Afrimma Awards 2016

It was love at first sight with this incredible work of art from late designer Oscar De La Renta. It has the right amount of glamour and a show stopping vibe to it. The perfect ball gown to make an entrance in. Top dripping in sequins and bottom sprinkled with floral appliqués. Just beautiful. I know statement ear rings are trending but I chose not to go overboard and stuck with minimal accessories so the gown could remain the star of the show and do all the talking. I hope you like what it had to say, :). Need I say more? Ok enough about me, got that out of the way, phew!

Btw if you’re wondering how I settled for this gown to wear to this event, let me just say I was undecided, so much so I ended up bringing 2 gowns with me to Dallas. One by Elie Saab and this one. Up until 30 minutes before leaving my hotel room, I was still undecided. And then you know me, I resorted to eeny meeny miny moe and voila! I guess I couldn't resist this beautiful print.  Florals were served heavily at the Emmys back in September. Remember Kristen Bell's Zuhair Murad gown and Sarah Hyland's Monique Lhuillier floral bodice HERE? I totally loved!

If we're connected on Instagram (@Fashionably-idu) and or FB, you should have already seen a video that I reposted of this gown on the night of the Afrimma awards. 

Today I’m sharing some highlights from the Afrimma short for African Muzik Magazine Awards, the sole award ceremony in the diaspora that caters to all musical genres. The event held in Dallas Texas on October 15th, was filled with many defining moments. It was magical to see all the talented artists perform and the cohesion between African nations was mind blowing considering Africa is a very diverse continent.

I say kudos to the organizers of this show, Ifeoma Nzimiro Obiagwu and her amazing hubby Anderson Obiagwu of Big A Entertainment. They truly 'walk the talk' and I applaud their efforts in putting together a show of this magnitude. Every ’t' was crossed and every ‘i' dotted. A pessimist could have gone through with a fine tooth comb and not found a thing to snicker about cos they spared no effort. There was just one tiny little con and that was out of their control anyhow. Time. The event was running behind schedule so the venue was closed down before all the winners could be presented with their awards and performers had a chance to do their thing. Perfection regardless! It was only the 3rd installment and this event will only get bigger and better.
I'm already looking forward to next year. 

While I’m not a beauty blogger, makeup and beauty are a big part of who I am. Like that’s not obvious, Ha! I also like to say that fashion and style are engrained in my DNA. And let me tell you right now, style was on full display at this event. From the cocktail dresses to the evening gowns and accessories, no stone was left unturned in bringing fashion to the forefront.

I saw trends being fully embraced. Emerging trends and even those hard to pull off were not left by the wayside. I even saw some trends that who knows, may drive the future. Whichever way they leaned, fashion gals from all over truly showed their flair for fashion, very effortlessly might I add.  Every one brought their A game and I loved it all. Some looks were so breathtaking you could actually hear a gasp escape one’s mouth. Different lengths and silhouettes and hues. All so fab. 

And the music. The reason we were all there to start with. Gosh if I had my way, I’d have been on my feet all night. Just twirling away like the rest of the music geeks in the house. Such amazing talents. It was nice to see some of our favorite voices life. And put a face to those I didn’t know and I really didn’t know quite a few of them. I must confess I only knew Flavour, Basket Mouth and 2Face. But the performances were nothing but top notch.

It was also very nice to meet some of my Facebook friends for the first time and also hang out with some friends from way back.

I apologize for posting this late. I was waiting for all my pictures from the various photogs that covered the event. Sadly I still don't have them all so I've added some taken at home and a few that I actually received.

And here is a rundown of the big winners of the night:

Best Male West Africa Olamide

Best Female West Africa Efya

Best Male North Africa Amr Diab

Best Female North Africa Ibtissam Tiskat

Best Dj Africa – Dj D’Ommy

Best Male East Africa – Diamond Platnumz

Best Female East Africa – Akothee

Best African Dj USA – Dj Dee Money

Best Male Central Africa – c4 Pedro

AFRIMMA Video of The Year – Brother Brother – Bisa Kdei

Best Female Central Africa – Daphne

Music Producer of the Year – Masterkraft

Best Male South Africa – Aka

Best African Dancer – Brenda Derry

Best Female Southern Africa – Chikune

Best Rap Act – Phyno

Best African Group – Sauti Sol

Best Collaboration Award- Reggea Blues , Harrysong, Kcee

Crossing Boundaries with Music – Wizkid

Song of The Year – Tekno – Duro

Best Gospel Act- Willy Paul

Artist of The Year – Flavour

Best Newcomer – Harmonize

Best Dancehall Act – Shatta Wale

Best Video Director – Patrick Elis

Caribbean Artist of The Year – Machel Montano

Photos by: Reze Bonna, Uche Photos & Victory Media Pro

A very Happy Birthday to my second son Young Tutu!  I love you fiercely son!

Photo Credit - Reeze Bona, Victory Media, The Gist Magazine

Deets

Gown - Oscar De La Renta

Bag - Edie Parker

Heels - Miu Miu

Thank you for stopping by, keep thinking the purple thoughts xx.