The Music Man: Sizwe Dhlomo

Durban-born Johannesburg resident Sizwe Dhlomo is certainly living out his dreams with an exciting role on MTV Base’s pro-social programme, MTV Base Uncensored. At just 22, Sizwe is the studio anchor on the talked-about show, which encourages young Africans to talk frankly and openly about love, sex, relationships and emotional issues. Sizwe's first taste of TV fame came when he was appointed MTV’s first ever African VJ in October 2005. Overnight, Sizwe achieved TV stardom and thousands of admiring fans as he was transformed from being a soft-spoken junior bank executive to a fully-fledged MTV VJ, hosting his own weekly TV show – MTV base World Chart Express.

Sizwe uses his down-time to make and produce his own rap music as budding rap artist Scatter Brain. Unfortunately, Sizwe doesn’t have too much time for making music right now, he says, "I love my music but I don't think it is something that I'd look into in terms of a career at this point. However, I would be interested in featuring on one or two tracks, so if anyone wants to try me out: I’m ready and willing…" As ambitious as he is good looking, the future’s so bright for Sizwe, he’d better wear shades!

Catch Sizwe on MTV base Uncensored on MTV base (DStv Channel 88) every Thursday from 25 May 2006 at 21:00-21:30 CAT.

(Photo Credits: Provided Courtesy Of MTV Base Africa)

Red Carpet Fashion: The Dreamgirls

Last night, black Hollywood was in top form for the Oscars as they made their way down the red carpet. Here's what the Dreamgirls were wearing:

Jennifer Hudson walked down the red carpet in a brown fluted gown with a metallic python bolero by Oscar de la Renta. Although Hudson was the belle of the Academy Awards ball, she's been a favorite on the critics' "worst dressed" lists for having too much going on with the bolero jacket and the pockets in the dress. Paired with a different outfit, the jacket would be hot, but with the dress it looks out of place. Still, we love the rich chocolate brown color of the dress and the hair is simply fab!

Anika Noni Rose sparkled on the red carpet in her gun metal silver gown. The plunging neckline (a little too low for our taste) and slit in the front definitely turned up the va-va-voom factor, but Anika struck a balance with the longer sleeves. By the way, the shoes Anika is wearing were created especially for her by shoe designer Stuart Weitzman. The shoes are adorned with 1,420 individual brilliant cut Kwiat diamonds, weighing over 30 carats. Oh my!

Beyoncé Knowles wore a flowing mint green Armani Privé gown that had an interesting neckline made of stones. Wearing her hair down created a lovely long silhouette, however we've seen Beyoncé look better on the red carpet. We think it's the pale color of the dress that is throwing the ensemble off ... but still, the more subtle look was a safe choice for the upscale event.

(Photo Credits: AMPAS)

Black Hollywood Royalty

By now, you've heard that the 79th Annual Academy Awards was packed with black star power. As predicted, America's favorite dreamgirl Jennifer Hudson won best supporting actress. We're so proud of the first time actress!

As expected, Forest Whitaker won best actor for his performance of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin. "Receiving this honor tonight tells me that it’s possible, it is possible for a kid from East Texas, raised in South Central L.A. and Carson, who believes in his dreams, commits himself to them with his heart, to touch them and to have them happen," Whitaker said as he accepted his award. He also thanked the people of Uganda for their hospitality. We love that! Perhaps Whitaker's win will inspire Hollywood to do more stories related to Africa; with all its diversity, it's a goldmine for stories.

The night's big upset was Eddie Murphy, who lost best supporting actor for his role in Dreamgirls to Alan Arkin who was nominated for his role in Little Miss Sunshine. Still, it was a big night for black star power with Hudson and Whitaker taking two of the four main acting awards, and having other top rate nominees including Will Smith and Djimon Hounsou.

(Photo Credits: AMPAS)

Out With The Skinny, Curves Are In!

Joburg Fashion Week 2007, South Africa's first annual autumn/winter fashion week, took place in Johannesburg from February 14th through the 17th. A highlight of Joburg Fashion Week was the Audi Collection where real-bodied celebrities charmed audiences on the catwalk as they made a statement against "size 0" models, making us proud to be the women we are.

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It's not just the models who were taking a stand against the emaciated look, even fashion designers showcased designs made for curvaceous, hip-swinging women. Top label Stoned Cherrie pinched in waists with giant African print belts for an hour glass look, drawing a standing ovation at their show. Earlier this month at London Fashion Week, Nigerian-born designer Duro Olowu proved to be a surprise hit by using curvaceous models. Olowu was quoted as saying, "If a woman can't look good in something that's a size 8 or a size 14 then it's the garment, not the woman."

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MIMI will have all the highlights from Joburg Fashion Week in our upcoming March 2007 issue. For now, here's more from the Joburg Fashion Week Audi Collection:

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Yvonne Chaka Chaka (dressed by Hip Hop) & Basetsana Khumalo (dressed by David Tlale of Exodus)

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Lira (dressed by Sun Goddess) & Nicole Fox (dressed by Stoned Cherrie)

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Ursula Stapelfeldt (dressed by KLuK CGdT)

(Photo Credits: Simon Deiner / SDR PHOTO)


MIMI Style Link: Real Fashion For Real Women: Monif C www.mimimagazine.com/september2006/02-06-monifc01.html

Mayaeni Rocks Black Style

Check out Mayaeni in the 2007 Pepsi Calendar celebrating the history of African American fashion. Remember acid washed jeans? So eighties. Or how about big hoop earrings? Very seventies. All these trends are recreated for different months in the calendar. You can learn more about African American fashion and download the calendar for yourself at www.pepsiblackinstyle.com (Mayaeni is featured in the month of October).


MIMI Mambo Link: Unplugged Soul: Mayaeni www.mimimagazine.com/november2006/02-08-mayaeni01.html

Steal This Look

For all African mamas to be who don't believe that they can look fabulous while pregnant, take a cue from fashion designer Nkhensani Manganyi who rocked the runway in style while presenting Stoned Cherrie's 2007 autumn/winter collection at the first ever AUDI Joburg Fashion Week. A very pregnant (and bald) Manganyi graced the runway in green sequined peep toe pumps, an empire waist black dress with a gold braided belt, and for a touch of sophistication, a lovely scarf with an animal print. Simply fabulous!

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(Photo Credits: Simon Deiner / SDR PHOTO)

MIMI Features Link: Cherrie On Top www.mimimagazine.com/november2006/02-08-stonedcherrie01.html

MIMI Style Link: Urban Elegance: Stoned Cherie www.mimimagazine.com/april2006/02-04-stonedcherrie01.html

Band Of Brothers: Four Kornerz

Nigerian/British group Four Kornerz' year has already kicked off to a flying start. The band of brothers won the hot talent competition “Testing 1,2,3” which is Croydon’s hottest band search. Four Kornerz beat stiff competition from rock, acoustic and urban talent to be presented with the top prize. As part of the win, Four Kornerz will perform at the annual Croydon Summer Festival in July where thousands will attend the highly anticipated open-air music event. Find out more about Four Kornerz at www.fourkornerz.com

(Photo Credits: Provided Courtesy of UB1 Music)

MIMI Mambo Link: Nu-Soul Brothers: Four Kornerz www.mimimagazine.com/february2006/02-02-fourkornerz01.html

E-Poetry

E-book publisher Al Kags has published it's latest quaterly publication Red Streaks. Red Streaks features poets from Uganda (Rebecca Rugyendo) and Tanzania (Sandra A. Mushi, whose poem The Anniversary Night was published in MIMI's November 2005 issue: www.mimimagazine.com/november2005/01-08-poetrycorner.html). Al Kags is a great forum for aspiring poets; you can find out more about Red Streaks and other publications at alkags.wordpress.com

(Photo Credits: Provided Courtesy Of Al Kags)

The Leading Man: Djimon Hounsou

With raw talent and handsome looks to back him up, Benin born Djimon Hounsou makes MIMI's cut for the ultimate leading man. Nomitated in the Best Performance by an Actor category for the 79th Anniversary Academy Awards, here is is with fellow nominees in the category at a recent luncheon.

Pictured clockwise from upper left: Djimon Hounsou for Blood Diamond; Mark Wahlberg for The Departed; Jackie Earle Haley Little Children; Alan Arkin for Little Miss Sunshine; and Eddie Murphy for Dreamgirls. We'll all be rooting for Djimon Hounsou when the Oscars air on February 25.

(Photo Credits: AMPAS)

The Man Of Style: Walé Adeyemi

MIMI has always loved Nigerian-British designer Walé Adeyemi, that's why we rated him "HOT" back in 2005 in our first ever compilation of Africa's biggest and brightest stars (check out: www.mimimagazine.com/september2005/01-06-ratedhot03.html). Can you blame us though? What's not to love about Walé Adeyemi? The man clearly knows fashion and business as is evidenced by the success of his self-titled clothing line. That he's easy on the eyes doesn't hurt his cause either. Get more information about Walé Adeyemi at www.waleadeyemi.com and, stay posted to MIMI's Blogspot for more profiles of African men who've got style, looks, and so much more going for them.

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(Photo Credits: Provided Courtesy Of Cohn Wolfe)

The Model Male: Amos Vuma

Amos Vuma is a South African model (with his chocolate complexion and chiseled looks we can see why). When MIMI interviewed him way back when he told us he was single (we'd like to believe he still is). He also revealed the following about himself ...

Last great book that you read? Everything's Eventual by Stephen King.

Favorite CD (if you had to pick one)? A Long Hot Summer by Master Ace.

Favorite time of day? Late at night when it's dark, because it's quiet and peaceful and it helps me think about what I'm going to achieve the following day.

Complete the sentence, love is ... a game of lies.

The most endearing quality a woman can possess? She must be dark, beautiful, petite with a good body. Independence is also important.

Yes ladies, we noticed that he said he loves "dark" women! Learn more about Amos Vuma at www.icemodels.co.za and of course, watch this space for more African model males ;)

(Photo Credits: Provided Courtesy of Taryn for ICE Models Johannesburg)

The Man Of Words: Yonnie

What's not to love about Yonie? He's a rapper and poet of Ethiopian origin ... and, um, oh yeah, he's so, so fine (blush)!

MIMI: What got you interested in becoming a performer?
Yonie: I've always felt comfortable in front of an audience. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what sparked my initial interest since it developed at such an early age. But I do believe that my reason for pursuing a career in performing not only has to do with personal interest but also with heredity. In high school and college, both my parents were involved in the student movement against the Ethiopian government at that time. They were very outspoken and blunt with their opinions. When I perform my poetry, I feel like them 30 years later. So, although my interest in performing has strengthened incredibly over the years, it's also just in my blood.

MIMI: What's the last great book you read?
Yonie: Holler If You Hear Me by Michael Eric Dyson

MIMI: What's your favorite CD (if you had to select one)?
Yonie: Well, I usually burn CD's but a CD that I love listening to would be Jay-Z first Blueprint album

MIMI: An ideal date would be ...
Yonie: whatever I felt like doing at that time. I might want to go out to a 4-star restaurant before going to the movies to watch a highly anticipated film, then catch some ice cream and go for a drive. Or I might just feel like hittin up Blockbuster, poppin some kettle corn and making it a movie night at the house.

MIMI: Most endearing quality a woman could possess?
Yonie: The quality of treating me exactly how she would want to be treated. Thats the best quality!

Learn more about Yonie at www.yonie.net and watch this space for more profiles of talented African men who just happen to be fine (teehee) throughout the month of February.

(Photo Credits: Provided Courtesy Of Yonie)

Grammys' Update

So many nominees (check out: mimimagazine.blogspot.com/2007/01/and-nominees-are.html), but there can only be one winner! Congratulations to the Soweto Gospel Choir for snagging the Best Traditional World Music Album for Blessed.

MIMI Mambo Link: Get Lifted www.mimimagazine.com/may2005/01-05-sowetogospelchoir01.html

It's Official ...

Barack Obama announced today that he is running for the White House in 2008, evoking Abraham Lincoln's ability to unite a nation and promising to lead a new generation to "transform this nation." We couldn't be more excited! Get the details at www.barackobama.com

MIMI Africana Link: 10 Reasons Why Barack Obama Should Run For President www.mimimagazine.com/2007/january/03-01-obama01.html

February 2007: Love Actually

The Febraury 2007 issue of MIMI, Love Actually, is now available. Somalian rising starlet Ubah is this month's covergirl. In recognition of the month of love, read about love and more in this issue.

All About MIMI Link: Volume 3, Issue 2: Love Actually www.mimimagazine.com/2007/february