MBGN 2008 - AND THE WINNER IS....

So the 21st edition of Silverbird's Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant - MBGN 2008 is over and a winner has been chosen and she is…
Before we get there, lets get a rundown of the event.

First up, it started a couple of hours late. By the time the girls hit the stage for a choreographed catwalk performance. You could tell that the crowd was restless.
The host of the event was Studio 53 presenter/Rhythm 93.7 radio DJ, IK better known as Wildchild. He was dressed appropriately for the event in a well-fitted Tux. He was eloquent throughout the night and coped well with some technical issues and moments of awkward silence from the crowd.

The ladies did their thing in their bikinis.
I was proud at that point. Not ‘cause I was excited by girls walking around the stage in bikinis or ‘cause they had the most killer bodies….nahhh
I was proud because Silverbird hasn’t fallen prey to the Size 0 phenom.
Make no mistake, these girls had real bodies!

Then the musical performances started.
Dare Art-Alade performed a song from his new album called ‘Carry Dey Go’. It’s a really new song that has only recently impacted radio so the crowd was a bit sceptical but Dare sold it well.
He was looking FINE!
His voice and pitch were on point.
Overall stage presence was great.

Rave of the moment, 9ice performed a new song from his album as well as his megahit, Gongo Aso. The girls came out and performed a choreographed dance with him during the latter song. Good performance. It def woke the crowd up!

Up next, P-Square! If 9ice woke up the crowd then P-Square picked them up, shook them and thrilled them till they could scream no more.
They unleashed their hits – 'Do Me' and 'No One Like Me'. Everyone was singing and dancing along. Highly Impressive.

With musical performances over, the evening gown segment.
Only one dress stood out for me.
It was Miss Ekiti’s dress. It wasn’t the clichéd beauty queen garish gown.
It was a floor length halter neck dress with a pink bodice and a brown bust with a large bow at the nape of the neck. Some other dresses were nice but the usual beauty queen fare…







Finally the awards began:
Miss Photogenic - Miss Ekiti
Best Traditional Outfit – Miss Adamawa
Miss Amity – Miss Anambra
Miss Cera / La Casera (1 Million Naira Prize) – Miss Ekiti - ITOHAN IGBINOVIA

Finally the Top 10 were announced
Miss Abuja
Miss Anambra
Miss Enugu
Miss Plateau
Miss Nasarawa
Miss Kogi
Miss Edo
Miss Taraba
Miss Kwara
Miss Ebonyi

D’Banj, Wande Coal and the rest of the Mo Hits Crew - SID & D'Prince performed.
Wande kicked things off with a snippet of his hit 'Ololufe' and then the whole crew jumped in and performed 'Booty Call'
D’Banj rocked a multicoloured striped shirt and a pair of fitted highwaisted trousers.
Overall, it was an energetic performance.

The outgoing queen, Munachi Abii did her exit walk dressed in a MOMO couture gown with a voiceover talking about her experience as well as thanking everyone.

Drumroll – The Winners along with the questions they were asked and their answers

Miss Edo – Top 5 – MBGN Model – 4th Runner up
SANDRA IDUGBOE - Edo (MBGN UK Contestant)
Greatest person who has walked the face of the earth?
My Mother. She has been there for me, she loved me even when she thought she was going to die, she taught me to respect myself and also taught others to respect themselves. Only if you respect yourself, other people will respect you.

Miss Nasarawa – Top 5 – MBGN Ecowas - 3rd Runner-up
UCHECHI EJIOGU - Nasarawa
If you come across people who have never heard of Nigeria, what will you tell them?
Nigeria is beautiful. Nigerians are big hearted. We represent our country. Nigeria is a beautiful ‘state’ to behold.

Miss Enugu – Top 5 – MBGN Tourism - 2nd Runner Up
URE OBOWU - Enugu
Why do you qualify to be MBGN?
Not just because I am beautiful. I am intelligent and eloquent, a good public speaker, I'm a God fearing person, have great passion for my country - the crowd loved her and went crazy when she spoke.

Miss Taraba – Top 5 – MBGN Universe – 1st Runner up
STEPHANIE OFORKA -Taraba
What qualities should MBGN 2008 possess?
MBGN 2008 should have a beautiful character, a wonderful character, an outgoing personality, and be humble to everyone.

And the WINNER – Adaeze Igwe Miss Anambra –MBGN World
Why are you proud of your state?
It’s the only state that has had problems and come out stronger in the end
One good thing about your state?
4 governors in 3 years
___________________________________________
AGE: 18
OCCUPATION: Student
HEIGHT: 5FT 8 Inches
STATE OF ORIGIN: Anambra
LANG: English & Igbo



That’s it for now! I will add pics when I get them.
I’m all dressed and going out now but just had to blog this!
So what do u think about the winner?
Let us know!!!

MBGN 2008 + APPRENTICE AFRICA UPDATE

Hi!!!!
Hope your week is going well! Mine is still fantastic….as I said in my blog post earlier in the week, I’m not working this week so I’m a very happy bunny!
I am going to do some extensive shopping starting from tomorrow until the weekend. I hope I find some nice things in the stores.
Its funny how when you are all fired up for shopping, you go to the stores and NOTHING! Everything just looks off or boring….oh well, I hope that doesn’t happen.
The other night, I was supposed to meet up for dinner with a friend, I was on my way there when she called and said she would be late so I decided to do some late night window display browsing (stores were closed), as I was passing the Chanel store, I saw this Nigerian girl, she was holding a huge Chanel shopping bag in front of the store and she had an older lady with her (I’m assuming it was her mum), she was now holding up the shopping bag and posing for a pic in front of the store. When her mum took the first pic, she checked it and went to repose for another one, as in holding the shopping bag in front of her and raising it up. This girl looked like she was in her mid-20s….
I was like, this is serious for real!….watch out...photo coming to a facebook page near u soon! lol
Anyways, enough of my rambling.
Here are some tidbits.

So the Apprentice Africa has been going on for some weeks now, just wanted to give you guys an update. Here are the ‘apprentices’ that have been eliminated so far.
Week 1: Hannah Bertilla Acquah
Week 2: Michelle Ikenador
Week 3: Anthony Njagi Migui
Week 4: Omar Bah
Its been interesting so far. I luv Biodun Shobanjo, he was truly an inspired choice as the ‘boss’. Anyways, you can watch video recaps HERE


Here are the photos of the contestants for the 2008 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) pageant.
I am a fan of MBGN and have followed the contest ever since I was a lil’ girl.
I admire their commitment over the years, even before Nigerian girls started winning/placing at international pageants.
That said, when I saw these photos, my first thought was ‘hmmmm are you serious?’
Lets just hope that its just the makeup or something. I wont judge until I see photos from the pageant itself this weekend.
Anyways, check the contestants out and let us know what you think.

ABIGAL OPUOGULAYA -Bayelsa

ADAEZE IGWE -Anambra

ADEOLA AFOLABI - Osun

ALIMA OJECHEMA - Benue

CHARITY NNABUIHE - Ebonyi

CONSTANCE OBANUBI - Lagos

DOOWUESE ATEAHUR -Fct Abuja

EYAKUSE INYANG - Yobe

IFEYINWA NWOKOLO - Ondo

IFEYINWA NEBEDUM - Plateau

IJEOMA MBAWUIKE - Ogun

ITOHAN IGBINOVIA - Ekiti

JOY AKPAN - Kogi

JOYCE CHIDEBE - Gombe

KATE EFFIONG - Cross-river

LOVETH AJUFOH -Niger

MARCIA OKHAI -Kwara

NDIFREKE IDIO - Akwa-ibom

OGOCHUKWU OKOLI - Delta

OGONNA AMOBI - Oyo

PRINCESS AMADI - Adamawa

PRINCESS CHINASA OKORIE - Abia

SANDRA IDUGBOE - Edo

STEPHANIE OFORKA -Taraba

SYLVIA AGBUGBAERULEKE -Imo

TENE IGHOR -Rivers

UCHECHI EJIOGU - Nasarawa

URE OBOWU - Enugu
You can watch the show live on Silverbird TV and AIT at 8PM Nigerian Time, 28th March 2008.
Also online at http://www.jumptv.com/ - register for free

Oh before I forget, Biyi Bandele is doing a book tour. If you are in Nigeria, check on it.


That's it for today!
Enjoy the rest of your week.
Ciao

HHWA 2008

Hi Everyone!!!!
How have y'all been?
Hope you had a great easter.
I did!
I am also on holiday this week so I am hella excited 'cause I dont have to go to work!
Anyways, so what else is happening?
The HipHop World Awards took place at Planet One in Lagos on Saturday 15th of March 2008 and I was really hoping that I could watch the show but I didnt catch it so I just had to wait for the pics.
Anyways, here are the photos from the event.
It was hosted by actress, Dakore and comedian, Basketmouth.


Dakore & Lu Akande ~ TY Bello


Omotola ~ Munachi Abii


Dare Art-Alade ~ Omowunmi Akinnifesi ~ Ashionye


D'Banj ~ Kween ~ Kenny St. Brown


Jedi ~ Kunle Afolayan ~ DJ Jimmy Jatt


D1 & Caroline Adeneye ~ Tunde & Wunmi Obe ~ Essence


Funmi Iyanda ~ Muma Gee & Tee Mac ~ blogger, Temi Olufeko


Cobhams ~ Naeto C & Obi Asika ~ D'Banj


Obiwon ~ GT Guitarman ~ Olisa Adibua


Soul E & Queen Ure


Other Pics








Thanks to James Silas & HipHopWorld Magazine for the photos

My fav looks for the ladies were Funmi Iyanda, Omotola and Dakore Egbuson. My fav looks for the dudes were Naeto C & Dare Art-Alade.

Have a fab day.
Ciao

NAYO + SOUL E

Hi everyone,
How was your weekend?
I had a really lovely weekend. Just relaxed, had some friends over, went shopping etc…
Just how I like it….low-key but still fun
Hope you had a good weekend as well…

‘African Girl’ Nayo released her highly anticipated debut album last week. I am soooo feeling this album. Very mellow yet rhythmic. You get the neo-soul ambience but with a touch of African vibes. Please go down to your local record store and get a copy. Better get click over to i-tunes and grab one.

To Buy:
HMV
Amazon

Features & Interviews:
Brightcove Video Interview
Times Exclusive
Listen and you will be proud!

Crooner Soul-E and his wife, Queen Ure appeared on Funmi Iyanda’s show last week and honestly it was the most interesting interview I’ve seen in a while. Soul-E and wifey, Ure were acting like lovestruck teens but honestly although I am not into thrusting of personal relationships into the public sphere, I’ve got to say I love them as a couple. Seriously, it’s so easy to hate on them but they seem happy and committed so all the best to them! I cannot believe they have a 12-year age gap, Ure looks good! Anyways, check out the interview below.



That's it for today.
Blogger is giving me major issues!!

V-MONOLOGUES NIGERIA

The Vagina Monologues have been running in Nigeria for some years now.
This year, organisers are saying that it has got a Nigerian identity because they are using real stories submitted by everyday Nigerian women.
There have been 3 shows already this month in Abuja and Lagos but you still have the chance to catch 3 more.
The play includes stellar cast like Kate Henshaw, Funmi Iyanda, Stella Damasus, Yinka Davies, Bimbo Akintola, Omonor Imobhio, Ashinoye and Tunde Aladese. Directing is acclaimed writer and Director Wole Oguntokun (Laspapi)

V-MONOLOGUES REVIEW by Uzo
The V Monologues: The Nigerian Experience i had been waiting to see since last year when i heard that it was going to be Nigerianized and would have a male director. I saw Eve Ensler's version in New York a few years ago and found it unlike anything i had ever seen before. I didnt see last year's production though i heard from friends that Joke Silva did a marvellous job and it was very similar to the original.

So on Tuesday, I was at Muson Center with my friends - Daddy's Girl, Ms Travis and her daughter.

I loved it. I cried and i laughed. The actresses were truly amazing. Some more amazing than others: Omonor (what a talent), Kate Henshaw (not much of a stretch from what i have seen her in but strong none the less), Bimbo Akintola (always delivers), Ashinoye (a revelation indeed, this child can act), the ladies from Renegade Theatre - Kemi and Jennifer (always fantastic), Yinka Davies (delivered one of the most intense scenes i have ever seen) and Tunde Aladese (not as strong as the others and her dimunitive frame and voice was almost lost several times but she delivered)...

The Monologues were very relatable. Every monologue struck a cord in me. Some were personal experiences that had me sobbing really hard and Ms Travis who sat on one side of me held my hand wordlessly. Some of the scenes were hilarious..The Monologues touched on everything from child abuse, to widowhood, to physical abuse to masturbation. The scenes represented the rural and urban. In a particular scene about a very very well off woman being abused, i looked around the hall and thought to myself: a lot of these Prada carrying, $1500 weave wearing women are going through this right now.....

What i especially loved about it was the fact that Vagina was used quite a few times, song and dance was used appropriately and the pace of the show was perfect. The first part of the show - so heavy, i was ready to slit my wrists because i was so sad and depressed. Daddy's Girl said she was just ready to go home and cry her eyes out...just when i thought i couldnt take it anymore, the tone lightened. The issues were still serious but the tone lifted a bit.

Like all things though, not all perfection. I would have preferred that the male voice over not be used. Would have prefered a female voice over. I think that in an attempt to not go full frontal with the messages of each monologue, some of the dialogue was watered down but not too much.

All in all, i enjoyed the show immensely. I didnt learn anything new because i am passionate about Women's Issues and have written about some of the issues before, i have lived through some of the issues and my work with NGOs has exposed to a lot more than were even covered during the show but i know a lot of people were stunned by some of the things they saw and heard.

The show ended with a standing ovation and the cast took their bows. The lights came up and i saw it was a full house and i spotted a lot of 'known people' leaving the hall. The foyer was buzzing and as i walked through, i heard praise, some people saying they didnt get certain scenes, one person echoed how much he hated it (some expatriate from Shell) et all. I saw the director Laspapi surrounded by people congratulating him while he smiled, saw people surrounding Amy from Kind etc.

My view on women's issues is too draw attention to these matters and make changes where we can. I dont do male bashing nor am i a bra burning feminist. The Monologues made THE point. While some of the issues are perpetuated by tradition and even legislation, the fundamental issue is that women for many reasons dont have the will, the voice or the power to change some things meted out to them. Women must know their rights, know what they are worth, value themselves, have tons of self esteem, think of them as queens and life givers and have support. Abusers back away when you fight back, blood sucking relatives back off when you dont cower in shame, the gods of the land and elders will not smite you if you stand up to their traditions..and if a woman is in danger and she cannot find succour with her family, then there should be centers and safe houses that can take care of these women. Believe me, i speak from experience.

The Monologues are worth seeing in my opinion. I shall be at Terra Kulture next week to see the final show.

Much Love!
___________________
Thanks to Uzo for the review!
I saw some snippets of video from the Abuja show and it was really striking.
Omonor Imobhio was acting a skit, it was really comical and the crowd was laughing along, then she gets to a key juncture of the story and there was dead silence. Such a poignant moment.
If you are in Lagos, get out and waatch it! Send us your reviews as well.

TREND WATCH - COLOUR MANIA

Hey Everyone,
How’s it going? Hope u had a good weekend.
I had all these grand plans for the weekend but didn’t end up getting up to much but I did get a chance to catch up on quite a few important ‘to-do’ items so that’s great.
I feel like I’ve been missing out on so much, please fill me in…what’s been happening?

Anyways, my favourite season is coming up soon and I am sooooo excited! I love spring! Even the name ‘spring’ gets me all giddy!
The flowers start blooming, the breeze gets a lil’ warmer but much more refreshing than that winter chill and best of all, the spring collections are out in full force. Luv it!
There are loads of trends cropping up but one that is exciting me is the what I call ‘Colour Mania’
Yeah, we all know spring and summer clothes tend to me more colourful than fall & winter items but this year’s spring trend is taking it one step further.
Colour Mania involves rockin’ three or more colours in one outfit or rockin' two colours that traditionally no one would expect to be complementary.
Might sound dead easy in theory but in reality, its quite difficult to stray away from the dreaded Colour Riot (This faux pas should be avoided at all costs, as Amy Winehouse says ‘no no no’) and edge closer to Colour Mania fabulous.

Mainstream designers haven’t slipped on this trend and the latest line of accessories from Chloe, Prada, Fendi, Valentino and Marc Jacobs reflect that.
Colour Mania is reflected in these bags though it might be a bit much for everyday use but you get the point. Don’t be afraid to be bold and adventurous in terms of colour with your accessories.


Chloe Transitions Color Block Bag ~ Fendi Multicolor Doctor Frame B Bag ~ Prada Nappa Stripes Bags

The new collection from Peridot & Ruby is spot-on Colour Mania fab! From the dress which I have nicknamed the Jewelled Rainbow Dress to the other pieces, these clothes reflect the new generation of Nigerian creativity.

This new collection will be available at the new Lagos fashion retailer, Leila Fowler.

If you are looking for just a hint of Colour Mania, you can try accessorizing with colourful jewellery such as these Swarovski crystal bangles from Tiger Tem.


For the colour manic, brave and creative lot (ummm maybe I should add 'that dont know what to do with their money' to that), there is a new bag from Fendi aptly named the Artist Baguette. You get a classic white Fendi Baguette bag + Ten multicoloured Pantone Universe markers included to create your own design on the bag. LOL I know some Nigerian ladies are going to be rockin' this soon. You can purchase yours @ Neiman


That's it for today!
Have a fab week

THE APPRENTICE AFRICA

Hiya Everyone,
So how was your weekend?
Mine was good but honestly it was way too short!
I think my new mantra is ‘no more 9 to 5’! I seem to say those words almost everyday now.
Anyways, what did u get up to this weekend? I didn’t do much actually. I pretty much spent almost the whole of yesterday watching TV.
Not very productive…
Last week, something I’ve been looking forward to kicked off and I quite impressed.
The Apprentice Africa aired its first episode on Tuesday.
The contestants seem quite driven and intelligent while the production quality was good.
Biodun Shobanjo was stellar!
Anyway, there are contestants from several countries in Africa including Cameroun, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Guinea and of course, Nigeria!
Here are the profiles of the Nigerian contestants.

Bekeme Masade – 26 ~ Babatunde Ojikutu – 28

Akatu Ochai – 31 ~ Blessing Njoku – 31


Eunice Omole – 28 ~ Michelle Ikenador – 23


Nnamdi Anthony Mbonu – 28


You can visit the website HERE to see a recap of Episode 1.
By the way, Hannah Bertilla Acquah from Ghana is the first to be FIRED...I wonder who will go out this week
So what do you think about the Apprentice coming to Nigeria/Africa?
Do you have a fave? Let us know.....

Have a great week!!