The Up Close and Personal Diaries

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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

The Monday Hot List – Music Makes My Day

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Hello people! Sorry about the playlist I posted on Saturday. Turns out the page had some major technical difficulties and the videos would not load. Well, I have a new playlist for today. Let me know what you think. Peace and harmony.

Note: Click on the pictures or links to listen to the song.

Nneka: Heartbeat

Iyeoka: Simply Falling

Asa: The Way I Feel

Bjork: Possibly Maybe

Also by Bjork: All is Full of Love

Maroon 5: Secret

Portishead: Only You

Also by Portishead: All Mine

Telepopmusik: Breathe

Also by Telepopmusik: Don’t Look Back

Morcheeba: Slow Down

Erykah Badu w/ Stephen Marley: In Love With You

Jill Scott: I Think It’s Better Interlude

Also by Jill Scott: He Loves Me

Gaelle: Repetition

Also by Gaelle: Love You More

Me’Shell Ndegeocello: Trust

Also by Me’Shell Ndegeocello: Soul Searchin’

Miguel Migs w/ Me’Shell Ndegeocello: Tonight

Res: 700 Mile Situation

Thank you for listening and visiting.

Kush Queen for African Essence

The Music of Laura Mvula

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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.

LET MY STORY REACH YOUR HEART

Posted on February 20, 2013 by Shila Iris

JAMBO! (SWAHILI WELCOMING)

In this very new year, I want to take a minute to remind everyone what African Essence is about. I love doing this blog and I am very thankful for everyone who reads the articles, follows us, and everyone who sends positive vibrations this way. We will continue to encourage people to find out WHO and WHAT they are in this very tough world. We added a new tab above. PLEASE CHECK IT OUT! The story is a wonderful testament TO LIFE. It’s tough to share stories where we play bad roles, but I am brave in this manner. May the story reach your heart and journey on with you. Hope you learn from it.

This year with every new post, we use a soundtrack of songs to express the messages. The playlists are very diverse. Music is a great connector when trying to communicate. For the feature article, the playlist is the following:

Nneka: Heartbeat

Lyrics: “You throw stones, can’t you see that I am human, I am breathing; but you don’t give a damn.

Madonna: Secret

Lyrics: “Happiness lies in your own hand, It took me much too long, To understand how it could be, Until you shared your secret with me…”

Janelle Monae- Neon Valley Street

Lyrics:

May this song reach your heart
May your ears love the sweet melody
Every note, every chord
I’ve arranged them for you and for me

May the sound of my voice be your guide
Bring you closer to me
Let us bathe in the noise
Let the love in your heart speak to me

For now, I’ll pretend
I’m holding your hand

We met alone forbidden in the city
Running fast through time like Tubman and John Henry
But the time was wrong
Illegal aliens moaned
It’s such a pity that the city’s just a danger zone
Atomic blues bombing hearts like Iraqis in Babylon
The droid control will take your soul and rate it
Berate, slay it
You hate it and debate it but you don’t get caught
And outlaw outrunning the law, ha

May the strings make you smile
May they always remind you of me
For now let’s pretend
I’m holding your hand

THESE SONGS ARE AMAZING. THEY HELPED ME FIND MY WAY BACK FROM A CONFUSING STATE. MAY MY STORY REACH YOUR HEART. EVERY WORD, EVERY SYLLABLE- LET IT GUIDE YOU…

THE STORY GOES…

We have never attracted negative energy within the realms of African Essence and don’t intend to start now. We say this because there are some very horrible and spiteful forces out there that attempt to critique and judge and pretend to be GOD. Well, we have to fight them and keep it positive. Despite these negative influences, we are still powerful and full of love! We want to give that love to whoever is willing to receive it. In doing so, we cannot dwell or be held down by anything that happened in the past. It’s like the history of the African in America. It is wise that we definitely acknowledge our past, but we have to keep moving. If you are the same person that you were 6 years ago, then you are dying.

I am queen. I always tell people, I am not the same person from yesterday. Each and every day I grow and learn and live and breathe and thank the universe for allowing me to be a part of it! Here, at African Essence, we march forth in our desire to be the best!

We will not allow our past to suffocate our future. That’s what I am and who we are!

African Essence is a spiritual place for people who want greatness in their lives. Our readers are dedicated and have shown great support over this past year. They have helped us to grow and change in a positive direction. We gather and talk about identity, culture, and many other topics that help define who and what we are. Thanks to everyone who supported African Essence through this first year of blogging.

I (Queen Duafe) started African Essence because young girls ask me all the time about the way I dress. The way I dress can be described as colorful, original, and most definitely ethnic. My ethnic dress code is not strictly African, although it is what I love the most. I am of African descent living in America. That means a lot when it comes to identity because the identity of the African American woman has been tampered with from Harriet Tubman to Michelle Obama.

Moreover, I admire and adore Indian and Caribbean dress. I study dress codes from all over the world. My garb is not really about fashion. Actually, fashion is the least of it. It is really more about discovering one’s true identity. Before you can ever begin to cloth yourself correctly, your mind has to be righteous. If you are thinking sexually, than you project that. If you feel horrible, you may just look that way. If you have nothing but brown shoes and white button up shirts in your closet, you have got be able to be comfortable in it. Wardrobe is not about getting attention. It is about being able to walk into any situation and look confident. Through African Essence, we help you choose the clothing, accessories, and attitude that look best on you.

When you are dressed comfortably and respectfully, you are able to achieve much more in life. You cannot be at your best if you are looking your worst. African Essence is about helping women to adorn themselves in a way that is pleasant and respectful. I cannot describe my dress as fashionable, edgy, fabulous, fierce, or any such term. I can only say that, what you wear reflects what you are. So often do we see women in clothes that are too small, too tight, too big, too dull, too crazy, or just NOT becoming of who or what they are. We never want to draw too much attention to ourselves with our attire. We just want to cultivate a good spirit world around us. I am confident in everything that I wear and from my experiences, I pull some great energy from my dress code alone! Sometimes, I may wear something catchy, but the universe knows that my intentions are to help people and give them a broader perspective on how to dress. I do not desire attention. I find that people with low confidence and esteem, who really admire my style can show hate instead of love. It doesn’t faze me, though! I love you too.

Our women and girls need an alternative to modern day FASHION. The women portrayed in media are often nude, light, with long hair and eye lashes. They show off their curves in the worst way and they force our younger generations to think that the less you have on, the better you look. I see girls do it all the time. It doesn’t do them any good in the long run, if they want to admit it or not. Show some respect to get some. Be all that you can be… I believe in you.

I do not pretend to be perfect and I do not encourage anyone to do so. We all go through trials, life is that way. Pointing the finger and attempting to ‘expose’ someone via the digital landscape is never an acceptable way to express your contempt for another. It is COWARDLY. I encourage all who visit African Essence to keep it positive and show some love. All other things are not necessary in this spiritual circle. We are beautiful. God created me just like he/she created you! I am African and so are you! Love me or leave me alone! Our ritual at African Essence is to put out love. We do not allow hate to poison our cipher.

DO NOT LET THE CIPHER BE POISONED-

THIS IS A SPIRITUAL AND RITUAL PLACE

In saying this, I encourage you all to click on my FEATURE STORY tab above. This year, I will frequently feature a new story that I hope can help or inspire someone to change their life. These stories are written by me and are real.

Peace and love to you.

Queen Duafe for African Essence