Afri-love

From obsession to collaboration & an upcoming exclusive Adèle Dejak event in London

It started with my obsession …
I'm obssessed with adornment (as you may have gathered). Not only with the beautiful combinations of shapes, colour and materials that designers dream up but, the whole idea of wearing them – a practice that is centuries-old and truly global. Before modern technology, people gained value from creating necklaces and earrings and headdresses and cuffs and rings. Before status was marked by degrees and job titles and Twitter followings, it was signified by the elaborateness of one's gear.

Today, accessories can make or break your outfit – as fashion writers will tell you – but has their significance been reduced to the merely superficial? I still believe that there is much to learn about a person from their choice of adornment (or lack thereof).

TGIF! with Diaspora: A Global Mixtape Movement

Too many MCs not enough mics? Not this time. Volume 2 of Diaspora: A Global Mixtape Movement brings together 50 MCs from more than 24 countries around the world. The Hip-Hop artists contribute a 16 bar verse in their native tongue, showcasing the cultural, stylistic, and linguistic diversity of each region’s respective Hip-Hop scene. The fair-trade, international urban media production company and record label behind it, Nomadic Wax, aptly call it a "global music and cultural diplomacy project". 

And in the spirit of music without borders, not only does the Diaspora Mixtape bridge would-be barriers such as class, socioeconomic status, notoriety, availability of resources, religion, language and race – it is freely distributed too! 

Diaspora Mixtape Vol 2 (2011): Full Video from Nomadic Wax on Vimeo.

 

Flowers From Fatima: an interview with designer Fatima Spencer

Meet designer Fatima Spencer. The dedicated 22 year-old makes handmade floral hair accessories and has built a business around her passion for hair and fashion – Flowers From Fatima. She wanted to share her inspiration with thousands of other women of colour and it's perfectly in line with this week's emerging theme – embracing your true self and setting your creative expression free!

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What inspired you to start making the flowers?
I was inspired to design flowers through my family's community action program, in which I helped to plant flowers throughout my neighborhood. I became so enamored by flowers that I used to pluck the flowers from the garden often and wear them in my hair. However, I soon realized that the delicate beauties could no longer be admired in their natural state. Too quickly they wilted. Shortly after, I began to replicate the beauty of Mother Nature by designing silk floral accessories that were more suitable for fashionable wear and equally as beautiful, in meaning as well as appearance. 

What prompted you to turn the idea into a business?
Beautiful prompt – my older brother actually encouraged me to start a business! He's always been a business-savvy individual and he had so much confidence in both me and my work. I am grateful to have such a wonderful family! 

What challenges you've faced?
Right now, my greatest challenge is making the most of what I have. I started this business with little money, a dream, and a lot of hope. Until I get where I desire to be, I have to improvise and give Flowers From Fatima all that I have, mostly spiritually, to help it flourish. It seems to be growing! I am eternally thankful for my dedicated customers and friends who find joy in all that I do and acknowledge my hard work. 

What opportunities you've taken advantage of?
As long as the people that I collaborate with are positive individuals, I always seize the opportunity to share Flowers From Fatima with others, whether it be through showcasing my product at local events or sharing a few words in magazine features. 

What next for Flowers From Fatima?
Only UP from here!  

Check out more of Fatima's designs on the Flowers From Fatima website. First time customers get 10% off. You can also follow Fatima on Twitter.

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Images courtesy of Fatima Spencer

Visual storytelling: the Horn of Africa Crisis

Infographics are great vehicles for storytelling and for presenting statistics in a way that grounds numbers in a more tangible reality. Such was the exercise that I embarked on when Egyptian-based infographics and data visualization lab, Bayanat, got in touch with Asilia –  to create an infographic reminding people that the crisis in the Horn of Africa still requires our help.

Here's the result. The graphic has already received quite a bit of attention (1,323 views on the Bayanat blog alone at my last count). I hope that this inspires more people to share their support in whatever way they can. Wondering how you can help? Here are some ideas.

The image above is just an excerpt from the graphic. See/download the full graphic here

This is not where I wanted to be: a reminder to stop running and be true

I came across a video clip of Oprah sharing why she admires Lady Gaga and to sum it up – watching someone who is unabashedly being who they are inspires you to also be your true self.

And that's why I am so grateful to all the fabulous folks who have shared their stories, passion and inspiration in the Afri-love interview series. Reading about how others have followed their dreams, overcome barriers and put themselves first – above other people's expectations of them – reminds me of the value in following my own dreams.

It is way TOO easy to veer off the course of doing what's in your heart. It is way too easy to find yourself being carried away by the needs of other people (and convincing yourself that they are now your needs too). Even if you know where you're going, you might not end up where you're headed. Knowing is a crucial first step but what I'm learning is that constantly reminding yourself is just as important!

TGIF! Interview with singer/songwriter Amira Kheir

I'm listening to Amira Kheir's debut album, View from Somewhere, as I post this and it's just what the doctor prescribed. The Sudanese-Italian singer/songwriter's music is inspired by traditional Sudanese singing and instrumentation along with hints of jazz, soul, East African, West African and Middle Eastern music. A real pan-African global fusion that soothes and makes you want to move (a sultry, downtempo kind of groove) at the same time. I'm happy to share with you an interview with my fellow SOAS alumna …

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What's your passion?
Music music music!

What inspired you to become a musician?
As I began to explore music more and more, I realised that nothing else has the power to summon emotions of the highest degree, flood open doors of consciousness and emancipate spirits like music. I knew my life would be in function of this inexplicable and immense force.

 

What has been your greatest obstacle/challenge?
I don't think that has come yet! With smaller obstacles I've tried to stay focused and work with what I have. Even in the worst of situations we always have something to help us out – it's important to remember that and work with it.

La Petite Congolaise at the Re-Loved Lounge

I missed the Re-Loved Lounge last month: African & African-Caribbean Design Diaspora designers transformed a space at the annual 100% Design show into a playful sitting area with upcycled furniture.
Laurence Kanza, aka La Petite Congolaise, was one of those designers and she shared a picture for all of us who couldn't be there – a before and after shot of one of her upcycled dining room chairs.

"My goal was to take two discarded chairs and transform them into statement chairs which would take their place at the head and foot of the beautifully crafted 5m long dining table by my fellow designer Alexander Mulligan*."

Laurence also showcased cushions from her Awakening Collection which you can check out (and purchase) here.

Thanks Laurence!

More about the Lounge:

 

Images courtesy of Laurence Kanza/La Petite Congolaise
* You can see the table mentioned in an album on Afri-love's Facebook page 

Interview with Live Unchained Co-Founder, Kathryn Buford

I'm really excited about today's interview with Live Unchained Co-Founder and PhD candidate, Kathryn Buford. Live Unchained is a global arts and media initiative featuring black women artists and writers across the African diaspora. I virtually met Kathryn earlier this year when she approached me for an interview and since then, we've been exchanging ideas, finding opportunities to collaborate and sharing life experiences. Despite the thousands of miles between us, we've become friends and I'm really honoured to know this inspiring, intelligent, thoughtful woman and to share her story with you.

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What's your passion?
I'm developing Live Unchained, a global arts organization for women of African descent, with one of my dearest friends, Miriam Moore. I see this project as my brainchild and I am passionate about seeing it to its full potential as a globally recognized brand that celebrates and empowers women of African descent and their creative interests. I've learned to take all my dreams and gifts seriously and I am passionate about realizing them and, hopefully, inspiring others to do the same.

What inspired you to pursue a PhD? What inspired Live Unchained?
My undergraduate college experience was a bit rocky, but academically I performed well and wanted to teach at the collegiate level, so that meant a PhD. Honestly, I know why I started the PhD, but throughout the process I often asked myself: WHAT AM I DOING?!!! WHY AM I PUTTING MYSELF THROUGH THIS?!!! LOL I thought sociology was fascinating--exploring questions of culture, revolution and identity, so I decided that would be my doctorate. But, I didn't realize how grim and euro-centric the dominant thinking in sociology had been and learning how to navigate that took a lot of work. Learning how to handle harsh criticism and different personalities was also challenging. Now, I've learned to make my graduate work revolve around Live Unchained, and that has finally helped me answer those burning questions ;) I know anything that helps me grow Live Unchained is worth seeing through.

A test of strength & patience: the cycles of managing natural Afro hair

In wearing your hair natural, you will experience cycles of manageable & why-am-I-putting-myself-through-this! That's my story at least. It's been just over 14 months since my last big chop and there have been several moments already where I've either mourned my locks or been tempted to chop my baby 'fro off, all over again. But now, I'm glimpsing some light at the end of the tunnel and patting myself on the back for my resolve.

The big chop – a true taste of freedom
You can actually try this thing they call everyday washing without having to devote an extra half hour to shower time. You can literally wash 'n go (as opposed to wash, detangle, deep condition, load up with product, style and then go).

Having your hair so short brings another flavour of liberation: it forces you to be as you are. There is less for you to hide behind – hair can be an amazing crutch. This was one of the reasons behind my last big chop and cutting my locks did actually have the results I desired. I look at pictures of myself 14 months ago and grimace at how big I'd become under that heavy mop of hair. Don't get me wrong – I loved my locks but, they were giving me an excuse not to take better care of my body.

Interview with author, photographer and Black film aficionado, Nadia Denton

I've been working with Nadia Denton for the past few months and she's got so much up her sleeve! She's involved in film – she established and co-ordinated Black Filmmaker (bfm) Film Club, a monthly platform for Black World Cinema at the Institute of Contemporary Arts between April 2003 – Jan 2010 – and just this month launched her book, The Black British Filmmaker’s Guide to Success (which you can download for free!); she has an exhibition of her photography going on right now; she's developed the Black History Month film programme in Islington, London and; she's in charge of PR & Marketing for the upcoming Film Africa 2011 festival. I'm always super-inspired by creative people who dabble in several areas and happy to hear what makes them tick. Today, Nadia shares …

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What's your passion?
The exciting rush of life!! The pulsing beat of spirit. The feeling of exhilaration when you are not sure of what is ahead but you still enjoy the ride.

What inspired you to get involved with film?
It happened by accident. I started running the film club as a time filler, then realised what a social statement many of the films I was programming were making. Since then I have committed myself to putting on film events.