Staying delulu is the new way of life brought to you by TikTok 🙃

🧘‍♀️ Zen Note

Yet again, TikTok gracefully brings us a new trend that you may be struggling to wrap your head around. But don't worry, this one doesn't require you wearing your thinking cap. If you’ve been anywhere near the platform, or have a really up-to-date meme-sharing friend, then you’re most likely aware that we're in delulu season! Delulu, as a TikTok trend is a fancy abbreviation for delusional. According to TikTokers, ‘being delulu’ is a form of manifestation. It sarcastically translates to being shameless in pursuing your wildest dreams and working towards your goals. This state of mind protects one from being overly self conscious and critical.

The delulu mindset, which can be adopted into our careers, relationships (aka delusionship), and more, encourages people to be overly optimistic about things, no matter how unrealistic they may seem. It moves them to be engrossed in the potential that something could have or the imagination of what something could be as opposed to reality. While being delusional is an obvious mental health related issue, this meaning has been lost on people going after the trend. They embrace the vibe of not letting reality or the evidence of opposition deter them from dreaming and/or achieving their dreams. Choosing to be in your delulu era allows you to release the pressure, embrace your inner child and have some fun. You’ve only got one life afterall. Stay delulu✌🏾

- Edisana Stephen, Newsletter Editor

🥳 Z Brand Spotlight

Regalia Apparel is an innovative Kenyan brand that is transforming the world of sustainable fashion through its captivating hand-dyed creations. By showcasing a collection of warm sweatshirts, cozy sweatpants, trendy hoodies, comfortable t-shirts, and practical cargo pants, they bring forth a unique and inviting selection of wardrobe must-haves. Their designs not only exude individuality but also prioritize comfort, making them a perfect addition to any fashion-conscious individual's closet.

✍️ New on Kenga

🔥 Hot Topics

• As Threads app thrives, experts warn of Meta’s string of privacy violations. (via The Guardian)

• Nigeria’s President Tinubu chosen as new West Africa bloc chief. (via Al Jazeera)

• Meet the Nigerian-American who designed Barbie’s dreamhouse. (via Pulse NG)

• Kyle Weeks photographs the coming of age in Ghana in new book, ‘Good News’. (via i-D)

• adidas Originals’ latest series spotlights a new generation of creative South African talent. (via Hype Beast)

• Protests against high cost of living turn deadly in Kenya. (via Okay Africa)

• Gen Z’s aversion to phone calls has created a brutal dating trend. (via New York Post)

• Nigerian Gen Zs wish they were taught more about Web3 in school. (via News Ghana)

• A Canadian court rules thumbs-up emoji counts as signing a contract. (via My Broadband)

💡 Z-Lang

DELULU - in case you missed it up top, the term is a fancy abbreviation of the word delusional. It follows an ironic approach towards manifestation.

😮‍💨 Weekenda

• Eternal Forms, an art exhibition by Alimi Adewale, O’da art Gallery, Lagos

Adewale explores the interactions between femininity and Earth through portraiture, sculpture and a selection of cave paintings.

•  Hysteria, an event hosted by Endurance Grand at Beehive, Accra

Jam and connect with local bon viveur Endurance Grand.

• The Blackening, a movie

This deadpan horoor-comedy from the Black American perspective defies horror tropes for satirical entertainment.

• They Cloned Tyrone, a Netflix movie

Follow along an eerie misadventure in this campy, sci-fi-comedy-horror genre fusion.

• Crook Manifesto, a book by Colsen Whitehead

Recall the sleazy 1970s Harlem, New York in this sequel to ‘Harlem Shuffle’.

• The Librarianist, a book by Patrick deWitt

This is a more unasuuming option for the reader who just wants to unwind with a book about one man’s love for books.

Z-Rated 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.