“We created a platform last year called NBA Meets Culture,” Gbemisola Abudu, NBA Africa VP and Country Head, NBA Nigeria, explains of the initiative. “The five pillars of the platform are arts, fashion, film, music and tech. Tech has become a fifth part of our culture because it enables all the other pillars. It just so happened that arts was the element we started out with last year, choosing to celebrate basketball through the lens of Nigeria’s rich heritage and arts culture first.”

It is almost symbolic that the evening event celebrating the 2023 instalment of the NBA Meets Art initiative took place in the Tiffany Amber Gardens. This lifestyle hub, housing the flagship store of one of Nigeria’s premier luxury fashion brands from the tail-end of the 20^th century, is a testament to how following a dream, no matter how crazy it may seem, can have unexpectedly wonderful and positive consequences.

This is not the NBA Nigeria’s theme this year in its collaboration with artist, Dennis Osadebe; however, it is the overarching message in its commitment to supporting the culture of the communities it exists in and extending its influence beyond the courts.

“First, people don’t realise that when you think about sports and arts, those are two languages that the youths resonate with. They’re the language of the youths. Arts is a way in which the youths express themselves, and, there is that natural synergy between arts and sports, it’s always been that way historically,” explains Ms. Abudu.

“Then, on top of that, one thing has become quite exciting in Nigeria. Through the invention of Art X and Art Week, art has been democratised. It has taken it away from the elite to the average Nigerian. That is why it was very important for us to do an installation there because we wanted to speak to the youth in a language that resonated with them. So, if you look at the installation that we created with Dennis where we talked about team building, working together, and building communities together, this is part of our messaging for the youth. So when you say why arts, that’s why arts. If you really peel back the layers, you can see where the natural fit comes in between sports and arts and specifically, basketball and arts.”

Dennis Osadebe concurs wholeheartedly.

“I would say that arts is in the fabric of everything … I got into basketball from playing video games. So from NBA2k to NBA streets, NBA figurines, NBA toys like a toy of Kobe Bryant, a toy of Iverson – that was my entry into the sports. And I would say, that’s arts. That is expression. That is almost giving the user the tool to express themselves. And you know, I found that very important in this collaboration because art also is very representative of culture, and a big part of culture is visual art.”

Based on the theme ‘Passing/Building/Victory’, the installation features five masked figures — Osadebe’s signature style — all holding a ball.

“This collaboration speaks to passing, it speaks to teamwork. And that is the ethos behind basketball – teamwork. You can’t win by yourself and I wanted to draw that into the work. That is why in the installation there are five different sculptures. So those five sculptures represent a basketball team about to make a point. And they’re arranged like that because that is an offensive position in order for you to attack and make a point. And the reason why it’s rotating and they’re spinning around is because they’re looking for who to pass the ball to.”

How did this collaboration come to be? For Dennis, it all started when “Gbemisola reached out to me saying look Dennis, this is our objective with NBA Nigeria and we would love to work with you on this next version of NBA Meets Art. And once that conversation started, I was excited because what is very important to me is to elaborate on being an artist and showing that there is not just one way to be an artist. You can be an artist that also celebrates community in a sexy way. So we started the conversation and what stood out to me is that basketball is a sport of 5 people that play as a team. So I said I wanted to build on that idea of teamwork because teamwork is important to sports and it is important to the community. As a community we can’t be great by ourselves; we can’t even go through the day by ourselves. We need people in every part of it. So it was just organic once we started the conversation to build on the collaboration.”

For Gbemisola, it was a bit more complex than that.

“When this conversation started about creating an installation at Art X, it really was about what type of artist’s body of work and signature speaks to who we are as a brand, and, who has a natural affinity for the brand. And I am not saying … a natural affinity for the NBA or for basketball is a requirement for us to work with an artist. But for the thought process for the first work we do, we wanted an artist that had a natural affinity for the game, understood the game, and understood the ethos of the NBA.”

“A name that was consistent in all the conversations I had, whether it was from research I did (I’m a lover of arts as well, so I’m familiar with several of the artists in the space), having conversations with Art X, having conversations with different patrons of art; a name that kept coming up consistently was Dennis Osadebe.”

“As we grow the footprint of the brand in Nigeria, there is a level of intentionality on how we showcase Nigeria to the world, how we showcase our excellence and the amazing things happening in our creative industry. So, when you look at all those different layers and you have all these criteria that we sort of spelt out, one person that checked a lot of those boxes was Dennis. And that’s why we decided to go with him for our first collaboration with an artist. And expressing to him what we were interested in creating, and him being able to come back and say, based on what you’ve said, based on my work, here’s what I would present. And the theme of ‘Passing/Building/Victory’ came together.”

Judging by the response NBA Nigeria has received from this first installation, Ms Abudu is more than confident that the initiative is not only here to stay, but would also unlock incredible and unimaginable opportunities for the Nigerian art community and just about everyone who is affiliated with the NBA here in the country.

“So this is the first time we have collaborated with an artist in Africa for our NBA Meets Art initiative; we’ve never done this before. And what we’ve seen so far … is an insane level of interest from galleries around the world. Everybody has been like this is amazing work. I’ve received calls from galleries from all around the world who’ve said, ‘Can you bring this work there?’ There is a hunger for it, seeing the reaction even at the fair, all the pictures of kids painting on it and really just having a great time, seeing a bunch of kids saying they want to take the figurines home with them. And a lot of people saying they want a piece of this at their home, can they buy the figurines? It just really drives home the point that wow, this really was successful, people love it, people care about it.”

As for what is next for Nigerian art and the larger community within the NBA, Gbemisola is very optimistic. “We’re going to find very interesting ways to implement programs and initiatives to deepen our involvement with the arts community in Nigeria in a sustainable manner. There are plans to figure out what that would look like after the success of this installation with Dennis.”

The post NBA Meets Art at Art X 2023 to Influence Beyond the Court first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

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Hennessy launched In The Paint back in 2021 to foster community development through a blend of art and sports. So far, seven courts have been unveiled and are in use all over the world from Nigeria to Ghana, Tanzania to South Africa, Barbados, Mexico and Hong Kong. By bringing Joakim Noah on board, Hennessy hopes to move from just building physical structures that local communities can enjoy, but establishing programmes that would also elevate and empower its members.

Noah is no stranger to sports and arts. The former basketball star who is renowned for his grit and tenacity on the court, as well as his contribution towards his teams’ successes has been busy since his retirement in 2021. His personal project, the Noah’s Arc Foundation (which he co-founded with his mother, artist Cécilia Rodhe) combines arts and sports to help people living in underserved areas discover who they really are outside of the physical realities they live and deal with. He is also heavily involved in other initiatives like the One City Basketball League in Chicago, the Basketball Africa League, and, the NBA.

This October, Joakim Noah came to Lagos, Nigeria to launch the latest Hennessy In The Paint basketball court located in VGC Lagos. We sat down with him to talk about his life and pursuits and find out more about this new initiative.

In conversation with Joakim Noah begins now …

ALM: You come from a strong professional athletic family. Did this in any way pressure you into sports?

JN: I don’t think it pressured me into sports. I think sports is what I’ve always wanted; basketball is what I’ve wanted. And I was blessed to see … at a young age, I was able to see my father train. And you know, just being in that kind of environment, it definitely shaped me. So I knew what it takes, the sacrifices it takes to become a professional athlete. And it’s not easy.

So I’m happy that, even though that part of my life is over now, it’s [now] about mentoring and partnering with the right people and building infrastructure.

ALM: What has been the downside of coming from such a strong, athletic background?

JN: Downside? No! I am living out my dream. Ever since I was a kid, my goal was to become a professional basketball player and I was able to do that. Now, it’s about transforming my experience into inspiring the youth, and, being able to partner with initiatives like In The Paint and Hennessy and big platforms like this only make the work easier because they are building the right infrastructure for these kids.

ALM: With the type of work you’ve been doing with different brands (the NBA and BAL (Basketball Africa League) to develop basketball as a sport, what has been the greatest achievement(s) for you so far?

JN: The biggest achievement has definitely been investing in the NBA African League … because a lot of these initiatives, especially when I was younger, as a player [did not exist and] I was alone. And you know, that’s always tough. So just connecting with the right people [has been great] but I think, so far the one that I am most proud of is the [court] that we built in Cameroon on my great-grandfather’s land.

So, we built a beautiful court and the team – we have a local team – just made it to division 1 last week. Being able to partner with these initiatives like In the Paint is only going to make it better. We’re just trying to grow basketball in the continent as much as possible and all around the world.

ALM: What is it about sports (basketball) that keeps you coming back? How important, in your own perspective, is sports in character and career development?

JN: Well, I think that basketball gave me the opportunity to live out my dream, so I think that these are things that kids can really explore on the continent. I think we’re still in the early stages when it comes to basketball. So the more we can highlight basketball and put the light on basketball, the more the kids will be inspired. And the more we grow the game, the more opportunities will come for people on the continent. I think that’s what it’s all about.

ALM: So apart from the opportunities, how do you think basketball can help with career development and personal improvement on the continent for our people? 

JN: I think that basketball is not only about becoming a professional basketball player. It’s the whole ecosystem around it that you can learn from. The values from the game are so important. The team building — you know, when you’re working for a company, you’re not going to be alone, it’s not just going to be your thoughts. So, it’s about teaching people how to work together, so I think that using sports to build communities makes so much sense because it’s the ultimate unifier. When I think of the top unifiers, I think of music and I think of sports. So, not everybody is going to be a musician, not everybody is going to be an artist, not everybody is going to be a top basketball player, but the values you can get from it can help you in the next endeavour.

ALM: Now that you’ve put it this way, with the basketball team you’re building in Cameroon, what are the things you’ve seen that make you think, ‘this was a good thing to do?’

JN: Well, I just see the growth; I see the talent is growing. I see it’s going to be the year for the NBA Africa league, so I see the top players playing on the continent, on government investment. I see government investment in different countries: Congo is building stadiums; Rwanda just built a beautiful stadium, Senegal – the NBAs just made a big investment with the academies. Our goal is to build an academy in Cameroon.

So I just see basketball really growing on the continent. Not only can we bring the people together through basketball, but I think that we can also add workshops and really localise some of the things to make the communities better. I think a great way to do it is to bring the youths into sports initiatives.

ALM: Sometimes we focus too much on the players, forgetting that there is an entire ecosystem: you have the referees, you have the coaches, you have the physiotherapists and all of that. What are the plans for people like that to come and support the court and actual players?

JN: Well, I’ll give you an example. There is a kid in Cameroon who really had the ambition and dreams to play in the NBA. So he was posting videos of him playing basketball. And he would go viral all the time because of the structures which were very limited. And he was doing whatever it takes. We were able to use him as an influencer in the BAL and utilise his platform to kinda help grow the sport [locally].

So I think what is beautiful is the relationships that you build during these community events, and then you can incentivise the kids as well: OK you guys come in, this is more than just a basketball tournament. We are not here to find an NBA player. This is about building and coming together, having a good time, and seeing what kinds of relationships you can make out of it.

ALM: What was the one principle you applied while playing professionally that you can say contributed greatly to your success?

JN: I think a line I always go with is, “Humble yourself or the game will humble you” because a lot of the time, people come and think they’re the best because they’re the best in their region but you’re always going to find somebody who is better than you. You’re always going to be in a position where somebody might dunk on you and embarrass you on the court. But you have to move back quickly. So it’s important to have a humble soul and just live in the moment.

ALM: So what is one special moment you look back and think, “I’m glad that I did that?”

JN: Well, I was just saying that when I built my court in Cameroon this is something that took a long time, that was not easy, you know, just bringing all the resources from America and bringing it to Cameroon and getting that kind of access was very hard. But, when it got done, to be able to go home – see, the court is near my grandmother’s school that she had built 65 years ago, still going on today – it’s something I’m very proud of. This is my responsibility. I was able to build a court, my father was able to build a tennis court, and my grandmother built a school … this is all part of our roots and our tradition.

ALM: What is it about the In the Paint and all these collaborations that made you think it is a good fit for you?

JN: I think that this initiative with In the Paint and Hennessy makes a lot of sense to me. Art and sports are the main things about my foundation. So I think this initiative makes a lot of sense because I see them using local artists to build the courts, and expression is something that is very important for us. So I just think this partnership came very organically. I’m really excited to go to the court today and feel it out and see the vibes and then we go from there because at the end of the day, I work with the NBA and to have a partnership like this that focuses on sports and arts. It was just a no-brainer.

ALM: Are you an artist in any way? Do you draw, do you paint? Do you sculpt?

JN: My mother is an artist. My initiatives were a lot in the city of Chicago, so my mum does sculptures with the kids; it’s art therapy. And I understand how therapeutic sports and arts can be. I really believe in these core values, and I think that’s why I’m here.

ALM: What is the toughest challenge you faced in your basketball career? How did you overcome it?

JN: Honestly, there were a lot of highs, and there were a lot of lows. It was a career that I wouldn’t trade for anything — you know, I played at the highest level against Lebron James and Giannis and all these great players. I also played with the youngest MVP, Derrick Rose, playing for one of the most prestigious teams in the world, the Chicago Bulls, but it wasn’t easy. There were suspensions and some tough moments: losing is hard sometimes. You know, I was a very emotional player and it’s tough. While I was playing, I didn’t sleep well throughout my whole career. I sleep a lot better now!

ALM: What do you think would be a natural progression on the continent now with what Hennessy is doing?

JN: I think the progression is happening. Infrastructure is very important; they’re building sustainable models where we can follow up and make sure the kids are getting the right coaching. I think that that’s something that is great. But for me, this is my first day working with Hennessy so I’m not over here trying to say what we should and shouldn’t do. For me, I just want to be here and pay attention and see where I can make myself the most helpful as possible.

ALM: Is this your first visit to Nigeria? What has your experience been like so far?

JN: Yes, this is my first visit to Nigeria and I’m really excited to be here. I’ve spent a lot of time in Cameroon and this is the country down below. But when I think of Nigeria, I think of Lagos; I think of Fela Kuti and I really hope we have enough time while I’m here to go check out the shrine.

ALM: What are your 3 favourite cities in Africa and why?

JN: I mean, I’m going to definitely say Yaoundé first because Yaoundé is … that’s my root and my heritage. You know, I kinda have a few spots over there that I know where to go to and see my friends.

I love going to Dakar, I think Dakar is a beautiful, beautiful city. We were also able to bring some kids from Chicago on our last trip over there. We went to Gorée Island and I think that was a really powerful trip for the youths … for them to feel their roots and their heritage even though they’re not sure exactly where. It is definitely empowering so I was very proud of the Dakar trip.

And Kigali. We just came back from Kigali. Kigali is a beautiful, beautiful place, the heart of Africa. We went to see the gorillas as well. You know, a vibrant city, but a little more chill. I think that Nigeria has a lot more action, a much faster tempo but I’m used to it.

And you know, I love Morocco as well. There’s so much to see.

Complete the following sentences

If it wasn’t basketball … I think I would have enjoyed coaching or being a part of working in a community centre with kids. I love working with kids.

I cannot go into a meeting without … talking points!

I cannot leave home without … my debit card.

My favourite thing in the world to do is … to chill on the beach.

‘In Conversation with’ by ASPIRE Luxury Magazine celebrates stars, influencers, celebrities and public figures, shining a spotlight on their lives and the incredible stories they have to share.

The post In conversation with Joakim Noah, Former NBA All-Star and Global Ambassador, Hennessy In The Paint first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post In conversation with Joakim Noah, Former NBA All-Star and Global Ambassador, Hennessy In The Paint appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

Lupita’s decision to work with De Beers was influenced by more than the beauty of diamonds or the feeling it evokes in those who love them: she explained that the brand’s Building Forever project, which has goals to engage 10,000 girls in STEM, support 10,000 women entrepreneurs, and to invest at least $10 million across southern Africa by 2030 was what attracted her to it.

“Their focus on creating opportunities for women and girls in southern Africa is an effort clearly very close to my heart,” says Nyong’o, who has in the past been involved in various philanthropy work across the continent with organisations such as Mother Health International (MHI), a nonprofit organization in Uganda that provides healthcare to pregnant women in underdeveloped countries.

For De Beers, their collaboration with Nyong’o is a perfect fit. “With her rare magnetism and elegance, Lupita Nyong’o is a testament to the power of boundless possibilities,” says De Beers’ CEO Marc Jacheet, “Embodying modern and responsible luxury, Lupita is an inspiration for all of us. De Beers is proud that Lupita has joined our Building Forever commitment to people and the planet and we stand with her as she embarks on an exciting chapter in her career.”

As part of her partnership with De Beers, Lupita starred in the fine jewellery label’s new “Where It Begins” campaign which debuted on October 24. In it, she sports pieces from the label’s Enchanted Lotus collection, walking with the diamonds from discovery to their transformation into jewellery.

Like De Beers, Lupita Nyong’o understands how jewellery can capture our attention and wrap itself around our lives. “I typically wear a chunky ring or a yellow gold hoop earring in my daily life,” she tells Vogue. “I am a creature of habit, so once I find something that I love, I will wear it all of the time.”

The post De Beers has named its First Global Ambassador: Lupita Nyong’o first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post De Beers has named its First Global Ambassador: Lupita Nyong’o appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

At ASPIRE, we’re constantly thinking outside the box, and, for this year’s celebration, we thought what if, instead of a list of high achievers or images of people crossing their hands, we shone the spotlight on everyday women in the corporate world who have been unfairly treated simply because of their gender? We know that stories are the lifeblood of every society, linking the past to the present and providing the blueprint for future generations to follow.

And so, for the first time, we turned over our pages to women from all walks of life to write their histories of bias. We asked what their experience was like, and how they handled it.

Some of the stories may sound familiar, others not so much. We hope that these honest, first account narrations will remind us of how far we have come, but how much farther we need to go to create a less prejudiced and more equitable society

(The stories have been edited for clarity and brevity)

Name: EOB

Age: 55

Business Owner

Annual income: NGN4m

I had just started a family, was married for about 5 years. I had a 4-year-old son and had been trying for another.

I worked as a publicity manager/ credit control manager for a generator company. Back then it was the foremost amongst others. I worked closely with the Managing Director. In fact, we were only 3 persons reporting directly to him; his secretary, P.A and I.

In my second year in the company, in 2001, I became pregnant. I was very excited! Nobody noticed my growing tummy because my job entailed going to meetings and organizing billboards et al. So this one day, as I was strolling into the office, my M.D was also driving in, he stopped to greet me and we chatted a bit. While doing so, he noticed the changes in my body and asked, “Is there something swimming in there?” My response was “yes” and I went about the business for that day smoothly.

Only for me to get to work the following day and I was served a letter relieving me of my duties/responsibilities in that office. I was asked to immediately hand over to another woman who was single and was also rumoured to have been dating the MD. No reason whatsoever was given for the termination. Since then, I have never worked for anyone. I resolved to start my own business. I immediately registered a company and I have been thriving ever since.

It was a nasty experience because I had a young family. My (now late) husband was an architect, so I was the only one who had a ‘somewhat’ stable source of income.

I vowed never to work for a ‘one man’ business again! I never worked for anyone although I later took up a temporary job with the E.U. where things are done properly. 

Name: TMA

Age: 51

Professional

Annual income: NGN120m

My boss (a male) was fond of bad mouthing me in front of other people at evaluation meetings and always insisted that I wasn’t good. He would rather promote and push my male colleagues as he felt a woman should be at home.

It was frustrating for years but I kept on persevering, developing myself and ensuring my work was top notch. My break came when my MD gave me an assignment that was make or mar. I put my whole heart into it and with prayers, I delivered results that had never been seen company-wide. At this point, my boss could no longer spin his stories and I was liberated, given the right evaluation and promoted. Perseverance, focus and quality work always pays.

By focusing on my work while continuously developing myself and selling my story when I could, I was able to overcome gender-based bias at work. I also got mentors that advised me on what to do.

Name: VNU

Age: 56

Professional

Annual income: $100,000

I faced discrimination at work on account of my age, but I looked beyond it and made sure it had no effect on following my ambitions.

Name: AE

Age: 35

Professional

Annual income: NGN2.5m

I have had male clients talk down to me simply because I am a woman, but each time, I speak up for myself. 

Name: CT

Age: 35

Professional who owns her company

Annual income: NGN5m

I was in a business meeting with a group of men and I was asked to serve the refreshments because I was the only woman in the room.

I spoke up for myself, refused to do it and ensured it never happened again.

Name: B

Age: 34

Professional

Annual income: NGN1.3m

I was assigned to an event in Abuja but it was later reassigned to a male colleague because according to my boss, it wasn’t wise to leave my child and husband for 3days.

I said nothing and just took it in good faith.

Name: Mrs O

Age: 35

Brand communicator

Annual income: NGN2m+

A male colleague (the legal officer) and I went for an official assignment outside our station. We helped resolve a community crisis amicably, and our colleagues (on that site) gave us money to thank us for our intervention. The legal officer took a bigger sum and gave me something smaller.

I immediately rejected it but he retorted that he is a man [and thus deserves a larger share]. I told him to keep the whole money to himself or share it equally. He reluctantly took the latter option. I also reported the case to our Regional Head.

Sharing really personal stories that may have really affected the people involved can be a bit daunting, which is why we have chosen to keep respondents anonymous. Bias can happen to anyone at any time, and we hope that these stories inspire women in similar situations to take the right action while serving as a teachable moment for organisations and businesses.

Breaking the bias is more than lengthy words and fancy images, and, as these stories prove, would require the right policies to make sure that everyone is treated impartially, regardless of who they are and what they believe in.

Happy Women’s History Month!

The post ASPIRE x IWD 2022: Breaking the Bias Stories By Real Women first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post ASPIRE x IWD 2022: Breaking the Bias Stories By Real Women appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

We had just exited the worst of a global pandemic and, for Africans living on the continent, an additional uncertainty heightened by protests and economic instability. We daresay almost everyone approached the new year with some level of positivity, as to do otherwise would have been near-fatal.

It is against this that we decided to launch a special feature, the ASPIRE Ones to Watch. We had hoped that by highlighting the fantastic achievements of the young men and women on whose shoulders lie the future of Africa, we all can look forward with some assurance that indeed, tomorrow is brighter than today.

And it appears you shared our sentiments going by the feedback we received. For 2022, we have once again put together a list of young people whose work, businesses and achievements are an inspiration to everyone.

Shamim Kaliisa

To kick off this feature, allow us introduce you to the 26-year-old powerhouse whose innovative approach to the management and eradication of cancer has seen her save thousands of lives. This she has done on a continent where the disease can often be a death sentence, due to a lack of awareness, inefficient government health policies, equipment, specialists and more importantly, a lack of health insurance adoption needed to see treatments to the end.

In her second year in medical school and barely in her 20s, Shamim developed pains in her breast. A medical check revealed she had cancer and tuberculosis, a result made more terrifying by the fact that she had lost her mother to cervical cancer about 7 years prior to her diagnosis.

Thankfully, Shamim survived, although she lost a breast to the painful disease. Following this experience, she founded Community Dental and Reproductive Health Ltd which later evolved into Community Healthcare Innovation Lab or CHIL AI.

In the beginning, CHIL AI offered mobile cancer screening to women in rural Uganda as well as mobile dental services to school children in Uganda. Today, through its mobile app, Keti AI, the technology-driven medical company offers related services like consultation, test results interpretation, referrals, radiology reports, and, automated drug ordering to more than 700,000 women from over 10 countries including South Sudan and the DRC.

Shamim is looking to expand her reach within the continent and beyond – she hopes to offer her services in  Asia and Latin America. With everything she has achieved so far at such a young age and in such a short time, it is safe to say that we have not heard the last of Ms Shamim Nabuuma Kaliisa or CHIL AI.

Laetitia Ky

When it comes to art, there is usually no general definition of what is good or bad, since art appreciation can be rather subjective. However, if you have ever encountered the work of Ivorian artist, Laetitia Ky, it is hard not to immediately appreciate what you see. Laetitia’s art is unique.

Rather than working exclusively on typical surfaces like cardboard, wood or canvas, she often uses her hair to create elaborate sculptural pieces. And not just any kind: more often than not, her creations tell a story about the kind of women Laetitia sees and knows – their struggles, dreams, fears and the challenges society burdens them with.

Laetitia’s work stands out for several reasons. First, she isn’t just beautifying hair or making aesthetically-pleasing styles. Every hairdo is a creative and visual representation of the socio-economic challenges women (mostly African women) undergo.

Secondly, she works with afro-textured hair that has received a lot of bad press over the years. Using it the way she does not only proves the versatility of our hair, it also showcases its literal and metaphorical beauty.

As an artist, Laetitia is constantly growing. Only recently, she added the title ‘author’ to her name. Her body of work is so niche, yet rich and robust that we believe it is only a matter of time before she becomes a truly global force to be reckoned with.

Aristide Loua

At a time when the world is beginning to notice African fashion, Aristide Loua’s Kente Gentlemen is yet another example of how rich and multifaceted this aspect of our culture really is.

For Loua, Kente Gentlemen is not just another fashion brand: it is a sartorial ode to traditional African fashion that he feels compelled to tell after his travels all over the world.

“In such an interconnected world, Kente Gentlemen is a means to discover, value, celebrate, and foster our diverse socio-cultural heritage and identities through fashion, aesthetics, photography and other visual arts,” he says of his brand.

Aristide aims to keep traditional practices alive while celebrating his love for art, social good and fashion. Working with local handweavers, tailors and other artisans, he creates mostly modern suits and shirts for men and women based on intricate stories and concepts that reveal some of our innermost emotions.

The fashion label was part of the Birimian x IFM accelerator program and has been featured in different publications and on different global platforms. African fashion is beginning to take its rightful place on the global stage, and Aristide Loua’s Kente Gentlemen is sure to be one of the key players driving worldwide adoption.

Heba El Dessouky

Sustainability is more than a buzzword, and Heba El Dessouky understands this all too well.

Shortly before the 2020 lockdown, when the fashion industry was beginning to contend with its high levels of waste and its contribution to the climate change crisis, the  Egyptian actress and model, Hébà El Dessouky launched AGAN. (As Good As New)

AGAN is a response to a global challenge with a straightforward idea: get people who have unspoiled luxury items they no longer use or have never used to advertise on a trusted platform where there are eager, interested, paying customers.

Sustainable practices are not as strange to Africans as most people think, even though the concept in itself is relatively new. However, it is almost unheard of to find someone like Heba actively running a business for pre-loved luxury fashion items. She has definitely set a standard for other celebrities to follow, and, whether or not they do, her name is sure to make the list of personalities on the continent that made a substantial impact in sustainability at a time when it mattered the most.

Setsabile Mkhabela

There are many e-commerce brands dedicated to fashion retail in Africa, but not many offer the same services as Setsabile Mkhabela.

Like Heba, Setsabile launched her business in 2020, but unlike AGAN, Boast-ID focuses on emerging fashion and lifestyle brands, not just from Africa, but from all over the world that put sustainability at the heart of their operations.

Boast-ID currently features over 20 brands from Africa, Asia and North America. But for Setsabile, there is still a lot more to be done for emerging fashion and lifestyle brands. Her goal is to create a thriving community of retail fashion businesses in the luxury space that live and breathe sustainability. If her track record is anything to go by, we will be hearing much more from the E-Swatini entrepreneur very soon.

Noxolo Fani

Do you remember what you said you would be when you grow up?

Chances are that your current reality does not match any part of your childhood fantasy. This is not necessarily because, as a child, you had no idea what you wanted, but because you may have gotten confused along the line and had to switch to a career path that felt safe and looked like something you could live with for the rest of your life.

This is exactly why Platform Excel, founded by South African Noxolo Fani, exists.

Using gamification and robotic process automation, Noxolo guides students from grades 8-12 on their career paths. “I lived through not having the right advice at the right time as a young woman. As I grew in my own profession I embarked on a journey to help those living through the same experience,” she explains of her decision to found Platform Excel.

Noxolo Fani continues to seek out opportunities to assist young people discover who they are meant to be, whilst opening doors for them by helping them secure scholarships, internships and positions in different companies.

Sisqo Ndombe

Like Setsabile, Sisqo Ndombe has developed a thriving online platform for creatives, only this time, the e-commerce site is for artists and art lovers looking to invest in works from the African continent.

As an artist living in the DRC, Sisqo Ndombe quickly realised how difficult it was for upcoming African artists to sell their work. He decided to do something about it, and after saving money from a side hustle, Bandombe Galerie was born in 2018.

His first sale happened 8 months after the online art gallery went live but today, it boasts 800 registered artists from 30 African countries and more than 3,000 artworks in its catalogue.

Like other entrepreneurs, Ndombe dreams of more growth, even though he knows that this means more work. He is committed to growing his client base while pushing for the adoption, appreciation and acquisition of African art by Africans and not just the global community. With all he has achieved in the last four years, we dare say he is on the right path to achieving his dream.

The post ASPIRE Ones to Watch, 2022 first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post ASPIRE Ones to Watch, 2022 appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

As early as 6:30 am, golfers and visitors began to troop into Ikoyi Golf Club 1938, which was the venue for the day-long event. Registration was the first activity of the day and it was immediately followed by a hearty breakfast to get players and guests energised for the activities ahead.

After the hearty meal, everyone followed the 116 participating amateur golfers to the course for the first game of the day: the tee off. Among the players representing the Nigerian community were renowned sports legend, Segun Odegbami; Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu and the captain of the Ikoyi club 1938, golf section, M.I Okoro.

The highlight of the tournament was the Putt for Charity, a specially curated activity where golfers played for a million naira cash prize to be donated to any of the following prior selected not-for-profit organisations: Evolve; the Chioma Ajunwa Foundation; Nucleus Africa, and, Visit a Hospital Today.

Mr Odegbami emerged as the winner for team Nigeria while Comrade Shaibu made a personal donation to the four nominated charities.

Speaking on the importance of the event, Mr Okoro stated that “it was held to foster global unity and it was exciting to see golfers who are giants of industries come together for good”. Mr Dan Ngerem, founder of the Dan Ngerem Sports Foundation which was the main sponsor of the tournament, further explained that “for the charity aspect of the event, we were careful to pick organisations that have served as advocates for several causes ranging from youth empowerment to girl child education”.

The Nigeria and International Community Golf Tournament is an annual golf game that brings golfers together to play for a charitable cause. The maiden edition held in 2021 at the Ikoyi Golf Club 1938 and this year’s edition, which had as its headline sponsor the Dan Ngerem Sports Foundation and J Lindeberg, held at the same venue.

Below are more images from the event:

ASPIRE Luxury Magazine is proud to be the Online Media Partner for the event.

Photo credit: Dami Taiwo Photography

The post Face-off for Charity: Nigeria vs International Community first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post Face-off for Charity: Nigeria vs International Community appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

Last year, skincare reigned supreme in continuation of a movement that had gained strength in 2020 and which was our response to the challenge of having literally nowhere to go. 2021 saw the continued rise of skincare-makeup hybrids amongst other trends, and now, this year, industry stakeholders are predicting that skincare will continue to top global beauty trends; however, it will pivot to products that are effective, ‘clean’ and keep up with global, innovative sustainable practices.

Chanel has clearly been reading and keeping their thumb on the pulse.

No. 1 de Chanel’s star ingredient is the camellia, a motif that is already synonymous with the brand, and, like others, has its own unique lore. For 10 years, Chanel researched the medicinal properties of this plant: apparently, the red variant contains a high concentration of protocatechuic acid, a powerful antioxidant that may slow down the onset of senescence, a biological process in which ageing cells lay dormant, causing dryness, laxity, and dullness in the skin.

Chanel seems to be almost certain of its anti-ageing properties, as all the nine products in the No 1 de Chanel line utilise almost the entirety of the camellia plant in a formulation that is 97 per cent natural. They include the Red Camellia Powder-to-Foam cleanser; the Red Camellia Revitalizing Cream – a scented whipped moisturizer that acts as a barrier protector against the elements; the Revitalizing Serum; a blendable foundation; six tinted lip and cheek balms, and, the L’Eau Rouge, a fruity mist for women that combines the red camellia with notes of red berries, rose, jasmine, musk and iris.

With regards to sustainability, the brand states that it has reduced single-use plastics, with every product in this line coming in streamlined packaging or recyclable glass, while the refillable jar of the barrier-protecting cream comes with a cap that is made of crushed camellia seed shells and sustainable forestry–certified wood shavings.

What is better than using skincare and beauty products that are guaranteed to give you the best results without harming your skin or the environment? No. 1 de Chanel definitely understands the beauty industry, and, other brands are sure to follow its lead in the coming months.

The post No. 1 de Chanel epitomises Current Trends in the Beauty Industry first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post No. 1 de Chanel epitomises Current Trends in the Beauty Industry appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

Set in the woodlands of central Serengeti, the eight-unit luxury safari camp — complete with four-poster beds, lavish bathrooms, in-room Wi-Fi, and gourmet food — employs only women, from the chefs and guides to the managers and housekeepers. Some are mothers and wives, while others are young and single. Most importantly, they are fearless. Working in the bush isn’t easy, but the Dunia Angels, as they call themselves, make it seem effortless. They are equipped with a steadfast determination and a sisterhood that bonds them in the African wilderness. And they want other women to follow suit and guests to have a distinct safari experience.

Braving the wild

Central Serengeti is famous for its rhino, leopard, lion, and wildebeest sightings. At Dunia and similar semi-permanent camps, the fear of encountering wild animals is always present: structures are situated within the national park without fences, each guest tent surrounded by long savanna grasses. But the women of Dunia see the beauty, rather than the danger. “It’s breathtaking, being so close to nature and the animals,” says Doris Moshi, a 26-year-old who started out as a trainee and became a waitress at Dunia this year. “Everybody is dying to be here and I feel lucky.”

Doris, like the rest of the staff, works eight weeks straight and gets two weeks off to visit family. She uses this time away to encourage other women to work in the bush. “I go out and tell them that you get to see wild animals and mingle with guests from different countries. You learn many things.”

Forming a sisterhood

Females in the safari industry face many challenges, chief among which is feeling homesick, says Siyaeli (Elly) Moshi, manager of Dunia. “We are remote, of course. Everything is far away from everyone. Most of us are mothers. We leave our kids at home and miss our families,” she says. Since she’s not alone in feeling this way, the women of Dunia formed a sisterhood, and she considers them her second family. “We share so much and we have fun together. We are really, really close. We make it happen as a team,” says Siyaeli.

Doris (no relation), agrees. “We are sisters, we are relatives. We are the only people we mingle with. If I am in any trouble, or in any need, they are the ones first attending to me.”

The strong bond they share and their joy of working in the Serengeti is obvious. From the moment guests arrive to the last wave of tutaonana baadaye (‘goodbye for now’ in Swahili), they become part of the Dunia family. The women join in song and dance to celebrate the comings and goings, milestones, and life itself around the evening fire, at the dinner table, and by the entrance. There’s a spring in their step and a sense of pride that comes with being accepted and rewarded for their contributions, and one can’t help but feel elated to witness it.

Providing a world-class safari experience

Serengeti National Park is one of the most remarkable, wildlife-rich places on Earth. On game drives, Dunia visitors can witness everything from the Great Migration to lions, hippos, elephants, and a plethora of stunning birds in the scenic Moru Kopjes and Seronera regions. For an unforgettable Serengeti safari, it’s important to have a knowledgeable and passionate guide.

In the past, being a guide was considered a man’s job because of the work involved: long hours, navigating muddy roads, changing tires, and protecting guests in the event of wild encounters. But Grace Matemba is just 26 years old and already considered one of the top guides of Asilia Africa. “A good guide needs to be confident, compassionate, patient, and knowledgeable,” says Matemba, with a beaming smile and eyes scanning the tree canopies for a hanging leopard tail.

There are currently only an estimated 20 female guides in the country. Thanks to companies like Asilia Africa, women are empowered to not only take on jobs as waitresses, guides, chefs, and managers but also to excel in them.

Before coming to work at Dunia, Matemba recalls not even being able to drive her own vehicle during her freelancing days. “When I got to Asilia, as they like to empower women, they taught me everything: how to jack up a car, how to change a tire, and how to handle anything that we may come across. I go by myself now,” she says.

A worry-free vacation

Even before your vehicle arrives at Dunia, you can hear and see the entire staff dancing and drumming to their welcome song, “Jambo Jambo.” This jubilant melody invites guests to have a Hakuna Matata experience, with no worries during their stay. The camp itself, set in a tranquil corner of the Serengeti amid an open woodland, affords expansive views of the bush. Each spacious tent includes a bathroom with a hot shower, in-room Wi-Fi, a safe, desk, and a luxurious bed. Plus, it comes with a large veranda to take in the views.

Guests can experience two game drives, or a full-day drive, in the endless plains daily. A gourmet breakfast and lunch are available at the camp or in the bush. In the evenings before dinner, everyone congregates by the campfire for drinks and “bush TV.” The entertainment is the roaring fire, impressive sunset, and vivacious singing and dancing of the Dunia women.

Asilia is taking precautions to keep everyone safe and worry-free during the COVID-19 pandemic, with improved hygiene protocols and extra care at the camps. Staff members get tested prior to returning to the camps after their time off. There is a dedicated team working with each guest to limit interactions and meals are offered separately.

Guests wishing to stay at Asilia’s Dunia Camp will have to go through its partner tour operators. These will help to plan their entire safari and other activities like fly camping, hot-air balloon rides, and stays at additional camps. The tour operator also assists with arranging COVID-19 testing to move between countries and provides a comprehensive list of the forms needed to travel seamlessly.

Source: Travel+Leisure

The post Dunia Camp Makes History as the First, All-Female Safari Camp first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post Dunia Camp Makes History as the First, All-Female Safari Camp appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

And while business may be booming in the virtual world, in reality, quite a number of people and countries are still shut out of it, not because they have not been invited, but because, as of now, they have not found any practical reasons to make a transition to the metaverse. Data is not readily available, but, based on trends on the African continent, you could say that such ‘out-of-body’ experiences do not really feature in our top ten list of needs and things in vogue.

 

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That is, until recently, when Delz Erinle, a product and UX designer and Niyi Okeowo, an art director, started Thrill Digital.

At the height of the pandemic last year that forced global lockdowns, Erinle saw how difficult it was to shop seamlessly from the safety of our homes. His solution? Team up with Lead Developer and Chief Technical Officer (CTO), Luke Jeffers, to use 3D to create a VR shopping product that would make the entire process more accessible and effortless.

From here, Thrill Digital moved on to pitch a lot of investors and in January this year, won a $40,000 MegaGrant from Epic Game to create a VR shopping product. They achieved this  – “an innovative 3D experience for London Fashion Week” which was showcased in February – in collaboration with Lone Design Club.

Now, the digital creative firm wants to make their products even more interactive and attractive by bringing them into the real world. The idea came after Erinle carried out research in a mall in London where he asked people if they would play a game to win luxury prizes. The feedback they got from people was affirmative. “We didn’t set out to create a metaverse project initially. It was like a virtual shopping experience, first,” he said.

The result of the research gave birth to Astra by Thrill Digital, a fashion crypto game in the metaverse where players who happen to love fashion, use crypto, and love games can win real-life fashion luxury items. The game would have its own crypto token, which must be connected to a crypto wallet. Players will try to amass as many crypto tokens as they can within an allotted time, after which a leaderboard is created where winners will be declared and take home luxury fashion items.

Speaking about the challenges Thrill Digital has faced so far, Lead 3D designer, Charles Egbejule, explains that daring to dream they can build a mini metaverse out of Africa was one of the biggest challenges they had to face. For lead VR architect Adekunbi Ajai, however, building remotely from different parts of the world was more of a challenge for the team. But they were able to adapt and can now easily communicate, she added.

Brand designer and co-founder, Niyi Okeowo, agrees but adds that raising awareness on a new concept like digital fashion was part of the numerous challenges they faced. “We were trying to sell the product while teaching people about it,” he explained.

Astra went live on December 20 and the first luxury fashion item users will be playing for is a Balenciaga Small Hourglass Tote Bag which will be delivered to the eventual winner wherever they are in the world. The game is available on PCs for now but will soon be rolled out to VR headsets and, hopefully, mobile devices.

Source: Techcabal

The post Astra is Africa’s First Metaverse Crypto Game That Allows You Win Real-Life Luxury Items first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post Astra is Africa’s First Metaverse Crypto Game That Allows You Win Real-Life Luxury Items appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The Johnny Footwear company (which by the way aptly rhymes with journey!) was created by Canadian designer Luc Houle and named after Johnny Appleseed, the nurseryman largely credited with introducing apple trees to the United States. Houle was worried about just how long it will take for the average footwear to biodegrade once it is tossed away (1000 years) and wanted a solution that would 1) decompose faster, eliminating harmful and toxic waste and 2) not harm the environment in any way from conception to death.

That solution is the Johnny sneakers made from organic cotton coated with beeswax for waterproofing and natural cork for the insoles to eliminate foot odours and provide comfortable and custom cushioning. It also has an inbuilt collapsible heel that allows you to slip in and out of the shoes without having to tie and untie laces.

But how does it turn into an apple tree when you bury it or throw it out for an onward journey to the landfill? Well, each pair has an apple seed encased in a pod which is in turn planted into the midsole. When the shoes get buried into the ground, the biodegradable process starts, and eighteen months after, the pod breaks loose, releasing the seed in a haze of fertilizer which will aid its growth into a tree.

Simply because the sneakers are biodegradable does not mean they will not last long. The brand has promised that you can wear them as long as you like and the decomposing process will only start once it is buried in the ground.

The Johnny sneakers launched on Kickstarter in November and has so far raised $73,022. With all the interest and support it has received, it appears as though it is only a matter of time before other fashion brands, including those in the luxury space, switch to materials that mimic those used in the footwear. Maybe in future, we can expect our shoes to become whatever fruit tree we desire when we are done with them.

You can preorder a pair there in either white or black, or on the brand’s website here for $125. Orders are scheduled to ship out in June 2022.

The post Next Gen Shoes: A Footwear that grows into an Apple Tree at the End of its Life? first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post Next Gen Shoes: A Footwear that grows into an Apple Tree at the End of its Life? appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.