Caring for natural hair with Tapiwa Gachala
Are you a natural hair fanatic? Do you like your hair sparkling, black, spick-and-span at all times? Then I guess you should up your game if you did not attend the Annual NH Bots Hair Meet this past weekend at Doreen’s garden, I mean, this occasion was specifically premeditated for you.
You surely need tutorials on how best to keep your natural hair look decent, not just to elevate your confidence, but to attract devotion too. People like eyeing lovely things; they get regaled keen-sighting something with fascination. Natural hair movement continues to grow as many women transition from straight hair to afro and naturalista and beauty content creator, Tapiwa Gachala is hair goals. The natural hair influencer sure knows how to wear her natural crown with pride. Like any other natural hair lover, she does wear protective hairstyles but mostly prefers to stay with her healthy, intact afro.
She is actually one of the trusted brands. Her opinion on products is valued and to help you with a better natural hair journey, and just this past Saturday, she hosted hair enthusiasts for knowledge sharing on how to nurture, uphold and take care of natural hair. Her event, NH Bots Hair Meet was totally diverse from some of the events in Gaborone, and please ask me how! It’s very rare to have event organisers organise a shuttle to convey attendees to the venue, I was so thrilled to realise that we had shuttle service to transport us to the hair meet. That was actually my first experience, and I commend her for such a decent gesture. All you had to do was submit your ticket then you inside…
Anyway, back to business now! Upon arrival at Doreen’s Garden, we were treated to light snacks before we can actually dwell much on how we can have thick, beautiful and healthy hair. Increasing the growth rate of your hair and improving the health of your afro does not have to be a struggle, so I learnt. One lady with a nice afro could see that I am starring, and she quickly rushed to my corner and whispered ‘’you can boost your hair growth and health by eating a balanced diet. Eat right’’. I simply laughed it out. Not that the information was not significant, but because I felt she was just being superfluous.
In an exclusive interview with Weekend Life, Gachala said ‘’this is basically an event that we organize annually whereby we gather members of NH Bots group and members of the public to come share knowledge on natural hair care. We have speakers addressing different topics as well as tutorials to help simply natural hair care, and we make this affair interesting with loads of giveaways as one way of maintaining concentration as speaking for a long time can somehow be tedious’’
This time around, Gachala stressed that they contained within stalls by local hair food manufacturers, who I learnt make these products from natural ingredients. Some of these products are invisible in the market probably because of intensive competition from well-known hair products, but I must say this platform played a major role in showcasing what our young entrepreneurs have to offer. Everything starts from humble beginnings, and I have an assurance that in no time these products will be making developments in the beauty industry in Botswana.
Still at the hair meet, I comprehended that there were tutorials on hair styling. You know styling your hair says a lot about you, and in urban areas such as Gaborone, it is now a plus one on your fashion logic. You cannot be looking extravagant and gorgeous and your hair flair goes the opposite direction. Fashion police will literally be on your neck, these people never want to miss a thing. ‘’these styling tutorials are meant to show our attendees how to achieve simple but stylish hairstyles on natural hair. Some of this styles will require hair pins to tighten them up, wools, hair band and some would want you to be able to play perfectly well with hair, so you won’t necessarily need such objects’’ she said
Gachala indicated that it is very vital to take care of your hair, as it is one feature that people notice more than others, even if you are a stranger. ‘’our hair is an extension of our bodies and for a lot of us that is what you notice first in a person. For a lot of us just like fashion when your hair is healthy and looks good, it is a definite confidence booster and contributes a lot to your overall appearance and so it is important to take care of it. Also hair care helps prevent health complications, as if not taken care of, can be a germ accumulation area which is likely to transit diseases’’
How do people take care of their natural hair? Gachala emphasized that to promote hair growth and care, one needs to feed the hair from the inside, adding that it is vital to increase protein intake with foods such as fish, beans, nuts and whole grains. She noted that one should trim their hair frequently. How do you trim your hair when you want it to grow? ‘’this might seem counterproductive since you are trying to grow your hair but trust me when I see this is the way to go. By getting regular trims, you prevent split ends which cause your hair to break. Eliminating the breakage gives the appearance that your hair is growing faster’’ she said
It is important to wash your hair often, she said. Just make sure you are shampooing less and conditioning more. According to Gachala, you should not wash your hair every day. She recommends reserving if for when your hair is greasy and dirty. This is because shampoo can dry out and strip the hair of its healthy natural oils. She further recommended the use of relaxers sparingly. She underlined ‘’relaxers do wonders for the African hair but they also have devastating effects since they are made of chemicals.
Some of them, especially the cheap ones, also contain a hazardous ingredient called sodium hydroxide or Iye. Substances with large amounts of Iye can cause chemical burns, permanent injury or scarring, and blindness. This substance may be harmful or fatal if swallowed’’
Gachala advised that blow drying should be curtailed, as it subsidizes hair breakage. Ladies, afro fundamentalists, I guess was free lessons for all of you who did not attend the hair meet. Next time make sure you get your ticket on time and get this information directly from the speakers. And who knows, maybe this time around the shuttle will be a fine, luxurious and modern car from classy car dealers…I’m just saying!
WeekendLife
DJ Sway ‘saved’ the YAMAs
DJ Sway, the daring and ambitious on-air presenter of Yarona FM, played a crucial role in saving the radio station’s music awards, known as the YAMAs. The event was initially dry and disorganized, but DJ Sway, who co-hosted with Pearl Thusi, injected life into the show. However, things took a turn for the worse when Pearl Thusi abruptly left the stage, leaving DJ Sway to carry on alone. Despite the unexpected setback, DJ Sway rose to the occasion and captivated the audience, effectively putting an end to the drama caused by Pearl Thusi.
In an exclusive interview after the YAMAs, DJ Sway revealed the behind-the-scenes chaos that unfolded during the event. He acknowledged the script editors, Phalana and Hope, who worked tirelessly to reedit the script and adapt it to a one-host format. Despite the last-minute changes, DJ Sway remained composed and focused, thanks to the support of his colleagues, such as Owen Rampha, Katlego Rakola, Tshepang Motsisi (DJ Easy), and LB.
When asked about his initial reaction to the unexpected turn of events, DJ Sway admitted to feeling saddened by how things ended. However, he credited Pearl Thusi for giving him a much-needed confidence boost during his moment of doubt. She reminded him that he was destined for greatness and that he didn’t need big stars to succeed. With her words of encouragement, DJ Sway regained his composure and approached the rest of the show with the same professionalism and charisma he displays on the radio.
To overcome the challenges he faced, DJ Sway relied on his radio skills and calm personality. He engaged with the audience as if he were speaking to a single person, pointing out individuals in the crowd to create a more intimate connection. He also expressed gratitude for his backstage team, who provided support and ensured the smooth running of the show.
DJ Sway expressed satisfaction in being seen as the saving grace of the YAMAs. He believed that he fulfilled his role as a host and brought joy to the Yarona FM board, his family, and his fans. Despite his success, DJ Sway’s journey has not been without hardships. He has experienced the loss of his mother and sister, which has left a lasting impact on him. While he continues to grieve, he seeks solace in therapy sessions and relies on his father for emotional support.
DJ Sway’s dedication to his craft and ability to overcome adversity make him a remarkable figure in the radio industry. His vibrant personality and deep knowledge of music have made him a perfect fit for Yarona FM. Despite the challenges he has faced, DJ Sway remains determined to make a positive impact and bring joy to his listeners. With his talent and resilience, there is no doubt that DJ Sway will continue to thrive in his career and leave a lasting legacy in the world of radio.
WeekendLife
Chef Gustos walk of shame
Chef Gustos, the renowned hitmaker, recently experienced what can only be described as a walk of shame at the 8th edition of the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs). Despite being nominated a whopping seven times, he failed to secure a single win. Ouch!
The night was filled with surprises, drama, and controversy, but the biggest winner of the evening was Han C, who walked away with three awards, including Best Pop and Best Male Single for his hit song, “Sebinki.” Han C graciously announced that he would be donating P10,000 from his winnings to his fellow nominees, promoting a spirit of togetherness among artists. What a noble gesture!
Meanwhile, Chef Gustos found himself on the losing end of several categories, including People’s Choice Artist of the Year, which he had won in the past. He seemed unfazed by the loss, stating, “People know that ‘Away’ was big, but they won’t stop me.” It’s clear that Chef Gustos is determined to continue making music, regardless of the awards he receives.
However, he did express his frustration with the outcome, suggesting that the awards may be corrupt. He declined to comment further, citing the need to protect his brand and maintain good relationships with corporate clients. It’s understandable that he wants to avoid any potential damage to his future prospects.
In fact, Chef Gustos went so far as to request that Yarona FM not nominate him for future YAMAs. It seems he wants to distance himself from the disappointment and focus on his music without the pressure of awards. Perhaps this decision will allow him to create freely and without the burden of expectations.
While Chef Gustos may have experienced a walk of shame at the YAMAs, it’s important to remember that awards do not define an artist’s talent or success. His fans still appreciate his music, and he continues to have gigs with corporate clients. So, despite the disappointment, Chef Gustos remains optimistic about his future in the industry.
In the end, the YAMAs may have been a letdown for Chef Gustos, but he’s determined to keep moving forward. He won’t let a lack of awards dampen his spirits or hinder his creativity. And who knows, maybe next time he’ll come back stronger and prove that he’s deserving of recognition. After all, the true measure of an artist’s success lies in the hearts of their fans, not in shiny trophies.
WeekendLife
Women in Science: Breaking Glass Ceilings
Women scientists have made significant contributions to the field of science, yet they continue to face numerous challenges and barriers. Despite their remarkable achievements, women represent only a fraction of researchers globally, and their work often goes unrecognized. The need for scientific role models to inspire the younger generation is urgent. However, organizations like the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO are working tirelessly to empower women scientists and promote gender equality in the scientific community.
The Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO have collaborated for over two years to support and recognize women scientists who have achieved scientific excellence. These organizations have awarded more than 100 laureates, with five of them going on to win Nobel Prizes. These women researchers, who have worked in various scientific fields across different continents, are not only changing the world through their discoveries but also serving as role models for aspiring women scientists.
The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programs annually support over 250 talented young women researchers. Through regional and national programs, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO provide crucial support to these researchers during their thesis or post-doctoral studies. While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to achieve true gender equality in science. However, both organizations remain determined to make this vision a reality.
Recently, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO hosted thirty winners of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science 14th Rising Talents Sub-Saharan Africa awards in Kasane. These awards recognize African women scientists for their outstanding research. During a press conference, Fondation L’Oréal CEO Alexandra Palt emphasized the importance of empowering women scientists in Sub-Saharan Africa, a continent that suffers greatly from climate disruption. Palt highlighted the challenges these women face, including overcoming prejudice, sexism, and harassment, to become accomplished scientists.
The finalists of the awards are scientists, PhD students, and post-doctoral researchers who are advancing various disciplines such as biology, agronomy, physics, mathematics, genetics, and engineering. Their goal is to improve the daily lives of Africa’s people, whether through advancements in health or the environment. These women, such as Dairou Hadidjatou, a pioneer in cardiovascular disease treatment in Cameroon, Esther Uwimaana, conducting research on potential tuberculosis vaccines, and Mwende Mbilo, innovating clean energy solutions in Kenya, are driven by their desire to advance science and society.
The need for scientific role models to inspire the younger generation is crucial. Palt emphasized that Africa currently represents only 2.5% of scientists globally, making it challenging for young girls in Africa to pursue scientific careers when women researchers in their countries are often invisible in the media, scientific publications, and international forums. To address this, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO have increased the number of young talents awarded from 20 to 30. These researchers also receive leadership training to enhance their communication and negotiation skills, as well as their ability to address harassment and speak publicly or with the media.
By highlighting the achievements of these women scientists, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO aim to break the glass ceiling and provide them with the recognition they deserve. It is essential to take urgent action on multiple levels to enable these talented women to emerge onto the public stage and be acknowledged for their excellent work. Only then can we truly achieve gender equality in the scientific community.
In conclusion, women scientists have made significant contributions to science, yet they continue to face numerous challenges and barriers. Organizations like the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO are working tirelessly to empower women scientists and promote gender equality in the scientific community. By recognizing and supporting these women, we can inspire the younger generation and create a world where women in science are celebrated and their work is valued.