Travel – FAFA GILBERT

Imagine having a bad day and reading an email that changes your mood for the better. What bad day? Please ‘bad day’ my appointment with you is over, I’m busy filling my head with good thoughts ooh!

The email acknowledged and praised my sense of creativity including my style and an offer to visit Ghana briefly for a campaign shoot. Did I read ‘billboards in over 6 African countries, magazines etc…’ Mama where are you? I’ll surprise her instead.

My last visit to Ghana was to bury my little brother hence this email was a welcome distraction from my grief.

The realisation of seeing Mum again made me happy as I impatiently counted the days to immerse myself into this incredible experience.

Vlisco Group was founded in Helmond, The Netherlands in 1846 and produces fashion forward African Wax prints. Vlisco fabrics are an integral part in most African homes particularly in the Central and Western part of Africa. I grew up knowing about Vlisco from my Mum as it was her favourite in terms of design and quality.

Mums vintage African fabric pieces are from Vlisco and they still look new (I rummage through her wardrobe and wear them whenever I’m in Ghana).

Vlisco Group’s brand portfolio consists of four brands: Vlisco, Woodin, Uniwax and GTP..

INTRODUCING OUR CAMPAIGN STARS |

Fafa Gilbert @ndudu_by_fafa puts Ghanaian cuisine on the world map via social media. Coming from the Volta region in Ghana but living in London, she skillfully interweaves both cultures in her recipes as well as in her unique fashion approach.

Fashion by @lumierewoman.

The positive energy on set was electric as each creative individual expressed themselves through the entire shoot. I’ll talk more about this later in another post; including the two amazing ladies I worked with during this campaign.

The theme for the campaign was ‘NEW BOLD ROMANTICS’ and they certainly made me feel like a ‘Queen’.

Link below to purchase the fabrics directly from their website.

https://shop.vlisco.com/en/all-fabrics?collection_code=760

The designers chosen for my outfits were Lumiere Woman and Sadia Sanusi, Hair by Kush Taylor, Jewellery by Chyba Jewellery, Make up by Woena Makeup Artistry, Photographs by Matthew Miziolek with Creative Directors Grietje Schepers and Sanne Huijsmans.

To be continued……

All photos and videos are by the Vlisco.

The gentleman sitting opposite blatantly stared as I held his gaze for what seemed like eternity. His gaze told a brief story of worry and anxiety as I smiled to say it’s okay ‘today to shall pass’.

I sipped on my chilled glass of fresh Watermelon blend as another gentleman approached in a pensive mood. Oops! Why the stern look, I asked myself.

The conversation between the two gentlemen explained both their moods. My ‘konkonsa’ ears were activated 🙈

Seemed Mr. Worried Gaze has been naughty at work and was getting an earful of ‘blasting’. I decided to walk away from where I was sitting to save the gentleman from any further embarrassment.

I found myself by the poolside (which was quiet as I set my plan in action to surprise Mum and cousins for breakfast.

This surprise could go two ways, they either surprised me by declining my invite or better still honour the invite and interrogate me. I preferred the latter but not the interrogation.

The look on my Mums face was priceless coupled with the exuberant conversations that ensued thereafter. I managed to have an informal interview with Mum, however I missed recording most part of the interview (maybe due to my excitement 😢).

We headed to a local Chop Bar as I craved Fufu and Goat Meat Light soup with a chilled glass of Star Beer.

The next 3 days were packed with the main reason I went to Ghana (which will be revealed at the opportune time).

Accra’s aura felt so different this time round; maybe because I looked at it from an artistic and creative point of view.

Accra exuded confidence in its warm embrace of hardworking individuals who either gave you the occasional smile or blank stare.

It felt good to be home, however I knew I had limited time and couldn’t catch up with everyone (which was disappointing).

The atmosphere felt positive as mothers dropped their kids off to school, the Police doing their random checks on vehicles, hawkers balancing their wares on their head whilst skilfully dodging on coming traffic as we traveled to different locations across the city.

The smell of charcoal roasted ripened Plantain filled the vehicle as we all had a bite of this wonderful Ghanaian snack, whilst driving past the Accra Supreme Court

The entire crew had dinner at the Gold Coast Restaurant and we ended the night at Carbon Night Club which was an incredible experience.

The final filming was done as the crew headed back to Europe and I had 12hrs free to spend with Mum before heading back to London.

Watch excepts of my short time spent in Accra. Hope you’re intrigued enough to visit Ghana soon.

I arrived in London on Monday morning, dropped off my luggage’s at home and dragged my tired self straight to the office. Phew! What a memorable weekend and a priceless experience.

Watch Accra through my eyes in a compiled video and photography below;

Don’t forget to like the video, share and subscribe.

All photos, recipes and videos are by the owner of this blog.