There is nothing ambiguous about a name like “MsAfropolitan”. And one thing that writer and essayist Minna Salami is not, is ambiguous. Based in London, this feminist blogger and commentator on the African diaspora experience has been writing for her site since 2010. Her voice is confident and powerful, and with posts with headlines like, “Too Afrocentric for you?”, it is no wonder. She has since built a following, and you can also find her work in the Huffington Post, The Guardian and ARISE among other publications.  And if you are still confused about what  MsAfropolitan is about, read this interview with our next AfriPOP! Socialite:

Real Name: Minna Salami

Web Name: MsAfropolitan

Why did you choose that particular webname: The “Ms.”  title is one that a woman can use when she doesn’t want to refer to her marital status in describing her identity. An Afropolitan, simply put, is a cosmopolitan African. A person who vests a part of their identity in the African continent as well as in hybrid spaces of diaspora, migration, locality, globalism, multilingualism and so on. However, Afropolitanism is an evolving movement and a tricky idea to define conceptually. This probably has to do with scales, how much one sees Africa and how much one sees cosmopolitan in the term. Either way, the combination of the two terms reflect the MsAfropolitan ethos.

Best known for: I really don’t know! Hopefully for writing entertaining and thought-provoking articles about wider social issues.

Where are you from/live? I’m ethnically from Nigeria and Finland. I live in London.

Places to find you online: www.msafropolitan.com;  twitter @MsAfropolitan;  facebook; tumblr;  Huffington Post; www.shop.msafropolitan.com

When and how did you enter the social media game? MsAfropolitan launched in April 2010 and consequently I focused intentions and set up a twitter account, a tumblr and FB page. Before then I’d been blogging on My Space and blogspot. I also worked with creative industry agencies where the buzz around social media was big. As for the how, it was a relatively organic process to set things off. I am big on both finding and sharing content and so I stay up to date on how social media can be used to do that.

What do you mostly tend to use it for? Apart from content distribution, I use social media to stay on top of what is happening in the areas that are of interest to me. It has also been a significant tool for networking with likeminded people and building community or tribes as Seth Godin would call it.

How has it helped you grow your brand? It has been key. Without Social Media, I’d be having a monologue.

What is your message? MsAfropolitan is a personal blog about empowerment; personal and political. It’s about Africa, race, identity, Afropolitanism, feminism, fashion, culture, history and humanity. It’s about revolution. It’s about love. Most of all, it’s about creating dialogue around these topics.

If you could have one person follow you on twitter who would it be?  Hhhmm. @MsLaurynHill perhaps. Especially as I’d be the only person she follows!

If you could have one person join twitter who would it be?  I am always happy to connect with African feminists on twitter because the information we exchange is valuable. I can’t choose one but the more like @awdf01, @sheroxlox, @zawadin, @nas009, @nautyinaccra, @kinnareads, @ArriannaMarie, @iamnicholeblack, @blacklooks, @hannahpool the better!

Who should every African be following right now? Twitter feeds that I warmly recommend are [former AfriPOP! Socialite] @katebomz, @naturalbelle, [former AfriPOP! Socialite] @kobbygraham, @africaisacountry, @saratu, @toluogunlesi, @belindaotas, @myweku, @ctfoa, @afrilove, @ashong, @HAElifestyle, @dynamicAfrica, @theapexp

What is the role of social media in the “Africa” conversation? Social Media is an additional tool to a conversation that we’ve been having for a long time. It’s social media that’s new, and not the conversation. With Social Media we can more easily link dialogues accross countries, continents and issues and create archives which in return have an influence on future narratives.

Who is benefiting most from the rise of Africans on social media sites? In terms of benefits that specifically apply to Africans, I believe African businesses, activists, etc can be benefactors of Social Media. All change requires communication and never before have we been able to communicate this rapidly and easily.

If you could invent a social networking tool for the future, what would it be? An interactive social media platform that links all the others (FB, twitter, LinkedIn, flickr etc) together in a simple way based on your interests and contacts. Does that exist already? Maybe google should buy them all!

Follow MsAfropolitan on twitter

AfriPOP! socialite is a weekly  feature that introduces you to the internet’s socially prominent Africans. Not backed by a brand or organization, these are individuals who have used the internet to connect with fellow Africans to spread and discuss fresh ideas and thoughts on all this Africa. There words are their message, their personality is their brand — the AfriPOP! socialite

Its usually a musicians dream to have their song played during a major event like a presidential campaign. The logic: more exposure means, well, more exposure. But Somali rapper K’Naan isn’t too pleased U.S. presidential candidate Mitt Romney has taken to playing his “Wavin’ Flag” at campaign stops.

So unimpressed was K’Naan that he issued a statement, making clear who he’s supporting this campaign season:

“I have not been asked for permission by Mitt Romney’s campaign for the use of my song,” writes K’Naan. “If I had been asked, I would certainly not have granted it. I would happily grant the Obama campaign use of my song without prejudice.”

Well, now that’s sorted.

The Romney campaign has reportedly obliged to K’Naan’s request.

Find out how Afropolitans are creating their own identities and reaching beyond their borders to connect and collaborate with contemporaries around their world.

Presented by Ngozi Odita of Society HAE.

RSVP here.

No sooner had the announcement been made that the film adaptation of Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s award-winning novel Half Of A Yellow Sun was to star Thandie Newton, than a petition rang out. By now many people, mostly of Igbo or other Nigerian origin, have complained that the casting of Thandie Newton as the book’s Igbo female protagonist Olanna, is a slight they are not willing to suffer. The 2006 book tells the story of the Nigerian-Biafran War of 1967-1970, in which over a million people were killed or died of starvation. To be fair we do not know yet what role Thandie has accepted, but many are outraged that she could possibly be playing the role of Olanna.

The director, Nigerian novelist and playwright Biyi Bandele has a great cast locked into the film, including Nigerian Brit Chiwetel Ejiofor. Surely Bandele could have a say in who plays the Nigerian woman? Why did he not insist on a Nigerian actress if not an Igbo one?

As the petition’s originator, Ashley Akunna, said in the comments section on Clutch:

“This petition is about authenticity. Igbo people come in all complexions. However, the majority are dark brown in complexion. Thandie Newton is a wonderfully talented actress. However, I would be lying to you, if I said I know anyone in my village who looks like her. I have traveled all across Nigeria, from Abuja to Calabar, and Thandie Newton is not an accurate portrayal of what Igbo woman look like. Not in the slightest. Hollywood is known for giving preferential treatment to black female actors of a lighter hue. And that is definitely being displayed here with the casting of Thandie Newton. 365 days out of the year Africans are portrayed in media as some of the darkest people you will ever come across. However, when a role requires a beautiful Igbo actress, they want to cast a bi-racial woman who looks nothing like the people she is supposed to be playing. That is nonsense. Of course I would love an Igbo woman to have this part. But frankly any African woman who fits the description of what an AUTHENTIC IGBO WOMAN looks like will fit the bill. Don’t give me a watered down version of my ancestors and accept me to be happy. It is an insult to Igboland. FULL STOP.”

We clearly shouldn’t take crumbs and call it a three-course meal, as someone else commented.

Clearly the issue is a deep-seated one with us black women. We want to see media representations of ourselves – fair ones, not ones about us being beautiful or having full agency only when we’re fair, light-skinned or bi-racial. Which is basically how it’s worked out thus far. There are not many dark-skinned actresses outside of Nollywood that don’t get a raw deal. We were given a template by others, and we are expected to fully adhere to it. The shame. We have to be represented accurately, especially if the impetus for such representations is from ourselves!

Which is why I support the petition and hope that the production company for Chimamanda’s film strongly reconsiders Thandie Newton for the role, and puts in a Nigerian, darker-skinned actress if not an Igbo woman. I am sure this would be easy to do as there is a wealth of talent in Nigeria. We need to see other faces besides the well-known ones from the West. Cast someone well-known in Nigeria and trust me that movie will make bank like nobody’s business. Because Nigeria is the second-biggest film industry in the world (after India) it makes sense to take on the viable marketing scheme of a Nigerian face, rather than a British-Zimbabwean one, much as we adore Thandie.

It’s interesting how this works – you write a book, it is your IP, but through birth, it also belongs to the people you belong to and wrote about. The book is now the cultural heritage of the Igbo people. I wonder if the author takes no issue with who portrays one of her characters. Is this not part of the danger of a single story about Africans or black people that she herself warned of? We are multi-hued, let the contemporary portrayals of Africans finally reflect that.

Ogochukwu Nzewi, an Igbo woman living in South Africa, weighed in:

“There must have been prior engagement with her for her to be happy with the casting – it’s not something she’s hearing about now. Many factors contribute to make a movie, including financiers. She may have had to compromise, though unfavourable to many of us. It may be the excitement of having her novel made into a movie. There’s no rush for it to be made a movie. She should have had more editorial control, and put her foot down on casting. It should be as close to the novel as possible and not be compromised. Also, it’s the same old London movie mafia – where are the new faces? We have brilliant Nigerian actresses, even those living in London!”

“We don’t know who Thandie’s playing – but the question remains – how much can we compromise? We continue to have these voices, representing us. And they are not always close to our truths.”

Joelle Kayembe has posed for GQ, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, FHM and Sports Illustrated amongst other renowned publications. You might also recognise her from Ludacris’ Pimpin All Over The World video. The Congolese-born, South African beauty will now be known as the face of Trace, the international media brand available in 160 countries. Joelle will appear in jingles on all TRACE channels worldwide (TRACE Urban, TRACE Sports, TRACE Africa and TRACE Tropical) and will present the TRACE Sports signature show “In The Name of Good”. Joelle is also the ambassador of the TRACE foundation, the brand’s initiative to support causes and initiatives that contribute to the success of young people.

Nigerian video director Clarence Peters made another winner. The clip for Bez’s nostalgic song produced by Cobhams (Asa) gets a world-wide premiere on BET’s popular music countdown program 106 and Park tonight (Tuesday 31 January 2012 7pm GMT/ 9pm CAT), making it the first African ever to do so.

Watch the behind the scenes clip below

Nigerian artists Banky W and WizKid, South African rapper L-Tido and Bonie from P-Unit (Kenya) have been commissioned to write and perform the title track for Shuga: Love, Sex, Money - the second series of the sex and relationships drama set in Kenya.

Star Nigerian music video director Clarence Peters will fly into Kenya in early February with Banky W, WizKid and L Tido to record the music video for the track. 

Banky W and WizKid are also making cameo appearances in the TV drama alongside Nairobi-based Nigerian Ikubese Emmanuel (a.k.a. 9con) and Kenyan singer Avril.  Other artists to feature in the soundtrack to Shuga: Love, Sex, Money include Camp Mulla, Flavour, P-Square, Wyre, STL, Madtraxx, J Martins, Sasha, Stella Mwangi and many others. 

The title song for Shuga: Love, Sex, Money debuts on MTV Base Africa on Tuesday 14 February 2012, and will be available as a free download on the Shuga website.

When it comes to African growth discussions and promotion of  the diaspora’s role on the continent, there are few voices in these internet streets as vocal and on message as Solome Lemma. Better known as @innovateafrica, she has been leaving giant footprints in the non-profit and human rights world, and is looking to do the same with social media. As our next AfriPOP! Socialite, we caught up with Lemma before her soon after her move to New York City (to start her next life adventure which you’ll be hearing about very soon I am sure) as she talks to us about her message of “Africa by Africans”, and her internet brand.

Real Name: Solome Lemma         Web Name: InnovateAfrica (Twitter, Tumblr)

Best known for: Lover of all things Africa and African; bright colors, big earrings, and shoes; advocate for indigenous- and African-led social change; talking with my hands and laughing with my head; the accommodator and mediator; expert daydreamer

Where are you from/live? I hail from the Horn of Africa and currently call Brooklyn and the DMV area home.

Places to find you online: facebook, twitter, www.globalfundforchildren.org (where I used to oversee the Africa portfolio and blog about our partners while on the road) and hornlight.org or @hornlight (an online platform we built to promote nuanced, complex, and dignified narratives on the Horn of Africa). Coming soon: aidinnovations.org

When and how did you enter the social media game?

I created a Facebook account in 2006, with the help and prodding of @sarat1201. I didn’t really start using it until summer 2010 and remain equivocal. I love staying in touch with family and friends in far away places, but the mundane updates, bathroom photo ops, and temperamental relationship posts reawaken high school nightmares.

I signed up for twitter last January and started using it around March. Protective of my personal space, I was reluctant and skeptical initially. Again, with convincing of people like @hannatadesse @getmesfin and @tsepeaces I signed up and have fallen prey to its charm ever since.

Why did you choose InnovateAfrica as your webname?

I signed up for twitter because I had a message I wanted to share with the world about Africa. I have had the privilege of working with some of the most inspiring grassroots activists and social innovators throughout Africa for many years. Their stories rarely make headlines here. I wanted a space to discuss indigenous and ingenious solutions that are being spearheaded by Africans in all fields, from the social sector to arts.  I also wanted to learn from and with people who see, experience, and live the Africa that I know. An Africa with contradictions, certainly, but also abundant in innovation, possibility and opportunity. So InnovateAfrica seemed appropriate.

What do you mostly tend to use social media for?

I use twitter the most and primarily to receive and share information on all things Africa, to discuss social change, innovation, and investments on the continent; to learn from and commune with like-minded individuals; and to get a sneak peak into the truncated thoughts of friends and “wish-they-were-friends” on an ongoing basis. I appreciate the ability to focus on content and information and the capacity to filter for both.

How has it helped you grow your brand?

I didn’t start using social media outlets to build a personal brand. In fact, I chose the twitter handle @InnovateAfrica to focus precisely on the message. Social media is really my learning and reflective space. With time, I have realized that the message is inextricably linked to the person and people engage because of the content. I tweet from an authentic place and about my version of and vision for social change. And to the extent that builds a brand, I hope it is one that conveys my love for the continent; belief in the power of African ideas, people, and resources to be the drivers of change; and advocacy for Africans claiming and amplifying our voices and stories.  I must say, I miss the days when personal brands came after the product, after people have proven themselves through meaningful contributions to the world.

What is your message?

I was just reading my journal entries from Liberia in 2005 when I was working with a large international organization, and I used the phrase “Africa by Africans” a lot. If I could sum up my message succinctly, it is precisely that: Africa by Africans, at home and in the Diaspora.

I spent the last decade working on “African development” (I don’t like the term development, let me know if you find an alternative) and over half of that working directly with indigenous organizations across half of the continent. Africa has its own solutions on the ground. You many not hear about them but there are obviously many people and organizations who are bringing about sustainable change in their communities in creative and meaningful ways. Seek them. Learn about them. Support them.

We, in the Diaspora, send over $40 billion home every year. If we add up all the aid sent by bilateral donors (which is approx $29 billion), it is still short of that. We are an economic powerhouse, a salient stakeholder in “development.” Then why do watch as others speak and act on our continent!? Each one of us has an important role in Africa’s progress. Our lived experience is our wealth. It is no less valid or objective than those who spend two years in the Peace Corps or study Africa out of interest. So, let’s use the social microphones at our disposal and speak up and out about our issues! Let’s do so from a proactive and constructive place where we offer thoughts, ideas, and solutions and own what we know and what we need to learn. Most importantly, let’s invest in African ideas, people, and institutions!

If you could have one person follow you on twitter who would it be? Bono is not on twitter. So, Nick Kristof to share with him another way of addressing issues and working with organizations in the Global South.

If you could have one person join twitter who would it be?  My aunt Tsehai; my timeline would get a comedic upgrade.

Who should every African be following right now?  I follow very interesting and thought provoking people, so this is a hard one. Highlights: @wanjiruk @semhar @TMSruge @AfricasaCountry @digitalafrican @pambazukanews @hornlight @sarankjones

What is the role of social media in the “Africa” conversation?

We are using it to amplify our voices; to connect with other Africans in geography- and time -defying manners; to collaborate with one another (tweet-ups like #TLTAfrica);to provide real-time information and alternative narratives (i.e. @africasacountry @tejucole); to mobilize and organize around specific issues (i.e. elections #CIV2011 #DRC2011 ) or needs; (i.e.@wearethehorn @hornlight) and access previously unreachable institutions or individuals like national leaders. But, social media’s greatest role is realized when we transition the online relationships into offline spaces- when we talk, collaborate, and build together in real, meaningful, and sustained ways.

Who is benefiting most from the rise of Africans on social media sites?
Africans because we connect with one another. The world because it has access to our voices, stories, and thoughts. Social media sites for the billions in revenue they will amass.

Follow Solome on twitter

AfriPOP! socialite is a weekly  feature that introduces you to the internet’s socially prominent Africans. Not backed by a brand or organization, these are individuals who have used the internet to connect with fellow Africans to spread and discuss fresh ideas and thoughts on all this Africa. There words are their message, their personality is their brand — the AfriPOP! socialite.   

One of Africa’s favourite music festivals is taking a break. Over the years music lovers from across the world have made their way to the topaz waters of Lake Malawi to watch acts like The Noisettes, The Maccabees and Malawi’s own hip-hop heavyweight Tay Grin. Not so in 2012.

In a statement, organisers let us down gently, saying: After eight years of the festival, we have decide to take stock of our experiences I putting the festival together, and spend some time supporting local initiatives in Malawi.

But, the 2011 line-up already had an impressive Malawian representation.  And last year it raked in an swag-worthy $1.3 million.  From where we’re sitting the festival only seemed to grow from performance to performance, from year to year.

Organisers added: We are really keen that the 2013 Lake of Stars Festival is a launch pad for Malawian artists and creative professionals to showcase what they have to offer. We will use the extra time we have in our ambitions for the event.

The festival has always had decent intentions. Established in 2004 as a creative way to expose international tourists to gorgeous Malawi, the focus was to help a developing economy generate revenue.

LOS organisers swear they’re just taking some time to regroup and will return bigger and better. We’re no afro-pessimists so we’re going to believe Lake of Stars will be back.

Set your weekend off just right with the Mash-up master DJ Edu

Tracklisting:

Camp Mulla-Party Don’t Stop vs Maroon 5 ft Christina Aguilera-Moves Like Jagger

Wizkid-Pakurumo

Kof-Looking At Me (DJ Edu Mix)

Djeff & Filipe Narciso-O Semba

D’Banj-Oliver Twist vs Chris Brown-Forever

Madtraxx-Ita Waiter

Rihanna-We Found Love vs Dr Sid-Over The Moon

Professor-Lento vs Beyonce-Run The World (Girls)