We Want Peace, unleashes anew. Kick off, JUBA.

Aside from those "notable friends" featured previously on We Want Peace's global anthem (like Alicia Keys, George Clooney, Richard Branson and just a few actual presidents), this remix welcomes the vocals of a hip hop legend, otherwise known as DMC....yes, of Run DMC.



Emmanuel Jal's We Want Peace movement has gone from strength to strength since in its inception almost 2 years ago, and in just a few days time, the campaign's crucial work returns to Emmanuel's home of South Sudan, with not one, but 2 very, very exciting events.

Emmanuel Jal. Back home. In South Sudan. 

First: Thursday 20 September 2012. The "We Want Peace" Business Gala. 

The Vice President of South Sudan, Dr. Riek Machar, will host a high profile business gala dinner at Juba's Independence Hall, also known as Freedom hall. The anticipated affair will act as an ideal platform to connect the Government of South Sudan (GOSS), the private sector, UN agencies, NGOs and the diplomatic corps, with a focus on South Sudan's responsible investment for long-term development and self-sustainability. An intimate performance by Emmanuel Jal will entertain the VIP audience as they become acquainted with the country's current and future potential. 

Vice President of South Sudan, Dr. Riek Machar to host the "We Want Peace" Business Gala

"Peace is good for business" said Emmanuel Jal, "every single one of us has a responsibility to create a peaceful environment for all of us to thrive. This is why we have mobilised local and international businesses, young global leaders, the humanitarian world and the South Sudanese Government to come together and work together for a better South Sudan, using the power of music to raise the world's attention and celebrate our unity"

Speaking of music, we move on to highlight number two...

DMC becomes the first African American artist to visit Africa's newest nation

On Friday 21 September, International Peace Day, Emmanuel Jal will headline a celebratory concert alongside friend and special guest Darryl "DMC" McDaniels (of legendary hip hop trio, Run DMC). A historical moment in music, this will be the FIRST time DMC visits and performs on African soil.

Undoubtedly South Sudan's biggest musical celebration to date, the We Want Peace/MasterPeace showdown will take place in the same venue: Juba's Independence Hall (Freedom Hall) and will feature other local stars such as Silver X. Just by the way, this will also be the first time Emmanuel Jal performs at home with his entire live band...Indeed. We're excited. And if you're in South Sudan, we shall see you there.

Kenya's DRUM magazine talks to Rozan Ahmed.

"I sit down at the Sankara hotel business lounge eagerly waiting for the lady who has had the chance to interact with prominent personalities from all over the world. She has rubbed shoulders with every who’s who – from celebrities to prominent politicians and wealthy businessmen/women.

Rozan Ahmed, an internationally renowned PR specialist, campaigner and writer, walks into the lounge, smiling and speaking in her husky voice. She comes across as the girl next door – quite friendly. Apart from being a PR genius, Rozan is also a peace advocate/activist and is currently behind a number of successful campaigns, one of which is We Want Peace (WWP), spearheaded by Emmanuel Jal - an internationally popular musician and former child soldier from Southern Sudan. The launching music video for WWP had messages from various well-known personalities. “Alicia Keys opens it, followed by George Clooney, Kofi Annan, Richard Branson and many more. The support we received for We Want Peace was high level and global, as well as grass roots, and local...exactly how we like to play it.”

When we meet for this interview, Rozan and Jal have just returned from The Hague, following an invitation from the International Criminal Court (ICC) to take part in a symposium focused on the issue of child soldiers, as well as witness the closing statements of the Labunga trial. After the trial, a gala dinner was held, during which Jal performed before Ocampo himself and other former child soldiers. “We were seated next to Angelina Jolie, who came along in support” says Rozan...all in a day’s work for her.

Only aged 30, her journey started when she was just 16 years old in the UK. “Growing up I had no idea what I wanted to do. All I knew was that I loved music, but I didn’t know how to go about turning that passion into a career. When I was 16 I heard on the radio that BMG Entertainment (now Sony Universal) was looking for street team members for P. Diddy. I walked into their offices, talked my way into the promotions department, lied about my age (they wanted 18 years and above) and got the gig. The work basically involved distributing fliers outside clubs, hanging posters in the streets and accompanying artists to events. Indeed, not glamorous! My first job was with Tyrese. He gave me a great recommendation by telling the head of promotions that I was good at what I did, and so should be retained despite being only 16!”

Rozan did carry on doing her thing as a street team member while simultaneously attending school for her Media & Communications degree at Greenwich University, and writing articles as a freelance music journalist. When she graduated in 2002, at only 21, she was offered the job of deputy editor with RWD magazine. “At the time it was a pocket-sized music & lifestyle based title, very underground, but within 18 months we had grown to become the biggest and strongest in our field. I utilised my contacts left, right and centre and did everything I possibly could to make RWD work. We were a small and dedicated team, pretty much family considering how much time we spent together. All of us, literally, did everything!”.

The peak for Rozan was when she was asked to work closely with the Princes’ Trust, facilitated by Prince Charles. This was for the first urban music festival in the UK back in 2004; it was a historic event as it was the first time that British Black music was put on equal footing with that of the USA; it was where Alicia Keys shared the stage with Jamelia and Jay Z with Dizzie Rascal. “My idea was to see these artists on the same stage, on equal par, not having one rely on the other and to appreciate the differing sounds. It was a great success.”

So how exactly did the lady behind great entertainment become a peace activist? “Well, after working with and within so much of the higher profile, I wondered what more I could do. I started developing an interest in politics, humanitarianism, and people’s perceptions of world issues. I wanted to better understand these issues...for example, why Africa remains poor despite literally bursting with resources; why Islam, as a faith, was being targeted for the destruction of the twin towers when only a few individuals were allegedly responsible.  How religion, in all its forms, is becoming institutionalised, almost? I basically developed an interest in the more holistic, globally inclined, psychological and socially shaping aspects of PR.”

That is how Rozan left the UK for Sudan in 2005. Her new job title was Public Information officer with the United Nations. “Our mandate for Sudan was to monitor the implementation of the comprehensive peace agreement between the North and South. My role was to desensitise the public when it came to information, protocols and generally what we needed to do as a people to make sure the agreement was implemented.” To mark the celebrations of one year of the peace agreement, Rozan brought together musicians to celebrate the event in style. “Music is a critical tool in unity and communication, particularly when it comes to young people. I brought in Emmanuel Jal (Southern Sudan) and Abdel Gadir Salim (Northern Sudan) – and put them on stage before a youthful audience as a musical symbol of peace and unity between the two sides...obviously the recent split has broken my heart!"

Although she was born and raised in the UK, Rozan had already visited Sudan on several occasions.  “The only thing I found difficult about working in Africa was seeing all sides of the social scale in one place – from incredible wealth to absolute poverty within 5 minutes of each other; that was a little traumatising.”

Rozan worked with the UN for four years before deciding to go independent. “I wanted to see how I could merge all my passions into one consultancy, from politics, to music, to humanitarian efforts and education. I wanted to work with people of equal tenacity, and only with brands I strictly believed in. Working at the UN was an unforgettable experience, and one I'd love to go back to, but there's also a lot of bureaucracy, I needed a bigger sense of freedom creatively”. This was the motivation that saw the setting up of rozanahmed.com and bougi in 2008, in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

How exactly did she settle on Bahrain as her new station? “I visited Bahrain once for the Formula One and just fell in love with the place. I was also intrigued because Michael Jackson lived there. Bahrain is a such a soulful little island, quiet, generous, great food, I could go on...” quips Rozan.

As any businessperson will attest, it was scary starting off on her own, but it was something she had to do. “The fact that there was no one but myself to direct me on this solo path was a little overwhelming. It was difficult to comprehend that everything that happens, henceforth, was down to just me. That can bring a lot of pressure. Up until today I struggle with decision making! Other than that it’s been an incredible journey.” She has represented many clients, and organised a number of great events both in and out of Bahrain. "The consultancy bases itself on fundamental services within public relations. I also wanted to align entertainment, my writing and love for music, so I started bougi, a popular network for people both aspirational and inspirational, encompassing all social media and special events".

Some of the people she's worked with include Jay-Z, Beyonce, Akala, Estelle, Emmanuel Jal and, from Kenya, Juliani. She was the one behind the launch of Juliani’s latest album, Pulpit Kwa Street, which took over Nairobi's City Hall Way back in August of this year, in unforgettable fashion. Juliani is another prominent face of We Want Peace, alongside Jal. The campaign in Kenya is all about rallying, lobbying and speaking to members of the public, politicians and the corporate world, sharing a vision of peace, unity and enlightenment with them all. “We take a holistic approach to this: if people are fighting, why are they fighting and who gave them the guns? We want to open hearts and minds into understanding what stops peace, and what can then bring peace, through a series of meetings, shows and other planned interactive activity”.



Juliani was picked for this project because "it works...he's very active when it comes to social development, and thoroughly believes in inspiring the youth. We're all shared on our outlooks and that's what brings us together, naturally”.

How did she end up in Kenya in the first place? “We Want Peace started off as a global campaign in December 2010, focusing on the referendum in Southern Sudan. Following a peaceful referendum, Jal came up with the idea of coming to Kenya, honing in on issues of good governance and peace building in run up to the country's elections in 2012."

With a peaceful election in mind, WWP established a thought process of youth-led responsibility; that they will make themselves responsible for sustaining an environment of peace under all circumstances. "Anti-tribalism is key, and as part of the campaign we've recorded a song featuring Jal and Juliani, and even have a few politicians and other influential figures rapping, among them Martha Karua, William Ruto, Jimnah Mbaru and more. We received some initial criticism for including Ruto, but there's no regrets, because if he is in a position to say to his people, “We want peace” and they listen, then that is immediately a step in the right direction. We’ve also met with Prime Minister Raila Odinga who is very supportive of our efforts."

Working between the Middle East, East Africa and Europe, what is the most any client has spent on a gig? “There is this client of mine, a wealthy businessman from the Gulf, who spent $250,000, (about Ksh23 million) in one night”. Wow. Her advice to anyone who wants to venture into PR? “Prepare yourself. It’s not easy. Build your connections and abide fully by the iceberg principle! There's a massive amount of work that's always put in, a foundation that has to be built. This means a continuous enhancement of your skills, builidng and maintaining relationships, long (random) hours, and a constant professionalism.” Her last words to Kenyans, especially in run up to the elections next year: “Exercise the trickle-down effect. Take this campaign into your own hands and do what you need to do to maintain a positive environment within your communities. Take responsibility for Kenya, protect her and all that she's worth...be that positive role model you would like for others to become”.

In Her Own Words...

Rozan’s dad is a paediatrician and her mum would have been a diplomat had she not been busy raising her kids.

She is the first of four children, with a sister in New York and two brothers in London.

She's a workaholic and tends to be in a different country every month or so.

She always feels the need to settle down whenever she comes to Nairobi and wouldn’t mind a Kenyan husband.

She thinks Angelina Jolie is super intelligent and Beyoncé is polite, shy and cute.

Rozan would love to have up 4 or 5 kids in the future.

Her favourite music is "everything soulful, and older".

She's Muslim and finds balance in her life by praying. She also practises yoga.

Her favourite food is all forms of Thai salad. 

To support We Want Peace please follow all social media for news, views and upcoming activity. Visit We Want Peace online. Other links: Emmanuel Jal. Rozan on twitter. Kama Si Sisi. Juliani. Jal on twitter. WWP in pictures. Juliani on twitter. 

The Column: October 2011.

So much to go over. So little time. First off, Bahrain. A home to many, from all walks of life, who I'd like to think very much LOVE this Kingdom. As such, it is an all encompassing responsibility to put an end to this fiasco, unify and work together towards building a better Bahrain...isn't it? I mean, despite my looking into this reoccurring issue (at significant length, and depth) I still don't know why certain individuals continue to cause self- damage. Where is the logic? Shouldn't we be thankful that Bahrain has one of the finest Governmental set-ups this world has to offer? Should you need any proof of this, ask Troy Davis's family. Google, incase you don't know. Can we please just take a moment and realise the necessity for peace. Please. PLEASE (!). Without it, no one will prosper.

Rozan Ahmed & Gina Din at the Kenyans 4 Kenya Ladies Luncheon

So. Kenya's feature length episode comes to an end next week, so too has Kenyans For Kenya, a wonderful Red Cross initiative which raised almost one billion Kshs for food relief in Turkana. Most importantly, Kenyans For Kenya sparked a spiritual sense of unity amongst the country's citizens that was, simply, thrilling. I pray this remains in the country I've grown to love, and spreads itself across Africa — and the rest of the world, for that matter. Gina Din, sincere friend, face and force behind what spread like a glorious epidemic across the giving nature of Kenyans, said nothing has fulfilled her more than to see her country's people come together, for each other. Full praise, fully due.

We Want Peace at Kenya's Mathare Football club

We Want Peace (WWP) was recently hailed as "Kenya's biggest social charge toward positive change" (excellent). The campaign, spearheaded by international superstar, Emmanuel Jal, works to inspire public responsibility and accountability, to inspire minds and sustain a peaceful environment in the run up to the country's presidential elections. "2007 can never happen again, it's time to bring about meaningful, long- term change...We want to invigorate public action into independently protecting their communities, realising an individual duty to maintain peace, which then of course leads to good development," said Emmanuel.

Alongside a number of key cultural influencers, leaders and organisations, we continue to work tirelessly in rallying one million Kenyans for peace through the 595 Pledge; an SMS rally and petition of commitment where one million Kenyans will promise to work, inspire and lead the change, for a better Kenya. Yes, I know, a lot of work.

Zahra Kedemi in "Rozan" by Tamara Al Gabbani, along with the lady herself

Back to the Middle East, and just incase you've been hiding in an isolated cave somewhere, Dubai's leading lady, Tamara Al Gabbani, launched her debut Goddess collection back in May 2011, to rave reviews, internationally — naturally. So successful was the launch of Tamara's Grecian inspired fashion line, that copies of the sought after attire started appearing both in Dubai and London — love that. Equally love that one of Tamara's pieces was recently named after yours truly too. I'm told the gold sequins were very "Rozan", and so, there you go. All luscious fashion pieces are now available to order here.

En route to the Emirate. 

Still on the "Dubai" tip, I hear Kim Kardashian's coming — and that the entire emirate has kind of very radically lost its mind. Relax. The Kardashian newly-wed will arrive in Dubai on 13 October, along with managing mummy, Kris Jenner. They're opening a new store that makes the world's most expensive milkshakes. Million dollar milkshakes, in fact. Oh how I look forward to discovering its ingredients.

Next door, and Abu Dhabi will be hosting its annual Film Festival from October 12 to 22. I'll be there. I'll also be in Bahrain, Sudan, Washington DC and New York City, in the space of one month. Pray for me.

Links: Rozan Ahmed. Facebook. Twitter. Tamara Al Gabbani. We Want Peace. Gina Din. Abu Dhabi Film Fesitval. Emmanuel Jal. Kenyans 4 Kenya. Kim Kardashian does Dubai.

Emmanuel Jal receives 2011's Common Ground Award.

World renowned artist, author, actor and activist, Emmanuel Jal, will on 27th October 2011, receive the prestigious Common Ground Award in Washington, USA.

Previously received by the likes of Mohammed Ali and Desmond Tutu, the Common Ground Awards are presented annually to honor outstanding accomplishments in conflict resolution, negotiation, community building, and peace-building. Recipients have made significant contributions toward bridging divide, and finding solutions to seemingly intractable problems.

Those awarded have dealt with conflicts in new ways, they have met crises with creativity, wisdom and courage. They have inspired and brought hope to many.

Emmanuel Jal's extraordinary efforts, currently displayed through the works of his We Want Peace campaign, have not only shown us the best in ourselves, but also, what can be achieved when we work with, and for, each other.

Currently focused on his second home of Kenya, We Want Peace has a mission to inspire public responsibility and accountability, inspire minds and maintain a peaceful environment in run up to the country's presidential elections. "2007 can never happen again, it's time to bring about meaningful, long-term change, and we are doing so through a series of educational meetings, shows and exhibitions across Kenya. We want to invigorate public action into independently protecting their communities, realising an individual duty to sustain peace, which then of course leads to good development" said Emmanuel.

Alongside a prominent number of cultural influencers, leaders and organisations, in Kenya and beyond, Emmanuel Jal is working tirelessly to rally as many Kenyans as possible for peace, where they will promise to work, inspire and lead in what's already been hailed as the country's biggest social charge, for positive change.

For more information on Emmanuel Jal and/or We Want Peace please email info@rozanahmed.com

The Column: August 2011

Hello. I'm in Africa (smile). As mentioned last month, all worldly travels have taken a thankful pause over the summer, as my focus tunes back into the fulfilling campaign work that is We Want Peace. Lots going on, with significant leaps — and bounds — in terms of influential leadership lending a musical hand, as well targeting hearts & mind, first. I'll explain.

Africa Yoga Project's Paige Elenson, Gina Din & Rozan Ahmed

East Africa's PR Guru, Gina Din, was the latest leading personality to grace the recording studio with We Want Peace's double force in music, Emmanuel Jal and Juliani. They are the bonafide stars behind the campaign's latest phase, which focuses on the developmentally stifling issue of tribalism. And so, Gina rapped (!) alongside them - and did a fab job with it too.

King of Kenyan TV, Jeff Koinange

Next in the booth, was none other than Kenya's King of prime time television, Jeff Koinange, who did in fact incorporate his infamous ''smoking'' catchphrase into the eagerly anticipated anthem. Indeed, all very exciting.

Juliani, Emmanuel Jal and (yes, we know he's in the Hague) Hon. William Ruto

Finally, there was the Honorable William Ruto, otherwise known as ''The King of the Rift'', who by the way, was an MC-ing natural. His association caused quite the stir among Kenya's public audience, being an Ocampo 6 member and all. But let's take a moment to understand what this crucial initiative's actually about...

Peace requires unification. Therefore, a fundamental objective within We Want Peace is to, well, you know... unite? Witnessing leadership (from across the board) coming together for the first time and physically/vocally/publicly pledging their allegiance to ensure peaceful elections in 2012, is always a good thing.

There's more to come, including an SMS petition for submission to Government, calling on 1 MILLION young minds (and more) to responsibly protect their country against a repeat of 2007's post election violence. TEXT your pledges and commitments to 595, like now. Tell us your thoughts, quotes, what peace means to you and what exactly you plan on doing to spread positive, peaceful and inspirational energy across your community.

Also in the works: A series of [very] empowering cross-country youth meetings, alongside Picha Mtaani's Boniface Mwangi. Live radio broadcasts, to include performances, debates, prizes and all sorts (this will be a first for Kenya, just by the way).  Gatwich Festival. And then some. We've also just been nominated 'Best online campaign' by Kenya's social media club. Why thanks. It's just the beginning.

In the midst of We Want Peace work, another monumental moment in history took place in my home country of Sudan. The country split in two, and the Republic of South Sudan was born. To be honest my emotions remain a mix of sadness and relief. It's hard to understand what is effectively a part-time liberation. It's difficult to be jubilent when the rest of the country still suffers the pain of an existing problem. I can't really celebrate when freedom fighters everywhere (who also fought for the now ''free state'') remain terrorised. Saying that, seeing the faces of so many happy people in Juba was unforgettable, and for that, I'm grateful. Congratulations.

'Sudanese Knights': Luol Deng, Emmanuel Jal, Luol's [even taller] brother, Emmanuel Jambo & a [very tiny] Rozan Ahmed

Back to current shenanigans, and much thanks to the Africa Yoga Project, I'm back to being somewhat of a 'yogi'. Paige Elenson, Erica Wood and co. I love and thank you for [temporarily] fixing me. Not impressed with the lack of Moroccan baths in Nairobi, just by the way. BIG fan of Tribe Hotel's Sunday brunch. Overly enjoying Sankara's pad thai. Always a pleasure coming across actual baboons now and again. There's something addictive in Seven's butternut squash. Randomly, LOVE Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore's office desk. No, you'll still never see me on a ''safari''. Enjoyed feeling so tiny amidst the big friendly Nubian giants...and, you might as well call me Popeye with the *mass* amounts of spinach I'm consuming lately. What do Kenyans put in it exactly? Why is it so tasty here?

Finally, I dedicate this month's column to the legend that lives: Nelson Mandela. A beacon of light to so many across the planet, all he wanted on his recent 93rd birthday was for each one of us to dedicate 67 minutes towards supporting our community. I say, let's make it a week.

Hearts & Minds. First.

In a collective effort to engage and empower youth across Kenya, Emmanuel Jal, world renowned artist, actor, author and activist, Juliani, Kenya's most inspiring & socially conscious lyricist, and award-winning photo-activist Boniface Mwangi held what was a first in a series of youth meetings in the country's hip hop capital of Dandora on Sunday 4 September 2011.

Dedicated to positive social change, the 3 young men and their change charged movements came together on this momentous occasion of inspiration to engage, discuss and enlighten on the holistic elements of peace, reconciliation and development in Kenya.

Nairobi based media, influential youth, Kenyan Hip hop pioneers Mau Mau and Robah of ‘Kalamashaka’ joined Emmanuel, Boniface and Juliani on a tour of Kenya's biggest dumping site, as entrepreneurial locals broke down how they profit off the materials we waste, eat what the rest of us have thrown away, and use what limited resources they have to make a living.

On arrival at the Mau Mau studio, Kenya's hip hop birthplace, Juliani welcomed and hosted all those in attendance to his hometown, while Boniface Mwangi screened Picha Mtaani’s touching ‘Heal the nation’ documentary, focused on the tragedy that befell Kenyans after the 2007 December elections.

Thought provoking conversation ensued, with a generic understanding on the urgent need to forge new mind-sets across Kenya, adopting and embracing a culture of responsibility, accountability and change. ‘This is a project of champions’ said Juliani, ‘we will lead the realisation in responsible living, education and work’. ‘Dependency as a way of thinking has to stop’ continued Emmanuel Jal, ‘2007 can never happen again, it's time to bring about meaningful, long-term change’, expressed Boniface Mwangi.

The historic discussion was documented on social networks such as twitter and facebook, triggering further debate, and thought-provoking response online.

‘We recorded an anthem soon to be released for next year's elections, focused on anti-tribalism and featuring a number of influential people in politics, the corporate world and entertainment...As of now, we are rallying an army, as many Kenyans as possible, who will take responsibility in creating a positive energy throughout the country. They will protect Kenya and become inspiring leaders in their own communities" said Emmanuel Jal. "Young people have to make that promise, to themselves and their people".

Emmanuel Jal, Juliani and Boniface Mwangi agreed to come together in mobilising the young people of Kenya to work towards sustainable development, peace and prosperity: a patriotic social movement that will amplify the voice of a new generation.

Similar sessions of inspiration, raising awareness on self-responsibility, positive action and long term change will be held in Kibera, Mathare and other parts of Kenya.

For more information, please contact:
Rozan Ahmed - t: +254 738 123401 – e: info@rozanahmed.com

The Column: July 2011.

Greetings, from the town of flashy, irritating faults, disguised foolishness and foul smells. Yep. After a whirlwind 6 weeks spread across Morocco, Cannes, Monaco, St. Tropez, Porto Fino and London, I'm back in the city otherwise known as the overtly glossy, Dubai.

Now, let's understand something. I can appreciate Dubai. It can be nice – sometimes. But, let's be honest, its teething problems (and general habit of attracting failures from across the globe) can significantly raise the blood pressure of any sound professional – bearing good taste. Saying that, I'm grateful for discovering a more humble circle of creative entrepreneurs during my regular visits here. Yes God, for blessing me with an aura that draws toward greatness, actively and helplessly rejecting foolery. As you can probably tell by now, this aura of mine is having to deal with a lot of rejections, whilst in Dubai. Sigh.

Film, fashion & food: Mohammed Al Turki, Ali Mostafa & Tamara Al Gabbani

Anyhow. Rant over. And as we speak of greatness, I must thank the crew at Dubai's Okku Bar & Restaurant (my favourite culinary haven in the emirate) for their efforts in so graciously hosting our evening with Tamara Al Gabbani and Mohammed Al Turki. Mohammed was in town for a series of interviews, promoting his upcoming film projects back in Hollywood; both him and Tamara, fresh off their spectacular appearances at Cannes Film Festival this year, had lots to share with friends and invited guests, over what was a gorgeous gathering of Dubai's finest. More on that -- here.

Thanking the gift that is Phlong Flores.

Next, it was back to the beloved Bahrain, for five days of photo shoots (hence the lovely picture, you like?), meetings and memoirs. I'm pretty much convinced that Bahrain is pleasurably cursed, by the way. There's a strange attraction to the island that's really difficult to describe. An anxiousness takes over the soul after six to seven weeks of being away from Manama. Like a fix, you feel a sense of glorious relief once on Bahraini soil. I know I'm not the only one under this 'spell' of sorts. The research has been conducted, and I can positively conclude that the Bahrain vibe, despite recent turmoil, is addictive.

The eccentric nail: Once misunderstood, now completely adored.

Another addiction, recently developed, is nail art. Some of you may look at the above and think “Oooh, odd”, but that's only because it's new. I myself am a particular fan of the black/gold combinations, and obviously blown away by the leopard print/heart fusions. I shan't reveal the maestro behind my vibrant fingertips just yet, but I will tell you that every nail was beautifully hand painted – yes, painted, and that's key. Don't jump on this fantastic form of fashion artistry when Kim K does. By then, it'll be too late.

Breaking hearts: Estelle, Vanessa Amadi & Rozan Ahmed

Oh. Just in case you don't know, Estelle's back. Indeed, the beautiful British songstress returns to bless our hearing aids with some delectable loveliness. The single is a sure-fire summer smash, and it’s called "Break My Heart", featuring the man who's currently using my name illegally, Ricki Rozay. The video features a young and stunning Gentleman my friends and I are willing to break - up - over. His name's Omari Hardwick. You'll know exactly who I'm talking about when you see him. FIT.



So, with Dubai/Bahrain works nicely wrapped up, I now prepare for a return to Kenya. Summer has lots in store, with "We Want Peace" plans for upcoming promo across the country, a music video and a live radio broadcast to highlight the campaign's latest message of anti-tribalism.

Breaking boundaries: Kenya's biggest hip hop star & face of "We Want Peace", Juliani, picks up his Groove award for best song

Inspiration: Emmanuel Jal, international artist, author, actor & activist, is working alongside Juliani and other African leaders to promote peace across Kenya, and East Africa, in the run up to elections. 

Work aside, I simply cannot wait to bask in beautiful landscapes again, listen to music from every corner (I'm quite sure Kenya's bushes sing), enjoy the most organic of foods and just live, simply, and fabulously. You should try it. Ciao.