Swedish fashion retailer Hennes and Mauritz (H&M) said on Friday it would expand its network of suppliers to Ethiopia, after concentrating 80 per cent of its production in Asian countries.
“We are an expansive company and are constantly looking at new potential purchasing markets to guarantee that we have capacity to deliver products to all stores in our expansive markets,” H&M spokeswoman Camilla Emilsson-Falk told AFP.
“We do that by increasing the productivity on the existing production markets as well as looking at new markets,” she added.
Test orders have been placed with Ethiopian suppliers and new factories will be built this autumn, but it is too early to say how many suppliers will be used and when the factories will be ready for production, according to Emilsson-Falk.
The East African country has had a long history in textile, leather and shoe production since its Italian occupation in 1939. Other apparel retailers have already begun sourcing products in the country, including Tesco and Chinese shoe-manufacturer Huajian, providing footwear to Guess and Tommy Hilfiger.
“Ethiopia is a country with strong development and we trust that we can sustain economic growth and job opportunities there,” said Emilsson-Falk.
Despite strong economic growth, 9.9 per cent on yearly average since 2004 according to the World Bank, the sub-Saharan nation remains one of the world’s poorest. And one year after the death of prime minister Meles Zenawi, the country is still criticised for its lack of human rights by watchdog organisations.
“We did an extensive risk analysis for Ethiopia, looking at human rights and environmental issues in the country,” said Emilsson-Falk. “We have worked with improvement of working conditions in our production countries for many years and will apply our experience when establishing relationships with the Ethiopian suppliers.”
H&M, which has stores in Egypt and Morocco, has no concrete plans for further expansion in Africa.
Two Swedish journalists who were kept in jail for 14 months in the country were released in September 2012.
After a successful model casting event that took place on Sunday 28 July 2013, the organisers of Loving Your Curves, the first plus size wedding fair and expo to take place in the UK, is holding a second casting call to recruit more models to meets the growing demands of participants.
To participate, interested models should be between size 18 and 22 (UK size). In addition, models are required to come to the casting venue with a pair of 4 inch high heeled shoes, leggings and a vest top. They are also required to put on very minimal makeup.
If you are a plus size woman already working professionally, as an amateur or you are interested in modelling, you are all welcome and encouraged to participate at this event.
DATE: September 8, 2013 TIME: 1.30pm – 3.30pm VENUE: Electric Social
40 Acre Lane, Brixton.
London, SW2 5SP
For more details on the casting event, call 078 30 236 223 0r email, pr@lovingyourcurves.co.uk. You can also visit the event website at: Loving Your Curves.
Autumn is almost here, you still have social invitations and the weather is still warm, how do you add are left wondering how to add a little African flair to you cocktail look, here are a few tips to help you navigate through your sea of dresses.
Cocktail dresses are a chic style nestled between formal dress and a business dress and have a tendency to be short hemlines, although depending on your social invitation you may be able to opt for a smarter relaxed style or longer style gracing your ankle. With this look, you can really have fun and choose from a variety of styles and fabrics such as silk, satin and chiffon with a myriad of embellishments such as beading, lace, and sequins to express your individual style and silhouette.
Here Are 3 Top Tips To help You on Your Way
Pick styles that flatter your shape and then build around the look. There is nothing wrong with a simple dress and African printed accessories.
African prints mixed with luxury fabrics and embellishments makes any cocktail dress a winner.
Black heels can be a safe and classic look, but why not try contrasting colours to bring an extra twist to your look.
This article was written by Kemi Farquharson, the CEO of Kemiboutique and Loving Your Curves Bridal Fair and Expo. There are few days left for our free tickets to the Loving Your Curves event. You can send us an email or drop a comment here to tell us why you would like to attend the event.
Hello, Afro fashionistas in the house. If you have never attended African Fashion Week London before, you will love this post. I am going to show you photos of the African fashion styles that were showcased by Berry’s Couture at the most recent edition of the top African fashion event in Europe. Even those of you who were able to attend this particular event will appreciate this post. In case you do not know what I am talking about, I will try to explain better. As you will already know, some of the runway walks go so quickly that you may not have enough time to examine every element of the pieces that you see on the runway. That is why it is important to be able to have photos to look back to at your own convenient time and examine each pieces with your spectacle eyes. As you know, there is so much to see within a very short time.
This year’s edition of Africa Fashion Week London took place at Old Spitalfields Market in London where Berry’s Couture showcased its African fashion styles creation on 3rd August.
What do you think of these African fashion styles from Berry’s Couture? did you find any piece that you like and cannot wait to add it to your own collection? Tell us what you think by leaving a comment below.
Also, if you are looking for more African fashion styles to add to your collection or use as a source of inspiration, it will be a great idea for you to browse around the site. There are many amazing African fashion styles made with ankara African fabric, African laces, brocades, cotton materials and much more. You will also find the most beautiful asoebi styles for all kind of outing needs. The styles you will find fits all kinds of fashionist groups.
Whether you are looking for the latest senator outfit for couples, the cutest ankara dresses for little girls, the most show-stopping agbada styles for men and women, or the most trendy ankara styles for teenagers and youth, you will find loads of styles to choose from.
Barely two weeks a United Kingdom (UK) pilot scheme that aims to encourage ‘Illegal Immigrants’ to leave the country voluntarily has found enormous resistance from all sections since it was launched on, July 22.
Although the government insists, this pilot campaign is part of the several reforms of the immigration system that have cut out abuse; seen migration drop to its lowest levels in nearly a decade and tries to restrict ‘illegal migrants’ to access the UK benefits and services.
Critics and human rights activists condemned the campaign and they believe, it’s a ‘secretive’ methods used to targeting ethnically mingled areas with such discriminatory adverts that read; ‘Illegal’ immigrants; “Go Home or face arrest”, and is a total breached the Equality Act 2010.
This campaign generally viewed as the Secretary of State’s ‘breach of the equality duties’; ‘failure to regard the needs to eliminate discrimination and promote opportunity in terms of race and religion and belief, since no equality impact assessments.’
“The campaign is stated to a one-week pilot, although there does not appear to be any plans to remove the campaign materials from the newsagents, money transfer shops and internet cafes they have said to have been distributed in and will, therefore, remain in those places. It is unclear whether the campaign will be rolled out further and if so when and where to,” reads the petition,” reads part of the petition, which refers to Breach of Section 149, Equality Act 2010.
A number of leaked documents and e-mails from top civil servants obtained by this newspaper reaffirm a probable divide between the Home Office and local authorities in six London Boroughs over the methods used to encourage. The division emerged when the Refugee & Migrant Forum of East London (RAMFEL), complained about the Home Office Enforcement Division actions and failure in the launching the campaigns in six boroughs without informing the local authorities.
Obtained documents indicate disagreements, including a possible legal challenge in court, because the Home Office employed the vans carrying the “discriminatory” messages and are being driven around the boroughs with high ethnic background without the knowledge of the local authorities.
The campaign criticised by local authorities; law firms; charities and politicians was launched by the Home Office in July, with vans drive around six London boroughs; displaying large adverts, as well as leaflets, posters and messages in local newspapers.
In a Thursday, July 25, 7-paged petition, obtained by this newspaper, Deighton Pierce Glynn pushes the Minister for Immigration, Mr. Mark Harper to put and an end to the spiteful campaign.
Deighton Pierce Glynn a law firm that specialises in matters of concern where public bodies like the Home Office act outside their powers, wants the minister to put a stop to the discriminatory campaign. It has given Home Office Minister [Mark Harper] 14 days to remove the vans or they take home office to court; according to a letter dated July 25.
“We have advised our clients that your decision is unlawful and susceptible to challenge by way of judicial review for the reasons set out below,” reads in part a Deighton Pierce Glynn’s dossier to the Minister for Immigration, Mr. Harper.
It adds: “We, therefore, urge you to confirm within 14 days of this letter that no further adverts of this nature will be displayed in the community, and that all reasonable steps will be taken to promote distributed materials, failing which we are instructed to instigate proceedings against you.”
The petitioners, who are indicated as; Raymond Murray and Andreas Talocka further say: “No consultation was carried out with the affected London boroughs or any community groups. Our clients are residing lawfully in the UK. They are recent residents of Redbridge and visit the area regularly to access services. They are members of minority groups who face discrimination and are very concerned about the impact of this campaign.”
The affected six boroughs referred to, and where the campaigns are being carried out include Hounslow, Barking & Dagenham, Ealing, Barnet, Brent and Redbridge.
“To meet the public sector equality duty the Secretary of State was effectively under a duty to consult those affected by the campaign ie the relevant local authorities and migrant community groups. Without carrying out a consultation, the Secretary of State would not have the necessary information to inform her decision making so as to comply with s149.”
The law firm also challenges the minister that: “If any part of this summary of the factual background is disputed or believed by you to be inaccurate please identify in your response each part of the factual background that is disputed.
Please explain why it is disputed and please provide full details of the basis for this alternative factual account including copies of any reports or relevant contemporaneous records upon which it is based.
Separately, Paul Wylie, the UK Home Office Enforcement Division Chief, appears to have no compromising words in an e-mail message sent to RAMFEL’s Chief Executive – Rita Chadha.
“More generally I hope you appreciate that we are both [UK Enforcement Division and RAMFEL] trying to support people to get free of exploitation and destitution in the UK,” said Wylie.
In what sounds like uncompromising language about the dignity and vicious treatment to foreigners, Mr Wylie said that: “ Our tactics and purpose are of course different but I still think that we can help you to achieve your goals where it suits the individual’s circumstance.” Mr Wylie was responding to a question by Ms. Chadha, who wanted to know the specific points of clarification on the campaign launched to clamp down on the ‘illegal’ migrants.
RAMFEL covers the Barking & Dagenham borough.
London areas are where a majority of East Africans and African live and work.
In these economic uncertainties, the indigenous of East London fear that the new settlers have taken their jobs and over stretched the social services’ system. This makes it difficult for those without proper papers to hide anywhere; border agency apparatus surprises with dawn raids.
The London clean up launched against “Illegal” immigrants by the British government, with Home Office Enforcement Division’s adverts, continue to stir the already deep-seated and long-standing sentiments among British anti-migrants when it comes to matters of immigration issues.
To justify what is already deeply seated and infested into the minds of British people, an e-mail to Rita Chadha, which this newspaper has obtained a copy, a Home Office Enforcement Division chief, Wylie, who is overseeing these campaigns to nab the “unwanted” immigrant in the UK, he [Wylie] wrote: “It’s the same issues that we discussed when we met – we don’t want to arrest anyone, but I’d rather our detention estate was full of rapists and those who persistently offend, thereby freeing up our staff to help support those who want to go home.”
The Home Office Enforcement Division Chief, when informed about the possible legal aspects, in his response, Mr Wylie said: “There is no need for an Equality Impact Assessment, it is only a pilot and we are not treating any individual groups differently on race/gender/age etc, simply on immigration status which is not a category in the Equality Act 2010.”
“We may disagree on this matter,” said Wylie, adding that: “The scheme is a pilot – it is seeing whether if we make our enforcement activity more visible to immigration offenders, whether they would appreciate that it is far better to voluntarily return home than face being arrested, detained, removed on a charter flight etc.”
“It is a tough message, but I hope you’ll agree that it’s a very real risk that they currently face,” said Mr Wylie.
He added: “ However, it will only be a successful scheme if it makes immigration offenders realise that there is a mutually beneficial alternative – a voluntary return where we can help to obtain a travel document or purchase a flight on a scheduled airline without fear of arrest or detention.” Mr Wylie claim is in reference to a number of foreigners who fear to show-up at the Home Office for smooth return to their respective countries of origin when their stay in the UK expire.
Home Office Enforcement Division Chief, Wylie further explained that: “Our operational debriefs have consistently shown that too few offenders actually realised that we would offer this service and fear approaching the Home Office because they think we would arrest them.”
Though, Immigration Minister Mark Harper who is in full support of this pilot project said: “We are making it more difficult for people to live and work in the UK illegally. Every single day our enforcement officers are arresting, detaining and removing people with no right to be in the UK.”
The RAMFEL, an East London-based charity weighed in on the policy proposal and the mechanism used, they [charity] wants the activities to be humane rather than using brute means.
The Chief Executive of RAMFEL, Ms Chadha, contested and disagreed with the Home Office Enforcement chief about the routine employed during the exercise.
Ms Chadha wondered whether the Home Office as a public body has a duty to promote disintegration.
Though, the Home Office Enforcement Division campaign boss who claims, “it’s” a fair deal to ‘illegal immigrants’ with arrangements to have them an attractive send off to their respective countries.
However, according to Ms Chadha of RANFEL said that, Paul [Wylie] informed her that B&D and Redbridge had been targeted because they [areas] had low numbers of returns. She says that this in part may well be because; “we have been challenging Home Office constantly on the issue for a number of years and have most definitely persuaded all except one Gurdwara to not engage in outreach surgeries run by the Home Office.”
Ms Rita Chadha also asked that; “How can we get into the devil of dissecting their claim on numbers who went back each week?”
“Worth noting that the van is just one part of the campaign, others will include placing postcards in shop windows, targeting Money transfer shops like the Western Union, and Internet cafes,” says Ms Chadha in reference to the Home Office Enforcement Division, which uses vans, showing the message that reads: “In the UK illegally? Go home or face arrest. Text HOME to 78070 for free advice, and help with travel documents. We can help you return home voluntarily without fear of arrest or detention.” According to Ms Chadha, the boroughs of Barking&Dagenham and Redbridge where she is a member were not consulted before using such adverts in their area.
“ It is worth noting that neither local authority or borough police group knew anything about it, nor both boroughs are exceptionally angry (one Labour one Tory) and will be making further representations,” Ms Chadha pointed out the loopholes in the whole process.
Independently, this newspaper has also learnt that; many immigrants fear that money transfer shops, which include; Western Union; Moneygram and others could easily compromise their private information and addresses and pass them to the authority. This is also likely to reduce the sum remitted by people to their respective countries.
Ms Chadha who suggests that the foreigner should be handled humanely explained that: “Locally we have a plan of action in the two boroughs in which we work (Barking &D agenham and Redbridge) based on disruption, publishing and disseminating counter-narratives and advice sources, and challenging the technical and logistical proposals.”
“We are having a joint emergency tension-monitoring meeting within the next 24 hrs to discuss the issue further and to which Home Office Enforcement have been asked to and agreed to send senior representation,” she added.
Ms Chadha wonders why this is being handled in an aggressive manner; “The whole project is based on voluntary return and I know that Refugee Action have their own meeting with the Home Office on Friday about it.” She also requested for any advice.
Separately, speaking to this reporter, an immigration lawyer, noted that; “These are disastrous campaigns; the so-called ‘illegal’ immigrants and increasingly retributive highhanded methods have left many particularly Africans in a state of confusion.”
The third edition of Africa Fashion Week London has concluded three days of celebration of African fashion right in the heart of London, Old Truman Brewery off Brick Lane 1-3 August.
With over 10,000 guests visiting the venue over three days, Africa Fashion Week London offered an exciting shopping hub for fans of African fashion while attracting international media attention with crews from CNN, BBC, Arise TV, Bloomberg Africa, TVC and Spice TV attending the event.
“We have had a lot of positive feedback from participants and the audience alike as well as great media coverage,” said founder and CEO of Africa Fashion Week London, Ronke Ademiluyi “We have continued to build on what we started in 2011 with this third edition and with the lessons learned this year, we are already planning ahead for next year’s event.”
The event kicked off on Thursday, 1 August with exhibitions at 12noon and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists CEO Dancers opening the first runway of the day. While the first two shows were dedicated to student and young designers such as the 14-year-old Tumisola Ladega and the winners of the Elevated Network competition, the evening show at 8.30pm hosted some stellar emerging talent such as model Nana Afua Antwi with her label Adopted Culture, Ghanaian accessories label SA4A and South African design talents Zandy B, Mtofo Designs, Bello Designs, Afrolucious Designs and LNK Designs.
Amongst the designers showcasing in the morning of Friday, 2 August, Ghana’s Giberky, Nigeria’s Moofa, Crown Rose swimwear were some of the outstanding names While Steve Mandy’s runway which saw the designer paint ‘live’ one of his trademark painting dresses proved a hit in the second show of the day, Vou Brown brought azonto on to the runway with their 8.30 show followed by vibrant designs of Cameroon’s Liiber London and sophisticated silhouettes by South Africa’s stellar name Thula Sindi.
The third and final day saw Kenya’s Kaveke, Ghanaian label Otudeon and Nigerian Rouge Vallari wow with gorgeous prints while emerging Ghanaian designer Jessica Baah and Zimbabwean designer Portia Mwanaka with her label Killian de Burgh offered edgy designs for women and men respectively. Nigeria’s fast rising fashion star Ella and Gabby dazzled the audience with their vibrant prints, rich colours and gorgeous embellishments showcased in a solo show.
The penultimate show saw elegant designs by Didi Creations and Yutees, a dominantly blue and white palette in crisp designs for men and women by young designer Mariam Afolabi of Mademoiselle Aglaia. The climax came in the shape of Toyin Lawani’s quirky runway which saw the models run, jump, sprint and twerk while modelling the ‘Freedom’ collection from the designer’s Elegante by Tiannahstyling label while the designer did a Beyonce by revealing her growing baby bump on the runway.
While London-based Simeogieme and Abuja-based DZYN offered some amazing designs, the grand finale came in the shape of masterful feminine designs by one of Nigeria’s leading names of fashion Zizi Cardow.
Official hair sponsors Mizani offered a range of styles from mid parting and pigtail braids to sleeked back ponytails to graceful French plaited updos while Fashion Fair team led by Ayo Gorgeous created sultry looks with a focus on strong red, pink and berry lips and smoky eyes.
On the front row were distinguished VIP guests alongside the glamorous AFWL Life Patron Princess Fifi Ejindu and ambassadors model and philanthropist Menaye Donkor-Muntari, The Noisettes lead singer Shingai Shoniwa and model and philanthropist Noella Coursaris Musunka were MP Dianne Abbott, fashion writer and editor of Arise Magazine Helen Jennings, New African Woman editor Regina Jane Jere, Vanguard Allure editor Remi Diagbare amongst others.
The exhibition also proved successful with over 60 vendors bringing the colours, textures and tastes of Africa to a global audience where visitors could purchase African-inspired accessories, clothes, homeware, jewellery while sampling a variety of African cuisine.
The event was covered by international press including CNN, BBC, Arise TV, Bloomberg Africa, Nigeria’s TVC as well as event partners OH TV, Spice TV, Black Hair, Black Beauty and Hair amongst others.
Africa Fashion Week London aims to be back in London with a fourth edition in 2014 and continue to provide a global platform for all African and African inspired designers to showcase their work to an international audience.
Kenya’s international airport, situated in its capital city, Nairobi, was engulfed in a massive flame of fire this morning. According to the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) had been closed and passengers have been evacuated.
Cabinet secretary for transport Michael Kamau said the fire was “very severe” and urged people to stay away from the airport. Images showed flames raging from one of the main buildings.
The interior ministry tweeted that an evacuation of the entire airport was under way, with only essential personnel remaining, but said the fire had been contained. There have been no reports of any casualties and the cause of the fire is yet to be known.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is an important regional hub for East Africa, with many long-distance flights landing there to connect to countries across the region.
On Thursdays during August and September, Al Jazeera will screen three documentary series that spotlight the complex and topical relationship between France and Africa.
In January 2013, France responded to Mali’s request for assistance by launching a military intervention in Mali to prevent the Al-Qaeda-affiliated groups from taking control of the country.
Is France pursuing a neo-colonial policy? Is it continuing “Françafrique,” the term coined to define France’s relationships with its former African colonies in which it supported unpopular African politicians for the sake of its economic interests in the region?
In a recent visit to Dakar, French president Francois Hollande declared the end of the “Françafrique” era. But is that really the case?
The French-African Connection
Premiering on Thursday, 8 August 2013, The French-African Connectionis a gripping three-part series that tells the dark and dramatic history of France’s relationships with its former African colonies.
The French-African Connection is a brutal and nefarious tale of corruption; massacres; dictators supported and progressive leaders murdered; weapons-smuggling; cloak-and-dagger secret services; and spectacular military operations.
The series includes interviews with former oil barons; investigating judges into corruption scandals; former French ambassadors to African states; former French secret services; African presidents; and Francois Mitterand’s son.
The first episode premieres on Thursday, 8 August 2013, with the second and third episode premiering on 15 and 22 August respectively.
Black France
Premiering on Thursday, 29 August 2013, Black France is a three-part series exploring the complicated relationship between France and its black colonial subjects, and later citizens.
Travelling from 1889 to the present, this fascinating series weaves together archive and testimony to build a record of contemporary French black history over almost 130 years.
From Africa, and also the Caribbean, thousands travelled to France – first as soldiers to fight and die for France and then as migrant labourers.
France officially declares itself colour blind. There are no official surveys according to race, so nobody knows for certain how many black citizens there are. Estimates vary between three-five million out of a population of more than 61 million. This series looks at the history of African and Caribbean émigrés settling in France and their long struggle to become the French citizens of today.
The first episode premieres on Thursday, 29 August 2013, with the second and third episodes premiering on 5 and 12 September respectively.
Algeria: The Test of Power
Premiering on Thursday, 19 September 2013, Algeria: The Test of Power is a two-part series that tells the modern history of Algeria, from independence as a French colony in 1962 to the Arab Spring 50 years later.
Algeria was under French colonial rule for 132 years. From tears of joy at independence in 1962, to anger at the regimeof Bouteflika, through the dark tragic civil war of the 90s, this series gives us unique insight into a country which generally escaped the Arab Spring and which is notoriously inaccessible to journalists and filmmakers alike.
It provides an historical surveyof Algeria, from the Evian Accords of 1962 to the Arab Spring of 2011.
Using insightful interviews with prominent Algerian politicians, including BenBella, President Bouteflika and AitAhmed, as well as members of civilsociety and writers Yasmina Khadra and Boualem Sansal, Algeria: The Test of Power provides a tragic and powerful story thatallows us to better understand theAlgeria of the past, the present and the future
The first episode premieres on Thursday, 19 September 2013, with the second on 26 September 2013.
The Nollywood Celebrates Omotola event took place yesterday. The event was organised to celebrate the achievement of one of Nollywoods A-List actress, Omotola Jalade, especially for being named as one of the most influential personality in the world by TIME Magazine.
The The Nollywood Celebrates Omotola event was organised by the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN). The party took place at Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos-Nigeria.
[dropcap]P[/dropcap]eace Anyiam-Osigwe is the CEO and founder of the Africa Movie Academy Awards as well as a TED Fellow. In this article that was originally published by CNN, she picks her 10 must-see African movies of the 21st century.
It’s hard for me to choose the greatest African films of the 21st century as the genres and styles of African cinema have evolved in a big way over the past 20 years or so. Movie makers are now showing a more vibrant Africa than the Francophone filmmakers did before them.
I have chosen films that I loved watching and feel that they are a representative of what is out there in African cinema — the rich mix and melting pot that is African cinema today, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe.
A scene from Kenyan movie From a Whisper.
From a Whisper – dir. Wanuri Kahiu, Kenya, 2009
This movie is very real and deals with the subject of terrorism — based on the events surrounding the bomb attacks on the U.S. embassy in Nairobi in 1998. I liked Ken Ambani’s realistic acting and I loved the music. Wanuri Kahiu is a good director who will go on to make greater films. The cinematography on this film was exceptional and although for me it had plot issues, I think in the end it all came together.
“Viva Riva! is gritty, fun and a must-watch thriller,” says Anyiam-Osigwe.
Viva Riva! — dir. Djo Munga, DR Congo, 2010
This is simply a sophisticated gangster movie. It has raw energy and puts a human face to all that is happening in the Congo. Sometimes just too real, it is gritty, fun and a must-watch thriller.
Sinking Sands deals with domestic violence. “One thing is for sure: you cannot watch Sinking Sands and not be affected,” says Anyiam-Osigwe.
Sinking Sands – dir. Leila Djansi, Ghana, 2011
This film deals with domestic violence, but based on the personal journey of a man disfigured in an accident, which makes him turn against his wife.
Ama K. Abebrese, who plays the wife, made this film for me and she won Best Actress at the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) for it, but I felt that director Leila Djansi made the film engage with the audience in an emotional way, showing not just the rawness of domestic violence, but taking us through a range of pain and forgiveness. The film also depicts how women can immerse themselves in guilt and force themselves to feel like the guilty party.
Actors Jimmy Jean-Louis and Abebrese made this film a must watch and Djansi chose the right cast to make her directing look beautiful. The camera work on this film was excellent — a bit dark and grainy, but one thing is for sure: you cannot watch “Sinking Sands” and not be affected.
White Waters with Rita Dominic
White Waters – dir. Izu Ojukwu, Nigeria, 2007
“White Waters” was a very good movie. It tells the story of a disadvantaged boy who is discovered as gifted runner. I loved the feel, the music and the fact that it was about achieving something from nothing.
I loved the cinematography. Izu Ojukwu, the director and my colleague, is going to shout as I say this, but I believe he is one of the best cinematographers Nigeria has and actor O.C. Ukeje was sensational and made this movie for me.
Mwansa the Great – dir. Rungano Nyoni, Zambia 2011
This is one of those films that makes Africa great. By showcasing the talents of the children who make up its cast, it shows off Africa’s apparent talent. It’s not just the cast that I enjoyed — it has lovely directing too.
Senegalese movie Moolaade deals with the issue of female genital mutilation.
Moolaade – dir. Ousmane Sembene, Senegal, 2004
“Moolaade” dealt with a subject that most men would rather not deal with — female genital mutilation. But director Ousmane Semebene was not afraid to tackle the subject and the manner of the film was artistic, yet detailed, and did not derail the issues that most people in Africa are afraid to confront.
Coming from Sembene it was important, visual and professionally made — and it pulls at the viewers’ heart strings.
“Otelo Burning is one of the best African films I have ever seen,” says Anyiam-Osigwe.
Otelo Burning – dir. Sara Blecher, South Africa, 2011
This is one movie I love, just because of the story line of young black South Africans in the 1980s excelling in surfing — a sport that was reserved for the whites. The sound and picture quality was also excellent, as was the acting. “Otelo Burning” is one of the best African films I have ever seen and I feel it should have had a lot more accolades than it did.
Benda Bilili is a documentary telling the story of Staff Benda Bilili — a group of disabled Congolese musicians.
Benda Bilili – dir. Renaud Barret, Florent de La Tullaye, DR Congo/France, 2010
This is a great musical documentary telling the story of Staff Benda Bilili — a group of disabled Congolese musicians. The band members start out making a living on the streets of Kinshasa, before becoming world-famous musicians.
Irapada— dir. Kunle Afolayan, Nigeria, 2007
I love anything to deal with African myths and mysticism. This movie may not have the best sound quality but the storyline was interesting, and it was the first Nollywood film to make it to mainstream film festivals — including the London Film Festival and Pan African Film festival in Los Angeles — after winning an AMAA (Best Indigenous Film) in 2007.
Anyiam-Osigwe: “Ghett’a Life is one of those films that I just love to watch. The music in this film is brilliant and the cinematography too.”
Ghett’a Life – dir. Chris Browne, Jamaica, 2011
Not strictly an African movie, but “Ghett’a Life” is one of those films that I just love to watch. The music in this film is brilliant, and the cinematography too. It deals with the political violence in Jamaica in a realistic way, showing that people born in the ghetto can escape.
“Gett’a Life” can be hard to deal with but when you watch the documentary “Marley” you begin to understand how politics, music and sports all merge in developing countries. For me, this movie is in the same league as “Otelo Burning,” with its message that you can get out of the corner if you really try. Story line: excellent, acting: brilliant.
Mwansa the Great – dir. Rungano Nyoni, Zambia 2011
