Africa on New York's Runway

Over a week ago was the fabulous (yes, I did use that word) Africa Fashion Week in New York. This annual event was directed and created by Nigerian-born fashion entrepreneur and owner of the fashion agency Adiree, Adiat Disu. Hopefully, by the end of the week I will have a review of this fashion presentation, from a guest blogger. Meanwhile, I'm going to do two things: feature one of the designers that were present and put in my commentary (of course).

The designer I would like to feature (which had one of the few, if not the only, line for males) is South African Stiaan Louw. My favorite attribute about his clothing is you can see the influences of traditional attire from various cultures across the continent, yet it has a modern and forward vibe. I can see a bit of Nigeria, and a bit a of Egypt and of bit of Sudan and of course South Africa in many of the pieces. The colors are brilliantly muted, giving the lyrical drapery of the garments sense of masculinity. Finally, it LACKS prints, which seem to be the standard when one thinks of African clothing. The pictured outfit is one I'm considering for inspiration for my style (it's from Joburg Fashion Week 2011).

What do I think about Africa Fashion Week in New York? Well, I think it is brilliant. It is one of the BEST ways to bring the talent of Africa to the Western world (especially the United States, since the views of Africa are still very narrow/one-sided). Having a taste of Africa in your own country ends the excuse: "Oh, I can't learn about Africa because it is too far/I don't have the money/I don't have the time." There are things that relate to each person in this nation that have a taste of Africa in it. If you like spicy food, go to a West African restaurant. If you love fashion, go to Africa Fashion Week. If you like to dance, go a to community center and see if they offer an African dance class. If you're in business, check out the stock markets in Nigeria, Angola, Ghana, South Africa, any African nation. If you're bored and online, Google or Wikipedia an African nation (or even read some of the posts on my blog). Whatever it is you like to do, it's in Africa, just like it is in the United States, South Korea, the UK - anywhere. You just have to open your mind and get out of your damn box (yes, I said it). Stop making excuses and do it!

Push By Becca

I don't know what it is about this Ghanaian artist, but she's HOT. Check out her song "Push" featuring Trigmatic and King Ayisoba and some Ghanaian celebs.

Andrea Lewis Goes IN on Racists

Ex-Degrassi star Andrea Lewis and her girl go in on racists on YouTube. Racists on YouTube are hella annoying, no lie. Despite the silliness of this video, they do pose a question that I'm sure many have asked: "Why would you need to post your racist comments on YouTube?"

The Next African Hollywood Star Reality TV Show

I don't have a problem with this, apparently this is a scam, according to the president of the Actors' Guild of Nigeria, Segun Arinze. What do you think?

If this is not a scam, I could see the potential problem some people might have...as in taking the good actors away from Nollywood/Ghollywood, but I see this more as an opportunity to market the world's second largest film industry, based on movies produced, to the United States. Of course, I totally support anything that could potentially make Americans more globally aware.

Luanda is the World's Most Expensive City?

Yes, it's true. According to the Mercer cost of living survey, Luanda, Angola's capital and one of the fastest growing cities in the world has made it's mark as the world's most expensive city. If I'm not mistaken, this is the first time that an African city has made this list (not saying that African cities are cheap to live in, because many are not). Second to Luanda is Tokyo and third is N'Djamena, the capital of another African nation, Chad. Check out this report from CNN International.

How did a city of an emerging economy, after just shy of a decade of an end to one of the world's longest civil wars become so expensive to call home? Well, Angola is in the top five in regard to being a major oil producer in Africa, causing people from all around the world to invest. Then add in China's massive involvement in redeveloping the infrastructure causing even more expats in need of housing at an international standard. Angolans are becoming wealthier, people moving in to Angola have money, and real estate and commodities of an international standard are currently scarce. Of course, this drives prices WAY up. Despite the fact that Chinese workers are constructing everything at an fast pace, the pace is still not fast enough for this rapidly growing economy.

Now as for N'Djamena, I don't fully understand how it got to be number 3, but I can guess because of the lack of infrastructure and that it is in a landlocked country, getting anything of a international standard is beyond difficult (Angola has ports, roads, railroads and overall far better infrastructure, even though it's currently being redeveloped). Someone might have to explain this to me. Please?

People in Soweto GETTIN' IT

Just watch this video from CNN International and tell me if you can keep up with the pace. I know I'll need to practice.

I'm already thinking of playing Shangaan electro at a party. And the producer behind it, Richard Hlungwani, seems to be having too much fun with his job. I tried really hard not to laugh or shake it. Anyone want to start a dance crew?

Kenya Airways Expands Service Across Continent

Sub-Saharan Africa's largest airline is spreading it's wings to be one the first to have more flights across the continent. Maybe this would start lowering the prices for international travel within Africa? Check out this video from CNN International.