Never make a black woman angry!

Jealousy Angela she shuts em down

Mahojiano na Alex Kajumulo

JG: CAN YOU PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF?

ALEX: My name is Alex Kajumulo.  I was born in Muleba, Bukoba, Tanzania.  Currently, I live in the U.S. (Seattle, Washington) where I coach youth soccer and run my own soccer training program.  It's the only soccer program run by an African in Washington State.  When I am not coaching soccer, I am making music, writing books, and designing sports clothing and gear. 

JG: WHEN DID YOU START DOING MUSIC & WHAT KIND OF MUSIC DO YOU DO?

ALEX: I have loved music my whole life especially when I was a child.  I began making music professionally in 1998, collaborating with my good friend Kool James "Mtoto wa Dandu" and the amazing singer Mbilia Bell, from DRCongo.  My music can not be labelled by anyone, it is it's own new style.  That's why I called my first album "Never Before."  You can find this album and all of my music on I-tunes, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere digital music is sold.

JG: WHAT DO YOU THINK OF BONGO FLAVA & THE KILI MUSIC AWARDS?

ALEX:  As a Tanzanian, I love Bongo Flava music.  But I don't think Bongo Flava will translate to an international market.  If Bongo Flava musicians want to get world wide appeal, they have to do something more original.  Someone like Remi Ongallo, who was a true original, his music is still being listened to in the international world music market even today.  The music is so good they listen even if they don't understand the language.

You know the Kili Music Awards started from my vision.  I wrote up a plan for the Tanzanian Music Awards and gave the plan to James Dandu in 1999.  It's not an original idea, it is just a copy of the American Music Awards.  James and I presented the first Tanzanian Music Awards.  After James died, his wife, Devota, was able to put on one more Tanzanian Music Awards but then she returned to Europe. 

The people who are running the Kili Music Awards took the event over and are continuing to this day.  They changed the name of the Awards and I do not have anything to do with it.  I don't like the way they manage the awards, the awards are only given to insiders and I don't think it is fair and open to all Tanzanian musicians.  Our original vision was to recognize original talent no matter who they were, who they knew, or how much money they had.  Especially young musicians. 

I am working to restart the Tanzanian Music Awards so that I can realize mine and my friend James's vision of making it for all people of Tanzania. 

JG: IS THERE ANYTHING THAT YOU THINK SHOULD BE DOEN TO MAKE THINGS BETTER OR IS IT OK THAT WAY?

ALEX: I am happy for them to continue to hold the Kili Music Awards according to their own vision.  But it is not my vision and I would like to bring back the Tanzanian Music Awards for the people.   One of the awards I am looking forward to presenting is the JAMES DANDU ORIGINAL ARTIST AWARD for the most original Tanzanian musician each year.

JG: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER UPCOMING ARTISTS & YOUNG PEOPLE OUT THERE?

ALEX: You've got to be original.  These days anyone can make music and record with digital equipment so in order to stand out you must be original.

JG: WHO HAS BEEN YOUR INSPIRATION?

ALEX: My inspiration is me!  I grew with a lot of problems and no one to rely on.  I rely on myself for inspiration and I have gone far, but I always put God in front of me for everything I do, but I am not religious.

JG: WHAT DIFFICULTIES DOU YOU FACE & WHAT ARE YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS SO FAR?

ALEX: The most difficult part of being an independant musician is marketing your music and making enough money to eat.

JG: WHERE DO YOU PERFORM IF ONE WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOU PERFOM LIVE?

ALEX: I only really perform for special events that involve social justice.  When I do perform, I perform with a large band, at least 8 members.  I perform mostly at College venues, Festivals, and big Theatres.

I am currently organizing a large event to promote Malaria Awareness in Kyela District, Tanzania.  The "Malaria is Dangerous" concert will be held on Saba Saba Day (July 7) 2011. This will be my second big "Malaria is Dangerous" Concert.  The first was held in November of 2010 here in the U.S.  YOu can find clips from the concert on my youtube channel.  It was also televised locally and broadcast live on the internet to an audience of over 8 million people.

JG: APART FROM MUSIC WHAT OTHER THINGS ARE YOU INVOLVED IN?

ALEX: Soccer is a big part of my life.  I have written a book for children called "Soccer Monster" you can see it at www.soccermonster.org.  At that website you can also find information about my training program.  You can see my youth soccer team at www.kajumulofc.org.

You can find out more about me and my music at www.babukaju.com and www.alexkajumulo.com or become my friend on facebook, look for Alex Kajumulo.  You can also find me on myspace at www.myspace.com/alexkajumulo. I have over 85 songs on the market, you can buy them at I-tunes or anywhere else and you can see my videos on my youtube channel at www.youtube.com/user/alexkajumulo.

Mjue Mbunifu wa Mavazi wa kibongo anaekuja juu kwa kasi Sheria Ngowi

JESTINA: TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF:  WHERE DID YOU GO TO SCHOOL?  YOUR FAMILY BACKGROUND, WORK HISTORY, PERSONALITY?

SN: Sheria Ngowi (Born as Walter Thomas Ngowi on October 1st, 1982 the second of five children). I am a Tanzanian fashion designer and Founder of the Sheria Ngowi Brand. I was raised in a middle-class family of the Late Mr. Thomas Kishari Ngowi and Mrs. Mary Mathias Kessy. My Father was a lawyer while my mother was a Bank Accountant. I studied Law but my career has taken the path of Fashion Designing.

JESTINA: WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO BECOME A FASHION DESIGNER?

SN: My interest in Fashion has been with me for as long as I can remember, My parents were also an influence especially my father who had a love for fashion and sense of style which inspired me a lot. I remember styling my parents before they left the house for any event and pretty soon I was the family stylist this made me realize I had a talent in Fashion 

JESTINA: TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO ACTUALIZING YOUR DREAM OF BECOMING A FASHION DESIGNER.

SN: My career famously began in 2008 when I debuted my designs for both women and men under Brand name Sheria Na Mavazi in Mysore, India. So Sheria Na Mavazi stands for Dressing Principles or Regulations. In 2009, I launched my first professional collection under my own name Sheria Ngowi Designs. The Collection was a dedication to my late father who was the driving force behind my love for fashion. I decided to focus on one gender at a time to ensure that I put my all into each of the collections and the women's collection is on the way.

                                                                                  

JESTINA: EVERYDAY, THERE IS A NEW FASHION LABEL SPRINGING UP, WHAT SETS SHERIA NGOWI APART?

SN: Well ,my designs are heavily influenced by the past. So I blend modern trends with the classic vintage looks and incorporate numerous colors. That is the main difference, trying to be playful with menswear which is quite rare in the fashion world as of now. 

JESTINA: WHERE HAVE YOU POSITIONED YOURSELF IN THE MARKET? HIGH END OR AFFORDABLE FOR THE EVERYDAY WOMAN? WHAT IS YOUR PRICE RANGE?

SN: I think both; but the most challenging aspect has to be the financial side of the business. I’m not sure many people realize just how expensive it is to properly run a brand. At the end of the day this is a business and as a designer not only should I know about the designing and the creative aspects of the brand but also the financial and marketing sides of the brand. 

As a designer I need to deal carefully with the production side of the business. The designs have to be made according to my vision and standards; the cost of production has to be managed so that the clothes that come out are affordable but also of the best quality. Right now I am working on making my clothes on a large scale and my price range will start from 300$ -2000$ but depends with the cost of production as i said it before.

JESTINA: WHO IS THE SHERIA NGOWI MAN?

SN: Sheria Ngowi is someone whose collection is luxurious and sophisticated yet from another time.I made my designs for men who are sophisticated,there was no lack of restraint in the shapes or in the looks,I offered a collection where every detail is accentuated,making men look good without ever giving them an affected or ridiculously disguised look.My Suits are classic and well built Daring youthful silhouettes.Uses of slim-fit check shirts,slim ties and bow ties are details that make my collection simple and unique;glasses and bags contribute to the image of a refined,relaxed man.      

JESTINA:  ANYTHING FOR THE LADIES?

SN: Women's collection is on the way.

JESTINA: WHERE HAVE YOU DRAWN INSPIRATION FROM FOR YOUR DESIGNS?

SN: So many sources but it primarily comes from my late Father who was an incredibly stylish man and cause he used to love fashion and sense of style which inspired me a lot.I get my inspiration also from a lot of things. It often evolves out of seeing a single button or fabric or trimming which triggers an idea for a design. I never spend a lot of time stressing about what sort of “theme” one of my collections is going to have. The ideas are always there and ready to flow when I start sketching. 

JESTINA: DESCRIBE YOUR OWN PERSONAL STYLE AND TELL US HOW IT HAS INFLUENCED  YOUR COLLECTION.

SN: Simple and Classic.

JESTINA: IF YOU COULD HAVE ANYONE IN THE WORLD MODEL YOUR COLLECTION WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

SN: I think US President Barack Obama is one of the most fashionable and fittest presidents we have seen. I think a lot of men are paying attention to how he dresses.        

JESTINA: WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE BIGGEST TRENDS THIS SEASON?

SN: Women fashion trends for 2011 are maxi dresses for these summer, hot pants and shorts, jumpsuits and playsuits, sheer fabrics and lace material on tight body fitting dresses. I would also like to see ladies playing with all sorts of accessories from African beads to gold and silver bangles, oversized sunglasses are still much in fashion and the trend will live on in 2011. In 2011 the trends will continue to be bolder therefore ladies should experiment more and try things like blazers, military inspired coats and patterned and print pants. 

-Men's fashion trends differ a great deal from women’s. With men trends change at a slower pace than women. Men can therefore afford to wear pieces for many seasons without looking out of style. In 2011 men’s fashion is still  more on the classic side with Suits continuing to be slim and following the body’s silhouette. Fabrics for suits are continue to be linen, cotton and velvet. On the casual side people must focus on being minimalistic with few complications on the look, so a simple linen blazer with a v neck tee, a pair of corduroy pants with loafers / leather sandals and a pair of sunglasses will suffice to turn people’s heads. 

JESTINA: WHAT TRENDS WILL WE SEE IN YOUR COLLECTION?CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU ON THIS NEW ACHIEVEMENT “YEAR OF THE GENTLEMAN!”

SN: Oh thank you; My collection will always be classic and well built Daring youthful silhouettes with more uses of slim-fit check shirts,slim ties and bow ties are details that always will make my collection simple and unique.

JESTINA: HOW LONG DID YOUR COLLECTION TAKE TO MAKE?

SN: It takes a lot of time. The first time when i see everything put together i finally say, 'Oh my God, it works!' Because it has been a long process, when it is finished you think, 'Finally, it is done!'

JESTINA: WHAT MATERIALS HAVE YOU USED FOR YOUR COLLECTION?

SN: Linen, Velvet, Cotton, Silk & Satin 

JESTINA: GIVE US THE DETAILED STORY BEHIND THE COLLECTION?

SN: “For me a gentleman is someone who’s polite, intelligent, talented, modest, well dressed, well groomed, and culturally aware. So I’ve taken that role into my own hands. I’m here to help, to advise, and to generally aid men in their quest to better themselves and become gentlemen. I want to save everyone else the effort I’ve been through and give them a one-stop resource for everything they need to known.

JESTINA: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE  JG  READERS ON CHOOSING SUITABLE OUTFITS AND COLOURS FOR THEIR BODY TYPE?

SN: If you really like wearing something quite out there,be sure you can carry it off and that it actually looks good on you.The best way to judge is to never think that you're dressing for other people; It's not, it's for you.You make and break your image.Dont be afraid to mix and match.Nowadays not everyone wants total looks.You should always mix brands and seasons,new pieces with vintage ones.

JESTINA: HOW OFTEN WILL YOU RELEASE A COLLECTION?

SN: Soon before the end of this year.

JESTINA: WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED IN DEVELOPING YOUR BRAND SO FAR?

SN: The most challenging aspect has to be the financial side of the business. I’m not sure many people realize just how expensive it is to properly launch a brand. At the end of the day  this is a business and as a designer not only should I know about the designing and the creative aspects of the brand but also the financial and marketing sides of the brand. 

-As a designer I need a business person as my partner, someone with a solid knowledge of the industry, and extensive experience negotiating deals and handling legal and financial issues. I have people who I trust and who advise me on my business.

-Another challenge is dealing with the production side of the business. The designs have to be made according to my vision and standards; the cost of production has to be managed so that the clothes that come out are affordable but also of the best quality. Right now I am working on making my clothes on a large scale in conjunction with the opening of my flagship store in Dar- es- salaam sometime this year. 

JESTINA: HAS THE BAD ECONOMY THE WORLD IS FACING SO FAR AFFECTED YOUR WORK DIRECTLY?

SN: Going through the recession means that people are having to shape their own opinion and that has definitely been lacking recently. Instead people have been looking up to specific people that they would aspire to be like but it's not being themselves. Innovation is such an important tool. There is a change every 10 or 15 years and that is what is happening now. It's exciting to go through because people are more likely to push the boundaries and I always love taking risks. It's really interesting at the moment. It's evolving very fast. In any business at the moment you need to be sharp and have an innovative way of doing things.

JESTINA: WHY HAVE YOU DECIDED TO BASE YOUR PRODUCTION IN INDIA?

SN: Because of cheap labour and availability of raw materials.

JESTINA: POOR DISTRIBUTION AND PRODUCTION IS A PROBLEM THAT CONTINUES TO  PLAGUE THE INDUSTRY, HOW IS SHERIA NGOWI COPING WITH THESE PROBLEMS?

SN: You have to create something that the customer feels an emotional attachment to when he/she looks at it and wears it. Individuality is such an important key to brands today and one of the reasons i need to put under big considaration.The craftsmanship and creative freedom is so important at the moment. By being innovative i believe i can keep my customers even in these  problems

JESTINA: DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS ON HOW THESE PROBLEMS CAN BE SOLVED?

SN: We need to get goverment support especially by reducing tax and revenues in all imports and exports of raw materials in the production side. The designs have to be made according to demand of the customers and in a very good standards; the cost of production has to be managed so that the clothes that come out are affordable but also of the best quality. 

JESTINA: WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR SHERIA NGOWI & WHERE DO  YOU SEE THE BRAND IN  THE  NEXT 5 YEARS?

SN: I love the history of my brand I want to bring a modern twist and I have to move on. As   the founder wouldn't still be repeating what I was doing from 2008-2011. I want to bring a fresh element to it while cultivating the true DNA of the brand. All aspects should be modern and fresh. Clothes are a communication tool and I want to create something special. 

I see my brand being eligible to apply for all the important Fashion weeks hosted around the world and i am looking forward to being a part of it. My biggest wish is to have my name in an International Fashion Platform, so that my grand kids and their friends could see that it is okay to follow a belief and for my country to be proud of me as a Tanzanian." 

JESTINA: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ANYONE TRYING TO START THEIR OWN LABEL?

SN: They should go deep inside themselves and find what they really love to do. If you do things from your heart you can make things happen. You can change the world because you have the power and the power comes from within you. They say that if you work hard everything is possible.

JESTINA: ANY MESSAGE FOR JG BLOG READERS?

SN: ''Being Fashionable is one thing,and being stylish is another;but being oneself is the most important''

JESTINA: WHERE CAN WE BUY “SHERIA NGOWI” BRANDS?

SN: Soon this year I will launch my flagship store in Dar- es- salaam, followed by my official online store where customers will be able to purchase my products directly online. This will be done in conjunction with my fashion show which will be the first of its kind in Tanzania.

JESTINA: IS THERE ANYTHING THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD JUST INCASE WE FORGOT TO ASK?

SN: Don’t give up on your dreams. Be the change that you want to see.

Thank you very much Jestina George(Shukurani sana).

Ndani ya Mtu kati KAJALA akielezea undani wa maisha yake katika kipindi cha TAKE ONE!!

Mahojiano na Shamsa ford ndani ya kipindi cha Mtu Kati

Mahojiano na Bongo Movie star Hemedi

Mahojiano na iRene Uwoya kwenye Mikasi

IRENE UWOYA NA MTOTO WAKE

Hii ndio akili

Bill Gates organized an enormous session to recruit a new Chairman for Microsoft
Europe.  5000 candidates assembled in a large room. One candidate was Urio,
Tanzanian living in USA .
Bill Gates thanked all the candidates for coming and asking those who do not
know JAVA programming to leave. 2000 people left the room. Urio says to himself,
'I do not know JAVA but I have nothing to lose if I stay I'll give it a try.
Bill Gates asked the candidates who never had experience of managing more than
100 people to leave. 2000 people left the room. Urio says to himself ' I never
managed anybody by myself but I have nothing to lose if I stay. What can happen
to me?' So he stays.
Then Bill Gates asked candidates who do not have management diplomas to leave.
500 people left the room.Urio says to himself, 'I left school at 15 but what
have I got to lose?' So he stays in the room.
Lastly, Bill Gates asked the candidates who do not speak Russian to leave. 498
people left the room. Urio says to himself, ' I do not speak one word of Russian
but what do I have to lose?' So he stays and
finds himself with one other candidate.
Everyone else has gone. Bill Gates joined them and said 'Apparently you are the
only two candidates who have all the required qualifications & experience I am
looking for and speak Russian, so I'd now like to hear you have a conversation
together in that language.' and Calmly,
Urio turns to the other candidate and says `shimbony shafo bana!'
The other answers 'sicha kabsa mleu mbonyi saa kasi wana wai wecha kabsi nkwi
ukeri si ku si mleu
Urio, "nikunu ma mtoni ngikeri fo ngisengeta eleri mndu chu aicha wachaka nyi fo
ruwa"
The other candidate answers"lasma atumanye wachaka tukeri kila handu"
Bill Gates hired them immediately thinking that they were speaking Russian