Refined Magazine Issue 8

Letter from the Editor

Welcome to another edition of Refined Magazine, wherein we promote and explore exceptional products and services. Once more we bring you exciting lifestyle brands and trends that will tickle your fancy.

Read about a mother of five, frustrated with the hassle and expense of traveling abroad to buy her children’s clothing, decided to open her own children’s clothing store. Tiny Citizens, which retails all kinds of clothing from newborn baby clothes and clothing accessories to baby preparation for young adults and adults alike, was born out of this need.

We also visited Coco Mia in Sam Levy’s Village, Harare’s first floral cafe that is designed to make women feel special. The proprietor incorporated flowers into all aspects of the business to encourage women and young ladies from all walks of life to embrace their power, purpose, and value by living the lives they love and blooming from within. Coco Mia believes that women can all bloom in this relaxed space where women can meet friends and family, share wisdom, creativity, and network. Men are welcome too.

Whether you are a coffee lover or a wine lover, B’tween Coffee and Wine has something for you. B’tween Coffee and Wine is a purveyor of classical drinks that believes that life happens between a cup of coffee and a glass of wine. The distributor offers a range of some of the world’s top-notch selections of coffee and wine, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Unleash your inner heat, challenge yourself and achieve your fitness goals? MiGym is the perfect place to do it. With personal support, guidance, and the opportunity to meet new people, MiGym makes the journey to a healthier life less daunting and more achievable.

Design trends are always changing, but there is one thing that is always in style: bold and daring home furnishings. Within these pages of Refined Magazine ZW, find out how Inner Living, a Hararebased interior and exterior design firm, has the perfect pieces to add a touch of drama to your home.

Out in the yard; meet Flamboyant Projects’ ‘happiness team’. They promise that they will make you fall head over heels with your property.

As an ardent swimmer, I love being in the water. I was elated that Pool Village could ensure that I can have the pool of my dreams and be able to take a dip all year round. The pool construction company is the leading supplier of pool heating equipment and has over 10 years of expertise in designing and installing pool solutions for homes nationwide.

We also feature some fun spots where you can go and hang out with family and friends. The awesome thing about these venues is that they are also places for not-so-leisure activities such as team building and edutainment. Ultimate Fun in Eastlea and Pole Position Karts out at the National Sports Stadium will certainly give you an adrenaline rush.

Local ensemble Mokoomba continues on their meteoric rise as one of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated and best-known musical export. They recently kicked off their world tour, ‘Mokoomba Tusona World Tour Summer 2023’, once again entrenching themselves as Zimbabwe’s premier touring music act.

It’s official, the Stanbic Jacaranda Music Festival is blooming on the 6th of October and we can’t wait to see the line-up of artists when it is released in September. In the meantime, get your dancing shoes ready as we sway and sashay toward the festival.

In the Torque section, Premier Auto showcases the family focused KIA Seltos SUV. The car is perfectly placed to take advantage of the growth in this market segment. It looks great, has enough convenience items and space to keep its occupants satisfied. It is refined, very nice to drive and sips fuel at a miserly rate.

Hearty, congratulations to the winners of the Glytime competition that we had in the previous edition of Refined Magazine. It was fantastic meeting them in person when they came through to collect their hampers courtesy of Glytime.

We hope you will enjoy this issue of Refined Magazine. Happy

Refined Magazine ZW @refinedmagazinezw @RefinedMagZim

Contents

PAGE 08

TINY CITIZENS: Where Big Style Meets Little Smiles!

PAGE 14

COCO MIA: Brew and bloom

PAGE 18

B’TWEEN COFFEE & WINE: Life Happens Between Coffee & Wine

PAGE 20

MIGYM: Sweat, Smile & Achieve

PAGE 26

INNER LIVING INTERIORS & EXTERIORS: Bringing unique designs to the Zimbabwe market

PAGE 38

MOKOOMBA: Leaving Their Footprints On The Global Stage

PAGE 42

THE MOST ANTICIPATED MOVIES: August 2023

PAGE 44

ULTIMATE FUN: Don’t Let Boredom Drive You Up The Wall.

PAGE 48

KIA SELTOS: A family focused Crossover

Refined Magazine has made a constant care to make sure that content is accurate on the date of publication. The views expressed in the articles reflect the author(s) opinions and are not necessarily the views of the publisher and editor. The published material, adverts, editorials and all other content is published in good faith. Refined Magazine cannot guarantee and accepts no liability for any loss or damage of any kind caused by this publication and errors and for the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers.

Refined Magazine @2023 All rights Reserved. Nothing can be partially or in whole be reprinted or reproduced without a written consent.

PUBLISHER

Caast Media Group

MARKETING

Hannah Rhodes

Precious Jandura

EDITORIAL

Michael Nott

Martin Chemhere

Perry Kaande

DESIGN & LAYOUT

Masimba Gamira

Ian Kahale

PHOTOGRAPHY Fotohaus

SOCIAL MEDIA

Nichodimus Anesu Ndagurwa

ADMINISTRATOR

Tinashe Nyakabau

DISTRIBUTION

Joshua Govati FIND US AT 31 Alexander Rd, Highlands, Harare

Harare-based children’s clothing store

Tiny Citizens has introduced international brands, exciting its growing customer base. The store was founded in August 2020 as a solution to the problem of most people not wanting to travel out of the country, especially to South Africa, just to purchase what they needed.

“Tiny Citizens came about because I noticed that as a mother of 5 myself, I always had to travel to South Africa to buy children’s clothing. This is not only taxing but also expensive as you think about flight and accommodation expenses. The cost of those goods becomes high and just outright unthinkable,” said Adiva O, Chief Strategist, Tiny Citizens.

WHERE BIG STYLE MEETS LITTLE SMILES!

WHERE

YOU FIND ALL YOUR GLOBAL CHILDREN’S CLOTHING BRANDS

The store retails all kinds of clothing, from newborn baby clothes and clothing accessories to baby preparation for young adults & adults alike. In-store are most of the well-known international brands like H&M, Ackermans, Mr Price, Woolies and George. They have also just added Primark to their catalogue.

In-store is a wide range of sizes and customers will find that sizes for babies start at Tiny Baby and Premier Baby up to XX Large in the adult section.

Included in their wide range of clothing and shoes that can be found in-store is some basic items for adults suchas undergarment, leggings, tee-shirts and so on.

Pricing is one of their Unique Selling Propositions (USPs) and is made possible by a motto that is “never to overprice our products”.

They want their clients to pay as little as possible for anything they get from them with little to no hassle. Tiny Citizens’ sales ladies are always ready to offer exceptional customer care.

“Our sales ladies are well aware that every customer is different and therefore pay attention to each and everyone’s need be it the language they choose to engage them in, giving the customer their space to browse without interference but at the same time staying close enough to answer any questions.

TEE NS?

WE GOT YOU COVERED

IIt’s truly a pleasure dealing with our sales ladies”, she said. Promotions are held regularly and at the time of going to print, a 30% discount on all items in-store was underway. The store’s promotions are always welcome by their regular clients who enjoy 5% off large purchases. The store’s return policy has been crafted to avoid issues with customers. They want all their customers to feel like family and this is one of those things that if not well executed, it can either weaken or strengthen customer relations.

The return policy doesn’t offer cash refunds yet, but still, they allow their clients to return items in their original state with the tag attached. In return, customers take similar items on a bigger or smaller size or they can get other items equivalent to the value of items returned.

One of the main things that parents tend to focus on is the size tags. Use that only as a guideline as some kids wear sizes that are well beyond their age or if they have a smaller frame, they wear much smaller sizes than their actual age,” she said.

Tiny Citizens supports the move towards a green future as indicated by most of the in-store brands like Woolies and H&M that are starting to move away from traditional fabrics, going eco-friendly and becoming more sustainable.

SH OP

WITH US, THANK US LATER!

NOW YOU CAN CONFIDENTLY SAY

“Hel lo

TO TINY CITIZENS” THE PURVEYOR OF INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S BRANDS

Write-up: Martin Chemhere

Strategist: Kudakwashe Nyamazana

Photographer: Creative Mind Art

Graphic Desiger: Gorge Macbeard

Mwen Gin bold & smooth on the palate

Mwen Gin has perfected the art of distilling gin which has a distinct and bold flavour profile. The gin is triple distilled using high-quality ingredients, including juniper berries, fennel and coriander, as well as tarragon, rosemary, oregano and thyme. The gin is then bottled by hand, which ensures that the flavour is preserved.

Using non-GMO grain, Mwen Gin makes Rose Garden Pink Gin with juniper berries, rose essence, and carefully selected botanicals to deliver a floral and citrus finish. Additionally, Mwen Gin offers Original London Dry Gin, which is bold and smooth on the palate with a lemon zest finish. They are made in small batches, which allows the distiller to have more control over the flavour profile.

Mwen All the Thyme and Lemon Grass and Ginger GnT as well as Dry Mwencello and Pepper. The Mwen Book, Mwen Gin’s specialty cocktail guide is available for free download on their website.

Mwen Gin also offers a gintasting experience called The Mwen Gin Experience. This is an exclusive offering of a gin party themed, hosted, and catered by Mwen Gin according to the client’s needs. The experience includes mixologists serving Mwen Gin’s specialty gin cocktails, specialised palate catering and a comfortable setting. It is a great way to enjoy Mwen Gin in a unique and memorable way.

Customers can make their orders online at mwengin. com, by calling 0786085229 or sending an email to sales@ mwengin.com. All orders are scheduled for strict delivery times to ensure customers have the ultimate premium craft gin experience. Taste the experience.

Mwen Gin’s premium craft gin can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It can be sipped neat, on the rocks, or mixed into cocktails. The distiller has a range of specialist cocktail recipes namely Mwen in Rome,

Located at Shop 18 inside Sam Levy’s Village in Borrowdale you will find a cosy café Harare’s first floral café designed to make women feel special. Although the space is feminine the doors are always open to men and women for any occasion.

As you pass through the doors that have a wood and glass façade, you are welcomed by the eye-catching pink aesthetic interior which is one of a kind in Harare. This is

complemented by a kaleidoscope of floral details in every corner of the café. The soft pink velvet interior will definitely appeal to the ladies.

The glass front allows an abundance of natural light. The ambiance is amplified by the crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and low-hanging copper lamps that light up the glass display filled with sweet treats. Coco Mia is a women-led

business redefining the dining experience with flowers. They incorporated florals in all aspects of their business to encourage women and young ladies from different backgrounds to embrace their power, purpose, and value, by living the lives they love, and to bloom from within. Coco Mia believes that women can all BLOOM in this relaxed space where women meet friends and family, and share wisdom, creativity and network.

Text by Perry Kaande

The comfortable seating and arrangement of the tables give the café an aura of cosiness. A simple but stylish layout ensures that patrons and servers can move around freely. The staff are very friendly and courteous with excellent knowledge of the different product offerings on the menu. The in-house food artists are always on point whipping up dishes that charm the eyes and the stomach.

Coco Mia offers a fine selection of delectable cakes and tarts that can be sampled alongside an awesome cappuccino.

Also available are delicious gourmet food dishes to enjoy for all generations. So, bring your grandma and mom or your lady friends to experience this unique cafe. The café also boasts a wide selection of local and international wines to tickle the palate.

To make the café experience even more special, Coco Mia creates a positive vibe with inspirational quotes and phrases in neon lighting to give the perfect backdrop for pictures. What’s more, guests can dress up fancy and turn a casual coffee into a memorable experience.

The food is amazing, the service is top-notch, and the atmosphere is simply charming. If you are looking for a great dining experience, we highly recommend checking it out.

Life Happens Between Coffee & Wine

Zimbabwean beverages distributor, ‘B’tween Coffee & Wine’ has endeared itself as the industry’s preferred supplier of two of the world’s most popular pick-me-ups.

The classical drinks purveyor believes that life happens between the two drinks saying “for some, it is the habit of waking up and sipping on a cup of coffee while for others, winding down the night with a glass of wine”.

B’tween Coffee & Wine was named so to depict the pleasures of the two as the company offers a range of some of the world’s top-notch selections

“Our well-curated coffee and wine celebrates the full body, texture and aromas of Africa and beyond. We endeavour to connect the motherland as we celebrate the incredible history, culture and human stories behind our products,” the company notes.

B’tween Coffee & Wine offers a wide selection of rosé, white, and red wines, as well as a variety of whiskies for discerning connoisseurs.

The coffee experience encompasses options of roasted and ground coffee beans. The company schooled Refined Magazine regarding coffee, advising that “coffee roasting is a heat process that turns coffee into the fragrant, dark brown beans we know and love”. They indicated that beans are stored green, a state in which they can be kept without loss of quality or taste.

The beverage distributor indicates they are available to assist customers with advice on food pairing and overall to create memories either in the comfort of their homes or on any special occasion. B’tween Coffee & Wine hosts a variety of events, including wine and whiskey tastings, as well as campaign brunches.

The company works with sought-after sommeliers, barristers and connoisseurs for tailor-made experiences. Recently, they had the Lord’s Wines tasting event with sommelier Tawanda Marume.

“In addition to distributing wine and coffee, we offer tasting experiences for our customers and we are also available to set up a wine bar for events to highlight those unforgettable moments,” the beverage distributor says.

B’tween Coffee & Wine also provides coffee and wine accessories including the outdoor leisure field bars that are available in six signature colours. Offering a pick-up and delivery service, you are guaranteed to receive your supplies on time.

B’tween Coffee & Wine are found at 216 Rolf Avenue in Rolf Valley and mobile number 0719 359 169 or sales@betweencoffee-wine.co.zw.

Sweat, Smile, & Achieve

Are you looking for a fitness centre that can help you achieve your body conditioning aspirations? Look no further than MiGym. At MiGym personal support, guidance and the opportunity to meet new people make the journey to a healthier life less daunting and more achievable.

centres in Harare. Technogym is a leading brand in providing exercise equipment such as Technogym MyRun treadmills, Technogym Elliptical and multi-stations all of which use technology to connect to one another so that users can experience ‘wellness’.

This advanced facility boasts a wide range of equipment and classes, as well as a dedicated staff of personal trainers and instructors who will help you to take steps towards a better you mentally and physically.

MiGym is located in Harare’s Rolf Valley on Fischer Avenue, opposite St Johns College. This busy thoroughfare makes the gym easily accessible for people from all walks of life. It is open seven days a week, albeit for shorter hours on Saturdays and Sundays, but you can still work out whenever your schedule allows.

The gym’s equipment is top-of-the-line ‘Technogym’ apparatus, putting MiGym in a class of its own compared to other fitness

MiGym has a selection of strength training options that include free weights, weight machines, and resistance training equipment. Trainers are on hand to support and give advice.

The MiSpin classes that incorporate an immersive virtual experience during a workout are a popular choice catering to all fitness levels. These high-intensity indoor cycling sessions are a fantastic way to burn calories, improve cardiovascular health, and build endurance. Members can join the MiCrossFit community, which is a highintensity fitness program that combines elements of weightlifting, gymnastics, and cardio designed to boost strength, endurance, and overall fitness.

Text by Perry Kaande

Additionally, MiGym offers a range of swimming classes and programs tailored to improving technique, endurance building or simply having fun in the water all year round in the heated pool. There are so many other classes such as ballet barre and pilates to opt for.

MiGym indicates that “our MiStudio workouts can be a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Many of our members have formed lasting friendships through our studio exercise classes, and they find that the social aspect of the workouts is just as important as the physical benefits”.

The staff at MiGym are friendly and knowledgeable, and they are always happy to help clients with the right workout needs. For instance, for those who need help creating a workout plan or staying motivated, the gym offers personal training services.

“We believe that personal training is essential for achieving your fitness goals. That’s why we have a team of dedicated and experienced personal trainers to guide and support you every step of the way. Our trainers have a passion for fitness and a wealth of knowledge in various areas such as strength training, weight loss, and injury rehabilitation,” the fitness centre adds.

MiGym is also the host and training centre for the Blue Team competing in this year’s edition of the ‘King of the Ring’ boxing tournament. The event is an amateur whitecollar box and dine charity black-tie gala event in aid of St Joseph’s Home for Boys.

Incidentally, Issa, an affable gentleman and MiGym’s in-house boxing instructor had the opportunity of meeting boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jnr when he visited Zimbabwe recently. He has a long history of developing the sport locally.

There is a health-conscious cafe and restaurant located at the facility that caters to a range of dietary preferences. Whether it’s before or after a session or just an anytime wholesome meal, Raw Roots Co. offers a variety of nutritious meals that are made with natural, whole-food ingredients to support a healthy and active lifestyle.

MiGym is the perfect gym for anyone looking to reach their fitness goals. With its state-of-the-art equipment, knowledgeable staff, and variety of classes, the fitness facility is requisite for everything needed to get in shape and stay motivated.

If you are ready to challenge yourself, not to outdo others, but to improve yourself and achieve your own victories visit MiGym. There are a variety of membership and exercise options available and you can find out by going to 5 Fischer Avenue, in Rolf Valley, or reaching out to info@migym.co.zw.

BUCKET LIST? >>>>

Inner Living Interiors & Exteriors:

Bringing unique designs to the Zimbabwe market

Inner Living, a Harare-based interior and exterior design firm established in 2001, brings to the Zimbabwean market a variety of products, expertly hand-made and customised to suit the client’s wants and needs. Founded by Dave and Tracey Ashwin, it started as Tada Interiors, a wrought iron company specialising in manufacturing burglar bars, pool fences, balustrades, gates,

lighting, tables, chairs, curtain rods and home décor. The company combines in-house creativity as well as partnerships to retail a wide variety of home furnishings, including blankets, cushions, table runners, oven gloves, scatter cushions, and scatter cushion covers. As well as offering construction, renovations, and refurbishment of old furniture and existing structures.

Text by Martin Chemhere Images by Fotohaus

By choosing colors, space needs, decorative items like furniture, lamps, cushions, wall coverings, window treatments, and materials, Tracey’s creative flair enables her to create interior spaces that are stunning, safe, and appealing. Dave is skilled at creating schematics and plans, estimating projects, installing them, and managing them all to ensure timely completion and cost-effectiveness.

Brian Madara (Executive Assistant), Fulita (Front of House), and Gamu (part Administration Team) overseas the rest of the team. Lisa Flynn serves as the Manager of Inner Living. The sewing team, which consists of several women and men, is housed downstairs and work as a team towards their production deadlines.

By 2008, Inner Living had grown from making and retailing small interior and exterior items to producing tables, exterior pool fences, gates, balustrades, and railings. Their production and stock line has since expanded to soft furnishings, curtain make up, washing of curtains and alterations.

They have partnerships with Stewart Graham Fabrics, U & G Fabrics, Hertex Fabrics, Peace Goods, Ash Fabrics and Linen House. Local partners such as Textile Gallery, Spin Weave, KDV Mattresses and Mint Fabrics also work closely with Inner Living.

“We supply high quality fabrics with a wide range of pricing to cater for everyone’s budgets that they may have. We also stock a wide range of curtaining and upholstery in our touch-and-feel section where clients can see everything in person and purchase straight off the rolls without having to wait for it to be ordered and arrive. Our standard lines include armless chairs, couches, and headboards and much more” said Lisa Flynn, Manager.

Interiors and exteriors from lighting, barn doors and wallpaper are also readily available in the store and all Inner Living’s wood items are manufactured in-house. “For fabrics and soft furnishings, our prices range from at least$ 3 to$ 16 per meter. There is no waiting period; you can get it there and then, there is no waiting period

on selected items in store unless you select from our fabric books,” the manager said. She remarked, “We have a wide selection of readily available wrought iron finials and brackets, and other items that will cater to all your needs.”

Inner Living, now one of Harare’s leading interiors and exteriors specialists, also caters for corporate clients with its attractive and stunning range of products. They also offer project management services for large businesses and projects. This includes curtaining projects in Harare for CIMAS Medical Aid-managed clinics and work in Victoria Falls for Bayete Lodge. Inner Living is a sister company of Thermotec both co-owned by Dave and Tracey. Inner Living is managed by Tracey while Thermotec is managed by Dave. Thermotec

specialises in metal fabrication and recently embarked on a new line of pallet furniture. The pallet furniture range includes dining tables, headboards, coffee tables, side tables and more. The range is another option for the market. Items such as headboards are also made from pallets. “Everyone is catered for at Inner Living,” she said.

Lately, Thermotec has introduced two sets of installation teams who can work on at least four sites per day. Turnaround time for most installations is between four and five weeks depending on the size of orders.

Inner Living has moved from Rolf Valley to its new showroom at the Borrowdale Race Course while Thermotec has its fabrication workshop in Msasa.

MAKE YOUR HOME THE TALK OF THE TOWN

At Jetmaster, we provide quality Fireplaces, Braais and Pizza Ovens that are built to last. Our products are renowned for their style and longevity, ensuring your memories last a lifetime. Make the most of your space and create unforgettable moments with Jetmaster.

Shop Jetmaster today!#qualityfireplaces#braaistands#pizzaovens

Experience the ultimate luxury with Infinity Pools Zimbabwe!

Text by Infinity Pools Zimbabwe

We are your go-to experts for all things construction and maintenance when it comes to breathtaking infinity pools.

When it comes to constructing a stunning pool, our skilled team of professionals will take care of every detail. We understand that no two properties are the same, which is why we provide customized designs tailored to your specific needs and preferences. Whether you envision a pool that seamlessly blends with the surrounding landscape or one that overlooks a stunning vista, our team has the expertise to turn your dreams into reality.

At Infinity Pools Zimbabwe, we pride ourselves on using only the highest quality materials for our construction projects.

From the initial excavation and foundation

work to the finishing touches, we pay meticulous attention to detail to ensure a durable and beautiful pool that will stand the test of time. Our team works seamlessly with architects, engineers, and landscape designers to create a seamless integration of your pool into your property’s overall layout. But our commitment to our clients doesn’t end with construction. We also offer comprehensive maintenance services to ensure that your pool remains in pristine

condition year-round. Our dedicated team of technicians follows a strict maintenance schedule that includes regular cleaning, water quality checks, and equipment inspections. We understand that your time is valuable, which is why we take care of all the necessary tasks, leaving you free to relax and enjoy your pool without any worries.

At Infinity Pools Zimbabwe, we understand that owning a pool is not just a luxury but also an investment. That’s why we offer personalized maintenance plans to fit your needs and budget. Whether you require a one-time service or a long-term maintenance agreement, our flexible options are designed to keep your pool looking and functioning at its best.

In addition to our construction and maintenance offerings, we also provide expert advice and consultation services. Our team is always ready to answer your questions and offer guidance on pool design, upgrades, and any other pool-related concerns you may have. We

exceptional customer experience from start to finish.

Are you ready to transform your property and indulge in the luxury of a pool? Contact Infinity Pools Zimbabwe today and let our team of experts bring your vision to life. Whether it’s constructing an awe-inspiring pool or providing top-notch maintenance services, we are committed to delivering superior results that will exceed your expectations. With Infinity Pools Zimbabwe, your pool dreams are just a call away!

Flamboyant Projects is a growing firm in the Zimbabwean construction industry, and they are out to prove that they are not your average construction company. Run by a team of passionate, dynamic and multi-disciplinary professionals, Flamboyant Projects has defined its mission as to build happiness through the built environment. And boy, do they deliver! “At Flamboyant Projects, our ultimate goal is simple, to make you fall head over heels in love with your property! We believe that the key to achieving this lies in providing top-notch quality, elegant and classy finishes on every project we undertake. When you admire the impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail that we put into your property, your smile of satisfaction is our biggest reward. And when our clients are happy, we create a community of smiles that spreads joy and positivity all around us there bringing you happiness through the built environment.”

Their Managing Director, Musa Kika, leads our team, which is made up of young, multi-disciplinary professionals known as “The Happiness Team”, The team includes architects, engineers, project managers, and other specialists who work together to ensure that projects are completed to the highest standards. This diversity of expertise allows the company to take on a wide range of projects, from housing developments to commercial buildings.

‘We take pride in the projects we have completed. Flamboyant Projects has been on a roll since day one, delivering topnotch projects for clients across Harare, Bulawayo, Kadoma, Gweru and Nyabira. Our expertise spans across residential, commercial, and industrial settings, as well as farms. From erecting structures to executing renovations, laying block paving, and creating stunning landscapes”Vimbai Mahwiridi(Marketing and Business

WHERE HAPPINESS FINDS A HOME!

Flamboyant Projects: where exquisite craftsmanship and innovative designs bring happiness to the built  environment.

Development Executive” In Manresa, they completed a block paving project, creating an affordable yet comfortable living space for their client. Drum city was a warehouse construction project that created a muchneeded commercial space in the Msasa area. From the bustling streets of Budiriro to the quiet suburb of Mandara, and all the way down to the charming city of Bulawayo, Flamboyant Projects has left their mark on many areas across Zimbabwe.

Their commitment to sustainability is also an essential aspect of their business. “We are conscious of the impact our projects have on the communities they are built-in. We work closely with local residents and stakeholders to ensure that projects are aligned with their needs and priorities. Our projects are designed to be environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and sustainable in the long term. We are contributing to the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goal 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure) and the Africa Agenda 2063. We are advancing greener environments and a green economy (Sustainable Development Goal 13), through driving infrastructure that is in harmony with nature, and infrastructure that conduces to human happiness. The African Union Agenda 2063 is also about the right to development and the African renaissance Flamboyant Projects is about the right to development and African renaissance through infrastructure.”

Musa Kika

Musa Kika, the Managing Director, expressed optimism about the future of Flamboyant Projects, stating that based on their past achievements, their successful management of projects, and the positive outlook for the construction industry in Zimbabwe and Africa as a whole, he believes that their future is very promising. He went on to say that in the next few years, Flamboyant Projects is likely to become a prominent name in the Zimbabwean construction industry, and one that cannot be ignored.

THE POOL OF YOUR DREAMS

Nothing beats the summer feeling of lounging in the privacy of your yard by the poolside with your favourite beverage either alone or in the company of family and friends. Apart from the serenity that water brings, a swimming pool is perfect for the variety of health benefits derived. Pool Village has got you covered and you can take a dip all year round as they are the leading supplier of pool heating equipment.

The pool construction company supplies and installs the Astralpool heating pumps imported

from South Africa. Pool Village is also the leading supplier of filtration systems and lighting equipment.

Pool Village managing director Takunda

Goredema indicates that the heat pumps his company supplies “are expected to last for 10 or more years with proper maintenance.” They come with a one-year guarantee.

A plus is that in the event of the equipment malfunctioning, it is repairable and Pool Village

supplies spares as well. An added bonus is the exceptional after-sales service that encompasses troubleshooting, repairs and related services.

There are a number of considerations when it comes to placing swimming pool heater systems such as fresh air, electricity and the pool filter piping. The best position is within 7.5 metres of the pool. The longer the distance from the pool the greater the heat loss from the piping. For indoor pools, it is best to consult the service provider.

Text by Perry Kaande

The unit may be installed virtually anywhere outdoors. However, it should not be placed in an enclosed area with limited air volume, where the unit’s discharged air will be re-circulated. Additionally, it should not be sited near shrubs which can block the air inlets. Denying the unit adequate fresh air will result in reduced performance and efficiency and may result in insufficient heat delivery.

MAINTENANCE

• Check the water supply device and the release often. You should clear the pool/spa filter regularly to avoid damage to the unit from dirt that may clog the filter.

• The area around the unit should be dry, clean and well-ventilated. Clean the side heating exchanger regularly to maintain good heat exchange and conserve energy. The operation pressure of the refrigerant system should only be serviced by a certified technician.

• Check the power supply and cable connection often. Should the unit begin to operate abnormally, switch it off and contact a qualified technician. Discharge all the water in the water pump and water system, so that freezing of the water in the pump or water system does not occur. You should discharge the water at the bottom of the water pump if the unit is not going to be used for an extended period. You should check the unit thoroughly and fill the system fully with water before using it for the first time after a prolonged period of no usage.

The beauty and usefulness of a swimming pool is achieved if it is clean and the quality of the water is at the optimum level. The quality of the water is achieved by ensuring that the chemicals are balanced and all the parameters involved are at the right levels.

It is important to note that heating a pool has an effect on water chemistry. Some chemicals in

the water react due to elevated temperatures to form salts which are removed by the filter. “It is important to frequently test your water and make necessary adjustments to keep the water balanced” he advises. The ideal temperatures for heated pools are from 32 to 38 degrees Celsius.

Pool Village are highly experienced and skilled pool builders specialising in the design, construction and installation of pools in Zimbabwe and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). With more than 10 years of expertise in designing and installing exceptional solutions for homes nationwide, you are guaranteed to have the pool of your dreams.

Pool Village is found at 7 Shortheath Road in Chisipite, Harare. They can be reached via E-mail at info@poolvillage.co.zw, calling +263775369848 or sending a WhatsApp message to +263717374378.

We Supply

•

• Underwater lights and electrical equipment for pools

• Magic flows (water spouts)

LEAVING THEIR FOOTPRINTS ON THE GLOBAL STAGE

Multi-award winning Afropop band Mokoomba continues on their meteoric rise as one of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated and best-known musical export. Calling the world-famous Victoria Falls their home, they recently kicked off their world tour, Mokoomba Tusona World Tour Summer 2023, once again entrenching themselves as Zimbabwe’s premier touring music act. “Tusona” means “tracings in the sand” or “footprints” and

perhaps implies the impressions that the band continues to leave on the global stages.

Their 20-date whirlwind tour will take them to seven countries in Africa and Europe. They have already performed in Bulawayo at The Smoke House, in Victoria Falls at The River Brewery, and MTN Bushfire in Eswatini. At MTN Bushfire they collaborated with Basotho singer Morena

Text byMartin Chemhere

By Martin Chemhere

Leraba, courtesy of the Sounds Connect Fund, an initiative serving the development of the cultural and creative industries. The collaboration was the culmination of a CollaboNation 2023 residency in Harare.

Other venues include Harare (Reps Theatre), Austria (Festival Der Regionen and Treibhaus Open Air), France (Ethno Folk Festival), Poland (Globaltic Gydnia and Pork Festival Bialystock), UK (Jazz Café, Howard Assembly Room, The Apex Bury St Edmunds, Womad and The Cornish Bank). On this tour, their biggest venues will be Womad in Europe and MTN Bushfire in Africa.

The six-member band has been an outstanding cultural ambassador for Zimbabwe since they topped the regional finals of the Music Crossroads in Malawi (May 2008). Since then, the band has risen to international stardom performing in some of the most sought-after venues including the Apollo Theatre (USA), Roskilde Festival (Denmark), Couleur Cafe Festival (Belgium), Sziget Festival (Hungary) and Gnawa Festival (Morocco).

Singing in several African languages including Lubale/Luvale, Nyanja, Tonga, Ndebele and Shona, as well as in English, Mokoomba’s use of African languages adds an exciting dimension to their unique sound.

The multiple languages are a homage to southern African cultures and connects them to their natural heritage as implied by their name which means “deep respect for the river”. Using Tonga as their central language of song-writing, they are a unique meeting of great individual talents. Through their music they dish out original African sounds, that are richly detailed and beautifully layered. Their stage act is energetic, accentuated by their original attires, a symbol of their identity.

Mokoomba continues their notable globetrotting, sharing the stage with some of the world’s leading artists, and simultaneously taking their brand to a whole new level. This way, they are becoming more culturally, musically and globally connected.

Zimbabwe’s got talent!

SHOKO ARTS FESTIVAL 2023

The country’s longest-running festival, Shoko, recently announced dates for this year, setting the tone for the expansion and celebration of urban culture in Zimbabwe and within the region.

This exciting international festival is put together by Magamba, one of Zimbabwe's leading urban cultural organisations. The inaugural event took place in 2011 and it’s taken place every year since then, although 2020 was a virtual event due to the pandemic.

At the core of the biggest celebration of urban culture, running from 28 – 30 September 2023, are values including the celebration of youth, culture and the vibes that accompany this award-winning entertainment platform. The festival aims to lay a solid foundation as the leading, cutting-edge, urban culture stage in the southern African region. It has the objective to create an artistic platform that contributes to the free expression and artistic development of youth in Zimbabwe.

Visitors to the festival expect to experience a combination of arts, new media, and civic activism. Over the years, the platform has been the go-to platform for creative opportunities for local artists looking to break into global performance spaces in Africa, Europe, and the USA.

Watch this space for more information about the programme line up.

Text by Martin Chemhere

Stanbic  Jacaranda Music Festival

Set to Blossom in October

Harare’s finest music carnival, the Stanbic Jacaranda Music Festival (SJMF), is back this year running from the 6th to the 8th of October. Curated by Ngoma NeHosho, who brought us UB40 in May, it promises to be the pick of the music fests this year.

What gives credence to the festival’s potential success is that the organisers, at the end of the 2022 festival, immediately tied down Stanbic Bank to sponsor the three-day music gala again this year.

The Bank sponsored last year’s extravaganza.  As we build up to the event’s fourth edition we can’t wait to see the line-up of artistswhen it is released in September. Last year renowned local acts Jah Prayzah, Feli Nandi and Djembe Monks among others electrified revellers with their polishedperformances. Bongo Muffin, Dj Zinhle and Zakes Bantwini added international flavour to the festival.

Away from the stage, as was the case in the last instalment of SJMF, we should see workshops being conducted on the sidelines of the festival.

A carefully selected panel ofspeakers takes artistes through master classes relevant to the arts industry. Get your dancing shoes ready as we sway and sashay toward the festival.

THE MOST

IN AUGUST 2023

There is nothing like curling up on the sofa with a selection of snacks or being in a cinema crunching on a bucket of popcorn watching a movie that has been hyped to the point of being a blockbuster even before its release. Though we agree that some of these flicks don’t live up to their pre-release billing, it wouldn’t hurt to have a sneak preview of what is coming to the silver screen.

As the year 2023 year has progressed we have seen an array of superhero titles, lots of fiery action and spine-chilling horror, as well as throwbacks to yesteryear franchises.

Read on, courtesy of ‘Rotten Tomatoes’ to find out which ones we think are going to be some of the most incredible films to look out for.

Gran Turismo: The Movie

Directed by: Neill Blomkamp

Starring: David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, Darren Barnet, Archie Madekwe, Djimon Hounsou

Opening on: August 11, 2023

Don’t be too quick to dismiss this as a standard video game adaptation, because, despite its title, it’s actually a comingof-age tale based on the true story of a teenager who won a series of video game competitions — playing the popular racing game Gran Turismo of course — en-route to becoming an actual professional race car driver.

Meg 2: The Trench

Directed by: Ben Wheatley

Starring: Jason Statham, Sienna Guillory, Cliff Curtis

Opening on: August 4, 2023

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

Directed by: Jeff Rowe

Starring: Brady Noon, Nicolas Cantu, Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr., Paul Rudd, Jackie Chan, Giancarlo Esposito, Seth Rogen, John Cena, Ice Cube

Opening on: August 4, 2023

Blue Beetle

Directed by: Angel Manuel Soto

Starring: Xolo Maridueña, Susan Sarandon, Harvey Guillen

Opening on: August 18, 2023

It may not have impressed the majority of critics, but 2018’s The Meg was a surprise box office hit, so we’re getting a sequel. One upside is that this time around the film is being directed by Ben Wheatley (Kill List, Free Fire), who has proven to be a pretty savvy genre guy in the past, so it’ll be interesting to see what he can do with Jason Statham and a giant shark.

Seth Rogen and his frequent partner Evan Goldberg are rebooting the TMNT franchise with this new, computer-animated film that retells the origin story of the titular quartet, who emerge from the sewers to fight crime and be accepted by the city they protect. Outside of the turtles themselves, the voice cast is stacked with big names, and the animation style is reminiscent of a certain Spider-Verse movie, so it’s got a lot going for it.

Originally conceived as a film specifically for the HBO Max streaming platform, Blue Beetle eventually found its way to being a theatrical release when Warner Bros. changed their minds about the film. The DC superhero flick will be helmed by Angel Manuel Soto (Charm City Kings) and star Xolo Maridueña, who has recently made a name for himself on the Karate Kid-inspired hit Netflix series Cobra Kai.

DON’T LET BOREDOM DRIVE YOU UP THE WALL.

All round family entertainment at one venue and adrenalinepacked thrills at anotherwhat more can you ask for?

Father and son duo Kevin and Zac Dufty have redefined the definition of ‘good old fashioned fun’.

Ultimate Fun (UF), located at the Hellenic Club in Eastlea next to Chapman Golf Course, behind St Tropez flats, is where you can find fun activities to suit all age groups. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM it is the place to be for world-class recreational activities in a sociable and secure atmosphere.

Pole Position Karts (PPK), situated within the grounds of the National Sports Stadium (NSS), promotes the karting revolution and you simply have to join the ride and embrace the speed.

At UF, Zimbabwe’s unique entertainment venue, you can sample go-karting, putt putt,

Text by Perry Kaande

Photos by Fotohaus

paintball blitz and trampolines, as well as wall climbing for the little ones, all in a relaxed and exhilarating atmosphere. At PPK at the National Sports Stadium, adult motorsport enthusiasts can rev it up on the racetrack in rental go-karts. At both venues, the staff is very professional and geared to get you started with advice and tips as well as ensuring that all activities are conducted safely.

The go-to activity for adrenaline junkies is the rental go-karts. Rental karts are specially-built go-karts that are stronger than race carts and can be driven by almost anyone. Kids older than eight years old, that can easily reach the foot pedals and are taller than 1.3 metres, and adults can drive. At the Eastlea venue, there are sessions for juniors and seniors, the track distance and size of carts being the differentials. The NSS track only caters for those aged 14 and above.

Rental Karting is a fun activity that every motorsport buff wants to experience. Over the past nine years thousands of kart drivers have had their first karting experience at UF. As the name suggests, you don’t have to bring any equipment, you just ‘arrive and you drive’.

True to form there is nothing more exhilarating than driving a vehicle that has sensitive and direct steering and experiencing sensations resulting from the grip of the tyres while negotiating curves at speed just a few centimetres off the ground.

The roar of the two-stroke engines and the mad squeal of tyres is a fantastic recipe for a mental, physical and emotional rush. Making it even more fun is the playful and competitive edge.

At PPK, with the imposing National Sports Stadium in the background, there is a fast 600-metre-long by 9-metre-wide kart track that has a variety of layouts. The track has a state-of-the-art electronic timing system that ensures precise measurement of lap times. Using ‘LapSnapper Sports Timing’ drivers are given an overview of each particular session and the time recorded for each of the six laps. This being my

first karting experience, I paid heed to advice from the pit marshal of “one pedal at a time, keep left and overtake on the right and don’t look back”. I fared pretty well clocking a best lap time of 45.8 seconds.

Apart from the entertainment aspect, co-owner Zac Dufty conducts coaching sessions for enthusiasts that are keen to improve their karting or intend to take up the sport professionally. He has raced for over ten years in Zimbabwe, South Africa and the United Kingdom and at two ROK World Cup races in Italy. Kevin Dufty gained recognition as a karter in the 1980s and continues to be a key figure in the sport.

After the chequered flag, UF recommends navigating 18 holes on the ‘Safari Putt Putt’ course. With the background of animal effigies and a stunning lush garden, you will get into relaxation mode. Putt putt is an offshoot of golf, but being more simplistic it requires less skill, so it is great fun for the entire family.

For those that want to sharpen their tactical prowess and shooting skills in mock combat paintball blitz is the go-to game. This is a competitive team shooting sport in which players eliminate opponents from play by hitting them with spherical dye-filled gelatine capsules that break on impact. Paintballs are shot using low-energy air weapons called paintball markers that are powered by compressed air or carbon dioxide. Teams have options of 80 or 100 balls for sessions that last from 30 minutes to one hour.

Worried about getting paint splashed all over your clothes? No need to. UF kits warriors with battle gear. So, if you think you can hit a target with accuracy and you have a no-fear attitude, in a fun way

But that is not to say that the activity is not competitive. You may hear hushed expletives and witness clubs facing the wrath of missed putts.

of course, give paintball blitz a try. Splash some paint on that birthday, bachelor’s party, corporate event or team-building excursion. The venue also hosts paintball tournaments regularly. There is ultimate fun for every age. Youngsters below the age of 13 can bounce on the trampolines in a secure area. Opposite the jump area, there is a ‘wall’ where the kids can show their agility and dexterity by climbing upwards or moving laterally. All this is done under the watchful eyes of UF attendants. Parents and guardians can also keep tabs, while sitting and snacking at the shaded benches nearby.

Going through the motions of the different activities will surely work up an appetite. In-between sessions, or just watching

the goings on, there is a smorgasbord of delicious burgers, thirst-quenching slush puppies and assorted non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy. Ultimate Fun and Pole Position Karts are the perfect getaways to create memories. To top it off, thrill seekers have options for tailor-made packages.

To experience the best fun in Harare, head over to Ultimate Fun at the Hellenic Club in Eastlea and Pole Position Karts at the NSS.

For information and to find out what is happening at the two venues call or send a WhatsApp message on 077 301 1672. You can also check the Facebook page www.facebook.com/UltimateFunZim/

Kia Seltos: A family focused Crossover

Family-focused SUV/crossovers are growing in popularity. The Kia Seltos is perfectly placed to take advantage of the growth in this market segment. Make no mistake, the all-new Kia Seltos is a very good and charming family car. It looks great, has enough convenience items and space to keep its occupants satisfied, is refined and very nice to drive, and sips fuel at a miserly rate. There is also no doubt that the 1.5CRDi is the most sensible engine for real-world usage, thanks to its refinement and strong torque delivery.

The Kia Seltos is a prime example of this car/wagon/cute-bakkie mix, and effectively replaces the slow-selling Cerato in Kia’s model line-up. Fortunately, the Seltos has a solid set of virtues, being as easy to live with as a traditional sedan/ hatchback, good-looking enough to turn heads at the office car park, and comparatively wellpriced to sweeten the deal.

Within its model range, the Seltos diesel is arguably the best-balanced offering, with a frugal and torquey engine, a decent standard features list, good handling, and a reasonable cost of entry. As it were, the Seltos 1.5CRDi is the Goldilocks of its family: not too Spartan inside, not too slow, and not too thirsty.

There’s no denying that the Seltos is a very good-looking car. Kia’s signature “Tiger Nose” front-end design language is very much in evidence, but it’s evolved to the point where it merely forms part of an attractive greater whole instead of being the main focal point. Horizontal design elements are used to emphasize its width, and extend into the stylish “double-decker” headlamps, which use wrap-around LED DRL elements to create a distinctive visage. Further visual interest is generated by the knurled finish applied to the silver decorative strips that form the grille’s upper- and lower edges.

In profile, the Seltos has generic compact SUV proportions and the practical shape that’s most-commonly employed in vehicles of this type. Discreet surface detailing and horizontal crease lines keep it from looking slab-sided, and neatly-applied black accents in the lower doors and on the rearmost roof pillar visually break any impression of bulkiness. Much the same applies to the rear end, where LED light cluster detailing maintains some visual interest in a familiar-looking design. That familiarity is no accident, mind you – the larger Sportage and Sorento SUVs employ similar light cluster shapes and compound-curved bumpers to add some distinction to styling that largely fit the moulds of their respective classes. In short, the Seltos is a handsome car that’s sure to age gracefully.

Even though many passenger car manufacturers are now abandoning diesel propulsion, Kia still releases new oilburning vehicles on a regular basis. The engine in the new Seltos is a great example of Kia’s diesel expertise, and even manages to hide the fact that it runs on “heavy fuel” very effectively. Our test car’s motive power was provided by a 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine, rated at 86 kW and 250 Nm, mated to a lovely, slick-shifting 6-speed manual gearbox (there are two 6-speed automatic diesel Seltoses available as well).

In addition to its effortless power delivery, this diesel engine’s fat wedge of mid-range torque enables the driver to short shift, keeping the revs low to minimize fuel consumption and reduce noise levels in general driving. That smooth-shifting gear change also helped in this aspect, and enabled reasonably rapid progress that was both unobtrusive and frugal.

Kia quotes an average consumption of only 5.1 l/100 km for the manual diesel Seltos, but a week’s worth of mixedcycle driving without any particular effort to conserve fuel revealed a real-world average figure of 5.8 l/100 km. That’s a highly commendable result for a vehicle of this size and weight, and really represents the upper limit of what buyers could expect in real-life usage.

Continuing the easy-driving theme, the Seltos offers a finely honed blend of comfort and control. The suspension is clearly tuned for a smooth ride, but in spite of its tall-ish stature, the Seltos somehow manages to avoid feeling soggy or ponderous in more-spirited driving.

Make no mistake, there are no sporting pretenses at play here: this is unashamedly a family-biased vehicle, so enthusiastic drivers likely won’t rave over the driving experience, It’s not a sports car.

As befits a family car, the Kia Seltos is endowed with a spacious cabin and plenty of usable boot space. There’s enough room in the back to allow reasonably spacious accommodation for 3 average adults, with plenty of head- and legroom all round. The front pews have more than enough space for even beanpoles to stretch out in every direction, and the deep side glass makes for an airy atmosphere and good sightlines to the outside.

As for comfort, there’s very little to fault. All the user interfaces are intuitively located, the leather-rimmed steering wheel is nice to hold, and the cloth-trimmed seats are contoured to cosset their occupants for long stretches at a time. Combine that with the smooth ride quality and well-contained overall noise levels, and the Kia Seltos becomes a companion you’d want in your life for many years to come.

Standard Kit & Equipment

Seeing as “EX” trim presents the entry level of the local Seltos range, it makes do without some of the luxury items you’d find in the more-expensive variants. However, the bases are all covered, and occupants won’t feel deprived or inconvenienced in any way.

Standard kit includes 16-inch alloy wheels, manual air conditioning, cruise control, a multi-function steering wheel, electric side mirrors and -windows (the latter, curiously, with one-touch functionality only when opening the driver’s window), remote central locking, auto-on headlights, and a color touchscreen infotainment system with USB/Bluetooth functionality and full smartphone mirroring.

Standard equipment includes 6 airbags, ABS with brake assist, rear ISOFIX child seat anchors, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera across the range. EX trim strangely loses out on one crucial element, however: the stability control system which is fitted to the more-expensive EX+ (and GT Line) variants. In its market segment, this is a notable omission, and its inclusion to the EX+ trim makes it worthwhile to rather fork out the extra money for added peace of mind.

For more information on Kia Seltos Call KIA Motors Zimbabwe on +263 24 277 1601-3 or +263 77 243 4332 or email: enquiries@kiamotors.co.zw or visit www.kiamotors.co.zw