HARMONISING THE SOUL

Our Mission

At Fif ty Four mag, our mission is

FIFT Y FOUR MAG

Editor-in-Chief Mwai Yeboah Editors-at-Large Asanda Sizani, Artsi Ifrach

EDITOR’S LETTER

Home is a tugging on our soul that only grows stronger as we age. It is the undeniable reliance on the roots that ground us as our branches spread and strive.

Adama Amanda Ndiaye

THE MULTICULTURAL FASHION MAVEN HERALDING AFRICAN STYLE

ADELE DEJAK Africa’s Luxury Game Changer

For decades Africa has been excluded from conversations on global luxury. The jewellery designer wants to see the continent at the centre of the dialogue.

A Journey of Colours, Culture and Identity

Aristide Loua, the visionary behind the clothing brand Kente Gentlemen, explains how it was his homecoming that truly began his journey with design.

Rooted in Africa

As the Beauty and Wellness industry turns to Africa for the best natural ingredients and self-care rituals, we highlight 3 standout brands.

ALOE FEROX

Nature sometimes throws us gems, gifts that keep on giving even when times are bleak. Aloe is one such gift…

A Tribute to Braids

In this Homecoming issue, we give tribute to the oldest hairstyle and share tips on how to get the best out of your braids.

The Perfect BLEND

The brand Ajoke offers not only quality products but embodies the essence of personal connections and shared experiences.

THE SUBTLE POWER OF FEMININITY

The transition from girlhood to womanhood is a personal passage, Khumoetsile Seamogano traces the curves of divine feminine energy.

KWABENA LARTEY

Exploring the Connection between Black Identity and Injustice.

THE SOUL AND SOUKS OF MARRAKECH

A photographer’s journal at Maison Brummell.

A JOURNEY into the wonder of nowhere

Stood upon one of the largest salt flats in the world, what is life like here? Our Travel Editor Dan Carter finds out in Botswana.

HOW AFRICAN TR ADITIONS AND CUS TOMS ARE PRESERVED AND CELEBR ATED IN AFRICAN COMMUNITIES AROUND THE WORLD

“African culture is not just a thing of the past, but is alive and well in the present.” – Chinua Achebe, late Nigerian novelist and poet.

STRIPES

Embracing our Different

WANDERING WITH THE EYE- CATCHING WODAABE TRIBE

Known as the ‘people of the taboo’, Wodaabe set themselves apart and are not conforming.

HOME IS WHERE YOUR TRUTH LIVES

What the San people of Makgadikgadi (Bushmen) Teach us About Home

WEIGHT OF EXPECTATIONS

In the intricate dance of life, the expectations placed upon us bring forth a storm of unique challenges for each individual, Mmamello Matake considers her role in society.

GUIDE

PASSPORT! YOUR AFRICA FESTIVAL

AFRICAN MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Eight heavyweights making an impact across tech, politics, economics, and more.

COMING HOME

THE IMAGINED BORDERS OF THE HEART.

What to Watch

Reconnecting roots: African films celebrating homecoming and cultural rejuvenation.

Exploring the longing for home: AFRICAN NARRATIVES OF RETURN AND IDENTITY

As humans, we are bound by a deep-seated longing for a place to call home, a space where we can feel a sense of belonging and identity. This longing is especially resonant for the African diaspora, whose histories are marked by forced migration, displacement, political upheaval and slavery. In this issue of Bookmarked, we examine writers who have explored this theme.

Dancing to the beat of Africa

Homecoming events are a captivating expression of diversity and inclusivity, and in recent times have become a staple part of the entertainment yearly calendar, Onwumere Ikenna Churchill reflects.

AFRICA’S FUTURE MOVES

The vibrant and diverse tapestry of African dance has been an integral part of the continent’s cultural heritage for centuries, says Onwumere Ikenna Churchill, but what of its future?

Moroccan cuisine journeys south

Are you living in or visiting Lusaka and fancy a taste of North Africa? Look no further. Dorothy Walker reviews Dar Lalla restaurant.

How they return (Heirs)

photo: Harry Ondoa Here the gods show their

STOCKISTS

A Africa Luxe Book https://www.exaltafrica.co.uk Adama Paris https://adamaparis.com/index.php/en/about