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Elon Musk and the Banter of Digital Age CEOs

Inside: Threaded Tribes in Z-Brand Spotlight

March 10, 2023

🧘‍♀️ Zen Note

In 2023, it's not unusual for CEOs and high-profile figures to engage in playful banter on social media. But as seen with Elon Musk, these exchanges can quickly become controversial and damaging. The CEO and billionaire, who has a history of making provocative and sometimes offensive remarks on Twitter, recently engaged in a tweet storm with an ex-employee over Twitter’s shady HR administration. 

While some argue that these interactions are harmless and even entertaining, others like me, worry that they contribute to a toxic online culture and set a bad example for future generations of leaders. Ultimately, it's up to each individual CEO to decide how they want to conduct themselves on social media, but it's important to remember that their words and actions have real-world consequences, both for their companies and for society as a whole.

- Edisana Stephen, Newsletter Editor

🥳 Z Brand Spotlight

THREADED TRIBES is a Ghanaian-owned sustainable luxury fashion company that emboldens the carefree and unique nature of distinct members of society. The brand, through its style, fosters a community that connects people who share similar traits and tastes in threads and ideas. By sourcing garments and clothing items from across Africa, Threaded Tribes is promoting the wealth and beauty the continent has to offer.

✍️ New on Kenga

Sam Smith Doesn’t Look Bad, You Just Hate Fat People — Kenga: The Afro Gen Z Publication

Sam Smith and controversy have been quite synonymous over the past months. With dangerously provocative and daring outfits to match their new sultry sound, Smith faces criticisms for being a fashion no-no. Style Editor, Victoria Audu dissects the popular opinion to differentiate fashion criticism fr

https://kengadigital.com/stories/samsmithlooksperfect

⚡ Quickie of the Week

"We're here!" shouted Raff in excitement. He looked up at the mystic mountain at the helm of Mackar and marvelled.

"Where is the gate, Xecks? This is the helm. He should be right here guarding the mountain, right? Xecks, incapable of emotion, spoke in a tone laden with his version of sorrow.

"Raff... your father isn't guarding the mountain. He is the mystic mountain of Mackar. His last act of power, after I was created." As he turned to face Xecks, the mountain began to rumble.

Quickies: Mystic Mountain — Kenga: The Afro Gen Z Publication

A dystopian flash story on the search for a father and unexpected turns of events.

https://kengadigital.com/stories/mysticmountainquickly

🔥 Hot Topics

  • 'Bare Minimum Mondays' is Gen Z's new workplace trend (via Entrepreneur)

  • Tinder launches a Gen Z dating dictionary for older singles (via Tinder News Room)

  • The 2023 Spring break trends for Gen Z travellers. (via Travel Pulse)

  • Survey reveals generation Z is the most optimistic about their financial future. (via Benzinga)

  • Gen Zs are wearing their opinions by bringing back slogan t-shirts. (via The Guardian)

  • Gen Z's struggle with the 'Layoff Stigma'. (via Fast Company)

  • Gen Zs are ditching apps and dating their friends instead. (via Business Insider)

  • Millennials and Gen Z prefer paying indie creators to traditional outlets for news. (via Poynter)

💡 Z-Lang

DRAG - a term used when someone is being criticised or made fun of; similar to roasting or cooking them.

😮‍💨 Weekenda

  • I Do Not Come to You by Chance, a book by Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani

Set in the whirlwind world of Nigerian email scams, this debut novel follows the opara-protagonist in his coming-of-age dilemma, choosing between money and education.

I Do Not Come to You by Chance

A deeply moving debut novel set amid the perilous world…

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6265288-i-do-not-come-to-you-by-chance

  •  Triangle of Sadness, a film

This mildly sadistic class construct satire is likely to pep up your weekend.

Triangle of Sadness (2022) - IMDb

Triangle of Sadness: Directed by Ruben Östlund. With Harris Dickinson, Charlbi Dean, Dolly de Leon, Zlatko Buric. A fashion model celebrity couple join an eventful cruise for the super-rich.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7322224/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

  • Karibu Nairobi, a pop-up event

Some of the Kengang can't wait to meet you again this weekend! Browse our magazine amongst other art at this pop-up exhibition.

Studio18 | Cultural Curators on Instagram: "Hey Family!! The long wait is finally over! We’re back with our Karibu Nairobi Pop up in collaboration with @jagermeisterkenya !! Happening on the 11th of March 2023 at @nairobi_street_kitchen 2pm-late We’re here to represent Kenyan Streetwear and our Culture through Music, Art and Clothing! We have a couple of surprises this time too!! Big Link! Limited Early Bird tickets available on the link in our bio"

687 Likes, 23 Comments - Studio18 | Cultural Curators (@studio18ke) on Instagram: "Hey Family!! The long wait is finally over! We’re back with our Karibu Nairobi Pop up in collab..."

https://www.instagram.com/p/ComAOhzImjw/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

  • The Weekend Market, an event by Untamed Empire

The thrift event returns after a long hiatus. Spend an idyllic weekend browsing second-hand clothes, and art, and meeting new people.

THE WEEKEND MARKET on Instagram: "Our longest run without a market since our first ever market has been very bland. We are super excited to be back this month with bigger and better merchandise and experiences. We can’t wait to see y’all!"

160 Likes, 0 Comments - THE WEEKEND MARKET (@theweekendmarket.tfr) on Instagram: "Our longest run without a market since our first ever market has been very bland. We are super ex..."

https://www.instagram.com/p/CpQGucUIWvP/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

  • Next in Fashion, a reality show

The fashion design competition returns with a second season, with Gigi Hadid taking over the reins from the former host, Alex Chung.

Next in Fashion (TV Series 2020–2023) - IMDb

Next in Fashion: With Tan France, Alexa Chung, Gigi Hadid, Marco Morante. 18 budding fashion designers compete for a $250,000 prize and the opportunity to launch a clothing line with Net-a-Porter.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10394770/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

  • Endless Summer Vacation, an album by Miley Cyrus

The pop icon releases her 8th studio LP, a buzzy, energetic and glamorous diptych to soundtrack your day or night.

Endless Summer Vacation

Miley Cyrus · Album · 2023 · 13 songs.

https://open.spotify.com/album/0HiZ8fNXwJOQcrf5iflrdz?si=p-ZYJDLkT3u-ffoRioPffg

  • Nairobi Design Week, an event

The pioneering design week opens this weekend with a plethora of innovative design work. Interact with immersive biosocial art, or find purpose in the dynamic 'Lost Girls Project'.

Nairobi Design (Week) on Instagram: "It's Tomorrow!!🎉 We are excited to announce that we will be offering a shuttle bus service to pick you up from Karen Stage for a hassle-free transportation experience. 🚌 So, if you want to avoid the hassle of finding parking or getting lost on your way to the festival, make sure to hop on our shuttle bus and arrive in style! 🚍 provided by @basi.go Bus stop is by the city clock opposite Crossroads Mall and Quick Mart. Buses run every 30 mins from 8.30am for public. #NairobiDesignWeek2023 the best one yet! Tickets Ksh 100 for Adults and Ksh50 for kids and students Available https://nairobidesign.hustlesasa.shop/ @opportunityfactory , Mbagathi Ridge, Karen from March 11th-19th #ItsWhatWeMakeIt #NairobiDesignWeek2023"

93 Likes, 0 Comments - Nairobi Design (Week) (@nairobidesign_) on Instagram: "It's Tomorrow!!🎉 We are excited to announce that we will be offering a shuttle bus service to..."

https://www.instagram.com/p/CpmfUSHIt5p/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

The Kengaroo is a weekly newsletter that curates the latest on Gen Z culture in Africa and around the world. Subscribe to be among the first to get the next issue when it’s up.