SPOTLIGHT: AFRICAN HOLLYWOOD WRAP-UP

This year has seen a remarkable increase of African actors in  Hollywood films. From Chiwetel Ejiofor's painstakingly beautiful and poignant role in Steve McQueen's "12 years A Slave" to David Oyelowo's powerful performance in Lee Daniels "The Butler", it seems as though African actors and films alike are finally getting the attention and respect of Hollywood.

Both Idris Elba and Chiwetel Ejiofor,  two TDB faves and my absolute obsessions, recently sat down with the Queen of daytime TV, Oprah Winfrey, to discuss their respective  films. Idris Elba, who is currently starring in  the Nelson Mandela bio pic " Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom" discussed Mandela's legacy  and what it meant for him to portray such an honored and beloved man. 

Here's a clip of Idris recounting his first night in Nelson Mandela's prison cell.

GRAMMY NOMINATIONS

Oh how I love this time of year. Not only is it holiday season, but it's also the beginning of awards season. This past weekend, Grammy nominations were revealed which made me happy and upset at the same time. So happy for my fellow Africans and everyone else that was nominated, but I think that some people were definitely snubbed. 

IN REMEMBRANCE: NELSON MANDELA

Normally, Friday is dedicated to fashion, beauty or fitness. However, I wanted to take this time honor a TDB hero, Nelson Mandela. Not only has he done so much for South Africa, but he's done so much for humanity.

He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace Mandiba!

-DIVA

GUESS WHO'S AFRICAN?

CUP OF BEAU-TEA

Personally, I think you must enjoy the little pleasures in life, it's the true key to happiness. That being said, one of the little life pleasures I enjoy is having a nice cup of tea,  or a cuppa, as they say in England. What I love about tea is that that it's good for your health, can be had hot or cold, so you can enjoy it all-year long, and, most importantly, there are so many great beauty benefits. Of course I kid, the health benefits are way more important, but, hey, if I can feel good and look good, then that's just fantastic. I alternate between a few teas, Earl Grey, ginger, lavender, and even chocolate, just to name a few. Right now, though, I am really into Rooibos tea.

MUSIC MONDAY: GOOD NEWS

So many African artists are doing such big things right now. As a fan, and fellow African, I am so proud and excited for them all. Here are a few that I am the most excited about.

1. Petite Noir is featured on, Saint Heron, the first album released from Solange Knowles' new label. 

FLASHBACK FRIDAY: 2PAC

Photo Credit fifty 11

Seventeen years ago today Tupac Shakur died. Seven years ago, the 10th anniversary of his death, his mother spread his ashes in Soweto, South Africa. He loved Africa and it's people and we loved him back. Maybe even a little too much (read here). 

GET FAMILIAR: JAHMIL XT QUBEKA

There hasn't been a film in African cinema that has created as much controversy or anticipation as Of Good Report, and filmmaker Jahmil XT Qubeka wouldn't have it any other way.

FASHION FRIDAY: COLIN COWIE

Like most women, I've dreamed of my wedding day, since I was a little girl. Unlike most women, though, I've even dreamed of my wedding planner! Yes, since I was a little girl, I've always known that I wanted Colin Cowie to be my wedding planner.

FLASHBACK FRIDAY: NELSON MANDELA

Yesterday, we celebrated the birthday of one of the greatest leaders in the world: NELSON MANDELA. Here are some of our fave Mandela moments. 

FARIDA'S COOKING CORNER

I am very excited to share with you my latest dessert recipe for two very important reasons: 

1) I finally found a dessert I can actually make 
2) I now have an assistant, two actually. Yes, you read that right, I  have two assistants; well at least for today.

FLASHBACK FRIDAY: JANET JACKSON

Janet Jackson is known for having such great music videos and the visual for "Got Til It's Gone" is no different. The video takes place during the South African apartheid and features Sudanese model Alek Wek. Everything about this video is amazing. Enjoy! 

MUSIC MONDAY: PETITE NOIR

I have a confession to make. I've been listening to Yannick Ilunga, aka Petite Noir, for nearly a year and didn't plan on sharing him with you. Horrible right? He was suppose to be my little secret, but he just won't stay hidden! Earlier in the year, he was tapped to be a part of the Studio Africa campaign.

MUSIC MONDAY: SUMMER EDITION

Next to basketball, summer is my favorite season! I enjoy the amazing weather, BBQs, and great music. Music is always so good in the summer.  Here are some the songs that get me in the mood for all the summer shenanigans. 

FASHION FRIDAY: JACKIE BURGER

The 2006 hit movie, The Devil Wears Prada, put a spotlight on the fashion world, especially Vogue editor Anna Wintour. Since the success of that film, and the emergence of fashion bloggers, i.e. The Fab Glam Diva, fashion editors are just as popular, and sought after as the models and actresses that grace the covers of their glossy magazines.

SPORTS: NBA PLAYOFFS 2013 ROUND 1

First round of the playoffs are officially over. A few of our fave Africans are out (see full list here), but we still have some left so we're happy! Unfortunately, there are no longer any Los Angeles teams, so DJ & I are pretty upset and are in mourning. Take a look. 






-ASHA

SPORTS: NBA PLAYOFFS 2013

The playoffs are officially underway. Even though we're rooting for our LA teams, (Go Lakeshow! Clippernation!), we proudly rep and support all of the Africans that are in the playoffs. 

WEST

Steve Nash 
Los Angeles Lakers
South Africa 

Festus Ezeli
Golden State Warriors
Nigeria 

Hasheem Thabeet
Oklahoma City Thunder
Tanzania

Serge Ibaka
Oklahoma City Thunder
Congo

Thabo Sefolosha
Oklahoma City Thunder
South Africa 

Boris Diaw
San Antonio Spurs
Senegal 

Andre Iguodala
Denver Nuggets
Nigeria

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

AFRICOMEDY: WHAT A PRANKSTER

Leon Schuster is a South African comedian who has a penchant for placing people in bizarre situations that end up with humorous results. Out of all the videos I've seen of his, the snake prank is my favorite; I am pretty sure I'd quit this job if this happened to me. Check out the video below and see for yourself.

-DJ

MUSIC MONDAY: WOMEN WHO ROCK

Being that March is Women's History Month, I've decided to dedicate all of my posts this month to female African artists, (sorry boys). In the past, I discussed a few of my female music loves like Asa, Denitia Odigie, and various others, but none of them rock like the ladies below. Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoy the ladies I've shared with you all so far, but Shingai Shoniwa, Inge Beckmann, Ebony Bones and Karen Zoid are full-blown rock stars.