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“In my teens, acceptance that I had a unique gift and that I was destined to live a life     of creativity, was what pushed me to pursue my talent further.”


Davina Green is a 24 year old with a phenomenal voice.   
Her singing career started very early - it was always within her. She began singing at school, church and social events from the age of 7. She grew up being inspired by artists such as Madonna, Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson. However, it is only in the last year that her dream began to manifest in incredible ways.  “After dedicating a few months to writing and recording, in September 2011, I finally took a leap of faith and released my first single “Everytime” online. The response so far has been good. Allowing people to download it for free has helped in getting more people to listen to it. It’s already playing on Zimbabwean, Australian and UK radio stations. I have also performed in Cape Town, Durban and Harare”.

The road has not been easy though. In previous years, Davina took a shot at taking her creativity to the next level when she attempted to record and release her music several times, but was let down by something/someone each time. It is encouraging to learn that sometimes when we follow our passions and we fail, it doesn’t mean that we weren’t supposed to pursue our talent – it may not be the time/season for it. “Fast forward a couple of years - I decided to try again, but this time I didn’t rely on anyone to make it happen, I did it myself!”

Davina is a perfect example of a young girl with brains and creative talent under her belt. She is currently studying for a Bachelor of Laws in Durban, South Africa. She balances her studies and her music by recording and performing during the semester breaks so that when she is back at university, she focuses only on her studies.

Despite all the attention she is getting from her music, Davina’s personality comes across as one filled with humility.  “It gets a little overwhelming, particularly since it’s all still very new to me.  Although this career involves performing in front of and interacting with many people, I’m actually a very shy person. So when I am getting a lot of attention it can be slightly awkward. When I read articles about myself or hear a DJ talking about my song, I have to ask myself, ‘Are they really talking about me?’ I’ve managed to stay grounded mainly because I have a wonderful Mum who taught my siblings and I to be humble. Also, the fact that I know I haven’t made it keeps me very grounded. I need to stay focused, there’s still a lot to be done.”

So what would be Davina’s definition of making it? “My biggest dream for my career right now is for it to go further than Zimbabwe or Africa, I think it’s time that the world saw that Zimbabwe can also produce Rn’B stars that can mix with the best of them. I also definitely want my career and story to inspire and help others. I have always believed that we are blessed so as to become blessings to others, so whatever I achieve I need to make sure it’s also helping other people along the way”.

Like many, Davina believes that there is so much talent in the country. However, she is saddened by a prevalent belief that Zimbabweans cannot compete with other countries when it comes to Hip Hop and R&B.  “We shouldn’t settle for just making it in Zimbabwe, whilst noone knows who we are anywhere else. I would also love to see more people supporting local music - buying it, listening to it and requesting it on the radio etc. For the industry to go further, I also believe artists should realise that they need to work together. It’s counterproductive for us to be focusing on silly feuds or wanting to bring each other down”.

As a young, confident woman she is such an inspiration to those who would like to pursue a path similar to hers. To them, she says “if you want something, fight for it and don’t let anyone tell you that you can't have it. Artists like Beyonce are the epitome of what a star is - whether you love or hate her, she works hard and makes sure she’s always on top of her game. I would love to be as good and as successful at what I do as she is one day..and I believe I will be".

 “Believe in yourself and plan - you’ve got to see it to achieve it”. Surround yourself with like-minded positive people who encourage you and have your best interests at heart. Lastly, never stop praying, asking and thanking God for His guidance in everything you do”.

*Click here to listen to her phenomenal voice in 'Everytime'



 

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Geri-Leigh Diana: back to her African roots

















   I haven’t written anything on my personal blog for so long, but it feels good rekindling the fire with my first love, after ignoring ‘him’ for so long.  I wanted to write about something that resonated with my spirit and that I am willing to share after my 5 month trip back to Zimbabwe. Besides primarily returning home to spend time with my father, I had promised myself that during this trip home, I would dig a little deeper into the many issues that I often asked myself and had never had the chance to or couldn’t delve into, the last time I had visited in December 2010. 

I remember having visited home a few years previously and I was so bored simply because a majority of the people I grew up with - my family, classmates etc were living outside of Zimbabwe.  What I loved when I went back this time, was that so many people I had last met or spoke to from five to ten years ago, had moved back home permanently, so I had plenty of people to meet up with and talk to.  Their decisions made me question myself and think of how hard it is living in the Diaspora sometimes.   Even though you stay afloat financially and have certain minor “comforts” that are absent from home – how about all the other things that I had inadvertently sacrificed: family, friendships and the ties that lovingly bolt my soul to the Motherland? How about that disconnectedness I have felt, for example, riding in a train in the Diaspora, staring at a sea of faces and life whizzing past me through the big, glass windows?

Besides meeting up with old friends, I made many new ones and met many inspiring, talented, creative people; people who aren’t afraid to dream and are seizing and living what they are passionate about at this very moment.  One of the beautiful people I met was Geri-Leigh Diana.  Geri is a Zimbabwean-born Freelance Writer.  She is the Sub-Editor for Zimbo Jam and writes for publications such as Hello Harare; GPI; Jewel magazine and Baobabwe.  She also recently got invited to be the Editor on a project for Tourism in Zimbabwe.

By her own admission, she came out into the world “beaming”, which the doctor thought was wind, but her mother insisted was a smile.  I tend to favour her mother’s perception: my immediate thought when I met her for the first time at Cafe 'Allo 'Allo on Herbert Chitepo Avenue, was that she radiated a powerfully-positive, innocent and beaming energy.

As Geri and I got to know each other, my curiosity got the better of me and I asked her what exactly had made her decide to come back home permanently.  Geri said, “In 2003, I moved to London, the supposed land of milk and honey.  I was shocked to find that 12 million souls lived in such a small space, that it rained all the time and there wasn’t much sunshine. I soon learnt to stop greeting everyone on the streets as they thought I might be penga for being so friendly. I wasn’t crazy, I was just Zimbabwean. The consumer society saddened me and made me homesick for a country where people knew the real value of life.  I cheered myself up by writing a lot about home. After six years I decided to return to the source of my inspiration; the country where I felt alive; where my experiences weren’t shallow and where my heart wasn’t numb - the mother land: Zimbabwe”.

Like me, Geri has been writing for as long as she can remember.  There is something about writing that takes us both to an abyss where nothing matters, but the fire you feel in your heart in that space and time when you are speaking from your soul and expressing yourself through written word.  Geri continued to nurture her “first love” by sharing her stories in a creative writing class in London and with loving encouragement from her husband, she got the courage to write full time. 

“Being a writer in Zimbabwe is the same as being a musician or any other Creative artist: you do it for the love, the passion and before long, you also start earning money from it.  I will always be grateful for the encouragement I got from my husband because since I began working as a Writer, I am finally feeling alive when I think of the word, career”.

Geri shares the same hope that I do for Creative artists in Zimbabwe: “I hope the Arts and Culture industry expands to the point where we can get a better income.  I am inspired daily by the people that I meet.  To me, it is no coincidence that the majority of the best authors in Africa come from Zimbabwe. It reflects the multitude of talented people that spring up in this place. Is it lay lines, is it something in the water? I don’t know, but I do think that it is not something to flippantly dismiss. The musicians, the writers, the dancers, all our artists are national treasures that must be cherished”.

And who are the authors who inspire her? “One of my favourite Zimbabwean authors is Charles Mungoshi.  I admire how he manages to condense language into a state of fine precision. His poetry reminds me of the Japanese haikus and I like writers who can subtly allude to the undercurrents.  If I read a book that takes me to a place and time, and if I think about the characters long after the last page has been turned, then I have read a good book. The last book that did that to me was ‘Shantaram’ by Gregory Roberts”. 

Besides writing, Geri also loves live music, interacting with people and dancing. Dancing is my umbilical cord to spirituality and writing is my prayer to the cosmos.  I am aware of the social responsibility that comes with writing, and I believe that we must not just write one story of Africa. It is beyond thinking that we have elephants in our back yards. The outside world has a perception of Africa that is narrow and limited. Writers can contribute to changing that perception, story by story. I gauge my success according to the opportunities I create for others. It’s baby steps at the moment, but looking back years from now I will find that I went on a spiritual journey.” 

*To learn more about the writer, Teurai, go to www.teurai.com & http://cancertrust.wordpress.com

 



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Abra Simzz is the Executive music Producer, Public Relations, Booking Agent and responsible for Artist Relations for ABRA Tribe.

He is back on Zimbabwean soil this week and his homecoming is being celebrated in style with an “Abra Simzz Welcome Party”, which is being held on Saturday 16 July.  It promises to be a bash to remember with a dazzling list of appearances and performances by several talents.  The dazzling list includes Stunner; Abra DJ’s Nash and Kritical; Sniper Storm; King Shaddy and Cynthia Mare; just to mention a few.

As a producer, Simzz has continued to grow over the years and consequently, so has Abra Tribe as a production company.  Abra Tribe has numerous hits which have graced the Zimbabwe national airwaves, such as “Rise Up Zimbabwe” and “Born Champions”, the monster tracks executive produced by Simzz.  In 2011 alone, they have worked on numerous projects, including the release of a powerfully-inspirational and empowering track called, “We are Africans”, which featured Jusa Dementor; Bkay n Kazz; Cynthia Mare; Roby Gee; Jonah Sithole; TK Paradza and the long-awaited return of Decibel.  The track belongs to the Nigerian star, JJc, who also shot the video which currently plays on MTV Base, Channel O and other African music networks. 2011 also saw them collaborate with Jamaica Hawkeye, in a track called, “Imagine If”, which was on the charts on Power Fm.

I asked Simzz what he thinks of the current state of the Zimbabwean Music industry.  “I believe the Zimbabwean Music industry is very healthy. The Zimbabwean Dancehall industry is particularly alive and kicking. The amount of talent coming out of the country is amazing. I think the industry is growing rapidly and in a few years will be recognised across Africa as one of the best alongside Nigeria & South Africa.”   In keeping in line with my vision of encouraging others, I had to ask what his advice is to those who aspire to be a success in the music industry. “Any young artists need to realize that this is a business and I can tell you now that sadly, it does not just require talent to make a name for yourself.  The most important thing to remember is that hard work always pays off in the end, so keep grinding, but ensure you have a goal and a clear vision.”

Abra Tribe is continuously making moves to expose the raw talent in the Motherland and as such have recently signed a few local Zimbabwean producers and artists, in the hopes of expanding locally and internationally, raising our flag high.  Some of the artists are Lady Bee, “the Zim Dancehall Queen”, as she has been crowned; Abra Josmas and Ziggy Zee (producer/artist).

And last but not least, on a lighter note...who are some of Simzz’s favourite artists? “There are too many to mention, but a few artists I have followed for a while are Dflex, Rickie Perplex and Dhadza D.  I am yet to work with the first two, but I’m currently working on something with Dhadza D.”

  *SUPPORT SIMZZ/ABRA TRIBE:
www.abratribe.com
www.twitter.com/simzabra
www.soundcloud.com/simzabra2
www.jusaonline.com

*ABRA WELCOME PARTY
Date: Saturday, 16 July 2011
 Venue: Redfox Hotel (opposite Honeydew Farm), Greendale, Harare
 Time: 9pm – 4am
*To learn more about the writer, Teurai, see www.teurai.com and www.elizabethchanakira.org

 

 

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"My balloon please" (Fungaifoto)
Fungai Tichawangana is many things, too many to mention in a blog.  He is amongst other titles, the Founder/Managing Editor of Zimbo Jam, Zimbabwe’s Award-winning Arts & Culture website, Web Designer and Writer.  He is also the husband of the late Shingie Chimuriwo (Zimbo Jam’s First Lady), who was an inspirational figure in the Zimbabwean Creative Arts industry.  I have always admired that they always spoke out against injustices in Zimbabwe and the rest of the world.  Furthermore, it is important for us to speak out against the injustice of the handling of Shingie’s case, after she passed away in a car crash in early 2011.

Fungai can often be seen at numerous Arts & Culture events in Zimbabwe, camera in hand.  And this is where we see the creative work of ‘Fungaifoto’ (his photography name), the subject of my focus in this blog.  I chose to focus on Fungaifoto because of my deep passion for photographic modelling asa way of telling stories and creating expressive art.  And how often have we seen interviews/profiles on Zimbabwean photographers? Rarely!  So whilst I’m in Zimbabwe, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to highlight one of many, as a prime example of our blossoming Creative Arts industry. 

I also had the blessed opportunity to work with Fungaifoto, when he photographed me for the Zimbo Jam.  There wasn’t a dull moment!  Fungai enjoys capturing uncommon angles and perspectives, thus we shot in a disused industrial factory in Harare, which included, amongst other things, climbing onto thin metal drainage with Lady Gaga inspired heels, scanning for rats before a pose…albeit, all the adventure I love in photo shoots (no, seriously,haha I do love it!).

The creative expression that is ‘Fungaifoto’ started when he was twelve, when a visiting aunt and uncle bought a new camera, which fascinated him and aroused his curiosity of photography.  Having been given the camera, he constantly saved pocket money for weeks to buy film for it. Things really took off when he was at university, became part of a student publication called Vision Magazine and started photographing lectures, student demonstrations, shows, etc.

His inspiration is fired by his love of photographing people doing every day things: chatting to the neighbour, sweeping the yard, praying at church, etc and by human interaction, by how one person's actions affect everyone else, which he tries to bring out in his pictures. He is a big fan and has learnt a lot from watching the work of Zimbabwean photographers such as Jekesai Njikizana, Annie Mpalume, Ezekiel Mutasa, Dave Brazier and Laurie & Jon McPherson, who take their work to the level of art. 

I asked Fungai what he thinks of the Photography Industry in Zimbabwe and what changes he would like to see within the next five years.  “There is an amazing amount of talent in Zimbabwe.  I am awed by some of the work I see by young photographers here. The only challenge is that there aren't too many platforms for their work to be seen. As the Publishing Industry takes off and the Internet becomes more omnipresent in the country, the next five years will see photography taking off and being taken more seriously as a profession and an art form. As of now, I'd like to see people take photographers more seriously and pay them their due worth.”  Rightly so!  Creatives use their brains just as much as a person in other jobs that societies and cultures worldwide, often expect them to take instead.

I have always wondered who/what is Fungaifoto’s dream to photograph? “I would REALLY like to photograph a U2 or Beyonce concert, partly because it would be so challenging to bring out something that has not been brought out before and because I've heard that their live shows are truly awesome. I would also love to photograph a conference of world leaders. Thirdly, I have a list of under-the-radar Zimbabweans who have made major contributions to this country who I would be honoured to interview and photograph. Oh, for more time in a day!”

And for those wanting to follow a career in photography, Fungai’s advice is, “photography is a practical business. Whether it's your hobby or your profession, you have to get a camera, go out there and do it.  The more you play around, the more you discover.  I would also encourage you to read everything you can about the craft: books, magazines, websites, etc.  Understanding of the theory will take you from being a 'cameraman' to being a 'photographer'.”

**Support Fungaifoto by checking out:

www.fungaijames.com  
www.zimbojam.com 
www.existdigital.com - Website development, Online marketing, Mailing lists
www.defzee.com - Zimbabwe's newest, freshest website for young people

*To learn more about the writer, Teurai, visit www.teurai.com and www.elizabethchanakira.org. Click here to support ‘Teurai Chanakira Model’ on Facebook.

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On Saturday 18 June 2011, I attended the monthly Mashoko! Spoken Word Event at the Book Café in Harare.   The event was started in 2007 by MAGAMBA! Cultural Activist Network, an organisation which aims to counteract social and political injustice through avenues, such as those of self-expression through its spoken word events.  Mashoko, which features some of the most inspirational performers in Zimbabwe, is one branch of Magamba! which emphasises more on performance and the need to connect with society.  That natural connection is the reason why it has received such a warm following. 

What made the event so exciting is that there was a whole mixed bag of creative performances – from standup comedy, hip-hop performances such as that of Upmost and poetry, which were all fused with live music and amusing commentary from the host, Comrade Fatso.  The most sensational and memorable performance was by the beautiful poet, Batsirai Chigama.  She recited Maya Angelou’s “And Still I Rise", a poem which she contextualised to fit in with her Zimbabwean roots, some of the lines  getting ovations and a few male members of the audience rushing in front of the stage to bow down to this African Queen.

One has to look deeper than its powerful performances to understand the significance of Mashoko.  In the budding Creative Arts Industry in Zimbabwe, it provides a ray of light for people to use self-expression as a way of freedom and defining their hopes for themselves, the country and the future, within an environment that is safe and supportive.  It is also one of the events that is breaking the stigma attached to being in the Creative Arts industry, reflected for example, in the minimal occurrence of paid or highly-paid work in our industry.  This is saddening when you look at the high talent of Zimbabweans and this is arguably why we find many of our talent, becoming more successful (perhaps even just financially) outside of Zimbabwe.  But like many others, I have hope for a bright future for our talented creatives.

*SUPPORT MASHOKO! Spoken word event by joining the group on Facebook: click here!

*To learn more about the writer, Teurai, see www.teurai.com and www.elizabethchanakira.org.  Support ‘Teurai Chanakira Model’ on Facebook by clicking here.

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In April 2011, I found myself flying back home to Zimbabwe. The last time I had flown back from Melbourne, was in November 2010, during which my mother sadly passed away after a 7-year battle with cancer.  In February 2011, my father fell critically ill and I made an emergency trip back.  He is much better now and I am grateful for the opportunity to spend time with family and amongst my roots.  Despite the tough past months that I have had, my outlook on life is to always make the most of seemingly negative situations.

Being a creative spirit, I have met so many inspiring, creative and talented individuals whilst I have been here. I have also taken the opportunity to continue the growth of the Elizabeth Chanakira Cancer Trust and to learn how the Zimbabwean Fashion Industry works by being involved in photo shoots, fashion shows and networking with so many different people. It only seems right to share these experiences in some form.

From this week, I will be featuring snippets of the positive events I am attending and short interviews of inspirational people I have met whilst in Zimbabwe. 

The first featured person is the positive-minded Outspoken (known as Outspoken Alpha Intellect), an Underground Hip-Hop Emcee and Spoken Word artist and front runner to his band, Outspoken and the Essence.  He is also the Co-Founder and Projects Facilitator for MAGAMBA! The Cultural Activist Network, an organisation which aims to counteract social and political injustice through avenues such as its spoken word events.  One of these events is the powerfully-charged MASHOKO! Spoken-word event, which I attended last month and will be happily attending and blogging about this Saturday 18 June 2011.

Outspoken has too many accomplishments to mention here, but his resume includes performing at close to all Zimbabwean international Arts Festivals, including more recently at the Harare International Arts Festival (HIFA) 2011.  He has toured worldwide - from South Africa, Botswana, Swaziland, Denmark to America.  He has shared stages with talents such as Pops Mohammed, Kwani Experiance, Likwid Flo, Tamika Harper(Georgia me), Imani Woomera, Comrade Fatso and Chabvondoka.  He has also organised and hosted skills sharing workshops in schools and has been a mentor for the British Council program: POWER IN THE VOICE, as the Hip-Hop mentor for Harare.

On being asked how he became a Hip-Hop emcee and Spoken-Word artist, Outspoken said that he found the need for self-expression from a tender age.  “My marriage to hip-Hop came about when I was introduced to it through my older siblings and I realised how it gave voices to people who had words stuck in their throats.  My inspiration stems from me being an observer in life and applying it into a personal perspective.  My beats and words then become a mere extension of the feelings and emotions I find myself exposed to.” 

Arguably, there is still cultural and social stigma in Zimbabwe attached to being involved in the Zimbabwean Creative Arts Industry, thus creatives’ work is often not taken seriously. And Outspoken’s view on this?  “The biggest drawback is in us as artists and our intended audience in not realising the seriousness that should be considered in this very serious business of self-expression.”  However, I agree with Outspoken that on a positive note, there is still hope on the horizon – “we are still a very young and untapped market that has the potential for greatness.”

It is essential to inspire and pass on any wisdom to the youth because they are our future, so I asked Outspoken what his advice would be to youth wanting to pursue a similar path.  “Don’t give up your day job, or at least get one until you feel that you and your art are capable of taking care of each other.  Never take what you intend to do for granted, because if you do, others will follow suit!” He has been equally inspired by the work of artists such as Metaphysics, Laygwan Sharkie, Kingpinn, Upmost, T-Shoc, Lupe Fiasco, to mention just a few.

Having a vision for your life is equally important.  Outspoken hopes to be involved in more community-based activities, mentoring, pursuing his dreams as a chef, those of running a festival in the outbacks and more producing.  “But most definitely I see myself remaining in the pursuit of happiness and spiritual growth”.
Outspoken is currently on the SPEAKZIMLOVE TOUR in America, will be touring Denmark later this year and is finishing off work on his debut album with his band, Outspoken and the Essence.  He is also working on several video projects.  

**LISTEN TO & WATCH A PERSONAL FAVOURITE OF HIS POEMS, 'Miss Homegrown' AT www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TNKndYW2hw

**VIEW MORE OF HIS WORK & SUPPORT 
www.myspace.com/outspokenthealphai
www.youtube.com/idakeptbrutha


*Learn more about the Writer, Teurai at www.teurai.com and www.elizabethchanakira.org. Click here to support ‘Teurai Chanakira Model’ on Facebook.

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Larissa Jane Photography 2010
We all give and receive labels in some form or another – “the Doctor”, “the Academic”, “the Snob”...the list is endless.  But under these labels, who are we and how much effort does it take to rise up from under these titles, emerge at the surface and simply be?

In the past two years, I have begun to get a sense of who I really am and to be comfortable just being me and not feed into the titles/labels society gives me and expects me to live out.  It began as a journey of self-discovery triggered by a series of events – I feel as though I’m steadily climbing up a rocky steep (sometimes with heels on!), but I can see the flat surface just up above.  

I have been given many labels.  Because I travelled alot from a young age, in the countries I’ve lived in, I’ve been “the African Girl”, “the African Model”, “the Lawyer”.  Furthermore, in Zimbabwe or amongst Africans abroad, I have sometimes found myself inadvertently defending statements, (based on my 'labels'), that I’m a snob, or that I can’t really connect with my home country/continent because I haven’t lived in Zimbabwe for the past number of years or because I made a grammatical error in Shona.  I wonder what qualifies one to connect with their home country?  What is to connect? Is it limited by when, how long you lived there, whether you can speak the language, whether you can recite your family history...? For me, it's simple: connecting with my home is the sense of unity I feel when I am in Zimbabwe interacting with the environment, the people, my family & friends, the peace I feel when I'm there that I cannot get from being anywhere else in the world. 

Then there is the label, “Model”.  People may automatically dismiss you as someone who is not brainy, a timewaster, someone who doesn’t see modelling as an avenue to other and/or arguably greater things, coupled with the fact that men may sometimes objectify you.  The latter has rung true for me and been magnified in a society where there is a minority of black women and the black woman is sometimes objectified by men as an “exotic creature”. 

Then there is the label, “Writer”. Amidst comments such as, “oh..you and your writing ‘stuff’ ”, all I can say is I don’t identify with these labels in so much as they are just titles.  All I know is that I am just being me, I feel so much more than the labels.  My desires lie in expressing myself creatively because that is the most comfortable way for me to be me. I also have so many other desires, for example, wanting to see change in the world in terms of breaking barriers, encouraging, inspiring people, giving hope to those who are ready to give up and using my passions to try and effect these desired results. 

And to those who are afraid to break out of themselves I say, I am far from perfect, but isn't the world overwhelmed with people doing and feeling the things they don't enjoy...there is nothing more fulfilling than turning from a caterpillar into a butterfly.

Visit my site at:
www.teurai.com

 

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Wizzy Mangoma is more than the titles attributed to her work:  Screenwriter, Dancer/Choreographer, Event Organiser (Charity and Cultural events) Model,  Actress,  Poet/Spoken Word Artist, Accessory/Graphic Designer and Motivational Speaker.   Her poetry book, “Moment Treasures” was published in May 2010.  Sadly, it was finished the day her father passed away.  She got so confused as to whether to put his name (as late) in her dedication. His name is not in there. Grief is something I am going through at the moment and I can relate to what she felt, the simultaneous denial and realisation that your loved one is no longer physically present.

What first stood out to me about Wizzy when I first spoke to her, was how her inner soft and kind spirit shone through.  I was so curious to know more about her, to share her words and her work and so I decided to find out more.

Wizzy grew up as a very curious child, a daydreamer and avid reader.  She was always asking herself questions as to why people acted the way they did and enjoyed writing entries in her journal.  Her journal entries began to evolve into poetry and as she started travelling from the 80's and going through different experiences, she carried on writing poetry, which she would often read to friends by candlelight.

It is sometimes difficult for African society and culture to take the work of creative artists seriously, particularly in terms of it being a successful way to make a living.  Wizzy has never been impacted by this as her work is appreciated on a global level.  She says that the only incident in which this aspect of African culture came into play, was when she was criticised by another Zimbabwean for targeting her work towards “a white audience”.  However, she is simply a messenger of words, words that have touched many and her poetry speaks to anyone, regardless of gender, race etc..

While spoken word artistry was male-dominated in its inception, in recent years, there has been a surge in popular female spoken word artists and Wizzy is no exception, as she is a fighter who  goes on no matter what the world thinks.  On discussing the future of the Zimbabwean Creative Arts industry, Wizzy believes that there are many Zimbabwean artists out there who have so much talent.  “They just need to market themselves more. These days no one does the work for anyone. You are your own product and who best can sell your product but YOURSELF. There are so many tools e.g. Facebook and if used wisely, the Zimbabwean Creative Arts industry will blossom.”

I asked Wizzy about how her creative talents shape who she is.  “Dance takes me to a special place a trance where I float in light and peace. Writing soothes my soul. I go into a cave, a zone of creativity and let words flow through me, bringing a peaceful comfort and a sense of healing fulfillment.  I am inspired when I inspire.  I surround myself with positive people, who see light in me, people who motivate and stimulate my whole being. What we surround ourselves with, is what we become.”

Finally, I asked Wizzy what the best piece of advice she has for young women out there is.  She said, “believe in yourself and don't let anyone put out the fire within.  It is your birth right to dream and to have ambitions. I am passionate about seeing many women get more confident about their abilities, as well as supporting each other.”


“THE DREAM”

The poem below is one of my favourites from her book, “Moment of Treasures”.  It is relatable as a poem that conjures up emotions that can arise from being in a relationship.  Wizzy says she wrote it when many years ago, she woke up feeling exactly what is written.  “There are times when you start a relationship with someone and the feelings are so intense that you feel this it! This is the end! You just want that person around to really pinch you and let you know its real; I am here to be with you forever.”

I woke up in the middle of the night
In a river of sweat all over
My heart beats so fast
The thought of having you in my life
A scary feeling
I tell myself it is just a dream
A dream that will perish in the mist when i really wake up
You can tell me I'm not dreaming
The truth of you in my dream
Only if a dream could talk to me awake
Of its true intrusion
Oh I am about to erupt
From dreams inner explosion
Oh I just want to scream
I have you in my dream

You can purchase “Moment Treasures” from http://www.amazon.com/Moment-Treasures-Wizzy-Mangoma/dp/1451557612/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1273549917&sr=1-1
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JCZC Photography 2011
The gasps and looks of disappointment said it all, followed by “why did you cut your looong, straight hair??”  Never mind that it wasn’t my hair lol, but this short curly “Afro-looking hairstyle” threw me into the world where hairstyles arguably have an influence upon some aspects of our lives, the reactions and dynamics which follow.

From the long, straight weave of Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks, to the short curls of Ajak Deng and so forth...and how about for women such as myself?  As I was sitting with a group of great female friends over the weekend, we discussed how some of our friends ensure their hair is straightened if they have a big meeting with an “important” client at work, some cut their dreadlocks in the hope of snaring that long-awaited executive job, amidst the cries of some friends’ toddlers, “Mummy, why isn’t my hair nice and straight like that?” (pointing to a picture of a non-African/black friend).  In the past, I have also thought once or twice (in fact, way more than that!) before venturing outside the house with my thick Afro.

So even in these times where women are so independent and increasingly empowered, why does the thought of a hairstyle that is more natural to their African heritage, still bring slight palpitations and a balancing of, “Will I get the job. Will he still fancy me” jitters?

It’s far from easy for some, but whether you want a hip-length straight weave, curly weave or want to go natural etc, wear your hairstyle with pride knowing you chose it for a reason, other than one outside of yourself!

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On 23 December 2010, my family and I lost our angel, our mother, a wife, friend, nurse, counsellor (and much more to so many) to cancer.  My mum had suffered a 7 year battle with cancer: from her first breast cancer diagnosis in 2003, followed by a journey of  chemotherapy, a second diagnosis and more chemotherapy.  Fast forward to 2010 - the diagnosis that it had spread to most of her major organs. 

My grief, or what felt like it, started with that first diagnosis in 2003.  It was not grief in the typical sense of the word. It was a feeling of fear, of anger at this disease that ravages our body’s cells without mercy...and guilt. Why guilt? Because I learnt that Mum had cancer on the phone – both of us trying to be so strong, yet knowing that as soon as we said ‘bye’, we would break down. What do you do? When you are millions of miles away, perhaps with no family nearby, when you put down the phone after hearing such devastating news and knowing that you cannot hold your nearest and dearest when they need you the most? Millions of people in the Diaspora suffer grief almost everyday and in many communities abroad, we gather together to comfort them. But what does it really feel like?

I went home to see my family after Mum’s first diagnosis when she was still fit.  However, when the cancer spread and I was in Zimbabwe for a month from November 2010 looking after her and seeing first hand only a portion of what she went through, my heart cried out, not only for my family, but for fellow Zimbabweans, for fellow Africans, for anyone of any nationality, who has to deal with illnesses, with death, from abroad. 

The economic and political situations in the home countries that we leave behind force us to seek ‘a better living’ for ourselves and for our families.  But at what cost?  Whilst I was in Harare, to deal with my ever-changing emotions, I was blessed to have the support of my family and friends, of the doctors and nurses at the Island Hospice and those at the Cancer Centre.

Even though many of us bravely leave to make a better life for us and our families, we have to deal with adjusting to a new country and many other social and economic barriers that may arise.  Amongst other things, it is known that immigrants are often prone to severe and long-lasting psychological and behavioural problems, including depression, anxiety and a high risk for suicide.

One solution is to approach one of the many counselling centres available abroad from the Yellow Pages if you are having difficulty dealing with your grief.  I am also setting up the Elizabeth Chanakira Cancer Trust, which will provide funds to disadvantaged cancer patients in Zimbabwe and is currently in the process of registration.  The ECCT will drive a media campaign to raise awareness of cancer in Zimbabwe.  The official website will, amongst other things, provide links to counsellors in Zimbabwe and for those Zimbabweans (or other nationalities) who need help with their grief whilst abroad, there will be links available where you can seek further help.

*More info on the Elizabeth Chanakira Cancer Trust will be available at the completion of registration and on launch of the official website.  Please contact Teurai on her website at www.teurai.com for more info.

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