Also known as the Queen of the Stage, Myriam Fares is a Lebanese singer and entertainer. Her style, from fashion to acting to music fusion, is really admirable. She showcases her culture in such a vibrant way. I love the imagery and theme in the video for “Kifak Enta.” The color and retro style is so fun. Enjoy!
As seen on Munaluchi Bridal Magazine
Continuing to indulge in the riches of Africa, this week we are visiting South Africa at the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa. Located between the Twelve Apostles mountain range in the Table Mountain National Park and the Atlantic Ocean, this hotel and spa is home to luxury services and breathtaking views. All of the guest rooms are individually decorated to provide a unique experience. I know “Coming to America” was strictly entertainment, but some of these rooms remind me of the kingdom in that film. The different dining areas are also gorgeous and is recognized as one of South Africa’s top places to wine and dine. From every angle of this place, one can experience a romantic sunset, a fun day on the beach, or just a relaxing break.
Music Spotlight:
Mafikizolo is a South African musical group that originally formed in the late 1990s. Their music puts a unique spin on the kwaito genre. This is their latest single and I love the beat as well as the colorful video. I also love the fashion style of the female singer in the group. Enjoy.
Temi DollFace is a Nigerian singer-songwriter, composer, and producer. She coins her style of music “Drama-Soul,” which, as you can hear, is highly influenced by Afro-beat. This is her latest single and everything, from the lyrics to the music to the imagery, is worth sharing. The title also caught my eye – as some of you might know, the legendary Miriam Makeba sang a song called “Pata Pata,” and I was interested to see what she was going to do with the song. Enjoy.
As seen on Munaluchi Bridal Magazine
This week we are indulging in another pearl of Africa. The Chongwe River House provides a breathtaking location to view the wonders of the Chongwe and Zambezi river. The home was created to complement its majestic surroundings without interfering with nature. The frame of the home was built with wild wood and all the furniture was carved from one fallen tree. It is almost like the best tree house you could ever imagine. They also provide a private vehicle, guides, canoes, and a boat to explore the park at your convenience. For those who really love the outdoors and talking to animals, the Chongwe River House would be the perfect honeymoon destination.
Music Spotlight
Mutinta is a Zambian singer-songwriter and guitarist. Her music blends afro-beat, jazz, reggae, and soul. I chose to share her latest single with you because of its happy vibe and peaceful imagery.
Cleo Ice Queen is a Zambian hip-hop artist. Her latest single showcases the new wave of music in Zambia.
I was introduced to the term “afropolitan” while listening to an interview with author Taiye Selasi on NPR. She was discussing her recent book “Ghana Must Go,” and mentioned why she considers herself an “afropolitan,”:
“What distinguishes [Afropolitans] is a willingness to complicate Africa – namely, to engage with, critique, and celebrate the parts of Africa that mean most to them. Perhaps what most typifies the Afropolitan consciousness is the refusal to oversimplify; the effort to understand what is ailing in Africa alongside the desire to honour what is wonderful, unique. Rather than essentialising the geographical entity, we seek to comprehend the cultural complexity; to honour the intellectual and spiritual legacy; and to sustain our parents’ cultures.”
Her story and opinions caught my attention and I continued to research this term to see how it was received. It turned out I was a bit late in this discovery – there is a sophisticated magazine in South Africa, an insightful blog in the UK, a number of news articles, and a variety of exhibits and panels highlighting this subject.
With all of these outlets, the definition for an “afropolitan” seems to be up for self-interpretation depending if the individual lives in Africa or the diaspora. I plan to examine these interpretations and see where this search for identity and community could be taken a step further. At the moment, this project will be a short documentary with a supplementary op-ed piece.
If you or someone you know identifies with the term “afropolitan” or have an opinion you would like to share, comment here or contact me.
As seen on Munaluchi Bridal Magazine
Picture yourself sipping on your favorite cold drink while lounging on the beach admiring your new spouse. After you finish your picnic, you two head back, holding hands, to your hotel to get ready for a romantic cocktail dinner in downtown Santa Monica. As you both finish getting dressed, signing along to the radio (just play along here), you both watch the sunset from your balcony window and have that warm feeling that everything is right in the world. Let me introduce you to the perfect place to reenact this lovely honeymoon. Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica hotel is sophisticated, relaxed, and romantic. Inspired by the waves of the ocean and the glamour of nearby Los Angeles, the decor has a breezy modern feel. Their location provides access to a variety of attractions, including the Santa Monica Pier and the Getty Villa and Venice Beach. They are also partners with the Santa Monica Museum of Art and provide complimentary access to their exhibits for all guests. With all this culture and charm, a destination honeymoon here would be no short of an enjoyable adventure.
Music Spotlight:
Angie Stone is an R&B, soul, and neo-soul singer-songwriter from South Carolina. I chose this song, off of her 2004 album “Stone Love,” because of its funky R&B rhythm and happy vibe. Also, the music video features Idris Elba…enjoy!
As seen on Munaluchi Bridal Magazine
First built as a wool and cargo handling facility 100 years ago, the Blue Sydney hotel was renovated to combine a hotel with a marina, restaurant and apartment complex. I really like how they maintained the original iron fixtures and creatively worked around and within it to guarantee a memorable experience. Just like its location, this hotel is bustling with elegant design and unique decor. I think a photo shoot and a party would be a lot of fun here. Make sure you check out their website to read the history behind this place.
Music Spotlight:
Kimbra is a New Zealand singer, song writer and musician based in Australia. Her music tends to fuse indie pop, soul, and electronic. She enjoys incorporating her humor in the majority of her music videos as well. I chose these two songs because I like the fusion of rhythms in both and the imagery. I also highly recommend you check out her album “Vows.”
Dagny Zenovia 