In Celebration of Kwanzaa - Kujichagulia (Self-determination)

On this second day of Kwanzaa, the principle Kujichagulia (Self-determination) is celebrated. This is my favourite principle in the Nguzo Saba. I love the word and it's pronounciation (koo-jee-chah-goo-LEE-ah). You need determination just to pronounce it correctly! Most of all, I love it's meaning as it reflects what I strive to achieve and be.

Kujichagulia to me, means not being afraid to stand for what I believe in. Being true to myself and to others. Define for myself, speak for myself and caring for myself in order to care for others.

Today I will think about what I want from my life, for my family and for the community and strive to make it happen.

Today I will continue to share my culture and spirituality with others through my love of African art.

Happy Kwanzaa

Happy Kwanzaa - Umoja (Unity)

The season of Kwanzaa is here once again. Happy Kwanzaa to all who celebrate it.

Kwanzaa is a African-centred 7-day celebration which was developed by Dr Maulana Karenga in 1966. The aim of Kwanzaa is to reconnect Africans throughout the diaspora to their culture and reinforce the importance of family, community and unity. Kwanzaa is celebrated from 26 December to 1 January and is derived from an East African phrase in Swahili meaning 'the first fruits': matunde y kwanza.

There are seven basic and meaningful principles which are linked to Kwanzaa called the Nguzo Saba - Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) Nia (Purpose) Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). Each day of Kwanzaa celebrates one of the guiding principles. These seven principles should be practiced throughout the year.

Kwanzaa is celebrated by millions of Africans throughout the African diaspora. However, it is much more popular in America than it is in Europe but it is catching on here.

The traditional way of celebrating Kwanzaa is by decorating a table with the following seven basic symbols - the first one being Mkeka (a mat) which represents African history and the foundation we need to build. The following six symbols are placed on the Mkeka or next to it; Mazao (the crops) which represents African harvest celebrations and plentiful fruits and vegetables; Kinara (a candle holder) which is symbolic of African ancestors; Mishumaa Saba (seven candles) which represents the seven principles which we should strive to live by; Muhindi (ears of corn) symbolises our children; Kikombe cha umoja (the unity cup) symbolic of the principle and practice of unity and Zawadi (gifts) these are normally hand-made.

In addition to the symbols don't forget to include African art in your decoration.

There is currently a debate going on about Kwanzaa and it's meaning and whether we should be celebrating at this time of year or not. Our answer to that is we all have choices, if it is something that you feel you can buy into and celebrate go ahead, if not leave it well alone. Simple.

These principles are ones that can apply to all our everyday lives. Today is the principle Umoja which means to strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.

Today I am grateful for the relationships that I have with my family and friends. But, I am also very grateful for the many wonderful people that I have come into contact with over time. Today I am responsible for all those I have met and all those I am still to meet.

Happy Kwanzaa.

Where Africa Comes Alive

Africa is too often ignored, misunderstood and feared but 'The Africa Channel' Where Africa Comes Alive is putting a stop to that. This has got to be our favourite African channel. There is not an awful lot of programmes to choose from, but what is on offer is very professional and entertaining. To us, it's a start and it puts Africa on the global map as being progressive, culturally diverse and exciting.

One of our favourite programmes is "Studio 53" a magazine show depicting the rich and the beautiful. The number '53' represents the 53 countries in the African continent. I also love 'Africa within' although that appears to centre more around South Africa. In both shows we can indulge in our passion and view African art to our hearts' content.

The Africa Channel gives you a perspective on what it's like to be an African. The Africa channel where Africa really does come alive.....we love it!

Beeping - A new style of African art on the market!

I have just read both an interesting and amusing article on the "African art of beeping". Apparently, when mobile phone users in Africa are low on credit or more likely low on cash, they resort to "beeping" or "flashing" someone and then hanging up before they answer so hopefully the person receiving the call will call them back. The article states that 30 per cent of the calls are just split second flashes. The mobile companies are being swamped by these split second calls and are busting their brain cells trying to figure out how they can make some money out of this.

Oh, I do feel sorry for these companies! Africa has become one of the fastest growing markets for mobile phones and pre-paid accounts dominate the market. Did it not occur to mobile operators when they unleashed those "I can't do without" items on these poor people, that this would be a possibility? In their greed to make money, I think not.

Do you know, just lately I have been getting lots of missed calls on my mobile phone from people I know. I used to think it was the rubbish network that I am on. However, now I know what the real problem is and none of them live in Africa!

A love affair with the African Textile - Kuba Cloth

I feel excited as we have just taken delivery of a number of kuba cloths made by the Kuba people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in Central Africa. Woven by men and embroidered by women these cloths are generally used for ceremonial purposes.

Kuba cloth is woven from raffia palm leaves and were traditionally used for dance skirts by both men and women. The basic kuba weaving unit, an undecorated square of plain cloth, the mbal was also used as a form of currency in the DRC.

I am a great fan of Kuba cloth; in fact I love Kuba cloth. I think it is one of the most beautiful, regal and amazing textiles I have ever come across. I am not the only one that have been captivated by these cloths, renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and Paul Klee were also fascinated by their beauty and reflected the Kuba cloths distinctive geometric and zigzag patterns in their artwork.

Kuba cloth has a wide appeal and is available in many shops throughout the United States and Europe. I have certainly seen it for sale in the form of cushions and re-upholstered furniture in large retail stores, such as House of Fraser and featured in a number of home décor magazines such as Elle Décor and Living Etc. It has also featured in popular TV shows such as My Wife and Kids, All of us, Frasier and Law and Order. I have to say, whenever we go into a high street shop and see genuine Kuba cloth and other African art it makes us feel happy as it brings the beauty of Africa art and design to a wider audience.

Kuba cloth is as beautiful as it is delicate. Although raffia cloth is generally strong, you will need to treat it with care. Think of it as a long lasting relationship that you would like to preserve. Treat it with respect and it will repond well.

If you are looking for fabric to beautify your home or your surroundings then you will find it in the elegant and timeless Kuba cloth.

See Décor tips on www.kafele.co.uk for ideas on using Kuba cloth.

Where has the African sun gone?

I am sorry that I haven't spoken to you for a while. The summer months haven't worked out as well as they should have and instead of feeling perky, I feel a little bit under the weather. We had plans to spend a lot of time outdoors, in our little African art retreat. But as you know, rain and more rain put a stop to that! When we did have a few sunny days, it was such a shock to the system. By the time I recovered, those sunny days had passed me by.

Our daughter is now preparing to return to school and that is a stark reminder that summer is coming to an end and those Autumn months will soon be here.

On a brighter note, we managed to visit an African art exhibition in London. In fact, it was part of a wonderful culturally inspiring week-end we spent with friends. The exhibition itself was pretty small but it was enough to keep us occupied for nearly 3 hours! You see, when we start looking at African art it is serious business and nothing gets past our beady eyes!

4 things I know about Oprah Winfrey

I am not sure that I have clear or sound views on Opray Winfrey; after all I don't know her. My views can only be based on what the media has said about her and my gut instincts. But, I am clear about 4 things and that is - she has done a lot of good for others, she is very rich, she is an influential woman and she promotes African art.

Opray is now planning to open a new store in Chicago, near to her Harpo Studios, to sell her own merchandise as well as African baskets and art.

I am sure this will be a major tourist attraction but for me it provides another outlet to promote the beauty of African art, give a much needed boost to the African art trade and give recognition and praise to the very talented and skilled artisans who create them.

It also links in with The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, located in the town of Henley-on-Klip just south of Johannesburg, which has been lavishly decorated with African art. She also plans to open a second African school, this one will cater for both boys and girls, in the eastern province of KwaZulu-Natal. Lets hope the decor includes African art.