Samona Naomi Williams is bound for the skies not the Wheelchair.

When Samona was struck by a rare illness that kept her bound to wheelchair and bed, it seemed like the world had came crashing on her. However, she was determined to be who she is created to be. Discovering the strength in her, her power, her rare gift of strength, she found her way around to cheat this life destroying illness. It is said this rare condition is incurable, can only be managed with combination of cocktail of medications. With such condition so threatening, humiliating and above all disarming, with unpredictable situations that comes like a wave of storm. Samona struggles to live and cope with daily normal life challenges like bathing etc. She was bound to be a burden and no longer the beautiful young rising film director who was a real asset.
Holding on to that special thing within, Samona collaborates with her photographer friend to create stunning images that are never been seen before. These images have not only been a source of strength and security for Samona but has become a source of inspiration, motivation and hope for many. It has become a campaign creating awareness on this illness.

How does Samona feel about her condition and where does she find strength to keep going ?
"Realising I wasn't going to recover easily, or quickly or worst still ever, I didn't know what to do. I had nightmares and I thought I could end it - MY LIFE!
There wasn't anyway I would live a life of being a burden to anyone. I felt worthless.
But then somehow, my strength soared thinking of diamonds, golds and all the beautiful and valuable things of life all went through immense pressure to become what they are. Then I began to see my illness from a different perspective, I began to see my value, my worth. I slowly began to see my illness as less torment more of growing into something greater than I have been. Today I could still contribute to my family and society by merely allowing myself to be me."

In trying to cope with this rare condition, Samona and her friend created an art project with their stunning images to tell the story of a woman BOUND to for the wheelchair but finds a way to cheat an illness that is not just debilitating my has no place in the life of anyone.

"This project BOUND meant I didn't have to be afraid any more. It gave me purpose, it soothed my pain and calmed my dark thoughts. It gave me my life back".

Samona's images will be exhibited at the Images of Black Women films festival kicking off May 4th and runs everyday till 11th of May.

*This will be another chance to get an exclusive sneak preview of what to expect from the main event as we will be planning a full "Bound" exhibition with all the images later in the year.

Main Bound Art Exhibition September 2013  - Will keep you updated on the launch party,

"Bound" is a collection of photographs depicting my journey through illness, and is a raw, unrestricted look at the moods and feelings I have experienced since being diagnosed. The photographer is Anthony David King*.

Samona's full story features on C.Hub magazine issue 3 out now. 

C.Hub issue 3

Rihanna designs for River Island get the look now!

Riri showcasing at LFW

Rihanna's collaboration with River Island has sparked a debate whether or not this is another opportunity for her to show off her talent or is it another stunt for her to continue to be in the news. Whichever one, I have seen something unique about her cuts. They are so her. The collections are typical of what Riri stands for and wears and I wonder if you too get it.


Would you like to wear her piece?





Get inspired by my selection from River Island.

Grey Crop Top with Originami Top; £35.00

Black thigh high split Maxi Skirt
£40.00

B/W bra cup top
£30.00

W/B sandal shoe
£95.00

www.riverisland.com 
for more info.

BEFFTA AWARDS 2012: All You need to know!!!

Beffta awards simply is the prestigious all black entertainment, film, fashion, television and arts award. The aim is to inspire, celebrate and recognise both the known and unknown Black achievers. The event is created by Pauline Long and is owned by East End Studios Limited.







4TH ANNUAL BEFFTA AWARDS UK 2012; Details.



HOSTS:

BEFFTA AWARDS GUESTS: All guests are by invite only.
Date: 27th October 2012 , Black History Month
VENUE: The Hippodrome, North End Road, Golders Green, London. N11 7RP
TIME:
DOORS OPEN: 4.00 pm
VIP ARRIVALS: 4.15pm
DRINKS RECEPTION AND CANAPÉS : 5.15pm – 6.30pm
PRE-AWARDS RED CARPET PHOTOGRAPHY AND PRESS INTERVIEWS: 4.15pm – 6.30pm
MAIN AWARDS SHOW: 7.00pm – 10.30pm
VIP Drinks: 10.30pm – 11.30pm
POST-AWARDS PRESS INTERVIEWS AND RED CARPET PHOTOGRAPHY: 10.30PM – 11.30pm
OFFICIAL BEFFTA AFTER-PARTY: 10.30PM TILL LATE





DRESS CODE: (MUST BE ADHERED TO!!!)
Strictly Black Tie/Full glamour
Men: Black Tuxedos or Black Suits
Women: Evening gowns

Beffta 2012 News is brought to you in association with C. Hub magazine. The first and only Black creative and talent magazine

Think real talents think C. Hub

STAY WITH US FOR ALL THE       
 BEFFTA NEWS!!!

NOW THIS IS C.HUB FOR YOU!

NEWS FLASH!!!, Princess Deun Ade Doyin -Solarin wins the Beffta media Icon Award 2012.

Princess 'Deun created the  popular TV show Princess of Arize on BEN TV SKY channel 182 following her popular celebrity host for the Nigerian leading talk show Morning Ride on NTA2 Channel 5. Princess of Arize show is the leading ethnic  media programme that continues to break new grounds. The TV show celebrates and features businesses, individuals and special events within the African and Caribbean community in Diaspora and beyond.
The Nigerian born journalist, motivational speaker and media consultant started her career as a broadcaster on NBC TV in 1975 over 35years ago, and has long embraced success in the media industry.She has long been known as a veteran, and multi award winning broadcaster of all time in the African/Nigerian community.
On the 27th october 2012, Princes Deun will walk the redcarpet with stars of Black entertainment to recieve her award.






Stay tuned for more on Beffta 2012!

Black History Month Special with iROCK! UK: DO BLACK GIRLS HAVE IT HARDER?

DO BLACK GIRLS HAVE IT HARDER? THE WORKSHOP:
DATE: 27/10/2012
VENUE: The lift Islington Youth hub.

In celebrating Black History month 2012, iROCK!UK have organised a workshop for the Black girl/woman. "This event is dedicated to motivate, elevate, honour and celebrate the 'everyday Black woman'".
Despite the great accompliments by Black women in the UK, there are still that lingering doubts and issues of identity, self-worth, and the doubt on whether one deserves success.
In dealing with these issues, iROCK!UK has carefully chosen the following topics to be discussed on the workshop:

                 a). Are we our own enemy?
                 b). My self esteem.
                 c). My identity
                 d). My weight.
                 e). My skin.

"These issues may seem like petty to some but, they affect deeply many Black women, especially the younger ones like myself. We talk about these amongst ourselves and watch shows where Black Americans discuss these topics but never have the courage to challenge the society or ourselves here", says Haja Bally 28, who is also an iROCK! UK mentee.

Other topics to be covered will also include, personal finance, career, and business opportunities. As always also, young people will have the opportunity to network with professionals from various fields in business.

iROCK! UK is a social enterprise providing the platform to challenge many issues that seem quite taboo among Black women in the UK.  iROCK! UK, creates the safe environment to openly debate these issues. Their programmes not only provide youpeople with mentoring support, but also help in securing them work placement and employment opportunities.

From now iROCK! will be hosting monthly workshops for the next consecutive 6 months. For more information on this event or any of the up coming event click here

Nollywood movie brings the Amina world premiere in London Leicester square today and its all good news for Africa Fashion week London.

Africa Fashion week london designers Benjamin Kitoko dresses the stars of Amina for the red carpet:

 The organisers of Africa Fashion Week London 2012 are delighted to announce their partnership with the organisers of the Amina premiere which will see AFWL 2012 designers dress a number of the actors for the red carpet of the world premiere of the Nollywood movie scheduled for today 17 October 2012 at London’s Leicester Square.

While Benjamin Kitoko who will be showcasing at AFWL 2013 will be dressing the co-producer lead actor Wil Johnson and the producer/director Christian Ashaiku, Connie Shalifa of Clisha Couture, who showcased on the second day of AFWL 2012 will be providing bespoke garments for the red carpet host Anneka Honor and a number of female members of the cast including Alison Caroll and Nicole da Silva Semedo.

Both Benjamin Kitoko and Connie Shalifa were interviewed for the promotional video for the premiere which is one of the most highly anticipated London premieres of a Nollywood production this year.

Amina world premiere is  organised by AOC Communications and Screen Nation Media and will be taking place today, 17 October 2012 at Empire Leicester Square with red carpet from 7.45pm featuring a host of celebrities from Nigeria’s Omotola Jalede-Ekeinde to Ghana’s Van Vicker, screening at 8.45pm followed by an after-party.

Project walk way Ghana; the woman behind the hit TV show: Bertha Owusu.

Project walk way Ghana is a Tv competition event that was successfully launched in 2011 and ever since have made a huge impact on Ghana's TV experience.The show is designed to have fashion designers and models compete with each other. At every stage, they are given tasks, on which they are judged. At the grand finale, the winner from both sides will be awarded a huge life changing contract to help them get on with their career professionally.  My black woman is delighted to have a chat with the woman who has worked so hard to put the show together.

Have you always been in the TV and fashion Industry:
No. I grew up in the Tema suburb of the greater Accra region. I had my primary and secondary education there. Then went on to study political Science and Psychology at the University of Ghana.

How did you get into organising modelling and fashion event:
After my University, I decided to go into modelling. I registered with Phase 1, a modelling agency in Ghana. I was lucky, to have had the opportunity to catwalk for a number of companies including Ghana Textile print, Akosombo textile limited, Dark and Lovely. I also worked with several big names in Ghanaian fashion industry including; Mawuli, Kofi, Okudjato, Kofi Ansah, Nora Banamann, Karim, Safo, and Ivana-elle couture. I participated also in the regional Miss Ghana in 2000 and emerged the winner. Then, I went on to compete in the national level and came out as a finalist.

What inspired you to take the plunge?
When I got married and moved to the UK, I didn't want my carrer to just go with the wind. I started on several beauty courses with ICS. I was also so much into attending Ghana fashion events and several other fashion shows. It was then that I discovered the niche in the Ghana fashion industry for Project walk way. Initially, I was going to have it in London, but on the second thought, I decided it was be more benefiting to take it to Ghana.
How optimistic are you with the finale:
I am very optimistic. Given the huge success with the launch in 2011, it is promising to be a success too.

How do you want this show to influence Ghana's fashion industry?
I am constantly following numerous blogs and fashion websites, comparing different world fashion and style trends. So that in this project, I aim to ensure that Ghana has the platform to compare alongside the global trend through project walk way.

The event is in December, how are you preparing for it from UK?
I have been back to Ghana for some time getting the whole thing together. I am here for a while and I will zoom off again to make the finishing touches.

Eldimaa Fashion label at Africa Fashion week London 2012.

Eldimaa's focus on the everyday woman makes her my standout designer of the day. Her collections are simple, unique, laid back, practical and stylish.
Her combination of the colours- teal, yellow, and cream blends very well to accentuate the natural skin colour of the wearer, black or white. She has also combined ankara with the lycra to bring comfort, yet giving the woman modesty and style for any situation. The yellow blazer is a must have.
Spot on!

Nigeria Entertainment and Lifestyle awards 2012 Announced.

The Nel awards, is an annual event that creates the opportunity to identify and reward excellence in Nigerian entertainment industry.  Debuted in 2011 and has now been known as the first and best of its kind in UK within the entertainment sector.
There are 8 categories to be recognised are: The best UK Nigeria:
                                             - Make-up Artist.
                                             -Actor/Actress.
                                             -Media personality
                                             -Best fashion Designer.
                                             -Film in UK.
                                             -Musician/Group
                                             -Entertainment and lifestyle Business.
                                                                                         -Playwright.

Nominations opened from 1st of August and is now closed.  Tickets for the awards night is now on sale and can been bought from the NEL official website

Event details:

Date: Saturday the 22nd of September 2012
Time: 6.30 till 11pm
Venue: NH Harrington Hotel 5-25 Harrington Gardens, South Kensington, London SW7 4JW
Price: £40 per ticket and £50 at the door
Parking: free from 1pm , nearest tube station Gloucester Road
More Information will be available on https://www.facebook.com/NelAwards and Twitter NELawards, also
For more information email info@nelawards.com or call +442071936733, 07944758428 or 07974435727

Women4Africa 2013: Nomination begins.

Women4Africa was founded  to help reward and recognise hard working African women who by default are the carers who are never cared for.

One morning a woman woke up and decided that this is not proper. She started bringing women together to talk about this issue. Today, Tola Onigbanjo,the wise one who is a Tv personality, and radio show host co founded women4Africa.

Early this year,  a host of African women were recognised in various categories including, enterprenuership, motherhood, and all works of life recognised for their effort and contributions to making the lives of people better.

This time,  nominations for the 2013 awards and to be honest there is no excuse what so ever that will make you not to nominate that beautiful, hard working, industrious, motherly, honest woman in your life. If you don't Oh well you have yourself to blame. To nominate her simply head on to the website: www.women4africa.com follow the instructions as laid out on the site. Goodluck with your beauty.



Award winners last season.

Seriously every woman deserves to be taken care of. Women themselves should learn not to feel guity in looking after themselves. Ask for as much as you are giving. Have time for yourself, mind body and soul. Take up the challenges of going after your dream. Being a woman does not make you a no achiever. You can also nominate yourself if there's no one to nominate you. Who knows...

Africa Fashion week London: The pictures you're dying to see.

The PEOPLE.

Eldimaa Fashion

Eldimaa Fashion.

Eldimaa her self Right.

Keve Designers and Fauntee.

Keve Designer (Elodie)

Emeka, Faunteewrites boss speaks to Ella&Gabby.