Sunday, November 29, 2009

THE 2009 BALLON D'OR AWARD GOES TO...

Samuel Eto'o Fils is one of the 10 footballers shortlisted for the 2009 European Player Award.

The event also known as the Ballon d'Or has only ever been won by an African player, the former Liberian international George Weah back in 1995 together with the World and African player awards.

Samuel joins Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney as well as Chelsea FC and Ivory Coast international player Didier Drogba in this shortlist.

The 10 Ballon d'Or finalists are:

Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast) Chelsea FC
Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon) Inter Milan
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) Real Madrid
Steven Gerrard (England) Liverpool FC
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden) FC Barcelona
Andres Iniesta (Spain) FC Barcelona
Kaka (Brazil) Real Madrid
Lionel Messi (Argentina) FC Barcelona
Wayne Rooney (England) Manchester United FC
Xavi (Spain) FC Barcelona

For more on this story please go here

Let's be hoping it goes to Eto'o!
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

Thursday, November 26, 2009

LAMBO LA TIKI, L'ESPACE KABA NGONDO

Lambo la Tiki, a unique yearly fashion event already in its fifth year and organised by the designer Rodrigue Tchatcho, is held in Douala, the economic capital of Cameroon.

This year’s show is due to kick start in a few weeks and DC caught up with the brains behind the show for a chat.
Happy Reading y’all!

DC: Hello Rodrigue, how are you?
RT: I am fine, thanks.

DC: So Lambo la Tiki is a fashion event you started 5 years ago. What do you hope to achieve with this show?
RT: Lambo la Tiki fashion event was created with the aim of promoting the “kaba ngondo*” attire. These attires are beautiful, you can see them being worn everywhere around Cameroon and at any season of the year and they can be very cultural as well. I felt there was a need to create awareness.

DC: What made you start this show?
RT: There are few fashion events in Cameroon in the first place – counting fashion events, there are only 3 including my show!

DC: How easy or difficult is it organising a fashion event in Cameroon?
RT: It is very difficult to organise a fashion event in Cameroon because the sponsors do not rely stick with you.

DC: What about financing...how do you sort that?
RT: The financing part largely depends on the sponsors. You also have to know big names in Cameroon to be able to get some sort of finance from the government. I have been dipping into my own personal funds to get this show moving.

DC: Douala seems to be the fashion capital of Cameroon, why is it so?
RT: Douala is the economic capital and there are more happenings here which have international visibility. There are some shows too that take place in Yaounde but they are not very big and that is why you don’t hear of them.

DC: Would you say Cameroonians are becoming more interested in fashion or have they always been in your opinion?
RT: They are becoming more and more interested in fashion maybe because of the events that are being organised. People are becoming more aware because they can see what is going on.

DC: Cameroon is picking up fashion wise with the rest of its neighbouring countries such as Nigeria and Ghana. What do you think is the reason behind this?
RT: I think it is because when Cameroonians see what is happening in these countries, they think to themselves why can’t we do this? We really have the desires too, what is lacking is the finance. Cameroon is one of the most fashionable countries in Africa after all!

DC: Talk to us about this year’s show, what sneak preview can you give us?
RT: There will be a fashion show in open air, a training centre etc. There will be local Cameroonian designers, as well as international ones coming from France and the Ivory Coast to present their Kaba collection.

DC: You are also a designer yourself, tell us about your label.
RT: My label Rodrig Tchatcho is solely ready to wear evening or wedding dresses. I tend to use a lot of neutral colours because I love them and they can be worn at all seasons. I prefer using natural fabrics, ie Linen, cotton in my designs.

DC: What obstacles or troubles does one face when starting out as a designer in Cameroon?
RT: The main problem is finance and distribution. The designer can come up with a lot of stuff, but the problem is selling them on.

DC: Do you think the government needs to financially assist those who are starting their own businesses to help them get on their feet?
RT: Yes, we definitely need assistance and support to develop the fashion industry especially. We need to develop the “made in Cameroon by Cameroonians” slogan.

DC: What future plans do you have for Lambo la Tiki and your fashion label?
RT: I would to take Lambo la Tiki to other parts of the world to show the beauty of Cameroon designs. I would also love to have a bigger show. For my label, I would love to have them in international stores. That would be my greatest achievement.

DC: Do you have a website where people can buy your garments?
RT: No not yet, it is not yet ready. Hopefully it should be by January 2010.

DC: So, how can they contact you?
RT: I have a showroom in Cameroon in Douala – Bonapriso. I will be opening another in Abidjan, Ivory Coast next March. They can call me on 00237 99 36 93 43 or 00237 76 12 76 76 or they can email me at: rtchatcho@yahoo.fr

DC: Thanks for chatting to DC Rodrig, good luck with the show which is on from the 17th to the 20th of December 2009.
RT: Thank you very much

Check out some of Rodrigue's designs below!















Some pictures from the Lambo la Tiki show



















*Kaba Ngondo is a Cameroonian type of dress, usually airy and very loose fitting. It could be sleeveless, short or long sleeved (www.wakunaonline.com/pidgin.php?pg_id=5).
************************************************
So you have read what Rodrigue had to say, if you are in Cameroon for the christmas holidays you know the place to be, the Lambo la Tiki fashion show in Douala!
Dates are 17th to 20th December 2009.
************************************************
DC: Dulce Camer
RT: Rodrigue Tchatcho
************************************************
Be there!!
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

FOOTWEAR BY JOHN

The new ethnic JOHN footwear collection for men was unveiled last week by the designer John Kouoh.
They are now available to buy at their store in Douala, Cameroon.
Price is at CFA 25,000 a pair.

Check some out below!











Some christmas present options for that special man in your life!
Go check it!
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

TROPICAL FLAVOUR UK PRESENTS AFROLICIOUS!





Afrolicious, brought to you by Love Jones Entertainment aims to be a night where the urban & soulful vibes meet the Afro Caribbean groove.
Dress code is afroliciously smart and sexy.
Date: Saturday, November 28th
Time: 11pm to late
Ticket: £10 entry (ladies £5 all night)
Venue: Club Couture, 58A Camberwell Church Street, London SE5 8QZ
Contact: Jean-Yves - 00 44 7984 758 996

Go check it out if your in town.
Oh, if you didn't know the Camer Couture website is back on! It has been updated and it is looking great...take a peek here

Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

Sunday, November 15, 2009

KILIAN ATEH LIVE AT THE PALAIS

"The cool kid with an accent", a budding rapper by the name of Kilian Ateh will be showcasing 5 tracks from his debut album "Good Grain"due for release in December 2009.

Catch him live at the Wandsworth Palais on Saturday 28th November together with the sultry Neosoul / Hiphop singer Debra Debs and her band.

The show is FREE before 7pm and £5 thereafter. Tickets can be bought at the venue.

For flyers, please contact Marc Styles on 07701010496 or 07545851919

Nearest stations: Wandsworth Town Rail and Clapham Junction.

You can find his single 'IT'S ON' on itunes at the moment.

Kilian's website is http://www.kilianateh.co.uk/
To add him as a friend on facebook, search for 'Kilian Ateh'.

For more info on Miss Debra Debs, go to www.myspace.com/missfollowme

As a teaser to what you should expect, just for you!









Ok so I am sure by now you know the show will be banging!
Well, get yourself down there Saturday November 28th.

Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

Saturday, November 14, 2009

THE LIONS HAVE ROARED TO VICTORY!

Ole ole ole, the 2010 World Cup in South Africa is most definitely certain for the Indomnitable Lions of Cameroon who triumphed at the match against Morocco in their stadium today.

With Eto'o Fils scoring the second goal to give it a final score of Cameroon 2 and Morocco 0 and with Togo scoring against Gabon in the dire minutes, our qualification was emminent.

"Before the game, we had mixed feelings but now we feel nothing but joy and pride. There was nothing more terrible than having the first ever World Cup in Africa without one of the continent's biggest teams in it" said an avid supporter.

The celeberations will be worldwide but expect even major "shacking*"in Cameroon itself.

For more info on the World Cup match schedule go here.

*Enjoyment

Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

Friday, November 13, 2009

OKAWA SHAZNAY FOR MISS AFRICA USA

The DC features have been missing in action for a few weeks now but we are back with the fortnightly features of talents by way of interviews!

Hooraaaahhhh!

To kick start this feature is a participant at the Miss Africa USA Pageant, a cultural showcase of the African heritage in the USA. It is a charity event that provides a platform for young African women in the US to showcase talent, leadership, culture and a unique opportunity to speak up for Africa and raise awareness on pertinent issues concerning the continent.

Well, this young lady is not only beautiful but intelligent and very passionate and she wants to win the Miss Africa USA pageant so as to promote her love of giving disdvantaged children a better life.

A multi-tasker who is capable of acquiring a degree in accounting as well as model and act with top Nollywood stars, Dulce Camer has no reservation that this young woman will make a fine Miss Africa USA.

Read her story below and get voting!!
Happy Reading y'all!

DC: Hello Shaznay, do I call you Okawa or Shaznay?
OS: Which ever you prefer is fine!

DC: Ok, actually where did the name Okawa come from? It sounds kinda Japanese!
OS: Yes it does sound Japanese. It was just a name my great grandmother had and I was named after her.

DC: Right. Well hello Shaznay, thanks for talking to Dulce Camer. Let us start by finding out a bit about you. Who is the person behind Okawa Shaznay?
OS: Okawa Shaznay is a normal young lady from Cameroon who grew up there for about 18 years before moving to the US to do my college degree. From time to time I do modelling and acting.

DC: You gained a degree in accounting, that couldn’t be very different from your love of the Arts. Tell us why you chose accounting?
OS: Um, because it is my second love. My mother was a banker and growing up I used to go to my mother’s office a lot and maybe that is why I got into this field of business.

DC: Do you actually work as an accountant?
OS: No. Not yet. Right now I am preparing for my Gmac which is an entry exam to enable me to do a Masters.

DC: Ok, so let us now go to your passion – Acting and modelling. How did you get into this?
OS: Um, I started acting in Cameroon. I did many stage plays in school and in 2004 the Cameroon movie industry was emerging and there was an announcement on the radio about a film project so I auditioned for a part in the movie which was called “Master DJ” and got it! In 2005 when I travelled to the US I went to a modelling school in Houston, Texas and got in contact with various fashion photographers in my local area. I have had the opportunity to work with some very popular Nollywood actors.

DC: Apart from the love of these, what else made you decide to get into this industry?
OS: Um, for some reason growing up watching TV and loving movies, I thought to myself why couldn’t I be part of the movie making process and that was what kicked started the process!

DC: Why do you think many African parents do not push their children into the entertainment industry?
OS: Because of the mentality of the entertainment industry being bad...it is true that managers and produces could approach you but it is up to you to protect yourself and not get into any bad situation and you don’t have to do anything to get a role. If a role is meant for you, it will come to you and if you have no talent it will show.

DC: You started your acting in Cameroon, what do you think of our film industry?
OS: Um right now, it is still growing. The Cameroon film industry is much more theatre and stage plays. However we are now slowly trying to get into movies. It is definitely growing.

DC: Nigeria has Nollywood, Ghana, Gollywood, Cameroon, Collywood. What is your opinion on Cameroon following the trend of naming their film industry this way?
OS: Honestly, it is a good thing that these other film industries are naming themselves after Hollywood but to me it is not creative enough. I don’t admire them for going down this route but I guess they are just following the trend.

DC: There was actually a debate going on where they had the choice of naming the industry either the Cameroon Film Industry (CFI) or Collywood. Well you know what they chose! If it was up to you, what would you name it and why?
OS: I would really need to think about this but I know I would not have called it Collywood!

DC: I actually saw pictures of you chilling with African film royalties namely Van Vicker, Jim Iyke and Desmond Elliott…are you shooting a film with them?
OS: Yes I was....right now I am currently shooting a film with Van Vicker which will wrap on Saturday and it has all been amazing.

DC: Where you ever star struck?
OS: No, never (she laughs). I am not star struck at all especially if I am doing a scene with them.

DC: Girl to girl, how fine is Van Vicker in the flesh?!
OS: The same, he is good looking (she laughs)

DC: Right, so you are a contestant in the Miss Africa USA founded by Lady Kate Njeuma, why did you decide to take part in this competition?
OS: Um because the pageant is a scholarship pageant and an opportunity to showcase an issue which is dear to your heart. It is not your average pageant.

DC: How was the audition?
OS: It was awesome! I met Cameroonians from different states and other people from different African backgrounds. It was all great.

DC: Tell the readers why they should vote for you?
OS: I want them to vote for me because I am truly passionate about the cause I am doing right now. My cause is supporting and creating awareness for disadvantaged children in Cameroon. Disadvantaged in the sense that they are orphans...I support 2 causes namely Shaping Destiny Organisation based in Bamenda and founded by Dr Kenneth Acha. The other is Keep a Child Alive based in New York but they have clinics in Kenya and Uganda. This charity provides antiviral drugs to kids living with HIV. It is important we all look out for each other and I always want to be a positive role model for others to follow.

DC: How can they vote?
OS: All you need to do is to go to www.missafricaunitedstates.com/countries.htm and then once you get to the page, scroll down to the left hand side of the page and you will see the first poll of names and mine is there. That’s it!

DC: So after this competition, what is your next project?
OS: Should I win this pageant, I will go on promoting my causes as well as embark on my masters and continue on my film projects.

DC: Thanks for talking to DC Ms Okawa and good luck with the finals next year.
OS: Thanks very much for the support.














Flying the Camer flag!


With Nollywood actor, Desmond Elliott


With Nollywood bad boy Jim Iyke


With the fine Van Vicker!


Well guys, you have read her story now get voting!
Give this sister a chance to promote and work towards something very dear to her heart. By voting for her you will also be supporting her 2 charities.
Give these children a better future by voting for Okawa Shaznay.
******************************************
Thanks for reading.
******************************************
DC: Dulce Camer
OS: Okawa Shaznay
******************************************
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

DC MOOD!

It is Wednesday people!
DC is feeling very uplifted and positive this week (not saying that we are not normally uplifted and positive but for some reason this week it is higher than usual!). Well, as we said, it is Wednesday, mid week and the weekend is nearly here so let us celeberate and be joyous!

Here is a track that will put you in great spirits...si tu aimes le makossa, Maleya te donne makossa, yelele, aimes le bikutsi, alors viens te defouler...yelele, si tu aimes le bendsikin, Maleya te donne bendsikin...yelele, Cameroun sur la playlist....juste pour te defouler...Maleya, Maleya, on va danser avec Maleya!!

Vient danser avec Maleya....Le Bassa c'est vraiment chic!!



Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

Monday, November 9, 2009

DC MOOD!

We are in celeberatory mood in DC today. Why I hear you ask?
Well, it is Monday, a new week, a new day, it is the beginning of a new month, christmas is nearly here, we are alive and kicking and Camer Couture was a cracking show!!

Who better to help us celeberate than this cracking acoustic performance by Blick Bassy...DC is somewhat enchanted by his talent and his passion. Can you see his soul in this performance? Well close your eyes and just listen, you will see it...



Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

Sunday, November 8, 2009

MUNTU VALDO, PRINCE OF SAWA BLUES

The one man band, aka Muntu Valdo will be on tour with Staff Benda Bilili kicking off this Tuesday, 10th November.

Just as a teaser, please check out the video below of his recent performance in Manchester. You will not be disappointed so please go and see him live. Also if you have not bought his album "Gods & Devils", go and get it!



Details of the tour is as per below.



Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

LAKE NYOS DOCUMENTARY ON FIVE

The Lake Nyos disaster was featured in a documentary here in the UK on channel 5. For those who missed it, worry not there is still a chance to catch it.
Go here

Before I leave you, here's a track from our homeboy, the waxing lyricist himself, Wax aka Nde!


Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

Friday, November 6, 2009

THE AFRICAN FORUM ARTS EXTRAVAGANZA

African Forum, in collaboration with Bucks New University, Street Dreams and Pontis Media, presents its first exhibition of the six monthly “African Forum Arts Extravaganza”.

African Forum Arts Extravaganza is a platform for artists of African origin or with an affiliation to Africa to showcase and sell their works in Painting, Photography and Textile Design.

The exhibition will take place from November 26th to 28th 2009, at the Red Shed in High Wycombe’s Bucks New
University. Access will be free and unlimited daily from 10am to 7pm.

An official launch will be marked with a Vernissage on November 26th from 6pm to 9pm, with refreshments, snacks
and music.

Exhibitors will include students
and alumni from Bucks New University,
as well as independent
artists.

African Forum is proud to have reknowned Nigerian artist Babatunde Ogunekun as one of its exhibitors. His colourful, abstract and extraordinary representations of the casual things of life will definitely give one the desire to see more.

Press Contacts:
The African Forum
Dr. Tonnie Adoh (Chair)
Mob: 079 73563914
E-Mail: tonnie.adoh@africanforum.co.uk
Web: http://www.africanforum.co.uk

Pontis Media (Run by our very own Menoosha Susungi)
Tel: 0844 504 9624
E-Mail: info@pontismedia.co.uk

If you live or will be around the Buckinghamshire area on the above dates, please pop by and support the sister and the artists and African Forum. They are doing a great job bringing talent and creativity from Africa to the forefront.

Support y'all
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

WWW.SHIRIACHUART.COM

A year ago today, Shiri Achu decided to take her passion for painting to the glare of the public after being inspired by Barack Obama.

She then gave herself a huge but achieveable task of having an exhibition entitled "The 30th Act" which was in celeberation of her 30th year on earth. This she achieved with great success back in April and since then she has gone from strength to strength, exhibitions to exhibitions and now she launches her new website http://www.shiriachuart.com/

Shiri Achu’s art comes from everyday, unsurprising yet unexpectedly vivid moments, times, places and objects. She seeks to capture the spirit of her subjects and make them come alive through form, colour, texture and tone.
She draws insight from her travels but in general her inspiration is very broad; from natural moments captured in Africa to still objects, from the human form to the human in action.

She sees beauty in almost anything and everything. She finds beauty where there is normalcy, and she sees colour through shades of grey. She therefore draws from this distinctively beautiful World of hers and aims to evoke an emotion which translates into images of delight or surprise, with the soul objective of capturing the soul of the subject.

Composition and subject matter are key in her works. Also, abstract/tashism is explored in some of her pieces, to leave her viewers to come to their own conclusions.

Shiri’s art is bold, dramatic and uncompromising. They aim to delight and leave the viewer moved as well as leave the viewer with thoughts of wonderment, at times of bewilderment - and to engage ones diagnostic imagination.

As A.A Morcho once commented "Her ability to transpose her verve and blithe into her paintings is the secret to her magnetism. Move aside digital cameras, for where you capture the stillness, Shiri captures the life and the story that follows".


Maasai Tone
Carnival Swirl
***************************************
For more information, please visit http://www.shiriachuart.com/
Email contact: shiriachuart@ymail.com
Join Shiri Achu Art on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/shiriachuart
***************************************
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

MARIA BY BLICK BASSY

Blick Bassy, the sexy sweet voice from Cameroon has just released the first video from his new album Léman.

The track is entitled "Maria" and apart from being our fav track on the album, the concept of the video shot in Yaoundé and directed by Pascal Colson is very original and funny. The quality of the video is very beautiful too and makes the story line that much clearer!

Dulce Camer also loves the story telling feel of the video and this is definitely in sync with the tone of the album, being the Blick Bassy life story.

Kudos to the brotha anyway for standing out and stepping out of the norm of video quality! Here below is the video, happy watching!

Here is an interview Blick gave to DC back in April: http://dulcecamer.blogspot.com/2009/04/music-is-my-everything.html

To get more info of Blick Bassy, go here:
http://www.myspace.com/blickbassy2

http://www.worldconnection.nl/blickbassy

Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

Sunday, November 1, 2009

MUNTU VALDO EN CONCERT

The prince of Sawa blues is going to be in concert supporting Staff Benda Bilili.

First location is the Barbican, London on the 10th of November 2009, 7.30pm start.

Get your ticket and go enjoy!

Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx