Wine Festival in Ghana 

Say Cheers, the number one wine retailers in Ghana, organized the first ever wine festival in the country. The maiden wine festival was held at the Labadi Beach Hotel.

The event attracted wine makers, retailers, buyers, tasters and other stakeholders in the wine industry from a number of countries including France, South Africa and Chile.  Some exotic and expensive wines were auctioned at the event to raise funds for the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital's Cardiothoracic Centre in Accra.

The wine farms in South Africa include Spier, Saronsberg, Schalk Burger & Sons, Van and from France, Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons, Arniston Bay and Alizé Cognac were exhibited in the garden of the Labadi Beach Hotel. The programme ran from early evening till midnight. The event included activities such as tasting wine, lessons on wine appreciation and drinking wine responsibly.

Also as part of the event was Executive Chef of Labadi Beach Hotel, Mr. Gary Lane's attempt to gain an entry in the Guinness Book of Records for the longest pizza in Africa under the watchful eyes of officials from the Guinness Book of Records. In forty-seven minutes, the 105.7 metre-long pizza was made and was sold to guests, the proceeds of which were also donated to the Korle-bu Cardiothoracic Centre.

New York Fashion

A few weeks ago, ARISE Magazine presented this star-studded runway show featuring four of the brightest design talents from across the African continent. South African designer David Tlale was presenting in New York for the first time. Drawing his inspiration from the South African Ndebele tribes and the San people of Southern Africa, David fused these two very different cultural aesthetics in elaborate, spectacular designs. Inspired by the vibrant kaleidoscopes of Nigerian artist Kolade Oshinowo, Tiffany Amber’s collection was a festive display of flowing silk shapes moving like a brush of wind on a breezy summery day. Eric Raisina’s creative flair is rooted in his homeland of Madagascar and is infused by influences from Europe and Asia. Based in Cambodia since the late 90’s,he’s mastered the techniques of Cambodian silk weaving and dyeing, helping him bring a new couture style to his design construction. Coming onto the runway with a bang were the 12 models for Jewel by Lisa, in bright Ankara prints embellished with hand beaded details, sequins, crystals, glass and fringe. This summer collection sees snippy shorts, slim leg pants, mini cocktail frocks and leather-mix biker jackets in a cacophony of colour off-set-with batik-inspired silk prints. New York Fashion Week was focusing on collections for the Spring 2010 season with similar trends emerging, the Promise of Africa Collective designers were clearly – and refreshingly – doing their own thing.

Kaone Kairo

We get up close and personal with Face of Africa 2005 winner Kaone Kairo. We ask her to soar from a  dizzying height of 100 metres down to earth from the Orlando Towers in Soweto. These huge cooling towers have been turned into an Adventure playground, and this unique experience is just the thing for adrenalin junkies who like throwing themselves off things. Safely back down on earth, it was off to the design studios of David Tlale. Tlale's collections feature his signature feminine quality - the designer's tribute to the strength, the simple, earthy essence, of the women of Africa. And Kaone is one woman who is all that – and more

New Dance Festival

The New Dance Festival, a platform for contemporary dance, presented a selection of contemporary dance works from featured choreographers from around the world. Nicole Seiler from Switzerland presented Ningyo, a form where she fearlessly breaks and twists conventions, expectations, even myths. New Dance is a platform for creating debate, a network for dancers and choreographers and a space for contemporary dance to be seen. Many of the dances are a fusion, not only of style, but also of philosophies. Taoufiq Izeddiou from Morocco trained and studied in Europe. He describes his work through descriptions of identity, as Morocco has always been at the crossroads of numerous influences. Maria Helena Pinto from Mozambique brought a work called Mar Vermelho, a solo that works with the image of the expression "bain de sang" - bath of blood.

Nothing but the truth

Actor and Playwright John Kani is known as the Grandfather of South African Theatre. His play NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH, a tribute to his younger brother, is a multi award-winning film and Kani’s first outing as director. Celebrating the international success of the film as well as the launch of the African Film Library, the movie industry gathered to pay homage to John. Rosie Motene plays Mandisa - Themba's daughter – who visits the motherland from England.  South African film makers have, again proven that they can be trend-setters and achievers as African film story-tellers.

Photographer Emmanuel

Emmanuel  is a highly sought after photographer with over 20 years experience in Nigeria. He’s highly sought after to document events, but loves studio work. Fareed spends the day with this multitalented photographer who lets him in on some of his trade secrets.

Chef's Competition

The Chef of the Year competition attracted entries from some of the most promising chefs in the country, as well as international talent in the senior category for the first time ever. The chefs had to prove their skill, creativity and culinary talent in the most exciting mystery basket cook-off of the year. The team component gives novice chefs who would otherwise not have the opportunity, the chance to showcase their skills and kick-start their careers. As the finishing time ticked ever closer, the kitchen was a hive of activity, with all the chefs putting those all too important finishing touches to their creations. Food has to be a feast for the eyes too – but when it comes to the judges, taste is all important.