#africanstyle

🇱🇸 The Basotho Blanket: A Legacy Woven in Tradition In the Basotho culture, a blanket is more than warmth — it is identity, pride, and heritage. Each design tells a story — worn during ceremonies, milestones, and moments that define life in the mountains of Lesotho. Discover the blankets that carry history in every thread → Shop Basotho Collection

PORTIA M MARKS 15 YEARS OF RADIANCE WITH NEW MARULA SKIN OIL LAUNCH AT GLAM SANDTON GATHERING

It's so inspiring to see Portia M, an authentic African skincare brand, reaching new heights with their signature Marula Skin Oil. They recently celebrated the product's 15th anniversary of its flagship Marula Skin Oil with an exclusive black-tie event in Sandton, South Africa. This celebration honored the product that has defined natural skincare for African women over the past decade and a half. The revamped Marula Skin Oil features an advanced formula comprising pure, cold-pressed Marula Oil, Vitamin E, and natural emollients, promising to diminish dark spots, even out hyperpigmentation, deeply hydrate, and restore skin elasticity. The chic, recyclable packaging showcases Portia M's commitment to sustainability. Guests, including media personalities, influencers, and skincare professionals, lauded the upgraded oil's efficacy and suitability for melanin-rich skin. Portia M's success stems from its understanding of the cultural and physiological nuances of African skin, setting it apart as a trusted and authentically African brand. The revitalized Marula Skin Oil will hit shelves in South Africa in July 2025, with global expansion planned before the end of the year.

Soweto Tourism Awards 2025 - Celebrating Business Excellence 

Soweto Tourism recently announced the prestigious 3rd Annual Soweto Tourism Awards, an event celebrating outstanding business excellence in the township's tourism industry. This year's celebration, themed "A Tribute to Sophia-town back to the 60s," will take place at the iconic Soweto Theater on February 27th, 2025. The event pays homage to the cultural and historical significance of Sophiatown as a beacon of creativity, resistance, and unity.

Among the nominees is one of my favourite restaurants and entertainment venues located in Pimville Soweto, Onions & All, nominated for the Best Restaurant in Soweto category. The establishment offers an exceptional dining experience with a diverse menu featuring traditional and modern dishes. Additionally, it hosts culinary tours exploring indigenous recipes and ingredients from various regions and cultures.

Beyond the exceptional cuisine, Onions & All features live music from local Soweto bands, art exhibitions, and craft showcases on Sunday afternoons. Furthermore, the establishment runs community partnership programs that provide hands-on training and mentorship opportunities for young people from Pimville and greater Soweto in creative, technical, and administrative aspects of the arts, events administration, creative fields, and hospitality.

Congrats to Onions and All on their nomination - that's some serious business excellence right there!

With just a few days remaining until the awards ceremony, the excitement is palpable, with over 20,000 votes already cast in the highly competitive categories. You can cast your votes for your favorite nominees to ensure they receive the recognition they deserve.

Mbali Khumalo Crowned as White Star Miss Soweto 2024!

Last Saturday, I attended the crowning of White Star Miss Soweto 2024 at Soweto Theater. Although pageants aren't usually my thing, I love events celebrating women's empowerment in communities.  

The star-studded event, hosted by media personality Lerato Kganyago (a former Miss Soweto herself) with Sowetan reporter Masego Seemela, an exhilarating energy as 20-year-old psychology student Mbali Khumalo was crowned the radiant new queen. Onthathile Mohuba and Boitumelo Molotsane were named First and Second Princesses.

The evening featured performances by Simphiwe Dana and Nia Pearl, with Nthabiseng Kgasi hosting the glam red carpet. Notable guests included Bridget Masinga, pageant legends Augustine Masilela and Bongi Mlotshwa, and Miss SA 2024 finalist Ontshiametse Tlhopane who excitedly shared, "Miss Soweto is where I started...this is going to start someone's journey into a better version of themselves."

"For 45 years, the Miss Soweto pageant has been a transformative force, empowering women and providing them with platforms to shine. This remarkable journey has seen countless young women rise to prominence, breaking barriers and becoming leaders in their communities," said Mokhele Makhothi, marketing manager at White Star

DAVIDO TO LIVESTREAM STAR-STUDDED BIRTHDAY CONCERT TO FANS WORLDWIDE

Afrobeats star Davido celebrates his 32nd birthday with a highly-anticipated "Davido & Friends Birthday Concert" livestream from Atlanta's State Farm Arena on November 21. Fans globally can witness electrifying performances, surprises, and special guests via Kiswe's streaming technology. Building on last year's successful A.W.A.Y Festival, this sold-out spectacle solidifies Davido as a global ambassador for African music and culture. Interactive livestream tickets start at $15.99, allowing fans worldwide to join the celebration.

CELEBRATING A BORDERLESS EXISTENCE WITH THE FEATHER AWARDS 

BLXCKIE COLLABORATES WITH GRAMMY-NOMINATED PRODUCERS ‘TAKE A DAYTRIP’ TO DROP NEW MUSIC FOR SPRITE LIMELIGHT SEASON THREE IN SOUTH AFRICA

Sprite LimelightTM returns in 2024 with fresh new music and storytelling from its largest roster yet of international artists. Artists featured include Blxckie from South Africa, Fireboy DML, XAMÃ, Lay Zhang, Doechii and Mahalia. They share stories of overcoming challenges through original tracks inspired by "heat" in their lives. Produced by Take A Daytrip, each artist reinterprets an original hook blending genres from different cultures.