www. ku lc h a magaz ine.co.z a w w w . k u lc h am agaz in e .c o .z a
JUNE - JULY 2014
AFRO GLITZ & GLAMOUR
AFRO
FA S H I O N Explosion
Durban July Africa Music KULCHA LIVE AT THE 2014
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Improving Lives, Building futures
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Africare is a Four-Star Rated, African-American founded development organization that improves the quality of life of people in Africa. More than 95% of our project sta are African By working as partners, Africare helps local populations build sustainable, healthy and productive communities. 16 Stewart Drive, Berea, East London PO Box 19003, Tecoma, East London, 5214, South Africa Phone: +27 43 721 2168 Fax: +27 86 556 4544 "To find out how you can help support us or get involved, visit our website"
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CONTENTS June/July
2014
COVER STORY
18. One on One with Yvonne Chaka Chaka
18 COLUMNS
22
12
SPECIAL EVENTS
KULCHA FASHION 10. Gele
22. SATMA Awards
12. African Beads
32. Africa Magic Viewer Choice Awards (AMVCA) 30. Vodacom Durban July 36. Soweto Fashion Week 38. Channel O AMVA
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EDITOR’S NOTE
This is an official welcome to the celebration through Kulcha Magazine, where you- Africa, constitute the heart of the magazine. In our debut issue, we are honoured and privileged to start this journey with an icon, world-renowned Singer/songwriter, businesswoman, activist, role model and mother; Princess of Africa - Yvonne Chaka Chaka in sharing her inspirational story. With our focus on afro fashion and culture; we feature our AfroStreet photo spread to highlight the importance of promoting our designs. Travel through the continent to take a closer look at the beauty, symbolism and messages shared through the simple adornment of distinct African beads and the crowning of a West African woman with the Gele. We bring you Red Carpet highlights from major events on the African calendar which include The Vodacom Durban July, Soweto Fashion Week and the Channel O Africa Music Video Awards.
I celebrate the realisation of God-given purpose and ideas in the masterminds behind these inventions man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.” – George Moore... Many have concluded a sad case for Africa, probably the richest continent in its natural deposits and yet the poorest in its output. The flowers in our own garden often either wither from neglect or struggle to bloom amidst the foreign unfamiliar implants; to where we barely recognise the tune of the songs sung by birds in our trees, with our sense of smell compromised by trying to keep up with the latest reproduced fragrances. Even in our personal voyages, we journey in pursuit of happiness looking at the external, instead of searching for the joy that already exists within us. Well, the shift starts from within. By diligently and gratefully taking inventory of the assets in our inheritance, we soon realise they far outweigh our liabilities. Restoring the pride in our heritage through the daily exercise of practising a moment of stocktaking, noting the detail in our creativity paired with our unlimited passion for colour, flamboyant patterns, our innate rhythm in music and movement, our languages, our unique stories, our values, our cuisine, our incomparable landscape, oh how we have much to be thankful for.
Every moment and level of involvement in the Kulcha Magazine project has brought me joy and new found sense of pride that myself and the team wish to share with every African. I rephrased St Augustine’s quote in saying let us wonder at the heights of our own mountains, at huge waves of our seas, at the long course of our rivers, at the vast compasses of our oceans and at the circular motion of the African stars, so as not to pass by ourselves without wondering. We thank all our contributors, from wardrobe stylists to makeup artists for their amazing work on all the spreads; and we thank you the readers for taking the time to check this new magazine and showing support. Send us an email at : editor@kulchamagazine.co.za and let us know how Kulcha Magazine can be of service to you and the community at large. Proud to be an African.
Enjoy this issue of Kulcha Magazine!
Thando Lekoane Editor in Chief
www.kulchamagazine.co.za / Kulcha Vol.001 / Issue 1 / 5
Afro Fashion Show
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.................................................. For Enquiries & Sponsorship email: info@kulchamagazine.co.za
My desire was to publish an African magazine for Africans and create a forum where Africans’ depiction of its continent would be presented to the world. Kulcha will be in the forefront of celebrating Africa and African achievers worldwide. Bi- monthly, we have committed to serve our continent, by producing meaningful and inspirational features and news in areas that embrace and celebrate the African's diverse accomplishments and aspirations in all spheres, from fashion to the arts, music to lifestyle, entrepreneurship to parenting, beauty to culture, empowerment, and much more. This is more than a select magazine, it’s a demonstration of trust, faith and hope; it is more ULCHA S MAIN FOCUS IS THE than just good taste, Kulcha is the real African lifestyle; it is more than just images, but a window CELEBRATION OF FRICA into personal moments of engagements, exchanges, encounters and life changing have breathed, lived, dreamt, and endured turn-arounds. Journey with us. late nights as well as early mornings over this project for over four years. To say that I am merely proud of this debut issue would be the Jeff B. Alemide and Publisher understatement of the millennium! I want to Founder publisher@kulchamagazine.co.za especially welcome you to a world of afro glitz and glamour. I will use this medium to Would you like to see your wedding day appear say a big thank you to my team; all those in an exclusive feature in our next issue? Fill in the Form below and stand a chance to be have made contributions along the journey towards the next celebrity couple making this a reality. My desire was to publish an African magazine for Africans and create a forum where Africans’ depiction of its continent would be presented to the world.
K
'
A
!
ENTRY FORM
Kulcha's main focus is the celebration of Africa, which is its core value; hence this first edition rolls out with an icon; South Africa’s award-winning artist, Yvonne Chaka Chaka a.k.a Princess of Africa on its cover. This first issue is uniquely packaged to show the spirited dreams my team and I have carefully nurtured. With clear pictures and well-crafted prose. this magazine voices that Africa is far more than the war and disease often depicted; rather that we have creative and brilliant minds, strong-willed businessmen and millions of groundbreakers and change makers who through sound education and hard work; live well, make a difference and celebrate life. Kulcha unravels a treasure chest of Africans who are not only fashion and style conscious, but influential, affluent and positively contribute towards making this great continent a better place.
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MISSION STATEMENT
Kulcha Magazine is committed to being a platform to profile positive attributes and values of African artists, designers, and well-known figures who represent African artistic vision, who can further encourage and help identify support structures in the market place. Kulcha Magazine is an information vessel about latest African trends, glorifying African beauty and artistic principles in everyday business and encourages international recognition of African ingenuity.
VISION
To be the leading afro publishing media house in Africa To be a pan-African magazine uniting the continent through print media To identify and celebrate progressive Africans globally
Kulcha Krew Founder & Publisher Jeff B. Alemide
Editor-in-Chief Thando L ekoane
Head of Communication Cliiffson Yves Fokousop
Cover Photography: Derby
Advert & Marketi ng Lihle Gugu Xasa
Sales Team
Sandra Sholayan Themba Lekoane
Contributor
Mo-Opeyemi Ajetunmobi (Niger ia)
Photography
Asi-B films Kola Oshalusi (Nigeria)
Graphics,Design & Layout Marius Mbaziira (mariusm@aidah.co.za)
Yvonne Feature Team
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Interview: Jeff Alemide & Thando Lekoane Media partner & Photography: Asi-B Films Hair stylist: Bheki Ngubeni Make up: Tshegofatso Kungwane Dress: Rich Couture & African Attraction Hemingways Kulcha Magazine is owned and Published by Kulcha Xchange Media (Pty) Ltd
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Jeff B. Alemide Thando Lekoane Cliiffson Yves Fokousop Lihle Gugu Xasa
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You imagine it, we’ll bring it to Life..
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ver the years I have tried to unravel the idea behind the GELE as it’s known by the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria West Africa and the most celebrated amongst women of all class in Africa. This emblem symbolizes beauty and determines every woman’s social status in a social cadre, “Gele” headgears are artistically sculptured uniquely creating the elegant look needed for the event, using the right color combination mostly contrasting to the color of the attire sometime matching with the shoe and bag give the bang to the desired look. The “Gele” has been worn by West African women especially the Yoruba from generations usually dull and simple, but this decade it took a turn for a colorful and fun look. It’s usually worn for weddings, birthday parties and very special occasions. In some part of Africa the comparison to GELE is “DUKHU” (Zimbabwe) “Duku” (Malawi,Ghana) “Tukwi”(Botswana) , these are made out of metallic fabric made from jacquard, damask, woven fabrics like ‘ Aso-Oke’ and Recently I read about a creative
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male entrepreneur who started a business of “Gele” artistry in Huston and earns as high as 650 dollars only for tying the brides “Gele” for the big day and as much as 1000 dollar for going outside town, this goes to show the awareness and acceptance this special head tie has received over time and its creating a money making industry for its self. The “Gele” artistry is also thought in beauty school all over Nigeria and beyond especially for the Nigerian wedding ceremonies, “Gele” is a must do for the brides on their traditional wedding ceremony. So if you are thinking of trying something fun and new try the “Gele” for a special occasion and watch people’s reaction TO YOUR NEW LOOK. Mo-Opeyemi Ajetunmobi
Simple DIY Steps to tying the fabulous Gele 1. Make sure you have your Gele (damask, “Aso-oke” or metallic jacquard, you can get it in any African fabric sale outlet) your pack of office pins or safety pin and a mirror. 2. Hold the Gele at the two tail ends then fold into almost half dimension depending of the desired effect wanted and the width. 3. With your hair packed up away from your face, place the material behind your head, with both hands pointed forward, still holding firm with one hand take the right hand to the left side of your head and the left to the right side of the head. 4. Locate the edge of the material, while still holding firmly, pull hard and tightly till you are sure it’s not going to fall off then tie in a knot style, gently hold the loose ends with a safety pin. 5. Pull down the material over you face, get your hands to the middle of the wrap (you will know this when you can com fortably reach your hair) now use both hands to spread the material evenly to ensure the tie is evenly sitting on your crown (from fore head, covering your ears halfway, and your temples). 6. If this is achieved, pull the ma terial back up in layers gradually remembering that there are two side to the head tie, visualize the look you want and creative part begins . 7. Here I will bring in the facial shapes common with women, the oval, round, long, pear, dia mond, heart, rectangular, your face shape determines how you reshape your “Gele”. 8. You can either tuck the edge of the gele in to minimize the flamboyance or go all out for the big bang. 9. Perfect the layers in front to taste, pin places where needed. All you need now is you perfect make up to complete the look. Have fun practicing.
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EXOTIC AFRICAN
rom the colourful complex costume of South Africa’s Ndebele people to the rich adornment of Nigerian kings, beads have become a way of life. For generations, in Africa, beads are embraced by both men and women for a variety of reasons which include their symbolism of beauty and femininity; furthermore as a sign of wealth, aristocracy and social standing. it is this symbolic nature that has added value to these ewels across various African cultures, and developed into flourishing trade industry on its own.
West Africa is known as home to one of Africa’s largest beading industries, with Ghana regarded as the ethnic and tribal bead production capital of the world. Diverse types of beads are available, differentiated by categories such as component material, manufacturing process, place and period of origin,
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shapes and patterns. Beads are produced from various components including wood, plastic, glass, metal and stone. Perhaps the distinction of African beads is found in the use of natural resources to manufacture common types of beads sourced from organic material such as nuts, seeds, shell, bone, horn, tusk and teeth; this also includes the use of glass, clay, ceramic and bamboo. However, the most well known in African trade are the Ghanaian and Nigerian powder glass beads renowned to deliver good quality embellishment. In African culture, beads can be traced as marking significant events that take place during the course of life; babies adorned in the celebration of new birth and during naming; right through to puberty where girls are professed as young women. Traditional Ghanaian women would wear strings of beads gathered along the bikini line, used as anchors to which the menstrual cloth is tied. Mythology also refers to the wearing of a mass of waist beads to increase body consciousness by aiding to define the waist, embracing and showing off the female form, and used as a weight monitor. With the use of non-stretch beaded strings, if the strings moved up from the waist line to find a comfortable position, this would indicate weight gain, similarly moving down would mean weight loss.
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he burgeoning African fashion is fast becoming fierce and fluid, embracing in turns. The pleating and unique styles of the African attire are accommodating in that they can simply be designed to fit women of all shapes and sizes from the willowy dame to the well-endowed beauty. There are a range of elements such the use of patterned fabric and incorporation of frills, or creating contrast on the edgings to create shape and create visual impressions to provide the desired silhouette. These are also used to create balance to the distinctive female frame in some contours that are more accentuated than others in areas such as the voluptuous bust and curvaceous hips, while nurturing appreciation for the female form. Growing trends have spotted notable but subtle prints on pencil skirts, form-fitting blazers and suits moving into the workplace and still in keeping with the professional expression. African designers have now been tasked with bringing the African notes back into everyday wear. With easy access in sourcing African material, the creativity of many individuals who wish to create their own wardrobe, there’s no doubt these will become frequent sightings.
For Event Coverage and Advert Placement Contact: Cell: +27 835 028 357 / +27 822 644 762 or visit www.kulchamagazine.co.za
AFRO - MEN IN STYLE n a classic case of lasting first impressions, an African man has a presence which radiates confidence and demands attention when entering the presence of others. This goes hand in hand with a reassuring sense of style and integrity about him. African men seek to speak volumes in their appearance before any words are uttered. Whether it’s a man on the go, about town tending to business or in his downtime; in every scene, his style reflects his personality. Previously, the sight of an African man almost always guaranteed the prospect of an animal print or form of animal skin; however in the changing world, the use of embroidered patterns on soft fabrics are more often seen, even on vibrant colours. Essential component to completing the look is comfort.
AFRO-MEN IN STYLE
Cover Story
My mom taught me self-love, not to rely on people but to rely on God
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Princess of Africa n Africa, the name ‘Yvonne Chaka Chaka’ is a brand synonymous with; beauty, style, nobility and exceptional appeal, among many other traits. In true form, the woman behind the brand evokes the brand essence in every shape and form. That is why from a young age to date, she continues to hold the continent spellbound with her remarkable charm and incredible poise. In a society where true role models are hard to come by, Mrs Yvonne Mhinga, affectionately known by her fans as “Yvonne Chaka Chaka”; has held her own firmly, staying true to time-tested values such as integrity, diligence and hard work. She has established herself through the years as a music artist, successful business woman, loving mother, committed wife and a social activist. Chaka Chaka has also stood out as a glowing model of womanhood and leadership in the highly competitive field of entertainment. Yvonne continues to trail blaze for African women everywhere and they in turn, greatly admire her vision and tenacity of purpose proven by inimitable accomplishments. The Kulcha Magazine team was privileged to have a sit down session which gave insight to the person behind the name.
ONCE UPON A TIME… he recalls her fondest childhood memory “Sexual healing” was the record to have, but I of having being born and brought up in also enjoyed Mahalia Jackson, I grew up with Soweto, as a child playing in the streets, music and singing in church. I guess that’s where seeing an adult and feeling protected. the love of music was born.” One day in 1985 Being raised in a 'female-dominated' while getting acquainted with a lady she had just family, moreover during the illuminating her hero met that day at the SABC office, a guy named and role model, of whom she learnt some Louis, who worked for Phil Hollis, came of life’s greatest lessons, she through with some music tapes and thoughtfully shares; “My mom explained to that lady that they taught me self-love, not to rely on were looking for a singer and have people but to rely on God, to been hosting auditions for some Interview: Jeff & Thando appreciate and be content with time. She invited Yvonne to Photography: Asi-B Films what I have, but to work hard for accompany her for the audition, Hair stylist: Bheki Ngubeni everything I want in life. She where after they discovered she Make up: Tshegofatso Kungwane would be very upset hearing also sings in her church choir; she Dress: you say ‘you wish you had was offered a chance to sing something’, she would tell you “I’m in love with the DJ”. Rich Couture & that wishing goes together with Following her short execution, it African Attraction hard work.” was clear without question that she privileged to have a sit down session was the one they had been looking for which gave insight to the person behind and her music career was born. the name. Initially uncertain of a sustainable career in music, she proceeded to enrol and study in a number of MUSIC AND BUSINESS tertiary programmes including a short attempt at Chaka Chaka’s journey towards a music career Law which proved futile. “The most challenging diverged from her mother’s wish to become a part of my music career was studying while Lawyer. “My father had a great voice, loved running a music career which involved a lot of singing, although he never pursued music. travelling.” In 1989, she eventually parted ways He had different records and I recall how in the with Phil Hollis. “He was also upset. He had townships, each house had a hi-fi system, almost running a music career which involved a lot of every house would put their speakers outside travelling.” In 1989, she eventually parted ways with (at the same time), play their own music with Phil Hollis. “He was also upset. He had discovered everyone listening to all different music and and invested a lot in me, but I was young, clever people never fought. I remember in those days and wanted to study further”. www.kulchamagazine.co.za / Kulcha Vol.001 / Issue 1 / 19
Cover Story
I grew up with music and singing in church
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n 1990 she was invited to perform at a fundraising event for the ANC Freedom Fighters exiled in Uganda, and to her surprise, was met by thousands of people screaming “we love you Chaka Chaka, you’re our princess!”, which gave birth to the name “Princess of Africa”. This period in her life marked some of her greatest milestones, she reflected “among them is being born in Soweto, where seemingly there was no hope and not seeing beyond that. Growing, completing matric, started singing, travelling, engaging with different people, getting awards and realising that your background shouldn’t deter you from being who and what you want to be. If you work hard and aspire to be something better, with hard work you can achieve.” With those encounters and changes, came growth that influenced her towards venturing into business. “I’ve always been business-minded and constantly re-invented myself by investing my money. From the age of 19, I’ve never worked for anyone so I looked at myself as an entity. I looked up to the local successful business people in Soweto like the Maponyas and the Tshabalalas. In 1993, I became the first black woman to bring limousines in South Africa together with my husband, we had salons, etc. I was inspired by the black business people I witnessed growing and progress.” With those encounters and changes, came growth that influenced her towards venturing into business. “I’ve always been business-minded and constantly re-invented myself by investing my money. From the age of 19, I’ve never worked for anyone so I looked at myself as an entity. I looked up to the local successful business people in Soweto like the Maponyas and the Tshabalalas. In 1993, I became the first black woman to bring limousines in South Africa together with my husband, we had salons, etc. I was inspired by the black business people I witnessed growing and progress.”
Cover Story chance to re-live my life, I would change absolutely nothing except to ask God not to take my father at such a young age. Mom died 6 years ago, but I still feel I need her. Now I cherish life, waking up in the morning and seeing my husband and children, and the small things we easily take for granted. I’m a homely person, I enjoy cleaning my house and I cook a mean Samp,” she exclaimed, “but I just don’t know yet how to prepare idhombolo.” Evident in the atmosphere when you first walk into the Mhinga household, you are received and embraced with warmth and love of a home, from the friendly reception of the long serving house helper to the display of notable art pieces collected from different countries during her travels in the home. In contrast, she was raised in a female dominated family and now being the only woman in the house among men, has come with its privileges. “It is very different and I believe God knew I was not going to be around with work and travel demands. Boys are very independent. If I had a girl, she may have hated me because I would not have been able to give her quality time and doing all the girly things like going shopping. Mom also came over a lot to help take care of the kids when I was not around due to work.” They have succeeded in raising responsible members of society in their children “Fortunately, my kids are their own people and we taught them respect is the most important thing. We taught them to pray and that life is too short. My kids are fortunate enough not to have experienced their father mistreat or lay a hand on their mother. In relation, we are different and deal with situations differently. I am loud and animated whereas Tiny is very calm and composed in his demeanour.”
AMAZING LOVE
Now married for 24 years to Doctor and businessman Dr Tiny Mhinga, Mrs Yvonne cherishes the gift of family. “In 1987, I was ill and my sister who is a nurse, took me to see a good young doctor with a practise in Soweto. In 1988 we became very good friends, I had started singing by then but we talked a lot and he’d visit often even under my mom’s strict watch. In 1989, we got married.” She lovingly mellows talking about her life partner; “My husband is a man of his own, who doesn’t live under Yvonne’s shadow. He has his own businesses and things he is invested in, so we support and encourage one another. He comes from a very big family with traditional polygamous beliefs, which I had to learn to understand and change my attitude towards.” Even in their busy schedules they have managed to find their own balance, ensuring a stable family life for their 4 sons. “Every child needs a mother and father. It is important to have a father figure, having lost my father at a young age and marrying a man 12 years older than myself, guess I was also looking for a father figure. Being married to Tiny who is a great and present father, it didn’t feel like they are my children but our children. He would wake up, take care of the children and get them ready for the day, knowing I love my sleep. If I were ever given a
The most challenging part of my music career was studying while running a music career which involved a lot of travelling
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SPECIAL EVENTS
the Vodacom Durban July never disappoints. Located a stone throw away from the Durban beachfront, every year in July, the Greyville Racecourse transforms The eThekwini Municipality into a riot of colour and movement with this event fast becoming Africa’s grandest horserace gathering. The scene is one of excitement and almost always showcasing some eccentric ensembles. With an attractive prize money of up to R3 million, for those betting on horses, the grandstand flank of the main track is where the energy is spent. For the socialites and fashionistas, the various marquees and lounges often sponsored by various established brands; provide the perfect hangout spots to mingle and network over good food, drinks and entertainment. Several celebrities and high profile personalities can be spotted relaxing and relating while enjoyed the atmosphere set by performances of well-known South African artists. Though many who attend may not know much about horse racing, the people who furthermore reap the rewards from the “Duran July” (as many know it), are the flourishing socialites and fashionistas who throng the venue with the intention to have fun embellishing the event with their statement attires, while some in search of fame and glamour, also in the hopes of bagging a share of the takings in the Raceday Fashion Competitions where you wear your own entry. Scouts walk amongst the hopefuls and select up to 15 finalists to participate in categories for the Classic Racewear for Men, Best Hat or fascinator, Classic Racewear for Women and Most Striking Couple in their representation of that year’s fashion theme. Another note-worthy feature of the Durban July, is the pre-raceday competitions inviting emerging fashion designers from local colleges and universities to participate in the Fashion Challenge and Young 22 / Kulcha Vol.001 / Issue 1 / www.kulchamagazine.co.za
Designer Award. In support of the development of these local talented individuals, they are given a full brief of expectations and judged on how well they manage to interpret and execute the given theme. THE "Posh? Oh My Gosh!" theme for 2013’s Vodacom Durban July was expressed in different styles by the fashion-conscious in attendance, with some colourful, refined and avant-garde attempts. We foresee this year’s “The Big Screen” theme will feature Bolly-, Nolly- and Hollywood capturing scenes at the racecourse. Saturday, 5 July 2014 has been marked off on the calendar as Africa’s greatest horseracing event not to be missed.
Special Events
SPECIAL EVENTS
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For Enquiries & Sponsorship email: info@kulchamagazine.co.za
SPECIAL EVENTS
F
or just one night year on year, all roads lead to East London for the South African Music Industry as the jet setters, fashionistas and enthusiasts gather to experience a night to remember. The South African Traditional Music Awards (otherwise known as the SATMAs) continue to make their presence felt as they celebrate and pay tribute to industry participants who excel in preserving and elevate indigenous music in South Africa. In its 9th year running, the awards ceremony is progressively well received by locals, following an agreement for the major event to be hosted by East London for a few years, following a deal struck with the Eastern Cape Provincial Government. Among prominent profiles present at the latest ceremony held at the Buffalo Park Cricket Stadium in East London with the capacity to seat more than 5,000 guests; where the President of the Republic Jacob Zuma as well as many other VIPs and distinguished guests from across the country, as welcomed by Judge Vuka Shabalala, the SATMA Awards Foundation President. “The objective of these awards is to provide an environment where our people can sing, dance and eat together as a nation of Africans as a whole, regardless of who wins. This has always been the highlight of our heritage month in celebration of our unique diversity.” added the SATMA Awards founder, Dumisani Goba. Together with the concerted effort noted in the improved level of planning and organising by the SATMA Awards crew; making up its dream team of sponsors are The SABC, who bring to the party about 17 radio station and SABC 1 to promote the cause of traditional music, as well as The National Heritage Council (NHC), among others who’ve from the beginning have help boost the credibility of the awards and joined forces to deliver a world-class event. The awards afford the public an opportunity to vote by sms for their select across various categories that represent the colourful cultural landscape of South Africa’s heritage which includes Best
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SPECIAL EVENTS
Album in each of the national official languages, Best Boermusiek and Best Traditional San Album; and goes furthermore to award other art forms that support and promote the traditional music industry such as Best Praise Singer, Best Poet, Best Traditional and Best Cultural News Journalists and even Best Indigenous Comedian. There was a definite increase in the level of interest shown by the voters, where for the first time in the history of the SATMA’s receiving more than 1.5 million votes furthermore, vehicles were introduced as prizes in some of the categories as explained by the (CEO), Nyami Sotomela. This has giv r l t exploring forms of artistic expression aside from award show norms, where they would have otherwise not be
recognised. 2013 as certainly memorable for winners such as the young Bothlale Boikanya who collected the Best Praise Singer Awards for her “My Africa Pride Album” and Best Song of the Year awarded to Amageza Amahle for the offering in their “Operation Qoqa Zonke”. However, it became evident that much work needs to be done by all stakeholders including media and government to help promote traditional music in South Africa. There is a long journey ahead which will take active participation and hard work to preserve this heritage through partnerships, where every African is inspired and tasked with a challenge to preserve its own.
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SPECIAL EVENTS
Kulc ha Sept 2012
Vol 001 I ssu e 0 01 40
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SPECIAL EVENTS
Kulcha Sept 2012
Vol 00 1 I ssu e 0 01 40
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Inspired Afro-Fashion
Cover Story
DEFINING MOMENTS
Yvonne further describes herself as a very straight-forward person, “Well, what you see is what you get. Whether I’m happy or sad, I say it. I try to help where I can, I walk happy and tall being very proud to be an African. I’m a very spiritual person and I pray. I know that who I am and what I am is because of God-the spiritual being. I never take things for granted, I never think the things I have are because of me, but I know all this had been planned before I was conceived. I look at the next person as made in God’s image, there is absolutely nothing different. I never class people because I believe everyone has a right to be here and purpose for being here.” She lives by a personal motto stating; “’we are born, come to earth with nothing and die with nothing’; and that’s why I never hold onto material things. I’m happy with the little that God has given me.” In the face of fame and stardom, she concedes these ideals have kept her grounded. “There’s absolutely no difference between people like me, Brenda, Whitney Houston and Oprah who work in this business, and someone who wants to be a Doctors, Lawyer, writer, and a Domestic Worker. People tend to idolise people in the public space. I am still the same Yvonne from Soweto, I’m no better off now because I’m in this public space, in fact I need to be behaving, because people look up to me. I do wrong things like any ordinary person but I stay true to myself. I know where I’ve come from and where I want to go. Regardless of how much money you have, you have to earn respect, because there’s a difference between being loved, being respected and being feared.”
Regardless of how much money you have, you have to earn respect, because there’s a difference between being loved, being respected and being feared
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Continued from page 21
STYLE
Yvonne Chaka Chaka has graciously carried herself with a sense of pride as an educated, confident, out-spoken black woman; also acting as a voice for many who find themselves disempowered. Her inner voice and outer image speak volumes and consistent with the message she communicates through her personal style. She always stands out in her choices which move between traditional African to modern western designs depending on the occasion. These consists of clean cut fitted suits, elegant dresses, to flowing and short gowns in core African traditional designs. “I am not taken by things, I consider must-haves in my wardrobe to simply be a beautiful panty and beautiful bra. Funny enough I still have clothes that I since bought in Paris in 1989 and some of those jackets still fit. I wear what I think looks and feels good, in fact, in 1986 I became the first South African to wear African clothes all out with the turbans, which people never used to wear. The clothes I wore in the “From me to you” music video, I bought them in Nigeria. I’ve learnt how Nigerians and Ghanaians love themselves, they are not apologetic and the take pride in the traditional African clothing.” Keeping it natural all round with the dreadlocks she has since kept for 12 years. “My hair and nails grow quite well, I love strong hair.” It was an embarrassing accident scene that resulted in a decision to go natural. “I remember having a car accident on my sister’s birthday years ago, my hair was relaxed and the pony I had attached, flew off to somewhere in the back in the car. I decided to cut my hair and keep it natural since. I had short hair, then just decided to do dreads. I am busy developing my own hair products for natural hair which I hope to launch soon.”
DOWNTIME
Cover Story
With her busy and demanding lifestyle, she attributes her non-aging beauty to inheriting good genes. “My mom never had cellulite and no stretch marks probably as a result of an active life of a domestic worker. When I was young, I used to love going to the gym but now I hate it. I have not been there for about past 15 years, but it’s only recently that I felt the need to go back. I love swimming though but I can’t say I’m a good swimmer. I guess my troubles also keep me young.” With little hesitation, she naturally gave insight to the things she says she can’t live without which to our surprise, includes an unusual fascination for chewing gum; “I even wake up in the middle of the night craving for gum; I am addicted. Funny enough, I never ate chewing gum growing up, I enjoy it discreetly but I don’t like seeing people chewing gum.” She added; “I cannot do without sleep, I love my sleep and I also can’t do without my coffee, which average about 3-4 cups a day.” Her free spirited personality, soon leaves you feeling like you were conversing with the girl next door. With her many achievements and countless accolades, you can’t help but be inspired to note an ordinary humble soul who has achieved extraordinary success in the face of challenges.
I am busy developing my own hair products for natural hair which I hope to launch soon KEEP MOVING
Among the many projects this legend is passionately invested in, she continues to grow strong in her numerous business interests as well as promoting her 22nd Album – ‘Amazing Man’; which is a 10 track list album dedicated to Madiba. The album featuring some of Africa’s well-known artists likes Youssou N’dou, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Soweto Gospel Choir and Zuluboy. “For the past 15 years I decided to record my albums. I write most of my music. I get inspired to write, then I call one of my sons to play.” Well taken after his mom, Themba is a talented musician, song writer, who produced Yvonne’s previous album. “He’s done songs for Loyiso, Mzekezeke and Jub-Jub and we’ve performed together.” As her personal mission, this African gem is diligent in her quest to offer a sense of hope and inspire young Africans towards achieving the seemingly unattainable. “We are all born for different purposes. Know that we all have our different strengths and weaknesses which we ought to accept and learn from each other. If you are prepared to work very hard, have sleepless nights and remain humble, it is doable and you can be who you want to be.” Without a doubt, she has carved out her mark and firmly holds her own special place in the heart of Africa.
www.kulchamagazine.co.za / Kulcha Vol.001 / Issue 1 / 31
SPECIAL EVENTS
n our quest to unite Africa in fashion, Kulcha Magazine wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to witness the 2nd edition of The Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards 2014 held at the Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos. This annual event presented by Multichoice, honours the outstanding achievements of individuals in the African film and TV industry. This year achieved a prestigious gala where Kenyan Director- David ‘Tosh’ Gitonga’s “Nairobi Half Life”, carted away most of the evening’s accolades for Best Lighting Designer, Best Art Director, Best Cinematographer and Best Make-up Artist. In attendance were the industry’s crème de la crème, where participants working in front and behind the scenes duked it out on the red carpet. Despite the blazing temperatures, most asserted their loyalty dressed in African designer apparel. Much like the Oscars, most women wore long gowns with the men equally complementing them in tuxedos and slim fit suits. Kudos to our in house photographer Kola Oshalusi who captured the highlights.
KULCHA LIVE AT THE 2014
Chidi Mokeme
Jackie Appiah
Ramsey Nouah
Mercy Johnson
Antar Laniyan
Chika Ike
Monalisa Chinda
Majid Michel
Rita Dominic
Chinedu Ikedieze
Dele Momodu
SPECIAL EVENTS
Geneviev Nnaji
Chioma Chukwuka
Ike
Segun Arinze
Uti Nwachukwu
Juliet Ibrahim
Mike Ezuruonye
Osita Iheme
Ewemade Erhabor-Emokpae
Nancy Nwadire and Mr Nwadire
Ibinabo Fiberesima
Vina
Toy i n A im akh u Joh n son Desmond Elliot
Alexx Ekubo & Yemi Alade
SPECIAL EVENTS
Isio Wanogho
Tee A
Tunde Kelani
Davido
Denrele Edun
Joke Silva & Olu Jacobs
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Bolanle Oukanni
Julius Agwu
Uti Nwachukwu
Obi & Amaka Emelonye
John Okafor – Mr Ibu
Freeze
Kemi Akindoju & OC Ukeje
SPECIAL EVENTS
Funke Akindele
Biola Alabi
Kate Henshaw
Rukky Sanda
www.kulchamagazine.co.za / Kulcha Vol.001 / Issue 1 / 35
SPECIAL EVENTS
n the persistently growing African fashion industry, the recent years have revealed the advent of African designers from many corners of the continent stimulated by its rainbow of cultures. Fashion shows and similar events have inspired unique forms African expression in unique cuts, fabrics, prints and vibrant colours. One such platform is the Soweto Fashion Week (SFW) which is the brainchild of 24-year old Stephen Manzini. He started off as a model participating in fashion shows, went on further exploring his interest in fashion as a designer, quickly resulting into the conception and birth of Soweto Fashion Week. Manzini saw a demographic gap in the fashion industry where he identified the same designers always showcased and recognised an opportunity to create a stage where a variety of African designers can promote and express themselves. This is open to designers across the country as well as retaining a set ratio of local designers from Soweto. SFW has extended its runway, also inviting designers from across borders into Botswana and further into African countries such as Zimbabwe, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, etc. To participate, designers are requested to simply submit at least 2 images of their original garments and a company profile, accommodating all expression of styles. In the 3 years of the event’s existence, he highlighted the challenge of convincing people and organisations to fund the project. Stephen relates how he and his team personally have had to dig deep into their pockets, and work hard in trying to engage the community e.g. local churches, salons, production service providers, etc. to help contribute towards the initiative and work even harder to prove that the event can be a success. It has taken about 2 years to build trust, where recently SFW has successfully managed to secure partnerships with Darling Hair, E & A Web Design Lab, iFashion and other government departments to make it a success. He personally acknowledges and believes in trusting God as he assures that there is no way someone of his age would be able to pull off an event of that magnitude without divine guidance and intervention.
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In the upcoming fashion week in May 2014, he exclaimed for people to look out for something event great say patrons should “expect to be WOWed!� as they take it to the next level. SFW is constantly looking at re-inventing the event by sourcing more designers, growing the SFW brand, still keeping it local by hosting it at larger venues across Soweto.
SPECIAL EVENTS
We certainly had an impressive experience at this event unearthing the hidden home-grown talent and potential within our young people and continent. We anticipate and look forward to Soweto Fashion Weeks 2014!
www.kulchamagazine.co.za / Kulcha Vol.001 / Issue 1 / 37
SPECIAL EVENTS
starry night in Soweto saw some of Africa’s best musical talents gather at the Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown for one of the continent’s most prestigious awards in the music industry. In its 10th year, the Channel O team pulled out all the stops to ensure they make it a night to remember. Following the announcement of the nominees, the judging was left to the public to vote for their favourites in 14 categories over a period of two months. The selection of nominees from East, West and Southern Africa which presented an assortment of options and indicated the spread of world-class music videos produced from the continent over the past year across a number of music genres. By far one of the best award show productions Africa has ever hosted; by simply walking into the dome custom built for the event, you felt the magnitude and the extent of the planning and hard work that was invested in executing the finished product. It all came together in the stage design, lighting, sound, graphics, effects together with event hosts A.K.A and Naeto C who guided the event, providing enough energy to keep the celebration going. The music line-up offered live first-rate performances by South Africa’s Cassper Nyovest featuring Okmalumkoolkat, Nigeria’s Burna Boy, South Africa’s Khuli Chana, Kenyan songstress Victoria Kimani, Zimbawe’s Buffalo Souljah, Nigeria’s KCee, Mozambique’s Lizha James
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Bonang Mathebe
alongside some of the award winners such as Mafikizolo (who won Most Gifted Dance Video for hit song “Khona”), The Soil (winner of Most Gifted Afro-Pop), A.K.A (winner of the Most Gifted Hip Hop Video for “Jealousy”) featuring Da LES and P-Squared who not only to home The Most Gifted African West Video for “Alingo” but also bestowed the Special Recognition Award for their continuous dedication and hard work towards their craft and elevation in the African and global music industry over the years. With 12 nominees, by far the biggest category is always the Most Gifted Video of the Year which was won by Nigeria’s Wizkid for “Azonto”, marking another milestone in his music career. New and longstanding faces, the event offered the Afro glam and entertainment right from the red carpet with music and television industry personalities in notable apparel. You could spot a few afro notes, but enough to stand out. Channel O has certainly set the standard in an African award show, now with high expectations, there’s no room for disappointment for its next offering.
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SPECIAL EVENTS
Jeff & Lungile Radu
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SPECIAL EVENTS
For Event Coverage and Advert Placement Contact: Cell: +27 835 028 357 / +27 822 644 762 or visit www.kulchamagazine.co.za
SPECIAL EVENTS
P-Square
Dineo Moeketsi
S.A Divas
Weza Solange
Jeff & Naeto C
AKA
Khaya Mthetwa
Buffalo Souljah
For more pictures from our special events visit our website: www.kulchamagazine.co.za 42/ Kulcha Vol.001 / Issue 1 / www.kulchamagazine.co.za
Da Les
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