Daniel louisy - Ladybrille® Magazine

Transcription

LADYBRILLE
the model edition / JUNE 2010
MilLen
Magese
fashion’s
next
suPermodel
+
20 fresh
model
faces
#1 African fashion & entertainment magazine for the west! www.ladybrillemag.com
bethann
hardison
on modeling,
race
in fashion,
vogue africa
& more
Daniel
Louisy
St. LucianBritish
Heartthrob
Ready
to Invade
Hollywood!
Enrique
pascal
ladybrille
man of the
month
grammy
winner
common
is “just
wright!”
adiat disu
ex-world
cup player’s
daughter
scores
big with
1st africa
fashion week,
new york
www.ladybrillemag.com
JUNE 2010
$3.99
LADYBRILLE
the model edition / JUNE 2010
®
2010
model
edition
daniel louisy
#1 A fri can fashion & entertainment magazine for the west! www.ladybrillemag.com
St. Lucian-British
Heartthrob
Ready
to Invade
Holly wood!
+
20 fresh
model
faces
bethann
hardison
on modeling,
race in
fashion,
vogue africa
& more
grammy
winner
common
is “just
wright!”
MilLen
Magese
fashion’s
next
suPermodel
Enrique
pascal
ladybrille
man of
the month
JUNE 2010
$3.99
Advertise with
Ladybrille Magazine
[email protected]
The Ladybrille Reader Profile is:
> Primarily American and/or European woman (White, Black, Hispanic,
Asian, Indian, American and/European born to African parents).
>Successful, intelligent, creative, innovative, confident,
independent, adventurous, powerful, urban yet cosmopolitan.
> Attends exciting fashion shows, shops at hip fashion stores for high end
products including luxury goods and indulges in beauty and spa treatments.
>Is on the pulse of global style, pop culture, business and financial news.
>Easily incorporates fashion, music, film and culture from diverse cultures
and continent, especially Africa, and for her it is simply no big deal–just an extension
of what makes her even more intriguing.
> Values diversity and truly appreciates the broader,
richer and more creative environment it brings.
>Is spiritual, outgoing and knows how to have fun, innovative and an early adopter.
> Values friendships and family, loves art and entertainment,
travels, and gives back to her community.
>Is on the pulse of new media and can be found at social
network sites like Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and Linkedin.
>Spends at least 2-3hrs per day on the internet. As such, she constantly
buys products and services online as well as uses e-mail, IMs and chats online.
ladybrillemag.com
bisila bokoko
“Bisila Bokoko, Ladybrille Woman of the Month Feb. 2010 Launches Bisila Wines.
CONGRATULATIONS from Ladybrille Magazine! Visit ladybrillemag.com to read feature
on the Executive Director of the US-Spain Chamber of Commerce.”
Courtesy Photos: Bisila Bokoko
LADYBRILLE: contents
JUNE
40
2010
12
46
28
COVER
FASHION
9Editor’s Note
46 Africa’s Celebrity Stylist Marian
FEATURES
12Enrique Pascal, Ladybrille
Kihogo, Ghana/UK
50
Africa’s Celebrity Stylist Kim Gray,
South Africa
Man of the Month
14Milen Magese, Fashion’s Next Supermodel
FILM
26
54Grammy Winner Common is “Just Wright!”
20 Fresh Model Faces
32Daniel Louisy, St. Lucian-British
Heartthrob Ready to Invade Hollywood!
LIFESTYLE
38Adiat Disu, Ex-World Cup Player’s
58African Proverbs and their Meanings
Daughter Scores Big with 1st Africa
Fashion Week, New York
IN EVERY ISSUE
40Bethann Hardison on Modeling,
2 Covers In One
Editor’s Note
Contributors
Man Of The Month
Race in Fashion, VOGUE Africa & More!
42Tony Chirah in the Vortex of
Kenya’s Modeling Industry
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www.ladybrillemag.com JUNE 2010
LADYBRILLEMAG.COM
MAGAZINE
#1 African Fashion & Entertainment Magazine for the West!
About Ladybrille Magazine
Founded in 2007 by fashion model, attorney and journalist Uduak Oduok,
Ladybrille Magazine a brand recognized for its sophistication and class
®
stands as the authority on African fashion and entertainment for the globally
conscious style driven American and European woman.
Breaking the mold and trailblazing a path never traveled before, Ladybrille
®
Magazine is a fusion of WWD, Vogue and ESSENCE with a very distinct African
perspective. The Magazine has served as a platform for exclusive and in-depth
interviews to introduce to the Western world brilliant personalities like Project
Runway’s Korto Momolu (NBC granted Ladybrille the exclusive to Korto’s story),
Singer Ayo (Interscope Records granted Ladybrille the Exclusive for Ayo’s debut
in the USA market), Popular Nigerian Blogger Bella Naija (granted Ladybrille an
exclusive interview. BN has since appeared on Oprah) and Maimah Karmo (breast
cancer survivor and owner of Tiger Lily Foundation who also granted Ladybrille
an exclusive and has since appeared on Oprah). Ladybrille has also profiled
Derrick Ashong, who now has his own show on Oprah Radio, Supermodel
Iman, Fashion Model Tomiko Fraser, Rapper Common, Mo’Nique and
countless American and African personalities worldwide.
Ladybrille’s recognition as a pioneer and relevant authority in its niche market is
why companies like media powerhouse CNN, consulting giant McKinsey & Co.,
Arik Airlines, and numerous high profile personalities and businesses have sought
its help on who and what is “Africhic.”
For more information, visit www.ladybrillemag.com.
Publisher
LADYBRILLE: Media Group, Inc.
For advertising inquiries, please contact [email protected].
LADYBRILLE MAGAZINE
2121 Natomas Crossings Dr. #200-11
Sacramento, CA 95834
Magazine Design
Erin Burns Design / erinburnsdesign.com
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LADYBRILLE:contributors
contributors
1. Shana Peete has practiced law
3. Robert Harris is the Chief
since graduating from the University of
Tennessee in 2002. After working as an
entertainment attorney in New York, she
relocated to Hawaii in 2004 and served as a
Honolulu prosecutor for two years. Next,
she worked in the nonprofit sector before
returning to the full-time practice of law. In
2008, she opened the Law Office of Shana
Peete, a general practice that focuses on
protecting the rights of small businesses and
individuals while offering affordable access to
legal representation and the judicial system.
Her passions include spending time with her
family and cultivating her creative energy.
An avid fashion follower, she has been a
freelance fashion writer and blogger since
2007.
Financial Officer of Black Star Communications, Ltd., an Internet service provider and
telecommunications consulting company
chartered in the UK and registered in the
Republic of Ghana. Presently, the company
is installing WiFi Internet service in the port
city of Tema in Ghana and will soon expand
throughout Ghana. Harris is also an author
of a soon to be published novel, The Unholy
Holy, A Storyof India. He is also an attorney
practicing in Sacramento, California with a
focus on business and bankruptcy law. He
was previously General Counsel for Itex
Corporation, a publicly traded international
barter exchange company. He is married with
one child and one dog.
2. Kam Williams, Voted Most
journalist whose work has appeared in print
and online publications (including Canada’s
WE Magazine and Jam Rock Magazine) in
the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. A New
York native born of Caribbean parentage
and a graduate of Howard University’s
illustrious School of Communications
Niama is devoted to excellence and innovation in music, media and publicity. She is also
a lifelong creator, lover and patron of the arts.
Aside from being a contributor
for Ladybrille Magazin e, Niama also serves
as Vice President of Publicity for Fanfare
Management & Publicity.
Outstanding Journalist of the Decade by the
Disilgold Soul Literary Review in 2008, Kam
Williams is a syndicated film and book critic
who writes for 100+ publications around the
U.S., Europe, Asia, Africa, Canada and the
Caribbean. He is a member of the New York
Film Critics Online, the African-American
Film Critics Association, the NAACP
Image Awards Nominating Committee, and
Rotten Tomatoes. In addition to a BA in
Black Studies from Cornell, he has an MA
in English from Brown, an MBA from The
Wharton School, and a JD from Boston
University. Kam lives in Princeton, NJ with
his wife and son.
4. Niama Sandy is a freelance
5. Maque DeGorgeous is a
Johannesburg-based socialite and Fashion
blogger (http://maquedegorgeous.blogspot.
com). After enjoying many years in the
picturesque Cape Town where he studied
Molecular Cellular Biology – out of pure
interest - and spent many hours basking
in the ambience of fashion-loving crowd
and enjoying front row scenery at many
fashion shows, he decided to follow his
writing passion and report on all he sees;
“The DeGorgeous Lifestyle”This came as no
surprise, having being raised in a household
of fashion-loving women, a literature lecturer
and writer mother and a popular seamstress
(in the neighborhood) grandmother who left
materials and patterns scattered in the house
for the young Maque to enjoy. His journey as
a fashion writer is young but blooming
6. Morenike Damola Aanu is
an Editorial and PR Intern with Ladybrille
Magazine. Aanu is based in Nigeria and
has won numerous awards in excellence for
his writing. He is currently working on an
educational magazine called “TEEN PATHFINDER” which is aimed at enlightening,
informing, educating and entertaining his
peers and readers towards a greater achievement in creativity.
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5
4
1
6
2
A
LADYBRILLE: letter from the editor
s a fashion model and the daughter of African Immigrants, I got
sick and tired of the portrayal of models in the USA and Western
mainstream media, particularly African models. Determined to do
something about it I set out in late 2006 to author a feature titled,
“Demystifying the Exoticness of the African Fashion Model.”
African models, I argued weren’t extreme polarities of war and poverty stricken
AIDS ridden “country” of Africa. They encompassed so much more! During my
writing, I stumbled on a gaping hole and need to bring Africa’s contemporary fashion
and entertainment industry to the Western masses. Ladybrille was born. This June,
we celebrate three years since my journey and ultimate launch of Ladybrille, as a blog,
in 2007! Celebrating 3yrs necessarily meant, for us, that we pay homage to our roots,
fashion models; particularly African models.
Welcome to another powerful, sexy and inspiring edition of Ladybrille Magazine,
The Model Edition. In this edition, we get past the false advertising of who African
models are with a feature of Millen Magese, a model that is, simply put, Fashion’s
Next Supermodel. Continuing past the perceived skin deep beauty models in general,
we feature the incredibly sexy yet substance filled Daniel Louisy (St.Lucian-British)
a fat kid raised in a single parent home in London’s projects who is now a model
and actor ready to take on Hollywood.
Equally inspiring and full of substance is 23yr old Adiat Disu, daughter of a Nigerian
Ex-World Cup Player who is not afraid to grab the bull by the horns and take on
America’s “closed” fashion industry with the first ever Africa Fashion Week, New
York. Where Disu leaves off, Bethann Hardison, living fashion legend and Editor-atLarge for VOGUE Italia sheds historical light on the fashion industry, a possibility
of VOGUE Africa and much more.
Folks, I honestly can’t begin to cover the goodies this edition has to offer, so I’ll let
you dive in and enjoy. Whatever you do, don’t forget the absolutely inspiring feature
on Enrique Pascal our Ladybrille Man of the Month. From touring with his long-time
friend and Hip-Hop legend Jay-Z, hosting events for celebrities like Chris Rock and
living the crazy life to becoming a motivational speaker. His story is powerful!
Thank you for all of your support through the years. Special thanks to Yetunde Taiwo/
ICY PR and Erin Burns/erinburnsdesign.com, both dynamic women entrepreneurs
who have believed in our vision and supported with their design talents and creativity.
God Bless you!
Enjoy and feel free to e-mail your feedback to me at [email protected]
or [email protected].
Brilliantly yours,
Uduak Oduok, Esq.
Editor-in-Chief
[email protected]
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LADYBRILLE:
Enrique Pascal,
ladybrille man
of the month
by Niama Sandy
My love for her [my wife] drew me away from what
I was doing. I realized today that God used her to get
my attention. She was the vessel that changed my life…
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E
nrique Pascal pulled himself
from the precipice of the
darkest depths and today he
is standing at the threshold
of building a global selfhelp and transformation
empire. His self-published book, “Eight
Steps to Mastering Your Emotions,” has
been getting great buzz online. This summer
Enrique Pascal Communications will launch
Transformation University Online, a 60-day
program designed to foster personal and
spiritual development for all; he is aspiring to
so much more. Simply put, the man is on fire.
He is a lightening rod for personal and
spiritual growth, for this reason – he is our
June Ladybrille Man of the Month.
Enrique Pascal grew up in a single parent
home in Brooklyn, NY in the 1980s. If
you ask him, he’ll tell you that despite his
mother’s best efforts, he grew into manhood
with something of a chip on his shoulder. As
he grew older, he learned how to put on a
brave face.
By the late 1990’s, Pascal had made a name
for himself in the entertainment industry
under the name “Tone Capone.” Tone
Capone toured with long-time friend and
Hip-Hop legend Jay-Z, and hosted events
for celebrities like Chris Rock, and others.
But by Pascal’s own admission Tone Capone
was “ill-tempered” - the childhood chip on
his shoulder grew to the size and weight
of a boulder. It manifested itself in acts of
violence, illegal activities, arrests, and suicidal
thoughts.
“I knew the bridge I was going to jump
off, I knew how many pills I was going to
take. I had issues of low self-esteem, anger,
and rejection,” explained Pascal.
At one of the parties he hosted Pascal met
a woman. He and the woman began to date.
Eventually, as things got serious, the question
of whether he had a personal relationship
with God was raised.
“I told her I believe in God, and she said
‘No, have you accepted Jesus Christ as your
savior?’ Her mother led me through the
prayer of salvation and I gave my life to the
Lord in 2001.”
Even with that commitment, the Tone
Capone persona wasn’t put to rest. Pascal’s
low self-esteem and wanton ways continued.
His turning point was two-fold.
“I didn’t start walking with God until
2004 I realized that I could not live the life
that I was living and still do the things of
God. I got tired of living a life of defeat. One
day, I realized that I am here for a purpose
and that I’m not going to go anywhere, so I
might as well defeat these negative thoughts
and emotions and step into what I was called
to do. I became courageous… [I knew] I had
to fight to get a hold of my thought life. My
change also came in part through my wife.
One day, she told me that ‘I can’t do this any
longer.’”
Faced with that ultimatum, plus the
need to rid himself of his feelings of despair,
Enrique made a choice.
“My love for her [my wife] drew me away
from what I was doing. I realized today that
God used her to get my attention. She was
the vessel that changed my life. He drew me
away to get my attention. My love for her,
in essence, is the love I have for God. I was
used to the money and the fame and the cars
and everything that came with the Hip-Hop
game I was used to that and that was a place
of being comfortable – I was the man and I
walked away from that one day and I never
looked back,” he said.
Like anything worth fighting for, it was
an uphill battle, and admittedly, “the hardest
thing” Pascal has ever had to do.
Today some six years later, Enrique is
looking down from beyond the treacherous
north face of the mountain and is extending
his hand to help others find their way up.
With one book published, countless speaking
engagements, and the impending launch of
his online school under his belt in such a
short time, Pascal is sure to be hailed among
the next generation of prolific self-help gurus.
“Eight Steps to Mastering Your
Emotions” was an outgrowth of his journey
and encouragement from a source you might
never expect.
“Back in 1992, I was living in Virginia
and Jay-Z was down here as well - this was
before he became this major star. He used to
call me on the telephone and he’d rap to me
LADYBRILLE: feature
over the phone. I used to call him and read to
him. He always said to me ‘You should write
books.’ He saw something in me that I didn’t
see in myself. Seventeen years later I took
him up on what he said.”
“Eight Steps to Mastering Your Emotions”
didn’t begin as a book; but rather as a series
of blog entries.
“I was journaling my transformation,
eight God-given steps. It’s amazing because
it wasn’t me, it was because of him living
through me the book came out and it’s
changing so many people’s lives,” the transformation guru said.
The Transformation University Online is
slated to open its “doors” before the end of
summer.
“The reason why my school is 60 days is
because it takes 21 days to break a cycle, 21
days to start a new one, and I’m going to give
you another 18 days for good measure. A lot
of people, I’ve learned, have stopped growing
to the point of offense. Even though I was 25,
I had an 8 year old living inside of me. I’m
going to dig up that 8 year-old person and
bring them to being a 27-year old.”
Your laptop isn’t the limit - if Enrique
has his way Transformation University
will be global with issues across ethnicities,
languages and religion on the agenda.
“I plan to be changing lives everywhere!
Eventually we will have actual campuses.
I will teach men how to be real men and
how to treat women the right way. I plan
on doing this until the lights go out because
I was created to have a positive impact. It
doesn’t matter if you believe in Jesus - I’m
giving people the principles, I’m not teaching
religion but I’m coming from a higher level. I
don’t do religion but I do spirituality, I want
to connect with every spiritual being,” Pascal
explained.
Eventually, Pascal hopes to have a
syndicated radio and talk shows and more
books. He even said he “believes Oprah is
retiring” to make room for him! His level of
optimism and desire to help his fellow man is
unparalleled.
We salute you, Enrique. Keep changing
lives!
13
LADYBRILLE:
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LADYBRILLE: feature
Millen
Magese
fashion’s next supermodel
by Uduak Oduok
Photographer: Michel(www.michenafziger.com)
Make up: Lazarus Jeam Baptiste( www.bryanbantry.com)
Hair: Nichola Augustine(www.nicholaaugustine.com)
Stylist: Rosemary Kokuhilwa(www.fashionjunkiionsugar.com)
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LADYBRILLE:
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LADYBRILLE:
I used to go crazy and be quite upset at school as my
mates teased me about everything including calling
me “giraffe,” “ostrich” and “Masai” because of my neck.
17
LADYBRILLE: feature
I
man, Waris Dirie, Oluchi, Alek
Wek, and Liya Kebede are some
of Africa’s supermodels that have
made the world, especially the
West, take a second look at the
beauty Africa has to offer. These
models, however, have left a void with their
subsequent transitions into creating fashion
enterprises of their own. While there are
African faces on the runway across Europe
and America, none to date appear to have
the potential to become household names
like the aforementioned until Millen Magese.
September 2009, last year, Millen gave up
her fame as Africa’s Supermodel to move to
the States for a chance at a successful career
in the US modeling industry. Since her
arrival, she has been hard at work with
Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and a whole host
of reputable fashion clients. With striking
features, long neck, chiseled bone structure
and almond shaped eyes, Millen stands out
from the crowd. Ladybrille’s Editor-in-Chief
Uduak Oduok interviews the striking beauty
that is sure to be Fashion’s Next Supermodel.
LADYBRILLE: Millen thank you for
granting Ladybrille Magazine this exclusive.
Millen: Any time my dear. It’s my
pleasure and I feel so honored that you
thought about me.
LADYBRILLE: First things first, how are
you beautiful?
Millen: I am blessed and very fine
Uduak. I hope your busy schedule is taking
it easy with you.
LADYBRILLE: Thank you. (Laughs)
See who is talking! I know it has been pretty
hectic for you too in New York. You’ve been
quite busy bee and your mom was ill. Is
your mom well now?
Millen: Thank you for the special
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thought about my mom! She is actually not
my biological mother but the only woman
who took me as her own daughter when I
first arrived in New York. She has embraced
me as her own child, and loves me very much.
Her name is Marie Joasil-a lovely mother
with two lovely and very special children,
Ciano and Eramene Clerjuste. She has shown
me so much love to the point where I have
forgotten I came here alone. My adopted
family in NY is just as special to me as my
family in Tanzania-and they both love me
equally; so when Marie is suffering to that
extent, my heart aches deeply and I lose
hope, but she is much better now.
LADYBRILLE: I am glad to hear she
is better.
A f r i ca’ s Sup erm o d el
C ome s T o A me r i c a
LADYBRILLE: Across Africa, your
face is known. Within South Africa, you
are a household name. Why give all that
up to come to New York? What have you
not achieved that you feel New York will
provide?
Millen: Aaah thank you Uduak! It feels
good to be appreciated and I appreciate that.
I send my special thanks to everyone who
has contributed to my success in one way
or another. [M]y dream has always been to
learn and bring back to my people at home in
Tanzania and the whole Africa everything I
learn overseas which can benefit the continent. So of course even if I’m known back
in Africa, I can’t say I have achieved enough
till I try New York, the big apple, the fashion
capital.
I believe NY can provide me with
everything I need to be a well-known
model all over the world not only Africa.
LADYBRILLE: I am told, often, that
I look like Iman especially when I have my
hair long. But seeing you, I think you are
such a replica. Do you get that comparison?
Does that bother you? (Laughs)
LADYBRILLE:
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LADYBRILLE: feature
Millen: Whhhhatt!!! Are you kidding
me!!? I should be flattered and honored
to even hear someone say that to me. All
I have to say is I am so humbled to even hear
that from you. It’s not a joke, but I still don’t
believe I (have) or resemble the grace Iman
has. She is a woman of very high caliber,
elegance, business minded and classy. She is
my icon and I have always looked up to her.
She made me feel very proud of my neck. I
used to go crazy and be quite upset at school
as my mates teased me about everything
including calling me “giraffe,” “ostrich” and
“Masai” because of my neck. I must say my
neck and my long legs were my weaknesses.
It didn’t matter if I was about to score
or do anything productive. The moment
someone called me those names, I would
drop everything I was doing (and be sad).
My (father), in trying to lift my spirits, used
to give me the example of Iman’s neck. How
she carried herself with such grace and how
successful she was. (Today) when someone
tells me I look like Iman, I always respond
with “. . . I wish to meet her and tell her
she made me feel proud of who I am today.”
LADYBRILLE: I am glad you overcame
those self-esteem issues. Speaking of Iman,
she will be honored at the CFDA upcoming
Awards with a Fashion Icon Award. Do you
think America is ready for Millen Magese?
Millen: Well, it’s hard to say as I have
just arrived here; but I believe if God has
authorized a “yes” for me in America, then
no one will turn it to a “no.” I do my best
and I let God lead me to the best, so it is well.
LADYBRILLE: The current state of
America’s modeling industry has seen
ongoing issues in the past and present on
the use of Black/African models. Iman, Tyra
Banks, Naomi and so many have complained.
I have seen many of my model friends leave
Africa come to New York and not make it the
way they did at home. What sets you apart?
Millen: I am a woman who follows my
instinct. Before I accepted this offer, I prayed
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about it even before I decided to accept
relocating here. I prayed for God to choose
and lead me between Milan, Paris and NY.
I knew for sure the African market and
NY or European markets work differently.
In Africa, the more you achieve and make
your name, the lower your value (actually
becomes) as demand for a fresh face
increases. This is always the pain for most
African top models in Africa.
It gets to a point where most experienced
models don’t (deem) it important to
continue modeling after making names
for themselves. (In contrast,) here the more
you are exposed to the industry, the more the
demand for you increases and you get paid
50 times better and become a Super model,
worldwide. So what sets me apart is the
opportunity that Ford Models gave to me to
come here and work, which came at the right
time. [I] am not scared of any challenges and
(I believe) that’s my strength.
LADYBRILLE: What projects/clients
have you worked for since you have been
in the USA?
Millen: For the past six months since
I have been here, my agency Ford models inc.
have managed to send me to big campaign
castings like Olay, Sephora, Clinic, Ponds,
Lux, etc. I have worked with QVC beauty
commercial, Belks websites and prints as
regular client (3 to 5times a month), Chicos.
com, Ralph Lauren Polo (websites), Ralph
Lauren Woman, Ralph Lauren black level for
Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall collection.
I am happy to have these jobs because they
shoot regularly 20 times a month so at least
they keep me busy and pay well. I just shot
JC Penny (first time) and I hope to keep
the client too, God willing.
I used to go crazy and be quite upset
at school as my mates teased me
about everything including calling
me “giraffe,” “ostrich” and “Masai”
because of my neck.
LADYBRILLE:
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LADYBRILLE:
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M ILLEN’S BACK G RO U N D countries, a home to a flourishing democracy
LADYBRILLE: Could you share with
our audience your personal background?
Millen: First, I always get this question
of why am called Milline, especially from
fellow Tanzanians. My name is Millen
Happiness Magese. I grew up known
as Happiness Magese and Former Miss
Tanzania, but like any other normal African
family, I have other name, five total: Millen,
Ngaile, Lilian, (Happiness) and Bai.
When I started modeling, my booker
chose Millen to make me unique in the
market. It works as I am the only Millen and
it’s easy to know and recognize my name and
work without even meeting me.
I come from a very conformable, strict,
very well mannered, very religious and down
to earth lovely household. Like most kids,
I had to help out and do my share of work
at home. I was very talented and smart in
school. Going to church was very big part of
my upbringing. I took part in many church
activities like plays and choir practices. I
loved to sing, I sing a lot. As a youth in
Tanzania, I was very athletic and really into
sports. I was always a leader to trust and
stand for anybody’s rights even if it needed
me to fight for people’s rights and that is why
my family thought I was going to be a lawyer.
I felt I had to take the lead in any activity I
was engaged in. It may surprise (most) that I
was actually a tom boy as well . . .
LADYBRILLE: Tells us about your
country Tanzania. What was it like growing
up there?
Millen: Tanzania is a land of contrast.
From the snow-capped peak of Mountain
Kilimanjaro to the endless plains of the
Serengeti, from the sun-kissed islands
of Zanzibar Archipelago to the gentle shores
of lake Victoria (where Millen is from),
Tanzanians are a diverse mix of traditional
tribes, village farmers and cosmopolitan
professionals united by a common language,
Swahili, and a strong sense of national
community. It is one of Africa’s most peaceful
and prospering economy; a land of kindness
and love. There is so much to learn, peace and
security. That is my proud country Tanzania.
LADYBRILLE: What do you really miss
about Tanzania?
Millen: True love , peace , care and very
humble people.
LADYBRILLE: Are you involved in any
projects to help raise the profile of Tanzania?
Millen: [I] have involved myself on
so many charities in and outside Tanzania
to raise funds mostly working with other
models and designers who have foundations
in their own countries. But, as a former Ms.
Tanzania, I have had the opportunity to raise
funds in various ways for the needy.
I am working on my own project on
building a school for kids; and a modeling
and design school in Tanzania for youths
because I believe education is the best key
to anyone’s life so if you don’t have anybody
to be there for you its even worse and can
lead to so much problems in our society and
unstable life for the youth.
I am so very touched by (orphaned)
children. I still believe it’s my responsibility
as an individual to find all means of helping
others especially kid… I am very prod of
my President, his excellence Jakaya Mrisho
Kikwete for touching the Tanzania Education Funds with co-operation of United
States of America. This is a way to go…
MI L E N O N M ODE L I NG
LADYBRILLE: How did you get into
modeling?
Millen: I was on holidays, having lunch
in one of best malls in Johannesburg, South
Africa, The Rosebank. I remembered, then,
how my (father) used to tell me anytime you
feel like you can do something, you should
go for it. So, I spoke to my father about it,
decided to walk into Ice Model management
just to ask some questions; and i met this
wonderful and beautiful hearted person
LADYBRILLE: feature
Janey Hancock the model boss and last
say for models for Ice model management,
Johannesburg.
Before I could say anything, she asked
with very welcoming smile, “have you gone
to any agency!!??” I said “no.” She said,
“perfect!!!” She took my measurements and
picked “Millen” among my many names,
sent me to my first casting which was for
Vodacom, East Africa. I got the job. The
second casting was for a hair show. I got it.
The third was a BIG ONE for Guinea’s Milk
STOUT. I got it and the rest is history. Janey
helped (have me signed) by Ford Models by
making a call and speaking about me while I
was here last year for fashion week. . .
LADYBRILLE: While in South Africa,
I know David Tlale (DT) (famous South
African designer) has said openly that you are
his muse. How did you two meet and what is
it like to be a popular designer’s muse?
Millen:…I personally have never heard
DT say that. But yes, I always hear from
people call me the face of DT. At his shows,
his audience as soon as they see me walk
the runway, know the show is over because
I am always the show stopper and have the
honor to bring DT out for the finale. I feel
honored…DT is not only a famous designer
in fashion but also a very humble, blessed and
God fearing person.
M I L L E N OFF E RS TIPS
FOR B UDDI NG MOD ELS
LADYBRILLE: Every young girl I know
wants to be a model, regardless wherever
I go in the world. (Laughs)! Could you give
at least 5 tips on what it takes to be a
successful model?
Millen: (laughs) I know and none
of them understand when you mention
modeling is a very tough job.
> I put God before me in anything I do even
the decisions of which castings I should go…
God has been the best answer for everything
especially this tough job.
> I concentrate on jobs that I am signed to
23
LADYBRILLE: feature
do and always don’t care or get disappointed
for the job I don’t get. It doesn’t matter if
the same model of my caliber got the same
campaign we cast for and she gets paid
more than me. I will still thank God and
do my best for a smaller job and get to keep
my client so he/she doesn’t change me for
another model and can book me regularly.
Never be selfish.
> Patience pays. Modeling is not a guaranteed job. Not the agency or your favorite
booker can guarantee you to get $10,000
every month; and it’s not that you’re not good
for the market or someone is better than you.
I believe the industry /market always know
whom they want at a time, so if it’s not your
time, keep working hard and your time will
come, the because fashion industry goes in
a circle from black to light skin, from size
0-4, strong features to soft features models,
runways -FHM- catalogue- commercial
models. So, your turn will come, if you were
meant to be a model. Don’t loose hope!
> Be humble, down to earth and be easy
to learn and listen from experienced or
upcoming models, directors or photographers. When I say “learning,” I mean learning
fast!! This is another thing that made me
as stronger than ever today. I never feel I
have “arrived” in anything I do; and it’s
always never too late to learn or ask. Even
if I know something, I always ask to make
sure it doesn’t show how long I have been
in the industry or how many runways I have
walked. It’s better they call you stupid than
big headed and dum…
> Respect others, be able to deliver and
remain legend. Be yourself always and do
not try to be someone else; as the industry
is very competitive, you must be able to leave
a trademark and make clients and fashion
icons remember you and be able to differentiate you from other models. You might be
given only one chance to show them.
> You really need to make your career in
any category. It might be runway, editorial,
commercial etc. You must be able to choose
and stick to what you’re good and do the
best. If it is runway, you must be able to
24
deliver to five people on that runway: your
agency, producer, designer, clients/fans and
media. By doing that, you will be able to keep
all 5 for more upcoming jobs.
> Last, take modeling as a job/career because
it can really change your life and your family’s
life. If by any chance you feel like you have
arrived, you can’t cast anymore, you starting
choosing what and which job you should
do then, that should be your way out of it
because no one has time to stress for you
especially in Africa. There are so many new
faces coming up everyday. Do not underestimate the agencies and bookers. They
definitely know exactly which model, if they
loose, will loose money too…
LADYBRILLE: Wow! So much to digest.
What are the three most difficult challenges
you have faced in the industry and how did
you handle it?
Millen: Rejections, acceptance and
unstable market. I can’t really call all of
them challenges but rather the reality
of our industry…
MI L L E N ’S F U T URE
I N MOD E L I N G
AN D A M E RIC A
LADYBRILLE: What kind of future do
you dream of in the modeling industry here
in the States?
Millen: To be a successful campaign
model (beauty products like Iman, Maybeline, Olay) all the beauty campaign that use
black models. I would also like to have my
own cosmetic line that I can sell in Africa.
I love my skin and take care of it so well so
I would love to at least use that opportunity
to give back to others through my own.
I would also like to be a Victoria Secret
model…(laughs)
LADYBRILLE: Do you have a college
education? If not, do you plan to complete
your college education, if so in what?
Millen: Yes, I studied Social work and
Psychology at Kampala University for one
year but because of the weather, could
not finish; as I was (always) sick. I was later
accepted by Franklin University in Ohio
in 2004 but did not get a student visa.
I enrolled in University in SA but did not
finish because of my schedule. I am working
on going back to finish up my degree for
marketing and business management next
year. For the time being, I will be taking
beauty therapy and make up courses as
it is something I am dreaming to manage
my own businesses in future and be a
beauty therapist…
M IL L E N ’S 5 SPO T S
T O V ISIT W HI L E IN SA
FOR T HE WORLD CU P
LADYBRILLE: Tons of people worldwide, some of our readers included, will
in June and July, fly to South Africa for
the World Cup. As someone who has lived
there for a while, we will play a travel
game with you:
LADYBRILLE: Best place to go dancing
in Capetown?
Millen: St. Yzes
LADYBRILLE: Best Mall to shop in
Joburg?
Millen: Sandton city
LADYBRILLE: Sexiest beach to visit
in Capetown?
Millen: Camps Bay
LADYBRILLE: Best Hotel to sleep
at while in Capetown.
Millen: The one and only in water front
LADYBRILLE: Thank you Millen. We
wish you continued success. Keep us in the
loop so we can share your accomplishments
with our audience throughout the year.
Millen: Thank you Uduak. I still wish
my daddy (deceased) was here to see what he
supported me to do from day one till now;
but God loves you the most my lovely daddy,
anyway stay beautiful and blessed as always
Uduak.
LADYBRILLE:
25
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30
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31
LADYBRILLE: feature
Daniel
louisy
st. lucian-british
heartthrob ready
to invade hollywood!
by Uduak Oduok
32
Ladybrille
Contents
LADYBRILLE:
LADYBRILLE: feature
I used to resent my father for not being around,
however as I matured and realized what is important
in life, you realize that it is better to be thankful for what
you have, rather than focus on what you don’t have.
Although I grew up without a father in my life, I was
clothed, fed and had a parent who loved me, some
people don’t have those luxuries.
I
was seated front row, on April
7th, 2010, at the Chris Aire
Hollywood Glamour Collection featuring Nigerian gold
and gemstones when I spotted
him. He was one of the models
strutting down the runway. I immediately
noticed him.
At almost 6ft 5in, he was a beautiful
sight to behold. His chiseled face and jaw
line, strong lean body and muscles showed
through the tanned Kaftan top and matching
pants he strutted in. I was like “WOW! Who
is that?” Something, however, was slightly
amiss. He was a bit nervous; there was a
slight stiffness to his walk. You’d have to be
paying close attention to notice. Nevertheless, there remained a strong presence and
an air of confidence about him.
After the show, I did my meet and greet,
posed for the camera(s) and was on my way
out when I spotted him, again. Since we were
both exiting the door of the room the fashion
show was held, at the same time, my never
shy self struck a conversation with him. “You
did good,” I told him. “Thank you,” he replied
flashing a dashing smile at me. “You appeared
a bit stiff, though,” I added in my matter
of fact direct personality. He laughed. “ I
know” he responded in an intriguing British
accent further explaining to me he was new
to LA and modeling and flew in for the show.
34
As he continued, his manager jumped in. He
got the cue to step back and let the manager
do the talking.
Ultimately, however, we all three got to
chatting and as we parted ways, his manager
slipped his Zed card into my hands. As I
would later study the Zed card, there was
an image on the card I could not get out of
my head. Nevertheless, I chose to ignore the
image and face as we prepared for our June
2010 Model Edition. We considered many
options (mainly major celebrities) that would
grace our cover along with Millen Magese,
Fashion’s Next Supermodel. However, I
could not shake off his face, personality and
image in my head. I knew Daniel Louisy had
to be on the cover of our Model Edition.
Daniel Louisy was born and raised in
London’s projects/ghetto to a St. Lucian
father and British mother. At an early age,
Louisy knew life could be quite difficult. He
was a fat kid who struggled with overcoming
his weight issues. But, weight and poverty
were just a few of the many obstacles life
threw way. A really significant one was the
absence of his father in his life. “I used to
ask my mother a lot (about him) when I
was young, but never really understood the
answers I was given,” says Louisy. The lack
of uncertainty and trying to figure life out
would ultimately force Louisy to discover his
own truth and later help others in finding
their own as a life coach. Today, Louisy is an
actor, model, entrepreneur and a man with a
clear purpose who understands life is about
grabbing the bull by the horn and making
something out of nothing. Read on to learn
more about Louisy who prepares to invade
Hollywood with his talents and “yummy”
good looks.
LADYBRILLE: Hi Daniel, how are you?
LOUISY: I’m in the best of health, thank
you for asking.
LADYBRILLE: What have you been
doing since the Chris Aire show where we
met?
LOUISY: I’ve been back and forth
between London, the US and Saint Lucia,
trying to avoid volcanic ash. I have been
dividing my time between filming for a
new reality T.V show, and a construction
project in Saint Lucia.
LADYBRILLE: (That’s great you are
involved in St. Lucia!) Daniel, when I look
at you, what comes to mind is Boris Kodjoe.
I know you’ve also got a mixed heritage like
Boris. Tell our audience a bit more about
you. Who is Daniel Louisy (Where were you
born, raised, what school did you attend etc)?
LOUISY: Thank you for that compliment.
Boris Kodjoe is a star and doing great things,
I hope to emulate some of his success in
the future. My mother is Saint Lucian and
my father is English. I was born and raised
in London by my mother. I grew up on a
council estate, which I believe in the states
you call “project housing”, and I attended
Catholic school(s) all my life.
LADYBRILLE: You were raised in
a single parent home. What happened
to your father?
LOUISY: Well the honest answer to that
question is that I don’t really know. I used
to ask my mother a lot when I was young,
but never really understood the answers I
was given. I have had contact with my father
recently; we spoke on the phone, and could
possibly meet in the future. What I will say
is that I used to resent my father for not
being around, however as I matured and
realized what is important in life, you realize
that it is better to be thankful for what you
have, rather than focus on what you don’t
have. Although I grew up without a father
in my life, I was clothed, fed and had a
parent who loved me, some people don’t
have those luxuries.
LADYBRILLE: Indeed.
LADYBRILLE: I have a lot of Caribbean
friends and they are such cool people.
I’m wondering what were some of your
unique experiences growing up in a household with a Caribbean heritage.
LOUISY: Well they say Caribbean people
are meant to be relaxed, that must have
skipped a generation because my household
was very strict.
LADYBRILLE: (laughs)
LOUISY: My mother instilled discipline
in me from a very young age, which I am
very grateful for. Music played a big part of
everything. Every morning while eating my
breakfast I heard songs from the 60s, 70s, I
know every Motown song by heart.
LADYBRILLE: I understand you are also
a movie head. You act. When did you know
you wanted to be in front of the big screen?
LOUISY: From a young age, I always
LADYBRILLE: feature
LADYBRILLE:
studied moves and envisioned myself as the
character. Thinking of how I would play the
role and what it would be like. I learnt countless movies by heart and used too recite the
dialogue to myself in the mirror and trying
to portray the emotion convincingly.
LADYBRILLE: What current film
projects have you been working on?
LOUISY: I have been filming a TV project
at the moment. It’s a reality show about three
guys in London. The show delves into our
personal trials, liaisons, failures and successes,
on relationships, careers, and social and
friendship sectors. Ultimately the focus is
on the interaction of the three guys; how
they relate to each other in the most
intimate area of all – love.
LADYBRILLE: Have you written
and produced your own scripts?
LOUISY: I am working on something at
the moment. You’ll have to invite me back
for another interview if you want that
information as its not finished yet.
LADYBRILLE: (But of course!)
What drives you Daniel?
LOUISY: A fear of failure and seeking
peace of mind.
LADYBRILLE: Speaking of failure, you
are entering into the modeling world at a
later stage in life than most models do. Tell
us a bit about your career background before
you began modeling. What were you doing?
LOUISY: I began work as a personal
trainer and life coach. I am now the director
of an international construction company
while juggling modeling at the same time.
LADYBRILLE: How did you get
discovered?
LOUISY: I have been stopped in the street,
and told I had striking features, but didn’t
pursue modeling. I was seen in a nightclub
by the head of a marketing team of a large
international company, who was adamant
that I had the look to fulfill their vision for
their advertising campaign.
LADYBRILLE: Yes, you do! So, here you
are. I know you are keen on breaking into
the US modeling market. Paint for us the
modeling scene in the UK?
LOUISY: It is a very competitive market
and I would say that on the whole, models
are smaller in the U.K. Breaking into the
US modeling market is my main priority
at the moment and I am in the process of
re-locating to the U.S.
LADYBRILLE: Relocating is a great
move given your look. You will be successful.
Who are some of the clients you have worked
for? I know you did something with CK.
LOUISY: I have done a lot of work with
Universal Music, they had me in back-toback TV ads, music videos and CD
covers for a while.
LADYBRILLE: Beyond Chris Aire
and CK, have you worked for any other
American clients or brands?
LOUISY: I am in negotiations with a large
US brand at the moment, but I don’t want to
jinx myself by telling you about it before
it has materialized. I’ll keep you posted.
LADYBRILLE: Understood. No
problem. The big talk in the USA and
internationally continue to be the lack of
black models on the runway. For you as a
male model, do you find this to be true in
your experience?
LOUISY: Unfortunately it is true; however
I do feel that things are improving. Not just
in the modeling industry but in all industries.
Everything has a cycle and these cycles repeat
themselves. So I do believe that the demand
for black models will increase in due time.
LADYBRILLE: I like your positive
attitude. Where do you hope to be next
year in your life and career?
LOUISY: Firstly I hope to be healthy,
because without your health you can do
nothing. I wouldn’t put exact details on
things, as we don’t know what tomorrow
holds for any of us, but I will say I hope
for progression in every aspect of my life.
LADYBRILLE: That is prudent and
mature. What is a typical day like for you?
LOUISY: If I’m in the UK, I’m up at
6.30am, eating and responding to emails.
Then training, eating again, responding
to more emails, then going to work, which
depending on that day could be a building
site, film set or photo shoot. After work its
more eating, emails, updating my sites
and calling people in different time zones
who have just started their working day.
LADYBRILLE: feature
Daniel. As I mentioned to you before, you’ve
got a memorable look and will be successful
if you believe in yourself and push. Congratulations on your feature in Ladybrille and
making the cover.
LOUISY: Thank you very much for giving
me this opportunity. It has been my pleasure.
LADYBRILLE: I know staying fit is
extremely important to you. How much
work goes into getting a body like the
one you have?!
LOUISY: Well I was a fat kid, and I still
have fat kid eating tendencies. I had Red
Velvet Cheese Cake the other day at the
Cheese Cake Factory in L.A, it was the best
thing I ever tasted, and I even took a picture
of it! I Train 4 times per week, cardio twice
and watch what I eat. I wouldn’t say the
training or cardio was hard work because
I love training, watching what I eat is the
hard part for me, the fat kid within me
will not be silenced. (Laughs)
Random Questions
fo r D an i e l
LADYBRILLE: (Laughs) Well,that
makes for a great transition into our
random questions for you. For our readers
who will visit the UK this summer, what
is your favorite restaurant in London?
LOUISY: The Gaucho Grill
LADYBRILLE: Your favorite
vacation spot in the UK?
LOUISY: The Airport (laughs). I don’t
really have one in the U.K I like to leave
the U.K for a vacation.
LADYBRILLE: (laughs) I hear you.
Models get used to the airport rather
quickly. (Laughs) Tell us one thing people
don’t know about you?
LOUISY: I mostly listen to classical music.
LADYBRILLE: Interesting. Thank you
37
LADYBRILLE: feature
adiat
disu
ex-world cup
player’s daughter
scores big with
1st africa fashion
week, new york
by Morenike Damola Aanu
& Uduak Oduok
A
diat Disu is as we say
in fashion, “FIERCE!”
Spend a few minutes on
the phone with her and
one thing becomes clear,
she does not put up with
crap, knows what she wants, when and why
she wants things done a certain way, usually
her way.
To those who do not came the time to
understand her, she could come as very
intimidating, even at 23 years old and a little
over 5ft 6in tall. Still, for others, her persona,
unyielding position on going after what she
38
wants might be confused to mean she is a
“spoilt brat;” she is, after all, the daughter of
an Ex-World Cup Player, Tajudeen Disu, who
was on a first name basis with Nigeria’s elite
and President(s).
However, the contrary holds true. In fact,
it is probably she has had to go through life
earning almost everything she has that has
made her this highly focused and fearless,
only at age 23.
Ladybrille caught up with Disu to find our
why she is daring to take on New York and
America’s fashion industry with the first ever
African Fashion Week, New York.
LADYBRILLE: Ms. Disu, out of no
where it appears, we hear about Africa
Fashion Week New York from a relatively
Newcomer. Who is Adiat Disu?
Adiat: Well my name means
Oluagbemisola Adetutu, which means:
“lift me up to wealth with a crown on the
top of my head”, that is me!
LADYBRILLE: (Okay. We guess
that about sums it up). We hear you are a
daughter of a famous ex-Nigerian football
player. What was it like growing up with
(such) “celebrity” spotlight on your father?
Adiat: Yes this is true, but my parents
made it so I lived like a normal child. I was
isolated form all the glitz and glam and fame,
which allowed me to focus on my education,
career, etc. Occasionally I would see newspaper clippings and one of two people would
faint at the site of my dad! Other than that,
(my life) was pretty normal.
LADYBRILLE: (What does normal
mean?) Has your father provided the
financial backing for AFWNY?
Adiat: Oh no, my dad provided a great
life for me and my family which involved
teaching us to provide for ourselves. So
although he has been hugely supportive
of me, my agency and AFWNY; he has
not given financial support.
LADYBRILLE: Where did you attend
school and what where you doing prior
to Adiree and now AFWNY?
Adiat: I graduated from Bentley (leading
business school in the US) with a degree in
Information Technology and Marketing.
LADYBRILLE: You sound like a very
bold person and by all accounts it would
seem you are. What is the concept behind
the Adiree Agency?
Adiat: Thank you! The concept behind
Adiree Fashion Agency is simply creating
press, marketing campaigns and strategies
that really at the end of the day, satisfy
the clients’ needs. Whether it’s increasing
reputations, acquiring coupons for businesses
Everyone hits an
obstacle at one
point or another,
my trick is to never
give up. I look at it as
a new task, a new
wall, to break through
and I know I will be
stronger in the end.
etc. Our main focus is to provide businessoriented services to our fashion clients.
LADYBRILLE: There is already a visible
platform for Africans at Mercedes-Benz New
York Fashion Week. You have Adiree agency,
why AFWNY? Why do we need AFWNY?
Adiat: Of course there are many other
fashions shows that have an area of focus
on Africans, like at the Mercedes-Benz New
York Fashion Week, but I feel it is still closed.
The fashion capital, those surrounding the
fashion capital and in the fashion capital
need to understand, be previewed to,
designers from other cultures. We need
Africa Fashion Week in New York to open
the eyes in the fashion capital, which is such
a closed and crowded industry, and to give
these designers an opportunity, a week long,
to showcase their stuff ! AFWNY is a great
opportunity to get these designers out there,
to allow them the possibility of expansion in
such a closed-minded industry.
LADYBRILLE: Jay-z and Alicia Keys
sang “The Empire State of Mind.” What
has been your experience in New York City?
Why did you move to New York City
(from Boston)?
Adiat: When people move to New York
City, they are all mostly thinking the same:
“The big city! Endless possibilities! The city
that never sleeps!” I came here to start my
business, and where better but the biggest
fashion capital! My experience has been
amazing. I love where I live, I love my job
and I am having a blast, of course while
working very hard!
LADYBRILLE: Back to AFWNY,
share with us some of the challenges you
have faced so far?
Adiat: The challenges that I have faced
have been managing the unexpected.
LADYBRILLE: (Managing the unexpected means life can be tough!) When
the going gets tough and the tough gets
going, how do you persevere?
Adiat: Everyone hits an obstacle at one
point or another, my trick is to never give
LADYBRILLE: feature
up. I look at it as a new task, a new wall,
to break through and I know I will be
stronger in the end.
LADYBRILLE: You now have
LADYBRILLE on board as an official
media partner for AFWNY. What does
this partnership mean to you?
Adiat: I am so pleased to have you with
me! To me, this partnership means I must
have done something right! But seriously, it
really means a lot to me. It shows me that my
work, my agency, is having an impact that it
is successful and will continue to grow!
LADYBRILLE: What motivates you?
Adiat: Failure. The thought of failure
keeps me moving. Any failure I do
encounter, I want to overcome it.
LADYBRILLE: Who are your role
models?
Adiat: Jesus, he was great at marketing
himself, and pretty fashionable. Especially in
Exodus when he dressed up Mosses in that
purple robe!
LADYBRILLE: Among your
achievements, which so far, will you say
is the greatest?
Adiat: Living.
LADYBRILLE: What is your advice
so far to those thinking of entering the
fashion field?
Adiat: Surround yourself with positive
people. People that will actually make things
happen, with you and for you.
LADYBRILLE: Have you received any
opposition since you began AFWNY from
other companies that are maybe doing the
same thing?
Adiat: Yes, opposition is natural when
you push. However, energy needs to be
exerted to make sure this is a good show.
LADYBRILLE: Thank you Ms. Disu
Adiat: I would love to thank (Ladybrille)
for being on the pulse of every African
fashion and entertainment professional.
39
LADYBRILLE:
Bethann Hardison
on modeling, race in
fashion, vogue africa
& more!
by shana peete
40
Bethann Hardison is a living legend. The real
deal. After more than 40 years in the business
as a model, agent, and budding filmmaker, she
has seen changes come and go. One such change
is the exclusion of Black models on the runway.
The legend who is also the Editor-at large of Vogue
Italia took an hour out of her insanely busy schedule
to talk with Ladybrille about this disturbing trend
and all she does to bring color back to the catwalk.
I
n the 1970s when Hardison
modeled, there were simply no role
models to emulate. “That word
did not apply,” explains the legend
with a voice laced with the grace
of royalty and the confidence of a
person who knows her stuff. While Hardison
was inspired by models that came before her
like Helen Williams; an icon of the 1960s, she
did not see herself reflected in them.
In contrast to the beautiful wholesome
feminine model images of the 60s, Hardison
was very thin, boyish, and darker than most
models. Nevertheless, her career blossomed
as the pendulum of the standard of beauty
swung in her direction. “I came up at a good
time in the industry,” said Hardison. The time
was when Hardison and models like Naomi
Sims worked and did not face the systematic
restraints in the industry that exist today.
“If a designer liked you, he worked with
you. If he didn’t, he didn’t,” Hardison
continued in her explanation. It was a time
where a model (black or white) could express
herself, sell the clothes she wore, and even
inspire the designers. “[Designers] would
see our style and watch what we did with the
clothes they had made,” she added in that
consistent confident voice. Watching what
Hardison and her model colleagues did with
the clothes they wore had a tremendous effect
on what a designer made or how he utilized
and styled that item on the runway.
Today, however, casting agents who were
absent in her day, are the gatekeepers to the
designers. Often, they specifically instruct
that no Black or Asian girls attend castings,
which methodically limits a model’s face time
with a designer and ultimate inclusion in the
shows. It is indeed hard to be a muse when
you can’t get a meeting.
“The girls today aren’t encouraged to
learn about fashion and why they are there,”
explains Hardison about the challenges
models face today in the industry. She should
know. In a world where today’s models look
alike, are told to walk straight-faced down the
catwalk, and are not even given the freedom
to pose, the last thing on any one’s mind is
encouraging models to understand and
know fashion.
“I want to put on a fashion show for the
people, not the buyers, stylists, and editors,
where a model can model—with no restrictions. It bothers me most that models are not
valued as much as they used to be,” Hardison’s
voice sighs with regret.
For Hardison, credit for the extremely
restricted paradigm models have to operate in,
goes to Miuccia Prada’s very successful use of
cookie-cutter, thin, Eastern European models.
Prada’s use forged a new direction in the
industry and gave life to the idea that models
should not outshine the clothes. This concept
took hold industry-wide and created “a new
rhythm”, as she called it, wherein there was
little room for models’ expression or diversity.
Nevertheless, Hardison, interestingly, holds
no grudge about this phenomenon. She sees it
as a trend, one from which designers are afraid
to deviate because it works for many of them.
Determined, however, to encourage diversity
on the runway, Hardison has made it her
life’s mission to show the fashion world that
bringing diversity to the runways works better.
To that end, she established Bethann
Management Co., which has since launched
the careers of heavyweights like Tyson
LADYBRILLE: feature
Beckford and Veronica Webb and further
strengthened the credibility of her message in
industry circles. Further, since the mid-2000s,
Hardison has flexed her fashion muscle to
open a dialogue with designers to question
their exclusion of models of all colors in
their presentations. Her film about the topic,
Invisible Beauty, is in development. It has had
a profound effect. From these efforts have
emerged some of the most talented models
in over a decade and a designer like Dianne
von Furstenburg have used as many as eight
or nine models of color in her shows, while
Sophie Theallet went so far as to use solely
Black models in one season. Hardison now
serves as Editor-At-Large for Vogue Italia.
Acknowledging the lack of diversity in the
industry, when I posed the question of the
possibility of the creation of Vogue Africa, she
replied, “it never crossed my mind. Who will
they sell to? Is there an audience?” Many of
her questions were from the mind of an astute
woman with keen business acumen more than
a touchy-feely place.
“Uduak brought it up to me and we were
on the same page,” she continued referring to
Ladybrille Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Uduak
Oduok. “She and I were very clear about it.”
Hardison also echoed Oduok’s worries about
the psychological effect that Vogue could
have on the continent. “Africa’s a very tricky
place. It’s not wise to go over there unprepared. It would be good to let them start what
they need. There is vast potential in that part
of the world.”
Before wrapping up, I asked what she
thought her legacy would be? “I want my
advocacy to be permanently effective,” she
said after a thoughtful pause. “I’m trying to
help the world. People come up to me and
say thank you so much for the work you’re
doing for Black people. I say ‘I’m not trying
to help Black people. We got it going on. I
want to help White people, who are sitting in
ignorance, they are the ones who need help.’
I don’t mind having to be the pit-bull with
a smile, but I don’t want to have to do it the
rest of my life. I don’t want anyone to have
to.” Does Hardison see a light at the end of
the tunnel? “Absolutely,” is the resounding
response from the legend. “Everyone sees it.
Now Europe, that’s a whole different battle…”
41
LADYBRILLE: feature
Tony Chirah, in
the Vortex of Kenya’s
Modeling Industry
T
he African continent is
experiencing a fashionboom which can no longer
be ignored on international
grounds. A wealth of
resources, including vast
cultures and impeccable landscape are some
of the features that draw the world to this
continent to unearth raw talent. Hot on
the heels of the top three most recognized
African Fashion States is Kenya.
I caught up with Tony Chirah, a Kenyanbased man of many talents, who has found
himself in the vortex of the Fashion and
entertainment industry to discuss some of
the burning issues on the state of Fashion
and the modeling industry in Kenya. He has
tasked himself with the duty of cultivating,
fine-tuning and polishing talent that the
42
by Maque Degorgeous
world has come to appreciate.
Through Kenya Modeling Fraternity, a
company he founded and manages, he is well
prepared and fully equipped to accelerate the
growth of the modeling industry in Kenya
– it’s not always glitzy and glamorous you
know. He introduced the fashion industry to
big names such as Ajuma Nasenyana, muse to
Vivienne Westwood and he is, by no means,
slowing down.
LADYBRILLE: In three words,
please describe Tony Chirah:
CHIRAH: Humble, Deep, Dreamer
LADYBRILLE:You’re quite the Piscean
aren’t you? Just so we are on the same
page, elaborate on “Tony Chirah Deep”
CHIRAH: I believe that everyone at one
point of another has the desire to achieve
something and our interactions reveal it.
We hardly give each other the chance or
sufficient opportunity to find out what
those we interact with have in mind or
represent and end up, unintentionally, killing
their dreams. I listen to opinions, arguments;
views even when they may not seem to make
sense in the beginning. Amidst all that, there
might be something that “might be it,” only
if we give it a chance.
LADYBRILLE: That makes sense! This
also reflects on your background which leads
me into the next question: Tell me about
your upbringing; where you are from, what
you did prior to your current position and
what led you to where you are now?
CHIRAH: I was born in the Eastlands
LADYBRILLE: feature
I believe that everyone at one point of another has the desire to
achieve something and our interactions reveal it. We hardly give
each other the chance or sufficient opportunity to find out what
those we iteract with have in mind or represent and end up,
unintentionally, killing their dreams…
43
LADYBRILLE: feature
Nairobi in 1976 (I quickly made the calculation you are doing right now, I also came to
34 years old) to a family of 2 children; which
later became 8 children. We relocated with
our mother to a rural farm in Mbeere in
the Eastern Province and this is where I
was brought up till I joined boarding primary
school and returned to join my dad back
in Nairobi in 1986 till now, with regular
visits to my rural home over the holidays.
I completed high school in 1994 and
did not have sufficient funding to join
college in the UK where I had been admitted
to study Information Technology and opted
to enroll for Professional Computing and
Data Processing higher Diploma in 1995
at ICM. I had a half-day program in college
so I joined Theatre Workshop productions
as an actor.
After completing my diploma, I got
employed in the civil services as a clerk,
but had too much time on my hands, which
I did not put to good use. This resulted in
me rejoining the theatre in 1998, in time
for the then new Mzizi Cultural Enterprises.
It was here that I learnt the art of Concept
Development. I also met the guy who
introduced me to modeling by thrusting
me into the scene to showcase as a standby
model in one of their shows.
Equipped with my theatre background
and computer knowledge, which was
relatively new then, I entered the internet
and did research on questions I had on
theatre that no one had adequate answers
for. This is how I learnt initially until I was
introduced to Vera (a Beauty College). I
joined the college and became Chair of the
Vera Modeling Club and later as the choreographer for our shows. After interest rose
and enough youths were collected to host a
beauty pageant, we launched Miss Tourism
Kenya to use beauty to promote tourism.
LADYBRILLE: So you landed up in
this industry by chance?
CHIRAH: I consider myself one of the
unlucky people not to have been mentored
through my early school days, a sad situation
that persists to this day in the rural set-up.
44
I wanted to do fine arts but struggled to find
funding. I stumbled on Fashion and Design
but was also discouraged against it when
I lost out on my UK opportunity. This
resulted in me pursuing IT field, which
was presumed to be holding a better future.
LADYBRILLE: You mentioned that
there is no mentoring or career guidance
in most of rural Kenya. Given that Africa is
concentrated with raw talent, of which most
probably dwells in rural areas, what initiatives
are you and your corporation undertaking to
unearth this talent?
CHIRAH: Kenya Modelling Fraternity
(KMF) is established as a talent management
entity though it was initially schemed to
run exclusively on modeling. We later started
seeking to know what else someone may have
that could be tapped into and that’s what led
us going fully into talent, thus offering those
with singing, acting, dancing, DJing abilities,
etc a chance too. Our rural plan is to split
regionally across Kenya (Nairobi, Mombasa
and Kisumu) where we a grooming partners
in the regions to help us set base. We have
KMF Global Country Campaign, which
we intend to use to reach out to raw talent
in those regions, enlighten the masses,
demystify the industry and expand knowledge on good talent management practice.
LADYBRILLE: While on the subject
of KMF, the company is doing rather well
given the economic crisis we just came out
of (and for many, the ripple effects thereof
are still affecting them), what’s your secret?
CHIRAH: It is not a secret. (Really? But
it’s obviously not common knowledge
or practice). All investments come with
a demand for sacrifice. KMF has been
supported by Immortal Dream Consultant
(a company where he’s the Executive Director
and Concept Consultant) which, like a
mother, eats the last of what remains in the
serving bowl after all have eaten. Immortal
Dream sources from the Image Consultancy,
Video Production, Event Management
business and feeds KMF activity – but there
has been relief with KMF now being able to
generate resources through casting, fashion
shows and hostess services.
LADYBRILLE: Please indulge us on some
of KMF’s goals (immediate, mid-term and
long term), including the “two year Kenya
Modeling Industry Rescue Strategic Plan”
which will aid in the industry’s sustainability
CHIRAH: Immediate: to solidify our
authority in fashion, modeling and the talent
industry through sustained presence, expansion and standardization.
Midterm: Induce vertical growth for the
industry players locally and across the region
by establishing the most expansive, elaborate
and efficient online talent management
portal for the fashion, modeling and talent
industry
Long term: To utilize new and existing
networks to come up with an industry
infrastructure to govern and steer operations
to a globally acceptable code.
LADYBRILLE: You have obviously
worked with other industry leaders in
Kenya. Who are the top three photographers, stylists, fashion show producers and
designers that you’ve worked with and take
pride in name-dropping their names, LOL?
And who do you have an eye on that you
would like to include on your list?
CHIRAH: Photographers: David Beaty,
Khaliyesa Minishi, Abraham Ali
Stylists: Nelly Mshimba, Eddie Kirindo
and Wambui Thimba
Designers: Kikoromeo, Monoca Kanari
and John Kaveke
Fashion Show producers: There are not any
yet I am closely watching Leon Muli and Riz
Mehar (two young upcoming photographers)
and seeking from George Simon who has
consistently upheld the quest to establish
fashion photography for the low-end
entrants.
LADYBRILLE: And your favourite
models? Nationally and international.
CHIRAH: Kaone Kario (Botswana-born
Face of Africa 2005), Ashanti Wandia
(Trained by Tony himself ) and Emily Njoki.
International: Iman, Oluchi and Ajuma
Nasenyana (also trained by Tony)
LADYBRILLE: So which other international model where you happy to see grow
internationally but sad to see them leaving
your camp?
CHIRAH: Allow me to mention that in our
case, as with many other African countries,
the moment you appear, the industry
enthusiasts snatch you from our hands. Many
girls “hook up” with foreigners at this stage
who appear to be more likely to expose them
to the international market while the small
conservative number that remain is taken
by airlines; KQ, Emitates, Quatar, PIA etc.
until the establishment of KMF, there has
not been a concrete way to sign talents up
exclusively, due to challenges, making it hard
to follow up what happens when they leave
the country. (And the answer is :) Ashanti
Wandia, Delia Ipupa (who just came back
from Dubai) and Winnie Omwakwe (who
later became Miss Earth in 2002)
LADYBRILLE: So as a young developing
fashion-nation, what do you think will drive
Kenya to be a well-defined fashion state
as with Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa
(where most of the upcoming “Africa Fashion
Week”-South Africa) designers are from)?
CHIRAH: We harbor immense potential to
become a Fashion Capital in Africa owing to
our strategic gateway to Africa. Having said
that, we need a solid foundation to set up
structures to manage fashion and modeling
as an industry. Models need to be adequately
trained to know what the industry expects;
standards need to be set for service providers,
for example event organizers, equipment
suppliers. Beauty pageant organizers – the
largest avenue for new entrants into the
industry - must employ professional tactics
from the early point of recruitment for
contestants, train participants to know the
industry dynamics.
Casting agencies and Modeling management firms have to understand the business
to run it properly and instill value in the
service so that Advertising firms and other
consumers of fashion and modeling services
can appreciate and pay commensurate to the
value as per standards and rate guidelines.
Generally speaking, all should work together
for the vertical growth of everyone and avoid
undercutting each other. Then the government should show interest and engage the
legal sector so that we can have a legislative
framework to govern operations.
LADYBRILLE: What are some of the
challenges you are facing and do you have
any planned remedies for these?
CHIRAH: In the process of Concept
analysis, Development and Production
through Immortal Dream Consult, we
found that:
> Not all events have a sustainability
structure
> Industry players tend to be linked by
ignorant expectations due to lack of understanding of the industry.
> Upward progression is not established in
the structures of most talent management
agencies
> The entry criteria to some sectors have not
been fully defined, hence not understood
while others are just not adhered to.
> There is a weakness in “Multi-skilling
talents”. E.g. acting for models, or dancing for
musicians
> There is limited participation in the
production process by sponsors of most
events hence ownership would guarantee
sustainability is lost
These are primarily the reason for KMF;
to get all of together so we can work for the
vertical growth of the industry!
LADYBRILLE: feature
girl. She does ballet and told me she was not
interested in modeling, not for now. She’s
not shy to the camera, though, she will strike
a few poses with pleasure.
We harbor immense
potential to become
a Fashion Capital in
Africa owing to our
strategic gateway
to Africa. Having
said that, we need
a solid foundation
to set up structures
to manage fashion
and modeling as
an industry.
LADYBRILLE: Just in closing. You were
married and have a 6 year old daughter,
Sasha. Are you grooming her to follow in
your glamorous vocation? Or would you
rather see her in a more corporate career
than the entertainment/lifestyle industry
(fashion/ TV/ eventing)?
CHIRAH: Sasha was very industrious
when she was a year old; constructing and
patching things. She has since grown to be
an amazingly independent-minded young
45
46
LADYBRILLE: fashion
Africa’s Celebrity Stylist
Marian Kihogo, Ghana/UK
Name: Marian Kihogo
Strength: Attention to details, vintage, avant garde, eclectic
Length as Stylist: 10 years. I started styling in high school. I work
providing personal styling, fashion styling and creative consultation. In these
three sectors of my work, the clients differ.
My personal styling clients include both the celebrity and non-celebrities.
My service with them is built on trust and so out of respect is kept as confidential as possible. I have/do work with people in TV, film, music and fashion etc.
I style them for everything from casual engagements to red carpet functions.
I also personal style non-celebrities. I work with them on personal image
consultations, events and the like.
In my fashion styling I was till recently, the UK Correspondent for digital
Paris magazine, Dirrty Glam. Now I work as on freelance basis as both a
features writer and editorial fashion stylist for a variety of clients (both print
and online). I am also honored to work with brands, designers and other
creatives as a creative consultant.
Inspiration: Absolutely everything! I draw inspiration people, cultural
assimilation, history, photography, travel, art, anthropology, human emotion,
perception versus reality film, movement, people watching, colour, texture,
culture, design and much more.
I am inspired by everything and nothing, even the little nuances inspire.
Website: (www.mariankihogo.com)
47
48
Photographer: David Yeo
Stylist: Marian Kihogo
Model: Tolulola Adeyemi
(Model, Actress, DJ, Face of
Hari, and Vivienne Westwood)
49
LADYBRILLE: fashion
Africa’s Celebrity Stylist
kim gray, South Africa
Name: Kim Gray
strength: Attention to details, vintage, avant garde, eclectic
Length as Stylist: Roughly 7 years
Clients: Cameo stockings, Yardley, Triumph, Oprah Magazine (South
Africa), Shape Magazine, J&B Met, Truworths, Cavendish Square and Miglio
Jewelry to name a few.
Inspiration: I love reading local and international fashion and design
blogs as I love blogging myself (www.kimgray.co.za) It’s a great way to share
your work and inspirations with others.
51
Photographer:
Kristina Stojiljkovic (ballet),
Jacques Weyers for
Jekyll and Hie (yoga),
Emielke (Kim Gray),
Stylist: Kim Gray,
styled for Shape Magazine
LADYBRILLE: film
Grammy
winner
common
is “Just
Wright”
by Kam WIlliams
Common was born Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr. in Chicago on
March 13, 1972 to Lonnie, Sr. a former pro basketball player,
and Dr. Mahila Ann Hines, an educator. He started rapping
while still in high school, forming a trio called C.D.R. which
opened for acts like N.W.A. and Big Daddy Kane. He adopted
the alias Common Sense by 1992 which is when he released
his first CD, entitled “Can I Borrow a Dollar?” He shortened his
name to just Common after a lawsuit by a band claiming to
have the exclusive trademark for “Common Sense.”
54
I
n 2002, he made his screen debut
in Brown Sugar, and a year later
he won his first Grammy for
“Love of My Life,” a duet he did
with Erykah Badu for the same
film. Since then, he’s made 7
more CDs, and appeared in such films as
Smokin’ Aces, Dave Chappelle’s Block Party,
American Gangster, Wanted, Street Kings
and Date Night. Here, he talks about his
new movie, Just Wright, a romantic comedy
directed by Sanaa Hamri where he stars
opposite Queen Latifah.
Common: Hey, peace Kam, how are
you?
LADYBRILLE: All is well, thanks.
I don’t know whether you remember but
the last time we spoke I told you my son
was taking saxophone lessons with your
saxophonist, Justin Robinson.
Common: Definitely, man. I hope he’s
doing well.
LADYBRILLE: He’s doing fine, thanks.
How does it feel to be playing your first lead
role as Scott McKnight in Just Wright?
Common: It feels wonderful! This is
something I dreamt of and prayed for. It’s
a blessing to get this opportunity to play
a leading man. I feel like it’s the beginning
of a new stage of my career as an actor.
LADYBRILLE: And how was it being
directed by Sanaa Hamri and acting opposite
Queen Latifah, Paula Patton, Phylicia Rashad
and Pam Grier?
Common: It was cool! These are
beautiful, beautiful women. And it was
great having Sanaa at the helm, because
she brought a fresh perspective to the
project in terms of her vision that made
it easy for women to relate to it, given how
my character was portrayed as sensitive and
a good person. But, by the same token, she
was also wise enough to balance that with
his chi energy as an NBA player to attract
a male audience as well.
LADYBRILLE: When is your new CD,
LADYBRILLE: film
“The Believer” being released?
Common: The new studio album
is coming out in the Fall, but I have a
Greatest Hits album coming out May 25th.
came together in divine time, and the name
Common is very appropriate because
my music represents everyday people.
Common is right.
LADYBRILLE: Larry Greenberg says, he
would love to hear a musical collaboration by
you and Queen Latifah. He wants to know
whether there’s any chance of that happening.
Common: We already hooked up on
a collaboration on that Greatest Hits album,
it’s a new song featuring Queen Latifah called
“The Next Time.” I think it’s the first of many
duets we’ll be doing. The song is soulful and
makes you feel good. So, I’m looking forward
to doing more music with her, as well as more
movies.
LADYBRILLE: “Realtor to the Stars”
Jimmy Bayan says he saw you shooting hoops
in Roxbury Park in L.A. about a year ago.
He wants to know if that was in preparation
for this role?
Common: Yes, I was. But it was so much
fun preparing for the role that it wasn’t really
work. I was just going out there to get my
hoop game back up. Ask Jimmy this question
back, “How was my game at that point?”
LADYBRILLE: Larry says, “You seem
to be involved in so many good causes from
HIV/AIDS awareness to PETA. Is there
any particular cause you want people to
get involved in today?”
Common: Yeah, my Common Ground
Foundation [http://www.commongroundfoundation.org/], because it’s about empowering youth in a holistic way, and about
helping to shape our leaders of tomorrow.
LADYBRILLE: Erik Daniels says, “I’m a
big fan of Common and one of his songs that
I like is Orange Pineapple Juice.” He wants to
know, when was the last time you had some?
Common: Oh, I had some just the
other day, mixed with Ciroc coconut, and
it was great!
LADYBRILLE: Children’s book author
Irene Smalls asks, what is the hardest thing
you have had to do in your career thus far?
Common: I think the hardest thing
I’ve had to do was to change my name
from Common Sense to Common, not only
because I was attached to it since it meant
something to me, but because I was just
beginning to build some name recognition
when I had to deal with a lawsuit over it.
That was one of the more traumatizing
things I’ve experienced career-wise. It was
like, “Man! How can somebody just take
my name?” Still, everything ultimately
LADYBRILLE: Will do. Jimmy also
wants to know, if you weren’t acting or
doing music, what would you have become?
Common: I believe a teacher. I always
feel that I have something to say that will
hopefully inspire.
LADYBRILLE: Amina Ross from
Brooklyn says she’s your biggest fan. She
wants to know, what are your religious
beliefs? If I remember correctly, you’re
a member of Reverend Wright’s church
in Chicago.
Common: I’m a Christian. I believe in
God, and I’ve been a member of that church,
Trinity United Church of Christ since I was
8. I don’t live in Chicago anymore, so I don’t
55
LADYBRILLE:
get there regularly. But I believe God exists
in us all, so I don’t knock any other religions.
I respect anyone with spiritual beliefs in
a higher being.
LADYBRILLE: Amina Ross has a follow-
up. Did you have to compromise you music
to make it?
Common: No, never. I’ve stayed true
to who I was, as much as I could. There was
one moment when a record label tried to get
me to make some songs that sounded like
Biggie and Nas, who were the hottest guys
on the radio at the time, but I knew it would
have to come from my soul to be a hit. One
of my biggest songs, “The Light,” was just
something I wrote because that was the way
I really felt about somebody. So, I don’t think
I’ve ever compromised myself.
LADYBRILLE: Maceo Torres-Trujillo
asks whether your song “I Used to Love
H.E.R.” caused a rift between the East
56
Coast and West Coast rap artists?
Common: No, but it caused a situa-
tion between myself and Ice Cube and the
Westside Connection. It started a little beef,
but it ended up being resolved, and out of it
we both came up with some good raps. They
really felt that I was dissing the West Coast,
but I love the West Coast. I grew up listening
to both East Coast and West Coast.
That’s what I like about my character Scott in
Just Wright. Even though he’s an NBA star,
he’s not depicted simplistically as a superficial
person, but as a sensitive, complex individual
who’s looking for true love and finds it in
a beautiful package he didn’t expect.
LADYBRILLE: Dr. Mask was wondering
growing up, who were your role models?
whether there’s a major historical figure you
would like to portray?
Common: Yes, Barack Obama or
Marvin Gaye.
teacher Mr. Brown, and Muhammad Ali.
LADYBRILLE: Is there any question no
LADYBRILLE: Professor Mia Mask asks,
Common: I’d say my mother, my Math
LADYBRILLE: Professor Mask also
asks, do you think black musical artists are
misrepresented in the mainstream media?
Common: Yeah, absolutely. Rap artists
tend to be stereotyped in one way, as if they
all wear chains, curse, flash money and
abuse women. It’s unfair not to look at them
as individuals with different personalities.
one ever asks you, that you wish someone
would?
Common: I can’t think of any.
LADYBRILLE: Recent film school grad
Ashley Smith wants to know whether you
want to play another gangster, because he’d
like to offer you the lead role in the movie
he’s making, The Big Shibang. He’d like to
show you the trailer.
Common: Cool, have Ashley send the
trailer to my publicist.
LADYBRILLE: The Tasha Smith
question: Are you ever afraid?
Common: Yes, it happens sometimes,
maybe before I go onstage, before I shoot a
scene, or even when I just reflect on where
I am in life.
LADYBRILLE: The Columbus Short
question: Are you happy?
Common: Yes, very.
LADYBRILLE: The Teri Emerson
question: When was the last time you
had a good laugh?
Common: Just a few minutes ago,
doing a radio interview with Queen Latifah.
LADYBRILLE: The bookworm T
roy Johnson question: What was the last
book you read?
Common: I read the Bible everyday.
LADYBRILLE: The Heather Covington
question: What music are you listening to?
Common: I’m listening to the Just
Wright mix tape, Volume Two. The song
I love on it is Déjà Vu by Teena Marie.
LADYBRILLE: When you look
in the mirror, what do you see?
Common: Some days I see a king.
Some days I see a scared little kid.
LADYBRILLE: What is your favorite
LADYBRILLE: film
I’ve stayed true to who I was, as
much as I could. There was one
moment when a record label tried
to get me to make some songs that
sounded like Biggie and Nas, who
were the hottest guys on the radio
at the time, but I knew it would have
to come from my soul to be a hit.
LADYBRILLE: The Ling-Ju Yen
question: What is your earliest
childhood memory?
Common: Having my fourth birthday
party on a Fun Bus. I was with my mother
and remember feeling overwhelmed because
there were so many incredible things going
on on that party bus.
LADYBRILLE: The Mike Pittman
question: Who was your best friend
as a child?
Common: My mother, and then
my boy Marcus Murray.
LADYBRILLE: Uduak Oduok asks if
you think African music will be influencing
American culture in the coming years.
Common: Not only African music but
other aspects of African art and culture are
already influencing us in many ways. But
I think a lot definitely comes through the
music and the soul.
LADYBRILLE: Uduak also asks, who
is your favorite clothes designer?
Common: Paul Smith.
LADYBRILLE: What advice do you
have for anyone who wants to follow
in your footsteps?
Common: Believe in God, believe
in yourself, and know that it’s a journey,
and you will make it.
LADYBRILLE: Well, thanks again
Common, and best of luck with the
movie, and I look forward to interviewing
you again soon.
Common: Oh, thank you so much,
Kam. It was great to speak to you again.
God bless you and your family.
dish to eat?
Common: Tomato sauce, cheese
and bread. I love pizza.
LADYBRILLE: The Boris Kodjoe
question: What do you consider your
biggest accomplishment?
Common: It’s hard to measure them,
but I think the biggest accomplishments
are when someone comes to me and says that
one of my songs or movies changed their life,
got them through the death of a friend, or
made them want to marry their lady.
57
LADYBRILLE: lifestyle
AFRICan
PROVERBS
& their
meanings
by Robert Harris
Over the centuries proverbs in Europe and the Americas have functioned to distill simple truths that people have drawn from their life
experiences. Sometimes they relate to business, as with “the customer
is always right” or “any publicity is good publicity.” Other times,
the proverbial lesson is drawn from the simple act of living, seen
in expressions such as “the rich man gets his ice in the summer, the
poor man gets his in the winter,” or “success has many fathers, failure
is an orphan.” Africa, too, is a fertile source of proverbial wisdom.
Unlike proverbs in the Europe and the Americas, many African
proverbs have blossomed from the rich agricultural traditions of the
continent. Noah Dzobo has published a series of books on African
proverbs and is the basis of much of this discussion of these life
lessons. This column will bring to light uniquely African proverbs
and invite readers to explain their interpretation of the meaning.
Often, the meaning is hiddenand requires some background
understanding of tribal life. For example, “two yam eating children
will not tap palm wine into one gourd.” Dzobo suggests that histori-
58
cally, for children to eat yams, they must come from wealthy families.
Two such wealthy children will not cooperate in the carrying of a
single gourd to the palm wine factory as they are both of high status
and will expect the other to do the carrying. Thus, the moral is that
individual rights must be surrendered for the common benefit of all.
So, here is the challenge for
this edition. A Ewe proverb
states: “The pig says that
the day he puts on his
best clothes he does not
meet his mother-in-law.”
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K’Naan, HHP & Koji Antwi Up for Awards!
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59

Daniel louisy - Ladybrille® Magazine

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