Go Get Lifted!

Wearing Spirit: Aesthetically Personifying the Feminine in African Sacred Traditions opened on Thursday, March 11th. The Exhibit features the work of 27 artists who have created pieces honoring the feminine energy found present in African Spirituality. This powerful exhibition will be on view now through May 21, 2010.

Tomorrow marks an important day for Joshua Clottey’s boxing career, he will be facing Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao for the World Welterweight Championship belt. Clottey who was born and raised in Accra, Ghana has seen his career rise despite his recent controversial split decision loss to Miguel Cotto.  He now has a chance to become World Welterweight Champion of the World, they will be fighting on March 13, 2010 at the $1.2 billion Dallas Cowboys Stadium. Fight will air on HBO Pay Per View at 9pm ET/6pm PT.  I wish him all the best. Get him Clottey! Ghana stand up!

JC

This song is seriously taking on a life of its own. Here is a “We Are the World” type remix that was recorded during the Winter Olympics last month in Vancouver. The song features 50 Canadian artists among them K’naan, Drake, Metric’s Emily Haines, Avril Lavigne, Justin Bieber, Nelly Furtado, and Broken Social Scene just to name a few. The song was recorded by legendary rock producer Bob Ezrin. Click here to donate, proceeds go to Free the Children, War Child Canada and World Vision Canada. Enjoy!

JC

Finally!! here’s the video for the Celebration Mix of K’Naan’s “Wavin’ Flag,” directed by Nabil Elderkin. This is the version of the song that will be used for Coca-Cola’s campaign this summer at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Damian Marley makes a cameo also. World Cup 2010 South Africa, lets go!

K’NAAN “Waving Flag” -Celebration mix- Dir: NABIL from nabil elderkin on Vimeo.

Pumzi is a breath of fresh air and a landmark in African film-making as far I am concerned. Director Wanuri Kahiu delivers the image of the future coupled with an impact-filled message wrapped in a 20-minute short feature.

Dedan Kimathi Waciuri, (31 October 1920 – 18 February 1957)

Today marks 53 yrs since you left us, gone but not forgotten.. you’re still missed by your dear wife Mukami, your children, grand children and your extended family of 40 million plus Kenyans.. who you fought so vigorously to liberate from the grip of colonialists.

Your memory will forever be treasured.

Live on!

I Know we are late on this one.. but in my eyes classic does not have a shelf life… I am breathless regardless.

Wangari just showed me this images of a run way show that happened last year by the company Vlisco , who we have always admired for their creative swatches, which they keep pushing out to the market.. and as you can see they stay hard at work. On this occasion the company launched a new collection of prints and teamed up with various designers to create this amazing pieces that they sent down a runway in Paris. wow!

Vlisco is a dutch company, they been a leader in the “African Fabric” production since 1846, such an irony but it’s the true story of that famous print material which ended up being embraced in Africa and markets as far as Harlem and Brixton.

Images jacked from BHF STYLE.com. click HERE to see more designs.

Today marks the 20th anniversary to the day, Feb 11th 1990 that saw the historical images of a gallant Nelson Madiba Mandela walking out of Robben Island prison and ushered in a new South Africa!

Salute Baba!

A couple of songs off the much anticipated Distant Relatives album slated for a March 20 release date. Nas and Damian even throw in some Swahili in “As We Enter”, Nas rapping “Habari Gani?” Damian replying “Mzuri sana” which translates to How’re you doing? Very good, or more loosely -Wasup? chillin. Listen to “As We Enter” here and download here. Listen to “Strong will Continue” here.

This was performed for the first time live at last night’s Haiti telethon. This song is also available on iTunes with the proceeds going toward Haiti relief fund through Partners in Health. “Right by your side while we try to make sense of this”-Jay-Z