Her band, Afrofloetry, delivers great music with a very afro-fusion bent to it.  Afrofloetry was the opening act for Hugh Masakela during one of his performances in Washington DC.  Be prepared to get up and dance as the music starts to work on you.  Mwalagho and Afrofloetry were chosen to represent Kenya during the inaugural events of President Barack Obama, and performed at the National Museum of African Arts for thousands of audience from different parts of the world

Entry into the show is $5 at the Bossa Bistro and starts at 10 p.m.  You can learn more about this event by visiting the Bossa Bistro website, or visiting her official website. You can also become a fan on Facebook and Myspace.  If you want to purchase her music, visit CD Baby.

The campaign is aimed at celebrating and inspiring individuals who do Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) and share happiness in their everyday lives. Africa Lets Go Crazy is an evolution of the ‘A Billion Reasons To Believe In Africa’ which was aimed at portraying the good side of Africa whilst inspiring pride in her people.

The People who embrace this new campaign and join the movement will be tagged ‘Billion Believers’ as Coca-Cola takes its cultural leadership platform to the height of turning African pride into a movement of positive action.

The commercial features Billion Believers including Douglas Rori from Kenya, Corporal Sebul Audu from Nigeria, Edward Echwalu  from Uganda and Belachew Birma (World Laughter Champion) from Ethiopia.

The song, ‘Continent of Kindness‘,  is sang by talented Ugandan singer, Maurice Kirya.  Coca-Cola often has great advertisements (and tempts us to sing along to their catchy tunes) so this promises to be yet another one that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy.

Sing along with Coca-Cola and try and be a little crazy.

Nairobi Half Life

The Feature Film Project is a new venture, presented by MANHATTAN SHORT designed to discover, market and promote one Feature Film through our established cinema network that otherwise might not have had the opportunity to find an audience, gain distribution and get discovered.

Why do we care? Because tonight that feature film is an African one. Nairobi Half Life, is a Kenyan film that has received international acclaim and in 2012 became Kenya’s first ever submission to the Academy Awards when it was submitted in the Foreign Language category. The film also won awards at the Durban International Film Festival, the AFI Film Festival 2012 and Film Africa 2012. This feature film has even received support from the Embassy of Kenya in the U.S.

The film will be shown in several cinemas across the U.S. and then audiences will determine whether they should show it for a full week.

Please help support this African film so that more African films have an opportunity to share their work with a broad new audience. Learn more about the Manhattan Short Feature Film Project and the films they offer.

This award ceremony honors the accomplishments and contributions of reggae and world music artists, including: songwriters, performers, promoters and musicians.

Nominated Africans include the following (by category):

Best New Entertainer

Wyre (Kenya)

Best African Entertainer

Fally Ipupa (Congo)
D’banJ (Nigeria)
P-Square (Nigeria)
Nkulee Dube (South Africa)
Liquideep (South Africa)
Daddy Muss (Sierra Leone)
Sarkodie (Ghana)

Most Outstanding Dance Group

Djembe Druming (Africa)

Voting is open so you can visit the website and pick your favorite artist to win.

Google Doodle in honor of Miriam Makeba

Miriam Makeba would have been 81 years old today.  A singer with a powerful voice, and even more powerful message, she found herself exiled for her songs against the unjust nature of apartheid.  Her most popular songs included ‘Pata Pata’, ‘Malaika’, the ‘Click Song’ but any performance by her was a treat.  Her voice was gentle, yet powerful; her message important and timely.

On her 81st birthday we celebrate the woman that made us think about apartheid, see it for what it really was, and mobilize to make a difference.

Happy birthday Miriam Makeba.  You are sorely missed.

The documentary received a lot of applause and seemed to be popular with the people at the Oscars. Swedish director, Malik Bendjelloul, and producer, Simon Chinn, were on hand to accept the Oscar.

The documentary is about Rodriguez, a musician who was rumored to be dead, but who was found to be very much alive, and who, through them, found a new audience.

Synopsis
In 1968, two producers went to a downtown Detroit bar to see an unknown recording artist – a charismatic Mexican-American singer/songwriter named Rodriguez, who had attracted a local following with his mysterious presence, soulful melodies and prophetic lyrics.

They were immediately bewitched by the singer, and thought they had found a musical folk hero in the purest sense – an artist who reminded them of a Chicano Bob Dylan, perhaps even greater. They had worked with the likes of Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, but they believed the album they subsequently produced with Rodriguez – ‘Cold Fact’ – was the masterpiece of their producing careers.

Despite good reviews, Cold Fact was a commercial disaster and marked the end of Rodriguez’s recording career before it had even started. Rodriguez sank back into obscurity. All that trailed him were stories of his escalating depression, and eventually he fell so far off the music industry’s radar that when it was rumored he had committed suicide, there was no conclusive report of exactly how and why. Of all the stories that circulated about his death, the most sensational – and the most widely accepted – was that Rodriguez had set himself ablaze on stage 4 having delivered these final lyrics: “But thanks for your time, then you can thank me for mine and after that’s said, forget it.” The album’s sales never revived, the label folded and Rodriguez’s music seemed destined for oblivion.

This was not the end of Rodriguez’s story. A bootleg recording of Cold Fact somehow found its way to South Africa in the early 1970s, a time when South Africa was becoming increasingly isolated as the Apartheid regime tightened its grip. Rodriguez’s anti-establishment lyrics and observations as an outsider in urban America felt particularly resonant for a whole generation of disaffected Afrikaners. The album quickly developed an avid following through word-of-mouth among the white liberal youth, with local pressings made. In typical response, the reactionary government banned the record, ensuring no radio play, which only served to further fuel its cult status.

The mystery surrounding the artist’s death helped secure Rodriguez’s place in rock legend and Cold Fact quickly became the anthem of the white resistance in Apartheid-era South Africa. Over the next two decades Rodriguez became a household name in the country and Cold Fact went platinum.

To learn more about the film, visit the website.

Samsung Electronics West Africa's Brovo Kim with Kate Henshaw and Banky W (Photo: marketingworldmag.com)

Speaking at the unveiling, Managing Director, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Brovo Kim stated that Henshaw and Banky W represent the values that Samsung has stood for over the years.

“The Samsung brand stands for qualities of innovation, change, discovery, self-expression and excellence in performance.

“And these very same qualities are epitomised by Banky W and Kate Henshaw, whose quality and depth of work as well as versatility as artistes have endeared them to Nigerians today. We are indeed very proud and privileged to have them as our Brand Ambassadors,” he said.

Henshaw will be leveraged in its brand and product advertising for mobile phones. The unveiling of their newest phone, the Samsung Galaxy Grand, will be coupled with a pre-order incentive of a free limited edition flip cover of the device, autographed by Banky W.

Lira - Samsung's African Ambassador

In South Africa, Lira was appointed the Brand Ambassador for Samsung Africa.  A self-confessed techie, Lira said she was thrilled to represent the brand, saying she admired Samsung’s environmentally responsible approach and the fact that the company has a strong focus on African growth.

Lira was previously the South African face of Samsung home appliances, has now been signed to extend the role to the entire continent.

Samsung has invested heavily in development initiatives across the continent and is a leading player in the home appliances, TV and mobile device market across Africa.  They are also a major sponsor of the Orange AFCON tournament.

Gabourey Sidibe

This five-documentary series on contemporary African Diaspora premiered on January 22, 2013. It shows at 7:00pm ET (6:00pm CT, 4:00pm PT) on public television’s WORLD channel and will continue on Tuesdays weekly until February 5, 2013.

This season, AfroPoP, which consists of independent films, brings viewers on a journey into human and women’s rights struggles across the world. Co-presented by the Center for Asian American Media, Eliaichi Kimaro’s “A Lot Like You” (January 22), follows the half-Korean, half-Tanzanian sexual-abuse survivor and filmmaker as she explores her African roots, and learns about the sexual violence faced by her aunts and other women in the Chagga culture. ‘“Dear Mandela” (January 29), by Dara Kell and Christopher Nizza, captures the demonstrations of residents of the Durban shantytowns as they fight for the decent living conditions promised by the post-apartheid government and challenge the African National Congress (ANC). Directors Violeta Ayala and Daniel Fallshaw uncover modern-day slavery in refugee camps in Western Sahara in “Stolen“ (February 5), entangling themselves in a high-stakes thriller.

In her role as host, Sidibe frames each episode’s content, adding her personal concerns about the issues portrayed. “This season of AfroPoP helps give voice to those who truly need to be heard,” said the Brooklyn native, whose father hails from Senegal. “I’m happy to help bring these stories to the American public and raise awareness of issues of vital concern to women and men in Africa as well as all who care about human rights.”

“Gabourey’s energetic spirit and connection to the youth culture made her the perfect choice to host the series this season and we are happy to have her as such an integral part of AfroPoP,” said Black Public Media Vice President and Director of Programming Leslie Fields-Cruz and co-executive producer of the series.

For more information, check your local listings or visit BlackMedia’s website.  You can also find local airings by visiting the AfroPoP page. To find your local WORLD station, visit the WORLD website.

Stolen

In Western Sahara to document UN-monitored family reunions in a refugee camp, Ayala and Fallshaw plan to film the reunion between Fetim Sellami, a Saharawi refugee, and the mother she has not seen since she was a child. At the joyous reunion, a discussion of their family history soon begins. Detailing the conditions that led to parent and child living on different sides of a contested border, Fetim reveals the shocking secret that she is enslaved to white Saharawis living in the camp. Soon what was intended to be a happy record of a family reunion becomes an exposé of slavery in the camp, bringing the filmmakers under the scrutiny of the Polisario, the government ruling the Saharawis.

With video evidence of the enslavement of Fetim and other black Saharawis in the refugee camps, Ayala and Fallshaw face the threat of losing their footage, being detained by the Polisario, or worse. As the filmmakers struggle to find a way out of the territory and still bring the plight of the enslaved refugees to greater attention, “Stolen” plays out as a thriller that will shock and captivate viewers.

Violeta Ayala is an award-winning filmmaker, writer and theater performer from Bolivia. In 2006, she began her collaboration with Dan Fallshaw in North Africa on “Between the Oil and the Deep Blue Sea”, an investigative documentary about corruption in the oil industry. In 2007, Violeta and Dan made “A Vegan in the Meat Aisle“, a short drama selected for Tropfest. In 2009, their first feature film “Stolen” premiered internationally at the Toronto International Film Festival and at IDFA in competition; it went on to take Best Documentary at the Pan African Film Festival and receive a special mention at its New Zealand premiere. She is developing a framework on documentary for the Australian Film Television Radio School and has given master-classes at the National Film and Television School in London and the Edinburgh College of Art. Violeta is a recipient of the Jan Vrijman Fund.

Dan Fallshaw studied Visual Communications at the University of Technology in Sydney and St. Martins College in London. He worked in London and Germany as an Art Director and later in Italy as a film editor. Dan made his first documentary while at university, that looked at the lives of four women dealing with the consequences of chemotherapy. In 2006, he and Violeta Ayala created United Notions Film; they traveled to Mauritania and made Between the “Oil and the Deep Blue Sea”, documentary about corruption in the oil industry. In 2007, Dan directed “A Vegan in the Meat Aisle”, a short drama selected for the world’s biggest short film festival, Tropfest. His film with Violeta, “Stolen”, has been selected for more than 35 film festivals worldwide. Dan received the Best Editing Award at the Documentary Edge Festival in New Zealand for“Stolen” .

“Stolen”  and the other episodes of this season of AfroPoP will re-air throughout January and February on World and other public television stations. Please check your local listings for information on additional air dates and times.

Keto Couture

The African designers are:

Anjoreen Couture
Anjorin Babatunde, designer of high repute has earned and well known in creating one of its kind, traditional attire and afro-centric fashion for both male and female. He served as a a local embroidery designer in Ghana, before joining the Ruby Garment Institute for a 3 year program on Fashion, Designing and Embroidery. The Anjoreen Couture label is aimed at the sophisticated man and woman who like to appear glamorous at all times.The label uses natural silk and cotton fabrics.

Aphropolitan

Aphropolitan is inspired by the desire to engender pride in a rich African heritage and to revive rare, artisanal fabrics. They began partnering with local artisans in Lagos, Nigeria to create apparel and accessories that were modern and trendy, yet undeniably African. Through these partnerships, local retailers once again began taking pride in carrying locally-made products which caught the attention of international audiences. The demand grew. Their philosophy is simple—Do Well, Do Good. They source local fabrics and local craftsmanship to create affordable, luxurious and fashionable African pieces which will enables them to give back to the communities that they reflect and serve. Visit their official website, and become a fan on Facebook.

House of J’ola

Joan Okorodudu hails from Aniocha North Local Government Area in Delta State, Nigeria. She graduated from the prestigious Boston University with a political science degree in 1981, then returned to Nigeria to fulfill her Youth Service commitment. During that same year, she was named first runner-up and, later, Miss Nigeria. This was also the year she became a fashion designer. Okorodudu showcased her House of J’ola clothing lines in many African nations’ fashion weeks. She is a well-tested fashion designer and also the Chief Executive of the House of J’ola Designs, which produces exotic designs for all ages and occasions. House of J’ola stocks original fabrics from Gucci and Roberto Cavalli, including silk, taffeta, French and original wooden. Her sojourn into fashion designing dates back to 1990 when she opened her first fashion house in Wilmington, Delaware, which she ran for three years before returning to Nigeria. Joan, or “Mama J” as she is fondly called by close friends and relatives, is a mother and wife of 26 years.

Keto Couture

Keto Couture is a creative label that is fast making an in-road into the international market. It makes elegant designs for both genders and with electrifying effects that only reflects the nobility of the clientele. Keto Couture is based in Abuja, Nigeria. A market driver and customer-centric organization. Keto employs only the best of men and materials available, delivering at the most competitive rate. They make use of African prints to produce designs that have a global appeal and their strength includes celebrity, ceremonial, office as well as everyday wear. You can see some of their clothing on their official website and become a fan on Facebook.

Sally Itiego

Sally Itiego is a Nigerian designer who was also part of the 2012 Washington DC Fashion Week.

Schedule:
Kickoff Reception & Eco Fashion Show
The official kickoff of the 18th fashion week in Washington featuring Eco Fashions.
RSVP is required. Details coming soon on how to RSVP for the opening. Open to all ages.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013 @ 7:00 PM
Fashion in the Streets
City Wide

House of J'ola

Wednesday, February 20, 2013, 7:00 PM
Corjor International Collections Show
Place : To Be Determined

Thursday, February 21, 2013, 6:00 PM
Event Name: Fashion Industry Networking Party
Join the largest fashionista gathering in Washington as lifestyle bloggers, stylists, models, designers, media, retail, photographers, modeling agencies, and lovers of style come together to network.
Special Jewelry & Accessory Fashion Show at 7:00 PM
Place : Dirty Bar, 1223 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20036
Time: 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
* Free Admission/No RSVP required. Age 18 and older.

Friday, February 22, 2013, 7:00 PM
Ukraine Designers Showcase
Special guest designer collections from Ukraine exhibit at DC Fashion Week
Time: 7:00 PM

Saturday, February 23, 2013, 6:00 PM
Event Name: Emerging Designer Showcase
Emerging fashion designers from United States top colleges & universities showcase together at fashion week. Special music guests perform.
M.E.D.I.A. Showcase (Metropolitan Emerging Designers & Indie Artists)
Time: Doors Open 5:30 PM, Fashion Show 6:00 PM
$30.00 General Admission
$50.00 Front Row

Sunday, February 24, 2013, 5:00 PM
Event Name: 18th International Couture Collections
International designers present collections at DC Fashion Week’s finale event.
Place : Embassy of France La Maison Francaise, 4101 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC 20007
Time: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Fashion Show @ 6:00 PM
* Tickets Required
$70.00 General Admission
$150.00 VIP Admission (includes front row, deluxe gift bag, champagne toast, and VIP pre-show reception at 5:00 PM)
On Sale Friday, November 23, 2012

International Couture Collections Show Tickets
Eventbrite – International Couture Collections

To learn more about this event, and purchase tickets, visit the official website, or follow them on Twitter.