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.

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: JAM OF THE WEEK

So I have to say Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines" was definitely my summer jam, but it has officially been replaced. Kenna's "Revelation (An Ode to You and Me") is my jam. The artist even refers to this song as "#Reversedblurredlines." Trust me, this is gonna be your new jam. Enjoy! 

FASHION FRIDAY: BEST OF THE WEEK

Here are my top 3  fashion picks from the past week! 

Liya Kebede

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

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.

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. 

FASHION FRIDAY: FASHION FOR A CAUSE

FEED 12 Classics, a collaboration between TOMS and FEED

Of course we're all familiar with the great contributions fashion labels TOMS and FEED have made to help those in need, especially in Africa. However, they aren't the only ones doing their part. There are some other notable brands who are using their label as a platform to help others:

Ethiopian Model/Actress Liya Kebede founded Lemlem, which not only preserves traditional Ethipoian weaving but also gives job stability to the local weavers whose livelihood was threatened when there was no longer demand for their goods. LemLem creates beautiful hand-made scarves, clothing and home goods.