Black Girls Get No Love on the Catwalk
Iman, Naomi, Alek, Tyra, Liya, and Oluchi are names known all around the world. They are supermodels - black supermodels. Put that in perspective. That is 6 names in the entire modeling industry that are better known then other black models. Six names in 2007!
Hundreds of models walked in the Spring 2008 collections in New York and Europe recently. There were 101 shows in New York and more than a third hired no black models. The trend in most of the shows was to have either one, maybe two black models in the entire show. This has been the norm in the fashion world for many years. More black models work during fashion week only if the designer is black. Kimora Lee Simmons and Tracy Reece are known designers who make sure black models are represented in their shows. » Read more…
Male Model Digol Deng
On Digol’s myspace page he asserts that he is the Sudanese Warrior from the south of Sudan. This is indeed true. He hails from the Neur ethnic group that is historically known as Sudan’s great warrior tribe. Digol was born in a small town in southern Sudan called Nasir. When civil war broke out in the South he was forced to complete his studies in the north of Sudan. He eventually migrated to Kenya and he now calls Georgia his home. Digol has been featured in TLC’s videos as well as US Weekly magazine. » Read more…
Interview with Socially Conscious and Innovative Designer/Writer G. Kofi Annan
Jamati.com: Kofi, please tell our audience a bit about your cultural background.
I was born in Accra, Ghana, but spent most of my early childhood in Monrovia, Liberia. My family then immigrated to the USA when I was 12 years old and I’ve been here ever since. » Read more…
Top 10 Sexiest African Men - 2007
African men are good looking and accomplished. Jamati.com looks at the ones we think exemplify all that is fine about African men. It certainly wasn’t an easy choice.
The Tuareg Prince Designer - Alphadi
Seidnaly Sidhamed, otherwise known in fashion circles as Alphadi, has done what no other designer has done for the Sahel region of Mali and Niger–he has brought the traditional attire of the Tuareg and Dogon ethnic groups to the mainstream fashion world. Alphadi has managed to marry traditional African fabrics with western silhouettes. An example of this is his spring collection in which he showcased the blue men of the Sahel. The blue men are his Tuareg ethnic group who are known for their brilliantly colored blue cloth that they use to protect their heads from the fierce winds and sand of the Sahel.
He paid homage to his heritage by pairing the cloth with linen textured block-print fabric. It is this intermixing of fabric, and essentially culture, that has paved the way for many other African designers. Alphadi was ahead of his time when he pioneered the first ever International Festival of the African Mode in Niamey, Niger. This exposition was a watershed mark in African and European fashion. Never before had an African designer managed to present African style at the international level and as a result of this European designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier and Yves St. Laurent began using African fabrics in their respective clothing lines. He is truly an African lover.
Agbani Darego
What do L’Oreal, Nigeria, and The Miss World Pageant have in common? None other that Ms. Agbani Darego. That is right ladies and gentlemen, Agbani was the first African-born woman to win the highly coveted title of Miss World in 2001. She effectively set a precedent by redefining what real beauty is and gave hope to young black women the world over. She made it resoundingly clear that black was indeed beautiful, and worthy of praise. The Miss World win led to an international cosmetics contract with industry giant, L’Oreal, and a modeling contract with Next Model Management. It must be noted that Agbani was a computer science major at the University of Port Hartcourt in Nigeria just before entering the pageant world.
She caused quite a stir when she paraded down the runway topless at a recent fashion show in Lagos. Needless to say, there were many who thought her behavior was shameful and not befitting an African Miss World. » Read more…
Cynthia Masasi - Music Video Vixen
Cynthia Masasi, from Mwanza, Tanzania, has been turning heads since she appeared in Juvenile’s video “Rodeo”. She’s hosted a party with Da Brat, and Chamillionaire, as well as a birthday party with Jazze Pha. Other videos she’s appeared in include “I know you see it” by Yung Joc. “Park Outside” by GA feat. Citty a.k.a Cookie Man, “Get E’m, Got E’m” by Willie Joe, “Do ya thang” by T.I & P$C, “Grillz” by Nelly, Paul wall, Ali, JD & Brandy, “Miss New Booty” by Bubba Sparxx & Ying Yang Twins, “Spit Ya Game” by Notorious B.I.G, Twista, Bone thugs & harmony, 8Ball & MJG, and “Top Notch Diva” by Quiarre Lee, Trick Daddy & Trina Runway. » Read more…
Belinda
Jamati: As a West African I am of course very proud of your work and your representation of the continent. I know that there are many other sisters that feel the same way. Do you ever feel pressured by this adoration because our beauty is not always the Western standard?
Belinda: Yes, when I first got here 5 years ago it was very difficult to find work because of my scar, teeth and my hips. I was told that I was not thin enough and that I had to lose weight. You could be the most beautiful woman in the world but if someone does not step out on faith and give you a chance than you cannot be successful in this profession. You see it is very difficult to model, and the way you look may not be suitable for a certain designer, artistic concept or whatever. You have to find the right agency that will work with you. It is all about faith and about someone giving you a chance. There is a lot of pressure and competition in modeling because it is a tough business. » Read more…
African Events Calendar
Upcoming Events
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February 22, 2009
Race Across The World (RAW Africa) : Sossusvlei, Namibia
South Africa
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January 20, 2009
2009 Inaugural Events: President-Elect Barack Obama
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January 8, 2009
Capetown Jazzathon 2009: Capetown, South Africa
South Africa
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December 27, 2008
1st Annual Homecoming Jumpoff: Accra, Ghana
West Africa
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