a w a v a.

Ethical Valentine's Sale featuring Awava, Waswad & Kikapu by Furaha B.!

2012-01-30T01:54:00.000-08:00

Awava has teamed with Waswad, Kikapu by Furaha B. and Lotus Mexicana Cantina to bring you a unique, boutique-style shopping experience just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Come peruse our ethical, fashion forward clothing, housewares and accessories and give a gift to your loved ones (and yourself) that gives love back this Valentine’s Day!

When: Saturday ~ 11 February 2012
Where: Lotus Mexicana Cantina 16 Ssezibwa Road ~ Nakaserso ~ Kampala
Time: 1pm until 4pm

awava website

Kikapu by Furaha B. on facebook

lotus mexicana on facebook

Awava @ LOLA Valentine's Show!

2012-01-18T06:31:00.001-08:00

Photos from our margiehogue for awava Celebration and Fundraiser at Foxtrot in Lawrence, KS!

2012-01-08T18:25:00.000-08:00

We are so thankful, and truly blown away by all of the love and support shown to us at our margiehogue for awava celebration and fundraising event at Foxtrot last night! We had so much fun, and it was amazing to feel so much love and support for what Awava has been doing, and for our next phase in the Awava evolution! You are all truly amazing!

We would also like to send a special thanks to Caroline at Foxtrot who graciously let us take over her space for several hours, helped us out with tables, clean up, music, everything! We would not have been able to do this without all the support you have given us!

More photos coming soon!

www.awavamarket.com

awava on facebook

awava on twitter

Ekitanda Duvet Set Winner!

2012-01-06T05:19:00.000-08:00

December's monthly giveaway was the Awava Ekitanda Duvet Set and not surprisingly, we registered the highest number of entrants since we started this promotion so we just want to thank all of you who spread the news about Awava.

On with it then. Here is a picture of all the names of the entrants, including some of you we might has missed because of Facebook privacy settings...

...and here are the names waiting to be drawn...

...and we announce the winner.

Congratulations to our Facebook friend, Meg Winchester! Remember, we are giving away the lovely Riboni Necklace for the first giveaway of the New Year so get Facebooking, Tweeting and Blogging about Awava to win yourself one.

Our January 2012 Giveaway: The Riboni Necklace!

2012-01-04T19:08:00.000-08:00

awava website

awava on facebook

awava on twitter

List of entrants for the December Awava Monthly Giveaway

2012-01-02T02:46:00.000-08:00

For the month of December, Awava is giving away the hugely popular Ekitanda Duvet Set and given the unprecedented number of entries we've had, you all think this product is as awesome as we do.

Here is the list of entrants.

If you mentioned Awava on your blog, Facebook or Twitter and your name is not on this list, please email darlyne@awavamarket.com so your name can be added before we draw for the winner.

HUGE End of Year Sale!

2011-12-26T13:00:00.000-08:00

www.awavamarket.com

facebook.com/awavamarket

twitter.com/awava

SAVE THE DATE! Celebrate With Us Lawrence, Kansas!

2011-12-21T13:06:00.000-08:00

www.awavamarket.com

www.foxtrotlawrence.com

Awava at the Wonderful Wonder Fair Gallery in Lawrence, KS!

2011-12-17T17:16:00.000-08:00

Awava has lots of goodies at the amazing Wonderfair Gallery at 803 1/2 Mass Street in downtown Lawrence, Kansas! Stop by and grab some holiday goodness if you haven't already, and if you have, come get some more! We'll be doing a bit of restocking tomorrow for the days leading up to Christmas! Come support Awava, Wonder Fair, and all the other amazing local artists and artisans with amazingness on their holiday shelves!

Top Ten Positives from Africa!

2011-12-17T16:58:00.000-08:00

Every Friday on our blog, we have a post called "Our Uganda Friday", which highlights positive things happening in Uganda, because we feel that all that comes out in international mass media about Africa in general is negative, negative, negative. The last few weeks we have missed our Friday posts, not because nothing positive is happening, but rather this holiday season has proven so positive that we haven't had time! I know, excuses, excuses. Luckily, however, the New Yorker has picked up our slack with this fantastic top 10 positives from the "Dark Continent"!

NEWS DESK

Notes on Washington and the world by the staff of The New Yorker.

DECEMBER 12, 2011

TEN BIGGEST POSITIVE AFRICA STORIES OF 2011

Posted by Alexis Okeowo

Thinking back on media coverage of sub-Saharan Africa this past year, including some events that made my top-ten list of the major Africa stories for 2010, I got a little depressed. With all the doom and gloom of conflict and state-sponsored repression, it’s easy to forget the strides the continent’s residents make every day in business, technology, art, and politics. So, for this year’s list, I decided to choose positive stories that seemed especially auspicious. There are always caveats to any good news, but, for now, the good is outweighing the bad. Africa is a place that is impossible to reduce to any generalities, except maybe this one: it has an enormous amount of potential. Here’s why:

1. Africa is experiencing an economic boom. Africa is predicted to have the largest economic growth of any continent over the next decade, and the burst has already begun. As domestic industries, entrepreneurs, and foreign investors prepare to take advantage of this growth, the economies of at least a dozen countries have expanded by more than six per cent a year for six or more years. Ethiopia’s grew by seven and a half per cent this year. A number of big countries appear to be headed for ten per cent. And concrete middle classes are forming across the continent: as the Economist noted, sixty million African households have annual incomes greater than three thousand dollars. By 2015, that number is expected to reach a hundred million, a number almost equivalent to India’s today.

2. South Sudan gained its independence. It has been a long time coming. Two decades of civil war in the former unified Sudan left the southern half empty of people and resources, and broke. But, despite worries to the contrary, the Sudanese government allowed the independence referendum promised in a 2005 peace treaty to proceed, and South Sudanese voted in approval by a margin of ninety-nine percent. Tensions with Sudan over the border, oil, and the Nuba Mountains, notwithstanding, South Sudanese finally have a chance to rule themselves.

3. Ugandans staged Walk to Work protests in a movement partly inspired by the Arab Spring and rooted in rising fuel and food prices and overwhelming unemployment and corruption. (The movement was so named because of the hundreds of thousands of Ugandans who walk to work because they can’t afford fuel.) Why were the protests good news? President Yoweri Museveni has clung to power for a quarter century, while the opposition leader Kizza Besigye has competed tirelessly for his seat, losing three times in the past decade alone. As Besigye led thousands on the streets of the capital Kampala through tear gas and bullets, and protesters walked through the streets of other towns, it appeared that, for the first time in years, Ugandans were telling Museveni that enough was enough.

4. Two Liberian women won the Nobel Peace Prize. Though the timing was awkward—the political opposition complained that the announcement of the award, to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (the country’s first female leader) and the activist Leymah Gbowee, came right as Sirleaf was vying for reelection—much of the country found the recognition of the work of Sirleaf and Gbowee to be well-deserved. Gbowee is particularly impressive: during what looked like a hopeless civil war in the nineteen-nineties, her peaceful, all-women prayer protests, sit-ins, and appeals to rebels to sign a peace deal effectively ended the fighting.

5. Cell phones continue to change how Africans live. The devices have proven to be invaluable: health-care workers use cell phones to track and monitor pregnant women in rural Rwanda (where the number of maternal deaths is high) and H.I.V. patients in Kenya, and Kenya’s mobile banking system, which has been called the world’s most innovative, lets Kenyans pay bills, send remittances, purchase goods and airtime, move funds among accounts, and even take out and pay back loans for entrepreneurial ventures.

6. South African democracy took a turn for the interesting. During this past summer’s local government elections, Helen Zille’s Democratic Alliance party gained a surprising twenty-one per cent share of votes against the deeply entrenched African National Congress, which has ruled since the fall of apartheid. (Nelson Mandela was once its leader.) This is no small feat. The A.N.C., in spite of its corruption and multiple scandals, has held on to its dominance in part by invoking racial rhetoric and the spectre of the apartheid era, and has nearly turned South Africa into a one-party state. The D.A., led by a liberal white female politician who campaigns for multiracial progress, has had difficulty gaining voters across the racial divide. That may be changing.

And in other good news, President Jacob Zuma unexpectedly fired two top ministers and the police chief for corruption.

7. African innovation was celebrated for a third year at Maker Faire Africa. Emeka Okafor, a Nigerian, once said that he couldn’t understand why, in the tech realm, so little interesting and creative activity seemed to be coming out of sub-Saharan Africa. Curious about what good ideas from Africa looked like, he helped found Maker Faire Africa, where inventors from across the continent gather to showcase their wares—this October in Cairo, in previous years in Nairobi and Accra. The result has been astounding: mobile apps, seed-planting devices, solar-powered computer kiosks made out of recycled oil drums, paraffin lamps, and other technologies that, importantly, address the immediate needs of Africans.

8. The U.S. announced a new push for gay rights abroad. 2011 has been tough for gay and lesbian Africans—their living conditions in Uganda, Cameroon, Malawi, and South Africa, among other places, are growing worse, and Nigeria’s parliament is considering an anti-gay bill. But there is some positive news in this story, too. The U.S. government says it will use all diplomatic tools, including foreign aid, to influence nations that criminalize or mistreat gays. Uganda has already denounced the initiative, but Malawi’s government says it is reviewing its anti-homosexuality legislation.

9. (Some) progress in Somalia. Analysts told the Times that the African Union’s peacekeeping troops, drawn from several African countries and supported by U.S. funds, drones, and contractors, appear to be prevailing in the war against Somalia’s insurgents. The situation is still bad—five hundred soldiers have been killed so far and the Somali government has yet to build any real infrastructure—but the African Union remains optimistic.

Better yet, the rains have finally started in central and southern Somalia, easing both the drought and the famine.

10. Botswana as a global leader in fighting corruption. According to the just-released Corruption Perception Index, done every year by Transparency International, Botswana was ranked thirty-two out of the hundred and eighty-three countries included in the survey, and was up four places from last year and eight places since 2009. The country ranked over half of all European nations. Botswana has launched an intense approach to weeding out corruption by setting up a Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime to investigate and bring prosecutions, and by drafting legislation that will protect whistle-blowers. Here’s hoping Botswana’s neighbors follow suit.

Illustration by Jim Stoten.

Read more from The New Yorker’s 2011: The Year in Review, at News Desk and at Culture Desk.

Link to ORIGINAL ARTICLE

NEW PRODUCT! The Versatile Kisero Bag!

2011-12-14T15:40:00.000-08:00

Awava has an insanely exciting new partnership with Ugandan artist and designer, Wasswa Donald, and his eco-conscious, artistically dramatic fashion line, Waswad.

Wasswa developed a beautiful and durable, 100% vegan, leather like material using upcycled canvas which he hand paints and designs into finished products. Wasswa is now working with Awava's tailors to produce this amazingly unique collection, also making this line FAIR TRADE! How awesome is that?!

This first featured bag below is the Kisero Bag. It is hands down the funkiest design in the collection, snapping down at the top to create a "triangular" shape, and unsnapping into a huge bag which can fit almost anything! This bag is perfect for a weekend road trip or if you're like our founding director and carry your life with you daily!

This bag is now available at www.awavamarket.com, but here you can see more looks!

"rust"

"earth"

"confetti"

"desert"

"bush"

Awava @LOLA GIANT Day 1!!!

2011-12-11T05:41:00.001-08:00

Awava @ LOLA GIANT This Saturday and Sunday!

2011-12-08T06:54:00.000-08:00

It's time for our favorite holiday sale of the year, LOLA GIANT! LOLA (Ladies of Lawrence Artwork), is an event that happens three times a year, starting in 2006, by an amazing group of artistic and driven women in Lawrence, KS. Awava's Founding Director, Kate von Achen, has been a participant and organizer for years, before Awava was even a thought. Awava has been welcome with open arms in the LOLA community since our inception, and we're so thankful for that!

For those of you in the Lawrence and Kansas City areas, you do not want to miss this uniquely exciting holiday shopping event. Find event details here, and catch a sneak preview of the amazing vendors, items being given in the raffle to benefit our gracious hosts, Van Go Mobile Arts, and learn about the amazing women crafting these items on the LOLA Blog!

See you this weekend!

We have a winner!

2011-12-06T01:50:00.001-08:00

A copy of Extraordinary Women, by Ugandan artist, Daudi Karungi, has been won in November's Awava Monthly giveaway.

Here you will see the names of the people who entered the draw laid out all neat and nice on Darlyne's lovely Ekitanda Duvet set.

And they are all folded up and ready to be drawn in a lovely Ekibbo Basket.

And finally, here is the video announcing the winner!

Congratulations to Wild Fox Couture.

The prize for December is the so-popular-flying-off-the-virtual-shelf Ekitanda Duvet Set, so get Facebooking, Tweeting and Blogging to stand a chance to win one for youself.

More New Fabrics Going Into The Mix!

2011-12-02T06:48:00.000-08:00

www.awavamarket.com

facebook.com/awavamarket

List of entrants for the November Awava Monthly Giveway

2011-12-01T13:04:00.001-08:00

For the month of November, we are giving away the Christmas-present-worthy Extraordinary Women by Daudi Karungi.

Below is the list of people who have mentioned us on Facebook, on Twitter or on their blogs.

If you have shown Awava love but your name isn't on the list, please email darlyne@awavamarket.com to rectify the mistake.

The draw will be held on Saturday, so keep it here for updates on the winner of the November Giveaway.

Awava's December Giveaway: The Ekitanda Duvet Cover Set!

2011-12-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

click image to enlarge

www.awavamarket.com

facebook.com/awavamarket

Kampala! Don't Miss Awava THIS Saturday at Cafe Kawa ~ Muyenga!

2011-11-29T10:27:00.001-08:00

Kampala! Don't miss Awava at Cafe Kawa on Tank Hill Road in Muyenga THIS Saturday from 11am until 2pm! Cafe Kawa will be having their grand opening so lots of great specials AND Waswad will be there, along with out new Mzuribeads jewelry!

Awava THIS Friday in Boston!!!

2011-11-29T10:20:00.002-08:00

Boston area friends! Don't miss Awava this Friday, December 2nd at Tufts University!!!

The OneWorld Bazaar brings together student groups, local artisans, students and faculty in efforts to raise awareness about fair trade and global inequality. Join over 20 student groups and 5 local vendors to browse hundreds of local and global fair trade crafts and food products. With this year's theme, Fair Trade and Socially Responsible Consumption, the bazaar will help you think about how to "Vote With Your Dollar" as you get a head start on holiday shopping. Enjoy free food from local restaurants, support artisans around the world, and learn more about ways you can be a more responsible consumer in the future! For more information check out our website www.oneworldtufts.com

The event will be in the Mayer Campus Center, 11:00am - 4:30pm on Friday, December 2, 2011.

The Mayer Campus Center is located at:
44 Professors Row
Medford, MA 02155

Awava @ Wonder Fair Gallery Holiday Market!

2011-11-23T15:23:00.000-08:00

New Fabrics in Production NOW!

2011-11-23T14:39:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the wrinkles! Power has been quite scarce in Uganda these days, so ironing was not an option. Darn! =)

www.awavamarket.com

Super Random Awava Sighting...Kigali, Rwanda

2011-11-20T01:18:00.000-08:00

Darlyne has been in Kigali, Rwanda for the weekend, and thanks to her observant eyes, spotted this billboard for a bank, which it appears is advertising that it helps SMEs (small-medium enterprises), and they seem to have snatched some photos of our Kamwa Napkins to stick on their advert!

Photo by Darlyne Komukama

Coming Soon: Mzuri Beads - Awava Riboni Necklace!

2011-11-14T07:41:00.000-08:00

Our new favorite in the Mzuri Beads - Awava collection is without a doubt the new Riboni Necklace! Incorporating recycled paper, bark cloth, cow horn and watermelon seed beads, strung together with a complementary ribbon (making this necklace adjustable), and a chunky and asymmetrical design, this necklace is sure to turn a lot of heads!

Available in the US in a couple of weeks!

co

www.awavamarket.com

Coming Soon: Mzuri Beads - Awava Ssanyu Earrings!

2011-11-14T07:15:00.000-08:00

Yes there's more! We just couldn't stop designing with Mzuri Beads and their amazing eco-loving beads! The new Ssanyu Earrings have recycled glass, bark cloth, cow horn AND paper, with recycled sterling silver ear wires!

Reaching the US soon!

www.awavamarket.com

Coming Soon: Mzuri Beads - Awava Papula Necklace!

2011-11-14T06:53:00.000-08:00

The Papula Necklace, uses all of the bead options from Mzuri Bead's amazing offerings! Recycled paper (papula), cow horn, bark cloth AND banana fiber! This necklace will be available in purple and red, and we can't wait to get it on our site in just a couple of weeks!

www.awavamarket.com

Coming Soon: Mzuri Beads - Awava Mukwano Earrings!

2011-11-14T06:33:00.001-08:00

Our new Mukwano-Mzuri earrings, in partnership with Mzuri Beads, are a symbol of us fusing together to add value to the work done by the Mzuri Beads artisans! Our Mukwano (friendship) earring design has been available since early this year, and the new Mukwano design, "Mzuri", is what connects Awava and Mzuri Beads.

The Mukwano-Mzuri earrings are made of recycled bark cloth and cow horn, threaded on recycled sterling silver wire.

Awava's Mukwano-Mzuri earrings will be available later this month in both "light" and "dark"!

www.awavamarket.com

Coming Soon: Mzuri Beads - Awava Muti Necklace!

2011-11-14T06:08:00.000-08:00

Our amazing new Muti Necklace, from Mzuri Beads & Awava is made from recycled cow horn, banana fiber and watermelon seeds! This item will be available in "light" and "dark" and has been making heads turn here in Uganda for the last few weeks! We can't wait for it to reach the US market at the end of the month!

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www.awavamarket.com

Coming Soon: Mzuri Beads-Awava Kutu Earrings!

2011-11-14T05:47:00.000-08:00

We're super excited about the new MzuriBeads-Awava Kutu Earrings! These eco-fabulous goodies have watermelon seed, recycled paper, cow horn and bark cloth beads with recycled sterling silver earrings! Reaching the US soon and will be available at www.awavamarket.com!

www.awavamarket.com

Coming Soon: Mzuri Beads-Awava Kiseke Bracelet!

2011-11-14T05:29:00.000-08:00

Our new MzuriBeads - Awava Kiseke Bracelet is en route to the US now! Made of recycled paper, cow horn and bark cloth, this eco-friendly bracelet will be a sure conversation starter!

Coming to www.awavamarket.com late November!

Kasuku likes it too!

www.awavamarket.com

Awava Monthly Giveaway September/October Winner

2011-11-14T01:47:00.001-08:00

This drawing is very special because we have two winners, both of whom win a pair of the Awava Kafaliso Pillow Covers. So, here we go.

Here are the names of all the entrants laid out on one of our new products, the beautiful Ekitanda Duvet Set.

And here, in our Ekibbo Basket, are the names folded up, ready for drawing.

And here is the video announcing the winner!

Congratulations to our Facebook friend Maria Kwesiga and our Twitter friends @NCAffiliates.

Awava Featured in the Kansas State Collegian at the Kansas State Fair Trade Marketplace!

2011-11-13T05:22:00.001-08:00

Fair Trade Marketplace supports workers, educates public

The sixth annual Fair Trade Marketplace took place in the K-State Student Union Courtyard on Thursday afternoon. There were 15 vendors at the marketplace selling handcrafted goods from various Third World countries that promoted fair trade. The goods being sold included purses, handbags, necklaces, bracelets, scarves and blankets. The marketplace even featured entertainment, as a man was set up on a stage playing a sitar.

Fair trade is a social concept driven by markets that pay their workers, or artisans, a fair wage. This is contrary to the free trade concept, in which large corporations outsource work to other countries and pay their employees lower wages.

"The people that make these items, that produce these items, get paid a fair wage, as well as many other benefits," said Karen Pickett, director of Education and More, a non-profit organization that works out of Guatemala. "We set up sewing centers, stores, we educate their children. All of our profits go back down to Guatemala to help our artisans and their families."

The marketplace was sponsored by the Ecumenical Campus Ministry, a Christian student organization on campus. Abbey Pomeroy, marketplace coordinator for ECM and sophomore in interior design said ECM deals with many of the same issues that fair trade does.

"We try to help out those in more need than ourselves," Pomeroy said.

Pomeroy, who is in her first year of directing the event after being a co-coordinator last year, said she loves being able to help others.

"Giving appreciation to the artisans that made the product, which is so unique and beautiful, is important, too," Pomeroy said. "There is so much effort that goes into it, and so I like the meaning that is behind it."

One of the companies selling goods was AWAVA, which is a Luganda word for source or origin, is a fair trade company located in Uganda in east Africa. Kate von Achen founded the company and put local artisans in the impoverished African country to work and paid them fair wages. Pennie von Achen, Kate's mother, was on hand at the Union selling various handcrafted goods.

"The best way to empower the women in Uganda who live in poverty was to give them a marketplace," Pennie von Achen said. "They make all of these goods. Fair trade allows these women to get a fair, bigger share of the profit and it lifts them out of poverty."

One of the specialty products being sold by Minga Imports was tagua, a type of nut that can be crafted and made into goods, like jewelry. The sales and production of tagua helps reduce the poaching of elephant tusks.

"Tagua is very easy to access," said Marie Mitchell, the sales manager for Minga Imports who was on hand at the marketplace. "People can make carvings and hand dye the tagua, so it eliminates the need for poached ivory. Most of the tagua comes from Ecuador, Peru, Colombia and Costa Rica."

There was also a lot of literature made available to the customers of the marketplace about fair trade. One of the pieces made available was "12 Ways You Can Support Fair Trade," while other literature explained the fair trade certified logo, which is found on products that meet various fair trade certification requirements.

link to original article

Our Uganda Friday: "Seven Hundred Thirty", New Works by Daudi Karungi!

2011-11-09T13:24:00.000-08:00

We are very excited about tonight's exhibition at Afriart Gallery, "Seven Hundred Thirty" by one of our favorite artists, Daudi Karungi.

Karungi's works have been exhibited around the World, and are also featured in permanent museum collections in the US and Europe. Karungi has long been one of the leading artists and art advocates in Uganda.

Karungi will exhibit new collage paintings, oils on canvas, body paintings and much more.

Opening cocktail (sponsored by Nile Gold and Redd's) is tonight from 6 until 9pm at Afriart Gallery on Kenneth Dale Drive in Kamwokya.

New Partner Profile: Stand Tall Education Network!

2011-11-06T03:41:00.001-08:00

Stand Tall Education Network is a non-profit organization creating educational opportunities and building school facilities to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children. A good education empowers children to trust their ideas, look for new answers, and Stand Tall as future leaders.

Stand Tall combines an academic curriculum with a holistic, creative arts and entrepreneurship curriculum filling a gap that most schools in Uganda, and the World miss, making them especially exciting to Awava.

Stand Tall has completed the construction of a no-fee primary school in Kampala, Uganda to educate children who cannot afford the expense associated with government-sponsored schools, and we continue to fund the ongoing operational expenses and programs that sustain it. The school is located on a one acre property in a low income area of Kampala.

Stand Tall will be selling Awava products in an effort to raise funds for their school, one of the many ways they are working on sustainability. We are beyond excited about this partnership!

Find out more about Stand Tall on their website, and get regular updates by "liking" them on Facebook and following them on Twitter!

Our Uganda Friday: Pottery & Homegrown Fair Trade Fashion!

2011-11-03T23:38:00.000-07:00

Makerere Art Gallery/Institute of Heritage Conservation and Restoration proudly presents FEATS OF UGANDAN POTTERY - A Group Exhibition by Ssekibaala Andrew, Omadi Michael, Bomboka Henry, Bukenya Tony, Balaba Edward, Bukenya Paul, Mpindi Ronald.

Seven outstanding ceramists are displaying their newest works. The artists present creative and innovative designs in ceramics while also focusing on the exploration of traditional Ugandan techniques and designs.

Opening on Friday, 4th November, 2011, at 5 pm

Exhibition dates 4th to 26th November, 2011

Makerere Art Gallery/Institute of Heritage Conservation and Restoration
at Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Arts
Makerere University

Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm, Saturday 10 am – 4 pm, Sunday on appointment
Phone 0781561834 | Email makartgallery@yahoo.com | artgallery@sifa.mak.ac.ug makerereartgallery.wordpress.com

And next Wednesday....

XENSON'S "FUTURISTIC PAST" FASHION SHOW at Serena Hotel, Kampala!

Xenson is a Ugandan multi-media artist who has showcased his works in France, Germany, Netherlands, Brazil, Mauritius, Niger, Rwanda, Kenya, the US, etc. and is now gearing up to showcase his latest mind-blowing fair trade, eco-friendly collection right here in Kampala!

Awava loves Xenson's work not only for the fresh and fashion forward design, but also because his ethics behind his work. One philosophy dear to Xenson's work is to help his community. Xenson collaborates with various women's groups, using a fair trade model, to create his eco-fashion collections.

The Wednesday show has promised many surprises and performances, and will also feature Ugandan fashion icons Stela Atal and Latif!

This amazing show will take place Wednesday, 9 November 2011 in Victoria Hall at Kampala Serena Hotel from 7:30pm. Tickets are 30,000 for general admission and 50,000 for VIP (front row) seating and can be purchased in advance at Serena Hotel reception, Alliance Francaise, Sylvia Owori shops and Afriart Gallery!

Hope to see you there!

Awava October Giveaway list of entrants

2011-11-03T00:10:00.000-07:00

As you know, we will have two winners for the October giveaway. Below is a list of the people who have entered by mentioning Awava in their Facebook status updates, on their Twitter feeds or on their blogs.

Click image to enlarge

If your name isn't on the list but you did enter the give-away, please comment on our Facebook page, reply to our Twitter page, comment on this blog or email darlyne@awavamarket.com

See you at the drawing for the winner!

Our November Giveaway! Daudi Karungi's new book: Extraordinary Women!

2011-10-31T23:06:00.001-07:00

click image to enlarge

www.awavamarket.com

Our Uganda Friday: Cafe Kawa, Our New Favorite!

2011-10-27T11:50:00.000-07:00

Cafe Kawa is our new favorite spot in Kampala! They offer amazing coffee prepared by skilled baristas, excellent customer service, WiFi, delicious sandwiches and salads, fantastic bread from BROOD so you don't have to fight the jam in town, amazing pastries (best croissants in Kampala) also provided by BROOD, in a cozy and artistic environment.

Located on Tank Hill Road in Muyenga, right next to Wine Garage, it is the perfect place to wait out the jam during rush hour, and well worth the trek across town if you're not located in the area (we're not!).

Open Monday through Sunday from 7:30am until 10pm.

The amazing Americano, keeping Awava going!

The perfect Hummus and Veggie Sandwich on whole grain bread

from BROOD. DELICIOUS!

Ethical Holiday Shopping Guide 2011!

2011-10-25T22:45:00.001-07:00

Eye See Media and Shop to Stop Slavery's 2011 Ethical Holiday Shopping Guide is HERE! Check out page 33 for Awava!

Our Uganda Friday: Only In Uganda

2011-10-21T05:10:00.000-07:00

by Darlyne Komukama

I am in Nairobi for a 10 day trip and have been here for 4 of those 10 days. Obviously being a new environment makes you compare it to what you're used to and being here has been no different for me. So for this installation of the 'Our Uganda Friday' blog post, I am going to tell you all the things I am currently missing the most about Kampala, specifically, and Uganda in general.

Rolex

Not the watch, that's not what you get when you ask for a rolex in Kampala. Rather it's an ingenious recipe in which an omelette is rolled up together with a chapati and the name is believed come from 'rolled eggs'. This buritto like creation can also be filled with, my personal favourite, bacon but more likely with sausage or some type of meat. It is ubiquitous and will be seen on any street corner, outside every market and usually on the side of the road in the more popular hang out areas. If you're in Kampala, and you see someone standing behind a desk with chapatis on display and a tray of eggs next to a charcoal stove with a flat pan on top of it, you are probably in the presence of a rolex guy and you must get yourself one immediately.

Boda Boda

The fastest way to get anywhere on the traffic-jam riddled streets of Kampala is definitely the motorcycle taxis we call boda bodas or bodas for short. A very dividing mode of transport with those who hate them warning everyone one off them and occasionally cussing at them as they weave through traffic while those who love them will not get around town any other way. I am firmly in the 'love them' camp and will only be forced to travel another way if it's raining (and even then I might choose to get wet than sit an hour long traffic for a 10 minute drive) I have become so accustomed to boda rides that I will more often than not be seen reading whatever book I'm reading at the time on the back of the boda.

Hawkers

Outside one of the popular malls in Kampala, the Garden City Mall, are many hawkers whose specialty is cheap knock off sun glasses, many of them Ray Bans. They also make it down the street to the traffic lights on Jinja road so that while you wait for the light to turn green, you can try on a good number of sun glasses and get yourself the perfect pair for about $2 a pair. Nairobi is mostly cold but when it is sunny, it's incredibly bright and I really wish one of those hawkers were around when I needed him.

Warm Nights

Nairobi is much colder than Kampala and anyone who knows is already tired of me moaning about how cold I am especially at night. I go to bed in a socks, tights, a vest and a sweater under my pyjamas even though I have a perfectly normal duvet. Kampala nights are perfectly warm, you could easily go out in a sun dress at 10pm and not get a single goose bump and for covers, I only need a sheet for modesty's sake.

If you were ever looking for any reason to visit Kampala, I've given you 4 pretty good ones.

From Awava, enjoy your weekend.

A Taste of Things to Come!

2011-10-18T05:40:00.000-07:00

While we cannot yet tell you exactly what these are and will be (yes, building suspense), you will definitely want at least one of each!

Our Uganda Friday: An event for ever day of your weekend.

2011-10-14T06:48:00.000-07:00

by Darlyne Komukama

Let's start with Friday.

Dr. George Kyeyune is a senior lecturer at Makerere University, a part of the Drawing and Sculpture staff whose speciality is in Sculpture and Art History. He has had many accomplishments, among them; he resuscitated the Visual Arts Journal after 45 years, introduced a new Masters in Critical Thinking & Aesthetic Theories and led a team that erected the 14 feet glass fibre statue at Kabamba Military Barracks.

His art exhibition of paintings opens today at the Afriart Gallery on Kenneth Dale Drive off of Kiira Road. Dr. Kyeyune's exhibition, 'The Kampala I Will Always Come Back To' explores the changes his city has gone through in the time he has lived in her, taking into special account the new changes being made by the Kampala City Council Authority. The show starts at 6.00pm and ends at 9.00pm.

Now on to Saturday.

WHAT: In Movement Student Performance!

WHERE: National Theatre

WHEN: Saturday 15^th October, 2011 at 5:00PM

WHY: Support In Movement’s students and programs!

ENTRANCE: FREE!

The performance will feature In Movement's Year 3 students in a musical play entitled “Who Am I?” The show will include a visual arts exhibition, as well as music, dance, drama, and circus arts. Entrance to the show is free! In Movement t-shirts will be on sale for 25,000 UGX, and consider supporting In Movement with a cash donation, or fill out a pledge card!

And finally, Sunday.

We have already told you about Daudi Karungi's book and now you can see the photo exhibition of the pictures in the book at a show being held at the Uganda Museum starting at 10:00am and ending at 6:00pm. The author will be on hand to sign any copies you buy. We believe this book would make the perfect Christmas present for the women in your life, so bring them along and enjoy the exhibition.

And with that, we wish you a lovely weekend.

Eye See Media & Shop to Stop Slavery Ethical Holiday Shopping Guide

2011-10-12T23:15:00.001-07:00

Introducing the
2011 Ethical Holiday Shopping Guide

Order yours today, pay only shipping!

Your purchases this season can make a difference across the globe.

Find out what shops, businesses and organizations are giving back, supporting sustainability, conquering poverty and fighting for dignity.

Order your own 2011 Ethical Holiday Shopping Guide and pay only a bit for shipping.
Discounts available on orders of 5 or more so you can inform your friends and family.
Click here to order.

If you would like to subscribe or renew your subscription to Eye See Magazine, click here.
Future issues are unmissable!

Awava is inside! And so are lots of coupon discounts to other fantastic ethical companies!

New Fabrics!

2011-10-12T07:03:00.000-07:00

The Awava team spent a grueling day in downtown Kampala searching for new fabrics! The stress and sweat and near death experiences crossing roads jam packed with cars, taxis, boda bodas (motorcycle taxis) and bicycles was all worth it!

A Little Ugandan Hip Hop for Your Monday!

2011-10-10T09:55:00.000-07:00

Retailers Profile: Fair Planet

2011-10-10T06:38:00.001-07:00

Awava is a proud supplier for Canadian company, Fair Planet. Fair Planet provides quality fairly traded items to conscious consumers while promoting the values of fair trade, sustainability, and social justice. They specialize in accessories, home decor items and toys.

In 2008, Fair Planet Founder Janalee Morris-Wales travelled to Uganda to work with women with disabilities on a research project. Many of these women were artisans and small business owners, but they met difficulties in running their businesses. Women with disabilities in the developing world face stigma and discrimination, extreme levels of poverty, and are highly unlikely to get an education (only 2% of women with disabilities in the developing world are literate). This translates into problems with making a living - they are discriminated against in the markets, they lack capital to start and maintain their production, and because most of them have never been to school, they struggle with basic tasks like counting money and making change.

Out of their stories came the idea for this business - and Fair Planet was born. In the many times Janalee visited these women since 2008, they have never failed to impress her with their desire for a better life for themselves and their families. Fair Planet was conceived out of her desire to provide immediate, tangible, and sustainable development assistance to those women. Since then it has expanded to include fair trade artisans from around the world.

To become an Awava retailer, please email kate@awavamarket.com!

Our Uganda Friday: Of Trade Shows and Defining Football Games

2011-10-07T00:55:00.000-07:00

by Darlyne Komukama

The 2011 UMA Trade Show started on Tuesday 4th October, 2011 and is running until Monday 10th October. This is an annual exhibition that this year, has attracted exhibitors from over 36 countries and 1000 companies.

Entrance for adults is 3,000 shillings and 2,000 shillings for children. If you're in the market for cheaper than average goods ranging anywhere from solar lights to men's dress shirts, from hand made fabric made with Egyptian cotton to agricultural implements then this is the place the weekend needs to find you.

The ladies of Awava passed by the show yesterday and got some soft serve ice-cream and Kate even won herself a mug from Ugandan coffee, Star Cafe.

The talk of the town for the past couple of weeks has been the October 8th football match to be played between Uganda's Cranes and Kenya's Harambee Stars. If the Uganda Cranes win this match, then Uganda qualifies for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 33 years.

Tickets are being sold for 20,000, 50,000 and 120,000 shillings and if you have a ticket, you can take a free train ride to the match.

From Awava, we wish you a fun weekend.

Thank you for a Glorious Year with Awava!

2011-10-05T07:34:00.001-07:00

We want to send the biggest thank you and congratulations to Darlyne Komukama, our Uganda Assistant Country Director, for being with Awava for one year (and of course we're looking forward to another)!

Darlyne jumped on board ready to go and has had a huge hand in our impressive growth over the last year. And it's been so much fun!

Darlyne, we love you and look forward to another amazing year with you!

New Partnership Brings Exciting New Jewelry!

2011-10-05T06:39:00.000-07:00

We are over the moon about Awava's new partnership with Mzuribeads! Mzuribeads is a UK-based fair trade organization working with women in Ndejje Village, Uganda, making amazingly beautiful eco-friendly beads using banana fiber, recycled paper, cow horn, bark cloth and recycled glass and selling to beaders around Europe, and now the US & Canada!

Awava partnered with Mzuribeads in August 2011 to add value to the wonderful work the women were already doing, by designing an exclusive line of finished jewelry!

We're excited to launch this line in Kampala starting 6 October 2011, selling exclusively at The Duuka inside Emin Pasha Hotel in Nakasero! We will have these gorgeous new offerings (and a couple more) available on our website starting November 2011. Stay tuned!

Papula Necklace

Muti Necklace

Kiseke Bracelet

Ssanyu Necklace

Mukwano Earrings~Mzuri

Kutu Earrings

Our September-October Giveaway!

2011-10-04T01:58:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the extreme delays! We missed the September giveaway because Awava Founding Director, Kate von Achen's family was visiting Uganda! That's a great excuse, right?! But never fear, the giveaway is back! And to make up for it, we will be drawing TWO lucky names at the end of October for our giveaway!

click image above to enlarge

New Basket Colors and New Designs!

2011-10-03T04:54:00.001-07:00

We just picked new basket colors, just in time for fall AND we're introducing a new design! Well done Nayiga Bena and Nabalema Edith on the colors and design! And a big congratulations for Bena for paying off another interest free loan from Awava!

NEW DESIGN! Kimuli Basket

NEW COLORS! Kasaayi Basket~Fall

NEW COLORS! Musoke Basket~Fall

Our Uganda Friday: Raw Expression~Arts Night by Breakdance Project Uganda!

2011-09-30T00:17:00.000-07:00

by Kate von Achen

I had the pleasure of meeting Abramz Tekya in January 2007 and was blown away by his then very young project, Breakdance Project Uganda (BPU). Abramz, growing up in a slum outside Kampala, wanted to provide a platform for disadvantaged youth to bring about social change through the arts. BPU started offering free breakdance classes to these youth in Kampala, and this amazing program has spread like wildfire around the country. I continue to be in awe of Abramz and his strength and passion for bringing about positive social change to his community.

"Raw Expression" is a unique new arts night that BPU has organized to showcase and celebrate different art forms in their realness. Their aim is to create a platform for creative, raw and unique arts/artists that the mainstream media hardly pays attention to.

This event is also one of BPU's income generating activites so by supporting this, you're helping sustain their non profit services as well as extending to additional locations in Uganda.

"Raw Expression" will showcase elements of hiphop including Breakdance (bboying and bgirling), Rap, Popping, Locking, Beatboxing, Dj’ing and Graffiti through live dance battles, visual art displays and performances. The first event in September also includes Street Basket Ball and live poetry. BPU will provide an old school hiphop, soul and afro funk vibe. Don't miss out on this unique hiphop/arts event!

VENUE: Open House, Buganda Road (next to Watoto Church)
DATE : Friday 30th September 2011
TIME: Doors open from 7pm. The show will run from 8pm until midnight.
COST: 10,000 UGX

You can keep up-to-date with all BPU events at www.bpuevents.org. To get involved, email bpu.getinvolved@gmail.com!

Extraordinary: Significant Women of Uganda Book NOW Available Internationally!

2011-09-29T05:17:00.000-07:00

Since arriving on the Uganda art scene in 2001, Daudi Karungi has become one of Kampala’s leading artists and entrepreneurs.

Daudi set off one year ago to discover the extraordinary women of Uganda, in hopes of eventually

publishing a photo collection that celebrated their lives. Sending out calls for recommendations, and having many in mind on his own, he was quickly overwhelmed by the number of phenomenal women his country clearly had within its borders. Unable to capture them all, this book, Extraordinary:Significant Women of Uganda eventually resulted in a cross-section of over fifty women from all walks of life, young and old, professionals, artists, politicians and activists, sharing their experience of going after their dreams and continuing their journeys, often in the face of great challenges. These women greatly inspire with their wisdom, tenacity and beauty.

The last page of Extraordinary provides a template to add a photo and words, adding your favorite extraordinary woman to the book, making this a fantastic gift for the extraordinary women in your life! We know what the extraordinary women in our lives will be getting this holiday season!

Published by Afriart Gallery Books, each book is hardcover and will be signed by the author.

Awava has taken particular interest in getting this publication out to an international audience because it provides a platform for all of the amazing women we have come across and have the privilege of working with in Uganda. Two of Founding Director, Kate von Achen’s personal sheroes, and major inspirations for her coming to Uganda, world renowned feminists and Africanists, Honorable Miria Matembe and Sylvia Tamale are also featured in this book, making us even more giddy about its arrival!

We also want to give great thanks to the Dutch Ambassador and his amazing wife for welcoming us into their home last night for the private launch of this book. It was great to be able to meet and talk with most of the women featured in this book, and we will cherish all of the beautiful notes and signatures we acquired in our copy!

In Uganda you can buy the book at the following retail outlets:

Afriart Gallery (Kenneth Dale Drive~Kamwokya)
Aristoc Bookstore (Garden City Mall and Kampala Road)
The Duuka (at Emin Pasha Hotel~Nakasero)
Uganda Bookshop (Colville Street)
Banana Boat (Kisementi, Garden City Mall & Lugogo Game)

Internationally, you can purchase this amazing book here on our site!

For international wholesale, please contact Daudi at daudi@afriartgallery.org.

Awava Monthly Giveaway August Winner

2011-09-27T23:52:00.000-07:00

(Drum roll...)

And we have a winner. It took us a little longer to get this to you guys but we finally have a winner for the Awava Monthly Giveaway for August where the prize is a lovely Omusana Yoga Mat Bag.

We changed things up a bit this time. Here you will see the names of the entrants laid out on the Eddembe Macbook Sleeve.

And here are all the names ready to be drawn in the Amaka Makeup Bag.

And here is a video of the draw. We changed up the location this time and held the draw at one of the coffee shops that the Awava ladies like to hang out at that also has a nice view of Kololo, one of the neighbourhoods in Kampala.

Congratulations to our friends on Twitter, @theopenarmsshop

Watch out for the September give away and good luck!

A Little Random Happiness for Monday!

2011-09-26T08:24:00.000-07:00

Awava's main tailor and trainer, Auma Lucy (aka Mama Lucy)!

Photo by: Paul Szynol

Our Uganda Friday: Daudi Karungi's new book and other Uganda happenings this weekend!

2011-09-23T00:11:00.000-07:00

It's finally here! Daudi Karungi's new book, "Extra Ordinary: Significant Women of Uganda", has reached Uganda fresh from the press!

Karungi's book set off to publish a photo collection celebrating the lives of remarkable women in Uganda, quickly realizing there were so many extraordinary women "walking the walk" that it was impossible to capture them all. The book does capture over fifty amazing women in Uganda coming from all walks of life, from entrepreneurs, artists, activists, politicians and beyond. And our favorite part of the book, at the back there is space to add photos of descriptions of extraordinary women in your life!

The launch of this book will be taking place next week and is a private affair, but we will be sure to announce the public launch of this significant book, as well as how to acquire your own copy (in Uganda and internationally) as soon as details are announced!

MishMash is one of the monthly events we look forward to most here in Kampala, bringing together a fantastic fusion of the arts and culture. MishMash dives into myriad artistic fields, from fine arts, craft, dance and culinary delights.

This month's MishMash theme will focus on functional art from unique tables and chairs, mirrors, bowls, pottery, etc.

Exceptional music and dance is also a feature this MishMash. Sabar International will exhilarate you with their pan African percussion fusion, and the menu set by Abalimi Catering.

Located at Ntinda View Crescent, Naguru, Kampala from 11am this Sunday, September 25th. Hope to see you there!

Our Uganda Friday: Bayimba International Festival of the Arts!

2011-09-16T00:19:00.000-07:00

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Well Bayimba has your entire weekend planned for you!

The BAYIMBA INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS is an exciting three-day festival (Friday to Sunday) that takes place annually during the month of September in the capital of Kampala, Uganda.

The 4th edition of the Festival is scheduled to take place from 16th till 18th September 2011 at the National Theatre, located in the heart of the city centre, Kampala.

Entrance is FREE

Gates open from Mid-day till Mid-night.

Don’t miss performances from:
• Bayimba Street Theatre Performaz
• Your favourite local artistes, regional & international artistes
• Participants from the Youth Hip Hop workshops 2011
• Poetry by the Lantern Meet of poets, inspirational African movies by Amakula and Maisha Film Lab, drama by National Theatre
• Kids Corner, Silent disco, Comedy, VIP Party

Exhibitions:
• Fashion Designers Pamela Acaye and Visual Artists like Kas Wear Fashion, Xenson among others

Check out the amazing three day lineup here to find out when your favorite musicians, fashion designers, artists and movie makers will be showcasing their work!

See you at Bayimba!

MORE NEW PRODUCT! Our Ekitanda Duvet Set

2011-09-15T02:59:00.000-07:00

We're so excited about the newest addition to our housewares selection, the ekitanda duvet set! This set will transform your bedroom in no time!

Set includes one Full/Queen size duvet cover (86" x 94") and two matching pillow shams made of beautiful African wax print fabrics and contrasting solid cotton blend accent, with coconut shell button closures. Prints are very limited (some we only have 1 set available) so don't hesitate to grab your favorite!

*machine wash cold, tumble dry low

click images below to enlarge

www.awavamarket.com

NEW PRODUCT & PARTNERSHIP: The New Awava-Wasswa Ebitabo Bag

2011-09-15T00:23:00.000-07:00

Our new ebitabo bags are the first in an exciting new collaboration Awava has with Ugandan artist, Wasswa Donald.

Awava's amazing tailors in Gulu, Uganda completed the bag construction and Wasswa transferred two of our favorite paintings onto these bags.

These specific prints are limited edition so if you love them as much as we do, don't hesitate!

"Prodigal Son"

"Evening Glory"

bag dimensions: W: 14.5", H: 13"; straps: 23"
image dimensions: 7.5" x 7.5"
machine wash cold, air dry

www.awavamarket.com

NYC Friends! Find our Goodies at Owl and Thistle General Store!

2011-09-12T08:50:00.001-07:00

You can now find some of our beautiful goodies in Brooklyn at the amazingly unique Owl and Thistle General Store!

Owl & Thistle General Store is a modern take on an old-fashioned concept of a community oriented store offering a wide variety of products under a single roof.

Nestled in the heart of Crown Heights, Brooklyn, Owl and Thistle specializes in local, sustainable, and fair trade items at a reasonable price. Theirr mission: help you to feel good about what you buy by giving you the piece of mind that it is made with love in an ethical and environmentally sustainable manner.

Proprietress, Keri Cavanaugh, is well acquainted with local products and fair trade. A long time independent clothing designer and former Peace Corps volunteer, she brings her love of practical yet beautiful things for yourself or gifts to Owl & Thistle General Store. You can be assured she will bring a collection of carefully chosen products that cater to all members of the community.

60% off our ENTIRE online stock through Monday for our 3rd birthday!

2011-09-09T07:50:00.000-07:00

www.awavamarket.com

click image above to enlarge

Awava August Giveaway list of entrants

2011-09-05T01:06:00.000-07:00

The Awava August giveaway is the Omusana Yoga Mat Bag and below is the list of entrants.

*click on image to enlarge it.

If you mentioned Awava in your Facebook status, on your blog or in your twitter feed and your name is not on this list, please comment on this blog post or send an email to darlyne@awavamarket.com for inclusion.

The draw for the winner will be carried out on the Wednesday, September 7th, 2011.

Sneak Peek: Ekitanda

2011-08-25T08:04:00.000-07:00

by Darlyne Komukama

We have an exciting new product in the pipeline and we can finally show you a sneak peek of our new Duvet and Pillow Cover set we're calling 'Ekitanda'.

Isn't it gorgeous?

Our Uganda Friday: Technology Meet Africa with a photo exhibition in the slum.

2011-08-19T01:20:00.000-07:00

by Darlyne Komukama

Technology Meet Africa is a Facebook/YouTube exhibition of Ugandan art. Starting on the 18th of August, 2011, Technology Meet Africa is in Uganda being curated by one of Awava's favourite atists, Wasswa Donald.

The exhibition is on the African Artists Inc Facebook page on the YouTube tab. Head over there now to experience Ugandan art through the eyes of Ugandan artists.

Mu Katanga Rooftop Photo Exhibition is a result of the collaboration between the residents of Katanga (one of Kampala's biggest slums) and the second Bayimba photography workshop.

We have talked a bit about the Bayimba Cultural Festival of the Arts on this blog and starting last year, with the help of Dutch-born photographer Andrea Stultiens, they hold a photography workshop that attracts both amateur and proffessional photographers from all over Uganda.

This year, along with the exhibition being shown at the Festival itself between 16th and 18th September, the photographs will be shown in the slum where they have been taken. If you are in Kampala this weekend, make your way to Busia Zone Katanga, Bwaise Road in Wandegeya below Super Oil Fueling Station and behind Breadt Girls Hostel. Call 0777653367 if you can't find it.

Awava Monthly Giveaway July Winner!

2011-08-05T02:13:00.000-07:00

The winner of the Awava Monthly Giveaway for the month of July gets a pair of the very fashionable Mukwano earrings that have been so popular and are in limited supply.

Here you will see all the names of the entrants written out and laid out on one of our beautiful Mmeza Table Mats with the Ekkibbo Basket from which they will be drawn.

And here is all the names folded up just before a winner is drawn.

And the winner is ....

Congratulations to our winner and Facebook friend, Tela Clarke Beaver!

FREE PRODUCT! Awava's August Giveaway!

2011-08-02T10:55:00.000-07:00

click image above to enlarge

www.awavamarket.com

Awava July Giveway list of entrants

2011-08-01T01:44:00.000-07:00

For the month of July, Awava's monthly Giveaway is the lovely Mukwano earrings. Below are the list of entrants for July.

*click on the image to enlarge it

If you mentioned Awava on your facebook page, tweeted at Awava on your Twitter feed or wrote about Awava on your blog but your name does not appear on this list, either comment on this post or email darlyne@awavamarket.com to be added.

The draw to find out the winner will be held on Thursday 4th August, 2011.

Good luck!

THIS WEEKEND: Special Awava Deals on PURE CITIZEN

2011-07-29T03:00:00.000-07:00

Awava is honored to be this weekend's featured business on Pure Citizen! Through Sunday~July 31st, get HUGE savings on many of our beautiful products via a fantastic company taking great strides to promote ethical brands like ours!

Our Uganda Friday: MishMash

2011-07-29T01:23:00.000-07:00

by Darlyne Komukama

MishMash is an arts event that has been happening in Kampala for 5 months now and in that time it has grown tremendously in it's popularity and significance.

"MishMash is a dynamic, energetic fusion of art, culture and the things that make life worth living." Located in Naguru, Kampala, MishMash brings together Uganda's most inspiring artists in a wide range of fields including painting, sculpture, dance, fashion, music, print-making, and photography. The last Sunday of every month, MishMash presents a feast of Ugandan art & culture at its garden gallery."

On Sunday, 31st July, 2011, MishMash is back with an exciting programme. Most notably, 3 of Uganda's leading artists, Edison Mugalu, Henry Mzili Mujunga and Enoch Mukiibi, are going to unveil new works or art.

The programme for the day will be;

THREE OF UGANDA'S MOST INSPIRATIONAL PAINTERS
Edison Mugalu, Henry Mzili Mujunga and Enoch Mukiibi will be displaying their brand new works for the first time.

UGANDA NATIONAL CONTEMPORARY DANCE
Uganda's premier contemporary dance troupe will perform a collection of pulsating performances.

LIVE MUSIC
Janzi Band will be playing their unique UgaAfro fusion by mixing Uganda's traditional instruments such as the dungu, akogo, endongo, endigidi with the guitars and keyboard.

ORANGE MISHMASH MARKET
A fantastic selection of Uganda's unique artisans

KIDS ART CLASSES
Ro Kerango will once again guiding children in creating wonderful pieces of their own.

FOOD & DRINK ALL DAY
Abalimi Catering will delight your culinary senses, using fresh farm produce in a mouth-watering menu. If you don't come hungry, you'll be missing out.

See you there.

New Gomesi Sun Dresses En Route to the US!

2011-07-27T00:48:00.000-07:00

www.awavamarket.com

New Fabrics Going Into Production!

2011-07-26T02:16:00.000-07:00

Interview with an Intern

2011-07-23T01:08:00.000-07:00

Awava recently started hosting an intern, Chrissy Meoni from Virginia, and below is an interview with said intern.

Awava: Hey new Awava intern! Go ahead and introduce yourself.

Chrissy: Hi Everyone!

My first experiences in Africa have been so fresh and fun! I’ve been in Uganda for a little over two weeks and I couldn’t be happier. I visited Cairo before traveling south to Kampala. Awava has helped me see Uganda in a whole new way. So far, I have helped with interviewing artisans, shopping for supplies, and creating an online database of information. Boda bodas (motorcycle taxis) have been my main mode of transportation, which are more efficient and more fun than traveling via car. I’ve even gotten the chance to participate in a Hash Run (a noncompetitive running, social and drinking group) with one of my roommates! Kampala is the city of seven hills and I got to see a view of Kampala and Lake Victoria on a visit to Cassia Lodge.

Now a bit about myself… I’m going to be junior at the University of San Diego, but I grew up in a suburb outside DC in northern VA. Studying biochemistry can be draining, but I love the challenge and my anthropology classes help me keep my sanity. Traveling, hiking, running, football (soccer for those of you in the States), and reading are some of my favorite activities. I love the water and the mountains… Anything in the outdoors!

Awava: How did someone studying biochemistry (wow, by the way) end up interning for a fair trade craft company?

Chrissy: My sister connected me with Kate (the two of them traveled to South Africa a few years ago). I'm interested in working outside the US once I graduate, specifically in Africa... Possibly becoming a professor, but I'm trying to keep my options open for my future. I love fair trade and sustainability and I'm hoping once I graduate I can somehow build a connection between green fair trade and chemical research.

Awava: Sounds awesome! Ok, so I assume you've been out and about a bit on your downtime. Take us through some of the things you've done to relax in Kampala.

Chrissy: I've got the chance to see around my neighborhood by running in the morning. I've also got to try a lot of food, like Rolex (which is similar to a breakfast burrito). The fruit is so fresh and DELICIOUS. I love the food here. And I have discovered a cashew and coconut chocolate bar, it's my weakness. At Cassia, I got to see the city from the top of a hill and I got to swim in the pool. When we have no power at home (which happens almost every other night), we play some board games, or bake cookies! I also got to do the Hash Run around Kabalagala, which was so much fun! Especially because I love running... And beer!

Awava: Well, it sounds like you're having a whale of a time. We will get a chance to talk to you again after we visit Gulu and you can tell us a bit about that and what it was like going fabric shopping. We're super excited to have you here.

War Crimes Trial Begins for Uganda Lord's Resistance Army Leader in Gulu, Uganda

2011-07-12T08:45:00.001-07:00

Awava @ SOKO (iBANDA~Kampala Uganda) 23 July 2011!

2011-07-12T08:34:00.000-07:00

New Gomesi Sun Dresses Reaching the US Sooooooon!

2011-07-12T06:47:00.000-07:00

www.awavamarket.com

Awava Monthly Giveaway June Winner!

2011-07-05T02:24:00.000-07:00

Drum roll .....

We had 29 entrants from Facebook, Twitter and blogs for our June giveaway and this morning we drew a winner. The winner gets a beautiful Gomesi Sundress.

Here are all the names written out and ready to be thrown into the basket for a winner to be picked.

And here are all the names neatly folded up in Awava's Ekibbo basket seated on Awava's Mmeza Tablemat.

The video below reveals the winner!

Congratulations to our Facebook friend, Maria Angela Alaniz.

Do not miss your chance to enter this month's giveaway and win a pair of Mukwano earrings. Simply mention Awava in your Facebook status or in your twitter feed or even on your blog and you could be the winner. Good luck.

Awava Monthly Giveaway June list of entrants

2011-07-01T06:59:00.000-07:00

Below is a list of all the people Awava has that entered the June Giveaway for the Gomesi Sun dress. Check the list for your name, and if you entered but your name is not on the list, please email darlyne@awavamarket.com. (Click on the image to enlarge it.)

Our Uganda Friday: Auctioning eligible bachelors and bachelorettes and giving free hugs!

2011-07-01T05:59:00.000-07:00

by Darlyne Komukama

First I'll tell you about an event coming up this weekend, then I'll tell you about an event that happened last weekend. Cool? Ok.

On Saturday, 2nd July 2011, the Mara Foundation is holding a date with a Bachelor/Bachelorette Auction Dinner at the Open House on Buganda Road.

The Mara Foundation is a non-profit foundation whose aim is to complement the growth and success of the Sub-Saharan African region by finding sustainable and replicable solutions to some of its biggest challenges. The Bachelor/Bachelorette date auction fundraiser is to raise money to buy water tanks for the visually impaired students of Sir Apollo Kaggwa SSS in Mukono who currently have to walk 2km to fetch water from the nearest stream. Some of the money will also be used to buy them new braille machines for their classes.

So call +256755333106 or 0312261700/800 for your ticket now and maybe you'll be the highest bidder for a date with me. (Yes, I am one of the Bachelorettes going to be auctioned)

Now for last weekend's event.

The organisation The Pay It Forward Foundation Uganda held the PIFF Hugathone, an event where they went to a busy mall (Garden City Mall) and gave out free hugs for 5 hours. Below are a few pictures, for more visit their facebook page here.

FREE PRODUCT! Awava's July Giveaway!

2011-07-01T03:16:00.002-07:00

Find out how to get entered to win on the photo below (click to enlarge)!

Also, please note, if you tag us on Facebook, please make sure it shows up on the Awava Business Page wall! Sometimes, if your setting are set in a certain way, it doesn't show up, so if that happens, just send a message to kate@awavamarket.com!

We wish you success!

www.awavamarket.com

Our Uganda Friday: Jason the Poet.

2011-06-24T06:11:00.000-07:00

by Darlyne Komukama

This week our 'Our Uganda Friday' blog post is a little different and a lot awesome! Now, we at Awava, have been going on for some time about the resurgence of the Spoken Word movement here, in Kampala, and we have told you about some of the events where you can see for yourself the talent displayed by these wonderful poets but today ... Today we have invited one of those poets, one of our favourites, to dazzle you on the blog itself.

Jason has been writing poetry for a very long time and when he met two other guys with the same passion as him, they started the Lantern Meet of Poets which just had its 4th successful annual recital at the National Theatre. (You may remember us telling you about it.) Jason is a regular on the Spoken Word circuit and is a firm crowd favourite at events like Poetry in Session, using his words to call forth emotions in his audience raging from joy to sorrow, inspiring people to agree with him to dub him a dissident but always getting a reaction from the crowd.

The poem featured here is one of the best received ones by the audiences. Here is Jason with 'She Cries.'

We, at Awava, continue to support locally grown talent and will feature one of Uganda's poets, once every month, in different mediums; video, audio and text. (Also, we are very excited about this, can you tell?)

Enjoy your weekend.

New Sundress Prints! New Prints!

2011-06-17T08:19:00.000-07:00

We just received 50 new kanga prints that are going to be turned into Sun Dresses very soon and we are super excited about them. These prints were purchased from Zanzibar, which must have the best collection of Kangas but you will come to that conclusion yourself once you look through these beautiful new prints.

Our Uganda Friday: My Two Cents on Qwela

2011-06-17T02:21:00.000-07:00

by Kate von Achen

I hate to say this, but coming from a musical family and having a deep love for “World Music”, or more specifically music from, or influenced by Mexico and Latin America, West Africa, South Africa, and a significant portion of Europe (East and West), upon visiting East Africa, falling in love with Uganda, and subsequently moving here, I have (and again I’m sorry) frequently felt that I came to the wrong side of the continent musically. This is not to say that the music in Uganda is bad or that there are no talented musicians here. There most certainly are! But it has been work to come across many that are genuinely, holistically, well, music to my ears. And I can’t lie, many times when I hear a song and decide I love it, I find out it’s some new West African or Congolese song, which makes me feel guilty in a way.

That said, there are some amazing musicians that truly stand out to me and my apparent pickiness. We have highlighted some on the Awava blog before (Maurice Kirya), but I do not believe we have adequately covered Qwela.

I have seen Qwela perform here in Uganda countless times. I’ve seen them for free at Emin Pasha Hotel, The Lawns Restaurant and Katch the Sun, and I’ve paid top dollar to see them open for Salif Keita at Serena Hotel. Each time I have loved them and yearned to see more.

This past Tuesday I went to see them at one of their weekly gigs at Katch the Sun and something was different. I don’t know if my ADD took a hiatus or if there had been just the right amount of wine in my system (not too little, not too much), or if it was the brief interlude to wait for the rain to stop or what, but they were even more remarkable than usual. I realized that this band is not only talented, they’re magnificent! So many of their songs have such schizophrenic tempos and not a single member, from conga drums to guitar, keyboard, or vocalists (who also dance) missed a beat, were I was missing many (which is abnormal for me). They perform such technically difficult songs with beauty and ease.

If you are in Kampala and have somehow never seen this band perform, the time is now! Actually, tonight! Qwela plays for FREE every Friday night at Emin Pasha Hotel in Nakasero and every Tuesday night, again for FREE at Katch the Sun in Bugolobi. I would carry a bit of extra cash because they do have some pretty cool t-shirts and amazing CDs to sell!

Enjoy:

Our Uganda Friday: Even more poetry but this time, it's huge!

2011-06-10T04:14:00.001-07:00

by Darlyne Komukama

We, here at Awava, have been on a sort of poetry binge explaining all the poetry/spoken word blog posts and we are not close to letting up either, especially not when the poets in Kampala have organised an evening of poetry as large as the Lantern Meet of Poets annual recital.

The Lantern Meet of Poets is an organisation of poets that was started by 3 young Ugandan men who felt many of their ilk needed a place to go to express themselves, receive critiques and hopefully hear some good Uganda poetry.

The recital, which is taking place on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th June at 5.30pm at the National Theatre, will be the 4th such recital for the Lantern Meet. I have been fortunate enough to attend 2 previous such events and somehow that word seems inadequate. The recitals are not just person after person reciting their poems but rather a world on the stage that immerses the viewer. Expect props, costumes, music and a plot.

The shows will be the same on both days so if you can't catch Friday's show, don't miss Saturday's. The entrance fee is only UGX10,000 and totally worth it.

See you there and enjoy your weekend.

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Our May Gulu Visit & Farewell to Hanna Schwing!

2011-06-06T05:31:00.000-07:00

Awava's monthly May visit to Gulu (sorry for the delay in this posting) was a bit different than others as this was Hanna Schwing's last trip before departing Uganda to get ready for graduate school. Hanna has been working with Awava in Uganda for the last two years and has played a major roll in helping us to expand to the place we are today. A million thanks to everything she has done so far and we're ready to keep her working abroad!

Below are a few photos from the trip. We got to welcome Joyce, the newest Awava tailor, on board (more information on her coming soon) as well as have a party with the infamous Awava burrito (chapati with Nutela and banana). Thank you speeches and gifts were given and needless to say, there were some seriously watery eyes.

After the party Lucy and Hanna traveled out to Esther's home as she is too pregnant to come to work! We're expecting the good news any day now!

Awava @ LaBa Street Art Festival!

2011-06-06T04:20:00.000-07:00

Awava had an amazingly successful day this past Saturday (not to mention tons of fun) at the 5th Annual LaBa Street Art Festival in Kampala, Uganda. Thanks so much to everyone who was able to make it out for the festivities and a million thanks to the Ugandan German Cultural Society for organizing such a fantastic day and night!

Awava Monthly Giveaway May Winner!

2011-06-03T02:14:00.000-07:00

...And we have a winner!

This morning, we drew the name of winner of the Awava May Giveaway out of a beautiful Awava basket.

Here you see all the names written out waiting to be drawn.

And here are the names all folded up in the basket ready to be drawn.

And here is the video announcing the winner!

Congratulations to our Facebook friend Kaza Rubaire.

Remember, the June Giveaway is one of our beautiful gomesi sun dresses so mention us on Facebook, tweet @Awava on Twitter or mention us in your blog and stand a chance to win this one. Be sure to make sure it posts to our wall when you tag us so we don't miss your mentions!

MAY GIVEAWAY ENTRIES!

2011-06-01T07:02:00.000-07:00

The month of May has come to a close and we have compiled a list of all of the shout outs you all have given to Awava on various social media platforms! Before we draw the winner of our beautiful, fairly traded Kibegabega Shoulder Bag on June 3rd, please take a look at the list and make sure that we have you listed and have accounted for each media platform you mentioned us on! If you notice that your name is missing from the list OR that you mentioned us on more platforms than we have listed, please email kate@awavamarket.com. Remember, for each platform you mention Awava on, you get entered 1 (one) time! And don't forget to keep mentioning us for the June Giveaway!

click image above to enlarge size

FREE PRODUCT! Awava's June Giveaway!

2011-06-01T02:20:00.000-07:00

Awava @ LaBa Street Art Festival THIS Saturday!

2011-05-31T00:23:00.000-07:00

Ugandan artists and the Goethe-Zentrum Kampala invite you to the 5th LaBa! Street Art Festival in Kampala held under the motto: 365 days ... of celebrating Art.

250 artists from all different backgrounds — painters, musicians, sculptors, fashion and jewellery designers, dancers, writers, photographers and actors — will transform Mackinnon Road into a big open-air art space. Join them and take part with your thoughts and inspirations in interactive art projects.

Entrance to the festival is free.

LANGUAGE WITHOUT BORDERS

Cultural diversity finds its amplification in the knowledge of languages. At the festival embassies from all over the world will each present a language native to their culture, with interactive language experiences and information on learning possibilities.

EVENING CONCERT

At 7 p.m., after the sidewalks have been rolled up, all guests are invited to join an exciting evening full of music, comedy and poetry at the Goethe-Zentrum (6, Mackinnon Road) featuring Lillian (Blue3) and the Sundowners, Mista Poa, Carl Joshua Ncube from Zimbabwe and many more!

And of course, don't miss Awava's table set up in the football field!

Awava @ The US Embassy ~ Kampala ~ May 26, 2011

2011-05-26T22:15:00.000-07:00

A million thanks to the US Embassy in Kampala for being such gracious hosts to Awava and so many other amazing vendors! It was a successful day for us in both sales and networking!

Weekend Photo Shoot of our New Gomesi Dress!

2011-05-23T07:14:00.000-07:00

Many, many thanks to model Natalie Greene and photographers (and man model) Daniel Katz and Leah Schwartz!

These new prints coming soon to www.awavamarket.com!

Our Uganda Friday: Poetry In Session

2011-05-20T06:13:00.000-07:00

by Darlyne Komukama

The spoken word movement in Kampala is slowly growing and in a large part, it is thanks to this event (which you may remember we mentioned briefly before).

Poetry in Session started out as a small gathering of poets, poets-in-the-making and poetry lovers, once a month, in intimate setting where the spoken word could be manipulated and enjoyed. Mostly by word of mouth and social networking, the word got out about the lovely evenings that were being had and the crowd is growing exponentially.

The poets are passionate and the crowd is receptive, it feels like a bunch of friends hanging out and hearing each other's views on topics ranging from love to religion, politics to social norms, drinking to relationships. Everything is touched on and the fledgling poets are nurtured by the energy in the place.

This month's event is on the 24th of May, 2011 starting at 8.00pm at Isha's on Kenneth Dale Crescent off Kiira Road.

See you there.

Coming VERY Soon: New Binusu Coin Purse!

2011-05-19T02:51:00.000-07:00

Our new binusu coin purse is the perfect size to keep your coins and cards, as well as folded up bills! Made with scrap fabrics left over from other beautiful Awava designs, this sturdy coin purse zips closed to keep all of your treasures safe.!

Dimensions: 5.75" long by 4" wide (at widest points)

Coming within days to www.awavamarket.com!

New Fabrics Going into Production in Gulu Tomorrow!

2011-05-17T05:12:00.000-07:00

a w a v a.

Ethical Valentine's Sale featuring Awava, Waswad & Kikapu by Furaha B.!

Awava @ LOLA Valentine's Show!

Photos from our margiehogue for awava Celebration and Fundraiser at Foxtrot in Lawrence, KS!

Ekitanda Duvet Set Winner!

Our January 2012 Giveaway: The Riboni Necklace!

List of entrants for the December Awava Monthly Giveaway

HUGE End of Year Sale!

SAVE THE DATE! Celebrate With Us Lawrence, Kansas!

Awava at the Wonderful Wonder Fair Gallery in Lawrence, KS!

Top Ten Positives from Africa!

NEWS DESK

Notes on Washington and the world by the staff of The New Yorker.

TEN BIGGEST POSITIVE AFRICA STORIES OF 2011

NEW PRODUCT! The Versatile Kisero Bag!

Awava @LOLA GIANT Day 1!!!

Awava @ LOLA GIANT This Saturday and Sunday!

We have a winner!

More New Fabrics Going Into The Mix!

List of entrants for the November Awava Monthly Giveway

Awava's December Giveaway: The Ekitanda Duvet Cover Set!

Kampala! Don't Miss Awava THIS Saturday at Cafe Kawa ~ Muyenga!

Awava THIS Friday in Boston!!!

Awava @ Wonder Fair Gallery Holiday Market!

New Fabrics in Production NOW!

Super Random Awava Sighting...Kigali, Rwanda

Coming Soon: Mzuri Beads - Awava Riboni Necklace!

Coming Soon: Mzuri Beads - Awava Ssanyu Earrings!

Coming Soon: Mzuri Beads - Awava Papula Necklace!

Coming Soon: Mzuri Beads - Awava Mukwano Earrings!

Coming Soon: Mzuri Beads - Awava Muti Necklace!

Coming Soon: Mzuri Beads-Awava Kutu Earrings!

Coming Soon: Mzuri Beads-Awava Kiseke Bracelet!

Awava Monthly Giveaway September/October Winner

Awava Featured in the Kansas State Collegian at the Kansas State Fair Trade Marketplace!

Our Uganda Friday: "Seven Hundred Thirty", New Works by Daudi Karungi!

New Partner Profile: Stand Tall Education Network!

Our Uganda Friday: Pottery & Homegrown Fair Trade Fashion!

Awava October Giveaway list of entrants

Our November Giveaway! Daudi Karungi's new book: Extraordinary Women!

Our Uganda Friday: Cafe Kawa, Our New Favorite!

Ethical Holiday Shopping Guide 2011!

Our Uganda Friday: Only In Uganda

A Taste of Things to Come!

Our Uganda Friday: An event for ever day of your weekend.

Eye See Media & Shop to Stop Slavery Ethical Holiday Shopping Guide

Introducing the2011 Ethical Holiday Shopping GuideOrder yours today, pay only shipping!

New Fabrics!

A Little Ugandan Hip Hop for Your Monday!

Retailers Profile: Fair Planet

Our Uganda Friday: Of Trade Shows and Defining Football Games

Thank you for a Glorious Year with Awava!

New Partnership Brings Exciting New Jewelry!

Our September-October Giveaway!

New Basket Colors and New Designs!

Our Uganda Friday: Raw Expression~Arts Night by Breakdance Project Uganda!

Extraordinary: Significant Women of Uganda Book NOW Available Internationally!

Awava Monthly Giveaway August Winner

A Little Random Happiness for Monday!

Our Uganda Friday: Daudi Karungi's new book and other Uganda happenings this weekend!

Our Uganda Friday: Bayimba International Festival of the Arts!

MORE NEW PRODUCT! Our Ekitanda Duvet Set

NEW PRODUCT & PARTNERSHIP: The New Awava-Wasswa Ebitabo Bag

NYC Friends! Find our Goodies at Owl and Thistle General Store!

60% off our ENTIRE online stock through Monday for our 3rd birthday!

Awava August Giveaway list of entrants

Sneak Peek: Ekitanda

Our Uganda Friday: Technology Meet Africa with a photo exhibition in the slum.

Awava Monthly Giveaway July Winner!

FREE PRODUCT! Awava's August Giveaway!

Awava July Giveway list of entrants

THIS WEEKEND: Special Awava Deals on PURE CITIZEN

Our Uganda Friday: MishMash

New Gomesi Sun Dresses En Route to the US!

New Fabrics Going Into Production!

Interview with an Intern

War Crimes Trial Begins for Uganda Lord's Resistance Army Leader in Gulu, Uganda

Awava @ SOKO (iBANDA~Kampala Uganda) 23 July 2011!

New Gomesi Sun Dresses Reaching the US Sooooooon!

Awava Monthly Giveaway June Winner!

Introducing the
2011 Ethical Holiday Shopping Guide

Order yours today, pay only shipping!