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Workplace romance is the new normal for Gen Z

Inside: Abake Ile in Z-brand spotlight

šŸ§˜ā€ā™€ļø Zen Note

I know, just like me, some of you have stimulants and energy drinks to thank for your work drive, enthusiasm and motivation. Imagine how much of a cranky employee or boss you'd be if not for the euphoria these substances bring.

My relationship with stimulants has gotten wild lately. On the days I work late into the night, I wake up feeling groggy because I haven't had my eight hours of healthy timeout. But as soon as I brew my morning cup of joe and take the first sip, I feel like a new person.

Even better, I've noticed that no matter how alluring the bed feels, I no longer struggle to get out of bed. I tell myself that I've won the day if I can only get to my kitchen counter.

Like the rest of this week, today has been full of back-to-back brewing trips. I've already downed two cups of black coffee by the time I'm writing this note, and my desk timer is barely past 10 am. Dammit!

- Edisana Stephen, Newsletter Editor

🄳 Z Brand Spotlight

ABAKE ILE is a Nigerian home decor brand specialising in handcrafting delicate and luxurious essential decorative items that bring a touch of individuality and uniqueness into any space. The brand is managed by Oyin Olabode, a passionate DIY enthusiast and minimalist fashion and lifestyle content creator. Abake Ile strives to provide a variety of eco-friendly pieces that will allow their customers to express their personalities and make their living spaces truly their own. 

āœļø New on Kenga

⚔ Quickie of the Week

"Sarah?" said her husband, who had just walked into the spotless living room. "What are you doing under the table with a knife?" he asked.

"I'm playing with Isabella, sillyā€ replied Sarah. Her husband's face mutated into one of sorrow, as he crouched down to face his wife. "Sarah, Isabella has been dead for 3 years...ā€ ISABELLA by Tobi Woode

šŸ”„ Hot Topics

  • Will Zoomers' lack of interest in driving last? (via The Washington Post)

  • The tech meltdown comes for Gen Z. (via Business Insider Africa)

  • Brand purpose set to become top priority for Asia's Gen Z consumers. (via The Drum)

  • This rabbi was 'deathly afraid' when his congregation reacted to his sermon written by ChatGPT. (via Insider)

  • How Zoomers are redefining the travel industry. (via IOL)

  • Gen Z and young millennials are normalising workplace romance. (via The Washington Post)

  • What Gen Z job seekers look for in companies and how to attract them. (via Business Insider Africa)

šŸ’” Z-Lang

SALTY - a term you can use to describe someone getting upset or bitter due to an embarrassment or failure. Gen Zs use it to refer to a feeling of jealousy or resentment.

šŸ˜®ā€šŸ’Ø Weekenda

  • šŸŽ§ Valentine Pop Anthems playlist by Kenga

Any day is a good day for love. Show yourself some self-love this weekend and dig into the season's leftover (and discounted!) chocolates with this playlist to boost the mood.

  • šŸŽ¬ Sies Manos, the movie 

Follow the breadcrumbs in this thrilling adult animation while rooting for the underdogs in their vengeful adventure.

  • šŸŽ¬ My Dad, The Bounty Hunter, the movie 

Marvel at this afro-futurist animated series that chronicles an interstellar misadventure, with a good mix of family dynamics, long dialogue, and humour. 

  • šŸ«±šŸ¾ā€šŸ«²šŸ¾ Tempered Press Issue 7 Launch event, Jamestown Coffee Roasters, Accra

Spend this Sunday surrounded by some of the city's literary movers and shakers at the launch event of Tempered Press' 7th issue.

  • šŸŽ§ BlacVolta Nightlife podcast

If you're staying in this weekend, fear missing out no more and tune into this podcast from the leading authority on Accra nightlife.

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.