Afroelle Magazine Holiday Issue 2015

Holiday Issue 2015

Celebrating Women of African Heritage

AFROELLE www.afroellemagazine

Lady Ele Swedish-North African R&B singer

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T

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Afroelle Magazine is a monthly digital publication celebrating and empowering women of African heritage in Africa and the Diaspora.

FOUNDER & EDITOR Patricia Miswa PUBLISHER MISWA MEDIA FOR SUBMISSIONS & GENERAL ENQUIRIES Afroelle@gmail.com

COVER CREDITS Photographer: Amina Touray Artist: Lady Ele, www.musicbyele.com Makeup Artist: Irma Vasquez Glitter design by Freepik Afroelle Magazine is published by Miswa Media copyright Š 2015. All rights reserved.

Contributors

AMINA T.

TATENDA K. Writer ZIMBABWE

ASHLEY M. Writer SOUTH AFRICA

LOS ANGELES

i4indie.blogspot.com

ashleymakue.com

@Aminatphoto

Photographer

LILLIAN K. Editorial Assistant

Kenya @miss_kimari

SUBMISSIONS If you have a story idea or would like to share your wisdom or insights with women globally email AfroElle@gmail.com with ‗Submission‘ on the subject line.

Do you know a phenomenal woman impacting their community or making a difference in their field? Simply email their bio and links to their work to afroelle@gmail.com for a possible feature in our upcoming issue.

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CONTENTS

HOLIDAY ISSUE 11 Monthly Gift Guide 14 In Her Words — Bhatupe Mhango– Chipanta 16 20 BEAUTIFUL WOMENAFRICA EDITION: Beauty Redefined 18 In conversation with Karen Owusu 22 Listen Up– Music Favorites 24 Focus on Joana Choumali; Africa Through Her Lens 32 Lady Ele: Sound of Her Music 40 T Nicole– Beautiflawed 42 In The Kitchen With Charlene of That Girl Cooks Healthy

INSIDE 20+ page Holiday Gift Guide featuring Africa– inspired gift ideas for everyone on your list and every budget.

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On our cover we feature Swedish-North African R&B singer, Lady Ele, who talks to us about the love and inspiration behind her music.

Malawian writer, Bhatupe Mhango-Chipanta gives us a glimpse of her book, The Cure, that was inspired by her ongoing daily fantasy about the AIDS cure being found and a certain unfounded hope that the cure will be found in Africa. Our writer, Tatenda Kanengoni writes about the book series titled 20 Beautiful Women -Africa Edition which pioneered a movement encouraging the re-definition of beauty.

In our conversation with Ghanaian poet Karen Owusu , she tells us why she her work focuses on women, acceptance and self love. Our writer Amina Touray interviews teacher turned model and singer, T Nicole, who opens up about learning to embrace her flaws, her love for creating, and catchy music hooks.

Our woman of the month is Abidjan based fine art photographer Joana Choumali who uses her photography to explore her own identity. With much of her work focusing on Africa she talks about the creative industry in Abidjan and some of her memorable projects.

In our kitchen section, we feature with food blogger Charlene of That Girl Cooks Healthy, a food website that specializes in gluten and dairy free recipes.

Charlene talks Caribbean food, current foods trends and also shares her Papaya Pancakes gluten free recipe.

We‘ve also put together the ultimate Holiday Gift Guide with 100+ gift ideas for everyone on your Christmas list.

Thank you for supporting us throughout the year and we hope you enjoy this issue! Till next time, I leave you with the words of Karen Owusu, "Teach your

daughters self love, how to feed themselves with enough softness and poems before their lovers arrive. Teach them how to celebrate themselves at an early age, teach them how to never lose their language. to speak it unashamedly. Remind your daughters, that they are not for everyone. Let them know that they are queens."

Happy reading!

Founder and EIC

Sami Khan Photography

H

appy new month! We‘re excited to usher in December with a new issue.

Afroelle’s 2015

HOLIDAY

Gift Guide

The ultimate guide for Africa - inspired Christmas gift ideas for everyone on your list.

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In Her Words

In her book, The Cure, Malawian writer, Bhatupe Mhango-Chipanta explores themes of religion and scientific inquiry. Set in Lilongwe, the novel revolves around an African herbalist claims he has the cure for AIDS; a European scientist is sent to use his scientific methods to get it to the world and a female power -driven lawyer is at the center of it all.

Their worlds collide and they all face a crisis that they must endure.

Bhatupe has worked for the United Nations in the response to HIV, for 5 years, as well as in international organizations dealing with democratic governance.

She says the inspiration for writing The Cure is “her ongoing daily fantasy about the AIDS cure being found and a certain unfounded hope that the cure will be found in Africa.

What sets The Cure apart from other novels that deal with HIV/Aids?

That it exists! I think few fictitious tales in print bring up the subject.

There's lots of biographical, first person, non-fiction work out there or medical publications on the

subject. But it tends to not be just a casual conversation piece. I wanted for it to be the central subject to any drama because I so rarely see it played out in movies, in theatres. For example, when have you ever seen or heard the lead characters in a Hollywood sex scene bring up the subject of condoms, or HIV testing?

AFROELLE Books

The author worked in hiv/AIDS advocacy for 5 years. The story is fictitious, but I tried to stick to a modern day scene and setting, and I wanted to share the complexity, myriad human relationships, and power relations.

The author is HIV positive and has been living openly with this infection for 13 years. Whilst I am none of the characters in this story, I wanted to voice some of the characters' pain, euphoria and desperation, from a genuine place.

Who‟s your favorite character in the book and what do you love about him/her?

Eliza, Matamando's housemaid. She is a silent, sure, steady character. She is confident and "knows her place" and is loyal. She knows when to be quiet and when to speak up. These are all admirable qualities for us all to aspire towards.

What‟s the one thing you hope readers take away from your book?

That we are human. Our mortality defines us. Our mortality also unites us; no matter how different we may seem.

What are you currently reading?

Currently reading- The Snake Charmer by an Iranian author and 'Why French children don't talk back' by Catherine Crawford ( hilarious!)

Which book has changed your life or has had the most impact in your life?

Sounds so cliché but the Bible has had the most impact on my life. Because I come back to it time after time to discover parts I knew then also parts I didn't know were in there. It's so intriguing! So many seemingly weird, different stories in there and yet together they tell this one story: that God is there and loves us beyond measure.

Click here to purchase The Cure.

20 BEAUTIFUL WOMENAFRICA EDITION: BEAUTY RE-DEFINED

By Tatenda Kanengoni

The aesthetics of beauty has the tendency to evoke in mind a standard or an ideal, an association with perfection that mercilessly discards its nemesis. Does beauty ascribe to the rules of binaries necessitating an opposite that falls short? Should the idea of beauty chain those who strive to attain it?

Through her book series titled 20 Beautiful Women, bestselling author and publisher Saba Tekle pioneered a movement encouraging the re-definition of beauty. With its affectionate tagline “20 stories that will heal your soul, ignite your passion and inspire your divine purpose” , each book series features 20 women who share their life lessons and experiences motivated by the hope of encouraging other women. The mantra being that by sharing your story, you can empower and help other women to take on their life challenges. Ultimately, this encourages a movement through which women support each other, an inspirational account of sisterhood.

Acclaimed author Saba put together accounts of these stories consisting of speakers, authors and life coaches. The collection of short stories ascribes to the idea that true beauty lies in authenticity, in the bearing of one‘s inner fears, trials and lessons and chronicling unashamedly how these were overcame, emerging on the other side, a victor. Topics including self-love, weight loss, career, spirituality, relationships, finances, and forgiveness are covered in the book with accounts of healing and new beginnings shared.

The success of the book inspired the #20beautifulwomen challenge. Through the hashtag #20beautifulwomen #BeBeautiful, women tagged each other and shared positive attestations and affirmations, challenging each other to do the same. A million women later, a movement was in motion. The book has been featured on Huffington Post, Buzzfeed and HLN‘s The Daily Share and received Best Seller status on Amazon.

The first two book series 20 Beautiful Women Volume 1 and Volume 2 were released to critical acclaim setting a precedent for the movement. For the next edition-the Africa

Credit: mariarochelle.com

Edition- due to be released early December 2015, Saba featured 20 stories and accounts similar to the previous series, albeit with authors from Africa or with experiences in Africa. This next edition promises to continue to inspire women to share their stories and realise the beauty in sisterhood. That overcoming whatever is thrown your way, sharing your encounters, reminding other women that they are never alone, and most importantly that every challenge is temporary, exemplifies true beauty.

With that, comes the re-birth of something beautiful! A new you!

The 20 Beautiful Women-Africa Edition will be available early December 2015, to order your digital or hard copy simply email tatendakanengoni@hotmail.com | #BeBeautiful. Tag a friend, join the movement!

Source: *www.huffingtonpost.com/20-beautifulwomen/

Conversation with poet OWUSU Ghanaian poet and current Public Health student, Karen Owusu started writing while in the 10th grade but it wasn’t until 2014 in college when she realized she had a gift of words. Writing under the handle @poeticharmonylove, a lot of Karen’s work focuses on women, self-love and acceptance. She shares with us why this is not accidental and some of her literally influences.

On love, self love and acceptance With all honesty, its not accidental that my work centers on topics of love, self-love and acceptance. I am very passionate about writing about self-love and acceptance. As a human being, loving yourself is extremely important. If you don‘t love yourself,

who will package that love to you? No man will wrap it and leave it at your doorstep. Love begins with you. If you don‘t know and love yourself, people will teach you who should be. As a child, I struggled with identity. I was picked on because of the color of my skin. I‘m a dark skinned woman.

From 3rd grade and even in my early

Darling, Who told you that your earth tone skin wasn‘t beautiful enough to reach the magazines?

That your melanin is too much. who squeezed their opinion in between your teeth?

Rise.

Take a look at your skin.

At yourself.

Can‘t you see that you are Magic?

Don’t cover her bones with flowers.

Crowd her heart in love poems when your actions speak lesser than the words you offer her. please keep your love poems in your rib cages because you need them the most to survive. still woman softer still magic always. heart overflowing poetry.

Woman Alive.

Broken Inside.

Oh that woman fighting darkness, trying to find her way into the light.

Darling, Lay your weapons.

Your people are waiting for you.

Come home.

Plant love poems. Set fire in the root of your lovers soul.

Don’t cover her bones with flowers.

Crowd her heart in love poems when your actions speak lesser than the words you offer her. please keep your love poems in your rib cages because you need them the most to survive.

years of attending college, I was picked on. A question that someone once asked me was ―Do they have makeup for your skin color?‖ This words came from someone I called a friend at the time. These words never left me. For so long, I questioned who I was? What‘s my purpose here Earth? I wasn‘t so sure but through experiences and the stages of womanhood I‘ve come to know. I am still learning and becoming a better person every day.

to seep and test how deep my waters were. I learned about people and their ways of hurting others in the midst of their pain. I am still learning. Life has a way of testing and teaching you lessons you thought you already mastered.‖

I love this poem that I wrote because I‘ve been through quite some things with friendship. People hurt. There‘s this quote that I like that written by Yehuda Berg, ―Hurt people hurt On Influences people. That's how pain patterns gets passed on, generation after generation after generation. Break the If I have to narrow it to one I would definitely have to say the late Dr. Maya chain today. Meet anger with sympathy, contempt with compassion, Angelou. I absolutely love her work. I cruelty with kindness. Greet grimaces enjoy seeing her appearances in Tyler Perry Movies and other features. I enjoy with smiles. Forgive and forget about finding fault. Love is the weapon of watching her interviews and motivational videos on Youtube. Two of the future.‖ I my favorite motivational pieces I t‘s such a powerful quote to me. Its so enjoyed includes ―Love Liberates‖ and true and I can always refer back to this ―Power Of Words‖. because of experiences with friendship and through life experiences. When In her own words, she said ― Love people show you their true colors, liberates. It doesn‘t bind. Love says I don‘t paint a different color on the love You. I love you even if your cross canvas. town. I would like to be near you.‖ Oh how I love this woman‘s work. I highly recommend for anyone to watch or On publishing her work read any of her books. I love how she talks about God in her videos too.

Yes I would by God‘s grace publish a book in the near future. Money no dey On her favorite work fall from tree. Publishing I‘ve been dreaming about you but I know it will become a reality. ―When I stopped allowing people‘s opinions to get under my skin, I learned about myself. I learned about Read Karen’s work at protecting my space. I learned that I was soft and that gave them a gateway poeticharmonylove.tumblr.com

AFROELLE Music

Writer Lilian Kimari shares some of her music favorites.

Tanzanian native Vanessa Mdee rose to the limelight as the first ever MTV VJ from her country. Her charisma and undeterred passion for music has seen her collaborate with great voices in the African continent including fellow Tanzanian artist Ommy Dimpoz in ―Me and you‖ which was voted Song of the year in the 2013 Kilimanjaro Music Awards.

Vanessa‘s music is an exciting fusion of afropop, hiphop and bongo flava. Her very first solo release ―Closer‖ was a record setting phenomenon for Tanzanian artists with over 30,000 downloads within the first week of release. She has had an exciting career as a musician and television and radio host having bagged six awards so Source: Vanessa Mdee far including female artist of the year twice in a row and getting the opportunity to interview the likes of rapper K‘Naan, Ludacris and Kelly Rowland. Her most recent release ―Nobody But Me‖ features South African rap heavy weight K.O. The only way is up for Vanessa Mdee.

Vanessa Mdee | www.vanessamdee.com

Somi Somi is an American Jazz musician of Rwandese and Ugandan descent described as the modern day Miriam Makeba. Her sound is Jazzy and African.

Following her relocation to Lagos from New York, Somi launched The Lagos Music salon, a follow up to her studio album, ―If the Rains come first‖. The album debuted at #2 on the billboard worldwide chart. Huffington post dubbed the young African singer the ―New Niña Simone‖.

It is no wonder this immensely gifted African Musician has collaborated and

Source: SOMI Music

performed alongside a diverse and brilliant cast of artists including John Legend, Jennifer Hudson, Billy Childs, Paul Simon and Mos Def. It is also no surprise that her gift of composition and ability to raise her lyrics to a level of poetry has made her a two time recipient of The Doris Duke Foundation‘s French American Jazz Exchange Composer‘s Grant.

Her passion for music also led her to founding New Africa Live, a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating the very best of contemporary African artists. www.somimusic.com

Joana Choumali

Africa Through Her Lens INTERVIEW BY: Patricia Miswa

Joana Choumali, born in 1974, is a fine art photographer based in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. She studied Graphic Arts in Casablanca (Morocco) and worked as an Art Director in an advertising agency before embarking on her photography career.

She works primarily on conceptual portraiture, mixed media and documentary. She uses her photography to explore her own identity. Much of her work focuses on Africa, and what she, as an African, is learning about the myriad cultures around her. Her work allows her to explore assumptions she has and nourishes her as she expands her conceptions of the world. Her series, Hââbre, The Last Generation (2013) was awarded the POPCAP ‘14 Africa Prize in 2014. Joana has also exhibited in Abidjan, Paris, London, Atlanta, Amsterdam and Lagos.

Culture and art is still not sufficiently valued in Africa there are still many people who see the visual arts as a hobby, there are many prejudices

How old were you when you first had an interest in photography, what were your first subjects?

media.

For my series "Adorn", I manually intervene by making photomontages with embroidery and pearls cascades I have always been moved by beautiful that I associated with my images. I images. As a child, I used to collect pictures from magazines. My interest for am very attracted to the mix media, as this is also the result of all the photography started when I was 13, when my parents brought a professional influences that I get and how I want photographer at home for the traditional to unleash my message as an artist. I like to explore every facet of my family portrait. I was fascinated. That same year, I asked for a camera from my creativity. I like to be where you do not expect me. parents. It was a little Konica film camera. My first subjects were my friends, my daily life, landscapes, my In most African countries not a environment , many portraits. lot of emphasis is put on the Photography was an academic discipline of my training in Graphic Design school.

I also took private lessons in photography from a professional photographer in Casablanca , in parallel with my classes at school.

arts, I'm curious to know, how is the creative industry in Abidjan has the environment nurtured or encouraged you practicing your craft. ?

What is related to culture and art is still not sufficiently valued in Africa And in terms of your photography, there are still many people who see where do you draw your inspiration the visual arts as a hobby, there are many prejudices, Some people did from and how would you describe not understand when I left in my ad your photographic style? agency job to pursue my dream , my need to express myself artistically People who see my work say that it was stronger than anything. exudes strength and emotion. My Prejudices do not discourage me, photographic style is very focused on they motivate me. Besides The people. The person that I have in front of Abidjan Art scene awakening is me tells me tacitly what he/she wants manifest and this is a really good me to show from him. This is the case thing for us artists. Many galleries for my series "Hââbré" and "Resilient" opened in the last five years, and for example. I like people, and I believe more and more Ivorian artists are that they are the ones who give me a exhibited internationally. As we small part of who they are. I feel the witness a new generation of young need to unleash my inspirations and go art amateurs, there is hope that one associate photography with other artistic

“

I left in my ad agency job to pursue my dream , my need to express myself artistically was stronger than anything.

Prejudices do not discourage me, they motivate me.

I observe people . The best exhibition in terms of encounters and emotions was " Photoquai " at the Quai Branly Museum in Paris. It was a dream come true. Thanks to the curator Azu Nwagbogbu, who selected the artists You‟ve had quite a number of from Africa and Diaspora. I had the exhibitions in the past few years, opportunity to meet talented which one has been your best? photographers from the whole world.

How do you feel when you exhibit Besides the great exposure, what really your work? touched me is the positive mood there.

The theme of the exhibition was " we are family", and this objective was fully Each exhibition is special for me .. when achieved! I really felt like i was part of a I exhibit, I feel a little " à découvert " . big artistic family.

I'm always curious to see the reaction of visitors, whether it is positive or negative, I am curious to get feedback, What kind of impressions do you day we will reach the same level as in western countries. it takes time and a lot of work to change people‘s mentality.

hope to leave upon others who see your photographs?

I'd like people to introspect and wonder when they see my works. I like the idea that my photos can generate internal debate, encourage dialogue or change the perception that people have on Africa. Just have a strong feeling, even if it is mixed feelings.

Can you share with us about some of your memorable projects.

Haabre the last generation" is a series about scarification.―Hââbré‖ means ―writing‖, ―sign‖ and ―scarification‖; this one word signifies all three notions in Kô, a language from Burkina Faso. It is a series of portraits about African people bearing the imprint of the past on their faces. Scarification went from being the norm and having a high social value to being somewhat ―excluded‖.

That was how the desire to photograph these men and women was born, this last generation of scarified Africans, not necessarily from Ivory Coast, because most of the people I photographed migrated here from Burkina Faso. But they‘ve been living long enough in Abidjan to consider themselves Abidjanese. Yet, this scarification continues to remind them that they are originally from another country, another era even.

As Ivory Coast is considered as a country of immigration, my aim was to gather

the testimonies of these people who left their villages and came to settle in Abidjan to work. Several people told me that they had been the target of bullying and mockery because of their scarification. These people have had to integrate into Ivoirian society, and more specifically into Abidjan, one of the biggest metropolises in West Africa, the best they could.

My lastest project is called "Awoulaba/taille fine" I have been documenting local manufacturers in Cote d‘Ivoire who are producing mannequins customized for the African taste and shapes. The local manufacturers modify or create mannequins, with body shapes more associated to African women beauty standarts : wide hips, well-filled breasts. This type of mannequin is called "Awoulaba‖, which stands for ―beauty queen‖ in Baule language from Côte d' Ivoire. In Ivorian popular culture, Awoulabas are beautiful women with impressive measurements : large breasts, and big buttocks.

"Taille Fine", instead, is the term used to identify models or mannequins following western standards of beauty. Besides the documentary aspect of the project, I investigate the concept of beauty and body perfection. I question what is to be considered a perfect body.

The project is composed of two

'HAABRE, THE LAST GENERATION' 2013-2014

RESILIENTS 2013 - 2014

EMOTIONS A NU - 2013

―Never be afraid to believe in yourself because nobody is supposed to do it for you. That's your job. Dare to trust your guts. Never take no for an answer. And go for it. Slowly, softly, but stubbornly.‖ parts. A documentary series, showing the craft and works of the manufacturers.

They are so proud of their final products to get to the point of treating them like real persons, and they have the habit of documenting their creations for the shop catalogues in the fashion of real portraits. There is a second group of images where I superimposes images of real women‘s body parts to the perfect shapes of the mannequins.

They are the ―venus‖ celebrities who embody "perfect beauty" in popular culture.

For this project, i wanted to restitute a conceptual vision of what i witnessed in my immediate environnment. Both projects deal with the notions of african identity, and beauty standarts.

You are pursuing your passion, any advice to women out there about making their dreams a reality?

I love this quote of Maya Angelou : “I believe that the most important single thing, beyond discipline and creativity is daring to dare.” i would say that nothing good comes easy. Never be afraid to believe in yourself because nobody is supposed to do it for you.

That's your job. Dare to trust your guts.

Never take no for an answer. And go for it. Slowly, softly, but stubbornly.

Where are you currently exhibiting your works ?

I am currently showing my series "Resilients" at the PHOTOLUX Festival in Lucca in Italy from November 21st to December 14th.

From December 3rd to 6th 2015 I will also be showing my works ( series "Emotion à Nu" and "Hââbré, the last generation") at the AKAA (Also Known As Africa) Fair in Paris with the 50 Golborne Gallery and the African Artist Foundation.

Check out more of Joana‟s work. www.joanachoumali.com

Sound of her music Interview and Photography BY AMINA TOURAY | Makeup Artist: IRMA VASQUEZ

At the age of 11, Swedish-North African R&B singer Lady Ele had written her first song. She started her career by singing in bands, choirs and won several talent shows, then worked as background singer for Swedish R n B , rap and pop artists Ayo, Swing-Fly, Medina and Dee. Ele found maximum inspiration during travels to Los Angeles and so to truly learn her favorite genres soul/r n b/jazz she moved to Los Angeles and attended Musicians Institute, where she self-produced 4 of the tracks on her debut album ―She, Her, Ele‖ and had the opportunity to sing back up for Stevie Wonder during his annual ―House full of toys concert ‖ in Dec 07 together with Hollywood Pop Academy.

Lady Ele is preparing for her next big moves, with her new music, video and upcoming live shows I sat down with her to hear more about her journey and insights. We meet at the park in Beverly Hills and she glowing from top to toeit‘s not only her sun-kissed skin and golden dress, but her entire spirit. After a few hours of a pleasant photo shoot together, we head over to Barney‘s New York for a Sunday brunch.

As we sit down at their beautiful balcony with an amazing view over the city, we order pancakes and tea, as we begin to talk about everything from her upbringing in Europe, to how she balances family life and her career .

Amina Touray: Lady Ele, can you share a bit about your background?

Lady Ele: I was born and raised in Stockholm Sweden to a Swedish mother; my father is from Tunisia North Africa. And I grew up in a suburb where a lot of my friends were like me; mixed with various brown colors. I had Moroccan, Gambian, Turkish, Indian, Eritrean, and Greek friends that were all mixed with Swedish and that‘s my background – I'm multi-cultural.

AT: And then you got into music, how did that begin?

LE: It started really early; I was 3 years old when I told my mom for the first time that I wanted to be a singer. And I was always practicing singing. My mom used to play a lot of vinyl‘s back then. She used to play Barry White and Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder and some Swedish and Finish singers as well.

I used to emulate them, stand in front of the mirror with a brush, pretend that it was my microphone. I just loved singing and being loud and express myself. So it started at that age and then when I got older I started a Waldorf school which was really artistic and creative, taught me how to play violin at the age of 8 for example, so they helped bring out more musical creativity out of me.

AT: You mentioned that you grew up around a lot of other people from African heritage and mixed heritages, do you feel like that has inspired you music wise? Or how has that influenced your music?

LE: Well for one - for example

with my Eritrean friends, every time someone had a birthday they used to play Stevie Wonder ―Happy Birthday‖ mixed with their native music. That was like a given!

A lot of my Gambian and Senegalese friends had a lot of Youssou N‘Dour and souk music, I love that. And during those times there was also a Eurovision song contest with a Moroccan singer who came second, her name was Amina, and she had a song called ―Le Dernier qui a parle‖. And it was really good; I used to sing that song over and over again. It goes like - - ―C'est le dernier qui a parlé qui a raison, Dans ta maison, C'est celle qui m'a donnée un nom qui a raison, De toute façon…‖

AT: How would you describe the sound and style of your music?

LE: My style is definitely R&B, it‘s got a little jazziness to it, and it‘s got a live music feel. My songs always have that element of I

“When I prepare well and I do me first, then I can take much better care of my kids and my husband and the house.” would say live instrument in a sense.

So far none of the songs I‘ve ever done have been pure techno or pure what I would say plastic pop. It always has a proper base and drum line and grand sounding piano or Rhodes sounds. It‘s something that can always be replayed with a live band and sound very similar to the record.

AT: You‟re a wife, mother of two, you have your own company Empress Silkwear and you‟re a singer. How do you balance everything?

LE: It‘s hard, sometimes I do too much. I recently came across this quote saying ―Imperfection doesn‘t define you but seeking perfection distracts you‖. So I try to keep that in mind. When I‘m with my kids I try to be in the now with them and not be too much on the email or on my

phone or multi-tasking too much, but at the same time a lot of things has to get done every day.

So it‘s hard but I make it work, and what I really find super important in my case is to really take care of myself first because when I feed the kids before I feed myself or when I take a shower when they‘re already awake then everything becomes much harder to do, so ultimately I kind of lag and the whole day is kind of off because I‘m feeling rushed, hungry or behind schedule. But when I prepare well and I do me first, then I can take much better care of my kids and my husband and the house.

AT: You‟re releasing some new music soon, what can we expect from that?

LE: Well I married a Jamaican and

naturally a little reggae vibe snuck in there. So the next song is called ―Early in the morning‖ and it‘s got the vibe of reggae. It‘s feel-good-music, about love and empowerment, and I could say I really picked up the tempo this time.

AT: What is it about?

LE: It‘s really about me when I met

my husband; and just knowing from the beginning that we were the idea that I‘ve wanted to be a part of; that we were the couple that I was dreaming about, and that we are going to do a lot of great things together. The lyrics goes –―me and you, know this ain‘t no regular fling this is a magic thing that makes your soul wanna sing, let go and be free - yes all in harmony‖. So things like that.

AT: And you have a couple of performances coming up soon. I‟m curious , do you could you describe the moment before you get on stage, what‟s going through your mind?

LE: What‘s going through my

mind is that I try to see what it is that I‘m about to do. I usually close my eyes and imagine myself walk up on the stage and how I‘m going to greet the audience or how I‘m going to strike the first note. And I always say prayers before I perform. I try to drink water and I try not to look at my phone and not to talk to anybody – it makes me distracted and it gets hard for me to keep focus.

AT: What do you want people to feel and experience when they listen to your music?

LE: I want them to feel inspired, I

want them to feel enlightened, empowered, and I want them to feel like it‘s ok to; it‘s ok to have had a rough background, or it‘s ok to not be perfect, or it‘s ok to go through some tough times because at the end of the day

there is going to be sunshine.

At the end of the day what you want to have happen is going to happen, you just got to work hard for it. And I want everybody to really believe in their own dream. I want them to be inspired to follow their dream after they‘ve heard my music, whether their dream is to find love, do a career, or whatever it is, but to follow their heart.

―you sometimes need to go through whatever horrible thing you‘re going through to grow as a spirit, so you can see and acknowledge and understand the blessings that are to come.‖

AT: If you could go back ten years, what would you tell your younger self?

LE: Ten years ago, that was 2005

this specific time of the year ten years ago was a really devastating, horrible time in my life; I had just had a boyfriend who died. So at that time everything was really sad; And now ten years later having married the love of my life, having two children and a music career, just being happy and enjoying life. I would say –―just trust me it‘s going to be okay. Please don‘t stay in this fog too long, don‘t‖ How do you tell someone that is grieving –―oh don‘t grieve too long, you‘re going to get over this one‖?

You can‘t tell somebody that. You have to get through what you‘re going through in your own tempo to muster up some new energy to get into the new life.

And you sometimes need to go through whatever horrible thing you‘re going through to grow as a spirit, so you can see and acknowledge and understand the blessings that are to come. But it‘s the hardest thing to go through when somebody you love die. There

really isn‘t anything you can say to somebody at that point. But one thing I can say is - just be good to you. Take care of yourself.

AT: What is your next big move?

LE: Next big move I can‘t talk about because it hasn‘t been confirmed (laughs) But what I can talk about is we‘re having a big photo shoot with an amazing photographer at an amazing location, with one of the top makeup artist‘s in the city, the top hair stylist in the city and the top wardrobe stylist in the city!

And we‘re shooting new promotional pictures for me and after that I have a show on the 11th of December where I get to do unplugged intimate set, kind of like how Mtv used to have ―Unplugged‖ back in the days which I always wanted to do. After that I‘m going to shoot some music videos in Jamaica and after that I have some shows coming up at the end of January. And the rest I can‘t talk about until it‘s finalized. But it‘s all good stuff.

www.musicbyele.com

#Beautiflawed In 2013, 6‘0 ft. tall Nigerian-American, former special education and biology teacher, T Nicole decided to switch career fields and fully commit to modeling and music. The now soul pop singer recently moved from New York to the West Coast topursue music. Her new EP "Beautiflawed" is all about self-love and acceptance.

With her humbled and peaceful spirit she talks openly about learning to embrace her flaws, her love for creating, and catchy music hooks.

INTERVIEW & PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMINA TOURAY Artist: T Nicole, www.tnicolemusik.com Makeup artist: Olya K Tizer

Amina Touray : Describe your music: TNicole : It‘s soulful and very catchy. I know that‘s my strength as a songwriter; it‘s writing catchy hooks that get stuck in people‘s heads (laughs) like a pop song. It also has elements of hip hop because I rhyme.

But soulful because it makes people feel good and that‘s the important thing for me when I listen to music; I myself want to feel good.

AT: What are most of your lyrics about?

TN: Well this EP is called

#Beautiflawed. It has three songs. One of them is called ―Gamez‖, one is called ―Beautiflawed‖ and another one is called ―Crave‖. And each of those songs is about me embracing a different part of myself.

Why did you name your EP BeautiFlawed?

TN: I was raised to be a

perfectionist, to do everything perfect, to try to make everything be perfect all the time, and nobody is perfect, nothing is perfect and that striving for perfection results in a lot of anxiety. So this was about me being like –―you know what, this part of me is not perfect but it‘s still amazing‖

AT: Who inspires you musically?

TN: I love Erykah Badu, Bill

Withers. As a performer I say Erykah Badu because she is like the embodiment of Beautiflawed; she does not care, she‘s living for herself, enjoying herself and embracing all parts of herself. And Bill Withers as a AT: What is “Beautiflawed” songwriter wrote so many songs about? that maybe people my age might not recognize his face, TN: It‘s about being beautiful and maybe they don‘t know his being flawed, and them being name but they know those synonymous because you usually songs because they‘re so catchy. equate beautiful with perfection but I I always aspire to write those don‘t. Or at least that‘s what I‘m learning right now is that those two can kinds of simple songs that are very catchy that get stuck on be the same thing. It‘s about me learning that I‘m not perfect but I‘m still people‘s minds and hopefully make them feel good. beautiful.

AT: Where do you see your music career in five years?

TN: Oooh, in five years it‘s going to be 2020, that‘s crazy! By that time I see people knowing my music in the same capacity that they know Bill Withers, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill and Beyoncé‘s music. I don‘t know exactly how it‘s all going to happen but I‘m confident that it is going to happen because I believe a great deal of people need to hear what I have to say through this music.

So I‘m looking forward to performing, touring around the world and meeting tons of new people - it‘s going to be Amazing!

AT: Who would your dream duet be with?

TN: My dream duet would be with Prince. He is the epitome of great performance, great musicianship, great song writing, all of those things. He is the King of style and branding, and above all that it seems like he‘s just being himself.

You can get T Nicole‟s music through www.tnicolemusik.com and also on iTunes hashtag “Beautiflawed”.

In The Kitchen with Charlene of

That Girl Cooks Healthy Charlene is the founder of That Girl Cooks Healthy, a food website that specializes in gluten and dairy free recipes.

She describes herself as a ―conscientious vegan in the making‖, as she enjoys vegan and in fact raw food, but can‘t bring herself to break away from the carnivore chains just yet.

Also being of African Caribbean heritage, Charlene cooks healthy adaptations of traditional Caribbean recipes.

Having grown up with her mother and grandmother who spent a great deal of their time cooking in the kitchen, Charlene was always a curious child, often sneaking into the kitchen to watch and observe what they cooked and from there her love for all things food flourished. She talks to Afroelle about that love.

Quinoa stuffed peppers

Between the Caribbean and UK where have you enjoyed the food culture the most and why?

Actually I was born in the UK but have spent a great deal of time in the Caribbean which has helped to connect me with my African Caribbean roots and develop a much deeper passion for food. Also being born to Caribbean parents (first generation) and having spent time in both the Caribbean and the UK I can definitely detect a difference in the food culture. I enjoy the food culture in the Caribbean, it's more authentic and there's that direct connection which can never be replaced.

While the food culture in the Diaspora is commendable it certainly doesn‘t duplicate the food culture in the Caribbean.

Describe Caribbean food in three words?

Unique, flavorsome and misunderstood.

What is your definition of a great meal?

My definition of a good meal is something that's made from scratch I LOVE eating food that is literally build from the ground up. It's something I enjoy doing myself and I can appreciate the hard work that goes into a meal that's cooked from scratch.

Also, fresh ingredients for instance fresh herbs and spices as opposed to the dried or ground stuff and finally I'm very partial to some heat, be daring and throw in a scotch bonnet or two (hot Caribbean pepper) and I will love you forever for that.

Pumpkin pone

What kinds of food do you like preparing?

I enjoy preparing a variety of food and this may seem biased but I enjoy Caribbean food the most as it's something I grew up on and feel very comfortable with preparing.

Chicken dinners like curry chicken or brown stew chicken because it requires a medley of spices, I like gathering all of the required spices together and using my pestle and mortar to grind everything into a fine meal and then finally working the blend into the chicken and allowing it to infuse overnight prior to cooking.

What food trends are you currently excited about?

Well it's the wintertime in the UK and so we have a plethora of chestnuts, brussell sprouts, pears, butternut squash and cranberries on sale. I haven't really created many recipes on my website with the aforementioned so I'm excited about experimenting and doing some trial and error. Aside from what's in season right now another food trend is chia seeds. They are small black protein enriched seeds from central/ south America that swell and turn into transparent beads.

The texture is slightly gelatinous so many health enthusiasts (myself included) are adding them to puddings, oatmeal and even in baking as an alternative to using egg.

Roasted almond porridge

What do you love most about food?

What I love most about food is the taste and diversity, once you embrace food you can learn to make so many tasty recipes and that is what I love.

What is your best food memory?

My best food memory has to be something I grew up on which is a Caribbean breakfast named Cornmeal porridge - it's a porridge made with cornmeal, milk, sugar (some used condensed milk to sweeten) along with cinnamon and nutmeg. During my teenage years they were a few

You'll want to head to the parish of St Elizabeth which is the home of Jamaican hot pepper shrimp a place locally known as 'middle quarters' sees vendors selling piping hot bags of pepper shrimp to passers by.

Crema de Yautia

occasions where I was afflicted with Anemia and I do recall my grandmother forcing me to drink cornmeal porridge. In hindsight this is hilarious because she was under the impression that by drinking more porridge it would not only correct the Anemia but also fatten me up!

Can you name a few meals that youâ€&#x;ve tried on your travels?

You cannot go to the Caribbean and not try authentic Jerk Chicken. The best place to sample some Jerk is at a place called Scotchies in Montego Bay.

If visiting Barbados you must try their national dish - flying fish and cou cou (a thick cornmeal paste made with orka and coconut milk. There's a restaurant called Granny‘s which is located in the fishing town of Oistins, where you can sample the national dish along with some macaroni pie. On Friday evenings there‘s a cook out and dance in Oistins town, it's a great place to socialise while eating the local delicacies. I also like to eat the different types of fish such as blue marlin, flying fish and barracuda.

There's a residential restaurant in Cuba but I cannot remember the name, it's in a local community in the southern part of the island called Trinidad. I had the best morosy cristianos (rice and black beans) and ropa vieja (shredded beef with rice).

I've also visited Antigua and Grenada too, both Islands had wonderful food (pepperpot soup and Oil Down, must try/1) however I ate at local vendors. I would advise anyone who is visiting the Caribbean to visit the places mentioned above and also to check out the local vendors, some of the best tasting foods come from the vendors and that's what the locals eat.

(Gluten free) Recipe type: Breakfast Cuisine: Caribbean Prep time: 5 mins Cook time: 15 mins Total time: 20 mins

INGREDIENTS : SERVES 4

1 cup of sorghum flour 1 egg 1 tbsp of coconut sugar ¾ cup of coconut milk 1 tsp of baking powder (gluten/ aluminium free) ½ tsp of baking soda (gluten/aluminium free) ⅛ tsp of himalayan pink salt

Papaya syrup 1 ripe papaya, halved, peeled, deseeded and cut into chunks 2tbsp of coconut oil 3tbsp of coconut nectar (or other GI liquid sweetener) 2 whole cloves 2 allspice berries (pimento) 1 (approx 3 inch) cinnamon stick 4 tbsp of warm water

DIRECTIONS

1. Melt the coconut oil on medium heat in a saucepan then add the coconut nectar. Mix the oil and liquid sweetener together for one minute.

2. Temper the spices (cloves, allspice and cinnamon) in the syrup mixture for a further 30 seconds then quickly add the papaya.

3. Coat the papaya in the syrup then pour in the warm water ready to steam.

4. Cover the pan with the lid and steam for 5-8 minutes - the papaya should be tender to the touch. Feel free to mash some of the papaya pieces to thicken the syrup some more.

5. To make the pancakes ,put all of the dry ingredients into a mixing bowl.

6. In another bowl whisk the egg briskly until fluffy.

7. Make a well into the centre of the bowl with the flours and pour in the egg followed by half of the noted coconut milk.

8. Start whisking from the centre of the bowl, gradually drawing in the flour.and the remainder of the milk.

9. Whisk until the batter has reached a smooth consistency (rid of any lumps).

10.Heat a crepe or frying pan (medium heat) with a dollop of coconut oil and ladle some batter into the pan.

11.Tilt the pan everso slightly to create an even thickness and size.

12.Cook the first side until golden brown - should take 30-40 seconds, check readiness with egg spatula. When done flip over and cook the other side until golden, 13.Repeat step 11 and 12 adding a dollop of coconut oil each time.

14.Once finished serve with the papaya pieces on top.

Check out more recipes | www.thatgirlcookshealthy.com

‘Tis the Season!

Afroelle’s 2015

HOLIDAY

Gift Guide

The ultimate guide for Africa inspired Christmas gift ideas for everyone on your list.

Grace & Elie brings African art and culture to modern children's wear. www.graceandelie.com

Crimson Stars Bow Tie Welcome to the Little Gents Club! He'll be one cool and dapper guy in this African print bow tie. Each bow tie is handcrafted with selected African wax prints. Adjustable easyon, easy-off hook closure makes dressing up fun and easy.

Grace & Elie Aburi Reversible Baby Blanket Grace & Elie baby blankets feature selected African prints, backed by bouncing Eliephantastic patterns, which creates a playful combination of African textiles and fun baby characters any parent and baby would love! Also perfect for naptime, playtime and everyday discoveries.

Afua the Eliephant Featuring colorful, dazzling African prints, this adorable and soft little friend makes a great gift for new parents, babies, kids, and even adults with a playful heart.

Plus, Afua makes a unique home decor accessory and looks Eliephantastic in baby's nursery!

Nana Sunrise the Teddy Bear-Grey Featuring colorful, dazzling African prints, this adorable and super soft little friend makes a great gift for new parents, babies, kids, and even adults with a playful

ABC Burgundy African Print Baby Bib Set An essential Baby Gift! Baby will enjoy mealtime with this stylish ABC Burgundy 2 Pack Bib Set. Featuring colorful, dazzling African prints, these easy-to-clean baby bibs are backed with super soft absorbent fabrics, perfect for wiping your little trendsetter's face. Each set comes packaged in an adorable gift bag, making this a great gift to give!

Handmade African Inspired Accessories

Kente Button Earrings These vibrant and Chic XL Kente Button Earrings will sure make heads turn! Made using Kente print material from Ghana, West Africa, these earrings are lightweight, and use nickel-free earring posts.

They are also available as clip-ons!

Gold Dusted Monochrome Button Earrings These super cute and stylish button earrings will add just the right amount of African print to any outfit! Named after its monochrome pattern, with hints of gold shining all around, these small and subtle button earrings are a MUST HAVE! These studs are lightweight are made using nickel-free and lead-free earring posts that are

Osu Earrings Make a statement with these unique, rectangular, Ankara Stud Earrings! The Osu Earrings are super lightweight and will brighten up any outfit! With an array of colours and shapes, these super versatile earrings can be worn

Mama Afrique Flower Crown Get your hands on the limited edition Ankara Flower Crown! This bold and beautiful head piece represents the diversity of the African continent! It is a colourful crown made with a variety of fabrics and prints including Ankara

Mo Sama BCN

African Wax Prints.Fashion & Home Decor

'Labalaba' head wrap

„Akoni' head wrap

'Ade' purple, green and red 50 X 50 cm African print cushion cover

'Akoni' purple and yellow 50 X 50 cm African print cushion cover

www.queensankara.etsy.com

Nefertiti Umeh is the entrepreneur behind Queen’s Ankara with a never ending love for the fabric. Starting as a hobby is able to customize any type of full figure shoe with this precious Ankara fabric that comes in an endless variety of colors and patterns. After a few days of laying, adhering, and molding the wax cotton blend Ankara fabric to each and every crevice of the shoe, the natural grooves and edges of the shoe are carved into the fabric with a very sharp utensil. At the end of this long and tedious process, the shoe's rough cut edges are then finished for a smooth appearance and shoes are sprayed with a fixative to preserve the structure and fabric texture as well as add a protective

www.RaeAji.com

Unique and exquisite hammered twotoned Copper squiggle ring, created to wear around two fingers. This ring is embellished with genuine turquoise and coral stones. The ring band is adjustable.

Elegant swirl earrings created from birch wood, stained black and sanded to reveal an amazing African inspired pattern.

In the center, the earrings are adorned with crushed genuine onyx stones. The ear wires are

Stylish, large trapezoid shaped earrings created out of stained birch wood, lined with an array of colorful African patterns. These earrings have a beautiful display of an Elephant formed by prints. The ear wires are sterling silver.

Alluring and bold statement necklace created out of birch wood stained a dark brown color. It is embellished with some amazing African prints.

The four sections are held together by sterling silver filled jump rings and "X" shaped wires. The chain is sterling silver filled. The necklace is 20" in

Culturally-inspired handmade accessories www.gemmiegalore.storenvy.com

Turquoise Gift Bling $15.00

Wonders Bangle Harness $30.00

Made to size, turquoise nugget wire-wrapped ring available in treated brass and copper wire

Silver-plated bangle bracelet with attached horn charm and adjustable shell ring

Truth Choker Necklace $20.00

Fabulous Hoops $15.00

Silver-plated hardware choker with African beads and layered, dramatic focal

Gold-tone and copper disc hoops

Diop Stretch Bracelet $20.00 Unisex stretch bracelet with wood and metal beads

Honor Necklace $65.00

African-inspired necklace with genuine leather, African brass, bone, and wood beads

www.vitatalie.com

The City Girl clutches are combined with the soft durable cotton of Woodin fabric and luxurious 100% Ghanaian goatskin

The Osu Peplum Belts are a fun way to add flare to your outfit. They are fully reversible, therefore you get two looks in one!

Zola is an infinity scarf made of organic merino wool and cotton ankara print fabric. This scarf is a show stopper and a statement piece!

Eye catching, stunning and one of the most versatile bags, the City Shopper is everything. Excellent for the on the go woman.

The City Duffle is ideal for transporting everything you need and more! Handcrafted by skilled artisans, this classic duffle bag will stand the test of time.

www.boutiquemix.com

African Fabric Earrings $20 Chic African fabric earrings hand sewn, and paired with beads for an eclectic mix.

Adds a pop of color to any

Fabric Button Earrings $10 Fabric button earrings are chic, elegant and versatile, and when it comes to adding a burst of color to one’s wardrobe, African fabric butAfrican Fabric Cufflinks and Fabric Button Earrings Gift Set $29.25 African fabric button cufflinks and earrings set make the perfect gift for the couple who love to match their style. These one-of-a-kind African fabric button accessories make the perfect gifts for weddings, Mother’s Day, Father's Day, Christmas, birthdays, Valentine's Day, and other special events.

Orders for larger quantities for weddings and Jade and Gold mix bracelet $75 each

Lava Turquoise Stone Mix necklace $165

Stunning mix of African jade stones and gold beads create a unique bracelet that goes from day to night without any fuss. Magnetic closure for easy use.

Sink your teeth into this yummy mix of turquoise and lava beads and stones sourced from Capetown, South Africa.

Go casual with jeans and a white tee, or turn it up in a sexy black dress. Either way, you will be the center of attention.

The perfect gift for yourself, your sister, mom or your bestie.

www.zabbadesigns.com

African Print Tote Bag and Ipad case Cute hobo tote bag for the stylish woman. The shell of the bag is a polyester/cotton blend and a cotton lining.

African Print Shoes And Bag Set Perfect gift for mom or a special lady in your life.

For a wife, girlfriend, bridesmaid or co-worker, each of them will love this matching shoes, purse, earrings and bangle set

Pink Dashiki Print Bag And Jewelry Set

Red African Print Mini Dress

Many different colors and designs available. They are great to mix and match, both large and small, modern and traditional

You’ve never seen a sexy and conservative dress and with short sleeves quite like this exclusive little number designed by Zabba Designs

www.GideonsNeedle.com

C H A K A || M I D I - S K I R T Maxi skirt made with authentic African fabric

A D A || PULL-OVER This shirt-dress is made from authentic Dashiki print handcrafted to perfection. (*Available in various colors.)

J A N E T || D A S H I K I Authentic African fabric dutchwax dashiki dress handcrafted to perfection

E K U W A || HEADWRAP Get this vibrant African print headwrap handcrafted to perfection (*Available in various African wax prints.)

afrochiccouture.com

Euphoria Nappa Leather with Ankara Dutch wax printed fabric Lining: Cotton Detachable long leather strap Clasp closure

Illusion 

Embossed Cow Leather with Ankara Dutch wax printed fabric

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Lining: Cotton

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Detachable long chain strap

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Magnetic Closure

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Zip closure

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Interior: x1 zip pocket, x1 mobile phone compartment, x1 side compartment

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Interior: x1 zip pocket, x1 mobile phone compartment, x1 side compartment

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Exterior: x1 zip compartment

Aphrodisiac

Bella Roma 

Nappa Leather with Ankara Dutch wax printed fabric

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Grain Leather with Ankara Dutch wax printed fabric

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Lining: Blue Cotton

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Detachable long leather chain strap

Lining: Ankara print matching exterior

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Detachable long chain leather strap

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Detachable leather hand strap

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Drawstring closure

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Interior: x1 zip mesh pocket, x1 mobile phone compartment, x1

www.AnkaraStreets.com

Kalista Maxi Skirt

Torrencia halter top

Kerri dress and Veronica Skirt

Sasha bomber jacket

Kushea Crop Top Squares Unique handmade crop top made of African fabric with a yellow/blue square print.

The crop top has a zip at the back and has a slim fit. The crop top is handmade in Ghana by Victoria and designed in The Netherlands.

Becliadua Jumpsuit Yellow

Akonfudi Skirt Birds Unique handmade skirt made of African fabric with a yellow/green bird print. The skirt has a zip and button at the back and has a slim fit around the waist. The skirt is handmade in Ghana by Victoria and designed in The Netherlands.

Beautiful jumpsuit made of African fabric with a yellow/blue print. The jumpsuit is handmade in Ghana by Victoria and designed in The Netherlands.

Nyankumasi Shirt Blue Beautiful shirt made of blue cotton and African fabric with a blue flower print. The shirt is handmade in Ghana by Kofi and designed in The Netherlands.

Fosu Blazer Orange Stylish blazer made of African fabric with an orange/blue/pink print.

The blazer is neatly lined with a black lining. The blazer is handmade in Ghana by Margreth and designed in The Netherlands.

Juaso Bag Orange Stylish bag made of African fabric with an orange/blue/pink print . The bag has a neat and firm lining and a main- and front pocket with a zip. The bag is handmade in Ghana by Gena and designes in The Netherlands.

Fosu Blazer Pink Stylish blazer made of African fabric with a pink/green print.

The blazer is neatly lined with a black lining. The blazer is handmade in Ghana

by Margreth and designed in The Netherlands.

Juaso Bag Brown Stylish bag made of African fabric with a colorful print.

The bag has a neat and firm lining and a main- and front pocket with a zip. The bag is handmade in Ghana by Gena and designed in The

ToyiToyiToys www.toyitoyitoys.com

A range of beautiful African dolls designed in Africa. GLOBAL SHIPPING. Only $20 each. Email: toyitoyitoys@gmail.com

kytokokytoko.bigcartel.com

Box new born Contains one bib and three bodysuit. The ideal present for the arrival of a baby girl or boy.

Reversible Tote Bag This bag will allow to put it books, shopping etc.

Ethical, handmade, African accessories & Homewares

www.ujuonline.com Traditional Zulu weaving techniques have been put to exceptional use in our telephone wire baskets.

Ethically handmade in South Africa, they are unique, light-weight and multi-purpose, you'll love the texture and personality it brings to your decor. Use alone as a centerpiece or as pictured as a fruit basket.

Funky Fashion Accessories

www.urbanknit.com

Batik Blazer

Ankara Snood

www.kristenawitherspoon.bigcartel.com 1. 'I Love Life' Crochet Earrings I like big earrings, but sometimes they can be a bit heavy.

4" diameter, lightweight, acrylic yarn 3 Colorways: Diaspora red/yellow/green/black, Heart n Soulblack/gray/and/red, Mariposa black/pink/gray

2. The Sadie Clutch The Sadie Clutch is great for a night out to carry the essentials. It can also be used as storage for your Ipad Mini (please note: it is not padded).

12‖ wide and 7‖ deep, 11‖ black wrist strap Front is kente print and faux

1

www. theurbanmaasai.com

2

1. Long Shanga Statement Piece with matching bracelet ($100) 2. Winter Maasai Infinity Fur Scarf $95

3

Remixd Pieces Remixd Pieces is a fly handmade jewelry and accessories line for bold ladies who love prints and colors. Shop their line directly on

3. Green Infinity Fur with matching head

ELIZABETH in Pearls www.elizabethinpearls.com

"Desire" African print collar necklace with Swarovski crystals - slightly adjustable

"Desire" African print on wood earrings, with collar necklace with golden, daggers and painted, gold sparkle adornment detail. slightly adjustable "Graphic" African print,

Rock Paper Chic www.rockpaperchic.com

1. Chic Dynasty Hand painted hardwood and brass accents come together to give you awe-inspiring ear candy you can dress up and down.

2. Jeweled Peacock

1

2

Inspired by the colors of the gorgeous peacock, these handmade earrings epitomize style and grace yet are still

Kulture Klash Clothing Revolutionising Ankara www.kultureklashclothing.com

Ankara Jeans Jackets - Women and Men : Premium jeans jacket with Ankara fabric .

Ankara Bowtie and Cufflink Set : Ankara bowties with elastic band and Ankara

Diaspora Neckwear

Incorporating elements of culture into neckwear

The Jabot by Diaspora Neckwear Diaspora Neckwear currently has a line of is a contemporary take on Victorian era neckwear and is offered in a variety of colors and patterns.

fall oriented bowties that are made to compliment the colors and textures of this season's fashion.

www.stylemeankara.ca

Blue Target Ankara Clutch

Hummingbird Clutch

This sleek and vibrant Blue Target clutch will make you stand out in any crowd day or night.

This bag is handmade in Ghana 100% cotton, wax resistant dyed fabric. Fully lined. Opens and clips shut smoothly with a magnetic clasp.

Add a touch of culture to your holiday outfit with our Hummingbird clutch. This bag is handmade in Ghana from 100% cotton, wax resistant dyed fabric. Fully lined. Opens and clips shut smoothly with a magnetic clasp.

www.dionnegooding.com

Add a bit of character to your shoes with our removable shoe pom-poms.

More colours available

Matching African inspired handbags and wallets by Dionne Gooding. Both items are made combining leather and wax fabric.

Prepare for 2016 with our made to order African print diaries. Personalisation is also available online, here you can pick your own fabric

Handmade unique button earrings that will enhance any outfit with their abstract and colorful designs

www.yani-ko.com

1

2

1. This necklace is made of African fabric and adorned with gold beads.

2. Made of African fabric and adorned with cowrie beads, this necklace will put colour on any of your outfit.

Poqua Poqu Yopa Skirt This fun flare skirt is for the lover of bold prints

www.kuwalainc.com

Della iPad Case

Protect your iPad from the elements with vibrant limited edition fabrics

African City Bags Urban Cultural Savvy

www.africancitybags.com

Handmade Purses and Accessories for Modern Chic Girls!

Black and White Chevron and African Print Bag with an African print pop of color.

Essoka clutch This Tribal Foldover Clutch is a beautiful blend of three prints. Placement of print and colors vary for each bag. The corner is reinforced with black leather decorative reinforcements, along with a black brass metal zipper with a

Don't be fooled this combo packs major offbeat attitude along with a fabulous presence. Measurements are width 10 inches x height 7 inches. The bag features a zipper that holds all of your essentials.

For African bow ties, ties & pocket squares www.sebodesigns.com/collections/all Skinny Ties Whether one is going to work, a party, a wedding, or a date, SEBO has a range of prints that can match perfectly with any outfit on any occasion.

Nakasero Bow Tie Nakasero is the workplace and playground for Kampala's elite

Ntinda Bow Tie Ntinda is an up and coming Kampala neighborhood that is growing as fast in influence as it is size

N'omose Headwraps

N’omose Couture Fitted high-waist

www.nomose.bigcartel.com

www.ceeceesclosetnyc.com

Head wraps, handbags, and jewelry

Aniekeme Headwrap

Main Attraction (Left Bag)

Sassy in Sapele (Right Bag)

Effortlessly chic headwrap, handmade in Lagos, Nigeria, works for a Sunday brunch with the clique or a walk in

This luxe print with purple, blue, and eggshell hues creates a perfect day to night handbag that works for any occasion.

Named after a riverside town in southwestern Nigeria, the Sassy in Sapele tote can add vibrant color to a casual day look.

www.shopfeline.bigcartel.com Shop at Shopfeline for your perfect head wrap and headbands

DANA

SOLANGE

Happy Holidays!