MUSIC MONDAY: BEST OF 2012

The year has come to an end, so I thought I would share my favorite videos, songs, and albums of the year. HAPPY NEW YEAR! Enjoy!

Best Video Filmed in Africa

When I heard that Solange traveled to South Africa to shoot her latest music video, I was so excited. What I love most about the "Losing You" video is that  she showcased the Le Sape Society and their amazing fashion sense.  

MUSIC MONDAY: KENYAN BOYS CHOIR

You may remember the Kenyan Boys Choir from President Obama's inauguration ceremony. The choir formed in 1998 to help underprivileged Kenyan boys, from various tribes and backgrounds, raise money to attend school. On their way home from the inauguration, the choir was offered a recording deal with Decca Records. Under Decca Records, the Kenyan choir released the album, Spirit of Africa, which featured covers of songs such as Paul Simon's "Homeless", and one of my favorite Christmas songs, "O Holy Night."

FASHION FRIDAY: ALEK WEK

Alek Wek has one of the most recognizable faces in the world of fashion. The Sudanese born model's career began 16 years ago, when she was discovered by a modeling scout in London. Soon after, she was cast in Tina Turner's Golden Eye video, and later signed by Ford Modeling Agency; her career quickly took off and she's since worked with the likes of Chanel, Issey Miyake, Donna Karan, Victoria's Secret and Calvin Klein.

THROWBACK THURSDAY: THE AIR UP THERE

The Air Up There is a 1994 film starring Kevin Bacon and Kenyan Charles Gitonga Maina.

The movie is about a college basketball assistant coach (Bacon) who travels to Africa to recruit a star player, Saleh, (Maina) for his team. Of course getting him to the states isn't that easy: not only does he have to convince Saleh, but he also has to convince Saleh's father, who is the chief of the tribe; as well as help Saleh and his tribe deal with a rival tribe. All this, while trying to adapt to the culture and his new surroundings.

At the surface, this movie is your typical sports film with a fish-out-of-water element, but at the core, it explores the themes of  family, honor, obligation and pride, which are universal themes that we can all relate to.

The best part is that the film is actual filmed in Africa, in Kenya and South Africa.

ODE TO JOY: KINSHASA SYMPHONY

Kinshasa Symphony, a film by Claus Wischmann and Martin Baer, is a gripping documentary following the Kimbanguiste Symphony as they prepare for their first public show.

GUESS...WHO'S AFRICAN?

Steve Nash of the Los Angeles Lakers is from Johannesburg, South Africa. Yeah...let that sit with you for a moment. Nash is a two-time MVP, an eight-time All-Star, and a 90% free throw shooter.
I always liked Steve Nash as a player, but with him being on my team and being African, I might be rooting a little bit harder...OK a lot harder.

-DJ

MUSIC MONDAY: DENCIA

If you don't know Cameroonian/Nigerian singer Dencia, then you need to get familiar! Here are some need-to-know facts about the fabulous, Afro-pop songstress.

 Name: Reprudencia Sonkey

Hometown: Cameroon

Claim to Fame: Started off as a video vixen in videos like Jermih's "Down on Me", before releasing her hit single "Beri Beri" in 2010.

Girl's Anthem: Super Girl

Noteworthy Collaboration: "Me & U" feat. Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie

Diva Factor: She has a dog named Diva and it even has it's own Twitter account (@divathepinkdog).

Fun Fact: Dencia was the first African artist featured on MTV's website.  

Check out her video for Super Girl. Enjoy!

 -ASHA

FASHION FRIDAY: CHRISTINA LOWANGA

Designer Christina Lowanga with her models

Have you ever had a full-circle moment? I had one last week. See, one year for my birthday, I think I was maybe 12, my little cousin made me a dress as a gift. When I say made, I use the term loosely seeing as how she literally stapled fabric together; granted she was only 5 at the time. Fast forward to last Friday night, and I am sitting in the audience of the Gold Thimble Fashion Show, in Los Angeles, watching her garments come down the runway. I was truly impressed and proud to see how much she's truly grown, and honed her craft.

THROWBACK THURSDAY: SHAKA ZULU

Let's play a little word association:  Roots is to Americans as ______________ is to Africans. If you guessed Shaka Zulu , you'd be right!


This 1986 television series tells the  story of  Shaka from birth,  to his reign as the warrior king, and *spoiler alert* his death...I mean he was born in 1787 and the movie is from 1986, so you kind of saw that coming, right?

I highly recommend everyone see this movie, whether you're African or not. You should know that there is a creepy witch doctor in the film, who still gives me nightmares. You've been warned.

Here's a clip of Shaka training for battle.

SPOTLIGHT: LITTLE ETHIOPIA

Little Ethiopia, a charming restaurant in Los Angeles, just gained a new customer: ME! Everything from the food to the ambiance, there was live music playing; to the decor, there was beautiful artwork on the walls; to the patrons themselves, gives Little Ethiopia a feel of familiarity, like you're coming home to Mom's cooking.

AFRICOMIC: AYA

AYA is a graphic novel series created by Marguerite Abouet, an Ivory Coast native. The comic takes place in the Ivory Coast in 1978 and centers around 19 year-old, Aya, and her interactions with people. The subject material varies in tone,from chasing boys, to making life altering decisions, but the book always maintains a positive outlook on life.

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! 

FASHION FRIDAY: SUMAHRIE COLLECTION

I have a confession to make: I've only worn traditional African clothing a few times in my life.  In my defense, I just find the traditional clothes too,well, traditional. Fortunately, talented designers such as Mahriama M. Suma, are giving traditional clothing a chic and modern twist.

THROWBACK THURSDAY: DAVE MATTHEWS BAND

Check out one our favorite videos from South African singer, Dave Matthews and his band. Enjoy!

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.

COMEDY CORNER: BENJAMIN SASO

Actor.DJ. Comedian. Personal trainer. Entrepreneur. Benjamin Saso is a Ghanaian man of many talents.  I feel a sense of kinship with him; he's African, a DJ and hilarious.  I'm also African, my name is DJ and I'm quite hilarious. 

MUSIC MONDAY: PHONY PPL

10 Reasons Why I Love Phony Ppl:

1. The band's name is amazing!

2. Nigerian saxophonist? Yes please! 

3. "Told You So" and "Does He Really".

4. They might just be the most stylish group on the planet. Urban Outfitters clearly thought so, and featured them in their first ever Men's Catalog. You can see some of the pictures on their tumblr. 

5. Handlebar mustache logo.

WORLD AIDS DAY 2012

Nearly 67% of those living with HIV/AIDS are in Africa, so World Aids Day is a cause that we feel very passionately about. The name of this year's theme, "Getting to Zero",  describes the vision and goals that UNAIDS' members would like to see implemented by 2015. To read more on their specific vision, goals, and strategies, go here. Watch the video below to learn how you can easily help the cause. 

TOGETHER, WE CAN GET TO ZERO!

For other ideas on how you can help, go here. 

- TEAM TDB

FASHION FRIDAY: STEEVE AUKINGSO

After working as a model, Steeve Aukingso can now be found on the other side of the lens. He's taken his  love  of the fashion world,  and parlayed it into a career in fashion photography.

I love that his photography isn't just exclusive to just fashion. Yes, he does shoot beauty and lingerie campaigns, but he also explores with more artistic imagery, where the subjects are manipulated and distorted; the images are in vain of something you'd see in a graphic novel.

I think that Steeve has a very interesting point of view, and  I look forward to seeing more of his work in the future.

-DIVA

THROWBACK THURSDAY: BEYONCÉ

Queen B was so impressed with the dance skills of Tofo Tofo, that she used their choreography in her "Run the World (Girls)" video. She personally flew them out, from Mozambique, for the shoot. Check out their original choreography here, and watch her video below. Enjoy!   

SPOTLIGHT: DAVID OYELOWO

Having taken his first acting class because a girl he had a crush on asked him to, actor David Oyelowo has become one of the most promising actors to date.

  Born in Oxford, England to Nigerian parents, David spent the early days of his career in theatre. After completing a year at the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, David soon found himself touring with the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he was the first-ever black actor to play an English King in a Shakespeare production; this role later garnered him an Ian Charleson Award in 2001.

GET FAMILIAR: LETI GAMES

The video game industry is a  billion dollar juggernaut  and a global phenomenon  except for in Africa. There are major companies like EA who have a division in South Africa, but the amount of companies that are actually founded by Africans are slim to none. Fortunately, Leti Games is trying to change that. 

MUSIC MONDAY: AFRIK MOTO

Afrik Moto

This past weekend, my sisters and I attended the Afrik Moto concert, which was also the launch for their debut album, The Master's Voice.  From start to finish Afrik Moto had the  audience, adults and children, up and dancing. I had no idea a gospel concert could be so entertaining. 

Asha, Diva, and Farida, The Dosha Brand 

One of the reasons why I enjoy this group so much is because they're able to make gospel music that you can dance to. While listening to songs like "Lola Esengo" and "Generic", you can't help but dance. Check out the video for the crowd's, and my favorite song, "Master's Voice." Enjoy!  

- ASHA

HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY!

TDB is doing our first-ever giveaway, just in time for the Holiday season!

To be entered:

1. Like us on Facebook
2. Answer some fun trivia questions on our Facebook
3. Comment on the blog posts during the contest 

The contest starts 11/28/12 and ends 12/19/12

Remember, the more you check out our Blog and Facebook, the better your chances are to win!

Good Luck!

-TDB

SILLY SATURDAY: THE DOSHA BRAND

Lakers or Clippers? Cake or Pie? Harry Potter or Twilight? Check out our picks in our This or That Tag video. Enjoy!

FASHION FRIDAY: THIS ISH CRAZE

Blazers are a staple in my wardrobe and though I have different styles and colors, I'm constantly looking for something new and amazing to add to my collection. That's why I was so excited when I came across Jo Black Craze.

JBC Campaign Shoot

THROWBACK THURSDAY: MICHAEL JACKSON

The King of Pop loved Africa!

GET FAMILIAR: BROADWAY SERVES

I've always been a believer that one person can truly make a difference, but a group of people together? Well, that's a movement. I recently got to witness a movement that has the ability to make great things happen.

GUESS...WHO'S AFRICAN?

Joakim Noah of the Chicago Bulls is African...yes, I'm just as surprised as you are. I was under the assumption that there was a one-African-per-NBA-team rule. Noah owes his African roots to his grandfather, Zacharie Noah, a Cameroonian football (soccer) player, who won the Coupe de France. 

Besides the fact that he's African, and that he plays in the NBA, another reason I thoroughly enjoy Joakim Noah is because he is pure comedy. Don't believe me? Check out this snippet of the Chicago Bulls' starting center after a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers:

-DJ

MUSIC MONDAY: BLAISON MAVEN

Last week, I had the pleasure of watching Blaison Maven perform at The Joint in Los Angeles. When the Ghanaian-bred, Los Angeles-based rapper first appeared on stage wearing all black, everything, and gold chains, (three...not two), I assumed he was another "gangster" hip-hop artist rapping about women and money. Minutes into his set, I realized that my assumptions were  inaccurate. Though he raps about women and money on tracks like "Gold Chain", Blaison is able to do it with a maturity and freshness that is uncommon in today's newer artists.

FASHION FRIDAY: CAIRO FASHION WEEK

There are a few things we expect to see at fashion week: a catwalk, models, fancy clothes, designers, fashion editors, bloggers, and amazing after-parties. So, it was a breath of fresh air when I heard about Cairo Fashion Week. The goal of CFW, which kicks off today, is to be the bridge between different brands and labels in the industry; it is a week long event aimed to bring local designers, retailers, buyers, fashion houses and the general public together.

THROWBACK THURSDAY: LL COOL J

Back in November 1988, LL Cool J traveled to Grand-Bassam in Ivory Coast, and was named Chief Kwasi Achi-Bru by the local people. When he returned to the States, he recorded the song "Def Jam in the Motherland"  for his third album, Walking With a Panther. Listen to the song and full album below. Enjoy! 

GET FAMILIAR: KUNLE AFOLAYAN

Hailed as the "Scorsese of Lagos",  Nigerian actor-turned-director Kunle Afolayan is at the top of his game. Having recently debuted his comedy, "Phone Swap", at the Film Africa 2012 Festival in London, Afolayan has set his sights on bringing Nollywood to Hollywood.

AFRICAN MYTHOLOGY: SHANGO UNCHAINED

Shango, the African God of Thunder and Lightning, is worshiped by the Yoruba in West Africa. He was created from the union of two men: the physical manifestation of the god of reason Obtala, and Aganju, the god of fire. His godly lineage gives him great physical strength and the ability to conjure a lightning bolt at will.

MUSIC MONDAY: ZAHO

I have no idea how I found Zaho, but I am so glad I did. After hearing the Algerian born singer's latest single, "Boloss," I am officially obsessed. The song kind of reminds me of one of my favorite TLC songs, "No Scrubs."  

INDEPENDENCE DAY: ANGOLA

HAPPY 37th INDEPENDENCE DAY ANGOLA!!!

FASHION FRIDAY: YSL. Y THE L NOT?!

Yves Saint Laurent

You know how people ask, "If you could have a dinner party with anyone dead or alive, who would your guests be?" Well, I know, without a doubt, that the legendary French designer Yves Saint Laurent would definitely make the cut.

THROWBACK THURSDAY: DJ & ASHA

Happy Birthday to the Dosha Brand twins DJ and Asha!  

LONDON CALLING: FILM AFRICA 2012

The 2nd Annual African Film Festival, Film Africa, is in full effect. This ten-day festival offers 70 African films, Q&As with the filmmakers, professional workshops, and nine nights of African music.

GET FAMILIAR: TCHICAYA MISSAMOU

     

Tchicaya Missamou is a former child soldier from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He was recruited into the army at age 14 and served with them for 2 years, where he committed brutal acts of violence. Tchicaya was sent to his father in order to escape the life of a child soldier and,with the encouragement of his father, he joined the military. However, after his unit turned on him and burned down his home, he soon fled with his mother to America. While in America, he found work at a martial arts studio and was recruited into the US Marine Corps; he even served 6 months in Iraq. 

MUSIC MONDAY: MANYANG REATH

Manyang Reath is the founder of the Humanity Helping Sudan Project. A refugee at the age of three, Manyang spent over a decade living in camps along the Sudanese and Ethiopian border, where he suffered from various hardships. Thankfully, after years of living in terrible conditions, he was able to move to America and attend college. 

BLACKUP. YOU'RE TOO CLOSE!

BlackUp is a French cosmetics line that was created by a makeup artist of African ancestry in 1999. The goal was to have a high-end cosmetics line that caters to women of color; however, they have so many different shades that women of all ethnicities can wear it.

THROWBACK THURSDAY: BABAR

Babar was one of my favorite cartoons growing up. OK. Truth time. It is STILL one of my favorites, and from time-to-time I'll wake up on a Saturday morning and catch an episode.

SPOTLIGHT: OPPOSITE FIELD

There are a lot of things Africa is known for. Good food. Great music. A rich culture. Baseball...baseball? Okay, maybe not so much, but, if the players from the Rev. John Foundation Little League Team of Uganda  have their way, that'll all change.

GET FAMILIAR : BATWING

Batwing is a recent addition to the the legendary DC Comics.

David Zavimbe is an African hero who was born in the fictional city of Tinasha, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He was a child soldier that excelled in carrying out kill orders, but he soon grew tired of the life and escaped the army. He later becomes a police officer and fights the criminals that plague his city, as well as  corrupt policemen.

MUSIC MONDAY: ALEX BOYE

This week I thought I would get into the Halloween spirit, and the latest single from Alex Boyé's album, Africanized, is the perfect song for the occasion. "African Zombie" is one of those memorable songs that can easily get stuck in your head, and the video is funny and scary all at the same time. 

SPORTS SUNDAY: BASKETBALL

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

FASHION FRIDAY: EDWARD ENNINFUL

Edward Enninful

As the legendary W magazine celebrates its 40th anniversary, I thought this would be the perfect time to spotlight their fashion and style director, Edward Enninful.

Edward is originally from Ghana, and was raised in London.  He started his career as a model and at the age of 18, he was offered the position of fashion Director for i-D magazine, making him the youngest fashion director for an international publication. His success with i-D led to other opportunities with major fashion magazines: he became the contributing director for Vogue Italia, where he led the initiative  for the infamous "All Black Issue"; he was also a contributing fashion director for American Vogue, which is the most well-known and well respected fashion magazine and is considered to most people, like myself, to be the fashion bible!

THROWBACK THURSDAY: AFRIKA BAMBAATAA AND THE SOUL SONIC FORCE

Afrika Bambaataa and the Soul Sonic Force. Looking for the Perfect Beat. How could I not? Enjoy!!!!

GET FAMILIAR: THE AFRICA CHANNEL

As a kid, it was rare for me to find any programs growing up that showed what life was like for people in Africa. The few programs I did see depicted the African experience as a tumultuous, dangerous, and poverty stricken existence, which begged the question, is this how people see Africa? Africa was in need of a serious image overhaul, but who would take on the responsibility of providing a more positive side to land that is often misrepresented? Enter, the Africa Channel.