BluFunk is a FACT~ Keziah Jones

Hi lovers, i sincerely apologise for the lack of posts. I can't believe its been over a month since i last blogged! I thought long and hard about what material i would use for my 'come back' post but i found nothing that 'spoke' to me. Lazy sunday mornings are for me, the perfect lie in day to do absolutely nothing but listen to good music. 'Sophie's breasts' started playing (one of my fave K.J songs) and i was immediately inspired. I wonder why i hadn't done a post on him any sooner. Not only has this artist created his own genre of music, his style is refreshingly individual, quirky with an African twinge. You can't help but heart this guy.

Keziah Jones was born Olufemi Sanyaolu in Lagos in the late 60s. He is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and guitarist. He describes his musical style as "Blufunk", 'Blues being the basis of where everything came from and funk being a state of mind'. His sound is authentic, like none other i've ever heard, drawing inspiration from his motherland Yoruba sound and an eclectic mix of old school funk & the classic blues.

He taught himself how to play the piano at the age of 13 and picked up the guitar a few years later and the rest is history. Music, he describes was a form of release, a way to 'free your soul'. He went against his Yoruba father's wishes and took to the streets of London to pursue his dream, his talent, his life. He moved to Paris and was 'discovered' and signed to a French label 'Delabel' in 1991. His first album 'Rhythm is love' was recorded and he never looked back. I have never seen an artist, who delivers, album after album. From his album African Space ship, to Liquid Sunshine, his sound has remained distinct, authentic and real. He single handedly made BluFunk a fact, once you hear it, you know.

He reminds me of a cross betweenJimi Hendrix and Fela with a quirky Pete Doherty flare. I love his laid back funky style, the fact that he's always wearing hats and he acts like he doesn't have a care in the world. Not only does he write and sing, but he paints as well. You can see from watching him perform that music is within him, a part of him. It makes me appreciate an artist more when you can tell their creativity is coming from the soul. It makes it even more fantastic that he is a Nigerian. Loves him. Loves him. Loves him. Below is a short film made by the Blacknerds network on Keziah. Be sure to Check it.

'Nigeria is where I'm from, where I'm going is somewhere else'- Keziah Jones

~Too Cool For School~ Oroma Elewa

Nigerian born, Oroma Elewa is the editor and creative director of Pop'Africana Magazine. The magazine is an extremely innovative perspective on art, fashion and style. There has been an international anticipation and buzz that has been bubbling for over a year now about the mag and has even been described as the African VOGUE. Oroma started the magazine herself with no external funding which i think is truly commendable and applaud worthy. 

However, this post is not entirely about the her magazine, as fabulous as it is, its about the girl herself. Her style to me is so chic, its sinful. Her individuality is reflected in every single thing she wears. She's not afraid to look silly, taking risks with shades of lipstick I could never have the balls to rock but somehow, she always gets it right. There's something authentically fabulous that she has going on, that made me inclined to do this post about her and share her distinct dress sense with y'all. Check out her blog ~http://popafricana.com & be sure to pick up the FIRST edition of Pop'Africana which she describes in three words as ~ 'bold, inspiring, and distinct'. Loves her.

 The Official First issue of Pop'Africana hits stands in New York, Paris, London, Berlin on the 29th of April 2010. Cannot wait to pick up mine- as they say in Nollywood; 'GRAB YOUR COPY, NOW!!!!!' :-D

Link: All images are from http://popafricana.com - 

~Style Envy presents~ Zi Zi Fierce.

Have you ever had anyone in your life that is so stylish, every time you see them you wonder how they put outfits together? Well for me, that person is the forever ON POINT, Zi. Every single time i see this chick, its like BAM. BAM. BAM. Never fails. Her style is quirky, simple yet glamorous, current yet individual. I love seeing people express themselves with what they wear and shine through the masses with their individuality. Zi is a Nigerian American, in touch with her culture, rocking the African prints with a western swing. I got an exclusive interview with the diva herself about her style.

Describe your style: Honestly, I can’t really pinpoint my style. I can genuinely and whole heartedly say—I wear what I want. I may randomly go for a sophisticated look; throwing on a fitted pencil skirt with an exquisite blouson top—and the very next day—rock bleached jeans a mid drift and 5-inch spiked, studded, peep toe booties. I am a living, breathing style contradiction. I adore the spontaneity that comes with not being able to describe my style. It’s very liberating; you should try it.

Favorite places to shop: I’m too much of a clothes whore to have a favorite place to shop. The answer to this question is ANYWHERE. Please know that I do really mean this. Places can range from Target to Neimans to a random vintage boutique to a weekend flea market. Honestly, as long as the fit is perfection and the clothes are unique—I’m there J.

Current Obsession: I’ve been doing tons with my hair lately. Short, long, cropped, asymetric bob, afro/bushy. Honestly, I’ve developed A.D.D when it comes to this. I've exhausted myself to the point that as I’m typing, right this very second, I’m contemplating a buzz cut (think Sinead O’Connor) :-). Not sure I have the cojones to go through with it though. Stay tuned…

Advice to other Girls: Wear whatever you please and wear it with conviction. No matter how awful the outfit—if you accessorize with conviction—I guarantee you, even the BIGGEST critic will second guess his/her opinion. 

Preach it girl!

F. I. E. R. C. E