Afrimage of the day

This what it comes down to....

Travel show

The upcoming travel show that is taking place at the Javis Center building Feb 23-25 led us to compile a short list of websites that can galvanize you to explore and enjoy ( yours) the beautiful landscapes and peoples of Africa.

Awakentoafrica.com

DeeperAfrica.com ( Kenya,Rwanda,Tanzania and Uganda)

Africinema presents: Ouaga Saga

We are thrilled to introduce to some African cinema. The TV show you are about to see is a Burkinabe production,Burkina is home to the Fespaco and talented filmmakers such Regina Nacro,Gaston Kabore and Idrissa Ouedraogo. The production is impeccable and the storyline a realistic rendering of the daily lives of the average African youth .








Also visit the official site of the Director Ouga Saga

Afrimage of the day

Africaincorp: what Impact are you having on the social/economic fabric of your reality ?

What is reality, the dictionary defines is as the state of things as they actually exist,another way to define is a thing that exists in fact,having previously only existed in one's mind. To read this definition tells us that our daily reality as well as long term reality begins in our mind. The process that brings what is in our mind is called manifestation. In other words we must embody ideals,visions,dreams to make them a reality in our environment.
what do you dream about,do you have bad dreams or do you have exquisite visions of well-being,success and achievement ?
The present and past reality of our individual nations socioeconomic construct is the result of the embodiment of morbid aspirations and ideals.

Enough with this aspect of things, the new school of leaders must embody grandiloquent yet pragmatic visions and ideals. Industries such the fashion/model,cinema,new technology,Architecture,Banking,Software,Healthcare,Music,retail,food,tourism,Media,Transport,Advertisement,Publishing,Law and so on , are all waiting for this new approach/paradigm that will enhance productivity and quality of service to the African public.

The above is known if not understood by a big enough number of ( potential) actual agents of change. What actual deeds are being done or seeds of action are being planted ?
To answer that question we must take a look at the environment, once we do so we should able to see the numerous profitable ventures being undertaken by young men and women of the continent.These ventures are profitable not only on the economic level but also at a social and cultural level. The economic wealth of a society is often derived from the richness of its societal values.
So what impact are you having on the social/economic construction of reality in your culture? The personalities listed by the online news medium Business in Africa are good examples of what agents of change do, we are going to take a look a some of them in a few days..

Afribusiness: Business leaders of Africa

BusinessinAfrica.net , the online extension of the detailed and always on cue ,Business magazine on economic markets in Africa offers a very interesting introduction to the most powerful business leaders in Africa. They are running a list of the 60 most influential business men and women that "are doing remarkable things in their own right. They’re quick witted, energetic and dynamic – building a foundation for our economies to grow, unlocking new opportunities for people to prosper and, hopefully, eventually, for greater unity across the continental divide."
Let's discover a few of them. The first to be featured is going to be South African
Tokyo Sexwale head of the company "Ophir Oil, with oil and gas interests in almost 20 oil and gas blocks in more than 10 African countries, including Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, will list on the London Stock Exchange and has the potential to become a platinum chip among global shareholdings."

According to BusinessinAfrica "Mvela has oil rights in Nigeria, Sao Tome Principe, Gabon, Somaliland and Tanzania, among others. It has interests in mines in Congo Brazzaville, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan."

Afrimedia presents: conversation with the Founder of Fouka Riddim

Africaincorp: Could you introduce yourself ?

Nader: My name is nader, I am 17 years old , originally from the Ivory Coast I presently reside in Bordeaux a city in southwestern France. I am high schooler trying to figure out my dreams and ambitions.

Africaincorp: Where does the idea of starting a clothing brand come to a young man ?
Fouka Riddim: I would say that I have been thinking carefully about this venture for the past two years ( 15 years of age then) and finally a friend of mine by the name of camil joined me and we started to work on some design.

Africaincorp: What is the origin of the name Fouka Riddim ?

F.R: Oh ,it is very simple, being a huge fan of the Ivorian music genre COUPE DECALE , I used one of the catchword used in the songs for that matter the word " Fouka Fouka". I also figured that it is word that is probably known by many Africans the continent over. The word Riddim is just a slang version of rhythm which is the harmonious sequence of colors.

Africaincorp: How much of an influence did the COUPE DECALE movement has on you as a designer ?

F.R: Up until now the COUPE DECALE ,which has an allure and attitude quite different from let's say the Street wear style, deeply influence our designs. For instance our first design was a printed Shirt with the map of the African continent made up of all the catchwords and lexicon the COUPE DECALE has to offer.
I must say that we try to maintain a fresh outlook on fashion , so we are open to different sources as long as they fit our vision.

Africaincorp: Do you feel that a street wear line would meet the needs of the COUPE DECALE public more inclined to wear Haute Couture brands such as Gucci,Fendi,Chanel,Burberry,Comme Des garçons or Bespoke ?
F.R: I feel like we are at the beginning of a great journey, as all journeys we need to start somewhere, With a simple and affordable line we want to give our customer base the opportunity to have a quality product at a low cost for them. We would like to cover a larger range of designs and price from the lower hand market to the high hand market in the future.

Africaincorp: It sounds good to me ,any last word ?
F.R : It is only the beginning of a adventure I hope promising for all the people involved, Our slogan says " AFRICAN DEJANTE" meaning Free-spirited African , we will see how far we can take our concept.

For more info please consult:
Http://foukariddim.com
http://k1000creation.com

In the media: Africans modeling for a living

Annansi blog an online extension of the Annansi clothing brand has a interesting piece on the experience of African models in the fashion/runway industry.
in their own words:" There are tons of qualified models like Noella, Honorine, Ajuma, Oluchi, and Atong working their way through the industry with varied enough looks for any shoot or runway. And they all represent the varied consumers who spend money on the fashion. If fashion week is all about creating excitement, then what is more captivating than an African model putting some flavor in an otherwise vanilla fashion show. So the next time you open a magazine, watch a video, or buy a product think about all those models who are putting.."

Read more

Afriurban sound presents: Guinean Artist

The name of this rap group from Guinea is insoumis Sigui. You can find more information about the group and what is happening in Guinea at Fonike.info

What is happening in this video is about the youth searching for a vessel. A vessel that will allow them to shine and show what they have to offer this world. Organizations the world over grow from allowing the young and talented to produce. Only obscure leadership would try to suffocate such energy.A new generation of leaders in the arts,social leadership,fashion/modeling,entertainment,sports,business,technology is eager to showcase its talent,ability and creativity.
Make room Muthu-- i rather Shout my mouth.

In the media: The will of the youth , the wind of change in Guinea

Nothing is left to say,

Afrimage of the day

Afribusiness:Ethiopian Business- Taytu

Timbuktu chronicles reports on a newly created fashion house in Ethiopia by the name of Taytu.

Taytu's people describe their concept in these words:

"The Charm of Africa has always attracted the world of designers. The challenge of reinterpreting highly handcrafted objects has always been an issue for those willing to capture the soul of this continent. It is however in the third millennium that we feel the need to bring authentic “Made in Africa” products into the luxury fashion market allowing a new way of dressing, where cultures “mix and mash” in a melting pot of proposals with a highly innovative impact.

The mixture of cultures and lifestyles gives birth to a highly innovative and joyful product where handcraft meets technical skills and tradition meets innovation. It is this correct balance between irregularity and research that proposes a new way of dressing, free from status symbols, suitable for the contemporary world’s consumers.

The desire of new ideas, unique products and ethical behaviour is explored through an Ethiopian collection with a perfect balance of handcraft work and fashion-appealing details as well as innovative usage of traditional materials for contemporary objects."

Afriupdate: Bambadjan gets work in play about slavery

Do Lord Remember Me

by James de Jongh

Back by Popular Demand

Recommended - LA Weekly
Recommended - Backstage West

In the words of Bamabadjan:" Do Lord Remember Me" is a story about the last generation of African-Americans born in slavery, who were then in their eighties, nineties, or even older. Now, the words and songs of the slaves themselves come together to tell their tales in this play. Sometimes humorous, sometimes painful, these men and women will awaken your sympathy, command your admiration, and break your heart. These are the bravest of us, the strongest, the most devoted and hardest worked--and for too long, the least valued. These are the true tales of slavery--a night you will remember for the rest of your life."

Critics say:

"Do Lord is like a vivid etching come briefly to life."
-- N.Y. Daily News

"An engrossing and informative tapestry of daily life as it was lived then. There is great humor and warmth, along with passion and anger. And a sense of triumph in the overcoming."
-- Women's Wear Daily

"A theatrical event of rare distinction and achievement."
-- Christian Science Monitor

For more info and purchase tickets

Afrimage of the day: Fouka Riddim

By the way Fouka Riddim is a clothing brand, Africaincorp has an interview with the brain behind the brand.Coming soon..

In the media:Rasjudah clothing

Social network Afrikeka makes mention of the brand Rasjudah clothing created by Ethiopian native Rozy. The brand is " a flawless blend of culture, modern-day style, raggae/hiphop, and ethnic pride. With over eighteen locations, the popularity of the clothing line is growing. "We've never thought that our product would ever be good enough to reach the stores but it did and we are honored by it."
Read more

We should hopefully have an interview of Rosy in the days to come.

Afriurban sounds presents: Danny Blue

Another artist from the Ivory Coast's Coupe decale movement. His name is Danny Blue

dany blue clip
envoyé par Willou

Afrimedia presents: Africa seen through their eyes

Afrimedia: Interview de Franck part 1
envoyé par africanerie

A young African native of Ivory Coast shares his opinion on the conditions his countrymen and himself have to experience.He also expands on his vision and desires for himself and his country.

The interview is in french , we hope to have a fully translated version pretty soon.

In the media: TechAfrica 07

Africaincorp media just received this in our E-mail( slightly edited version):

"Firstly, we've passed the "is there enough interest test?". We've received more than 150 initial sign ups since posting the questionnaire and are still getting sign ups every day. Our goal now is to start fleshing out the details of the conference.....

Secondly, we've got some great speakers ......, :
Andy Budd (http://andybudd.com/), Andy Clarke (http://www.stuffandnonsense.co.uk/), Demian Turner (http://seagull.phpkitchen.com/), Malcolm Hall (http://www.openboxsoftware.com/), Ryan Shelton (http://www.mutado.com). We've already had some great suggestions for speakers, so if you have suggestions too, then please feel free to send them on.

Thirdly, we're about to start confirming dates with keynote speakers....

Additionally, we're working on expanding the website further... - more on that soon"

This conference technology in Africa would be the second of this kind take place in the continent in the past 6-7 months, the previous one was the African citizen media and Blogging conference held in South Africa.

There is another conference fast approaching, the Ted Global Africa the next chapter arranged by Emeka Okafor and the wonderful people at Ted. The conference is held in Arusha Tanzania during this summer.

Afribusiness presents: Afriurban magazines

There is a growing number of sleek Afriurban online magazine to painting the new picture of Africa into our consciousness. The most notable are :
The Africanmag

Jambo magazine

Posh magazine

Clam

Trace magazine

Mimi magazine

Haute

Uzuri

Shenka magazine

Visit these sites, better yet subscribe to these magazines if you want to be in the know of the what/who in Afriurbania

Afriupdate: Garba 50

We previously featured the Rap group from the Ivory Coast named Garba 50, we were finally able to obtain two mp3 files form them. The lyrics are in french, you have to be either a native french speaker or bilingual to understand them.
Please enjoy:
Track number 14 from their album
Pando Package" border="0" height="76" width="292">

Track number 2 from their album
Pando Package" border="0" height="76" width="292">

Afrifinance: Young Afriurban Africans and Hedge/mutual funds

let's discuss the need for a more active presence of young African on the African financial and real estate market. The creation of Hedge funds and Mutual funds that would be injecting Foreign direct investment in African Financial markets is a necessity , not only would it ensure Equity control of our economies but the acquisition of knowledge and better understanding of the workings of financial markets and global economy would create an informed mass of people that would know to seek opportunities when they occur. What else are Young African men and women to do when the economy rewards more those that own/control the resources in a given market/economy. More on individual and collective wealth building in the weeks to come.
For now reflects on this article( notice how they focus on foreign investors and not Africa middle class or Africa diaspora):

"investors looking for a place to diversify their investments and differentiate on returns, Africa offers a greater potential than any other emerging markets in the world. And by Africa, it does not mean South Africa alone but also destinations like Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Cote d'Ivoire and Mauritius among others. South Africa has already received more than its share of foreign investments in equity through its strong Johannesburg stock exchange. With the Asian market facing adverse effects of the war in the Middle East and the Latin America region not being so lucrative, African equity markets stand out as the potential off shore investment destination that is viable for any foreign investor". Excerpt from the http://africanexecutive.com

Afrieros presents: Is (and why African porn is) on the rise

Pornography which is the display of Human intercourse with the intend to create arousal , is making its way into African households and culture (?).
Some facts before we get into the subject matter:
_foreign porn has been strongly consumed by African urban crowds.
-Prostitution even though illegal in most African country has been rampant in urban areas.( see:

Africa seen through their eyes: Monbasa
envoyé par africanerie

-Europe witnesses a great deal of Migrant sexual workers from Nigeria,Cameroon,Senegal,Ghana,Ivory coast( for the most part)

-At the same time sexuality seems sort of Taboo in most African urban households
-Most African dances are very Erotic ( at least to the foreign eye)

What is the native African view of sex and sexual life? How does that view translates in the everyday approach of the sexual/erotic in Africa? is there a disembodiment of the core values between the urban and the native African?
The modern history of pornography and Africans has always been complex, especially as the means,wants,desires and phantasms exposed are all foreign to the actors. The African sex workers in the United States,Brazil,France,England,Italy are for the most part at the floor-level of the industry.The industry is just employing individuals that do not have a pornographic culture as extensive and intensive as the western world.
African societies do not their fair share of sexologist,gynecologist,sexual historians and other sex disciplinarians.
We do not advocate for or against porn, we just want to start a educated discussion on pornography in Africa, like any other public matter, it has been taken very lightly or met with emotional outburst by the government once some sort of scandals emerge.
Those two reaction to the problem are inadequate and inefficient. We must publicly debate, define sexual identities in the African perspective. Traditional wisdom and folkways must not be disregarded at all.

Some excerpt of the African journal of sexuality might help us understand the dynamics of sexuality in African culture ( generalization):
"it was important to train or socialise women in such a way that they would always be in a position to receive and ensure the favours of their husbands and men friends. Sexuality education for girls was provided through the “fattening room” institution called mbobi. This is followed by nkugho, a period of ‘fattening’ and rest during which the girl recuperated from the surgery and was kept in seclusion. These processes marked the initiation of a female youth into adulthood."











Source: http://blacksensation.com
Africa Regional Sexuality Journal
http://africangodesses.com
http://museumofsex.org
http://malika.com
Wakiki entertainment( Ghaneen X-rated movie production)
Journal of sexuality in Africa