CONVERSATION WITH JOZY: RICHARD PAA KOFI BOTCHWEY

I met Richard Botchwey this year when we both attended the African Women’s Dinner 2016. I was there to auction off items to raise money for the Anne Wafula Foundation for the Disabled and Richard had travelled all the way from Accra, Ghana to donate for auction his two bestselling novels The Tale of an Orphan; A Lesson to Learn and My shoes don’t fit; A young man’s conversations with God. Richard’s writing transcends cultures and his is a story of hope. He wants the reader to know that you can succeed no matter what the tragedies or circumstances of your life. Richard Paa Kofi Botchwey comes from the Central Region of Ghana. Born to Fante parents he is the sixth of eight children. He is an internationally published Author, Poet and Social Entrepreneur. Currently in the United Kingdom Richard has appeared on several Talk Shows and Radio Stations to promote his books and share his story. He set up the Orphan Trust Movement a non-profit organization which helps many young people across Ghana. His facebook page feeds the soul with inspirational quotes that tell of his wisdom beyond his years. At our first meeting I was quickly captivated by his warmth, he smiles broadly and you quickly feel like you are old time friends. I knew I wanted to interview him after I had learned of his amazing story of survival and the way he has used his own trials and painful experiences as an orphan to help other orphans. Here, he shares his story.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I realized I wanted to be a writer when I was nine years. By then pen pal writing was the norm. I was addicted to it. It was during that time I discovered my writing skills.

I had pen pals myself as a child in Africa. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

[Laughs] I have been asked this question several times. Ideas come to me naturally. And even if they do not flow, I always go to God in prayer to bless me with supernatural ideas. Then again I get ideas from the events that happen around me. I am a good observer naturally. Writing is all about imagination and observation.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I wrote my first book when I was fourteen years old. I don’t remember the exact year.

I read somewhere about how your life inspired you to write The Tale of an Orphan; A Lesson to Learn. What made you decide to write the story?

After the death of my parents, many people ridiculed my siblings and I, calling us witches and wizards. Orphans are often used as offertory boxes or doormats and I’m not happy about how we treat orphans in our world today. I was inspired to write The Tale of an Orphan; A Lesson to Learn to inspire orphans and also, to help people understand that, orphans are not doormats or offertory boxes. The fact that someone has lost the parents does not mean they have lost their world.

What does your family think of your writing?

To be honest, it was tough trying to fit into the family puzzle as a writer. It was tough, because everyone knew me as a brilliant boy and all they wanted was to become an engineer or perhaps a doctor. Writing was seen as a hobby. And even now many people think it is a hobby and does not pass the litmus test as a profession. However, the truth of the matter is that, writing is not just a hobby. For me, it is a profession. And I am glad today they have come to accept this: I’m born to be a writer.
 

I have heard that a writer’s life begins when the book is published. How have you prepared for promoting your books?

Well, for me I believe a writer’s life begins the moment an idea hits the brain cells. Having a book published is just as a pregnant mother conceiving a baby. How the child, which in this case is the book will grow depends on how the mother (the author) raises (promotes) it. Writing is like breathing. I cannot go one day without thinking about writing or reading to write something. I start promoting my books right from the day I get the idea. I put my books on amazon and all online bookstore platforms. I promote through radio and television, magazines and newspaper interviews. My book tours also boost my sales and bookings throughout the year.

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

Yes, I hear from my readers every day. Most of my readers are inspired by my writing. They tell me to keep writing. When I go wrong they tell me, and this has helped shape my writing. I thank them for their feedback.

Do you have a favourite bookstore where you enjoy browsing, and if you do, what makes it special?

I like to visit www.amazon.com for all my books. But then again I am not limiting myself to amazon, because in this eon, there are several amazing online bookstores one can easily get all types of books from.

Which authors do you most enjoy reading?

I like to read Kofi Akpabli, Wole Soyinka, and a host of them. 

Which books and authors have helped you develop into the writer you are today?

There are many names, but Kofi Akpabli, a CNN African Journalist Award winner has been my mentor since 2011. And I am so blessed by this humble man full of wisdom. For books I think they are countless. I have read almost every book on writing, editing, etc.

The Tale of an Orphan; A Lesson to Learn and My shoes don’t fit; A young man’s conversations with God are both perfect choices for book clubs. Are you a member of any?

Currently, I am not a member of any book club, but I am a member of Ghana Association of Writers.

How do you think book groups will respond to your novels?

I believe book groups would be inspired by my books just as it has inspired thousands of people.

I’m sure readers would like to know if you have other interests aside from writing do you have any?

Yes, I like to sing when I’m in my room. I like to travel. I like to draw. I like to cook sometimes.

How do you balance your writing life with your other responsibilities?

Balancing my writing life and my other responsibilities is not difficult for me. I have been doing this for the last 11 years. When I have to write I make time to write and when I have to attend to other things I make time for them too. It is all about disciplining yourself by staying true to what you say you will do.

Do you have any suggestions to help our readers become better writers?

Writing is a profession which pays more joy than money. And for you to become a better writer you just have to keep writing. Enjoy the journey. Also, writers are often advised to write what they know. Well, for me, I will encourage you to use your imagination to write what you do not know. That is where the creativity is. That is where you get to wow the creative industry that you are an outstanding writer.

The Tale of an Orphan; A Lesson to Learn and My shoesdon’t fit; A young man’s conversations with God are availailable to order on Amazon.

You can contact the Author for talk shows, seminars, workshops & speaking engagements at:

 

Email: richardbotchwey@gmail.com

Facebook/instagram/Twitter: @richardbotchwey

Website is: www.richardbotchwey.com

CONVERSATIONS WITH JOZY: TIFFANY KAWA (MISS UGANDA UK 2014)

Tell me about your background. Where are you from?

I'm from Uganda Bajo Mukono district. My dad is Ugandan and my mum is of B edrittish and scottish origin.I was born in Nairobi Kenya and I've lived half my life in East Africa and half in UK.I did my studies at the Bellerive Catholic College and at the University of Liverpool. I'm a gospel music artist and also actively involved in fashion modelling and I've been privileged to work with a world class brand known as Angello Donatello. 

Where do you live and what do you love most about it?

I'm currently based in the city of Liverpool which is situated at the mouth of River Mersey in North west England. I like scousers,i think they're great but what i love most about Liverpool is the city's magnificent historical background. It's the home of two of the top football clubs in Britain, Everton FC and Liverpool FC. It was the first UK city to have a school for the blind, the first city in the world to have a lending library, a school of tropical medicine and an American consul, not forgetting Liverpool scooped the title European City of Culture 2008 and the list goes on and on.

Have you always wanted to be a beauty queen?

Not really. Prior to my involvement in MUUK i had never participated in any beauty pageant but i stumbled across a MUUK flyer online while i was seeking further employment opportunities in fashion modelling. I personally gathered that it was more than just about beauty and fashion and developed an interest then.

Tell me about your charity work and why you decided to get involved with The  Children and Women's Trust?

The Children and Women's Trust is a registered charity that works worldwide in poverty-stricken and deprived areas. I received a formal invitation to work with them and after doing a research about the charity i was pleased with their work and decided to get involved.   

Who/what inspires you?

My mother is a very strong woman,she has impacted my life in various ways and has taught me a lot about the fundamentals of a successful life based upon the word of God. Definitely my number one inspiration.

What’s your most proud moment?

Most recent proud moment is when i was crowned Miss Uganda UK on the 20th of September 2014.

What advice would you give to someone who would like to be a beauty queen?

Pursue your dreams by all means give it your best, be yourself, be original, sincere and confident and acknowledge God in all your ways.

What are your views on the legalisation of gay marriages in America? Should it be legalised everywhere?

I call it a man-made law. Man-made laws change any time but God who is the author of marriage has not changed the definition of marriage. As a believer who doesn't compromise on the integrity of God's word, I vehemently object its spread.

According to you, what is feminism?

Everyone is entitled to liberty, the same civil rights and can be intellectual equals regardless of gender. That’s what i call feminism.

What is your take on the controversy surrounding Aisha Nabukeera’s decision to contest in Miss Uganda Pageant?

I am personally proud of her for the bold step that she has taken to contest for this year's crown in Uganda because she has not allowed her unfortunate barbarous past experience to stop her from progressing in life and pursuing her dream. She is undeniably inspirational to all other young people that are victims of abuse.

What is the biggest challenge faced by the youth today?

The biggest challenge faced by the youth today is their exposure to drugs, alcohol and the ever growing peer pressure as they long for a sense of freedom, being accepted and having an identity..

If you had to choose, family or career? Why?

Family. You can change your career at any given time but you cannot change your family and as a matter of fact you can choose a career path in the same way you can choose friends but you cannot choose family, you just get born into a family therefore family takes priority between the two.   

Any future projects?

There's a Youth project coming up in September which involves breaking barriers and the Ugandan Convention UK partnering to host a youth panelist forum aimed at breaking cultural barriers through encouragement of unity and trust among the youth.

Wow! what a knowledgeable resourceful young lady!

You can catch Tiffany on 25th July at the Childrens and Womens Trust  Summer Ball Gowns and Tuxedos. 

Tickets are available at http://rajsinghpr.co.uk/event/the-summer-ball-gowns-and-tuxedos  

BACKSTAGE WITH MARO AT HIS MUBBI BUBBI LONDON CONCERT

I rarely go to concerts but with all the hype and promotion about the MUBBI BUBBI Tour I couldn't resist.  Never heard of Ugandan superstar Maro but with London catching Maro fever I'd learnt his mega tune Mubbi Bubbi word for word in a short space of time. 

The show promoted by KICCO CONNECT INTERNATIONAL was absolutely amazing. The polite and humble star was happy to mingle with his fans which is a breath of fresh air. 

Checkout some pictures of me with Maro and some friends backstage. 

Vhatting to Maro and Jaksaw 

MUSIC SPOTLIGHT: RACHEL KIWANUKA LIVE ON PAMTENGO RADIO

Rachel Kiwanuka the talented Ugandan Musician will be live on pamtengo.com radio this Friday  from 6pm (UK time) with Dj Billy and Dj Cymoh.

Tune in as the star discusses her upcoming projects and new music.

Uganda has talent!

JULIANA ALL NEW WOMAN AND BACK TO RECORDING

The beautiful smile we know and love is back on singer Juliana Kanyomozi's face after a very difficult 2014 following the death of her only child. The singer is back with new song WOMAN and has given her first interview since last year. She  wants her fans to know that she is coping well, back to recording music and making her late son PROUD.

Juliana is wearing amazing label Kwesh.

Read the full interview at Satisfashionug.com

Source: Satisfashionug.com

Conversation With Jozy: Sera Lubowa-Muhenda On Finally Finding Inner Joy

In this latest series of Conversation with Jozy I got to interview a phenomenal woman and great ambassador for Uganda Mrs. Sera Lubowa-Muhenda (Yes! she’s married). Sera is a renowned Singer, Actress and Model born in Mengo, Uganda, was raised in Paris before moving to Texas in the  USA where she is now based. The beautiful young model and wife is a trained Dancer and former Pageant Queen excited to be finally pursuing her music career. Her "sound" is a mixture of Soul, R&B, Afrobeat and Reggae and has been compared to Jill Scott and Corrine Bailey-Rae. She credits her passion for music to Miriam Makeba, Bob Marley, Lucky Dube, Lauryn Hill and other artists who write lyrics from the SOUL.

Where do you live and what do you love most about it?

Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas is a sunny, often quiet but youthful area. There is always something to do whether it’s cultural, relaxation, retail or nightlife. I love it! Best place in the USA I believe!

Have you always wanted to work in fashion? 

Fashion was never on my mind. In fact, I was a tom-goy all the way tip my Senior Prom. That was the first time I wore makeup and a gown in front of my school mates!  I fell into the fashion world at the age of 19 when I began modeling. At home, I’m very simple but when I am in public, I like to showcase a piece of my soul with every look.

Tell me about what you do. What is a typical workday like?

I wake up, do yoga or cardio (depending on the weather). I head to the office, work until 4pm. I head home, write music for other artists (I ghost write) and then hit the gym. After the gym, I cook, clean, work on my own music, and fall asleep.

What are your favourite things about your job?

Writing! I love to write! I can take myself into any situation and come out with a song or story.

Favorite Designer/Celebrity style?

I can never get enough of Valentino. I love the classic beauty of his pieces. Also, my best friend Gloria Mandudi. She is a great designer.
 

What’s your biggest triumph?

Any Woman’s greatest triumph, whether she will admit it or not, is finding her bliss. Her inner joy, her purpose and LOVING herself for it. It was a great struggle in my life but I finally have it!

Best experience in the fashion industry?

Meeting Barak Obama at a fashion show. I never thought fashion would lead me there.

Not so glamorous realities or obstacles of the industry?

Women will harm themselves and others for 5 seconds of limelight. The ugliest part of you will come out when you are desperate. I have been there and I have witnessed it.

Tell me about the music. How did that come about? 

Ever since I was a baby, I was singing. Instead of toys, I was next to the radio. I entered talent shows, attended performance schools and theaters. Vocal coaching. I just knew that music is going to be my life a death. I fully embrace this fact.

Whats your sound like? How do you get it to your audience?

AfroBeat meats Soul, Reggae and Pop. I sing what I see and I love melodies from all over the world. I’m a “World Artist”.

Any future plans?

I plan on traveling to Africa and other Continents this year to showcase my work. I will finally reveal my soul’s fullest potential by the grace of God.

Words of wisdom: What Advice would you give to someone who would like a career in the fashion industry?

Find your joy. Find that thing that holds your happiness and nurture it. Write things down, thank people, smile, dance, cry and forgive. This will build you up. Focus on your Joy.

You can listen to Sera’s music via reverbnation and and soundcloud.
 

Contact:

Website: www.facebook.com/SeraLubowaEXTRA
Instagram: @SeraLubowa
Twitter: @SeraLubowa

 WOW! Such fierceness we wish this young lady all the success!

 

Entrepreneur Angela Simmons For Culture Starved Magazine

Rev Run's girl, ‘Run’s House’ reality star and entrepreneur was recently featured in American magazine ‘Culture Starved’ and she had a few words of wisdom.

"Fashion is always evolving and it always allow me to be creative".

BTW,  big sis Vanessa is a new mum so congrats to her.

CONVERSATION WITH JOZY: ZIPPER ATAFO

I caught up with Kampala’s Make-up artist Zipper Atafo the very talented man with the Midas touch who is responsible for the many flawless faces that we see on Kampala's social scene. You will find him backstage and behind the scenes transforming many faces that we know and love into screen ready, show stopping confident personalities.  How does he do it and what makes him tick? Jozy would like to know.

Zipper Atafo - Celebrity Make-Up Artist

Jozy: What inspired you to be a Make-up artist?

ZA: My mother is my earliest inspiration. She taught me about the power of lipstick and glamour from an early age. She’s always been an encouraging and inspiring force in my life. Within the industry Ronnie Mulindwa was the first person to hire me work with his girl band the “Obsessions” I ended up working with them on a regular basis. He taught me all about this industry, both the creative and business perspectives.

Jozy: Have you got any formal training?

ZA: I have not been trained formally trained as a Make-up artist but i seek all that I need to know about my chosen craft and Make-up every day. I educate and empower myself all the time. I learn on the job, it’s endless.

 Jozy: Name a few of your celebrity clients?

ZA: I’ve worked with a number of Kampala’s starlets in the Entertainment and Fashion industries including Irene Namubiru, Judith Heard, Jackie Chandiru, Sharon Salmon, Desire Luzinda, the list is endless but i embrace everyone they don’t have to be celebrities.

Celebrity Judith Heard

 Jozy: Any perks of the job? 

ZA: I mainly enjoy the following perks;

Experimenting: I get to experiment with different products. I like seeing what happens when i mix this colour with that.  What happens if I move my contour line up just a pinch? Does this setting powder work best with the foundation? Part of perfecting my craft includes experimenting with various products, skin types and tones. The classic winged eyeliner and red lip didn’t happen by accident, after all. It took a lot of testing before they eventually gained huge popularity and took their places as classic Make-up looks. Who knows what one could discover next?

Bridal make-up by Zipper

 Meeting New People: I get to meet a lot of amazing people every day be it  Brides, Theatre Producers, Socialites, Actors, Musicians, Celebrities, Politicians or those not in the Public eye.  Sure, you’ll have the odd grumpy client whom you’d rather forget but you also make long lasting friendships. I have built up a list of loyal and repeat clientele this way. Many of my strongest friendships were formed on the job.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zipper on TV set

Travel: I am often asked to travel to different parts of the country for photo shoots such as
advertising campaigns, beauty  and fashion shows, weddings and private ceremonies or

parties. Travel throughout the country and to foreign countries is common since many projects use sets located in various places. I don’t mind it as long as my travel costs are met. I have been to places and cities I would otherwise not have visited which I find rewarding.

 

 Celebrity Akankwasa Esther
 

 Flexibility: As a Make-up artist, I decide what hours I work and what jobs I take on. This is very handy and can fit nicely with someone with other commitments i.e family life or other jobs. This way of working is perfect for me as sometimes am busy with other things but always I am able to make it all work. Most of my Make-up gigs are booked for weekends which allow me time to pursue other interests. Make-up artistry is a fairly easy career to make a smooth transition from another career.

 Bridal make-up by Zipper

 Jozy: Favourite brand of Make-up?

ZA: I do not have a favourite brand simply because different brands do different things. For example, I find that Sleek makes the best pencils and Mac has the best eyeshades.  It’s all about mixing brands to achieve a perfect look.

 Jozy: What are your top tips for creating a day and night look?

ZA: The basic tip for a day or night look is the eyebrow. If you have a well filled in neat eyebrow you are ready to rock both looks. For a little spicy, spanky and sexy look I recommend a matte, dark eyeshade.

 Jozy: Any advice for those wishing to become Make-up artists?

ZA: For those hoping to enter the industry, I’d say… be creative, be patient, you must maintain an artistic flair at all times. Also, get an Education/Training because I’ve heard some Make-up artists say you don’t need an education but I disagree. Sure you can learn the skills over time by trial & error but why take 20 years to learn what you could in a week from an industry professional?  Education is very important. I’m not saying you have to go to a Make-up school but you need to take classes on a regular basis. Look for classes that give you a business insight and perspective too. You can be a talented artist but without the business know how it’s difficult to make this a career. The right classes can take you to the next level and help you earn a decent income.

Musician Dezire Luzinda

Jozy: Any future plans?

ZA: I’d like to continue to work on a freelance basis taking my services to clients’ doorstep. I’d possibly work with major clients including television, film and members of the public for instance, individuals who need special looks for weddings or other special occasions. I dream of heading my Make-up crew covering backstage at some International Fashion Week like New York.

Zipper's Bridal Client

Zipper's Bridal Client

 

 Jozy: Who's you dream client? 

ZA: Anyone who feels they can trust me with their face is welcome for a “face beating”. The beautiful looks which result from all the hard work make it all worthwhile. I would love to work on you Jozy though...LOL.

 Jozy: Aw! What a charmer. I would gladly get my “face beat” by the Master Zipper Atafo any day and I’ll hold you to that.

Contact for appointments:
Facebook: facebook.com/zipper.atafo
Twitter: @ZAtafo 
Instagram: @star_atafo.