WOMAN CRUSH WEDNESDAY

In honor of WCW aka Woman Crush Wednesday, I thought I'd share a list of women who not only inspire and motivate me, but also make me oh so proud to be African.

PSA: THE WOMEN'S MOVEMENT IN AFRICA

Aminita Touré

I know this isn't the typical "nerdy" post you'd expect from me, but something has been going on in Africa that hasn't received a ton of coverage stateside (at least nothing I have seen) and I can't just be silent about it.There has been a women's movement going on, that has started to score some big wins in the recent years.  

MUSIC MONDAY: BILLBOARD AWARDS

So I watched the Billboard Music Awards last night and was slightly disappointed. Where were the Africans? I was not expecting Fally or Michael Kiwanuka to be nominated, but seriously, no Wale? Estelle? Emeli Sandé? It was super surprising to me. In my head they're all huge, mainstream artists, but I guess I was wrong. There's always next year right? I'm sure next time around Wale will be nominated for something because "Bad" is legit and I know his album, The Gifted, will be on point. Can June 25th get here already?! 

FASHION FRIDAY: VICTORIA'S SECRET ANGELS

As well as being an actress, one of my life-long dreams was to be a Victoria's Secret Angel. Blame it on the angel wings. While I wait for the call that I'll be walking down the runway in this year's show, I thought I'd share with you guys some of the fab, fellow African chicas who've shimmied down the glittery runway:


Ajuma Nasenyana-KENYA

Alek Wek- SUDAN

Aminata Niaria-SENEGAL

Anais Mali-CHAD

THROWBACK THURSDAY: AKON

This week's throwback is dedicated to Senegal. Today marks 53 years of independence for the country. Check out this song from a popular Senegalese artist, Akon. Akon's "Mama Africa"  is a love song to his beloved homeland. Enjoy! 

- TDB

DID YOU KNOW...

Africans were the first cowboys. Yes, you read that right, COWBOYS!!!! Originally, cowboy meant an African who worked with cattle. One of the first major contributions Africans made to North American society was in cattle raising. The Fulani (or Fula) people from Senegambia were expert cattlemen and when imported to South Carolina in 1731, increased the cattle herd from 500 to 6,784 with a grazing technique that is still used today throughout American cattle industry.


Hmmm, so I guess the idea of Django Unchained isn't that far fetched after all.

- FARIDA

MUSIC MONDAY: VALENTINE'S DAY PLAYLIST

Being that Valentine's Day is in a few days, I thought I would make a playlist of a few of my favorite love songs... and you know I could not make a playlist without throwing a little Koffi in there. Enjoy!

-ASHA

THROWBACK THURSDAY: ESTELLE

It's been nine years since R&B musical sensation Estelle Fanta Swaray captured our hearts and ears with her smash hit "American Boy" featuring the one and only Kanye West.

Since then, her career has been on fire with hit singles, major collaborations, and awards.

Check out the video that started it all and don't forget to check out Estelle at this year's Grammy Awards, where she's nominated for best R&B performance for her song, "Thank You".

ENJOY!

- FARIDA

SPOTLIGHT: TABLEAU FERAILLE

Sixteen years after it's debut, Senegalese film Tableau Feraille, can once again be seen on the big screen.

FASHION FRIDAY: AFRICA FASHION DAY BERLIN

This past Tuesday marked the first-ever Africa Fashion Day in Berlin, as part of Berlin Fashion Week.

MUSIC MONDAY: GRAMMY NOMINATIONS

I am so excited to see that African artists have been nominated for Grammy Awards. Can't wait to see who brings home an award in February. Check out the nominees and their songs, below! 

SPOTLIGHT: DJIBRIL N'DOYE

Djibril N'Doye

 I had the honor of interviewing Award Winning Senegal artist Djibril N'Doye about his life, inspiration, and his latest collection. Here's an excerpt from our interview.

SPORTS SUNDAY: BASKETBALL

Asha and DJ's take on the upcoming basketball season and their picks of the week. Enjoy!

FRENCH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Debuting back in 1986, the French International Film Festival celebrates the best and brightest of French cinema. 

The eight day festival,  held in Namur, Belgium, allows directors, producers, writers, and performers, who are involved in French-speaking cinema, the opportunity to showcase their films and offers several awards, including cash prizes for Best Film and Special Jury Award. 

Nabil Ayouch