045 — Black History: Hleziphansi Zita (Nandi Naya)
In honor of Black History Month, Las Cruxes has invited several friends and colleagues of color, to highlight their story and share some of their favorite and influential music made by Black artists.
Hleziphansi Zita, is a mother of two, and self-taught designer currently living and working in New York City. Since 2015, Zita has operated her jewelry line named after her first daughter, Nandi Naya, whose designs are inspired by her South African heritage.
We are delighted to welcome Lezi to the program with a Q&A, followed by a spirited mix inspired by her father and the sounds of her childhood.
Can you touch on your background and how you got to where you are now?
I'm South African - American born from exiled refugees. I'm a self-taught jewelry designer who originally did pre-engineering/architecture in high school then studied interior design in college. It has been a journey and I've been just going with the flow. I listen to my intuition and the lessons & opportunities the universe gifts me.
What shaped your passion to make jewelry?
My mother adorned herself with traditional Zulu beads and I've always admired her sense of style, poise and pride. I really didn't decide to start making jewelry for a specific reason, it just happened because it was like I was discovering a talent I didn't know I had. But it felt wholesome, as if I was doing my purpose at least for this point in time.
Besides yourself, who knows you best?
I would say my rainbow child Nandi.
How has being a mother shaped your views?
I am a more grounded person because of them. Also I'm relearning what has been taught to me from this western society that doesn't resonate with me.
What is the biggest challenge about being a black woman in our trying political climate and how do you navigate through that challenge?
Hmmm ... just thought of issues I had in the past, from getting discriminated on, not getting an interior design showroom job because I had dreads and during my interview was asked if I would consider changing my hair because another employee cut off his dreads. I'm at the point where I understand the law of attraction and focus on my creativity because I am more alive when I'm creating and I understand what works for me. By having my small business I have employed myself.
What ways can non-black people and allies help communities of color?
Before wanting to help the black communities they must have that difficult discussion with their families and friends, and to be honest about their own privilege. You must go to the root of the issue, it starts from within and relearning indoctrination of this society in which you were being taught you are superior.
And what are ways POC can come together and build solidarity?
First by understanding that this way of society isn't fitted for us (POC), and has caused more damage by dividing us into groups in which we discriminate each other. We must strengthen the local Black economy by ensuring that the money is cycling through the community. Invest collectively, we get to produce our own products, instead of being the consumer for these big corporations. Buy land because land is a resource in which you can harvest your own crops. Start your own business and provide jobs for our people. Stop waiting for someone to hire you. Self-reliance is key.
Walk us through a day in your life...
I'm a mother of two. My daughters are Nandi, five years old and Indra, one year old. I homeschool Nandi and the first thing we do in the morning is give thanks by doing sun salutation yoga flow, eat breakfast and begin her lessons for two-three hours. Afterwards, we either do a nature walk, playground or museum. Head back home to cook dinner, bubble bath at night, and a bedtime story. That's my life on a normal day but we have times when we have to do jewelry errands. But Nandi doesn't mind because she's learning the process it takes to make jewelry.
A record you never tire of?
Fela Kuti - Zombie
What are you listening to?
Pablo Gad - Bloodsuckers
What are you reading?
Behold A Pale Horse by William Cooper
Last movie you watched?
COCO ❤️
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be?
Art Smith
Are there any black-affiliated causes, charities or organizations you want to shout-out or raise awareness for?
National Black Child Development Institute
*For more information please visit Lezi on — Website | Instagram
Tracklist:
1. Beaters - Harari ………………. (Harari, The Sun, 1975)
2. Fela Kuti - Water No Get Enemy ………………. (The Best of the Black President, Wrasse, 2002)
3. Wali & the Afro Caravan - Hail the King ………………. (Africafunk: The Original Sound Of 1970s Funky Africa, Harmless, 1998)
4. Hugh Masekela - Afro Beat Blues ………………. (The Chisa Years 1965-1975 (Rare And Unreleased), BBE, 2006)
5. Vis-A-Vis - Obi Agye Me Dofo ………………. (Obi Agye Me Dofo, BHM, 1977)
6. The Funkees - Akula Owu Onyeara ………………. (Akula Owu Onyeara, His Master's Voice, 1972)
7. Lokonon André & Les Volcans - Mi Kple Dogbekpo ………………. (African Scream Contest Comp, Analog Africa, 2008)
8. Tony Allen - Love is a Natural Thing ………………. (No Discrimination, Grandstar, 1979)
9. A.B. Crentsil & The Sweet Talks - Angelina ………………. (Hollywood Highlife Party, Philips, 1978)
10. A.B. Crentsil & The Super Sweet Talks International - Tantie Alaba ………………. (Tanti Alaba, Pili Pili, 1984)
