Indie Inspiration: Iyadede's "Bowbi Ladawa" Jewelry Line

Written By: Jamelia Mmari—Take "a young African woman with no cultural boundaries, good taste and a sense of style," mix in "a love for bright colors + a love for vintage + a love for unique looks that make you stand out in the crowd but not for the wrong reasons + a will to show the cool side of Africa" and the result is Bowbi Ladawa, a jewelry line designed by singer Iyadade to embody "the idea of 'woman of the world.'" Iyadede explains: "I made a fabric jewelry line pre collection this winter, to brigthen up the weather." The result is eclectic and beautiful. Take a look at pieces from the collection below, and find out where to purchase Bowbi Ladawa on Etsy.

MIMI's Hot 21: Anisa Mpungwe: The Closet Bad Ass (No. 006)

Written By: MIM!—Don’t let her youth fool you: Anisa Mpungwe (pictured above, center) is a powerhouse designer for a new generation. It's only à propos that she's The Closet Bad Ass of MIMI's Hot 21. Here's her latest collection from her label (Loin Cloth And Ashes) that was showcased at Johannesburg Fashion Week 2011.

Style Look Book: VLISCO's Nouvelle Histoire 2011 Collection

Written By: MIM!—Drawing inspiration from its rich heritage, VLISCO's Nouvelle Histoire collection is a modern-day update of VLISCO's iconic designs. Take a look below at some of the gorgeous fabrics from the collection.

New Video: Spoek Mathambo "Control"

Written By: MIM!—Control, the fourth video from Spoek Mathambo's debut album Mshini Wam, is a darkwave township house cover of the Joy Division classic She's Lost Control. For the music video, Spoek collaborated with one of South Africa's most celebrated photographers, Pieter Hugo and cinematographer Michael Cleary. It explores the world of township cults, street preaches and teen gangs and was shot on location in a squatted train boarding house in Langa, Cape Town. The cast is mainly made up of the neighborhood kids who run their own dance troop, Happy Feet. Check it out.

SPOEK MATHAMBO - CONTROL from spoek mathambo on Vimeo.

(Photo Credits: © one.louder.agency)

Be A Whistleblower For Peace In The Congo And Support Soul.Substance.Style

Written By: Nani Hapa—When I come across an organization like Falling Whistles, I am reminded of why I blog: to share inspiring ideas about Africa and African Diaspora that give a voice to those who otherwise would not be heard. Take a look at the video below, and learn how you can be a whistleblower for peace and make a fashion statement that's close to the heart.

Falling Whistles - Be a Whistleblower for Peace in Congo from Falling Whistles on Vimeo.

To learn more, visit www.FallingWhistles.com.

(Photo Credits: © Falling Whistles)

Spotted: South Africa's Fashion Titans Noni Gasa And Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe At Jo'Burg Fashion Week 2011

Written By: MIM!—Style icon and fashion journalist Noni Gasa rocking her new grown out hairdo ...

... and Africa Fashion International's Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe

Style Video: Johannesburg Fashion Week Finale

Written By: MIM!—The last day of Joburg Fashion Week ended on a high note beginning at The Bus Factory in Newtown, and ending with a 92 model parade on the infamous Nelson Mandela Bridge in Newtown. BIG Media reports, "Crowds spanned the entire length of the bridge in the hopes of becoming part of history, as this was the first runaway ever to take place on the iconic bridge." Watch the video below.

Joburg Fashion Week The Finale from BIG Media on Vimeo.

Style Video: Johannesburg Fashion Week Day 4

Joburg Fashion Week Day 4 from BIG Media on Vimeo.

Style Video: Johannesburg Fashion Week Day 3

Joburg Fashion Week Day 3 from BIG Media on Vimeo.

Joburg Fashion Week Day 3 JDA from BIG Media on Vimeo.

Style Video: Johannesburg Fashion Week Days 1 And 2

Written By: MIM!—Local haute couture created by renowned local designers such as Suzaan Heyns, and Malcom Kluk graced Joburg Fashion Week's runway on day 1, followed by a viewing of the ethereal Abigail Betz's timeless vintage autumn/winter line on day 2. Watch video from days 1 and 2 of Joburg Fashion Week below.

Joburg Fashion Week Day 1 & 2 from BIG Media on Vimeo.

Watch Banky W.'s Follow You Go Music Video Directed By Go-To Director Kemi Adetiba

Written By: MIM!—Kemi Adetiba has the art of directing hit music videos with a twist to a science; watch her steamy video for Banky W's Follow You Go below, and see more of Kemi's music videos here and here.

BANKY W - Follow You Go from Kemi Adetiba on Vimeo.

Artwork From Ayo's Billie-Eve Album By French Agency Rene And Radka

Written By: MIM!—Take a look at the beautiful artwork from Ayọ's soon-to-be-realeased album Billie-Eve, photographed by French agency Rene and Radka.

MIMI's Hot 21: Marcus Samuelsson: The Master Chef (No. 005)

Written By: MIM!—Try this refreshing banana avocado smoothie recipe from Marcus Samuelsson, The Master Chef of MIMI's Hot 21, and try more of his recipes by searching www.KitchenDaily.com's recipe archives.

You will need: 1 avocado, peeled and pitted || 1/2 cup orange juice || 2 tablespoons honey || juice from one lime || 1/2 teaspoon salt || 2 bananas, chopped || 1/4 cup plain yogurt || 1 tablespoon grated ginger || 1/4 cup vanilla ice cream.

Combine the avocado, orange juice, bananas, ginger, honey and yogurt in a blender and puree until smooth, and then mix in the lime juice and salt.

(Photo Credits: © Veer / Pablo Hernan)

First Look And First Listen: Music From AYO's Billie-Eve Album

Written By: MIM!—On March 1st, Ayọ will release her third studio album, Billie-Eve, named after her daughter. We love the beautiful cover that reflects the new sound that Ayọ is creating with Billie-Eve. The lead single from the album, I'm Gonna Dance, was released earlier this year; take a look at the video and album artwork below, and to hear more music from Billie-Eve, visit www.AyoMusic.com.

AYO "I'm Gonna Dance" from Antoine Kenobi Ressaussière on Vimeo.

MIMI's Hot 21: Shingai Shoniwa: The Natural (No. 004)

Written By: MIM!—Watch Shingai Shonia, who we have dubbed The Natural of MIMI's Hot 21, shine in the Noisettes' hit Don't Upset The Rhythm.

The Noisettes - Don't Upset the Rhythm from James Hatt on Vimeo.

Inna Modja: "Being An African Woman Means Being Fierce And Graceful"

Written By: MIM!—Learn more about Inna Modja as the singer/songwriter completes 10 sentences that reveal more about her Soul. Substance. Style.

1. My first job ... was as a model at 17 years.

2. I knew my career in music and me were meant to be when ... I was 14 years (when I started writing & composing) I always believed that one day I'll make it. So I worked hard for that.

3. My mom taught me ... to always keep my head up, to be proud and not arrogant.

4. The things I value most in life are ... generosity, being humble and grateful.

5. Being passionate about Africa is all about being ... proud of where I come from, embracing my culture.

6. My real life heroes are ... my dad, my two brothers and my beloved boyfriend.

7. I am living ... my dream life right now. I can write, compose and sing. I love performing so I'm the happiest woman with that. I have health and a life I adore with simple values.

8. Beauty is ... when the inner beauty shines out! A gorgeous smile.

9. I don't like taking fashion advice. I like making my own rules because what suits others won't always suit me.

10. Being an African woman means ... being fierce and graceful.

For more about Inna Modja, read the Winter 2011 issue of MIMI ("Love Africa, Always").

(Photo Credits: © Mario Epanya Photography)

Vintage Soul.Substance.Style: Stoned Cherrie's Ad Campaign By Ivancka Kroell

Written By: Nani Hapa—Love, love, love the "Divinely Inspired. Free. Rooted." campaign for Stoned Cherrie eyewear from 2007 designed by Durban-based graphic designer/art director Ivancka Kroell. Invancka is also the creative force behind Stoned Cherrie's gorgeous illustrated designs. See more below ...

MIMI's Hot 21: Sizwe Dhlomo: The Heartthrob (No. 003)

Written By: MIM!—The Heartthrob of MIMI's Hot 21, Sizwe Dhlomo is known for his dashing good looks, irresistible charm ... and insightful tweets. Here are our five recent favorites tweets by Sizwe about well, love!

1. To all my fellow single guys this Valentines Day, think of it this way, even Superman had trouble with Lois Lane. We never stood a chance!

2. Divorce is the downfall of many a man but bachelorhood, is the downfall of many more!

3. I've finally solved this formula for guys! {PS+3 x (BOX) 360 - (W+ii - QT} + {Bravia + 5.1} = Happiness.

4. If your ex tells her future boyfriends about you, make sure they always feel like you're the one to live up to!

5. Ladies, if he says "I love you" 20 minutes before or after a nut, it doesn't count.

Follow Sizwe Dhlomo on Twitter @SizweDhlomo.

(Photo Credits: © YFM)

MIMI's Hot 21: Mario Epanya: The Bold And The Beautiful (No. 002)

Written By: MIM!—One look at photographer Mario Epanya's stunning work (www.MarioEpanya.com), and you'll understand why we consider him the Bold And Beautiful of MIMI's Hot 21. We published excerpts from an interview with Mario in the magazine, now here's the rest of Mario's interview with MIMI.

MIMI: The love of my life is...

Mario Epanya: [The] love of my life is Jesus, because he's with me every second of my life to support me and [I am] really grateful for that.

MIMI: The living person I most admire is...

Mario Epanya: The living person i admire most is Nelson mandela for his fight for peace and human rights.

MIMI: I take fashion advice from...

Mario Epanya: I take fashion advice from the streets and from mother nature.

MIMI's Hot 21: Inna Modja: The Sweetheart (No. 001)

Written By: MIM!—Watch the video below about MIMI covergirl Inna Modja's buzzing music career, and you'll understand why she was a shoe in for The Sweetheart of MIMI's Hot 21.

Inna Modja - EPK from Yukamei on Vimeo.

MIMI Related Links: MIMI's Hot 21: 2009; MIMI's Hot 21: 2008

Celestina Makes Renegade Music

Written By: MIM!—Dancer, choreographer, and MIMI cover girl Celestina Aladekoba is bringing her musical "tribal electronica movement" to a pair of headphones near you. She says about her sound: "If I were to describe my sound in two words it would be: tribal electronica. Basically, it's like a merge of dancehall with world tribal beats, being that I'm from West Africa, and a synthesis of electronic pop music." We like! Take a listen below at the teaser video for her single Renegade.

Celestina - 'Renegade' Music Video Teaser from Christopher Rojas on Vimeo.

To see more from Celestina, visit www. youtube.com/CelestinaTV.

MIMI Related Links: The Way She Moves: Celestina Aladekoba

MIMI's Fab Find Of The Month: NKWO's Tulip Dress

Written By: MIM!—We are thrilled that NKWO's fabulous clothes are available at ASOS to purchase online! And we are especially thrilled that NKWO's fashion forward tulip dress is on sale now at ASOS for $64.

Get the details by visiting www.asos.com, and to see more from ASOS, take a look at this previous post about the label: NKWO Designs: A Clothing And Accessories Line That's A Bit Free Spirited, A Bit Nomadic, And Totally African.

(Photo Credits: ASOS)

Lira Returns To Love With Her New Album

Written By: MIM!—Celebrate love today with the premier of the music video for Phakade, the romantic lead single from Lira's recently released 11-track album, Return To Love. Take a listen to Phakade by visiting Lira's official website, www.misslira.co.za, and to watch the video, visit Channel O at www.mnet.co.za/channelo.

(Photo Credits: Sony BMG)