The sneaker fiends over at Freshness have a thorough view of the upcoming Converse (RED) Fall 2007 collection. Converse has really used the RED opportunity as a new platform for their design and collaborative efforts which now include photographer Ricky Powell, and the Ramones. But one thing which really bothers me is that in her post on this collection, retrogurl writes a caption saying, “Many of the patterns and designs are inspired by African art work, the country PRODUCT (RED) benefits.” I don’t know whether the fact that retrogurl refers to Africa as a country reflects her own ignorance or Converse’s failure to properly communicate the theme behind the collection beyond the exciting designs. You would think that with all the effort that Converse is putting into the charity-based collection, the issue of whether the recipients of the charity reside in a country or on a continent would be clearly defined. I hope the AIDS issue is being pushed as hard as the search for new designs. Head over to Freshness for more images.
The business of a modeling career, Noella’s African style
A few weeks ago I was delighted to finally meet Noella Coursaris, a model who I had heard so much about. Noella really impressed me with the combination of her background (she was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo to a Congolese mother and Cypriot father and went to business school in Switzerland), her young age, and her work in launching the Georges Malaika Foundation, a foundation through which she will assist African girls in attending primary and secondary school. I have interacted with many models – and model wannabes – in the past but talking to Noella was a breath of fresh air. One thing that struck me about Noella was her determination and focus. While many models say they want to do more with their career, very few are able to organize themselves and make things happen. Though she was recently signed to the popular ID Model Management in NY, from looking at her body of work (Agent Provocateur, Chris Rock’s “I love My Wife”, Vibe Vixen, Cosmopolitan, Essence, GQ, and most recently the cover of Jambo and Harlem World magazines), you can tell that Noella is not one to sit around and wait for opportunities to fall in her lap. Speaking to Noella and Frederic about life, fashion and Africa, I got the same feeling I get when I speak to former model turned business woman extraordinaire Audrey Smaltz, another trailblazer in the fashion industry. Like Audrey, Noella seems to possess the ability to evaluate a situation, come up with a plan, and use her business acumen to make things happen; and it doesn’t hurt that Noella has a warm personality also. The September 2006 Model Inc. issue of Black Enterprise magazine profiled models like Tyra Banks, Iman, and Audrey Smaltz, who have used their focus, determination, talent, and keen business sense to turn the opportunities of an otherwise short career in a superficial industry into a successful business. And speaking to Noella you get the sense that she is taking a page out of their playbook to success. 
What makes it hard to succeed in the modeling industry is that ultimately you are being hired for your looks and unfortunately with that comes the assumption that all a model has to offer is her/his beauty. But if we look at the trait many of the most memorable models have, it’s being able to understand what each designer’s theme is and use your personality to sell that ideal to the world. And that takes a self-confidence and ability to empathize, that many models lack. I can see that Noella has what it takes to continue to have a long successful career. And by distinguishing herself as an African, though she does not have fashion’s stereotypical ultra dark skin, and extreme features, she, like Liya Kebede, introduces another image of an Africa to the fashion world. About her background Noella says “I am proud to be African, and proud to know where I come from. Africans have so much culture and values !!!”. Iman needs to get this girl on her “I Am African” campaign.
(photo courtesy: Luis Fernandez)
Chosan performs Blood Diamond from Bling is Dead
A few months ago some New York-based artists and arts organizations organized a concert to benefit Nah We Yone, a grassroots nonprofit organization that helps rebuild the shattered lives of refugees, asylees and asylum seekers from the African diaspora who have fled to the New York Metropolitan area due to ongoing political instability throughout the African continent. The title of the concert, “Bling & Blood”, set the tone for various African artists to voice their opinions about the effects of the blood diamond trade on the African continent. Here’s a video of Sierra Leonean hip-hop artist Chosan performing his song “Blood Diamond”, a song he penned as part of the Bling is Dead project. Thanks to director Dante Kaba for the footage.
Designers for Darfur event on Fashion Television
Here’s the Fashion Television feature of the Designers for Darfur event from the Fall 2007 New York Fashion Week. Designer Malcolm Harris (Mal Sirrah) and model Lydia Hearst did a great job of pulling the event together.
Maasai herdsman/model talks Gisele Bundchen, American Express, and maintaining maasai culture
<img id=”image289″ src=”http://annansi.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/amex_red_ad.jpg” alt=”Amex RED ad” align=center”/>
In the news this week were features on the previously unknown Maasai herdsman who appeared with Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen in this ad for American Express’ new card for the much-criticized RED campaign. Having seen the ad quite a few times in fashion magazines such as Vogue, I often wondered what the effect on the Maasai man had been. Here now, the Maasai herdsman is making news in multiple media outlets telling his story about his experience. What makes the story worth noting is that the herdsman, though having been paid $5000 for his efforts – an amount five times the annual wages in Kenya – has chosen to return to his life in his Maasai village. “To be honest all I was thinking about when I was with this woman was my cattle and goats,” Keseme Ole Parsapaet told The Associated Press, confessing to sleepless nights worrying about who was looking after his herd. Now that’s love for life and culture. How many of us would have taken the money and abandoned our simple lives.
“It is a good experience to work and make some money, but I believe people should be proud of their country… one should always return,”
– Keseme Ole Parsapaet
Minding my business
I know, I know I haven’t posted anything since Friday and surely there are new developments in the world of African fashion, entertainment, business, politics. But I’ve been running around trying to organize things for the re-launch of my clothing line, Annansi Clothing. Even-though I haven’t gotten the chance to express my views on Oprah’s problems with her new school and Anglina Jolie’s tears for Africa here as yet, I’ve been keeping up with the developments as best I can. I’m feeling organizational these days and the 65-degree weather in NY is getting me focused on getting my business ready. In the last few days I attended an apparel convention in Atlantic City, consulted with my friend, mentor, and fellow designer Arlinda (Sofistafunk Skirt Co.), and tried to track down my company’s features in The Source Magazine, T-World Journal, and my interview on WorldSpace’s Flava hip-hop show. I tell you, running your own clothing company is not as easy as it seems, and doing it all myself is definitely not the best way to proceed, that’s why I’ve resolved to get a team of interns. Over the years I’ve seen many designers get eaten up by the grind of running a clothing label by themselves, and I certainly don’t want to be a statistic. I think more than creating designs, and connecting with the many people who “get” the direction I’m trying to go in, many creative people neglect the business aspect. We are usually drawn to the fashion industry because of the “lights, camera, action” image of it, but the industry is highly complex and it takes a lot more than talent to grow in it. So while I love reading and writing about the goings on in the progressive African community, I think it is equally important to play an active role, and to do so my business must be intact. I never want to be that person who complains and criticizes others’ decisions without going through the process myself. And nothing shapes your perception more than walking in someone’s shoe’s to understand the reason they make certain decisions. Of course this speaks directly to outsiders’ criticism of Africans and African business as well. On that note take a look my new website and check out the March 2007 issue of The Source Magazine on newsstands for some information about my clothing line. Your comments, good or bad, will be greatly appreciated.
Akon, Vibe and the new urban standard
With two singles in the #2 and #3 spots (Akon “Don’t Matter” and Gwen Stefani Featuring Akon “The Sweet Escape”), a new album, Konvicted, holding the #3 spot on the Billboard charts, and a starring role in a new Verizon commercial, Akon is hot right now. Now Senegal’s son graces the cover of the new Vibe Magazine which just hit my neighborhood newsstand. I’m not sure if this is the first time an African has made the cover of Vibe, but Akon’s cover is particularly significant to me because as an artist he continues to have appeal beyond genres and walk the fine line that Vibe has been so successful walking. Akon’s continued rise further convinces me of the growth of a new urban culture without the restrictions of race and origin. Not to say that the genre is color blind but where urban culture was primarily associated only with Black American culture before, the new urban culture seems to fall more in a gray area where race and origin aren’t the only determinant. A few weeks ago John Pasmore wrote on his Fast Company blog about the origins of the urban. The way things are going these days soon there might be a new definition of urban with new originators as reference points. Whether this new genre is a good or bad thing for black/African culture depends on your perspective, but one thing’s for sure, Akon and Vibe are attempting to shape that new definition right now.
Ghana: 50 years young
March 6th will mark the 50 year anniversary of Ghana’s independence. A lot can happen in 50 years, and a lot has happened in Ghana in the past 50 years. Besides the celebration of Ghana’s independence, I’ve been thinking about how many of us expect miracles when a country like Ghana has only had 50 years to catch up with the rest of the world. When you think about it, 50 years is not a long time especially if you are looking at the maturation of a nation. With that perspective in mind, I think we’re coming along. Here are some events and information sources to let you know what Ghana was, is, and could be:
• The official website of the Golden Jubilee
• Ghana at 50 Reflects on Dream of Nationhood – NPR’s recent broadcast on Ghana’s progression.
• Ghana: Celebrating 50 Years – AllAfrica.com story on celebrations
• Ghana’s Growth, Falling Poverty Rates, Could Raise Income Status in a Decade – The World Bank’s special section with research and data about Ghana’s progress
• The architect of Ghana’s independence – BBC’s profile of Kwame Nkrumah
• The Ghana Independence Day Calendar – Calendar by Ghanaian owned photo studio Stratford Studios in the UK. Procceds from the sale of the calendar will be donated to the Sickle Cell Society.
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• Back To My Roots – Photographer Stanley Lumax’s photo essay on his return to Ghana
• Ghana – A Portrait – Photographer Max Milligan’s coffee table book about his travels to Ghana
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Below are a list of events that are scheduled to take place in the New York area throughout the year. Updates will be available on www.myzongo.com
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March 6, 2007 (Independence Day):
• AfriPRO‘s Ghana celebration, Fusion215 located at 215 West 28th Street, NYC (btw. 7th & 8th Ave), NYC, from 6pm – until – African Professionals (AfriPRO) Network professional mixer and party as part of Ghana’s 50th Independence Day celebrations
• Press Conference and Cultural Display of Ghanaian artifacts and cultural symbols with their meanings
Venue: Ghana Mission, Second Floor or another location TBD
• A Night of Sweet independence @ Sweet Rhythm, 88 Seventh Avenue at Bleecker Street, NYC- New African Jazz vocalist Somi will appear at Sweet Rhythm and will dedicate the evening to independence and freedom. Reservations are recommended
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March 10, 2007:
• Awards Dinner Dance and Reception
Venue: Ghana Mission, Second Floor
Outstanding African Americans and Ghanaians will be recognized at this Awards Dinner for their economic and social contributions towards the development Ghana. There will be pomp and pageantry on Ghanaian styles and ethnic cuisine. Corporate sponsorship of this event will give your establishment the highest possible exposure in the community. A Special Commemorative Journal will be published with special messages from major sponsors. Sponsorship at the Premium Level will include pictures, images or articles the sponsors would like to include in the journal.
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• Ghana Independence Dance @ Gauchos Gym, Bronx, New York – BDN (Boogie Down Nima) & NCOGA (National Council of Ghanaian Associtions) INDEPENDENCE DANCE! ARTISTS: Reggie Rockstone, Wanlov The Kubolor, Bright of Bukbak, Papa She’ee, Rascalimo & more… DEEJAYS: Roni Ron, E-Love, Sam Q, Nasei & more… MCS: Flip & Rab “The International”. DO NOT FORGET: $10 off if you dress traditional. Visit www.bdnvision.org for more info.
March 18, 2007 (unconfirmed):
• Interfaith Service
Venue: Armenia Archdiocese Banquet Hall, 630 Second Avenue, NYC
There will be an interfaith service representing the three major faith organizations in Ghana – Traditional, Islamic and Christian. There will also be cultural displays prior to the service. This event is expected to attract a large audience with the greatest exposure because of the venue and its historic significance in New York.
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April 7, 2007(unconfirmed):
• Discussion on “Ghana @ 50, Past, Present and Future”
Venue: African Burial Ground in Lower Manhattan (if available)
This event will be a collaborative effort with the African Studies departments from some of the universities in the city. There will be a panel of experts and we hope to have a special guest from Ghana such as a Minister or some other VIPs.
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May 2007 (confirmed):
• Ghana Film Festival
Venues: To Be Determined
We will be collaborating with the African Film Festival in New York City. The African Film Festival will be in Lincoln Center and then on to Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM). Before the event moves to BAM, there is a ’dark period’ of one week, and we will use this period to show some films produced and or directed by Ghanaians around the city. The film festival itself has intentions of showing a couple of Ghanaian films, so this is really a high profile media event.
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June 16, 2007 or Sunday June 17, 2006 (Unconfirmed) :
• Grand Parade in Harlem
The First ever Ghana Parade in New York City featuring floats showcasing the diversity of Ghanaian culture. There will be music with a mini-concert at the Harlem State Building Plaza at the end of the parade.
Parade Route: Seventh Avenue from 145th to 125th Street.
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Saturday July 7, 2006 (unconfirmed):
• Ghana Children’s Day
This is will be in the form of a workshop focusing on the children in our community. There will be highlights of some interesting stories about some of these children. There will also be a mentoring session.
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Saturday August 4 or 11, 2006:
• Annual Picnic and Concert
Venue: Orange County Fair Grounds (tentative)
The biggest event within the Ghanaian community anywhere in the world and we hope with the success of last year’s event, next year’s will exceed expectations. The biggest challenge is getting a place closer to the City. Currently, the estimated crowd is over 10,000.
Damon Dash goes to Ghana for the UN
For those wondering where Jay-Z’s former partner, Damon Dash, is these days, he’s been doing his part for the United Nations World Food Programme, which launched in April of 2006 to raise monies towards halving the number of hungry people in the world, particularly children, by 2015. A few months ago Dash and his family, including wife fashion designer Rachel Roy, took part in the CatWALK the World event held in Ghana. Dash joined Ozwald Boateng (Ghana/UK), Stoned Cherrie (South Africa), Tina Atimeo (Ghana), Deola Segoe (Nigeria), Kofi Ansah (Ghana), and Hiplife artists Tic-Tac and VIP for a day of fashion and world hunger awareness. While in Ghana, Dash also visited a place called Orphanage Africa. It’s weird seeing Dash involved in this type of event since for hip-hop heads like myself his image is more of a harsh Harlem businessman. Maybe marriage and the Rocafella split has calmed him down a bit. Either way it looks like the event was a success. Future CatWalk the World events are planned for Benin, Ethiopia, and Florida (USA). Check out a video of the event below.
This week in African Style 2/24 – 3/2/07
• Africa and the winds of globalisation part 1 and part 2.
• South Africa helping the American film industry reel in the money.
• Angelina Jolie travels to Africa to raise Darfur awareness.
• Reuters’ editor-in-chief outlines plans for Africa site.
• Ethiopia and the global antiterrorism campaign.
• New York’s Museum for African Art finds a home.
• Face of Africa modeling competition is cancelled.
• GE’s user-friendly healthcare concepts for Africa.