Afri-love

Mar Y Sol fashion accessories

Mar Y Sol is a cross-cultural, cross-continental collaboration between artisans in Madagascar and artists in the US. Materials sustainably sourced from Madagascar's forests are used to create vibrant, playful fashion accessories. "Trade not aid", economic independence for the artisans and environmental conservation are the intended byproducts of Mar Y Sol's designs.

Interview with developer, author & entrepreneur, Andrew Mugoya

You may be familiar with Andrew Mugoya from his guest posts earlier this year ("5 Reasons why Ghana is the next African App Powerhouse", "Learning from the Success of Nollywood"). A friend, my fellow co-owner of Asilia, and the company's Technical Director, I've been meaning to interview Andrew for a while. In the wake of the hugely successful launch of his ebook – African Apps in a Global Marketplace (which you can download for free, over on Afriapps), I've finally got down to sharing with you what inspires and drives the man.

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What's your passion?
Learning and creating. I'm fascinated by the discovery of ideas, knowledge and understanding. That translates to a love of reading, debating, sharing ideas, innovating, entrepreneurship and being creative. Luckily, Asilia gives me the perfect vehicle to exercise most of these activities.

What inspired your interest in technology and specifically, African apps?
Technology has fascinated me from the time I was a child. I enjoy problem solving, innovation, creativity and developing solutions – technology was the field that enabled me to express these qualities. This fascination with technology led me to pursue it in university, as a career and now in business.

Apps are the flavour of the month on the tech scene. Being a son of Africa, I realised that there wasn't any avenue to discover and browse African apps. Afriapps was created to fill this gap.

 

What has been your greatest obstacle/challenge?
I've always found that the main barrier I need to overcome in any situation is my attitude. With most things in life, the problem and solution is usually yourself.

There is a Swahili saying that captures this well: 'kikulacho ki nguoni mwako' – what's eating at you is in your own clothes.

How have you dealt with/overcome it?
Changing my perspective to a problem and approaching it differently, sometimes repeatedly, has often made all the difference. 

Strangely, I enjoy challenges as they give me a chance to exercise my problem solving and to be innovative.

What has your greatest achievement been?
Launching Asilia, developing it into a partnership with Lulu and, growing it to where it is now, in such a short time is something I'm very proud of. Our staff, the quality and style of work, our clientele and our in-house initiatives all reflect the qualities I aspired to have in the business. Asilia is the perfect culmination of the journey I've taken with my education and career.

Worth mentioning are Afriapps and my recently launched ebook, African Apps in a Global Marketplace.

Where will you be in 10 years?
Still running Asilia and its many initiatives and sub-businesses. I intend for my kids (and their kids' kids) to one day be part of the company.

 

How does Africa inspire you?
Africans, when left to their own devices, are very ingenious and innovative. Way before recycling became fashionable, Africans were reusing discarded objects to create all sorts of objects. I remember when we were kids, we'd make footballs from paper bags and toy cars from tins, wire, strings, old tires etc. 

Africa reminds me that you can always make something from whatever you have at your disposal. You only need some creativity and innovation.

Anything else you'd like to share?
Do what you love. The world would be better place if we all did.

Anything we should look out for in the coming weeks/months/year?
More initiatives, more projects and more great work from Asilia and its staff. We are always creating and developing, both for clients and in-house. So there is always something exciting coming out.

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Photo by Barbara Muriungi/TheM2K, illustration by Lulu Kitololo/Asilia

Interview with furniture designer Yinka Ilori of Yinksdesigns

I first came across furniture designer Yinka Ilori's work at the African and African- Caribbean Design Diaspora (AACDD) exhibition a couple of months ago. His use of bold colour and pattern drew my eye. I later learned that Yinka specializes in upcycling discarded furniture. Passionately against the unnecessary waste of consumerist culture, Yinka is doing his bit, one piece of furniture at a time. Today, the London-based designer and entrepreneur shares his story.

(Above: Kekere chair and Yinka himself)

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What’s your passion?
Wow I have a lot of things I am passionate about, where do I start. I am passionate about furniture design, fashion design, and interior design! The list could go on but those are the top three.

What inspired you to get into design?
What inspired me to get into recycled furniture design was the waste of today’s modern society in the Western world. I was just fed up of seeing good furniture thrown away for no apparent reason when in my eyes, it was in good condition and just in need of a little clean. It came to a point where I would be on the bus, in a cab, or even walking and I would see discarded furniture near bins, local estates and near the roadside. Seeing all this got me really frustrated and wondering what’s wrong with our consumer society today. We no longer appreciate and value what we have, when there so many people who would value the things we throw away.

It was then that I was inspired to set up my own design consultancy yinksdesigns. Supported by the Princes Trust, I started collecting discarded furniture and re-designing it into something new, quirky and innovative – giving every old piece of furniture a second life and new function. Since then I have specialized in re-designing discarded furniture; collecting old furniture, dismantling it and then reassembling it into a new piece ready for use again. 

Flowers From Fatima: an interview with designer Fatima Spencer

Meet designer Fatima Spencer. The dedicated 22 year-old makes handmade floral hair accessories and has built a business around her passion for hair and fashion – Flowers From Fatima. She wanted to share her inspiration with thousands of other women of colour and it's perfectly in line with this week's emerging theme – embracing your true self and setting your creative expression free!

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What inspired you to start making the flowers?
I was inspired to design flowers through my family's community action program, in which I helped to plant flowers throughout my neighborhood. I became so enamored by flowers that I used to pluck the flowers from the garden often and wear them in my hair. However, I soon realized that the delicate beauties could no longer be admired in their natural state. Too quickly they wilted. Shortly after, I began to replicate the beauty of Mother Nature by designing silk floral accessories that were more suitable for fashionable wear and equally as beautiful, in meaning as well as appearance. 

What prompted you to turn the idea into a business?
Beautiful prompt – my older brother actually encouraged me to start a business! He's always been a business-savvy individual and he had so much confidence in both me and my work. I am grateful to have such a wonderful family! 

What challenges you've faced?
Right now, my greatest challenge is making the most of what I have. I started this business with little money, a dream, and a lot of hope. Until I get where I desire to be, I have to improvise and give Flowers From Fatima all that I have, mostly spiritually, to help it flourish. It seems to be growing! I am eternally thankful for my dedicated customers and friends who find joy in all that I do and acknowledge my hard work. 

What opportunities you've taken advantage of?
As long as the people that I collaborate with are positive individuals, I always seize the opportunity to share Flowers From Fatima with others, whether it be through showcasing my product at local events or sharing a few words in magazine features. 

What next for Flowers From Fatima?
Only UP from here!  

Check out more of Fatima's designs on the Flowers From Fatima website. First time customers get 10% off. You can also follow Fatima on Twitter.

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Images courtesy of Fatima Spencer

Africa and Diaspora events this October

As September draws to a close, I'm getting geared up for a bunch of exciting events in October. I'm one of those people who plans her social calendar waaaay in advance and diligently researches to find Afri-love-inspiring events. Not always easy but definitely worth it! I thought that I'd spare you some of the time and effort and compile all the Africa and Diaspora related events that I find each month. I also hope to tap into the power of crowd-sourcing to create an even richer listing for all of us. I invite you to share the great discoveries that you make in your "yard" (see the bottom of this post for details). Enjoy!

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MONTH-LONG EVENTS

Black History Month (UK) events in Islington
London
Islington Council is organising a variety of free and low cost film screenings, exhibitions, talks, readings, poetry and performances inspiring and connecting communities to historical legacies and Black experience today
Download Islington Black History Month 2011- Arts and Culture events
Download Islington Black History Month 2011 - Business and Enterprise events
Download Islington Black History Month 2011 - Schools activities 

Afrika Eye Film Festival
London
Afrika Eye Film Festival showcases films that tell stories told by African and diaspora voices. Bringing together local African and Afro-Caribbean communities with international figures in film, music, and dance, Afrika Eye aims to offer an insight into African culture both on and beyond the screen.

I am thenublack exhibition
London, Wednesday 5 - Saturday 29 October
Celebrating the talents of a generation of youth born to parents of the African Diaspora, this exhibition presents artists who have been inspired by the positive influence of their forbearers. Through a variety of disciplines from illustration to photography this collection of work conveys the rich heritage of contemporary Black culture.
Download flyer

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SATURDAY 1 OCTOBER

Black History Live 2011
London, 10am - 6pm
(Also on Sunday 2 October, 10am - 5pm)
A cultural extravaganza at Wembey Stadium celebrating the start of Black History Month. A fun-packed day for all the family

Run the Sahara 2012 Launch
London, 3 - 5:50pm
Featuring a screening of the award-winning documentary El Problema, readings by acclaimed playwright and poet Inua Ellams and preview of The Runner.Sandblast’s 4th annual campaign of Run the Sahara will help raise funds for its exciting new music empowerment initiative –Studio Live – in the Saharawi refugee camps in SW Algeria aiming to enable artists to develop professionally and reach international audiences through music and express their culture and struggle more widely.

Black Sound Series: The Afterparty
Manchester, 9pm 'til late
A free evening of live music, with performances from Tsana, Sparkz, Young Identity, Media Drop and DJ sets from Phaze One and Irfan Rainy until the small hours.

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TUESDAY 4 OCTOBER

Insight with Robert King: The Angola 3 and their fight for justice
London, 7pm
Robert King at the Frontline Club, in conversation with founder and director of Reprieve, Clive Stafford Smith to recount his personal story of injustice and how his life’s focus now is to campaign against abuses in the criminal justice system and for the freedom of Black Panthers, Herman Wallace and Albert Woodfox who are now serving their 40th year in solitary confinement.

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WEDNESDAY 12 OCTOBER

Freestyle Fictionary
Manchester, 8:30pm
Freestyle Fictionary is an event based on freestyle word games, it is accessible to all, whether Hip Hop heads or not, it is witty, light-hearted, and includes audience participation.

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FRIDAY 14 OCTOBER

I am Osunlade
Manchester, 11:30pm
A 6 hour marathon set by my favourite DJ! House music all night long … 

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MONDAY 17 OCTOBER

The Black British Filmmaker's Guide to Success
London, 6pm - 8pm
Seasoned film commentator, Nadia Denton, discusses her book, The Black British Filmmaker's Guide to Success: Finance, Market and Distribute Your Film. 

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WEDNESDAY 19 OCTOBER

Black LGBT Shorts Programme
London, 7 - 8:30pm
A moving programme of six short films from around the world exploring the experience of being Black and gay, from Australia, South Africa to an estate in South London.

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FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER

Insight with Nawal El Saadawi
London, 7pm
The internationally renowned Egyptian writer, novelist and activist Nawal El Saadawi will be celebraing her 80th birthday at the Frontline Club, discussing her life's work and the launch of a foundation that will embody the themes, ethos and characteristics that have shaped it.

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SATURDAY 22 OCTOBER

Manchester Literature Festival: Jean 'Binta' Breeze
Manchester, 7:30pm
Internationally renowned Jamaican ‘dub’ poet, director and playwright Jean ‘Binta’ Breeze’s words are personal and political and her electric stage presence and rhythmic wordplay has mesmerized audiences around the world. 

Whether speaking about Third World poverty, reggae music, inner-city life, the Caribbean or family, she weaves together themes that challenge and celebrate human experience in all its many forms. She will be joined by members of Speakeasy People and Contact’s Key Partner Company, Young Identity. 

SOAS World Music Stage at the Bloomsbury Festival
London, 12 - 7:30pm (and Sunday, 12 - 5:00pm)

A free concert series brought to you by my alma mater, The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) – the UK’s premier academic institution dedicated to the research and development of non-Western cultures, traditions and languages. Acts include:

• Amira Kheir – Sudanese-Italian singer/songwriter Amira Kheir is creating a sound that is inspired by traditional Sudanese singing and instrumentation, blended with elements of Jazz, Soul, African as well as Middle Eastern music. 
• Laye Sow – one of the most exciting musicians to come out of Senegal. Of Dogan and Fula heritage, the music takes you on a journey from his village on the edge of the Sahara to the happening night clubs of Dakar. 
• Harare Music – Zimbabwe's rich African musical heritage is still alive and kicking, albeit in exile. Frontman and marimba virtuoso Kudaushe Matimba was a member of the legendary Bhundu Boys back in the 80s; now based in London he is keeping up the faith, celebrating the musical alliances he has since made in the UK through the prism of Zimbabwe’s urban Chimurenga and Jit Jive music.
• Diabel Cissokho – Senegalese musician Diabel Cissokho is part of the great line of Cissokho griots. His “resonant voice and rocking kora style” (Songlines), have been welcomed everywhere from WOMAD and Glastonbury to London’s Barbican.

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WEDNESDAY 26 OCTOBER

Viva Riva! Screening
London, 7pm
For charismatic criminal, Riva, as sudden burst of stolen wealth ignites an exhilarating, hedonistic and perilous journey through one of the most intriguing cities in Africa – Kinshasha.

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What's good in your city this October? Leave a comment to share. 

Event listings – If you'd like me to list your event in November and beyond, please drop me an email by the 21st of October via address: afrilovemail [at] gmail [dot] com. 

Want to stay up to date with events, and received Afri-love posts directly into your inbox? Subscribe here.

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Osunlade photo via Resident Advisor; Nawal El Saadawi photo via bikyamasr

Interview with multi-dimensional creative and champion of the "other" story, Afrolicious

I discovered shrine to all things brown and beautiful, Afrolicious, about 2 years ago and I've been crossing paths with the woman behind the screen name, Ann Daramola, ever since! We've collaborated across continents and oceans – working with Epic Change to create To Mama with Love and most recently, Asilia worked with Ann to design the logo for her accessory line, Ankara & Lace. One thing I absolutely love about following Ann on Twitter is the boundless energy, passion and positivity she exudes. This is one lady you need to follow/exchange with/know.

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What's your passion?
My passion is creating and inspiring others to create. I believe our creator gave each of us this innate desire to make things, to build, to transform. For me, this means creating websites, code, jewelry, music, languages and so on. And, for my life's work, it means telling stories by any media available and helping others tell (and own) their stories, too.

There are several projects/sites/blogs you've started (e.g. Afrolicious, Ankara & Lace). What inspired each of them?
Yeah, I sometimes wonder if I'm doing too much :] But Afrolicious was inspired by me not wanting to go by the same old internet handle I'd been using for 6 years before. It sort of just evolved from my personal transition to natural hair and my desire to see Brown faces in the media around me, hence the tagline, "Brown is Beautiful". 

And Ankara & Lace was shamelessly jacked from a party one of the local Nigerian promoters threw in Los Angeles one fine October weekend. I went dressed in ankara and my sister was in lace. I loved the idea, but it wasn't until 2010 when I was looking for big, ridiculous earrings to go with my bantu knot hairstyle that I decided to make it into a jewelry line.

What has your greatest obstacle/challenge been and how have you dealt with/overcome it?
My greatest obstacle and challenge has been believing in myself. Sometimes I get overwhelmed by the ideas and thoughts and connections that come my way everyday. Each of them is possible, if only I could look past the long list of roadblocks I've set up in my mind. Fear is a mofoloko! But part of believing is knowing. Knowing who I am, what my limits and weaknesses are, what makes me angry, what makes me happy, what bores me, what excites me, etc. – all of those things contribute to my growth. If you follow me on Twitter, you'll notice I sometimes say things like "Oh, I'm not a cyborg anymore." And that's because only recently have I felt as if I were human. And now I got feelings :D

What has your greatest achievement been?
Well this is still a challenge in progress. I was at an open stage recently (an open stage is like an open mic, except various types of performances are allowed such as dance, song, full bands) and the host mentioned something about keeping your palms up. Palms up? Yes, to reflect an attitude of receiving. After years of giving myself over to The Cause, whatever it was at any given moment, I'm finally stepping back and receiving things. Little things like compliments, offers of help, hugs, hi-fives. In turn, this means what I give is magnified. There's still a whole lot of giving and receiving to do but, at least things are coming back into balance. 

Where will you be in 10 years?
I hope to be in a place creating stories and teaching people at the margins how to tell their own stories using whatever media is available in 10 years. As an African immigrant woman (!) with a penchant for coding, I find myself at the margins of mainstream narratives many times over. Being there has given me a great vantage point into the lives of other folks here, too: teenage mothers in South Central Los Angeles, white Southern girls whose friends are more brown-skinned than mine, Nigerian and Filipino registered nurses keeping late shifts in the hospitals. These stories are rarely shared across experiences, much less in the mainstream. Teaching people to listen and to be heard is central to what I believe is my life's work. 

How does Africa inspire you?
Besides being born there and having gotten most of my worldview from my parents who were born and raised there, the technological advances happening in Africa are really inspiring. I keep hearing about tech centers springing up out of seemingly nothing and developers capitalizing on the rich opportunities for innovation. I love this kind of stuff! In fact, I've been studying the models of technology training in parts of southern and western Africa to use in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Also, the textiles and music of Africa are incredibly inspiring. For Ankara & Lace, I've been collecting scraps of fabric (both material and digital) from various African countries and ethnicities. I hope to match them to the music and language in a future project.

Anything else you'd like to share?
Brown is beautiful and our stories are important! No, really. I spend a ridiculous amount of time browsing the internet for visual research for both my projects and my work, and often get dismayed by the lack of Brown skin in things as simple as Photoshop tutorials or even sites like Pinterest. Images are rich with stories which can be told a hundred different ways with a hundred different endings. And while the internet gives us access to a diverse set of stories, there is still a distinct lack of Brown skin in mainstream spaces. Why is this even important? Well, everyday history is being written and re-written. We have a chance to distribute our stories far and wide and deep into generations to come. Sites like Afri-Love and Afrolicious are sort of like anthologies of these myriad voices and no one, not even the curators, can tell your story the way you do. So be heard :]

Anything we should look out for in the coming weeks/months/year?
Look out for a series called Conversations on Beauty on Afrolicious this fall. It's my brief dance with telling stories via film/video so we'll see how it goes! And of course a spectacular photostory from Ankara & Lace in the next couple of months.

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Images courtesy of Afrolicious.
(I'm loving those bow-tie necklaces!)

12 months, 12 posts you loved

I know I have a penchant for lists and if ever I needed an excuse to create one, surely today is the day. Tomorrow marks one year of Afri-love and as I reflect on all the people that I've come across and had the opportunity to meet (if even just virtually), I want to share with you the most popular posts. It so happens that indeed, most of them are interviews with some of these people. I am honoured to be a part of this army of creatives and change-makers and I look forward to meeting and collaborating with more of you.

12. Interview with Lesley of Ododo Originals
Lesley's inspiring story of how a crafty hobby turned into a full-time blossoming enterprise.

11. Interview with Erika of Mikuti

The lady behind the ethical fashion enterprise shares what inspired her to start a business in Tanzania.

 

10. Interview with artist, Chief Nyamweya
The first interview in the series! A great interviewee to kick-off the idea of sharing what drives talented Afri-loving people to do what they love. 

 

9. Interview with AfriPOP! editor and music marketeer, Phiona Okumu
This lady embodies Afri-love in every way shape and form. It was great to have her share that indomitable energy with us. Hope it rubs off!

 

8. Natural hair journey: 4 months on and getting my protective styling on
I've discovered so many blogs and vlogs out there dedicated to caring for natural Afro hair. However, not many from people with my super-kinky hair type. So, I decided to share my journey. I've "been natural" for 10 years now and before July last year, 5 of those years were spent in locs. Since my second big chop, I've been occasionally documenting the process and my learning along the way. Yes, 10 years and there's still so much to learn!

 

7. Interview with Ihsani Culture
My long term comrade in the pursuit of Afri-love, in her reincarnation as a fashion design director, shares her passion and her beautiful designs.

 

6. My natural hair journey, part 3
My third new beginning: wearing my hair loose and natural. Funny, "loose" is a very ironic term for these more-compact-than-steelwool curls!

 

5. Celebrating our crowning glory: Le Coil
Beautiful people, regal in their natural hair. Sharing the work of photographer Jamala Johns and her fabulous blog, Le Coil.

 

4. Interview with artist and photographer, Mutua Matheka
This man's lens is relentless! He captures Kenya in a way that it has never been captured before. Personalities, architecture, moods, energy. His portfolio is a must-peruse.

 

3. Five reasons why Ghana is the next African app powerhouse
The first guest post from the man behind Afriapps. This went up just last week and has been creating a buzz across the interweb. Look out for more insightful pieces from Andrew Mugoya, every month. 

 

2. Inspired by Dimitra Tzanos: for the love of Africa
A designer with a passion for all things Africa. She shared some of her colourful and exciting work with us. 

 

1. Interview with fashion stylist and blogger, Nancie Mwai
Fashion reigned supreme. The interview with Nancie Mwai was the most popular Afri-love post in the blog's inaugural year. Personally, there was something about this interview that truly reminded me of why I started the interview series in the first place. Hearing about somebody successfully doing something that, as a child growing up in Kenya, I didn't even knew somebody could professionally do – now that's inspiring.

I look forward to bringing you even more encouraging stories, makers, dream-chasers, action-takers and shakers. Shaking the continent and keeping it alive with the spirit that inspires the world!

 

All image details available in the respective posts

5 reasons why design matters: An argument for African parents, businesses & other skeptics

Last week I attended the inaugral Manchester Design Symposium (MDS), an event great for inspiration and rejuvenating creativity. As far as I could see though, I was the only black person in an auditorium of hundreds and it's likely that I was the only African too.

It had me questioning why. Is it geography? Are there just not enough black/African designers and people interested in design who live in Manchester/who heard about the event/who were willing to pay for the event? Or does it have something more to do with our culture? Are there just not that many black/African people who are exposed to design as being a viable profession or worse, are there just not enough black/African people willing to go against the grain enough to pursue a career in the creative industry?

It's a sad state of affairs when we all see and enjoy the products of innovation and creative talent coming from Africa and its Diaspora yet, we aren't encouraged to be innovators and creatives who can continue this legacy.

So I decided to share 5 strong cases for design:

1. Design is everywhere.
Everything you see, touch and  use, has been designed. Whether by another person, by a greater force or being or, even by yourself. There are several ways in which design is employed to solve problems and improve the way things work and the ways we live our lives. From how we eat to how we move through spaces; from what we wear to how information is communicated to us. 

2. Design enables the realisation of our ambitions and dreams. 
MDS speaker and successful brand strategist, Tom Dorresteijn, talked a lot about the relationship between design and strategy. Oftentimes, strategy is held in such high regard and I wonder if that's because the workings of it are easier to understand. It's almost formulaic whereas the design process is a comparatively mysterious process. There are no guaranteed steps to finding the best design solution. Instead there is talk about inspiration and imagination. Dorresteijn asserted that strategy is merely "the verbal account of ambitions and dreams … design makes them happen." He even went as far to suggest that "good designers are far better strategists than the strategists themselves." And yet appreciation and salaries are rarely commensurate with this fact.

3. Design creates higher profits.
Ultimately a lot of the arguments against are inspired by thoughts of money. Design is seen as a nice-to-have, as simply embellishment that is not capable of much return on investment. Because design is not valued appropriately, to want to be a designer is seen as a desire to forever be a resident of the poorhouse. Rarely do people look at empirical evidence. Design has transformed companies by increasing sales, improving brand awareness and indeed brand value, plus so much more. Here is an article from the UK's Design Council on ten ways you can profit from design.

4. Bad design can have serious negative effects. 

From ambiguous ballot papers that have resulted in the wrong candidates staying in power to poorly-designed structures whose collapse has directly costed human lives. Bad design is not merely a shame, it can cause catastrophe. So why is design something that is so often taken so lightly?

5. Design can touch both brain and heart

Tom Dorresteijn, made one of the simplest, truest and most profound statements that day: "If you want to have success, don't go for the brains, go for the heart." The context of this affirmation was to make a case for the value of design and the suggestion was that design had the power to be emotive and turn people on. The brilliant thing is, design has the power to do this as well as to make you think. Design can touch both brain and heart and that's phenomenal.

So if design is this pervasive, important and powerful, surely we need more good designers to make it happen? 
 

Check out the Asilia blog for more highlights from MDS.

Namibia Independence Day: Celebrating Social Design

21 years ago on this 21st day of March (I couldn't resist), Namibia gained independence from South Africa.

Interesting facts: Namibia is the world's thirty-fourth largest country as well as being, after Mongolia, the least densely populated country in the world. Home to the Namib, Kalahari and Coastal Deserts, it's no wonder why.

I discovered organization, Pambili Association for Social Design. Working to champion indigenous craft, the organization focuses on capacity building and marketing. With Pambili Young Designers, they hope to educate a new generation of designers who share in their social design aims. Co-founder Melanie Harteveld Becker affirms in a DESIGN> magazine article (page 172):

"It is now widely accepted that designer involvement in communities can serve as a powerful tool in sustainable development."

These are musical words to the ears of a designer – that there is appreciation to how significant a designer's role in society can be, beyond simply making beautiful things.

Upon my initial search, Pambili's online presence was quite elusive but, along with the article mentioned above, I managed to find these presentation notes and another interview with Becker here, with more information about the organisation.

Becker also has an online group, African Design Thinkers, that "invites you to share in creative thinking and expression on the continent. How does DESIGN contribute to the quality of life on the African continent? How can we become involved in design issues that will fortify Africa?"

Excellent questions to explore. Let's delve in …

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Top image via Buzzle.com, other images via the Pambili Young Designers website.

Interview with Erika of Mikuti

I was recently ogling, as I do, some bracelets made from banana trees (a true Chagga girl am I!). It was then that I discovered Mikuti, a socially active company that creates unique pieces of jewelry, as well as an income for people living in the Meru District of Tanzania. I had the opportunity to interview the project's founder, Erika Freund.

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What's your passion? 
I think I’m passionate about a variety of things, but 2 things I’m drawn to the most are creating and people. I think naturally I tend to see possibility in environments that one may not realize is there. That’s where the ‘creating’ part comes in. Creating something from an idea is a real challenge, but I enjoy hurdles and challenges, even when I want to throw in towel and say I give up, it’s just too hard. There’s something about being committed to an idea and seeing it through the creative process that warms my heart. Whether it be a piece of jewelry or trying to start a company, the personal, internal experience, and the individuals that enter your path, make it all worth it. 

That leads me to people. Aside from my family and friends, who mean the world to me, I’m intrigued by different cultures, countries, lifestyles and how we’re inter-connected, similar, and different at the same time. I’ve lived in different countries and in different cities in the US and, with my social work background, have worked with a variety of people. At the end of the day, people want to feel connected to each other and want opportunities and access to a good, healthy life for themselves and their families. Unfortunately, this perspective is lost within the infrastructure of the world.  

What inspired Mikuti? 
Mikuti was a result of chance and many serendipitous events.    

What has been your greatest obstacle/challenge?
Both managing the communication with East Africa and figuring out ways to communicate and build relationships through language barriers.  

How have you dealt with/overcome it?
The 2 biggest strengths I have with these obstacles are technology and my Master’s in Social Work. Technology really allows us to communicate with anyone anywhere and my Master’s has really taught me how to engage people, and how to think creatively when working with individuals through challenges. And the fact that I just don’t give up helps too. 

What has your greatest achievement been? 
My greatest achievement with Mikuti has been ‘not giving up’ and holding onto that mentality. Finding alternative solutions when needed and not letting the set-backs actually set Mikuti back. I always try to take set-backs and use them as a tool to propel us forward. 

Where will you be in 10 years? 
Hopefully running a really successful company, that has since expanded into textiles. A dream of mine is to start a non-profit arm in the U.S. that targets female youth, giving them an opportunity to be a part of a company, exposing them to entrepreneurship, business, design, and development work.     

How does Africa inspire you? 
There are so many things that inspired me in Tanzania, from the Masai women and how they bead their jewelry, to the church choirs that I love to go listen to on Sundays during a 3-hour service; from the fresh fruits and vegetables to the sight of women cropping in these beautiful kangas. I’m always very visually stimulated when I’m there, which probably helps a lot when designing jewelry and picking out colors. I think I’m also inspired by the challenges that I face personally there, whether it be a language or cultural barrier or just navigating through the different villages I’ve worked in.  

Anything else you'd like to share? 
Just that I really try to stay cognizant and aware of the privileges I’ve had, being able to travel to Tanzania and start this company. I’m always really mindful of what that means for the individuals I work with. 

Anything we should look out for in the coming weeks/months/year? 
We are incredibly excited to launch this line. We’ve worked so hard to really put hints of Tanzania in every piece. 

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Images courtesy of Mikuti