Dekornu Wedding Magazine October 2019 Issue

Issue No. 2

October 2019

Loiusa Fofie Akoto Dapaah 1

Dekornu Wedding Magazine is more than just a magazine.

It is our way of paying tribute to our ancestors from all over the continent who created our beautiful and rich wedding cultures.

For this reason, we dedicate our publication to them and our wedding traditions, protecting their legacies, and saving them for our future generations. Dekornu is a word that describes both culture and tradition at the same time and comes from the Eve language spoken in Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria. Our favicon also comes from among the central Eves in Ghana, an ancient writing system and a symbol for ÂŤMutualityÂť.

We believe love is and must be mutually shared and only this way will it last.The Dekornu couple is vibrant, elegant, bold, beautiful, has a sense of identity and proud in its heritage. The Dekornu Bride or Groom does not compromise his or culture not even in a globalized modern world.

We aim to promote a positive image of every African culture, and to empower our brothers and sisters outside the continent willing to reconnect with their roots.

We hope inspire you to stay true to yourself....

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Let’s plan your wedding!

From tradition to elegant styles and finding the best wedding vendors and cultural expects, we are ready to help you with every step to reaching you goal.

To get started, you only need to contact us: dekornuweddings@gmail.com

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Submit your engagement, traditional African wedding, style photo shoot or anniversary to dekornuweddings@gmail.com Please visit our website to see the requirments.

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Contact

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Join our Clan

Visit our website, register and get free councelling on how to plan your traditional African wedding. www.dekornu.com

Have us feature your big day!

dekornu.com Dekornu Weddings dekornuweddings Dekornu Magazines dekornuweddings@gmail.com

Subscribe to our news letter for the latest cultural and fashion trends, vendor list and more.... dekornu.com/subscribe

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Buy your copy Online Print

magzter.com/dekornumagazine dekornu.com/shop newsstand.uk.co/dekornumagazine uniquemagazines.uk.co/dekornumagazine etsy.com/dekornumagazine

Get Traditional Our print magazines can be shipped to you anywhere you are in the world. dekornu.com/shop

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Publisher: Dekornu Magazines Editor-in-chief: Mina Asase Design: Mina Asase Illustrations: Yasaman Eskandari Photography: Jeffrey B.Odiom, Kunle Adebusoye Writers: Adora’s Intimates, Oluwakemi Oji, Mina Asase

Special Thanks Special ThanksLloyd Akoto Dapaah, Louisa Fofie Akoto Dapaah, Ugo Monye, Eva Sonaike, Nubian Skin, Ophelia Crossland, Verdure Watches, Bhukosi Accessories, Adele Dejak, Dustin Events, 1609 Niche Designs, Taiello Jomo Tariku, Kamica Hampton, Tosin Oshinowo, Oluwakemi Oji

Dekornu Team & Contributors 5

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Contents Our Cover Bride Louisa Fofie Akoto Depaah tells her inspirational experience to go traditional

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Real Weddings

Yellow themed wedding color for Ophelia & Asare

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Real Weddings

Real Weddings

Floral themed Yoruba wedding

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Laila, the elegant Yoruba bride

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Real weddings

Men Style

Tony and Faith our simple royal couple

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Designed by Ugo Monye

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Luxury Living

Furniture and interior designs from some the designers on the continent

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The Jnane Tamsane

Your perfect destination wedding spot

Black owned hotels for your Honeymoon by an Oluwakmi Oji ( Nigerian travel blogger)

Real wedding Doreen and Vince’s lavish Akan wedding

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WHERE DID YOU GUYS MEET THE FIRST TIME

Lloyd relocated from the Netherlands to Ghana.He decided to come on holiday to The Netherlands.Through a mutual friend, we met during a picknick in the park.

We started a long-distance relationship. He lived in Ghana, I in the Netherlands. At a certain point, I felt like, I couldn’t do this anymore. The distance was too much... it was weighing on me, and I wanted it to change. I opened up to Lloyd about it...

So he said he could move back to the Netherlands... but if we get married... I would have to relocate to Ghana and build our lives in Ghana together.

Deal I said.

YOUR CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS?

We are both Ghanaians born and raised in the Netherlands.

WHAT DO YOU BOTH DO FOR LIVING?

Lloyd has his own agency. The agency provides a lot of different activities.

Such as Providing services to children from schools with special needs.

Through creative ways, children learn and develop their talents and their ability to learn.

He is also a stylist and designs clothes.

Louisa is a lawyer. Currently works for an embassy. Is also a singer, she sings inspirationals, comes from a musically talented family and is a beautician.

We also have a company together. We plan, coordinate and style events.

It’s something we both love. We use our creativity to create the most beautiful creations.

We make sure every wedding has tight, well-taught planning.

HOW LONG WERE YOU TOGETHER BEFORE HE PROPOSED TO YOU? We have been 2 years before he propsed.

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How was the proposal and where?

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I’ll try to keep it short.

The proposal was epic..

Lloyd had really put time and effort into it. It was our second anniversary and he had planned a getaway for the two of us. It was all a surprise, I didn’t know what to expect.

But I did know an amazing day was ahead of me. Lloyd is the romantic type.. he is full of surprises and plans everything so well.

The only thing he said was we would end the day in a private spa.. so I had to bring swimwear.

He took me to a beautiful place in Rotterdam. A tower (Euromast) in Rotterdam with an epic view. We had lunch there, went to aqua Asia for

dinner, and came back to the Euromast. We had a very beautiful suite and a balcony with an amazing view. You could see the whole city from our balcony. I didn’t really understand why he booked the room so I asked.. and he said it’s part of the private spa. You get this room to relax, dress up, etc before you enter the spa.

So I got ready for the spa, had my robe on... had to go through the balcony he said.. While I was waiting for Lloyd to come, he now approaches me with 108 white roses.

He tells me how much he loves me, talks about our ups and downs, says

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God blessed him with me... and that his prayers have been answered. He promised we would get married after 2 years, and he wanted to let me know that he kept his promise. He tells me he got 108 roses for me and explains the meaning behind it. He goes down on one knee and proposes.

It was beautiful...

Now my sister shows up and takes pictures. lol, He told her about it from the beginning.

And it turned out the place never had a private spa lol.

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How was planning a traditional african wedding

like for you?

It was amazing. Lloyd and I are event planners so we love putting our minds together and create something epic.

more.. and It made me realize that it’s even better than a white wedding. However, the white wedding was already planned.

My late dad always told me not to forget where we originally come from, and always explained the importance of a traditional wedding.

So Lloyd and I were like, we can either stick to the plan and have a small and very simple traditional wedding (like most people in the Netherlands do) and go ahead with the white wedding that had already been planned.

Despite the fact that he did that, I always valued the white wedding more. The white wedding is something I grew up with. You see it on tv, everybody around us has a white wedding, and it’s a celebration you get exposed to very often.

People even have white weddings in Ghana. So as a little girl, living in the Netherlands, that’s what you dream of.

My dad always said it’s not weird to want that. I mean, you’re born and raised in a western country so this is all you know, just don’t forget where you originally come from.

While we were planning the traditional wedding, which was supposed to be a small gathering, I learned so much about my culture. I realized how rich it actually is.. and how beautiful the meaning behind everything is. I started loving it

There was no way to cancel it, cause all vendors were already paid and contracts were signed.

The other option was to bring out the best out of our traditional wedding, and actually, celebrate it with as much as.. or even more value than the white wedding.

Good planning, creativity, and blessings made us realize this traditional wedding. Something I will never forget.. A day to remember and something I had to share with the world.

The white wedding was a dream.. but I realized the traditional wedding was a bigger dream.. It’s so unique, rich, intimate.. and actually, something that is part of us.

So to answer the question...

It was amazing, we learned so much during planning.

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What does it mean to both of you to have african wedding?

At first, we didn’t value it as much as the white wedding. Of course, our parents told us about it, but we weren’t eager to have one. During planning, we realized how amazing it actually is. The words of our parents started to live. We uderstood why they valued the traditional marriage that much. It became a dream, we learned so much along the way.. and we realized how important it is. You know, it was always so confusing to us. Some would say the traditional wedding is the engagement.. and the white wedding is the actual wedding.

But at the same time, we live in the Netherlands, Lloyd proposed to me with a ring.. he went down on one knee.. that was the engagement to us.

Even in the church (Ghanaian church), they explained it in such a way, that the traditional wedding is the engagement.. the white wedding that would follow would be the actual wedding.

That Lloyd proposed by going down on one knee with a ring, was according to the church, just a western formality.

It didn’t make sense to us... But during planning.. some research and good explanation we found out, that people of Akan, don’t consider the traditional wedding as an engagement. It’s THE wedding. Our way of marrying. A white wedding would just be an additional wedding.

Having a traditional wedding, and a white wedding.. means having 2 weddings..

Reading this makes it al look very simple. But trust me.. there has been so much confusion about this. And we wanted the whole world, to realize what it actually is.. and how epic a traditional Ghanaian wedding can be.

DID YOU DO A WHITE WEDDING IF YES, WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU?

Yes we did. The white wedding has always been my dream as a little girl..

Nobody could tell me anything else.. until we started planning the traditional wedding.

All of a sudden, the words of my late dad started to live.

Despite the fact that our white wedding was epic.. It will never mean as much to me as the traditional wedding means to me now.

It’s something that belongs to us.. It’s not copied.. It’s part of our DNA.. displayed in a wedding.

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Maides

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&

Groom men

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It’s not copied...

It’s part of our DNA, displayed in a wedding.

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My late dad always told me not to forget where we originally come from, and always explained the importance of a traditional wedding.

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Orphelia Crossland

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The Ethereal Collection Ophelia Crossland is a Ghanaian fashion designer with an amazing talent and eye for details and perfection. Due to her extra ordenary designs she became the first African designer in 2017 to ever exhibt her works at the Swarovski Couture infinity which is the world’s most visited fashion platforms in Dubai.

The following year in 2018, she won the Glitz prize for best designer for women’s wear. Despite her sucess, she is a very humble woman that inspires women not only in Ghana but internationally. Visit her site to see more of her designs that ranges from pridal to evening wears, casual to kids styles. www.opheliacrosslandg.com

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THE AFMENA EVENTS

Readyto plan your

big day!

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THE AFMENA EVENTS - Ready to plan your big day.Afmena Events are UK based specialists in Elegant Floral and Event Design. We have quickly become the go-to for exquisite custom dĂŠcor services for the discerning client. We deliver top-notch bespoke designs for clients with an appreciation for detail, quality and style.

Able to travel internationally, our service provision is a full event styling one where all design elements are brought together. We specialise in weddings, private, public and corporate events. afmenaevents.co.uk admin@afmenaevents.co.uk

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Ophelia &Asare

August 9. 2019

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Ashanti Cultural Wedding

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Irene Melinda Nantumbwe

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Irene Melinda Nantumbwe is the founder and creative director behind the luxury wedding and event planning firm 1609 Niche Designs. She is also an active member of the UK Alliance of wedding planners.

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Irene decided to pursue her passion for events management after attaining her Law degree and a Masters in Business Administration where she quickly found her ground in establishing a legitimate business through the knowledge and experience she has acquired along the way.

Based in London, Irene has since hosted a variety of events that have established her as a reliable host as well as a strategic planner who engages with, and seamlessly integrates, all cultures, backgrounds and individual styles in her quest to establish herself as a household name and a global brand for events management.

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Contact London: +44 (0) 7944 426 440 Kampala: +256 (0) 772 423 750 +256 (0) 772 602 000 +256 (0) 776 706 297 General: info@1608nichedesigns.com Careers: jobs@1608nichedesigns.com

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& Orusola

Morayo 35

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Photo Klala Photography Bride @iammorayoogun Planning @zappaire_events Bridal Styling @thewardrobemanager Makeup Artist @banksmpro Aso Oke @bimmms24 Tailoring @couturebytabik Head Tie Stylist @taiwos_touch Jewelry Mother’s closet Shoes @aquazzurra

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Laila & Kazeem 41

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Credit Tailormyheart19

Wedding dress @michigabbi

Event planner @eventories

All Groom’s suits @tlrcouture

Photography and Video @klalafilms @klalaphotography

Asooke @deroyalfabrics

Decor and lightning @theblueribboneventsandhall

Bride’s afterparty dress fabric @deroyalfabrics

MUA @oshewabeauty

Tailored by @t16worldoffashion

Hair @lamishair

Cakes @dcakepawns

Henna @hallymah_henna

Groom’s Asooke tailored by @tlrcouture

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Contact: Klalafilms And Photography Klala Studio +234 803 614 4708 info@klalaphotography.com 11 Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, Nigeria

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Jefferey B. Yiadom

is a Photographer and Videographer based in the Netherlands.

If you want your wedding, engagement or special event well captured then you are welcome to contact us. jeffrey.b.yiadom@gmail.com +31630300667

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Faith &

Tony

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TONY & FAITHPHOTO CREDIT: SOUCE PHOTOGRAPYGHANA

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Dustin Events is an event design and venue transformation company based in Accra Ghana. With over six years in the industry, we have designed numerous private and social events that have left hosts and guests in complete awe.With an ever growing team of designers, florists, graphic designers, light technicians, carpenters and other artisans, we constantly dream beyond the imagination of event hosts to recreate and transform any venue we are given. We express our creativity with elements of luxury, elegance and perfection thereby creating an ethereal experience that will always be remembered for many years to

come. Dustin Events was nurtured during the childhood of our C.E.O, Dustin Glover while in junior high school. His mother is a caterer and he was usually blessed with the opportunity to attend events with her.

He would always spend hours observing the decorators he met, try to think like them and try to develop ideas that will make their designs look better. After such encounters, he would find himself trying to recreate what he has seen using bed sheets and plants and any possible object with his father’s help. Before he knew it, he was already on the path to becoming a full time event designer.

+233550240843 | +233265077233 | +971563532246

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This childhood passion has grown, developed and is still developing into a worldwide brand.We are currently focused on becoming a full time international event management company. Early in 2019, we launched our new service extension – Weddings by Dustin. This is a full scale luxury destination wedding planning service that provides brides and grooms across the world, the ease of getting married in beautiful locations across the world.

From white sand beaches, to idyllic islands, to the palatial estates and other whimsical locations, we have the best venues, suppliers and event vendors across the globe to make dreams become true. dustinevents@gmail.com

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The modern African man is often thorn between it's own identity and the colonial past. He is contatantly on compromising his culture to suite the world's standard whether be it in education, business or fashion. He is shaped by his African heritage and by the foreign. However, when defining the African man of today based on Ugo Monyes's amazing, unique, uncomperabelly modern and yet traditionally African designs, then there is no need for the African man to throw away his identity but rather to reembrace it more than ever before while still a world citizen.Since it's lunching the fashion lable which is named after it's founder and creative director has clothed multiple celebraties and states men on the continent and has gained a reputation of being the best designer for men's wear in Africa.Ugo Monye create and deliver both Haute Couture and Ready to Wear for men with class and elegant fashion taste. Visit The Ugo Monye to see more of them and contact them for your own design.

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The Modern African Man

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12E Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, Nigeria +234 07045451086

http://theugomonye.com

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+1 832 207 0846 6711 Stella Link Road, #373 Houston, Texas 77005

70 K . Hampton LUXE

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Adele Dejak is a handcrafted luxury fashion lable in the heart of Kenya where every design is African inspired.

They have contemporary, artistic and wearable bags, necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets not forgetting some exclusive home decor items.

If you consider yourself sophisticated, edgy, trendy and fashionable, Adele Dejak is the brand for you.

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Luxury Little Things For Her By Adele Dejak!

Contact DetailsAdèle Dejak,P.O. Box 944-00621,Village Market,Nairobi, Kenya Head of Operations +254 737 253862 sales@adeledejak.com

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Co jak M of 25 jak

Contact DetailsAdèle Dejak,P.O. Box 944-00621,Village Market,Nairobi, Kenya.Head of OperationsT: +254 737 253862Email: sales@adeledejak.com

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As a married woman with a number of kids :), it can be challenging keeping things spicy, not only for your partner but also for your self confidence, if you know what I mean ;). I also know it can be difficult shopping for lingerie in Ghana, so I thought why not start an online lingerie shop that you can access anywhere and at anytime in your own comfort zone.

This led to the birth of Adora’s Intimates Ltd. I'm proud to say, we have evolved from retailing known lingerie brands, into making custom apparel such as personalized bathrobes, baby onesies, thongs, boxers and etc.

We also take pride in our bespoke African print robes.

Ghana is noted for its colorful wax prints and anytime we make our traditional attire (Kaba and Slit), we leave a large peace to be used as a wrap or a head tie. I remember my Mom and other elderly women would use these pieces of cloth as a wrap, around their midsections in the mornings before and or after their shower. So I thought, why

not add some style to it and use it to make a robe. They still get to use their colorful cloths but in a more stylish fashion.

These robes have been a hit since then. We can now look stylish at home; we can even dress them up and wear them about in the town.

They have brought a lot of color and vibrancy to wedding parties in which the bride and bridesmaids would use them as their getting ready attire. They also make awesome gifts for Mom, sister, and friend. These robes are also unisex, in that the men are not left out. We have prints that would suit their tastes.

Adora’s Intimates hopes to be a known worldwide brand bringing Ghanaian wax prints into the forefront in lingerie products. We will be designing bras, panties and swimsuits with hints of African print designs that will light up any lingerie closet with the fun colors these prints present.

Lingerie doesn’t only make you look and feel sexy, they also make you feel confident and raise your self-esteem!

Adora's Intimates LimitedNo. 26 Parakuo Estates, Dome Accra, Ghana +233244233317+14437079248 adora@adorasintimates.com​ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/adoras.intimates Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/adorasintimates Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/adorasintimates Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/adorasintimates

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R&R is a luxury beauty brand founded on the

philosophy of transforming one of nature’s purest and richest gifts - Shea - into the most enriching beauty products.

Contact www.randrluxury.com info@randrluxury.com

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Going nude has never been so beautiful and empowering! Ade Hassan the founder and creative director at Nubian Skin keeps amazing us with every collection of the fashion lable. For a black woman or a woman of color it has never been so easy to feel good in my skin knowing that I do not have to worry about what I wear under my dress, which stockings or lingere will make me feel comfortable.Visit the website to purchase your own nubian skin! www.nubianskin.com

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LUXURY LIVING FURNITURE BY JOMO TARIKU Ethiopian American artist and industrial designer Jomo Tariku is defining a new design language of modern African-themed furniture. As a young boy growing up in Ethiopia he was always drawn to the eclectic art, souvenirs, and furniture pieces his father collected during his travel throughout Africa and beyond. Jomo developed craftsman skills while spending his summer breaks at a local furniture builder in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia . He went on to study Industrial Design at the University of Kansas, U.S.A and completed his college thesis on Contemporary African Furniture. Jomo’s furniture include a wide variety of artistic designs that synthesis his own experience of the continents diverse culture, historical structures, architecture, traditional furniture, colors, artifacts, landscapes, wildlife and hair styles. ​ Jomo's work has been shown at Downtown Design Dubai 2016; Venice Design 2017 in Venice, Italy; Africa by Design in Accra, Ghana; International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF 2017) and will be part of Salone del Mobile's curated show at Salone Satellite titled Africa/Latin America: Rising Design – Design Emergente in April 2018. His work has also been featured in various magazines and design blogs.

Jomo Furniture 7287 Olde Lantern Way Springfield, VA 22152 Tel: 703 232 1662

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The Blue Side Of Taeillo taeillo.com Email.com: hi@taeillo.com +2347032168811

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Made in Nigeria lé Ilà (translated "House of Lines") was started by Tosin Oshinowo in 2017 to celebrate her native Yoruba culture. It is a lifestyle furniture-line designed and hand-made in Lagos, Nigeria. We design period-conscious furniture with a contemporary African content, hand-made with love, in Lagos Nigeria.

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Tosin Oshinowo, an Architect behind the design and execution of the Maryland Mall has a natural affinity towards product design. She is particularly interested in the functionality of chairs, but also placing them in a Nigerian-African context.

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Ironically, her aesthetic for Architecture is minimalist using mute colours, however, her expression with the chairs is a bright explosion of colour. Her interest in West African Fabrics and Hard Woods has formed the basis in the expression of this identity. In particular, the collage of Asò Oké encapsulating history into upholstery is what makes this furniture-line exciting and different. Cultural Identity is paramount, at ilé-Ilà, each chair is named based on its aesthetic . Àràbà - aged tree, Òkín - the majestic peacock or Alààfíà - peace on this house, each chair is a proud celebration. As we formally launch the furniture-line, we are very honoured that Adekunle Gold, who is a pioneer in celebrating 'African culture' in an 'Urban context' is our Muse, collectively showing what can be achieved with the diversity of our design aesthetic and celebration of culture.

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Contact contact@ile-ila.com

www.ile-ila.com

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+234-802-319-0946

Eva Sonaike is London-based interiors and lifestyle brand creating luxurious textiles, home décor and accessories with a distinctive and vibrant West-African aesthetic.

The company´s ethos ‘Bringing Colour to Life’ is reflected in its signature collections of cushions, bag, stationery, fabrics and furnishings using textiles designed by Eva Sonaike, combined with the finest velvets and leathers. Emphasis is placed on hand finishing, distinct designs and high quality manufacturing.

Creative Directed Eva Sonaike graduated with an MA in Fashion Journalism from the London College of Fashion, where she specialised in contemporary African Fashion and textiles. She then pursued an editorial career working as UK Fashion Editor for Hubert Bur-

da Media for six years, working for titles such as German Elle, InStyle and Focus. Driven by her enormous passion for African fabrics and interior design, she set up the company in 2009 with the mission of bringing vibrancy ofAfrican colours and aesthetics to the luxury home-décor and accessories market.

Eva, who was born and raised in Germany and is of Nigerian origin, has taken the best elements of those two cultures to inspire her work – her designs draws from the two distinct influences of colourful African clothing culture and European antique and mid century furniture traditions. With textiles expertly printed in Germany and products manufactured in the UK, the luxury range boasts a breath of exclusive designs that bring a touch ofAfri-

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can luxury to any setting.

Eva Sonaike´s products have been stocked in department stores such as Liberty, Fenwick of Bond Street and Selfridges in London, Globus in Switzerland and ABC Carpet & Home in New York, as well as in exclusives boutiques around the world; and are regularly featured in UK and international interiors and fashion press.

‘Bringing Colour to Life’ For further information contact us on: Email: info@evasonaike.com • Phone: +44 203 371 9910 • Phone: +44 7957 404 802 • www.evasonaike. com www.instagram.com/evasonaike www.facebook.com/ evasonaike

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Jnane Tamsna Boutique Hotel Organic GardensMarrakesh, Morrocco

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Jnane Tamsan hotel is the best place for your dreamy, exclusive and romantic destination wedding. Located in Marrakech, Morrocco the hotel offers a fantastic anbience and an amazing beauty with palm trees, olive trees and an excellent weather for a perfect destination wedding.

The hotel also serves local and international cuisine.

Jnane Tamsna is the only black-owned hotel in Marrakech, Morocco.

The luxury boutique hotel was opened in 2001 and is run by Meryanne Loum-Martin and her husband, Dr. Gary Martin.

Contact Douar Abiad, Palmeraie, Marrakesh 40000, Marokko +212 5243-28484 requests@jnanetamsna.com www.jnanetamsna.com

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www.fatyly.com + 221 77 475 15 55 e: faty@fatyly.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8qr8RHdKF8S102

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FATYLY Ceramic Design The Fatyly brand contributes not only to preserve African cultures as a heritage that is passed down passed from one generation to another but also to ground a collective memory with authentic pieces that would be remembered as collectibles for years and years to come.

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Top Black-Owned Hotels in Africa

By Oluwakemi Oji

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Africa has been experiencing a boom in the travel and tourism industry for a few years now.

This has provided an opportunity for many black Africans to build hospitality-focused enterprises with a unique story, driven by passion, and characterized by unmatched warmth, personal touches, and local culture. If you’re looking for a truly unique African experience for your holiday, staying in a black-owned hotel may just be the solution for you.

From luxury resorts to African-style lodges, here are the top black-owned hotels around Africa that you can stay for your holiday.

Staying in one of these hotels will help create an earnest cycle that makes these hard-working individuals more successful in their businesses.

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Jnane Tamsna Hotel (Marrakech, Morocco)Jnane Tamsna is the only black-owned hotel in Marrakech, Morocco. The luxury boutique hotel was opened in 2001 and founded by Meryanne Loum-Martin and her husband, Dr. Gary Martin. The exclusive hotel has 24 lovely and cosy rooms, five swimming pools, a tennis court, and a serene nine-acre garden.

The rooms reflect rich African culture and tradition, and feature a mix of modern and traditional elements of Moorish design.

Each has its unique character and style.

Jnane Tamsna remains a gem in Marrakech, with its remarkable nature setting, Moroccan façade, and traditional African dÊcor. Guests get that home away from home feeling, as the hotel has a personalized approach in meeting their needs.

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Ikhaya Lodge (Cape Town, South Africa) Defined by a unique African style, Ikhaya Lodge enjoys a prestigious location in Central Cape Town, just 10-minute drive away from V & A Waterfront and Robben Island Ferry. The lodge comes wrapped in classic African design and personal touches by the owner. It is owned by a prosperous businesswoman, Ruth Kamau who’s originally from Kenya but now resides in Cape Town.

The Lodge is situated close to some Cape Town beaches,

diverse restaurants, museums, and galleries. The rooms at Ikhaya Lodge are decorated in earthy tones and feature African-style furnishings, TVs and en-suite bathrooms. Ikhaya Lodge is wellequipped with modern amenities including a 24-hour reception and secure parking as well as the conference rooms for meetings and events. There’s a breakfast buffet and a rustic African restaurant with patio seating and sandstone columns for a memorable dining experience.

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Primate Lodge (Fort Portal, Uganda) Primate Lodge is a stylish eco-hotel, hidden away in the heart of Kibale Forest in Uganda.

It was founded by Amos Masaba Wekesa, a successful businessman in the travel and hospitality industry.

The lodge is a one-of-a-kind African retreat offering a unique eco-conscious style, and matchless Ugandan hospitality in the wild beauty of a tropical forest. It boasts 16 rooms in different cottages, a secluded lounge area with a small library, a well-stocked bar, and a spacious dining terrace.

Its natural surroundings offer guests an opportunity to indulge in a breath-taking wildlife experience. The highlight experience includes heading into the jungle to spot and track red-tailed monkeys and chimpanzees as they swing over the trees.

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Soweto Hotel and Conference Center (Soweto, South Africa) Located in the heart of Soweto, Soweto Hotel and Conference Center is the first fourstar luxury hotel offering unparalleled African hospitality, a traditionally rich atmosphere, and unique African experience. The hotel was founded by Lindiwe Sangweni, a hospitality veteran who started her own hospitality company, Zuka African Tourism Investment Corporation after having more than a decade experience in the industry. The

luxury hotel offers world-class facilities in a rich environment, bursting with the local flavour, culture, and heritage of the renowned community of Kliptown in Soweto. Soweto Hotel offers guests a variety of superb accommodation which includes 46 deluxe rooms and two presidential suites. Each room boasts a variety of amenities, and stylishly designed with modern and traditional elements. There are several dining and event facilities open to all guests.

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RLJ Kendeja Resorts (Paynesville, Liberia) Situated on West African Atlantic Coast near the capital city of Monrovia in Liberia, RLJ Kendeja Resort & Villas is an oceanfront beauty in a naturally perfect setting.

The five-star resort was founded by Robert Johnson, a wellknown Afro-American multimillionaire in 2009. The resort features 78 rooms bursting with a variety of design elements and textures. It also has two luxu-

rious banqueting rooms suitable for conferences and other events. Guests are privy to a wide range of amenities including a gym and a well-appointed spa. There’s a restaurant adjacent to a sunny terrace on the pool deck with a lavish Sunday Brunch Buffet, a grill, and a beach bar. RLJ Kendeja Resort & Villas is grand in character and scale, offering authentic African hospitality and modern comforts.

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Oluwakemi Ojo is a digital nomad and travel consultant, who caught her bout of wanderlust while working for a travel company in Africa.

For the past two years, she has been exploring and living in several destinations across East and Southern Africa. Kemi runs a travel website travelanders.com and she has contributed to many top tier publications.

Twitter: @keemite

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L & L EVENTS

Eventplanning | Styling | Coordinating Weddings & Events The Netherlands https://www.instagram.com/_llevents

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Sorce Photography info@sorcephotography.com USA : + 9294970764 Ghana: + 233 209156080 www.sorcephotography.com

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Doreen & VinceAugust 10, 2018 Akan Culture

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Dolphin Estate, IkoyiLagos, Nigeria +2347032729769 www.frankugah.com

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Plot 1786, Lubambe Road, Northmead, opposite Smart Net, Lusaka, Zambia

info@eternaljewelleryz.com +260956452331

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