Bellafricana published in Destinations

Chaz B! Gone But Not Forgotten

I honestly don’t know where to start. So on Friday evening on my way home in traffic, I had tuned in to 93.7 Rhythm FM as usual every 5.30pm to listen to sharing life issues with Chaz B in collaboration with Chike and Stephen with the ‘PH’… You see I was one of the faithful listeners and never really got around calling, but I was impacted by listening.

For all those who never got to hear about Chaz B here is a little something about him;

Charles Bruce Chukuma, popularly called Chaz B by his radio audience, hails from Delta State, Nigeria. With over 20 years of experience in the Hospitality Management Industry of the United States of America, Chaz B consults on management turn around in the hotel and entertainment sectors in Nigeria. An ex-student of Kings College, Lagos, he holds an Advanced Business Management Certificate from North Technical Education Centre in Florida and an Associate of Science Degree in Hotel, Travel and Tourism Management from Miami Dade Community College (North), Florida, USA.

Picture of Chaz B

Before he left Nigeria in 1979, Chaz B had moved within the entertainment world. He worked with his cousin, Ben Bruce, former Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), back in 1975 when Ben owned the Fantasy Night Club in Yaba, Lagos.

He returned to the entertainment business in the United States of America running a limousine and bodyguard service catering just to celebrity and VIP clientele. Through that business he came to know people like Donald Trump, Renee and Celine Dion, Natalie Cole and other world celebrities on a personal basis.

With a distinct voice purring through the Lagos airwaves, Chaz B’s hallmark show is “SHARING LIFE ISSUES WITH CHAZ B”, which earned him the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Awards for 2010 as the best On Air Personality in Radio and the show is rated the number one show across the city of Lagos.

‘Listening to Chaz B during our conversation was like listening to a clergyman, a man of strong moral conviction and religious beliefs. And you begin to wonder if he is an ordained priest, and if he is, what is he doing in broadcasting’ (Culled from his interview with digicast magazine).

On Saturday, I noticed the first dp change on my Bbm from a friend stating ‘RIP Chaz B’ and I looked away hoping it wasn’t the same one who happened to be the only one I knew. Then got another dp change, believe it or not I still hoped it was a lie. Not until my boyfriend calls me and says ‘Bae I learned Chaz B had died’…gosh! I had to believe this one. So I thought to ask google, and there it was all news flying around 🙁

Charles Bruce, aka Chaz B, died on the morning of November 22nd from kidney failure which he had been battling for a while..

Naaaa I refuse to be sad cause you know what people, Chaz B was a blessing and a hero. He lived a fulfilling life, he spread the word, he touched lives and helped a lot of people. He was never ashamed to talk about Christ, he would always back up all he said with the word. His program was targeted to everyone both muslim and Christian. I remember once when a caller mentioned that he believes his program is only targeting Christian audience and Chaz B told him clearly that he was wrong. On Friday the last day he was on air, I remember a muslim sister called in to share a story and mentioned that his show had helped in a lot of ways.

During his radio show ‘Sharing Life Issues’ last week Monday, Chaz B’s daughter called in and they had a lovely conversation. He told her that if he had to go into a room full of daughters, he will search the entire room and choose her over again. He then asked her how much she loved him and she said Infinity. He tried to get his wife on air, but she would not speak (bless her).

Picture of Chaz B & Myles Monroe

I can go on and on but there’ll be no need. All I would say is that Chaz B will never be forgotten and will be missed! May he rest in the bosom of the Lord (Amen). Till we meet to part no more…

Now the question to ponder about is what are you doing in your own little way to impact lives? Remember that this world is not our own, we are all just passing by!

May God console his wife, children (I stand corrected if its just one), friends, family, and fans out there….

As Chaz B always said after every show; “Guard your heart with all diligence for out of it flow the issues of life. If each one could reach one and if each one could teach one…..what a better nation Nigeria would be, remember that you are your brother and your sisters keeper”…

REMAIN BLESSED!

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Bellafricana published in Destinations

Small Bushman-Paradise | Namibia Rock-Art

Namibia rocks

Leaving the German town of Swakopmund, travel inland towards the Damaraland region of Namibia once inhabited by the ancient bushman.  It is here where you’ll score an awesome look into the art of the ancient civilizations (Thelifescape.com, 2014).  Small Bushman-Paradise | Namibia Rock-Art

Bushman's Paradise

These paintings found at “Bushman’s Paradise” date back thousands of years but are still visible on the peculiar rock formations of this region.  The rock formations peak around 1800 meters above sea level creating impressive backdrops and awesome day climbing opportunities!

Don’t forget to keep an eye open for scorpions and spiders the size of small dogs.

Where to Stay?   Damaraland Bush Camp

What Makes this Camp Site Awesome?  Everything!  From the fact that all the proceeds from your camping fees go directly to the township of Damaraland to the fact that you will see the most incredible sunset to the fact that you have the ability to admire some ancient artwork of early Africans.  I mean who would mind a LUXURY bush toilet when you are in one of the world’s most breath-taking backdrops.  The only thing  we  I was not a fan of was the MASSIVE desert spiders. Blah!

Small Bushman-Paradise | Namibia Rock-Art

Namibia Rock Art 

It is said that pictures, designs or images painted or engraved on the rock surfaces are generally referred to as “rock art”. These paintings are generally found on the walls of rock shelters (caves, etc.) which are formed in cliffs in the mountains. The engravings are also found on the large boulders and open surfaces of rocks lying lower on hillsides.  The images and ideas that were used by the ancient artists can differ from site to site (Nick Nolte, 2005).

Engravings on rock

History

In Southern Africa and particularly in Namibia the artists were mainly San (Bushmen) people. The age of rock engravings has been established to be from 2 000 to 6 000 years old while some painted pieces have been dated up to 27 000 years old.  One of the most famous rock engravings site in Namibia is Twyfelfontein (“Doubtful fountain”) in Damaraland where more than 2 500 images have been recorded as well as several paintings.

The engravings were first recorded in 1921 by R. Maack in the report written for the SWA Administration but the first detailed study of the site was conducted by Albert Viereck. The name was given to this place by David Levin, a sheep farmer, who moved there in 1947. There is a shelter where paintings of human figures can be seen. More interesting is the fact that both forms of rock art (engravings and paintings) can be found in Namibia unlike South Africa where they are mostly geographically separated with an exception of Northern Cape.

There is an opinion that old people used the engravings to teach there children about the animals and the strange circular images found at Twyfelfontein was used like a map to indicate water sources in the area. Twyfelfontein was proclaimed a national monument in 1952.

There is no certainty on the reasons why the rock art was made. Some experts believe that it were the pictured reminders of some events. Another purpose was representation of religious believes, ceremonies or even a trance experiences. It could also be a way of communication.

How long will it be with us? No doubt that the exposure to the elements is causing damage. Engravings become eroded and paintings fade. But the major threats to the rock art are humans. The best way of protection of the rock art is by not touching it at all. It is highly damaging to spray any liquid on the paintings and engravings.

Article (Small bushman paradise) by The landscape.

Article (Namibia rock art) by Nick Nolte

Sources: Thelandscape.com & nicknoltesafaris.com

 

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Bellafricana published in Arts & Crafts

Portraits Of Hair By So Yoon Lym

Portraits Of Hair By So Yoon Lym - deneen3-243x300

So Yoon Lym is an artist, who was born in South Korea, but lived much of her youth in Uganda and Kenya.

Small wonder then that this part of her life has influenced her positively as an artist. She has claimed to be interested in hair styles and designs because it indicates ethnic, cultural and even political inclinations (Muse Origins, 2014).
Some of her artwork on hair design is shown below:

Portraits Of Hair By So Yoon Lym - miguel1-235x300

Portraits Of Hair By So Yoon Lym - ronay-jah1-235x300Portraits Of Hair By So Yoon Lym - chaquasha1-235x300

So Yoon Lym, Dreamtime, Hair, Black Hair

Source: http://museorigins.net/

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Bellafricana published in People & Culture

How To Greet Yoruba Parents And Elders By Oyinbo African Abeni

In Africa there are many ways to greet parents and elders. In most parts of Africa, they  Kneel to their parents or elders.

What some people don’t know is greeting Yoruba parents or elders is different from the “normal” African Greeting. In the past Yoruba male children will greet their elders by laying down on the ground in front of their parent/elders and female will kneel on both knees with her hands at her back and greet them saying “Good morning ma/sir. Hope you slept well” etc. or what else you may like to add.

The elder will place their hand on the child’s head as they speak, you will then wait to be told to stand before you get up from the ground. Rushing up after saying good morning is not good and shows some kind of lack of respect. Unfortunately, a lot of Yoruba’s these days don’t greet their parents in this way, the more “modern” day way of greeting parents/elders is females going to them and kneeling on one knee and males bending over or dropping their hand to their feet. I guess as the years have gone past, things have changed lol!

Something you must NOT do, is walk up to an elder and shake there hand or hug them. This is a big NO GO! Kneeling is a sign of respect and culture so to just shake someone’s hand is like you are meeting a stranger. Even if it is your first time of meeting the person, this doesn’t mean you should shake there hand and see them as a stranger. So far as they are older than you are and they are Yoruba or even just African, then you should show your respect to them. Respect must ALWAYS be shown to elders. Anytime of any day.

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I would really advice youths of these days to practice their greetings more and not to become lazy in greeting elders lol, as a lot of young people these days have became lazy in greeting and just kneel a little not even to the floor, then get up and go. Its a real shame.

Yoruba parents and African parents will try to raise there children to have respect for their elders, so for a Yoruba kid to meet their auntie or uncle at home and just say “hi!” is really an embarrassment for the parents. I don’t mean the parents haven’t done a good job I mean the child is not playing their role well like they have been taught. So if you have been taught by your parents on how to greet and show respect, please make sure you do so when meeting elders.

No parent loves anything more than being praised on how well their child has been raised 😉

Thanks for reading and I hope you have learned a thing or two 🙂

Article written by Oyibo African Abeni

Source: oyinboafricanabeni.wordpress.com

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Bellafricana published in People & Culture

People Of Africa By Oyinbo African Abeni

oyinbo african abeni - Bing images

My reason for this post today is mainly to let people know who don’t already know, how people from different Countries in Africa really are, as a lot of people judge people from Africa before even getting to know them!

I am NOT Generalizing Africa as a whole, I am talking based on MY experience with people from ALL over Africa not only one or two countries in Africa, this is why I used the term “People of Africa”..  This post is not about one country in Africa, its about MANY countries around Africa.

Another reason for this post is just to express how I feel about my friends from Africa and show them they are appreciated a lot by me. Most people from Europe or America or other parts of the world judge people from African Countries based on Bullshit lies! excuse my language!

Some of the most common things I have heard from people are;

“All Africans use white girls”

“All Africans live in slums”

“All Africans love money too much and scam everyone”

“All Africans are evil and kill children and do ‘voo-doo’

“All Africans cant speak English well”

“All Africans are under educated and living in Poverty”

And MANY more!

I have to say, I get very irritated around people who say such rubbish!

Let me just say, not all people from African Countries use white girls, Yes there may be some but believe me not ALL! There is many people from all over Africa who love someone for who there and that’s it! Just like every other race!

Also, let me just add, not all people in Africa love money and scam everyone.. that is rubbish! i think people judge Africa based on one or two stories they hear on the news! Also, most Africans cant speak English well?? What?? This is one of the stupidest ones i have heard, As all of my friends in Africa, weather they are Kenyan, Ghanaian, Nigerian or South African, Can speak AND write English very well, even some know English more than i do! lol

“All Africans are under educated” REALLY??? NO! Another huge judgmental LIE! The smartest people i know on this earth, are from Africa! ALL of my friends from countries in Africa are extremely smart and have GREAT potential.. Yes not everyone in some parts of Africa can afford good education but that does not make them dumb or stupid!

“All Africans kill children” Again, Really?? i really believe this one is from watching too much TV! People from African countries are not cruel and evil! Every country and continent has good and Bad people. Dont judge Africa based on hear say!

And NO! Africa is not all slums! look around and see how beautiful Africa REALLY is. Take your time to really explore countries in Africa to see how great they are.

I spend endless time trying to make my British friends see that there is soo many lovely and amazing people around Africa. Almost all of my friends are from countries in Africa and its been that way since childhood, also i have never dated any white or British guy, This is not because i hate British people but it is simply because i feel more happy and comfortable around my friends from Africa and also in relationships i feel that i am more connected to people from different countries around Africa and have more things in common and also they are very loving people. To say all countries and people in Africa are great would be a lie. Yes, not all people in Africa are great and there are many countries in Africa that have bad people just like every other continent in the world, but to judge people from Africa before getting to know them is one of the biggest mistakes people make.

For me i honestly do not know where i would be today if i didnt have my friends in Africa and in UK who have came from Nigeria and Ghana and Kenya etc. From a very very young age, i have grew with them close to me, like my brothers and sisters, friends is an under statement. they truly feel like family. Another thing i LOVE about people who have came from countries in Africa, They are EXTREMELY friendly when u meet them. They greet you in such a warm way and speak very politely to you. Also going to African markets/ restaurants in UK, is one great experience for me, because i get greeting nicely and treated very well.

I have friends from all over Africa but mainly in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Gambia and south Africa. So based on the people i have met from there, i can honestly say Africa has some wonderful people! I can guarantee if you take the time to actually get to know people from different countries in Africa before judging them, you will realize how wonderful they really are, They will make you feel loved and appreciated in all you do. When i am having a bad day at work or any other situation, It is my friends in Nigeria, Ghana etc i turn to as they are always friendly, loving and supportive. They also keep me calm in hard situations! hehe countries in Africa are not full of scam artist and dying kids and people killing people! look beyond the bad things and see the wonderful things! Like i said before, Every Continent has good and bad.

Anyway, i feel like typing all day as i cant find the exact word to describe the people of Africa, but i have work in the morning and i have to get to bed hehe

Thanks for taking the time to read this and I hope you have learned something and made you think twice.

Article by Oyinbo African Abeni

Source: oyinboafricanabeni.wordpress.com

Source of picture: oyinbo african abeni – Bing images

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Bellafricana published in Arts & Crafts, Exhibitions, Painting, Sculpture

Artisans Exhibiting At The Chevron Bazaar

Bellafricana was amongst a few artisans that were at the Chevron bazaar held in Lagos, Nigeria on the 13th of November, 2014. My team and I were there to represent Bellafricana including various other creatives present to exhibit from arts, crafts, sculpture, textile, gift items, paintings, beads, baskets and many more. Great talents in Africa I tell you.

I had to save some beautiful pictures to share with you. I absolutely love them all and I’m sure you will too.

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Bellafricana published in African Food

South African Street Food: Bunny Chow

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South African Street Food: Bunny Chow. No one knows how bunny chow came to be named, but what is certain is that this hollowed-out half- or quarter-loaf of white bread filled with a blistering-hot curry is one of South Africa’s most treasured street foods.

Bunny chow at Gounden’sOD-BA223_BUNNY_OZ_20131218170646

Bunny chow became popular in South Africa in the 19th century where some Indian labourers who worked in a sugar-cane field brought it with them. The Indian laborers brought the meat and vegetable curries that fill bunny chows to South Africa. The dish is an essential in Durban, the seaside epicentre of South Africa’s ethnic Indian community. This South African Street Food: Bunny Chow has certainly made a name for itself.

If you don’t go to Table Mountain, you haven’t been to Cape Town,” said Nelson Nundoo, whose family has operated Oriental, a local Indian restaurant, for three decades. “If you don’t eat a bunny, you haven’t been to Durban.

The travelling table mentioned that ordering bunnies in South Africa has it’s protocol. If you are looking for the best place to eat, ask for where to find ‘bunnies’, not bunny chow. When ordering ask for the size and type of meat…quarter mutton, not mentioning bunnies at all.

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The best bunnies contain more meat than potatoes and employ bread that is soft and fresh enough to let the sauce soak deep into the bottom crust. The spice mix—which typically includes cumin, turmeric, fennel and cardamom—should be complex but not so fiery that it sends you reeling. The best bunnies come from Durban.

If you are ever visiting South Africa, be sure to have a taste of bunny chow…

Recipes for Bunny Chow (culled from thetravellingtable.com)

Serves 4

Prep time 35 minutes

3 tablespoons ghee or butter
1 medium onion, chopped
3-4 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon minced ginger
2 skinless/boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon black mustard seed
1 teaspoon coriander seed
1 teaspoon turmeric
2 teaspoons mild curry powder
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1 cup chicken stock
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 small head cauliflower, cut into small florets
1/4 cup coconut milk

1 loaf unsliced bread or 4 large rolls

Melt the ghee or butter in a large skillet. Add the onion, garlic and ginger and saute until dark brown. Then add the chicken breast pieces and brown on both sides, followed by the tomato paste and mash around on the bottom of the pan to brown. Put in the spices and toast for a minute or so, stirring constantly. Thereafter, add the chicken stock and vegetables. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked. Turn off the heat and add the coconut milk.

Cut an unsliced load of bread into 4 pieces or cut tops off the rolls. Hollow out the centers and serve the curry in the bread bowl. Place the bread that you have torn out (the virgin) on top.

Article by : Patrick McGroarty

Source for recipe: thetravellingtable.com

Source of picture: https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304858104579262350702040112

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Bellafricana published in Fashion, Textiles

Aso-Oke Inspired Tie By Ty-Tys

Aso-Oke Inspired Tie By Ty-Tys

Aso-oke has in recent times become more versatile in its use and is no longer limited to its traditional uses. The cloth is fast evolving into the fabric of choice for cutting edge fashion and trendy accessories in different countries and world regions.

Vibrant Aso Oke Bowties by Ty-Tys Designs

Ademiluyi did something creative with neckties! Instead of cotton or usual silk materials that ties are often made of, he decided to make ‘Aso-oke neckties’, a hand loomed cloth intricately woven predominantly by the Yoruba people, using techniques that were developed centuries ago and passed down through generations.

Vibrant Aso Oke Bowtie & Tie by Ty-Tys Designs

The Yoruba people are from Southwest Nigeria. With a population of over 30million, they are also found in many West African countries and diasporic communities all over the world. The Yoruba people wear Aso-oke fabrics sewn in traditional styles on special occasions such as weddings, birthdays or christenings. Ty-tys neckwear is hand made and can be customized to meet your needs.

Source: http://kemiogunniyi.wordpress.com/2012/08/06/fashion/

https://mariamtijani.com/aso-oke-trend-vibrant-stripes-season/

https://www.kemimobuse.com/2017/09/i-am-lawyer-by-profession-and-i-make.html

To reach Ty-Tys, call +234 805 054 0564 or email [email protected] or visit www.ty-tys.com

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Bellafricana published in Fashion

Rihanna Class Up In Stella Jean Ankara Print Dress

rihanna-stella-jean-ankara-print-layered-dress

Rihanna Class Up In Stella Jean Ankara Print Dress and what a moment it was! Rihanna visited the white house wearing one of Stella Jean fall 2014 collection. She looks cute and classy in this and well put-together here.

rihanna-stella-jean-ankara-print-layered-dress

I just love the African influence, creativity and colours infused within each piece.

I love how this Stella Jean ‘Barbara’ sheath dress marries traditional African print with a borrowed-from-the-boys Wall-Street-esque striped collar and sleeves for eye-catching contrast.

This colourful look is from Stella Jean‘s Fall/Winter 2014 collection

 

https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=rihanna+class+up+in+stella+jean+ankara+print+dress&qpvt=Rihanna+Class+Up+In+Stella+Jean+Ankara+Print+Dress&FORM=IGRE

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Bellafricana published in African Wedding, Life Style

African Inspired Wedding Invitations

BIBI-INVITATIONS - SOUTH AFRICAN

African Inspired Wedding Invitations are truly exceptional… 

[dropcap custom_class=”normal”] I am Absolutely in Love with Bibi Invitations. All African Inspired Wedding Invitations. Bibi Invitations, a Winnipeg, Canada based African Wedding Invitation Company, is the brain child of 2 female Nigerian entrepreneurs. They made a decision to create a collection of wedding invitations that was a reflection of their bold an effervescent nature as Africans. [/dropcap]

Ify, a multimedia designer whose love for sumptuous African fabrics such as Aso Oke, Kente, Akwete, Ankara, Bogolanfini (Mud cloth) has evolved to the creation of their exquisite collection of invitations.

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