The Protagonist and Her Prize: Namwali’s Bonhomie Homecoming

the Main Lick By. The Lord Kempson Ari weYulu

@ZambiazHarshTag ● @KempsonAri

kalembaweyulu.wordpress.com 

I was in Gray Matter (East Park Mall) and as is custom, I asked the man at the counter what he was reading. “Africa 39 (@Africa_39), an African anthology”, came the reply. Had he mentioned that it contained The Sack by a Zambian writer, I would have been compelled to probe further. Earlier that same morning in Mama Kapwepwe’s office, she had mentioned the winner of the Caine Prize (@CainePrize) for African Writing would be at Foxdale court (@FoxdaleCourt), an engagement I duly entered in my calendar and invited a friend to. I knew nothing of the author but with the famine of literary activity on the Zambian literary scene, my belly prompted me to ensure I sought the meal on offer with due diligence. Although the feast begun late due to the multitude that turned out prompting a sudden change of setting, I received the nourishment I sought and indulged in the wealth of knowledge that was provided (with all the trimmings) at with a gathering of great minds. With immense cheer under the moonlight we celebrated the home coming of a conqueror, a woman with an accolade she had received for her substance.               

The Lusaka Book Club (@LusakaBookClub) is testament that the myth of Zambians not being readers is a fallacy, and the audience held at Foxdale Court on the evening of 16^th of September was further validation of how far the Zambian craft and heritage has come and excelled. In her introduction of Ba (affirmation for the stripes she’s earned) Namwali Serpell (@snamwali), Mulenga Kapwepwe stressed in her capacity as the National Arts Council (NAC) Chairperson that it was exciting  times for Zambian literature and Namwali is a demonstration of the excellent quality that is on offer, and implored that the government (na munfwa Ba Boma) must take note.    

I’ve always avowed that the hallmark of a prolific writer is the ability to make people chortle

and suppurate with their implication of words. Through the actors in the story, the depths and core of the reader/listeners human condition must be pierced and with their proceedings reach the inner most being of the audience.  As it was no mere event, Namwali proved her mettle and rose to the occasion with an unexpected reading of something new and conveyed to the public for the very first time. Her courage must be applauded and was indeed rewarded when from the first syllable to the last full stop when you could hear but the song of a seasoned hummingbird in the cool of night serenade the lot. Her delivery of the excerpt from the yet to be published Harper Collins Reader, I Married Him (By Tracy Chevalier), was poignant with a complex well structured mêlée between man and beast with its harrowing and well layered spoken dialogue, setting the grey matter and ears that were present ablaze. Her art of storytelling is vivid and the coup de gras was the meticulous indigenous detail that made the story authentic and gave life to the elements and the environment. Her use of imagery was picturesque and with bold strokes delivered wit, with every charged measured breath as she delivered her offering. It was a great privilege as an avid benefactor to behold such a monumental occasion of which I shall speak to my offspring and kin in the future.               

It was a gathering of literary intellect which evoked bonhomie in the various minds 

congregated. Writer of Lusaka Punk Efemia Chela (@efemiachela)

(who is also part of the Caine Prize anthology) was also part of the collective their gathered. Other prominent heavy weights of written and print works and other artistic mediums included PEN Zambia President and renowned poet Nicholas Kawinga, (@Proflight) Nkwazi In-Flight

Magazine deputy publishing editor Samba Yonga (@Kuwaha), fashion designer and entrepreneur Towani Clarke (@TowaniClarke), and bloggers Imanga Kay

(@ikay2605), Chishimba (@PRgirlZed), Mwanabibi Sikamo (@mwanabibi), Silumesii Maboshe (@Silumesii), e18hteam film producer Ngosa Whoopi Chungu (@whoops_c) and journo Lwanga (@Lwangamwilu). It was a befitting and apt assembly indeed to honour a daughter and ambassador of the soil and motherland Zambia.

            

“All good writing is good writing, and all bad writing is bad writing”, she expressed. Writing is indeed a gift, the ability to give life to words, a calling which posses those it chooses to be vessels. The text or scroll is a forum used to articulate the human condition and society with it triumphs and ills, chronicles that outlive authors, a living tribute. It is privilege to be immortalized in word and an honor to be recognized by being bestowed with a literary accolade. Writing as other aesthetics, transcends the authors legacy beyond the grave. It is the rawness, sincerity, intensity and firmness in her voice when she read and the breaths of fluidity and synthesis with which words flowed from within her that I will most cherish about the audience with Namwali Serpell the Halfrican smartypants. Thank you for providing the cure to my ailment with the palliative of your writing. Ovation for the 2015 Caine Prize for African Writers winner and the inspiration she is to this generation.

For those interested in the activities of the Lusaka Book club, they meet every four weeks and the next meeting will be on the 26^th of September at The Deli. The book being discussed is, The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson.  

Namwali talks Jane Eyre, academics and answers questions of identity and method in An Intellectual Discourse: The Reflection Of Namwali at kalembaweyulu.wordpress.com

The Lack of Flavour’s At Rhapsody’s Lusaka Numbs Senses

the Review By. The Lord Kempson Ari weYulu

@ZambiazHarshTag ● @KempsonAri

T

he only memorable thing about the dinner service was the smile on the waitress’s face, alas I was still constipated at the time of writing this review. When waiting staff are gathered around the till like kids around a campfire and not waiting on patrons, you should be worried about dinner service. As I looked through the menu, the order was one espresso, 2 bottles of water and 2 glasses of dry red. 30 minutes later, the waiter (who cannot be called a sommelier) showed up with two glasses of sweet red and alarm bells went off to the first red flag. We overlooked the wrong beverage order as an honest mistake (Kermit) and waited another 15 minutes for the error to be sorted. 45 minutes later, we were ready to order.

 The order was very specific, 1 Seafood Duo with roasted vegetables, instead of Jasmine rice, 2 Seafood Pasta and 1 peri-peri Grilled Calamari also with roasted vegetables instead of Jasmine rice. The changes   were noted and the variation of Grilled Calamari with lemon butter or peri-peri is actually on the menu. We were in for a long wait, and as we waited the offer from the bread came. Even if the two other customers decline, if the menu is a la carte, the bread or bread rolls should come in a basket. One bread roll was unacceptable and beyond me especially with the prices on the menu. The chagrin of waiting was in vain when lo and behold the wrong order came. Apparently the chef does not know the difference between steamed and roasted vegetables, and lemon butter and peri-peri. The waitress was helpful and apologetic, and made valiant efforts to remedy the situation. However when we were told it would take 5 minute to remedy the situation (Kermit again), I raised an eyebrow. The dish would have required at least 15 to 30 minutes to remake, but was indeed back in 5. When a patron asks for hot sauce/Tabasco, you know the peri-peri has missed the mark. And then there was the sinking Seafood Pasta.

Overcooked and chewy calamari as well as unseasoned prawns (I could count the prawns “calamata” olives), the dish lacked depth and flavour. The spaghetti was not ala dente and the creamy white wine garlic sauce was anything but creamy, very forgettable. I would expect such standards from a mundane buffet but not from Rhapsody’s Lusaka that claims to be a fine dinning establishment. The bland food was the last straw and marked the anticlimax to an appalling dinner service.

I didn’t even bother with the doggy bag. Stingy with bread and breath mints, we got the bill and could not wait to escape the horror our taste buds had endured. 1 Fork out of 5 and only because the coffee just made the grade.

Change of Wardrobe: Le Closet Relocates

the Exclusive By. The Lord Kempson Ari weYulu

@ZambiazHarshTag ● @KempsonAri

T

here boutiques that sell cloths with brands and there lifestyle brands which transcend the mundane and excel in providing exclusive luxury garments, the latter is the one being fêted and toasted in this piece. A new chapter was written in the history of Zambian Fashion and that of an exclusive brand. On the eve of its 3^rd birthday, Friday the 11^th of September 2015, Le Closet changed its dress size from 7 Diamond Mall to 34C East Park Mall in true pomp and flair befitting the product, its clients and the store’s new location. As much as the old store and its rich history will be missed, fashion is about evolution at every level and as such change of location is a sign of growth which is no small feat but a milestone we must applaud and respect. Raise your glasses to the award winning indigenous enterprise that is Le Closet, as we toast to the new commode. 

Professionals, power women, artists and models all dressed in their favourite Le Closet frocks, strutted past the velvet ropes in solidarity and allegiance to a brand they love and value.

Model Hawa Fofana (winner of Face of Redd’s and long term client of the store) articulated that it’s the élan, comfort, versatility, and timelessness of the various garments that keeps her coming back to the store to stock and restock her wardrobe at Le Closet. Indeed each piece in the store is unique and offers something for the office, social events and everything in between,  even the kinky at heart will find an item to fuel their wild side (inner freak) *winks* le freak c’est chic. The milieu’s layout and décor and setting (which was put together in a record three weeks), has a distinct Paris metropolis feel with a hint of New York chic. The antique frames on the walls and the mirrors give the store depth and modishness without the feeling of clutter. The chandelier in the center of the room provides just the right balance and lighting, without being excessive but

exuding opulence.

          

The labels on the shoes, dresses and accessories all bear the name Le Closet, it’s not for show but merriment of the standard that the brand has set and continues to set on the Zambian couture scene. Celebrity clients who are styled by the store owners and wear the label include female rapper and model #NkaniYaLula(TheBerg) Bomb$hell

and songbird entrepreneur and radio personality #WomanToTheWorld  Zillah. Each item in the store is the innovation of the visionary sister duo of Pamela and Stephanie Chibwe, who work together and conceptualize the startling creations of their collections that are exclusive to the flagship store. Inspiring and timeless, their alluring couture chic is a breath of fresh air to the scene.     

Not only were customers treated to glasses of champagne,

they also received a 10% discount on selected items during the two days of festivities of the stores birthday weekend and rebirth. The smile and cheer on the client’s faces is testament to their satisfaction at the hallmark of the store which is the reassurance that from lingerie to shoes Le Closet has your entire covered. The owners are always on sight to provide you with that bespoke runway stone cold fox look which the store proprietors themselves spot, guiding and styling you as you shop, feel the cloths, try them on and guarantee you are satisfied. The address is store 34C East Park Mall if you have an appetite for that couture look and refined taste. Thank you for the invite and champagne ladies of Le Closet, Santé!                     

The Bored and Dead Music Video Awards Should Not Be Televised

the Review By. The Lord Kempson Ari weYulu

@ZambiazHarshTag ● @KempsonAri

kalembaweyulu.wordpress.com

The organizers had an additional year to get it right, yet eight editions later, a school musical would have had a better stage, sound and lighting. For an indoor event, the acoustics were horrible. Call ZIRBO Zambia, they’ll sort out your stage and lighting as they successfully did for the Barefeet Festival. It’s a national event shown on the national broadcaster ZNBC; we cannot be cutting corners especially when people pay TV levies.  The lack of professionalism and importance attached to the event showed that and also the esteem they have for the Zambian music industry and the arts at large. I had difficulty in seeing the excellence in anything and saw the mediocrity in everything, the entire 4 hours of the Born n Bred 2014/15 was some beautiful nonsense with one or two sparks of artistry. Live television is not a dress rehearsal or sound check so please get with program.

From publicists to stylists, Zambian “celebrities” need invest in their image and pay professionals to get their act together. Do not look like a deer in front of headlights on the red carpet or your got dressed at your friends house, if you are nominated or presenting (key words are present, presentable) please look the part. Two weeks prior to the event, have three outfits on standby and practice in front of the mirror. 90% of the industry unfortunately cannot wing it, do not try to look smug or attempt to fake it on the red carpet or on stage for that matter. The sheer lack of charisma exhibited by some if not all the “stars” must be lamented. You could be Stedman for all we care, if you are not nominated or presenting do not speak on the red carpet or into the mic. Your friends and temporary forever’s will see you on TV, end of story. ¾ of the personalities I saw on the red carpet and on stage need to take note of that annoying Mika Gym ad that kept running every 10 minutes. Put the junk and fizz down and cut down on the nicotine and high starch liquor drink intake for those who partake. Wanna wear fitting cloths and show off curve and cleavage, exercise, eat right and tone down. Personal style is encouraged but get and pay a professional to deck you out.        

There’s a reason why almost 20 years later will still remember Whitney Huston’s rendition of the Star Spangled Banner at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, she went into the studio and got it right. The official opening which is the singing of the national anthem usually sets the tone for the event, that’s why Jamie Foxx belted the national anthem at the Mayweather vs Pac fight.  When asked to sing the national anthem at a national event, practice it and perform it on the day like Zambia just got its independence. Hold auditions as organizers if you need to, but save us all the embarrassment of desecrating the national anthem. Speaking of national issue, why wasn’t the mother and patron of the arts Mama Mulenga Kapwepwe (National Arts Council Chairperson) snubbed and not invited to the awards? We seem to have forgotten that not only is NAC an act of parliament, but also has the mandate to regulate, co-ordinate, supervise and monitor all arts activities in Zambia. Enough said, and now ladies and gentlemen, it was all a bad dream.

In addition to an entire extra year to get it right, the date got moved again which meant more rehearsal time but performances where still below par. It was a club banger, but the live off key and scattered performance of the hit She Aah Bomb left a lot to be desired and quite frankly so did most of the other opening acts and acts during the show. If you’ve are in the entertainment/music industry and billed to perform live, get it right with the band and bring your sound engineer along. The song sung live, should sound as it did in the studio. Refuse to perform if the appropriate standards cannot be met, it’s an insult to the fans and the audience when you can’t give the people a proper live show. Professionals the world over have their own mic, a DJ and sound engineer to ensure the band and singer are in sync and thus the performance is above par.

 

Unless its LL Cool J at the Grammy’s, Mc Lyte at the BET Awards, and our very own Chishala Chitoshi Jr. at any Zambian award show, game show hosts from when I was in the 8^th grade should not be allowed to host award shows. There’s so much young talent with the dexterity and articulation necessary to host the Born n Bred awards in a memorable manner. Short of looking like a ventriloquist dummy, the host lacked tact and was uninspired, adding to an already lagging event. Get a teleprompter, get fresh talent to host and give the show a new lease of life, throwbacks or a has-been won’t cut it. Ah yes, the voter registration mobilization advert made me not want to register and vote. Last I checked, there no polling stations at the swimming pool and people in the community do not wear suites to register or vote. The delivery and execution of that commercial was poor and did not explain anything to the people in the community.

And now back to the performances. There is a difference between performing at East Point or a show and performing on a stage on a national platform. The backup vocalists did a great job, but a lot of the acts on stage however did not deliver. The dance routines where scrappy, the audience was uninterested and did not sing along. As far as tributes go, make sure they live up to the person you are remembering. A prolific song writer and one of the best hook men in the business deserved a more befitting tribute. Being PJ’s brother does not give you a license to sing off key and remix a hit record by throwing in raps and whatever that else that was. Ba Joe Chibangu you’ve been in the game a long time, you should have known better and been on top of the situation guiding the kids and showing them how it’s done instead of that uncoordinated hot mess we saw. You could hear a pin drop however when what was the performance of the night came on and delivered music in its true essence. Armed with a guitar and accompanied by a traditional drum, Theresa delivered a poignant performance, with every piercing lyric clear as a bell. The performance was special. Applause to Jay Rox, good job on delivering a cohesive performance form which other acts should take notes. The Cypher was not televised *scratches head*, it would have broken the monotony of the dreary telecast. 

We do not know when the voting ended and by whom the results where verified, some of the results were sketchy and we will never know how credible the awards let alone outcome was. Things get awkward when the crowed screaming the title of the song that should have won Best Dancehall and Joanna didn’t win. Things get even more interesting when the Best Collaboration is a three people act and there are only two trophies. Do the maths properly, and in future (if there is one) have four trophies on standby it’s collaboration not a duet of best duo. Moving on to acceptance speeches folks, keep it brief and to the point. We don’t want to know why the recipient could not collect or your relation to them, say thank you on their behalf and apologies that they couldn’t be there and remove yourself from the stage. Let me make myself clear again, apart from the person receiving the award, significant others, neighbors, fans of fans should only be mentioned in the speech and not be allowed to even breath into the microphone. I don’t know what Twitter timeline the ZNBC tweep was looking at, clearly not the one the rest of us were looking at. Harsh tweets and Facebook posts is putting it mildly, Bored n Dead is not our first time at the rodeo.   

Same number, same city if you looking for me! Bye

Selfies At The Beach With Zinhle, Flying Fish & R&G

the Exclusive By. The Lord Kempson Ari weYulu

@ZambiazHarshTag ● @KempsonAri

T

he process was simple, drop a K 5ifty, get tagged and enjoy. The masses turned up and R&G Events (@RandGzambia) delivered the goods as always. Don’t believe me? There was even a mobile FNB ATM (@FNBSA, @FNBZambia), enough said. With one nation gathered under and in the groove, the 2015 Flying Fish Beach Festival was a befitting way of welcome the summer on a spring Saturday (time frame is blurry). From Dj’s to TV personalities to public figures and tweeps, everyone was at the beach and the selfie count definitely went past the thousands as the party raged on into Sunday morning. If you are reading this and were not at the Gymkhana Club, you missed out on sipping some cold Flying Fish, summer anthems and the 10’z roving the park including models such as Miss International Zambia Mercy Mukwiza (@Mercyswit).

With two stages on either end of the beach, as far as music is concerned which was the elixir fuelling the event (the Flying Fish was also at work), it was the battle of the mongoose VS the snake between the astonishing bill of Dj’s. The white tent was House central under the auspice Dj Shotz (@Shotzismyname) and co. who churned out hits such as Lime by Electrobrain and Gotta Tell you by Deepjack and Mr Nu. As the house played on, Savanna award winning club Dj HuSseiN (@SupastaDJ) dropped bombs and did damage on the main stage dropping club hits including Kendrick hit record King Kunta which brought the funk that kept people moving and singing along. Fist Pump Bear Sebastien

(@sebastiendutch) took over the main stage with a spell binding and energetic performance which kept people’s hands in the air with tunes such as Rude by Magic. His set also included a live performance by Kiki (@kikisingszed) performing original material produced by him, and What You Gonna Do by the duo (who are on the cover of the R&G Magazine 2015 Issue) was performed and heard live for the first time. Kiki is a breath of fresh air and a welcome change from convention, the petit femme fatal packs a lot of soul and oozed sensuality throughout her vocally seductive performance. I can’t wait to hear the album eventually. Dj Blocks (@DjBlocksZambia) the winner of the Miller Soundclash (headed to Las Vegas), proved why he is indeed the man representing Zambia in Nevada as he kept the hits coming such as summer sing along #Classic Man and other anthems.

The G in R&G’s outta ego Ba Guy came on the decks an hour before Dj Zinhle (@DJZinhle). As soon as he dropped his calling card smash hit by Nelly Hot In Hear, Fish (a big Nelly fan since high school) filled up the Flying Fish tent as he kept the masses jiving to dance floor fillers both new and old skool. However when the clock struck 9ine on the dot, the superhero had other ideas for the main stage but not without Ba Guy putting up a fight. All along however the headline act had a plan (besides looking summertime fine and in great shape), which she enacted after dropping cult hit Cheerleader and then really switched things up with Dj Merlon’s (@djmerlon) Koze Kusa. There is a reason DBN (@DbnNyts) Nyts feat. Zinle Ngidi &Trademark is permanently on my “Dawn of Summer” playlist, when the Dj drops #Shumaya you immediately begin to gyrate and develop rhythm in seconds. When fisherman’s We Call Out all out came on after Shumaya, Zinle had succeeded in teleporting the non believers and those on the fringes to the mash pit of the main stage. When she dropped The Drummer Boss Heavy K’s (Heavy Kusta) (@HeavykDrumboss) Yini tjooo, I was overdosing and near comatose from the hypnosis of Zinhle’s prowess behind the decks spinning house standards in tow. She delivered like the house queen she is, all hail the maestro and Her Name is really ZINHLE and Lusaka say thank you and much love. Tjo, way to set off the sunny days ahead.    

Zinhle was handling business (as a boss lady should) on deck so I couldn’t disturb her for a selfie (but there will be a next time when ama also get to hold an ERA piece), but I vicariously took one through my compadre manning security Big Sam aka Samuel Mutale (@Joshua_Samuel_). I know using your super powers you are reading this @DJZinhle. Celebrity sightings of the day included Cleo the Ice Queen (@Cleo_icequeen) from Big Brother and now host of Dreams season 2, rising riddims and Crystal Ball rap artist Mic Burner (@Micburnermsic), Bombshell (@MizzBombshell) The Burg/Nkani Yalula (ft. Jay Rox) fire spitting Mc and the disc jockey K Army CEO and producer Kb “Killa Beats (@killa_kamy) was also mingling in the crowd. The biggest shout out is reserved for my tweeps/followers/following, starting my the fashion savvy No.1 festival (2 for 2) partner in crime

Kamota (@Fuchsiaristic), fellow Red and button up associate Luwi (@mz_luwi) and Co. Dee Walker (@Sunshine_deeD)  owes me drinks or food (TL references) at the next event on the calendar, I will collect. Xoxoxo the controversial

#Sexy Body Kachanana (@justkach), it was a blast meeting you *winks*. And so as the sun went down and came up again the next day, the Flying Fish flags flew and blew into the night. Thank you R&G, see you in Fringila from the 9^th to 10^th October at Oktoberfest! Get that tent for K300 from R&G HQ at 3056 Makishi Road 

          

The Disparate Youth Galvanize Their Movement At Street Culture Festival

                                                               The Review & Analysis By. Sir Kempson Ari weYulu

@ZambiazHarshTag @KempsonAri

kalembaweyulu.wordpress.com

W

e have come a long way as a republic on many fronts, progress that has permeated a lot of elements in Zambia over the past 5 decades.  It was something like a scene straight out of Breakin’ and the sequel Electric Boogaloo. From crop tops to sweat pants and skinnies, nothing much has change not even the snap back, the culture may have aged but Hip-Hop and its elements still maintain youthful vigor, hence it will never die! I could check at least 3ree elements that are part of the essence of the culture that were present at the gathering: Breaking, DJing and graffiti, Slap D (@slapdee) brought it full circle when he jumped on the Mic with the MCing element. I wouldn’t have believed it if hadn’t seen with my own eyes, B-Boys and B Girls, graffiti and freehand artists, and skaters, all 21^st century Zambians (yes that includes you Dwain Whitaker) making Street Culture (www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008989366507) happen in a germane way. The 12^th edition of the Street Culture Festival (www.facebook.com/SCEAA?ref=ts&fref=ts) boldly put the misguided notion that the youth lack imagination, originality and adventure.

Founded by Kapembwa Siame and Elijah Zgambo in December 2011, the Street Culture Festival is held three times a year s during school holidays in April, August and December. With a 13,303 strong Facebook following (Facebook...), the culture is a full fledge movement with the Festival and dance being just one element. The street art aka graffiti and freehand sketches were amazing dimension to behold. The prodigies that are 

Nsamba Shitumbanuma (instagram.com/nsamba93) and Dwain Whitaker

(https://www.facebook.com/XXP.DoWork) are indeed the future Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Keith Haring’s of the Zambian art world.  Aside from the tri annual festival, Street Culture as an institution that also teaches the art of breaking and other forms of dance to the youth. With all the backlash and negative publicity the young folk receive, it is refreshing to see them promote themselves in a positive and non destructive light. The strong anti drug theme No Love For Drugs sent a clear message. Art in whatever form it was being expressed at the festival is a safe outlet and also healthy form of recreation, which also deters harmful practices and vices. There were no liquor or nicotine merchants on the premises of the event which sent an affirmative message.         

Despite the high concentration of puberty and energy, there was no unruly conduct. The organizer must be applauded not only for ensuring the personal health and safety of 1500+ attendees, but also engaging professional health practitioners. Although only 48 people were tested (at the time this data was collected), the facilities for counseling, testing and promoting safe sex where readily available and accessible for the sexually active or those experimenting  who constituted a large number of the crowds and information seekers too. It is important to stress the fact that the provision of these facilities is not to promote promiscuity but to save lives and prevent infections amongst the most susceptible group in society who are the youth. The Latkings Outreach Program

message was clear: Promoting sexual education, promoting sexual rights and promoting health care. In 2015 we cannot be as naïve and turn a blind eye to the sexually active or perpetuate the abstinence message of a bygone time, a practical approach and a less rigid approach which stresses a zero fear or stigmatizing approach must be encouraged. I salute the men and women promoting safe sex and educating the nation’s future.

              

Aside from the main event which was dance, the skaters in the outdoor arena were also amazing to watch. With rap classics such as The Notorious B.I.G providing the sound track, the decks on wheels event was on high octane as they kicked, pushed, grinded and flew off ramps. With no signs of slowing down, Hip Hop is not dead and the Street Culture Movement is doing a good job of keeping the culture alive and keeping the youth productive. Shout out to the local and international sponsors, enterprises and organizations supporting the movement. See you in December 2015 at the next 13^th edition of Street Culture Movement… It will be of epic proportions!  

3ree Peat Afrocentric Fay Comfortable In Her Skin

The Bespoke By. Sir Kempson Ari weYulu

@ZambiazHarshTag @KempsonAri

kalembaweyulu.wordpress.com

D

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

kalembaweyulu.wordpress.com

T

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