Tnash

There are different types of art forms  painting, drawing, music etc. this month  7:30 brings you an artist that creates art with his camera........... 

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Tinashe Njagu, however, I go by “Tnash.” I have mad love for design, film and photography. I have a great appreciation for the arts as a whole. I am very reserved and quiet yet I enjoy pushing myself to new levels in all areas of my life. I am a determined person, I know what I want. I've been told I'm insanely creative. I am not a fan of laziness. I love seeing people doing what they were born to do especially in this industry. I want to do big things, but I also want to give back and help others in any way I can. It's not all about the fame and the money for me so much as it is that I really want to make a difference in this world with the things I have been given. I like surrounding myself with people that talk art, business and future goals.




Where is home?

I grew up in Kuwadzana Ext and I still live there today.




Did you go to school to study photography?

I am self-taught. I did so by reading books, watching tutorials on the internet and working with others, it came easy to me because of exposure and experience. I started doing graphic designing, then went to film and now photography. I've learnt things like lighting, framing and the like by shooting videos, so now I am just applying the same principles in my photography. I try to get as much knowledge and experience in photography as I can. I have good photographers I love to watch, follow and learn from. such as Michele Fortmann, Henry Hakulandaba, Zash to name a few, but there are many more.




How long have you been a photographer?

I started in late 2011, so almost two years now.




Which five words would your friends use to describe you?

Passionate, positive, creative, teachable and hardworking.




What kind of gear do you use? Camera body, Lens, Flash 

2 Camera Bodies: Canon EOS 50D and Canon EOS Rebel T3i

Lenses: Canon 70-200mm f2.8, Canon 50mm f1.8, Canon 18-55mm, Tokina 11-16mm f2.8, Sigma 70-300mm 

Flashgun: Sigma EF-530 DG ST




Which is your favourite lens? Why?

I like the Canon 70-200mm f2.8, it's just a beautiful piece of glass. It's very fast, good with low lighting and shooting events. The Autofocus is fast and silent it’s good when playing with focus. It's just the best.




What lighting equipment do you take on a shoot?

Well, I currently use natural lighting and flash lighting, which is very small and limited, but I use what I have to achieve whatever goal is set. I work with reflectors a lot and my flashgun. I am looking forward to getting studio lights soon.




Are you a MAC or PC lover?

Haha... MAC all the way. I find PC's and windows are just complicated and a bit boring. I feel Apple caters to the more creative and free-thinking type of person. I love Apple Products, and that's all I use at work, C: Media, where I do video editing. At home it's also just Mac ;)




Among the gadgets that you own, is there something that you wish you hadn’t bought? Why?

Well, yes. It's my Sigma lens and Canon 18-55, they are slow and currently not the best lenses on the market. I am going to sell them and get better glass.




What kind of tools do you use for post processing? Explain your work flow.

I shoot (RAW or JPG), import and copyright (metadata). I select the good shots; I edit in Photoshop and create actions. I do this so I don't have to repeat the same process over and over. I then put watermarks, deliver them or put them up online. The more projects I do the faster I get and the work flow changes.




How important is Photoshop in your final images?

Photoshop is very important to almost all my photos except events because they don't need much editing. I don't shoot just to shoot. I shoot with a final picture and feel in my head. With that, Photoshop is a tool that I use just like a light or a reflector because it helps me achieve whatever I want. Photoshop is a great program. I am still developing my craft and not yet at the point that I can take a picture and it come out perfectly as I imagined, so Photoshop is a tool I use to get there.




The last workshop or seminar you attended and why?

The last workshop was on Adobe Suit CS6 at Solution Centre. The seminar was a while ago. It was cool seeing how they developed Photoshop and what it can do now especially with photos. Things like creating panorama, HDR and better ways to work with layers and effects. I also learnt faster ways of using the Adobe softwares that was really awesome I learnt a lot. I also do online workshops at creativelive.com, they're quite good.




If you could live anywhere on this awesome planet where would you build your dream home?

Good one, anywhere that has nice warm weather and beautiful scenery.




How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

I read a ton of books. I watch a lot of tutorials and then practice. I shoot events whether I'm getting paid or not, just for the experience. I also get a bunch of friends together and just shoot them. I do that all the time, actually, I just did that on Sunday.




What advice do you have for somebody who wants to pursue photography?

If you have the passion, study how it is done then go out and shoot. Ask when you don't understand something and don't pretend to be taking nice photos when you're out of focus. Stop, focus up and shoot.




Whose work has influenced you most?

Internationally, it's Lindsay Adler, Lee Moris, but there's a bunch of others.

Locally, it's Michele Fortmann, Henry Hakulandaba, Greg Robinson, Nick Mancuso Traddos just to name a few.




What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?

How to work out my exposure, which is your Shutter Speed, ISO and f-stops. It took me time to understand how all that works!




Oh one more, what do think of 7:30 apparel?

I think that it's a label that we'll be speaking of in years to come, if you don't give up. It has great potential and I like it, it's got a modern-urban type of feel. It's one of the labels I think will dominate the clothing industry.

Sophila Kasukumya

kreative kingdom photography

This past week 7:30’s very own T.L.S. got on the phone to have an exclusive interview with Sophila Kasukumya, so she can give us an insight of the modeling industry....

[read the interview below]

T.L.S. –When & why did u become interested in a modeling career?

SOPHILA –I was in the seventh grade when I took part in my first modeling pageant at my school, I was always the tallest in my class and always felt awkward, my friends actually pushed me to try it cause they had faith in me that I did not have, so I gave it a try and vwala I loved it, started watching so many modeling TV shows and looked up to Cynthia Kanyema as my source of inspiration…

From then I have strived and pushed to do my very best though sometimes I may crumble I keep going on because I believe that in order to get to where I wanna go imma have to face some challenges

T.L.S.  –Tell us about your education? What languages do you speak? Have you attended fashion modeling courses/what courses have you taken?

SOPHILA –I did my primary in Zambia & went on to do my high school in Zimbabwe, where my passion for modeling took the next step, I am a fluent English speaker…I speak Bemba too…

T.L.S. –What are your goals as a model? How do you see yourself progress in this field?

SOPHILA –Seeing that modeling isn’t to par as in the western countries, I hope to create a platform that will help society appreciate the decency of modeling…

kreative kingdom photography

T.L.S. –What is your nutrition? How far do you go to the gym?

SOPHILA –Hahaha can I lie there??

T.L.S.-You can try..

SOPHILA –LoL...Well ummm, I start my day with cereal then a slightly heavy lunch which always has to be a balanced diet, then later in the evening I help myself with some light dinner, I jog four times a week…I take a glass of water every morning too.

T.L.S. –What are your dislikes & likes?

SOPHILA –Well I am no fan of judgmental people, especially people out there to point at your mistakes whilst forgetting to look into the mirror…failures…definitely hate the devil lol…the heat…I dislike liars…

I am definitely a fan of peace, cause peace is not only the greatest feeling but also determines the amount of progress one will make…I  like the cold, good for skin LoL…like making friends… music & obviously modeling

T.L.S. –Um ok…

SOPHILA –LoL I know I’m a lil’ boring…

T.L.S. –LoL

T.L.S. –Who are your favorite designers?

SOPHILA –Bridget Awosika (Nigeria), Doro Olowu Korto Monolu (Liberia), David Tlale (South Africa) & internationally Betsey Johnson…

"One has to be open minded, prim and proper, respectful, emotionally strong because it comes with pressure, one has to be patient"

T.L.S. –It is often said that a model should have a good personality. According to you, what are the traits required for a good personality?

SOPHILA –I personally think it all starts with the heart, a pure humble loving heart is your basic good personality, because then one watches out not for their own well being but for others also…

kreative kingdom photography

One has to be open minded, prim and proper, respectful, emotionally strong because it comes with pressure, one has to be patient, I personality think that all these and more great qualities come with being a Christian…THE LOVE OF GOD WILL GUIDE YOU…

T.L.S. –Lol you answered my next question

SOPHILA –Lol really??

T.L.S. – Anyways next question, do you think that your hair should also complement your attire or do you think that it is ok to go around with the same kind of hair style to different places and with different types of clothes?

SOPHILA –Well I think that hair styles are to compliment your fashion sense it’s important because fashion tells a story and hair is part of it…

kreative kingdom photography

T.L.S. –OK, Tell us about your greatest achievement so far?

SOPHILA –LoL…the question I dislike, umm ok, except the fact that I have excelled in my school, I have managed to take part in several charitable organizations such as the junior council, which have enabled me to assist where I can, I have also proudly participated in different pageants that have created a platform for me to speak out for my fellow youths...

T.L.S. –What advice would you give to new comers in the modeling industry?

SOPHILA –Without sugar coating I would advise them to say the industry requires not only beauty but brains also to go along with it so they should be informed…it’s not that easy it’s a tough industry that requires hard work and commitment, it’s like any mere job except a lil’ flexible, be strong determined and see you at the top..

T.L.S. –What can be the worst nightmare in the modeling industry? 
 SOPHILA –Ummm not being able to a successful and productive model…

T.L.S. –Finally what do think of 7:30 apparel?

SOPHILA –Okay so besides 7:30 being the best at what it does with its distinguishing attributes that makes its brand stand out from several others, I also think it is a fantastic guide to everyone that needs the latest and sickest fashion advice…

YG

I guess all I can say is never give up on your

Dreams and pray coz nothing comes without the hand of GOD
-YG

7:30 apparel cuaght up with one of HRE's up n coming MC's YG
read below to get know him a little better.....

Name?

YG

                                             

How did you get your name?

Well my name actually came to me back in 2003, at primary school, I used to rap a lot and stuff that didn’t really have meaning, but a guy I knew at that time who also is a rapper said I had something in me and in due time I will probably be a good artist, so he just started calling me gifted, then renamed it to young gifted..

When did your career in music start

My music career started in 2006, at high school, we used to just rap for fun, but I finally started recording…

From your songs which one is your favorite?

My favorite song is dear moma, coz its got a lot of personal feeling in it..

 If you could collabo with anyone, who would it be and why?

Well locally or from Zimbabwe I think carlprit, and internationally I think Florida, coz im kinda more into party/dance-electro, and the fussion of hip-hop and dance iz a trendy and amazing, what can I say I love to party. hahaha

We all know you can spit what we want to know is can u sing?

I’m learning hey, and ill also be doing a bit of singing, with auto tune of course..

What projects are you currently working on?

Well I recently finished recording  my 1st mixtape “I AM GIFTED,” and when it comes out, I will be working on a new mixtape, which has a lot more Christian/gospel tracks, coz I always want to be in line with my  Christian roots…

I guess all I can say is never give up on your

Dreams and pray coz nothing comes without

The hand of God…

 Did you have a mentor for your career?

Well... mentor. I don’t know. Most of my inspiration comes from my mother, and how much I want to make her proud…

So what part of h town did you grow up in?

I moved around a lot, but I grew up mostly in Mabvuku

What advice would u give to new comers?

I guess all I can say is never give up on your dreams and pray coz nothing comes without the hand of God.

How do feel you differ from rest of the music industry?

I feel different is adventure, plus I like being different from the rest oit makes you outstanding, I guess I just wanna be…unique

How do you balance your music with other obligations?

I just make time, I believe time management is important and shows some sort of direction. I manage to have enough time through time through it all…just by creating a balance

What has been the worst nightmare for you & how did you get through

I can say not having a place to record and not having the right people to help me, and when I managed to get signed by amvis, it kinda changed coz they know the type of sound I need, and they have helped through some stuff… It’s been a great experience

 If you could categorize your music, what genre would it best fit?

Well I’m an all rounder but I’m more into dance/electro pop/hiphop

Give our readers one last fact abot yourself that you always want fans to rememberabout you

Well I m a fighter and have strong faith… Im going to  try hard and one way or another I will try to live my mark

Finally what do you think of 7:30 Apparel?

I think its part what we need in Zimbabwe…an on going movement supporting local talent….and also being part of the local fashion scene

T shan

All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken, a light from the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken, The crown less again shall be king.- J.R.R. Tolkien

7:30 Apparel caught up with one of HRE’s illest mc “T shan”…..  read below to get to know him better

Name?

T-Shan Donne

How did you get your name?

Well my names are Shannon Tanaka Kennedy Nyajeka. So it’s pretty obvious how I came up with my rap moniker, but people have always called me different names. When my skills elevated they called me the Don. I guess that’s where I got the name T-Shan Donne

When did your career in music start?

Well I started recording in 2009 so I guess since then I’ve been between battles, freestyle, poetry sessions, and shows. “Real Rap life”

From your songs which one is your favorite?

I’d say Top floor although my song Ciroc and Rolla got 2500 downloads, Top Floor is the realest to me

If you could collabo with anyone, who would it be and why?

King Pin or Ishy X those are the only Zim rappers I feel are ill enough to be on a Track with me. Although I’m  working with a lotta other Zim Rappers, namely Amvis, TYREXx, Rehab artists, and mixmasters artists, Rappers like breezy are pretty ill too glad to be workin with.

We know u can spit but what we don’t know can u sing lol?

I’m terrible lol, I can harmonize sometimes. Imma good songwriter though, I write R&B, Soul, Rock, Alternative and Pop music.

What projects are you currently working on?

Well since ive been Signed to a record label called Ghetto Rough, with artists like Da Les, and Zola and Bongani Fassie and L-Tido who have also been signed to the label, im working on a Mixtape.

Did you have a mentor for your career?

I am my own Mentor

So what part of h town did you grow up in?

Mandara

How do feel you differ from rest of the music industry?

I’m  T-Shan Donne

How do you balance your music with other obligations?

Meditation

So far what has been the proudest moment of your career?

When I made Ciroc and Rolla, everything after that made my career go crazy.

What is the furthest show you have done from home?

This show I did in Bassline, In Johannesburg

What has been the worst nightmare for you & how did you get through

I dreamt I died without living my dream. I got through it by living like it is that day.

If you could categorize your music, what genre would you it best fit?

Free spirit, Renegade Rap.

Finally what do you think of 7:30 Apparel?

Just get it, and watch your life change.