I’m just not a high-heel woman – Young Grace

Grace Abayizera, a 20-year old-Hip-hop artiste who goes by the stage name, Young Grace, has managed to make a name in the music industry by appearing controversial as a ‘Tom boy’. Tom boys are said to be naughty, engaging in all sorts of daring stuff. Collins Mwai got inquisitive with the singer. Your skin is radiant, do you use creams?I am all natural. I don’t use lightening creams because your skin can get addicted to them and leave behind some patches. Artistes have been known to engage in substance abuse to maintain their creativity, how often do you use drugs?(Laughs) I do not use any drugs, I don’t even smoke. Once in a while I can take a glass of wine when I am out with friends. Some artistes use substances in the name of seeking creativity but I don’t. Even to ease the nervousness before going on stage?Before going on stage I take a lot of water or a soda and just meditate. If I am performing for long, I might take an energy drink to revitalise. I take a lot of water because it not only cools me down but also because I learnt it is good for one’s skin. High heels have been known to cause injuries and deformities, how often are you in them?You will never find me in heels. I am always in sneakers and canvas for comfort and also it is hard to injure myself while playing around. Heels can be uncomfortable to walk around in, let alone the after effects. Under the baggy clothes, you conceal a ‘delicate’ figure, how did you achieve it?I do self-administered exercises at home and also swim often, at least once a week. Swimming is an important form of exercise at it engages the whole of your body starting from the mind to the muscles. I would like to do it more often.I would encourage people to take up swimming if they can if they are looking for a program to keep them fit. It also builds your endurance as it is energy-intensive. Although they are not an exercise, sauna and massages are also good. Could you elaborate on your experience of saunas and massages being good?First thing, they help you ease tension and pressure. Like for me I have school and a career at times it can get a little stressing. Massages and sauna help let go off all that pressure. They also help the muscles relive tension after intensive activities. I go for massage and sauna about four times a month. Any foods you stay away from?I stay away from fatty foods because gradually they begin to show on your waist line. I avoid fast foods like fries; I prefer natural foods, although you have to balance them too. I also like fruits because the have necessary vitamins and nutrients to make you immune to various illnesses. I am not a health expert but I have read that too much of such generic and fatty foods have an effect on one’s health later on in life. What unhealthy trends have you noticed around?Many people consume unbalanced diet. Even when it is natural foods one ought to balance their diet. Many people consume large amounts of fatty foods but rarely exercise, that is why you find most of young people are either past weight they are comfortable with. A good way to fix that would be to embark on an exercise program that will ensure excess fats are burnt. They also should cut out foods that contain much fat. Health tips you live by?Your every day actions count to a healthy lifestyle, small exercises you do consciously or unconsciously have an impact to saying healthy and so do the negative things you subject your body to. A little goes a long way.