Blaq Carrie - Hip Hop 'Femcee'

Hip Hop has proved to many as a tough industry to tap into, a male dominated game in which only the toughest survive. However, female rappers have been fast emerging proving to be fearless and capable of not only being contenders to their male counterparts but also outperforming them. Meet Blaq Carrie, a ‘Femcee’ who is not only taking careful steps to fix this ratio slowly & surely, but also proves that as a female artist- you do not need to shake some ass to be recognized. 

Hailing from the city of Harare, in Zimbabwe, Blaq Carrie whose real name is Tsitsi Mafuta fell in love with Hip Hop at the age of 15. She cites artists like JayZ, Lauryn Hill and Nas as her biggest influences at the time.  When asked about how she got into the game, Blaq Carrie says “I  grew up a tom boy and seeing people like Lauryn Hill and Aaliyah, who appeared to be tom boyish as well  made me realise that I could make this work for me too and that is when I decided to start making my own music".

Realising her lyrical and performing talents through participation in local talent shows at a young age, it wasn’t until she moved to Australia in 2004 that she decided to take a step forward towards achieving her dreams. She released a couple of mixtapes and performed in various clubs around Brisbane from 2008 to 2011 in efforts to get her name out. It was a step in the right direction, and despite personal and professional obstacles that she faced during these times, in years to follow she would reap the payoffs. 

In 2012 and 2013 she got her big break when she was selected to participate in the 100 Songs Project, an Independent Music Research Project held in Brisbane. In 2013, she solidified her mark in the Hip Hop community when she won Triple J Unearthed Spring Hip Hop Festival competition and also went on to win the Queensland Music Award for Best Urban Song and the Australian Independent Award in the same event for her breakout single “Let There Be Hope”.   This was followed and complimented by the release of a two-part YouTube video where she talks about the making of the single and breaks down the meaning of the song.

 In 2014, Blaq Carrie released the critically acclaimed EP “Best wishes” which boasts production credits from Hamley and Tristan Hoogland (who has previously worked with Kevin McCall, Jessica Mauboy, & Jason Derulo).The single has garnered some positive feedback and is her most critically acclaimed to date. We met with Blaq Carrie to talk about the success of her single and her upcoming projects.

For those that don’t know much about you and your music, who is Blaq Carrie and how would you describe your sound?

I am a Hip Hop artist. My sound is still a work in progress but i call it the ‘Labour of Love Music’ which gracefully falls under good music.

Having grown up in Zimbabwe, what are some of the struggles that you have faced trying to break into the music industry in foreign country?

I would say right now in my current situation, firstly is trying to connect with people (music lovers/listeners) just for people to get to know your sound and style. Secondly, is trying to staying focused and in my lane. This requires me to find the right people to surround myself with, positive people, who can support me, inspire me and challenge me to push my music career in the right direction.

 What do you think of the future of Hip Hop in Australia?

I personally think right now Hip Hop in Australia is on a verge of a burst (in a good way). There are a lot of good artists here and they are slowly getting much more recognition now.

 Congratulations on winning the Queensland Music Video Award of the year and Best Hip Hop Music Video Award at the Independent music video awards for your song Let There Be Hope. What does this award mean to you?

The making of that video I and Sarah Robinson, my music video director can trade war stories about it….haha. But to answer the question, right now in this very moment I am definitely filled with nothing but gratitude for the support that i got while working on the song and the people that voted for it to win.

 What projects are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on my next EP ‘Til We Meet Again’. People can find and follow my updates on

 www.blaqcarrie.com

Facebook (Blaq Carrie )

https://soundcloud.com/blaqcarrie263

Author: Mini

Photos: Blaq Carrie

#Mini #Char #MiniandChar

Cynthia Moyo - Simply Cyee Style

When I think of effortless chic and elegance, I think of Cynthia Moyo. The creator of Simply Cyee Style (Simply Cyee) is arguably one of the hottest fashion bloggers on social media at the moment. Her self-styled outfits bear testament to her natural stylishness and the promise of a long successful career in the fashion industry. 

In just over a year since its inception, Simply Cyee has taken social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram by storm. With over 12,000 followers on Facebook and a growing following on Instagram, it is clear that women around the world are looking to Cynthia for style inspiration. Cynthia’s talents were recognised when she was voted Blogger of the Year at the 2014 Zimbabwe International Women’s Awards (ZIWA). 

As a fiancée and mother to her active toddler Pearl, Cynthia made a conscious decision to venture into Fashion Blogging & Styling. Being self-employed allows her to do what she loves and by taking Pearl along when she works Cynthia is able to spend time with her daughter.

Cynthia has recently left England for South Africa and is planning on expanding her brand. It is thrilling to note that Cynthia is thinking of expanding to kids’ fashion, perhaps owning a boutique and providing more personalised shopping experiences. Keep an eye out for new developments on the Simply Cyee Facebook page. 

The interview below gives more insight into Simply Cyee Style:

So, who is Cynthia and what is your raison d’etre? 

I am simple woman, a fiancé and mother, who loves my family and probably a major shopaholic too.

What is a typical day in the life of Cynthia?

My day involves nursery runs, errands, shopping for clients, responding to tonnes of emails and messages, time with my child after nursery, household chores etc. I really don’t think my day is different from most except what I call work is shopping…and I love it! 

You are the creator of ‘Simply Cyee’; what is ‘Simply Cyee’ about and what do you hope to achieve with your blog? 

'Simply Cyee' is a platform I created to share my love and passion for fashion with like-minded people. It's meant to be realistic day to day wear. I don't blog stuff I don't wear. It's grown into a place that creates style inspiration on a regular budget and that really is who I am. 

There are many fashion bloggers on various social media platforms - when you first started blogging, were you worried about being seen as “just another blogger”? How do you differentiate yourself from other fashion bloggers? 

I have never really been worried about being labelled as “just another blogger”. Fashion blogging is a personal thing. We all have different takes to the same thing and there is enough support and success for everyone as long as you work hard, improve and stay consistent with your niche. It was also important to understand that I won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. As long as I do good, I am happy. 

For those who are not aware, you are not just a pretty fashionista, as a Law Graduate you also have the brains to back it up. Why did you make the switch to styling & fashion blogging? 

Law was something I was passionate about as a child. It was a dream I shared with my late father and I’m ever so proud of myself for that achievement but the dreams you have as a child don’t always translate as you grow older. After having my daughter I wanted to find work that would be flexible and allow me to be with her when it suited me. So finding myself self employed and doing what I loved worked out better for me as I can take Pearl with me when I work. I don’t know if I would have been the mother I am working in a highly competitive law firm and I’m glad I took the alternative route.

Congratulations on your ZIWA – what does this award mean to you?

Ahhh the ZIWA, that was just amazing. My first award and to be recognised and appreciated by my fellow Zimbabweans. The thought that people actually voted for me is just super. I was literally breath taken. It truly felt like WE had done it, all the people that supported and voted. It was our achievement. 

In just over a year, you have over 12,000 followers on Facebook, over 7k followers on Instagram and you have featured in TRUELOVE (South Africa) magazine, not to mention your ZIWA 2014 Blogger of the Year Award – did you expect to have such a huge following and this much success in such a short timeframe?

I had very little expectation to be honest when I started blogging. I think I was just hoping not to be judged harshly by the social media public. The more support I got the more I grew confident so I’m grateful to those that have supported me from the beginning and along the way. 

A lot of your outfits are from H&M, Zara, River Island and the occasional Primark – these brands are accessible to the average woman. Are these your favourite brands or do you purposefully showcase these brands on your blog? 

See, my life before blogging was exactly the same as it is with me blogging. I didn’t really change the places where I shopped. I’m just conscious to take pictures now. So yeah those are pretty much my regular and favourite brands. Simple accessible high street stuff. I also love places that cater for me and my daughter under one roof. 

What is/are your favourite brands and why? 

I love ‘Zara’ & ‘River Island’ shoes. They are comfortable and worth the price you pay.

I love ‘Primark’ jeans! African girls need that stretch! Most of my clothes and basics are ‘H&M’ and most of Pearl’s clothes and shoes are ‘H&M’ too so I’d safely say it’s my favourite brand. I’m not too fussy with accessories. I love ‘New Look’ for their variety in jewellery and I love ‘River Island’ bags!

To be fair I love anything that I connect with whatever the brand. I really don’t discriminate when it comes to pretty things. 

I follow Simply Cyee on Facebook and Instagram; and I must say I love how you put an outfit together – do you provide personal styling services or are you focused mainly on blogging? 

I usually do provide personal shopping and personal styling services but I have put that on hold indefinitely as I am sorting out personal things in my life right now. I will probably resume once I’m settled or have a new project providing a similar service. And yes, during my down time I’d like to up my blogging a bit. Find new material and improved quality. 

Do you plan on expanding your brand? If so, how?

Yes I do plan on expanding. There is always room to grow and do better. Perhaps a boutique, online store, more personalised shopping experience, more focus on kids’ fashion now that Pearl is keen on joining me when I’m blogging. I have so many ideas it’s just about reigning in on what direction I’d like to take. All in due time. 

We have to talk about Miss Pearl! What’s it’s like being Pearl’s Mum? How do you balance the demands of your career, running a household and being a Mum to an active toddler? 

Pearl. Lol. She is just so energetic. The girl does not stop, from the time she gets up till she goes to bed, it’s like running a marathon. She is the sweetest, most loving little person and everything i do revolves around her. Everything I do is for her to be happy. Even my style is highly influenced by her. We make such a great team so getting through our day isn’t so hard because we have been doing it together from the start. 

So what’s next for Cyee – as a person and as a brand?

Well…I’m taking a huge step and leaving England for a while. Time for a change and new things with my little family. I’m hoping the brand will grow with me as I take my next steps. We will all have to wait and see.   

Last words?

Last words….Confidence, consistent hard work, self belief, humility and politeness will get you further than you ever dreamt.  

You can get style tips and inspiration by liking Simply Cyee on Facebook and following @MamaKaPearl on Instagram. 

Author: Char

Images: Simply Cyee