The Annual Ultra White Party is fast becoming THE event in the Washington DC metro area.   Now in it’s 7th year, it has to keep moving in order to accommodate the crowds that increase each year.  This year’s event will be held at the Ibiza club in Washington DC and will be hosted by Hollywood actress, Meagan Good.  Meagan Good is known for her roles in ‘Eve’s Bayou’, ‘The Secret Life of Girls’, ‘Biker Boyz’, ‘Deliver Us from Eva’, and, most recently, ‘Think Like a Man‘.  She recently got engaged to DeVon Franklin.

The 7th Annual Ultra White Party will be held from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. at the Ibiza club.  If you are not familiar with the Ultra White Parties, you are in for a treat.  One of the DJs will be DJ Fully Focus (Kenya), a legend in Atlanta, known for playing a wonderful eclectic musical mix of American, African, Caribbean and Latin mixes that keep people on the dance floor all night.  Soundcloud has several samples of his music mixes. The other DJ will be DJ Tag Soundz.

A portion of the proceeds from the party will benefit two charities–the Georges Malaika Foundation (dedicated to empowering African girls through education) and SELF Friskies Fest (raises funds for a girl’s Catholic school in Liberia).

Please dress in all-white or you will be turned away (colored accessories are allowed).

The event is brought to you by a BCBG Productions in collaboration with The Afrology Experience. To get more information about this party and purchase your tickets, visit the official website.

Tribal Chic 2011

This very successful annual event is in its 4th year and continues to attract some of the best designers in the country.  Tribe Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel that has been featured in several magazines including Conde Nast Traveller, Elite Traveler, CEO Magazine, Boutique Design, Ideal Interiors and Msafiri Magazine, to name a few.  Renowned for it’s upscale decor, and exclusive events, Tribe Hotel continues to set the standard with it’s annual fashion show.

Several celebrities may just show up. Previous celebrities include Emmanuel Jal, Zain Verjee (CNN), and MC Queen Lucky (DJ in Seattle). Tribe Hotel posted on this on Twitter:

“did someone say Emmanuelle Chiriqui (Sloane from Entourage) is coming for Tribal Chic 2012??? yes she is!! We CANNOT wait!”

Designers that are scheduled to showcase their collections include Adele Dejak who will be launching her Rogo collection, Aryam Designs, Bella MATATA, Katungulu Mwendwa, Modahnik, LaLesso and Kondakis.

To learn more about the event or purchase tickets, visit the Tribe Hotel website, become a fan on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter.

Nigeria’s Benin-set historical epic, ‘Adesuwa‘ was a close second with three awards, for Costume Design, Visual Effects, and Best Nigerian Film. South Africa’s crime drama, ‘State of Violence’ won Best Film in an African Language, and Best Achievement in Sound. Nigeria was the most awarded country on the night, receiving 12 awards, followed closely by South Africa with 10.

Some of the biggest names from black Hollywood were at The AMAAs, including Emmy winner and Golden Globe nominee Lynn Whitfield (‘The Josephine Baker Story’ and ‘Without a Trace’); Morris Chestnut (‘American Horror Story’, ‘Boyz in the Hood’); Rockmond Dunbar (‘Prison Break’, ‘Sons of Anarchy’) and Maya Gilbert (‘General Hospital’, ‘Days of Our Lives‘).

Overall the caliber of films that were submitted was very high, making the judges’ decisions difficult.  The jury had notable names including  Dr. Asantewa Olantunji, director of programming of The Pan African Film Festival (head of  this year’s jury), which included June Giavanni, programmer for Planet Africa at The Toronto International Film Festival; Keith Shiri, founder and film curator at the London festival, Africa at The Pictures; Dorothee Wenner, a curator at The Berlin Film Festival; Shaibu Husseini, an actor, dancer and The Nigerian Guardian arts journalist; Steve Ayorinde, editor-in-chief of The Daily Mirror; Ayoko Babu, executive director of The Pan African Film Festival; Dr. Hyginus Ekwuazi, a film scholar and critic; and directors Berni Goldblat and John Akomfrah, OBE.

The jury statement said, “This year may prove to be the beginning of a new era for AMAA. Not only did AMAAwitness an unprecedented number of film submissions, from more countries throughout the African continent and its Diaspora, it also witnessed a remarkable increase in the quality of the films submitted. From their technical qualities to the acting and directing, the 2012 film slate is most impressive. Indeed, for the jury, the task of selecting the  “Best” in each category has been challenging. The competition in most categories was very strong and our decisions reflect much thought and debate. The jury is also impressed by the quality and diversity of the storylines of the films presented. The decolonization of African films and images is well underway. As never before, we see films that tell real stories: inspired by, reflective of and crafted by the people, by whom and for whom they were made.”

The complete list of winners is as follows:

AMAA 2011 PRIZE FOR BEST FILM
1.  State Of Violence – South Africa
2.  Adesuwa  – Nigeria
3.  Otelo Burning – South Africa
4.  Rugged Priest – Kenya
5.  How 2 Steal 2 Million – South Africa (Youtube)
6.  Ties That Bind – Ghana
7.  Man On Ground – South Africa/Nigeria

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR BEST SHORT FILM
1. Jamaa – Uganda
2. Look Again – Kenya
3. Maffe Tiga – Guinea
4. Braids On Bald Head – Nigeria (Youtube)
5. Hidden Life – South Africa
6. Mwansa The Great – Zimbabwe
7. Chumo – Tanzania
8. The Young Smoker – Nigeria

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY
1.  African Election – Nigeria/Germany (Youtube)
2.  Beyond The Deadly Pit – Rwanda
3.  Awa Ogbe: An African Adventure – Algeria
4.  Dear Mandela – South Africa
5.  White& Black; Crime And Colour – Tanzania
6.  The Niger Delta Struggle – Ghana
7.  There Is Nothing Wrong With My Uncle –Nigeria
8.  How Much Is Too Much – Kenya

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR BEST DIASPORA FEATURE
1.  Toussaint Louverture – Senegal/Guadalupe (Youtube)
2.  Ghett’a Life – Jamaica
3.  High Chicago – Canada
4.  Elza – Guadalupe
5.  Better Mus’ Come – Jamaica
6.  Kinyanrwanda – USA

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR BEST DIASPORA DOCUMENTARY
1.  The Education Of Auma Obama – Germany
2.  White Wash – USA
3.  Almendron Mi Corazon – Guadalupe
4.  All Me: The Life And Times Of Winfred Hubert – USA

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR BEST DIASPORA (SHORT FILM)
1.  John Doe – USA
2.  White Sugar In A Black Pot -USA
3.  The Lost One -USA

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR BEST ANIMATION
1.  The Legend on Ngong Hills – Kenya (Youtube)
2.  Oba – Nigeria
3.  Climate Change is Real – Kenya
4.  Egu – South Africa
5.  Nauliza – Kenya

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR BEST FILM BY AN AFRICAN LIVING ABROAD
1.  Mystery Of Birds – USA/Nigeria
2.  Housemates – UK/Nigeria
3.  Ben Kross – Italy/Nigeria
4.  Paparazzi Eye In The Dark – USA/Nigeria/Ghana

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN PRODUCTION DESIGN
1.  Somewhere in Africa – Ghana
2.   Phone Swap – Nigeria (Youtube)
3.   Otelo Burning – South Africa
4.   Adesuwa – Nigeria
5.   How 2 Steal 2 Million – South Africa

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN COSTUME DESIGN
1.  The Captain Of Nakara – Kenya
2.  Adesuwa – Nigeria (Youtube)
3.  Rugged Priest -Kenya
4.  Somewhere In Africa – Ghana
5.  Queen’s Desire – Nigeria

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKE-UP
1.  Rugged Priest – Kenya
2.  State Research Bureau – Uganda
3.  Adesuwa – Nigeria
4.  Somewhere In Africa – Ghana
5.  Shattered – Kenya (Youtube)

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUNDTRACK
1.  Otelo Burning – South Africa
2.  Alero’s Symphony – Nigeria (Youtube)
3.  Adesuwa – Nigeria
4.  How 2 Steal 2 Million – South Africa
5.  Somewhere In Africa – Ghana

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN VISUAL EFFECTS
1.  Behind The Mask – Nigeria
2.  Somewhere In Africa – Ghana
3.  Adesuwa – Nigeria (Youtube)
4.  State Research Bureau – Uganda
5.  Otelo Burning – South Africa

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND
1.  State Of Violence – South Africa (Youtube)
2.  Otelo Burning – South Africa
3.  How To Steal 2 Million – South Africa
4.  Man On Ground – South Africa/Nigeria
5.  Algiers Murder – South Africa

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY
1.  How 2 Steal 2 Million – South Africa
2.  Otelo Burning – South Africa (Youtube)
3.  Rugged Priest – Kenya
4.  Masquerades – Ghana
5.  Man On Ground – South Africa/Nigeria

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN EDITING
1.  Algiers Murder – South Africa
2.  Man On Ground – South Africa/Nigeria
3.  Unwanted Guest – Nigeria
4.  How 2 Steal 2 Million- South Africa (Youtube)
5.  Otelo Burning – South Africa
6. Alero’s Symphony – Nigeria

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN SCREENPLAY
1.  Ties That Bind – Ghana (Youtube)
2.  Mr & Mrs – Nigeria
3.  How 2 Steal 2 Million – South Africa
4.  Otelo Burning –South Africa
5.  Unwanted Guest -Nigeria
6.  Two Brides And A Baby – Nigeria

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR BEST NIGERIAN FILM
1.  Unwanted Guest -Nigeria
2.  Family On Fire – Nigeria
3.  Alero’s Symphony – Nigeria
4.  Adesuwa – Nigeria (Youtube)
5.  Phone Swap – Nigeria

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR BEST FILM IN AN AFRICAN LANGUAGE
1.  Chumo – Tanzania
2.  State Of Violence – South Africa (Youtube)
3.  Family On Fire – Nigeria
4.  Otelo Burning – South Africa
5.  Asoni – Cameroon

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR BEST CHILD ACTOR
1.  Rahim Banda (Behind The Mask) – Nigeria
2.  Tshepang Mohlomi  (Otelo Burning) – South Africa (Youtube)
3.  Reginna Danies (Bank Job) – Nigeria
4.  Benjamin Abemigisha (Jamaa) – Uganda
5.  Rachel Nduhukire (Jamaa) – Uganda
6.  Ayinla O. Abdulaheem (ZR-7) – Nigeria

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR BEST YOUNG/PROMISING ACTOR
1.  Neo Ntatleno (State Of Violence) – South Africa
2.  Ivie Okujaye (Alero’s Symphony) – Nigeria (Youtube)
3.  Iyobosa Olaye (Adesuwa) – Nigeria
4.  Martha Ankomah (Somewhere In Africa) – Ghana
5.  Thomas Gumede (Otelo Burning) – South Africa
6.  Sihle Xaba (Otelo Burning) – South Africa

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
1.  Rapulana Seiphemo (How 2 Steal 2 Million) – South Africa
2.  Fana Mokoena (Man On Ground) – South Africa/Nigeria (Youtube)
3.  Hafiz Oyetoro (Phone Swap) – Nigeria
4.  Okechukwu Uzoesi (Two Brides And A Baby) – Nigeria
5.  Godfrey Theobejane (48) – Nigeria
6.  Lwanda Jawar (Rugged Priest) – Kenya

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
1.  Terry Pheto (How 2 Steal 2 Million) – South Africa (Youtube)
2.  Ebbe Bassey (Ties That Bind) – Ghana
3.  Empress Njamah (Bank Job) – Nigeria
4.  Ngozi Ezeonu (Adesuwa) – Nigeria
5.  Thelma Okoduwa (Mr & Mrs) – Nigeria
6.  Omotola Jalade Ekeinde (Ties That Bind) – Ghana

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
1.  Menzi Ngubane (How 2 Steal 2 Million) – South Africa
2.  Majid Michel (Somewhere In Africa) – Ghana (Youtube)
3.  Chet Anekwe (Unwanted Guest) – Nigeria
4.  Jafta Mamabolo (Otelo Burning) – South Africa
5.  Karabo Lance (48) – South Africa
6.  Wale Ojo (Phone Swap) – Nigeria
7.  Hakeem Kae-Kazim (Man On Ground) – Nigeria/South Africa

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
1.   Nse Ikpe Etim (Mr & Mrs) – Nigeria
2.  Yvonne Okoro (Single Six) – Ghana
3.  Ama K. Abebrese (Ties That Bind) – Ghana
4.  Rita Dominic (Shattered) – Nigeria (Youtube)
5.  Uche Jombo (Damage) – Nigeria
6.  Millicent Makheido (48) – Nigeria
7.  Kudzai Sevenzo-Nyarai (Playing Warriors) – Zimbabwe

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR BEST DIRECTOR
1.  Lancelot Oduwa Imaseun (Adesuwa) – Nigeria
2.  Leila Djansi (Ties That Bind) – Ghana
3.  Bob Nyanja (Rugged Priest) – Kenya
4.  Charlie Vundla (How 2 Steal 2 Million) – South Africa (Youtube)
5.  Khalo Matabane (State Of Violence) – South Africa
6.  Akin Omotoso (Man On Ground) – South Africa/Nigeria
7.  Sara Bletcher (Otelo Burning) – South Africa

SPECIAL JURY PRIZE
Man on Ground - South Africa/Nigeria (Youtube)

The series, by Lucy Gakii Chodota (Executive Producer) and Brian Kyallo Msafiri (Co-producer), will center around four ladies–Frida,Lawyer; Ayok, a photographer; Koki, a house wife; and Nana, a writer–as they deal with everyday juggles of life in Nairobi–relationships, work, parenting and friendship.

By the looks of it, it promises to be a series to watch and Jamati will keep you posted on the release. Meantime have a peak on the pilot episode.

This red carpet event will be held at the Loft Ballroom in Laurel on April 28, 2012, with a VIP reception featuring a complimentary open bar and light dinner from 8pm to 10pm.  The Gala starts at 10pm.

Ms. Nzinga Blake of  ABC’s ‘Culture Click’ will be the host this year.  Bajah and Dry Eye Crew will perform, followed by DJ Lebbie.

Please note that cocktail attire is required.  To purchase tickets to this event, please visit the website or call Mariama at 301.806.8213.

The festival has received a lot of support from the town of Tubingen, and they look forward to providing the following entertainment to help promote Africa to the Diaspora:

-An Open-Air Festival
-Sports and Events
-Business & Social Forum
-Charity Gala night
-Disco night featuring a guest artist

Opportunities for vendors include the following:

Stand Price

-Flat rate: 4days (3x3m): 200 Euros
-Special price: 4days (6x6m): 300Euros
-Groups: A group of more than 3 traders 6x6m = 250 Euros
-Extra Meter kostet 50 Euro für Austellers mit Bsp.: 4 oder 5m

Product

Traders with original products from Africa or Fair-trade products are encouraged.

Traders Benefit

-Cheaper stand price / Flat rate + Group advantage /
-Free Entry Policy
-Free Breakfast for all Traders
-Food for half price for all traders Ex: food cost 5euros, all traders buy at 2.50 Euros
-Free entry to other events such as Gala-night / Disco night

To learn more about vendor opportunities, visit the website, or call +49(0)1742125019.  The deadline to register to participate is June 30, 2012.

Medora

Energeias is a luxury facility with state-of-the-art cardio equipment with changing rooms that feature private lockers, laundry service, individual dressing/make-up stations, private showers, and eucalyptus steam rooms.

Medora offers oxygen facials, gold facials, Acne-Thalgodermal facials, manicures and pedicures, Balinese massage, Swedish massage, and Hawaiian massage, to name a few.  Interestingly, the salon offers tummy, thigh, arm and back tucks for men.

The quest to provide luxury and quality are becoming a trademark of Sidney Sladen’s business endeavours.  We look forward to seeing what he will come up with next.

Andy Brown

Andy Brown had been famous for his song, ‘Mapurisa’, which he performed as a member of the Ilanga Band. Brown joined Ilanga Band in 1986 where he played lead guitar. The band released two albums (1987′s ‘Silver and Gold’, and 1988′s ‘Visions Untold’). At the 1988 Human Rights Concert in Harare, they shared the stage with Tracy Chapman, Bruce Springsteen, Peter Gabriel, the Bhundu Boys, and Youssou N’Dour.

Brown left the Ilanga Band in 1989 and formed Andy Brown and The Storm. His popularity diminished when he joined the political party, ZANU PF. As his outlook became increasingly political, his fan base dwindled. After a while he had very few fans left. His last performance was said to have been attended by 11 people.

Brown was previously married to Chiwoniso Maraire before their marriage collapsed 10 years ago. The two have a daughter named Ammara.

Daliso Chaponda

This gentleman is one of them.  Humor is often the well-timed delivery of a pun, idea, or thought, with lots of double meanings, or just well-intoned statements punctuated by the right facial expressions.  Too many rising comics seem to miss the mark, but this Daliso Chaponda delivers well.

He toured Malawi in January performing for his ‘Antisocial Commentator‘ tour.  He is currently on tour in Montreal, Canada with Sugar Sammy (named one of the top ten rising comedians by the Hollywood Reporter).

His comedy routine is becoming quite popular, and I am hoping we will see more of him in the future, next to others like Arthur Simeon, Ahmed Ahmed, Kojo, Michael Blackson, and Gina Yashere.

Watch his routine below, and you be the judge of whether it is great stand-up comedy, or just another comic with no future.  You can follow him on Myspace, Facebook, or his website.

Ikenna Azuike - What's Up Africa

Ikenna says the What’s Up Africa vlog, a short-sharp satire on the happenings across the African continent, is a way of expressing his creativity, and creating an impact on society. He seemed quite at home and excited to be in Nairobi shooting his vlog series and meeting with various people.

It was the first time that the show has been shot in any African country. Commenting on whether he would be touring other parts of the continent he says, “I would love to go to other countries but I have to prove (to his financiers) I have a bigger audience for what I am doing.”

Ikenna, who says his character on the vlog is an exaggerated version of himself, expects his fans to enjoy fun filled episodes from Kenya and a chance to meet with different personalities whom are making a change in Kenya in various fields. He will be putting up 2 episodes of the show every week, that is, on Tuesday and Friday. He says of his fans, “They are super supportive and I really like reading their comments on my vlogs.

Talking about what he would like to achieve in the future, Ikenna says, “I would love in 2012 for someone to say to me we have got to put this on TV.”