Rihanna's Recording Again

Barbadian recording artist Rihanna has been working on her third album, Good Girl Gone Bad, which is scheduled to be released later on this year. Today, she released her first single from the upcoming album, Umbrella, worldwide. The song is a catchy tune about being there for someone through rain and sunshine ... hence, the title Umbrella. You can hear the track (which features Jay-Z) by visiting her official Def Jam website click here

Rihanna literally records a new album every year, and remarkably, for someone who releases so much music, she delivers solid hits each time around. From the sounds of her first single, she's up to do the same with Good Girl Gone Bad.

(Photo Credits: PRNewsFoto/Island Def Jam Music Group)

That's So Fabulous!

Our favorite child actress, turned superstar, Raven Symoné was honored at the 13th Annual National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) Awards with the 2007 North Star Award, which is presented annually to an individual or organization that has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to promoting ethnic and cultural diversity.

At just 22, Raven's illustrious career began at age 3 with her debut primetime television role on The Cosby Show. Through her recent works, including major film roles and television vehicles such as That's So Raven and The Cheetah Girls, the multi-talented entertainer's works have been embraced by people of all races and cultures. "I have been a longtime supporter of NAMIC and its mission," said Raven, "I am thrilled to be recognized as this year's NAMIC Vision Awards North Star Award recipient."

(Photo Caption: "Left To Right: Comedian Rondell Sheridan, Raven-Symone, And Comedienne Niecy Nash")

(Photo Credits: PRNewsFoto/NAMIC)

SSAFW The Winter Collections—I LOVE LEROY

I LOVE LEROY (by Sarah Webber) is inspired by the street. The clothing is classic and comfortable with elements of laid-back romance. Here's what SSAFW has to say about I LOVE LEROY's the autumn/winter collection: "Playful elements of the 60s housewife collide with the sulky cowgirl combined with a vibrant street signature. In preparation for summer's last breath, colours become bolder, fabrics more chunky and garments layered. I LOVE LEROY is for those 'tomboy goes to church' moments and the appeal of hot chocolate for so many grey days to come."

MIMI's two cents: I LOVE LEROY is definitely one of our favorite collections from SSAFW's autumn/winter show. The urban influence clearly shows with the hooded jackets and tops, and it's nice that Sarah Webber added a femine touch to it all by pairing it all with bubble dresses. This is a collection, that we can actually see ourselves wearing when we're out and about and wanting to look chic, but not overdressed. Luv it!

(Photo Credits: Provided Courtesy Of Sanlam South Africa Fashion Week)

SSAFW The Winter Collections—Julian

SSAFW said the following about Julian's winter range: "Julian's winter range consists of knee-length coats and dresses in the new cocoon shape in addition to the 60s tailored silhouette. Dresses feature strongly in the collection, ranging in shape from the tailored and fitted, A-line, volume to the baby doll. Grey, black and white dominate the colour palette and beautiful handcrafted detail in the form of reflective glass and metal beading."

MIMI's point of view: Julian never disappoints, and always has a new way of making basic colors fashionable. This time, his choice colors (black, gray) were updated by the choice of fabric and the details like glass beading. Although Julian focuses on dresses, each time he delivers a collection that looks like something that you have never seen before. Simply fabulous!

SSAFW The Winter Collections—Coppèlia

According to SSAFW, "The winter Coppèlia range is inspired by the genre of country music. Inspiration comes from Sissy Spacek in The Coal Miner's Daughter, the music of Emmy Lou Harris, Loretta Lynn and the contemporary The Be Good Tanyas. There is a touch of the deep south of the 1920's and 1930's in the collection. The range consists of everyday country work wear to Sunday 'dress up best.' Layering in the form of coats over dresses, loose fit denim jeans, shorts and skirts in natural fabrics such as various weighted cottons and lightly bleached denim. Over dyed and delicately printed cottons feature strongly. The colour palette moves from black, brown, maroon to grey and cream. Tan hiking boots, thick woollen winter socks contrast with delicate dresses. The hemlines on skirts and dresses rise just above and on the knee in loose fitting silhouettes. The range is simple, uncluttered and honest."

MIMI's take: Inspired by the South ... hm, that's an interesting choice for a South African designer. Anyhow, the South is typically evocative of the Southern Belle (think big puffy white and peach colored dresses), but obviously Coppèlia was going in the opposite direction and thinking of the working South. We think that the Coppèlia collection has some silhouettes that you don't see that often, but overall the shapes are not flattering and not forward-looking. The dresses don't look like something that a grown woman would wear. Thoughts?

(Photo Credits: Provided Courtesy Of Sanlam South Africa Fashion Week)

M'Bem Di Fora Is Out Today

Lura's new album M'bem di Fora (I Come from Far Away) is released today on Times Square/4Q Records. The album draws on Lura's rural roots while revealing a side of Cape Verdean music that is new to most American audiences. She throws in a little R&B as a nod to her own generation and the result is fantastic. Add M'Bem Di Fora to your collection now.

(Photo Credits: Joe Wuerfel for Lusafrica)

MIMI Mambo Link: Lura's Light www.mimimagazine.com/2007/march/03-03-lura01.html

SSAFW The Winter Collections—Mzansi Designers

According to SSAFW: "The Mzansi designers winter collection takes its inspiration from harvest time, the season of great abundance for many South African cultures. This inspiration is interpreted through the use of opulent fabrics rich in colour and texture depicting South Africa's landscape, which is a kaleidoscope of colour. A combination of striking yet simple silhouettes further complements the key design direction."

(Photo Credits: Provided Courtesy Of Sanlam South Africa Fashion Week)

SSAFW The Winter Collections—Bongiwe Walaza

SSAFW says: "Brown, black, grey, yellow and white dominate Bongiwe [Walaza's] colour palette for her winter range. Shwe-shwe fabrics in silhouettes which are perfectly tailored and friendly figure-hugging with an emphasis on the waist remain true to her signature design style."





(Photo Credits: Provided Courtesy Of Sanlam South Africa Fashion Week)

SSAFW The Winter Collections—Thula Sindi

SSAFW says: "The future plays a strong role in Thula Sindi's first ever winter collection. Thula has considered his future, the future of South African fashion and cultural and traditional elements. His ambition is to create a local jet-set aesthetic. Inspired by a mystery woman whose identity is yet to be revealed, Thula believes this woman to have strength, complete conviction in her personal style."

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(Photo Credits: Provided Courtesy Of Sanlam South Africa Fashion Week)

South Africa Fashion Week, The Winter Collections

We were so excited about Johannesburg Fashion Week, South Africa's first ever annual autumn/winter fashion week! Now, Sanlam South Africa Fashion Week has followed suit and established an autumn/winter show. This past weekend, from March 23-24th, Sanlam South Africa Fashion Week showcased winter collections from South Africa's top established and up-and-coming young designers. Stay tuned to MIMI's Blogspot for a preview of the collections, which we will be posting throughout the week.

MIMI Style Link: Inside Fashion: Johannesburg Fashion Week www.mimimagazine.com/2007/march/03-03-joburgfashionweek01.html

A Model For Public Education

Oprah Winfrey's Leadership Academy for Girls opened with enormous fanfare in January (and its fair share of criticism). Undeterred by the naysayers, last week, Winfrey opened her second school for poor South African youth: The Seven Fountains School. Winfrey first visited the school in 2002 when it was located on a farm, bringing gifts, clothing, books and teacher-training materials for its 1,000 students and staff. However, the school was later forced to move from the farm and relocated to a building with no windows, little electricity and running water, and only four toilets. During a follow-up visit in 2004, Oprah's Angel Network committed itself to building a new school. Winfrey hopes that the rebuilt school will be a model for public education in South Africa.

Say what you will about Lady O, but you've got to love her generous spirit! Get the full story about the school at oprah.com

Parents Take Issue With Oprah's Leadership Academy

Oprah's Leadership Academy is drawing up some new found criticism, and this time the heat is coming from the parents of the girls who attend the Academy. According to South African internet news service, News24, some parents are criticizing the Academy as being "too strict" and are threatening to pull their daughters out of the school if the rules do not loosen up. Among other complaints, parents are alleging that they are only allowed to visit their daughters once a month, that the girls are prohibited from using cellphones and email during the school week, and that junk food is banned. The Chicago Sun Times reports that "a Winfrey spokeswoman said all the school's polices are designed to benefit the girls." Get all the details from News24 at www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,9294,2-7-1442_2081757,00.html, and read The Chicago Sun Times' account at www.suntimes.com/entertainment/television/294446,CST-NWS-oprah13.article

Ronke Apampa's Star Power

Ronke Apampa proves again that she is definitely one of Nigeria's "it girls" with the creation of Stars on the Runway. The event (which will be held on March 24th at Lagoon Restaurant, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria) is a fashion show with a difference, that will feature celebrities and stars from Nigeria on the runway wearing what the event's producers call "creations from the best of Nigerian designers." Hosted by Richard Blackwood and Stella Damasus Aboderin, the event is scheduled to include all sorts of celebrities modeling on the runway, including Nnenna Agba from America's Next Top Model (Cycle 6).

If you're wondering who Ronke Apampa is, she is a presenter and producer on The Black Variety Show (which airs on Britain's Sky Digital Channel 223). In addition to working on her television program, Ronke works on outreach programs to make a difference for the underprivileged (like Stars on the Runway, which will raise money for charity).

For more information about Stars on the Runway visit www.starsontherunway.com

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(Photo Credits: R70 World Inc.)

MIMI Features Link: The Hot 21: Ronke Apampa www.mimimagazine.com/september2005/01-06-ratedhot09

Women Of Color Film Festival

Mark your calendars, Iyoladé Productions is putting on its 3rd annual Women of Color Film Festival in Atlanta, Georgia on March 24th. As part of the expansion of the festival, women of color in music will also have a platform to represent their work. This first installment of showcasing talented musicians will feature artists from different backgrounds: Africa (Tiwa Savage), Haiti (St.Juste) and the Diaspora (Toni Blackman). Get all the details at www.iyalodeproductions.com

MIMI Mambo Link: On Her Way To The Top: Tiwa Savage www.mimimagazine.com/may2006/02-05-tiwasavage01

A Proud Moment For Cameroon

Cameroon's very own filmmaker extraordinaire Jean Pierre Bekolo Obama won the Silver Award (Stallion of Yenenga) at FESPACO, Africa's most prestigious film festival. For those who haven't already seen it, check out Ngum Ngafor's interview with him in MIMI's February 2007 issue: www.mimimagazine.com/2007/february/03-02-cinema01.html and see just why this guy deserves the accolades he's getting. Also, find out more about other FESPACO winners at www.fespaco.bf.

Artist Spotlight: Adé Bantu

AfroPean. NiGerman. Whatever you want to label him, Adé Bantu, is a pioneer of the German hip hop movement. Adé named his musical collective Bantu for a few reasons. In Yoruba, the phrase “é ban tu” means to untie. The name honors the martyred anti-apartheid leader Steve Biko who was of Bantu origin. And finally Bantu stands for Brotherhood Alliance Navigating Towards Unity. Now that's deep!

Born to a German mother and a Nigerian father in England, Adé relocated to Cologne, Germany in recent years. Adé was almost 16 years old when his father was murdered by armed robbers. He speaks of the therapeutic importance of music, “food for the soul.” He unites his multicultural influences both sonically and politically, both personally and publicly. His spicy AfroPean stew is a natural blend of the most converse elements of both continents’ traditions. Drawing from his forefathers’ roots and his experience of the African diaspora alike, he uses the variety of urban styles and sounds to contribute another shade to the soundtrack of a global Africa: profoundly rooted in Yoruba history yet dripping with Western production standards, deeply sensual yet utterly spiritual, thoroughly individual yet highly political. Purchase Adé Bantu's latest musical offering at Amazon.com and visit Adé Bantu's official website at www.bantucrew.com.

(Photo Credits: Yohannes Winta)

Artist Spotlight: Daara J

If you're looking for a new kind of hip-hop that is about more than b*tches, bling, and bragging, then you've got to take a listen to Daara J. The group, made up of N’Dango D, Aladji Man and Faada Freddy (from Senegal), combine French and American rap, reggae, soul funk and Cuban music to create a sound that is distinct to them. The group's lyrics, mostly in French and their native Senegalese Wolof, eschew the braggadocio of much American hip-hop for some Afro-centric social commentary that harks back to old-schoolers like KRS-One and Public Enemy. "Daara J means 'school of life', and with every production we want to give an education to our listeners," Alhadji Man said in an interview.

Daara J’s last album Boomerang proved to be universally relevant, globally appreciated, and unique to its creators. The Observer called Boomerang “one of the hip-hop albums of the century” and the BBC awarded Daara J a world music award. What the group managed to do on the album was to create a piece of work that could stand proudly side by side with anything coming out of the US, UK, France or anywhere else for that matter, touching on every subject from the shortcomings of traditional society to the perils of globalisation in their lyrics. Listen to tracks from Daara J's album Boomerang and purchase the CD at Amazon.com

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(Photo Credits: Provided Courtesy Of Wrasse Records)

Celebrating African Arts In The UK

This past week, the BBC launched the new website Africa Beyond www.bbc.co.uk/africabeyond, which celebrates African arts in the UK. Africa Beyond casts its net right across the African continent to illustrate the diverse and complex cultures of the 54 African nations and the Diaspora-in cinema, television, photography, literature, music, architecture, visual art, history, craft, design, performing arts, workshops and debate.

(Photo Credits: Provided Courtesy Of Ilkamedia)

Steal Ubah's Covergirl Look

MIMI's February 2007 covergirl, Ubah, was photographed by LA-based international photographer, Jo Liu. MIMI loves Jo Liu for her eye for detail, and ability to capture the beauty in any subject.

For more information about Jo Liu Photography, visit www.JoLiuPhotography.com or call 213-623-2556.

(Photo Credits: Jo Liu)

MIMI Features Link: Captivating Ubah www.mimimagazine.com/2007/february/03-02-ubah01.html

A New Look For Four Kornerz

Finally, the newly revamped Four Kornerz website has launched for your viewing pleasure! The guys have had a bit of makeover with new photos, extra gallery pics, guest book and more. Hit the site and have a good look around at www.fourkornerz.com. You can also interact with Four Kornerz and let them know what you think about their new look by posting a message on their guestbook fourkornerz.com/gb.

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In other big news, the band of brothers are about to release a new single, Gonna Make It, which will feature Jahaziel. From what we've heard of the single, it promises to be hot, hot, hot! Stay posted to MIMI's Blogspot to find out when the single will be officially released.

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(Photo Credits: UB1 Music © 2007)

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

African Girl Single Released Today

Nayo, MIMI's March 2007 covergirl, has released her debut single, African Girl today. To hear the clip and find out how you can purchase it, visit www.myspace.com/nayo. Nayo has also recorded a video for the track, which can also be found on her MySpace page. Here are some photographs that were taken on location of the African Girl video shoot:

(Photo Credits: Provided Courtesy Of Fyro Music)

MIMI Features Link: Our Favorite African Girl www.mimimagazine.com/2007/march/03-03-nayo01.html

March 2007: The Culture Of Cool

Our second annual music issue is now available. Nigerian singer/song-writer Nayo graces the cover. Stay tuned to MIMI's Blogspot for profiles of emerging African musicians this month.

All About MIMI Link: Volume 3, Issue 3: The Culture Of Cool www.mimimagazine.com/2007/march