Afri-love

Part I of the Independence Day round-up: July

During this blog's first year, I endeavored to celebrate the independence days of African countries through creating a dedicated post (you can browse them via this link). I'm not doing that this year but, as several of those celebrations take place in July and August, I thought I'd do a round-up of highlights. I hope you enjoy it. Stay tuned for part 2 – August celebrations – next week.

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Ghana – 1st July

Something for the pundits and technology geeks, something for the music-lovers and something for the fashionistas:
5 Reasons why Ghana is the next African App Powerhouse
Interview with lyrical genius M3NSA
Interview with Fashion Designer Naana B

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Rwanda – 1st July
Fashion, art and music in last year's Independence Day post.

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Burundi – 1st July
Listen to the beauuuutiful sounds of Kidum.

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Somalia – 1st July

Fashion, literature and music in last year's Independence Day post.
Don't forget to show support for those currently suffering from the food crisis in the region.

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Algeria – 5th July
Art, old and contemporary. Find out more in last year's Independence Day post.

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Cape Verde – 5th July

Home of the "barefoot diva," Cesaria Evora. Listen to the various sounds coming from the islands – from Morna to Coladeira, from Funaná to Batuque.

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Malawi – 6th July
I WILL one day make it to the Lake of Stars Festival. Until then, I will live vicariously …

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Comoros – 6th July
The women run things on these islands, and here's how they sound.

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South Sudan – 9th July

Last year, South Sudan did not exist as an independent nation-state. We experienced history last month as it became official. 

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Egypt (National Day) – 23rd July
A particularly historically significant year it's been for Egypt too! The Tahrir Square effect lives on.

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Liberia – 26th July
The beautiful results of cross-Atlantic traditions.

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Cesaria Evora image via Syntorama

The best Tribe in Africa

During my trip to Kenya in April, I finally properly visited Tribe. A luxury boutique hotel, it refreshingly pays homage to the continent on which it sits. When you walk into most luxury hotels in Nairobi, you wouldn't be blamed for thinking you had stepped right in to New York or London. It almost seems to imply that anything of value must not display any "Africanness." Except perhaps through a little painting of a safari landscape, tucked away in some hallway. With Tribe, Africa is on display in every direction that you look and it's beautiful!

Their line:
"Tribe takes hospitality back to its essence. Back to the nomadic days when any weary traveller was greeted with warmth, invited to feast and exchange stories, and rest in the comforts of home … a very comfortable home."

And to prove again that being true to yourself brings due reward, Condé Nast Traveller (US & UK) recently selected Tribe for The Hot List 2010, as one of the Hottest Hotels in the World!

 

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All photos via Tribe except 2nd last row, by Lulu Kitololo, and bottom, from Condé Nast
See more photos on the Tribe Hotel Kenya Facebook page

 

Home around the world: Madiba, Brooklyn, USA

 
A debut post in a new series, "home around the world." Having lived outside the continent for almost 11 years now, there is nothing more uplifting than finding a spot where I can experience a little bit of home. This series is dedicated to showcasing some of those places and sharing the details, in case you ever need a dose. I'd love to hear about any gems you've found. To share your story, get in touch.

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A funky lounge-cum-restaurant-cum-bar grows in Brooklyn. A cornerstone in my 10+ year love-affair with Fort Greene.

Inside, a large painting of Madiba himself; a chandelier made from glass coca cola bottles and; the kind of metal trunk (painted blue) that you may have carried to boarding school, form part of the eclectic decor. Jam jars for glasses and a kiosk-type wall with foodstuffs from home on sale. This is Madiba, a South African Experience, south of the Manhattan bridge.

About 10 years ago (I wince smile as I realise how old wise I'm getting), before New York's notorious Cabaret License was introduced, many a great night of dancing was had at the corner of Carlton and Dekalb. After the kitchen closed, dining tables would be moved aside, creating an intimate dancefloor. I think that's probably the best word to describe the atmosphere at Madiba. Visiting last summer, for the first time in years, I was delighted to run into familiar faces including DJ Stone* who's still doing his thing on their decks. There might not be the same dancefloor destruction to the freshest house and kwaito as in days gone by but, that warm afri-love vibe is definitely still in the air.

[*link to an interesting short video where Stone is interviewed by Africa is a Country blogger, Sean Jacobs]
Images from the Madiba website.