Refilwe Modiselle: "Don't Blend In"

((  Written By:  Staff Writer  ))  One in 4,000 people in South Africa has albinism.  Activists say they suffer prejudice from employers and lack of recognition by government.  But there are trailblazers like Refilwe Modiselle who seek to challenge the status quo by being examples of positive images of albinism.  Refilwe is South Africa's first working albino model.  She started her modeling career at the age of 13 when she was approached by “Y!” magazine, and has since done runway work (most recently during 2012's Mercedes Benz Africa Fashion Week), print work, and advertising campaigns.

She Defines Soul. Substance. Style (No. 23): Sofia Boutella

((  Written By:  Staff Writer  ))  Sofia Boutella is an Algerian-French dancer who has been at the top of her game since 2006, when she was picked for Jamie King's choreography for Nike as the embodiment of femininity and hip-hop.  Dubbed "the Nile Girl" by Nike, Sofia began studying classical dance at the age of 5.  The Berklee College of Music graduate has danced in music videos (Michael Jackson), starred in television and film (StreetDance 2), and toured with the best (Madonna's Confessions Tour).   Notwithstanding her impressive list of accomplishments, when asked about her greatest accomplishment, Sofia astutely answered:  "I think it's in the future." 

((  Photo Credits:  Nike  ))

She Defines Soul. Substance. Style (No. 22): Nneka

((  Written By:  Nani Hapa  ))  Her soulful music has moved us to label her "The Voice Of Africa," the substance of her lyrics have us convinced that were she not a musician, she might have made an excellent investigative journalist ... or perhaps a philosopher, and her style has inspired us to proudly rock tom boy chic with our afros.  Do we need to give any more serious consideration about why Nneka Egbuna defines Soul.Substance.Style?

He(ART): Koku Gonza—Ushering In The Neo-Soul World Music Movement

((  Written By:  Staff Writer  ))  With the release of her third CD, Radiozophrenic, Koku Gonza brought together elements of her Tanzanian heritage as well as her unique aesthetic for genre blending, to create a sound that is filled with passion, love, and neo-soul.    MIMI sat down with the artist to talk music, style and inspiration.

MIMI:  How were you discovered and put on the path to becoming a recording artist?
Koku Gonza:   I was discovered by playing everywhere I could. I started singing in church and city choirs as a child and I continued discovering various aspects of music as a teenager. I was put on the path of recording at a young age. As a kid, I used to watch my father write and record songs on tape. (Her father is Tanzanian guitarist Longfellow Mugarula.) I knew at the age of 4 I was interested in creating my own music. I recorded my first song at the age of 9. I sang and played piano.

MIMI:  What place do you call home?

Koku Gonza:  My third floor apartment in Chicago in Hyde Park by the lake front.

MIMI: What is your definition of "Radiozophrenic"?

Koku Gonza:  Radiozophrenic is the concept of turning the dial on my personal creative radio as a songwriter. I love to listen to different genres of music. Sometimes its Jazz, Funk, Fusion, Pop, Hip-Hop, Soul, R&B, Brazilian Style-Bossa Nova or the Bongo Music of East Africa that tickles my musical pallet within a span of one hour.

The Best Of MIMI Magazine: Genevieve Nnaji—True Star

(( Written By: Staff Writer ))  Nollywood actress Genevieve Nnaji is obsessed-about by millions, and that's not a surprise given her formidable work ethic and original talent; but it's her deeply ingrained sense of self that makes her—as we dubbed her in January 2006—a "True Star."  Below, read one of our favorite lessons MIMI took away from our interview with Genevieve.

Township Business Wins SMME Award

((  Written By:  Abram Molelemane  ))  "As I’m speaking to you right now I’m looking at my award! The R10, 000 cash prize will help me buy products, new equipment and other items for my salon.”  These are the words of an overjoyed Paula Maleka upon winning the Best Small Medium Macro Enterprise (SMME) award in the Vaal area.

Maleka’s business, Fountain of Beauty, a 100% woman-owned beauty wholesale, retail and service provision company, was amongst the  three SMME’s that finished on top at the Vaal SMME Awards for 2011/2012, held at the end of June.

The winners were selected following a rigorous evaluation process conducted by The Institute for Applied Human and Management Science in South Africa, during which 182 SMME’s from the region were assessed.  In the end, it was the three businesses with the highest overall score across several categories who came out on top.

Maleka says she was motivated to open her business in 2007 because of her passion for beauty and a desire to promote health and wellness amongst beauty-conscious women within the community of Sebokeng.

From The Current Issue Of MIMI ... Samata Angel: Manifest Destiny

Written By: MIM!—Since we last interviewed Samata Angel in 2009 until now, it has been as she puts it, “quite the adventure!” In a snapshot: “In February 2010 I became an ambassador for the exclusive Transatlantic Network 2020, and was named in the Black Women in Europe: Power List 2010 which were great honours for me. Most of 2010, I spent working on my third book [a fashion designer’s how-to guide for aspiring designers] and working with the London College of Fashion, lecturing and mentoring students there. 2011 was an incredible year! It started off with me winning Suzy Amis Cameron’s Red Carpet Green Dress Contest [a global sustainable dress contest] and then being ... named as the Campaign Director for the campaign ... I was also named as one Red Magazine’s “One to Watch: Top 20 Women Under The Age of 30” and was invited to address the Prime Minister David Cameron ... and an audience of MP’s, entrepreneurs and media at the launch of StartUp Britain.” And that’s just the beginning, 2012 promises to be a big year for Samata —she plans to return to designing with the launch of her own womenswear brand. MIM! caught up with Samata, to learn more about the entrepreneur, dreamer, achiever.  Read the rest of this article—Samata Angel: Manifest Destiny—in the current issue of MIMI, With Love.

(Photo Credits: © BMG)

Zama Dube Is Living Out Loud

Written By: Nani Hapa—Zama Dube is defining the voice of the youth in post-apartheid South Africa as host of The Face-Off With Zama Dube on Johannesburg-based youth-centric radio station, YFM, which is known for broadcasting “the soundtrack to an urban life—fast-paced, energetic and uplifting with a mix of a few quiet moments so that you can catch your breath in the middle of Jozi madness.” Born in Kwa-Mashu, Durban, to a single mother, Zama comes from a musical family of natural dancers and singers—it is no wonder then that she made her way to radio while concurrently studying a joint honors degree at WITS University. MIMI caught up with the reb(ELLE) to talk about being a part of, and representing, the young post-apartheid generation. Read our interview with Zama in the article Living Out Loud.

(Photo Credits: © YFM)

Sam Kessie: In The Director's Seat

Written By: Sam Kessie—I was born in Camden Town, England. At a very young age my father took a job with a mining company and we had to move from London to Obuasi, in the Ashanti region of Ghana. Growing up in England at a very young age exposed me to a completely different culture and way of life from how it was when I moved to Ghana. I hated it and didn’t really have a lot of friends. My parents were pretty protective of me; one could say I had very strict parents, though in the end I am glad they were. I spent a lot of time reading and watching TV. At the same time I was pretty adventurous, getting into trouble occasionally and therefore ending up grounded numerous times. I did write occasionally as an outlet, and had a few articles make it into the local newspaper. However, in school I was always on the path to go into the sciences. Writing, or anything artistic, was encouraged to be more of a hobby. I started Wesley Girls High School in Cape Coast in the mid 90’s and although I graduated as a science student, I was a very active member in the Drama Club. Funny enough, one of my prizes at speech day was a book entitled Movie and Methods (I still have that book on my shelf!). I entered college with the intention of becoming a computer engineer, but very quickly realized I was not at all in love with that major.

I struggled for a few years still trying to figure out what I really wanted to do. I even took a few business classes believing I wanted to be like my dad, who worked in finance. I was actually good at it, but once again there was something missing. I hated going to class because I wasn’t really enjoying it. I had a few internships and couldn’t stand it. Then I had to take a requirement for psychology. The complexities of the mind, and attempting to understand individual and social behavior as well as the physiological and neurological processes absolutely fascinated me. I took a few more classes and then decided to change my major and study psychology. The more I delved into this world, the more I was drawn to certain people with all sorts of characteristics. I took several theatre classes and found it intriguing to break down a character to the very core and trying to understand them in a psychological sense.

Read the rest of In The Director's Seat in the latest issue of MIMI, Unapologetically Modern.African.Female.

Genevieve Nnaji: "What I Don’t Like About Nigeria? … Man, I Never Diss My Own Country."

Written By: Jamelia Mmari—Genevieve Nnaji recently sat down with CNN International's Pedro Pinto for a full-length interview with African Voices. When asked what she likes about Nigeria and correspondingly, what she doesn't like about Nigeria, she had the following to share, proving why for many she reigns supreme:

Sunday's Child: Sunday Omony

Written By: MIM!—Sunday Omony was born in the war-torn region of northern Uganda. When she was six years old, her family migrated to Canada. Despite being miles away from her home country, Sunday has remained connected—to name a few of her volunteer efforts: she continues to partner with organizations promoting peace and human rights, and she is involved with GuluWalk, a campaign that supports war affected youth in northern Uganda. A firm believer in giving back, in 2004, she founded a non-profit organization called Immigrant Youth Empowerment Society. We caught up with the model (and hilarious comedian) to find out more about Sunday's child.

Director Leila Djansi Receives The British Academy of Film and Television Arts Los Angeles Pan African Festival Choice Prize

Written By: MIM!—Congratulations are in order for director Leila Djansi who was presented the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Los Angeles 2011 Pan African Festival Choice Prize for I Sing of A Well at the 19th Annual Pan African Film Festival held in Los Angeles. She shares about the prize, “I am so very honored to receive this prize, which I accept not only for me, but for producer Akofa Ejeani Asiedu, cast, and crew ... Making this film was a team effort, as it always is, and I am so glad I worked with a team that helped me turn my words on paper into an enjoyable film. I am so appreciative to BAFTA Los Angeles and PAFF.” Watch the trailer for the critically acclaimed I Sing of A Well below.

I Sing of a Well - Official Trailer from filmmaker on Vimeo.

MIMI Related Articles: Cut! Censoring Sex In Ghanaian Movies; Pumzi: A 20 Minute Sci-Fi Film About Futuristic Africa Written And Directed By Wanuri Kahiu

(Photo Credits: © Eaddy Perry & Associates, Inc.)

MIMI's Hot 21: TMS Ruge: The Free Radical (No. 009):

Written By: MIM!—Capitalizing on his understanding of different cultures and markets, TMS Ruge has become a successful global social entrepreneur with ventures that include: (1) co-founding www.ProjectDiaspora.org—an organization he co-founded in 2007 to motivate, engage and mobilize the African Diaspora to take an active role in Africa’s development), (2) running UMPG—an indigenous farmers’ business in Masindi, Uganda and (3) advising Women of Kireka, a women’s jewelry making co-operative in Kampala, Uganda. The Free Radical of MIMI's Hot 21, Ruge sat down with MIMI to reflect on Africa and the African Diaspora. Here is what he had to share on these subjects and more ...

1. Life right now is ... Superbly hectic! I've got a whirlwind travel schedule over the next few months. I am in Uganda as we speak supervising some social entrepreneurship and community development projects for Project Diaspora. I'll be sneaking out to Rwanda, Kenya and the UK for some speaking engagements before heading to Dallas. Life right now, is beautifully occupied with thoughts and actions of giving back to my continent and doing my small part in my small corner of the world.

2. My first job was ... (Laughs) My first job was as a dishwasher at this restaurant. I used to rollerblade to work and spend 8 hours washing dishes and bussing tables after school and weekends. My only perk was watching Michael Jordan play in the NBA finals. I think I was earning $3.75 for the pleasure. Big money!

3. I knew my career (Project Diaspora) and me were meant to be when ... The constant and dreadful thought of occupying yet another corporate cubicle drove me to embrace the idea of PD. And then when I started meeting members of the African Diaspora at conferences who were telling me they are fans of PD, it really cemented my drive to do more, and I knew I was meant to do this. The tiniest of successes along the way to getting PD to where it is have provided for a lot of smiles as I drift off to sleep.

4. Being passionate about Africa is all about being ... Comfortable with all facets of Africa. The good, the bad, the ugly, the unsung. It is all part of me. From the dusty air, to the red mud between my toes after a tropical storm. It is about looking beyond 400+ years of foreign rule and bad news and listening to the drums of a renewed continent determined to lift itself out of dire straights. Being passionate about Africa is loving to do whatever is needed even if you are not getting paid for it. The journey is the payment, and accomplishing something along the way is the bonus.

5. The one phrase I overuse is ... "I love, love, love it!"—I am an idea guy, and I get very excited when I hear out of the box ideas that bend the norm. As a result, it has just stuck that this is my natural response to good news, great ideas, suggestions, a good conversation ... whatever.

MIMI's Hot 21: Marian Kihogo: The Stylista (No. 008)

Written By: MIM!—MIMI's resident stylista, Marian Kihogo, sat down with MIMI to share her perspective on Soul. Substance. Style.

MIM!: Tell us, Marian Kihogo is ...

Marian Kihogo: A Celebrity Personal Stylist, Fashion Stylist, Fashion Writer, Creative Consultant and Editor of www.Mariankihogo.com—a comprehensive fashion, beauty and culture site in a personal weblog format.

MIM!: In three words, how would you describe the Marian Kihogo styling aesthetic?
Marian Kihogo: Personalised to client.

MIM!: What accomplishment in your career are you most proud of?
Marian Kihogo: Renewing self confidence through my styling, seeing clients featured in best dressed lists, assisting people find a sense of self by discovering who they are style wise.

MIM!: Who inspires you?
Marian Kihogo: The honest, the compassionate, the individual and the unapologetically fearless!

MIM!: What inspires you?
Marian Kihogo: Art from every period and genre. People. Anthropology. Culture. Travel—I have an intense wanderlust. Photography. Architecture. People watching—I draw endless inspiration from just watching people go by! Their experiences and cultures come through in their personal style. English literature. The work of Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, Dorothy Koomson, Edwidge Danticat etcetera. African literature by writers like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Ayi Kwei Armah, Mariam Ba, Buchi Emecheta, Ama Ata Aidoo, Chinua Achebe etc. Music by Grace Jones, Youssou N'Dour, Nina Simone, Angélique Kidjo, Sade, Stevie Wonder, Salif Keita etcetera. Film—independent film, period films, silent films, the work of the late Senegalese filmmaker Ousmane Sembène etc

MIM!: Complete the sentence: "To me being an African woman means ..."

Marian Kihogo: Being God fearing, giving, resourceful, creative and resilient!

(Photo Credits: © Vanessa Jackson)

MIMI's Hot 21: Obi Somto: The Drama King (No. 007)

Written By: MIM!—Learn more about photographer Obi Somto, who we dubbed as the Drama King of MIMI's Hot 21 as he completes 10 sentences that reveal more about his Soul. Substance. Style.

1. I knew my career in photography and me were meant to be when ... I've always been art inclined, and I always thought it would be lovely if I could make a living through my arts... I guess I knew it was going to be photography when my friend and manager said to me, "Somto, we have to start making money from your photographs" the next week I got a job to do a models portfolio.

2. The last time my breath was taken away was ... Hmmmmm, errrmmm, funny it was very recently, I was watching Aljazera, the Eye Witness programme I think. It was a story of an American dentist who's passion is photography. He's been taking pictures of the world trade center, which was the tallest building in the world at the time for many years now. He has about 50000 pictures of the world trade center before it was destroyed and the last photo he took of it was a week before the september 11 attack. He has been selling photos of the world trade center and donating the proceeds to the new york fire dept fund since the 9/11 attack. My mouth was open the whole time I was watching the documentary so its safe to say that was the last time my breath was taken away.

3. My fictional hero is ... Superman. Any photographer would or should totally adore the man of steal. He is just awesome, come on, having all his powers, you would be able to make any photograph you think of without limitations, it would just be uber awesome.

4. The person I look up to the most is ... Hmmm. Well Jesus is not a person right? It would have definitely been Him. I don't look up to any one person in particular, though I look up to certain things or qualities from different people to make the ultimate person. Some of these people are, my big brother, Kelechi Obi, Jide Alakija, Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Annie Leibovitz, Yervant and my uncle, Sir Nnamdi Obi, just to mention a few.

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)

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)

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.