Africa Online: Iman, Estelle, Femi Kuti ... And More

Written By: MIM!—Stay connected to positive news by reading these five stories from the worldwide web, about Africa and the African Diaspora, that we loved reading this week:

1. Somalian supermodel Iman pens an inspiring article 5 Seeds of Hope for Somalia via The Huffington Post;

2. Senegalese-British singer-songwritter Estelle shares her oh so fashionable list of The 5 Things She Can't Live Without via The Stylist;

3. Nigerian afro-funk musician Femi Kuti describes what music is playing In His Ear via NPR;

4. Kenyan director Jinna Mutune's trailer for his highly-anticipated superhero film Leo hits the web via Shadow and Act; and

5. Haitian accessories designer Cynthia Germain, whose label Saint-Germain captures the spirit of Africa in its design aesthetic and was inspired by a trip to Niger, offers a behind the scenes look at her latest collection via Vimeo.

For more stories about Africa and the African Diaspora, catch up with MIMI's archives at www.mimimagazine.com/archives.

(Photo Credits: Movie Poster Art)

Miriam Chemmoss Debuts A New Cropped Hairstyle

Written By: MIM!—Singer and model Miriam Chemmoss has always been a trendsetter with her hair—first, with her signature red locks, and now with her short cropped black hairdo, and she always looks gorgeous. The short do is part of what Miriam is calling a "magical beginning" with the upcoming release of a new album. We can't wait! What do you think MIMI-isats, do you like Miriam's new short hairdo?

MIMI Related Articles: Gallery: A Shortcut To Beauty; Rudi: Miriam Chemmoss Is Back

(Photo Credits: Left © Shem Lwanga.  Right © Photography And Make-Up By Alexei Afonin. 

Stylist: Kathy Berry. Design: Tucia)

Save The Date: Mali Fashion Week

Written By: Society Harriet's Alter Ego—On July 28th Society HAE attended the press conference and luncheon held at United Nations Plaza where African boutique BebeNOIR announced the launch of Mali’s first ever Fashion Week which is scheduled to take place December 12th through the 18th of this year in Mali, West Africa.  For more details about the first ever Mali Fashion Week, check out Society HAE's press conference recap and video and visit Mali Fashion Week's official website.

MIMI Related Articles: World Party (Winter 2011); Africa Fashion Week: Fashioning The Continent (Summer 2010)

(Photo Credits: © Mali Fashion Week)

A Fashionable Family Affair: Designer Deola Sagoe's Daughters Launch Their Own Fashion Label

Written By: MIM!—Sisters, Teni, Aba and Tiwa Sagoe, daughters to Deola Sagoe of the eponymous and legendary fashion house, have channelled their collective fashion heritage to bring their own vision to the fore with the launch of Clan, a new fashion label with a fresh and irreverent style, for edgy, style-conscious girls and guys who like to stay ahead of the fashion curve.

Clan is targeted at the teenage to thirties demographic, offering dynamic fashion that’s easily accessible, yet savvy and distinct. As the brand name implies Clan speaks to the power of family, the magic that comes out of being part of a bigger picture, whilst still being unique and different, and having the courage to experiment that’s always fantastic to watch.

It may seem obvious to see the daughters of Deola Sagoe finding their way into the fashion industry. Not so if you ask the girls, the eldest of whom is just 20. Each has her own distinct career path marked out, and surprisingly none has chosen to be a fashion designer. But it must be in the blood as Clan has grown organically, taking on a life of it's own, forging its way into being as if by some pre-destined plan.  


The current line offers separates from bra-lets, high waisted print shorts and Ankara bustiers to casual lounge dresses and swim wear, as well as wardrobe staples such as chiffon shirts and dainty lace skirts for the free-spirited and young at heart. Take a look at pieces from the collection below.

On the 13th of August 2011, Clan will launch with their first fashion show, held at the Deola Sagoe Flagship store in VI, Nigeria. In keeping with the ideology of collaboration and togetherness the show is being put together by the girls, a committee of friends, and invested in by sponsors who have been charmed by what they have seen of the girl’s talent. 


(Photo Credits: © CLAN)

Multi-Platinum Vocalist LIRA Releases Her 5-Track EP On iTunes

Written By: MIM!—Sony Music Africa recording artist LIRA is following in the footsteps of the legendary Miriam Makeba and Letta Mbulu, releasing four platinum selling albums making her the current highest selling artist in South Africa. Today, the Afro-Soul vocalist makes her entrance into the U.S with the release of a 5-track EP on iTunes to give her fans a preview of the debut American Album Feel Good which is slated to be released in January 2012. Get your copy of LIRA's EP starting today on iTunes.

(Photo Credits: CD Cover Art)

Supermodel Alek Wek Revisits Her Refugee Past To Commemorate The 1951 U.N. Refugee Convention

Written By: MIM!—Supermodel Alek Wek recently sat down with National Public Radio's Michel Martin to share her personal story about being a refugee to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention. Listen to her interesting and inspiring story on NPR's website.

(Photo Credits: © Printemps)

Vivienne Westwood Visits Kenya In Support Of Ethical Fashion

Written By: MIM!—British fashion designer Vivienne Westwood has been working with the United Nations Ethical Fashion Programme to produce bags and accessories in Kenya. The idea behind the initiative is to lift communities out of poverty using environmentally sustainable materials and processes. As Vivienne explains, "Charity = dependence, Work = control over your own life." Vivienne recently wrote about her first trip to Kenya and posted some amazing photographs on her blog, to learn all about her trip, visit Vivienne's blog:  www.activeresistance.co.uk.

(Photo Credits: © Chloé Mukai / ITC for Vivienne Westwood)

Bike Lordz: Stunts & Styles From Accra Ghana

Written By: Nani Hapa—Acrobatic BMX bike riders are all the rage in Ghana right now, and film director Mikey Hart is looking to capture this phenomenon for the big screen. Take a look at the video below and get convinced to support the movement by making a donation to the film via Kick Starter.

Bikelordz : Stunts and Styles from Accra, Ghana from Bikelordz on Vimeo.

Get updates about this project by visiting bikelordz.com.

(Photo Credits: © www.BikeLordz.com)

Save The Date: LIVE From The Continent It's A Free World Party With Spoek Mathambo, Iyadede, and Blitz The Ambassador!

Written By: MIM!—Earlier this year, writer black lily told you about Society Harriet Alter Ego's (SHAE) fabulous events. Now is your time to attend—for free—SHAE's next event with Iyadede, Spoek Mathambo, and Blitz The Ambassador.  Get a sneak peak at what's to come by watching the video below, and read on for more details below.

Live from the Continent! from MVMT on Vimeo.

According to SHAE's press release:

Lincoln Center in collaboration with the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute & Society HAE will host ‘LIVE From The Continent!’ on Sunday, August 7. Part of Lincoln Center’s “Out of Doors” summer 2011 programming and billed as “Celebrating 21stCentury Sounds of The New African Rennaissnce,” LIVE From The Continent! will introduce attendees to Africa’s next wave of music makers. Featured artist include South African “Township Tech” maestro Spoek Mathambo, Ghanaian hip-hop musician/composer Blitz The Ambassador and Rwandan electro-pop songstress Iyadede. Attendees will also be treated to LIVE DJ mixes of “new” African music from the continents emerging stars courtesy of Sierra Leonian DJ Chief Boima and Afrika21 DJ, Frei of The Ahficionados. LIVE from the Continent will be held at Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park Bandshell located at the southwest corner of the Lincoln Center Plaza, at 62nd Street between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues. The event will be from 7pm to 10pm. Gates open at 6:30pm. FREE Admission.

MIMI Related Articles: World Party; Mind The Gap: Runway To Retail

(Photo Credits: © Courtesy Of SHAE)