Idris Elba said what?! New Music: Shadow Boxxer feat D'Banj and Idris Elba

Well this is one of West Africa's more deliciously packaged products, a hot new track titled "Confidential" by Sierra Leonean rapper Shadow Boxer and featuring Nigerian star D'Banj and British-Sierra Leonean actor Idris Elba.  Now I know what you're thinking..."Idris makes music???" But ladies, if you thought his English accent was amazing listen to him speaking Krio on this track. I think it's fire and I promise I'm not biased ;) Check it out:

Shadowboxer Ft Idris Elba & D'Banj - Confidential (NEW 2014) http://www.worldofafrica.tv Africa's No.1 Urban Music/Entertainment Portal Like Our Facebook Page:http://www.facebook.com/worldofafricaent Follow Us On Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/worldofafrica

Printed Palette feat. Madam Wokie + B/W Tote from Sierra Leone + Urban Kween Brand

The good book says to keep the sabbath holy and there's nothing more sacred to this year's spring wardrobe than mixed prints.  I bought this dress from Mary Ann Kai-Kai (creative director for Madam Wokie) nearly a year ago and it's still really exciting to wear.  Every time I pull it out I think of a new way to style it:

I had so much fun shooting this outfit with my good friend Tania Jones, even though I only kept my eyes open half the time, ha! Thanks for your help Tan.  What do you think of the outfit? Could you see yourself wearing this? 

Dress - Madam Wokie

Shirt - Old, try this

Tote bag - Made in Sierra Leone, available here

Midi Ring, old but check out her other collections - Urban Kween Brand

BEST DRESSED MEN! The Annual GWB Commission's Sierra Leone Independence Ball

"Ask and you shall receive." Here are some of the best dressed men at #GWBB6

Just like the ladies, the gents did not disappoint at this year's GWB.  I loved all of the creative ways that the guys chose to express their personal style.  Who which guy was your favorite?

As always, thanks for visiting.

Photo credit: GWB Commission, Paul Hance, Prince Zamira

African Fashion Ambassador: Sarah D Jakes

It's always exciting when African and diaspora designers are given a platform to display their creations, and I've seen Sarah D. Jakes in so many fabulous designs that I to feature her in a post. Sarah is a businesswoman, media personality who recently released her second book titled, "Lost and Found." Sarah credits her father, Bishop TD Jakes for mentoring her into the woman she is today. Well I'd have to agree that it doesn't get much better than a woman who has a keen sense of style and loves the Lord! 

Sarah in Atolle Clothiers:

Sarah in accessories from 2 African Girls:

Sarah is "Gugu" dresses and "Shavon" skirts from Demestiks NYC:

Sarah in A Leap of Style:

Sarah's stylist Jason Bolin styled each of these looks; it's clear that he has a penchant for as well.  All photos courtesy of Instagram: @stylistjbolin & @sarahdjakes

Fashion for Freedom: Women worldwide wear headwraps to urge action in Nigeria

This weekend I attended a rally in Union Square NYC to promote media attention and international cooperation to rescue the girls who were kidnapped from the Chibok Government Secondary School in Nigeria.  The organizers of the rally asked that participants wear head wraps as a fashion forward show of solidarity and I the unity of purpose could truly be felt among the diverse members of the crowd.  Women and men from Africa, its diaspora and beyond all came together for a good cause and the topic #bringbackourgirls is trending worldwide. Today I read that the US will be sending a special force to assist the Nigerian government with its search for the missing girls. It's great to be reminded that collective action brings change.

Similar rallies were held in London, Chicago, Toronto, Washington DC, Lagos & Abuja, Nigeria and North Carolina. I am grateful to everyone that has supported this cause and as always thanks for visiting.

BEST DRESSED! : The Annual GWB Commission's Sierra Leone Independence Ball

I attended the GWB Ball this past weekend with and had an amazing time with my friends and family.  Sierra Leoneans take pride in dressing well so I am always wowed at the amazing designs that I see each year.  Since I'm sharing my love of African and diaspora fashion through blogging now I thought a best dressed list would be a great way to share the experience with people who weren't able to attend.  Please, please don't be offended if you didn't make this list, there was no way to capture all of the beauty that was present that night.  Also, I will add more honorable mentions and better pictures once the GWB Commission releases official pictures.  Hope you enjoy:

Number 10: Shine-shine baby

The fabric of this gown closely resembles Pagne Tissé, a traditional woven cloth made in Senegal.  The golden shimmer was dazzling in person.  I chose this for my best dressed list because the way this woman styled a traditional fabric to fit her body was exceptional.  I loved all of the details from the ruffle placement to the tiny loop and knot closure at the nape of her neck.  She neatly accessorized with a golden wrist cuff and clutch, and red lipstick with demure make-up made her look effortlessly sexy.  

Number 9: Laced with Grace

This floor length lace gown with a dropped waist gathered skirt was a definite show stopper.  Her elegant tresses and alluring gold accessories made it impossible to look away, definitely a top look of the evening.

Number 8: African Angel

This heavenly blue gown with asymmetrical silver lace embellishments was eye catching and creative.  I loved her choices of short hair, a tiny embellished clutch and pure confidence to accessorize this look.  

Number 7: Accessory Lady

Accessories can make or break an ensemble and in this woman's choices definitely MADE it!  This simple cotton design was made magnificent by the exceptional cut and fitting.  The gold geometric earrings, platinum blonde close cut and straw circular neckpiece gave this look the perfect balance of traditional and edgy.  The accessory that topped it all off? Her radiant disposition; she exuded happiness and we couldn't resist her glow.

Number 6: Diamond Cut

This young lady exemplified the elegance and excitement of the GWB Ball with her styling of this embellished wax print cotton gown.  The fit of the gown is flattering and sleek and the cutout design and spiked pixie cut add a youthful flare.  Her choice of gemstone accessories and a white clutch finish the look in a way that is sassy yet refined.  This would be what Halle Berry would look like if she was 25 years younger and from West Africa! 

Number 5: It's a tie! The sister Act: 

I am officially in ankara heaven.  This sister combo slayed these cotton fabrics, with one choosing a sweetheart neckline, impeccably placed pattern over a fitted bodice with drop waist skirt, and the other choosing a similarly shaped gown with strategic cutouts and a sewn-in choker.  I couldn't stop staring at either gown and I think they were equally fabulous.

Number 4: Embroidered Envy

Intricate embroidered details do it for me every single time.  This mint green and pale pink embroidered and floral embellished gown was striking, feminine and bold.  Accented with gold accessories and a curly coif this look was absolutely regal.

Number 3: Queen of the Night

When the official pictures are released I promise to post a front view of this fabulousness but until then you'll have to feast of this side view of Queen Sai!  The design of this gown appeared to be quite simple, a strapless, fitted, slim cut cut gown with a neatly sewn cape that was wrapped around her shoulders and tucked in at the top left and right side of her strapless gown, but I promise that the shimmering lace fabric she choose was nothing short of breath taking.  But you can alway count on Sai to slay.  Check out her personal style and high fashion blog: www.becauseiamfabulous.com when you have a chance.

So I've already told you how I feel about embroidery right? I just couldn't get enough of this embellished gown with sweetheart neckline.  It was demure yet sexy and this young lady's side-swept curls, bare neck and red pout were just perfect accents.  I loved this look.

Number 1: Belle of the Ball

This lady was the Belle of the Ball in more ways than one.  The GWB Ball was her brainchild and she is one of the principle organizers of the event, but that isn't the reason that she tops my list.  She's number one because I honestly didn't see anything more radiant the entire night.  She absolutely glowed in this low cut, form fitting gown and it wasn't just the sequins.  Everything from her honey auburn hair and bronzed make-up, to her sleek accessories culminated to make her best dressed in my book.  Way to slay Mariama!

New Emmerson video features Zainab Sheriff

One of Africa's most loved products is music, so news of new releases by artists we love is always sweet. Sierra Leone's own Emmerson Bockarie released his latest album titled "Home and Away" in January 2014 and sold physical copies in Sierra Leone, Gambia, Nigeria, Liberia, the US and the UK.  We keep our ear to the 'tweets' when it comes to our favorite stars and it looks like Emmerson has casted Sierra Leonean actress/producer Zainab Sheriff ( @zadzeeee on Instagram) to be his leading lady in an upcoming video. 

Zainab's posts don't reveal what song they are shooting the video for but they are definitely serving us some Salone goodness in this shoot.  Zainab is super sexy in her boyfriend shirt and heels and Emmerson is always cool.  They even captured a couple of locals in the background of Zainab's sunroof shot. Ha! Always good to see our people collaborating across industries.  We'll be looking out for the final product.

Keeping Busy: Christie Brown + Peter Pilotto

I promised that I'd share the variety of ways that I wear my new favorite statement piece and this is a functional look that felt great to wear.  Western wisdom tells us that the best way to wear a statement piece is with bland or solid clothing, so that the clothing doesn't speak louder the statement accessory.  Perhaps my inclination to wear this busy feathered neck piece with an equally vibrant striped/floral flounce dress is a nod to my African roots.  Either way, I loved the way it looked.  I was in a bright mood all day, what do you think?

What do you think about this busy little combination? Could you see yourself in it?

Peter Pilotto for Target - Sold Out

Shoes, old - Gap

Jacket, a couple season's back - Zara

Christie Brown Necklace - for shipping to US/UK place inquiries here: + 233 (0) 244 418477 or info@christiebrownonline.com.  Similar available online here.

In Ghana buy here:

Christie Brown Studio
1st Osu Street
Accra , Ghana

In Nigeria here:

Temple Muse
No 21, Amodu Tijani Victoria Island

I Dream of Independence...

Although the weather is still dreadful, lately I've been dreaming of spring and the African events that come along with it; Ankara Balls, Independence Dances and Celebrations, oh my!  I've been brainstorming outfit ideas for the Green White and Blue Commission's Sierra Leone Independence Ball and I definitely want a look that's fashion-forward and African-made.  In my search for the continent's best creations  I found so many things that I've got a running list.  So I wanted to share a few of the designers and shops that caught my eye:

Duaba Serwa is a Ghanian fashion brand that I can't stop stalking.  With intricate beadwork, shape sculpting silhouettes and modern designs this line has a little of everything that an African girl loves.  Shop Duaba's ready-made designs  or contact them by phone at 011233262101656 or info@duabaserwa.com for special requests.

Photos from Instagram: @duabaserwa

Taibo Bacar of Mozambique is quickly becoming one of my fashion favorites.  His dresses don't come cheap but the final product is nothing short of luxury.  Well placed lace, detailed floral beadwork and elegant sheer panels are some of Mr. Bacar's hallmarks and right now I want to say yes to every single dress!  I believe that his line only does custom work and they can be reached at sales.clientservice@taibobacar.com or whatsapp: 00258827029196.

Photos from Instagram: @taibobacar

Sometimes all a gal needs is a well placed ankara pattern, and in those times SIka Designs is a go-to online shop.  The brand features clothing that is made primarily in Ghana but shipped from the UK.  Simple yet elegant, their designs can be styled to suit a range of occasions and are perfect for the girl who wants a tailored look without all of the fuss.  The styles pictured above are available here. Photos from the Sika Designs Website

The African Shop is a UK based Etsy boutique that delivers neatly tailored ankara and cotton designs which were hand sewn in Africa.  They delivery to the UK and US and carry a range of styles from work place casual to floor length gowns, so you can find outfits for nearly any occasion.  They're also budget friendly and have good customer service reviews.  Images from the African Shop page on Facebook. Shop looks here

You thought Guipure lace and Iro and Buba were styles of your mom's time right? Well think again.  Nigeria's Matopeda (Tope) Abiola of Frock it Rock it is making these classic trends new again.  From sculpted Guipure lace gowns with sexy cut-outs and modern numbers like the sequined romper pictured above, to well placed printed silk and chiffon Iro & Bubas Tope is giving old styles a fresh take.  So if you've been wondering why you've been seeing Guipure Lace on everyone from Kim K to Zara fast fashion spreads, wonder no more.  Tope makes all styles by request so whatsapp her at 011 234 708 036 7773.  Photos from instagram @topeFnR

Virgos Lounge is a fashion line created by three Nigerian designers based in the UK.  They carry fabulous thrift finds as well as original designs that are often characterized by intricate bead work and colorful figure-flattering gowns.  You're guaranteed to turn heads at any ball in one of their designs. Shop them here

I hope this post helps you find an African design that suits you fabulously for upcoming events this spring! Thanks for visiting.