A little off hair...

Being a new mother, I am often found watching my her favorite children's shows. I recently began following a children show on twitter called Bino and Fino. The show is produced in Nigeria and I was initially attracted by the title character Fino's cute afropuffs.

Fino's hair is adorable.

Here are the shows claims:

Bino and Fino is the wonderful educational Nigerian cartoon show about a brother and sister who live in a modern day city in sub- Saharan Africa. In each episode Bino and Fino, with the help of their friend Zeena the Magic Butterfly and their family, discover and learn things about the world.The show is for children mainly between the ages of 3 and 6.

Zeena the Magic Butterfly


It was created to provide more animated children’s content for the kids around the world to enjoy. As a parent, wherever you are in the world it is hard to find genuine, quality African made educational media that show wonderful aspects of African culture to your children. This is especially so when it comes to cartoons which kids are captivated by. Africa is telling its story. Bino and Fino will help tell that story to children.

Fino also stars on a Seasme Street style I love my hair t-shirt.

The Bino and Fino merchandise is adorable as well.

I watched a free preview episode and found it delightful the characters were attractive and just as informative and engaging as Dora or Diego. If Bino and Fino were available on television in the US I would love to let my little KnapsGirl watch it.

You can suppport Bino and Fino here on indiegogo

Fro Fashion Week -Fall 2011

Fro Fashion Week Fall 2011 was a whirlwind of excitement and education. The event was beautifully planned and executed by Tarin Boone its creator.

Tarin Boone

The weekend events started off Friday evening with cocktail party featuring live performances, a DJ, a buffet and product samples. Saturday morning there was a Zumba fitness class for all, an invitational brunch for bloggers and product representatives. I was honored to be seated next to the celebrity guest of honor Kim Coles during brunch. :D She was gracious and personable.

Kim Coles posing with Nappy Rutz earrings

The day continued with workshops I attended Thirsty Roots module that helped women find natural hair resources online, Virtuous Styls module, looking fabulous on a budget. It was wonderful. Kim Coles was featured in her own module on Saturday.

Throughout the day the various vendors are available to all attendees including Nappy Rutz, Bee Mine, Pura Body Naturals, Koils by Nature, Bags that Beckon and many more.

Saturday evening there was THE Fro Fashion Week Fashion Show.

Sunday the educational modules continued until the Pool Party finale. The pool was beautiful and had lovely cabanas, a buffet, a bar, a DJ, product demonstrations, samples and give-a-ways sponsored by Kinky-Curly.

Pool Party Finale

All images are courtesy of Tara Harp

Girl asked to leave school because of locs.

Looking at this picture makes it hard to learn, huh?

For those of us who like to fantasize that everyone on the continent of Africa embraces natural hair. In the articles here, a South African 10th grade student attended school for two years before being suspended for wearing locs. Her parents advocated her and she was allowed to return but they are now suing the school for a public apology.

I find this disturbing for two reasons 1) I assume she was already wearing the locs when she enrolled so why was it a problem two years later 2) an administrator told her she was being difficult and should just wear artificial hair like the other students. I find it galling that an administrator felt she could address a child that was not hers in that manner and had she never seen the girl in the two years she was at the school. This girl had obviously not caused any major disruption (with her hair) in the previous 730 days she'd been attending.

To add insult to injury this child and her family are practicing Rastafari, her hair is an expression of her religious faith.