Ingawa kila siku idadi ya bloggers wa kitanzania inazidi kuongezeka,idadi ya wanawake wanaoblog bado ni ndogo ikilinganishwa na wale wa kiume.Yawezekana ni kwa sababu wanawake bado hawajapata mwamko wa kutosha au pengine ni kitu ambacho bado wanakipa kisogo.

Lakini pamoja na idadi ya wanawake kuwa ndogo,wanaofanya hivyo wanafanya kazi nzuri sana ya kuwawakilisha wanawake wenzao.Miongoni mwa wanawake hao ni pamoja na Shamim Mwasha au Zeze kama anavyojulikana kwa watu wake wa karibu.

Iwe ni shughuli yenye mvuto wa kitaifa au wa mtu binafsi(hususani zile zenye kuwagusa wanawake zaidi),ukihudhuria na kutizamatizama katika watu waliopo mstari wa mbele katika kuchukua kumbukumbu iwe ni kwa kutumia picha za mgando(still photos) au videos,bila shaka waweza kumuona Zeze.Ukimsalimia atakujibu na kukurushia tabasamu ambalo naweza kusema ni “signature” yake.

Hivi karibuni nilipata nafasi ya kufanya naye mahojiano ambayo utayasoma hivi punde.Zeze ambaye blog yake inakwenda kwa jina www.8020fashions.blogspot.com, anaweka bayana mambo kadhaa kuhusu harakati zake kama mwandishi wa habari(taaluma yake) na pia blogger pamoja na ujasiriamali.

Yote tisa,kumi ni kwamba siku chache zijazo,Shamim kupitia blog yake ya 8020fashions,anasheherekea miaka mitano(5) tangu aanze shughuli ya kublog au Libeneke la kublog kama ambavyo rafiki yangu Issa Michuzi hupenda kuiita shughuli hii.Nimemuuliza pia maswali machache kuhusu siku hiyo maalum kwake na kwa wapenzi wa blog yake ambayo itafanyika pale Diamond Jubilee tarehe 30 October,2011.Twende pamoja katika mahojiano yafuatayo;

BC: Umekuwa uki-blog kwa muda gani mpaka hivi sasa?Nini kilikusukuma katika kuanzisha blog yako?

SM: Huu ni mwaka wangu wa tano sasa tangu nianze hili libeneke.Kikubwa kilichonisukuma kilikuwa ni nia yangu ya kutangaza biashara ya duka langu la nguo liitwalo 8020 Fashion lililopo Sinza.Nikaona nifungue blog ili niwe naweka nguo na bidhaa zingine kadiri zinavyowasili dukani.Sasa kama ujuavyo si kila siku naweza kuwa na new arrival na ili watu warejee kuangalia blog ndio nikaanza kuweka picha za matukio mbalimbali huku nikiwa nimejikita kwenye fashion zaidi katika kuonyesha nini kilivaliwa wapi na nani na mambo kama hayo.

BC: Kitaaluma wewe ni mwandishi wa habari. Sasa ukiwa kama blogger,unadhani kuna tofauti gani za kimsingi kati ya mwandishi wa habari wa kawaida na blogger? Je,kuna misingi ambayo wote (a journalist and a blogger) wanayotakiwa kuzingatia?

SM: Ni kweli kabisa,ipo tofauti kubwa sana. Kama ujuavyo blogger inakuwa ni mimi kama mimi ambapo nisipo-update ni blog inakuwa imelala doro. Hivyo kuwa kama blogger inabidi uwe na juhudi binafsi za kujituma kitu ambacho ni tofauti na mwandishi wa habari ambapo hata wewe usipoenda kazini au kufanya kazi gazeti ni lazima litoke tu.

BC: Blog yako imejikita zaidi katika kuandika habari za urembo,shughuli kama vile harusi,kitchen party,fashion shows nk.Ni kwanini uliamua kuwa na “niche” kama hiyo?

SM: Niliamua kuchagua masuala ya fashion na urembo kwa sababu mimi mwenyewe napenda urembo na fashion. Nilichagua kuweka matukio hayo kwa sababu niliona ni matukio ambayo yanatokea kila wiki ambayo yanahusisha watu tofauti na ambayo mimi kama Shamim ndio ambayo huwa nayahudhuria mara nyingi ukilinganisha na masuala mengine.

BC: Wewe ni Mama,Mjasiriamali,Blogger nk.Bila shaka haya yote kwa pamoja ni majukumu ambayo yanakuhitaji uwe “organized” kupita kawaida.Unawezaje kutimiza yote haya kwa mpigo?

SM: Ni kweli kabisa kwamba ili kukabiliana na majukumu yote kama ulivyoyataja hapo juu kunahitajika suala la kuwa “organized”. Na naomba nikiri kwamba sometime inakuwa ngumu kuyabalance hayo ila najitahidi kila moja kulipa nafasi yake kulingana na upana wa jambo kwa wakati huo.

BC: Ni watu gani hapa ulimwenguni ambao unawaona au kuwachukulia kama role models wako?

SM: Kama mwanamke yeyote ambaye anapenda maendeleo na kujituma oprah winfrey ananikosha saana, kwa upande wa style na mavazi Michelle Obama ananibamba saana

BC: Kila kukicha watu mbalimbali wanaanzisha blogs.Una ushauri gani kwa bloggers wapya?Ni kitu gani muhimu inawabidi wazingatie pindi wanapoamua kuanzisha blogs?Siri yoyote ya mafanikio?

SM: ni kweli kila leo blogs zinaanzishwa na natumiwa link like niwasuport kwa kuwalink…ushauri ninaowapa bloggers ni kuwa wabunifu wakujua nini wanataka mfano mtu aamue ajikite kwenye michezo iwe michezo na pia wasikomalie kitu kimoja vile umeona michuzi ana blog ya habari basin awe uanzishe habari au sababu shamim anafanya fashion nawe ufanye iyo, kibuwa wawe wabunifu kwani kuna vitu vingi saana vya kuongelea ukiondoa habari na fashions, siri ya mafanikio ni kujituma tu

BC: Waandishi wengi huwa wanazungumzia kitu kinachoitwa “writer’s block.Yaani unaamka unakuwa hujisikii kuandika chochote na kimsingi unakuwa kama huna cha kuandika! Wewe kama mwandishi,hali hiyo inapokutokea huwa unafanya nini ili kujirudisha kwenye mstari?

SM: mimi blog yangu niliiweka iwe ya style ya picha zaidi kwa hiyo siandiki mara nyingi naamini ule msomo wa kusoma huwezi hata picha kuoni….yaani picha zangu zajielezea…na hata ikinitokea hilo kama unavyojua mambo ya utandawazi naweza ingia mtandaoni nikaperuzi kuna nini kipya kiulimwengu na refresh na kupata angle ya kuanzia

BC: Kuna jambo moja ambalo huwa linaongelewa sana mitandaoni; kwamba wanawake mara nyingi hampendani. Ukiwa kama mwanamke,tena mwanamke ambaye yupo mbele katika media nk.Kuna ukweli wowote katika hili au ni kutokuelewana tu kwa kiasi fulani katika hulka na mienendo?

SM: siwezi pingana na hilo la wanawake kutokupendana kwani ni kitu kipo na misemo imewekwa na wahenga (adui wa mwanamke ni mwanamke mwenzie) kikubwa ni sisi kama wanawake kubadilika kuweza appreciate kile mwenzako anachofanya badala ya kumkatisha tamaa kwa maneno ya dhihaka unaweza muelewesha ina right way na hata wengine wakaelimika na kile ambacho ulichonacho…maana sisi hadi kuamua kushare na watu hiki kidogo tulichonacho ni tuna nia nzuri tu nao watupe support kutimiza malengo yetu

Shamim Mwasha “Zeze” akifanya kile apendacho kufanya.

BC: Kuna kitu gani kuhusu wewe na maisha yako ambacho watu wengi wakisikia itakuwa mara yao ya kwanza kufanya hivyo?Anything?

SM: Hahhaha mie ni mpenzi wa michezo mnoo, mie mwenyewe ni mchezaji mzuri wa michezo kama basketball, netball na volleyball…. Kwani nilikuwa nashikiriki saana michezo hadi umiseta huko ni kitu napenda na ninakimudu, sema watu ndo wameniona nimejikita kwenye hii sekta tu, ila kama nisingekuwa nahii kitu mie ningekuwa nimejikita saana michezoni.

BC:
Wakati tunakupongeza kwa kutimiza miaka mitano lipo swali ambalo baadhi ya wadau wa blogs nikiwemo mimi mwenyewe tumeanza kujiuliza,kwanini sherehe ya mafanikio hayo ni maalumu kwa wanawake tu?Kwanini kauli mbiu ya siku hiyo umeiita Tujiamini,Tujipende,Tushikamane?

SM: Kwanini wanawake? kwa sababu ndio target yangu haswaa niliyoitarget tangu naanzisha libeneke.Kama nilivyoeleza hapo awali 8020 fashions blog niliifungua kwa ajili ya kutangaza bidhaa za dukani kwangu ambazo ni za kike, nikaja kujikita kwenye fashion  ambapo wengi ninao walenga ni wanawake na vitu vingi navyoongelea ni mavazi ya kike hata miitano huko ni shostito , mamito nk, na hata sherehe nyiingi nilizohudhuria humu ni kitchen party kushinda hata harusi na bachelors party.Hivyo nikaona hii sherehe wacha niungane na hawa hawa wanawake  wenzangu ambao mimi ninaona ndio tunaongea lugha moja tangu miaka mitano iliyopita.

Kauli mbiu ni tujiamini, tujipende na tushikamane

Yes tujiamini; ni mimi mwenyewe nataka niwaonyeshe Wanawake Tunaweza, kwanza  nimesimama toka miaka mitano iliyopita katika libeneke hili na hadi leo hii naikita miaka mitano nikiwa speed ileile, hivyo nataka hii kauili iwe changamoto kwao kuwa  hata wao wakitaka lao wanaweza kufika nakutimiza malengo yao.Siri ni kujiamini tu kuwa kile unachofanya kipo sawa na upo tayari katika kukitetea na kukisimamia .

Tujipende:Ndio…haswaa maana ya 8020 fashion blog ni mitindo mwanzo mwisho na ninaamini huwezi kufuatilia mitindo kama hujipendi. Kwa hiyo kujipenda kutakupelekea wewe kujiamini.

Tushikamane;Hii ndio nia kubwa ya 8020 kuna kitu naita K.K.W Kizuri Kula na Wenzio. kuwa tumejiamini, tunajipenda na sasa tunashikamana sisi kama wanawawe tushikamane as tusaidiane tupeane tafuu, tunyanyuane  ili kusaidia wanawake wote wajiamini na wajipende , na ndio maana hata wanaponunua tiketi kuna 5,000 inakatwa kwa ajili ya kwenda kuwasaidia wanawake wenzetu wajasiriamali wadogo wadogo ili nao waweze kujinyanyua ndo kushikamana kwetu huko.

BC: Nikupe nafasi utoe ushauri wowote ule kwa vijana hususani kuhusu maisha,kujiwekea malengo nk.

SM: Kikubwa nachoweza kuwashauri ni wao kujua nini wanataka na wakifuate, katu wasifanye kitu sababu Fulani anafanya, kabla ya kuanza kufanya chochote jiulize je unakipenda, uko tayari kukiendeleza au kukifanya kwa nguvu zako zote, sio wafanye kitu ikatokea wakapata challenge kidogo wanaachaa.

BC: Asante Shamim kwa muda wako.Kila la kheri katika kazi zako

SM: Shukran BC kwa kunipa nafasi hii adimu nami kushare haya nilonayo,

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The name Belina Mgeni is not uncommon among fashion and modeling enthusiasts in Tanzania and across Africa. She is one of the gorgeous models to come from the land of Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar. Belina, who is called “Tyra Banks” by her friends and fans,is highly expected to follow the suit of other Tanzanians models such as Flaviana Matata,Millen Magese and Tausi Likokola etc who have made it “international”.

I recently had an opportunity to interview her on a couple of things including her modeling career, a bit about her personal life and more. Here is how it all went down in the 10 Questions for Belina Mgeni;

BC: Can you tell me a bit about your background. When and where were you born? Did you grow up there or you moved to somewhere else?

BELINA: I was born in Biharamulo-Kagera Region almost three decades ago. I then moved to several other regions before settling in Shinyanga and later on moved to Dar-es-salaam.

BC: What attracted you to the world of fashion and modeling and how did you start? Were you discovered by someone?

BELINA: I loved fashion since when I was kid. But the person who can take credit of discovering me was a Tanzanian modeling agency which was under Irene Kiwia. I was taking my picture at the studio when somebody named Abdalah called Irene and told her that there was a girl who can be perfect for her modelling staff. Irene came and met me there and that was the beginning of my modeling career.

BC: So far, how many shows have you participated into and what can you say was/is the highlight of your career so far?

BELINA: So far I have done quite many shows/catwalks. It’s hard to remember specific figure. However, currently I am doing more advertisements than catwalks.

BC: You are one of the most beautiful Tanzanian models. How do you maintain that beauty? Any special formula/secret?

BELINA: ahhahahah not sure about that one, but I don’t have any formula or secret to be honest. I eat a lot and I don’t even go to the Gym. I guess I am just lucky..lol

BC: What is one big misconception people have about you?

BELINA: Some people think am too proud and all over myself. That is not true and to the opposite; I am just a simple and easy going person.

BC: What is your definition of beauty?

BELINA: My definition of beauty is good character and good looking (good looks)

BC: If I was to ask your friends about you, how do you think they will describe you?

BELINA: They would tell you that I am a very straight forward person and very unselfish to my friends.

BC: You recently got engaged, any plans for marriage?

BELINA: hahahahahah…No I am not engaged but I do have a boyfriend.

BC: Who is your role model as far as modeling is concerned?

BELINA: Tyra Banks

BC: Any words of advice for a young lady who aspires to be a model?

BELINA: Don’t give up on what you like. Work hard until you achieve it.

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The 8 Finalists for the Swahili Fashion Week Emerging Designers 2010 competiton with event Organizer Mustafa Hassanali

“Contemporary Swahili” is the Theme of 2010 Competition

The last 8 Finalists are competing for the prestigious emerging designer title during the Swahili Fashion Week to be held in November this year.

The selection was held on 10 September 2010 at the Southern Sun Hotel where 8 emerging designers were selected by a Panelist of Four Judges. The team of Judges consisted of ,Nsao Shalua, The Director of Arts of the National Arts Council, Jamila Swai, a leading women’s fashion designer, Michelangelo Adam from Italian Embassy and Mustafa Hassanali.

The finals designers are Zarina Suleiman, Pooja Narendrakumar Jeshang, Abduel Urassa, Shaban Mfaume, Kelvin Boniface, Subira Rahma Wahure, Angelina Muna and Grace Kijo.

“In short! All 16 were good but as this is a competition we must choose the winners, the final selection has shown real creative talent in fashion designing”, explained Washington Benbella, Swahili Fashion Week Coordinator.

The Judges who selected the finalists for the Emerging Designers Competition from (Right) Jamila Swai (Middle ) and Michelangela Adams from Italian Embassy

Benbella continued to say that “through this competition we notice that Tanzania is rich for talented fashion designers, but all who do not go on to win, I encourage them to work hard to reach their goals”.

The judges were looking at various criteria to choose the final 8 candidates based upon the designers ability to sketch, illustrate attractiveness, creativity, colour and thematic relation.

Swahili Fashion Week is a platform for designers - both fashion and accessory – from Swahili speaking countries to showcase their creativity, market their art and network with their clientele. This is all aimed at promoting fashion as an income generating, job creating industry while emphasizing a “Made in East Africa “concept.

Initiating a dynamic and promising platform for the fashion industry in the region, Swahili Fashion Week is geared towards being the most sought out after fashion platform in Eastern Africa for the international market.

The third annual Swahili Fashion Week will take place this November in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.

The competition, now in its third year has no age limit, and was open to anyone who believes he or she has the creative talent to be a fashion designer. “Swahili Fashion week is the perfect platform for a designer to showcases his creation, and the emerging designers competition, is a stage to jump start ones career.” Added Mustafa Hassanali Swahili Fashion Week Organizer.

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She is famously known as a Goodwill Ambassador for Tanzania. Her name is Tausi Likokola, one of the most successful international models that Tanzania has ever produced. In her modeling career, she has graced the catwalk stages of international shows and showcased some of the most renowned labels such as Gucci, Escada, Tommy Hilfiger, Christian Dior, Issey Miyake and many more.

However, Tausi is not just a model or a Goodwill Ambassador for Tanzania. She is an activist, an author and a mother. She is the founder of the not-for-profit organization, Tausi AIDS Fund, which supports prevention and awareness programs against HIV/AIDS in Africa. It is actually her efforts to support prevention and awareness of HIV/AIDS in Africa that landed her the title of a Goodwill Ambassador for Tanzania as a recognition and encouragement from the Government of Tanzania.

Recently, Tausi added yet another book in her list of books that she has authored. Her most recent book is titled The Touch of An Angel. About this book, Tausi says; “This is the closest and most private part of my life. This is my story of loss and how I am reconciling that loss. This is a memoir of my angel, AMANI. It is a story of life’s joy and pain”.

I recently caught up with Tausi to talk about her new book and also a couple of other things. Here is the interview;

BC: Congratulations for the launch of your latest book, The Touch of An Angel and welcome to BongoCelebrity.com. How are you doing today?

Tausi: Doing very well, thank you for all your support over the years.

BC: When did you decide to write a The Touch of an Angel? Did you have any particular reason for starting to write at that very moment?

Tausi: I have been writing as long as I can remember and always expressed myself through writing….likewise with this book….I was working my feeling and emotions through my writing. I started writing the book in Japan in 2005 following the death of my first born “Amani”….this book is on the incident that unfolded during that time.

BC: How was your writing process like? Did you have to get up early morning everyday to write or how did it go?

Tausi: I wrote whenever I felt like writing, sometimes at 2am in the morning and sometimes at 2pm during the day…..whenever emotions hit me, I hit the paper.

BC: We know that this book is a true story of your little angel Amani. I am just wondering how you went about plotting it. Did you outline first all the major events or did you just let the thoughts and feelings flow the way they did?

Tausi: Yes it was a series of incidents and how they unfolded, from the hospital to home and how I dealt with it.

BC: We know you have written other successful books. How different was it to write The Touch of an Angel given the fact that it bears true events of your personal life?

Tausi: When I write, I always have someone or something in mind, this time it was working my emotions of losing a son and allowing God to heal me in my situation. Amani lived only 11 days. He was born with chromosome disorder called Trysome 18.

BC: Do you have book signings event planned for Tanzania?

Tausi: It has been four years since I last visited Tanzania. After Amani, I had two other children and being a mother has been a full time commitment from my part…..limiting my travels as I used to. Never the less, I will be making arrangement to visit again and do a few book signing as well.

BC: You are one of the mostly recognized Tanzanian ambassadors through fashion and beauty. Looking at how Tanzania has evolved in the world of fashion since then, what do you have to say about it? Are we going towards the right direction?

Tausi: Being absent from home for 4 years, I hardly know what is going on there on beauty and fashion but I see a few good Tanzanians doing amazing things and I am sure we are making progress.

BC: For someone who wants to buy a copy or copies of your books; are they available in Tanzania? If yes, in which stores/ shops. And for those abroad can they order it online?

Tausi: “The Touch of an Angel” can be purchased on Amazon although
the one I just launched is an upgraded version which means it is not the same as the one which is sold online. For copies of new version please send inquiries at vdejoy@me.com . Once I work the details with distributors/book-stores at home, I would certainly spread the word again.

BC: Just for the fun of it, could you tell us something that we might be surprised to learn about you?

Tausi: Though I am somewhat a very private person, I am living to the fullest….enjoying and embracing seasons of life…..I won’t mind stopping my car somewhere with my children and dance to the ground with them…..

Tausi in a joyous moment with her kids

BC: Finally, what’s in store for Tausi Likokola? Are there any new books forthcoming?

Tausi: I do my best everyday and let God lead me to the next level….the sky is the limit!

BC: Tausi, you are inspirational woman to many people around the world and especially in Tanzania. Any final words of wisdom you’d like to leave me with?

Tausi: That what won’t kill you will make you stronger……Never give up.

***BC would like to thank Tausi for granting us this interview. For more information on her, please visit her website by clicking here.****

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Hatimaye mrembo wa Miss Universe Tanzania 2010/11 amepatikana. Ni mrembo Hellen Dausen(pichani) mwenye umri wa miaka ishirini na tatu (23) kutoka mkoani Arusha.Nafasi ya pili ilikwenda kwa Rose Shayo kutokea Dodoma wakati ya tatu ilikwenda kwa Mwajuma Juma kutokea Mwanza.

Pichani ni Hellen akipunga mkono baada ya kutwaa taji la umalkia huo nchini katika ukumbi wa Mlimani City jijini Dar usiku wa kuamkia jana.Hongera Hellen.

Picha kwa hisani ya Mrocky.

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If you try to dig the history books of the Tanzanian world of Fashion and Beauty, you will most likely come across the name Linda Bezuidenhout. She is one of first enthusiasts of fashion and beauty in Tanzania. I am talking about the  days when she owned a once most famous beauty salon in Dar-es-salaam(Lamia Salon) to the days when she used to be the official beautician  for the beauties of Miss Tanzania Beauty Pageant.

Married with three kids,she now lives in Georgia,USA where she continues to follow her passion of fashion,clothing and beauty in a little bit different way.She is now an even more serious entrepreneur.She recently caught up with our sisters of Fashion Junkii for a candid interview. Click here to read it all.

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Naomi,ambaye mwaka jana alitua nchini Tanzania na kushiriki katika onyesho la hisani kwa ajili ya akina mama, safari hii anatafutwa akikabiliwa na shutuma za kumchapa vibao dereva wake huko New York.

Mwanamitindo huyo ambaye inasemekana ni mpenda ugomvi sio mgeni na vyombo vya usalama.Siku za nyuma amekwisha kutwa na hatia ya kumpiga mfanyakazi wake wa ndani jijini New York, kumpa kibano msaidizi wake jijini Toronto na pia kumwangushia kisago polisi ndani ya ndege katika uwanja wa ndege wa Heathrow jijini London.Katika makosa yote hayo hapo juu,Naomi alikiri makosa yake na alihukumiwa kufanya kazi za kijamii(community services) kwa masaa zaidi ya 200.Kazi kweli kweli.Hivi kwanini kuna baadhi ya watu huwa wanadhani wanayo haki ya kuwaadhibisha watu wengine kiholela tu?Ni matunzo,jamii au?

NB:Hivi unajua Naomi Campbell alipokuwa mdogo alishiriki katika video ya Mfalme wa Reggae,Bob Marley katika wimbo One Love? Mtizame katika video hiyo hapo chini.Alikuwa na umri wa miaka 7 tu na hiyo ndio ilikuwa mara yake ya kwanza kuwa katika spotlight.

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