Behind The Seams: Bunmi Koko

Written By: Belinda Otas—In addition to our fashion piece on Bunmi Koko, the London based Nigerian designer, we would like to add that Bunmi took the time to learn her craft. Passionate about design and style from an early age, Bunmi also studied at some of London’s leading fashion institutes.

Bunmi explains, "I knew I wanted to be a designer from the moment I could hold a pencil. I drew on everything from an early age, from drawing cartoon images to drawing dresses that I saw in magazines. But the defining moment was the summer I started making clothes for my Barbie doll. I used everything I could find, socks, and denim even wrapping paper and cellotape. I was only about five or six years old. The passion to draw and paint developed over the years and I took the necessary steps to gain the required skills by studying art and design in addition to a Styling & Photography at the prestigious London College of Fashion where I showed a dedication to fashion, style and the photographic medium. However, I still had a hunger to design and make clothes and went on to study for a degree in Fashion Design & Marketing. During my studies, I had the privilege of working for luxury companies such as Prada, Harrods, Allison Rodger and Louis Vuitton. It was during this time that I developed my individual creative style and an understanding of what luxury garments look like."

Read more about Bunmi Koko in the current, Designer Edition, of MIMI.

(Photo Credits: © David Brunetti for Bunmi Koko)

On The Style Tip: Purple Lipstick—Fashion Do Or Fashion Don't?

Written By: Nani Hapa—I for one had too many fashion disasters from the 90s, and at the top of my list of fashion regrets is purle lipstick. I swore I would rue the day that black women started wearing purple lipstick again, but this Fall I've started reconsidering my stance against purple lipstick. Celebrities and stylists everywhere are embracing it, and not just for goth inspired looks. Done the right way, it can make for a dramatic and sophisticated look. What do you think, is purple lipstick a fashion do or a fashion don't? Let me know in your comments!

(Photo Credits: ⓒ Iconogenic/iStockphoto) (Model Used Solely For Illustrative Purposes)

Sade Set to Release Soldier Of Love Worldwide On February 8th

Written By: Staff Writer—The wait is now over. Soldier of Love, the highly anticipated new body of work from Sade will be released worldwide on February 8, 2010. Yay! Here's what Sade's label, Epic Records, had to say:

Known for their one of a kind timeless sound, Sade has enjoyed phenomenal success both internationally and stateside throughout the span of their twenty-five year career. Since the release of their debut album, Diamond Life in 1984, the band has seen all five of their studio albums land in the Top 10 on Billboard's Top 200 Album Chart selling a total of more than 50 million albums worldwide to date. They've been nominated for American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and have won three Grammy Awards—first in 1986 for Best New Artist, then in 1994 for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group for No Ordinary Love, and again in 2002 for Best Pop Vocal Album with Lovers Rock. Soldier Of Love was recorded in England and produced by the band and their longtime collaborator Mike Pela.

Read more about Soldier of Love by following the "Read More" link ...

All That Jazz! Concha Buika

Written By: Staff Writer—Concha Buika's (pronounced BWEE-kah) musical fusion of flamenco, jazz, soul and dance rhythms has been a sensation in Spain since her debut album, Mi Nina Lola, came out in 2005. The album earned Buika credibility, recognition, awards, and a fan base yearning for more. Buika's latest album, La Nina de Fuego, is a collection of flamenco songs and Spanish and Mexican folk ballads. The songs are about women dealing with loneliness, infidelity and the consequences of falling in love with the wrong man—or woman. Read more about Buika by clicking on the “Read More” link ...

November 2009: The Designer Edition And The Fashionista Edition

Written By: Staff Writer—The month of November is all about fashion at MIMI, and because we love fashion whether it is expressed on the runway, on the streets, in clothes, in accessories, in art, or some other medium—or approached as a business, a lifestyle, or entertainment, or a different perspective all together—we have published a double fashion issue (a Designer Edition and a Fashionista Edition) to capture the many different sides of African fashion. MIMI's Designer Edition features British-born Ghanaian fashion designer, TV personality, entrepreneur, and author Samata Angel on the cover, while our Fashionista Edition features Kenyan model Sandra Nyanchoka on the cover.

Inside the Designer Edition of MIMI's November 2009 issue, go behind the seams of haute couture designer Bunmi Olaye's Bunmi Koko label, learn the economics of fashion with Sanabora's Beatrice Mwasi, get inspired to live soulfully and beautifully with Malene Barnett of malene b rugs, adorn yourself with Ruby Buah's authentic Afri-chic KUA clutches, and get lost in dreamy wax prints with Vlisco's latest collection.

Inside the Fashionista Edition of MIMI's November 2009 issue, get beauty tips from actress Stephanie Okereke and style tips from singer Anna Reynolds, learn model behavior from Sandra Nyanchoka, go on a gold jewelry rush with actress Hlubi Mboya, and remember not to take fashion so seriously by having a laugh with Just Another Day of our beloved heroine Mimi and her fashion misadventures.

MIMI Link: Volume 5, Issue 8: Designer Edition; Volume 5, Issue 8: Fashionista Edition

(Photo Credits:  Left: © Samata Angel.  Right: © Sandra Nyanchoka)

9 Questions For Fashion Model Sandra Nyanchoka

Written By: Staff Writer—Supermodel hopeful Sandra Nyanchoka was a contestant on Cycle 12 of the reality television series, America’s Next Top Model (ANTM). She has since continued on her path as a fashion model and has bigger and brighter plans for the future. MIMI caught up with Sandra to ask her 9 questions about her style and the substance that defines it.

1. My personal style is influenced by ... a lot of different designs. When I go shopping, I basically buy what I like. I don’t care if it is in style or not. I like to create my own style.
2. People are not aware of the fact that I ... am from such a big family.
3. Being on ANTM ... was stressful but I am thankful for the experience.
4. In my handbag I always carry ... lip gloss.
5. I am passionate about ... nature. Especially flowers! I want to have my own garden in the future.
6. My personal motto is ... if you have a dream go after it. Not everyone may believe in you but you should always believe in yourself.
7. Over the next year I ... would like to start an organization for orphan children in Africa.
8. In ten years I see myself ... financially stable, happily married and pregnant.
9. Being an African woman means ... everything to me. I love the richness of my culture and I am proud of who I am.

For more information, visit: www.sandranyanchoka.com.

(Photo Credits: Beverly Alford)

Be In MIMI

Written By: Staff Writer—We want you to be a part of the voice of African women around the world. Take a cue from Amirah Tajdin, A Girl With A Story To Tell, Without The Hot Sauce, and the "New Music Girl On The Block,"Akua Afram and send us a write-up about yourself. Or, if you fancy, complete the following questions about yourself: (1) I am ... , (2) My connection to Africa is ..., (3) My dream is to ..., (4) I am inspired by ..., (5) I love ... (6) Most people would be surprised to know ..., (7) To me being an African woman means ..., and (8) One of the best pieces of advice I have ever received is .... Tell us all of this about yourself, tell us some of this about yourself, or tell us something else about yourself!

You can reach MIMI at mimimagazineonline[at]gmail.com. Oh, and don't forget to send along your photograph.


(Photo Credits: DigitalSkillet/iStockPhoto)

Wale's Attention Deficit

Written By: Staff Writer—Attention Deficit, the debut album from hip hop artist, Wale (who hails from Washington DC with Nigerian roots) just hit stores. Attention Deficit features production from Mark Ronson, Cool & Dre, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, 9th Wonder, Green Lantern and others. It also includes the summer's hit single Chillin' featuring Lady GaGa.

MIMI Book Review: Lola Jaye

Written By: Nicole Parker-Jones—Young, up-and-coming, Nigerian-British author Lola Jaye has three published works under her belt, and she's only just getting started! Lola's first novel, By The Time You Read This, follows the life of Lois Bates from age twelve to thirty, as she grows up in the company of her father Kevin, who passed away when Lois was just five-years-old, but left Lois with a manual to live by. Lola explains, "The manual tells her how to live, work and love and she tries her best to follow everything her dad has written, but sometimes it's hard." Lola's second publication Reaching For The Stars, was released in the UK in the Spring of this year as part of the UK’s “Quick Reads” program in which bestselling authors deliver short new works. Lola describes the book as a guide "on how to follow your dreams." Lola's third, and newest book, While You Were Dreaming, is described by Lola as a "modern day Sleeping Beauty story."

Read more about the inspiring novelista by clicking on the "Read More" link ...

Remebering "Mama Africa" Miriam Makeba

Written By: Staff Writer—On this date, one year ago, Miriam Makeba (born Zenzile Miriam Makeba) collapsed while on stage while singing her hit song Pata Pata for a concert organized to support writer Roberto Saviano in his stand against the Camorra, a mafia-like organization local to the Region of Campania, Italy. Makeba was taken to a clinic where doctors were unable to revive her.

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The beloved and iconic Makeba was well known throughout the world as Mama Africa for her heartfelt songs about the continent as well as her dedication to the struggles of African people. "You sing about those things that surround you," she said. "Our surrounding has always been that of suffering from apartheid and the racism that exists in our country. So our music has to be affected by all that."

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Makeba's singing career started in the 1950s as she mixed jazz with traditional South African songs. She came to international attention in 1959 during a tour of the United States with South African group the Manhattan Brothers. She was forced into exile soon after when her passport was revoked after starring in an anti-apartheid documentary and did not return to her native country until after Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990. As MIMI writer Joké Babington-Ashaye, wrote in the article Rebel Artists And Politics: Beating The Drums Of War (originally published in March 2006):

For 31 years she lived in forced exile as "a citizen of the world.” With her strong voice and heartfelt lyrics the woman also known as Mama Africa ... used her voice as an instrument against injustice. Singing in several different languages Mariam Makeba was very vocal against Apartheid regime in South Africa. The deciding change in her career path from a well liked local singer to an international advocate for human rights was her appearance and performance in the Anti-Apartheid film Come Back Africa. The film won awards and after her testimony about apartheid in front of the United Nations, she was officially banned from returning to South Africa. Assisted by Harry Belafonte she obtained a visa and initially welcomed by the American Government she soon became a persona non grata after her involvement in the civil rights movement and her marriage to Black Panther leader Stokely Carmichael. The couple fled to Guinea, when President Sékou Touré issued Makeba with a diplomatic passport. Makeba did face criticism some years later for her seeming silence in the face of human rights violations which occurred in Guinea during Touré’s reign. From Guinea she started out on her tours the most famous being Paul Simon's Graceland tour. She used the stage as a platform to fight for a unified Africa and fight against racism. She appeared twice as ambassador extraordinary in front of the UNO General Assembly and fulfilled further diplomatic missions.

In a league of her own, Makeba (the first black African woman to win a Grammy Award, which she shared with Harry Belafonte in 1965) is oftentimes cited as an inspiration to artists and civil rights leaders alike. As Nelson Mandela shared in a tribute to Makeba following her passing: "Her haunting melodies gave voice to the pain of exile and disclocation which she felt for 31 long years. At the same time, her music inspired a powerful sense of hope in all of us. Even after she returned home she continued to use her name to make a difference by mentoring musicians and supporting struggling young women. One of her more recent projects was to highlight the plight of victims of land mines. She was South Africa's first lady of song and so richly deserved the title of Mama Afrika. She was a mother to our struggle and to the young nation of ours."

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(Photo Credits: Courtesy Heads Up International)

Asa: Isn't She Lovely!

Written By: Nani Hapa—To hear culturally conscious singer/songwriter Asa (pronounced "Asha") talk about her music, is to fall in love with everything that her music stands for. "I want my music to touch people. As an African, I want to give hope back to my people, but also to speak in their name. I want to show the world that something beautiful and positive can come out of the black continent and inspire young people all over the world.”

Although Asa has been around for a number of years (she has opened for acts such as Akon and John Legend), her music made its way into my CD collection only last week after a good friend urged me to listen to her to cure my homesickness. It takes all of one minute of listening to Asa to be captivated by her sound. I don't think words can do justice to Asa's music, but here's my humble attempt: spirited, soulful, emotional, personal, raspy, and lovely. Asa's eponymous debut CD (released in 2007) is available everywhere.

(Photo Credits: Lauren Dukoff)

Eki's Famous Jewelry

Written By: Ronke Adepoju—Ekiuwa (pronounced "Eh-Key-Wa") Asemota, born of parents from Nigeria and the Dominican Republic, started designing her own clothes and jewelry at an early age. Influenced by fashion trends from Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and New York, Ekiuwa has a distinctive style mixed with American trends that always stands out amongst her peers. Eki's pieces are created from alterations of other pieces. The fabrics used include lace, denim, brocade, beads of all kinds, leather, linen and vintage clothing patterns. Her style can be defined as "street yet urban couture." Now in her 20s, Eki has launched her line of one-of-a-kind and unique jewelry Eki's Famous, through The Gift Agency, LLC.

Her jewelry line consists of various original pieces: earrings, necklaces, rings and clothing inspired by everyday occurrences. "When I make my jewelry, I'm motivated by friends and family, who tell me their stories, and what happened to them throughout the day," says Eki. "I love to create unique pieces that identify with people's individuality." With Eki's Famous Jewelry, anyone can find a piece they like—one that fits their famous style!

(Photo Credits: Provided Courtesy Of Blueprint By Ronke—www.blueprintbyronke.com—For Eki's Famous Jewelry)

New Music From Cesaria Evora, Nha Sentimento

Written By: Staff Writer—Cesaria Evora has overcome poverty, a revolution, and even a recent stroke to become a national treasure of Cape Verde and uphold her reputation as an increasingly adventurous icon of world music. On her latest album, Nha Sentimento (released digitally on October 26), Cesaria ventures further afield than ever before, twisting Arabic musical traditions into bluesy, sinuous compositions from some of Cape Verde’s best songwriters.

Forty-five years since she began her career, the unassumingly matronly and weathered Evora with a crinkly, lopsided grin found her music in a studio in downtown Cairo. “This time it was from Egypt,” Evora relates, “but it can be from anywhere.” “We cross other borders to achieve other styles,” explains her producer, José da Silva. “We recorded a disk with Cuban musicians and also with Brazilian musicians. The previous album involved African musicians, and now we have taken new inspiration from Arabic music. This makes us open-minded to other cultures.”

The result is music as cosmopolitan and potent as a cocktail: a dozen exotic potables swirl in Brownian motion, lifting up a shot of pure grain Cesaria. Get more information by visiting www.cesaria-evora.com.

The Difference Salif Keita Is Trying To Make

Written By: Staff Writer—On November 16, Salif Keita will release his latest studio album, The Difference. And what a difference Keita is trying to make with this album. This CD will be sold to benefit a charitable foundation designed to help albino Malians and facilitate the fight against discrimination against them. Keita has asked everyone to buy this album to help albino children in their fight everyday. "I appeal to music lovers, to all those who love music do not pirate/bootleg this album. I have done this to help albinos. The funds will be used only for that really. It is my wish. Tell them not to pirate this album. " Read more about Keita's mission by following the "Read More" link ...
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Marie Ndiaye's Trois Femmes Puissantes

Written By: Nicole Parker-Jones—For the first time in its history, France's top literary prize, the Prix Goncourt, was awarded to a black woman: French Senegalese author Marie Ndiaye. The Prix Goncourt was awarded to Ndiaye for her novel Trois Femmes Puissantes ("Three Powerful Women"), which is about three African women, each with one foot in France and the other in Africa (the novel is not currently available in English).

A prodigy, Ndiaye began writing at the age of 12 and published her first work when she was 17. Her 2001 work, Rosie Carpe, garnered her attention when she was awarded the prestigious Prix Femina literary prize. Despite touching on social themes (such as race and gender) in her oft-times surreal stories, Ndiaye has reportedly gone on the record to explain: "I don't represent anything or anyone. I have met many French people raised in Africa who are more African than I am."

From The Archives: The Absence Of Colour

Written By: Annameka Porter-Sinclair—As a Jamaican born black woman, brought up in the UK, identity has always been an issue of interest. Growing up in a muli-cultural environment, that is now it’s own entity as a conglomeration of cultures, where communities fight for their individually and the government press multi-culturalism, in order to understand and accommodate the ethnic minorities need to hold on, to their pre-defined roots of origin, how does a the Black British woman find her sense of self, in a metropolis that has evolved as one culture, London.

In a country that fundamentally attained it’s supremacy through exploration and discovery of new land and civilisations, where it’s economic development and technological geometry is structured and build by many cultures, how does one find ones self without looking back, at the trail of hurt and injustice that brought my ancestry to the Caribbean or looking out on today’s news at the black on black violence in the UK, where second generation Caribbean youth and African youth conflict.

With hurt behind you and conflict in the present, highlighted by the media, I long for a distraction as do many, some take up artistic expression, whether music, drama, dance or throw themselves into their profession, marriage, religion, whatever, I can only speak of what I have observed, I see a lot of black British seeking for a sense of self, clinging to their culture, in a media drenched environment that caters for the white British demographic.

So how do the twenty something black British women define herself outside from her career or loved ones? Read the rest of this article by clicking on the "Read More" link ...

Khaliah Ali On A Mission To Raise Awareness Of The Efforts Of Humanitarian Agencies Serving The Democratic Republic Of The Congo

Written By: Staff Writer—Khaliah Ali, author, fashion designer, and daughter of legendary boxing icon Muhammad Ali, is celebrating the 35th anniversary of the historic "Rumble in the Jungle" bout between Ali and George Foreman by embarking on a humanitarian visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This marks the first time that an Ali family member has returned to the country where one of sports most historic events took place (October 30, 1974).

“My father and the Congolese people share a remarkable bond born from an event that empowered a country and supported him as he reclaimed his heavyweight crown. I know that the spirit of the 60,000 people who witnessed the fight live inside his heart to this day,” says Khaliah. “It has been my dream to show my deep affection and gratitude to the Congolese people for the integral part they played in my own family’s history. This trip offers an opportunity to become involved in ongoing relief programs serving the region and to gain a deeper understanding of the progress being made in the western and southern regions and the tragedies that still exist in the east.”

Khaliah is being hosted by international fashion model, humanitarian, founder of the Georges Malaika Foundation (Empowering Girls Through Education), and two time MIMI covergirl (Summer 2006 and September 2007)), Noella Coursaris Musunka (Shooting Star). While in the Congo, Khaliah will visit women’s collectives, schools created to serve the needs of children orphaned by the country’s ongoing civil wars and medical facilities. Khaliah will also travel to more remote areas of the country under their auspices of UNICEF to support the organization's ongoing efforts of UNICEF.

In addition to Khaliah’s humanitarian work, she will meet and speak with many local Congolese citizens, address students at The University of Lubumbashi and Kinshasa and learn about the diverse needs of the Congolese people. Among Khaliah’s activities will be laying the first stone at the Georges Malaika School for Girls in Kalebuka, Katanga, founded by Noella Coursaris.

Look for live updates from Khaliah’s trip to the Congo on MIMI's blog!

(Photo Credits: Provided Courtesy Of www.illuminegroup.com)

November Issue Preview: It's A Special Double Fashion Edition!

Written By: Staff Writer—MIMI is gearing up to release a special double fashion issue. The "Designer Edition" of MIMI's upcoming fashion issue will feature designer Samata Angel and the "Fashionista Edition" of MIMI's fashion issue will feature model Sandra Nyanchoka.

Look for MIMI's double fashion issue to be published next week!

(Photo Credits: Sandra Nyanchoka Photographed By Beverly Alford and Samata Angel Photographed By Alex Leonhardt)

Bettye Muller: (Sh)oe La La!

Written By: Nani Hapa—How utterly fabulous are these shoes from Bettye Muller's Spring 2006 collection? These may be completely out of season, but AfriChic inspiration is always in style!

Get inspired by visiting: www.bettyemuller.com

MIMI Related Links: Doreen Mashika: Effortlessly Afri-Chic

(Photo Credits: Courtesy of www.bettymuller.com)

November Issue Preview: KUA—It's All In The Bag!

Written By: Staff Writer—Ruby Buah's KUA ("Keeping Us Authentic") clutch purses are like little treasures. The enduring pieces in Ruby's collection include KUA's signature woven half moon-shaped clutches as well as traditional African wax print fabrics embellished with sequins and colorful flowers. Take a closer look at KUA by clicking on the "Read More" link ...

November Issue Preview: malene b: Soulful. Creative. Living.

Written By: Staff Writer—Global art and world culture drive Malene Barnett's signature rugs in hand-knotted, hand-tufted and flat-woven wool and silk. Malene says her company, malene b, was the natural outgrowth of three things: her textile studies at New York’s prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology, her years working as a textile designer, and a passion for exotic travel. Read an excerpt from MIMI's interview with Malene by following the "Read More" link ...

November Issue Preview: Vlisco's Frozen Dreams

Written By: Staff Writer—"Frozen Dreams: Surrealism Awakened" is Vlisco's latest collection, which is all about contrast in characteristcs, pattern design, and shapes. More from Vlisco after the "Read More" link ...