Founded in 2014, the Miss Nigeria USA was established with the aim of celebrating the Nigerian woman while appreciating their beauty, talent, skills and other unique attributes and goals she exhibits. The organization plans to achieve their goal through the Miss Nigeria USA Pageant event where contestants will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their physical, cultural and intellectual attributes as they choose a goodwill ambassador who will represent Miss Nigeria USA Pageant and Nigeria as a whole on a positive light.
They aim to be recognized as a leading world organization that empowers young women and supports them towards achieving their individual goals as they promote their culture.
Ongoing for three years now, AfroDreamFest is an annual touring concert that celebrates and promotes neo afro-fusion artists/genres of music from the African continent in the diaspora to commemorate African Liberation Day. (May 25) . Previous ones were held in Atlanta and Houston and it is coming to NYC this year. For more about Afrodreamfest see – www.afrodreamfest.com
As the convener, I wanted to see a platform for afro-indie artists in the diaspora who make meaningful good music to come together and share a stage, it has been a journey and an ongoing one as the event continues to brand itself in the afro~diaspora traveling across select cities across America. As years go by, the hope is to have interested sponsors push it to a wider reach on a bigger stage with larger audiences who appreciate the afro fusion music these talented artists are putting out. Performing in New York on May 22 at world music venues Meridian 23 on Friday May 22 and on Saturday May 23 at Silvana respectively are Brooklyn based Afrobeat band ‘Laolu and The Afromysterics’, myself, Afrosoul/folk/acoustic music ‘Tosinger’, AfroRnB artist ‘Ogasilachi‘ , Afro Jazz Artist ‘Eli Fola’ and from Nigeria, Ayanbinrin- Africa’s foremost female Talking Drummer and a guest artist from Nigeria, afrosoul artist Aduke. Tickets are available online at $10 and will be $15 at the door. Doors open at 7.30pm and show starts 8pm till 11ish on both days. See you there if you are in New York, great way to spend the memorial day weekend holiday and enjoy/support good music. ~https://afrodreamfestnyc2015.eventbrite.com ~
Here’s a glimpse of what you will experience live.
In honor of Fela Kuti, his music legacy and in commemoration of his birthday, Felabration! an annual celebration is taking place in various cities all around the world during the month of October. (October 15, 2014 would be Fela Kuti’s 76th birthday).
“The idea and concept of Felabration as an annual celebration of Fela’s music, life and times, originated from his eldest child Yeni who conceived it in 1998”. …Read more here
The impact of Fela’s Afrobeat music cannot be overemphasized and his musical legacy surely lives on, greatly influencing the works of the today’s crop of Afro artists.
And so I am honored to be a part of Harlem-New York’s Felabration concert as a special guest of Laolu and The Afromysterics , also featuring the Super Yamba Band, where I’ll be doing some favs and a couple of originals. See you there if you are in NYC!
Click on images for more info:
and
See
I am also featuring at OritseFemi’s concert in NY organized by Vibesland Entertainment. I have always been drawn to his music, his afro indigenous and passionate sound and style (Mercies of the Lord and Better are some of my favs) and I am glad to open for him. He recently did a spin on Fela’s Double Wahala which is currently a great hit in the Nigerian music industry.
Knitting Factory has a special offer going on that you might want to check out if you are an ardent Afrobeat lover
Culled from Knitting Factory FB page
“Happy Birthday Fela Kuti!!! The Original Black President!
Felabrations are taking place around the world in celebration of his life and legacy. Knitting Factory Records is offering 15% off the entire Fela Kuti catalog (excluding box sets) for the month of October.
Use code: HAPPYBDAYFELA at checkout)”
Beautifully Dreaming… Positively Doing and keeping the flag of Afro music flying….
The Nollywood Diaspora Film Series presents: CULTURAL CONFIDENCE
The Nollywood Diaspora Film Series is pleased to present its second annual forum, themed Cultural Confidence: Acquiring and negotiating authentic cultural identity in a globalized world. In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of Nigeria and 54 years of Nigerian independence, NDFS will screen world-class films of New Nollywood and host panel discussions on pertinent issues facing Nigerians at home and abroad.(Buy tickets) Presented in partnership with NYU Africana Studies and the Yoruba Cultural Institute, NDFS Cultural Confidence promises to be even more exciting than last year’s event.
With a line up of incredible minds and talents –actors, producers, writers and other key stakeholders—delving into issues of critical importance at this time in history, Cultural Confidence will build significantly on the conversation begun last year. With a larger and more improved film selection, increased opportunities for networking and increased dialogue, this year’s event will demonstrate and define cultural confidence through film, fashion and music; giving participants the opportunity to assess their individual level of cultural confidence and to receive the means of acquisition. – See more
Watch Promo Video
Official Press Release
New Nollywood Rebrands Nigeria
2nd Annual Nollywood Forum to Focus on Cultural Confidence at NYU Oct 9-12
NEW YORK, NY – October 3, 2014 – The Nollywood Diaspora Film Series will host its second annual forum at NYU Kimmel Center next weekend, October 9-12. In commemoration of Nigeria’s centennial and 54 years of independence, NDFS will explore the notion of cultural confidence with film screenings and panel discussions featuring notable African filmmakers, actors, producers and designers.
In addition to the US premiere of critically acclaimed October 1 by leading Nollywood filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan–who the New York Times called an “African Scorsese”–special guests Adepero Oduye (Twelve Years a Slave, Pariah), Gbenga Akinnagbe (24, The Wire), Wunmi Olaiya and others will engage NYU filmmakers and the larger community on issues facing Nigerians, using film as basis to explore the role of the Diaspora in social change in Africa. “Of special interest to us is the role that film can play in elevating the social consciousness of Nigerians and the image of Nigerians across the world,” says Ololade Siyonbola, NDFS founder.
On the theme of Cultural Confidence, Andrew Dosunmu, whose film Mother of George will screen at the mini-festival, said “Knowing oneself…it’s the greatest wealth one can have.”
In addition to Dosunmu’s film, the forum will feature Supreme Price, by award-winning filmmaker and Harvard lecturer Joanna Lipper, which highlights the legacy of Nigeria’s first democratically elected president—MKO Abiola—from the perspectives of his wife, Kudirat, leader of the pro-democracy movement, and daughter, Hafsat Abiola.
Biyi Bandele’s Half of a Yellow Sun and a number of short films will also screen. The forum opens with a reception Thursday October 9, followed with The Supreme Price screening on Friday and Half of a Yellow Sun, Mother of George and October 1 on Saturday with panel discussions to open the day. Cultural workshops take place Sunday October 12.
NDFS Cultural Confidence is sponsored by VLISCO, Holland Textiles, Sonna Textiles, Africa Magic GO!, Yoruba Cultural Institute, NYU Africana Studies.
The Nollywood Diaspora Film Series is a platform created to rebrand Nollywood and bring international attention to New Nollywood, Nigerian cinema of international standards, which teaches about Nigeria’s cultures and peoples with authenticity, texture and beauty.
Media Contact: Ayodele St. Louis
917.426.6716
nollywood@filmseries.co
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Special Guests ADEPERO ODUYE, WUNMI OLAIYA,GBENGA AKINNAGBE, LOZA MALÉOMBHO, KUKUA ODOI, AWAM AMKPA, BUSAYO OLUPONA and KUNLE AFOLAYAN
Saturday Oct 11, 2014
7.30p.m @ NYU Kimmel Center.
60 Washington Square South.
New York
OCTOBER 1, the film everyone in Nigeria is talking about, will have it’s US debut at CULTURAL CONFIDENCE. This HISTORIC film is the epitome of what NDFS (Nollywood Diaspora Film Series) was created for — culturally relevant, world class storytelling.
BUY Tickets in advance here and tickets also available at the door
Q & A with Director Kunle Afolayan all the way from Lagos, Nigeria! Dont Miss out, Spread the word, Come one! Come All!
NDFS brings you a weekend Films, Panels and Networking. For full program of weekend activities from Thursday 9th Oct – Sunday 12th Oct visit: http://filmseries.co
SPECIAL GUESTS: Adepero Oduye Gbenga Akinnagbe Wunmi Olaiya Joanna Lipper
FILMS: Supreme Price Half of a Yellow Sun More films TBA **A portion of proceeds benefits the Joyful Joy Foundation**
Connect with them on Social Media: #CULTURALCONFIDENCE October 9-12, 2014
Location: NYU Kimmel Center* 60 Washington Square S, New York City, NY 10012
One of the African Designers that I truly admire their work, South African David Tlale represented (as usual), beautifully at the New York Fashion Week with his stunning collection.
His Spring/Summer 15 collection unveiled cohesive looks of affluent prints and patented burgundy-red off set with bold, pure white. In Tlale’s words this spring collection aims to “[give]women back their power and [equip] them with a strong and confident sense of allure, without losing their essence and femininity.” – (via okayfrica)
David Tlale Presents S/S 15 with Tyson Beckford At Mercedes-Benz NYFW –
And here are some of my favorite picks below.
David Tlale – New York Fashion Week – Fall/ Winter 14 — Photography: Yuko Torihara –
David Tlale – New York Fashion Week – Fall/ Winter 14 — Photography: Yuko Torihara –
F/W 14 Elementary Metropolis collection
About David Tlale
Tlale launched his brand in 2003, winning the title of “Elle New Talent in South Africa” shortly after. In 2009 he was presented the award for “Designer of the Year” at Africa Fashion Week by international super model Alek Wek. This recognition allowed the brand to debut at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York Spring/Summer 2010.
Over the 11 years since Tlale launched his brand, South Africa native David Tlale has showcased his inimitable designs at all the premium fashion week platforms and etched his mark as a favorite on the South African and African fashion landscapes. Renowned for his undeniable knack for showmanship and elaborate designs, Tlale’s work is both daring and elegant—a brand that defies convention and a brand that impenitently employs unpredictable use and understanding of fabric, color and texture. David Tlale has taken his work around the world, and partnered with a number of influential brands in South Africa. In 2009, he was awarded Fashion Designer of the year at the Africa Fashion Awards in Johannesburg, and later made his debut at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week with a collection entitled “Cultural Intimacy.” It was in early 2011, for the Autumn/Winter Collection at Jo’burg Fashion Week, David Tlale presented his quintessential “Made In The City” Collection in celebration of the 92 years of Nelson Mandela’s life, Tlale sent 92 models down the ramp on what was deemed the longest ramp in the history of South African fashion: the Nelson Mandela Bridge in Johannesburg. Tlale since his debut on catwalks, has been a ambassador for the “Change-4-Ever Campaign”, an initiative that aims to alleviate poverty in Southern Africa.
David Tlale has enjoyed outstanding exposure on both local and International catwalks, but his label goes beyond just fashion. The proudest moment for Tlale was being The First South African Fashion designer to show case Solo at the Mercedes Benz Fashion week New York in September 2012. For more visit http://www.davidtlale.com/the-brand.html
***Speaking of South Africa, a friend needs your support to sponsor her on her mission to SA via Dramatic Need. Dramatic Need’s core mission is to bring the creative arts to underprivileged children in the poorest parts of South Africa and Rwanda. If you are like me, any thing that has to do with the creative arts, giving back and Africa pulls my heartstrings..
Yasmin Joseph – Scriptwriter, Theatre and Drama Teacher, London UK
Yasmin says —
I have been chosen as a volunteer to teach drama in rural Free State, South Africa, for a month spanning from October to late November.Dramatic Need is an amazing charity, devoted to enforcing the arts as a form of creative outlet for children in economically deprived African communities… something that I am very passionate about.After graduating last year with a degree in English and Drama, and feeling like my skills weren’t being fully utilized/valued here, I figured it’d be a good idea to go somewhere else and make myself useful!
What is the purpose of Fashion week anyway? Is it a showcase of eye-candy fashion that the average person can not afford to adorn themselves with? or is it a ritual gathering of upper bourgeois tastemakers of fashion? Here’s a little history behind the purpose of the event.
A fashion week is a fashion industry event, lasting approximately one week, which allows fashion designers, brands or “houses” to display their latest collections in runway shows and buyers and the media to take a look at the latest trends. Most importantly, these events let the industry know what’s “in” and what’s “out” for the season. – Source Wiki (More history here )
The most prominent fashion weeks are held in the four fashion capitals of the world: Milan, Paris, New York, and London. Some other important fashion weeks in the world are held in Amsterdam, Bangalore, Barcelona, Mexico City, Boston, Buenos Aires, Cleveland, Copenhagen, Dubai, Jakarta, Los Angeles, Lisbon Madrid, Manila, Rome, São Paulo, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, Sydney, Tbilisi, Seoul, Tokyo, Toronto and Hong Kong. Well, now we have African versions and South Africa is leading the way, thanks to African Fashion International
African Fashion International (AFI) is the leading Fashion authority on the African continent and is committed to the promotion and development of the best South African design talent. They organize various fashion events and recently organized the popular Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Joburg 2014; South Africa’s premier annual autumn/winter fashion show, held on 20 to 22 March with over 34 of the country’s top designers lined up to present collections in 15 shows at the Sandton Convention Center. Check out the designers here
Here are a few of my personal favorites: All photo credits to Simon Deiner / SDR Photo, shot on location SCC, Joburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Designer: Avant Apparel
Designer: Laduma
Designer: Fabiani
Designer: Tuelo Nguyuza
David Tlale’s The Intern –Designer : Nokwanda Ngcobo
Designer : Viyella
David Tlale’s The Intern Designer : Ayanda Mthembu
David Tlale’s The Intern Designer: Duke
View the highlights of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week JOBURG
Other African Fashion Week events worthy of mention –
AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON (AFWL)
also Organizers of Africa Fashion Week Nigeria, Africa Fashion Week Amsterdam, Africa Fashion Week Brussels and Nigeria’s Next Top Designer
AFWL 2014 will be taking place on the 7th – 9th of August , it is tagged the Renaissance edition as it will experience a strong convergence of true contemporary African Creativity in fashion. According to AFWL’s CEO and Founder, Ronke Ademiluyi, “AFWL is working with partners in various countries in Africa and the theme for this year’s event is “Showcasing Modern African style”. More at http://africafashionweeklondon.com/
AFWL’s CEO and Founder, Ronke Ademiluyi
ADIREE
Adiat Disu is the Founder & CEO of Adiree, Organizers- Africa Fashion Week New York founded on the concept of hosting international Africa Fashion Weeks (in fashion capitals) , focused on promoting brands from Africa on a global scale. In 2009, the concept began with the birth of Africa Fashion Week in New York, the premier capital for Fashion, Entertainment, and Lifestyle brands. The next one will be on September 4-6, 2014. See http://www.Adiree.com or http://www.africafashionweekny.com for more info.
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