Over 350 guests including celebrities, prominent women and men gathered for the second edition of Divas of Colour in commemoration with International Women’s month. The event which kicked off with a trade show of 20 brand exhibitors, had over 200 foot fall of buyers from across the country. The founder, Faustina Anyanwu gave a heartfelt speech addressing the issues women are still facing in spite of the milestones that have been reached as a result of many decades of fighting for women’s right.
In her speech, Faustina held women responsible for the failures in achieving equal rights for women in this decade. She called upon women to stand up again for each other, stand up for our daughters and emulate women of past in order to restore the glory of the woman.
Guests and high profile women who attended the event included Hollywood movie star Winston Ellis, Nollywood stars, HRH Theodora Ibekwe Oyebade and Rita Nzelu. High profile women included Princess Deun, Princess Betty Makoni (CNN Hero), Councillor Anna Mbachu, Councillor Patricia Ekechi, Mandy Sanghera, Tola and Sam Onigbanjo (founders of Women4Africa), Emer O’Neill Chief executive of Depression Alliance, the chosen charity and 26 delegates from the London chapter of Kiwanis Group. Afrobeat musician, Valentine and award winning dance duo I am Movement – Ayo and Sam, Saxophonist – Saxy, wowed the audience with sterling performances in the evening ceremony.
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Fashion designers Kwame Koranteng, Perkin Fashionistas and Graced London showcased their unique and eye-popping collections through the night. Makeup was created by Fashion Fair cosmetics and hair design by Derek Decutter sponsors of the fashion show. Diana Tambe founder of Africa Fashion Week Amsterdam, Emily Blake – current Miss Curvaceous UK and Alicia Thornthwaite, the CEO of Afrodeity and makers of the luxury brand Joliette were the judges. Joliette is one of the sponsors of the pageant.
Guests were treated to food, drinks and canapes. And the night was concluded with the award ceremony celebrating the contributions and achievements of women of colour from around the globe. See the full list of Awardees below.
- Lifetime Achiever recipient: Prof Elizabeth Anionwu
- Lifetime Achiever recipient: Sherry Ann Dixon
- Women of Honour Award: Cllr Ann Mbachu (Also the keynote speaker)
- Women of Honour Award: Cllr Kate Anolue
- Women of Honour Award: Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler (USA state of Georgia Representative.
- Diva Ambassador Award: Sandra Nelson – Founder Lift Effects
- Inspirational Diva Award: Parmi Dheensa (Founder Include me too , Charity for the disabled.)
- Entrepreneur Diva: Vanessa Oluwole – Founder IWOP (International Women of power )
- Outstanding Diva Award: HRH Queen Theodora Ibekwe Oyebade
- Diva Artist Award: Roucheon Iloyi
- Diva Makeup artist: Joy Adenuga
- Diva Presenter: Marjorie Fielder
- Diva Designer: Rose Perkins of Fashionistas label.
- Diva Face won: Vashtina Johnson
- Diva Brand of the year: Afrodeity – makers of Joliette luxury beauty brand.
- Facebook Diva Face: Aisha Sagnia
