Satisfy Your Thirsty Skin

In my previous Ask Afrobella about oily skin, a lot of you had really great feedback, advice, and comments. Quite a few of you mentioned that — contrary to the typically discussed issues of black skin care — you actually don’t have oily skin, and therefore, the way I’d explained the oft-repeated “black don’t crack” adage might not apply to your skin type, in terms of having an eternally shiny face. So allow me to explain further, and make some product suggestions for bellas who’ve got parched skin. No cracking allowed around here!

Like I mentioned, I have combination skin — an incredibly oily t-zone (seriously, even my eyelids get shiny at the end of the day), with dry, acne-prone cheeks and chin. My oily extremes get really oily, and my dry extremes can be incredibly parched. I’ve been getting super arid, peeling spots on my chin, and for some reason the backs of my ears get dry and flaky. I can’t stand it. So recently, I’ve been wanting to experiment with alternative face washing methods, and after a bella in the shiny skin comment thread (thanks Brownshugaz!) suggested the oil cleansing method, I was ready to take a leap of faith.

From the fascinating website: “Do not be afraid of applying oil to your face. Oil, alone, will not bring you blemishes. Pimples, cysts, zits, blackheads, whiteheads…these are a result of several different factors including hormones, bacteria, dead skin cells and the buildup of these factors. Your skin naturally produces oil because it needs it. It is not a malicious force to be reckoned with; it is there for the benefit of your skin, allowing your largest organ to function properly. It is naturally occurring. Not only does your natural oil help lubricate, it also heals, protects, and moisturizes your skin so that it may function properly. Properly functioning skin is beautiful, clear, and glowing. Learning to work with your skin, not against it, will save you tremendously.”

Well doesn’t that sound convincing! The site recommends Castor oil or EVOO, but says sunflower seed oil is the best for facial massage. The site also recommends creating your own cleansing oil by blending Castor and sunflower seed oil. But my first attempt at oil cleansing was fancy. I went for the Shu Uemura cleansing oil. This is luxurious, heady stuff. As it should be, at $32 for the small bottle!

The whole method feels like luxury, actually — before going to bed, I put a small amount of oil in my hands, warm it by rubbing my palms together, then massage it into my face. This is gentle enough to use around my eyes to remove makeup, and I adore the smell. Like perfume and wealth. After rubbing the oil on my face — kind of like a nurturing facial massage — I rinse it off with lukewarm water. When I’m done, my skin feels soft as butta. Even the morning after, your face still is touchable and smooth and fresh. Loving the Shu Uemura oil, and the oil cleansing method in general! Bellas on a budget, this method isn’t out of your reach — Castor oil and EVOO are easily accessible, and just a drop of your favorite essential oil scent will be all you need for fragrance’s sake. Be careful around your eyes, is my only caveat there.

For bellas who feel sketchy about using kitchen pantry products as cleansers, allow me to introduce you to a new line of products that I think is perfect for bellas with dry skin — the Australian-based product line called Become. If you’ve got concerns about aging or dry skin, they might be what you’re looking for.

Become is all about gentle, effective anti-aging through hydration. Their Creamy Cleanser is exactly what it sounds like — a wonderfully moisturizing cleanser that slicks on like lotion and leaves your face soft and fresh. The Face Smoothing Gel stands among the gentlest exfoliators I’ve ever tried. Teeny beads in a golden liquid polish your face without scratching your skin. My absolute favorite product in the line is the Hydration Serum. Yes, like Ryan Seacrest and Dick Clark, I prefer a serum to a cream. Become’s serum is $59, so consider yourself warned… but this stuff is the bomb. My skin drank it up like it needed it. It’s a really light, super refreshing and hydrating elixir that kept my skin radiant and dewy. I just ran out and my face feels thirsty without it!

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Throwback Thursday — The One and Only Etta James!

Ever since I heard that Beyonce was gearing up to play Etta James in a biopic, I’ve had a little knot of worry in my stomach. I don’t stan for Bey, but I do admire her work ethic and I do definitely think she’s talented (that extended mix of Get Me Bodied makes me wanna shake it EVERYtime). I’m just skeptical about this. Because I LOVE me some Etta James and I want to see her story brought to the screen with the panache she deserves.

I’m curious about which parts of the story they tell, and how. Etta James might look like an adorable little kitten (doesn’t she?) but she’s a musical legend known for being notoriously fierce and feisty. She’s struggled with her weight and with drugs. She’s spanned musical genres. Hers would be a challenging role for an experienced actress, in my opinion. Notice that I’m trying to phrase this as carefully as I can. I’ve seen it happen on other sites, and I’m not ready for the Beyonce army to rise against me!

So I’ll just leave it like that. And to remind you all of the wonder that is Etta, here she is in 1962. Her cat’s eye makeup showed Amy Winehouse the way, and she’s giving that trademark grit and sass while wearing a super cute cardigan. Something’s got a hold on me — oh, it must be love!

In case you were wondering, Etta is still around and looking amazing. She lost over 200 pounds after stomach surgery (not sure what kind, LOL at her bio where it says check name of surgery. Get on that STAT, Etta James’ webmaster!). Her latest album, All The Way features her belting out covers of Purple Rain, Imagine, Holding Back the Years, and It’s a Man’s World. Her voice has deepened with age, but it’s still a magnificent and emotive instrument. If you want vintage Etta, songs like At Last and Sunday Kind of Love, check out At Last. It’s a definite classic to add to your collection.

** edited at 2:38 a.m. Friday — so I had no idea at the time I posted this little homage, but Etta James has addressed my concerns! Via Page Six — “I wasn’t as bourgie as she is, she’s bourgeois. She knows how to be a lady, she’s like a model. I wasn’t like that… I smoked in the bathroom in school, I was kinda arrogant, so those are some of the things I would want to tell her.” I’m glad Etta’s going to coach her through this. Although a part of me does dread the inevitable At Last remake, I’d definitely watch this movie. I love a good biopic.

And for the record, I also think Jill Scott or Raven Symone might have made an excellent choice for this role. But, could either actress bring the box office mojo?

Throwback Thursday — Randy Crawford

I know I got all political on you yesterday, but it’s still Throwback Thursday, right? Wait, what did you say? It’s Friday? Oh. Well, better late than never, right?

Do you have a singer who you just wish you could open your mouth and sound just like them? Kind of corny, I know… but I’ve always had a few singers like that. When I sing, I imagine their voice pouring out of me. Randy Crawford’s definitely one of them. I’ve always loved the sound of her voice. Distinctive, slightly nasal, but always sweet and seemingly effortless.

She tends to sing these kind of epic story-songs (Almaz is a perfect example), and always delivers her vocals with a smile. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find a Randy Crawford photo where she isn’t flashing a friendly grin. Her spirit appears to be as warm and wonderful as her music.

One of my very favorite Randy Crawford songs is One Day I’ll Fly Away. That song so perfectly captures longing and hope and sweet sadness. I thought it was a great addition to Moulin Rouge, although Lord knows Nicole Kidman’s voice can’t hold a candle to the original.

But my absolute favorite-favorite Randy Crawford song is just about everyone’s favorite. Most definitely Quentin Tarantino’s favorite. Street Life. It’s the only life I know.

The Crusaders dropped Street Life the year I was born — 1979, a very good year. Back then, she was rocking a big, blown out curly hairstyle, and a whole lot of metallic eyeshadow. Work it, Randy!

Almost 30 years later, and Randy’s still performing her biggest hit. This jazzy version is so effortless and breezy and perfect. Love it. But I must admit, Randy’s hair is a little too ornately decorated for my taste, but hey. If she likes it, I love it. She’s a legend. I give musicians of her status a whole lot of room to work it however they see fit. Hope you enjoy your Throwback Thursday on a Friday, bellas! Happy weekend!

ppst — want a little more Randy? Check out The Ultimate Collection, or her most recent album with Joe Sample, Feeling Good. She’s got an interesting little interview about it where you can hear her version of the Nina Simone classic.

Celebrity Endorsements

I got made fun of a little when I cheered for Saaphyri when she won Charm School. Yes, it was shameful reality television, but I really enjoyed Charm School (unlike the other Flavor of Love spinoffs). One of my resolutions is to cut back on reality TV this year. Except for Celeb Rehab and American Gladiators. I digress.

Anyways, Saaphyri vowed to start her own business with the $50,000 she won, and I’m so happy to report that she followed through on her dream. I learned this via the Celebreality blog, which is penned by the ever-brilliant Rich, BTW.

Behold, Saaphyri’s Lip Chap.

It comes in five flavors, including cookie dough and mojito (random, but interesting) and at $7 a pop, it might not be a bad deal just for the hilarious “girl, look what I got” factor.

What I like about Saaphyri is, she’s a hustler. She’s not looking to get back on TV every chance she gets to keep the funds flowing. She’s keeping herself busy by coming out with products! Besides Lip Chap, she’s selling all kinds of merchandise, from baby onesies to women’s thongs. And let’s not forget Saaphyri’s Ultimate Indian Hair. And looking at the prices — starting at $384 for the Straight Hair Closure — I sure hope it’s ultimate.

Speaking of celebrity hair products, the ever-fabulous Patti LaBelle has put her name on a brand of wigs. Get that paper, Miss Patti! Shoot, you can buy those Jessica Simpson extensions at Macy’s, why can’t Patti get some of that action? At least you KNOW Patti knows good hair days from bad.

Patti’s bad hair days = oh, any day in the Eighties. Miss LaBelle had the kind of divatastic fashion moments that define the excess of the era to a tee. For example, check out this sombrero-sized teased to the max style. Or, crazy rooster of the future, as she wore her hair for an absolutely riveting performance of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” at the Apollo — fast-forward to 1:48 for Eighties hair madness at its best. If you’re a fan of Al Green, Mavis Staples, and Little Richard, you’ll love that whole video. Her big blowout in the Oh People video reminds me so much of my mom’s style in 1987. And lo, hair explosion, 1989.

Nowadays, Patti’s toned down the look. A LOT. The over-the-top days stayed in the Eighties, and judging from the photos I’ve seen, Patti LaBelle’s wigs will be classy and understated. Click here to check them out. Not a spiky updo in sight. But a girl can dream of some New Attitude-era hair, can’t she?

That would make you feel good from your head to your shoes!
If you were a celebrity, what product would you want to endorse? What celebrity-endorsed product would you buy?

Little Richard Rules

Quick - before it’s too late, I want to send happy birthday wishes to a rock n’ roll legend.

Yesterday was Little Richard’s 75th birthday, and ever since I was young, I’ve been a fan of his. That fire, that energy. The outfits. The hair. The mustache. The makeup. And that unrelenting smile. I love everything about him. Seriously, I think Little Richard would be the best uncle ever. Imagine how much fun he’d be at Thanksgiving dinner. Wait — thanks to his Geico commercial, you already can. “Mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce. Wooooo!”

Little Richard Penniman’s background is straight-up gospel music. His earliest influences include Mahalia Jackson and Sister Rosetta Tharpe — according to Wikipedia, she invited him to sing a song with her on stage at the Macon City Auditorium in 1945 after hearing him sing. He was also greatly inspired by the great Marion Williams (they don’t make ‘em like that anymore, listen to that voice).

Although his most successful songs were decidedly secular — the original lyrics for Tutti Frutti rhymed the phrase with “loose booty” — Little Richard kept that gospel sound alive in his music. Forget Jerry Lee Lewis. Little Richard’s version of Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On brings some church heat right into the rock n’ roll scene. He steals Elvis’s thunder with this searing version of Hound Dog. Little Richard took that fire, that stomp, that “woooo!” over to England, and left an indelible mark on the music scene there. Where’d you think Paul McCartney got that from? The spirit of Little Richard infuses many of The Beatles’ most popular songs. Case in point: Long Tall Sally. Paul McCartney’s always loved it. James Brown called Little Richard his idol. So did Elvis, Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Mick Jagger, John Fogerty, Otis Redding, and David Bowie.

His influence can’t be denied, and of course Little Richard will share that with anyone. Like he does here, talking about Jimi Hendrix. He talks about Jimi’s skill and musical virtuosity, naturally. And then he talks about the definitive look that they both shared. “He didn’t mind looking freaky, like I don’t mind. Cause I was doing it before he was. And I know when he saw me, it gave him confidence, and great recompense of reward, my Lord.” The two musical giants toured extensively together, and reportedly had numerous spats for a variety of reasons. Musical direction, money, and apparently, fashion. This webpage, Jimi Hendrix and the Chitlin Circuit, features a hilarious Hendrix quote: “I had these dreams that something was gonna happen seeing the number 1966 in my sleep, so I was just passing time til then. I wanted my own scene, making my music, not playing the same riffs. Like once with Little Richard, me and another guy got fancy shirts cause we were tired of wearing the same uniform. Richard called a meeting. “I am Little Richard, I am Little Richard, he said, the King, the King of Rock and Rhythm, I am the only one allowed to be pretty! Take off those shirts!” Man, it was all like that. Bad pay, lousy living, and getting burned.”

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Throwback Thursday

How far back do you wanna go? I’ve been stuck in the early Nineties/late Eighties for a minute, so let me break out of that. I’m feeling particularly old school, and found this lush Philly Soul Sixties classic to share with you today. Barbara Mason, young and gamine. Are you ready? Yes, I’m ready.

Barbara Mason wrote this gem when she was just seventeen years old, and it was a huge hit in 1965. Her early songs reflected an innocent outlook on love, “I don’t even know how to hold your hand, just to make you understand.” Later on in her career, Barbara was singing a different kind of tune, talking about Shackin’ Up and From His Woman To You. And she was rocking a fly fro doing it, too!

Barbara was one of the originators of rapping on the track, talking out an intro to her song before letting that big, glorious voice free. She’s got an amazing range. Hope you love her sound as much as I do. Want to learn more about Barbara Mason? Check out her official website. She’s still out there doing her thing. Big respect to a Philly Soul legend!

Happy Thursday!

Ask Afrobella — Seeking Natural Hair Salons

Here’s an Ask Afrobella question that I’m gonna need you all to help me answer. Ready? Here goes…

Hello Afrobella,

First, let me start off by letting you know how much I really respect you as a Woman, Journalist, & Fellow Afrobella! I really appreciate your point of view. Please know that you have filled a missing void in the natural community. Which brings me to my request. I don’t know if this idea has crossed your mind or maybe it’s a work in progress. Nevertheless ,I would really a be grateful if you could write about one or all of the following topics:

1. A list of Natural Hair Salons located in Major Cities and/ or States.

2. A review of Natural Hair Salons located in Major Cities and/ or States.

3. Create a forum for Afrobellas to list and make referrals to natural hair care salons that satisfied them.

Please, note that when I say natural hair care salon. I’m not talking about a salon that thinks a press and curl is the only way to style natural hair! I’m talking about a place that can cut, treat, shingle, coil, finger style etc.

Granted you have supplied us with awesome product recommendations to take care of our own hair. But, sometimes we would like a little TLC from and trained professional who knows how to care for and style natural hair.

I would be grateful if you could write about natural hair salons. I feel that info on this topic would fill another missing void within the natural community. I currently live in New York City of all places and I don’t know where to go!

I Thank you in advance for allowing me to make this request.

God Bless, Cece

I actually wrote back to CeCe and thanked her for her brilliant suggestion, but I must say, this is an especially daunting Ask Afrobella for me. Those of you who have been reading for a while might remember my Hairdresser Horrors post. I’ve dealt with many a bad salon, and as a result, I hardly EVER go to the hairdresser. Last time I went was to the fabulous Larramy for my curl cut back in May! I loved my experience with Larramy, but I also agree with CeCe — there is something special about meeting a professional hairdresser who actually has your hair texture. There’s a feeling of security from knowing that the person you’re paying to style your ‘do knows exactly how to treat your tresses from personal experience, and there is also a significant satisfaction that comes from supporting businesses within the black community.

After I said to myself, fire burn that fancy Aveda place where they sate you with tea then load you up with overpriced, don’t-work-for-your-texture products you’re expected to buy (pardon me for venting Aveda fans, I obvs had a very lame experience there) — I spent quite a while searching for a natural hair salon within 30 miles of my residence. And as far as I knew (longtime Miami natives, please correct me if I am wrong) — I was fresh outta luck. The best natural hair salon in the area was all the way up in Fort Lauderdale….until September 30, when Natural Trend Setters opened a Miami branch!

Their locations in Tamarac and Delray Beach were already the must-visit locations for a variety of well-known local afrobellas, including hostess with the mostess Ingrid B, gorgeous 99 Jamz DJs Supa Cindy and K/ Foxx — early Afrobella readers might remember my interview with her. K. Foxx told me about NTS back then, and I finally got around to visiting a whole year later. And finally, I’m writing about it two months after visiting the place. Jeez, I am such a slacker.

Natural Trend Setters has a big reputation in south Florida. Stunning sister stylists Simone and Trudy Hylton are like walking advertisements for their craft — their hair is ON POINT. Their opening event was such a warm, welcoming, family affair. The salon merged with the Yellow Moon Day Spa in Liberty City, a pretty gritty part of Miami. Owner Rick Spence explained that the location was key — “We wanted to set an example. We’re trying to erase that negative vibe and create a social vibe.” Part of the social vibe will be a cafe and lounge area at the front, where they will host spoken word poetry and live music in the evenings. The salon is attached to the large front space, and it’s seriously gorgeous. Bright and plush and very welcoming. At the back is the spa, and they’ve got pretty, private rooms where they offer massages and waxing as well. The event was covered by the Broward Times, so you can read more about their services there, or click here.

At the opening reception I met some really cool local bellas, including Brigitte, owner of Brown Olive Natural Skin Care — I got to smell and sample some of her products and they rock!

And the beautiful bella you see pictured here is JoAnn Sampson, a gorgeous grandmother who participates in the Senior Olympics! Click here to read her story, and be as inspired as I was. I chatted with JoAnn for a while and she told me all about staying fit past 60, and being a senior Olympian. Amazing. JoAnn is a regular client at NTS and frequently models in their natural hair shows, as well.

I haven’t yet had the opportunity to come to Natural Trend Setters, but I plan to go get my hair done and write a review soon. Twists, anyone?

This is my first step to answering CeCe’s question. I don’t know thing 1 about creating a forum for discussion, first of all…. I’d love to start something like that next year when I do a big site redesign. For now, all I can do is write about the places I know of and ask you to tell me about your favorite hairdresser so we can spread the love. Seems like a good place to start, right?

Do you have a natural salon you absolutely love in your neck of the woods? Tell me - where do you get your hair done, bellas?

In Defense of Diana

I normally leave the celebrity gossip to the experts, but I spotted this photo of the one and only Miss Diana Ross over at DListed (photo courtesy of Wenn), and I felt compelled to comment.

The hilarious dude at DListed declares, “Diana Ross needs to behead whatever queen did her make-up.”

So harsh! Of course I can see the flaws - don’t get me started on the unblended streaks of blush, y’all know how I feel. But I think the slightly-gray paleness of her face (which really becomes apparent when you look at her neck and shoulders) can be attributed to too much mineral makeup. There but for the grace of God, go I.

There’s been many a time where I’ve gone too far in the “I need to be matte” direction, and it took a particular photo of me to make me realize how much I was overdoing it with my beloved Philosophy. The makeup I wore made me look so washed out, and I thought I looked amazing. Too much foundation can do that to a girl. I’ve actually been searching for a new mineral foundation - I love the coverage and ease of it, but too much can definitely make for an unfortunate Kabuki look.

I’ve learned somewhat from my experience — to avoid taking photos like Diana’s, make sure you have the RIGHT shade of foundation, apply your makeup in lots of natural light and blend, blend, blend. And as always, less is more. These days, I often just use foundation to cover my blemishes.

Other than the makeup excess, I think Diana looks gorgeous. Her hair is glossy and pretty, and I adore that shade of purple. And please let the record show, I personally love over-the-top drag queen makeup when it’s done right. I found this video of Diana looking stunning, alongside a towering icon of drag fabulousity, RuPaul. The song? I Will Survive, honey.

Diana looks fly, Ru looks fierce, and the crowd is drinking it all up. Love it!

What’s been your mineral makeup experience, bellas? I’m still liking the Philosophy for now, but my inner product junkie thinks I need something that’s a better match for my skin tone. Any recommendations for me and Miss Ross?

Afrobella of the Week — Afeni Shakur

No parent should have to bury their child. But on September 13th, 1996, Afeni Shakur had to do just that.

Her son Tupac Amaru was at the height of his career. That year he’d released All Eyez on Me, a Diamond status double album phenomenon that spawned easily a dozen influential hip hop classics. An astonishingly bright future in music, acting, and social activism stretched before Afeni’s endlessly talented son. It was snuffed out in a senseless drive-by shooting in Las Vegas. If the grief of Tupac’s legions of fans was enormous, just imagine the grief of his mother. That kind of grief has the weight to crush a weak soul. But Afeni Shakur has always been beyond strong, and that strength has withstood her through incredibly rough seas.

She grew up in North Carolina as Alice Faye Williams, named after the 30’s and 40’s actress Alice Faye. But her identity as a revolutionary was formed in New York City, when she moved there and joined the Black Panther Party. Website The Talking Drum tells the story of her history with the Panthers, and the beginnings of her attraction to the Nation of Islam. In that time she interacted with and was inspired by the likes of Malcolm X, Eldridge Cleaver, and Bobby Seale. She was given the name Afeni, which means “dear one,” or “lover of the people.”

Afeni was incarcerated for witholding information about The Panther 21, the eastern regional leaders of the party. In 1969, the Panther 21 were arrested and charged with conspiracy to blow up high traffic sites around the city, including the New York Botanical Gardens. The previously linked Hartford-HWP article recounts how it ended: “On May 13, 1971, after the longest political trial in New York’s history, all 21 New York Panthers are acquitted of all charges in just 45 minutes of jury deliberation.” According to Wikipedia, Afeni “…defended herself in court during a bomb conspiracy trial and was acquitted of 156 counts against her and other members of the Black Panther Party.”

The details of Afeni’s incarceration are known well by her son’s fans. She tells the story in her own words in his video for Dear Mama, a song that demonstrated how powerful and beautiful and important hip hop music can be. The video begins with her speaking. “When I was pregnant and in jail, I thought I was gonna have a baby and the baby would never be with me. But I was acquitted a month and three days before Tupac was born. I was real happy. Because I had a son,” she recalls. And she named that son after an Inca revolutionary, who led an indigenous uprising against Spain. The lyrics for that song are a love letter to strong parenting in the face of poverty, struggle, and strong odds.

Having a son like Tupac, who wore his heart on his sleeve and shared his truth with the world, meant that Afeni’s life became an open book to all who listened. We know that she raised her son alone, that she succumbed to the demons of crack cocaine, and that the family’s formative years were spent poor and sometimes homeless. Still, Afeni did the best she could. In this interview with Bean Soup Times, she thanks God for her trials and tribulations: “I am forever grateful to God that I was on that crack, because it made me completely broken so that I could examine my life.” Instead of destroying her world, that adversity made Afeni and her family stronger. Tupac grew up seeing his relatives charged with a battery of crimes, from murder to prison escape. His mother helped to steer him along the right path, encouraging his budding creativity by keeping him involved in acting and the arts. His experiences at the Baltimore School of the Arts proved to be life-altering. In 1988, the family moved to the Bay Area in California, where the seeds of Tupac’s rap career would finally begin to sprout. He was hired as a back-up dancer for Digital Underground in 1990, the same year Sex Packets and The Humpty Dance hit. He dropped 2Pacalypse Now in 1991, and Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z in ‘93.

Afeni must have also been hitting her boy with a daily dose of “act right.” Handsome, intelligent, and with a growing celebrity status, Tupac made songs that revealed the whirlwind of fun and fame his life was becoming, but tempered that typical rapper machisimo with hard-hitting storytelling, like the haunting hood fable Brenda’s Got a Baby, followed by intelligent, timeless homages to female strength like Keep Ya Head Up (which is bar none, my favorite of all Tupac’s songs). Although Tupac spat sometimes venomous lyrics about his rivals, revealing bitter experiences with women and friendships gone awry, the core of his upbringing, the strength of his maternal bond, always prevented him from slipping completely into a mindless misogynist mentality as so many of his peers did, and as so many of his followers have done.

Afeni stuck by Tupac’s side during all of the controversies he helped to fuel. She stood by him through the charges that were brought against him, and in a full-circle moment, she supported her son through the prison sentence he served at Clinton Correctional Facility. She stuck by his side through the Death Row days, the increasingly thugged out reputation he was gaining, and the East/West coast rivalry which brought her son so much righteous criticism. She addresses the aftermath and puts the sad realities of that rivalry into context in this interview with Davey D: “…What I have known from the beginning is that I am not alone. And I am not alone does not mean that the only two people that got killed were Biggie and Tupac. I am so sorry, but every child’s death is painful. To me, it’s painful, because it’s this process that we have to stop. We are right back to the same thing which is about ration and reason..and about winning. And as I said, Tupac had 25 years and he did 25 years worth of wonderful work. What the next person needs to know in whatever years they are alloted to them, is what have they done? And I’m sure that Biggie’s mother must feel the same about her son. It’s no use in people trying to swage their own guilt for their own deficiency by debating or spending that much time on Tupac and Biggie.”

Tupac died at age 25, with so many more dreams left unfulfilled. Afeni Shakur has dedicated her life to making sure her son’s legacy remains as fully dimensional as he would have wanted it to be. She’s been the one overseeing his unreleased material and working alongside some of hip hop’s finest rappers and producers on posthumous albums that have been incredibly successful. In 2003 she oversaw the production of the incredible Academy Award nominated documentary Tupac: Resurrection, which allowed the eloquent rapper to tell his life story in his own words. In concordance with her son’s ambition to establish “thug heavens” in several cities throughout America, she’s created and runs the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation, which provides lessons in creative writing, vocal technique, acting, stage set design, dance, poetry, and the business of entertainment to kids who are thirsty for education and inspiration. The foundation sponsors essay contests, charity fundraisers, runs a performing arts day camp for teenagers and offers undergraduate scholarships. And her work continues, eleven years after her son’s death.

Afeni is loved worldwide as Tupac’s mother and the keeper of his flame. At age 60, she makes herself accessible to her son’s fans through her official MySpace page. Her own noteworthy life and remarkable strength has been celebrated in Jasmine Guy’s book, Evolution of a Revolutionary, and now HollyHood Films has acquired the rights to the film Dear Mama: The Life Story of Afeni Shakur. I for one can’t wait to see this woman’s story brought to life. Peace and respect to Afeni Shakur for being a strong woman who continues to do great works in the name of her son. Afeni, your son said it best. You are appreciated.

Afrobella of the Week - Bi Kidude, Afrobella for the Ages

Elderly women rock.

I’ve always had an affinity for older ladies. I didn’t grow up around either of my grandmothers, and because of that I have always enjoyed and sought the company and wisdom of older women. It’s worth noting that age doesn’t always bring wisdom, but you can definitely learn a lot from those with life experience. I think there’s a freedom that comes with age, particularly with women who embrace and celebrate their longevity. These are women with stories to tell and lessons to impart. Women who have seen change and the passage of time. Bi Kidude is such a woman. She’s considered by many to be the oldest living musical performer on the world stage.

The exact year of Bi Kidude’s birth is unknown, which helps to add to her mythical aura. Some web sources say she is 93, others speculate that she’s at least 100. Either way, her musical career has lasted for over half a century.

In the 1920’s, she was already singing taarab music with popular local troupes in her homeland of Zanzibar. Bi Kidude has always lived the life of a rebel. At age 13, she fled Zanzibar to escape a forced marriage. According to World Music Central, she journeyed to the mainland of Tanzania, where she collected stories and songs, and explored the land by walking barefoot. “Fleeing a second unhappy marriage, Bi Kidude boarded a dhow, the ancient sailing vessels of the Swahili coast and journeyed north to Egypt where she became a renowned singer in the foremost dance bands of 1930’s Egypt.” According to National Geographic, Kidude learned from the best in this period of her life: “In the 1930s Bi Kidude sang in a taarab ensemble alongside the legendary Siti Binti Saad, Zanzibar’s first female taarab singer and a major recording star in the region. From her, Bi Kidude learned a wealth of songs and musical lore, before striking out on her own as the main singer of a touring taarab ensemble.” Her travels stoked the fires of her rebellion. By the time she returned to Zanzibar in the 1940’s, she had chosen to shun her traditional veils and shave her head.

She lived in a clay house where she practiced traditional herbal medicine and cultural practices, married and divorced, and taught the ancient ritual of Unyago to the young girls of her village. Unyago is a female initiation ritual that can last from a day to three months, and provides education in the ways of womanhood, ranging from detailed sexual education, avoiding abuse and oppression, as well as the finer points of clothing, hygiene, and cooking. Kidude is among the most famous female initiators of the ancient ritual.

A resurgence of traditional Swahili culture brought renewed interest in Bi Kidude in the 1980’s. She joined a popular band, Mohammed Ilyas and his Twinkling Stars, and toured Europe and the Middle East. The unusual spectacle of an elderly woman drumming and singing and leading a band brought her no end of attention. And no wonder - she’s a show stopper! Check her out doing her thing right here.

Throughout the Eighties and Nineties, Bi Kidude’s legend grew. She recorded her first solo album, Zanzibar in 1999. In 2005 she was presented with the prestigious WOMEX award for her lifetime achievement in world music. In 2006, the documentary As Old as My Tongue: The Myth and Life of Bi Kidude hit the film festival circuit, and has won tremendous acclaim. The documentary follows Bi and her entourage for three years, from her home in a township of historic Stone Town, Zanzibar, to theatrical performances in Paris.

Let the record show, Bi Kidude is not considered a hero by all. She is considered an outsider to her own culture, because she rebels against Muslim beliefs and challenges the traditional woman’s role in society. In the film, she’s seen downing beers, enjoying smoking, and flirting with men a fraction of her age. In her own words: “I drink, I smoke, and I sing. I do not need a microphone, I just sing.” And she dances with abandon and clearly enjoys living her life.

Check out this seven-minute excerpt from As Old as My Tongue: The Myth and Life of Bi Kidude.

In a society that tends to view the elderly as burdensome or helpless, Bi Kidude stands strong and offers an opposing perspective. Her demeanor reminds me of the elders I have known and admired in my own life - my great Aunt Aggie, who I adored, and my aunty Bertha who was a family friend - not a blood relative. These women filled the void of grandmother in my life, and I loved their sagacious stories and ribald humor. When I grow up, I want to have that kind of chutzpah and strength. If you’ve got an older bella in your life like that, cherish her. Listen to her stories. Help her celebrate her history.

Congrats to Bi Kidude, Afrobella of the Week!