Sawa Shoes

The word Sawa has several meanings in an African context.  In KiSwahili it means "okay"and is used in daily speech.  It is also the name of a military academy all Eritrean youth must attend for their twelfth year of school in that East African nation.

Sawa shoes means something else...

This next concept is so novel it has to be presented on Buy Africa.  One of the sayings Marcus Garvey promoted was "Africa for the Africans".  This notion may be hard for some to comprehend.  Sawa shoes demonstrates the grasp of the concept of Garvey's slogan.  Sawa shoes are made in Africa, and all of the materials used to make Sawa shoes comes from Africa.  A rather simple concept but ground-breaking in essence.  One of the primary issues in developing Africa is having to purchase goods manufactured abroad, thus draining local markets of local demand.  Sawa shoes, produced in Cameroon with raw materials imported from fellow African nations fills the void by producing a quality, nice looking shoe at an affordable price (69 Euros, not cheap but less than a pair of J's).  It also presents an African product to foreign markets.  This idea is genius and deserves recognition.

Okay, so Sawa shoes might just be another shoe company trying to get paid.  I do not know of particular charities they sponsor.  It is a trend for social causes to be fused with businesses.  However, the sheer fact that Sawa shoes exists is progressive by the fact that it is so rare not only to find an African owned, independent industry making products for sale in Africa and abroad; it is oh so rare to find one that manufactures using domesticity -produced African raw materials.  Being doubly rare, Sawa shoes is in itself a statement on self-determination through cooperative economics.  This is not meant to be a discussion of capitalism, because we all seem to be caught in the web.  Only an exhibit that this is how business can (and most-likely should) be done.

Sawa shoes started in Cameroon, a West African nation.

"The SAWA story belongs to a different kind. It is a story about people, a story about a challenging economy against the North to South flow. Purchase raw materials in Africa and transform them in finished goods... in Africa!" Pretty much sums it up.

 The laces are spun from Tunisian cotton, the rubber for the soles comes from Egypt, the shoe bags come from Nigeria, the canvas and packaging from Cameroon (where the shoes are made) and finally the leather is Moroccan.

The international appeal includes features in German magazines, boutiques from New York to  Paris to Beirut to Japan; and many spots in between. The Dr. Bess design sort of looks like an indoor soccer shoe meets boat shoes.  To see for your self visit their online store and follow their blog.  Brush up on your french if you want to read the updates.

I personally like the style and hope to see more variety from Sawa.  Def in the shopping plans next time I hit New York... unless somehow I make it to Lebanon or Denmark first *shrug... it could happen ;0)

Marley Coffee

 In 2007, Rohan Marley, son of reggae king Robert Nesta Marley, founded Marley Coffee.  The former University of Miami football player and father to Lauryn Hill's children has since brought a refreshing option to the designer coffee market with signature coffee blends.

"Stir It Up", "Buffalo Soldier", "Mystic Morning", "Lively Up Yourself", "Simmer Down" and "Talkin' Blues"; all are names of crucial Bob Marley tunes well known by fans of reggae music.  However, in this instance the titles refer to blends of coffee offered by Marley Coffee.  Started by Rohan Marley and his business partner Shane Whittle, Marley Coffee is an all organic farm in Jamaica's Blue Mountain region (world renowned for coffee beans).

In addition, Marley Coffee includes beans from Ethiopia and Central America in the blends offered by their company.  The enterprise is founded on ethical business practices and sustainable farming.  The whole bean coffee is gourmet and ranges from medium to dark.  It costs $15.95 per 12 oz. bag and can be purchased at the  Marley Coffee website.

Rohan Marley is also responsible for the Tuff Gong Clothing line.  He founded Marley Coffee because "Bob Marley wanted to return to farming one day, but never had the chance. With Marley Coffee, Rohan Marley fulfills his father's dream."  Recent additions to the Marley Coffee line include: coffee grinders, espresso machines, traditional coffee brewers and containers to keep your Marley Coffee beans fresh.  You can also get Marley Coffee apparel and music from the coffee's namesake, Bob Marley.

 The legacy of Bob Marley has expanded beyond music through the works of his amazing family.  Buy Africa is proud to hail up Marley Coffee!  If you are a coffee drinker, give Marley Coffee a try knowing you are supporting a Jamaican owned business with ties to Africa and the African Diaspora.  Irie!

 

Chakra Shields

Nakiia Stokes b.k.a. Chakra Zulu, is a jewelery designer of sorts.

With roots in Mound Bayou, Mississippi, he moved to Chicago and began working as a craftsman. He crafts more than finery for the eyes but energy shields from various metals, crystals and gem stones.  These Chakra Shields are very appealing visually, but more so, they can protect a person's various energy points.  The different crystals protect respective areas of one's body.  Crystal quartz protects the body overall; and specific types of quartz protect specific areas or resolve energy problems e.g. rose quartz the heart, smoky quartz is grounding and amethyst assists with visualization.  

Some examples of Chakra Shields:

Amethyst

Citrine- increase positive outcomes

Nakiia shared more about his Chakra Shields with Buy Africa.

Buy Africa: How did you come up with the concept of Chakra Shields?

Nakiia Stokes: It started as a play on words/names jokingly while discussing Knowledge of Self. I also have always felt a connection to African Warriors like Hannibal and Shaka Zulu. When I moved to Chicago and started working with Crystals, it allowed me to Connect my Culture with interest. It also offered me a new Identity that fits my Personality.

BA: How are these shields made?

NS: All pieces are Handmade and one of a kind Cultural Creations. All material used to make the Shields are All natural. We used items such as Copper, Silver, Brass, Citrine and other naturally occurring stones. 

Tiger's Eye

BA: What are some of your favorite designers?
-
NS: The Nubian Ego Collection by Harlem of Flirt Jewelry, Dread of Crystal Pyramid and Myself.

BA: Are these strictly ornamental or do Chakra Shields have another purpose?

Ankh with varied crystals

NS: All of the shields are geared toward a healing and holistic approach. Each stone has healing properties in addition to being visually appealing. There is an option given to the customer to have their shield customized with their choice of stone combination to address any issues they may be dealing/facing.



BA: How can some one get themselves a Chakra Shield?

Africa w/ Fluorite

NS: If one is interested in purchasing a Chakra Shield, they can email the designer via email, by phone, and/or in person to set up a short consultation to determine the right stone(s) for their purpose.

Chakra Zulu
400 W. 71st St.
Chicago, IL  60621
chakra.zulu@yahoo.com

BA: What are the prices of your jewelry?

NS: The price range of the collection starts at $10 to about $250. The price depends on the stones, materials, and the intricacy of the design.

Gwa Nyame with Quartz

For more on crystals and chakras.

Black Soap

Black soap is a natural soap made from water and palm oil.  I started using it when I heard how damaging medicated bar soaps can be.  My preference is now liquid black soap, as it is ultra cleaning and lasts longer than bar soap that rinses away.  Along with shea butter, black soap is especially good for skin that is exposed to the sun.

The Process

Things You'll Need:

• Coconut husks
• Plantain skins
• Cocoa pods
• Shea tree bark
• Hand press
• Bowl
• Strainer
• Double boiler
• Lighter
• Soap mold

Black soap is made like this:
1

Press coconut husks in a hand press to extract palm oil.



2
Burn the plantain skins, cocoa pods and shea bark to ash.



3
Mix the ash with water in the bowl, and pour through the strainer into the double boiler.



4
Add the palm oil to the double boiler and cook over low heat.



5
Stir the mixture until smooth.



6
Scoop hot soap off the surface of mixture when it begins to rise to the surface, and leave it to cool.



7
Pour the cooled wax into the mold of your choice and leave to sit until hard.



8
Leave the hardened soap to cure for two weeks.


Read more:  source

If you have ever gone to an African fest in any big American city you will probably have seen these soaps being sold by different vendors.  Some soaps come directly from Africa, in its raw form; while others are made by Africans in America.  Bar soaps usually range from $3-$7 and can be more depending on where you shop.  Liquid soap also tends to cost more and the rates for raw black soap depend on where it comes from and who one buys it from.  The nice thing about buying bulk is one can usually negotiate a bargain... that is the African way!

My rankings are in no particular order and I have not used all of the soaps listed here but my recommendations are as follows:

Black Rock Soap
Made in Tema, Ghana... Black Rock soap is refreshingly aloe-scented and good for washing up for bed or a meal.  It is good for sensitive skin.

Dudu Osun

A Nigerian soap that is very good for making skin soft.  The original smells very good and there is a new Tropical smell that is good too, but more fruity.  I like the liquid soap from Dudu Osun because it is liquid... and it smells like the original.

Original

New Tropical

Liquid

Nubian Heritage

Nubian Heritage comes from New York.  Many stores, including Macy's, sell Nubian Heritage.  They also have a line of lotions, body washes and other "smell-goods".

I really like the Honey and Black Seed soap from Nubian Heritage.  Other types include:

Peppermint Soap w/Crushed Almonds & Baking Soda

Ivorian Cocoa Butter Soap w/Milk Chocolate

Lemongrass & Tea Tree Soap 

Raw Shea Butter with Frankincense & Myrrh Soap

Olive Butter & Green Tea Soap

Mango Butter Soap

Lavender & Wildflowers Soap

Indian Hemp & Haitian Vetiver Soap

(The lemongrass and tea tree removes razor bumps) 

Sunaroma
 Also out of NY (Brooklyn to be exact), Sunaroma is another great source of black soap.  Their e-store offers a varity of soap and hair care products.

The oatmeal and vitamin e soap is good for smoothing rough skin around elbows and knees as well as eczema.  I have not tried all of their soaps besides that or their Egyptian Musk.  Good lookin' Brooklyn.


Raw Options

If you are looking for larger quantities of Black Soap, you should try going to an African fair for Kwanzaa or during the Summer. Otherwise, you can try online options like Amazon or go to an importer if you live in a large city, like African Art and Objects in Chicago.

Gullah Girl Tea

Tea is often seen as something medicinal and only to be taken during times of illness.  This Western concept overlooks the importance of tea as a social libation.  In many parts of Europe, Africa and Asia, tea is used as a way to commune with friends and neighbors, as well as healing.  Charmaine Bee crafts a special brand of teas for both ceremonial and curative purposes.  She incorporates her Gullah ancestry into her tea blends known as Gullah Girl Tea.

The Gullah are an African people that currently live along the lower coastal regions of South Carolina and Georgia, and also the outlying sea islands.  Many Gullah are descendants of West Africans from the Rice Coast (present day Sierra Leone and surrounding nations) that were brought to the Americas through Bahia, Brazil and eventually sold to planters in the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida.  The Gullah language (sometimes called GeeChee) is a mixture of English and African words.  "The Gullah language is related to Jamaican Creole, Barbadian Dialect, and the Krio language of Sierra Leone in West Africa. Gullah storytelling, cuisine, music, folk beliefs, crafts, farming and fishing traditions, all exhibit strong influences from West and Central African cultures." (wiki)

In a recent interview I talked with Charmine about Gullah Girl Tea.

Buy Africa: What is Gullah Girl Tea and why did you come up with it?


Charmaine Bee:  "Gullah Girl Tea is the name of the tea company I recently started.  I remember visiting my Grandmother in South Carolina, before my mother and I re-located there.  She had a huge yard, and people were always coming by for cookouts and to hear her words of wisdom.  I later learned that my grandmother used many leaves in her yard to aid in healing and that all twelve of her births were natural.  Whenever I go back home to South Carolina I observe the rapid changes that are taking place, as the Sea Islands are becoming rapidly over developed (gentrified). 

Using teas for medicinal purposes as well as a central point for gatherings, collectivity and creative all seemed to be in line with the history of my ancestry. I named the company Gullah Girl Tea in order to honor that heritage. 
"

Charmaine Bee

B A: Tell us the story of how you make Gullah Girl tea.


C B: Well, I’ve been learning about different health benefits of teas.  This journey actually began when I went away to college and became vegetarian.  I was so thirsty for knowledge about health, especially since the majority of my women family members are diabetic, including my 12 year old niece.  I felt that it was my responsibility to my family and community to find ways for us to heal naturally.  That is how it all began.  Now, I research herbs, and tea leaves and incorporate fruits either to enhance medicinal benefits or just to create a tasty blend combination.




B A: What is your favorite flavor of Gullah Girl Tea?

C B: Hmmm, lol. Hard question.  I love all of them for different reasons and when I’m in different moods. With the winter here, though, I’d have to say that I absolutely am in love with the coconut vanilla rooibos, it’s so warm and comforting!  I also love the Jasmine Blueberry, it has a deliciously earthy flavor...



B A: How can people get Gullah Girl Tea?



C B: Well, I currently sell the tea on [my] blog.  So orders can be made directly on the blog:gullahgirltea

I’m also starting a bike delivery service for people who live in New York City.  Free delivery in Brooklyn and a small charge for other boroughs.  Information about the service will be listed on the facebook page and blog.  Also, I’m always looking for shops to sell the tea in!

B A: What are all the flavors of Gullah Girl tea?

C B:

The current flavors are:
Rosemary Sage Mint
Jasmine Blueberry
Coconut Vanilla Rooibois
Cocount Vanilla Rooibos Chai
Green Mint

Summer blends include:
White Nectarine Jasmine

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More about the Gullah

"The Gullah are a distinctive group of Black Americans from South Carolina and Georgia in the southeastern United States. They live in small farming and fishing communities along the Atlantic coastal plain and on the chain of Sea Islands which runs parallel to the coast. Because of their geographical isolation and strong community life, the Gullah have been able to preserve more of their African cultural heritage than any other group of Black Americans. They speak a creole language similar to Sierra Leone Krio, use African names, tell African folktales, make African-style handicrafts such as baskets and carved walking sticks, and enjoy a rich cuisine based primarily on rice...

The connection between the Gullah and the people of Sierra Leone is a very special one. Sierra Leone has always had a small population, and Sierra Leonean slaves were always greatly outnumbered on the plantations by slaves from more populous parts of Africa—except in South Carolina and Georgia. The rice plantation zone of coastal South Carolina and Georgia was the only place in the Americas where Sierra Leonean slaves came together in large enough numbers and over a long enough period of time to leave a significant linguistic and cultural impact. While Nigerians may point to Brazil, Cuba, and Haiti as places where Nigerian culture is still evident, Sierra Leoneans can look to the Gullah of South Carolina and Georgia as a kindred people sharing many common elements of speech, custom, culture, and cuisine."

source