WIN WIN WIN!!

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

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"

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

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

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

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!

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!!

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!!

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

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!

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