African Food and Art

This blog explores the wisdom of African proverbs, the depth of folklore, the beauty of art, the stories of history, and the flavors of timeless African food recipes.

Beyoncé African Queen Inspired Fashion L'Officiel Paris

Beyoncé African Queen

Iconic French luxury and fashion Magazine, L'Officiel Paris chose the American diva Beyoncé to wear different colorful outfits and headpieces in a nod to Nigerian musician and human rights activist Fela Kuti in an African Queen themed 90th-anniversary issue.

Beyoncé Plays Nala In The Lion King

Beyoncé African Queen Inspired Fashion L'Officiel Paris

Beyoncé African Queen Inspired Fashion

While many fell in love with the fashion spread, controversy on the use of black face that darkened Beyoncé skin to depict an African Queen was concerned racist by some and stylist’s creative license by others.

The fashion magazine L'Officiel Paris celebrated its 90th birthday in 2011 and to celebrate this anniversary, the festivities start with the March issue, with Beyoncé on the cover. Beyoncé posed for the magazine L'Officiel Paris in over the top fashion designer clothes as a return to her African roots.

Beyoncé was inspired to do the L'Officiel Paris photo shoot after watching the Broadway play Fela!,

While many fell in love with the fashion spread, some believe the L'Officiciel stylist’s creative license is artfully used while others considered the use of blackface that darkened Beyoncé skin to depict an African Queen racist.  The designs are all reflective of the African influence on fashion this season," the magazine said in a statement. "As for the artistic make-up, the inspiration came from several African rituals during which paint is used on the face. “We find the images beautiful and inspiring," the editors said, defending their decision.

Beyoncé posed for the magazine L'Officiel Paris in over the top fashion designer clothes as a return to her African roots.

Beyoncé was inspired to do the L'Officiel Paris photo shoot after watching the Broadway play “Fela!,” based on the life and music of the Nigerian bandleader and political rebel Fela Kuti.  In Africa, Fela Kuti, who died at the age of 58 in 1985 from complications of AIDS, is a figure to rival Bob Marley as both a musical innovator and a symbol of political and social resistance. Afrobeat, the style he forged in the early 1970s, combined African rhythms and messages with the jazz and funk.

L'Officiel 90th anniversary Beyoncé African Queen inspired fashion shoot inspired by Nigerian bandleader and political rebel Fela Kuti.


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Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=

Week’s Best African Culture Posts

Kru Tribe Fine Boy Tradition

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Dream-nightmare story from the Kru people of Liberia: the newly chosen Fine Boy is temporarily celebrated with fanfare and pleasure. Kru Tribe Fine Boy Tradition Fascinating stories emerged during the Pepper Coast's glory days. Beginning in the 15th century, European traders established outposts along the Liberian coastline, drawn by its wealth of humans, spices, and other commodities.  Centuries later, in the 19th century, the American Colonization Society (ACS) founded settlements in Liberia and began journalling native stories.  Among these tales is a dream-nightmare story from the Kru people of Liberia, a story so intriguing it almost seems too good to be true because, in some ways, it is.   The Kru women periodically held elections to select a young, handsome man as their “Fine Boy.” The announcement of his selection was celebrated with a vibrant procession featuring music, singing, and dancing.  The newly chosen Fine Boy was placed at the front of the para...
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What is the difference between ugali and fufu

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How to make the popular African recipes Ugali and Fufu and what is the difference.  Ugali is a starch dish in Kenya and Tanzania made of fine cornmeal cooked in boiling water into a soft dough. Fufu is a thick, dough-like West African food made by boiling then pounding a starchy vegetable such as yam, plantain, or cassava or a mixture of starchy vegetables. The main difference between fufu and ugali is fufu is boiled first then pounded while ugali is simply boiled. Ugali recipe. Easy Ugali Recipe Prep time 5 minutes Cook time 30 minutes Total time 30 minutes Ingredients 4 cups finely ground cornmeal 8 cups water Directions Heat water to boiling in a saucepan. Slowly pour cornmeal into boiling water stirring continuously. Add more cornmeal if necessary until it is thick as soft bread dough. Serve immediately with vegetables, stew, or any dish you would use a spoon with to soak up the sauce, ugali is purposely bland tasting on its own. What is the difference between ugali ...
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Berbere Spice Popcorn Topping Recipe

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Berbere Spice North African Popcorn Topping Recipe The best African spice for fresh popped popcorn is Berbere, a flavorful and aromatic bold spice blend from North Africa you buy at the local supermarket or online. Berbere is known for its bold mix of spices, often including chili peppers, garlic, ginger, fenugreek, cardamom, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves.  Berbere brings a balance of heat, sweetness, and earthy depth to any dish including fresh popped popcorn. The spice mix symbolizes community and hospitality, often prepared at home with slight variations to suit family preferences. Its fiery yet balanced flavor profile mirrors the complex and vibrant food of North African culture . In cities across Africa, popcorn is a common street snack and is often sold in cinemas, at markets, and by roadside vendors.  Berbere Spice Popcorn Topping Recipe Ingredients ½ cup poped popcorn kernels  2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 teaspoon Berbere spice blend   1 teaspoon salt ...
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Keto Moroccan Dinner Cooked Slowly

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Slow Cooked Moroccan Kefta Lamb Meatballs   Keto Tagine Morocco is at the geographic and cultural crossroads between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.   In Morocco, the term tagine refers to a slow cooked stew as well as the pot the stew is made in. Kefta Tagine Kefta Tagine is a keto-friendly Moroccan lamb meatball food dish fitted for your low-carb lifestyle. The slow cooking of the meatballs allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a fragrant, hearty keto meal. The star of the Kefta Tagine dish is lamb, symbolizing the richness of Moroccan hospitality. Lamb meat has been a staple in North African cuisine for centuries, with lamb being central to celebrations and religious festivals.  Ground lamb meat is spiced and shaped into small balls, known as kefta, a preparation that dates back to ancient Berber traditions.  The kefta are seasoned with cumin, paprika, and coriander, spices that have shaped Morocco’s history in the global trading of spices whi...
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