Paparazzi - The Launch Party by Cote Minou (June 21st, 2008)
May 31, 2008 | 4 Comments
Spin the globe and let it take you to the shores of Côté minou. Côté minou is an African inspired clothing line designed by Maryanne E. Mokoko and Stephanie T. Mouapi from Cameroon, West Africa. Their collections are pieces that can be worn by any woman, to any place at any time. From day, to evening, party to casual, cocktail to ballroom. Rich in pattern and versatility.
For almost two years Côté minou has sold over 150 designs which have been featured at a number of events in the United States such as the Howard University Homecoming Fashion Show, The St. Scholastica’s African Heritage Festival, Penn State’s Touch of Africa, Sexy DC Magazine Fashion Fusion, Towson University African Explosion, George Washington University’s Taste of Africa and BCBG Productions GQ Party II, The African Dance Explosion, and the Passport to Africa Trunk Show in Washington, DC just to name a few. They have also participated in non-profit fund raisers such as the University of Maryland Fight Against Malaria Fashion Show, the Howard Univ. College of Medicine International Medical Interest Group. We have worked with and featured in Magazines and Newsletters such as the Howard Hilltop, Haute Magazine, BHF Magazine, The Tower light, The Hatchet, and St. Scholastics’s Newsletter and many more.
This summer designers Maryanne and Stephanie intend on taking their clothing line to bigger and bolder heights. Côté minou plans to launch itself on this June 21st with a Summer 08′ Fashion Event. The event is entitled “PAPARAZZI- The Launch Party”. The event will feature Côté Minou’s first ever Menswear. This event will be a day of celebration, full of entertainment, fashion and networking amongst many that seek to make an impact on their society. It is prepared to be concerned with actors/actresses, musicians, models, photographers, magazines, and others in the entertainment industry from the continent of Africa and the Diaspora.
Please click on the web gallery below to see pictures from the event.
For more information about Cote Minou, please visit their website at http://www.coteminou.blogspot.com/
African Entrepreneurs Series - Bob Agbede
May 30, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Robert O. Agbede is the President and CEO of Chester Engineers, a leading national water and waste water engineering and scientific research firm. Mr. Agbede, after 15 years as the founder, President and CEO of Advanced Technology Systems, Inc. (ATS Group), became the leader of the largest African-American owned municipal engineering services firm in the United States. ATS Group, a leader in providing innovative solutions to client issues requiring design; engineering and scientific analyses; water resources management; municipal services; construction management and inspection; database management; computer modeling; regulatory support and field investigations; became the parent company of Chester Engineers through the acquisition of a well-known, long-standing municipal engineering company, formerly known as Chester Engineers. Under his management, Chester Engineers has become a client-focused, technology-based national provider of professional services to major public and private sector clients.
Mr. Agbede is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh where he earned a B.S. and an M.S. in Mining Engineering. In 2000, the University honored Mr. Agbede by installing him in their prestigious “Engineering Hall of Fame.” Mr. Agbede joins other prominent University of Pittsburgh graduates who have made significant contributions to American industry while serving as Presidents and/or CEOs of many of the nation’s leading corporations. In 2002, at the University of Pittsburgh School of Engineering, a Robert O. Agbede Scholarship was established by ATS Group to encourage and assist African-American youths to pursue a career in Engineering. Concurrently, ATS Group also established a Robert O. Agbede Diversity Award at the school to encourage recruitment and retention of qualified African-American students and faculty members. In addition, Chester Engineers has two endowments at Carnegie Mellon University and at the University of Pittsburgh presently valued at $2.6 million with a focus on minority student enrollment and retention.
Mr. Agbede shares his time and experience by serving on the Board of several professional and civic organizations. He is an ordained minister of the gospel. Mr. Agbede is also active in the development of youth in the Pittsburgh community as one of the founding members of the Central Baptist Academy.
Mr. Agbede is dedicated to providing mentorship to other small/minority businesses. He was born in Lagos, Nigeria.
Ultra-White Party 2008
May 26, 2008 | 4 Comments
MAY 25th, 2008 - SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND: The third annual Ultra White Party took place yesterday at the GALLERY in Silver Spring Maryland. The event which rounded up the week long Passport to Africa celebration was jointly organized by IDOA Entertainment and BCBG Productions. The party featured red carpet reception of the VIPs and guests all dressed in white attires. DJ Yveco & DJ Lueve laced the night with African Hip Hop Reggae and World Beats. As usual, we are proud to bring you exciting images from the red carpet.
To navigate through the image gallery, click on the first image and double click to move to the next image. The images are still been uploaded, please come back to see more pictures.
Passport to Africa - African Trunk/Fashion Show 2008
May 22, 2008 | 1 Comment
MAY 20th, 2008 - WASHINGTON DC, USA - The African Trunk Show took place at the newly redeveloped Station 9 on U Street today to a sold out crowd. The show which was held as part of the week long Passport to Africa event featured several fashion designers from Africa including Bribelle (Liberia), Boutique Mix (Sierra Leone/Senegal),Carmen Eliam (Ivory Coast), Cote Minou (Cameroon), Dopeville (Nigeria & Columbia), Lily Lily! (Ethiopia) and Miss Africa International (Liberia). The event was hosted by Comedian Yvonne “Y.Vee” Orji (Nigeria) and music was supplied by DJ Shoboy (Nigeria).
Black Herald is pleased to bring you beautiful pictures from the event.
To navigate through the image gallery, click on the first image and double click to move to the next image. The images are still been uploaded, please come back to see more pictures.
A moth is not a butterfly.
May 16, 2008 | Leave a Comment
It is a sure path to mental stress to ask a recent returnee from the homeland how Nigeria is doing. The more people you ask, the more confused you will be. No two people seem to agree on the “state of the nation”. While you may find a common theme that runs from the downright negative to the effusively optimistic, there is never a confluence of details.
“That place na hell, jare. No light and armed robbery for everywhere. Abeg make you forget that yeye place”. One would say. “Old boy, don’t believe those guys for 9ja o! Come see their fat cheeks and big cars. All the women no dey go party without matching bags, head-tie and house girls. Man, I felt oppressed big time!”. Says another.
“I think the macro-economic indices are looking somewhat encouraging, albeit without the underlying fiscal fortitude and focus. There may be a slight chance of the private sector pulling off some form of salvation to compensate for the woeful public sector. While that remains to be seen, the banking system is better but still in a naive sort of way”. This from an armchair economist.
Here is what Austin asks? What is really going on in Nigeria, and will it ever really improve?
My answer is No!
And here is why:
When Nigerians abroad talk about Nigeria and other non-Western countries in terms of development, what they are invariably saying is not economic or infrastructural. Therefore, whatever report you give about Nigeria or whatever happens in India or China will NEVER be termed improvement. This is because, what they mean when they refer to development or progress is actually “Westernisation”.
This breaks down to:
- People queue up at supermarkets and take turns
- Politicians see themselves as servants of the people
- Men feel it is not OK to be overtly macho
- Children are given a less-restrictive boundary to explore and develop creatively
- Women feel a need to match men in most human tasks
- The value of things are measured in monetary terms
- The society relates to the individual, and not to non-statistical groupings like extended familial ties.
- The society, and not friends or biological relationships extract the tax and exert the expense of guaranteeing the rights of the individual to the pursuit of happiness without fear or persecution.
- Scientifically addressable variables like intelligence and skill replace nebulous qualities like wisdom and ethical virtue.
Now if you take the time to look at these points, I am sure you will immediately notice that they are mostly relevant to the foundation of inter-personal relationships and sacrosanct to the building of a successful society - BUT many - nay, most - societies continue to shun these values.
Nigeria breaks at least 90% of the above should they be considered non-written laws of modern nation-building. Worse, most Nigerians will not apologise for this and do not consider the above list as necessary or even desirable. The question then arises, why are these things not self-evident?
The only answer must be: “Cos they are invariably cultural in nature”. “What does Austin mean by cultural, when this is mostly common sense”, some of you may ask yourself.
I will take two examples to show my angle on this (remember that people react as much from emotion and intuition as from reason):
Politicians see themselves as servants of the people: That concept may seem like a truism to most people, and it used to be that way to me, but I have rather changed a bit since I started living in Nigeria. When I lived in the UK, I was kind relaxed as per my kids’ education because the government “took adequate care of this”. However, in Nigeria, I found the case to be different. The teachers were prepare to place my son in a lower class because of his performance in a culturally biased test unless I took matters into my hand and confronted them with the anomaly as well as hire a private tutor to level the playing field. I also have had to pay a Prince’s ransom to ensure that he maintained his schooling standards.
I HAVE STARTED SEEING MYSELF AS THE MAN OF THE HOUSE much more than whilst I was here, and in a way I never realised possible whilst a “European”. Do not construe this as some macho trip. What I mean is that if I do not have the means and set the ethical boundaries, many lives will be ruined.
This has changed the way I see myself and what society owes me vis-à-vis what I owe myself.
I then understand better why Nigerian politicians may not instinctively subscribe to the maxim expressed above.
The value of things are measured in monetary terms: Many will struggle to find another commonly acceptable method of talking about value if not on these terms. However, due to the nature of the way things work in Nigeria, I have come to understand that a good name is better than money in most situations - especially the ones that threaten your life and peace of mind.
Due to these varying and shifting perspectives, the priorities of people across the globe are different. While some may claim to have the Holy Grail (and believe that others are deceiving themselves), the only conclusion that makes sense of all these variables is the proverb that says “it is where is paining someone that he puts next to the fire”.
BUT … He was celebrating a mammoth housing development which is an important index of development. So the conclusion is that there are too many contradictions to the “Westernised” eye, and this will never, ever change.
Hence my conclusion that NIGERIA WILL NEVER IMPROVE for those of you who are really no longer Nigerians by culture.
- China - is broken
- India - is Dysfunctional
- Brazil - is a confused melting pot
- Nigeria - is a hellhole
These statements are from the mind that defines progress as becoming “European”.
What is the true states of these Nations from those that are relevant in the analysis?
- China - is productive
- India - is innovative
- Brazil - is tantalising
- Nigeria - is awakening
Truly “Nigeria may never improve”, but we love her to the point of intoxication….AND like all lovers we may well be BLIND. I do not wish to change your minds - as if this were possible, but to remind you that “a moth is not a butterfly and should never seek to be such.”
And so be it.
© Austin Amadasun [austin@klick-konnect.com]
“If a man walks in the woods for love of them half of each day, he is in danger of being regarded as a loafer. But if he spends his days as a speculator, shearing off those woods and making the earth bald before her time, he is deemed an industrious and enterprising citizen.” - Henry David Thoreau
Land Rover America’s Polo Cup - Italy Vs USA.
May 15, 2008 | Leave a Comment
On May 9th & 10th , 2008, the America’s Polo Cup returned to Historic Morven Park in Leesburg, Virginia on a weekend filled with polo, fashion, wine, music, and family fun. Friday night’s (May 9, 2008) fashion and culinary challenge featured a full runway show and each country’s (Italy & USA) best chefs sampling each other’s famous dishes. Saturday’s (May 10, 2008) festivities was accented by military demonstrations and unique performances of both the Italian and American anthems, followed by a competitive polo match between Italy and the United States for the America’s Polo Cup. The United States team won the match 6-2.
A spectacular fireworks display, live performances by Huey Lewis & the News, Gipsy Kings family and Italian sensation Vittorio Grigolo will drew the event to a close. Proceeds from the Land Rover America’s Polo Cup will benefit the Journey for the Cure Foundation, a not for profit public charity foundation.
For more information please visit www.americaspolocup.com.
Click below to see images from the event.
Land Rover America’s Polo Cup Fashion Show 2008
May 10, 2008 | Leave a Comment
MAY 9, 2008 - LEESBURG, VA: The 2008 America’s Polo Cup was ushered in today by a Fashion Show tagged “Rockin the Runway” at the Polo Fields, Morven Park in Leesburg Va. The Fashion Show featured exhibitions by top American and Italian [Renato Balestra] designers and culinary competition between top American and Italian Chefs.
Life performance was provided by the Gipsy King Family. Money raised at the event will be donated to charitable courses. To learn more about the event - please visit www.americaspolocup.com.
We are proud to bring you beautiful pictures from the event.
Click on the first picture and double click to navigate through the gallery.
Africa Investment Horizons - New film shows enormous investment opportunities where least expected.
May 4, 2008 | Leave a Comment
NEW YORK, April 29 — A new documentary, “AFRICA INVESTMENT HORIZONS”, which premiered at the New York Stock Exchange, shows the tremendous gains being made in Africa’s vibrant emerging markets and proves one surprising fact – that the highest rate of return on direct investment is found on the continent most people think of as an economic wasteland.
With the current U.S. economic downturn, investors are looking for new markets. This one-hour documentary, produced by Carol Pineau, director and producer of the award-winning documentary, Africa Open for Business, shows that Africa may be the next untapped investment destination.
“AFRICA INVESTMENT HORIZONS” presents compelling narratives from international and African business leaders on the tremendous potential of Africa’s emerging markets and how their investments have succeeded beyond expectations despite the challenging business climate. Stories range from the largest equity fund in Africa where the price of entry is $5-million, to a mutual fund in Ghana that has averaged 60% annual returns and requires a minimum investment of about $55.
Big investors have been investing in Africa for more than a decade, but most have kept quiet about the astonishing returns, preferring to keep the investing world’s final frontier to themselves – until now.
“Most people think of Africa as a region rife with wars, disease and poverty, but that is not the Africa of today,” said Pineau, a journalist with more than a decade experience reporting on Africa for CNN and other major media. “Today’s Africa is a continent with challenges, but it is a continent on the move and an attractive investment destination. More important, investment may be the best means for addressing Africa’s challenges.”
The film features the three major avenues for investment in Africa: capital markets, equity funds and launching a business. The first half of the film shows a kaleidoscope of opportunities throughout the continent, while later segments address the issues around investing, such as corruption, political risk, currency devaluation, and the trade versus aid debate.
The film chronicles inspiring stories of dynamic and committed businesspeople working to create a new economic future for Africa. Among the featured stories are two Ivy League educated Ghanaians who left top jobs on Wall Street to return home. With $25-million from institutional investors, they walked into the Ghana Stock Exchange and did what is now referred to as “the big bang” that put the exchange on the map.
Also featured is the Governor of the Bank of Botswana, whose prudent management of her country’s vast diamond income has not only resulted in one of the highest per capital savings rates in the world, but also allowed the country to offer free education to all and anti-retroviral drugs to people living with HIV/AIDS.
Africa boasts more than 20 stock exchanges and the some of the fastest growing economies. China, Russia and India are investing heavily in the continent, and yielding impressive returns. Those returns average 30 %, compared to 16 to 18 % in other developing countries.
“Typically, one gets high returns where there is little information and little competition,” Teresa Clarke Ellis, Goldman Sachs’s Managing Director of Investment Banking explains in the film. “The capital markets in Africa are a fraction of the size of the more developed markets,” continues Ellis. “However in the last few years we’ve seen substantial returns outpacing those in the developed markets by a large measure,” she adds.
Africa’s role as a major player in the global economic field is underscored by the fact that film production funds were generated solely from African sources, including: Noah A. Samara, CEO of Worldspace; Sasol; Coca-Cola Africa; Industrial Development Corporation; Trust Africa; and Open Society Foundation for South Africa.
The NYSE event is sponsored by IBM’s Global Innovation Outlook and the African Development Bank. After premiering in New York City, the film will be launched at the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington on May 6 and the London Stock Exchange in mid-May. The documentary will be screened throughout the U.S., Africa, Europe, and Asia, thanks in part to funding from USAID.
For more information and to view the preview, please visit http://www.africainvestmenthorizons.com/
ABOUT DIRCTOR/PRODUCER CAROL PINEAU:
Carol Pineau is a journalist who has specialized in Africa for more than 10 years. Ms. Pineau’s filmmaking has been hailed for showing a more balanced vision of Africa. She is the producer and director of the award-winning documentary, Africa Open for Business, a groundbreaking film voted BBC Documentary of the Year. The film was also screened at the Cannes Film Festival, World Economic Forum, US Congress, and other top venues. It aired on BBC World and public television stations in the US. She recently directed and produced Kenya Stories, a film on Kenya’s aspiring young entrepreneurs.
