MAD About MAWUSI [Part 1]

Abstract x Ghanaian x Handmade Art Gear

by Sionne Neely | photos by Jane Odartey

JANE ODARTEY in the Red Cowl

MAD About MAWUSI [Part 2]

Abstract x Ghanaian x Handmade Art Gear

by Sionne Neely | photos by Jane Odartey

JANE ODARTEY in the Yarn Tribal Series Necklace

This is Part Two of the interview with JANE ODARTEY, creator of MAWUSI, an eclectic collection of abstract wearable Ghanaian art. Jane is also a photographer, writer and model. Jane talks to ACCRA [dot] ALT about finding bliss thru crafting, building community far from home in Queens NY and how using Ghanaian prints proves to be solid as a rock.

LOVE APRIL: Spring 2013 Pre-Collection

OVERSIZED TRIBALISM by Love April

We are too geeked about Ghanaian indie label, Love April’s new Spring 2013 pre-collection, Oversized Tribalism. Especially after seeing what designer, Nina Barkers-Woode, showed on the Ghana Fashion + Design Week runway last fall.

In Adabraka: ABROKWAH’s Angel

THE 3RD EYE STAY WOKE

Meet the talented Mr. KWEKU ABROKWAH. We met Abrokwah during the planning of the first CHALE WOTE Street Festival around this time – two years ago – in March 2011. Since then he’s joined the festival both years and has already started prep for a CHALE WOTE 2013 performance in James Town this September.

As the leader of The Flat Land Boys biker crew and Circus Ghana, Abrokwah is always able to give the people what they want – fresh killah moves. Not only is he king of extreme sport stunts but over the last nine years, he’s performed in Germany and throughout Europe as a cultural dancer, B-boy and circus entertainer.

We shot these snaps on the streets of Adabraka, that pearl of old Accra where Ga business elite and middle-class families historically settled. In this setting, Abrokwah’s affable spirit branches out just as wide as his angel wings.  Ever ready for the next challenge, he inspires us to keep our eyes on the prize.

Check out Abrokwah’s journey below – in his own words. MO VIM.

Photos by ACCRA [dot] ALT [double-click to enlarge].

ABROKWAH’S ANGEL IN ADABRAKA

During my childhood, I went to school at Korlegonno. I saw lots of bicycles – people arranging bicycles. Through that I had a feeling – I fell into a bicycle feeling. I started in 1989 after discovering a famous handbook on biking. There was no Internet in Ghana at that time. I taught myself the different tricks – training one one at a time.

ROBOT SKYFALL

The TALK PARTY SERIES

Come out to the TALK PARTY SERIES tonite as we celebrate TAWIAH’s new mixtape “FREEDOM DROP” with a listening session. We will also be premiering her second single, “FACES” – directed by Mantse Aryeequaye, produced by REDD Kat Pictures + ACCRA [dot] ALT.

TAWIAH wants to know what you think about her new album and video! We’ll have a Skype call session with the singer/songwriter in London and you’ll have a chance to share your thoughts.

As lovers of good music, the party wouldn’t be complete without the DUSTLYVE Booth’s Kobby Graham + DJ Kev keeping buttorses shaking on the dance floor all night. So come out and let’s get live together.

We’re collecting books to support the Community Creative Center. Be kind and bring a book to donate for this worthy cause.

FOTO VIM: The Adabraka Sessions pt. 2

Check out more fotos of the ACCRA [dot] ALT crew on location in the beautiful historic neighborhood of Adabraka. The team breaks down their take on Accra and their inner visions for life in the African city.

Double-click on photos to enlarge. All photos by ACCRA [dot] ALT.

O RED, U GO KILL ME

3 WISE MEN

AFUA ASONA [Design Contributor]:

“Everything is in Accra. I think we’re having a peak of it now – a taste of 60’s and 70’s [U.S.] where people are moving back to being natural.”

NOMAD FASHION: EXPATRIATE by Kita Nolley

by Sionne R. Neely

KITA NOLLEY [EXPATRIATE]

Up and coming designer Kita Nolley’s new line EXPATRIATE is all about the traveling woman. Popping contrasts, beautifully complex prints, super structured silhouettes and deliciously colorful fabrics – EXPATRIATE is a mix of the heres and nows – simultaneous worlds taking shape together.

Nolley is a nomad in her own right. After ditching her 9 to 5 as a financial analyst in Atlanta, she sojourned all Eat-Pray-Love like around the globe to follow the patterns of her passion stitched in fashion. Nolley’s journey led her to London and work with couture design house Zoe Jordan and farther afield to Nepal, Thailand and Bangladesh, where she designed with a major garment manufacturer for labels such as H&M, Zara and TopShop.

Surprisingly, Nolley began her career only five years ago with a $20 basics class at the Atlanta Sewing Center. Hard work and determination never looked so lovely. She’s been selected as one of Charleston Fashion Week’s Top 20 Emerging Designers of 2013. Nolley will debut her Spring 2013 Collection, CULTURE CLUB there during the week of March 19-23.

I recently had a chance to rap with Mz. Nolley about bold transnational fashion and a woman’s jones for the wide open road.

FEET DON’T FAIL ME NOW – Nolley’s Globetrotting

CHALE WOTE 2013: Open Call for Visual + Performance Art Proposals

CHALE WOTE Chillin x Tei Huagie’s Mannequin Installation

ACCRA [dot] ALT in association with REDD KAT Pictures, Foundation for Contemporary Art Ghana, Dr. Monk and Attukwei Art Foundation have begun preparation for the third annual Chale Wote Street Art Festival 2013 which will be held on Saturday, September 7 – Sunday, September 8th.

The Chale Wote Street Art Festival is an alternative platform that brings art, music, dance and performance out into the streets in James Town Accra. Its aims are to cultivate a wider audience for the arts, break creative boundaries and use art as a viable form to rejuvenate public spaces.

THE WINNEBA MASQUERADE

The Chale Wote Street Art Festival challenges local and international artists and Accra residents to connect by creating and appreciating art together. The festival includes street and sidewalk painting, graffiti murals, large photography displays, interactive art installations, live street performances, extreme sports, experimental community theater, independent African film screenings, a fashion parade, a music block party, recyclable design workshops and much more.

ACCRA STREET STYLE Mixtape No. 4

We got style for days. Trust! Check out these natty gentlemen doing the damn thang at our 2012 Talk Party closeout in Osu.

Photos by Molly Lambe for ACCRA [dot] ALT.

DELASI

ATO ANNAN

NANA B’S MOJO

IND!E FUSE 2012 Promo x TAWIAH

Peep @TawiahMusic‘s special IND!E FUSE shout out to you right here!

The 2-day live electro music mashup - IND!E FUSE began last night with massive sounds and late-night dancing at The Republic Bar + Grill. Stay tuned to see exclusive photos from the show. Then jam down with us TONIGHT at Alliance Francaise (7:30 -11pm, 10ghc).

18 amazing live music performers over two days…it’s the best bang for your cedi, chale.