“I am not African

because I was born

in Africa. I am African because

Africa was born in me.”

[3]

Edito 3

Politcs 4

Interview of the month:

Nde Ndifonka 8

ULife 10

Movies 13

Entertainment : Numerica 14

Music 17

Fashion 18

High - Tech 20

Health & Fitness 22

Short story 25

Who is WANA? 27

EDITO CONTENTS

“The youth of today is the future of tomorrow.” Because the African youth has some-times been forgotten or been on the other end of the stick, as friends, both-ers, schoolmates with a similar vision for our continent, we decided to create a platform to promote the positive out-look of this bright generation, our gen-eration, your generation.

Failure, fear, lost, despair, have always come to mind when our continent is

mentioned on the global scene. In 2010, 70% of the continent’s population was under the age of 30, and slightly more than 20% of those were between the ages of 15 and 24. The socio-economic con-ditions of young Africans have improved in recent years, but not considerably. There has been an increase in school enrollment over the past 20 years, and the gender gap in education has narrowed. Despites all those positives aspects, the youth still faces major difficul-ties in the realm of higher education, employment, health coverage and most importantly participation in decision-making processes. Nevertheless our youth has the potential to be a great impetus in the development of Africa, provided that appropriate investments are made towards that cause. The brightest, smartest and most en-ergetic young minds are emerging as one, to lead a strong and con-fident generation.

WANA is a team of young dedicated, focused and conscientious young Africans striving to show the solid bound existing amongst this generation. Our aim is to create a venture where North to South, East to West Africans can share experiences, knowledge and oppor-tunities that can be available to us. The WANA Team will welcome anybody who, just like us, share our vision and would like to contrib-ute to this feat of putting our motherland in the forefront of the world in a positive light. This is for us, it’s for you. It’s for the college student or the artist, the young entrepreneur or the freelancer. Let’s all together show the world that We Are the New Africa.

Ahmed Sallaheddine

[4]

F or a long time, politics has been source of conflicts in many countries, through African conti-

nent. Indeed, since their independence, some countries in this continent have faced many struggles, and civil wars.

Actually, for several years, these nations have been dictatorships and one-party-states, led by men who compelled their citizens to do anything they want. Thus, people did not have free will, and they didn’t even know what true politics is.

However, by dint of leading their coun-try with an iron hand and oppressing their citizens, they were not in touch with the reality on the ground, and they did not see the displeasure of their peo-ple, and the beginning of uprising.

As a result, in the beginning of the 90’s, in numerous African countries, there were riots, because people were fed up with tyranny, and they clamored for more freedom of expression, speech, and thought.

From that moment, most of leaders spot-ted that they could not fool the eyes of their populations anymore, and they had to calm down the situation.

Consequently, in Cameroon, Gabon and many others countries, the Heads of States make the decision to allow the multiparty system in their countries, and

to let people have free will to make their choices. Furthermore, they authorized freedom of the press. We can show Cameroon such as a very good example. Indeed, The Head of State, his Excel-lency Paul Biya, as soon as he has de-cided to allow any Cameroonian citizen to make up a newspaper, put all the means to respect his word and this lib-erty.

“Leaders are making to improve the democ-

ratic process”

Therefore, in these nations, people are getting more and more involved in poli-tics, because there are many parties. Actually, since these events, there have been many elections organized within these countries, and we can highlight the efforts that leaders are making to im-prove the democratic process.

For instance, the last presidential elec-tions in Senegal, Cameroon or even in Ghana have been a model of democracy. We can also talk about the one in Ga-bon, and the remarkable work done by Rose Rogombé, the Head of the Senate, to ensure a perfect transition respectful of the institutions, after the death of

Omar Bongo. In addition, more recently, the senatorial elections in Cameroon must also be seen as a huge step for de-mocracy in our continent.

Surprisingly, South Africa, which has widely known troubles during the apart-heid, is one of the most advanced coun-tries in democracy through the Conti-nent.

However, there is still one major point. It affects the entire continent, whatever the country. In fact, according to the disparity between the different countries across the continent about democracy, we could have assumed that commit-ment in politics for African youth is widely diametric depending on areas. But Interestingly, in all likelihood, the situation is totally at odds.

“Young people see poli-tics as an environment not fighting for them”

Actually, even though we cannot com-pare some countries with others merely because the context is “apples and or-anges”, we could even so point out that broadly, involvement in politics for young Africans is still quite low.

PO

LIT

ICS

AFRICAN YOUTH AND POLITICS

By Lionel SOPPO

[5]

In reality, young people, sometimes rightly, at times wrongly, seeing politics as an environment not fitting for them, because they are convinced that they will not have the opportunity to step up in this field. In addition, they also con-sider that showing any interest in this profession is a waste of time, because politicians will try holding them back, and even if few of young people succeed in penetrating into this environment, they will be compelled to be involved in unlawful things. According to them, it is difficult to be a politician without being involved in such immoral agreement.

The truth is that in some countries, re-gimes are totally corrupted, face-off between the President and his opponent is nonexistent, elections are disguised, and everyone knows the result of the polls before the vote. Usually in these countries, there are few newspapers, and just one or two TV broadcasts, entirely controlled by the President. Politicians “If we can name them like that” are deeply corrupted or fearful of the re-gime, and no one dares to move a mus-cle, because the President has all pow-ers. For instance, how could a President be meanwhile the President of the Re-public and head of government? How could intellectual ideas flourish in such a country?

“Proscovia Alengot Oromait might be the

best example for young people.”

It is obvious that young people from these nations think there is no way out, and their fates are sealed. They do not want to talk about politics, and even if they wanted, they would not have the right to. In their opinion, the future in their countries is lackluster. No one can

condemn their feelings, because no one knows what they are going through daily. No one except them.

But unlike these countries where the political regime is rotten to the core, and which ought to be destroyed from within, it is possible to highlight that in several African nations, leaders are try-ing to involve young people in politics. Doubtlessly, the Cameroonian example is a good one to show. Indeed, since he took the decision to accept the multi-party system, The President Biya put all the means to improve democracy and the electoral system. Although it is not per-fect yet, because the way toward the success is very long and strong, we could unquestionably assert that democ-racy is moving forward everyday in this country. Moreover, more recently, the great work done by Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) to organize fair elections and to incite each Cameroonian citizen to register on the electoral lists to exer-cise their voting right is a proof of these improvements.

Furthermore, other nations such as Sene-gal, Gabon, Ghana, or even Kenya can be taken as examples in the success of the electoral and democratic process. We can notice the renewal of the political class in these countries, especially in Gabon and Senegal, with young Presi-dents such as Macky Sall or Ali Ben Bongo.

Within these states, young people have to get involved in politics, because they have this opportunity. Besides, it is pri-mordial for them merely because they have to choose their leaders, and to pre-pare themselves to take the helm in the future. Even if for now some are pessi-mistic, because they still have a bad idea about African politics and politicians, once more at times rightly, sometimes wrongly, they have to look around them, and figure out that they are well off compared to many young around the world. Thus, they ought to be more up-

beat, even if some of them stem from poor-stricken areas, and continue mak-ing things better and better.

Proscovia Alengot Oromait might be the best example for young people. This 20- year-old girl has become the Africa’s youngest ever legislator in Uganda after winning a seat beforehand held by his father, after the latter’s death. She has faced up to eight candidates, and she succeeded in beating them out. She got a landslide victory, with a comfortable lead over other candidates. As a result, her overwhelming victory encouraged her to be more concerned about politics, and the future of his country. Young people should see this young girl as an example to follow.

“African Governments must not forget their duty toward the Afri-

can youth.”

Artists also have a major prominence in the commitment of young Africans, for instance, singers such as Keurtyce. E in Gabon and Valsero in Cameroon are trying through their music to spur young people to be more interested in politics.

Concerning North Africa, the interest showing by young people in politics skyrockets since “The Arab Spring” in 2011. Before this period, most of them were afraid of talking about politics, for

[6]

fear of being locked up. But now they are struggling every single day to make their voices heard. Consequently, though there is still stonewalling to impeach them to give their point of view, their voices are becoming louder and louder.

But, African Governments and Political parties must not forget their duty toward African youth. In fact, they have to stop fighting against each other, in order to show the good example to their youth, and to prove them they love the continent. The point is, young people are not shunning politics because they do not love it; they are dodging politics due to all these con-flicts they are seeing in their continent just because of the power. Moreover, political parties have to make deep changes, to include young inside them. In addition, they have to break the mould of being dominated only by older people. For in-stance in Morocco, parties are increasingly opening their doors to young people by allocating quotas for them within decisions making bodies. This example might be a good one to the other countries, not only in Africa, but also throughout the world.

Furthermore, young people are claiming for a high quality of life, education and jobs. Because, the smarter the people are, the better the society works. Politicians have to solve these

deep-seated issues at the roots, and that way, there are more chances that young Africans become more and more involved in politics, and have a good insight on it.

Lastly, youth is the future of Africa, and young Africans can-not be reluctant to get involved in their continent. It is not time to prevaricate, but to go forward. Young people have to show to adults that they are ready to handle the future of their conti-nent, and to lead it through the success and the victory. Even the ones who are in difficult living conditions in dictatorships have to, despite of all their difficulties, stay optimist and confi-dent in the future.

[7]

Cape Town by night….

[8]

What are some challenges you faced as an international student, how did you over come these challenges? The immediate challenge as an interna-tional student was finance. It is tough studying in a new country. I started play-ing gigs in order to supplement my in-come. I also had to deal with the cultural shock of working with people of a new

and different culture. What misconceptions about Africa would you like to change and how? I think things have changed a lot and the world is recognizing the fact that Africa has great potential in every area. A lot of the misconceptions I often experienced abroad about Africa have reduced greatly. However, many Afri-cans themselves still have misconceptions about where Africa is – we need to educate Africans more to believe in Africa and understand that the revolution is happening, we are living it right now. During college were you involved in any cultural student groups, what role did you have? As President of the University of Buea Law Society, I organized a series of cultural activities such as a Law Society Concert, to give law students a chance to break some of the myths surrounding the profession. While doing a Masters in Forced Migration at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johan-nesburg, I was involved in a South African musical known as Sauer Street, and a lot of people were surprised because they assumed I would be a music student. How can the youth of Africa and African Diaspora become more involved and passionate with their culture? Politically, we need to get more support for arts and culture – not handout or little grants – but a bigger political plan with massive investments to valorize arts and culture, and embellish it with the glamour required to both sell it overseas and to add real value to the trade and lives of creative people. How do you envision Africa to be in ten to twenty years? Competing directly against the West in all fields – music, business etc.

NDE NDIFONKA a.k.a WAX DEY Wax aka Nde Ndifonka is singer and producer born in the city of Bamenda in Cameroon in 1981. He is based in South Africa, but also internationally known as a social activist, academic, humanitarian, and re-naissance writer. His work includes fightnig ills such as human trafficking and xenophobia across the Afri-can continent, working with the United Nations, for which he is a spokesperson.

By Abel Belema

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[9]

What makes you so passionate about your culture ? I guess I was born that way. What improvements would you like to see occur in your life time? Roads and town planning. It is a complete mess, and we are just scared of tearing down in order to build up! We need to get past that myopia. What country are you representing? What are you most proud of about your country and Africa? Cameroon. I love Cameroon because it’s bilingual (English and French), the food is really good, and the people are peaceful, fun;-loving people. How can the youth of Africa and African Diaspora become more involved in their culture? We all need to learn to dare and do things to ameliorate the state of our culture. I decided to come back to Cameroon to start the TV show Number One Girl (check out Number One Girl TV on Facebook). I think when we dream more, and dare more, things become better. I have also just completed a compilation called ‘Cameroon Awake Vol 1’, a collaboration between my record company Lolhiphop Records and Sheer Publishing in South Africa, with the aim of exposing Cameroo-nian music to the world. The compilation united established and experienced musi-cians with young and upcoming ones, and is the first compilation from Cameroon that cuts across the Anglophone and francophone divide.

Are you currently involved in an organization that focuses on the empowerment and improvement of life for our youths? What is the name of this organization and what is goal of this organization ? I undertake a lot of social projects. In South Africa, I initiated a project where we used music as a healing process for vulnerable children and orphans. My company Lolhiphop Records ran this in collaboration with Save the Children UK. In May 2010, I was named LadybrilleMagazine’s man of the Month for the use of music in spreading social awareness among African youths. Lolhiphop Records ahs also run a number of musical projects to address social is-sues that affect youth, such as a counter-xenophobia program in association with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the South African Human Trafficking Awareness Week in collaboration with the Government of South Africa and the United Nations. Are you an entrepreneur? What is the name of your company, was your company influenced by African culture? My company Lolhiphop Records is an audio-and visual production company. We also manage artists and publish music. We were involved in the publishing of the song Waka Waka by Shakira (through our clients Golden Sounds who originally wrote the song). We have produced an array of artists form the African continent, and the TV show Number One Girl is now a flagship production. My albums are also released through Lolhiphop Records. Give us your opinion about The WANA initiative and words to our readers? It’s a great initiative. As I said, dreaming and daring is key to our common advance-ment, and that is what I see here.

[10]

M onash South Africa is one of the 8 Monash Uni-

versity campuses. Monash University is one of the

top 50 best universities in the world. This prestig-

ious university welcomes thousands of students

each year in its 9 worldwide campuses. But let’s talk a look at

the South Africa where I just happen to be studying (lol)

It’s a fairly fast growing school. It has about 8000 (give or take)

students, mostly international students, as expected from a

“foreign” university (South African perspective). I’ve made so

many friends from diverse horizons: Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya,

Mozambique, France, Congo DRC, Mauritius, Australia, Tanza-

nia, Romania etc… So basically it’s got this fantastic interna-

tional culture. One of the students I talked to, Moustapha

Guido from Senegal said “The environment is really nice be-

cause you meet people from other parts of Africa and of the

world, you learn other cultures also. The multi culture is a

really good thing. It really helps to develop your knowledge of

the world, the people also are so friendly”

ULife

Monash

South

Africa By Alice-Maëlle K.

Chantal Robi Mabanga, student from Tanzania, says Monash exposes stu-

dents to more various types of people, which helps them adapt to unique

personalities.

What would be varsity life without the parties and all the fun that comes

with it? A total bore right? Well, Jozi (Johannesburg in short) has that part

covered!! It offers to its population a range of diverse and fun activities that

shows all the African spirit in a metropolis. From clubbing to fun walk

around hot spots to the shopping or expeditions in the wild, Johannesburg

has everything to fit everybody’s relaxation needs as well as their pockets.

[11]

Hot Spots in Johannesburg:

Considering the time I’ve spent at Monash South Africa and in

South Africa in general, I know students have a taste for party

ing. These are my friends’ favorite places (and mine) to hang:

Hector Pieterson Museum, Museum Africa and the Apartheid

Museum: You want to get more information about our African

roots, these are the places you want to visit. Personally, the

way I pictured Africa was changed once I visited Museum Af-

rica and the Apartheid Museum. There is a story behind every

picture, every object, and every sound. It was a very enlight-

ening experience.

Gold Reef City: First thing that came to mind for the majority

of the people I’ve talked to. It’s a theme park not far from the

city center. It has many thrill rides for the adrenaline adepts, a

wide range of attractions for the young and the not-so-young.

Great place to have fun with friends and family, great ambiance

and not expensive at all!!

Wildwaters Boksburg: It’s “the beach within reach” a water

theme park with the sickest attractions! Why go all the way to

Cape Town when you can have the beach not far from school

(or home) and all the fun of a theme park in one place?

Paintball in Fourways, karting in Sunninghill and Ice-Skating in

Northgate: Thrill and couple of bruises, souvenirs of goods

times

[12]

Sun City: It’s a stylish, awe-inspiring hotel side by side with a Game

Reserve and superb water theme park with its beautiful artificial

beach.

Shapping sprees at Sandton City, Clearwater Mall, The-Bank in Rose-

bank…

Zoo lake, Walter Sisulu Botanic garden for nice picnics and open-aired

braais (barbecues), romantic walks in the park…

Sway, Icon, Taboo, Envy, all four in Sandton, for the night cats. There

are the hottest clubs of the moment. They’re all classy and have awe-

some ambiances

For a more relaxed and down-to-earth nightlife, your eyes should turn

to the 7th street of Melville, Cubana and Co.fi in Fourways or Liquid-

Chefs in Rosebank. Students, workers and everything in between

meet to have cocktails, shooters, eat a-ma-zing food and let them-

selves go!

Contrarily as one could think, South Africa provides a top level educa

tion as well as a world class entertainment which we, Monash stu

dents enjoy to the maximum. The right combination to go forward

and THINK BIG, Monash style. ;)

« Ancora imparo »

[13]

M

OV

IES

AFRICA INSPIRES TO UNITE

Film shot in South Africa and directed by the French Jérôme

Salle (Largo Winch, Anthony Zimmer), we find in the cast, the

famous Hollywood actors Forest Whitaker (Phone Game,

The Last King of Scotland) and Orlando Bloom (Pirates of the

Caribbean the Lord of the Rings). This is the story of a black

policeman and his white teammate investigating on a case of

double murder and drugs in the heart of South Africa during

the apartheid and while crimes and delinquency rate are

increasing. This film takes us back to one of the most signifi-

cant events in the history of Africa, but also reveals how

two men seems to oppose all face their inner demons and

come together to solve a case.

BONESHAKER, by Frances Bodomo (released on

Jan. 2013)

The film directed by the Ghanian young director based in New

York, Frances Bodomo, traces the life of a family with the same

origin who chose to immigrate to the country of Uncle Sam.

there, they get lost in seeking a Pentecostal church which can

treat the mystical problems of the little girl called Blessing. This

is a film that illustrates the way the uprooting that accompany

immigration, culture shock, alienation of African in the United

States but also the touching story of a little girl whose family

has sacrificed everything for its survival. Bodomo also emphasi-

zes the difficulty for this family to impose their traditional be-

liefs in the new environment and how they will have to adapt

to it.

AFRICA INSPIRES TO REVEAL AFRICA INSPIRES TO TOUCH

KINSHASA KIDS, by Marc-Henri Wajnberg

(released on Feb.. 2013)

Rejected by their families for being accused of witchcraft, nearly

30,000 children are in the streets of the capital of the Democra-

tic Republic of Congo. Left to themselves, the band of Emma,

composed of eight kids decided to form a rap band to survive.

Under the care of Bebson, a musician crook but with a big

heart, they will rock Kinshasa together. Initially, the Belgian di-

rector Wajnberg had planned to make a documentary about the

children stigmatized as sorcerers, but decided to make a fiction

and reveals the charm and festive and musical spirit of the

streets of Kinshasa.

ZULU, by Jérôme Salle (release in summer 2013)

AFRICA : PERPETUAL SOURCE OF

INSPIRATION The old continent continues to inspire many European and American filmmakers, who through their

works, revels to us the many facets of Africa: its history, its culture and customs ...

By Kate Mouliom

[14]

My name is Tientcheu Alexandre

Loic .I’m 23 years old and I was born in

Maroua, in the Northern part of Camer-

oon. I lived in that area for 2 years be-

fore relocating to Yaoundé .I love sports,

especially football. I love watching mov-

ies and hanging out with my friends. I

can’t forget to mention that I enjoy the

internet. It allows me to be in instanta-

neous contact with my fans and friends.

On a daily basis; I keep busy with school,

studios and occasional shows.

Ahaha...really I dont know if I can re-

member the first song I ever listened.

But I can remember the first song that

made me start singing.

Lately I have mostly been listening to

Nigerian songs (I love the naija style).

My favorite album by another artist is

“Drole de parcours” by French rapper La

Fouine.Also I like “Pink Friday Reloaded”

by Nicky Minaj.

Of course, I'm most proud of my latest

single out now which is "Vas-y Molo".

Because I made a lot of improvements in

my work and it’s from that song that I

started understanding what the public

likes. I really put my all on that song.

Nooooo... I don't joke in the studio,so

every song is important to me.

I don't yet have an album I'm still doing

singles.

EN

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AIN

ME

NT

A little presentation....

remember hearing? What’s the first song you

What are you listening to lately?

What’s your favorite album?

most proud of ? What song of yours are you

Why ?

you wish you hadn’t ? Are there any song you’ve do-

Is this your first album ?

By Hannan

[15]

Not married yet.lol.But I’m in a relationship now.

Not really. It’s alright; I just have to know my pri-

orities in life ;)

with anyone ? Are you married or involved

weren’t a musician ? What would you be doing if

you’re out on the road

relationship when Is it hard to maintain a

I just got out of the studio to finish my latest single;

which you guys can exclusively listen to, because it’s

not out for the general public yet.

I most likely would have been playing football or

been in an office signing documents

When do you go back in the studio ?

[16]

Beyonce, Sean Paul, Dj Arafat, P-Square, Lil’ Wayne, Nicky Minaj , La Fouine , Wizkid and Sarkodie. I know it's' a big dream.lol.

I don't know. I leave it up to God to decide what the future holds for me.

What’s next for you ?

Which musicians would be in

your « dream band » ?

Professionally, what’s your goal ?

Serge Beynaud, Wizkid and Dj Arafat.

For those readers who are still in school, I would say never give up on your education, because it’s the key to success. Also always follow your dreams, because it all starts with a dream. To be a superstar and be a reference in what i do.

Name three artists you’d like

To be compared to

What’s the best piece of advice

You can give to our readers ?

[17]

AFRICAN RYTHMS WITHIN

POP AND ROCK

We had already used the famous "Soul Makossa" of famous saxophonist Manu Dibango, sample used by Mi-chael Jackson, Rihanna and Akon. Or, more recently, "Waka Waka" by Shakira, inspired by a popuCameroon song. But so far, Africa continues to set the pace even where we least expect it.

By Kate Mouliom

MU

SIC

SOLANGE

It is this more like the little sister of Beyonce, but as a fashion icon and ambassador Nappy culture, but also as a unique singer and even DJ. It

is known as Solange appre-

ciate the African culture. Moreover, in October 2012, was released "Losing You" the first single from his third al-bum (True), the colorful clip, and paying tribute to the Con-golese fire, was shot in South Africa. The singer revisits the pop music of the 80s with a touch of electro and African percussion. In her soft voice, we easily take leave

VAMPIRE WEEKEND

Indie rock group New Yorkers formed initially by students in

musicology, to stand out, Vampire Weekend does not hesi-

tate to be influenced by the African music culture. They then made up of pieces of colored Soukous or even Kwassa Kwassa, Congolese musical styles. Resulting two albums, a first and a second eponymous titled Contra. This feeling of being both in the heart of the Big Apple and open safari or on the coast of Cape Town, the group claims. Moreover, a third album (Modern Vampires of the City) is scheduled for next May and promises to remain faithful to his particular style.

After 7 years of absence, Justin Timberlake is back with a

precious Gem called "The 20/20 Experience," always together

with his very loyal producer Timbaland.

Musical maturity is perceived through the ten songs on the album neo soul. But the most surprising is that we also find African sounds (Let Get In the Groove) containing a sample of

"Alhamdulillahi" extract BURKINA FASO Rhythms of the Grasslands, eponymous album. Justin has always been

influenced among others by the Latin and Eastern music. It is a pleasure to note that the singer was tempted by a stop in Africa to make a comeback.

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

[18]

Pagne: The pagne or wrapper is a colorful women's garment widely worn in almost every

country in Africa. It has a formal and informal versions and varies from simple draped clothing

to fully tailored ensembles and the formality of the wrapper depends on the fabric used to cre-

ate it.

African-style wax-print is making headlines as designer brands, like Yves Saint Laurent and

Burberry, explore the textile in their collections, and celebrities add bold African print pieces

to their wardrobes. This surge of interest in the West is coupled with a textiles revolution of

sorts in African countries where young designers and creative entrepreneurs are extending the

use of African print from clothing to shoes, purses, jewelry.

The patterns of pagnes are amazing. There are geometrics, floral and even designs based on

household objects like brooms , fans, animals, and the brightness, the patterns, the difference!

For many, the vibrancy of African print fabrics is emblematic of African creativity and culture

but, for anyone willing to scratch the textile’s surface, a more complex story emerges.

It’s amazing how the Pagne found its way to the hall of fame and how commonly it is worn by

celebrities. However, the head wrapper (which in my opinion represents a crown) remains in

style.

Scarves: The scarf, also African cultural accessory, is similar to the pagne but it’s the

smaller versions of it. The only difference is that you wear it on your head. It has been the

trend for young celebrities for quite some time now.

Global

circulation

of African

Fashion

By Kwin Valencia

FASHION

[19]

Various styles of turbans are worn all

over the world and they are usually

worn for religious reasons. In the 60s

and 70s however, celebrities like Joa

Crawford, Faye Dunaway and Eliza-

beth Taylor made it glamorous to

wear a turban. Nowadays you can see

it on tons of celebrities from Kourtney

Kardashian to Carrie from Sex and

the City(SJP) to Mary Kate Olsen

and Amber rose. It can dramatically

change your look, and make a plain

outfit pop! From the catwalk to the

sidewalk, you can see this trend can

wear many different ways, as seen be-

low. This fashion statement is fun, bold,

and here to stay!

[20]

C anadian telecomm company RIM (which

stands for Research in Motion) may once

again rise up to compete in the smart-

phone market as it breathes new life into its

Blackberry brand of phones, through the intro-

duction of the new Blackberry Z10. After losing

considerable market share to Apple and Android,

the Z10 is Blackberry’s last ditch attempt at re-

gaining some footing in the smartphone race .

The phone comes loaded with the latest Black-

berry 10 operating system and is available in ei-

ther black or white. The back panel has a stipple

pattern which provides for a nice grip and tex-

ture, and it’s also durable and resistant to

scratching. In addition to the phone’s impressive

specifications and technical features it has the

latest touchscreen technology, a 4.2 inch high-

quality LCD screen and an 1800 mAH removable

battery with a battery life of about 6 hours or

more. On top of that, there is a noise-

cancellation microphone and sleep/wake button

on the top part, an 8mp camera with LED flash

on the back and a 2mp camera on the front. The

back camera records video at 1080p while the

front camera records at 720p.

Near-field communication technology is built into

the back panel of the Z10, which enables radio

communication between mobile devices by

touching them to each other or bringing them

within close proximity. A microSD slot in the

back of the phone expands the phone storage up

to 64 GB, in addition to the 16 GB storage which

is already on board the phone. The phone’s dual-

core processor is a Snapdragon S4 manufactured

by Qualcomm, which runs at 1.5 GHz on 2 GB of

RAM.

HIGH –TECH

RIM’S NEW HOPE ?

By Patrick Ofonagoro

[21]

The Z10 OS hosts a gesture-based user interface which means the

phone requires a combination of finger swipes on the touch screen in

order to navigate around the device. For example, to unlock the de-

vice or wake it up, swipe your finger upwards. Or to enter silence

mode and turn off notifications, swipe your finger downwards. There

may be very little content in the Blackberry App Store for the time

being, but the Z10 already comes pre-installed with a whole plethora

of apps some of which include; Remember (a notification app), Story

Maker (a detailed video editor), Print to Go (a print option which en-

ables printing direct from the phone) and last but not least, Smart

Tags (used for reading QR codes).

To wrap up, the Z10 comes installed with an impressive voice control

system which can be activated by pressing and holding the mute but-

ton on the side of the phone. It comes pre-programmed with a wide

range of voice commands to choose from; such as a command to set

a reminder on your calendar, or a command to post a tweet you have

composed to the Internet.

To learn more about the other breath-taking features and functional-

ities of the phone, further information can be found on the main

Blackberry website. But with a durable, lightweight, damage-resistant

body, a quick and stable operating system, and a smooth, touchscreen

user interface, Blackberry may just have a shot at coming out on top

as one of the giants of the smartphone industry.

[22]

S ummer is coming, summer is coming!!!! It’s almost that time of the year again. The time of scorching heat, trips to the

beach, and showing that body you have been working to get in perfect shape all these months. Unfortunately for many of us, sum-mer time is a season that brings sorrow to the heart. For many people struggling to stay in shape and attain the desired body type, it is always the most uncomfortable season of the year. This is mainly due to the fact that oth-ers around them constantly showcase their perfect figures, a sentiment not shared by those not pleased with the person they see in the mirror.

The problem, experts have concluded, is that most of the time, people just do not know exactly what to do to accomplish their goal of obtaining their desired perfect body shape. Many of them are not really fully committed to this process. It takes discipline, dedication

and perseverance to obtain the desired body shape. Slacking off, not being focused, not giving 100% effort would only result to disap-pointment at the end. It has been proven that this transformation is a strenuous process that requires a complete strength of mind of the subject. It is in a way comparable to a homework in school. It takes time to achieve it. There is a methodology to follow, procras-tination would not get you to the result, and most importantly discipline is a must.

So what are the proper steps to take in order to achieve the goal of getting a perfect shape you might ask? Well it is without any doubt that getting off that couch and exercising regularly is the first step. The next step, which is as trivial as the first one, is getting the proper alimentation. Following these steps alone does not guarantee absolute results, but they will most certainly get you to 95% of your goals, if carried appropriately.

FITNESS & HEALTH By Cedrick Yonta

[23]

Whether you are getting in the gym for the first time, or you are a regular, following a workout routine is always a must. It is necessary to have a sequence of exercises targeting specific muscles. Knowing your body type is always a plus. As a matter of fact, we were all born with different body types (ectomorph, mesomorph, endomorph for men and V shape, I shape, A shape, X shape etc… for women)

Being aware of his/her body shape reduces the risks of wrongfully exercising, for the results will never be the expected ones. Also it is important to not impose the body to more strain than it can sustain. Many inexperienced people would go to the gym and think it is by lifting the heaviest weights that they will acquire the most muscle mass in a short amount of time. That could be a fatal mistake. Lifting weights is a process that starts from the bottom up to the top, meaning you should start with light weights and carry on with time to the heaviest ones, thus letting you body get accustomed to the heavy loads.

Another important aspect of working out is to make sure that all the body parts are targeted by your exercises. This means in you routines, it is im-perative to have days for upper body parts, as well as days for lower body parts. It is common for men in general to work upper body parts and forget about the lower parts (legs),thus sometimes ending up looking unevenly shaped (the Johnny Bravo look).So along with lifting weights, cardio exercises are always recommended. Not only they helped work out your lower body parts, they also allow blood to circulate better in your entire body, this in turns can prevent certain illnesses related to blood flow in the body.

[24]

Getting the proper alimentation is as men-tioned previously very crucial when wanting to attain a good body. Not only for health reasons it is important to eat properly, but when working out eating unhealthy food would only slow down your results, and you will feel as if you are not progressing in your mission to get your desired body shape. Eating healthy consists mainly on cutting down on the unnecessary foods, such as junk food, fast food, sodas etc… then again it all depends on body types. For some people, it is easier to get

rid of the bad intakes than for others. We all have different metabolisms; therefore it is triv-ial to know our bodies. In all, eating a lot of white meat, salad, fruits and such will always help you in your journey to the perfect body shape. Eating just as working out should be done with discipline and a routine should be followed. Skipping on meals or eating at any time of the day is never recommended. For those not sure about the process of eating healthy, first seeing a dietitian is always a good step to take.

Now you have it. It is never too late to start the process of obtaining a perfect body shape. With a little bit of determination and focus, you too can have that perfect figure you have wanted to have all these months. Many have been able to achieve amazing transformations, why not you. Make today be the first day of you own transformation, and probably before the end of the summer, you too will be one step closer to having that amazing body that your peers around you will envy.

[25]

Just the three of us By Jade M.O

It is morning. I am still in bed; and i still want to

sleep. But yes, the world is calling and I have to

go and throw myself in it again.

Sir is still in bed too. He always leaves after me;

I often think he has the good life! Damn. So I am

awake and acting robot. It simply means that I

will get up, go in the kitchen and wash the dis-

hes in the kitchen, go in the living area and fix

up all the mess of the day before, put all the

lights off, make coffee quickly and gently, and

then go and take my shower.

Ah!! This is it, my moment, when am under the

water, receiving gladly and hungrily the water,

caressing my face and my body all at the same

time. Here, I can laugh, I can think of the day

ahead, I can think about me. Then the 2o next

minutes will see me exiting home, all dressed up

and ready to go. When I left, Sir is still in bed; of

course…

I am living in a new country, and am still trying

to find my feet on that new game area, as I call

it. The town is not bigger as my hometown, but I

still can’t make myself at ease. Taking the cab

allows me to discover all the different places I

have not been too, or that I will have to go later.

My sense of orientation is not so great, but am I

will get there eventually. Getting to work only

take 2O minutes of my time. Its fine, not ex-

hausting. That way, I can be sharp and ready to

fight for the day.

08h45. Just in time to open the office. I like

being the first one to get there, having the space

for me for a while, before the rest of the team

has to come and invade. It’s a nice place to be

alone in; first thing, setting my computer and

start singing one of Beyoncé’s Songs that give

me the punch for the day. Who run the world??

(Me, I am telling myself).

Until now, perfection exists and I am smiling

from teeth to teeth. Everything just falls down

when my phone rings. “Yes, Joyce on the pho-

ne”, am muttering. “Of course, I am sorry Ja-

mes, I will fix it”, “ok, bye, I call you back later”.

Sun has not shown his color this morning and

already clients are calling me as if I have inter-

rupted their dreams last night. My phone vibra-

tes one more time. “Oh Hi Elena, yes, am good

and you ?”. “I have to go and meet Mrs Roberts,

then go to the press, approve some text with

another client. You want me to come? “Euh,

hmmm, euh ok, I can try and make it for the af-

ternoon, ok, see u in a while”

That was my boss; somehow you know we al-

ways have to be very polite with your boss. She

needs to feel on the other side that you are smi-

ling and in love with your job. Well, Yes, I do my

love my job tons and tons. I will never deny it.

It’s about meeting people, creating bonds with

them, and most important engaging with them.

I am connecting people from what they dream

[26]

about to what I can really do for that. I try to realize

their vision, and trust me, that’s not easy at all. But

the challenge is always on, that’s all the bottom line.

As I was talking over the phone to my lady boss, my

colleagues were arriving, one after the other, taking

over their offices. I did have time only to assign to

each of them their daily tasks, I have to leave the

office in search of new businesses.

But am not going to serve you that, my job, the peo-

ple in it and the ins and out. I know all the interest

you have in those readings. So lets’s go straight to

that.

There we are, at lunch, in a small restaurant not

very far from my work place. The restaurant is mos-

tly known by all these young people who want to

affirm their social identity and their success. Every-

thing has to be measured trough their order: the

more elaborated plates are sometimes the most ex-

pensive, or in another way, ordering a bottle of wi-

ne at 1pm instead of taking a beer or cold drink for

example says it all. There were codes that I was slo-

wly recognizing and use later somehow. I was deep

in my observation when she came in.

A lovely lady, not really tall, with her shy smile pla-

ced in her lips. She wears a short black skirt, a top

and a brow jacket over it. Her hair always natural

and always brushed the same way every time I met

her. Meet my friend, Andy. Andy is 26, married two

years ago from now and mother of a lovely little

boy. Every time I see her, I remember how lucky I

am to have her in my life. So grateful for the place

she is taking day by day.

“Hey Honey, how have you been”, she asks me whi-

le deposing a quick peck on my cheek. “I am great

Andy! You look lovely!”. And am smiling back at

her. “Is she not there yet?” “No”. We exchange gig-

gles and both turn our head at the same time, loo-

king at the sexy lady that just came into the venue.

All eyes are devoted on her, both men and women.

Some even have their mouth wide open, forgetting

about all manners that they were portraying before.

The sexy lady looks so sexy that I can’t hide my own

surprise. Sexy lady is wearing a red dress exposing

all her curves, and she walks as if she is winning.

Her long hair fixed in a ponytail, she has that red

lipstick that send you back to memories of Sharon

Stone in Basic Instinct. She finishes her outfit with

nude high heels, I should say very high heels. Sexy

lady is now smiling and gazing at us, coming

straight towards us and stopping at our table.

“Hello ladies!!” She says with a radiant smile. And

we both wake up from our chairs to give her back

her love. “Hello Sylvia, girl you look hot as always!!”

She rolls her eyes at me and we all end up in a fu-

rious laugh. This is just so refreshing, having both

of those ladies at my side. Sylvia, Miss Sexy lady is

another part of me here, a fresh young woman with

determination full in her bag. She is a mom of one

too and a fully independent woman, although she

has a man in her life. Quite young, but she is car-

rying the weight of experiences that I have not been

through yet; she has been a great counselor so far,

and am so thankful also to know her. I actually met

Sylvia trough Andy, and though Andy and I share

the same hometown, Sylvia has been so wonderful

in understanding us.

Andy and I are coming from different background,

but we became soul’s sisters the first day we met.

All simple: we lived the same experience at diffe-

rent moment. We are both married in an estranged

country; we both left behind us our beloved family

for the love of one. And most important of all the

items in the list, we do feel alone, really alone.

The three of us form that small trio that meet as

much as they can, during lunch time or during week

-ends, inviting each other, or texting each other in-

definitely. This is the scene, for now 2 new people

that I present to you. Am about to disclose those

views we want hidden in our heart, those feelings or

those stories that other women or even men have

maybe lived, without any glamour around it. Be

ready, it’s not going to be all pretty all round…..

Just the three of us,

We can make it if we try, just the three of us….

[27]

WANAMAG TEAM

Founder and Director of publication

Ahmed Sallaheddine

Co-Founder and Editor in chief

Cedrick Yonta

Artistic Director

Harold Gnowa

Artistic Designer

Kate Mouliom

Writers

Lionel Soppo - Politics

Abel Belema - Interviewer

Hannan - Interviewer

Alice Maëlle Kamgang N. - ULife

Kwin Valencia - Fashion

Patrick Ofonagoro - High-Tech

Jane M.O. - Short story

[28]

Cedrick YONTA

Although currently pursuing a degree in Engineering,Africa and its cause

have always been closed to my heart. Having lived in several countries

outside the continent has made me realize how important were my roots

and that no matter what, one should always take pride in his origins.

Contact: facebook.com/LeonnelCedrickYonta

ceddyced1984@yahoo.com

Ahmed SALLAHEDDINE

I’m not a pundit or a journalism student. In fact, except for my Degree in Busi-

ness Management, I've never taken a journalism course in my life. I just hap-

pen to have read a lot of books and stories about Africa and its youth, just

wanted to be part of this Amazing Generation on the Rise as an Afropolitan.

Kate MOULIOM

Geek in training, i am very passionate about music and am a cinephile in

my spare time. I love to share the cultural discoveries of Africa through my

writings.

Contact me: facebook.com/kate.mouliom

Kate.mouliom@yahoo.fr

Harold GNOWA

Im a Graphic Designer living in Tunis.I am very passionate about anything

that is artistic.Having discovered at a very young age that i could see arts in

everything surrounding me, i strive to put this skill in the beautification of

AFRICA.

[29]

Abel BELEMA

She resides in New York City where she is pursuing a career in the Medical

Field; she has a great passion and interest in African culture. Belema is an

interviewer for WANA Mag.

Hannan

Studying International Law at the Sorbonne in Abu Dhabi,

im very passionate about music,culture and politics.

Lionel SOPPO He is a young African political analyst. Being issued from a family of

politicians and jurists helped him having an accurate vision about poli-

tics. His passion began to grow when he started traveling across the

world, and figured out how important is to be a part of the development

of Africa, and what makes it such a compelling continent.

E-mail: lionsoppo@gmail.com

For more analysis please check on Facebook:

Rising Africa by Lionel SOPPO

Alice Maelle KAMGANG N.

Cameroonian and Chartered Accountancy student at Monash South Afri-

ca, enjoys music, good food and social events.

[30]

Jade M.O.

As dreams become reality, I pride myself in storytelling; stories of African women that need to be told, hoping they would be under-

stood, and not be judged. This is who I am, Jade M.O. Contact: eduklo@hotmail.com, facebook.com/Jadedidan

Patrick OFONAGORO

My name is Patrick Ofonagoro. I am an IT Engineer with about 6 years experience working in the IT field. My hobbies are reading comic books, watching sci-fi movies and playing video games, and i also love learning about new technologies.

Valencia KWIN

I am a 23 years old Cameroonian student in the US and I aspire to be a fashion

stylist. My mottos « You are what yoi wear » and « dream big »

[31]

FOLLOW US

http://www.facebook.com/wanamag

@wanamag

wanamag@gmail.com