Highlights:
- Burna Boy's 'I Told Them...' Makes UK Chart History, Tops Official Albums Chart via Billboard
- Morocco’s Gnawa Music: Asmâa Hamzaoui Takes the Spotlight via BBC
- Afronation Festival Comes to Lagos, Nigeria, in December 2023 via OkayAfrica
- Converse and Ghanaian TJ Sawyerr Collaborate on 'Let The Black Star Shine' Campaign via Pausemag
- Naomi Campbell Teams Up with Nigerian Designer Victor Adewale for a New Venture via BellaNaija
- Mr. Eazi is Building an African Entertainment Empire to Rival Disney via Black Enterprise
- Filmmaker Honours Senegalese Heritage in Cannes Film Festival via RFI
Now, on to the real peel...
Burna Boy's 'I Told Them...' Makes UK Chart History, Tops Official Albums Chart
Nigerian artist Burna Boy has become the first international Afrobeats artist to top the Official U.K. Albums Chart with his latest release, "I Told Them." His success is attributed to his global superstar status and a coherent cultural strategy. Other chart entries include Claire Richards' career-best No. 2 with "Euphoria," London rapper Digga D's top 10, and notable chart positions secured by Ashnikko, Alice Cooper, and Zach Bryan.
Morocco’s Gnawa Music: Asmâa Hamzaoui Takes the Spotlight
Gnawa music, an ancient Moroccan spiritual tradition, combines ritual poetry, music, and dance, featuring the Gnawa master and guembri instrument. Asmâa Hamzaoui, a female star, challenged patriarchal norms and gained recognition as an "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO. Concerns about commercialisation may dilute the spiritual essence, but Gnawa reflects Morocco's diverse heritage and connects with sub-Saharan Africa.
Afronation Festival Comes to Lagos, Nigeria, in December 2023
Afronation Festival is set to make its spectacular debut in Lagos, Nigeria, from December 19 to December 20, 2023. The event, a celebration of Afrobeats, promises a stellar lineup and electrifying performances. This homecoming to the birthplace of Afrobeats is expected to be a highlight of 2023, uniting the diaspora in a grand musical spectacle. Afronation's Co-Founder, SMADE, expressed excitement about bringing the festival to Lagos, calling it a dream come true and the grandest celebration of African music ever.
Converse and Ghanaian TJ Sawyerr Collaborate on 'Let The Black Star Shine' Campaign
Converse and Ghanaian artist TJ Sawyerr have collaborated on a campaign called 'Let The Black Star Shine', featuring classic Converse Chuck 70 Hi sneakers. The campaign, shot in Accra, Ghana, showcases Afro-centric culture and fashion, showcasing Black beauty in various colourways. The campaign, in partnership with END, challenges stereotypes about African culture and celebrates Ghanaian culture through a London gallery exhibition.
Naomi Campbell Teams Up with Nigerian Designer Victor Adewale for New Venture
Supermodel Naomi Campbell is embarking on a new fashion venture after 37 years on the catwalk. She's collaborating with young Nigerian luxury designer Victor Adewale of VicNate and Jamaican Edvin Thompson. The move into design coincides with the start of New York Fashion Week. Naomi expressed her excitement on Instagram, thanking her team and supporters for making this dream come true, with a focus on changing the pace of fast fashion through collaboration.
Mr. Eazi is Building an African Entertainment Empire to Rival Disney
Nigerian Afrobeats artist Mr. Eazi founded emPawa Africa to empower independent artists in Africa, using it as a tool for empowerment rather than a traditional label. He also invests in African-founded companies through Zagadat Capital, aiming to create a solid foundation for African entertainment, sports, and business. Choplife, his company, aims to be a potential African entertainment powerhouse, emphasizing the need for education and infrastructure.
Filmmaker Honours Senegalese Heritage in Cannes Film Festival
French director Ramata-Toulaye Sy's debut feature film, "Banel & Adama," delves into Fulani culture and family traditions in northern Senegal. The film, directed by Sy, features non-professional actors and focuses on artistic expression, drawing inspiration from literature, painting, and personal experiences. It explores themes of independence, love, and cultural clash, showcasing African masculinity and reflecting the growing recognition of African cinema globally.
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What's On
Discover the best afrocentric experiences in London 🇬🇧 From concerts, nightlife, culture, pop-ups, supper clubs and plenty more...We’ve got you covered! Here's a selection of events and experiences happening this week...
- 16 Sep | Boiler Room London ft. SPINALL, Burgess Park
- 16 Sep | Caiiro X Enoo Napa Extended Set, & friends + Nick Castle
- 17 Sep | Palmwine Festival at KOKO, London
- 17 Sep | Sean Dampte Live at The Jazz Cafe
- 01-24 Sep | My Runway Group Pop-up Shop at Somerset House (Free)
- 01-16 Sep | Sola Olulode's Immersive Solo Exhibition (Free)
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