Colourful Chronicles

22/01/2025

Crown Confidence: Shining Bright with Masa 👑

Good day, everyone.

Today, I want to talk about something very important: self-introspection.

Have you ever looked in the mirror, not just to see your reflection but to truly understand who you are?

We all have dreams, but before we can achieve them, we must first know ourselves. Self-introspection is about looking within—understanding our strengths, weaknesses, and values. It helps us grow, make better choices, and walk confidently toward our goals.

Over time, I have learned a few valuable lessons about self-introspection that I would like to share with you. First, knowing yourself is essential. Take time to understand who you are and what makes you unique. This self-awareness is the foundation of personal growth. Second, be honest with yourself. Accept your strengths and weaknesses because growth begins with truth. Without self-honesty, it is difficult to move forward.

Reflecting on your choices is another key aspect. Consider whether your actions align with your dreams and the life you envision for yourself. Embrace growth as well—every challenge is a lesson in disguise, and by learning from them, we build resilience. Equally important is staying true to your values. Never compromise who you are just to fit in; authenticity is your greatest strength.

Practice gratitude along your journey. Appreciate yourself and every step you take because each one matters. Finally, set personal goals. Success begins with a clear vision. When you define your goals and work toward them, you create a roadmap for your future.

True confidence comes from knowing yourself. When you understand who you are, no one can shake your crown.

Thank you.

20/01/2025

DATING MARRIED MEN, A FLEETING ADVENTURE

It's factual that sometimes some people mistake lust for love and end up swallowing a bitter pie.

A single woman secretly dating a married man behind her boyfriend is akin to walking on coals of fire. The truth is that such women are very attractive and gorgeous. I'm just wondering why a pretty woman should waste her beauty away by morphing into a toy for fun and pleasure for a married man, some old enough to be their grandpas in the name of 'mubaba'. Without any qualms, some confess theirs bills are sorted out in those arrangements, but for how long will it last?

A hearsay from some patrons in a filling station asserting that sometimes men are bored by 'mama watoto' might be a highly coiled sugarcoated lie to quench the insatiable appetite of their loins. Why doesn't he spend the entire night in steamy romps? If indeed he's in you, why doesn't he give you freedom to make calls anytime you feel like? Why does he insist he's the one who will call you and not the other way around? How come he has never introduced you to his family so that you can make informed decisions whether you are comfortable with a polygamous marriage?

With seduction, you can trigger his ego to update you into wifey status, but how will you be assured that you've not numerically updated his pool of pleasure? Unless he marries you officially, wake up girl and stop wasting your beauty, pushing away prospective soulmates who are interested in you.

Of course we have some women who clamour for those highly guarded arrangements due to financial gain whose tap will eventually be cut when a more beautiful woman replaces them. And they can’t do anything about it.

Is it prudent that single women should be advised to have their own boyfriends?
Not long, time will come when that 'mubaba' or whoever the name you have baptized him will meet another young, hot blooded beauty to trigger his testosterone.

The bitter truth is that time will come when he will decide he doesn't want you anymore? You'll be substituted.
What will you do?


Editor
Colourful Chronicles
Leonard Maero W

Picture from the Internet

17/01/2025

AUTHOR'S CORNER 🖋️

Fun Friday is here.

Today's word is:
√ Ebullient

The word is an adjective. Ebullient means overflowing with enthusiasm, excitement, or energy; lively and exuberant.

Example: An ebullient force in the literary and theatrical world, this prolific writer and dramatist brings a dynamic energy to every page and stage, leaving audiences spellbound.

All the way from the beautiful land of Malawi, we present a literary legend, the incomparable Tawonga Taddja Nkhonjera. A towering figure in the literary world, his impact transcends words and resonates deeply with all who encounter his work.

Tawonga Taddja Nkhonjera is a folklorist, songwriter, essayist, poet, playwright and screenwriter. Taddja has written short stories and poems in English, Tumbuka, Chichewa, Kyangonde, Swahili, Czech, Spanish and Portuguese.

About the book

Book overview

NYUMA is a collection of stories and anecdotes dramatising growing up among the Tumbuka people of Nkhamanga, Henga and Kasitu valleys as well as the Nyika Plateau and Lakeshore areas of Northern Malawi. This is a picture-perfect area whose scenery often makes us forget that human beings have their homes and a thriving culture within this scenic and picturesque land.

LIST OF BOOKS

1. Pamchenga's Treasure - a children's novel.
2. NYUMA - an online publication on Amazon
3. HE HELIDE AND OTHER STORIES - a compilation of 10 folktales
4. CHUCHU AND OTHER STORIES - the second compilation of 10 new folktales

LINKS
https://www.amazon.com/NYUMA-Mphuvya-za-mu-mphara-ebook/dp/B088RG88JB

16/01/2025

The December - January edition is finally here. We give God the glory 🙏 🙏

Thank you Sis Desire Mo for designing it for us. May God increase you mightily.

15/01/2025

Crown Confidence: Shining Bright with Masa 👑

Hello my fellow beautiful Queens and kings. Today I want to talk to you about Managing two pageants at the same time.

Participating in two pageants at the same time can seem exciting and full of opportunities, but it is not a decision to take lightly. While there are merits, like gaining more exposure, building a diverse network, and sharpening your skills, the challenges can often outweigh the benefits.

ADVANTAGES:

Double the Opportunity: You get to showcase your talents to a wider audience.

Skill Development: Balancing two pageants pushes you to grow in confidence and adaptability.

Networking: You meet different people who can help you grow in your journey.

DISADVANTAGES:

Time Management: It can be overwhelming to juggle rehearsals, events, and preparations for both pageants.

Burnout Risk: You might stretch yourself too thin, leading to exhaustion.

Divided Focus: Excelling in one pageant becomes difficult if your energy is split.

Final Advice:

Only consider participating in two pageants if you are a strong multitasker, well-rounded, and have a solid support system. For most people, it is better to dedicate your full attention to one pageant at a time to truly shine.

Thank you

13/01/2025

HUMAN BEINGS CHANGE, BE PREPARED

In life, nothing is static. If a beautiful home with well tended gardens is inhabited, it will soon be colonized by animals and plants, changing everything all together.

It therefore defeats logic for someone to imagine that human beings intertwined in a relationship won't change. People don't remain the same forever. Others change for bad while others for the good. By learning to understand our partners, knowing the kind of friends they hang out with and perhaps what they're fond of reading or watching, we can keep ourselves abreast.

A fresher girl in a campus might be conservative and timid, but plunges herself into a life of freedom as she mingles with liberal friends. Eventually, she will embrace the daredevil attitude and be more adventurous. She suddenly has no problem raving throughout weekends. As she gets in her third and she was destined for marriage, she will morph from the ugly stage of a caterpillar and become a beauty to increase her prospects of meeting a suitor. She will drop some friends, change her dressing and perhaps be religiously adherent.

A laid back man who didn't pay more attention to what he puts on and how he smells can suddenly decide to start paying more attention to his frame. He might hit the gym, wear fitting clothes and put on expensive cologne.

These changes can be a progenitor of conflicts when the two in the relationship are not prepared and lack the ability to adapt and adjust to the changes of the other.

That man who was a rogue fighter in the battlefield might not always be agile while ascending to the peak of the mountain. That petite lush trophy bearing an X chromosome in the genone might have to change the whole wardrobe after producing a progeny.

Of humans, such is life. It's full of change.

Editor
Colourful Chronicles
Leonard Maero W

Picture source: internet

11/01/2025

Arts and Entertainment Corner
From Zimbabwe with love.

Free Music Lessons for Sunday School Kids!

Arts in Action Zimbabwe proudly presents:

"Harmonizing Faith and Music" Arts in Action Zimbabwe

Free Music Lessons for Sunday School Kids!

Calling all Sunday school kids from different churches!

Join us for an exciting music journey!

Details:

- Age group: Sunday school kids (5-16 years)
- Lessons: Vocal training, instrumental lessons (guitar, keyboard, drums)etc
- Schedule: morning and non sessions

No prior music experience needed!

Our experienced instructors will guide you through the basics of music and help you develop your skills.

Registration:

To secure your spot, register now...!!!

Contact us: 0712924376
0781138277

Let's make music and memories together!

Arts in Action Zimbabwe

10/01/2025

AUTHOR'S CORNER 🖋️

Fun Friday is here.

Today's word is:
√ Sedulous

The word sedulous is an adjective.

It means showing dedication and diligence. A sedulous person is hardworking, attentive, and persistent in their efforts.

Example: The sedulous student spent countless hours perfecting her research paper.

Our guest this evening is Wafula Meshack a sedulous author from Kenya.

Wafula Meshack is a versatile creative writer, poet, storyteller, and media practitioner with a keen ability to craft both fiction and non-fiction works. Recognized as the Best Kenyan Outstanding Reader in Read to Impact, an African reading community, in 2022, Wafula's literary contributions extend across multiple platforms.

He has served as the AMREF Mosquito Nets Ambassador in Bungoma County and briefly worked as an English teacher. Passionate about mentoring the next generation, he has hosted article-writing masterclasses for media and communication students and participated in the 9th African Library Project Summit as a partner.

Wafula has contributed significantly to the literary world through his poems, short stories, and book reviews. His works have appeared in anthologies such as Beyond the Pulpit and Other Stories and Love Made in Africa and Other Stories, as well as in renowned online journals and magazines, including Kalahari Review, Writers Space Africa, and the second edition of Tell The Impact Magazine.

In addition to his literary achievements, Wafula is a prolific newspaper columnist, with articles published in Daily Nation, The Standard, The Star, Business Daily, and Mt. Kenya Times, as well as online platforms like Education News and The Youthing Magazine.

Currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Media and Journalism, Wafula is a School Website Content Developer and Library Social Media Manager at Rongo University, Migori, Kenya. His hobbies include reading, researching, listening to cool Rhumba music, and reflecting deeply. He firmly believes that "great writers are great readers."

About The Anthology.

Beyond The Pulpit and Other Stories.
Edited by Wafula Khisa and Hamisi Wawire, Beyond the Pulpit and Other stories is an anthology
Featuring short stories from diverse writers, Wafula Meshack being a contributor with two of his stories “Spirits” and “Households Secrets”.
The collection delves into themes such as faith, family, love, and societal taboos, shedding light on issues like sexuality, betrayal, crime, and hypocrisy. Through humour and satire, the stories advocate for marginalized voices, including women and children, prompting readers to reflect on societal norms and inspire change. This anthology offers an engaging exploration of human experiences, aiming to entertain, educate, and challenge the status quo.

The book can be collected from Nuria Bookstore (Kenya) or reach out to 0112921211 or [email protected] for quick delivery and more about the book.

09/01/2025

The December-January 2025 Edition of Colourful Chronicles Magazine is coming soon!

Get ready for a feast of inspiration and insight as we unveil mind-blowing articles that will captivate, and empower you. This special edition promises to close the year with a bang and kickstart 2025 with fresh perspectives, vibrant stories, and unforgettable features.

Stay tuned—this is one issue you don’t want to miss!

Happy New Year 🎊🎊🎊🥂

08/01/2025

Crown Confidence: Shining Bright with Masa 👑

First Term, First Year Inspiration

Hello, my fellow learners, I am so excited to share this important message with you today!

Welcome to a brand-new year—a fresh start filled with endless possibilities! As we embark on this exciting journey, let us remember that every day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and work toward achieving our dreams.

To help us excel in our studies and make this year truly unforgettable, here are some essential Do’s and Don’ts to guide us:

Do’s

1. Set Goals
Write down what you want to achieve this term and take small, consistent steps to reach them.

2. Stay Organized
Keep your books, timetable, and homework in order. Preparedness leads to success.

3. Ask Questions
If something is not clear, do not hesitate to ask your teacher or classmates for help.

4. Help Others
Share knowledge and lend a hand to your peers whenever they need it.

5. Take Care of Yourself:
Eat well, sleep enough, and stay active to keep both your body and mind healthy.

Don’ts

1. Procrastinate
Avoid leaving tasks until the last minute. Start early and manage your time wisely.

2. Disrespect Others
Always be kind and respectful to teachers and fellow learners to create a positive environment.

3. Get Distracted
Stay focused on your studies and limit time on gadgets and games during study hours.

4. Give Up
Challenges may arise, but perseverance and hard work will help you overcome them.
5. Forget to Have Fun
School isn’t just about studying—create wonderful memories while staying committed to your goals.

As we move forward, let us support one another, aim for excellence, and make our schools proud. Remember, greatness begins with small, consistent efforts every day.

Here is to a successful term ahead!

With love
Masa Maria Phodiso
Your Fellow Learner and Friend

04/01/2025

Arts & Entertainment Corner- Kicking Off the New Year with Passion and Purpose.

Happy New Year, Colourful Chronicles family! A brand-new year awaits, brimming with opportunities to turn dreams into reality and bring visions to life.

Arts and entertainment are the heartbeats of life—art enriches the soul, while entertainment adds a spark of joy, making every moment lighter and brighter.

This month, we are thrilled to spotlight a dynamic young talent from Zimbabwe. Meet a trailblazer who does not just practice art—he embodies it. For him, dance is his daily bread, and empowerment is the air he breathes. Get ready to be inspired!

Steve Munyairi: Championing African Culture, One Beat, One Step, One Story at a Time.

Who am I?

I am Steve Munyairi, a 24-year-old proud Zimbabwean with a passion for cultural activities, including dance, music, drama, and more.

Founder of Arts in Action Zimbabwe
, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving African culture through community engagement programs. Our mission is to empower kids aged 5-16 with indigenous dance, music,poetry, instrument-making, drama, and cultural gaming skills.

Mbira Instrumentalist & Cultural Ambassador
As a full-time mbira instrumentalist and band Shaina AfroFusion Band I am committed to preserving our cultural heritage. I also play other musical instruments and am dedicated to sharing my knowledge with the next generation.

My Priority
My major priority is Arts in Action Zimbabwe, where I focus on preserving our culture and empowering kids with art and musical skills through community engagement programs,clean up campaigns, drug abuse awareness campaigns etc

Get in Touch [email protected] [+263712924376]
Let's connect and explore ways to preserve our cultural heritage and empower the next generation!

Let us meet next Saturday as we continue to interrogate this phenomenal young man.

ZwSteve Tv

01/01/2025

Crown Confidence: Shining Bright with Masa 👑

Good morning, everyone,

I hope you are as excited as I am to start this new year! Today, I want to talk about something fun and important, 'setting goals'.

Goals are like little wishes we make for ourselves, but instead of waiting for them to come true, we work hard to make them happen. Setting goals helps us know what we want to achieve and reminds us to stay focused and motivated.

This year, one of my biggest goals is to represent Botswana on an international stage for the second time. Last time, I had the honour of going alone, but this year, I want to help other Batswana contestants join me in competing. I believe we all have so much talent to show the world, and together, we can make Botswana shine even brighter.

What about you? Maybe your goal could be to read more books, do better in school, or help at home. No matter what your goal is, remember this:

1. Start Small: Even tiny steps can lead to big dreams!
2. Write It Down: When you write your goal, it feels real and exciting.
3. Stay Positive: Believe in yourself because you are smart, strong, and capable!

Let’s make this year amazing by working on our goals together. And if you ever feel stuck, just remember to ask for help and keep trying.

Thank you, and let’s make this year the best one yet!

Happy New Year

31/12/2024

Tuesday Motivation with Lesego Modibedi Masango from South Africa.

Sacrificing Self, Surrendering to the Savior: A Reflection for 2025

This past year has been a journey of growth and spiritual awakening. Sharing weekly words of encouragement has been a blessing for me and, I hope, for you as well. As we step into 2025, I’m inspired by Abraham’s profound faith in surrendering Isaac—his most precious possession—to God.

A New Year, A New Surrender
This reflection has led me to ask: What am I surrendering to the Lord this year?
- My fears and anxieties?
- My need for control and perfection?
- My desires and dreams, trusting His plan above mine?

I choose to sacrifice my self-will, doubts, and fears. I’m embracing faith over fear, trusting God’s plan, and nourishing my heart with praise.

Trusting in God's Power and Provision

Philippians 2:13 reminds me that it’s God who works in us to fulfill His purpose. I’m leaning on His strength to guide and empower me in this journey of surrender. Philippians 4:19 assures me that God will provide for every need and dream according to His riches in glory.

Embracing Freedom in Surrender
In 2025, I commit to a life of surrender, acknowledging that God’s ways are higher than mine. Through this act of faith, I anticipate a deeper relationship with Him.

Will you join me on this journey? Let’s trust in God’s faithfulness and embrace the blessings He has in store for us.

Much love and blessings for 2025.
Lesego

24/12/2024

Powerful message indeed 🌲⛄⛄

Tuesday motivation with Winnie Winani Mpala , Editor- in Chief, Colourful Chronicles magazine and the author of the award winning book- Lea's Secret.

Story Time

"Why Put on a Mask" from "You Can Win" by Shiv Khera

A young executive with poor self-esteem was promoted, but he could not come to terms with his new office and position. There was a knock on the door. In an attempt to appear busy and important, he answered the phone and told the visitor to come in. While the man waited, the executive continued talking on the phone, nodding, and saying, "No problem, I can handle that." After a few minutes, he ended the call and asked the visitor how he could assist. The man responded, "Sir, I'm here to connect your phone."

I imagine you are cringing with embarrassment on his behalf. He must have wished for the ground to open up and swallow him whole.

This leads me to our topic: Pretense. Why do we pretend? What are we trying to prove through pretense? Why do we feel such a strong urge to lie? Why do we create facades and generate false feelings of importance?

What is lacking in our lives?

Pretense, the act of feigning or pretending, is a complex phenomenon deeply rooted in human psychology. Although it may appear harmless on the surface, the motivations behind pretense often originate from deeper psychological factors, with childhood trauma playing a significant role.

One reason people engage in pretense is to shield themselves from facing painful truths about their past experiences.

By addressing the underlying wounds from the past, individuals can start to heal and cultivate genuine connections based on authenticity and vulnerability.

It is crucial to understand the root cause of a problem before drawing conclusions.

See you next week when we expand more on the topic - why people pretend.

23/12/2024

THE ' TATTERED LOVE '

Long gone are the days when young men who had been given a green light by elders would grab a damsel on her way to the river or 'posho mill' and wife her. It was that simple and dowry would follow thereafter. The days when it would take almost months to meet the same damsel as the brothers would be the conduit.
Nowadays dating gears have shifted and if one makes a mistake of logging into the wrong account, he's done.

The fun that came with dating seems to have been clouded by a big lie. Dating is one lie that people laugh off when it's pronounced within some quarters. It has reached a level where whenever one tells another; I love you, it's a joke worth a beating using a trucheon. That thing called love is like a bird that flew away from our lives, leaving behind the organ that pumps blood.

Dating in this Artificial intelligence era requires one to have a stone heart to give one strength for survival in the storms that comes with trust issues. One must be ready to be baptized by fire in the name of love. The dramas that culminate from a love triangle are like the rays of the sun whenever it dawns. How many of us have known of a pretty woman dating a very married man with kids masquerading as a single man? How many of us have witnessed the dramas and madness revolving around baby- daddy and baby- mamas?

The rules which side chicks followed strictly like walking along a tiny rope have since been dumped into the dustbin. They have evolved into another being with a different genome for survival. Nowadays they've baptized themselves into women loved by married men who are very philanthropic with their third appendage. It seems we're living a lie when it comes to matters of the heart.

Cheating seems to be no big deal. Does it mean all of us are prospects and suspects of cheating? Does it mean people are living as the day comes while thriving in sexapedes, friends with benefits and one night stands?
Some people asseverate to be single. Are they really single?

Editor
Colourful Chronicles
Leonard Maero W

Picture source: internet

18/12/2024

Crown Confidence: Shining Bright with Masa 👑

Empowering Girls to Be Leaders

Good day, everyone. Today, I would like to speak directly to parents about the incredible role you play in empowering girls to be leaders.

The Bible reminds us that parents are stewards of the precious lives God has entrusted to their care. This stewardship involves nurturing your children’s spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being.

One of the greatest gifts you can give your daughters is the confidence to believe in their ability to lead, inspire, and make an impact. I say this from personal experience because my parents have always encouraged me to embrace leadership opportunities and step into roles that challenge and grow me.

Thanks to their unwavering support, I have had the privilege of serving as a guest speaker on several platforms. This Saturday, I will have the honour of speaking at the Miss Shakawe Festive event at Shakawe Senior Hall. Each opportunity to lead reminds me of the belief my parents have in me. A belief that started long before I ever stood on a stage.

They have taught me that leadership is not about age or position; it is about courage, purpose, and the determination to make a difference. My parents have encouraged me to face challenges head-on, knowing that each experience builds resilience and sharpens my skills. They have shown me that my voice matters and that I can inspire others by being prepared, confident, and real.

To all parents: recognize that your daughters have the potential to become great leaders. Show them their worth, support their dreams, and encourage them to step up—whether the opportunity seems small or life-changing. Leadership begins with belief, and that belief is planted at home.

To everyone in Shakawe and the surrounding areas, I invite you to join me this Saturday at Shakawe Senior Hall. Let us connect, share, and celebrate the power of young leaders together!

See you next Wednesday...✨✨✨

16/12/2024

DEMOCRACY

In the realm of democracy, the covenant between elected leaders and their constituents is woven through solemn oaths of office, manifestos, and compelling campaign promises. This implicit agreement forms the bedrock upon which the legitimacy of a government stands. However, when leaders fall short of translating rhetoric into action, a fracture in this delicate bond occurs, risking the erosion of trust that is essential for a thriving democraticdemocratic society.

One of the core tenets of democratic governance is accountability. When leaders ascend to power, they undertake a sacred pledge to serve the people and uphold the principles outlined in their oaths of office. This commitment, often accompanied by a set of comprehensive manifestos and compelling campaign promises, serves as a blueprint for the transformative journey they promise to embark upon.

The breach of this covenant, marked by unfulfilled promises, undermines the very essence of democracy. Citizens who actively participate in the democratic process do so with the expectation that their chosen leaders will champion their interests and work toward the betterment of society. When these expectations are dashed, disillusionment sets in, breeding a sense of cynicism that can have far-reaching consequences.

The ramifications of unfulfilled promises extend beyond mere disappointment. They can manifest in a palpable loss of trust in the democratic process itself. Citizens may begin to question the efficacy of their votes, wondering if their participation in elections genuinely translates into meaningful change. The danger lies not only in the immediate aftermath of unmet expectations but also in the potential long-term effects on voter engagement.

Low voter turnout, a symptom of waning trust, threatens the democratic fabric. When citizens perceive that their voices are unheard and their concerns unaddressed, apathy takes root. The ballot box, once seen as a powerful instrument of change, loses its allure. In the absence of active civic participation, the democratic machinery sputters, and the very essence of representative governance is compromised.

Leaders must recognize that their actions reverberate beyond the confines of their term in office. The repercussions of unfulfilled promises linger, casting a shadow on the democratic process for years to come. To mitigate this, leaders should prioritize transparency and communication. If challenges arise that hinder the fulfillment of certain promises, honest and open dialogue with the electorate is imperative.

Moreover, a commitment to accountability mechanisms can serve as a powerful antidote to the erosion of trust. Regular updates on the progress of key initiatives, public forums for dialogue, and mechanisms for feedback can bridge the gap between leaders and the people they serve. A culture of transparency not only fosters trust but also reaffirms the democratic principles that underpin the social contract between citizens and their elected representatives.

In conclusion, the vitality of democracy hinges on the fidelity of leaders to their oaths of office, manifestos, and campaign promises. Unfulfilled commitments have a cascading effect, eroding trust and diminishing civic engagement. For democracy to thrive, leaders must walk their talk, embodying the principles they espouse, and actively working towards the betterment of the society they serve. Only through this unwavering commitment can the democratic flame burn bright, illuminating the path toward a more just and accountable governance.

Shekkinah Glory
The writer is a student at Kenya Institute of Mass Communication and founder of Glory Girls Foundation.