Washington, DC — African superstar Youssou N'Dour joined some of Africa's finest musical and fashion talent and African-American stars for a celebration of the continent's achievements at the iconic John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC early this month.
Musicians John Legend and Jay Z headlined the "Africa Rising Music and Fashion Festival" in the United States capital city's most prestigious arts venue.
Nduka Obaigbena, the Nigerian media mogul who created the festival in 2006, brought the star-studded event to the U.S. for the first time. Later this year, it will move to London's Royal Albert Hall. Obaigbena, best known as the pioneering founder of This Day newspaper, has expanded his horizons beyond the press with "Africa Rising" to highlight the continent's artistic talent.
N'Dour, described by Rolling Stone magazine as "the most famous singer alive," opened the show with an energetic set bringing an Afro-Cuban flavor to the stage.
N'Dour was just the first of many stars to perform. Nigerian fashion icon Fati Mohammed Asibelua, also known as "Momo," presented her new boutique line, reflecting a fusion of traditional African style and modern runway fashion.
Award-winning designer Deola Sagoe displayed an interesting blend of traditional African patterns with Victorian-inspired silhouettes, some of which represented childhood stories of her past. Both designers featured super models such Alek Wek of Sudan, Oluchi of Nigeria and Liya Kebede of Ethiopia.
The show also featured Nigerian jewelry designer Chris Aire, known as The Iceman, whose designs have been worn by celebrities such as Halle Berry, Oprah Winfrey, Angelina Jolie and Clint Eastwood. Aire brought a collection worth U.S. $450 million with him, and had the supermodel and actor Tyson Beckford model the men's collection – shirtless.
The festival then moved back to the music, with singer-songwriter John Legend performing a soulful set. Legend is the founder of the Show Me Campaign, a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting economic and spiritual poverty by fostering efforts to achieve sustainable development in African communities.
Jay Z, a rapper from the United States, ended the show, performing new and old hits for more than an hour, wrapping up the five-hour event. The crowd surrounded the stage for his performance.
Click here to see videos from the festival
Laura Ingabire and Alyssa Ketterer are AllAfrica interns who have been working in our Washington DC office for the summer.
