Written By: Jamelia Mmari—When MIMI first published an article about urbanknit two years ago, writer Belinda Otas wrote, "Known for their bold and eclectic mix of colours, African fabrics have become the new craze of the fashion world in recent years; from the runways of South African Fashion Week to last years Runway Africa fashion show in Washington D.C. African designers now understand they too can be versatile with the different blend of colours and fabrics ranging from Nigeria’s Ankara and Adire,—popularly known as ‘Tie and Dye’—to Shwe-shwe from South Africa. The myriad of designs on offer makes it challenging to decide on what to pick when you go to the market but that is no stressful task for Dolapo James. It started out of boredom. According to James, it was never a conscious decision to start a company but today, she is learning fast about what it takes to own and run your own business. What might seem like a daunting pursuit is nothing out of the extraordinaire for this young Nigerian who learnt to knit as a child. 'I started out of sheer boredom one year while job hunting, my mum had taught me how to knit when I was little.” From knitting, she started making items for her family members which she describes as being awful. “I always liked making things and my family was my guinea pig because I was always making stuff that was awful but they indulged me and never discouraged me,' she says."
Today, urbanknit continues to make scarves (knitted in 100% merino wool and cashmere) as well as bags (fabricated from bold combinations of adire, batik, bright prints, satin, ankara and interesting fabrics from all over the world), which are sold at
urbanknit's Etsy Shop. Dolapo shares, "I enjoy making one-off accessories in new and interesting ways. Get a funky knitted cowl, scarf or neckwarmer or a bright clutch, zipper pouch or tote all available in bold African fabrics like Adire, Ankara, Aso-oke and contrasted with denim, cotton, leather, silk, satin and so much more. You will definately find something for you."
My personal favorites are the thoroughly modern and Afri-chic vintage styled purses made from ankara.
Written By: MIM!—All hail the return of the King! Global groove royalty, King Sunny Ade, is back with Baba Mo Tunde, his first studio album in ten years set to be released on September 28, 2010. Known for his mastery of the art of perfectly pitching his words to suit his often powerful patrons-right down to using the traditions and cadences of their home region or village, King Sunny Ade reflects this talent on Baba Mo Tunde, interweaving proverbs with King Sunny Ade's deeply felt faith, in a move typical of the master of Yoruba poetry. Even beyond the words, King Sunny Ade is a master at grabbing the essence of Yoruba and Afropop moments, and making them great to dance to. "Nigerian music is the wellspring," King Sunny Ade explains with a smile, thinking about his long career and recent work, "but my music brings people together, no matter where they are from. Everybody can give thanks and dance. That's what my music is all about, peace and enjoyment." We're ready to dance!
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