Author: Dagny Zenovia

Lake Victoria Serena Resort in Uganda

As seen on: Munaluchi Bridal Magazine

Did you ever wonder if you could combine the romantic elegance of Italy with the exotic beauty of East Africa for your wedding or honeymoon? Well, The Lake Victoria Serena Resort in Uganda has everything to make that dream come true. With rose gardens, multiple café and cocktail terraces, and a Roman fountain, this creme palace is a beautiful place to view Africa’s largest lake.

The rooms are housed in Tuscan villas spaced around the terraced rose gardens and all decorated with shades of cream and African accents. There is also a wide and delicious variety of dining options with a mixture of international and Mediterranean cuisine using local and organic produce. This resort pretty much features grande and intimate settings with every convenience possible for a great gala or small party. From the pictures, it looks like the perfect luxurious relaxing spot to enjoy “The Switzerland of Africa.”

Music Spotlight:

Lilian Mbabazi is a singer, member of the girl group Blu3 (dubbed Uganda’s Destiny’s Child) and a radio host. She has a beautiful and passionate voice that really tells a story not only through the lyrics but also emotions. I chose to share two of her songs because her music covers a variety of genres from Uganda. I also love the imagery in both videos.

This song has a lovely African rhythm. From what I read, she is singing about love and telling her leading man “I will take you as you are.”

June 4, 2013
Azura: Beach Resort in Benguerra Island, Mozambique

As seen on: Munaluchi Bridal Magazine

An island with pure white sand beaches, brilliant turquoise seas, overwhelmingly friendly people, and a strong initiative to support its community. This might sound too good to be true, but I assure you Azurais the full package. Located on Benguerra Island off the coast of Mozambique, Azura is a luxury beach resort that offers 16 villas with private pools, Mozambican butler-hosts, fresh seafood, and an amazing list of activities and experiences.

Let’s indulge in their fabulous accommodations. Each villa blends modern chic architecture with the traditional design and nature of Mozambique to provide a private sanctuary for all of their guests. With the perfect weather, the perfect maxi dress, and the perfect drink – coconut water of course – I don’t think I would ever want to leave this paradise.

Fun Fact: Azura is not only dedicated to luxury, but also to conserving their community and environment. You should check out their story here.

Music Spotlight:

I have two music treats for you this week. While sampling music from Mozambique I came across a beautiful blend of genres – due to their history with the Portuguese – from bossa nova to soukous to traditional African folk. They have been forging these styles with contemporary trends in African music and Global music. I think the way African music has been evolving lately shows that Africa does not have to give up its royal roots to keep up with globalization.

Neyma is a singer from Mozambique. Her genre style blends Marrabenta, Kizomba, and Afro-Zouk. I chose this song because I love the rhythm of the music and the imagery of the video…and the distinct sound of the African guitar.

Lizha James is considered one of the biggest musicians in Lusophone Africa. This song mixes Pandza, Kwaito, House, and Dancehall. I love the 80s block colors and the music vibe.

May 28, 2013
Summer 2013 Glasses Inspiration

From music festivals to beach parties to distant vacations, summer is a time we all try to use for new experiences. Regardless if you follow fashion trends, we tend to do a lot of closet-rearranging and shopping during the summer. For those of us who wear glasses to see, no offense to those who decide to take on four-eyes as an accessory, this also includes glasses frames. Unlike searching for a cute maxi dress or a light pair of pants, shopping for glasses takes more of an investment. They have to endure our daily lives while still complimenting any style or color outfit we decide to wear. I have been rocking an orange and black pair of Dolce & Gabbana frames for the past 5 years and recently have been looking for inspiration for my next pair. Due to how long I have been wearing glasses – I basically was born with them on my face – a new set of frames always spurs the next evolution of my personal style. Here are some of my favorites.

via Warby Parker Collection

via Vogue

My favorites from the Dolce & Gabbana Summer 2013 Collection

Since we all appreciate a man who wears glasses well, I figured I should share these too.

May 28, 2013
Lizha James

Lizha James is a singer from Mozambique and is considered one the biggest musicians in Lusophone Africa (Portuguese speaking). Her music mixes Marrabenta, Reggae, R&B, and Hip-Hop. Her lyrics speak to African pride as well as bringing awareness to domestic violence and women’s issues. I love her style and sense of humor. Enjoy!

This is her latest single. I love the music vibe and the 80s block colors.

In the song below, Nyandayeyo means “help.” The character in the story has a husband who does not work and always asks for money from her as well as disrespect her.

I love the rhythm in this one. It also looks like a fun party.

May 28, 2013
Quadron

Quadron is an “electronic soul” duo from Denmark consisting of singer Coco Maja Hastrup Karshøj and musician/producer Robin Hannibal. Their music blends indie pop, electronica, new soul, jazz, and rap. Their 2nd album, Avalanche, is coming out June 4th and I am already in love with the released singles for it. I love her voice and their melodies.

Their upcoming album will also feature influences from the one and only King of Pop. They just released a new single from their album called “Neverland,” a beautiful tribute to Michael Jackson. I’m also a big MJ scholar and definitely appreciate tributes that tell his story and/or respect his legacy instead of just trying to duplicate his brilliance. I also recommend listening to “It’s Gonna Get You.” Enjoy.

May 28, 2013
Ahmed Soultan

Ahmed Soultan is a Moroccan singer whose musical style is considered the “Afrobian soul for Afro-Arabian.” He sings in multiple languages while blending traditional Moroccan and African music with R&B and soul. In 2011 he contributed to the Radiowaves Project by singing with other African musicians on “People Power” to fight against climate change in Africa and the world. I love how his music and his lyrics show that all of Africa is connected and that all Africans should support each other. Enjoy.

May 27, 2013