Award-winning international superstar Awilo Longomba recently rocked the runway as the musical guest at the “I Wear African” fashion show at the Avalon in Hollywood, California. Hosted by Hollywood actress/filmmaker Tangi Miller (“Hurricane in the Rose Garden”, ” Madea’s Family Reunion”), the event marked the fourth anniversary celebration of African Vibes magazine, which rolled out the red carpet in style. The fashion show showcased contemporary African style through the designs of some of Africa’s most talented designers. In addition to featuring an array of African fashions, the magazine also honored Awilo and celebrity fashion designer and “Project Runway” season five finalist Korto Momolu with a Diamond Award Award “for uplifting their African heritage through music and fashion.”
The fashion show also featured designs from Sheila Denanyoh (Ghana) of Ill-la-la Designs; Arthlene Legair (Dominica, West Indies) of the Legair Brand; Kahindo Mateene (Democratic Republic of Congo) of Modahnik; Maryanne E. Mokoko and Stephanie T. Mouapi (Cameroon) of Côté Minou; Mekdes Tefera Taye (Ethiopia); jewelry designer Monalisa Okojie (Nigeria) of NEHITA, and Christiane King (Ivory Coast) from season 6 of “Project Runway.” Liberian-born Korto Momolu, also showed pieces from her fall 2010 Collection — the Korto Momolu Collection.
Before Awilo hit the stage, the crowd was warmed up with an opening act performance by Avin-U C, consisting of three artists – EddyB, Naomi Achu and H.Bolo – all hailing from Cameroon; as well as a performance by Liberian hip hop artists Romeo Mulbah aka 2C and Chris Deshield. The “King of Techno-Soukous Music” then rocked the crowd with his stirring performance.
A portion of the proceeds from the event went towards supporting the magazine’s “1,000 Africans for Haiti” initiative to help the earthquake victims of Haiti.
By Ngozi Mba
Photo credit: Photos courtesy of Felix Saltzman/LookbookLA.com
