More architecture and interiors to fuel my obsession with Swahili-inspired design. This time from Lamu House in … Lamu, Kenya! There's just something about the thin line between inside and outside space; the mix of textures and; the earthy tones with pops of vibrant colour. Another contender for where to... Continue reading

Today it's time for the ever fresh Malian duo, Amadou & Mariam. First up is the beautiful video for 'Africa mon Afrique' – animation + collage = what's not to love?! Then, a rockin' collabo with Santigold, 'Dougou Badia' (RSS readers click here to view videos) Amadou & Mariam's music... Continue reading

The Pichulik brand consists of exciting, "wild neckpieces" and other exotic jewellery and accessories. They are made by self-described cook, creator and jewel maker, Katherine-Mary Pichulik, in Cape Town. I love the drama of these pieces! Discover more on the Pichulik website. Images via the Pichulik website and Katherine's Pinterest... Continue reading

It's a great honour to present this interview with musician, actress and activist, Fatoumata Diawara. Born in Côte d'Ivoire to Malian parents, Fatoumata moved to France to pursue acting – she appeared in the films La Genèse and Sia, le Rêve du Python and played a leading role in the... Continue reading

The GoDown Arts Centre in Nairobi houses a performance space, several creative businesses and artist studios. It's a multidisciplinary arts incubator of sorts, with a mission "to develop independent artists across multiple art forms and to participate in the advancement of the cultural sector, thereby contributing to the establishment of... Continue reading

For your Friday pleasure: sounds from "purveyor of rhythmic soul", London-based Ghanaian/Welsh singer/songwriter, Juliyaa. RSS readers, click here for the video. Image – the album cover of Juliyaa's EP Stars & Dragons – I'm really enjoying the kaleidoscopic design. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Related posts: TGIF! with Mpho Soul/jazz songstress Debra Debs is... Continue reading

Today marks the start of the very first Massimadi festival – showcasing LGBT films from Africa and its diaspora. Taking place in Brussels from the 9th - 11th of May, in the run up to Belgian Pride, the event programme includes meetings and music to complement the films. The word... Continue reading

In an effort to continue experiencing the amazing results I did during my paleo Whole30 + Autoimmune Protocol experiement – and to show people just how exciting food can be, even especially when you've cut out grains, sugar, legumes, dairy and processed foods – I've created a specific 'Paleo Recipes'... Continue reading

In the past few weeks, the question of what constitutes as 'African' has come up in different contexts. As I prepared my African fiction and non-fiction reading lists, I had to reflect on how I was selecting the books. In the end, I defined African fiction as such because of... Continue reading

British-born singer and actor of Nigerian descent, Alex Boyé, is perhaps best known for 'Africanizing' today's pop music. Today, enjoy this majestic track, "Peponi" – a rendition of Coldplay's "Paradise" by Alex Boye and The Piano Guys (RSS readers click here to view the video). Image via Alex Boyé's website.... Continue reading

Fun with colour, texture and wax print patterns on these shoes and bags from accessories brand, South of Africa, made by Zimbabwe-native, Fikile Dube. Take a look at more designs and buy South of Africa accessories, on Etsy. Images via the South of Africa Etsy page. Thanks Heather for the... Continue reading

For many of you around the world, today – labour day or May Day – is a holiday. Free time for you to spend relaxing, with yourself or with family and friends, and for some of you, extra time to spend working on building that idea you've been nurturing and... Continue reading

@AFFRM is the African American Film Festival Releasing Movement. The collective, founded by acclaimed filmmaker, Ava DuVernay, works to empower black independent filmmakers with collaborative, simultaneous theatrical distribution in multiple markets. Ava explains: “In essence, what we’re doing is empowering ourselves by distributing our own images. There are robust black... Continue reading

Munaluchi Bride Magazine provides bridal inspiration for style-savvy women of color via a website and a print publication released twice a year. Enjoy everything from natural hairstyles to event decor ideas, pictures from real weddings and dream honeymoon destinations. My Asilia colleagues have been teasing me about sharing a lot... Continue reading

As with my African fiction reading list, here is a working list of non-fiction books that I'd like to read. Unlike with the fiction list, the criteria for what makes a book 'African' in this instance is a little bit different (and potentially less contentious – you tell me). This... Continue reading

If the week's got you spent, Laura Mvula is sure to be the antidote with her uplifting soulful sound. The Birmingham, UK, native released her debut single just months ago (November 2012) and has already been met with much acclaim. “I’ve never been particularly good at articulating what my music... Continue reading

African Lookbook is an online space for discussions in the format of oral histories and for selling cutting edge African products. The site was co-founded by Aaron Kohn and Phil Sandick, a couple of American guys who have both lived and worked in Africa for several years. Here are a... Continue reading

Pinterest is much more than just a place to salivate over pretty pictures. My obsession with beautiful things aside, what keeps me going back to use the social media platform, again and again, has to do with its function as a creative tool. 'Tool' you ask? Indeed! You may actually... Continue reading

I'm loving these photos for the Spring/Summer 2013 Lalesso Campaign. For the location ('by the ocean' is one of my favourite places to be), for the designs and for the styling! The combinations of colour, pattern and texture, acheived by the clothes and the choice of accessories, is very satisfying.... Continue reading

From February 20th to April 1st of this year, I did the best thing that I've ever done for my body and my health. I completely gave up grains, sugar, legumes, dairy, eggs, alcohol, seeds, nuts, seed-based spices, fruits and nightshade vegetables (i.e. potatoes, all kinds of peppers, eggplants and... Continue reading