DULCE CAMER...

LA VALLEE DE BANA

2012-01-19T13:59:00.001Z

Move over Hilton, there is a new boy in town - well in the Highlands that is!
La Vallée de Bana is an uptown hotel residence nestled at 10km of Bafang in the Western Province of Cameroon.

Facilities include bungalows for rent, conference hall, swimming pool, golf course, spa and much more.
Check out some images of LVB below.

Well done to the owners! It looks clean and simply done. At least some thoughts have been put into the decoration of the place. I hope they maintain it and I also hope they'll put English content on the site soon.

For more info, go to http://www.lvb.cm/

Stay sweet

Dulce

xxx

DENCIA HITS BACK AT THE "I AM NIGERIAN" RUMOURS!

2012-01-17T21:27:00.000Z

Hello DC peeps! Hope you all are having a very fab week.

So I wanted to report today about the little "spat" with Reprudencia Sonkey aka Dencia our barbie girl regarding her "I am Nigerian" hype which was circulating on her PR of her last track "Beri Beri".

Here is what she had to say...after refusing to comment on the matter previously.

I don't know u,you don't know me,I didn't have to respond to this neither can I go about responding to every body talking Bs,until you hear it from my mouth you don't know me nor where I originate from,u don't know my parents,you have never heard me say I am not Cameroonian,it's people like you guys spreading false rumors that make people look bad,I have been quite through out this,I will not let my pr respond,I will personally do starting from here,Maybelle if I was born and raised in Cameroon and I have a Cameroonian parent why can't or souldnt I speak French?stop it please you all need to stop it's not cute anymore fabricating stories.take it or leave it, I am proud Cameroonian Nigerian,born and raised in Cameroon,You don't know my life nor my story,and until I tell you,you will never know.I am following my dreams,take it and Do same.I am African Point blank Period #PanAfticanism. P.s all of u running your fingers with paragraphs bring me an article or interview that says Dencia denied being Cameroonian let me see maybe you can prove me wrong. I am an American citizen why didn't I claim American and I am claiming to be Nigerian/Cameroonian?or maybe it will be better if I said I was Ametican,it will make you guys feel better abi? How many of You Cameroonians ever shared an interview i did that says i was Cameroonian or anything positive i did?Guess what because all you guys do is look for negativity pls Stop.Thanks for reading @Achare thanks for trying to inject something that makes sense in people's heads.y'all Have a blessed n productive week.

So there you have it straight from the horse's mouth.
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

FASHIZBLACK IN PRINT COMING SOON...

2012-01-15T17:39:00.001Z

The first Fashizblack in print is due out this month, 25th January to be precise. While we await, here is a sneek peak to the cover!

To pre order your copy or to subscribe, go here

Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

LE PRESI NOUS PARLE...LET'S LISTEN!!

2012-01-02T19:17:00.000Z

Et voila...Mr le President Paul Biya addresses us. On ecoute...

Dulce
xxx

HIGHLIGHTS & HOPES FROM SOME OF OUR CAMEROONIAN TALENTS

2011-12-30T22:45:00.035Z

So here we are with just over a few hours remaining before an eventful 2011 comes to an end. What did we not witness this year, from violent political upheavals and overthrowing around the world; to the wedding of the year between Kate and Prince William; to also very personal turmoil too (I am sure!) and to top it up we lost 3 great entertainers; Elizabeth Taylor, Sam Loco Efe and Amy Winehouse as well as the pioneer Prof. Victor Anomah Ngu. May their souls RIP.

As a celebration of the ending and beginning of a new year, we decided to ask a few Cameroonian talents around the world what their highlight for 2011 was and what they hoped for in 2012.

Happy reading y’all!!

AFRICA ENGO – ENTERTAINER/ACTIVIST

Highlights:

Personally, I lived healthily through the whole year. That's amazing!

Professionally, my movie previewed on MTV ACT http://act.mtv.com/iloveafrica

HOPE 2012: I hope that I will continue to be healthy the whole year through again. I hope to continue my work, I am writing a Vegas style theatre show which I hope to launch in New Orleans called “THE SKINNY How to Lose 100lbs and Change the World Too” which will be my next phase of using entertainment to educate the public.

SHIRI ACHU – ARTIST/ARCHITECT

Highlights for 2011:

- Learning I was given the award for being The best Artist in Brent
- Solo Exhibition at The Tabernacle in London’s Notting Hill which saw Mr Rudolph Walker and Richard Blackwood coming to the exhibition.
- Faith Evans acquiring one of my pieces on the 8th of Sept in DC - Maasai Tone 4/500
- Exhibiting at the Houses of Parliament for BAAC. 7th Nov 2011
- Exhibiting at the Commonwealth Secretariat on the 6th December for Human rights week - Empowering women through art
- Painting of Pastor Alex Omokudu
- Painted, '1.1.11 Baforchu celebrates', '1.1.11 Baforchu big men celebrates', 'Rose' and 'The gift of a Rose'. I am glad the new and unique method I have developed this year is working out well and people are really appreciating this new 'mixed media' art.
- Reading messages such as this:
'Nurture' is nurturing a middle-aged baby. Art Therapy to a new level. Thank you!. Dorethea Linder 17/12/2011

What do I hope for in 2012??

-Travel further within Africa to portray the other cultures I am yet to explore through my art, to present to the World.
- Finish collection of works I am working on for huge exhibition end of 2012 or in 2013! Watch out people.
- More fabulous exhibition opportunities, and more articles and newspaper features, blogs interviews etc
- Combine both my Architectural background with my Art - something in the pipeline I hope its comes together!!!
- A few assistants!! Selling in UK, USA, AFRICA and WORLDWIDE...it’s getting very hard on my own... I pray this continues and please people do keep spreading the word about me and my art.
- Time to dedicate a huge part of my everyday to the Lord, to worship Him, Praise Him, Thank him and get to know Him more and more each day.

Contact me at:
Website: www.shiriachuart.com
Become at a fan at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/SHIRI-ACHU-ART/120656047946915

WAX DEY – MUSIC ARTIST/LABEL OWNER

2011 has been a thriller for me as a musician and for my record label, Lolhiphop Records. Signing a label deal with Universal Music, through which Lolhiphop Records is now able to mainstream Nigerian artists such as Flavour and Dontom in South Africa and worldwide, has been really exciting.

I also joined Good Morning Africa on Africa Magic as a TV host.

In 2012, I hope to expand Lolhiphop Records as a brand in Central and West Africa. We have already scheduled the worldwide release of two compilations of top artists from Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea for early 2012. We are also planning to spread our wings into the Western market by signing and releasing our first US act - fingers crossed.

Personally too, I will be growing my brand as a musician. I'm already releasing new commercial singles, including a few collaboration with well-known artists such as Krotal and Dontom; a lot more will follow in 2012.

GHYSLAINE TCHOUAGA – MISS AFRICA USA 2011

My highlight for the year 2011 was winning the Miss Africa USA pageant and stepping out of my comfort zone. I grew up very shy and I never tried to grow out of it until I realised that I was missing out on a lot of opportunities.

For the year 2012, I hope to remain a first rate version of myself and not a second rate version of someone else. I want to always journey towards enlightenment and use my Miss title to bring about change in Cameroon as well as in Somalia.

PAOLA AUDREY NDENGUE – CO FOUNDER/EDITOR FASHIZBLACK

2011 pour moi a été une année de "confirmation" pour la mode Africaine de manière générale, et personnellement, des événements comme la MTN LAGOS FASHION WEEK m'ont permis de me dire que le Nigeria est devenu un acteur INCONTOURNABLE dans le milieu, et je vois un monopole en construction.

Concernant 2012, j'ai véritablement hâte de voir comment les différents e-shops qui vont ouvrir leurs portes vont s'en sortir. La distribution et la vente par correspondance est un énorme challenge donc j'espère ne pas être (trop) déçue. J'espère bien évidemment aussi que 2012 sera une bonne première année pour Fashizblack Magazine print.

TITO VALERY – MUSIC CONSULTANT/TV PRESENTER STV2

2011:

4th anniversary of the no1 TV hip hop show "Wickid Tracks" on STV2 Wednesday 4pm rebroadcasted on Saturday 3.30pm
Founded "Trusoul Entertainment" an event management company that is aimed at networking talents across all fields. We co-organised the “Douala Hip Hop” festival which was on the 29^th & 30^th December.
I participated on an art project called “Art Chronicles” as a photo artist.

2012:

Launching the comeback art urban show "Trot Art" that will premiere on STV2 in January.
Organising through “Trusoul Entertainment” the first talent search for Cameroonian entertainers in all fields with a grand showcase in August.
I also have planned two solo photo exhibitions for October.

CHURCHILL MAMBE NANJE – IT ENTREPRENEUR

This year I launched http://www.njorku.com/ the Africa wide job search engine.

I got featured on forbes.com Yahoo news, as the developer of one of the best tech business in Africa right now.
I expanded my business operations to 7 African countries and counting.

I got an investment deal for my new venture from a Canadian company.
I got outsourcing partnership with a Canadian company working with major clients like Chelsea FC, and other English Premier League and American soccer League clubs.
I developed solutions for African state governments like Adamawa state in Nigeria.
JCI nominated me as one of the 10 young outstanding people in Cameroon.

My hope for 2012 is to take njorku.com to all African countries serving 1million users per day worldwide.
I also hope to grow AfroVisioN Group double its size to over 20 full time employees.

DENZYL– MUSIC ARTIST

2011, has been a hectic year for me, filled with ups and downs and lots of challenges but I tried my best to accomplish a lot of things..

I have done collaborations/features this year such as:-
A feature and performance on Good morning Africa on Africa Magic also featured on the top 5 countdown with DJ Waxxy.
Released collabo singles online which can be downloaded on the following links:-
Far Away - http://www.4shared.com/audio/Mp9mRfhs/Denzyl-FAR_AWAY_MP3.html
Marry Me - http://www.4shared.com/audio/WUuek_0P/Denzyl-Will_you_Marry_Me.html
She don Jazz me by CI Jizzle feat Denzy-

http://www.4shared.com/audio/M_7GFwWE/cijay_feat_denzyl_-_she_don_ja.html
Summer time feat Onezeal - http://www.4shared.com/audio/_-VnbDGh/Denzyl_ft_Onezeal-summer_time.html
Waka dey go feat Naomi Achu - http://www.4shared.com/audio/GZTaRmnc/Denzyl-waka_dey_go_remix_ft_Na.html
Something feat Onezeal, Mc Yoda, Wax- http://www.4shared.com/audio/_qpRt1hm/Denzyl_feat_Mc_YodaOnezeal-Som.html

"MIMI" Written by Denzyl and Onezeal ,you can listen and download here http://www.4shared.com/audio/VSlHzZrO/mimi_solo.html

Well in 2012 first thing by Gods grace I will want to do is conclude the remix for “Mimi” with Don Tom, shoot the music video for it, and put it on major radios and TV stations in Cameroon and across Africa.

I hope for a major promo of my single and I look forward to releasing an official international album for my fans.

I will like to put a mark and set my name as a brand in the Cameroon, African music industry and I hope God blesses me with the favour to conquer!

LUC MBAH A MOUTE – NBA PLAYER MILWAUKEE BUCKS

My highlight of 2011 was having a successful camp again in Cameroon and I hope to play in the playoffs this coming NBA season.

ADELINE SEDE KAMGA – FOUNDER FABAFRIQ MAGAZINE

2011 has been a turbulent year for me. The ups and downs were very rocky but achieving the very first print of FabAfriq Magazine just after one year of operating on-line is a great achievement. Moreover, the opportunities I have made to ensure business continuity has guaranteed a successful 2012.

My hope for 2012 is to continue with business as usual and to give employment opportunities to my entire community.

JOYCE MANDI - MODEL/ACTRESS/PHILANTROPIST/COMMENTATOR

The most memorable events that made 2011 a great year for me started on the 3rd of January, with my feature in Vogue Italia.

Next up was my interviews of the cast of the famed comedy show "The Game", Lil' Romeo, Common, and a host of other Hollywood stars on the red carpet in Hollywood, during the NBA All Star Weekend.

Then came my sit-down exclusive 30minute-long interview with Jackie Christie from the reality TV show, "Basketball Wives L.A"; designer, producer, philanthropist, best-selling author and wife of former NBA star, Doug Christie.
Following my interview, I landed a role in an independent film called "Sex Coach" which is in post production at the moment.

Up next was my gig as the muse for Chucrallah Fattouh, an internationally acclaimed painter and sculptor who did very unusual and fast live paintings of me while I posed in front of over 2,500 people during the Orange County Art Walk on August 3rd, which resulted in paintings inspired by me currently being exhibited in art galleries in some major cities in the US.A, including New York. Moreover, some of Mr Fattouh's sculptures of me with my name inscribed on them, which were also exhibited during the Orange County Art Walk, are now permanently on display in Fullerton University, California.
Gracing the cover of Fabafriq Magazine's first print issue in October was definitely a major high spot.

Then came my appointment as the first Global Ambassador for the Cameroon Association for the Protection and Education of the Child, CAPEC.
To top it all off, I just got made the face of an unlimited international calling service which will be revealed soon...

As exciting as all the above sound, what takes the cake for me is the unbelievably incredible and thoughtful gift I received as a surprise on my birthday; it was a picture of a group of underprivileged kids in a village in Cameroon, whom CAPEC sponsors, holding a large cardboard paper with the words "Happy Birthday Our Ambassador Joyce Mandy" written on it. That literally brought me to tears!

As to what concerns the year 2012, I hope to impact the world in as positive a way as I possibly can and help make it a better place for the entire human race.

KROTAL – HIP HOP ARTIST

For 2011 the album “La BO de nos life” has been completed and ready for release this coming year. We've completely finished with putting the infrastructures of our label “Ndabott” and getting all our artists’ down on our books .

So great expectations from us for 2012 with concerts planned across Africa, Europe, and United States of America.

So we're saying here, "we're together!!!"

AGATHA ACHINDU – FOUNDER YUMMY SPOONFULS

2011 has been an amazing here for Yummy Spoonfuls

Here are a few highlights:

- Yummy Spoonfuls debuts on national television as Real Housewives of Atlanta (RHOA) showcase healthy eating with new mom Phaedra Parks feeding her precious baby yummy spoonfuls
- Tia Mowry, star of “The Game” and mommy of baby Cree is our new celeb mom.. she can’t stop tweeting about how fabulous our meals are!
- Yummy spoonfuls was honoured with the Real Foods Moms Seal of Approval.
- Readers at Red Tricycle (there were over 100 thousand votes for us) honoured the brand with a totally awesome award for “Most Awesome Prepared Food on the Go.”
- Yummy Spoonfuls carries the coveted “Ashley Koff” stamp of quality nutrition for optimal health.
- Yummy spoonfuls expands distribution to all Whole Foods market in the South East Region
- Most importantly we just landed a national distribution contract with Kehe to take our brand nationwide, this deal will bring our brand to over 7500 hundred store in the US and Canada.

Our goal in 2012 is to secure funding to help with our national distribution endeavours.

SOPHY AIIDA - TV PRESENTER/ACTRESS

Man where do I start with 2011...
I guess my Highlights this year was to have had a movie in theaters in Nigeria and soon to be in Ghana and Kenya "Unwanted Guest" as well as making my very first National TV appearance on the "Afrotainment Channels" in New York City covering the Red Carpet for the "2011 Afrotainment Museke Awards".

For 2012 I hope for success all around. I have laid the foundation now I have to build the walls and then the ceiling...
I have a few big announcements to make next month Jan. 2012 I'm hoping that this will be the start of something big and exiting in my career.

My foundation "The Nakande's Project" is also starting a new challenge next month. So it looks like 2012 will an eventful year!

I now live it to God to guide me on the path he wants me to take to achieve those goals.

MUNTU VALDO – MUSIC ARTIST

My highlight for 2011 was to see the release of my new album “The One & The Many” with Warner Jazz label after they just signed me.

I hope and dream to see a better world with less violence. Also I hope to have a bigger exposure with my work in 2012.

ADJANI OKPU-EGBE - ARTIST

Where do we start! 2011 has been an amazing year for me with regards to my artistic development. I participated in 5 successful group shows, the highlight of which was the London Design Festival which took place at Earls Court 2.

Under the banner of BEDG (British European Design Group) one of my paintings; 'The Dream Chaser' and 2 of my hand painted stools (with collaboration with the amazing sculpture, Gary March) were proudly exhibited in the AACDD (African and African Caribbean Design Diaspora) 'Reloved Lounge'.

2012 will be even more exciting! The publication of my book, 'The Therapeutic Magic of Arts' will coincide with my solo show in London on a date to be announced soon.

There will be 23 pieces of my work in one of the most prestigious galleries in London. This will be a great event and I will keep you updated with the development.

This will be followed by another group show in New York's most prestigious design festivals in May and another group show in London in July!

More shows will take place later in the year but I will update!

MENOOSHA – MUSIC ARTIST

My biggest highlight for 2011: nomination at BEFFTA awards for "Best International Act"
What I hope for in 2012 is maybe a duet with Angelique Kidjo which will make me win a BET award in 2013!

ANNA NGANN YONN – DESIGNER KREYANN’

My highlight for 2011 was definitely the celebration of the 10th anniversary of KREYANN: K-WALK 2011. I enjoyed preparing this event so much as I was surrounded by people who made Kreyann a success the last 10 years.

For 2012 and beyond, the sky is the limit!

BLICK BASSY – MUSIC ARTIST

My highlight of 2011 was the release of “Hongo Calling” in May. It was also my journey as Lenine, Margareth Menezes and Banda Eva's guest in Bahia and Recife during the carnival in Brazil in March.

I spent a great moment with Orlando Moraes in Brazilia for his DVD recording.

Finally doing my first show in November in Douala and Yaoundé, meeting my Cameroonian fans was a great highlight for me.

For next year, I hope it’ll get better; I’ll be recording new music, doing some shows, collaborations and releasing an album with DJ Jonny Montana from London which we are recording now. I also hope to do some worldwide touring.

OLIVIA ERVI – DESIGNER OLIVIA ERVI

J'ai passé l'année 2011 enceinte! Donc a part l'arrivée de mon bébé, je n'est pas d'autre moment inoubliable!

Pour 2012, j’espère développer la marque Olivia Ervi avec une ligne encore plus accessible au public via un e-shop avec des lignes flou et facile à porter, et une ligne d’accessoire, qu'on pourra acheter sur le site.

DJ ERIC – MUSIC DJ/ MUSIC CONSULTANT

My main highlight of 2011 in the African music scene will be the marked impact of Nigerian artist in the music scene. Six years ago, no one would have bet a dollar on them but today, artists like Dbanj, Timaya, P Square, Flavour N'Abania, Wizkid etc, virtually leave no one indifferent. While I have an issue with their over-dependence on the auto tune which tweaks their voices, I acknowledge that they have written their names in the golden annals of African music.

I also noticed a marked improvement in the Cameroon music scene with singers like X Maleya,Charlotte Dipanda, Blick Bassy, Muntu Valdo,Kareyce Fotso, Simon Nwambeben and Yvette Bassega redefining its aesthetics and daring to present something fresh and new. This is very important for the survival of our brand of music. I hope this trend continues in the coming year. I do believe that Cameroon music can still become as big as it was in the 80s.

Hopes for 2012? Firstly, I hope for peace. The African continent has had an unfair share of wars and unrest. I hope that our leaders will have the humility to know that peace is a collective victory. In war, no one wins because even the winner loses a friend, family member or colleague.

I also hope that piracy is curbed. We don't talk about it much but if an artist produces an album and doesn't get rewarded with proceeds from the sale of his CDs, it's a disincentive for him to produce other albums. So we must always remember that each time we ask a DJ to burn a CD for us, it's unethical and hurful to this art.

I also hope Dulce Camer grows bigger and gets more readership because I believe very much in what you guys do. Let's have FUN in 2012.
Thanks!

So that's it from our talents. We hope you too had some great highlights this year and 2012 will be even greater and more fab and fulfilled for you all.

See you in the new year!!!

Have a great one.
Dulce
xxx

HONGO CALLING IN LE MONDE'S TOP 5!

2011-12-30T10:26:00.003Z

What a great news for Blick Bassy! When Le Monde newspaper rates your album as top 5 for Christmas then you know you are doing something right!!

Good luck to Blick in his blistering musical career.
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

2011-12-24T14:28:00.002Z

Have the merriest and fab-est of times!!
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

SAMUEL ETO'O ON CANAL 2

2011-12-21T16:43:00.000Z

Yesterday, the suspended Cameroon captain and Anzhi player Samuel Eto'o was on the couch for an interview with Philippe Bonny about his suspension, Fecafoot association and Cameroon football in general.

Catch the interview here
http://www.camfoot.com/actualites/video-eto-o-sur-canal-2-je-jouerai-encore-a-l-equipe-nationale,14573.html

Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

DULCE CAMER NEEDS YOU!!

2011-12-09T15:27:00.002Z

Good morning DC peeps, it's me again with another post! This time I would need your help please. I am currently searching for interested writers/contributors for the blog.

What is Dulce Camer about?
Dulce Camer is an online portal for all things Cameroonian. Since 2008, our blog has been going strong showcasing Cameroonian talents worldwide through interview features, campaign posts (the annual Dulce Camer Top 50, being our most popular), with the aim of educating, inspiring, motivating and encouraging other Cameroonians and non Cameroonians alike to believe that nothing is impossible to achieve as long as there is a will, a hard working spirit and the determination to succeed.

We are currently looking for writers to contribute to the blog so if you:

· Love to write

· Are proud of your Cameroonian roots

· Are tech literate

· Have some spare time

· Know about the happenings in your Cameroonian community

· Are Anglophone or Francophone

Then Dulce Camer needs YOU!!

Email us a short reply (no more than 150 words) in French or English about why you want to write for us. Also include what you do in life and what inspires you daily.

Send email to Cynthia at: brownschuga@yahoo.com

Thank you!

Stay sweet

Dulce

xxx

WHAT IS NEW IN THE CAMER SCENE?

2011-12-09T11:34:00.001Z

Hello DC peeps! It's been a while I know but I am trying to keep up with it all. A girl's gotta fight huh?!

Anyways, today's post I wanted to inform you about the new happenings within the Cameroon scene.

First news, papa Samuel Eto'o registers a new telecom company in Cameroon named Eto'o Telecom SA (how original!!). According to sources the 100 million fcfa deal will be situated in Douala and will involve research, concept, import, export, sale of telecommunication services, equipments and networks. So MTN and Orange, you better watch your back!

Second news, Sidney Tum aka the artist Sine who stormed onto the Cameroonian music scene by winning the Africa Star music show in Gabon in 2008 has just dropped a new track and video called "Koh Koh". The video shot by February 16th (what an alias!) featuring Jovi. with its clean, crisp and fashionable casts shows a gradual step up in video quality by emerging Cameroonian artists. Check out the video below.

Third news, our talented Nguti boy - aka Steveslil has also dropped a wicked party track especially suited for this festive season. The track entitled "Panjo" (slang for crazy), is available to download by clicking on the link provided below.

News number 4!! Are you in the London area and looking for something to do tomorrow? Look no further because KiRette Couture in association with Organo Coffee, bring you a great fashion event "Coffee & Couture". The venue is at Ze & Findi's boutique in Woolwich. Time 12-8pm. All information as per attached flyer.

Watch Sine's new video below

Download Panjo by Steveslil by clicking on here.

Don't miss the fashion event!!

Stay sweet

Dulce

xxx

DEBRA DEBS PRESENTS "WHUMAN"

2011-11-08T14:24:00.001Z

Debra Debs is a UK based Neo-Soul artist originally from Cameroon who has slowly been causing a storm in the underground music scene.

A music aficionado influenced by artists such as Musiq, Erykah Badu, D'Angelo. She has supported 90's boy band group Next, performed in Mau Mau, Vive Bar, Proud Camden, CamerCouture and Blessed Souls events.

With a deep soulful voice adding to her versatility as an artist, the main themes in her upcoming album are love, family, social inequality and corruption in Africa. The album which is full of energy and an intoxicating rhythm has been produced with brilliant precision by herself, Oscar "Ozkeyz" Stieler (who has played for Dwele, Tayo Cruz, Mario, N’Dambi, Yolanda Brown and Glenn Lewis), Precious Obindi and Dwight "Donyea".

It has taken a few years for Debra Debs to solidify her soulful vocals and songwriting skills but alas here she is! Come, relax and bask in the comfort of Debra Debs’ testimony with tracks that are uplifting, soulful, inspiring and enlightening.

Friday, November 25th is the date! See you there.

Stay sweet

Dulce

xxx

KREYANN AT FASHION BUSINESS ANGOLA 2011

2011-10-21T17:03:00.002+01:00

Colours, colours and more colours was the flashcard for the day at Kreyann's show on the 3rd day of Fashion Business Angola 2011.

The collection definitely had elements of the Kreyann personality but lacked some wow factor. DC is wondering whether the difficult task of creating 60 different looks for the upcoming K-Walk show in Douala has taken its toll on the designer's final output - we hope not!!

We wait to see what else she has in store for us in Douala.

Check out some of our fav of the Angola runway below.

Pictures by Simon Deiner

Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

THE 2011 IBRAHIM INDEX OF AFRICAN GOVERNANCE

2011-10-11T15:23:00.007+01:00

So there I was going through my usual lunch time routine of checking Bella Naija whilst having some food. I stumbled upon a post about the Ibrahim Index and thought to read it as it seemed quite interesting.

What did I find out from the post? That Nigeria came 43rd within this index while Ghana was 7th and South Africa 5th. No surprise for these 2 I thought.

The next thing that came to my mind was Cameroon! I instinctively knew that we would not even have made the list and I thought if Nigeria was 43rd then were would Cameroon be?

Okay before we get to that part, let me tell you a bit about the Ibrahim Index produced by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.

About the Mo Ibrahim Foundation:
Established in 2006, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation supports good governance and great leadership in Africa. The Foundation works to:

Provide a framework and tools by which citizens and governments can assess and measure progress in governance.
Recognise excellence in African leadership and provide a practical way in which leaders can build positive legacies on the continent when they have left national office.
Stimulate debate on the quality of governance and major governance issues in Africa.
Develop leadership and governance capacity in Africa.

About the Ibrahim Index:
Established in 2007, the Ibrahim Index is the most comprehensive collection of quantitative data that provides an annual assessment of governance performance in every African country.
It:-

is funded and led by an African institution.
is Africa’s leading assessment of governance.
provides a framework and tools for citizens, public authorities and partners to assess progress in governance.
compiles 86 indicators grouped into 14 sub-categories and four overarching categories to measure the effective delivery of public goods and services to African citizens.
uses indicators from 23 data providers.
is made up of over 40,000 raw data points.

Data:
The Ibrahim Index is currently compiled using various international and African sources. Many crucial indicators of governance, such as poverty, could not be included as the data are not sufficiently comprehensive. The future provision of robust data, including poverty statistics, from African sources is a core priority for the Foundation.

So would you like to know if Cameroon features on the index and if so at what number?
Well, ok, ok! See below!!

I am shocked at how possible we came a whole 3 places above Nigeria, the leading force in West Africa?!!

With Mauritius topping the index and Cape Verde, Botswana, Seychelles and South Africa coming 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th respectively, Cameroon has a long way to go.

Well done to the rest of the countries topping the index, well done to the President of Cape Verde, Pedro Pires, for wining the $5m good governance prize and as for the bottom ones, please do more!

For more info about the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, go here. For the index, go here.

Stay sweet

Dulce

xxx

IMAGINE...

2011-10-10T15:38:00.003+01:00

Close your eyes and imagine.....imagine that within the hustle and bustle of the streets of Yaoundé or Douala that you checked yourself into a sumptuous cool retro chic hotel that looked like THIS...

Vibrant, eclectic, well coordinated interior.

This makes us think, why are all the hotels in Cameroon so plain and boring and lack creativity?
Even the Hilton Hotel in Yaoundé which is meant to be the best and the most luxurious, the furnishings look dated and its presence lacks a great deal of the "umph" factor!

The so called prestige and executive rooms we are presented with look like the cheapest motel suites we have seen.

DC dares a new hotelier in Cameroon to be different! To create a luxurious setting that is chic, elegant, retro, vibrant and truly represents our "Africa in miniature" heritage.

Go on, you can do it! Give us something different!

Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

(images from Charrington House, UK)

MORE OF POPOL? HAVE YOUR SAY!

2011-10-10T10:08:00.000+01:00

78 year old President Paul Biya is likely to extend his 29 year rule and his tight grip on power in Cameroon after the elections yesterday are proving to give his party CPDM/RDPC an upperhand amidst claims of low turnout and early closure of some polling stations.

The President stood to contest his 6th year term in power against political rivals such as Ni John Fru Ndi and Kah Wall.

Read more of the story here.

What are your thoughts dear readers? Would you say Cameroonians are apathetic in the face of our political situation? Who is the best candidate to rule Cameroon? What would they do differently? What can Cameroonians do?
Have your say!!

(Pic: AFP)

Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

GHYSLAINE TCHOUAGA FOR MISS AFRICA USA

2011-10-06T11:01:00.003+01:00

Ladies and gentlemen, today on the blog DC would like to bring your attention to a very beautiful and gentle sister based in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Her name is Ghyslaine Tchouaga but everyone calls her Gigi (how FAB!!) and she is 5'11 in height. She was born and raised in Yaoundé where she spent 17 years of her life before relocating to the US. Guess what too? She is a Miss Cameroon USA!

She is one of 5 children and is very close to all the members of her family. Her first love is God and to keep busy in her spare time she does ceramics, as well as cook, sing, learn about different cultures and do a spat of modelling whenever she can.

She is humble, gorgeous, intelligent, confident, God fearing and likes to treat people exactly how she would like to be treated.

This year, she is representing Cameroon at the Miss Africa USA beauty pageant and DC caught up with her for a quick chat!

DC: Thanks Ghyslaine for talking to DC. Is this your first pageant or have you done something like this before?
Gigi: No, 2011 marks my first year ever entering into a pageant show.

DC: Okay, so why did you decide to join the Miss Africa USA pageant?
Gigi: Beside from the fact that a Miss Cameroon has never won the Miss Africa USA crown, I aim this year to be Miss Africa USA not for the spotlight but to use the spotlight to both raise awareness and funds for my campaign "Fight Against Hunger" in the Horn of Africa. In addition to that, I would promote the Miss Africa USA pageant. I believe that the future of the Miss Africa USA pageant relies extensively on the message the next queen will deliver to the general public. Furthermore, I will do all I can to preserve the pageant's core message which is that young African women can be and do whatever they want to to make a positive difference.

DC: Tell us a bit about yourself. What do you hope to do or be in future?
Gigi: I will describe myself as an achiever, ambitious, confident, focused, open-minded, positive, pro-active, results oriented, and an African leader. My past is molding my future and my experiences are used as blessings and lessons. I love to challenge myself and a few months ago I decided to challenge myself by running as a contestant for the Miss Africa USA 2011 pageant. I was blessed to be representing the Republic of Cameroon this year. Through this challenge, I am hoping to inspire all the young girls and women that as long as we keep breathing, “The sky is the limit.”

I am currently working on my Bachelor degree in Nursing and later on, I will specialise in Anesthesia. Over the year, my interests have grown. The most important of all is my commitment to God. In addition, giving back in every way, shape and form has also been a priority in my life. My love for fashion has grown also and I model whenever I have the time. I would love to use my skills later on to help my beautiful country Cameroon and Africa in general.

DC: Why did you choose to campaign for "Fight Against Hunger"?
Gigi: I chose to join the International Rescue Committee and fight the cause in East Africa because:-

Famine is an emergency and according to the Washington Post, it has killed tens of thousands of people, mostly children.
Images coming from the Horn of Africa are sad and depressing. While in the U.S we are fighting against obesity, in Somalia, there are 3.7 million people suffering from drought crisis.
I usually go where the need is and I am working hard to raise awareness and funds to fight against this disaster.

DC: How can the public get involved in this campaign? How can they vote for you?
Gigi: I am begging the public to help me out this year by giving monetary donation to my campaign for the urging Fight Against Hunger. Donations can be received online by clicking the link http://diy.rescue.org/misscameroon. Any donation amount is always welcomed.

DC: When is the Miss Africa USA show and in what city/state?
Gigi: This year, the Miss Africa USA 2011 coronation has been scheduled for Sunday, November 13, 2011 at the Hilton Hotel, 8727Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD. If you are in the area PLEASE come and support me. Voting started on October 1st and anyone can vote daily by clicking http://missafricaunitedstates.com/vote-finalist.php?cont=87.

So dear readers, there you have it! A fabulously intelligent sister who also strives to fight for something she believes in. There is no doubt that Cameroon has some beautiful girls and for DC, Gigi could become a top model representing Cameroon the world over!

Are we kidding? Just check some of the pictures below and make up your own mind.

What do you say now?

Gigi for top model?

Please vote for her, she needs to become the first Miss Cameroon to win this Miss Africa USA crown.

Let's go: http://missafricaunitedstates.com/vote-finalist.php?cont=87

Stay sweet

Dulce

xxx

MTN APP DEVELOPMENT COMPETITION

2011-10-06T09:58:00.001+01:00

MTN has launched an app development competition where it is challenging the developping community around the world to come up with apps inspired by Africa and the Midlle East.

Your creations can deal with any facet of life in Africa and the Middle East, from solving some of the regions' most pressing challenges to lifestyle, entertainment and even social networking.

All apps must be built using Android operating system and must be functional in the English language.

The big winner in this competition is a chance to win a trip to Barcelona next year from 27th February 2012 to 1st March 2012.

The competition started 1st August 2011 and is runnin up till 31st December 2011.

Click on link below to register and get yourself in it to win it!
http://mtnappshop.imimobile.net/webshop/registration.aspx

Goodluck y'all!
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

CALLING ALL JOBSEEKERS WITHIN CAMEROON!!

2011-09-21T09:53:00.001+01:00

Do you love your job? Are you looking to change careers? Dreamt of working within brand management and the communication field in Cameroon?

Well see below job specs!

1) Le Projet LOM PANGAR recrute un Chargé de Relations Publiques et un Expert en Communication:
Le Chargé de Relations Publiques et Logistique doit avoir un diplôme universitaire de base en Journalisme ou en Communication, une expérience minimale de 5 ans avec 2 années d’expérience dans la communication d’entreprise. Quant à l’Expert en Communication, il doit avoir un diplôme universitaire de base en Journalisme ou en Communication, une expérience minimale de 10 ans avec 5 années d’expérience dans la conception et la mise en œuvre de programmes de communication utilisant des supports diversifiés adaptés à des publics variés et dans certains cas analphabètes. Le lieu d’engagement est à Bertoua. Les candidats doivent déposer une demande manuscrite avec lettre de motivation, un CV, les copies certifiées conformes des diplômes, les certificats requis pour le poste sollicité, un extrait de casier judiciaire au plus tard le 24 Septembre 2011 à 12h au service du courrier de EDC Avenue Charles de Gaulle Yaoundé.

2) Des Brands Managers recherchés:
Une multinationale basée à Douala et en pleine expansion recherche des Brands Managers avec un minimum de Bac plus 4 ou 5 en Marketing/Communication avec une expérience probante de 3 années minimum dans la fonction. Il faut être âgé de 40 ans maximum, avoir travaillé dans un groupe international et être aguerri à l’élaboration et à l’implémentation des Brands plan, Stratégie de marque et Brands Profitability. CV et lettre de motivation sont exclusivement envoyés à l’adresse : jerecrutemieux@gmail.com avant le vendredi 30 Septembre 2011.

3) Une Assistante en Communication, un Chef de Projet en Communication et une Responsable Commerciale recherchés:
Une entreprise spécialisée dans la Communication, la Formation, la Production Audiovisuelle ouvre 3 postes à Douala à l’attention des professionnels. Une Assistante en Communication avec un minimum de Bac plus 2 en Communication, bilingue, âgée entre 18 ans et 30 ans ; Un Chef de Projet en Communication avec Bac plus 3 ou 4, une expérience dans l’Audiovisuel, l’événementiel et le Commercial, capable de mener à bien un projet de communication ; Une Responsable Commerciale Bac plus 3 ou 4 minimum, avec une expérience en Audiovisuel, excellente présentation physique et bilingue. La Responsable Commerciale est sensée vendre les produits et services de la boîte. Pour les 3 postes, les candidats doivent envoyer leurs CV et leur photographie entière à l’adresse in_and_out_cameroun@yahoo.fr

Happy posting!
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

KREYANN K-WALKS DOWN THE 10 YEAR PATH!

2011-09-20T12:56:00.003+01:00

It's been 10 years since Anna Ngann Yonn, the head designer at one of Cameroon's top fashion label Kreyann, followed her passion and delved into the world of fashion designing.

During this period she has graced many high quality fashion events including showcasing at the launch show at Arise Africa Fashion Week in South Africa in 2009 as well as the much talked about Labo Ethnik in Paris.

Her collections have included nude and vibrant colour shades and are not only fluid, chic and elegant but also very feminine and contemporary.

Her 10 year anniversary will be celebrated with a well planned fashion show dubbed "The K-Walk" in Douala, Cameroon on 4 November 2011.

The show produced by the renowned fashion event producer in Africa Jan Malan, will have an audience of up to 1,000 guests where Anna on the night will unveil 60 different pieces based on 3 themes with an after party for 300 VIP local and international guests. Apparently an international artist will perform! Okay, so waiting for this one hee hee!!

Here is her teaser video below...

This show is definitely the event of the year and DC is so looking forward to attending. Hopefully the elections will pass without a glitch!

Happy 10 years Kreyann and here is to many more!!

Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

A NEW INTERNET PROVIDER IN CAMER!!

2011-09-19T13:41:00.002+01:00

YooMee (4G Internet) is the first high speed wireless network in Cameroon based on Mobile WiMAX.

What is 4G?

YooMee is building the fastest 4G network in Cameroon - and they keep expanding from city to city. YooMee 4G Internet is a high speed wireless access to the World Wide Web via Mobile WiMAX technology.
It provides the freedom to move within the network's coverage area, allowing for instant access anywhere.

What makes YooMee different?
All you have to do is experience the speed of 4G for yourself and you will know. It provides freedom to move within the network's coverage area, allowing for instant access anywhere.

What can I do with 4G?
4G gives you the bandwidth to do all those things that the previous technologies made so painful. The speed provided by the technology allows their customers to listen to online music, watch online videos with no delay, and download heavy files with no problem.

Why is YooMee’s 4G Faster?
Since they built the nation’s first 4G network, they have the coverage and capacity to deliver a super-fast version of 4G. It is like a freeway, the more lanes you have, the more traffic you can have moving at higher speeds. They have the widest breath of 4G spectrum, which means fast 4G speed unlimited usage at low cost.

Where can I use YooMee?
With YooMee , you have the connection you need and the freedom to move. Use it at home. Fire it up on the road. No more battling for bandwidth on insecure wi-fi hotspots. No more searching for coffee shops, just to find an Internet connection. No more paying for Web access at hotels. YooMee goes wherever you need it in your city. And their 4G network is arriving in more cities all the time! See their coverage map here.

SO WHO ARE BEHIND THIS SERVICE?

YooMee is a brand mark of 4G Cameroon, a Subsidiary of 4G Africa in Cameroon.

4G Africa is an innovative company, founded by a team of telecom entrepreneurs who have been actively involved in emerging countries for the last decade. Together they possess broad experience in establishing broadband wireless and mobile networks.

The company is focusing on targeting countries in Sub-Saharan Africa with the overall aim to reduce the digital divide.

Their mission is to provide affordable, reliable and state-of-the-art internet access, voice communication and multi-media services to all people and businesses in sub-Saharan Africa. These efforts and values aim to help close the digital divide.

The goal of 4G Africa is to offer a large variety of services using broadband wireless networks, based on the globally standardised 4G technology. Sub-Saharan Africa has one of the world’s fastest growing economies, yet lacking the proper copper infrastructure. Broadband penetration serves only 1% of the total population.

The services of 4G Africa are designed for both the residential and Small-to-Medium size enterprise markets. The product range of 4G Africa includes internet access, Voice over IP (VOIP), and hosting among other services. The network design will fix wireless connectivity in the home and office as well as provide mobile services to customers. Subscribers will not only benefit from extensive roaming within 4G Africa coverage areas, but will be able to use their 4G services when travelling throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America.

Find out more on their website here.
Also catch them on Facebook.

Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

FABAFRIQ LAUNCHES IN PRINT!

2011-09-18T17:09:00.006+01:00

FabAfriq is proud to announce the official launch of FabAfriq magazine its introductory print version. The event is scheduled to take place in Birmingham UK on the 8th of October 2011 at the very prestigious venue, The Drum, located at 144 Potters Lane, Aston Birmingham, B6 4UU.

FabAfriq is currently an online African lifestyle magazine, with particular emphasis on African inspired contents, contemporary fashion, culture, cuisine, health and tourism, development, art, book reviews, etc.

In celebrating its first anniversary and to thank their readers for this amazing journey, they plan to host a fabulous launch event for 300+ guests. The theme of the night will be "Fabulous African celebrating Black History". They will use this opportunity to pull together exciting activities to keep their guests entertained. The programme will include among other things;

· A fashion show
· An Art Exhibition
· A live Entertainment
· A silent auction

To be part of the fan event, tickets are as below:
VIP Ticket: £40
Standard Tickets: £25

£5 extra on tickets prices on the night so book now!

For tickets, promotional hotel reservation, and other information, please contact them @

Email: hello@fabafriq.com

Tel: 00447950194420
Tel: 00447863465431
Tel: 00447985630495

Facebook: FabAfriq magazine
Follow them on twitter: @FabAfriqmagazine

Well done to Adeline and her crew.
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

CAMEROON PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS 2011* UPDATED*

2011-09-07T21:18:00.003+01:00

The presidential election is fast approaching with a date of 9 October 2011 set as the d day.

Aside the current president, Paul Biya who is able to stand for another term due to a change in constitutional law that abolished term limits in 2008, there are currently 50 more candidates scrambling for the Etoudi post!

Seems like this is the big post of the year then as there seems to be a scramble for it!

Some of the candidates are new to the election process whilst some have been there and done that before like Ni John Fru Ndi.

We wonder why the opposition does not just regroup and come up with 4 great candidates rather than 50!

Anyway peeps, what are your thoughts on this upcoming process?

*So common sense finally kicked in alas and the 51 candidates has been brought down to....(update)

To see the full list, please go here.

Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

NEW TRACK ALERT!!

2011-08-28T10:28:00.002+01:00

Name of artist: West Don (aka Anjoh Felix)
Location of artist: Kumba, SW
Title of track: Ajebota
Synopsis: love song about a wealthy girl in love with a guy but pretends not to admire him in his presence and declares her love for him to her circle of friends.

Watch the video below!!

Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

WIN WIN WIN!!

2011-08-25T21:09:00.002+01:00

What would you do to get your hands on a valuable work of art? Well brace yourself as the artist behind SHIRI ACHU ART is running a competition where you, yes you, can get your hands on a signed limited print of 'Midnight Tradition' (below left) - where ever you are in the world!

What do you have to do? Well, you know there's always a catch! This is a good catch though. Describe her art best in no more than 10 (succinct) words. That's all!

See, as easy as abc!

A panel of 3 judges will choose the winner.
Ready, steady, goooo!!
To take part in this competition, you must go to her fan page here.

Goodluck!
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

EDEL KOULLA, AN ARTIST TO WATCH & FOLLOW

2011-08-17T14:52:00.004+01:00

We are back again on DC with another talent feature. This time, we would like to bring to the surface a very very talented brother who has been hiding (in our opinion) in Cameroon.

Listening to his tracks seems like you are being transported into another world where there is just you and the music and a sense of peace and nothing else! To say his music is calming and lyrical is an understatement.

Okay, so here goes our catch up with him.
Happy reading y'all!!

DC: Thanks Edel for talking to the Dulce Camer blog. How are you?
Edel: I’m fine.

DC: Who is Edel Koulla? Give us an insight into your personality and your life in general.
Edel: I’m a young Cameroonian male of 29 years old; I’m a pleasant guy I think. I like hanging out with friends, talking, playing music... I live in Douala with my fiancée. What else? I’m a real Football fan. Lol!

DC: How did the music performing side of your life kick off?
Edel: I left Cameroon for France when I was 18 and had no real interest in music before then. But before going abroad I had listened to a song of a new artist called Craig David and when I reached France I bought the album at once. Then I began to mimic his style and that was the beginning. Trying to sing like Craig David in order to charm girls...! Later I found my own style and I earned the respect of other artists and that made me one of them.

DC: What can you tell us about your performing experiences? How do people treat you?
Edel: Lol! I think they love the songs more than the artist. I have people singing my songs without knowing they are mine. Since I haven’t issued a video yet I am not that visible. But I have fans that follow me faithfully.

DC: What are your opinions about the Cameroon music industry and scene?
Edel: There are 3 different “vibes” I may say:
You have the Makossists (Petit Pays, Hugo Nyame etc).
Bikutsists (Lady Ponce, Tsimi Toro), and all the other Cameroonian urban wave.
You have The “Diasporés” we can sum them up as world music (Manu Dibango, Etienne mbappé and all the famous bassists + etc).
And now the youngsters, Hip hopers, Soul singers, Rockers (Valsero, Sidney Tum, Danielle Eog, Jay-N etc).
The first and second are reigning on the Cameroonian scene because their music and personality are much appreciated and therefore very popular.
The third are popular too but the main reason of that is because they succeed abroad. You hardly will listen to their music in a popular context.
The last are fighting to join their elders’ on their target goals.

DC: A lot of very talented musicians are springing up in Cameroon which is very good for the artistic upkeep of Cameroon. What do you think the future holds for them? How far can they go in your opinion?
Edel: They can go on top of the world. The Cameroonian mentality proves itself in terms of achieving great things out of any kind of hostile environment. The best is still to come. Artist like Irma are just the sign that this generation will be much productive in term of art.

DC: What inspires you Edel?
Edel: Love affairs, everyday life, friends, a ray of sunlight...

DC: You will be releasing a 2 track LP which includes the tracks “Muna Kamerun” and “Ombwa Mba” which you collaborated with the label “Coach” to produce. How did that collaboration come about and why only 2 songs?
Edel: First the label “Coach” is owned by the actual producer of this LP, Ms Diane Eteki who followed my progression since I came back to Cameroon in 2008. She believed in me but she did not have the means to sign and produce my songs. Then we agreed on keeping things moving by signing a contract for a 2 song LP which will permit me to enter the market and interest possible producers.

DC: What has struck DC a great deal about you and your music is your ease to express yourself clearly both in English and French. Well done by the way! How did you learn English and why do you want to sing in both languages and in the Douala dialect?
Edel: I learned English mostly by watching T.V. funny enough! In fact since I was little I have been fascinated by that stylish language so I’ve always practised it for as long as I can remember. Even though I think I am still not perfect. And well! Cameroon is bilingual right? Then it’s just how I am, a Cameroonian making his music about who he is. That goes for the Duala too. We have to show the world how diverse we are.

DC: Well answered above! Your track “She loves somebody else” is a killer track!! DC loves the lyrics, the composition of the music, your voice; in fact everything about this track we love! What is the story behind this track? Is it autobiographical?
Edel: Actually yes but the fact is that I was the one to blame when her behaviour changed since I was an “unfaithful foolish” bastard and she told me so because she wanted to hurt me. And she succeeded a great deal!

DC: What else are you passionate about in life?
Edel: Football! I love football more than even music you know... I was really talented but my father wouldn’t let me enter a football school.

DC: Who would you most like to collaborate with in your music?
Edel: Ouhh! Petit pays, Ryan Leslie, Diddy, I will waste your time they are too many!

DC: What does the future hold for Edel Koulla?
Edel: The best I hope...

DC: Any advice for those wishing to get into the music scene?
Edel: Damn man!! You have to know that it’s all about sacrifice. Once you have killed the guy the world wants you to be, then you can be who “You” want to be.

Listen to the track "She loves somebody else" here

To become an Edel Koulla fan, check out his details below. Tell all your friends to tell all their friends!!

Watch the "Going down on u" on the street video below.

Listen to "Muna Kamerun" track here

Contact details
Website: http://www.mymajorcompany.com/artistes/edelkoulla
Email: edel.koulla@yahoo.com
Tel: 0023796754267
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Edel-Koulla-Artist/232419820129664
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/EdelKoulla
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/edelkoulla

That's it!!
Don't forget to keep sending us names of the Camer talents out there!
Brownschuga@yahoo.com

Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

DEENOLA PRESENTS "BLIND DATE"

2011-08-12T21:44:00.003+01:00

It is always great to see fresh innovative ideas on the rising African scene.

Olafemi and Deena, the brain power behind the Deenola fashion brand are fusing their creative and style flair to recreate various mini scenes/stories in different cities to promote their concept "Blind Date" which according to Olafemi will get people to see the clothes whilst being emotionally connected to the brand.

So what is the story in "Blind Date". It is the story of a young woman going through the tribulations of life wearing Deenola pieces against the backdrop of different cities. On this first episode she is due to go on a blind date with a very handsome guy.

The Deenola girl is played by Portia Freno, a fresh beauty who models who recently starred in the movie Anuvahood. The love interest is played by Matteo Castagnoli, an Italian model and television producer.

The scenes were filmed in a chic, minimalistic and very modern penthouse in Green Park, London.

Joao Da Silva their cameraman and photographic director greatly translates the Deenola vision producing a clean and effective story on our screens.

Okay so I have talked alot about this series, catch the first one below!

Expect to see more of this mini series as the crew jet over to Paris to film more episodes for the brand.

The girls have already started working on their Spring/Summer collection for next year.

Keep watching this space for Deenola y'all!!

Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

ACADEMIC COURSES IN ITALY

2011-08-12T18:50:00.000+01:00

Fancy studying fashion, graphic or interior design in Italy?
Well, click here and check it out.
All info in Italian
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

AFROTAINMENT-MUSEKE ONLINE AFRICA MUSIC AWARDS 2011

2011-08-09T19:23:00.001+01:00

As part of its ongoing efforts to showcase African Music in North America, Afrotainment and Museke Inc are pleased to announce a partnership whereby Afrotainment will be the exclusive broadcast and media partner for Museke’s second annual online African music awards, which will now be known as the Afrotainment Museke Online Africa Music Awards.

Eric Noue from Afrotainment said: “This collaboration reiterates Afrotainment’s commitment to the North American market with an African music awards show being broadcasted for the first time Live on National TV in North America and via web streaming worldwide, reflecting yet another facet of our growth strategy”.

In an evidence of growth for the online awards, the Afrotainment Museke Online Africa Music Awards – which are currently in the nominees’ submission phase, will culminate on September 24 in Afrotainment New York City’s studios, where the cream of the African music industry will gather at an Afro-glam red carpet event to recognise African talent as award winners are announced and celebrated.

The Afrotainment Museke Online Africa Music Awards will be multicasted Live on the Afrotainment family of channels nationwide in the US and will also be viewable online via Live Streaming on the awards website, www.moamas.com and awards.afrotainment.us.

Museke representative Tumi Diseko commented: “We are thoroughly excited to have concluded this agreement with Afrotainment, an entity which shares our passion for African entertainment. Hosting and screening the awards will help to bring the African music fan closer to their favourite artists, rightfully so, as Museke.com is The Home of the African Music Fan”. The evening will feature performances by some of the best in African music as well as some artists who are well on their way to the top of the African music scene.

About Afrotainment
Afrotainment Family of channels is the first and only network of television channels in North America dedicated to broadcast the best African Movies, Series, Realities, Comedies, Music and coming soon Sports for the highly coveted African Diaspora in the USA. Afrotainment Family of channels includes: Afrotainment available on channel 751 on DISH Network and Afrotainment Music available on channel 667 on DISH Network. Afrotainment will soon be available on Cablevision’s Optimum and is currently under review by Comcast.
To learn more about Afrotainment Family of channels visit: http://awards.afotainment.us/

About Museke
Museke.com was established in 2006 by a group of African music fans from across the continent with the vision of becoming a one-stop-shop for everything related to every African music genre across the continent. The website has since grown from strength to strength, featuring lyrics, interviews, biographies, new music and videos of thousands of artists on the continent and in the Diaspora. Museke Inc aims to harness African youths’ growing access and use of internet and digital devices to create and develop a knowledge network for African talent and music.

Stay tuned for the show and also catch our extraordinary model, actress and presenter Sophy Aiida at the event!!

Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

IMANE AYISSI UNVEILS HIS NEW COLLECTION IN STYLE

2011-07-13T09:59:00.000+01:00

Imane Ayissi is no doubt Cameroon's biggest and most valuable fashion export. Arriving in Paris in the 90's and starting out as a dancer and a model, this lover of fabrics has slowly tailored himself a strong reputation as a reputable fashion designer not to be reckoned with amongst the black crowd and the fashion circles in Europe and beyond.

He recently unveiled his new collection full of elegant and glamourous slinky red carpet and haute couture pieces. He recreated a befitting setting to showcase his beautiful timeless pieces.

Here are some of the pictures from the event below.

Catch an interview that Imane gave to DC by clicking here.

Also watch a clip from the above show here.

Pictures by Marc Richez

Stay sweet

Dulce

xxx

KIRETTE IN FULL BLOOM!

2011-07-12T18:26:00.001+01:00

Hello blog land, hope you are all doing great!
So summer is here, the colours are vibrant, deep and in full bloom!
We caught up with Anrette Ngafor, one half of KiRette* to find out about their new collection entitled Bloom!

DC: Where did the inspiration for the new collection come from?
Anrette: The inspiration for the collection comes from flowers as I wanted to capture the freshness of plants in this collection.

DC: So what should the KiRette customer expect from this collection and how would they feel wearing the pieces?
Anrette: KiRette customers should expert wearing a creation that is unique, blooming and soft to the body with the choice of fabric we have used.

DC: What is you are Kibs' favourite of the collection?
Anrette: Seriously, I think as we carry on designing every collection seems to get better and we keep picking favourite pieces from each collection.

DC: What has been your best seller piece from it so far?
Anrette: The best seller for this collection as been the pink floral print dress which has been bought and worn by a couple of celebs must women like the way it makes them look sexy without revealing too much.

DC: What is the price range for this collection?
Anrette: The price range on the Bloom collection starts from £25 to over £250 pounds.

DC: KiRette at the moment targets the high income earners but would you be coming up with a range that would suit the low to medium income earners?
Anrette: KiRette definitely targets the high income earners because our products are mostly handcrafted, unique and we only use high quality fabrics but on the other hand we have began producing items with our African prints which are a lower price range and aimed at the customers who want an affordable piece of KiRette in their closets.

DC: What next for KiRette this year?
Anrette: We have alot up our sleeves for the year. We are still working on pushing our sales for the new collection and we have just recently gotten a new stockist in the USA. So customers in the USA and Canada contact Brigitte Tapp on Facebook or on her cell on 202-253-2385 or by e-mail: btapp16941@aol.com. Our customer can always check our FB page as our website will be coming life and active shortly.

Some of the pictures from the collection as below, enjoy!

Join the KiRette Facebook page here.

*Please note that KiRette Couture is now known as KiRette.

Stay fab people!

Dulce

xxx

POP UP FASHIONMARKET, 2 DAYS TO GO!!

2011-06-30T17:09:00.001+01:00

Once you pop, you just can’t stop! No, not the crisps it’s all about Pop Up FashionMarket, London’s hottest new spot for exquisite chic courtesy of events house, Votre Avant Garde (VAG) the creators of the acclaimed CamerCouture Fashion Showcase.

Fill your wardrobes with the hottest summer styles at amazing discounts of up to 70% from fab labels Asakeoge, Kamondi Couture, Celia Fernandes, Ayikai Couture, bespoke jeweller Yummi Kouture, bag designer Yaa Ataa Bags and textile seller Yaa Ohenewa.

Grab a chance to bag a fabulous free copy of FAB magazine from their media sponsor, oh and some delicious Lolita’s cupcake treats awaits the first 30 people! Hmmm, any more to look forward to? Yes! They also have a delightful surprise up their sleeves!!

Seems like an experience not to miss with OH TV and VoxAfrica crew to be in the house! Head down to the Real World Gallery, 65 Hanbury Street, E1 5JP on Sunday July 3rd. Doors open from 10am to 6pm.

Some pieces from confirmed designers below!

For information, please contact: 07834 321 373.
Come down with lots of money in your pocket ;-)
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

CALLING ALL BUDDING FILM MAKERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS!!

2011-06-30T13:21:00.001+01:00

The Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) in London is inviting young people from around the Commonwealth Nations to make their voice heard on a Global Platform, through Film and Photography.

This year, the Commonwealth theme is ‘Women as Agents of Change’. The RCS is inviting entrants to use the medium of Film or Photography to describe the opportunities and barriers faced by women and the roles they play within their family, their community and their nation.

Prizes across both competitions include cash awards, film and photography equipment, exhibitions at prestigious venues and submission to prestigious festivals around the Commonwealth nations.

In 2010, a selection of the filmmakers and photographers behind the judges’ favourite entries were also flown to London to visit famous sights (including a special tour of the Houses of Parliament) and to attend workshops with professional film makers and photographers.

Furthermore, awards and prizes were presented at a special gala awards ceremony by Gurindher Chanda the award-winning director of films such as “Bend it like Beckham”, “Bride and Prejudice” and “Bhaji on the Beach”.

Details of this year’s top prizes will be revealed early July 2011.

John Apea, the star of the iconic TV show, “Home Sweet Home” and a multiple recipient of the African Movie Academy Award (AMAA) is currently working with the RCS to deliver this competition. He added “This is a very exciting project which would provide unbelievable exposure for any aspiring film maker and photographer. I urge all young people from the Commonwealth to get involved”. He adds, “whether your camera is big or small, expensive or inexpensive the RCS wants you to get involved”.

In previous years, winners of the competition have included amateur film makers or photographers. The RCS team advises, “what we are looking for is a creative spark, a unique insight, or a new idea!”

To be eligible to enter the competition, entrants must be under 30 years old and from or resident in a Commonwealth country. Also, the film or photograph must be connected to the theme ‘Women as Agents of Change’, and up to 4 minutes in length.

Submissions can be made online before the deadline of 1st August 2011 at www.rcsregister.org/public/index/index

Alternatively, entrants can upload entries on YouTube (or a similar site), and email the link together with a completed entry form to competitions@thercs.org.

Postal entries can also be made by printing and completing the application form and sending it together with your entry, to the appropriate address.

More information, about the competition can be found on the RCS website: www.thercs.org/youth/competitions or email competitions@thercs.org or youth@thercs.org with any questions.

Get your cameras and your videocameras out and get click clicking away!!

Good luck!

Dulce

xxx

credit: ameyaw debrah, Feed my Inbox

TODAY WAS HIS DAY OF REST

2011-06-15T10:18:00.002+01:00

BREAKING NEWS: Professor Victor Anomah Ngu has died today in Cameroon. We are still to investigate the cause.

The medical career of Cameroonian doctor Victor Anomah Ngu spans over 55 years and three continents. His cancer research and therapeutic vaccine for use in HIV/AIDS treatment won him international acclaim. He was aslo a former Minister of Health in Cameroon.

Biography :
Victor Anomah Ngu.,b.February 1,1926 at Buea.

Education:

- Government School, Bamenda;

- St. Joseph's College, Sasse, Buea & Government School, Ibadan, Nigeria;

- University of Ibadan: 1948-1950;

- St. Mary's Hospital Medical School, University of London: 1951-1954.

Professional Training & Experience:

- House Surgeon & House Physician, St. Mary's Hospital London: 1954-1955;

- Medical Officer, C.D.C. Hospital, Bota, Victoria, Cameroon: 1956-1957;

- Registrar, Department of Surgery, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria: 1957-1958;

- Registrar, Surgery, St. Mary s Hospital & Paddington General Hospital, London: 1958-1959;

- Senior Registrar, Surgery University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria: 1960-1962;

- Lecturer, University of Ibadan, & Consultant Surgeon, University College Hospital, Ibadan: 1962-1964;

- Rockefeller Research Fellowship in Cancer Chemotherapy at Children's Cancer Research Foundation & Harvard Medical School, Boston: 1962-1963;

- Senior Lecturer in Surgery, University of Ibadan: 1964-1965 - Exchange Professor of Surgery, John Hopkins Hospital Medical School, Baltimore, Maryland U.S.A. : March-June 1965;

- Professor & Head of Department of Surgery, University of Ibadan, Nigeria: 1965-1968;

- Professor of Surgery, University of Ibadan, Nigeria: 1968-1972;

- Professor of Surgery, University Centre for Health Sciences, University of Yaounde, Cameroon : October 1971 – September 1974.

Appointments:

- Vice-Chancellor, University of Yaounde: 1974-1982;

- Delegate General for Scientific & Technical Research: July 1982 – February 1984;

- Minister of Public Health: February 1984.

Honours:

- Chevalier de l'Ordre de la Valeur, Cameroun: 1976 ;

- Past Vice-President for Africa of International Union against Cancer: 1966-1970;

- President of Nigeria Cancer Society: 1970-1979;

- President of Association of Surgeons of West Africa : 1972-1974;

- Albert Lasker Medical Research Award in Clinical Cancer Chemotherapy: 1972;

- President of the Association of African Universities: 1981-1982.

Thank you for your contribution to the human race and may God receive you in his bosom.
Rest in perfect peace.

Dulce
xxx

A FASHIONABLE OPPORTUNITY POPS UP IN BRICK LANE!

2011-06-13T09:59:00.003+01:00

Hello readers!! We have been MIA again, sorry for that but alot is going on behind the scenes. Don't fret though we will never forget you all.

Anyway, here is a new fashion event which is about to pop up in London's fashionable Brick Lane.

What is it: It is a trendy bazaar connecting emerging fashion designers and creative businesses with new markets. It will feature creations from fashion and accessories designers, artists and beauty product sellers.

Created by the critically acclaimed Events, PR and Marketing company Votre Avant Garde (VAG) in collabo with FAB magazine, the Pop Up market is an off-shoot from their annual CamerCouture Fashion Showcase.

Where is it: With thousands of regular visitors, Brick Lane is a pulsating fashion hub which bears a bright open-minded and multicultural stamp. There’s no better place to venture into new markets, test business ideas and reach marketing objectives.

Who is taking part: fashion labels, Amechi Ihenacho, ChiChia London, Asakeoge Couture, Rouge by Rachelle, Yaa Ataa Bags, Rococo Chichi, Moko and hair line Souri are among participants for the one day event.

When is it: Sunday July 3rd 2011

What time is it from: 10am to 6pm.

For more info about the event, please contact Cynthia at votreavantgarde@gmail.com

Come, shop and just mingle!!
See you there!

Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

HE CAME, HE DREAMT AND HE CONQUERS!

2011-05-05T22:18:00.005+01:00

Welcome to the DC blog fellow readers. It is that time of the month again when we bring to you the profile of a fab Cameroonian around the world representing and representing good!

Today, we will be displaying a great character we discovered last year. We've featured him twice before on the blog and he was so good so much so that he made it into our DC talents to watch out for in 2011. Make no mistake people, he came, he dreamt and he sure is conquering the music industry as he set out to do.

Mark this name T'Mah Mba! He is the head of A&R of Konvict/BuVision, the label that has brought us Akon and Lady Gaga.

Happy reading y'all!

DC: Hey T’mah, thanks for talking to DC today.

T’mah: Thanks for having me.

DC: No probs! One, two…?

T’mah: Buckle my Shoe?

DC: One down! Rule follower or rule breaker?

T’mah: Both. There has to be a balance.

DC: Two down! Have you ever played the Monopoly board game before?

T’mah: NOPE!! Didn’t have the time to sit and play board games. I was pursuing my passion.

DC: Raahhhh and he missed! Never played Monopoly?!

T’mah: Nope!!

DC: Okay then but have you ever taken a chance in your life? (There was a clue for the above question here but you missed!)

T’mah: Yes! I quit my full time job to work with AKON.

DC: Beat that people! Did this chance pay off *wide grin*?

T’mah: HMMMM!!! LMAO!! It sure did. Thank you Lord.

DC: Yoopie yay!! Tell us a bit about yourself.

T’mah: I was born in Bamenda. I attended Atuacom Primary School. My house where I lived as a child was right next to the Azire Soccer (Football) field. My dad at the time was the chief of finance, and my mom a school teacher. I left Cameroon when I was 8 and went to New York then to Algeria, to Belgium, and then to Atlanta. Since I left I never saw Cameroon again until 18 years later. When I went back I was like S*%T the place has not changed! Got to do something about this! In the meantime give me some Soya. LOL!!LOL!!

DC: I wish I had some mein! Use 4 adjectives to describe your character.

T’mah: Dedicated, Determined, Passionate, Handsome. LOL!!

DC: Lol, you are too funny! Music is…(complete)?

T'mah: My plan A. No Plan B!

DC: How did you get into Konvict/BuVision?

T’mah: I met Akon 17 years ago. We had one common interest which was music. We stayed loyal to each other till today. That’s the short story.

DC: Ok! So what is your daily routine at the “office”?

T’mah: Well right now doing an interview with one of my favourite Bloggers Dulce Camer. Apart from that, back to back meetings with staff, artists, producers, writers whilst giving Akon, and Bu updates. Listening to new music from new artists, communicating with the different labels (Motown, Defjam, Interscope etc…). After office I hit the studios, and then the clubs for different showcases. And while I am doing this interview I have our newly signed artist Verse Simmonds meeting me in my office. Google him!

DC: Will sure do! What challenges exist in the music industry?

T’mah: Staying ahead of the curb and staying grounded. There is always someone ready to take your place. NEVER THINK YOU CAN’T BE REPLACED.

DC: Right. How does one overcome these challenges in your opinion?

T’mah: Prayer, Dedication and studying your craft.

DC: What is your opinion on the Cameroon music scene at present?

T’mah: It’s not where it used to be. I remember when every one across Africa was listening to Prince Eyango and MJ was sampling Manu Dibango. Cameroon was the trendsetter for music. Now it seems we are more of the followers but I believe we will return to the days when we as Cameroonians are again the trendsetters in music. I know there is a little boy somewhere in Awing plotting how he can revolutionise the Cameroonian entertainment scene. LOL!! You like how I just shouted out my Awing family right. LOL!!

DC: Ha haa. Kill us! Any thoughts about what you’ll be doing to contribute to its rise?

T’mah: Haaa!! I got a few tricks in the works. Just pay attention, grab some popcorn and watch the movie...

DC: Okay!! What else do you have up your sleeve?

T’mah: Well I have a radio show that I am doing on 105 fm in Douala. I am also working with different Cameroonian based companies to bring to Cameroon some well known artistsJ. One of my pet projects is my non-profit which will be benefiting Cameroon in the near future.

DC: Okay T’mah, keep talking. We like this one!! When do we get to see Akon or some Konvict / BuVision artists in Cameroon?

T’mah: Soon... Real Soon.

DC: Ha! I hope Dulce Camer gets the big scoop! What else are you passionate about in life?

T’mah: MY GOD, MY Family. I am also Passionate about that Green, Red, and Yellow.

DC: Double yoopie yay we do too!! Do you sing or write songs?

T’mah: NO, I used to. I retired from that. I love the business side more.

DC: Anything else you would like to share about your life or experiences?

T'mah: Through my life experiences, I have learned it’s not where you are, it’s where you’re going. After you get there you have to reach back to inspire others, tell them your story so they to know through GOD anything is possible.

DC: What advice would you give a budding music mogul?

T’mah: Pray, Protect your dreams, and don’t give up.

Check out some of his pics below.

The Man himself

Out & About

With Akon!

With Lil Niqo (the new protegee)

At the Studio & "Office"

You heard the man, never GIVE UP!

Thanks and that’s it!!

Contact details

Twitter: Tmah_konvict

Dulce

xxx

HONGO CALLING OUT...

2011-04-30T13:56:00.002+01:00

Blick Bassy's second album is due in stores in France on May 16th but for those of you who cannot wait, it is now available to download on iTunes, Fnac.com and Mondomix. You can also get to download a free track "Fala Portugues" a duo with the Brazilian artist Lenine. Get it by clicking here.
Going to get mine now...

Stay sweet
Dulce
XXX

UPDATE

2011-04-26T15:26:00.000+01:00

Hello DC readers, hope you all had a pleasant Easter break. For those in the UK, we hope you made good use of the great weather!

Was the Easter bunny kind to you? We hope you didn't forget the real spirit of Easter too.

Soon to come on DC, our funniest talent interview ever! We are looking forward to having this talent here on DC.
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

HAVE A WONDERFUL EASTER!

2011-04-24T15:36:00.002+01:00

Have yourselves a wonderful Easter weekend!
Remember the spirit!

Stay sweet

Dulce
xxx

NU REVOLUTION BY LES NUBIANS, OUT TODAY!

2011-04-19T13:10:00.002+01:00

We hope you are ready for the “Nü Revolution!

Les Nubians are proud to announce the official release of their new album, “Nü Revolution” available everywhere from today!

Along with the release comes a US Spring tour. Please visit their “Tour” page on their website for more details.

If you are in the US, make sure you join them on their journey, go out there and dance your heart out at their upcoming shows!!

http://www.lesnubians.com/

Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

SHIRI ACHU EXHIBITS "HAPPY CONCOCTION"

2011-04-14T09:40:00.001+01:00

You all are cordially invited to the exhibition of Ms Shiri Achu at The Tabernacle, Powis Square, Nottinghill, London W11 2AY.
Date: Sunday 17th-30th April 2011.
Private view: Sunday 17th April
Time: 5pm-10pm

See you all there!
Shiri Achu sells originals paintings and prints, contact her at:

Her website: http://www.shiriachuart.com/
Email Shiri: shiriachuart@ymail.com
Join Shiri on FB: http://www.facebook.com/shiriachuart

Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

AN AWARD FOR A RISING STAR!

2011-04-11T21:29:00.001+01:00

Hello Dulce Camer readers! Another update for you!When we kicked started this blog with our first interview on Ms Shiri Achu, we knew she would go afar in her field. She is creative, passionate and very determined in staying at the top of her game whether in her Architecture or her paintings.

This determination and strongwill has paid of with more to follow we are convinced. She was awarded "The Best in Brent" award by the London Borough of Brent for her arts.

Just like Shiri herself who was absolutely thrilled to receive this prestigious award, DC was extremely proud and thrilled to see our young sister gaining this recognition.

More grease to your elbow miss!
Keep doing what you do and we at DC will keep doing our best to shout about you.

Shiri Achu sells originals paintings and prints, contact her at:

Her website: http://www.shiriachuart.com/
Email Shiri: shiriachuart@ymail.com
Join Shiri on FB: http://www.facebook.com/shiriachuart

Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

APRIL FOOLS!

2011-04-05T15:58:00.002+01:00

Hey people so what's good? How far did you go with your April fools' joke and how far a sucker were you this year?

For DC, the biggest April fools' joke was the rumour that president Biya was stepping down this year and was not going to take part in the upcoming elections. When we heard this we were like wow was this for real? We wondered whether after taking the time to amend the constitution he had finally seen sense? One more thought was whether the current eruptions in North Africa had penetrated and infiltrated Mr Biya's mind?

Oh booyyy, were we so wrong!! This was an April fools' joke started by the editor of the Lionnes Blog! Check out a link below.

While we are still on the subject of Mr Biya. What do you think of the below released private picture of the Biya household? Is this appropraite? Do the public need to see this? What was the president's PR (if it were them) trying to prove or show here? Did this convey the message?

What do you think readers? Please share your thoughts below.

For the link to the Lionnes post, click here.

(Above pic from the Lionnes blog)

Stay sweet

Dulce

XXX

MAKE YOUR MOTHER'S DAY EVEN SWEETER WITH LOLITA'S CUPCAKES!

2011-04-01T10:38:00.001+01:00

Mother’s day is fast approaching and what a sweet way to show your love and appreciation than to send your mother these very special cupcakes!

Made with love and decorated with every inch of care, the Lolita’s cupcake range will be your perfect Mother’s day giveaway.

Check out some pictures from their Mother's day shoot below.

Launched in 2010 and fronted by two sisters, Lollita’s provides freshly baked and exquisitely decorated cupcakes to suit every occasion. Driven by their creative passion, this venture was borne out of a means of releasing some artistic creativity as well as re-introducing some fashionable glamour into cake decorating!

With their inspiration ranging from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to a love of colour, fashion, glamour, photography and their African Heritage, there's is no doubt that Lolita’s Cupcakes is proving to be London’s newest and hottest bakery experience!

Homemade with the finest and freshest ingredients in the market and offering a bespoke bakery service that is suitable for all occasions and taste buds.

Their standard and dairy free cupcake range is made up of delicious butter cream and vibrant coloured icing and they taste as delicious and moist as they look. They take pride in making them stand out from the crowd like an edible artefact so they spend every inch of their time ensuring the detailing is perfect.

Whatever the occasion, Lolita’s cupcakes can add a little glamour, colour and excitement to your event or gathering.

Whether a book signing, a baby shower, a fashion launch, a wedding or just showing some love to your special ones, why not have your Lolita’s cupcakes and eat it too?

For more information and to order, contact:

Email: lolitasventures@gmail.com
Facebook: Lolitas Cupcakes
Blog: http://www.lolitas-cupcakes.blogspot.com/

Why not create a unique experience for your mother with Lolita's cupcakes!!

Photo credits:
Models: Madeleine Glatz, Micah Joel, Toyin Ogudipe
MUA: Dimple Patel (check her out on Facebook)
Photographers: Angel Sylvester & Caroline Karanja

Stay sweet (yes!)
Dulce
xxx

CALLING ALL BUDDING PRESENTERS, WRITERS, STYLISTS & HAIR / MAKEUP ARTISTS!!

2011-03-31T13:35:00.003+01:00

There's a new TV show about to hit your screens real soon! Filmed and produced in Cameroon, this show aims to entertain and educate you by bringing to the forefront topics that deal with everyday life issues.

From fashion to business to parenting to lifestyle and a whole lot more, be sure that they've got it covered!

The producers are currently putting their team together so if you are a presenter, creative writer, hair / makeup artist or fashion stylist, be sure to check out their requirements below and submit your interest along with the necessary back up information.

Presenters
Number needed: 5
Qualifications:

 At least one year's TV experience.

 Should be fluent in either English or French, and should understand both.

 Should be very eloquent and dynamic.

 Should be of age 24 and above.

 Should be well read, cultured and apt to give a diverse opinion.

Send them a (5min maximum) video demo to contact@lionnes.com

Have an online demo? Send them the address!

Writers

Number needed: 2, 1 French and 1 English writer
Qualifications:

 Should have a good knowledge in script writing

 Should be very creative and unconventional

Send them a 1 (one) page script on any topic of your choice to contact@lionnes.com

They are also looking for:-
Hair and Make up artist – Salon or individual

A fashion stylist

For hair & makeup, send them pictures of your work to contact@lionnes.com

For stylists, send them a portfolio with pictures of your favourite fashion trends of the moment.

For questions and inquiries, contact 00 237 75 82 79 26

If you are Cameroon based and if this interests you, get to it today and don't delay!!

Stay sweet

Dulce

xxx

MODEL BEHAVIOUR STATESIDE!

2011-03-30T17:03:00.008+01:00

Flicking through her pictures there is no doubt that Miss Ekiko is very photogenic. With the Keracare campaign under her belt and her slender curves and a smooth complexion akin to brown chocolate you know that this striking beauty has the IT factor to make it all the way to the very top of the supermodel charts.

If you thought Cameroon could not produce anything great, hold that thought and think again!

DC caught up with Miss Ekiko and here is what she had to say. Happy Reading y'all!!

DC: Hey Naoumie, many thanks for talking to the Dulce Camer blog. How is life?
NE: No problem, I am delighted to talk to you. Life has been good!

DC: If we were to speak to your friends about you. How would they describe you in 4 words?
NE: They would say I am chilled out, fun, determined and lovely.

DC: So! You grew up in Kumba, in the South West province of Cameroon before relocating to the US. Did you already have modelling in mind as something you wanted to do?
NE: No, I had no idea about modelling when I was home but I knew about Naomi Campbell because my nickname was Campbell.

DC: If you had stayed in Cameroon, do you think you would have pursued this career?
NE: I don't think so but I would have along the way as I would have been doing singing, or something in the entertainment industry.

DC: Who spotted you or pushed you to realise this career?
NE: It is actually a long story, I came to the States to live and to study but after I did my first photoshoot felt in love with the environment. My family is a Christian family so modelling was not a good career for me or any of my siblings but I am a stubborn child so I started doing it on my own and now they like seeing me in magazines.

DC: Now tell us about your modelling life? Maybe talk us through the most amazing day you have had so far in your career!
NE: I have had good days and bad too but modelling is always a challenge to me and to have a good day, well every time I step in front of the camera is a good day to me.

DC: How much work are you getting as a black model?
NE: Not as much as you would expect.

DC: Do you see any difference between the type of work you get and the ones your “white” counterparts get?
NE: Yes there is always a difference between the types of jobs we get.

DC: Have you done any runways or would you like to?
NE: Yes, I have done some.

DC: Which designers fascinate you?
NE: All designers fascinate me; it takes talent to come up with something that people love.

DC: How much do you know about the rising African fashion scene worldwide?
NE: Not so much, but I do know African fashion is growing.

DC: Have you worked with any African designers? Which?
NE: I have worked for one, the Project Runway contestant Korto Momolu. I did one of her runway shows.

DC: What do you think these African designers need to focus on to get their brands to a level where the top mainstream brands are?
NE: I know people will love to see more of the African style, so showing it more to the world would be a good start.

DC: What else do you think needs to be injected into this rising African fashion scene to make it more recognisable and appealing to the masses?
NE: If they can put the clothes on celebrities and also use them in the magazines.

DC: What have you learnt about the modelling world that you didn’t know before?
NE: Modelling has always been a learning process, so I hope I keep learning. Not just taking pictures but the best pictures. I now know modelling is a lifestyle.

DC: What else would you love to do in life?
NA: Continue modelling, start acting and have a career in singing.

DC: Anything else to tell us?
NE: I am very grateful for this opportunity to share my life and thought with you and your readers.

Check out how versatile our supermodel (yes supermodel!) is!

What a beauty or what a beauty!
She sure has the talent to be the next supermodel!
Watch out for her people!

Contacts
Website: http://naoumieworld.tumblr.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=518830708
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Naoumie

Thanks for checking the blog and thanks for the support you continuously show us. Please do send us the names and contact numbers of any Cameroonian talent around the world doing FAB things! Email us at: dulce.camer@gmail.com

Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

OBSESSED, THE NEW SINGLE BY VALENTINE

2011-03-20T16:33:00.004Z

Valentine is a budding R'n'B artist making his name within the UK music scene. Back in 2009, we caught up with him during our "25 Equals 25" music campaign. Read the full interview by clicking on the below link.

He has just released the new video for his new single entitled "Obsessed". DC caught up with Valentine to find out why he wrote this track and here is what he had to say "Obsession is an everyday experience we find in love. When love becomes too strong for one to handle it can translate to an obsession. So, the song describes the feeling of lust, joy and pain within this obsession phase"

The single is available to download on iTune but you can catch the video Flava TV, OBE and Channel AKA.

The song was produced by Starlab production.
Check out the video below.

Also click here for the full 2009 interview.
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

LET THEM EAT CAKES AND LET IT BE MONI'S!

2011-03-20T16:02:00.002Z

Beautiful, exquisite and spectacular are some of the words that spring to mind when you see Moni's cakes.
Weddings, birthdays or any other celebration cakes? Moni's cakes are suitable for all occasions.
Check out some of her splendid creations below.

Monica Taku, the creator of the cakes is based in South Africa, contact information below.

Email: takumonica@yahoo.co.uk; cakes2catering@gmail.com

Phone: 0027 82 595 0574

Eat cakes and let it be Moni's!!

Stay sweet (ha!!)

Dulce
xxx

SAMUEL ETO OFFICIEL

2011-03-09T21:21:00.003Z

Papa Samuel Eto'o Fils recently launched his official website. A site that is crisp, clean and filled with excellent animation.
We particularly also love the photo capture on the home page.
Check it out here
Well done Eto'o!!

Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY!!

2011-03-08T22:28:00.001Z

To all you daughters, sisters, wives and mothers around the world today (and every other day) is your day to be appreciated and complimented for all the great things you do to keep this life going!

Happy women's day!
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

TCHUNNES, HOT BLINDING TCHUNNES!!

2011-03-07T22:15:00.002Z

Cameroon is pipping hot at the moment and no fret not Mount Cameroon is not spewing out red hot lava! We are referring to the amazing talents that are currently springing up within it's baby entertainment industry.
Young Cameroonians around the globe are using their influences and inspiration to write, produce and create sounds that are truly showcasing their diversity and their creativity.

DC would like to present you some hot tracks from 2 upcoming artists by the name of Debra (the CamerCouture songstress) and Peter Jericho (aka PJ), son of Peter Essoka the veteran journalist. Watch out people, they will be HUGE!!

Check them out below...enjoy!

Talented or not?
Yes Camer, we've got it! No lower lower, yes, only higher higher!!

Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

THE ONE & THE MANY BY MUNTU VALDO...COMING SOON!

2011-02-28T13:52:00.005Z

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls...listen up! If you are in the habit of writing down a list of albums to get int he year then please omit not the soon to be launched "The one & The Many" by none other than the prince of Sawa Blues; Mr Muntu Valdo!

For the last three years Muntu has been wowing audiences across the globe with his innate musicality, generous sincerity and ingeniously creative manipulation of technology. He has toured all over the world, from Paris to Douala, Womad UK to Mexico, London Jazz Festival to Singapore and back. He has played alongside some of the biggest names of African music new and old, such as Staff Benda Bilili, Ali Farka Touré, Keziah Jones, Tony Allen, Richard Bona and Manu Dibango (who was instrumental in encouraging Muntu to go ahead with this latest project), and has forged exciting new collaborations with the likes of cult folk visionary Alasdair Roberts and Damon Albarn’s Africa Express.

With this new album, Muntu Valdo seems to have reached a rite of passage. His desire to explore and understand his place within the complex evolution of peoples, processes & music throughout time and space has given him a magic formula. A formula crafted and delivered in the form of “The One & The Many”. All ten tracks pay testimony to Muntu’s faith in the power of the individual to harness the power of the many, with all the writing, playing, singing, arranging, producing and recording completed in its entirety by his hand alone.

With “The One & The Many”, Muntu Valdo wills us to stand up and unleash the power of the many inside each and every one of us. A touchingly honest new album, Muntu Valdo has successfully pulled together a rich diversity of elements and environments, commanding us to recognise an artist deeply rooted in the riches of his culture whilst striving for modernity, open to and pushing towards the future.

The album drops on 11th April 2011 so be warned!!

For live dates, please see below.

(supporting Ladysmith Black Mambazo)

Thursday 19th May, IPSWICH Regent 01473 433100 http://www.ipswichregent.com/

Saturday 21st May, ST ALBANS Arena 01727 844488 http://www.alban-arena.co.uk/

Monday 23rd May, LONDON Barbican 020 7638 8891 http://www.barbican.org.uk/

Tuesday 24th May, OXFORD New Theatre 0844 847 1585 http://www.newtheatreoxford.org.uk/

Wednesday 25th May, BRISTOL Colston Hall 0117 922 3686 http://www.colstonhall.org/

Thursday 26th May, TRURO Hall for Cornwall 01872 262466 http://www.hallforcornwall.co.uk/

Friday 27th May, FAREHAM Ferneham Hall 01329 231942 http://www.fernehamhall.co.uk/

Sunday 29th May, CHELTENHAM Town Hall 01242 227979 http://www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk/

Monday 30th May, HAY Festival (SOLD OUT) 0870 990 1299 http://www.hayfestival.com/

Tuesday 31st May, READING Hexagon 0118 960 6060 www.readingarts.com/thehexagon

Thursday 2nd June, BIRMINGHAM Symphony Hall 0121 780 3333 http://www.thsh.co.uk/

Friday 3rd June, NOTTINGHAM Royal Concert Hall 0115 989 5555 http://www.royalcentre-nottingham.co.uk/

Saturday 4th June, MANCHESTER Bridgewater Hall 0161 907 9000 http://www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk/

Sunday 5th June, GATESHEAD The Sage Gateshead 0191 443 4661 http://www.thesagegateshead.org/

Monday 6th June, ABERDEEN Music Hall 01224 641 122 http://www.boxofficeaberdeen.com/

Tuesday 8th June, GLASGOW Royal Concert Hall 0141 353 8000 http://www.glasgowconcerthalls.com/

Wednesday 9th June, PRESTON Guild Hall 0845 344 2012 http://www.prestonguildhall.com/

Thursday 10th June, LEEDS Town Hall 0113 224 3801 http://www.leedsconcertseason.com/

12th June, MILTON KEYNES Theatre 0844 871 7652 www.ambassadortickets.com/Milton-Keynes-Theatre

Monday 13th June, YORK Barbican 0844 854 2757 http://www.yorkbarbican.co.uk/

Wednesday 15th June, CRAWLEY Hawth 01293 553636 http://www.hawth.co.uk/

Thursday 16th June, BRIGHTON Dome 01273 709709 http://www.brightondome.org/

Friday 17th June, BEXHILL ON SEA De La Warr Pavilion 01424 229 111 http://www.dlwp.com/

Saturday 18th June, CAMBRIDGE Corn Exchange 01223 357851 http://www.cornex.co.uk/

Sunday 19th June, NORWICH Theatre Royal 01603 630000 http://www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk/

Tuesday 21st June ABERYSTWYTH Arts Centre 01970 623232 http://www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk/

Contact: http://www.sawablues.com/, www.myspace.com/muntuvaldo, http://www.warnerclassicsandjazz.com/
Email contact: John @ AirMTM: john@airmtm.com

This is leisure-ology at its best!
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

THE REVOLUTION IS HERE AND IS NOW...

2011-02-23T12:03:00.002Z

The wave of revolution and change has been blowing aggressively and passionately, spluttering its “never before seen” venom on its way. It kicked off in Tunisia last month where President Ben Ali was successfully ousted from power after a 23 year iron-fisted rule.

Slowly and surely this wind has continued in its path reaching Egypt, Algeria, Libya and even in the Middle East, reaching Bahrain, Yemen etc

In the West/Central region of Africa, Cameroonians at home and abroad have caught on onto this wind of change and peaceful demonstrations have been planned in the cities of Douala and Yaoundé today. According to some sources, these cities are now littered with police presence.

More on the demonstrations here

Let’s see how this pans out. We pray it is not as bloody as in Libya.
Let the Revolution begin…

Dulce
xxx

CAN'T TAKE IT AWAY

2011-02-22T13:24:00.003Z

Ladies and gentlemen, DC brings to you a multinational video featuring a blazing collabo with Denzyl and Onezeal, both from Cameroon on a track by the South African artist, Adolf.

Produced by an Angolan called Orlando aka O Magic, “Can’t take it away” is a track that promotes the idea that whatever is written in the stars for you, no one can take it away. The video was shot in Johannesburg, directed and produced by Go Ape productions and supported by DJ Waxxy of Channel O.

An official track by Adolf, you will soon be able to watch this live on MTV Base, Channel O and Trace TV.

Denzyl is still a solo artist looking to launch his album internationally soon. He wrote the chorus, the pre-chorus, the first verse as well as co wrote the second verse of this track.

In our opinion, his verse made this entire track come to life! Well done Denzyl!
Catch the video below.

Hope you enjoyed it!
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

CHANGE CORNER PART ONE: SUZANNE "AFRICA" ENGO LOVES AFRICA

2011-02-18T13:07:00.005Z

There are so many people within the Cameroonian communities at home and abroad who are doing in our opinion fabulous things to bring about change to many lives in the community. These people are in our opinion unsung heroes whose voices and actions need to be heard and seen.

Change Corner is a new initiative here at DC where we will be shouting about the change programmes and charity initiatives happening within Cameroon. These stories should be the push you'll need to think about ways in which you can also participate and promote the change you want to see thus providing for a better life for someone else. This is our PPP (Participate, Promote, Provide).

Today we will be focusing on a fabulous, funny and chic lady who we have come to admire for what she puts herself through inorder to achieve her goals.

Below is our interview. Happy Reading y'all

DC: Hello Suzanne, many thanks for accepting to talk to us.
SE: I love Dulce Camer and I also love talking so of course it’s ok darling! Thanks again for including me on your top 50 Cameroonians to watch in 2011 list.

DC: Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
SE: My name is Suzanne “Africa” Engo but most people call me Africa. I meditate every day for an hour and I love ndole “sans viande” (no meat) and plaintain with haricot so so much! Shout out to Mokolo market! You said a little NAH eh eh weké HAHAHHA!!!

DC: If your friends were to describe you in 3 words, what would they say?
SE: African, philanthropic, vegan

DC: You are very keen on “change”. What would it take to “change” Cameroon in your opinion?
SE: I think true change begins within us. So if there is something that you feel needs to be changed start with yourself first. If you feel the country is dirty start with cleaning your house and then your village. I think that we need to stop looking to the government to solve all of our problems I think that we need to try to help ourselves too.

DC: We would like to congratulate you on your work in Cameroon that is bringing about change to some children’s lives. Please tell us about this project.
SE: I am the founding member of an organisation called “African Action on Aids” www.africanactiononaids.org. We send Aids orphans (with a particular focus on orphan girls) to school. We want these African girls to be stable, to feel secure and to grow to have financial security so they don’t make mistakes that may lead them to be at risk for things such as HIV/AIDS. No self-worth, no health, no security is a dangerous state to be in. We don’t want them to be in trouble so we are all over their lives, their studies, their villages, their HIV status, their hands... making sure they wash them so they don’t get cholera. We’re like a friendly war on these girls’ lives.

DC: What initially pushed you to say enough is enough, I ought to do something?
SE: My mother told me to do it when I was a kid. Mother knows best and it became my life. Be careful what you tell your child because we listen to everything!

DC: Tell us about the Africa 101 charity run you did. What made you start this?
SE: “Africa 101” for me meant getting back to the basics. To love Africa, I had to love myself first. The whole project will be a movie called “I Love Africa” in which you’ll be able to watch the whole journey.

Well, this is the story. In five years I gained 120 pounds landing me in 2006 at a staggering 250 pounds with no energy! Ever since age six I had been like an energiser bunny, that young kid who went around the UN, around peoples’ offices, schools, TV stations, celebrities, yelling and dancing and making people care about Africa and other causes and as soon as I added 120 pounds, I became very very slow. Depressed and obese, I lost my activism and that had to change. So I made a declaration that I was going to lose at least 100 pounds and run from NY to Chicago and I was going to raise awareness about AIDS in Africa so that I wasn’t too focused on what size my jeans were but the size of my dreams which is to have a world free of HIV. I am HIV negative and but I consider myself to have the face of AIDS.

Doing this run, I also promoted solutions that I felt make a difference for the real Africa such as HipHop mogul Russell Simmons’ Diamond Empowerment (http://www.diamondempowerment.org/), musician Bono and Bobby Shrivers’ Join Red (http://www.joinred.com/) and my family MTVs’ Staying Alive (http://www.stayingalive.org/) as well as my charity AAA (http://www.africanactiononaids.org/). I have now run in 3 continents since that original run in the States.

I changed my life completely and I’m not shy to say I’m proud of myself.

DC: Well done girl! DC is sure proud of you too! Now, what keeps you going, longing to accomplish things?
SE: Meditation, the faces of these African children I make promises to and well my mother who tells me to still continue. Like I said mother knows best! Also, I would like for my daughter to be able to say one day “my mother did it”. You know legacy stuff! I know my mother can say my grandmother Suzanne Tjega did it so I would like to keep this trend going!

DC: Cool! What advice would you give to someone out there who has it in their heart to do something to positively contribute in Cameroon?
SE: Like Nike says. JUST DO IT!

DC: What else are you passionate about in life?
SE: I am very passionate about the vegan / raw food diet and the benefits it has on my attitude, my peaceful, compassionate and kind outlook on life. I’m really into making sure the Oprah Winfrey Network stays on the Air because Oprah Winfrey is an amazing woman. I lost weight using her Best Life Diet scheme and I elect myself her African ambassador making sure she keeps on going. We have to support our leaders and I am behind her like a silent partner! Did you know Ms Winfrey is of Cameroonian descent? Bamileke? I am also passionate about my dog Tesoro.

DC: You are also the president of the “Girl Behind the Camera Productions”. Tell us more about this venture.
SE: The Girl Behind the Camera is a production company committed to producing and promoting cause related media initiatives, programmes and members of the entertainment and sports industries committed to making a difference.

DC: To conclude, what is your life’s philosophy?
SE: To change the world, first you must change yourself. Be the example of what an African girl can be when she is empowered. To me this is so fierce so keep watching because I’ll show you! Stay tuned, I’m just getting warmed up and I eat veggies now so I have the energy to do this!

Some pictures of our girl...

DC feels this on the red carpet look!!

We love you too!!

DC: That's it! Thank you!!
SE: Ok girl I’m proud of you and the DC blog. Keep doing it ma sista and knock on my door anytime it is open to Dulce Camer!!! I am very grateful you took the time to shed light on me, I notice and I appreciate that very much. I have an attitude of gratitude towards you.
Thank you!

Be the change you want to see!
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

DID YOU KNOW...

2011-02-08T14:01:00.004Z

Neil Alden Armstrong did it for the Americans by being the first man to walk on the moon. Guess who was the first chimp to be launched in outer space and where he came from?

Ok, ok so the name might be a lil bit tricky but I am sure you can guess his country of origin! Yes, yes, CAMEROON!

Ham the Chimp or Ham the Astrochimp (DC prefers this name better!!) was the first chimpanzee launched into outer space in the American space program. Ham's name is an acronym for the lab that prepared him for his historic mission - the Holloman Aerospace Medical Center located in New Mexico.

Ham (pictured) was born in July 1956 in Cameroon before he was captured by animal trappers (bad, bad people, lol!!) and sent to Rare Bird Farm in Miami, Florida where he was later purchased by the United States Air Force and brought to the Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico in1959.

Ham's mission was completed on January 31 1961 aboard the MR-2 launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida. His flight lasted 16 minutes and 39 seconds long.

Ham lived for a further 17 years after the flight and died on January 19, 1983 at the great old age of 26! His grave can be found at the New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo, New Mexico.

What a life, what an adventure!!
Thank you Ham!
(All info from Wikipedia)

Do you have any "did you know" stories to share? Please email us on: dulce.camer@gmail.com
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

THE MAKING OF "HONGO CALLING - THE RHYTHM TRAIL"

2011-02-07T17:04:00.003Z

He is undoubtedly at present the sexiest music artist within the Cameroonian music scene and if you saw him in the "Maria" video then I am sure you'll also agree that Blick Bassy has got IT!

It was 2009 that we caught up with him here on DC (Click here) where he serenaded us with rich melodic tunes from his debut album Léman but guess what? Yes you guessed it! Blick Bassy is about to drop his second solo album entitled "Hongo calling".

Wanna be teased? Click here.

We at DC are throughly teased lol!!
Watch out for another chat with the man soon!
Watch the Maria video below.

Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

HE IS TARZAN, MASTER OF THE COLOUR JUNGLE!

2011-02-02T13:07:00.002Z

Welcome to the DC talent podium. This time, we bring to you a self taught character who is just as daring and highly energetic as his art pieces and whose persona is evoked in some of his paintings.

As someone who does not like ''limitations'', Adjani draws his inspiration from a wide range of natural phenomena to express his freedom. When he is not splashing colours, he doubles as a model and we made no mistake to include him in our Top 50 talents to watch out for in 2011.

Happy Reading y’all!!

DC: Hi Adjani, how are you?

Adjani: I’m good, thank you!

DC: If you were a cartoon character, which would you be and why?
Adjani: How did you know I’m into cartoons?! Well I do like my cartoons and there are many characters that I’ve enjoyed watching over the years! But because I’m a 100% product of the wild, a child of the tropical rain forest, extremely adventurous, and come from a family that practices agriculture, and love animals, it’s got to be Tarzan! Leaving the “sex bit aside”, the setting and adventurous nature of it has always had an intriguing “octopussy” grip on me that’s rivalled by none!

DC: Oh wow! I am totally taken aback with your response above! Well done. So, what is your favourite colour? Why?
Adjani: Thank you! As an artist, colours do come naturally to me. However, my favourite colour would depend on the domain! For painting, it’s got to be white and for fashion, it’s definitely black! The versatility of these colours definitely ticks all the right boxes for me!

DC: How did the whole painting thing start? Tell us more!
Adjani: I can remember being interested in drawing and colouring with crayons at a very early age! I was always excited once I had completed a drawing, and would always place it on the walls and doors of the living room and my bedroom! But that was only when my dad was not around! He thought I was spending all my time drawing instead of studying, so obviously, he didn’t encourage it! I sent him some money for Christmas, and guess where it came from? From a painting that I sold! However, my mum always bought me drawing books which I kept a secret! I wish I could find some of them today!
Anyway, I continued drawing especially landscape and archaeological artefacts right through my university days. But I actually completed my first painting in “water colour” only in 2008 when my girlfriend saw my sketch book and thought they could make nice paintings! She bought me some water colours and as they say, the “rest is history”!

DC: Why painting? What was it about painting that suddenly gripped you so?
Adjani: Freedom, freedom, freedom! I like the freedom of doing just whatever I want to do and making my own rules as I go along without any distraction, opinions, or instructions! With a brush, a canvas and some paint, I attain that all the time! It’s also not just something I enjoy doing, it’s therapeutic, very much so!

DC: Let’s talk about your inspiration for your paintings. Where does this come from?
Adjani: Oh, that’s interesting! Talking about inspiration, that’s one of my favourite words! And guess what, I’m opportune to be endowed with varied sources from which I could tap that from! The environment, religion, and human behaviour provide me with an enormous source of boundless inspiration! In essence, it would take a lifetime to exploit a quarter of it! That said the most interesting thing is that I’m amazingly capable to turn negativity into positivity and thus an inspiration! I’m constantly being inspired by negative and stereotypical individuals! Anything could be an inspiration to me and nothing is a waste!
Someone once asked me, “how come you are such a good artist and you say you are from Kamer”.......I was like, what? I knew he had good intentions but I didn’t like his approach and body language, so I replied that some of the earliest art were found in the pyramids in Egypt. Hieroglyphics is art in its own right and the wearing of earrings by males, tattoo painting and body piercing were not western customs either. In fact, an average male Maasai from Kenya wear up to 10 bangles on each ear! They are semi-nomadic, most of them are illiterate, and have never watched TV! He left quietly, and I thought, good riddance! A week later, I did a contemporary portrait of a Maasai, and it was outstanding!

DC: What motivates you?
Adjani: Life! Just being here, healthy and with a lot of potential is amazingly motivational because I know many people who in many perspectives, are less fortunate than myself! In Jan 2000, I gave a young waitress a tip of 500Frs CFA in Bamenda, and the whole family started addressing me “Nih”! I was motivationally elated!

DC: Let’s discuss the themes that are recurrent in your painting? What are they and why these themes?
Adjani: As you can see, I paint in different styles with varied themes ranging from aesthetics, adventure, betrayal, healing, hope and the surreal! The reason I do all of these instead of concentrating on one style is based on “marketability”! Some are highly marketable than others, thus attracts a consistent flow of income with which I feed my main interest which I will be concentrating on in the near future! But, before you ask, what that is, I should warn you that I wouldn’t be letting the “cat out of the bag” just yet!

DC: Okay, so I’ll keep “schtum” on asking then. What is your goal in life?
Adjani: I’m so fortunate to have discovered why I exist! I’m not here just to “eat, drink, party and sleep”! I’m here to support, inspire and motivate as many people as possible, in any way that I can! Staying healthy, fit and financially viable would always remain top on my agenda and compliments the essence of my existence. That is seconded only by the urge to give my daughter a strong foundation and a good start in life. I like doing charitable work because it is a great forum from which I could make a difference, and the satisfaction derived from it is priceless! I would like to open a massive gallery in Yaoundé and Douala in the future and promote arts in Cameroon.

DC: What else are you passionate about?
Adjani: I’m passionate about football and I support Chelsea! Notwithstanding, table tennis, fitness, food, wine, design, music, dancing, poems, writing, fashion, travelling, adventure and pushing my daughter in her buggy are some of the things I do with passion! I’ve got an amazing family back home which I’m also so passionate about!

DC: To have had a showing at the Saatchi gallery is not an easy venture. How did this collaboration come about?
Adjani: Yes I presently exhibit in Saatchi online Gallery! I found the website online and registered after visiting the main gallery in Sloane Square. Then I sent some of my works to them for approval and that was done in less than an hour! Awesome!

DC: Awesome indeed. Where else in the world would you like to show?
Adjani: I have exhibited in Abingdon, and Battersea, London! I have been invited to exhibit in Magdalene House in Oxford Science Park, Oxford, and I have now got some connections in Geneva, Switzerland! However, I’ve got my eyes on New York, California, Paris and Rome! I would actually like to own my own gallery in California, one day, that’s highly probable! I’ve got “stateside on my mind”!

DC: Which famous person in the world would you like for him/her to own an Adjani Klinsmann painting? Why?
Adjani: uh......, that’s a tricky one! Let me see! Uh...., it’s got to be Angelina Jolie, yes definitely Angelina! She terrific!

DC: To conclude, what tips would you give to a budding painter?
Adjani: Patience, patience, more patience and persistence! Resilience in the face of adversity is paramount! These are indispensable for any sort of recognition! But to be successful, they have to look successful, talk successful and walk successful! However, swagger is one thing, the skills to match it is everything!

A display below of Adjani at work and some of his paintings

Adjani at work

Theologian's corner

Personality trait

Castigation of the redeemer

The son of man

Ego

Procreation

Urban sunset

Beautiful stingray

Overcoming adversity

The guardmans and his dog

Contact details

Website: under construction but you can find his works at Saatchi gallery online
Email: oklinsman@yahoo.com
Tel: 07931 887 389
Facebook page: Adjani Klinsmann
Twitter: adjanitrendz

Hope you enjoyed our interview. Don't forget to follow your dreams and come back again soon!
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

DULCE CAMER ON TIPTOP STARS! UPDATED

2011-01-27T12:41:00.003Z

(left to right, Cynthia, Ngum & Isabel)

For those who don't know, find out who the behind the scenes crew at Dulce Camer are by checking their 2 part indepth interview on the TipTopStars website.

Our interview reveals the reason why DC was founded as well as who and what truly inspires us, what constitutes our daily routine as well as our some of our greatest talent finds of 2010.

Read all about it and more in the first edition by clicking on the link http://tiptopstars.net/interviews/302-dulcecamercynthia.html

And the second edition by clicking here http://tiptopstars.net/interviews/304-dulcecamerngafor.html

Read and share!!
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

LUC RICHARD MBAH A MOUTE IS LIVING HIS DREAM

2011-01-18T12:09:00.003Z

A very happy new year to all you DC readers and welcome to our very first talent profile of 2011.

Today we bring you a very hot talent who has been making a massive impact in the USA.

A talent to watch from our DC Top 50 list 2011, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute was born and raised in Yaoundé to a royal household with his twin brother Emmanuel and six siblings. Growing up, he displayed an interest in sports but it wasn't until he was 12 years old that he became influenced by basketball.

Meeting some of Africa's greatest basketball players such as Dikembe Mutumbo, DeSagana Diop and Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje showed Luc that dreams of a career in professional basketbal were possible.

That Luc reached the ranks of professional basketball's elite speaks volumes about his natural ability. It is also a tribute to his unsurpassed determination and work ethic, and an uncommon intelligence that he brings to the game.

Here is what Kobe Bryant, one of the best defenders in the NBA had to say about Luc "You don't see a lot of players [like Luc] who understand the value of playing hard defensively."

Need we say more? Happy reading y'all!

DC: Hello Luc, thanks for talking to DC. Let's talk a bit about you. Who is Luc Mbah a Moute?Luc: Hi, Luc Mbah a Moute is a young professional Basketball Player from Cameroon playing in the NBA for the Milwaukee Bucks.

DC: How tall are you?
Luc: 6’8

DC: Did your height influence your decision to get into basketball?
Luc: No it didn’t. I actually started playing soccer because that is the most popular sport back home then I wanted to try something different that’s how I fell in love with Basketball!

DC: How did your basketball career kick off? Tell us how you started.
Luc: When I was about 14 I joined a club in my hometown of Yaoundé called ONYX. After 3 years, my skills improved a whole lot so I was selected to represent Cameroon at the NBA Basketball Without Borders camp in S.A formally called Africa 100. From there I got a scholarship to come play at Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida where I played for 3 years. In 2004 UCLA recruited me to play for their basketball team! I played there for 3 years, I went to THREE FINAL FOUR, in two of those I played against Joakim Noah, the Milwaukee Bucks then drafted me and I’ve been playing here for the past 3 years.

DC: Was it easy to break into the professional basketball scene?
Luc: No it was really hard to break into it, because there are only 450 spots in the league and there are millions of people trying to make these spots from around the world. Also coming from Africa was definitely a disadvantage as opportunities for us to make it in the league are limited. It took a lot of hard work and blessings from above.

DC: Did you face any obstacles?
Luc: Well I did at first; the language barrier, the style of play being more European back home whilst faster in the U.S. and living alone in a new environment were all obstacles that came into play.

DC: How did you deal with these?
Luc: I remained positive and I kept dreaming. I knew what I wanted to accomplish which was to get into the NBA and I just kept putting that in front of me and I kept chasing it. My family support also played a big part in it.

DC: Where would you say your determination to succeed comes from?
Luc: It comes from my dad. From a young age my dad had always been telling my brothers, sisters and I that “HARD WORK ALWAYS PAID OFF” so I wanted to do just as good or better than he did. When I found my dream and my passion it was just a matter of me working hard to achieve my goals.

DC: Your parents had never seen you play until they came from Cameroon to watch you at the 2008 NCAA Men’s Division Basketball Tournament. What did this mean to them?
Luc: They were very proud to travel all the way from Cameroon and witness an event as big as what the Final Four was; it made them proud and made me very happy.

DC: Where they supportive of your chosen career from the start?
Luc: No they were not just like most parents in Africa. We have to bear in mind that basketball is not a very popular sport in Cameroon so it was not easy to convince them that I was coming to the U.S to play basketball. But the fact that I was getting an education as well assured them to let me come here. They were more excited at the fact that I was going to be able to go to college in the U.S than playing basketball!

DC: Do you think Cameroonian (or African) parents ought to be supportive and encourage their children into unconventional careers?
Luc: Yes no questions about that. I think that nowadays we can’t just keep the mindset of going to school, getting a degree and finding a job. School is not for everyone and some people have talents that can be exploited. Making it as an athlete or an artist can help you sustain your whole family.

DC: Are there any differences between playing for your club the Milwaukee Bucks and playing for the Cameroon Basketball team?
Luc: Yes there is a very big difference because when playing for Bucks I’m playing for a club but when I play for my country there’s a lot more pride and feelings involved and many times I end up in a team with people I grew up playing with who share the same love and passion for my beloved Cameroon.

DC: What do you think needs to be done to ensure that standards are kept within the Cameroon basketball scene?
Luc: Well the first thing that we should focus on is I think the infrastructure and our material resources.

The next thing we should focus on are the children from ages 5 to 12. By training them at an early age it gives them more time to develop their skills in order to maximise the opportunities for them to play at a professional level in Europe or the U.S.

DC: What are your dreams?
Luc: I’m living it right now!

DC: Any last word to anyone thinking of going into a basketball career?
Luc: Work, work hard, work and when you’re tired of working work some more!

Check out our brother in action!

With Dikembe Mutumbo

Contact details:
Website: http://www.mbahamoute12.com/
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/mbahamoute
Twitter: www.twitter.com/mbahamoute

DC: Thank you!!
Luc: Thank You

To conclude this post, here is our quote of the day. Remember that with a little passion and determination sprinkled with a lot of hard work, YOU CAN achieve whatever you want.
Are you living your dream?

Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

BAMENDA ROCKS 2! FASHION EXPLOSION

2011-01-06T21:25:00.007Z

Bamenda’s rolling hills came alive as Christmas celebrations spilled over into style explosion, courtesy of Cameroon’s exciting new fashion pack.

The scene was Ayaba Hotel’s pool area. KiRette Couture (KC) led fashion houses, Rodrig Tchatcho, Syl Anim, Tia Mac Ren, Nuvi Designs and Dilisious Coucou in a mesmerising display of Cameroon-inspired chic.

On the front row were producer of BET’s Rip The Runway show, Aminah Benjamin, the North West Regional Delegate for Culture, Ernest Tchuinte and local business leader, Francis Yong.

At a glitzy pre-event session, VIPs mixed with designers and splashed out on exquisite, limited edition creations from their latest collections, while sampling fine wine bouquets.

Nuvi Designs opened the catwalk with a delightful assortment of wax print cuts. A Touch of showed off a colourful melange of vivid styles and urban cuts.

Men in cyclist shorts, a cute model in a hoodie and a fabulous new range of patterned sandals sprang out of Nigeria-based Syl Anim’s hip collection.

Up-and-coming trio Tia MacRen kept it fresh and youthful with trendy mini dresses. A futuristic key piece introduced the young brand’s daring side.

Douala resident, Rodrigue Ttchatcho’s versatility shone through casual creations and detailed evening/bridal gowns.

Dramatic, arty and evolutionary sum up KC’s unveiling of its Spring/Summer 2011 collection. Gorgeous, bikini clad models strutted uber trendy jackets adorned with bold prints, bright embroidery and patterned frills while richly textured evening gowns added an edge of sophistication to KC’s latest offering.

Another highlight was a vibrant embroidered piece from KC’s newly launched children’s range.

“What thrills me the most is the designers’ ability to revolutionise the traditional North West regalia. The concept of blending the toghu with modern chic not only distinguishes these creators but also gives the style a contemporary look that makes it accessible to people beyond Cameroon’s borders,” explained Ernest Tchuinte.

But fashionistas didn’t just indulge in vogue. Music from Hip-hopper, Valsero, R&B group, BAAM, African soul star Landry Njapa and pop act, Excel, kept their dancing shoes functional.

Proceeds from Bamenda Rocks 2! will benefit the Splash Networks International Cancer Community Care Awareness Programme.

Check out some of the pictures of the runway.

KiRette Couture

Tia-MacRen

Syl Anim

Dilisious Coucou

Rodrig Tchatcho

In an animated session, guests received gifts from event sponsor, Brasseries du Cameroun. Bamenda Rocks 2! was also supported by M&I Cyber Café, Guarantee Express and L’Alliance Franco-Camerounais and UK-based Marketing & PR company, Votre Avant Garde.

“We are eternally grateful to our sponsors and guests. They made the show happen,” noted KC co-founder and CEO, Kibonen Nfi.

“Bamenda Rocks 2! was a huge success! Let’s get ready for the next instalment,” enthused her partner, Anrette Ngafor.

On that note, roll on BR3!
Stay sweet
Dulce
xxx

DULCE CAMER...

LA VALLEE DE BANA

DENCIA HITS BACK AT THE "I AM NIGERIAN" RUMOURS!

FASHIZBLACK IN PRINT COMING SOON...

LE PRESI NOUS PARLE...LET'S LISTEN!!

HIGHLIGHTS & HOPES FROM SOME OF OUR CAMEROONIAN TALENTS

HONGO CALLING IN LE MONDE'S TOP 5!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

SAMUEL ETO'O ON CANAL 2

DULCE CAMER NEEDS YOU!!

WHAT IS NEW IN THE CAMER SCENE?

DEBRA DEBS PRESENTS "WHUMAN"

KREYANN AT FASHION BUSINESS ANGOLA 2011

THE 2011 IBRAHIM INDEX OF AFRICAN GOVERNANCE

IMAGINE...

MORE OF POPOL? HAVE YOUR SAY!

GHYSLAINE TCHOUAGA FOR MISS AFRICA USA

MTN APP DEVELOPMENT COMPETITION

CALLING ALL JOBSEEKERS WITHIN CAMEROON!!

KREYANN K-WALKS DOWN THE 10 YEAR PATH!

A NEW INTERNET PROVIDER IN CAMER!!

FABAFRIQ LAUNCHES IN PRINT!

CAMEROON PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS 2011* UPDATED*

NEW TRACK ALERT!!

WIN WIN WIN!!

EDEL KOULLA, AN ARTIST TO WATCH & FOLLOW

DEENOLA PRESENTS "BLIND DATE"

ACADEMIC COURSES IN ITALY

AFROTAINMENT-MUSEKE ONLINE AFRICA MUSIC AWARDS 2011

IMANE AYISSI UNVEILS HIS NEW COLLECTION IN STYLE

KIRETTE IN FULL BLOOM!

POP UP FASHIONMARKET, 2 DAYS TO GO!!

CALLING ALL BUDDING FILM MAKERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS!!

TODAY WAS HIS DAY OF REST

A FASHIONABLE OPPORTUNITY POPS UP IN BRICK LANE!

HE CAME, HE DREAMT AND HE CONQUERS!

HONGO CALLING OUT...

UPDATE

HAVE A WONDERFUL EASTER!

NU REVOLUTION BY LES NUBIANS, OUT TODAY!

SHIRI ACHU EXHIBITS "HAPPY CONCOCTION"

AN AWARD FOR A RISING STAR!

APRIL FOOLS!

MAKE YOUR MOTHER'S DAY EVEN SWEETER WITH LOLITA'S CUPCAKES!

CALLING ALL BUDDING PRESENTERS, WRITERS, STYLISTS & HAIR / MAKEUP ARTISTS!!

MODEL BEHAVIOUR STATESIDE!

OBSESSED, THE NEW SINGLE BY VALENTINE

LET THEM EAT CAKES AND LET IT BE MONI'S!

SAMUEL ETO OFFICIEL

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY!!

TCHUNNES, HOT BLINDING TCHUNNES!!

THE ONE & THE MANY BY MUNTU VALDO...COMING SOON!

THE REVOLUTION IS HERE AND IS NOW...

CAN'T TAKE IT AWAY

CHANGE CORNER PART ONE: SUZANNE "AFRICA" ENGO LOVES AFRICA

DID YOU KNOW...

THE MAKING OF "HONGO CALLING - THE RHYTHM TRAIL"

HE IS TARZAN, MASTER OF THE COLOUR JUNGLE!

DULCE CAMER ON TIPTOP STARS! *UPDATED*

LUC RICHARD MBAH A MOUTE IS LIVING HIS DREAM

BAMENDA ROCKS 2! FASHION EXPLOSION

DULCE CAMER ON TIPTOP STARS! UPDATED