Tags

, , , , , , , ,

*Pic is from Bandeka.com site.

This post was meant to come out a day before valentines day, but I figured  that February is still the  month of love so it’s not too late. So this is an African inspired vday post.

The title “Chikondi’ actually means “love” in Nyanja which is a language mostly spoken in the capital of Zambia (Lusaka). Speaking of languages, I stumbled on a post by Africa.com on how to say ‘I love You’ in 54 different African languages. They also did a post on different ways to show your love in different african countries. Here are my faves. (African men, pay attention!!!)

Cameroon: Make a ceramic heart-shaped dish, with the clay found in the highlands in Cameroon

Kenya: Try purple tea sourced from Kenya, a country considered by connoisseurs to be among the best tea producers in the world.

Mali: Plan a romantic dinner with a desert view in Timbuktu.

Zambia: Wrap your gift in a tonga basket, which are woven by Tonga women, renowned for their weaving abilities.

CHOCOLATE AND FOOD

*Pic is via Marcus Samuelson site.

Every one knows valentines day and chocolate go together, but how many people know that Ivory Coast is one of the biggest exporters of chocolate? Find out how Ivorians celebrate valentines day.  

Ethiopian chef Marcus Samuelson shared his vegan chocolate truffles recipe.

MUSIC

The best part about interning for Heritage 1960 and being a co-host for Radio Afro Australia? Bringing them together for a smashing mixtape via DJ Iz. Check it out here. It features some of my favorites like “Ringtone” by Naeto C and more.Speaking of Heritage, we have a giveaway where you can win great prizes here.

Since I am from Zambia, I have to rep by sharing this mix of Zambian love songs via Zed beats. My favorite Zambian love song is below by Tio.

Afripop mag hit up Ghanaian MC and producer M3nsa “(also one half of FOKN Bois) to put a list of 10 of his favorite love songs. Check out what he came up with via the site.

AFRICAN RELATIONSHIPS

Bandeka is an online dating site that has been receiving press everywhere from Arise mag to How we made it in Africa, Forbes Africa and one of my favorite sites Diasporan Darlings. Check out their article on the ‘elite african dating site’ here.

Other interested articles on love in an african context are below.

Valentines Day and the African stereotype. (Are African Men Romantic?) via Diasporan Darlings.

Why don’t we like our own men? My friend Paula wrote that article for Clutch Magazine and boy, did it get some people heated. Personally, I can relate to the story, but read and let me know what you think.

What African Men wish their women knew (but don’t tell them) via Face 2 Face Africa.

Love Tips for Dating the African Man. (also via F2F Africa)

AFRICAN CELEB LOVE NEWS

2012 seems to be the year African artists are finding love. From Naeto C getting ready to wife up his boo Nicole, to rumors of Stephanie Okere (Nollywood actress) getting married to Tu Face proposing to his baby mama (one of the how many? ) on vday. I will say congrats to Naeto. Not with the whole Tu face thing though. I mean the man just knocked up another baby mama recently? wth?

In other news, want to date the gorgeous Leila Lopes (Miss Universe) ? My friend Makho sat down with her to talk about how to impress her.

TELEVISION

Love, Sex and Money

Last but not least, my favorite Kenyan tv show in collaboration with MTV Base Africa, SHUGA is back with a bang! It tells the story of the loves and lives of a group of friends. I watched the first season last year and put my sisters on to it, then some friends and i cant wait to watch the new season. Wizkid and Banky W did the theme song and made appearances. Must get an interview with some of the cast. #staytuned. Just for you, The new episode is below.