Video Interview with Fashion Designer Damola of the "House 38" label.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Arts and Culture: The National Museum and The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
The National Museum in Accra, Ghana
If you are interested in learning all about Ghanaian culture, then the National Museum and the Memorial Park are a must! You have to pay to enter both places but it is really worth it.
The National Museum is a really great place to absorb oneself into the Ghanaian culture. It is an informative and exciting experience. There is no area of their culture that isn’t discussed, from the teenage puberty rituals, to the dancing and drumming, to their cooking pots, etc.
The beautiful part is that everything you see has an explanation and it is right there for you to read!
Their culture is just simply exciting.
The Kwame Nkrumah Park is another exciting visit. There are 2 phases, the 1st phase is where you get to walk around the park and enjoy the sights and sounds. There is a nice fountain and plenty trees around. Important ministers, presidents and dignitaries that have visited Ghana over the years planted the trees. It is actually really cool to see some of these trees are still standing firm. A good exercise would be walking around the park to see the names of the person that planted the tree, and the type of tree that was planted. Picture from the first phase are below:
The 2nd phase of the Park is a museum where you get to know about the life of the first president of Ghana: Kwame Nkrumah. There is a history wall to learn about his various achievements, there are also pictures with him and the some very important people like the Queen of England, Fidel Castro, etc.
But the most exciting bit about the museum was seeing the personal belonging of the man. They were well kept and taken care of. His mattress from his University days, his glasses case, his couch, etc. are all displayed for one to see. These things are nothing short of fascinating. You will have to be there to experience it for yourself (No pictures are allowed in the Museum phase of the park, sorry!)
If you are interested in learning all about Ghanaian culture, then the National Museum and the Memorial Park are a must! You have to pay to enter both places but it is really worth it.
The National Museum is a really great place to absorb oneself into the Ghanaian culture. It is an informative and exciting experience. There is no area of their culture that isn’t discussed, from the teenage puberty rituals, to the dancing and drumming, to their cooking pots, etc.
The beautiful part is that everything you see has an explanation and it is right there for you to read!
Their culture is just simply exciting.
The Kwame Nkrumah Park is another exciting visit. There are 2 phases, the 1st phase is where you get to walk around the park and enjoy the sights and sounds. There is a nice fountain and plenty trees around. Important ministers, presidents and dignitaries that have visited Ghana over the years planted the trees. It is actually really cool to see some of these trees are still standing firm. A good exercise would be walking around the park to see the names of the person that planted the tree, and the type of tree that was planted. Picture from the first phase are below:
The 2nd phase of the Park is a museum where you get to know about the life of the first president of Ghana: Kwame Nkrumah. There is a history wall to learn about his various achievements, there are also pictures with him and the some very important people like the Queen of England, Fidel Castro, etc.
But the most exciting bit about the museum was seeing the personal belonging of the man. They were well kept and taken care of. His mattress from his University days, his glasses case, his couch, etc. are all displayed for one to see. These things are nothing short of fascinating. You will have to be there to experience it for yourself (No pictures are allowed in the Museum phase of the park, sorry!)
Arts and Culture: The Labadi Beach in Ghana
The Labadi Beach in Ghana is not just your regular visit to any beach. It is a one of a kind, unique and fun-filled type of beach.
First things first, you would have to pay to enter the beach and even while that is the case in Nigeria as well; I find it really cool that they also give you complimentary drinks after you pay to enter. This only re-assures one of how hospitable the people of Ghana really are, it is such a nice gesture.
Once you enter the beach area, all sorts of characters welcome you. There are the people singing and dancing, some are doing aerobics, some are playing soccer, others are sitting, eating and talking, horse riding, etc. There is just so much going on! You also feel free to be yourself because the people seem so sincere and calm.
Be warned though, many of the performers will come at you and showcase their skill. They expect you to give them a token!
Enjoy some fun pictures from Labadi Beach.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
A Country Rich In Culture: Ghana
Ghana is a country that is very rich in Arts and Culture. The people are well aware of this and are very proud of their heritage. For the non-citizens, Ghana is a really nice place to visit if you have ever thought about vacationing in Africa. A country that has gone through some major transformation over the years, it is seen as a peaceful, calm and hospitable country with plenty of things to do around there. Must-visit areas includes the National Park, the Museum, the Arts and Culture center/market, and the beaches. One can also take a tour of the insanely huge University of Ghana.
Enjoy below a few pictures from my visit there.
Picture taken at the Museum
Here's one from their National Park
And a final one of the beautiful Beach which had so much fun activity going on
Next week look forward to a more detailed break down of what Ghana has to offer!
Enjoy below a few pictures from my visit there.
Picture taken at the Museum
Here's one from their National Park
And a final one of the beautiful Beach which had so much fun activity going on
Next week look forward to a more detailed break down of what Ghana has to offer!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Loving Your Art
As Africans, its very hard to see us pursuing careers in the "Arts". Its as if to say the "Arts" are not important and it should be done on as a side hussle. The average African parent wants their children to pursue careers in Medicine, Accounting, Engineering, etc. Mostly because they feel its a more dignified career. The other reason is those jobs offer financial security, with the recent economic turmoil one cannot be so sure though. Which brings me to the question "Passion vs Money?"
I’ve had this conversation with various people at different points in time. Passion vs Money. One day I was talking to someone in an "Arts" related field and he questioned why I would leave a job that is paying me well (then I was working in Audit) to come into the field where I would be subjected to making peanuts for a long time. I told him it was something I was passionate about and the money didn’t matter. In actuality, the money doesn’t matter, not now at least; but it will soon. Some people may disagree but I do believe it’s the combination of Passion and Money that will make things fulfilling for you career wise. I’ll use myself as a case study
Money – I was making decent money working in a field I was not that passionate about. After a while, I lost interest in the job and I knew I had to leave. Working 12hour workdays was very painful, and I kept thinking if this was a job I was really passionate about, I wouldn’t mind at all
Passion – I am currently pursuing my passion, but the amount of equipments and tools I have to buy are killing me and now I have to cut down on some previous plans I had.
Now if I continue with my passion, while making it a money making venture, all becomes well. Not to say there wouldn’t be other obstacles, but combining both makes life easier. Moreover, the bible says Money answereth all things. What that means to me is: take the time to find your passion, figure out your niche and pray to God to give you ideas that will help you make it an EMPIRE!
Love your Art!
I’ve had this conversation with various people at different points in time. Passion vs Money. One day I was talking to someone in an "Arts" related field and he questioned why I would leave a job that is paying me well (then I was working in Audit) to come into the field where I would be subjected to making peanuts for a long time. I told him it was something I was passionate about and the money didn’t matter. In actuality, the money doesn’t matter, not now at least; but it will soon. Some people may disagree but I do believe it’s the combination of Passion and Money that will make things fulfilling for you career wise. I’ll use myself as a case study
Money – I was making decent money working in a field I was not that passionate about. After a while, I lost interest in the job and I knew I had to leave. Working 12hour workdays was very painful, and I kept thinking if this was a job I was really passionate about, I wouldn’t mind at all
Passion – I am currently pursuing my passion, but the amount of equipments and tools I have to buy are killing me and now I have to cut down on some previous plans I had.
Now if I continue with my passion, while making it a money making venture, all becomes well. Not to say there wouldn’t be other obstacles, but combining both makes life easier. Moreover, the bible says Money answereth all things. What that means to me is: take the time to find your passion, figure out your niche and pray to God to give you ideas that will help you make it an EMPIRE!
Love your Art!
Friday, April 1, 2011
A lesson in History...
Last month I visited Memphis, TN, for the first time and I have to say the place is nothing but a village. From the moment I got down from the plane I knew what was to come. The airport bathrooms weren’t as fancy, and the airport seemed really small. It reminds one of the Buffalo, NY Airport which is just as small. I tell no lies when I saw that even my village in Sagamu (Nigeria) is livelier.
One thing I did enjoy about visiting Memphis was the lesson I got in History. Martin Luther King was actually killed in a motel there. It’s now been transformed into a museum. I didnt get to go in, but saw it from the outside. It’s interesting that there was a Lady sitting outside of it, apparently shes been there for about 20yrs or more? and didnt want them to turn it into a museum. She wanted them to turn it into low cost housing, so she stays protesting in front of the place.
Experiencing History first hand was an amazing experience for me. I get to hear about MLK all the time, how passionate he was, and the sacrifices he made for his people are really inspiring.
One thing I did enjoy about visiting Memphis was the lesson I got in History. Martin Luther King was actually killed in a motel there. It’s now been transformed into a museum. I didnt get to go in, but saw it from the outside. It’s interesting that there was a Lady sitting outside of it, apparently shes been there for about 20yrs or more? and didnt want them to turn it into a museum. She wanted them to turn it into low cost housing, so she stays protesting in front of the place.
Experiencing History first hand was an amazing experience for me. I get to hear about MLK all the time, how passionate he was, and the sacrifices he made for his people are really inspiring.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Arise Magazine Fashion Week
Move over Fashion Capital Cities like NewYork, London and Paris, African Fashion is on the Rise! and the first stop - Lagos Nigeria.
In the words of the organizers, "The first-ever ARISE Magazine Fashion Week is coming to town. We’ve invited 50 top African designers, including Tiffany Amber, Jewel By Lisa, Klûk CGDT, Christie Brown and Xuly Bët, to grace our runways with their autumn/winter 2011 collections. This prestigious event will be held at the Federal Palace Hotel from March 10 –13, culminating in the ARISE Magazine Fashion Awards (http://www.arisemagazine.net/)"
Over 50 online magazines and blogs such as Bella Naija, Haute Fashion Africa, Y! Magazine,etc covered the event with hundreds of more people re tweeting the links on twitter and sharing the link on facebook.
The event seemed to have some positive reviews, as Nigerian R&B Star Darey Art Alade noted that the event and awards were fun. (http://twitter.com/darey)
HauteFashionAfrica headlines after the event was "Arise Magazine Fashion Week Came & Conquered" (http://twitter.com/HauTeFashionAFR)
Despite having a fun time at the event, the folks over at Fashion Finest Magazine were spotted saying "The fun of arise magazine fashion week is over. Now to get ready for d mahogany bridal show takin place on sunday 20 march" (http://twitter.com/fashionfinest)
We can conclude then that the event was success. This is without a doubt the beginning of many more groundbreaking event to come for the Fashion Industry in Africa.
In the words of the organizers, "The first-ever ARISE Magazine Fashion Week is coming to town. We’ve invited 50 top African designers, including Tiffany Amber, Jewel By Lisa, Klûk CGDT, Christie Brown and Xuly Bët, to grace our runways with their autumn/winter 2011 collections. This prestigious event will be held at the Federal Palace Hotel from March 10 –13, culminating in the ARISE Magazine Fashion Awards (http://www.arisemagazine.net/)"
Over 50 online magazines and blogs such as Bella Naija, Haute Fashion Africa, Y! Magazine,etc covered the event with hundreds of more people re tweeting the links on twitter and sharing the link on facebook.
The event seemed to have some positive reviews, as Nigerian R&B Star Darey Art Alade noted that the event and awards were fun. (http://twitter.com/darey)
HauteFashionAfrica headlines after the event was "Arise Magazine Fashion Week Came & Conquered" (http://twitter.com/HauTeFashionAFR)
Despite having a fun time at the event, the folks over at Fashion Finest Magazine were spotted saying "The fun of arise magazine fashion week is over. Now to get ready for d mahogany bridal show takin place on sunday 20 march" (http://twitter.com/fashionfinest)
We can conclude then that the event was success. This is without a doubt the beginning of many more groundbreaking event to come for the Fashion Industry in Africa.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Photography....
Jide Alakija Blog
Take a moment to click on the photography website link above, take a look at it but do not get too carried away, come on back and lets discuss.
The development of photography amongst Africans cannot go unnoticed. It apparently also seems to be the new thing; quite a number of young Africans now own cameras, either an actual camera or a camera phone. There are even more people that are beginning to do photography professionally, taking it as a very seriously passion and covering events like weddings, maternity shoots, birthdays, etc.
Another interesting development to take note of is the combination of photography and blogging. Like the example given above, photographers now use blogs as a way to connect to clients and potential clients while showcasing the work they can provide. It is obviously a great marketing tool for these photographers.
The African professional photographers market is male dominated with a few women in the industry. I spoke to one of the females who seems to have a deep passion for photography as an art. In her own words, photography for her started as a hobby, and then she figured out a way to monetize on it. She had to learn how to use professional cameras and also learnt how to use the editing software; mainly by enlisting the help of a mentor who already had many years of experience in the field. Today she has many clients who book her for their various weddings.
Her name is J’Blaze and more of her can be found on:
http://nouvellebyjblazeblog.com/
Photographs are awesome, they capture time and events. It's a wonderful thing to see Africans now venturing into this industry and excelling at it.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
African Culture.
The African Culture is very rich with different traditions and values.
Below is a clip of a group of Ladies carrying gifts to present to the President of Nigeria when he visited a small town in the country called Sagamu. The calabashes were filled with kola nuts
Below is a clip of a group of Ladies carrying gifts to present to the President of Nigeria when he visited a small town in the country called Sagamu. The calabashes were filled with kola nuts
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Western Influence on African Arts - Film
As mentioned last week, the Nigerian Film Industry still faces a lot of challenges, and is still mediocre; apart from the improvement of technology in the industry, the birth of creative minds has also helped the industry. These creative minds definitely have western influence, from the content of the work produced; it is hard to not notice that the producers have exposure.
With most past productions, it is noted that it doesn’t take the producers very long to complete their productions. The production of an average movie will take about 1-2days, had no concrete scripts and people were allowed to freestyle. This is very risky as it could create inconsistencies when one is trying to watch the episodes again to create a correlation and understanding. Now, producers are doing better. The writings are now good, not excellent; there is obviously still room for improvement.
The past productions usually shot movies that had to deal with gods, spirits and tradition. Nowadays only people that haven’t been exposed to the modern world will watch and believe those shows. The emergence of religion has saturated the continent and people are more obliged to watch shows that center around that.
The African media industry has and is still frowning at the idea of sexuality. If there are to be any portrayal of kissing or any sexual movements, it is done quickly and the next scene is shown immediately. The modern directors and producers with western influence aren’t frowning at it though. They are daring and taking the risks by infusing more sexual elements into their productions. Most Ghanaian movies these days are very sexual in content and even in their names such as “Untouchables” “Turn me on” “Pleasure and Crime”. The industry is even beginning to embrace homosexuality; a recent movie showcased 2 same sex individuals kissing.
Cover of Ghanian Movie - Turn Me On
Clip of Nigerian TV Series - Tinsel
With most past productions, it is noted that it doesn’t take the producers very long to complete their productions. The production of an average movie will take about 1-2days, had no concrete scripts and people were allowed to freestyle. This is very risky as it could create inconsistencies when one is trying to watch the episodes again to create a correlation and understanding. Now, producers are doing better. The writings are now good, not excellent; there is obviously still room for improvement.
The past productions usually shot movies that had to deal with gods, spirits and tradition. Nowadays only people that haven’t been exposed to the modern world will watch and believe those shows. The emergence of religion has saturated the continent and people are more obliged to watch shows that center around that.
The African media industry has and is still frowning at the idea of sexuality. If there are to be any portrayal of kissing or any sexual movements, it is done quickly and the next scene is shown immediately. The modern directors and producers with western influence aren’t frowning at it though. They are daring and taking the risks by infusing more sexual elements into their productions. Most Ghanaian movies these days are very sexual in content and even in their names such as “Untouchables” “Turn me on” “Pleasure and Crime”. The industry is even beginning to embrace homosexuality; a recent movie showcased 2 same sex individuals kissing.
Cover of Ghanian Movie - Turn Me On
Clip of Nigerian TV Series - Tinsel
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Western Influence on African Arts - Filmmaking
The African Film industry has had a roller coaster ride, starting off interesting and bubbling with the introduction of theaters arts, and then loosing momentum when just anybody thought they could pick up a camera and make a production. Now change is so desperately needed in the industry, and over the years the industry has seen a few producers/directors/writers try to come up with a different take into the multimedia industry. Now the Nigerian film industry is #3 in the world, following behind Hollywood and Bollywood. Ghana has also gained popularity in the film industry mostly by teaming up with Nigerians to produce films. This is not to say that the Industry does not still face a lot of challenges, and is not still mediocre; but there have certainly been a few improvements over the past years. Technology has played a significant role in the way the industry, is currently viewed. This development can be attributed to Western influence. Many of the African producers are going abroad to get trained and are getting themselves familiar with the new technology available.
Over the past couple of years we’ve seen the change in technology come to light in the Nigerian film industry, in series such as Tinsel, and the movie Ije. Africans can be proud of the work that the producers put into such productions.
When you research past production in Africa, it is very easy to see that there was no attention to things like Lighting and sound. Filmmakers just knew they wanted to make a movie and would pick up a camera and start filming. There are times when you would have to make sure you have the remote to your TV close-by so as to turn the volume up and down as the film goes on. Now African filmmakers through western influence have been able to learn what is required to put together a quality production that pays attention to detail. Picture and sound are also getting better, and editing is improving. It could take another 5-10years before a Nollywood production can stand side by side with a Hollywood one, but African producers have the right frame of mind and heading towards the right direction!
Tinsel(A Nigerian Soap-Opera) Studio
Nigerian Film Director - Kelani
Nigerian Music Video Director - Kemi Adetiba
Over the past couple of years we’ve seen the change in technology come to light in the Nigerian film industry, in series such as Tinsel, and the movie Ije. Africans can be proud of the work that the producers put into such productions.
When you research past production in Africa, it is very easy to see that there was no attention to things like Lighting and sound. Filmmakers just knew they wanted to make a movie and would pick up a camera and start filming. There are times when you would have to make sure you have the remote to your TV close-by so as to turn the volume up and down as the film goes on. Now African filmmakers through western influence have been able to learn what is required to put together a quality production that pays attention to detail. Picture and sound are also getting better, and editing is improving. It could take another 5-10years before a Nollywood production can stand side by side with a Hollywood one, but African producers have the right frame of mind and heading towards the right direction!
Tinsel(A Nigerian Soap-Opera) Studio
Nigerian Film Director - Kelani
Nigerian Music Video Director - Kemi Adetiba
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Western Influence on African Arts
Over the next couple of weeks I would like to do a series on the Western influence on African Arts. My analysis will focus mostly on West Africa - Nigeria, Ghana, etc.
The first series will be about the Western influence on Film and Filmmaking. This week I would have 2 different blog posts; one on Technology and the other will discuss Content. Be on the look out!
The first series will be about the Western influence on Film and Filmmaking. This week I would have 2 different blog posts; one on Technology and the other will discuss Content. Be on the look out!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Fashion...
Sika Designs is actually a Ghanaian label. I remember trying to contact her back in 2007 to be part of a fashion show I was planning in D.C. She was so warm and sounded really excited to be a part of it, but we ended up not having any funds to fly her out. Then she had a lot of Ankara pieces in her line, 4 years later I am still quite inspired by her, her pieces are like everyday clothes you can wear anywhere. She still has some Ankara pieces but also has some lovely modern pieces too. She really is here to stay. Here are a few pictures from her latest collection. I love that she has a kids line as well.
I remember this piece from years ago!
Heres a recent one
How Adorable is this?
More information about Sika - http://www.sikadesigns.co.uk/
I remember this piece from years ago!
Heres a recent one
How Adorable is this?
More information about Sika - http://www.sikadesigns.co.uk/
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Music!
I love Music. Well to be honest, I usually have a love and hate relationship with some genres of music. I remember back when I was 15/16 and used to live in Tampa Fl, name any latest Pop or Rock music and I would sing along with you. I was in that age were I watched a lot of MTV, in the process I got used to loving every kind of music. I even at one point started writing songs, in a bid to sell it (Ha-ha). So at that point I was not really a fan of Nigerian music but just like everything else, that has changed. I am totally in love with the authentic Nigerian artists out there. I am particular amazed at M.I and the analysis in his lyrics, so deep and thoughtful. Dbanj makes that party feel good music, and although some of it doesn’t make sense, you still want to shake your body and move. There’s Dr Sid who I’ve met once, and so in love with ☺., Banky W, Ice Prince, JesseJagz, etc
Anyway this week, Dbanj premiered a new track with Snoop Dogg. How they were able to get him is beyond me but hey! Snoop is on most people’s tracks these days (no pun intended) I thought the video quality was awesome! But the actual story was busy and all over the place. All in All Good for Nigerian music!
Kudos to Nigerian Music in all shapes and form!...love it.. Enjoy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOdUtfCYroc
Anyway this week, Dbanj premiered a new track with Snoop Dogg. How they were able to get him is beyond me but hey! Snoop is on most people’s tracks these days (no pun intended) I thought the video quality was awesome! But the actual story was busy and all over the place. All in All Good for Nigerian music!
Kudos to Nigerian Music in all shapes and form!...love it.. Enjoy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOdUtfCYroc
Monday, February 7, 2011
Welcome!
Welcome to the Arts Revealed!
This blog was born out of my love for everything Artsy. I love the Arts and everything it represents. Most importantly I am intrigued by the emotions that can come out of an Art Form. On this blog I will be focusing on Nigerian Arts because #1 I am from Nigeria, and #2, I am impressed at the way it is now evolving and developing. I will still blog about Arts from other countries from time to time. I will be showcasing Arts in all forms, ranging from Music Artists, to Photographers, to Film Makers, Paint Artist, etc I hope to make it insightful and exciting!
Hope you enjoy reading my blog!
Welcome Again xx
This blog was born out of my love for everything Artsy. I love the Arts and everything it represents. Most importantly I am intrigued by the emotions that can come out of an Art Form. On this blog I will be focusing on Nigerian Arts because #1 I am from Nigeria, and #2, I am impressed at the way it is now evolving and developing. I will still blog about Arts from other countries from time to time. I will be showcasing Arts in all forms, ranging from Music Artists, to Photographers, to Film Makers, Paint Artist, etc I hope to make it insightful and exciting!
Hope you enjoy reading my blog!
Welcome Again xx
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