JANUARY, 2020, ISSUE 02
R U M B I D Z A I R U N G A N O S T A R E
W O R T H Y
R W E D U F A S H I O N
HAPPY
New Decade
editor's note Dear Reader, Step with me into the future for a moment. In five years’ time, for every mention of a Gucci or Fendi, a Will Smith or Johny Depp, you will get an equally passionate response for world-class African cultural brands. Why? Because at this point in time the dream to; WearAfrican, SingAfrican, EatAfrican, WatchAfrican, and AllExperience African will be a reality. Our mandate at taKOSHA! is to navigate you towards the emerging African cultural giants deserving of your attention and patronage. To put a spot light on people and stories from Africa who typically would never receive attention in mainstream media. Towards this end, in our second issue, we share with you the makings of a global African fashion house, whose rise is anchored by a strong and purpose driven woman. A lady whose life has thrown her into various situations, that have resulted in the beautiful evolution of a vision to touch the world from her design house out on the Zimbabwean farm lands of Hwedza. We also celebrate globally revered African cultural exporters, unravel the “revolutionary verses” of a celebrated word smith, explore a hidden African “pearl” and sate your senses with the wonderful tastes, sounds and sights of our rich continent. In our journey as a new magazine brand in the publication universe, we realise increasingly, how diligent our research team will need to be, offering up investigative journalism, as well as finding stories in places where most wouldn't dare look. Open these pages and join us as we discover more pioneering African vision bearers sharing our continent’s cultural renaissance with the rest of the world. Africa is NOW!
Tannia Ngwena EDITOR IN CHIEF
c o n t e n t s
0 8 AFRICA RECLAIMED African pride, language and culture celebrated through spoken word poetry. Discover the album ‘Nwa
1 8 CULTURAL QUOTE Get to know the meanings of cultural quotes and phrases or proverbs from our rich African languages.
Chukwu’ by Ndukwe
1 0 UP CLOSE &
PERSONALLY FASHION ‘People will stare, make it worth their while’ Rumbidzai tells us all about being a designer unrestrained by the stereotypes that follow any African child looking for a career in the
2 0 AFRICAN TRAVELLER Five things to do in Paarl. You and your loved one might have just found your Valentine’s destination. Check it out!
3 2 KA MEAL! Good food is a global thing and so
creative sector. are African dishes. Discover the
14
TAKOSHA! JUKEBOX Have you been following African Music? taKOSHA Jukebox features
other side of being a vegetarian.
3 6 PURE HEARTS & DIRTY
some of the best 2019 hits that made
VANS
your playlist worth repeating.
We caught up with a lucky fan who engaged in a celebrity charity
1 6 INTERNATIONAL EXPRESS
African Kings and Queens dining at the top of the world ,evolving into international powerhouses.Forward ever, backward never.
campaign.
3 8 WAKOSHA! Africans killing it. Make sure you do not miss out the shout out corner.
HANDMADE IN
Model: SIBO (Kenyan -Zimbabwean Rapper) Wearing Statement Neck Piece: Rungano Rwedu On Location At: Big Bass Entertainment Studios Styling By: Model self-styled Shot By: @HurstPhotography
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ON THE TOPI C OF RE C LAIMING OUR AFRI C AN IDENTITY WITH NDUKWE ONUOHA
Its been two long years since Ndukwe Onuoha gave Nigeria and the world 'Revolutionary Verses’. During his hiatus it turns out, the Abia State spoken word artist was busy working on another project 'Nwa Chukwu' inspired by issues to do with Igbo and African identity as well as individuality. For the production, Ndukwe enlisted the skills of Steve Babaeko while Marqaimixx handled the mixing and mastering. The feature list is a bit sparse with only three supporting acts making the cut namely iLL Bliss, Praiz and Maka. The project itself is potent and concise carrying only seven spoken word poems. Ndukwe's attention to detail means everything about the album has a deeper meaning and should not be taken at face value. Thus, the album art was directly inspired by Nsibidi an ancient system of writing that is now mostly forgotten.
Onuoha says "printing the album art in Nsibidi was a conscious decision whose aim was to remind Africans of their proud past while reawakening inside them pride in identifying as Africans." The Abia State University Alumni who studied History and International relations makes it a point to marry society's experiences with intellectual themes, for an eclectic mix of traditional instrumentation and conversational spoken word poetry that activates that part of one's brain dedicated to intense meditation. Thus, in this 7 piece discussion on Pan Africanism and cultural imperialism, he discusses the inferiority complex that has made Africans subservient to Western ideals and beliefs, all the while sacrificing their traditions at the altar of 'fitting in'.
"PRINTING THE ALBUM ART IN NSIBIDI WAS A CONSCIOUS DECISION WHOSE AIM WAS TO REMIND AFRICANS OF THEIR PROUD PAST WHILE REAWAKENING INSIDE THEM PRIDE IN IDENTIFYING AS AFRICANS." —NDUKWE ONUOHA "The reception to the project has been unexpectedly phenomenal," according to Ndukwe. This has seen him get a number of commissioned performances including a stage adaption of the project at the Lagos Fringe Festival. In February 2019 he took the stage adaption to the Lagos Theatre Festival. Thanks to this body of work and his daytime job as Creative Director of an Ad agency, the spoken word maestro has been invited to sit on the judging panels of several showcases among them; Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival, The Pitcher Awarxs, New York Advertising Festival, and AD Stars in Korea. He is definitely set to realise greater heights, and moves with wearing his African pride proudly on his Turban with the words: 'Traditional Values, Mama Africa and Cultural Identity' inscribed in Nsibidi FEATURE BY: SOPHIA MASANDU
Zimbabwean brilliance, packaged with love and inspired African heritage.
RUNGANO RWEDU FEATURE STORY BY DONALD "DODGER" MARINDIRE
Rumbidzai tells us all!
At 21 Rumbidzai Matemachani was living what many young Africans would consider a dream life. She had just earned an accounting and business degree from an American college and was working as a regional accountant for a top company in America. Job security, a competitive salary in that melting pot of culture, that nation widely considered the big brother of every other nation on earth, what more could a young professional want? For Rumbidzai all this was not enough however and her chief needs among them self-fulfilment and personal happiness were unmet not to mention the fact that she felt out of place working at a firm where she was the youngest stallion working with mostly old horses who no doubt had interests and tastes dissimilar to hers. That rebellious streak quite common in most creative geniuses saw her quit her job, pack her bags and fly into the great unknown for a bit of self-reflection and ultimately to charter a new course for her life. The safe and yet confining folds of the family cocoon were exchanged for the unknown, romantic yet dangerous shores of Italy where she quickly got to doing as the Romans do which ironically turned out to be very much in line with her passion. Unrestrained by the stereotypes that often follow any African child looking for a career in the creative sector (she had earned her stripes with that accounting degree, hadn't she?) Rumbie went back to school this time to study footwear and accessory making. Many of her accounting peers would have been surprised at how easily she dropped numbers for creativity but the two turned out to be interlinked plus her childhood had subconsciously wired her up for this very moment. She had always wanted to dabble in fashion and distinct memories of painting competitions she won as a young child are seared on her brain.
"People will stare. Make it worth their while."
While she admits most of her childhood was just a blank she remembers being in love with fashionable shoes, color and exotic hairstyles thus it’s not at all surprising that her journey ended up taking a creative turn that saw her study fashion and turning the company her mom founded into a creative powerhouse complete with a flagship store and warehouse. It’s been many years since that leap of faith but when we sit down with Rumbidzai we can’t help but take her back to that experience and ask her how it shaped her viewpoint of the world. She notes that contrary to popular opinion creativity business
and
education
are
actually
sister
disciplines who are very much interlinked. Legitimacy which is a currency not easy to come by is almost certain for one who went to design school (Kanye West and Virgil Abloh's stints at Fendi as interns attest to this) plus the knowledge gained is invaluable. Besides broadening one's palate on the materials to use, how to use them, branding, marketing and running a business are all taught at school which in turn widens one's vision and increases chances of sustainability. While, Rumbidzai enlightens us on the virtues of education we take the opportunity to ask her to explain to us in layman's terms what her job entails
Rungano Rwedu Factory and Studio Location: Hwedza, Zimbabwe Images Courtesy of Rungano Rwedu
The ever-humble super designer’s answer is not cocky, full of i know response we have come to expect from those we celebrate for their exceptional creativity. She softly explains that as a designer she feels her job is simply to create fashionable, unique, well made pieces that toe the line between fashion and art all in a bid to bring new trends and prettiness to the world to enjoy. Looking at some of the pieces she has designed over the years we gladly agree. As we go about the process of making sure her photoshoot for the magazine cover goes smoothly the conversation naturally turns to her own creative process. ‘It all depends on my general mood, the circumstances around me and the vibe' the soft spoken Rungano Rwedu honcho says.’ A lot of research goes into it before I sketch and develop multiple ideas which i ultimately merge to create a prototype that is both functional and wearable' she adds. When we quiz her further about research, she has nothing but praises for the world wide web. She tells us how the internet has made it easy to keep up with trends though she tells us she does not immerse herself too much into said trends and other people's brands. That way she does get inspired but maintains her uniqueness in a world that replicates with reckless abandon. That very uniqueness is as clear in her various collections as is the influence of mother Africa.
Models: Denim Woods, SIBO, Mussa Effect , and TanicJ (Music Artists) | Wearing Statement Pieces By: Rungano Rwedu On Location At: Big Bass Entertainment Studios | Styling By: Models self-styled | Shot By: @HurstPhotography
When we point out that some of her fascinators would make a Queen Lozikeyi proud she has an interesting interjection, ‘It’s not even a conscious decision' she says. ‘I am African to the core and just like Africa is made up of so much colour, so much texture, prints and patterns i believe my DNA has many layers with similar colours, texture and that has certainly found its way into my work.' Another integral part and inspiration in Rumbidzai's work has been her mother who founded Rungano Rwedu over a decade ago and remains an active pillar of the brand to this day. Rumbie says her mother played a major part in the panAfrican direction the brand has taken having vowed to create a national dress for Zimbabwe after visiting West Africa and seeing how people in that region are super proud of their African print and attire. These days Mama Rumbie (whose mother before her, and her mother's mother before that were all involved in fashion), acts as a director for Rungano Rwedu and Rumbie consults her on the regular on matters to do with finance, creativity and the general growth of the company.
When she mentions growth, we remark that growth could not have been easy considering the various challenges Zimbabwe has gone through this past decade. Rumbidzai agrees that the economic terrain in Zimbabwe is not the most agreeable but she reckons if one makes it here, they can make it anywhere. Furthermore, she says she is on a mission to show the world that one can create a Zimbabwean brand with international standards and take that brand global. ‘That is very doable' she adds 'Because working as a creative is now actually acceptable in Zimbabwe where previously stereotypes dictated that being a Doctor or Lawyer etc was the only way to earn a proper living.' We mention that the fact that a designer like her, that actually owns a factory and a shop might play a part in breaking stereotypes about the presumed superiority of white collar jobs and she indulges us with the story of how her workshop came about. At some point she moved with her now late husband to a farm in where she noticed a structure that was no longer in use.
'Because working as a creative is now actually acceptable in Zimbabwe, where previously stereotypes dictated that being a Doctor or Lawyer etc was the only way to earn a proper living'
Being the ingenious girl she is, she quickly got to
The Rungano Rwedu designer also mentions how
work renovating said structure into a work space in
being an introverted extrovert has sometimes made
which she could execute her creative ideas and bring
telling her story a bit of a drag which has made
them to life. With the help of her husband electricity
translating said story into a marketable brand true to
was installed as well as machinery necessary for
her an uphill task at times. Then there are issues of
manufacturing the various accessories and footwear
self-motivation and self-confidence, especially in the
that make up Rungano Rwedu. The local community
face of sceptics who tried to her Rungano Rwedu
soon swarmed the place looking for jobs and with an
would never work in a conservative society like
eye for the future she took down details of those
Zimbabwe. That she has an active clientele and is still
people who had potential but could not be employed
very much in business shows that she is not letting the
for some reason or the other for future reference.
challenges get the best of her anytime soon.
Those lucky enough to get a job at Rungano Rwedu
'People acknowledging my talent or saying they
have benefited from skills development besides
actually know about Rungano Rwedu. You guys from
learning the importance of good work ethics from
TaKosha reaching out to me those are wins' is what
Rumbie herself. She is the first to admit that her
Miss Matemachani has to say when quizzed about the
relationship with her employees has been mutually
wins in her life and work. Operating a full-fledged
beneficial. They have helped her execute her vision
workshop and a flagship store selling her products not
and improve her handiwork as well as playing a part
to mention completing orders and paying salaries on
in product development. She beams when she recalls
time in a turbulent economy are also undeniable wins
the time an employee supplied them with a
but Miss Matemachani is either too humble or too
generator during one of Zimbabwe's intermittent
polite to point out the obvious (after spending time
power cuts that have been the bane of industry for
with her we will go with humble).
so long.Having such a tight knit family around makes work worth it and is in line with Rumbidzai's vision of
She has no doubt achieved a lot in a few years but we
black empowerment and adding value to people's
are sure she wants to achieve more and Rumbie
lives.
agrees. She tells us about her dream to build a world
Any journey has it fair number of potholes
class factory with 600 employees all the while
threatening to derail the traveller and Rumbidzai has
growing her brand. She also wants to learn new
not been spared either. The loss of her husband in
cultures so travelling more is on her bucket list as is
June, that supportive pillar of strength has not been
further education both formally and informally. In the
easy on her. ‘He was a special man and I think I need
meantime, she wants to launch a new collection and
more time to grieve. I have managed to go back to
expose her brand to as many people as possible. All
work but I have not created something new in ages
this is no doubt doable for this strong independent
‘She is clearly pained by the topic so we quickly move on to other less painful challenges.
black woman who took Western knowledge of fashion and fused it with traditional African colours/patterns and experiences to create a brand
The economic terrain in Zimbabwe is an obvious challenge with its power cuts and ever changing prices which make sourcing raw materials as well as pricing finished goods a nightmare.
poised to go global while remaining true to the essence of her and her people. All this while expertly reshaping 'Her Story' from a personal narrative to 'Our Story' which is after all the very essence of her Rungano Rwedu brand.
FEATURES J
When it comes to your festive playlist, you can safely forget everything, except “Everything”!Black Motion, the production wizards from Soshanguve (Pretoria; South Africa), have conjured up yet another spell of sonic niceness; this time round titled, “Everything”.Co-starring on this mid-tempo Afro House jam, is no less than soulful crooner Afrotraction as well as Mo-T, the trumpettoting one third of Mi Casa.The result is a singalong tune that will slot in comfortably on radio, club dance floors, car speakers, the “compulsory” summer braai (barbeque) and no doubt, pumping through your personal earphones. Sound wise; simple yet sophisticated, is how I would sum up “Everything”.The catchy chorus is complemented by straightforward percussion and an easygoing, almost dreamy piano roll. Though renowned for intense tribal drumming, on “Everything” Black Motion toned down this trademark aspect of their sound.
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"Everything" - Black Motion featuring Afrotraction and Mo-T words by nyasha dhliwayo Rather “Everything” echoes the feel-good vibes, the multi award winning duo captured on “Rainbow”, their 2014 smash hit featuring the ethereal vocals of Xoli M. Production for “Everything” is precise and clean without being sterile and given the way Afrotraction belts out the lyrics, he sure proves he got the memo about keeping proceedings soulful.Mo-T gives the tune horns; literally! His trumpet provides enough sexiness and edge, without overpowering the track, as its more like the garnishing on a well-prepared dish.Black Motion have confirmed that “Everything” is the first release in a build up to the musos celebrating a decade in the industry.Given the manner in which the “Forward” and “Stop” buttons magically disappear each time I play this track, that release promises to be well worth the wait!
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Tamy Moyo Zviroto From the Southern African teapot shaped nation of Zimbabwe comes young diva Tamy Moyo with a brilliant offering titled zviroto (dreams). The song was produced by DJ Tamuka and it came complete with visuals by Director K Mane. The messaging of the song and its visual aesthetic fit hand in glove to weave a tale about the transformational power of dreams and belief in oneself. The VR equipment that transports Tamy from her bedroom to an alternative dreamy reality where young and old mingle to partake in culture drives home the undeniable power of dreams.Switching from sultry high notes to crispy raps Tamy narrates the story of a young girl who used to let herself down due to low self-esteem and self-doubt till she started dreaming higher, reigniting the fire inside and becoming her ancestors' wildest dream. Its not all about her though as young educated black Queens get a nod as well as responsible African Dadas and Mamas taking care of their own and nurturing the seeds essential for their children's dreams to blossom.
Kwesta featuring Rich Homey Quan Run It Up You have to hand it to Kwesta when it comes to owning his African heritage with pride. Whether he is performing live beyond South Africa's borders, or being interviewed on an international platform like Sway's Universe; the way he carries himself and his self-awareness screams South Africa and Katlehong (the South African township he comes from). Thus when he links up with American artists be it Wale, Rick Rozay or Rich Homey Quan, he makes sure that their collaborative work represents South Africa thematically and visually to a point. For his latest in a string of exceptional international collaborations;Â Kwesta linked up with Typa Way hitmaker and Rich Gang alumni - Rich Homey Quan for a groovy track titled 'Run It Up'. In keeping with tradition and to spread the gospel of 'exchange of culture' Kwesta made sure the video was shot in South Africa. Kwesta and Rich Homey trade bars about the come up with Rich Homey Quan also handling chorus duty. Kwesta brings out the whole hood and those gusheshes (BMW) South Africans love so much, not mention a couple of goats for a feel good tour of Mzansi Africa that even has Rich Homey crooning 'Pethi Izinja'.
CULTURAL QUOTE FOR THE ISSUE:
"KIDOLE KIMOJA HAKIVUNJI CHAWA" Bantu Language - Swahili (from East Africa) English translation: A single finger does not break a louse. By coming together, collaborating, and working in unison towards a shared goal and vision, we truly can achieve more and go farther.
INTERNATIONAL EXPRESS:
CREATIVES TAKING THE AFRICAN EXPERIENCE GLOBAL W R T I T T E N
B Y :
D O N A L D
When urban philosophers Future and Drake coined the term 'What A Time to Be Alive' the African global renaissance was still in its infancy but that statement still captures the
general
mood
of
Africa's
placement on the global creativity index. In 2019 with everybody's second cousin utilising the digital streets to connect with the rest of the world the planet has shrunk into
one
village.
interconnected
global
" D O D G E R "
M A R I N D I R E
Africa has not been left behind with a lot of African Kings and Queens dining at the top of the world
and
evolving
into
international powerhouses. From collaborations,
residencies
at
Europe's
clubs
to
top
not
mention featuring on the world's top
platforms
provided
its
fair
Africa number
has of
passengers on the International Express.
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SHO MADJOZI Wearing her Tsonga roots like a badge has made it easy for Sho Madjozi to stand out from the crowd in an industry that often rewards tediousness and monotony. Colourful braids and even more colourful traditional Tsonga skirts with matching socks plus fast paced Tsonga Raps landed Sho Madjozi on the Colors show with a viral hit titled John Cena. The song was always going to go viral, its that catchy but much like the man its named after we couldn’t see the extent to which it would propel Sho's brand internationally. John Cena danced to the song on The Ellen Degeneres' show before using the song as entrance music for a wrestling event and surprising Sho Madjozi on the Kelly
Clarkson
show.
Can
anybody
spell
international flex more clearer? We think not?
DANAI GURIRA Born on the 14th of February 1978 in the United States of America to Zimbabwean academics based there it was always clear that international and Danai Jekesai Gurira would live side by side for aeons. The accomplished actress, activist and play right literally lives on the covers of major international publications and television screens in billions of homes the world over. In her decorated career she has played Tupac's mother in the Tupac biopic, starred in AMC's The Walking Dead, Black Panther, Avengers besides writing scripts for Broadway plays. You would think that’s enough for one mortal but she also finds time to dabble in Humanitarian work and such has been her impact that the United Nations appointed her Goodwill Ambassador while CARE recently gave her the Impact Award for Global Equity. With this much success and a string of awards (Tony Award,People's Choice Award,NAACP Image Award among others) she has not forgotten her African roots constantly shouting out the motherland and visiting her home country for various initiatives like Anti-Poaching campaigns and girl child empowerment drives. Talk about Black Girl Magic.
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burna boy Oluwa Burna has the unique ability of making songs that can turn any club upside down before calmly switching to a Fela Kuti-esque consciousness ripe with message. In recent years he has grown from the guy Aka used to utilize for dope hooks to an African Giant who flatly told Coachella to respect his brand and use the correct caps on his name or he wouldn’t perform. Since then he has released a critically acclaimed album, sold out tour dates for his African Giant tour worldwide all the while doing the Thanos collecting awards ranging from a BET to an MTV EMA like infinity stones. At the time of going to press Burna Boy has added Grammy nominee to the list of his incredible feats in 2019, now thats an African Giant for you.
trevor noah Any self-respecting list of African go getters conquering the world wouldn’t be complete without Trevor Noah's name. After years of entertaining us with rib cracking jokes the son of Patricia was handpicked by comedic icon Jon Stewart to replace him as the host of the daily show on Comedy Central. Trevor settled right in charming America and indeed the world with his unique brand of cutting edge satire touching on societal issues bedevilling America. For a lad 'Born a Crime' in Apartheid South Africa a few decades back that is no small feat. Critical acclaim, awards galore,
oversubscribed
standup
shows,Netflix
specials plus a New York Times best selling book have followed as has a Grammy nomination to South
Africa's
Mandela.
greatest
export
after
Nelson
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Nothing quite creeps me out like cloying service
Something out of a James Bond
staff, who come off as being on the payroll of some
movie…
Rockets Bryanston
second-rate intelligence organisation!
Review by:
With a good mood established and deciding on a
By Nyasha Themba Dhliwayo
nice cosy spot to settle in, it was time to actually get
What does a restless pilgrim get up to on a mildweathered evening, mid-week in the City of Johannesburg?This one definitely was not going to twiddle his thumbs and flip TV channels!So, a quick phone call to the social royalty of Africa’s leading
to experience what all the fuss about Rockets was all about.Already stuffed with a prior sumptuous home-cooked dinner, we politely declined the food menu and opted to explore the drinks one, which was proffered promptly.Now I’ve established a
metropolis, came up with a short list of prospective
tradition where if I visit a restaurant or pub, I’ll
places of leisure.Rockets, the rather peculiar name
sample their house specialties, whether it’s their
of one particular venue in the suburb of Bryanston,
food or drinks menu, so my eyes automatically
came up on every “must-go-to place” list.The
zoomed to the craft beers section.You can only have
Afropolitan socialites had spoken! Bahle “Hlezz”
so many Mojito’s, Long Island Iced Teas and other
Moyo, a good mate of mine, whom I refer to rather
standard giggle juice combos after all!
cheekily as the “Mayor of Bryanston” rated the favourable
My waiter assisted excursion saw me navigating
recommendation, Lebo and Tshidi - my hosts - and
from designer ale and eventually settling for
I took off for destination Rockets.
Rockets signature cocktail, interestingly titled a
spot
quite
highly.
On
his
“Rockets Starburst”. Coming with the lofty On arrival at the multi-storied venue, the staff
reputation of being their “best seller for the better
were warm, welcoming and attentive in a none
part of eight years” this fusion of Bacardi, Smirnoff
“Gestapo” type manner.
vodka, bubblegum and orange did not disappoint.
THERE'S A CONSTANT NOISE OUTSIDE NEVER SILENCED AT NIGHT AIN'T NO WAY TO HIDE FROM THE CITY LIFE
CITY LIFE \\ ROCKETS BRYANSTON
As the evening wore on, I eventually had two, or is it three or four more…You catch my drift! The ladies settled for more familiar cocktails.By now the other buzz going on was the increasing numbers of a largely young trendy crowd. On rotation was a set of DJs whose fare pretty much was the throwback R’n’B and Hip Hop of the early to mid-2000s. This got us reminiscing about the days of DVD vs Blu Ray, when Jah Rule was “the” man and fashion calamities like doo rags held sway tsk tsk.Rockets overall sensory experience is its standout strength.It speaks of being well thought out and curated.There’s just something reassuring and serene about how they have balanced hanging plants, leather couches amidst strategically placed elements like a bookshelf and marble floors. A visual sweet spot between old-world class and modern-day sensibilities expressed in glass and chrome.Shall we say an intersection between the dashing adventurousness of Indiana Jones and the feel of a post 2000 James Bond movie.
That being said, the inevitable bathroom break invariably always reveals the real nature of a pub or restaurant. Sticky floors, surly bathroom attendants, faulty faucets and other bathroom downers all pierce the glamour of any venue. When nature summoned, I’m glad to say that none of the above were in effect at Rockets. As the clock ticked towards midnight, a shift in the vibe took place quite gradually.In addition to a now sizable crowd, the burly DJ who assumed the decks could have been an extension of his Hiphop spinning predecessors, except the from the first track, he unleashed some serious Amapiano tunes! Now to the uninitiated “Amapiano” is a South African sub-genre of House Music birthed in Pretoria. It blends the melancholy sounds of Deep House, with the thumping basslines of Gqom interspersed with the jazzy, soulful sound of a piano.Mr Amapiano was not the “push buttons while I text bae” type of DJ; he was clearly into his set and transmitted his energy to the crowd.He swayed rhythmically, sung along passionately and definitely made a case for giving the man a Bells! Unfortunately, my two left feet rarely, if ever, cooperate, but in my upper body did the most, as all of a sudden everyone was humming and dancing along.I didn’t ask for ID, but one of my hosts must have been Cinderella, as she insisted on leaving before midnight. Something or the other about work the next day!So, thus concluded an evening well spent at Rockets Bryanston.Curiosity always drives this particular cat to find out the key personnel behind successful venues.In this instance, Sean Barber, a respected Johannesburg restaurateur, is the mastermind who built the establishment from dream, right up to formidable lifestyle brand.If you’re ever up that particular neck of the woods, popping into Rockets Bryanston, is an idea worth exploring Don’t forget to have a “Rockets Starburst”; or two, or three or more!
love, plurality, and culture EXPLORED
ENJOY!
IN
"NDOENDA"
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Exploring the Pearl of the Winelands: Five things to do in Paarl
WHERE TO GET THE BEST VIEWS FOR THE BEST LANDSCAPE SHOTS! BY DJ LUSANDA
When adventuring in places unknown, we’ve always preferred ditching Google Maps and getting “lost” in a new place. That or linking up with a local for a hand-held exploration.Who better to take us on a guided tour of Paarl in the Western Cape, than Lucinda Roux, the Paarl born and bred DJ known to many as DJ Lusanda. “This place is beautiful and has a rich culture and amazing people,” asserts the spinstress. DJ Lusanda, who has featured on most major South African urban stations as well as been a guest at the revered Red Bull Studio, shares with us how the Western Cape’s peek into paradise got its name. “Paarl is the third oldest town in the country and its name is derived from the word ‘pearl’. “On occasion the sun reflects off the water running over Paarl rock and the rock face glistens like a pearl,’ Lusanda elaborates. It’s on this colourful description that she proceeds to take us on a hands-on, non-touristy venture into Paarl.
1. Picnic at the Afrikaans Language Monument
2. Hiking up to Paradise The Krom River hike is ideal for a hot summer's day. This hike is really worth the time and effort and a total magical experience when you do it for the first time. You walk all along the river and if you get too hot, you can stop and take a dip and then boulder hop along.During the hike you cross two rivers, the Molenaars River and Krom River. Paarl is a valley, so when you then reach the top of the hill you get to view the amazing mountain range. The beautiful Cape fynbos later turns into a magical forest as you approach the first pool and the first waterfall.For the brave and fit, you can then climb further with chains and then you reach what looks like paradise. Literally a wow moment!A majestic waterfall and this huge pool, I mean really huge. There are cliffs you can jump off into the pool as well. I haven’t braved that yet!
This is probably the most iconic symbol in Paarl. You can almost see it from anywhere in town because it is situated on Paarl Mountain. It was built in 1975 as a symbol of acknowledgement to all the other languages that influenced the Afrikaans language. Besides it being a fascinating architectural feast for the eyes, the views from this spot are amazing. From here you can see Table Mountain, Stellenbosch Mountains, and the Drakenstein mountains. The gardens are beautiful and one can grab a picnic basket at the local restaurant and have a lazy afternoon on the grass overlooking Paarl. You can also see Paarl Rock which is the second largest granite outcrop in the world. They also host full moon picnics and concerts during the summer at this popular tourist destination
3. A Walk in the Park
4. Wine, Wine and more Wine! You cannot enter and exit Paarl without visiting at least one of the many prestigious wine estates. is called the “Pearl of the Winelands” and its wine route is the second oldest in the country. My top five in no particular order would be Spice Route, Fairview, Laborie, Nederburg and Pearl Mountain. In Wellington, our neighboring town, Diemersfontein and Val du Charron are my top picks. Spice Route and Fairview offers a variety of a taste experience which includes wine, craft beer, craft gin, grappa, artisan chocolates, goats’ cheese and ice cream. All these estates are historic and scenic views are spectacular. Truly a beautiful place I was born in, with some of the best wines in the world.
There is a botanical garden called the Arboretum, which has a collection of trees from six of the seven continents in the world, excluding Antarctica. It hosts about 650 species totalling a collection of approximately 2500 trees and it’s built along the banks of the infamous Berg River. This is one of my personal favorite places to visit in my hometown and it does not cost a cent to visit. It’s truly a must see and it’s best to go with a local. I usually take a jog with friends or a walk with my dogs when I visit there. The garden is beautiful throughout every season of the year, but my personal favorite is during autumn when the colors of the leaves turn red, yellow and brown. It is a quiet and peaceful place where you can truly unwind and catch a fresh breath. An interesting fact about this place is that they shot a Hollywood movie called “The Giver”, with Meryl Streep and Jeff Bridges, here a few years back.
5. Night Life I’m hardly in Paarl at night over weekends due to my gigs, so my favorite way of spending a night in Paarl is a basic braai at home with family and friends. However, the local tshisanyama (open fire grill) in Mbekweni called Chippa’s Place; this is a lekker hangout for braaivleis (barbecued meat)and good music. To dance, locals go to a club called Funky Buddha to get their groove on. Vibing at restaurants is also a popular night time activity and Copper Club recently opened their doors and is soon becoming the place to be seen at. The most popular bar in Paarl would definitely be Bossa, always a vibe and familiar faces there. It’s also a good idea to be on the lookout for festivals happening in Paarl, if you want to do something fresh and unique.
C LEAN
EATING WE TALK TO A YOUNG AFRICAN WHO CHANGED THE WAY SHE EATS By Nyasha Dhliwayo
M
eat and Africans is a combo as timeless and unbreakable as that one nosy aunty and gossip, elderly village uncles with frothy calabashes of opaque bee, one's dad and the television remote etc.
Whenever something important happens be it births, visits, deaths, traditional marriage ceremonies nine times out of ten a plump rooster or cow is likely to meet its demise and end up in the bellies of appreciative gluttons (we should know our relationship with meat is stronger than the walls of Jericho). As such the vegetarian lifestyle has not had as many takers on the continent chiefly because misconceptions about a non-meaty diet are many, and up until now, information about what it means to be a disciple of that lifestyle was extremely scarce. However as dietary norms evolve and our culinary tastes expand beyond the mundane and 'safe' dishes handed down to us by ancestors long gone, many young Africans have let go of their meaty ways and embrace the vegetarian lifestyle for a variety of reasons chief among them being issues to do with health. We linked up with Ancient Sun Goddess an African based in the diaspora who describes herself and lifestyle choices as Afro-Bohemian. She has been a vegetarian since 2007, we sat down with her to gain a little more insight on her lifestyle and try out her favorite dish which she swears will make us kiss those pork chops and chicken thighs we love so much goodbye.
Rice, with peanut butter and tofu curry FEATURE CHEF: Ancient Sun Goddess [30] NATIONALITY: ZimbabweanMalawian Dietary: Vegan Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes Servings: Four (4) People
INGREDIENTS 1 cup roasted peanuts 2 Tomatoes diced ( About a cup and a half) 1/2 medium onion 1/2 sliced (1/2 to be blended) 1 teaspoon curry powder 1/2 inch cube ginger 3 cloves garlic 1 sprig Parsley 3 basil leaves 2 cups water 2 Tbsp canola oil salt/ pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS Heat oil in a medium sauce pan. Saute onions for about 2 minutes add curry. Then add in tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes Blend peanuts into a smooth paste. Add 1/2 cup of water, mix well until creamy. Add into pan, with 2 additional cups of water. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 20 minutes until foam clears from the surface, stir occasionally. Blend basil , parsley, ginger, garlic and onions. Add into skillet and continue to cook for about 5 to 7 more minutes. (You can add tofu now, or serve it over sauce) Season to taste and serve over rice.
ASK THE GODDESS Our Vegan Goddess, answers the questions you have all been dying to ask a vegan! Meat has a distinctive taste and texture... Don't you miss that? Not
at
all,
I
have
been
vegan/vegetarian for the past 9 years. I don’t miss consuming meat as I felt that some of the meat options were very unhealthy for myself considering some of the modern methods of rearing the meat. Since taking up a vegetarian lifestyle, why, if any, physical changes have you noticed in your body? I have actually maintained a constant weight however I have had times were my diet was lacking the required iron intake. The solution was to supplement with some vitamin and iron capsules. How do you liven up your veg based dishes
so
that
become monotonous?
they
don't
I follow the Japanese Bento method of
There's
a
whole
debate
among
serving so this gives me leeway to be
athletes and highly active people that
very creative with my fruit and veg
a vegetarian diet cannot provide their
dishes. You should check it out.
protein needs adequately. What's your take?
Some vegetarians eventually move on to become vegans... Are you likely
Unfortunately, a harmful counter-
to go this route?
myth
I have already taken this route, I was
vegan/vegetarian world; that plant-
vegetarian for the initial 6 years and
based foods are so loaded with protein
vegan for 3.
that vegans/vegetarians need never
has
arisen
within
the
give the topic a thought. That’s an Some places are not vegetarian
unreasonable belief that has set a lot
friendly in terms of variety...
of vegans up for inadequate protein
How do you ensure that your dietary
intake, even if they’ll never be
needs are met in such places?
hospitalised for deficiency. Protein is a
I actually tend to order the salad
vital nutrient and falling short of your
option however I find it very difficult if
needs is harmful in a variety of ways.
some of the restaurants do not offer a
So it’s worth making sure you are
vegan meal at all. I always try and
incorporating several rich sources of
avoid going to these places. Because of
protein into your everyday diet. Here
this, I usually end up having to cook
are some protein-rich vegan foods
and enjoy my own meals at home.
that will help ensure your needs are met:
Sweet Potato & Butterbean Curry by @madeleine_shaw_ Image Courtesy of @veganbowls on Instagram.
"The switch to vegan is far easier than people imagine. All you have to do is focus on crowding out animal-based foods rather than cutting them out. As for me the vegan route just appealed to me for me to adopt a healthier lifestyle." - Ancient Sun Goddess beans, nuts, tofu, quinoa, tempeh, and soya milk. That can mean using nuts, seeds, or gomasio as a garnish. In the initial stages did you have any temptations to "relapse" back into eating meat? I slowly cut out meat out of my diet over a period of
What is the difference between a vegetarian, a vegan and a
time so there were no relapsing that I experienced.
plant-based diet? Some people eating a plant-based diet may choose not to eat meat and animal products for various reasons. A vegan diet excludes all meat and animal products (meat, poultry, fish, seafood, dairy and eggs), whereas a vegetarian diet excludes meat, poultry, fish and seafood.
03 Miso Carrot Soup by @madeleine_shaw_ Image Courtesy of @veganbowls on Instagram.
Vegan Jackfruit Tacos by @foodpassionical Image Courtesy of @veganbowls on Instagram.
PERFECT TIMING, PURE HEARTS AND DIRTY VANS BY DONALD DODGER MARINDIRE In 2019 Gemma Griffiths went from that pretty white lass whose covers we loved to full fledged superstar. Her duet with Winky D gave lovebirds the soundtrack for Valentine's day and she single handedly made 'Imajeni' a staple in many a Zimbo's regular conversation.And who can forget how she had us rocking dirty vans after pictures of her owning that particular look went viral online.Being the sweet soul she is she decided to use that notoriety for good by auctioning her beloved Vans with proceeds going to charity. After the bidding process which took place on Instagram (long live the digital kids) Lionel Takawira the owner of Distinctive Purveyor Ltd emerged the winner and that could easily have been the end of the story. However subsequent conversations between Gemma and Lionel revealed they are both passionate about charity and helping out the less fortunate. While the loot from this particular auction went towards a charity that helps young girls with free pads grounds for future collaborative charity work have been established and the two plan to champion philanthropy on a bigger scale not just in Zimbabwe but even continentally. Speaking to TaKosha Magazine the UK based Lionel said he had been a fan of Gemma from the jump watching her career grow by leaps and bounds over the years. As such he needed no convincing to take part in her vans auction seeing as he loves giving back to his homeland, having seen first hand the good that comes from lending a helping hand to humanity through his mother's charity work. The father of two says he has been in talks with Gemma and the two will definitely work together more in the near future to bring smiles to souls whom life has not be so kind to. As if we didnt have enough reasons to love "Mambokadzi" Gemma, Imajeni!
new year & the love season
love is
better
shared
with family
"I hope you don't mind that I put down in words how wonderful life is while you're in the world."
- Elton John (Your Song) #ThatsLove
wa
KOSHA!
"MAY EVERY LITTLE GIRL WHO WITNESSED THIS MOMENT FOREVER BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF HER DREAMS, AND MAY THEY SEE THEIR FACES REFLECTED IN MINE."
NAME: ZOZIBINI TUNZI AGE: 26 LANE:Â MODEL CAREER HIGHLIGHT: MISS UNIVERSE 2019
HANDLE: @zozitunzi COUNTRY: SOUTH AFRICA,
C O N T R I B U T E j o i n  o u r
c o n n e c t e d
t e a m
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