The Chatafisha Project

Simalike Musika's Chatafisha Project is revolutionizing urban engagement in Tanzania by combining public art and technology. With AR and blockchain, they aim to transform Dar-es-Salaam into a "smart city" and create integrative spaces for urban dwellers. Through Rangi Chanya festival and NFT sales, the project fosters community engagement and artistic expression.

“Sometimes you got to create what you want to be part of.” –Geri Weitzman

This statement rings extremely true for Simalike Musika, founder of the Chatafisha Project. By integrating public art with technology, the Chatafisha project seeks to alter how the urban community engages with its environments. Through the use of Augmented Reality and blockchaintechnology, the Tanzanian Urban community can get to experience living in a “smart city”.

‘Chatafisha’ is derived from two Swahili words: CHATA, which means a mark and symbolizes the artistic medium; and SAFISHA, which means to clean and symbolizes metamorphosis.

Tanzania’s Dar-es-Salaam is a vibrant fast growing city with a number of ongoing construction projects. Dar-es-Salaam is a city that recounts the tale of a rich history, founded by the Sultan of Zanzibar in 1862 who famously named it Mzizima, it is a rapidly growing center for economic activity, the 5th in Africa and is predicted to cross the “Megacity” threshold (10million people) before 2030. From the bustling street life of the Machingas (“marching guys” or street merchants) to the heavily packed Daladalas (buses) and old coastal style architecture in down-town Posta or Kariakoo. Urban tales containing revolutionary names such as Malcom X and Che Guavaraneed to be remembered and revisited. The Chatafisha project aims to utilize and deploy public art as a medium of story-telling to spark dialogue in a more engaging, vibrant and innovative way and encourage interactivity in the Urban space.

Simalike and I had the opportunity to speak for a bit so that I could learn more about him and the Chatafisha Project.

The Tanzanian Times (TT): How did you come up with the Chatafisha project?

Simalike Musika (SM): The idea for the project was originally to give kids a place to skate and interact. Urban culture, and notably skateboarding, has always been very much to my taste. My good friend Alphonce and I used to skate at a skate park called Funkys in Masaki, where he used to work. I loved everything about skate culture, even the style and music. We used to meet with other kids to skate by the Morocco bus stop, so we thought it would be really cool to build a space where we could all skate, do graffiti, maybe even have a basketball court. A location where they can develop their artistic side and learn how to draw graffiti. The basic goal of the Chatafisha project is still to develop integrating spaces for urban dwellers. A setting that promotes integration.

TT: How long has it been in the works?

SM: From when I was in college, around 2014 to this day.

TT: What is the selection process for the artists?

SM: There will be a visual preference survey where we will document and interview the community in the targeted area to give them a voice and document their stories in order to integrate it through code in the Artwork. We aim to work with top notch talent and our art is meant to be not only site specific, but also interactive, therefore the artneeds to reflect the spirit of these areas. So, if we are to paint a mural in Morocco Bus Station, for example, we’d like the mural to reflect the environment of buses passing by and heavy traffic. After the creation the art shall go up on sale as an NFT, on the blockchain.

TT: The Rangi Chanya Festival. Can you tell me a little about that?

SM: This is actually how the project is being carried out. After the survey, the creation will commence in the form of a public exhibition we call it Rangi Chanya festival (Rangi Chanya means “positive colors”). This event will include a selling component. Vendors, are welcome to set up a booth and sell their artwork. This festival is intended to serve as a Mural exhibition and a chance for the community to engage and experience the creative process and learn about the application of AR, VR and QR technology. Later this year, the inaugural Rangi Chanya event is scheduled to take place.

TT: Are you an artist yourself?

SM: I am a multidisciplinary artist. I adore visual art. I can write rhymes. I can curate, conceptualize and produce for entire bodies of work, like I did with my most recent album, “Heaven is now,” in addition to directing music videos and short films. I am about to begin work on a feature film’s soundtrack. I am a voice actor and have done several voice-over work, for NGOs and corporates. I am alsoabout to dabble in some acting and fashion designing. I want to start a collection with a partner. These to me are all various aspects of visual art, which is something that I’m quite passionate about.

TT: How do you intend on overcoming the challenge of lack of knowledge when it comes to technology?

SM: Technology is part and parcel of our lives nowadays. With regard to NFTs and AR, our goal is to have a provision for workshops to educate the artists on potentials that exist in the tech world. We want to provide them with opportunity to go beyond the traditional boundaries of public art such as its ephemeral nature through block chain technology. Technology could serve as a platform for the storage, transferring of information in a safe and transparent way. Working with our strategic partners in the AR industry to educate the public and give them a chance to experience this new technology first hand. In addition to serving as a platform for artistic expression, Chatafisha also serves as an introduction to Web3 technology.

TT: What excites you most about this project?

SM: The fact that this concept offers the ideal solution to the issue of excessive advertising in the city of Dar is what intrigues me the most about it. I believe that artists should be paid to display their skills and originality, rather than just getting paid to paint various corporations’ logos on the sides of houses. We wanted to have Art with minimal external corporate branding but business organizations will always seek for visibility, subsequently this would not be impactful if not counterproductive. With AR technology, we can now satisfy the need for branding, transferring and storage of information for educational or social purposes, while maintaining the integrity of the artwork. Digital coding is a viable option for storing all required data. This is art that speaks… art that comes to life.

TT: Is the Chatafisha project supposed to be an ongoing project? If so, what cities are you kicking off the project in?

SM: This is definitely going to be an ongoing project. We plan on being the entity that not only draws murals butdevelops and encourages for more integrative spaces as it pertains to the public art scene. It will start at home in Dar es Salaam and slowly move into different cities throughout Tanzania.

TT: Have there been any challenges experienced throughout this entire project?

SM: The biggest challenge has been building a solid team that is as passionate about transforming public spaces and who are also interested in technology and its prospects in creating a more sustainable city. The accessing of funds has also been another challenge that the recent developments of Web3 promises to solve. People are more excited to hop on this project because of that.

To keep up with all things #CHATAFISHA, be sure to follow them on Discord:

Instagram:@chatafisha_tz

Twitter:@chatafisha

Discord:CHATAFiSHA https://discord.gg/98mpNuxq

ORUCHUM NAMUNGO HEADS TO TANZANIA’S AFTER TUSKER CONTRACT EXPIRED

ORUCHUM HEADS TO TANZANIA’S NAMUNGO AFTER TUSKER CONTRACT EXPIRED

The FKF Premier League winners Tusker FC have suffered a significant setback after defender Christopher Oruchum quit the team after his contract expired and moved for Tanzania, where he has already signed a two-year agreement with the NBC Premier League team.

After two seasons with Tusker FC, where he won back-to-back Premier League championships, Oruchum departed

He played in 31 games and contributed to 19 clean sheets as a key member of the team this past season. He was an important part of the defense.

Christopher Oruchum, a defender for Tusker FC, departed the team when his contract expired and is moving on in search of better opportunities. The defender joined Tusker at the start of the 2020–21 season, and the team announced in a statement that he had successfully won back-to-back championships.

“I want to say a big thank you to the Tusker family; from the management, my fellow players, technical bench members and the fans for their support for the two years that I have been at the club. I have enjoyed tremendous growth with the challenges to perform well at the high level consistently,” Oruchum stated to the club.

“I have won the league back to back which is really something amazing for any player. Two League titles, One Charity Cup Trophy and three medals on, I can say I have had the best time at Tusker FC. I am off to a new challenge but I will leave with my head held high as a proud alumnus of this great club,”

Robert Matano acquired Oruchum from AFC Leopards at the beginning of the 2020–21 campaign, but he didn’t appear in as many games.

But this year, he seized the opportunity and never looked back, garnering interest from numerous clubs by the end of the campaign.

The defender announced that he was leaving for Tanzania in quest of a new challenge and was eager to take further action.

With the departure of Oruchum and the mid season departure of captain Eugene Asike, the club is now forced to sign additional centrebacks.

By Anne Tendwa

Community Spotlight: 255Nation

Why create 255 Nation?

I created 255 Nation to give a platform to up-and-coming talents from all around the world to connect together, network, collaborate, support and to uplift each other. I also created 255 and used +255 in the name of the company in order to represent my home country of Tanzania, as many people do not know of us. And to emphasize that though I am representing Tanzania(255) on the forefront, our company of 255 Nation, just like Tanzania is a diverse melting pot of many different cultures, backgrounds, and traditions.

What does 255 Nation aim to say?

255 Nation aims to say that no matter where you’re from, what you do or what you represent, there’s always a place for you to genuinely express yourself through your talents and build upon those talents (by networking, collaborating etc)

How does 255 Nation seek opportunities? (how the group has sourced and approached new opportunities)

255 Nation tries to create opportunities/platform. For example, future plans to host talent shows, sports tournaments, giving back to those in need and many more ideas to come. We are also open to collaborating and working with other groups/ organizations to create opportunities.

Where do you see 255 Nation in the long run?

In the long run, I see 255 Nation as a successful company, Established in many different areas within company goals and throughout the world. Able to give out the opportunities and resources needed for anyone who is a part of 255 nation.

Are there as much challenges running 255 Nation?

Yes, as with an all company there are challenges. Especially because this is a fairly new company I started in 2016 and at first I was doing a lot of the things that I have envisioned for the company on my own but now with selected board teams and committees working with me it has been easier to brainstorm, share ideas and bring those ideas to fruition.

How does the group operate?

255 Nation does not own any of the members work and the group is very flexible, easy to work with. We have producers, dancers, artists, graphic designers, models, fashion designers and many more. With all these different members, we have a main group chat and an individual group chat based on your talent/role in the company. These individual group chats are encouraged to interact with each other, share your work, build bonds and support each other.

Any tips for upcoming artists on matters of showcasing their work on different platforms?

Personally, tips that I would give upcoming artists on matters of showcasing their work on different platforms are to:

Have a strategy as to how you want to present yourself and your work
Trust the process, never stop creating. Show your process of creativity (for example, on socials this might be a way to keep people engaged with your work)
Always believe in yourself and your work.

Rayvanny Exits WCB

Raymond Shaban Mwakyusa, better known by his stage name Rayvanny, is a Tanzanian musician, songwriter and recording artist who was signed under WCB Wasafi record label up until July 2022.

Singer Rayvanny has formally departed Diamond Platnumz’s Wasafi Classic Baby (WCB) recordings Tanzania after months of denial.

On July 12th 2022, Rayvanny made the news, stating he was now concentrating on his record company, “Next Level Music,” and was eager to develop musical talent.

Rayvanny thanked Diamond Platnumz for giving him the chance to share his ability with the world in a two-minute video homage to his former employer.

Under WCB, Rayvanny has had what many can describe as a whirlwind career. With numerous hits under his belt such as “Tetema”, “Number One”, and “Te Amo”, the BET Viewer’s Choice Best New International Act 2017 award, the world is really his oyster and we are more than excited to see what happens next for this Mbeya native.

“My respect to you Diamond Platnumz will be forever, God bless you Diamond. But there comes a time when a child goes out to start their own life and bring back respect to his family. Now it is my time to leave, and grow other talents at my record label, Next Level Music,” he said.

According to media accounts, Rayvanny had not yet been able to raise the money needed to buy out the remaining terms of his allegedly 10-year contract at the time, hence his exit had not yet taken place.

According to claims made by Tanzania’s well-known social media influencer and Clouds FM radio host Mwijaku, Diamond wanted $829,383 from Rayvanny in order to let him leave the label.

However, it appears that the parties have come to a cordial understanding as seen by Diamond’s response on Rayvanny’s Instagram post about his departure.

By Anne Tendwa

RECREATIONAL AND EXTREME SPORTS IN THE COUNTRY

People tend to find different ways to bring thrill in their lives when doing recreational activities. Extreme sports are all about the thrill. The extreme here is like what it seems, taking it to the furthest when coming to these sports. You want to see where your limit is when engaging in these activities. The element of danger that exists in the extreme sports is what makes them more fun and performed by many. Even though they tend to be done mostly when one participates in recreational ventures, they are very much physical exercises. Here is where the confusion comes since many of the extreme sports are done mostly when doing recreational activities, it becomes hard to differentiate the two. But since there is no way knowing what determines a recreational activity and an extreme sport, the following are some of the most commonly extreme sports that can also be a recreational activity.

Skydiving, this is one of the popular extreme sport. It involves jumping out of an airplane mid-flight and doing different mid-air tricks before deploying the parachute. It surely produces an adrenaline rush for those who love to make risks when engaging in recreational activities. It still is considered as a sport worldwide. It can therefore fall in-between. Either way, jumping from a plane and falling through the air at 120 miles per hour surely gets people’s attention.

Rock climbing, this is a great indoor and outdoor activity. It can either be an extreme sport or a recreational activity. It really makes a person push themselves to a certain limit. It involves use of a lot of body strength and being okay with heights. It is extreme depending on the heights and safety features you take when climbing a rock wall or mountain. It’s a good stress removal and anger management cure. If you think about it, climbing a rock wall will surely make you occupied instead of being angry.

Skiing,one of the oldest sports of all time. It was always a simple and careful sport of using skis to travel on snow. It started to change when people started doing their own twists when skiing. They started doing different freestyles and tricks like snowboarders and it became an obsession. Thereafter skiing was said to an extreme sport since it was a little dangerous and a lot more competitive. It still is a recreational activity when done without the tricks and not in competitions.

Scuba diving, this is a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. That’s what SCUBA means literally. When scuba diving you need important equipment that help with breathing underwater. This to me is more of a recreational activity than an extreme sport. Although it’s an underwater sport, a lot of people practice scuba diving when they go on vacations or to have fun. It is strictly advised to be practised with only those who have mastered swimming in deep oceans since it’s a dangerous sport going underwater which is an inhospitable environment. When you keep the danger and all the bad of scuba diving, it’s a really interesting beautiful activity since you see all the underwater life and you feel free being in water.

Snowboarding, it is a very famous recreational activity to do when on holidays. It used to be a simple act of going from one point of a high snow covered slope down to the end with a snowboard on. It developed by being inspired by skateboarding where you move the snowboard with different tricks and freestyles that makes it more interesting. It is an extreme sport depending on how high the slopes the snowboarder prefers to go on. It is practiced in Winter Olympics since 1998.

Surfing, it’s all about the waves in this sport. All you need is a surfboard, wetsuit and the leash to keep your board near you at all times. The bigger the wave, the better the ride they said. Seriously though, no it’s not that simple. There is actually physics and math if am not mistaken used to keep that board on the wave that easily. Jokes aside, surfing is a really extreme sport which one has to learn very well to master it. During summer though surfing is a very popular recreational activity since it involves staying on the beach all day.

There are so many extreme sports that you just wouldn’t dream thinking of that are very doable. And since many of these sports are practiced as recreational activities, they still help with physical exercises to those who still want to have that excitement and danger when doing an activity. Make sure to try some of these activities when your next vacation comes, you don’t know you may actually like it.

Africans Love for K Dramas.

Gone are the days when international television series were

solely dominated by Hollywood productions. Today, Korean dramas,

commonly known as K-dramas, have captured the hearts of millions

worldwide, transcending language barriers and captivating

audiences in all corners of the globe. From heartwarming romances

that left us swooning to gripping thrillers that had us on the edge of

our seats, Korean dramas have the remarkable ability to transport

audiences into a realm of emotions and storytelling like no other.

Africa, with its diverse and dynamic population, has quickly become

a significant market for these captivating shows. This is a selection

of a few of the best K-dramas we have watched in the year 2022

and 2023.

“Extraordinary Attorney Woo” is a captivating K-drama that has

captured the hearts of viewers around the world. This legal drama

revolves around the life of Woo Young-woo, a rookie lawyer with

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who has the love of all kinds of

whales. As she takes on challenging cases, Woo’s unconventional

methods and sharp intellect captivate both her clients and the

audience. The drama masterfully combines elements of suspense,

humor, and romance, creating a compelling narrative that keeps

viewers on the edge of their seats. With its intriguing storyline,

charismatic characters, and thought-provoking themes,

“Extraordinary Attorney Woo” is a must-watch K-drama that leaves

a lasting impression.

Business Proposal” is a captivating romance K-drama that

weaves a tale of unexpected love and complicated relationships.

The story revolves around Shin Ha-ri, a diligent employee who

agrees to a blind date on behalf of her friend, only to discover that

her mysterious date is none other than her own boss, Kang Tae-

moo. As Ha-ri and Tae-moo navigate their complicated professional

and personal lives, their encounters spark a connection that goes

beyond their initial expectations. Alongside them, we witness the

intertwined stories of Cha Sung-hoon, Tae-moo’s loyal secretary

and friend, and Jin Young-seo, Ha-ri’s supportive best friend. As the

plot unfolds, viewers are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions,

exploring themes of love, friendship, loyalty, and the complexities of

workplace dynamics. With its intriguing premise and an ensemble

cast of talented actors, “Business Proposal” delivers a delightful

blend of romance, drama, and unexpected twists that will keep

audiences hooked from start to finish.

“Alchemy of Souls” is a mesmerizing fantasy K-drama that takes

viewers on a captivating journey through the lives of Nak-su and

Jang Uk. Nak-su, an elite warrior with formidable skills, finds herself

trapped in the feeble body of Mu-deok due to an accidental soul

transfer. This unexpected twist of fate leads her to become Jang

Uk’s servant and master, embarking on a path of forbidden love and

self-discovery. As Nak-su teaches Jang Uk her warrior skills, they

both find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other. Their journey

unfolds against the backdrop of a mysterious and dangerous magic

spell called the “alchemy of souls,” which holds the power to switch

souls between bodies. Throughout the series, the young mages

strive to overcome their twisted destinies, navigating the

complexities of love, loyalty, and personal growth. “Alchemy of

Souls” promises an enchanting tale of romance, magic, and the

resilience of the human spirit as these characters find strength and

courage in their intertwined fates.

“Taxi Driver” is a thrilling and captivating Korean show that has

gained immense popularity among viewers around the world. The

show revolves around the enigmatic and unconventional character

of Kim Do-gi, a former special forces officer who becomes a taxi

driver. However, his taxi service goes beyond transporting

passengers as he leads a covert vigilante organization seeking

justice for victims who were failed by the legal system. With its

intriguing plotline, intense action sequences, and thought-provoking

themes of revenge and redemption, “Taxi Driver” keeps viewers on

the edge of their seats. The show’s dynamic cast, led by Lee Je-

hoon, delivers compelling performances that bring the complex

characters to life. As the story unfolds, “Taxi Driver” delves into the

darker corners of society, exploring themes of corruption, power

abuse, and the pursuit of justice. With its engaging storytelling and

thought-provoking narrative, “Taxi Driver” has become a standout

Korean drama that leaves a lasting impact on its audience.

“Twenty Five Twenty One” is a captivating Korean drama that

takes viewers on a nostalgic journey through time, showcasing the

intricate and evolving romantic lives of five main characters.

Spanning from the year 1998 to 2021, the series delves into the

interconnected relationships of Na Hee-do, Baek Yi-jin, Ko Yu-rim,

Moon Ji-woong, and Ji Seung-wan. In a fascinating twist, the story

is unveiled through Na Hee-do’s daughter, who discovers her

mother’s diary from the year 2021, unraveling the tales of love,

heartbreak, and personal growth. With each episode, the audience

is transported to different eras, witnessing the characters’ joys,

sorrows, and the enduring power of love that transcends time.

“Twenty Five Twenty One” beautifully weaves together romance,

nostalgia, and the exploration of how our past experiences shape

our present selves.

“The Glory” is a gripping Korean drama that explores the

consequences of school violence and the pursuit of justice. The

series revolves around a former victim who, scarred by her

traumatic experiences, makes the bold decision to drop out of

school and meticulously plans her revenge against her bullies.

Years later, she seizes an opportunity to take on the role of a

homeroom teacher at the elementary school where the child of one

of her bullies attends. As she assumes her new position, she uses

her authority to seek retribution against those who once tormented

her. “The Glory” captivates viewers with its intense storyline,

shedding light on the long-lasting impacts of bullying and the

complexities of revenge. The show’s powerful performances and

thought-provoking narrative earned it recognition at the prestigious

59th Baeksang Arts Awards, with eight nominations and three wins,

including Best Drama, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actress.

In conclusion, the growing popularity of Korean dramas in Africa

has opened up a new avenue for cultural exploration and

appreciation. Africans have wholeheartedly embraced these

captivating shows, eagerly diving into the rich tapestry of Korean

culture and getting lost in its diverse and captivating narratives. The

phenomenon of Korean dramas transcends geographical

boundaries, bringing people from different corners of the world

together through the shared experience of watching these must-see

shows.

By Edna Deus

BOOK REVIEW: THE JOYS OF THE MOTHERHOOD BY BUCHI EMECHETA

A Captivating Tale of Love, Sacrifice, and Identity

In a world filled with literature that explores the complexities of human emotions and experiences, “The Joys of Motherhood” by Buchi Emecheta stands as an absolute gem. Published in 1979, this powerful novel takes readers on an emotional journey through the life of Nnu Ego, a Nigerian woman grappling with the joys and challenges of motherhood amidst a backdrop of cultural expectations and societal shifts. Emecheta’s poignant storytelling and vivid portrayal of a mother’s journey make this book an absolute must-read.

A Glimpse into Nnu Ego’s World:

Set against the backdrop of 20th-century Nigeria, “The Joys of Motherhood” introduces us to Nnu Ego, a young woman who dreams of a life filled with happiness, love, and motherhood. However, as she embarks on her journey of marriage and raising a family, she soon discovers that her dreams come at a price.

Emecheta beautifully captures the intricate web of emotions that accompany motherhood. From the initial exhilaration of bringing life into the world to the selfless sacrifices made for the sake of one’s children, Nnu Ego’s story resonates with readers on a deeply personal level. The author’s ability to evoke empathy and understanding through her writing is truly captivating.

Navigating Culture and Identity:

One of the most compelling aspects of this novel is its exploration of culture and identity. Emecheta skillfully portrays the clash between tradition and modernity, as Nnu Ego finds herself torn between the customs of her Igbo heritage and the changing world around her. Through her struggles and triumphs, we witness the resilience and strength of a woman determined to find her place in a society undergoing rapid transformation.

The Challenges of Motherhood:

Emecheta’s masterful storytelling delves into the often unspoken difficulties faced by mothers. As Nnu Ego navigates the challenges of raising her children in poverty and facing societal pressures, readers are confronted with the harsh realities of motherhood. Emecheta’s ability to weave heart-wrenching moments of despair with glimmers of hope makes the emotional impact of this book truly profound.

“The Joys of Motherhood” is a book that captures the essence of what it means to be a mother, a woman, and a human being. Buchi Emecheta’s powerful prose invites readers into the world of Nnu Ego, where they witness the complexities of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of one’s identity. This novel is not only an exploration of motherhood but also a reflection on the human experience as a whole.

Through her compelling narrative and thought-provoking themes, Emecheta has created a literary masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers even decades after its

publication. If you are seeking a book that will touch your heart, challenge your perceptions, and leave you with a renewed sense of empathy, “The Joys of Motherhood” is an absolute must-read. Prepare to be captivated by Emecheta’s storytelling prowess and embark on a transformative journey that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

By Vanessa Mwingira

Otuck William – Chochote Popote (Rnb Remix)

Video of Otuck William performing one of the best of all time Hip Hop joint from the early 2000’s “Chochote Popote” by Joh Makini.

Perspective on a legend: Denis Rodman

Denis Rodman is one to believe in the impossible. Born in Texas, Denis was not your average individual. His authentic characteristics played a massive part on his road to becoming an NBA all-star/Hall of famer.

In the time of his high school years, Denis was not the type of person to fit into crowds and to put it into a single modern day word, he was clinically Anti-social thus concluding his schooling years with a handful of dodgy friendships. But it wasn’t his fault still, imagine growing up not knowing your father in a household frantically occupied by the female gender, such an environment would inevitably leave a scar on your mentality.

After graduating high school, Denis was expected to do something with his life and having sisters who were prolific in sports would suite as a quintessential example but Denis had nothing in mind. Soon enough he acquired a job as an airport cleaner. The job seemed down to earth and Denis did not mind cleaning up after people. During this time, Denis found it appropriate to fondle and illegally claim watches from a nearby store that would later cause for his arrest.

After being arrested Denis served time and came out the same person he was, mentally and physically being five foot nine and a complex intuition. After spending sometime living with his mother, it reached a point when Denis became a man and needed to seek for greener pastures (He got kicked out of his mum`s house) preferably with less individuals to judge his personality.

Gradually but surely, the hardship would build Denis and make him consider his choices thus he decided to attend college where he was noticed by a scout.( the past months leading up to his move, Denis had considerably grown) Denis never liked basketball or anything really, but he decided he had to try out basketball and the game immediately accepted his presence. Before Dennis went pro, he appeared in a number of matches for his college team and was nicknamed the savage for his brutal force and rebounding ability which will prove vital for his future in the NBA.

After finishing his season in college, Denis Rodman was one of the rookies available for drafting that summer alongside plenty of talent. But Denis stood out and he inevitably got picked by the Detroit Pistons who admired his hardworking mentality. Playing in the NBA as a rookie can be hard, but if you’re Denis Rodman that idea would be far fetched. Critics would later realize that Denis played for the shear fun of it and not the money and his authentic approach towards the game inexplicably gained him plaudits and the award for the best defensive player in the league that year.

After that award, Denis was filled with an aura of hope and family which led him to stay in Detroit for years to come but nothing lasts forever, his coach had resigned and players who Denis thought were his brothers started to get drafted and it no longer seemed to be nostalgic. Denis hated playing for the pistons and he needed to move. During this time Denis affiliated with a woman and had a child with her. Now having two mouths to feed, a move seemed essential so he got drafted to the San Antonio spurs.

Being Denis Rodman, it didn’t matter what team he went to, he just wanted to express himself on the court so after he signed he portrayed a new side of himself to his new team by engulfing his hair in the color blonde because of a film that inspired him. His reputation of being a savage on the court baffled his fan base and this led him to become more confident and brutal as his life revolved around clubs, girls, pessimistic trends such as tattoos, body piercings.

But these habits did not affect his performance and due to this the spurs were nicknamed the bad boys for having such a physical dominance on their oppositions, but Denis`s behavior would phase the team thus leading to a loss in the eastern conference against the Chicago bulls. Denis was now resented by the spurs and the feeling was mutual for Denis which meant he was banned for a couple of games which would lead to his move.

After Denis`s failed relationship with the spurs he decided to move on but before he could get drafted he attempted to kill himself in his parked pickup truck right outside the crown Center but he fell asleep due to fatigue. Denis Rodman would later get drafted to the Chicago bulls with likes of Michael Jordan and Pipin. Early on this move seemed beneficial to the bulls leading to a trio of superstars working together in a monumental force, but Denis`s old demons would catch up to him resulting in the fall of the bulls. Denis Rodman would retire later on in the season known for his physical presence on the court, and his never give up attitude forever engraving his name in the hall of fame.

Violence Across Borders

Amina is in her second year of high school. Every day when she gets home after school, she has to cook for her siblings, clean and tidy up before she can rest and go about doing her homework and studying. She has an older sister who does her best to pick up some of the home’s duties but most of the time she is out working and attending college classes. Amina’s father is alone in their native country while Amina, her mother and her siblings have settled in a quiet peaceful town in Colorado. Amina’s parents are on the brink of a divorce. It seems the geographical distance between them has taken its toll on what was an already shaky relationship foundation. Poor communication, glaring personality differences and increasing financial stresses have become the last straw. So they are of no use when it comes to placating the violence that routinely takes place when her oldest brother wants to have his way and assert himself in the home. Not even Amina’s mother and other siblings can pacify him when he flies into his fits of rage. Instead of enforcing her authority as the guardian in the home, Amina’s mother devolves into a puddle of tears and self-pity leaving Amina and her siblings to fend for themselves in such times. Amina’s oldest sister who often bears the brunt of the abuse, refuses to press charges citing that it would be an additional financial burden on the family to engage in legal proceedings and that their brother would “suffer as a black man in the system”. There is a Tanzanian saying that witchcraft does not cross continents but apparently, domestic violence does.

Monica, her husband and two young children are standing outside their apartment, giving one of many statements to a police officer in the early hours of a frigid winter morning. A neighbor has summoned the authorities following loud arguing and commotion that have woken her up in the middle of the night. Monica’s husband has come home drunk again, and upon being questioned over his whereabouts along with the alcohol on his breath, he has become belligerent, insulting his wife and making such a racket that he has awoken his children. The little ones are frightened but unable to go back to sleep knowing that when their father is in such a state, their mother usually ends up with bruises and broken bones. They hide behind her, not knowing how long this terrifying episode will last until they hear a firm authoritative knock on the door stating “Police, we’re coming in”. Brian, Monica’s husband is agitated by this self-assured young man in a uniform who keeps telling him to calm down or he will have to be cuffed and booked for the night. This is not the first domestic dispute the officer has responded to but he can tell from his records that this is not Brian’s first offence. Monica has repeatedly filed and dropped assault charges on Brian but cannot bring herself to raise two children as a single parent. This seems to be the least of Brian’s concerns as he has boldly declared that they are in fact “not his problem”. Almost all of the women in Monica’s family have endured horrific abuse at the hands of spouses and significant others. But for the first time in her life she is beginning to contemplate the possibility of living a life free of suffering in the name of love, duty and honor.

Mama Katy is what the people in her adopted Kenyan community have fondly come to refer to Christine as. Second daughter to pastors of a conservative church in the heart of the bible belt, Christine fell in love with Karia on her very first mission trip to Kenya. Charmed by his friendly demeanor and a macho go getter attitude, Christine helped Karia file a fiancée visa so the pair could leave together for the U.S. as soon as her mission trip ended. Shocked by the sudden engagement, Christine’s parents obliged, believing that prayer and their efforts in raising their child in a biblically upright manner would inform their daughter’s decision. Christine is now pregnant with the couple’s second child. She has noticed that Karia has been getting increasingly “impatient” with their toddler Katy, to the point of spanking, pushing and yelling at her whenever she engages in typical toddler behavior. When she addresses this issue with him, he warns her not to interfere with his “parenting” because this is how Africans do it where he is from. He accuses her of being too soft and that he is not interested in raising spoiled children with disrespectful western attitudes. He has also been raising his voice and engaging in intimidating behavior that leads her to believe he is capable of physically harming her. Mama Katy has been reluctant to address the issue with her church, friends or family. She is afraid she might aggravate culturally sensitive issues or defame her well-meaning husband. She is also afraid of the stigma that separations and divorces carry in conservative Christian circles. She fears how seemingly failing at marriage would permanently ruin her parents’ reputation in their church. One thing she is sure of is that she has to find a solution before this new baby arrives.

Written by Naomi Kessy