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.

Hepatitis B is a specific type of liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV).  It is the most common cause of liver infection worldwide with approximately 250 billion people with the disease and 600,000 HBV liver-related deaths annually. The HBV virus is actually considered to be 50-100 times more infectious than HIV.

Types

Generally, it can be sub-divided into Acute and Chronic phases:

1. Acute hepatitis B- refers to recently acquired disease. Symptoms occur one to four months after exposure to the virus and usually resolve within the same time period in approx 95% of people. About 5% of folks, however, may progress to a chronic state of infection
2. Chronic hepatitis B- refers to infection that persists longer than six months. Children are more prone to developing the chronic disease compared to adults. Roughly 75% of folks are classified as ‘carriers’ because they have no observable symptoms but can transmit the infection to other people. There are approximately over 350 million carriers of HBV in the world. As the figure below shows, there is a high prevalence of chronic hepatitis in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia

Modes of Transmission

In developing countries, the most common modes of transmission include:

• perinatal (from mother to baby at birth)
• early childhood infections (through close interpersonal contact with infected household members)
• unsafe injection practices/ IV drug use
• blood transfusions
• sexual contact

In more developed countries, HBV is usually spread via:

• unsafe injection practices/ IV drug use
• sexual contact
• infection of healthcare workers (through needle stick or contact with infected coworkers or patients

Treatment

It is important that you contact your doctor immediately or go to a clinic if you’ve been exposed to the HBV by any of the above means. Your doctor can give you a special vaccination (hepatitis B immune globulin) that will help your body fight any infection and protect you from developing the disease. However, it is only effective if given within 24 hours of exposure to the virus.

For patients with acute hepatitis, which is already resolving, your doctor might choose not to give you medications but will allow your body to get rid of the infection on its own. Several laboratory tests will be performed to ensure the virus has been eradicated.

For those with chronic infections, you might require several antiviral medications to slow down the progression of the disease and frequent lab checks to make sure your liver function is intact. Depending on how sick your liver is, you might need a liver transplant which unfortunately can be very difficult to obtain given limited transplant donors and cost involved

Prevention

Given the difficulties associated with treating Hepatitis B infection, great emphasis is placed on preventative measures.

1) Immunization is highly recommended with 3 doses at 0, 1-month and 6-month intervals from initial dose.  Preferably, the first dose should be given within 24 hours of birth. However, the vaccine can be given at any age so long as the series is completed.

It is especially recommended for people in high risk groups such as

• persons with high-risk sexual behavior;
• partners and household contacts of HBV infected persons;
• injecting drug users;
• persons who frequently require blood or blood products;
• recipients of solid organ transplantation;
• those at occupational risk of HBV infection, including health care workers; and
• international travelers to countries with high rates of HBV.

It also helps to:

• Know the HBV status of any sexual partner and use a condom if you don’t know the health status of your partner
• Avoid needle sharing and request new needles be used when getting body piercings or tattoos
• Always review the required immunizations prior to travelling to any country and make sure you are up to date on your vaccinations.

As the old adage goes, “Prevention is Better than Cure.” In the case of Hepatitis B infection, it holds very true!

• WHO: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs204/en/
• Lok et al. Overview of the management of hepatitis B and case examples. UpToDate.com

One of the major trends this season is the purple lip. This is a look that works on all skin tones because purple shades can be warm or cool, dark or light.

If you are not a bold individual or you just want to lightly step into the purple trend you can get a gloss to give you a tint and sexy shine without too much color coverage. Here are names of some MAC lip glosses to take a look at: Morning Glory, Pop Mode, Desire, Lovechild, Starnova and Oversexed. For those who want high shine and sparkle, take a look at MAC Dazzleglass lipgloss in Like Venus, Date Night and Funtablous. For the color coverage of a lipstick with the shine of a gloss try MAC Sheen Supreme lipsticks in Quite the Thing, a deep blue plum shade, or Asian Flower, a light lavender hue.

Lighter tan to brown skin tones might like MAC Up the Amp or Violetta lipstick. Medium Brown to deep warm Mahogany tones would look amazing with lipstick in deep, rich shades of raspberry purples such as Rebel or Diva

Deep Rich Coffee to Espresso hues will shine in regal plum tones like MAC Prolongwear Lipcreme, Faithfully Yours and Soulfully Rich

When wearing purple lipstick you must keep in mind the tone to balance your overall look. For example, with bold purple the eyes can be neutral thus allowing the lips to get all the attention. Deep purple hues can be paired with a smoky eye combo for a dramatic night look.

Hanane Bererhi

 
Obaasema’s Dalal Fihakhir chats with painter and mosaic artist Hanane Bererhi about her passion for her craft.

Dalal Fihakhir: What are the big steps of your artistic path?

Hanane Bererhi: When I went to the School of Fine Arts in Paris, I devoted myself to mosaic art, few years later I started painting. My work was at first reflecting abstract expressionism, painting rich in materials. Meanwhile, I was experimenting diverse techniques such as ceramic, fresco, molding and casting.

Mosaic Art

At the University of Sorbonne in Paris, I explored different media such as installations and artistic performance through which my body expresses itself and becomes an art object.

I never stopped enjoying mosaic art, my first artistic approach, and watercolor painting.

DF: You are half Algerian, half Tunisian, you live in Paris. How do you integrate this cultural diversity in your work?

HB: You’ll recognize in my work rich materials and components representative of Algerian painters such as Issiakhem and Khadda. Also [evident are] the engraved painting, Berber symbolism, Arabic calligraphy and the writing repetition.

Acrylic Painting "Femme Africaine 2"

What brings me closer to the occidental artists is everything connected to the installations, which are carvings made out of consumer goods like coke bottles and various salvaged materials and shop-window dummies used for a different purpose. Also important is the performance when my body becomes this art object and of course, my painting. We can tell it’s close to the abstract expressionism movement.

My work reflects my own person, as a whole. It is hard to dissect it.

DF: What does Paris represent to you?

HB: Paris is an opportunity, a rich mix of cultures. Paris represents 17 years of my life, all my artistic studies. I developed my art work in Paris, I owe Paris. However, why not live in another European city?

DF: Your artwork is partly dedicated to the woman and her body. What is the secret of your choice?

HB: Why the body? It is at the origin of the movement. Pictorial or carved, sometimes it’s mine, sometimes it’s someone else’s. The body in movement, chorographical shapes. I practice dancing, it’s probably a reason too.

Acrylic Painting "Aerasis"

Why the woman? Very often the unconscious self-portrait or multi-faces of women from different worlds is a way to break the frontiers between real and imaginary by giving life to mythical and fanciful characters.

I have started representing men though.  For a long time I couldn’t do it, probably because unconsciously I find the woman’s body more beautiful than the man’s?

DF: Eyes: A recurring component in your art work, the gaze seems to have a special status, why?

HB: When I first started painting, I could only draw a faceless body. Later, there were faces with eyes, noses and mouths. Now, the eye is very present in my paintings and carvings. It is probably linked with self-acceptance, the look we give ourselves and the one others give to you. Without a doubt, it is part of the human being maturity process. I grow, my art does too.

As a little girl, I owned a lucky-charm necklace with an eye pendant. To me, it represented protection, invincibility, the “eye of God” looking after me. Maybe I wanted to give a sacred nature to my work.

The eye is indeed recurring, omnipresent but always unconscious. Having several eyes is a good omen.

DF: Now, what comes to mind when I mention the word “color”?

HB: Color is a fundamental component of my art work. The color symbolizes life. I use [it] unconsciously, my instincts are my guide. I can’t paint without colors. This is an element that has never changed in my art work.

DF: Is painting another form of “thinking” for you?

HB: [Painting] helps me forget about everyday hassles, daily anxieties. It is a great concentration effort, it’s exciting, bubbling, [eventually] tiring but so satisfying!

DF: Which artists feed your creation?

HB: Jackson Pollock has pulled himself away from the traditional technique. Instead of brush painting he used a bucket with a hole and turned around his painting that he laid flat on the floor.

I’ m fond of Modigliani’s style; he painted elongated body shapes with big eyes. He was a very sensitive and generous artist.

Matisse and the way he used the color.

I love Chagall and his simple and colorful art.

Dali, I appreciate his watercolor paintings and his carvings.

Toulouse Lautrec, Klimt, they have different styles but I like them a lot.

I value some Japanese painters…

I’m a big fan of Tunisian painter Adel Megdiche. He has an incredible drawing technique. A surrealism that makes you feel “The Arabian Nights” tale.

As you may notice, my taste varies. I draw my inspiration from different styles.

DF: What are your upcoming projects?

HB: Well, first, to continue teaching art and Arabic calligraphy at the International Algerian School in Paris.

I participated in the love theme in Paris along with other artists from February 14^th till February 28^th 2011. It is an outside exposition named “Paris je t’aime”; you follow a heart-shaped path and enjoy different kinds of art at the same time. It is in the popular Parisian neighborhood “Le marais”.

I am preparing an exposition in Algiers and currently working on the Tunisian revolution theme.

More about Hanane Bererhi at http://www.myspace.com/hananebererhi

"Outside The Barcode" by Kae Sun

This summer, Ghanaian-born artist Kae Sun released his new EP “Outside the Barcode.”  This album, like Kae Sun’s other creative pursuits, is hard to classify and almost impossible to succinctly explain.  With musical roots that extend from traditional Ghanaian folk chants to American hip-hop, Kae Sun is known for songs that masterfully blend the various artistic influences of his past and present.

“Outside the Barcode” exemplifies Kae Sun’s expanding artistic repertoire with his lilting Ghanaian/Canadian-accented voice inspired by neo-soul and reggae tones that are only further enhanced by his own acoustic accompaniment and other live instruments.

Inspired by a trip back home to Ghana, Kae Sun‘s “Outside the Barcode” begins with “Firefly Dance,” a song that appreciates the journeys traveled through life while at the same time never forgetting that from which you came.

The second song, “When the Pot,” on Kae Sun’s newest EP is more reminiscent of a reggae song sung by a soft-voiced reggae artist, different from most of the other songs on the EP, where his voice sounds more akin to a Neo Soul/R&B.  “When the Pot” makes demands and pleads for social and political change, in Ghana, in Africa, in the world.  Calling out “legislatures who fake change” and hoping that by holding on “something’s gotta change,” this song makes it clear that Kae Sun wants to not only entertain and create something aesthetically pleasing to his listener’s ears, but he also requests, perhaps demands, that people wake up and do something.

The last song “Weh-Weh” has more of an African influence in its beat and lyrics, with an upbeat tempo that forces you to tap your foot in time.  As with “When the Pot,” “Weh-Weh” also makes a comment about the state of society and the importance of trying to change it with the emphasis being on Africa.

It almost seems as though Kae Sun wants anyone listening to know that “we are wide awake/and nobody leaves empty-handed.”  It’s time to take a stand and he seems to be willing to signify the impending battle with his music.