Happily Ever After: Bunmi Koko Bridal

Written By: MIM!—Bunmi Olaye is expanding her line Bunmi Koko into bridal wear. Take a look at some of the beautiful pieces from her look book.

Must See Documentary: Taxi Sister By Theresa Traore Dahlberg

Written By: MIM!—With the help of a progressive government initiative supporting female taxi drivers, there are 15 female taxi drivers in Dakar ... that's out of 15,000 taxi drivers. Who’s talking about women's equity besides Senegal's government? Promising Swedish/Burkinabe director and producer Theresa Traore Dahlberg is, in her documentary Taxi Sister which follows a woman behind the wheel who grapples with society’s view and expectations on women. Watch the trailer below ...

TAXI SISTER TRAILER from Theresa Traore Dahlberg on Vimeo.

i art sa: Woodstock, Cape Town

Written By: Nani Hapa—The adidas all originals "i art sa" community mural project is a project aimed at giving neighborhoods makeovers in the form of graffiti art. "i art woodstock" was the first tier of three in this project. Take a look at the rest of the murals from the Woodstock project below.

Snapshots: Portraits By Fify Loewen

Written By: Jamelia Mmari—Gaborone based photographer Fify Loewen "love[s] anything to do with photography." She adds: "I’m all about family and cherishing important moments in life. Time moves very fast, therefore I help freeze some of the moments. I’m also all about providing good service to my clients. They deserve it. Lastly I’m all about celebrating every individual’s uniqueness, that’s why I make sure that every session is different." Take a look at some of her gorgeous photos below.

The Robot Artists

Written By: MIM!—Robot Artists is a short documentary by African Cartel showcasing a group of Zimbabwean artists whose marketplace and livelihood is a traffic light intersection in Cape Town, South Africa. Take a look below, and support African Cartel's artists by visiting www.AfricanCartel.com.

Robot Artists from African Cartel on Vimeo.

MIMI Related Links: Visual Visionary: Paul Sika; Post-Colonial Subversions

MIMI Is Unapologetically.Modern.African.Female In Spring 2011

Written By: MIM!—The Spring 2011 issue of MIMI is slated to be released in May (Monday, May 9th to be exact), and we've got a lot in store for our Unapologetically. Modern. African. Female issue. Singer Imany (photographed by Barron Clairborne), graces the cover of the upcoming issue, which includes interviews with Ghanaian film director Sam Kessie, Nigerian entrepreneur Olabisi Waller (CEO of EC Cosmetics), and Kenyan fashion bloggers Nyachomba Kariuki and Mary Mogoi. Here's what else we have in store: a collection by collection look at Jo'Burg Fashion Week 2011 and style tips from Lola Faturoti.

But our biggest announcement is the renewal of the Africana section of the magazine, which we are undertaking with the help of leading UN publication, Africa Renewal. All the details will be revealed on May 9th on our Facebook page ... don't forget to follow us now for the most up-to-date information about MIMI.

(Photo Credits: © Barron Clairborne)

Fashion Files: Christie Brown

Written By: MIM!—Here are some of our favorite pieces from Ghanaian designer Christie Brown's latest collection.

New Music: "Sexy Sassy Wahala" By Efya

Written By: MIM!—Take a look at the title song from Shirley Frimpong's new movie, Adam's Apples—Sexy Sassy Wahala performed by Efua.

sexy sassy wahala, from Entertainment Ghana on Vimeo.

Preview: Shirley Frimpong-Manso's 10 Chapter Movie "Adam's Apples"

Written By: MIM!—Bring on the drama and the wahala (Pidgin English for "trouble") with the trailer for Shirley Frimpong-Manso's latest 10 chapter movie, Adam's Apples.

Adams apple web trailer from Entertainment Ghana on Vimeo.

MIMI Related Articles: Welcome To Nollywood; Cut! Censoring Sex In Ghanaian Movies

Snapshots: Mario Rabie, The Master Of Design

Written By: Jamelia Mmari—Cape Town based photographer Mario Rabie is a virtuoso with the camera who has the ability to captivate and inspire with one snapshot. Here's more about him:

"From a young age I was very passionate about music. In my teenage years I played tuba in a brass band. I studied Human Resources. Photography was a hobby for me until I got offered an assistant job for a renowned photographer, Michael Tummings. That was the start of my long experience as a photo assistant. It has been such a pleasure working with talented aclaimed photographers as Marc de Groot and Warren Rasmussen. I love shooting portraits of people with interesting and rare skills in their own environment. Although observing life and capturing natural experiences inspires my photography, I love creating images in studio which demands technical and creative abilities."

To see more of this master of design's work, visit www.MarioRabie.com.

(Photo Credits: © Mario Rabie)

Snapshots: Mary Sibande: De-Constructing Colonial Victorian Aesthetics

Written By: Jamelia Mmari—It's hard to believe that Johannesburg artist Mary Sibande has barely hit 30 years old, for her paintings and sculptures exploring the construction of identity in a postcolonial South African context and critiquing stereotypical depictions of women (particularly black women in our society) reflects an old soul.

Les Nubians Nu Revolution Is Out Today

Written By: MIM!—Today marks the release of Les Nubians highly anticipated album, Nu Revolution. Visit, www.lesnubians.com, for more information.

MIMI Related Links: New Wave Noir: Helene Faussart; New Wave Noir: Celia Faussart

(Photo Credits: © Delphine Diallo)

Estelle Releases "Break My Heart" From Her Upcoming Album "All Of Me"

Written By: MIM!—Today Estelle released the single Break My Heart from her soon to be released album, All Of Me. To hear the track, featuring Rick Ross, visit www.estellemusic.com.

(Photo Credits: © CD Cover Art)

Swallow A Novel By Sefi Atta

Written By: Nicole Parker-Jones—It is the mid-1980s in Lagos and the government’s War Against Indiscipline and austerity measures are fully in operation. Tolani Ajao is a secretary working at Federal Community Bank. A succession of unfortunate events leads Tolani’s roommate and colleague, Rose, to consider drug trafficking as an alternative means of making a living. Tolani’s subsequent struggle with temptation forces her to reconsider her morality and that of her mother Arike’s, as she embarks on a turbulent journey of self-discovery. This sets the stage for chartered accountant and CPA turned literary talent Sefi Atta's uniquely narrated novel, Swallow.

Sefi Atta's first novel, Everything Good Will Come, won the Wole Soyinke Prize for Literature in Africa, and Swallow is also earning critical acclaim. Read an excerpt from Swallow: A Novel below.

Sober: South Africa Fashion Week 2011 Summer Collection

Written By: SA Fashion Week—Designer Tshepo Mafokwane Graduated from Tshwane University of Technology in 2004. Tshepo started by designing for a small clientele. Within a matter of months she had found herself in the merchandising division of one of the biggest retailers in the country. This retail experience gave her the opportunity to get to know a different side of fashion. Subsequently she launched her own label her label, Sober, in 2006. Here's her South Africa Fashion Week Summer 2011 collection.

The Association Of Foreign Spouses By Marilyn Heward Mills

Written By: Nicole Parker-Jones—Author Marilyn Heward Mills, the daughter of Ghanaian father and a Swiss mother, was born Switzerland and brought up in Ghana. Her first novel, Cloth Girl, was shortlisted for the prestigious Costa First Novel Award. This year, she released her second novel, The Association of Foreign Spouses. Set in Ghana in the turbulent eighties, Marilyn shares "The Association of Foreign Spouses is a story of love and friendship, betrayal and forgiveness. it is the story of a group of women who live in a land that at times defeats them, among people who often disappoint and baffle them. Through their trials and hardships, the women support each other, unified by their foreignness, their distance from home and the choices they have made, as ultimately they are wooed by this strange place that they come to call home."

The story hits close to home for Marilyn who explains, "I grew up in Accra, Ghana, surrounded by foreign women, like my own mother, who had married Ghanaian men, moved to Ghana and then stayed there raising their half-Ghanaian children. Life was not easy for these women. Most of them had difficult marriages, mainly because of the immense cultural differences, and circumstances were exacerbated further by the hardship of life in a country that during my childhood often suffered political upheaval. There were endless shortages; of petrol, water, electricity – I remember a long stretch when there was no flour and so bread became a luxury. I wanted to know why some or most of these women didn't leave it all behind. What made them stay when, I imagined at least, that they could have gone home to easier lives in Europe."

Elme Bekker: South Africa Fashion Week 2011 Summer Collection

Written By: SA Fashion Week—29-year-old Elme Bekker graduated from the Elizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion Design in Stellenbosch. Ethics and eco-friendly design are important to this Stellenbosch resident who says: “I see design in everything. I even dream of fashion.” Take a look at her first South Africa Fashion Week collection.

Joel Janse van Vuuren: South Africa Fashion Week 2011 Summer Collection

Written By: SA Fashion Week—Having recently graduated from the Linea Academy in Durban, Joel Janse Van Vuuren launches his first collection at the SA Fashion Week Summer Collections. His summer range is inspired by abstract shapes, utilizing the rather “unsophisticated” approach of spilling paint onto a piece of paper and either folding the page or pressing another sheet on top of the painted one, Joel then transforms these paint blot silhouettes into fashion illustrations and the core inspiration of the collection. See more below.

What Will Tomorrow's Cities Look Like If We Don't Care About The Environment Today?

Tomorrow's Cities from Luke Younge on Vimeo.

Soul Video: Tinie Tempah's Invincible (Featuring Kelly Rowland)

Tinie Tempah feat. Kelly Rowland - Invincible from StarSurfer on Vimeo.

Gert Johan Coetzee: South Africa Fashion Week 2011 Summer Collection

Written By: MIM!—SA Designer of the Year 2010, Gert-Johan is one of South Africa’s most loved and well known fashion designers. Known for his red carpet designs which have been seen at major events, such as the SA Music Awards, SA Film And Television Awards, the J&B Met, and Miss World to name a few, it should come as no surprise that his creations have won the best dressed title many times. Take a look at our favorite pieces from his flawless (and edgy) South Africa Fashion Week 2011 summer collection.

Building Bridges: The BIG Issue: Reflections

Written By: MIM!—Cape Town based Butterfly Films makes short promotional documentary films that take us deep into the heart of the matter. In The Big Issue: Reflections, Butterfly Films follows two women living and working in Cape Town. Despite living in the same city, their worlds are far apart. One woman lives in a squatter camp. The other in the city center. Their paths cross and, momentarily, a bridge is built, a connection is made. Watch their story now.

The Big Issue – REFLECTIONS extended version from Butterfly Films on Vimeo.

To see more moving videos from Butterfly Films, visit www.vimeo.com/user2804571 and to learn more about The Big Issue, visit www.bigissue.org.za.

Sies!Isabelle: South Africa Fashion Week 2011 Summer Collection

Written By: MIM!—Designer Isabelle Lötter says her line Sies!Isabelle is "inspired by our Joburg; the heart of our country [South Africa], our continent, by the contrasting elements of harsh street culture and serene urban love." Here are our favorite pieces from her ready-to-wear friendly summer collection.

Profiles In Leadership: Joan Mjomba "Women Are Born With A Very Definite Power"

Written By: MIM!—Luke Younge (of Lucid Pictures) collaborated with the Heinrich Boell Foundation to profile nine women from across the continent, who, under difference conditions, political systems, and in their own way, have tried to use their political platforms to mainstream women's agenda into policy and legislation. Here, we bring you the story of Joan Mjomba, one of the leaders profiled in the series of videos that is sure to leave you inspired.

Joan Mjomba from Luke Younge on Vimeo.

To see more profiles of women you should know about, including Julia Ojiambo and Eddah Gachukia, visit www.LucidPictures.co.za.

EDITED: We initially credited the profiles in leadership project to Harvard Business School, but it is in fact the project of the Heinrich Boell Foundation. For more about the Heinrich Boell Foundation, please visit www.boell.org.za.

Rubicon: South Africa Fashion Week 2011 Summer Collection

Written By: MIM!—Designer Hangwani Nengovhela's label Rubicon has come to be known for its casual wear couture and bridal wear aesthetic. The South Africa Fashion Week 2011 summer collection was no different with muted nude colors and soft silhouettes.

Reggie Star: South Africa Fashion Week 2011 Summer Collection

Written By: MIM!—Designer Reginald Molamu, who is behind the label Reggie Star is no novice to the fashion industry. For those who are familiar with the label RJ Kay Creations, Reginald was the designer behind that brand (along with Paledi Sagapo) that dressed several South African celebrities including Miss SA Tatum Keshwar, Nicole Flint, Musicians KB Motsilenyane, Tshidi (From Malaika) and TV and radio personality Penny Lebyane. RJKay Creations was also commissioned to design for the Miss World beauty pageant in 2009 and nominated for the True Love Magazine best designer of the year awards in 2010. Reggie Star is Reginald's solo brand, which aims to be a more innovative but matured offering of himself to his target market. Take a look at the summer collection below.

OO ILU: South Africa Fashion Week 2011 Summer Collection

Written By: MIM!—Up-and-coming designer Laila Baderoo is behind the vibrant label OO ILU. Laila is a a qualified fashion designer, who graduated at DUT in 2004. She participated in various design competitions during her tertiary education, first being the FAD awards for Foschini. In 2010 she entered the Elle New Talent competition. She was elated upon receiving a personal call from the prestigious Dion Chang advising her of her place as one of seven finalists! Take a look at her fun summer collection below.

Gugulam: South Africa Fashion Week 2011 Summer Collection

Written By: MIM!—Stylist turned designer Gugu Mlambo Msomi's South Africa Fashion Week Summer 2011 collection is pretty and light with just the right touch of texture and prints to add depth. Here are some of our favorite pieces from her collection.

Diamond Face Couture: South Africa Fashion Week 2011 Summer Collection

Written By: MIM!—Celebrity businesswoman, Uyanda Mbuli teamed up with designer Gert-Johan and started Diamond Face Couture in early 2008, a fresh and vibrant ready-to-wear and couture line for women who look for youthful glamour, elegance and instant style. Uyanda’s business savvy and sense of style has made the brand one of the most promising lifestyle labels in South Africa. Here are our favorite pieces from their summer 2011 South Africa Fashion Week collection.

Mantsho: South Africa Fashion Week 2011 Summer Collection

Written By: MIM!—After working for Stoned Cherrie for three years and developing her own fashion philosophy Palesa Mokubung struck out on her own with her first South Africa Fashion Week range in 2004 while working from her mother's garage in the Vaal Triangle with one employee. Today, her line Mantsho is well on its way to becoming one of South Africa's iconic labels. Here are our favorite pieces from her latest summer collection showcased at South Africa Fashion Week 2011.

Style Files: South Africa Fashion Week 2011

Written By: MIM!—One of our favorite fashion weeks, South Africa Fashion Week (Summer) is currently underway, and we're thrilled to bring you all the fashionable collections from South Africa's young and soon-to-be iconic designers. Watch this space for frequent updates from the runway. And for the latest, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

(Photo Credits: Simon Deiner / SDR Photo)

The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives By Lola Shoneyin

Written By: MIM!—Nigerian poet Lola Shoneyin (whose father-in-law is Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka) was born in Ibadan, Nigeria, and spent her childhood at boarding school in Edinburgh. She studied English at Ogun State University, and went on to teach English and Drama at an international secondary school in Nigeria. Last year, Lola made her stunning debut as an author with the novel The Secret Lives Of Baba Segi's Wives (also published under the title The Secret Lives Of The Four Wives), a perceptive, entertaining, and eye-opening story about the domestic drama that disrupts in a polygamous family living in modern-day Nigeria.

The characters: Baba Segi ... a plump, vain, and prosperous middle-aged man of robust appetites, Baba Segi is the patriarch of a large household that includes a quartet of wives and seven children. But his desire to possess more just might be his undoing. And his wives ... Iya Segi—the bride of Baba Segi's youth, a powerful, vindictive woman who will stop at nothing to protect her favored position as ruler of her husband's home. Iya Tope—Baba Segi's second wife, a shy, timid woman whose decency and lust for life are overshadowed by fear. Iya Femi—the third wife, a scheming woman with crimson lips and expensive tastes who is determined to attain all that she desires, no matter what the cost. Bolanle—Babi Segi's fourth and youngest wife, an educated woman wise to life's misfortunes who inspires jealousy in her fellow wives ... and who harbors a secret that will expose shocking truths about them all.

Bunmi Koko's Kaleidoscopia Collection

Written By: MIM!—Bunmi Koko's Kaleidoscopia collection (which she debuted at London Fashion Week early this year) is an explosion of colors and patterns. Here are some of our favorite pieces ...

MIMI's Fabulous Find Of The Month: Chichia One Frill Sleeve Kanga Dress

Written By: MIM!—Available at Agnes & Lola, Chicia London (by designer Christine Mhando) wowed us with it's vibrant palm print khanga dress from its "Made in Dar" collection. Fashion forward (leopard print sleeve and green, turquoise, and fuchsia trim) and pretty, it's perfect for a night out of town!

(Photo Credits: Agnes & Lola)

Fashion Forward: Betty Muller's African Wax Print Platforms

Written By: MIM!—What's bold, sky-high, and beyond fabulous? Why, it's Betty Muller's strappy platform espadrilles (available for purchase at Anthropolgie's European site). Looks like Afri-chic will be all the rage with summer footwear; just last month Aldo's forwood wedge was our fabulous find of the month.

(Photo Credits: © Anthropologie)

Snapshots: Sade By Albert Watson

Written By: Jamelia Mmari—Captured by photographer Albert Watson in what has to be one of the most iconic photographs of singer Sade Adu from the album Love Deluxe (released in 1992), it's hard to believe that this photograph is almost twenty years old. I love this photograph, and not just because its so memorable, but because celebrity aside, the image is simply beautiful.

(Photo Credits: © Albert Watson)

Soul Video: SIJI's Ijo

Written By: MIM!—Shot on location in Lagos, Nigeria, where Siji has been rediscovering his childhood past following a more than 20 year absence from his home country, the colorful and visually arresting video for his song ‘‘Ijo’’ showcases an open audition held for dancers drawn from the bustling metropolis. It features cameo appearances from a colorful cast of characters including Afrobeat Singer, Ade Bantu, the delightful songstress, Ms. Yinka Davis, radio impresario Tintin ‘‘The Koolness’’ as well as a royal prince, all of who masterfully played out the lyrics with amusing results. Watch the video below.

SIJI - 'Ijo'(Official Video) from SIJI on Vimeo.

Warsan Shire: The Last Word

Written By: Nicole Parker-Jones—Proving that inspiration comes in many forms, Kenyan born Somali poet Warsan Shire is an artistic activist whose work has touched the lives of many across the globe. She believes in healing through narrative and art. She works with refugee communities in the UK through poetry workshops to document their stories of journey and trauma. Fearless and honest, she is not afraid to tell even the most difficult stories. Here, she shares her riveting words:

the birth name. the name warsan means good news in the somali language. i hated it. i despised my name. i wanted to be called something soft, something that ended with an "ah" sound. my name is difficult to whisper into the side of my face. my name is easy to use with a hard voice. i appreciate that now. the hesitation on the other side of the phone. the way they would replace my name with 'baby'. give your daughters difficult names. give your daughters names that command the full use of tongue. my name makes you want to tell me the truth. my name doesn't allow me to trust anyone that cannot pronounce it right.my mother calls me 'warsanay'. if a man ever tried to call me that, it means he understands that i am someone's daughter. it means i'll let him call me down from a long building. praise my grandmother, warsan baraka. my father's mother. the woman i was named after.

For more, visit warsanshire.blogspot.com.

MIMI Related Links: Say My Name; Resolve To Find Your Gold

(Photo Credits: © Warsan Shire)

MIMI Muse: Ashley Madekwe

Written By: MIM!—Nigerian-British actress Ashley Madekwe best known for portraying Bambi on ITV's Secret Diary of a Call Girl and Marissa Delfina on the canceled CW series The Beautiful Life is ever the fashionista! Her love for fashion inspired her to create the blog Ring My Bell, where she shares her favorite fashion finds and showcases her chic sense of style. For more from Ashley, visit ashley-ringmybell.blogspot.com.

MIMI Related Articles: MIMI Muse Gloria Wavamunno; MIMI Muse Soraya Akua Khalil-Ibrahiym; MIMI Muse: SIKA

(Photo Credits: © Ashley Madekwe)

Soul Video: Afrika By Manu Dibango With Wayne Beckford And Djany

Manu DIBANGO feat Wayne BECKFORD & DJANY " AFRIKA" from BorderBlaster on Vimeo.

Intersexions: It's Not Just About Who You Sleep With, It's About Who They've Slept With

Written By: MIM!—For nearly six months, fans of the acclaimed SABC1 drama series Intersexions have been glued to their television sets enjoying watching its stories unfold. Intersexions is a unique episodic drama series with 25 independent but interrelated stand-alone episodes that follow the AIDS infection chain. It is a series sponsored by Johns Hopkins Health and Education in South Africa. Each stand-alone episode takes us closer and closer to understanding the interconnectedness of our sexual networks. Take a look at the opening and closing credits created by Pollen Creative below.

Intersexions, Titles Sequence: Bride from Pollen on Vimeo.

For more about Intersexions, visit intersexions-tv.co.za.

(Photo Credits: © SABC1)