Sudanese Model, Nyakim Gatwech is the latest in the Guinness Book of Records,Nyakim is known for her naturally dark skin color and has been nicknamed the Queen of the Dark, Nyakim has faced self-esteem issues and comments from people who promote bleaching to lighten skin color, but learned to embrace her beauty and pigmentation with love and support from her fans.
While millions of women across the globe are paying the high price for bleaching, Nyakim Gatwech got recognized by the Guinness book of World records for having the darkest skin tone on earth.
The model has graced covers of countless magazines as her alluring and uniquely black yet divine skin tone redefines the very definition of beauty, Nyakim has set the standard for many African ladies who have felt insecure about their different skin tones and whenever she walks the red carpet or runway, she commands the attention of everyone and steals the moment without an apology.
Nyakim Gatwech is best known as a Model. Model known as Queen of the Dark who found acclaim with her distinctive dark complexion. She was born on January 27, 1993 in Sudan. Another model named Shaun Ross shattered beauty expectations in the world of fashion with his skin pigment. She has faced discrimination for her skin since moving to the United States.
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She is one of the successful African Model , She has ranked on the list of those famous people who were born on January 27, 1993. She is one of the Richest Model who was born in Sudan.According to Trending Celebs Now, Nyakim Gatwech’s estimated Net Worth, Salary, Income, Cars, Lifestyles & much more details has been updated below. Let’s check, How Rich is Nyakim Gatwech in 2020?
Estimated Net Worth in 2019
$1 Million – $5 Million (Approx.)
Previous Year’s Net Worth (2018)
$100,000 – $1 Million
Annual Salary
Under Review.
Income Source
Primary Income source Model (profession).
According to Boredpanda, African model and fashion icon, who now lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Nyakim Gatwech she proud and not shame about her melanin, and she makes sure the world is aware. She once said while captioning one of her photos on Instagram that her Chocolate is elegant and she represents a nation of warriors.
Content courtesy of Nairobi fashion hub Digital Team
Thirty-two-year-old Gambian economist Marie Ba used to buy most of her clothes online from British fashion retailer ASOS. But when she wanted to update her closet with some tailored wax print African dresses, she took a chance ordering through Ghana’s KIKI Clothing platform.
“I was looking for something well designed and fitted, and it’s lovely to support brands based in West Africa, while looking quite unique in their pieces,” she says.
Online revenues for the African fashion sector are predicted to grow by over 14% annually over the next four years.
Within five working days the clothes were delivered by DHL from Accra, to her door in Gambia’s largest city, Serekunda. And Ba became part of a growing ecosystem of fashionistas purchasing their clothes within the expanding African e-fashion market.
African fashion has revelled in tremendous media interest recently. Beyoncé helped propel Senegalese designer Sarah Diouf’s Tongoro brand to international fame when the singer wore a patterned dress and wide-leg pants on holiday last year. Naomi Campbell and Alicia Keys are other megastars spotted wearing African-designed clothes.
Sub-Saharan Africa’s clothing and footwear market is worth $31bn, according to Euromonitor. The growth has prompted the expansion of foreign and local brands into the African clothing market. Companies are fulfilling increasing orders from the African diaspora, particularly in Europe and America, while sales of Ankara gowns and African print dresses are also popular among non-African consumers. This has led to the creation of African-based e-fashion platforms.
“We export African culture no matter where you are,” says Malian-born Moulaye Tabouré, the CEO of Afrikrea, an online marketplace that allows users to sell African clothing to over 100 countries. The Abidjan-based tech startup secured an additional $1m funding round in February, money Tabouré says will allow the business to grow its developer team, and expand its mobile technology and marketplace.
The company boasts a minimalist and user-friendly website, and says 5000 designers use its platform. These designers build an online “shop” with digital tools provided by Afrikrea. They then set the prices and communicate directly with customers, who are able to stagger their payments.
Afrikrea then deducts a commission of 10-15% per sale, and says it has facilitated over 4m sales since the company’s 2016 inception. The biggest market is the US, followed by France and the rest of the EU.
“Our target is to get the infrastructure growing, so we get at least 50% of our sellers from Africa,” says Tabouré. “The idea is to get people in Africa to say, ‘Maybe this is the best place to set up my business.’ But the biggest issue is to be able to organise, and sustain the growth.”
E-commerce in sub-Saharan Africa is in its nascent stage but it’s showing enormous potential as smartphones proliferate across one of the world’s youngest and fastest-growing populations.
A 2017 report by Statista estimated the e-commerce sector in Africa generated $16.5bn in revenue that year. The research firm currently predicts that revenue in the sector will reach $27.7bn in 2020 and rise to $47bn by 2024.
Online growth is being driven by the under-35s. Rubab Abdoolla, senior analyst of beauty and fashion at Euromonitor, says the e-commerce sector is being driven by “the increasing number of working mothers who are being supported by rapid adaptation to internet retailing”.
The wider African e-commerce landscape is being pushed by sales in fashion. Statista predicts revenue at $8.3bn in 2020 and projects an annual growth rate of 14.2% between 2020 and 2024. But this expanding e-fashion market faces major challenges.
Overcoming challenges
West Africa is a major cotton-growing region, but its textile industry struggles to compete with cheap clothes made in Asia. Since the 1980s, most of Africa’s textile industries have been wiped out and a generation of skilled workers have been lost.
Textile manufacturing in the region is estimated to have fallen by more than 75% in that time. Transporting clothing within the continent and beyond can be problematic, with expensive export costs and border difficulties.
“The number one business constraint I have is definitely the customs,” says Tabouré. “If African governments would realise the potential of having free trade between African countries, and facilitating customs for people shipping outside of Africa – especially with Europe – then there would be an extremely good advantage.
“In the US, we have an agreement [the US’s African Growth and Opportunity Act] that allows us to ship without customs up to $700. If we could have the same agreement with Europe, then that would change the game.”
These challenges are not stopping self-taught Ghanaian designer Felicia Parker. The Afrikrea user is able to sell her La Mode Afrique brand of kente cloth styles and other items to a growing customer base in London, Paris and elsewhere on the continent.
“When an order is placed, DHL will come to pick up the clothing from my door, and take it to most places in the world,” she says.
“The internet has made it really easy for anyone to purchase whatever designs they want, in the comfort of their home and workplace In the next five years, I hope I’ll have a big factory here in Ghana, and shop branches worldwide, that are full of African print fashion.”
“I don’t dress up for women, so why in the hell would I need to learn how to dress to attract women?” is what some of you are probably thinking. You like to dress casually. Jeans and sneakers. Even on dates with women you want to attract. You’re getting a lot of slack on your dress code. And you’re wondering why. Here’s why?
If you’re looking to attract high-quality women into your life, then a phenomenal sense of style is definitely the first major step. And contrary to what you may believe, Kenyan women have very high standards. Higher than most out there.
When she first lays her eyes on you, all she has to guide her decision making is your sense of style. That split second first impression will determine her level of attraction for you. And nothing screams “a quality man ahead!” more than a well thought out fashion sense.
So how do you ensure you dress to attract women? It’s easy. Ensure you have a few basics right.
Color scheme
Armed yourself a basic knowledge of neutral colors, your skin tone, and how these two aspects can be paired with stronger colors to make it all pop. There are 4 neutral colors.
Grey
Black
White
Tan
These colors can be worn with any other colors dependent on your skin tone. Essentially their neutral nature allows them to match perfectly with other bold colors. So for example. grey goes very well with red. It also goes well with blue. What you match it with will depend on your skin tone.
As a rule of thumb, go for some contrast with your dress code. The more light-skinned you are, the darker the shade of clothing. And vice versa.
That one statement piece
Every gentleman should always have that one luxurious statement piece. It could be an Italian fabric dinner jacket. Or a sweet pair of brogues. Maybe even be a high-end Tom Ford fragrance. It doesn’t matter.
All that matters is that it’s a unique standout piece that is not common in any way.
The 3 major advantages of a statement piece are:
They can be great conversation starters at functions, social events, and dates.
They tend to leave a powerful lasting impression on the women in question. You’ll linger in their thoughts long after the two of you have parted.
Because they are so powerful at creating attraction in women, they tend to bring back old flames. They do so by turning you into an entirely new you. As highlighted below.
https://youtu.be/GgaDW0zJ6bM
There you have it. A brief guide on how to dress to attract Kenyan women.
Joy Yamusangie and Ronan Mckenzie Embrace Movement Through Mythology, The artists discuss “WATA,” their new film exploring African ancestral myths and the power of community.
Photographer Ronan Mckenzie and mixed-media artist Joy Yamusangie have always bonded over an instinctual connection to the color blue. Both London-based, they continually crossed paths in the city’s creative circles, finding themselves drawn to each other’s work. Soon conversation gave way to collaboration trading artworks, photographs, films, and music revealed another shared fascination: water.
They discussed the importance of “looking back to those who came before”, and eventually Yamusangie suggested they take a look at the story of Mami Wata, an old ancestral myth rooted in traditions of the African diaspora. It became a point of entry for this film, made in partnership with Gucci. WATA, Yamusangie explains, is centered on “the stories that we have heard and how those stories directly reflect us and our lives, as people and as artists.”
Mami Wata is a water spirit, who according to lore is often seen carrying expensive baubles like combs, watches, and coins. Her most prized object is a mirror, which serves as a conduit for time travel, movement from the present into the future. Those who gaze into this mirror are magically empowered to manifest their deepest desires.
“Opening in deep blue, our film introduces the dynamic between ‘Mami Wata’ and ‘The Musician’, who is enticed by Mami Wata’s jewels,” says Mckenzie. While working on the film, both artists were thrilled to learn more about how their storytelling practices intersect, knowing already that they shared similar “sensitive tendencies toward color,” explains Yamusangie, whose paintings informed some of the scene compositions.
The two thought a great deal about how they might translate the force of water visually. They decided to cast a crew of dancers, “Wata Souls”, to bring the element to life. They worked with Abdourahman Nije, a choreographer whose passionate, pulsating approach to movement helped them communicate as a unified force. There was plenty of rehearsal, but on the day of the shoot Nije invited them to “forget everything they’ve learned, and just let it flow.”
“What intrigued us most were the stories people told after interacting with Mami Wata, claiming to have experienced improved health and increased wealth. We were interested in the ‘disappearance chapter’ where no-one seemed to know exactly what had happened, just that their lives were somewhat better after the interaction,” says Yamusangie.
They interpreted this “disappearance chapter” as “a dream and confrontation,” with previous generations as Yamusangie puts it, adding “for us, these moments symbolize a respectful regard for our origins and ancestry, they are us accepting these histories and using them as a means for connecting with each other. [It is] a celebration and appreciation of our rich culture and African heritage, our freedom of experimentation, our lives in London.”
Both directors were delighted to see how much this story resonated with the rest of their team, especially music supervisor Melo-Zed, who alongside Roxanne Tataei, Birame Seck and Boofti composed an original score for the film. It’s about “us sharing and connecting with those around us, and enjoying creating newness inspired by what’s passed,” says Yamusangie.
They felt truly aligned after hearing “the horns, the elongated introductions, the rhythm switches and how the music didn’t adhere to a set structure but created its own,” shares Mckenzie, describing a logic that drives every aspect of the film. “Everyone had their own personal interpretations and connections, creating their own small stories within the larger one.” Their ultimate accomplishment was creating space for community, says Yamusangie. “It was more than just a collaboration between the two of us.”
The hope is that WATA will be the first of many shared projects; they are currently developing a joint exhibition featuring their respective mediums. “Collaborating in this way being artists from completely different practices has allowed us to learn about each other’s processes.” Even though, as Yamusangie says, they’ve “always translated our intent in contrasting ways,” they enjoyed negotiating those differences and discovering their similarities.
Mckenzie agrees, adding “We’ve allowed the knowledge within our respective fields to flow between us and bond to create this moving image art piece that we feel represents us both in strength and in equality. Our film is about appreciation, communication and sharing, and our collaboration is a testament to the very bones of what makes up WATA.”
Credit
Written & Directed by Joy Yamusangie and Ronan Mckenzie Produced by Julie Vergez Cinematography by Beatriz Sastre Movement Direction by Abdourahman Nije Talents Rudzani Moleya as ‘Mami Wata’, Abdourahman Nije as ‘The Musician’, Alison Letang, Andre Atangana, Jordan Clarke, Kirk Reid, Miranda Chambers, Prince & Majesty, Treasure Iyamu as ‘Wata Souls, Guest Appearances by Roxanne Tataei, Melo-Zed & Boofti Music Supervision by Melo-Zed Music Composition & Production Melo-Zed, Roxanne Tataei Vocalists Biram Seck, Roxanne Tataei Saxophonist Boofti Casting Tytiah Blake / Unit-C Styling & Costume Design Tess Herbert Production Design Sophie Durham Make-Up Artist Megumi Matsuno Hair Stylists Shamara Roper, Russie Miessi Editor Maxim Young Colourist Jason Wallis at Electric Theatre Company Post-Producer at Electric Theatre Company Oliver Whitworth VFX Artist Gaspar Matheron (Les Fistons), Alexandra Verhaest, Stefan Wähner Post-Producer at Les Fistons Arthur De Seze First Assistant Director Elle Lotherington Third Assistant Director Jens Klit Nielsen Production Coordinator Ayesha McMahon Production Assistants Ourania Mamalis, Mantenso Kotomah Runner Yasmin Tippett Steadicam Andrew Bainbridge Focus Puller JJ Sullivan Clapper-Loader Ashton Born Gaffer Joe Sherno Sparks Jovan Lawrence, Jon Prentice Spark Trainees George Wright, Shaun Witherup Grip Nick Teulon Grip Trainee Bradley Sinclair Wardrobe Assistants Lulu Bullock, Stephanie Aelbrecht Assistant Art Directors Alexander Scott, David Murray, James Findlay Make-Up Assistants Lisa Chau, Juri Nakayama, Manabu Nobuoka Hair Stylist Assistant Shanice Buckley Production Company Cadence Paris Executive Producer Carole Guenebeaud Production Coordinator Alice Du Lac Production Company Julie Machin LTD
Getting inspiration from the recent don’t rush challenge? King Sidney decided to do a unique rendition of their own.
As usual, they didn’t follow the rules and tried to make it as creative as possible.
The entrepreneur slips in and out of different designer jacket outfits. He uses his pocket square to transition between each outfit. He does so with some swag. And very calmly bounces to the mellow, yet perfectly-fitting Lil Wayne soundtrack in the back.
Here it is. The entrepreneur Kenyan men’s edition of the popular don’t rush challenge.
David Avido Ochieng was born and raised in Kibera, Nairobi. As the firstborn in a family raised by a single mum, he had to take responsibility early. Dropping out of school, because money was short, he started to work long hours – without any hope that his paycheck will ever be enough to support his three siblings and mother the way they deserve.
Frustrated, he quit his jobs and reflected on what he wants from life and what is holding him back. Was it Kibera? People have strong opinions on this place, but most of them have never come here. Avido never felt that coming from Kibera was something to be sorry for. The opposite was the case. Kibera inspired him.
“There is no barrier,if you believe in your talent and take the next step, I want to encourageand create beauty,where people don’t expect.” ~ David Avido ~
This awareness is what started the lookslike avido story in 2017, when Avido decided to sew stage outfits for his dance crew himself. Through finishing his fashion & design diploma at Buruburu Institute of Fine Arts, he developed a solid skill set to grow as a designer. He took it from there and started expressing his message through crafting handmade pieces in Kibera.
By word of mouth, a diverse set of people in Nairobi soon got to know the designer and tailor with his iconic straw hat. Ruven came on board a German, who came to Nairobi to work and explore the city’s scene of creatives and start-ups. Cooperations with international musicians followed and lookslike avido received attention from Kenyan and international media.
Cologne in Germany became the service and distribution centre for lookslike avido fashion in Europe. The city celebrates diversity, is a centre for creative industries and a great location to reach people all over Europe and world wide.
David Avido Imapact on his Community
Our goal is to localize our sourcing to the maximum and become 100% organic, By becoming part of the lookslike avido-story, you make Kibera proud and create opportunities: We currently hire 12 local tailors (7 female, 5 male) on assignment basis. Fair remunerations are self-evident. Permanent employment is our goal, including pension payments and health insurance
We are part of the community
Schoolfees for 10 pupils in 2019: lookslike avido supports young students
13 school uniforms in 2019: lookslike avido provides school uniforms to kids that can’t afford them
150 youths mentored (2019): Youths want to know more about David Avido. We engage in mentoring youths from neighbourhoods like Kibera, to help them focus on their talents
3 compound cleaning activities (2019): We regularly organize compound cleaning activities to make Kibera a cleaner place
100% of our fabric is used. All left-overs are processed to shopper bags or donated to tailoring classes in the area
Our packaging and logistics in Europe are climate-neutral. We use recycled materials, where possible. You won’t find plastic in your LLA-box
100% of our profit is re-invested into localizing the value chain
Content courtesy of Lookslike Avido & Nairobi fashion hub
Erika Akoth owner and founder of Erika A. Style Concept store, has worn many hats she is an avid traveler, a keen collector, a fashion curator, a stylist, and a former designer and model. She has traveled the world, carefully collecting each piece that features at the store, from a variety of runways, designers, and craftsmen and women.
Erika A. Style has a keen eye for detail and beauty, and it matters that each collected and curated piece tells a story.
Erika Akoth is the curator behind the brand. She is a fashion and personal stylist, multi-label fashion curator and high end personal shopper. Erika has been involved in the fashion industry for more than twelve years. During this time, she has worked as a personal stylist, modeled for a variety of high-fashion projects and shopped for a range of private clients around the world.
She now owns and runs Erika A. Style, a luxury fashion concept store, in her home country, Kenya.
Akoth studied culinary arts but while she enjoyed cooking, she was also tired of the daily routine of creating in the background she wanted something bigger and more fulfilling. She soon discovered that fashion was her missing ingredient.
Her love for food still informs her creative sense for fashion, and she believes that the secret to good fashion like good cooking lies with knowing how much is needed.
Scarabs are Erika A’s statement piece. She credits this to Steve Tyler whom she met at an event once, trying to get an autograph after one of his events. Tyler’s words to her on seeing her Scarab piece were, ‘what a beautiful statement piece!”
Erika has since worn them to many more events, believing they are her lucky charm. She enjoys curating clothes, collecting art, decorating spaces and creating beauty in as many spheres as she can.
Content courtesy of Erika A. Style & Nairobi fashion hub
Erika Akoth is the founder and C.E.O of Erika A. Style is a fashion concept store located in leavy suburb of Karen off Bogani In Nairobi
The concept store has a variety of unique pieces collected from different parts of the world, the pieces are curated from luxury brands, fashion runways, designer stores, small boutiques and upcoming designers. Each piece is the only one of its kind, and once sold out, will not be re-stocked.
Personal stylist Erika Akoth at her Karen shop
Erika Akoth owner and founder of Erika A. Style Concept store, has worn many hats she is an avid traveler, a keen collector, a fashion curator, a stylist, and a former designer and model. She has traveled the world, carefully collecting each piece that features at the store, from a variety of runways, designers, and craftsmen and women. Erika A. Style has a keen eye for detail and beauty, and it matters that each collected and curated piece tells a story.
The store offers a range of items from the fashion world: jewelry, clothes, shoes, hats and a variety of accessories including hats, scarfs and brooches. Erika A. Style’s signature piece is the Scarab and the store also features an eclectic range of scarab pieces including brooches, necklaces, printed scarves, rings and wrist bangles.
Erika A. Style Concept Store has been open since 2017. The store is located on Karen Road, off Bogani in Nairobi, Kenya. It operates on appointment only and clients are requested to call or email to make an appointment before visiting.
Content courtesy of Erika A. Style & Nairobi fashion hub
A slay queen thrives under lockdown because there’s no alternative.
I mean, who’ll wear all those awesome clothes in your wardrobe. You’ve been saving those red bottom heels, for a special occasion. All the looks that you’ve put together for all the fun, social, fashionable events, that were indefinitely postponed till things are better.
I mean there’s only one version of you, and you need to put all your haters to shame. Of course, it’ll be hard for you to get the usual essentials in this lockdown.
This lockdown might stretch for a while into the unforeseeable future. So what’s the best way to stay ahead of the curve.
First, don’t let your skin suffer under any circumstances. You might need a dermatologist on speed dial. Of course, you can’t get stressed out and break out in hives like in high school while you were fighting against hormones.
A true slayer knows that a smooth face is the best foundation for makeup. You need to order for all your skincare items to be brought to your doorstep.
Secondly, don’t forget to look after your hair. You might have to smuggle your stylist to do an emergency touch-up or to remove your weave. However, if you’re in the middle of nowhere with strange saloons then you’ll have to invest in low-maintenance styles and perhaps a wig, or two.
After all, you can change your hairstyle whenever you’re bored. Remember to wash and oil your hair as you wait for your favourite spa to reopen.
Indeed, you have to put aside delicate clothes. You know, that you can’t visit the dry cleaners, so why risk staining your cashmere sweater with take-out food from ArtCafe. I mean, this isn’t the time to take fashion risks. You should only wear cotton or other garments that are machine-wash friendly.
The gym is no longer a haven. You can’t wear tight yoga pants and lacy sports bras and snap pictures of yourself looking toned. You know that your clothes are a certain size. Hence, outgrowing your clothes isn’t an option. A slay queen needs to flourish during difficult times. You only have one option: figure out how to work out from home.
Stock up on luxury essentials. I’m talking about those pricey perfumes, that come in pretty shapes, and sizes. Also, foreign chocolates, that can’t be sourced locally. Let’s not forget all your top make-up brands’ products. Nobody knows when the lockdown will end. What if that day is tomorrow? You need to prepared to look your best.
Don’t entertain any house guests at any costs. I mean, isn’t everyone preaching about social distancing.
Don’t waste your time obsessing and flaunting yourself online. You can’t announce all your boss moves and wonder why haters are one step ahead of you. It helps to keep your enemies confused as to your plot your way ahead.
You have to study fashion and make-up trends from around the globe. Indeed, you can dedicate time to piecing together new looks, practising poses and snapping away pictures. Besides, you need to look like a fashionable badass whenever you post anything online.
You need to consider learning the basics of a new foreign language. Besides, you’ll always be travelling, I mean hello Emirates Business Class, I’m coming back to you.
You didn’t bake in the hot sun, wearing stilettos at Huduma Centre, waiting for a new passport to chill at home.
The creativity of the fashion advertising industry in Kenya is on the rise exponentially.
Granted, it’s still way behind that of Europe. It has, however, begun to show signs of promise. And nowhere is that promise more prevalent than in the Kenyan luxury fashion industry.
From inspirational to funny, here are a few examples of creative advertising within the luxury fashion industry in Kenya.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGImCsHAZ9g
An interesting inspirational twist on what would ordinarily be a plain makeover. And below, we have a play on the minimal time period most ads tend to be allocated.
The two stars go beyond being just friends, they have so much in common. Kiwanuka is the Communications Officer at Women at Work International (WAWI), a Not-for-profit organization which works to improve the quality life of women through health and income improvement projects. Koheirwe is the Public Relations Manager at Star Times Uganda, a media company that offers digital terrestrial television and satellite television services in Uganda.
They’ve both been recording artistes; Kiwanuka featured on Pepsi’s World Cup song ‘Oh Africa’ in 2010 together with Keri Hilson and Akon, while Koheirwe was a member of The Obsessions, arguably the most successful music/dance group in Uganda. They’ve both had stints on TV and radio as hosts. They are also actresses and Event hosts. Also, this shoot is not their first time appearing in a photo shoot together. So, it’s not a surprise that they’re close.
As I chat with them via email, because we’re social distancing, I learn that while they are obviously worried about the future, they want everyone to be hopeful. In this cover story, they reflect on their present and future, and what we should all learn from this global pandemic, that is Covid-19.
Rachel K
This video on Tik Tok of you and your mum pulling some dance moves is hilarious, how did it come together? Thank you! My mom wanted to show me that she can still move at 60 years, so she challenged me and really did an amazing job. We learned the moves on Tik-Tok and boom the video was made.
Model: Rachel Kiwanuka
It looks like you two are very close! Yes, my mum and I are very close. I draw a lot of inspiration from her. Besides, we work together. I’m at the Communications Officer at WAWI, an organisation she founded in 2003.
What is the biggest life lesson she has taught you? To always remain humble and be myself. There is nothing as bad as being someone you’re not and being unapproachable.
I guess that’s one of the traits that have kept me going on this entertainment business. I always try and live by that and it shows. She is really the rock in my life.
The situation in the country and the world at large is worrying, how are you staying sane? I try to keep to myself most of the time, reading, working out, listening to music, writing music. My mom and I love to watch movies so we have been doing that a lot.
Are you living together? Yes!
What lessons are you taking from this experience? My major lesson has been learning how a simple act of personal hygiene can save the planet. This virus has spread because some people don’t wash hands, sanitize, or cover their mouths when coughing, etc. We must be mindful about the people around us and protect each other.
How do you usually deal with personal or work challenges? I’m a pretty spiritual person. I pray every day. This is something I learned from my mother, I’m always hopeful. Even when I’m overwhelmed, I keep a positive attitude.
Do you think we shall overcome? Yes, most definitely we shall.
Personally, it has left me quite confused. How can I restore hope in my heart? It’s going to be alright Hassan. Everyone just needs to stay calm and take the precautions as shared by the Ministry of Health, and slowly, eventually this too shall pass. Staying prayerful helps too. It brings a sense of calmness that we all need.
Let’s talk about you acting. Is it something you’ve always wanted to get into? Yes, I am acting and it has been a great experience. My brothers and my mom have been acting since I was young, so I grew up in a family that was in the industry. I’ve always wanted to be an actress because I knew I had the potential.
So, when the opportunity came of course I had to go for it. I auditioned for the role and the rest has been history. I do plan on exploring more of this side of me, of course alongside the music.
You travelled back to Uganda after almost 10 years away. Did you have a culture shock? No not at all. I was in Uganda from 2006 -2011. So, I was already used to being in Uganda and knew how to cope and adjust when I came back in 2018. No culture shock at all, I love Uganda and I’m used to everything now.
Let’s talk about your job at WAWI I’m the Communications Officer at the organisation. It was founded in 2003 by mom together with other women in the entertainment industry. Our purpose is to improve the quality of life of women through health and income enhancement. We use entertainment as the main tool to educate them.
\We also do awareness and sensitization on reproductive health, helping women in rural Uganda learn about things like Family planning. Our biggest campaign is the ‘End Fistula Project’. We help young women understand the importance of safe motherhood to end Fistula, a complication that results from a damaged bladder during child birth. Annually, over half a million women die due to various complications during pregnancy and child birth.
It looks like it keeps you quite busy Yes it does. But I still get time to do influencer work for brands in the fashion and beauty space. I still do music and acting too. I’m also planning to go back to school to do my Masters. It’s something I’ve been thinking about.
It’s been quite a while. We want new music. For sure. I have an EP coming out that I have been working on for almost two years now. I have worked with some amazing producers and really can’t wait for it to come out later this year.
Cleopatra
The situation in the country and the world at large is worrying, how are you staying sane? By listening to some uplifting music, spending time with my daughter, but also sanitizing and social distancing.
Model: Cleopatra Koheirwe
What are you listening to? Gospel music, it soothes me. Mostly Chris Tomlin and Hillsong. I am also listening to my personal favorites such as John Legend, Alicia Keys, and Corinne Bailey Rae among others. They inspire me.
What lessons are you taking from this experience? That we are all the same, no matter where we come from. Life is precious. It is important to count our blessings and be grateful for each day and the air we breathe. This pandemic has put the world at a standstill but I think in a way, it is helping us take things slow, spend time with family and also reflect on our lives. We are always caught up in the hustle and bustle of making a living that we never take time to rest. This has pushed us to take a break like it or not.
These challenges are unique and incomparable, but is there a point in your life where your patience and faith were tested to the core? Yes, there is. The point in my life where my patience and faith were tested was when I lost my mom! I was angry with God! I could not comprehend why he let her die. She meant the world to me. I have grown to accept it and make peace with God, we are good, He has had my back all these years. Prayer has kept me sane.
You are the PRO of StarTimes. You are an actress and all the many other things you do. How do you balance all those commitments with your role as a mother? Well, as you know, the film industry is still growing here so it is not as busy as it should be. I am able to manage my acting work because it is seasonal, so I fit it into my StarTimes work schedule. If I am to emcee at a corporate event, these usually happen in the evenings or on weekends so I am able to do that too, and it is also occasional so when booked, I plan my calendar. On a normal working day, I make sure I rush home after work so I can be in time to interact with my daughter, listen to how her day went and also put her to sleep. It is not easy doing all this but I have my priorities set so I make time for each and I ensure I am fully present in all.
Does your daughter understand what’s going on? How are you easing this for her? She is 6 years old now but in her little world, she’s sort of aware of what is happening because I told her in child language about Corona Virus, and also at her school, they were told about it and advised to wash hands and not hug or shake hands. When school was closed, she told me, “Mommy, there is no school tomorrow because of corona virus. The president said we stay home.” Good thing is I have been spending much more time with her so she is happy and relaxed with no worries. She feels safe.
What’s your biggest worry now? Well, even if I did not want to worry, I would be lying if I said I am not worried. I am worried about our safety as a country, and if we will make it out of this pandemic. I am also worried that it’s going to affect us economically. I am worried about my family at large and praying everyone is safe. These worries are more than the ones I had a month ago, but I am keeping the faith and hoping for the best.
This is the part that confuses me the most. What could be the reason we are getting these unique challenges? Honestly, I have no freaking idea why this is happening. In my mind, it’s a movie. Like ‘a lab test gone wrong’ kind of situation. The film Contagion breaks it down in the way I imagine.
Shall we overcome? Yes, we shall overcome. My guardian always says, ‘No situation is permanent. Every problem has a solution.” The doctors and governments around the world are working hard at solving and containing Covid-19 so I believe it shall pass. Let’s not dwell on the negative news and let us be cautious not to forward or repost or share info that is not verified. Let us follow the proper channels and avoid causing more panic. Not everyone is strong hearted through such times. So, let us beware.
On a lighter note, what should we watch on StarTimes to keep our spirits up now that we must keep at home? Well, for starters, for those with smart phones, download the StarTimes ON App and watch lots of entertainment at a tap of a finger for everyone.
There is a variety of content including top TV series such as Empire on Fox, The General’s Daughter on Novela E Plus, local films, a new channel Nina Novelas for the Telemundo fans, educational documentaries and children programs including Home schooling shows, Nat Geo Wild, Investigation Discovery (iD), Music & fun entertainment on our exclusive local channels; Face TV, Magic 1HD and Sanyuka TV and much more. So, despite the Sports hiatus, there is a lot to enjoy on StarTimes and quite affordably too on your decoder or via the App. The choice is yours.
Styled by Kaijuka Abbas (Kai’s Divo Collection) Makeup by Shades of Beauty Photographed by Fred Bugembe Interviewer : Hassan Ssentongo
Rachel Kiwanuka, better known by her stage name Rachel K or Rachel Kay, is a Ugandan musician. Rachel K was born November 1, 1986 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The daughter of Ugandan singer Halima Namakula, Kiwanuka has recorded several successful albums, toured widely throughout the region and collaborated with Ugandan and other regional artists.
She has also worked as a comedian and television presenter, making appearances on such mainstream broadcasts as Jam Agenda and Tusker Project Fame.
Rachel Kiwanuka is the Communications Officer at Women at Work International (WAWI), a Not-for-profit organization which works to improve the quality life of women through health and income improvement projects.
Cleopatra Koheirwe is a Ugandan actress, writer, singer and media personality. She first appeared onscreen as Joy in The Last King of Scotland in 2006. She has since garnered numerous roles on different film and television projects locally and internationally including a role on Netflix’s Sense8 as Mother in season 2.
Cleopatra plays Ebony in the new Nana Kagga directed and produced series Reflections alongside other Uganda celebrities Malaika Nnyanzi, Housen Mushema, Andrew Kyamagero, Prynce Joel Okuyo and Gladys Oyenbot , Koheirwe joined StarTimes Uganda in June 2019 as the new Public Relations Manager.
Cleopatra Koheirwe is the Public Relations Manager at Star Times Uganda, a media company that offers digital terrestrial television and satellite television services in Uganda.
These multi-hyphenates have been friends for over 15 year, but it sucks that they can’t meet up for a drink or coffee. They have to stay apart to save the planet! This is what everyone is going through right now, shutting off those they love, to save the world.
