In The Spirit Of Giving

((  Written By: Mimi Tsiane  ))  I like Ben Affleck; he is low key an okay actor and good to look at.  He became even better looking when I learned of his charity, Eastern Congo Initiative.  In March 2010, the Academy Award winning actor announced the formation of the Eastern Congo Initiative, which he founded as "the first U.S.-based advocacy and grant-making initiative wholly focused on working with and for the people of eastern Congo."  More information available at: www.easterncongo.org.

Beethoven In The Democratic Republic Of Congo

((  Written By:  Mimi Tsiane  ))  I was thrilled to pieces when I read that there was a classical symphony orchestra based in Kinchasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.  Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste was founded by Armand Diangienda, over 20 years ago.  The group consists of 200 African men and women was featured in the award winning German documentary Kinshasa Symphony.  Nothing, nothing, I mean nothing comes close to seeing an African woman in her "lapa" (traditional dress) slaying some Beethoven.

Modahnik: Africa Fashion Week 2012 Runway Collection

((  Written By:  Staff Writer  ))  Modahnik is a Chicago based womenswear brand founded in 2009 by designer Kahindo Mateene, who is from the Democratic Republic of Congo.  Take a look at the label's Africa Fashion Week 2012 runway show, and pick up your favorite dresses from their online store at Shop Modhanik on Facebook, where a sale is currently underway.

Music Video: Hula Hoop By Stella Mwangi Featuring Mohombi

Written By: MIM!—Below, watch the video for Stella Mwangi's single, Hula Hoop, from her latest album Kinanda, released in the summer of last year.  The song and video feature Swedish-Congolese singer-songwriter Mohombi.

Stella Mwangi feat Mohombi - "Hula Hoop" (Official video) from Big City on Vimeo.

(Photo Credits: © CD Cover Art)

Autumn Adeigbo's "6 Nights With Jean-Michel"

Written By: MIM!—It's right around that time of year when our favorite African designers start revealing their collections for the next season, and we're very excited to see what is in store! First up is Nigerian designer Autumn Adeigbo, who released her "6 Nights With Jean-Michel" collection last week.  Autumn says about her latest collection:

My latest collection—titled "6 Nights with Jean-Michel" [is] inspired by my protagonist's 6 nights affair with artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. The collection incorporates my usual African influences and prints, and of course 5% of each sale is donated to healing sexual violence crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo- via Women for Women international. Examples of Basquiat's work (my favorite artist) is referenced in some of the shots. Please feel free to see the entire shoot at www.autumnadeigbo.com under the Fall 2011 collection gallery.

(Photo Credits: © Katherine Finkelstein For Autumn Adeigbo)

In Theaters Now: Viva Riva!

((  Written By: MIMI  ))  Director Djo Tunda Wa Munga’s Viva Riva! is all the buzz with critics and fans alike. The winner of six African Movie Academy Awards, an MTV Movie Award, a Pan African Film Festival Award, and many more accolades.  The synopsis:

Riva is a small time operator who has just returned to his hometown of Kinshasa, Congo after a decade away with a major score: a fortune in hijacked gasoline. Wads of cash in hand and out for a good time, Riva is soon entranced by beautiful night club denizen Nora, the kept woman of a local gangster. Into the mix comes an Angolan crime lord relentlessly seeking the return of his stolen shipment of gasoline.

Today Marks The 51st Anniversary Of Congo's Independence

Written By: MIM!—After more than 70 years of colonial rule, the people of Congo rose up and claimed their freedom with a free and fair election, electing Patrice Lumumba. When Patrice Lumumba was elected he declared, "The Republic of the Congo has been proclaimed, and our country is now in the hands of its own children. Together, my brothers, my sisters, we are going to begin a new struggle, a sublime struggle, which will lead our country to peace, prosperity, and greatness. Together, we are going to establish social justice and make sure everyone has just remuneration for his labor.  We are going to show the world what the black man can do when he works in freedom, and we are going to make of the Congo the center of the sun's radiance for all of Africa. We are going to keep watch over the lands of our country so that they truly profit her children. We are going to restore ancient laws and make new ones which will be just and noble. We are going to put an end to suppression of free thought and see to it that all our citizens enjoy to the full the fundamental liberties foreseen in the Declaration of the Rights of Man. We are going to do away with all discrimination of every variety and assure for each and all the position to which human dignity, work, and dedication entitles him. We are going to rule not by the peace of guns and bayonets but by a peace of the heart and the will. And for all that, dear fellow countrymen, be sure that we will count not only on our enormous strength and immense riches but on the assistance of numerous foreign countries whose collaboration we will accept if it is offered freely and with no attempt to impose on us an alien culture of no matter what nature."

The Baptism of Liberty from Falling Whistles on Vimeo.

This year the Congolese are once again having an election, their third in history. Make this poster from Falling Whistles your profile picture to commemorate our common andcontinuous struggle towards freedom.

(Photo Credits: © Falling Whistles)

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)

Africa + Me

Written By: Nkeiru Oruche—I wear a t-shirt that boldy proclaims “SPEAK YOUR MOTHER TONGUE.” That’s an idyllic goal (I would know, I designed the t-shirt), but it brings about mixed feelings. What is my mother-tongue? I recently learned that the answer to that question is complicated to say the least. Read on to find out how so.

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I love meeting other Africans. I have this fantasy of visiting other African countries for at least two weeks to any number of months at a time per country, and giving myself up to total submersion of my fetishized appetite for their dance, music, language and food. I’ll totally be that Anglo person that I criticize all the time. If you know anything about me, you’ll know that I have this ongoing far away obsession relationship with Congolese, Cameroonian, and Ivorian dance and music. And I think it is the ultimate shame that I have been to various countries around the world, but not one other African country aside from Nigeria. And now I'm beginning to have a mild obsession with the Caribbean and Latin America ... and South Asia ... and ... sigh.

Read the rest of this article in MIMI's Love Africa, Always issue, in the article Africa + Me.

(Photo Credits: © PunchStock / Brand X Images)

Modahnik SS 2011: Rich Colors And Textures With A Modern 1970’s Twist

Written By: MIM!—Modahnik is a women’s contemporary clothing line influenced by the dichotomy of the vibrant African culture and landscape as well as modern contemporary West that was launched in 2009 by Congolese fashion designer Kahindo Mateene. Kahindo shares about the line, "the brightly colorful African print is the signature of Modahnik, fused with western design sensibilities, creates a multicultural feast of modern silhouettes that is refreshingly feminine and visually appealing with an underlying sexiness. Modahnik is a socially conscious line that aims to be ethical by producing in Africa using fair trade practices thus creating sustainable jobs for underprivileged communities within Africa." Take a look at their Spring/Summer 2011 collection below.

Abd Al Malik Release His New Album, Chateau Rouge, Today

Written By: MIMI—With an unfailing artistic energy, Abd Al Malik decides to reinvent his music and surprise people by turning pop music codes upside down, blending african music with electro rock. Described as equal parts Congolese rumba, indie rock, electro pop, young French poetry, and radical world music, Abd Al Malik's latest 14-track album, Château Rouge, introduces us to a new side of the the revolutionary of French hip-hop who among other things, integrates English lyrics on some of his tracks, and even tries to sing. To read more about Château Rouge and hear some tracks, visit www.facebook.com/AbdAlMalikOfficiel and www.AbdAlMalik.fr.

(Photo Credits: © CD Cover Art)

Men We Love: Kae Sun, Baloji, Siji, Tinie Tempah And Rotimi

Written By: MIM!—Kae Sun, Baloji, Siji, Tinie Tempah and Rotimi could not be more musically different; but despite their markedly different genres—urban-folk, rumba, soul, hip-hop, and R&B respectively—they all have one thing in common: creative genius ... oh, and undeniable magnetism ;) Read more about Kae Sun, Baloji, Siji, Tinie Tempah and Rotimi below, and watch a music video from each of them.

1. Kae Sun: Kwaku Darko-Mensah who goes by the stage name Kae Sun is a singer / songwriter / MC from Ghana but currently based in Canada. His sound is acoustic, urban-folk influenced with flecks of hip hop. Last year Kae Sun released his debut full length LP Lion On A Leash. We love him because he is original, we swoon over him because he also writes poetry (Kae Sun's work is regularly published in One Ghana, One Voice). Learn more about him by visiting www.kaesunmusic.com.

Kae Sun On the lookout official music video from Kae Sun on Vimeo.

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2. Baloji: For this talented Congolese Belgian rapper who was born in Lubumbashi and grew up in Wallonia, music is personal. Baloji shares, "I’ve got these songs where I talk about stuff that happened to me five years ago when I was an illegal immigrant living without ID papers and I got this expulsion order." We love him for his charisma, we swoon over him because he's unapologetically and supremely honest about who he is ("I’m just trying to be myself. People can just take it or leave it because that’s who I am and I’m not about to change it!") Visit www.baloji.com for more information.

LE JOUR D'APRES / SIKU YA BAADAYE (INDEPENDANCE CHA-CHA) from BALOJI on Vimeo.

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3. SIJI: The second born of twelve children to Nigerian émigrés in London, SIJI spent much of his early childhood in Lagos and London before moving to the US to further pursue his musical ambitions. His cultural heritage combined with the socio-political spirit of the time, exposed young SIJI to the politicized music of the Afrobeat legends Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade, Tony Allen as well as the soulful grooves of Marvin Gaye, Al Green, and Otis Redding. We love SIJI because he is soulful, we swoon over him because he is smart (SIJI has a Masters degree in Engineering Product Design, and is a self-taught piano, percussion, and acoustic bass player). Visit www.sijimusic.com for more information.

SIJI - "Yearning For Home" Music Video from SIJI on Vimeo.

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4. Tinie Tempah: Already a hit-maker in the UK with the chart-topping success of his singles Frisky and Pass Out, rapper Tinie Tempah is looking to solidify his place in music with the release of his debut album The Disc-Overy, which is slated to be released in the UK on October 4th (no word yet on a US release date). We love Tinie Tempah because he has swagger, we swoon over him because he is so confident ("Sometimes I'll listen to albums and half of the songs are fillers so I want mine to be as striking and as brilliant as each other."). Get more information at www.tinietempah.com.

Tinie Tempah - Passout from Tim Brown on Vimeo.

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5. Rotimi: As an opener for artists such as Estelle and N*E*R*D, Rotimi Akinosho has solidified his standing as one of the brightest up and comers in the business. With his hit single Beautiful Music securing hundreds of Myspace and Facebook plays a day, Rotimi is on track to developing himself as a capable artist and force within the music industry. We love him because his voice us reminds us why we love classic R&B music, we swoon over him because he is naturally talented (at 15 years old Rotimi wowed the historically brutal Apollo Theatre crowd, singing his way to first place at amateur night).

Rotimi - Beautiful Music from Christopher Amos on Vimeo.

VLISCO Launches Bag Line

Written By: MIM!—With its vibrant textiles Vlisco has weaved its brand into the fabric of West and Central African fashion. Now, Vlisco is looking to leave its fashion footprint in high-end leather bags with the launch of the Vlisco Haute Maroquinerie collection. Using their expertise in textiles as a launching pad for the new collection, some bags will be manufactured with a specific design from Vlisco's fabric collection.

The Vlisco Haute Maroquinerie collection is available in Vlisco Boutiques in Cotonou (Republic of Benin), Lomé (Togo), Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire), Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo), and online at Vlisco's online boutique: www.vlisco.com.

(Photo Credits: VLISCO)

The Girl Who Fell To Earth: Iyadede

Written By: MIM!—Singer Sabrina Iyadede is a Rwandan artist who goes by IyaDedE (ee-ya-day-day). Born and raised in Kigali, she has been a music lover from a young age, listening to Rwandan, Zouk, Congolese, and 80's pop music. She was forced to leave Rwanda during the 1994 genocide, but IyaDedE kept her faith in life by making music all while relocating to Belgium, finding her way to France and finally making a home in the United States. The fruits of her personal and musical journey is a 13 track record entitled Talking to God. This Spring, IyaDedE will release her second album, The Girl Who Fell to Earth, which picks up her journey where Talking to God left off. MIMI caught up with IyaDedE to find out more about the woman behind the music.

MIM!: In three words, describe your sound.

Iyadede: Pop, African, and Sincere.

MIM!: What inspires you?

Iyadede: Every single day, every single person in my life. You just live your life gathering impressions and feeling and one day at the right moment all that materialize into songs. Maybe that is a way to close a chapter , once the lesson has been learnt. I'm also inspired by every day sounds. I think we make music that recreates the soundscape of our life. For me it's the sound of a big city with memories from Africa in the background.

MIM!: Who has been the biggest influence in your life?

Iyadede: My parents most certainly. I had a such a special relationship with them growing up. They were my heroes and considering the circumstances of war and everything they did behave like heroes.

MIM!: What is the last CD you bought?

Iyadede: I am an itunes addict. I just got Roisin Murphy, Rihanna, Jay Retard, and a few singles I haven't heard in a while like some Massive attack, Brenda Fasie and Oasis.

MIM!: With so many young singers emerging, where do you fit in the scene?

Iyadede: At the letter I, like Iyadede, right in between Beyonce and Ozzie Osborne (LOL). I think with the new media, its so much easier to do your thing. We shouldn't even be worried about that anymore. My journey is very special and I want to exist and be recognized as a voice and a force that's for sure.

New Year's Resolutions For 2010

Written By: MIM!—Happy New Year! We are working on the 2010 issues of MIMI, and have some major announcements, starting with our first issue of the year (watch this space for details)! For now, here are ten resolutions to get 2010 off to a brilliant start:

1. Celebrate 5 years of publishing with MIMI; we launched in 2005 and have been the online voice of African women since! Be a part of MIMI and keep up with us.

2. Visit Africa; a trip to South Africa this year would be *amazing* with both the World Cup and the best African Fashion Weeks being hosted there this summer.

3. Learn French; it’s widely spoken in at least 20 African countries including Benin, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Madagascar, Mali and Senegal.

4. While you're learning French, learn how to say hello, goodbye, please and thank you in a second African language; get started with www.africanlanguages.com.

5. Try purple lipstick; the consensus says it’s a fashion do!

6. Get healthy; as actress Stephanie Okereke says, "the body you take care of today will take care of you tomorrow."

7. Embrace Afri-chic style; inspiration is all around.

8. Invite your friends over for a meal; with easy to follow and delicious recipes from Sandra Amoako and party tips from Marian Kihogo (For New Year's Eve Why Don't You), hosting should be a breeze.

9. Make a difference by giving to charity; whether it's time, money, or something unconventional, it all makes a difference. Take note from model Noella Coursaris, who started the Georges Maliaka Foundation.

10. Live well, laugh often, love much.

(Photo Credits: Iconogenic) (Model Used Solely For Illustrative Purposes)

Khaliah Ali On A Mission To Raise Awareness Of The Efforts Of Humanitarian Agencies Serving The Democratic Republic Of The Congo

Written By: Staff Writer—Khaliah Ali, author, fashion designer, and daughter of legendary boxing icon Muhammad Ali, is celebrating the 35th anniversary of the historic "Rumble in the Jungle" bout between Ali and George Foreman by embarking on a humanitarian visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This marks the first time that an Ali family member has returned to the country where one of sports most historic events took place (October 30, 1974).

“My father and the Congolese people share a remarkable bond born from an event that empowered a country and supported him as he reclaimed his heavyweight crown. I know that the spirit of the 60,000 people who witnessed the fight live inside his heart to this day,” says Khaliah. “It has been my dream to show my deep affection and gratitude to the Congolese people for the integral part they played in my own family’s history. This trip offers an opportunity to become involved in ongoing relief programs serving the region and to gain a deeper understanding of the progress being made in the western and southern regions and the tragedies that still exist in the east.”

Khaliah is being hosted by international fashion model, humanitarian, founder of the Georges Malaika Foundation (Empowering Girls Through Education), and two time MIMI covergirl (Summer 2006 and September 2007)), Noella Coursaris Musunka (Shooting Star). While in the Congo, Khaliah will visit women’s collectives, schools created to serve the needs of children orphaned by the country’s ongoing civil wars and medical facilities. Khaliah will also travel to more remote areas of the country under their auspices of UNICEF to support the organization's ongoing efforts of UNICEF.

In addition to Khaliah’s humanitarian work, she will meet and speak with many local Congolese citizens, address students at The University of Lubumbashi and Kinshasa and learn about the diverse needs of the Congolese people. Among Khaliah’s activities will be laying the first stone at the Georges Malaika School for Girls in Kalebuka, Katanga, founded by Noella Coursaris.

Look for live updates from Khaliah’s trip to the Congo on MIMI's blog!

(Photo Credits: Provided Courtesy Of www.illuminegroup.com)

Kina Klothing: African To A Tee

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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:
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(Photo Credits: www.KinaKlothing.com)

All Eyes On Noëlla Coursaris

Congolese model Noëlla Coursaris is everyone's favorite spokesperson! Did you notice her modeling IJO Fashions in the March 2008 issue of MIMI (MIMI will bring you more snapshots from that fabulous collection in another blogspot post)? She is also now the new face of Organic Root Stimulator, and MIMI has the exclusive first look at the new ad. Did you recognize her in her new ad? All in all, Noella is one to watch, it's no wonder she is the only woman to grace the cover of MIMI twice, and been rated as one of the hottest 21 Africans.

MIMI Features Links: Breaking Boundaries & Be You, Be Beautiful!

Sony World Photography Awards

Held at the prestigious Palais des Festivals, Cannes, between the 21st and 25th April 2008, the Sony World Photography Awards proudly gives tribute to photographers around the globe in all categories. From landscape to music, photojournalism to fashion, the Sony World Photography Awards showcases the world's best images taken by the most renowned photographers as well as the yet undiscovered. Here are the images by African photographers under consideration on the shortlist:

Photographer: Boniface Mwangi (Kenya). "Kenya Elections." A supporter of Presidential candidate Raila Odinga (R) is beaten by two supporters of Presidential candidate Mwai Kibaki (C) and (L) during a street fight in the Mathare neighborhood of Nairobi, Kenya 29 December 2007. Opposition leader Raila Odinga led incumbent Mwai Kibaki in Kenya's tight presidential race Saturday, but delays in the tallying raised suspicions of rigging and sparked nationwide riots. Angry Odinga supporters went on the rampage in Nairobi and across the country, looting and burning.

Photographer: Cedric Gerbehaye, (Democratic Republic of Congo). "Morning Prayer." 2007 Morning prayer for the soldiers of the CNDP (National Congres for the Defence of the People) at the headquarter of General Laurent Nkunda, who is also a priest, in his stronghold of Kichanga, Masisi hills in North-Kivu Kichanga, North-Kivu, DRC, 2007 Morning prayer for the soldiers of the CNDP (National Congres for the Defence of the People) at the headquarter of General Laurent Nkunda, who is also an adventist minister, in his stronghold of Kichanga, in the Masisi hills of North-Kivu Cedric Gerbehaye.

Photographer: Massimo Mastrorillo (Mozambique). "A Decade of Poverty and Dream."

For more information, visit www.ideageneration.co.uk

September 2007: Breaking Boundaries

Noëlla Coursaris and Kaysha make history on the September 2007 cover of MIMI—Noëlla is the first woman to appear on MIMI's cover twice, while Kaysha is the first man ever to appear on MIMI's cover. Their friendship has sparked rumors about the nature of their relationship; however, in an interview with MIMI's Nani Hapa, Kaysha set the record straight and explained "We are just like brother and sister." Indeed, Noëlla confirmed that she is happily single and that her and Kaysha are just friends. As she explains, "I see him more like a brother." Read about how the Congolese stars are making great strides in the articles: Empowering Girls Through Education and The Best Of Kaysha. For more on both Noëlla and Kaysha, take at look at The Hot 21, where both of them are featured.

All About MIMI Link: Volume 3, Issue 6: Breaking Boundaries
www.mimimagazine.com/2007/september