Highlights:
- Cosmo X Tyla: Her Viral Hit 'Water,' Global Stardom, and Blackpink Dreams via Cosmopolitan
- Rema on Being a Rising Global Afrobeats Star, Making Nigerian Music History via Vice
- Orange Culture's Dazzling Comeback: Lagos Fashion Week's Showstopper via Vogue
- Explore West African Flavours with a Vegan Twist via AtlasObscura
- Talented South African Opera Singers Dazzle at World Opera Competition via Africanews
- Zimbabwean Painter Charmaine Chanakira's Colourful Journey to Self-Expression Through Art via OkayAfrica
- Sculptor Shepherd Ndudzo's Transnational Art Journey: Bridging Borders and Traditions via The Conversation
Now, on to the real peel...
Cosmo X Tyla: Her Viral Hit 'Water,' Global Stardom, and Blackpink Dreams
Tyla, a 21-year-old South African singer, gained global fame with her hit song "Water," which went viral on TikTok and reached 24 million views on the official video. She became the first South African solo artist to enter the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 55 years. In an interview, Tyla shares her journey to fame, musical influences, and the impact of her success on South African and African music.
Rema on Being a Rising Global Afrobeats Star, Making Nigerian Music History
Rema, an Afrobeats star, is making a significant impact on the global music scene. He's a leading figure in Afropop, with a unique sound that blends various influences, and he's focused on representing his hometown and Africa on the world stage. Despite initial challenges, he has become a trailblazer in the music industry and is determined to leave a lasting legacy through his music. Rema's success is helping to further popularize Afropop and African music worldwide.
Orange Culture's Dazzling Comeback: Lagos Fashion Week's Showstopper
Orange Culture, a prominent Nigerian fashion brand, made a highly anticipated return to Lagos Fashion Week after a two-year break. Designer Adebayo Oke-Lawal's show celebrated people and featured a diverse cast of models, a blend of music, fashion, and culture. The collection included both new and repurposed pieces, appealing to modern Nigerian and international customers. Oke-Lawal hinted at an exciting new direction for Orange Culture in the upcoming season.
Explore West African Flavours with a Vegan Twist
As West African cuisines gain global recognition, a small but growing number of West African vegans reimagine the culinary heritage. Vegan chefs and creators are drawing on plant-based recipes from the past, highlighting native ingredients, and promoting sustainability. This shift represents a commitment to honouring tradition. Several West African vegans share their experiences and recipes to showcase the diversity and creativity of vegan African cuisine.
Talented South African Opera Singers Dazzle at World Opera Competition
South African opera singers compete in the Operalia contest, with four out of five selected making it to the semi-finals. Singers like Nombulelo Yende, Sipokazi Moltino, Sakhiwe Mkosana, and Luvo Maranti share their passion for opera and challenge stereotypes about career choices. Operalia, created by Spanish tenor Placido Domingo, provides exposure for aspiring opera singers without extensive travel.
Zimbabwean Painter Charmaine Chanakira's Colourful Journey to Self-Expression Through Art
London-based Zimbabwean artist Charmaine Chanakira found self-expression and acceptance through her art. Chanakira describes herself as an "Afro-expressionist," uses vibrant colours and eccentric figures to convey her emotions and thoughts. Her art touches on politics, childhood memories, mental health, and the Afrocentric experience. Inspired by her Zimbabwean heritage, Chanakira's work reflects her emotional reactions to world events and tells the African story and tradition.
Sculptor Shepherd Ndudzo's Transnational Art Journey: Bridging Borders and Traditions
Zimbabwe-born sculptor Shepherd Ndudzo creates figurative sculptures with elongated black figures emerging from white rock, often depicting dancing or praying positions. Drawing inspiration from his transnational story and shared traditions of southern African nations, his work spans Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Botswana, revealing the history of sculptural traditions and art world dynamics. Ndudzo's work transcends borders and reinvents art traditions across nations.
If you enjoy reading this newsletter, Forward To A Friend and let them know they can also subscribe for free via this link
Song of the Week
Recommended by Tola A
The Ultimate Lifestyle Membership
Experience a unique membership that gives you access to premium Afrocentric content and experiences such as curated events, restaurant openings, exhibitions, supper clubs and more.
Become a paid member 🎉Anything else? Hit reply to send us feedback or say hello. You can also follow us on our social media platforms @marmaladecollective
Apply to join our invite-only Collective! Connect with like-minded creators and influencers who want to create, earn and grow together — apply here
