An Elegy For Easterly: Short Stories By Petina Gappah

Written By: Nicole Parker-Jones—In her accomplished award winning debut book of short stories, An Elegy For Easterly, Zimbabwean author and international trade lawyer, Petina Gappah, casts her compassionate eye on a diverse array of characters living, grieving, loving—and fighting to survive—under Robert Mugabe's regime.

In The Heart of the Golden Triangle, Petina narrates from the perspective of a second person, the story of a wealthy woman's tormented marriage: you worry because you have not found condoms in his pockets, the narrator muses of her husband's behavior, but in the cushioned comfort of your four-by-four, you don't feel a thing. Meanwhile, in The Cracked, Pink Lips Of Rosie's Bridegroom, Petina tells the story of a village pondering a doomed marriage in which the groom, who has a history of buried girlfriends, is clearly marked as being afflicted by the big disease with the little name: AIDS. And in Something Nice From London, Petina narrates the tale of a family waiting at the airport for the bi-weekly flight from London, hoping that either their relatives living in the UK will themselves return or send back money or gifts for their families.

With an ability to dissect with real poignancy the lives of people caught up in situations over which they have no control, as they deal with spiralling inflation, power cuts and financial hardships under Robert Mugabe's regime, it is no surprise that Petina is considered "the voice of Zimbabwe."

Visit Petina's official website, www.petinagappah.com, for more information.

(Photo Credits: Book Cover Art)

Piece: Contemporary Jewelry Inspired By Ancient Tradition

Written By: MIM!—Piece is a collaboration between piece founder Eugenie Drakes, master beader Beauty Maswanganyi, winner of the AngloGold Auditions 2009 competition Kristen Malan, and Mijou Beller. Paying tribute to the people and creative power of Africa, the collection features ostrich shell beads made by the Bushmen in Namibia using the First Peoples’ techniques that are some 30 000 years old; trade route connections with Persia, China and Europe are reflected in the colourful glass beads which were used as a means of barter; cast bronze beads acknowledge the importance of the African Blacksmith within ancient rural communities; hand-made precious wood beads from Mozambique display Africa’s natural abundance; as do magnificent cowrie shells, long used as currency in West Africa and believed to promote fertility; and topped off with coral, symbolising rank and wealth, protecting the land’s fertility, and rarest amber, ever seen as an investment and mark of status.

Established nine years ago, piece continues to celebrate Southern African artistic expression. The store in Johannesburg is a treasure trove of colour and imagination, with accessories for person and home. Expect the unexpected - this is craft with attitude where old meets new and contemporary design meets ancient tradition. Every piece has a story to tell – the history, the places, and the people that created it. Piece is constantly exploring new ideas with Southern Africa’s new and established crafters.

MIMI Related Links: Gold Rush, Creatively Living: malene b

(Photo Credits: Simon Deiner / SDR Photo)

Ready To Wear Renewal: Stoned Cherrie's Love Movement

MIMI Related Links: Stoned Cherrie: Love Movement, Stoned Cherrie Spring Summer

(Photo Credits: Simon Deiner / SDR Photo)

Go Completely, Utterly, And Irresistibly Colorful With Clutch Culture's New Collection

Written By: MIM!—Clutch Culture's latest collection is utterly and irresistibly colorful. Head on over to www.clutchculture.com to see more from this beautifully and brightly crafted collection of clutches (and now purses too) by talented designer Mo Handau!

Starting Today CNN's i-List Broadcasts From Nigeria As The Country Celebrates 50 Years Of Independence

Written By: MIM!—Starting today, Inside Africa presenter Isha Sesay anchors live from Africa’s most populous country and second largest economy in the run-up to the country's celebration of 50 years of independence: Nigeria. Isha fronts the week of coverage live from Lagos, delving into its dynamic industries and diverse cultures through a series of interviews with guests from the world of politics, business and pop culture interspersed with reports and stories from CNN’s correspondents Christian Purefoy and Nima Elbagir.

i-List Nigeria looks at how Africa’s largest oil and gas producer is tackling power shortages and environmental issues, recent reforms in the banking industry and strenuous efforts to restore investor confidence. There are also stories about the thriving mobile communications industry in Nigeria. For major providers it is an enormous market and the primary way to access the internet. For the informal economy, entrepreneurs are finding innovative ways to setup and support small businesses. Fashion, music and film from also feature during the week as we focus on the entrepreneurial spirit of those living in the mega-city of Lagos. Another big business in Nigeria is wigs and weaves; i-List looks into the colourful story of roadside barbers and celebrity hairdressers.

We'll be tuning in!

UPDATED: Watch CNN's iList at: www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2010/ilist/.

(Photo Credits: © Dawid Krupa / Dreamstime)

Benetton Autumn Winter 2010 Featuring MIMI Muse Soraya Akua Khalil-Ibrahiym

Written By: MIM!—MIMI Muse Soraya Akua Khalil-Ibrahiym recently is featured in United Colors of Benetton's Autumn/Winter 2010 brand campaign, and she is looking characteristically fabulous! Check out Soraya on Benetton's IT'S MY TIME to learn more about Soraya's Autumn/Winter 2010 photo shoot, and about how you can sign up to become a part of Benetton's next campaign.

The campaign also features aspiring models Janelle (representing America), who like Soraya also won Benetton's ITS MY TIME model casting search whose look we love.

To see more from Benetton's Autumn/Winter 2010 collection, visit www.benetton.com.

(Photo Credits: Josh Olins)

Man We Love: Tinashe

Written By: MIM!—Born in Zimbabwe 25 years ago, London based singer, musician and songwriter Tinashé is a prodigious pop talent; he loves his music and it shows in all that he touches, including his music video for the song, Saved. The deliriously happy single Saved was written after Tinashé was accosted by a particularly forthright tramp on London's Oxford Street, has an underlying message of defiance and self-belief ("I'll be here until your faith is won!") and is nevertheless deeply personal. "It's a song about trying, and trying, and trying," he says. "This bum tapped me on the shoulder, and said, 'I'm an angel, mate, but don't worry, you'll be saved. You know what they did to me? They chucked me in the bin!' I thought about it when I got home and the idea for the song came after. I mean, who am I to say he's not actually an angel? He could have been someone who was sent down here but was broken by the way life can be so hard sometimes." Check out Saved below.

Tinashe - Saved from Stamp Films on Vimeo.

Get more information about Tinashé at www.myspace.com/tinashemusic.

MIMI Magazine's 5 Year Anniversary Issue With Editor-At-Large Mario Epanya Is Slated For Release On 1.11.2010

... so save the date MIMI-istas and follow MIMI on Facebook for the most up-to-date information about MIMI.

(Photo Credits: iStockPhoto / CENTURIA)

Series Premiere: Undercovers Starring Boris Kodjoe And Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Written By: MIM!—Tonight, acclaimed writer/producer/director JJ Abrams' sexy spy action drama Undercovers, starring leading man Boris Kodjoe (as Steven Bloom) and leading lady Gugu Mbatha-Raw (as Samantha Bloom), premiers on NBC at 8 p.m. According to the press release, the premise of the show is:

Outwardly, Steven Bloom (Boris Kodjoe, Tyler Perry's Madea's Family Reunion, Soul Food, Resident Evil: Afterlife) and his wife, Samantha (Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Dr. Who, Bonekickers), are a typical married couple who own and operate a small catering company in Los Angeles— with help from Samantha's easily frazzled, handful of a sister, Lizzy (Mekia Cox, 90210, This Is It). Secretly, the duo were two of the best spies the CIA had ever known, until they fell in love on the job five years ago and retired. When fellow spy and good friend Leo Nash (Carter MacIntyre, American Heiress, Nip/Tuck) goes missing while on the trail of a Russian arms dealer, the Blooms are reinstated by boss and agency liaison, Carlton Shaw (Gerald McRaney, Deadwood, Jericho), to locate and rescue Nash. With assistance from resourceful CIA field agent Bill Hoyt (Ben Schwartz, Parks and Recreation, Bronx World Travelers), whose professional admiration for Steven isn't hard to miss, the pair is thrust back into the world of espionage, disguises and hand-to-hand combat. Following leads that take them to cities spanning the globe, Steven and Samantha quickly realize that perhaps this supercharged, undercover lifestyle provides exactly the kind of excitement and romance that their marriage has been missing.

We'll be tuning in!

(Photo Credits: Art Streiber / NBC)

MIMI's Writer's Guidelines: Be A Part Of The Voice Of This Generation's African Women

Written By: MIM!—MIMI-istas, the deadline for submitting articles for MIMI's upcoming issue with Editor-at-Large Mario Epanya is September 30th. As you know, MIMI is published quarterly, and in each issue we publish articles around six themes with a focus on Africa and the Diapora:

1. Features: interviews or profiles of people with a connection to Africa or the Diaspora;

2. Style: articles about fashion and beauty;

3. Lifestyle: articles about career, finance, fitness, and day-to-day life, including cooking, parenting, city life;

4. Heart & Soul: articles about relationships and spirituality;

5. Mambo: articles about the arts, including music, photography, movies, plays ...

6. Africana: articles about culture and politics.

Although most guest writers submit articles for the Lifestyle, Heart & Soul, and Africana sections of the magazine, we accept submissions for all the above mentioned sections of the magazine. We recommend browsing our archives to get a more concrete idea of what each of these sections look like.

With respect to word count, most articles are at most 500-700 words. Finally, although the deadline to submit an article for our upcoming issue is September 30th, we accept articles on a rolling basis. If you have additional questions, email MIMI at mimimagazineonline[at]gmail[dot]com.

(Photo Credits: © iStockPhoto / STEEX)

Ruby Buah's KUA: Dazzle In Her Statement Making 2010 Jewelry Collection!

Written By: MIM!—We're obviously big fans of Ruby Buah's fabulous KUA line, whether it's her bags or her jewelry (formerly known as Stringz Attached) and her 2010 jewelry collection is no different. See more from KUA by visiting www.kuadesigns.com.

(Photo Credits: KUA)

Designer Spotlight: Malaika Designs

Written By: MIM!—We caught up with Ghanaian fashion designer Adwoa Ode-Dombrowe, to find out more about her label, Malaika Designs, which is based in Germany.

MIM!: In three words, how would you describe Malaika Designs?

Adwoa Ode-Dombrowe: Unique. Stylish. Colourful.

MIM!: Given that you are based in Germany, does any part of Germany's local fashion inspire your designs?

Adwoa Ode-Dombrowe: Berlin, the epicenter of Germany's fashion industry, is my home base. I am inspired by the style on Berlin's streets, people here always wear what they like without giving too much weight to what others might think about it, they just express themselves freely and uninhibited.

MIM!: What inspired you to start designing?

Adwoa Ode-Dombrowe: I have always been into fashion. In my extended family are several tailors. Already in school I started designing and producing my own outfits. I have always wanted to create something unique and connected to my African roots. So I developed the idea to combine European urban style with African fabrics.

MIM!: What is your favorite piece from your collection?

Adwoa Ode-Dombrowe: My favorite piece from my collection is Abena, a Kente Kimono jacket. This jacket can be worn on any occasion and is the perfect eye catcher.

MIM!: What are your favorite current trends?

Adwoa Ode-Dombrowe: Definitely Ankara prints.

To see more from Adwoa's collection, visit www.malaikadesigns.de.

(Photo Credits: Malaika Designs)

We ♥ Loin Cloth & Ashes' Signature Earrings

Written By: MIM!—Designer Anisa Mpungwe recently expanded her Loin Cloth & Ashes' label into jewelry. We ♥ the eccentric and funky, signature wooden earrings from the first jewelry line collection, called Jungle.

Visit www.loinclothandashes.com for more information.

(Photo Credits: Loin Cloth & Ashes)

New Music: Vector's Get Down Featuring Tuface Idibia

Written By: MIM!—YSG Entertainment has officially released Vector's brand new single, Get Down, featuring Tuface Idibia. Vector's debut album State Of Surprise will hit stores in October, 2010. Preview what State Of Surprise has in store by listening to Get Down, below.

Vector - Get Down (Feat. Tuface Idibia) by MIMIMagazine

Incorporate Afri-Chic Style In A Pinch With LemLem's Sashes

Written By: MIM!—We're loving Lemlem's versatile sash belts—the perfect Afri-chic accessory (handmade in Ethiopia from natural cotton) that can be dressed up for any occasion. Work: black pencil skirt, white button down shirt + Lemlem sash belt. Weekend: jeans + drape front cardigan, Lemlem sash belt. All around fab: dress + Lemlem sash belt. For more information, visit www.lemlem.com.

(Photo Credits: Lemlem Look Book)

Style Knows No Age Limits With Bernos Baby

Written By: MIM!—We just love Bernos' t-shirts for tots. Bernos says, "the ... concept came about our appreciation of African beauty and aesthetics, as embodied by the Black is beautiful movement; from a 2 year old child to your 90 year old grandma." Aww! Get more information at www.bernos.com.

(Photo Credits: Bernos)

Kulture Noir, Simphiwe Dana Releases A Haunting New African Soul-Jazz Album

Written By: MIM!—The Goddess of South African cool, Simphiwe Dana, is a back with an empahatic stylish new album, Kulture Noir. Reflecting a more somber Simphiwe, Kulture Noir, is a dark and heavy album intended to inspire a dialogue about the state of South African society. Simphiwe shared with South Africa's Mail & Guardian, "There are so many unresolved issues and people are not even aware that they have unresolved issues. They just lash out on a psychological level. No one is taking time to assess where we are as a people, and why we are … people are not ready to deal with all the madness. We just want to forget about it, but it's not that simple." To hear more from Kulture Noir, visit Simphiwe Dana's official website, www.simphiwedana.com.

Man We Love: Spoek Mathambo

Written By: MIM!—Part "prince of township tech", part "suburban space invader", MC Spoek Mathambo merges electronica with hip hop to bring to light South Africa's past through his music. Take a look at his video for the song Mshnini Wam; the song is a story of a young revolutionary who becomes a corrupt fatcat after "the big victory" and was fittingly shot in inner-city Johannesburg.

SPOEK MATHAMBO – MSHINI WAM from spoek mathambo on Vimeo.

For more from Spoek, visit www.myspace.com/spoek.

Goapele Releases Her Second Single, Right Here, From Her Upcoming Milk & Honey Album

Written By: MIM!—Singer Goapele is gearing up for the release of her third album, Milk & Honey, and has released her second track from the album, Right Here. For more information about the track, and Goapele more generally, visit her official website www.goapele.com.

Do The Right Thing: Actress Terry Pheto Raises HIV Awareness

Written By: MIM!—Actress Terry Pheto can do no wrong in our books. Not only is she the face of L'Oreal in South Africa, this week she launched a campaign with Dance4Life's Beat HIV initiative. Terry says, "Every day thousands of young people become infected with HIV. I am going to put a stop to this by spreading something else: the positive virus. Join Dance4Life in their fight against HIV. Invite your friends and let's beat HIV!"

Dance4Life is an international initiative set up to involve and empower young people all around the world to push back the spread of HIV and AIDS. Their mission is to have one million youth, or as Dance4Life says "agents of change," by 2014. For more information, visit www.Dance4Life.com and to keep up with the fabulous Terry, follow her on Twitter @TerryPheto.

(Photo Credits: Dance4Life)

Venus Noire, A Film About Saartjie Baartman "The Hottentot Venus" By Abdel Kechiche

Written By: Jamelia Mmari—Tunisian-born director Abdellatif Kechiche is slated to screen his historical biopic Venus Noire (Black Venus) at this year's New York film festival (September 24-October 10). The movie tells the horrific story of Saartjie Baartman, the so-called Hottentot Venus whose "oversized" features became a freakshow attraction in early nineteenth century London.

Early reviews of Venus Noire are mixed, with African Diaspora media website Shadow Act writing, "I fear that this film might not be an examination, as much as another attempt to put on display, the form and the differences of her body, to forever be pointed at for DVD and Blu-Ray" and leading film publication Variety writing,

History doesn’t get more intriguing than the fragments known about Saartjie Baartman, the so-called Hottentot Venus whose outsized features became a freakshow attraction in early nineteenth century London and Paris. “Black Venus” doesn’t attempt the impossible by pretending to get inside Saartjie’s head, instead insisting on her inner dignity despite constant, terrifying humiliation. The project is valiant, but writer-director Abdellatif Kechiche has trouble finding a rhythm, and the overlong pic can be distressingly strident, making it painful to watch for reasons both good and bad.

For more about the film, including the teaser trailer, visit www.shadowandact.com.

She Defines Soul.Substance.Style (No. 018): Zaki Ibrahim

Written By: Nani Hapa—Singer Zaki Ibrahim is a soul in bloom who is creating a soulful sound steeped in poetry and earnest emotion. Born to a South African father who was an anti-apartheid political activist involved in community broadcast radio and a Scottish-English mother who taught English as a second language, Zaki has been as much shaped by the diversity of her Apartheid-era hometown and household as she has by her time spent in Canada (where she now based). "[G]oing back and forth as a child, [between South Africa and Canada,] I got to see a lot of the differences in things like education quality and people's attitude towards it. On one side in South Africa people are struggling to go to school while there were a lot of riots, and then coming to North America later on in high school people are skipping school and the attitude is completely different. Just being able to observe that was an experience. It shaped the way I see the world in general, in interesting ways that come out in my art and in my poetry."

Beyond reflecting her upbringing in her music, Zaki has also involved herself in many projects aimed at achieving social change. This has recently culminated in her co-founding the Universal Magnetic, a project working to manifest her words: "I realise that the amount of ground possible to cover in a lifetime too often depends on money. I pray that the good guys get rich and stay on the ground ... where true beauty lives…” To find out who this woman of Soul.Substance.Style is, listen to her music by visiting www.zakiibrahim.com.

(Photo Credits: Che Kothari)

Africa Meets Neon, Interior Styling By Irina Graewe

Written By: MIM!—African fabrics are every where in fashion design but it is particularly exciting to see African textiles used in unconventional and whimsical ways, such as the Africa Meets Neon sets styled by German interior stylist and stage designer Irina Graewe. To see more from Irina, visit www.irinagraewe.de.

(Photo Credits: Irina Graewe)

Creative Constructions: Emergency Webcomic, An Animated Miniseries About Pre-Independence Kenya

Written By: Nani Hapa—Emergency Webcomic is a miniseries written and illustrated by Chief Nyamweya based on pre-independence Kenya as seen through the eyes of a World War II veteran, Dedan Kimathi, and his childhood friend Chege Karobia. Creator, Chief Nyamweya, who both wrote and illustrated Emergency Webcomic shares "As a young undergraduate, I was always unnerved by the inaccessible format in which knowledge was delivered. Important though it was, and however exciting I personally found it, history wasn’t and isn’t good conversation material at your local kinyozi. So I adopted this very unoriginal idea of drawing a webcomic that would bridge the gap between the intellectual and the 16 year old with pierced ears. That’s why I’m doing this. But all platitudes aside, I just want you to enjoy reading EW first and foremost!"

Take a look at the Emergency Webcomic promo trailer below.

Emergency Webcomic Promo Trailer from emergencywebcomic on Vimeo.

For more about Emergency Webcomic, visit the official website: www.emergencywebcomic.com.

A Love Story By Director Kemi Adetiba

Written By: Nani Hapa—Director Kemi Adetiba once again proves that when it comes to the art of storytelling, she is a master at both technique and creativity, this time directing the lead single, Fall In Love, from singer Ego Ogbaro (formerly a member of the band Labaja) anticipated album. The video, which was shot in Brooklyn during the summertime, features a cameo from Nigerian-American rapper eLDee.

EGO - Fall In Love from Kemi Adetiba on Vimeo.

Five Questions For Powder Necklace Author Nana Ekua Brew Hammond

Written By: Nicole Parker- Jones—Get to know Powder Necklace author Nana Ekua Brew Hammond in these five questions where she shares her thoughts about everything from her favorite authors to her fantasy profession.

Q. Who are your favorite authors?

A. Buchi Emecheta, Zadie Smith, Janet Fitch, Chinua Achebe, Elizabeth Gilbert, Wally Lamb, Alice Walker, Madeleine L'Engle, Langston Hughes, James Baldwin, Lorraine Hansberry, Terri McMillan, W. Somerset Maughm, and Shauna Singh Baldwin.

Q. What are your 5 favorite books of all time?

A. The Joys of Motherhood by Buchi Emecheta. White Oleander by Janet Fitch. A Man of the People by Chinua Achebe. Just Above My Head by James Baldwin. White Teeth by Zadie Smith.

Q. Who is your favorite fictional hero?

A. Tracy Chambers in Mahogany.

Q. What’s your fantasy profession?

A. World traveling do-gooder.

Q. Do you have one sentence of advice for new writers?

A. You have the time to write even if you have a 9-5 or some other demand on most of your time.

For more information about Nana and her debut novel, Powder Necklace, visit her official website: www.nanaekua.com.

(Photo Credits: © Simon & Schuster)

First Look: Rhian Benson's Hands Clean Album Cover

Written By: MIM!—Seems like we've been talking about Rhian Benson's fall 2010 album, Hands Clean, all year long (we're that excited about the release)! Now, we've got a first look at the album cover. Listen to the first teaser track from the album, Be, and watch this space for more information about the album.

(Photo Credits: CD Cover Art)

Visual Artist Eugene Ankomah Auctions Artworks For Charity

Written By: MIM!—UK British-Ghanaian celebrity visual artist Eugene Ankomah (who we featured in our Hot 21 list last year) will be auctioning a small selection of his artworks from his private collection to help raise funds for the Salmon Youth Centre charity in Bermondsey, South London (which is one of the largest Youth Centre establishments in Europe) and where Ankomah is currently taking up his artist residency. For more information, and to learn how you can purchase artwork from Eugene and make a difference, visit www.eugeneankomah.com and www.myspace.com/eugeneankomah.

(Photo Credits: Provided Courtesy Of D-Finitive Media)

Gugu Mlambo Msomi: Stylist Turned Designer, "I Design For The Free-Thinking Woman With A Refined Sense Of Style"

Written By: Nani Hapa—Fashion designer Gugu Mlambo Msomi hails from a family of creative women. With a dressmaker grandmother and an interior designer mother, Gugu naturally gravitated towards a design career, getting training in many related fields such as window dressing and styling, until 2008 when she took the plunge and launched her own range, Gugulam.

Gugu shares, "I worked in several movies and soaps in their wardrobe departments. Until I landed a position as the Head of Wardrobe for television soap called Generations, the biggest television shows on South African television. During that time I learnt a lot about women and clothing and the type of message I wanted to send out. I was able to get a lot of feedback from the viewers and from that I made a decision that I would no longer make clothes for make belief but rather for real life women. That is how Gugulam came to life. In 2008 I decide to set up my own lifestyle brand. In September 2009 we launched at Sanlam South African Fashion Week. Gugulam means my treasure; we believe that everything that comes out of Gugulam is a little piece of our treasure to you."

The line is strong, modern and edgy; Gugu shares, "I design for the free-thinking woman with a refined sense of style." See more from Gugu's collection by visiting www.gugulam.co.za.

(Photo Credits: © Gugulam)

Designer Spotlight: Wangu Jeans

Written By: MIM!—In the Spring of this year, up and coming designer Jens Christian Schildberg Østergaard launched Wangu Jeans, a denim label designed with African women in mind. The jeans are currently made in Italy, but Jens plans to move production to Africa as his goal is to create development opportunities and employment for women in Africa. To learn more about this new label, visit www.wangujeans.com.

(Photo Credits: Wangu Jeans)

Message From The Editor: Threads Of Our Fabric

Dear MIMI-istas,

I am writing to ask you to please contribute to the development of research about African women's experiences in the Diaspora by taking some time from your day to participate in the Threads Of Our Fabric survey. Started by Sharon Asonganyi, MPH, Threads Of Our Fabric is a project that seeks to collect data about the mental and psychological issues affecting African women and girls, with the goal of developing meaningful mental health programs tailored to African women. Here is what Sharon shared with me about the project:

As you may already know, not much exists when it comes to information or research about the African woman's experience particularly in the Diaspora. Threads of our Fabric is an endeavor that is quite dear to my heart. I have spent exactly half of my life in Cameroon and the other half in the U.S. Throughout my stay in America, there has been a constant struggle to assimilate cultural and social values from both worlds as they shape my life experience and identity. Threads Of Our Fabric was born out of a desire to collect stories and live experiences from African women and give an honest presentation of the influence of society and culture on the sense of “self” and how it permeates different areas of their lives.

My vision is for empowered, mentally healthy women with less inner “self” turmoil that are liberated to become all that they aspire to be and hold true to Sankofa–it is never late to go back and take hold of purpose and destiny in one’s life or support other African sisters nurture or reclaim theirs. Your input would be priceless in informing the presentation of this project and its use in developing programs for African women and girls.

Take the Threads Of Our Fabric survey by visiting the following link: www.surveymonkey.com/s/NPVKVRR, and thank you in advance for making a difference.

Keep shining,

Lola K.

Editor-in-Chief MIMI Magazine

(Photo Credits: © iStockPhoto/ OOxOO) (Model Used Solely For Illustrative Purposes)

One Love Two Colours: The Unlikely Marriage of a Punk Rocker and His African Queen

Written By: Nicole Parker- Jones—One Love Two Colours: The Unlikely Marriage of a Punk Rocker and His African Queen is a true story about love and marriage told from the viewpoint of a Nigerian woman (Margaret Oshindele-Smith) and an English man (Bobby Smith). It is also a book about race, relationships and identity.

Co-author Bobby Smith shares about his and his wife's labor of love:

One Love looks at the true life marriage between myself (an English, working class punk rocker) and Margaret (a middle class, Nigerian Methodist). We have been married for 10 years and the book shows how a succesful interracial marriage can be achieved. It shirks no issues, ranging from: racism, identity, colour-grading, sex, food and religion. You might be interested to know that our motivation for writing this book was to show interracial marriages in a positive light, as they are normally seen as impossible dreams, doomed to failure. We also wanted to write a book specifically about the black woman/white man experience, as most books on interracial relationships come from the other side of the hill. If nothing else we can guarantee the reader a 100 per cent honest book with humour never far away from our story. Enjoy!

If you're interested in reading the book, visit Google Reader, which has a preview of the book.

Behind The Seams: Boudoir D'Huîtres

Written By: MIM!—Born in Ghana and raised in Southern California, designer Mimi Plange moved to New York after graduating with a degree in architecture from the University of California and spent eight years as a consultant to the fashion industry. Based in New York, last year she launched her first collection online. "I design clothes that accent the character of the woman wearing it," she says. "The clothes reflect the woman and have an appealing, understated glamour with the emphasis on substance and quality, rather than image."

Boudoir d'Huitres recently showed at Africa Fashion Week. Take a look at the making of the Boudoir D'Huîtres Autumn / Winter 09 - 10 collection.

Boudoir d'Huitres - "Flights Of Fancy" from ofa on Vimeo.

Boudoir d'Huitres' prices start from $475, visit www.boudoir-dhuitres.com to view the collection.

Write For MIMI Magazine's Upcoming Issue With Editor-At-Large Mario Epanya At The Helm Of MIMI

Written By: MIM!—Fresh off the heels of our summer 2010 issue, Sweet Somethings, we are working on the final issue of the year, which is slated for publication this fall. MIMI has teamed up with the visionary Cameroonian photographer Mario Epanya, who will serve as Editor-at-Large for the final issue of the year, and bring his bold and beautiful ideas to life in the pages of MIMI. Get a sneak peak of what Mario has in store by visiting his blog: marioepanyaphotgraphy.blogspot.com.

If you would like to be a part of this groundbreaking issue of MIMI, you can, by submitting an article for the Style, Lifestyle, Heart & Soul, Mambo, or Africana sections of the magazine.

MIMI accepts submissions from writers of all levels and across subject matter; take a look at our recently published summer 2010 issue to read articles from guest writers such as Minna Salami (Ten Essential Tips For Natural Hair and How To Love Yourself), Nana Bonsu (Cut! Censoring Sex In Ghanaian Movies), Suzanne Brume (Your Body Is A Temple), Princess Goosby (Relationship Advice: Giving It Good), Jacqueline Kibacha (The Road Less Travelled), Geraldine Amakihe (My Hair Story) and Kemi Ebun (Excuse Me Jay-Z, I Don't Apologize For Liking Fufu).

Be a part of the voice of this generation's African women, and email your submissions to mimimagazineonline[at]gmail.com.

(Photo Credits: cc-stock / iStockPhoto)

TV Watch: June Sarpong On Tru TV

Written By: MIM!—This fall, we're already excited about Boris Kodjoe and Gugu Mbatha-Raw's TV show, UnderCovers on NBC, but they're not the only ones who will be making a splash on the small screen. Be sure to check out June Sarpong on TruTV's Conspiracy Theory, where June works alongside Jesse Ventura to examine some of the most frightening and mysterious conspiracy allegations of our time. For more information, visit www.TruTV.com.

(Photo Credits: Tru TV)

Man We Love: Tabi Bonney

Written By: Nani Hapa—The son of afro-funk superstar, Itadi Bonney, Tabiabuè Bonney, (better known as Tabi Bonney) couldn’t help but follow in his father's famous footsteps and pursue his love of music. He says, "Music has always been a part of my life. I knew that I was going to be an entertainer at a very young age."

Rapping since he was in high school, Tabi started refining his skills in college, forming a group, organized Rhyme with close friend, Haziq Ali and opening for well-known artists such as LL Cool J, Camron and OutKast. Recording a few independent singles and releasing the self-titled underground classic, Bonney & Carter, Tabi has been a mainstay of Washington, DC's hip-hop scene, since. In his most recent video for Nuthin But A Hero Tabi is on the hunt for his super-girl, any takers MIMI-istas?

Nuthin But A Hero - tabi Bonney from tabi Bonney on Vimeo.

Tabi's talents don't end with music; look out for his fashion label, Bonney Runway. For more information, visit www.bonneyrunway.com.

Iman Is Expanding Her Empire With The Launch Of IMAN Home Designs, A Home Decor Brand Inspired By International Locales

Written By: MIM!—Iman wants an invitation to your home with the upcoming launch of her home decor collection, IMAN Home Collection. Influenced by global culture and contemporary design, the IMAN Home Collection represents Iman's mission to create elegant, affordable items that mix exotic elements with modern sophistication and will be available at Calico Corner and Calico Home Stores and select retailers across the United States.

Look for IMAN Home to launch later on this year at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. "I am so excited to partner with Mercedes-Benz on this project," said Iman. "We have worked tirelessly in preparation for the launch of IMAN Home and to have this forum, at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, is a great way to unveil the collection." For more information, visit www.imanhome.com.

(Photo Credits: IMAN Home Collection)

AiRis Music: Fly Away And Sick In Love (Featuring Ice Prince)

Written By: Nani Hapa—AiRis' highly anticipated debut album, The AiRis Project, which will be released next year promises to be equal parts pop, soul, and African. We've already heard the lead single from the album, Without You, where we heard more of AiRis' African sound. Now, here is an inside track to her pop and soul sound with the two teaser singles, Fly Away and Sick In Love.

AiRis: Fly Away by MIMIMagazine

AiRis: Sick In Love (Feat. Ice Prince) by MIMIMagazine

MIMI Related Links: The AiRis Project, World Premiere And Debut Music Video: AiRis Without You

(Photo Credits: ICY PR)

Marketing Beauty To African Women: The Women Behind The Campaigns

Written By: MIM!—Our summer 2010 article, Marketing Beauty To African Women, wouldn't be complete without a look at some of the famous African women who are brand ambassadors for some of the world's best known beauty companies: 1. Connie Ferguson (South Africa) for Garnier; 2. Nonhle Thema (South Africa) for Dark & Lovely; 3. Genevieve Nnaji (Nigeria) for MUD Cosmetics; and 4. Terry Pheto (South Africa) for L'Oreal.

MIMI Related Links: The Culture Of Marketing; Marketing Beauty To African Women

(Photo Credits: Garnier South Africa, Dark & Lovely South Africa, MUD Cosmetics Nigeria, and L'Oreal South Africa)