july 2019
LIVE IT UP! NOT FOR SALE
Harmonize
Tanzanian star coming of age
my closet
Seyi Shay’s secrets
Travel Tips
All about Dubai city www.pulser.co.ke
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Queen is key
Music, radio and TV celebs, fashionistas, vloggers and socialites tell all. Adelle Onyango Sharon Kate Ng’ang’a Noti Flow Wabosha Maxine
FASHION • beauty • RIDes • food • ADVENTURE • SPORTS • REVIEWS
LIVE IT UP!
www.pulser.c
co.ke
Miss Kenya Plus World
Date: July 6 Venue: Garden City Roof Top, Kenya Time: 4pm to 11pm
EVENTS
The Miss Kenya Plus World is a platform that provokes and drives conversations that challenge how women are viewed in the society.
Samantha’s Bridal Wedding Expo
Riding on the hashtag #JustBeYou, the competition will seek to crown a model who will represent Kenya at the Miss Plus World competition. Miss Kenya Plus World was founded by Neomi Ng’ang’a who is also the Executive Director of the pageant in the country. Over 450 beautiful women attended the national auditions and the finals will see the qualifying 29 battle it out for the prize.
Date: July 19 – 21 Venue: Sarit Centre Time: From 8am The 3-day event is the place to be for all the couples aiming to reduce their wedding budgets without sacrificing on quality. The fashion and beauty event will bring together more than 125 wedding vendors. The expo is indisputably Kenya’s most dynamic and effective place to meet leading dealers in the wedding industry including wedding planners, honeymoon organisers, fashion coaches, and caterers. The climax of the event will be the catwalk where models will showcase stunning gowns designed by leading fashion designers.
Rugged Warrior Race
Date: July 13, 14 Venue: Sanctuary, Ngong Road Forest,
Nairobi Time: From 9am Tickets: From Sh4,000
Date: July 6 – 14 Venue: Stone Town, Zanzibar Time: From 8am Founded in 1997, the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) is considered the most significant cultural event in East Africa. It’s a multi-disciplinary art and cultural festival that takes place every year in Zanzibar. It was established to develop and promote the film industry and other cultural facets in the Eastern Africa region. ZIFF is also about music and art, with live music, art exhibitions, and dance taking place at multiple venues across Stone Town. With the theme for the festival in 2019 being ‘New Dawn’, this year’s event aims at celebrating Pan-African ideals within the creative industries of the region. The film festival will prioritise films from Africa and the African diaspora. ZIFF is also known as the Festival of the Dhow Countries, and for this reason, art and culture from Africa, the Indian Ocean Islands, the Gulf States, The Persian Gulf, Pakistan, South East Asia, Iran, and India are usually featured at the festival.
COURTESY
Zanzibar International Film Festival
This is an obstacle course race comprising 5 kilometre and 10 kilometre options. It is a challenge for both super fit athletes and beginners. The Sanctuary Ngong Road Forest is located along Ngong Road near Ngong Racecourse. It can be accessed through the entry to the World War Memorial Cemetery. This is the biggest sector of the Ngong Road Forest. It features well-made trails. Facilities provided include showers, changing rooms, camping areas, food and drinks village, kiddies zone and entertainment area. Koroga Festival
Date: July 6, 7 Venue: Tatu City Time: 12pm to 6pm Tickets: Sh2,000 to Sh2,500 Femi Kuti is coming to town for the Koroga Festival that will be held at Tatu City. Among those lined up to perform on July 7 are Femi Kuti, Jua Cali, Samidoh and Them Mushrooms with Capital MixxMasters DJ Leo and DJ Andre on the spin tables. Gwaash and Ethic will also be performing. Barbeque Night at Aberdares
Date: July 6, 7 Venue: Aberdares Cottages Time: 6am to 6pm Ticket: Sh7,250 per person (for everything
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EVENTS COURTESY
The Umoja Splash Festival
Date: July 6, 7 Venue: Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi Time: From 4pm (on July 7) and 6am (on July 7)
Tickets: Sh800 to Sh10,000
including transport and meals on full board.)
The Umoja Splash Festival is Kenya’s premier cross country music festival that leverages on the power of music and the need for unity among the Kenyan people. The official launch of the Big Five counties tour will be headlined by the King of Lover’s Rock Jah Cure on July 6, at Uhuru Gardens. He will be supported by a lineup of the biggest names on the reggae scene as well as upcoming emcees and deejays. You can’t miss this! Nairobi Wine Festival 2019
Get ready to have an exciting two-day and one-night barbeque party for you and your friends. Get to have a greatnight escape as you mingle and meet new people. This will be a trip to remember. The package includes transport, accommodation , meals on full board, bonfire, welcome cocktails, photography and entertainment. The Barrels Whisky Expo
Date: July 27 Venue: P&L, Lavington, Nairobi (next to
The Elephant) Time: 12pm to 11:55pm Tickets: From Sh500
This is the third edition of the Barrels Whiskey Expo. It’s bigger and better. The Barrels Whiskey Expo is a celebration of whiskey, African music, food, art and fashion in the form of a festival and open boutique market. It features the best whiskies from the country’s greatest distilleries, focusing on each exhibitor’s premium whiskey. This is an expo for connoisseurs and enthusiasts to experience the finest drums in a friendly relaxed atmosphere. There will be range of unprecedented collection of ultra-premium whiskies.
Venue: Trademark Hotel, Village Market Date: July 5,7 Time: 12pm to 8pm Tickets: Sh1,500 to Sh8,000 Nairobi Wine Festival is back! As part of Nairobi Wine Week, Nairobi Wine Festival 2019 is happening at Trademark Hotel, Village Market. Experience more than 40 wine tastings from all over the world paired with delicious gourmet bites. Enjoy international wine masterclasses and live cooking with wine. For the real wine lovers, this year you can enjoy the full weekend with a special full weekend pass! Mud Run and Zumba Dance
Venue: Kenana Farm, Njoro (Nakuru) Date: July 6, 7 Time: 6am to 5pm Enjoy a magnificent mud run, upcountry fair and Zumba dance weekend in Nakuru. This is a superb two-day overland camping adventure as we complete team obstacles and enjoy camp fire in the evening.
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CON TEN TS CELEBRITIES, MUSIC AND SHOWBIZ 10. 13. 14. 15. 26-29. 32-37. 38-39. 40-41.
Cool Wabosha – Wabosha Maxine Smooth Flow – Noti Flow Trendy Njiru – Wanjiru Njiru Fiery Trisha – Trisha Khalid Simply Sharon –Sharon Ng’ang’a Unapologetically Adelle coming of age – Harmonize Respect to the Carters
FOOD, HEALTH and FITNESS 20. Naked Burger 21. Kachumbari na nyama choma 22- 23 excellent Mercado 24. Water the whisky? 25. Horoscope 53. How to keep fit in the cold season FASHION and BEAUTY 8. 9. 46-47. 48-51. 52.
Loose change Think like a man Slay like Shay Here comes the bride Happily ever after
RIDES, TOYS AND ADVENTURE 16-17. 18-19. 42-43. 44-45.
Smackdown Insect fix the damn thing Chale’s charm Dubai Off the beaten path
LIFE, TECH AND REVIEWS 54. Movies 55. Wags of AFCON 56-57. Africa’s football legends 58-59 Gems of July
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july 2019 pulser magazine
THE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER orlando lyomu DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR KIPKOECH TANUI MANAGING EDITOR – WEEKEND/MAGAZINES JOHN BUNDOTICH
FROM THE DESK
EDITOR STEVENS MUENDO
Diversity is Queen
REVISE EDITORS FERDINAND MWONGELA JUDITH MWOBOBIA ROSE KWAMBOKA SUB EDITOR WAIRIMU NYINGI MANAGER, PRINT CREATIVE DAN WELOBA
“D
CREATIVE DESIGNER JOSECK MUTORO PHOTOGRAPHY HEAD OF PHOTOGRAPHY JACOB OTIENO PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR MAXWELL AGWANDA DIGITAL NJAMBI MUNGAI WAIRIMU NYINGI KEVIN OGUOKO CONTRIBUTORS TONY MOCHAMA PERIS WAMBUGU PAUL OWERE AHADI WAMBUI BARBARA NYAMBURA FRED KAGONYE TONY AIRO BONIFACE MITHIKA ACHIE OTIGO MARGARET NGENYA TRACY GESARE WINNIE MAKENA PHOTOGRAPHERS ELVIS OGINA MARKETING SETH ENOS COMMERCIAL KEVIN GICHERU JACQUELINE MASAKU EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES Switch Board Tel: 3222111/0719012111 Ext 2243 +254 721 607 555 Email: Editor@Pulsermagazine. com COMMERCIAL ENQUIRIES Kevin Gicheru - +254 722 994 458 Jacqueline Masaku – +254 721210752/+254722987889 DISTRIBUTION Duncan Murei - +254 719012111 Pulser magazine is published by The Standard Group PLC
Follow us @PulserKenya
facebook/PulserKenya
Follow us @PulserKenya
Subscribe @PulserKenya
www.pulser.co.ke
o you like the kitchen or even enjoy cooking?” we asked Adelle Onyango during the Pulser interview for July issue cover story. “Do you ask men these types of questions too?” she replied with a rebellious glint in her eyes. “I think more men need to stand up and speak out for the good of the community. More men need to ditch their privilege and speak out on how they can make the world safer for women…,” she continued. The 25-year-old straight-shooting former radio host and activist wasn’t there to spit nursery rhymes. Hers was a mission to compel Pulsers to encourage inclusivity and diversity in their communities. In the interview, she was authentic and unapologetic. Read on and find out what the she has to say. As urban teens and adults, we have defined different parameters in a bid to form our own identities. Parameters that divide us. This could be race, culture, social class, language, sexual orientation, education level or religious beliefs. They could be much less complex though; varying from our food choices, dressing, music we love, online identity to even our body shape. That is how commercialisation began. Some financial whizzes figured out ways to use those identities we treasure so much for their commercial gain. That is why there are different products like cars, phones and sportswear targeted to different demographics. What we fail
to see though is that this furthers the segregation between people. We create divisions we do not need. What if we were much more accepting? What if we accommodated people with different views, opinions and tastes? What if we forgot our race, tribe, culture or economic worth for a moment? This July, Pulser is all about diversity. As you sift through the pages, it is our hope that you will feel as strongly as we do about inclusivity After all, no matter our gender or differences, we are all one human race, trying to survive in our beautiful but sometimes messy world.
Stevens Muendo Editor
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loose change - peris wambugu
Trust the
1 TOMBOY 7
6 5 4 Vintage distressed t-shirt @ Sh 300 (Gikomba)
Leather belt @ Sh 1,000 (Sasa Mall, Moi Avenue)
COURTESY
Brogues @Sh 2,500 (MRP)
Clear glasses @ Sh 800 (Forever Trendy)
Fedora hat @ Sh 800 (Toi Market)
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Mom jeans @ Sh 1,000 (Ngara)
2
Leather jacket @ Sh 2,000 (Toi Market)
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july 2019 pulser magazine
Mr. Eve mr._.eve
style - pulser writer
M
en are generally not into shopping. And that is why we have whipped up a shopping guide for you.
Mono colour boxer briefs: Always best to stock up on block colours. Throw away the old tattered ones.
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Watch: It doesn’t matter what you use to mark time, a man must have a nice watch.
Brown leather shoes: We know you love your black leather shoes, but we suggest you get a brown pair. Brown leather shoes ooze class.
COURTESY
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Brown leather belt: Need we say more?
A grey or maroon suit: Easy to pair with accessories. It’s also a laid back look and great for both formal and informal events. 5
A grey sports coat: You don’t always want to look formal. This pairs well with just about any pants. 9
Medium-sized bag: Yes, we know bags are not a man’s thing! But try a medium sized messenger bag or a duffle that works for both the gym and a weekend away.
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Simple plain tie: You don’t need to own many ties. What you need are some solid dark colours. 6
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Sneakers: One word; Converse. They are effortless, casual and comfortable.
A small black umbrella: Don’t start the debate that men don’t carry around umbrellas. The rainy season is here and smelling or looking like a wet dog is a turnoff.
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Sir Jay. Suit by Sir Jay. Instagam: sirjaysuits
A pair of jeans: Forget the rips and tears. Forget saggy around the thighs trend. Every man needs a dark straight-legged unembellished pair of jeans. 8
Plain crewneck T-shirts: We know you love your personalised Chelsea and Manchester United jerseys. Every weekend though? That’s a bit much. Go casual with plain-coloured tees. 8
Think like a man
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trends — Boniface Mithika
Sole of the UX finally, fashion and automotives merge
T
he sneaker industry has a history of referencing automotive designs, finding inspiration in the silhouettes, colours, and materials of some of the most iconic cars ever designed. This saw the unveiling of the 2019 Lexus UX for New York Fashion Week outfitted with a set of all-white tires inspired by one of the most iconic sneakers ever, the Nike Air Force 1. When the word Lexus comes to mind, we immediately think of sophisticated cars and their latest model. The 2019 Lexus UX, is no exception. The hybrid vehicle rocks a dramatic yet elegant look, sleek interior, neat dashboard, and other cool features. The Lexus UX is aimed at younger consumers, therefore inspiring the partnership between Lexus and fashion designer, John Elliott. The idea of a three figure sandal is a bit perplexing. Elliott’s partnership with Lexus had him trying to capture the “sole of the UX.” Unveiled under the moniker “Sole of the UX”, John Elliot’s set of custom tires forgo the function of traditional rubber tread for a fashionable sole design emblazoned with the recognisable Nike Swoosh and Air logos, alongside the circular imprint of the iconic sneaker. The tires are fitted to a white UX, which features two-tone wheels with contrasting white lug nuts. Dressed in
all-white, the one-of-a-kind Lexus UX crossover’s monochromatic assemblage has been further enhanced with detailing reflective of Elliot’s signature style. The shoe features double-stitched leather and a stepped metal air valve evocative of the stacked metal lace tip found in his own special edition Air Force 1. This results in an arctic-cool edition that would be as highly coveted as any limited release kicks. The tires drew inspiration from the aforementioned shoe and attempt to recreate their “classic silhouette” while also “embodying the spirit of clean, purposeful, and modern design.” Although the tires don’t sound very durable, Lexus noted the UX was “crafted for the city” and is built for the “modern urban explorer” who is seeking a fresh and contemporary luxury vehicle. At the launch, Elliot said “It’s fun to partner with brands that typically live outside the fashion community because it allows us to evolve and continue to push our own boundaries.”
COURTESY
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july 2019 pulser magazine
Find out who will be leaving
Every Friday
Judge Renee Re
Judge EDU
Judge Zaynah
I Can Dance
8.00pm - 9.00pm #ktnicandance
hot in town — Ahadi Wambui
COURTESY
Here is the queen of the ‘Slay Squad’. the beauty is about videos, brands and…millions
Y
oung Wabosha Maxine is one of Kenya’s most successful YouTube vloggers. The 23-year-old has managed to garner huge numbers on her channel. Some of her videos get over 1 million views. She also boosts of having a good following on Instagram. Her legion of fans, which she refers to as the ‘Slay Squad’ watch keenly for beauty, fashion, hair and lifestyle hacks. She has managed to rope in big brands including Nivea, Huawei and Kotex for collaborations. Her love for all things beauty began as a dream, but has now become a full-time business. The fact that she does not thrive on scandals is also a major plus for her professional image.
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COOL Wabosha YEARS OLD
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july 2019 pulser magazine
:@WaboshaMaxine :wabosha_maxine :Wabosha Maxine
hot in town — Ahadi Wambui
meet the bold and beautiful rapper with an attitude
SMOOTH Flow
H
aving started off as a rapper and model, Noti Flow (Natalie Florence Kutoto) has risen to become one of the most influential Nairobi showbiz girls. She is arguably the most popular and controversial female rappers in the country. Her popularity grew during her short stint in the socialites’ popular TV show, Nairobi Diaries. It was around this time when she started dating Kenya’s self-proclaimed King of Bling, rapper CMB Prezzo. She left him for her current boyfriend rapper Colonel Mustapha. The two have had an on and off romantic affair that started off after they met on the show. They are currently living together and aren’t shy to proclaim their love on social media. A prolific rapper behind songs like 100 Barz, Notire, She Don’t Know, Flavour and Anything Goes, the straight shooting no-nonsense 25-year-old rapper has been working hard to breakthrough to mainstream entertainment. She however claims that her eyes are set on the international space.
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25 YEARS OLD
COURTESY
@notiflow :@noti_flow :@notiflow :@notiflow
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hot in town — Ahadi Wambui
Forget about her celebrity boyfriend Ben Cyco, Wanjiru Njiru has a life
TRENDY Njiru irl o g ce t o vi u r g ty a d t o y a u s 6, i d bea oof th n be a 2 , r n u a Njir ift a is p n c eam iru ir, thr . She reatio j n str t a ha e n c i b t ma rtis e. for YouTu nten join over a uTub o on ital co t ed ice- o Yo dig ant a vo re int gital ay to o w ys ut as entu ri Di er w ed t . h wa job ty al ted o d to v ny, Zu rking ru opt e r u v i t. i a e o a a p e id W st anj rat luc This b aving e dec er com ited. e, W onten like n h 5, sh d h Lim fam ty c nds r Be 1 d d . dia u ge te ra me in 20 star Soun ity an d bea uty b el sin vlogs r t n r d a p n a u e e l s e n a b th s a pu on go in h pb She ution nt po fashi ith to ating ures l e , d So curr hair ed w s is y feat her us on work he las tantl foc She’s air. T cons g H he rlin who s a D o, Cyc
W
26 YEARS OLD
COURTESY
: @wanjiru_njiru : wanjiru_njiru : Wanjiru Njiru
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hot in town — Ahadi Wambui
Tease or tame? Trisha Khalid, the charming model from Mombasa is everything sexy
COURTESY
25 YEARS OLD
T
FIERY Trisha
risha Khalid is a 25-year-old Mombasa-based commercial model. She is also a popular digital influencer, fashion blogger who runs her own fashion line. With over 200,000 followers on Instagram, the founder of fashion store T Trendy Collection has worked with some of the top fashion brands and fashion magazines most notably Pulse Magazine, Modern Coast and Shell Energy. The influential beauty started off as a magazine fashion model gracing the Pulse cover girl page before she went into a seemingly successful video vixen career. She later became cabin crew for a local airline before focusing on digital entrepreneurship. She is one of the highest paid commercial models in the region. @ trisha_khalid
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MOTORMOTO — Boniface Mithika
Smackdown
insect T
hey say Bugatti is the dream car for every man who likes the sports cars adrenaline thrill. With the legendary brand now celebrating 110 years, the craftsmanship, dynamics and elegance of this luxury brand hasn’t slowed down as it churns new breeds into an exciting future. Fresh from the porter, released in May this year, is the modern day hyper little monster. The Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4 is a two-door mid-engined supercar that was named in the honour of Pierre Veyron, a development engineer and company racer who won the 1939 24 hours of Le Mans in a Bugatti. The ‘EB’ badging on the car refers to Ettore Bugatti, the founder of the company, while the ‘16.4’ refers to the 16 cylinders and four turbochargers configuration of the engine.
Speed monster marvel
The Bugatti Veyron holds the Guinness World Record title for the World’s Fastest Production Car. It is nothing short of genius engineering machine that was the first to break the 400kph mark rule.
The insect exterior
If you are not a creative, you might find the Bugatti Veyron a bit weird, thanks to its insect-like silhouette design. While the body is covered with scoops and winglets, the underside is streamlined to increase downforce – just like Formula One cars are.
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ions ecificat
Key sp
Top speed: 400 kph Engine: 7993 cc Transmission:
Automatic
The front of the Veyron has a titanium radiator grille and a massive bonnet, which is flanked by elongated headlamps on the two sides. The exposed engine at the rear increases Veyron’s aesthetic appeal. Magically, the rear has a spoiler which retracts at speeds above 220kph. This helps in improving the airflow and also functions as an air brake.
Relaxed interior
The Veyron though, is more of a comfortable long distance tourer and the interiors help you stay relaxed as you keep eat up the miles. The designers adopted a conservative and simple design for the interior. The centre
motormoto
COURTESY
console is uncluttered and elegant. The instrument cluster is a traditional analogue unit and lacks a tachometer. Instead, it has a power reserve gauge, which displays how much power you have in reserve.
Power engine
The Bugatti Veyron is powered by an 8.0-litre 16-cylinder engine with a unique arrangement of a cylinder in a W configuration. The engine has been created by joining two V8 blocks, each with a 15-degree bank angle, together in the crankcase. The engine is aspirated by four turbochargers. In its standard form, the engine produces 987bhp and 1250Nm of torque while in the Veyron Super Sport, it churns out 1184bhp and 1500Nm of torque. The power is sent to all four wheels through a permanent all-wheel drive using the Haldex Traction system. The Veyron uses a seven-speed DSG sequential gearbox unit. These power figures combined with the high power-to-weight ratio help the Veyron return blistering performance. The car can reach 100kph from a standstill in just 2.46 seconds while 240kph is achieved in just 9.8 seconds. Cooling is
taken care of by a total of 12 radiators.
Safety and value
The story was all over social media last month, Tracy Morgan’s Bugatti Veyron lost a lot of value barely 15 minutes after he drove it away from the showroom. Tracy’s joy was short-lived as a Honda CR-V rammed into his Veyron’s side. The $2 million (Sh20 million) hypercar was dented. The car’s value instantly dropped due to the accident, reports say. So yes, you better have some good money at your disposal to keep this insect buzzing.
Here comes the roadster
Just 300 examples of the Veyron have been made in its coupe version and all have been sold. The Super Sport version was a special edition limited to just 30 units and is currently the holder of the crown of ‘World’s Fastest Production Car’. Now, the company is currently producing only the roadster version of the supercar, called Veyron Grand Sport. Owing to its astronomically high price tag, one might expect the Bugatti Veyron to be the only car in the segment. That’s not the case as even the Veyron has a rival in the form of the Koenigsegg Agera.
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MOTORMOTO ‑ Pulser writer
1 Flat tire
S
ymptoms: Your car is tilting, and there is a loud thumping noise. If you’re not strong enough, that’s one thing, but this is something any capable human being should be able to figure out. In your trunk, you have a spare tire. Here you should also have a small car jack with a built-in lever and lug nut ratchet. Put the jack on a stable part of the frame (no plastic pieces!), jack up the car, remove the lug nuts and put the donut on. Make sure you tighten the nuts, and slowly bring down the jack.
2 Head or tail lights out Symptoms: Sharp abdominal pains. Kidding. The blinkers blink faster, or you know, you won’t see it light up. If you don’t want to get your hands dirty, ask somebody at Autozone or Advanced Auto Parts which type of bulb you need, based on the make or model you have. If you have a basic vehicle, you do not need ultra-premium lights. Once you have the bulbs, turn the car off, pop the lights out of the back of the housing, and unplug the old bulb. Slide in the new one in, and you’re good to go.
Fix the damn thing
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Here are 10 common car problems you shouldn’t need a mechanic for
Dead battery Symptoms: Your car won’t start. If you don’t have a tester or charger at home, places like Autozone will check it for free to make sure the battery is the problem and not the starter or alternator. If there’s any corrosion, clean that off with a metal brush. Unbolt the negative terminal first, then the positive. There might also be a ground wire that you’ll need to take off. Then, put the new one in. It’s that simple.
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july 2019 pulser magazine COURTESY
Faulty spark plugs Symptoms: Hard starts or rough idles. Spark plugs, well, spark the combustion in your engine. If the spark plugs are all gunked-up or misfiring, the engine won’t be running or starting properly. This is where deep sockets come into play (even better, if they’re magnetic). Pop off the covers, unscrew those puppies, and replace with some new, clean ones. Unless the engine is far back in the bay where you can’t access the plugs without a lot more work, this is something you can easily do. Side-view mirror Symptoms: Your blind spot just got a lot bigger This one is a little hard to explain without showing you a diagram, so we dug up the image above to show you how minimal the work is for replacing a side-view mirror. We see hanging mirrors, broken mirrors, makeup replacement mirrors all too often. In reality, we should never see it, considering how easy they are to replace on our own.
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motormoto diagram to reroute the new belt, lock up the tension arm, and you’re ready to go.
5 An oil change Symptoms: You should be doing this every 3,000-5,000 miles, based on the age of your car and the type of oil you use. There are four things you need to know before changing your oil: what type of oil and oil fitter you need, where the oil pan bolt is, where the oil filter is, and how much oil your engine holds. When you’ve got that down, there are three basic steps: Loosen the bolt and drain the old oil, replace the oil filter, and refill the engine with new oil after tightening the bolt back up. Make sure you put a little bit of oil in the filter and lubricate the rubber ring with oil. Squeaky belts Symptoms: An intensely annoying squeak every two seconds, cracks in the belts A bad belt will usually be pretty easy to spot. You’ll see the wear starting to fray and crack. Before you start ripping off your current belt, make sure you have a belt diagram or draw a belt diagram. You’re going to want to know the path the belt takes. Once you’ve got this down, use a ratchet to loosen the tension arm, freeing the belt. With pulleys exposed, make sure there is no excess rubber, grime or oil that would hasten belt disintegration. Use your
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Dead alternator Symptoms: Your car won’t turn over, and the gadgets inside don’t light up People see something electrical and think it’s automatically complicated. That couldn’t be further from the truth. This is going to sound simple, and that’s because it is. Remove the electrical connections (there should be power wires and a harness connector), unbolt the brackets, and use the built-in tension arm to free the serpentine belt. That’s it. Put the new one back in the way it came out, reconnect the wires, and boom, fire her up.
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A leaky radiator Symptoms: You can’t see your antifreeze, when you take off the cap. When your radiator is leaking, it’s a better idea just to replace the entire thing, rather than trying to patch it up with welding or sealant. You’d only be delaying the inevitable. Start by jacking up the car and removing the drain bolt at the bottom of the radiator to remove all coolant. While that’s going on, you can start removing the overflow tank, unplugging the cooling fans, removing the top radiator hose, and taking off the top brackets that help hold the radiator in place. If there’s room, you can remove the fans right there, or you can wait to remove them after you pull it all out in one big package. If you have an automatic car, you’ll also have to remove the transmission cooling line.
8 From there, slide the new radiator in and swap all the tubes and rubber pieces. Finally, fill the car with either premixed fluid or a 50-50 mixture of antifreeze and water. Bad brake pads or rotors Symptoms: Unbearable squeaking and squealing. Once you’ve got the car jacked up and the tire removed, you’re ready to take off the caliper and remove the actual pads. You’ll first want to remove the slide pins, which hold the caliper in place. Once these are out, you’ll be able to separate the caliper, which will then only be hanging by the brake line. Don’t let it rest only on this line, put it on something or use something to hold it up. You’ll be able to remove the actual pads now, which, if the car was squealing, will be heavily worn down. From here, you’ll need a C-clamp, in order to compress the piston back down into the caliper. Be careful with this; you don’t want to push the seal back in unevenly.
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While everything is apart, this is also a great time to check to see if the worn pads did any damage to the rotors. If you run your finger across the rotor, and you feel deep grooves or uneven and warped surfaces, you’re going to want to replace the rotors, as well. Now you’re ready to slide the pads back across the rotors, re-insert the brake caliper over the pads and tighten up the pins. The final thing you want to do is check your brake fluid. It might sound like a lot, but take your time, follow the service manual, and you’ll be fine.
— Source: Com Plex/Internet/Courtesy
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FOOD
COURTESY
— fork n awesome
Naked burger
Ingredients
Procedure
3 potatoes 1 cup peas 1 medium broccoli 1 big courgette/zucchini 2 medium carrots 250g sweet corn 1 big onion 2 cloves garlic 2 tbspn flour (or more) 3 tbspn nutritional yeast
Peel and boil potatoes until tender. Boil peas until they are well done. Add other vegetables such as broccoli. Drain any excess water. (You can also use drained leftover stew from the day before).
(optional, for cheesy flavour) Salt and pepper to taste Oil
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1
In a large missing bowl, mash the potatoes, peas and vegetables with a fork. 2
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Grate the zucchini and carrots and squeeze out
the excess water through a kitchen towel and add to the mashed potatoes.
breadcrumbs to coat them. (The crumbs gives the patties a browned crunchy finish)
Add the corn, minced garlic, flour, nutritional yeast, salt and pepper and stir everything together until well combined. Set aside for 5 – 10 minutes to allow the flour absorb any excess liquid. You may need an extra tablespoon to absorb any excess liquid.
In a pan, heat the oil and place the veggie ball, pressing them down to form a patty.
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Form the veggie mixture into balls and roll them in
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Fry each side for about 3-5 minutes and serve them as a naked burger or assemble it into a burger. 7
recipe
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— fork n awesome
Kachumbari na Nyama Choma K
achumbari is a light and fresh tomato and onion salad that makes for a perfect side dish to pair with your grilled meats – or simply nyama choma!
Yield: 3 c Course: Side dish Cuisine: African Servings: 4 - 5 people Author: Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere Ingredients
½ medium red onion, diced 1 tsp salt 2 large tomatoes ¾ avocado 1 small chili (optional) ½ lime, juiced (approx 1 Tbsp juice) 1 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions 1. Place the diced onion in a small bowl and massage the salt into the onion pieces. Cover the salted onions with water and let them soak for 10 min. 2. Meanwhile, dice tomatoes, avocado, and chili (optional). Place them in a medium bowl. 3. Drain the onions and mix them with the vegetables. 4. Finish by adding lime juice and cilantro. 5. Mix well and taste the salad. Add salt or more lime juice if desired. Read more at Curious Cuisiniere: Kachumbari (Kenyan Fresh Tomato and Onion Salad) Source: https://www.curiouscuisiniere.com/ kachumbari/
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hotspot - TRACY GESARE
excellent Mercado
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here are a number of restaurants in Nairobi that offer Mexican delicacies. Not so many though can be trusted for the real Mexican touch. The popular ones include Fonda NBO, Urban Eatery, Charlie’s Bistro and literally all the Javas, with Mercado – the Mexican Kitchen and Bar, ranking top.
Location and access
Mercado is situated on Ring Road Parklands on the terrace floor, south wing of Kenrail Towers in Westlands. This is
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relatively a new building with some floors having some works going on. The entrance has finishing roadworks still in place, but that should not be a big deal for one with real appetite for an authentic Mexican meal experience.
Set up and service
You may have had Mexican food in Nairobi but you have not had the Mexican cuisine experience until you’ve hit Mercado. While Mexico is known for street food, you should not expect anyone to serve you Mexican food by the roadside in
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Nairobi. That’s why you have to get yourself to the modern-day restaurant that merges a kitchen and a bar. You will be impressed by the simple interior of wood and earthy colours of the furniture. For a traditional Mexican restaurant, you would expect to see cliché sombreros that are typically Mexican, but everything here is a beautiful surprise. Actually, there is a drink called ‘Surprise Me’. You tell the waiter how you feel that day and they surprise you with a drink matching your mood. Speaking of waiters (and
waiting), despite the area being crowded on Friday evenings, the service is commendable and friendly.
Meals and prices
The food portion is something you should be aware of before you place an order. A tip to guide you is the price. The cheaper it is on the menu, the smaller the portion. On average, you will spend about Sh3,000 per person on a meal and a drink or two. On Sundays, they have an all you can eat ‘Buffet Brunch’ and happy hour drinks from 4pm.
tRAVEL weekday corporate lunch offers at Sh1,000 per person are unique. Tacos, tostadas, tamales, tortillas, burritos, quesadilla’s, enchiladas, nachos dominate the menu. The options are many leaving you enough room to sample through.
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Thematic experience
Facts about The Mirror The Mirror is a modern day banquet and conference hospitality facility that can host conferences, seminars, corporate parties, birthday parties and the like. It has ample space, high-end technology and quality service. It offers a capacity of 300 persons seated banquet, LED dance floor, moonlighting effects, partitioning for intimate events and a luxurious bar with highly skilled bartenders. With seven highly skilled chefs from different regions of the world, The Mirror caters for different vegetarian and non-vegerarian menus for every event from Indian (Mughlai), Mexican, Chinese, East African, Gujarati, Lebanese and Continental cuisine. The restaurant style is inspired by a Mexican woman who made all her meals with fresh produce. Combining the use of fresh vegetables, herbs, spices and antiquated Mexican flavours, this dining experience is a treat to your taste buds. If you are vegetarian or vegan, then you understand the struggles of finding a variety of options when dining out. Their
menu boasts of meat and vegan options, which taste just as good.
Cocktails
The traditional Mexican cocktails come in glasses or pitchers. Do not be too quick to pick the pitcher because the glasses themselves have a generous serving of meticulously prepared drinks. The place is becoming popular as Nairobians embrace the eating out culture, even during weekdays. You could walk in to try your luck, but it is best you make reservations. The place is great for group lunch, dinners, dates, birthdays and other intimate celebrations.
The ‘Mirror’ reflection
In addition to that, the establishment has an open floor, known as The Mirror, on the West Wing of the same floor. This space can be transformed to an event, banquet or conference or whatever party set-up you need. They pay attention to your specifications to reflect your desires and your budget. They also offer catering services where their experienced chef can make your dishes from continental cuisine. Open: Midday to 11pm. Serves: Lunch, dinner, drinks.
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Mixology — pulser writer
‘S
hould I add water or ice to my whisky?’ is one of the most commonly asked questions about whisky. Adding water or ice changes a whisky in both positive and negative ways. Most whisky that has an alcohol level of between 40 and 46 per cent ABV already has some water added anyway. This process is called ‘cutting’ and is done before bottling in order to bring the alcohol down to a more acceptable level for the majority of consumers. The water used is usually spring water.
Water the whisky?
Adding nothing
Adding water
By adding a few drops of water to a whisky, you can open up different, new and subtle flavours that you previously had not experienced. This is especially true when drinking cask strength whiskies that have higher alcohol levels (these can be up to and over 60 per cent ABV in some cases). With cask strength whisky the alcohol and resulting burning in your mouth can overpower even the most prominent flavours. By adding some water, this dilutes the alcohol and reduces its effect, giving both the prominent and more subtle flavours a chance to shine.
istics once the whisky starts to warm up to room temperature.
Different whiskies deserve different treatment
Despite the myths about adding or not adding water or ice, don’t feel ashamed to drink a cheap American bourbon or Scottish blended whisky with a mixer as they are often produced for this treatment. If you plan to drink an expensive single malt avoid adding any other flavours, as you are buying this whisky for its unique flavour. If you can, try a sip before adding ice or water as we
have mentioned. You will often be surprised at the difference in the flavours and you will learn more about the whisky that you are drinking.
It is really up to you
Ultimately, what you add to your whisky is all down to your own taste and the situation that you are drinking in. There are no right or wrong answers - if you have spent money on a shot of whisky or a bottle, then you can drink it how you like.
— Source: Brian Kinsman, Master Blender - Williams Grant & Sons
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Many whisky drinkers believe you should not add any water to your whisky under any circumstance. This is because you are tasting the whisky in its true natural form with all of the original distillery characteristics and flavours from the cask in which it has been maturing. However, we recommend always trying a whisky as it comes from the bottle in the first instance - then you can make up your own mind and take it from there.
Adding ice
Ice is slightly different. Rather than enhancing flavours, it inhibits them as the ice makes the temperature of the whisky drop rapidly. It is the same as when you drink a good white wine that has been chilled down too much. It will be a more refreshing drink and calm the burn of alcohol, but can make the whisky taste dull and flat. The aromas and taste will only start to open up and reveal their full character-
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Horoscope
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- the pulsar astrologer
y e r G ly ju
Last month, the Lord of the Stars gave His True Astrologer a chance to study a clear night sky as he sat in a Boeing, staring deep into the Eastern skies during a night flight North from the Namib
Y
ou know the way Jambo Jet pilots sometimes ask Coast-bound passengers on the right side of the aircraft to look out of the window and see Mount Kilimanjaro? Basi njaro zangu are gazing at the constellations, to see what the next month brings thee. Here is what July has in store for you, whatever your star sign.
friendly one for you, Virgo. Relationships with family and friends will get firmer this month. If you are an engaged man, this is the time to jump the broom. Getting married around Jamhuri Day this coming December is a star sign for happiness.
LIBRA (Sept 23 – Octo 22) CANCER (June 22 – July 22) You are the Seventh Sign in a The planets are definitely aligned seventh month, and Venus is the against you this month, Cancer, goddess of your future in July. and you will find yourself thwarted You will get into hot soup or a hot in most of your plans and ambition. affair, or both! The extravagance Don’t sulk or skulk off, because that starts at the start of month whiners never win. will leave you stone broke by the You are allowed to be crabby, but third week of July – and you won’t be ready to fight for what is recover until late September, 2019. rightfully yours. SCORPIO (Oct 23 – Nov 21) LEO (July 23 – August 22) The stars show you may get some The planets on the Eastern sky are news in July that will be the source also not a friendly sign for you Leo of some big/small sorrow. (not to mention the Uhuruto Take a walk, be kind to your body, Economy that may threaten your and don’t give in to drink or job or business this July). Sigh, take depression. All will be well by end a deep breath – and come roaring month. like a lion. SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21) VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22) This month’s cosmic set up shows The planets may be at war with you are bound to get into fights Cancer and Leo, but their glow is a and some serious confrontations. But some battles are best fought,
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because you come out cleaner and more fierce from the fire. Spoiler alert for Martians: After all, even young Arya was able to kill the Night King in Game of Thrones. CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19) Capricorn, you really need to think through everything this month. Nothing is as it appears! To quote Little Finger: Nothing is as it appears. You must be prepared for treachery, whether from the workplace or on your own domestic front. AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18) With the sun shining on Gemini, all of Jupiter’s big four moons – Io, Europa, Callisto and Ganydeme, are aligned perfectly for you. This is the time to take a chance, and grab that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. PISCES (Feb 19 – March 20) Pisces, I am afraid to predict that an important personal relationship – whether your partner or an old friend – is about to go to complete pieces in the month of July. If you hope to repair it later, maybe in August, you need to swim away from the situation, before you get peeved and piss on the relationship.
ARIES (March 21 – April 19) Do NOT listen to advice or the opinions of anyone else other than this Astrologer here, Aries. Plunge straight ahead and do what you want! There will not be another time this year when you can afford to be so nonchalant – and get away with murder. TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) There is a black hole this month in your star constellation of Hyades, which means dark thoughts are going to haunt you all month. Do not act in haste, this month, otherwise I swear you’ll live to regret it. You need to just chill at home, like a tomato at the bottom of the refrigerator. Lay low in July. GEMINI (May 21 – June 21) The astrologer noticed that both Venus and our sun are in your constellation this month. It means ‘goodness and mercy shall follow you this July.’ People will be kind, superiors will be eager to help you – and everything will seem to be served to you on a platter. Beware! August is coming.
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hot of the month
she commands attention wherever she goes. WITH HER TRADEMARK AFRO AND DETERMINATION, Sharon Kate Ng’ang’a IS RARING TO TAKE ON THE WORLDsss
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eautiful and brainy Sharon, at just 24, has already set herself apart as a media personality, Pan-African commercial model, speaker, events moderator and one of the most sought after influencers in the continent. Success is in her DNA. Besides, at the age of nine, she was already a child star gracing TV commercials. With passion and clarity of vision, she has cut a niche for herself not only as a prolific TV host and media influencer but also as an advocate and activist with an amplified voice on issues surrounding youth and women. In this exclusive interview with PULSER, she allows us into her world. Pulser: Describe yourself in three words. Sharon: Sassy, sweet and sophisticated. P: Where did you grow up? S: My mother is from Nakuru. I was born in Nairobi. I spent majority of my childhood in Kangemi before we moved to Kiambu. I loathed growing up in Kangemi, so much so that I have never gone back there after we moved. I have always been an ‘A’ student so I always got academic scholarships. I went to Westlands Primary then Precious Blood Riruta and finally the University of Nairobi. P: What lessons did the ghetto teach you? S: The ghetto taught me what I didn’t want to become while my experiences in school taught me who I wanted to be. The children at home thought I was a cool cat while in school I was shamed for where I came from. I have had to learn to create my own perception of myself and what I can achieve rather than live out societal views. I am a young, passionate, driven, African woman from a humble background. P: Well, we also thought you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth... S: I think so, so do many other people. Do not get me wrong, I have lived an amazing life, met world leaders, travelled and sat in rooms I only dreamt of but that has come with a lot of hard work. P: Does your past affect you now? S: I do not run away from my upbringing but I will not let it hold me back. I think people are surprised that I speak so
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— Margaret Ngenya
hot of the month eloquently, dress very well or can now afford a certain lifestyle for one raised in hardship. My cousin once found me doing my laundry by hand and he was shocked that ‘celeb hufua nguo’ . P: What would you say is your secret to success? K: God and smart hard work. I have been very deliberate about finding my purpose and doing my utter best at it even on the days I feel like I just don’t want to do it. Its very easy to get caught up in the hype. I try to be as disciplined as I can. I know what the job is and I get it done. I tend to feel that a lot of young people waste too much time on nuances rather than priorities. P: How do you do it? S: Knowing where to draw the line is imperative. You could have your fun moderately and still work on your dreams. I never had a choice growing up because it was either you work yourself out of the ghetto or you stay in the ghetto. The fear of being less than the best kept me fighting and striving for more. If you have the opportunity and privilege, imagine how much more you could achieve? P: That must take a lot of learning, discipline and good time management. Is that something you practice?
S: I keep loads of diaries, hard copies and digital ones on my phone. I schedule everything even normal dates with friends or posting on social media. I have a rule that no job is more important than my education. Getting my degree in Economics and Statistics has been a priority for me. Weekdays have been school time and my ‘free’ time is mostly for work or meetings. Sundays is strictly church, family and friends’ day. I am not always uptight but strictly planned before I turn 25. P: In all the disciplines you are engaged in, where would you say your biggest strength is? S: I would say that media comes naturally. I have been trained as an entrepreneur and the people bestowed upon me the title of an influencer. I love each part of me and I am great at each while still learning more. I was born to be a voice in the media industry and it’s just that thing you know you were created for. Being an entrepreneur is something I fell in love with along the way whilst watching my mentors change the world through social entrepreneurship. I studied Economics because of that. Somehow along the way people wanted to know who I was, what I am up to and how they can follow my footsteps. P: Is it good enough to be an influencer without being an entrepreneur? S: I think it’s a personal decision. It’s not my decision because I have been working multiple jobs since a really young age. The path to life is not astraight cut. You must find your mojo and groove along to that. Trying to do something because it works for someone else could leave you unfulfilled. I am called up for influencer jobs without having to look for them while my entrepreneurial pursuits are totally unrelated.
Simply Sharon
For others, it’s a totally different grind. P: In your opinion, what are the real problems facing the youth today? S: In Kenya, the lack of opportunity or the lack of knowledge as to where these opportunities are is a major problem. I meet so many uunemployed talented youth. I am a huge advocate of voluntary work in any community setting. The experience builds ones resume and bridges the gap to better work. A little creativity could get you a long way. If it doesn’t come to you, go to it. That is what I tell all young people everywhere I go. P: Tell us about the 2016 Segal Young Rockstar selection. S: No one told me I was getting an award till a minute before I was to get on stage. A lady walked up to my table and congratulated me before they called up my name. That year, the Segal Family Foundation forum was held in Uganda. I didn’t have a speech and Emmanuel Jaal, the United Nations War Child Ambassador, had to remind me what project I had submitted as he awarded me. P: What was the proposed project? S: I had submitted a project proposal that would help our Kenyan government and private sector to ease unemployment rates for the youth. I was 22 then. The grounds were full of amazing African leaders and not to mention 13 other African Youth Ambassadors. My fellow ambassadors had outstanding projects too and I was really surprised and honoured by the recognition. P: Is that how you met Graca Machel? S: Yes, I got the opportunity to interact with Madam Graca Machel and many other renowned global personalities. I was motivated to work even harder for my country. P: That opened more doors obviously... S: Blaze by Safaricom has by far been one of the most exhilarating projects I have ever done. I was the youngest out of 30 mentors selected. At that time I was hosting a TV Show called the Chartlist on an upcoming station called TVC. I had also been involved in a many youth projects I have established with my friends. And due to these social enterprises, I get to mentor youth in six major counties and also got an invitation to give a talk at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. My talk was on ‘Shaping the World We Want’. By the end of 2016, I was invited again by Safaricom to give the keynote youth speech alongside Safaricom CEO, Bob Collymore as we marked the Universal Day of the Child in partnership with the Malala Fund. Turn to pgs 28 & 29
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hot of the the month month — Margaret Ngenya
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I loathed growing up in Kangemi, so much so that I have never gone back there after we moved.
hot of the month From pgs 26 & 27
P: What does it take for a youth to close deals with leading multinationals like you have in numerous occasions? S: Don’t just do your job, be the best at it. I give my all in my projects. I don’t care about the publicity bit. I just care about whether I am helping at least one person. My work speaks for itself. Sharon Kate Ng’ang’a is invited into certain spaces because of the work she does, not for who she is. That makes me so happy. Brands are always watching and ready to sign deals. It’s upon you to position yourself in the line of their sight. P: What is your biggest dream? S: Currently, I really want to host a daily show preferably a morning TV show. This is because it would allow me play with my economics experience and still be my bubbly self. It’s like having a plate of business with a side of fun. Also, I would want to host a Pan-African or International game show like East Africa’s Got Talent. I have a gazillion dreams but I will just name those for now.
Birthday: October 23, 1994 Hobbies: Dancing, watching movies and plays. reading, yoga, drawing and watching Sci-Fi series. Fave Books Smart Money Woman By Arese Egwu The Wait – Devon Franklin and Megan Good The Alchemist – Paulo Coolho Fave travel destinations Zanzibar Bali Tokyo Seychelles South Africa Mentors Uduak Amino – International Broadcast Journalist and Economist Purity Kagwiria – Managing Director at Akili Dada Raila Junior Odinga - Executive Director at Creative Hub Carole Kimutai – Business, Communication and Digital Strategist Josephine Karianjahi – Former County Engagement Co-ordinator, Kenya (ITVS) Independent Television Service, Inc.
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P: Do you experience anxiety? S: Of course I do. Like in those two occasions when I had to make a speech, I was so nervous. But still, I was so excited and honoured to be representing youth matters in the presence of individuals you meet once in a lifetime. I had to do it. 2016 was a great year!
P: What makes Sharon happy? S: Smashing goals! No matter how small. I get a kick of adrenaline when I accomplish tasks, big or small. Also, I am a huge lover. I love spreading love and receiving it. P: What breaks your heart? S: I cry a lot when I watch news. There are so many annoying things happening around the world. I also don’t like being lied to. It’s a terrible habit people have. P: What do you do for fun? S: I love trying out new things preferably with company . I explore eateries, attend wine events, travel, do yoga and much more. I am going to try out horse riding, chess and golfing for the first time in a few weeks so I am pretty excited about that.
Sharon Kate Ng’ang’a Sharon Kate Ng’ang’a @Sharon_nganga
pulser magazine july 2019
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@ KagweMungai @ KagweMungaimusic Kagwe Mungai
Name: Kagwe Mungai Career: Musician Record Label: Taurus Musik Album: Spectrum (2019)
coverstory - PULSER WRITER
Unapologet 32
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etically Adelle
for the first time since she left her radio job , Adelle Onyango authentically and unapologetically, opens up about being a rebel, why she left Kiss FM, family and feminism Pulser: It has been speculated that you left your lucrative radio job to focus on The Adelle Onyango Initiative. Is that the case? Adelle: As a public figure, I have always been quite liberal with my truth, which is why my truth was in my announcement. I left because I needed another challenge. I need to learn more in this life and grow a space that’s mine. However, my initiative will always be my focus regardless of what else I am doing at the time. P: Another myth has it that as the founder of your initiative, PursePective podcast and Legally Clueless podcast, you are taking time out to ensure these brands grow... A: I think I’m on a journey to discover my purpose and truly live it. I love podcasting and using those tools to tell African stories and bring about community change. It’s why my Legally Clueless has a feature called 100African stories. I’m loving that space. It’s new age radio and I love that I am at the forefront of it in Kenya. P: While still on that, some also think you are headed to an international body A: It is good for people to think. I just wish they’d spend more time thinking about finding their own purpose instead. Q: Outspoken. Bold. Versatile. How do these words speak into your career as a radio presenter and young activist? A: I think of my life as a human journey. Not a collection of labels. So, I am Adelle Onyango, the unapologetic African woman who is bold, versatile and speaks her truth. I am that person Turn to pgs 34 & 35
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coverstory
- PULSER WRITER
From pgs 32 & 33
on every platform in front of me; be it a global conference, a Kenyan radio station or a global podcast. P: It has been seven years at Kiss FM. What are the best memories you carry with you? A: It’s been a blast. I think every story I have been able to facilitate on all the shows I had is something dear to my heart. I also transformed Keeping It Kenyan into UrbanAfrica, which then saw the inclusion of more African music on the overall Kiss FM playlist. I’m happy I did my part in helping Kenyan artistes get the airplay they truly deserve. P: What is the best thing you have learned so far in your media career? A: That there is more need for women to be at the tables that matter. That women need to be at the tables that decide how stories are written, how much diversity and inclusivity a media house has. We need to own media houses! I call this the best thing because it has pushed me to start the journey of creating what doesn’t exist. P: In your opinion, what is the biggest misconception about media personalities - especially women - like the journalist you are? A: I think people believe we have total control over content when in reality, we don’t own the station, so really, it’s a false sense of ownership and control. There is still a misogynistic approach of having women only as the face of media and not the brains. Which is unfair. Men still occupy 73 per cent of top media management positions. Only six per cent, of stories globally, highlight gender equality. This needs to change and if there’s enough female representation in management and ownership, then the balance can be felt. P: You used to do the technical bits of generating content, editing and producing your show. Wasn’t that complex? A: Yes! I did it all…right down to social media for my show both on my personal platforms and on the station’s platforms. It was hectic. At 10am, I would be completely exhausted. But I did it. It means I have the skillset and can multitask, which is a good thing because it’s built me. P: Even with the fame and achievement, which has made you one of the biggest young achievers in Africa, you still avoid the ‘celeb’ tag. Why is that so? A: ‘Celeb’ isn’t a skill. It isn’t something quantifiable. It doesn’t even pay bills. It’s hype. It’s fluff and I don’t identify with terms with no real value. P: You come out as very open minded and optimistic about many things women would rather remain quiet about A: My late mum owned her story. She spoke about her battle with cancer boldly at a time when it was synonymous with death. It could get you fired even. I was in Class 5 at the time. Seeing that taught me to own my human journey; the smooth points, the potholes, own it all. P: Would one be right to call you a feminist since you mostly support women issues? A: Yes. In the current climate, I think we all should be feminists in the real definition of the
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coverstory word. We all should strive to make sure there’s equal opportunity and access to that opportunity for women. That women are safe, paid equally for their skill and taken to school, among others. P: One would also think you support women ‘awareness issues’ simply because you had a bad experience with a man. A: I support the fight for women’s rights because I am a rational being and a woman and so I suffer in certain aspects due to the patriarchal society we exist in. Anyone that rounds that off to a man is also part of the problem. P: What makes Adelle a strong relentless voice of her generation? A: I don’t think we’re in this life just to pass through. We are here to have a lasting impact. That comes as a collective of small opportunities we give others or impact we have in their lives. You cannot turn a blind eye to issues in the community and keep moving as though you are not part of the community. You must do your part in elevating it, in making it better than when you found it. I know this, so that’s what drives me. P: Do you feel like more women should stand and join in the issues you have been advocating change in? A: I think more men need to stand up and speak out for the betterment of the community. More men need to acknowledge that male privilege means women get oppressed in various industries and facets of life. More men need to ditch their privilege and speak out on how they can make the world safer for women, make sure women and girls get access to opportunities and are treated with dignity and respect. The women are already speaking; the girls too.
More men need to ditch their privilege and speak out on how they can make the world safer for women, make sure women and girls get access to opportunities and are treated with dignity and respect.
P: How do you get funding for your projects and still, what kind of assistance would you wish for to reach your goal and attain your vision? A: I have like-minded partners for now whose vision matches mine. The funding facilitates, it’s not the focus. Our job shadow initiative has had two installments with our able partner Fuzu. We have a partnership with Grow With Google that also ensures opportunities reach the initiative’s youth members who may not be in Nairobi or even Kenya. The key is having partners with similar visions. P: How many volunteers are working with you on the projects and exactly what activities are you undertaking? A: We do not have volunteers. I have an actual team, myself included that create the programs. We then have youth members who gain access to the youth programs we have. There are 4,200 registered members now from different corners of Kenya. Our aim is to create opportunities to elevate them all. We also have platforms we have created like PursePective that allow us to have conversations on gender equity. PursePective exists as a podcast and as a workshop. It will trigger communities to think about the gender stereotypes they uphold and how to erase them. P: What became of your music career? A: It died (Laughs). It wasn’t a career. I believe in trying anything and everything my heart desires. At the time, I Turn to pgs 36 & 37
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coverstory - PULSER WRITER
From pgs 34 & 35
wanted to create music so I did one song. I loved it! It was even played in the Big Brother Africa house often. I then converted one of my poems into a song for a project I was doing for female empowerment. It was a good run and I can tick it off my bucket list. P: You have also been an actress... A: Acting was fun! I was in the second season of a local series called Stay. Yeah, why not? I loved the experience and I think it takes a high level of self-awareness to be able to leave yourself, become a character and then go back to yourself. I would love to do that challenge again. P: If you were not in media and also busy doing advocacy, what would you be doing? A: Farming in Nanyuki. It’s where I’d love to raise my family one day, so I guess it’s still in the plan. P: As we celebrate diversity in this issue, let’s talk of your hubby, something you have quite never open up about. A: Well, that’s because I respect that he’s not in the public eye and that’s our happy place you know? Our story. But just know we’ve known each other since primary school days. P: Why was everything surrounding the wedding the best kept secret in town? A: Because it was a day for us and our families and close friends. It wasn’t a funfair or activation or content. It was a raw celebration of love, so we wanted that space to be safe for us and our loved ones to do that. P: You dated for three years before jumping the broom, right? How was the courtship process like? A: You say three years? To be honest I don’t know how long we dated for. It was fun. It was a nice space to get to know each other, a nice place to have our friends mix and families too. P: What did you like most about this man? A: He knows! P: OK. Let’s leave that at that. It’s been about a year now. What have you learned about marriage and what more has he added into your life? A: Marriage is whatever you want to define it as. The key is for the two of you to define it and not let society or any external factors define it for you. It doesn’t have to look like what is peddled in movies, media or by society. You define it.
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P: You are known to be tight with your family even going public about your late mum. Are there current successes you wish she lived to see? A: Oh hell yeah! I wish she was here for the failures and even the boring days. I can’t single out successes. I think anyone who has lost someone to the permanence that is death knows that you always want them around even if it was just to sit in silence.
everyone I love thrive.
P. What are some of the things you have learned from mistakes made in the past? A: That it’s ok to be human and always trust your gut!
P: Where do you hang out on an ordinary day? A: On a workday I’m in my home office and studio. On a chill day I’m either at About Thyme or in my house. I’m quite the introvert.
P: What makes Adelle happy? A: Roadtrips, poetry, good music and seeing
P: What makes Adelle sad? A: Lies. I think I should always be honoured with the truth. P: Who are your best friends and mentors? A: My sisters, best friend Lwile and my hubby are my best friends. Mentors; anyone who I can see is living authentically inspires me.
P: Do you like the kitchen…or say cooking?
coverstory
BIRTH DATE: February 5, 1989 SOCIAL MEDIA @ADELLEO Adelle Onyango @adelleonyango www.adelleonyango.com PODCAST LegallyCluelessPodcast Legally Clueless
A: Do you ask men this question too? P: I guess we also leave that at that too. You have such a cool fashion sense. Do you consider yourself a fashionista? A: I really don’t although people online react as though I am. I think I just don’t conform to what society thinks is a normal fashion sense, not because I’m a rebel (which I am), but because I don’t like it. I have five dresses, including my wedding dress…skirt. I just dress how I feel. You can tell when I’m sad by my dressing. I also have amazing stylists for important functions; Brian Babu and Lady Mandy.
Q: Share your experiences from the many international conferences you have attended… A: I’ve been to Manchester in 2017, New York 2018, South Africa 2018, African Union in Ethopia 2019 and I’m heading out to another African country in a few months. I love that my voice is being seen as worthy being in key global conversations. That I can make a global impact….me, a young Kenyan lass from Ugenya! Isn’t that a testament to whatever you dream you can truly achieve just by living your truth. Q: What is your motto? A: To be as authentic AF.
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h0t in africa — MKALA MWAGHESHA
COMING OF AGE 38
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One of the region’s biggest artistes today, it has not always been smooth sailing for bongo star harmonize
HOT IN AFRICA
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ne year ago, in a cold and wet July, black vehicles pull in slowly past the badly parked vehicles at Two Rivers Mall, past the security barricade and onwards towards the direction of the backstage. The VIP is here, and the security men work their magic, pushing onlookers a safe distance away and clearing the way. On stage, global star, versatile creative and one third of Just A Band Blinky Bill is finishing his set, Pulsers dancing the Ruaka cold away. It’s another edition of The Koroga Festival, when it used to go down at the expansive grounds around Two Rivers Mall. Out of one of the vehicles, rising bongo star Harmonize, in a dark blazer with the hood pulled down walmost to his eyebrows, steps out and is quickly ushered away before eager fans can grab him. Kwangwaru, then only three months old, is the biggest hit in the region. Matatus, radio stations, music shows and even kids in schools are either singing or dancing to it. In clubs, it’s on replay hourly, and comedian Eric Omondi has his parody, Kiwaru, out. Harmonize is in Kenya for just that, riding on the song’s popularity. Later on stage, Harmonize cries while singing Matatizo, but redeems himself later with Kwangwaru, the crowd marching him word for word, move for move. Welcome to the world of Harmonize, a modern day king. The 25-year-old was born in Mtwara, a coastal town in South East Tanzania, a few kilometres from the border of Mozambique. Like many Tanzanian youth, the dream was either to play football, become an actor or try his hand in music. He chose the latter, trying unsuccessfully to break into the scene from as early as 2011. This is all captured in one his latest songs, Never Give Up, which talks about the path to continental glory. Early November 2015, he released Aiyola, his breakthrough song and first release under the groundbreaking Wasafi Classic Baby (WCB) management, an ensemble that currently has Diamond Platnumz, Rayvanny, Queen Darleen, Lava Lava, and Mbosso, on the roster. WCB has more than 30 employees, from in-house producers, dancers and artiste managers. It also had Rich Mavoko at one point. Harmonize met the WCB boss in a very interesting way. He was given the Sikomi singer’s phone number, and after dilly dallying, sent him a text via WhatsApp, volunteering to curtain raise for him. A few
texts later, and he was told to contact Diamond’s manager. Long story short, his humility led him to Dar, where Diamond was rehearsing for a show, and Harmonize performed in the same show. He had to ask someone else to record his performance on his cheap phone! Harmonize would keep sending voice notes to Diamond and his manager, and eventually, after many excruciating attempts to meet up and get a chance, he was signed. By that time, he had recorded more than 10 songs on his own. “You know how those underground studios work. You record so many concepts and songs that if you listen to them now, they do not make sense,” he told Millard Ayo, in a 2015 radio interview. When asked what signing to Diamond’s WCB meant, he stated the boy from Tandale was like a father to him. “Though Islam does not appreciate it, I consider Diamond to be like a father to me. I was living a very difficult life and not only Diamond, but all the people at WCB welcomed me with so much generosity,” he stated on the interview four years ago. “After signing for WCB, I can now consider myself a made man. I get what I need, I am recognized when I walk around and I dress better.” But he was to ‘blow up’ bigger and walk with bouncers who fill up boardrooms whenever he was signing a new product endorsement. Never Give Up opens with an insurance advert! After Aiyola, Konde Boy released Bado featuring Diamond, then Matatizo, another soulful hit that resonated with many, who faced every day challenges. He then released Happy Birthday, a midnight hit in Kenyan clubs and had
I was living a very difficult life and not only Diamond, but all the people at WCB welcomed me with so much generosity
former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta dancing, before he hooked up with Rich Mavoko for Show Me. His numbers are astronomical, his songs averaging 11 million views. His most watched was of course Kwangwaru, with 46 million views. Now in arguably his most productive period in showbiz, the dancer, fashion icon and continental star can get any one on phone to work with. Outside bongo, he has worked with Nigerias Skales, Seyi Shay and Korede Bello. On the other hand, some artistes who’ve tried to tap in to his gold dust have been disappointed. One of his least watched song was a collaboration with sometime Kenyan gospel artistes Willy Paul, which has 1.4 million views. He did not even post or share the song on his social media, leading to a scathing online rant by Willy Paul, who asked Kenyan artistes to snub bongo collaborations. Early this year, Harmonize released Afro Bongo, an EP that had four songs. It’s biggest, Kainama, featured Diamond and Burna Boy and used a chant popularised by Tanzania’s Dully Sykes in the early 2000s. Two other songs featured Nigerias Yemi Alade and Mr Eazi. ‘…Japo kuna walopinga kuwa sina kipaji (There are those who doubted my talent,’ he sings on Never Give Up, the video cutting to an audition where he sings the iconic hit Malaika in a dubious way, and the judges point that out, mockingly. ‘Fitina za ndani ndani eti hamo amevimba/ atapendwa na nani Mmakonde wa Tandahimba (There was jealousy that I am arrogant, and whether I will be liked, a Makonde from Tandahimba). And talking of love, his love life is a mirror of his boss’, dating an array of beautiful women in both the showbiz industry and out. Currently engaged to an Italian lady named Sarah Michelotti, whom he featured on Niteke, like he did his previous girlfriend Jackline Wolper, Harmonize has his fair share of scandals, from baby mamas claiming he has fathered their children to speculation that his former bodyguard, Mwarabu Fighter cheated with Sarah. He is said to have fathered a daughter with nana Shanteel, his apparent ‘side chick’. He is the man of the moment after all.
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Hustle & life — boniface mithika
They are the world’s richest showbiz and music couple. Having created a showbiz empire, Beyoncé and Jay-Z are not slowing down as Jay-Z gets approved as the first hip-hop billionaire
“M
ygreat-great-grandchildren already rich,” Beyoncé sings in Boss, the third track on Everything Is Love, her album with husband Jay-Z. This music power couple has synergy to rival the savviest corporate merger. Beyoncé, who also owns a chunk of Tidal, initially made her landmark album Lemonade available exclusively on the streaming service; Jay-Z did the same with his 4:44 album. The couple is serving the ultimate ‘relationship goals’. This started in 2002 when speculations flew amok about their romantic affiliation for some time without either confirming the rumours, but as they performed their love anthem on stage in front of millions of fans night after night, their love by then was unmistakably real. A year after their smash hit, 03 Bonnie & Clyde, the pair released their 2003 platinum hit, Crazy in Love. It was at this point that the two showbiz stars got cemented in music history as a power couple for the ages. Five years and several platinum albums later, Beyoncé and Jay-Z solidified their love by wedding in a private ceremony with friends and family. But with a relationship as high profile as theirs is, the spotlight would remain on them for years to come and challenge their commitment to one another time and time again. Beyoncé had long since evolved into a solo artiste and Jay-Z had turned his attention to business pursuits. However, despite these massive career shifts and the pressures they faced - both as individual artistes and as a couple they remained strong together. Having conquered the music world, the couple turned their attention to building a family by welcoming their first child, daughter Blue Ivy Carter. Rumours of infidelity began to surface in with a flurry of news coverage. They both took it
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He was a drug dealer before becoming a musician, starting his own label, Roc-A-Fella Records
Hustle & life head on and addressed the rumours with their music, Beyoncé with her 2016 album Lemonade, and Jay-Z with his later album 4:44 where he appeared to acknowledge his infidelity. And in 2017, they shocked the world they were expecting twins, Rumi and Sir Carter, who would later be born in June of that year. This year, they are the wealthiest rap couple with their net worth totaling to $1.4Billion. Jay-Z, whose steadily growing portfolio of businesses includes liquor, art, real estate and stakes in companies like Uber, is the first hip-hop artiste to become a billionaire. Meanwhile Beyoncé, whose fortune increased to an estimated $400 million (Sh40b) from $355 million last year, thanks to continued touring and an album release, ranks No. 51 on Forbes 2019 list of America’s most successful self-made women (up two places from last year). How Jay became a self-made billionaire On December 4, 1969, Gloria Carter was in labor and surprisingly her fourth delivery wasn’t as painful as the previous ones. That is how she described giving birth to her last born son Shawn Corey Carter who she described as ‘special’. With an absentee father from the age of 11, Jay Z was brought up by his single mother in Brooklyn’s drug-infested Marcy Projects. In 1989 he joined rapper Jaz-O, an older performer who served as a mentor. It was at this point that Shawn Carter embraced the nickname Jay-Z. Even with a stage name, he still remained
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relatively anonymous until him and two friends, Damon Dash and Kareem Burke, founded their own record label, Roc-a-Fella Records, in 1996. In June of that year, Jay-Z released his debut album, Reasonable Doubt. Although the record only reached No. 23 on the Billboard 200, it is now considered a classic hip-hop album. His journey is all the more impressive given its start: Brooklyn’s notorious Marcy Housing projects. He was a drug dealer before becoming a musician, starting his own label, Roc-A-Fella Records, to release his 1996 debut, Reasonable Doubt. Since then he’s amassed 14 No. 1 albums, 22 Grammy awards and over $500 million in pretax earnings in a decade. But music is far from his only money-making venture. Over the years, Jay-Z has continuously expanded his success in the hip-hop world into a fortune earned as an entrepreneur. The mogul has accumulated a fortune that conservatively totals $1 billion, making him one of only a handful of entertainers to become a billionaire and the first hip-hop artiste to do so. According to Forbes Magazine, Jay-Z is now definitively, a billionaire. This makes him the first rapper to amass a fortune in the ten-figure range. To calculate his net worth, Forbes looked at the artiste’s stakes in companies like Armand de Brignac champagne, applying the customary discount to private firms, and then added up his income, subtracting a healthy amount to account for a superstar lifestyle.
Respect to the Carters pulser magazine july 2019
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TRAVEL - PULSER WRITER
A magical fusion of nature and luxury, Chale Island is a charm with extravagant opulence. It’s where elegance and romance meet
Chale’s C
hale Island is intriguing, relaxing and amazingly one of the memorable lovers havens you can ever visit. The crystal white beach, magnificent coral reefs and fascination mangrove forest can take your breath away. It is intriguing magic of white sand bay and explosion of dazzling flora and fauna that also presents a mystical inland tidal mangrove lake. Ideal for lovers seeking an isolated romantic world, Chale Island is a small fascinating island situated 600 metres off the mainland on the Kenyan South Coast. It is 10km south of Diani. This world famous getaway is only 1.2km long and 0.8km wide. The snow white beaches offer visitors rejuvenating warm sun baths. It a secluded bay covered with powder fine coral sand and due to the remoteness of the Island. This is the only beach in Kenya that can truly be called private.
Sacred forest and talking beach
The Island is divided into two parts; the
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resort and a sacred forest or ‘kaya’, which boasts the tallest mangrove trees in East Africa.
Heavenly experience
The Sands of Chale Island offers the utmost in privacy and romance. Even when at full capacity, one has a tremendous feeling of peace, tranquility and seclusion. Caressed by the gentle breeze from the Indian Ocean and with a stunning view of the beach, one gets carried away into a world unknown. There are three swimming pools on the Island. Beside the reception is the main fresh water swimming pool, built with local stone and connected by a small waterfall to a sixteen seater Jacuzzi. Plentiful sun beds are also scattered around the pool surround. Located between the standard rooms is another swimming pool
area with a pool bar and sun beds. Here, one can enjoy the tranquility as you drink in the magnificent panorama views of the Indian Ocean. On the other side of the Island by the spa and fitness area is a salt-water swimming pool with steps leading directly into the sea at high tide offering a magical swim through the mangroves to the main jetty.
Gardens and comfort
The Island is virgin with every effort having been made to keep the natural vegetation intact. There are beautiful gardens along all the pathways. The Sands at Chale Island offers six categories of accommodation to suit all tastes and demands for each guest. The main buildings have 28 spacious semi-circular en-suite rooms and Swahili
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garden to an upstairs lounge, while the front veranda overlooks a private Jacuzzi on the cliff face and sunbathing deck.
Just wine and dine
day beds set on breezy verandas facing the ocean ensuring all comforts are taken care of. There are also bandas that offer a unique and truly coastal feeling. The sun beds set on private front lawns and large verandas with Swahili day beds give relaxing views. You also have a choice to use Penthouse suites that are set well above the swaying treetops. These suites offer breathtaking views of both ocean and island.
The overwater honeymooner’s suite
A first of their kind in Kenya, the water bandas are located on the Northwest of the island with stunning views of Bird Island, Gazi Bay and, in the distant sunset, Shimba Hills. The suite has a large bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, which looks out over the channel and a separate sitting room. Situated on a separate islet connected to the main Island by a stone bridge lies the ‘Suite on the Rocks’. This is the ultimate honeymooner’s dream. A circular stairway leads one around an intricately crafted wall
A blend of traditional Kenyan cuisine with a healthy twist of Italian panache and a hint of the orient ensure each meal is an event to be looked forward to and enjoyed. This, coupled to an extensive international beverage menu with a local taste of the exotic, and a well-stocked wine cellar will complete your dream holiday. With a selection of bars and restaurants to choose from, let us indulge you to the full. Besides, the main restaurant is ideally situated to give the true island feeling. The Island has a strong emphasis on seafood. It’s live grilling station and pasta corner offers some of the most sumptuous seafood grills you will ever come across. Besides, the bars are well stocked with variety of drinks; from cocktails to a wide variety of champagnes, wines and spirits. And what is it they say about champagne? It tastes better with a view.
Dive and Spa
thing, Chale is just like heaven. Daily, one or two tank dive excursions go to a selection of dive sites (North and South) of the island. A wide range of watersports, including beach snorkeling, boat snorkeling, glass bottom boat and kayaking are available. The Chale Island Spa and Wellness Centre is built over the heart of the Island where the energies of the ancient mangroves, the tidal lake, the coral caves and the gentle breeze all cumulate to provide the perfect ambient in which to relax.
Booking: Rates go from as low as Sh15,900. One can access the booking services online. Access: You access the Island via a boat, which is part of the package. Hilarious still, there is a tractor that does the job equally well during low tides. Connection point: Diani is the connection point whether you are using the road to Mombasa mainland or taking a flight from Ukunda. Sometimes flights from Ukunda to Nairobi go for as low as Sh4,000.
If watersports and excursions are your
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out& about -PETER MUIRURI
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T
just a little over 50 years ago, Dubai was a nondescript settlement of the Bedouin people, their camels and sand
hanks to petrol dollars, Dubai has been transformed into a city of superlatives and now has the largest of everything. The world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, mocks the desert sun while Dubai Mall, the world’s most visited mall houses largest indoor aquarium in the world. Away from the glittering skyscrapers, marble-clad shopping malls and head is the ‘other’ Dubai few know about. The real pulse of the Emirates lies off the beaten path, from the ‘back streets’ of Dubai to the unforgiving deserts. Here are 10 things that will leave you breathless once you leave your air-conditioned room.
low lying structures here have served as Dubai’s gold market since the 1940s, long before the modern city was conceived. While visitors are mesmerised by the towering structures such as the Burj Khalifa, the real wealth is made here. The tiny alleys are home to some of the richest men in Dubai. Estimates put the amount of gold present at any given time in Deira at 10 tons. The traders will even let you touch gold artifacts worth millions the same way you try those earrings in Nairobi’s streets. And with the Dubai police using the latest Lamborghinis and Bugattis as chase cars, the level of theft here is put at 0.3 per cent!
1. Old Dhow Wharf
This market mimics Nairobi’s Ngara with the many spice shops. Here, both open-air and closed roof stalls are stacked with fragrances, spices, frankincense, incense and other herbs. Walking through the spice souk takes you on a sensory journey while sampling household items including textiles and rugs.
This is not far from the city. Next to the bustling market of Deira is an old port used by older sea vessels that, according to Mahmoud Said, a tour guide with Arabian Adventures, have in the past made voyages to the East African coast. The wooden dhows have traditionally served the original residents of Dubai in navigating the local waterways. As they dived for pearls, the key economic activity before oil became a big thing here. The best way to sample this part of Dubai is by the Abra, a colourful water taxi that might as well be the local version of the ‘Kenyan’ matatu. By the way, the fare is not far from what one pays for a ‘matatu’ ride.
3. Spice Souk
2. Gold Souk
The Abra docks at Deira, the traditional part of Dubai with narrow and congested streets akin to those found in the Kenyan Coast of Lamu. Looks though can be deceiving. The
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out& about
Located close to 50 kilometres outside of Dubai is the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve where what is perhaps the most adrenalin raising experience is held. The mysterious desert is the setting for your most memorable ride. Tour drivers will jerk up the four-wheelers up and down the 90 degree inclines in a hair-raising experience for those with the stomach for it. The high volume of music in the car acts as temporary amnesia that seems to freeze your mind. With Faisal though, a man who has chauffeured celebrities including Hale Berry, I was in a safe pair of hands. The desert dunes safari must be on your bucket list.
5. Dinner Bedouin style
The desert dune safari terminates at a small Bedouin-style camp where more desert activities and a bonfire await you. Move to the seating area (the floor that is) and sample the three-course Arabic buffet. Those over 21, (not 18!) can enjoy unlimited adult drinks except if the visit falls on the eve of a religious holiday. Belly dancing is a popular form of entertainment here though such entertainment varies during Ramadan and other religious holidays.
6. Falcon whisperer
The falcon is a revered bird in the Emirates. It is said that Bedouin hunters carefully watched the hunting traits of the falcons, and then trained them to capture food items such as hares by luring them with a lesser morsel. At the falcon site on the edge of the desert, a trainer will be on hand to teach you about this ancient art of falconry. Watch as the tagged birds fly off and come back to the handler with a quarry. Carry your camera for memorable photos. By the way if you are yet to apply for your new digital passport, some falcons in the Emirates already have passports for travel!
Believe it but the desert is home to the Arabian Oryx and gazelle.
8. Hollywood themed parks
This is a version of Hollywood just five hours away. Located at the expansive Dubai Parks and Resorts grounds off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi road, the entertainment galore here is vast and varied. From Dreamworks to Sony Pictures, get in and learn how some of the ever popular blockbusters such as Madagascar are created. A miniature train will take you around the mysterious world of Shrek the ogre.
9. LegoLand
This is a key reason to travel with children to Dubai. LegoLand is haven for children who intend to build their “own� city using Lego blocks. With over 40 Lego-themed rides, shows and building experiences, Legoland seems to outsmart Disneyworld as the next big thing in global children entertainment. While at it, let the kids try the more than 20 water slides.
10. The dancing fountain
We just had to sneak this city affair here. If you are in Dubai at dusk, be sure be book a spot between Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa for the spectacular show where the fountains dance to the blaring music in a choreographed fashion.
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4. Desert dunes safari
7. A game drive in the desert?
Would you fancy a Masai Mara style game drive in the desert? What game you may ask?
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ininmy my closet closet - ahadi - ahadi wambui wambui
Slay like Shay Question: How would you define your style? Answer: My style is based on my mood. It is an ensemble of many trends. Sometimes people love what I wear, other times, they don’t.
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Q: Who are your favourite designers? A: My favourite designers are from Nigeria, not because they’re natives, but because of the innovation, creativity, colours, texture and culture that can be seen in their designs. I also enjoy Italian designs.
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igerian singer Seyi Shay started her career in 2005 after writing and producing three songs for the soundtrack to Konami’s video game, Crime Life. She also wrote You Will See, a song that was included on Melanie C’s third studio album, Beautiful Intentions (2005). In 2008, she became the lead singer for the now defunct pop girl group, From Above. The group went on to sign a recording deal with Sony’s Columbia Records, which was managed by Matthew Knowles’ Music World Entertainment company. In July 2015, she signed a record deal with Island Records. She went on to release her debut studio album, Seyi or Shay in November 2015. It includes singles like Irawo, Ragga Ragga and Chairman, but it was her song Murda that crossed boundaries and garnering her a mammoth fan base. Since, she has performed with the likes of American artistes Kelly Rowland and Ne-Yo, and Nigeria’s D’banj and many more. Besides singing, Seyi is a fashion icon, who always arouses with her trendy looks. She is a regular at the New York Fashion Week alongside other international red carpet fashion events. Pulser sought to know more about her closet.
Q: What are some of your favourite fashion events you’ve had the pleasure of gracing? A: I love London and New York Fashion Weeks. I actually had the pleasure of gracing both and spending sometime there this year. I saw some fantastic styles and I was inspired. I also hooked up with some great people. Q: Do you believe in trends? A: I’m not a trendsetter per se. I also don’t follow trends. I just do my own thing and hope people can relate. I tend to wear what I like or what feels cool and comfortable. Q: How does your music relate with your style? A: I am very free with both my music and my dressing. I don’t feel under pressure to impress anybody.
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in my closet
FASHION - PERIS WAMBUGU
The wedding season is here and we all know that getting the perfect gown can be quite a headache. Don’t restrict your glory down the aisle moments with old designs. Give a whole new meaning to the bridal looks with some of these unique wedding day looks
e r He mes co
the brid
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FASHION
de
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Is there anything classier than a wedding dress overskirt? The best thing about it is that it is detachable and you are ensured of comfort on the day of your wedding.
3
3/5. These blue numbers would definitely turn heads at a wedding; the former on a guest and the latter on a bridesmaid. They exude a fun-fused sex appeal. The royal blue, knee length, long sleeved dress is a head turner, while the ankle length dress with lime and fuscia floral patchwork is as classy as they come. Fuscia Floral dress: KSH6,500 Royal Blue: KSH5,800
Turn to pgs 48&49
Peplum styles are some of the most flattering shapes brides go for. A combination of both sexy and fun, which obviously completes the package. Turn to pgs 50 & 51
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FASHION - PERIS WAMBUGU
The Pastel colour trend has extended even to the wedding gowns. This particular one takes wedding ball gowns to a whole new level. If you want to show off some skin on your day, then this is the perfect pick for you all thanks to the sheer details. pick for you all thanks to the sheer details.
Price on request. Designer: Peggy Onyango. Shoot: Samantha’s Bridal expo. Shoot location: Sarit Centre. Photography: Sanjiv Soni / Aqua Tronics. Contatcs: 0735 877 887. Instagram: OnyangoPeggy
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From pgs 48 & 49
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FASHION
Still on that feather trend, we love the detailing on this particular one. The gown makes it look like you are heading to a prom night only that this time you will be down the aisle.
It is impossible not to fall in love with this dress. Enter the feathered adorned wedding dress which has become a favourite for many brides. Designed especially for the bride who wants to show off her sense of class and elegance on her big day.
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beauty tips - PERIS WAMBUGU
CTM- Cleansing, toning and moisturising
C
leansing, toning, and moisturising should be done regularly without fail. They keep your skin glowing, youthful, and breathing better. Toning reduces fine lines while moisturising locks in the moisture into the pores, keeping your skin soft. CTM aside, sunscreen is a must-have to protect your skin from harmful sun rays. Exfoliation This removal of old dead skin cells on the outermost surface of the skin. Always exfoliate your skin before using a face wash two or three times a week. Ensure you use a mild face wash as a harsh one can irritate the skin and give you rashes. You can also use a homemade scrub made of rice flour or whole wheat flour, or a mixture of both to exfoliate the skin. Facial and hair spa Start getting monthly facials at least six months before the wedding. If you’re on the clock, opt for a bi-weekly gold facial (luxurious and relaxing treatment). Also ensure you ask for a patch test before applying any new products on your skin. For healthy and shiny looking hair, start getting a hair spa done once a month and like the facials, start this treatment at least six months before the wedding. If you do not prefer chemical hair spas, there are many homemade masks that you can use to get some shine in your hair.
Beautiful hands and feet Keep your hands and feet soft by massaging olive oil on them before going to sleep each night. This will get rid of the dry skin on your hands and feet. While taking a bath, make sure you use a pumice stone on your feet. It will help remove the hard skin. Polished nails of both hands and feet gives an added ap-
peal to your look. You must maintain clean and polished nails through bi-weekly or monthly manicures and pedicures. Hair removal Keep yourself well groomed. This applies to your legs and hands, and eyebrows - sudden hair removal of any part of the body can give you small cuts or rashes. Whichever process you use for hair removal, maintain that bi-weekly or monthly treatment. Gym Start working out at least four months prior to the wedding to achieve effective weight loss, especially in problem areas like tummy and thighs. Spa and massage Not exactly considered a vital thing to do before a wedding, however, it will help to relieve the stress one has before the big day. Maintaining the glow Many of us give up on our beauty schedules post the wedding. Here is a question for you – why should you put a time frame on looking gorgeous? You don’t need to be at the treatment centre often. However, it doesn’t mean you stop entirely. Meditate An effective way to reduce stress and take some me time is by meditating for at least 15 minutes a day. You will definitely feel calmer. Try and think positive thoughts. Think about the happy times when this chaotic period will have passed. You will feel serene, and the wedding will feel like a breeze. Inner peace will lead to better wedding snaps too.
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COURTESY
Every bride wants to look beautiful and relaxed on her big day. However, this is not achieved overnight. The following tips will help you stand out on your big day
FITNESS
— PERIS WAMBUGU
Red Zoezi sports mesh leggings and sports bra.
How To Keep Fit In The Cold Season
Y
ou can walk laps at the mall, take a fitness class at the gym, join a community dance class, lift weights, work out to a video at home, or even just dance. The most important component of an exercise program is finding something that you enjoy. If you’re having fun, you will be more likely to stick to the exercise. Create a home gym. You can easily set up a great workout area in your living room or basement and buy some inexpensive equipment such as stretch bands and a stability ball. Climb stairs. Either at home or in your workplace, spend as little as five minutes at a time climbing up and down the stairs for a very intense and efficient workout.
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‑ Fitness Wear all from Zoezi Sport.
Safi white snake skin print yoga leggings and sports bra.
COURTESY
Palm Collection sports bra and yoga leggings.
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movieS
A Dog’s Journey Cast: Abby Ryder Fortson, Angela Narth, Arlene Duncan, Betty Gilpin, Daniela Barbosa, Dennis Quaid Director: Gail Mancuso Genre: Drama, Kids & Family In Theatres: July 5, 2019 A sequel to 2017’s sentimental A Dog’s Purpose, both of which are based on W. Bruce Cameron’s best-selling books series, A Dogs Journey, voiced by Josh Gad follows the story of a reincarnated furry friend yet again with the purpose of finding a specific human to protect and love.
Limited Partners Cast: Ari Graynor, Billy Porter, Caroline Arapoglou, Jacob Latimore, Jessica St. Clair, Tiffany Haddish Director: Miguel Arteta Genre: Comedy In Theatres: July 5, 2019
Spiderman: Home Coming Far From Home Cast: Angourie Rice, Jake Gyllenhaal, JB Smoove, Jon Favreau, Laura Harrier, Marisa Tomei, Martin Starr, Michael Keaton, Numan A, Remy Hii, Samuel L. Jackson, Tom Holland, Zendaya Director: Jon Watts Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy In Theatres: July 5, 2019
F
ollowing the events of Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man decides to join his best friends Ned, MJ, and the rest of the gang on a European vacation. However, Peter’s plan to leave super heroics behind for a few weeks are quickly scrapped when he begrudgingly agrees to help Nick Fury uncover the mystery of several elemental creature attacks, creating havoc across the continent.
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Two female friends with very different ideals decide to start a beauty company. One is more practical, while the other wants to earn her fortune and live a lavish lifestyle.
Yesterday Cast: Alexander Arnold, Ana de Armas, Camilla Rutherford, Camille Chen, Ed Sheeran, Ellise Chappell Director: Danny Boyle Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Music In Theatres: July 5, 2019 Yesterday, everyone knew The Beatles. Today, only Jack remembers their songs. Jack Malik (Himesh Patel) is a struggling singer-songwriter in a tiny English seaside town whose dreams of fame are rapidly fading, despite the fierce devotion and support of his childhood best friend, Ellie (Lily James). Then, after a freak bus accident during a mysterious global blackout, Jack wakes up
to discover that The Beatles never existed.
Stuber Cast: Betty Gilpin, Dave Bautista, Iko Uwais, Jimmy Tatro, Joshua Mikel, Karen Gillan, Kumail Nanjiani Director: Michael Dowse Genre: Action & Adventure, Comedy In Theatres: July 5, 2019 When a mild-mannered Uber driver named Stu (Kumail Nanjiani) picks up a passenger (Dave Bautista) who turns out to be a cop hot on the trail of a brutal killer, he’s thrust into a harrowing ordeal where he desperately tries to hold onto his wits, his life and his fivestar rating.
The Lion King Cast: Alfre Woodard, Amy Sedaris, Beyoncé Knowles, Billy Eichner, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Donald Glover Director: Cyrill Geshev and Jon Favreau Genre: Adventure, Animation, Family, Musical In Theatres: July 19, 2019 Live-action re-imagining of the 1994 Walt Disney classic The Lion King. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Mufasa’s son, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his.
COURTESY
COURTESY
— wINNIE MAKENA
BOOTS & BALLS
WAGS
for AFCON
Achraf Hakimi – The Real Madrid defender is currently dating Hiba Abouk, a Spanish actor who is 12 years his senior.
A
- fred kagonye
s men keep their eyes on the ball, their wives and girlfriends (WAGS) will have their eyes on the men. The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament is getting hot in Egypt and here are some of the sizzling players’ beauties you expect to see there.
Keita Blade – Italian model,
Simona Guatieri will be cheering her on man as he makes moves on the field.
COURTESY
Riyad Mahrez
Sadio Mane
- Liverpool forward Mane is said to be dating Melissa Reddy, an ESPN correspondent.
Serge Aurier
- Hencha Voigt, Haitian-American fitness model and Serge have one child.
– Mahrez’ wife, Rita Johal from Gravesend Kent - the couple have a daughter born in 2015.
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TRAVEL BOOTS & BALLS - fred kagonye
Es s
am
El Ha da ry
Africa’s Football Legends
With all eyes on the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Egypt, why not look at some of the football legends Africa has produced?
George Weah (Liberia) Regarded as one of the greatest African players of all time and one of the best forwards of his generation, Georges Weah is one of the most successful African players in the history of the game. He was selected by the African Football Confederation as Africa’s best footballer in 1989, 1994 and 1995. The Liberian player was at the top of his glory in 1995 when he was awarded the title of FIFA Golden Ball, a distinction he is the only African to hold until now. He was the champion of France with Paris Saint-Germain Football Club in 1994, and best scorer of the UEFA Champions League with the same club in 1995. However, it was at AC Milan, in Ro the Italian Serie A, that he rege rM ally shone. In Italy, Weah illa won two Serie A titles: 1995-96 and 1998-99.
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APRIL 2019 pulser magazine
Ge o
rge
Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon) Samuel Eto’o remains on top of Africa’s best players list. He had a great, glorious career winning very prestigious football titles. With FC Barcelona, he was able to win three times in the Spanish league. He also won the European league of champions with the same Catalan team. Besides, Eto’o was twice the African Cup champion with his national team, Cameroon, in 2000 and 2002. In 2010, he was able to add
another UEFA Champions League title, but this time with the legendary Inter Milan. Samuel got four African Golden Balls, and was also named the Best Number 9 Player of all time at FC Barcelona.
W ea h
J
oe Kadenge is arguably the finest footballer Kenya has ever produced. But that is just Kenya, right? Since all eyes are on Egypt, why not tease this up with Essam El Hadary, the Egyptian soccer hero who is probably the best goalkeeper Africa has ever seen? Nicknamed the ‘High Dam’, Hadary is credited for winning eight Egyptian Premier League titles during his club career with Al Ahly: four Egypt Cups, four CAF Champions League titles, three CAF Super Cups, one Arab Club Champions Cup and four Africa Cup of Nations, among others. Africa has always been a source of creativity, talent and competitiveness when it comes to the most popular sport in the world. The continent has produced legendary football players who have shined at the most famous stadiums in the world. And here is iAfrica.com’s selection of the best African football legends of all time, names that the world of football will always remember.
Samuel Eto’o
ed by the fans as the Best Player in the History of Chelsea in 2015.
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Roger Milla (Cameroon) With two CANs on his record, Roger Milla is another legendary player from Africa. The Cameroonian footballer had impressed football fans in the biggest African stadiums before flying to Europe, where he experienced an equally brilliant career. Elected twice as the Best in Africa, Roger Milla lifted his country to the quarterfinals at the 1990 World Cup in Italy. Roger is still remembered for his magical goal celebrations by running to the corner flag and performing his famous dance. He was named one of the greatest living football players in 2004 by Brazilian football player, Pelé. In 2007, the Cameroonian player was chosen by the CAF as the Best African Player of the previous 50 years.
Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast) Didier Drogba is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the legendary African players, and the footballer most adored by the Ivorians. After standing out in the French Championship, he joined the English Club of Chelsea in 2004 under the leadership of Portuguese coach José Mourinho. He is the all-time top scorer and former captain of his national team, Ivory Coast. Drogba was more successful in Europe than with his national team, mainly at Chelsea Club, where he scored more goals than any other foreign player. He got the African Golden Ball twice in 2006 and 2009. With Chelsea, Drogba won four premier league titles, three football league cups, in addition to the prestigious UEFA Champions League in 2012. He was elect-
Yaya Touré (Ivory Coast) Yaya Touré remains the only African footballer to have won the title of the Best African Player four times in Africa. Winner of the Champions League with FC Barcelona in 2009, and the Spanish league in 2009 and 2010, he joined the English Championship to play for Manchester City for which he was three times Premier League Champion in 2012, 2014, and 2015. Touré realised the dream of all Ivorians by winning the African Cup of Nations with the Elephants of Ivory Coast in 2015.
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Abedi Pele (Ghana) Africa will always remember the Ghanaian legend, Abedi Pelé, who is regarded as one of the greatest African footballers of all time. For some, he is the “Pele” of Africa thanks to his exploits on the football field. With the Black Stars of Ghana, he was the champion of the 1982 edition of the CAN before winning 11 years later, in 1993, the UEFA Champions League while playing for the Olympique De Marseille. Abedi Pele was chosen by the CAF Football Confederation as the Best African Player three times in 1991, 1992 and 1993. He was also named the African Player of The Year by BBC in 1992. Salif Kéita (Mali) The Malian footballer, Salif Kéita, was the first African player to win the African Golden Ball, a prize awarded since 1970. Three-time winner of the Mali National Cup with Real de Bamako, he joined the French Championship in 1968, evolving under the colors of Saint-Etienne. He was three-time champion of France with the Stephanois before moving to Portugal, where he became champion also with Sporting CP. At the individual level, Salif Kéita got the European Silver Shoe in 1972 and was awarded the title of the Best African Player in the same year. Lakhdar Belloumi (Algeria) Lakhdar Belloumi is the famous Algerian Number 10, who marked the history of football in Africa in the 1980’s. The Algerian midfielder is considered in his country as the greatest footballer of all time. He won the African Golden Ball in 1981. With his national team, the Fennecs of Algeria, Belloumi participated in two World Cups, including the one in 1982, during which he scored the goal of victory to his country against West Germany during the Group Stages. He was also elected 4th African Footballer of the century.After the 1982 World Cup, the PSG, Saint-Etienne, Seville and
even Barça, wanted to sign him, but the strict law in Algeria prohibited any player under the age of 28 from leaving the country without a presidential authorisation. When the law changed in 1984, and he had the opportunity to leave, a serious injury prevented him. Larbi Ben Barek (Morocco) Nicknamed ‘The Black Pearl’, Larbi Ben Barek was an exceptional striker, recognised as the first successful African player in Europe. “If I am the king of football, then Ben Barek is the god.” This compliment was by Pelé, the Brazilian legend, who, during his trip to Morocco in 1976, felt that Ben Barek was the best player of his time. Coming from the slums of Casablanca, Ben Barek arrived in Marseille, France, and shortly became the talk of the town thanks to his skills and technical abilities. His career was interrupted by the onset of World War II, but he was soon back to his best with Stade Français FC before joining Atlético Madrid, where he truly blossomed and became more popular. ‘The Foot of God’, as Spanish fans used to call him, helped Atlético Madrid to win La Liga in 1950 and 1951. Thomas N’kono (Cameroon) The Cameroonian, Thomas N’kono, marked the history of African football by being the first goalkeeper selected twice as the Best African Player in 1979 and 1982. No goalkeeper in the continent has managed to win the same title. Thomas N’kono helped his national team to win the 14th edition of the African Cup of Nations hosted by Ivory Coast in 1984. Besides, he was five-time Cameroon Champion with Canon Yaoundé before joining RCD Español in Spain. N’kono received the France Football’s African Footballer Award in 1979 and 1982.
—Source: Internet/ iAfrica.com’s /Jalal Bounouar
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COURTESY
GAMES - boniface mithika
Gems of
July
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
T
hree Houses is once again a turn-based RPG where you move units across a wide open field and engage in battles. You’ll often be tasked with eliminating special enemies or completing certain objectives to emerge victorious in missions. Judging from the reveal trailer, some mechanics have undergone changes. For example, the Battle Menu has been completely revamped, with ‘Attack’ and ‘Magic’ now separated into their own individual commands. Other changes includes a new ‘Forma-
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tion’ command, which suggests you’ll be able to group troops together during battle. ‘Combats Arts’ are also introduced while weapon durability, a feature absent in the past two entries, makes a return. Beyond Two Souls In this interactive drama and action-adventure game, you get to live the life of Jodie Holmes, a young woman who possesses supernatural powers through her psychic link to an invisible entity. Experience the most striking moments of Jodie’s life as your actions and decisions determine her fate. As she traverses the
july 2019 pulser magazine
globe, Jodie faces incredible challenges against a backdrop of emotionally-charged events never before seen in a video game.
Wolfenstein Youngblood Set in 1980, 19 years after BJ Blazkowicz ignited the second American Revolution, Wolfenstein: Youngblood introduces the next Blazkowicz generation to the fight against the Nazis. Play as one of BJ’s twin daughters, Jess and Soph, as you search for your missing father in Nazi-occupied Paris. This will be the first game in the series to offer ‘open-ended’ levels that can be played in
GAMES multiple ways or with an artificial intelligence substitute. Unlike some previous games, missions can be completed in a non-linear order, and players can unlock new gear and abilities as they progress in the game. Red Faction: Guerrilla Red Faction: Guerrilla redefines the limits of destruction-based game-play with a huge openworld, fast-paced guerrilla-style combat, and true physics-based destruction. This remastered version comes with improved graphics a year after the release of the remaster, Red Faction: Guerrilla Re-Mars-tered Edition is making its way to the Nintendo Switch. The game initially launched in 2009, before seeing a current-gen remaster last year, and the open-world shooter will land on Nintendo’s portable handheld this month. Just Cause 4: Los Demonios DLC The crazy over-the-top shooter has a lot of mutant buddies for you to destroy. When Rico and Javi investigate a newly discovered temple off the shore of Solis, an archaeologist working with the Black Hand unexpectedly releases an ancient demonic force from its imprisonment. Rico must tackle the horrifying new threat and seek out answers to eradicate the demon invasion from the island. Wonder Blade Are you ready to get slashed and hacked to a slow but sure death? Are you? Okay, probably your answer is no, but when the king says jump, you say, “How high?” When the king says fight, you fight. When the king says “save my princess from a villainous maniac and his castle-sized pet golem”, you grab your trusty weapon, free the princess and save the world, all before breakfast! With all those sweet combos, killer finishing moves and devastating magic abilities the bad guys won’t know what hit them. Sea of Solitude Metaphor-laden action adventure Sea of Solitude tells a story of a wanderer in a world where loneliness and depression turn people into literal monsters. Although with a less
murderous bent; Kay, your character dodges monster attacks as she darts between flooded structures poking out of the ocean. This version looks absolutely gorgeous, from its stylised water, to its characterful but mostly-textured structures, and its majestic monster designs. Bear With Me: The Complete Collection Bear With Me is made up of episodic releases telling the story of leading detectives Amber and Ted E. Bear as they exchange banter and search for clues in a point-and-clickstyle format. The game has players solving environmental puzzles and cross-examining potential suspects in their investigation into Flint’s vanishing. The Complete Collection comes alongside a brand new prologue episode called Bear with Me: The Lost Robots. This new content joins the aforementioned Flint, going on a journey where he encounters new and memorable characters and unveils locales distinct from the rest of the series. God Eater 3 Like its predecessor, this game is an action role-playing game with hack and slash gameplay where players are equipped with God Arc weapons, which can be transformed into guns. Players are tasked to hunt and kill massive monsters known as Aragami. The player character is a God Eater who can absorb energy from monsters to unleash “burst moves”, special attacks that deal a lot of damage to enemies. Companion characters, which are controlled by artificial intelligence, assist in combat. The game can be played cooperatively with four other players, while assault missions accommodate up to eight players. Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown With a new aircraft; ADFX-01 Morgan and a large, multi-role, experimental Belkan aircraft later completed by the Allied Forces. Loaded with equipment such as high-output lasers and multi-use air-burst missiles, you are an incredible fighter - now go out and assert your dominance in the skies of Strangewall.
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