Celestina Releases Boomtion

((  Written By: Staff Writer  ))  From boarding school in Nigeria, Africa to grinding in Hollywood, California, as a recording artist and songwriter, Celestina brings a unique merge of an exotic African flair and pop/electronic sounds.  Celestina is now on the scene with a slamming buzz record, “BOOMTION.”  Watch the video for Boomtion on Celestina’s YouTube channel, TheCelestinaChannel, and if you like what you hear, the single is available on iTunes and other digital stores.

Americanah: “Various Observations About American Blacks ... By A Non-American Black” And So Much More

((  Written By: Staff Writer  )) The immensely talented award-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s latest novel Americanah is as much a love story about two star-crossed lovers as it is a blunt and unflinching exploration into class, race, and national identity.  As teenagers in a Lagos secondary school, Ifemelu and Obinze fall in love at a time when Nigeria is under military dictatorship, and people are leaving the country if they can. Ifemelu—beautiful, self-assured—departs for America to study. Obinze—the quiet, thoughtful son of a professor—had hoped to join her, but post-9/11 America will not let him in, and he plunges into a compromising, undocumented life in Britain. Years later, Obinze is a wealthy man in a newly democratic Nigeria, while Ifemelu has achieved success as a writer of an eye-opening blog about race in America called “Raceteenth or Various Observations About American Blacks (Those Formerly Known as Negroes) by a Non-American Black.” But when Ifemelu returns to Nigeria, and she and Obinze reconnect, the two are forced to reconcile their new selves with their past that seemed destined for marriage.

As the novel nears end, Americanah comes dangerously close to crossing the line into an overly dramatic story—much like the stuff of Nollywood films—but Americanah more than makes up for this shortcoming with its fearless, intimate and blunt interrogations of hefty subjects like race, class, social manners, and even black women’s hair secrets.

Watch Nollywood Movies On American Cable Networks Starting February 1st

((  Press Release  ))  A welcomed innovation in the entertainment industry is here, as Nollywood movies will now be available on major cable television networks in the U.S. courtesy of Brandcast Media, Inc. Nollywood, the leader in the African movie industry, is currently the third-largest producer of feature films in the world, ranking only behind Hollywood in the United States and India's Bollywood as number two. Viewers of Time Warner, Cox, partners and affiliate cable television networks will now be able to watch Nollywood movies On-Demand starting February 1st, 2013. This will be a boon to millions of cable subscribers of various cultural orientations in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean.

With the addition of Nollywood movies to Cable TV content, Brandcast Media, Inc. aims to generate crossover appeal through the exposure of this unique content to over 40 million North American homes. The movies are carefully selected high quality titles that will end the usual buyer's remorse viewers experience with some Nollywood movies they purchase without preview. There will be no endless parts, just one complete uninterrupted movie viewing experience. With Cable, Nollywood fans that usually watch the movies online will have no concerns about Internet speed or buffering, just when the viewer is being captivated by the movie. About 80% of the movies to be shown on ‘Nollywood Hits’ have never been seen.

Some of the high quality productions to be featured on Nollywood Hits On Demand include ‘Somewhere in Africa’, ‘Mind Games’, ‘Unwanted Guest’, ‘Married But Living Single,’ etc., and will feature notable actors in the Nollywood Industry such as Genevieve Nnaji, Van Vicker, Funke Akindele, Majid Michel, Joke Silva, Omotola Jalade Ekehinde, Yvonne Nelson, and so many more.

Simply Kayo’s Top 13 Wedding Trends for 2013

((  Written By:  Fikayo Giwa  ))  I am the Founder and Principal Planner and Designer for Simply Kayo.  Let me tell you a bit about Simply Kayo: we are a boutique special events company based in London.  We create quality celebrations that are masterpieces.  We do this predominantly for the customer that is similar to us in that they are a product of the Western culture, but also with an ingrained sense of their ethnic heritage.  We specialize in planning and designing high quality celebrations such as weddings and birthdays for discerning clients both in the UK and internationally.  Based on my experience, here are my 13 wedding trend predictions for 2013:

1. Pop of colour in accessories—shoes, belts.
2. 1920s, retro/vintage inspired weddings—think romantic, headpieces, beaded gowns, pearls, gold.
3. Prints and patterns—damask is already a hit, we’ll see more stripes and florals in décor, cakes, bridesmaids dresses, stationery.
4. High or top bun—works well with headpieces.
5. Straying away from white wedding dresses.
6. Following on from the peplum trend of 2012, we’ll see more peplum bridesmaids dresses.
7. Mint green—in the décor, bridesmaids dress, stationery, details.
8. Champagne—team with different colours to achieve the look/ambience you want—great for winter or summer nuptials.

Coming In Spring 2013: Duro Olowu For J.C. Penney

((  Written By: Nani Hapa  ))  When retailer J.C. Penney announced that they were collaborating with print-mixing designer Duro Olowu (and First Lady Michelle Obama favorite) to create a limited-edition collection that would be released in the spring of 2013, I couldn't help but wonder "is it spring yet?"  When asked about the collection Duro shared:  “When I was thinking about this collection, I wanted to give American classic shapes and ideas a global flair.” And that’s just what he did—infusing striking prints like gingham, brocade, and floral.  Take a sneak peak at the collection below.

1.  Floral Ruffle Dress—$50, Single Swirl Acrylic And Hexagonal Acrylic Bracelets—$10 Each, Leaf Print Heel—$50, Raffia Tablet Case—$25.  2.  Paisley Jacket—$35, Gingham Short—$25, Leaf Print Heel—$50, Surf the Web Satchel—$40.  3.  Green Paisley Maxi Dress—$60, Enamel Cuff—$15, Leaf Print Clutch—$30, Leaf Print Heel—$50.  4.  Metallic Brocade Dress $60, Embellished Satin Heel $50, Spike Bracelet $25.

He(ART) And Soul: Njideka Akunyili

((  Written By: Staff Writer  ))  Nigerian born, Yale University School of Art graduate Njideka Akunyili is fast becoming the darling of the art world, in no small part due to her intimate collage paintings of scenes all too familiar.  She says about her work, "I use my art as a way to negotiate my seemingly contradictory loyalties to both my cherished Nigerian culture that is currently eroding and to my white American husband."

LOVE: Barbie's Dolls Of The World—Africa

((  Written By: Nani Hapa  ))  Barbie's Dolls Of The World Collection spans globally across generations to represent Barbie dressed in aspirational versions of traditional dress from various countries.  The Nigerian Barbie doll, released in 1990, wears a brown, beige, and black swirled dress with golden accents, as well as golden armbands and matching slip-on shoes. Her black hair is pulled slightly away from her face, and tied with a matching head-scarf.  1996's Ghanian Barbie doll wears an authentically styled Kente cloth tunic dress that ties into a bow below her knees, a brightly colored turban, and flat golden sandals.

From The Archives: Tiffany Amber

((  Written By:  Staff Writer  ))  Although Tiffany Amber's 2009 Africa Fashion Week Collection is now three years old, her pieces are as beautiful today as they were then, proving that she is a designer who withstands the test of time.

MIMI's Holiday Gift Guide: The MIMI-ista Edition

((  Written By:  Lola K.  ))  Bring Soul.Substance.Style to a special MIMI-ista in your life with these Afri-chic gifts.  1.  EDUN Poem Scarf (Uganda—$50 via www.EDUN.com)  2.  Brown And Blue Zanzan Wax Print Styled Umbrella From Babatunde (South Africa—$50 via www.BabatundeStyles.com also available at www.AfricanLookBook.com)  3.  Set Of 3 Modern Nomad Bangles (Senegal—$8 via www.CasaDiCulture.com)  4.  46664 Women's African Women Tee (South Africa—$40.00 via www.shop46664.com)   5.  Jewel By Lisa Embellished Necklace (Nigeria—$190 via www.MyASHO.com)  6.  NAMI Handmade Blue Print Ballet Flats (Nigeria—$72 via www.agnesandlola.com)

IJORERE The Invitation, Inc. Launching Its First Flagship Store

((  Written By: Staff Writer  ))  Exactly two years ago, in December 2009, we profiled in MIMI Magazine's Spirited Away issue, up-and-coming Ola Morin-Muhammed—architect by day and invitation extraordinaire by night, who had launched her notecard company IJORERE The Invitation, Inc.  In the two short years since Ola launched her company, she has turned her idealism and inspiration into a modern day success story.  In just a few weeks in January, 2013, IJORERE The Invitation, Inc. will be launching its first flagship store, IJORERE Atelier in the heart of the historic district of downtown Elgin, Illinois.

IJORERE Atelier will be a meeting location to cater to clientele’s stationery needs.  The store will host small and intimate gatherings such as, weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, poetry readings, rehearsal dinners, corporate/business sessions, birthday parties, workshops, book reading clubs and other intimate yet grand events.   Ola says about IJORERE Atelier:  “Opening this flagship store is a dream come to life.  Meeting with my clients face to face is that personal experience that is becoming obsolete in a world of technology.  I know having a location to come to will be well received by all and I look forward to many creative concepts we get to explore with our first and brand new location.”

Lola Faturoti Fall/Winter 2012

((  Written By:  Staff Writer  ))  Designer Lola Faturoti is known for creating collections that borrow fashion elements from Africa and Asia.  Her Fall/Winter 2012 collection is true to form and includes billowy kimono sleeves and bold prints.  See our favorite pieces below.  For more, read The Elements Of Style: Lola Faturoti from our Spring 2011 issue, and visit www.lolafaturoti.com.

37thState: Rebranding African Culture

((  Written By: Nani Hapa  ))  37thState is a media production company whose mission is to educate, entertain and inspire its audience in unique and accessible ways.  Yesterday, the company digitally premiered Bolaji Kekere-Ekun’s short film “Nkiru” starring Tienepre Oki, Chichi Iyiegboniwe, Ikechukwu Chima and KC Ejelonu.  Based on the African urban legend of Mami Wata, the short-film centers around a group of friends who disappear from a beach party under mysterious circumstances.   Watch the short film below (... don't forget to adjust your settings to view it in optimal HD quality).

The 2013 Grammy Nominations Are In ...

((  Written By: Mimi Tsiane  ))  ... and I am totally underwhelmed.  I find going through the list irritating as I don’t know many of the new artists, I can’t pronounce their names and music nowadays describes all the intricacies of sex to a point where it becomes a physical and mental assault of the soul.  With that said here are the three Africans that could win a Grammy.  Estelle's (Senegal) song "Thank You" was nominated for Best R&B Performance, Wale's (Nigeria) "Lotus Flower Bomb" featuring Miguel was nominated for Best Rap Song, and Hugh Masekela's (South Africa) album "Jabulani" was nominated in the Best World Music Album category.

Coming To A Theatre Near You: Half Of A Yellow Sun

((  Written By:  Staff Writer  ))  Author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has good reason to look forward to the new year.  The film adaptation of her prize-winning novel, Half Of A Yellow Sun, is coming to a theater near you in 2013.  Neither a Hollywood nor a Nollywood production—and rather an international production—the film is directed by Nigerian theater director, playwright and novelist Biyi Bandele and produced by Andrea Calderwood (The Last King of Scotland) and Gail Egan (The Constant Gardner).  Thandie Newton and Chiwetel Ojifor will star alongside several Nollywood stars including Onyeka Onwenu, Genevieve Nnaji and veteran actor Zack Orji.  The film will play out to original music by Nigerian songwriter Cobhams Asuquo and singer-songwriter Keziah Jones.

The Many Faces Of Nina Simone

((  Written By:  Mimi Tsiane  ))  When the announcement that an unauthorized biopic about Nina Simone potentially starring Mary J. Blige as the late great hit the press, reactions were mostly positive.  However, all of that changed when Zoe Saldana was cast as the legendary singer. Arguments range from Zoe is not "dark skinned enough," not "black enough" ... and not strong enough an actress to play the coveted role.  Many suggestions have been made.   Two names that have been thrown around to play Nina Simone have been actresses of African descent: Adepero Oduye (Nigeria)  and Danai Gurira (Zimbabwe).  African Americans have been cast to play Africans to mixed reaction—Jennifer Hudson as Winnie Mandela in Winnie, Forest Whitaker as Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland, Whoopi Goldberg as Mary Masombuka in Sarafina, Derek Luke as Patrick Chamusso in Catch A Fire ... the list is endless.  Is there any reason to question casting in the reverse?  Tell us, who would you cast in the role of Nina Simone?

Wear Africa On Your Sleeve: Trousers

((  Written By:  Staff Writer  )) Add a piece of Africa into your wardrobe with these fashionable choices from Jewel By Lisa (available to purchase online at Moda Operandi), Boxing Kitten (available to purchase online at Boxing Kitten's BigCartel store), and Eki Orleans (available to purchase online—discounted on sale—at Eki Orleans' official website).

Deola Sagoe: Africa Fashion Week 2012 Runway Collection

((  Written By:  Staff Writer  ))  Nigerian designer Deola Sagoe is a visionary with a unique approach to her craft that has endeared her to fashionistas all over the world.  Take a look at our favorite pieces from her 2012 Africa Fashion Week runway collection, and for more, visit www.DeolaSagoe.net.

Excuses For Why We Failed At Love: A Short Film Series By Zayna Daze And Warsan Shire

((  Written By:  Staff Writer  ))  Excuses For Why We Failed At Love is the first instalment of a three-part short film series by two equally gifted African women:  Nigerian-British independent filmmaker and photographer Zainab Adamu, also known as Zayna Daze, and Kenyan-born Somali poet and writer Warsan Shire.  Watch it below.

Flirt

((  Written By:  Staff Writer ))  We just love these flirty, feminine pieces from the latest collection by designer Hazel Aggrey-Orleans of Eki Orleans.  Hazel found inspiration for the collection, called ‘‘Butterflies’’ during a trip to Mauritius, where she encountered a flutter of beautiful butterflies and was instantly mesmerized.  ‘‘It is the soft innocence and gracefulness of these species that I tried to capture in my SS13 collection.  We used a lot of white fabrics to showcase the purity, against the vivid orange and fuchsia colours, which for me, beautifully portrays the energy that is brought to us through the wisdom of these delicate creatures.  We often forget what changes they have gone through to blossom to that beauty and I wanted to create pieces that were pure and angelic.’’

Maki Oh: Africa Fashion Week 2012 Runway Collection

((  Written By:  Staff Writer  ))  Tiered fringe trims and bold prints meet soft, feminine, silhouettes from the Spring/Summer 2013 collection of Nigerian fashion designer Amaka Osakwe of Maki Oh, who is a favorite of fashion forward celebrities like Solange Knowles.