Top 10 Posts of 2016

.....This is why I hate blogging using my phone! So I've had to start this bleeping post again due to the fact that some part of my uncoordinated extremities touched the screen and I lost all that I had written!

I had started off by saying technology and I have a rocky relationship. When things are good, they are awesome. When they are bad, they are catastrophic. We are in the latter phase once again, as my computer has decided to die at the most inopportune moment.

I hate blogging on my phone. I feel extremely detached from the process. Email, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook all feel natural through this device. Writing posts does not. This is incredible irksome. I cannot tell you how bereft I am right now as I am having such a great time on my West African workation (work + vacation). This spanner in the works could have thrown me for a loop for quite some time had I not read the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. (For more about how this book and its impact on my life, follow me on Instagram.)  However, in order to start 2017 on the best possible writing foot, I am at least going to try bang out my usual round up of posts from the previous year. This annual tradition shall not be disrupted by the crazy in life. Whether I will post again before I rectify my computing situation is another matter though...

This was taken during Barefeet Theatre's 10 year
anniversary celebrations. I was conducting a
Social Media Workshop for the Barefeet
Children's Council. I am way to comfortable
with that stick ;}

So I didn't even write 10 posts on MbA last year! Oh dear. Luckily I can cheat with posts from the 52 Bloggers project run by the Lusaka WordPress Meetup Group and from my new project's blog. This is once again a sign that I haven't quite sorted my life out yet. A blatant sign for the last coupla years it's beyond ridiculous now! Clearly still have some growing to do. Certain fundamentals need to be worked out. The writing poureth from the depths of my soul, in beautiful cascades, when I am truly at peace and content. Right now the best I can do is quite pitiful really. Till things improve, here is a hodgepodge of what I could muster across various blogs in 2016, or as I like to call it, the Devil's year worldwide or the Year of Legless: the snake:

These first 5 posts best encapsulate the rollercoaster of emotions, confusion, growth and clarity that I went through:

1. Leadership Poker: Trumping with A.C.E.

2. Dios Mio -  How my Deo Became My Salvation

3. Proudly Zambian, Positively African: The Tail of the Ndhlovukhazi Storyteller

4. Tikambe Natulande Part II

5. NGansta vs NG-ma

Funnily enough at this point a spare computer has appeared before me, but I have decided to struggle through with this post, because I'm already in the groove, and for no sane reason, I gotta prove I can do this. At least I know I can write more organically the rest of my time in Ghana. When I move on to Nigeria will have to come up with another solution...

I digress, as per usual he he. Here are the rest of my picks, which pretty much reflect the themes, ruminations, angst, discoveries and ultimate triumphs that dominated this year past:

6. A Reflection on Identity, Growth, Evolution and Freedom on Independence Day

7. Failing is A.C.E.

8. Lenshina and the Inauguration

9. Overcoming Fear to Lead and Grow

10. Madness and Tea

Veni. Vidi. Vici!  Never again if I can help it though. The struggle was too real. Unnecessary and too real!

Proudly Zambian InstaStoryteller

This dress was originally a Men's XL shirt that was trimmed with Zambeef Zamleathe &  turned
into a shirt dress by designer Musha and styled by Mafashio. This picture was taken
during the Livingstone leg of #ZambeefInYourTown. Photo credit PR Girl

I joined Instagram this year, and have found it to be a great way to be a visual storyteller beyond the realm of film, as well as an awesome possum way to document life in Zambia and/ or during my travels.

Twit Tuesday will have to evolve from just Twitter stuff I want to post on the blog, to curating anything on social media where I microblog, so Facebook will be included too henceforth.

Thought I would introduce my instapix through the life changing national tour that Zambeef sponsored. I always dreamed e18hteam would get to be seen by Zambians both in urban AND rural areas, as the story of the Chipolopolo is that of Zambia.  It belongs to all of her citizens and so it was only right I find a way for them to see it.  The sponsorship ensured that a cinetruck took it to them on the big screen for free!  I got to travel the country again, and during my sojourns, this peripatetic turned amateur photographer documented life around Zambia.  I also fulfilled a personal goal of visiting all ten provinces, as during my stint as TV Presenter, I only managed to get my total up to eight. I finally made it to Western and Luapula Provinces. It was a real privilege, and the warmth of the people and their embracing of the film with open arms will stay with me forever.

Hard to do, but I picked my favourite photo from each leg of the trip:

Kabwe, Central Province

One of my fav moments at #Kabwe #ZambeefInYourTown #e18hteam #dibili #boostele. This man stopped on his way to deliver bread to watch the film. There are some "hungry hippos" out there 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 #Zambia #Zambian #Africa #African #colour #colourful #town #city #scene #bicycle #breadwinner #sidetracked #delivery #crowd #blue #sky #bluesky #sunshine #travelnoire

A photo posted by Ngosa Whoopi Chungu (@whoops.c) on Aug 6, 2015 at 8:10am PDT

Chingola, Copperbelt Province (Kopala)

One of my fav moments at #Kabwe #ZambeefInYourTown #e18hteam #dibili #boostele. This man stopped on his way to deliver bread to watch the film. There are some "hungry hippos" out there 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 #Zambia #Zambian #Africa #African #colour #colourful #town #city #scene #bicycle #breadwinner #sidetracked #delivery #crowd #blue #sky #bluesky #sunshine #travelnoire

A photo posted by Ngosa Whoopi Chungu (@whoops.c) on Aug 6, 2015 at 8:10am PDT

Kitwe, Copperbelt Province (Kopala)

#nofilters kids #pelliefun with a #wheelbarrow in #Kitwe #Zambia. Which kid didn't do this as a child? Was always upset when the gardener was actually using it to his job he he he. #proudlyzambian #zambia #zambian #africa #african #colour #color #colourful #colorful #scene #nostalgia #memories #kidsplay #kids #children #blue #sky #bluesky #sunshine #sand #amateur #travel #travelnoire #photography #instapic

A photo posted by Ngosa Whoopi Chungu (@whoops.c) on Aug 8, 2015 at 1:09am PDT

Kaoma, Western Province (Kwa Hae)

Zambian ingenuity at its finest. Classic toy made from recycled materials. Love how kids find a way to play with what they have available to them. #zambia #zambian #creativity #creative #kaoma #colourful #colorful #scene #kidsplay #kids #toy #green #recyled #truck #roadtrip #travel #travelnoire #amateurphotography #amateur #photo #photography #instapicture #instapic #filters

A photo posted by Ngosa Whoopi Chungu (@whoops.c) on Aug 14, 2015 at 5:58am PDT

Mongu, Western Province (Kwa Hae)

#PellieFun You want @ZambeefPlc? I'll show you zam beef...😆 Visited a cattle corral #feedingthenation in #Mongu. Finding ways to have fun while on the job. #proudlyzambian #cattle #blackandwhite #amateurphotography #photo #photography #instapicture #instapic #filters #zambia #africa #african #travelnoire #travel #roadtrip #workhardplayhard

A photo posted by Ngosa Whoopi Chungu (@whoops.c) on Aug 15, 2015 at 3:06am PDT

Choma, Southern Province

#Zambia is on the rise. #Choma Mall expanding as #rural development catching up. #proudlyzambian #zambian #africa #african #development #architecture #steel #gate #king #crown #travel #travelling #roadtrip #travelnoire #amateurphotography #amateur #photo #photography #instapicture #instapic #blackandwhite #filters

A photo posted by Ngosa Whoopi Chungu (@whoops.c) on Aug 21, 2015 at 4:15am PDT

Livingstone, Southern Province

#tbt #pelliefun The awesome #VictoriaFalls in #August #Zambia. You can walk along the Falls at this time of year due to low water levels. Whatever time of year you visit, it is an amazing sight and a memorable experience! #proudlyzambian #vicfalls #mosioatunya #africa #waterfalls #falls #cascade #beautiful #amazing #awesome #spiritual #travel #livingstone #roadtrip #travelnoire #amateurphotography #amateur #photo #photography #instapic #instapicture #filters #throwbackthursday

A photo posted by Ngosa Whoopi Chungu (@whoops.c) on Aug 27, 2015 at 3:58am PDT 

Chipata, Eastern Province

#Luangwa river bridge crossing on Great East Road linking #Lusaka to #Chipata and Eastern Province. Dry season is upon us. #dry #river #bed #hills #stark #hot #zambia #africa #nature #scene #naturalbeauty #sunshine #blue #sky #travel #roadtrip #travelnoire #traveller #amateurphotography #amateur #photo #photography #instapic #instapicture #filters

A photo posted by Ngosa Whoopi Chungu (@whoops.c) on Aug 30, 2015 at 5:34am PDT

Mansa, Luapula Province

The road is ruled by pedestrians in #Samfya. Have to hoot to get them off the road in #Luapula Province. #proudlyzambian #zambia #zambian #rural #road #life #people #dusk #scene #africa #african #travel #roadtrip #travelnoire #traveller #amateurphotography #amateur #photo #photography #instapic #instapicture #nofilters

A photo posted by Ngosa Whoopi Chungu (@whoops.c) on Sep 4, 2015 at 9:30am PDT

Lusaka, Lusaka Province (Capital City of Zambia)

#tbt I call this #ProudlyZambian #tree #tamanga #Lusaka style. While in #Chilenje for #ZambeefInYourTown #e18hteam walked around and came across this sign. Can't afford a billboard or a print/ TV ad? In #Zambia that doesn't stop us from getting the word out. We have obliging trees everywhere... #africa #lsk #city #hustle #signage #development #treelover #naturelovers #travel #roadtrip #travelnoire #traveller #amateurphotography #amateur #photo #photography #instapic #instapicture #filters #throwbackthursday

A photo posted by Ngosa Whoopi Chungu (@whoops.c) on Sep 17, 2015 at 4:15am PDT

Chongwe, Lusaka Province

#nofilters #Zambia rural life revolves around trees. Umuti are sure to be near any gathering point, marking a place of congregation . Did you in Bemba umuti also means medicine. Trees are much revered as they provide shelter, sustenance and health. #proudlyzambian #africa #rural #life #scene #colourful #peoplewatching #red #flower #tree #nature #naturelover #naturalbeauty #natureporn #spiritual #soulfood #blue #sky #sun #amateur #colour #photo #photography #instapic #instapicture #bemba

A photo posted by Ngosa Whoopi Chungu (@whoops.c) on Sep 20, 2015 at 8:38am PDT 

For more pictures check out me out on Instagram and live tweeted documentation of trip has been curated in #ZambeefInYourTown.

For more about my journey this year and to keep up-to-date with everything going on with the film, as well my other projects in Zambia and globally, follow me on Facebook  too.

Happy Africa Day!!!

Mwah to the motherland and all her peeps :)

(Re)Branding Afrika

Here is a very thought-provoking article about the way Africa is
viewed by the world and how the new catchphrase is "(Re)branding
Africa" and what that really means. I will admit bias as I know the
beautiful young lady who wrote this and even more so due to the fact
that I proudly wear the t-shirt emblazoned with the mantra she
mentions in her article as I was fortunate to be a part of that
movement during undergrad he he he ;}. It makes me sad that Africa is
homogenised and/ or being colonised by the countries that are able to
get their culture out better than others. I am tired of reminding
people that we are varied, diverse and have the best and the worst as
in any other region in the world. Things are just more transparent
and everything is laid out for everyone to see. And unfortunately
global media choose to focus on our vulnerablities damning us to being
"the dark continent" despite the fact that our light blaze bright and
we have the tools to shine.

I agree with most of what Cheryl says. Yes we are part of the problem
when we refer to Africa sometimes. We do have commonalities that bind
us and the only way for the continent to thrive is for us to work
together and see how our unique strengths and weaknesses affect
ourselves and eachother. It's all about levels. You can refer to the
whole while recognising the parts. Which is why I named this blog
Mwana ba Afrika. I know that my perspective and roots are Southern
African and in particular mostly Zambian but I recognise that it is
important to highlight the many facets of the continent to grow and
thrive. So I thinl we should not abandon out kinship to Africa and
referring to the continent, what we need to be is vigilant and awarew
of how this can be twisted to create an imaginary monolithic view of
our abundant diversity.

I am full of hope though. Mama Afrika has been pulling this mwana back
home for a reason. She knows she has great resources deep in her womb
and walking her land and is mobilising. I know of many others hearing
the drums calling for them. For Africa to take her rightful place in
the world both united as a continent and individually as countries and
people, we of the motherland need to be at the forefront. I am glad
Cheryl is going to speak on our behalf. I have no doubt that she is
the right ambassador in this arena.

Cheryl's article: http://spotghana/articles.aspx
You can comment here: http://spotghana.wordpress.com
Cheryl's website: http://www.rightlysaid.com

P.s. Back to mobile posting so please excuse typos. I have tried to
scroll across to proofread but I can never get to the end without the
cursor jumping to another line or something :(

Happy Peace Day :)

I had posted about International Peace Day a coupla months ago and
ended up thinking it was the 22nd and would have continued to be
misinformed had I not gone to the View Images Film Festival and turned
up inadvertently for the official ceremony marking the day!
Too much happened today, I have been brought peace through a
development that this blog seems to have contributed to. I finally
have a career opportunity that aligns with my passionate personality,
my goals and my love for my beloved continent and the world at large.
Also the ceremony I attended was so infuriatingly entertaining but I
can't type fast enough to keep up with my thoughts so will lug my
computer tomorrow to write about it.
For now I will leave you with words from a dear friend, a beacon of
inspiration, a quintessentially beautiful and proudly African woman,
MRS ANTELOPE: "Never let anyone take your peace." Those words really
resonated with me in 2006 when my life seemed meaningless and without
direction and hope. Everytime I question myself or let outside
influences bog me down I remember those words. Hearing the speakers
talk about peace being a human right and the base from which to build
anything that you want to last life reaffirmed her words and their
meaning. Enjoy your day and make sure to spread the love not only
today, but every day :)

Nets

So Nadal did finally complete the career slam on Monday and I am over the moon! The guy just amazes me! His constant adaptability in order to reach his goals is so inspiring.  Worth staying up into the wee hours of the morn and suffering through rain delays to witness. Was rather disappointed that Fed didn't make it to the final though.  He seemed so uncharacteristically out of sorts I hope this is temporary and not an ominous sign of his demise. He is 29 after all and in Tennis he's a bit long in the tooth really.

Was watching local news and was reading the text whizzing in that bar thing at the bottom and was pleased to see that Zambia has lowered its malaria cases by 60%!!! Then right after that I saw that 7 Malians were arrested for stealing donor funds for malaria!! Craziness.  Why can't there just be good news, why does it always have to be accompanied by the not so good??!! :(

And now you see why I called this post Nets he he he he...

Testy-Testy, 1-2-3 ;}

This post serves to test to see if all my hard work research and navigation of the treacherous waters of mobile blogging have finally paid off. Hopefully this will post otherwise I'll have wasted time on a Saturday morning sleeping!

The title of this post is in honour of some guy testing out a mike to make sure it was working. Cracks me up how we Africans always put a twist on things. As they say, variety is the spice of life :).

I am getting more proficient with my BlackBerry having recently discovered the symbol key that has restored my tongue smiley capabilities so Je suis tres hereuse maintenant. That was in honour of any West Africans who read the blog and wish it was in a more familiar language. However don't expect such special treatment often, my French has decayed to an embarrasingly rudimentary level. I am thinking about rectifying that though. My univeristy education has centered around media and communication and language skills are a fundamental part of connecting in the global sphere.

Either this is going to get lost in the ether (which it has done multiple times in the last two weeks) or you are reading this (I know you are coz I have read this post myself on the blog he he he) and congratulating me for successfully posting using the mobile format having finally gotten my computer on the internet long enough to activate blogging via email instead of unsuccessfully fighting for the Blogger site to load.

Awesome possum - I'm baaaaaaaaaaaack ;}

Darkness While In The Sunshine

Even though I am finally feeling warmth from the bright African sun after freezing most of the summer in California, darkness has fallen on my blog. It pains me to know it is in indefinite umbra and it seems the only way to be able to blog via mobile is to do the final setup from a computer. So I have to get out of my hazy malaise that I have been enjoying. Life has slowed considerably and I think I have indulged that too much. It is time to create waves in my now placid waters.

I do have to say that I have been active in spurts by reconnecting with friends and fighting with a very fiesty mosquito for the 1st couple of days. It used to have a posse but I sent them to sleep with th fishes. However this mozi refuses to be laid to rest and has retaliated by biting me a few times. I am not amused by its petulance. I will win this battle, I will not be taken down by some upstart insect with ridiculously long legs ;}!

I am going to go back to being useless and watch the us open that is turning out to be very interesting and with murray out, Nadal's half of the draw is opening up nicely so he really could make it to the final this year and complete his career slam. I have also learnt from my couch potato tennis watching that it is not wise to watch football in Germany. Poor Serena got injured by glass severing a tendon in her foot after they lost in the World Cup semis! She now has to have surgery to fix her now droopy big toe! I think that however sad this is for the women's game, I think it helps Venus. At least she doesn't have to worry about the possibility of having to play her sister and maybe she can win a title other than Wimbledon, which she hasn't been able to do since 2001!

TIA: This Is Africa :)

As many an African has said, including Leonardo di Caprio in Blood Diamond, "TIA - This is Africa". When foreigners are faced with this reality, panic usually ensues, but us Africans merely shrug our shoulders and find a way to improvise. So here I am making do with my current resources and commencing a new feature on my blog - the mobile post :)!

I was originally going to start this post series with pictures I plan to take as I reacquaint myself with the motherland. But it seems that fate would have me use the most ubiquitous technology on the continent to keep my blog alive while my
computer internet access is on indefinite hiatus!

I apologise in advance for the lack of depth that I usually try to incorporate in my posts through hyperlinks, background info and videos. I will try to be creative, informative and entertaining in other ways :). This will probably lead to more nonsense than usual he he he...

For the moment I am lamenting the lack of the bracket that I use to do my sticking out my tongue smileys and wondering how I am going to continue posting while typing and editing on a small Blackberry keyboard and screen!!