Tag Archives: LOS ANGELES

PATIENCE FAKA JONATHAN – A WOMAN OF VALOR

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Mrs. Patience Jonathan started her career as a teacher at the Stella Maris College, Port Harcourt and Sports Institute Isake. She then moved to the banking sector in 1997, where she established the first community bank in Port Harcourt called the Akpo Community Bank.

She served as Marketing Manager of Imiete Community Bank. She returned to the classroom briefly again as teacher. Eventually she was transferred to the Bayelsa State Ministry of Education, where she served until 29 May 1999 when her husband became the Deputy Governor of the state. She and her husband have two children.

Well known for her active participation in her husband’s political campaigns, the First Lady is involved with many charities in Nigeria that work mainly with women and children. She is also the founder of several non-governmental organizations such as the A.Aruera Reachout Foundation, which focuses on educating middle-aged women. She is also known for her entertaining public speeches.

Patience Jonathan has won several accolades, in particular the 2008 Beyond Tears International Humanitarian Award New York for her work with charities. Despite her reputation for philanthropy, Mrs. Jonathan has been subject to several investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission related to the money-laundering of several millions of dollars, although she firmly denies all allegations and says she was framed.

Mrs. Jonathan has been recognized locally, nationally and internationally for her philanthropic work and political pragmatism. She received the “Beyond The Tears” International Humanitarian Award New York, USA, in 2008, for her role in the global fight against HIV/AIDS; the African Goodwill Ambassador Award (Los Angeles, USA, 2008) and the recipient of the “Wind of Change” Award from the South/South Women’s Organization. Patience Faka Jonathan, a woman of valor, love her or hate her.

Conclusion:

AfriQtalk is a fair and balanced media, and we do not belong to any political group or organizations. We try to separate politics from people’s individual lives. We initiate the conversation and let you decide.

Van Vicker To Receive An Award At Pan African Film Festival

Actor Van Vicker has been nominated to receive a special award, the African Channel Creative Award, at the 20th edition of the Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) scheduled to come off at a Night of Tribute on Friday, February 10 at the Rave Cinemas Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, Los Angeles, California.

Van is listed among seven others who organizers say have impacted immensely on their fields and contributed diversely to the development of stage, television and film production among blacks.

In a citation, organizers of the awards described Van Vicker as “one of Africa’s hottest movie stars, he’s one of the most sought-after Nollywood actors. The award-winning actor has appeared in more than 100 movies, including Paparazzi: Eye in the Dark, Royal War, Broken Tears, Return of Beyonce and Princess Tyra. He’s been nominated twice for an African Movie Academy Award.”

Among the eight special awardees, the Pan African Film Festival will honor award-winning actress Loretta Devine with its highest honor for this year, Lifetime Achievement Award for her work on stage, television and film.

The six other recipients include, Meagan Good – Beah Richards Rising Star Actress Award, David Oyelowo – Canada Lee Rising Star Actor Award, Mr. Leon Garr – Community Treasure Award, Jewel Thais-Williams – Community Service Award, Jimmy Jean-Louis – The Africa Channel Diasporan Award, Eric Kabera and the Rwanda Cinema Centre – The Africa Channel Visionary Award.

One of Van’s movies, Paparazzi: Eye in the Dark will be screened on Saturday, February 11 during the festival.

PAFF was founded in 1992 by award-winning actor Danny Glover, Emmy Award-winning actress, Ja’Net DuBois and executive director, Ayuko Babu, an international legal, cultural and political consultant who specializes in African Affairs.

PAFF is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the promotion of ethnic and racial respect and tolerance through the exhibit of films, art and creative expression. The goal of PAFF is to present and showcase the broad spectrum of Black creative works, particularly those that reinforce positive images, help to destroy negative stereotypes and depict an expanded vision of the “Blackexperience”.

PAFF holds the belief that film and art can lead to better understanding and foster communication between peoples of diverse cultures, races, and lifestyles, while at the same time, serve as a vehicle to initiate dialogue on the important issues of our times.

This year’s festival selected a total of 160 films, representing 30 countries, 91 feature length films (narrative and documentaries) and 67 short films.

The festival will hand out prizes for Best Documentary Feature, Best Documentary Short, Best Narrative Short, Best Narrative Feature, and Best First Feature Film, as well as audience favorite awards at the close of the festival. Kudos to Van Vicker.

Celebrating Women – “Matriarchs & Protégés”

Genevieve Nnaji CEO of St. Genevieve Clothing & Monalisa Okojie CEO of Nehita Jewelry.

It’s refreshing to see women in the spotlight. A couple of weeks ago, an event was put together by TW Magazine celebrating the ” Matriarchs & Protégés” of the Phoenix Gala to honor great Nigerian women who have made tremendous contributions to shaping our society in Lagos, Nigeria. A champagne brunch was held at Medici in Lagos hosted by Veuve Clicquot. In attendance was our very own Monalisa Okojie of Nehita Jewelry, Los Angeles, California, Genevieve Nnaji , Joke Silva,Bella Niaja, including other celebrities from academia to entrepreneurship and artist. Kudos to you Monalisa and women of excellence all over the world.

Below are some pictures taken at the Champagne Brunch, exclusively brought to you by AfriQtalk.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Immediate Press Release – AfriQtalk Entertainment Presents: Snippet of “Lovin Her” by William Blaze

Will Tawo Okojie (Born October 29, 1993), better known by his stage name William Blaze, is the next big sensational teen, who knows one or two things about being an entrepreneur. Born in Miami, Florida, William is a an American born Nigerian. He lived his early years in Africa, loves the food and culture. Having had a taste of both world, William can identify musically with the African and American culture. His musical influences are Eminem, Michael Jackson, New Edition, J.Cole and Drake. He is the co-executive founder of I Teenz, a brand that entertains and caters to global youth culture. Williams is also, a song writer, upcoming actor and a hip hop artist. William is a high school senior, and loves to travel. If he is not working or at school he is behind the camera. William Blaze’s debut single”Lovin Her” is set to be released on September 16, 2011.

Follow William at www.twitter.com/williamtblaze

Press Release:I WEAR AFRICAN – Celebrating Contemporary African Couture

African Vibes Magazine Shines a Spotlight on Celebrating Contemporary African Couture

LOS ANGELES – African Vibes magazine is bringing the rhythms, dance and pop music of Coupe Decale from Paris to Hollywood in grand style by way of DJ Oudy 1er, one of its hottest artists. With the hit single, “Tchoumakaya,” filling up dance floors across the globe, DJ Oudy 1er has been added to the event’s lineup as the special musical guest. A captivating performer, the singer/dj is the pioneer of Coupe Decale’s popular “black and white” dance move. With sold out shows in France, Italy, London and parts of Africa, Oudy 1er will kick off his United States tour with his appearance at African Vibes magazine’s fifth anniversary event – that is, the All-White Contemporary African Glam Experience.

The anniversary event will feature an “I Wear African” fashion show, showcasing the contemporary fashions of several African designers. The All-White Contemporary African Glam Experience will take place on Sunday, May 1, 2011, beginning at 5p.m at the Avalon Hollywood, located at 1735 Vine Street in Hollywood and will include special performances by some of Africa’s most talented artists. The “I Wear African” Runway brings a new and fresh aesthetics to contemporary African style though the interpretive work of some of Africa ‘s hottest and talented designers.

“This event is a great opportunity for us to celebrate and embrace the beauty that comes from the continent. Africa is rapidly evolving and having a noticeable influence in the world of fashion. You can see African inspirations on the runways of prominent designers, such as Gwen Stefani, Christian Siriano, and Louis Vuitton, among others. There is no question that Africa is inspiring some really exciting trends,” said editor-in-chief Amabel Niba of African Vibes magazine.

“These global trends are not a coincidence,” she added. “As the acceptance of African fashions become more and more mainstream, African influences will continue to bleed into other disciplines of creative expression. It’s our goal to connect the world to a more positive image of Africa , and the ‘I Wear African’ Runway helps us do just that.”

Here’s a look at the designer lineup:

· Princess Latifat Momodu-Lamoliatte (Nigeria) | Ravissant International Ltd. — the international designer and Edo princess is the managing director and CEO of Ravissant International Ltd. With vast exposure and French influences from time spent in Paris , Princess Latifat has created a brand that beautifully marries both continental and inter-continental designs within the framework of mainly African fabrics, producing quality and flexible designs of taste. Visit http://www.ravissantmode.com

· Oyin Ayoola ( Nigeria ) | Revere – the Nigerian fashionista is ready to showcase her Revere brand clothing line. Ayoola’s slogan is: “Admire…Appraise…Acquire” as the REVERExperience, describing the collaboration with a client to channel their ‘inner designer.’” The Revere clothing line imparts the richness of laces and vibrancy of prints, which inspires Ayoola’s contemporary designs. Her inner love for art and fashion turn unique fabrics into sophisticated collections. She draws her creative inspiration from the social and professional lifestyles of today’s woman. Visit http://www.reveregallery.com

· Monalisa Okojie (Nigeria) | NEHITA — NEHITA is the vision of Nigerian designer Monalisa Okojie, who’s passion for beauty led her to change careers from law to jewelry design. Okojie’s collections embrace design trends from all over the world by using appealing and colorful precious stones and various colors of gold. Her designs express elegant luxuries and appeal to the sophisticated clients with close attention to conflict free diamonds when used.

· Joseph Ntomp (Cameroon) | Ateliers Arthur — Founded in 2009, Ntomp and his partner, Elise Banin, created the contemporary shoe line, Ateliers Arthur, to offer a distinctive range of shoes that bridges the gap between classic, bench-made silhouettes and trainers. The duo’s primary goal is to create premium dress sneakers for a metropolitan lifestyle. Superior craftsmanship and material selection are at the core for every step of this creative process – pun intended. The Ateliers Arthur collection offers classic elegance while capturing the essence and energy of a contemporary lifestyle. Visit http://www.ateliers-arthur.com

· Solome Katongole ( Uganda ) | Solome — Born in Uganda and raised in Columbia , Maryland , Katongole will showcase her eponymous line, Solome, which carries a modern aesthetics inspired by color and nature. Her passion, infused with her Ugandan culture, influences her ability to design clothes that are chic, sophisticated and sexy. She creates works of art with fabrics, producing garments that are comfortable, while making a statement. Visit http://www.solome.webs.com

· Wawi Amasha (Kenya) | Mami Afrika Designs – Kenyan artist and designer Wawi Amasha is behind Mami Afrika Designs, a brand, featuring clothing, jewelry and wearable art. Amasha’s designs reflect her love for African cultures. Every item is handcrafted with love, totally unique and never exactly duplicated. Her designs and paintings reflect the celebration of life with the use of vibrant colors inspired by the Motherland, warming the heart at a glance. Her studio is based in Santa Monica , Calif. Visit http://www.mamiafrika.com

About the 5th Anniversary Event | African Vibes Magazine

The “I Wear African” campaign was launched at the magazine’s third anniversary event as a way of connecting the world to a contemporary Africa through fashion. The fashion show is an extension of the campaign, and brings to life the beauty of Africa through vibrant colors and diverse African-influenced styles, stemming from the creativity of very talented designers who might otherwise go

unnoticed. Actress/filmmaker Tangi Miller returns as this year’s co-host, sharing duties with African Vibes’ editor-in-chief, Belle Niba. Miller is best known for the role of the smart, spirited and stylish Elena Tyler on the J.J. Abrams hit show, “Felicity. As an independent filmmaker, she has produced and starred in several independent films, including “After School,” “Hurricane in the Rose Garden,” and “Love … & Other 4 Letter Words.”

The anniversary event will feature a pre-show glam lounge for its VIP guests along with a glam squad to offer makeup tips and touch-ups to guests, compliments of Milani Cosmetics — the Official Beauty Sponsor of the “I Wear African” fashion show. Additional sponsors include Gigi Jewelry, and Afrotainment, the official television media sponsor of the anniversary event.

Also, African Vibes magazine will present its Diamond Award to special honorees for working tirelessly in their efforts to shine a positive light on Africa .

African Vibes magazine is the pulse of the dynamic African culture, serving up a mix of Africa-related news, entertainment, motivation and inspiration along with in-depth profiles of the most influential and fascinating African personalities. Currently, Congolese singer Fally Ipupa graces the cover of African Vibes magazine. Past issues have featured cover stories on Grammy-nominated recording artist Akon, Grammy-winning vocalist Angèlique Kidjo, actor Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (“Lost” and “Oz”), international soccer player Samuel Eto’o and “Project Runway” alum Korto Momolu. The magazine weaves the threads of cultural identity for readers of African heritage who have a desire to stay connected to their African roots from a positive and uplifting perspective. For more information, visit www.africanvibes.com.

TICKETS:

Tickets prices start as low as $35. For ticket information, visit http://anniversary.AfricanVibes.com or http://avmag2011.eventbrite.com.

**About African Vibes Magazine**

Founded in 2006 by editor-in-chief Amabel Niba, African Vibes Communications Inc. (AVC) launched African Vibes magazine, the ground-breaking magazine representing contemporary Africa and Africans. It is a publication where people of African heritage come for Africa-related news, entertainment, motivation and inspiration. It is a brand that is revolutionizing African media and weaving the threads of cultural identity for readers of African heritage who have a desire to stay connected to his or her African roots. African Vibes reaches across the borders of national origin to engage bicultural individuals who have a desire to stay connected to Africa through stories that are hopeful, inspiring, educational and motivating.

Over the years, AVC has expanded beyond the pages of its flagship magazine to generate brand extensions with the annual anniversary event as well as its Village Effort and I Wear African campaigns and the Africanvibes.com website.

For more information, on the anniversary event, visit http://anniversary.africanvibes.com. or http://www.africanvibes.com