“I think the biggest thing I’ve realised [in this time] is how powerful the mind is. A lot of things we do in life are decisions,” Lorna says. “It’s a decision to get up in the morning and do something; it’s a decision to love someone, it’s not a feeling. Life has nothing to do with feelings.”

“I now realise that the most successful people are [that way] because they made a decision to be successful.”

Speaking on the challenges of her work, Lorna reveals, “I would say, on a personal note, always trying to be the best and always wanting more. It’s like a double-edged sword – it could work either way. Some people are okay with just being average but I never want to surround myself with mediocrity.”

Listen to the full podcast here and stand a chance to win a free Celebrate With Lorna Maseko cookbook!

For more exclusive celebrity interviews, follow @schickmagazine on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook!

The post CELEBRITY CHEF, LORNA MASEKO GETS HONEST ABOUT LIFE IN ISOLATION, SUCCESS & CULINARY INSPIRATIONS WITH SCHICK appeared first on SCHICK.

Her drive, determination and hard work all paid off eventually, as Noëlla bagged a first degree in Business Management in her early 20s, as well as built a successful modelling career. But her heart still longed for home and after 13 years of living abroad, she returned to the Congo to be reunited with her mother.

It ended up being far more than a homecoming. With her eyes opened to the poverty and lack of opportunity in her homeland, especially for women, she set off on a new journey to play her part in bringing about much-needed change. Now, Noëlla has founded Malaika, a nonprofit organisation that seeks to empower Congolese girls and their communities, through access to education and better healthcare. She has also spoken in front of international audiences, including the 2018 World Economic Forum at Davos, UNICEF and also appeared alongside President Clinton on a Clinton Global Initiative panel.

In an intimate chat with SCHICK, Noëlla talks about the impact of her philanthropic work around the world, the social issues plaguing African women till date and the most important lessons she’s learnt on her journey.

Photography: Daniel Herendi

Why did you choose the name ‘Malaika’ for your foundation?

Malaika means ‘angel’ and when we first set up the foundation it was called ‘George Malaika’ after my dad. Subsequently, I changed it to Malaika because I didn’t want it to be seen as just mine. I may have found it but it took the contributions of many donors and supporters, and then over time, a team of international staff and volunteers to get Malaika to where it is today. I want everyone involved to feel a sense of ownership of it and that we’re achieving an impact on the community in Kalebuka (Congo) because of our work together as a team.

How has your own life been impacted since starting the foundation?

I am very attached to it, with all my heart. I give a lot of time to it voluntarily and visit Congo twice a year. In the Summer, I take my family for several weeks. I have also been very impacted by the people and the girls who come to our school. Malaika is a primary and secondary school for 346 girls and we also have a community centre where we educate over 5,000 youth and adults through sport and vocational programmes.

It’s hard to say what would have happened if my childhood had been different but growing up without parents shaped me into the person I am

The community has so much potential and they have impacted me in many ways over the years, as I have seen their resilience and enthusiasm in such difficult, rural conditions. Over the years, it has been hard work to run Malaika. It is difficult to fundraise and create an organisation in a village where there is no infrastructure so there have been painful moments as well as much joy and satisfaction.

In what ways do you believe growing up in different circumstances would have shaped your life?

It was not easy growing up without my mum and dad around. My dad passed away when I was five and my mother sent me to live with family in Europe so I’d have more opportunities. It’s hard to say what would have happened if my childhood experiences had been different but growing up without parents shaped me into the person I am today and revealed to me the difference that having an education makes to a child’s life.

Of your vast achievements, which mean the most to you?

My two children, JJ and Cara, are my most important achievements. They make me proud every day. Malaika is an incredible achievement but one I do not see as being all my own. It is a combined effort and that makes me very proud. When I see the girls come into the school on their first day at five years old and watch them grow and change into physically and mentally stronger children, who have realised their potential and started to believe their dreams for the future could come true, it means the world to me.

We have built and refurbished 20 wells to provide clean water and have agriculture that provides food for the school and enables us to teach organic farming. We have recently launched our brand, Mama Ya Mapendo, which produces bags and accessories that we sell at the school and community centre and in the local supermarket. At the moment, they are sewing masks to help with the current Covid-19 crisis. The ladies who sew the products learned to read and write at our community centre and then learned sewing and entrepreneurship. It is incredible to see small businesses birthed out of the education we provide at Malaika.

Courtesy: Malaika foundation

I’ve read that your passion is to “model with meaning.” What does that mean to you?

It means that all my modelling work will have a positive impact on the world around me. In practice, that means I work with brands where I believe in their product and I know they are ethical in their production of clothing or beauty products. For example, they are showing consideration to sustainability and they ensure good and fair working conditions for staff in their supply chain.

If there was anything you could change about working in the modelling industry, what would it be?

Probably all the travelling involved! I find it hard to be away from home sometimes, though I do love the cities that I have worked in, such as New York and London. Also, we need to be more sustainable as an industry and hold brands to account for how ethical their clothing is.

We need to see more African women educated and equipped to participate in the global stage of business at a high level and in key political positions

Aside from the empowerment of girls through education, what other social issues do you believe should be on the front burner for African women?

I think equality in business is a big issue globally and does need to be addressed in Africa. We have had some wonderful advocates for women over recent years and some inspirational examples of African women who are leaders in business. However, we need to see more women represented and more African women educated and equipped to participate in the global stage of business at a high level and in key political positions. Africa has so much to offer in terms of resources and people.

You’re an inspiration to so many but who inspires you?

My mother has always been an inspiration to me. She has sacrificed a lot for me and been an incredible example of caring for others even if it involves great personal cost. I am inspired by the women of Kalebuka and the surrounding villages who provide for their families in very challenging conditions. Their positivity and resilience has impacted me deeply over the years.

What makes you feel most fulfilled?

Time with my family. I love to be with my children and doing things like reading and baking together. I feel fulfilled when I’m in Africa with our family, friends, and colleagues in Congo and Africa. I also feel very content when I’m doing a modelling campaign for a brand I feel connected to and whose products or garments I am proud to wear.

What career advice would you give to a young woman struggling to find her way right now?

Don’t give up. Stay true to yourself and your vision for your life and career. Anything worth doing usually requires a lot of hard graft and commitment so keep learning and don’t let challenges or negative opinions hold you back.

If you could say a few words to your younger self, what would they be?

You don’t need to say yes to everything somebody asks you to do. If you don’t truly believe in its value or it isn’t a priority right now, say no. Set boundaries for your time and energy and stick to them.

For more interviews, follow @schickmagazine on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook!

The post THE SCHICK SIT-DOWN: PHILANTHROPIST AND ACTIVIST, NOËLLA COURSARIS MUSUNKA DISCUSSES HER ROLE IN EDUCATING AND EQUIPPING CONGOLESE WOMEN appeared first on SCHICK.

On the issue of thriving, the Maxivive label seems to “mess” with the Nigerian narrative. Maxivive is a Nigerian based menswear brand founded by Papa Oyeyemi in 2007. This menswear label is set to focus on the distinctiveness of individuality and a person’s true identity. From the label’s unique design architecture and choice of fabrics, Maxivive has proven to become a menswear brand to reckon within the fashion industry.

It was indeed a great opportunity to sit with Papa to discuss his thoughts on the evolution of menswear and ever-changing definition of masculinity.

RS: How would you describe the menswear fashion industry in Nigeria?

PO: I think the current state of menswear in Nigeria is constantly developing.

Why do you think non-conforming outfits are sometimes not received by the general public?

I think it’s just because people don’t accept what they don’t know. It’s difficult for you to just accept what you do not know and what you do not understand. I don’t take it personally, trust me. I mean, it took thirty years for the internet to circulate around the world and it is still not everywhere. There are still some places with no internet, so why do you think it’ll just take a few years for you to know that you don’t have to wear a shirt and trouser alone?

What inspires you to create more androgynous designs?

There has to diversity in the way we see things, and that’s just the way I see things. That’s just me interpreting what I see. It’s nothing personal; I’m not trying to make everybody cross-dress or wear gowns, no. I simply subscribe to the idea of replicating things the way I see them, from my own perception.

View this post on Instagram

Introducing the new Unwana Tunic and Obot Shorts from the #MaxivivePrewet⁠ ‘20 collection titled ‘Eyes Watching God'. Designed and styled by #PapaOyeyemi, photographed on location by @kosolonwudinjor featuring @angels_models_africa @dior_bonou ⁠ ⁠ Discover full campaign now using the Link in Bio⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠#WhitewhiteMaxivivewhite #Linkinbio ⁠#Maxivive⁠ ⁠

A post shared by Maxivive Official (@maxivive) on Apr 17, 2020 at 1:00pm PDT

Can you predict the future of the Nigerian fashion industry as more of these non-conforming labels are popping up?

If I’m to predict that, I’d say the shaft would have to be sieved out. Once this is done, then can we truly know the difference between the designers who are riding with the trends and those creating menswear for a better reason. I mean, it’s okay to do it because it is trending, but I think it’s better to do it because it is just the way you see things. That’s basically innate.

Nigerian men are changing; are fashion brands keeping up?

If brands are keeping up to factors like this, it means those brands are the ones I previously referred to – their goal is to trend. I’m not a trendy brand, so I’m not keeping up with things like that.

The work of a designer is to predict, to curate, to solve problems and carefully suggest what consumers should wear the next season. So, if you now base that on what people are wearing, it means you are just jumping on the trend to make money and in turn, you are not doing your job. I believe, as a designer, you’re just to curate and people will catch up with it in the future.

Robert Fiyinfolowa Solomon is a freelance creative writer born and bred in Lagos, Nigeria. Despite his busy schedule, he loves talking about fashion and getting his voice heard on the internet.

Follow @schickmagazine on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook!

The post IS MENSWEAR FASHION IN NIGERIA READY FOR A REAL REVOLUTION? appeared first on SCHICK.

In a chat with SCHICK, Marian discusses her career, the importance of promoting Black creatives and how the COVID-19 pandemic may have changed fashion forever.

Where did you grow up and how did that influence your relationship with fashion?

I grew up in the United Kingdom, Ghana and The Gambia. This mix between the West and West Africa affected my relationship with fashion in that it caused assimilation of culture, which affected my personal style. So the colours I gravitate to, the patterns and the prints that I champion, the layering of say a West African textile over a Western pair of pants is as a result of the mishmash of my experience. My layered approach to fashion is a testament to that. 

Do you think of yourself as more of a stylist or a content creator?

That is a great question. I would say both. However, even when I style people I see it as content creation – content for fashion spaces, be they digital or in print. A branding of them somewhat. I am very passionate about content creation and the ability to start conversation. I have just started a new project with costume designer, Lauren Miller. We aim to tell the untold stories in fashion, beauty and culture. Content creation is my passion and this is what I aim to do with my Instagram, blog and more.

Amazing! From your blog, readers can tell you’re passionate about promoting African style and Black creatives around the world. When did you first realise that was important to you?

From early on. I am passionate about the work they create and their ability to do so with limited resources. I am riveted by their production processes, what it takes to create a textile, be it Adire from Nigeria or Kente from Ghana. I am fascinated with the stories they seek to tell with their designs and I like to share these stories with the world. I gravitate to their work because of my personal experience of having been raised in both the UK and Africa. 

What do you currently find most exciting about working in fashion?

Currently, I find the conversations that social distancing has enforced riveting. Everyone has taken the conversation online, podcasts, Zoom discussions and the like. I am all about conversation and engagement and the COVID-19 pandemic has fostered the need to do so. 

So true. In what ways would you say the COVID-19 pandemic will affect the nature of the fashion industry?

I think it will affect a lot, from the ethical practice and sustainability of brands to how the industry engages with consumers. Also, I believe the ongoing online conversations are here to stay. 

Speaking of the business of fashion, what advice would you give to creatives looking to work in the fashion space, as it is now?

To first and foremost figure out exactly what they want to do; what their end goal is. Then, to assist as much as they can with established creatives in their field of interest, to learn as much as they can about their area of interest, to seek a mentor. Mentorship is everything.

How would you describe your personal style?

I like to say my style is an assimilation of my experience – layered, textured, colourful, 70’s inspired, patterned, maximalist and bold. 

Can you tell us the most common piece of fashion advice you give out?

To figure out what your personal style is. Once this is done, everything from having the building blocks of a closet to effective shopping all become second nature. It improves self-confidence, saves money and creates cohesion. Also, it is a joyful place to be when what one wears reflects the person’s personality and lifestyle needs. 

Till date, what do you consider your most significant achievement?

Being featured by Vogue Italia. Vogue is the ultimate when it comes to fashion, so although I have garnered great press, achieved good branding for celebrity clients, I think being featured by Vogue is my most significant achievement. 

Read Marian’s blog here and follow her on Instagram!

The post THE SCHICK SIT-DOWN: CELEBRITY STYLIST & BLOGGER, MARIAN KWEI DISCUSSES FASHION’S FUTURE POST-PANDEMIC appeared first on SCHICK.

[1]

Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, 1954

Synopsis: Adam, the eldest of seven brothers, goes to town to get a wife. He convinces Milly to marry him that same day. They return to his backwoods home. Only then does she discover he has six brothers – all living in his cabin. Milly sets out to reform the uncouth siblings, who are anxious to get wives of their own. Then, after reading about the Roman capture of the Sabine women, Adam develops an inspired solution to his brothers’ loneliness.

[2]

Grease, 1978

Synopsis: A musical about teens in love in the 1950s. It’s California 1958 and greaser Danny Zuko (John Travolta) and Australian Sandy Olsson (Olivia Newton-John) are in love. They spend time at the beach, and when they go back to school, what neither of them knows is that they both now attend Rydell High. Danny’s the leader of the T-Birds, a group of black leather jacket-wearing greasers while Sandy hangs with the Pink Ladies, a group of pink-wearing girls led by Rizzo (Stockard Channing). When they clash at Rydell’s first pep rally, Danny isn’t the same Danny from the beach. They try to be like each other so they can be together.

[3]

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, 1953

Synopsis: Lorelei and Dorothy are just “Two Little Girls from Little Rock”, lounge singers on a transatlantic cruise, working their way to Paris, and enjoying the company of any eligible men they might meet along the way, even though “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.” Based on the Broadway musical based on the novel.

[4]

Scarface, 1983

Synopsis: Tony Montana manages to leave Cuba during the Mariel exodus of 1980. He finds himself in a Florida refugee camp but his friend Manny has a way out for them: undertake a contract killing and arrangements will be made to get a green card. He’s soon working for drug dealer Frank Lopez and shows his mettle when a deal with Colombian drug dealers goes bad. He also brings a new level of violence to Miami. Once at the top however, Tony’s outrageous actions make him a target and everything comes crumbling down.

[5]

The King & I, 1956

Synopsis: Mrs Anna Leonowens and her son Louis arrive in Bangkok, where she has been contracted to teach English to the children of the royal household. She threatens to leave when the house she had been promised is not available but falls in love with the children. A new slave, a gift of a vassal king, translates “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” into a Siamese ballet. After expressing her unhappiness at being with the King, the slave decides to make an attempt to escape with her lover. Anna and the King start to fall in love, but her headstrong upbringing inhibits her from joining his harem. She is just about to leave Siam but something important she finds out makes her think about changing her mind.

Follow @schickmagazine on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook!

The post LISA FOLAWIYO REVEALS HER 5 FAVOURITE FILMS OF ALL TIME appeared first on SCHICK.

Q. What inspired your move to Nigeria?

What inspired me to move to Nigeria is Building a family! I met Najib, my husband, and he was based in Nigeria. We dated for long and I didn’t want to visit the country because I didn’t want to take any decision based on any place in the world

Q. What would you say you are most passionate about?

Fashion and beauty! I want every woman to see and believe that she is beautiful. And as much as it is great to be fashionable, she should always remember that she is not defined by the clothes or makeup she wears.

Q.  How do you switch from a career in marketing to one in fashion and beauty?

Fashion and beauty have always been my passion. I found a way to combine my degree with what I love. Marketing to me is not just selling a product, it is also giving tips, inspiring and influencing people’s behaviour. You need to study how to package your passion. Plus, my degrees are tools I can always keep for whatever surprises I face in my life.

Q. Tell us about the UpMarketNG…

The Up Market NG is a ready-to-wear fashion boutique that caters to the needs of the quintessential woman. We believe that every woman is beautiful, and we create unique pieces that appeal to different body shapes and sizes.

I have always wanted to start a business of my own, and after moving to Lagos, getting pregnant and giving birth to a handsome boy, the whole concept of the Up Market started to develop in my mind. I’ve always loved shopping, clothing and the whole world of fashion. I can definitely say it is my therapy.

So basically what pushed this concept forward was me hating my body and its changes. I hated myself after pregnancy. Then my husband said to me ‘you can always be a stylish mom’. And this is how it all started.

Q. How would you describe your typical customer?

A typical customer for me is a customer that wants to stand out and make a statement. One who understands the importance of a properly combined outfit.

Q. How would you compare the reception of your brand between Lebanon & Nigeria?

I do not offer my products on the Lebanese market. The Nigerian and the Lebanese market are so different.

Q. Is there anything you would like to change or improve in the fashion or beauty industry?

I believe the world needs to have access to more quality pieces from the Nigerian fashion and beauty industry. I want more people to wear Nigerian, so I would like to improve access to quality Nigerian fashion and beauty products.

Q. What issues are you happy lending your voice to?

I am happy to lend my voice to issues related to women empowerment and to the elderly.

Q. Favourite item of clothing?

Shoes! To me the whole outfit matches and the shoes don’t, the outfit is gone to waste. Also, to me, you can change the style and the whole look of the same outfit by simply just changing the shoes. Ex: sneakers (sporty), kitten heels (preppy), pointy heels (classy) etc. You have to match your shoes to the look you wish to show.

Q. Favourite fashion brand?

Chanel! Classy, simple and eternal, like it never goes out of style! To me, it is the hardest challenge in the fashion industry and Chanel doesn’t disappoint!

Q. Best beauty product of all time?

Nars!

Q. Favourite travel destination?

Paris.

Q. Any career tip?

If you are passionate about and believe in something, don’t give up. I came to Nigeria not knowing anyone, yet found my way to pursue my dreams. When you do something you love, you won’t feel its work. It becomes your hobby.

The post AN INTERVIEW WITH THE CREATIVE DIRECTOR AT THE UP MARKET NG, FARAH KHATIB appeared first on SCHICK.

SCHICK sat down with TÖME to discuss her music, female empowerment and making an impact in the industry.

Who are your major music influences, if any?

For me, it’s always been Fela Kuti, Micheal Jackson, Alicia Keys, Erykah Badu, amongst several others! These artists appeal most to me.

You’ve been described as an artist who is committed to making empowering music for women. How do you feel your music accomplishes that?

Personally, I feel that the best way to be heard and understood is when you can relate to someone, which is what I try to achieve in my music. I do that by creating stories in my lyrics that many ladies can relate to and then showing them their worth as a result of that experience.

In my first project, I touched on the different ways a man/relationship can change your whole perspective on life. In my next project, I demonstrate the different ways to express happiness, look beyond the negativity and continue to live a life of wealth and joy. This is my way to not only empower woman but empower all.

I feel the best way to be heard and understood is when you can relate to someone, which is what I try to achieve in my music

 How would you describe your sound?

Honestly, the best way to describe it is Afro-Fusion. I truly put who I am into my music, giving you a fusion of sounds, with my mix of English and French lyrics and tones of Hip-Hop, R&B, Soul and sometimes Reggae (Dancehall), which is what I grew up around. The core similarity within majority of my songs is Afrobeats, though.

All my songs are a little different from one another however, there is a mix of genres in each one that really resonates with me as an artist and lets you know that this is TÖME’s work.

You’ve toured with Wizkid, Mr Eazi and performed at a number of concerts around the world. What, so far, has been the highlight of your career?

Thus far, getting a whole crowd to sing along to my song, which they had never heard before since it is still unreleased, was one of the most gratifying highlights of my career so far; of course, aside from opening for Burna Boy at Wembley Stadium in November, which was an exciting moment for Africans everywhere!

You premiered the music video for your latest single, The Money last month. How has the reception to it been and how did it compare to your expectations?

The reception has been bigger than I expected for sure. It’s the most viewed video of all my songs so far. It feels amazing knowing that so many people really love this song. Oddly enough, it wasn’t even one of my favorite songs initially and not top on my list, as my next release is! So, I’m happy it has exceeded my expectations for sure.

Would you describe your brand as more Afrobeats or global?

Global for sure!

How do you want people to feel when listening to your music?

Like they have a friend they can listen too. I want people to feel good, happy, I want them to move or cry uncontrollably. I want to be able to make my listener go through a roller coaster of emotions and then feel relieved through my music.

I’ve had a few people tell me how my songs were able to touch them in a special way. That makes me feel like I have a stronger purpose than just making good music

What impact do you hope to have on the music industry?

Our world is filled with hate and ignorance, and I feel we have enough music to speak to that demographic. However, I want my music to inspire change and help my listeners strive to be better every day. 

What makes you feel most fulfilled?

Knowing that people were able to be impacted by my words or music, to change something in their own life that needed doing. I’ve had a few people tell me how my songs were able to touch them in a special way, where it seemed like I understood exactly what they had gone through. That makes me feel like I have a stronger purpose than just making good music.

Follow TÖME on Instagram for more!

The post THE SCHICK SIT-DOWN: MUSICIAN, TÖME TALKS PROMOTING FEMALE EMPOWERMENT THROUGH MUSIC AND BECOMING A FORCE ON THE AFROBEATS SCENE appeared first on SCHICK.

To celebrate this year’s event, SCHICK had a quick interview with weight loss expert, mother-of-two, fitness enthusiast and ShredderGang founder, Bunmi George – on everything from the best workout routines when you’re pressed for time, to how she gets her family to eat healthy.

View this post on Instagram

Collaborations are great, no man is an island. Infact your divine mandate has people involved however there are some things that God will require of YOU. Yesterday I sat with @oloriboye and we mused over many topics and I was sharing with her how my latest venture was so much bigger than me I wanted to bring in an international partner so that I could piggy back because who am I to really do this big thing and so I tried and tried until the Lord was like “aunty, it’s YOU that will do it, it’s YOU, you are the woman for the job, I will show you how” I love adventures with God because beyond the mandate, who I become in the process is most important. He is a God of the journey and I am the house He is building. Peep the link in bio and have a listen to the podcast. Pray it blesses you

A post shared by Mrs Black (@jbums) on Mar 4, 2020 at 3:45am PST

When it came to her message for women, this IWD, Bunmi simply says, “Women are caretakers; they take care of everyone but themselves. This International Women’s Day, I say: Every woman is a priority. You first, because a healthy you means a healthy everybody else.”

Watch the full video on YouTube:

Follow @schickmagazine on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook!

The post WEIGHT LOSS EXPERT AND SHREDDER GANG FOUNDER, BUNMI GEORGE ANSWERS SCHICK’S 23 BURNING QUESTIONS appeared first on SCHICK.

You can tell instantly that Kasigo is the man with the vision. He walks in and immediately claims the room but with a calm, soft-spoken demeanour. After warming the conversation up with a few laughs, we get straight into everything there is to know about this soon-to-be-released Original series.

Where did the idea for Queen Sono come from?

I had made a film called Catching Feelings and that was picked up by Netflix; that’s where I got to work with Pearl Thusi [for the first time]. Myself and my producing partner, Tamsin Anderson, were already thinking about what to do next and we had had a good time working with Pearl on the film. One day, she came to visit and showed us a video of herself fighting in a movie called Scorpion King.

She wanted to do Tomb Raider kind of stuff but I’m very much into the spy genre and I thought a truly African female hero would be amazing, so we started working on that.

What we wanted to do with Queen Sono was to have a balance – to create something that is authentically South African and African, but for the world

Kasigo Lediga

How did the collaboration with Netflix come about?

We got a call from a personal contact who had started working with Netflix. When Netflix came to town [South Africa], she told them: You need to meet these cool filmmakers and told them about the show – and the rest, I guess, is history. That was 18 months ago.

Queen Sono is going to show in about 190 different countries around the world, but do you think there’s going to be any difference between the South African audience’s reaction to it and other parts of the world?

I feel like they’re a lot of elements of the show that are embedded in South African culture, so audiences here are always going to understand those things better, but the great thing is whether you’re watching it in Kampala or New York city, you’re not going to be having such a different experience. For example, if it was a Nigerian story, there would be many things embedded in the language that the local viewer would immediately pick up on.

What we wanted to do with Queen Sono was to have a balance – to create something that is authentically South African and African, but for the world.

When I walk into the room where Tebogo is, I can tell within 5 seconds that we’re going to hit it off. He could easily be your hilarious neighbour, favourite co-worker or best friend. In a light, open and honest atmosphere, we dig into the Queen Sono project.

Do you feel the weight of responsibility on you as the co-director of the first Netflix African Original Series?

I think the first pressure you feel is when you get a call from Netflix! But, in all seriousness, it’s good pressure because you know you have to put in the work. Once we realised it was going to be the first Netflix African Original Series, the pressure then doubled because not only is it going to be aired in 190 countries, but how do we make Africans everywhere proud of it? I want them to watch it and go, Damn! We did that! You want people to see excellence on the screen and be proud. I think if Africans own it, that would be a win.

So, the pressure was definitely there but the challenge was not to allow it to freeze us up or make us buckle, but to use it to propel us forward and to create excellent work.

Are there any members of the cast and crew that surprised you during production?

You know who surprised me? Stand-up comedian, Loyiso Madinga. He came in and we challenged him, challenged his acting, and he showed up! I was pleasantly surprised that he had the range, depth and intelligence to execute such a complex character – and you’ll see it when you watch the show. He’s not necessarily a trained actor but what he brought to the screen was absolutely incredible.

In terms of other actors, I’d say Pearl and Vuyo Dabula’s characters because they appear to be the most complex. I think they’re the most layered and I think their stories have the highest highs and the lowest lows, so it was fun working with these actors because of the dynamism of their characters.

What have been the key highlights for you, working on this project?

I have a couple of highlights, one of them being all the special effects, fight sequences and stunts in Queen Sono because they’re things I haven’t done a lot of. To do it, at this level, was a highlight for me and I learnt a lot.

Everything around the show was also a big highlight. What I really love and respect about Netflix is that they took the Hollywood system and how things are done at that level and brought it here. For a lot of us filmmakers, for instance, it’s the first time we’ll attend press junkets. For someone like me, who’s worked a long time in this industry and had a fair amount of success, to never have experienced this level of cinema and professionalism… I have Netflix to thank. I’ve found renewed passion for what I do.

Working with Kasigo Lediga was also a highlight. I grew up as a little kid in Soweto watching him on primetime TV, thinking: That dude is amazing! So today, many years later, to be working alongside him as co-director on the first Netflix African Original is so humbling. He went from being someone I admired from afar to being an older brother.

I want hardworking African creatives to receive backing to make real impact, without losing our authenticity and our stories – which I think Netflix has done wonderfully

Tebogo Malope

What kinds of opportunities do you want to see more African creatives like yourself have in your lifetime?

The thing about us, as African creatives, is we’ve got the stories, we’ve got the heart and we’ve got the natural flair. I’ve been exposed to a lot of creatives around the world and I believe Africans are born storytellers. So, it almost feels like for the next 100 – 200 years of storytelling, Africa needs to the Mecca because the storytellers are here – and I’m talking from Cape to Cairo, from Nairobi to Accra.

The only challenge is most of them don’t get the proper academic background, so what we need to see more of is the infrastructure to support those storytellers. It feels like a chicken-and-egg situation because the people that can help build infrastructure and raise capital to back creatives are waiting for the industry to be profitable first, while creatives need this support for that to happen in the first place.

I hope a show like Queen Sono being released will help show people that there’s a lot to invest and tap into on the continent. I want this project to be the catalyst for many more; I want hardworking creatives to receive backing to make a real impact, without losing our authenticity and our stories – which I think Netflix has done wonderfully.

Queen Sono is out on Netflix on February 2020!

The post #SCHICKXNETFLIX: IN AN EXCLUSIVE CHAT, ‘QUEEN SONO’ DIRECTORS, KASIGO LEDIGA AND TEBOGO MALOPE DISCUSS LIFE AS THE BRAINS BEHIND THE FIRST NETFLIX AFRICAN ORIGINAL SERIES appeared first on SCHICK.

Now, Moet is ready to take on bigger challenges, including producing her own TV shows, starting a podcast and launching a skincare business – all with one goal in mind: encouraging people to become the very best versions of themselves.

Growing up, what career path did you plan for?

Growing up, I had a number of career paths I planned for. From wanting to be a professional dancer, to a barrister, a psychologist or therapist, an actress and now, a tv presenter.

Very interesting choices! Having worked in entertainment for a significant number of years, how do you keep the momentum going and stay consistent?

I’ve always had that hustle mentality where no matter how tough it gets, I must keep pushing and keep improving on myself and my craft. The momentum and consistency automatically comes because I believe it will only get better if and when I put the work in.

What do you feel you offer to the entertainment industry that makes you stand out?

I believe my tenacity and relatability is what makes me stand out. I often say I am living my life free of no pretense doing what I love!

Doing what you love seems to be paying off. Just a few months ago, you won the OAP of the Year Award. What’s been your greatest accomplishment so far?

My greatest accomplishment so far has been becoming one of the most sought after voices on the radio.

My idea of success is living a happy life, with the freedom to do what I love

While on the subject, how do you define success?

I define success not by material things or fame. My idea of success is me living a happy life, with the freedom to do what I love and fulfilling my dreams which makes me the happiest.

That’s amazing. Publicity is a big part of the job, and social media has only made it more so. How do you deal with public attention?

Public attention comes with my profession and as long as I can understand that, it makes it easier.

How would you describe the Moet Abebe brand?

The “Moet Abebe” brand speaks volumes when it comes to authenticity and female empowerment. My vision is to ensure that my brand is always reflective of this, especially to young women trying to get their feet into the industry.

The “Moet Abebe” brand speaks volumes when it comes to authenticity and female empowerment

Why did you decide to go into the skincare business?

I have always been very particular about my skin, especially my facial skin, because that is one of the first things anybody notices when they see you in person. So, giving a good and lasting first impression was always paramount for me. Skin products, great skin care and procedures have always been a major interest of mine. I’m often complimented on my skin so I decided why not create a business out of this interest… and here we are!

Amazing. Let’s talk a bit about your entrepreneurship journey so far… what’s been the biggest lesson?

I would say the biggest lesson is: not to dwell too much on the idea and procrastinate. What I do instead now is to try all means to execute the idea.

Is mentorship something you believe is important and do you see yourself as a mentor?

I believe mentorship is extremely important because it’s one thing to be talented and another to channel that talent the right way. Most times, that comes with direction and a mentor who has experienced all the sides to the industry. I unfortunately didn’t have that; I came into the industry and had to learn on my own. However, I do see myself as a mentor because there are definitely a number of young upcoming and aspiring presenters I have helped along the way and eventually, my plan is to start an annual mentorship program for aspiring TV and radio presenters.

You’re definitely known for your style. How would you say its evolved over the years?

I think my style has evolved from not necessarily being sure of what suits my body and body type, to now embracing my body with its curves, edges and flaws. This has made me willing to take more risks, which inevitably will make my style evolve – and it keeps evolving!

Is there a difference between your personal and professional style? If so, in what way?

I wouldn’t really say there’s much of a difference between the two. I own my style wherever I am.

You’re in the process of producing a podcast. What will it be about? Why did you decide to create one?

Yes I am! Well, I don’t want to give it away too much as it will ruin the element of surprise, but I assure you it will be about extremely relatable topics and experiences. I decided to create one because I felt the time was right. It’s time for my voice to be heard and something empowering to be linked to my name.

It’s time for my voice to be heard and something empowering to be linked to my name

Going back to our conversation on working in TV for a moment, would you ever be interested in working behind the camera?

Oh yes, I would definitely be interested in working behind the camera, but more of an executorial role – perhaps playing the role of an Executive Producer.

We definitely need more women behind the lens. Could you let us in on the current projects you’re working on?

I just launched my website and currently, I’m working on my upcoming podcast and a few TV shows that will be on my website and YouTube page. My medical spa, Lumora also opened for business at the beginning of the year.

Congratulations! Before I let you go, I’m a little curious… do you have any plans for Valentine’s Day?

My plans for Valentine’s are very simple – just to be surrounded by love and hopefully do something that will make me feel loved.

Follow Moet on Instagram and learn more on her official website!

Credits:

• Photographer: @chimaobidavidibe
• Make Up Artist: @arabylaide
• Hair: @thehairfuseltd & @mr.ts_beautyconcepts
• Styling: @gloryuduma
• Videography: @egofixtv
• Location: @talindosteakhouse
• Hair: @hairbybeesroots

The post THE SCHICK SIT-DOWN: MOET ABEBE OPENS UP ON BUSINESS, BECOMING ONE OF THE MOST SOUGHT-AFTER VOICES ON RADIO & WHY VALENTINE’S THIS YEAR IS SPECIAL appeared first on SCHICK.