Friday, August 07

Van Choga Nditori Bho Handipenge Veduwe

Man of the moment, Van Choga (VC), exudes a lot of energy in is work, but he is actually the opposite in real life. Hard to believe, is it not?

Reporter Brighton Zhawi (BZ) last week caught up with the 27-year-old singer, real name Valentine Simbarashe Choga, gives us an insight into his life. He also spoke about the new single “Ghetto Rules”, which features Ghana’s “GOAT” hitmaker Ay Poyoo and has taken the country by storm.

BZ: “Ghetto Rules”, which is a couple of weeks old, is doing well on the market, but you are already working on new songs.

VC: There is no rest my brother, time to rest will come later in life. For now, I have to work

BZ: What are you currently working on?

VC: Singles. I am doing more singles, which you can expect in August.

BZ: You have done well on your hip hop tracks “Ndaka Understander” and “Ghetto Rules”. Should your fans expect more?

VC: I am working on mixed tracks, you will find some Afro hip-hop songs as well as dancehall tunes.

BZ: Your fans are split on which style you should pursue. What is your take?

VC: I understand. The urban fans like the hip hop side, while the outsiders like the “Pindikiti” tracks, those sort of songs. I will keep mixing both. However, I understand hip-hop has an international appeal, which is something I would like. Sean Paul is still in the game because he can fit in dancehall or pop music, whereas someone like Shabba Ranks is mainly dancehall and we rarely hear his music now.

BZ: Who is featured in your upcoming singles?

VC: It’s a surprise (laughs).

BZ: Are they local or foreign surprises?

VC: Both.

BZ: Tell us the “Ghetto Rules” collaboration with Ay Poyoo.

VC: We approached him after seeing his style. We thought we could blend and he worked on the song for two weeks in June. Ndiri wema surprise (I’m full of surprises) (laughs).

BZ: Can you interpret some of AY Poyoo’s lyrics?

VC: He was talking about the ghetto lifestyle from his country. I will share the English lyrics soon.

BZ: Who is ‘Mudhara Kundishora’, the one you sing about in “Ghetto Rules”?

VC: He is an elder in my hood, Ruwa. He likes offering advice to young people. He was surprised and equally happy that I saluted him on the song. I am sure I will be getting more advice now.

BZ: What impact has the lockdown had on your music career?

VC: To be honest it has had a positive effect. This shows God has his ways of raising his people, even in war times others get blessings. I am grateful my music has made such an impact.

BZ: Describe your relationship with Seh Calaz?

VC: We are good brothers, what happened, happened, but I am still in good books with him and perhaps his post (after “Ghetto Rules” release) confirms there is no bad blood.

BZ: We have seen you with upcoming artistes like Avilian during your Yalanation stint. Any upcoming artistes under your wings?

VC: Ooh! We met at the studio and just started sampling some songs They are good artistes with serious potential and I would also like to help some upcoming artistes. I am available for collabos.

BZ: Tell us about the producer Mars on “Ghetto Rules” and others that you have worked with?

VC: Mars is a great man. He is a top producer and I respect all other producers I have worked with, as well as behind the scenes people. As an artiste, it is easy to take all the credit but that is wrong because a lot of people play crucial roles behind the scenes.

BZ: You always mention Mudzviti, is it where you come from?

VC: (Laughs) Not really. I have relatives I often visit there. So I am fascinated by the language spoken in that area. I love it. I come from Njanja.

BZ: So are we going to hear a new line about Njanja perhaps “nevasikana veku Njanja” since there is “Nevakomana vekwa Mudzviti”?

VC: No, by the mentioning Van Choga, Njanja is represented.

BZ: Do you prefer live bands or backtracks?

VC: Live bands are better than using backtracks. I learnt a lot from working with Shabach Band. The guys love music; they are brilliant and a joy to work with. The group boosted my confidence and since then I have decided to always perform with a live band.

BZ: How are you dealing with the pressure that comes with being in the limelight?

VC: You just have to work. What is important is just being unique and that is what I have tried since making my breakthrough. It has not been easy.

I started way back around 2005 and, believe it or not, some people in my area did not want to associate with me, they took me for a madman, but I knew my time would come.

Those people are now back saying ‘tomuziva uyu, ndewedu’ (laughs). I love negative comments, especially on social media, they are a motivation.

When people give you negativity, show character and turn that into positive energy.

BZ: What are some of the misconceptions that you think people have about you?

VC: That I am mad and I take drugs. I am a quiet guy who is uniquely doing art.

BZ: Does Van Choga have a girlfriend or wife?

VC: (Laughs) Van Choga is single, no girlfriend and when I marry the whole nation will know and will be invited to the wedding. Tokudai mese!

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Best Weight Loss Programs That Actually Work: A Complete Guide to Safe, Sustainable Results

Best Weight Loss Programs That Actually Work

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Losing weight is not just about eating less for a few weeks. The real goal is building a system you can actually live with.

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That is where a good weight loss program becomes valuable. The best weight loss programs do more than hand you a meal chart. They help you understand your eating habits, improve your activity level, manage cravings, track progress, and build long-term discipline.

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A successful program should not feel like punishment. It should feel structured, realistic, and flexible enough to fit your life.

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What Makes a Weight Loss Program Effective?

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A strong weight loss program usually includes four major parts: nutrition, movement, behavior change, and accountability.

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The CDC explains that healthy weight loss includes healthy eating patterns, regular physical activity, sleep, and stress management. That means a program focused only on cutting calories may not be enough. Your body, schedule, emotions, and environment all matter.

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A good weight loss program should help you answer these questions:

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What should I eat?

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How much should I eat?

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How do I stay consistent?

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What should I do when progress slows down?

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How do I avoid gaining the weight back?

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If a plan cannot answer those questions, it may not be complete.

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Types of Weight Loss Programs

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1. Lifestyle-Based Weight Loss Programs

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Lifestyle programs focus on healthy eating, daily movement, sleep improvement, stress control, and habit building.

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These are often the best place to start because they teach long-term skills. Instead of depending on extreme dieting, you learn how to make better choices every day.

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A lifestyle program may include:

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Meal planning
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This type of program is ideal for people who want slow, steady, realistic progress.

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2. Medical Weight Loss Programs

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Medical weight loss programs are supervised by doctors, nurse practitioners, dietitians, or other licensed professionals.

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These programs may include lab work, body composition tracking, health screenings, prescription options, and ongoing clinical support.

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The NIH notes that treatment for overweight and obesity can include lifestyle changes, support from specialists, medicines, and other medical tools when appropriate.

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Medical weight loss may be a good option for people who:

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Have obesity-related health concerns
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A medical program should always be supervised by qualified health professionals.

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3. Online Weight Loss Programs

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Online weight loss programs are popular because they are convenient. You can track food, meet with coaches, follow workouts, and receive meal plans from home.

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A good online program should include:

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Easy meal tracking
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rnRealistic goals

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Online weight loss programs are especially useful for busy people who cannot attend in-person appointments.

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4. Meal Plan-Based Programs

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Some people do better when they do not have to guess what to eat. Meal plan-based programs provide menus, grocery lists, recipes, or prepared meals.

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The advantage is simplicity. You know what to buy, what to cook, and how much to eat.

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However, the best meal plans should still teach you how to make your own choices. If you only lose weight while following a strict menu, you may struggle once the plan ends.

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5. Fitness-Focused Weight Loss Programs

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Exercise matters, but it works best when combined with nutrition. The CDC says adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, plus muscle-strengthening activity at least 2 days per week.

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A fitness-focused program may include:

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Walking plans
rnStrength training
rnCardio workouts
rnMobility training
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rnPersonal training
rnProgress tracking

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The best workout is the one you can repeat consistently.

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What to Look for Before Choosing a Program

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Before paying for any weight loss program, look for these signs:

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Realistic Promises

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Be careful with programs that promise huge weight loss in a very short time. Fast results may sound exciting, but extreme methods are often hard to maintain.

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A strong program focuses on steady progress and long-term health.

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Professional Guidance

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A program does not always need to be medical, but it should be based on sound health principles. For people with medical conditions, professional supervision is important.

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Flexible Food Choices

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Avoid plans that label too many foods as “bad.” A good program helps you build balance instead of fear.

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Accountability

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Most people do better when they have support. This can come from a coach, app, group, doctor, or weekly check-in.

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Maintenance Plan

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The real test is not losing weight. It is keeping it off.

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A good program should teach you what to do after you reach your goal.

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Best Foods for a Weight Loss Program

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A healthy weight loss program usually includes foods that keep you full and support stable energy.

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Good choices include:

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Lean protein such as chicken, fish, turkey, eggs, Greek yogurt, tofu, and beans
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rnHealthy fats such as avocado, nuts, olive oil, and seeds
rnLow-calorie, high-volume foods such as salads, soups, berries, and steamed vegetables
rnWater and unsweetened drinks

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Protein and fiber are especially helpful because they can support fullness.

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Foods to Limit During Weight Loss

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You do not have to completely ban foods, but some foods can make weight loss harder when eaten often.

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Limit:

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Sugary drinks
rnLarge portions of fried food
rnHighly processed snacks
rnExcess desserts
rnAlcohol
rnOversized restaurant meals
rnHigh-calorie coffee drinks

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Small changes can make a big difference. Replacing soda with water or reducing late-night snacking may create progress without a complicated diet.

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Exercise and Weight Loss

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Exercise helps burn calories, but it also supports muscle, mood, mobility, and long-term weight maintenance.

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For beginners, walking is one of the easiest starting points. You do not need expensive equipment. You just need consistency.

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A simple weekly plan could look like this:

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Walk 30 minutes, 5 days per week
rnStrength train 2 days per week
rnStretch 5 to 10 minutes after workouts
rnIncrease steps gradually

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Strength training is important because muscle helps your body stay strong as you lose weight.

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Why Many Weight Loss Programs Fail

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Many programs fail because they are too strict.

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People start strong, but after a few weeks, the plan becomes exhausting. They feel hungry, isolated, bored, or frustrated. Eventually, they quit.

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Common reasons weight loss programs fail include:

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The diet is too restrictive
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rnThere is no accountability
rnThe plan ignores emotional eating
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rnThere is no maintenance strategy

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The best plan is not the most extreme plan. It is the plan you can keep doing.

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How Long Does Weight Loss Take?

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Healthy weight loss takes time. Some people lose quickly at first because of water weight. After that, progress may slow.

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That does not mean the program stopped working.

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Weight loss can be affected by:

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Age
rnStarting weight
rnSleep
rnStress
rnMedication
rnHormones
rnActivity level
rnCalorie intake
rnMedical conditions

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Instead of judging success only by the scale, track other wins too.

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Are your clothes fitting better?

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Do you have more energy?

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Are you walking farther?

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Are your cravings improving?

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Are you eating more mindfully?

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Those signs matter.

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Is a Paid Weight Loss Program Worth It?

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A paid program can be worth it if it gives you structure, support, and expert guidance.

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However, expensive does not always mean better. Before paying, check what is included.

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Look for:

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Meal guidance
rnCoaching access
rnProgress tracking
rnExercise support
rnEducation
rnMaintenance plan
rnClear pricing
rnSafe recommendations

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Avoid programs that push expensive supplements as the main solution.

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Final Thoughts

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The best weight loss program is not the one with the loudest advertising. It is the one that helps you build habits you can keep.

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A strong plan should help you eat better, move more, sleep better, manage stress, and stay accountable. It should also prepare you for life after weight loss.

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The goal is not just to lose pounds. The goal is to build a healthier routine that lasts.

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Best Car Insurance Quotes for New Drivers in 2026

If you are a new driver, car insurance can feel expensive and confusing. The good news is that comparing quotes the right way can help you find affordable coverage without sacrificing protection.
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