Thursday, July 05, 2007

IFENKILI + CHINWE ENU

Hey Everyone!!
How I have missed u guys cannot be quantified or expressed in words really!
Infact, I have really really really missed everyone!
I haven’t had personal internet access for the past 5 days because I just moved! Yay! LOL
I moved for the 2nd time in 12 months…so now I am in a different country…..I am not telling u where…so get ur investigative skills cracking….LOL…Its not that serious really
So why am I always moving? Don’t worry, I’m not on the run, its all for career development and am just trying to explore the world as much as possible before life catches up with me (the big ‘M’! and all that).
Anyways, I’ve got a fabulous new job and everything…its really fantastic…I feel so blessed! Thanks to everyone for their prayers and well-wishes on the voicemail thing on the sidebar (Snapvine)
Wow! It’s been a year of Bella Naija…can u believe it? I cannot…
I know it’s just a blog but I feel its was divine intervention because it wasn’t something I really planned…even the name ‘Bella Naija’ was a split-second decision. So many times, I have stared at my laptop and had absolutely nada to blog about but so often something ‘dropped on my lap’…
Thanks to everyone!
Absolutely everyone who has emailed, commented etc… Y’all rock! I really mean it!



Ifenkili is a budding contemporary African clothing and accessories line based in the UK. The talent behind the label is Nneka Mokwe.
I know, I know, many people feel the ankara phase has passed and I agree in certain respects but I love the creative use of ankara in the creation of the footwear.
The simple strapless dresses/tops are classic and comfortable….Its not reinventing the wheel but I like it!
Visit their website - HERE






______________________________________________________________________


Chinwe Enu is unique.
Why is she unique? She is a Nigerian opera singer…nuff said!
This Atlantic Hall and Phillips Exeter Academy alumnus has a college degree from Vassar College and is a qualified lawyer with a JD (Juris Doctor) degree from Georgetown University Law Center (In addition, she is licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia and the state of California), Chinwe’s passion is music.
With her captivating voice and radiant stage presence, Chinwe is breaking the mould in the ‘old school’ world of classical music.
Check out one of her performances below.
Also visit her website – HERE
And MySpace Page - HERE





That’s it!
U will have to bear with me for the next week and a half or so.
Thanks so much to Dammie for the blogging support.
Ebun from TLWA made a lot of effort to get the blog piece together and published so, thanks Ebun!
Anyways, I will be back better than ever soon…

Kisses!

64 comments:

Anonymous said...

Welcome.

Koki said...

WOW!! I am second?? Lawl! Heey Bella.. glad to have you back! Your blog rocks and I am so loving these shoes. The opera singer is fab.. too fab! I love that shes african and an opera singer.Too fab

Anonymous said...

hi bella
1st time living a comment am alwayz on ur blog love the fashion futures am very impress with the nigerian designers they are the bomb u're doing such a good job, i don't know u but i luv u happy anniversary, keep blogging, keep those stlyes up coz thats all i got to be updated stay bless and good luck.

Anonymous said...

ure d BEST!

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you're loving your move and all. That's great! I am not crazy about the ankara tops but I absolutely love the ankara on the wedge heels. Lovely! Well, keep doing what you're doing. God bless!

BiMbyLaDs** said...

hi dear!! congrats on ur new job.. nice post as always... hmm,, shes based in the UK? those shoes r not bad @ all.. im kinda tired of Ankara now jare, but the shoes r hawt

Dimples said...

Oh IFENKILI...i like...alot...me i havn't gone off the ankara madness...the more createful people come..the more in love i get...(u should see some new stuff from Peridot and Ruby!!!)...

Anyways...loving those shoes...and they are very very rockable..


Nice one Madam Bella!!!

Nilla said...

I love the first shoe..
Will listen to Chinwe Enu later.

Congrats on the job!

Anonymous said...

I kinda like the strapless ankara tops. Imagine that?! Did you say the ankara phase is almost dated.I won't take your word for it; abeg o I haven't received my 'shipment' from Naija yet so y'all better hold your fashion phased breathe till I've rocked them.

Unknown said...

welcome back
congrats on the new job....

Anonymous said...

the ankara sturvs are really really nice!

SapphireAster said...

Congrats on the new job. I wish you all the best in your adventures!

Anonymous said...

IFENKILI... Mehn!!! That name is too 'segzy' repping naija to the fullest... and the work now come make sense too...
PROUD! PROUD! PROUD!

Anonymous said...

Nice one,congrats. I admire the person behind the Ifenkili brand. Yes I said brand. Why can't we as Nigerians dare to be different. Should there be a phase for ankara? The designs/styles might change but Ankara never goes out of style. Does denim go out of style? Does silk go out of style? I think Bella was anticipating wannabee fashionistas complaining in her blog.People like to pretend too much. I live in toronto and i'm yet to see a stylish original ankara design, except those wanabee "african type print wrap dresses and tops".

Anonymous said...

those shoes are hot!!!!

STREETBRAND said...

When am I ever going to get to be first??? LOL!!! Welcome back Bella; hope you've moved to the UK....and all the best with the new job, sounds fab!

Kofo @ STREETBRAND

Anonymous said...

Bella, whas gwan?? I miss ya girlie!!!! So glad u're back online and congrats on your one yr anniversary. Meanwhile holla at me if uve got a new nbr (U know the kind thats cheap for me to call :) and glad work is going well. anyways holla

TMinx said...

Congrats Bella! Heard about the move ;). I won't spill. Goodluck with everything and I love the Opera singing Nigerian.

Uzo said...

Congratulations on the move....The opera singer sounds mad fascinating

Icy PR said...

Congratulations babz.. Welcome back. Looveee the line. I can see the shoes rawking Miami. And the Opera singer.. I've heard of but never seen, so thanks for the feature. We allll loooooooveee Bella Naija... too fantastic..!

The Life of a Stranger called me said...

so there are many of us out there. Well done on the career move / promotion. And congratulations. Hope you setlle in quickly.

Aramide said...

loving the ankara bandeaus (how do u spell?) and shoes

haven't listened to that opera lady yet but can't wait...all the best with ur new role and we await ur next post xxx

Ike Anya said...

Great blog and good luck in your new location.

Introducing a new blog:

http://nigeriahealthwatch.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

To Dimples,

I think you meant creative and not'createful'. Anyway we get the gist. Nothin spoil.

Anonymous said...

congrats bella on the new job. i bet you moved to north america, why? everytime i mention Jd to most pple in naija or europe, i have to explain its a law degree.

the tops are fab. thanks again for all the entertainment update. best wishes

Anonymous said...

hey bella do u know how much the dbanj concert in baltimore is this weekend!

Anonymous said...

Bella, welcome bak my love!
I really wanna order those tops and shoooooooes but i live in NYC....how possible is it, do u know?!

And btw, Bella, i watched that video under ur name on youtube...the one with bobby(the hairstylist) and few other designers where the host was made over. Was that uuuu Bellaaaaaaaaa??....lol. crazy girl, i know u wont tell me n e way. If it was u sha...u r gorgeous!

Nma

David said...

Lovely blog. very interesting! Keep up the gud wuk

Cheers!

www.freelancez.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

lovely post as usual.couldnt open up the ifenkili site though

Anonymous said...

@ Anonymous 1.42pm. The Tickets start @ 25$ at the door. You can check the website for his schedule this weekend --> http://www.dbanjindc.com

XxLovexX

Anonymous said...

dammie tanx so much will go to d website and find out more on d concert

Anonymous said...

i was the anonymous who wanted to find out abt the dbanj concert o!cudnt be bothered to sign it with my name then!

Favoured Girl said...

Welcome back Bella. Keep up the good work with the blog and hope your new career move takes you higher!

Ms. Catwalq said...

that's what i am talking about

Anonymous said...

To the FORWARD ANONYMOUS who corrected Dimples at 1.08pm.

Please, please get a life, she can use words in any way she likes whether they exist or not. Besides, its a blog not a f***ing exam. Haba!

This is another Naija problem. Always insecure about the use of english and under pressure from self esteem, the need to keep correcting people and criticising has become part of being Nigerian.

Nwanyi Ocha said...

Welcome back bella, missed you too

Would definitely rock thoses dresses and love the footwear as well.

Happy Nigerians are expanding their horizons, very proud

Anonymous said...

Wow Chninwe Anu... Nice! A Hall baby! Thats what im talking about. We just about rock at everything. lol...

Arewa said...

wow ... i am really feeling Ifenkili's creations especially the shoes. i will definately give her a call..
Thanx again for hooking a sister up. x x x

Anonymous said...

I met Chinwe once on K St. in DC.
We were coming from a meeting. We happened to start talking and discovered that we were both Igbos and lawyers as well. She told me she was traveling to Europe for opera. I was quite impressed. Chinwe had a glowing personality and bright smile. Good luck to her!

Anonymous said...

dammie i went for the dbanj concert and it was not nice!bad planning

Anonymous said...

Hi Bella,

Great blog and congratulations on your new job.

I have been reading your blog for a while now but I must say I still cannot understand - why the need for anonymity, (obviously you are perfectly at liberty to keep your identity private) but to me it seems like you are hiding.

Your blog covers Nigerian -
entertainment/fashion/current affairs etc ...you do not really write about anything personal and you make a point of allowing your readers to comment on stories rather than offering too many personal opinions yourself. So why remain anonymous?
I know you said it was because you wanted the blog to be about Nigerians achievements etc and not about you but surely blogs are about whatever you make them regardless of whether they are anonymous or not.


I am sure everyone is going to 'bash' me for my comment but it just struck me as I read the 'True Love' magazine article that all your fellow bloggers (including your 'stand ins') freely showed themselves and I applauded them for not being afraid to stand by their words. 'Bella' - you even mentioned that even your partner doesn't know you have a blog!

Is the anonymity truly a modest decision on your part or is there some alterior motive? Is the blog a hobby or do you have plans for a magazine or other publication? Or indeed does a publication 'back you'?

By your own admission in the 'True Love' article you said you had collected quite a bit of information before you started your blog, which suggests you stored up a back catalogue in order to deliver consitantly as would be required by a publication. Is this blog truly nothing more than a mere hobby?

I am not hating (although I know some people will feel so) but it's just how I felt after reading the article and I am providing feedback as a reader.

Anonymous said...

I like the ankara top! the opera singer is just fabulous! have a great one miss bella! muah!

simplykenny said...

wao! am a first timer on your blog and am already hooked.u are simply the best.i am particularly trilled with Ifenkili + Chinwe Enu,u are talented and pls keep up the good work!

temmy tayo said...

Congrats on the move. The Lord will continue to uphold u.

Jeannie said...

Congrats on all the great news!!!

Love the infenkili !!! I had to write a blog about it myself..

- One love..

Anonymous said...

Kara Thomas...is that your real name...just wondering.

I think that Bella has a right to remain anonymous and i think that when its time for her to come out and do what she does best...the world will know who she is and appreciate her.

I always wondered about her being anonymous, because she is beautiful...but i am sure she has her reasons.

She is not the first person that blogs about entertainment, and fashion and she is not the first person that puts up her picture...A lot of people in blogville are anonymous and thats okay...

I dont see how her picture or her personal life on this blog or anywhere else will add more taste to her peppersoup.

But come ooo, Kara Thomas...who dash you that kind name...i like am ooo.

We might be family members because my real name is JOHN THOMAS.

Waffarian said...

Hi guys! A new series is about to start on my blog. Its called " The professional player" and is based on true life events, its crazy and involves me and one of our fellow bloggers! Don't miss it!

Parental advisory: EXPLICIT CONTENT.

Anonymous said...

Hello Mr Thomas!

No, I did not mean to slight Bella in any way I was just curious too as people usually write blogs anonymously if they are talking about private and personal matters; which is understandable.

Of course Bella's blog is sweet and it does not lack in any way for not knowing her identity etc... more grease to Bella's elbow! What I wrote about were thoughts that came to mind after reading the 'True Love' article, that maybe there was really a magazine behind Bella which would explain all the hush hush. But if I am wrong I stand corrected. I didn't mean any offence but Bella openly welcomes feedback and I assumed this could be of either a positive or critical nature.

And John, yes, it is my real name thank you!!!

Kara Thomas.

Anonymous said...

I totally Disagree with one of your statements. Ankara is not and should be out of style!!! It is our culture, our history it defines us as a people. thus i am for any Nigerian or African Designer that continues to infuse the use of Ankara into their designs! Good Luck to all....

EKENYERENGOZI Michael Chima said...

You rock!

Anonymous said...

Hi Bella
Good luck with your new job. Hope it is all you want it to be and it takes you higher.

LADYBRILLE.com said...

Hi Bella,
Hope you are adjusting with your move and new job. I was at the NRC Reunion featuring D'Banj, Basketmouth, I Go Die, Yibo Koko and Michael Blackson, among others. Read up on my blog and see how it went. Waiting for you to come back. Ciao.

Mr.Fineboy said...

Hey Bella....how the heck do you stay so efficient??? I wanna be like u when I grow up! Oh..and congrats on ur move....*wink wink*

Anonymous said...

glad to have you back and to read your lovely posts :-)

Icy PR said...

hmm my Bella Sugar level is dropping o . Am bout to go into shock.. 4 days no blog???? .. someone passsss me insulin abeg loL!

Anonymous said...

Its not even funny how much i miss u bella...pls can u send a number at which u can be reached?

Anonymous said...

Hmm Mr and Ms/Mrs Thomas, I have always wondered too whether there's a magazine behind Bella Naija and I am starting to think it may be Dammie herself - she seems to be the closest to Bella and knows her ins and outs plus she has a magazine too...is anyone feeling me?

Anonymous said...

I don't want to start something oh, but its just my suspicions. Abeg, people help me out. Has my mind gone into overdrive?

DebolaLagos said...

Hey Sis!we need to find sponsorship on this ya website.plus hardwork wey u de put com join the traffic wey u dey pull.well done!

Anonymous said...

I agree that the ankara phase is passing slowly but I love the name Ifenkili, maybe cos I'm ibo and know what it means (something to look at)...the designs look good. Wish they'd have gr8 marketing cos we r such fad people that when the right person wears it, we'll follow suit. Love ur blog bella naija...its not easy to find sumn to put up daily (pple dont know) but u try so keep it up aight. L8r

Aquarian Thoughts said...

I just so happened to find this site and I am so happy that I did. I'm always looking for fashion/news features for and about sistahs. Keep up the good work. . . I'll definitely be tuned in.

Chude! said...

how now? i'm sure it's the new job keeping you. congrats! reply my email once you come back o!!!

Unknown said...

hello,
congratulations on your new move - may it mean bigger and better things.

okay o,
just came by to tell you guys of a competition running at the africanloft.

www.africanloft.com

pls, pass the msg on. You stand the chance of winning cash prices....

pammy

Adaure Achumba said...

Sweerie!!! just giving you a nudge...lol.... I NEED MY FIX TOO!!!