Top 6 Afrocentric Gift Ideas

Ronke Scott Gallery Artworks MINIATURES sold on Bellafricana Marketplace

Have you been looking for Afrocentric gift ideas? With the global craving for African things worldwide, this is a market you need to delve into as various brands are looking for ways to incorporate African ideas into their gift items.

Have you ever visited a recreational center and seen the lovely display of Afrocentric decorations? or have you seen African souvenirs such as Ankara-covered books, Ankara gift bags, African-themed mugs, and so on?

If you love almost anything with an Afrocentric twist to it, then this article is for you to choose from a plethora of beautifully crafted handmade African products.

Here are 6 Afrocentric gift ideas for you:

  1. ADIRE FABRICS

There is a specific type of African print known as ‘Adire’, and Asologe has made it their business to deliver standard prints. Like ‘Alice in Wonderland, get lost in their store. Michelle Obama even had a dress sewn in this adire piece, and the good thing about it is that.. it is not limited to just dresses alone, but also; bags, scarves, shoes, etc.

      2. ART WORKS

Gift items in form of wall paintings are the best way to convey thoughts and emotions. telling stories using African histories and ideas. Best gift ideas for a wonderful family or a special person. Ronke Scott gallery is your go to for all things artworks.

      3. HANDMADE JEWELRY

I am yet to see someone who isn’t in love with jewelry, oh really, there are tons of people who love sleeky and simple styled jewelry, so don’t think you are out of place when making this selection.

Zivanora, stylish jewelry, and accessory brand has done justice to this particular work of art, from melting irons to artistic and aesthestic aesthetic design finishing. If you intend to win a woman’s heart, trust me, it will most likely end with a ‘yes’ to this beauty.

      4. HANDMADE QUIRKY CARDS

Sometimes the best expression for joy and love is best expressed through a personalised card and can be gifted to that special relative, family member, lover, spouse, good boss, great colleague, and significant other in your life. This Not Just Pulp quirky cards are handmade and careful done with some Nigerian humor You wanna make memories, try this one

Mother Koboko card by Not Just Pulp sold on Bellafricana MarketplaceJollof Happy Birthday Card by Not Just Pulp sold on Bellafricana Marketplace Dad Multi card by not just pulp sold on Bellafricana marketplace

      5. NATURAL BODY PRODUCTS FOR MEN OR WOMEN IN A GIFT BOX

We all deserve good skin therapy, well most times you can surprise your male or female spouse, friend, or any special human in your life, with a good spa session, but if that may cost too much, well this brings us to modara naturals skincare products, suitable for all skin types, nourishes and brightens any skin condition

Modara Naturals Body care gift box

6. AFRICAN PERFUME DIFFUSERS

Why do you think perfume diffusers will make great gifting ideas, Yes am asking you again, why perfume diffusers, oh well, good scent conveys emotions and feelings. Let the scent of this exotic perfume diffuser from a delectable perfumery and candle scent brand, Abela Scents do the talking for you. Did I hear you say, life made easy. yeah, you are so right.

 

All these amazing Afrocentric gift ideas are ideal packages to send out to loved ones, and perfect for all genders and people of all ages. Are you still looking for more options, click here to shop for tons of other wonderful ideas with African embellishments that you will love.

 

Meet the Founder of Artini [Exclusive Interview]

Meet the founder of Artini Omisakin Temitope Bellafricana member spotlight exclusive interview

Have you ever met a female string artist? Yes you heard that right, one who uses strings and nails to make an artwork! I am excited to introduce you to the Founder of Artini (string art), Omisakin Temitope in this exclusive interview.

With no further ado, let’s meet the Founder of Artini for an exclusive interview.

Please Introduce yourself and your background

My Name is Omisakin Temitope, I’m from Osun state in Nigeria. A graduate of economics.

Tell us about your work. How did your company start?

I found out about string art when I was surfing the internet for church stage decor ideas, we needed to come up with something creative and I was a member of the decoration team. And that is how my love for string art started.

How did you come about the name and what does it mean?

Coming up with a brand name wasn’t an easy task but at the end of the day we came up with ARTINI which means: A creative piece (craft, literature, filmmaking, etc.) that causes emotion or a new awareness.

What is your niche and how did you know it was a market to get into?
ART and HOME DECOR is our niche and it was pretty easy for us to know our market due to the nature of our products
Tree String Art by Artini

Artini string art

Where do you get inspiration for your products?

I’m a strong believer of JESUS and I believe my creativity comes from him. So I pray for creativity and inspiration. I also believe he lead me to string art in the first place for the church stage decor. Apart from this I watch tons of YouTube videos and also check out art pages, art blogs and Pinterest.

Can you remember one of the first products you made?

As the JESUS girl that I am, the first string art I made was “GOD” I just felt like it should be the first Art I make even before we did the stage design.

What are some of the challenges you face in your business?

For challenges I’d say string art is not taught in this part of the world so I was only left with Russian YouTube videos that where often times not translated, calculating geometric patterns and designs where hard at the beginning. Another challenge was sourcing materials, I did a lot of improvisation when I first started out, especially with nails since they weren’t available in Nigeria

Do you have any regrets about venturing into this business?

I have faced a number of challenges but no regrets at all.

What is your most popular product?

I have two actually. “The African woman” and “Red hat lady”

The African Woman String Art by Artini Bellafricana Member Exclusive Interview

Red Hat Lady Artini String Art

To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian heritage for your work?

To some extent actually, I’ve realised African inspired work are easily accepted and look unique. Like the “African woman for example “

What are some of your short term and long term goals, both in your business and life in general?

For my business I’d say getting a work station that would also serve as a training centre for students and also double as a mini gallery for walk-in clients And to also be a leading and learning art centre in Nigeria. In life generally would be to teach, impact and empower people.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I’m not sure it would be a surprised but for what it’s worth I’m “Left handed “.

What profession would you be in if you weren’t in this industry?

I would probably have a business consulting firm.

If you could give one piece of advice to anyone who wants to start their own business in your industry, what would it be?

Whatever mistakes you make, learn to move on from it, you’re only human. Just work on improving yourself and your business so it doesn’t happen again

To connect with Artini, you can follow and contact her via:

Instagram:madebyartini

WhatsApp: +234 814 610 4662

From Metal Scraps to Breath-Taking Masterpieces- Dotun Popoola

Bellafricana celebrates the talented African Creative, whose works involves the transformation, from Metal Scraps to Breath-Taking Masterpieces.  Dotun Popoola is a synergetic metal sculptor who has carved a niche for himself with his monumental metal sculptures.

Metal scraps to an Art work [Lion] by Dotun Popoola

Esin Oba by Dotun Popoola
Esin Oba by Dotun Popoola

His works of Art infuses both the European and African culture all by transforming metal scraps into environmental art.

From Metal scrap to motorcycle artwok - Dotun Popoola

Double Bass by Dotun Popoola
Double Bass by Dotun Popoola

From Metal scraps to a Masterpiece

Born in 1981, Lagos, Dotun Popoola is a contemporary Nigerian artist (sculptor) who specializes in synergetic metal sculpting. He creates pieces of art works from discarded scrap metals. His works are focused on transforming trash to treasures, rubbish to rubies and waste to wealth by repurposing wastes that threaten the ecosystem. Some of his works were exhibited in ART X Lagos. He had a solo exhibition called “Irin Ajo” (Journey) in Signature Beyond Art Gallery, Lagos, where he presented around 24 metal works of his.

From Metal scraps to a Masterpiece

From Metal scraps to Hen Artwork -Dotun Popoola

From Metal scraps to Fish Artwork -Dotun Popoola

Metal Scraps to squirrel Artwork- Dotun Popoola

Recycling at its best and truly a work of Art!

 

Pictures and information culled from: Works – Dotun Popoola

Dotun Popoola – Wikipedia

Top African Countries you don’t need a Visa for

Africa is home to several countries renowned for their amazingly beautiful landscapes and their rich cultural heritage. Its no wonder that all these and more make any and all of these countries, the perfect tourist attraction.

One problem arises though. The initial zeal and longing you have to explore these countries dies out as soon as you remember the horrors of procuring a Visa😪😪.

Well, Fret not! We have put together a list of Eight countries where you can travel to, Visa-hassle free 💃🏾💃🏾. So, come along with your passport, let;s take you on a ride.

1. Cape Verde
cape verde
Source:https://dailypost.ng
  • Description: Cape Verde is an island country located just off the west coast of Africa.
  • Travel Time from Nigeria: 4 hours 30 minutes (By air)
  •  Requirements upon Entry: All they need upon entry into their country is your passport as proof that you are a Nigerian citizen and your return ticket.
  • Duration of stay allowed: As much as is allotted to you.
2. Cameroon
cameroon
Source :https://sites.psu.edu/
  • Description: Cameroon is located in central Africa although it shares borders with Nigeria, Chad and Gabon. It is home to the most amazing wildlife parks.
  • Travel Time from Nigeria: 1 hour 17 minutes (By air)
    19 hours (By road)
  • Requirements upon Entry: Just Your Nigerian Passport
  • Duration of stay allowed: Visa free for 90 days
3. Benin Republic

benin rep

Source: www.traveltowestafrica.com/

  • Description: Located in west Africa, This French-speaking country is home to ten million people and one of the biggest wildlife parks in Africa.
  • Travel Time from Nigeria: 38 minutes (By air)
    3 hours 30 minutes (By road)
  • Requirements upon Entry: Just Your Nigerian Passport
  • Duration of stay allowed: Visa free for 90 days
4. Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d'Ivoire
https://sites.psu.edu/
  • Description: formerly known as Ivory Coast, this country is located on the south coast of west Africa. The French speaking country is home to several modern landmarks and tourist attractions such as zigguratlike, concrete La Pyramide and Banko National park.
  • Travel Time from Nigeria: 1 hour 40 minutes (By air)
    14 hours 41 minutes (By road)
  • Requirements upon Entry: Just Your Nigerian Passport
  • Duration of stay allowed: As long as you like
5. Burundi
burundi
Source:https://img.over-blog-kiwi.com/
  • Description: Burundi is located in east central Africa, and though it is one of the smallest countries in mainland Africa, it is renowned for its amazing nature display.
  • Travel Time from Nigeria: 4 hours 20 minutes (By air)
  •  Requirements upon Entry: Just Your Nigerian Passport  Duration of stay allowed: Visa free for 30 days
6. Burkina Faso
burkina faso
Source: https://www.traveltourxp.com/
  • Description: Burkina Faso is located in west Africa, and they boast of several interesting tourist attractions. The country is host to The International Arts and Crafts Fair, Ouagadougou which is regarded as one of the most important African handicraft fair. Their wildlife parks are home to animals like buffalo, antelope, lions, hippopotamuses, elephants, crocodiles, and monkeys.
  •  Travel Time from Nigeria: 1 hour 40 minutes (By air)
  •  Requirements upon Entry: Just Your Nigerian Passport
  • Duration of stay allowed: As long as you like
7. Chad
Chad
Source: https://lp-cms-production.imgix.net/
h
  • Description: Located in North central Africa and Its neighbors are Niger, Libya, the Sudan, the Central African Republic, Cameroon, and Nigeria. It is famous for being the second largest wetland and its great Lake which is a massive tourist attraction.
  • Travel Time from Nigeria: 2 hours 55 minutes (By air)
  • Requirements upon Entry: Just Your Nigerian Passport
  • Duration of stay allowed: Visa free for 90 days

 

8. Senegal
Senegal
Source: https://i.pinimg.com/
  • Description: Senegal is located in west Africa, Dakar which is a lively and attractive metropolis, located on Cape Verde Peninsula along the Atlantic shore, is a popular tourist destination. The Senegalese are the originators of Jollof rice, which is famous all over the world.
  • Travel Time from Nigeria: 3 hours 33 minutes (By air)
  • Requirements upon Entry: Just Your Nigerian Passport
    Duration of stay allowed: Visa free for 90 days

Now you can pack your bags and travel  to these beautiful places without inhibitions. What country are you checking out?

The Bold of Art: Chief Nike Okundaye Davies

[dropcap custom_class=”normal”] My first encounter with Chief (Mrs.) Nike Okundaye Davies was when I visited her Art Gallery at Ikate Elegushi roundabout Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos, Nigeria. She is a very lovely and amiable person and I am glad to do this write up on her.
Several years ago I saw a road sign saying “Nike Art”, on my way to my neighbour’s wedding. I think that was my first time of being awake while passing through Lekki-Epe expressway.
My name is Nike and I love art and every form it is presented in. So you can imagine how fast my attention was piqued when I saw this sign. That sign remained in my memory for a long time…. [/dropcap]
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Art, Exhibition and Fashion: Highlights of GTBank Fashion Weekend

[dropcap custom_class=”normal”] Are you familiar with that feeling of pure delight that comes when you see so many creativity such as Arts, Exhibition, Fashion etc. going on in one location? It’s spectacular!
This was the amazing feeling I got to experience at the GTBank Fashion Weekend. If you missed the event, here is a little recap to share the lovely experience with you…. [/dropcap]
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Meet The Founder Of Tǽillo | Exclusive Interview

[dropcap custom_class=”normal”] It is with great pleasure I want you to meet Jumoke Dada, a lovely and focused lady who is the Founder and CEO of Tǽillo. Jumoke has a great vision for the future of Nigeria and Africa which she has translated into her furniture.
She makes exquisitely crafted furniture using Aso Oke and Ankara fabrics. These furniture forms one of the best use of creativity in aesthetic ambience, that I have come across where furniture is concerned.
Because these fabrics not only carry the essence of our African heritage but also comes in various beautiful colours, I will say, Jumoke has gifted us with a modern antique of our time. I know you want to meet this specially talented lady. Let’s meet her… [/dropcap]
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Event: The Nigerian Student Fashion and Design Week

All the student fashionistas in the house say Yay, it’s event time!!

Here’s an event that will surely get you excited. The Nigerian Student Fashion and Design Week is here again. And this fourth edition will be bigger and better than ever before.

This is the season for Fashion Events and students are not left out. The Nigerian Students Fashion & Design Week is an arm of the AFWN designed especially for students.

Event : Nigerian Student Fashion and Design Week 2016

 

Event: Nigerian Student Fashion and Design Week 2016

This event is the biggest of its kind in Africa where students with fashion and design skills get a platform to showcase their work. The Nigerian Student Fashion and Design Week provide young creative fashion designers from various higher institutions across Nigeria an avenue to network and learn.

 

We are looking forward to seeing more creative talents in this year’s show. Just yesterday, the organizers announced Zaron Cosmetics as their official makeup partner for this year’s edition.

They are calling on students interested in modelling for the event to come for model casting on the 9th of July.

Event : Nigerian Student Fashion and Design Week 2016

Many success stories of emerging fashion designers in Nigeria can be traced back to The Nigerian Student Fashion & Design Week. And they don’t get there by luck, key-role players in the Nigerian fashion industry judge the designs showcased.

Judges from the last edition are, Ejiro Amos-Tafiri, Tewa Onasanya, Kola Kuddus, and Onome Fasan as judges for the showcase.

 

The winners from last year’s edition of the event are;

Hauwa Liman from Bayero University Kano who emerged as the most creative designer,

Joy Marie from the Open University who made the 1st runner-up position and

Seun Morafa a student of the University of Lagos made the 2nd runner-up postion.

Event : Nigerian Student Fashion and Design Week 2015 Winner
Hauwa Liman from Bayero University Kano NSFDW2015 most creative designer

 

Event : Nigerian Student Fashion and Design Week 2014 Winner
Vovwe Omoko NSFDW2014 most creative designer

A set of judges will be placed on ground to select the most creative designers to take home amazing prizes in this 4th edition of the event.

Budding student fashionistas are encouraged to apply on Nigerian Student Fashion and Design Week website .

 

Event : Nigerian Student Fashion and Design Week 2016

This year’s event  has been announced as 12th and 13th of August. Student designers that will be showcasing at the Nigerian Student Fashion and Design Week 2016 are; Needlepoint, Mzfashionista, Native Spirit, Ripped, Ashillarozae, V’macdel among others.

Think you’ve got what it takes to contest for the most creative designer? Visit their website and register.

 

What fashion event do you think still need to be created in Nigeria or Africa? Let’s hear from you.

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