was thanks to the selfie she took with some of the nominees which caused a buzz on social media.

For starters, the first time Hollywood conferred its top honor to the work of a black director; and seeing that "12 Years A Slave" won the award for the Best Picture.

Lupita Nyong'o won her first Oscar for Best Supporting Actress giving the film a total of three awards, which also included best adapted screenplay. “Gravity” won seven, the most of any film.

Metro FM

The first weekend of March was very eventful and one of the important events was down in Durban at the 13th Metro FM awards. Hosted by RGB presenters, Phat Joe and Pearl Thusi, this year's theme was "Celebrating 20 Years of

with Unathi Msengana performed “Sana Lwami”. Mafikizolo won the best group, best African pop album and best produced album awards for “Reunited”, whilst Khuli Chana and Uhuru also walked away with two awards each, with Uhuru winning the coveted Song of the Year award for their hit song “Ytjukutja” ,voted by the public.

Producers Oskido and Robbie Malinga received the lifetime achievement award.

NAMA Like all awards shows, there is always that one individual, (or group) who have an incredible night by scooping the largest number of awards and the NAMAs were no exception, having most of the awards going to Jah Prayzah, who went home with four awards with each worth $2 000 and a hamper containing various goodies.

Lucky guy!

Young Innovators Google Africa Connected ran a competition aimed at discovering and promoting amazing successes achieved on the web across Africa, through

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innovations. The top five most inspiring and innovative web-based projects in Africa would win a prize that included getting $25,000 and expert assistance from Google in the use of it’s tools for their business .The Google Africa Awards were held in in Nairobi, Kenya, where the Google top 5 were announced.

Thanks to the online votes via google, Zimbabwe’s , Nqobizitha “Enqore” Mlilo, was a runner-up in the competition. It is good to realize that our country has some talented , innovative young people who are using technology, not only for the benefit and growth of their businesses, but as a way of developing the country.

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The journey has been long and we still have a long way to go, but gladly after a year the magazine is thriving and building what is defined as the beat of the nation!

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MUSIC Cover story: A diva in the making, Davina Green It would be a cliché to say that Davina Green is a beautiful, talented and smart young lady, so let’s introduce her in a different way. R&B singer hailing from a small-town, Kadoma and a law graduate from a university in Durban, Davina Green is known as a “diva in the making”: (and we don’t doubt that since she is a super fan of US diva, Beyoncé). Davina is far from cliché considering that she’s breaking out of the mold of the typical Zimbabwean “urban” artist.

GM.: Who is Davina Green and how would you define her as a woman?

Davina: Being a woman to me means being nurturing, powerful, confident…yeah we run the world like Beyoncé says.

GM.: Ah, so you are a Beyoncé fan?

Davina: Yes a huge fan. Her number one fan! (Smiles)

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GM.: Tell us about your career.

When did your journey start?

Davina: I started singing when I was seven. I used to sing at school ,church and various little events around town. In high school I then started to take it seriously. I started recording with Delani Makhalima but none of the tracks were released for various reasons. I then went to university in South Africa so I

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focused on that for a bit, but I knew at some point I wanted to sing. Finally in 2011 I released my first single. Before that I had tried working with other people, and depending on them to do things but at that point I realized I didn’t need them, I could do it alone. I released my music online and I did pretty much all my marketing online because I

“I want to be remembered for my music.

I’d love to win a Grammy and inspire other people to follow their dreams. “

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wasn’t in Zimbabwe; so people got to discover me and my music plus download it all online. That’s basically how I started. So now that I’m done with university, I’m starting to focus more on my music.

GM.: What were you studying at university?

Davina: Law.

GM.: Are you planning to be a full time lawyer or you are going to try taking the music route.

Davina: (Chuckles) I’m still battling with that. Right now I’m going to try do both, it would be a shame to sit on a degree I worked so hard for plus I’d get to use money from that to finance my music career.

However, to be honest, it has always been a dream of mine to just be a fulltime musician.

GM.: Looking at the music industry what do you think are the challenges that musicians face in general?

Davina: Well I cant speak for everyone but for most the main challenge is a financial one. It costs a lot to get everything done, from recording to packaging your work to putting shows together, shooting videos etc and most of us aren’t signed to some huge label like in other countries, so we pretty much finance everything ourselves. That’s number one.

Number two is the marketing and distribution of the work.

From trying to get people to come to your shows to getting

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them to buy your music and know where to find the music… at times that can be very difficult. Also many of us have to initially let people download it for free, to become known. So it’s very hard to then transition from that to making people buy it later. Those are some of the challenges.

And what do you think can be done to improve it?

Davina: (Sighs) I don’t have all the answers but there is so much that one could talk about. I think we firstly just need to put the right structures in place (in the music industry) and I don’t think that it’s up to just the artists, we need a lot of help from e.g. big companies then we need to find a proper market for the music and ways for it to become easily accessible to everyone who’d like to hear and buy it.

GM.: Any highlights from your career so far?

Davina: Hmm. (Thinking).

Well that’s kind of difficult to answer because every little thing so far has been a highlight. When I released my first song, that was a highlight.

My first performance was a highlight. My first music video (which is on YouTube) was a highlight. You see? (Laughs) GM.: Have you released an album, or when can we expect an album?

Davina: You can expect an album later this year. I’m

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almost done recording it and I’m VERY happy with how it’s sounding.

GM.: We understand that you are a songwriter, what inspires your writing?

Davina: Different things.

Sometimes it’s my own experiences, other times it’s someone else’s experience.

For example it could be something a friend is going through and I think about it when I am writing.

Sometimes I’m just making it up hey (Laughs). You just have to be creative and write whatever comes up in that moment.

GM.: And who are your inspirations?

Davina: (Whispers) Beyoncé! Um, that’s just in terms of being an artist not so much her music. I love her confidence when she gets on stage. Musically, I grew up loving Mariah Carey, Janet, Brandy and Monica to name a few. Strangely enough, I also loved Madonna growing up, but not so much now.

GM.: Who have you worked with locally and who do you intend to work with on a larger scale?

Davina: Locally I have featured on a few people’s tracks. The first person that I worked with was Tehn Diamond, he asked me to feature on two of his songs from his mix tape then there was Reverb 7 and Simba

ones. I’m a sucker for 90’s R&B. Love it to bits! I also grew to love house music while I lived in Durban.

GM.: As a young woman in the music industry, what are the differences between the Zimbabwean and South African music industry? And what have been your challenges as a woman?

Tagz. So far on my album I have only featured Tehn Diamond but I’m hoping to work with Prayersoul, Dj Naida and maybe one or two other artists on it.

Looking to the rest of Africa, I like Lira, from South Africa and Tiwa Savage from Nigeria. I love Tiwa Savage! I would definitely love to work with her. As for male artists, I would like to work with a rapper like AKA. I’m obsessed with AKA! Internationally, I don’t know, so many to choose from but I would probably look to American artists, like Beyoncé, Fantasia or even Ne-yo.

GM.: And that moves us to our next question. What type of music do you listen to?

Davina: I listen to a lot of R&B and hip hop tracks and I particularly love old school

Davina: I wouldn’t know much about the finer details of the music industry in South Africa to be honest because when I was there, it wasn’t as an artist, I was focused on my studies. All I can say is from what I see through TV, magazines ,radio, blogs etc I don’t want to say that there is more support for musicians there, but it kind of looks that way, particularly those in my genre. I think that they are a bit more open minded when it comes to their music and artists. It often doesn’t matter what type of music you do, as long as it’s of a good quality and you are from their country they will support you 100%.

It’s sometimes not that simple here.

GM.: And as a young woman in the industry?

Davina: Well, I guess to add onto the answer from the previous question there sometimes appears to be more support for male artists than female artists here, especially in my genre. They tend to get more of the female ‘groupies’ screaming their name and their boys showing them support….it’s tricky (Chuckles). But that being

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said, the support I’ve received so far has still been amazing. Sometimes I see the same faces out at my shows and so much love online. It’s humbling.

GM.: In terms of airplay, how much airplay have you been getting from our local radio stations?

Davina: Quite a bit I think but there’s always room for improvement (Laughs).

When I was in SA I would always get messages from people telling me they heard my song on radio, especially after my first release. It was encouraging to know that I’m not even there but my music is on radio so it’s been even more awesome being back and hearing it for myself.

GM.: Do you have a name for your fans and how do you interact with them?

Davina: (Laughs) Oh my goodness! No!! I don’t have a name for my fans. No offence at all to those who do but I don’t see myself doing that any time soon...or ever. It’s…

Let me just leave it there (chuckles). To be honest, I don’t even call them fans, I just call them supporters.

But like I said, to each his own. That’s just my own personal thing. To answer the second bit, I interact with them mainly online and when I speak to them at shows. I appreciate them supporting my music so much. It’s always weird but nice when someone says, Are you Davina? I love your voice

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/music” but no… it’s not at the crazy Beyonce level where I can’t even go anywhere. We thankfully don’t do that in Zimbabwe.

GM.: Where do you see yourself in the future?

Davina: Well I would like to release some very successful albums and ‘make it’, as they say, not only in Zimbabwe or in Africa, but around the world.

It’s nice to get people to know about you here, but I don’t want to limit myself to Zimbabwe, I want to go international and win a Grammy (Smiles).

10 in 10 with Davina Green GM.: In another life what would you be?

Davina: Um, I think I would be an actress. It would definitely still be something in the entertainment industry. I would want to be an actress because I’m so dramatic (Laughs)

time?. He has to be a God fearing Christian man who’s sweet, confident, caring, faithful, successful (because that’s how I see myself in the near future), wants to get married and has a good sense of humour to name a few things.

music.

GM.: I would never be caught dead...

GM.: “ I was here”. What would you like to be remembered by?

Davina: Well, for most artists, you don’t want to be a one hit wonder. You want to be remembered for your many musical accomplishments , you want to win a Grammy, you know! I’d also love to inspire other people to follow their dreams and help where I can. We are blessed to be a blessing.

GM.: My fondest childhood memories are…

GM.: Something that people don’t know about me?

Davina: Vacations with family.

You appreciate those moments even more when you lose a parent. My father’s late, so I tend to think of those memories of us back then having fun as a ‘complete’ family.

Davina: Despite my confidence on stage or when someone “comes at me”, I’m actually a very quiet and shy person.

GM.: What do you do when you are not performing or recording?

Davina: Hmm, it’s very cliché but I would like to go to Paris and see the Eiffel Tower. I’m a sucker for romance so I would like to go there with my boyfriend/husband.

Davina: Watching a series. I’m a series addict. I’m an indoors person so if I’m not alone watching series, I’m with my friends, or in the studio.

Davina: Oh no! Do we have

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Davina: I don’t know. I guess it was too embarrassing to remember (Laughs)

Davina: : Doing anything that’s not classy. So I would for example, never be caught drunk out of my mind, dancing on a bar table or stripping somewhere. I’d never be that girl who starts a club fight with another female, that’s definitely not how I was raised. I try to distance myself from stuff like that.

GM.: Off your bucket list, what would you like to do?

GM.: What is your ideal man?

GM.: What was the most embarrassing moment

GM.: I am obsessed with…

Davina: I’m addicted to my phone. I’m always on my phone. That and possibly

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GM.: Thank you so much for chatting with us Davina! Before you go, where can people find you and your music?

Thank YOU GrooveMag, this was fun! People can find me and my music on my website www.davinagreenmusic.com , on my Facebook page facebook.com/davinagreenmusic , they can also follow me on twitter- @DavinaGreen or they can simply email me on davinagreen@gmail.com .

GROOVE METER…WHO’S HOT? It seems that the South Africans have started 2014 on a great musical note and heating up the airwaves and the groove meter.

Uhuru

have been nominated at the SAMAs and MTV MAMAs. Uhuru have thoroughly lived up to the name which means “freedom” as they express the liberties of being young, African and using the most powerful vehicle to change the world through dance.

Best Duo” for the song “Superman” and also at the 2011 Winter Music Awards in Miami. Bucie is one sassy lady to look out for!

Heavy K

Bucie

Names: Themba Sekowe a.k.a Maphorisa , Nqobile Mahlanu a.k.a Mapiano, Sihle Dlalisisa a.k.a DJ Clap and Xelimpilo Simelane a.k.a Xeli Country: South Africa Claim to Fame: Their debut album “Not Yet” Current Hit: Ytjukutja featuring Oskido, Proffesor and DJ Buckz Why they are hot? As if being signed onto one of South Africa's biggest record labels is not enough, these guys are already taking their place not only on the airwaves but awards shows. They are responsible for almost all the hot songs that have pumped in clubs or on radio stations from DJ Zinhle 's "My Name Is" , Dr Malinga 's "Jika" , "Not Yet Uhuru" , "Via Orlando" remix , Lvovo 's " Palesa", Mafikizolo's award winning hit, "Khona“, “Happiness” featuring Nigeria’s May D and many other songs. They are already Metro FM winners and

Name: Busisiwe Nolubabalo Nqwiliso Age: 27 Country: South Africa Claim to Fame: Ngicelindoda Current Hit: Easy To Love featuring Easy K Why she is hot? Could it be the looks, or the voice, or both?

Well, Bucie added a little sugar to DJ Black Coffee’s sound with her sultry voice. Bucie has toured to most parts of the globe and has worked with the biggest names in the business.

She has received nominations at the Metro FM, Channel O and SAMA awards for the song “Get Over It”. She has also received nominations at the MTV Base Awards for “The

Groove Magazine Zimbabwe

Name: Mkhululi Siqula Age: 23 Country: South Africa Claim to Fame: Wena Current Hit: Beautiful War featuring Professor Why he is hot? Signed to Kalawa Jazmee, Heavy K is also part of a Port Elizabeth heavy group called ‘ Point 5’. They produced kwaito star, Professor’s hit song “Lento” and remixed the late queen of modern Zulu music, Busi Mhlongo’s hit “Isizwe”, “Planet 5” and “My PE” that came out of Dj Vetkuk vs. Mahoota’s compilation called the "Diamond Series 1." He produced Bucie's current hit single “Easy to Love” and he is currently taking radio airwaves by storm.

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MUSIC Cover story: Ronald Mtawarira and how he runs “thingz”.

The Mtawarira clan has quite the talent. From superstar songwriterproducer, Audius, to champion rugby player, Tendai and upcoming, pretty boy rapperproducer, Ronald but he likes to be known as Rontingz. Already setting his own trail as a musician, Rontingz shares his opinion on how to grow the Zimbabwean music industry.

GM.: Can you please share with us who Ronald Mtawarira is?

Rontingz: Well Ronald Mtawarira, well number one, arrogant. (Laughs) Extremely arrogant! Intelligent! I’ve never been asked that question, up to this very day, my mother always says,” I don’t really understand you.” So I can just say, I’m myself. I’ll never pretend, I will never change my being, or attitude for anyone, or because of the environment that I’m in.

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But I’m very grounded, ironically , since I said that I am arrogant. I am talented, very musical. I grew up a very sporty person. I played first team rugby, although I wasn’t a bully. You could ask my juniors. I went to Ruzawi Primary, then secondary I went to Peter House Boys and then I moved to Mazowe High because I was messing around with school. And after Mazowe I went to Prince Edward. I had a very strict father because he was focused on grades and that is why I was moved to Mazowe; and it worked. Great work achieved! So from there I actually took school seriously.

GM.: Why did you choose the stage name Ron Tingz?

Rontingz: Its been a nickname ever since I was two. My dad was the one who actually created the

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name. He was a reggae lover and then there was some guy who came around and then just disappeared and he was called something- tings. So when that guy was asked why he was called “tings”, he said that, “Because I own tings!”, something like that. So my dad looking at me said that this one might be small, but he likes to be the boss of things, he has leadership qualities; so he started calling me , “Rontingz” , in as much my mum didn’t like it. So I ended up being called “Rontingz” , and my mum ended up calling me Rontingz although she initially didn’t like it. It’s just a nickname, even as I was growing up, people would call me “Tingz”, or “Rontingz”. So ever since my dad’s passing I decided to keep the name in memory of him because it has elements of the name that I

“Knowledge is the key!

You cannot know everything, I don’t know everything. Everyday I am constantly learning something new…”

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able to use it before I put any songs on radio. And I actually proved him wrong and he was impressed, and commended that I learnt faster than most of his students; so he told me to go ahead. After that I let out “Iwe” and a lot of stuff, although people didn’t know about it because I was getting low rotation. But I released a single this year, which has been crazy with people, apparently called, “Fourth-Copa Cabana”. The song aims at people from different demographics and it’s catchy. It’s intention is to catch people’s attention firstly by the topic, secondly by the music and lastly by the words.

GM.: Any highlights from your music career? share with my father, “Augustine”; so the “tin” part of “tingz”.

Something like that; it was just a way of remembering my father and just do the music in that honour.

GM.: So we got a feel of your music last year with your song “Iwe” making waves on radio.

How long have you been in the music business?

Rontingz: I started last year. I actually started with producing, with the help of my brother. I will give him all the credit, because if it wasn’t for him I would have been producing a lot of rubbish. When he came back from Australia, he asked me to show him what I can do, so I showed him and he was not impressed, so he said, “Let me show you how to make real music.” So he taught me how to use Logic 9, very complicated software for producers to use. I spent two years just learning. I mastered it and my brother wanted me to show him that I was

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Rontingz: No! I’ve performed at a couple of shows but the hard thing is that people hardly know you, and they will be like who is this guy. They applaud you at the of the end of the show because they appreciate that you are good, however they don’t know you. For you to actually connect with people, they need to know the song, because the actual frenzy, comes from people singing-along with what you are delivering. You don’t want to be singing and have people looking at you and having a certain attitude. People might say, you might be good but you haven’t marketed your song, you haven’t put your music through radio. I gave my stuff to every radio station but I need them to have my music on rotation. Highlights not yet. But this year I’m going to make my highlights. I’m going to paint the city red.

GM.: So coming from a musical family and having a very successful older brother, do

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you feel any pressure to prove yourself as your own artist?

Rontingz: Well, it’s not an element of being compared because he’s R&B and I’m hip hop. I’m creating my own path. He started from outside going in, I’m starting from here. So in as much . It’s not a competition between me and my brother; it’s a competition between us as Zimbabweans.

He’s the one who helped me get to where I am, so it’s not a matter of competing against him yet. Maybe after ten years when I’m experienced. I believe that’s what makes a star. By being yourself! It’s about what you are achieving instead of trying to override someone or what they have done. It’s about loving what you do when you are doing it.

So my brother might have world achievements, world recognition from Sony BMG, but he is actually my role model. It’s much like a father and a son; I’m watching him.

But if he’s better, he’s better!

I’m doing hip hop; he’s doing R&B. We are planning on doing a mixed album, a joint venture and probably see who’s better.

GM.: We now know you as a rapper but do you sing, and do you play any instruments?

Rontingz: I can sing on a good day. (Laughs). Sometimes I have to sing especially on choruses, I have to pluck up my choir voice. I was part of the choir in school although it was considered whack.

Anyway, I can sing on a good day. I also can play the keyboard and guitar. I am still

learning how to play drums.

GM.: When can we look forward to your album and how are people responding to your music?

Rontingz: No albums out yet.

I’m actually doing things differently. The music industry is not about making albums only, but doing things differently, and if I am the first one to do things differently , so be it. I am not going to be doing an album every year. Last year was just a sample of how people would respond to hiphop. The reception, with people who have heard my music, or know me, has been well. They say that I’m bringing hip-hop back, because it had lost it with people talking about “swag” which we don’t have in Zimbabwe. People talk about stuff like Cadillacs, and things that they don’t own. I’m bringing hip-hop on the real tip; in realistic manner. The response has been massive. I received 300 likes within the first week of setting up my Facebook page and I was like wow!.It has been tremendous because everyone is like, “who is Rontingz?” Now it’s about me approaching the media for them to know me, because they only know my name. People may get to hear part of my songs but you know, when the radio DJ starts talking in the middle of the song and mentions who it is, and then another song comes up, and maybe someone else doesn’t really get to know who it is. So I’m actually going to be going on a spree of distributing my music for free, just to grow my

demography but otherwise people love my music.

GM.: From your thoughts what can be done to improve our local music industry?

Rontingz: Locally, we have lots of talent; we have enough the talent. I think that where we actually get it wrong is promotion and production.

Production-wise, a person can’t go into the studio and say that they are actually done with a song in a week. That’s why with Audius, he takes his time. Everything that I have learnt, I have learnt it from the “Boss”; I call him the “boss’ because he is well experienced, has been all over the world, Australia, the United States, so he has taught me that it’s not about rushing. It is about mastering your track, like mastering your bars. You find a producer just wants to get paid there and there, so they might not master the music. A producer can ask an artist what beat they want and someone says “Dirty South”; the producer types in and clicks it on Fruity Loops, tells the artist to get into the booth. So someone will be doing something in a mediocre studio set-up . So when you are doing that and you want to push that outside, there tends to be a negative perception of Zimbabwean music. People out there might say that ‘your’ music is crap, although you have great punch lines, but your productions, what’s up with your producers? What I’m saying is that take your time.

Groove Magazine Zimbabwe

Because with producers like Timbaland didn’t work with Justin Timberlake on one album.

You have to find one specific person you want to work with, not twenty people where you can’t produce decent beats because you have many people you are concentrating on.

GM.: So what do you think should be done to improve the industry?

Rontingz: First of all musical seminars. More festivals, more interaction between the producers themselves, instead of saying that “I’m the best!”, why not try and unite with each other and learn from each other.

Knowledge is the key! You cannot know everything, I don’t know everything. Everyday I am constantly learning something new; so as a producer I can go to someone like Simba Tagz and ask him about something and he shows me. So then I will have a similar idea and then think, why don’t I use that and maybe he might come to my studio and appreciate how I played around with what he taught me. And then I show him a few tricks, not giving away all my secrets, but sharing ideas. As producers, there is need of a production body that actually sets what type of music is going to be popular.

Instead of just sending low grade stuff to radio and people end up not listening to radio because of the stuff that is played. But that body is essential for producers, it should be set up by producers themselves and they rate each other so that there is competition. They need to be rated so that each producer ups their game.

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Rontingz: Audius definitely!

Kendrick Lamar, his music is poetic, it’s so sick! Production wise, Alex the Kid, Mike Will, Scotch, I could actually write a whole Bible, Timbaland, Drake.

Marvin Gaye, I know that would surprise people, but when I listened to him I was like wow! They don’t make great music like that these days.

I think that they had more fun romancing back then than now.

But I guess it’s all about bringing back that music that’s why I guess that Pharell is doing his thing. A lot of people are now taking it back.

Tehn Diamond, Junior Brown, actually I want to start within, locally and then when I grow big I can spread out. Regionally, it would be AKA, Ice Prince ,D’banj and P Square, then I would have conquered Africa.

Internationally, I’m not so keen because I have attended some of the conferences with Audius, and international artists egos make me sick. You will be like can you please come down to earth and they have a negative perception of Africans. But the one guy I would like to work with is Lil Wayne because he will never lie to you, he speaks his mind. Rick Ross, Meek Mill, and maybe Drake. I will get there, give me five years. I’m not yet known so I haven’t started yet.

GM.: And what type of music do you listen to?

GM.: Where does Rontingz see himself in the future?

Rontingz: Rap, R&B, gospel, dancehall, I actually want to venture into dancehall as a producer. And soul! I listen to soul music when I’m going to bed.

Rontingz: I see myself as an established producer., as well as a huge artist. I want to own my own record label where I will be recruiting artists. I want to show artists that they can make it big from here, that you don’t need to go outside to make it. I see myself going big.

GM.: So who are your musical inspirations and what type of music do you enjoy listening to?

GM.: We understand that you also do production, so who have you worked with and would love to work with through your career?

Rontingz: I opened doors a few months ago in November 2013. I worked with Mr. Hingis on a song called “My Moment” and I gave it to radio from ZiFM to Star FM, and people were like this song could go international. At the moment I have only worked with Mr. Hingis but I would like to work with Guspy Warrior, MMT,

Rontingz 10 in 10 GM.: My favorite color is…

Rontingz: Black GM.: In another life I would have been…

Rontingz: My parents coming to see me every sports day at school. That was like memorable.

GM.: I am who I am because…

Rontingz: That’s the way that I was born and raised.

GM.: My favorite food is…

Rontingz: Prawns, fries and chicken.

GM.: When I’m not performing or recording I’m…

Rontingz: I’m farming. I’m actually a beef farmer GM.: My ideal woman is…

Rontingz: My girlfriend! She is smart, very supportive, sweet, humble, and my mother loves her.

GM.: My most embarrassing moment was…

Rontingz: It happened when I was at varsity and I was goofing around by the stairs. I started running, fell down and rolled down the flight of stairs and then I pretended to be hurt because everyone was watching.

GM.: I’m secretly obsessed with…

Rontingz: Cars! I love speed

Rontingz: Doctor

GM.: Something that nobody knows about me….

GM.: My fondest childhood memories are…

Rontingz: I have never cheated on any of my girlfriends.

Find out how Rontingz runs things on Facebook: Ron.tingz.3, Twitter: @RonTingzLive and Soundcloud: Rontingzbeatsandproduction

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Groove Magazine Zimbabwe

REAL TALK How we love the perfume of love in the air and as we listened to Tamar Braxton’s “Love and War”, and thought about the dynamics of relationships and the battle of the sexes. So on the subject of love, we asked our panel, who were our guests in this issue,” In relationships who is most committed?” and they had this to say:

T Bass: “Umm, from personal experience. We both have been committed!”

Aura the Poet: “Oh my gosh, I don’t know. It differs with the relationship but my boss once said that, ”A man should marry a woman who loves him because no matter what he does she will stay with him.”

Karma: “I think that it has to be equal on both sides, otherwise it’s nota relationship; it’s more of a clingy relationship.

It really has to be equal.

Groove Magazine Zimbabwe

Munashe Gomwe: “I don’t want to say anything that may be taken the wrong way, but I guess love can only be shown if two people are willing to make it work.”

Fungai Nengare: “In relationships! I think from my personal experiences, it’s a two way thing. That’s the only way a relationship can be decided, by the commitment of both sides.”

Jason Le Roux: “I think there needs to be a mutual commitment for any relationship to work.”

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REAL TALK AMADODA: MEN OF VALUE

With Munashe Gomwe Society has progressively changed and not always for the better. In a world where there is moral degradation, female objectification, genderbased violence, and the absence of good male figures.

Is there hope for society? Yes! Somewhere in Southern Africa, a young Zimbabwean man, studying in university, had his eyes opened when he realized that the world needs “Amadoda”-men of value. And what better value than having Munashe Gomwe and his friends create a platform for discussion and orchestrating change within our society so that “real” men may stand up and take up their role so as to bring back the values that we so pride Africa of.

GM.: Hi Munashe and thank you for sitting with Groove Magazine

to give us some insight about your movement.

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Munashe: Thank you for having me here.

GM.: You are part of the group Amadoda, but we would firstly like to briefly be introduced to Munashe.

Munashe: My name is Munashe Gomwe. I am a student at the University of Cape Town (UCT) studying a degree in Business Science. I am majoring in accounting and finance. I’ve always thought of myself as someone who likes to challenge the norm, someone

Groove Magazine Zimbabwe

who doesn’t accept the way things are; challenging the status quo. I don’t believe that just because someone comes from a poor background, their life will be like that or that because you are black, you are ruled by limitations. I have had to come to terms with the fact that life and success is about of thinking of yourself beyond your circumstances.

I had to face up to that reality of these things when I moved to South Africa, away from home, I was forced out

of my comfort zone. I’m all about that, smashing stereotypes.

GM.: “Amadoda”. Please share with us the meaning and concept behind this movement?

Munashe: ‘Amadoda’ mean men in Zulu. Our vision is to create men of value. It all started when I and four friends met a lady who was begging and we were in a mall in Joburg and she looked at us and we were drawn to her.

We asked her how she got into the circumstance she was in. She started explaining how she was abused by the male figures in her life. She was sexually abused by her father and forced into a marriage, and her only option was to run away and live on the streets. For her the streets were her only way of freedom. And it got us wondering as to what type of role models we have in our society. Not just in South Africa, but in the whole continent. We began asking ourselves what kind of man do I want to be?

What role do I want to play?

What legacy to I want to leave behind? Through our inquiry we discovered that there is such a disconnect in our society. Our culture tells us that men are supposed to be the providers of the family, men are supposed to be responsible, to be there for their children, for their wives; but in actual fact we find that there are men disbanding their role; and women having to fulfill that role most of the time. Our solution to this fracture in our society was to rally up young men, to re-define the role of a man and live up to it. We started our campaign on Facebook. We created the AmaDODA page and

started asking people to tell us in 40 words why they have to be successful. We put it up and requested our followers to send a picture as well, which was necessary to emulate one of the pillars of Amadoda, accountability. The movement went viral and over a thousand people caught on to the movement. Young men from across South Africa were sending in their contribution to Amadoda, even a few CEOs and lecturers. We got 1500 likes.

This spurred conversations about wanting to be successful and taking a stand on being there for the woman in their lives, to provide for them, like their mothers who had sacrificed for them and had put them through university. I was really moved by some of the responses. One of the followers said that he wanted to be successful for his mother who had given up her job to take care of him. We saw there was a unanimous desire of giving back. And that’s what we wanted to create in young men, create men of value. So from there we have been having conversations with people, like people in the media, on radio mostly. Amadoda allowed us to have a platform where we could engage people in dialogue and because it went viral, it helped attract the attention of the media, which gave us an even bigger platform to reach a wider audience. We have since been on Cape talk Radio, SA FM, we’ve been on the UCT Monday paper; we’ve been on all those platforms. It’s amazing that the response we have gotten has been mostly positive and everybody who resonates

Groove Magazine Zimbabwe

to Amadoda and recognizes that something needs to be done to change the current status quo of men. We need to change the perception of how men are portrayed in society.

GM.: You are about ‘men of value”. What is your definition of a “MAN”?

Munashe: I would like to start by saying that because each one of us has different experiences we all have a different definition. But for me, my definition of a man is a person that is responsible. By responsible I mean someone who knows their duties, firstly in their house and in their community.

And exactly as I said, Amadoda resonates with the following values; responsible, accountable and useful.

GM.: In your life, who are your role models?

Munashe: In my life, I would have to say that it’ my father. I have been privileged to have a father in my life, who is there, who is supportive. When I moved to South Africa, I would have to say my pastor from church, who has been a helpful and supportive mentor.

GM.: In media, or from popular figures, who are the men that are portrayed as good fathers/ male role models? What can young men take from them?

Munashe: I will answer that differently. The media portrays different images of men. But there are so many people who do great things but are never given credit for it. Think about the guy who gets a girl pregnant that takes the

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responsibility of supporting his child and mother of the child, knowing that he doesn’t have the money, probably doesn’t have a job, but he knows that he has responsibility to the girl and the child. Think about the policeman who daily puts his life on the line to ensure our safety. Those are the real men who touch me because they’re not doing it for the fame or the pride. But they are taking up that responsibility, knowing that it’s bigger than themselves.

GM.: So there is this thing where man get away with a lot of things, how women are treated, the way that they are portrayed in media. Should we blame our African culture and modernization. What are your thoughts?

Munashe: Our culture has played a big part in this. I think it’s also because of this whole monoculture that we are living in, that we are now doing the same thing. Back in the day, if you were Zimbabwean, you had a certain way of doing things which was totally different if you were from Malawi or South Africa. We’re now living in a global village where we get to listen to the same

thing, we get to watch the same thing, we are all shaped by the same thing, so much so that we really try to identify with what we see as compared to what is “ right” and acceptable at the time. So let’s talk about modern hip hop culture where women are devalued and disrespected in music videos and songs. I believe women are supposed to be treated with respect and shown the value that so rightly deserve. So what is the popular culture saying, that they should be treated differently. There is this thing about conformity; you know that we want to fit in, that whole desensitization.

Every human being should be treated with respect, regardless of what popular culture says, or what the way of living is.

GM.: On a personal basis, as a young man, what are you doing to define yourself as a man of value?

Munashe: I have challenged myself personally to be a man of value in all the roles I play. I know that I have a responsibility as a brother, to be there for my siblings, as a son, to be there for my parents and I have a responsibility as a leader, even of this organization to put my whole commitment to it.

They were very supportive; we received a standing ovation for our efforts. From there we realized that Amadoda could actually go national in South Africa. We have partnered with other universities UCT, Wits, NMU, UWC, with those willing to start a student society there and have meetings, debates and campaigns. We are also looking to expand in Zimbabwe, and hopefully one day penetrate the whole of Africa.

GM.: Any advice to readers and young people out there?

Munashe: Never doubt yourself. If you feel strongly about something and want something to be done, do it. Many times we turn down our passions and dreams because we feel inadequate or too small to make a difference. But once you start things begin to happen and you’ll find people believe and resonate with your idea and that’s where the magic happens. All the things you need to be successful lies within you.

If you want to get involved or learn more about this movement you can interact with AmaDODA on:

Facebook: Amadoda Twitter: @amadodamovement Email: amadodamovement@gmail.com

GM.: Where do you want to take Amadoda?

Munashe: We started off in South Africa and we had an opportunity of speaking at parliament in Cape Town to present our vision, what we are about and what we want to do.

Question: What is your definition of a man? What are the characteristics of a man of value?

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Groove Magazine Zimbabwe

Under The Groove

Karma Music is very dynamic and it takes a very critical ear to understand what’s good and what’s superbly genius. Hip hop is a popular genre and subculture amongst most people of African roots and in Zimbabwe, it is growing and slowly shaping itself in efforts to fit onto the global market.

With a name like “Karma” one wonders if this young man is out for revenge, but then once you listen to his lyrics that show intelligence and high levels of depth and maturity, you will be “karmafied”. Born Bradley Matengenzara, the lyricist who has been known as a television presenter is creating his own path to stand out and be different.

GM.: For those in the know, you have been a television personality, but for some they would probably want to find out more about Karma.

Karma: My real name is Bradley Tanyaradzwa Matengenzara, very long, I guess. I’m 20 years old. I guess I can say that I’m just an average teenager if there’s anything like that.

I’m going to Pretoria for school to study a Bachelor in Arts in Political

Science, although I’m not really proud of that . I really need to change that as soon as I get a chance to. The name Karma came up from the roots of what karma is. Karma is an effect whereby whatever you do comes back to you, so I thought that with my music, it has to have an effect of who I am and how I see things.

GM.: How did you come to be Karma?

Karma: I’m a rapper, and slash, a little bit of a poet. My main genre is rap though. I started rapping in primary school, in grade seven, in 2005. Up until now I have released an EP called “Her Song, His Music”, that was my first compilation. I know a lot of people have not heard that. And then after that

Groove Magazine Zimbabwe

, there was an EP “Reincarnation”, which was a compilation with some other tracks that I had dropped, that had not been heard before. And then I recorded my first album , that was last year, November 28th called “Chasing Moments” , which has ten tracks, so that’s where I am at , at the moment.

GM.: What has been the response to your music?

Karma: It has been good so far, my main challenge has been marketing. Not a lot of people are getting my music instantly but I have been getting a lot of positive feedback. Although there

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has been negative feedback, but comparing the negative to the positive, the numbers are minor.

G.M.: Are you getting airplay?

Karma: Yes I am! Not as much as I want to but that’s not in my control, but, I’m getting airplay.

GM.: As a rising artist, what are your thoughts on the music industry in Zimbabwe?

Karma: I think that in Zim as a whole, the entertainment is at par for Zim standards, because we have always found a way to entertain ourselves. But globally, I think that we still have a long way to go. But we’re working on it and I’m loving the progress. We are making a lot of progress.

GM.: We got to listen to your album and wow! Who did you work with and what’s the motivation behind “Chasing Moments”?

Karma: On “Chasing Moments” I have worked with Gappy Ranks, he is a dancehall artist from the UK, I’ve also worked with a local poet Madzitatiguru, Simz, he’s also a local artist, I’ve worked with Antwoine Grey; he’s from America. We connected through Reverbnation. I also featured R&B singer, Mikaile.

“Chasing Moments” is about selected moments that I chose to put into the album. Some sad, some happy, some mellow; I wanted to put them in there so that people could find moments, like the moments and they get to think about their own moments, like the moments they get to think about their own moments, the moments that they cherish, or the moments that they want to remember, that’s what the album is about.

that it’s too cliché; if you were to ask some other rapper who they would like to work with they’d probably say 2Chainz or Lil Wayne. But, K’naan, I think it would really be explosive!

GM.: Who are your musical inspirations?

GM.: Where do you want to take your music?

Karma: Okay, first of all Bob Marley. Nas, I listen to a lot of Nas. I also listen to Talib Kweli, Mos Def. I listen to a lot of underground hip-hop.

Underground hip-hop is more mature than commercial hiphop. So I think that’s where it comes.

GM.: So far you have worked with an interesting selection of artists. Who would like to work with locally and on a global scale?

Karma: Locally, I really want to work with Rockford, Roqui. I think that we would really make a tight track, if we really sit down to it. And internationally I’d like to work with K’naan. K’naan has reached international levels now, so I’d like to work with him . I’m not too keen on other artists. I think

Karma: As far as it can go. If it can go to Mars, we’ll see. But as I’m going to South Africa for school, you can see that it’s a strategic move because your recognition internationally is more probable to happen in S.A. than here.

So it’s a way of bringing it here, because you go there to bring it here.

GM.: Last words…

Karma: First of all don’t judge! Don’t judge people. You have no right to, not at all! And be yourself. Those are basically the lessons that I have learnt the whole of last year. Ignore other people’s opinions. I’m not saying don’t listen to what they say, hear them and then ignore them.

Get more of Karma and “Chasing Moments” at www.mixmasterzstudios.com

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Groove Magazine Zimbabwe

The Strum Fungai Nengare Fungai Nengare taught us a thing or two about musicality; first, you are never too old to learn to play an instrument and secondly, you are as hard as you push yourself. Fungai is a very laidback gentleman, whose calmness could make one feel a bit uneasy, only because he has an air of mystery, but that is why we sat down for coffee and found out more about the amazing singer-songwriter’s musical journey…

GM.: Briefly tell us who is Fungai Nengare?

Fungai: Fungai is a 29 year old music teacher/musician/singer, song writer, upcoming producer and infant’s teacher. I grew up in a small town called Gweru. And I recently moved to Harare, okay, I have been in Harare for the past four years. I started the music at a tender age, I know that it sounds like a cliché, I started music at like eight (laughs).

I’m an infants teacher, I train preschoolers music, I also do private lessons in guitar, vocal training lessons and beginners piano.

GM.: What is your style of music and what have you done so far?

Fungai: My music is basically a fusion of soul, R&B, with a touch of jazz, and a bit house, it just depends on how I am feeling at that moment. I have also featured other artists who do rap like DJ Naida, MMT, a lot of rap aspects, Simba Tagz, Tehn Diamond, yeah.

GM.: So when did you start playing the guitar and why the guitar specifically? Do you play other instruments?

Groove Magazine Zimbabwe

Fungai: Funny story. I actually started learning to play the guitar at 21. Contrary to popular belief, that if you start the guitar at an old age, you can never really master it.

I started at 21. And I chose the guitar because it is portable instrument. That's one reason. Secondly because you can carry it wherever you go, so you can make music on the go as compared to the piano, you can’t carry it. And I just

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Fungai: Definitely there is room for improvement. First of, starting from the artists ourselves. I think that a lot of blame is going to the consumers, because we are not producing quality products, we are not professional. We need to be professional, we need to produce quality music, we need to be artists who are driven., who know that our products are for the consumers and not for ourselves and then we can start to push the general public to buy our music.

Love the guitar because of the sound that it makes. It’s a very intimate instrument. I also play the piano, just a little bit and bass guitar.

done to improve it?

GM.: What has been the response to your music?

Fungai: The response to my music has been quite good I must say. I can't say that I’m new in the game but the period that I have been in, I have been getting great response from people. Like at my shows, people enjoy my music, even people that I have worked with have a keen interest to my type of music and what I can offer to them. You can see from the line-up of artists that I have worked with.

GM.: Pertaining to acoustic music, what is the market like in Zimbabwe and what can be

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GM.: Is your music getting airplay on our local radio stations? Do you have an album out yet?

Fungai: The market is actually growing, I think that I can call it that, it’s growing. People appreciate the culture of acoustic music, the culture of live performances and they want that. There is a need to get away from digital music and to take time to see how acoustic music is made. Like at the Zimbabwe German Society, there is the Acoustic nights, and you can see from the crowd how they react to the music, it is amazing! I also perform at restaurants, one of them is Maestro. Again, it’s acoustic music, people want to come in, eat, socialize and enjoy the background.

Fungai: I don’t have an album out yet, but I have a couple of singles out. Most of them I have done with a producer called Reverb 7 from Showtime Records. I do get airplay and I have actually featured on two radio stations which are ZiFM and Star FM. I have even done a live session on Star FM. The singles are mainly “Take Me Home”, “You Found Me” and “ Beautiful Day”.

GM.: Is there need for improvement or you are okay with the way things are?

Fungai: I have written for Courtney Rusike, Jazz Invitation, Simba Tagz, Tina

Groove Magazine Zimbabwe

GM.: We understand that you are a songwriter. Who have you written for and what inspires you?

“Music is a gift and when you have it, you should also be able to give it away.”

Masawi, DJ Naida, I’ve done some of her hooks, same thing with Tehn Diamond, I have done some of his hooks, MMT, mainly a lot of local upcoming artist. My inspiration comes from when I’m writing for other people , what inspires them, what they are feeling and what they want to sing about so I draw inspiration from them.

months on a sabbatical tour.

I see myself being a producer, a critically acclaimed producer, and songwriter. I see myself more of a mentor, I would enjoy that more than making music.

GM.: And on your own songs what inspires you?

Fungai: Life! What happens to me, what happens to other people. Aspirations! The things that I want to see. The things that I enjoy. The things that I don’t enjoy. It’s a mixed bag of emotions.

GM.: Any last words that you would like to share?

GM.: Who have you worked with and who would you like tow work with in terms of songwriting and collaborations?

Fungai: Well at the moment, I’m currently working with the guys at Showtime records, mainly Simba Tagz and Reverb 7 and the Showtime crew. I have actually worked with Tuku, when I was in Jazz Invitation. I was actually in the band. I have also worked with a new, upcoming jazz band called Jam Signal. I’m hoping to work with Monkey Nuts.

And if all goes well, I’m hoping to work with a producer, a South African artist by the end of the year. I’ve also worked with Prayersoul on a song called ” Missing Is You”. I

think regionally, I have always wanted to work definitely with Mi Casa. I think that they are a brilliant band. Internationally, John Legend is my idol, so I would like to work with him and Stevie Wonder is iconic!

GM.: Where do you see yourself in five years?

Fungai: Music is a gift and when you have it, you should also be able to give it away. And to all the artists out there, we should be able to remember that you and your music are two separate things and once you separate yourself from the music then you are better off.

Want to hear more of Fungai Nengare, follow him on social media on: Facebook: Fungai Nengare Twitter: @fungainengare Soundcloud: fungainengare

Fungai: In five years I hope to have toured,. I am starting off with Germany ,which is this July. This tour will be through the Zimbabwe German Society in connection with Wildfire events. I will be going there for three

Which artists did Fungai Nengare perform with at this year’s HIFA? Post your answers on Facebook: Groove Magazine Zimbabwe or Twitter: @ZimGroovemag

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GROOVE THEORY Deep Confrontation

by Pauline S. Chimedza The Issue of Wanting In most cases, the things we want are & seem nicer than what we actually have.

Wanting is not a bad thing, in fact, wanting is what drives us to work harder or improve certain things. Wanting a better life drives us to want a better education which will later bear fruit in the job that we get, the money that we earn and the life that we’ll afford. Wanting the best for yourself, child or friend etc., will drive us to do certain things & herein lies the issue.

People go to crazy extents to achieve what they want.

Mothers will prostitute for their children, wives will cheat for their family, husbands will steal sometimes even kill for their families and this all comes down to one thing, WANTING! Young girls everywhere all want to be great one day…they want a good life, a good looking husband, & not forgetting what comes at the top of the list nowadays, a good pocket.

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When people want, they always want the good stuff, you even hear those who take dangerous drugs asking for the good grade, those who rob asking for the gun that’s good for the job. But to what extent are we willing to go to get what we want.

Everybody wants to become a star. Most young girls want to become like Beyoncé, Rihanna and likewise, guys look up to Kanye, Jay Z and the likes. They have done a lot to get to where they are and they have sacrificed much. To what extent are we willing to go to get what we want?

Wanting is not bad, I repeat, but it is quite dangerous. Its

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time to rise as young Zimbabweans, Africans and make our own way, write our own future, create our own utopia. Somewhere we can achieve our goals without losing our dignity –ladies, our pride –gentlemen & our sense of Ubuntu, Chivanhu, Africanism.

Lets create our own Hollywood, where we do not need to become anybody else and carry our value’s and customs proudly. Its starts with us respecting our own customs, then everyone else wherever we may end up will acknowledge it. That’s a biscuit to chew on…

STAR POWER Pharell Williams We don't know what's more fascinating, the fact that Pharell Williams looks timeless, or his fashion sense, or the thought of him taking over the music industry, (when he puts his mind to it).

He has been number one on the world charts with his song "Happy" which went on to be an inspiration for the Coca Cola theme song. Happy was originally released on the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack last year, is sat at #1 on the Billboard 100 chart for a couple of weeks and was nominated for an Oscar. And it is featured on his second studio album titled G I R L that was released in March. Pharell is not only a great singer but he is the brains behind a number of great productions over the years (and makes great collaborations, ask Robin Thicke). He and long-time friend, Chad Hugo are The Neptunes, (the production team responsible for most of the hits in the early 2000s).

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Brief Bio

great music!

Pharell Williams was born on 5 April 1973 in Virginia Beach, Virginia in the USA. Simply known as Pharell, he is a singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer, musician and fashion designer . He met Chad Hugo in a seventh-grade summer band camp where Williams played the keyboards and drums and Hugo played tenor saxophone.

They were also both members of a marching band ; Williams played the snare drum while Hugo was student conductor . In the 1990s, Hugo and Williams formed a four-piece "R&B type" group, The Neptunes, with friends Shay Haley and Mike Etheridge and were discovered

by Teddy Riley .

The Neptunes produce soul, hip-hop and R&B music. Pharell is the lead vocalist and drummer of rock, funk, and hip-hop band N.E.R.D, which includes Chad Hugo and childhood friend, Shay Haley. The Neptunes, are the production team responsible for most of the hits in the early 2000s and here is the list of their top 15 hit songs:

He released his first single “Frontin’ in 2003 and followed up with his debut solo album ”In My Mind” in 2006. His second album, Girl was released on March 3, 2014.

As part of The Neptunes’ numerous hit singles, Williams has produced various recording artists. Pharell has earned seven Grammy Awards including two with The Neptunes. He currently owns a media venture that encompasses entertainment, music, fashion, and art called “i am OTHER”. He is also the cofounder of the clothing brands Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream.

Pharell, The Neptunes and

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1. Use Your Heart by SWV 2. Girls Dem Sugar by Beenie Man 3. I’m a Slave 4 U by Britney Spears 4. Hella Good by No Doubt 5. Wait A Minute by Ray J feat. Lil Kim 6. Work It Out by Beyoncé 7. Say Something by Mariah Carey 8. Caught Out There by Kelis 9. Lookin’ At Me by Mase 10. Tonight’s The Night by Blackstreet and SWV 11. Right Here [Human Nature Remix] by SWV 12. Girlfriend by N’ Sync 13. Hollaback Girl by Gwen Stefani 14. Wanna Love You Girl by Robin Thicke 15. Rump Shaker by Wreckx N Effect

Musical style Williams has stated that he does not have any direct influences, but has expressed

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his admiration for several musicians, including Michael Jackson , J Dilla , Stevie Wonder , Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye, Rakim and QTip. Williams explained that A Tribe Called Quest’s 1990 album, ”People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm”, caused a "turning point" in his life, which “made me see that music was art”.

Pharell & Fashion How does one describe Pharell’s fashion sense?

Youthful? Weird? Edgy? Well whatever you call it, Pharell is one fashion trendsetter and makes money whilst doing it.

Pharrell co-founded the clothing brands Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream Footwear.

He has a boutique store in New York City on West Broadway.

In 2008, Pharrell co-designed a series of jewelry ("Blason") and glasses for Louis Vuitton He has also worked on furniture with Galerie Emmanuel Perrotin and a French manufacturer, Domeau & Pérès.

One of his works, a molded plastic seat with human legs. In 2005, Williams was voted "Best Dressed Man in the World"

by Esquire

Forever young Pharell

2002

2013

2002 Is it us, or does Pharell look the same throughout the years?

Hmm, how is it possible that he has found the legendary ‘Fountain of Youth’? Could it be, he has a fantastic plastic surgeon? Or maybe Pharell could actually be a vampire?

Whatever it is, the forty something musician is able to appeal to audiences across the board with his youthful looks.

(Did we mention that he is his forties?) And his fashion which mostly consists of shorts, hoodies and tees just make him look even younger. Oh, did we mention that he skateboards!

(Like for real?).So until Pharell shares his secret with the rest of us on how keeps looking young as his age number increases, we will just have to envy that tight, unwrinkled skin of his.

2002

2003

2005

Pharell’s Star Power

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So how much star power does Pharell Williams have? Let’s see! As a musician, Pharell shows diversity in his works as evidenced by his collaborations and music that he has produced. He is laidback yet extravagant in terms of his lifestyle; he skateboards and has lavish things from cars to the clothes he wears, which by the way, he is also a trendsetter. With the Universe being kind to his body, Pharell ages well, making him somewhat appealing to even a younger audience. With that said, Pharell’s star power is at four, because he ‘drops it like it’s hot” on those beats and that’s what makes the world “happy”!

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QUIZ What’s Your Love Language?

In the spirit of love and all things relational, we look at how individuals relate to others through how they themselves want to be related to. According to author, Gary Chapman, of “The Five Love Languages”, every human being has a way that they express love and need to be loved. Take this test and find out your language.

1. What makes your morning, a good one? a) A kiss or a hug b) When someone makes me a cup of coffee c) A surprise gift d) Being greeted by an inspirational quote e) A phone call from a special someone 2. When you are not busy, what would you prefer doing? a) Cuddling up to a movie or taking a walk whilst holding hands b) Doing some cleaning around or spend time at a charity center c) Shopping d) Sharing inspirational ideas with friends or family or complimenting

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your significant other e) Hanging out with friends

5. When you are upset, what cheers you up?

3. Your favourite part of the holidays is: a) Feeling the love from your significant other b) Being part of activities such as nativities, or singing at fundraisers c) Exchanging gifts d) Receiving cards and holiday wishes e) Meeting up with friends and family

a) A shoulder to lean on b) Someone taking over your work/ duties c) Retail therapy d) Words of encouragement e) Watching a feel good movie with friends

4. As a child what did you prefer your parents do for you? a) Give you hugs b) Help you with homework c) Bring you goodies after work d) Tell you how good you are at something or how proud they are of you e) Sit and watch your favourite television program

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6. What would you rather be doing with your significant other? a) Holding hands and giving back rubs b) Doing something special for each other c) Out at a restaurant exchanging gifts d) Spending an evening together complimenting each other e) Having a conversation

7. What kind of birthday gift would you get someone? a) Send them for a special treatment at the spa b) Do something they have been meaning to do e.g. fixing that broken door or doing the laundry c) Throw a lavish party d) Write them a poem e) Take them out somewhere 8. Which lyrics best describes how you would want love expressed to you? a) “…then you would be loving me, holding me, kissing me…” b) “…you taught me to run/you taught me to fly/helped me to free the me inside…” c) “…take me as I am/take my life/I would give it all/I would sacrifice…” d) “…cause when I see your face/there’s nothing I would ever change/cause you’re amazing just the way you are …” e) “…in all your busy schedules/could you please make some time for me...”

9. After taking this quiz you are likely to: a) Get some tlc b) Finish off some work c) Go buy something new d) Update my look with a new hairdo/shave e) Attend a get together

RESULTS Mostly As Teddy Bear

A teddy bear is a loveable stuffed toy which one embraces. Like the teddy bear, you feel loved when you are touched in a loving way.

Your emotional security comes from hugs, kisses, and you would never say no to a massage. Like wise you are likely to be the type who greets, or departs from loved ones with hugs or pecks on the cheek. Nothing makes up your day than a warm embrace whether you are happy or feeling low.

It is important that you convey verbally how you feel and how you want to be shown love and express your love language in that manner.

Mostly Bs Breakfast in Bed There is nothing better than waking up to breakfast in bed.

And like this gesture your love language is that of service.

Because you are willing to lend a hand and chores are not a hustle for you, you feel loved when someone helps you out even with things that you could do. You take notice when they are thoughtful and put themselves out to assist you.

Mostly Cs Box of Chocolates Either you are sweet or you have a sweet tooth, either way, you are a box of chocolates. You definitely know how to pick up gifts. Whether it’s a single flower

or something more expensive , you love being thought of and spoilt. There is nothing better than receiving a thoughtful gift to make you feel loved.

Likewise you are likely to get a loved one exactly what they want.

Mostly Ds Love Letter When emotions are penned down on paper, the thoughts are memorable. To you, actions don’t speak louder than words.

Like the love letter, you want to have the words said. Your love language is that of affirmation.

You feel loved when you are complimented, encouraged and likewise you are great cheerleader who is supportive in words!

Mostly Es Getaway The thought of being whisked away is perfect. This means someone wants to spend quality time with you, away from distractions. Your love language is that of time. In the vernacular of Quality Time, nothing says, “I love you,” like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there— with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby—makes your significant other feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful.

“Love is something you do for someone else, not something you do for yourself.” ― Gary Chapman, The Five Love Languages Singles Edition

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WOMAN

By Natasha Kanonuhwa

Fashion Trends Summer 2014 Still dread flashing your midriff??? Well guess what? The crop top trend is back and it looks like it is here to stay!!!

Showing up on the runways for the new season and celebrities wearing them more casually than ever. The crop top is the fashion equivalent of learning how to ride a bicycle, it looks scary at first but the more you try, the more confident you become.

There are tones of stylish ways to wear the crop top from classy, sporty, gothic to casual. Wanna look good in a crop top, you gotta work, work!!!

SOMETHING NEW Fashion Week Summer/Spring 2014 introduced a lot of new trends that we were not expecting but absolutely love!

Here's our top five selection 1. Pastel colours 2. The wide leg trousers 3. Tea-length 4. A-line skirts 5. Sports wear- Suits

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ACCESORIZE Accessories can change a look from an absolute bore to a stunning fabulosity! 10 things a woman needs to look and feel glamorous.

1. Arm candy

3. Signature scent

A real and organized woman goes about her business with a handbag on her arm. Get a trendy, statured ladylike bag in a neutral colour which is easier to wear with anything. And ladies if you do not have a car, do not. Put a car charger in that chic bag, its embarrassing.

2. Fierce heels Ever noticed how wearing heels with any outfit adds yumminess and confidence. The point toes are proving to be sexier in any print or color. Get them in metallic colours, suede or patent

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A perfume is known to be a woman's most intimate friend. you can look for a scent that goes with your personality...powerful, flirty, sweet even happy!!!

Find a scent that you love and wear it during the day and at night on your pulse points to keep the fragrance pumping (wink).

4. Chunky jewels Chunky neck pieces with jewels add sophistication to an outfit. find a statement necklace that is chunky with jewels or a chain without jewels and wear with a shirt that's buttoned up to look classy. Don't overdo it btw, OTT is never cute!

5. Classic sunglasses

:(

Killing two birds with one stone, wear tinted or mirror sunglasses to block out the sun's UV rays from your precious eyes while looking super fierce. Be sure to try on sunglasses before buying them and ask a friend or another shopper if they suit you. Don't ask the sales person, they'll just lie to you to make sales ...

Hopefully you have honest friends.

lingerie makes you feel good and confident besides the fact only you can see it, well maybe... Try the lacy lingerie for a sensual look in nude or black...Brighter colours under a sheer top for a little , more fun!

7. Chain purse Sometimes a handbag feels too heavy to carry, go easy on yourself and carry a chain purse that frees up your hands by strapping it onto your shoulder. The chain purse varies from the doublechain, the interlocking chains, interwoven leather straps and metal to the quilted bag avec spikes. Have fun with the chain purse inspired by Coco Chanel.

9. Biker jacket The oldest trick in the book of fashion is a biker jacket. it will make any outfit look effortlessly cool and edgy. Try different shades such as nude, brown or white instead of the ordinary black.... team it up with skinny jeans and a plain tee or with a skater dress with ankle boots.

10. Endless timepiece Being late for anything has never been classy. A bold, gold watch with a little bling is ideal with any look. be on time looking fabulous, every girl needs a time piece with a lil bling!

6. Luscious lipstick The perfect lipstick is a necessity and it can change your look and attitude in an instant. when purchasing a lippie the shade, durability and brand of choice is important.

Get the perfect shade that suits your complexion to wear with any outfit. try different shades that match with different moods. For lips that standout, try orange!!!

8. Sultry lingerie Who said a woman doesn't have to look good underneath her clothes? Little things actually do wonders. Sexy

Fashion tip: Use color- and print-blocking to create the illusion of layering without all the bulk.

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FASHION

By Natasha Kanonuhwa From the runways to the streets check out what’s trending in fashion for this summer for both men and women!

Fashion top: Save money on shopping by reinventing your clothes by taking them to a tailor who can transform anything into everything!

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FASHION DESIGNER Kloque Klothing

By King Dube When King Dube dropped by our office we could no help but notice his interesting jacket which combined leather and tweed. Well this type of jacket is part of many types of leather jackets which are part of the fashion label, Kloque Klothing. King shared more on Kloque and why it’s time for everyone to wear this label‌ GM.: Give us a background about Kloque.

King: Kloque Fabric Works is basically a designer label that was founded in October 2011.The label was firstly an enterprise where we used topimp" ordinary jackets to designer ones. However in the beginning of 2012 we started to make our own jackets from scratch.

Ever since we have gained a lot of experience and improved on quality.

Simply put, we are now the best.

GM.: What does your label entail?

King: The label Kloque entails two meanings. The first has to do with the history of the label. In that context, it denotes "cloque" which is the name of a fabric that we first

used to make jackets. In the second context, Kloque entails an expression "clocking" from the urban terminology which means reaching the maximum speed.

Hence viewed in this context, Kloque emphasizes that we have reached the maximum level

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performance in terms of designing and quality. In short it means to be awesome.

GM.: What things do you make?

King: Initially Kloque was a

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house for both guys and women.

GM.: Why did you choose clothing designing?

King: The answer is quite simple; I’m very good at it. I noticed that I have the capacity to pioneer a lot of great concepts I did and ever since I have never looked back.

GM.: Who is your targeted market and what has been the response?

King: Our targeted customers have been the youth and adults, both male and female.

We basically make custom made, stylish designs which are unique for the youth. These are limited to not more than 20 per designs, the idea of being unique has attracted a lot of youths. On the other hand we also provide executive designer wear for adults. These are unique but not too stylish designs.

Further there is also competition from other markets who unfortunately, provide cheap and poor quality clothes. People, because of the economic situation generally prefer cheaper clothes regardless of their quality.

However there are still a lot of people who still appreciate the art and quality found in designer outfits. Hence our response has been to continuously increase our standards.

GM.: Where would you like to take Kloque?

GM.: What challenges are faced by the fashion industry in Zimbabwe and what can be done to improve the industry?

King: I intend to take Kloque to greater heights, to standards that are the same as those of Faith-wear and Identity. Most people like and appreciate what we do and our customer base is growing very fast.

Despite the challenges mentioned above, I see a bright future .

GM.: Where and how can you be found if your potential customers need your products?

King: One of the major difficulties is the unavailability of quality fabric in Zimbabwe

King: They can contact me on 077 4 649 094, from there we can make arrangements.

GM.: Is the fashion industry viable in Zimbabwe?

King: By far it is barely viable, owing largely to the economic conditions. jacket oriented designer house, our focus was largely in the making of jackets. However, we have since 2013 February been involved in designing jeans, designer overalls shirts etc. Put differently we have since developed into an all apparel embracing designer

This limits creativity and at the same time it results in the making of poor quality outfits.

This has led to many designers importing fabric from South Africa; the additional transport costs make the outfits more expensive.

Kloque Tip: Jackets are easily cleaned by wiping with a wet clothe.

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BEAUTY Face facts: Acne “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of us all?”…and then you can stop there, because there are a few visitors on your face and you really don’t know what to do about them ? (Maybe you do!) Here are some face facts on the not so favourite face fact: ACNE! What is Acne?

Acne, medically known as Acne Vulgaris, is a skin disease that involves the oil glands at the base of hair follicles. It commonly occurs during puberty when the sebaceous (oil) glands come to life - the glands are stimulated by male hormones produced by the adrenal glands of both males and females.

In humans, pimples tend to appear on the face, back, chest, shoulders and neck.

What are the causes acne?

Skin cells, sebum and hair can clump together into a plug, this plug gets infected with bacteria, resulting in a swelling. A pimple starts to develop when the plug begins to break down.

There is not one cause for acne, but here are the different factors:

There are various types of pimples:

a) Heredity b) Food c) Dirt d) Stress e) Pressure f) Drugs g) Cosmetics

i. Whiteheads - remain under the skin and are very small. ii. Blackheads - clearly visible, they are black and appear on the surface of the skin. Remember that a

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blackhead is not caused by dirt. Scrubbing your face vigorously when you see blackheads will not help. iii. Papules - visible on the surface of the skin. They are small bumps, usually pink. iv. Pustules - clearly visible on the surface of the skin.

They are red at their base and have pus at the top. v. Nobules - clearly visible on the surface of the skin.

They are large, solid pimples. They are painful and are embedded deep in the skin. vi. Cysts - clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are painful, and are filled with pus. Cysts can easily cause scars.

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Home Treatment for Acne When human beings are born, they have the most beautiful, smooth skin ever. For most of their growing up, the mirror could be your best friend because hey, you are “flawless”. But then, one day, acne rears its ugly head, and you suddenly hate your skin.

What do you do then? Turn to harsh chemicals, and expensive scrubs?

Well depending on your pocket it could work, but why not ask mother nature about the natural ways of treating your skin? (And your wallet will probably thank you too). From the garden to the kitchen there are several natural acne remedies that are a good way to get rid of it, or at least hold it at bay.

Here are five natural acne remedies that could help: 1.

getting out of hand. If it does, the honey is a natural antibiotic, ready and waiting to wipe the little buggers out.

You will need…

-2 tablespoons of honey -1 teaspoon of cinnamon - paper towels Directions 1. Rinse your face with water and pat dry.

2. Mix 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon together until they are thoroughly blended and have formed a sort of paste.

3. Apply the mask to your face (or spot treat) and leave on for 10-15 minutes.

4. Rinse off completely, and pat your face dry. This is a sticky mixture, so make sure you have some paper towels at on hand.

2. Milk and honey (or yogurt)

Cinnamon and honey mask

You will need…

- 1 tablespoon plain low-fat or full-fat yogurt or milk, anything but skim - 1 tablespoon of natural, raw, honey Directions Let yogurt or milk come to room temperature (or close to) so you don’t get a chilly shock when you put it on your skin.

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of milk or yogurt thoroughly with 1 tablespoon of honey. You can apply the mixture with a cotton pad, but scooping it up and patting it on works just fine as well.

2. Let each layer dry before adding a new one, until the mask is the thickness you want. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.

3. Wash your mask off and use a washcloth to gently scrub in a circular motion, getting rid of loosened dead skin. Once you’re finished, moisturize as usual.

3. Make an orange peel paste

Something sweet and something spicy, honey and cinnamon make a fabulous combo when it comes to acne. Cinnamon has antimicrobial properties, so it can help stop bacteria from

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Dairy products such as milk, soothe the irritated skin, and help tone down the redness.

Cleopatra swore on the milk baths she took, and well, she was Cleopatra. You could also use yogurt. The acids in it are antibacterial while the fat provides moisture, making it quite nourishing for skin.

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Oranges taste rejuvenating and refreshing, and our skin may find them just as appealing as our taste buds do. Acne that is caused by bacteria and extra oil/dead skin cells clogging up pores may improve with the use of an orange peel face mask of sorts, thanks to the vitamin C, citric acid, and it’s astringent properties. The vitamin C is particularly helpful because it promotes the growth of new healthy cells, keeping your skin in better condition overall.

You will need…

-2 Orange peels -Clean, fresh water

Now would you would believe that the very vegetable that is steamed, baked, turned into fries and even mixed with soup could actually be useful for your skin? The benefit would be taming acne, as potatoes are full of potassium, sulfur, phosphorus, and chloride-all components that can help reduce bothersome blemishes. They also have antioxidants to nourish your skin and encourage the healthy growth of new skin cells.

Directions

it comes as no surprise that it would be a good natural remedy for acne because of its supposed antibacterial properties. Make sure that you do not apply garlic to your skin without diluting it first. As for the garlic smell, well, once you have great skin it will be a thing of the past.

(Besides, we doubt any creepy vampires would dare come for you).

You will need…

You will need…

1. Rinse your face with water and pat dry.

2. Grind/pound up your orange peels (you could use a blender, mortar and pestle) and add a little water to create a paste.

3. Add a little at a time, as too much will make it too thin and runny. Once you have the right consistency, apply it to your face and/or problem areas.

4. Wait for 20-25 minutes. Ideally the mask should be firm, but it can still work if it isn’t.

5. Rinse off completely with water, pat your face dry, and apply a good moisturize.

-1 potato

2-3 cloves of garlic Water or, aloe vera gel

Directions

Directions

1. Wash your face with water and pat almost dry, leaving it a bit damp. 2. Grate 1 raw potato and rub the pulp and juice onto your face for a few minutes in a circular motion.

3. Let it dry for 15-30 minutes, and then rinse off completely with warm water.

1. Either extract the garlic juice and mix it with 1 teaspoons or so of water, or mash up 2-3 cloves and let sit in water for about 10 minutes.

2. Using a cotton pad, soak up the juice or garlic water and cover problem spots. If you don’t have a cotton pad or something similar to apply it with, the mixture can be a bit runny and hard to work with. In this case, substitute aloe vera gel for water.

3. If you choose to ingest garlic, a clove or two a day should be enough. Prepare it however you like.

5. The wonders of garlic

4. Put a potato on it

Garlic is useful for a lot of ailments in the human body so

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TIPS -NEVER pick on pimples, you just spread them and cause scars.

-Wash your pillowcase and change regularly.

-DO NOT overdo the washing and scrubbing of your skin.

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MPV…..my point of view!

Eish! And sadly, I am like the many women of colour who have succumbed to the belief that 'da kink in my hair',*in a Jamaican accent*,is not good enough.

I Am Not My Hair Copyright © MPV by Lady E All Rights Reserved 2014

Imagine going for an interview with an afro, or cornrows, or 'worse', the thread plaiting known as 'mabuns'. Who will hire you? Even take a scenario of two very attractive 'sistas',well dressed, but one has the Indian Remy and the other, au naturel African hair.

Who is the one, who is going to get the male attention?,(now guys please don't lie. The one with Beyoncé's front lace wig, will obviously take the crown).

So my daughter cut her hair, which forced me to have it, to my disappointment, shavedoff. I guess she was fed up with the fighting whilst combing her hair. My baby's hair is the typical African hair, kinky and hard. And braiding her is not even a walk in the park, the child can kick and scream.

So that war, had made me consider the aid of sodium hydroxide, to doll up my baby.

I am not a supporter of children getting their hair relaxed, but it is a struggle with my child's hair. What is a mother to do?

Good hair. The beautifully straight, long hair, or lovely waved hair that makes one look like they have just come off a magazine cover. Perfect!

Hair. It was a while ago that I watched, (finally), Chris Rock's documentary,‘ Good Hair'. I felt so betrayed as a black woman. How dare he reveal the black woman's hair secrets? For many years, women of colour were deceiving other races with extensions, in efforts of them attempting to be more Caucasian and less African.

Not that anything was new to me, however the documentary highlighted something very interesting; the 'lengths' women will go to, to achieve a 'crown of glory'. Black women overseas will spend up to US$5 000 on extensions. Back home, a thousand maximum,(for those who desire to have real, human hair on their manes). Yep, good hair comes with a price. And what amazes me is that most women who spend that much money, have low income jobs, or no jobs at all.

It is sad really. We as black people across the board are still wearing the shackles and fetter of slavery. We are still colonised even after many years of 'freedom'. Even after Michael Jackson, Nelson Mandela, Oprah, Destiny's Child and even Barack Obama, we still do not feel good enough. We have defined black beauty with all hair straight and fake. My hair as a black woman is not pretty enough until it is straight. So I burn my scalp with hair relaxers, or carry the weight of having weaves, braids or wigs on my head. My real hair is not

“But whatever I opt to do, I hope I teach her not to be afraid of her blackness, that her confidence, her beauty, is not found in her hair, but from deep within.”

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straightened. It is soft as a baby's but kinky. I opt to have weaves because though my hair is long, I do not like it. Had it not been for my 'Nazarite' vow, I would have relaxed my hair a long time ago.

No one, except my hairdresser, is allowed to see my natural hair.(Crazy and oppressive, right). Maybe we need to change our state of mind. I admire India Arie's bold statement and song, 'I am not my hair'. She shaved off her long dreadlocks during this period. I am not my hair, a statement we black women should make a motto. 'I am not my hair/I am not my skin...'-India Arie

Want to get into the groove?

Get your advertising space in Groove Magazine‌

The hair extensions should be an option, and not something that without, women would be suffocated.(Ever noticed the panic attacks women have over their hair).Black hair should not define black beauty, or success. It should just be a part of our anatomy, just like any other body part.

As for my daughter's hair,*sigh*,I better make a plan. But whatever I opt to do, I hope I teach her not to be afraid of her blackness, that her confidence, her beauty, is not found in her hair, but deep within. And of course, she better get used to the afro-comb, and be strong like any other black person. Beauty is pain.

For information contact: Email: sales@cyberbiz..org Mobile: +263 772 355 188 +263 733 817 786

P.S: Always write your own love story.

Ciao!

Lady E

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G BODY We have a lot of reasons to love the hot weather that comes with summer because we get to be outdoors more. It also motivates most to get up and work out more because the fashion requires a well toned body, and what better way to get that summer body through some fun summer activities.

Swimming Taking a dip in the refreshing waters of the pool is not only fun but a great way of quickly getting into shape.

1. Swimming Increases Cardiovascular Conditioning 2. Swimming Improves Flexibility, Posture & Balance Flexibility refers to our range of motion this includes the ability to maneuver our hands, feet, neck and the back because it requires

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the entire body to function coherently. This means it forces the body to realign itself in a more uniform manner. This is vital for completing those laps around the swimming pool 3. Swimming is a Great Stress Buster Endorphins are the body’s feelgood hormones that help to neutralize that depressive feeling.

Further, the buoyant action of the water has a massage-like effect on the body, helping us to relax.

4. Swimming Increases Muscular Strength & Aids Overall Physical Conditioning Swimming is a unique exercise since it works the core muscles apart from the upper and lower limb simultaneously. This stimulates the formation of lean muscle. Swimming tends work the joints without inducing the risk of an injury.

5. Swimming Surpasses Limitations of Age, Availability or Serious Illnesses

Jogging

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1. Running outdoors helps expose body to sunshine (morning jogging) and open air 2. Improves lung capacity and increases body intake of oxygen.

Increase in Oxygen helps effective body fat burning 3. The deep breathing which happens naturally improves stamina. It also improves the body’s metabolic rate (the rate at which food converts into energy) 4. More intake of Oxygen directly into blood stream makes the exercise more effective and produces more energy.

5. High Oxygen intakes lessens the effect of aging and one looks younger 6. Higher Oxygen intake increases the burning of more calories and increases capacity to work harder 7. Enhances sleep and improves the body schedule 8. Such kind of activities, like morning jogging, helps cure forms of depression and improves moods

Dancing Who ever knew that getting down to your favourite dance jam has a lot of benefits whilst having fun.

1. Improve Flexibility Those plies and arabesques that ballet dancers practice aren’t just

for aesthetics — they also increase flexibility and reduce stiffness.

2. Reduce Stress 3. Diminish Depression 4. Help Your Heart Dance is a great activity for those at risk for cardiovascular disease.

5. Lose Weight Dance training is just as helpful for losing weight and increasing aerobic power as cycling and jogging, plus you get to have fun while doing that. A number of celebrities have used dancing as a form of exercise including singeractress, Christina Milian who “twerks out” ; whilst actress Vivica A. Fox is a fan of Zumba and model, Heidi Klum dances a lot. Even most guys who have competed on the reality television show “ Dancing With The Stars”, have admitted that dancing on the show kept them

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fit.

6. Balance Better Dancing requires a lot of fast movement and good posture, so frequent dancing will help you stabilize and gain better control of your body.

7.Increase Energy Can’t seem to find your get-upand-go? Taking a dance class might help. Dancing could improve physical performance and increase energy levels among adults.

8. Make Friends A dance class is the perfect setting to make new friends and branch out socially. Maintaining positive relationships may just rank up there with healthy eating and exercise. Being socially engaged leads to increased happiness, reduced stress, and a stronger immune system.

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HEALTH Endometriosis is a gynecological condition which is prevalent more common in women who are experiencing than in fertile women. In this issue we shed light on a condition which not only affects the woman but society as a whole.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is the abnormal growth of cells (endometrial cells) similar to those that form the inside or lining the tissue of the uterus, but in a location outside of the uterus.

Endometrial cells are cells that are shed each month during menstruation. The cells of endometriosis attach themselves to tissue outside the uterus and are called endometriosis implants. These implants are most commonly found on the ovaries, the Fallopian tubes, outer surfaces of the uterus or intestines, and on the surface lining of the pelvic cavity. They can also be found in the vagina, cervix, and bladder, although less commonly than other locations in the pelvis. Rarely, endometriosis implants can

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occur outside the pelvis, on the liver , in old surgery scars, and even in or around the lung or brain. Endometrial implants, while they can cause problems, are benign (not cancerous).

Who is affected by endometriosis?

Endometriosis affects women in their reproductive years. The exact prevalence of endometriosis is not known, since many women may have the condition and have no symptoms. Endometriosis is estimated to affect over one million women (estimates range from 3% to 18% of women) in the United States.

Estimates suggest that between 20% to 50% of women being treated for infertility have endometriosis, and up to 80% of women with chronic pelvic pain may be affected.

Signs and Symptoms Most women who have endometriosis, in fact, do not have symptoms. Of those who do experience symptoms, the common symptoms are pain (usually pelvic) and infertility.

1. Pelvic pain usually occurs during or just before

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Menstruation and lessens after menstruation. Some women experience painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) or cramping during intercourse, and or/pain during bowel movements and/or urination.

Even pelvic examination by a doctor can be painful. The pain intensity can change from month to month, and vary greatly among women.

2. lower abdominal pain, 3. diarrhea and/or constipation, 4. low back pain, 5. irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding, or 6. blood in the urine.

7. Rare symptoms of endometriosis include chest pain or coughing blood due to endometriosis in the lungs and headache and/or seizures due to endometriosis in the brain

Treatment Depending on the signs and symptoms, here are the treatments for endometriosis: 1. Administer prescribed medications These may include androgenic steroids, hormonal contraceptives and 2. Surgical treatment This may include either vaginal hysterectomy, abdominal hysterectomy and laparoscopic hysterectomy.

HEALTH TIPS Summer is here and there are plenty of reasons to be jump for joy, but it is also important to take care of yourself during these season. Take these few tips to help you through this summer.

Always apply sun cream It is important to use a sun cream lotion of at least SPF 30 in order to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. For sensitive skin, a mineral-based sunscreen is best. Don’t sit in the sun in peak hours between 10am and 4pm in order to minimize UV radiation. If you are planning to be out in the sun for a long period of time, reapply sun cream every two to three hours.

Exfoliate Summer means an increase of dead skin cells so it is important to exfoliate your skin to keep it smooth and silky.

You don’t need to buy any expensive products to achieve that summer glow; simply use a loafer for a light scrub or make your own exfoliation lotion using a handful of oatmeal, milk and yoghurt.

Keep up the exercise regime Before you hide those running shoes in the wardrobe, remember summer exercise doesn’t have to stop because of the rising temperatures. There are many great ways of keeping fit this season including jogging, dancing and swimming . (Read more on page)

Drink plenty of water

Protect your glossy locks

During the hot summer months, heat and sweat can leave your body dehydrated. A lack of water is harmful to your body and can also make you crave food when you’re not actually hungry. It is incredibly important to keep yourself hydrated by drinking at least eight to nine glasses of water a

Our hair suffers a lot during the summer. Constant heat, sun damage and chlorine takes a toll on our hair and can leave it feeling limp and dull after the holidays. If you’re planning on swimming a lot during the summer, it is advisable to use anti-chlorine shampoo and conditioner to help neutralize

day.

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the chlorine from your hair. If possible, minimize the use of hairdryers, straighteners and other heating products. Towel dry your hair, apply a handful of conditioner and revel in beachy summer waves.

Eat healthy by the pool When the sun is beating down, the idea of seeking out the nearest ice cream stand is seriously tempting. Stay strong by being prepared, and pack a cooler full of healthy snacks and juices. Fill your ice-box with ice, bottled water, sandwiches, vegetable sticks with hummus, yoghurts and endless amounts of fruit.

Take up a new hobby Summer is the perfect time to take up a new activity.

Gardening is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and will actually help you burn some calories! Planting a herb garden is a fantastic way of getting your hands dirty, having quick access to some healthy flavours for your summer meals and, if you have kids, get them involved in playing outside.

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MEN Suits Up! There is something about a man in the suit that can build confidence in anybody. As we have been watching men’s red carpet fashion from awards and even from corporate functions, we decided to assist those men who would like to not only look professional, but classy too, and power it up with their suits!

Many people wear suits for special occasions. Whether it be for a cocktail party, wedding, reunion, funeral, or a job interview, looking good in a suit is top priority. By following these steps, you can improve your image through wearing a suit.

1. Make sure that your suit fits.

These are some important elements to note when you purchase a suit: i. Your suit jacket should fit well and give you a full range of motion, both buttoned and unbuttoned. ii. You should be able to fit one finger between the collar of your shirt and your neck, but no more

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no more than that.

The shirt cuffs should not slide up when you stretch your arms. If you are wearing a button-cuff shirt, the cuffs should break exactly at the wrist; if it's a French-cuff shirt, the cuffs should break about 1/2 inch further.

Your vest should button comfortably and hit just below the waistband of your pants.

2. Dress for your body type.

If you're a shorter person,

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stick to single-breasted jackets. Double-breasted jackets can give you a "drowning-in-fabric" look and make you appear smaller. If you're bigger around the middle, wear a lowerbuttoning jacket rather than one with a higher placket. It will give you a longer silhouette.

3. Wear the suit properly.

Button all of the buttons on your dress shirt. If you are wearing a button-cuff shirt, remember to button those buttons — don't forget the

5. Choose comfortable, yet stylish shoes.

The whole idea is to make sure they match the rest of the suit and don't cause any unwanted pain during the day (or night).

Besides, you don't look good when you are wincing in pain or constantly adjusting your shoes.

Your shoes should match the belt color.

6. Have your suit pressed or steamed.

This is an obvious step, especially for important occasions. This ensures that you're clean-looking and not rumpled.

7. Be well-groomed.

small one on the placket!

For two-button jackets, button the top button only.

For three-button jackets, button the middle button, and the top button [if desired].

Or, don't button any of the buttons on your jacket at all; this is also acceptable. However, you should NEVER button the bottom-most button on any jacket unless at a funeral.

4. Choose the right accessories for the occasion.

With a black tuxedo, try a silver necktie, or one with a subtle with a subtle stripe or weave.

White ties are ultra-formal.

Black ties are formal. Colored ties can fit a wide range of occasions — just make sure that it doesn't take away the focus from your overall suit.

Wear a matching belt — black is usually a good color for everything, except for khakitoned suits, which should be worn with brown belts. Your belt buckle should match any other accessories that you are wearing, such as a watch. If you are wearing a watch, and your sleeve is above it, consider that your sleeves are too short.

Other accessories to consider are cuff-links and a stud set.

Save your necklaces for when you are wearing a tee as they are inappropriate with a suit.

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Perform all the small hygiene tasks that are not usually done every day. Remove earwax, clip your nails, remove your unibrow, and take care of any nasal or ear hair. Since your face is the first thing people notice when they meet you, make sure it is in top shape. This does not mean you have to shave off all your facial hair. If you have a mustache or goatee, make sure it is well defined, and that you keep unwanted hairs shaven off. Take a shower, brush, floss, and use mouthwash, and apply your favorite deodorant and cologne to your wrists and neck.

Remember, less is more.

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GADGETS Temp Bag The temp bag is on our radar as it is a product that is slowly being introduced to the market. As an evolving product, the temp bag is continuously being upgraded so as to meet the requirements of making it efficient, affordable and most definitely environmental friendly.

Features: The Temp-Bag comes in three main sizes which are, small, medium and large and in a variety of colours to choose from. It is in a satchel shape, making it is easy to carry. The inner portion of the bag, has a fabric padding covering the recycled kaylite which then serves the purpose of the bag which is, temperature retention.

that is prepared by boiling using the insulated cooking concept.

By maintaining the heat used to cook food, no replacement heat is required to complete the cooking. The bag Seals the heat in the pot allowing it to cook the food.

The Temp-Bag is a non-electrical heat retention cooking bag made out of recycled kaylite. It is a 3 in 1 bag for cooking, keeping food warm and also works as a cooler, keeping things frozen for up to five days.COWACO (cooking, warming and cooling).

As part of the COWACO method, the Temp-Bag is most useful in warming up food, making this an ideal storage for food as it warms food for several hours hence reducing health risks such as food poisoning, and is economical in terms of reducing costs on buying food when travelling or even for meal breaks at work, school, etc.

The Temp-Bag will cook any food

The temp bag also acts as a

Overview:

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“cooler box� as it can keep beverages and water cold for to five days whilst it can keep frozen goods in that state for up to 12 hours.

The Temp-Bag basically retains the temperature of the product, or food that is placed in it, hence living up to its three way purpose.

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RIDEZ The S-Class full-size luxury sedan has long been the face of class, sophistication, and cutting-edge technology for Mercedes-Benz.

Completely redesigned for the new model year, the latest S-Class continues the tradition with perhaps the most pampering cabin on the market and enough gadgetry to put technophiles into a state of utter bliss.

CONSTRUCTION Mercedes tells us that the S-class’s platform is “entirely redesigned,” but given that the wheelbase and overall length are the same as its predecessor’s down to a tenth of an inch, we’re sure at least some things haven’t changed. Legroom was never an issue, though, so that’s fine with us. The body shell and the suspension systems now incorporate a greater percentage of aluminum. The lighter materials help trim about 200 pounds from the car, even as it grows a smidge wider (1.1 inches) and taller (0.8

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inch). As before, while other markets will have the choice of short- and long-wheelbase Sclasses, Americans will get only the long one. Outside, the SClass combines traditional touches like a formal, upright version of the corporate Mercedes grille with flowing surface detailing borrowed from

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the automaker's rakish four-doorsedan models. Notably, the lighting system is comprised entirely of LED units - in fact, there's not a single incandescent light bulb to be found inside or outside of the car.

For now, the S-Class is offered in two forms - S550 and S600.

Hybrid and diesel models will follow later in the production run.

The S550 is powered by a twinturbocharged 4.7-liter V8 with 455 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque from just 1,800 rpm all the way up to 3,500 rpm. The sedan scoots to 60 mph from a stop in just 4.8 seconds before topping out at a limited 130 mph.

The S600 a powered by a twinturbocharged 6.0-liter V12 engine that generates 530 horsepower and 612 lb-ft. of torque. 600-specific trim and wheel designs help the 12cylinder-powered S stand out from lesser models.

The default chassis setup consists of a comfy and sophisticated full air suspension with adaptive dampers, while MAGIC Ride CONTROL swaps in coil springs.

POWERTRAIN It’s hard to find fault with Mercedes’ current engine portfolio, so it’s hard to find fault with the decision not to alter it much for the new Sclass. The S550 will still be powered by the twin-turbo 4.7liter V-8, which gains 20 horsepower for a total of 449.

Torque remains at 516 poundfeet. A seven-speed automatic is the only transmission. As with theE63, the S63 AMG will be available only with all-wheel drive; its twin-turbo 5.5-liter now makes 577 horsepower and 664 pound-feet.

That’s 14 more horses than last year’s optional Performance package. When the rear-drive, V-12–powered S600 and S65 AMG join the stable next year, tire smokers will be able to spark up with as much as 738 pound-feet. And while there’s no official word yet, moreresponsible torque fiends can bet on the diesel-six S350 Blue Tec also making a repeat appearance. The S400 hybrid will return, too.

INTERIOR The interior o the f S-class is even more sumptuous than its predecessor’s, with stitched leather that you can practically smell in photos, rich woods, and touches like piano-key HVAC controls, organ pulls for the main air vents, and an available pop-up tray table between the rear seats. that rise up out of the seat for easy access, and then retract. In total, there are more than 100 actuators and electric motors in the S-class.

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Every S-Class model comes standard with a navigation system, a Burmester AM/FM/CD/SiriusXM stereo system, a panorama sunroof, heated seats, leather upholstery, a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, full LED exterior and interior lighting, a power rear window sunshade, adaptive high beam assist and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Premium 1 Package adds active ventilated, active multi contour and massaging front seats, a proximity key, power rear window sun blinds and parktronic with active parking assist.

The Driver Assistance Package builds on the Premium 1 Package with Distronic Plus with PRESAFE brake, active blind spot assist, active lane keeping assist, PRE-SAFE PLUS, PRESAFE Brake and CMS rear (for a detailed break-down of these safety systems, scroll down to "occupant safety").

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The Warmth Comfort Package brings power memory rear seats with heating and ventilation, front and rear heated armrests, and a heated steering wheel.

The Rear Seat Package includes rear seat belt buckles that rise up when the rear doors are opened, rear seatbelt airbags, easy adjust headrests, fourzone automatic climate control, an electronically adjustable footrest for the right rear seat and a front passenger seat that can be move forward an additional 77mm for additional rear seat space.

The Sport Package nets a body kit and 19- or 20-inch AMG Twin 5-Spoke wheels. The Sport Package Plus One adds bigger wheels in the form of 20inch AMG Multispoke rims.

The Rear Seat Entertainment Package brings a rear seat entertainment system with dual TFT screens and AKG headsets.

Highlights from the standalone options include a Burmester 3D surround sound system, Nappa leather upholstery, MAGIC BODY CONTROL, Night View Assist Plus and a rear refrigerator box.

Occupant Safety In addition to ABS and ESP stability control, the S-Class boasts nine supplemental restraints including two-stage front air bags, a knee air bag for

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the driver and pelvic air bags which work together with curtain and side air bags to provide extra protection for front occupants in dangerous side-impact collisions. Rear seatbelt airbags are optional.

DESIGN In adapting its sculptural design language to the S-class, ÂŹMercedes created a car that is a little bit less formal but far more visually cohesive than the one it replaces. From some angles, the outgoing S resembles nothing so much as an Asian tiger shrimp styled by Mazda. From the first glimpse of its Escalade-sized grille, this new car leaves no doubt as to its identity. Fluid lines, sharp creases, an airy greenhouse, and C-pillars that taper into a trim and almost Maybachesque tail lend the car a powerful shape. While the concave surfacing on the doors and the sculpting of the front fenders reduce the visual height from some angles, the new S-class never looks less than appropriately imposing.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE CLASSY MERCEDES S CLASS LOG ON TO WWW.MERCEDES. COM WHERE YOU CAN EXPLORE YOUR FINANCE OPTIONS.

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RADIO PERSONALITY Jason Le Roux

GM.: Could you please share with us who Jason Le Roux is?

Jason: Jason le Roux is a musician, DJ, radio personality & founder of Hidden Culture which is a media / brand, artist and event Management Company founded in 2005.

GM.: You are the main presenter of the radio show, the “Hidden Culture”. Please explain to us the concept of this show.

Jason: To merge and unite international and local talent of the highest quality on a uniform platform and to bring an international culture into the homes of the ordinary person.

GM.: How much listenership does your show have?

Jason: I can’t give out exact figures but every Saturday between 9pm and midnight people from all over the country, from Harare to Nyanga, Bulawayo to Beitbridge, across Europe, America, UK, China, Australia, Sudan, Russia, South Africa, India and more are brought together for 3 hours for the love of dance music.

He is the host of the late night radio show on ZiFM Stereo, The Hidden Culture, which actually is the brand name of his “electro dance music” movement. He also hosted the first and biggest EDM event, "Neverland Zimbabwe", which saw a large number of dance lovers enjoy a night of colourful entertainment in their own backyard with the continent's and world's biggest dance music acts.

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GM.: Do you think that Zimbabwe has what it takes to produce electro dance/house music on the international market?

Jason: We already are!

GM.: Which local artistes do you think have a lot of potential to make it?

Jason: A lot of them do but they (Zimbabwean producers) have to realize that in order to get noticed they need to be doing something different & unique, not just creating similar

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sounds to that of everyone else out there.

GM.: What has it been like working at ZiFM Stereo?

Jason: It’s been a great experience and I’ve been very lucky to have been given a lot of freedom to create the show I want. ZiFM really is the most progressive radio station in this country and I am very blessed to be a part of it.

GM.: Pertaining to urban radio, how much influence does radio have on our urban culture?

Jason: From my experience of hidden culture, a lot!!

GM.: We understand that you have worked outside Zimbabwe. Please share with us your experiences as compared to Zimbabwe.

Jason: Some good, some bad, although the only noticeable difference is how much more advanced peoples taste & knowledge of the EDM culture is.

GM.: Who inspires you and who would you like to work with locally, regionally and internationally?

Jason: Life inspires me!

Regarding artists - it changes all the time, right now I’m loving MK and everything he is releasing.

GM.: Outside radio, what else are you into?

Jason: I work 7 days a week & average 2 to 3 gigs every week.

During the day I run a media company called hidden culture and we do events, artist management, packaging design and marketing / brand management.

GM.: ‘Neverland Zimbabwe’.

How did you come up with that idea and what was the experience of the whole concert?

Jason: The Neverland journey started 2 years ago & was created to push a subliminal message of unity, candy coated in a larger than life, sensory overload. combined with an out the box marketing strategy, a stage production & artist line up that had never been seen in designed to bring people together. As the Neverland slogan says, “together we are stronger”, something I truly believe. Like with any big 1st time event, behind the scenes there were a few glitches but these will be ironed out easily for Neverland 2014. We did what we said we would, thousands of people of different beliefs, religions, races & creeds were for 12 hours united by one common thing, the love of music.

GM.: What do you think can be done to make the media and entertainment industry in Zimbabwe viable?

Jason: UNITY!

10 Random Questions in 10 Minutes with Jason Le Roux

GM.: What’s the first thing that you do in the morning?

Jason: Make French press coffee GM.: What would you never be caught dead doing?

Jason: Wearing socks with slops / sandals

GM.: What song/s are you currently listening to?

Jason: In my car I have the new Lorde album, a selection of Jack Johnson, the chase & status album & the rudimental album.

GM.: What’s the most awkward moment in your life?

Jason: Way too awkward to mention in an interview!!

GM.: What are your pet peeves/dislikes?

Jason: Misguided, arrogance, two faced people & bad grammar.

GM.: Your ideal woman would be…?

Jason: The one I’m with!

GM.: From your bucket list, what would you like to do?

Jason: Go into space.

GM.: What is your favourite food?

Jason: At the moment, Thai food.

GM.: Where do you love to chill out?

Jason: At the beach.

GM.: The best advice you ever got was...

Jason: “I know of no more encouraging fact than that of man’s unquestionable ability to elevate his life by conscious endeavour.”

Get your dose of dance music with Jason Le Roux on “The Hidden Culture” every Saturday from 2100 hours till midnight and follow him on Facebook: Hidden Culture Live and Twitter: @djjasonleroux

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GROOVE DECK

This issue’s question:

Davina Green (R&B singersongwriter) Drunk in love-Beyonce

What song is on your summer playlist?

Elspeth Chimedza (Editor in Chief, Groove Magazine Zimbabwe)

Karma (Rapper) Violations-Talib Kweli Fungai Nengare (Acoustic singer-songwriter)

I’m loving the songs that put me in a good mood which are Happy-Pharell Williams and of course the anthem, Ytjukutja-Uhuru featuring Oskido, Professor and DJ Bucks

DJ Clock featuring Beatenberg-Pluto (I Remember You). Now that’s a great track!

Peggie Shangwa (Entertainment Editor)

Storm Queen - Look Right Through (MK Remix)

All of Me-John Legend Natasha Kanonhuhwa (Fashion Editor) Drunk In Love- Beyonce ft Jay Z Guests:

Jason Le Roux (Radio Personality)

- Euphonik, DJ Kent-Spin My World, of cause, Ytjukutja-Uhuru, Main Chick-Kid Ink, Show MeKid Ink featuring Chris Brown, Loyal-Chris Brown, Udu-Nyoso, DJ Clock featuring Beatenberg-Pluto (I Remember You). The house remixes to BeyonceDrunk In Love, the remix, Chris Malinchank-Good To Me, Naughty Boy-La La La, the house remix Munashe Gomwe (CoFounder of AmaDODA) Summertime Sadness-Lana Del Ray featuring Cedric Gervais Aura Mlilo (Poet)

T Bass Gukuta (Club DJ/Radio Personality) Wow they are so many, let’s see, Paranoid-Ty Dollar featuring French Montana, Trey Songz, Drop It-B.o.B, 2 A.M, Busa-Euphonik, Love High-Euphonik, African Girl-

Zvazvinhu-Alexio Tin Tin Katsande (Media personality) Labyrinth-Let the Sunshine

Tell us what’s hot on your playlist and we place it on our Groove deck on Facebook: Groove Magazine and Twitter: @ZimGroovemag

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TV People we know…

Tinopona “Tin Tin” Katsande She is a dynamic media personality who has spread her career options within the entertainment industry from model to television presenter to actress on popular soapie “Studio 263” to theatre actress to radio personality to DJ and well…she is a class act. We sat down to talk about a campaign that she embarked on, which we tagged wear yellow, as a way of concientising Zimbabweans on endometriosis…

And yes she has plans of getting back to acting, but first things first…

GM.: Why do you think that this is very important in Zimbabwe at such a time as this?

Tin Tin: We have suffered for too long in silence largely due to misdiagnosis and/ or ignorance . More women get Endometriosis than breast cancer yet we hardly are aware of the condition. I was diagnosed when I was 17 and

have been in and out of treatments since. Last year I was told I was infertile now due to the progression of the disease and I was gutted. I was aware of the possibility that I could have difficulty in conceiving from the time I was first diagnosed but with faith and treatments I always believed I would have a baby one day.

woman is infertile or because they need more sex.

Endometriosis makes sexual intercourse very painful and extremely uncomfortable for the women.

GM.: What do you think are the biggest challenges facing women in Zimbabwe pertaining to endometriosis?

Tin Tin: March is the international endometriosis awareness month and when I Found out about this in January this year I was compelled to get Zimbabwe to be part of the global awareness and because you have the condition myself what better person to spearhead it than me. Once I went public with my condition I was astounded by the number of women from across all social divides in Zimbabwe who have the condition or who suspected

Tin Tin: Culturally any issues to do with female sexual and reproductive health issues are rather taboo to talk about even within a family and this has led to numerous marriages and relationships dissolving and women suffering the physical and emotional pain in silence especially when their partners have extra marital affairs either to have a child because the

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GM.: How far do you want to reach with this campaign?

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GM.: What are the most important facts that women and the Zimbabwean society as a whole should know about endometriosis?

they might have endometriosis because of their symptoms. It is from this group of people that I then created the EndoZim Trust organization. The Awareness campaign is for everybody as we all have women we know in our lives that suffer from chronic "jeko /isilumo " ( as it is often referred to in Shona or Ndebele) every month.

However because of limited financial resources we couldn't make the campaign as impacting as we would have liked with printed reading material, website and outreach programs to the rural areas but I did manage to stir some attention through my social media platforms and articles in the local press. I'm hoping to launch the campaign at the end of March with the launch of the EndoZim trust organization and the launch of a support group in Harare where women and their partners and family members can come together and openly share experiences, pain and loss due to this condition.

Endometriosis has such psychosomatic effects therapy is crucial to compliment the various treatments available. Remember there is no cure yet for endometriosis but there are treatments that may alleviate the symptoms.

TinTin: Like any disease or condition early detection is paramount to living a healthier happier life. In Zimbabwe endometriosis is often misdiagnosed or just dismissed as "jeko /isilumo" which in direct translation is a regular period pain Endometriosis on the other hand is the persistent and chronic period pain that for example causes one to lose days from work or school every month amongst other symptoms. As much as traditionally women in Zimbabwe have taken herbs to treat the condition, because of the physical structure of the disease, where there is uterine lining outside the uterus there is no known herb yet that can actually make those cysts dissolve and be absorbed into the body and that is what causes the chronic pain. In all essence endometriosis is not actually “jeko/ isilumo" but I chose to use those words to help the public familiarize themselves with the condition of endometriosis and the campaign .

diagnosis. Talking about the condition with family, friends, workmates at church meetings will also get the Awareness spreading much quicker. Yellow is the colour of endometriosis awareness. By purchasing the yellow ribbon for just 2rand from us at EndoZim and actually wearing it also is a significant way of participating in the campaign. The money raised from the ribbon sales also goes to assisting women that can't afford the scan or laparoscopy that is needs to diagnose the condition.

GM.: Any last words TinTin: Endometriosis is a very isolating disease. Firstly, because it has to do with female sexual reproductive health, there is very little information being shared on it. Secondly, the psychosomatic effects of the condition are intense. because after so many years of living in periodic pain one tends to become reclusive because they feel they are a nuisance now to those who care around them.

This leads to breaking of relationships across all spheres be it at home, school, work, extended family etc. the sooner we understand just what endometriosis is the better we will be able to tackle the condition.

GM.: How can people get involved in this campaign?

TinTin: Correct information and education on the disease is crucial so by circulating the Awareness video more people can begin to go seek a correct

Find information and support about Endometriosis through EndoZim either on Facebook: EndoZim and Twitter: @EndoZim

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BUSINESS COMPONENTS OF A BUSINESS

How To Draw up business plan We live in an age that is more focused on entrepreneurship with new ideas springing up from the gaps in different socioeconomic environments.

One of the key points to being a successful business person is to be organised that means to have a well planned and structured business plan. Here are the steps to drawing up a good business plan.

What is a business plan?

A business plan is a plan of action broadly indicating every aspect of proposed business.

Why is a business plan important?

Business plans compel the entrepreneur to structure their thoughts and ideas logically.

Writing them down will serves a

COVER PAGE

guide once the business is up and running. The business plan is a decision-making instrument. It will help him/her to consider all the potential challenges (problems) they will encounter and come up with possible strategies (solution0 to deal with each challenge. It will make him/her proactive, a good characteristic in an entrepreneur.

Drawing up a business plan The business plan must be neat because it’s the first impression in the bank or investors will get of your business. It must be short and business-like, simple, easy to read and logical. All conclusions and decisions must be supported by research and proof.

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This page should list your business details and be designed to catch the reader's eye. Business details such as the company/business name, your name (owner’s name), address, contact details, company logo and the date of preparation of the business plan.

CONTENTS This is the guide for the reader which includes all the headings and page location.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This is an overview of the entire business plan and why you as the entrepreneur thinks that the business will succeed.

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

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statement, balance sheet and cash flow statement.

MANAGEMENT PLAN As the owner of the business you will need to put into consideration the labour laws regarding working hours and wages hence in this section you indicate how many people (staff) you will manage and their remuneration.

SUMMARY

This is the section where you have to briefly describe the entire business. This includes the mission, vision, goals and financial projections.. Please note that the projections should be realistic and divide them into short-term (from the time the business starts), medium-term (sis months to a year) and long term goals ( three to ten years).

You also describe your product, the type of business and the legal requirements. Also explain your SWOT (strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis. You also highlight competition and how you will gain advantage.

MARKETING PLAN This is the part where you

explain how you are going to introduce your business to the market. It is important to describe your niche (target market) and explain the four Ps; product, price, promotion and place. In that order you are basically explaining what you are offering, your prices, how you will sell the product and where you will be selling your products from.

In this section you must put your all and write an impressive summary of why your business will succeed.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS These are the documents that will give you credibility. These include your CV, legal documentation, quotations for purchases of equipment and market researches.

FINANCIAL ANALYSIS The most important part of the plan: MONEY! This is where you highlight your financial needs including start-up capital (if you already some yourself), if you need assistances (loans, sponsors etc.). You also drawup a pre-estimated income

Business planning tips: Get a Second (and Third) Opinion The most experienced entrepreneur knows that they can still benefit from a different point of view.

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YOUNG BUSINESS PERSON Blessed Mushamiri; Temp Bag Any upcoming entrepreneur knows the challenges that come with a start-up. So how does one introduce a multipurpose bag that can heat up, cook and even keep cool your food? Well, we sat down with one of the inventors of the innovative temp-bag, Blessed Mushamiri to explain on why it is a good start-up GM.: Could you please give us a brief background about yourself and your company.

Blessed: Our company is called Unique Innovations Pvt Ltd , because it has been incorporated according to the laws of Zimbabwe, as a private company. Basically there are three principles who make up the company mainly Blessed, Tinashe and Mavis. Unique Innovations are the main manufactures and distributors of the product called Temp Bag, which is a thermal retention bag, I know there is a bit of physics and science into it. But its basic function is to retain the temperature of what has been placed in the bag. So if its hot,

it will remain hot, if it’s cold, it remains cold. So according to the SARS verification, if you put something frozen it will be frozen for three to five days and if you put something warm, it remains warm for up to eight hours. The bag also functions as a cooker; it cooks food all foods that use the insulated cooking feed. It uses the insulated continued method ; and by this method, you heat up your container, or pot using a different fuel source such as a stove. So for something like rice, you heat it up for some five minutes, and once the pot catches heat, you can put in into the bag and the bag retains the heat which finishes off the cooking.

GM.: So why the temp bag?

Blessed:. The temp bag was

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motivated by the crisis that we see in daily human life which include the severe power cuts. So we looked at environmental issues such as pollution coming from the dirt people throw away such as used kaylites. We looked at health issues such as unhealthy eating for example, people eating fast foods.

Health hazards caused by for example gas emissions. So when we looked at those issues, we made the temp bag using recycled kaylite. We made a commitment to the government that in the next five years, no kaylite will be found lying around. And with the regular use of the temp bag it has been proven that it can reduce gas emissions by 60%. Because when Use fuel in the open air, the fuels used to cook, firewood, gas, through combustion, emit gases into the atmosphere . So with the bag, it does not do the cooking so no gases are emitted. Again it

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saves water, because when you are using the bag you are reducing the occurrence of evaporation. You use more water when you are using high heat levels.

GM.: How functional is the temp bag?

Blessed: I think that the major function is the triple COWACO. So this is the cooker-warmer-cooling and our motto to people is, “Go COWACO, change your world!” It is about people change their mind sets, people engaging in environmental programs. It is about people changing their mindsets about their eating habits such as having fast foods. Here we are saying that you can have healthy, home cooked meals whilst sitting in your office, or in a combi, so you wont have to rush to the fast food restaurants.

GM.: So do you use the temp-bag yourselves?

Blessed: Yes I do use the temp-bag. Actually everyone at the office uses temp-bag. In terms of health, the temp-bag is critical for nutritional value of food. So it’s about people changing their cooking and eating habits, changing their attitude towards the environment and start doing what is health friendly and environmentally friendly.

Thatis why our motto is “change your world!” The use of the temp-bag in rural Zimbabwe could reduce deforestation by 40%.

GM.: What has been the market response to this

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product?

Blessed: This project is still very young, it’s a few months old. But we have done so much.

We have a SARS verification, we have won exhibitions of the bag. Now we are a stage where we want to deliver the bag on the market. We have quite a well overwhelming positive response. We have seen people demand for the bag at exhibitions that we have attended, people are spreading the word. For the past few months, we have been using direct marketing and direct sales. We are getting bags in retailers and wholesalers in Harare, Bulawayo, and also getting distributors in Chinhoyi and Masvingo.

GM.: What is your pricing range?

Blessed: Our product ranges from small, medium and large and priced at $25,$35 and $40 respectively. And this is a giveaway price because the temp-bag is an all-in-one. And the justification of the price is in the functionality of bag, the production cost and distribution.

GM.: What do you think about the current business environment towards new innovations such as the temp bag?

Blessed: In my opinion, this is the time when young businesses could succeed.

Because this is the time when big firms have left so there is a gap. And the government is willing to support, especially the Ministry of Youth and Gender Welfare, other big

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organisations, we have also received support from the Ministry of SMEs. Opportunities are there, people just need to know how to tap into them. The liquidity crisis is a challenge though because people do not have disposable income, therefore we are low on sales.

GM.: Do you think there is more room for development for this gadget?

Blessed: There is room in terms of distribution, production and development. Team is working on different designs for product so as to cater to the market segmentation. Research and product development is continuous and I am glad to work with the temp-bag team whom I see as COWACO. GM.: How far do you want to take this project?

Blessed: I want our product on the international market. We have been engaging with other businesses and seeking advice on a strategic business plan.

We want the temp bag to be in every household more so in rural Zimbabwe. We want to see the temp bag cause changes through reduction in gas emissions, pollution, deforestation and water usage.

GM.: Advice to the nation and how people can get involved.

Blessed: We are calling on every Zimbabwean to join the movement. There are business opportunities with the temp bag especially for distributors.

Do not despise humble beginnings. Start where you are and you will get somewhere.

MONEY Forgive us for our debts So it is a new year, you might still be in debt from last year and that is still hanging over your head (definitely not a plus on your new year’s resolutions). How then do you resolve your debt issues in order that they do not encroach into your 2014 finances?

Here are some simple steps to getting you out of debt 1. Have a specific goal towards decreasing your debt. For example, set your goal to decreasing your debt by 40% within the next four to six months. That way you know what you are working towards.

2. Strategize how you are going to reach your goal e.g. I will save $50 every month. This will give you focus and direction so that you won’t go off-track.

3. Give yourself a specified deadline for when you want to completely clear the debt. It is vital that you set a deadline for every monthly clearance so as to evaluate how far you are.

4. Remind yourself on your goal by writing your plan down and sticking it somewhere visible like the fridge, or dresser mirror, or desk. It would also be wise to diarize your goal and the deadlines.

5. When you have achieved your goal, do not BORROW! Make sure that you plan your finances well and invest in profit making projects or products so as to keep money spinning.

Money saving tips: Save your loose change. Putting aside fifty cents a day over the course of a year will allow you to save nearly 40% of a $500 emergency fund.

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The Shark and the Japanese fisherman Part 2

By Musekiwa Samuriwo ©2010

In my previous article I introduced the concept of the shark and the Japanese fisherman. The article proceeded to provide four key positions or misdirected perspectives that affect an entrepreneur as he/she enters the boundless ocean of opportunity in business.

This article is going to deal with one of the first positions that I aptly termed naivety.

Oswald Chambers a famous author once stated that innocence is for children and purity is for the adult. In stating this he was trying to put across a perspective that innocence is something inherent that diminishes as one is exposed to life and some of its harsh realities.

Hence his position is that the adult is faced with a bigger challenge of maintaining a good conscience in spite of circumstance.

Interestingly enough, many an entrepreneur has entered the world of business with innocence (in reality entering a pool with sharks with a clear and open wound).

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It would help before we go further to consider some other words that mean naivety to help show us why naivety is dangerous in business: Gullibility (lack of caution), simplicity, inexperience, ingenuousness and artlessness.

So what is the big problem with naivety?

Being naïve often establishes assumptions that you need money to get a good idea off the ground and the money is in the hands of a shark. Business is about having money in your hands that to get ahead you need connections and networks. As often as is the

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case, these 3 assumptions may be considered true and fundamental in the success of any business but in the hands of a naïve entrepreneur these assumptions are fatal.

One of our first encounters with a shark as a business, we noticed the dangers of naivety. We entered spacious corner office in a beautiful skyscraper in the very heart of Zimbabwe’s capital city and we met a man who would lead us to the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Initially, we were overawed by the fact that this established business man was willing

“Business is about having money in your hands that to get ahead you need connections and networks. “ businessman was willing to listen to us and furthermore he was willing to lead us to very powerful people with money.

As with the case with any shark there was the underlying request for a little ‘incentive’. He was making very subtle requests for a significant stake in the business in payment for his information and network capital.

Weeks went by and he kept saying he was playing his cards to his chest. What was he waiting for? Well simply put for us young and naïve entrepreneurs to bleed just a bit so he could feed.

We had fallen nicely into the trap of being naïve that anybody interested in our idea is really interested in our idea.

Something learned from this little protracted transaction was the importance of being secure in what you have and knowing when someone is really interested in your idea.

In the case point above it was clear that this big shark was an opportunist just looking to bite off a chunk of our business for nothing.

This brings me to one of the first of 13 principles for the entrepreneur (Japanese fisherman) who will successfully (profitably) navigate the shark infested waters of opportunity.

Security Security is principal in any assault on a shark. An entrepreneur needs to operate from a secure position which can also be considered a place of confidence. As an entrepreneur you must be operating from a position of confidence and security in a number of things, Your business acumen and competence, Your business idea and its potential, Your network of advisors.

These 3 things will serve to ensure that you know what you have, what you’re looking for and what you really need to get you business idea off the ground.

Your business acumen and competence (your knowledge) In business as with any other sector or area of an economy there is a need for a sizeable quantity of relevant knowledge.

This is because, -Your individual actions as the owner will ultimately affect how your business idea will perform, -The right behaviour

(application of knowledge will lead to success).

So what you know and being secure in what you know will always play a significant role in how you present yourself to a potential investor who could be a shark.

Your business idea and its potential As much as knowledge and competence are important the gaps in your skill and competence will also be supported by research and details relating to you business idea and its ability to translate to market share.

Your network of advisors Your ability to assimilate all aspects of a business and to know everything about it are close to impossible and so there’s always need for more brains to shape and focus your business idea as it grows.

Advisors, play the significant role of providing plugs for gaps in aspects like experience, knowledge and leverage.

A secure position means one thing that an entrepreneur enters the open waters of opportunity certain of one thing; survival is necessary but it isn’t sufficient when faced with the shark.

Get your copy of “The Shark and the Japanese fisherman” at shop.mazwi.co

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FOOD

Quick & Easy snack‌

salt to taste.

Chicken Mayo Sandwich Ingredients 5-6 slices of multi grain sandwich bread 4-5 (or as required) lettuce leaves (stem removed) For the Chicken & Mayo Spread 250gm boneless chicken breasts 5-6 tbsp mayonnaise 1 tbsp salad dressing of your choice (optional) I used coleslaw 1-2 tsp extra virgin olive oil (optional) 1 medium sized spring onion (whites only) finely chopped * see notes freshly ground pepper to taste

METHOD: 1. Wash and drain the chicken - cut into thin strips and boil with some salt and pepper till the pieces are tender. Remove from fire, allow to cool and shred the pieces. Transfer to a wide bowl 2. Add the rest of the ingredients for the spread and mix well.

3. Lightly toast the bread slices if you like and cut each slice diagonally into two.

Spread about 2 tbsp. of the prepared mixture on each triangle. Place lettuce leaves on top and place one triangle over the other.

4. Using a bread knife carefully slice off the hard edges of the bread and serve plain or with tomato ketchup

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In the oven…

Ingredients

Chocolate muffins

2 1/4 cups self-raising flour, sifted ½ cup cocoa powder, sifted 1 cup caster sugar ¾ cup dark chocolate chips ½ cup vegetable oil 2/3 cup milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 Eggs

METHOD 1. Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan-forced. Line a 12-hole, 1/3 cup-capacity muffin pan with paper cases.

What’s cooking?

Ingredients

Fruity Chicken And Rice

3 Tbsp. sunflower oil 1 onion, chopped 2 carrots, peeled and chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped 3cm ginger, peeled and grated 1 chilli, chopped (vein and seeds removed) 1 Tbsp. chicken seasoning 2 Tbsp. flour 1 tsp curry powder 8 skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes 3 cups water 5 Tbsp. chutney 1 tomato sauce 1 can sliced peaches 2 cups rice

METHOD 1. Heat the sunflower oil in a

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2. Combine flour, cocoa, sugar and chocolate chips in a large bowl.

Make a well in centre.

Whisk vegetable oil, milk, vanilla and eggs in a large jug. Add oil mixture to well . Using a wooden spoon, stir until just combined(don't over-mix). Spoon mixture into paper cases.

3. Bake for 25 minutes or until firm to touch and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Stand in pan for 5 minutes.

4. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Serve.

large frying pan and sauté the onion and carrots together for about 5 minutes while stirring. Add the garlic for another five minutes.

2. Mix the chicken seasoning, flour and 1 tsp curry powder and dust over the chicken pieces to coat them. And the chicken pieces to the hot pan and fry until golden on both sides.

3. Transfer the chicken and vegetables to a large saucepan and add the water, chutney and tomato sauce.

4. Simmer for 20 minutes before adding the peach slices. 5.

Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

6. Serve with rice.

VOICES Aura Mlilo GM.: Tell us a little bit about Aura.

Aura: I am a poet. First and foremost I am mother, a wife, a daughter. And I happen to do other things on the side that include singing, acting, I host a web show called the Nafuna show. I am also a radio personality at Star FM; I co-host the drive show called the 263 Drive with Leekay and Phathisani. I make jewelry. I’m a jewelry designer. That’s pretty much.

Oh, I’m a nerd in the making.

GM.: and when did you get into poetry?

The name Aura is synonymous with “urban” poetry in Zimbabwe. Aura Mlilo, a.k.a Aura the poet, has a very calm yet loveable personality which exudes a lot of positive energy. We kind of invaded her home space and sat down with Aura, as she shared with us her journey so far, future projects and maybe catch on a bit of her aura…

Aura: I started poetry when I was twelve. And it started because I did a lot of allied arts, public speaking and I was always reciting other people’s poetry. And I loved poetry. So my teacher said that you can also do it. So he was always making us write poetry, so from that point on it stopped being a thing about school and it became more about if I wanted to write poetry. I could write poetry.

GM.: So how has your journey been?

Aura: (With excitement) It’s

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fun. It’s been incredible because it started off structured, with really big words you know, to then becoming this artist, to poems then becoming so deep that it really don’t make sense. And now I’m finding my poetry becoming basic. At some point I threw away the rules, but I find that I have readopted some of the rules. My poems are now about one topic. I don’t write as much as I used to.

Now I find that I write, if there is something to actually write about.

GM.: How has the response been to your poetry?

Aura: The response has been really good. People have been really supportive of the poetry. I didn’t think that it would be something that people would really enjoy but I was pleasantly surprised.

GM.: What do you think about poetry in Zimbabwe?

Aura: You know what, I think that it’s still not taken seriously . You know it’s viewed as a hobby and

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not something to be taken as something to be taken seriously.

Also the minds of the artist themselves. Very few people take themselves seriously as something that they can make something out of it. I’m one of those poets who is able to convert the art into something useful. I think that it’s just a matter of the artist taking themselves seriously. How you approach your art seriously, is how other people will take you seriously. It’s how you carry yourself and it across all genres.

Is it the business of art or the passion of art. How you carry yourself is how people will regard you.

GM.: You have performed at a number of major events. Please take us through them.

Aura: Yes, I’ve performed at a few. I’ve performed at Shoko, at Intwasa in Skies (Bulawayo). I’ve performed at several festivals abroad. The Winter Jazz Festival in Norway, in a place called Molde. There was a Mountain Festival, in a place, also in Norway. I performed in a place in Germany, Bellefette; we had a concert. I’ve also performed in South Africa at the Emperor’s Palace for a UN Women’s Conference. I hope to travel some more. I have nothing planned this year, I’m kind of going with the flow. I’m hoping to perform at the Woman Scream Festival. I’ve put down my application, so I’m looking forward to it. (She performed after the date of the interview.)

GM.: What other projects are you into?

Aura: I also work at a company called Nafuna, on an online show called Nafuna show, formerly known as Nafuna TV but for the sake of regulations we rebranded it to the Nafuna show. And my co-host is my husband, Enqore. That’s great!

GM.: Tell us more about Nafuna Aura: Nafuna is a young new media company. Award winning as well. We specialize in high end 2D, 3D, video productions, viral campaigns, most things new media and social media. I also work at Star FM. I am a radio personality there. Before I gave birth I was on the breakfast club for two months. And then post birth, I’m now doing the drive time with Leekay and Phathisani and that is really fun.

I’m the only female. So it’s quite interesting having two males and two females, the dynamic is quite interesting. It often poses as an exciting challenge being a voice for women. (Aura has since moved on from radio from the time of the interview.)

GM.: What are your future plans?

Aura: : I see my future in broadcasting, not just radio but in TV and radio. That’s where I see my main future. I also want to grow my art as well. I’m releasing a music single this year. I want to keep my poetry, which influences my music. I released an EP called Auragami produced by Enqore, which was a mix of poetry and music , so it’s a feel of what I intend to do.

so it’s a feel of what I intend to do.

GM.: Last words..

Aura: Life doesn’t care about you.

So you need to make sure that whatever you do it shows that you can survive and that you can do well. No one cares about who you are unless you give them a reason to care. I know that it sounds morbid but that’s my philosophy.

MY GIRL a poem by Aura I cannot protect you from the wo rld, my girl From alcohol, sex, drugs and bad boys, my girl The internet can be used to geek you up, my girl But watch for pornography and n asty stuff, my girl I wish I could protect you from t he world, my girl But I can only equip you with the Armor of God, my girl And maybe you'll get to know w ho God is, my girl Why mamma would talk to Him out loud, my girl But slowly you will discover the world, my girl And hopefully you'll meet the rig ht man, my girl But only once you've figured out your life plan, my girl And know yourself, always doing the best you can, my girl I have introduced you as a child t o the world, my girl And to God be the glory for your presence, my girl I hope you will one day get to rea d this, my girl And know that mamma tried to h er best to prepare you for this wo rld, my girl

Aura at www.nafuna.tv and follow her recent project on Facebook: Zuru and Twitter: @ZuruCatch

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MUSIC

Album Reviews Editor’s Choice Karma

Album : Chasing Moments Artist : Karma Genre : Hip-Hop Record Label : Mix Masterz Admittedly, when Karma told us that he rapped, we were skeptical about it but the moment that the Mix Masterz gave us a listening session of “Chasing Moments”, our minds changed and we were hooked.

“Chasing Moments” is phenomenally, an album that was well crafted in terms of lyrics and sound. Karma is a young man whose depth is beyond his years and the album carries the true

elements of what underground hip hop is-thought provoking and relatable. One can truly find their moment of ambition, dreams, struggles and even those moments of enjoyment. This album would be first on any playlist, considering if we are selling the best of Zimbabwean hip hop, and we just can’t get enough of it.

Get it for: If you are true fan of conscious rap then you will be “karmafied” with the whole album because it is that good.

Our favorites though include the intro, club banger “The Baddest”, the thought provoking “Chasing Moments”, “Follow Me”, “Zilluminati”, “Chasing Moments” and “Come Home Sinner”.

Rate:

Guspy Warrior Album : Wedzera MaWatts Artist : Guspy Warrior Genre : Dancehall Record Label : Mafia 19/Mix Masterz Date of Release: 25 March 2014

Emmanuel Manyeruke a.k.a Guspy Warrior ,stepped onto the music scene as the controversial PK (preacher’s kid), (Well aren’t they all? No pun intended!). Yet he has proven himself to be a focused artist and this album has indications that a lot of thought and work was put into it. The title track “Wedzera MaWatts” is actually an exciting track. As for the rest of the album, well, it had its moments of mediocrity especially lyrically,(although with dancehall, one can getaway with simple jargon, and times, shallow lyrics); but the album is an actual competitive dancehall album and a worthy buy.

Get it for: The whole album so as to get a feel of the music.

We recommend that you listen to the title track “Wedzera MaWatts”, “Shaina Shaina” and “Galis”.

Rate:

If you are an artist, share your music on www.zimtunes.net and make a living out of your art.

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THE BEAT MAKERS

SIMBA TAGZ Is it us, or have you noticed that there is a certain name that seems to continuously pop up in most of our artists interviews? Well, look no further because we managed to find out the music scope of music producer, Simba Tagz.

GM.: Simba you are quite the popular guy in music circles. Tell us about yourself.

Simba: My name is Simbarashe Tagwireyi but Simba Tagz for short, people just call me Tagz. I ’m a music lover. No cars, sports, or anything of the sort, actually I have no real hobbies. Basketball here and there, but mostly I’m always in the studio. My studio is at my house. Most of the times I don’t sleep.

GM.: So what is the name of your recording studio and what type of sounds do you produce?

Simba: The studio has also an operational record label, going under the same name called Showtime Africa. Under Showtime we have three producers, there is Reverb 7 who does house music, myself and a guy called Dutch. Dutch does hip hop, R&B and a fusion of Afro pop, Reverb 7 who does mainly house, and pop and the like of electro pop. I do whatever I feel like producing. But mostly I could say for myself, I do mostly pop, and Afro fusion, that I’m working on.

production, one of the songs was done by Wizkid.

GM.: You have worked with some big names in business.

Who are they and who do you hope to work with in the future?

GM.: What are the challenges are faced by music producers in Zimbabwe?

Simba: In Zimbabwe I’ve produced quite a lot of people including Tehn Diamond, Junior Brown, 0-25, back in the day Major Playaz, David Chifunyise has been running away from me for years now, (laughs), Ill Ceey, the list is endless. In South Africa I’ve worked with, Skwatta Kamp, Feezy, like I did a whole project with them, Golden Shovel, Reason, Tumi, Zubz. Now I’m starting to branch out, I've gotten into specializing in mixing. I’ve started to mix songs, like Zubz album, and recently mixed for Nigerian producers such as Sars, so I handled most of their

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Internationally, I always think Andre 3000, Pharell. Regionally, well that’s hard, well depending on what I’m trying to do, there is this girl who won Idols last year, Melissa Alyson, I like her tone of voice, I would like to work with her and maybe, Freshly ground.

Locally, we all work together.

There is no thinking, who would I like to work with. We all make a plan to work together. We are all a family.

Simba: Looking at the food chain, we are the most important yet least valued. Due to the fact that most people do not sell their music much, they don’t invest in music like for example, in Nigeria, or even more in America, an artists will pay like three hundred thousand to someone like Timbaland because they know that they are getting a good song. In Zimbabwe there are no infrastructures for artists to sell their music, it doesn’t make sense for the artist to spend a lot on music, so that’s one of the many challenges. Also Information, most producers didn't know about, but are now becoming aware of royalties,

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signing rights to the publisher, things like that. Producers can make money of that, they can make money off radio play, but it’s not the issue of just the producers.

It’s the whole industry itself that needs to be changed, infrastructures need to be put to make it viable.

GM.: From a producer’s point of view, what do you think about the quality of Zimbabwean music? What can be done to improve our sounds?

Simba: For a while, I think that we were the best in terms of quality, even in terms of our artists. But as times progressed, in Southern Africa, we felt that we were the best, but everyone is progressing. We are now at a point, in terms of mixing, mastering, recording, if you are to call that quality, we can hold our own. I think that what we now need to do is to specialize. Some people can specialize in producing, some can specialize in mastering because what happens, a person like me, I write my own songs, I record my own songs, I market my own songs, so it’s hard for me to juggle all those things. I can’t be a marketer and a producer at the same time, I need to specialize.

GM.: And what can be done to improve our sounds?

Simba: Again, specializing! Let a producer be a producer, an engineer-an engineer, an artist, be an artist, and that’s how an industry becomes alive. And

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infrastructure! It all starts from, I need to know how many copies am I going to sell, because if I’m going to sell twenty, I’m not going to waste my time hiring a marketer, you only do that when you know that you are selling many and that’s when you say that I’m getting a team together.

All that infrastructural element and the starting point is the music, who you want to buy the music; where people are going to buy the music.

GM.: Do you have other ventures that you are into?

Simba: Currently no! But I do a little bit of clothes designing. But I put that in the back so that I can concentrate on the music, but maybe this year, we will see. I will try to farm!

please support local music!

Upcoming artists who need to be produced and producers who would like to collaborate with Simba Tagz or Showtime Africa you can get hold of him on: Facebook: Simba Tagz Twitter: @simbatagz Email: simba@simbatagz.com

MUSIC begins in this lab…

…into your headphones

GM.: Where do you see yourself in the near future?

Simba: I. guess the goal is to put Zimbabwe on the map. We are planning to shoot videos for song that we think are good for the industry to put Zimbabwe on the map. I want people to like me and to know me. In five years from now I don’t know if I’ll still be a producer but generally I will be very involved in the music. I want to be known in Africa, hopefully, very popular, if not popular, then well recognized.

GM.: Any words for fans out there?

Simba: Watch out for Zimbabwe , we are coming through and

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…from

the microphone…

…to live concerts…

… We make more music…

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On the decks…

Club DJs T Bass Gukuta A man with a huge reputable career as one of Zimbabwe’s finest club djs having hosted a number of international acts and played for a number of gigs including earlier this year, at the “wedding of the year”, the president’s daughter's wedding, which was a huge honour , for a man of T Bass’s status.

Despite riding on great success, Tbass, actually is a laidback gentleman and he gave Groove some time to share what it takes to be great on the decks.

GM.: Welcome T Bass to Groove Magazine. Please tell us about yourself.

Tbass: I was born Tavona Gukuta and I grew up in Gweru.

I moved to Harare as a result of working as a manager at Chicken Inn . I have always loved music. I fell in love with music because of deejays like of Kelvin Sifelani, Tich Mataz and Peter Jones.

Those are the guys who inspired me and got me into deejaying.

The DJ baton was passed to me by my mentor , Bhekezela

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Sibanda also known as B-Bass. I’m T Bass; B for his name, Bhekezela and T because I’m Tavona, and the bass is for the beat that we both love, which is house music. I’m a devout Christian. I go to church at Christian Community Life Church in Mount Pleasant . I’m single and no kids. That’s T Bass; that’s Tavona for you.

GM.: It seems that you have answered part of our next question. How did you get into deejaying and for how long have

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you been in business?

Tbass: Bass& Styles is 10 years this year. I met P Stylez in Gweru when he came for a gig with Peter Jones, like I said, then I was working for Chicken Inn and we got along. When I was transferred to Harare by Chicken Inn, we met up and started doing gigs together. Our first time deejaying together was at Stars. And because we are similar people, we are reserved, not too out there. So

we clicked and thought that we would make a great tag team of DJs. And now that’s ten years later.

GM.: How ironic for somebody in the limelight?

Tbass: I suppose it’s because of my Christian background. Everything that I achieve and in everything that I do, I put God first. I am showcasing a God given talent.

There is no need to be pompous; or to be “this” superstar. Just be yourself!

GM.: Live set or the studio, which of the two do you prefer and what is the difference?

Tbass: Live set any day. It is motivating to see how people respond to what you’re playing.

On the other hand radio is also cool, because I get to also speak to the nation at large. When playing a live set in a club in Zimbabwe, at the most, you are communicating to a 1000 people. Whereas on a

radio program you have a minimum of 25 to 50 000 people, so the reach of radio is far greater than the reach in the club. At the end of the day it still remains greatly motivating to watch people through a live set.

GM.: You are currently playing at the Grain. Please take us through your residences up to date.

Tbass: I broke onto the scene at club Mambo, actually, I was doing Kebab with Dee Nice because he was the main deejay there. I don’t know, I guess some people get to the point where they have outgrown being interactive with people, so at some point Dee Nice stopped coming to Kebab, and I automatically became the main DJ, still under his stable at the time.

We then moved to club Mambo and there the club kicked off.

Unfortunately he became sick at some point, he got hospitalized and then I took over as the main DJ there; and that landed as a

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launch pad for my deejay career.

We played at a gig at what is now Skyy Bar, which is formerly Envy; formerly La Vida. That club really has a place in my heart, actually in what I do. We did Stars, that’s when I hooked up with P Styles., From Stars, I went to South Africa.

There I was trying to break through into the South African market. I did a couple of gigs with Channel O, live on Channel O. I think that this is when my relationship with some of the biggest South African DJs developed with the likes of DJ Fresh, Oskido, Euphonik, Black Coffee, DJ Voodoo, Milkshake. I was uncomfortable, the life there was too fast for me! I was like a fish out of water. Things were great in terms of business but I just didn’t feel like I was at home.

I came back to Zimbabwe, then Stars had died down a bit, so I did club Infinity by Greystone Park shops, from December to February.

Then a big opportunity came for me to run a club by an investor, that was club Monaco. , P Styles joined me and we did club Monaco and Infinity as well. I then went to Singapore; initially I was supposed to have moved to Singapore, then again I felt that this isn’t for me; I needed to be home. I think that the thing that made me make that decision to come back home was the weather. It was really horrible!

Singapore is humid the minute that you step out of any air conditioned room, because everything was air conditioned.

Otherwise, things were fine, the food, although I didn’t understand the thing with the soya. They put soya sauce in everything! I ended up getting McDonald’s! I then came back home and did my residency at Monaco. And then

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Monaco died down, I think that was in December. Then we moved to Stars in March 2009. It blew up, it was crazy! I remember we did the Sista Betina show and it was sold-out; we also did the Euphonik show and that too was crazy! We did a show with the reggae DJ from the UK, Chris Goldfinger, it was a killer show. With the way that clubs work, we had a disagreement with the club owner of Stars, so we then moved, and opened up Fusion by the racecourse. Wow, that was magical, in 2010! I think that Fusion for me, was a club that I totally enjoyed, and it was totally rewarding. At the time that we did Fusion , it was the time that we were doing Café Noir.

And then from Fusion, , P Styles and I did something that’s not common with other DJs, and we bought the business of Lime Bar, and it was almost similar to Fusion, which was really cool!

During our time at Fusion in 2010, we had the privilege of doing that whole hip-hop gig with Ciara, Lil Kim,

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Fat Joe; unfortunately Timbaland couldn’t make it because he had issues with his plane; but his whole crew was here, even his kids were here. That was the highlight of my career. The other highlights were doing Brick ‘n’ Lace at Fusion, which turned out to be a massive show and one of the only profitable international gigs. We then did the Sean Paul and Akon after party. That was remarkable because it ended at eight in the morning and then we also did the ZAR Fest, that was a big hit in my career. Then we did Lime; from Lime we did Room 10. I can’t remember the dates though, but we were there for a month or so, as we were renovating club Mambo into La Vida, and then from La Vida, ZiFM came to play. We were recruited to do the hip-hop show on a Friday called “The Fixx” on ZiFM Stereo. Massive

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opportunity! As I mentioned earlier that my heroes in music were on radio, I felt so cool to be on radio. So with the commitments of radio, it’s kind of hard to balance and that slowed down our Fridays because our strongest days day have always been Friday.

Before, we always managed to cater for people after work, actually they would spend quite a lot of money on Fridays! But, ZiFM has opened massive opportunities, like when I started playing in Mutare, which I had done before; but it’s different with a radio station to back you up. We have gigs in Bulawayo and every time we go to Bulawayo we have killer shows. Actually Bulawayo is my favorite city in Zimbabwe. People in Bulawayo when they come out, they come to have fun and not floss. And

we have also done Mekka, here and there and H2O. And then Envy opened up last year in December, but that didn’t last .

And then The Grain opened up and it’s pumping.

GM.:Is it viable to be a club DJ and what can be done to improve the market?

Tbass: It is viable for as long as you appreciate that it’s a business.

It’s not a platform for you to meet girls, and be promiscuous and just have untoward behavior. You must view it as a business and stick to doing what you are supposed to do. It is extremely viable! I don’t do anything else other than music and deejaying. I am where I’m at simply through music and deejaying but I’m slowly moving into property. I have a passion for property now because I found that I love building new things; so I want to buy land and build estates and offload them. But that’s in conception I haven’t fully sat down to it. But entertainment has made it possible for me to diversify my portfolio into property. I think I live a comfortable life. I drive a nice car, I have a nice home; yes, deejaying is viable. The key to being a successful DJ is to have a passion for music. Don’t do it for the money; the girls; do it for the right reasons. I believe that you can only be successful in life if you do what you are passionate about.

responsible with the music that you play. You mustn’t go against the grain of morals of the nation.

You also start realizing how music affects the lives of people and you appreciate music more.

The responsibility of being on radio is that people trust you, they trust the words that you say.

For example, I had a gig in Bulawayo with DJ Fresh, and this young girl tells me something that I said three months before and how that changed her life. It means that you have an impact on someone’s life.

GM.: Who inspires you?

Tbass: At the moment DJ Fresh and Euphonik; they are good mates of mine. I like the way they go about their music and business. This year it’s their fifth year of South African music on the international market. They are phenomenal, with radio shows and gigs on Channel O. That’s quite inspiring. Even Black Coffee is a phenomenal DJ. I had the opportunity of sharing the stage with Black Coffee. I opened up for Oskido. He’s extraordinary! Oskido, being Zimbabwean, has said to us Zimbabweans that it is possible and he is one of the most influential artists in South African music which is the biggest consumer of dance music; and he is right at the core of it.

GM.: What has the experience been at ZiFM Stereo?

GM.: Which artists/djs would you like to work with locally, regionally and internationally?

Tbass: As I said earlier, a massive opportunity. It’s a bigger responsibility because you are talking to a nation. You have to be

Tbass.: Locally, I would like to work with DJ Stavo; he knows what he is doing. I would also like to work with Djembe Monks

, I love their sound and energy.

I’ve already worked with Jason Le Roux. And then regionally, I haven’t yet done work with DJ Kent, Shimza. I have ticked list with most S.A. DJs. Internationally, I would most want to work with David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia, Nicky Romero, Afrojack, and the biggest DJ of all, Cal Cox. GM.: The future! Where do you want to take your deejaying career?

Tbass: I want to progress. I want to get into production, that’s the next step. I want to go back into owning a couple of clubs. And just pass on the legacy. I want to go into a clothing line. Just do bigger events in Zimbabwe. I don’t want only attend big events or do bigger events outside Zimbabwe.

GM.: What advice would you give to young people interested in pursuing deejaying as a part-time or full time career?

Tbass: Once you’re in the game, stay humble. Do what you’ve got to do, don’t have a big head.

Don’t do it for the money, because you’ve got to have the passion for music. Just remember there’s more to life than being a DJ. At some point your career will end but your life wont. Don’t put your all into it, don’t centralize your whole on deejaying. Open doors for other people and let them do their thing.

Get in the mix with T-Bass and P Styles on the “Fixx” every Friday from 2100 hours to midnight.

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REASONS WHY 2014 WILL ROCK! 2.0.1.4, a very good number and definitely bringing in new ventures and adventures. We believe in the theory, “Life is what you make it”, but sometimes we all need a little assistance from the universe to make a year, a good one. Here are 4 (taking from the last digit), good reasons why 2014 will definitely ROCK! 1. It’s a New Year!

Duh, as if you didn’t know. There is always something about anything new. Firstly, it’s untainted, so with your new year, you have the ability to rewrite your life story. For all past mistakes, learn from them. For unmet goals, continue pursuing those goals but be realistic about how and why you want to achieve them. Secondly, new things always make you feel good, so chances of having a positive attitude are higher. And well sometimes you just have to go with the flow, enjoy 2014!

2. Exciting sights and sounds Whether you are “drunk in love” with Queen Bey’s album, feeling like “royals” with Lorde, being karmafied with hip hop, or “ytjukutja” to Uhuru’s house beats, musically and globally this year is going to be a year where upcoming, underground artists make waves, whilst a lot of surprise comebacks are going to make old fans nostalgic. Ehm, 2014 is also a great year to be a thorough couch potato as Hollywood has promised new movies, sequels and mind blowing movies which will make it even harder to pick favorites.

12 Years A Slave , anybody?

3. Ching, ching…

Globally there are still challenges. Much of the rest of the world, is not in such great shape. However, it has been known that some of the biggest businesses were formed and thrived through harsh economic conditions.

So how are you going to make it economically? A dollar per day. It is important to value the smallest amount of money including a coin. The ability to be able to earn even a

single coin will empower you more than attempting to make millions. So why 2014 may be a good financial year for you?

Because hard times motivate, so new ideas are likely to come up, economists are likely to go back to the drawing board to find new strategies on economic improvement.

4. Groove Magazine Not tooting our own horn but let us give this magazine some credit for being the only music magazine from Zimbabwe that features new faces on the cover of every issue. We are a young magazine, but we are also growing and learning, as we take this journey to showcase what young, hip, urban Zimbabweans are doing and making our mark on dear planet earth. Plus, we have the privilege to literally be on social media, (because that’s our job), listen to music, or watch videos, movies, all day, be invited to some pretty cool events and meet dynamic, talented individuals who constantly challenge the rest of us to work hard, play hard, and love what we do!

Life tip: Life is like a coin. You can spend it anyway you wish, but you only spend it once.- Lillian Dickson

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