Kina Klothing: African To A Tee

.
Written By: Nani Hapa—Every now and then, I "discover" (I use the term loosely here) something that is so out of this world cool, that all I can say is: DOPE (sorry mama, sometimes a little bit of slang goes a long way in capturing an emotion). That's how I felt when I saw Kina Klothing's t-shirts (www.kinaklothing.com). Kina Klothing is all about "Pan Afrikan, Art, Bongo Flava, Afro Beat, Taarab, Fashion, Poetry, Sankofa, Jazz, Pop-Culture, Fela Kuti , 60s, 70s, 80s Afrika, HipHop, Illustration, Cassette Tapes, Street, Soul, Vinyl Records, Politics, Animation, Disco, Electronic, Basketball, Fun, Zouk, Bolingo, Photography, Soccer, Play, CDs, mp3s, Graphic Design … everyday people." My personal favorite t-shirt is this one featuring Julius Nyerere; not only would I rock this t-shirt in a heartbeat (I can see myself in this t-shirt, a pair of faded jeans and my curls on the loose at a house party dancing to Congolese music), I would probably fall head over heels in love at first sight with any guy who would is aware enough to wear the Nyerere t-shirt:
.
(Photo Credits: www.KinaKlothing.com)

Stephanie Okereke Covers MIMI

Written By: Staff Writer—Award winning Nollywood actress Stephanie Okereke is looking absolutely fabulous on MIMI's September 2009 issue, which is slated for release next week. The release of MIMI's September issue coincides with Stephanie's release of her new website, www.stephanieokereke.net, and the nationwide release (in Nigeria) of her writing, producing and directing debut Through The Glass. Stephanie opened up to MIMI about her life and how its ups and downs have shaped her to become the accomplished woman that she is today; here's a snippet of what Stephanie had to share with MIMI in her interview:

"Acting is my first love. I will always be an actress. For behind the scenes roles, I will not stop myself either, I just go as the job demands and as my passion leads me. There are so many things I want to learn and master about the industry. I get excited just thinking about it ... [Through The Glass was] my first time writing, producing and directing. It was very tasking and humbling, it absolutely made me appreciate more the people behind the scene. The first thought of it scared the hell out of me, you know, stepping out of one’s comfort zone and also not wanting to fail in all these different tasks, but in general, it was an exceptional experience and certainly more comforting that people loved the movie."

You can read the rest of Stephanie's interview and much more in MIMI's September 2009 issue! Look for an annoucement about the new issue here, or follow MIMI on Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates.

From The Archives: Loving Our Flaws

Written By: Wadzanai Mhute—Flaw: a feature that mars the perfection of something, defect, weakness or blemish.

.

So you came into this world looking a little less than perfect, what a tragedy. I do not mean to be callous but let's face it, we all have something that we would like to change about ourselves. As irony would have it, we want a little more, where we have less, and we want a little less where we have more. However, in the words of Tom Gunn of Project Runway “make it work Yes I am talking to you. M-A-K-E I-T W-O-R-K!

.

Maybe that is a bit too simplistic, after all some insecurities are ingrained from many years of self deprecation and other people's unwarranted observations. Although it has been said time and time again, no one is perfect, and you should take comfort in knowing that.

What distinguishes a secure person from one who is insecure is not beauty, but is the ability to live with flaws. Moving to loving your flaws, well that takes a concerted effort. You should have a realistic understanding of who you are. This means, among other things, recognizing that your body's proportions are what they no matter what your dress size, knowing that you are beautiful no matter what shape your facial features are composed of. Be aware of your good and bad points, know your limitations and know where you need help. Compensate for the areas where you lack by looking within and making a conscious decision to focus on what you can change and accepting what you cannot. In short be self-aware. Then you can be open to consulting others in areas where you need help.

.

Frustration and self-loathing may be the result of being unrealistic in seeing the truth.. Acknowledging our flaws and accepting them will make us accept flaws in others because we know that imperfection. abounds in everyone. In the words of Reinhold Niebuhr: "Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the. difference."

.

Loving Our Flaws was originally published in MIMI's January 2007 issue.

.

(Photo Credits: Ekaterina Monakhova / iStockphoto) (Model Used Solely For Illustrative Purposes)

From The Archives: The Spirit Of Rastafarianism

Written By: Ngum Ngafor—Since its inception in the 1930s, Rastafarianism has been at the heart of numerous African liberation struggles. But despite gaining global recognition through the music and activism of reggae legend Bob Marley, it remains the subject of scorn and marginalisation—even by the very people it aimed to emancipate. Best-selling author, educationist and radio presenter, Dr. Sandra Richards tells MIMI why, despite the odds, she is proud to be close to this much-misunderstood way of life.

MIMI: What is the basic philosophy of Rastafarianism?
Dr. Sandra Richards: Rastafarianism, as I understand it, is about African redemption. It’s about a way of living -what they would call a livity, which is to follow the teachings of the prophet, who is Haile Selassie. The fundamental belief system of Rasta is that they are to keep themselves in line with his teachings.

MIMI: Haile Selassie didn’t actually found Rastafarianism. Some say he was even surprised by it. What exactly was it about Selassie’s thinking that drew Rastafarians towards him?
SR: I think the prime thing about Haile Selassie is his lineage. He came from a particular royal line and that’s one of the fundamental things. He also showed that to have livity is not about being poor in any way. It’s about having abundance; that was demonstrated in the way he was with his family and in what he promoted. So, yes, I too understand that he didn’t found Rastafarianism. However the movement came out of a belief system which was held up by how he lived and demonstrated self-determination. It’s not too far from the teachings of the Rt Hon Marcus Mosiah Garvey in actual fact.

MIMI: Tell me more about the influence of Marcus Garvey on Rastafarians.
SR: Marcus Mosiah Garvey talked about ‘race first’ – having pride in one’s ancestry and recognising that Africans have a right, as anyone else to look towards themselves in terms of self-determination, taking pride (in themselves) and having businesses and all that comes with being self-determining. So the philosophies and the teachings of Marcus Garvey are in complete keeping with Rasta livity because it is about self-determination and holding fast to race and spirituality without apology.

MIMI: But with multiculturalism currency in a globalised climate, the idea of ‘race first’ seems rather unsettling - even divisive!
SR: The truth of the matter is that people are going to be uncomfortable. Unfortunately, up until a movement such as Rastafari, the people that have always been uncomfortable have been African people and it seems rather unjust that the only people who should ever be this way are Africans. So if other people feel ill at ease when a nation decides to take pride in themselves, then that really is an issue for them. Everybody has a right to be proud of their ancestry. To be African is not a mistake.

MIMI: Rasta’s African focus is very clear but is it a religion or a movement?
SR: I don’t actually subscribe to dividing anything. I think that Rastafari is more than a religion. It is a spiritual way of being. A religion is quite divisive and seeks to pocket people. Rasta is not defined simply by the way you look or the way you dress or where you go. Rasta is a vibration. It’s far more encompassing than notions of religion. Rasta is very clearly a movement; it’s about the opposite of stagnation. It’s entirely about elevation and so Rastafari will ensure that even if it causes some difficulty, they will push forward that which they know elevates. It is a way of being, which encompasses peace, love, truth and balance. These are also the tenets of a (Egyptian) spiritual principle called Ma’at. One could also say to be Rasta is political.

To read the rest of this article, which was originally published in MIMI's November 2007 issue, click here.

(Photo Credits: © Paco Romero Photography / iStockPhoto) (Model Used Solely For Illustrative Purposes)

I Adore Aya!

Written By: Nani Hapa—I may be well into my twenties, but that doesn't mean that I still don't have a special place in my heart for a good girly soap opera of a story, and Aya written by Marguerite Abouet (who was born and raised in the Ivory Coast) and illustrated by Clément Oubrerie doesn't disappoint.

.

Aya tells the story of the studious and clear-sighted nineteen-year-old Aya, her easygoing friends Adjoua and Bintou, and their colorful relatives and neighbors who live in the Ivory Coast in the 1970s. It's a breezy and wryly funny account of the simple pleasures and private troubles of everyday life in Yop City. Filled with universal stories about love, life, family and friendship, Aya is the book I wish I had to read when I was in my teens ... instead I read Sweet Valley High and The Baby-Sitters Club (nothing wrong with that).

.

Besides sharing beautiful stories and illustrations, the Aya book series also offers a peek into Ivorian (and more generally Africa) culture, complete with recipes, glossaries, and wardrobe instructions for turning one’s pagne (a brightly colored fabric) into a skirt, headwrap or baby carrier.

.

If you can get over the fact that it is illustrated (first, it would be going too far to call it a comic book, it's really a graphic novel ... ahem; second, how many times can you support a story about a black female animated protagonist?), I highly recommend this fun and entertaining read! And bonus points—if you know a female African teen, this is a fun book to read with her (I know I'm definitely the coolest of the older female cousins for sharing this book with my younger cousins ;)).

September Issue Preview: Returning To Africa To Find A Spouse

Written By: Staff Writer—Finding a spouse in this age of online dating and open relationships is much like searching for the proverbial needle in a haystack. Add to that, the likelihood of finding a spouse who shares your African heritage, and the odds stack up even more against your finding that special someone. Given these discouraging odds, an increasing number of African immigrants living abroad are looking to their home countries to find spouses who they believe are more likely to share their values.

Charles*, a 30-something Tanzanian engineer living in the United States, explains, "I am a traditional man who was looking for a wife who shared my values. I dated women here [in America] but was unimpressed; I found that most Tanzanian women were Tanzanian in name only. They were looking for a man who was a ‘total package’—at the time I was a student who was working my way up; I couldn’t offer the world to them at the time, but I knew it was only a matter of time before I was established." Frustrated with his dating experiences in America, Charles spent a month in Tanzania, looking for a woman to become his wife. With the assistance of his extended family and childhood friends, Charles found a woman he was happy to marry after a six month long distance courtship. As unusual as Charles’s courtship rituals seem, Charles is not alone. Fatima, a Somali mother of two twenty-something sons who are studying in America, openly discourages her sons from getting attached to girls who have not been raised in Somalia. "I tell them that they can date who they want, but it can never be serious. When they are ready to marry, I will take them home [to Somalia] to find their wives.

Read the rest of this article when MIMI's September 2009 issue is published! In the meantime, let us know your thoughts about going back to your home country to find a spouse by leaving a comment below.

MIMI Related Articles: In Defense Of My Childless Marriage; Would You Marry You?

(Photo Credits: © Bryan Creely Dreamstime) (Models Used Solely For Illustrative Purposes)

Personalizing MIMI's Blogspot

Written By: Staff Writer—Moving forward, MIMI will identify the author of each entry on our blog, just like this entry, which has been drafted by a "staff writer." Our hope is to bring you more of what you've come to expect from the blog—current and fresh news, as well as mix things up with some opinion pieces about what is happening in Africa and the Diaspora. If you would like to share your opinion on MIMI's blogspot, send an email to mimimagazineonline[at]gmail.com.

Bronx Princess, A Ghanaian Coming Of Age Story

Bronx Princess follows headstrong 17-year-old Rocky's journey as she leaves behind her mother in New York City to reunite with her father, a chief in Ghana. Set during the tumultuous summer between high-school and college, Bronx Princess tells Rocky's coming-of-age story. By confronting her immigrant parents' ideas of adulthood, Rocky reconciles her African heritage with her dream of independence.

Bronx Princess Trailer from Yoni Brook on Vimeo.

Bronx Princess is also behind an outreach campaign to improve access to educational resources for urban youth and bridge the educational divide in immigrant families. The goal is to remove the obstacles that immigrant and low-income youth face when seeking post-secondary education. To learn more, visit www.bronxprincess.com.

Kokoo Girl

Check out Ugandan-born singer Jaqee's album cover for Kokoo Girl, her fourth studio release. This is definitely a new look for Jaqee; love her ever-evolving style. Expect to see more of Jaqee's evolving style in MIMI's upcoming September 2009 issue. In the meantime, if you'd like to read a past interview of Jaqee, take a look at How Black Is Your Heart: Jaqee from MIMI's October 2006 and you can always visit her official website www.jaqee.com.

Ruby Amanfu Releases New Music

This month, duo Sam and Ruby (Ruby debuted on the musical scene as a solo artist—check out her profile in MIMI's Hot 21 from 2005 ... more on that later) released their highly anticipated album, The Here and The Now. The Nashville-based duo gently blend R&B, folk and pop into a sound so immediately warm and welcoming that falling in love with their debut album is a foregone conclusion. They aim to reach both the head and the heart and a few other parts as well; The Here And The Now will surely inspire more than a few couples to get up and dance close and slow, wherever and whenever they happen to be listening. That Sam & Ruby have succeeded so brilliantly, and so seemingly effortlessly, is a tribute to their talent and chemistry—and to the sometimes felicitous role fate plays in music and in life.

Ruby, who was born in Ghana, has spent most of her life in Nashville. Her father, a computer scientist, was recruited by a Tennessee-based firm, and he moved his family to Nashville when she was just three. As she recalls, “When I got here, I remember taking walks with my dad, just me and him, and I would be singing little songs about the flowers we’d see or I’d be singing on my parent’s coffee table when their friends would come over. Nashville was a great place to nurture this thing I had in me all along.”

Her parents were devout Christians and sheltered Ruby from secular music: “I was only allowed to listen to Christian and classical music. Even jazz was too progressive for my parents at the time. But, I’ve always been writing, I’ve always had it in me, it was my first love. When I was ten, my best friend gave me Madonna’s Like a Prayer and it really opened up my world. The way Madonna was writing—this was not something I’d ever known. The funny thing was, within myself I knew that was also how I wrote, and this was the first songwriting I’d come into contact with that was similar to what I wanted to do. I thought, this exists!”

It would still be several years before Sam & Ruby officially became a duo. Ruby released a solo album, Smoke and Honey in the UK, which reached Top Forty on the British pop charts with a song called, “Sugah.” Just as Ruby should have been savoring this success, record label snafus left her high and dry in Nashville. That’s about when Sam came back into town. So they combined their complementary talents, and the track The Here And The Now was born, laying the foundation for a deeply creative partnership. “That song became a staple of our individual shows,” adds Sam. “If I had a gig, I would invite Ruby up to sing and if she had a show, she’d invite me. We had that one song and people really started responding. We heard the word magical a lot. We knew it too, writing the song and singing the harmonies, we thought, this is something special.”

.

Finding each other by happenstance, Sam & Ruby sound like they were always meant to sing together—and we’re lucky enough to be around to hear. Listen to Sam & Ruby at www.myspace.com/samandruby

(Photo Credits: Sam & Ruby Cover Art / Micah Kandros)

Michael Olatuja Speaks Harmony On His Debut Album

British/Nigerian bassist Michael Olatuja began crafting the music that would become his debut album Speak (2009) as long ago as 2003. From there, the music took shape organically as the pieces fell into place, Olatuja calling upon a large cast of musicians to assist him in realizing the self-produced project, including several singers who alternate on lead vocals: Eska Mtungwazi, Andrew Roachford, Terri Walker, Michael's wife Alicia Olatuja and the late neo-soul artist Lynden David Hall. With musical influences and guests from around the world, the album touches on each spot Olatuja has hit around the globe, including his childhood in London and Lagos, Nigeria, and his professional years in London and New York.

Speak is clearly the album Olatuja has been working toward his entire career and points to a strong future. Themes of hope, encouragement, inspiration and positivity emerge from strong instrumental tracks and vocals in English and Yoruba. "The language of music is one that we all speak," Olatuja explains. "It unites diverse cultures." Listen to Speak at www.myspace.com/olatuja

(Photo Credits: Carsten Fleck)

MIMI Magazine's September Issue: Guess Who?

Guess which Nollywood actress will grace the cover of MIMI's September 2009 issue? Hint: in addition to being an accomplished actress, she is a writer, producer, and director.

MIMI Related Articles: Genevieve Nnaji: True Star; Ini Edo: All The World's Her Stage

I Am An African Woman ...

I am an African woman ... but that does not mean that I am defined by hip-hop culture. My tastes are wide and diverse and encompass history and traditions from across the globe. I am Bantu culture, I am black culture, I am Ashanti culture, I am Fulani culture, I am Afro-Trinidadian culture, I am Masai culture, I am Ibo culture, I am Kikuyu culture, I am African-American culture, I am Zulu culture, I am Yoruba culture, I am the cultural elite, I am underground culture, I am pop culture, I am Afropean culture, I am mainstream culture, ... and yes, I am hip-hop culture.

MIMI Related Link: I Am An African Woman ...

(Photo Credits: Paul Hakimata © Dreamstime) (Model Used Solely For Illustrative Purposes)

Style Inspiration: Rock An Afro

(Photo Credits: Felix Mizioznikov © Dreamstime) (Model Used Solely For Illustrative Purposes)

Are You African American?

Almost 3 million of America's black population are foreign born. Between 1980 and 2005, this population more than tripled-Haitians quadrupled-Ethiopians increased 13 times. Director Kobina Aidoo addresses what it means to be a black immigrant living in America in the documentary The Neo African Americans. Kobina explains,

"Having come from an overwhelmingly majority black country, I had only thought of my being black in philosophical terms. Living it as a minority was new to me, and I felt myself getting squeezed in boxes with which I was unfamiliar. For instance, I didn’t know why people in the gym wanted me on their basketball team. Of course, I knew why, but I didn’t know why, given that I would only go on to embarrass myself—and all black people. By talking to other black immigrants, I realized they were all dealing with the idea of becoming black in America in different ways—the process of becoming black in America is quite different for the Somali in Minnesota, the Trinidadian in Queens, the Afro Cuban in Miami, and the Kenyan student in Iowa ... With my shoestring budget, camera equipment, Adobe Premiere, and tons of help from family, friends, scholars and strangers..., I hope The Neo African Americans becomes one useful tool for this timely and important conversation."

Join the coversation about how rapid, voluntary immigration from the Caribbean and, especially, Africa is transforming the African American narrative at neoafricanamericans.wordpress.com

MIMI Related Links: Are You African Enough?, Compromising Ourselves

Not Yet Rain: : Ethiopian Women Struggle to Obtain Safe Abortions

Every year, millions of women around the world risk their lives to end unintended pregnancies. Not Yet Rain, a 23-minute short film by Lisa Russell, produced in association with Ipas (a nongovernmental organization dedicated to preventing deaths and disabilities from unsafe abortions), explores abortion in Ethiopia through the voices of women who have faced the challenge of finding safe care, even though the country has one of Africa's most progressive abortion laws. Through their stories, we see the important role that safe abortion care plays in the overall health of women and their families.

Not Yet Rain is available for viewing online at: www.notyetrain.org

MIMI Related Link: Restoring Health And Dignity To Young African Women

African Booty Scratcher: A Short Film By Nikyatu Jusu

Filmmaker Nikyatu Jusu was born in Atlanta, Georgia to Sierra Leonean immigrant parents. Her passion for film led her to pursue an M.F.A. in the competitive film program at New York University, where she is currently studying.

Nikyatu recently released her first short film African Booty Scratcher (which Nikyatu wrote and directed), a coming of age story where West African tradition conflicts with American idealism and the protagonist Isatu is forced to reassess her alliances. The short film has earned Nikyatu several awards and festival acceptances. She was a finalist in the American Black Film Festival's shorts division enabling African Booty Scratcher to be acquired by HBO, where it is currently airing. Below, watch African Booty Scratcher:

African Booty Scratcher-Short Film by Nikyatu Jusu from Nikyatu Jusu on Vimeo.

Support the incredibly talented and original Nikyatu by visiting her official website: nikyatu.com and read all about her by visiting her blog: nikyatu.wordpress.com.

Noella Coursaris In Italian Vanity Fair

The women that we chose to feature in MIMI are women who are beautiful both on the inside and out. Model Noella Coursaris is no exception; she is one of two women to grace the cover of MIMI twice (Teiko Dornor is the other woman to hold that special place in MIMI's history).

When we first interviewed Noella, we were thrilled to learn that she was planning on starting her own foundation to help educate young girls (Shooting Star: Noella Coursaris). When we interviewed Noella a second time, we were filled with joy to learn that Noella met her goals, and indeed started The Georges Malaika Foundation (Empowering Girls Through Education). Now, Italian Vanity Fair has taken notice of Noella's outer and inner beauty and featuring her in their magazine.

Get the latest information about Noella Coursaris's work to educate young girls by following her on Twitter: twitter.com/GeorgesMalaika and visit the Georges Malaika official webiste: www.gmalaikaf.org.

Mpho Skeef: She's Not Your Average Chick

“I didn’t want to fall into the stereotypes or stupid expectations,” Mpho Skeef tells the London Paper, “—maybe I don’t want to be an RnB singer.” The genre-melding singer is fast becoming known for her unique style and her inability to be anything but true to herself, even in her art form.

MIMI first profiled the South-African born, London-based singer Mpho in the magazine back in 2005 (Unbound and Upward Bound: Mpho Skeef). The ultra cool, non-conformist, singer is back with some new music. The sound: dope. The lyrics: deep. The result: divine.

Mpho's music has been in heavy rotation while MIMI prepares its Fall 2009 issues (we can't get enough of Mpho's eclectic music). Mpho crosses the lines of genre so effortlessly throughout her upcoming debut album, Pop Art that she is already being heralded by music critics for her brave artistic ventures. Check out mphosounds.com where you can download a free mixtape with Mpho's new music (MIMI highly recommends checking her out).

(Photo Credits: Courtesy Of MphoSounds.com—Downloads)

The TENANT: A Tale Of A Nigerian Immigrant In Canada

Broken Manacles Entertainment a Canadian based film production company owned by Nigerians, will premiere their award winning movie, The TENANT, in October of this year. The movie which was written, produced, and directed by Jude Idada and Lucky Ejim, two Nigerian immigrants in Canada. Dare ‘BabaDee’ Fasasi also served as co-director.

The movie billed to premiere in Lagos, Nigeria in October, 2009 tells the tale of an African emigrant, Obinna, in search of a better future for himself and his family. Obinna, an African refugee in Canada, faces deportation in 30 days. When all hope seems lost, a chance confrontation with Timothy, his terminally ill landlord, provides him an opportunity to remain in the country. Timothy who is a former immigration officer makes him a deal: he will intervene in his pending deportation if Obinna finds his estranged daughter Nicole and convinces her to see him one last time before he dies. With the clock ticking, Obinna fights to save his dreams, in the course of which he stumbles on a discovery that will shake the very foundations of his beliefs.

The TENANT has already won international accolades which include: Audience Choice Award, Best Feature Film–(Hollywood Black Film Festival 2009), Beverly Hills, California; Best Feature Film–(Moving Image Film Festival 2008), Toronto Canada. See a preview of The TENANT at www.thetenantmovie.com

(Photo Credits: Courtesy Of Bobby Taylor Consulting Africa)

African Blogs: The Fashionista Edition

African fashionistas are taking over the blogosphere! Here are some blogs of note:

1. Fashion Junkii: At the helm of Fashion Junkii is a Tanzanian girl "obsessed with fashion." As she says, "I love everything fashion, I am into new trends, high end fashion, vintage fashion, adopting colors, styling, designing, love red lipstick (classic), love heels, handbags and I love people who appreciate fashion." Visit Fashion Junkii for fashion tips, keep browsing the blog for all the photos from Tanzania featuring the most stylish fashionistas on the local scene: fashionjunkii.onsugar.com

2. Africana Wardrobe Diary: The Africana Wardrobe Diary, which is run by a Nigerian fashionista, is a daily log of outfits by the Nigerian fashionista that incorporate elements of African fashion with everything from bold patterns, to bright colors. Find daily inspiration at: africanainatlanta.blogspot.com

3. Marian Kihogo: Ghanaian stylist Marian Kihogo has been featured in MIMI; first, she shared her Top 5 Fashion Tips, and more recently she styled MIMI's September 2008 cover featuring Teiko Dornor and Matthew Mensah. On her eponymous blog, Marian shares more of her fashion tips and looks that she has styled. Keep up with Marian by visiting: mariankihogo.blogspot.com

Did we miss a great fashion blog that is run by an African fashionista? Tell us all about it in your comments.

(Photo Credits: © iStockphoto/ALiJA) (Model Used Solely For Illustrative Purposes)

Who Do You Want To See On MIMI's Hot 21 List This Year?

It's that time of the year again when MIMI starts compiling its list of the hottest 21 women and men of African descent in music, fashion, movies, sports, business, and social causes. Past people who MIMI has rated hot include: Estelle (2005); Alexander Amosu (2005); Liya Kebede (2006); 2Face Idibia (2006); Genevieve Nnaji (2006); Ishmael Beah (2007); John Amaechi (2007); Angelique Kidjo (2007); Akon (2007); Iman (2008); and Nonhle Thema (2008) ... to name a few of the eighty-four men and women that have appeared on MIMI's Hot 21 list since 2005.

Who do you want to see on MIMI's Hot 21 list this year? Leave your suggestions in the comments below or email MIMI at hot21feature[at]mimimagazine.com

MIMI Related Links: MIMI's Hot 21: 2008; MIMI's Hot 21: 2007; MIMI's Hot 21: 2006; MIMI's Hot 21: 2005

New Goapele Single: Milk & Honey

Goapele has released her highly anticipated single Milk & Honey, and for a limited time, the single is available to download for free (that's right free) from her website: www.goapele.com. Also, check out her 2008 single, Chocolate, which you can also download for free for a limited time. Love Goapele's sound and the futuristic feel of her latest music!

Take a look at the Milk & Honey video below. MIMI can't wait for Goapele's new album to be released.

Goapele: Milk & Honey from goapele on Vimeo.

MIMI Features Link: Goapele, The Timeless Musician

On Heavy Rotation: Maria de Barros

This month, MIMI is listenting to Maria deBarros' recently released album, Morabeza. Maria is a naturally stunning woman who looks more radiant than she ever has! Like her previous albums, Morabeza transcends taste, preference and even language while allowing the tradition of Maria's home country of Cape Verde to permeate. Morabeza is a beautiful CD from beginning to end.

.

MIMI Lifestyle Link: MIMI To Do List: Fun & Fabulous!

Accessories Reign Supreme At Ella Brown Couture

Love, love, love these new accessories from Ella Brown Couture, especially the killer heels (those are to be seen in, and not to strut in)!

Read more about Ella Brown Couture founder Adefunke Adegbola in the article: Designer Spotlight: Ella Brown Couture from our October 2008 issue where she also appeared as the covergirl. See more Ella Brown Couture accessories at http://www.ellabrowncouture.com/