MIMI MAGAZINE - TOP YOUNG AFRICANS

Hi!!! How was your weekend? Hope u had fun and all went well!
I promised to stay home all weekend but ended up going out for dinner on Saturday....was really good! Then I went shopping on Sunday! Sooo it was a very fun and relaxing weekend...although Man U lost @ home...soooo sad! :( let me not start!
Anyway, what did u get up to? Fill us in!
So its another week....loads of fun stuff coming up on bellanaija so make sure u drop by again!
Don't forget to leave your comments....they are tres important....thanks for all the support and luv....
Anyway, lets kick off the week!

Mimi Magazine is a fab African lifestyle magazine focused on women, fashion and empowerment. It’s always an entertaining read.
They have selected 21 young people whom they feel represent Africa as it is today. Focused, Vibrant, Driven, Stylish, Passionate, Talented, Original and Successful…
Here are some of my favs....
For the complete list, click HERE
2FACE IDIBIA
Nigeria

Musician
Bella Naija Says:

I like 2face because he sang 'African Queen' + as we've heard he is working very hard to increase Nigeria's population :)

LIYA KEBEDE

Ethiopia

Supermodel

Bella Naija Says:

I luv Liya because she has 2 children + she still looks like this!!!

DJIBRIL CISSÉ

Ivory Coast

Footballer

Bella Naija Says:

I luv his hair + his French accent!

JUNE SAPRONG

Ghana

UK TV Personality

Bella Naija Says:

I luv that June is unabashedly confident + her squeaky voice

ALEX OKOSI

Nigeria

MTV Africa VP/GM

Bella Naija Says:

Alex is humble and intelligent + he's repping Nigerian men in a good way

NONI GASA

South Africa

TV Personality

Bella Naija Says:

Noni is FAB! At only 24, she has revolutionized South African perceptions of beauty + She's a Style Icon

GENEVIEVE NNAJI

Nigeria

Actress

Bella Naija Says:

In 2 Words - Driven + Stunning











So what do you think?

Inspiring or 'blah'?

Deserving or overrated?

Let us know....

WEEKEND LUV - THE NEW EDITION

Hello Everyone. How was your week? Hope all went well…
My week has been challenging...
I haven’t been feeling well so its been hard just getting things done and keeping up with things like work etc…Apart from that several other things have really been bugging me…
I do not want to go in-depth with this but jealousy and gossip are really very dangerous…they can more damaging than you think…sometimes we don’t realize the power that words hold…they can destroy friendships, families even lives…I hate being cryptic with my words but I have come to realize that we (me included) need to be more careful with what we say because the impact can be great…
Anyway, movin’ on!
Thank you very much for visiting/promoting/commenting/linking bellanaija, the number of visitors is growing daily and its all thanks to YOU!

New Clicks
Introducing stunning and soulful Nigerian songstress Nayo
@ Mola’s Blog and Yetty Reincarnated....Absolutely beautiful music! Check it out

After 2 years, Genevieve, Omotola and co….finally ’unbanned’ from acting
@ Naijarules forum - HERE

Chimamanda Adichie's stellar new book ‘Half of A Yellow Sun’ is out now
@ Adaure’s blog - HERE

This Day’s Music Festival venues have been revealed -
@ Lagos Live HERE…National Stadium, Onikan Stadium and Ikeja Airways Ground (cringe…say it aint so!)

Are you a 'bougie' black person?
@ beautyinbaltimore – HERE....Put the political incorrectness aside - it's hella funny

New Sites
Cool Digest
Über cool online lifestyle magazine by Editor, Kola O – Check it out
Caramel Lounge
Social networking site as in Hi5/Facebook/MySpace concept by Nigerians…great layout and features!
My Africa Site
Another social networking site with a strong African focus…

*Great to see young Nigerians taking initiative and doing something positive…let’s support them!

New Hits
Jazzman Olofin – Shake Somethin – Audio - Video
This song is CRAZY…Storm Records artiste, Jazzman Olofin has really been bringing the heat! There is a part of the song when he says ‘Omoge tasty, like fried chicken’ LMOA..tht cracks me up sooo much!

Sunny Neji – Without Your Love – Audio
Sunny Neji is on a high after the outstanding success of Oruka…here is a follow-up from his new album…..not bad…check it out

VIP – Besin - Audio
Ghanian supergroup, VIP cemented their popularity in Nigeria last year. They released an album on Kennis Music…this is one of the hot singles from that album…it reminds me of last summer and my dear friend AA…he really made me luv this group…Thanks AA…MUAH (lol…I swagger-jacked ‘MUAH’ from Dammie)

Remember my email address is bellanaija@gmail.com
Have a blessed weekend…CIAO!

MISS NIGERIA WORLD

Don’t forget to vote for Miss Nigeria World, Abiola Bashorun (or whoever is your fave) at this year’s Miss World Ceremony…I spoke about her HERE some weeks ago
HERE is her Miss World Page…
You can vote for her on THIS page
Her voting number is MW 611
You can also view some pictures of her out and about at the Miss World 2006 pageant in Poland…

While we are at it, here are some exclusive pictures of last year’s Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, Omowunmi Akinnifesi who represented Nigeria in last year’s Miss World competition. She did really well but did not win although she won the Miss Tourism International pageant in the Black Sea, Ukraine…
My friends tell me she was in QC two thousand and something set (can’t remember)…
Anyway, I think she is pretty and was a very good representative for Nigeria……

Have a great day....
What do u guys think?

AUNTY BELLA - PAPA DON'T PREACH

Here is another problem for ‘Aunty Bella’ to solve……in case u don’t know what I’m talking about…Aunty Bella is a little agony aunt column we have on bellanaija …anyway u can find out more HERE

Dear Aunty Bella,
My problem is very serious but on impulse I decided to send it to you. Here is my problem – my boyfriend proposed!!!!
Hardly sounds like a problem right? Wrong!
My parents have banned me from marrying him. For what reason? I am Yoruba and he is Igbo.
You see my father used say ‘do not bring any okoro guy home’ but I thought he was joking because he and my mum have many Igbo friends.
I do not want my parents to disown me because we have always been very close but I don’t know what to do!
I love my fiancé, he is the light of my life. I am 27 years old and in London. Please you know how hard it is to find a fine and responsible Nigerian guy in the UK who wants to settle down!
Please help me! Maybe I will find a solution; maybe I will get some laughs (I hardly even smile these days).

Yours Truly, Papa Don’t Preach from London
*letter summarized for length

This is serious o. I didn’t know stuff like this still happened.
Any Advice?

TOSAN JEMIDE - THE CAKE MASTER

Hello!!! So how was your weekend? Mine wasn’t bad…I didn’t get up to too much but seriously…I am becoming so boring these days…anyway, that’s another story! By the way, Happy Birthday to my sweetie, Ak. J whose birthday was yesterday (Sept 11)....MUAH! Luv ya!
Well, I’m trying something a lil’ different this week so here goes…

I just luv and admire people who throw caution to the wind and pursue their passions…It inspires me soo much!
Tosan Jemide is Nigeria’s foremost cakemaker, sugarcrafter and confectioner. His cakes are considered masterpieces not only because they taste good, but they also look SPECTACULAR!
He is married to Dionne who works with him, writes articles for magazines and has a background in guidance counselling.
In addition to his cakemaking business, Tosan owns a restaurant/cafe (Le Saison) and a Training School. He also dedicates generous time and resources to youth charities.
I won’t say too much……take a look at the pictures of his cakes……

thanks to an anonymous commenter on naijagal’s blog for the website hookup!
And click on the pictures below to read a recent interview…

I really admire him. I’m sure when he was younger and told his friends he wanted become a baker…they must have laughed at him…knowing some people, they might have shaken heir heads and said 'it must be ‘spiritual’…lol…u know African elders now…don’t pretend…lol…but look at him now!
What do u think about the cakes?
What’s your passion? Do u think u could ever make a living from it?
Let us know!

Have a blessed week!

WEEKEND LUV - THE FRESH EDITION

Hello Everyone! Hope y’all had a great week…Mine was good…
I hope you guys enjoyed the Nigeria Fashion Week…
Next week is going to be very different…so don’t miss it!
Oh my…I am so exhausted right now!
I have only been working for 2 months and it feels like 2 years…
I LOVE my job but seriously I have to give props to some of our parents who worked ‘9 to 5’ for years…
I dunno if I can hack it seriously…What do u guys think?
Personally, I think entrepreneurial ventures are callin’ my name!!! I want to be the boss…lol…or what do u guys think? Is it too early for me to abandon work for business? If u know me, u’ll know I’m crazy enough to do it…
Anyways……forget my ranting…lets move on to our ‘Weekend Luv - Fresh Edition’…ENJOY!

Fresh Clicks
2Face Latest Baby Mama? Check it out @ naijaryders forum – HERE
This story is really the hot news on the block, even if its true I don’t think the ‘babymama’ should be subjected this drama and scrutiny…

Keep up with the last Survivor Africa - Panama News – HERE

Check out Nigeria’s version of the Apprentice called ‘The Intern’ @ naijagal’s blog – HERE

Aww…check out blogger Nosa O’s prom pics…HERE
Very cute…I remember my prom…’sigh’

Remember to vote for the Nigerian musical stars nominated for this year’s Channel O African Music Video Awards…Nominees include Dare Art-Alade, Lagbaja, D’Banj, 2Face Idibia, Mode 9, Sauce Kid and DJ Jimmy Jatt……Vote now and support our Nigerian talent…HERE

Fresh Blogs
Check out some more Nigerian photoblogs – they are all ‘WOW’ inducing…
Mista Skee’s Photoblog - HERE
Suby’s Photoblog – HERE
Atunbi’s Photoblog - HERE
Morenike’s Photoblog - HERE
Mask’s Photoblog - HERE
In case, u missed it, I listed some last week - HERE

Fresh Hits
Storm All Stars – Eko Ile – Audio - Video
This is the song!!!!! Hot tune…An ode to Lagos featuring many of Nigeria’s fresh new talents - Nkiru, Dare, Jazzman Olofin, Sasha, G.T (The Guitarman) …Storm Records is really bringing the heat!

Raw – Obodo – Audio
This song is really heating up the charts in Nigeria (MTN Top 10)…I dunno…it’s not really my kinda thing but it’s a socially conscious song and I like when the guy speaks ibo…lol

KC Presh – Sio Nkpo (Make A Noise) - Audio
A very funny ode to our Cross River and Akwa Ibom peeps……Most of u might have heard this but if u havent…check it out

Let us know what u think about the 2Face gist, blogs, music, me running away from work after only 2 months…lol.. or whatever pops into ur mind……

That’s it people…Have a blessed weekend…
Thanks for all the comments and emails……
As I said, next week is going to be ‘fresh and passionate’ so come back and check it out!
Kisses…Ciao

BELLA NAIJA - NIGERIA FASHION WEEK - DAY 4

Yay! The Fashion Week is over! A big kiss and thank u for all those who dropped by and left comments. I hope you enjoyed what Nigeria had to offer....I tried to feature a range of Nigerian designers with diverse style philosphies. You may have luved it or you may have been bored.....one thing is for sure, you were able to see that the Nigerian Fashion Industry is growing and becoming an influential creative force du jour.

BELLA NAIJA - NIGERIA FASHION WEEK - DEOLA SAGOE

THE DESIGNER – DEOLA SAGOE

With no formal fashion training, Deola Sagoe has been able to establish herself as Nigeria's most internationally renowned designer. Daughter of Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, Chairman Toyota and Elizade Group Nigeria, she is married to Toyota Nigeria MD, Ayodele Kofi Sagoe (I'm guessing she drives a Toyoya…LOL..I don't know why I am feeling funny today)...Deola apprenticed at her mother's tailoring studio while studying for her Masters degree in Finance at the University of Lagos, Nigeria. Ever since then she has consistently dazzled us with her designs.
Deola has shown collections at the New York Fashion Week, Rome Haute Fashion Week and the Nokia Cape Town Fashion Week. She was the chosen designer for the CatWALK The World - Fashion For Food kickoff event in Lagos and also one of the principal designers for this year's Face of Africa competition.
With a knack for combining unusual fabrics with unique embellishments, Deola delivers showstopping clothing and designs.
Deola Sagoe has definitely solidified her place as an African Fashion Icon.

FUN FACT
The person hugging Deola on the runway (in the last photo) is Nigerian actress/musician, Omotola Jalade. Perhaps she is Deola Sagoe' muse?
On a side note, I can see Health PR, Managing Director - Matthew Mensah in the front row…He conceived the CatWALK The World - Fashion For Food concept which was picked-up by the UN and is now being duplicated all around the World!

I really admire Deola and absolutely love how she combines fabrics and colours.....Whenever I read articles about her the words 'humble' and 'unassuming' are always used to describe her.....that really inspires me because despite all her success she still remains grounded....

What do u guys think of Deola's designs?

*come back later today/tomorrow for our weekly friday entertainment update :)

BELLA NAIJA - NIGERIA FASHION WEEK - DAY 3

Hey everyone, I hope you are enjoying the Fashion Week even though the overall consensus has been that the clothes are great for the runway but 'not so wearable'......I agree but runway is more of a spectacle to bring attention to the designer so I guess that's why....Anyway, I hope you like this collection...ENJOY

BELLA NAIJA - NIGERIA FASHION WEEK - TIFFANY AMBER





THE DESIGNER

Lawyer turned designer, Folake Folarin-Coker nee Akindele, wife of Folarin (Folly) Coker is one of Nigeria's most popular designers. She is well known for her designs created using breezy fabrics in summery colours....From her first show in the late nineties till today; Folake’s designs have exceeded expectations and pushed classic design boundaries. Tiffany Amber is also one of the very few mainstream Nigerian labels with a ready-to wear line…
You can find Tiffany Amber at their various flagship stores including @ the Palms Mall Lekki Lagos and Isaac John Road GRA Ikeja Lagos.
Mona did a very thorough and informative Nigerian Fashion tribute which featured Tiffany Amber. See HERE

FUN FACT
My sister modelled in Tiffany Amber's first ever fashion show...lol....couldnt think of any other fun facts

I admire Folake and think these designs rock! I like the 2 main dresses best!
What do u guys think?