Bonang Dorothy Matheba known for her work ethic, determination and generosity, South African multi award winning radio host, TV presenter, MC and style icon, Bonang Matheba, affectionately referred to by fans as Queen B, has firmly positioned herself as Africa’s most sought after entertainment personality and SA’s number one social media darling.
From a very young age Bonang knew that she wanted to be great, and following endless hours building her brand, she got her break as presenter of LIVE.
Today, Bonang enjoys a daily active audience of over 5 million fans, wrote a No.1 Best-selling autobiography From A to B and has been included as Forbes List of Top 13 African Celebrities to Watch. She has also achieved a nomination for a MTV Africa Music Award for African Personality of the Year, won SA Style Icon of the Year, Channel 24 Digital Influencer of the Year and ranks as one of the 10 Most Powerful Celebrities in South Africa 2017.
In addition to launching the second season of Being Bonang, she has also been building her brand as MC, most recently being invited to the London’s premier social event, where she hosted the The Global Gift Nelson Mandela Centenary Dinner and has also been invited to host Miss SA, which took place at the Times Square Arena on Sunday 27th May.
Content courtesy of Bonang Matheba & Nairobi fashion hub
Leila Noelliste has innovated in the beauty space for more than a decade. Her award winning hair and beauty site, Black Girl with Long Hair www.blackgirllonghair.com, became top-ranked for women and beauty, receiving more than 5 million page views monthly before closing in February 2018.
She followed this with the creation of BGLH Marketplace, a whipped shea, cocoa and mango butter boutique that operates online and out of a storefront in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn. The beauty startup currently generates $300,000 in annual revenue from a 14,000-person customer base, and is projected to generate $400,000 in revenue in 2019.
After launching Black Girl with Long Hair, a top‐ranked natural hair and beauty site, she noticed two things: that shea, mango and cocoa butter are miracle ingredients with an endless list of health and beauty benefits for hair and skin, and that her readers had repeated complaints about lack of consistent access to them.
Black girl with long hair products collection
In November 2014 she launched BGLH Marketplace and began selling raw shea butter from her blog, mostly to her readers.
In January 2015 she got the idea to evolve her store into an ‘ice cream shop for the body’, where customers could pick from a variety of all‐natural whipped and scented mango, shea and cocoa butters to incorporate into their skin and hair routine. Her goal was to make the butters as fragrant, rich and absorbent as possible.
Studying pastry techniques, she learned how to use commercial grade mixers to whip the butters to a soft and fluffy consistency that sinks right into hair and skin.
Noelliste now whips about one metric ton of shea, mango and cocoa butter a year with the help of two assistants.
KAHINDO is a contemporary women’s wear brand creating vibrant statement pieces with a resort feel. The colorful pieces bought originally for a vacation will quickly turn into closet staples.
The brand was founded by Kahindo Mateene in 2009 and features feminine and sexy design alongside bold colors and unique prints inspired by the designer’s African heritage, globe-trotting adventures and surroundings in New York.
A graduate of the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago, Mateene was selected to take part in Macy’s Chicago Fashion Incubator program and was also one of the contestants in season 12 of Project Runway.
Mateene is a passionate believer in the importance of empowering women and champions this cause through philanthropic endeavors in her native Congo and stateside.
KAHINDO is an independent women’s ready-to-wear design label based in New York city. Founded in 2009 under the name Modahnik, the brand was born of founder Kahindo Mateene’s desire to create a line that infuses the nostalgia and modernity of the two cultures of her upbringing, American and Congolese.
KAHINDO pairs mid-century Americana silhouettes with traditional Congolese textiles and fabrics creating garments that empower women in all of their femininity. KAHINDO believes that when you empower women, you empower a whole society, and champions this cause with a philanthropic partnership with MamAfrica, KAHINDO and MamAfrica repurpose the brand’s fabric scraps into handbags 100% made in the DRC by Congolese women.
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kahindo Mateene is an alum of the Illinois Institute of Art. Mateene draws inspiration from Congolese art and culture of her childhood as well as the culture of her adopted country of the United States and extensive travels throughout Europe, the Americas and Africa. Upon completion of Chicago’s Fashion Incubator at Macy’s Residence Program in 2011, Kahindo Mateene landed a spot as a contestant on Season 12 of Lifetime Network’s Emmy-Nominated Project Runway television show.
From her constant philanthropic endeavors to partnership with MamAfrica through KAHINDO, Mateene has always seen fashion as a vehicle for conveying cultural perspective and betterment of a society.
Her collection marks the rebirth of my brand, under its new name, KAHINDO. The essence is maintained – bold colors and prints, sexy and sophisticated, and the attention to detail remains a priority. You will see my Congolese heritage shine through, with more emphasis on texture.
The color palette was inspired by conceptual artist Lina Iris Victor, whose work, specifically her painting, “Syzygy”, creates synergy between blue, black, white and 24-carat gold. I now present, KAHINDO, statement pieces for the progressive woman.
The popular model was reportedly killed by a domestic worker at her father’s home.
Alexia Mupende, a celebrated Rwandan model, actress and fitness worker, died on Tuesday after being stabbed by a 23-year-old domestic worker at her father’s home in the Nyarugunga Sector, Kicukiro District, reports Rwanda’s The New Times. She was 35.
Model Alexia Mupende
The news was later confirmed by the spokesperson of Rwanda Investigation Bureau, Modeste Mbabazi, who declined to share further details involving the case.
The model was due to get married next month.
As part of the Mashirika Performing Arts Group, Mupende worked to bring Rwandan clothing and fashion to international attention. She was also the General Manager of Waka Fitness in the capital city of Kigali according to The New Times.
Mupende was born in Kenya, and raised between Kenya and Uganda, before moving to Rwanda where she studied Business Information and Technology, adds BBC Africa.
The news of Mupende’s untimely death has come as a shock to many of her fans and supporters who have taken to social media to give their condolences, and ask that her killer be brought to justice.
Mupende is being remembered as a dedicated worker and kind soul.
Coocolili is a ready to wear East African retail brand offering high quality tailored clothing and accessories for women, men and children. The brand is based in Nairobi, Kenya and was officially launched in November 2016.
Cocolili is a brand that is African at heart but has been designed to fit perfectly on any high street boutique in the world. Cocolili seeks to narrate the African story through its bold, vibrant and colorful prints which are individually customized for the brand. The prints are based on African themes and motifs and are symbolic of our African heritage and add an element of ethnic pride.
Our design philosophy focuses on classic and timeless staples that transcend time and culture and that allow for maximum adaptability and flexibility.
We offer styles in a variety of prints and colors ranging from subtle delicate reflections to vivacious spirited pallets,Cocolili prides itself as a truly East African brand, with each item of clothing conceptualized, designed, and manufactured in the region.
As a female led business, Cocolili prides itself as a brand that promotes the progress of women in our society. We identify ways to make women more visible and campaign for more inclusivity at school, work and in society.
The scholarship fund will sponsor under privileged school girls in secondary school pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. Ten percent of our annual net sales will go towards the fund. Our goal is to empower these young girls to succeed and hopefully become the next women leaders of Africa and the world.
Content Courtesy of Cocolili Africa & Nairobi Fashion Hub
Over the years, African fashion has grown in popularity with many fantastic designers, fashion bloggers and stylist in this area. The best thing is, you can really make it unique to your sense of style. There’s an outfit for every season and occasion whether you want to go casual, add colour to your work wardrobe or to a friends up coming wedding ,you can dress your outfit up or down to create the desired result you need.
The best things about African fashion is the array of bold statement colours and prints. You can either make your whole outfit bright, bold and beautiful or just choose a statement piece to incorporate into your look to add a new element of interest to that black blouse. Whether that is through a pair of shoes, stunning necklace or a flowing skirt, the end result is as fantastic as ever.
Perhaps the best thing about the variety of colours is that you can really match it to your personality and play around with the right tones that complement you and your skin tone the best. We say, have fun with it and experiment; you’ll soon learn what works for you.
You walk into a high street shop in any fashion store in Africa and most clothes have safe prints and patterns. African fashion is a lot more interesting with many different prints to choose from and all with a different meaning. The prints are used tell stories about Africa life , proverbs and traditional tales of most Africans.
We particularly love that you can clash your prints, which ensures your outfit truly is unique. It can be tricky to pull off, a top tip is to put together the style of pattern or colours used, so that the two prints you are planning on wearing together almost match, but not quite.
“Beauty of Africa “
With African fashion in your wardrobe, there are never ending options to dress up your outfit, whatever the occasion. For example if you fancy going out in your little black dress, breathe some new life into it by adding a focal point such as a sash, scarf or printed headband.
Just believe us, there is nothing difficult about African fashion. The trick is to subtly add it into your style as little or as much as your personality and fashion statement allows.
Not just a trend; African fashion is a life style and it here to stay as they as Africa is the future.
African clothing is taking the fashion industry by storm in these days as it’s the beautiful combination of traditional and modern clothing. The current form of African fashion is the result of gradual change over a century when Arab and European traders entered in Africa and left their impact on the African clothing. Modern Africans like to wear European outfits, but on the eve of special occasions and the people living in remote areas, only traditional attires are worn. Let’s take a look at different African’s clothing styles.
African in Diaspora are returning home, and establishing fashion focused businesses
Many in the diaspora have decided that now is the time to return home and start up on their own. Fashion is a very popular sector for many starting a new business, as this is one of the lowest cost, most well-known businesses that can be started on the continent.
Social media makes it easier than ever to spread enthusiasm and create new interest in African Fashion as a by-product. An example of this can be found with Roz’Umy Couture in Senegal, whose Senegalese founder previously worked in the corporate world, but now produces some of the best traditional clothing in West Africa today. One of the company’s clients is the current President of Nigeria!
Social media has enabled greater exposure of African clothing
The ease and reach to which things can be shared and people can be reached has lead to a much broader range of tastes being served. This can be referred to as the ‘Long Tail’ of African Fashion so to speak. So that even those who previously did not really have interest, due to not seeing anything they liked, now have abundant choices.
The African Diaspora ( especially millennial ) are re-learning and re-engaging with their culture
The increased interest over the last few years (due in large part to the increased availability of information from sources such as YouTube and Wikipedia), have lead to many in the African diaspora re-engaging and re-learning their culture. And that includes Fashion.
Africa designers have started to incorporate African inspired ideas
You could hardly watch a model walking down a cat-walk in 2015 without seeing at least some African influence. It is no longer rare to see a Dashiki or Kente colored cloth in major fashion shows and parties around Europe nowadays.
Celebrities have begun to embrace African fashion
Celebrities such as Chris Brown and Beyonce have been spotted wearing traditional Dashikis and other African clothing. And as we all know, no-one is a better publicist for fashion than celebrities.
Wazawazi is an Afrocentric luxury leather brand telling the story of modern day Africa to the rest of the world. Our bags and accessories are crafted from the finest leathers in Kenya by craftsmen and women who understand our mission to showcase Africa in all its glory.
Our products are a celebration of diversity and personal style having been inspired by Africans out to make a mark in society. They are built to last and make a unique statement to their bearers.
Our entire value chain is in tandem with the values of the conscious consumer of today; we are ethical in how we run our business; from how we source our leather to how we produce our bags.
Our commitment to create sustainable and gainful jobs in Kenya is anchored in our commitment to fairness for all.
Wazawazi luxury leather is an ethical luxury leather goods design house based in Nairobi. The idea of the design house Wazawazi was inspired by desire to curate the concept of African luxury matched by a socio-economic need for job creation of the continent.
Wazawazi is telling our African story, and mainstreaming African luxury.
Wazawazi mobilizes untapped creative energies into productive industries, working with, training and employing talented youth to create our luxury bags. Every bag carries with it the story of a progressive African crafting their destiny. It carries the hopes and dream of not only the artisan that creates it and speaks to the rapidly progressive luxury evolution of the expressive African continent.
Content courtesy of Wazawazi & Nairobi fashion hub
Uganda’s very own Miss Uganda 2018 Quiin Abenakyo won the title of Miss World Africa and finished in 4th place out of 118 contestants at the Miss World 2018 pageant which took place in Sanyu City Arena, China on December 8th, 2018. This was the best finish for Uganda in the history of the annual beauty pageant.
Miss World Africa 2018 Quiin Abenakyo
Quiin Abenakyo’s stunning looks combined with her intellect, personality and impressive “beauty with a purpose” project impressed the judges throughout the competition. After Quiin won the head to head challenge and was confirmed in the top 40 semi-finalists, the entire nation got behind her to rally for votes. The online voting campaign was enhanced by numerous celebrities, socialites, influencers, politicians and corporate companies who showed support on their social media pages.
Earlier this year in April, Miss Uganda franchise holders Kezzi Entertainment announced their new joint venture partnership with Talent Africa, Uganda’s leading event, talent and entertainment company. Talent Africa promised to bring glamour, flair and showbiz to the Miss Uganda Pageant. After an extremely competitive judging process which at times faced mixed feelings from the public, the Miss Uganda team remained positive and promised to send a beauty queen that could compete on a international level at Miss World. With Quiin Abenakyo’s success at Miss World, it is clear the that judges made the right choice. The judging panel consisted of Brenda Nanyonjo, Sylvia Namutebi, Stella Nantumbwe, Nana Kagga, Brian Ahumuza, Maggie Kigozi and Zari Hassan amongst others.
The Miss Uganda pageant and Miss World journey is brought to you by Kezzi Entertainment and Talent Africa in conjunction with the sponsors:
Sheraton Kampala Hotel, Holiday Territory, Pan Afric Group, Princess Pads, Luc Belaire, Virginia Black Whiskey, Oakwood Decor, Photo 4 Fashion, RadioCity 97fm, NBS TV, Reach a Hand Foundation, Spruced, Smukke Lashes, Chris Hair, Beats By Dyrk, Jefferson Bridal Beauty Salon and UNAA Causes.
Content Courtesy of Kezzi Entertainment and Talent Africa & Nairobi Fashion Hub
The 6th edition of the Abryanz Style & Fashion were held on Friday evening at the Kampala Serena Hotel. This year’s Abryanz Style & Fashion Awards had guests and nominees from all over the continent descend upon Kampala to celebrate fashion. The theme was “Fashion is Power”, and the guests brought their best style game and glamour on the Red carpet. Let’s take a look at the night’s big winners at the 2018 Abryanz Style Fashion Awards:
Humanitarian Award for works in Fashion Rio Paul the Stylist
Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year Umutoni Monalisa
Fashion Designer of the year (Africa) Maxhosa by Laduma (South Africa)
Fashion Designer of the year (Uganda) Fatuma Asha
Model of the Year (Africa) Dylan Wintzel
Model of the Year (Uganda) Paul Mwesigwa
Makeup Artiste of the Year (Africa) Lucoh Mhlongo (South Africa)
Makeup Artiste of the Year (Uganda) Saida Beauty
Fashion Photographer of the Year (Africa) Emmanuel Oyeleke (Nigeria)
Fashion Photographer of the Year (Uganda) Oscar Ntege
Most Stylish Female Artiste of the Year (Africa) Vanessa Mdee (Tanzania)
Most Stylish Female Artiste of the Year (Uganda) Spice Diana
Most Stylish Male Artiste of the Year (Africa) Octopizzo (Kenya)
Most Stylish Male Celebrity of the Year (Uganda) A Pass
Female Fashionista of the Year (Africa) Sarah Langa (South Africa)
Female Fashionista of the Year (Uganda) Kasirye Hauer
Male Fashionista of the Year (Africa) Amar Jonathan (Kenya)
Male Fashionista of the Year (Uganda) Brandon Brandon
Hair Stylist of the Year (Africa) Saadique Ryklief (South Africa)
Hair Stylist of the Year (Africa) Gray Cee Hairz
Most Stylish male Celebrity of the Year (Africa) Tobi Bakre (Nigeria)
Most Stylish Female Celebrity of the Year (Africa) Dillish Mathews (Namibia)
Most Stylish Female Celebrity of the Year (Uganda) Judith Heard
Fashion Stylist of the Year (Africa) Brian Babu (Kenya)
Fashion Stylist of the Year (Uganda) Tazibone Solomon
Fashion writer of the Year (Africa) Eki Ogunbor (Nigeria)
Fashion writer of the Year (Uganda) Gloria Haguma
Fashionable Music Video of the Year (Africa) Duro Dada- Bimbi Phillips
Fashionable Music Video of the Year (Uganda) Chips Na Ketchup- Vinka
Content Courtesy of Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards & Nairobi Fashion Hub
The second annual Her Network Woman of the Year Awards, which took place on Sunday 2nd December at Landmark Towers saw the gathering of industrious women from diverse backgrounds, who came together to celebrate outstanding women of impact in 2018. The guests stayed true to the theme of the night – ‘Majestic’ and stunned in different regal looks. The prestigious event was hosted by Beauty Queen, artist, media personality Munachi Abii and Actress, TV Producer, Simi Drey.
The keynote speech titled “Measurable Impact” was delivered by 2017 Her Network Technology Woman of the Year and First CNN Heroes nominee from Nigeria and the only African this year, Ms Abisoye Ajayi Akinfolari, who also presented the 2018 HNWOTY Technology Woman of the Year Award to Oreoluwa Somolu Lesi, founder of Women’s Technology Empowerment Center – W.Tec .
Other winners include Chinwe Egwin (Career), Anokwuru Chinyere (Community Service), Kafayat Oluwatoyin Shafau-Ameh (Entertainment), Inyang Out (Philanthropy), Ola Brown (Entrepreneur), Dr Maymunaii Yusuf Kadiri (Healthcare), Temie Giwa-Tubosun (Start-Up), Folawe Omikunle (Education), Mirabele Morah (Woman of the Future) and Thembelihle Khumalo from Zimbabwe (Social Media)
One of the highlights of the evening was the outstanding show of support, unity and positivity by the Woman of the Future Nominees who exemplified “Women Supporting Women” by cheering on the winner in their category and even going further to walk her to the stage, these young women were the talk of the evening.
Dancer and Instructor Ukalina Celine Opuwari serenaded the audience with a performance to legendary poet Maya Angelou ‘s “Still I Rise” during the event and The final award of the night was given to Osayi Alile, who was announced as the Her Network Woman of the Year 2018 (Overall Achiever). Osayi is the founding curator, Global Shapers Forum Nigeria and is passionate about the social sector and believes that impact must be made rapidly and consistently to foster development. About Her Network
Her Network is a global networking platform which originated in 2016 as a key driver to connecting a community of women in Nigeria and the diaspora to create mutually beneficial relationships and provide inspiration to live wholly successful lives, especially in the spheres of career and family, by showcasing women as living testimonials in their various industries of expertise. Her Network Woman of the Year Awards 2018 is currently being supported by Guardian Woman, Pulse NG, BellaNaija, Olorisupergal, YNaija, Aforevo TV and Kaftan TV
Also follow the platform on social media via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – @HNWOTY
Anita Beryl Ahikiriza, commonly known as Anita Beryl, is a businesswoman, fashion designer and fashionista in Uganda.
She is the creative director of Beryl Qouture, a Ugandan fashion house. The Ugandan magazine, Satisfashion Uganda, She put up a remarkable and memorable show with her couture collection at the ASFAS 2016.
And now the multi award winning Ugandan designer and couturier will be making her return to the ASFAS at this year’s edition in what is slated to be her biggest fashion showcase ever!
Meet Anita Beryl fashion designer from Uganda
Anita Beryl, who is also a nominee for the Ugandan Fashion Designer of the Year at the Abryanz Style & Fashion Awards is one of three Ugandan designers who will be showcasing at the 7thDecember event. Her 27 pieces collection will be showcased alongside the likes David Tlale from South Africa, Mai Atafo from Nigeria and Maxhosa from South Africa. Anita, through her fashion brand, Beryl Qouture by Anita Beryl is known for her show stopping couture pieces and this particular collection will surely be one to look out for.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of the showcasing lineup for this year. The ASFAs are a great platform that’s transforming the fashion scene not only in Uganda but across the entire continent. And I feel honoured to be a part of this beautiful lineup of fashion greats,”Anita says
The Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards are taking place on Friday December 7th, 2018 at the Kampala Serena Hotel.
Content Courtesy of bryanz Style and Fashion Awards & Nairobi Fashion Hub
