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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Dreams From My Father
Friday, June 18, 2010
*bbm whew face* so I’ve finally finished reading Barack Obama’s, Dreams from My Father after about 2 years. Don’t judge me, lol. It was my travel book, so I only read it in the airport or the plane, when I wasn’t sleep. It surprised me, how much our experiences with our fathers paralleled. No my mother is not white and no my father does not have 4 wives (not that there’s anything wrong with that…iKID). I’m speaking more so from our interactions, their influence and our struggle to find acceptance and answers.
Visiting Nigeria for the first time was both humbling and amazing. It’s difficult to fully express what the experience meant to me and how it changed my outlook on family, tradition, and culture. I was able to spend a few days in the capital, Abuja and my remaining weeks in Port Harcourt mixed with a day trip to Aba.
Now, I speak very little of my native tongue, Igbo, but thanks to friends and family I managed not to get ripped off too bad or get kidnapped. That coupled with my $1 haircut, and brief bout with the runs *thanks Imodium A-D* I’d say it was a great trip. Unfortunately, I did NOT see my father (this makes year 22 
) but I know his lessons and principles help guide my path, and the culture of Nigeria heavily influences my perspective on fashion.
Nigerians might be some of the flyest people I know…and I can say that speaking from first hand experience. *pops dashiki* As a stylist I’m not afraid to mix different patterns, colors, and textures. In fact, I rather enjoy it. Spending over two weeks in Nigeria only confirmed where I draw this inspiration. It’s from the children walking to primary school in their uniforms, from the older lady at the market selling stock fish in her traditional, from the young boys playing football, from the bride preparing for her nuptials searching intensely for her husband amongst the crowd and from the father walking with his family to church.
Check out the images below to get a glimpse into my journey and to understand how Nigeria planted the seeds of style in me. Enjoy.
27 Comments
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Uchenna Okoji
Uj3, this is amazing! I love everything about the site and the blog–down to this font I’m using right now. It’s vibrant, it’s colorful, it’s inspiring! Dope! Bravo! Kudos! EveryThing! I look forward to seeing more..keep it up!
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Haha..not the bbm whew face. You are a comedian. Love the pics, my fave is the wedding photos with the Nigerian Issac Hayes and Black Thought in the background. Just a great shot.
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Just Amazing! This took me back home! I’m so happy that you were able to experience “home” to the fullest! Our people and culture are just so beautiful. Great job Apuje! I’m looking forward to more!
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Helen
Love it!! I’m so proud of you bro! You are on your true path and I know God has great things in store for you!
These pics makes me miss home! -
Isaiah
This is great! A colorful look into your inspirations and drive. I look forward to seeing more. Congrats!
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thanks for sharing, completely inspiring
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Nigeria looks so raw and beautiful. you should check out the documentary that the BBC produced called “Welcome To Lagos”.
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Cortni
Inspiration at its best! You got me (mentally) planning my trip to Jamaican to see my family off this one bro.
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Uju
awww love it Apuje!!! thanks for shooting our wedding, and for allowing us to be a part of ur experience back home!! You rock!
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Sandra Nwankwo
Apuje,
The site is nice!!! I will definitely be following this more often. Glad you posted pics of my cousin’s wedding…..definite kudos for that!
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Drewche
I like that you brought AFRICA to us Americans…one day I will make it there also
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DiAndria
Apujeeeeee….I am diggin the blog brother…so awesome! I will definitely stay tuned…I am a sucker for blogs (especially good ones that inspire me).
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JG*
Apuje! This is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!
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Henry
WOW!!!! The images are so vivid. I was enthralled by the point of view in your pictures. I know see where you get your fearless fashion sense!
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EMozie
Way to go Apuje. Congratulations on making your passion a reality. How interesting that on your first visit to Nigeria you recognize instantly that your perspective on fashion draws so much inspiration from your Nigerian heritage. I love the photographs, they definitely tell a story. Looking forward to seeing more.
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LOVE LOVE LOVE IT. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, trip and these beautiful pictures. The colorful pics from the wedding are gorgeous!!
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Tamara
Its official im marryin a african… These pics are to die for…
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What an awesome experience! It was very cool to follow along your journey via your twitpics. Nothing like a return HOME to remind you of your roots, heritage and culture.
And the photography is amazing! I love your blog!
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Meghan
I love your pics of Lagos. I had a layover there and was not able to see the city but longed to see any and take in everything. I visited Ghana and Burkina Faso and was amazed! It blew my mind and I want to return badly. Obama seemed to bring us ordinary Americans, 4th and 5th generation Americans, closer to Africa, gracefully and quietly, like no one else has ever done. It was a silent march of the masses. Passionate cheers, cries and prayers were heard all over the world upon his election and Marcus Garvey’s dreams seems to be fulfilled. Peace and Love Brother Apuje, Meg
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This post was very personal to me, but I felt I needed to share my experience. If you haven’t had a chance to visit the motherland, make it a priority.
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Pejj
Crisp and lovely photos!!! The bride is gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!!! =D
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Nwabueze
I started to tear up as I looked at your pictures. I miss Nigeria so much and I wish that things could improve, so that we could leave this place and love at HOME. Real Talk. lol.
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Elliott Kiadii
Yo, pics are beautiful man…. You really just gave me a little more inspiration to explore my Liberian Heritage. We’ve had numerous talks about the father thing, and that has been one thing preventing me from even embracing my culture, but this post had made me look at things from a different light! Thanks bro.
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My broda….I know I am late but I thk you know how much you inspire me…and your thanked. Dope post!
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Jackie Jones
These are great photos! Thank you so much for sharing. I wish you would describe the food you show and I want to know how to make these marvalous head wraps, I do! They are really statement pieces.
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Thanks Jackie for visiting my blog. When I was in Nigeria, I was tweeting the about each of my meals. Shoot me an email off line and I can describe each dish to you.
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Omalicha
Omg…..is that abacha? Craving some right about now
47 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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