The nearly perfect, colorful, traditional imageries captured in her break-through videos were beyond commanding. In inventive motions Angelique Kidjo set a tone and stage very foreign to many African women and girls at the time, releasing an enigmatic sensation that hung loose around passion better left unexplained. Behind this cinematic scene is a [...]

  A picturesque view of American Markus James sitting among three Malian musicians on the smooth, dry yet vibrant desert sands of Timbuktu is riveting; not because of the scene, but because of what they are doing – creating inventive music.   James’ musical exploration of the Malian culture, if one could say, epitomizes the [...]

  Business school has become a springboard for attaining credentials and of course, theoretical knowledge for most executives in training. The admissions pool is flooded with competent and inept candidates, making the selection extremely competitive. But how does a candidate, on either side of the string, make his or herself prominent? If you worry about [...]

  The distinctive, spicy yet flowery scent of neroli oil and its innocuous, palliative attributes make it an excellent ingredient for most of today’s fragrances. Produced from the bitter orange tree, neroli possesses some of the essential qualities of the orange plant, like its soporific functions.   Alongside these characteristics is its ability to minimize [...]

  Snakeskin Violin is a rich composition of Malian traditional rhythmic blues fused with that of Mississippi’s. Markus James’ newest 15-track album beautifully captures the essence of blues music from worlds of crossed paths: America and Africa.   This collaborative work with several Malian master musicians: Hassi Sare (njarka violin), Mamadou Sidibe (calabash, vocals), Vieux [...]

  A newbie he is, but one with potential. Mekka Don’s 23-track mix tape sure does give a taste of what he brings to the world of hip hop, but with most of his beats pulled from past hits, it leaves you wondering what his debut album is going to sound like.  The bright side [...]

  The pastel-like greenish tones of lemon oil speaks to its sweet, tangy but fresh scent. History reveals that ancient Egyptians were fond of this plant; it was used to combat food poisoning among other ailments.   Lemons have been used in earlier times to decrease blood pressure, dispose of extra noxious waste in the [...]

  A short hair cut on a black woman, they say, is redolent of her strength, natural beauty and confidence. Such an appearance, to some, is indicative of anything but placidness. Like most stereotypes, however, this flawed judgment is fallacious. Akosua’s music effortlessly moves one into a place of serenity, something most artists have attempted [...]

  The soft sweet scent of spruce has been found in lotions, salves and even honey. In its task of rejuvenating the body, spruce’s therapeutic and medicinal properties have placed it in a leading role as one of the most effective essential oils for relieving and curing major distresses.   Its uses range from the [...]

  I wake up this particular morning, slightly later than usual, and I reminisce. Images from the past flash through my mind like it were just yesterday. My wet blue swimming cap, my bloodshot teary eyes, my fearful but joyful laugh, water dripping from my small-framed shivering body, and the thoughts that kept floating around [...]