AFWL 2012-4 DAYS TO GO, READY TO THRILL & TITILLATE

Are you in London right now? If you are then, it is the opportunity for you to be a part of the biggest gathering of African designers or Africa inspired designers all gathering in London as we speak. Dates are August 3 and 4, 2012; venue is Spitalfields Market Hall, Brushfields Street, Spitalfields, London, E1 6AA. 

60 Designers and 40 exhibitors would be showcasing the stuffs of which they are made of. Not only that, about a 100 gorgeous models from all over London, some from Nigeria would be the live mannequins at the 2 days show that would be out of this world. It has been tagged one of the biggest gathering of fashionable and very creative people in Europe this season. 

Gtbank, L'Oreal Mizani, Maestro's Media, Tiannah's Styling, One Nigerian Boy, Afri Mobile, New African Woman, Money Gram, FAB Magazine, Catwalk Capture, Complete Fashion Magazine, OHTV, Brand Sierra Leone TV, Factory 78, BEN TV, Nollywood Movies Sky 329, Iman Entertainment and many more are partners and sponsors. Over 500 plus media representatives from all over the world have been accredited to cover the 2 days fashion & lifestyle extravaganza.

VIP Ticket to the show is 50 Pounds and we guarantee it would be worth your while. Come support Africa, the Motherland.

Normal tickets are FREE!!!!

A DRAWING OF THE RUNWAY

WELCOME TO MORNING SIDE SUITE-DR ALEX OTTI'S NEW BUSINESS INITIATIVE

We had reported about the Opening of this gorgeous boutique Hotel a week ago called Morning Side Suites, owned by the Group Managing Director of Diamond Bank Plc, Dr Alex Otti. The new hotel is located at Teslim Alias close, Victoria Island, Lagos. 

Many top socialites and top business executives came for the opening, we have a few pictures of those who came for your viewing delight.  Dr. Robin Sanders,  former US Ambassador to Nigeria,  ever delectable Fifi Ejindu, Uncle Willie & Nkiru Anumudu, Amb. Greg Mbadiwe, ThisDay Style Editor Ruth Osime etc.  Enjoy!

FORMER US AMBASSADOR TO NIGERIA, DR ROBIN SANDERS, DR ALEX OTTI & GUEST

DR ROBIN R. SANDERS-FORMER US AMBASSADOR

AMB. GREG MBADIWE

BOBBY TAYLOR

THISDAY STYLE EDITOR-RUTH OSIME

UNCLE WILLIE & NKIRU ANUMUDU

ROBBERY AT ORIENTAL HOTEL-Yvonne 'Vixen' Ekwerre's TOYOTA CAMRY STOLEN

Imagine you parking your car at a spot and then coming back much later and the car seems to have vaporized into thin air. That was the exact scenario that played early this morning at the Oriental Hotel, along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos.  Yvonne 'vixen' Ekwerre had gone to the hotel to cover 2 events, first party was the YNaija #Hashtag Party and the second event was Florence Ita-Giwa's party (Heard the party was for her daughter's birthday).

Getting to the event venue, the gorgeous Silverbird Television presenter was directed to the other wing of the Oriental Hotel, where people park whenever the space at the main wing is filled up. She went to her different events and made sure to have enough fun, doing what she knows best, at about 1am, it was now time to go home. Alas! The car, a Toyota Camry had disappeared into thin air, thinking whether she might have parked somewhere else, she went in search of the car, until reality hit after a while, that her car had been stolen. Apparently someone who must have had a master key and was probably lurking around at the car park opened the car and just drove away.

From our little findings, though not fully confirmed yet, that about the Fourth car stolen at the Hotel's car park. The curious thing from what we learnt is that the security guys at the hotel do not seem to care, not only that there is supposed to be security cameras monitoring the car park, whether it is functioning or not is another business. A lady whose car was stolen at the same park not long before this new one, was said to have gone to the gutter to check if by chance the car could have fallen in there. 

We heard that all effort to get the hotel management to show Vixen the CCTV footage proved abortive, firstly the Chief Security Officer at that part of the Hotel was Chinese and he couldn't speak English, also some of the security details at the other part said the management of the other part where the car was stolen was not their concern.

So what do we do now? Once you all are going to the Oriental Hotel for any reason. You are parking at your own risk. Chikena!!!!

STYLE WAR-WHO DID THE BLUE BEST?

Alali Hart is the Boss at Montaigne Place. The brilliant lady is a top fashionista any day and anywhere. 

Rochelle Wiseman on the other hand is the newly married singer with The Saturdays. Both wore this blue outfit at different times, to totally unrelated events.

Who do you think did more justice to the blue outfit? Alali or Rochelle?

ALALI HART

ROCHELLE WISEMAN

DUMEBI KACHUKWU VS. LARRY ONUEGBU. FRIENDS AT WAR OVER WEDDING GIFT

Prior to this war, both guys about town were supposedly good friends. Larry is the big dude behind Auto Lounge, at a point that was the biggest and the best Club/lounge for all in Lagos. Larry is not just a club owner he is also an auto dealer, but he doesn't do all kinds, just the wonders-on-wheels like the Maybachs, the Rolls Royce Phantoms and Ghosts, the Bentleys etc, the bigger and more expensive the brands the better. Those are not everyday cars, but he also does the normal ones, at least those ones that readily bring in the money in volume.

Dumebi Kachukwu on the other hand is the very rich dude, who seems to have what some have called the endless pocket, by that they mean the guy is 'madly loaded', some say he his into oil and gas, others just refer to him as a businessman of great means. He his top music star Dbanj’s unrepentant benefactor and has shown his support to the music star in many ways, many times over. 

Both guys, we mean Larry & Dumebi were friends until last week, when a supposed brand spanking new Porsche Cayenne SUV given as a wedding gift to Naeto C & Nicole Chikwe came between them. Why problem over a car gift? You all might be wondering about.

Dumebi is said to have found out after the said SUV had been presented to the couple, that it was not brand new as claimed, also that it was a 2009 model of the SUV, not the 2012 version as supposedly claimed by car dealer. Dumebi's camp claims that the car is second use, that it was first owned by a director at Zenith Bank Plc, and it was from this bank director that Larry bought the car and refurbished and now sold of as brand new and a 2012 edition. Remember it was this car, though now the subject of police investigation that D Banj presented to the newly wedded couple on behalf of Dumebi Kachukwu. 

As always, we not wanting to air just the view of one camp, we sought the view of the other camp over the allegations made. We were able to get to someone very close to Larry and this was what we found out. Dumebi supposedly got the car from Larry to give his former In-laws saying he was going to pay later, apparently both guys have had several dealings before in the past, so there was no problem with taking the car away. Larry's camp is claiming that the car is 2010, that the same SUV was bought last year (2011) at the Porsche Center. The former owner of the car was said to have bought the car brand new, they claim he never used it especially because he didn't like it and he traded in the car. Dumebi is said to have seen the car before it was delivered and he had approved of it. 

Now what is the current situation of things? We hear the car in question is presently packed at a police station somewhere. Does the matter look like it would soon be resolved? We think not. Many egos have been bruised and it’s like its time for each person to claim a pound of flesh. Remember that we posted about how D Banj was sent out of Auto Lounge, Abuja by Larry several weeks ago, apparently that action opened a big wound and this might be the opportunity for pay back.

We are watching the proceedings very carefully and we would be dropping the happenstances as they occur for your reading pleasure. 

LARRY ONUEGBU

DUMEBI KACHUKWU

THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM

Africa Fashion Week London Announces Partnership with Iman Entertainment

LANRE DABIRI AKA ELDEE
London, 27 July 2012 - Africa Fashion Week London are pleased to announce their partnership with Iman Entertainment who will be supporting the two-day fashion extravaganza taking place on 3-4 August, 2012 at London Spitalfields Market.

West Africa’s leading entertainment company, Iman Entertainments comprises four market leaders: Trybe Records record label, distribution, retail, and publishing company Iman One, concert and events company Trybe Productions, and Iman Studios, a world class recording facility. Iman Entertainment prides itself on being able to provide entertainment from concept to consumer.

With Iman’s involvement, AFWL audience will be treated to not only fascinating fashion from all corners of Africa on the runway but also sounds of contemporary African music by Iman’s class acts, Sojay, K9, Aramide, Eva Alordiah and none other than the CEO, Lanre ‘eLDee’ Dabiri. Iman Entertainment artists will also be performing at the Africa Fashion Week after party taking place on Saturday, 4 August at The Gable in Moorgate. 

“AFWL is a unique platform that supports Africa’s creative entertainment assets, in line with Iman Entertainment’s company vision. We are excited about working with AFWL to further strengthen brand Africa globally,” said Lanre Dabiri, the CEO of Iman Entertainment of the partnership.

Ronke Ademiluyi, founder and CEO of Africa Fashion Week London said, “We are delighted to have Iman on board to offer a comprehensive experience of African culture beyond just the fashion aspect of it for our 20,000 strong audience expected over the two days.”

In just a week’s time and at the height of the Olympic summer, London Spitalfields Market will play host to one of the biggest fashion events of the year and Africa Fashion Week London where 60 African and African inspired designers from all corners of the world will showcase and exhibit their finest work to more than 20,000 guests in London’s hip Shoreditch district. With leading names in fashion such as Adebayo Jones and George Adesegun, to name a few, and high profile partners such as Mizani and MoneyGram, over 20,000 expected over the two days, and Her Excellency, Chief Mrs. Bisi Fayemi and philanthropist model as patrons, Africa Fashion Week London is set to be the capital’s premier African fashion event.

JENNIFER LAWRENCE VS KIM K VS J LO- WHO WORE IT BEST?

3 Top celebs wearing the same outfit-a long sleeved double georgette Zip cocktail dress from Tom Ford Autumn/winter 2012 womenswear collection that is so searing hot people can't stop talking about it. 

Jennifer Lawrence is the beautiful actress in the Hunger Games film, she was seen wearing the gorgeous dress in Black in March 23, 2012, at the Paris premiere of the Hunger Games, she paired hers with a gold Tom Ford sandals.  

Next seen wearing it is the 'everly' gorgeous and stunning Kim Kardashian, who wore the dress to the 2012 BET Awards with her beau-Mr Kanye West in tow. She paired the dress with a gold Tom Ford Sandals sans Jewelry. The only jewelry in sight was at the back, the gold colored zipper and the gold sandals.

Next to wear the dress, but in blood stunning red is the bodacious Jennifer Lopez, the former J in a bottle totally rocked the red stunner at the celebration of her 43rd birthday atop a yacht, apart from having on plenty of jewelry-Gold Hoops, Gold Cuff bracelet, she carried a gold clutch and finished off the look wearing a red Christian Louboutin Illusion ankle strap pumps ($795). 

Black, White or Red? Jennifer Lawrence, Kim K or J Lo? Who did the dress more justice?

Who EPITOMIZE HOTNESS?

JENNIFER LAWRENCE, KIM KARDASHIAN & JENNIFER LOPEZ

JENNIFER LAWRENCE

FRONT LOOK

Hmmmmm!!! Gorg!

SPEECHLESS!!!!

UTTERLY WELL-MADE

AGAIN & AGAIN

......CAN'T BELIEVE THIS IS MINE

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN ANKLE STRAP ILLUSION PUMPS-JENNIFER LOPEZ

GOLD TOM FORD SANDALS- JENNIFER LAWRENCE

TOM FORD GOLD EMBELLISHED SANDALS-SPRING 2012 FEATURING A GOLD PIN HEEL-KIM KARDASHIAN

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS TO DAISY DANJUMA & HAJIA ABAH FOLAWIYO

Still on birthday celebrations, 2 of our notable socialites and style icons clocked very significant ages very recently. The younger of the 2, Mrs. Daisy Danjuma was at a time a Senator of the Federal Republic and she represented Edo State at the National Assembly, her well-known Billionaire Husband, was the former Defence Minister in Nigeria. General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma(Rtd), was the Chief of Army Staff during the Muritala Mohammed/Olusegun Obasanjo regime(1975 to 1979), he his the Chairman of South Atlantic Petroleum, he is rated by Forbes as one of the richest African's in the world and also as Nigeria's biggest Philanthropist. 

His very gorgeous and amiable wife, the extraordinarily stylish Daisy Danjuma, who legend says owns some of the best collection of Diamonds in Nigeria would be 60 years old on August 6, 2012, and we hear that the celebration is upcoming in Marbella, Spain, though a much subdued one than expected, having only close knit family members and friends in attendance. The choice of location for the birthday soiree is because it’s like Daisy's home away from home. Many had expected a lively shindig, but that might still come. 

The 2nd person Hajia Abah Folawiyo also needs no introduction, she's the wife another famous billionaire, the Late industrialist and Baba Adinni of Nigeria, Alhaji Chief (Dr.)AbdulWahab Iyanda Folawiyo, who died about 4 years ago. Sisi Abah like many call her was 70 on Sunday, July 22, 2012, Segun Awolowo Junior's mom is one of Nigeria's noted fashion icons, and her fashion brand Labanella Fashion House was the preferred brand amongst the top socialites and celebrities in the 80's & 90's. Instead of the well-loved Abah to throw a big party in celebration of reaching the monumental age (70 years old), she decided to instead reflect rather quietly on God's benevolence, thanking the Almighty God without making too much noise about it. 

We would love to say Happy Birthday to the gorgeous ladies, though a belated one to Sisi Abah .  

DAISY DANJUMA

SISI ABAH

HAPPY 57TH BIRTHDAY IMAN!

She was born Iman Mohammed Abdulmajid in Somali on July 25, 1955. Now a global Icon known only as Iman, married to another Superstar called David Bowie. The Ex-Superduper Model and proud African flag bearer is 57 today wow!!!!. We can say for a fact that she has aged gracefully and wonderfully. She's like a good wine that gets better and better as it ages. She's beautiful and we love her for it. 

The 5ft 10 inches Ex-supermodel is also a noted entrepreneur. Her dad was a diplomat, infect he was the Somali Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, while the mom was a gynecologist. She studied Political Science at the University of Nairobi, Kenya and she is a polyglot being fluent in 5 different languages Arabic, English French, Somali and Italian.  She was discovered while still at the University by a photographer and thereafter moved to the United States of America to start a modeling career. At the peak of her glittering career as a model and later supermodel, she became the muse of many of the prominent designers like Gianni Versace, Calvin Klein, Yves Saint Laurent, Halston, Donna Karan and Issey Miyake.

After a very successful modeling career that spanned a decade and half, she successful transitioned into an entrepreneur starting her own cosmetics company in 1994, her main focus were those difficult-to-find shades for ethnic women. The Iman range has been a hit ever since. 

She was married twice before settling down with her husband of 2 decades, British Rock Star David Bowie. 

Happy beautiful 57^th birthday our Proud African Queen.

'Why I signed Jaysleek to D'Banj Records' - D'Banj opens up.

JAYSLEEK

Lagos| Nigeria July 25 2012  Multi award winning international artiste and  entrepreneur, D'Banj, has officially confirmed the signing of prolific producer Jeremiah Shelika, popularly known as Jaysleek, as a producer at D’Banj Records. 

Jaysleek, in just over five years, has gained considerable popularity for producing great music for artistes such as iconic Nigerian singer 2face Idibia as well other superstars such as Wizkid, Davido,Faze,Sound Sultan,Timaya and many others.

Speaking on the new signing, D’Banj expressed his delight, noting that 'it is a sure sign of great things to come.'

“This has been a long time coming so we are really happy to see Jaysleek join the D'Banj family. It’s exciting to be working with one of the best; Jaysleek is a fantastic producer, hardworking, humble, and immensely creative. I’m so certain that he will carve a niche for himself here at D’Banj Records and inspire us to even greater music,” he concluded.

Jaysleek, also used the opportunity to assure his teeming fans of more incredible beats and fantastic rhythms from the new label. “I’m honoured to be part of such a young, fresh, innovative team; there’s so much energy here, it’s simply incredible. We’re going to keep on making great music for our fans for a very long time to come, you can be sure of that!”

Recently, multiple award winning artist, D’Banj, who is the founder and president of the label, released his new single ‘Oyato’ -the first material to be released under his own label, D’Banj Records.

The song has currently been receiving massive rotation on radio charts across the country and beyond, and is fast becoming a fan favorite.

Dr ALEX OTTI GRP. MD DIAMOND BANK OPENS HOTEL

We were at the very beautiful boutique hotel a few days ago during the opening. Truth be told it's a fantastic looking place that many would love to stay at, apart from the fact that the 38 rooms/suites are very well appointed, there is this cosiness about it that would ultimately be their selling point and wait for it, it is very affordable. We were honored with a tour of the whole place, just 38 suites only and we fell in love with it.


At the elaborate opening on Friday, July 20, 2012,  we saw many of the movers and shakers of the society, mingling, networking, having chit-chats and generally back-slapping. Nkiru Anumudu came with her husband-Uncle Willie, we saw Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe looking as dapper as ever sitted in a corner, we saw the Chairman of Multi-Choice Nigeria Dewunmi Ogunsanya having chi-chat with friends, we saw Anselm Tabansi with a few friends discussing, the owner of the edifice known as Morning Side Suites, in the person of the Group Managing Director of Diamond Bank was up and about, we saw the editor of  ThisDay Style-Ruth Osime looking very gorgeous, we caught a glimpse of the new Creative Director of Miss Nigeria, Elohor Aisien greeting friends, others were Gbenga Sokefun, Uche Nnaji of Ouch! Omena Daniels of Bloke Magazine, Scott Igbene and very many others were in attendance. Apart from the fantastic rooms, we love that very cute pool at the side of the building.


Though the gorgeous Hotel is owned by Dr. Alex Otti, we hear the place is managed by Fahrenheit Hospitality Group, where Anselm Tabansi is the Managing Director. Judging from the little we could see at the opening, the place is sure going to be a big hit, nice place, good staffs and great food, located off Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, it's just down the street next to the Globacom building on Ahmadu Bello. 

DR. ALEX OTTI

FAB RADIO LAUNCHES ON THE BEAT FM!

FAB Media Group, Publishers of the international Fashion and Lifestyle publication, FAB Magazine; the weekly digital, FAB Weekly and fabmagazineonline.com, its online magazine presents FAB Radio!

FAB Radio is the first of its kind radio show with a focus on lifestyle in its entirety.

FAB radio is hosted by celebrated lifestyle entrepreneur, Familusi Akin Babajide better known as Mr. FAB and also features Karen Young on other segments. Mr. FAB is CEO of fashion label, Exclamations Couture; Publisher at FAB Magazine; Principal Image Consultant at The Looks Company and heads The FAB Group. The multi-talented gentleman shows his versatility as host of FAB Radio.

‘We intend to make radio almost as visually enticing as television and give a wholesome lifestyle experience from Fashion Trends to Gadgets; from Music to Health issues. We will also feature on a weekly basis engaging interviews with your favorite celebrity. It is one show you must not miss’ says Mr. FAB.

FAB Radio launches on Beat 99.9FM on Wednesday, 25^th July, 2012 at 7.15pm and is brought to you by Etisalat. The show will continue to run every Wednesday at 7.15pm and will subsequently be syndicated nationwide.

To listen real time online, please go to www.thebeat99.com and click on LISTEN LIVE to access the show anywhere in the world.

MEET CYNTHIA CHISOM UMEZULIKE ONE OF NIGERIA'S TOP MODELS IN THE UK

For those in the fashion industry or anyone who has seen last week’s ‘Come Dine With Me’, UK's Channel 4's highest rated show drawing in an average of 4-5 Million viewers per episode, Cynthia Chisom Umezulike is certainly not a new name, but there is much more to the Nigerian model than just a pretty face.

Scouted at the age of 15 in her native Nigeria, Cynthia got her first break at the Ford Model Awards Nigeria, taking part in the Nigerian Fashion Week and the Nigerian Model Awards. In 2006, she became Miss Tourism Lagos and was selected to represent Nigeria at the Miss Bikini World in Taiwan. In 2010, Cynthia went on to win Miss Commonwealth International Nigeria, a title the model deployed to raise awareness for the Save the Children Foundation, a charity organisation she volunteers for and supports and her own charitable foundation Blessings and Blossoms Foundation, which aims to provide school supplies and textbooks for children in need. As Miss Commonwealth Nigeria, she also represented Nigeria alongside 50 other delegates from around the world at the Miss Commonwealth International.

The above are not the only titles this young woman holds. With Chief Justice of Enugu State and a professor of intellectual property for a father and a professor of women education and consultant on adult education for a mother, Cynthia has followed the footsteps of her academic parents and boasts a Master's degree (LLM) in Human Rights Law from the University of London, Queen Mary and will soon be embarking on a doctorate programme focusing on the International Laws on the Right of a Child.

Brainy and beautiful, since her move to London to pursue her Master’s in favour of a call from the Nigerian bar, Cynthia has managed to balance academics with modelling, often opting for London Fashion Week shows in order not to disrupt her studies. As well as walking at Vauxhall Fashion Scout show, showcasing for Jasper Garvida and celebrity designer Rhiannon Jones Bolshie alongside Nigerian couturiers Adebayo Jones and Yemi Osunkoya of Koshiba, Cynthia has also been featured in numerous international publications including New African Woman, FAB Online, The Sun, The Voice to name a few.

Once an awkwardly thin teenager, now a beautiful and confident young woman, Cynthia has also completed her first book titled Parallel Sapphires – Rules to Inspire which, drawing on her on experience growing up, offers a detailed guidance on how teenagers can build their self esteem, accept their true worth and realise their full potential.

Naming the former United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, one of 20th century's most influential figures, Eleanor Roosevelt, and entrepreneur and fashion icon Victoria Beckham as her inspirations and her dad as her role model, it seems Cynthia is set for higher heights.

With more TV appearances lined up and selected as one of the models for the Africa Fashion Week London 2012 to walk at London Spitalfields on 3-4 August, there is much more to come from Cynthia than ‘Come Dine with Me’.

WHO REPLACES DAVIDO, SHANK AND BLACK MAGIC AT THIS YEAR’S HENNESSY ARTISTRY CLUB TOUR?

Lagos | Nigeria The fun isn’t over as the sixth edition of Hennessy Artistry still has exciting activities in store for Hennessy lovers and music lovers.
After announcing the first of its kind collaboration between the two biggest names in Nigerian hip-hop, organizers of the annual musical project have revealed that fans will be given the opportunity to choose who they will like to see perform on this year’s Hennessy Artistry train.
M.I and Naeto C were announced as this year’s headliners on Friday, July 20, 2012 and as expected, they will collaboration on a major track and shoot a video for this year’s project. They will also visit the home of Hennessy Cognac in France then conclude this year’s edition by performing at different VIP Nights across the country.
Last year, DavidO, Shank, Waconzi, Black Magic and a host of other acts thrilled fun lovers at the Hennessy Artistry 2011 Club Tour. Which up and coming acts will grab the mic when the tour kicks off this year?
Fans can now vote for their preferred artistes on www.facebook.com/hennessynigeria.
This year’s edition of Hennessy Artistry will have a 22-venue Club Tour around Lagos where up and coming acts will thrill fans with back to back hit tracks. The club tour will kick off in August after the release of the Hennessy Artistry 2012 theme track. 
The Hennessy Artistry 2012 project will then come to a close with the VIP Night events which will be headlined by M.I and Naeto C.
This year’s Hennessy Artistry also promises to be an exceptional edition as lucky Hennessy consumers will be treated to a VIP session with the stars courtesy of Hennessy. Details of this competition will be out soon.
Launched globally by Hennessy in 2006, Hennessy Artistry is an innovative music platform that was created to showcase ‘the art of blending’ by celebrating the vibrant multiculturalism of different music genres - contemporary, hip and inspirational sounds from around the world. Hennessy Artistry kicked off in Nigeria in 2007 and has evolved from a cocktail mixing contest to DJ battle then to collaborations among multi-talented artistes. Hennessy Cognac has continued to maintain its position as the world’s leading cognac brand.
M.I and Naeto C now join the likes of Eldee, Banky W, Tiwa Savage, Ice Prince, Nneka, Kas, Sir Shina Peters, Bez and Mo’Cheddah, and other prominent acts, who have taken part in the Hennessy Artistry “Art of Blending” initiative.

NAETO C & MI

DAMMY KRANE

MS. JAIE