For the past five years, the team behind Little Africa, have devoted themselves to changing the narrative of what it means to be a person of African descent in the world’s most visited city: Paris. And behind the rise of the Little Africa enterprise is its founder and CEO, Jacqueline NGO MPII.

One of their most successful endeavors is their City Guide book, a self-published compilation of over 200 Afro-Parisian boutiques, restaurants, businesses, events and artists in Paris.

Building on this success thus far, they are expanding their horizons with plans to open a multidisciplinary cultural and retail commercial space; a home to promote the dialogue between cultures and to showcase creators. This new space will serve as a home to showcase their beautiful publishing products that highlight African cultural heritage, a gathering point for their thematic guided tours in Paris, and a cultural and artistic space that welcomes locals and tourists from around the world to learn about and participate in the beauty of African culture. After months of searching and negotiating a lease – they have finally acquired a dream location in in the heart of La Goutte d’Or; a two-level multidisciplinary space/concept store that will serve as a HUB, a NETWORK, a SPACE, a COMMUNITY and a CULTURAL CENTER.

We invite you to be part of this exciting new project- a place for the local and global community to call home right here in Paris, by participating to the last stretch of this beautiful crowdfunding opportunity. Thank you!

Photo et video: Jasmine Van Hevel

Jeny Bonsenge and her student Anae

The Belgian dancer of Congolese origin, Jeny Bonsengue (@jenybsg), 26 years old, together with one of her young pupils, Anaé Romyns (@anae2mad), 10 years old, have been rubbing elbows with the stars ever since a video of one of their performances went viral last October. Three months later, the duo was chosen by Lobby magazine as recipients of their 2019 “buzz of the year” award. (more…)

© Hair Love

Directed by Matthew A. Cherry and co-produced with Karen Rupert Toliver, this seven-minute animated short film took home an Oscar last February. This cinematic gem owes its success to the originality of its subject matter, as well as the big splash it made on social media.

(more…)

The new issue of MOYI is available for pre-order.⠀
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Our cover lady is Malene Barnett, an artist, activist, founder of the Black Artists + Designers Guild,⠀
and designer of her eponymous carpet brand.⠀
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In this issue, we explore how colors can fill our homes with positive energy, as Malene Barnett and Eva Sonaike invite us into their colorful homes, which embody not only their roots, values and personal stories, but also their creativity. Featuring two distinct styles, these homes — one in New York, US and the other in London, UK — radiate positive energy, much like their owners.⠀
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You can now pre-order the print version (print copies will be sent from June 29th).⠀
Click the “shop” link in our website, order your copy and subscribe to MOYI.⠀
The digital and interactive version is available to read your magazine online.
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The cover was shot by David A. Land for MOYI⠀
Styling by Rebecca McEvoy, with make-up by Keanda Snagg.⠀
We can’t thank this team enough for this gorgeous cover!⠀

Here is the MOYI challenge:

Black interior designers, photographers, skincare and makeup specialists, fashion designers, graphic designers, models… here is your time to shine.

We will post your covers on our social media. Your prize? Our favorite cover lady or gentleman will be featured in the next issue of MOYI.

The challenge will end on June 30th, 2020 your time.

Here is how it works: Download our logo, edit gorgeous lifestyle photos of yourselves onto the cover of MOYI magazine, and let’s share your greatness with the rest of the world.

Let’s do this!

Photo by Jasmine Van Hevel

Africa is where some of Rougui Dia’s culinary references come from, since it was her mother who first taught her to cook. From a family of seven children, Rougui considers togetherness to be an integral part of gastronomy. She can’t imagine a meal without that festive air that invariably accompanies African family gatherings.

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After a hiatus from publishing, MOYI is coming back soon… in May 2020.

The first issue of MOYI in the WHSmith bookshop, in Paris

We know that you all expect a certain quality from our publications, and we couldn’t have provided that within the timeframe that was available. Independent publishing revolves around small teams whose members mostly have side jobs; unfortunately as months went by, our personal and professional obligations didn’t allow us to work as much as usual on these issues. Thankfully, we have re-organized and here we are back to work.

The upcoming issue was supposed to be published in March 2020 as a quarterly, but because of the effects of the current COVID19 pandemic, we have finally decided to publish only two issues this year: the spring/summer issue in May, and the fall/winter issue in November.

By the end of 2020, we will then update you on how we will organize the future issues as we assess the consequences of this current crisis.

Thank you once again, and in advance, for your understanding, trust and support.

The MOYI team

Malick Sidibé, Nuit de Noël (1963)

VALENTINE’S DAY GIVEAWAY ALERT !

The #NotToBeMissed Mali Twist exhibition at Fondation Cartier will be over in less than two weeks.

If you happen to be in Paris in the next days, please tag a friend that you would like to attend the exhibition with, in the comment section. You’ve got until February 14th at midnight Paris time to participate in this giveaway in this post or in our social media pages. The names of the winners will be given on February 15th and the tickets will be posted the same day.

This exceptional collection of black-and-white photographs provides a thorough immersion in the life of the man who was nicknamed “the eye of Bamako.” The photographs reveal Malick Sidibé’s capacity, starting at the beginning of the 1960s, to grasp the vitality of the youth of Bamako and impose his unique style, recognized today throughout the world.

The title Mali Twist refers to the eponymous song of Malian singer and guitarist Boubacar Traoré, released in 1963.

Photograph: Malick Sidibé | Nuit de Noel (1963)