Photo courtesy/Menaye Donkor

She is graceful and has an air of gentleness about her. She is former Miss Ghana Universe and wife of AC Milan and international footballer, Sulley Muntari. But unlike most beauty queens who fade away with time, this one seems to be here to stay and make a mark, one that indicates to society that it needs her. Meet Menaye Donkor, a woman whose work goes beyond the stages of the runway.

Abena Annan: Who is Menaye Donkor?

Menaye Donkor: I am a model, entrepreneur and philanthropist and former Miss Universe Ghana 2004! I run the Menaye Charity Organization as well as the Menaye International School to help underprivileged children in the central region of Ghana. I am also married to international and AC Milan footballer Sulley Muntari.

Abena Annan: What are your interests? What inspires you in life?

Menaye Donkor: My personal interests are charity, fashion and I love music. In life I am inspired most by my family. The love of my parents drives me! They have made me who I am today and I owe it all to them. I talk to my mother four to five times a day. She is my driving force!

Abena Annan: What type of music do you enjoy?

Menaye Donkor: I love all types of music! Depending on my mood, I listen to Jazz, R&B, Country, Classical and HipLife music.

Abena Annan: So what’s a typical day or week for you?

Menaye Donkor: Well I am a newlywed, I operate my foundation, school, manage my husband’s (Sulley Muntari) brand and I also operate my own property development company so I really don’t know how I fit it all in to be honest. No day or week is ever the same. My life might seem quite glamorous looking in from the outside but it really isn’t. I am a hands on type of person and like to be involved from the planning to the end [of] a project and that also means I can ensure that everything is done to the highest possible standard! My life is so unpredictable and I have to be really flexible so I wonder how it will all fall in place when we start a family. Exciting!

Abena Annan: Tell me, what inspired the Menaye Charity Foundation

Menaye Donkor: My family [is] my inspiration for everything. Charity has always been important to me because my family, and my father in particular, showed me the importance of giving back to the community so I wanted to do this in my home country of Ghana. I particularly wanted to support children in the deprived eastern region infected with HIV and AIDS, and make a difference to children’s education in my home area of Agona Asafo.

Photo/Courtesy of Menaye Donkor

Abena Annan: Looking back today, would you say it’s one of the best decisions you’ve made and why?

Menaye Donkor: The best decision I think I have ever made was actually taking my sister’s advice after graduating from university! She convinced me to sign up and take part in the Miss Ghana Universe pageant and winning that gave me a great platform to raise awareness of my charity and school.

Abena Annan: Interesting. Your bio states that your father taught you the importance of giving back to the community. How did he do that?

 Menaye Donkor: My parents instilled in me at a very young age to share with others even if it was a piece of cookie or candy. My father not only preached this to his kids but also practiced it. He has financially supported a lot of the people in his village (Agona Asafo, Central Region of Ghana) and that is something I admire about him. Our home has always been opened to others and my mother is one of the most selfless human beings I know, she is just incredible!

Abena Annan: Tell me about the Menaye International School. How did it come about? What grades are available?

Menaye Donkor: After comparing the educational facilities in the village I grew up in with those in Accra, my father was deeply concerned about the future of the children who resided in the village and in the surrounding areas, so he founded the Menaye International School in 2000 to give back to our community. In 2004 after winning Miss Universe Ghana, I adopted the school as winning the pageant gave me the opportunity to use my title as a platform to raise money to support the school. We have provided education for about 500 children since 2000 and there are currently over 150 children enrolled in the school today from kindergarten age to junior high school age. With the help of my charity we are going to continue to build and expand the school and have recently installed a great computer lab and a new library!

Abena Annan: What are some of the challenges of running the school, besides funding?

Menaye Donkor: Besides funding, other challenges I face running the school are inadequate structures and the quality of teachers needs improvement from time to time!

Abena Annan: Is education at the school free?

Menaye Donkor: Yes the school provides free education for kids whose family could not otherwise afford to send them to school. I am also looking to organize and raise funds for a free school bus to take kids to the school as they sometimes could have very long walks to get there from the more rural areas. Education is so important, and it’s the one thing that no one can ever take away from you. My goal is to give these vulnerable kids the same chances as other kids in the city.

Abena Annan: How can people support/contribute to the continual success of the school?

Menaye Donkor: Aside from supporting the Menaye Charity Organization and sharing the great story of the school with others around them so that the importance of education is highlighted, we also accept monetary contribution to help assist the development of the school.

Abena Annan: Your activism work clearly displays a passion for education, particularly for underprivileged children.  As someone pushing efforts to minimize illiteracy in Ghana, how far do you think the country has come in accomplishing this?

Menaye Donkor: Ghana as a nation has always been keen on education. Our country has made great strides to minimize illiteracy through the efforts of the government as well as that of private and charity organizations. The literacy rate in Ghana is about 75% – Male 83% and Female 67%. We are a work in progress and I commend the government for all their hard work! But there is still work to be done!

Abena Annan: As a philanthropist, what do you think others can do to help increase the literacy rate in Ghana?

Menaye Donkor: I think it’s about awareness and showing the importance of being able to read as it gives children and adults independence and confidence to do other things.

Abena Annan: As an entrepreneur, what would you say has been the driving force behind your business ventures in property development and future ones?

Menaye Donkor: I am driven by my passion to improve the quality of life among families (with children), by providing affordable housing in a neat environment. Of course as an entrepreneur, I also keep in mind my profits. The financial returns on housing is quite high so l achieve two objectives -passion to improve quality of life and high returns on my investment.  The return on housing investment is over 20% per annum.

Abena Annan: So what entrepreneurial advice can you give to someone who’s considering branching out on their own but is hesitant due to fear?

Menaye Donkor: Be fearless! Don’t allow anyone to determine your destiny or stand in your way. I found it very difficult as a 24 year woman during the early stages of setting my charity! People never took me seriously or listened to what I had to say; I was the pretty face girl and that was the end to the story. It was very frustrating, trying to raise money! And I still often find that people look down on me and do not respect me in business because I am a model and am married to a footballer. So I would say if you believe in yourself and your idea, work hard to make it a success and along the way you will prove [it] to everyone else .

Tangerine

Tango is Pantone top color for the spring and summer seasons. It’s the color of note this spring and summer and it’s great on brown skin tones. You can make it your own by finding an orangey hue from peach to tangerine that works for you. Here are some simple ways you can incorporate the tangerine trend this season:

Makeup:
If you just want to lightly step into the orange trend you can get a gloss to give you a tint and sexy shine without too much color coverage. Lighter tan to brown skin tones might like more coral or peachy versions of the trend while deep rich coffee to espresso skin tone hues will make a statement with a more vibrant pout. When wearing such a bold pop of tangerine on your lips, it would look best with a simple neutral look. For night time spice it up with a dark-winged eyeliner. Add a vibrant but well-blended orange to your cheeks to add zing. Orangey cheeks are a departure from rosy ones and it really stands out on tan and brown skin.

Clothing:
Wear a maxi dress with bold tropical flowers in orange shades paired with wood or cork wedges. You could also wear orange jeans or hot pants for a stylish color block. Accessories Try to add a scarf, retro-inspired sunglasses, statement necklace, bracelet, or a hat in the hot hue. On the beach try a bright Sarong.

Nailing It:
This season look forward to having bright fingertips in orangey shades. This season’s top shade, Tangerine Tango is going to be everywhere and your nails are no exception. Experiment with a variety of orange shades from super bright to a work friendly coral. Make sure to finish with a shiny top coat to make it last.

SHADES TO LOOK AT:

Ulta- Not From concentrate China

Glaze – Papaya Punch

Revlon – Siren

OPI – In My Back Pocket

CND – Electric Orange

Orly – Orange Punch

Sally Hansen – Crushed

Pink Symmetry Collection I Photo credit: Meerah Image Photography

Esther Baah of Pink Symmetry describes her Spring 2012 collection in a scream, “Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!” because she views it as a physical reflection of her journey and growth as a fashion designer. Baah of Ghana, West Africa, designs for the everyday tween to the professional woman, ranging her pieces from $50 for a single item like a skirt or blouse to $200 for a more intricate or exuberant piece such as a gown. The 2012 spring/summer collection aptly named “Chronicles of a Designer,” Baah encompasses the sophisticated charm of Iman, along with some edgy and provocative styles that Lady Gaga would love. The collection spans from high quality African-inspired dresses and gowns to more casual pieces such as rompers and jumpers.

Every item in the Pink Symmetry collection is an outcome of Baah’s trial and error experiences with her Singer sewing machine.  Pieces are created without a pattern, showcasing Baah’s flair for design. There is no common color, pattern or fabric. She states that there is very little planning or “boundary” to what she does. Although Baah hasn’t had any formal training in sewing or fashion sketching, she says, “If I can imagine it, I try to draw it; and then it’s usually sewing time after that.”

Baah explains: “Pink Symmetry is an eclectic array of art by fabric that I have collected over the years to express myself on any giving day. It ranges from vintage, to retro, to Afrocentric to contemporary. Pink is more than fashion, it’s so much more than clothing. I simply see it as my outlet to provide an avenue of transformation for ‘that’ someone.”

This burgeoning designer credits her creativity to her five-mile morning run, in which she mentally maps out portions of her collection. “There is no exact plan going into each season, it all has to stand out.”

Baah believes in just going with it, creating designs that she herself would wear. She sought to successfully merge her traditional Ashanti/African aesthetic with European high fashion concepts by using exotic materials with tried and true designs with an extra ‘ummph’. For example Pink Symmetry’s “Pinkly Cache” dress is made from a classic purple hued African inspired print, fashioned into a pencil dress. The flair is the added beige chiffon cowl neck overlay to amplify the backside.

Another stunner from the Pink Symmetry collection is Pink in Color, the peplum style dress with colorful graphic print featuring colors such as gold, chartreuse and orange. This piece puts a lot of emphasis on the hip area, with the ruffles just below the waist accented with gold trimming.  Peep toe pumps would be a nice addition with this piece.

Potential buyers can contact Esther Baah at her email, Estherb@pinksymmetry.com You can also keep up to date with her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/PinkSymmetry#!/

DNA & Soulfège I Photo/Courtesy of band

In the world of independent artists, staying above challenges in the industry sometimes becomes synonymous with being inventive and engaging with audience in a way that strengthens the bond. It is no surprise then that one of today’s talented bands, Derrick N. Ashong & Soulfège formerly known simply as Soulfège, has launched the Million Download Campaign. Obaasema’s Linda Annan caught up with Derrick N. Ashong via email about the campaign to give away one million free downloads of music.

L.A.: For clarity, is “Afropolitan” classified as a Soulfège album or is it a Derrick N. Ashong and Soulfège album, as stated on the cover?

DNA: The band has rebranded as Derrick N. Ashong & Soulfège, but it’s the same team that has produced the previous Soulfège albums.

L.A.: What’s behind the name “Afropolitan”?

DNA: It’s a concept pioneered by a friend of mine, author Taiye Selasi, who wrote about the concept of not simply “citizens” but rather “Africans of the world”. Having grown up in four different countries among people from every continent the concept resonated strongly with me. It also is an excellent description of our sound – cosmopolitan with an African root – hence [we] decided to call the album “AFropolitan” as an homage to our generation and all of us who are redefining what it means to be African.

L.A.: Can you explain the “Million Download Campaign” concept and why you decided to go in this route with the album?

DNA: The Million Download Campaign is a project to give away a million free downloads of tracks from “AFropolitan” by Christmas 2012. The goal is to show how the power of people engaged in a grassroots campaign can put the power over music back where it belongs: in the hands of artists and fans. We decided to go this route with the album because we felt it was important for people to hear the musical & cultural statement we are making on this record and we believe this is the best way to share it with a global audience. We believe music can change the world and this campaign is out to change the world of music.

Afropolitan album

L.A.: What’s so special or different about this album that makes it deserving of this treatment, i.e. the campaign?

DNA: I think “AFropolitan” is the best record we’ve made to date. It’s not only our own growth as artists that has contributed to this, but also the messaging & execution. This album makes some very strong statements about the state of our world today, but does so with love, beauty and a somewhat tongue-in-cheek attitude. It is both political and deeply spiritual, without necessarily speaking directly about politics or spirituality. When people listen to the music and the message, they have a chance to not just think about these things, but to feel them. In a nutshell this album “gets in you.” We want it to reach as many people as possible.

L.A.: How many downloads have you received so far?

DNA: Our goal for the first two months was 15K Downloads. By the time this is published we will have exceeded 30K, more than doubling our initial goal.

L.A.: What do you expect your downloaders to get from listening to this album?

DNA: They will get to hear something fun, funky & profound, and if they listen closely they will walk away with a sense of the possibility we have as individuals, to make a positive impact on our world. They will be a part of a global dialogue on the power of artistry to create positive social change, and by downloading & sharing the music with others they will be sending a message to the Recording Industry that the future of music is in the hands of the artists & fans.

L.A.: Music must really mean something to you for you to create an entire album

and be willing to give it away for free. What’s your story?

DNA: I believe that art is human communication taken to the highest levels. I believe that music is the most powerful of the art-forms, because it is the only one that can affect you whether you actively engage with it or not. Music can uplift people and it can tear them down. It can inspire love, [create] fear, acceptance or hatred. This is why from time immemorial it has been used by societies, religions, militaries and muses to move and motivate people. I make music to help bridge the gap between people & cultures and to express my unique vision of society & the possibilities for positive change. By sharing my music, I help to amplify the voices of all of us who are not willing to accept our world simply as it is, but who are fighting to shape the world as it could be.

L.A.: What should we expect from Soulfège in 2012?

DNA: To our knowledge, giving away a million downloads in a year has never been accomplished by an independent artist. In 2012 you should expect us to make history.

L.A.: In just one sentence, in simple terms, tell us how people can get involved in this campaign?

DNA: Go to www.derrickashong.com, DOWNLOAD AFropolitan and using Facebook, Twitter, Email or your website, SHARE it with at least 10 other people.

 This month Obaasema gets insight from relationship expert Christiana Ibilola Awosan, MA, MFT (Marriage and Family Therapy) on some topic areas relevant to relationship building. Before you read further, consider participating in this brief exercise by asking yourself the following questions: Why am I in my relationship? What do I hope to gain from being with my partner as far as personal growth is concerned? Do I inspire and challenge him or her to better evolve? If you’re not in a romantic relationship but are seeking one, proceed to read as the responses to the questions could be useful to you in the near future.

The questions posed to Ms. Awosan are meant to encourage you to introspect and evaluate your relationships as they stand now and how to better approach the ones you are yet to start. If after reading you desire to send follow up questions to Ms. Awosan, direct them to: Comments [at] obaasema.com , Subject line: Relationship.

Obaasema: In your opinion, what constitutes a healthy relationship?

Christiana Ibilola Awosan: I really don’t think that there is one answer to determine what constitutes a healthy relationship. What is healthy for one couple may not be healthy for another couple. With that said, I believe that the ability to compromise in relationships and strive for balance create an environment where a relationship can flourish and grow in healthy ways. Learning to compromise and thriving for balance in a relationship requires each person in the relationship to be committed to knowing and being secure in his or herself.  I believe that knowing one’s self will allow one to figure out what he or she can compromise on in relationships. Knowing one’s self and what one can compromise will help people to avoid the compelling need to want to change one’s partner, which often produces an unhealthy environment for a relationship to grow. Being secure in one’s self allows a person to know how to balance the “I” and “we” of their relationship. Being able to balance the “I” and “we” help to create a healthy environment where both partners in the relationship are able to enjoy being themselves and their relationship.

Obaasema: Do you think friendships are important foundations in romantic relationships and why?

Christiana I. A. : Friendship is a critical foundation of a romantic relationship. If a relationship is like a stew, I personally feel that friendship is the salt the gives that relationship a kick, just as it does for a stew. I believe that friendship needs to be the foundation of any romantic relationship. A romantic relationship built on friendship has a chance of weathering any storm and sincerely rejoicing in all triumphs. Genuine friendship in romantic love allows each partner in the relationship to fully bring his or her authentic self to the relationship.

Obaasema: People from the older generation have accused this generation of being too self-centered and driven by a “me first” attitude. The argument is that this is why many relationships don’t last these days. Is this true?

Christiana I. A. : Yes, I agree. One of the things that I am very grateful for as a member of this generation is the opportunity that we have to go after what we are passionate about. And at the same time, most of us tend to focus on our passion and our needs, which is not productive for being in a relationship.  I think it is important to differentiate the attitude of “me first” that is led by a selfish intent or self-centeredness versus “me first” that is led by self-preservation. A self-centered “me first” attitude definitely ruins relationships. A self-centered “me first” attitude does not care about the interest of the other person in the relationship and for the relationship as a whole, while a “me first” self-preservation attitude helps to reenergize a relationship. A person with the self-preservation “me first” attitude in a relationship sees the need to take care of their own needs and wants in order to be fully present in the relationship for their partner, themselves and the relationship. A person with a “me first” self-preservation attitude, I believe, has learned the act of balancing the “I” and the “we” in a relationship. While a person with a self-centered “me first” attitude is still struggling with the balancing of “I” and “we” in a relationship. As a generation, I believe that if we continue to have an individualistic, self-centered “me first” attitude approach towards romantic relationship, finding the joy and pleasure of interconnectedness in relationships would be hard to find.

Obaasema: What would you say men and women need to understand about each other to help foster a sound union?

Christiana I. A. : On a general note, I think that what men and women need in order to understand each other in fostering a sound union is willingness and diligence in making sure that each of them do not believe the hype regarding the stereotypes in society about the characters of men and women in romantic relationships.  Sadly, too often, many men and women tend to replicate the societal gender stereotypes and attitudes such as “all men are cheaters” or “all women are gold-diggers” in their relationships. These negative stereotypes and attitudes often generate an environment where each partner limits their opportunity to truly know each other and allow each other to be their authentic selves. As human beings, I believe that we desire to be experienced and appreciated for our unique selves – we all want to be seen and heard. In order to foster a sound union, I think that men and women need to see and appreciate each other for their unique personalities instead of what society tells them about what men and women are or aren’t.

Obaasema: If you had one advice each for men and women today, as far as their approach to relationships, what would it be?

Christiana I. A. : Approach a relationship with the heart of looking for someone who will be a friend to your mind, body and soul and someone that you are willing to do the same for. But first you have to be a friend to yourself.

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Christiana ibilola Awosan, MA, MFT (Marriage and Family Therapy) earned a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Syracuse University, New York. She is currently completing her doctorate degree in Couple and Family Therapy at Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA. Her clinical experience involves working with individuals, couples and families from diverse backgrounds.

Your one-month personal growth challenge: Build for yourself a network of inspirers who will help you to mature into and connect with the person you were created to be.

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Choosing one’s circle of friends can sometimes be deliberate or not as we tend to attract the energies we give off. For instance, a down-to-earth person of free-spirited nature will most likely gravitate towards those with similar attributes, in the same way a pessimist will attract those who share in the comfort of misery. One of the biggest mistakes made in today’s many friendships is the neglect of depth, a lacking of the “iron sharpening iron” element, this sense of building up and challenging each other to be better individuals. Many people yearn for this inspirational element and some complain about the lack of it. The question is what are you, the grumbler, doing to change the tone of your relationships?

It is no rocket science that we are living beings, and all living creatures must evolve in some capacity. As creatures with the ability to transform, it will be a tragedy to allow one’s self to remain stagnant emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Your connection to your surroundings and the effect you have on them are directly aligned with what flows from within you. If what is being produced is cloudy and filthy, then you are polluting the mental, emotional and spiritual space of others around you. And when those around you are quick to inhale the grime and toxic waste being produced, who in your circle is left to step in and help you to detox? How do you ever expect yourself, your character, to evolve?

Many people invest their time into doing nothing; it’s one of the most visible illnesses. But imagine what could happen if that idle time were invested into consciously pursuing people who could bring value into your life, people who could build you up and challenge you to grow. No one can expect to attract the positive when what they are made up of is a negative. Sorry, the law of attraction does not apply here.

Instead, begin to work on yourself. If there is a particular area in your life that needs attention, be honest with yourself and start to work on it. Choose one or two people from your circle that you trust; the ones you are most comfortable with and believe have your best interest in mind. Ask them to get in with you as you work on yourself. If they are not doing the same with themselves, invite them to join you and start sharpening and building each other up by speaking “loving” truths about each person’s character to each other.  If you noticed, there are quotes on the “Loving” for emphasis. It is one thing to speak truth with compassion to help someone change for the better. It is another, however, to be malicious about the activity and set out to hurt.

Remember, you become the person you invest in. If gossip, jealousy and backbiting are your daily meals, your spirit and being will be filled and molded into such a person.  You cannot pour water into a glass and expect to taste wine when you drink it; unfortunately, in this case, what you see is what you get.

You might want to ask yourself these three questions today: “What is it am I feeding to my spirit? Am I truly happy with the person I am offering to others? Are the people in my circle helping me to better give to others in ways that build them up?”  These questions are only meant to keep the dialogue with your inner self going; they are not meant to tear you apart or make you get down on yourself. But be honest with yourself because you have to be right within in order to attract the right things to yourself. And if you don’t have those “right” things in your life, in this case the inspirers and spirit builders, perhaps it’s time to go after them.

Photo courtesy/Global Grind LLC

There is a surge of women growing out their relaxer and preparing for the big chop. And there are others who want the natural hair look immediately while growing out their tresses. For instant gratification you can get a sewn-in weave. A good rule of thumb is to find a stylist who specializes in natural hair care and can do your weave without putting stress on your transitioning tresses. This may be the help you need to get through the in-between period, and shielding it from harsh heat and over-styling.

Natural Curly and Natural Deep Curly Virgin Indian Remy weaves showcase soft, full-bodied curls, with unidirectional cuticles that can be easily blended into your natural hair.

Keep in mind, just because your hair is braided away doesn’t mean that you neglect your scalp. Use liquid leave-in conditioners with a needle nose applicator to moisturize the scalp, the tip will go easily in-between the braids.

Be careful not to over-saturate.  Avoid use of products with petroleum or mineral oil. At night wrap the hair or put in a large braid to reduce tangling. Cover hair in a satin scarf, bonnet or use a satin pillowcase to keep the hair smooth and snag-free.

Enjoy your transition!

Anyone familiar with the tunes of Blitz the Ambassador expects a certain level of creative craftsmanship. The crispiness of fresh rhythms, energy and emotion he pours into his lyrics makes something of the listening experience. After two EPs (Soul Rebel and Double Consciousness) and one studio album, (Stereotype), the Ambassador brings it home full force in traditional style. Native Sun, his second studio album, contains some of the finest tunes and collaborations.

The first track, “En-trance,” immediately lures the listener into a world of traditional royal pulse with verbal libations being poured to Odomankoma (The Almighty), Yaa Asantewa, Tetteh Kwashie and Kwame Nkrumah.  “Dear Africa,” the second track featuring R&B Grammy-nominated artists, Les Nubians, is a letter to the continent in which Blitz eulogizes Mother Africa and tells her that although he’s been away for more than 10 years he never stopped “repping” her in “every track, every show, every last interview.” Melodies of the female duo on this track are so fluid they fit right into the tone of the song. In “Akwaaba,” Blitz’s band, the Embassy Ensemble, show off their musical dexterity as the instruments beautifully blast through the track.

“Best I Can,” “Instrumentalude” and “Accra City Blues,” although floating on slight tunes of High Life contain touches of Western Hip Hop influence but certainly not missing the beat of the entire record.

“Free Your Mind,” “Wahala” and “The Oracle” take us straight back to the Motherland, with part of the lyrics in “Free Your Mind” echoing the words “Colonial mentality,” as in Africans freeing their minds from colonial mentalism. Once again, the Embassy Ensemble display their skill in “Wahala,” a track undoubtedly Fela-inspired, you can’t help but dance to this one.  “The Oracle,” an instrumental with the voice of American rapper and former leader of Public Enemy, Chuck D, repeatedly echoes “It’s not where you’re from but where you’re at.”

In “Victory” Blitz’s energy is up, building on the song with the same words of Chuck D from the previous track. “Native Sun,” the High Life-tuned title track, beginning with “Aye aye, aye aye, masan aba o” (translated as “I am back”) speaks of the struggles of immigrants living abroad.  “Ex-trance,” the exit tune, is another verbal pouring of libation.

There’s no doubt that Native Sun is Blitz the Ambassador’s best album thus far, truly exhibiting his musical maturity. Soul Rebel holds its place as the first experimental album. In Double Consciousness, a creative album, we see him growing into his voice and place in the world of music, and as the name suggests, growing into a state of consciousness. In Stereotype, he is arriving and unapologetic about who he is as an artist. Now, in Native Sun, his presence is unavoidable. He’s confident, more cultural than ever and definitely more advanced as an artist. There’s no doubt he’s here to stay.

Learn more about Blitz: www.blitz.mvmt.com

Everyone has had a hard time doing this. The task of connecting with the positive all of the time isn’t an easy one, especially when the journey itself comes with an envoy of elements that can either build you up or rip you apart. This is because you often end up carrying with you some unpleasant components that should’ve been detached along the way but failed to do so and you are left to deal with them later.  If this were a physical activity it would have been easy to handle with remedies. Unfortunately, it’s an activity of the mind that sets off on its own and encumbers your ability to stay centered and sane – i.e. your battle with the negative.

Scenario:

It almost seems as though there’s no way out. Every turn of the eye, body and mind hits a negative brick. You wonder why it has been going on for one, two weeks or even longer. It consumes you and you think to yourself that your spirit isn’t built up for this. You know that you can overcome it but somehow you don’t seem to know how. You read spiritual books but they don’t help. Half of the inspirational self-help books you possess aren’t working either. You ask yourself, “What do I do?” And then add, “This is not me.” But you keep trying, that is, if you’re another subscriber of personal growth. You believe it’s not normal; that your mental state is capable of connecting with the positive. That there’s a way around this disappointment or that pain or that fear. That it has no place in your being. And then you open your eyes, one day, in the wee mornings and that nagging, annoying negative tone jumps at you with full force. But guess what? You snap out of it, just like that. What happened?

Here’s a possible reason.

You took control of it subconsciously or consciously. Connecting with the positive, although in many ways has a lot to do with feeding your mind positive affirmations, requires more than that. It hinges heavily on your ability to take control of that “little thing” of yours called Mind. Your sudden snap out of the negative wasn’t entirely a result of an inspiring book you read, though that could’ve been a catalyst.  Instead it was a result of your other voice stepping in to say “Enough” and “Shut it.” You took control of the moment. You exercised the power that You possess. You stood up to your mind and showed her/him who was in control. That she/he could not control you, but instead you controlled her/him. That is the missing element.  Many people think that if they keep reading self-help books and feeding positive attributes to themselves that it would do the job. Wrong. Because you learn soon after that it didn’t do the job for the long term, and that you’re back to where you started. It’s about empowering yourself to engage in a dialogue with that negative mind or self or whatever you want to call it. Say the “No” out loud, separate yourself from that “self” and speak to it as though you were speaking to someone else.

It doesn’t end there.

You must remember that you’re a spiritual being and that your mind is intangible. Whatever your spiritual base is, there MUST be an element of inspiration that boosts you, that builds you up, that speaks spiritual truths to you. The key word is “Spiritual Truth” – You are loved. You are chosen. You are lovely. You are special. Just add your own. They’re all true whether you believe them or not. You must feed your mind and soul with spiritual truths and confront the negative with these truths. For example, you can say, “No, because I am (ADD YOUR SPIRITUAL TRUTH).” This needs to be a constant exercise; you must apply yourself and practice it often in order to own that truth.

When you finally experience a real breakthrough you will realize where the secret lay all along. With you.

Photo credit: Nick Boultin

Young, gifted, elegant and soulful, her beautiful voice has been making waves in South Africa with her self-described Afro-soul sound since the year 2003. More recently, in 2010, her rich voice was heard at the FIFA World Cup kick-off concert amongst a list of entertainment celebrities like Alicia Keys and John Legend. With the release of her newest EP in July 2011 and her debut American LP “Rise Again,” Lira is making her name in the world, not just Africa.

In the midst of a world tour whirlwind, Obaasema’s Nya Lewis was able to conduct an e-mail interview with the South African songstress:

Nya Lewis: How do you feel about being compared to legendary female musicians like Miriam Makeba and Sade?

Lira: It is an honor to be compared to the two women I idolize. Miriam is the epitome of African beauty and glamour and Sade is feminine and sultry, both of them are timeless musicians. They have given me an image of what I wanted to become and have both influenced my music.

N.L.: In other interviews I’ve read and in your own bio, it is mentioned repeatedly that you seek to uplift, to quote “raise the consciousness” of people through your music. How do you get this accomplished? Is it specifically uplifting South Africans? Africans? Women?

Lira: I saw the power of music at work among my family members and within my community. I observed what music could do to a people, but did not understand how. There were songs of struggle that seemed to give words to what people were feeling but could not articulate. It seemed to comfort those who could not express their pain. It seemed to give people an escape from their undesired reality. I was intrigued by this and wanted to be able to do the same. Through my own path I learned to face my fears, heal my hurts, and through the strides I have made I have learned many a life lesson and I choose to work this into my music as a means to encourage others to be all they can be. I’m striving to lead by example. I sing what I believe and what I have experienced. I want to be able to relate, to touch people’s lives.

N.L.: Whenever I read anything about you, the articles are full of superlatives such as best, first, only, etc. How does this make you feel and how did you get to be so awesome?

Lira: I always had the intention to bring change somehow. I always thought I would do it but it got so hard at some point that I thought I was crazy for even thinking it. I guess intention goes a long way. Along with lots of persistent hard work!

N.L.: Who are your musical inspirations? Who or what are your inspirations for living a good life in general?

Lira: Nelson Mandela and Oprah are at the top of my list. I am inspired by the fact that these two individuals have done so much with their lives and impacted so many. I recently was moved by Steve Jobs’ achievements in a similar way. I’d like to be remembered for having impacted the world positively.

N.L: You are from South Africa, a place known for its history of apartheid.  Did you experience apartheid first hand?  How did it affect you? Has it affected your music? Has it affected your aspirations for yourself and your career?

Lira: Great question. This is exactly what informs my perceptions and also influences my life’s experience. I saw the last few years of apartheid but the effect was deep enough for me to be affected by it. I had to forgive, to heal, to integrate and choose how I would move on with my life. Nelson Mandela set the tone for a peaceful transition and integration. My generation has to define and determine how we move forward. I’m playing my part.

N.L.: In the midst of what appears to be a whirlwind that is taking you from celebrity in Africa to celebrity everywhere, how do you stay grounded or how do you plan to stay grounded?

Lira: I’m on a mission with my path, it’s not about just the music but it’s about building something bigger than me, about bringing about possibility for those of my peers who are watching me. My mind stays on the goal so the hype does not really affect me.

N.L.: Do you write your own songs?  If so, where does the inspiration to write come from?

Lira: Yes, I write all my songs, and [I]‘m inspired by life in South Africa and I’m also inspired by life in general. I think it’s beautiful!

N.L.: If you could say only one thing to Obaasema’s readers, what would it be? What words would you leave them with?

Lira: We never choose how we start out, where we come from does not determine where we will end up. Life in itself is beautiful. When it gets tough, it’s usually trying to tell you to focus on a certain area or change course. However, life is always trying to direct you to your best destination.

Visit Lira’s website www.misslira.com for information on how to purchase her music.