Today we’d like to introduce you to Kechi Okpala, Murphy Folorunsho.
Kechi and Murphy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Miss African Roots USA is a bi-annual cultural pageant that aims to promote the beauty of Africa and the African Diaspora. Created by Murphy’s Laaw Entertainment in 2014, the Miss African Roots USA Cultural Pageant is a unique, event that promotes the best of African-inspired talent, fashion, music, entertainment and cultural performances. The pageant not only brings awareness to the beauty of the African Diaspora but also connects the various cultural backgrounds while forging a sense of community, confidence and pride in the motherland of Africa.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nothing in life is smooth. In the beginning, the word “pageant” was synonymous with words like a swimsuit, skinny, beauty etc. Explaining to contestants how the pageant wasn’t like a typical pageant people were accustomed to seeing was the biggest challenge. Especially when it came to getting them to sign-up as a contestant. Educating the contestants and public in seeing the “Beauty” in their culture and roots was a challenge and premise to starting the pageant. With hardwork and dedication, the pageant keeps evolving for the better.
Please tell us about your art.
Murphy’s Laaw Entertainment is an event production company specializing in African events, concerts and activation. We are known and proud of being the springboard to many African events and personalities in South Florida like Naija-4-Life, Ankara Miami, Miss Nigeria Florida Cultural Pageant, Afro Code, Fabian and Mom, The Diaspora Miami, Afrifest, International Music Festival, Egbe Festival and many more.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
With the support of the South Florida Community there also those who come thru whenever called upon like:
Desmond Alufohai
Erhabor Ighodaro
Annabel Brewster
NKechi “Kechi” Okpala
Marie Saddu
Sunday Akinbiyi
Connie Kinard
Retha Boone
Yinka Tella
Charles Ehizibue
Adannma Osuji
Busayo Akinibi
Contact Info:
- Phone: 786.489.4313
- Email: missafricanroots@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/missafricanroots
- Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MissAfricanRoots/
Image Credit:
Miss African Roots USA Cultural Pageant, Murphy’s Law Entertainment
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