Well, just look at stories that took time thousands of years ago like that time David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals.’  (2 Samuel 6:5) or when Miriam the prophetess took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and dancing.’ (Exodus 15:20) or maybe even when David innocently played the lyre to calm jealous Saul’s demon infested mind?

Ever heard of the saying, we are creators just as God created us? Anyway, you get the drift.

Read More: https://afrikanexcellence.thelovetablet.com/2023/01/10/7-breathtaking-truths-about-kenyas-landscape/

Mama Africa is not only blessed with minerals and insurmountable commodities, but she is rich in talent and creativity. It is key to note that most countries in our continent lack the framework and proficiency to beneficiate this pool of artistry into viable innovations.

Having made this observation, we have noteworthy exceptions with Nigeria, Northern Africa and South Africa film industries being the most outstanding.

Nollywood, the film industry in Nigeria is ranked as the 2^nd largest movie industry in the world after Hollywood based on the number of annual films produced and jobs created. This Nigerian giant creative economy boasts of being the second-largest employer in Nigeria. This reminds me how most of us learned our Nigerian accents from Afro Cinema.

According to Business Insider Africa in a study released in 2021, the Nigerian creative industry employs 4.2 million people across various sectors, Media and Entertainment, Beauty and Lifestyle, Visual Arts, as well as Tourism and Hospitality.

There’s hope because in recent times, there has been much talk about the potential of the creative and cultural industries in contribution to Africa’s economic growth. We are witnesses to governments, local and international organizations and corporate institutions finding creative ways to work with creatives.

The creative economy will most definitely rapidly boost economies and drive inclusive socio-economic development in Africa. According to EY, 2015, this industry has a significant contribution of three percent of the global gross domestic product (GDP). This highlights the economic potential of creative industries as a source of growth and job creation in Africa.

Read More: https://afrikanexcellence.thelovetablet.com/2023/01/26/why-african-investors-must-master-the-gdp-simplified/

This poses the one million dollar question, how might other African countries learn and tap into the creative economy? Well, they MUST put into consideration investing in cultural industries, which, according to UNCTAD, are composed of the following 9 sectors

• Traditional cultural expressions- Arts and crafts, festivals and celebrations.
• Cultural sites- Archaeological sites, museums, libraries, exhibitions, etc.
• Visual arts- Paintings, sculptures, photography and antiques.
• Publishing and printed media- Books, press and other publications.
• Design- Interior, graphic, fashion, jewellery and toys.
• Performing arts- Music, theater, dance, opera, circus, puppetry, etc.
• Audio-visual- Film, television, radio and other broadcasting
• New/Modern media- Software, video games, digitized creative content
• Creative services- Architectural, advertising, creative R & D, cultural and recreational activities.

Read More: https://afrikanexcellence.thelovetablet.com/2017/09/22/being-deaf-did-not-cut-off-any-of-my-dreams-yakwaya-fred/

The post Africa’s Creative Economy Is Apt To Fattening Your Pockets appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.

Tell us your story, background, school and achievements

I was born in a village in Taveta that was full of love. Everyone loved me I think because of my strong personality, I am that one child who was brought up by the whole village because I loved visiting and checking on everyone.

One thing I clearly remember was my friends telling me that my skin would eventually turn black and I believed them because I really admired black skin. My parents were well informed about albinism when they had me because my older brother also has albinism which had forced them to seek medical advice earlier.

I went to a regular school and I am grateful for that because most of the people I have interacted with were forcefully taken to special schools. There’s a belief that people with albinism are also blind. My playmates were very considerate and would insist we play in the shade courtesy of enough information from the small community I grew up in.

High school was in another district and the first day I joined I was already nicknamed Mzungu. It was very interesting as I got all manner of brochures to join different entertainment clubs.

Did I forget to mention that I was a very naughty girl. My mum had to keep punishing me. I remember I was suspended once in form four for bad behavior. I was that over self confident young girl who believed that I will one day change the world.

Before I cleared high school, I began to notice that boys from other schools wanted to hang around my friends and not me. This began another chapter of my life as I began researching on albinism.

In 2012, I moved to Nairobi to join the University of Nairobi for my BA in Diplomacy and International Studies. Nairobi was not pretty for me. I got stopped on the streets by people who wondered why I was so confident or even why I wore make up as a person with albinism.

I got names hurled at me, Zeru zeru, albino, albino msupa etc., from street families and motorists. My first year was hell on earth. It was also the time where people with albinism were being kidnapped and taken to Tanzania.

I thank my friends and parents who kept encouraging me. This built who I am today, I gained back my confidence. (she laughs). In 2013, I joined Doctor Choksey Albinism Foundation and became an active member.

They called me many times for speaking engagements which involved telling my story and educating people about albinism. For the first time in my life, I felt satisfied giving back to the society. It was also the place I met my super amazing mentor, Jane Waithera.

I became very active in campus from joining the Rotary club, drama, church activities and St. Johns ambulance program which I learnt later was a huge encouragement for students with albinism.

In 2015, I joined Colour Kwa Face initiative by Nonini as a volunteer after graduation. The project involved visiting schools in Kenya and sharing our experiences. The project has changed thousands of young lives. I am currently a director and the ambassador of the program.

I also pursued The journey Leadership Management Course while still in campus and graduated last year.

I got selected for YALI last year which was a life changing experience for me. I was surrounded by over 80 young African leaders from East and Central Africa who are transforming their communities.

My paradigms about Africa were shifted. I was challenged and the networking was out of this world. One of the greatest lesson I learnt was The 7 Habits and number six to be specific- Seek first to understand then to be understood.

After the program, I joined the creative industry after auditioning for Africa City Model auditions where I met great photographers and activists. I still work with them to creatively create awareness on albinism through film, photography and other forms of media.

We bagged the Discovery Award last month in France. My photos were in every big mainstream media channel including CNN. I am still waiting for an interview CNN, okay? I also partner with PAWA 254 occasionally to talk about being a woman with albinism.

Florence in the next 10 years.

I intend to continue building on creative platforms that educate people about people with albinism  through various forms of media like a blog, TV and film. I hope to chase my dream of being a TV personality. By the way, I can not wait to fulfill my vision of hosting a show and being a news anchor, a dream I have had since childhood.

Advice to the youth

Work hard, work smart. Never compare yourself with others. African youth need to rise up and take charge as we drive our continent forward.

Weird question you have ever been asked?

If I have a boyfriend. Maybe that one person who asked me if people with albinism can be in a relationship.

And are you in a relationship?

Yes. (her face lights up and blushes). I am in a relationship with my best friend and no., I will not tell you his name.(Giggles)

Favorite food?

Anything sweet!

We wish you the very best Miss sweet tooth as you continue to shine and make Africa a better place.

The post Albinism Is Not A Disease- Hasn’t Stopped My Passion For Good African Leadership. Florence Kisombe appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.

Keziah is the founder of House of Kea, a fashion brand that is taking Uganda by storm. The apparel is tailor made to each individual and varies depending on the client. She loves using the African print in her collection because it commands attention, is vibrant, colorful and speaks about certain African cultures.

Keziah employs ladies from disadvantaged backgrounds thus transforming their livelihoods for the better.

She is an alumna of the Cultural and Development East Africa Fashion Incubation program and the YALI Regional Center program, 2017.

I have always loved the arts since childhood. I however took a detour to pursue my other love, Architecture at Ardhi University in Dar es Saalam, Tanzania where I graduated top of my class in 2013. I was later called back to work in Tanzania in the corporate world. I used to design clothes for family & friends as a side hustle.

I loved architecture and my job but I was not satisfied. Something was missing. My contract ended in early 2016. I decided to pursue fashion. My lovely employer was not having it. They offered me an extension with a better contract. Very good money by the way. (laughs). However, as much as I loved my work and employer, I had made up my mind.

My family and friends were beyond shocked. How do you leave a comfortable lifestyle to start a business in an unknown territory? Well, to me fashion had become my second name. It was calling out to me day and night. True story.

This well spoken fearless lady has a vision of building House of Kea in to a household name and to offer employment to hundreds of families. She intends to mentor children gifted in the Arts in making the right career choices in collaboration with various organizations.

Know who you are. Have a high sense of purpose. Seek God. Seize opportunities. Work hard and your dreams will come true.

If you happen to visit Uganda, connect with Keziah and enjoy some matoke and beef with G-nut sauce.

The post My Hands Were Made To Fashion- That’s What They Do. Keziah Elaine Ayikoru appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.

Don’t be fooled though, this lady is not ready to share her fashion tips with the world just yet because she is busy advocating for Women and Girls Education, Health and Equity.

Tell us a little bit about your background.

My father was one of those people who love big families which would explain why I was born in to a polygamous family of 15. He worked as a clerk with Barclays bank in Nairobi and constantly reminded me the importance of education.

His zeal for education made me very competitive at a young age. I used to work really hard just to please him and see his big smile that lit his whole face and mine too.

The year 2002 was very hard for my family because he lost his job and succumbed to an illness. He was the sole bread winner and our lives changed for the worst in one night. My mother is one of those African women who draw strength from above and show resilience that only a mother can while guarding her little ones.

Every night she would give us examples of girls who had excelled past university and were positively impacting their families and communities, and eradicating poverty. She believed I could do the same.

I will forever be grateful to the government because in 2002 when they declared free primary education, it eased my family’s load of paying school fees. I was able to complete primary school.

I scored very well in my primary exams and later joined Starehe Girls Centre through a scholarship. In 2006, I was lucky to be selected to be among the first members of the Global Give Back Circle. This was a turning point in my life.

After high school, I joined Kenyatta University and graduated with a BSC in Community Resource Management & Extension. I also served as the Institutional coordinator for ‘Peace Ambassadors Kenya’ and ‘I AM KENYAN’ initiatives. Global Give Back Circle has had an immense impact on my life ever since. I acquired a mentor, I discovered my passion for giving back to the society, and started a Reproductive Health Commitment in 2012.

This commitment with the Global Give Back Circle involves university students volunteering to create awareness on sexual and reproductive health in high schools and among youth groups. I was especially interested in this health commitment, because I’ve realized that many girls my age had not managed to make it past secondary school due to teenage pregnancies and early marriages. I love girls and I am honored to be a mentor to one of the girls at Kakenya Centre of Excellence.

It’s good that you’ve mentioned mentorship. How has your success helped in influencing others?

Currently, I am the manager of Private Sector Engagement in our organization. In my role, I oversee private sector partnerships and a mentorship program that connects 800 women with 800- risk girls in Kenya.

I am extremely humbled to be a consultant in the design and implementation of the Mentorship program for the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) Regional Leadership Center – East Africa in 2015. I helped design the strategy and recruited and trained mentors from the private and public sector to work with the first two cohorts of YALI participants.

I am excited to be a current participant of YALI cohort 5 and will forever be grateful to President Obama because the program has thoroughly equipped me. I can’t wait to share my experiences with others. By the way, I had applied for cohort 1 and did not make it and the thing with me is I never say die so I applied again and got through.

I am thankful to God because in October last year, I led and collaborated with a team of colleagues in the successful implementation of the first ‘Educate HER Parade’ in Kenya. Over 2,000 people participated and raised $78,000 in scholarships for 100 rescued girls from female genital mutilation West Pokot. They will be able to join university.

Your advice for young African leaders out there?

When I think of Africa, I think opportunity, wealth and diversity. A leader must align passion and do everything within their power to achieve it. We need to collaborate. Let us all share ideas and lift each other up. If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together.

Your life in the next 10 years

To change millions of women in Africa and the world. My dream is to be a champion for Women’s Equity. I look forward to working on my Fashion Brand Tukiko that designs African Apparel with a mix of Middle East tastes. It also aims to create an empowerment platform by providing training for marginalized girls in Kenya to learn fashion designing for commercial purposes.

Favourite food

That baked Liver accompanied by chapati, ugali or fish.

Favorite Quote

To whom much is given, much more is expected. Nothing is more fulfilling than giving back.

The post Fashion, Girls, Women And Nice Shoes- That’s Me. Edna Tukiko. appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.