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CONTEMPORARY

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F E R R A R I P U R O S A N G U E

Welcome to the new edition of ourpublication. Bluxe Century magazine is yourgateway to the ultimate luxury experience.We bring you exclusive, rare products andexperiences from Africa, Asia and the UAE.Our 2023 edition features the best of theemerging world, showcasing technology,fine art, fashion, beauty and culture fromthese regions.In this edition, we have expanded ourreach to bring you the best stories theworld has to offer. Our digital versionnow includes innovation, business, and alifestyle segment, showcasing theculture, traditions, and creative work ofthe vibrant diaspora. We hope to bringyou an enriching experience, with all theknowledge and inspiration this globalwonderland has to offer.Our team works tirelessly to find the bestand most interesting stories from aroundthe world, so you always have somethingnew to discover.Thank you for your continued support!It's been an incredible journey getting toknow all of you at our exclusive events.Your enthusiasm has been instrumentalin making us the No.1 annual magazinefor the exotic luxury lifestyle. We valueevery one of you and are grateful foryour contribution to our success."You’re not a drop in the ocean, you’rean ocean in a single drop." Namaste.B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E6Joseph S FarodoyeC h i e f T h i n k e r

Cut from adifferentclothEnjoy a touch of the best in culturaljournalism inspired by our journey aroundthe globe. This year's edition bringstogether articles from reporters based inAfrica, Europe, Asia and UAE, all hand-picked for their unique and inspiringwork. Discover stories that will take youto places you've never been before anduncover perspectives on global issuesthat will make you think.The Estate has become Bluxe Centrurywith a broader geographical scope and awider audience. We have grown ourteam, condensed the content andreduced the number of issues per year toone single issue generated once a year,creating the most comprehensive,sought after, annual luxury publication ofits kind in the world.You are part of an exclusive communityof readers with access to the mostinnovative journalism from around theworld. Be inspired by our stories,broaden your horizons and challengeyour preconceptions.Our TeamJoseph Farodoye Editor-In-ChiefUyai AkpanManaging EditorBluxe Graphic Design TeamInternational Team Mauritius Jailesh RaggooKintish DindoyalAfrica Amogelang MasigoThulani CindiUAEHichame BalouzAdvisorsTurker OzanTiffanee Marie LimContributorsLarry Peters Modupe Ladipo info@bluxecentury.comwww.bluxecentury.com Copyright 2023 all rights reserved Bluxe Global Limited, London UK

R E A L E S T A T E11. London the Property Capital 14. Beauty of Bali17. Escape to Portugal 19. Tagomago Island25. Costa Rica PEOPLE THE INFLUENTIAL 39. Yaliwe Soko UABA57. Stephan Lupino 54. Lonnie Bunch III and theSmithsonian NMAACH

TECHNOLOGY26. 1fs Wealth 30. The Frequency Revolution40. United Africa BlockchainAssociation71. Hermeus & Hypersonic FlightTRAVEL86. Mozambique90. Portugal 84. Top Destinations in Africa97. AlUla Arabian OasisLIFESTYLE35. Omega and The Invisible Man52. Ferrari on The Runway80. Christian Louboutin's Hotel93. When Pigs Fly100. Bluxe Signatures

PROPERTY

PROPERTY CAPITALB L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E11While some areas of London have been hit hard by the pandemic, theproperty market in the capital has remained strong. This is especiallytrue in North London, where a number of factors – including theexcellent schools, green spaces, and transport links – have kept priceshigh. If you’re thinking of moving to London, then you need to beprepared to pay a premium. In this article, we’ll take a look atthe most expensive neighbourhoods in London and what youcan expect to get for your money.Kensington & Chelsea MayfairHampsteadWestminster

Some of the most renown places for propertyin London have benefitted from huge growthover the last 10 years, but which areas arebest? Here are some of the factors that makethese destinations a great choice; goodtransport, safety, schools, continued growth,connectivity and investment potential. But letsface it, living in an area and owning aninvestment property in an area are two verydifferent propositions.Kensington & Chelsea One of the most affluent areas in London andknown for its high-end shopping and dining.Property in Chelsea has some of the highestprices in the city, with the average price for anapartment exceeding £1 million.MayfairMayfair is one of the most prestigiousaddresses in London and is home to many ofthe city's wealthiest residents. Property pricesin Mayfair are among the highest when lookingfor a luxurious and expensive place to live inLondon.PROPERTY GROWTHB L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E12Average House Price £5,292,868Average House Price £3,117,345

HAMSTEADHampstead is a vibrant, affluentneighborhood in London that drawspeople from all walks of life. Fromrenowned authors and actors tocelebrated musicians, the legendarilywealthy and socially influential havelong flocked to this part of London.Those seeking property here can expectthe highest quality architecture withelegant period homes on leafycobblestone avenues surrounded bybeautiful scenery including HampsteadHeath – London’s largest open greenspace.WESTMINSTERThe City of Westminster covers themost central part of London.Westminster is technically a city andis also one of the 32 Londonboroughs. Westminster borders theactual City of London to the east plusthe London boroughs of Camden,Brent and Kensington & Chelsea withthe River Thames and the SouthLondon boroughs to the South.Average Property Price £1,632,844Average House Price £1,895,174**The prices illustrated are accurate as of March 2023 but aresubject to change due to market conditions.

Bali has long represented a sense of freedom and discovery oftenassociated with those looking to disconnect from the world and embark ona journey of spiritual enlightenment.Bali has always been a place of great beauty, and in recent times itsincrease in popularity has attracted digital nomads and entreprenaurschoosing Bali as a destination of choice for property investment andbusiness opportunities. One desirable factor is Bali's affordable exchangerate. Bali uses the Indonesian rupiah, with 18,000 rupiahs (IDR) equivalent to £1 English pound (GBP) and 14,850 IDR equivalent to $1 US dollarwhich means your money goes a lot further.BEAUTY OF BALI P R O P E R T YB L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E14

BALINESEBEAUTYLiving in Bali is an attractive option for many individuals, due to its beautifulbeaches, perfect sunny climate, and wide range of attractions and activitiesavailable. Villas are great for investment because the average forecasted ROI in Bali isbetween 8%-12% depending on the location, with Seminyak offering thebest return potential closely followed by its neighbor Canggu. Moreover, awell-managed villa can yield high returns and the great majority of investorsenjoy good ROI because there's a high demand for holiday rentals in Bali.As for investment, you can earn long-term capital gains by buying leaseholdvillas in high demand locations such as Canggu, Seminyak, Sanur, andUluwatu.

Bali is home to more than 20,000temples, earning its nickname“the island of a thousandtemples” Foreign investors can legally and safelybuy property in Bali under a leaseagreement or “leasehold” (Hak Sewatitle) or right to use (Hak Pakai) that willbe valid for 25 to 30 years with an optionto extend up to 80 years.The price of the average home in Bali in2022 is 6,408,211,880 IDR ($410,783USD) for a 301 square meter (3243square feet) home with an average of 3.5bedrooms. Construction costs around$500 to $800 per square meterdepending on the build quality.Bali's tropical climate typically stays hotall year round, however, some months(December-March) tend have higherhumidity levels compared to the rest of the year. Despite this, there are usually plenty ofsunny days when you can go beachhopping along Balis stunning coastline. Ifyou are looking to escape colderclimates such as Europe or NorthAmerica while still enjoying amazingweather and summer vibes, Bali isdefinitely a destination worth visiting. For further infomation on exclusive realestate in Bali contact.B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E16a b o d e @ b l u x e c e n t u r y . c o m

ESCAPEESCAPE PORTUGALPORTUGALPortugal has for many years been alocation frequented by British,French and Dutch holiday makers. Inthe last 2 years the increase inAmercian tourists visiting the Algarve has increased by 160%, this is largely due to its likeness toCalifornia, the ocean and sealifecoupled with the low cost of living.

VISITING ALGARVEB L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E18Portugal has long been a populardestination for Europeanholidaymakers, owing to its naturallandscapes, unspoilt sunsets andrelaxed lifestyle. Whilst propertyprices have increased in recentyears, the Algarve remains one of thesafest destinations in Europe,abundant with natural food, greatpeople and easy access to the rest ofEurope by plane and train, making itan excellent choice for those lookingto invest in property.Portugal is known for its peacefulrelaxed quality of life enjoyed by somany and it is among the top five bestdestinations for expats in Europe.During summertime, you canexperience sunlight as late as 10o'clcok at night, making it perfect forlong relaxing hours under the warmsun. During the winter months (Nov -Jan),evenings get darker at around 5o'clock, however you can still enjoythe chilled out weather, which rarelygoes below 10°degrees.The relaxed lifestyle, friendlyneighbors, and beautiful views arejust the beginning of what drawspeople to the Algarve. There are afew things that you may need to getused to especially if you areconsidering living in the Algarve orpositioning yourself for a pied-à-terre.Time is a valuable commodity andwhen asking for any type of service,expect a 'slow-life' approach andremember to take things in yourstride.

ISLAND LIFEB A L E A R I C S - T A G O M A G O

THIS ISLAND IS ONE OF A KIND, TAKEPRIDE KNOWING THAT THIS ISLAND ISTHE LAST FREEHOLD ISLAND IN THEBALEARICS

Tagomago is a 600,000 sqm (148-acre)private island only 900 metres away fromIbiza, Spain. Thanks to it’s unique location,Tagomago is one of the most attractiveproperties available in Europe. Situated at anestimated 2 hour flight from most cities inEurope, Tagomago can be accessed veryquickly by boat or helicopter, with only a 10minute flight from Ibiza's main airport. Theisland is also tremendously private, as thereis only one villa and lighthouse on the entireisland, and the remaining is surrounded bybeautiful Mediterranean wildlife. One of theaspects that makes Tagomago unique, is thatit is a freehold island as opposed to aconcession.The only villa present is located in the centreof the island, and consists of 5 doublebedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a closedprofessional kitchen, an open plan livingroom connected to the pool area (15 metersalt water pool) with a round jacuzzi adjacentto it. Additionally, there are two wide terracessurrounding the villa, one on each side,featuring a sunrise and sunset view.Moreover, the villa interior boasts a tower,which leads to the rooftop and is also wherethe office area is situated. The tower isconnected to the large rooftop area (50metres in length) where you will find severalsun lounge areas and an outdoor gym settingwith additional sun-beds.B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E21

ONLY ONET H E L A P O F L U X U R Y Click here for  Vacation Enquiries

U N D E R S T A T E D L U X U R YThis beautiful private island in the Mediterranean spans 148 acres ofuntouched nature reserve, peppered with pine trees and fringed withsandy coves. This private paradise offers one-of-a-kind islandexperiences, whether it’s dining by candlelight in secret coves, orkicking back in the outdoor cinema, this home offers the opportunity tomake lifelong memories on your very own island.The villa itself is the ultimate entertaining space, with panoramic viewsof the island and surrounding sea. In addition to the saltwater pool, thegrounds featuure an outdoor whirlpool and fitness area. Inside,contemporary and sophisticated design is paired with state-of-the-arttechnology and the vast living and dining space overlooks the stunningviews. For more information and bookings email us at:abode@bluxecentury.com

R E N T A L S A L E S H O M E A B R O A D

abode@bluxecentury.com150,000,000UNLISTED REAL ESTATEBALEARIC ISLANDSCOSTA RICAB L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E25Tranquill private island, 600 acres in the Balearics located 15 minutesfrom Ibiza, Spain via boat. Lavish contemporary 5 bedroom purpose builtvilla with roof top gym and private marina. A beautful location all yearround a unique jewle in the crown of even the most established portfolio. This property is an oasis, it is an amazing and unique site that offers acombination for a luxury gated community, medical, recreational,tourism or multi-family housing complex, located 20 minutes distancefrom the International Airport. This premium location is an area that isexperiencing a strong process of gentrification, which will allow for thisproperty to become a successful real estate project.6,500,000

NEW FACE OFDIGITAL WEALTHThe n ew measur e of wealth is time bu t on e th in g weunderstand is peace of mind makes the tim e you spendeven better, Th e digital blockcha in rev ol ut io n has madea h uge impact disrup ti ng man y long standing ind us tr ies.We hav e disco ve red a cloud based solutio n that may bethe game c hanger the as se t man ag em en t world has beenwaiting for.1 f s W e a l t h

IMAGINE...Imagine being able to view your equities withautomatic price updates, all of your cashbalances across all bank accounts, monitoryour real estate projects and approve stagepayments for construction work, all of your artand other collectibles and instantly access anydocument or photograph. Now layer upon this,the ability to receive automatic alerts aboutinsurance policies lapsing in a timely fashion,being able to allocate assets to familymembers in conjunction with your will and trustdocuments (also held on the platform), beingable to assess the sustainability score for yourportfolio, being able to determine future cashliabilities and tax liabilities including inheritancetax. For wealth owners, this is the dream. TRADITIONS DEFINE, INTELLIGENCE REFINESA typical wealth owner with a professionalmanagement setup owns on average 5,000assets, across 30 asset classes over 15locations globally. These assets are hard tomanage, and onerous to track. Portfolios arehighly diversified and assets globallydistributed. Monitoring illiquid investments includingholiday homes, yachts, wine and artwork isparticularly challenging. It can be difficult toassess risk. It is impossible to have an accurateview of valuation and risk without continuouslive evaluation of relevant data.Something newB L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E27

The truth is, portfolios are becomingincreasingly diversified and assets globallydistributed, monitoring illiquid investmentssuch as holiday homes, yachts, wine andartwork is becoming particularly challengingand without continuous live evaluation ofrelevant data, it is near impossible to have anaccurate view of valuation and risk.HOLE IN ONEFor an all-in-one collaborative analysis of yourdata, that arms you with the right information,provides you with full access to your completeportfolio and assists you in making informeddecisions, the 1fs Digital Wealth Intelligenceplatform offers an intelligent solution.The traditions of asset management andwealth preservation date back hundreds ofyears, so one could be justified in asking “whychange the habits of a lifetime?” It’s simple,ask yourself whether Gen Z are ready to takeover the family office? If the prospect of this has you feelingsomewhat anxious or secretly tapping yourfingers on your battle-hardened office desk,then the 1fs Digital Wealth Intelligenceplatform is one you cannot afford to ignore.Whether it's targeted client customisation,access to wealth intelligence, award winningcoverage of mainstream and newer assetclasses including crypto and NFTs, in-builtfamily heritage database for seamlesssuccession planning, best in class cloudsecurity and data encryption at all levels withenterprise grade secure data transmissionsand multi-factor authentication or oversight ofyour philanthropic portfolio while tracking yourimpact, 1fs Wealth has you covered. 99 PROBLEMSIn a financial market riddled with uncertainty,change, bulls and bears, you may have 99problems but with 1fs Wealth, assetmanagement need not be one.For more information email: info@bluxecentury.com B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E28BOBBY CONSOLE VERMA - CEO 1FS WEALTH

The deal room offers access to the most affluent, accomplished and dynamic entrepreneurs, investors and industry moguls within a private network to transact in comfort and security, knowing that the standards arehigh, the opportunities are real and the players are reputable.T H E D E A L R O O MW W W . B L U X E . E U / T H E D E A L R O O M

THE FREQUENCYREVOLUTIONMore often than not, our bodiesknow exactly what we require longbefore we have consciouslyprocessed some of our most basicneeds such as the need to relax,unwind, re-charge or perhapseven focus.Ask yourself, how many momentsof “I needed that" have you hadover the last 12 months, and howmany of those moments did youtreat yourself to?“Balance is not something you find,it’s something you create” quoted byfamous author Jana Kingsford and wewould have to say we agree. Closeyour eyes for a moment, sit back andthink of the last time you went for anunplanned walk in nature, animpromptu lunch with a friend or along drive on the open road, windowsdown and sun beaming down on yourskin. After which, you sigh deeply andupon exhaling you find yourself sayingthe words “ah, I needed that".B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E30

“I NEEDED THAT" NexQuest Video

Embarking on his own personaljourney of health and wellness,Isaac was led down a road ofWestern Medicine and solutionsthat at times created moreproblems than not. “ Almost everytime I used Western Medicinesolutions I found them to onlytemporarily cause relief, likeputting a band aid on. Theunderlying issue was never fullyaddressed, and there wereunwanted side effects as well.” Passionate about finding a betterway and a more holistic approachto his wellbeing, Isaac began todelve deeper into the world offrequencies. Astonished by hisresearch and education, and hisown healing experience usingfrequencies, he felt compelled toshare his experience with theworld.“Anyone serious about anyscientific field like physics,mathematics, and medicine willtell you that you need to know thefundamental principles. ENHANCE YOUR EVERYDAY LIFEBetween juggling family,kids, business, stayinghealthy, socialising andfitting in a healthy dose ofR&R, it can be difficult tofind the time to put yourselffirst and create moments ofbalance just for you.Well, fortunately in the NorthEast of the United States isone very special companywho is helping people allover the world do just that. NexQuest Life Sciencesfounded by CEO IsaacMishan, is an innovativecompany bringing excitingpossibilities andopportunities to the wellnessand therapeutics space,using their clinically provenNatural FrequencyTechnology® without theuse of chemicals.B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E32ISAAC MISHAN - CEO NEXQUEST“Future medicine will be themedicine of frequencies." AlbertEinstein

You need to know the source of theproblem if you are going to find thesolution. Frequencies, we are finding, areat the heart of all science and healing.Everything is vibrating at an electronicfrequency and if you know how to create asymphony of healing frequencies for themind and body you can begin to heal in areal way."Nikola Tesla famously said: "If you want tofind the secrets of the universe, think interms of energy, frequency and vibration.”After discovering the power of frequenciesIsaac started to assemble a scientificresearch team and lab to create NexQuestLife Sciences. “Our mission is to discover,create and commercialize healingfrequencies for the world."Those moments of balance that we createfor ourselves where we feel an undeniablesense of calmness, relaxation or focus,NexQuest explains, is actually the result ofchanging the frequency of our bio-magnetic field. Simply put, when a person is in a calmstate or even asleep, their bio-magneticfield resonates at different frequenciescompared to when they are wide awakeand moving around. B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E33HEAL IN A REAL WAYThis is reflected in the electricalactivity of the brain and heart. Sothat feeling of rejuvenation that youfeel after a 5-minute walk getting abreath of fresh air is not all in yourmind, its scientifically proven.NexQuest Life Sciences havedeveloped a proprietary resonancetechnology called NaturalFrequency Technology® thatcaptures unique frequenciesassociated with different states ofbeing such as Sleep, Balance, andEnergy. They then transfer thesefrequencies onto a stylish circulardisc, which when worn on or nearthe skin, the body’s own bio-magnetic field harmonizes with thefrequencies, promoting goodsleep, creating a feeling of balanceor feeling more energized.

We are convinced it goes without saying,that we could all use a better night’ssleep, a boost of energy throughout theday or simply more balance in our livesand NexQuest have found a way toincorporate all of this without us havingto squeeze in time for yet another viralsocial media influencer ritual. Just giveus something that works, something easyand something proven.NexQuest has scientific researchconfirming the action of their productsand how the body responds to naturalfrequencies. Their products havebeneficial effects as proven withrandomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trials (the ‘goldstandard’ in studies on humans) of theirsleep bracelet conducted by HeatherHausenblas, Ph.D., Associate Dean,School of Applied Health Sciences andProfessor, Kinesiology at JacksonvilleUniversity. Each product designed is aspecial combination of frequencies thatinfluence very specific needs like sleep,energy, stress and more. Their studiesreported statistically significantimprovements in mood, perceivedstress, anxiety, and sleep quality. info@nexquest.com | www.NexQuest.com B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E34THE REASONS ARE CLEARQuote: Dr. Hasenblas PHD.“The Sleep Bracelet is a simple,well-tolerated, noninvasive, andall-natural intervention that peoplecan easily use to improve theirsleep quality resulting in improvedmood, productivity, anxiety, andstress levels during the day. Inother words, when people wore theSleep Bracelet they slept better(sleep quality and quantityimproved) and this resulted inimproved mood, less stress, andanxiety, and increased productivityduring the day.”With celebrities already wearingNexQuest products such as actorOrlando Bloom and Olympic GoldMedallist Christian Taylor sportingNexQuest's frequency bracelet, wecan already see that the frequencyrevolution has begun and isshowing no signs of slowing downany time soon.

SECRETSH I D D E N M E A N I N G O F A T I M E L E S S C L A S S I C

Having received intense interestat a Phillips auction in New York,the historic timepiece will nowreturn to its original home in Biel,Switzerland, where it will beshowcased for museum visitors.The Speedmaster watch worn byEllison was delivered to the USAin 1968, and shortly afterwards,the writer was interviewed andphotographed in Riverside Parkwearing it on his wrist. It is knownthat he continued to wear thetimepiece for more than 25 yearsuntil his death in 1994, oftenunder the cuff of a neatly tailoredsuit – as was his impeccable style.Raynald Aeschlimann, Presidentand CEO of OMEGA says, “It’s agreat honour to bring RalphEllison’s watch back to OMEGA inSwitzerland. He was a writer ofimmense influence and a manwith such an inspiring personalityand talent. This Speedmasteraccompanied him through manyyears of his exceptional life andwill be a special highlight withinour heritage collection.”OMEGATHE INVISIBILE MANFamed African American novelist,Ralph Ellison is best known for his1952 award-winning novel,Invisible Man. Influenced by hisown personal struggles, the storyaddressed many of the social andintellectual issues faced byAfrican Americans in the early20th century. The book’s genre-defying impact garnered greatacclaim, and won Ellison theNational Book Award For Fictionin 1953 – the first AfricanAmerican writer to claim the prize.The OMEGA Museum has proudlyacquired the Speedmaster watchonce owned by Ellison.B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E36

f r e q u e n c y

WOMEN INBLOCKHAINYALIWE SOKOAFRICA LEADING THE WAY

BLOCKCHAINFOR SOCIALGOODpartnerships and networks thatdeliver on life-changing Blockchainprojects.Under Yaliwe's leadership UABA hasalready established chapters in 9African countries includingCameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria,Togo, Uganda, South Africa, Zambiaand Zimbabwe, with Botswana andMalawi to be added soon. In additionto all of this, UABA also assists inbringing venture capital to Africantech start-ups via the UABA Start UpInitiative. This initiative was set up tohelp create life changing businesseson the Blockchain eco-systemacross the continent. From Blockchain technology, webdevelopment to cryptocurrencycourses, Yaliwe's ethos as leader ofUABA is to 'train the trainer' anddevelop Blockchain educators thatprovide quality Blockchainawareness. Long gone are the days of roomssprinkled with empty soda bottlesand half-eaten pizza slices layingdisheveled in boxes, with developersglued to computer screens buildingcode purely for other coders toadmire. Blockchain is blazing a trailacross Africa for social good with themost influential woman in Blockchainwithin Africa, Yaliwe Soko, at itshelm.For more information email info@bluxecentury.com(UABA), Founder of Essence CryptoConsultants, Founder of Umoja, andEthereum Foundation DevconAlumni. Yaliwe completely andutterly shatters the mold fordevelopers of Blockchaineverywhere. As an early adopter ofBlockchain, Yaliwe has been pivotalto demonstrating the many benefits itprovides to marginalisedcommunities. With her campaign to train 1 millionpeople in Blockchain, Yaliwe is wellunderway to exceeding her targethaving already trained over 180,000people in one of the most innovativetechnologies of our time. Clearly passionate about education,technology's ability to greatly benefitfinancial inclusion and theempowerment of women, Yaliwe hasbeen actively involved in drivingAfrica's adoption of Blockchainthrough education and trainingcampaigns led by the United AfricaBlockchain Association. UABA is anon-profit organisation formed forthe promotion and adoption ofBlockchain technology in Africa, creating Smile that lights up theroom, a razor sharpmind, adventurousspirit and curiousnature, introducingYaliwe Soko,Chairwoman of United Africa BlockchainAssociationAB L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E40

African super brandsAfro Nation Connecting The CultureThe Japan Issue

Have you ever wondered why someAfrican businesses have becomepopular, while others remain relativelyunknown? It's not just luck – there arecertain strategies that these successfulcompanies have implemented to helpthem become household names. Fromunderstanding your target audience tocreating an effective marketing plan,there appears to be a formula forsuccess when it comes to business thatinvolves the continent of Africa andincludes the diaspora. Africa is home to a young and vibrantpopulation that is hungry for success.As such, the continent has become amelting pot of innovative and ambitiousentrepreneurs, who are striving to puttheir businesses on the map andbecome super brands.Introducing 'SMADE', the man behindAfro Nation an annual three-day musicfestival produced by major internationalcompanies including SmadeEntertainment. Smade is one of the co-founders of Afro Nation in associationwith BBC 1 Xtra and was founded in2013. The platform was established tobring together the best African artist inAfrobeats, Hip-Hop, RnB, Dancehall,Amapiano, Afro House and more. B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E42KING SMADEB E H I N D T H E B R A N D

Nigerian-born entrepreneur SMADE,is one of the most prominent membersof the African diaspora. Having beenbased in London, UK for 14 years, hehas established himself as a keyplayer in the entertainment business.His passion for music is what driveshim. His desire to share the richheritage and culture of the Africancontinent through music has led himto create an international communityand force to be reckoned with. Afro Nation was nominated in the BestOverseas Festival category at the2019 UK Festival Awards, firmlymaking its mark not only in the chartsbut in the hearts of diasporans all overthe world. Wizkid, Little Simz, Davidoand Popcaan are among the latestacts to be announced for Afro NationPortugal 2023. With last year's AfroNation festival in Portugal seeing wellover 40,000 people, this super brandhas officially changed the way theworld sees Afrobeat music, solidifyingits global position.ONE IN A MILLION B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E43

STRAIGHT OUT OF GHANA I T A L I A N D E S I G N , A F R I C A N I N G E N U I T YI T A L I A N D E S I G N , A F R I C A N I N G E N U I T Y

Jesu Segun London's 2023 launch of theflagship store in Accra Ghana was acelebration of pure excellence. TheKempinski Hotel which represents the artof Afro-European hospitality made theperfect backdrop for the launch and theofficial home to the new headquarters forthe brand. The bespoke shop-fit andbuild was designed from the ground upby CEO Anthony Mackenzie and took ayear and a half to complete. The Kempinski Hotel is the world’s oldestluxury hotel company and one of thefinest in Accra, so it was no surprise whenMackenzie chose this location to makehis official mark. Jesu Segun London hasgrown from humble beginnings tobecome an international brand with aloyal global following including NBAplayers, celebrities and heads of state. NEW BEGINNINGSB L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E45W W W . J E S U - S E G U N . C O M

Established in 2016 in London, UK, JesuSegun London’s men’s and women’scollections have earned a reputation fortheir bold and luxurious designs fusingcontemporary African colours andtextures with traditional Italiancraftsmanship, and have beenshowcased at New York Fashion Week,London Fashion Week, and AfricaFashion Week among various otherinternational fashion events. Each shoe is designed with meticulousattention to detail and handmade byexperienced artisans to ensureunrivalled comfort, quality and aesthetic.Mackenzie has channeled his passionand talent into a luxury brand that hastruly made an impact, showcasing acollection of footwear influenced by thevibrancy and colour of African culture,combined with the sophisticatedheritage of artisanal Italian shoe-making,yet unmistakably British. AFROCENTRIC FASHIONB L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E46Using only the highest quality materialsavailable, Jesu Segun Londonspecialises in bespoke design, creatingunique, made-to-order pieces for clientsusing a variety of highly sought aftermaterials including the exotic skins ofostrich, snake, python, crocodile, andbox calf leather, whilst catering to allfoot shapes and sizes.

CONFIDENCEwww.bluxeglobal.com

LIFESTYLE

C L A S S I C S T Y L I N GDELICATE,DISTINCTIVE &DYNAMICJAGUAR SPEEDBACK WITH A MODERN TWIST

ONE ONEofFrom the sleek exterior to the detailed interior,cars have always been a symbol of style and class.For those who want to take their love of cars to thenext level, there is one very special brand in the UKwho offer a unique customisation experience. Withtwo classic english models, the Mini and the JaguarSpeedback as the foundation, customers have thefreedom to build their dream car. Whether it's astate-of-the-art sound system, classic leatherseating, or even 24 carat gold detailing, thepossibilities are endless.B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E50

The Jaguars five-litre enginestrikes the ideal balancebetween horsepower andtorque, allowing the car tocruise effortlessly yet stilloffer responsive accelerationwhen needed. Its perfectcombination of power andtorque ensures long journeyswon't be a chore, whilesheer speed won't be astruggle either. A continentalcruiser for the modern age,the Speedback GT provesboth performance andcomfort can be had in oneelegant package. If youwould like to explore yourown unique styling optionsour team are on hand toguide you through creatingyour very own masterpiece. For enquiries email i n f o @ b l u x e . e u hen it comes to remastering a design classic likethe Jaguar Speedback GT,it's important to preserve theDNA of the original whilealso updating it to meetmodern needs. Theremastered Speedback doesjust that, incorporating thelatest technology andengineering advancementswhile still retaining thebeloved style andpersonality of the classicdesign. By handcraftingeach car to perfection, theresult is a true masterpiecethat is completely unique toeach owner. With countlesscustomisation options, everydriver can make their vehiclea reflection of theirindividuality.WThe Speedback GTrepresents true homage tothe golden age of motoring,providing car enthusiastswith a vehicle that capturesthe essence of iconicdesigns from the 1960's.Crafted by hand by skilledartisans in Great Britain, thisgrand tourer offers a uniquedriving experience thatcombines modernengineering with classicdesign. The intricateattention to detail paid bythe designers and engineersresponsible for theSpeedback GT ensures thatit is a car lovers’ dreamcome true. Its sleek, elegantlines and comfortable cabinmake it an enjoyable ride,while its powerful engine andexceptional handlingguarantee a thrilling drive. B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E51

FERRARI FASHIONFerrari present their newSpring/Summer 2023 collection.This is the third chapter in a storythat began in June 2021 withFerrari's entry into the world offashion through a spectacularfashion show organised with theMaranello assembly lines as abackdrop. The new Ferrari collectionbreaks away from the narrativereferences explored in recentseasons to tell S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 2 3new stories and elevate the visions,ambitions and emotions that revolvearound the Prancing Horse universe ofvalues. For their third fashion show,Creative Director Rocco Iannone haschosen to tell the story of the Ferraridream through a constantly evolvingethical and aesthetic language. This isa dream that Enzo Ferrari madepossible and tangible through themilestones, successes andmemorable goals achieved.B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E52

FUSION The season’s inspiration is reflectedin a consistent and refined evolutionof Ferrari's style codes: tailoring,workwear and racing coexist in thesame collection, expressing thedifferent “souls” of Ferrari. PALETTE Just like the styles, shapes andtextures, the colours also blendtogether in a coherent andharmonious rhythm, punctuated bygroupings of sophisticatedmonochromes and vibrant patterns.CONSTANTLYEVOLVINGMATERIALS The sartorial code exploresharmonious mixes by combining finefabrics and workwear-derivedmaterials, redefined and enhancedvia thorough research into surfaces,processing techniques and refinedfinishes.SILHOUETTES The silhouettes are precise, definitiveand at the same time fluid in their fitand layering. The volumes and cutsthat have played a special role sincethe first collection are still presentand continue to be transformed. B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E53

NATIONALMUSEUM OFAFRICANAMERICANHISTORYANDCULTURE The National Museum of AfricanAmerican History and Culture is the onlynational museum devoted exclusively tothe documentation of African Americanlife, history, and culture. It wasestablished by an Act of Congress in2003, following decades of efforts topromote and highlight the contributionsof African Americans. The NMAAHC is a public institution opento all, where all are welcome to learnmore about African American history andculture. In the words of Lonnie G. BunchIII, Founding Director of the Museum,“there are few things as powerful and asimportant as a people, as a nation that issteeped in its history.” B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E54

1 - Credit: Alan Karchmer2 - Credit: Alan KarchmerThe NMAAHC building is AfricanAmerican history and culture writ largeon the National Mall of the UnitedStates. Its location and its designrepresent the past, present, and futureof the African American experience inways tangible and symbolic.Lead designer David Adjaye and leadarchitect Philip Freelon, together withtheir architectural team Freelon AdjayeBond/SmithGroup, won an internationalcompetition in April 2009 to design anddeliver the museum to the people of theUnited States.Thanks to the participation of the localcommunity and numerous leadingdonors such as Denzel and PaulettaWashington and Family, Tyler Perry,Michael Jordan and Family and TheOprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation toname a few. The Smithsonian National Museum ofAfrican American History and Culturecan reveal the untold truths of AfricanAmerican history and illuminate theirconnections to our present lives. B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E55

JESU SEGUNK e m p i n s k i H o t e l | A c c r a , G h a n a

upino has coined the term ‘Lupinizam’ to define his philosophy with inter-woven recurrent themesand motifs at the core of his work; thestruggle to represent the fragile beauty innature and human existence, theunsettling contemplation of the afterlife,the ebb and flow of war and peace, andthe spectrum of human behavior andsexuality with its concomitant joy, guiltand despair. Inspiration and influencesinclude the biblical and literary themes ofparadise lost and other western religioussymbols, the concept of redemption, andmotifs from African tribal art.In his own words, Lupino describesLupinizam as a strong, cosmic, crazy,futuristic energy tens of years in thefuture. "I used to say back when I wasstarting photography that I was 20 yearsahead but now I believe I am 100 yearsahead". And it is this paradoxical dilemmaof human existence - transitory beauty,mortality and an afterlife of damnation(influenced by a Christian ethos) – whichplays out on the canvas and in thesculpted exhibits. Lupino’s pieces are at first sight familiarbut on closer inspection, the inner core ofthe work reveals a complex symbiosiswhere elements and emotions arepolarized and barely discernible mutationsof natural forms reflect his visionaryinterpretation of what life and experiencemight be like 100 years from now.LUPINIZAMLS T E P H A N L U P I N OA R T C U L T U R EB L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E57N A O M I C A M P B E L LN A O M I C A M P B E L L R O N A L D O L U Í S N A Z Á R I OR O N A L D O L U Í S N A Z Á R I O

These visions of the future aresensual, often sexualized figuresdevoid of emotion. Lupino managesto fuse beauty with the ugliness ofthe human condition. There is apalpable yet unsettling sexualityabout his figures, a disdain andemptiness as they stand or sit inrelief against the backdrop of anindifferent universe. The artist alsotakes familiar iconic art andreinterprets it with his own twist. Ametal bust is charged with sexualtension but, like the Venus de Milo,it is not quite whole. There are multiple interpretations ofthe Madonna and Child - in portraitphotography, in painting and insculptures - where a mother staresdown at her child in a mixture ofdetached affection andbewilderment. Angels and demonsloom large in studios but are alsofound in the texture of his multi-layered acrylic paintings. L U P I N I Z A MCHALLENGING CONCEPTIONSB L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E59

Lupinizam is by no means the result ofvanity. It is the style of an individualartist who bravely walks thecontemporary world alone—a worldlong devoid of any kind of stylearound which, like in the past, all artcategories could organize theirexpression. In the 20th century, aftera historical sequence of stylisticconcepts, modernity finally turned itsback on tradition, foreseeing at itsend the impending emptiness of thepostmodern age, whose vast envi-ronment gave the artist absolutefreedom but also became his greatestcurse because he was left withnothing to cling to. As an artist deeply immersed inreality, he boldly heralds a world yetto come in a series of thematicallyrelated cycles titled The FifthElement, Another World, TheApocalyptic World, and TheCataclysm, where, despite thegloomy reality, he seesexpressiveness and beauty, evenwhen he speaks—in visual terms—ofan apocalypse in the wake ofdystopian surrealism in which theeternal struggle between good andevil takes place. For prices and artenquiries email:For the last fifteen years, Lupino replaced thecamera with a chainsaw, hammer, chisel,grinder, massive old oak wood, iron, bronze,stone slabs, and other robust materials, to takehis first step out of photography into the designof unique furniture. Lupino does not fail toremind us of the absolute justice of God—bywhich the same fate awaits both king andbeggar—and we remain completely aware notonly of our own mortality but also of thetransience of all cultures, which are, from theirinception, condemned to the irrevocable ruinof their civilizations.ART TO ARCHITECTUREEXPLORING STYLESB L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E60art@bluxecentury.com

APPRECIATIONJ U M P T H E A R T Q U E U E

Art has always been a fascinating field, with anever-growing number of artists creating uniqueand innovative pieces. In recent years, theworld of art has experienced a significant shift,with many newer and lesser-known artistsachieving cult status and seeing remarkablegains in the value of their artwork.One of the most notable accomplishments inthis space is how art has outperformed manytraditional asset classes, including real estateand gold. As art continues to flourish, thecompetitive atmosphere around it grows, withnew artists joining the industry and makingtheir mark, bringing their own unique style andcreativity to the field.For more information on art opportunitiesemail: art@bluxecentury.com B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E63

In 1957, Jerry Lee Lewis made famous thesong “A Whole Lot Of Shakin' Going On”.That song, revolutionised the music world.65 years later, we have a much greaterunderstanding of the world around us andthe shakin' going on has nothing to do withJerry Lee Lewis or the dance craze his songcreated. This newfound knowledge willrevolutionise and forever shake up ourrelationship with the world around us.Quantum physics describes the universe asnothing more than vibrating strings ofenergy!Everything in our world is made up of atoms.These atoms are in a constant state ofmotion and vibrate at speeds ranging from asingle cycle every second to those thatvibrate at trillions of cycles per second. It isthe speed of these atoms that dictateswhether it is a solid, liquid or gas. As we learn more of the impact that thisnatural occurrence has on our world and aswe discover the means to harness thesesubtle molecular vibrations, radicalperformance improvements can be seen ineverything from agriculture to water andenergy. Numerous trials have proven thateven our personal health and wellbeing canbe enhanced.GOOD VIBRATION B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E64

Some electrical motors haveregistered as much as 60%reductions in electricityconsumption and it is notunusual to see as much as20% overall electricityconsumption reductions inbuildings and manufacturingprocesses. Each year theworld consumes more than24,000 Tera watt hours ofelectricity. 1 Tera watt is equal to onetrillion watts. If this frequencychange was implementedthroughout the world andreduced the amount ofelectrical energy consumedby just 10%, the savingswould equal all the electricityneeded to power 500 millionNorth American sized homes.This would equate toapproximately 5,750 billionKg’s of CO2 emissionreductions/year.That is a majoraccomplishment for atechnology which treatsmolecules so small that theycannot be viewed withoutusing sophisticatedelectronics.The most obvious sign of aninefficient delivery system isheat. If you have ever held anelectrical cord which hasbeen in constant usepowering a kitchen applianceor electrically operated tool,you can easily feel the buildup of heat through the safetysheathing. This heat is justone sign of wasted electricalenergy.When the delivery system hasbeen “tuned” to an optimumvibrational frequency, therecan be immenseimprovements in electricalefficiencies. Numerous trialshave demonstrated from 10%to as much as 40% reductionsin energy use in optimisedbuildings when compared tountreated buildings. For mostinstallations, the all importantreturn on investment (ROI) isless than a year.Trials and demonstrationshave repeatedly shown 25%to 40% less electricity beingconsumed by airconditioners, freezers andrefrigerators.One example that offersimmense opportunities is theapplication of vibrationalfrequency to our electricaldistribution system and theappliances or machinery thatconsume it. Through anoptimised delivery system, wecan reduce the amount ofelectrical energy consumedwhile concurrently decreasingour collective carbonfootprint.From the time it is generatedto the point it is used,electrical energy is lost toinefficient and vibrationallyinappropriate equipment. Asmuch as 50% of the electricalenergy originally generated islost by copper wires,substations, switches,transformers and deliverysystems. In your own home,the age of the electrical wiringcombined with these sameinefficiencies andimperfections insidemachines, pumps and motorswill all disrupt the smooth flowof electricity. This wastedelectrical energy is paid byyou the consumer.“Everything in Life is Vibration” –Albert EinsteinB L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E65VIBRATING FROMWITHIN

Another valuable energy source which canbenefit from molecular tuning is that ofbatteries. Increased demand for batterieshas created an industry valued at morethan $100 billion but major issues continueto hold back its true potential. Battery liferemains an important stumbling block fortheir wider integration in all parts ofsociety. Preliminary results have shown thatfrequency treated batteries outlastuntreated batteries by as much as 25%.Imagine getting 25% more mileage fromelectric vehicle batteries than they canoffer now. Furthermore; optimisedbatteries have proven to recharge at afaster rate than untreated batteries and because of the now correctedfrequencies. Batteries will last far longerbefore needing replacement. Conditioningelectrical systems is just the start. Inpreliminary testing, molecularly realigningthe fuel your vehicle uses can improveperformance from 10% to as much as 36%depending on the vehicle type.The next major technological revolution isoccurring right now. You may not see it orfeel it, but in the coming years you will beable to control it and with that you willreduce the cost of your utility bills, improveyour health and go faster and farther thanyou have ever gone before. Written by Larry PetersB L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E66

UNLIKE ANYOTHERThe Purosangue stands head andshoulders above the rest of themarket thanks to its performanceand comfort. It is the only car withthese proportions to sport a mid-front-mounted, naturally-aspiratedV12. Maranello’s most iconic enginedebuts in this brand newconfiguration to ensure the carunleashes more power than anyother in the segment (725 cv).The Purosangue offers class-leadingperformance figures (from 0 to 100km/h in 3.3 s and from 0 to 200 in 10.6s); the driving position and the heady,naturally-aspirated V12 soundtrackdeliver an entirely new yet also entirelyFerrari driving experience. The factthat a vast array of comfort-focusedcontent is provided as standard, suchas the Burmester© audio system, andthat the many optional extras includingthe brand-new Alcantara® upholstery,derived from certified recycledpolyester, make the Purosangue themost complete four-door, four-seater inthe segment.B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E67

F E R R A R I P U R O S A N G U E

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THE ROLEX SYDNEY HOBART YACHT RACE

HYPERSONICFLIGHTMACH 1.7 Capacity: 65-80 passengers Sustainability: 0 carbon Altitude: 60,000ft Length: 201 feet Range: 4250 NM (4888 miles) Speed: Mach 1.7

THE BEAUTYHYPERSONIC FLIGHTofImagine traveling from London to New York in under two hours or Seattle toTokyo in under three hours. The race to build the first commercial hypersonicpassenger aircraft is happening right now, but the most interesting developmentis, this is all being designed in a sustainable way. Introducing the concept ofcleaner, more sustainable travel opens up a whole new world of possibilities forthe airline industry. The design and manufacturing of hypersonic aircraft not onlyrequires sustainability in materials used, but also in terms of energy efficiency andcarbon footprint.Boom, a Denver-based company in the US, has come up with a groundbreakingtechnology that is anticipated to have a massive impact on the aviation industry.The Symphony, which is the propulsion system powering the Overture supersonicaircraft, is expected to generate over 32 billion dollars in revenue. The eco-friendly nature of the Overture supersonic aircraft, which emits zero carbonemissions, bodes well for the current state of the environment. As the aviationindustry moves towards becoming more sustainable, Boom seems to have founda perfect intersection between speed and environmental responsibility.B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E72Q U A R T E R H O R S E

TRAVELAre you thinking about how you will spend your time asyou holiday with family, friends or colleagues? Enjoy ourcurated selection of destinations hand picked just for you.B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E73

a place of peaceenjoying the slow life B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E74

After a 14 hour flight, sitting ona private boat approachingthe jetty on the crystal clearturquoise waters, I could see inthe distance a welcomingparty. As I came closer, Inoticed a bag with the words'no news no shoes' writtenacross it quite effortlessly. Theatmosphere was bright, the airfelt light and I was at peace. Iwas welcomed with arefreshing fresh fruit cocktailand a gentle "welcome toSoneva Fushi the island ofparadise".Soneva Fushi is a private oasishidden in the Maldives andsteeped in exotic mystery. Anunparalleled paradise ofbarefoot luxury, in asustainable ecosystem of lushjungle, pristine beaches andcrystalline waters. My firstexperience in this beautifulfive star plus location wassublime. I was met by my ownpersonal helper Jacob, a wellspoken Dutch man, who waspolite and ready to deal withmy every request.Soneva Fushiis one of the bestbarefoot luxurysustainable ecofriendly resorts inthe world. B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E75

Nestled in the Baa AtollUNESCO Biosphere Reserveand covering one of thelargest islands in the Maldives,Soneva Fushi is a naturaltreasure that promises theultimate tropical getaway. Thisstunning resort offers gueststhe experience to live amidst alush jungle and in one of the64 exquisite private islandvillas with excellent sunriseand sunset views. The elegant villas boast vastliving spaces, ample privacy,and a whole range of top-notch facilities and amenitiesfor guests to enjoy. I was given my own personalbicycle to explore the islandand there was simply so muchto discover. Whether itsprivate dining with world classMichelin starred chefs, livemusic on the sand dunes inthe middle of the IndianOcean, glass making or staringat the stars with the likes ofBuzz Aldrin. Soneva Fushi is where you goto create breathtakingmoments and beautifulmemories.For privileged rates email:info@bluxe.euSoneva Fushi iswhere you go tocreatebreathtakingmoments andbeautifulmemories. B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E76

PRIVATE ISLANDSMOZAMBIQUE - Beauty & Tranquility B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E77

FAST LONG SMOOTHThe Bombardier Global 8000 Private Jet

LIGHTS ONThe flagshipThe Global 8000 private jet is the flagshipfor a new era where the fastest speed,the longest range and the smoothestride converge in a single business aircraft.With the cabins conceived to maximisepassenger comfort, health andproductivity, and unique features andinnovations designed to help supportyour wellbeing onboard.Designed for wellnessBreathe easier with Bombardier Pũr Airand its advanced HEPA filter technology,arrive rested and refreshed, experiencethe comfort of the industry’s lowestcabin altitude, and enjoy reduced lowerback pressure with the Nuage seat andzero-gravity position.Arrive at your destination rejuvenated asthe Global 8000 provides you with moreof the one thing that is always in shortsupply, time.Jet lag offB L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E79

CHRISTIANLOUBOUTIN VermelhoIf you're looking for a place thatcombines luxury and style, look nofurther than Vermelho.Vermelho is Christian Louboutin's firsthotel, located in Melides, Portugal.The hotel's decor was designed byMadalena Caiado, whose mission wasto combine the local rural environmentwith Louboutin's eclectic taste. Atestament to luxurious decor andbespoke details, Vermelho Hoteloffers guests a unique experience likeno other.B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E80Christian Loubotin's connection withPortugal has long been known,especially within the Comporta region,where he has vacationed since the1980's. The renowned shoe designerbecame famous for his stunningfootwear creations known for theirsignature red sole.

As you step through Vermelho'shistorical wooden doors you willbe welcomed by an intimate yetbold atmosphere. Described asa home for the culturallyinquisitive and inexhaustiblycurious. Hand selected artpieces by Louboutin himself andantique furniture all bursting withstories simply waiting to be told.Located on the second floor isthe Vista Verde room which, asthe name implies, has gorgeousviews of the verdant garden.Facing south, natural light beamsthroughout the room. The Jardimsuites are equipped with exclusiveartwork and a private terraceadjacent to the gardens. At theVermelho Hotel there is so muchto discover, as you are envelopedin the beauty and warmth of thenatural surroundings. With whispers of further hotels tocome in 2024, along with thesignature touch of Louboutin, thishotel is simply a must visit.Nestled on the Alentejo Coast, the village ofMelides is renowned for its tranquility, gentlepace of life and untainted land. With inspirationat every turn, from vineyards to rice fields,views of the Atlantic Ocean and ever-growingforests. In the village of Melides, there is noneed to rush, take the time to explore thecobbled streets, and basque in the Melidessunrays.THE ALENTEJO COASTFOR THE CULTURALLY INQUISITIVE B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E81

COMMODITIES www.bluxe.eu

BESTAFRICAofAfrica has had a long standing stigma associated withthe very opposite of what can be experienced on thecontinent. If you think about luxury, wealth opulence,peace and tranquility, the first place one envisageswould typically not be Africa. However, this couldn’t befurther from the truth or more inaccurate. One can experience all four seasons within Africaincluding snow capped mountains and this article willshed light on some of the most luxurious andsumptuous destinations that one should considervisiting.B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E83

VALIHA ISLANDValiha Island (Ile Valiha) is a privatelyowned paradise island in the IndianOcean. Lying north-west ofMadagascar in the Mozambique Canal,this desert island is a unique piece ofreal estate ideally suited to amagnificent luxury hotel complex.Valiha is an amazing island ringed withsuperb white sandy beaches, boastinga remarkable black pebble beach anda singularly beautiful mangroveswamp lending an enchanting, fairy-tale atmosphere to the environment.TOP 4 AFRICANhotspotsB L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E84Region: Madagascar, Africa Location: Mitsio ArchipelagoPartially DevelopedTitle: LeaseholdType: Private IslandPrice: POASize: 950.00 AcresSnapshot:

Azura Benguerra,MozambiqueThis beach lodge, situated onBenguerra Island inMozambique’s BazarutoArchipelago, is one of the finestof its kind in the country! Toaccess the property, travellerstake a helicopter flight,complete with amazing views. The property is home to just 14rooms, with suites and villashaving their own private accessto the beauteous beach here.Just living my best life.GALLERYB L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E86

Azura Quilalea, Mozambique One of our favourite beach resorts inthis gorgeous country is AzuraQuilalea in the Quirimbas Archipelago. Not only does this lodge boast a lovelylocation on a beautiful private islandwith stunning scenery and anabundance of activities, it is also one ofthe most eco-friendly luxurious beachlodges in Africa.RETREATB L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E87

Ras Kutani, TanzaniaZanzibar may offer somebrilliant beach properties, butTanzania’s coast also has somebeach lodges that are wellworth visiting – one of these isthe fabulous Ras Kutani.Situated just 40 kilometresfrom Dar es Salaam, it feels likea world away from the city. Not only do we love this lodgefor its charming chalets andgorgeous beach, but we alsoappreciate the value for moneyit offers, due to its position onthe mainland, compared withother Zanzibar resorts.A LOOK AT EMERGING TRENDSB L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E88

Most people curious about how empireshave attained success have at somepoint come across the likes of leaderssuch as Cleopatra who shattered theglass ceiling of power in ancient Egypt orBoudica, the fearsome first-centuryCeltic Iceni queen, who led a veryconfrontational uprising against theoccupying Roman army.The population of females in the world isestimated at 3.905 billion, representing49.58% of the world’s population.Globally, women control about $20trillion in annual consumer spending, andthat figure could climb as high as $28trillion in the next five years. Their $1trillion in total yearly earnings couldreach as high as $18 trillion in the sameperiod. Women represent a growthmarket bigger than China and Indiacombined. #EmbraceEquity was the theme forInternational Women’s Day 2023 and itcould not be more fitting. Beingequitable is crucial for creating a fair andjust society, it improves outcomes foreveryone and is important in achievingeconomic sustainability, social cohesion and trust. Supporting women and working togethertoward sustainable, equitable andinclusive growth should be a globalpriority. The economic support ofwomen and the social and industrialbalance that it creates is central to asuccessful and brighter future. SOCIALEquityIt includes women's ability to participateequally in existing markets; their access toproductive resources, access to decentwork, control over their own time, lives andbodies; an increased voice and meaningfulparticipation in economic decision-makingat all levels from the household tointernational institutions.The GCC governments have been putting alot of effort into improving the climate forfemale entrepreneurs. Encouragingwomen's entrepreneurship and the benefitsit will bring to the economy. Many emerging markets have historicallyacknowledged and experienced first-handthe benefits of matriarchal cultures andempires balanced with both men andwomen working together at all levels, forthe common good of their economies.Oftentimes, one has to look back at whathas worked successfully in order to makeprogressive steps forward.B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E89By Modupe Ladipo

VILAVITACollection The VILA VITA Collection comprisesluxury villas and beachfront residences inthe Algarve, Portugal. Beautifullyimagined and lovingly decorated, theexclusive properties in the Vila VitaCollection portfolio enjoy enviablesettings in beachside villages wheretraditional Algarvean lifestyles persistand raw, unspoilt nature survives.Located at the heart of Armação de Pêra,the Red Chalet was built during the turnof the 20th century and inspired by theopulent luxury of the Belle Époque eraemerging in the South of France.B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E90

B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E91

Additional Services Include: ¤ Private Butler ¤ Private Chef & Catering ¤ Transfers & Excursions ¤ Vila Vita Yacht Access ¤ Wellness & Retreats ¤ Weddings/CelebrationsFor privileged rates email: info@bluxecentury.com ow listed as a historical buildingand a famous landmark onthe Armação de Pêracoastline, its renovationwas committed to retain asmany of the originalelements as possible: aunique wooden floor,antique chandeliers, and aspectacular staircase wereall lovingly recreated. TheMoorish influences of thearchitecture, withgeometric designs on theshutters and ceilings, allelegant reminders of theregion’s rich culturalhistory. Bridging the gapbetween the comforts ofthe present and theromance of the past, thelarge open kitchen opensinto a living and dining areawith a large terracottaterrace and spectacularseafront setting.NOn the ceilings, sculptedgrape vines are a reminderof those that once thrivedin front of the villa itself. Asmall guest house in frontof the property reimaginessome of the distinctivecharacter of the mainhouse in a morecontemporary aesthetic. Itoffers a duplex suite withliving room and terracedownstairs, and an ensuitebedroom upstairs, as wellas a further self-containedstudio with bedroom,shower room and balcony.White-washed woodenfloors and details insplashes of colour arerecreated throughout theannex with a fresh, airy feeland a relaxed, effortlessstyle, perfect for youngermembers of a familylooking for their ownspace.B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E92

WHENFLYpigs

Whether it was the blockbuster movieCharlotte's Web, or Babe we have all atsome point found ourselves oohingand aahing at the sight of little pigletsrunning around the farm, embarkingon mini adventures and generallyhaving a good time. However, whatmost of us didn't realise was just howmuch a happy and healthy breeder pigwas truly worth. One might even saythat pigs are certainly worth theirweight in gold. Its 2023, and its official - pigs are flyingand creating small fortunes for thosewith an astute palette for investment. As the world’s population continues togrow to an estimated 10 billion peopleby 2050, the natural resourcesproduced by the planet are unable tosustain this growth based on thecurrent levels of production. The globalfarming and food production industryis about to commence a sustainedperiod of unprecedented growthacross all sectors. Deep in the heart of the Philippines,Gerard McGuirk in partnership withNaruang Integrated Farm and BSPS,are leading the way and changing thelandscape for farming globally. SUSTAINABLEfarmingB L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E94

THAT'SMY BABEWith Naruang Integrated Farm(also known as NIF - AGRI)which has been owned by thesame family for over 100 years,and Lanna Integrated Farmalready making waves in theindustry, they are at theforefront of meeting the hugedemand for sustainableproduce and livestock, andoffer interested parties theopportunity to become a partof the unprecedented growthand take advantage of thisopportunity.The BSPS pig farminginvestment has well and trulytaken off, as expansion intoPortugal took place in 2020,and further expansion of theirsecond farm Lanna IntegratedFarm, officially opened in July2022, which is a purpose-builtfarm located in the high hills.As BSPS provide high-qualitybreeding stock that otherfarmers can use to improvetheir herd’s bloodline and inturn produce healthier better-quality pigs, investors areseeing returns of between60%-70% over the course of 3years.REINVENTING THE PIGGYBANK BSPS work with PICCamborough 48 pigs whichare the highest qualitybreeding stock on the market,and when the females areimpregnated using PIC liquidsemen, BSPS produce largelitters, heavier piglets and amuch more valuable animal."Returns on these are alwaysgood" states Gerard McGuirk,"as they are backed by all theexperience of PIC, a largeinternational genetic breedingcompany." This provides thefarms with predictablenumbers of piglets per litter,expected weights and thehighest market value pricesfor the sale of these sought-after pigs and demand alwaysoutstrips this supply.So how did pig farmingbecome one of the mostlucrative investments of thedecade? In 2018, a pandemichit China, and in a short periodover 350 million pigs had to bedestroyed (this pandemicremains ongoing) causing aglobal shortage of cheapfrozen pork. Due to thispandemic, China and agrowing number of countrieshad pork exports and importsbanned.Investors are seeingreturns of between60%-70% over thecourse of 3 years.In March 2019, the Philippinesbanned the import of frozenpork from China, whichsupplied 80% of the pork tothe population of 114 millionpeople in the Philippines. Thiscaused a huge increase indomestic pork prices. McGuirk spotted theopportunity to breed high-quality large white breedersand not to breed pigs forslaughter, as the Philippinegovernment had not beenprepared for the effects of thepandemic and now wanteddomestic farmers to try and fillthe void.Simply put, by having a better-quality domestic herd, farmerscould increase production,employ more people and beable to provide sustainableaffordable pigs to the market.So, when introduced to thisconcept by McGuirk, BSPScreated a facility to raisecapital for their breedingfacilities and it took off. It is notdissimilar to other forms ofbreeding pedigree animalsand selling the offspring tomake a return, such as dogs,cats, and horses etc.B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E95

THE FUTURE OF FARMINGIt is clear to see just how much the team atBSPS care about the future, farming ethicallyand creating innovative investment initiativesas a way of shaping the entire farming eco-system for a brighter tomorrow and alucrative today.So, what has been the key to the success ofBSPS? High bio-security, highly trained staffincluding their team of veterinarians on site,strictly controlled production and anunrivalled investment structure. Currently,BSPS can increase production on each farm ata rate of 25 PIC new gilts per month. Thismeans they can allow a maximum of just 50gilts per month to be added to the farm'sproduction.Its clear to see that pigs are really flying andit's a flight many are refusing to miss. investment@bluxe.eu B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E96

ALULAA P L A C E O F B E A U T YThe town of AlUla is an unusual butwonderful attraction located in thenorthwestern region of Saudi Arabia. Foryears, it has been considered one of thekingdom's hidden gems due to its historicalsignificance and natural beauty.

A N O A S I SOver the years, a number of world-famous musicians and iconicpersonalities have visited AlUla, transforming it into an idyllic destinationthat attracts tourists from all over the world. Its breathtaking skyline,geological formations and stunning rock canyons provide visitors with anunparalleled experience that blends culture and nature in a unique way.With its awe-inspiring landscapes and rich cultural heritage, AlUla is nowon the cusp of collaborating with global visionaries in the world of music,entertainment, and leadership. Recently, the location hosted top-notchcelebrities like Swizz Beatz, Usher, and DJ Khaled who since visiting haveactively sought ways in which to infuse capital and talent into thisenchanting oasis. As a result, AlUla is now set to become one of theworld's most desirable destinations for the elite of the world.B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E98

GOLDwww.bluxe.eu

The truth is, clothing ispowerful and we're not justtalking about the odd dose ofretail therapy, the naturalevolution of clothing nowmeans that specific garmentsgenuinely can make you feelbetter, happier, energised oreven more focused. Whilemany fashion brands in recentcollections have opted forbright, bold and optimisticcolours to impact consumers,often referred to as 'dopaminedressing', or natural fibres andtextures, Bluxe Signatures, afashion brand born from Bluxe,wanted to create somethingthat had a positive and lastingeffect on their wearers. Confidence , happiness,success, we a l t h , relevance,this list could go on,however, throughou thistory many have turnedto clothing to express theirown ou t w a r d message an didentity of choice. In allhonesty, m o s t if n o t all o fus have at some p o i n t goneshopping wh e n w e ' v e f e l tsad, stressed, or down. Youmight e v e n remember y o u rmood improving whenyou've wi n d o w - s hopped orbought something nice,even if t h a t feeling w a sshort-live d . T R U E F A S H I O NB L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E100Feel Good

RAISEFREQUENCYB L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E101YourSignatures

MIND, BODY & SPIRITIn a world where fast fashion dominates the market, it's easy to forget thetrue power of clothing. We often get caught up in trends and buying thelatest styles, without considering how our clothes make us feel. But what ifwe told you that there's a movement towards true feel-good fashion thatcan help raise your frequency?Well, Bluxe Signatures combines ethical fashion, sustainability, frequency,and style. Fusing together fashion, function and frequency and making itcool. With ranges that enhance the natural vibration of the wearer, BluxeSignatures is a stylish twist on classic lounge and leisure wear. Infused withSolfeggio frequencies and carefully coated with antimicrobial technology.True feel-good fashion is all about creating a wardrobe that not only looksgood but also makes you feel good on the inside. It's about embracingpieces that align with your values and bringing positivity into your lifethrough your clothing choices. By choosing clothes that make you feelconfident and empowered, you can elevate your mood and energy levels allday, every day.shop now at www.bluxeglobal.com B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E102

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C I T Y O F T H E F U T U R ENEOM

NEOM is the brainchild of SaudiArabia's Crown Prince,Mohammed bin Salman. A majorpart of the country's ambitiousVision 2030 plan, this projectaims to transform the economyand society of the kingdom. The Crown Prince has stated thatNEOM will be a place fordreamers who want to createsomething new in the world, andit will offer them the freedom topursue their visions.The proposed city will cover anarea of 10,000 square miles,making it larger than the state ofMassachusetts. NEOM is a uniqueamalgamation of two words: neoand mustaqbal. The former is aGreek prefix meaning 'new' andwas envisioned by His RoyalHighness Mohammed binSalman, the Chairman of theNEOM Company Board ofDirectors. The latter is an Arabicword meaning 'future', unitingthem to give the overall meaning'new future'. T H E F U T U R EDWELLSIN THE EASTB L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E105

This reflects the ambitions of theorganisation to create a sustainableand prosperous future for the MiddleEast and humanity as a whole. Theystrive to achieve this throughpioneering cutting-edge technology,economic diversification, and thepromotion of empowerment, co-existence and tolerance.B L U X E C E N T U R Y M A G A Z I N E106

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