Category: Music
Rockin' Steady with Di'Ja
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
It is always a pleasure working with emerging recording artists. Not only are they purpose-driven and humble, but hungry. Often, that hunger and passion resonates throughout their sound and personality. The same can be said and much, much more about Nigerian/Sierra Leonean/Lebanese singer-songwriter, Di’Ja.
Last August, Di’Ja, born Hadiza Blell, reached out to me about styling and creative directing her next photo shoot. After listening to her hit single, Rock Steady, and reading her bio, I was excited to get to work with my first Nigerian-born starlet. *waves green & white flag* Di’Ja’s cultural background radiates through her unique sound as her music effortlessly merges pop, R&B and a hint of reggae. Like most Nigerians, Di’Ja is also degreed UP! She earned dual bachelor’s degrees with majors in psychology and biology, before pursuing what she knew to be her destiny: entertainment.
Her energy is infectious. If you ever have the opportunity to meet Di’Ja, you’ll know what I mean; people gravitate toward her as if they already know she’s a superstar. Once Di’Ja and I had our initial consultation, I knew I had to bring my ‘A’ game. The looks had to match her diversity in sound and culture without losing her as an artist. Di’Ja’s unique personality simply had to emanate through every look. I immediately enlisted the help of some amazing designers to bring my vision to life:
Dominique Auxilly: Look (1 &3), coral dress, and look (7), pewter dress.
Parfait Designs by Esosa: Look (4), unity skirt.
Delilah Johnson: Look (5), babydoll dress.
Artistic Aya: Look (5), paper earrings & bracelet and printed purse.
After pulling from designers, I went shopping to complete each look, and found great pieces from Betsey Johnson, Urban Outfitters, H&M, Steve Madden and ALDO. The mix of custom designs and off-the-rack pieces were the perfect fusion for the shoot.
As a fashion stylist, it is not only important to listen with your ears, but also with your eyes. Clients speak to you in many different forms and it’s your job to pick up on the minute details. Where possible, I infuse elements of my clients’ personal style. It provides them a fresh perspective on how to wear pieces in their current wardrobe. Using some of Di’Ja’s jewelry and shoes for this shoot ultimately helped her own each look.
The story below is what happens when an amazing team works with an even more amazing artist.
- Like Di’Ja’s Facebook Fan Page - http://www.facebook.com/pages/DiJa/184440925984
- Listen to her music on MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/musicdija
- Follow Di’Ja on Twitter - @aphroDIJA
- Download Di’Ja’s new single, Private Room on iTunes – http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/private-show-single/id435835147
***Photographer, Elton Anderson, Hair Stylist, R. Nicole Jenkins, MUA, Leontyne Reaves
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The Power of @twitter ◊ Resistance is Futile
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
While there are many people who are still against social networking, *bbm confused face* I’m a huge fan. Being on Twitter for close to a year and a half has helped me spark new friendships, solidify others, establish my online brand and make great connections. Case in point, my friend @jayfierce saw a tweet from @AdrienField, the fashion market editor for Vibe Magazine who needed an assistant for a Miami video shoot. He immediately thought of me and started to blow my phone up.
After three attempts, @jayfierce was finally able to reach me. What can I say; I’m a busy man! He informed me about the opportunity and provided the contact information. After doing my research, I sent @AdrienField an e-mail expressing my interest in working with him if he felt my skill set matched his need. He replied, “You might be over qualified given your portfolio, but I would love to have you on set.” And I exclaimed, “As long as I’m not getting the crew coffee and doughnuts, I’m down.” I know @AdrienField was probably thinking, #ohyoufancyhuh, lol.
At any rate, after a few more e-mail exchanges, I found out I would work with him styling the six featured girls in Trey Songz’s newest smash hit, Bottoms Up featuring Nicki Minaj, as well as Trey’s new single, Can’t Be Friends. Can you say, “Excited much?!?!” All I could do was thank the Lord above for continuously blessing me with these opportunities … oh, and @twitter too.
Video shoots are a laborious process. Some can span over two days and there’s a lot, I mean, A LOT of waiting between sets. However, when you see the final product, it’s almost always worth it.
Check out the season finale of Trey Songz: My Moment tonight on BET, 10 p.m. ET/9 CT, where you can see behind the scenes footage of Bottoms Up. View the full video below; the girls look quite delectable if I do say so myself! #YUUUUUUP
18 Comments
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UAU
#salute
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That is a great look and I can speak from expereince too on how Twitter can boost careers and create new opportunities for people. This is a great blog post and it definitely hit home. Hopefully, others utilize Twitter for more than a soapbox…
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Strictlybiz38
Good job Bro! Congrats on the blessings.
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Damon
congrats on the great opportunity! i’m sure more opportunities like that will soon follow.
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Frenchie
I worry about people that dont tweet! I mean, are they still rocking hi-top fades too?! It’s rapidly become more uselful to me that FB ever was
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I am so proud of you @apuje!! You gave me my first lessons in tweeting a little over a year ago, now I’m a certified tweeter! And I owe it all to you
Honestly, I love all social media, especially @twitter, it’s been really instrumental to the work of @DivasMPH in the community! <– [follow us!] #socialmediarocks
XOXO,
@miss_madie -
JMac
Congrats on all the good work Bro! May continued success come your way!
And @twitter is OKAY….LOL!
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Elliott Kiadii
Congrats on that bro! Im glad that your dreams are truly becoming a reality!!!
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I was initially a Twitter doubter. Did not understand the appeal. Now, I have seen the light (Hallelujah)! Especially for business people, like yourself. Congratulations on your recent assignment! Hopefully, more will come your way.
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Kezia
Congrats!
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Curtis
**leaves Post-It note** Dear Apuje, Curtis was here. That’s all.
Oh by the way…CONGRATS, LB!!
LOL#okbye
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Congratulations Mr. Kalu on this amazing project. I am so blessed to have friends and FamilE! like you and it’s great to see fellow young urban “professionals” truly following their dreams! Keep rockin it!
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Jeremy aka J BakE!
Great job bro, I’m happy to see the blessings poor out to young professionals like youself. You inspire me to keep going and keep praying. Congrats!!! B-)
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wow freakin amazin Apuje!!!! congrats and i know many more BIG opportunities will be coming ur way #Amen yeaaaa <~trigga's voice
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J. Bland
Apuje, I remember you telling me about this shoot. Social networking is such a powerful tool… great post!
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Spiele Murk
Very enlightening and beneficial to someone whose been out of the circuit for a long time.
-Murk
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I too, can attest the the usefulness of social networking in building business and creating new opportunities. But we must remember that even when opportunities are present, we must be prepared to take advantage…Your skill proved you were! Congrats and as always, I am so very proud of you! xoxoxo
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This is so true Apuje! I started an intense Internet campaign last year&it has helped my buisness tremendously. FB&Twitter has exsposed my work to alot of ppl all over the world. I also have made new connections with other barbers that I follow so we have a cool camaraderie which is great
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Happy Birthday MJ ◊ A Fashion Story
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Where were you when news broke that the King of Pop, Michael Jackson died? I was in Harlem, NY, home of the Black Renaissance, just one block from the legendary Apollo Theatre. True to form, Rev. Al Sharpton was one of the first figureheads on scene and quickly consoled a growing crowd of devastated fans. Stereos from every corner played MJ tunes while nostalgia filled the air as people cried, laughed and danced in the streets. It was a true life and legacy celebration of the greatest entertainer of all time. *pulls sequined glove out of pocket* Of course, I had to join in and city boy slide one time for ya’ boy *in my best South Florida accent* as Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough played in my head. #iLoveFAMU
I was also in the middle of my first lifestyle shoot with VH1 & CNN correspondent, not to mention huge Michael Jackson fan, Janell Snowden. She has to be one of the coolest and most supportive people I’ve ever met. One look into the shoot, Janell’s phone started to blow up with calls from CNN to be on a panel within the hour. In my mind, I’m thinking, “Party done”. *Jamaican accent* “This shoot is about be rescheduled.” However, in a world/city of people that jumped in reaction to MJ’s death, Janell insisted we stay the course, demonstrating our mutual passion for fashion. *bbm surprised face* Not many people in Janell’s position would have passed up that opportunity. It spoke volumes about her character as a journalist and person. It’s a pleasure to work in this industry with people that share your passion; the end product is always better. Check out Janell’s fashion story with a special MJ tribute in the last look.
***Photographer, Elton Anderson
9 Comments
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I need those purple shoes in my life!!! I love the outfits in Janell’s photoshoot! Fabulous!
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Gotta love those YSL’s. The shoes in this shoot had to be my favorite!
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Love, Love, Love the shoes, concepts, & the realism oozing from the beginning photos where residents are “one” and swallowing that dreaded pill that the King of Pop is….gone.
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Veronica
Love it!
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Loving the blue flower dress & the nude shoes.
I remember being at home when I first got the news of MJ. I was actually watching TV and my sis calls from LA. “OMG, people on the streets saying Michael is dead.” Yeah right, I said. Turned on CNN; reports coming that he was in a coma. Yelled at my sis that MJ ain’t dead cause CNN said so. Then I went on TMZ and it was confirmed, that infact, he was dead. I was flabbergasted (we’re gonna overlook the fact that I believe TMZ over CNN). -
Love, Love, Love the shoes, concepts, & the realism oozing from the beginning photos where residents gather as “one” (i.e.no beef, no hating, nada) and swallowing that dreaded pill that the KIng of Pop is….gone.
p.s. im absolutely IN LOVE with those shoes ft’d in the last 2 looks!!!!
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I always loved these pictures. They tell such an incredible story. Janell is beautiful. Styling perfect.
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Kerri E.
OMG! I love the New York energy in this shoot. Its nothing like New York…I mean nothing. I’ve seen Janell on VH1 and she is absolutely amazing! Keep up the good work Apuje.
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Chandia
FAB! I held my breath throughout the pics!
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Right Place. Right Time.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
After a two-month hiatus from Miami, I returned to the Creative Hostel to continue work on launching my website and blog. Unbeknownst to me, Toye Adedipe, a fellow FAMU alum and celebrity stylist, had taken up residence at the Hostel for the weekend. He was in town to style Island Def Jam recording artist Git Fresh Crew’s debut album artwork, and video for their hit single, She Be Like. *singing* Bom Bom Bom…1st round!
While on location styling the seven looks for the album, Toye called and asked if I could come on set to help out for awhile. At that point, I had been up all night putting the finishing touches on my site and blog, but nonetheless, I obliged and hopped in a cab to downtown Miami. It was a great opportunity I was not going to pass up. Besides, sleep is for the weary, and I have moves to make, lol.
After a $20, three-pack cab ride (Sidebar: As a freelance stylist, I count every penny, and equate it to packs of bacon or a meal. $20 = 3 really good packs of bacon or 3.5 meals), I arrived on set and immediately asked Toye how I could be of assistance. Tape shoes? Don’t mind if I do! I have a patent pending technique that will ensure most shoes can go back to the store after being worn. *bbm lips are sealed face* In the middle of my fourth pair of shoes, Toye comes over and tells me the creative direction for tomorrow’s video has changed. He has to stay on set to finish styling the other looks and needs me to go shopping. Toye hands me the keys to a rental car, $2,500 in cash, and gives me a brief description of the three-member group’s aesthetic.
Can we say OVERWHELMED? It was the middle of rush hour traffic, and I had just been tasked with getting three looks apiece with options within a specific color range for each member of Git Fresh Crew. With a smile on my face and book bag on my back, I headed to the mall to GET ‘ER DONE. Needless to say I shut the mall down. I wanted to make sure Toye was in good position to style tomorrow morning because there would be no time for mall runs.
Back at the Hostel, Toye reviewed my pulls and was extremely pleased. A number of looks, including the literal shirt off my back were used in the video. It goes to show that when you’re destined to do anything, your steps are ordered. You just have to be quiet, watch for the signs and follow the path. I could have stayed in DC until I launched my website and blog, however something told me to go to Miami, and I listened.
Check out some behind the scenes pics and the video below….Bing Bing Bing…It’s going down!
13 Comments
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Arminta
You are such an inspiration!!!!
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Dope. Ok Cuz, I see You. “Doing BIG things.” keep up the good work!
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Hey Cuz! Its good to hear from you. Thanks for the support. More “Big Things” on the horizon, so stay tuned.
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What a blessing! Continue to be inspired and work hard the way you do! It will alllll pay off in the end! You are an inspiration to those that are pursuing their dreams as well!
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Mr. FineBoyNoPimple
My broda has done it again!!!!! Keep up the good work nwanne’m. The sky is the limit for you. Question, what happens with the clothes when the shoot is over? I could use a few donations lol. stay blessed bro!
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That is the best story I have read all summer. I am a big fan of both you and Toye. I like when people work together.
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The FAMU Connections runs deep. You never know where we’re going to be. Thanks for the comment big homie.
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Congratulations on the opportunity! Sorry I missed you in Miami but that’s ok, you were working hard down there!! I agree with Arminta, you are definitely an inspiration! Keep up the GREAT work!
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Attayah Ali
Love love love it Puje. Your steps are definitely ordered. But you know I’m dying to know which shirt was yours, lol. You definitely shut the mall down…who but you could pull a rabbit tail as an accessory. You are sick wit it.
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LOL…its in the all black look. Penny (with the Caesar) has on my black shirt with the gold snake on it. It’s actually the same shirt that I have on in my Facebook avatar.
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Jen
I continue to be impressed by your hustle and professionalism. Can I be the President of the Apuje Kalu fan club? Please and Thank you.
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Have I told you I love you today Jen? Sure you can be the President, lol.
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Aja Chandler
Apuje, your Epicurean! days gave you great preparation to find pieces within a short time frame on a specific budget,
. Great job as always.
14 Comments
Okay, kay, kay… Impressive as usual! Keep up the good work.
Gorgeous photos!!
Great write up and equally amazing images! I love Di’Ja’s sound. Looking forward to hearing more.
Wow.. this is dope. I know Elton and i he does amazing work. Very exciting…
I’m an aspiring fashion stylist and I really appreciate the tips you provide in your posts. I hope you continue letting us be apart of your journey. YOUR ROCK!
Ummmm where can I get the jacket in the second to last row of pictures? I am serious Apuje!!!
No Really, I am Serious.
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