Africa Fashion week the final review in Video..

The 3rd installment of Africa fashion week London 2013 has just gone by but not in the minds of those who attended the 3 day event. And the 4th day which was the inaugural banquet event for the show. Bring to the shores of London and Truman's Brewery over 100 designers, 20,000 spectators from all walks of life. The venue was spectacularly grand, the models where epitome of Beauty and glam and by a mile again the best, the biggest and outstanding African event in the UK so far.
Here's C.hub coverage

C.Hub speaks to one of Outstanding African women in the UK Ms Sheila Ocen.

Few months ago, on the 18th of May 2013, United Kingdom saw as outstanding women of Africa were recognised for the various works that the do by Women4Africa.

Ms Sheila one of these winners spoke to us about her passion for being the change, why she started and leads various organisations, runs her own thriving business yet a dedicated student.

In 2010, young Ms Sheila raised £1000 through a workout project for families struck by poverty in Ghana. She also founded and runs her Signature S.O food business that offers catering and cooking classes and a sweet safari sauce making.

Ms Sheila Ocen is currently a student at the University of Surrey, studying a BA in English Literature. She is project manager and founding member of Christian Professional Network UK, a former President of the leading Christian Union society at Surrey University, leading 100+ members, in which she lead a team of 10, in fundraising, leading campus meetings, speaking at events for younger women in and around London, hosting 4 events over 8 months, and training the incoming leaders.

Absolutely fantastic woman in her right speaks to us about it all, and there's much to learn from what we heard. Hope you do too.

 

 

 

How does it feel being recognised for the works that you do?

It’s really great, more than anything for the platform it provides me with to scream about “the Sweet Safari Sauce.” And its role in empowering Africa as an economy.

Tell me about the Christian professional network? Why and what do you do with that?

CPNUK is an organisation set up by Samuel Kasumu also founder of Elevation networks. CPNUK has a range of functions, one of which is its aim to equip professionals with the tools to engage in wider public life. I worked as the project manager from 2011-2012 my main role was really managing projects like the CPNUK Church & University Tour , where we worked with an array of students and young people in the UK hosting workshops, where we used biblical principles to get the best and most out of them in their pursuit of their career aspirations.

You have your own business as well?

Yes I was so very fortunate to launch Signature S.O at the end of 2012, we hosted our launch event at the fantastic bar ‘The Loft’ in Clapham Junction, the turnout was absolutely fantastic, and business has been an amazing journey since.

Tell me of starting the business. What is your drive?

My drive is definitely the heartbeat behind the entire business; The Sweet Safari Sauce

Sweet Safari Sauce is a sweet yet spicy sauce, blended with delicious herbs spices and sugars from all over Africa. It prides itself on it’ source of Fair-trade ingredients. Fair trade fights against the exploitation of current trade laws that leaves third world countries subject to the abuse of unsubstantial pay, and working conditions. Through using Fair-trade ingredients, the Sweet Safari Sauce empowers those once caught in horrific working conditions, and poor working fees, and enables them to work jobs that fees a harm free living.

How are you able to focus also with your studies together with running the business?

Haha! This question never gets old, friends at uni catch me in the library during holiday seasons late at night taking out books on business and marketing and there always so confused. I’m an undergraduate by day, and an entrepreneur by night you can imagine just how important effective self-management is, I’ve learnt to treat time like a treasure, this and knowing what to prioritise, and when has been a very practical strength in managing the two.

You are studying a BA in English Literature, are we going to be seeing your published works soon?

Yes actually hopefully very soon, I’ve been in  the process of writing a book for the last few years on the topic of biblical womanhood. I don’t want to give too much away just yet, but the research, and male and female focus groups I have been hosting over the last year absolutely amazing, so definitely keep an eye out!

What area of writing would you be heading towards as a writer?

Poetry was my first love where literature is concern but over the last two years my heart and mind have loved traveling across the complex plots of fictions such as Jean Rhys ‘Wide Sargasso Sea.’

Looking back at the situation faced by most African women back home, what do you think should be done to empower them more?

Less focus on aid and more focus on empowering them within their communities with the ability, resources and knowledge on how to interact with the global economy. Africa has had over 400 billion pounds injected into its pocket through aid  and yet we stand worse off today than we were 5-10 years ago. I’ve always said it and I’ll probably never stop;

“Africans are sitting on Gold and they don’t even know it. If we empower women through enterprises like “Self Help Africa”

with the knowledge and resources to build and engage in business in a way that will not only profit them and their families, but there communities, their countries and further Africa’s economy. A sole focus on aid from the western world to empower Africa,, in my own opinion does the exact opposite. Aid alone has led in many cases to a non-progressive reliance on stability from the west, dependency breeds no room for empowerment. When women are equipped with the right tools, we generate a whole lot of power for a formidable continent.

What would you say to women who feel or are vulnerable?

Your value exceeds the limitation of your emotions, your surroundings, the negative and positive words of other people. Push onwards.

What is the best thing that has happened to you both as a woman and as person?

My mother. A friend of mine recently asked a question “Sheila you’re so ambitious and determined how did you get like that.” I responded “ I was bullied growing up, mainly by my brothers but more often by my mothers.” And until today those words are as accurate as day. My mum really is the ultimate lioness, watching her has been so beneficial to my development as a woman. The first of treasures she gave to me was an understanding of the necessity of a relationship with an all-powerful God, and saviour Jesus Christ, to date he is my constant source of strength of laughter of intellect and of peace in everything I do.

Interview by @Fauntee for C.Hub magazine.

Reviews, live interviews and behind the scene of the Afrobeat one mic show with our Rory

Our Chief Editor Faustina had a chat with Duchess TV, hear what she had to say.

It has been a journey with putting together C.hub magazine. It has also been us interviewing others, but today we are on the answering side. Our Chief Editor and co-Founder Faustina chats with the Duchess TV Nena Ubani on the amazing journey of being a mum, chief editor, author, poet, and finding MBW PR. How does she pull it all together. Lets hear her. But be warned she is very shy on camera. "Its a lot relaxing talking to thousands of people than sitting there chatting with just her" she says. You see what I mean. Better to ask than to be asked. lol.

Neleen Strauss award winner at Women4Africa on how she became the most successful African woman in London and starting High timber restaurant.

It wasn't a typical London weather. The day was bright not too sunny and wasn't windy or rainy as well. A perfect day to meet the warm hearted woman behind High Timber Restaurant - the only restaurant in London city with tables on the banks of the thames. Just at the heart of the city , a brief walk from St Paul's Cathedral and London stock exchange.
As we approached from the North side of the millennium bridge, we could already sight Neleen casually dressed, relaxed and cheerful. Just at the entrance, she reaches out to welcome us with a big warm smile and a handshake.  The entire setting and surrounding of the restaurant betrays they owner's simplicity, charm and sense of a tastefully high standards. A scene that says 'all is welcomed'. But on the other hand you are first going to be intimidated except you have the brave shoulders and taste for good things. No wonder the big shots of the city have spotted high timber as the perfect hide away from all of it in the city hassles.
In our chat with her, Neleen speaks of her starting the restaurant business, being a white African woman, her love for Africa, her winning all sorts of awards, the need for Africa to rise on her feet, her advice to the African woman and how above all she stays sure footed in a male dominated business.

On starting High Timber restaurant and staying successful and pulling in the top notch of the city.

Its barely 5 years since the doors of High Timber was opened for business but today, Neleen has become one of the most successful restaurant managers in London and has turned it into a global sensation, having survived two major recessions.
 How do you do it?
Simple. I stay honest and put in a whole lot of my time on it. I recognise who I am and stay firm on what I believe in. Being a female in a male dominated business does not mean anything to me. It's just like white and black. I don't see the difference. Maybe because I went to an all girls school.
Are you a strong person?
Yes. I never give up.

'She is obviously hands on wearing a pair of blue jeans a simple shirt and a white hand towel on her back pocket. Yes, its easier for me to be casual and on jeans while working, I can wipe my hands on them. She excuses herself going back and forth to check on the excavation going on at the basement'.

Aside from me, I have a very good manager who is hands on too. She pulls everything together. She is awesome she says. I also recruit my staff based on good looks and skills. They have to be looking good and is vast in knowledge, should know beyond being a waiter or waitress. But my cook has to know his skill because good looks is not going to make you a good soup. (laughing). Also I make sure the understand more about Africa and they have to be interested to know about Africa.
Do you have a background in restaurant business?
I studied drama and acting while in the university though I was a waitress in Johannesburg while studying.
What makes High Timber different from the lot?
Like I said we do our business based on honesty and specialising on what we know best. We deal specifically on South African wine.
What is in South African wine that makes it a world class?
I think the guys that do it have put in a lot of effort. Its still a few supplies in the world but I think they've done so well.
How expensive is it to dine here?
It's not that expensive. It all depends on how much you want to spend. It's still based on African concept.  I believe if you have something to celebrate go ahead and do it, if you have something to break, break it, not everyone's got it.
Who is your most famous customer?
Our most famous customer is certainly not Oprah Winfrey. I served her once in Johannesburg. We've had Patricia Atkinson, Matthew Johnson - Englands Rugby winning champion.  We get a lot of lawyers, politicians and we've had the England most famous Opera singer - Brent * here as well.
And they just walk in, sit down and place their orders?
Yes. We're always cheerful and courteous to our customers. There's this man he has always come here and we didn't know who was until one day he gave his business card to another customer and he was the chief of the chief of banks.
If you were Black skinned African, do you think you would have been this successful in the business?
Maybe no. Because I'm white, I relate better with the whites and because I am African and grew up as one I am able to relate with the Blacks too so yeah I think that's a plus. You know sometimes the white racists get caught up with me when they say things they may not have said before a Black Africa. There was this woman she came here and was enjoying her wine. As soon as she knew it was a South African wine, she went aaarrrggghhh! I gently said what is it? She went oh! so I have been taking a drink from Africa? I said what was wrong with that, she said Africa is filth. Then I lost my cool and asked her to leave my restaurant immediately of course after paying for her meal. I don't tolerate people insulting my homeland. You could feel what you want but you don't say such things before me.

Neleen on racism, apartheid, slavery, colonialism and Africa's stand in the world. How do you feel with the constant bombardment of negative media coverage on Africa?
I hate it. But Africa has to start doing something for her self . There's not a single country in Africa that is 100% reliant on another country. Africa has everything , enough to feed the rest of the world . Yes apartheid left a horrible legacy of all behind but we must stop blaming apartheid, we must stand on our feet. And yes we can blame colonialism for the tribes fighting each other but its over now. We must stop whining and move on. We have to get the corrupt leaders back on their backs . They don't look after they people that voted them.
If you are made the leader of Africa today what will be your priority?
Education. If you can read and write, you've got the whole world on your palm. But if you can't, people can tell you anything and you believe it. If you have quality education, you can take on the corrupt leaders.
How important is it for you to promote Africa?
Its very important for me.I am an African . I might not be as dark as other Africans but my parents are Africans and I grew up on African soil. I may have all the passports in the world but I remain an African. It annoys me when people think Africa is a dark hole. Someone once said, I envy those that haven't been to Africa because they have a lot to look forward to. And its a fact.

Neleen on relaxing, fashion, life and what's next.

Do you relax at all?

I rarely do. I never truly switch off.

What else do you do if at all you have a spare time?

I travel a lot. I love to go to Verona. There's a restaurant there that I fall in love with. I love New York and make no mistake and London too.

Ok between New York and London which comes first?

Of course London is a home.

Do you read and what do you read about?

I read a lot of business when am on the internet and I listen to Sky news a lot to get updates Africa if it's not too depressing.

Do you write as well?

Yes I do but not for anyone to see it (Laughing)

Why?

I mean I have had some published works but not that I'm that good.

What does fashion mean to you?

A lot. I love dressing up when i go to the theatre. The most important factor is it must feel good on the body. I love to smell good.

Who is your favourite designer?

Armani. I love Armani clothing.

Will you do it again, that is another restaurant?

Yes.  It's nice when the economy is good we are happy.  This is the only business that you advertise your product, the customer makes his choice, you make the product, and get paid for it, all in 2 hours and you make a friend. If restaurant business goes right, it feels good.

So yes, we may go to New York. They must all represent the good side of Africa.

What's your mantra?

what you give out is what you get back. What you put in is what you get out. Be good to others and they be good to you. And this applies in all aspect of life.

Neleen on the African woman.

You are beautiful and special. Believe in yourself and don't let anyone put you down. Don't take rubbish from overbearing African men. Stand up for yourself. You are the one who bears the children, and raise them up, ... You know no one quite understands the African woman.  She is not like a Norwegian woman that goes off in to work and comes back in. The African woman keeps everything together . They are just fantastic. They have the sun in their eyes and in their heart. Soft at heart.The African woman is like an elephant trampling over a match patch in the mud, when the sun comes out, the mattress dries up and it comes back clean. African woman is the best.

High Timber offers also space for private dining and meetings for organisations and individuals who want some privacy.
To experience the simple yet luxury feel of High Timber Restaurant visit the web site here.

Slow Wine by the new face of Afrobeat King David the great.

"SLOW WINE "is a collective infusion of Authentic AFRICAN sounds merged with a CARIBBEAN twang! It illuminates the Robust Musical Talent, of Both King David the Great and Kyle Lettman (former FDM’03 band member). The song is 3 minutes and 30 seconds of “pure Bliss to the eardrums”, and “Explosive gyration to the Rhythmic Waist Line!” It gives listeners no other option than to obey the Lyrics of the song and "SLOW WINE"

David Agboola known popularly as King David the great his performing name, is the next Afrobeat to watch out for. The ladies man will be hitting the airwaves this summer with his latest single ‘Slow Wine’ from next week on Choice FM and Radio one.

King David has been dubbed the ladies man due to his hypnotic voice, smooth sound and a body that continues to mesmerise his female fans.

Growing up.

This multi talented with Nigerian descent has been prominent with sports, acting and music as a child. He began playing musical instruments for his church choir at a very young age and by the age of 10 had already been known and loved by all for his talent and unique performance as an instrumentalist a role that now seemed as what paved way to his musical path now.

Influences.

King D has always been influenced by the likes of Fela Kuti, Sunny Ade, Majak Fashek and Bob Marley . As he grew up, his ears began to sway to the listening pleasure of  2Pac, Biggie Smalls, Brian McKnight, Marvin Gay, and R Kelly.  Using his unique talent, King D brings the love for both different sounds and style together, he went on to create a unique Identifiable sound of his own. Weaving together the sounds of Africa with that of contemporary Hip Hop beats and Pop sounds.

Stardom.

King D, popularity began to soar as when at the age of 14 he was performing for churches all over  the city of London and later landing himself a spot to perform for the Choice FM jam showcase performing alongside Omarion, Estelle and Chingy.  Since then, King D has gone on to perform with and as supporting star with major global names including; Lemar, Ciara and 50 Cent. He has also collaborated with the likes of Mike Jones, Twista, Akon and 2 Face Idibia.

King David the great has proven himself as a world class artist with his electrifying stage presence, contagious sounds, smooth voice and a body to die for. Building himself an untamed and strong fanbase in  UK,Nigeria, east Africa and set to break the USA. Read More

Live Links and Updates Website: kingdavidofficial.com Twitter: @kingdavid2k YouTube: kingdavid2k Intagram: kingdavid2k Facebook.com/kingdavidofficial fan page

A day with the Woman behind Women4Africa- Tola Onigbanjo @Wisetola.

                                                                         Interview by Faustina Anyanwu - Chief Editor.

In just two years of founding Women4Africa awards, it has fast become the most prestigious award in the UK. Women4Africa which is said to have come to live out of a 20 year desire to see women elevated and celebrated by all. With it's launch in 2012, W4A continues to produce new and exciting ways to impact the lives of African women and honestly every woman.

Tola Onigbanjo (AKA: WISE TOLA) as she is fondly known, the founder of w4A is a woman who is not just any other woman. She is first a mum of 4, a wife, an experienced banker author and also a TV/Radio presenter amongst many other talents she has been endowed with.  This multi- talented is also a beau, a helper who will never stay and not give a helping hand when it is needed. I personally have been in contact with this humble yet creative woman and this chat for C.Hub magazine has more to tell of the heart of a woman that has created a platform for every African woman in the Diaspora to  dream, excel and become who they ever wished to become. 

.We are having the second instalment of W4A this year how does that feel?

  Its Growth. It feels like this vision is growing and the dream to really brand and unite Africa and its Women is slowly but surely coming to pass.

 In a short space of time, W4A has become a house hold name in the Diaspora. What do you think has brought such success? –

Women4Africa has been long overdue. I believe Africa needs fresh leadership and direction. I know the definition of 53 African countries was decided and defined by non Africans. The people are one, the reason why people gravitate towards women4africa is because we Africans are one people, different dialects due to migration and tribal wars, but we are indeed One! That is what is seen at any of our events, Women from different African countries coming together.

 What is your major vision with W4A? 

W4A is a stepping stone, a platform to help re-enforce a singular Identity for Africa. A platform to help African women help the continent act as one.

 Do you think that vision is being actualised? 

Yes. Africa is one, it’s the sign of the times. Observe Europe and the European union, the United states of America! This is the way forward. W4A is part of a greater vision for Africa.

 Who is eligible to enter or be nominated?

Any African female born on the continent or of African parentage, even if they were not born in Africa.

 How has the recognition impacted the lives of the previous award recipients? 

Wow! I think you should ask them lol, but judging from the comments and emails they send I think they are exceedingly happy and the Awards have really opened doors. We get email testimonies not just from award winners but even from nominees of how it is impacting their lives and opening doors for them. Its very humbling and at the same time fulfilling to know that we are having an impact.

.When exactly is this year's event? 

The event is on Saturday the 18th of May 2013 at the Great Hall, Kensington, London W8 7NX doors open at 6pm for a 7pm sharp start.

.How many people are we expecting to attend? 

Last year we had over 600 in attendance. This year we are expecting up to 1,000 people.

.Did you ever think it will become this big?

I always believed that to represent Africa, it had to be world class, the very best for a great continent. I like to see myself as someone who thinks big so I always have that in mind with anything I do.

 Are you supporting any Charities this time, which and why? 

Our chosen charity to support this year is AMREF UK and that is mainly because of their ‘Stand Up For African Mothers’ campaign. We are hugely in support of this.

 What message do you have for the African woman?

My message for the African Woman is to be bold, be strong, live out your dreams and don’t let anything hold you back. If you believe it then you can achieve it.