A NEW ERA OF AFROS IN THA CITY

We are thrilled to welcome you to a new era of publishing for Black media at Afros in tha City. As we embark on this journey, we are committed to defining our futures and documenting our history from our own perspective. We believe that our voices are powerful and our stories are vital. Gone are the days of seeking validation from our oppressors, as we stand firm in the understanding that we are the change we wish to see.

Here at Afros in tha City, we are dedicated to embracing this evolution and aligning our actions with our commitment to perpetuating lasting change. Join us as we forge ahead, fearlessly shaping narratives, and amplifying the diverse experiences within our community. Your continued support and engagement are invaluable as we enter this new chapter.

Welcome to a new era of Afros in tha City, where we are unwaveringly dedicated to being the change forever.

QUICK AFRO PICKS - Exciting New Content Coming Your Way!

Get ready for a riveting lineup of new content as we introduce a fresh and immersive experience for our cherished readers. From thought-provoking articles to captivating videos, our new content promises to engage, inform, and entertain in equal measure.

Stay tuned as we roll out this exciting update, and prepare to embark on a journey of discovery with Afros in tha City.

Unruly: Redefining Black Hair Care - Embrace Beauty Without the Pain

Embark on a journey where your next hairstyle isn't just a possibility but a painless reality. Since the inception of Unruly in 2013, Co-founders Antonia and Abigail have been rewriting the complex narrative surrounding Black hair care, challenging the antiquated belief that beauty must come at the cost of discomfort.

Gone are the days of enduring headaches and hours spent washing and styling. Unruly dares to defy convention, asserting that the natural beauty and versatility of Black hair should be celebrated, not endured. The Unruly duo stand as a beacon of empowerment, offering guidance and support through every twist and turn of the Afro hair care journey.

What began as a modest blog blossomed into a comprehensive platform offering expert advice, inspiration, and now, essential services and products meticulously crafted to address the struggles we once resigned ourselves to. With each innovation, Abigail and Antonia are not just celebrating our hair; they are reshaping an entire industry, moulding it into a space where Black beauty thrives.

Join Unruly in their mission, guided by the vision of Antonia & Abigail, as they pave the way for a future where caring for Black hair is as effortless as it is exquisite. Learn more at https://un-ruly.com/

"Get Glam Without Leaving Home: Introducing Unruly's Mobile Hair Styling Service!

Are you based in NYC, LA, or the DC area and prefer the convenience of having your braids, weave, or wig install at home? Look no further than Unruly's mobile hair styling service! Our team of expert stylists will bring the salon experience right to your doorstep, ensuring you look and feel your best without ever stepping foot outside.

And here's the best part: from now until April 15th, enjoy $20 off your first appointment. Don't miss out on the opportunity to pamper yourself in the comfort of your own home while saving big. Use the referral link here to receive $20 off your first appointment.

Nom de Plume Agency Awards 24

H&M REAWAKENS SPRING 2024 WITH MODERN TAILORING AND REFINED ROMANCE

For Spring 2024, H&M celebrates the season of rebirth with soft tailoring and an effortless ease. There’s sculptural volume and clean lines of refined suits, sophisticated shirts and shirt dresses. Workwear-inspired pieces give a utilitarian edge, while embroidered details, pleats and textures convey a delicate touch. A minimal colour palette of silver, light blue denim, white and ecru keeps the tone sharp. The collection launched on 21 March and will be available in selected stores worldwide and online at hm.com.

The womenswear collection is a love letter to wardrobe treasures and modern femininity. Timeless suiting that’s both tailored and relaxed includes not only the blazer and trousers, but also waistcoats and hot pants. Blouses, dresses and skirts with romantic volume, pintucks and flounces. Power denim in the guise of 90s shapes and soft, washed-out blues add some toughness. A shiny silver A-line dress brings a final pop of energy.

Key pieces include a white mini-dress with balloon sleeves, ruching and drawstring details, a silver pencil skirt, a light denim shirt with body-skimming seams, and a white voluminous embroidered collarless blouse with wide cuffs. Feminine accessories like slingback kitten heels and pointy ballerinas are set against chunky, bold jewellery in silver tones.

“This season, we were really inspired by the idea of rebirth, like the first flowers blooming. So while there’s a romantic side to the collection, we also wanted to channel a strong, tailored vibe and workwear touches that could breathe life into the fashion wardrobe,”
Eliana Masgalos, Concept Designer at H&M.

For menswear, modern tailoring and utilitarian elements are also key – a chore jacket, overshirts, blousons and pull-on trousers. With the addition of navy and chestnut to the colour palette, the result is minimalistic and easy-going. In kidswear, the first signs of Spring show up in floral prints, voluminous silhouettes, soft suiting and workwear-inspired pieces. Textures, embroidery on twills and satins, and both shiny and matte surfaces create a modern twist on charming classics.

"The kidswear collection this season has a distinct sweetness – satins, puff sleeves and all-over floral prints – but the tailoring and neutral colour palette gives it a clean edge, too,” Sofia Löfstedt, Head of Kidswear Design and Creative at H&M.

Unveiling Selma Burke: A Theatrical Odyssey Through Art, Courage, and Justice

Theatre Calgary, in collaboration with Alberta Theatre Projects, proudly presents the debut of an enthralling new theatrical production centering on the life and legacy of Selma Burke, a remarkable figure whose impact resonates through art, courage, romance, and justice. Crafted by Caroline Russell-King and Maria Crook, this captivating narrative unfolds at the Martha Cohen Theatre in Arts Commons.

Selma Burke's name remains relatively unknown, yet her contributions as a Black American sculptor during the vibrant era of the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s and 30s are profound. Notably, her bas-relief plaque of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, believed to have inspired the design of the American dime, stands as a testament to her talent and influence, despite enduring a lack of recognition during her lifetime.

"Selma Burke delves into the remarkable journey of Dr. Burke, who persisted in her artistic endeavors despite challenges from a spouse who sought to undermine her, a government that appropriated her work, and the menacing presence of the FBI," says co-playwright Caroline Russell-King.

"Gifted with extraordinary talent, Selma depicted pivotal events of the 20th century through her art: from the struggles of the Harlem Renaissance to the horrors of the Holocaust and the civil rights movement," adds co-playwright Maria Crooks.

Directed by Felicia Turner Sonnenberg, whose dedication to amplifying the voices of female artists echoes throughout her career, the production celebrates Burke's artistic achievements and invites audiences on a journey of imagination and introspection.

"This play is not merely a biography or a lecture; it's a flight of fancy, born from the boundless creativity of our playwrights and brought to life by the collaborative efforts of our talented team," remarks Sonnenberg.

Norma Lewis leads the all-Calgary cast as Selma Burke, accompanied by a stellar ensemble portraying the myriad characters who shaped her life. With a team of visionary designers, choreographers, and directors, Selma Burke promises to captivate audiences with its exploration of artistry, resilience, and the pursuit of justice.

Selma Burke runs from April 2 to 27 at the Martha Cohen Theatre, with the official opening night on Friday, April 5. Performances are scheduled at 7:30pm (Sun-Thurs), 8:00pm (Fri-Sat), and 2:00pm for weekend matinees.

Tickets are available for $39 as part of Theatre Calgary's Theatre For All initiative, reflecting the company's commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.

Selma Burke contains mature themes and is recommended for audiences aged 14 and above.

Founded in 1969, Theatre Calgary stands as Calgary's premier professional theatrical company, dedicated to stimulating, provoking, and delighting audiences through ambitious and diverse programming. Led by Artistic Director Stafford Arima and Executive Director Maya Choldin, Theatre Calgary continues to push boundaries and inspire engagement on local, national, and international stages.

Halima shares her latest single "Ways," the follow-up to her previous hit "Awaken," which received recognition from BBC Radio's Benji B and Clash Magazine. Both tracks will feature on her upcoming EP EXU (pronounced Eshu), set for release on May 24th via drink sum wtr.

Halima's Nigerian heritage. Exu (Eshu) is the Yoruba deity of “crossroads,” the great mediator between the forces of life and the messenger between humans and gods.

"They are known for being the God of change, chaos, and unpredictability, so they are often misunderstood," Halima explains.

"But they are present in our lives to bring us to better versions of ourselves. This project is about facing Exu and resisting it. Then succumbing and realizing Exu is within you."

In "Ways," Halima delves into the emotions of a new romantic interest, showcasing her musical prowess.

The track opens with hollow drums, crafted to mirror the exhilarating rush of intense attraction. Halima's dynamic vocals effortlessly navigate the R&B hooks, narrating the experience of being kept awake by love. The song progresses with propulsive beats and ethereal harmonies, creating a mesmerizing blend.

Halima is set to perform alongside Elliot Moss in Washington D.C., New York, and Boston this April, with a headline show in LA on June 12th at The Moroccan Lounge. Her background, spanning Lagos, London, and now Brooklyn, influences her music, rooted in folk, jazz, and theatrical elements.

The EXU EP, her label debut with drink sum wtr, reflects her Nigerian heritage, drawing inspiration from the Yoruba deity Exu (Eshu), symbolizing change and transformation.

Halima's project embraces Exu's essence, exploring themes of resistance, acceptance, and personal growth.

Listen/Pre-Save Halima - EXU