QUEENS OF AFRICA

Hey Everyone,
So I decided to do something different today!
The Queens of Africa Project is an initiative by Taofick Okoya.
Taofick who has a young daughter, found that there was a gap in the market...
There were no dolls that were specifically made for the young African child..he set out to change that and the Queens of Africa project was born...
I am sooo in love with this concept....it makes me happy that new generations of Nigerian/African girls will be able to play with dolls that are more reflective of their culture and image.
The project extends beyond dolls making to story books, music and philantrophy.
LUV IT!
Check out pics of the dolls, some pics from the launch event and some other info...
Don't you just luv their little outfits?

WURAOLA


NNEKA


AZEEZAH


LAUNCH EVENT

TRUE LOVE WA FEATURE

The Website & The MySpace Page

I think you can purchase the dolls online using paypal (I suggest you email them first though) - HERE

So what do you think of the project? The dolls? Their outfits? Let us know! Have a fab day...Ciao

IDOLS MONDAY

Hey Everyone,
So how was your weekend?
Hope it went well...
I was going to put up some pics from the ThisDay Awards and Vagina Monologues but I think that most of you have peeped them by now. If you want to check them out, go to www.purefoto.com
It seems as though Monday has become our West African Idol day...
I hope y'all are not sick of the show yet.
Here are the performances from last night.

Ama Ejisu-Akropong
‘Strong Enough’ by Cher - Hmmm...her performance was below average. I just wasnt feeling it but she looked good.

Confidence Rufai
Dido’s ‘Thank You’ - I love Confidence and I love this song but the combo was strange...her deep voice just wasnt a good fit for the song

Mercy John
Sinead O’Connor’s ‘Nothing Compares To You’ - She reminds me of Yolanda Adams...what do y'all think? Anyway, her excessive facial expressions distracted me from her performance...but her voice was strong.

Ernest Darkwa
Lonestar's ‘Amazed’ - I think he had one of the best performances of the night...

Michael Alao
‘Take a Bow’ by Madonna - Where do I start....the dancing? the hair? hmmm

Jodie Odiete
‘Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?’ by Bryan Adams - She did ok. I just didnt like the song choice.

Vote fast because voting ends at 13:00 Central African Time - HERE
UPDATE: Voting is over - Jodie and Mercy are through to the Top 10...I think Ernest should have gone through though!

A lot of people have been asking about Syntyche, below is the official statement from MNet. I guess she had to make a choice of music vs. her education and she chose the latter.
‘Though some, like the much-talked-about Syntyche from Abuja, did marvellously well with their powerful voices, they were not prepared to take on the task of becoming an Idol in its entirety. As some have conjectured, the 18 year old decided her studies are her main priority at this time in her life’

Watch the vids and let us know what you think! Who are your favs so far? Who was the best of the night?
Have a great week...Ciao!

WEEKEND LUV - THE SO AMAZIN' EDITION

Hey Everyone!
Bon Friday! How was your week? I am sooooo sorry about my inconsistent blogging over the last 2 weeks. Don’t worry, all is very well….I will be back with a bang next week!
So what did you guys get up to? I just worked, worked and worked! I think it might be a fun weekend though so that’s good!
Please email me if you have any suggestions for the blog or anything else really! My email address is bellanaija@gmail.com

The Blogs
Abuja Babe’s Blog
I have really been enjoying Abuja Babe’s blog since I discovered it about 2 weeks ago….Tres interesting.

Arin’s Odyssey
I just discovered this blog today! Very interesting…it chronicles her unconventional love story…nice one!

What’s Hot
I have been addicted to Uzo’s Blogger Bachelorette Series since she started. If you havent caught on or need to catch on. Check on it - HERE

Mona's blog has been on fire this week...Good Job Girl - HERE

Happy Birthday Dimples!!! Here is the website she has been promoting - http://jobvacanciesnigeria.com

Everywhere I turn, people are talking about the LV ‘Ghana Must Go’ but if I remember correctly, we talked about it about 6 months ago – HERE…so bellanaija readers are clearly ahead of the curve...lol.. What’s hot right now is the $46,000 bag Louis Vuitton Bag! Darn its ugly…Marc Jacobs must have been high when he thought up that one!


Be sure to check out the new edition of Linda Ikeji’s Mag…Here is a snippet from the new edition featuring MTV Networks Africa VP, Alex Okosi
Also be sure to visit her blog - HERE


Here are some more ‘interesting’ Idol West Africa Auditions that I haven’t put up before…
Watch at your own risk!

Its Murdaaaaaaa
Chiwendu – OMG! Tooooo mad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Essien – The babe really tried to infuse phonetics into her singing…unforts, it didn’t work!
Armstrong – Its murdaaaaaaaaa
Estelle – wow!
Chinwe – I’ve shown this before but it’s just too classic
Adeshina – amazing!!!!!
Collins – aka Smook da Thug….LMAO need I add more? You need to hear this!!! Don’t lie some of u would buy his cd…well at least the pirated copy!
Thesalona – seriously?
David – he really killed them!
Rasta Eric – yes monnnnn
Oghenevwarho – Elvis reincarnated
Adeola – rawwwwwk on
Tribal Singer (Ejiro) – repping for the villagers
George - nightmares
Etete
Francis - WTF
Michael – U have to watch this! Wow..shaking my head~
Ubuja
Chuks

Just Bad!
Henry – lol but actually not tht bad
Iyke – Jackie Chan meets MJ meets Fela mennnnn
Pauline – the sad part is that she really thought her singing was actually good..it wasn’t!
Fuseini – nooooooooooooo
Ifeanyi – He was not bad at all but the ‘moves’ killed it…then he fired at the judges…
Danny – just aiight
Beatrice – She wasn’t bad but tried to overdo things really
John – no no no no no
The Group – they need to shed some members
Shalom – no words!
Holyrock – Pavarotti would be proud
Oluwafemi – I’m traumatized!!
Dayo – naaaaaaaaaa
Imhoagewe – as Dede said ‘tht’s not singin, that’s croaking’
Christopher - lol
Joseph – lolz
Matthias – not tht bad
Solaman
Samual
Olufemi
Emini
Holyrock
Francis
Jacob

The Hits
FaZe – Tattoo Girls
FaZe’s album ‘Independent’ is just tooo hot! Y’all need this album! It’s the hottest Nigerian album that I’ve heard in a long time…This song is another banger..hot!

Tony Tetuila featuring Ruff, Rugged & Raw – Omode Meta (Save Target As)
Tony Tetuila – My Kind of Woman (Save Target As)
Brings back memories!!!!

Random Question of the Week
Someone emailed me this and I think it’s a good question but can't make an Aunty Bella post about it because she didn’t give enough details but here goes anyway -

My boyfriend and I plan on getting married by year end. He wants me to sign a prenup as a condition for us to get married. What do u think of it? What do people think?

Have a great weekend y'all!
Ciao, Bella...

NIGERIA'S MUSICAL DIVAS

Hi Everyone,
I’m so sorry for the lack of blogging.
I am in the midst of some major life decisions… I think I might need some Aunty Bella counselling in my life lol…The situation does not relate to relationships and has nothing to do with getting married lol. I think I’ll talk about it next week and y’all can give me some advice.

So back to what I have been meaning to blog about. The Nigerian music scene experienced a sort of rebirth over the last couple of years. After some quiet years, the new millennium has seen the rise of Nigerian musicians such as Styl Plus, 2Face Idibia, P-Square, Ruggedman, Modenine etc…These artistes have gone on to win international acclaim and commercial success.
What I and many other music fans have noticed is the lack of popular Nigerian female musicians…
Some emerge and fade away quickly…No one has risen to take the crowns of Nigeria's female music royalty such as Onyeka Onwenu, Yinka Davies, Evi-Edna Ogholi and Esse Agesse.
Anyway, here is the new gang of women attempting to take the crown. These are Nigerian female musicians (rappers and singers) all based in Nigeria who are making strides in the Nigerian music scene. I present, Nigeria’s Musical Divas.

Yetunde Antonia Alabi is Sasha. Arguably the most popular female musician of her generation, Sasha has been on the grind for a long time. This University of Lagos Law student emerged as part of ‘Da Trybe’…Eldee’s collective of solo artistes on the old Trybes Records. From the moment she spit her verse on the song ‘Oya’..everyone stood up and noticed…we all wanted to know ‘Who’s That Girl?’…Sasha is now on Nigeria’s hottest label ‘Storm Records’ and is prepping to release her first solo album with the lead track ‘Adara’…Go look for Sasha’s album when its released and hunt down a copy of theTrue Love February 2007 edition which featured Sasha on the cover. Thanks to Dami for the scans!!!!!!!!! You're a sweetheart! MUAH!
Sasha’s MySpace

Bukola Folayan aka B.O.U.Q.U.I is a gospel rap artiste. Despite growing up in an academic environment (her father is a professor), Bouqui has nurtured her love for music and honed her craft and is now ready to take on the world. With some hot tracks, a tight flow and most importantly, a positive message, Bouqui is a true inspiration.
Listen to Bouqui: Not Ashamed
Bouqui’s Myspace
Bouqui’s Website

Ashionye is popularly referred to as Nigeria’s Beyonce. Whether you think the comparison is justified is down to personal taste but one thing is for sure. Ashionye Michelle Ugboh is bold and ready to break down barriers. She is a TV presenter and former Cool-FM DJ; She is on the cover of this month's True Love West Africa, recently released her debut album and has been performing at various concerts.

Watch Ashionye: Party Tonite

Ashionye’s Website
Ashionye’s Myspace

Asa is a different kind of artiste. Her music is organic and melodious. Just her voice and her guitar. Simply stunning! Musical artistes like Asa do not rely on the glitz and the glamour, rather they let their talent speak for itself. Asa is a favourite amongst the expatriate crowd and ‘real’ music lovers in Nigeria. She has appeared on the cover of True Love West Africa magazine is a true Nigerian musical ambassador.

Aralola Olamuyiwa better known as Ara is a star! She has performed all around the world yet not that many Nigerian know her music. No doubt she is popular, the girl with the long braids and the talking drum but why cant we sing any of her songs? I guess that is part of the mystique, Ara is a stage artiste, not a studio performer. She brings great vibrancy and energy to the Nigerian music scene and deserves every accolade. Ara is undoubtedly a true Nigerian diva.

I have spoken about Angelica before but she definitely deserves a mention on this list. The ‘My Naija Guy’ singer has Nigerian showbiz impresario, Kingsley Ogoro backing her and she is not looking back. Her debut album is filled with various hot songs that will surprise you. Angelica is one to watch out for.
Angelica’s Myspace

Weird MC is no doubt one of the most accomplished women on this list…She has been in the game for over a decade with hits such as ‘Allen Avenue’ and her recent banger ‘Ijoya’. She is multi-talented who breaks the rules…As her name dictates, she is not a cookie-cutter musician. Weird MC moved back to Nigeria about 2 years ago after several years in the UK and has been churning out great music since then. She is a pioneer and definitely a great talent.
Weird MC’s Myspace

There are also some other upcoming Nigerian female musician such as Kemistry, Blaise and Nnenna. A collective of Nigerian females musicians namely Amaka, Zeal, Blaise, Sasha Niyola, Ashionye, Kemistry & Amina are releasing a song called 'I'm A Woman' soon… Great to see these ladies working together. See Pic.

There are actresses such as Omotola and Genevieve who have pursued musical careers but the women mentioned on my list are the hottest ones in Nigerian right now.
So let us know…who is your fav? Do you think any of them have a chance of becoming the Onyekas of the new generation? Why are the men doing better than the women on the Nigerian music scene?

Let us know!
Ciao!

IDOLS WA UPDATE

Hey Everyone,
What’s good? How was your weekend? Hope it was good.
So I already planned some huge blog post for today but I just couldn’t find time to put everything together so that will be up tomorrow.
In the meantime, lets check out Idols WA (Group 2) from last nite.
They are currently going through the Round of 24.
The top 2 from each group of 6 go through to the Final 10.
At that point, the judges pick 2 wildcards to join them in the Round of 10.
So far Omawumi and Timi are through to the Top 10.
You can also read some inteteresting articles on Ibitoru (She's been through A LOT + I didnt know she has 2 daughters - ages 14 & 8...Wow, I hope she makes it back) and Lara

Anyways, check out the performances and let us know what to think!
Don’t forget to vote online, via phone or SMS.
For voting details - numbers etc... Click HERE
To vote online - Click HERE

Jarry
View Video - sang 'Foolish Games' by Jewel (luv the song and his rendition was ok but the lyrics were hard to decipher)

Oge
View Video - sang 'Crush' by Jennifer Paige (no, she didnt do the song justice)

Eric
View Video - sang 'Angels' by Robbie Williams (not bad but dude is eye-candy so I'm voting for him)

David
View Video - sang 'Change the World' by Eric Clapton (he actually did well...)

Jerrilyn
View Video - sang 'Don't Wanna Miss A Thing' by Aerosmith (Everyone knows I am rooting for her but the singing was mediocre at best...I expected better from her)

Oluwadolapo
View Video - sang 'I Swear' by All 4 One (I like her, she seems so bubbly and friendly but the singing was .......)

Roundup
View Video

Jarry did well, Oge was just okay, David was alright, Jerrilyn was so-so even though I really like her because of all she has been through. I like Oluwadolapo but her entire performance was off-pitch and off-key. I think they all did well but considering the quality of Group 1, I was very disappointed in this group!
Well, Eric and Jerrilyn were the Top 2 from this group. They now join So far Omawumi and Timi in the Top 10.
Anyways, what do you think?

Have a great week and I'll have something hot tomorrow...
Ciao

WEEKEND LUV - THE SWEET EDITION

Model of the Week: Olushegun Aranmolate

Hey Everyone,
How r u all doing? I’m goooood…Well apart from the fact that I have started sleeping at 7PM…I just don’t get it! Is it old age or what? Anyways, so how was your week? Hope y’all had a great one…I am just getting back in the swing of work :( Nada exciting…
So thanks for the advice you dished out to my friend yesterday 'Ms Crossroads'. I will keep you updated as to what happens. Honestly, we tried our best to give you guys the whole picture, we could have left out some things that would have helped protect her identity but we didn’t because we wanted to get good advice based on the facts so nothing was sugar-coated. On the real, even me, Miss wannabe Oprah Jnr. has learned sooo much from all the Aunty Bella cases…It has really CHANGED my whole perspective on relationships. So a huge THANK U to everyone who has contributed via comments or emails and even prayers!
Anyways, Here is Weekend Luv – The Sweet Edition

The Blog
BimbyLads’ Blog
I loveeeeeeee this blog! It always make me LOL so much!
Nigerian chick in the UK doing her thing.

Mimi Magazine's Blog
Mimi Mag is HOT!!! Its an African Women's Magazine by a collective of African women. Now they have a blog! Uber fab....check it out!

The Jump Off
The Annual Nigerian Reunion is BACK! Its 2007 and u know what that means – Its taking place in H-Town this year. Check out the website - HERE


Icy PR is hosting its first soiree in Minnesota! Its an art exhibition and I have no doubt that it’ll be fabulous! Apart from the art, I think it will be a great opportunity to meet some great intellectual and fabulous art lovers. Check out the site - HERE


What’s Hot
Here are pics from Estella’s Collection at a recent fashion show at the DC Fashion Week.
JD-7 Couture (Data Okorodudu) and AMORE Hats (Edith Osamor) also featured at the event and are pictured below. I love Estella’s work ethic! Wow…she is always striving! Luv your enthusiasm and drive Estella!



Uzo’s Blogger Bachelorette contest is really heating up! - HERE

My favourite online spot, Tru Spot Radio has launched a BellaNaija-themed customized player. How hot is that? Lol…Thanks sooo much to iKe from Tru Spot. If you aren’t hooked to TruSpot, you are missing out on some fanatic mucsic. Check on it HERE

A brand-new Nigerian lifestyle magazine called BHF Magazine will be launched soon. I assure u that you will LUV it! It’s a creative brainchild of Geoffrey and Jennifer Olisa. Absolutely fabulous….I will have more on BHF in the near future. Teaser website - HERE
If you have any ideas for the mag, you can hola @ the BHF team via their website or search facebook for their group.



Nayo is on the cover of this month’s edition of Mimi Mag. Luv it! Hope you have bought the single! Check on it - HERE


The Hits
Modenine – Cry
If you know anything about Nigerian HipHop, you’ll know that Modenine has been around for a lonnnng time! I am glad that he is finally getting the recognition that he deserves. He deservedly won a truckload of awards for this song! Check on it!

Nomoreloss – Let Them Say
I LOVE Nomoreloss, I think he deserves sooo much for props for the type and quality of music that he unleashes! Check out his last hit – Let Them Say!

That’s it folks! Have a great weeeeknd! I am here plotting my extended summer holiday already! Take care.
Ciao.

~Bella