Maliyo - African Gaming Industry

African traffic is itself a test of survival. The hours spent (which on a good day can be between 1 -2 hours) in the confines of a car, train or in a bus are usually considered wasted hours. This leads me to introducing Maliyo, an African gaming company which has decided to step in to fill the gap in the continent’s gaming market and your journey home. These guys have great aspirations and are hoping to be at least bigger than Zynga and who knows, looking at the current potential in the African gaming market, the opportunities are vast.

Check out their recent interview on ABNdigital to find out more.

"It's Possible" - At times you just need to hear those words.

If there was a guy I would love to have coffee with and pick his brain, Juliani would be at the top of my list. He has always been an inspiration to me and for him, as a rapper, to be talking about climate change just made me love him even more. His energy is electric and as one of Kenya’s most well known artists, he still appears to be a humble guy who gives back to his community. Check out his new documentary on a recent road trip he took with fans.
+JULIANI - The Roadtrip from Studio Ang on Vimeo.

"Divided we are weak; united, Africa could become one of the greatest forces for good in the world".

Kwame Nkrumah

This is Phenomenal - Size of the Continent

Fine Dining -Tribe Hotel kenya

Hugh Masekela - African Heritage Restoration

What do you guys think? twitter.com/aziziafrica

Nelson Mandela Digital Archives

"One of the sad realities today is that very few people, especially young people, read books. Unless we can find imaginative ways of addressing this reality, future generations are in danger of losing their history."

"I admire young people who are concerned with the affairs of their community and nation, perhaps because i also became involved in struggle whilst i was still at school. With such youth we can be sure that the ideals we celebrate today will never be extinguished. Young people are capable, when aroused, of bringing down the towers of oppression and raising the banners of freedom."

Nelson Mandela

"I want my children to one day get on the Afri-Train from one end of the Sahara to another uninhibited and unencumbered, viewing the beauty and wonder of each destination on the southern line." Simi Fajemirokun

Little Doses of Inspiration - Links We Love

Celebrating International Women's day - A mother raising 49 orphaned children.

Anyone for some cassava beer - SABMiller's new drink

Global Nokia App contest - James Mwai from Kenya wins 75,000 Euros

Abandon Free market policies, Protect infant industries, invest in education and training - Ha-Joon Chang's take on Africa and how it can succeed

The Fray - Heartbeat

I know you may be thinking what is this doing on a blog about Africa but the new song by The Fray was inspired by their visit in Rwanda. Isaac Slade, the lead singer and writer of the band is quoted below and you can find the rest of the article on here.

"(I was) at this gathering with a bunch of local (people) and ex-pats, all standing in circle holding hands, just kind of thinking and talking about Rwanda. This chick was standing next to me and I couldn't tell if it was her heartbeat or mine, but it felt like the country was getting its pulse back to it,".

"I busted out my phone and wrote that pre-chorus of this song called 'Heartbeat,' and wrote some of the chorus on the way back,".

Rwanda is making great strides towards the future and i love this quote from the Made in Rwanda summit by Doris Olafsen "Rwanda is looking optimistically to the future, there is still a very raw pain that exists, but rather than holding back, the people of Rwanda are moving forward with new hope and determination". I hope the country truly succeeds because everyone is rooting for the people of Rwanda.

Little doses of inspiration - Links we love

How not to write about Africa courtesy of Okayafrica.com

The first ever Made in Rwanda leadership summit.

How google is changing the world - In Africa.

World Economic Forum globalshaper, Simi Fajemirokun discusses her vision for Africa. 3.0.

Necessity Is The Mother Of Invention

Nairobi In A Day

Little doses of inspiration - Links we love

Newly opened London gallery, Tiwani Contemporary, which focuses on modern African art.

Which African countries have taken to twitter the most, visual map data and a report on how the continent tweets.

The successful Arise Lagos Fashion Week is coming back for another round in March 2012.

If you are making a difference in the continent be sure to apply to attend Google Zeitgeist Young Minds in London this May.

Anyone who read half a yellow sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie will be excited to know that they are making a film. Chiwetel Ejiofor and Thandie Newton are already reported to be among the stars lined up for the movie.

Finally this week, the recently ended World Economic Forum awarded the Crystal Award to Yvonne Chaka Chaka for using her art to improve the world.

Sole Rebels - Bethelehm Alemu

Bethlelehm Alemu is one of Africa's fastest rising stars. You may ask why; She is the founder of Sole Rebel, an exciting ethical footwear brand that i can't wait to share with you.

Not only does it design and manufacturer it shoes in Ethiopia as well as sourcing most of its products from the continent but it is also built on fair trade principles. I cannot help but admire and fall in love with this company which truly sets to differentiate itself.

The brand has been receiving much applause for its business model from various institutions such as the World Economic Forum, the World Bank, and Forbes Magazine. Being the first fair trade certified shoe company, she is a leader who is to be celebrated and was recently awarded the African Award for Entrepreneurship beating other great businesses to win $50,000 US Dollars for the company.

As a business woman who has chosen to support her community and advance manufacturing, it is an honour to be writing about her.

I already have a couple of favourites but be sure to visit the website and let me know what you think.

Magical kenya

One of my favourite blogger, The Cherry Blossom girl was in Kenya last year, the pictures captured below are beautiful and you can find more on here. If you are looking for somewhere to holiday this year, Kenya is an absolutely magical place that would be a great choice for anyone.

MTV Shuga sneak preview

Anyone else looking forward to the MTV Shuga series? I fell in love with the show so much that i have been counting down ever since they mentioned they were doing a series 2. With less than a few weeks to go, here is the sneak preview to remind you what you have to look forward to. The line up is looking very good and you can find out more about the characters here. As a plus, guest celebrities like Banky W, WizKid both of whom are from Nigeria and Boneye (P-unit) from Kenya will be making an appearance.

Shuga: Love, Sex, Money Promo from mtv staying alive on Vimeo.

Thoughts on the sneak preview?

Little doses of inspiration - Links We Love

Hello, here are some links to get your monday started right. Enjoy

Roberto Cavalli and Franca Sozzani (Vogue Italia) decided to kick start their New Year in Lagos, Nigeria

Thinking of travelling this year? How about 48 hours in Nairobi?

Skills you should definitely acquire this year that will be needed in Africa

Decided to increase your knowledge or go back to school in 2012? Would you like an MIT degree for free? (Accessible worldwide!)

How educating women in South Sudan is improving the future of the nation.

And finally, if you're holding on to a little bit of Christmas, here is Just a Band's boxing special - too much talent.

Happy New Year

I currently i'm in England studying so my resolutions this year revolve around school and careers. However, one of my biggest wishes is visiting an African country (its been a while) in 2012. As a complete amateur photographer there is something exciting about capturing Mama Africa with a new greater appreciation for my home continent. I am truly looking forward to the year and what it holds for the continent.

Onwards to an exciting 2012.