Afro Funk & the Inspired Fashion

Afro Funk has always inspired some creative and coforful fashions.  Some looks that I have always loved, but have never been cool enough to pull off!  😂

"Afro funk - also known as Afro Beat, is a music genre which developed in the 1970s out of a combination of West African musical styles, such as Fuji music and highlife with American jazz, with a focus on chanted vocals and percussion. The genre features chants, call-and-response vocals, and complex, interacting rhythms. The man to coin this term also known as the father of afrobeat is Nigerian multi-instrumentalist and bandleader Fela Kuti who popularised the style both within and outside Nigeria. It was partially borne out of an attempt to distinguish Kuti's music from the "soul music" of American artists such as James Brown." - Wikipedia.  To see more about the history of Afro Beat, go to - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afrobeat.

Alessia Cara's Soulful song "Here"

Check out this great song called "Here" by new artist Alessia Cara. She has a great voice, I can listen to this song over and over again!

Nico & Vinz Music Video - Am I Wrong

I am  in love with the new song and video from Nico & Vinz called "Am I Wrong". Not only are they singers talented with a great song, the video is also visually appealing and unique.

"The video for "Am I Wrong" was filmed in Botswana. It was put together in a deliberate effort to present a positive side of Africa when the image of the continent is too often mired in negative news stories." - Wikapedia. The song also has a great message of thinking outside of the box and not following the crowd.   To learn more about the singers, go to their website Nico & Vince.

London Born Singer Lianne La Havas

"Lianne La Havas no longer needs any introduction; her trajectory has been well documented. Her name has become synonymous with beautiful, soulful, emotive songs about heartbreak. Aged 22, her debut album reached number 4 in the UK album charts, was nominated for this years Mercury Music Prize and she can now count Stevie Wonder, Prince, Erykah Badu, Bon Iver and Jill Scott as fans.

 Lianne announces the release of a two-part video with Noisey.com and Essence.com for singles "Elusive" and "Gone". Director Colin Solal Cardo (La Blogotheque) said of their partnership: "I've been collaborating with Lianne for more than a year now, but working on this project felt like something completely new. Lianne's a brilliant storyteller, there's a true cinematic quality to her songs. When you listen to them, you go through all these emotions and narratives, like a collection of short movies. We felt like it was finally time to build a world around these songs, give life to these love stories and let Lianne actually become these characters. Be it a candid young girl falling in love, or a heartbroken femme fatale in the middle of the woods. I feel fortunate for the trust relationship I have with Lianne, it's something any music video director has to cherish because it's rare and precious. Ultimately, that's what allows an ambitious project like this one to exist."" - by Noisey

 

A Lady Named Pearl

Linda Pearl Fils-Aime, also known as A Lady Named Pearl, was born and raised in Miami, FL to parents that migrated from Haiti to the United States.  Pearl started rapping when she was 19 years old after singing background vocals in a studio.  “As I heard the rapper deliver his rhymes,” she recalls, “I thought to myself, this is something that I would like to do.”  That night, she went home and wrote her first 8 bars. The next day, she went to that same studio and asked the producer if she could record the rhymes she wrote. He let her, and when she walked out the booth, he gave her the name "Black Pearl.” Pearl’s 8 bar rhyme was added to a song that later landed on the radio, and her rap career was born. Pearl’s hip hop style is infused with Jazz, African, and Caribbean influences, while blending empowering lyrics with beauty and style. She credits Lauryn Hill, Grace Jones, and Fela as her major influences.

In June 2012, Pearl released her debut album "Transformation" executive produced by Daz-I-Kue of Bugz In The Attic, to glowing reviews. Of the album’s 12 tracks, Pearl states that track number 3, titled “Natural,” is her favorite. The first single from the album, “Natural” pays homage to the natural beauties of the world and has a real connection with audiences. But, the song has an even deeper connection to its writer.

In 2010, Pearl went natural.  “My hair was damaged from chemicals, and I became frustrated. I was wearing wigs to hide the damage,” Pearl remembers.  “After a while, I reached a point, where I no longer wanted to put chemicals in my hair, I no longer wanted to wear wigs or weaves, so I did the big chop.” Pearl refers to this decision as one of the best decisions that she’s made in her life.  “I have found my identity, and I love who I am.”

Going natural has also benefited her career as she has found an audience that shares her values. “I have a unique look, and it's me, no hiding under anything artificial.”  In addition to being a performing artist, a model, and a professor, Pearl also serves as "2013 World's Next Top Natural Hair Model," sponsored by Taliah Waajid. This title helps her spread her advocacy.

Pearl does not feel pressured into conforming into mainstream media’s image of beauty because she is happiest with her current image.  “The youth motivates me to maintain my image,” she says.  “I want them to know that it's not all about weaves. You have options, and you can still be fly, sexy, and cool, rocking your natural hair.” 

For more updates on Pearl, please visit her website at http://www.aladynamedpearl.com.    ~ Written by Kentrice Rush

Singer - Elle Varner

  

 Great music by talented singer - Elle Varner!

To see more of Elle, check her out on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter and her Website.

Goapele's Tour Dates

 

For Goapele fans - she is going on Tour. See her tour dates image for more info or go to Goapele Events. Check out her new video Play -

Carolyn Malachi - Beautiful Dreamer

Beautiful song and message from singer Carolyn Malachi. To learn more about the singer, visit her - 

Website

Facebook Page

Kelis's TWA

 I like Kelis's new hair cut. Her TWA (teeny weeny afro) is cute. She looks great with short or long hair. Check out her new video - 4th of July

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Andy Allo

Andy Allo is a talented and beautiful singer, actress model and song writer. To read about how Andy embraced her natural hair, check out her interview on ManeandChic. And can be find on the following sites:

Andy Allo.com

Facebook

Myspace

YouTube

She's Back!

Shade is an amazing singer. When I heard that she was returning to her singing career, I couldn't wait to hear her new music. Her new album Soldier of Love was released on February 8th, 2010.
Sade
Sade's Blog

Goapele's Milk & Honey Video

I love Goapele! I've been a fan of hers for more than a decade. And I am proud to say that she is from my home town, so luckily I get to see her perform when ever she returns to the area. I have also seen her throughout the Bay Area, and she has a beautiful spirit. Very down to earth, sweet and humble.

Milk and Honey - Goapele from goapele on Vimeo.

When she wore her hair in Loc's, she was a huge inspiration for me. And she is still naturally beautiful with her current unique braided style. Goapele has a new album coming out and here is a track from her new CD. - Source