Beyonce Knowles and Alicia Keys were spotted in Carnival inspired ankara costumes and swarkoviski headgear while filming a music video in a Rio de Janeiro slum for Keys’ “Put It In a Love Song,” the latest single from the album The Element of Freedom. The outfits were carnival-inspired

“It’s nice that we just celebrate each others careers, that’s what the song is about, coming together to empower each other,” Alicia told Brazilian newspaper O Dia of the track and Beyonce. “This song was meant for us at this time. We’ve become really good friends.”

The video — produced by Alicia’s married boyfriend Swizz Beatz — is expected to debut later this month.

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All the theatre and drama of couture fashion was present at the African Vibes Magazine 3rd Anniversary I WEAR AFRICAN Campaign launch which took place over the weekend. The campaign, an initiative of Amabel Niba, the magazine’s Founder and Editorial Director generated lots of excitement as guests were encouraged to dress in Africa inspired fashions.

The event was a parade of glamorous evening wear as well as innovative couture and luxury wear from 8 Designers. The mood of the show ran the gamut from dramatic to sensual, whimsical to classic, traditional to eclectic. The wall to wall enthusiastic audience of socialites, fashion lovers and editors from different parts of the country and abroad flocked to the perennially elegant event April 18, 2009 to enjoy couture and a luxury fashion showcase by designers from Ghana, Cameroon, Sudan and DR Congo. Showcased labels were Bothdoll Fashions, Cote Minou, KiRette Couture, Knaf Couture, Modahnik and Studio D Maxsi. Guests received goodie bags with beauty items from Supporting Sponsor Milani Cosmetics and were served exotic hors d’oeuvres from Africa along with samples of juices from Silver Sponsor, Barrel Juice. Performances by emerging entertainers Les Belles D’Afrique and Stephane Afeni (S.A) also enchanted attendees.

“It is always a great feeling when we celebrate our growth and that feeling only gets better with the launching of this campaign. I was quite touched by the turnout and guests who came out showing off their beautiful African outfits. The launching was a great success, ” said Niba, who dressed for the occasion in a beautifully crafted cream-colored 2 piece outfit straight off the Runway by Afua Sam of Studio D Maxsi; later on changing into a pink strapless frock dress with special markings native to Cameroon by Kirette Couture.

The campaign is just one of the many initiatives the publication is engaged in to stay true to its goal of connecting the world to Africa.

“Getting to this milestone has been an extraordinary journey. We’ve traveled a tough and challenging road but with the continued support of our audience, advertisers, special event sponsors and partners, we have continued to grow; and for that we are truly grateful. We stay committed to play our part to share the beauty that comes from Africa through our different brands, events and initiatives. ” said Barnes Manga, President of African Vibes Communications.

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Event Highlights from VOA