Moving In Rhythm to The Stanbic Jazz Festival: One Way To The Musical Extravaganza With Klugh

the Reprise By. The Lord Kempson Ari weYulu

@ZambiazHarshTag ● @KempsonAri

 kalembaweyulu.wordpress.com

M

aybe it was Across the Sand from the album Move or For the Love of You from Life Stories you first heard and wondered who was the maverick picking at the guitar strings? Most Zambian’s born circa of the 90’s will remember hearing those familiar tunes on the radio, at a wedding, a family braii or in your uncle or fathers car, yeap it was Grammy winning guitarist Earl Klugh (@earlklugh) (the g is silent like the D in D’Jango) all along. Since his debut album Tropical Legs which spun all time classics such as Calypso Get Away (my Popz favorite Klugh cut), Klugh has continued to churn classics without slowing down and is the main headline act at this year’s Stanbic Jazz Festival (@JazzFestStanbic)supported by international saxophonist Tom Braxton (@tombraxton). With his own genre of music Tuku Music and specially crafted guitar, Uncle Tuku needs no introduction with multi platinum chart toppers and sold out shows, and will also be gracing the event two years running. Fresh off their European tour, the young guns Mi Casa (@MiCasaMusic) also have a string of hits under their belt including cult classics These Streets, Heaven Sent, All The Glory and gyrating anthem Jika will keep the younger audience on their feet. The festival will indeed be a celebration of the human spirit, diversity and the universal message of love through music.              

If last year’s event is anything to go by expect the music to be live and of the highest quality. The entertainment value will be unmatched, making this occasion a premium one in experience on all levels. Applause to the sponsors Stanbic, DSTV (@Dstv), The Misty (@themistyzambia), Southern Sun, Taj Pamodzi Hotel Lusaka and Alliance Motors Zambia for making this gig happen.   

The efforts and contributions of Stanbic Bank towards supporting jazz and its growth in Zambia through events such as the Jazz Fest, have also been applauded by the Jazz Appreciation Society (JAS) facebook.com/groups/jazzapsoc/ (in Zambia). The association’s events director Cat Chiliz (The cool cat) expressed gratitude for the recognition extended towards the movement and their passionate endeavors. This year the main event sponsors Stanbic have gone an extra mile and provided event branded t-shirts for the association members as well as facilitated their attendance of this landmark musical event on the Zambian Jazz calendar.          

It will be an epic line up of local and international as well as a young and old pedigree of musicians. The subsequent Stanbic Jazz Festival will be a celebration of jazz, blues, soul and funk in all its hues, rhythms and dialects. If you can’t make it on the 2^nd, the show goes on in repeat on the 3^rd. Earl Klugh, our neighbor Ba Tuku and the Mzanzi boys Mi Casa are bringing the rhythm to town and our local heroes guitar maven Victor Kasoma, Zamrock legend Jaggari Chanda, singer song writer extraordinary sensation James Sakala (@JaySaThomas), the So Good Music Soul Sister Scarlet (@Scarlet_MwanaOK) and the gospel revolutionary Abel Chungu (@AbelMusuka) will be on hand to welcome the musicians from across the border. See you on the sunny top deck.

I really hope I get to hear San Diego Stomp, that’s my Klugh groove.          

Catch the Zambian Jazz jive as I vibe about JAS, Zambian Jazz and all that jazz with Cat Chiliz at kalembaweyulu.wordpress.com

Un morceau de France en Zambie: La Fête Français

L'exclusif par. Le Seigneur Kempson Ari deVisé

@ZambiazHarshTag ● @KempsonAri

 kalembaweyulu.wordpress.com/

Louis XIV le Roi Soleil est le roi qui a redéfini et a créé l'héritage durable de style Français et de l'élégance, nous célébrons encore aujourd'hui à bien des égards. Normes Françaises de la vie élégante, le style, la cuisine et le luxe transcendent toutes les barrières à la fois géographique et sociale. De l'ingénierie Français Renault, crêpes authentiques et d'autres favoris délicieux déjeuner à petonque matchs, l'Alliance Français de Lusaka facebook.com/Alliance-Fran%C3%A7aise-de-Lusaka-334103683345900/timeline/?ref=br_rs Journée Portes Ouvertes (qui était gratuite) était une véritable affaire française effet. Faire l'officiel de l'événement, l'ambassadeur Français M. Emmanuel Cohet (@EmmanuelCohet) et sa famille étaient également présents.

Samira assiste aux clients

Pour les jeunes et vieux, de pâtisseries françaises il y avait une gamme d'activités et des friandises pour se livrer les sens, le 19 Septembre 2015. Après avoir remporté coupons du Quiz Français stand, le prochain arrêt était le crêpes compteur et la boulangerie. Mme Samira La Boulangère était sur place pour servir la crue français ainsi que pains et pâtisseries allemandes qui pourraient être sentaient de l'entrée de l'Alliance. Samira Graf-Nouira le propriétaire et chef boulanger des Trois Rois Bakery (qui offrent également des services à l'consulaire Français et Américain) était sur place pour présenter et vendre ses délicieuses friandises qui comprenait La Baguette (Le petit déjeuner de pain nationale française), Le Pain au Chocolat, croissants et autres produits de base françaises et allemandes. Avec le beurre directement à partir de la Normandie et de chocolat de la Belgique, les ingrédients et les recettes sont authentiques dans leur fabrication et le goût.

Kempson et Samira célèbrent la nourriture et de la mode française

Les prix ont chuté de 50% au cours de la dernière heure de l'événement et ont vu des gens affluent vers la Rois Bakery reposer pendant plus de ramener à la maison des indulgences. Avec des saveurs pour nourrir les papilles, les yeux et les oreilles aussi besoin de divertissement.

Mumba Yachi et Kasolo effectuer

Comme promis, il y avait aussi des animations musicales avec une certaine saveur Zambienne sur la terrasse dans le jardin de l'Alliance. Mumba Yachi (@MumbaYachi) et Austin Kasolo livrés une comédie musicale indigène acoustique stellaire exposer. L'ensemble inclus commentaire social humoristique à travers des chansons telles que Umwina Mobe (votre conjoint ou partenaire) et Umuchele (sel), et a également été coloré avec des pauses de la conversation et des descriptions des différentes chansons. Pour ajouter à la pompe et de la diversité musicale, guitare et maverick musicale James Sakala (@JaySaThomas) et femelle chanteur et l'écriture de chanson sensation Scarlet (@Scarlet_MwanaOK) fait une apparition à la

James Sakala et Scarlet sérénade le public avec des ballades

grande joie des fêtards. Leur était une chaîne de duos ainsi que des interprétations de Kalindula classiques. Je ne pouvais pas résister à rejoindre l'acte à la percussion que Jakob a maintenu le rythme sur bongo et le djembé. L'ensemble de 2 heures était en effet un plaisir musical. Pour les danseurs et les funs de la culture de la rue, La Street Culture a également mis sur une clinique de danse dans le hall principal. La clinique a vu des enfants et des adultes participent et apprennent l'art de la break dance et les autres techniques de danse de la culture de la rue.

Mis à part des cours de français, l'Ecole Française de Lusaka est également situé dans les locaux de l'Alliance ainsi que la bibliothèque française pour ceux qui souhaitent accéder à la littérature française, des médias et du matériel par les plus grands tels que les français Hugo et Voltaire. Il ya aussi des cours de langue locales sur l'offre pour ceux qui souhaitent préfet le processus zambianisation. La Journée portes ouvertes était juste un ouvreur d'oeil à ce que l'Alliance Français de Lusaka a à offrir, et une invitation aux masses de faire partie de ce grand échange culturel continue à long terme entre la France et la Zambie.

Alliance Français Directeur, fondateurs rue Culture Kapembwa Siame & Elie Zgambo et membre de l'équipe T-Bo

40+ ans sur l'existence en Zambie, l'Alliance Français de Lusaka continue d'être une institution et le moyeu qui prend en charge toutes les cultures et continue d'être à la pointe de promotion de la diversité esthétique à la fois locale et internationale. Le directeur actuel Justine Delefortrie fait un travail magnifique à la tête de l'institution, et la première journée portes ouvertes est un exemple de l'excellent travail qu'elle fait. Les efforts importants sont également soutenus par les organisations et les sponsors de bienfaisance comme, République Française Ministrère Des Affaire Étrangères  facebook.com/france.zambie, Renault, Le Conseil national des Arts (CNA), Vibrant Afrique ((Vibrantafrica) le directeur Jakob Hoff était présent lors de l'événement), POWER FM (@ PowerFM997), Hot FM 87.7 (@ HOT877Zambia) et d'autres stations de radio ainsi que des stations de télévision comme Muvi TV, qui contribuent de diverses façons à rendre des événements tels que la Journée portes ouvertes un succès. L'événement était bien organisé et livré dans le vrai style français à la Français. Champagne

Pour les Trois Rois français et allemands pâtisseries authentiques aller à 5C Kabulonga route ou appelez Samira sur +260 975 908 100. Bon appétit!

La 3ème Promenades Musicales dans le cadre de la semaine culturelle allemande français qui célèbre également les 50 ans de relations diplomatiques seront sur du 4 au 17ème Octobre 2015. Contacter l'Alliance sur Facebook ou sur 260211253467.

Mumba Yachi sera également en concert à l'Alliance Français le 23 Octobre 2015, contre 19 heures.

A Morsel of France In Zambia: La Fête Français

the Exclusive By. The Lord Kempson Ari deVisé

@ZambiazHarshTag ● @KempsonAri

kalembaweyulu.wordpress.com/ 

Louis XIV the Sun King is the King that redefined and created the lasting legacy of French style and elegance we still celebrate today in many regards. French standards of elegant living, style, cuisine and luxury transcend all barriers both geographical and social. From the French engineered Renault, authentic crêpes and other delicious déjeuner favourites to petonque matches, the Alliance Français of Lusaka facebook.com/Alliance-Fran%C3%A7aise-de-Lusaka-334103683345900/timeline/?ref=br_rs Open Day (which was free) was a truly French affair indeed. Making the event official, the French Ambassador Monsieur Emmanuel Cohet (@EmmanuelCohet) and his family were also in attendance.

Samira attends to customers

For the young and old, lovers of French pastries there was a range of activities and treats to indulge the senses on 19^th September 2015. After winning coupons from the French Quiz stand, the next stop was the crêpes counter and the boulangerie. Madame Samira La boulangère was on hand to serve the freshet French as well as German breads and pastries which could be smelt from the entrance of the Alliance. Samira Graf-Nouira the proprietor and chief baker of Three Kings Bakery (who also offer

Kempson and Samira celebrate French food and fashion

services to the French and American consular) was on hand to showcase and sell her delicious treats which included La Baguette (The French national breakfast bread), Le Pain au Chocolat, Croissants and other French and German staples. With butter straight from Normandy and chocolate from Belgium, the ingredients and recipes are authentic in their making and taste. The prices dropped to 50% during the final hour the event and saw people flock to the Three Kings Bakery stand for more take home indulgences.   With flavours to nourish the taste buds, the eyes and ears also needed entertainment.

Mumba Yachi and Kasolo perform  

As promised, there was also musical entertainment with some Zambian flavour on the patio in the Alliance garden. Mumba Yachi (@MumbaYachi) and Austin Kasolo delivered a stellar acoustic indigenous musical expose. The set included humorous social commentary through songs such as Umwina Mobe (your spouse or partner) and Umuchele (salt), and was also coloured with pauses of conversation and descriptions of the various songs. To add to the pomp and musical diversity, guitar and musical maverick James Sakala (@JaySaThomas) and female vocalist and song writing sensation Scarlet (@Scarlet_MwanaOK) made a guest appearance much to the delight of the revelers. Theirs was a string of duets as well as renditions of Kalindula

James Sakala and Scarlet serenade the audience with ballads 

classics. I couldn’t resist joining the act on percussion as Jakob maintained the rhythm on bongo and the djembe. The 2 hour set was indeed a musical delight. For the dancers and funs of street culture, Street Culture also put on a dance clinic in the main hall. The clinic saw children and adults participate and learn the art of break dance and other street culture dance techniques.

Aside from French lessons, the French School of Lusaka is also located on the Alliance premises as well as the French library for those wishing to access French literature, media and material by such French greats as Hugo and Voltaire. There also local language classes on offer for those wishing to prefect the Zambianization process. The Open Day was just an eye opener to what the Alliance Français of Lusaka has to offer, and an invitation to the masses to be a part of this great long term ongoing cultural exchange between France and Zambia.    

 

Alliance Français Director, Street Culture founders Kapembwa Siame & Elijah Zgambo & crew member T-Bo 

40+ years on of existence in Zambia, the Alliance Français of Lusaka continues to be an institution and hub that supports all cultures and continues to be at the forefront of promoting both local and international aesthetic diversity. The current director Justine Delefortrie is doing a magnificent job at the helm of the institution, and the first ever Open Day is an example of the great work she's doing. The important endeavors are also supported by benevolent organisations and sponsors such as, République Française Ministrère Des Affair Étrangères facebook.com/france.zambie, Renault, The National Arts Council (NAC), Vibrant Africa ((@Vibrantafrica) the director Jakob Hoff was in attendance at the event), Power Fm (@PowerFM997), Hot FM 87.7 (@HOT877Zambia) and other radio stations as well as television stations such as Muvi TV, who contribute in various ways towards making events such as the Open Day a success. The event was well organised and delivered in true French style à la Français. Champagne

For those authentic Trois Rois French and German pastries go to 5C Kabulonga Road or call Samira on +260 975 908 100. Bon Appetite!  

The 3^rd Promenades Musicales as part of the French German Cultural Week  which also celebrates 50 years of diplomatic relations will be on from the 4^th to 17^th October 2015. Contact the Alliance on Facebook or on +260211253467.

Mumba Yachi will also be in concert at the Alliance Français on 23^rd October 2015 from 7pm. 

2nd Time Around At Jazz Fest: In Rhythm With Scarlet and James Sakala Carrying On Tradition

the Exclusive By. The Lord Kempson Ari weYulu

@ZambiazHarshTag ● @KempsonAri

kalembaweyulu.wordpress.com 

W

ith rehearsals and the pressure of a massive show, it is seldom you get a chance to jam, play percussion, hear unreleased material and also interview two buzzing acts on a Saturday afternoon and go into the evening. I was at the right place at the right time and had a candid dialogue with Scarlet (@Scarlet_MwanaOK) and James Sakala (@JaySaThomas), who where both opening acts at the inaugural Jazz Fest and will now both be headlining the second edition of the Stanbic Jazz Festival (@JazzFestStanbic). I seized the opportunity because I knew the next time I would see them would be backstage getting on stage to shut it down!

Scarlet “Mwana O Kondwela” oozes enough soulfulness to make the blues weep, an effortless performer with that rich Baduesque texture in her lyric and delivery. Before she gave an impromptu acoustic performance and belted out original classics such as Peace and cult classics Igo Igo backed by James at the Alliance Français Fun Day Open Day, I had to find out on behalf of the fans (which I am too) what jazz Scarlet will bring to the Jazz Fest platform. “This time round is different and I’m less nervous”, affirmed the So Good Entertainment (@sogoodonline) artist Scarlet, “but also because I get a full hour to perform my set”. She elaborated that an hour will give her more time, a chance to play around with her playlist and deliver more diversity and depth. The audience can expect original material both old and new as well as some bits from the new album. Hence team Scarlet followers can anticipate a top notch live show with that original Scarlet African flavor. She will be backed by the Elect Band and will bring hype because as she said, “you have to believe in your own hype and deliver on it!”      

The talented guitarist, songwriter, producer and vocalist that is James Sakala is also billedto do his thing in the traditional folk manner and various styles he always delivers. After he was done entertaining the daytime crowd we vibed before his intimate grown folk performance for the Jazz Appreciation Society. “I cannot promise America or Europe to the crowd, but I can promise I will bring Zambia in full effect because I know Zambia,” where James’ opening remarks for the people. On that patriotic note, he unashamedly professed that his set will be rooted in our heritage and was excited to be given the platform to remind people where we are coming from. Thus the people can expect a Prof. Peter “PK” Kalumba Chishala like vernacular spectacular performance from the man with few words but many lyrics, voices and virtuoso guitar skills. It will be an event of epic proportions indeed as he carries on tradition.

      

Before becoming a headline act and getting on the bill, there is the struggle of just getting on stage that only the day one fans see. Young acts headlining however is a sign of growth both on the artist’s part and the Zambian industry and music scene. Only those who persevere will archive is the lesson we can learn from Scarlet and James Sakala. From opening for Bra Hugh to sharing the arena with multiplatinum acts Earl Klugh (@earlklugh), African legend Tuku and Mi Casa. All the best and will be there to support quality local music, and we will see you at Jazz Fest on 2 & 3^rd October 2015. Get in rhythm and those tickets now from designated Stanbic branches!

  

For more with Scarlet and James Sakala, tune in to Surviving The Times: Talking The Struggle and Surviving The Zambian Music Scene With James Sakala and Scarlet at https://kalembaweyulu.wordpress.com/2015/09/22/surviving-the-times-talking-the-struggle-and-surviving-the-zambian-music-scene-with-james-sakala-and-scarlet/

Dinning With Infamous Bloggers: #FashionForBrunch With MaFashio

the Exclusive By. The Lord Kempson Ari weYulu

@ZambiazHarshTag ● @KempsonAri

kalembaweyulu.wordpress.com/ 

The last time I saw the Ladies of MaFashio (@MaFashio) was when I sat next to them (I ensured I sent that save me a seat tweet at 3am *laughing*) at the Workshop/Launch of the Intern with “Big Dave” Tlale (@Tlale_large). When I suggested doing an exclusive on them for my blog, they both smiled (because they had other ideas) and said soon. Kahyi and Kii been my peoples tho since before the brand and continue to be the humble warm hearted fashion loving people I first met so many years ago today (has it been a decade + already? Dang!). Declining brunch with the ladies at was out of the question, and so 18.09.2015 at InterContinental Hotel (@InterConHotels) was an honour and a date.

They go all out in everything they do and play no games when the mafashio.co.zm is involved, the banquet was no different. The placard with Kempson (@ZambiazHarshTag) in script made me feel special (I was a very important guest after all).

Drinks and the entre were served as the creative “All About You” icebreaker kicked off the festivities. From names to hobbies and other secrets (that would make a nun blush) we discovered all sorts of interesting secrets about the bloggers gathered.  The second last question on favourite designers and last question on what tv show you would choose to be trapped in for a month, brought out some interesting answers. Sign that the Zambian fashion industry is staidly growing most of the designers named included MUSHA facebook.com/musha.phiri (still waiting for that jacket tho), Mangishi Love (@Mangishi_Love), Esnoko (@esnoko), Debbie Chu (@Debbiechu101), VALA (@valadesignhouse), Kamanga Wear (@kamangawear), I couldn’t name drop a single Zambian designer because I never hear from them *shrugs*, that said Fay reached out and I have a lot of respect and love for her afrocentric designs. No surprise the Kardashians, Fashion Bloggers and Empire were top picks for shows people would like to be stuck in for a month, I more of a The Wire or Breaking Bad type of guy tho.

The brunch took on a very cordial vibe as people got comfortable and conversations raged on.         

Aside from interacting, exchanging ideas and light moments and a thousand selfies and hash tags, enlightenment was also thrown into the mix. The social media handler Liswaniso (@bo_liswa, @Zedfashionweek) from Zambia Fashion Week shared some vital information on the upcoming fashion week, Kamota (@Fuchsiaristic)

also took the podium and shared her experiences as a blogger and working with the UMOYO (@UmoyoNH) brand and reviewing their products which she uses and gives her backing a hundred percent sighting the coconut oil as the magic portion *winks*.  Anja Savic (@the_letterist) also shared her experiences as a blogger and had some advice too for the assembly of fashion bloggers. With all her products designed and made in her studio, they are proudly Zambian and The Letterist has your design and stationary needs covered. Look out for the Vogue or Vague workshop coming up next month. Thank you for sharing and keeping us in the loop and enlightened indeed.  Although he did not speak much, Kabelenga’s (@kwitugroup) lens captured the event in living colour. It was a creative setting and the array of the table for 16, oozed sophisticated elegance.

   

           

The hallmark of accomplishment and longevity is inviting others to share in your success and continued vision. The Fashion For Brunch by MaFashio brunch indeed marks a milestone in their ongoing career, a high point from which I see them going higher. It was a pleasure to break bread with the Ladies of MaFashio (as I fondly love to call them) and the other misfit bloggers in the various hues, costume and eccentrics that make the fashion loving blogging community beautiful and vibrant. Shout out to Chef Marco representing InterContinental and Rosso,

The Letterist Anja Savic for the meticulous monochrome stationary, UMOYO and their chief tester Kamota, VALA via Angelika for the copper ring and gift card and Kwitu for snapping away. I got the e-mail and Rice & Stew Very Plenteyed (R.S.V.P) (I had to try that 1ne time… thanks K², must be a K thin: Kahyi, Kii, Kempson…you don’t see it *laughs*), got and official invite and program, arrived on time, to my seat a seat away from my buffer /filter (closing remarks) Kamota and vibed, ate t’ill my belly ached all while having #fashionforbrunch

Grazie + Merci MaFashio

Zambia Fashion Week #ZedFW15 is on from 15-17 October 2015 so get your wardrobe red carpet ready and your tickets sorted.

For all the fashion bloggers in the game, The Letterist will be hosting the Vogue or Vague Introduction to Fashion Blogging at her studio (6 Coventry Court, Rhodes Park) on Saturday 17^th October 2015, 930am -12.30 pm. +260 966 770 21 or anja@theletterist.com    

The roll call of Bloggers & Blogs in attendance reads:

Niza Maria – http://nizamariawears.blogspot.com/

Karen – kayheartsfashion.com/

Namucana – missroxyboyd.blogspot.com/

Jane – lesizzlecafe.wordpress.com

Martha – misskundwe.wordpress.com

Ruth – ruthkayi.wordpress.com

Kamota – inkonmycashmere.wordpress.com

Ngawa – doats.co.nf/

Annie – thatzedgirl.blogspot.com/

Tapiwa – somustache.blogspot.com/

Kempson – kalembaweyulu.wordpress.com/ 

Kabelenga – @Zedfashionweek

MaFashio K² (Kahyi & Kii) - mafashio.co.zm         

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

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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!