JEWEL BY LISA

One of my goals when I started this blog was to expand my fashion horizon beyond the regular designers we see and hear about everyday. I luv to feature budding designers who are fab but not neccesarily well-known by most Nigerians and other Africans...We did that with the Bella Naija Africa Fashion Week and also when I blogged about Eboka and Blokes 'n' Divas at this year's Cape Town Fashion Week......Here is another budding designer at add to your fashion repertoire....ENJOY


In a few short years, Jewel by Lisa has grown from a bejewelled accessory seller to a stellar fashion label. The creative director of the label, Lisa Folawiyo is credited as one of the trendsetters who revamped Ankara and reintroduced it to us as the ‘must-have’ fabric…She is well-known for her ability to garnish Ankara designs with delicate jewels, crystals and sequins to create unique and wearable pieces….
Here are some pictures from her recent fashion show held in Lagos……


The Designer - Lisa

Contact Details for Jewel By Lisa:
6, Ribadu Road, off Awolowo Road, S/W Ikoyi, Lagos-Nigeria
08033085416

What do u guys think?

TAGGED A-Z

So donchi tagged me…never done anything like this before…so its worth a try…enjoy…

Ambitious……Whenever something good happens, people tell me 'oh am not surprised…u've always been ambitious…'
I agree wit them..lol..and I'm so glad that my actions have started matching my ambition..
Runner up: adventurous, a.h girl (my sec. school...loved it)

Bella…..means beautiful in Italian!

Competitive…..I am uber-competitive…I dunno y…maybe because I used to run track in secondary school…I don't think its negative tho….just drives me to success

Daddy's girl….yup…I am very much a daddy's girl…my dad rocks!!!

Energetic…I'm very energetic…especially after some scoops of ice cream…lol…don't ask!

Forgetful….I tend to remember LOADS of random things and forget important stuff like people's birthdays, where I left my phone and MY NUMBER!!! Yes, got a new phone number over a month ago and I don't know it….
Runners-up: fashionista, flirty, fabulous....

God-fearing….I am very happy that I have a very strong relationship wit God and seek him in whatever I do…e.g blogging..seriously…lol
Runner-up: Globe-trotter….I hate planes to luv to travel, Giddy…..I am always giddy with excitement even by the littlest things like clothes etc…

Homebody….Believe it or not I prefer chillin' at home wit friends and family to going out all night

Interesting…..Very interesting chica….I always have the hottest gist…..lol

Joker…..I joke around A LOT! I crack dry jokes and can be very sarcastic too….sorry….

K… The letter K is the eleventh letter in the Latin alphabet…I am clearly lost for words

Leo…..I don't believe in all this astrology stuff but I like the fact that Halle Berry and co are fellow Leos….

Mummy's girl…I luv my mum…we are total BFF (Best Friends Forever)…lol

Nigerian....As amplifyd said.."Naija until I die'
Runner Up: Naughty….yes o…I am naughty and mischievous

O…oh oh!

Picky.....I am very picky with food, friends etc…
Runner-up: I can be a perfectionist....i read over things so many times....i recheck everything...i guess it it can be a pain

Quirky...wit all the randomness in my life...I can be described as quirky

Resourceful.....make the best out of what I have in any situation.....
Runner-up: respectful

Saucy....well...no explanation needed

Tomboy….I was kinda a tomboy when I was younger (below 10)….noone believes me cause I'm such a girly girl now!

U….my name…

Vivacious…whatever that means…..
Runner up: Vibrant

Witty...I like to think so....lol

Xed.....I have nothing to write...hmm....I like saying 'xed'…e.g..'please I've xed that guy off, he was sooo annoying'

Young.......I am young in reality and 'at heart'

Zesty......i dunno couldnt think of another Z-word

Don chi…please don't give me work like this again o…..lol…..
I tag….Adaure et Yetty

SURVIVOR AFRICA

First was Big Brother Africa, then Project Fame and recently, Big Brother Nigeria…
Well, its time for Survivor Africa!!!!
12 People have been chosen from all around Africa and starting September 3rd 2006, they will begin their 21 day journey vying for the US$100,000 prize…..
Survivor Africa being shot by MNET on Pearl Island, Panama……

Here is a look at the survivors…As usual Nigeria is well represented with 3 competitors……


Ario (Ariomawha) Okenabirhie
Nigeria
Age - 32
Computer Science Graduate – Former Banker
Interview Video Profile


Nike (Olanike) Gbolahan
Nigeria
Age - 24
Mass Communication Graduate – Tobacco Company Protocol Officer
Interview Video Profile


Yaga (Yagazie) Chuwumerje
Nigeria
Age - 23
Recent Mechanical Engineering Graduate
Interview Video Profile

The other competitors are Tebby Gasennelwe (24) from Botswana, Meti Yilma (27) from Ethiopia, Nana Sarpong (30) from Ghana, Derrick Assetto (29) from Kenya, Frieda Karipi (29) from Namibia, Jeremiah Zulu (26), from Zambia, Lloyd Kalipinde from Zambia, Leonard Mapuranga (24) from Zimbabwe Chipo Nzonzo (35) from Zimbabwe

The host of the show is Anthony Oseyemi is of Nigerian ancestry but was born and raised in the UK

On the side note, he had NEVER been to Africa until very recently when he visited SA…
Here are some excerpts from his interview:
What makes you qualified to host a pan-African reality show?
It's quite interesting...originally I am African but I come from a completely westernised perspective of Africa and Africans
How are you preparing yourself?
I've just been doing quite a bit of reading; I've been looking at different countries in Africa.

hmmmmmmmm
For the rest of his interview, Click HERE

Click HERE for the official Survivor Africa – Panama website.
* in case u r wondering, there are no south african contestants 'cause they have their separate Survivor SA
Anyway, the show should be fun…I hope one of the Nigerian girls win!
What do u guys think about Survivor Africa, the contestants, the presenter?

TAYO & JOHN LEGEND

I exclusively broke the news of John Legend ‘s relationship with Nigerian model, Tayo Otiti back in July - see HERE
Well they have broken up!
Their relationship was extremely intense but short……
Apparently, one of the reasons why John broke-up with Tayo in July was due to the fact that Tayo’s agent excessively publicized the relationship because she saw it as a good opportunity for Tayo to get more showbiz exposure…
Anyway here is a pic of JL and his new babe- Brazilian model, Danielle Abreu…
”Eyah” to Tayo…


Opinions?

FAB WEEKEND

Hey Everyone!!!!
How was your week? I won’t lie, my week was long! Lots and lots of work...Seriously, Thank God its Friday! Its time for some bellanaija weekend luv....Let's Go!!!











Here are some random clicks....
Click HERE to vote for the Nigerian musical stars nominated for this year’s Channel O African Music Video Awards…Nominees include Dare Art-Alade, Lagbaja, D’Banj, 2Face Idibia, Mode 9, Sauce Kid and DJ Jimmy Jatt……Vote now and support our Nigerian talent…

Some newly discovered buzzworthy Nigerian blogs...
BGT Live
Young wife and mother…This blog takes you through the life and times of BGT…as she experiences life as a young Nigerian wife and mother (she got married at 21)…she and her husband’s story is worth a read! Click HERE and HERE for Part 1 and 2 of the story…Gripping stuff o!

Absolut Island
Paris Hilton…..Lagos Style……This is a blog about a young chick having fun in Lagos…Lots of stories about days and nights out at Saipan, Bacchus, The Palms, La Casa, Churasco’s, Pichalomondo……Infact, all the Lagos hot spots....check it out

Here are some very HOT random hits……
2Face Idibia – For Instance
Finally! 2Face’s new song……Kind of different, socially conscious song! I actually like it but don’t think it’ll have the same impact as African Queen and Ole…His new album should be out by September…I’m sure it’ll be packed with some surefire hits! Make sure u buy the album when it hits stores!

Amplifyd Feat Eldee – Naija Until I Die
Hot, Hot, Hot song! Wow! Amplifyd is really bringing the heat on this one….I’ll say it once again…their music is LIVE….I will definitely buy their album whenever it comes out!

Remedies Feat. Pasuma – Jealousy
Classic song of the week by the Remedies (Eedris, Tony Tetuila & Eddy Montana)….This is an old song but its so funny!!!! Listen out for when the Pasuma guy says ‘Calvin Cleaaan’…lol…only in naija......

*this dullop of weekend luv is dedicated to my dear friend, B....u r a constant source of inspiration and the definition of a great man...Much luv....
Wow, this is a loooonnnngg post…It should be enough to entertain u for the whole weekend! Be good! Have a fab weekend…Ciao……

So what do y’all think about the recommended blogs, the random hits…anything…?

AUNTY BELLA - FRONTIN' DONT PAY

Please read THIS first! Thanks!
Our first case is from a friend of mine whom I was talking to last night....
This is actually all true…sorry for making fun of your misery sweetie

Dear Aunty Bella,
There is this very FINE guy I have a HUGE crush on…after begging my friend to slyly introduce us and batting my long eyelashes at him, he eventually started ‘chasing’ me…
He started calling me…I never called back…
When I would see him I public…he would come over and give me a hug while I would give him the ‘what is your name again?’ look…
Well, after a couple of weeks….he STOPPED and yesterday I saw him with a very pretty girl and they were holding hands!!! Aunty Bella, what do I do???? I am sooo sad and distressed…
Yours sincerely, Frontin’ Don’t Pay From Lagos

Everyone, please I need ur input! Please advice Miss ‘Frontin Don’t Pay' From Lagos……Lets have fun with this!

Introducing....Aunty Bella

The other day, one of our bellanaija readers, the prolific blogger, don chi chi left a comment on one of the posts and he called me ‘Aunty Bella’…..that inspired me to start an agony aunt column on the blog……Hopefully, we can have some ‘tongue in cheek’ fun with this….
Anyway, you can send in ur problems/issues to bellanaija@gmail.com ….don’t worry, its all anonymous….just give yourself a funky name related to your problem!

TIFFANY AMBER FASHION SPREAD

Here is a fashion spread from Folake Folarin-Coker’s Tiffany Amber. Tiffany Amber is actually my fav Nigerian label……fun & flirty fashion……just the way I like it!!!
I luv Tiffany Amber and will be featuring them in my Bella Naija Nigerian Fashion Week (Coming Soon)… I think the stylist could have made better use of these clothes to create a more fab fashion spread……the location, model and theme are all kinda ‘vanilla’ for my taste (LMAO @ the model's pose in the 4th pic)……that said, the clothes are still stunning!



Makeup: Banke Meshida
Location: Eko Le Meridian Hotel Lagos
Photographer: Michael Sosso

What do y’all think?
By the way, thanks for all the comments over the past week…from the ‘rumours’ to the very strange random facts bout yourselves….they have been highly entertaining….that’s what makes the blog more fun…..sooo bring em on!

MISS NIGERIA WORLD 2006

Here are some brand new photos of Abiola Bashorun, Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) 2006. She will be representing Nigeria in this year’s Miss World pageant. The pageant takes place in Poland on the 30th of September 2006.

All the best to Abiola!!!!!!!
I hope she does better than Tienepre Alexandra Oki (MBGN 2006 1st runner-up) who represented Nigeria in this year’s Miss Universe pageant.

I am sooo LUVING that she is rockin the ankara dress!!! Repping naija in a big way!lol....I dunno y I am so excited by ankara these days.....

What do y'all think?

WEDDING FEVER

I usually leave the online wedding gist to naija blog sweetheart, Adaure but decided to make an exception today. President Olusegun Obasanjo aka OBJ and the late Stella Obasanjo (RIP)’s son, Olumuyiwa (Muyiwa) who is a New York-based lawyer got married to Imilse Gracia, daughter of Mr Raphael Garcia from the Dominican Republic over the weekend. Here are some pictures from their traditional and white wedding…


They look really cute and I wish them all the best in their marriage…….but a random thought just crossed my mind, why is it that politicians’ children seem to get married in abundance when they are in power/office……this is actually the 3rd Obasanjo wedding this year…..since he has been President, so many of his kids have tied the knot…The VP, Governors and Senators’ kids haven’t been left out in this wedding fever…..so I am just wondering…why?

I would luv to hear u comments…….so u can give us ur opinion on my question or just tell us what u think about the wedding outfits……I luv her wedding dress……..

RANDOM CLICKS

Watch Deola Sagoe - Hunger For Food Fashion Show @ naijagal's blog - HERE

More from Peridot & Ruby @ low's mental floss - HERE

See the US-returnee Nigerian guy who killed his ex-commissioner/humanitarian mum…very sad and unfortunate @ the sun newspaper – HERE

Former Reality TV Star rocked by nude photo scandal…sounds like an American tabloid headline right?…Well..u r wrong! In Nigeria! @ the sun newspaper - HERE
You can find the censored views of the pics @ nairaland forum…I am not linking it cause its nasty!

Five Random Things About Me
I’m mixed race….but u can’t tell….my dad’s genes r strong o…lol
I once had a 10 hour phone convo…no joke
I hate wearing shoes…..I tend to randomly walk around barefoot
I don’t drink hot (as in temperature) beverages…..no tea, no coffee, no hot chocolate
I won a burger-eating contest @ uni…..3 big macs in 3 mins……serious…..u wont believe it if u see me…

Tell us one random thing about u!
Have a lovely weekend! I’ll do our weekly hot music post coming soon...

STORM RECORDS - ELDEE

Lanre Dabiri aka Eldee the don is Nigeria's No. 1 Producer/Rapper/Singer/Record Label Exec/Architect/Fine Boy lol....The dude has got so much talent. Eldee was introduced to us as a founding member of the Trybesmen and the head of Trybe Records....and ever since then he has been hitting us with hit song after hit song after hit song....Eldee left Nigeria for the USA some years ago and recently came back to ink a deal with Obi Asika owned Storm Records which is by far the HOTTEST music label in Nigeria right now. Eldee has a new album coming out titled "Return of the King". I'm sure it will be FIYAH!!! Y'all should make sure u buy it.
I am pre-ordering my own autographed copy right now!
Here are some of Eldee's hottest songs.....
African Chiquito (chi chi chilolo) - funny track.....i luv it for a special reason...guess..
Shake Bodi Rmx (by Trybesmen) - classic!

For his official website, click HERE
For his myspace page, click HERE
Fab chick, Icy Yetty also did something on Eldee recently, see HERE

Personally, I luv Eldee's music and the new song 'Champion'....a friend of mine was saying it sounds a lot like a Sean Paul song.....whateva.....I think it's hot!!! This is part of my series of features on Storm Records artists.....so watch out for more soon....By the way, Eldee held auditions for girls (models and dancers) to feature in his new video for 'Champion' ..it was on the 11th, 12th, 13th of August in Atlanta......Did anyone go? confess now o...lol..... I'm soooo curious!!!!!

What do y'all think of Eldee? His new song? Will u like to 'shake bodi' in his video ...lol?

AND THE WINNER IS………

Venantia Otto from Namibia


The 2006 Nokia Face of Africa Finale took place on Sunday, the 13th of August 2006 in Sun City, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Venantia was chosen as the 2006 Nokia Face of Africa winner, her prize includes a US$150,000 contract with global modelling powerhouse, Elite Model Management, a weekend party in the African suite at the Palace of the Lost City valued at US$12,000, courtesy of Sun International, a Nokia 8800, US$10,000 in cash from Anglo Platinum as well as an exclusive piece of jewellery worth over US$18,000 designed by Shimansky Collection (WOW!!!!!).
Venantia is the second contestant from Namibia to win the prestigious competition, Benvinda Mudenge won in 1998. Let’s hope that Venantia does better than Benvinda who was sent home from New York for being too fat.....seriously…lol…See story HERE
Here are some pics from the event. I will have more in the next couple of days. Also, much props to the fab, Kotetso who dressed one of the contestants as part of the designer showcase...the outfit was too FAB!
Main Event

After-Party & Backstage

Anyway, I think Venantia is GORGEOUS and am glad she won! I wish her all the success in NY…Could she be the next Iman, Oluchi, Alec Wek or Liya Kebede?

I will also like your feedback on how to make the site better? Please any suggestions for future features? Who or what would you like to see? I will really appreciate any feedback and suggestions. THANKS!!!

THISDAY STYLE

ThisDay is a Nigerian Newspaper and over the past year or so their style section has blossomed into the Nigeria's No. 1 Fashion Magazine. You can find it as a free insert in Sunday’s ThisDay Newspaper. This magazine is FIYAH. Edited by the fabulous, Ruth Osime, it is always brimming with all the latest Nigerian fashion and accessories. Recently, ThisDay held several ‘Style Fashion Weekends’ in Lagos which featured International designers such as Adebayo Jones and international models like Oluchi and Kaone. What is interesting is that ‘ThisDay Style’ is trying to launch itself as an international fashion glossy and had a promotional party in Cannes, France featuring international celebs like Alicia Keys and Chopard President, Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele………Here are pictures of Alicia Keys @ the Cannes Party and the Style Weekend. Apparently, Naomi Campbell will be landing in Nigeria for the next one!



What do u guys think of the Style Weekends? The Clothes? The Cannes Launch Party? Do u think ThisDay Style can compete with Vogue, W and other international fashion mags?

WEEKEND LUV

Hey everyone!
How was ur weekend? Mine was something else…..I don’t even know where to start! The weekend was generally fun but Lagbaja was amazing! If u haven’t seen him live, u should try to experience that soon……just take some crazy friends along and viola u have urself a fun night!
Congratulations to African Mosaique for winning our Bella Naija Africa Fashion Week. I had the voting poll on the blog for some hours and they were the clear winner. I really luved their collection too!!! Thanks for all your comments throughout the week, it really made the week more fun.
I will be doing a Nigeria Fashion Week sometime soon….u wont want to miss it!

Here are some hot Nigerian songs along with some classic ones…ENJOY!

Sunny Neji – Oruka – Download Audio – See Video
This is a hot Nigerian wedding song……everyone seems to luv it…..I honestly hated this song before cause I thought it was sappy…I gave the song another listen this year and I now luv it! See what old age does to u…lol……

Lagbaja – Never Far Away – Download Audio – See Video
In honour of the Lagbaja concert, this is a lovely song…..This is not a typical Lagbaja song, its very soulful. Lagbaja’s vocalist Ego really does a great job on this one….

Jazzman Olofin – Raise the Roof Feat. Ayuba– Download Audio
This is an old song but it is really a party starter! People really go crazy for this song…..if u haven’t heard it song……u r missing out!
By the way, I will be doing something on Storm Records, the hottest music label in Nigeria with the livest artists soon

Let me know what u think…See ya later today…Ciao

BELLA NAIJA AFRICA FASHION WEEK – DAY 4

Wow! Today is the last day of our fashion week. I’m sooo glad that u guys enjoyed it....I hope so anyway. I tried to show collections that were really different to highlight the diversity and creativity of African designers. I’m sure you are wondering why there were no Nigerian designers featured. Well, we have our very own Nigerian Fashion week coming up soon and its going to be AMAZING. I’m going away for the weekend then I’ll be back on Sunday to go see Lagbaja……should be fun! Make sure u vote and have a lovely weekend! Ciao…

BELLA NAIJA AFRICA FASHION WEEK – TANZANIA – MUSTAFA HASSANALI




THE DESIGNER - MUSTAFA HASSANALI

Mustafa Hassanali may only be 25 but he has achieved a great deal. Fashion was originally a hobby, but has since become a full-fledged career. His passion for elegance, style, flamboyancy, glamour and glitz has not gone unnoticed by most of East Africa’s crème de la crème.
His collections have been shown widely throughout Africa and Italy and his exquisite handwork, detailed beadwork and creative ensemble embellishments have made Mustafa Hassanali a sought after brand name in the couture market.

Fun Fact: Mustafa is also is a medical doctor, writer, events coordinator, culture vulture and well-known socialite...WOW!!!

Hot or Not? What do u guys think?

BELLA NAIJA AFRICA FASHION WEEK – DAY 3

Hey everyone! Wow! Its Day 3 of our lil' fashion week already....I hope u guys have been enjoying the collections so far....Everyone seemed to luv the African Mosaique collection from yesterday...I did too! This is a lil' different from the others, check it out and let me know what u think.....ur comments r sooo important.......We'll start voting tomorrow...Let's Go! ENJOY

BELLA NAIJA AFRICA FASHION WEEK – UGANDA – SYLVIA OWORI





THE DESIGNER – SYLVIA OWORI

Sylvia Owori is the founder and creative director of her eponymous clothing label. She is one of today's leading figures in East Africa's media, modelling, advertisement and fashion industries, famous for both her entrepreneurial skills as well as for her creative talent.
Sylvia has just been selected as one of the ten designers to dress a Nokia Face of Africa finalist in Sun City this August. She is also the creator of a glossy East African women’s magazine, African Woman. Click HERE to visit the Sylvia Owori website.

Fun Fact: The model in the main photograph is Kaone Kario from Botswana. She was 2005 Nokia Face of Africa winner…….as part of her prize, she was given a modelling contract with Storm Models South Africa worth US $125000…..well, Storm SA went bust this year!! So her contract was cancelled, she is now signed with Zero Models, Cape Town and is doing really well in SA……Just goes to show that all is not what it seems……we really have to give Oluchi props because she is about the only Face of Africa winner that has done really well internationally……Anyway, I think Kaone is gorgeous! For her Zero Models portfolio, click HERE

I usually don’t like monochromatic collections but I think this one has a classic flavour so it makes up for the lack of colour.
Hot or Not? Classic or Boring? Striking or washed-out? What do u guys think?

BELLA NAIJA AFRICA FASHION WEEK – DAY 2

I hope u guys r enjoyin’ our lil’ fashion week. The comments yesterday were sooooo entertaining…..I was just crackin’ up all day!!!! I am looking forward to more today cause we are going to vote at the end of the week….Yes, it’s THAT serious…LOL….Let’s go!

BELLA NAIJA AFRICA FASHION WEEK – ETHIOPIA – AFRICAN MOSAIQUE





THE DESIGNER – AFRICAN MOSAIQUE

Ethiopia’s only high fashion label, African Mosaique was launched in 2004. Every year since then has seen a new collection being developed, creating a fusion of contemporary African inspired ready-to-wear and couture wear.
African Mosaique was created by Anna Getaneh, its Managing and Creative Director. Anna is a fashion-cultural enthusiast, humanitarian, and an acclaimed former international model. From her base in Paris and New York City, her modeling career spanned close to 10 years, working with renowned designers such as Christian Lacroix, Ungaro, Yves St. Laurent, Ralph Lauren, Escada, and Donna Karan.
Anna's hallmark is her passion about children and development. She has done global advocacy work for UNICEF , the United Nations Children's Fund, on African themes. Click HERE for the African Mosaique website.

FUN FACT: There is really no fun fact but I have to say that Anna Getaneh who is the creative director of the label is in her 40s but she is sooooooo gorgeous! I hope and pray that I look that good at that age……..Anyway, my mum is in her 40s and is even more gorgeous (ummm….ok mum, I said it….can I have my $100 now…lol)

Hot or Not? Fiyah or just plain vanilla? Anyway, what do u guys think?

BELLA NAIJA AFRICA FASHION WEEK - DAY 1

This week is Bella Naija Africa Fashion Week!!!
Throughout the week, I will be featuring the HOTTEST in African Fashion!!! It starts today and ends of Friday. Everyone put on your couture along with your hottest heels cause you have a front row seat!.....hahaahha…..I’m sooooo cheesy!
Anyway, I am relying on u guys to help me crown the winner of our Fashion Week so ur comments are so important! Tell people about it.....let’s go!

BELLA NAIJA AFRICA FASHION WEEK - SOUTH AFRICA – STONED CHERRIE

THE DESIGNER - STONED CHERRIE

South Africa’s hottest clothing label, Stoned Cherrie is the brainchild of cool-girl-about-town Nkhensani Manganyi Nkosi.
Nkhensani started the clothing brand Stoned Cherrie in 2000 with the aim of growing a cool fashion label that would move conceptions away from the traditional beaded skirts, headdresses and muumuus that dominate the way western women think of African fashion.
Creative director and CEO Nkhensani, who spent her childhood in the US, embraced an “urban African” fashion with a unique twist to reclaim black South Africa’s past. She is married to Zam Nkosi. Stoned Cherrie offers Afro-inspired sexy, sultry clothes. For the Stoned Cherrie website, click HERE

FUN FACT: The model in the main picture is Nigerian, her name is Doyin Haastrup, she was a runner-up in last year's Face of Africa competition and is now one of the hottest models in SA. She is also makeup artist, Bayo Haastrup's niece. I will be profiling her on here soon. She looks soooo fierce in the pic....luv it!

What do u guys think? Hot or Not? Is Naija Fashion hotter?

GENEVIEVE

I was looking through the blog this weekend and was shocked to find out that I had never featured, Genevieve!
A Nigerian blog without Genevieve Nnaji is simply incomplete. I know I am being dramatic but seriously…lol
Anyway, Genevieve is a good actress and I am proud of any woman who is doing her thing in a big way!
Each time I read a story about her in the press, they are always going on and on about how she is snobbish and rude. I guess that was part of the reason she got ‘banned’ my Nigerian movie marketers. I’ve met Genevieve a couple of times and I have to say that she was really nice. If I was going to mention anything, it would be that she seemed kinda shy.
Anyway, here are some shots of Genevieve from a magazine cover feature earlier this year. I think she looks really good especially in the cover shot.
She can be seen in Ego Boyo’s new movie, '30 Days' which is out now!

HERE is the '30 days' movie website.
Pictures From Mimi Magazine. For their website click HERE
Is she overrated? Misunderstood? Has anyone seen the new movie? Is she looking good?
What do y’all think?

WEEKEND LUV

Hello everyone! Wow! The makeup comments were on fiyah!! Thanks to everyone that commented and those who helped others out with Banke’s contact information and all that.
Please no stalkers, fraudsters or toasters should call her! Only those with legitimate enquiries…LOL!
I don’t have work on Monday! So exciting! I actually get to relax a lil’ bit! I have been so busy over the last couple of weeks so it feels great to have a break even though its very short.
Anyway, as is our weekend tradition on bellanaija……here are some hot Nigerian songs to add to your playlist. ENJOY!

Clench - Mase Binu Simi: Download Audio - View Video
Many people really luv this song, it’s just alright in my opinion. Maybe it’s because I get distracted by the singer’s h-factor whenever I listen….lol

Weird MC – Ijoya: Download Audio – View Video
Hot song! It was released last year but still gets a lot of radio airplay

Tosin Martins – Soul Pharmacy: Download Audio
Strange song title but really beautiful song! Dedicated to my friend, O

Listen and let me know what you think.
Ciao. Remember you can email me at bellanaija@gmail.com. I luv to hear from u guys.
Have a great week! See ya on Monday!

THE BEAUTY SQUAD

The beauty industry in Nigeria has evolved sooooo much over the years. Makeup artistry has actually become a well-respected profession…who would have thought….. right! From makeup to aesthetics to cosmetics, its now BIG business.These people are remarkable not just because of their beautiful work but because they have inspired many young people to pursue their passions and remember that there is more than one path to success……
Banke Meshida:
Banke is amazing!!!!! She has accomplished so much in the beauty industry….From her start as a wedding makeup artist while studying English at the University of Lagos, to launching her own makeup line (BM Pro) and most importantly training and empowering many young ladies in the art of makeup……..Banke deserves a lot of kudos……with her afrocentric style, she is also really nice and fun to be around!!! HERE is her website.






Tara Fela-Durotoye:
Tara (House of TaRa) is one of Nigeria’s foremost makeup artists….she has been in the business for a very long time…..She is definitely at the top of the list of people who turned makeup artistry into a profession in Nigeria. From her makeup school to her youth beauty business program (YLE) to her makeup brush, product and skincare line (Orekelewa), Tara has inspired many women. I read a letter that her husband, Motivational Consultant, Fela Durotoye wrote to her, it was published in a magazine sometime later year, it was so emotional and stirring….so beside this amazing woman, there is an amazing man.Click HERE to read the letter.

Bayo Haastrup:
Nigeria’s premier fashion and editorial makeup artist is Bayo Haastrup. He runs Ijade-Egbin and is the official makeup artist for Media 24 Nigeria publications including True Love West Africa magazine…….He is also really smart and has 2 degree including one in human kinetics. You can read more about him by clicking on the picture on the left……











I luv makeup (MAC Addict) and obviously admire all 3 of them....I want to get ur opinions....Is makeup artistry really a profession? Do u think they are inspiring or just lucky? Do Nigerian women wear too much makeup? lol.....so....what do u guys think?

PERIDOT & RUBY

Peridot & Ruby is a brand new Nigerian fashion house…….I luv all their stuff so far….Absolutely stunning! Their designs are regularly featured and commended in Nigeria’s hottest fashion and style magazine, ThisDay Style. Check out some of the designs below. I luv the fact that the clothes are actually WEARABLE! The fabrics and colours used are very luxe and rich in African influence. You can also find more information about Peridot & Ruby HERE. Kudos Ladies…



For those of you that will be in naija in December and are interested in Ordering Periodt N Ruby, please email Low at lab5fs@hotmail.com

RUGGEDMAN

Ruggedman is my favourite Nigerian rapper. I luv his flow and his lyrics are always on point! I have luved his music ever since he unleashed his diss track - “Ehen” where he basically called-out every single Nigerian rapper. Ruggedman is back with a new album and the first single is called “Club Rugged”. The song is very catchy, well-produced and his flow is tight as usual.




TUNE: Indian melody in the background - CHECK
LYRICS: “…Wind ur waist for me….” - CHECK
VOCALS: Girl whispering seductively in the background (LOL) - CHECK

Anyway, I still luv the song!!!! I am sure his second single, “Ruggedy Baba” has a more Nigerian flava…….I will definitely buy his new album…U guys should get it when it hits stores soon
Click HERE to download Club Rugged - Brand New
Click HERE to download Baraje - From his last album
Click HERE to download Ehen - Ruggedman’s diss track
See his official website HERE

In terms of gist, Ruggedman now has a pimped out BMW with monogrammed seats....I dunno y it is news when Nigerian musicians buy cars......as if people dont expect them to be able to afford one? well, I guess music now pays in Nigeria!
What do u guys think of Ruggedman? Is he cute…lol? “Club Rugged”? Does Nigerian hip-hop lack a unique identity? Is it just a wannabe version of American Hip-Hop?

MISS NIGERIA UNIVERSE - Part 2

I was meant to blog about this last week but I was rather irritated by the whole Miss Universe thing. So Miss Nigeria did not win or even place for that matter…I will save my comments on the whole situation. Adaure already discussed it on her blog HERE
Anyway, here are pictures of Miss Nigeria Universe, Tienepre Alexandra Oki from the final competition presentation in her evening gown and traditional wear….and some pictures of her out and about during the competition