ComesKarma Around Cola 1 WHAT GOES AROUND
COMES AROUND
FREE KARMA COLA 2 What Goes Around Comes Around 3
CONTENTS HAS THE WORLD
08 It came from Africa 10 The bridge that Karma built 20 Things we like 22 He who brings cola brings life 26 Mami Wata 28 Note to self 30 Cooking with Karma 32 The jungle is a pharmacy 34 Nick Danziger’s Africa 36 Children’s interview 42 Think about this 44 Betty’s shoes 46 Karen Walker interview 47 Fair fashion 48 Sierra Leone street theatre 50 Karma cocktails 52 Social pages 54 Contributors
KARMA COLA KARMA COLA 4 What Goes Around Comes Around 5
GONE MAD?
We’ve gotten good at producing food our ancestors wouldn’t recognise. We no longer use our wits, feet and spear–throwing arms to hunt and gather dinner and eat it raw. These days we drive. And we don’t have to chew quite as much as we used to.
While in the developing world children have been taught to solve problems with AK47s by the same grownups who coerced them into terrorising their own families.
Photograph taken from the passenger seat of a Freetown taxi.
KARMA COLA KARMA COLA KARMA COLA KARMA COLA 6 What Goes Around Comes Around 7
MAYBE NOT
These kids are innovators. They speak three languages; English, Mende (their indigenous language) and Krio the lingua franca of Sierra Leone, and they built this truck out of sticks and discarded junk.
It has wheels and headlights that work.
What makes this even more impressive is that the village where they live doesn’t have electricity and they have to walk through the jungle to get to school.
They have very little but it doesn’t stop them from learning, and working out how to build things like wooden trucks. Imagine what else they could do with a few more tools and materials.
KARMA COLA KARMA COLA 8 Comes Around 9
“WE WANTED TO CREATE SOMETHING THAT WOULD CONNECT BUYERS WITH FARMERS IN A WAY THAT RESPECTED EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING INVOLVED – WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND.” IT CAME FROM AFRICA
What you have in your hands is We combined all the ‘goods’ billion cola drinks every day we part of the story of Karma Cola. and called it All Good. But the thought – WTF! That’s a shed- A good idea, a great product, idea of a karmic product still load of cola. an important message. It really resonated. Where does it all come from? all began on Piha Beach in New We wanted to create something What’s in it? Who grows all
PAUL HOGAN Piha waves photographed by PAUL Zealand where three friends first that would connect buyers with those ingredients? And, what thought of making a cola called farmers in a way that respected is cola? Karma. But cola nut, the name everyone and everything ingredient for the world’s most Finding answers to these involved – what goes around popular brand of drink, like most questions took us all the way comes around. things originally came from Africa. to a small village in West Africa And since ‘It came from Africa’ We thought a bit about karma and introduced us to a load of sounds more impressive than ‘It all and the concept of cause and wonderful people. began on a beach in New Zealand’ effect. and pretty much everything began We’ve tried to squeeze the Karma Cola sounded like a IT CAME in Africa – let’s stick with Africa. answers into these pages so we great name for a drink made can show you what real cola is, The word karma came from an idea with fairly traded, organic where it comes from, the people we had about forming a company ingredients so we dug around who grow it, why it’s important FROM to find ingredients that were good to find out more about cola. This in their lives and how a crazy for the land, good for the people led us to imagining a product idea about a fizzy drink might be who grow them and good for the that might balance the inherent able to do some good. people who eat and drink them. inequality of a fantastically AFRICA Join us. After some head scratching we weird statistic we tripped over landed on a blindingly obvious in our research. We discovered name for our new venture. the world drinks about 1.7
KARMA COLA KARMA COLA 10 What Goes Around Comes Around 11
THE BRIDGE THAT KARMA BUILT
Makenneh Bridge was built from proceeds of the sale of Karma Cola by AFFA and Welthungerhilfe with the help of the people of Boma.
*Welthungerhilfe fight against global hunger and for sustainable food security. Their Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful Karma Cola was born from a desire to make a Dancing and dressing up as spirits, genies or devils is a big representation in the Bo and Kenema regions of Sierra Leone has been invaluable in part of local life so when the Karma Cola Crew arrived in Boma committed people can change the world. product that moved surely and authentically away getting the Karma Cola Project off the ground. out came the drums and the costumes. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has. from a world view of disparity – between Western *The Agro Forestry Farmers Associations or AFFA have helped organise the people producers and products born from ingredients of Boma to produce cola nuts for Karma Cola and re-establish forest agriculture in the region. They also assist in the implementation of projects funded by the Margaret Mead said that, and if she was still found in developing nations. What that means is proceeds of Karma Cola sales. around, her activist self would be right at home at that Coley, Morrison and Morrison wanted to make the Karma Cola dinner table. It’s an ever-extending a drink that not only looked good and tasted good one, that table, with a trio at the head who have but that was good. A product that stood for truly between them written a very special story. Simon fair trade, a product that produced a great result Coley tells it on behalf of the Karma family and the for all involved. They looked for a starting point and pictures on these pages tell what he can’t about found one in the cola nut, which thrives in war– where all this talk of fair trade and fizzy drinks and torn Sierra Leone. Freetown came from. Be careful what you wish for is one of the first Chris Morrison was behind the birth and rise things Coley says when we talk but he says it like of Phoenix Organics and is responsible for someone who’d wish it all again in a heartbeat. the creation of their world renowned product. Like someone who loves what he does. Deeply committed to the organics movement in New Zealand and as one of it’s pioneers he’s Karma Cola has been up and running for just over described by business partner Coley as “a hippy a year now and has stuck to its original promise without the long hair, weird politics and nudist of honouring the source of the magic. Boma, tendencies, just the good bits. Although he may the village where it all begins, has benefited not appreciate that analogy” Also part of the significantly. For one, there is now a bridge. “Apart Karma Trio is Chris’ brother Matt Morrison who from being a metaphoric goldmine, the bridge that learnt “all about order” as an army officer and is Karma Cola built links two parts of Boma village now the guy who “counts the money and makes that couldn’t be crossed very easily - especially sure we have everything we need to survive in the rainy season.” Coley explains. “Before it doing business in the mean streets of Freetown, was basically a few logs that would frequently get Guayaquil and Grey Lynn.” And Coley himself? washed away and a swamp that would attract the “in recovery from an earlier international career in odd crocodile. Now there’s a properly drained design and advertising.” he shares bravely. culvert and a bridge that lets people pass between Mr Bilor Sow, a Fulani trader. The Fula are renowned for their for renowned are The Fula trader. a Fulani Sow, Mr Bilor in cola nut the trade much all sense and pretty commercial them. by Africa is administered West
KARMA COLA KARMA COLA 12 What Goes Around Comes Around 13
the old and new parts of Boma village with dry feet and can even be driven over when supplies come to town.” And that’s happened as a direct result of his fizz pop? “The materials to construct the bridge were purchased from the proceeds of sales of Karma Cola and a lot of the construction was done by the people of Boma with support from AFFA* and Welthungerhilfe* who we work with in Sierra Leone to ensure these projects benefit the people who grow the cola.”
It seems incredible, that such big things can come from such a small thing as picking the prettiest bottle. But guess what? Everything really does start somewhere.
“This is a relatively small thing but, from what we’ve seen in Boma, it does have a big impact. Ms Rebecca Fawundu dyed and decorated this bark fabric using cola nut. fabric this bark and decorated dyed Ms Rebecca Fawundu Leone in Sierra helping villages She works with our partners Welthungerhilfe resources. food sustainable develop
Having shipped over 30 million Fairtrade bananas to New Zealand All Good have developed a proprietorial relationship with the colour yellow. This shade painted on a wall in Freetown is spot on. After three days travelling by plane, train, boat, truck and foot Matt, Matt, truck and foot boat, plane, train, by travelling days three After waiting on village Albert in Boma to find the entire arrived Simon and as devils. dancing dressed Some were Bridge. Makenneh
KARMA COLA KARMA COLA 14 What Goes Around Comes Around 15
When the only form of transport is your feet and all the paths are through the jungle it helps to keep your hands free to balance and swat away unwanted critters.
The people in the village are genuinely grateful singing and dancing left me wishing I taken more for the support we’re able to provide by buying notice of my music teacher.” their cola nut and understand that we’re endeavouring to encourage a commercial Yep. From one of Auckland’s best streets to relationship with mutual benefit as much as being some of the world’s most broken, the little altruistic. There’s an advantage for us to make company that could has made things happen. our products meaningful to the people who buy “Now that our crazy idea is becoming reality them and to the producers who put a great deal there’s a responsibility for the people in Boma” of effort into supplying ingredients like cola that Coley tells me, “and for everyone else involved currently don’t have a large market or great value in growing, producing and even consuming but have the potential to support them even Karma Cola and the other drinks and products further as we develop.” we make. We’ve got to keep making sure our organisation lives up to it’s name with everyone All Good are based in New Zealand but involved. Like the saying that’s on high rotate their working relationship with Boma here at Karma Cola – what goes around comes is, as he says, one that’s even and real. around.” Which means what, really, at the end So what on earth is it like there? of each vastly different day? “The world can be changed, for better or worse, by the small things “There’s no electricity at night. Nearly every meal we do. What you do and how you act can have comes with cassava or rice and the only way a positive effect beyond your own life. No one’s to make a phone call is to wander out of the perfect, least of all me, but I ought to be able to village to the phone box which a small dirt mound make a contribution by being more conscious of where you can get a couple of bars of cell phone the things I do and how they affect others. I’m reception.” Is anything at all the same, between hopeful that the stuff we’re doing with Karma this world and that one? “The people are bright Cola will make a difference.” and engaging, their stories are fantastic, the kids are smart and they all live as families together Interview by supporting one another.” Coley says. “And their Ange Bevan
KARMA COLA KARMA COLA 16 What Goes Around Comes Around 17
Life in Boma follows the sun and the seasons. Without electricity to see at night the people rise at dawn and go This is Mr Bilor Sow’s cola nut store. He buys cola from to sleep not long after the sun goes down villages like Boma and sells to other Fulani who ply their trade in cola nut all the way across Sub-Saharan Africa. Now that there’s a bridge across the river the locals the river across a bridge there’s Now that and their feet without getting to market can walk clothes wet.
KARMA COLA KARMA COLA 18 What Goes Around Comes Around 19
On the road to Boma we met a few people selling cola nut. This woman in Freetown To see more of the cola nut harvest and how Karma Cola is made visit was surprised, disbelieving and strangely delighted when a couple of white guys karmacola.co.nz and their African friend asked if they could buy her cola.
KARMA COLA KARMA COLA 20 What Goes Around Comes Around 21
THINGS WE
1 FIND OUT HOW WE REMADE THE WORLD 2 WGAC TO WHO GIVES A CRAP
Jonathon Porritt’s alter ego, Alex McKay, 50% of the money made by Who Gives transports us to a future where the world A Crap toilet paper is spent on installing has changed – dramatically, but not quite hygienic toilets in parts of the world as badly as we might expect. Through where people still die from dysentery. adversity brought on by climate change, Buying Who Gives A Crap loo paper will us humans have had to make some tough make more than your bottom feel good. decisions and things have turned out OK. Flush poverty down the loo. Find out how we remade the world. whogivesacrap.org jonathonporritt.com find out what she’s done on page 46 Karen Walker’s been working in Africa — Karen Walker’s Karen Walker’s Visible Campaign Karen Walker’s Photography by DEREK HENDERSON
4 5
3 THE VILLAGE PROJECT 4 MARCH TO THE BEAT
These love-ly ceramic cups are a A red marching drum crafted by Indian collaboration between World and The artisans working with the Equitable Village Project. They’re made on Waiheke Marketing Association AKA EMA, looks Island and proceeds from their sale help good and makes noise. The perfect fund a project to build rainwater collection accessory for all you protest kids. for Ugandan villages. tradeaid.org.nz LIKE thevillageproject.org.nz
KARMAKARMA COLA COLA KARMA COLA 22 What Goes Around Comes Around 23
on a plate with a glass of cold water and put on a table. Then we present it to our sisters who have HE WHO HE WHO HE WHO passed away.” When do you do this?
“Whenever we want to remember or during Eid or BRINGS COLA BRINGS COLA BRINGS COLA Ramadan. And especially during the time of the seven day ceremony, seven days after a person BRINGS LIFE BRINGS LIFE BRINGS LIFE has died we have to use cola. There are three different colours of cola nut used for ceremonial sacrifices to make people well or make things better.
To make a sacrifice you take seven plates of flowers with seven white cola, five red ones, three pink cola and present them to a soothsayer. You have to pray over the offering then you pass the Thousands of years ago, long before the invention cola nut. Cola nut was very sweet, like honey. cola around. It is especially good for old and of carbonated soft drinks with invigorating But when the cola nut was sent to Mohammed tired people. We also use white cola for naming properties and catchy names, cola nut was traded he was not at home. In his absence the cola ceremonies and to bring good luck to children as among the people of West Africa and used in was neglected and not eaten which caused it to they grow up.” rituals with a familiar jingle: “He who brings cola, become bitter.” brings life”. Today if you visit people in Sierra Cola gives you energy, does it have any Leone or anywhere in sub-Saharan Africa you’re He went on to explain where this legend may medicinal qualities? likely to be welcomed with cola nut. have begun. “People eat cola in different ways. I chew cola Cola is chewed to restore vitality, ease hunger “When the cola nut first appears on the tree it is a but I don’t swallow it. The Fulla traders frequently and plays an important spiritual role. Sharing or very sweet bud and just like a gum. As it grows it travel on foot from Guinea to Sierra Leone. ‘splitting’ cola is a habit that brings people and becomes bitter.” communities together. It is used to welcome friends and strangers, stimulate conversation, help We asked Michael Sallu, Chief Hindowa Kamara students study, young men find wives, parents and Momodu Kallonto tell us about other uses name babies and loved ones commune with their of cola. departed. It’s a magic nut. “Cola may bitter but it is used in many ceremonies On our search for the real, real thing we met like marriage where the groom ties cola nuts in a some new friends who shared their stories and a bundle to present to the parents of the bride as a few secrets about the magical properties of cola. sign of respect. Here’s what we discovered when Albert Tucker, our man from Sierra Leone, split and chewed cola When the groom’s family pay the bride’s family with some of the people of Boma. a dowry they include cola nut. This makes things better for the married couple. We say wherever Where does cola nut come from? there is cola, there is goodness.
We sat down with the village elder Momodu People love cola but it has a very short life span. Kallon, Michael Sallu from AFFA and Chief If I give you a cola nut immediately after I give it to Hindowa Kamara in Boma to chew cola and you, you split it like this… and share it. Within the discuss what it was that made it such an important twinkle of an eye – gone.” part of life in West Africa. They told us the story of Allah giving cola to Mohammad as a token of Cola is used to remember the departed souls of his love. “Allah loved the Prophet Mohammed so our sisters. “In remembrance of our sisters we much that he sent him a special gift of food – the leave cola nut in a ball made of a flower that’s put Chief Hindowa Kamara; “He who brings cola, life.” Kamara; Chief Hindowa
KARMA COLA KARMA COLA 24 What Goes Around Comes Around 25
They use cola to help on these journeys. They What is cola used for? prepare cola by grinding it up, boiling it and putting it in a country pot with honey. Then, “Cola nuts symbolise hospitality in our traditional whenever they want to go on a journey, they carry customs. When you entertain a stranger, or any this with them. When they get hungry they eat visitor, the first thing you to give him is water, some and they are satisfied. The cola gives them followed automatically by your best cola nuts. energy and cures their hunger pangs. When cola nuts are not given, then your visitor knows that he is not welcome. Some people chew cola as a treatment for asthma. It can prevent bad breath and it is good Marriages are celebrated with a bundle of cola for stomach problems. If you eat some foods and nuts presented by the bridegroom's family. you feel like throw-upping then you can eat cola to Without these the wedding ceremony will not stop being sick.” take place.
What else is cola good for? Cola nuts also have an important role in the celebration of the birth of a baby or in the “When we come to a business agreement we celebration of a person's funeral. At these Michael Salu of AFFA who works with our partners Welthungerhilfe and break cola. This binds the agreement between the represents Karma Cola in the villages of the Barri Chiefdom in the Pujahan ceremonies cola nuts are passed around to all the District of Sierra Leone talks with Albert Tucker, Chief Hindowa Kamara and two parties so the business will flourish. This belief friends and family in attendance. Mr Momodu Kallonabout the origins, uses and rituals surrounding cola nut. is practiced worldwide especially in West Africa.” So, cola is very important for us. We say – he who In the old days cola nuts had to be offered to the brings cola brings life.” women who were dressing the hair of your wife or fiancee, but now it is more frequently money that How did cola come to Sierra Leone? is given to these women. Despite the supremacy Ms Josephine Kargbo the curator of the of money, cola continues to be an important social National Museum of Sierra Leone. currency.”
Cola nut was introduced to Sierra Leone by the Where does the expression ‘he who Falani who are indigenous to the sub-Saharan brings cola brings life’ come from? desert and are traditionally Islamic traders. The Chief Hindowa Kamara Fulla move from one state to another practicing Islam and buying and selling goods. Originally “Among the Fula and Temne people there is a they came from Futa Jalloh which today is known belief that when a person is dead they are not as Guinea. They are very beautiful people who dead but have ‘turned back home’. The believe wear their hair in long braids and they have brains that they can use cola nut to talk to the dead. to match. The Fulla have a reputation for being Hence ‘he who brings cola brings life.” very astute business people.
KARMA COLA KARMA COLA 26 What Goes Around Comes Around 27
MAMI WATA
Kadie Bao, Cheif of Boma Village
The Moa River runs beside the village of Boma. Boma would prosper on the condition that, It flows south from the highlands describing a after him, all future Chiefs would be women. line between Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone Since then her instructions have been followed where it travels past Boma all the way to the sea. to the letter and the Chiefs of Boma have all been women. The river is the background for life. The villagers draw water from it, catch fish, bathe and travel The current Chief is Kadie Bao. It’s her job to see along it in dugout canoes. In the hot season, that the people of Boma are fairly represented when the river is low, there are sandy beaches amongst the people of all the other surrounding along its banks to sunbath and swim. In the wet villages in the Barri Cheifdom, to mediate season the river runs angrily, sometimes bursting disputes and lead the village. it’s levee. The river is as tempestuous as the spirit who lives beneath her waters – Mami Wata. Kadie’s aspiration for her term is that all the houses in the village will again have corrugated Mami Wata is the Krio name for the river spirit. metal roofs as opposed to the thatched roofs The catalogue in the Museum of Sierra Leone they have had since the ten year war. where this carving lives explains; “she is half human half fish and is found in the sea and It isn’t uncommon for women like Kadie to be rivers. If she likes a person she can make them in charge. In many Sierra Leonean communities fortunate while those she hates she will give including the Mende who are indigenous to misfortune”, just like the river. Boma, women have always played leadership roles. In the pre-colonial era in this area there She is known to come in dreams, make pacts and were Mende female chiefs and war leaders and have relationships with humans. The mythology the pattern continues today. Women paramount of Mami Wata is told all over West Africa and, chiefs are equally prominent in Sierra Leone, and following the journey of the African diaspora, their political influence extends from Sierra Leone the Caribbean and America. She is the goddess to international arenas. of water, a mermaid who is beautiful, powerful, mysterious, dangerous, protective, and sensual. Our friend and artist Beck Wheeler drew the angel and devil that fly around the Karma Cola There is a local legend about Mami Wata. label inspired by the mythology, masks and Generations ago the Chief of Boma was visited carvings of Mami Wata and the women that rule MAMI WATA by her in his sleep. She spoke to him saying that in Sierra Leone.
KARMA COLA KARMA COLA 28 What Goes Around Comes Around 29
BE KIND BE NOTE TO SELF TO SELF NOTE AND STARKWHITE AND COURTESY OF ROB REYNOLDS REYNOLDS ROB OF COURTESY
KARMA COLA KARMA COLA 30 What Goes Around Comes Around 31
COOKING WITH KARMA KARMA COLA CAKE COLA KARMA
We asked our mate Woz, who’s a huge fan of Karma Cola, a brilliant cook and a kick ass designer, to make something really decadent. He’s come up with these to-die-for, graphic concoctions; The Karma Cola Spider and The Karma Cola Cake. KARMA COLA SPIDER KARMA DRY INGREDIENTS METHOD COULIS 1cup self raising flour 1. Blitz the almonds in a food processor till 1 punnet strawberries 1cup blanched almonds finely ground, and add to a mixing bowl with the 1 bottle Gingerella coconut. Sift flour, baking soda, salt and spice 1cup freshly grated dried coconut Chop up strawberries, add to a saucepan into the bowl, and mix all together. 1/2 tsp baking soda with enough Gingerella to cover berries. 2. Whisk the egg, buttermilk, golden syrup, and 1/4 tsp five spice Heat until simmering, remove from heat, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside. 1/4 tsp salt blitz in a blender. Strain and chill. 3. In a saucepan, melt the butter, chocolate, and cocoa powder. Remove from heat and stir in 1cup of Karma Cola. Fold chocolate CHOCOLATE GANACHE SAUCE mixture into the dry ingredients, followed by the 75g dark chocolate WET INGREDIENTS buttermilk mixture. Gently beat until smooth. 50g butter 4. Pour mixture into a round springform cake 1/2 cup buttermilk 1 tbsp cocoa powder tin, lined with baking paper. Bake in a 180°C 1/2 cup golden syrup & the rest of the Karma Cola oven until a skewer comes out clean, approx 1 large egg 60 mins. Cool, remove from tin, and store in an 1 tsp vanilla extract Melt butter, chocolate and cocoa till smooth. airtight container or the fridge. 100g unsalted butter Remove from heat and thin with remaining INGREDIENTS METHOD 150g dark chocolate Karma Cola. TO SERVE Karma cola Half fill a chilled sundae glass with Karma Cola. 2 tbsp cocoa powder Good quality vanilla (or chocolate) ice cream Add 2 scoops of ice cream, 1 shot of espresso 1 x 330ml bottle Karma Cola Place slices of Karma Cola cake onto a plate of Espresso coffee coffee, and carefully top up with more cola. Serve strawberry coulis, pour ganache over the cake, with a long spoon or straw. and garnish with a spoonful of whipped creme fraiche, or fresh cream.
KARMA COLA KARMA COLA 3232 WhatWhat GoesGoes AroundAround WhatComes Goes Around Around 3333
THE JUNGLE IS A PHARMACY
Cola isn’t the only medicine found in the forests of West Africa. Walking along the tracks that connect the villages surrounding Boma is like visiting a pharmacy – if you know what you’re looking for.
5. Mabui also called the Black Tombola It contains thymol an antiseptic that Tree. It’s thirst-quenching, red fruit works as a gargle, dressing for wounds pulp is soaked in water and drunk as a and treatment for conjunctivitis. beverage. The leaves are used to cook ‘domoda’, a bitter and sweet Ghanaian 22. Gbasadar leaves are pounded dish. The bark and leaves are used in water, and after pressing through against several diseases. muslin the liquid is drunk. In Liberia the flowers are commonly used to flavour 7. Borboe trees are used to shade rice and other food. other crops, especially cocoa and coffee. Thousands of tonnes of the 24. Gbei is planted as a shade tree for seeds are traded each year within coffee in Liberia. A decoction of bark Africa and as well as the USA. Studies and leaves is used as a lotion to treat have been conducted which indicate headache. Pounded fruits treat coughs, borboe can reduce weight and body-fat bronchitis, intercostal pain, rheumatism percentage. and dysentery, and a decoction of the fruit is used in the treatment of 9. Hewei or Guinea Pepper. The diarrhoea in calves. bark or fruit makes an infusion for bronchitis and dysenteric conditions, 26. Palm kernel the source of palm oil or as a mouthwash to treat toothaches. used for all sorts of concoctions and It can be steeped in palm wine to food as well as cooking treat asthma, stomach-aches and rheumatism. The fruit is used as 27. Yubuyambei or African Peach is a a spice, flavouring both food and small tree, found in tropical Africa and medicine and is sometimes put into jars used in traditional medicine to treat of water for purification. malaria, epilepsy, anxiety, pain and fever.
12. Gbangbei root is used to treat 28. Bundui bark is prescribed for diseases such as elephantiasis, anaemia, stomach-ache and indigestion, leprosy, diarrhoea, haemorrhoids, as part of an infusion for treating dysentery and venereal disease as well jaundice. A bark infusion is used to treat as ear infections. Seeds are also used gonorrhoea; a decoction of leaves is as sedatives. The root-bark is thought used as a wash for measles. to be a cure for dropsy, swelling, and gout and some cultures put the plant to 29. Semei fruit is edible and is religious and magical uses. sometimes sold on markets in Ghana. The bark is used for dyeing leather and 19. Nyeleh stems are used to catch cloth. The latex is used as glue and is animals. The bark, leaf or root infusion credited with antiseptic and healing is taken to cure coughs, toothache, properties that are applied on wounds fever (including malaria), venereal and burns. The Semei is considered a diseases, high blood pressure and sacred tree. intestinal parasites. Powdered bark, leaves or roots are applied to wounds 35. Kponi-Giji or Alligator Pepper and sores. is used as an alternative to black pepper in gourmet cuisine, craft beers 20. Kavui or Kumui is the local name and gins. Also also known as Grains for this East Indian basil but its scent Of Paradise this pepper is enjoying and flavour is closer to thyme. Used popularity with some well-known chefs. throughout Africa for fevers including People on raw food and other special malaria and a popular tonic and for diets often prefer this to black pepper diarrhoea. as it is less irritating to digestion.
KARMAKARMA COLA COLA KARMA COLA 34 What Goes Around Comes Around 35 NICK DANZIGER’S AFRICA NICK DANZIGER’S
KARMA COLA KARMA COLA 36 What Goes Around Comes Around 37
INTERVIEWS WITH CHILDREN
KARMA COLA HAS ITS HEAD IN NEW ZEALAND BUT THERE’S NO DOUBT THAT ITS HEART LIES IN BOMA.
Momentously different communities. To capture life in each town, what better way than to talk to those closest - literally - to the ground. The children.
In Grey Lynn, Auckland, New Zeland we gathered a group of thirteen kids whose ages ranged from six to fourteen. In Boma, Sierra Leone there were four: Mariama, Amie, Memunatu and Kadie, aged between nine and eleven. Each group asked questions and drew pictures and wondered aloud. Then, through the wonders of scans and faxes and emails and skype, we swapped. Here's what we got.
KARMA COLA KARMA COLA 38 What Goes Around Comes Around 39
QUESTIONS FROM OUR QUESTIONS WE ASKED BOTH AUCKLAND CHILDREN TO THE GROUPS TO ANSWER CHILDREN IN BOMA
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD? YOU GROW UP? Auckland children Sofia, Auckland Chocolate. Marine Biologist. Boma children Kadie, Boma Rice which our parents grow in the field. Nurse. Auckland children Auckland children WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE THINGS Can you speak English How do you keep your food fresh? DO YOU LIKE MATHS? TO DO? Boma children Boma children No, but some of us are learning. We keep some food in water, and some in the Auckland children Auckland children dew outside our buildings. (predominantly) NO! Computer, Playstation, trampoline, playing Auckland children Boma children with pets, drawing. What languages do you speak there? Auckland children NO! Boma children How do you keep in touch with people? Boma children Sack race, eating race, lime and spoon, Mende and Krio Boma children HOW FAR DO YOU TRAVEL TO SCHOOL? running, jumping. We send messages through other people. Auckland children Auckland children What do you have as pets? Ranging between 10 mins and 1 1/2 hours. Boma children Boma children Cats and dogs. 2 kilometres through the jungle.
KARMA COLA KARMA COLA 40 What Goes Around Comes Around 41
CHILDREN CHILDREN FROM FROM BOMA AUCKLAND
KARMA COLA KARMA COLA 42 What Goes Around Comes Around 43
was all there was to it though. The community that from the rooftops about the potential that there thinks carefully about the food they eat is the same is in the world. We should do so with humility, for community that thinks carefully about the kind of in an increasingly flat world, no one person has New Zealand they want to leave their children. all the answers. But we should also do so with THINK ABOUT THIS The community that thinks about the working determination, for in a world where so much is up conditions of people on the other side of the world for grabs, it is the passionate and the proactive is the same community that feels called to speak who will shape the conversation. out about child poverty in New Zealand. In a world in which it can feel like everything is up for grabs, Karma Cola is one thing that we should be the biggest danger is that people individualise shouting from the rooftops about. their impact, focusing on their own silo without seeing the bigger picture. This happens when There are, and will be many more. people buy fair trade, but inequality rises; when people know they want to make a difference, but . they feel too shy to ask how.
The opportunity is for those who want to do good to reach out to one another, to speak up, to shout
Doing good is not easy. extreme poverty. As people around the world get Doing All Good is almost impossible. serious about taking action on climate change, many still find themselves asking how they can fit In the internet era, knowing where to start can in and what they should do. be the hardest part. The volume of information is constantly increasing, and yet newspaper New Zealand represents these transitions as much readership is declining in most western countries. as any other country. We are diverse: a quarter of Stepping into the void is an army of citizen- our population were born overseas. We no longer bloggers, think tanks and new media initiatives. have one dominant religion: fewer than half of New It seems that anybody with a voice to speak or Zealanders declared themselves Christians in the fingers to type can make themselves heard. The 2013 census. All this is creating a sense of interest publication in your hands is proof of this very and enthusiasm – not to mention some healthy fact: content no longer needs to be delivered doses of uncertainty – about the country’s future. through the news media. Direct communication channels are opening up between producers and People will see different roles for themselves in consumers, politicians and people, civil society that future. But amidst all that is changing in the and citizens. world, certain values still hold true. Foremost is the simple idea that you should do unto others as Communication is happening in a world that has you would have done to you. It’s a principle which itself become far more complex. When the United karma gives teeth to: do unto others as you would Nations was first founded in 1945, it had 51 have done to you OR ELSE what goes around will members. Today it has 193. And while some are come around (and count yourself warned: you may accustomed to dividing those 193 countries of not like it). the world into the wealthy west and the not-so- wealthy rest, the shape of the world economy is The challenge in a networked, decentralised world changing fast. In the last decade, six of the world’s is working out how this principle applies to our ten fastest growing economies were in sub- lives. To many, it looks like being a conscious Saharan Africa. consumer. Understanding the origins of the food with the Kamara and Chief Hindowa Michael Sallu Tucker, Albert Boma. cola nut in the jungle surrounding for men who farm we eat, the clothes we wear, and the technology As is fitting for such a world, the challenges facing we buy is essential if we are to show some basic it can seem overwhelming and confusing. The rise empathy for our fellow humans. Story by Louis Chambers the co-founder of non-governmental organisations like Oxfam of the youth climate change organisation – and World Vision has awoken people to the harsh We would be selling ourselves short and Generation Zero. reality faced by the one billion people still living in commodifying our empathy if we thought that this
KARMA COLA KARMA COLA 44 What Goes Around Comes Around 45 from New Zealand who’s grown out of them. New Zealand who’s grown from Betty Feika in a pair of sandals given to her by a kid to her by in a pair of sandals given Feika Betty
KARMA COLA KARMA COLA 46 What Goes Around Comes Around 47
KAREN WALKER MARION HUME INTERVIEW FAIR FASHION
Karen Walker is taking a step few people in the fashion industry www.marionhume.com have taken – on a journey towards ethical fashion. www.karenwalker.com / www.ethical-fashion.org
The Ethical Fashion Initiative came to be as The E.F.I connects businesses with artisans in Milan fashion week: Stella Jean, the Italian/ (Switzerland), Acne (Sweden) and a host of cool the flagship project of a thing called the Poor Kenya to create work. It gives the women and Haitian designer who is hotter than hot right now, labels out of Denmark). Communities and Trade Programme (PCTP), men in these local communities a regular wage is showing to a capacity crowd, (the buzz has which itself is part of the wider International and the means to improve living conditions for spread since Giorgio Armani lent her his purpose- Behold a new dawn, where “ethical” now means Trade Centre body. The EFI has looked to their families. The E.F.I’s motto is “Not Charity, Just built Armani Teatro last season). a shoe with a 12 cm heel. Stella Jean and international fashion companies, enabling them Work” and their task is to promote sustainable Christian Louboutin have collaborated via The to source from marginalised African communities business over aid dependency. The clothes - inspired by her own unique mix United Nations’ ITC Ethical Fashion Initiative, and helping them form relationships that are safe, of Europe + Africa and this time also throwing which connects the top designers on earth with sustainable and - in reality - very special. How did the design & manufacture in Japan - are joined by a new accomplice. some of the most marginalised artisans around process differ from collaboration with a The models walk on sky-high stilettos or wear the world. Thus Vivienne Westwood uses tartan New Zealand designer Karen Walker has recently more local or familiar body? Was it as gorgeous little booties by that master of the foot, woven not just in Scotland (by the completely joined a select list of creatives choosing to hard as it sounds? Christian Louboutin. ethical, traditional methods of Locharron) but also partake in this intelligent initiative, which connects tartan woven in Ouagadougou by women being “the top designers on earth to the world’s most The designs were created in collaboration with Yet there’s a further twist; the brown and cream empowered through earning their own money. marginalised artisans to make fashion more fair.” the artisans’ available materials and skill-base and striped fabric of the booties, the black and the process was no different to how we work with white weaving with shots of red and blue like a Australian label, sass & bide works with artisans Walker has begun with a project that has married any other suppliers. The E.F.I.’s well set up to work speckled hen, are not what you might expect. The in Nairobi to create bags that are distinctly her famously colourful, curious sunglass line with design brands and they were excellent to fabric has been woven for this collaboration by gorgeous. Those who make them are paid a with artisanal communities in Kenya; Walker paid work with both in terms of the design development marginalized female artisans living about as far proper wage allowing them to put fresh food on local workers to produce this season’s sunglass and production. away from the international fashion catwalk as the table, send their kids to school and pay for pouches and also starred in the accompanying you could possibly expect: in Burkina Faso, the medical expenses. campaign. You’ve said that you plan to continue land-locked nation in West Africa which rates working with the EFI on future projects as the world’s fourth poorest country. The fabric Karen Walker not only works with artisans Both the product and the magnificent imagery - can you talk at all about this? What has travelled from the looms of the weavers of across Kenya to create the eyewear pouches for leave no doubt that this was a magical aspects of the Visible project made you Ouagadougou all the way to fashion’s front line. her hugely successful sunglasses line, the last collaboration. We talked to Walker about how the excited/ open to other possibilities? campaign also famously featured those artisans magic happened. Behold fashion’s new ethical model. as models. (Those that starred received additional We’re developing new ideas with them now as we pay, the rest going to a fund to benefit the whole How is the Karen Walker Visible project identity more skills that fit with our designs. We’ve In the past, the word “ethical” - just like the words community, not just the pretty people, which, an important one, for your brand and for always identified with the notion of working with “green” and “sustainable” - has translated into when you think about it, might be considered you personally? available materials as a design discipline. We find fashion-speak as about as far from glamorous much fairer than modeling in the West.) that it gives a bespoke feel to the product and we as you could get. These are words that used to Our brand continues to enjoy popularity all around like being able to take the skills available and work conjure up visions of hemp trousers, bad fitting Linking artisans together - wherever they live - is the world and this has given us an opportunity to them into our style. sandals, the sort of sling-it-over-your-shoulder, fashion’s big leap forward. After all, how can make a difference in Kenya – to create work and to looks-alright-in Bali aesthetic that has nothing anything be a “must have” when its creation bring visibility to this place, these people and the *As the joint agency of the World Trade to do with the international catwalks. As to caused the suffering of another woman? How work of the Ethical Fashion Initiative. The project Organization and the United Nations, the the ethical fashion wearer, well, who was she, much better that new “must haves” embrace their is important to me because it’s an opportunity to International Trade Centre’s mission is to foster exactly? In the past, one might have imagined makers - fairly and with salaries that reflect a true make a real, immediate and measurable difference. sustainable economic development and contribute someone in Switzerland, or perhaps the Skandi cost of living. to achieving the Millennium Development nations, where wearing the same sweater for the What is your understanding of the Goals in developing countries and countries whole of a long, dark winter can be a badge of That’s truly glamorous. So when you shop for Ethical Fashion Initiative and why did with economies in transition through trade and pride. (Which is not to besmirch the fashionable clothes and accessories, keep the mantra in mind: their ethos stand out to you? international business development. of either Switzerland or the Scandinavian nations, WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND. homelands, after all of such great labels as Akris Wear good clothes. And they can look great too.
KARMA COLA KARMA COLA 48 What Goes Around Comes Around 49
NEIGHBOURING VILLAGES IN THE BARRI CHIEFDOM. BARRI THE IN VILLAGES NEIGHBOURING STREET FASHION SIERRA LEONE STYLE. A PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE A STYLE. LEONE SIERRA FASHION STREET ENCOUNTERED WALKING FROM BOMA TO TIWAI ISLAND THROUGH THROUGH ISLAND TIWAI TO BOMA FROM WALKING ENCOUNTERED
KARMA COLA KARMA COLA 50 What Goes Around Comes Around 51 KARMA KARMA COCKTAILS COCKTAILS
BROWN, BITTER KARMA STOLEN KARMA KARMA LUSCIOUS LONG ISLAND KARMA LIBRE AND STIRRED SPIDER ICE TEA CHERRY BOMB
This cocktail sans alcohol Howler occupies an old We’re lucky enough to work Another favorite watering This one’s from our friends at This was the first cocktail we comes from Queensland’s woolshed in Brunswick, with some very special people, hole of ours is Mea Culpa Longrain who’ve successfully ever experimented with. pioneering organic foodies Melbourne that’s also a bar and none more special than the on Ponsonby Road combined their signature hot, It’s also the hardest to mess up Deborah Wray and Gary Davis performance space. Special Group who’ve helped in Auckland. Tim who sour, salty and sweet Asian and arguably the quickest to of Wray Organics. us design the Karma Cola tends the Mea Culpa bar communal eating with the mess you up. Howler’s mixologist Chris bottle. explored his dark side wellbeing of the people in their They’re big fans of Karma Cola remixed this classic American concocting this cocktail. community by supporting a host We served these at the 50th and they’ve taken the good top shelf cocktail with our They sent us a cocktail recipe Not for the faint-hearted of Sydney’s social projects and anniversary of the artist Billy things in our drink to the next African inspired cola to go with last Christmas for a drink called it’s an invigorating blend making a proper difference. Apple’s Billy Apple brand level in their dairy-free, coconut- their Asian street food. Karma Libre. But this cocktail’s of coffee, spiced rum and the combination of Billy’s based spider. Local, handmade not just for Christmas, we’ve They also make a mean cocktail. apples, Stolen Rum and Karma Take two tall glasses and use and cola twisted with Coco Luscious vanilla coconut been making them all summer Vermouth. Yeooweee! Cola had us … you know I’m ice-cream topped with Karma the first one to add; long. Take a tallish glass and pour in not sure I remember... Cola is a guilt-free summer 2 lime wedges, This is a tall, dark and strong treat. Take a highball glass drink so find a handsome glass. 90ml Karma Cola, Take a tall glass 2 lemon wedges, and 45ml white rum, Take a big glass. 2 blood orange wedges. Add ice, lots of it. Then add Add 30mls of Kokako Coldbrew 15ml Orgaet (almond syrup), Add ice (if not lucky enough to have and Add 2 scoops of Coco Luscious Then beat them into the 1oz of Dark Rum 30ml Cranberry Juice Add a generous measure of bottom of the glass and add: bottle of this handy, 30mls of vanilla coconut ice-cream. 1oz of Triple Sec cold drip filtered coffee will do) Stolen Dark Rum Squeeze in 1tbsp. of lime The add a big scoop of fresh Pour 150ml Karma Cola over 10ml vodka and top off with Karma Cola raspberries, Top up with Karma Cola 10ml gin 30mls Vermouth (preferably the top. Carpano Antica Formula) a wedge of lime, and 10ml Cuban rum This is where you can garnish a cherry to garnish. Drink and repeat. Grab a spoon and a straw and 15ml tequila with a lime, the mandatory 30mls Spiced Rum (the Mea Good health! get stuck in. 15ml Solerna cocktail umbrella and enjoy. Culpa House Spiced Rum is And drink. (blood orange liquor) exceptional), Want more? If you’re in See more of Longrain’s yummy specialgroup.co.nz stolenrum.com Queensland tune in on Add ice 30mls of Karma Cola food and community projects. starkwhite.co.nz Tuesdays at 2pm to hear Deborah’s delicious and healthy Shake And garnish with a twisted food ideas on the Organic orange peel. longrain.com Show on 4BC radio Pour this over ice in the other glass and top up with Brace yourself. wrayorganic.com.au Karma Cola. Drink. Drink. meaculpabar.com h-w-l-r.com
KARMA COLA KARMA COLA 52 What Goes Around Comes Around 53 SOCIAL PAGES
KARMA COLA KARMA COLA KARMA COLA KARMA COLA 54 What Goes Around Comes Around 55
CONTRIBUTORS THERE’S A LOT YOU CAN’T FIT ON THE BACK OF A LABEL. Thanks everyone who’s helped especially:
We put this zine together because we thought people would like to learn about a fizzy drink that quenches more than your thirst. LOUIS CHAMBERS WARREN ELWIN to the Karma Cola Project is invaluable. Thanks Albert. Louis Chambers is a young Kiwi currently Eating cockles steeped in vinegar and We’ve harassed and cajoled our mates to give us a hand. It’s only fair we studying towards a Masters of Public bashing oysters off Waiheke rocks are Albert’s conversation with the people give them a shout out and give you the chance to tell us what you think. Policy at the University of Oxford on Warren Elwin’s earliest food memories. of Boma on the traditional uses of cola After all, what goes around comes around. a 2013 Rhodes Scholarship. He is an The chef, painter, design decorator, nut is recorded on pages 22 to 25. Otago University law and economics photographer and contributor to sister graduate, co-founder of youth climate Jo’s Bite Magazine – who once managed THE PEOPLE OF BOMA ESPECIALLY: Let us know if you’ve enjoyed it or not and what you think we could do change organisation Generation Zero to knock himself out in the middle of a better if we did another one. [email protected] and co-founder of Law For Change - a brunch service – describes his cooking Chief Kadie Bao network of public interest law students style as ‘the big easy’. Warren has Chief Hindowa Kamara and lawyers. The views expressed are concocted two delicious Karma Cola Momodu Kallon his own. inspired treats on pages 30 & 31 The children of Boma and the children of Auckland who asked and answered each DR HANS-PETER MULLER others questions ROB REYNOLDS Dr Hans-Peter Mueller represents the AND LA artist Rob Reynolds donated the German NGO Welthungerhilfe In Sierra centrefold artwork “NOTE TO SELF: Leone and leads the Food Security and Paul Hogan surf photographer BE KIND, BE KIND, BE KIND” . The Economic Development Project (FoSED) Starkwhite poster plays a cameo role in the LCD that supports Boma Village in the Barri Karen Walker Soundsystem movie “Shut Up And Play Cheifdom of the Pujahan District of Beck Wheeler The Hits”. We’re very grateful to Rob Sierra Leone. All the kids at The Golden Dawn for allowing us to reproduce his original Tim from Mea Culpa artwork and ride the train of his fame. Dr Hans-Peter is working to develop Deborah Wray and Gary Davis of Wray sustainable, agriculture, marketing and Organics JOSEPHINE KARGBO processing to support local communities Chris from Howler using local people and natural resources Longrain Sydney Josephine is the curator of the National found in the forest. It was Hans-Peter Everyone at All Good Museum of Sierra Leone. She has who helped us find our first cola nuts endeavoured to help us understand the and mailed them to us from the jungle of And an extra special thank you to The traditions and customs of Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone to New Zealand. Special Group who’ve helped us to bring Although this is a long journey, and we the Karma Cola story to life. admit we may have not got everything MICHAEL SALLU right, we appreciate her guidance and look forward to learning more. Michael represents The Agro Forestry Excerpts of our conversation with Farmers Associations and works with our Josephine are recorded on pages 22 partners at Welthungerhilfe. AFFA have to 25. helped organise the people of Boma to produce cola nuts for Karma Cola and MARION HUME re-establish forest agriculture in the region. They also assist in the Marion Hume is a British fashion implementation of projects funded by journalist based in London. Her career the proceeds of Karma Cola sales. spans the UK, the US and Australia. She is also the senior consultant for The He has coordinated the building of the Ethical Fashion Initiative of the United Makenneh Bridge featured in the story Nations’ agency, ITC (International on pages 10 to 19 Trade Centre), which works with designers including Vivienne Westwood ALBERT TUCKER and Stella McCartney to harness the power of fashion as a vehicle out of Albert Tucker is a leading figure in poverty for some of the world’s most the Fairtrade movement and overseas DESIGNED, WRITTEN, ART DIRECTED AND PRODUCED BY: marginalized artisans. development, and is an advocate for poor small farmers in global trade and Her view on how fashion can raise policy. When it comes to Karma Cola Angela Bevan Matt Morrison awareness on the lives of people in he’s also our guru. Albert has helped us Adam Bryce Vivienne Stone developing nations and, ultimately, make find cola nut and introduced us to the Simon Coley Albert Tucker a difference is on page 47. people of Sierra Leone. His contribution Natasha Mead Seo Young Lee
Print production by Dan Roper at Producer
Additional photography and image manipulation by Sam Mahayni and Mark Burgess.
KARMA COLA KARMA COLA 56 What Goes Around
YOU’VE READ THE ZINE NOW WATCH THE MOVIE...
KARMACOLA.COM.AU KARMACOLA.CO.NZ KARMACOLA.CO.UK
KARMA COLA