Healthy Glow: Healthy Eating, La Mode & Ramblings

Fashion Attack: Portraits of Some of the Best Dressed Men in Africa, The Swenkas

There is something about African men. Yes, I may be biased since my family is from Ghana, but it is the way they carry themselves. Even when times are tough and things get hard, attitude is what makes the most difference. Like the Swenkas (which I assume is derived from the word ”swank”) carry the weight of the world but also undeniable swagger, cockiness, and unbelivable style. From the color of their suits, to their wide smiles, these men have it.

There is no way you could deny that The Swenkas got it right. I dare you to say otherwise.  

Portraits of some of The Swenkas of Johannesburg, photographed by Marc Shoul, men who dress up every Saturday night, in their Sunday best, and compete in a mixture of fashion of choreography for prizes and prestige.

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(via obruniradio)

My African Culture: Lake Retba in Senegal

A boat floats on what looks like a huge strawberry milk-lake. The wooden vessels were photographed from the air bobbing on Lake Retba, in Senegal. From above the mass of water - which spans one square mile - looks staggeringly similar to a giant milkshake. And just like the Dead Sea swimmers are even able to FLOAT on the water with ease.The bizarre colour is caused by high levels of salt - with some areas containing up to 40% of the condiment.

Michael Danson, an expert in extremophile bacteria from Bath University, said: “The strawberry colour is produced by salt-loving organism Dunaliella salina.

“They produce a red pigment that absorbs and uses the energy of sunlight to create more energy, turning the water pink.

“Lakes like Retba and the Dead Sea, which have high salt concentrations, were once thought to be incompatible with life - hence the names. But they are very much alive.”

Salt collectors can often be seen scouring the expanse to remove the valuable mineral - but first have to coat their skin with sheer butter. This helps protect their skin from exposure to the intense salt levels in the three metre deep lake. Salt crystals cling to the bodies of miners who work the lake everyday to extract its contents.And towering piles of collected salt litter the shoreline. Villagers then process it before selling and using the valuable mineral. (via)

(via streetetiquette)

My International Culture: Unwanted Refugees by polish photographer Tomasz Szustek 

A photographic documentary on the state of migrant workers living in the UNHCR-run Choucha Refugee Camp, located 7km from the Tunisian-Libyan border. Many of these migrants initially left their home countries in search of better opportunities, and were now forced - once again - to flee once again, leaving behind whatever life they had established in these North African countries, after the eruption of violence following the Arab Spring.

In the photographer’s words:

Choucha camp, Tunisia, 7km from the Tunisian-Libyan border accommodates about 5 thousands African refugees who fled from Libya. Camp is run by UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) with substantial help from NGO-s.

Despite efforts and good will to ensure good conditions, refugees suffer from the lack of drinkable water and complain about poor quality food. No security is provided in the camp at the night time. Most of the refugees cannot return to their war-torn homelands. Western countries are unwilling to accept them.On May 22 nd 2011, tragic fire broke out in the camp claimed 4 lives. Desperate African refugees started protest against conditions in the camp by blocking the road to the crossing border point in Ras Ajdir. Security forces violently crackdown on protesters. Most of the camp was looted, destroyed or burned during 3 days of unrest in the camp. Groups of refugees of different nationalities were fighting on each other, local Tunisians and army soldiers took part in these fightings as well.

Western journalists present at the scene were beaten by security forces and local Tunisians. Recording equipment was temporary confiscated.

My African Culture: Portraits of women with headscarves in Burkina Faso by Guillaume & Pauline

African head wraps have been a part of both the African and the African American culture for centuries. The colorful cloths represent the history of the African people and are worn proudly by both men and women. African Americans who wish to preserve their heritage typically choose to wear head wraps even today. The head wrap has a different meaning when worn by men than it does when worn by women. Even the colors of the head wrap have a different meaning.

Read more: History of the African Head Wrap  

via dynamicafrica

Fashion Attack! Naija Fashion: Nigerian model Paula Okunzuwa for Tanzanian label Chichia London’s SS ‘10 collection

One of my favorite brands. “East Africa meets London cool.” Check it out here. I dare you NOT to fall in love with every piece.

via comingonstrong

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