KREYANN AT FASHION BUSINESS ANGOLA 2011

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

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...

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!

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

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

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!!

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!

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!!

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!

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*

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