Dynamic Africa
Formerly, "This is Africa/fyeahAfrica".
(Profile Photo by Mama Casset)
DISCLAIMER:
I do not endorse any of the products or opinions shared on this site, nor do I claim any of the work posted here to be my own - except where stated. All posts originally made by me are credited. If no credit is given then the work is either my own/written by me or reblogged from another source.
A LITTLE ABOUT ME:
Student, 24
Based in Cape Town, South Africa
From Lagos, Nigeria
Want to advertise through us? Send an email to dynamicafricablog@gmail.com
(As an unemployed media student, all donations go into ensuring my survival in this cruel world and future projects I hope to embark on).
hit counter
(since Oct. 21th 2012)
“Fela’s beautie’s doing it their own way in the swimming pool”
“Sunday Tide,” September 19, 1976
WAXPOETICS x AFRICA
roseepetals Asks:
dynamicafrica Said:
there are all sorts of stories concerning who these women were, where they came from and whatever their purpose for being a part of the compound were.
what we do know is that Nigerians love to talk, so I’m never quite sure what to believe especially seeing as there seems to be no thoroughly investigated and well compiled information source that details the lives of these women before, during and after they became a part of the K Republic/compound.
I’ll be back in Lagos in a few months and I’m destined to do a little hunting when I get back home so god willing something concrete will materialize.
My dad visited the compound occasionally when he was a younger and has said similar things too but I don’t know for if that’s firsthand knowledge or grapevine talk.
I’ll let you know sha!
And if anyone has sources or receipts, abeg, share them with us.
Fela by Kalkidan Assefa
DYNAMIC AFRICA HOLIDAY GIFT LIST ITEM #5: Merchandise from the OkayAfrica Store
The OKA store is periodically stocked with some of the kiffest articles of clothing and accessories that are both essential and exclusive. From accessories to apparel, Fela necklaces to ranges of Dutch Wax totes and Kikoi scarves, finding gifts for friends, family or even yourself is not hard to do at the store- especially with their affordable prices.
FELA KUTI - ZOMBIE
It’s a FELABRATION here at Dynamic Africa, currently watching Fela Anikulapo Kuti live in concert at Glastonbury in 1984 - including an interview.
Today, October 15th, would have been his 74th birthday.
On this day, October 15th, 1938, the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti was born in Abeokuta, Ogun State, in south-western Nigeria.
Today, we remember his life and the power of his music through this pivotal documentary, Music is the Weapon.
Let the FELABRATION begin!
TODAY’S CLASSIC TUNE: Fela Kuti in concert
(part 2)
Fela Kuti & Africa ‘70 - Upside Down
Late night Sunday grooves. Yes!
Several album covers designed by Nigerian artist Lemi Ghariokwu who, at age 18, became the official artist for Fela Kuti’s albums designing 26 different album covers for the Afrobeat legend between 1974-1993.
DOCUMENTARY: “Lemi Ghariokwu: Afro Art Beat”
“Wow! Goddamn!”… these are the two words Fela Anikulapo Kuti said when he first saw Nigerian artist Lemi Ghariokwu’s work.
Most renowned for the album covers and sleeves designs he made for the Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, in this video interview the Nigerian artist and illustrator Lemi Ghariokwu talks about the beginning of his carreer, his meeting with Fela, and his recent works.
Find more about Lemi Ghariokwu’s work here : myspace.com/ghariokwulemi
Interview filmed at Art Arc Gallery, London
artarc-collective.com
OkayAfrica presents An African Minute with Nigerian Knitwear Designer Buki Akib
A storyteller with unique sartorial elements, OKA spends an African Minute with the incomparable Buki Akib. A look at her “Fela” & “Homecoming” collections takes us on a journey of colorful imagery, sharp yet gentle contrasts, and knitwear! Nigerian fashion has never been so compelling.
1. Nigerian Patterns plus Knitwear, Bukia is already telling such a compellingly unique story, tell us the inspiration behind the fashion line?
Well the whole ethos behind the label is to act as a story teller. I tell the story of Africa’s past, present and future. I am inspired by anything textile, after specialising in Knitwear at Central Saint Martins I knew I wanted to implement my skills as a knitter into African textile.
2. You describe the imagery of Fela as a fashion icon in his virile trousers and colorful knits against the backdrop of the hot and sweaty Nigerian music scene, can you see this becoming everyday fashion in Nigeria?
I can honestly see BUKI AKIB becoming an everyday fashion anywhere in the world. With hard work and vision.
3. What kind of man do you envision wearing Bukia?
I think the guy that will be drawn to BUKI AKIB is someone who is sensitive to his surroundings and confident within himself.
4. Any celebrities you’d like to see in your designs?
Well. Shabazz Palaces.
5. Are you exploring a women’s clothing line with the same style of storytelling?
Not at the moment, I am concentrating on Menswear and accessories for Men/Women.
6. The Wives Collection is so beautiful, can you tell us about the inspiration behind each bag?
I was fascinated on why Fela Kuti married 27 wives and wanted to explore the reasons. I felt Fela gave these women, ‘Queens,’ a sense of identity in a society that rejected them for being associated to the shrine. Each bag is named after his wives and his Mother. I tried to imagine each wives’ nature and implement it into the bags. Each bag has a different characteristic to suit any personality. The queens were so beautiful.
7. What other fashion designers and styles influence Bukia (aside from Fela)?
I come from an art background so many artists such as Jenny Saville to Yinka Shonibare, Martin Maison Margiela and Anish Kapoor. I have a long list.
8. You say “Homecoming” was imagined as a film, this well traveled man coming to reclaim Lagos. What are your thoughts on those of the African diaspora coming back home? Do you think we’re in the midst of a movement, or a revolution? Do your designs reflect a major transition?
Yes, I do think we are in the midst of a revolution, spiritually and mentally. The collection was inspired by countries like Egypt, Syria and Nigeria (during the fuel subsidy) protesting and showing solidarity against injustice. Africans are now aware of their importance in the world. I think it is great to see Africans moving back home and adding more value to the continent. I myself moved back to Lagos, it wasn’t easy but I truly get inspired by our resistance and pride. The wealth of talents is immense.
9. Your storytelling is so intriguing. Tell us about your process of creating. How do you go from vision to design?
It differs with each collection, I usually get on the Knitting machine and start sampling with texture and colour. I play with silhouettes and always question, what if? For more on Buki Akib, check out her website.
