AFRICAN WOMAN

AFRICAN WOMAN is truly my favourite magazine. Articles, photos and covers are always fabulous. It keeps everything simple and nice and we relate to the girl on the cover which i love.
When i compare to other magazines as "Her" or "Drum"... "Her" is not meant to be for girls of my age so, it is difficult to judge: I am too young for this magazine! And "Drum", i like it but i don't relate to it and sometimes the quality of the writing is very poor and photos are "deja vu"

Of course, i always buy "Cosmopolitan" , "Vogue" and "Glamour" but it is damn expensive over here! Not like our great African magazines!

(Fabulous cover with Lisa Adams)

KAREN

Karen is a suburb of Nairobi in Kenya, lying south west of the city centre.
It is generally believed that the suburb is named after Karen Blixen, the Danish author of the colonial memoir Out of Africa; her farm occupied the land where the suburb now stands. Blixen herself declared in her later writings that "the residential district of Karen" was "named after me."[1] And Remy Martin, the developer who bought the farm in 1931 and converted it into residential lots for Nairobi's fast-growing population, confirmed that he named the neighborhood for Blixen.
The provenance of the name may in fact be more subtly complex. Blixen herself was known to her friends in Africa not as "Karen" but as "Tanne." The farm, a coffee plantation, was officially incorporated as the "Karen Coffee Company," and was owned by her extended family, most of whom lived in Denmark. The chairman of the board was her uncle, Aage Westenholtz.[2] Westenholtz may have named the company after his own daughter, Karen.
It's possible that Martin gave the area the name "Karen" because he thought the name of the coffee company came from Blixen herself; he may not have been aware that the farm's official name was derived from a different Karen. Either way - in 1975, Martin confirmed for Judith Thurman, Blixen's biographer, that in calling the district "Karen," he was thinking of the farm's famous resident.
The suburb of Karen borders the Ngong Road Forest and is home to the Ngong Racecourse. It is also known for its large European population. Karen and Langata jointly form a somewhat isolated area of high-income housing.
Blixen's home is still standing and is a local tourist attraction. The Nyumbani Orphanage is also located in Karen

Sony Entertainment Television

Finally a great channel on MNET!
Sony Entertainment Television, DStv channel 113, was launched in South Africa on November 2, 2007 and is based in Johannesburg. The channel broadcasts a mix of programming including drama, comedy and reality series as well as commercial and independent movies. The channel also airs exclusive South African week-nightly broadcasts of the popular US night-time talk show Late Show with David Letterman, and it is the premiere broadcaster of the reality series The Amazing Race.

Don't miss Scrubs, Las Vegas, Will&Grace and so much more!

Fashion designers in Kenya judged by their collections and websites!

In this world, where Internet is everything. I have today judged most of our Kenyan designers. I have judged their collections and also their websites.
It is possible to be famous just for your talent? How a website influences you and the way you shop?

This is the list of our Kenyan designers: ( order without importance)




IMANI HOUSE OF FASHION:
Collections: 7/10Fabulous collection from last year but it's hard to get Liz Ogumbo (designer and director), she is a model, a designer, a singer, owner of a modelling agency. I love the style.
Website: 5/10 : you can't see the clothes, it is a shame.




JOHN KAVEKE:
Collections: 8/10. Nice to see a man doing so well in fashion! Finally! He has talent and he is apparently a very cool guy (not that i know!)i like his style, his attitude and his clothes even if i won't actually wear them...
Website: 0/10 (it does not work!)



BETTI VANETTI:
Collections: 7/10 . Fun and great, i love her designs. A lot of short skirts which i really like She shows it is possible to mix african style with contemporary fashion.
Website: 0/10 (none!) how did she survive all these years without a website?



ANNA ADERO:
Collections: 5/10. Nice to see a designer who creates for men but still..i would not like my man to wear the suit she's designing...
Website: 0/10 (none!)





KOOROO:
Collections : 6/10. Nice designs but once again, i can't see myself wearing anything... It does not fit my age gap (20 to 30) and it is a bit too "deja vu".
Website: 4/10 Very poor and boring. There is nothing going on.



MOO COW
Collections : 9/10 : this is what i am talking about! Fun, sexy, edgy: this is what young people in Africa want! If i may say something negative though: it is too original, flashy and short to be worn as a normal person and not on a catwalk...
Website: 0/10 (none!)




KIKO ROMEO:
Collections: 6/10 From my young point of view: It is not what i prefer. It is not something i would wear every day or even for an evening, as beautiful as the garments are.
Website: 0/10. it has been under construction for a while.





SALLY KARAGO
Collections: 6/10 , beautiful patterns but once again: it is so old school... There is nothing really new and that makes me think "wow that's fabulous"
Website: 0/10 (none!)




LALESSO:
Collections: 9/10, stunning!stunnings!stunning! Beautiful cuts, fantastic patterns, finally a brand that gets what young women want! I am a big fan
Website: 6/10, I love the look! Very flirty but unfortunately it looks awful from an iphone and nothing is up to date (apart from the collections of course!)





BELLA MATATA:
Collections: 8/10. Very colourful , funky and fresh, you love it or you hate it. I love it!
Website: 3/10 nothing about the fashion line unfortunately..It is all about art.




PATRICIA MBELA:
Collections: 7/10. Very class and smart, i like it!
Website: 0/10. (none!)



PEON GLAMOUR:
Collections: 6/10 Old school African designs. it is not my cup of tea but the colours are vibrant and beautiful.
Website: 3/10 old school too! You can't click on "learn more" very annoying...



SEVERINE DEVAILLY:
Collections: 8/10 . i adore! it is fresh, cool and sexy. This is the type of designer we need in Kenya, with fresh ideas!
Website: 8/10 : it is the only one so far where you have everything working up to date. I wish i could click on pictures and see the designs a bit more though.



SANABORA:
Collections: 7/10 . Using African patterns. Nothing new but at least, the designer does not pretend to do something new. I like it.
Website: 7/10. I like the "add to cart" straight away but the pictures quality are very bad.




KONDAKIS:
Collections: 9/10. What a great idea! Garments made of recycled parachutes! It is so refreshing!I would not wear it but i love the concept.
Website: 9/10. Very clear, fabulous pictures and up to date. No clicking on pictures though but I am still a fan!



And the winners are...................

1st place: KONDAKI ( 18/20)
2nd place: SEVERINE DEVAILLY (16/20)
3rd place: LALESSO (15/20)
4th place: SANABORA (14/20)
5th place: IMANI HOUSE OF FASHION ( 12/20)

Residential areas dying in Karen

Karen: beautiful suburbs of Nairobi. Calm, secure and rich : this is where everybody, from 7 to 77 wants to live. But yet, as it was not difficult enough to find a little house for a reasonable price , now, the residential areas are dying in Karen.

Langata Road: Nakumatt, Toky Restaurant, church, Karen market and soon "Karen Offices" building
Karen Road : Karen Connection, Karen shopping centre and soon "the arcade" as a shopping centre
Dagoretti Road: Rusty Nail, House of Treasure
Ngong Road: No shops, there are only houses surrounded by schools (new Montessori Centre, St Christopher school) or bars (Friends) or petrol station (each side of he round about).

And even sometimes, you will find a club in the middle of a residential area like Karen Country Lodge!
I can't help it and i want to scream : LEAVE OUR RESIDENTIAL AREAS ALONE!


We, young people in Kenya are struggling to find houses to live at a reasonable price. LEAVE OUR RESIDENTIAL AREAS ALONE!

We, people in Kenya, do not want to see our houses and gardens destroyed to build a church, a school or a bar.LEAVE OUR RESIDENTIAL AREAS ALONE!

We, Kenya's lovers , do not want to live in unfriendly, noisy area, we want to conserve our residences. LEAVE OUR RESIDENTIAL AREAS ALONE.

We, friends of nature, do not want to see our trees, our birds, our nature disappearing to ugly buildings. LEAVE OUR RESIDENTIAL AREAS ALONE.

We, Kenyan citizens and residents , do not want to be pushed away from our residences.LEAVE OUR RESIDENTIAL AREAS ALONE.

We, American, French, British, Chinese, Russian, do not want to live in noisy area, we all want our residential area to stay and remain: Everywhere in the world. LEAVE OUR RESIDENTIAL AREAS ALONE.


Do not get me wrong: Building shopping centres, offices or even restaurant (if quiet!) makes the life great in our residential areas. We have everything around us and we get this nice "small community" feeling. It makes a residential area more alive and lovely. People move where shops are: This just make our residences even better.
I am only raising my voice against noisy buildings: Friends Bar/ Montessori Learning Centre/ Osteria on Ngong Road for example.

The owners of these buildings obviously had permission (or not, we know how Kenya works) to build, i am actually blaming them for having such bad ideas and for not caring enough about residential. But there is only one person to blame for this disaster: Kenyan government.

Nairobi GreenLine Project

Finally a fantastic project in Nairobi! and who know..i might join the chain! The Nairobi GreenLine is an ambitious Kshs 35 million project that aims to grow 250000 trees along the edge of the Park.

The launch took place at the Nairobi National Park, East Gate behind Libra House on Mombasa road.

The project is a partnership between the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and supported by such organisations as Better Globe Forestry, Silole Ventures, Scanad Kenya, Twiga Chemical Industries, Kiss FM, Nairobi Star, Bloom Consultants and Panache Production.

As an industrial response to environmental challenges facing the Nairobi National Park, the initiative is intended to protect it from encroachment and pollution.

The 50 metre-wide Greenline cover will stretch 30 kms from Athi River’s Cheetah Gate to the Carnivore. An additional 750,000 trees will be planted in other greenlines over the next five years.

The event, which was officiated by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife, Mr. M.A.M waMwachai commissioned the first 1 kilometre stretch of the project.

Speaking during the event, KAM Chief Executive, Ms. Betty Maina noted that this was part of KAM's golden jubilee celebrations which commenced in June last year.

She urged members to organise their staff to come out and plant trees in April as a way of giving back to society through KAM's 50th anniversary celebrations which end in June.

"KAM has chosen to give back to society through conservation efforts. The first such initiative was undertaken last year in partnership with the Born Free Foundation and the Kenya Wildlife Society to promote the conservation of lions,” said Ms. Maina.

She added that KAM and its members sponsored at least half of the 50 lion sculptures mounted in the campaign that eventually raised Ksh 13 million in November 2009.

The Nairobi GreenLine is KAM’s second conservation initiative which promotes protection of the Nairobi National Park from pollution and encroachment.

“As we partner to grow the Nairobi Greenline and other Greenlines elsewhere, we will all be making an open statement that Kenya is willing to engage in the global agenda of addressing climate change,” said Ms. Maina.

Addressing the meeting, KAM Board Member and Chairman of the Nairobi Greenline Project Steering Committee, Mr. Anoop Shah noted that, environmental concerns were no longer national or regional but were global issues.

“As nations discuss how to mitigate the impacts of climate change we too recognize we must seek ways of finding solutions to this global phenomenon which affects us all irrespective,” added Mr. Shah.

He further urged individuals and organizations to make the project a CSR activity of their companies by giving support towards the project in cash, in kind and through purchase of various project merchandise.

During the main tree planting drive in April 2010, a 25,000-strong Human Greenline chain will be created inside the Park from the Carnivore to the Athi River Cheetah Gate to publicise the initiative globally.

To participate in the human chain, companies can purchase greenline T-shirts and seedlings through the various sponsorship categories available.

For more information please contact Bella Akinyi or Damaris Kimilu on Email: bella.akinyi@kam.co.ke or damaris.kimilu@kam.co.ke or call Tel: +254 20 3746005 / 7 / 21 / 22 or 3744886

Nakumatt

Being Kenyan, Nakumatt ( abbreviation for Nakuru Mattresses) is now in my culture! When i see how Nakumatt is growing: I am proud of it.
Nakumatt is a Kenyan supermarket chain. It has 18 stores across Kenya and employs 3,200 people. It is planning to expand to Uganda, Rwanda and other East African countries. Nakumatt is a wholly Kenyan company owned by the Atul Shah family and Hotnet Ltd.

On the 23rd of August, 2008, Nakumatt opened its first store outside Kenya in the Union Trade Center, in Kigali, Rwanda.
Turnover in 2006 was over US$300m, up 150% on the previous year.
I use to live in Europe and Nakumatt bring me back there. Going to Nakumatt is like going on holiday!
.
Keep going Nakumatt and i promise, one day, i will buy this flat screen tv!

Fashion For Peace. Just for Peace??

Fashion for peace was held in april 2008 and april 2009. I am not going to lie: i did not go to the event : way too expensive first! And the feedback i had from it were not that great : i was not motivated (and rich) enough to go!

There is no publicity about a "fashion for peace 2010": i wonder if there is going to be one or not.
To me, the idea of this show is absolutely stunning: it is another version of a fashion week and i love the way music and fashion are mixed.
On the other hand : is it organised well enough to bring designers exposure? is it sponsored well enough to bring buyers to the event? I don't think so.

To me, it all goes wrong first with the board members:

Ann McCreath (Scotland) worked as a designer in Italy and Spain, she worked on aid in Angola, Kenya and Zimbabwe with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). Traditional arts and crafts then inspired her to move from aid to fair trade as a long term solution to poverty. Her Kenyan contemporary fashion label, KikoRomeo, works with a wide variety of rural and urban communities.
Translation : it is a good opportunity for the designer to talk about her label. (she obviously showcased her collection during the show)


Patricia Amira (Kenya) is one of East Africa's leading media professionals, appearing on Capital FM Nairobi, MNet and the BBC. She is also one of Kenya's foremost corporate MCs. She is the host of her new pan-African prime time television talk show on MNet - The Patricia Show.
Translation : A good way to promote "The Patricia Show"


Patricia Okelo (Kenya) is a graphic designer by profession and has been running her own design studio in Nairobi for the past 7 years. She has always had a keen interest in the arts and feels that they are a powerful catalyst for unity and transformation.
Translation: is she a very good friend of someone in board already or is it really useful to have a graphic designer on board?


Thierry De Oliveira (Cabo Verde/Senegal) has worked as an economist with the United Nations Environment Program in Nairobi since 1999. He is also a professional drummer, studying with Milt Hinton and Drori Mondlak, and performing in the New York jazz scene and with renowned African musician Ali Farka Toure. He is currently working on an album to be launched in early 2009.
Translation: I personally never heard of this man but obviously, being in the music industry is what he is there for.

Hebret Lakew (Ethiopia) studied fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York City. She worked for Italian label Max Mara for four years, heading the Visuals and Merchandising Department for all Max Mara corporate shops in the USA. She is co-founder and designer for the Kenyan based label Kooroo.
Translation: Present as a member to promote her brand (she also showcased her collection during the show)


Dudu Sarr (Senegal) is a London based music promoter and DJ who has worked with top African artists including Baaba Maal and Youssou N'dour. He is currently one of the Womex 7 Samurais and is a jury member of the BBC world music awards. Dudu recently launched his own African music label and production company – Motherland Music.
Translation: Here to represent the music industry, i get it.


Lara Mastropasqua (Italy/Canada) is a freelance media, communications and information consultant, working for the UN, NGOs and the private sector. She spent many years travelling around the globe, working in Asia, Latin America and West Africa before falling in love with Kenya, settling there in 2001.
Translation: Let's be hard on that one : Ann McCreath needed another mzungu perhaps? I can't think of any other good explanation.


If i can give the board's members an advice from a young and african woman ( and trust me, i am the target you want to reach) : i do not want to see old designs for old people chosen by old and tired board members. Africa is not about Masaai and Kanga! There is so much more. Perhaps the FAFA team needs someone young,fresh and with NEW IDEAS in their team? I have many names...

Sylvia Owori: A voice for African Women

Sylvia Owori is fast becoming an East African media icon. As a leading fashion designer, owner of a range of successful clothing boutiques in Uganda and Kenya and publisher of African Woman magazine, she is well known for both her entrepreneurial skills and her creative talent.

Sylvia studied in London and her designs draw on her Ugandan roots, the African lifestyle and her extensive travels to the USA and Europe. She is regularly invited to participate in international fashion events.

In 1999 she started the first modeling agency in Uganda, Zipa Models, which is still going strong. She was instrumental in revitalizing the Miss Uganda pageant during her involvement in this event between 2001 and 2004.

In 2004, Sylvia launched her own label, Sylvia Owori, a prêt-a-porter range on sale exclusively in her stores with the same name. The items are designed with sophisticated, modern working women in mind. In 2005, she created costumes for the main characters of the film The Last King of Scotland.

African Woman magazine was launched in November 2005. It was the first high quality women's magazine to be published in the region, focusing on themes pertinent to contemporary women of East Africa, and fashion.

In April 2009, after publication of 27 issues of African Woman, a second version of the magazine, produced specially for Kenyan readers and advertisers, was launched.

Sylvia's contribution towards Uganda's development was recognised by President Museveni himself when, in June 2006, she received the Presidential Transformers Award.

article from African Woman magazine

Everybody wants a Jack Russel in Kenya!

Got to Sarit Centre, Karen Provision Store, Yaya and any other places where you can put an advert and you will see:

"Beautiful Jack Russel Puppies for sale"

I can't help to wonder: What is it about this little noisy dogs? I have asked my friend Valerie, proud owner of one jack russel. First of all, when i go to visit her: i always have this little fluffy dog barking (if you can call it a bark!) at me and jump on my brand new jean from Woolworth.. The first contact is never great with "Foxy", he actually does look like a little fox: with long hair and a long nose. I start to like him at this point. Then, when my friend and i are having tea: he is all sweet and cuddles her: at that stage, i envy her. After a short while, he is going to the garden: he is like a perfect man: leaving us to our girl's chat. I am now falling in love with him. That love did not last that long when he is bringing a frog back from the garden. At that stage, i am already in my car on my way home....
Apart from that, i must say: i do think i love Jack Russel, i have always been more of a "labrador" or "German Sheperd" person but i could not stop myself: i love this noisy little doggies. They are also a very good security. They are small but don't let this fool you! When they bite: they don't let you go and they are incredibly noisy and alert from miles!

I understand why now so many people in Nairobi and around are proud owners of their Jack Russel.. I might join the club soon! When i see this little face above: i can't resist!

Special farewell show by the cast of The Pan-African Musical theater show ‘Daughters of Africa: The hope of a continent'.

This show at the Sarakasi Dome in Ngara was the only performance in Kenya. The show goes on tour with the official premiere to be in the Royal Carre Theatre in Amsterdam on 11 March 2010.

The musical production brings together 12 girls from 8 African countries in a show that is backed by a band which also has a diverse group of Africans. Photo: Paul Munene.

Article from DRUM

RIP Malcom P

The Mombasa singer was rushed to Jocham Hospital following a car crash on the Mombasa-Malindi highway. He later died in his brothers arms.

''He died from blood clot in his neck. He had broken his neck and his back bone was also damaged as a result of the accident,'' said close friend Rizzla, who was with the musician at the hospital until his death and was quoting the doctors who were taking care of Malcolm P.

The musician passed away early last Wednesday (24. 02. 2010).

Malcolm P made a name for himself in 2008 when he featured TMK Wanaume group in the hit single ''Tukutane''. He was also concert promoter who organized shows in Mombasa and South Coast. He owned a club (Kings Club) and property in Ukunda.

Until his death, the singer was married to a woman of German origin.

Funeral arrangements are already on and the date for his burial is yet to be announced.

Article from DRUM

Is Patricia Amira trying to be the next Oprah?

I have been watching the show for months and i can't help to wonder: Is Patricia Amira trying to be like Oprah? Let's be honest: Oprah is a legend, a true business woman who worked hard for what she has got. I don't think this is a black community feeling: Everybody loves Oprah. On television, she is clever, funny, interested: she is just fabulous.

When i watch "The Patricia show", i don't get the same vibe, I am actually bored pretty quickly. It is all too stiff and the lack of naturalism and professionalism in Patricia Amira is palpable.
There is apparently a new season coming up on Mnet: First of all, i do not understand how Mnet wants to carry on with this show but then... everybody deserves a second chance!


Let's just hope the second season will be much better than the first one and Patricia Amira will finally look like she is enjoying herself! She looks nice and cool but it does not really show on television.... I can't wait to see the result!

The end of Twende and Adam!

According to the Target Group Index (TGI) research by Consumer Insight, magazine readership in Kenya has over the years have been on the downward trend. The last two years has seen a growth in the number of titles ranging from health, sports, travel, lifestyle, management, financial matters etc. The news of the suspended magazine titles therefore sends a worrying message as it comes months after Nation Media Group stopped the publishing of Daily Metro newspaper that was barely one year old in the market.

“There are just too many magazines around and most of them are ego trips for very few people. I wonder exactly what Adam was doing that DRUM and True Love weren't doing,” argues Dr. Tom Odhiambo, a literature lecturer at University of Nairobi and a literary commentator.

The last editions of Adam and Twende will be the December 2009/January 2010 editions.

article by BizzCommunity

Diana Nekoye: A true beauty

She is beautiful, sweet and clever : How annoying of her! No joke, when you see this girl: you remember her. Her smile, her eyes, her heart: Everything in Diana is stunning.

I was sad to see her losing the FOA (face of Africa) on Mnet but this is just the beginning for her and i wish her all the success!