Afro-German RnB

Berlin-

Africonference: Archibat 2007

Abidjan-

Archibat is the Building and Habitat trade fair taking place for five days during the month of October in Abidjan, Cote D'ivoire. Starting on October 2ND, Ivorian Architects will ponder on Designing and building a new living environment for their customers
Real estate development and organised urbanisation are two things that matter a lot to the population living in the centers of economic activities throughout the different African markets.
These plans along with the revitalisation plan of the cities of Lagos,Soweto or the expansion plans of the cities of Kigali,Dakar,and Luanda are all part of the intention of sustaining the cosmopolitan lifestyle the African middle class & upper class are getting accustomed to .

In the media: Direct flights from New York to Lagos,Nairobi,Cairo

Africanflyer- It is announced by its editors that Delta Airlines( NYSE:DAL) will have direct flight from the financial capital ( For how much longer) of the capitalistic world to regional financial capitals of the African market:

-New York JFK to Nairobi, Kenya via Dakar, Senegal; 4x per week
- New York JFK to Lagos, Nigeria; daily
- New York JFK to Cairo, Egypt; 5x per week

The Air transportation markets of Africa are very much likely to get crowded,and the ensuing competition should benefit domestic travelers as much as international ones.Our intuition tells us that ,Virgin Nigeria Airways,South African airlines, Ethiopian Airlines,Afriqiyah Airways and Senegal International are the direct and natural contenders to Delta Airlines probable gradual entry into the African air space.

In the media: Index of the most efficient administrations

In the media- The Mo foundation recently released their index of the most efficient administrations of the African economic space.Looking at the list ,it is no wonder that 8 out of the 10 ( Mauritius,Seychelles,Botswana,South Africa,Namibia,Ghana,and Senegal) boast the highest economic growth rate and the most rapidly expanding private sector with galvanising industries in sectors such as , IT,Banking,Automobile,Software,Fashion,Real estate or Tourism.
(Click here to see full ranking)
1- Mauritius
2- Seychelles
3-Botswana
4-Cap Verde
5-South Africa
6-Gabon
7-Namibia
8-Ghana
9-Senegal
10-Sao Tome

Afriurban sound presents: Dumb it down by Lupe Fiasco

Chicago-

1st and 15th Entertainement artist Lupe Fiasco just released the video for the single of his upcoming album "The Cool". Lupe is distributed by Atlantic Records ( NYSE:WMG).



Befriend him @ Myspace (NYSE:NWS;ASX:NWS;LSE:NCRA )

In the media: store and Wine tasting in Kinshasa

Kinshasa-

Kaysha takes us to a wine store ,in his hometown of "Kin la Belle" , where Wine connaisseurs can go and shop for the best alcoholic beverage

: New magazine covers the fashion industry

London-

True Magazine, is the newly created media platform, in the growing niche market of publication focusing on the world of, fashion ,design and modeling ,according to African influencers and trendsetters.
Below is the video of the launch party for the magazine,in there you will meet the brainchild behind the publication as well as their direction. By the way , we overheard that Congolese model,Noella Coursaris,might be featured on the upcoming cover of the magazine. Pick up a copy and read the 2 pages interview and spread.




Befriend them @Myspace (NYSE:NWS;LSE:NCRA )

Tribu Ebene

Paris-

Riding the the Ethnic wear craze, Tribu Ebene is a French based fashion house that aims to meet the needs of the Afro passionate consumer.Offering three collection( Men,women,kids) and accessories,Tribu Ebene would assuredly dress you up accordingly.Let's hope that the emotion-driven Ethnic wear craze passes and that a more imaginative and trendsetting direction is given to the African fashion.
African designers are among the most culture aware human beings in the world and they should put this exposure to good use. To secure such a shift in our approach to design, imaginative and fearless businessmen/marketers must be involved in the process.
We should see what happens.

In the media:Soweto's Maponya mall

Soweto-
While the biggest mall in western Africa is being built in Ghana, the biggest one in Southern Africa recently opened its doors to thousands of high purchasing-power consumers, in the Soweto neighborhood.
The shopping center would claim 2000 stores, an 8 screen- cinema complex and all the other amenities the standard mall usually offers.
This venture is obviously targeting the Black South African middle class,dubbed the Black diamond,estimated at 2.6 millions members ( and growing @ a rapidly rate) (image source:City of Johannesburg)

It will certainly be one of the must see site during the World Cup 2010 that ,we remind you,takes place in the rainbow nation.

In the media: Is google hiring in the region indicative of where IT innovation will come from in the African markets ?

Account Manager - Johannesburg
• Account Strategist - Johannesburg
• Associate Product Marketing - Nairobi
• Geographic Consultant - Nairobi
• Geographic Supervisor - Nairobi
• Industry Leader - Johannesburg
• Office Associate - Nairobi
• Office Lead - Francophone West Africa
• Strategic Partner Development (SPD), Local Markets - Nairobi
• Technical Support Associate, Google Applications - Nairobi
Country Business Development Manager – Egypt
• Product Marketing Manager - Cairo




The economic markets with Google ( NASDAQ:GOOG; LSE:GGEA ) presence are Kenya,Morocco,Egypt and South Africa. Let's hope to see joining the ranks pretty soon Rwanda,Nigeria,Senegal and Cameroon.
Beyond these HR moves, are we going to witness some financial moves such as the issue of corporate bonds on the African markets or better yet IPOs of the regional Google companies e.g Google Kenya,Google Egypt,Google South Africa,Google Nigeria. This will show the level of seriousness and commitment of this technology company to these markets and their consumers.

In the media: TV shows portrays life in the Western economies

In the media-
Ya Ma'Afrika, it is a fictional drama TV show that fuses the lives of 4 African women living in Brooklyn, New York and highlights the cultural experiences, contradictions and challenges of Africans living in the West. In the show, Yetunde (Nigeria), Kui (Kenya), Chipo (Zimbabwe) and Welisane (Cameroon) are housemates from all corners of Africa with different backgrounds. The women confront issues ranging from relationships to employment, HIV Aids and immigration . The show captures the cosmopolitan side of Africans living in the west, rarely shown on television networks in any markets.

The TV series is set to be broadcasted on the Television Network, Telesud.
See Video below for a behind the scene introduction:

Afriurban sound presents: Fabolous- Baby do not go

Brooklyn-
Brooklyn bred Rap performer, Fabolous, Teams up with producer , Jermaine Dupri,also founder of So So Def Recordings , whose parent company is Vivendi (Euronext:VIV).
Vivendi owns and operates other subsidiaries such as Canal+ Horizons( which offers satelite and cable broadcasting in great # of African markets),Maroc telecom( NYSE:V;CAS:IAM; Euronext:EX),and SFR.

Africonference: Africa Finance & Investment 2007

Africonference-

From 6-8 December 2007 will take place a conference that will aspire to declare a plan to successfully develop and/or further the following :

-Regional integration and its impact on Commerce& Trade.
-Current Business climate ( Excellent in some markets,good in others, will be improved in the rest).
-Sectorial clusters
-financing of the Agri-business sector

In the media: Kanye West on Nightline

In the media-

US performer Kanye West appeared on Nightline, the news program broadcasted by the radio and television network,ABC (NYSE:DIS ).
The show gives us a glimpse in the not so much seen private moment of the performer of the year 2007/2007. From fitness program to cultural influences, childhood moments , his background and current environment all participate in shaping ,the cultural icon,high-selling artist, the controversial persona, the brand and the musical genius that is Kanye West.

Afrifinance: 2.5 million Visa card holders in Morocco

Afrifinane-
The American based financial cooperative ,Visa , saw the number of users of the international brand grow to a sizeable number in the Western kingdom.
The total number of transactions for the 2006/2007 period amounted to a healthy 40 billion Dirham ( or appx.5 billion USD @ 22/09/07 exchange rate).

It would be quiet interesting to know who where the beneficiaries of the electronic purchasing power of the Moroccan consumers. Where do the (2.5 million )Moroccan Visa card holders go shopping online and what do they purchase ?
Are they prone to go to international site and purchase goods such as music,books,electronic goods ,plane tickets,money transfer,or site subscriptions ? What goods and services are the domestic sites offering the Moroccan customers that will lead them to conduct a online transaction ? What are the most profitable ventures: Online Brokerage,Real estate operations,School fees payment, online dating ,newspaper subscriptions ?
This is left to be found out.

Afrifashion: Sika

London-

Sika , a contemporary women's clothing ,which was featured during the past DC fashion show,Runway Africa .
The brand make sure that every aspect of the production chain takes partially if not fully in Ghana. "Every fabric has been carefully selected in local Ghanaian markets and hand-made using natural methods, creating exclusive limited prints. Each unique piece defines an area in West Africa’s vast textile landscape, using traditional fabrics such as tie dye, batik’s and wax prints.All garments are produced in Ghana by highly skilled tailors and seamstresses. The highest standards in garment production is an integral part of Sika’s mission. We work very closely with local traders and manufacturers to produce quality garments for the international market".

Afrifinance: The changing perceptions of African markets

Afrifinance-
1)Africa is the last undervalued market place, where securities,derivative,real estate and real assets are a real bargain compare to the global market.
2) Chinese entities are actively involved in the minerals and petroleum businesses
3)Notable place to shop for bargain financial and business deals are Nigeria,Angola,Cote d'Ivoire,Egypt.
4) Major source of foreign direct investment to the African markets have been Russia,China,India,Germany,and Holland
5) Consortium's are quietly buying the underlying African assets or have equity control of these assets
6) Real assets are being snapped up where prices are valued to be low
7) Tanzania and Egypt are among the African nations creating Islamic financial centers
8)China,India,Russia,and the Islamic world prefer to hold assets in real form rather than derivatives or financial securities/

Africonference: Connect Africa

Kigali-

The summit held October 29-30 2007 in Kigali, would be the opportunity for investors,innovators,IT specialists and the public to scheme the future of broadband Internet access for the African domestic markets.
Rwanda who has pledged to become a Knowledge-based economy by the year 2020 is the perfect place to map out the future of Internet,IT technologies and web applications.

Infrastructures
Businesses
Online visitors
Investment

are the four pillars that will hold the piece together.The goal is to achieve total connectivity by the year 2015. Is it possible ?, yes, will it happen? it is a matter of creating an by means of ingeniously,good financing,accessibility and ease of use a tool that businesses,individuals and institutions would like to utilize in their daily transaction,regardless of what they might be.

Register

Afribusiness: Real estate in Uganda

Kampala-
The international company presents in Africa,Europe,Asia and the Middle East[ Kensington ]speaks only one language : Property. The boiling real estate market, in Uganda amid the enlargement of the middle and upper classes combined with decrease of poverty among the lower class, is being taken advantage by businesses such as kensington.
Residential development that offers attractive payment rates and sale requirements are sure to attract investors seeking property investment opportunities.

Property investment opportunities abound in other African markets,Rwanda,Cote D'Ivoire,Nigeria,Ghana,Liberia,Sierra Leone,Sudan,Angola,Ethiopia and Congo are among the attractive markets for commercial and residential development projects.
These regions are [ or expected within 2 years]experiencing economic booms, working adult population growths,emergence of a middle class,enlargement of the existing upper class as well as standard social order and sound macro economic policies.

Contact them: Tel: +256 414233800
Fax: +256 414 344447

E-mail:sales@kensington-africa.com

Afrimage: New York city theatricals

( image source NewYorkTimes)
Bambadjan Bamba in the play Till the break of dawn

In the media: African designers impact DC fashion scene

WASHINGTON, DC - September 19, 2007 - RUNWAY AFRICA 2007 in partnership with The South African Embassy, presented by Amarula Cream Liqueur was held on Saturday, September 15, 2007 at The French Embassy in Washington, DC, to a sold out audience witnessing the first Africhic couture fashion show to debut in The United States.

RUNWAY AFRICA, presented by Amarula featured five international designers whose couture fashions have rarely been seen in The United States. Each visiting designer designed one "yellow" (symbolizing hope for Africa's impoverished and HIV/AIDS stricken regions) signature couture collection item, auctioned at the beginning of the show, and sold - raising over $4K for RUNWAY AFRICA's 2007 charity beneficiary; Keep A Child Alive.

"RUNWAY AFRICA was such a wonderful display of couture fashions from Africa. I can't wait until next year's show," exclaims one of the attending guests.

The couture fashion show was held to raise awareness of Afria's beauty, showcasing and shining a spotlight on its booming textile and garment industries, its independent designers and the unveiling of the emerging fashion term, Africhic.

RUNWAY AFRICA's mission is three-fold:

To raise awareness of Africa's emerging talents through fashion,

To raise awareness of Africa's beauty through fashion, shining a different spotlight on Africa

To raise money and awareness for Africa's impoverished and disease sticken regions

"It is my hope that through RUNWAY AFRICA, we awaken the minds and enlighten the hearts of those who have seen Africa in such an unsavory light for so many years...we hope that through this event that we spark dialogue...increasing tourism to enlighten all on Africa's beauty. RUNWAY AFRICA is more than just fashion, its immediate impact on the global landscape is important to understand Africa's diverse talents and creativity," says Clarissa Abban, Executive Director of RUNWAY AFRICA.

A sold-out audience of over three hundred people gathered to witness the couture fashions come alive on the catwalk during RUNWAY AFRICA, presented by Amarula Cream. With over twenty independent models, make up artists, photographers on site for the couture fashion, the fashion show was a "must see event" proclaimed by guests, designers, partners, sponsors, media and attendees. Over 1200 pictures (900 exclusive backstage photos) of the show were taken to share with guests, fans, media and press.

RUNWAY AFRICA, presented by Amarula Cream, After Party was held at POSH Restaurant and Supper Club, where complimentary Amarula "Sundowners" were provided to attending guests and patrons in celebration of RUNWAY AFRICA 2007's success.

Africaincorp: Top 20 Urban centers for business

Below is a list of cities to do business in. These African urban centers are economic hubs in their own rights. They have the adequate infrastructures, a sizable (skilled) population, as well as the necessary psycho-cultural elements for business to strive. Overall they offer cheaper labour, sophisticated financial centers,lower housing, strong industrial and technology centers,favorable economic environment and in some cases tax-free zones:
1.Casablanca
2.Cairo
3.Durban
4.Kampala
5.Abidjan
6.Dakar
7.Accra
8.Kigali
9.Maputo
10.Asmara
11.Dar es Salaam
12.Luanda
13.Port-Louis
14.Tunis
15.Windhoek
16.Khartoum
17.Alexandria
18.Addis Abeba
19.Gaborone
20.Abuja

Futurology:Influencing and shaping the impact of Mobile phone and internet on the lifestyle of Africans

Africaincorp-

After reading a report on the future of the network of all human made network, one of our editors thought we should share some of the insights and questions offered by the report.
" those who think about the future are best poised to influence it" someone once said. Research scientists,entrepreneurs/business leaders,authors,newspaper editors,consultants,legislators,originators and the Private & Public decision makers would to elaborate ways to :

-build the capacity of mobile and Internet networks
-Create and balance healthy legal environment that protect content producers as well as content consumers

Businesses and public administrations and especially households are demanding well functioning Pan-African networks that will allow smooth data flow and mobile wireless communications at very affordable costs to them

How fast does the new technology get installed in the African markets ? What services and production processes are being enhanced as the result of taking up on technological innovation and how profitable has it been for companies operating in the African economic space to do so? What economic assumptions can we make about entrepreneurs and business executives and corporations of the African markets ? How true or realistic these assumptions are ?


How does the Internet become the social medium for the Average African citizen ? Will it remain a tool for the more educated,well traveled and curious urban citizen ?Should we want all Africans to talk to one another ,or should we focus on making it easy for those who because of educational,professional,cultural,psychological, level of consciousness, will be more prone to talk to one another about relevant topics & issues ?

All of these questions ought to be pondered upon,let's hope that serious thoughts are given to these issues. The Eureka moment might translate into million if not billions of ECO.

In the media: Ethnography,African markets and product designs

In the media-

In this interview with one of Nokia( NYSE:Nok,OMX:NOK1V) design director , the common sense rule that products and services need to be adapted to the sub-markets they enter is highlighted.
As global and Pan-African companies approach African customers they need to keep these simple notions in mind,they would be better equipped to gain the trust and loyalty of their customers.

:Magazine covers

Afriurban sound presents: Entity

Jo'burg-

Africaincorp: Latest development

"who cares about Kanye west? this is about Africans, if I wanted to hear about Kanye West or any other rap artists I'd go to an American site. boooooo"




Those where the words of an anonymous commenter, in response Africaincorp media would like to explain that the Africaincorp platform is not just about Africans ,like the reader indicated in his/her comments. "Africaincorp is an independent Online media and information company , that aims to reflect the reality of Afriurban life and culture on the digital board that is the Internet.We offer coverage of businesses,mavericks,ideas,trends,lifestyle fashion,music and conferences that are shaping the urban culture of contemporary Young Africans. we are just participating in the diffusion of new socio-economic behaviors observable among your average Afriurban citizen. By ,understanding and embracing the various facets of the African markets,businesses,organizations and Entrepreneurs would know how to better service, present and future customers and other stakeholders alike."


Contemporary young Africans [ continental and diaspora ] live in more ways than one in multiple cultural spaces. The advent of satellite TV,cable TV,international radio, the airplane,movie theaters and the Internet give the opportunity to many young adults to live,work,study or entertainment themselves beyond their geographical point of origins.

21st century Africans,African Americans,Euro-Africans living ,working,playing and doing business between Lagos,Rio,London,Abidjan,Johannesburg,Toronto,Nairobi,Paris,Dubai,Kampala,Sydney,Luanda is a palpable reality more than ever.

Doing so thus expand the psycho-cultural space inhabited by these individuals,along with this expansion comes the unlimited amount of opportunities,experiences and knowledge.
This is what Africaincorp media network will intend to reflect throughout our Internet properties( coming soon).

The business plan is almost done,a Facebook application and a desktop widget would soon be availble for use by the general public. We also would like to announce the discontinuation of the Africaincorp.blogspot.com, we'll be moving to a new address in the coming weeks: Africaincorp.com.

Afrimedia: Putting to good use the many Callcenters of Africa

Afrimedia-
According to a journalistic piece by the Financial Times, African markets- Mainly South Africa,Kenya,Ghana,Nigeria,Botswana,Senegal,Mauritius- thanks to cheap land and labour, boast a decent number of Call centers generating annual revenues anywhere from 15.000 to 5 million.

A call center quite often is used to administer incoming product support or information inquiries from consumers and also outgoing calls for telemarketing.In some cases call centre also handle collective e-mail,faxes and mailing.

The talks of increasing Intra-trade among the diverse African markets as well as the Afriurban markets-African capitals,western capitals boasting high # of Africans,Caribbean cities- should lead us to the realisation that as African economies get more integrated in the global economy, African entrepreneurs could be the first to benefit from the natural evolution we are experiencing.

Telephone directories, and customer databases are readily available for use by the Contact/Call centres , Companies in Ivory Coast,Ghana,Morocco,Tunisia,Rwanda,Kenya,Mozambique should not be hesitant to rely on these African based Call centers to market exportable goods and services in their regional markets or the Pan-African market.

Recruiting skilled and talented university graduates can also take place from this call centers allowing African-based companies to build up the compamies knowledge equity. Social networks such as Facebook,Hi5,Myspace ,Linkedin,and the likes are gold mines of talented men and women stating their credentials ,industries of interest, their desire to re-built African economies and most importantly ways-Email,Phone#- to get in touch with them.

Africinema presents: La grain et le mulet

Algiers-

Afrimage

Click on image to subscribe

In the media:Pagea day

View Larger Map

Cairo-

238 days to Pagea Day, the initiative of Egyptian film maker Jehane Noujaim will give a platform to cultures,societies and individuals allowing them to tell their stories to one another in the hope of building a more encompassing understanding of each other is mad possible by the leverage that new technologies offer the world.
On May 10 2008, sites in New York City, Kigali,Rio,London,Cairo,Jerusalem will be video-conference live to produce a 4 hour program of powerful films,visionary speakers, and musicians. The Internet,television,digital cinema,and mobile phones would be the mediums used to broadcast the event to million of viewers.

Jehane Nouhajim was the director of the documentary Start-up.com and Control room. A Ted Prize winner, she incited the project by wishing at the 2006 Ted conference that the power of image and perception be put to good use.

Watch her speech @ the 2006 Ted conference.

Afriurban sound presents: Good life by Kanye west feat T-Pain

Chicago-

Afrifinance:Ivory Coast launches 475 million bond issue

Abidjan-

Reuters reports on the launch of the 475 million bond issue by the minister of finance of Cote d'Ivoire. The Ivory Coast Treasury website ( In French) has more information regarding this financial operation.

Let's hope that as many individual investors as possible get into the action, it would be the loudest manner to claim a stake into the equity of the Ivorian economy.

Africinema presents: Angel in the dusts

Africinema

Latest production bt the company behind,Murderball,Syriana,An incovenient Truth,and Darfur now.



[Via Myglobalhustle]

Afriurban sound presents: Wyclef,Weezy,Naia ,and Akon

Afriurban sound-


[Via Realtalkny]

Afriurban sound presenst:Kanye west

Las Vegas-



Live performance by Rapper,Writer,Producer Kanye West @ the MTV's(NYSE:VIAB ) VMAs

In the media: Where do the black Affluent live ?

In the media-
It would be interesting to have a report made on the exact location of Affluent individuals living and working in what constitutes the Afriurban space. A detailed list of the items they buy, places they go in vacation,companies they trust and shop at and their preferred method of payments.
One would argue that such affluent individuals would more likely be found in geographical locations such as New York,Maryland,Namibia,Texas,Florida,New Jersey,the UK,Ivory Coast,Nigeria,Barbados,Kenya,Botswana,Ghana,South Africa,Virginia,Mauritius,The Bahamas,Uganda,Sudan,Canada,Gabon,Rwanda,Angola,Tanzania.
Such a report if existent is not widely circulated. For now, we have to settle for the report by Blackmoney.com, showing that more than 1 million African-Americans earned 100.000 in income during the 2005-2006 fiscal year.

New York:119,475

Texas:81,073

Florida:61,481

California:104,087

Georgia:69,899

New Jersey:60,676

Maryland:104,545

Virginia:62,002

Afrimedia: interview with the CEO of Eben Entertainemnt

Afrimedia-

Eben Entertainement headed by CEO Eric Amar Benquet is a Media and entertainment firm from Gabon.Read part 1 of the interview here.


Africaincorp: We have noticed the company willingness to cross musical genre barriers, linguistic barriers as well as border barriers. What is the driving factor behind such a definite and bold marketing move ?

Eben E: We are African, we can not allow man-made legal barriers to stop us from embracing our likeness and discovering our music. The worlds of entertainment and the arts are the same, we all transmit emotions such as sadness,joy,redemption,love,pride etc.. through our music,literature or paintings. It is the manner of transmitting it that may differ and fell foreign. However to be open and wanting to learn from one another is the greatest strength any individual,culture or industry can have.

Eben is a virus into the ecosystem of the African culture it's no limited to the Republic of Gabon. We are targeting the entire African market and we are determined to change the status quo and reach our goals.The African music industry has been mismanaged and under-managed into oblivion,we are part of the new wave of dreamers that would put it together. Someone today send me a friendly E-mail saying that they were proud of what our company has achieved.This is the type of feedback that fuel our determination. Impossible is not in our picture,Eben will not only become one of the African entertainment industry leader, but it should survive the original team that is putting it together and go on to remain influential after we step down.


Africaincorp: What are your most efficient channels of distribution in Africa, Europe,North American market,Asian market and South American market? Do you distribute through third online parties such as Itunes,CD baby ? Do you prefer a physical wholesaler in your targeted markets ? Do you retain full control and open your own outlets ( wholesale or retail )?

Eben E: At this stage of our growth and very much aligned with our company culture ,we are dealing with everybody that respect us as a business, and our dream. Once a clear understanding and tangible trust have been established ,we seek to make the relationship as beneficial as it could be to all parties involved. Interacting with Eben Enterprise is quite simple,the following quote should paint the complete picture, "when you make love to a woman at the end both partners have to be satisfied".
Our openness and willingness to cooperate are well matched by the fiery determination to fuck you up twice if you fool with us. The law of the Talion is one that we do not hesitate to apply.


To be continued...

In the media: Steel Pulse in Abidjan

Abidjan-

Steel Pulse, a well known roots reggae musical band from Birmingham,England, is set to perform in the month of October in Abidjan,Cote D'Ivoire.
Cote D'Ivoire who is not lacking in talented reggae artists-Ismael Issac,Alpha Blondy,Tiken Jah- would see delighted consumers welcome the famous UK based band.

Their most recent studio album " African Holocaust" was released by the reggae record label RAS ,in the year 2004.

The series of concert by international acts in the urban markets of Africa is quite noticeable.What could explain the appetite by the public for quality shows by experienced and talented performers. The public seems very much ready to pay, whatever the price might be, to get a satisfying concert experience. It is customer characteristic that many companies and their executives start to take in account, one of them being Eben Entertainement and its CEO

Afriurban sound presents: Urban Choreography

Paris-

Afrimage: A genius in praise of himself

New York-



Read the preview of the article on Kanye West ,appearing in the Rolling Stone Magazine.

Afribusiness: ING Direct-Online Banking

Afribusiness-
ING direct , the number one online bank with over 819 billion in assets,270 billion in web based account. The aging of the world's population, a shift in distributing bank services over the Internet, and the new wealth being created in Asia seem to be the fundamental trends guiding ING( Euronext:INGA,NYSE:ING) strategy. Could and would they add the wealth being created in African economies ? Or would one of Africa financial institution beat them to the chase and bring fully online based Banking to consumers?

Some people say that these institutions because of their size and the culture of the executives heading these financial groups, Cellphone carriers maybe the one to bring about offline banking in the daily transactions of African consumers.
The culture of these companies have always been of audacity,innovative approach to the market and respect of the customer purchasing power.

In the media: African business Titans confident about African markets

In the media-Mr Ibrahim, made his money by founding Celtel(KSE :MTC) one of the continent’s leading mobile-phone companies, which he sold for $3.4 dollars.Mr Jonah , made his first fortune by selling Ashanti Goldfields, a Ghanaian mining company, to South Africa’s mighty AngloGold ( JNB:ANG,NYSE:AU).
( via, The economist)

Afriliterature:How does the media work ?

Afriliterature-

The book discusses work of professionals in the four key media industries:
-Advertising
-Journalism
-Film/TV production
-Digital games

One of the interesting topics discusses in the book is the outsourcing taking place in the media industries.


Advertising: The author tells us about the outsourcing of creative accounts to none other than China and India.

News and Journalism: Subcontracting of news to copy desks and international news agencies. outsourcing of work to non-salaried workers also dubbed "Citizen media".

Film and TV: Shift production to tax-friendly and low-cost labor countries like South Africa.

Video Games: Outsourcing of creative work to specialized companies often located in South east Asia ( Vietnam,South Korea,Thailand,Malaysia)


Purchase book

What is the story here ? knowledge- based industries are outsourcing stages of the production chain to cost-effective knowledge workers based outside of their job markets. For big companies with extensive costs , cutting costs by outsourcing makes perfect sense. It is also the case for new entrants to the media industry, to take advantage of a large pool of inexpensive talents will only make sense. Could it be that media start-ups in the cities of Abidjan,Nairobi,Casablanca solve their problems of access to creatives,cheap talented labors and experienced writers by simply outsourcing these tasks to the same companies in China and India ?

Afriupdate:BHF Magazine

Washington DC-

Groundbreaking,refreshing and vibrant lifestyle magazine, BHF, was founded in the last quarter of 2006 by couple Jennifer and Geoffrey Olisa. This African quarterly publication was started to fulfill the ambition of presenting an accurate view of what it truly means to be African in this post modern era.The fashion,art and culture, and our way of life will be exposed for all to see. The magazine will be available in print ,supported by an online edition ( E-blasts) that will have content available only to the online subscribers.

Compare to the some other magazines serving the same demographics, BHF Magazine stands out by the quality of their imagery and the richness and simplicity of their layout. This should win over even the non-intended readers,just because of the aesthetics the magazine displays.
Could a simple picture have more traction than a thousand words.
Only when the numbers come in, would we be able to tell.


Subscribe here- Visa, MasterCard(NYSE:MA ) ,Western Union( NYSE:WU) and Paypal ( NASDAQ:EBAY ) accepted
$10/4 months
$40/12 months

Previous post on BHF
BHF @ Myspace ( NYSE:NWS,LSE:NCRA)

Afrimedia: Till the break of dawn

New York-
Set in the summer of 2001, Till the Break of Dawn
chronicles a group of activists - teachers and artists - who attend a hip hop festival in Havana and find there struggling Cubans, global Hip Hip youths, and even a Black Panther in exile - a woman who challenges (and ultimately strengthens) the New Yorkers' commitments to activism and to each other.

The play directed by Danny Hoch features , Bambadjan Bamba,Dominic Colon,Matthew-Lee Erlbach,Flaco Navaja,PattyDukes,Jimmie James,Jaymes Jorsling,Maribel LIzardo,Johnny Sanchez,Luis Vega,Gwendolen Hardwick,Leanne L.Long.


Schedule and ticket purchase
Director's webpage
Hip Hop Theater Festival

Afrimedia: Interview with the CEO of Eben entertainement

Libreville-

If one was to rely on the reports of the many symposiums,conferences and industry reports made by institutions as serious as the World Bank and other established entities, future of the music industry in sub-saharan Africa can only look doom. Unfortunately for carriers of bad news and failure struck analysts, the business of music in Africa has entrepreneurs who understand that the old age formula of innovation,good management and great content/product greatly, increases your chances for success.
If you match good business sense to a consuming market much in need of quality product , you may strike gold.

An interview with the CEO of Eben Entertainment will give us a look into the company behind the succession of concert by international heavyweight performers such as Jay-Z,Beyonce,Snoop,Eve in markets where supposedly all inhabitants live on $2 dollars a day. The same company is responsible for the growing success of a line up of talents in a medley of genre going from traditional Gabonese to Hip Hop and RnB performing in plural languages( French,English,Fan).
The company is also responsible for the largest pan-African and urban marketing campaign ever seen in the business.
Radios, magazines,Entertainment oriented websites, the streets of all important markets have been included in their grand plan. Abidjan,Lagos,Accra,Douala,Dakar,Paris,Montreal,New York have received the visit of the director of marketing and promotion as well as the Street team to promote the hell out of the company,its brand and its artists.

Africaincorp: This is a long time due interview, you have been approached by us more than 4 weeks ago, If accurate you were doing the promotion of your company and artists in Abidjan. Where are you right now and what has been happening since then ?

Eben E: well, first I would like to thank Africaincorp media for the great job that you are doing and the opportunity of replying to your questions and exchange with your Internet audience.
Since we came in Ivory coast to promote our artists ,we went to Poland ,France and the USA for shooting 2 majors video for one of our artists ,Koba . We then came back to Gabon for one of the greatest show in the history of music in Gabon and even Africa. Performances by La fouine ,Admiral T, Medhi Custos,Lord Kossiti, and the extraordinary Eve, swept the public off their feet.Now we are back at work in the studio,we are about to launch the upcoming new album of La fuente "Les fables de La fuente" which is set to be the best R'n'B album made to this day in Africa and also the most wanted album of the year "Kranivor" from Ba'ponga.

Africaincorp: Can you define your company ? Tell us what do you think Eben Entertainment does or provides to the market ?

Eben: Eben Entertainment will be the first African Major company in the hip hop R'nB business (Including francophone and anglophone country)
we already have 7 African Artist sign a German artist Vanssa.S and soon artist from Ivory Coast, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and other Artist from Europe but with African origins.
we are born to promote African talent.It's true that for now we are based in Gabon but very soon we will be in west Africa and South Africa.
We want to prove to the global music industry that in Africa we can achieved things just like if not better than the American ,British or Japanese industries have in the past.We have the knowledge, the experience the money and most of all the ambition to make it happen.

Africaincorp: How many artists does Eben entertainment have ? How many total albums has the company published so far ? What are the markets with the highest recorded sales and why do you think it has been the case ?
Eben E: we have for now under contract 7 artists .We released 8 albums ,5 maxi singles, 3 compilations and 28 videos. We also produced a TV concept call: 48 hours with Eben ,and an African Tour call: "Eben African Tour" .
The African market can be divided along the two major linguistic barriers in Africa, you have the anglophone countries,where South Africa is way far followed closely by Nigeria and Ghana . you have the the francophone space where Ivory coast is way ahead because of the legal environment protecting content creation and content providers. The artists have their rights protected by the Burida.The other important and stable markets in that space are Senegal,Burkina,- Both Hip Hop markets- followed by Gabon,Cameroon- Rapidly rising markets-.

rest of the interview coming soon..

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Mimi magazine ,whose current issue cover is graced by Noella Coursaris and Kaysha,lists their top 21 hottest and influential African personnalities:

Afriurban sound presents: Swizz beats live @ hot 97

New York-
Swizz beats visited the Hot 97 location a few months back and gave a impromptu performance. The young man is a true entertainer. Hot 97 is owned by Emmis communication( NASDAQ:EMMS), a media conglomerate with operation in the United States,Belgium,Hungary,and Slovakia.

Afriurban sound presents: Boss Playa featuring Jet 7

Abidjan-

in the media: Kanye west supports education

In the media-
Kanye West lends his voice and opinion in favor of education.