AUNTY BELLA - MAN VS. MONEY

This is a special edition of Aunty Bella because it features a problem sent to me by a fellow blogger (I cant name names...sorry!)
Thanks so much to my guest bloggers! I really appreciate their input....please show them luv
This guest blogging series will go on until Tuesday next week.....

Hey Aunty Bella and readers,

I graduated with a masters degree and found the job of my dreams with an investment bank.
On the other hand, my boyfriend graduated a couple of years ago and has been looking for a permanent job since then.
He has been temping with various agencies for a while now but nothing constant.
Ever since he got the news of my job offer, his attitude has been very sour. He is obviously not happy for me.
His excuse is that we will be getting married soon and a job with an investment bank will be too time-consuming and tasking on our relationship.
Bella, what do I do? I hate to say this but I believe that he is jealous. I will now be making much more money than him and this is a big blow to his ego. He is also sad that after all these years of job hunting, he has nothing while within months, I secured a top job.
He is actually a great guy and I cannot begin to list the things he has done for me both emotionally and mentally.
PLEASE. Let me know how I can save my relationship. I have tried to convince him for weeks and it is just straining our relationship.
Do I reject the job offer? Do I break u with him?

THE PEN LADIES BY ADAURE

Today, my dearie Adaure is blogging! I luv her piece. Its so inspiring! Please show her some luv!
Oh...today is my mum's birthday so its extra-special....she instilled my luv of books so Adaure's piece is so perfect for today!

Celebrating Nigeria's Women Writers
By Adaure

By now you all know that I love books, especially those written by Africans. It pleases me to walk into a room and find a title by an African on a book shelf. I am most excited when it's one by a Nigerian, particularly a woman. Nigerian women have proven themselves to be great story tellers. You see and hear them in action every day. From the kitchen to the office and school, the market place to the river bank, the beer parlor-canteen to the hair and nail salon. They are telling all sorts of stories be it about love, money, sex, religion or tradition. It is no wonder there are more Nigerian women blogging, and that number keeps growing daily. We have even coined a distinctly Nigerian hobby called gisting, not to be confused with gossiping. While men have dominated the literary and publishing field, some women have certainly made their mark, both in the past and present. The 21 century has also seen a new wave of Nigerian women writers many of whom are young, possess a freshness that had been lacking and are fearless in the approach. Today's post is celebrating these women, past and present, who are giving a voice to Nigerian women. Perhaps their stories will inspire you to let your voice be heard and read as well.


The Trailblazers

Mabel Segun
This 76 year old veteran radio broadcaster, teacher and athlete is still waxing strong. Mabel Segun is one of the first writers of Nigerian childrens books and the first Nigerian woman to play Table Tennis. Visit her website to learn more about her.

Below is a clip from MNET's Studio 53. Nigerian presenter IK sat down for a one-on-one with the literary legend. We also get to meet her daughter who is closely following in her mother’s footsteps.




Buchi Emecheta
I am sure many of you at some point in your University years read one or two books by Buchi Emecheta. At UNC Chapel Hill alone, 8 of her titles were used in various classes. Buchi Emecheta is practically the Chinua Achebe of Nigerian women writers. Her most popular novels include Second Class Citizen, The Bride Price. The Slave Girl, The Joys of Motherhood and The Rape of Shavi ( I remember once when we were shopping for books at Unilag bookstore and I picked that one up and got a konk from my dad. Apparently the title of the book was too corrupt for my young mind (I still haven't read it!)

Flora Nwapa (1931-1993)

Best known for her 1966 novel Efuru, Flora Nwapawas not afraid to use mythical elements from traditional folk tales such as 'Mammywater'. Nwapa is Nigeria's first (if not Africa's first according to some bios) woman to publish in English. Chinua Achebe was the one who sent her manuscript for Efuru to the publishers after he reviewed it. In 1982 she was awarded one of Nigeria's highest honors, the OON (Order of Niger). Because of her achievements she was also conferred the title, Ogbuefi in her hometown of Oguta. That title is usually reserved for men. Some of her titles include Idu (1970), This is Lagos and other Stories (1971), Wives at War and Other Stories (1980)


Zulu Sofola
Does anyone remember those children’s plays that came on during Telefest way back in the day (whatever happened to Telefest). I saw the performance of Zulu Sofola's 'Wedlock of the Gods' and absolutely swear that next to Ola Rotimi, she is my most favorite Nigerian playwright. King Emene was another one of her works that is widely read in Nigerian schools.

Others include Zainab Alkali who wrote 'Stillborn' and Helen Ovbiagele of the Pacesetter fame. I swear there has to be a cult following for her book 'Evbu My Love'. Does any one also remember reading 'Sisi' by Yemi Sikuade.

The Newbies

Sefi Atta

This QCOG (Queen's College Old Girl) quit her day job to become a writer and definitely tells a great story in her debut novel 'Everything Good Will Come'. She is definitely one to watch out for and get inspired by.
Read my article about Sefi Atta in the May Issue of NE Online
Listen to Sefi Atta on Wome's Hour on BBC Radio 4

Her follow up title 'Swallow' is coming out soon. Look out for it.

Chimamanda Adichie

This Yale University graduate student is bound to have more titles gracing bookshelves. Here debut novel 'Purple Hibiscus' was a pleasure to read. I am currently reading her second book 'Half of A Yellow Sun' and it is fantastic. I am actually taking my time on it because I want to save it for my flight and the drive to the village.

In case you missed it, here's my article on Adichie on NE Online

Hear Chimamanda discuss her new novel on Open Book , a BBC Radio program that aired in August.

Helen Oyeyemi
Helen Oyeyemi wrote her first novel when she was 16. Now 20 this barely legal Cambridge graduate doesn't need anyone to employ her because she is a prolific writer. Two of her plays have already been performed at the University and her second novel 'The Opposite House' is expected to be released in 2007.

Listen to this NPR program about Helen's book Icarus Girl

Abidemi Sanusi

I have not read Abidemi Sanusi yet but from what I have read about her book Kemi's Journal, I am interested in checking her out. You can too by visiting her blog.

Click here to read samples of God Has Daughters Too and Zacks Story. She happens to be one of the writers listed with Cassava Republic Press which is co-owned by Jeremy 'j-dub' Weate of Naija Blog and his partner, Bibi Bakare-Yusuf.




Another writer to look out for is Unoma Nguemo-Azuah whose book Sky-High Flames just won the Association of Nigerian Authors Flora Nwapa Award for women writers. See event article

Now here's the home work.
Did I miss anyone and have you read any good books or manuscripts lately? Do you guys think there is still a reading culture in Nigeria or has Nollywood totally destroyed it?
Do you think Nigerian kids of today have an appreciation for the classic titles or could even become good writers if they don't read?

Speaking of young Nigerian writers, I will now shamelessly plug my 8 year old cousin Patrick Emerem who just recently had a launch party for his first book title 'Zak's Adventures and Other Stories'. I'll let you know when it gets on Amazon.

It's been real. Hope I served a purpose in your life today. Now go buy a book and give to someone for Christmas.

FASHION NO's by TC

My friend TC is the first guest blogger!
Please show her some luv....
If you dont know what I'm talking about see - HERE

Now a lot of you are familiar with Glamour magazine's Do's and Dont's; ETV's & US weekly Fashion Police, Life & Style's Oops, What not to wear and most recently ThisDay Style's Hits & Misses and the infamous 'you should have stayed at home.' Ive always wanted to do someting like this but needed the outlet so thanks Bella Naija!!!

DISCLAIMER: Sticking to the fashion theme, this is my look at major fashion faux pas that I see so many Nigerian girls making. It's all very tongue-in-cheek so if you are guilty of any of the ‘crimes’ mentioned below, don't take it personal…

The Just Say NO List

Excessive or Wrong Makeup
Makeup is not a mask! It is supposed to enhance your natural beauty…I see so many girls with way too much very obvious makeup…Another issue is using the wrong foundation or powder colour…that will just make you look like a masquerade…lol Finally - your eyebrows!!! It's not the cutest thing to shave all of yours and then pencil it in all willy nilly..getting all creative with the colors and all please take it a little easy.
Visit a MAC counter to get the right colour and a free makeup lesson…

Very Revealing Clothing
Overly revealing clothing is not sexy! Sorry to disappoint u…I have loads of guy friends (very fine ones lol) and I asked them this question – when a girl reveals nearly everything…is it sexy? The unanimous response was if it's overdone, it makes the girl looks very tacky and cheap. Nuff said. One misdirected wind or any excessive dancing/movement can cause this fyne babe a 'Janet' i.e Janet Jackson's infamous SuperBowl wardrobe malfunction.
Aim for the grown and sexy look rather than the Akin Adesola & Sanusi Fafunwa at midnight look...lol…

Designer Logo Riot
So you love Dior or Louis Vuitton…Oh you have the hot new LV Monogram Perforation Speedy bag and then you decide to get the belt as well and you see the shoes and they were so cute! So you buy them and wear them all together… Right? Wrong!You do not have to pile all your designer items on at once. Infact, it cheapens the whole look. Limit it to one obvious (e.g. monogrammed items or items with large logos) designer item per outfit. You are not a walking billboard you know…

Over-Matched
I know some people are not going to like this one but its true. Please we are in 2006, you don't have to match your shoes with your bag.I see so many people who wear for example, a black dress with green shoes, a green belt, green bag and green headband…No!

Repeating The Exact Same Outfit
We aren't all J-Lo so often times, you are not going to wear your clothes once then throw it away. The problem repeating the exact same outfit! Just say no! Let me explain…So you wear your crispy white shirt with a pink and silver waist belt, then your dark wash skinny jeans with some slinky silver heels and a multi-coloured metallic clutch. You look fab! You see guys drooling, girls admiring your look, you get loads of compliments! You feel great! Then you repeat the exact same outfit in 3 months…NO! lol
Why not break-up the pieces, combine them with other items in your closet to create fresh new outfits…

Trends By Force
So skinny jeans are in. Waist belts are on the Vogue hot list. You must wear them by force...lol…Nooooo! You don't have to follow all the latest trends…it's not for everyone…Skinny jeans might fit Nkechi but not suit Ify…dress to suit your body…another thing, don't pile on too many trends at once – a puffsleeved top with a high-waisted skirt and leggings…no no no!

Squeezing-In
Another thing is wearing the wrong size of clothing, so you are size 10 at your fav store Jane Norman, you've worn size 10 for years so you go to Mango and try on the size 10 top you luv, it takes you 10 minutes to zip it up, infact you nearly ruin the zipper…eventually u wear it, you cant breathe! I think that should tell you something! Ummm…try a bigger size! Often as women, we are scared to try the bigger size, it means we have grown fat…right? Wrong… You wouldn't want to look like you borrowed your junior sister's clothes…just go with clothes that fit you, don't be obsessed with sizes.

Weave-out
Please don't be caught with a poorly-done weave or cheap-looking wig. Full stop lol
lol...Its true tho...I see soo many girls making these mistakes over and over again...
…on the real, make sure you have good friends who will not be afraid to tell you when you are not looking like your fab self… If that isnt possible, why not get a stylist? Consult Bobby or head Downtown and get your 'do' hooked up!

The Naija Freeze
OK, i know its not snowing in Lagos, maybe in Jos but are knee-high boots, leather pants, leather jackets etc really a neccesity?? I once wore these wicked pair of suede knee high boots to a party in JS 3 and i felt really cool with myself but not in 2006 abeg, i always wonder if the babes have socks on or if their feet are just a-sweatin and a-sufferin' in them boots!

And on a final note, this dude on the right is guilty of something - i just don't know what it is yet! He's a fashion judge tho' so maybe an exception to the rule.

I would have loved to do some FASHION YES's but there's not enough time! Maybe next time :) Please let me know what you think about today's post - By no means am i a fashion stylist or critic (well not a professional one) but these are my opinions and as for the pictures - if anyone is offended by the pictures - i apologise in advance. I did not take them, i merely found them online and posted them on here..If by chance you appeared on today's post as well: Don't take the pictures personally - just dont be a repeat offender and all will be well! Peace and love guys...TC signing out!

~SURPRISE~

Hey Everyone,

As I said, this week is going to be different and I really meant it!
I'm off on a lil' trip for the next week, I am going to the States - MD/DC to be exact for a week of business mixed with pleasure (hahhahhahah), I havent been on holiday since June so its about time! Anyway, I will NOT be blogging!
BUT
A couple of my friends and blogsweethearts will be guest blogging....
I can assure u that it will be on FIYAH!
So have fun and enjoy!
Everyday will feature different guest blogger...
I cant tell u who they are yet, you'll just have to pop by and see for yourself....
Please show them some luv and leave your comments!

Much Luv!
MUAH

WEEKEND LUV - THE HAPPY THANKSGIVING EDITION

I'm so envious of all of you in the states who have a couple of days off work/school for thanksgiving!

Have fun while it lasts!

I know people in ATL and MD/DC will be going buck crazy because of all the thanksgiving parties and events!

I know the other half of y'all have gone to visit your boyfriends and girlfriends in VA, NY, Florida, Chi-Town, Michigan...even jand. Now, that's gangsta! lol.....

Here is a very short Weekend Luv.....

Oh by the way, next week is going to be DIFFERENT...I shall not let the cat out of the bag yet tho...come back on Monday to find out!

Here's Oluchi and her husband, Luca Luca outside his store on Madison Avenue in NY, a couple of days ago....
awww they are tooo cute!


Baba Alaye's Blog
What can I say? I'm feelin' it.....its funny, witty and all tht
It won't appeal to everyone, its kinda controversial...just check on it

Nomoreloss - Iyawo Asiko
Nomoreloss - Grass to Grace
I luv nomoreloss.....he is sooo talented....his last album was pure fiyah and he has a new one coming out soon...make sure u buy it! check out these from has last album!

Lord of Ajasa Feat 2 Phat - Otiya
Quite a popular song...its not bad at all...its not for everyone tho...

Tht's it folks!
Have a great thanksgiving weekend!
Ciao

STYLEE

Y'all know I luv fashion!
I am sooo proud of the Nigerian fashion scene....
Today's post is all about fashion...check on it!

Bola Balogun and Omoyemi Akerele of Exclusive Styling and Imaging Consultants.
They are hands down Nigeria's top stylists!
They have transformed image consultancy into a lucrative business and viable career option.
Bola was a New-York based fashion stylist for several years while Yemi is a lawyer turned stylist.They are fashion consultants to True Love Magazine and Genevieve Magazine and they also style many fab and fashionable Nigerian women. They are both utterly fab!
I won't say too much because their work speaks for itself!

Check out the previously featured True Love fashion spreads styled by Yemi - HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE
You can checkout an exclusive video of Bola and Yemi in action below!
The video is from Studio 53 and also features Kemi Adetiba, Lisa Folawiyo of Jewel by Lisa, Bobby Eke of Bobby Signature and Odion Oseni of Odion Mimonet



Do you think image consulting is a possible career?
What do you think of Yemi and Bola making Kemi over?
Let us know!

THE EX-QUEENS

Hey everyone!!!
I have really missed you guys!!
Thanks for sticking with bellanaija
Anyway, I hope everyone is doing well…
I’m sure you are all gearing up for the holiday season……no matter where u r I know its going to be fun…
Anyway unto today’s stuff…hope you enjoy it!
Please leave your comments…Much luv MUAH

***********************************************************************************

Beauty pageants are a big deal in Nigeria…
Most beauty queens become celebrities while very few become legends…forever embedded in Nigerian pop culture history….
Here are some of Nigeria’s most famous beauty queens and an update on where they are now.

Helen Prest Ajayi
Miss Nigeria 1979, Helen Prest Ajayi’s image is deeply embedded in the minds of many Nigerians (including blogger Molara Wood). She served as Miss Nigeria with grace and composure and is one of the beauty queens of note.
She represented Nigeria in various beauty pageants including the Miss World pageant. Helen is a graduate of Obafemi Awlowo University and also holds a LLB and LLM from the prestigious Kings College London. Helen writes a popular lifestyle column in ThisDay Style. She is the Creative Director of Media Business Company and mylifestylesolutions.com.







Bianca Onoh Ojukwu
Bianca is the only Nigerian beauty queen who resigned from her position (although some reports say she was forced out). She won the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria crown in 1989 and went on the win the Miss Intercontinental crown. Bianca became embroiled in controversy when it was revealed that she was dating her father’s close friend – Biafra leader - Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. It turned out to be a serious relationship as they got eventually got married. It took more than a decade but after many years of animosity, her father Chief Christian Onoh finally relented and she and Ojukwu formally married in the 2001. Bianca runs a successful cosmetics company in Enugu where she resides with Ojukwu and their twins.


Regina Askia Williams
Regina Askia didn’t actually win the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 1989 crown but when Bianca Onoh resigned halfway through her reign, Regina took the crown.
She represented Nigeria in various international beauty pageants and proved herself to be a worthy beauty queen.
This hazel-eyed former Miss Unilag stayed in the spotlight by pursuing a career in acting. She featured in various TV shows including Fortunes and Mega Fortunes. She was also one of the pioneering actors in Nollywood.
Regina presently lives in New York where she is a prominent figure in the New York-Nigerian entertainment scene. She owns various start-up businesses including Regine Promotions. Regina is married to Ruddy Williams (a former employee of the New York Mercantile Exchange). She has three children - Stephanie Regina Hornecker (her father is a French businessman), Rudolph (Jnr) Williams and Teesa Olympia Williams.


Nike Osinowo
In 1991, Nike Osinowo was crowned as the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria. Beautiful and vivacious, Nike is a Nigerian style icon. Despite being in her 40s, Nike is always impeccably groomed with a wardrobe to die for. She founded one of Nigeria’s first spas (she eventually sold it). Nike is still very active in the Nigerian social scene, she appeared on the cover of Genevieve magazine and discussed her reasons for bucking Nigerian conventional tradition by deciding not get married or have children.
Nike is also very involved in non-profit and humanitarian initiatives.



Agbani Darego
Agbani won the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant in 2001 and went on to secure her place in history by winning the Miss World 2001 crown (she was also a Top 10 finalist n the Miss Universe 2001 pageant where Donald Trump offered her a modelling contract). She became the first black African to win the Miss World title and created a media sensation, she was given a Nigerian honor by President, Olusegun Obasanjo. Agbani is one of the few ex-beauty queens who have gone on to have a successful modeling career. She is a former L’Oreal International model and is currently signed to Next Models New York. Click HERE to see a recent photoshoot and HERE for info on her at UN Fashion For Food show.


Are they good role models?
Are beauty pageants really a path to a brighter future?
What ever happened to all the other pageant winners? Toyin Raji, Sabina Umeh etc…?
What do you think? Let us know!

WEEKEND LUV - THE LATE EDITION

Model of the week: Roseline Amusa

Runner-Up Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2005. Now a successful model in SA

Hey everyone,
Ohhhhhh I’m so sorry this is late.
Where do I start, work has been sooooo incredibly mad!
My company is going through major changes and my group is at the centre of it so it’s been busy busy busy!
Plus I just moved so u can imagine how crazy that is!
Though, I went for some dinner thing on Tuesday…FAB
Anyway, here is weekend luv!
Enjoy~

The Blogs
Funmi Iyanda
I just have to dedicate this one to Funmi Iyanda.
I’ve linked her blog on the bellanaija linkbar since she started but it still deserves the spotlight…
I read her post yesterday and I cried!
Wow! I luv that she has worked hard and is not a victim of her circumstance…
Utterly Fab!
For yesterday’s emotional post – HERE

Donald Duke
He gets an honourable mention. I like the fact that he has started the blog to reach out to the people. If you haven’t been to Calabar, all I have to say is you have to see it to believe it! Its CLEAN! Obudu is out of this world! Tinapa (even in the construction stage) looked amazing. Check out his blog.

Peep These!
Here is Oluchi Onweagba Orlandi at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. The event will be shown on CBS on the 5th of November…This is her 3rd VS Fashion Show… Also check out some pics of Oluchi at the afterparty with fellow VS model, Adriana Lima
**please dont click on the pics if you are allergic to women modelling lingerie**



Oluchi was not alone this time…
Rising model Ajuma from Kenya participated too! Good to see VS repping different kinds of beauty…


Here is Nnenna Agba at the 9th Annual Chocolate Fashion Show which took place in NYC…she actually modelled for Traver Rains and Richie Rich of Heatherette. FAB! Also, Nnenna at Eva Marcelle Pigford's Launch Party for her new BET-J TV Show ‘My Model is Better Than Yours’


Here are some casual pics of Face of Africa 2006, Venantia Otto…She’s a natural beauty…


Hits and Vids
Banky – My Regret - Audio
Banky! Talented dude! Need I say more? Icy and BGT have gushed about him, I featured him in Rising Soulstars feature and admire him so much! Check out this song…..I introduced this song to my friend, Miss O more than a year ago and this is still her fav jam. HOT!
You have to buy his album....its a must-have!


P-Square – Temptation - Audio
Here are P-Square’s new vids…
I’m lovin them!
Unforts they lost the MTV Europe Best African Act award. They still rock!

Temptation


Your Name


Story


Awilo – Cache Cache - Audio
I luv this song…
I usually don’t like this genre of music but I just fell in luv with this song……there are 2 videos for this one…one is a very cute animated vid (luv it but its not online)…here is the other vid...its kinda tacky but you can see it here.

Bonus Track
Lagbaja – Gra Gra - Audio
Aww this reminds me of secondary school when going to see Lagbaja at Motherlan’ was the hotness…
Lagbaja is sooo talented!

By the way, my sister NV and very close sweetheart T’s birthdays were last week!
You both rock! Happy Birthday!!!!!!!

Have a great weekend!Please leave your comments…I’ll be back on Monday…MUAH

AUNTY BELLA - B-Dilemma

Hello Aunty Bella,

I need to get this issue off my chest immediately.
I have decided to get breast augmentation after many years of low self-confidence, teasing and insecurity. Some people might find this funny, silly or trivial but is very important to me. I am crippled my shyness and at 25, I have never been in a relationship.
When I was a teenager and I waited and waited for my breasts to grow with no avail.
I would get teased incessantly at school and come home crying. All the other girls were growing while I was left behind. I have tried push-up bras and all the other tricks. They don’t work. I just look awkward and disproportionate.
Aunty Bella, I recently found out that the NHS offers free breast augmentation if a psychiatrist can prove your physique has affected your psychologically and socially. I have passed this stage and had been given a date for the operation. I have even chosen the size, type and all the other details.
Now to my present predicament, on the day of the surgery, I couldn’t bring myself to go. I started having second thoughts. Is this really necessary, how will I explain to my parents, what will people say?
People, please help me. What should I do.

Miss B-Dilemma

Wow...I dont know what to say.
I really feel for her. She obviously has self image issues.
Advise?

UNCENSORED!

Hey Everyone,
Ah ah...u guys really massacred my South African menswear designers....LMAO...it was too funny.
Thanks sooo much for your honesty tho...

Anyway, with all the sex talk on various Nigerian blogs, I thought that I would throw in my own 2 cents....
I need to emphasize the importance of protecting yourself no matter what kind of activity you are involving yourself in.....
HIV is ravaging the African continent and the African-American community.....don't be a statistic! Use protection at all times.....
Taking a chance without a condom is really not worth the risk...
Remember though, the safest form of contraception is abstinence...

Enough of my PSA, MTV Base Africa has a new show that tackles a lot of the vital issues affecting African youth.....Its called MTV Uncensored
I really luv this show!
You can watch all the episodes on the web - HERE

The roving reporter of the show is Karima Ronke Onitiri...
She had a fab True Love cover feature....Check it out!




Karima looks gorgeous in this shoot...
She is also a very enterprising young lady as she also owns an accessories line called Soul Skin...
Check it out and let us know what you think!

FOR THE GENTLEMEN

I feature a lot of African women's fashion but often the guys feel left out.

Today, its all about the MEN!

Check out some Hot African Fashion for the Gentlemen....ummm and its also a good opportunity for us ladies to oogle some eye candy...lol

ETHNIC

Designer: Sun Godd

CONTEMPORARY
Designer: The Holmes Brothers

FUSION

Designer: Amanda Laird Cherry

SOPHISTICATED

Designer: House of Ole

Soooo what do you think?
Hot or Not?
Ladies, would you like your man to wear any of these?
Gentlemen, would you rock any of these?

Let us know what you think.....

THE DREAM TEAM - KEMI & IK

Kemi Adetiba and IK Osakioduwa are the ultimate TV tag team.
These two young Nigerians have conquered the world of African television in a few short years.
They have a new show - Temptation Nigeria and have blazed the trail for other aspiring TV stars. Find out more about Kemi and IK below!

Oluwakemi Modupeola Adetiba is the newest media darling! This Atlantic Hall and University of Lagos Law graduate is dominating all things media!
From the moment she made a spontaneous decision to audition for a Rhythm 93.7 radio spot, Kemi has not looked back!
She clinched the job at Rhythm 93.7 despite stiff competition from more seasoned radio personalities. An opportunity to audition for MNet’s continental show, Studio 53 came along and Kemi seized the day once again…..as she was selected as one of Studio 53’s Nigerian presenters. Watching Kemi on TV, you would argue that she is a seasoned pro but prior to auditioning for Studio 53, she had no previous TV experience!
26-year old Kemi’s latest venture is as a co-presenter on MNet’s brand new gameshow Temptation Nigeria. She is still a presenter on Studio 53 and recently launched her own media communications company aptly named K'Alpha.
You can click HERE to see Kemi talk about Temptation Nigeria.
Kemi is a testament to how far passion, dedication and hardwork can take you!

27-year old Ikponmwosa Osakioduwa is popularly known as Wildchild. That name seems very fitting for a guy that broke all the conventional rules, pursued his passions and is enjoying the dividends of his tenacity. IK is an economics graduate from the University of Lagos. He paid his dues as a radio DJ on Silverbird’s radio station, Rhythm 93.7. From the beginning, IK made a huge impact and garnered a huge following.
Along with Kemi, he was chosen as a Studio 53 presenter from an open audition and the rest is popular history. He has presented reports for Studio 53 from many countries in Africa.
IK was recently chosen as the host of Temptation Nigeria and along with Kemi, he represents the new school of young Africans – Accomplished, Bold yet Humble.
You can see a short clip of IK discussing Temptation Nigeria - HERE

Click HERE for the Studio 53 website
Click HERE for the Temptation Nigeria website

I am so proud of Kemi and IK!
Thanks so much for all the luv and comments! I sincerely appreciate every single one of them!

I hope you had a great weekend as well!!

Let us know what you think!

THE DESIGNER AND HER MUSE

I I have to say that I absolutely LUV this fashion spread.
It is from the October 2006 Edition of True Love West Africa.
It features top Nigerian designers and their muses.
You have to take a look at this!
Kudos to Omoyemi Akerele for styling this fashion spread and to Bola Atta for all her work…she has really done a great job as the Editor of True Love West Africa.
To find out more about True Love WA - See HERE

Designer: Odion Oseni of Voyage by Odion Mimonet
Muse(s): Models, Halima Oyofo and Babine Agbowu
Make-up: Oluchi @ House of Tara



















Designer: Soraya Adji of Younass Collections
Muse: Beth Modelling Agency MD, Elohor Elizabeth Isiorho
Make-up: Amechi Onyekweli



















Designer: Dunni Igbinedion of O Emporium by Oladunni
Muse: HR Consultant, Oyindamola (Oyinda) Oniru
Make-up: Oluchi @ House of Tara



















Designer: Lanre Da Silva-Ajayi of LDA
Muse: Lawyer, Tundun Abiola
Make-up: Oluchi @ House of Tara





















Designer: Lisa Folawiyo of Jewel by Lisa
Muse: Eden Jewellery Creative Director, Didi Ocheja
Make-up: Oluchi @ House of Tara




















Designer: Folake Folarin-Coker of Tiffany Amber
Muse: Montaigne Place (Clarins Nigeria) MD, Alali Hart
Make-up: Banke Meshida @ Faces



















Designer: Nikki Khiran of Nikki Khiran Couture
Muse: ...
Make-up: Oluchi @ House of Tara




















Designer: Henrietta Agboola of House of Henri (NFS 2005 Winner)
Muse: Business Development Consultant, Ronke Asayande
Make-up: Oluchi @ House of Tara



















Designer: Susan Eyo-Honesty of Eve 2006 (City People Mag Fashion Editor)
Muse: University of Lagos student, Onome Umukoro
Make-up: Oluchi @ House of Tara



















Designer: Bisola Ibironke Edun of Tae
Muse: Ruff and Tumble CEO, Adenike Ogunlesi
Make-up: Udunma Chiori @ Face by Maori



















I LUV it…..
My faves are Odion, Soraya, Dunni, Lanre, Lisa, Folake and Bisola!
What do you think?

NFS 2006

The Nigerian Fashion Show (NFS) celebrated its 10th anniversary a couple of weeks ago.
The NFS is a yearly fashion show which promotes the best new designer in Nigeria. It is really a great concept! Many fab fashion designers have won this award over the years and this has launched them to greater heights. The event is organized by Lexy Mojo Eyes and the winner gets the opportunity to showcase their collections in Europe and South Africa.
Last year’s winner was Henrietta Agboola – House of Henri.
The competitors this year were - Ismail Alhassan of Ishy Couture, Didi Obibi Couture, Shobayo Abolore of Ore Apparels, Adebimpe Adebayo of Beampeh, Princess Latifat Momodu Lamoliatte of Ravissant Mode. Designer, Buki de la Zaria MCd the event.
The winner of this year's competition is Tessy Oliseh (Former Super Eagles Captain, Sunday Oliseh’s sister) - Tesslo Couture.
Check out the pics from this year’s event…






Thanks to purephoto for the pics

What do you think?
Futuristic or over-the-top?
Creative or dull?

Let us know!

THE BELLANAIJA HOT LIST

Hey everyone,
I'm sooo sorry that I have been so sporadic with my updates...
I have been on the move so it’s been kinda difficult to grab some free moments to update the way I want to...
Thanks for all the comments and all that....
Anyway, hope you had a great weekend!
This week is goin' to be hot! Take my word for it!
So watch out!

I present – The Bella Naija Hot List
It’s my guide to What’s Hot!
This is the first one so look out for future editions…
Let’s go!

THE TREND

The hottest trend right now is the full flare high waist skirt! This voluminous skirt is a gorgeous alternative the boho skirts that were the rave last year.

No matter your size - from skinny to full-bodied - this style is very flattering as long as its worn right....

Peridot & Ruby makes beautiful yet wearable versions of this skirt while Lanre Da Silva Ajayi makes a more avant-guarde version....

Try this...u'll be surprised by how stunning you'll look!

THE SPOT
No doubt about it, the hottest spot right now is Bambuddha.

Lagos has a notoriously fickle nightlife....the hotspot today is usually the has-been place tomorrow. For now, Bambuddha is the place to be.....

With the gorgeous interior, delectable food and drinks and enviable crowd - Bambuddha Restaurant and Lounge Bar is defintely THE hotspot...

You can visit them at Plot 1310 Karimu Kotun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria

THE BOOK

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's new novel, Half of a Yellow Sun is already garnering rave reviews. It is a set in biafra-era Nigeria but tells a very personal tale. It is a great read for people of all ages.

You can buy it at your book chain or purchase online on amazon.com

THE MAG
This is the HOT mag (no pun intended)

HauTe - Fashion Nigeria provides a fresh blend of international high fashion and local Nigerian designs...

Established international designers of Nigerian origin alongside high-flying home grown talent!

Grab your copy of HauTe while you can!

THE MAN
Ebuka Obi-Uchendu may not have won Big Brother Nigeria (BBN) but he certainly hasn't let that stop him. Its been months since the competition ended and Ebuka's is still shining bright in the spotlight. Along with five other BBN finalists, he was recently signed on as Glo ambassador. Ebuka defintely deserves his place on the hot list.

THE WOMAN
Bolanle Austen-Peters has set herself apart as a woman of excellence. This former United Nations (UN) employee left a career in international law and brought us Terra Kulture. Terra Kulture can best be described as an event venue per excellence - African Style! With Bolanle at the reins, Terra Kulture has grown from strength to strength while strongly promoting African/Nigerian culture to the new generation. With all the past success, she has not let down her guard, instead she continues to strategize new ideas and concepts for her business. For all that work, Bolanle Austen-Peters is THE woman.

That's it!

I hope you guys like it!

Let me know what you think...

Have a blessed week everyone and I'll be back tomorrow!

WEEKEND LUV - THE GREEN EDITION

Hello Everyone,
I am soo sorry this is late…
Hope u guys had a great week…I had a very interesting week…so many random things happened…
I am planning so many things right now…I really hope it all works out…don’t worry I’ll keep you guys in the loop!
Thanks for all the comments and the advice you gave Miss CYCATYS yesterday…I hope that it helps her out!
Meanwhile, I updated the ThisDay Festival post about a week ago but people seem to have missed it so you can check out clearer pics, the link to the ThisDay Style coverage etc…HERE
Here is ThisDay Style Special Edition Roundup of the event - …HERE
Enjoy!

Blogs
My Life Testimonies’ Blog
This is such a beautiful blog. It is so inspirational and takes you through the ups and downs, the joys and the triumphs of the blogger. Check it out - HERE

Broccoli’s Blog
This is a very interesting blog touching on a lot of interesting albeit controversial topics…it’s a very interesting read - HERE

Funmi Iyanda’s Blog
TV Personality Funmi Iyanda now how a blog…Funmi is really a bold and vivacious woman who is passionate about Nigeria. Check out her blog - HERE

Links
Mona's blog
has a very very HOT True Love May Exclusive...Luv it! - HERE

Icy's blog
is still very very hot - HERE

BGT
the celebration of young Nigerian women is still in full swing..don’t miss it! - HERE

Hits
Freestyle Feat. 2Face - Sip Easy - Audio
This is a hot song! Currently taking over the charts in Nigeria. Freestyle (Formerly of Trybesmen) is really doing big things with his debut solo….Check this out

I’ll add more songs and reupload the ones from last week during the weekend so make sure you come back!

Anyway, hope you have a great weekend!

***I am updating my blog links this weekend and so please leave a comment including your blog address. Thanks!!!!

AUNTY BELLA - MISS CYCATYS

Here is a new case for Aunty Bella.
Please take time out to offer her some advise.
If you have any issue for Aunty Bella – bellanaija@gmail.com
It’s completely anonymous. Thank ya~

Hello Aunty BN,
I think we have met but even you will never guess who this is. Bella, I don’t recognize myself anymore, I hate the person I have become over the last 2 years. I will start by saying my issue is not about LOVE, it is about MY LIFE.

Let me explain, I left Nigeria after primary school and returned after I completed my undergraduate and post-graduate degrees. While I was in England, I hardly had any Nigerian friends, my parents shipped me off to an exclusive boarding school in the middle of rural England where I stayed until in finished my A-Levels. It was when I started university in London that I met a few Nigerians, I built life-long friendships there and reconnected with my Nigerian heritage. It was because of those friends that I decided to move to Nigeria after I graduated (although I worked for a year).

BN, this is where the trouble started.

I am in financial penury. I am so broke and it is all my fault. I have been living far above my means. I never used to be the type of person who cared about how people perceived me but that has all changed. I was never the type of person who cared about Gucci and Versace, now that is all I spend my money on. My wardrobe is filled with designer clothing and accessories, I go out nearly every night to expensive restaurants or bars. I take too many international trips (I travel somewhere at least twice a month). I just cant seem to stop myself. I am so miserable because sometimes, I don’t even have any money to eat, refuel my car with petrol or pay my driver. I promise myself to change all the time but each time I get my salary, the cycle begins again. More shopping, more trips, more events. I have no savings, owe quite a number of people money (bar tabs, designers but not my friends) and have huge credit card bills piled up in London.

Nobody suspects this is happening to me and I cannot share my problem with any of my friends because I come from a very popular family in Lagos (Everytime people hear my last name, you can see the change in perception), I have a very good job, nice car, clothes and a beautiful apartment (separate chalet in my parents estate). All my friends live the same kind of lifestyle as me. We travel together, shop together, go to all the high profile events together but the main difference is that their parents (or boyfriends) still sponsor them financially despite the fact that they are graduates in their 20s and 30s with well paying jobs. My parents are very disciplined people. They do not believe in spoiling their children. They gave us the best education possible and now they expect us to fend for ourselves.
To be completely honest, I now have a very snobby and haughty attitude that is making things even worse. I never used to be that way, at boarding school, my pet name was Smiley.
Please help me. I know I got myself into this mess.

Miss Cut Your Coat According To Your Size

Miss Cut Your Coat’s situation is sad but very prevalent in Nigeria. I think it is a case of misplaced priorities.
I am really looking forward to reading your comments. Thanks!!!

This is my 100th post! We’ve come a long way together, thanks for all your support!