THROWBACK THURSDAY:THE PRINCE OF EGYPT

Being that today is Egypt's Independence Day, this week's throwback could only be The Prince of Egypt. I was obsessed with this movie as a child because of the great story and the even better soundtrack. 

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

AFRICAN MYTHOLOGY: ESHU

If you are ever faced with an important decision or opportunity, don't consult with a significant other or contemplate it for days; instead, go see Eshu the God of Opportunity. He lives on the Crossroads of Fortune and directs any traffic that comes through the Road of Life. Think of Eshu as the best middleman in the universe; he's able to communicate directly with the gods, ask the spirit world questions, and send a message to any living thing.

MUSIC MONDAY: LAURA IZIBOR

Apparently I've been listening to Laura Izibor for years and didn't even realize it. The Irish-Nigerian singer's music has been used in a number of films. Her song "Mmm" was used in Step Up 2, Why Did I Get Married?, Seven Pounds and One Tree Hill. Here are a few more fun facts about the artist. 

ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATIONS

So excited that Africans are nominated for Academy Awards this year. Can't wait to see which amazing film takes home the Oscar! 

Best Documentary Feature

This documentary tells the incredible story of two South African fanatics of 70s music sensation, Rodriguez, and their quest to discover what really happened to their fallen idol. Watch the trailer here. 

FASHION FRIDAY: KIARA KABUKURU

Hailing from Kampala, Uganda, model Kiara Kabukuru began her career at the tender age of 16, after being discovered by fashion photographer Bill Bodwell in a Los Angeles shopping center. Since then, she's worked for the fashion houses of Chanel, Dior, Balmain, as well as advertising campaigns for Dolce and Gabbana, L'Oreal and most notably Cover Girl. Kiara has also had the privilege of gracing the cover of American Vogue, which is a huge coup for any model's career. 

THROWBACK THURSDAY: THE SIMPSONS

After finding the winning golden cracker in an  old box of animal crackers, the Simpsons win a trip to Africa..though the contest ended 20 years prior. LOL.  Fortunately, Homer is able to work his magic to get him and his family to the Motherland. You'll have to check out the episode to see just how he does it.

In the meantime, enjoy this clip from the episode Simpson Safari. 

-DIVA

GET FAMILIAR : YVONNE ORJI

We’ve all heard of the phrase “Triple Threat” used heavily in show business. Well, I would like to introduce to you the “Quadruple Threat”: talented comedienne, actress, writer and entrepreneur, Yvonne Orji.

GUESS WHO'S...AFRICAN?

Most people think that actor Dean Geyer is from Australia, but he was actually born in Johannesburg, South Africa and later moved to Melbourne.

MUSIC MONDAY: KAYSHA

The Zouk Master has done it again. Kaysha's latest album, Raw Like Sushi, is his best work yet. 

FASHION FRIDAY: NYFW FALL/WINTER 2013

New York Fashion Week (NYFW) has officially wrapped-up, so I thought I'd share some of my fave looks. I chose these pieces because they had a touch of African flair, whether with the choice of prints or the lovely model rocking the look.

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG

J. CREW

LELA ROSE

SUNO

COSTELLO TAGLIAPIETRA

THROWBACK THURSDAY: RISING IN CONGO

Celebrate Valentine's Day by supporting One Billion Rising!

Congolese women dancing at a One Billion Rising event last year.

STRIKE.DANCE.RISE.

FARIDA'S COOKING CORNER

About a month ago, I wrote a post on Malcolm Riley, better known as The African Chef, where I resolved to step-up my cooking game. In the spirit of this declaration, I've decided to make one new African dish a month, for the rest of the year!

SPOTLIGHT: TAKA TAKATA

Over the weekend, we caught the first screening of "Taka Takata", a film we sponsored for The Pan African Film Festival. The film, a comedy made by first-time director Damir Radonic, tells the tale of a local street soccer/football team in Johannesburg, that ranks at the bottom of their league. In order to remedy the situation, the owner's slacker brother, Rasta, decides to get a player from Brazil (played by Trevor Noah), but things don't go exactly as planned.

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

FASHION FRIDAY: F2FA FASHION FAVES

Last week, Team TDB hit up the F2FAfrica Hollywood launch party. Besides the amazing people we got to meet, I was also very impressed with the fashion that was on display; I especially loved how people wore traditional African styles with a modern twist.

Here are a few of my fashion faves of the night! 

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.

COMEDY CORNER: TREVOR NOAH

Trevor Noah is a 28 year-old South African comedian, who has been creating quite a name for himself. He has sold the most stand up comedy DVD's in Africa; has made multiple appearances on " The Tonight Show with Jay Leno"; and has even hosted his very own late night talk show.

MUSIC MONDAY: ONE BILLION RISING

Next Thursday, February 14th, show your support  for the women all around the world that have been abused, by participating in the One Billion Rising movement. All you have to do is walk outside, strike, and dance! The founder of V-Day and the One Billion Rising movement, Eve Ensler, will lead a massive dance party in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. To find an event near you go here. 

-ASHA

SATURDAY WRAP-UP: FACE2FACE

F2FA Issue No. 1 2012-2013

Myself, along with my fellow TDB members, recently attended the Face2Face Africa (F2FA) Magazine launch party at The St. Felix, in Hollywood. The venue was reminiscent of a lounge that I went to in Chelsea, when I visited New York last Spring. The venue was very fitting, seeing as how F2FA is based in Manhattan.

FASHION FRIDAY: ALBER ELBAZ

Alber Elbaz

Today's post could almost be considered a Guess Who's African?, seeing as how most people don't  know that Lanvin head designer, Alber Elbaz, is actually African. Though he was raised in Israel, and even served in the Israeli Defense Forces, Alber was actually born in Casablanca, Morocco.