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
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!
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.
As the world sleeps on I am still up and running about so much thoughts and so much words tearing my membrane with teh force of a thousand blades like Shaka the Zulu no room for retreat the battle is on with so many ideas flowing, my mind is blasting with the quill in my hand I start writing looking to the walls for inspiration I whisper to myself, "This is confusing sleeping sounds like a better option" and yet something in me says I must push on so I put all my thoughts to paper and they read "As the world sleeps on I am still up and writing about this poem, which is special unlike the other poems coz whilst it sleeps on this poem is being born".
Justice Chikandamina is an upcoming writer and poet who was born and bred in Harare, Zimbabwe. In 2003 he moved to Belgium, where he currently lives in the city of Blankenberge. His journey as a writer and poet began when as he was growing up, he became hooked on learning new words and phrases. In order to satisfy his hunger for the written word, he read whatever he could lay his hands on. He was also an avid member of his Debating and Writing school clubs.
I asked Justice why he writes. He replied, “do not ask me why I write, why I became a poet. I do not write because I want to or because someone wants me to. I am what I am, a poet, not because I want to be but because this is what you have made me become. All I have are my thoughts, my feelings, my beliefs, my memories, my dreams and my emotions. Armed with these there is nothing else I can do except to put them to writing, the only thing I can do for I do not believe in violence and confrontation”.
Justice is yet another example of the many inspirational men in our world. Despite writing and poetry, he is passionate about youth development, empowerment and rights, peace, human rights activism and non-violence. He stands firmly by his belief that the youth are the present and the future, so they must be supported initially from the grassroots level and upwards.
Review
When I ordered Justice’s book from Amazon, I was not only amazed at the speed of its delivery (and that is seriously not a way for me to inadvertently advertise Amazon’s efficiency), I also realised that I hadn’t read a book of poetic verses since high school (12 years ago!) when I had to analyse poems in bulk for my English class. As a blogger and freelance writer, I have a passion for words so it was with pleasure that I sat down to indulge in Justice’s work.
What struck me the most about Justice’s poems is that as I read them, it was as though I was reading conversations coming straight out of his mind – the simple words are cleverly intertwined into verses that took me through many different, relatable aspects of my own life and topics that made me pause to think after each poem: poverty, wealth, nature, falling in love, breakups, romance...life.
My favourite poem has to be ‘With You’. What a luscious poem, with one of my favourite lines being, ‘With you I am ready to be reborn again...’ Surely any man who sent “the object of his eye” this poem (perhaps with a bunch of well-bloomed flowers) would increase his chances of sweeping her off her feet?
Another firm favourite is, ‘As the World Sleeps On’. Justice’s use of words form a vivid etching of what he was thinking and feeling at the time. The following line blows me away: ‘I am still up and running about so much thoughts...tearing my membrane with the force of a thousand blades like Shaka Zulu no room for retreat the battle is on...’
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Justice’s poetic verses, commend him for his talent and wish him all the best for the future. His book, ‘Heart Songs: Poetic Verses from the Heart’ is now available from the following:
1 of the ladies at the creche helped my Mwala. The creche is made of old cargo containers.
Paidamoyo is a 27-year old Senior Commercial Administrator, born and raised in Zimbabwe and currently living in Johannesburg, South Africa.She is a passionate young lady, one of the many people in this world giving their heart to charitable work.In August 2010, Paidamoyo started an organisation called Mwala, which translates to ‘my rock’ in the language, Chewa.
Even though it is challenging to run Mwala whilst also working full-time, Paidamoyo says, “I decided to start Mwala because it hurts me to see so many people in society struggling, even when they try to make ends meet. I thought they could use an extra boost in addition to their funds, whilst at the same time empowering themselves. My future goals also include helping illiterate children because I believe that education is vital in children’s lives! Once you have education, you make more informed decisions, particularly the girl child. An educated girl is less likely to fall pregnant at a young age, less likely to become a prostitute, and more likely to want to educate not only her own children, but the community”.
Currently Mwala collects anything and everything.Paidamoyo collects the items herself, using her car.Once collected, she goes through everything and redistributes what can be salvaged, resold and/or given away to families for their use.Paidamoyo learns of families who are in need of Mwala’s services through advertising in community bulletins, supermarket info boards, word of mouth and knowing some of the families personally.
To help the families boost their funds, Paidamoyo has set up two second- hand shops for them to run.The first one is based at a crèche in a very poor township called Diepsloot. It is manned by 4 ladies who are teachers at the crèche. The ladies then split the profit amongst themselves and this allows them to have extra income for their families.
The other second-hand shop is in another poor township past Soweto, called Lehae.This shop is run by an ex-cab driver, who Paidamoyo met when she used to ride his cabs. He has had it rough for the past couple of years, with many unfortunate incidents including having many of his cars break down.He also takes instant pictures and whenever Paidamoyo gets her hands on photography equipment, she sends that to him too.
On being asked about her immediate plans, Paidamoyo says, “I am still very much in the early stages, but have a huge vision and I believe that with God in my plans, I can do wonders! For Christmas I am planning to hire a collection driver to collect non-perishable goods for at least 100 families. I am putting together an essentials list which will cost about R50 (equivalent to USD$7). People can either purchase the goods themselves or they can donate cash and I will purchase the goods.I would thus like to register my organisation as soon as possible so that the financial and legal sides to it can be more concrete.
In 5 years time, Paidamoyo would like to have set up 100 second-hand shops, with the shops not only helping the families that run them, but the communities that support them.She would also like to expand into Zimbabwe soon.I was so touched by Paidamoyo’s heart, efforts and vision. It just goes to show that it doesn’t matter whether you are a politician, celebrity, a multi-million dollar corporation etc, each individual can do their bit to help and empower others.In my eyes, Paidamoyo’s efforts are just as worthwhile as those who may have more finances to donate to charities. I think she is just another great example of a woman standing up independently and courageously to make a difference in our world.
To donate to Mwala or contact Paidamoyo, please drop a message on her blog at http://mwala.tumblr.com or contact her in South Africa on 071-606-2110.
Africa is the birthplace of many stunningly beautiful women and Nasir Wan is no exception. My first reaction when I saw her was ‘Wow!’ and what better way to portray the diverse beauty of Africa in Australia, than to write about her.
Nasir is an18 year old Sudanese model living in Melbourne, Australia.She migrated from Kenya to Australia in 2004. She says, “I was born in Sudan, raised in Ethiopia, lived in Kenya for almost 11 years and loved it, but my family and I came to Australia so that my brothers and I could get a better education and achieve our dreams. Since I was a little girl I always wanted to be a model”. She says that she is very confident within herself and wherever she goes people have always remarked about how she should be a model…(and rightly so!)
Nasir is a Year 12 student at Fountain Gate Secondary School, Melbourne and aims to study Nursing & Social Work at university next year as she has a deep desire to care for people in need.In April 2010 Nasir was an entrant in Miss South Sudan and earned a place as Second runner-up.
She is currently registered with FRM Modeling Agency, a well-established and reputable agency in Melbourne.“I love modeling and my aim is to study for my degree and model at the same time.I aim to get to the top by working as hard as possible so that I can help out my mom who has arthritis and my brother who has diabetes”.She has dreams to be as big as supermodels such as Tyra Banks, including travelling abroad for her work.
Nasir Wan has also just registered as an entrant in Miss Fashion Australia 2011, in which she will join me as one of the first African entrants in the competition EVER.3 of the last Miss Universe Australia’s and 22 international models were discovered from this competition.This will be our chance to shine on the catwalk and show the Australian Fashion/Commercial Industry that beauty comes in all shades.
On being asked whether she finds it hard as a black model in Australia, Nasir said, “I do find it hard sometimes as it can be a problem to be cast for certain jobs, but overall I love being a black model and nothing would make me change my skin colour”.It is so encouraging to see examples of young girls being proud of themselves no matter what shade they are because I remember when I was growing up, that oftentimes the girls who were lighter in skin tone were seen as more beautiful, which is a completely unsubstantiated view to have.
Nasir is an example of a young girl passionate to follow her dreams and make a difference to her family and society.Her confidence and self-belief at such a young age are great examples to all young women out there.
Having been involved in the modelling industry for over a year now, I have gotten to meet numerous people in the Fashion & Entertainment industry. What has really struck me the most is that I have found that, society does not often see jobs in these industries as ‘real jobs’ and tend to savour jobs in Medicine, Law etc as ‘proper jobs’. Whilst I do not argue that jobs in Medicine, Law etc are worthy and beneficial to those that engage in and those that receive the benefits of them, it made me question why we do this. It is arguably more so within the African community.
I asked a few people that I know what their thoughts were. Justice Chikandamina, a Zimbabwean poet, whose book ‘Heart Songs’ has just been published, said that he agreed that on the whole Africans are less supportive of each other when it comes to jobs in the Arts. ‘To ensure I get support I surround myself with fellow writers, poets and other creative people who appreciate the arts’, he said.
Tendayi Ali Mtangi, a Zimbabwean photographer based in the USA, agreed too. As we discussed this topic, I asked him if he knew many Zimbabwean and/or African photographers who are prominent in their field on the international scene. We couldn’t think of many off the top of our heads. For me the Cameroonian photographer, Mario Epanya, immediately sprung to mind. Mario Epanya recently had his bid for a Vogue Africa turned down by the publisher, Conde Nast. It’s arguable that our lack of prominence in the Arts field is also because of another sad state of affairs, that those of colour often have to work twice as hard in these fields. For example, if there is an American, Indian, Australian Vogue etc, one wonders why the bid for Vogue Africa failed when Africans are one of the largest fashion consumers?
There are many other famous black photographers, but I began to question why we seemed to be able to rattle off the names of the non-African photographers much quicker. Is it because that as Africans we are impliedly taught not to take their work seriously and as such we tend not to support them until they are brought to light to us (or are ‘famous’), by the media?
It seems that as Africans we arguably see the creative side of jobs in the Arts as not very taxing on the brain. But I beg to differ. I know that for example, as a model, many of the images that you see me in, are produced after weeks, sometimes months of thinking of an idea, collecting items to bring that one image to fruition, communicating and liaising with photographers etc. If the creative sides of us were not important to humanity, why would we enjoy buying magazines, newspapers, reading books, appreciating paintings etc?
I cannot count the number of people who tell me stories of how ‘they weren’t allowed’ to pursue interests such as singing etc when they were younger. One can look at the postponement of ZIMA 2010 (Zimbabwe International Music Awards) due to lack of funding and support of talented Zimbabwean artists, as an example. Instead of buying their music at full price and supporting them, their CDs are often pirated by their own countrymen and thus these talented artists often struggle to bring their music to the forefront. This is amidst criticism of some of the Hip Hop talent as ‘having lost their culture’. Can someone be said to have lost their culture by expressing themselves in the best way they feel comfortable? It is extremely sad.
I believe that it is important for us to start nurturing our children in a way that allows them to express themselves creatively if they so wish. As Oliver Mtukudzi said, ‘let us allow children to live their dreams’. It’s never too late to make a change, let’s start to support each other a bit more and prevent the next generation regurgitating, ‘I wasn’t allowed to...’
Fear seems to form a large part of our lives: it affects our decisions and experiences.People will often decide to do/not to do certain things because of fear. Think of someone who would love to move from one place to another: fear can hinder that person from moving as they ponder on, for example, new surroundings, the amount of money they will have to raise, whether they will get another job etc.
I wonder just how many people are holding back from doing what they would ultimately love to do because of fear. I have been afraid so many times throughout my life. When I first left Zimbabwe at the age of 13 to live in Germany, I was terrified to leave my friends, family and all the things that I had grown to be familiar with. When I arrived in Germany, I was afraid to start my first day of school.When I first moved to London, I was afraid to be away from my parents and the same feelings took over, as I moved from the UK to Australia. Throughout my life I have worked through my fear, even when people told me I couldn’t achieve something. If I hadn’t have done so, I wouldn’t be where and who I am today and I wouldn’t be able to plan my goals for the future.
So it appears vividly accurate when Neale Donald Walsch, author of ‘Conversations with God’ says, ‘it seems we are afraid of life itself and what goes on in it...if we transform fear, we can transform the world’. Just think of racism as an example: does it not stem from fear and lack of knowledge of different races and their culture?
Walsch states that fear is based on the feeling that we need something and we are not going to get it.Fear is present, for example, in some relationships, because there are many people who feel afraid that no one will love them and when they do meet someone who loves them, they are afraid they will lose them.The most important thing that I’ve learnt that has really changed my life, is that you don’t need the love of man to experience happiness and joy...every emotion of happiness and joy is within you. Furthermore, God is within you and He knows exactly how to give you happiness and love.One becomes more attractive when they are happy, strong and aware within themselves and not looking for those on the outside to confirm their worth in society.
As Walsch states, if we look at fears as ‘adventures’, our fears become unreal...and instead adventure brings excitement and inspiration.Every time we overcome our fears, it’s another adventure conquered and isn’t that a great way to live our lives?
In June 2010, Henry Petersen, the creator of the Miss Fashion Australia awards, invited me to enter the competition this year, which will be held in Townsville, Queensland in April 2011.The $100,000 Fashion Bash is Australia’s richest Fashion Challenge and has achieved immense global success since its inception in 2003.Henry Petersen is, amongst many other roles, a well-known and respected national talent scout and has discovered 3 of the last Miss Universe Australia’s and 22 international models. Probably the best known is Rachael Finch whom was crowned 3rd runner up in 2009 Miss Universe Final. She has since gone on to appear in the TV series Celebrity Master Chef & Dancing with the Stars. She has proved to be a great role model for young Australians.
Before the competition, all entrants will attend a Catwalk & Lifeskills Training course and a Toastmasters Training Course, which will teach us the art of Successful Public Speaking. The Judging Panel will judge us in three categories: Day Wear, Active Wear and Hollywood Glamour.
WHY IS IT A GREAT COMPETITION?
I really believe that the competition deserves respect and recognition for giving its entrants the opportunity to further pursue careers in the fashion industry.I am going to learn so much, not only from the courses, but from the other contestants and people in the industry that I will meet at the Awards show luncheon and dinner.I will also get alot of exposure on the Fashion Bash website, which has visitors from 90 countries on its site daily. Its website visits have increased from 5,000 in 2006 to 50,000 in 2009. This represents a 900% increase in its visitor numbers.I am also blessed for having met Henry Petersen.I remember contacting him and arranging to meet him last year when I was on the front cover of the Cairns Sun newspaper and he was featured in an article on his Queensland State scouting trip, in the same paper.We have always stayed in touch as I have constantly sent him anything that I achieved in my modelling career. He is always giving me great advice on every aspect of the fashion industry, including health and fitness.He also always reminds me that one can achieve whatever they put their mind to and so he is just one of the many inspiring people that I have met on my modelling journey.
I am even MORE excited to be the first African contestant EVER and am honoured to have the opportunity to represent my country, Zimbabwe and my continent, Africa. As I always say ‘dark is also fashionable, talented and beautiful’ so here is my chance to shine on the catwalk in Townsville and be a part of breaking some of the barriers that exist in the fashion industry.
PRIZES
The winner of Miss Fashion Australia will have, amongst other great giveaways that all entrants receive, the opportunity to travel to Los Angeles, USA for a 7-day trip, where she will have the chance to attend castings in Hollywood.I am also looking forward to the national and international exposure that the competition will give me as an entrant and I really think that it is invaluable!
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