BHLA, Rolling Stone Africa Partner for 10th Anniversary

Iyke Bede

To celebrate a decade of honoring Black excellence, arts, and culture, the Black History and Lifestyle Awards (BHLA) has joined forces with Rolling Stone Africa for the platform’s 10th‑anniversary celebrations.

The partnership builds on Rolling Stone Africa’s “Culture on Culture” series, which examines nightlife, creative expression, and local connections in African cities through the perspectives of public figures who reconnect with the continent’s heritage, arts, and cultural identity.

As part of the anniversary programming, American model and influencer Olandria Carthen was selected to feature in this edition of “Culture on Culture.” She will explore Nigerian culture, cuisine, and lifestyle while taking part in a community outreach effort that distributes school bags and sanitary products to students.

BHLA will honor Carthen with a special recognition award for her involvement in the outreach initiative and her role in promoting cultural engagement.

“We are projecting our culture outside the country. I want our stories to leave the shores of Africa,” said Sade Balogun, CEO of BHLA and House of SOTA. She expressed confidence that Africa’s entertainment and creative sector will continue to grow and gain global recognition.

She added, “We’re telling our stories ourselves. We’re not waiting for people to tell our stories. I can say authoritatively that Rolling Stone has been doing that for a long time, so there’s no better platform to partner with.”

Gwen Madiba, Editor‑in‑Chief of Rolling Stone Africa, expressed confidence in the collaboration with BHLA and House of SOTA, describing it as an opportunity to further amplify the African experience and empower creative voices across the continent.

“The reason why we chose each other is because of the same values and love that we share for the continent and for Nigeria’s cultures. The work of BHLA doesn’t stop here in Nigeria; it continues to evolve in the United States and Europe. What we and House of SOTA do is empower young creatives,” Madiba said.

Organisers say the collaboration extends the reach of African stories and lifestyles to the world, one genuine connection at a time.