3ree Peat Afrocentric Fay Comfortable In Her Skin

The Bespoke By. Sir Kempson Ari weYulu

@ZambiazHarshTag @KempsonAri

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ashikis have made a massive comeback, women have reverted to their natural nappy/kinky hair, and African print is suddenly the new vogue. Before this global phenomenon however, there was a fashion designer who was yards of fabric ahead of the trend. Popularly known as Fay Designs or simply by the mononym Fay, it was she over a decade ago (and still is an institution today) that pioneered the Afrocentric look and is still in the game as one of the top A-list designers in the Zambian fashion industry that caters to the local, international and A-list market. Faith M Kabende has come a long way from her 99 Mulombwe Close studio and now has an atelier on Bwinjinfwumu and a flagship store in Northmed Lusaka.

Fay has transcended local markets and has been waving the Zambian fashion flag high, showcasing and selling hear wares on the international market. Having received another nod, Fay has been nominated to showcase and represent Zambia (along with two other designers) at the 3^rd annual African Fashion Reception on the 21^st of November 2015 in Paris. Having already showcased at the inaugural reception and the second one held last year, this year makes her a triple threat. With 10 outfits being the receptions runway requirement, the source of inspiration is an important component to understanding what to expect from Fay. For the Paris collection, she cited the solar system as her inspiration and the collection will be an ode to God who is the supreme creator and source of inspiration. She also added that the portfolio will be infused with her signature afrocentric flavor. Day 1 of the event she stated will be devoted to showcasing her designs on the run way, and the second day will be trading day. Not only will this prestigious event be a great platform to further promote the brand, she also affirmed that she is honored by being granted the privilege of being nominated a 3^rd time.

As far as support goes, she is expecting to receive support from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture as well as the National Arts Council. Having footed her own bill last year, can we please insure we appropriately support artists promoting our country on the world stage, and as such I implore the private sector/business community to support the arts at all levels. Echoing Fay’s sentiments also, the ministry must also consider sending bloggers/writers to chronicle and inform people at home and on social media on ongoing international aesthetic events where Zambians and representing Zambia such as the reception in Paris. No doubt in our minds and hearts 3ree peat Fay will do the Zambian copper eagle proud. Bonne chance Madam Fay, we are rooting for you!

Catch The Verbatim With Fay as she talks fashion school, video games and express who she is at kalembaweyulu.wordpress.com   

Summer in Spring At The Beach With Zinhle, Flying Fish & R & G

The Boost By. Sir Kempson Ari weYulu

@ZambiazHarshTag @KempsonAri

Zambia may be a landlocked country, but no geographical limitations have ever stopped R&G Events (@RandGzambia) from providing quality entertainment and maximum fun even if it means bringing the beach to us in Lusaka. Hella kick off spring on the brink of summer with the Flying Fish Beach Festival at the Gymkhana Club at the Lusaka showground’s. Get your freshet sights, fedoras, body oil/sun screen, tuck your tummies in and avail yourselves on the 5^th of September 2015 to the sand. Those of you with the brand new Samsung Galaxy S6 edge or Note 5, you best be flexing your selfie game. Bikinis, short shorts, beer pong, freebies, the sand and music, spells the perfect weekend.

Her Name Is, yes the maverick disc jockey and the My Name Is hit maker Dj Zinhle (@DJZinhle) will be on deck to marshal the situation on the 1nes n 2wos. In a male dominated industry, this South African female Dj has made her mark as an international virtuoso of the decks and also as a respected entrepreneur in the watch, jewelry and accessory industry (If you reading this Zinhle, lemme hold some of that ERA bling tho… your timepiece maybe). ERA by Zinhle is the name of her line, get your fleek on blast this weekend by getting some of that ERA at http://djzinhle.com/onlineshop/. Enough said, the lady Zinhle will be at the beach belting hits for the masses to groove and kick sand to till sundown. Get in line and pick a number for selfies with Zinhle, I got next so I can report on how awesome the beach was.

There will be plenty of Flying Fish to quench the thirst (not that thirst perverts), who are also powering the event via R & G events. Well then, it’s a check in all the boxes. Surfs up party people, grab your towels, we are going to the beach this Saturday with Zinhle, Flying Fish and R & G Events. It’s the day after tomorrow (Friday), Saturday!          

Femi Delivers Positive Vibes

The Coverage& Exclusive By. Sir Kempson Ari weYulu

@ZambiazHarshTag @KempsonAri

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he drum is an African invention and novelty, a cardinal part of African culture and custom. It is a tool used to communicate and celebrate, with distinct rhythms distinguishing the various occasions. Hence the theme One Drum Many Beats was indeed an appropriate theme for the 2015 Barefeet Festival, and the right elder was called upon to deliver the unifying message and enlightening force of music. The organizers Barefeet Theatre (@barefeettheater) were also up to task, the open air theater was befitting of the week long festivities that took place.  

Sound and lighting are cardinal to any live musical or theatrical performance, and they can make or break an event. Zirbo Zambia stage and lighting put to rest the myth that Zambia cannot stage festivals of international standard, by transforming the show grounds Gymkhana Club into a world class stage on which local supporting acts and a Grammy nominated musician virtuoso performed. From the first drum beat by Fire (a joint act between Zambians and the Dutch) to the last note sung by our neighbors from Zimbabwe Mokoomba (@Mokoomba), every key could be heard through the speakers clear as a bell. Indigenous acts that also took to the stage included MOJO music (@lsk_mojo) kalindula/Mukambo crooner artist Mumba Yachi (@MumbaYachi) whose performance included cult hit Mongu Rice, guitar maestro Uncle Rex and his band also belted out some hits and ballads and just before the headline act’s set, Zambian soul songstress Maureen Lupo Lilanda (@maureenlilanda)

backed by her stunning daughter and violin soloist gave a very lively performance which included a cover of Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud. 

        

The eager eyes and ears were immediately serenaded and began to sway as soon as the Positive Force began the 10 song playlist and raison d’être of the evening with a piercing horn laden performance of What Will Tomorrow Bring, and as the song mellowed down, on strutted the master virtuoso himself the great Femi Kuti on stage clad in a blue regal traditional outfit (with embroidery details of green, red and orange of the Zambian flag) with three dancers/backing vocals in tow to a thunderous welcome from the intimate crowd. The set included a fusion of music genres including funk, soul, jazz, bosa nova, all collectively weaved into an afro beat measure. The entertainer and performer skillfully played keyboard solos, saxophone and a hypnotizing 5 minute clarinet classical arrangement. From the tempo to the salient harmonies of the call and response, Do

Your Best from the Fight to Win album (the album version features Mos Def) was delivered in true afro beat standard. Other notable anthems that displayed his musical dexterity charged with social commentary included The World Is Changing, and hit record Sorry Sorry. But the four time Grammy nominated afro beat act would not have been complete without saluting the crowd with the chart toping Bang Bang. The performance was that of legends, never missing a single note, the dancers moving in sync and the Positive Force Band consisting of a six piece horn section, 1 keyboard player, 1 lead guitarist, a bass player and a drummer, kept the crowed dancing and singing along to familiar afro beat tunes. He that came to be watched and heard delivered an unforgettable poignant performance.   

   

Gratitude must be extended to all the sponsors who made the Barefeet Theater vision possible and the materialization of the celebrations. Applause Barefeet Theater also did a phenomenal job of accommodating the press (free & support underground bloggers), it’s an unsung heroes honour and other events should emulate and accommodate freelance writers. The biggest appreciation is reserved for Baba Olufemi (and the Positive Force) who has a busy schedule and global engagements, for gracing the occasion with great vigor. Although this was his maiden visit to Zambia, Olufela Olufemi Anikulapo Kuti is always welcome to Zambia. The smiles could not be wiped off the faces of the music lovers who were treated to a stellar performance of the uppermost standard. He is indeed the son of Fela, and continues to express his fathers’ legacy in his own unique way and the mission of liberating Africa.  Anikulapo (he who carries death in his pocket) indeed delivered a killer Positive Force, bringing the festivities to a crescendo ending on the evening/night of 29^th August 2015.

     

Catch a full analysis of the message Olufemi had for Zambia: Libretto by Olufemi at  On kalembaweyulu.wordpress.com Friday 4th September 2015 at 12pm CAT