SATURDAY WRAP-UP: CONGO FASHION WEEK

Last weekend, for the first time in history, Kinshasa held it's first ever fashion week. For the inaugural two day event, twelve local Congolese designers debuted the latest fashions and trends of the season. At the end of Congo Fashion Week, guests were treated to a delightful performance by one of Africa's greatest artists, Papa Wemba. To see more photos from the show click here  and here .

FASHION FRIDAY:PRINTS CHARMING

There was a huge African influence on fashion in the early 90's: dashikis, kente cloth, leather medallion ''Africa" necklaces and the brand Cross Colours were the style de rigueur.  Originating in urban cities, the style became mainstream when popular music and television stars of the day, such as Queen Latifah, Will Smith, Kadeem Hardison and Public Enemy rocked the look.

THROWBACK THURSDAY: COMING TO AMERICA

This week's Throwback Thursday goes to Coming to America, a true classic. There are so many great scenes in this film, and just thinking about them makes me LMAO (laugh my African off!)

CTA is pretty much the best depiction of Africans in film. Enjoy!

GUESS...WHO'S AFRICAN?

Storm

When you think of the word “Africa“ do you think of superheroes? The answer is most likely no, but you have heard of at least one African superhero, Ororo Munroe, but you probably know her better as "Storm". Making her first appearance in “Giant-Size X-Men “#1 in 1975, Storm was born in New York City to a Kenyan tribal princess and an American photographer. After the tragic death of her parents, an orphaned Storm wandered around the streets of Cairo until a chance meeting with Professor Charles Xavier led to her joining the X-men.

GET FAMILIAR: THE DOSHA BRAND

So, whose exactly behind the Dosha Brand? Well, we are Diva, Farida, Asha and DJ;  not only are we siblings, but we are also genuinely friends. If you really want to know more about us, check out the Sibling Tag video that we did. We'll definitely have more videos, so stay tuned!

GET FAMILIAR: LUCAS NDLOVU

Lucas Ndlovu: Master Chef

Known as "the man with the Magic hands", South African chef Lucas Ndlovu has become the Godfather of South African cuisine.

The self proclaimed foodie has reinvigorated the culinary world with his creative and exciting approach to  traditional African dishes.

Ndlovu has cooked for numerous celebrities and political figures including former Home Affairs Minister Mangosuthu Buthelezi, former presidents Nelson Mandela and FW De Klerk.

MUSIC MONDAY: TOP 10 SONGS

Here's a list of our favorite top ten songs. Some old. Some new. All equally amazing. Enjoy!

Fally Ipupa- La Jungle
Omawumi- Bottom Belle
Koffi Olomide- Rond Point
Inna Modja- Life
Magic System-Premier Gaou
Tshala Muana- Nasi Nabali
Tinie Tempah- Illusion
Yvonne Chaka Chaka-Burning Up
P Brodaz- Do It Your Way

Jessy Matador

FASHION FRIDAY: IMAN

Iman, Fashion Icon

Iman is the epitome of a fashion legend: drop-dead gorgeous looks? Check. Countless magazine covers? Check. Rock Star Husband? Check. Fashion and beauty line? Check. Check. Along with her fashion accolades, Iman is also a devoted mother and humanitarian. She is an inspiration and a true icon.

2010 Barney's New York window display in honor of Iman

THROWBACK THURSDAY: WE ARE AFRICANS

Today's Throwback Thursday belongs to Nigerian rapper-producer JJC (Abdul Rasheed Bello).We are Africans has spawned countless remixes and  is considered an anthem. AWOOO!!!

AFRICAN MYTHOLOGY:ANANSI THE SPIDER

Anansi the Spider is a famous oral tale that originated in Western Africa. Kweku Anansi is the son of the supreme being, Nyame, the Sky God.

Nyame created all of mankind and Anansi, meaning spider in Akan, was the first human he created. Although he was given the great ability of determining where rivers flood and where the oceans end, Anansi was known more for his mischievous behavior. Unfortunately, his trickery and awful behavior ultimately led Nyame to turn his son into a spider. From that moment on, Anansi had to solely use his mental skills to survive.

GET FAMILIAR: ZANELE MUHOLI

Zanele Muholi, the artist

Zanele Muholi is a fresh and exciting photographer who has made a name for herself in South Africa's art scene. Muholi caught the attention of the South African art world with her honest, provocative, and uncompromising take on identity, sexuality and the female power.

Muholi continues to give a voice for those who don't feel heard; I commend her for making art not just for art's sake.

“I’ve never produced a picture for fun, I’ve only ever produced photographs to speak for or against something. I need to conscientise people."
                                                                         -Zanele Muholi

MUSIC MONDAY: GREAT CAUSE

Check out this video from Dollar for the Poor. Great message. Great video. Enjoy!

FASHION FRIDAY: NYFW

Arise Magazine’s 5th annual runway show was a great way to kick off Mercedes-Benz Spring/Summer 2013 Fashion Week. The show was entitled “African Icons” and took place at the Lincoln Center, considered to be the world’s most prestigious runway. It was definitely the perfect stage to showcase some of the best that Africa has to offer in fashion. Among the talented designers were: Nigerians Tiffany Amber and Maki Oh; British-Nigerian Tsemaye Binite; South African Gavin Rajah, and British-Ghanaian Ozwald Boateng OBE.

VIVA LA RIVA

Congolese producer/writer/director Djo Tunda Wa Munga’s directorial debut, Viva Riva!, follows the exploits of Riva (Patsha Bay), a young, charismatic thief with a truckload of stolen fuel he intends to sell in his corrupt, gas starved hometown of Kinshasa, DR Congo.

GUESS....WHO'S AFRICAN?

I know what you guys are thinking, " Is that Imhotep?" And you'd be correct. The Mummy and The Mummy Returns star, Arnold Vosloo, was born in Pretoria,South Africa making him....African. Crazy right? The dude who plays an Egyptian mummy is an actual African.

MUSIC MONDAY: TINIE TEMPAH

The wait is almost over! Come this November Patrick Chukwuemeka Okogwu, a.k.a. Tinie Tempah’s follow up to his remarkable debut album will finally be shared with the world. After watching his performance of “Written in the Stars” at the Olympic Games Closing Ceremony, his Disc-Overy album, definitely made its way back into my iPod rotation. Hopefully his sophomore effort, Demonstration, is just as amazing. If his performance at Radio 1’s Hackney Weekend is any indication of what we should expect of Demonstration, then he most definitely will have another hit album under his belt. You can watch Tempah’s performance of the Calvin Harris produced track, “Drinking from the Bottle” here. What do you think? Sophomore slump? Or comeback of the year?