A cure for my Nervous Condition. An ode to my beloved African Continent and its People. Global pop culture. Sports. Movies. Fashion. Music. Gender. Race. Youth. Self and Communal Empowerment. Technology. Nonsense. Anything insightful or otherwise that I think you will enjoy ;}
For Your Daily Dose of MbA
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AMASHIWI
"Culture is the heritage of us all. some may be more interested than others in the treasures of the past, but no one can fail to take a pride in his country's participation in the story of mankind, as represented in carvings, sculpture, music, paintings and the other arts. And there is a personal commitment to this, for no man can really say he is alone: we are all joined through our identity, with the cultures which are part of the mainstream of life"
- Simon Kapwepwe, Zambian Independence Freedom Fighter
"Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm"- Winston Churchill
"Try to be the rainbow in someone else's cloud"- Maya Angelou
"Your time is limited so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinion drown out your inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition"- Steve Jobs
So the last post I wrote (eons ago) was all about how I was going to do better at how I put my life out here on social media. I did start off well reloading Pellie Reign, particularly on my new Facebook page, as well as on Instagram and Twitter. However, I am now currently still wading through the right old mess that I have found myself in for most of the year. As usual, my writing on MbA has been affected. Something that really has to change as writing in this open diary is therapeutic. I chose this photo to accompany this article because at the time I was visually portraying my life storytelling in a patriarchal society. The storytelling has never been hard. It's the patriarchy part that is really throwing a spanner in the works amongst other things...
Life is a constant tackling of the haphazard, and it can blindside you when you least expect it. Somehow you are supposed to fashion interwoven narratives to make heads or tails of it all. A deluge of personal and professional f-ery has inundated me in ways that I not only did not expect, and found I was not quite equipped to deal with. Trying to make sense of it has me battle weary. So much so that since my phone was stolen a few weeks ago, I have been rather listless. I am more overwhelmed than ever. Last thing I needed to happen to me really. It has messed with my story by cutting off easy access to global life lines and there is really no substitute for the function my phone has in that regard. So until my new phone arrives in a month, I'm likely to be not quite with it on another level.
I have started over so many times this year, only to have to scrap my course of action to jumpstart things and restart afresh, trying to find the passion I'm famous for. So I have decided to accept that life is a mess right now and that my fires need stoking before they are at full flame consistently. I'm going for (new) small victories to build up to a cohesive effort to make the big changes I had plans for, and the new ones I've discovered are required. So over for the foreseeable future on MbA, this is what I'm going to do:
Share the blogposts I wrote on my currently stalled next major creative undertaking, the African Cultural Exchange project: A.C.E. The first post was all about failure and how it can function as stageposting on the way to success. I am using my current inability to troubleshoot and jumpstart the project to reflect and share here on Soulfood Friday.
Things on Thursday will be, like this post, updating where I'm at in this process of metamorphosis, rediscovery, reclamation and change.
Mama Monday will feature posts on things in Zambia that have me disturbed about the lack of empathy we have for each other and those beyond our borders, and how that is manifesting in really disturbing ways.
I will finish my Love. Marraige. Sex. Babies. series that I started on Woolgather Wednesday.
I will not be furnishing Twit Tuesday on the blog as Twitter is where I'm most active currently, so if you'd like a daily dose of MbA, find you way to my profile.
So long as my name is Ngosa, and I am alive, I will always find a way to thrive he he ;} xo #NgosAliveThrive
I coined the term Pellie Reign (#PellieReign): Purple Elephant Reign to signify the way I intend to live life. This is the era of the Purple Tembo, my production company which derives its name from my favourite colour and my favourite animal - the elephant. I have no brand. There is no art to what I do. I basically find a way to incorporate what I love and what I am drawn to, into what I do. There is no line between my professional and personal, except what I choose to make public or not. I don't want to have to think about if this or that is on message. I just am. So sometimes its messy. Sometimes it's slick. That's life. That's authentic. Whether it is icky or not, it's true.
However, I have come to the conclusion that I do need to be a bit more serious about how I put myself out there on social media. So I have created a new Facebook page to facilitate this. In 4 days I will turn 35. Every year I create a theme. Last year was my annus horribilus, and my theme was 34: get off the floor and find that open door. It was that bad. I turned things around and wanted this milestone birthday to really celebrate the fact that I was able to find the strength to bounce back. I always pick a rhyming theme so I have come up with:
35. Alive. Thrive.
I am sharing this openly for the first time on a public scale. My birthday is my new year, so I move forward on my own terms. I am very excited to share with you all the things in store, that I have lined up. I will be officially launching the page on Monday the 6th of February. To find out what is just around the corner, please like on Facebook so that you are in the know.
For previews and behind the scenes you can follow me on Instagram. Don't forget to like my page on Facebook ;}!
No you have not taken the blue pill. I would highly advise sticking to red with this little one - you don't want to really know how deranged and confused I truly am. However, I am expanding my matrix online by shutting down my public profile on Facebook. It was originally created as an extension of this blog and a way to be able to connect with the Zambian and African media industry in a more accessible and organic way, that a page wouldn't have been able to do at the time, in my opinion. However, it is clear I have outgrown it, and the best platform is now a page to interact in a way that I am comfortable with, and makes sense with where I am now, and where I want to go. So I am in the process of shutting Mwana Ba Afrika down and I have launched the Ndhlovukhazi Storyteller page, aiming to take things to the next level. I believe that this is the best way for me to appear publicly on this platform going forward. It is definitely the best way to better serve those of you interested in knowing about who I am and what I do in an easily accessible way. Thank you for your continued support, I really appreciate it xo. So, please like my new page, and I am looking forward to this new path to go on a journey together!
(To understand my decision better, you can read my Top 10 Posts of 2016, as they illustrate and expound on my growth and metamorphosis: thinking about leadership and finding a way to cope with public life better.)
You can find more information about who I am, what I do and the things I am interested in, from a different angle, by liking my new Facebook Page Ndhlovukhazi Storyteller ;}.
.....This is why I hate blogging using my phone! So I've had to start this bleeping post again due to the fact that some part of my uncoordinated extremities touched the screen and I lost all that I had written!
I had started off by saying technology and I have a rocky relationship. When things are good, they are awesome. When they are bad, they are catastrophic. We are in the latter phase once again, as my computer has decided to die at the most inopportune moment.
I hate blogging on my phone. I feel extremely detached from the process. Email, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook all feel natural through this device. Writing posts does not. This is incredible irksome. I cannot tell you how bereft I am right now as I am having such a great time on my West African workation (work + vacation). This spanner in the works could have thrown me for a loop for quite some time had I not read the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. (For more about how this book and its impact on my life, follow me on Instagram.) However, in order to start 2017 on the best possible writing foot, I am at least going to try bang out my usual round up of posts from the previous year. This annual tradition shall not be disrupted by the crazy in life. Whether I will post again before I rectify my computing situation is another matter though...
This was taken during Barefeet Theatre's 10 year
anniversary celebrations. I was conducting a
Social Media Workshop for the Barefeet
Children's Council. I am way to comfortable
with that stick ;}
So I didn't even write 10 posts on MbA last year! Oh dear. Luckily I can cheat with posts from the 52 Bloggers project run by the Lusaka WordPress Meetup Group and from my new project's blog. This is once again a sign that I haven't quite sorted my life out yet. A blatant sign for the last coupla years it's beyond ridiculous now! Clearly still have some growing to do. Certain fundamentals need to be worked out. The writing poureth from the depths of my soul, in beautiful cascades, when I am truly at peace and content. Right now the best I can do is quite pitiful really. Till things improve, here is a hodgepodge of what I could muster across various blogs in 2016, or as I like to call it, the Devil's year worldwide or the Year of Legless: the snake:
These first 5 posts best encapsulate the rollercoaster of emotions, confusion, growth and clarity that I went through:
Funnily enough at this point a spare computer has appeared before me, but I have decided to struggle through with this post, because I'm already in the groove, and for no sane reason, I gotta prove I can do this. At least I know I can write more organically the rest of my time in Ghana. When I move on to Nigeria will have to come up with another solution...
I digress, as per usual he he. Here are the rest of my picks, which pretty much reflect the themes, ruminations, angst, discoveries and ultimate triumphs that dominated this year past:
6. A Reflection on Identity, Growth, Evolution and Freedom on Independence Day
1. introverted, stay at home in the comfort of sweats, hoodie, and fluffy slippers mode;
2. motherl , loyal and caring side of me;
3. inner voice that stops me from being too crazy, makes sure I take care of myself.
NGangsta (n) - play on Ngosa and gangster (gansta/ G)
1. vivavious, up for anything, spontaneous, open, crazy, outgoing side of me;
2. boldy express myself through my appearance. Don't for anyone else though, but if you enjoy my look hey...
3. leads me into trouble sometimes, forgets to check in and make sure I'm not overworking coz this is the side that fuels the hustler, the boss: the Ndhlovukhazi Storyteller and gets me out and about .
My professional life brought out the curmudgeonly side of NG-ma for most of the year.
Connect with me on SnapChat @whoops.c
At the last minute have bailed on things, or just have flat out hidden away for months at a time in order to recharge and reemerge better, stronger and Ngangsta lol. These past few months I have been able to actually been the kind of present and supportive friend, Ndhlovukhazi Storyteller, and member of my community that I have been wanting to evolve into for the past couple of years.
A photo posted by Ngosa Whoopi Chungu (@whoops.c) on
Also, just about finding the sweet spot to the balance between NG-ma and Ngansta: the ying and yang, the right ratio of indivudual and simultaneous expressions of these extremes in my personality as that is what fuels my creativity. My writing, in particular, suffers acutely when things are out of wack. My family also suffers as my cooking tends to taste like poison and not love when I'm not regulated. Repatriating has been really hard on me these last 5 years. The opportunity cost of not living in the West has had a huge effect on my support systems, my engagement with the world, how I process life, and how I express myself. I am finally able to be comfortable in my own skin and with the things I still need to work at. I am finding the joy in imperfection again, as life is best lived in the pursuit of happiness, success and growth despite our flaws, the challenges we face and the pitfalls ahead.
A photo posted by the A.C.E. project (@aceprojectzed) on
Wishing you a happy Monday and hope that you find the motivation in your own life to keep calm and carry on, and that you are at peace with yourself, even if things aren't quite where you would like them to be right now!
To keep up-to-date daily with the epic battle between NG-ma and Ngangsta follow me on Instagram, and Twitter.
This tweet reminded me of an profoundly nonsensical incident that sent me into a tail spin a couple of months ago:
This is why I only know real men. Those that seek out the truth and aren't afraid to learn, grow and face tough issues. Yaaaaaaaasssss! https://t.co/bvPlYUR3eI
So in August I started using the male version of my antiperspirant. Not by choice, but because my body is very finicky and this particular brand is the only one it doesn't react to. Problem is I'm also extremely sensitive to smell. When I put it on I had the most visceral and adverse reaction to it. The smell clobbered my senses and sent me into a man-hating stupor. Seriously! My sister found it hilarious, but at the time it was traumatic. I can only laugh at myself in retrospect. The smell is that typical alpha male scent that deodorants tend to have. That puerile odor that is supposed to capture the quintessentially male essence. The one teenagers spray all over their bodies like in that famous brand, that rhymes with fax and was formally known by the name of a type of cat, ads. I felt physically, emotionally and mentally assaulted. It was nuts! Yes my deodorant had me in conniptions and discombobulated smh...
Eventually the horrendous ordeal made me think about why I had had such a strong and unpleasant reaction to it. At this point the Zambian election was imminent. I was on a social media detox because I just couldn't take all the crazy - mostly discourse informed and led by initiatives, speeches and comments of male origin, conjured up to maintain power and oppress in every way, shape and form. I realised I am done with entertaining that in the slightest. I do not need that in my life, let alone emanating from my armpit! The scent was a trigger to direct me to something much larger. Paradoxically the oppression led to my salvation and enfranchisement.
I choose me! For more visual empowerment
follow me on Instagram. I have been creating
a serious of mini projects using images to grow,
inspire and work through things.
After realising that it was the deodorant but wasn't really about deodorant, I got to thinking about how I could change how I viewed the situation. Instead of man-bashing, I should continue to empower myself and find a new way of dealing with such assaults for my health. My new project A.C.E. is all about that so instead of just working it, I needed to keep living it too. I cannot be baited into a less productive way of dealing with the current gender situation in my country and the world. For my project to be honest I need to continually and actively do things in my own life to empower myself, and to not let patriarchy and the asinine acts of men affect me so. I cannot allow myself to be sucked into hate because of my environment. Love must prevail! I must keep the peace and maintain well-being in my life too.
A photo posted by Ngosa Whoopi Chungu (@whoops.c) on
I. JUST. CAN'T. ANYMORE! Life is too short to let other people's issues throw you off so. So I choose me. I choose my sanity. I choose self care. I choose to fight. I choose to have my frustration ignite a new passion for change. And together we will win. There is space enough for us to all to be, and do, with respect to one another. That tweet reminded me that even though the bloviated rhetoric of lesser men tends to be amplified, there are lots of beautiful men out there, and in my life, who prove that there is a way to equality, equity and equanimity without oppression.
To all the real men out there I salute you, and to all the women out there fighting for our right to be, I'm with you sisters xo! I forgive my deodorant, it's not its fault it smells like an idiot. If you want to talk more about this or anything else, tweet me!
One of the beauties of the internet, is I continue to get tangled in webs woven by beautiful Black (and African) women around the world. Twitter is the best place for that. I have met ladies whom I feel I know like the lines on my palms, and yet we have never occupied the same space physically.
As I have no picture with Malaka, I have substituted her with some sistren eye candy and my latest pic repping the hooded clan. Photo taken by Vince Banda
One such dame is one of my favourite girl crushes Malaka. I first came across her when trying to find a transcript of the famous Intellectual Scum conversation by Field Ruwe, but did not really get to know her till we both featured in a Google hangout about African women, sex and love. This lead to the epic Twitter love affair of the hooded sistren. The profound nonsense that we spout out in abundance is so much fun. I get to Big Pun and she shines in her irreverently unabashed, insightful, crazy and intelligent way. She is the sage and I am the jester. And vice versa - I Yoda to her Jar Jar Binks. I look forward to finding nuggets on my TL to jump-off from and flex my witty muscles. I can't wait for us to go on our train excursion. She thinks I'll forget. I have proof-o. Don't make me juju...
So really, she is already aware of my powers so she best not try me. Once she returns to the motherland, we are planning! Yes, it's by force as we say here in Zed.
Anyhoo, back to the point of this post. So Malaka, posted this "old man rant" about how Africans in the West end up pandering to the stereotype of waxing lyrically about the Africa of Heart of Darkness and National Geographic photographs, not the perfectly imperfect blend of tradition and modernity, light and darkness, poverty and wealth, aet cetera, ad infinitum, and everything in between that actually currently exists on the continent. Right now I'm obsessed with nuance: adding more viewpoints to the debates that are going on locally and globally. The article made me think about how we in Zambia are completely suckered into this form of presentation to get the approval of some NGO, to get some accolade, to lure foreign direct investment or a new aid program, to get our names out there. We crave foreign validation to feel worthy. It's sad. We are enough! Just put yourself out there honestly and D'Arcy will like you just as you are Bridget Jones ;}.
This led me to have the exchange with her, storified below. I hope it makes you think about the way we represent ourselves, and about how if we don't allow for nuance, we who are the made the "Other" will remain stagnant. If you are part of the "Us" group, who dictate what rhythms the Other has to dance to, think about your part in perpetuating this nonsense. There should only be one we, a diverse group called the human race, trying to make it the best way they can and accepting of the way others are.
Like this post? You can find more in Twit Tuesday..
For more information about my journey this year and to keep up-to-date with the world of MbA, follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
If you follow me on social media, you will know that I am one of the 10 celebrity (ehk, that word, but that is what they have referred to all of us as, and everyone else rightly deserves it, soooo) guest presenters on the newly created, groundbreaking show Tikambe, part of a youth-led initiative Tikambe Natulande (Let's Talk in Nyanja and Bemba) that started off as a radio show with social media platforms.
Selfie with crew after the show. I was styled by Mafashio in Kamanga Wear from their Zambia Fashion Week 2015 Collection.
This Restless Development and BBC Media Action programme, which is also funded by the Swedish Government, is produced by Samba Yonga, whom if you have kept up with the blog, is a dear friend and a media force to be reckoned with here in Zambia. My episode has already aired, and the series is currently showing on Fridays at 21:30 on ZNBC TV1. If you missed out, then here is some insight into my episode and the trailers to get you joining the conversation online, and tuning in from now on:
Tonight's guest on my #TikambeTVshow is filmmakerNgosa Chunguand we had a nice little chat about how we got to this episode:
Me: Can you talk about landing the role on this show and a bit about the interview process?
Ngosa:Samba Yonga(Tikambe TV show producer) is a close friend and we were having our usual monthly lunch and catch up when she told me about this new project she was working on: turning#Tikambethe radio show into a TV show. She asked me if I had listened to it before and I had randomly stumbled upon it on the radio while driving a couple of times.
She then told me some of the guests and the format and I thought it was great and wished her all the best. She then asked if I would be one of the presenters and I was like are you sure, I don't think I am a celebrity! Who knows me and why would they listen to what I have to say?!
Me: Why do you think you were perfect for the show?
Ngosa: When Samba told me that the reason she would like me to contribute was because I am not afraid to speak my mind, and that is needed desperately right now when it comes to youth and sexual reproductive health issues, I couldn't say no.
If there are people who are able to talk about sensitive issues because they see me do so without any qualms, that is a good thing. I also like a challenge and I'm committed to continuing to grow personally and within the communities I can affect, so I asked for a really tough subject to really make the most of this opportunity and be of assistance.
Me: Can you share one secret about behind-the-scenes when filming the episode?
Ngosa: I was so emotional that I was in tears pretty much the whole episode. I really did not want anyone to see me cry, or to ruin everything by being unintelligible. All I wanted to do was stomp around and throw things in anger because I couldn't believe what I was hearing, and I felt so much for the brave youth telling her story. I was a mess, an absolute wreck! I held the chair a lot I think to steady myself.
Me: What are your thoughts on the topic on tonight's episode?
Ngosa: Children do not ask to be born. They end up in this world because men and women carelessly, or thoughtfully, come together and create life. Regardless, it is up to all of us to ensure that once they get here, they are protected until they can fend for themselves. Anyone who takes advantage of a child is the most despicable of the human race. There is no excuse for it and it is a glaring consequence of our collective failure as society. It means something is broken and if we do not take care to check such individuals and prevent further trauma, we are all accountable. It is NEVER the child's fault. It is those in power who are allowed to act in such ways because we do nothing to deter them.
Me: Did this spark any personal ambitions yet unattained?
Ngosa: It reminded me that I have a fire inside that can be used to do more. I am very passionate about my work and the people I love. I have now been opened up to doing things of impact in a more public fashion that mean something. I plan to be more and more engaged and this has actually influenced my next project which will be revealed soon. I am less afraid of being out there I guess, but only for the right reasons naturally.
TIKAMBE SHOW TV OFFICIAL TRAILERThe #TikambeTV show has officially been launched. See the trailer below... Watch the first episode tomorrow on ZNBC TV1 at 20:30hrs and#LetsTalk #Tikambe
Posted by Tikambe Natulande on Thursday, 10 March 2016
To keep up-to-date with Tikambe, as well my other projects in Zambia and globally, follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
In Part I, I focused on Kamanga Wear, my favourite designers, whom I now represent officially.
Recently, through my partnership with Mafashio, I have also been introduced to other proudly Zambian designers. My work wardrobe now fully showcases what the country has to offer creatively to fashion. Such an easy yet interesting way to keep the proudly Zambian theme I would like to permeate all that do.
Here are looks I have rocked in the last year:
ChizO Designs velvet and African embrodiery crop top with velvet trimmed stretch skirt, Chitenge Life Clutch and G by Mangishi chitenge and suede shoes
Barefeet Theatre Film Night at 2015 Festival hosted at
FreshView Cinemas Manda Hill.
Fresh off e18hteam's win at SVAFF, it is coming back to Lusaka! If you have missed it now is your chance.
The last time it showed was at Barefeet Theatre's Film Night. The film was so highly anticipated, it was over subscribed in the end and kids sat on the floor to accommodate the demand. I love how much support we are getting from the capital city. Thank you for your support
Get your tickets within the next week, if you haven't gotten to see it on the big screen yet, from Fresh View Cinema.
Friday 6th November
17:00
e18hteam
K100
Heads up, you will have to leave work early to beat traffic so plan accordingly. You are welcome for the week headstart to figure that out.
So glad people are still excited to go see it. Honoured to have it as part of closing night line up. Thank you to Charity Maruta for including the film this year. She has been such a supporter since it premiered last year. Wish LIFMF every success as it continues to grow in its second year and beyond.
& just like that I have me two tickets 4 the screening of @e18hteamhttps://twitter.com/e18hteam">@e18hteam
Kabungo Mumbi- Habeenzu
in signature Kamanga Wear
dress that you can Kamanga
(tie) in many different ways.
That jumpsuit ended up being
my first ever purchase!
It is well documented on this blog that I love Kamanga Wear. My obsession with them started in 2012 out of desperation. I had to help out my Aunt, Miss Zambia 2005, for a Japanese Reality TV show starring her friend Miss Universe 1st Princess 2006. They were convenient and coincidentally, after I introduced myself and what I needed, designers Christina and Donna informed me their Ready-to-Wear brand is very popular with Japanese tourists and residents in Zambia! Kabungo was pregnant and their signature dress was easily able to accommodate her bump, as it can be tied 8 different ways and is a billowy dress that can be cinched in, or not, depending on how you choose to style it. A great last minute solution, as I had been given no time to deliver what was required. We then took the crew and her friend to shop there after touring Lusaka as part of the shoot. I was Olivia Pope media world style, before she even existed lol.
Kurara Chibana trying on her
gift from Kabungo after a day's
work for Japanese Reality TV
After that, I had to come to my own aid, as I wanted to wear chitenge (aka ankara, kitenge, African print) and proudly Zambian designs when I got my gig as a TV presenter late 2012. Their clothes fit my body type well, and required little or no alteration, so it was easy to pop in every 2 weeks or so to pick up new pieces and to be fitted to satisfy my wardrobe requirements, working around my crazy shooting schedule around the country. Their clothes are such versatile, ready-to-wear items that can reflect the whimsical, playful side of me, as well as the serious, baller too. Thus began our love affair that continues on.
I have the most extensive collection of their clothing according to Donna and Christina. The only person who can rival me is Mwanabibi Sikamo, Uprooting the Pumpkin blogger and ZedHair co-founder. We literally have to check in to see if we are planning to wear the same outfit when we know our paths will cross! Recently we coordinated when we were both appearing on TV together as guests on ZNBC's Press Club Live with Chilufya Mwelwa. We both rocked Kamanga but luckily there was no who wore it better, Sex in the City II Miley-Samantha moment ...
A photo posted by Ngosa Whoopi Chungu (@whoops.c) on
I also own the peplum top Mwanabibi is wearing but in a different print as Kamanga does not use the same print over and over for the same design and within sizes, so each piece is almost unique as they spread material across their collections. You see why we have to check in! I was styled by Mafashio for this TV appearance.
Since last October I have been officially Brand Ambassador for them. I am so honoured to represent such a quality, affordable, quirky, stylish, edgy, iconoclastic yet classic brand, that uses primarily chitenge, but now also other African and global fabrics, in innovative, vanguard and creative ways.
I have travelled to Europe and America with the film this year, and of course, Kamanga has come with me. I have dressed for success professionally and have been complimented wherever I go when I have worn something of theirs. Whether I work hard or play hard, any day can be a #KamangaWearDay and that is why I I love them!
What started off as a way to reconnect with my roots in a way that reflects my global sensibilities, ended up being a way to proudly fly the Zambian flag as a lifelong peripatetic. Thank you for all your comments on social media about my style of dress. I am honoured to have inadvertently filled you with pride as I represent worldwide. Happy to continue to show just how cool and creative we are, that we too have much to offer in many spheres such as fashion. Time people got educated. Yes Africans wear clothes and they are stylish too he he he...
Here are some of the looks I have rocked this year. Whether I am representing the film, making a public appearance, or just living life, Kamanga Wear has the ab fab garb to accommodate my lifestyle. Styling is in chronological order. At this point I am styling myself exclusively.
This was my outfit for the premiere of e18hteam at Fresh View Cinemas, October 2014. My copper jewelry is from Free Zambia, kente bow tie from Ghana (though purchased in Zambia) and my clutch is by Ted Baker.
This photo was created by projecting e18hteam and smoke to create a rainbow effect in the bush in Chongwe, Zambia at night. The peacock effect is with a palm frond I brought with me from my garden, as I was told to bring something to add to my diminutive frame, so I didn't look like a midget and subsequently not have a strong presence in the photo!
A photo posted by Ngosa Whoopi Chungu (@whoops.c) on
I layered with a black long sleeved stretch cotton shirt, as it was not quite Spring in Spain. Versatility to wear styles in different ways is important so things look fresh. I am taking a leaf out of The Duchess of Cambridge's book - have much less money than she has so definitely have to repeat, mix and match my wardrobe pieces. That way, when I make public appearances, I am always sporting a new look.
L-R Chitundu Chanda Zambeef Brand Marketing Manager,
Zambeef Board Chairman Dr. Jacob Mwanza, me Zambeef Brand Ambassador,
Zambeef Joint Chief Executive Officer Dr. Carl Irwin,
French Ambassador to Zambia H.E. Emmanuel Cohet
This dress showcases Kamanga's timeless style. They are great at making classic dresses that are interesting in an edgy, whimsical and/ or quirky way due to their careful selection of prints to reflect these qualities. This was at the press conference announcing the unprecedented sponsorship Zambeef provided to cover e18hteam's archival footage rights and my travel to film festivals.
I have been working with the wonderful stylists, sisters Kii and Sekayi Fundafunda, of Mafashio since May 2015. All looks have either been put together by these lovely ladies, or I have consulted with them after picking out my outfit.
Custom variation of Kamanga Wear dress made strapless and out of
raw silk paired with a clutch from Chitenge Life and
shoes from Mangishi Love.
Kamanga have recently added jackets to their range and I am taking advantage. I have a lot of basic
monocoloured items that I can mix and match. I can instantly up the ante with my go-to style, my uniform if you will: leggings/ jeggings and a bodycon top can instantly be more interesting by throwing on a print layer.
L-R me, Namwali Serpell 2015 Caine Prize winner at Audience with Namwali Serpell event at Foxdale Court hosted by Lusaka Book Club.
Photo Credit PR Girl
I love colour and bold prints. Went all out with high waisted maxi skirt and picked up orange and yellow from the chitenge with my top and leather bag purchased during my trip to Ghana for New Years in 2014.
Both the dress and the necklace are from Kamanga Wear.
For even more fashion, information about my journey this year and to keep up-to-date with everything going on with the film as well my other projects in Zambia and globally, follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
This dress was originally a Men's XL shirt that was trimmed with Zambeef Zamleathe & turned into a shirt dress by designer Musha and styled by Mafashio. This picture was taken during the Livingstone leg of #ZambeefInYourTown. Photo credit PR Girl
I joined Instagram this year, and have found it to be a great way to be a visual storyteller beyond the realm of film, as well as an awesome possum way to document life in Zambia and/ or during my travels.
Twit Tuesday will have to evolve from just Twitter stuff I want to post on the blog, to curating anything on social media where I microblog, so Facebook will be included too henceforth.
Thought I would introduce my instapix through the life changing national tour that Zambeef sponsored. I always dreamed e18hteam would get to be seen by Zambians both in urban AND rural areas, as the story of the Chipolopolo is that of Zambia. It belongs to all of her citizens and so it was only right I find a way for them to see it. The sponsorship ensured that a cinetruck took it to them on the big screen for free! I got to travel the country again, and during my sojourns, this peripatetic turned amateur photographer documented life around Zambia. I also fulfilled a personal goal of visiting all ten provinces, as during my stint as TV Presenter, I only managed to get my total up to eight. I finally made it to Western and Luapula Provinces. It was a real privilege, and the warmth of the people and their embracing of the film with open arms will stay with me forever.
Hard to do, but I picked my favourite photo from each leg of the trip:
A photo posted by Ngosa Whoopi Chungu (@whoops.c) on
For more pictures check out me out on Instagram and live tweeted documentation of trip has been curated in #ZambeefInYourTown.
For more about my journey this year and to keep up-to-date with everything going on with the film, as well my other projects in Zambia and globally, follow me on Facebook too.
