“African Forum Arts Extravaganza” Flares out its Colors in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire

African Forum, in collaboration with Bucks University, Street Dreams and Pontis Media, presents its first exhibition of the six monthly African Forum Arts Extravaganza.

High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, 03/11/2009 - African Forum Arts Extravaganza is a platform for artists of African origin or with an affiliation to Africa to showcase and sell their works in Painting, Photography and Textile Design. The exhibition will take place from the 26th to the 28th of November 2009, at the Red Shed Building in High Wycombe's Bucks New University. Access will be free and unlimited daily from 10am to 6pm. An official launch will be marked with a Vernissage on November 26th at 7pm, with refreshments, snacks and music.

African Forum is a Community based Charity launched on November 13th 2007. It aims to bring the Community under the ‘African Tree’ to talk about the future and celebrate African Culture & Arts. Its Chair, Dr. Tonnie Adoh states: “Our mission is to celebrate, liberate, inform, and instil African value systems to our community. Our purpose is the meeting of Africans for discussions on the way forward for the African Communities in Great Britain and our positive influence and impact on the African Nation States.”

May 4th 2009 was the highlight for African Forum: it saw a high attendance to its successfully organised Health Jamboree at the Hilltop Community Centre in High Wycombe. The aim was to create awareness around common African and Caribbean related health issues. Over 250 members of the African and Caribbean community attended and an education drug box had over 120 visits. Sponsors included the NHS, PCT, Chiltern Support & Housing, AfriKan Heartbeat and DAAT.

Another important value for African Forum is to raise cultural awareness, to build community cohesion and build a spirit of strength. According to Dr. Tonnie Adoh, “the advancement, promotion and development of African culture, arts and heritage are crucial”. And one of the initiatives for this point, after a series of events related to Black History Month, is the introduction of the “Arts Extravaganza” exhibition.

Exhibitors will include Bucks New University students, Alumni and independent artists. AF is proud to have, for instance, renowned Nigerian artist Babatunde Ogunekun as one of its exhibitors. His colourful, abstract and extraordinary representations of the casual things of life will definitely give one the desire to see more.

Dr. Tonnie Adoh calls out for enthusiastic participation: “Come and support these artists by attending the exhibition and by spreading the word on the streets.”

Venue address:
Bucks New University
The Red Shed
Queen Alexandra Road
High Wycombe
Bucks HP11 2JZ

Press Contacts:
The African Forum
Dr. Tonnie Adoh (Chair)
Mob: 07973563914
E-Mail: tonnie.adoh@africanforum.co.uk
Web: www.africanforum.co.uk

Pontismedia
Tel: 0844 504 9624
Mob: 079 56940179
E-Mail: info@pontismedia.co.uk
Web: www.pontismedia.co.uk

KC FASHIONS AFRICAN BUSINESS

Africa is open for business! And KiRette Couture (KC) is keeping it stylishly so.

After a BBC worthy outing at the recent Camer Couture fashion showcase in London, KC is set to sashay into the world of commerce at this year’s Wharton Africa Business Forum (WABF) in Philadelphia, USA.

Themed “Seizing Growth Opportunities in a New Global Economy,” the high-powered gathering, has been taking place for nearly two decades.

The 2009 event delves beyond traditional investment perspectives to analyse the impact of women and social entrepreneurs on the Africa’s development.

“I am super excited,” enthused KC Co Founder, Kibonen Nfi, who will be showcasing stunning designs from the label’s Michael Jackson-inspired Spring/Summer 2010 collection at the conference.

“Africa continues to grow despite the global economic crisis. This is the time to think creatively; it is time to think Africa,” she observed.

Nfi also noted the significance of the forum holding at the place where multimillionaire Donald Trump studied.

“The Wharton Business School is a place where excellence and vision meet.

Like KC, it recognises and promotes Africa’s commercial viability and tremendous talent,” she explained.

Running from 6-8 November 2009, the WABF will feature a business plan competition, workshops and inspirational key note speeches from Capri Capital Partners CEO and founder, Quintin Primo III and Thierry Tanoh of International Finance Corporation.

A careers fair will highlight job openings across Africa.

“This will be one of the most transformational conferences,” raved organiser, Pauline Idogho.

For the full schedule and ticket information, please visit: http://whartonafricaforum.com

________________________________________________________________

Notes to editors:

Attracting over 500 people worldwide, the WABF has been one of the largest student run African conferences in the U.S. for nearly two decades.

The Wharton Business School is part of the University of Pennsylvania.

Toronto's first Afrocentric Alternative school

Toronto's District School Board approved the first black focused alternative school to open in Fall 2009. So reports Born Black Magazine on its official website. My reaction was first a "wow" followed by an "uh-oh"...

WOW!
It is sad to have to say this: black minorities in the schools of Western countries are not doing as well as their Caucasian counterparts. We cannot ignore the fact that, till this date, a mild form of racism coming from certain teachers still exists. Added to that, not all schools are open to cultural diversity in Education. Our offspring need to be exposed to more black role models, in all their diversity. So, in that aspect, this initiative is very welcome.

HOWEVER:

UH-OH...
Firstly, didn't we learn from segragation, racism, polarisation, and the rest? The school claims to open its doors to all cultures. Let's be real: would an Asian or a European feel the same way about this school?

The initiative of the school comes from the desire to reduce statistics of drop-outs within the black community. This brings me to the second point, how long will we blame it all on the schools? Have we questioned ourselves about our involvement in the schools our children go to? How often do we, parents in black communities, participate in fund-raising events organised by our schools? How many of us check on our children's homework every day? Or at least try to make this possible, as often as we can? How many of us let our children watch TV without parental guidance? Or treat our children like DHL packets because we have this or that to do (when actually we could have done without it)?

Thirdly, I'd really like to be informed about what EXACTLY will be taught. Will the students really be prepared to develop life skills? Will they be exposed to WORLD music education (not just African instruments), leisure sports, competitve sports, school outings to ALL KINDS OF DESTINATIONS? Will their school certificates be valid wherever they are presented?

Fourthly, it is stated that the school is afroCENTRIC, not afroCENTRIST. Beautiful wordplay, I say. But does that calm down the controversy around the subject? Dictionaries list both words as being synonyms, therefore, meaning the same thing.

1) In other words, will they prepared to excel with the hard realities of the world we live in?
2) Will they be taught how to bridge gaps, and nurture the concept of unity in a divided world?
3) How hard is it to give an afro-centric education to your child at home? Is that the job of a school, especially in a western country?

Like they say, you cannot critisize without suggesting solutions.

A- Be involved: participate in any event concerning the school. Nag the staff with intelligent questions. The more curious you are, the more they take you seriously, therefore the more they take your child seriously!

B- If being involved isn't enough for you, be a school governor: You will participate in the school's most important decisions such as appointing a new teacher, for eg. In that way, you have more control over what is being given to your child at school.

C- Introduce cultural weeks in your school: I'll take the example of the school my daughter attends. I cannot cite any name for privacy purposes. But one thing, that could be widespread is the introduction of cultural weeks. Children are exposed to everything concerning the culture that is being exposed, from clothing to culinary customs, and all what not.

D- Control what your child watches on TV and what kind of music they listen to, or what video games they play. Don't go around complaining about your kids acting stupid, when all they listen to is Soulja Boy. (My personal apologies to this artist but I have to say it bluntly: his music is weak and on top of that he has nothing to say)

E- You want your kids to be afrocentic/black-conscious? Teach them about African history and culture yourself. Or create groups that coach your children towards that. For this, please take the example of this organisation: The African Forum

For now, too many questions are open. But I have to state that I am not very enthusiastic about any form of polarisation, in a public institution.

You can read the original article about the opening of Toronto's frist Afrocentric Alternative school by clicking here

Camer Couture fashions Black History Month

Culture goes couture this Black History Month as Cameroon’s most fabulous fashion designers take over London for the first time ever.

Courtesy of funky new style hub, Camer Couture, international stars Anggy Haif and Olivia Ervi, will join forces with exciting newcomers KiRette Couture, Bot I Lam, Rose Mbango and Ms Mi to adorn the über chic Shoreditch Studios with a perfect tapestry of eye-popping art, elegance and panache.

“The Camer Couture fashion showcase will be a kaleidoscopic interpretation of Cameroon’s rich and dynamic culture,” said the organisation’s CEO, Cynthia Anduhtabe.
With diplomats, entrepreneurs and fashion insiders including designer, Yemi Okunsoya of luxury brand Kosibah Creations, on its guest list, the occasion promises to be an exquisite blend of clout, chic and class.
“The recent media and catwalk rage about African fashion presents extraordinary prospects for our extremely talented and versatile designers.
We are very excited about giving them the opportunity to access a market which is largely unaware of their talent and stylistic originality,” explained Anduhtable.
The spectacle will also feature live performances from Cameroonian artists: Muntu Valdo, Serge Tebu as well as Dee, Quest & Band.

In addition, there will be a raffle sale to benefit the Baka Pygmies who make up one of Cameroon’s oldest and most socially deprived societies.

Assuring a night of “verve and innovation,” the show’s art director, Alex Quest said:

“It will be a soirée of chic, couture and stylish edutainment merged with acoustic bliss to uplift everyone to oblivion.”


Notes to Editors

Created in 2009, Camer Couture aims to:

• Leverage Cameroonian fashion designers onto the international scene.
• Lead the nation’s fashion market in originality and style.
• Represent the splendour, diversity and wealth of Cameroon through the work
and visions of couture creators.
• Set a trend in Cameroonian fashion event management.

Its team comprises Cynthia Anduhtabe, Isabel Bezeng, Ngum Ngafor, Soraya Sone (freelance consultant) and Alex Quest.

Running from 6pm - 3am, the Camer Couture fashion showcase will take place at Shoreditch Studios, 37 Bateman Row, Shoreditch, London EC2A 3HH.

Tickets cost:

Front Row = £50
VIP = £40
All Other = £30
Plus £5 postage fee

Prices include reception, show and the after party charges.

For tickets, media & sponsorship enquiries please contact:

Ngum Ngafor
Tel: 00 44 7944 043 954
Email: ngum.ngafor@camercouture.com

Isabel Bezeng
Tel: 00 44 7733 735 515
Email: Isabel.bezeng@camercouture.com

General Enquiries:
Cynthia Anduhtabe
Tel: 00 44 7834 321 373
Email: Cynthia.anduhtabe@camercouture.com

For more information on Camer Couture please visit: www.camercouture.com

Join the Camer Couture facebook group on:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/group.php?gid=113761297439&ref=ts

Follow us on twitter at: http://twitter.com/CamerCouture

Find out more about Cameroon’s Baka people and Global Music Exchange (One Heart) – a charity working with Camer Couture to support them on: www.baka.co.uk

WAXPERIENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

'Wax' Nde Ndinfonka, a Cameroonian brother based in Johannesburg tickles us with some high quality acoustic sounds... and sultry voice... Competition is getting TIGHT!!!!!! He is a vocalist / guitar player / songwriter and writer.

Check his official video!



The first single “Miss Real, Mr Regular” is gaining wide recognition on commercial radio and TV stations - a sign that Wax has donned the ribbon on his best work yet. Described as a ‘rare musical gem’, he is a unique soul singer who has been known to move even first-time listeners to tears with his sensational vocal rendition, unforgettable melodies and meaningful lyrics.

Africa’s fastest growing cross-over sensation offers a semi-autobiographical album ‘African dream’, that is as lyrically profound and musically scintillating as it is relevant to all ages and races worldwide. In the album, he tells stories of love and war, drawing blood from afropessimists, celebrating love with beautiful soul rhythms, and strengthening humanitarian appeal. Listeners can expect to experience a Wax again reinvented, delivering a universal sound that will entrance for ages to come.

Born in Cameroon and based in South Africa, 28-year-old Wax aka Nde Ndifonka, has his mark across the continent as one of Africa’s most influential youngsters, excelling as a social activist, humanitarian, renaissance writer and world-class musician. As a performer of relevance, he carries his messages of love and compassion throughout the world – in June 2009 he jetted off to the US to perform for charity, GEMS, before joining another US charity, Global Majority later that month to help them on their peace-through-dialogue tour. He staged a show for UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon on his recent visit to South Africa, and continues to touch the world as one of the primary pundits against ills such as xenophobia and human trafficking, appearing frequently on regional and international media.

More on Wax' history online...


Discography
African Dream (Lolhiphop Records, coming july 2009)
Peggy: by artist "Peggy" (Producer, Executive Producer) (Lolhiphop Records/SHEER Sound, 2007)
African Soul (Lolhiphop Records/SHEER Sound, 2008)
Ali gets his arms (Olimit Records, 2005)


Bibliography
1. The Chosen One (play), Ditlou Publishers
2. Faraway Child (Southern African Short Story Review)
3. On the Bridge (Southern African Short Story Review)

Bookings
bookings@waxexperience.com
+27 82 667 2776

Never can say goodbye

This human being touched my heart with sensational music, unforgettable energy, iconic dance moves but also with a heartbreaking life story.

I wonder if he was ever told how beautiful he was, back when he wowed people as a child. Instead Papa Joe would taunt him by calling him "Big Nose" or beating him... What a fresh start for an adulthood full of self-confidence and joy... No wonder my father strictly forbade name-calling in our family house, no matter how mild it could be! The world has witnessed through Michael Jackson how devastating it is.

His death has reminded me of how fragile life is. He may have been a jerk to some but he was hailed, he was adored and yet the circumstances under which he left us, showed us what a frail human being he had become...

I'm still emotional when I look at his performances videos. I'm still emotional when I think of what their family went through with a father like Joe Jackson. I wonder how their mother coped, avoiding being vocal about their issues. At the same time, who am I to write this: I was never there. So I don't know what happened.

I wonder how guilty Jordan Chandler feels, after accusing MJ falsely of child molestation.

I wonder what's going on in Debbie Rowe's head, after selling her children to MJ, for a couple of millions, and now suddenly wanting them back.

I wonder how guilty LaToya Jackson feels after repeatedly dragging the name of her family in mud, for a bit of mediatic attention...

Reap what you sow...

Pray for the Jackson family, and all other families that have witnessed or still witness abuse of any form. They are going through a hard time.

MJJ never could say goodbye. Just look at how he left... Unprepared. But at least, imagine the party all the greats are having on the other side. :-)

This Ivorian new phenomenon called Paul Sika...

I once wrote an essay retracing the story of African photography, DONE BY AFRICANS, and when we all discovered this guy on the net, I felt things are about to change. A new mark in artistic photography is about to be made, not to say, has already been made. Paul Sika took it a step further from the usual portraits, and works with Photoshop, in his very own way.

Let me start by saying that Paul Sika is Andy Warhol's grand son. :-) Understand that the way you want, to stay captivated in all the suspense created around him. The works of Sika, 23, have been featured on the Olympus User Magazine, and lately on Kanye West's blog.

The buzz will go on, as he will appear shortly on Mimi Magazine, with an exclusive interiew, and on Afropolitan Magazine, as a featured fashion photographer. Indeed good things are coming along the way of this young man.
When asked how he works, Sika states: "I like to concentrate first on creativity and the expression of the inner cravings for art, the longing for beauty in the form of visuals through photography. This is because I did not want the lurring of commerce to intervene in the process of the manifestation of beauty. As you know commerce too soon can corrupt greatly the artistic fiber."

And the result is marvellous: The way he works with filters, color and saturation doesn't alienate you from the characters on his work. On the contrary, it brings you closer to them, they ooze warmth, honesty, emotion, sometimes a whole story behind... where the viewer becomes the free narrator...

Paul Sika may be deep in art, but is also aware of the constraints of a commercial world. He adds: "now the establishment of artistic direction and integrity is a reality. therefore I open to myself now to commerce."
Along the services he offers as a photographer, his works come available through the following media items:
- tshirts
- post cards
- posters
- lightboxes
- books and other types of goodies.

In Sika's own words, here is what he offers to the world:

"What i can offer to the world is what I receive, which is broken down
into 4 different interwoven paths.

First as you are seeing right know the photography.

Second is the creative direction such as the branding of companies.
With Frederic Tape,Innovator, Web Entrepreneur(Owner of AfricaincorpMediaNetwork and SCI La Tysche] and Business developer, we have been working on the branding/campaign launch of a fledging Airline company. We had to go through several stages to finally have our duo selected among established African advertising agencies. We basically have been involved in the architecture of agencies, the styling of the uniforms,
the design of the interior of the planes, the on-board magazine, the in-flight entertainment, the design of the corporate culture, the philosophy that links them to
the world and much more.
It has been a great experience for us because we had to learn a lot in a
very short amount of time, had to reach out and negotiate with people all over the planet from California, USA, to Bombay in India, through London. Amazing technologies and materials were surveyed and introduced into the vision.

Third is commerce, which is a resultant of our different research for the
aforementioned work, we are seriously interested in revolutionizing the retail industry in Africa starting with Cote d'Ivoire. The way we want to do it is by adopting and applying innovation in aspects such as distribution,payment methods, product quality and design, the communication around products, and production. We have found creative usage for low and high Technologies in a way that will fathom BLUE OCEAN markets.

Fourth is the creation of unheard of[ at least of memory] creative products with mass appeal targeting different sections and age groups of society. An example would be the project codename "ORI"

Paul Sika is equally planning to work with the following artists: Pharrel Williams, Wale, Kanye West, Coldplay, Lady Gaga, Ama Kip Kip, Ludacris, Major Lazer, Kery James, Santigold, K'anaan, Grand Corps Malade, Beyonce, Gilles Toure, Alek Wek, Lil Wayne, Xuly Bet, M.I.A, Janelle Monae, Asthon Roth, Kid Cudi, Mark Zuckerberg, Samuel Eto, Oprah Winfrey, Obama Barack, Patrick Asso, Bjork, Foudelart, DJ Arafat, Kedjevara, L'Unik, Jamhuriwear of Kimathi, Fouka Riddim of Nader Fakri, Murielle Nanie (Miss Cote d'Ivoire 2008)

I think with the kind of style he brings: IT IS NOT A MISSION IMPOSSIBLE!
I personally can only wish to this young man (who went to the same high school as I did - yes, I had to drop that information!) all the success he deserves. These are the kind of revolutionary minds we need in Africa and beyond!

For queries, here is how to contact Paul Sika:

Photographer & Creative Director
T : +225 09 65 47 40
E : paul@paulsika.com
W : www.paulsika.com