messages from mommy

This is from a show, Jocelyn Jee (of the the hidden camera show 3 Non Blondes and her own TV sketch show Little Miss Jocelyn show both on BBC) did in South Africa.

Are you bored?

ok, for the record, DC is my favorite city, well most days it is. But one of the things I love about it, is that there is such a big African community that actually intermingles on a regular basis, it's not just the Liberians over there and the Ethiopians over there... well maybe there's a little bit of that, I digress. Well my point is, you can meet and interact with so many different young (and not so young) generally progressive Africans. Plus the weather there is mild enough, I could actually stand living there. There's a group there YAP: Young African Professionals, that usually does a happy hour type event the last friday of every month. But as I was browsing their site, wishing I was there or they were here, I noticed a feature. Not sure how long it's been available, but I thought it was a great idea! I guess it's similar to a classifieds web board, like craigslist, but it's for 1. social activities/outings and 2. it's specifically for africans. It's called YAP Weekender. So for you lucky people in DC, enjoy each other's company, for the rest of us, let's make some effort to connect with each other where we are.

Greetings...

While I am a fan of the Mahogany cards put out by Hallmark, I always thought wanted to find a card made by someone from the continent. Not because of anything, just because I wanted it. A few weeks ago, I was in New York, for the Ugandan North American Association 18th Annual convention (don't ask why I was there, or why AIRTRAN LOST MY LUGGAGE AND LOOKED AT ME CROSS EYED WHEN I ASKED THEM TO REIMBURSE ALL MY COSMETICS PURCHASES)*breathe in... breathe out... okay I'm not mad anymore*
But while I was there, there was an art exhibit by David Kibuuka and there were some greeting cards with beautiful artwork.. I actually purchased a few, if not for fear of lost luggage on the way home and long stories, I would have purchsed this beautiful print I saw "Nakiyingi"



I like her eyes. I finally unpacked last night from my NY trip, and I saw the cards I bought and i meant to put htis up a while ago. But David Kibuuka is a Canadian based Ugandan artist who also has some greeting cards featuring his art. You can purchase, view, learn more by visiting his website: www.kibuuka.com. I will go order the print I wanted now.

Random bits

Ok so Carmen Ejogo has a new role, she's on NBC's new drama "Kidnapped." You should remember the half Nigerian, half Brit actress for her roles in "Lackawanna Blues", and as Coretta Scott King in "Boycott"

ABSA Soweto Festival starts today and runs until September 25th in Kliptown, Soweto. This is the largest festival in Soweto and has a trade fair atmosphere. IBM is also sponsoring a career village during this year's fesitval

Tommorow, in Washington, DC. Ghanaian first lady,Theresa Kufuor, will be hosting a gala fundraiser with the African Women's Cancer Awareness Association at the Capital Hilton Hotel. This is a great cause because we're too silent, and this disease affects us (in the continent and in the diaspora) too.

E-MALE - Idris Elba

I have been claiming him since the days he was Stringer Bell on HBO's crime-drama "The Wire" and he's the only reason I ever tuned in. Until this day, I can barely name any other character on that show. He was also a convincing Augustin in last year's "Sometimes in April" the HBO movie about the Rwandan genocide in 1994. They are also Idris sightings all over Atlanta these days (he was filming here) lucky for him (well really me, I don't need a record for stalking of all crimes) I never ran into him, because I swear I love him y'all. Really, I really do.




I mean look at him, how could I not? He's alway referred to as a British actor, but I tell you, I looked at that georgeous skin and I knew he was at the very least West African. They don't make them like that in Naija, so I researched further. Turns out my instincts are dead on, his mother is from Ghana and his father from Sierra Leone, and he's an only child. That's too bad really because those genes are amazing. Most recently, he's been seen on UK television, playing some retired football player (soccer) in "All in the Game." I gather the show overall wasn't very good, but he was "brilliant" in his role. He'll be on the big screen soon, and I'll remind you, he's the newest male lead in Tyler's Perry next film "Daddy's Little Girls." That's due out in February, and I'll keep you posted.

Immigration stories

I had a brief coversation about immigration with my sister this weekend, and it prompted me to post this "video." It's really just a series of photos set to music, the photos are different snapshots of Africans trying to migrate to Europe. These pictures aren't twenty or thirty years old either, these are fairly recent, so this is what people still go through trying to leave the continent.

On Screen - At the Toronto Film Festival

The reason I even brought up The Last King of Scotland, was because it has two screenings at the Toronto International film Festival this week. There are quite a few other films of African origin, with African stories or are otherwise related to Africa; that are being screened up there in Toronto this week. Here are some:

Abeni - often compared to 2005's "Tsosti", this is a movie about childhood sweeties, who are seperated by actions of a father. Reunited by chance as adults, though Abeni is already set to be married off by her father, the couple make plans for their future. The movie is in French and Yoruba (now I wish I paid attention in yoruba class) and is directed by Tunde Kelani

Bamako - Mauritanian born, Malian raised Abderrahmane Sissako produced this film, that asserts Africa doesn't suffer from pverty, but is a victim of it's wealth.

Darrat - Mahamat-Saleh Haroun brings us this film, about the after effects of war in Chad. A teenager seeks revenge on his father's murderer, even though he can seek greener pastures elsewhere.

Gathering the Scattered Cousins - a short documentary and ode to his mother and her family in Barbados brought to us by half Bajan/half Nigerian actor/director Akin Omotoso.

Moekgo and the Stickfighter - South African director, Tebeho Mahlatsi, examines magic in Lesotho (ultimately African) culture.


They're a couple of more I didn't mention, but those of you living in Toronto, or other real "cosmopolitan" cities like New York, LA or London, keep an eye out for these films, you'll be the only ones lucky enough to even have them on a screen somewhere near you. Unlike me... le sigh.

On Screen - Last King of Scotland

As if we didn't know that Idi Amin was a brutal "leader," there's a movie that's making its rounds on the festivals circuit, about how horrible he indeed was. This story is told from the perspective of a young bright-eyed scottish doctor, who came to Uganda on a medical mission and ended up Amin's personal physician. The innocent doctor was somehow oblivious to the atrocities going on around him, and was shocked. He even tried to do some good, and right the wrongs around him.
mmmm hmmmm (insert my voice saying "yeah right" here)


You know what I'm about sick of people absolving themselves of all the evil they participated in. So you mean you didn't think it was bad or evil when you were carted around in private cars, living in the best homes, having a fabulous life meanwhile the people around you live in abject poverty? PUh-lease spare me the sob story. I don't claim to be a history buff or to even know this doctor's story, but I'm personally tired of the recurring theme of "white man tried to do good in Africa, but the damn Africans were just bad"
I'm sure it will be an excellent film, because Forest Whitaker is playing Idi Amin, and he's one of my favorite actors (based on skill vs. the fine talentless fools I like for just their looks and nothing else). Also relative newcomer (and former classmate, yes I'm totally name dropping, but what afrique chic doesn't) Kerry Washington appears as one of Idi Amin's wives.

The Last King of Scotland will be on limited release in the US, September 27, 2006. So really check the artsy/independent theater for this one. UK release is January 12, 2007.

E-MALE - Mmmmm

I asked a friend if it was a sin to love him immediately, but the chick was too busy being greedy,trying to figure out if he lived in her city and how she would meet him first, to answer me (heffa!!!) If you're a GH fan, you might recognize this South African piece of pure chocolate fineness. Actually is he really chocolate? milk chocolatety, or toasted walnuts even... he's still yummy looking. He loves Miles Davis, is into charity work, he's related to Bishop Desmond Tutu even! I am tempted not to post his name, because I have been first hand witness of how his fineness causes greed... but M'Fundo Morrison wherever you are, call a sister.

Causes

There are several things that hurt my heart when it comes to Africa, the continent that is blessed with so many resources, yet due to mismanagement, greed, corruption and all sorts of social ills that retard what could be the greastest region in the world. The end result of all of this is people living in substandard conditions. Now I know people create NGOs and non profits to further their personal (mostly financial agenda) pretend to be down for a cause, meanwhile they eat whatever funds are raised, but there are some organizations that provide genuine help to the causes that they're rallying for. Here are just a few of them doing great work to raise awareness, educate, empower and effect change in their communities and countries.

Down Syndrome Association - Nigeria
It comes at no surprise to me that there is no valid data about the number of babies born with Down Syndrome in Nigeria, and they're no resources to support families with babies born with Down syndrome. This organization helps to raise awareness about Down Sydrome, educate parents and give them a support network, which is very necessary in a society that pretends people with Down syndrome don't exist.

Hakikazi
This Tanzanian group is focused on making sure people have a right to their say. They educate people on social, economic, environmental and technical decisions that affect their everyday lives and through the education, they continually empower them to be a part of that decision by having their say. Education and empowerment of the "regular" man in Africa is usually unheard of, I commend this group for their grassroots effort to involve more people in decisions that affect them and changing (slowly, surely) their country.


Streets Ahead
An organization focused on helping children (aged 6 - 20) who are living on the streets of Harare. These children are byproducts of poverty, HIV/AIDS, alcoholism etc. and Streets Ahead works to rehabilitate them. They provide a safe space for them, support and counsel them, while acting as advocates for children's rights in Zimbabwe.


There are many more organizations throughout Africa that are spearheading their causes. I am a fan of the above organizations and one day I'll highlight all the organizations that bring me hope.

Afrique chics @ Olympus fashion week

Oluchi in her husband's show yesterday (looking tired hun)



Alek in Baby Phat (i wonder if she does Pilates...)



Nnenna (first African ANTM contestant)@ Imitation of Christ Show, still rocking the baldie I see, cute!


There were a few more afrique chics in the show, even though designers didnt seem to show then love...

All photos courtesy of someone else (Getty Images et. al)

She seems to have a thing for colors

Today is the release date for Chimamanda Adichie's sophmore novel "Half of a Yellow Sun" , well at least it is on amazon.


Top 5 reasons why am I excited?

5. I read her first novel, Purple Hibiscus in one day
4. She's a real story teller, each word weaving you into the story, you become a character in the book
3. There's drama, murder, even adultery. This book will sell like hotcake
2. I am loving the Igbo names of her characters in this one Olanna and Kainene
1. I love supporting my fellow Igbo sister jare


If I keep posting on here, I'll mess around and let the bookstore close without me buying the book today.

Some music I'm feeling right now

SOMI!

Pretty eyes right? Who else has heard her music? I was sent a link to her website a while back, and though she's based in New York, I keep getting emails of her tour dates. It's all good though, I like to be "in the know" If you must box her into one genre of music, the jazz would be it, but you can create other categories for her, neo-afri-jazz comes to mind, but you pick one for yourself.

Like a true afrique chic, this Illinois born, Ugandan/Rwandan managed to finish her Master's at Tisch while keeping to her intense touring schedule. Her next performance is at the French Caribbean Jazz Festival in Cayenne, so who wants to meet me there? (and donate a R/T ticket and hotel stay while we're there, I'll bring the sunscreen promise)

I would upload her music here, but I'm pretty sure that falls under some sort of piracy issue, and I'm not one to give Africans a bad name, so please visit Somi on her myspace page and have a listen for yourself.

yes it's myspace again, there's a reason they keep getting so much airplay on the news, EVERYONE is on myspace

The Rocks

Okay as some of you already know Olympus Fashion Week 2007 kicked off this past Friday (9/8/06) and while I was looking for pictures of my favorite afrique chic models, I found pictures of Chris Aire's show.

I know y'all know who that is right?
The Iceman, Mr. Bling? Well now that that 419 operative Jacob the Jeweler is facing jail time, you might hear more about him in next summers rap hit. Our Beninois brother has made a name for himself in the jewelry business, after trying his hand at other things including music and acting. After being disowned by his parents for shunning school, instead choosing to go into the music industry, he eventually carved a niche for himself creating beautiful pieces for the young, (relatively) rich and famous with plenty of disposable incomes.

To see Chris' work, or to reward yourself with one of his pieces, visit Chris Aire online

Okay to the pictures:


Here's one of the afrique chics (I was looking for initially) modeling one of his so icy creations.


Look at that red gold!

Here's some more pictures for you:


I like that headpiece, why do I forsee an imitation at someone's traditional marriage ceremony sometime in the very near future?


yes that's Tyson and (yes I agree he does look tres foolish with that mess on his head)

See more here.

All photos courtesy of Getty Images




I have more today btw, don't think I came empty handed, I'll post shortly (well before midnight)

Curvy girls rock

Browsing on the web last night (okay myspace again) and saw this posted in someone's guestbook/signature space. So I clicked. I cam across Aissata page. She is from Sao Tome & Principe, a former model who is is very artistically inclined, she draws, created t shirts with her unique artwork, designs china and so much more. I saw this cartoon, and smiled. And proceeded to forward the link to my girlfriends, and thought why not just put it up here.




See how they made the girl with extra feel bad? That ain't right









I know I'm not the only afrique chic who has struggled/is struggling with body image, especially when living in a strange land, where the body of a prepubescent boy is desired by adult women.
Please visit Aissata's webpage and find more great art.

Ok so some of you have seen this...

Get this video and more at MySpace.com


Ok so I "borrowed" from myspace today (I never said my content would be 100% original, please expect tons of borrowing), and I'm sure this has made its rounds on the internet. This is a Kenyan television advertisement for a condom. I love this ad for several reasons.

1. It's actually kinda sexy
2. My african people are looking so good (save the few split ends but I digress)
3. It's just as risque as many of the bikini ads, we're often bombarded with stateside
4. His skin is soooo smooth, yum
5. It's visually stimulating, the B&W, with splashes of color make me want the watch
6. I want to hear the rest of the music
7. Nothing like straight teeth in pretty smiles
8. It's been so long since any man has made me even look twice (sorry but do only ugly ones get visas?)
9. I like the rain
10. It's an ad for a condom, when we're dealing with simply ridiculous high rates of HIV/AIDs cases on the continent, an ad like this is a breath of fresh air

Allow me to introduce myself

Hello.

I am very new to this whole blogging thing, so pardon my french.
The only reason, I am starting this blog because everyone keeps telling me " Chic you need to have a blog" So after realizing how viral blogs can be I decided to start my own. I don't divulge my secrets to my friends that I see face to face, so rest assured you will not be reading the juicy tidbits of my life, rather you'll be reading/watching/listening to all the juicy tidbits I enjoy.

I am 100% african chic who is 100% intereted in all thing african, all things chic, hence "AfriqueChic"

I do hope you enjoy and see something new that you can get into.