Category: Lifestyle

  • How I Use And Care For My Crystal Jewelry

    How I Use And Care For My Crystal Jewelry

    Crystals, also referred to as gemstones and semi-precious stones, are a great way to set and carry intentions within your life. With the variety of colors, shapes, and meanings, there is a crystal for everyone. With my business, Bandele Muse, I provide crystal gemstone jewelry. I selected gemstones for their healing properties and combined them for a wholesome and powerful experience for you.

    Did you know there are different ways to use your crystal gemstone jewelry? In this video, I share with you the ways I use my crystal gemstone bracelets, how I take care of my crystal jewelry, and details on a few of the crystal gemstone bracelets I have available at Bandele Muse.

    For more details on my experience with crystals and the different ways you can use them, check out my blog post at Bandele Muse.

    Also, remember to join my newsletter for 10% off your first purchase.

    Enjoy!

  • Can We Leverage Web3 Accra

    Can We Leverage Web3 Accra

    Come with me to the Web3 Accra conference. Did you know Ghana is the hub for esports and gaming in Africa? Did you know the first NFT collection dedicated to tourism and cultural diversity showcases Ghanaian culture? Hello! In this video, I share my experience and reflections on the Web3 Accra conference and the questions and possibilities around the success of Web3 in Accra and Africa.

    Regarding the projects I mentioned in the video, check out the RoyalsNFT and Ghana Esports.

    What do you think about Web3 and its possible challenges and advantages? Let me know in the comments. Let’s continue the discussion.

  • Africans Love Country Music

    Africans Love Country Music

    The art exhibit featured in the above image is from Samuel Olayombo‘s exhibit “Unchained: The Cotton Candy Cowboys” in Accra. Everybody was taking photos here. The texture and expressions in his art are fabulous!

    Now, let’s talk about country music and Africans.

    Did you know Africans love country music? When I moved to Accra, I started noticing Country Music being played on the local radio plus in restaurants and some homes. I found this really fascinating. Sometimes asking in my head, “what do you know about country music?”

    Oh. Silly me. Let me share a disclaimer with you. I have lived most of my life in Texas. Purro 956! H-town Going Down! Remember The Alamo! Don’t Mess With Texas! Howdy, that’s what I am familiar with. Thus, country music, in English and Spanish, has been around me for a while. Now, for those unfamiliar with Texas, let me share this: No, I do not drive a pick-up truck, live on a ranch, or have a country music playlist on my laptop. Yes, I own a pair of cowgirl boots, attended a few rodeos, and performed in a Charro Days dance celebration. There is a spectrum when it comes to the Texas experience. We do not all exist like the country music videos.

    Ok, back to our main discussion.

    Fast forward to a few months ago, I find myself teaching a country line dance at a kizomba dance social. Everyone enjoyed it and we might do more.

    Then, like how all synchronicities work, I come across this Twitter thread on my feed. This documents the history of country music’s influence in Africa, ranging back to the 1970s. Turns out, this love for country music spans all of sub-Saharan Africa, inspiring African artists to produce similar music, country-themed parties, and unique African covers of classic country music songs. Isn’t that cool? Make sure to check out the thread below for more elaborate details.

    https://twitter.com/RisenChow/status/1542564697353895941

    The more you know. Right?

    Now, my next question is, could we host a rodeo in Ghana? Or another African country? What could that look like? Would people attend? Is there a demand for such an experience?

    What do you think? Please share with me in the comments. If you are in Ghana ( or would come for this), would you be interested in an Afro-Rodeo? If you are familiar with rodeos (or are from the South in the USA), what experience or activity would you suggest is important to introduce the rodeo to beginners?

    I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

    Take care and be safe.

  • I Moderated An Ama Ata Aidoo Legacy Celebration + My Thoughts On Progress

    I Moderated An Ama Ata Aidoo Legacy Celebration + My Thoughts On Progress

    Let’s discuss! I had the privilege of moderating the Intergenerational Celebration of the Legacy of Ama Ata Aidoo. This event was in Accra and featured a panel of women who shared their reflections and experiences. The event was organized by the Writers Project of Ghana and the AKO Caine Prize for African Writing.

    Ama Ata Aidoo is a profound Ghanaian literary icon. She is an author, playwright, poet, and educator. Her works span topics including African feminism, human equality, and gender roles. She is still very much alive and this celebration illustrated how her legacy is also very much alive.

    In this video, I share my experience with the event and my thoughts on the concept of progress within the topics that were discussed.

    As I shared in the video, the panel dropped so many gems of knowledge and insight. What are your thoughts on the bigger picture of who deserves respect? Share with me so we can continue the conversation.

  • How Can A Sustainable Fashion Brand Succeed

    How Can A Sustainable Fashion Brand Succeed

    When you hear the word “sustainability,” what comes to mind? Do you roll your eyes? Or get really excited and interested? Sustainability in fashion and business continues to be a serious and trendy topic. I have found this topic becomes even more nuanced by comparing how the West is maneuvering it and how Africa lives within it. Let’s unpack that.

    In this video, I share my experience in finding a balance between innovation and tradition when it comes to sustainability in fashion and business.

    When it comes to innovation, there are a lot of initiatives, equipment, and materials that are being produced in the name of sustainability and eco-friendly. These are encouraging, but seem to still cater to hyper-consumerism and more stuff.

    When it comes to tradition, there are handmade craftsmanship and people-focused business methods that have long-established records and provide inspiration for broader sustainable goals. But, can the heavy reliance on people outrun the environmental damage and consumer demand?

    Make sure to check out the blog post over at bandelemuse.com where I elaborate further on this topic.

    What are your thoughts? Share with me so we can continue the conversation.

  • What Is Afrofuturism and Africanfuturism?

    What Is Afrofuturism and Africanfuturism?

    Did you know there is now a distinction being made between Afrofuturism and Africanfuturism? As you may know, my business Bandele Muse is an inner-galactic African life and style experience. That means, among other things, futurism is a heavy inspiration and influence. Funnily enough, while reading more about this, I now recognize that Bandele Muse is a blend of both. Let’s unpack that.

    In this video, I discuss my experience with exploring Afrofuturism and Africanfuturism in books, film, and fashion.

    As I said in the video, I dive deeper into this topic at bandelemuse.com. Yes, Bandele Muse has a blog too. You can view the article here.

    What are your thoughts on this topic? Share with me in the comments. Let’s continue the conversation.