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Thursday 3rd of October 2024

Nairobi, Kenya

Tag: Film

The Star-Studded Premiere of “Monkey Business” at Two Rivers Mall

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

On Friday, Two Rivers Mall was the epicenter of excitement as fans, celebrities, and media personalities gathered for the much-anticipated premiere of King Kaka’s new series, “Monkey Business.” The event was a dazzling affair, graced by an impressive lineup of Kenyan stars and enthusiastic fans eager to catch a glimpse of the series that promises to be a game-changer in the local entertainment scene.

“Monkey Business” features the charismatic rapper Scar Mkadinali as the main character, leading an ensemble cast that includes Janet Mbugua, Prezzo, and Azeezah Hashim. The series delves into the complex themes of loyalty, morality, and survival, delivering a gripping narrative that resonates with contemporary issues.

The premiere saw a who’s who of Kenyan entertainment and public life in attendance. Notable figures included Charlene Ruto, Prezzo, Jalang’o, Mejja, Nameless, Wahu, Big Ted, Jacky Vike, Mulamwah, Nana Owiti, Pascal Tokodi, Sandra Dacha, Baba Talisha, Kabugi, Useful Idioty, Wololo TV, Senjee, Celestine ‘SELINA’ Gachui, Kerry Martin, Silva Kido, Dennis Milimo, Oga Obinna, Sosuun, Frasha, Janet Mbugua, Ndovu Kuu, Fathermoh, Ezekiel Mutua, King Kaka’s mother, Scar Makadinali, and Eddie Butita.

King Kaka, the visionary behind the series, expressed his excitement about the project. “I am thrilled to share a sneak peek of ‘Monkey Business’ with the world. This project is a labor of love, and I believe it has the power to inspire, provoke, and ignite change. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey!” he remarked.

A highlight of the evening was King Kaka’s heartfelt tribute to his wife, Nana Owiti, amid recent rumors of marital strife. Addressing the media, he praised Nana’s beauty and kind heart, saying, “She is a very lovely woman, ako na roho nzuri, ni mrembo, umeona vile amedunga?” He emphatically denied the rumors of trouble in paradise, urging the public to respect their privacy and focus on the positive aspects of their lives.

The premiere was not just about glitz and glamour; it also underscored the importance of family and integrity in the face of public scrutiny. King Kaka’s plea to the media and fans to refrain from spreading baseless rumors was a poignant reminder of the real lives behind the celebrity facade.

As the curtains fell on the premiere night, it was clear that “Monkey Business” is set to make a significant impact on the Kenyan entertainment industry. With its stellar cast and compelling storyline, the series is poised to captivate audiences and spark meaningful conversations.

Content courtesy of NFH Digital Team

Sincerely Daisy

Posted on by Valour Vuguza

Despite being available in some nations much later, Sincerely Daisy was initially released in 2020.
Nick Mutuma produced and directed it, making it the first Kenyan feature film to be made available on Netflix.
One of the most eagerly awaited movies to be released in October 2022 features the titular young woman, played by Ellah Maina, and has a running period of 1 hour and 27 minutes.

With its “strong” emphasis on Swahili and Kenyan accents and “meant to export our African culture,” Mutuma began the film by describing it as one to set an example. With a large number of fresh faces on screen, it succeeds in achieving the representation it aimed for in the worldwide market, but the responses the film drew were wildly disparate.

To put it simply, the film has a simple coming-of-age plot in which the title character, who has just graduated from high school, looks for job options in China.
Her desire to advance to a different, new, and unfamiliar location raises her mother’s anxiety and causes her to withdraw, but her father is more than prepared to support her endeavors despite the ongoing financial crisis, which first presents a worrisome front.
Daisy is glad to introduce her parents, beginning with the picture of a completely content and healthy connection between them.
It shows a well-known ignorance on her part, similar to that of many kids who are blissfully oblivious of the disastrous misfires their parents keep hidden from them out of love and worry.

The most heartwarming and realistic images of the movie are probably those that she shares with her family.
Probably the warmest and most realistic sequences in the movie are the ones she has with her family. Development in the mother-daughter connection is also shown by the exchanges that are exchanged between them, which are the only forgiving aspect of the story until the very end.
However, even for fiction, the protagonist’s early narration is too constrained and melodramatic.
It does, however, put her in the thick of things because most teenagers think of themselves as the protagonists of their own story, with everything else happening around them.
The movie advances and pushes for the love interest subplot, channeling the same energy despite their assurances of the future, even though it already feels erratic and shallow.

[taq_review]

Although the character’s goal to perfect her acting skills abroad is an unusual ideal desire, the follow-up to that succumbs to a cringe-inducing exaggeration.
No time is given to go deeper into the seeming sincerity of some characters’ friendships, which is the foundation of the soul of a coming-of-age movie. Instead, the depth of the friendships is only felt during the final farewell moments.
Short-lived light humor and positive family dynamics cannot support the movie by themselves.
Given that it’s intended for the camera rather than to be staged like a play, the acting sometimes appears forced and a lot more theatrical.

The movie isn’t particularly a unique addition to the category of its genre, putting aside the assumption that it’s a representative Kenyan production.
The plot of these movies is mostly driven by the protagonist’s internal conflict and monologue, as well as the dynamics of their relationships.
Sincerely Daisy, despite being named as if it were a series of journal entries or a letter addressed to the viewers about her personal thoughts, fails to sufficiently delve into the adolescent’s struggle, failing to evoke a sense of relatability at its core, despite having emotion as its primary focus.
The movie doesn’t treat its characters on an equal footing since it sticks to tired clichés of dysfunctional friendships.

Though coming-of-foundation age’s is based on viewing characters as people first, the movie arbitrarily chooses teams and is more interested in failing friendships than forging them. Despite the fact that most of us would take snide pleasure in making fun of such things and playing the “she deserved it” card, this is contrary to the film’s focus on seeing characters as people first.

Synopsis
The film revolves around the life of a happy high school graduate (Daisy) played by Ella Maina, whose dreams, expectations, passion, and confidence are significantly affected by family and romantic drama.

Crew
Directed by: Nick Mutuma
Screenplay by: Natasha Likimani
Produced by: Nick Mutuma
Music by: Timothy Rimbui
Starring: Ellah Maina

Content courtesy of Leisure Byte & NFH

 

Country Queen

Posted on by Jennifer D'souza

Country Queen, the first Kenyan Netflix original, is a drama that explores Kenya’s complex history with gold mining while also offering a parallel tale about complex families. After a ten-year self-exile, Nairobi event director Akisa presumably the titular country queen returns to her hometown of rural Tsilanga in the film’s lead role, played by Melissa Kiplagat.
The six-episode first season opens with Akisa organizing an occasion for Eco Rock, a significant Kenyan gold mining firm.
The business is led by Vivienne Sibala (Nini Wacera), and Akisa obtained the contract with the assistance of Max (Blessing Lung’aho), who is also Vivienne’s husband and Akisa’s boyfriend.

The occasion is crucial for Akisa’s profession, so she wouldn’t have wanted things to turn out the way they did with Max accidentally telling his wife about their connection and an irate man showing up to the party to smear Vivienne and accusing the company of land grabbing.

However, it is how the event unfolds. She receives a surprise call from her Aunt Salome (Muthoni Gathecha), telling her that her father is gravely ill, adding to an already horrible night. By dawn, Akisa is returning to her town and the father who abducted her child ten years prior, the mother who doesn’t appear to want to see her, and the father.

The invasion of Tsilanga by Eco Rock in pursuit of gold takes place at the same time as Akisa’s return. The firm is doing what capitalism is most despised for: utilizing the weak to enhance the wealth of the powerful, with ambitions to transform the entire town into a goldmine. Villagers are being duped into abandoning town and their lands in exchange for meager payments.

Children who are starving are placed into actual holes in the ground in exchange for unreliable payment.
And conflicting interests are tearing apart families. The greatest plot of land in the center of Eco Rock’s proposed operation belongs to Akisa’s father, Mwalimu (Raymond Ofula), who refuses to sell it despite the fact that Eco Rock has his brothers in its crosshairs and has threatened to destroy him and his way of life.

[taq_review]

Akisa is returning home to this mess as if navigating her complicated relationship with her parents Esther, played by Mumbi Kaigwa wasn’t difficult enough.
Other than her aunt Salome, no one from her past seemed to be on Akisa’s side beside a man by the name of Kyalo (Melvin Alusa).

Kyalo still has feelings for Akisa, her childhood sweetheart who doesn’t know why she left home or why they had a kid together.
However, he is about to wed Anna (Sheila Munyiva of Rafiki fame), the town doctor, and Akisa’s reappearance inevitably strains their relationship.

Synopsis
Blood . Gold . Love

When an invasive mining company threatens the existence of her village, a city girl caught between two worlds must return home, overcome her painful past to save the village, and find herself in the process.

Directed by: Vincent Mbaya,  Brian Munene,  David “Tosh” Gitonga
Written by: Wanjeri Gakuru,  Oprah Oyugi,  Lydia Matata,  Kimani Waweru,  Shirleen Wangari,  Ian Kithinji,  Mkamzee Chao Mwatela, Florence Onyango, Annette Shadeya, Kamau Wa Ndung’u
Produced by: Kamau Wa Ndung’u
Cinematography: Andrew Mungai
Edited by: Mkaiwawi Mwakaba,  Aleks Kamau
Starring: Melissa Kiplagat,  Melvin Alusa, Nini Wacera

Content courtesy of Netflix & NFH

 

 

The Ikon Awards: Film And Tv Awards Are Here To Educate, Connect, And Celebrate Filmmakers

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

On January 28, 2023, in Kampala: The first edition of the iKon Awards, with this year’s nominees, unveiled last night, will be held at the SAUTI Plus Media Hub and will be themed “Dreaming With The Stars.”
Famous actor Sam Bagenda and media personality Laura Kahunde introduced the announcer.

The iKon Awards 2023 will take place on March 25, 2023, at the Kampala Serena Hotel. The evening will feature an award ceremony and performances by a variety of entertainers.

“The ikon Awards” In order to foster a spirit of entrepreneurship, initiative, and leadership in young people and to promote innovation, job creation, and high-value firms in the film sector, Television and Film seek to identify and reward exceptional accomplishments in the industry across a variety of areas.

Create a platform for young people to showcase their storytelling skills in the film and television industry; expand film advocacy for issues affecting youth; influence policy action; provide a networking opportunity for nominees and partners; and give Ugandan creatives a chance to produce globally appealing content that will be valued both domestically and internationally.

Humphrey Nabimanya, the creator of the iKON Awards, claims that his passion for seeing the industry and Ugandan storytellers get the recognition they deserve was what spurred him to start the awards program.
He also emphasized the significance of storytelling in showcasing our various cultures, societies, and nations, according to Nabimanya.

A significant number of local TV and film productions in Uganda have helped to increase tourism and provide a solid platform for exhibiting our history as a people.
In addition to honoring film and television, the iKon Awards hope to inspire many more Ugandans to put their art and stories front and center.
There is a lot of talent in this country, and it can only be shown off, appreciated, and honored through programs like the iKon Awards,” he says.

Usama Mukwaya, a Ugandan film director, screenwriter, and actor who is putting together this year’s iKon Awards, explained that the awards are driven by three main principles: excellence, transparency, and joy.

We want to have inclusivity and involvement across the board because award shows have long been restricted to a select group of people.

“With the iKon Awards, we want to showcase how the Ugandan film industry spans both the uptown and downtown areas. No of your background, we firmly think that you can

make contributions to the industry, and we want to recognize you for those contributions in whichever way you choose. A little bit of Hollywood is coming to Kampala thanks to the iKon Awards, he says.

Nominee Categories For #ikonawards2023

1. Best Student Film
• Pius
• My Degree
• Milk Of Human Kindness

2. Short Film
• Enyama
• Sixteen Rounds
• Engaito
• The Heartbeat

3. Best Animation Film
• A Thousand Fate
• No Way Out
• Ttula
• Breakout

4. Documentary Film
• Pius
• Little Faith
• Ebya Balogo

5. Visual Effects
• The Girl In The Yellow Jumper
• Kafa Coh
• Tembele
• My Husbands Wife

6. Ikon Fellow Of The Year
• Hawah Joan Nakanjako
• Ukasha Ssenyonjo
• Matilda Kavuma
• Doreen Mirembe
• Eunice Acan
• Joseph Innocent Ediegum
• Kate Nafuna
• Emma Uchwo.

7. Best Sound
• Bedroom Chains
• Kafa Coh
• Tembele
• The Girl In The Yellow Jumper

8. Best Editor
• Andrew Odera Kafa Coh
• Kyobe Ssebowa Bedroom Chains
• Loukman Ali The Girl In The Yellow Jumper
• Paul Kimera $ Bashan Mukwaya Tembele

9. Best Production Designer
• Tembele
• Bedroom Chains
• Kafa Coh
• Pieces Of Me

10. Best Makeup And Special Effects
• The Test
• Kafa Coh
• Tembele
• And Bedroom Chains

11. Best Costume Designer
• Costume Parlor Bedroom Chains
• Nadia Gisella The Girl In The Yellow Jumper
• Rachael Nakito $ Josephine Lule The Test
• Whitney G. Najuuko Kafa Coh

12. Best Actor In A Tv Series
• Allan Kutos Katongole In Sanyu
• Prynce Joel Okuyo Atiku In What If
• Q-kamber Fredel In Gamyuuse
• Simon Base Kalema In Prestige

13. Best Actress In A Tv Series
• Eleanor Nabwiso In Sanyu
• Joan Agaba In What If
• Sally Elizabeth Bwamimpeke In Prestige
• Stella Nante In The Honorablez

14. Best Tv Series
• Prestige
• The Honourables
• Sanyu
• And What If

15. Best Supporting Actor
• Cosmos Sserubogo In Tembele
• Daniel Papa Mushikana In Footwine
• Kalu Egbui Ikeagwu In Kafa Coh
• Michael Wawuyo Sr. In The Girl In The Yellow Jumper

16. Best Supporting Actress
• Mariam Ndagire In Kafa Coh
• Sarafina Muhawenimana In Pieces Of Me
• Rehema Nanfuka In Kafa Coh
• Tania Shakirah Kankindi In My Husband’s Wife

17. Best Cinematography
• Benson Kamau Mungai Bedroom Chains
• Izaek Ekuka Tembele
• Mustaque Abdallah Kafa Coh
• Naizi Nasser The Girl In The Yellow Jumper

18. Best Lead Actor
• John Mary Ssekimpi In My Husband’s Wife
• Michael Wawuyo Jr. In The Girl In The Yellow Jumper
• Michael Wawuyo Sr. In Kafa Coh
• Patriq Nkakalukanyi In Tembele

19. Best Lead Actress
• Nisha Kalema In Bedroom Chains
• Rhona Ninsiima In Tembele
• Tracy Kababiito In Mukisa
• Winnie Nafula In My Husband’s Wife

20. Best Screenplay
• Bedroom Chains
• My Husbands Wife
• Tembele
• And The Wave

21. Best Director
• Gilbert Lukaliya And Doreen Mirembe Kafa Coh
• Hassan Mageye Bedroom Chains
• Loukman Ali The Girl In The Yellow Jumper
• Morris Mugisha Tembele

22. Feature Film
• Bedroom Chains
• Kafa Coh
• My Husbands Wife
• And Tembele

23. Ikon Rising Star
• Cosmos Sserubogo
• Tuyi Mariserena
• And Kaddu Sadat

The iKon Awards’ visionary, Humphrey Nabimanya, thanks the sponsors who have supported and invested in the notion of honoring our culture through film and television awards.
These prizes are given to deserving actors and filmmakers.

To ensure that the goals of the awards are accomplished, SAUTIplus Media Hub has teamed with NGOs and corporate businesses like Reach a Hand Uganda, ATS Events, UNESCO, Uganda Warafi, Rwanda Air, and Kampala Serena Hotel.

For more information, contact:
Name: Peace Charlotte Apio( iKon Awards Project Lead)
Email: peace@theikon.org
Contact: +256776754450
Follow iKon Awards on social media(Instagram and Facebook): @ikonAwards
Twitter: @iKonAwards
Website: https://theikon.org/awards/

 

 

 

Young Famous and African: Netflix’s First African Reality Show Set to Premier on 18th March 2022

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

The much-anticipated official trailer for the African reality show, “Young, Famous & African” has dropped- and it ticks all the right boxes.

The seven-episode Netflix show follows the OTT lives of star celebrities from across the continent, such as actress and singer Khanyi Mbau, rapper Nadia Nakai, musician Diamond Platnumz, along with Annie Macaulay-Idibia, 2Baba, Zari the Boss Lady, Naked DJ, Swanky Jerry, Andile Ncube and Kayleigh Schwark and promises viewers top-tier entertainment.

Mark your calendars and set those reminders for the 18th of March 2022 as Netflix will premiere its inaugural African reality show entitled Young, Famous & African. Unscripted and unapologetically African, the series promises to bring viewers top-tier, best-in-class variety entertainment through the lens of some of their favorite A-list personalities from all over the African continent.

It’s a glitzy reality series, aka a real-life soap opera, which looks at rivalries, new friendships, and romantic connections forming, to stories that made the headlines and the delicious tea being spilled, these African stars will give viewers an intimate insider look into their glamorous lives as they navigate the City of Gold, Joburg, South Africa.

Sharing their excitement about the seven-episode reality show produced by Urban Brew Studios and co-creators and Executive Producers are Martin Asare Amankwa and Peace Hyde, Martin Asare Amankwa said:

“It’s really exciting to be able to show the world an exclusive look into the lives of Africa’s top celebrities and socialites. Young, Famous & African is a depiction of a world that has never been seen before, highlighting authentic stories and unrivaled access to some of the most celebrated celebrities.” Peace Hyde said: “

This has been a labor of love that has finally become a reality. Growing up in the U.K. there were no glitzy and sexy images of Africa, all we saw were the stereotypical images that have been propelled in the media for years.

Young, Famous & African presents an Africa that is vibrant, beautiful, glossy and sexy to the world and we are super proud and excited for the world to see it.”, while Adelaide Joshua Hill, Executive Producer said,

“We are thrilled to have been a part of this amazing show, it is wonderful to be able to show a different side of Africa to the world and highlight the amazing people we have on our continent. We thank each and every one of the cast members who gave of their time and allowed us a sneak peek into their lives.  Young, Famous & African is a wild luxury ride, a trip that is worth the time.” From the cast, Zari the Boss Lady (Uganda) said,

“I’m so excited for people to see how much of ourselves we poured into this show, showcasing our true, authentic trials and tribulations. Young, Famous & African will give our fans an insider look into our very entertaining, very busy lives”.

Content Courtesy of IOL & NFH Digital Team

The Nafsi Film: Red Carpet Premiere At Anga Diamond Plaza

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Nafsi, the much-anticipated romantic drama premiered on Saturday at the Anga Diamond Plaza and everyone came out in style to celebrate the film’s official release which sold out three theatres.
In attendance was the cast of Nafsi, Mumbi Maina, Catherine Kamau, Alfred Munyua, Alex Khayo, Alex Mwakideu, Monique Angelyn Bett, Silayio, and the director Reuben Odanga who brought out their best looks on the red carpet and were joined by other stars, filmmakers and fans.

In Nafsi, Aisha (Mumbi Maina) is unable to conceive after a traumatic childhood experience. Her best friend Shiko (Catherine Kamau) offers to be her surrogate to help save her marriage, a decision that leads to a series of events that threaten their close bond and those around them.

Alfred Munyua who plays Aisha’s husband Sebastian carries some dark secrets that shakes Aisha’s world to the core.
The film also stars Raymond Ofula, BET’s top actor Africa runner-up Alex Khayo and first-timers: radio presenter Alex Mwakideu, radio presenter and singer Monique Bett, and singer and former Kora Awards winner Silayio in supporting roles.

Nafsi is still showing at Anga Diamond Plaza on the following dates:

1. Monday – Thursday – 3:00 pm, 6:50 pm at Diamond Plaza
2. Monday – 8:00 pm, Tuesday and Thursday – 11:30 am, Wednesday – 5:00 pm at Prestige Cinema
Nafsi will premiere in Mombasa from 19 November at Nyali Cinemax.

Nafsi is Reuben Odanga’s directorial debut feature, a major shift from the Swahili telenovelas he is popularly known for such as Nira, Nuru, Saida, and Selina.

Odanga also wrote the film, which is a production of his company, Multan Production company.

Content courtesy of Multan Production Company & Nairobi Fashion Hub 

Mission To Rescue Kenyan First Ever Military Action Movie

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Mission to Rescue is a Kenyan movie set along the Kenya- Somali border, the Kenya Special Operations Forces who are training for their next mission receive word that the Assistant County Commissioner and two others have been abducted by the Al-Shabaab militia. Mission to rescue stems from the story of a French woman who was kidnapped by the Al-Shabab. Created in 2019, the idea seeks to highlight the effects of radicalization within the community that aim to curb terrorism.

The film’s star-studded cast features; Melvin Alusa, Warsame Abdi, Abdi Yusuf, Emmanuel Mugo, Andreo Kamau, Abubakar Mwenda, Sam Psenjen, Anthony Ndung’u, Bilal Mwaura, Justin Mirichi, Abajah Brian, Melissa Kiplagat, Brian Ogola, and Mwamburi Maole.

The Film is starring Melvin Alusa a stage, screen, and voice actor with over 16 years of experience with performances in over 10 countries. His work on stage includes Githaa, silence is a woman and Alpa beta.

On Tv and Film, he has featured in the first-grader, The boy who harnessed the wind, and the TV series crime and Justice. He’s on the radio drama Jango Love earned him an Emmy nomination at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival. Another main cast is

Res who is a Somalia model-actor, and voice-over artist. His first screen appearance is on the TV drama Anda Kavaa and is currently featuring in the local radio drama, Salaam. The Movie was produced by Kara Voice Wambui and Directed by Gildert Lukalia.

[taq_review]

Set within a military camp along the Kenya-Somalia border, the Kenya Special Operations Forces who are training for their next mission receive word that the Assistant County Commissioner and two others have been abducted by the Al-Shabaab militia. Under the leadership of Captain Baraza, the soldiers make attempts to rescue the abductees and capture or eliminate the enemy amidst tough conditions.

Mission to Rescue was premiered exclusively on BAZE -Safaricom’s new video streaming platform on June 1st, 2021. Dial *544*55# to Join BAZE

Content courtesy of  Foxton Media, Safaricom & Nairobi fashion hub 

Facebook Africa launches ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ ahead of Africa Day – Celebrating Africa’s Growing Cultural Impact on the World

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

As part of its celebration around ‘Africa Day’ on 25th May, Facebook (www.Facebook.com) announced the launch of its global campaign titled: ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ – a series of short films unveiling the stories of eight phenomenal creatives and small business owners from across the continent who are breaking ground across the world.

Available to view on a dedicated ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ microsite and the official Facebook Africa page from 21st May 2021, the films provide a glimpse into the global successes of African creatives and businesses hailing from Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Gabon.

This includes fashion designer Laduma Ngxokolo from South Africa, whose clothing brand ‘Maxhosa’ has been worn by global names such as Beyonce and Alicia Keys, and most recently had his designs featured in the film ‘Coming to America 2’. Also featured are Sauti Sol, a collective Afro-pop music group hailing from Kenya who have gained international recognition with nominations and shows in Europe and the US, and Mark Angel, a Nigerian comedian who has amassed over 15 million global followers on Facebook. The series is aimed at showcasing, hero’ing, and honouring the people that are impacting Africa, as well as the world, through their music, arts, and crafts.

Included in the ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ campaign are:

  • Mai Atafo (Nigeria) Fashion designer and bespoke tailor

  • Lafalaise Dion (Côte d’Ivoire) Fashion designer and visual artist

  • Jessica Allogo (Gabon) Founder of Les Petits Pots de l’Ogooué Garmout Food brand

  • Blinky Bill (Kenya) Musician, DJ, Rapper, and Producer

  • Sauti Sol (Kenya) International award-winning Afro-pop group

  • Lola Pedro (Nigeria) Founder of Pedro’s Premium Ogogoro drinks brand

  • Mark Angel (Nigeria) Digital comedian, scriptwriter, and video producer

  • Laduma Ngxokolo (South Africa)  Founder of fashion brand Maxhosa and creative artist

Nunu Ntshingila, Regional Director, Facebook Africa, said “At Facebook, we’re deeply invested in the creative industry in Africa, and nowhere is it more exciting to witness this vibrant creative scene than here on the continent. These people and businesses are changing the way Africa is seen, not just in Africa, but around the world, and are cementing our position as leaders in innovation and the creative industries.

We know that Africa is the future, and in honour of ‘Africa Day’ and the Africa Union’s 2021 celebration of African ‘Arts Culture And Heritage’, ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ is our way of recognizing just some of these remarkable individuals who continue to inspire the world.”

As part of the ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ campaign, Facebook will be creating dedicated ‘Africa Day’ Facebook profile frames available to Facebook users, and holding free virtual training for SMBs and Creators across Africa through its local training partners. Focused on providing other upcoming creatives and entrepreneurs with the digital know-how to take their ideas global, these will focus on creativity and Instagram including how to creatively engage with your audience through Instagram; Reels school, Interactivity in stories, and how to get creative with ads.

Media Contact:
Idea Engineers
PR agency for Facebook Africa
facebook@ideaengineers.co.za

Content courtesy of Africa News & Nairobi fashion hub 

Oscars 2021: Viola Davis most nominated Black actress with ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ nod

Posted on by Fashion Police

Viola Davis says Black stories ‘deserve to be told’

LOS ANGELES – This year, Viola Davis became the Oscars’ most nominated Black female actor ever when she landed her fourth nomination, this one for her lead role in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”

Who is Viola Davis?

Davis won an Academy Award for her appearance in the 2016 film “Fences,” a role she originated in a 2001 Broadway revival that landed her a Tony Award. The Oscar win made her the first Black woman to win an Oscar, Emmy, and Tony for acting.

She won her Emmy in 2015 for her role in “How To Get Away With Murder,” and she has another Tony win for her role in “King Hedley II.”

Along the way, her impassioned acceptance speeches have been some of the most potent thunderbolts of inspiration in the wider fight for diversity, beamed out to the unrepresented and the overlooked everywhere.

The 55-year-old actress has been a mainstay on screens big and small and is more often getting cast front and center, with her roles in “How to Get Away With Murder” and the 2018 film “Widows.”

Davis also has a production company, JuVee Productions, with her husband, the actor Julius Tennon. She told the Associated Press in 2019 her goal is to normalize people of color on the screen.

“We’re not social statements. We’re not mythical creatures all the time … you can literally put pen to paper and write a great story that includes people of color, and it could actually sell,” she said.

Davis the most nominated Black woman in Oscars history along with her “Fences” nod, she was also nominated for best actress for 2011’s “The Help” and best-supporting actress for 2008’s “Doubt.”

If she won Sunday, she would have been the second Black woman crowned the best actress in Oscars history. Just once before has a Black woman (Halle Berry in 2002 for “Monster’s Ball”) won the best actress?

What is “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” about?
The film, based on an August Wilson play, is set around a recording session in 1920’s Chicago as a blues band awaits the arrival of Ma Rainey. The movie also includes the final performance from actor Chadwick Boseman, who died last year of cancer.

Content courtesy of ABC 7Chicago & Nairobi fashion hub 

How Viola Davis Won Awards Season with her Colorful Red Carpet Style

Posted on by Fashion Police

In this strangest of awards seasons, Viola Davis was a rare bright spot.

The 55-year-old star, who’s nominated for Best Actress at the 2021 Oscars for her performance in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” has captivated fashion lovers with her parade of colorful red-carpet looks over the past few months, injecting some much-needed joy into a year defined by a global pandemic and a long-overdue reckoning with systemic racism.

To be sure, Davis has long gravitated toward bold, bright hues on the red carpet. Who could forget the red-hot Armani she wore while accepting her Best Supporting Actress statuette for “Fences” at the 2017 Academy Awards, or the bubblegum pink Michael Kors column she chose for the same show the following year?

But, in 2021, the majority of the Juilliard grad’s vibrant-as-ever red-carpet looks were designed not by the usual red-carpet heavy hitters, but lesser-known labels led by creatives of color.

As a result, her outfits from monochromatic marvels by Greta Constantine to a custom peplum confection courtesy of Duro Olowu have made major statements in more ways than one.

“Pretty dresses are, well, everywhere,” Greta Constantine designer Kirk Pickersgill, who created two bold gowns that Davis wore this season, told Page Six Style. “By contrast, dresses that celebrate your strength and empower both you and your tomorrow are far more difficult to come across.”

The designer added that by championing black-owned brands, Davis “has opened the doors for so many of us that have been locked out.”

“There is nothing more beautiful than an individual using their platform to not only look good but also do good,” Pickersgill told us.

Ahead of Sunday’s Oscars, let’s take a look back at Davis’ winning style throughout the season.

Lavie by CK for the Golden Globes

“It’s about feeling good and looking good in your queendom,” Cameroon-born designer Claude Kameni told Page Six Style of the inspiration behind the show-stopping mermaid gown Davis chose for the Golden Globes in February.

Kameni had just one week to complete the puff-sleeved dress from printed African fabric, but the end result, which had her at “a loss for words,” was “definitely worth the all-nighters.”

“We started saying, ‘Viola’s gonna violate this dress,’” the self-taught designer quipped, with a laugh, adding that she hopes to see more A-listers following Davis’ lead when it comes to supporting black fashion talent.

“There’s a whole bunch of talented designers that need their names out there; it shouldn’t just be the same designers all the time,” Kameni said. “Give someone else a spotlight!”

Greta Constantine for the Critics Choice Awards

“After months of panic and fear, we wanted garments that excited us, styles that evoked a sense of hope,” Pickersgill told us of Davis’ ruffle-trimmed cerulean frock. “By producing bright, structural garments, we were looking to bring a smile to the face of both the wearer and the beholder.”

Pickersgill added that seeing the star in her bright blue gown was about “so much more than the fashion. It was about capturing a moment in history that celebrates black creativity in all of its beautiful, challenging, inspiring forms.”

Duro Olowu for the NAACP Image Awards

Appropriately dubbed the “happy dress” by stylist Elizabeth Stewart, this cheery printed peplum frock was a perfect pick for Davis to wear during her double win for “Ma Rainey” and “How To Get Away With Murder” at the NAACP Image Awards in March.

Nigerian-born British designer Olowu has also dressed Michelle Obama, Lupita Nyong’o, and Thandiwe Newton, to name but a few.

Louis Vuitton for the SAG Awards

According to the French fashion house, Davis’ lime green gown took 140 hours of work and 10,000 sequins to complete. The gold and silver embellishments formed a geometric pattern that ran parallel to a pair of zippers down both sides of the strong-shouldered dress, perfectly framing the star’s silhouette at the SAG Awards in early April.

Greta Constantine for the African American Film Critics Association Awards

Davis picked another look from Greta Constantine’s spring 2021 collection this one in ruffled sunny yellow for her last pre-Oscars appearance on the awards circuit when she netted the icon award at the African American Film Critics Association Awards.

“After months in which we had no choice but to take everything seriously, this was one of those garments that would invite you to let your guard down and simply be,” Pickersgill said.

Content courtesy of Page Six & Nairobi fashion hub