MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

THE DOSHA BRAND WOULD LIKE TO WISH YOU ALL A MERRY CHRISTMAS!

MUSIC MONDAY: BEYONCE

Does anyone else think Beyoncé reps Africa more than some Africans do? Earlier in the year she performed her hit "Grown Woman" at the Chime for Change Concert, and featured African inspired dance moves. On her latest album, her song "Flawless" features the work of Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

FLASHBACK FASHION FRIDAY: YSL's Four "African" Dresses S/S 1967

Personally, there was nothing that Yves Saint Laurent couldn't do. He was a true pioneer, visionary and trendsetter. Nothing embodies his innovative spirit more than his 1967 Four "African" Dresses collection.

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

SPOTLIGHT: CHRISTMAS IN GHANA

It's December so you know what that means, it's time for everyone to be nice
to each other for a whole month.I mean it's Christmas time! Ok so Christmas isn't for another 22 days but that doesn't mean we can start the celebration early right? In Ghana, Christmas doesn't start on the 25th but rather on the 20th and it goes all the way until the first week of January. It really isn't all that different from how we celebrate Christmas here in America; kids often put on nativity plays in Ghana like they do here, just with different clothing on to reflect the difference in culture. Christmas day is when people usually go to church, often in traditional clothing, and after church is when they usually open their presents.

Children wearing clothes for a Christmas play

December seems to be the month of giving for Ghana; not only do they give each other presents, they also give the world a gift in the form of chocolate. Ghana is the world's second largest producer of cocoa and December marks the start of the cocoa harvest. Santa Claus must love going over to Ghana, drop off some gifts and get some chocolate in return, that's a pretty sweet deal.

-DJ ( who is trying not to steal Christmas again)

MUSIC MONDAY: TABU LEY ROCHEREAU

Over the weekend, Congolese singer Pascal-Emmanuel Sinamoyi Tabu, better known as Tabu Ley Rochereau, passed away. He composed nearly 3,000 songs and produced 250 albums. At one point during his career, he was known as the "African Elvis", which means he was kind of a big deal.

STOP! TURKEY TIME

It's that time of the year, time to celebrate one of my favorite holidays of all time: THANKSGIVING!!!! Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoy Christmas and have had some fun New Year's but  there's just something about Thanksgiving. Maybe it's the fact that it's all about family, food, and fun or that I don't have to worry about trying to pick the perfect gift or stress about whether or not I'm going to get a kiss at midnight. All I know is every thanksgiving I get to spend the day hanging out with some of my favorite people while stuffing my face and having a good time.

And in honor of Thanksgiving, I thought I'd share some pictures of my favorite moments from last year's festivities.

MUSIC MONDAY:ELVIS

As you may know by now, I love a lot of things and everything is my favorite, so believe me when I say I love country music and it's my favorite. Growing up, my dad would play Garth Brooks and The Judds around the house, just as much as Koffi and Papa Wemba. Thankfully, it seems that I was not the only African girl running around listening to country music.

BEAUTY FOR A CAUSE: ALAFFIA

Now that the weather is getting colder and my skin is getting drier, I am having a major love affair with coconut. Coconut is very hydrating for the skin, so I use it externally and take it internally, as well. I have a coconut body butter, I use coconut oil on my body, as well as to cook with. I drink coconut milk and water, daily; and  most recently, I started using a coconut face toner from the brand EverDay Coconut, which is  a part of Alaffia Sustainable Skin Care and EveryDay Shea.

Founded by Togolese native,Olowo-n’djo Tchala, Alaffia is all about empowering West African communities by focusing on fair trade, alleviating poverty, and gender equality. 

GUESS WHO'S AFRICAN?

FASHION FRIDAY: LUPITA NYONG'O

2013 has been a great year for TDB fave Lupita Nyong'o. Not only is she killing it with her performance in the critically acclaimed film 12 Years A Slave, but she is also killing it on the red carpet. I cannot wait to see what she wears this award season. Here are my TOP TEN favorite looks of hers. 

2013 BAFTA LA Jaguar Britannia  Awards

LANVIN

 Bungalow 8 and Worldview Party 

ANOTNIO BERADI 

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.

MUSIC MONDAY: RICARDO LEMVO

Not only is it my parent's anniversary, it's also Angola Independence Day. To mark the special occasion, I've decided to share a fave song from Ricardo Lemvo. Before moving to the states, he grew up in the DRC until age 13, is of Angolan descent, and is somewhat a family friend. I met him when I was really young and barely remember, but it still counts. Right? 

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.

NBA SPOTLIGHT: VICTOR OLADIPO

Basketball season  has started up again and my one thought has been

FLASHBACK FRIDAY: MENOGU DESIGNS

Last Spring, ASHA and myself had the pleasure of modeling for one of our faves, Menogu Designs. After months of anticipation, her Fall look-book is finally here! 

FARIDA'S COOKING CORNER : MOMBASA PUMPKIN DESSERT

Why, hello there my fine foodie friends! In honor of  Halloween, which is tomorrow for those of you who still haven't gotten a costume, present company included, I decided to bring you a deliciously tasty treat from the lovely people of Kenya. Get your taste buds ready ladies and gent, for I give you  Mombasa Pumpkin Dessert.

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. 

THROWBACK THURSDAY: CONGO TAG

DID YOU KNOW?: 5 FACTS ABOUT THE CONGO

In honor of Congo Week I've decided to make a list of five facts that you may not know about the Congo.

TUMBLR TUESDAY: BEST CONGO PHOTOS

Check out some of our fave Congo photos on Tumblr. HAPPY TUESDAY! 

Hairstyles, Congo 1972

Photo C/O: Manufactoriel 

La Sape, by Zemba Luzamba

PHOTOS C/O: Dynamic Africa 

Congo Social Scene

PHOTOS C/O: CAFE CONGO 

Goma Airport, December 2012 

PHOTOS C/O: 5cents A Pound

Girl with bicycle along a flowery road. Katanga, DR Congo

Boy, DR Congo, 2012

PHOTOS C/O: Africa Stories 

MUSIC MONDAY: GRANDPA'S TOP 5

TDB with Grpa

It's a very special day here over at TDB. Our grandfather, aka Grpa, decided to contribute to the Congo Week Edition Music Monday post! When I approached him about contributing to the blog he was super excited and even took the time to hand write his top five songs with a brief introduction about himself.

CONGO WEEK

It's officially Congo Week! Being that we are Congolese, we look forward to participating in this movement every year. To learn more about "Breaking the Silence" and Congo Week click here.

FASHION FRIDAY: AFWLA 2013

THE CROWD RIGHT BEFORE SHOWTIME

As you know, I am a lover of fashion. Not only is it truly my passion, but it is my obsession. That's why I am so grateful to be able to attend the fashion events I go to, and sometimes have the privilege to participate in. Of all of the amazing shows I go to, Africa Fashion Week L.A.,is still the one closest to my heart. It was the first event that TDB ever attended, and was where we met so many amazing people that we've profiled on the blog, had a pleasure of working with on different projects, and have become friends with. So many amazing things have happened to TDB, and it all started with AFWLA.

TDB'S ASHA AND DIVA

I loved everything about this year's fashion week. From the location, this year's show was held at 525 DTLA, an art gallery where Chris Brown's work is featured....yes, that Chris Brown; to the designers, 2 African Girls and Tina Summers slayed, and I want/need everything from those collections; to the music, the deejay played a good mix of African and American music that kept the crowd hyped.  

FRONT ROW FABULOUSNESS

I'd been waiting for this show all year long, and I'm so glad that it didn't disappoint. Normally, I'd post pics of the actual collections, but I was so impressed with the looks of the attendees, that I wanted to give them some love. Of course I died for the collections  as well, and you can check out all the designers  on our YouTube page.

GET FAMILIAR: LUPITA NYONG'O

  With only a few credits to her name, actress Lupita Nyong'o is already creating a name for herself in the film world. And with a role in Steve McQueen's highly anticipated "12 Years A Slave", which Nyong'o is expected to take home the New Hollywood Award at the 17th Annual Hollywood Film Awards, it seems as though this is just the beginning for the Kenyan actress. Bottom line: It's about time we all get familiar with Lupita Nyong'o.

MUSIC MONDAY: LET'S CATCH UP

I'm back! I haven't posted in two weeks and it seriously feels like a lifetime. Because I know you are just dying to hear what I've been up to (more so I'm dying to tell you), I've decided to share how I spent my time away from TDB.

First things first, I got the heck out of town. I was finally able to make my way down to San Diego and see friends I haven't seen in years. It was so fun and relaxing. I'll definitely be heading back soon. 

#BESHADY

In honor of World Sight Day, today we're joining TOMS and being super shady. We're raising awareness for visual impairment and blindness worldwide, by wearing our shades inside. Won't you join us?

- TEAM TDB 

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.  

DOSHA DOES: ANKARA FESTIVAL 2013

This past weekend we attended Ankara Festival 2013 at the Avalon in Hollywood. We thoroughly enjoyed all of the great fashion and musical performances. TDB fave, Sumahrie Collections, had such an amazing collection. Korto Momolu, of Project Runway fame, was the headliner and killed. Loved everything that came down the runway. I also loved Chidera Chimera's designs for Dewan Apparel. Such amazing men's fashion.   

FARIDA'S COOKING CORNER: POULET AU COCO

Salutations my foodie friends! (yes, "salutations" just happened, lol). Today I bring you a recipe from Comoros Island. To be perfectly honest with you, prior to finding this recipe, my knowledge of Comoran cuisine was non-existent. But I found a dish that is easy to make, can be served with pretty much anything: rice (brown or white), quinoa, couscous, potatoes, and is delicious!!!

Without further ado I give you a classic Comoran dish, Poulet au CoCo, aka Chicken with Coconut.

MUSIC MONDAY: #PRAY4KENYA

FASHION FRIDAY: ANKARA

Next weekend, Team TDB has the distinct pleasure of  attending the 2013 Ankara Festival LA. Per usual, I have no idea what I will be wearing, and in my search of the perfect ankara ensemble, I stumbled upon some pics of some fab celebrities wearing this print.