REROCK

Hi Everyone!
Soooooo it’s already midweek – ‘hump day’ as some call it.
How is your week so far? Hope all is going well.
My week has been cool so far actually. Thank God.

This past weekend I hung out with one of my very good friends, so throughout the weekend, she kept on mentioning a wedding that she has to attend this weekend. Each time she brought it up, she kept on getting upset. I was seriously wondering what all the trouble was about until she asked me if she could ‘repeat’ an outfit she that she’s worn to a previous event. I just started laughing but it led us to a longer discussion…..

The rest of this post was written with my tongue firmly planted in my cheek! You should read with the same flavour! Enjoy…

So what do you guys think about repeating outfits?
It might seem like a trivial question but its getting serious!
Especially now when we are at the age when lots of our friends, sisters, brothers etc…are getting married. Plus you know the ‘event mania’ in Nigeria. From Turquoise Ball to ThisDay Awards to the Future Awards to Deola Sagoe’s fashion show…everyday another event and you are expected to give them a brand new outfit each time! It ain’t easy!

It’s as if there is an unwritten rule about ‘repeating’
You might roll your eyes and say ‘ohhh that is so high school!’ but how many times have you been on facebook looking at Cornelia’s wedding pictures, then you spot Lara and you are like ‘ahhhh isn’t that the same outfit Lara wore to Jummai’s wedding 2 weeks ago, why is she wearing it again now?, eyah I heard her dad lost the election, maybe money is tight’
Or you are click to bellanaija.com and she puts pictures up of the 3 times you have rocked the outfit (lol…oops I won’t do that again! Ok maybe)

Okay, I am not really talking about shoes or jeans or tees or even bags (especially all you bagaholics – after spending 1500 $s or £s on a bag, if you like wear it once! The joke is on you!). The point of contention is mainly dresses.
So would you wear the same dress you wore for one wedding to another?
Should there be a time gap between when you first rock an outfit and when you ‘rerock’ it?
Give us your opinions; I know many of us have wardrobes full of gorgeous dresses that we feel we cannot wear again.

So here are some tips from my friend who inspired this topic, let’s call her Mrs O
Mrs O’s 5 tips for ‘ReRocking’

Get your pens and paper ready!

• Avoid taking photos – when you see a camera run! You know you have plans of ‘rerocking’ that dress so you don’t need evidence spoiling your show
• No facebook! – If by some chance, you managed to get caught on film/memory card, warn the over-zealous photographer not to put it on facebook.
  Some readymade excuses at your disposal include ‘ohh I don’t want to be so out there’ ‘my pastor said I shouldn’t put my photos on facebook’ etc…
  If someone insists on putting it up, sharply untag yourself and delete them from your friend’s list. lol
• Accessorize – Ok so you are ‘rerocking’, accessorize differently. You mustn’t pair the dress with the same shoes, bag, belt as before. Ah ah…it aint that serious
• Wear the outfit to an event with a different ‘crowd’ – So you wore the outfit to your mom’s 50th birthday party with all the oldies, you can ‘rerock’ at your friend’s jewellery exhibition. You can also try the geographical ‘rerock’ Yes o, so you rocked it in Lagos, there is still Accra, Jozi, London, Maryland etc…rerock!
• Finally, this one is very important! When you are ‘rerocking’, please rock the outfit with confidence! You see people looking timid because they are ‘scared’ someone will ‘catch’ them wearing the outfit again! Hells no, were they in your office when you were working for your money? Nope. Therefore ‘rerock’ with swagger!
  

For some inspiration, here are some celeb rerockers!
Photo Credit: concrete loop




That’s it!

RANDOM: PLAYLIST + MORE

Hey!!!
Hope you had a great weekend!
This is going to be a really crazy week for me.
So while I try to gather my thoughts for long enough to blog, here are my fave naij songs of the moment!

Most are new tracks that everyone is buzzing about.
While there are a few that you might never have heard but have a listen and let me know what you think!

Powered by eSnips.com

The Tracks
D’Banj – Gbono Fe Le
Hot Song!!! Don’t hate me cause I’m hotter than u!

9ice Ft 2Face – Street Credibility
The talent is untouchable. Vid has been filmed and is coming soon

Naeto C – Kini Big Deal
This is the song!!!!! Luv it! Vid filmed and coming soon

Ikechukwu Ft Don Jazzy & D’Banj – Wind Am Well – VIDEO
Glad to see Ikechukwu getting his shine

Rooftop MCs Ft Cobhams – Lagimo – VIDEO
Luvs it!

Ill Bliss – Ibo Boy – VIDEO
Soundcity award winner Ill Bliss, luv this song and vid…

X-Project – Lori Le – VIDEO
I hated this song when I heard it some months ago but luv it now!

Harry Best – No More Yahooze
This song cracks me up…it’s ‘the response’ …video coming soon

Wande Coal – Ololufe
My lil’ sister luvs this song sooo much! Its really sweet!

9ice – Photocopy
9ice kills it once again. Toni Payne kiss ur man for this song lol

Dare Ft 2Face & Naeto C – Carry Dey Go - VIDEO
Dare does his thing! Flexes his vocal variety. Video is fab as well

Singaholic - Oye Ike Gaagwu - VIDEO
I know most of u have never heard this…an ibo song in the midst of it all!

Mo’ Hits – Close to You
Party song!

WHO WORE IT BETTER?
J-Lo in Marchesa at the Oscars *** Rita Dominic at the AMAAs

Photo Credit: Niti Tabiti and Oscar.com

That's it for today. Listen to the playlist above and let us know what you think.
BTW, heard 2Face is expecting another baby....a new one oooo LOL. Speechless. - HERE

EVENTS & CLICKS

Event: Yemi O - Kosibah in Chicago today


Click:
FREE Foundation Blog - www.freefoundationafrica.blogspot.com

Vote:
Support Adaorah Ikwueme's entry for 30 second Obama Ad contest
http://obamain30seconds.org/vote/?v=view-547-bONPgi

MAKEOVER

You know I love to see my Nigerian ladies looking beautiful and will always give them props for that. That said, sometimes I just have to pause and take a deep breath. Rather than criticizing, lets see if we can offer some tips to these ladies and guide them to fabulosity!

____________________________________________

There is so much going on here. The long braids, the jacket, the tight-fitting dress, the lace-up sandals. Actress/TV presenter, Elfreda Rowland has a voluptuous figure and pretty face and am sure can look fab if she changed things up. First up, the dress is a no-no. There are very few girls that can pull off this dress and most of them are Size 0 models.

I would suggest, knee length dresses, nipped at the waist to highlight her assets. Good undergarments including a well fitted bra and some support garments (e.g spanx) can help bring out the best in her look.

Style Guide: Jennifer Hudson - Jennifer has a similar voluptuous body type and looks fab. She has confessed to using spanx and plays around with colours, shapes and necklines.

The makeup, the hair, the outfit (hat, jacket, laces!), the shoes - lets be honest, its a bit of a mess. That said, she is pretty and has a nice slim shape. Therefore, there are so many possible options when it comes to outfits. The main advice will be to strip off all the excess and rebuild her wardrobe and makeup from a fresh slate. For the hair, rather than a blond weave, perhaps honey brown extensions a la Jessica Alba. The makeup, red eyebrows don't look natural on anyone so scrap that. Go for a fresher look. She should let her beautiful skin glow! The clothes - as I keep saying, there are so many options!

Style Guide: Kelly Rowland and Selita Ebanks - Kelly and Selita both have similar slim figures. Small bust, flat stomach and slim hips. Yet they look feminine and fab.



Actress, Cossy Orjiakor is known for her ample bosom and clearly she is not afraid to flaunt her curves.

Its great that Cossy is confident and comfortable with her body. That said, I would advice to Cossy to do it more tastefully.

A V-Neck is neckline is actually good for big busted women but this is way too low. Plus, she is wearing a long necklace which draws further attention to her bust.

My advice - skip the necklace, try something with a higher-V, button-up shirts, wrap tops, strapless can also be a good look as long as its not hanging low on the bust.

Style Guide: Toccara - Toccara has a similar body shape - large bust, smaller waist and hips. She has evolved since she appeared on ANTM in terms of dressing to suit her body.

Photo Credits - Obsessed Hoopla, Purefoto, Bella Naija

That's it!

What do you think.

Any tips?

BN RUNDOWN

Hi Everyone!!!
How's it going?
So how was your weekend?! I think I overdid things this weekend 'cause I am absolutely exhausted. I went out too much, shopped too much....I basically overdid everything! but its all good..it was fun.
I saw some of my friends that I haven't seen in ages as well!
So what did you get up to?
Sorry I haven't put up the Soundcity Photos yet, I cant seem to find good quality shots. Oh well, whenever I get them, I'll put them up.
Its time for a Rundown.

The Apprentice Africa is still on.
I already recapped the 'fired' contestants from Episodes 1 - 4 HERE.
See below for the recently fired 'apprentices'.

Week 5 - Akatu Ochai - Nigeria


Week 6 - Joyce Mbaya - Kenya


Week 7 - Bekeme Masade - Nigeria


Week 8 - Oscar Kamukama - Uganda

You can watch video recaps on the site - HERE

Handbag Designer, Onna Ehrlich is on the cover of this month's True Love WA Magazine while Femi Oke covers Genevieve Mag. Make sure you pick up the mags from the newsstands or better still subscribe.



One of my fave actresses from Sister, Sister and The Game, Tia Mowry and her actor beau, Cory Hardrict tied the knot this weekend. Sister Sister was my fave show in my early teens while the Game is my current fave. Congrats to her! What do you think of her dress.





What's New Mag is now bi-weekly. Watch out for the mag on the newsstands (or while you are stuck in the traffic).


Newly crowned, Miss MBGN Universe, Stephanie Oforka gave an interview to the Punch Newspaper this weekend. I think she has really good chances for Miss Universe.


P-Square's Peter Okoye is going to be a daddy. His girlfriend, Lola Omotayo has confirmed she is pregnant. She was at the SMVAs with Peter and I thought her boobies looked rather preggers lol. Anyways, all the best to them! I pray that they have a healthy and cute baby.
Photo courtesy - Niyi Tabiti


Awww, Kanye West and his fiance, designer Alexis Phifer have officially broken up. That's so sad! But I'm sure its good news for all the other wannabe Mrs Kanye Wests out there. - HERE


That's it for today.
Have a great week.
Ciao
~B

SOUNDCITY MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS - SMVA 2008

Hi Everyone!
So how was your weekend?
Mine was alright but I cant even remember most of it because it feels sooooo distant already.
Anyways, the inaugral edition of the Soundcity Video Music Awards (SMVA) took place on Friday, 11th April 2008. Here is a rundown of the event.

As seems to be the tradition with Nigerian events, the awards show started late, really late!
Anyways, the event eventually kicked off with D'Banj and Ashionye introducing themselves as the host and hostess for the night.
The first award to be presented was the Best Male Video award - the presenters were John Fashanu and Munachi Abii. There was a really funny moment here - John Fashanu asked the crowd 'Munachi, most beautiful woman in the world, deal or no deal' and the entire crowd shouted 'NO DEAL!' lol...anyways, Munachi handled it very well and laughed it off. The award for Best Male Video went to DJ Jimmy Jatt - Stylee

There were so many breaks and interludes during this show but Ashionye, D'Banj and Cool FM DJ, Freeze did a good job of keeping the atmosphere buzzing. I have to say that I was impressed by all 3 of them. They were funny and entertaining. I was really curious to see how Ashionye would hold her own as an awards host but I feel she did a good job.

The rest of the awards and performances were as follows:
Best Female Video presented by Lady Di and D1 Adeneye
Winner: Kween - Jebele ...she looked really pretty and was genuinely excited.

Infiniti performed Olori Oko

Best Choreography presented by 'King' Soul E & 'Queen' Ure - these 2 are really excited about their fame! See them claiming royalty lol king & queen of love
Winner: Faze - Kpo Kpo di Kpo

Fresh Video presented by Dola Bamgboye and Lanre Da Silva Ajayi
Winner: Mo Hits All Starts - Booty Call

Storm All Stars performed
Sasha in a pink dress performed 'Long Thing' with Pype
Naeto C performed 'Kini Big Deal'
Ikechukwu killed it with 'Wind Am Well' along with Don Jazzy

Then the man they have been buzzing about Nas arrived on stage! The crowd went beserk!

He presented the award for Best Hip Hop Video/African Video of the Year. Surprise, surprise, the nominees' videos didnt play...it was quite embarrassing. I'm so happy for 'Dat Ibo Boy' Ill Bliss, he's been on the grind for a while, nice to see him rewarded.
Winner: Ill Bliss - You Go Wound









Tic Tac performed - I wasnt feelin it

Best New Artist Video presented by Dare Art Alade and Mo Abudu (Mo looked amazing in a short black shift dress)
Winner: Asa - Fire on the Mountain

Nas was presented with the 2008 Hip Hop Legend Award by Charlie Boy, Elajoe and Mode 9.

Nas performed a medley of hits - At this point, the crowd was crazy! everyone was on their feet, singing etc... Nas seemed really excited as well and ended the performance by promising the crowd that 'when he moves to Nigeria, we are invited to his house to visit'...Nas are you sure? lol

The Remedies (Eddy Remedy, Tony Tetuila & Eedris Abdulkarim) reunited for a performance
Hmmm....

Best Cinematography presented by Kenny Ogungbe
Winner: P-Square - Do Me
They brought their whole village with them to pick up the award on stage! there had to be about 20 people justling for space.

Best Video presented by Mai Atafo and Ebube Nwagbo
Winner: P-Square - Do Me

Best R&B Video
Winner: TY Bello - Greenland
She looked gorgeous in a fab red strapless maxi dress accessorized with a blue beaded necklace

Jimmy Jatt and Rita Dominic presented the Best Group Video Award
Winner: Infiniti - Olori Oko

Viewers Choice Award
Winner: TY Bello - Greenland
She thanked everyone! Seemed really touched to have received the award.

Mo Hits Crew (D'Banj, Wande Coal & D'Prince) performed
Close to You
Pere
Booty Call

P-Square performed
Roll it
No One Like You
Do Me
Their dancing was rather hectic

Alariwo and Tara Fela Durotoye (she looked gorgeous!) presented the Best Direction Award
Winner: Yemi Amao - Olori Oko (Infiniti)

Best Special Effects and Editing
Winner: Gbenga Salu - Aye Ole (Infiniti)

DJ Jimmy Jatt, Elajoe and Mode 9 performed Stylee

The final performance of the night was by SA Band, FreshlyGround. They were introduced by Ramsey Noah and Gbemi Olateru Olagbegi
Quite quirky. Luved it but many people had left at that point so I hope they werent discouraged!
That's it! The show ended at about 1.40AM!!!

Overall, the awards were entertaining, great choice of performers and hosts but the logistical issues almost ruined it. D'Banj and Ashionye looked good. D'Banj wore designs by Emmy Collins. Ashionye was styled by Ifeoma Williams and wore designs by Deola Sagoe and Lanre DaSilva Ajayi. Congrats to the winners and all the best to the SoundCity crew.

The Bella Naija team's best dressed dude of the nite? Naeto C

EVENTS

There are so many fab events this weekend!

LAGOS
DEOLA SAGOE is launching the new Menswear collection; M2 on Friday the 11th of April at Jade's Palace, Adeola Odeku, VI
To request your invite, though its quite late now!
Join the Deola Sagoe group on facebook - HERE

SOUNDCITY Music Video Awards
Shell Hall, MUSON Centre
11th April from 4PM to 11PM

Lagos Premiere of Onna Ehrlich Handbags
Sunday, 13th April 2008


MIAMI
Adeave studios and Icy Public Relations will host 7 artists in an exclusive art event in Miami as they showcase their work in a week long exhibition from Saturday, April 12 to April 19 presented at and in association with Undercurrent Arts 2563 North Miami Avenue Miami, FL. The Opening reception on Saturday, April 12 is expected to have over 300 people in attendance.
Check out the site - HERE

LEILA FOWLER

I get questions all the time about why I started this blog and what I tell people is that I wanted to highlight and celebrate young Nigerian women who are doing fabulous things and in turn encourage others to pursue their ambitions.

The Leila Fowler store celebrated its launch event last week and the buzz has been incredible.
During several conversations I have had over the past week, the name Leila Fowler has come up so many times. Now I see why!

Leila Fowler is what I like to call a ‘fashion destination’, a boutique clothing and jewellery retailer based in Lagos. From the twinkling lights that adorn the ceiling to the framed personal photographs that line the shelves and of course, the fab clothes and jewellery. You don’t get the feeling that you are in yet another store, instead, you feel as though you are in your dream closet.

It is a project launched by Funke Fowler and in her words, ‘I wanted a boutique which reflected the effort and thought that had been put into it and also made each client feel special each time they walked through the door. It was very important for me to have an eclectic mix of designers that represent various styles and trends from places both near and far not forgetting to showcase work from very talented homegrown designers. I have heard it said that sometimes that special outfit adds a little something extra to our special moments and occasions, hopefully many of these special moments and occasions will be shared in beautiful pieces found in the store’

Check out the photos from the launch and be sure to visit Leila Fowler when you are in Lagos. Visit the Leila Fowler Site - HERE Guests included Mrs. Leila Fowler, Moyo and Bode Makanjuola, Michelle Udezue (Bobby Taylor PR, Snr. PR consultant), Lamide Lawson, Nina Agwuna, Muka Nwokedi etc..











I'm sooo proud! I luv the interior. Good luck to Funke.
Be Inspired!

Ciao~

HOW WE MET – The Prize Goes To…

Hi Everyone,
For the past couple of days, I have been pondering and thinking, analyzing and reading, trying to choose the winners of the ‘Mrs Club’ How We Met Contest. It hasn’t been easy!!!
I even had to ask my mum to read them and give her opinion! It was that serious.
Anyways, as you know, the winners will receive a signed copy of The Mrs Club, a chick-lit novel by Ekene Onu.
I am reading mine right now and honestly it can only be described as JUICY! I cannot drop it! I am at work and I am busy scheming and devising ways to read it now.
Thanks soooooooooo much to everyone who took time to write out their story! It means so much to me and everyone who read it that you took the time to share your story.
God will bless your relationships (and future relationships for those who have broken up!)

Drumroll…

Winner 1:
Anonymous said...
Hey Bella -- Let's make it more fun by putting it to the vote American Idol style. What say you...Anyhooo...So four years ago, I am getting on the elevator in a random building and there is this guy in there (by himself) with the goofiest smile on his face... and I am thinking uh huh whatever, and I step in, as in...good thing I didn't have to face him...anyhooo so the next thing he is like Mrs Williams (real name witheld ;D), how are you today... I am thinking no he didn't and I tried to ignore him but he tapped me and I wanted to clock him as he said again with that goofy smile ' Hey Mrs Williams, how are you today now?' Exasperated I decided to pay him some mind and said with a fake smile , 'Errr I am not Mrs Williams, sorry'...Before I finished answering the question, he said 'But would you like to be...? I looked at him and burst out laughing...and then I was like 'ok, you know you looking for trouble right...' and he was like, well, long as I can take my troubles home with me every night, I'm good..." I could not wipe the grin off my face cos he was so dem cheesy and painfully cute in a very naughty boyish way...it did not hurt that all 6'1" of him was towering over me... All this took less than 5 minutes. I got to my floor and he got off with me and by this time I did not mind him doing that. Get me laughing and that's it...The rest is history...I have been laughing ever since!

Winner 2:
CrocLover said...
I love all these stories and Bella I love your blog!He came to borrow sugar....I got a knock on the door i was sleeping and i answered the door in PJs with scarf on, pimple medicine on face, morning breath the whole works. He said " your neighbor said i could borrow sugar from you we are trying to make kool aid" After hissing and making a rude comments about how you idiots just woke me up from a long sleep i gave him my jar of sugar and slammed the door. He came back the next day, and the next and the next, he said there was something about me and he knew i was going to be his wife. He called his dad and told him and his dad well go and get what you want. After two months of asking me out i finally went on a date with him, he played the Boyz II men song thank you in advance in his car when he picked me up...he said you will be my wife and mother of my children...i was convinced this guy was truly mental and i need to run away from him lol. 7 years later, married for 3 years and planning on making a baby soon our love is sweeter than sugar. I couldnt have asked for a better husband in the world he is the BEST!
5:22 PM

That’s it! Please email me so we can ship off your book ASAP. You have until the 18th of April to claim your prize – bellanaija @ gmail.com

Watch out for more contests in the future! Thanks once again to everyone who participated!
Kissssssssssssssss
B

RUNDOWN

Hi Everyone!!!!!!!!
How are you guys doing? How was your weekend?
Mine was alright...I had a bad cold last week, so I am just recovering...
So how was yours?
Meanwhile, I only have one bellanaija facebook profile with the Deola Sagoe sunflower dress photo - HERE - ignore any others.
Last week one disrespectful and dubious individual decided to create a facebook profile as bellanaija and then proceeded to add and message people as me. He/she even put up a photo as well. Its just so sad that some people decide to spend their time on such nonesense. Advice from me to you - use your time for something more positive and God will reward you for it.
Moving on....

Beyonce and Jay-Z reportedly got married on the 4th of April 2008.
Guests at the reception were instructed to wear ivory/white. See photos of Solange, Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, Daddy Matthew Knowles and guest, Gwyneth Paltrow.


- I'm sooo happy for them. I cant wait to see Bee's wedding dress.

In other wedding news, Aisha Babangida is pregnant and getting married to the governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi this week as his third wife. Her first marriage to Mallam Garba Bashir broke up a while ago.
Her brother, Mohammed Babangida will also be tying the knot with Umuani 'Umma' Wali. She will be his second wife. He married his first wife Rahama Indimi some years ago and US crooner Joe gave a surprise performance and serenated the bride - HERE.
- I guess...Good luck to the couples

Tuface Idibia to sing against unprotected sex - By BABAJIDE SOLE from National Daily It appears that Nigerian hip-hop R&B superstar, Tuface Idibia is taking a u-turn from procreative activities to stir up an awareness against unprotected sex. Trends gathered that the artiste made this decision while in Kaduna for the Kaduna leg of his six-city tour tagged 2Face and Friends. As a result of his new found compassion for the motherless babies and abandoned children, courtesy of his visits to orphanages during his tour, Tuface has promised to dedicate some songs on his next album to create awareness against several societal ills that include child abandonment and unprotected sex.
- ironic but a step in the right direction

9ice Receives N1m from fan - By BABAJIDE SOLE from National Daily
According to sources, the said fan who has been very eager on seeing the visual rendition of 9ice monster single Gongo Aso gave the artiste a call inquiring how much it would cost to shoot the highly anticipated music video. 9ice, though surprised at the caller's gesture, immediately responded that he would require about six million naira which he estimated would be the cost of shooting four music videos with top notch quality. Without hesitating the anonymous caller then asked 9ice for his account number and two weeks later 9ice received a text message from the same caller stating that he had credited his account with one million naira. "Right now as I speak, the caller still remains anonymous... I mean 9ice has never met this guy eye to eye. It is amazing the extent 9ices fans can go to support him. One million naira is no joke,” said the source
- good for 9ice, he deserves the success!
In other 9ice news, he was reportedly robbed on his way to the MBGNs on the 28th of March 2008.
- I'm glad noone was hurt. The robbery situation in Nigeria is awful.

Recent inductee into the International Billionaire Boys Club, Forbes billionaires list member, Aliko Dangote survived a near-plane crash last week. The billionaire was returning to Nigeria from a business trip to South Africa when his private jet developed an engine problem across the skies of Angola. One of the engines shut off when the plane was at over 40,000 feet above sea level. According to Mr. Dangote, all on board started praying and the pilot managed to make an emergency landing. About 2 minutes after the landing, the 2nd engine shut off as well. This illustrates the near-miss situation. This is the 3rd plane crash that he has survived. To read more about this. Click HERE
- Thank God they survived. I am the wrong person to be hearing this sort of news 'cause I hate air travel and planes!

US Rapper, Nas will be at the Soundcity Music Video Awards next weekend
- Wow! I luv Nas, I hope he brings Kelis along....I think SMVAs are going to be amazing!

Here are the covers of the new editions of my fav mags - MADE magazine and TRUE LOVE West Africa. Actor, David Oyelowo is on the cover of MADE while Kemi Adetiba is on the cover to True Love.

- Luv it!

Anyways, I will announce the winners of the 'Mrs Club' contest later today.
Its been soooo hard picking the winners.
About the contest, the Nayo one. The second commenter after 'ink', please email me. I know ink personally so to be fair, we'll send you a Nayo CD as well.

Have a great week and let us know what u think bout today's post.

Ciao!

9ICE + WANDE COAL + BANKY W

Hi Everyone!!!!!
Wow! Thanks to all those who have entered the ‘Mrs Club’ competition so far! U guys rock. I have read everything so far and will make the decision this weekend. Feel free to leave a comment on that post letting us know your fave.
Meanwhile, we have some other stuff we want to give away but will not put you through any more ‘stress’ this week!
So the next competition is super easy!
The person who posts the ‘first comment’ on this post will get a copy of the new Nayo album ‘African Girl’. Please try to email me immediately you comment so I identify you and sort out your prize!
Soooooo when the always fab Funmi Iyanda mentioned on her blog that she was going to be interviewing 3 of my fave Nigerian crooners, I was hella excited.
I am soooo proud of these 3 fellas!
Wande Coal’s voice is just amazing. Ololufe is my song.
9ice – need I say more? Gongo Aso is everyone’s song! His new album is amazing, so many people have been sending in reviews. I am so sad that I don’t have a copy.
Banky W, y’all know how much I luv Banky’s music! Have you bought the album? You need to HERE
Anyways, here are the interviews from Funmi’s show.
Meanwhile Funmi Iyanda for being recognized as a 2008 Desmond Tutu Fellow.
Other Nigerian recipients are
Bibi Bakare-Yusuf - Founder & CEO, Cassava Republic Press
Mitchell Elegbe - CEO InterSwitch Limited – the leading transaction switching and e-payment company in West Africa.
Olufemi Oyekola - Business Manager, Global Markets, Stanbic IBTC Bank
Ahonsi Unuigbe - Head of the Government & International Organisations Group at Stanbic IBTC Bank

9ice



Wande Coal


Banky W


That's it for now. Remember the first comment wins the Nayo CD.
Ciao

GIFT WEEK: HOW WE MET - THE MRS CLUB

Hi Everyone!!!!!!!!
How are you guys doing? How was your weekend?
Mine was very chilled, I didn’t even do anything….I just slept and slept some more…..needed to get all my rest ‘cause my vacation ended on Sunday…..
Believe me, getting back to work after a vacay is no easy task!
Anyways, we shall survive!
Soooooo I got some really great, fabulous news yesterday!
As in out of the world kind of fantastic news!
I just have to say this, always BELIEVE!
U know I hate all these cheesy stuff but I have to tell you that often times, we limit ourselves because we are scared of failure or scared of the unknown…
…no I won’t apply for that job, I know I won’t get it, after all more qualified people have applied
…no I won’t apply to that school, its an Ivy-League school and I didn’t get straight As
….no I won’t move back to Nigeria because my parents aren’t connected and they live in ajegunle
….no I won’t ask for that girl’s number, she is way out of my league…
Please banish such thoughts from your head and go for it! What is the worst that is going to happen? At least you will know you tried and you learned from whatever experience.
Anyways, enough randomness but seriously BELIEVE!

Soooo, this week is gift week on Bella Naija.
We are going to try in our little way to reward our readers.
We have teamed up with some of our favourite people and are offering up some prizes.
First up, Ekene Onu, the author of the fabulous The Mrs. Club whose book launch and PR strategy was powered by Bobby Taylor Consulting is offering up 2 copies of the Mrs Club. I know y’all must have heard about the Mrs. Club by now.
The reviews have been pouring in and everyone is enamoured.

Soooooo how are we going to decide who gets the books?
Like me, many of you love wedding websites…whenever I get a wedding website link, the first link I click is ‘how we met’ or ‘our story’. Most of the time, this section is the sooo interesting.
Here is some inspiration:
Onyi & Victor – He sent her a message on Hi5 then they met in church and the rest is history!
Adaobi & Nonso – On holiday in Nigeria randomly while she was at her cousin’s bach eve and he was out clubbing
Chioma and Akolisa - Her friend left his jacket at her house and he come to pick it up
Nkechi & Amechi - Met at Naijaryders party
So to decide who gets 2 Bella Naija readers who get the free copies of ‘The Mrs Club’, please share your stories of how you met your boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, wife, ex-girlfriend, ex-boyfriend, ex-wife, first crush or whatever works for you.

So you don’t have to be in a relationship to qualify, but I’m sure you’ve had one of those moments when you met someone and it just clicked….even if things didn’t work out later on.

We will choose the 2 best and send them the books (1 copy each).
- Please share your ‘how we met’ stories in the comment section
- Dont procrastinate! Leave your comment now!
- Be as detailed as possible but stay anonymous as you wish
- Also feel free to leave comments telling us your favourite that has been posted so far, this will help us in making our decision
- Please be truthful!
Good luck!!!
Meanwhile – you can buy our copy of ‘The Mrs Club’ HERE on Amazon now! Buy asap before it sells out again!