Studio 53 Line-up for MNet on 17 January

Scrap Metal sculptor (Ghana)

Anita went to find out more about Ghanaian artist, Nana. This creative artist feels strongly about not wanting his work to be ‘boxed into a category’ and prefers to simply call it African abstract art. Nana blends and reforms scrap metal, with the idea of giving life to dead objects through recreation and art. His use of unique style and curious material choices certainly sets him apart from competitors and other artists; it is a fusion of traditional art and modern mechanical engineering. Watch out for Nana!

Anglo Gold Ashanti Awards

At this year’s Anglo Gold Ashanti Awards, designers were inspired to look beyond traditional jewellery, blurring the lines between design disciplines, fantasy and reality, tradition and modernity. From over 1000 entries, the preliminary judging panel selected 11 finalists. Their 22 designs were then manufactured by goldsmiths before the final judging process. Andreas won the Technical Excellence award, after spending more than 500 hours working on his winning creation. The designs were edgy, exciting, off-the-way pieces and it was indeed a fun and inspirational event.

Salsa on the beach (Tanzania)

In American Spanish, the name ‘Salsa’ means spicy flavor and this describes the dance Fareed took part in, during the event, Salsa on the beach. The salsa dance enthusiasts gathered at The Golden Tulip hotel to enjoy the spirit of Havana’s makeshift dance halls. Salsa dance is a dance genre created by Spanish-speaking people from the Caribbean. The dance mixes African and European dance influences through the music and dance fusions that are the roots of Salsa: essentially Cuban Son, but also with other influences.

LISE Beauty Range and Makeup Artistry Studio’s in Nigeria

Adaure met with Eni Lise Balogun, the owner of LISE Beauty Range and Makeup Artistry Studio’s in Nigeria, and one of Nigeria’s leading make-up artists.

LISE’s mission is ‘to empower you into professionalism’ and yes, they do keep this promise!

Adaure visited the beauty studio to find out more about the beauty services offered and she was impressed. Eni strongly believes that bodily beauty is perceived through the five senses, and that it may be concerned with parts of the body, the whole body, or movements. LISE products are specially formulated for the woman of colour, with weather friendly, oil free products that promote healthy skin and enhance one’s inner beauty. This is one beauty place worth checking out

Seychelles Travel

Gaetano visited the beautiful Seychelles islands and witnessed the natural beauty of this place once believed to be the original site of the Garden of Eden. He walked through the hauntingly beautiful primeval forest of the legendary Vallée de Mai, which is also the last habitat of the endangered Black Parrot. He also had the opportunity of seeing the lively Sega dance with its elegant hip-swaying and shuffling of the feet, as well as the traditional Moutya, a mysterious, erotic dance dating back to the days of slavery when it was used as a way of expressing discontent. He visited the town Victoria, the islands Mahe, Praslin and Ladigue. This is one travel story not to be missed.

Lagos furniture Exhibition

This year's open day, themed “Celebrate your space,” showcased IO's wide range of innovative furniture, fittings and fixtures, particularly its functional and contemporary range of “made in Nigeria furniture”. The idea of the exhibition was to redefine conventional perceptions of furniture and space planning and to encourage a creation of an integrated and harmonious look and feel when decorating.

Lady Jaydee (TZN)

Lady Jaydee - real name Judith Daines Wambura Mbibo is an Afropop musician from Tanzania. This award-winning artist was among the first females to sing R&B in Swahili and she is one of the hottest acts in East Africa. Thembile caught up her to find out about her music and what she is up to these days. Lady Jaydee is married to radio presenter Gardner Habashi and is known for collaborations with international artists including Samba Mapangala from Congo, Chameleone from Uganda and Mina Nawe from South Africa. Watch the show for more interesting news from this hot & happening singer.