Last night, the ceiling of the popular Apollo Theatre, in London collapsed during a performance of Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. According to eyewitness statements, they heard screams as plaster crashed down onto the audience resulting to a mass evacuation of the venue.
Seven people were reported to have been seriously injured while about 81 others are said to have been treated for minor injuries
Westminster Council has launched an investigation into the causes of the incident and says the theatre is now safe. All performances scheduled at the Apollo Theatre centre have now been cancelled and the earliest date scheduled for activities to resumed at the centre is January 4, 2014.
See photos from the disaster below.
Theatre: The three-galleried auditorium, which seats 796, is decorated with elaborate plasterwork and the balcony on its third tier is considered the steepest in London (file picture)
Beyonce keeps on breaking records and topping the Billboard Chart. Just six days after her self titled album was released, the “crazy in love” crooner has sold over 1 million copies of her self titled album, “Beyonce” giving it a platinum status.
The millionth copy was sold on Wednesday on iTunes at about 11:15 am PST (Pacific Standard Time). In the United States alone, about 600,000 copies of the album were sold. The album’s was made officially available to purchase in-store today, Friday December 20.
In the album, Beyonce has a song titled “Flawless” and features internationally renowned Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The song talks about feminism, equal opportunity and women’s right.
“We raise girls to see each other as competitors , not for jobs or for accomplishments, which I think can be a good thing, but for the attention of men.”
These are some words from Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie‘stalk, ‘We should all be feminist’ at Tedx Euston in 2012. Today these same words have been replicated in Beyonce’s new tune – Flawless, which is part of her new album released last week Friday on i-Tunes.
As many of you would have known, Beyonce has been presenting herself as a defender of women’s right in the last few years, drawing, even more, attention from her millions of fans around the world. Songs such as ‘Run the World’ have a clear feminist message to convey.
In her new video, Beyonce has taken a step forward in her feminist campaign by including Chimamanda’s definition of feminists; Feminist: a person who believes in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes.”
There are obviously pros and cons to this curious collaboration. The message is good (and the intentions hopefully), it underlines important issues such as equal opportunities for women and female empowerment.
On the other hand, some might see this simply as a business operation, a way to attract a wider audience. Also, the striking difference between the two personalities of Beyonce and Chimamanda, their different areas of interest, and their different styles – might raise some questions of compatibility.
If anything through Beyonce’s song, more people will be introduced to the talented author that is Chimamanda.
If you have a keen eye for fashion, love being in a cultured environment, enjoy tasteful entertainment, and take great pleasure in being part of a positive movement which helps others – then Cottage Green, Camberwell was the place for you to be on 7th December at 4.00pm.
La Jeunesse was a fundraising fashion show, which aimed to join together people from not only London but also the UK. Its aim order to fund and raise awareness for various local and international charities. The fashion show itself consisted of a number of talented and gifted up and coming designers. These designers live in or around London and showcased a wide range of styles for all ethnicities. Whilst the inspiring fundraising fashion show was organised by Zainab Lawal, Athena Kugblenu was the host for the evening. And what an amazing host she was.
Although the doors were open at 4.00pm with the show time set to be at 5.00pm, time was clearly something that had slipped away from those in control that night. The crowd of no more than forty at the time were informed that the fashion show would commence at 6.30pm. But until then, we were ushered to take advantage of the refreshments that were situated in the back left corner of the cold rectangular room.
The stage was centre back of the room, and a vast amount of chairs were placed on either side of the room opposite one other – which then, in turn, created a runway for the models to walk down. At the end of the runway were the press and behind them was the DJ/Soundman for the evening, who continued to play music whilst we all patiently waited for the show to begin.
Almost two hours later, and we were informed that the fashion show and those in it were ready. Yaay! Athena took to the stage like a pro and got the crowd hyped up, laughing and ready to rock and roll right the way through the night. We were told the itinerary for the night and it sounded like one that was not to be missed. And it was not!
The talented, angelic voice, Lilac shear was the first entertainer to take to the stage that night. She beautifully sang various songs which illustrated not only her personality but her passion and love for singing. The crowd appalled and Lilac took the time to highlight us with some background information on herself and her career. She also gave us details on where her music could be found online on various outlets such as Twitter, Facebook etc.
Athena came back on to the stage to introduce the first designer for the night. Juliet Odosa, her elegant, simple coloured designers brought smiles to the crowd and complimented the figure of the beautiful models who also did the dresses justice. Once all of Odosa’s designs were shown, she and Athena took to the stage. It was here that Odosa took the opportunity to inform us on what inspires her designs, how long she has been designing, as well as where we can find and contact her for her designs, etc.
The second designer for the night was Zara Catorie. Zara’s designs were very different from those of Odosa. But yet, they were still amazing and exquisite. Zara’s use of the colour white was seen in almost all her designs. But it was done ever so gracefully. The white was at times added with a block pastel colour which gave the outfit flavour, colour and presence. Once again, Athena took the stage with the designers, where they were then given the floor to inform the crowd a bit more about themselves and their designs. At this point, the room had begun to fill and the atmosphere and vibe were at its prime.
Just in time as not only were we given more information about the fundraising that the Fashion show had been put out for, but the spokeswoman for the Honey Pot charity took the stage and obtained us all with information about the charity and how grateful she was that we all had agreed to contribute to such a positive movement.
Next to take the stage was dance group ‘Studio Afro Latino’. Studio Afro Latino specialises in afro-Caribbean dance and they do so with style and grace. Whilst their performance was no longer than a few minutes, it was just enough to get the crowd’s heads bobbing and fingers clicking.
Once Studio Afro Latino had finished, Athena said, ” were going to take a quick ten-minute break now guys, but don’t go too far”. After the break, the second half of the showcase took the crowd by storm as there were even more amazing designers and entertainers that took the stage and strutted down the runway. La Jeunesse fundraising fashion show may have had a slow start, but all was forgiven and forgotten as it turned out to be an exciting, mind-blowing, unforgettable night.
It is always a wonderful feeling when you can appreciate and celebrate those who have an incredible talent, but it is a priceless emotion when you know you have taken part in something that will in return help others who are less fortunate than yourself and those around. That was exactly what La Jeunesse did for many of us that night.
Secondary market research publisher yStats.com has released findings in its “Africa B2C E-Commerce Report – 2013” indicating that the growing Internet penetration, the spread of mobile technology and improvement of payment and delivery infrastructure are factors that can boost E-Commerce on the continent.
yStats.com CEO Yücel Yelken states “E-Commerce has a high potential in Africa as the growing middle class seeks more convenient shopping and better price quality, driving local and international Internet merchants to operate in the region.”
Several strong local players have already emerged, such as South Africa’s online fashion retailer Zando, and Nigeria’s online mass merchants Jumia and Konga. B2C E-Commerce sales were less than EUR 1 billion in 2012, but annual growth of around 40% is forecasted in the next ten years. The main obstacles to overcome on the way to B2C E-Commerce boom are poor logistics in rural areas, low banking penetration and limited consumer awareness.
M-Commerce and mobile payment especially have a high potential on the continent, where mobile phones are more widespread than computers, a significant proportion of the population has no banking relationship and the most common type of Internet access is through a mobile device. Moreover, over 10% of active Internet users in Africa shopped on mobile in 2013. In mobile shopper penetration, Nigeria, Egypt and Morocco are ahead of South Africa.
South Africa is the current regional leader in online shopping
Over a half of Internet users in South Africa who go online at least weekly make purchases over the Internet. South Africa also is home to some of the largest merchants on the continent, such as online merchant of books and electronics Kalahari and online fashion retailer Zando.
However, other countries with high potential might overtake the leader in the future. Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria and Kenya follow South Africa in terms of online shopper penetration, but some of them lead in terms of Internet penetration and mobile usage.
Online shopping growth in South Africa is driven by increasing Internet penetration and improving payment infrastructure, especially through mobile payment paths. B2C E-Commerce sales in South Africa are expected to grow by a quarter in 2013, to reach less than half a billion EUR. The number of active Internet users in South Africa grows at small double-digit growth rates, with the leading type of connection being mobile.
Among the prominent players on the South African E-Commerce market are local online retailers and auctions website, as well as international sites. The market leader is online merchant Kalahari. Event and travel tickets, books, hotel reservations, video and music were the most purchased product categories.
A giant statue of Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first black president and freedom fighter was unveiled today in Pretoria, the country’s capital, a day after Mandela was buried.
The nine-metre (30ft) bronze statue has been erected at the Union Buildings, the government headquarters.
The statue, with Mr Mandela’s hands reaching outward, was intended to show that he had embraced the whole nation, President Jacob Zuma said.
The statue was unveiled on South Africa’s Day of Reconciliation, a public holiday in celebration of the end of racial conflict and segregation in South Africa.
“Former President Mandela is associated with the promotion of reconciliation which is why the day was chosen for the unveiling,” said the South African government.
“As your journey ends today, ours must continue in earnest… South Africa will continue to rise because we dare not fail you,” Zuma pledged yesterday while giving his address at Nelson Mandela’s funeral. He also promised to build on Nelson Mandela’s legacy.
The funeral of former South African president and freedom fighter, Nelson Mandela took place today in his ancestral hometown., Qunu. The event was attended by thousands of people amongst whom are, Oprah Winfrey and her partner Stedman Graham, English businessman Richard Branson, former American President Bill Clinton, Prince Charles, Malawian President Joyce Banda, and many more people.
Mandela was laid to rest after a short sermon by Bishop Siwa. It was then followed by the military bugler who played the Last Post, followed by Reveille, the pall bearers saluted and then withdrew as did the cameras. Mandela’s family was then allowed a private moment to pay their last respect to Madiba at the graveside.
See below, more photos from Nelson Mandela’s funeral.
A marching platoon of the presidential guard, wearing green ceremonial uniforms and carrying rifles with fixed bayonets, escorted the coffin, which had been transferred to a gun carriage, to the burial site.At the end of the memorial ceremony a military guard of honour carried Mr Mandela’s coffin, draped in the South African flag, out of the marquee as the audience sangNelson Mandela spent much of his childhood in the small, Eastern Cape village of Qunu – a place he chose to return to after his release from prison. The ceremony was held in a marquee constructed for the event.The President of South Africa Jacob Zuma began his address in song and was joined by the audience. He went on to say. “We wish today to express two simple words: thank you. Thank you for being everything that we wanted and needed in a leader during a difficult time in our lives. Whilst the long walk to freedom has ended in the physical sense our own journey continues.”Following his speech President Zuma received thanks from Mr Mandela’s former wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.To loud applause Kenneth Kaunda, Zambia’s founding president, jogged to the stage to make an unscheduled address. He said: “This great son of the world, not only South African… Madiba showing us the way, whether you’re white, black, yellow or brown, you’re all God’s children. Come together, work together and God will show you the way.”Mr Mandela’s granddaughter Nandi recounted stories and anecdotes of her grandfather’s family life. “He was a true servant of the people, his mission in life was to make lives better,” she says. “He truly cared for his family and children.”Malawian President Joyce Banda paid tribute to Mr Mandela’s former wife Winnie and his widow Graca Machel (pictured). “The love and tolerance you have demonstrated before the whole world at the funeral shows us that you are prepared to continue with his ideals.”Outside the marquee people gathered to watch the ceremony on big screens.In Johannesburg mourners continued to gather outside the Mr Mandela’s former home…Some laid flowers and held portraits..Others sang and danced to celebrate the life of Mr Mandela.On a hill overlooking Qunu Zulu men performed a traditional dance.Anti-apartheid activist and close friend of Mr Mandela Ahmed Kathrada made a very moving tribute. He said: “Farewell my dear brother, my mentor, my leader… My life is in a void and I don’t know who to turn to.”Across the nation many, like this family in Soweto, watched the funeral service on television.After the two-hour service, Mr Mandela’s Thembu community will conduct a private traditional Xhosa ceremony – including songs and poems about Mr Mandela’s life and his achievements.Nelson Mandela’s former wife Winnie Mandela Madikizela (left) and his widow Graca Machel watched as Mr Mandela’s coffin arrived at the white marquee.Inside the marquee, Nelson Mandela’s portrait had been placed behind 95 candles, representing one for each year of the late president’s life.Former South African President Mbeki was greeted by ANC supporters as he arrived.Archbishop Desmond Tutu – a long-time friend of Nelson Mandela – was also there, having earlier said he had cancelled his flight as he had not received an invitation.Nelson Mandela’s daughter Makaziwe told the BBC earlier in the week that the former president’s family gathered around him to say goodbye in his final hours. She is seen here arriving for the funeral in Qunu.Shembe priest Michael Notychanga prayed in the direction of the home of former Mr Mandela.Amongst those attending were US talk show host Oprah Winfrey and her husband Stedman Graham and English businessman Richard Branson (right).The South African National Defence Forces fired ceremonial cannons as the body of Nelson Mandela was taken from the family home to the funeral marquee.The coffin arrived with a military escort.The gun carriage carrying Mr Mandela’s body began its journey to the marquee, signalling the start of singing, and speeches reflecting on the life and achievements of Mr Mandela.Children waited outside their home for the cortege to pass.Members of the South African Navy lined the road from the Mandela family house to his burial site in Qunu.Since his death on 5 December aged 95, many more have paid their respects. Mr Mandela has been hailed as “a giant of history” for his fight against apartheid.Early on Sunday morning people made their way to Qunu.Following a week of commemorations Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first black leader, is to be buried in his ancestral home in Qunu. Across South Africa people lit candles in his memory on the eve of the funeral.
These are the photos of Seun and his girlfriend’s newborn baby.Seun Kuti is a Nigerian music artist and the son a popular Nigerian music icon, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. On the left is the photo of mother and daughter while on the right is their little bundle of joy warmly covered in white and blue.
