Hi all, I would like to personally welcome Benson Chiremba to African Art Online.

Benson was born in Zimbabwe in 1978.

Benson Studied at Churchill High School,The Peter Birch School of Art, The B.A.T. Visual Art  under the wing of the Zimbabwe National Gallery and The National Academy of Fine Art in Oslo Norway. Benson has exhibited extensively in Zimbabwe and in Europe. Benson has paintings in Holiday Inn Bulawayo Zimbabwe Permanent collections. Benson now lives in Leeds, United Kingdom.

You can view some of Benson’s exhibitions here.

Benson Chiremba has a bright future ahead of him and I look forward to seeing more of his amazing art work.

If you would like to view some of Benson’s Art Work, simply follow this link.

Until next time have fun and keep smiling!!
Kind Regards
Tania Bale
African Art Online.Com

I would like to dedicate this to Jaffary Aussi.

Jaffary was one of the first Tingatinga Artists that I meet, before I started African Art Online.

Sadly Jaffary has passed away suddenly.

Jaffary had just spent 3 months in Denmark, America and a few months in Japan promoting his wonderful art work. Jaffary started painting when he was 12 years old.

Jaffary was one of Eduardo Saidi Tingatinga’s original students, The man who founded Tinga tinga art, before he was mistaken for a fleeing thief and fatally shot by the police in 1972.

Jaffary will be sorely missed by his friends, family and the many fans of his beautiful art work.

The world acknowledges Jaffary as a Super Star artist in Tinga tinga Art Style.

I was lucky to have spoken with Jaffary before he went on his over sea’s adventure. You can see Jaffary Aussi painting here. Simply click on Meet an Artist.

Farewell Jaffary we will miss your wonderful creations.

Until next time, keep safe and keep smiling.

Kind Regards

Tania Bale

Managing Director

African Art Online.Com

This is a story of a young man who has made such a difference to the local people in East Africa.

Max Griffiths had a dream and that dream has come true. This is his story.

“I once heard a wise man say that Africa was like water in the desert – once you’ve had a taste you’ll just keep coming back for more.

It’s true. I first came to Africa in 2000, and have been every year since then, spending months on the continent in stints ranging from a couple of weeks to six months, mostly in Tanzania. My thirst shows no sign of being quenched.

I’m now sat at home in my East London flat, looking at my various videos and photos of my time in Africa, and there’s an aching in my body to return to the dusty plains. It’s got me thinking about what exactly is it that keeps me heading back… After all I live in a tent in Tanzania, water is sparse, dangerous animals are common (well more so than in London Bridge), and it’s almost impossible to get a proper pint of ale.

It’s these things that make Africa appealing (well, all except the proper pint of ale). I love waking up in a tent every morning, my front room dotted with acacia trees and wild guinea fowl; the conserving of water and the environment generates a community spirit which you’ve not had in London since (I imagine) World War II; knowing there’s dangerous animals around makes me look at the environment more closely and understand it too. These are brilliant aspects of Africa, guaranteed to put a smile on my face, but it’s not what makes me tick.

The majority of my time in Africa has been spent doing development work, largely in an education center in Meserani, Tanzania. Back in three months in 2005 we turned a dusty bit of land into an education center. I could go on telling you that three years on it’s a huge success story, that we’ve given free education to nearly 2,000 local residents, helped them get jobs and provide for the future. But my mind doesn’t think like that, it thinks about the other few thousand residents who haven’t taken up the courses – through choice or barrier, it thinks about what courses we could be offering – in western medicine for cattle, in environmental preservation. It thinks about how we could help the incredible local clinic run by Meserani Snake Park (easily the best example of a successful development project I’ve ever seen), how we could provide the victims of the increasing AIDS epidemic, how we can help all those pastoral Maasai continue their lifestyles which make them happy. And when I think about all this, I think it’s all possible, every bit of it. There’s not a dash of doubt that ever crosses my mind and that’s because in Africa, ironically, things can and will happen faster and with greater effect than in the West. There’s no cynicism, there’s little bureaucracy, and there’s a whole heap of determination (although sometimes you will find that resting under a tree). That’s what makes me keep coming back – it’s that there’s an air of possibility in Africa, that good change can come, and that with a bit of diligence and determination then it will do.”

I have visited the Education Center at Meserani.. To see Max’s dream become a reality is magnificent. Max’s efforts have made such an impact on the local people. It has given them opportunity, hope, and a knew outlook on life. All ages attend the Meserani Education Center. One man that attends is in his 80’s right down to your pre-school children, all free of charge.

Well done Max and your team. If everyone thought like you do. The world would be a better place.

Kind Regards

Tania Bale

African Art Online.Com

After living in Tanzania for 10 months I have discovered some very useful information, which may be helpful when travelling to East Africa.<

The 5 travelling tips I am referring to are solely based on Tanzania, East Africa; Africa is an extremely large place, so I am not referring to the whole continent.

1.        We all like to travel with some cash on hand. Tanzania’s currency is TZ shillings. American dollars is accepted in most places. The one thing that you may not be aware of that may cause some issues is. All foreign exchange outlets will not accepted any US currency older than the year 2000.The logic behind this is to try and fight counterfeiting. Please check all your American Dollars and save the inconvenience. As a side note credit card vacillates are available but always have plan B.

2.       Tipping in Tanzania is not compulsory but it is expected. If you are willing to tip then please add this cost into your budget. This can become a costly exercise .If you ask for directions, dine out; use public transport any kind of service then you will be expected to tip. If you take a photo of any local Tanzanian, you may be expected to pay. It is wise to always ask permission first. If you choose to tip, how much you tip is entirely up to you.

3.       If you are with a tour company please be aware that your driver or your tour leader will often earn commissions on any purchases you make, such as gift items, activities etc. The places that your driver or tour leader suggests that you go to could possibly be where they earn the best commissions, not necessarily the best option available for you. If possible do your own research before you leave on places you may wish to visit. Don’t be afraid to tell your driver or tour leader on places you may wish to visit.

4.       It is always good when travelling any where in the world to learn a little bit of the local language. In Tanzania the language spoken is Swahili. While most people do speak pretty good English it does pay to no some of the basics in Swahili. It can be to your advantage especially when you are shopping. The local people appreciate that you have taken the time to learn their language.

5.       If you are intending to shop, price haggling is common. You shouldn’t always accept the first price offered. One example of this, I entered a store and was interested in a piece of clothing. I asked how much for the item, the first price offered was $80 US dollars, I declined, I was then offered the item for $60 US dollars, I declined again, as the item was not worth any where close to this amount. I was just about to exit the store when the store owner yelled out ok $10 US dollars. Now that seemed more like it. Keep your wits about you when shopping.

All in all Tanzania is a wonderful and interesting place to visit, friendly people, fantastic game parks,     with a rich and diverse culture. If you do decide to visit Tanzania, I hope you find these tips useful.

Enjoy!!

Kind Regards

Tania Bale
African Art Online.Com

Zanzibar for such a small Island it is pouring with history. From ancient Arab and Persian emigrants, wars and revolutions, Sultans, Dr Livingstone, Freddy Mercury and the center of the slave trade.

This is my third trip to Zanzibar, I must say you certainly never get tired of this beautiful historical place.

Zanzibar is where Freddy Mercury was born. His house has since been turned into a gift shop. Thousands of tourists come to visit to see where the famous rock star lived.

Zanzibar Island is divided into two main islands, Pemba and Unguja. The population is approximately 800,000, of which 150,000 are found on Pemba. 95% Muslim, 5% Christian all living in harmony. The language spoken is Swahili. The climate hot and humid. The currency Tanzanian Shillings, although the locals will accept US dollars.

Major Industries on Zanzibar are Tourism, Spices and Fishing.

The old part of Stone Town is built from rock and Coral from the sea, little did they no about the damage they where causing to their coral reefs. One tiny piece of coral broken off will take up to 60 years to grow back.

Walk threw the narrow streets of Stone Town you will come across the most amazing doors, the big brass knobs on the outside of these doors was to stop the Elephants from leaning on them, luckily there are no Elephants on Zanzibar anymore.

That is a quick overview of Zanzibar, for now I will chat about the famous Spice Tour.

Beautiful aroma’s full the Island. Get a guided tour of Zanzibar’s Spice Island taste and smell the fresh spices.
All the spices are organically grown.

In the western world we use spices and herbs for mostly cooking purposes, not the locals of Zanzibar.

The Island grows a bush called Annatto, looks like a Lychee. From this the local people use it for dye in food and lipstick for the ladies. This is a bright red berry.

Soap Berry Tree is used for washing clothes and washing hair. It is a little brown berry, you open and rub into the water and lather it up in your hair.

Tamarind is a pod, its use making juice, the leaves are boiled and used for asthma in babies.

Cardomon used to spice up food and drinks such as rice, Indian bread, Tea and Coffee.

Ginger they make soda drinks, it is also used for tenderizing meat, and commonly used for sea sickness.

The Almond tree also known as the Umbrella Tree, the local fisherman use for timbers to make their Dhows.
Cloves is the biggest export on Zanzibar. The clove tree grows 10-15cm, they are all hand picked.
They pick the cloves when the bud is green then dry in the sun. They make oil from this for tooth ache, you can boil the clove then drink the water, this will help stop tummy ache.

Pineapple is used for the digestive system.

Cassavi is used to make crisps, it doesn’t look like your traditional crisp, but sure tastes good.

Zanzibar grows chilli’s which they call Pili-Pili ho-ho, the smaller the chilli the hotter.

Henna is picked and dried, grinned to a powder then used to make temporary tattoos.

Paw Paw also called Pa pain is used in the manufacture of chewing gum. Paw Paw is also applied to the skin if you should stand on a sea urchin. Rich in vitamins A&C.

The trunk of the Iodine tree is used to stop bleeding, the locals use this much like we would use a band aid.

Cinnamon is used in cooking, but the most fascinating thing about the cinnamon tree is. If you take the root of the tree it smells just like menthol, so this is commonly used in colds and flus much like vicks.

The root of the Tumaric tree is used for food colouring and dyeing mats.

Passion fruit leaves are boiled, this is to prevent high blood pressure.

Choco beans are sucked just like sweets.

Lemon grass is used as a mosquito repellent.

Kapok looks just like cotton, this is used in the manufacture of pillows and mattresses. The local fisherman also use this for binding up their dhows so they don’t sink.

Nutmeg is used for making alcohol, they also say to much nutmeg will make you hallucinate.
Many more spices are grown on the Island, Lang Lang used for perfumes. Vanilla, Jack Fruit, Bread Fruit Tree, Guara, Coconuts, Bananas, Avocado which they make juice from. And many more.

When your tour is over, relax and try some of the wonderful fruits that are grown on the Island.

Then you can head off to the local gift store and purchase some of the spices and teas you have just heard about.
You can even buy some beautiful soaps, body lotions and perfumes made right on the Island.

This is just one of the great places to visit while in Zanzibar, I was fascinated with the many uses of the spices.
This is one place you should put on your to do list.

Until next time
Kind Regards
Tania Bale
African Art Online

Hi all, How do you feel about shopping online? I am getting more confused by the day.

Do you find yourself searching for hours or researching for hours before making a decision? I find that shopping online is more confusing and time consuming than ever, it is only going to get worse.

Yes sure, there are legitimate internet businesses, but it is getting more and more difficult to tell them apart.

Anyone can set up an Online Internet Business, with a great sales copy, heck you could sell ice to an Eskimo, and it doesn’t seem to matter to a lot of internet marketers if the product or service actually works.

I am amazed at the amount of internet scams or services that are circulating on the net promising the world, even promising to make money in seconds.

Starting an Internet Business is exactly the same as starting an off line business; we all know how hard that can be.

With all the scamming, bad products or services on the net, I’m afraid that it is hurting the people that really are trying to provide an honest reliable internet service, so that people like yourself can have an enjoyable experience shopping online.

I am hoping that the search engines will start to clamp down on this sort of non-sense. Maybe they could come up with a better way of screening people before they set up shop online. It should be conducted just like a job interview.

I have my own Internet Business, but I have worked really hard and studied for along time, to do the right things the right way, not the wrong things the right way.

I would like to make it clear that not all of us are scamming people on the internet. I would also like to mention that African Art Online is an honest, reliable, trustworthy place to shop.

All the honest, reliable internet business owners need to stand up and fight back, we need to stick together, before this gets out of hand.

Kind Regards
Tania Bale
Managing Director
African Art Online.Com

After living in Africa for 8 months, I have experienced my first encounter with one of Africa’s little beasts.

I set about my day as usual. Up at 7am with my twin girls aged 16 months.

I then got dressed and prepared breakfast, checked emails, played with my babies, nothing was out of the ordinary.

By 10am it was time for my girls to go for their morning nap, so I prepared milk, changed nappies and put them to bed.

I then decided to walk across the road to a Tingatinga Art Gallery with a friend that had come to visit from America. We arrived at the Gallery, I had been in the shop for about five minutes when all of a sudden I was experiencing this terrible pain in my leg, then again this electrifying pain.

I was pulling at my pants trying to keep the fabric away from my skin. but I just kept getting stung. As you can image I was jumping around like I had ants in my pants.

So my friend said “Quick take your trousers off”, so I quickly pulled off my trousers, here I am now standing in the middle of the Art Gallery in my under wear, it really would have been quite a sight.

Jodi shook my trousers and nothing feel out, she then turned my pockets out and there it was, a very large Scorpion, I really couldn’t believe the Scorpion had been in my pocket for 3 hours without me even knowing. There is no possible way that the little critter could have crawled into my pocket, so it would have been in there from the time I got up and got dressed. It gives me the shivers even thinking about it.

I was shacking, in pain and laughing at the same time. Laughing because here I am in this Gallery half naked.

My leg instantly swelled up and was throbbing, as the Scorpion’s poison started to spread. It was not a nice feeling knowing I had Scorpion poison circulating in my blood stream.

Anyway I called my husband and told him I had been stung by a Scorpion, he couldn’t believe it, after all I was only going across the road. He offered to come and collect me. I asked if I was going to die, as I really didn’t know what to expect, he said “No you will be fine”. So after the shock had gone I put my pants back on, still a little dazzled and browsed around the Gallery for a while , then headed back across the road.

The pain was terrible, but there is nothing much you can do for a Scorpion sting. My brother in-law did suggest he electrocute my leg, as this is suppose to take away the pain. I opted to deal with the pain.

The moral of the story is always check your pockets.

The Scorpion is now in Scorpion heaven.

Kind Regards
Tania Bale
www.africanartonline.com

If you have been following the news lately, you would have heard how difficult it is for the people living in Zimbabwee right now.

Victor Mavedzenge has been fortunate enough to have been able to leave Zimbabwee to follow his dream.

Victor left Zimbabwe in August 2007 to come and study in London for a Post graduate Diploma in Fine Art. He opted for this course instead of a Masters Degree at the Slade school of Art because his funding from Canon Collins/Chevening Trusts would not cover a two year period. He has since re-applied to The Slade and been accepted to study for a masters degree and is currently looking for funding.

Victor went back home in March 2008 to visit his family, Victor’s mother and brothers are still in Zimbabwee.

In Zimbabwe he worked as a projects officer for Pamberi Trust (http://www.zimbabwearts.co.zw) which helps artistes realize their goals through workshops and providing performance space. He also did his painting in his spare time, Victor wrote poetry (Performed at Poetry Africa in South Africa 2006) acted in a play we co-workshop with Giles Ramsay, a British Director (The play featured at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2006) and performed a weekly comedy slot at The Book Cafe. Our comedy act is known as The Guests Comedy. Due to the harsh economic conditions, he had to handle all this.

Studying at The Slade from September (if he gets any funding) would be a dream come true as it is one of the best art schools in the world.

Through visual creations Victor hopes to raise awareness and generate debate about culture, politics and issues of identity.
Victor is ecologically friendly and has decided to start a series of works using recycled material. The first group of work is using old vinyl records.

Recycling or reinventing the purpose of old vinyl records is such a clever idea, as the Vinyl LP’s virtually do not bio-degrade.

Good luck Victor with your dream.

Please view some of Victor’s work at African Art Online

Bye for Now

Tania Bale

www.africanartonline.com

I wanted to share with you this amazing story of a Maasai Warrior who survived one of the most deadly snakes in the world, The Black Mamba.

Mesearni Snake Park is located in East Africa, Tanzania, 25km west of a town called Arusha. At the snake park they provide a free medical clinic. The snake park treats everything from your common cold to the more serious cases such as snake bites. Currently the Snake Park Medical Clinic treats over 1000 patients per month and climbing.

This particular day a young Maasai warrior, Ernest was herding his cows when one of his cows ran away. Ernest went to bring his cow back to the herd when he was struck by the ferocious Black Mamba.

He amazingly managed to do the right thing and not panic, which is probably one of the reasons he managed to survive.

With a snake bite if you panic, your heart will race faster, which will then make your blood pump quicker through your body, so the poison will travel faster.

Ernest then sat under a tree and tied a tourniquet around his leg to stop the poison spreading around his body. With most snake bites a pressure bandage is advised, not a tourniquet, however in this case it was a very good thing.

He sat calmly while his friend went off for help. Ernest’s friend arrived with a motor bike and drove him to the Snake Park Clinic. The time between being bitten and arriving a the clinic was 6 hours.

Because of the venom and the tourniquet his leg went numb and the poor guys foot dragged along the tarmac, which also caused fairly serious inquiry to his foot.

So you can imagine the serious condition Ernest was in when he arrived at the clinic.

Most Black Mamba bites in Tanzania are fatal. Thanks to Ernest’s quick thinking, his friends help and the great work at the Meserani Snake Parks Clinic he is one of the few to survive. It took 9 ampules of anti-venom to pull him through his terrifying experience with the Black Mamba.

Ernest spent 2 weeks at the Snake Park Clinic and made a full recovery. If you would like to hear Ernest’s story please visit Meserani Snake Park and watch his video.

Here is a copy of the documented notes of the treatment that was provided for Ernest.

All treatment provided at the Meserani Snake Parks Medical Clinic is free of charge.

Meserani Snake Park

NYAMAZELA TRADING COMPANY (T) LTD

P.O. Box 13669, MERU. ARUSHA.

TANZANIA EAST AFRICA

Mobile Phone B.J. 0754 445911, Lynn 0754 440800, Deon 0754 302179

PATIENT NAME: ERNEST OLODI

ADDRESS: KISONGO
SEX: MALE

AGE: 19 YRS

Bitten by Black Mamba

Bitten on 23/04/08 at 11am and arrive at 05:00pm on 23/04/08.

Treatment: 5:00pm INJ. Celestone 1 ml intramuscularly start and

5:05pm INJ. Hydrocortisone 100mg IV.

5:10pm IV Fluid NS a ½ liter with Antivenin 10 cc

Vital sign: 5:15pm BP- 130/80mmhg, Pulse- 80/min, Temp- 36.1c.

5:20pm BP- 120/70mmhg, Pulse- 74/min, Resp- 30/min.

Treatment:

6:30pm Antivenin finished without reaction.

6:31pm IV fluid NS a ½ liter

6: 40pm Cefotaxime 1g given IV.

24/04/08

Treatment 7:15am IV Fluid NS a ½ liter

7:16am INJ. Hydrocortisone 100mg given IV

Vital sign: 7:16 am Semi comatosed Pulse – 96/min, Temp- 36.5c,

7:20am Pulse- 80/min.

Treatment: 7:35am INJ. Celestone 1ccgiven IM

7:38am Antivenin 10mls given IV

Vital Sign: 7:40am Semi comatosed Respiration 29/min, Pulse- 92/min.

7:52am Pulse- 92/min, Respiration 26/min.

8:15am Pulse- 74/min, Respiration 28/min.

Treatment: 8:24am Antivenin 10cc given into NS a ½ liter IV

8:45am INJ. Dexamethasone 80mg IV

Vital Sign: 8:50am Semi comatosed Pulse- 78/min, Respiration- 30/min

Treatment 8:55am Antivenin 10cc added.

Vital Sign: 9:00pm Semi comatosed Pulse-72/min, Respiration 30/min

9:10pm Pulse-72/min, Respiration-33/min

9:20pm Temp-36.3c

9:35pm Respiration-28/min

9:42pm Respiration-33/min, Pulse-76/min

10:10 pm Pulse-88/min, Respiration-28/m

Treatment: 10:33pm Antivenin 10mls given IV

Vital sign: 10:35pm Semi comatosed Pulse-82/min, Respiration-26/min

10:58pm Pulse-72/min, Respiration-26/min

11:30pm Pulse- 76/min, respiration- 28/min

12:10pm Pulse- 74/in, Respiration- 28/min.

12:45pm pulse- 72/min, Respiration- 28/min.

1:05pm Pulse- 72/min, Respiration- 28/min.

Treatment: 1:15pm IV Fluid NS a ½ liter with Antivenin 10cc given.

Vital sign: 2:00pm Semi comatosed Pulse- 80/min, Respiration-28/min.

2:15pm Passing urine 400mls.

Vital sign: 2:30pm Semi comatosed Respiration- 22/min, Pulse- 78/min.

3:25pm Pulse- 76/min, BP- 130/80mmhg.

3:50pm Pulse- 77/min, Respiration- 26/min.

4:15pm Pulse- 76/min, Respiration- 26/min.

5:00pm Pulse- 76/min, Respiration- 26/min.

Treatment: INJ. Hydrocortisone 100mg IV

IV Fluid Dextrose 5% with Antivenin 10cc.

Vital sign: 6:40pm Contuse BP- 120/70mmhg, pulse- 76/min.

7:20pm Pulse- 78/min, BP- 110/60mmhg, Respiration- 30/min.

. 7:45pm Passing urine 400mls

8:20pm Pulse- 76/min, Respiration- 30/min. BP- 110/60mmhg.

10:00pm take one cup of tea.

Vital sign: 10:10pm Pulse- 76/min.

10:50pm Pulse- 74/min, Respiration- 24/min.

11:35pm a ½ cup of tea given,

11:45pm Pulse- 74/min, Respiration- 28/min.

25/04/08

Vital Sign: 12:45am Respiration- 24/min.

2:30am Respiration- 24/min, Pulse- 66/min.

3:15am one cup of tea given.

Treatment: 3:40amIV Fluid Dextrose 5% with Antivenin 10cc.

Vital sign: 3:55am Respiration- 26/min.

4:15am Pulse- 78/min, Respiration- 24/min.

5:38am Passing urine 450mls.

6: 20am BP- 120/60mmhg, Pulse- 66/min, Respiration- 28/min.

Treatment: 8:30am IV Fluid NS a ½ liter with Cefotaxime 2g and INJ.

Hydrocortisone 100mg IV

9:50am Passing urine 400mls

Vital Sign: 10:00am Pulse- 79/min, Respiration- 24/min.

11:00am Pulse- 76/min, Respiration- 28/min.

12:10pm Pulse- 74/min, Respiration- 26/min, Temperature- 37c.

1:15pm BP- 120/70mmhg, Pulse- 72/min.

2:20pm BP- 120/70mmhg, pulse- 72/min.

Treatment: 5:00pm IV Fluid NS a ½ liter.

INJ. Dexamethasone 80mg.

5:04pm Antivenin 10cc given.

Vital Sign: 5:07pm Pulse- 60/min, BP- 120/60mmhg, Respiration- 26/min.

5:50pm Pulse- 64/min.

8:00pm Antivenin stopped.

Pulse- 66/min, Bp- 120/60mmhg, Respiration- 26/min.

Well done to all the people that were involved in savings this young mans life.

Kind Regards

Tania Bale

African Art Online.Com

Well done to the London Maasai marathon runners. They had a fantastic time in London. The goal was to run the Marathon to raise money to provide cleaning drinking water for their village, and they certainly accomplished that.

The support was over whelming for them, and they couldn’t believe that all you had to do was run to raise money.

They got off to a bit of a bumpy start as one of the Maasai ended up in hospital. The Maasai take a special drink that they believe is to make them strong. He drank his potion before the race and ended up sick.

Kindly enough the organizers of the Marathon let him finish the race the next day.

They reportedly raised over £150,000, which is amazing. Now they have enough money to be able to get the contractors in to build them a bore hole which costs up to £30,000 for one bore whole.

Great effort from the Maasai and all the people that supported them.

You can pop over here and watch a video of them returning home. Very proud young warriors.

Lots of celebrations, dancing and singing into the small hours of the night.

Great work guys.

www.africanartonline.com