Kehinde Wiley – Puma – Of the Same Earth

My friend Kamau adores the work of Kehinde Wiley who was invited by Puma to paint a portrait of unity / togetherness brought by the spirit of football (Soccer). Featuring Samuel Eto’o Fils (Cameroon), John Mensah (Ghana) and Emmanuel Eboué (Ivory Coast) whose a midfielder for Arsenal. As Egypt the new African Cup Nation Winners toast in celebration, lets not forget to remember Togo and the sly attack that happened to them.

Also available are PUMA Limited Edition v1.10 boots by Kehinde Wiley

New Adidas spot from Conduit

Lovely illustrations animated in a short film from South Africa’s Motion Design Studio Conduit. Peek at their 2009 reel here.

KweniSerious (Swahili for – Be Serious)

(Featuring Njoki Ngumi explain why she doesn’t like to read newspapers, and wonders what will happen in 2012)

My friends in Nairobi push boundaries not only by their inspiring art and infectious desire to be brilliant musicians, yet in the same kernel of thought, continue to think seriously of the wayward politics & politicians in Nairobi. The luck of attachment to politics, government, leaders and the feeling of reckless abandonment by politicians who are elected and turn into corrupt and morally reprehensible individuals has left many youth distasted. What KweniSerious realizes is that things need to get better, something should be said, and the need to find that voice that will make sense of the non-sense that is often seen around.
Its heartfelt to hear these interviews. Please see more here and pass on this link to friends.

BONK! (a clothing company)

(Photos by Fady Rostom)

( Dan & Jim from Just a Band spotting some Bonk T-shirts. Images by Mwangi Kirubi)

Two partners of the Ark – Fady & Ich (aka Ichungwa) opened BONK - a retail clothing store in November 2009. While visiting Nairobi over the holidays, I peeked into the store to get some goods and marvel at their creations. Sporting some custom made bags, t-shirts created by the Ark and a myriad of goodies, BONK is one of a kind store and amazing feat having been something Fady has wanted to come true for years. If in Nairobi, check out the store which is at Mpaka Rd in Westlands.

Yvonne Muinde

Matte painter Yvonne Muinde is a brilliant traditional artist. Her work captures skillful technique and talent and her photography is both personal and aspirational. See more of her work here.

Mnet “Magic Studios” by Orijin

This lovely and ambitious VFX piece through a movie-set explores the magic that characters bring to life as one causally strolls though the stage of this set-piece. Amazing work by Orijin. See the vfx the breakdown scenes.

Fashion Focus: Lalesso

I was doing a personal research project when I came across Lalesso. I’m thrilled that a South African designer has run with the khanga idea and is making incredible designs with it. Take a look at their website and featured work here.

Fashion Focus: Penny Winters

I was browsing through some of the magazines in Kenya and came across designer Penny Winters. Her background in costume work for theater in England now finds this designer living and working in Ngong in Nairobi. I like that her work has some distinct feel yet isn’t overtly too “African” in style.

Buraka Som Sistema!!!

Buraka is indeed a lovely band that has created amazing fusion of Angolan Kuduro and electric gettotech mush-ups. I was pointed to this band by a friend from Germany (a long while back) and they seem to be much loved in Europe. Would be amazing to see them live sometime. I just hope African DJ’s are playing this awesome beats!!
Also catch DJ Edu on 1Xtra for his weekly Destination Africa Show.

Cadbury – Zingolo

Cadbury celebrates its move to fairtrade with its first single “Zingolo” that celebrates Ghana. The lovely Tinny gives this music video such liveliness. Directed by Ringan Ledwidge with post production from The Mill, they pull off some amazing lo-fi FX and the animation of a giant head mask is a thrill.