wanamag
DESCRIPTION
First issueTRANSCRIPT
“I am not African
because I was born
in Africa. I am African because
Africa was born in me.”
[3]
Edito 3
Politcs 4
Interview of the month:
Nde Ndifonka 8
ULife 10
Movies 13
Entertainment : Numerica 14
Music 17
Fashion 18
High - Tech 20
Health & Fitness 22
Short story 25
Who is WANA? 27
EDITO CONTENTS
“The youth of today is the future of tomorrow.” Because the African youth has some-times been forgotten or been on the other end of the stick, as friends, both-ers, schoolmates with a similar vision for our continent, we decided to create a platform to promote the positive out-look of this bright generation, our gen-eration, your generation.
Failure, fear, lost, despair, have always come to mind when our continent is
mentioned on the global scene. In 2010, 70% of the continent’s population was under the age of 30, and slightly more than 20% of those were between the ages of 15 and 24. The socio-economic con-ditions of young Africans have improved in recent years, but not considerably. There has been an increase in school enrollment over the past 20 years, and the gender gap in education has narrowed. Despites all those positives aspects, the youth still faces major difficul-ties in the realm of higher education, employment, health coverage and most importantly participation in decision-making processes. Nevertheless our youth has the potential to be a great impetus in the development of Africa, provided that appropriate investments are made towards that cause. The brightest, smartest and most en-ergetic young minds are emerging as one, to lead a strong and con-fident generation.
WANA is a team of young dedicated, focused and conscientious young Africans striving to show the solid bound existing amongst this generation. Our aim is to create a venture where North to South, East to West Africans can share experiences, knowledge and oppor-tunities that can be available to us. The WANA Team will welcome anybody who, just like us, share our vision and would like to contrib-ute to this feat of putting our motherland in the forefront of the world in a positive light. This is for us, it’s for you. It’s for the college student or the artist, the young entrepreneur or the freelancer. Let’s all together show the world that We Are the New Africa.
Ahmed Sallaheddine
[4]
F or a long time, politics has been source of conflicts in many countries, through African conti-
nent. Indeed, since their independence, some countries in this continent have faced many struggles, and civil wars.
Actually, for several years, these nations have been dictatorships and one-party-states, led by men who compelled their citizens to do anything they want. Thus, people did not have free will, and they didn’t even know what true politics is.
However, by dint of leading their coun-try with an iron hand and oppressing their citizens, they were not in touch with the reality on the ground, and they did not see the displeasure of their peo-ple, and the beginning of uprising.
As a result, in the beginning of the 90’s, in numerous African countries, there were riots, because people were fed up with tyranny, and they clamored for more freedom of expression, speech, and thought.
From that moment, most of leaders spot-ted that they could not fool the eyes of their populations anymore, and they had to calm down the situation.
Consequently, in Cameroon, Gabon and many others countries, the Heads of States make the decision to allow the multiparty system in their countries, and
to let people have free will to make their choices. Furthermore, they authorized freedom of the press. We can show Cameroon such as a very good example. Indeed, The Head of State, his Excel-lency Paul Biya, as soon as he has de-cided to allow any Cameroonian citizen to make up a newspaper, put all the means to respect his word and this lib-erty.
“Leaders are making to improve the democ-
ratic process”
Therefore, in these nations, people are getting more and more involved in poli-tics, because there are many parties. Actually, since these events, there have been many elections organized within these countries, and we can highlight the efforts that leaders are making to im-prove the democratic process.
For instance, the last presidential elec-tions in Senegal, Cameroon or even in Ghana have been a model of democracy. We can also talk about the one in Ga-bon, and the remarkable work done by Rose Rogombé, the Head of the Senate, to ensure a perfect transition respectful of the institutions, after the death of
Omar Bongo. In addition, more recently, the senatorial elections in Cameroon must also be seen as a huge step for de-mocracy in our continent.
Surprisingly, South Africa, which has widely known troubles during the apart-heid, is one of the most advanced coun-tries in democracy through the Conti-nent.
However, there is still one major point. It affects the entire continent, whatever the country. In fact, according to the disparity between the different countries across the continent about democracy, we could have assumed that commit-ment in politics for African youth is widely diametric depending on areas. But Interestingly, in all likelihood, the situation is totally at odds.
“Young people see poli-tics as an environment not fighting for them”
Actually, even though we cannot com-pare some countries with others merely because the context is “apples and or-anges”, we could even so point out that broadly, involvement in politics for young Africans is still quite low.
PO
LIT
ICS
AFRICAN YOUTH AND POLITICS
By Lionel SOPPO
[5]
In reality, young people, sometimes rightly, at times wrongly, seeing politics as an environment not fitting for them, because they are convinced that they will not have the opportunity to step up in this field. In addition, they also con-sider that showing any interest in this profession is a waste of time, because politicians will try holding them back, and even if few of young people succeed in penetrating into this environment, they will be compelled to be involved in unlawful things. According to them, it is difficult to be a politician without being involved in such immoral agreement.
The truth is that in some countries, re-gimes are totally corrupted, face-off between the President and his opponent is nonexistent, elections are disguised, and everyone knows the result of the polls before the vote. Usually in these countries, there are few newspapers, and just one or two TV broadcasts, entirely controlled by the President. Politicians “If we can name them like that” are deeply corrupted or fearful of the re-gime, and no one dares to move a mus-cle, because the President has all pow-ers. For instance, how could a President be meanwhile the President of the Re-public and head of government? How could intellectual ideas flourish in such a country?
“Proscovia Alengot Oromait might be the
best example for young people.”
It is obvious that young people from these nations think there is no way out, and their fates are sealed. They do not want to talk about politics, and even if they wanted, they would not have the right to. In their opinion, the future in their countries is lackluster. No one can
condemn their feelings, because no one knows what they are going through daily. No one except them.
But unlike these countries where the political regime is rotten to the core, and which ought to be destroyed from within, it is possible to highlight that in several African nations, leaders are try-ing to involve young people in politics. Doubtlessly, the Cameroonian example is a good one to show. Indeed, since he took the decision to accept the multi-party system, The President Biya put all the means to improve democracy and the electoral system. Although it is not per-fect yet, because the way toward the success is very long and strong, we could unquestionably assert that democ-racy is moving forward everyday in this country. Moreover, more recently, the great work done by Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) to organize fair elections and to incite each Cameroonian citizen to register on the electoral lists to exer-cise their voting right is a proof of these improvements.
Furthermore, other nations such as Sene-gal, Gabon, Ghana, or even Kenya can be taken as examples in the success of the electoral and democratic process. We can notice the renewal of the political class in these countries, especially in Gabon and Senegal, with young Presi-dents such as Macky Sall or Ali Ben Bongo.
Within these states, young people have to get involved in politics, because they have this opportunity. Besides, it is pri-mordial for them merely because they have to choose their leaders, and to pre-pare themselves to take the helm in the future. Even if for now some are pessi-mistic, because they still have a bad idea about African politics and politicians, once more at times rightly, sometimes wrongly, they have to look around them, and figure out that they are well off compared to many young around the world. Thus, they ought to be more up-
beat, even if some of them stem from poor-stricken areas, and continue mak-ing things better and better.
Proscovia Alengot Oromait might be the best example for young people. This 20- year-old girl has become the Africa’s youngest ever legislator in Uganda after winning a seat beforehand held by his father, after the latter’s death. She has faced up to eight candidates, and she succeeded in beating them out. She got a landslide victory, with a comfortable lead over other candidates. As a result, her overwhelming victory encouraged her to be more concerned about politics, and the future of his country. Young people should see this young girl as an example to follow.
“African Governments must not forget their duty toward the Afri-
can youth.”
Artists also have a major prominence in the commitment of young Africans, for instance, singers such as Keurtyce. E in Gabon and Valsero in Cameroon are trying through their music to spur young people to be more interested in politics.
Concerning North Africa, the interest showing by young people in politics skyrockets since “The Arab Spring” in 2011. Before this period, most of them were afraid of talking about politics, for
[6]
fear of being locked up. But now they are struggling every single day to make their voices heard. Consequently, though there is still stonewalling to impeach them to give their point of view, their voices are becoming louder and louder.
But, African Governments and Political parties must not forget their duty toward African youth. In fact, they have to stop fighting against each other, in order to show the good example to their youth, and to prove them they love the continent. The point is, young people are not shunning politics because they do not love it; they are dodging politics due to all these con-flicts they are seeing in their continent just because of the power. Moreover, political parties have to make deep changes, to include young inside them. In addition, they have to break the mould of being dominated only by older people. For in-stance in Morocco, parties are increasingly opening their doors to young people by allocating quotas for them within decisions making bodies. This example might be a good one to the other countries, not only in Africa, but also throughout the world.
Furthermore, young people are claiming for a high quality of life, education and jobs. Because, the smarter the people are, the better the society works. Politicians have to solve these
deep-seated issues at the roots, and that way, there are more chances that young Africans become more and more involved in politics, and have a good insight on it.
Lastly, youth is the future of Africa, and young Africans can-not be reluctant to get involved in their continent. It is not time to prevaricate, but to go forward. Young people have to show to adults that they are ready to handle the future of their conti-nent, and to lead it through the success and the victory. Even the ones who are in difficult living conditions in dictatorships have to, despite of all their difficulties, stay optimist and confi-dent in the future.
[7]
Cape Town by night….
[8]
What are some challenges you faced as an international student, how did you over come these challenges? The immediate challenge as an interna-tional student was finance. It is tough studying in a new country. I started play-ing gigs in order to supplement my in-come. I also had to deal with the cultural shock of working with people of a new
and different culture. What misconceptions about Africa would you like to change and how? I think things have changed a lot and the world is recognizing the fact that Africa has great potential in every area. A lot of the misconceptions I often experienced abroad about Africa have reduced greatly. However, many Afri-cans themselves still have misconceptions about where Africa is – we need to educate Africans more to believe in Africa and understand that the revolution is happening, we are living it right now. During college were you involved in any cultural student groups, what role did you have? As President of the University of Buea Law Society, I organized a series of cultural activities such as a Law Society Concert, to give law students a chance to break some of the myths surrounding the profession. While doing a Masters in Forced Migration at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johan-nesburg, I was involved in a South African musical known as Sauer Street, and a lot of people were surprised because they assumed I would be a music student. How can the youth of Africa and African Diaspora become more involved and passionate with their culture? Politically, we need to get more support for arts and culture – not handout or little grants – but a bigger political plan with massive investments to valorize arts and culture, and embellish it with the glamour required to both sell it overseas and to add real value to the trade and lives of creative people. How do you envision Africa to be in ten to twenty years? Competing directly against the West in all fields – music, business etc.
NDE NDIFONKA a.k.a WAX DEY Wax aka Nde Ndifonka is singer and producer born in the city of Bamenda in Cameroon in 1981. He is based in South Africa, but also internationally known as a social activist, academic, humanitarian, and re-naissance writer. His work includes fightnig ills such as human trafficking and xenophobia across the Afri-can continent, working with the United Nations, for which he is a spokesperson.
By Abel Belema
INT
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[9]
What makes you so passionate about your culture ? I guess I was born that way. What improvements would you like to see occur in your life time? Roads and town planning. It is a complete mess, and we are just scared of tearing down in order to build up! We need to get past that myopia. What country are you representing? What are you most proud of about your country and Africa? Cameroon. I love Cameroon because it’s bilingual (English and French), the food is really good, and the people are peaceful, fun;-loving people. How can the youth of Africa and African Diaspora become more involved in their culture? We all need to learn to dare and do things to ameliorate the state of our culture. I decided to come back to Cameroon to start the TV show Number One Girl (check out Number One Girl TV on Facebook). I think when we dream more, and dare more, things become better. I have also just completed a compilation called ‘Cameroon Awake Vol 1’, a collaboration between my record company Lolhiphop Records and Sheer Publishing in South Africa, with the aim of exposing Cameroo-nian music to the world. The compilation united established and experienced musi-cians with young and upcoming ones, and is the first compilation from Cameroon that cuts across the Anglophone and francophone divide.
Are you currently involved in an organization that focuses on the empowerment and improvement of life for our youths? What is the name of this organization and what is goal of this organization ? I undertake a lot of social projects. In South Africa, I initiated a project where we used music as a healing process for vulnerable children and orphans. My company Lolhiphop Records ran this in collaboration with Save the Children UK. In May 2010, I was named LadybrilleMagazine’s man of the Month for the use of music in spreading social awareness among African youths. Lolhiphop Records ahs also run a number of musical projects to address social is-sues that affect youth, such as a counter-xenophobia program in association with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the South African Human Trafficking Awareness Week in collaboration with the Government of South Africa and the United Nations. Are you an entrepreneur? What is the name of your company, was your company influenced by African culture? My company Lolhiphop Records is an audio-and visual production company. We also manage artists and publish music. We were involved in the publishing of the song Waka Waka by Shakira (through our clients Golden Sounds who originally wrote the song). We have produced an array of artists form the African continent, and the TV show Number One Girl is now a flagship production. My albums are also released through Lolhiphop Records. Give us your opinion about The WANA initiative and words to our readers? It’s a great initiative. As I said, dreaming and daring is key to our common advance-ment, and that is what I see here.
[10]
M onash South Africa is one of the 8 Monash Uni-
versity campuses. Monash University is one of the
top 50 best universities in the world. This prestig-
ious university welcomes thousands of students
each year in its 9 worldwide campuses. But let’s talk a look at
the South Africa where I just happen to be studying (lol)
It’s a fairly fast growing school. It has about 8000 (give or take)
students, mostly international students, as expected from a
“foreign” university (South African perspective). I’ve made so
many friends from diverse horizons: Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya,
Mozambique, France, Congo DRC, Mauritius, Australia, Tanza-
nia, Romania etc… So basically it’s got this fantastic interna-
tional culture. One of the students I talked to, Moustapha
Guido from Senegal said “The environment is really nice be-
cause you meet people from other parts of Africa and of the
world, you learn other cultures also. The multi culture is a
really good thing. It really helps to develop your knowledge of
the world, the people also are so friendly”
ULife
Monash
South
Africa By Alice-Maëlle K.
Chantal Robi Mabanga, student from Tanzania, says Monash exposes stu-
dents to more various types of people, which helps them adapt to unique
personalities.
What would be varsity life without the parties and all the fun that comes
with it? A total bore right? Well, Jozi (Johannesburg in short) has that part
covered!! It offers to its population a range of diverse and fun activities that
shows all the African spirit in a metropolis. From clubbing to fun walk
around hot spots to the shopping or expeditions in the wild, Johannesburg
has everything to fit everybody’s relaxation needs as well as their pockets.
[11]
Hot Spots in Johannesburg:
Considering the time I’ve spent at Monash South Africa and in
South Africa in general, I know students have a taste for party
ing. These are my friends’ favorite places (and mine) to hang:
Hector Pieterson Museum, Museum Africa and the Apartheid
Museum: You want to get more information about our African
roots, these are the places you want to visit. Personally, the
way I pictured Africa was changed once I visited Museum Af-
rica and the Apartheid Museum. There is a story behind every
picture, every object, and every sound. It was a very enlight-
ening experience.
Gold Reef City: First thing that came to mind for the majority
of the people I’ve talked to. It’s a theme park not far from the
city center. It has many thrill rides for the adrenaline adepts, a
wide range of attractions for the young and the not-so-young.
Great place to have fun with friends and family, great ambiance
and not expensive at all!!
Wildwaters Boksburg: It’s “the beach within reach” a water
theme park with the sickest attractions! Why go all the way to
Cape Town when you can have the beach not far from school
(or home) and all the fun of a theme park in one place?
Paintball in Fourways, karting in Sunninghill and Ice-Skating in
Northgate: Thrill and couple of bruises, souvenirs of goods
times
[12]
Sun City: It’s a stylish, awe-inspiring hotel side by side with a Game
Reserve and superb water theme park with its beautiful artificial
beach.
Shapping sprees at Sandton City, Clearwater Mall, The-Bank in Rose-
bank…
Zoo lake, Walter Sisulu Botanic garden for nice picnics and open-aired
braais (barbecues), romantic walks in the park…
Sway, Icon, Taboo, Envy, all four in Sandton, for the night cats. There
are the hottest clubs of the moment. They’re all classy and have awe-
some ambiances
For a more relaxed and down-to-earth nightlife, your eyes should turn
to the 7th street of Melville, Cubana and Co.fi in Fourways or Liquid-
Chefs in Rosebank. Students, workers and everything in between
meet to have cocktails, shooters, eat a-ma-zing food and let them-
selves go!
Contrarily as one could think, South Africa provides a top level educa
tion as well as a world class entertainment which we, Monash stu
dents enjoy to the maximum. The right combination to go forward
and THINK BIG, Monash style. ;)
« Ancora imparo »
[13]
M
OV
IES
AFRICA INSPIRES TO UNITE
Film shot in South Africa and directed by the French Jérôme
Salle (Largo Winch, Anthony Zimmer), we find in the cast, the
famous Hollywood actors Forest Whitaker (Phone Game,
The Last King of Scotland) and Orlando Bloom (Pirates of the
Caribbean the Lord of the Rings). This is the story of a black
policeman and his white teammate investigating on a case of
double murder and drugs in the heart of South Africa during
the apartheid and while crimes and delinquency rate are
increasing. This film takes us back to one of the most signifi-
cant events in the history of Africa, but also reveals how
two men seems to oppose all face their inner demons and
come together to solve a case.
BONESHAKER, by Frances Bodomo (released on
Jan. 2013)
The film directed by the Ghanian young director based in New
York, Frances Bodomo, traces the life of a family with the same
origin who chose to immigrate to the country of Uncle Sam.
there, they get lost in seeking a Pentecostal church which can
treat the mystical problems of the little girl called Blessing. This
is a film that illustrates the way the uprooting that accompany
immigration, culture shock, alienation of African in the United
States but also the touching story of a little girl whose family
has sacrificed everything for its survival. Bodomo also emphasi-
zes the difficulty for this family to impose their traditional be-
liefs in the new environment and how they will have to adapt
to it.
AFRICA INSPIRES TO REVEAL AFRICA INSPIRES TO TOUCH
KINSHASA KIDS, by Marc-Henri Wajnberg
(released on Feb.. 2013)
Rejected by their families for being accused of witchcraft, nearly
30,000 children are in the streets of the capital of the Democra-
tic Republic of Congo. Left to themselves, the band of Emma,
composed of eight kids decided to form a rap band to survive.
Under the care of Bebson, a musician crook but with a big
heart, they will rock Kinshasa together. Initially, the Belgian di-
rector Wajnberg had planned to make a documentary about the
children stigmatized as sorcerers, but decided to make a fiction
and reveals the charm and festive and musical spirit of the
streets of Kinshasa.
ZULU, by Jérôme Salle (release in summer 2013)
AFRICA : PERPETUAL SOURCE OF
INSPIRATION The old continent continues to inspire many European and American filmmakers, who through their
works, revels to us the many facets of Africa: its history, its culture and customs ...
By Kate Mouliom
[14]
My name is Tientcheu Alexandre
Loic .I’m 23 years old and I was born in
Maroua, in the Northern part of Camer-
oon. I lived in that area for 2 years be-
fore relocating to Yaoundé .I love sports,
especially football. I love watching mov-
ies and hanging out with my friends. I
can’t forget to mention that I enjoy the
internet. It allows me to be in instanta-
neous contact with my fans and friends.
On a daily basis; I keep busy with school,
studios and occasional shows.
Ahaha...really I dont know if I can re-
member the first song I ever listened.
But I can remember the first song that
made me start singing.
Lately I have mostly been listening to
Nigerian songs (I love the naija style).
My favorite album by another artist is
“Drole de parcours” by French rapper La
Fouine.Also I like “Pink Friday Reloaded”
by Nicky Minaj.
Of course, I'm most proud of my latest
single out now which is "Vas-y Molo".
Because I made a lot of improvements in
my work and it’s from that song that I
started understanding what the public
likes. I really put my all on that song.
Nooooo... I don't joke in the studio,so
every song is important to me.
I don't yet have an album I'm still doing
singles.
EN
TE
RT
AIN
ME
NT
A little presentation....
remember hearing? What’s the first song you
What are you listening to lately?
What’s your favorite album?
most proud of ? What song of yours are you
Why ?
you wish you hadn’t ? Are there any song you’ve do-
Is this your first album ?
By Hannan
[15]
Not married yet.lol.But I’m in a relationship now.
Not really. It’s alright; I just have to know my pri-
orities in life ;)
with anyone ? Are you married or involved
weren’t a musician ? What would you be doing if
you’re out on the road
relationship when Is it hard to maintain a
I just got out of the studio to finish my latest single;
which you guys can exclusively listen to, because it’s
not out for the general public yet.
I most likely would have been playing football or
been in an office signing documents
When do you go back in the studio ?
[16]
Beyonce, Sean Paul, Dj Arafat, P-Square, Lil’ Wayne, Nicky Minaj , La Fouine , Wizkid and Sarkodie. I know it's' a big dream.lol.
I don't know. I leave it up to God to decide what the future holds for me.
What’s next for you ?
Which musicians would be in
your « dream band » ?
Professionally, what’s your goal ?
Serge Beynaud, Wizkid and Dj Arafat.
For those readers who are still in school, I would say never give up on your education, because it’s the key to success. Also always follow your dreams, because it all starts with a dream. To be a superstar and be a reference in what i do.
Name three artists you’d like
To be compared to
What’s the best piece of advice
You can give to our readers ?
[17]
AFRICAN RYTHMS WITHIN
POP AND ROCK
We had already used the famous "Soul Makossa" of famous saxophonist Manu Dibango, sample used by Mi-chael Jackson, Rihanna and Akon. Or, more recently, "Waka Waka" by Shakira, inspired by a popuCameroon song. But so far, Africa continues to set the pace even where we least expect it.
By Kate Mouliom
MU
SIC
SOLANGE
It is this more like the little sister of Beyonce, but as a fashion icon and ambassador Nappy culture, but also as a unique singer and even DJ. It
is known as Solange appre-
ciate the African culture. Moreover, in October 2012, was released "Losing You" the first single from his third al-bum (True), the colorful clip, and paying tribute to the Con-golese fire, was shot in South Africa. The singer revisits the pop music of the 80s with a touch of electro and African percussion. In her soft voice, we easily take leave
VAMPIRE WEEKEND
Indie rock group New Yorkers formed initially by students in
musicology, to stand out, Vampire Weekend does not hesi-
tate to be influenced by the African music culture. They then made up of pieces of colored Soukous or even Kwassa Kwassa, Congolese musical styles. Resulting two albums, a first and a second eponymous titled Contra. This feeling of being both in the heart of the Big Apple and open safari or on the coast of Cape Town, the group claims. Moreover, a third album (Modern Vampires of the City) is scheduled for next May and promises to remain faithful to his particular style.
After 7 years of absence, Justin Timberlake is back with a
precious Gem called "The 20/20 Experience," always together
with his very loyal producer Timbaland.
Musical maturity is perceived through the ten songs on the album neo soul. But the most surprising is that we also find African sounds (Let Get In the Groove) containing a sample of
"Alhamdulillahi" extract BURKINA FASO Rhythms of the Grasslands, eponymous album. Justin has always been
influenced among others by the Latin and Eastern music. It is a pleasure to note that the singer was tempted by a stop in Africa to make a comeback.
JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE
[18]
Pagne: The pagne or wrapper is a colorful women's garment widely worn in almost every
country in Africa. It has a formal and informal versions and varies from simple draped clothing
to fully tailored ensembles and the formality of the wrapper depends on the fabric used to cre-
ate it.
African-style wax-print is making headlines as designer brands, like Yves Saint Laurent and
Burberry, explore the textile in their collections, and celebrities add bold African print pieces
to their wardrobes. This surge of interest in the West is coupled with a textiles revolution of
sorts in African countries where young designers and creative entrepreneurs are extending the
use of African print from clothing to shoes, purses, jewelry.
The patterns of pagnes are amazing. There are geometrics, floral and even designs based on
household objects like brooms , fans, animals, and the brightness, the patterns, the difference!
For many, the vibrancy of African print fabrics is emblematic of African creativity and culture
but, for anyone willing to scratch the textile’s surface, a more complex story emerges.
It’s amazing how the Pagne found its way to the hall of fame and how commonly it is worn by
celebrities. However, the head wrapper (which in my opinion represents a crown) remains in
style.
Scarves: The scarf, also African cultural accessory, is similar to the pagne but it’s the
smaller versions of it. The only difference is that you wear it on your head. It has been the
trend for young celebrities for quite some time now.
Global
circulation
of African
Fashion
By Kwin Valencia
FASHION
[19]
Various styles of turbans are worn all
over the world and they are usually
worn for religious reasons. In the 60s
and 70s however, celebrities like Joa
Crawford, Faye Dunaway and Eliza-
beth Taylor made it glamorous to
wear a turban. Nowadays you can see
it on tons of celebrities from Kourtney
Kardashian to Carrie from Sex and
the City(SJP) to Mary Kate Olsen
and Amber rose. It can dramatically
change your look, and make a plain
outfit pop! From the catwalk to the
sidewalk, you can see this trend can
wear many different ways, as seen be-
low. This fashion statement is fun, bold,
and here to stay!
[20]
C anadian telecomm company RIM (which
stands for Research in Motion) may once
again rise up to compete in the smart-
phone market as it breathes new life into its
Blackberry brand of phones, through the intro-
duction of the new Blackberry Z10. After losing
considerable market share to Apple and Android,
the Z10 is Blackberry’s last ditch attempt at re-
gaining some footing in the smartphone race .
The phone comes loaded with the latest Black-
berry 10 operating system and is available in ei-
ther black or white. The back panel has a stipple
pattern which provides for a nice grip and tex-
ture, and it’s also durable and resistant to
scratching. In addition to the phone’s impressive
specifications and technical features it has the
latest touchscreen technology, a 4.2 inch high-
quality LCD screen and an 1800 mAH removable
battery with a battery life of about 6 hours or
more. On top of that, there is a noise-
cancellation microphone and sleep/wake button
on the top part, an 8mp camera with LED flash
on the back and a 2mp camera on the front. The
back camera records video at 1080p while the
front camera records at 720p.
Near-field communication technology is built into
the back panel of the Z10, which enables radio
communication between mobile devices by
touching them to each other or bringing them
within close proximity. A microSD slot in the
back of the phone expands the phone storage up
to 64 GB, in addition to the 16 GB storage which
is already on board the phone. The phone’s dual-
core processor is a Snapdragon S4 manufactured
by Qualcomm, which runs at 1.5 GHz on 2 GB of
RAM.
HIGH –TECH
RIM’S NEW HOPE ?
By Patrick Ofonagoro
[21]
The Z10 OS hosts a gesture-based user interface which means the
phone requires a combination of finger swipes on the touch screen in
order to navigate around the device. For example, to unlock the de-
vice or wake it up, swipe your finger upwards. Or to enter silence
mode and turn off notifications, swipe your finger downwards. There
may be very little content in the Blackberry App Store for the time
being, but the Z10 already comes pre-installed with a whole plethora
of apps some of which include; Remember (a notification app), Story
Maker (a detailed video editor), Print to Go (a print option which en-
ables printing direct from the phone) and last but not least, Smart
Tags (used for reading QR codes).
To wrap up, the Z10 comes installed with an impressive voice control
system which can be activated by pressing and holding the mute but-
ton on the side of the phone. It comes pre-programmed with a wide
range of voice commands to choose from; such as a command to set
a reminder on your calendar, or a command to post a tweet you have
composed to the Internet.
To learn more about the other breath-taking features and functional-
ities of the phone, further information can be found on the main
Blackberry website. But with a durable, lightweight, damage-resistant
body, a quick and stable operating system, and a smooth, touchscreen
user interface, Blackberry may just have a shot at coming out on top
as one of the giants of the smartphone industry.
[22]
S ummer is coming, summer is coming!!!! It’s almost that time of the year again. The time of scorching heat, trips to the
beach, and showing that body you have been working to get in perfect shape all these months. Unfortunately for many of us, sum-mer time is a season that brings sorrow to the heart. For many people struggling to stay in shape and attain the desired body type, it is always the most uncomfortable season of the year. This is mainly due to the fact that oth-ers around them constantly showcase their perfect figures, a sentiment not shared by those not pleased with the person they see in the mirror.
The problem, experts have concluded, is that most of the time, people just do not know exactly what to do to accomplish their goal of obtaining their desired perfect body shape. Many of them are not really fully committed to this process. It takes discipline, dedication
and perseverance to obtain the desired body shape. Slacking off, not being focused, not giving 100% effort would only result to disap-pointment at the end. It has been proven that this transformation is a strenuous process that requires a complete strength of mind of the subject. It is in a way comparable to a homework in school. It takes time to achieve it. There is a methodology to follow, procras-tination would not get you to the result, and most importantly discipline is a must.
So what are the proper steps to take in order to achieve the goal of getting a perfect shape you might ask? Well it is without any doubt that getting off that couch and exercising regularly is the first step. The next step, which is as trivial as the first one, is getting the proper alimentation. Following these steps alone does not guarantee absolute results, but they will most certainly get you to 95% of your goals, if carried appropriately.
FITNESS & HEALTH By Cedrick Yonta
[23]
Whether you are getting in the gym for the first time, or you are a regular, following a workout routine is always a must. It is necessary to have a sequence of exercises targeting specific muscles. Knowing your body type is always a plus. As a matter of fact, we were all born with different body types (ectomorph, mesomorph, endomorph for men and V shape, I shape, A shape, X shape etc… for women)
Being aware of his/her body shape reduces the risks of wrongfully exercising, for the results will never be the expected ones. Also it is important to not impose the body to more strain than it can sustain. Many inexperienced people would go to the gym and think it is by lifting the heaviest weights that they will acquire the most muscle mass in a short amount of time. That could be a fatal mistake. Lifting weights is a process that starts from the bottom up to the top, meaning you should start with light weights and carry on with time to the heaviest ones, thus letting you body get accustomed to the heavy loads.
Another important aspect of working out is to make sure that all the body parts are targeted by your exercises. This means in you routines, it is im-perative to have days for upper body parts, as well as days for lower body parts. It is common for men in general to work upper body parts and forget about the lower parts (legs),thus sometimes ending up looking unevenly shaped (the Johnny Bravo look).So along with lifting weights, cardio exercises are always recommended. Not only they helped work out your lower body parts, they also allow blood to circulate better in your entire body, this in turns can prevent certain illnesses related to blood flow in the body.
[24]
Getting the proper alimentation is as men-tioned previously very crucial when wanting to attain a good body. Not only for health reasons it is important to eat properly, but when working out eating unhealthy food would only slow down your results, and you will feel as if you are not progressing in your mission to get your desired body shape. Eating healthy consists mainly on cutting down on the unnecessary foods, such as junk food, fast food, sodas etc… then again it all depends on body types. For some people, it is easier to get
rid of the bad intakes than for others. We all have different metabolisms; therefore it is triv-ial to know our bodies. In all, eating a lot of white meat, salad, fruits and such will always help you in your journey to the perfect body shape. Eating just as working out should be done with discipline and a routine should be followed. Skipping on meals or eating at any time of the day is never recommended. For those not sure about the process of eating healthy, first seeing a dietitian is always a good step to take.
Now you have it. It is never too late to start the process of obtaining a perfect body shape. With a little bit of determination and focus, you too can have that perfect figure you have wanted to have all these months. Many have been able to achieve amazing transformations, why not you. Make today be the first day of you own transformation, and probably before the end of the summer, you too will be one step closer to having that amazing body that your peers around you will envy.
[25]
Just the three of us By Jade M.O
It is morning. I am still in bed; and i still want to
sleep. But yes, the world is calling and I have to
go and throw myself in it again.
Sir is still in bed too. He always leaves after me;
I often think he has the good life! Damn. So I am
awake and acting robot. It simply means that I
will get up, go in the kitchen and wash the dis-
hes in the kitchen, go in the living area and fix
up all the mess of the day before, put all the
lights off, make coffee quickly and gently, and
then go and take my shower.
Ah!! This is it, my moment, when am under the
water, receiving gladly and hungrily the water,
caressing my face and my body all at the same
time. Here, I can laugh, I can think of the day
ahead, I can think about me. Then the 2o next
minutes will see me exiting home, all dressed up
and ready to go. When I left, Sir is still in bed; of
course…
I am living in a new country, and am still trying
to find my feet on that new game area, as I call
it. The town is not bigger as my hometown, but I
still can’t make myself at ease. Taking the cab
allows me to discover all the different places I
have not been too, or that I will have to go later.
My sense of orientation is not so great, but am I
will get there eventually. Getting to work only
take 2O minutes of my time. Its fine, not ex-
hausting. That way, I can be sharp and ready to
fight for the day.
08h45. Just in time to open the office. I like
being the first one to get there, having the space
for me for a while, before the rest of the team
has to come and invade. It’s a nice place to be
alone in; first thing, setting my computer and
start singing one of Beyoncé’s Songs that give
me the punch for the day. Who run the world??
(Me, I am telling myself).
Until now, perfection exists and I am smiling
from teeth to teeth. Everything just falls down
when my phone rings. “Yes, Joyce on the pho-
ne”, am muttering. “Of course, I am sorry Ja-
mes, I will fix it”, “ok, bye, I call you back later”.
Sun has not shown his color this morning and
already clients are calling me as if I have inter-
rupted their dreams last night. My phone vibra-
tes one more time. “Oh Hi Elena, yes, am good
and you ?”. “I have to go and meet Mrs Roberts,
then go to the press, approve some text with
another client. You want me to come? “Euh,
hmmm, euh ok, I can try and make it for the af-
ternoon, ok, see u in a while”
That was my boss; somehow you know we al-
ways have to be very polite with your boss. She
needs to feel on the other side that you are smi-
ling and in love with your job. Well, Yes, I do my
love my job tons and tons. I will never deny it.
It’s about meeting people, creating bonds with
them, and most important engaging with them.
I am connecting people from what they dream
[26]
about to what I can really do for that. I try to realize
their vision, and trust me, that’s not easy at all. But
the challenge is always on, that’s all the bottom line.
As I was talking over the phone to my lady boss, my
colleagues were arriving, one after the other, taking
over their offices. I did have time only to assign to
each of them their daily tasks, I have to leave the
office in search of new businesses.
But am not going to serve you that, my job, the peo-
ple in it and the ins and out. I know all the interest
you have in those readings. So lets’s go straight to
that.
There we are, at lunch, in a small restaurant not
very far from my work place. The restaurant is mos-
tly known by all these young people who want to
affirm their social identity and their success. Every-
thing has to be measured trough their order: the
more elaborated plates are sometimes the most ex-
pensive, or in another way, ordering a bottle of wi-
ne at 1pm instead of taking a beer or cold drink for
example says it all. There were codes that I was slo-
wly recognizing and use later somehow. I was deep
in my observation when she came in.
A lovely lady, not really tall, with her shy smile pla-
ced in her lips. She wears a short black skirt, a top
and a brow jacket over it. Her hair always natural
and always brushed the same way every time I met
her. Meet my friend, Andy. Andy is 26, married two
years ago from now and mother of a lovely little
boy. Every time I see her, I remember how lucky I
am to have her in my life. So grateful for the place
she is taking day by day.
“Hey Honey, how have you been”, she asks me whi-
le deposing a quick peck on my cheek. “I am great
Andy! You look lovely!”. And am smiling back at
her. “Is she not there yet?” “No”. We exchange gig-
gles and both turn our head at the same time, loo-
king at the sexy lady that just came into the venue.
All eyes are devoted on her, both men and women.
Some even have their mouth wide open, forgetting
about all manners that they were portraying before.
The sexy lady looks so sexy that I can’t hide my own
surprise. Sexy lady is wearing a red dress exposing
all her curves, and she walks as if she is winning.
Her long hair fixed in a ponytail, she has that red
lipstick that send you back to memories of Sharon
Stone in Basic Instinct. She finishes her outfit with
nude high heels, I should say very high heels. Sexy
lady is now smiling and gazing at us, coming
straight towards us and stopping at our table.
“Hello ladies!!” She says with a radiant smile. And
we both wake up from our chairs to give her back
her love. “Hello Sylvia, girl you look hot as always!!”
She rolls her eyes at me and we all end up in a fu-
rious laugh. This is just so refreshing, having both
of those ladies at my side. Sylvia, Miss Sexy lady is
another part of me here, a fresh young woman with
determination full in her bag. She is a mom of one
too and a fully independent woman, although she
has a man in her life. Quite young, but she is car-
rying the weight of experiences that I have not been
through yet; she has been a great counselor so far,
and am so thankful also to know her. I actually met
Sylvia trough Andy, and though Andy and I share
the same hometown, Sylvia has been so wonderful
in understanding us.
Andy and I are coming from different background,
but we became soul’s sisters the first day we met.
All simple: we lived the same experience at diffe-
rent moment. We are both married in an estranged
country; we both left behind us our beloved family
for the love of one. And most important of all the
items in the list, we do feel alone, really alone.
The three of us form that small trio that meet as
much as they can, during lunch time or during week
-ends, inviting each other, or texting each other in-
definitely. This is the scene, for now 2 new people
that I present to you. Am about to disclose those
views we want hidden in our heart, those feelings or
those stories that other women or even men have
maybe lived, without any glamour around it. Be
ready, it’s not going to be all pretty all round…..
Just the three of us,
We can make it if we try, just the three of us….
[27]
WANAMAG TEAM
Founder and Director of publication
Ahmed Sallaheddine
Co-Founder and Editor in chief
Cedrick Yonta
Artistic Director
Harold Gnowa
Artistic Designer
Kate Mouliom
Writers
Lionel Soppo - Politics
Abel Belema - Interviewer
Hannan - Interviewer
Alice Maëlle Kamgang N. - ULife
Kwin Valencia - Fashion
Patrick Ofonagoro - High-Tech
Jane M.O. - Short story
[28]
Cedrick YONTA
Although currently pursuing a degree in Engineering,Africa and its cause
have always been closed to my heart. Having lived in several countries
outside the continent has made me realize how important were my roots
and that no matter what, one should always take pride in his origins.
Contact: facebook.com/LeonnelCedrickYonta
Ahmed SALLAHEDDINE
I’m not a pundit or a journalism student. In fact, except for my Degree in Busi-
ness Management, I've never taken a journalism course in my life. I just hap-
pen to have read a lot of books and stories about Africa and its youth, just
wanted to be part of this Amazing Generation on the Rise as an Afropolitan.
Kate MOULIOM
Geek in training, i am very passionate about music and am a cinephile in
my spare time. I love to share the cultural discoveries of Africa through my
writings.
Contact me: facebook.com/kate.mouliom
Harold GNOWA
Im a Graphic Designer living in Tunis.I am very passionate about anything
that is artistic.Having discovered at a very young age that i could see arts in
everything surrounding me, i strive to put this skill in the beautification of
AFRICA.
[29]
Abel BELEMA
She resides in New York City where she is pursuing a career in the Medical
Field; she has a great passion and interest in African culture. Belema is an
interviewer for WANA Mag.
Hannan
Studying International Law at the Sorbonne in Abu Dhabi,
im very passionate about music,culture and politics.
Lionel SOPPO He is a young African political analyst. Being issued from a family of
politicians and jurists helped him having an accurate vision about poli-
tics. His passion began to grow when he started traveling across the
world, and figured out how important is to be a part of the development
of Africa, and what makes it such a compelling continent.
E-mail: [email protected]
For more analysis please check on Facebook:
Rising Africa by Lionel SOPPO
Alice Maelle KAMGANG N.
Cameroonian and Chartered Accountancy student at Monash South Afri-
ca, enjoys music, good food and social events.
[30]
Jade M.O.
As dreams become reality, I pride myself in storytelling; stories of African women that need to be told, hoping they would be under-
stood, and not be judged. This is who I am, Jade M.O. Contact: [email protected], facebook.com/Jadedidan
Patrick OFONAGORO
My name is Patrick Ofonagoro. I am an IT Engineer with about 6 years experience working in the IT field. My hobbies are reading comic books, watching sci-fi movies and playing video games, and i also love learning about new technologies.
Valencia KWIN
I am a 23 years old Cameroonian student in the US and I aspire to be a fashion
stylist. My mottos « You are what yoi wear » and « dream big »