Archive for May 2010
Van Vicker Hosts Afriq Extraveganza in Dallas
Dallas – The prestigious Artfest expo center in Dallas was the perfect setting for the upscale Afriq Extravaganza which featured Actor, Producer and Movie Director Van Vicker as host and over 20 African models who showcased wears from the stable of several African designers. Vicker was extremely free with guests as he interacted with guests and fans throughout the event.
The designers include; Sakia Lek, Blokes and Divas, Donnean B international, Barron and J, Lucas Escalada, Sunny LaBeija, Unique by NS and Simply Afrosheek. The event also featured live performances by sensational Nigerian artist Koleurz and Bclay from Ghana. The show which was promoted by Afrodiaspo also enjoyed the presence of DJ Yenly from Ivory Coast and Nana B DJ from Ghana. It was truly an African affair.
Photos by Tosan Aduayi and Chibuzor Okonta for Trendy Africa.
Signing of the Agreement on the Nigeria-USA Bi-National Commission
The agreement signed by Secretary Clinton and Nigerian Secretary to the Government of the Federation Yayale Ahmed creates the first of three bi-national commissions that the Obama administration intends to establish with key African states. Others agreement soon to be concluded are with South Africa and Angola.
The U.S.-Nigeria commission will have working groups tasked with helping Nigeria deal with corruption and electoral abuses, domestic energy and agricultural problems, and instability in the critical Niger Delta region.
In comments at the signing ceremony, Clinton said that sustainable economic growth in Nigeria and elsewhere depends on having a responsible Government that rejects corruption and enforces the rule of law.
Trendy Africa…official accredited media at the event
Photo by Akeem Adetunji
TRENDY AFRICA 2010 OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNERS TO;
Nigeria Fashion and Beauty Awards 2010, Houston
Fashion for Jos, Maryland
Bead for life, Washington, DC
Autism Community of Africa, Washington, DC
Haute Africa couture Dallas
African fashion rocks New York
NFB awards Houston
ADMA awards Houston
DFW Int. Alliance Dallas
UNIHIV Beverly Hills
African fashion Week, New York
ISIS models Nigeria
President Jonathan’s visit to DC
TRENDY AFRICA…capturing moments to treasure since 2004
FASHION FOR JOS Reveals the Essence of team work in Maryland, USA
MARYLAND – The world gazed at gory sights of the mayhem that engulfed the City of Jos in Nigeria. Graphic reports were posted and read by millions of bewildered observers. Today, thousands of victims remain helpless, homeless and destitute.
Fashion for Jos which held at “the Palace” 1015 Brightseat Rd, Landover, Maryland on May 22nd 2010, is a concept formatted by concerned Nigerians in the Diaspora to support and uplift the spirit of the victims. The event, organized by Estella Ogbonna, CEO of Estella Couture who apparently was born in Jos and still relieves vivid moments from the culturally rich and climatically endowed region of Nigeria.
Fashion for Jos is set to accomplish the following objectives; raise funds for victims especially women and children, create more awareness about the genocide in as a means to invoke an action towards change and garner support from Nigerians in Diaspora and international Humanitarian groups on how such incidents can be avoided.
The event was hosted by Nollywood Actress and ex Miss Nigeria, Regina Askia and Raz Adoti, top Hollywood actor.. Funds raised would be given to Nylah group, Justice Development and Peace/Caritas (JDPC) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society to support victims.
Jos is the capital city of Plateau State, Nigeria. Until about 2001, it was known as the “home of peace and tourism.” The city has witnessed a series of religious violence, escalated over the years leading to division between Christians and Muslims.
For more information, visit www.fashionforthenations.org
Photos by Dami Odetola, Executive Editor, Trendy Africa
Trendy Africa is a Media Partner to “Fashion For Jos”.
Johannesburg set to host “Best of African Fashion”
Johannesburg will be awash with style, elegance and beauty for four days in June and July when the world’s leading African Fashion designers from across the continent and Diaspora gather to showcase the finest contemporary African design at the second annual Africa Fashion Week.
The exquisite collections of 33 designers will feature in 19 runway shows from 30 June – 3 July, before an influential audience of international buyers, media, World Cup guests, VIPs and celebrities.
The significance of this fashion summit is critical for African Fashion International (AFI) chairperson Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe “Africa Fashion Week (AFW) is potentially the most important platform for the African fashion industry, being perfectly positioned to promote African designers globally.”
It is rare, in fact completely unique, to have all the leading voices in African Fashion in one place, at one time, in one country. Those voices will give expression to Africa’s fashion future at a two-day seminar that runs alongside the runway shows; and that will examine ways of strengthening the burgeoning African Fashion industry, debating an African aesthetic and building a global network.
For the designers, their collections will not just be confined to the catwalk; they will be available for purchase on site, along with ready-to-wear garments, at the first ever AFI Fashion boutique which will be open for the month of June.
On the eve of Africa Fashion Week itself, the AFI boutique will launch online as a permanent shop specializing in African fashion from across the globe, with collections available immediately after their catwalk showing.
And when the talking and viewing is done, acknowledgement will be given to the leading lights of the industry at the second AFI African Fashion Awards on 5 July 2010. Highlighting industry excellence and outstanding contributions by fashion industry members of African descent world-wide the awards are a platform that will help take African fashion across the continent and to the world.
Highlights
– 30 designers collections shown over 4 days,
– Two day fashion seminar
– Africa Fashion Awards
– The launch of the African Fashion International Boutique.
Africa Fashion Week – where Africa reveals its soul to the world
For more information go to www.africanfashioninternational.com
Photo: SDR
3rd Annual NFB Awards Reveals Rich Nigerian Culture in Houston
Houston – It was surely an evening of style, culture and glamour as Nigerians gathered to honor fashion and beauty at the 3rd Annual Nigeria Fashion and Beauty Awards in Houston Texas. The large featured decorations that dignified the official colors of Nigeria-green white green.
Mr. Lanre Araba and his team from the Founding Fathers, organizers of the event, did a fantastic job at fusing various ethnic indigenes under one umbrella. The 2010 award ceremony was a marked improvement from the previously held awards even though there is still room for further improvements.
The award was characterized by cultural display, fashion shows and presentations. Guests arrived from various cities in the USA including Maryland, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta and Michigan.
2010 NFB Awardees
Fashion Designer of the year (Male) – Larry Fashions
Fashion Designer of the Year (Female) – T&K Fashion
Most Outstanding Young Professional – Miss Bukky Martins
Most Outstanding Philanthropists – Mazi Godfrey and Lolo Antonia Udoma
Most Outstanding Artist – Melloh Melodious
Best Make Up Artist – Emerging Faces
Most Outstanding Business Executive – Lolo Victoria Metu
Best Accessory Designer – Dabira Jewelry
Most Inspirational Award – S of S Boutique
Best Outstanding Photographer – TMAJ Photography
Most Outstanding Movie Producer (Male) – Mr. Godwin Ikiakhe (Papa G)
Most Outstanding Movie Producer (Female) – Miss Joy Orie (J.J Bunny)
Most Outstanding Professional – Lolo Genevieve Onyirioha
Best Event Planner/Decorator – Unique Bridal Affairs
Life Time Achievement Award – Ugoeze Chinyere Obichukwu
Outstanding Beauty Products Store – Impulse Hair and Beauty Store
Most Fashionable Entrepreneur – Mrs. Moji Coleman (Mama Duncan)
Fashion House of the Year (clothing) – Lace Warehouse
Photos by Vincent Aziza of Excess Photos
TRENDY AFRICA…OFFICIAL MEDIA TO NFB AWARDS
Lady Sophia Opara 1941-2010: A Celebration Of Life In Dallas
Dallas – “Mummy was the best you could pray for. She brought so much to our lives and she loved God…” this where some of the words spoken by Mrs. Angela Tometi; daughter of Lady Opara who passed onto eternal glory in Nigeria recently.
A reception organized by friends of the Tometi’s was held in her honor and was characterized by praise songs, prayers and sermon by Deacon Emmanuel Omehe as well as dance sessions. The family of Trendy Africa’s Executive Director Kunle Tometi showed their appreciation to those who took time to come out and celebrate the life of their Mother.
Documentary by Tosan aduayi for Trendy Africa.
SEGUN ADEYINA AT 40: WEEKEND OF FUN IN MICHIGAN
Michigan – It was a celebration well deserved. For over a decade, Segun Adeyina and a team of positively motivated Africans have brought so much activity to the Nigerian community in the USA. Now it was time to pay back. His lovely Wife, Kofo had deemed it fit to honor Segun in a way that would be admired for a while to come.
The event was strictly by invitation and enforced. It brought together a budding crowd of African professionals who had impacted Segun in one way or the other and vice versa. The main event was formal. Cocktails and Hors d’ oeuvres hour, dinner and celebration all night followed by a Sunday morning thanksgiving session.
Everything about the event smelt intellectuality and class right from the invitation package. The custom designed birthday cakes were a delight to see while guests in their ballroom attires added an opulence of success to the already successful weekend.
Enjoy a selection of Photos from the fun weekend.
photos by Afolake Bukoye
TRENDY AFRICA…promoting Diversity in the African Community
African Cultural Festival and Picnic in Dallas
Dallas – The very dynamic DFW International Community Alliance held its 2010 African cultural festival and family picnic at the Reverchon Park in downtown Dallas recently. The event was a combination of several annual events and featured African dance and drums, fashion shows and dance drama.
The African leadership Awards and the African unity champion’s cup were presented to recipients just as children were entertained with family friendly clowns, treasure hunt and Kenyan face painting.
The DFW International Community Alliance is a network of over 1,600 internationally focused civic, community and educational organizations in the Dallas / Fort Worth metroplex that embodies the cultural and economic vibrancy of the global community. Their Mission is to build mutual understanding and respect by linking diverse international cultural communities in North Texas.
Trendy Africa is a Volunteer media Partner to DFW International Community Alliance
LINK TO DFW WEBSITE FOR MORE PHOTOS
Photos by Tosan Aduayi and Chibuzor Okonta
Oyedeji, budding basketball player dies in Crash
Houston – Tobi Oyedeji dropped his last friend off after prom night, called his father Mike Kunle Oyedeji and told him he was on his way home early Sunday morning. The 6-foot-9, 220-pound, 18-year-old power forward from Bellaire High in Bellaire, Houston, Texas — who was destined to be an impact player for Texas A&M in the fall and committed to studying engineering — never made it to his house. 
Oyedeji was in a head-on collision shortly after the phone call home and died after attempts at life-saving surgery weren’t successful Sunday afternoon, according to Texas A&M coach Mark Turgeon. “He was an only child,” a distraught Turgeon said of Oyedeji, whose parents, Mike and Nikki, are said to be in immense emotional pain. “This is really tough on them. I’m just hurting so much for his mom and dad right now.” Turgeon said he didn’t have any other details of the crash.
He said he was in California early Sunday morning when he received the first phone call that Oyedeji had been in an accident and was in intensive care heading into surgery. Turgeon said a few hours later, as he was boarding his flight back to Houston, he was told that Oyedeji died. “I loved that kid,” Turgeon said. “I loved that kid. This is really, really hard.” Turgeon said Oyedeji was the first player he recruited when he took the job three years ago. “This has been a three-year relationship, we were really close,” Turgeon said. “From the first day he came to our camp, I knew he was coming to Texas A&M.
He was going to be an engineer. This was the perfect place for him.” Turgeon last saw Oyedeji at a workout in April and said he told his assistant coaches that Oyedeji was going to help the Aggies quite a bit next season. Oyedeji had been on campus apparently five to seven times a season in the past three years. “He was going to be a big part of our program,” Turgeon said. “More than just basketball, his personality, his character, he would have helped us in so many ways.
He was a great student. He epitomized the values we have here.” Turgeon said details on the memorial service will be provided early this week. He added that the Aggies will do something in memory of Oyedeji next season, but to what extent and how it will be done is still undetermined.
Agency Reports
Chineze Anyaene debuts with Ije: the Journey
Award Winning Movie Director and Producer and Nigerian born Chineze Anyaene is set to hit the big screens with the debut of her world class movie titled; “Ije: the journey”. Although the dates of the world premiere have been closely guarded, the movie has been a star at recent screenings as well as recipients of several awards.
The movie which was shot on 35mm in Nigeria and the USA has a star line up of Nollywoods finest actors including Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and Clem Ohameze and is a collaboration of top Hollywood film producers, directors and actors.
In a brief chat with Chineze, she revealed that Ije: the Journey was a product of her dissertation from the New York Film Academy where she spent years training on in-depth subjects in the movie industry. Unconfirmed sources reveal that the movie budget runs in the Millions of dollars making it one of the most expensive films directed by a Nigerian. Chineze Anyaene is set to receive her seventh award shortly.
SNAPSHOT – Format: 35mm. Directed and Produced by: Chineze Anyaene. Produced by: Paula Moreno. Director of Photography: Keith L. Smith. Starring: Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Odalys Garcia, Ulrich Que, Jeff Swarthout, Clem Ohameze
View Exclusive behind the scene shots
by Tosan Aduayi for Trendy Africa USA
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