African Entertainment and Fashion Gaining Ground

Everywhere you turn there seems to be an element of African inspiration. As the global community grows increasingly smaller, the entertainment inspiration with African elements becomes stronger and more prominent.

In Kenya, the Festival for African Fashion and Arts threw its second annual Fashion for Peace which drew international attention and a wonderful number of great African fashion designers. The styles were incredible, melding western design principles with African creativity and symbols for a truly unique style. Featured designers were Kofi Ansah from Ghana, Arapapa from Uganda, Betty Vanetti from Kenya, Doreen Mashika from Tanzania, John Kaveke from Kenya, the Kiko Romeo clothing line from Kenya, the Kooroo clothing line from Kenya, Tiffany Amber from Nigeria, Thula Sindi from South Africa, Patricia Mbela from Kenya, Monica Kanari from Kenya, Mame Fagueye Ba from Senegal, and Elisabetta Capolino from Italy, creator of "Le Collane di Betta"--necklaces inspired by her travels in Africa. The show was mentioned in the Washington Post and several other international publications.

ThisDay Magazine held the Thisday Africa Rising festival, a celebration of African entertainement and fashion, in Nigeria, Washington DC, and London; and launched their magazine, Arise, at the New York Fashion week with a fashion show at the Bryant Park Tent. They featured Stoned Cherrie, MOMO, Xuly Bet, and African models, Liya Kebede, Oluchi, and Alek Wek.

MTV Base showcased African talent with the first ever MTV African Music Awards (MAMA), projects to help make quality music videos, and hiring their first VJ.

Kenyan Wanuri Kahiu highlighted the African '9-11' experience by exploring the feelings of those who were left behind after the bombing of the American embassy in Kenya in her movie, 'From A Whisper'. There are so many jewels out there. Keep your eyes peeled. Africa is coming!