Meet Mimi Traore

February 3, 2011 in Culture, Events

Co-Director
Nubian Events

Founded by sisters Mimi and Nafissatou Traore, Nubian Events is a non-profit company dedicated to promoting and celebrating African history in all its cultural incarnations.

Headquartered in Hammersmith, London, Nubian Events launched in June 2010. The company recently hosted a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Africa’s wave of independence, featuring the film premiere of Rebirth of Africa narrated by broadcast journalist Jon Snow.

Nubian Events is currently preparing for the launch of the theatre production 14th Century Timbuktu: the Reign of Mansa Musa.

Why did you decide to start Nubian Events?
My sister and I came to the realisation of a great lack of knowledge and awareness in regards to the sophistication of African History and its culture at the global level. We have therefore developed a strong interest in the idea of increasing African presence and awareness in global popular culture.

The company’s mission is to celebrate Africa’s past, present and future heritage by the same
token. We also wish to contribute in striking a more accurate, balanced representation of Africa.

What was your career path prior to starting your first business?
I have a background in finance and filmmaking; my sister has a background in international law and political science. Once fully aware of our artistic potential, the ideal career path became evident – fusing arty creativeness with entrepreneurial aspirations.

Did you always know that you would start your own business?
Yes.

Can you share some examples of recent events you’ve produced?
Our first event was back in June 2010 to celebrate the ”50th Anniversary of Africa’s wave of Independence” where we showcased a 25 minute movie of our production Rebirth of Africa narrated by Channel 4 newsreader Jon Snow.

The movie depicted the history of West Africa since the 7th Century covering the great medieval empires; African forefathers of independence and the post-colonialism period; a brief exposure of international African art, African renaissance and the regain of confidence highlighting the booming economy and investment opportunities in Africa.

The Degustation dinner and Afro hair catwalk show was our second event. We realised there was a resurgence of natural Afro hair, a la Lauren Hill and Erykah Badu, and therefore decided to stage a catwalk show with a historical elements to it, taking us back to the iconic hairstyles worn by the pioneers of rock, reggae, soul, jazz and disco – Jackson 5, the Supremes, Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley.

Can you tell me more about the inspiration for your forthcoming theatre production, 14th Century Timbuktu: the Reign of Mansa Musa?
Today all over the world Timbuktu is a metaphor for a distant exotic land. The city was made prosperous and gained international exposure with Mansa Musa during the 14th century, when he was thought to be the richest man in the world.

Timbuktu is also rumoured to have had one of the first universities in the world, it was a renowned cultural and intellectual centre on the African continent and one of the most important historical trading cities in the world, apart from Alexandria.

What strategies did you adopt to drive awareness following the launch of your business?
I attended networking events to meet people and tell them about the company. We also used print and online media to drive awareness.

What are the highlights of running your own business?
Having people who heard about the company or the event emailing us and asking to be added to our mailing list. It’s also great to hear from people who want to meet up to find out more, offer to help or ask for interviews.

The satisfaction of taking on the challenge to make a difference is a real highlight.

What is the hardest part of running your own business?
Raising awareness of the product we are selling and market positioning.

What, or who, inspires and motivates you?
Everyone who started their own ventures and is now a leading expert in their field.

What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve received?
Keep the momentum going!

What advice would you give to someone who is considering starting a non-profit business?
Regardless of how passionate you are about your product or idea, make sure there is demand for it and that the product is marketable.

Fast forward five years, where do you think your business will be in 2016?
Nubian Events will be hosting international and upscale African themed events for people of all nationalities with a passive or active interest in African affairs.

* * * *

For more information on Nubian Events visit www.nubianevents.co.uk

* * * *

Mimi Traore was interviewed by Octavia Goredema, founder of the Twenty Ten Club.

The Twenty Ten Club is an award-winning networking organisation for Black female entrepreneurs. You can also find Twenty Ten Club on Twitter and Facebook.