Audi Joburg Fashion Week, now in its third year, takes place in Johannesburg over four days from 21 to 24 January 2009.

Audi Joburg Fashion Week showcases the best of South African design talent to a global audience of media, fashion buyers and consumers.

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African Vibes Magazine's Amabel Niba and PAAF's Ayuko Babu

It was raining and pouring but Los Angeles film makers, celebrities, city officials and media came out among others to show their strong support for the Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) on Thursday night. Guests graced the Director’s Guild of America where the opening event was hosted, with their beautiful and colorful outfits. Among the guests was African Vibes Magazine Editorial Director, Amabel Niba.

The evening was kicked off by Ayuko Babu, PAFF’s founder, and hosted by the charismatic and ever so charming Blair Underwood.  Marla Gibbs was given the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award with a fun acceptance speech asking Babu to rename the award because she was not done yet. Also honored was Actor Omar Benson Miller (“Miracle at St. Anna”) for PAFF’s Canada Lee Award. The funny actor left the podium saying “I do not want to be one of those actors who are disillusioned by Hollywood. Instead of letting Hollywood work me, I will work Hollywood”.

Actor Blaire Underwood and African Vibes Magazine's Amabel Niba

California Assembly Speaker Karen Bass flew in from Sacramento where she and her colleagues were working hard to get a very late state budget together, so she could be at this event. She was recognized for her commitment to supporting the exhibition of film, art and creative expression with the Community Service Award. Also awarded for her support and commitment to the festival was South Africa Consulate General  Honorable Jeanette Ndhlovu who made guests laugh when she told everyone that Blaire Underwood had made a commitment to go Shark diving in South Africa. A scary prospect for such a favorite among women but a good faith gesture all the same.

Designer Dearra poses with African Vibes Magazine's Amabel Niba

After the awards was a screening of the movie “Jerusalema”. When asked about her impression of the festival and opening movie, African Vibes Editorial Director said “This festival is so necessary. You can tell from the fliers and filmmakers who are here tonight and promoting their films, that they have worked really hard. We need to come out and show our support for them by watching their movies. We all owe our gratitude to Babu and his team for making it possible for black fim-makers from all over to expose their work, in effect sharing our stories with the community.

“As far as Jerusalema is concerned, I think Ralph Zinman made me proud. The story was engaging even though it was a little longer than I expected.  Rapulana Seiphemo played his character, Lucky Kunene, quite convincingly. South Africa is definitely taking the lead in film-making with films that can truly compete with the West; a reminder that the world has gotten smaller. I am sure there are many African filmmakers who are hot on the heels of Hollywood, working with less but making the most out of the tools and finance they have to produce some compelling films.”

Niba’s statement rings true indeed and can be seen in the diverse story telling of the filmmakers who made submissions this year. After the screening, film makers wasted no time in promoting their movies and encouraging guests and media representatives to screen them. The evening progressed with buffet style dinner, cocktails and a live music presentation from George Clinton’s band. Overall the night was a success and a reminder that the success of those telling our stories need the support of the community; our support.

PAFF SCREENING DATES

Michael Jackson is back in court with Rihanna this time for nicking the hook of African Jazz legend from Cameroon, Manu Dibango. Dibango filed a lawsuit in Paris on Tuesday against both Rihanna and Michael Jackson, claiming the artists have nicked one of his hooks “mama-say mama-sa ma-ma-coo-sa,” a Dual chant from his 1972 classic single “Soul Makossa”.

Dibango references one of the most famous bits in Jackson’s 1983 track, “Wanna Be Startin’ Something.” Jackson had already admitted to borrowing the line, according to the AFP, settling with Dibango out of court, but when Rihanna came calling in 2007, asking to sample Jackson on her song “Don’t Stop the Music”, Jackson agreed – allegedly without contacting Dibango. “Don’t Stop the Music” went on to top the European Hot 100.

Dibango’s is demanding €500,000 in damages and that Sony BMG, EMI and Warner Music be barred from receiving “mama-say mama-sa”-related income until the matter is resolved.

French judges will announce on 17 February whether they will hear the case.

For decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi has pushed for a United States of Africa, something all of AU’s 53 states have said they agree in principle to although they can’t seem to agree on a timeline. Estimates for how long this will take vary from nine to 35 years.

Now that President Gadaffi has finally won the top seat at the African Union, he is promising to accelerate his drive for a United States of Africa, saying that if there was not a majority opposed at the next summit in July, this would mean the idea was approved – somewhat discordant with the AU’s traditional way of making decisions by consensus. “I hope my term will be a time of serious work and not just words” he said at his inaugural but will he be able to overcome the reluctance of many African nations especially with his not so favorable past?

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Kimora Pregnant

Kimora may have been untrusting toward men in general but the fabulousity queen is trusting enough to carry her third child with her  beau, Djmon Hounsou. Kimora showed up at the unveiling of her skincare line in Miami with a baby bump. This comes as no surprise as  Kimora has already expressed that she wants to have a baby with boyfriend Djimon Hounsou.