Tuesday, March 30, 2010

FASHION IS BLACK

Hello to you all and welcome to DULCE CAMER, the number one Cameroonian entertainment blog which strives to root out the talented and creative Cameroonians out there and bring them to you. We also aim to expose the events taking place around the Cameroonian communities in the world.

Today we bring you our fortnightly talent interview and yes it has been a while since this was last done!

Cameroonians are doing big things especially in the fashion and beauty industries. In recent years, the surge of fashion designers, fashion events, fashion magazines and fashion editing and writing has increased tremendously. This is in fact very promising since as these industries are not widely acclaimed amongst Cameroonians, especially those of the older generations neverthless, the young ones have seen a potential to use these industries to make a name for themselves and to sell the beauty and creativity that exist within Cameroon.

Dulce Camer thinks this is a wonderful thing and we are here to espose all you strive to do!
Today, the brain behind the Fashizblack Magazine talks to DC. The interview is in French and yes it is a rarity but Le Cameroun est bilingue and we do have French speaking DC readers too so let's make their day!
Happy Reading y'all!

DC: Que représente-il le nom Fashizblack?
Paola : Fashizblack est un diminutif de Fashion Is Black, notre crédo.

DC: Quel est donc votre but?
Paola : Notre but est de pouvoir s'adresser à une population férue de mode, mais encore trop peu représentée proportionnellement à ce qu'elle dépense. Il s'agit aussi d'être un trait d'union entre la mode occidentale et la mode afro-antillaise.

DC: Quand a t-il créé?
Paola : Le concept est né en Décembre 2007, mais la parution de notre magazine telle qu'elle est actuellement date de Février 2008.

DC: Pourquoi avez-vous choisi ce nom pour un magazine?
Paola : Tout simplement parce que c'est un titre fort, qui affirme notre identité et notre philosophie. Il s'agit un peu d'annoncer la couleur d'entrée de jeu !

DC: Comment êtes-vous différent du reste des magazines de mode?
Paola : Nous sommes différents en terme de forme (les Web magazines qui appliquent exactement les formes d'un magazine papier sont encore très peu nombreux). Ensuite, dans le fond, nous avons un public assez ciblé, ainsi que des partis pris artistiques et rédactionnels.

DC: Qui sont les responsables de la sortie de ce magazine et sont-ils tous des Camerounais?
Paola : Les responsabilités sont reparties en 3: Patrick, qui s'occupe de l'aspect technique et supervise tout ce qui a trait au visuel web, Laura qui est en charge des aspects marketing et communication et enfin, moi, je m'occupe principalement du contenu (articles, séances et prises de vue, ligne éditoriale, différentes interfaces etc). Nous sommes tous les 3 camerounais, mais nous travaillons avec une équipe dont les origines sont variées.

DC: Que pensez-vous sont les raisons pour lesquelles le marché de la mode africaine est en plein essor à l'heure actuelle?
Paola : Je pense qu'il y a plusieurs facteurs qui rentrent en jeu. Tout d'abord, l'on vit de plus en plus dans une ère de “village globalisé”. Ce qui fait que, ce qui semblait exotique à l'époque, commence peu à peu à rentrer dans la norme. De nos jours, çà n'étonne plus personne qu'un sac de marché africain devienne un must-have signé Vuitton ou que les babouchkas russes soient subitement tendances. A cela, il faut ajouter aussi que les africains commencent peu à peu à prendre conscience qu'ils peuvent aussi exister et qu'il y a un public, hors de leurs clients traditionnels, à saisir.

DC: Vous êtes directeur de la rédaction, est la publication de votre arrière-plan?
Paola: Pas du touts!

DC: Comment avez-vous commencé donc?
Paola : J'ai eu une formation littéraire et artistique, et à la création du magazine, je me suis toujours occupée du contenu. Au fur et à mesure de l'évolution de Fashizblack, je me suis confortée donc dans ce poste.

DC: Commencer cette publication était-elle facile ou difficile?
Paola : A vrai dire, au départ c'était assez simple d'apparence. La difficulté est venue du fait que nous soyons perfectionnistes et qu'on a toujours pour ambition que chaque numéro soit qualitativement meilleur que le précédent.

DC: Comment vivez-vous financièrement que ce magazine est gratuit?
Paola : Pour la première année, nous avons utilisé nos propres fonds, mais avec le développement de notre activité, des partenaires se manifestent de plus en plus. Nous avons des rentrées d'argent grâce à notre blog L'Entre-Deux ( iam.fashizblack.com ), et d'autre part, l'entreprise est pratiquement montée. Nous avons trouvé un autre moyen de rémunération sur lequel nous planchons actuellement, je ne peux donc pas en parler pour l'instant ;)

DC: Comment avez-vous réussi à bâtir la réputation de ce magazine dans un délai aussi court?
Paola : Une réputation, c'est peut-être un peu trop. Disons que le concept en lui-même est fédérateur, et le fait qu'il y ait une telle émulation prouve qu'un tel magazine avait besoin d'être créé.

DC: Comme ce magazine est uniquement en français, envisageriez-vous une version en langue anglaise?
Paola : Bien sûr ! C'est un de nos projets, mais nous attendons de pouvoir trouver des collaborateurs anglo-saxons qui pourraient nous y aider.

DC: Que pouvez-vos lecteurs attendent de Fashizblack Magazine?
Paola : Je pense qu'ils peuvent s'attendre à toujours être étonné par nos séances – photos, mais aussi de trouver des sujets qui leur parlent puisque nous donnons beaucoup d'importance à l'avis de ceux et celles qui nous lisent.

DC: Que devraient-ils prendre de Fashizblack?
Paola : Des conseils pratiques, des idées shopping mais aussi une manière différente voire moderne de considérer la mode africaine.

DC: Qui ou quoi vous inspire?
Paola : Je suis inspirée par énormément de choses et de gens. De la peinture classique aux looks de rue. Mais je suis surtout inspirée par quelques personnes de mon entourage, qui sont des muses pour moi, des personnes qui représentent à mes yeux le lecteur et la lectrice-type.

DC: Que nous réserve l’avenir pour Fashizblack?
Paola : Pour le moment, développer encore plus la qualité du magazine et accroître sa notoriété.

DC: Quels conseils donneriez-vous à ceux qui voudraient lancer un magazine?
Paola : Etre prêt, bien choisir son équipe, garder les pieds sur terre, être EXTREMEMENT patient, et surtout: avoir des moyens avant de débuter !

DC: Vous n’avez que des vingtaines d’années et vous avez accompli tant de choses, quel est le secret à une vie réussie selon votre opinion?
Paola : Justement, je n'ai QUE de vingtaines d’années, et donc je ne considère pas avoir commencé quoi que ce soit. Ce serait donc prétentieux de donner des conseils à ce niveau-là. Tout ce que je peux dire, c'est qu'il faut commencer très tôt, être assez instinctif et travailler sans relâche. On a beau être passionné par ce qu'on fait, il faut être prêt à faire des sacrifices et ne pas hésiter à être perfectionniste quoi qu'on en dise.

Extracts from past Fashizblack Magazine.

















Paola Audrey Ndengue interviewed for Dulce Camer.

For more information, visit their website: http://www.fashizblack.com/

See you soon!!
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

Friday, March 26, 2010

THE HARAMBE ENDEAVOUR

The Harambe Endeavour is an organisation founded in the US by Prince Soso and Okendo Lewis Gayle. The organisation has grown to include members who all have a shared vision of creating change in Africa. What brought them together was their shared frustration of our people, their sense of opportunities of our time and their need to embrace the responsibility of our generation.

What they seek to accomplish is to create opportunities for the needs that exist within Africa. According to them if more Africans got involved in the solution making process, the more likely we are to obtain the results desired by our generation.

In just 2 years of existence, this organisation has managed to partner itself with 10 African embassies in the US, the Ibrahim Foundation, the US Chamber of Commerce etc. They have 85 official Harambe Endeavour Alliance Members in over 40 universities including the world's top 5 and have 18 African countries represented.

One of such countries is Cameroon and according to their representative, if Cameroon intends to be competitive in the global economy, it is imperative that there be a conscious effort to equip its youth to think innovatively, act locally and connect globally.

Cameroon Harambe was launched last November in Yaoundé. It has 6 active members, 3 interns and 2 active Cameroonian leaders, with one being Olivia Mukam.

This Harambe will provide a platform for Cameroonian students to propose innovative and sustainable ideas that could potentially have a multiplier effect in their communities.

Their vision is to:
  • Capture the passion of a generation and translate it into actions through the opening up of opportunities.
  • Inspire a generation of young leaders and entrepreneurs who see problems as opporunities in need of solutions and have the poise and wherewithal to engage others to create long lasting social impact.
  • Engage Cameroonians, both within the country and in the Diaspora to find effective engagement in the social and economic development of Cameroon.
You too can join in and become a Harambe ambassador or sponsor. Go to http://www.harambecameroun.blogspot.com/ for more information.

Harambe Cameroon
"We will check our road and the nature of our battle, yet in the end, the Africa our generation desires can be won, it exists, it is real, it is possible, it is ours. " - Harambe Bretton Woods Declaration.

Be the change you want to see!
Stay sweet and have a great weekend.
Dulce
xxx

IT'S HOT, IT'S CHIC, IT'S KC!

Anrette Ngafor and Kibonen Nfi are the most hard working girls I know and they are surely an inspiration to many. Since staring their fashion label KiRette Couture early last year, these two have gone on to doing wonders!!

It is no doubt why they featured on our DC Top 50 list last year, these two are tire-less and fear-less and they just keep striving and wanting more.

From participating in Camer Couture to organising their own fashion event in Bamenda, Bamenda Rocks! to taking part at the Ovation party in Lagos founded by Dele Momodu, to being nominated for the Beffta awards, there is nothing above these duo!

Their sights has gone as far as styling one of Nigeria's top music artist JJC in his newly launched video "Gegi Lale". Check out the video below and check him out in 3 colourful and vibrant KC Men's shirts.



Well done to you girls. Keep keeping on!
Stay Sweet
Dulce
xxx

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

TOP EARNING PLAYERS IN WORLD FOOTBALL

Hello fellow DC readers, it's a new day and a new something to share to you as usual.
Check out the world's top earning football players below...

1. Lionel Messi (Barcelona) £29.6m
2. David Beckham (LA Galaxy) £27.3m
3. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) £26.9m
4. Kaka (Real Madrid) £16.9m
5. Thierry Henry (Barcelona) £16.2m
6. Ronaldinho (AC Milan) £15.4m
7. Carlos Tevez (Manchester City) £13.8m
8. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Barcelona) £13m
9. Frank Lampard (Chelsea) £12.7m
10. Samuel Eto’o (Inter Milan) £12.4m
(Source: Eurosport)

Welldone Mr Eto'o Fils!
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

ZANGALEWA

Zangalewa was the theme song that epitomised the playfulness of some of the music and videos back in the 80's in Cameroon. The biggest track by the group with the same name it was no doubt one of the biggest songs of our generation and till date the most nostalgic.
Well in a few months, this song will be in the lips of millions thanks to it being featured on one of the tracks of the 2010 World Cup!!
DC is so excited about this and just wants to share!!
Enjoy...On avance le Cameroun!!



The real version


Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

Friday, March 19, 2010

AFRICA WEEKENDER 2010



Africa is on the rise and with countless shows and spectacles around the globe showcasing this beautiful dark continent, it's richness and cultural diversity is slowing being exposed to a wider public.

From fashion shows to cultural shows and now to a whole weekend of just "AFRICA".

The Africa Weekender is a culmination of events focused on a common goal; the exploration of the cultural diversity of Africans in the Diaspora.

We as Africans have a rich heritage and we need to afford ourselves the platform to align our cultural identities and creative energies.

The Africa Weekender is born out of the vision that there is a need for a platform to engage, enable and further empower Africans by showcasing an enlightened viewpoint of the skill, talents and cultural diversity of the continent.

What better way to embody this narrative than to have a 72 hour live weekend festival celebrating the diverse fusion of our cultures and its evolution in different countries and climates in the Diaspora.

The Africa Weekender (AW) will therefore be a live entertainment and networking experience, put together by The African Promoters Alliance who are a body of eclectic promoters and organisers with the main aim bringing people together to experience and share differing cultural stimuli.

"Our cultural diversity is what has inspired us to provide a body of Art, Artists, Theatre, Poetry, Live Performances, Culinary fusions and events with a commitment to enlighten, entertain and inspire" stated the promoters.

The programme of events selected for the Africa Weekender will provide a diverse yet intertwined fusion which enables a better understanding of the evolution of African cultural dynamic which has its essence steeped in community.

This is an opportunity to partake in a 21st Century African experience in contemporary Britain.

There will be:

  • Live music performances
  • Film festival programme
  • Creative arts exhibition
  • Theatre & poetry performances
  • Fashion shows
  • Comedy shows
  • Contemporary & traditional dance
  • Relaxation & African therapy massages
  • Sports & fitness programmes
  • Commerce, business expo & networking
  • Charity & awareness presentations
  • Workshops
  • Parties
  • Children's activities.

The event will also feature Cameroonian artists such as Muntu Valdo, Alex Quest and Shiri Achu. It is scheduled to take place from Friday 21st to Monday 24th may 2010.

Venue: Pontins, Camber Sands Holiday Park, New Lydd Road, Camber Sands, Sussex near Rye TN31 7RL, UK

Price: Club £155pp, Classic £135pp, Standard £115pp

For more information go to info@africaweekender.co.uk

Get booking and go explore and be informed!
Have a great weekend.
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

VOTE NZINGA FOR BENETTON

Our very beautfiful and striking sista is taking part in a Benetton "face" of their new campaign competition launched internationally which ends today!

Name: Nzinga
Age: 22
Location: USA
Bio: Love makes me special. The Love I receive every day from my parents, siblings, relatives and friends. The love I receive from people I don't even know! I am special because of those who believe in me and never let me doubt who I am and what I can be. My craziness, spontaneity, and gregarious attitude are all a result of the love I have received throughout the years. So to know what makes me special...look at my peoples!! :)

Check out her striking pics below!






Now, please, please, please get voting by clicking on this link: http://casting.benetton.com/users/896677-nzinga
To vote, you have to login or sign up at your top right hand side.
GET VOTING!!

Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

Sunday, March 7, 2010

HAND MADE BABYWEAR BY ANNATAK

This soft fluffy babywear is what you need to cushion the soft delicate skin of your baby. Imagine your little bundle of joy carefully wrapped in one of these cute outfits, ah bless!

Totally handmade with wool by a young lady called Hannah and she designs every piece herself.
The outfits come in different combination of hat, booties and jumper or booties and jumper or a complete set which is hat, booties, pants and jumper.

Check these out and you can enquire by sending an email on the address provided below.













Did you like any? Well email brownschuga@yahoo.com for more information.
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

VILLAGE MEDLEY

Hey guys, check out the new single by the artist Anita Etta.



Hope it inspires a great Sunday
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

Friday, March 5, 2010

FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DE VOIX DE FEMMES

The international festival of female voices entitled MASSAO is back with a bang after a few years absence and has launched it’s 6th edition which has been running at the Place du gouvernement in Bonanajo in Douala from the 27th of February and is scheduled to end on 8th March 2010. This edition already dubbed “the Makeba edition” in homage to Mama Africa herself, the late Miriam Makeba with her granddaughter Zenzile Makeba invited as a guest of honour.

Although this show is a celebration of female voices with a host of female artists invited such as Dobe Gnahore, Nono Flavie, Aminata Kamissoko, Carole Bakotto, Gaelle Wondje, Lady Ponce, Claudia Dikosso, there will also be some male representation in the form of X Maleya, Blick Bassy, Tonton Ebogo, Afo Akom etc

Dobe Gnahore (Ivory Coast)

Germaine Ebelle (Cameroon)

Aminata Kamissoko (Guinea)

Kareyce Fotso (Cameroon)

Lady Ponce (Cameroon)

Entrance to this event is FREE so go and enjoy!!

Would you like to get intimate with the sexy soul brotha Blick Bassy? Well, click here and enjoy!
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

Thursday, March 4, 2010

SONG EAST CONCERTS

Song East is a series of FREE concerts that will take place from 4th-9th March in various intimate venues across the East End to showcase three world-class musicians, each with their own distinctive voice.
For more info visit:http://www.serious.org.ukhttp://www.visitlondon.com/events/east

Concert dates and venue as per below.

Thur 4 @ 8pm - Arts Admin Cafe http://www.artsadmin.co.uk/contacts/


Fri 5 @ 5pm –Theatre Royal Stratford East http://www.stratfordeast.com/your_visit


Sat 6 @ 8pm – Ochreworks http://www.ochreworks.co.uk/

Sun 7 @1.30pm - Skylight Cafehttp://www.crisis.org.uk/pages/cafe-london.html

Mon 8 @7pm - Hoxton Apprentice http://www.hoxtonapprentice.com/

Tues 9 @ 1pm - Pure Groove http://www.puregroove.co.uk/in-store.aspx

Tues 9 @ 8pm – Hackney Empire - Marie Lloyd Bar
http://www.hackneyempire.co.uk/1760/shows/song-east.html

www.myspace.com/muntuvaldo
www.twitter.com/muntuvaldo
www.facebook.com/muntuvaldo

Catch the prince of Sawa blues if you can!
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

CAMEROON PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY

Cameroonians have started taking matters in their own hands by creating initiatives that continue to engage the community on issues affecting Cameroonians, Cameroon and Africa, in general, the CPS is organising a Symposium in New York on March 13, 2010. This symposium will focus on the topic:
"Transforming the Cameroon Economy in the 21st Century"

A distinguished group of panelists has been put together to lead the discussion. They include among others,

Emmanuel Mbi, PhD – Former Country Director, World Bank, Washington, DC.
Jacqueline Muna Musiitwa, Esq. – Founder & Executive Director, Transitional Trade, New York, NY
Samuel Bong, BA – Graduate Student, International Development, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD

Venue:
Columbia University
2960 Broadway
New York, NY 10027

Time:
Saturday March 13, 2010
4PM - 8PM

Contact:
Eyong Nsoesie
ensoesie@cps-usa.org
00 1 410 499-1569
Website: www.cps-usa.org

Make sure you are there!
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

BUEA ALLSTARS STAND UP FOR HAITI

The song was conceptualised, composed, recorded and shot in 2 days. It was produced by M1 Studios with the video directed and edited by Weg Efokoa of Bluedrops Studios in Buea.

This project involves renowned Buea based artists such as BAAM, Bright Phase,Tata Kingue, Sley, Zinnia, Steveslil, Zionside, Abigail, Rude Boy, Bob Gala Didier and many more.

A concert is to follow so stay informed! Visit www.bueayouths.org for more info.

Here is the video for your enjoyment.



Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx