THE BELLANAIJA HOTLIST III

Hey Everyone!!!!!!!
I can’t believe that it’s been so long!
I have MISSED u guys…I mean it…sincerely
Honestly sometimes, I would just get this feeling….u know the type of feeling u get when u r missing a good friend…yeah…but then I realized, I missed blogging, as in, I missed u guys!
All the comments and craziness! The whole shebang.
But I just had to take a break.
Work was exhausting me, and then having to stay up late at night to blog was just too much.
Plus I hadn’t had a real holiday in about 2 years so I just needed a break and I got one.
It was amazing!
I had a fab time with my family and friends.
Spending time with them made me love them even more….
When I was in uni, I used to go to Nigeria every summer and xmas - during that time, I would go out nearly everyday. There was even a holiday that I spent in naij that I saw my Dad once in the 3 weeks that I was there!
I guess with age and wisdom, priorities change because I made sure I spent enough time with my family (u know I still went out tho….just a lil lol)
Anyways, I am back and thankful to u guys for being so patient.
2008 will be a fabulous year for us all!
All our dreams, aspirations and plans for the year will come to fruition AMEN.
Meanwhile, my ears are bleeding from all the salacious gist my friends have been giving me about their holidays…..Hmmm all of u should start confessing. Who engaged in some Lagos holiday romance….hhaha
You know u did, spot hiding your face from the computer…I see u! lol
Well, I hope you enjoyed yourself because sorry to break it to you, chances are it wont work.
Naaa I’m just being mean, ok…it might work.
How about all the weddings? I don’t know if it’s the age that we are at but people seem to be getting married at an alarming rate. I might join them soon hmmmm
Anyway, enough of my musing!
This year will be AMAZING by God’s grace.
I have compiled a BellaNaija Hot List to kick things off for the New Year.
Don’t worry, juicier things are on the way. MUAH!

The IT Girl - Dakore EgbusonFrom her ever blossoming movie career to her recent multi-million naira Amstel Malta endorsement to her high-profile yet still intact relationship with Lou Akande. Dakore has proved herself to be a star. She has grown from strength to strength and if definitely the IT girl of the moment. Up next? there has been talk of a music career...hmmm...we'll see but we are confident that Dakore can pull it off.

The Spot - Volar Ok, if you were in Lagos over the last month, you must be familiar with the name Volar. Great crowd, lush interior....luv it! Lets just hope it lasts in the fickle world of Lagos nightlife.

The Hit - Yahooze & Do Me

Remind me, how old is this song? Yet everytime people hear it, they just cant help themselves. That is the power of Olu Maintain's megahit, Yahooze.
From young to old, rich to not-so-rich, everyone cant get enough of the Yahooooze fever. Now if only we could figure out what kamakaze on a kendro level means?!
How could I forget P-Square's Do Me? After their success with 'Bizzy Body', few expected that P-Square would unleash another megahit so soon. I lovvvve this song. One dude was trying to convince me that this song is about female empowerment....as in what a man can do, a woman can do.....rightt! lol

The New Kid - Shank

The song goes - Julie! Say man hear say you a model and ting....Julie! Me love the way you shake that booty and ting.
This song is SICK! I literally cannot sit still when I hear it. Chinedu Naze better known as Shank is the New Kid. The first artist from Starville Entertainment....
All we hope is that Shank keeps lacing the hot tunes and we'll keep shaking that booty & ting.


The Read - The Mrs. Club & A Woman Scorned I love Chick Lit!!! Other than magazines and chick-lit,I hardly ever read anything else....sorry but that's the truth. So when I discovered Ekene Onu's 'The Mrs Club' via snippets from her blog some months ago, I was HOOKED. Check out the book's facebook group for more info. The book is totally relateable and a definite must read. Another 'Hot Read' is Bimbylads' 'A Woman Scorned'.....If you aren't hooked, please report to her immediately and read up! Tres juicy!


The Movement - TED Africa TED is a movement! If you havent heard about it....you better pinch yourself and run over to ted.com and get with the programme.
The world's greatest thinkers (including you and me), getting together, exchanging ideas for a better present and future. I am proud of the fact that I was a TEDAfrica fellow last year and gain inspiration from other TEDizens daily! Come join us.

The Man - Toyin Subair Lawyer (Abraham & Co), Humanitarian (Link-A-Child), Entrepreneur (Hi-TV). Toyin Subair has come a long way over the years!
According to Toyin, he was 'jumping' buses less than a decade ago. He is now the CEO of Hi-TV which won a tough battle with DSTV for the right to air UK Premier league matches live in Nigeria. Inspiring? Without a doubt! Toyin is the man!

The Woman - TY Bello

TY Bello. Photographer, Makeup Artist, Film Director, Musician (Dont you just love Greenland?), Mother to be?. Nuff Said. TY is the woman!

The Look - Folake Folarin

When Tiffany Amber's Folake Coker decided to create a new more exclusive line, many were not sure what to expect. What she came up with a line of gorgeous dresses with figure flattering cuts in extra luxe jewel-toned fabrics. Fab.

The Mag - SLEEK Magazine

SLEEK magazine has been around for over a year. Not many expected it to survive when it entered the crowded Nigerian magazine market. SLEEK has definitely proved detractors wrong by blossoming to a world class mag. From the stunning MOMO Couture photo spreads to the in depth interviews, this mag is definitely one to read.

The Show - Deal or No Deal NigeriaYes I admit that I find John Fashanu's accent annoying. There I said it! I know its real and all that but I just don't like the way he sounds. That said, with the Deal or No Deal Nigeria models and enthusiastic contestants this imported game show is engaging to watch. I admit that the fun of the show is tinged with quite a bit of schadenfreude as you watch the contestants lose thousands of dollars because they overestimated their lucky streaks. Anyways, this show deserves a place on the hot list.

The Rising Star - ISISSilverbird TV's Entertainment Weekly presenter, ISIS has been heating up the small screen with her show ever since it launched about a year ago. Anyone watching can spot her star quality and she was been commended for her chatty interview style and natural screen presence. Rising star, ISIS deserves a place on our hot list.

The Event - The Future Awards...

2 years after the kickoff ceremony, the Future Awards is still gaining momentum. It has gained more credibility and celebrity support. With the 3rd edition coming up this weekend, the Future Awards 2008 is set to be HOT!
______________________________________________
Bella Naija Hot List I
Bella Naija Best of 2006
Bella Naija Hot List II

That's it.
I'm soooo happy I finally blogged!
Now that's out of the way, have a great weekend....
Let us know what u think
I'll see u next week....unfailingly lol

Kisses
B

THE BELLANAIJA HOT LIST II

Happy Monday!
I said I had something special planned for today so here goes.
It’s the BellaNaija Hot List II
Its my take on the hottest things of the moment – People, Destinations, TV Shows and many more…
Its my opinion so you don’t have to agree but I would love you to enjoy so here goes…

__________________________________________________________ THE LOOK – Yellow & Puff-Sleeves
Without a doubt, Yellow is the colour of the season.
You don’t have to go all out with this and do a matchy yellow outfit.
Throw on a yellow dress or bag or even just a yellow headband, a dash of yellow is enough to make you look uber-fab….
Puff-Sleeves are definitely in! They are flattering to people with various figures. Try a puff-sleeved shirt with a more classic bottom (jeans/pants/skirt) or go all out with a puff-sleeved dress in a bright colour.
Check out Deola Sagoe’s embellished yellow puff-sleeved dress or Kemi’s more avant-garde Lanre da Silva-Ajayi outfit. The yellow bag is by celebrity-favourite, Nigerian handbag designer, Onna Ehrlich.

THE SPOT - 6°n
6°n (sixdegreesnorth) is the spot. With its high concept design, atmosphere and crowd, 6°n is THE Hot Spot.

THE DESTINATION - Cross River State, Nigeria Cross-River State is the ultimate tourist destination in Nigeria. From Obudu Ranch Resort to Tinapa, there is a mélange of possibilities for you to explore. Ask anybody who has been, its totally worth a visit! You will be quite proud of Nigeria.

THE MAG - What's New

What’s New? I’m sure you’ll like to know.
To find out the hottest and freshest places to visit in Lagos, you need to grab a copy of ‘What’s New – The Lagos City Guide’. Photos, articles, reviews and all you could possibly want to know about the current Lagos social scene. I guess the first form of flattery is competition so look out for new city guides such as Time Out Nigeria.

THE BIZ - Nigerian-Owned Makeup Lines

Nigerian-owned Makeup Lines such as Tara Fela Durotoye’s Tara Orekelewa, Toni Payne Makeup, BM Pro by Banke Meshida-Lawal and LISE by Enitan Balogun are doing extremely well. They are a favourite among women who want quality makeup that is especially made with the African woman’s lifestyle in mind. Some of the lines also offer young Nigerian women an opportunity to earn extra income by acting as retailers of the products. Entrepreneurship + Beauty = Definitely HOT.

THE READ - Yellow Yellow

Kaine Agary’s ‘Yellow Yellow’ has built a lot of buzz! From the editor-in-chief of Takaii Magazine comes a surprisingly poignant tale of a lost soul with the Niger-Delta region as a worthy backdrop. Yellow Yellow is definitely worth checking out!
ORIGINAL IMAGE SOURCE

THE PHENOMENON - TV Talent ShowsLast year it was Big Brother Nigeria, this year, its Nokia First Chance, Shine, Star Quest and most famously, Idols West Africa, there are so many current TV Talent Shows yet the viewing audience can’t seem to get enough. TV Talent Shows are the hot phenomenon.

THE CAREER - Styling/Image Consulting
Last year it was Make-up Artistry, this year is the Year of the Stylists.
From former Miss Lux, Ifeoma Njoku Williams to uber stylists - Omoyemi Akerele and Bola Balogun back to Ezinne Ihe Okuneye and Chalya Shagaya, stylists are doing big things. From the photo spreads you see in True Love Magazine to styling the contestants on Idols West Africa and Nokia First Chance to fashion shows. Styling/Image Consulting is a fun and HOT career. Worth exploring? That’s up to you!

THE WOMAN - Osayi Alile Oruene

Through encouraging and teaching young Nigerians about the merits of entrepreneurship and training them for their future entrepreneurial ventures via the FATE Foundation, Osayi Alile Oruene has made an indelible mark on the next generation. She was recognized as one of 250 Young Global Leaders for 2007 from the World Economic Forum.

THE MAN - Matthew Mensah Health PR’s Matthew Mensah along with Femi Amure conceived the idea for the UN CatWalk the World – Fashion For Food Program - See CatWalk the World Accra coverage which has raised immense awareness and thousands of dollars for the World Food Program provides food to the World’s most vulnerable hunger victims. He is currently involved with SAVE OUR CHILDREN - Orphanage Campaign Africa which raises funds and awareness for orphaned children via celebrity endorsement and other innovative campaigns. Previous campaigns include orphanage visits and fundraining in Sierra Leone and Liberia.

__________________________________________________________

That's it Folks! Have an absolutely fabulous week!!!! Pleaaaaaase leave your comments 'cause that's what makes it all worth it! In case you missed the First Edition or the Year End 'Best Of 2006' Review just click. Ciaooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

~HAPPY NEW YEAR~ THE BEST OF...

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!
Wow, its 2007! I can hardly believe it!
I just thank God for sustaining us to experience this day.
I pray everyone has a blessed and fulfilled 2007, every facet of your lives – Health, Family, Finances, Career, Relationships etc will be blessed – AMEN

Anyways, I have to admit that I had one of the most boring holidays that I can ever remember…I will have more on that some other time.
I am sure u guys had (and are still having) mad fun! I have to admit that I’m hating…lol

I think that a great way to kick off the new year us to celebrate the best of 2006.
2006 was a FAB year! It had its trails but a lot more tribulations.
Here are some of the best of 2006…

THE CHANGEMAKERS

A change-maker is someone who effects change. Funmi Iyanda and Ndidi Nwuneli are definitely women who effect change.
Through her TV Show and blog, Funmi has highlighted the plights and struggles of the ordinary Nigerian. From poverty to HIV, no topic is taboo.
Funmi doesn’t just talk the talk, she walks the walk. Through initiatives such as sponsoring orphans, Funmi has shown that she is the changemaker of 2006.
Ndidi Nwuneli has well-known within the business and non-profit communities for some years but over the last couple of months, her Genevieve Mag cover and ThisDay Young Manager of the Year award has thrust her into the mainstream spotlight. Ndidi is passionate about leadership and youth initiatives and effects change through her, LEAP Africa organization.

THE MOVEMENT

The movement of the year is Blogging!
Blogs about religion, blogs about fashion, blogs about you, blogs about me – 2006 saw the explosion of blogging!
I am so proud to be part of this movement. I hope 2007 brings forth more fabulous, interesting, ehm…scandalous blogs. Much Luv to all my fellow bloggers!!!

THE STYLESTAR

If you hadn’t heard the name, Chalya Shagaya on the 1st of Jan 2006, you have surely heard about or seen her picture by now. Over the last 365 days, Chalya has dominated the Nigerian style pages and events with her fab style. She is never afraid to take risks and makes very bold style choices. She’s an event planner/stylist/PR exec and now a stylestar. Fab!

THE DESIGNER

Without a flicker of doubt, the hottest designer of 2006 was Deola Sagoe. From being the 1st designer EVER to be chosen as a UN Goodwill Ambassador to headlining the CatWalk the World – Fashion for Food Shows to showing a full collection at the Cape Town Fashion Week and the ThisDay Fashion Weekends…
This woman has done it all in 2006. All this while maintaining her humility and down-to-earth attitude – Deola Sagoe is definitely THE Nigerian designer of 2006.

THE MOVIES

Nollywood was in the news in 2006. While new stars like Ini Edo and Monalisa Chinda blew up.Veterens like Genevieve Nnaji and Omotola were banned for most of the year.
These factors didn’t stop Jeta Amata, Mildred Okwo and Ego Boyo from creating masterpieces. Amazing Grace and 30 Days have gained critical acclaim and great buzz among movie fans. I hope 2007 will bring even more hot movies and improved material from Nollywood.

THE TV SHOW
Big Brother Nigeria was not just a TV show, it was a PHENONENON!
We were all glued to our TVs and Laptops for those months…
This time last year we hadn’t heard of Katung, Ify, Ebuka and co. but they are now embedded in Nigerian pop-culture history.
I hope there are subsequent seasons of the show. I can’t wait!

THE TREND
Ankara, Ankara and more Ankara.
Skirts, Tops, Dresses, any item you can think of was created using ankara fabric last year.
Peridot and Ruby, Jewel by Lisa, Tae etc…they all made remarkable creations in ankara and the results were fabulous!
Will 2007 see the death of ankara? Let’s wait and see!

THE EVENTS

Nigeria experienced so many amazing events this year. At least these events allowed us to be featured in the international press for something other than a tragedy or negative event.
There were so many events to choose from but these two blew the rest out of the water.
The UN CatWalk the World – Fashion for Food event which featured Deola Sagoe, Oluchi Onweagba-Orlandi, Agbani Darego and many other fab people.
ThisDay Music Festival which featured Beyonce, Jay-Z, Ciara, Missy, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes and many others.

THE MAGS

2006 was the year of the magazine. So many new mags - covering every niche, genre and taste. I am proud off the magazine editors, contributors, photographers etc…
It was hard to narrow down my favs but here goes.
Women/Lifestyle – True Love West Africa – Editor: Bola Atta
Social/Style – ThisDay Style – Editor: Ruth Osime
Fashion – HauTe – Editor: Dammie Amolegbe

THE CAREER

I met so many makeup artists last year and that simply highlights the fact that this career is HOT. From Banke Meshida to Tara Fela-Durotoye to The Chiori Sisters to the thousands of up and coming makeup artists…

2006 was the year of the makeup artist. Banke launched her makeup line, Tara launched her line of brushes and makeup. They also trained hundreds of young women (and men).

Kudos to all the makeup artists out there. I wonder what the hot career of 2007 will be!

That's it folks!

Cheers to a fabulous, fruitful, fun and fulfilled 2007!

Much Luv!!!

~Bella

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!