Issue 13  |  March 2010

Craig David Album Launch Party

Craig David performed live at Scala on Tue 9 March to promote his new album Signed Sealed Delivered, out on March 23rd.

Pics (c)  Ian Gavan/Getty Images

Mo’Nique wins Academy Award

After scooping up major awards for her performance in movie Precious (Golden Globe, BAFTA, Independent Spirit Awards…). Mo’Nique wins the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

The video shows the comedian reacting to her win. Congrats!

Author Sapphire on “Push” and “Precious”

In a talk to students of the University of Saint Louis in Missouri, USA, author Sapphire talks about the inspiration behind her cult novel Push that has been made into hit movie “Precious” by filmmaker Lee Daniels.

Read the full article on stlamerican.com

How To Be An African

A humourous piece from Chika Unigwe, author of On Black  Sisters Street, on the Western world’s perception of how it is to be an African.

If you are a writer, never forget to acknowledge the fact that your writing style derives from the great story-telling traditions of your people. Talk about being inspired by hearing a wise ancient tell stories under the perfect moonlight of a village night. Fill your memories of such nights with the sounds of chirping crickets; of animals living in complete harmony with humans.

Read the full piece on Africawriting.com

On Naomi Campbell

A short piece about Naomi Campbell’s evolution from fashion icon to charity fundraiser, as well as her unexpected friendship with the prime minister’s wife Sarah Brown.

Read the full article on Times Online

Erykah live on Jimmy Fallon

Erykah Badu debuts new single Window Seat live on US TV show. The track from her forthcoming album New Amerykah II (out 30 March) already sounds like vintage Badu.

Don Cheadle about Miles Davis biopic

Miles Davis biopic has been in the works for around 10 years. A-list actor Don Cheadle, who is directing and producing the movie as well as starring in the film, says that the project is finally gaining momentum.

Read the full interview on vibe.com

Ekow Eshun to be removed as director of the ICA?

According to reports,  ICA exhibitions director Mark Sladen has asked that Ekow Eshun be removed from his post as director of the ICA (Institute of Contemporary Arts)., stating that his faith in Eshun has been “gravely undermined.

Read the full story on the Guardian

Marley Family to Grace Zimbabwe Indepence 30th Anniversary Concert

The family of the late reggae legend Bob Marley is expected to grace a concert to commemorate Zimbabwe’s 30th Independence anniversary at the Glamis Stadium in Harare on April 17.

The family, which includes the talented Ziggy, Damian, Sharon, Steve, Julian and Cedella, has confirmed the trip.

Show organiser Patrick Hundu of Studio City said the Marleys were coming to perform at this year’s Independence celebrations in the same manner their father was part of the festivities at the birth of an independent Zimbabwe in 1980.

Read the full story on Pan-African News

Sade on the cover of Ebony 2010

Hard to believe Miss Sade Adu is 51! Here she is on the cover of Ebony: