Singing It Her Way: Nya Jade

Once upon a time in California, there was a Ghanaian pre-med student studying at Stanford University who fell in love with playing music. Free spirited at heart, but confied by the pressures of her pre-med ambitions, she left music to focus on her intellectual pursuits. However, when she was hit by a car while riding her bike, her life was refocused back on her passion: music. This may sound like a prelude to a contemporary fictional drama unfolding from the pages of a book, but this is actually a true story. This is an account of the life of Nya Jade. You can read all about her inspiring story in the September 2007 issue of MIMI, but here's the part of her story that didn't make it into the September 2007 article:

MIMI: How would you describe your music in three words?
Nya Jade: Honest, Soulful, Eclectic.

MIMI: Where do you draw inspiration for your songs?

NJ: I have an archive of personal experiences from which I draw material for my songs. I am also inspired by our journey in life from mundane things such as the weather to bigger things like social and world issues. Ultimately, love and the wide range of emotions it can generate will always be source of inspiration.

MIMI: What would most people be surprised to know about you?

NJ: I collect pop culture magazines. Haha. Strange i know but one day in the far future someone will pay top dollar for the issue of one of those weeklies with Shiloh Jolie-Pitt on the cover and I will have it!! At some point I will recycle them all.

MIMI: What inspired you to start the NYA Foundation?

NJ: As a child of Africa I've always wanted to find a way to give back in some way to the continent. My father is a doctor and he has been involved in the HIV/AIDS epidemic for the past 15+ years. His work with the UN and other international health agencies has allowed my family to live in several countries. His goal was to always take his acquired knowledge and skill set back to Africa which he has. His HIV/AIDS work in countries like Zambia, Sudan and Uganda has made me acutely aware of the need to support the orphan generation of Africa loosing parents to the disease and other circumstances and so I started the NYA Foundation.

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MIMI Related Link: www.nyajade.com

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MIMI Mambo Link: Singing It Her Way: Nya Jade www.mimimagazine.com/2007/september/03-06-nyajade01.html

Love Life

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MIMI Related Link: www.lovelife.org.za
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MIMI Africana Link: First Comes The AIDS Test, Then Comes Marriage www.mimimagazine.com/february2006/02-02-aids01.html

The Motions Mohawk

Motions Hair Brand's chic new coif, the Motions Mohawk, turns heads and earns admiring glances for any woman who dares to wear it. Get all the details about the Motions Mohawk as well as styling tips at www.motionshair.com

(Photo Credits: PRNewsFoto/MOTIONS)

Roots And Culture Clothing: Rasjudah

Rasjudah's CEO, Helen Dominque Yohannes was featured in MIMI's Hot 21; that's her featured front row center in the photograph in the cutoff tank top. To find out more about the label she co-founded, Rasjudah— "a flawless blend of culture, modern-day style, reggae/hip-hop, and ethnic pride"—visit: www.rasjudah.com

Celebrate African Fashion With Runway Africa

Runway Africa is just days away. The event will take place at the French Embassy in Washington, DC. Doors will open to the public at 7pm and the show begins at 8pm sharp. Featured African inspired designers include: BEZEYMAILAN from Togo, SIKA DESIGNS from Ghana, RUBY from South Africa, BLOKES N' DIVAS from Nigeria and HARRIET'S ALTER EGO originally from Nigeria based in NYC. Tickets are still on sale and available online at www.runwayafrica.com. Also, don't forget about the after party at Posh Restaurant and Super Club (730 11th Street NW).

MIMI Features Link: Runway Beauty: Angela Asare

Fashion, Week,

Rag & Bone
I love The simplicity and formality of this collection, I usually don't really like rag & bone but this collection is less rock 'n' roll and more refined with amazing fedoras. I am buying one, no joke.


Rachel Comy
I just discovered this designer, and i am in love with her. She makes other wise "dowdy" florals and thick rimmed glasses give a fresh take on the "sexy secretary" look. These pieces are definitely on my "to get" list.


BCBG Max Azria
Simplicity,


Karen Walker
I love Karen Walker and that is that.

New Buys,

Went out and got these shoes today, I've had my eye on them because they're practical and cute.
Shoes: Urban Outfitters
Turban Headband: Urban Outfitters
Lensless Glasses: Brother's
Scarf: Vintage

September 2007: Breaking Boundaries

Noëlla Coursaris and Kaysha make history on the September 2007 cover of MIMI—Noëlla is the first woman to appear on MIMI's cover twice, while Kaysha is the first man ever to appear on MIMI's cover. Their friendship has sparked rumors about the nature of their relationship; however, in an interview with MIMI's Nani Hapa, Kaysha set the record straight and explained "We are just like brother and sister." Indeed, Noëlla confirmed that she is happily single and that her and Kaysha are just friends. As she explains, "I see him more like a brother." Read about how the Congolese stars are making great strides in the articles: Empowering Girls Through Education and The Best Of Kaysha. For more on both Noëlla and Kaysha, take at look at The Hot 21, where both of them are featured.

All About MIMI Link: Volume 3, Issue 6: Breaking Boundaries
www.mimimagazine.com/2007/september