Melanie Fiona - BOSS MAGAZINE

Transcription

WINTER 2012
Melanie Fiona
WWW.BOSSMAG.BIZ
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&The MF Life
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pieces
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Editor-In-Chief
Art Director Mitsy Blair
Fashion/Beauty
Fashion/Beauty Editor Awena Abala
Fashion/Beauty Editor Jayshawn Jones
Fashion/Beauty Editor Tamkika Johnson
Fashion/Beauty Lead Photographer Cyril (CJ) Cromwell Simmonds
Fashion/Beauty Lead Hairstylist Kadesha McClure
Arts/Entertainment
Arts/Entertainment Editor Dwayne Holness
Arts/Entertainment Editor Femi Lawson
Arts/Entertainment Advisor Che Kothari
Lifestyle
Lifestyle Editor Justina Opoku-Ware
Copy Editor Kern Cater
Graphic DesignerS
Mentors
Laura Metcalfe, Morris Beckford, Sabrina Gopaul
Features
Melanie Fiona, Andreena Mills, Pauline Christian, Rich Kidd, Dameon
Royce, iLove Lola, Denham Brown
Sales/ Marketing Amina Yassin
Contributing Photographers
Contributing Writers
Linda Frempong, Leandra Legendre, Natasha Ryan-Sheperd, Nadine
Hope, Christopher Trotman, Andrew Williams, Oxana Tsirelman,
Danielle Holdmond, Sashoya Simpson, Renee Raymond, The BeLoved
Movement, The Real Sun,
melanie fiona
WINTER 2012 BOSS MAGAZINE
Derick Asante, Narbir Gosal, Benjamin Yamoah, HEINZ, Che Kothari,
Derick Asante, Chris Hernandez, Gaby Cueto, Justin Charles, Michael
Dach, Philip Litevsky, Real Julz
5
boss
Contributors
28
Natasha Sakhuja
The Boss Team would like to say a special
“Thank You!” to all our contributors.
We have been blessed to find individuals
with such creativity and determination
that fit so well with the direction of
Boss Magazine.
winter 2012-13
Contents
Miss Nina
Makeup Artist
I have been a Hairstylist and Makeup Artist for 3 years now. It was a great opportunity
working with Boss Magazine. It was exciting for me because I was working behind the
scenes. Thank you to Boss Magazine for giving me this opportunity.
Kadesha McClure
Hairstylist
My name is Kadesha McClure and I am a hairstylist at Movita’s Hair Attraction INC. Being
a hairstylist is a challenging yet rewarding career. Challenging because each day forces
me to think outside the box and be creative; rewarding because seeing the satisfaction
and happiness on your clients face ensures you that you have succeeded in making
them happy. Patience, kindness and love are essential keys needed to make sure all
Boss Magazine. It’s awesome to see young people coming together to strengthen and
Motivate one another. I commend Boss for their initiative and continue to support their
8
Editor’s Letter Editor-In-Chief Tamika Johnson talks this
season’s winter trends and keeps you in the know with
the latest Torontonian talents
9
@thatsbossmag Boss asks readers “What’s on your wish
list this year?”
10
Bosses of Our Own Domain Boss Board of Directors
keep it Bossy Ballroom style
Fashion
Natasha Ryan-Shepherd
[email protected]
communities as I am a Social Worker by profession and have acquired a diploma in Social
Work and a degree in Sociology. I have used my education over the past 5+ years in many
16
Mastercard 2012 SS13 Fashion Week
Runway! Get a sneak peek of SS13 trends
18
Two
time Grammy award winning Songstress Melanie Fiona
gives Boss a taste of the MF Life
21
Vintage Shopping in Toronto Be one of a kind with a
Boss guide to vintage shopping
and awareness on subjects that make people feel good about themselves and their
of young people of colour which is obsolete in other periodicals.
26
Cyril James John Cromwell Simmonds
Professional Photographer | Videographer
www.toportfolio.com
Cyril James John Cromwell Simmonds (more commonly referred to as “C.J.”) has been
engaged in multimedia work since 2004. Founding Praxis Unlimited in 2004, C.J. began
businesses. Continuing to make practical use of his skills, C.J. founded TOportfolio.com
in 2007 with a focus on photography and video. C.J. continues to shoot professionally
while training young media specialists through the revitalized www.praxisU.com
initiative. “The work of this dynamic Boss team speaks for itself. Congratulations to the
Boss Magazine team! It was an honour shooting for the magazine.”
Game BBPA President Pauline Christian provides
a blueprint to becoming a successful, well
to give back to the community
On the Cover
Melanie Fiona
28
Get to know
Natasha Sakhuja from Sakhuja Designs
30
The Man Behind the Hat Big
It Up owner, founder and trendsetter gives Boss
the exclusive on how he found success
36
Love Your Hair
62
Beauty
36
Love Your Hair Keep in touch your roots and let your natural
hair down
39
Boss Beauty Must Have’s Make-up Artist Danielle
Holdmond exhibits this season’s must have beauty products
Arts & Entertainment
46
48
Toronto’s Hidden Gem Recording artist Andrena Mill gives
Boss an insight on her music career and shows Boss what’s
next!
From Rags to Rich Kidd Critically acclaimed producer,
rapper, song-writer and director talks about his new tour and
future career plans
50
Well Connected and Well Respected I Love LoLa shares her
experiences with the industry
52
Capturing a Thousand Words in a Photo Take a look
through Taha’s camera lens
54
Manifesto celebrates and
recaps 6 strong years
Lifestyle
66
Don’t believe the hype!
Denham Brown shares the not so glorious side of basketball
fame with Boss
68
Boss meets up with Safe Spaces,
a women’s group located in Kenya, to discuss the similarities
of how society views our communities and how we can make
our spaces safe places
71
Maryan Hilowle
72
Boss Technology Wish List Can’t decide which new device
to buy your loved ones this holiday season? Boss compares
the latest and greatest technological trends in the market
73
Boss Scholars
are at the top of their game and on their way to becoming
Bosses themselves
74
The Social in Enterprise Flip gives tips on how to manage
your money right
56
Religion & Hip Hop Dr. Monica Miller tells BOSS how her
68
The Voice of “We” - Our Nomanzland Story Nomanzland
brings theatrics to Jane & Finch
75
60
You’ve been BeLoved! BeLoved engages the community to
venture out and take pictures of healthy relationships
Boss Was There Boss gets the exclusive. Check out this
year’s community events such as TYC’s the Cause, 106 &
York Festival and Toronto Loves Kicks
77
Brother Ernie Paniccioli’s Documentary Palisades Media
Art Academy teams up with Cineplex Theater & Jane & Finch
Mall to present a documentary about artist Brother Ernie
Paniccioli
78
Horoscopes Interested to know what the New Year brings?
Then Check out Nadiya Zodiac Starcast
62
64
Artist Javid shows Boss his artistic
My Attitude
Editor’s
Letter
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and Boss is at it
again. We are closing this year out with a BANG!
In the spirit of the Holidays Boss asked our readers, “What is . on your
Christmas wish list this season?” And this is what our readers said.
@ThatsBossMag What’s not on my list might prove to be an easier
question for me to answer! I really want an iPad.
@ThatsBossMag I would like success and good health this Christmas!!!
#thatisall
@ThatsBossMag I would like to spend time with my friends
and family.
Staying true to our mission of showcasing Torontonian
talent, two time Grammy award winner Melanie Fiona
is gracing our cover. Get to know the amazing woman
behind the astounding voice and personally one of my
@ThatsBossMag I want nothing but prosperity for my
circle and my @UrbanologyMag & @SayWordMedia families
@ThatsBossMag I personally want #lotus designed by @swizzbeatz.
We have also revamped our Fashion & Beauty sections
with edge of your seat editorials. Our Vintage shopping article
will give you a hands-on guide to Toronto’s vintage hot spots.
Hey Ladies! Don’t know what to do with your hair or makeup for the
holidays? Check out our Boss Beauty Must Have’s or our Love Your Hair
#customized
iPad mini, lobou’s, a T.V and a watch.. Lol @ThatsBossMag
@ThatsBossMag World Peace! Yea I said it. Haven’t said that in years. and
a Mac Book Pro.
Christian talks about why giving back to the community is an essential part
“@ThatsBossMag
list this season. Tweet us @thatsbossmag” <<<An iPad!
talks about how he became a successful designer.
Here in Toronto we have an abundance of artistic talent such as Andreena
Mill, Rich Kidd, Nomandzland, Javid and Manifesto, just to name a few. I
invite you to get inspired and check out our jam packed Arts & Entertainment
section where you can get familiar with all of their faces and their inspirational
journey’s.
I couldn’t possibly just let you go without giving you another dose of the ‘Boss
Lifestyle’. This issue we actually went back to the motherland and teamed
up with Safe Space’s; a woman’s group from Kenya. Please check out the In
My Space article which will open up your mind to a new experience and also
let you see how similar we all are to these beautiful ladies. Don’t know which
gadget to get this Christmas? We can help! Check out Boss’s Technology
to spend and save wisely. Last but not least... Are you wondering what 2013
will bring? Money, joy, a new career, or the love of your life? I know I am, so if
you are as curious as I am, please take a look at Nadiya Zodiac Starcast.
BOSS MAGAZINE
Tis’ the season to be Bossy! See you in the New Year & be blessed!
10
Tamika Johnson
Editor-In-Chief
@ThatsBossMag Fifty Shades of Grey is on my wishlist!!!!!!
@ThatsBossMag I have everything I want! BUT! If
I had to get something frivolous, I’d probably buy an iPad, though I’d barely use it. #christmaswishlist
@ThatsBossMag everything apple, anything that has red bottoms and
something that ends in Kors
@ThatsBossMag I want concert tickets good ones
@ThatsBossMag I want a a new board for my studio... Presonus
preferably... And the list goes on.....
Money! Not Gift Cards! RT @ThatsBossMag
what’s on your Christmas list this season. Tweet us @thatsbossmag
Thank you to our readers for your Tweets. We look forward to reading and
or story ideas you would like to see in the next issue of Boss Magazine and
your tweet maybe featured.
Hope you enjoy it as much as I have and please don’t forget to write me. I
would love to hear from you. Be prepared for an even Bossier 2013 from
the Boss team.
@ThatsBossMag a recorder, canon camera, a day at the spa, clothing,
shoes, jewelry etc...
11
Photographed at the Paradise Banquet & Convention Centre
Bosses of Our Own Doman
fashion / beauty editor awena abala
copy editor kern carter
fashion / beauty editor jayshawn jones
art director mitzy blair
editor-in-chief tamika johnson
mentor morris beckford
lifestyle editor justina opoku-ware
sales/marketing director
amina yassin-omar
mentor laura metcalfe
Boss
Fashion
DREAM YOUR FASHION INTO EXSITANCE, LIKE
THE CELEBRITIES WHO HAVE DREAMT THEIR
FAME INTO REALITY. THIS WINTER SEASON
IS NOT LIMITED TO PREDICTABILITY. DISCOVER
YOUR INNER MOGUL BY STRUTTING TO THE
BEAT OF YOUR OWN DRUM.
by: oxana tsirelman
18
A Fashion Week is an exciting time when the top
designers and rising stars are exposed to the glamour
and creativity of the fashion industry. Shows and events
run for approximately one week, which enables these
designers to display their latest fashion collection on
the runway. Fashion Week also provides a window for
the media to examine the latest fashion trends around
the world.
The most prominent fashion weeks are typically held in
the major global fashion centres, which are New York
City, London, Milan and Paris. Madrid, Toronto and Los
Angeles are also hot spots for promoting fashion.
Week
New York City and Milan may be the world’s fashion capitals,
but Toronto isn’t too far behind. In fact, this city is the
breeding ground for some of the worlds’ most legendary
models, such as Stacey Mackenzie, Linda Evangelista and
Yasmin Warasame. Not only models, but Canadian style
stars were in the spotlight in Toronto’s World MasterCard
Fashion Week.
This semi annual event launched its 27th season in David
Pecaut Square featuring spring-summer collections from
up and coming as well as established fashion designers.
Internationally recognized retailer Holt Renfrew launched its
showcase of homegrown designers and Kimberley Newport-
Mimran exposed its womenswear label Pink Tartan.
like a sweet sweatshirt that featured a delicate lace cut-out,
as well as perforated faux leather tops,” he adds.
were proudly showcased, which were followed by glamorous
designer gowns and dresses created by Montrealers Mike
Derderian and Gianni Falcone.
This fashion week is clearly a success; the Joe Fresh spring/
summer 2013 collection launched by Joe Mimran delivered
a knockout runway performance with its modern, elegant
designs.
“The show started with a treat. Legendary 1970s American
model Pat Cleveland made a rare runway appearance and
opened the show, with a runway walk that was equal parts
strutting, prancing, semi-dancing and shoulder-twisting that
had the crowd roaring with approval,” says fashion reporter
Derick Chetty.
“There was also a lightness and airy feel to some looks —
Fashion week is not just a show with pretty models playing
dress up. It’s an opportunity for talents of all calibers
to show the world what they are capable of. Designers
take this event very seriously, some of them plan their
entire year around it. And why wouldn’t they; with a
good showing at a prestigious Fashion Week, anything is
possible!
BOSS MAGAZINE FASHION
Master card
Ss13 Fashion
19
Melanie
Fiona
Changes
The
Record
You must have thought
you had Melanie Fiona all
girl with a beautiful voice
singing her way to musical
stardom.
But who is
Melanie Fiona, really, and
how does this Canadian
born to Guyanese descent
standing
out
among
today’s female recording
artists?
While her debut album,
The Bridge, gave you a
sliver of who Melanie
Fiona truly is and how
powerful her music can
be, then her most recent
release “The MF Life”
certainly takes fans and
listeners to moments
journey of introspection
and
revelation
sung
through stories that inject
themselves through a
rhythms.
Even after “It Kills Me”
was nominated for a
Grammy in 2010, and
even after winning two
Grammys at the following
year’s celebration for her
collaboration with CeeLo Green called “Fool
For You,” Melanie Fiona
continues
to
evolve,
looking primarily inward
for her motivations.
“My inspiration is life and living it, and I
pay attention to how I’m living.”
moments.”
It seems that Melanie has gotten
through many of those weak moments
and is now on the cusp of understanding
who she is and what she wants.
Jay Z owned imprint that co-manages
“I’ve taught myself to stop caring about
what people think and what people are
suggesting that I do because what has
been working for me is what comes
natural.”
“My journey has been completely
bumpy, up and down, and truly that’s
where I got the concept for the MF
But Melanie’s evolution has not just
been restricted to her music. From
the very beginning her colourful
sense of fashion has been recognized
by her being featured in the 2009
Steve Madden Music campaign and
later being the face of the Rocawear
2010-2011 fall and spring campaigns.
Naming All Saints, Yves Saint Laurent,
designer icons, Fiona describes her
personal style as “Bohemian Couture.”
that tailor to a woman’s body, but I am
a hippie at heart and I love pattern, and
Melanie combines the elegant hippie
concepts into her shows, at red carpet
appearances, or just for every day
dressing. She admits that she invests
in clothes and selects interchangeable
pieces that she can wear more than
And you may still be wondering just
how this soulful yet playful vocal
powerhouse is living with all the
success she has enjoyed just three
years into her professional career.
From early on being on tour with Kanye
West and Alicia Keys, to headlining her
own “MF Life Tour” in March of 2012,
Life because it is about self discovery...
21
by: natasha ryan-sheperd
once and can put together with whatever she already
has in her closet. And if you were to ever get a peek into
step on one of the over 250 pairs of this self-proclaimed
“shoe girl.”
Despite this modest shoe collection, Fiona still says
that red lipstick is what makes her feel most sexy.
And although she understands the appeal of fashion,
she would rather the attention remain on her musical
projects.
“I want to be respected as a strong vocalist and a song
writer.... I want [fans] to respect what I’m trying to do
with my music and that is not being afraid to share the
vulnerability of the emotions that we all feel and go
through.”
Vintage shopping in toronto
One of A Kind
These emotions are what drive Melanie’s music and
shape her perspective no matter where in the world
she happens to be. And despite recently making the
move from LA to NY, this Toronto girl knows where her
strength lies.
22
Style is a form of self-expression.
People draw from various fashion
references to best represent their
personal style.
Vintage shopping has become timeless
as generations of consumers sift
through loads of clothing from classic
pieces to unique inspirational garb.
Toronto has an underground plethora
of vintage clothing and thrift stores to
you.
“I never call any other city home. When I come home I’m
happy...recharged. I get to see my friends and my family.
It’s the most familiar place in my whole life.”
Vintage clothing takes on a historical
account of fashion; as history repeats
itself, fashion too is cyclical.
And it’s been a Mighty Fine Life for Fiona and her music, a
life she takes full responsibility in crafting. Her successes
don’t guild her from the work she still has left to do.
Fiona knows that there are still more people she needs
to reach, still more lives she wants to touch, and now she
has the platform to get it done.
Thrift shopping is like a treasure hunt
“I feel like I have something to share; I feel like [music] is
my calling. I feel like I’m evolving into a very passionate
vessel.”
Wherever Fiona is heading, her MF Life has given us
a glimpse into who and where she is at this moment.
And as her evolution continues, we can only hope to
be given more insight into a journey that is certainly
full of promise.
higher quality than today’s clothing,
anyway, which is manufactured by
machines versus than by hand.
Furthermore, you can look chic
and contribute to environmental
preservation at the same time since
shopping thrift is simply recycling.
You can be a humanitarian, too, as
many thrift stores are run by a charity
and your purchases are donations to a
cause.
I
asked
a
few
Torontonians
via
no one else has”
from times past. Oftentimes you may
discover an original designer piece for
a fraction of the original cost.
pieces when thrifting, not to mention
you pay a fraction of the price that you
would at retail stores”
However, thrift shopping can also
@kidkevluv “Vintage will always be
relevant because fashion is a cycle”@
to compliment trends.
Vintage shopping is an economically
savvy approach to fashion, so in the
words of fashion icon Rupaul “work!”
Focus on purchasing quality items,
although most vintage pieces are of
clothing items by designers from past
collections you wanted to get your
hands on”
scene is “The Art of Reuse,” which is
a collective of Toronto artists. This
group was founded on the idea of reinventing the appeal of thrift shopping.
Many consumers are bombarded by
the mass production of clothing and
often overlook the almost priceless
gems found through “thrifting”. Their
concept has now been catapulted by
their pop-up boutique “Interim” that
has been showcased both in Toronto
and the U.S. Complex.com has even
named Interim one of Canada’s top 10
most stylish stores.
Interim is a new age thrift store
that caters to a broad spectrum of
customers hosting upscale fashion
friendly principals.
www.theartofreuse.ca
Among consumers it is understood
that vintage shopping provides an
opportunity for the buyer to scout rare
looks. Vintage designer labels also add
to the allure of thrift shopping.
“Thrifting” is not limited to clothing.
accessories, home decor/housewares,
furniture, books, artwork and vinyl
records at a store near you.
“I am a hippie at
heart and I love
pattern, and I
love texture, and
I love flow.”
23
Vintage
Thrift Stores
Buy the Pound, 1234 Bloor St W, Toronto
Canadian Thrift Stores
Eldorado Second Hand Store, 482 Roncesvalles
Avenue Toronto, ON
Goodwill
Salvation Army
Stretch Thrift Store, 974 Pape Avenue, East York
69 Vintage,1100 Queen St. W, Toronto
Apt. 909, 909 Dundas St. W, Toronto
Badlands Vintage, 104 Ossington Ave, Toronto
Black Market Vintage Clothing, 256a Queen Street W,
Toronto
Bungalow, 273 Av Augusta, Toronto
Cabaret Vintage Clothing, 672 Queen Street W,
Toronto
Thrift Town, 1373 Queen St. W. Toronto ON
Value Village
Consignment
Courage My Love, 14 Kensington Avenue, Toronto
Divine Decadence Originals, 128 Cumberland Street,
Toronto
Ego, 9 Av Kensington, Toronto
Fashion 00
Flash Back, 33 Kensington Avenue, Toronto
, 251 Gerrard STreet E. Toronto
House of Vintage, 1504A Dundas Street West
Mad Gypsy, 405 Roncesvalles Avenue, Toronto
Common Sort, 804 Queen Street East, Toronto
Fashionably Yours, 632 Queen St W, Toronto
L’Elegante Ltd., 132 Cumberland Street, Toronto
, 2238 Queen st. E, Toronto
, 5 Broadway Avenue, Toronto (Mens)
Mrs. Huizenga, 121 Roncesvalles Avenue, Toronto
Penny Arcade, 1177 Dundas Street West, Toronto
, 3 Grosvenor
St. Toronto
Print Fine Vintage, 834 A College Street, Toronto
Public Butter, 1290 Queen St W, Toronto
, 710 Annette Street, Toronto
Rotations Inc, 515 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto
Re Threads, 897 Bloor Street W, Toronto
Sam’s Vintage Clothing, 206 Augusta Avenue, Toronto
24
Take Me Back, 1692 Queen Street West, Toronto
Tribal Rhythm, 27 Kensington Ave, Toronto
The Cat’s Meow, 180 Avenue Rd, Toronto
Vintage Depot, 1269 Bloor W, Toronto
, 186 Ossington Ave, Toronto
Act Two. 596 Mount Pleasant Rd. (at Manor Rd. E.)
, 514 Mount Pleasant Road,
Toronto
Second Time Around Inc, 99 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto
The Comeback, 4893 Dundas Street West, Etobicoke
Yonge Street Mission, “Double Take” 270 Gerrard St. E
Toronto, ON
, 1640 Avenue Rd.Toronto M5M 3X9 2 blocks
north of Lawrence.
A shade of grey
What is it about grey? The somberness of the
hue is something that everybody can relate
to. Especially in winter. Don’t let the somber
mood take over this season, remember there
are many shades of grey. You’ve just got to
26
Vintage BCBG lace high collar
dress( stylist own), Suede detailed
Black bustier dress top shop,
tribal high slit shirt( models own,
store on queen in front of mj’s
gold band rings, Aldo, black
rectangular gem with gold band,
necklace, Aldo,vintage gold
black crocodile print heel, Zara.
crocodile print heel, Zara.
Boss Woman
President of Best
Lifestyle Residence
Incorporated – a
40 bed retirement
home in Simcoe.
The BBPA is a nonorganization that
addresses
equity
and
opportunity
for the Black community in business,
employment,
e d u c a t i o n
and
economic
development.
The BBPA sponsors
annual events such
as the BBPA Harry
Jerome
Awards,
their mission being
to advance Canada’s
Black communities
by
delivering
programs
that
support
business
and
professional
excellence,
higher education,
and
economic
development.
at the Top of Her Game
28
Pauline Christian is one of few African Canadian women
who have made it to the position of Associate Director at
one of Canada’s large corporations. As an immigrant from
Jamaica, when Pauline arrived to Canada she immediately
pursued a degree in Business Administration, minoring
in Political Science and Psychology. She balanced her
educational aspirations whilst working full-time and being
a wife, a mother of 2 children and caring for her mother.
Pauline even continued to successfully complete a Masters
in Project Management at York University Schulich School of
Business.
Today Pauline is the President of the Black Business
and Professional Association (BBPA) as well as the CEO/
What dreams and goals
inspired you to succeed?
ever!
of power and wisdom in this ancient virtue. It helps leaders
to better understand that leadership is a privilege and not a
it allows us to think of ourselves less and think more of others.
What professional steps did you take to become the
leader that you are today?
The professional steps I took are rooted in the principles
of Jesus Christ. Additionally, I was desirous/seeker of
the continued delivery of excellence in whatever I do. I also
pursued formal training in business and professionalism at
York University and Schulich School of Business. I ensure that
I encircle myself with great mentors and a personal advisory.
How do you create a positive environment through your
works to motivate and inspire others to thrive?
Every morning I wake up, I thank God for choosing to
wake me up and giving me another chance at life. I make a
whatever comes my way I view it as an opportunity to
strengthen me for the next level. I understand that how I
interpret every challenge or opportunity will automatically
determine the outcome of my day’s experience,
incrementally or overall.
What visions are you committed to in order to better
serve the Black community?
What is the one characteristic you believe every leader
should possess?
Youth development and self-actualization; uncovering
the passion that lies within you 2) Higher education. I
believe that education is one of the greatest equalizers. 3)
Entrepreneurship is a way through which we can change the
socio-economic landscape of our country and be viewed as
I believe every leader should possess ‘humility’. There is a lot
development of our country.
from my mother as well as the bible. I also like to read
inspirational books for frequent doses of motivation.
What do you and/or the BBPA do to challenge the
misconceptions and assumptions about the black
community?
In order to challenge the misconceptions and assumptions
about the Black community, we create programs/initiates
that engage our target population and allow the wider
community to embrace our vision, while partner with us in
What are the biggest challenges facing today’s leaders in
the Black community?
Some of the biggest challenges facing today’s leaders in
mindedness. 2) Lack of political representation 3) Lack
of Black family businesses 4) Lack of enough Black infrastructural support. 5) Lack of vision to create a legacy and
generational wealth. 6) Lack of funding for higher education
of Blacks. 7) Lack of proper housing for Blacks in marginalized
neighbourhoods.
What qualities would you look for in young potential
leaders of the next generation?
1. Awareness of the issues facing the Black community and
how the Black community works 2. Humility 3. Groom-ability
/ Trainability 4. Understanding of thought leadership 5.
Perseverance, determination, resilience 6. Volunteerism 7.
to diversity 9. Stamina and adaptability 10. Professionalism
How can young people become involved in the BBPA?
4097 and ask to be involved with the Young Professionals
Committee.
Pauline Christian
Pauline
believes
that her success
is measured not
by her personal
accomplishments,
but by the success
and
growth
of
others
she
embraces or comes
in contact with. These
principles she inherited
from her mother.
From left: Pauline at the 2012 Planet Africa Awards (recipient of the Development Award); Pauline with her husband Harold
Anthony; Pauline presented with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal by MPP Margarett Best
29
the fabric. You think I would do
the same especially because I have
an illustration background, but I
always start with the fabric first.
The most inspiring thing to do is to
play around with the fabric on the
mannequin and then sketch out your
final design. Each piece has its own
personality and after I discover it
then it goes into the sketch book.
What are your favourite patterns and
prints to work with and why?
My favourite patterns and prints to
work with are all from vintage Saris
I collect and hunt over months for a
collection. There is nothing like getting
the purest silks and patterns from
India especially when you discover the
history and story behind it. You are a
walking museum! What is better than
being a rare work of art?
recent collection?
My most recent collection is my Spring/
Summer 2013 “Something Blue”
Collection. It was the aftermath of my
Grief.”
It was something I have not done
before. I really wanted to get away
from my past collection, which was
made during a really dark period in my
life. It included fabrics of silks & lace
with trims of frills and ostrich feathers.
The pieces had a mixture of blues,
whites, and neutrals with gold accents.
All of my pieces have Indian-inspired
trims and most of them have real
silver or gold woven right in. I want
my clients to feel as luxurious as
possible, especially because you can
feel and smell the metal right on the
garments.
How long does it usually take to
construct one of your pieces?
It depends on the piece. If I am making
an extravagant gown, a month, if it is
a cocktail dress, a week and if I have
nothing to wear that night you better
believe I can make myself a dress in 2
short hours. The pressure of time lines
is exhilarating!
What are fashion goals?
My fashion goals have always been to
be able to create artwork. If I am doing
that then I feel as I am living my dreams
and reaching my goals.
For more information on Natasha
www.natashasakhuja.com
To purchase or make an appointment
natasha.sakhuja@gmail.
com or visit
shop/
SAKHUJA
designer profile
30
Natasha Sakhuja is an Indian-Canadian
self-taught designer and trained
illustrator with a passion for fashion
design, fashion illustration and sewing.
Natasha got her inspiration from the
the late Alexander McQueen.
represents the aftermath of her Fall
2012 Collection “The Five Stages of
Grief”, which was made during a really
dark period in her life. “Something
Blue” is something new apart from her
past collections.
Natasha states “his work was the very
reason I got into fashion design. I didn’t
realize how creative you can really be
until I saw his work.” She believes in
showcasing fashion as an art show. Her
Boss Magazine spoke with Natasha to
discuss her inspirations and goals.
in the way she showcases her work.
Natasha
mentions
“Alexander
McQueen always put on a show to tell
a story. I hope I deliver my stories as
well as the master.”
Sakhuja’s most recent collection is
her Spring/Summer 2013 “Something
Blue” Collection. This collection
“...And it tasted like bitter almonds”,
was the real deal. I was working with
my mentor at that time, Canadian
Designer Sheila Lam, and she really
encouraged me to push my boundaries
every time.
What does fashion mean to you?
between fashion
emerging artists?
Fashion to me means that I can really be
myself and showcase all the craziness
that goes inside my head by being able
to wear it.
“Dress shabbily and they remember
the dress; dress impeccably and they
remember the woman.”
you ever designed?
Tell me about your process for
creating a design...
I’ve been sewing since I was 8, but I feel
Most
designers
and
sketch
style
out
for
their
WINTER 2013
2012 BOSS MAGAZINE
Natasha Sakhuja
31
by: morris beckford, with notes from amina yassin-omar
Boss man
Dameion Royes
For Dameion Royse, “a boss is someone
who can understand and always adapt
to his environment like a good general.
He’s a person who’s able to understand
and inspire others. He’s got a clear
understanding of the company’s
mission and vision so he can lead and
motivate his work force.”
32
Royse seems to have done just that,
adapt to his environment. For many
entrepreneurs, Royse is the “Big It Up”
guy. Well, at least that’s what I called
him when I saw him in his Eaton Centre
store a little while ago. But he is far
more than that. Royse is the Owner and
CEO of Big It Up, a little hat company
that has grown into a highly successful
business that now sells hats in over 50
stores across North America.
Big It Up came from humble beginnings
over 15 years ago. In fact, Royse could
just have easily been called the Skincare
Guy because that is where he started.
But like a real Boss, he learned from his
endevours selling skincare products and
honed his talents and the drive to be his
own boss and started a hat company.
Royse started out selling his hats from
his backpack, which
was no easy task. He
later found a home
in a mall kiosk and
now has a distribution
network that gives
young entrepreneurs
hope. Royse describes
his company as a
“vertically integrated
company”
which
designs and creates
and
subcontracts
the manufacturing.
Royse notes that
“because
they
produce the product
in house, they have
a testing ground and
are able to bring the best product to
the wholesalers.”
These humble beginnings and drive
have given Royse the right to give advice
to up and coming young entrepreneurs
in Toronto. Many of whom are among
the most talented people on the
planet – fashion forward, savvy, classy
and head strong. His advice to these
young entrepreneurs is three fold.
First, he says, entrepreneurs need to
“study and know [their] product very
mentors that are in [their] business and
ask them the right questions”. If you are
in the hat business you may want to give
Royse a call. He is accessible.
He notes that some of his greatest
accomplishments include “seeing
young people, whose lives I have
and do the same for someone else.
Youth who were at the verge of
dropping out and not completing
real impact in their immediate homes”.
Royse teaches young people the
importance of paying it forward and
that as a passion to guide you during
the rough times”.
Royse describes Big It Up’s style as
“clean and funky. Mature.” Current
styles include the Stingy Brim Fedoras
with upcoming styles showing a wider
brim, the ones like Johnny Depp
wears. Royse’s hats are made from
quality materials like Merino wool
and Cashmere. Big It Up hats are like
pieces of art and are sold across North
America. These pieces of art are made
for everyone from the young to the
“think they young”.
Ladies and gentlemen, this issue’s Boss
Man is none other than Mr Dameion
Royse. Mr Royse, from one Boss Man
to another, ‘big it up brotha’!
Dameion Royse is the Owner and CEO of
Big It Up, a little hat company that has
grown into a highly successful business
that now sells hats in over 50 stores
across North America.
Black Lace Moto Jacket with Silver foggy
foil surface, Material Girl at the bay.
SEEN BEHIND THE SCENE
LIKE CASTOR OIL SMEARED IN ROUGE ON
BATHROOM MIRRORS, THE REBELLION MYSTIQUE
IS AN ACT THAT CAN GIVE THE ALLURE OF
EXCLUSIVITY. THE SCENE IS TO BE Seen
knowing THAT All WANT TO SEE YOU.
Shimmering metallic Lattice Sleeved
Sweater, Material Girl at the bay.
Green one piece suit bow on back, Zara.
36
Boss
TRUE TO THE WISE THAT SAID
“BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE
BEHOLDER”. THE MERE ENTITY OF
SELF EXPLORATION IS BEAUTY
ENOUGH. DARE TO CAPTIVATE
YOUR BEHOLDER.
Beauty
ing on a more RELAXING and learning
experience.
read what delicious food composes the
applied when selecting the right hair
9
-
ture and pattern
A lot of people tend to categorize their
category system created by celebrity
stylist Andre Walker that arranges the
texture of a curl from 1 being straight
hair, to 4 being curly hair, and the grade
of each texture is further narrowed
spise the hair typing system due to the
simple fact that I refuse to categorize
turn my advice will be to understand
your own individual hair texture and
product as food and nourishment for
ple hair ingredients such as water, jojoba oil, and cacau butter.
6
Be Patient
I cannot stress this enough, patience,
patience, patience is going to be your
best friend as you continue with your
over doing it and trying to look and
feel cool. Keep your hair in simple
protective styles as much as possible,
especially if you’re wanting to retain
hair length.
your hair likes and doesn’t like. What
not work for yours, which brings me to
tip number 8.
8
Communicate with your hair
5
Find a HOLISTIC hair and body
care routine that works with your
lifestyle
A daily or weekly routine is very important in order to eliminate the pro-
Listen to your hair and speak to your
believing that your hair is unmanage-
Love Your Hair
to your hair by really identifying problem areas, dryness, split ends, mid
shaft breakage, brittleness; all these
and more are ways in which your hair
-
by: anya grant
10 steps to going natural
I can hardly believe that my 4 year hair
anniversary is coming up in exactly 1
38
By 4 year anniversary I’m talking about
my choice to be free from vigorous
chemical treatments starting from the
touch up routine hoping to achieve
longer; the more I processed my hair,
whether that be at a salon or at home,
-
hold myself accountable, I started recapping my hair journey through videos and blogging and through hair
educational workshops that to my surIf you’ve asked yourself, “Would I like to
go natural?” Or if you’re already natural
seeing your hair I’m going to say JUST
natural is one of the greatest self-disously and you too will be free.
10
Love the hair you’re in
too.
7
Be conscious of the hair products you buy. READ THE INGREDIENTS
I can’t get any more direct than
meal item at your favourite restaurant.
When you’re ordering a new menu
item, do you just point and select that
option as your choice of meal or do you
colouring, highlighting or doing protective hairstyles such as braiding techal, for the most part, is able to educate
and prevent hair damage.
3
Prepare yourself with the right
hair tools
tools that every Naturalista needs and
should have, beginning with the good
ole wide tooth comb, a soft bristol
paddle brush, and a detangling brush
2
Be ready to LOVE your own hair
Stop trying to force your hair to congrowing stages as well as with the
you want to wash your hair, deep treat
your hair and style your hair per week,
that you experience before cutting all
-
you’ve made those decisions then decide the times you’re going to allocate
to continue to LOVE your own texture
even as it changes.
me I wash my hair twice a month, (stop
Make sure you know and understand why you want to go Natural
the entire shebang; 2 times with shampoo, dangle for anywhere from 30 minutes to a full day (just depends on my
weekend schedule and errands) then 1
time with a conditioner, followed by a
30 minutes detangle process and then
1 time with a leave-in-conditioner and
Loving your own natural hair texture is
and embrace the hair that grows out of
your scalp, then you’re halfway there
to embracing this process and embark-
Although we live in a “DIY” (Do it yourself) world, there are certain services
that needs to be done by a profession-
1
Get a piece of paper and write down
an intention statement as to why
statement as a reminder for the not
so good days (yes those days come
strongly believe and have faith in your
decision despite what Tom, Dick or
see why I only do this process twice a
making something a routine is to doing
it on a consistent basis.
have a wonderful and successful Natustyle tutorials visit iheartmyhair.com
BOSS MAGAZINE BEAUTY
the growth. If you’d told me four years
ago that my hair will be touching my
bra in the back, I probably would have
So in December 2008 I said enough is
enough. I grew tired of battling with
my hair and attempting to conform it
antly was not meant to be. I made a
pledge to begin to love myself more by
so to prevent breakage I increase my
vitamin intake (corrective method ap-
See a consultant & stylist that
understand your hair vision
hair routine, do what’s best for you and
what will best compliment your life
these signs and implement corrective
and brittle when I go through stressful
4
39
Volunteer with
Ditch the heavy makeup and opt for a
dewy glowing complexion, supple moisturized lips with just the right hint of
shine and pump up the volume with a
pair of sultry lashes.
Laura Mercier, Tinted
Moisturizer SPF 20. HOLDMOND, Revive
Shea and Grapeseed Oil Lip Balm (www.
danielleholdmond.com). Ardelle Lashes,
Double Up #206
M a g a z i n e
Let your eyes and nails pop with
hues that will make you swoon!
Who says mustard is best on hot
dogs ? Everyone knows it ‘s best on
your eyes with a black liner to top it
green with envy in this awesome
shade great for the holidays.
Butter London, Nail
Lacquer in Jack the Lad. MAC, Eyeshadow in Chrome Yellow.
y
t
au
e
B
s
s
o
B Must Haves
by: DANIELLE HOLDMOND, BOSS BEAUTY EXPERT
grand entrance not to mention the weather is drab, wet and cold but
your makeup look doesn’t have to be. This season, add some heat
to resist!
Now dolls, the runways have been scorching with looks for all to en-
Gorgeous
Visions of sugar plum
and cranberry lips dancing in your head paired
with smoldering smoky
eyes with a twist.
NYX, Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil in
Black Bean. MAC, Lipstick
in Media.
Spring 2012
Boss Magazine is
currently looking for
hard working
individuals wanting to
gain hands on
experience with a
professional magazine.
FASHION DESIGNER
Gregory
Allen
HOW DOES MIKE
“PINBALL” CLEMENS
LIVE THE BOSS LIFESTYLE
LOCAL TORONTO
TALENTS feat.
Amaal Nuux,
HustleGRL, Lokz
& Andrea Nemes
+TOPMUST10 HAVE’
BEAUTY
S
BOSS MAGAZINE SPRING 2012
MANIFESTO
FOUNDER
Che Kothari
Have fun being gorgeous this winter and enjoying some of my favourites. Hugs and Lots of Lipgloss. For more looks check out my webwww.danielleholdmond.com
www.bossmag.biz
STYLISH. CONFIDENT.
INDIVIDUAL.
THIS ISSUE’S BOSS MAN
urally-shaped brow to frame your gorgeous face, then let the magic
begin.
1
We are currently
looking for:
• Photographers
• Writers
• Make-up/Hair Stylist
• Graphic Designers
• Sales & Marketing
• Public Relations
...& MORE
If you believe that
you have what it takes
to be a Boss email us
([email protected])
with your resume and
letter of intent.
www.bossmag.biz
Fabulous
Make a statement with glorious
shades of pinks and rich shades of
amber. Your cheek bones will love you
for it!
NARS, Blush in Exhibit
A. Maybelline, Dream Bouncy Blush
in Fresh Pink.
42
FUR FINISHED
ELEGANCE SHINES WITHOUT WORDS. WHETHER IT IS
IN THE INTENSITY OF YOUR EYE OR THE SOFTNESS OF
YOUR LIP. SHINE BRIGHT BY BRING OUT THE LUXURIOUS
PERSONA IN YOU.
Photographs by: CJ Cromwell
Styled by: Awena Abala & Jayshawn JoneS
44
!("+a"&"$a+
Envoy Photography is a new rising photography company which believes in a complete
collaboration of photographers, creative producers, models, make up artists, and stylists to
create the best images possible. Its hardly possible to get that perfect picture one gladly seek
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One of the main vision of Envoy Photography is providing the best images that compliment our clients very needs by bringing to light what the ordinary eyes can’t so easily see.
At Envoy Photography our work is like poetry in its finest, like a sonnet carefully orchestrated to wow our clients in a way they never imagine.Above all we look forward to giving back
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OUR SERVICES
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A+E
ARTS +
ENTERTAINMENT
BY: LEANDRA LEGENDRE
Toronto’s Hidden
Gem
Andreena
Andreena Mill is one of Toronto’s gems, hidden in plain sight. She started piano
lessons at 4 and was writing by age 11. She then became one third of a group called
Mill
a Juno Award in 2003. In 2004 Andreena became a solo artist and in 2009 she
followed by her debut album “All Eyes On Me” in 2011. She’s talented, beautiful,
So what’s going on with you right now, what are you
working on?
Writing and producing in the studio. I recently did 2 tracks
currently working on the new album called “Naked”.
Can you tell us a little bit about the album? And when will
it drop?
There’s a YouTube video of you playing the piano and
One of the comments left on the video was “I don’t get
it, Andreena is hot, can sing, write, play instruments,
excellent song construction, wicked style/fashion sense is going on with her business side but some one either
t’s really about being honest and open with emotions, love
struggle of getting the right exposure?
What about production for the album? Did you produce
anything for this album?
Its more experimental then the 2 previous records, sampling
songs by Coldplay, Bjork and The Temptations. I’ve been
doing a lot of production myself again as well I’ve teamed
up with my co-producer Snaz, and Toronto natives Slackah
The Beatchild, Bassline & BurdxKeys.
“I BELIEVE ANYTHING GREAT
TAKES TIME AND IS WORTH
THE WAIT.”
You signed a deal with Universal Publishing in 2010, are
you still with them?
Yup!
48
of all this year I’ve constructed a new team to help propel
what’s happening on my side of things, so 2013 will be a
Do you feel like it’s harder for a woman in this industry?
Women are usually judged on sex appeal before anything
else, but if you use media stereotypes as an excuse to try
Some females may feel that because they don’t use their
bodies they aren’t given a fair shot (in some cases this is
true) but that shouldn’t un-motivate you, it should propel
you to try harder, make better music, be more creative;
What are some qualities that you think woman need to
posses in order to survive this industry?
Drive, courage and self-respect.
Were there any women or men in the game that you
looked up to coming up?
that a producer has already written to see if you work well
together. It may lead to actually writing together. Also,
producers will hear your voice and want to check out your
writing style. Every opportunity brings you one step closer
Michael Jackson obviously he’s amazing, and Bob Marley
because his music is truly inspiring.
What’s your writing process like? Do you need quiet? Do
you have to write to a beat?
I listen to everything but really feeling rappers Kendrick
Lamar & Meek Mill. I actually did a little vocal sample on
Sometime I’ll freestyle as I play the beat back, or I’ll write
random things down on a note pad and craft them once I
album. Also feeling Lana Del Rey, Cocaine 80’s, Kanye’s shit
Who or what are you listening to right now?
BOSS MAGAZINE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Some people may not know that you’re a song writer. Can
you give some advice to aspiring songwriters as to how you
get established artists to work with you on those terms?
I believe anything great takes time and is worth the wait,
so I’m grinding to get to where I want to be but I want to
be 100%. There are things I’ve done in the past that I look
back now and I know I’m way better (laughs). I’m a lot more
49
“They may have accomplished a lot, but
From Rags to
what they loved,” says Kidd. “I chose to
do what I love.”
Rich
Kidd
Choclair were among those who set
the framework for him. His more
mainstream inspirations included
folks like Jay-Z, Nas, Cam’ron, and Big
Punisher. However like any true artist,
Kidd might specialize in a particular
style but never tries to limit
himself to just one.
cultures, he remembers how people
tried to act hard and gangster even
within the suburbs.
“You had your little pockets of ghetto
and suburbs,” he says.
In his single “Back in the Day,” he
mentions how his academic career
to pursue music instead. Having to
care for his mother, he had no desire
to make things worse for her with the
education or student loans. He was
also wary of the prospect of higher
learning after seeing older folks from
his neighbourhood go to college
or university only to end up being
“Whether I’m using the
software or not, it’s all
about knowing the type
of melody.” He explains he
doesn’t like to keep a melody
static.
“I like to switch it up on a lot of bars,
switch up the melody so it keeps you
bumping; it keeps you guessing what’s
coming next.”
One of the intricacies Rich Kidd is
keen about is the bass, which he says
is always banging on the beat whether
it’s a guitar or bass line, hard drums, or
sharp high hats. His goal is to end up
with a precision sound so sharp that it
pierces your soul.
“The overall sound I try to make it
soulful, be it a down south kind of edge
or east coast or whatever. I try to put
my soul into it. It may not be as crazy
as an Alchemist beat or as soft as a
Kanye beat, but it has to have that soul
I identify with.”
Despite all these elements, Kidd says
he didn’t really face many challenges
On discussing the state of today’s
music industry, Kidd is well aware of
how some rappers may talk about strip
this to what’s commercially appealing
to music’s targeted audience. “[The
industry] tries to sell the music to kids
through any means; sex, drugs, alcohol,
whatever kinds of vice that’s out
there,” he explains. He believes that
for real music to shine, people must
search for it.
“There always has to be harsh
realities in music and real shit,
but at the same time [artists]
should keep it positive in
some type of way.”
This is especially crucial
following a summer that’s
been plagued with violence
in cities like Toronto.
“I’ve kind of been on a journey
through my life,” continues
Kidd, “and seen how it is to
be a youngin’ growing up in a
certain situation.”
older has allowed him to
act instead of just holding a
mirror up to them.
With the release of The Closers, the duo
has been touring across the country
bringing their fresh lyrics and explosive
beats along for the ride. Among the
cities they’ve visited are Vancouver,
Edmonton, Calgary, Ottawa, St.
Catherines, and they’ll be hitting up
Toronto December 1st at the Rivoli.
With his work obviously cut out for
him, Kidd says the thing about touring
that troubles him the most is being
touring to be a humbling experience
at times, but that’s what he likes most
about it.
or ten people there,” he says. “Things
like that open your eyes and lets you
know you have a lot more work to
do and keep grinding. You’re not as
famous as you think.”
“So it’s about promoting
some type of sensibility in the
music where there’s accountability for
people listening to it,” he says. “That’s
what I’m most concerned about.”
Right now Rich Kidd continues to
work with other artists and rappers
but remains focused on furthering his
own career and perfecting his game.
He’s got a Play Station 3 and Nintendo
Wii collecting dust, meaning there’s
no time for play. Although he has no
wish list of who he’ll be collaborating
with next, he’s aware that anything’s
possible and big things could lie ahead.
Who knows, he even plays with the
idea of moving on to college, despite
his previous reluctance, to pick up
some additional skills and broaden his
already wide grasp on production.
“I’m just trying to elevate myself and
whoever wants to be there for the
ride.”
50
The Toronto native spent some of
his childhood in Scarborough before
moving to Mississauga around the
that I could play around with.”
As a producer, beat making
is one of the talents he tries
to keep polished. In the lab
there are numerous things
he pays close attention to
when making a great track.
BY: ANDREW WILLIAMS
does best, saying, “What I try to do let
my energy shine, let my lyricism shine
so at least a couple people would be
congratulating me on what I do when
“Working with [SonReal] was pretty
natural and organic,” says Kidd. “We
never really bucked heads but just
shared ideas. He has a penchant for
“I’m
not
discriminatory
against other genres of
music,” he says. “Sometimes
I might listen to pop music
or take it back and listen
to some blues, soul, R&B.
I don’t listen to too much
country but I won’t hate on
no Taylor Swift.”
“it may not be as crazy as an alchemist beat or as
soft as a kanye beat, but it has to have that soul i
identify with.”
Toronto has practically been an
incubator for musicians from all sorts
of genres. One such artist born from
hip hop is the city’s own Rich Kidd. He
describes a Hamilton show he did the
previous evening where although the
show went well, it was perhaps one
of his worst on stage experiences; his
ankle was sprained. He says it was like
performing on one foot. Regardless,
the audience readily responded to his
energy and yelled when he told them
to yell. He explains he overcomes trials
like these by simply doing what he
while working on We on some Rich Kidd
Shiiiiiit Vol. 6 released last summer. In
addition, he describes there being great
synergy between him and Vancouverbased rapper SonReal while crafting
their collaborative EP The Closers.
51
by: nadine hope
iLuvLola
well respected
Who are you?
My name is Lola Plaku. I’m 28 and I’m from
Who are some names you are known for
working with in the industry?
Well, I previously worked as the Online
Marketing & Promotions director at CP Records,
so all of CP’s artists (Belly, Danny Fernandes,
Tyler Medeiros, Mia Martina, Massari, JRDN).
In the last year I’ve also worked on shows with
Big Sean, French Montana, Asap Rocky, Trinidad
James, Chief Keef and more! I now work mainly
with French Montana doing bookings for him,
but have a few other clients I’ll be excited to
announce soon!
What exactly do you do?
Well a few things but mainly promotions,
marketing, event co-ordination and things of
ILuvLola initially started as a simple blog. In 2009 I was
traveling a lot, meeting a lot of artists, writing for several
blogs/magazines and had a lot of new music being sent
management and their team. It was my place to put everyone
on. Eventually the blog grew and I formed a team of people
those people still work with me to this day. Karla “Hustlegrl”
of 2009. Shortly after, I turned iLuvlola into a company,
working with artists doing consulting, promotions, and now
iLuvLola is not just a blog site, but a full marketing company
that delivers promotional campaigns and live shows. We
Why do you do what you do?
That’s a great question. A lot of people get started in this
industry and they eventually forget why they do what they
do. They say it’s because they love “it”, but no one really says
what “it” is. I’ve changed my direction several times. I started
I’m doing concerts, promotions, online plans, so I guess my
Where can you be found working?
How would you describe the industry?
I’d say mainly Toronto for now…but hopefully soon in other
,
Vicious, unpredictable, and fast paced. No one waits for you
and no one gives hand outs. There are very few friends, and
many acquaintances, and you never know who’s who until
When did you make your break into the industry and how
did you do it?
I can’t really point out the exact moment when my break
was. I don’t think I ever had one. I’m still not where I want
moments of my life and my career, so my “break” would
facebook.com/iluvlola follow her on twitter
and instagram @iluvlola and @iluvlolaonline
for the blog to keep a close look at new releases, upcoming events and so much more!
I was born and raised in Albania, a small country in Europe.
(Rita Ora is Albanian). I moved to Canada in 1998 when I
was 13. I learned English here, and I still live here though
I’m constantly traveling. I consider Toronto my home, but
outside for like 2 hrs to meet him at Stussy, and same as
the fans at the show. When we did his second concert 2000
people came out to see him. I cry when I watch those videos
because it’s such an amazing feeling to know that I was able
to change someone’s life – an artist’s popularity or making
a fan’s dreams come true by meeting their favourite artist.
I want to be able to look back every single year and say “we
Where are you from? Originally? Permanently?
A woman with a passion for the hustle that the entertainment
“I want to be able to look
back every single year and say
‘we (my team and I) did that’
that’s what keeps me going.”
53
Capturing a Thousand Words in a Photo
“Photography freezes life
in that very instance and
gives you the opportunity
that moment. It allows
your
imagination
to
54
Taha Muharama is an eclectic freelance
photographer. Taha got his inspiration
taking photos of Toronto using only
his iPhone. He would shoot mostly
buildings and sunsets and began to
enjoy it as a hobby. Taha mentions “I
wasn’t necessarily thinking I wanna be
a freelance photographer, but more-so
wow this is a lot of fun!”
Muharama launched his career as he
had a few actor friends that needed
them for free and learned through trial
and error. Their love for the results
pursuing to shoot others. Taha gets
Patrick Colpron, a Toronto based
photographer that helped me build
a solid foundation of photography
basics.
In your opinion,
photography an art?
What do you do to gain/enhance your
knowledge in photography?
what
makes
Photography freezes life in that very
instance and gives you the opportunity
to examine the beauty of that moment.
photography. I experiment with new
vital to stay on top of current trends in
no rules or limitations. The perception
of the image is now yours and only
yours. This is the essence of art;
freedom through creative expression.
or mentors?
Witness, Vivian Maier, Albert Watson,
Jonathan Mannion, Ansel Adams.
That list is forever expanding. There
are just so many great photographers
out there. Mentor wise I would say
much as in the past because even a
“low end” cameras/mobile devices
produce really quality images. If you
don’t practice taking quality pictures as
much as possible on whatever device
you own, the most expensive camera in
the world won’t help you. With all that
said, if you have a budget and research
do a lot of online research. It really
doesn’t matter who took the photo to
me, if it sparks emotion, feeling, then I
will study it.
Does the price of a camera matter in
picture?
On my site I have a mixture of iPhone
and DSLR photos, I love using both
mediums. As for price playing a factor
these days, that doesn’t matter as
sharpness in your images… but you
still have to take a great photo.
Do you have a signature style in your
photographs?
I would describe my style as the endless
search for the soul in an image. Whether
I’m shooting street photography and
my subjects are everyday people or
I’m shooting a dungy city side street,
I want to inject soul into that photo.
How? By observing my surroundings
over and over again and always being
ready for a potential moment to arise.
My photo editing also plays a big part
in striving for soul in my images. I like
to use warm yet vibrant colours that
are a little gritty and dark. I feel life is
tough and beautiful at the same time,
so I’m conscious of that when shooting
and editing.
What elements make a
memorable in your opinion?
picture
A memorable image tells a great story
almost instantly. And that story can
be told many ways since each person
out tend to have a focus, a primary
element that keeps your eyes glued
to it. It could be a personal memory,
a landmark, the sun setting, a crazy
angle. The bottom line is a great story
is told and the viewer loves reading it
over and over again.
What are your future career goals?
Well, I‘m excited about a new
photography course I created for kids
entitled “Mobile Photography 101
for Kids”. I want the youth of today
to know that it is very important to
express themselves creatively, and
what better way to document their
lives and communities than through
photos. I have plans of bringing this
course to community centres around
Toronto and build from there. I would
also love to travel more in the new
year, document the world through
my lens, compile a photo book, shoot
gallery in the spring time. I want to put
photography.
Get in touch with Taha Muharama
through the various social media
networks below:
Website: tahaphoto.com
tumblr: tahaphoto.tumblr.com
Instagram: @tahaphoto
Twitter: @tahaphoto
Taha Muharuma
limitations.”
his motivation from “the shot I haven’t
taken yet. The shot I’m in search of. I
constantly want to improve, that is also
motivating to me.”
55
The ManifestoChapter Six
by: christopher trotman
After the keynote address, the impossible to make decisions
would begin. Panel discussions and Master Classes would
run alongside each other, leaving participants to choose—
out was highly impractical. From musi, and cinematography
to business and a history ofpHip Hop in Toronto, each of the
classes brought insightful speakers to the tabl, and fresh
ideas to the surface. Manifesto could have easily charged
for these classes and still had good attendance, but having
them free and open to the public kept the event highly
inclusive.
The square was alive
with activity promised to
showcase much of the talent
that Toronto had to offer.
The 6th annual manifesto
festival: short but sweet
It’s been six years since the inception of Canada’s largest
Urban Arts and Cultural festival. Six years of creativity,
inclusiveness, diversity, and fun! in this the 6th year of
the Manifesto festival of Community Culture, Manifesto
Community projects sought to continue their legacy. and
what they delivered to Toronto was a cultural playground
that spanned only 3 days, but with an impression that will
stretch much farther.
The festival began in the newly constructed Regent Parks
succeeds in bringing communities from all over the city
56
It would have been impossible to experience all there was
dood snaked around the building, as people awaited their
opportunity to take in the live art exhibits, and watch some
of the most talented b-boys and b-girls in the city. Some of
the highlights from the night included a beautiful display
the schedule of events, there were some tough decisions
Jimmy Chiale, just to name a few, The talented Jason Pala
spun the music, and food was catered by Big Norm and the
dynamic that I strongly believe could only be achieved
through a festival like Manifesto. The keynote address was
entitled ‘Art is Power,, a theme that was woven through all
three days of Manifesto and discussed thoroughly by the
spoken word artist Mustafa Ahmed also came through to
perform a spoken word piece. Anybody wishing to satiate
their artistic appetites that night was surely contend. And
that was only day one of the festivities.
in recent memory, the ‘Live at the Square’ headliner would
be participating as a keynote speaker. Alongside Fresh Arts
each perspective was equally inspiring.
best known for and what many people wait all year to
attend; Manifesto’s Live at the Square, an all-daypHip Hop
Concert, Dance Battle, Art Showcase, Culinary Playground,
Learning Hub, and community gathering all rolled into
one. The day has something for everyone, and kicking
as early as possible to absorb this free to attend, cultural
smorgasbord. I did not.
Instead, I started my ‘Live at the Square’ experience
further north at Yonge and Bloor, where youth art
organizations from across the city would gather for
an important and timely initiative given the cuts to art
programs across the country and the anniversary of the
Fresh Arts Program. Youth Art Organizations gathered
to march down Yonge Street in recognition of the role
that youth art programs play in making Toronto the
diverse city that it is., the Walk for Youth Arts was a
momentous event and the first of i’s kind in the city of
Toronto. Hopefully this movement will continue.
The walk would eventually make it’s way to Yonge and Dundas
Square, and that is when the party would really begin. The
square was alive with activity promised to showcase much
was hard to believe that so much was going on all at once.
Luckily time was on my side, and I would be able to take in
the bulk of the activity. Delicious food lined one side of the
square, while workshops and clothing vendors bordered
the other side. The center was reserved for dance battles,
a display of capoeira, and of course the ‘Live at the Square’
main-stage, where Hip Hop legends and fresh talent would
share the stage.
The highlight of the day would certainly be the unique
combination of Pharoahe Monch with Canada’s own
BadBadNotGood. Along with acts like Tre Mission,
The Ladies First Cypher, Raz Fresco, The Closers,
PhoenixPagliacci and a surprise appearance by the Airplane
Boys, Manifesto delivered for another y The Manifesto
Festival has become an event in Toronto, like TIFF or
Luminato, that people have come to anticipate will be one
of the premier events of the summer. expectations have
become high, but Manifesto has always met the challenge.,
and if this year is any indication, Manifesto will continue to
deliver a diverse and creative show that will bring the city
together and leave everyone wanting more.
their opening night Art Show and 2nd Annual Floor Awards.
The event brought together art, dance, fashion, and food in
a way thae only Manifesto knows how.
There are many people in the city that when asked would
quickly peg Manifesto as just a Hip Hop festival with
some dance and art thrown into the mix. This is greatly
understating the cause. Manifesto is a cultural festival that
seeks to teach and connect communities as it showcases a
range of artistic talents. The second day of the Manifesto
Festival paid homage to the 20th Anniversary of Toronto’s
Fresh Arts program with their Fresh Arts 20 x Manifesto
Summit held in the Ryerson University Engineering Building.
The Fresh Arts program arose out of a need in the city—
following the Yonge street riots and in recognition of the
fact that youth arts is important for building a safe and
vibrant city. Manifesto now plays an important role in the
city, making high quality educational programming available
free of cost to the city at large.
Many of the attendees would never have otherwise had
the chance to speak so closely with artists like Jully Black,
Shad, Director X, Maestro Fresh Wes, Solitaire, Rich Kidd,
and Director X. but bringing communities together is what
Manifesto is all about, and they certainly accomplished that
on the second day.
57
by: kern carter
Dr. Monica Miller
Religion and Hip Hop
You may ask where this Lewis &
Clarke professor gets the bravado
to tackle such an issue. It may start
with her PHD in Theology, Ethics,
and Human Science, or it may
simply be her curiosity in human
behaviour, an interest she acquired
after completing her undergraduate
degree at Fordham University. Either
way, Dr. Miller makes clear that the
motivation behind Religion and Hip
Hop is to, “to get away from thinking
that religion is sacred and Hip Hop
is secular,” an assumption that is all
too prevalent throughout North
American society.
To escape from these engrained
associations, Dr. Miller believes we
way of talking about the world.” From
move away from associating religion
strictly by its institutions, which in
turn opens up the dialogue for Dr.
Miller to, “prove the moral weight of
Hip Hop.”
a domain of meaning through Hip
Hop.”
Monica feels like the problem in
locating this meaning is in the
mistaken approach that scholars
Hip Hop.
“[they] use religion to sanitize Hip
Hop. This leads to the question what
is religious about Hip Hop?” Dr. Miller
believes the real question should be
“what do the uses of religious rhetoric
in Hip Hop culture accomplish for
competing social and cultural interests
among particular communities and
cultural economies?”
The broader question asked by
Dr. Miller forces us to refocus the
conversation from what is religious
about a rap song to how Hip Hop as
communities.
lot more interesting things
going on in Hip Hop culture.
We have to consider books
written by rappers that
look like bibles. We have to
consider documentaries like
“Rise” by David LaChapelle.”
But even Monica admits
that the notion of society,
and
particularly
young
people, using Hip Hop as a
source for their religiosity
or spirituality seems to
be causing major anxiety
and concern throughout
established institutions.
“Times are changing. The
domains where ideas are
practiced, expressed, and
“arts, music and culture are not only
places where young people create,
but where they find their religiosity
and spirituality.”
understood are changing and we’re
not up to speed with these domains.
Arts, music and culture are not only
places where young people create,
and spirituality. This idea causes a lot
of anxiety among scholars.”
Times have certainly changed, and
the popularity of Hip Hop has grown
incredibly over the past two decades.
Monica acknowledges that if she had
written this book years and years ago,
it would have been called Religion
and the Blues or Religion and Rock.
But today’s reality is that Hip Hop
culture seems to most accurately
depict popular culture.
And Dr.
Miller’s sentiment that the anxiety
and fear that Martin and Malcolm
have potentially been replaced by Jay
Z and Kanye West is only present if
we continue to believe that religious
institutions are the only source for
moral guidance and that Hip Hop
culture has no moral culture.
“Young people today don’t want to be
connected to institutions. Institutions
are often not accepting of certain
things, be it homophobia or youth
culture as a whole…as scholars of
religion we need to be better critics
of religion and not caretakers.”
consideration these two
worlds seem at complete
odds. Both are viewed as
institutions on their own;
one sacred the other secular,
one seemingly the source
for moral evaluation, the
other the source for moral
dissention. In steps Monica
Miller,
as
comfortable
with her title of Doctor
as she is with her tattoos
and piercings, and she has
taken these considerations
and organized them into
one provocative text titled
“Every time something goes wrong
in America, especially with young
people, we turn to the cultural
production.
And the cultural
production we turn to is Hip Hop.
We claim ‘rap music makes people do
“If we get away from trying
to prove the religious merit
59
issues, including the systematic
oppression we face from government,
police and teachers in communities,
schools and institutions. We also
shed light on how abusive situations,
The Voice
of “We”
Our Nomanzland Story
by: sashoya simpson & the real sun
The birth of Nomanzland, a collective community
theatre started six years ago in a small room with
loud, rambunctious, complex, creative people, and a deep
flow of ideas.
In 2006, we started under the name
CAST, a program for youth from local
high schools in the Jane-Finch area,
which included schools like Westview
Centenial Secodary School, Emery
Collegiate Institute. We were brought
together by Greg Thomas, who at that
was happening in the community, we
became the space in between war—
we became Nomanzland.
For a long time we had a hard time
Plaza to 15 Tobermory. At the WestSide Arts Hub, inside Yorkwoods Public
Library, we are now in a space that is
our own.
There were days on our journey that we
remember when we only had donuts
and water and our love of theatre to
keep us going, but we always kept
going because we were on a mission.
We were on a mission to be a voice
for the community and to speak out
us, such as poverty, oppression, racism,
We had a mission to stand up for
oppressed communities, including
Jane-Finch; our base and our home.
Since the inception of Nomanzland
we have grown, and now some of our
members are from other communities
across the city-from Jane-Finch to
Rexdale, from downtown and beyond.
We have grown in our capacities, skills
and talents. We have performed and
delivered
workshops
throughout
Toronto and the GTA, in schools,
community
centers,
universities,
theatre companies and various venues.
Our performances target social justice
We have worked with other groups to
address issues such as refugee rights,
gender-based violence and elder abuse.
In every case, our strongest point as
a group is telling real life stories by
neglected voices in our community
that relate to people on a personal
level and which challenge stereotypes
in mainstream media. We use various
art forms like spoken word, poetry,
acting, rapping, singing, dancing and
drumming.
Some might wonder What else
happens in Nomanzland outside of
performing? Well, to be honest, we
talk a lot of shit, get at each other,
argue, make-up, eat, plot our plans for
taking over the world. But at the end of
the day, it’s all love; we’re family. The
space we’ve created provides us with a
Nomanzland as “therapy.” Whether
we’ve had a bad day or an exciting day,
whether we’re hurting or joyful, we
share our stories and receive love and
comfort when needed.
But complexities are common. Each
one of us is finding our way through
life with many guaranteed ups and
downs. No one said it would be easy.
Nomanzland is a channel. It’s a place
where we translate our thoughts
and matters of the heart into truth
and into art.
In early June of this year we embarked
main stage production called Known
to Police, which was brought to life
in partnership with Young People’s
Theatre. In Known to Police, we
addressed issues of economic injustice,
gun violence, community resilience
and police brutality. The play weaves
the storyline of a vibrant community
building a revolution, as well as
mourning the loss of one of their
young men who was known to and
killed by the police. This was all placed
within the context of current situations
right here at home in the hood along
with the socio-political conditions that
have led to political unrest and change
around the world.
Using images from the 2011 Egyptian
Revolution, we connected the
realities of Jane-Finch to that of Tahrir
Square. The stories told gave voice to
the experiences of mothers, sisters,
brothers, elders, youth, revolutionaries
and people in the struggle. The script
neighbours, friends, loved-ones, and
strangers who became comrades. The
issues displayed throughout the play
stirred the hearts of our audience.
Tears were shed, eyes were opened,
and memories awakened. Michelle
Green of Urbanology Magazine stated,
“There were times where I sat at the
edge of my seat, moments where I
laughed, and others where I had to
take a deep breath and refrain from
walking out of the theatre because
shit got real.”
point in the lives of many Nomanzland’s
members and a huge transition point
for the group. After this experience,
our aim is to focus more on social
change and building our community
and our team. For others it is to pursue
our members quoted, “Nomanzland
has made me spiritually connect with
my soul and others too.” We’re here to
make a change in our own lives and to
reach out to others. Nomanzland isn’t
just a group, we are the many faces of
our community who are not afraid to
speak out for justice, revolution and
change. Even with our complexities,
trauma, drama and dysfunctions, we
will continue to grow, love, dream, stay
true to our roots and build our family.
And we will continue to represent the
community by telling our stories of
truth, struggle and resistance.
Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7
p.m. at the West-Side Arts
Hub talking shit, keeping it
real and creating art. We are
Eddystone. This program ended, but
the energy continued on. And in the
us, some treated us like criminals. In all
cases, we found ourselves constantly
having to move around from place to
friends and families.
61
Boss
Toronto Loves Kicks
Was There
tle at “United We Sole Sneaker and Streetwear Expo” that included music by DJ Tabs and DJ Channel Nine, and a performance by Jelly Too Fly.
Boss was there to capture some of the most innovative sneaker designs.
106 & York
tival celebrated it’s 5th year anniversary by bringing together
some of the city’s top artists in
music, dance and spoken word to
perform at York Woods Theatre.
Headliners for this year’s event
included JD Era, Juno-nominated
-
The Cause
youth know about volunteer opportunities.
Lola Bunz, Shi Wisdom, and
Sweetie Pies dance crew.
Flow 93.5 Summer Jam
This year’s Flow 93.5 Summer Jam featured some of Toronto’s favorite artists including Airplane Boys, Kardinal
ented and beautiful covergirl Melanie Fiona. Boss Magazine caught up with her there.
63
expression as a painter, incorporating a range of media,
from brush and palette knife to aerosol and marker.
As a street artist, JAH has been painting murals since 2000.
javid
art, vandalism and revitalization. Co-founder of Under
the Radar, Javid is committed to youth engagement,
mentoring emerging artists in the process of developing
sustainable art and design projects.
Currently, Javid’s collection of paintings is available for
viewing at Loft 404 – The Ambrosia Hub, Downtown
Toronto. The exhibition, titled ‘Alaama (SHE KNOWS),
explores the artist’s vision of feminine divinity.
For more information about the work, feel free to visit
185 Augusta (185augusta.com) – a studio-gallery-home
in Kensington Market where Javid and fellow resident
collective of artist-designers engaged in a range of
creative processes including architecture, industrial
design, painting, photography and videography.
/jah-vid/ (JAH)
64
65
By: nikita
My Attitude
Don’t like my attitude?
Do you think I am uneducated, ghetto and
rude?
Do you think I am conceited?
Do you assume I’m broken?
And that my soul has been defeated?
my attitude?
am!
Against people like you!
You don’t know where I’ve come from,
Or that I am a single mother with a son,
Still you have way too much to say!
You don’t know why I have cried my tears,
Or why I hold on to my fears,
Where you there when my dreams were
crushed?
NO!
Your opinions they come like a rush,
Overwhelming,
66
You must stop!
For people just like you
Opinionated
And rude!
Lifestyle
One hundred and eleven points in a high school basketball
game. A 2004 NCAA champion. Drafted to the NBA by
the SuperSonics. Played overseas. We all know about his
accolades, but what about the real Denham Brown? His
childhood andpupbringing; the things he had to endure
behind the scenes. “Not everything is what it seems,”
Denham says. “I am not what everyone perceives. My public
happy. Even if it’s not basketball, then as long as I’m doing
something positive.”
neighbourhood working and speaking with youth.
Denham Brown grew up in the Jane and Finch area. “Housing
in Jane and Finch was not the best,” he recalls. “I didn’t live
luxuriously.” He was exposed to the “hustling” lifestyle that
most children experience growing up in the neighbourhood,
but luckily for Denham, he had basketball to occupy his time.
“you won’t be able to achieve
unless you believe.”
He attended Bathurst Heights for four years and after it
closed down, he transferred to West Hill Collegiate for his
points in a single game, but what stands out to him the
house. “These guys come in here and they’re like, ‘Oh, we
just want to play basketball,’ but it’s not that simple.”
Denham went on to play basketball in college at the University
of Connecticut. His team won the national championship in
2004 when he was a sophomore, and he declares that as
being his greatest accomplishment. Though there was all
this grandeu, when he was on the court, at home his living
arrangements were far less glorious. He referred to his room
as a jail because it was “small and boring. All I had in there
was a television. Most times I would just stare at the walls.”
The Seattle SuperSonics drafted Brown in 2006, and after
a few games, he went on to play in the NBA’s development
league. At the tim, he didn’t realize it, but Denham now says,
“Once you’re drafted, your time is not yours anymore. The
NBA is a business; you’re working for someone else, and no
one around me understands that it’s a business.”
by: justina opoku-ware
with Denham Brown
and his advice to young people pursuing their dreams is to
believe. “You won’t be able to achieve unless you believe,”
he states. His favourite quote is “Do for self;” though he is
will?” he questions.
And as for the future? Brown tried out for the Raptors this
past summer, and he said coach Dwane Casey asked him the
same thing. “Basketball is the direction I want to continue in,
and where it takes me, whether coaching or training, I’ll be
Off the Court
Denham went to play overseas for a few years, and now
he’s back home here in Toronto. He currently runs clinics
69
In My Place
by: linda frempong
This year through Schools Without
Borders (SWB), our magazine and several
community groups were invited to meet
with Safe Spaces Kenya. Safe Spaces
(Kenya) is an organization working
towards helping young girls and women
in Kenya (between the ages of 7-25) gain
access to education and prevention so
that they can build a stronger present
and future. The work facilitated
through Safe Space aims to strengthen
women through learning new skills and
promoting community engagement.
After our initial ice breaker, we sat
together and talked about the impact
of how our identities are shaped based
on stereotypes. Without missing a beat
words quickly leaped out, and our large
blank pages became marked with words
that could easily kill the self-esteem of
viewed ourselves and our community.
It was clear that although what is often
said about us discounts our abilities and
Are you comfortable? Really look around you, are you
in your safe space? Sometimes the safest places are not
always enclosed by four walls and a ceiling, but it is a space
nonetheless. Now consider who you would invite
into this space, how can you trust that this person
will respect it the same way you would? What you
may consider to be your sanctuary can also be
seen as a hazard. Most of us have grown up in this
70
It was clear that although
what is often said about us
discounts our abilities and
potential, we knew and saw
differently.
At risk or priority neighbourhoods are key words
meant to describe our community. This label has
also become interchangeable with ‘unsafe.’ Even
the term unsafe, in itself, seems more focused less
about the people who in live in our community and
more about the ‘threat’ our community imposes
outside of our wards and boundaries. The idea of
safety becomes a focus on ‘societal protection,’ but what
about the individual and inner parts of ourselves that need
protection. There are a lot of invisible wounds that our
community members walk with, and because we sometimes
cannot see the symptoms of our wounds, many of us will
In some shape or form, another community can relate
to our experiences; they understand, more or less,
how an identity shaped by structures built on racism
and varying social and economic levels of power can
limit a people.
There are many parts of our community
that weave into each other and others that
are unique unto its own. It is a disservice for
that should be buwilt on self-awareness,
community networking and care.
For more information on safe spaces
www.safespaces.me/nairobi.
BOSS MAGAZINE COMMUNITY
that pick and prod at us; and when they are done,
we are diagnosed “at risk.”
more outward than inward.
One of many questions about being
a youth led magazine is how we can
yield our power and influence to shape
the way our individual stories are told.
Whenever there are moments of crisis,
there is never a lack of cameras and
reporters waiting for sound bites on
incidents that would continue long
after the cameras stopped rolling.
These 2 minute segments regurgitate
the same headlines that will say
everything and nothing at the same
time. Our community has become a part
of a storyline that seems non-existent
until someone is hurt or damaged;
but there is nothing imaginary about
the poverty, low wages, unaffordable
child care, our relationship with law
enforcement, cuts to social services,
misrepresentation in the media, and so
much more.
71
Get to Know Safe
Spaces
Jane-Finch Superhero
Maryan Hilowle
Founded in 2008 by Peninah Nthenya Musyimi, Safe Spaces is a project run for
and by adolescent girls and young women in the Eastland slums of Nairobi,
She’s Fearless.
She’s Brave.
She’s Strong.
Maryan Hilowle is a
Jane-Finch Superhero.
ing and helps facilitate discussion around the unique challenges they face as
they grow through adolescence into womanhood. Through basketball, yoga,
dance, theatre and a variety of training session, the program helps build leader-
Maryan Hilowle came to Canada 1993 as an immigrant
from Somalia. In 1994, she started high school. In
1999, she graduated Humber College with a business
management diploma.
conditions.
From 1993 to 2003, Maryan lived in Etobicoke where she
also volunteered at the Community Head Injury Centre
as an administrative assistance worker, and at Revenue
Canada as an income tax preparer as part of a community
volunteer program to help new comers and low-income
families with their income returns. Then in 2004, Maryan
moved to Firgrove Community in the Jane and Finch
neighbourhood. That same year, she joined Firgrove
Tenant Association where she still serves as a board
director and treasurer.
Peninah ‘Nish’ Nthenya Musyimi
“I am the coordinator of Schools Without Borders’ Safe Spaces Program – operating out of the Eastlands of Nairobi, Kenya. After growing up in the slums for
and graduate from university. I achieved this through hard work, self discipline,
from, what you are going through, your family or social situation does not stop
you from becoming the person you want to be in life – it does not stop you
from dreaming of what you want to achieve in this lifetime.”
“I come from Safe Spaces Organization in Nairobi Kenya. Since I joined Safe
Spaces, my life has gone through a tremendous change. I love Safe Spaces because it is helping me go through the change I want to see both in my life and
the community I come from. Through life skills & reproductive health, I have
dence I need to represent Safe Spaces in meetings that I have been sent to.”
Nancy Kasese Mutie
born. We live in Maili Saba slums. I heard about Safe Spaces program in my
community and I joined because I wanted to change my life and I saw many opportunities in the program. My dream is to become the best female automobile
mechanic in Kenya and share this skill with other girls in my community.”
In 2006, her unique community engagement approach
allowed her to run for the tenant representative election.
She won and became one of three elected tenant
representatives from 2006 to 2009. Before ending her
term, she announced that she wouldn’t be running for
the upcoming term, and so, started outreaching for
new candidates. In no time, she was able to engage four
people who showed interest for the election. Three out
of the four people that she engaged are Firgrove Tenant
representatives.
In 2007, Maryan shared her idea with Lorraine Anderson
of starting a back-to-school drive and scholarship
program in Firgrove . Both Maryan and Lorraine decided
to establish the Back to School Drive and Scholarship
Program for Firgrove community that expanded widely
into Jane and Finch.
From 2007 to 2012 Maryan raised more than $100.000 for
Firgrove Back to School Drive and Scholarship fund for youth
who are going to a trade school, college or university.
Maryan is not only a gift to the Jane and Finch neighbourhood,
she is a gift to the world.
Do you know a Jane-Finch Superhero that should be profiled in an upcoming issue of Boss
Magazine? Email us a picture along with why this person is a community superhero to:
. Selected superheros will be styled, photographed and featured in
upcoming Boss Magazine print and web issues.
Florence Mbithe Maweu
“l come from a family of four children, two boys and two girls and I’m the third
born. We live in the East land part of Nairobi known as Kariobangi slums. I joined
Safe Spaces in 2008. As a girl we face many challenges like discrimination and
exploitation because of poverty, but were joining hands together in Safe Spac-
It did not take her a long time to get to know almost
everyone in her neigbourhood. In 2005, she was appointed
as secretary of Firgrove Public School Parent Council where
she served as an elected chair later on. She was a key
speaker at a school conference where 400 parents from the
Jane and Finch area focused on engaging other parents to
participate in the school system. She has also been on the
advisory group for the Inner City Model School project.
73
Boss
By: Renee Raymond
technology wish list
It’s getting close to that wonderful time of year where we see our
families and break our necks, rushing to buy a gift for loved ones.
With endless gadgets to choose from this holiday season, we have
the top 3 tech ideas that will make your gift the one to have.
3) Tablet wars
for those who may want to add a secondary device to their smartphone that can still do it all
without being as bulky as a laptop. eReader is great for people who may be avid readers, or
tablets can be used for children to watch their favourite shows during a long car ride. Three
tablets to keep an eye on are the iPad Mini, Nexus 7, and the Windows Surface. The Mini, which
comes in black and white, has a 7.9” screen, a slimmer body than the iPad 3, and 1080p HD
resolution. The Nexus 7 is an android tablet which is LTE capable, has 1GB RAM, and is about
$130 cheaper than the iPad. Lastly, Windows makes their tablet debut with the Surface. This
called the Touch Pad which turns the tablet cover into a fully functioning wireless keyboard.
2) Samsung Galaxy Note 2 vs. iPhone 5
Boss Academics
david haile-meskale
David Haile-Meskale grew up in the vicinity of Jane and Finch, but
he didn’t let the negativity in the area deter him from his studies.
year on full scholarship as part of York University’s Kinesiology
and Health Science program. David will be applying to medical
schools in the summer, and is looking to become a family physician
in the future.
We caught up with David and asked him a few questions about the
neighbourhood he calls home.
What kind of obstacles did you encounter growing up in your
community?
Growing up in an environment where violence and crime were
prevalent, it was distracting and confusing.
In order to overcome the barriers of living in the Jane and Finch
area, I played basketball and focused on school.
Samsung has been a huge contender in the cell phone market and they are releasing their
What do you have to say about the stigma
surrounding your community in regards to race
and success?
Android 4.1 Jellybean software. Compared to the original Note, it will upgrade from a dual core
processor to quad core which will result in quicker responsiveness and an overall smoother
transition between applications. The S – Pen, which has become the Note’s distinguisher from
other phones in the market, has a more ergonomic feel and has moved the button a bit to
In my community, racism from teachers was rare.
I was lucky to have teachers that supported me
and gave me the tools I needed to succeed. The
multicultural teachers in this community are
perform various phone functions at the same time. For example, you can program the device to recognize that when you
area, which is great. The general stigma, however,
is that young black males don’t focus on school,
but rather put all their attention into sports. It’s
important to break away from these stereotypes
and make your own path based on your passions.
excellent alternative to the iPhone 5 and other phones on the market because Android technology also allows you to view
Who could possibly forget that the iPhone 5 was released this year? This latest and most anticipated Apple iPhone is the
last device Steve Jobs had his hand in designing. The phone is fully LTE capable and has a 4” LCD screen. It is also quite
lightweight, only weighing about 112g. In terms of function, picture quality has improved tremendously with a richer retina
display and an updated map. Last but not least, the phone has new and improved camera features, like their panoramic
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
10 years from now?
school. 10 years from now I see myself practicing
as a Family Doctor, helping those in need.”
74
1) Wii Like to Play
Nintendo follows up with its most successful console, the Nintendo Wii, with its handheld
you’re looking for a new device with fun games that are family friendly, than the U is for you.
My strongest piece of advice to youth growing up
in my community is to understand that there is
a huge world outside the area they live in. Focus
on your dreams and aspirations, regardless of
distractions. Isolate yourself from friends who
are holding you back, and educate yourself on
whatever interests you.
David is wearing NISE Clothing, available at
Ascend, 2350 Finch Ave. W., Unit ‘B’.
What advice would you give to youth growing
up in your community?
75
by: The Beloved movement
You’ve Been
BeLovEd
3..2..1..we just gave you a camera,
now go out into your community and
snap pictures of moments, people,
and spaces where you see healthy
with their bag, a father kissing his child
on the forehead, and a young couple
quietly holding hands. These everyday
moments exist within our community;
they are moments that can make us
smile and remember what is beautiful
in our diversity.
76
of our community where you see
healthy relationships. Although this
task may sound simple enough, what
is rooted in translating these types of
interactions is how youth understand
healthy relationships. We are often
sold by outside views of our community
that there is a divisiveness and lack of
On a day to day basis, youth will
move throughout social circles where
relationships
b e t w e e n
family, friends,
teachers
or
some form of
authority. Not
all of these
spaces will be
safe or healthy.
Our goal in BeLovEd is to use an arts
based approach to explore the parts
of our social relationships that may not
be easily written or said.
an open invitation to the community
to learn more about our movement.
We shaped the day as an exhibit but
also as a way to emphasize communal
gathering- from performances by the
youth theatre group Nomandzland,
to musical performances by recording
Our goal in BeLovEd is to use an arts based
approach to explore the parts of our
social relationships that may not be easily
written or said.
exhibit featuring some of the images
we asked our youth to capture. Our
artist Nyce Touch- we were celebrating
the great work done by our youth.
Another aspect of our day was
centred on information sharing. We
welcomed special guest speaker Jeff
Perera, Program Manager of the
white ribbon campaign. The White
ribbon team was invited to be a part
of our exhibit because of the great
work their organization was doing
to engage men, while providing
awareness about gender inequality
and gender based violence. Through
our work in our movement we also
advocate for a balanced approach.
We strongly believe that in order to
present a message geared toward
youth that it must be inclusive. We
therefore focus on how issues such
as gender based violence not only
affect young women, but also young
men.
Our movement has grown and
changed throughout our 4 years of
existence. We have been fortunate to
have learned from our various youth
groups and have stayed true to our
goal and maintained a message that
youth could identify and relate to.
What is now central to our movement
is creating public education projects
through Public Service Announcements
(PSA), sessions and annual forums. Vital
to the success of our public education
are the voices and input of youth in our
community; to engage with youth and
really get to the heart of the aspects
of their relationships is to listen to
their stories and present topics for
discussion.
Our photo exhibit is the anchor
for one of our several campaigns
we aim to launch this year, and the
‘’You’ve been BeLovEd’’ campaign
is as interactive as it gets. Through
this campaign we are encouraging
youth to use social media as a form of
public education. Looking forward to
our international women’s day forum
in March, we will also have various
PSA’s produced by youth to be shared
throughout our community.
For information on BeLovEd Movement
facebook.com/BeLovEdMvmnt
or
wordpress.com/.
The White ribbon campaign can be
found online www.whiteribbon.ca
To capture these interactions, we
equipped local youth with cameras
positivity. Our hope was that our youth
participants could and would counteract
this negative language and imagery.
77
the social in
by; randee r. solomon
Enterprise
By Sam Tecle
among Young residents in the Jane and Finch area – rarely an area associated with
economic prosperity – there is a wealth of young people who are creating their own
bailout balancing risk through social entrepreneurship.
You cannot watch television or listen to the radio
without hearing budget, austerity, cutting taxes and
dismal global financial situation. With the alarmist
atmosphere being produced out of the post-economic
crisis, you would think this would stifle small business
creation since these businesses involve high risk, and
by just coming out of an economic downturn, would
offer little reward. Among young residents in the
Jane and Finch area – rarely an area associated with
economic prosperity – there is a wealth of young
people who are creating their own bailout balancing
risk through social entrepreneurship.
Take Smiley ’s Catering, a local catering business
and a communit y initiative which has not only been
sur viving the economic downturn, but has also been
thriving for the last few years. With it s Caribbean
inspired menu and a plethora of support from
the local communit y and the wider cit y, Smiley ’s
Catering is poised to be around for a long time, no
matter the economic climate.
Another example is Sweety Labelle’s Cupcakes, which
is run by two young Jane and Fincher’s, a brother and
sister combination, who started a home-baked gourmet
cupcake business. Sweety Labelle’s offers gourmet
cupcakes at an accessible price. These ventures, along
with projects like tutoring students, mowing lawns,
shoveling snow and selling water at summer festivals,
have all survived the global economic crisis with little
support beyond their local communities.
these projects keeps contributing to the social good
of their local communities. In many cases, these young
and grounded in the values from which they were created.
With young people demonstrating leadership, creativity
and ingenuity, communities like Jane and Finch will be just
youth of Jane and Finch at the helm, there is a lot to be
tasteful, oops, I mean thankful for.
Brother Ernie Paniccioli’s
Documentary
It is 6pm the evening of October 13th, 2012. The cold weather
audience from gathering at the Cineplex theater in Jane and
Finch. This event is presented by the youth at the Palisades
Media Art Academy. As the youth set up chairs and adjust
the projector screen, I see parents and small children, teens
and fellas from the old school entering the theatre. To the
left of the room is DJ Mortal Techniques. The instrumentals
of legendary Hip Hop group EPMD’s Strictly Business bursts
through the quiet. Whether you came from the old school
or the new school, there’s just something tantalizing about
these beats that make them unique.
After a small introduction by the host, the audience is
anxious about viewing a 70 minute documentary about the
man of the hour, brother Ernie Paniccioli.
This documentary is unique in so many ways. The
beautiful portraits captured the likes of artists such as
Queen Latifah, Nas, Tupac Shakur, Biggie Smalls, Public
Enemy, LL Cool J and Grandmaster Flash to name a few.
With just a 35 millimeter camera, Paniccioli captured
the entire evolution of the American Hip Hop culture.
He is also a public speaker, a painter and historian. Like
a boss he enters confidently; long ponytail swinging on
the back of his black t-shirt.
To my surprise, Brother Ernie barely touched on his works.
He focused on the ‘distractions’ in our lives and how we
should be more aware as people. He goes on to say that, “Hip
Hop has gone from the voice of the voiceless, to a voice of
the colonizer. But now their occupying space in your mind.”
Sort of like the word ‘Trap’ music; the trap of idolizing these
individuals who get away with down playing women and
between then and now; of the women of the 70’s compared
to today’s female who has no problem calling herself a bad
bitch.
Brother Ernie’s straight up talk was comforting, much like
how a father would speak to his children; stern and to the
point but with a little laughter in between. He spoke about
people. It spoke about human injustice, the shitty
the cycle of life in a positive way.
78
79
NADIYA’S
ZODIAC
THEME OF THE SEASON:
starcast
The Year of the Bold Beginning AstroFabulous by Nadiya Shah, M.A.
Nadiya Shah, Boss Magazine’s horoscope expert, has put together a holiday gift for readers in the form of 2013
forecasts for all signs. These pages include a preview of your forecast.
BY NADIYA SHAH, M.A.
If you can, divide the year
into two separate segments.
ARIES
It’s not that the chaos of
last year is completely gone, it’s just
that now you are much more adept at
seeing the wisdom more quickly than
before. The tension for more freedom
and success is your greatest blessing
now. It motivates you to do the work
and take the risks that will put you in
situations to meet the right people and
move your life in a direction you like.
Jupiter chugging through
is traditionally thought of as a time
BOSS MAGAZINE
it is, but sometimes Jupiter needs to
clear some space so you can see the
bigger break just beyond your need
for security. Saturn moving through
your opposite sign, along with celestial
support from other power players
means there will be changes, solidifying
of commitments, deepening of trust
and lots of other changes you like very
much.
80
GEMINI
Last year, Jupiter entered your
sign and promised big, bold,
beautiful things. For some, he
delivered, while other Geminis might
still be waiting. If you stop and think,
sometimes the biggest blessings are
not those that come but what leaves.
You are shifting something deep
within you, owning your potential and
opening up to bigger possibilities than
you’ve known. This is the foundational
step from which you will build for years
to come.
LEO
settlements and payouts
much to your liking even if there might
be some confusion around how to go
about getting the funds. Just when
you think it won’t work, it does. The
best moments will feel as if you’ve just
stumbled upon them, providing the
occasion to feel closer to another than
you have in a while— if ever. While
there will be a need for balance, so that
CANCER
you’re not seeing imaginary signals,
The intensity of your you’ll have a good grounding.
feelings can come on strong
once Jupiter steps in your
(your opposite sign), but if you go too
fast you might burn out just as quickly.
VIRGO
Thankfully, there is an impetus to take
your time working along side this trend.
After all these years, just settling
Tap into it. Patience used widely could
into a new pace might feel like
lead you to strengthen the foundation
waiting for pins to drop, but it
with a potential soul mate.
needn’t be. Financial demands might
come as a surprise but they are easily
met, and the overall trajectory of the
year has you moving towards greater
prosperity and personal happiness.
Now that you don’t feel like you have
you can relax enough to notice the love
LIBRA
In the second part of the year
your career starts booming!
Whatever your goal, whatever your
aims, you start to see and experience
success in a way that felt just out of
reach before. Some of your choices
might challenge the messages you
got from family, but that’s also where
your healing is. Thanks to love, you
step more fully into who you’ve been
created to be, and move on from what
you were conditioned to be.
SCORPIO
With Saturn in your sign, many
might tell you it’ll be a serious
year, but I prefer to think of
it more as inspired, accomplished
and successful. You might wish you
could lock something down, but your
search for a soul mate or your need
to strengthen the connection you
already have will lead you down a road
of sheer joy. You’ll have the necessary
experiences you need to know yourself
and to follow the path of your life more
deeply.
about discovering what’s
fun and what matters to you. The
second half of the year is about you
living it. Use this time well by taking
your creativity seriously and valuing
your own interests. You are reminded
that relationships are supposed to be
fun. Flirtation takes on new meaning
(Nov. 22- and you get better at it. Watch what
happens in your birthday month. That’s
when you are lit up, full of energy and
You’re in very good shape
to have people saying yes to your
requests, but you will have to make
your inquiry clearly known. It might
how to do it in ways that feel safe and
supported, along with being especially
persuasive. Your partner has a way to
PISCES
Neptune
and
Chiron
continue
their
slow
of the year will bring the start of a new
move
through
your
sign,
alliance or the end of a chapter. Either
encouraging you to face your fears
way, you’re glad for the outcome.
and make your dreams real even when
it makes you feel vulnerable. You do
come up with smart strategies to deal
CAPRICORN
with your sensitivity and channel it
It is a year of real progress and to your advantage. Your eye is on the
accomplishment. You move
closer to the major aims that matter strong connection with someone who
to you the most. Financially, there spends a lot of time in another land or
may be moments when it feels like in the Higher Education environment.
whatever you have isn’t enough, but This is one year when Internet dating
you have the chance to make money might do the trick. Just make sure your
from your career and goals, which will values line up before you meet.
make it more satisfying. Your desire
for companionship that is true and
supportive is strong, so make sure you
act like it. There is likely to be at least
one inspiring prospect, but if you go
your time and give it time to see who
he or she is.
In This Issue
Editor’s Letter
Attraction INC., Make-up by MJ Nasser, Creative Director Awena Abala,
Photographer Cyril CJ Cormwell Simmonds. Bosses Of Our Own Domain
Awena Abala, Model Kern Carter, Model Linda Lamles, Model Tamika
Johnson, Model Morris Beckford, Model Justine Opoku-Ware, Model
Jayshawn Jones, Model Mitsy Blair, Model Laura Metcalfe. All pieces
Blair, Photgrapher Benjamin Yamoah. Fashion Title Page
McClure of Movita’s Hair Attraction. Fashion Week Page 16-Page 17
photo’s submitted by artist.
Boss Woman Page
Sakhuja
Hassard, Model Judy Hsu, Model Claudia Stone, All Models are wearing
Claudia Stone, Hair Spellbound Hair Design, Photographer Nabil Gosal.
Boss Man Dameon Royce
YOUR BIG
BREAK
COLLEGE
OPPORTUNITIES
PROGRAM
Scenes
Open the doors to a post-secondary education. Earn a Seneca
certificate in just 8 months* and enroll directly into our diploma
and degree programs.
Beauty Title Page
Attraction INC. Love Your Hair
Beauty Editorials
Jayshawn Jones.
Photographer HEINZ. From Rags to Rich Kidd
Will Nyugen. Well Connected, Well Respected iLove Lola Page 50-Page
Capturing a Thousand Words in One
Photo
The Manifesto
THE COLLEGE OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM HELPS YOU:
Hernandez, Gaby Cueto, Justin Charles, Michael Dach, and Philip Litevsky.
HipHop & Religion
The
Voice of “We” Our Nomandzland Story
Real Julz . Boss Was There
& York, Flow 93.5 Summer Jam photo’s by Tamika Johnson & Awena
Abala, Toronto Love’s Kicks photo’s by Mitsy Blair, The Cause photo’s by
BOSS MAGAZINE
Artist, Paintings all by Javid.
82
Page
Page
Boss Scholars
You’ve been BeLoved! Page 75-Page
Brother Ernie Paniccioli’s
Documentary
U
Understand post-secondary education expectations
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Improve critical thinking and problem solving skills
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Earn transferable credits in communications, mathematics and computer applications
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Make informed career decisions
* Additional qualifications may be required
For more information, contact: [email protected]
GET STARTED AT SENECA TODAY.
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Melanie Fiona - BOSS MAGAZINE

Transcription

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