Issue No: 18
June 2019
FROM HUMBLE ROOTS TO ASPIRING ARTIST: Crow Ever Young
MY LIFE IN PHOTOGRAPH: Sisandile Matiwane
Finding her voice and breaking into the acting industry.
untied June 2019
Contents
Reflection 3 Editor’s Note 7 MY LIFE IN PHOTOGRAPHY: Sisandile Matiwane
7
11
22
23
11 Cover: FINDING HER VOICE AND BREAKING INTO THE ACTING INDUSTRY: Regina Mary Ndlovu 20 EVALUATING YOUR FASHION CHOICES 21 Fashion focus: Does Fashion Industry Depend On Animals? 23 FROM HUMBLE ROOTS TO ASPIRING ARTIST: Crow Ever Young 30 Beauty: Lets make you up 31 Beauty: winter BEAUTY TIPS 33Hair: Keep your Afro silky and soft 34 Careers: CHOOSING A CAREER WISELY 35 Career: What is a Public Relations Manager? 35 start your own fashion blog 37 Untied Food: Gourmet Dinner 39 food: Chicken Drumsticks And Vegetables In Mustard-tarragon Sauce 33 Financial Advice: SPOIL YOURSELF BUT DO ITWISELY 41 Wellness: Try Mindfulness exercises 42 Spiritual Corner: EVERYTHING IS ALL RIGHT 43 Introvert.com: your flaws are the shadow of your strength 44 introvert.com: DO YOU THE BEST WAY YOU CAN 45 Perseverance is virtue: Teke’ Tayub Soni 47 Entertainment: Influence of Film
untied Editor’s Note
Hello friend! It has been a while since we interacted. You know sometimes on a journey there are times where you need to pause and reflect. Those moments are the most important and most powerful because you end up being reminded of your purpose. They are the moments one needs to use to re-group, reinvent, re-create and re-flect. See the reason why we need to have these kind of moments is because, if we go on blindly into the future and not realising mistakes or signs for change then this means that we are in for a very bad fall. One needs to take a pause and look back, realise mistakes and try by all means to invent his or herself. This applies to every area of our lives and it is vital. This is a year of discovery, a year of giving birth to great things.
You have been in labour for so long and now wait for delivering greatness. Second chances will be given to many of us this year and many of us will see God’s grace. All you have to do is believe that you are also in line to receive God’s grace and stay ready for a new thing. And remember “good things come to those who wait” On this month’s issue we celebrate young people, but not in the usual way we are used to. We would normally look into how the youth of 1976 lived their lives compared to the youth today. But as we all know that youth today has its own struggles. So this month we chat to them about their upbringing and their successes.
Enjoy……Kaya June 2019
3
u
ntied contributors EDITOR-IN CHIEF Kaya Nqwelo FASHION EDITOR Nomangwane Flatela SPIRITUAL CORNER
Prophet Khonziwe Tukwayo WRITERS
Siya Njobe Noluthando Higa
LAYOUT AND DESIGNER ADVERTISING Sugarlime media Pty ltd 0787920063 kayanqwelo@gmail.com
We would love to hear from you. Please contact 078 7920 063 or email us on kayasante@hotmail.co.za
ADVERTISE
HERE Kayanqwelo@gmail.com 078 792 0063
Out every month
• •
Content Development Publishing
MY LIFE IN PHOTOGRAPHY
Picture supplied by Sisandile
Aspiring photographer Sisandile Matiwane lets us peek into his dynamic world. June 2019
7
Because I put effort to do what I want and I also inspire other people
I am an individual who loves people, I am soft hearted. I love helping people when I can and that is one of my best qualities. I share knowledge and that makes me feel good, and it also helps me to learn more. Because when you explain things more, they also sink in. I love working with positive people because we do not only work but we also teach on another and in that way we grow. Growing up in PE for me and my craft has been challenging. There are limitations here than in other Cities. For an example finding places for photoshoots is a huge task because there are limited beautiful spots here and this makes my work very hard. That’s why I want to move to Cape Town or Johannesburg I believe there I can find inspiration everywhere I go. In future I see myself hosting Exhibitions and events. I also want to be a personal photographer for some celebrity one day. But for now I am still growing, even though people complement my work.
My style, well I don’t follow fashion or trends. I just follow what my heart tells me. Even if it’s not a well-known brand if my heat says go for it, then I will. I don’t wear clothes to impress them, but I wear clothes that make me comfortable. Who inspires me is myself basically. I do that every day..
8
June 2019
My hang out spot is my room at home. I am always at home. I normally sit there and work on my laptop, I so picture editing and try to learn different types of editing. Sometime I go to the internet to search for inspiration and to also see what other photographers in the world are doing and their work. I was introduced to photography two years back I would get complements from people on pictures I took of my friends. So I decided to start taking it seriously. I then applied to join photography classes that were conducted by Joshua Gxekwa from Motherwell in nu9, from Africa Media and designs (Pty) Ltd. He was our tutor there. I learned basics photography lessons from the class. I told myself that I will do it even if I didn’t have capital. I got myself a part time job in an events company and bought myself a camera. Later on I met Qamisa M Photography and I wanted to be part his photoshoots just to observe, and he taught me how to defuse lights and working outdoors.
Find Sisandile on these social media handles Facebook: Sisandile media and creations Instagram: @sisandile_m Twitter: @sisandile_m
Picture supplied by Sisandile
June 2019
9
Trends update
February 2019
25
u
ntied
Cover
Regina Mary
FINDING HER VOICE AND BREAKING INTO THE ACTING INDUSTRY. 6
Picture: Sobabili Productions
People have seen you portray roles with similar condition as you but they do not know the real Regina. So for those who do not know you what can you tell them about you? I am just an ordinary girl with pigmentation condition called albinism. I am an actress by profession, which has always been one of my greatest dreams.
ow many of us really know what albinism is? Well if you didn’t know, albinism is a genetic condition that causes a lack of melanin. People with albinism have low vision. Because of lack of information the public continues to look down on them, they label them as “albinos” and have disregarded them in every way possible. Some of the persons living with Albinism have lost hope, thinking that they do not matter. This seed of ignorance was planted long ago and it continues to grow from generation to generation. This needs to stop. And Regina Mary Ndlovu is an affiliate of the community of South African’s change agents, who is willing to bring change in this world. She is an actress, a motivational speaker, an activist for human rights, ambassador. You have seen her portray the role of Thandazile on “Impi kaThandazile” and Mbali on “Ibala”. Both characters struggle to fit in, in a community filled with misconceptions and misleading information. We had a one on one with this beautiful lady and we have discovered that there is more to her than meets an eye, and that her heart is a gold mine.
12
June 2019
I was born in Zambia and raised in South Africa. My father is South African from Vryheid, Emahlabathini in KZN. And my mom is Zambian from Ndola. From birth until the age of twelve I lived in Zambia, and then later on I came to live in South Africa. I am girl who happens to realise that life is about finding ones identity, planting a seed and investing in something that will make you be what you want to be in future. I am on a journey to develop into what I want to become. Children tend to be moulded differently sometimes because of their surroundings and you lived in two different countries. Please tell me more about your childhood.
I was like any other kid, I was innocent and I didn’t know anything because I imitated what others were doing. I remember I was very bubbly child and I wanted to play with other kids. They would run away from me I didn’t know why then, but I do understand now. One of the things my mom used to share with me was that I was a very curious child. She told me that my brother would be peeing standing and I would go stand
next to him and try to pee like him. She never forgets that I was always doing what other people were doing. In a nutshell I was innocent, happy, and unaware just like any child would be. Incidents would happen but I would be clueless as to why they are happening, and its only now as a woman that I get to know the truth.
I couldn’t tell anyone that I couldn’t read and write and all I wanted was to be an actress, and knowing that I couldn’t do that took away the living desire in me. I wanted to fit in and be part of the education curriculum but I didn’t.
What I distinctive and final about you? What is unique about me is that I am selftaught. Will you please elaborate on the part about being self-taught?
Picture: Sobabili Productions
“
all I could see was blurry lines and when I told the teacher that I couldn’t see she would shout at me and say I don’t belong there
“
When I was in primary I couldn’t see what’s written in the black board in class. I remember that all I could see was blurry lines and when I told the teacher that I couldn’t see she would shout at me and say I don’t belong there. She would send me to the sick room or toilet, at that time I didn’t know that that situation was a beginning of me not being part of reading and writing basis of life, every child’s ambition. So I never learned how to read or write for 25 years of my life. I was molested by my French teacher who used the opportunity to tutor me for his own corrupt desires. I was the only girl with albinism in my community and at school. My high school years were so hard, it was difficult to concentrate because firstly I didn’t see the black board. Secondly I couldn’t read nor write and thirdly I was not welcomed because of the colour of my skin. That made me hate myself so badly that I tried committing suicide 11 times. I developed serious anger, primarily towards myself to the point of self-hate and selfdestruction. I was locked up in Baragwana mental institution at the age of 17.
June 2019
13
How did you reach high school if you never learned how to read and write? That must have been the worst thing anyone could ever go through. When the time to receive our grade results, when I opened mine it was always written “condoned”. I don’t ever remember getting a report that’s written “achieved”. That is where some of my suicidal thoughts came from. It was because the report reminded me of how bad and how much of a failure I was. I then started stealing other learners work books. I would change the cover and put on a new cover and a new sticker and that will be my new book. I would wait for the teacher to go out of the class and I would steal the teacher’s exam papers and I would copy during test or exams. I would fake my voice for the whole day pretending to have flu so that I don’t participate in class. I would bunk school but that would lend me into trouble because I would get a hiding.
Picture: Regina Mary
14
June 2019
Then I failed my matric and I was filled with anger. This anger birthed some elements in me that never existed before. I hated myself even more and I ended up being a thief and a liar. Things became worse when people told me there is a God who created me. So I was so angry and asked myself why did this God create me and then take away the ability to read and write? One day I came across a woman who was pregnant and drunk and she told me that God loves me. To me that was shocking because I didn’t expect God to love me, considering by my situation. So I got home and I questioned this love and I took the bible. I was so angry and I remember holding the bible asking myself how the hell will I read it when I can’t read or write? Two days later my cousin came over. He had a gift and he wanted me to have this gift. When I opened the gift, I discovered that it was an audio bible. I listened to it and I was so socked to learn that there was an audio version bible and I was now going to listen.
You have had a very hash journey filled with hardship. There is someone somewhere who finds themselves in the same position, I am sure you are aware of this. Yes and I would like to tell them that if you can’t read or write, you have fear and insecurities, I have been in that journey. It is the most beautiful experience. It is inspiring to find someone who is honest enough to know they can’t do something. I want to tell you that when you fail many times in class that is ok. The first step is for you to identify that you are struggling with something. Do not hide it or lock it away because it will mature and become a huge beast and that beast will birth negativity. that could end up being a wound that would hurt and destroy you in life. The second step is if you are in high school its fine because high school is a platform or a artery of where to go in life, it’s a map or a GPS. You don’t have to be the best or be perfect or to be the greatest, but you really need to learn how to read and write. Because tomorrow when you walk out of the school you might get stuck in the road and need to read an address for direction. Most importantly it’s not about being somebody else, it’s not about trying to fit in and compering yourself to others. It’s about being real.
Failing is ok, because that is when you learn and grow. For a girl who couldn’t read for 25 years, even now that I am 29 years old I still cannot read a document if it is given to me. But I told myself that sometimes you have to learn from the worst situation in your life. You portrayed characters living with albinism who found it hard to fit in within their communities. With the lack of ability to read, how did you study your lines from the script? It was the worst night mare ever. Honestly fear would stop you from doing anything. I would panic every time, and I would go there without knowing how I will make it but I knew I had to make a plan. Sometimes I would get there early, I would try to see what I could learn and if there is a word I can’t read then I would come up with a plan. I remember there was time when I went for auditions I would find a partner and I’d say I can’t see well so that they would read aloud what’s on the script. And then I would memorise everything they are trying to read for me. I later played around with my phone and I stumbled on an app that can help me. It is easy to use, you just log into your emails and it will read to you what’s on the script. This app really helped me because I would go on set knowing everything on my script and everyone would be holding their script trying to memorise their lines.
“
“
I then learned about the woman I want to become. How she should walk, how she should talk. I also googled and searched the internet for inspiration and for motivation when I thought that I was the only one, I then found strength. I didn’t know how to read or write but I knew what I wanted to become.
I want to tell you that when you fail many times in class that is ok June 2019
15
16
June 2019
Five men broke in my house and one of them raped me. I had to go through doctors and lots of trauma because of that incident. But the most powerful thing I learned from this is even though they thought they have destroyed me but I encouraged myself to not give up. They tried getting through the door but it was locked, they tried getting in through the sealing. They tried everything they could to get in. They didn’t even steal anything but their aim or mission was to send their own message which is, ‘we are going to breaking’. This taught me that even if the door is locked, I must use the window or a wall. But I must not return or go back without an answer or without getting what I want. Today I am the founder of My Voice: Albinism The New Era. It’s a platform that represents people living with albinism in a most positive way that has never been done and never seen before. It is still a journey and a struggle because there are still people in our society who were taught that people with albinism are not human enough and it’s a shame. And how do I know this? I have been pushing a talk show and just yesterday I had a meeting with a broadcasting channel representatives and they told me to my face that nobody is interested in watching albinism because people don’t relate to albinism. I told them My Voice: Albinism the New Era is for all people and it’s a platform to learn that every race has albinism, White or black.
Anyone of us can have a child with albinism and we wouldn’t know how it happened because the parents are not living with albinism. When I was still trying to break in into acting, a director told me that no one will ever wake up and tell a story about an albino.
I have a one women show in theatre about my whole life experiences that I told you about recently, where people learn about my journey and that albinism is not a colour thing it’s a pigment thing. It will contain performance and song as I portray various characters that formed the tapestry of my experiences. You know if we can hold each other’s hand and embrace each other’s pain we can save each other. What are you busy with now? Now I am working on My Voice: Albinism The New Era talk show. If there is Hollywood, Nollywood, now there is Albinismwood. It’s time for us to be part of society, part of the entertainment industry. I am also still busy with Mary Mary Mary My Voice. It is a story that I have taken to universities to schools to theatre. I am currently on a national theatre performance call “Mama I Want the Black That You are”.
“
This taught me that even if the door is locked, I must use the window or a wall.
“
You are also a motivational speaker and an activist for human rights could you please take us through that journey?
June 2019
17
What are the Misconceptions that you would like to clear out? I want to erase the thinking that albinism doesn’t affect persons who are not living with albinism. People believe this and it isn’t true. Albinism is not me Regina Mary Ndlovu. Albinism is you Kaya fall in love getting married and then your first baby comes. The scans do not show what colour the child will be. It is not only an African thing it affects the whole world, it’s the whole creation matter. People must know that albinism is not a curse its part of life, we are here, we exist and we are going nowhere.
Last word My life appears to be very easy in words but in reality it is really hard because of the belief that are strong out there. As I said to you that I was told that no one would want to watch a show about albinism. So my job now is to overcome that and show the world that will be on TV and it won’t be those stories that are scary. You are going to see entertainment, life, you going to see a full blown thing that is better and stronger than what you have seen before. Stop looking to those who have decided about you, just stand tall and show them what you are capable of doing. Once they see it they will believe it.
Pictures: Regina Mary/Chris lights films/Socialwebstars media
you can follow Regina on these following handle Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyVoiceAlbinismTheNewEra/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MyVoice_Albinismt?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=w6rih6r3y4u2 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcbHb0YyHAW_aafAvfBa2EQ Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/myvatne
18
June 2019
Picture: Sobabili Productions
untied
Fashion
EVALUATING YOUR FASHION CHOICES
Y
ou must not be ashamed to admit that clothing is one of your favourite possessions in the world. You probably love everything about clothing, except your constantly empty wallet as a result of those expensive brands that you simply couldn’t live without. Sometimes we find ourselves broke, but that doesn’t mean our fashion has to suffer the consequences. Please, take off that unflattering hoodie, there are other options out there. The perfect Louboutins are a distant mirage, but affordable fashion. Now there’s an ocean of possibility.
Stock Up On Accessories: Rather than luxuriating on an expensive dress, invest in necklaces, bangles and belts. You’ll get tired of that dress sooner or later, whereas accessories will spice up plain items and allow you to create drastically different looking ensembles with the same basic pieces. Thrift plus Vintage: Paying full price for duds is totally outdated. Of course we all love waltzing into our favourite stores, having seriously helpful sales contacts and leaving the store with a large and perfectly wrapped bag, but for fashionistas on a budget this isn’t the way to go. It’s time you explore other options. Don’t be scared, thrift stores really aren’t bad. Whether its old school vintage or recently thrifted items, all that’s stopping you from perfect new outfits is a little effort and maybe a trip to the cleaner.
20
June 2019
Consign: So you want to buy some new clothes but don’t have time for a job in between your daily chores/ routines. Welcome to consignment. Empty your closet of clothes you no longer wear and sell them to your local second hand store. It’s an easy way to score a few bucks with limited effort as long as your clothes are cute and in good condition. Then spend away!
untied
Fashion Insight
Does Fashion Industry Depend On Animals? How Far Is This Justified?
W
here does leather, silk, wool and fur come from? These are probably thee most customary materials used in the clothing industry. These materials are also used to make shoes, gloves etc., and very few people actually realise where fabric comes from. Most women like me don't think much about the worms that made the silk when a fine silky blouse catches our eye in a clothing store. Let me just to give you a glimpse of what’s going on in the real world. Just few days after silkworms disappear inside their cocoons, right about time they finish spinning, the little pods are collected and submerged in boiling water to make a pound of raw silk, up to 5000 worms must die. And just to think of this destructive process and the little creatures that perish all for the cause of appeal. It's never too late to decrease these kinds of productions, which is why we encourage consumers to buy" cruelty free" silk alternatives like polyester and viscose popularly known as rayon. Nowadays we have unlimited choices when it comes to clothing. Various textures are being manufactured but demand in leather, fur and wool keep rising. It is simply obnoxious. We sure can be fashionable in any kind of material and slay all the way.
Written By: Nomangwane Flatela
June 2019
21
untied So it is now time for human kind to protect animals. Change starts by us, me and you. We all should try to shift how we perceive fashion because wearing fur or leather provides no additional benefits compared to faux leather which is almost indistinguishable from real leather today. Cosmetics: Are typically defined as products that are intended to be applied or introduced into one’s body for the purpose of cleansing or beautification. Animal testing for cosmetics was instituted in the 1940's in response to serious injuries suffered by people who were exposed to unsafe beauty products. Today many companies actually have no need to test, as their formularies rely upon ingredients that are classified as "generally recognised as safe". I believe that animals have the same right as human and they should not be subject to these kind of treatments. In the case of silk making let's first look at the other ways to make it, maybe or maybe not as with so many ecoconscious consumer choices. The issue involved in silk production are both elusive and multi-layered. But if we are going to call ourselves conscious consumers we have to calculate the aspects of production process and its consequences. Therefore, we should push for better measures to protect animals’ rights and discourage animal experimentation. Remember that at every instance we have the choice to stop the cruelty by choosing other fabrics instead of leather, fur, wool and silk,
22
June 2019
and also buying cosmetics which have not been tested on animals. It is not too late to protect animals. So join the cause and stand up. Thankfully there are plenty of ethical vegan options to choose from in today's fashion such as cork, pineapple leather, Ultrasuede, polyester, faux fur, down alternatives and plant derived vegan wool. Wearing vegan is easy once you know what to look for. The guide to reading labels will help you quickly identify vegan materials as well as common derived materials that you will want to avoid.
FROM HUMBLE ROOTS TO ASPIRING ARTIST: Crow Ever Young
Picture: Kingklip
J
oakim Ismael Mbewe who goes by the name “Crow” was born in Limpopo Phalaborwa. He lost both his parents when he was a teenager whilst in school and learned to take care of his siblings at a young age. He is a musician, writer, motivator to name few of his tittles. He performed in night clubs, parties, events and SABC 1 Expressions. He shared stages with AB Crazy, Oskido, Dr Malinga, DJ Zintle, Vukani and Sangria to name a few. We had a chat with this talented young man to hear more about his upbringing and how it moulded the person he is today. Could you kindly paint a picture of how your upbringing was like to me? My upbringing was very simple. According to my dad my mom was in a very critical state after she gave birth to me. The doctors said my mom could never get pregnant nor give birth, so for them my birth was a miracle. I had so much fun growing up. We’d go swimming in the rivers, go to the bushes to hunt wild animals, catch birds and go fishing even on rainy season. I was closer to my dad than my mom. Throughout my childhood, I witnessed my dad run around looking for my mom because she would sometimes get lost. It was painful to witness this and what made it more painful was hearing people in my community label her as a “crazy woman”. My dad was a builder so I spent lots of my time in the working sites he worked in, which is why I had a much stronger bond with him than my mom. The only time I enjoyed Christmas was in 1996.
24
June 2019
It was quite an experience, there was always ambulances and police cars roaming around. Just after my mom died I was introduced to relatives from my mom side. We were then taken from my dad, I was told that it was going to help us heal. My upbringing still feels like a dream, I can't balance my thoughts on it sometimes. I look back and try to find happy moments, but the only memories I find are of hunting, the bird killings, the mopani worm seasons, the marula season, and the fishing seasons with a group of other young kids. How did growing up in Pharaborwa mould the person you are today? My first experience with electricity was in 1997, just before I was taken to live in the urban areas by my aunties. Before electricity everyone had to fetch wood from the forest and make fire. We would go to school bare foot. That time we didn’t have even the basic luxury of watching TV, we walked a distance to go and watch TV at a house in our neighbourhood. That is when I fell in love with filming. We used to watch movies like highlander, Sinbert, Mr T etc, and I was so fascinated by all of these movies. I remember walking with sons of my father's friends one Friday night in 1996, going to watch Double Impact by Jean Claude Van Damme. That became my greatest motivation and knowing that there's a world out there and I knew I wanted to find myself there one day and become a great movie star. Having to experience what I that made me stronger than ever, and gave me strength to survive any condition.
Picture: Kingklip
You lost your parents while you were still in school, losing a parent is not an easy experience. How did that affect you and your sister schooling or learning? First we were taken by relatives that we never knew before, and that was in the middle of the year so we could not go to school until the following year. I had to be a gardener, a cleaner, a servant and that was the cruel part of my life because I was just a child. We constantly changed schools because we were passed from relative to relative, we were insulted and were told countless times that we are orphans. I was a smart and wise kid, but my school work was really affected by the situation. On the other hand I was entering pubertal stage so things were hectic.
I had reached a stage where getting higher results at school did not matter as long as I have passed a grade. I hope I am not prying too much, but I would like to know if you know where your sister is since you also had to stay in a homeless shelter Mess Foundation in Hillbrow. If yes how have you all healed from losing your parents? Yes, I now stay with my sister here in Johannesburg. Right after my dad passed away in 2007 she was taken by my mother's sister who lives in Soweto. We never healed but have accepted that our parents are no more. As I have mentioned before that we were taken away from my dad after my mom died, so in 2004 I decided to run away from my aunts’ house to go see my father. I never went back.
June 2019
25
My dad was sick and was diagnosed with prostate cancer so I had to take care of him. In 2005 I went back to fetch my sister from my aunts’ house because she was now doing everything I was doing there and it was too much for her. Together we watched our father go from bad to worse as the sickness was taking its toll. Every day we had to wake up, make breakfast, wash him and feed him before going to school. No relative was around us that time, he was an old man in his 70s yet he was very strong and have not aged much yet. He was going in and out of hospital until he told us to never take him to hospital again. Later on he lost his ability to walk, couldn't talk, he couldn't eat, and he couldn't move. He then passed away in 2007 December, I was in grade 11 that time and writing exams. We accepted before he even died because we saw the pain he was in. However we found our feet and his wisdom and philosophy is what we live by which played a great role in my belief.
You then enrolled to study Tourism. Do you think that you was going to be happy have you completed your studies and found a job in the tourism sector? I badly wanted to come to Johannesburg to pursue my dreams in the filming industry. I also wanted to be an MC and a presenter, anything that had to do with media but then my aunt didn't support all that. I then chose to study tourism, which was not my first choice because I had to respect my guardian’s wishes.
26
June 2019
Though Tourism was not part of my plans, I have no doubt that I was going to be happy working in the industry because I eventually devolved love for it. You have now established yourself as a music producer and rapper, music video director, song writer, script writer, and a motivational speaker. Which one of these offices is your first love? They all define who I am, however script writing takes lead. My biggest dream has always been to make the greatest stunt films in Africa. I'm very much of a fitness fanatic; I grew up doing martial arts and I am also into choreography, but I selfishly keep this all to myself. Tell me more about your musical journey. When did it all begin? I always loved music since childhood. I grew up listening to Tracy Chapman and Peter Gabriel, just to name a few. Singing was my hobby. My dad used to say that I take after my mom and apparently she could’ve been “a super star” if she hadn't gone through what she went through. My music journey began when I had to express myself deeper and as I recite my poetry in different emotions. I was told I'm rapping because I recited with a fast beat. I then recorded my first poem in 2011, which is when I started to realise that I could rap.
“I have no doubt that I was going to be happy working in the industry because I eventually devolved love for it.
”
Later on I started to connect with other rappers and poets. I found peace in music, it became my greatest healer and comforter. In 2015 together with my then colleagues we started a group and recorded our first single. It was my first time in a proper recording studio, we made few songs. In 2016 we started working with another record label in Kagiso and performed in different events, shows around Jozi. I started planning on opening a studio in 2018 as I've already gathered and created a market and enough database. In May with my partner Scorant we opened a studio and now we are recording in our own studio. I assume that you write your own songs. When writing a song do you include your personal experiences? Every musician’s first script or song is always based on personal experience no matter how much fantasy you want to put into the song. There's a period where one struggles with their reality and trends, relevancy and consistency. My main genre is hip-hop, and my personal experience will always be the drive no matter what the song is about or aimed at. On its own its self-motivation and other people also gets motivated.
“
My life experiences. I didn't want it to sound too touchy, too sad or pitiful. What inspired me more to write this song is where and how I grew up, my artistic abilities, the comprehension of my understanding in what it means to be an artist. And also being an event organizer for upcoming artists is important that my very first impression should inspire those who look up to me.
I found peace in music, it became my greatest healer and comforter.
“
Your first official song entitled Mampudu (meaning conqueror), what inspired you to write this song?
Picture: Kingklip
June 2019
27
What is the message that you wanted to spread across when you wrote this song? That it is important to embrace who and what you are. More importantly how and what made you all that you've become. It doesn’t matter what you’ve been through, what matters is always the finish line, "conquering". Looking at the world and how young people are conducting themselves in the music industry. Do you think that the music arena is being treated with respect by youngsters? It is arguable; I'd say the first ones (artists) didn't teach much but they just focused on making it in the music industry. It is also the same in politics. I can't say they don't respect or respect the industry because they do what they think is best which always reflects back to who they look up to. Not every young person is fortunate enough to be able to appeal to their inner strength or have power to motivate themselves to follow their dreams. What advice would you give to a young person who has lost hope and doesn’t have a support system? To be supported you need to understand what it means to support, you need to first learn how to support yourself. How much do you support yourself? How much are you giving support to others that makes you to expect support? How much work are you putting in your dreams to say they can see me or hear me? First you need to identify if really that is your dream. Do you really have what it takes to be it? My advice is that your destiny comes with a precious and priceless treasure, and that is you. Don't always depend on the way that is paved by others for you but make a way. Reflect back from time to time so that you don’t forget where you came from. Re-correct and reconnect with your greatest fears. You'll find your purpose, because your true dream is your purpose.
28
June 2019
Picture: Kingklip
Picture: Kingklip
untied
Beauty
Lets make you up 5 steps that will help you master your desired look Step 1 Using a small brush or sponge apply a light colour from your brow bone to the top of the fold of the eye. Step 2 Apply your medium colour eyeshadow from your eyelashes to just above fold of your eye. This will be the main colour of your eye. Blend your medium eyeshadow with the light colour where they meet. Using a thin brush and getting as close to the eyelashes as possible, apply a thin line under your eye.
Step 3 Using a thin brush, apply a dark colour eyeshadow very lightly on the fold of your eye. Apply this colour from the middle of your fold to the outer corner and fold to the outer corner and above your eyelashes. Blend the darker colour with a midium colour, giving the outer corner of your eye a darker shade. This can be a darker shade of your medium colour or a natural colour like brown or black. Step 4 Use liquid eyeliner across the top of your eyelashes and on the inside of your bottom eyelid to make your lashes look fuller. Step 5 Apply mascara form the base of your lashes outwards. For a dramatic look re-apply your mascara when the first coat is dry. Enhance
30
June 2019
untied
Beauty
BEAUTY TIPS
Tip#1 Leave the streaky makeup Alone! It’s time to invest in some waterproof mascaras, eye liners and concealer. Tip#2 Instead of buying creamy lipstick smeared on your face, try long-lasting liquid lipstick for a lightweight, yet seamless finish. Tip#3 Remove bikini rash with crushed aspirin. Aspirin contains salicylic acid that helps exfoliate and smooth bikini bumps quickly. Mix the crushed pills with honey and water to get rid of ingrown hairs and redness. Tip#4 Refrigerate a raw slice of potato and lay the sliced pieces on your eyes to get that fresh faced look after a long night’s party! June 2019
31
32
February 2019
u
ntied
Hair
Keep your Afro silky and soft
I
t’s has become a trendy hairstyle nowadays, and many women are ditching the weave to keep it natural. However, the effort that goes into growing and maintaining an afro can make being a naturalist a challenge. With proper maintenance, however, you can have the natural hair you’ve always wanted. Here are five ways to keep your afro soft and shiny: 1. Cleanse Wash your afro regularly, but not every day. Choose a shampoo that has enough moisturising elements in it to keep your hair hydrated. Opt for one that also contains natural oils. 2. Condition Choose a conditioner designed for thick and curly hair. Make sure you apply it all the way from the roots to the tips, to avoid hair breakage. After washing your hair, opt for a leave-in conditioner, to prevent your hair developing knots and to prepare the hair for styling. 3. Moisturise For a soft, shiny afro, keeping your hair moisturised is key. Proper moisturising begins with cleansing and continues through conditioning, hence it’s important to choose products containing coconut oil, shea butter, olive oil, castor or
jojoba. 4. Braid and wrap your hair at night Braiding your hair before going to bed locks in the moisture, and you won’t have to worry about leaching oils as you sleep. Wrapping your ‘fro with a silky scarf helps to protect your hair from breaking, and falling out. 5. Trim split ends regularly Split ends are common symptoms of hair damage, so cut them off before they spread and get worse, and ruin your hair’s health. Trimming your split ends regularly will strengthen your hair, and make your afro look thicker.
27
June 2019
33
untied careers
CHOOSING A CAREER WISELY
W
hen we are growing up we were often encouraged to become either a nurse, domestic worker, gardener, or a teacher, and that is all because the generations before us knew nothing else. It doesn’t matter which one you choose but you had to choose between these professions or you will not be taken seriously. The entire family will be packed with teachers and nurses and that was normal. But as time went by, engineers, administrators, technicians, journalists, arose. Parents’ no longer forces their children to study what they think is best for them but they support their kids in whatever career path they follow. Thinking about your future and the career you want to pursue? Well you have to think carefully on that one, you don’t want to end up doing something you hate. Some people choose their careers because they heard that there is tons of money in there. So that becomes their motivation to pursue that career. Some choose a career because it seems like an easy thing to do, and so they totally ignore that you need love and passion for what you do. Then when things don’t go as planned they become frustrated and full of regrets. Just a piece of free advice; choose a career that you makes you happy, don’t choose because you think you can make lots of money in it. You may not make the kind of money you pictured, and that will frustrate you and you will become an angry and unhappy being.
34
June 2019
Before you make a decision, do a selfintrospection. That will help you realise what you like and what you don’t like, what you tolerate and what you don’t.
You will also recognise your talents if you have already forgotten about them or unleash some hidden talents. Who knows? To me doing something you love and that which you are good at is more rewarding that a fat pay cheque from a career that makes you feel miserable. Remember that even Rome wasn’t built in one day so, as time goes your career will flourish and you could make as many money as you want. Attend career guidance workshops and find yourself a mentor, which is a step you should take after the self-introspection. A mentor will somehow help you make a right decision, they will not be dishonest with you and they know even more than you think you know. When choosing a mentor, choose one that is relevant to the career path you want to take. Just to rephrase what I just said; you need to sit down and conduct a self-introspection, get to know yourself once again. Realise your talents and gifts, consider what you love and not love, what you tolerate and what you don’t tolerate. Choose from what you come out with. Attend career guidance workshops and find yourself someone who will mentor you. This will make things much easier for you and it is rewarding.
untied careers What is a Public Relations Manager? The public relations manager job is a midlevel management role for someone with 68 years of experience in the field. PR managers create and maintain a favorable public image for their employer or client by communicating programs, accomplishments and/or points of view. Public relations managers are tasked with fielding media questions and pitching stories to the media, preparing media kits and organizing press conferences. In addition to writing press releases, they write speeches for organizational leaders, develop advertising and marketing communications material and prepare articles for corporate newsletters. Public relations managers also release information to counter negative publicity and handle crisis and emergency communications. In addition to overseeing full-time employees, PR managers might hire and manage freelance copywriters, graphic designers and others. They will also typically manage the public relations department budget. They typically report to the head of a unit/department.
We invite you to browse our jobs or submit your resume online today to get in touch with one of our talented recruiters. Skills and requirements of a PR Manager's Must be a confident communicator and presenter Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills Must possess excellent organizational and planning skills Have a full understanding of media needs and media relationships Be proactive, reliable, responsible and accurate with an attention to detail Possess the ability to keep information confidential Tactical understanding of all primary social media platforms Ability to work in high-stress environments, often for long hours A wide degree of creativity and latitude Self motivated with a positive and professional approach to management
Are you a PR professional who's looking for the next step in your career? Paladin Staffing specializes in connecting talent in public relations with great opportunities at top companies nationwide.
June 2019
35
u
ntiedfood
Gourmet Dinner Here is one of our absolute favourite gourmet dishes that you can make in your own kitchen that is guaranteed to be easy and delicious. Something you can truly impress your friends with. Ratatouille Over Creamy Polenta Ingredients: 2 large eggplants 1 red bell pepper 3 large Roma tomatoes 3 large zucchinis 1 onion 3 garlic cloves 1 sprig of rosemary Olive oil Salt Pepper Creamy Polenta: 4 cups polenta (you can find it in the maize meal isle) ½ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese 2 cups boiling water 1 tablespoon butter Salt Pepper
February 2019
25
February 2019
25
u
ntiedfood
Chicken Drumsticks And Vegetables In Mustardtarragon Sauce
Ingredients 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tsp. Kosher salt 1 1/4 teaspoons Freshly ground black pepper 4 small potatoes, sliced 1 red onion, sliced 1 lemon, sliced 3 cloves of garlic 8 large chicken drumsticks 3/4 cup dry white wine 1/2 cup heavy cream 1 tablespoon quick mixing flour 1 tablespoon coarse grain Dijon mustard 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped Asparagus chopped June 2019
39
u
ntied Financial advice
SPOIL YOURSELF BUT DO ITWISELY It is quite good to spoil yourself at times, to go out or go shopping. You get different categories of ladies which are: 1. Types of ladies who prefers to do shopping when they are stressed and they end up stressing more because they over spend without thinking. This is called impulse buying. 2. Type of ladies that prefer to go out and spend a lot when they are stressed. Even though they enjoy themselves, but later on they realise that they have spent a lot of money. This is resulting to regret. 3. Last but not least, you get the type of ladies that stick to budget no matter what. They do go out, they go shopping, and they never stress because they have budgeted for everything they have spent money on. Impulse buying is very bad because it leads you in more debts, stress, trauma and hunger. Tips on how to spend your mola without stressing afterwards Budget- You need to set yourself a budget list and that requires discipline and sticking to it no matter what. Note: you start planning from your pay day.
40
June 2019
Investment- It is quite good to have an investment and will definitely be an advantage to you. Knowing that you have your fixed savings, investment is very helpful because it trains you self control and obedience. day to day savings is also good because it will help you in terms of overspending so that you don't spend your draft. Feel good moment - Create a feel good moment by reading books, listening to inspirational stories or messages. Talk to a trustworthy friend or sister so that you don't go running to the shops and overspend cash that you worked hard for. That will save you from trauma, drama, stress and save you from dying young.
u
ntied wellness
Try Mindfulness exercises
W
ith a continuous river of responsibilities and work, it is very easy to forget the important things in life. In People have been focusing on meditation to improve their physical and emotional welfare. Mindfulness is the latest craze in the meditation world with many people in our communities embracing the practice. While there are many different ways to practice mindfulness, it ultimately means paying more attention to what’s going on inside and outside ourselves, from moment to moment. Here are two simple mindfulness exercises you can do, anytime and anywhere, throughout your day. Mindful Breathing Slow down your breathing, and breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Breathe in and out a few times, counting three seconds for your inhale, and then three seconds for your exhale. Try to clear your mind. Let go of any lingering thoughts, and put aside those things you still need to do today. Think only of your breathing. As you breathe in, imagine the pathway of oxygen travelling through your body.
Think of this oxygen as filling you with life and renewing energy. As you exhale, become aware of how your breath feels as it leaves your body, releasing its energy back into the world. Try this mind-calming exercise for one minute at first, and then build up to two to three minutes at a time. Mindful Awareness Think of something that happens every day that you take for granted. It can be a physical activity, an emotion or a recurring thought. The next time it happens, take a moment, and think about the activity. Think about where you are, what you are doing, and how you feel. For example, the next time turn on your computer, stop for a second. Appreciate the hands that allow you to turn it on, and the brain that knows how to use it. If you struggle with negative thoughts, you might try to take a moment to stop, label the thought as unhelpful and then release the negativity. Choose a different activity to focus on every day, to become more aware and more appreciative of simple, day-to-day tasks.
June 2019
41
u
ntiedspiritual EVERYTHING IS ALL RIGHT
"So she set out and came to the man of God at Mount Carmel. When he saw her in the distance, the man of God said to his servant Gehazi, Look! There's the Shunammite! Run to meet her and ask her, Are you all right? Is your husband all right? Is your child all right? Everything is all right, she said" 2 KINGS 4:25-26 By: Prophet K Tukwayo
I
am all in fascination by this story, it has literally changed my outlook on life and revealed to me the true extent of faith living. The Shunammite woman had done a great deed before the Lord by opening her house to the servant of God the Prophet Elisha and offered him an upper room to stay whenever he was in town. She actually asked her husband to make the man of God a room specially for the man of God. For that great deed God rewarded her with a gift she didn't ask for, a son she didn't have. One day the husband had taken the son to the fields in the reaping season. The son fell ill with a headache, so the father requested that he be taken home to the mother. The mother put him on the lap until noon, unfortunately the child died. Instead of preparing for a funeral or sending the child to the mortuary it is said that the woman went up and laid the child on the bed of the man of God and shut the door and went out. She went to the husband and said nothing about the child but asked him for a servant and a donkey to quickly take her to the man of God. When the husband questioned the purpose of the trip to the Prophet, her answer was , "It's all right" Can you believe this woman, her son has just died but what's coming out of her mouth is life. She rode to the man of God who also in shock noticed her coming from a distance and sent his servant Gehazi to ask her why she was there. Gehazi was told by the man of God to specifically ask if all in her family was all right, there goes the woman again saying "everything is all right," She believed for life therefore she was not going to confess death.
42
June 2019
Even when she got to the Prophet of God not once did she confess that the child was dead. The Prophet went with her because she refused to go without him, and ultimately through her faith the Prophet of God raised the young man from death. The level of faith that the Shunammite displayed is shocking. The woman didn't even tell her husband that the child was dead because she knew his level of faith was not the same as hers, the man was probably going to prepare a funeral and she was not ready to bury her child. Instead of taking the child down to the grave the woman took him up to God. How many of us take our problems up first before taking them down? How many of us take other people up instead of taking them down? How many of us confess death in our situations yet we expect them to get life? This woman intrigues me in the fact that from death till the child rose again she never even once said he was dead. When the husband asked she said, it is all right, when the servant Gehazi asked, she said everything is all right, when she got to the man of God, she never said the child was dead, death never came out of her mouth. I know we have been raised to say our problems, but this woman is teaching us that sometimes you do not need to say anything to anybody, but just take your problems to the upper room. When Dorcas died the widows did the same, instead of taking her to the grave they washed her body and took it to the upper room until Peter came and raised her up. There is something about the upper room. Therefore my brother my sister I tell you, "Everything is all right about me and my family" God bless you.
u
ntied Introvert.com
your flaws are the shadow of your strength am that shy girl, the girl that would sit at the corner and no one would ever notice. Paying no mind to anybody, minding my own business and enjoying my own space in every way I can. Attending my own thoughts, at the same time getting a nice view in observing human kind. Some people say I have pride some say I am self-centred, well a lot of people have a lot to say about me, but none has quite figured me out. No one knows that I am actually just a person who enjoys her own company. Like any other young woman I have flaws, and mine I learned to embrace. It took me time to except me for who I am, to enjoy me and feel beautiful. It took me decades to realize that other people's opinions matter, but sometimes they don't fit in on my personal journey. I learned that the only opinion that matters is mine and of cause the opinion of God. Not because I don't value other people's point of view but some things are just no longer for me. The ugly comments, the way people look at you, my God, that! When someone gives you that look, the look that " Hum, and then why you looking like that?� the look can be very depressive, but guess what? It doesn't matter. Oh yes, as I was saying that I too have flaws and having them doesn't mean that there is nothing I can be better at.
It doesn't mean you are less important or there are certain places you can't go to. But your flaws are the shadow of your strength. They carry you to the mall to do shopping, to your Yoga class and also goes with you to your plastic surgeon. No matter where you go they follow, always together like Simons twins or better your hip. Some of us tend to describe flaws as if it’s only a physical thing, focus more on the outward appearance instead of the inner man. In my opinion you can have flaws in different dimensions. They are your weaknesses, your mistakes and over all imperfections and believe me no amount of makeup can cover up those and not even your skin doctor can help you. You don't have to live with them they can be fixed but not with eyebrows and lipstick. They are your flaws and your flaws are a part of who you are, embrace them they may end up bringing you victory.
By: introvert.com
June 2019
43
DO YOU THE BEST WAY YOU CAN
I
t has been proven that you can never please everyone around you. What you enjoy and like is probably not the cup someone else uses for tea. You will find that there is that friend in our circle that forces everyone to do the things they like. Or that sibling who is an oppressor, if she hates vegies she forces you to also pretend that you don't like it so that mom could not buy it. We will also sacrifice ourselves for our jobs, our family and our friends and sometimes even for people we don’t even care about. I think that we do it because we think that we need some peripheral thing to make us treasured. Do you find that when you are talking to other people that you always say WE instead of ME? That is when you have sunk in deeply in the ship of the enemy and there is absolutely nothing a human hand can do to save you. When your friends have decided to go out and they choose for you which restaurant is nicest, without even knowing it they even choose what you will be having for dinner because what you want to order is not good enough. This also happens with your husband. Whatever he says goes and you even forget the things you adored. You end up thinking that your thoughts and opinions are not as important as you spouses. You sometimes find yourself going against your own moral compass and often end up in tears over it.
44
June 2019
Ignorance: you ignore the tiny voice in your head that is telling you that something is wrong? This is the big collapse in terms of losing yourself and your integrity. Sometimes you know deep down your heart that what you are doing is completely wrong but you ignore. Losing yourself in your friendship The ignorance is sometimes the result of fear, because sometimes we fear that we will lose our friends or loved ones, so we end up hurting ourselves to avoid the truth. We chose to keep shoving our heads in the sand and focusing on anything and everything else but what is really begging for our attention. The bad thing about shoving one’s head in the sand is that eventually you will start to suffocate and be forced to pull your head out and take a look around. You have to start to learn how to speak up for yourself before it is too late. Find yourself again, remind yourself what mattered to you before you met the people in your life now. If it’s your family that you find yourself trapped in between, you need to know what triggered the situation, find the root of the matter. When you are done, accept yourself the way that you are and they will have to do so as well. Teach them how to appreciate you, more importantly teach them how to treat you. They must know your heart, they must know that you are also your own person By: Introvert.com
Perseverance is virtue Teke’ Tayub Soni is a living proof that when you set your mind in something you will surely succeed. Though his journey was never easy, he never gave up on his goal to succeed. Learn more about him and his journey of starting an online radio station. For anybody who doesn’t know you, please introduce yourselves. My name is Teke’ Tayub Soni, I was born and raised on the mercy of the unknown, guess it’s better for me to say that, in South Africa but the heart feels African. I am the son of Anthon Soni and Betty Matla and I have 5 siblings. I grew up in Free State, Durban and most of my life in Gauteng. I have plenty kids, as I care for every little one I meet on the streets. What kind of child were you when growing up? My mom says I was very hard to raise. She says that I was a sickly child on my early days, as well as musical child growing up. My uncle had to buy me a Radio when I was 7. To add my mum said she had to find a solution to my troubling childhood days so she would turn on the Radio when I was crying and that will put smile on my face. I couldn’t go to the streets to play with other kids but I preferred to be on my own, sleeping. Did you ever thought that your life would be shaped the way it is today? No doubt about that, I always knew that I am unique. I also used to tease my classmate that telling them that I’m a “pretty boy”. Always the nonchalant guy.
Picture: supplied by Tek What are you most passionate about? Love. I end up loving wrong people. Not the romantic kind of love, but helping others around me and every one I meet who needs help. How did your love for radio begin? I guess the day my uncle bought me a Radio. What made you choose this career path?
I didn’t have to choose it chose me. I was born for this. Ask Glen Lewis. Hahahah! Tell me more about Fnote. How and when did the whole concept originate?
June 2019
45
When I was 15 years old I started a dancing group, and years later I tried music. I released an album but it didn’t go well. From there I told myself I’m like the F note in base guitar, you’ll hear me no matter what. I also started an art newspaper called Fnote News and also didn’t work out. What are the challenges of running the station and what have been your advantages? Coming up with change is never easy. Everything you try out might not work or may take time to simmer in another person’s heart. Personally, seeing my work and wishes being noticed. What have you learned about yourself through interacting with your listeners? I’m a kind person, I have too much love in me to give. When I love I end up losing focus on myself. Picture: supplied by Tek
We get our strength on different things and it may be our surroundings. So, who or what inspires you on daily basis? Every time I want to buy fruit I buy it from an old lady selling across the road. She sells fruits and vegetables every day in one spot and it really got to me. I asked myself why is she’s till there at the same corner if she wasn’t making much? She inspires me to keep doing what I love doing How can people tune in on to your show on Fnote 9127? It’s an online Radio so you have to log on our website (www.fnotemedia.com) and then you can also follow us on all social mediums. on calls 0832101977. info@fnotemedia.com. www.fnotemedia.com. fnotelive#twitter. 0822101977 on whatsapp. Fnotelive on facebook.
u
ntied Entertainment
Influence of Film
A
s a young person a lot of things get your blood pumping but nothing is as exciting as movies are. Imagine how as a young individual you would rush home just to watch the eight pm movie on Sundays, how you would watch with enthusiasm from start to finish, remember how you would be thrilled after your favourite actor has claimed victory in the finale of the movie as if you know them personally. Well apologies for blasting your bubble but with all that excitement movies can have a negative influence on young individuals mostly nowadays as young people are effortlessly persuaded. Television makes young people violent, due to the easily accessible to the violent scene by watching television. Violent scenes does not only contain aggressive behaviours but also include some inappropriate things like sexual images. When they are not protected from those scenes, they easily believe and tend to act like what the movies shows because they are not mature enough to see what true reality is. These kinds of images can make them believe that, that is something interesting and fun. Children and teenagers are in a stage of life were they want to be admired by their peers and would do anything to be admired. Movies distracts young people who need to concentrate on their school work. These days, there are so many of cable
channels that lure young children and take their attentions from their studying. Because young children lack self-control and deciding when to stop, if they start watching television, it is hard to stop and make them stay away from it and focus on what they are supposed to do. But television is not all bad. It can help change their behaviour and attitude for good. Most movies can have educational content that allows young people to learn and better themselves and also educational encourage children to try new things I’m sure along with everyone else you ask yourself if the parental guidance (PG) age restriction still works. Well to be honest it depends on the parents and how well educated they are on movies age restrictions. The saddest part is that some parents are not well educated and such lack of knowledge allows young people unlimited freedom when it comes to watching movies. To sum up, I understand there are many advantages of watching television and movies. People are able to release stress by watching movies and television has educational programs for young people. But you cannot deny that young people should have more time to play with others outside so that they can have interactions with them, and it is much better to read a book to gain knowledge. By Noluthando Higa
June 2019
45
ADVERTSISE HERE For all your adverts please call 078 7920 063 or drop us an email : sugarlme@yahoo.com We are also on facebook, our facebook page is Untied Magazine.
Connect your mind body and soul in what ever you do and you will see flames
