I have this growing obsession with hooded dresses. Oddly, I do not own any… yet!
The book I’m reading:
Oh my! This book is magnificent! Look at that dance move! Dare you to try it! Smile.
Thanks for visiting African Essence.
Kush Queendom
Got time to browse? http://www.afropunk.com/ www.zmalfashion.com
Seydou Keita is the self-taught photographer who sparked my interest in portrait, fashion, and family photography; as well as photojournalism and macro/micro face picture-taking. He is best known for his works of art captured between 1940 and 1960, exhibited in hundreds of gallery’s nationwide. That is a great accomplishment for any photographer. He is also known for his books:
I don’t want to go on a rant about how much I love him, but I will say that Seydou’s work continues to take my breath away. I am always discovering new elements in his photography that I may have missed the first time around. I often mention his name in conversations when I am asked about how I nurture my eccentricities. I honor the greatness in other people. Seydou’s work has challenged and inspired me to share my gifts with the world.
There are many people who are capable of taking exceptional photos but, if you are looking for a teacher, examining his work may help you to understand what photography is really about. With him, it was more than just a picture, it was history, culture, fashion, and reality.
Here are some of my favorite pictures that you can find on the internet. However, there are so many great photos in his books, so if you have a library card, check them out!
In Janet Jackson‘s video, Got Til It’s Gone featuring Q-Tip and Joni Mitchell, the images reminded me of Seydou’s work. Let me know what you think.
Other photographers whose work I appreciate.
Looking for reasons to become a photographer? Examining Seydou Keita’s work- you just may want to try it out!
I am Kush.
Related articles
Welcome. I want to introduce to you my new series of articles and interviews titled: Up Close and Personal. They feature yours truly, but the goal is to speak with other women and men that I find to be significant. I will link them in the menu bar to replace the “Stories” tab. This is the first. Check it out. It’s just about me! Testing the waters to find harmony. Smile.
THE QUESTIONS ARE IN BOLD
What is your real name? My name is Shila, but I have some aliases. It’s fun to use different names when writing, performing, or painting. Oh yes, those are some of the things that I do. Ok, so let’s talk about what you do. Honestly, I have a lot of talents and have not yet settled into one. I think as a society, or generation, we are a bit beyond the days where we worked 30 years and retired from the same company. The stability of this lifestyle can be comforting, but I am not that. I need rapid change. However, I need to maintain a steady cash flow to survive. Been shifting a lot lately to secure this level of my life. I live in America. Although I think the concept of money is full of shit, I still gotta pay bills. So how are you maintaining financially? It’s a combination of things. I have a gig and then I do freelance performance art, business writing, graphic designing, I’ve sold paintings. I wish to do better with selling my talents. My entrepreneurial side helps. Do you have children? No. How old are you? 29. Are you going to have children? What! Not sure. I really love my nieces and nephews and find comfort in them when I need to satisfy that instinct. However, I may in another life. What is your average day like? It is not a 9 to 5 type of day. It changes. I have worked very late into the night and very early. This way is better for me. My day is not all about work. I have time for reflection, exercise, connecting with people, some eating, spending time with nature like staring into the sky, walking by Lake Erie, smelling the flowers. It all matters. Hmm. Is this balance a challenge? Yes. I am learning that everything has to be in moderation. Too much or too little doesn’t work. Balance the scales to reduce stress. Have fun, but not before you give it your all. That’s nice. Is this actually working for you? Yes, but it does not exist in the element of perfection. I’m working it out. How are you maintaining your health? Herbs and holistic methods work best for me. I’ve eliminated bread as much as possible because of my sensitivity to gluten. Not much dairy, definitely not milk. Sweets on occasion, if at all. Today I wanted a Krispy Kreme donut, but I resisted. I like broccoli, brussel sprouts, green beans, potatoes, romaine salads with a vinaigrette. I cook veggies in as much garlic and capers as I can stand without becoming offensive to others… the smell! I eat corn chips with hummus weekly. If I am over a friends, I will eat a chip, but I stopped buying them. A few months ago I was adjusting to having gained 10 lbs. I was telling everyone. They were probably cursing me out in their minds because I was going on and on. I should have kept quiet. I was just surprised that one morning I got up and was much heavier than I’d ever been. I couldn’t fit my pants. I was irritated. People actually noticed that I had gained weight! Now recently, I lost 15 lbs without even being aware that I was losing weight. This happened in a month. It teaches me that I should not speak of the unimportant. I should just try to balance it all out. Make it count in a different way. My weight is not a problem. Just eat to live. No complaints. If I gain a little weight tone it up. If I lose it, do the same. I also love wine both dark and light. I am careful with the alcohol. It’s full of calories. But I like it too. Smile. That’s cool! Have you been published? Well, yes I have worked with a local magazine for a few years- articles, photos and photo manipulation, poetry, and this blog is a publication. I want to go farther with this, though. I want to do some serious editorial publishing. I want to conquer the challenges of reading. and get people to read what I write. I want to delve into the element of persuasion with the pen. What is your style of music? Oh my, it’s so much. Right now I am listening to N.E.R.D. and Kelis. In my music library you can find Badu, L. Hill, Sade, Sweetback, Gregory Isaacs, The Jackson 5, Common, Telepopmusik, The Roots, De La Soul, Tribe, Tupac, early Alicia Keys music, Esthero, Lucy Pearl, Aerosmith, Bjork and Portishead, Me’Shell Ndegeocello, Amy Winehouse, Anita Baker, The Art of Noise, Asa, Nneka, Ambrose Akinmusire, Bilal, Maxwell, D’Angelo, Alanis Morisette, SWV, Brandy, Xscape, Janet Jackson, TLC, 702, 112, Donell Jones, Carl Thomas, Tweet, Enigma, Madonna, Etana, Eurythmics, Eric Roberson, Gaelle, Carlos Santana, Goodie Mob, Fisk University Jubilee Singers, Floetry, Watts Prophets, The Verve, Black Starr, Skye aka Morcheeba, Miles Davis, Musiq… and the list goes so far and wide. Lots of people have good things to say lyrically. You get excited about music? Most definitely. I love to hear a lot of the old and some new like LiAnn La Havas, Esperanza Spalding, Quadron, Janelle Monae… shit! I hesitate when talking about new music. I really have to search my brain when trying to think of newer artists that resonate. The world is evolving and there are still those out there with major talent. You have an interesting style. What inspires your dress code? It’s all me. I don’t mimic anyone or anything. When I’ve tried to be sexy or cute, it didn’t work out spiritually and it attracts an attention that I do not need. So I keep it queen-like. I’m Shila. That’s all. But, there are some artists out there whose styles I like. Les Nubians. Whoa! Beautiful. Erykah can do no wrong when it comes to dress! Nneka has this rugged look that I adore. Solange is OK because she isn’t mainstream with her dress code. I definitely dig her hair. Jill Scott has a nice look. Boy does she wear that smile! That’s pretty much it. I don’t model myself after anyone, though, especially not entertainers. Why did you name your blog African Essence? I was trying to represent what’s inside of me- the style, the story, the real deal. I feel close to my ancestors. I do not want to ever repress my true roots. I feel it in my soul. I love the culture within. I project it. I actually am at the point where I want to change the name. I’ve evolved into something else. That’s coming. I’ve noticed that you read a lot. Yes. Honestly, it has been so hard to maintain a regular reading schedule, but sometimes I have to just stop, put it all down and read… and I don’t want to read online or using an eReader. I need the book to be in my hand. I want to feel the spine, the pages.Yes! Even with magazines and newspapers, CD inserts! I like the smell. I like the physical. Any favorites? For some reason Lerone Bennett Jr’s Before the Mayflower is a book that I cherish. I have 4 editions of it. My favorite mag is WaxPoetics. Whatchu know about it!? I discovered this magazine in ATL at a record store in Little Five Points. Been in love ever since. I read mostly non-fiction African-American Lit/Black Studies. I also read a lot of books based in Buddhist philosophies, art and science rituals, things like that. What is the up close series about? I tend to open up like a flower when I am around the right people. They love that I am not afraid to tell the truth. I love that they appreciate a good story and listen so well. I say some interesting things. I am more interested in the things that others have to say, so here I am. As an aspiring writer, it is important that I take this challenge- get people to open up just like me! It’s so much better when we tell the truth… with humility. Tell us something interesting, Shila. About you. Oh wow! I suppose this is the point of it all! Ok, so you really want to know? Here it is! I do not believe in religion or marriage as practiced in doctrine. I believe in a higher connection with the Creator, Universe, and with people! It gets better than what’s on paper and in a book. Don’t hate me! Smile. Peace.
Interview conducted by the spirit of Gil Scott-Heron – haha
Gotta, gotta read. Trying to finish the Questlove book and I am looking forward to reading The Hip Hop Generation by Bakari Kitwana.
Finding harmony,
Kush
Just Wanted to Share My Poetry
Note: I tell people to refresh their pages because I am always changing things. However, keep in my mind, I have to protect my writing so the words that are not visible are on purpose! Smile. Copyright law Shila style! Embrace the digital art. Peace and love.
Snippets of my writing. Enjoy.
Shila aka Queen
P.S. We must read! On Friday, November 15 I had the pleasure of experiencing this very beautiful sister at Case Western Reserve University’s Think Tank hosted by the lovely Ms. Rhonda Williams.
Author: Sonia Sanchez
Often referred to as headwraps or turbans, African and African-like head coverings have become quite the accessory in various dress codes. I believe that it is a beautiful addition to the wardrobe and in my closet, it is my most beloved adornment. I wear headwraps at least twice a week and have been doing so for quite some time. It is part of the many cultures that I celebrate, all indigenous to the continent we know as Africa. I encourage ladies to explore the headwrap, not just as a fashion statement, but as part of African-American identity. Like other headgear such as the niqab, hijab, kufi, kofia, kippah, non la, patka, shpitzel, tam, taqiya, or sombrero it has its purpose and is highly valued by those who wear it.
Why wear a headwrap?
#1 REASON – It’s simply beautiful.
#2 REASON – To represent the African Diaspora: it’s part of the culture we lost during the Middle Passage. We are redefining and regaining our physical identity via attire/garb.
#3 REASON – It’s protective of our crowns.
#4 REASON – In compliance with codes of modesty.
#5 REASON – It represents regality.
#6 REASON – To absorb perspiration when working and keep the hair off the face.
#6 REASON – Social and spiritual significance; articulation of piousness.
#7 REASON – It’s quite stylish.
Most of the time you can determine the use of a headwrap based on the type of fabric used. I listed a few reasons, but I know there is so much information out there surrounding the headwrap. Explore.
Related Materials
The African American Woman’s Headwrap: Unwinding the Symbols
Thank you for visiting,
The Kush Queen for African Essence
P.S. I found this video to be very enlightening. It’s always good to know the truth and decide what you want to do with it.
This Autumn I am focusing on wearing what is already in my closet. I won’t be purchasing much of anything. I gained some weight and had to let some things go. However, I had enough stretchy clothing to carry me for a while. My motto is no CONSUMERISM. Thank you Lauryn Hill for solidifying my decision! She gets deeper than fashion in her hot new track.
Today’s Look: The Lavender Sweater Dress
FROM HEAD TO TOE:
Final Note: Sweater dresses are one of my favorite items of clothing so when I saw this one for just $19, I jumped on it! They can get pretty pricey, but I’ll stay in the under $30 range. It’s difficult for me to pay over $25 for any article of clothing that is not mud cloth or Kente cloth. I normally buy them at the end of the season for more than 80% off. I’ve gotten them from Dots, H&M, Dillards, and online, all for under $20. This dress is made with viscose and is very thin and a bit see-through. Wearing with stockings is a must. You may even have to wear a slip.
The Kush Queen for African Essence
P.S. Have you been reading? Don’t slip. Queens must read. This is the first fiction book I’ve read in years and I’m liking it. Doctor Sleep by Stephen King.
In the Midwest weather used to be simple. We would have cold Winters, warm Springs, hot Summers, and moderate Falls. Times have changed and sometimes the seasons blend. I have no complaints! I actually love the complexities of weather. Everyday is an exploration. I no longer pack away my winter or summer clothes for storage. Everything stays in the closet year round. Sunday I wore shorts and today I had on heavy socks and insulated shoes. That’s how it is these days!
Just go with the flow of the sun. Since, the seasons can no longer dictate the dress code, wear what is befitting of the day. This is a wardrobe check to help you transition into “autumn-like” weather…
Don’t forget to share, comment, and follow African Essence!
WHAT I AM WEARING FROM HEAD TO TOE
CONSUMERISM. I went to Forever21 a few months back and was amazed to see that the clothing store had expanded to twice its size. It was ridiculously overwhelming so much that I vowed not to return! It was just entirely too much clothing. It looked like a sweat shop had thrown up in that place! I decided then that I would wear what I have and try not to spend any money on clothes. People think that I buy buy buy, but I have had most of my wardrobe for years. I was the same clothing size for about 10 years. Recently this changed and I had to buy a few items. Before this, my clothes lasted… 🙂 Honestly, I admit that my closet is stretched so I am not going to be doing much shopping until at least Summer 2014. I am saving for some trips/vacations so I will see how this balances out.
Peace and so much love!
The Kush Queen for African Essence
P.S. As much as I am drawn to some decorative clothing, we have to be careful not to become wasteful, penniless consumers. Check out Lauryn Hill’s new song called CONSUMERISM. I love her. If you don’t see the track below refresh the page. 🙂
THIS IS THE ULTIMATE “HOW TO WEAR CAMOUFLAGE GUIDE” SO GET READY! Stay TUNED FOR next week’s guide on “HOW TO WEAR MUD CLOTH.”
CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO ENLARGE. USE THE ARROWS TO BROWSE.
THE MEN’S STYLES ARE AT THE BOTTOM.
If I have to love anything about trends this year, it is definitely army fatigue and camouflage attire. Although it has been around for decades, it is one of Autumn’s biggest fashion highlights. When you go to stores such as H&M, Forever21, DEB, Rainbow, Wet Seal, Macy’s, Dillards, Rue 21, Body Central, Urban Outfitters, Target or anywhere, you will see it plastered on every mannequin from pants and leggings to jackets, hats, backpacks, scarves, shoes, and even cell phone accessories, coffee mugs, watches, purses and dog clothes. I’ve always liked the camouflage design. Browsing the web, I saw some ladies who looked really fly in their army fat:
Note: This is sort of a long entry because I wanted to show you that there are so many ways to be creative with army fatigue. So scroll all the way through to get the full experience. If you click on an image, use the arrows to go to the next image and as always please do not be afraid to FOLLOW African Essence using your email address. Look for the follow buttons on the page. I love you too! Peace.
In order for me to rock the jackets they definitely have to be cut a certain way. I like them cropped, military cut, and I even like the suit jackets. I DO NOT like rhinestones or any funny patches attached. Some of the jackets above have added studs, but I do not like that part of the design. Maybe you do? I actually dig awkward zippers and pockets, but that is it as far as I go.
Men look great with this look. Do you agree?
Overall, I will continue to buy camouflage attire because it just sits well with me. However, paying super high prices for it is not an option. Often times you can get it at a Thrift Store. Again, I do not like the studs on Army Fat/Camo and I do not like the actual word “ARMY” being on the clothing. However, to each their own.
The Kush Queen for African Essence
Yesterday I shared with you all how I wear my black skinny’s. This is my red pair. Check it out and let me know what you think. Don’t be afraid to like this post if you are a wordpress blogger and subscribe using the follow blog option in the menu to your left. I’d appreciate it! Thanks!
Peace and so much love,
The Kush Queen for African Essence Blog
Ok, skinny’s aren’t my favorite, but somehow I bought 3 pairs for under $10 a piece. They have been sitting in my closet collecting dust, so I thought I’d give them another go… this is DAY 1: The black pair.
Overall, I like them a little. I definitely think you have to know your body type in order to wear them because like everything in life, everything ain’t for everybody. These jeans hug so if you wear them, KNOW your body!!!!!!
*I figured, I might as well not waste them. I think they look OK on me according to my shape. I’ve seen a few ladies who can honestly wear them and look great in them (I’ve only seen a few). I’ve worn this black pair in the past with high heel wedges and other sandals. I will not wear them with flats unless I cuff the bottom of the jean. The flats have to be a clean-looking light weight canvas shoe. None of those Tom’s shoes or baby doll flats. I do not like that look at all! It makes the feet look like boats! LOL. Well anywho… I’ll be back tomorrow with a 2nd look.
Peace and love,
The Kush Queen of African Essence
Be creatively righteous in displaying your Goddess beauty. You can be fashionable and righteous in your style of dress.
Peace, Power & Love
I am the Kush Queen (not marijuana, lol).
Reading: Home Girls: A Black Feminist Anthology by Barbara Smith
5 Star Rating… that means it’s a really good book!
SOMETIMES QUEENS NEED SPACE to plant seeds…
I woke up this morning from a dream that was disturbing, yet liberating! Different people in my life that had once held me back, were drowning in a gigantic cesspool of chaos. I had the ability to save them, but I let them drown. I am excited about this message because I don’t often understand my dreams and I end up ignoring them. However, this dream said to me that it is time to save myself. I have been trying to save others, meantime losing sight of my own purpose. I am here for me right now and I am not afraid to find the space that I need to survive.
This past summer, I got a lot of complaints from my family and some friends about my presence in their lives. After hearing these complaints, I spent a lot of time trying to work out what they needed from me in my mind. I could not stand that they were crying about my absence, never stopping to ask me if I was doing OK! Instead they selfishly complained and tried to place the blame in my lap, saying and actually believing that I must have a problem with them. That was such BS. For years I was the person in my family and in my friends lives that would pick up and travel to see them. That is the only way that we saw each other. Not once did I complain about them not coming to see me. I gladly went to meet them where they were rather it be Atlanta, Baltimore or the other side of the city, I was the one “showing up!” Now that I need space to clarify my life, all of sudden I am a villain. Please!
The gist of the disagreements was that I don’t come around anymore. My response: deal with it! I am going through some things and that does not mean that you should not call or keep me in the loop. It just means that I am not going to be the initiator all the time! If you want me somewhere, put in that same effort that I put in when I was coming to see you. Damn! Get off my back! Understand that I used to be a princess, but now I am a Queen and you must let me take the throne in the only way I know how. Let me grow at my own pace.
Peace and love,
The Kush Queen for African Essence
P.S. “You are a first lady worthy of a king” they say. Well let me make my life better, let me find what it is I need to survive. I am not in a place where I have a lot of time & $ to play. However, when you want to hang out, just call. I have to plant the seeds if I want to harvest the fruit. All I want is peace.
As an antidote for my perpetual need to hear music that has meaning, I’ve been cruising Amazon in hopes of finding music that has the same effect on me as Baduizm or the Mis-education of Lauryn Hill. I have found a few great artists whose albums I love like Nneka, Lianne La Havas and Quadron. I am still searching. I have come across some really good music from women all over the world.
Living in the present, my featured artist of the day is the lovely Ms. Laura Mvula from the Selly Park suburbs of Birmingham, England. That makes her a British soul-singer. She dropped her debut album earlier this year and it has gotten great reviews. I like her album and I like the artistry in her videos. Check it out and let me know what you think.
These videos are very creative. I appreciate the art.
Love, life, and wisdom,
Queen for African Essence
P.S. Want to see another artistic video? Check out Afrodance by Les Nubians.
So I was out and I picked up the new Black Hair Fashion Beauty Style August/September 2013 Magazine because Janelle Monae is on the cover. Of course she is sitting lovely in her black and white. I really like her.
I can’t believe she has a new video out and I didn’t know! I always love the creativity, the flare and the boldness of Janelle. I also dig that she has really attractive female energy in her videos and she isn’t afraid to dance crazy. Furthermore, my favorite video from her remains to be Many Moons. I also adore Tightrope and Q.U.E.E.N. Go Janelle!
Gotta include my Many Moons!
Review of the Black Hair Magazine:
I really think that the editor is cool and I am glad Black Hair got someone that we could relate to! Her name is Keysha Davis. This issue of Black Hair features fearless women who wouldn’t even give a second thought to other peoples’ opinions of them, Keysha quotes. She says that Monae is one of the most brave, creative, and free-spirited artists of her generation. I really dug the interview! It was cool to know that Janelle wrote and produced Erykah Badu’s part in her song Q.U.E.E.N. I like that she was open and honest. I did not know she was only 24, though. I thought she was in her later 20s.
Words that I took away from the interview:
QUESTION: What do you do when you’re not Janelle Monae the artist, and the persona we know you for?
JANELLE’S ANSWER: I love laughing, I love art, I love discussion and stimulating conversation where I’m learning things. I like hanging with people who speak different languages. I am just a sponge for knowledge. I swim in my tuxedo, I walk with monkeys, I kiss tigers, I do lots of different things. I have tea with bumblebees. … sounds like something I would say!
I also like her dedication to expressing herself and her femininity in a respectful manner as opposed to the get naked get rich fast model. She is all about respecting her Queendom and redefining what it means to be a woman. She say’s that she wants young girls with natural hair to know that they can be Cover Girl’s too. What a lady! That is what it’s about- being comfortable with what God gave you! She is super cool. She ended the interview by saying she uses as many natural products as possible like raw Shea butter from Ghana. That’s what we do, right? Gotta love Janelle Monae!
As to the rest of the Aug/Sept issue of Black Hair… it was cool. Black Hair is a nice magazine because it is modern with great photography and many style variations. The images normally look really nice and the women and men are not air brushed to plastic! Definitely realistic photos which oddly is not common in mags today.
They have lots of info on weaves and honestly, it is always hard for me to embrace features focusing on weave because I see women hiding behind false hair and using it as definition rather than adornment. Weave can be beneficial in transitioning processes and to use as decoration from time to time. It should not be our everyday mask. We have to learn to let our own hair down! However, this issue had the TOP AFRO TRENDS. There were only a few in the article, but the pages from the issue that I really liked are: Black Hair.
I am posting these pages just to let you all get an idea of what Black Hair looks like inside. Not too many people know about it, but if I had to choose a “black hair” mag, this is definitely the best. I am hoping that the posting of these pages do not constitute any form of infringement. I do not stand to make a profit and this is in promotion of Black Hair! I want people to try it! (page 44 was my fav!)
Love, life, & wisdom
Queen Duafe for African Essence
P.S. This is a another interview of
Image via CrunchBase
Today I was introduced to Omar. I really like the sound of him. I visited a bar on Cleveland’s west side and he was set up to do a video interview on Skype for fans and in promotion of his new album. He was really cool and laid back. The bar played the whole CD and I really dug it. Check it out.
I am looking forward to dissecting this CD. I will probably get it in a few weeks. It sounded so good at the bar! Omar seemed grounded and pure during his interview.
Life, wisdom & love,
Queen Duafe for African Essence
Grace-full💜🌙
seeking solace in the horizon of life and beyond
When is Kwanzaa and my daily Kwanzaa practice
"Enlightening Through Words Of Wisdom"
"I saw the Angel in the marble, and carved until I set him free"
BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH
Prime my subconscious, one hint at a time
WE CREATE YOUR FAIRY EVENTS
Earth & Ether 