Ethnic minority classical dancers had to use paint or foundation make-up to darken the standard-issue pink shoes that were the only option available to them. Now, for the first time on a large scale, ballet shoes will better match the skin colour of black and mixed dancers.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle Maggi commercial raises questions on gender roles in Nigeria
How important are television commercials in shaping the society, to debunk or entrench stereotypes? Maggi’s latest commercial has been the topic of debate in Nigeria, with many referring to the commercial as being misogynistic.
Lifestyle Not less of a woman: Infertility, IVF, miscarriages, surrogates and choosing childlessness
The ability to give birth is widely touted as a woman’s defining feature. Having children – or wanting them, and how you have them are a source of anxiety for many women. In this respect, famous women such as Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, Gabrielle Union, Beyoncé and Tracee Ellis Ross help give voice to all women.
Lifestyle Ayanna Pressley and Jahana Hayes make history to secure seats in the US House
America’s midterms have been the populace’s chance to exercise power at a time when they feel powerless. In this election, the desperate need for representation has seen diverse candidates break barriers across America. Ayanna Pressley and Jahana Hayes are two such groundbreaking individuals.
Lifestyle Hello Movember! The new male beauty standard and solutions for problematic beards
Complicated beauty rituals are no longer a purely feminine preoccupation. The current male beauty standard demands a level of effort and curation that men have not been exposed to in the past. The pressure to attain this image ideal is even higher with social perceptions and stereotypes.
Lifestyle Nairobi to host Music In Africa conference for collaboration and exchange
Music In Africa Conference for Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases (ACCES) is a pan-African event for music industry players to exchange ideas, discover new talent and create business linkages. This year’s keynote speaker is Kenyan musician Eric Wainaina.
Lifestyle Meet: Ben Enwonwu, one of Africa’s most influential artists of the 20th century
Nigerian painter and sculptor Ben Enwonwu was one of the first modern African artists to win international critical acclaim. His career has increased the global visibility and proliferation of modern African art. An impact crater on the planet Mercury has even been named “Enwonwu” in his honour.
Lifestyle Artificial intelligence art is here
The first-ever original work of art created using artificial intelligence – a machine-learning algorithm that scans historical artwork – has been sold at auction. “Portrait of Edmond de Belamy” (2018) was sold for an astonishing US$432,500.
Lifestyle Painful past: A guide to the continents dark tourist attractions
“Dark Tourism” is the travel or patronage of historical and cultural sites that are in some way connected to death or disaster. Dark tourism is said to help alleviate taboos and perceptions associated with morbid locations while educating travelers on their significance.