Grandmothers in Zimbabwe have now become the care givers of the young orphans left behind.

Being able to rise up and focus on living for another day especially in a country facing economic hardships. This is a short documentary feature taking on the topic of AIDS.  

Grandmothers of Zimbabwe : An Age of Pain and Resilience hears the voices of grandmothers who have witnessed their child dying from AIDs. Having to step out of their sunset years, they work on fields, selling produce and providing the correct nutrition for their grandchild living with the burden. 

Leah Songoro, a mother and grandmother, tells us how her daughters husband didn’t tell them he had AIDS and therefore killing her daughter. Ignorance, cultural practises and sexism plays a part to these tragic stories.

Stigma has been heavily placed on children, especially those that have contracted the disease. This involves name calling and sometimes their care givers not knowing how to deal with them. Children are important and therefore support by organisations gives a second perspective to the feature. 

Grandmothers though gone through pain, they have also resisted keeping the struggles alive.

I hope you enjoy this feature as I enjoyed filming it.

Zimzygirl

Visit the links below for more.

Twitter : @zimzygirl

Instagram : @zimzygirl

Blog : Zimzy Girl

YouTube : Discovering Zimzygirl

I am a bird, I want to spread my wings and fly,
I don’t want to watch NEWS, I want to experience all four corners,
Be one with the rainbow and shine brighter
Why discuss people when I can be the conversation?
If I die tonight, am I going to celebrated by many like Mutukudzi?
Would my son live his whole life without working a single day if he chose to?
I could answer these questions and wake up a liar tomorrow,
My whole life has been a lie society is, that’s why I keep to myself,
As I think and grow rich.

Energy is

They don’t understand me,
They’d rather call me names, than call my phone
I am the foundation of their companionship,
I am fuel to their speech, they’ll be mimes if I didn’t exist,
They don’t understand me.

Don’t tell me your purpose is to study me, judge me according to your beliefs,
Forgetting we aren’t the same, but in a way we are,
I would explain but you’ll call me blasphemous, saying the shit I listen to is satanic,
If only I repent will I make sense, bow to Middle Eastern carpe…
Nah! I’m not gonna let you put words in my mouth, you choose to numb your pain with religion,
I let J. Cole take away mine.

They don’t understand me,
They’d rather call me names, than call my phone
I am the foundation of their companionship,
I am fuel to their speech, they’ll be mimes if I didn’t exist,
They don’t understand me.

But my country has 98% unemployment,
Fortunately am part of that statistic
So I work around the clock,
So I can take make time for my son and
His grandma
No time for virtual reality
I binge read “The Science of getting rich”
In the faith that I realize my reality
Of spending the rest of my life in the
Mountains that raised me.

“non-specific response of the body to any demand for change.”

In this theory, definition allows others to understand that stress isn’t a result to only bad or negative things but a reaction to slight changes in the environment, in other words stress could be said to be the reaction of the body to any physical, mental, financial or emotional pressures.

Stress also has been said to be the body’s natural defence against real or predicted dangers and acts as an agent which defends the body with hormones to prepare and confront dangers

Stress defined by Wikipedia states that it is a chemical or biological agent, environmental condition, external stimulus or an event that caused stress to an organism.

Research carried out by the American Psychological Association (APA) says that there are three major types of stress which are the ACUTE, EPISODIC & CHRONIC STRESS.

These stresses are said to have different reactions and characteristics each, and their symptoms, approaches and treatment differ from each other.

The acute stress study has shown some short-term effects whose most common signs are Anxiety, Depression, Muscular Tensions, Headaches, Constipations, Blood Pressure, Migraine, Cold Feet, Sleep Problems to mention but few.

The other two types of stress also exhibit some reactions which sometimes lead to mental fatigue and IBS could be, the chronic stress sometimes could lead to violence, suicide, heart attacks, stroke or even cancer.

Stress could be triggered in many ways which affects people psychologically and sometimes could be in forms of Work Load, Unemployment which could also lead to anger and being depressed

Grief and loss over a loved one are one of the triggers of the stress or because pains from each situation at times leads to shock and unnecessary guilt.

Stress management is one of the effective techniques in improving a person’s ability in handling stress.

There are many ways which stress could be avoided and managed and has been a life support from stressed humans.

Regular exercises has been termed a stress reliever and serves as a distraction from worries and allows you to break free from negative thoughts.

Also reaching out to other and seeking for help and good interaction with people can trigger hormones that relieves stress.

Just some kind of words and gestures from a good person can help in calming down the nervous system, so it’s advisably healthy to spend time with people you feel relaxed with and keeping a positive and active social life.

More so learning to relax and practising relaxation techniques such as Yoga, Meditation, and being in a state of Restfulness would keep the body calm and at ease under any collected pressures.

Keeping up and not forgetting to rest and improving your sleep (at least 8hrs daily) to feel less stressed, and also maintaining an healthy diet can help a person live a better life and have a stressed free day daily.

by Prima

The afternoon was punctuated with laughter, filled with a warmth of common interest and understanding. Many different views where represented focusing mainly on pan African issues. It was refreshing to her from Dr Basra who spoke briefly on Sikh history and cultural importance.

Black History is world History, the foundation we build our future on must be written by us. If we continue to allow the mainly white western views and interpretation of history, we will remain slaves black or white. We need a history that represents the truth of the black nations, a truth of the crimes and a vindication of the cultures and civilisations that came before the European invasion. One of the great strengths of the peoples of Africa and other colonised area’s is that despite the wanton destruction of languages, cultural beliefs, social structures. Despite the continued rape and pillage of the African people and her resources. The African people have survived and beaten off attempt after attempt to destroy and subvert. Africa is one nation of many tribes in that we are strong, as the old guard dies off a new Africa is emerging and Africa looking to a pre-European past and an African future. Zac Darkes- Zimlink

KEY SPEAKERS

Barrister Eyo O. Ekpo – executive business development at GE, politician, entrepreneur and aspiring governor for cross river state (Nigeria.)

Lecturer Kehinde Andrews – black studies, Birmingham City University.

Dr Tokie Laotan Brown – (Ireland) economist, author, motivational speaker and founder of Women’s Fund Home

Esther Stanford-Xosei – internationally acclaimed jurisconsult, policy analyst and broadcaster

Alhaji Umar Farouk Mahama – politician, business entrepreneur and community ambassador – (Ghana.)

Mr Donald waterfalls from Zimbabwe

Angelique Monét (U.S.A) – award winner, Business entrepreneur and activist.

Antonette Clarke Akalanne – Poet

Tendai Chagweda – business entrepreneur and activist.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATIONS AT THE HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT, HOW IT ALL STARTED

“THE GIFT OF A SPLIT SECOND”

By Tony Tokunbo Eteka Fernandez

One of the most fascinating revelations in Life is that it can sometimes take just a split second for great breakthroughs to unfold. There have been periods at different stages in my life where all it took was a smile, a firm handshake or a reassuring statement to attract a new moment that eventually developed into a success story. My journey of organizing The Black History Celebrations at The UK House of Parliament started from one of those funny split seconds that I will never forget.

I will never forget the very first time I met MP Alok Sharma,  I had been invited to The UK House of Parliament by a friend of mine, Cecily Mugo from Kenya, who was launching one of her books at an inspirational empowerment event for women and at the time, I was a Radio presenter and producer for an African Inspirational talk show in Reading called AFRICA4U, I had only been a Radio presenter for two years and I was attracting a strong following of new audiences from African communities in Europe and around the world.

My first ever award was “THE BEST NIGERIAN RADIO PRESENTER OF THE YEAR IN EUROPE” awarded at the time by NEA (NIGERIAN EUROPEAN AWARDS).

I had been really looking forward to Cecily’s book launch as I had not caught up with her for ages, I also imagined it would be a perfect opportunity to conduct some audio interviews at Parliament. Cecily had a natural gift for organizing inspirational events and as expected, there was a good turn out on the day and some amazing speakers.

It was my very first time at The UK House of Parliament, it was an overwhelming feeling and I wondered to myself, would I ever get the opportunity to organise an event here one day. My thoughts were interrupted by a composed gentleman who gracefully approached centre stage to address the audience, there was something profound and reassuring about this gentleman and as he began to speak, I found out why.

MC A lok Sharma held the microphone firmly, his eyes were filled with a passion that was warm and profound. He spoke about how  important it  was for communities to work together and gave examples of how many migrants were making a difference to communities in The UK every day, An d then he said something that immediately caught my attention, I remember those words till this day  “If you ever have any ideas that you want to share with me, I am here to help, so please approach me directly”

As he finished his speech, he commended Cecily for putting a great event together and then began to leave the room, I quickly began to follow him, I simply had no ideas in my head at the time, but something just told me “Tony  stop this man and talk to him” I was also expecting he would be approached by a crowd of people after the speech, but to my surprise, I was the only one.

I caught up with him in the corridors and introduced myself as a Radio presenter for an African inspirational talk show in Reading, it felt easy to talk with him and since I had not come up with any ideas, I simply asked him if he would like to come on my radio show as a guest. He then asked me to send him an email so that we could slot in a convenient date

When I got home that evening, I sent MP Sharma an email and he got back to me a couple of days later to say that he would be happy to come on my radio show on the 21st of July 2013. I had only been a Radio presenter for two years and I had built a listening audience from scratch with a following in very many countries, little did I know at the time that these were the early days of my brand.

I was inspired to become a Radio presenter when i got to meet the late Jamaican Radio legend- Derrick Kirk Anthony who took Lagos by storm whilst working at Smooth FM in Lagos, Mr Anthony previously worked for Choice FM in London. I was looking forward to my Radio show with MP Alok Sharma, I had already interviewed many famous Africans in the UK, Each evening I would ponder on thoughts and ideas to share with MP Alok, my mind was always racing, it never stopped.

And then one day, it came to me while at work, I thought to myself, what would it take to organise A Black History Event at The UK House of Parliament.

As each day passed by, I kept on thinking of the idea of A Black History month celebrations at The UK House of Parliament,  already I had interviewed Black historians, famous community leaders and inspirational achievers on my show and began to imagine how the House of Parliament would be a great platform  for community achievers, historians and the youth  to network, share knowledge and become empowered by inspirational game changers of society.

On the 21st of July 2013, MP Sharma was a guest on my radio show in Reading and coincidentally, my sister and her husband were visiting from the states at the time and so they also came to the radio studio in Reading and met MP Sharma and We all took pictures together.

I interviewed MP Sharma for an hour on local politics, community cohesion, the importance of nation building and many other community matters.

My sister and her husband listened to the live interview from the reception in the studio, it was a memorable day. As MP Alok was about to leave the studio, I popped the question that had plagued my mind for days

“Alok” I said, I would like to organise A Black History month event at The UK House of Parliament because i believe that with the brand I have created on my radio show, it will surely go places.

He fell quiet, and stared at me for a few moments, give me a few days to think about it he said, and we left it at that. A few days later, I received an email from MP Alok saying that he was happy to sponsor a room space for A Black History Month event in parliament for Wednesday the 30th of October 2013 and that was how it all started.

Sometimes a split second is all it takes for great moments to unfold.

Sometimes all it might take is being in the right place at the right time. Sometimes it takes a smile, a firm handshake, a statement or doing or saying something out of the ordinary.

But always, we always need to persevere, work hard, go the extra mile and express our purpose through our actions.

Have you been trying so hard to get the ideal job of your dreams? Well keep trying – it just takes a split second.

Are you worried that you are getting older and you still have not found your soul mate, well, it is never too late -keep trying – it just takes a split second

Is business slow and things not going as well as you wished- stay positive, adapt new strategies and audience keep trying – it just takes a split second

Do you sometimes feel as if you have come to the end of the road? STAND UP, BE PASSIONATE AND PERSEVERE keep trying – it just takes a split second

It still surprises   many people when i tell them that my journey has been filled with many challenges, failures and moments of doubt, good things do not come easy, but the art of passion and a thirst for life flows naturally

I am still on a journey, trying to make the most of split seconds as the gift of each day unfolds and my prayer is that we most all make the most of split seconds, find our purpose and let the world hear our story.

SERVICES IN 2018

MC Hosting for Corporate functions, Business expos and Weddings

Social media promotion for Entrepreneurs, Start up businesses, social events and campaigns

Inspirational Talks for Educational Institutions, Community groups and Churches

Talks and Video Presentations on themes related to West African History and Black History (We are also taking bookings for 2018)

CONTACT TONY TODAY ON +447882809005 TO MAKE A BOOKING,

OR DROP TONY AN EMAIL : afripoet@gmail.com

T.T.F

www.tonyfernandez.co.uk

The golden carpet of leaves around me make me feel thankful for this change. I find myself eager to have the season’s change and looking forward to what is in store during the coming few months, when it is no longer Autumn but Winter.

Are you ready for this change of season? I am learning to accept change at every moment. I am learning that changes are not necessarily huge life changing situations, but can just be waking up in the morning intending to do a particular thing or process, then within a short time, another more interesting idea comes up and that feels good to follow.

Golden leaves of autumn thank you for the changes

Like today, I had a plan to do certain things, and I even wrote them down in the order I was going to do them in. Within thirty minutes, I was in my car, driving somewhere, because the weather was beautiful, and it felt like a good idea, to just get out and drive. And I really had a wonderful time in the process.

With the change of seasons I am also eager to see the change they bring of the currently unknown. The weather for instance. Are we going to have a snowy winter? Is it going to be a mild winter? Are we going to have a white Christmas? Anyway, right now it really does not matter what it turns out to be. Whatever the seasons turn out to be, they are perfect for that time!

Even if humanity was able to control weather changes, like they are able to, in some Star Systems, such as Andromeda, as I understand, I don’t think it would be easy to come to an agreement on the temperature which would be suitable for everyone, here on Planet Earth, because we all have different needs and choices. Not everyone wants a hot weather and not everyone wants a cold weather. But I think it would be a very exciting challenge for those who would be in charge of the weather, to try and come up with the temperature that leaves not a single human being, complaining. 

Golden leaves of autumn thank you for the changes

There is so much momentum. It is as if there are fewer hours in a day and yet the time has not changed, it is till the same hours in a day. I think this is a good thing so I can see what happens in my reality. What FUN things do I get to experience? Well, I am only going to think about fun things. Life is meant to be fun. I now understand that the whole purpose of our presence here is to enjoy life.  The original intention was for us to have a good time, while here. However, it has not been like that at all.

Since we have choices, then I choose to experience good things. So I am going to focus on good things coming into my life. I am telling myself that everyday is definitely a good day. We do not say ‘Good Morning or Good Day’ for no reason. To whoever created these terms of observations and greetings, I say ‘thank you.’

I thank the golden leaves of autumn because they are speaking to me and telling me that changes are here. We really never know what changes are going to show up in our reality, however, I am ready and eager for the changes that are ahead. I am expecting something far better than I have ever experienced! So there. My choice.

Today on my travels I had great imagination that made me laugh, most of the time. I want to do this everyday. Not necessarily when I am out driving, but when I am out walking as well. I did not need to have someone with me to have a laugh. I had me in stiches, with my wild imagination. Try it sometime.

Do you have a favourite season or months? Earlier this year I visited Norway for the first time. A friend who invited me to visit, told me to visit around May because they have longer summer nights. First of all, last year, in 2017 they had the heaviest snow for years in Norway. It was still snowing at the beginning of May 2018. And when the thaw came it caused  flooding which was not a surprise. I visited Norway during the last week of May 2018.

When I landed, it was as if I was in an African country. It was very hot and the sunny nights were truly long. It was like the sun never set but for an hour or two, in my perception. I enjoyed that very much. So, what the weather is going to be this winter, anywhere, is anybody’s guess. I am just thankful and appreciate the changes that come with each season.

Stay very blessed.

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“My name is Getron Sibanda, stage name Gettie Diamond (21yrs) from Dolo in Midlands I am an artist, performing house kwasa, discokwasa n’ afropop. I have two albums, the first album was out in 2015 titled Qaphela and the second one was released 2017 December titled Qaphela with seven tracks.

I loved doing music since I was young, loved to dance and sing. Some of my inspirations are; Brenda Fassie and Slizer. I really loved their music n the way they do it. It made me believe that I can do it no matter what, it drove me on to release my first album in 2015. Now am doing my music alone, I do not have a sponsor yet or a manager I am working solo.

Check out my new single track titled Ke boile its a housekwasa n sebene genre its out now. You can download my music on apple store n itunes and some of my videos you can download them on youtube (just google Gettie diamond) for more info you can follow me on twitter Gettie Diamond, facebook Gettie Diamond.

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facebook

itunes Qaphela

whatsapp +263713864738

You Are Loved! Most of the time we go about our lives thinking that we are on our own. We have to do this and that, on our own.

We are really never alone. First of all, what about our souls? Do they just seat somewhere obscure and never know about our daily struggles or achievements? What about the Creator, GOD? Is She, He, It, not a part of everything that we do? Even at the point of our internal separation within the depths of ourselves, giving in to fears and worries, when we  thought that God is outside of us, or does not even exist, and we thought that we were suffering and struggling because we had done something wrong, and yet, He, She, It is always there, around us, observing without judgement and trusting that we may see the light within, and stop punishing ourselves.

You Are Loved! Very Much Do Believe It!

Know You Are Loved! The stories of Hell and Punishment, after death, are a Human construct. Here to create separation and to control humanity, by imposing fear in our minds. We are Loved, truly Loved by our Souls. By the Creator, The Universe.

Our lives were meant to be of never ending prosperity, love, happiness, joy and abundance of beautiful things and situations in our experiences. It is not late. We can still focus on our Souls or Higher Selves. We can talk to our Souls or Higher Selves, asking for whatever we choose. As long as it is something that is in Love of the Universe, Love of Self and Love of Mother Earth and Humanity.

Looking at nature and life around us. Don’t you think all of this was created for humanity’s pleasure? I think so. I think this is so because we are magnificent and All of Nature and Creation chose to support us and Love us in a very special way. Unfortunately, some of us are very blind and deaf to the call of nature and creation.

I feel inspired to share a song that speaks to me. When I listen to this song, I imagine that Goddess Gaia – Mother Earth, and The Galactic Source – The Creator are speaking to me. Telling me to enjoy all that is in the world. To enjoy my life and to wake up everyday, thankful for my life. To be eager for each moment that my breath is filling my body with life. To be kind, joyous, respect and accept others. Not to judge or blame. 

To know and appreciate that I am Loved totally and absolutely by The Universe.

That whatever trials and struggles I may encounter or have encountered, is because I had a moment of forgetting that I am always supported, by the Universe, and then thought that I could do everything on my own. I forgot to hand over all the difficulties I encountered to the Big Universe with its Big hands and shoulders to take and carry and above all, to guide me, with its very quiet whispers. All I needed to do, was listen to the little voice within me.

A voice telling me to relax and not to worry too much. But to think of something that makes me feel happy, instead. Something that makes me feel joyful and excited about life in general.

Dream Your Sweet Dreams till Your Soul Is released

Know You are Loved. Rest in Peace. Dream your Sweet Dreams till your soul is released. Know You are Loved. Rest in Peace. Dream your Sweet Dreams till your soul is released.

Beloved Child My Heart Is Yours. Beloved Child Go Out and Open Doors With Your Love. With Your Faith. With Your Compassion. With Your Grace. Oh With Your Grace.

Beloved Child You Are The Light of The World. Beloved Child Go Out Spread Light to the World. Be Strong. Be Kind. Be Brave. Know Your Mind. Know that You Are Divine.

Know that It’s alright to be afraid. Know that You are Love. Rest in Peace. Dream Your Sweet Dreams till your soul is released. Know you are Loved. Rest in Peace. Dream Your Sweet Dreams till your soul is released.

Rest In Peace

For me personally, the words ‘Rest in Peace’ have nothing to do with the dead. It is very much about me resting during my sleep and dreaming beautiful dreams. My soul resting until I wake up in the morning, ready to start a new day, refreshed and in Love with Self and Life.

This is also for me to realise that my presence at this time on Earth is for a very good reason. In fact, not just my presence. All of us, here at this time. We may not know exactly the true purpose of our presence here, and yet, if we consider that the very presence of each and every individual, is part of a Divine Plan, we will relax and be happy for our presence, without a need to think that we have to do this and that. Be this and that. But Just Be!

You Are Loved!

This is a reminder to know that there is a bigger energy, in the Universe that is larger than all of us. A Loving Energy. If then we are so Loved, why can’t we love ourselves? We tend to struggle with self-love. We look outside of us for love. We look desperately for someone else to love and validate us. When the romantic love goes pair shaped, we then go into depression, blame and complaining. Expecting someone else to fill you with love that you have not been able to fill yourself with, is truly a tall order! Love Yourself and then share You with the one who loves himself or herself! You will live in bliss and excitement in your lives.

Stay Blessed.

ZimFest sees hundreds of families, friends and those wanting to connect with the Spirit of home, walk through the doors. It’s a place to become immersed in all the activities it offers, and happens once a year.

Starting from 12 pm till late, the rain didn’t stop the crowd from heading home, but instead created a buzz throughout the day. Having a large open space in the centre allowed a full 360 view of the area. It allowed parents to see as they walked in that other children were able to have fun.

The children seemed to forget about their gadgets at home and instead opt for the outdoor enjoyment. A close symbol of home, where open space is available and kids roam around freely making use of all that is available to them. Bringing a change from their day to day life right for a day.

FOOD STALLS

Food is always available and with many stalls available, not one left the grounds hungry. From traditional dishes to vegan options, the list was endless. With ZimFest attracting Zimbabweans from all over the UK, it also welcomed Zimbabwe’s neighbours and Caribbean flavours into the mix. BringAndBraii, gave a reminder of what life is like with sunshine blazing and the smell of meat on the braii (BBQ).

‘Zimfest is Ekhaya away from ekhaya.’

CLOTHING AND TRADITIONAL STALLS

Stalls were plentiful and seeing each stall bring out unique and colourful products almost seemed you were back home at the market stalls. With Ankara prints, bold colours mixed with modern styles, the stalls brought variety.

MUSIC

One of the main focuses was the non stop music which could be heard from the smaller marquees to the main stage. DJ’s were there to accommodate everyone from the classics to the AfroBeats and Gospel. Artists form mainland Zimbabwe took their time to come and perform giving the audience what they wanted.

The Line Up included

• Takura
• Killer T
• Shanky
• Kazz AKA Mr Boomslang
• Friends of Christ
• Sumluani Chimbetu & Orchestra Dendera Kings
• Tehilah Moyo
• Blackdiamond
• Charlie K
• Chashe
• Zee Guveya & the Heritage Survival Band
• Xavier

Having a chance to smell hear and be in such an atmospheric place created a positive vibe for this years ZimFest. Seeing everyone come together concluded that as a community we are able to share the same thing which is hold home close to our heart.

What aspects of ZimFest remind you of home ?

ZimFest Official Page here

Visit ZimLinks Facebook Page for photos from ZimFest 2018

Subscribe to ZimLinks YouTube Channel ZimLink

Writer : Zimzygirl

Website : Discovering Zimzygirl 

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What do you do when you feel a discomfort or pain in your body and you do not want to take any pills, to numb the pain? First of all, are you aware that any discomfort in the body is due to stuck or stagnant energies? There are myriads of causes that manifest in pains and discomforts in our bodies.

Brain and Body Tapping

I came across something that works for me. It is not new. However, it is new to me. I want to share this with you, because it may help in some way. It is about waking up your meridian system. Releasing tired and stagnant energy. See how you get on.

After benefitting from this type of tapping, I showed it to a neighbour who had pains on his shoulders and could hardly lift his arms, to reach his head. Within five minutes of tapping with me, he felt changes. He was able to move his arms and started tapping with ease. The following day, he was hosing his garden with ease. The neighbour I showed, then showed another neighbour who also started tapping!

Brain and Body Tapping

In my opinion, this is a very easy way to release pains, stiffness, and discomforts from our bodies and rejuvenating our systems. Just persist as in some cases there may be layers that need to be released.

I wish you a very fun time as you do this, or perhaps, sharing it in your community. And you do not need to have any computer to share with neighbours. You demonstrate it by doing it on your body. This is what I did with my neighbour.

There may be people out there, especially in Africa, where medication is paid for, who are suffering in silence thinking that they cannot afford to pay for the doctors. Yet, their own palms and tips of their hands may be the solution they seek. What is even better with this tapping, you do not have to go through the whole body process, you can just go directly to the area that has pain, stiffness or discomfort and start tapping.

Have A Very Blessed Day and Stay Blessed.