All Articles

Amplifying African Voices: The Enduring Impact of Souleymane Cissé at Silicon Valley African Film Festival 2024

From L to R Sahndra Fon Dufe Okeowo, Ashaalessandraimages and Tejiri Let me hit you with a dad joke: “What did ‘black excellence’ say to a black woman? It said, ‘I recognize you.’” That’s exactly what this picture represents to me — a triad of black excellence! Featuring the comms ladies from SVAFF 2024, Asha , la luxe photographer extraordinaire, and Tejiri Adjekpiyede , the literal content queen. These two were just a few of the many talented African creatives that flooded

Remember last year when we raved about Nigeria at Essence, in my BellaNaija Essence article? Well, this year’s Nigeria panel on Saturday took things to another level. Themed “Building Bridges: Collaborating with Nollywood for Global Success,” the event showcased the extraordinary impact of Toyosi Etim-Effiong , a pivotal figure in the Nigerian movie industry. Convened by the ever-resourceful Toyosi, the panel highlighted her significant contributions to Nollywood’s burgeonin

Unforgettable Moments of Culture, Cinema, and Community. Oh, Essence Festival, you glorious whirlwind of culture, cinema, and community! This year, from July 4th to 7th, the event was nothing short of legendary. As I waltzed out of my state on last sunny Wednesday headed Southwest, I could practically taste the 30th-anniversary vibes of the Essence Film Festival in the air. This wasn’t just any shindig; it was a full-on testament to Essence’s ever-lasting impact on New Orlean

Hey there, movie buffs! Looking for something to spice up your weekend movie marathon? I’ve got two fantastic recommendations that are bound to captivate and entertain you. First up is “WE MOVE” by Collier Noir and Metanoia Productions . This film kicks off with Efe (played by Eso Dike ) and Uloh (played by Inem King ), who are thrilled to receive their American visas, to “japa” from Nigeria to “the overseas” and start a new life -but just as they’re about to embark on thei

American Black Film Festival 2024 Someone wise once said, “Acquire a tribe, and you all are a different piece of the pie.” They nailed it. Last weekend, I hit Miami for the American Black Film Festival (ABFF)’s 28th edition — America’s top black film fest. As the new Director of Outreach at SVAFF in Silicon Valley and a creative clawing back into film/T.V., missing ABFF Miami 2024 was a no-go. It’s festival season: Cannes, Essence Fest , and here I was, ready to soak up ABF

DEAR AFRICAN CREATORS: Discover the Magic of Drama Television with Netflix and Stage 32, Taught by Leila Cohan (Emmy-nominated writer/produc

Afrocentric fashion is more than just a visual delight; it’s a phenomenon that evokes a deep sense of connection and pride. Each piece not only enhances your appearance but also resonates with your roots, regardless of where you wear it. With every wear, you honor your heritage, express your identity, and showcase your innate creativity. One woman that understands this clearly, is the visionary founder of the Guzangs brand. Idelle Taye has made it her mission to showcase th

PLACEHOLDER- MAIN PICTURE DIRECTION: SHOWCASE BRAND BACKDROP & ESTEEMED GUESTS. What has always been characterised as a nexus for African showcasing fashion became the main attraction, gaining the catbird seat in the Lagos metropolis. Amidst the city’s shimmering lights, bustling red carpets, and alongside Nigeria’s A-Listers and fashion innovators, the Guzangs’ brand story captured the spotlight with elegance and allure. Thursday, March 14, 2024 , marked an iconic day for th

African fashion is rapidly attracting global attention, and Guzangs is at the forefront of this movement. With years of experience in showcasing the stories of African fashion designers worldwide, the brand has now expanded its reach to Nigeria. This strategic move aims to identify top fashion talents in the country and launch its ambitious plan of establishing personalized connections with fashion designers across the continent. This initiative is encapsulated in the unique

Nollywood, an epithet for the Nigerian movie industry, established as far back as the 1960s, has grown into the 2nd largest movie industry in the world today (after Bollywood). This is enough to get the world’s attention, but many other standouts for the sector make it worthy of being a new name in the global creative industry. Diaspora Migration and Nollywood Nollywood is known for its unique storytelling, rich cultural connotations, and high production rate. The phenomenon

Black women are shattering barriers and leaving an indelible mark in our world. From notable global figures like Kamala Harris , Ursula Burns , Roz Brewer , and Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf to Nigerian financial juggernauts like Ireti Samuel-Ogbu , Tomi Somefun, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe , Miriam Olusanya , Yemisi Edun , and Halima Buba , the limitless achievement of Black women cannot be overemphasized. Oprah Winfrey: A Champion of Black Women’s Emancipation: Every cause has a pioneering

Faith Series- Ignite & Rekindle your faith As the summer sunsets and the cool breeze of fall approaches, it heralds a time of change and...

Photo by Majiye Uchibeke The never stops feeding us with memorable moments, the 2023 Essence Festival has once again left me utterly amazed by its incomparable impact. As I ventured into the captivating realm of this festival, nestled within the vibrant heart of New Orleans, I sensed I was embarking on an extraordinary journey. For twenty-nine years, this celebration of black excellence has stood as a paramount cultural compass, drawing an annual half-million-strong crowd and

Essence Fest 2023, presented by Coca cola’s theme was about culture, and African creatives were incorporated into the program, including WizKid and Tems playing at the Dome Mercedes, on the same stage as Megan thee Stallion , and hip-hop legends like Ms. Lauryn Hill . Similarly, for the first time since Essence’s 29-year history, in NOLA New Orleans, the home of beignets and gumbo, Africa Day was born, starring Nigerian Day hosted by That Good Media on July 1 and Ghana Day

Two weeks ago, upon arriving in Los Angeles, I sensed a shift in the air. While the usual traffic on the 101 and 405 freeways remained, I observed unexpected congestion on other major streets. Having come from Lagos, where traffic woes are commonplace, I couldn’t help but wonder about the cause of this sudden bottleneck in LA. Little did I know that my arrival coincided with an impending strike between the Writers’ Guild of America (WGA) / Screen Actors Guild — American Feder

First off, let’s talk about the mayor’s gala . You can’t imagine the elegance and allure as we mingled with the city’s officials, sipping exquisite beverages and engaging in conversation with dignitaries left and right. It’s like a real-life episode of “Scandal,” minus the sensational conflicts (or maybe there was some, who knows?). I was amidst it all, witnessing the start of a fresh chapter, while gracefully navigating through the crowd of influential individuals. So, there

SAG AFTRA members and supporters picket outside of Walt Disney Studios In Burbank. (Photo by Brian Feinzimer/LAist) No new shows? Two...