Eureka Afrika Zimbabwe Issue 3

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• EUREKAAFRIKA MAGAZINE 3RD EDITION SEPT 2025
• EVOLUTIONA mission, vision, and goals that will serve Zimbabwean and all African creatives across the motherland continent and beyond, covering all aspects of arts, culture, fashion, and lifestyle of Africans. EUREKA MAG
• CONTENT04 Editor's Letter 05 Crispen Sibanda
• EDITOR'S NOTEWelcome to this special edition of our magazine, where we delve into the theme of Afrocentric Crafted Identities. In a world increasingly defined by cultural pluralism, it is essential to celebrate and explore the rich tapestry of African heritage, expressions and identities. This issue invites you to journey through stories that illuminate the resilience, creativity and vibrancy of Afrocentric identities in contemporary society. We are thrilled to feature the incredible contributions of Naboth Rizla, a visionary artist PR and manager who has been instrumental in shaping narratives that elevate Zimbabwean artistic voices in the global arena. His dedication to promoting authentic Afrocentric artistry not only empowers musicians but also enriches the Zimbabwean cultural landscape.
• Music & EntertainmentCrispen Sibanda "Zimbabwe needs a structure that benefits the artist and takes them to a higher level"
• Artist FRO POP"I had to learn how to understand the language and culture. It wasn't easy but I eventually did. I was also having less time for the people in my life, trying to balance everything was a struggle for me because I am always on the road," said Crispen. Regardless of being assimilated into a new culture and language music wise, Crispen has also incorporated his down South roots into his music with the aim of bringing comfort, pleasure, diversity as well as a closer feeling to home in a foreign land.
• Page 7"Afro pop has no bounds. I usually add some Ndebele and Shona in my music and the Ghanaian audience love it. My music comes from my personal experience roaming around enjoyment, struggles, love and heartbreak. I grew up listening to Takura, Davido, Nasty C and Chris Brown and this shaped the diversity in my music," he said. With only three singles since his signing, Crispen is working on an EP eyeing the global market as well as venturing into the cinema industry, locally and globally. He also believes that more collaborations of artist beyond boarders can bridge cultural gaps and usher doors into the global market rather than being stuck locally.
• Globaltons Embrace African Roots"Honoured, Thank you, Benin, for opening your arms and your heart to me". Source: InstagRAM STORY
• W tionsMusic & Entertainment Crafted Identities 3RD EDITION SEPT 2025 e are experiencing a time when For numerous celebrities, obtaining boundaries are becoming citizenship serves as a means to increasingly blurred and cultural reconnect with their ancestral heritage, identities are shifting. An invest in new markets or simply seek increasing number of global refuge from the political instability of creatives and prominent figures their native countries, especially as we are viewing Africa not just as a have been observing changes in their source of inspiration but as a political landscapes. Stevie Wonder, place of belonging. From the 25-time Grammy Award winner, legendary artists like artists like Stevie made headlines in May 2024 when he Wonder to hip-hop icons such as became a Ghanaian citizen in a Ludacris and renowned actors ceremony held in Accra. Likewise, like Idris Elba, many well-known Hollywood actor Idris Elba has personalities are acquiring acquired his Ghanaian citizenship and African citizenship through has made notable investments in the various means. This movement creative sector, including plans to has sparked crucial conversations construct a film studio. Legendary about diaspora, investment, and Hip-Hop rapper Ludacris obtained his cultural exchange. Beyond the citizenship in January 2020, he and his headlines, it is infusing new wife, who has Gabonese roots, now energy into Africa's vibrant hold dual citizenship. creative sectors, including music, film, fashion, and the arts. We delve into the routes to citizenship, highlighting countries at the forefront of this trend and examining the meaningful ways these changes are enhancing African creativity on the global stage in this feature.
• Page 10In a recent update from last months, Ciara shared on her Instagram that she has received her citizenship in Benin. This comes after new laws concerning descendants of slaves were enacted by the Beninese government, fostering stronger connections with diaspora Africans and enhancing the economy of the West African country. This action is more than a mere symbolic act it's a step toward cultural advancement. By implementing the My Afro Origins Law last year, Benin has joined nations like Ghana and Guinea-Bissau in providing citizenship to individuals with African ancestry who were forcibly taken from their homeland during the transatlantic slave trade. Ciara is an American singer, songwriter and dancer, known for her contributions to the R&B and pop music genres. Ciara is recognised for her distinctive voice, impressive dance skills, and style that blends hip-hop, R&B, and pop elements. Over the years, she has released several successful albums and singles, earning numerous awards, including Grammy Awards. In addition to her music career, Ciara has ventured into acting, modelling, and entrepreneurship. She is also known for her high-profile relationships and is married to NFL quarterback Russell Wilson, with whom she has children. Ciara is celebrated not only for her artistic talents but also for her influence in fashion and as a role model for young women. Numerous African nations acknowledge ancestral connections, particularly for those in the African diaspora. Ghana's "Beyond the Return" initiative allows individuals of African descent to obtain citizenship if they can demonstrate their lineage or make significant contributions. In 2020, comedian Tiffany Haddish was granted Eritrean citizenship through a special provision that recognized her Eritrean-Jewish background. Exceptional contributions also lead to the awarding of honorary citizenships. While not of African descent, Barbados-born singer Rihanna has inspired similar initiatives in Africa, and notable figures like Oprah Winfrey have been honored in South Africa for their philanthropic efforts, potentially opening the door for citizenship opportunities.
• BULAWAYO MAESTROEmpowering the next generation A deck alone won't bring the roof down. Feel G a Mestro in the Zimbabwe DJ music scene emplifying the music industry with his signature sound of blending Hip Hop with House and empowering the youth.
• eer DJEureka Afrika Zimbabwe Feel G's most impactful contributions to the Zimbabwean music scene are the creation of House In CBD, an event series he launched in 2022. This platform celebrates booming and established House DJs, giving space to sounds often overlooked in mainstream entertainment. What started in Bulawayo is now poised for national expansion, marking it as a pivotal cultural movement for House music in Zimbabwe.
• MUSIC FOR THE SOULMeet Mazvita Zhou a UK-based songwriter and Singer. As she sits down with us in this exclusive interview In this new edition of "Afrocentric Crafted Identities," we had the opportunity to get up close and personal with rising Zimbabwean star Mazvita, who is based in the UK. In our latest interview with her, she shared her journey as a musician and her ambition to become not just a performer, but also a soul healer through her unique R&B and Jazz musical sound.
• Page 14Experience is often said to be the best teacher, and time brings results. Mazvita began singing and songwriting at the young age of 9 and has never given up. Her dedication and passion are largely driven by influence. We wanted to explore what motivates this superstar to remain steadfast in her music career, so we had to ask what keeps her laser-sharp, focused and motivated. My artistic style is intuitive and explorative. Artistic to explore different emotions through the poetry of song writing, whilst fusing different genres together, whilst keeping a soulful tone. However, now I am more interested in working with instrumentalists and reflecting more of my culture, both Black British and Zimbabwean, in my music. My music has definitely evolved a lot since I started especially after being more involved in the underground Jazz scene in London and and regularly jamming and improvising to music genres from all over the world.
• Page 15trends. I feel like there are new challenges all the time, especially as an independent artist. I think funding is always something upcoming artists have to consider. I wanted to do events and some projects that I just didn't have the budget for. However, I am lucky to connect with people who really believe in the dream. I was allowed to use a venue for free as they trusted my vision, and I was able to host my sold-out mixtape release event with no budget. Honestly, trusting your vision and having a network can go a long way.
• AFRICAN VOICESSEPTEMBER 2025 EUREKAI
• Crafted IdentitiesArt & Lifestyle Social Media Buzz 3RD EDITION SEPT 2025
• Page 18As the world exists, so does her art. Her imaginative mind is a wellspring of creativity, where each hair sculpture and painting conveys a different message. Laeitita Ky inspires many women to envision their true selves, encouraging them to resist being captive to societal norms that undermine their identities. She empowers individuals to reflect on their identities freely, motivating them to thrive in the present and future. In one of her painting posts on Instagram, she discusses the harmful notion that women should remain in abusive or mistreated marriages, describing it as a scam that undermines women's empowerment in relationships. The Ivorian artist points out that men are often more tolerated, even when they are disloyal to their partners. In contrast, women are frequently encouraged to stay in relationships where their partners are cheating, normalising their continued suffering in such situations. If you don't know the famous Laetitia Ky, let's take a quick spin through her back story. She is a self-taught artist from the Ivory Coast. She is famously known for her uniquely innovative hair sculptures. Laetitia Ky uses her natural hair as a medium to create expressive thought-provoking works of art. Her work has been featured in several art exhibitions, and she has created a concrete fan base that reaches a global audience. Born in 1995, Ky grew up in the city of Abidjan, surrounded by vast creativity and art. Her mother was a hairdresser, which is where she drew inspiration and taught her how to braid and style hair from a young age, It was in 2016 when Ky started experimenting with hair as an art medium. She started creating intricate designs and shapes using her hair, often incorporating other materials such as wire, fabric and beads. Her work is not only visually stunning, but it also carries powerful messages about identity, culture and social issues. Ky uses her art to challenge societal norms and celebrate diversity. Her art is visually expressive and she hopes to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness and express themselves freely, as she mentions in her interviews and social media posts. Ky's work has gained international recognition, with features in major publications such as Vogue, BBC and The New York Times.
• Page 19Laetitia Ky has made a significant impact through her collaborations with major brands like Nike and Dove, focusing on campaigns that promote self-love and representation. Her artistic expressions primarily involve hair art, where she pushes boundaries and challenges stereotypes. In addition to her creative work, Ky utilises her platform to raise awareness about important issues, including mental health and women's rights. Her talent and dedication have established her as a prominent voice in the contemporary art scene, inspiring many individuals. Furthermore, Ky has expanded her career into the film industry, making her acting debut in a movie titled "Promised Sky", a film by Erige Sehiri. The film was selected for the Cannes Film Festival. Laetitia played the role of "jolie" an intelligent student carrying high hopes for her family. An artist is always inspired and through inspiration, great things are created. Laetitia Ky is an artist and her art speaks with so much influence. From a small Ivory Coast town to global audiences influencing positive change and cultural identity through her hair art, and paintings with in-depth knowledge of women empowerment. Her influence not only promotes the creative economy but also mends what society has broken the beauty of art in talented individuals.
• Art & CultureMiss Supranational Zimbabwe Calls Out National Pageant Directors
• Page 21While Zimbabwe did not advance to the top 8, it was well represented. The nation's image was elevated through Pauline's talent, passion, artistry, eloquence, style, fashion, and beauty. Upon returning home, the Queen took to social media to call out national directors for their lack of professionalism. Many interpreted her posts as criticisms aimed at Miss Supranational Zimbabwe director Ntombi Gumede. As unprofessional evidence began to circulate, allegedly related to financial matters. Pauline's Facebook post garnered attention when she stated, "However, being given funds for the franchise fee by sponsors and choosing to keep 60% of the money is another level of unprofessionalism." This sparked conversations and an anonymous blogger on Instagram began to circulate receipts that pointed out similar issues raised by the Queen. The blogger's post advised models not to participate in any pageants directed by Ntombi Gumede.
• Page 22f PAGEANTRY HIGHLIGHTS
• AfrocentricNamakau Nawa represented Zambia and promoted sustainable urban development and community-focused solutions during the Miss Supranational competition. In particular, she concentrated on tackling informal settlements and their effects on infrastructure, public services, and the ecosystem. Additionally, she highlighted the importance of cooperation between planners and local governments to put practical and attainable measures into action.
• Eureka Afrika ZimbabweAt just 19 years old, this dazzling supermodel burst onto the scene, stealing the spotlight as she was crowned Miss Supranational Zambia amid fierce competition from 15 other stunning contestants. With her incredible poise, unshakeable confidence and fierce determination, she dazzled the judges, proving that she was not just a contender but the clear front-runner. But the journey didn't end there. At the Miss Supranational Grand Finale, the breathtaking African Queen proudly represented Zambia, shattering a long-standing placement drought that had lingered since 2017. Under the direction of Arm Model Management, Kasuli NaMakau Nawa has established herself as a formidable force, representing her country as Africa's second delegate among the top 20 finalists. She stood alongside South Africa at the grand finale. Zambia emerged as the most awarded African nation at the Supranational Grand Finale, with Kasuli winning three prestigious titles: Miss Supranational Africa 2025, Supra Top Model Africa 2025, and Supra Top Model 2025. Additionally, she secured a spot in the top five of the Supra Chat Challenge. Kasuli's journey has proven to be an inspiring role model for aspiring models in Zambia and across Africa, demonstrating that dreams can come true, regardless of age or nation.
• WHAT'S YOURSUMMER tyle MISRED
• Page 26In the dynamic world of fashion, Hanzu Chifukwa stands out as an assistant designer for the renowned Ivhu Tribe. Known for blending avant-garde aesthetics with the expressive power of painting, their creations redefine wearable art. Their designs, inspired by contemporary art, feature bold and intricate textures that evoke deep emotions. Each piece reflects the complexities of modern life and African identity. HANZU
• Page 27SHAK MBE
• Page 28Mthethwa. With a total budget of R400 million and featuring 8,000 cast members, the premiere episode of "Shaka Ilembe" garnered an impressive 3.6 million viewers in South Africa, produced by Bomb Productions. The series achieved another remarkable milestone by receiving 17 nominations and winning 12 awards at the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs), making it the most awarded television series in SAFTA history. Among its accolades were the awards for Best TV Drama and Best Actor, which were awarded to Thembinkosi Mthembu for his role as Dingiswayo, King of the
• CHANGE MAKERSEmpowering yoring souls, Dorothy spreads her RAYS written by Mangaliso ławrence Kabulika
• Page 30Furthermore, RAYS Youth Symposiums were born out of Madamba's own experience transitioning from college into the professional world. symposiums are designed to bridge that gap. They connect young people and recent graduates in natural sciences and heritage studies with seasoned professionals, offering mentorship, community," Madamba explained. "The insight, and With the right partners, Madamba envisions RAYS Trust expanding beyond borders, becoming a global movement that empowers young people to lead in conservation and community work. "I hope to mentor five emerging community leaders who will continue the work of Reaching Young Souls, and to reimagine spaces where this vision can flourish, inclusive, healing, and transformative environments for the next generation," Madamba said
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