Nelson Mandela's granddaughters Swati Dlamini, Zaziwe Dlamini-Manaway and Dorothy Adjoa Amuah are flanked by producers Graham Swanepoel, left, and Rick Leed.

Three of former president Nelson Mandela’s grandchildren are to star in a new reality show, a member of the family announced on Thursday.

“The show will be about our lives as young, black women… We’re not wearing ‘I’m a Mandela’ T-shirts,” Swati Dlamini, granddaughter of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, told reporters in Johannesburg on Thursday.

Said her cousin Dorothy Adjoa Amuah, granddaughter of the late Evelyn Mandela: “We are exposing Africa for what it is… with a new middle class of intellectuals… contributing to the economy.”

Dlamini, Amuah and Swati’s older sister Zaziwe Dlamini-Manaway, grew up in the United States, but returned to South Africa for business and family reasons.

The show would take an unscripted look at the role of the new generation of women as mothers and career women.

“We’re definitely not the African Kardashians [three US reality stars],” Amuah said.

Read The Story Here >>

Related posts:

1. Kenya’s Vivian Cheruiyot wins the women’s 10,000 metres final at the 13th IAAF World Athletics Championships Kenya will on Friday move up to second place on...
2. Michelle Obama rocks Duro Olowu dress once again Michelle Obama has been spotting some fab looks from Nigerian...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Late on Sunday night, Wangari Maathai – the fearless campaigner, the Nobel Peace Prize winner, the politician, the Tree Lady, and the first ever female PhD holder from East and Central Africa – died in a Nairobi hospital bed after a long fight with cancer. She was 71, and one of the most remarkable women of her generation. Despite a lifetime of activism and achievement, it was only in 2004 that the world was introduced to Wangari Maathai. It was then the Kenyan was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace; an award that was all about Maathai’s simple and far-sighted solution to deforestation and desertification in her country.

Read the Story Here >>

Related posts:

1. Kenyan Fatuma Noor named CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2011 The top prize at this year's CNN MultiChoice African Journalist...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Michelle Obama has been spotting some fab looks from Nigerian designer, Duro Olowu. She has also rocked some beautiful pieces from ASOS’ Africa fairtrade collection, which is made in Mombasa and is dedicated to creating jobs and helping underprivileged communities in Kenya. She was recently spotted in one of Duro Olowu’s fab colorful print pieces previously worn on Oprah’s show a few months back on her way to New York for for the United Nations General Assembly.

MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images)

Michelle Obama at Oprah show in a Duro Olowu dress

PREVIOUSLY WORN DURO OLOWU PIECES

Michelle Obama in Duro Olowu

Michelle Obama on iCarly in a Duro Olowu blouse

PREVIOUSLY WORN PIECES FROM ASOS

Michelle Obama in ASOS's Africa Fair Trade Collection

Related posts:

1. Angola’s Leila Lopes becomes 4th African to win Miss Universe Angola's Leila Lopes has joined the ranks of 3 other...
2. Charlize Theron turns heads at the GQ gongs Hollywood's leading ladies stole the show at the GQ Men...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Smart Water has just gotten cooler with suave and sexy new face, Idris Elba. The Ghanaian Brit Actor is featured in print Ads for the water brand which is owned by Coca Cola, looking dapper as ever. The Ads will run in GQ, Essence and Men’s Journal Magazines.

The fall campaign ads were shot earlier this summer by noted fashion photographer Norman Jean Ray and feature Elba in different scenes incorporating Smart Water into his daily lifestyle.

Idris takes over from Jennifer Aniston as the face of the water brand which is enhanced with electrolytes. The stunning Hollywood actress showed off her enviably athletic frame in last year’s adverts.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

The 2011 Nigerian Entertainment Awards recently took place in New York on Labor Day weekend honoring 26 different trailblazing Africans in entertainment. Below is a list of those who were crowned as the best in their game

Music

Best Album – MI2 (MI)
Best International Artist – Nneka
Best Music Video – DJ Tee
Best New Act – Wiz Kid
Best Pop/R&B – Waje
Best Rapper – MI
Best US Female – Naira
Best US Male – Rotimi
Best Gospel – Lara George
Hottest Single – Oleku (Ice Prince)
Best Indigenous Artist – Duncan Mighty
Most Promising Artist – Jhybo
Best Music Producer – Sam Klef
Best Pan African Artist – Fally Ipupa

Film and Television

Best Actor in Film – Ramsey Noauh
Best Actor in TV – Frank Edoho (Who wants to be a Millionaire)
Best Actress in Film – Omoni Oboli
Best Actress in TV – Dami Adegbite (Tinsel)
Best Directing in Film – Lancelot
Best Best Picture – Inale (Jeta Amata)
Best Pan African Actor – Chris Attoh
Best Pan African Actress – Jackie Appiah

Miscellanous Categories

Best World DJ – DJ Obi
Best Comedian – Gordon
Best Entertainment Exec – Audu Maikori
Best Entertainment Promoter – Tiwaworks

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Vivian Jepkemoi Cheruiyot of Kenya celebrates as she crosses the finish line to win the women's 10,000 metres final during day one of the 13th IAAF World Athletics Championships at the Daegu Stadium on August 27, 2011 in Daegu, South Korea. (August 26, 2011 - Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Kenya will on Friday move up to second place on the medals table when Vivian Cheruiyot adds the 5,000 metres gold to the one she won in the 10,000m race on the opening day of the 13th IAAF World Championships in Athletics on Saturday.

The Kenyans will burn out Ethiopia’s perennial challenger, Meseret Defar, and then consolidate their gains by providing cover for Cheruiyot’s final burst of speed to the tape.

Cheruiyot’s gold will bring the gold count to five after Ezekiel Kemboi blasted away with 150 metres to go to clinch Kenya’s fourth gold in the 3,000m steeplechase on Thursday.

Read The Full Story Here >>

Related posts:

1. Kenyan Fatuma Noor named CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2011 The top prize at this year's CNN MultiChoice African Journalist...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Ebay Billionaire, Pierre Omidyar’ Omidyar Network has awarded a $200,000 grant to fund the Co-Creation Hub, Nigeria’s first open living lab and pre-incubation space. The hub has also received a $45,000 grant from the Indigo Trust, a unit of the Sainsbury Family Charitable Trusts of the U.K.

According to a press release, the Co-creation Hub is a “non-profit, social enterprise centered around a shared work space where stakeholders from multiple walks of Nigerian life come together to collaboratively create tech-based solutions that address social challenges facing Nigerian society” …

Read the Full Story Here >>

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Go figure! A graphic statement of outspoken silhouettes exemplifies the new ‘Dazzling Graphics’ fabric collection from Vlisco. In-focus outlines and an edgy sharpness create a trompe l’oeil effect of movement. Distinct forms bedazzle the mind and set a psychedelic mood. Overwhelming, vivid colours further emphasize the interplay of black and white, creating a shock in design. Dazzling curves combine with psychedelic circles and an abundance of block shapes, together transforming into new shapes.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Communications and Broadcasting Major, Fifi Soumah, 22, beat 31 other contestants to win the Miss Africa USA 2010 beauty pageant in Maryland. She is a Guinean Muslim and also winner of the Miss Guinea USA crown. Soumah’s victory comes at a time when the country is debating an issue that relates to Muslims all over the United States; the Ground zero mosque. African Vibes sat with the Beauty Queen to discuss her win, her thoughts on ground zero mosque and her inspiration.

Fifi Soumah crowned by Past Queen Teizue Gayflor next to Miss Cameroon USA 2009, Danielle Fochive

Congratulations on your win. It is no easy feat to compete against 300 applicants to be selected as one of 32 delegates and to make it all the way to the top as the winner of a very competitive pageant as the Miss Africa USA. What do you think made you stand out during this competition?

Miss Africa USA 2010 Delegates awaiting the announcement of the new Queen.

I must admit that all 32 delegates who made it to the finals were very beautiful and talented. It was the little things that made me stand out, such as my stage presence, eye contact, smile, involving my entire audience in everything I said or did on stage, and my confidence. I stayed focused the entire journey of the competition. It was a fun journey with the ladies…we had many laughs.

What was it like right before you were announced the winner?

Wow…I had a lot of different emotions going on inside of me. I was however, mostly nervous, yet expecting, while trying to stay calm and confident.

You did impress the judges. Now that you have risen to the top and earned the crown, what will you like to accomplish with your new role?

Fifi Soumah and Miss Africa USA Founder, Lady Kate Njeuma

I will like to continue my platform of raising awareness of the ills of practices of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) which cause several adverse effects to the health of a growing young female who is a victim of such practices. I hope to continue pushing for change and for the eradication of such practices in Guinea and other parts of the world. I will also be actively carrying out activities to educate especially the girl child in underserved communities in Guinea. My activities will range from supplying school supplies and a comfortable learning environment. I will also work with the non-profit organizations here in the US and in Guinea serving the community.  I will be traveling to Guinea to work on my projects on the ground.  I also plan bridge the gap between Africa and the US by encouraging and organizing trips to Africa and promoting cultural exchange.   While I remain a fulltime student, I will be every involved in serving my community.

As a young woman rising to the top, how do you think you can empower other women?

African Women of today are fast becoming a part of the African society, and not just passive listeners and women who solely take instructions and are pushed around. While they remain respectful, they are strong, beautiful, smart and very talented. Who would have ever thought many years ago that an African country will one day have a woman as President? I see today’s African woman as one who does not wait to see change, but is part of making the change.

As a 22 year old, my stories may not be many, but as a strong African woman living in America from Guinea, my stories are vast. I have faced many challenges in life but never once did I give up. I always set my goals and work towards accomplishing them each time. I ask that every woman should give herself a purpose in life, be a voice in your community, stay true and dedicated and never fall short of what you believe, even when others tell you that you can’t…because you can!

Your win as Miss Africa USA 2010 comes around a time when the United States is engaged in a heavy debate about building a Mosque close to where September 11^th attacks happened. There are those who say it is an insensitive move and others who argue that it is the constitutional right of the Muslims to build a Mosque there. As a Muslim, what are your thoughts on this debate?

As a Muslim and a good citizen I agree with the construction of the Mosque at ground zero. The United States of America is built on freedom and this includes religious freedom therefore all citizens have the right to practice their religion. We all need to be sensitive towards the families of the victims of 9/11, it was a huge loss  for the United States of America and also for all religions.  This sensitivity shouldn’t be used to go against our constitution. Terrorists are not Muslims because in Islam no one has the right to kill innocent people, so all Muslims shouldn’t have to suffer because of the actions of terrorists. Not letting this project happen in America will give victory to the terrorists.

4 THINGS YOU DID NOT KNOW ABOUT BEAUTY QUEEN FIFI SOUMAH

Her Inspiration: My Mother inspires me. She has taught me so much and provided me with the tools to navigate through life. She believes in me and supports my projects and dreams. Her never ending promise of love for me continuous to flow. She is everything I want to be. Mama, you are my number one fan!

Her Favorite Books: The “Qu’ran” because to me God is first in everything. My second favorite book is By Agatha Christie “And then there were none” and the third is about my vampire lover Edward (laugh)”Twilight” by Stephanie Meyer.

Her Favorite Guinean Dish: My favorite Guinean dish is “konkweh”, which is made out of smoked fish cooked with palm oil. Yummy!!!

What she loves about Guinea: The food and hospitality of the Guinean people.

What she will change about Guinea: I will give a voice to the younger generation and the women. I believe we stand to have a better Guinea and Africa as a whole with new ideas from the youths as legislators and with our mothers taking their managerial skills from the homes into other sectors of the country.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Has China’s push for raw materials become a “new form of neo-colonialist adventure” with African raw materials exchanged for low quality manufactured imports and little attention paid with truly developing an impoverished continent?

Image Courtesy of http://www.biyokulule.com - Left, a Chinese merchant in Ndjamena. Officials say money from Chinese investments could fix schools and hospitals, or provide jobs and new roads. But so far, even with binding arrangements governing the use of oil revenues, Chad’s people have largely missed out

Quote from Africa/China Relations Article on The Independent

China deals with just about any rogue and unsavoury regime in Africa. It supplies jet fighters, military vehicles and guns to Zimbabwe, Sudan, Ethiopia and other repressive governments. At the UN, China has used its veto power to block sanctions against tyrannical regimes in Sudan and Zimbabwe.

The nature of China’s contracts is most objectionable. They are secured through outright bribery by building presidential palaces (Namibia, Sudan and Zimbabwe) and sports stadiums (Democratic Republic of Congo and Guinea). Namibian prosecutors are investigating allegations of bribery and kickbacks on government contracts with China to supply Namibia with scanners at security checkpoints. Nuctech, the Beijing-based manufacturer and headed until 2008 by the son of Hu Jintao, China’s president, is accused of paying $4.2 million in kickbacks to a Namibian front company (New York Times, July 31st 2009, p. A4). Another investigation involves a Chinese contract to build a key railroad link.

Most alarming, the deals are opaque and on barter terms dictated by China. For example, in exchange for oil exploration slots, China will rebuild Nigeria’s dilapidated railway system. But China will supply nearly all the equipment and technical personnel at prices determined by itself. There is no protection against overcharging or cost overruns. As with other projects in Africa, China will supply most of the workers. The potential for exploitation and plunder of Africa’s resources is enormous in such contracts, leading irate African commentators to denounce what they see as “chopsticks mercantilism”. With chopsticks dexterity, China can pick off mineral dumplings with relish in Africa, all to its advantage.

Further, China’s engagement has devastated local industries in Lesotho, Nigeria and Zambia. In Nigeria, the influx of Chinese products has destroyed Kano’s manufacturing sector. In 1982, 500 factories churned out textile products in Kano, but fewer than 100 remain operational today, most at far less than full capacity. In South Africa, the textile union says some 100,000 jobs have been lost as Chinese synthetic fabrics replace cotton prints in street markets across Africa.

Angry Africans are sounding off. In 2007, South Africa’s unions threatened to boycott anyone selling Chinese products. In April 2007, nine Chinese workers were killed in an attack by armed men on an oil field in eastern Ethiopia. In Nigeria, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has vowed to expel all Chinese workers in the area. (Quote from The Independent)

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.