THE GORGEOUS, THE STUNNING & THE STYLISH OMO-T

Vivid colours are still making a strong play in the fashion world, and we are glad our celebrities are towing the line, and rocking the red carpet in eye catching beautiful hues.

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde seems to gravitate towards the “bright blues”. A very smart choice we must say, as blue seems to highlight her beautiful caramel skin tone.

We love the maxi from Movada Boutique on Awolowo Road and also the Form Fitting Structured Midi dress from Alali Boutique. Super Spot on choices for her totally hot bod!!!

And the winner dress goes to??? What do you all think?

MOVADA DRESS

THE ALALI BOUTIQUE DRESS

ADIEU PRESIDENT ATTAH MILLS & VETERAN ACTOR SHERMAN HELMSLEY

LATE PRESIDENT,JOHN ATTAH MILLS

President John Attah Mills of Ghana our African neighbors passed on yesterday at age 68. The Law Professor who was the sitting President of his beloved nation died at a Military Hospital in Accra, Ghana after falling ill. A few hours later without any unnecessary encumbrances his Former Vice-President, John Dramani Mahama was sworn in to replace him as the President of the Gold rich country. His election victory a few years ago secured Ghana's reputation as one of the most mature democracies in West Africa. 

The Late President died only 5 Months to the end of his First term as President of Ghana and 3 days after his birthday, he was said to have been suffering from Throat Cancer. May his gentle soul rest in peace. We specially commiserate with our Ghanaian friends.

LATE SHERMAN HELMSLEY AKA GEORGE JEFFERSON

Also dead is veteran Actor Sherman Helmsley. If you were one of those who grew up in the 70's & 80's you would remember the Short, African-American actor with plenty of Swagga who was known as George Jefferson in the Comedy sitcom-The Jeffersons. The 74 years old actor was said to have died in his El Paso, Texas home of unknown reasons. According to reports he had no wife and kids.

The late Sherman, assumed the role of George Jefferson in 1973 and he played the role for 15 years alongside Isabel Sanford, who was Louise 'weezy' Jefferson in the sitcom.  

May the souls of the dearly departed rest in peace. 

TINTIN LAUNCHES iGROOVE RADIO

TINTIN

In case you are one of those wondering who Tintin is, you will get to know him well by the end of this write-up. Don't worry he is not the famous cartoon character whose name he shares, but he his equally as famous. The tall and handsome dude with the mesmeric voice known by his famous moniker as the Koolness is a 25 years veteran of Radio Broadcasting. If what we hear is anything to go by, we heard he was one of the pioneer crew that started one of the most fantastic stations in Nigeria, Classic FM. 

So what's so new about the dude with the cool voice, mind you, he doesn't just have the cool voice, the guy is equally very dexterous on the wheels of steel, by that we mean he his also a cool deejay by the side and an avowed music buff/producer. What's new about him is that, he has launched his own Radio Station, what's so extraordinary about that, we are sure you are all wondering? There are so many radio stations in Lagos and by extension and many more still up coming.  The fact is that, iGroove Radio, which is the name of the new radio station is the first of its kind in Nigeria. How? It is ONLINE, Yes! An online platform with Play lists, Interviews, Lifestyle Articles, Entertainment news and of course loads of very talented on-air-personality. 

iGroove Radio is Nigeria’s first full online radio station, and aims at projecting quality terrestrial content to the rest of the world and sharing global entertainment with the distinct “naija” flavor.

www.igrooveradio.com can be accessed from anywhere in the world, on any Internet enabled device. It is perfect for Nigerians at home an abroad, anyone interested in Nigerian entertainment, and people who generally want to be able to control their music, choose and interact with their favorite stars and on-air-personalities, and revisit programs at their leisure.

The brain behind this fantastic entertainment platform like we already introduced is Augustine Imevbore aka Tintin, at least you all now know where the Tintin came from. Born in Nigeria, but raised in Italy, so he his ''Italo-Nigerian'', he speaks Italian and French very well and avid traveller, who has traveled the length and breadth of Africa, Asia & Europe. He was educated at the University of Warwick, England. 

With the launch of iGroove, the first online radio station in Nigeria, Tintin has forever revolutionized the way global audience access music with the Nigerian 'Flavour' of delivery. 

SYLVIA NDUKA OPENS HAIR STORE IN SURULERE

Ex-Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2011, Sylvia Nduka is not resting on her oars at all, after dropping the prestigious crown, she has endeavored to continually stay relevant and has now become an employer of labour herself as she recently opened her Hair Store called Sylvia’s Hair Gallery, the Hair mart that carries only Sylvia’s branded hair was opened amidst plenty of fun and razzle-dazzle.  The store is located at Nos. 39, Adeniran Ogunsanya Street, Surulere, Lagos. It's the property that used to house a bank, next to it on one side is the former Murphis Bar and on the other side is a bank.  The store is a one-storey building, the expanse of which the ex-queen is using as her showroom, both floors. 

The Grand-opening of the hair mart was this Sunday, July 22, 2012, and in attendance were many of the Ex-Queen's friends and many of her customers, we saw Miss Abuja-Ifeoma Umeokeke, Miss Kwara-Tomilola Salami,  2nd runner-up Miss Nigeria Nowe Isibor-Alexis and many others.

We have the pictures of the grand opening and we promise to bring them to your viewing pleasure ASAP. 

TIMAYA'S BENTLEY CONTINENTAL ARRIVES NIGERIA

While some are fronting for others or flaunting their wealth, others are quietly doing their things underground and having fun at being very discreet. We forgot to mention since that, the first born son of Bayelsa himself, the Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa, the one and only Plantain boy in the person of Timaya added a new car to his swelling garage very recently. His new car of choice is a Silver Colored Bentley Continental GT. According to our usually very reliable source, the machine or better still wonder-on-wheels arrive the shores of the country a few weeks ago, and like the person gushed, it is a beauty to behold, with an intimidating red interior, Yes you heard right, RED interior. 

You should all understand that the entertainment business is called Show business, so if you can do it then show yourself. That's not all, our snoop claims and swore that it is brand spanking new. We couldn't get across to the well-loved musician, who now carries a new look after cutting off his dreadlocks, because he is right now in Mandela's neck of the woods, Johannesburg, South Africa where he his shooting the videos for 2 of his jams namely Bom BOM & Get Down Low.

According to our little findings, a brand new 2012 Bentley Continental GT, goes for about #40 Million in Nigeria, while a 2010 model of the same machine goes for #33 Million also in Nigeria. Our source insists that the car is not a stunt at all, and that it's not for a video recording at all, but a new acquisition by the car-loving musician who has a few other good machines in his garage. 

HENNESSY ARTISTRY ANNOUNCES M.I AND NAETO C AS 2012 HEADLINERS

NAETO C & MI

The headliners for the 2012 edition of Hennessy Artistry have been announced. Hennessy Cognac revealed last week Friday, July 20, 2012 that rappers M.I and Naeto C have been selected to front this year's Hennessy Artistry project.

Hennessy Artistry is an annual project that promotes the blending of cognac with cocktails, music and entertainment, and facilitates experimental collaborations between Nigerian artists, providing a much-needed platform for them to express themselves.

“Every year, we look back and see how much Hennessy Artistry has evolved”, says Hennessy Marketing Manager, Tokini Peterside. “It's been a fulfilling journey these past five years and we are proud to have worked with so many of Nigeria’s most talented musicians. This year’s project is even more significant because we are facilitating a collaboration between two uniquely gifted artistes who to date, have never worked together as a duo.”

As is characteristic of Hennessy Artistry, M.I and Naeto C will record a track together, shoot a video for the track, and perform for fans at different venues across Nigeria.

“I’m definitely excited to be part of this year’s Hennessy Artistry train,” says Naeto C, a best-selling rapper and hit-maker who with hits like ‘Kini Big Deal’ and ’10 over 10’ has influenced Nigerian street lingo more than anyone in his category. “This is my first time as a headliner on Hennessy Artistry, and it's exciting for me because it is a good platform for artistes and the brand also adds great value.”

A prized act at Chocolate City, M.I is no stranger to Hennessy Artistry. He says his third outing on the project is “pleasantly surprising and humbling”. Critically and commercially acclaimed, M.I has won millions of fans for rap music in Nigeria, taking the genre and culture to heights hitherto unreachable.

This year’s Hennessy Artistry project will be the first time that M.I and Naeto are performing together as a duo, and they have promised to deliver the most exciting Artistry track and music video to date. The highly anticipated combination of both hip-hop artistes on Hennessy Artistry is expected to bring forth remarkable music, while creating never-seen-before experiences for fans across Nigeria.

“It’s an incredible honour to be part of this year’s Hennessy Artistry. This is not my first year on the project, but it makes me feel I must be doing something good career-wise. What do you get when you lock M.I and Naeto C in the studio? No one can predict that, I tell you - and I'm sure you all can't wait to find out. I certainly cannot wait to reveal what we have been working on. Hennessy Artistry this year will be epic,” M.I says.

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, with a cocktail mixing contest among renowned bartenders. In 2008, the project pitched some of Nigeria's best disc jockeys against each other in a DJ Battle. In 2009, Hennessy Artistry organized an urban music contest for up and coming artists, which was won by Ice Prince ‘Oleku’ Zamani, who has since gone on to become a major artiste. Hennessy Artistry then orchestrated in 2010 the comeback of Sir Shina Peters, and grouped him on a multi-genre collaboration effort titled ‘Like a Bottle’ with artistes Bez, Nneka, Ice Prince and M.I. A second collaboration track and music video followed in 2011 titled ‘Toast to the Good Life’, which featured Tiwa Savage, Banky W and Eldee the Don.

The Hennessy Artistry 2012 collaboration between M.I and Naeto C will mark the 6^th edition of the highly-anticipated yearly project by Hennessy Cognac.

Music Meets Runway Is Back! SEASON 2 PLANNED TO BE FAR BETTER

10 Performers, 10 Designers, 1 RUNWAY

All In Lagos

Calling On Designers!!!

Following a successful inaugural edition of MUSIC MEETS RUNWAY IN 2011 at the Expo Centre, Eko Hotel & Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, officially a year after, Le Reve Events spearheaded by Jennifer Olize is pleased to announce the second edition of the hit show this year MUSIC MEETS RUNWAY (MMR).

The event, now in its second year, aims to promote talents in the Music and Fashion industries by fusing performances by some of the most outstanding artists in the Nigerian Music industry and with a runway showcase featuring some of the most creative designs by up-and-coming designers Nigeria has to offer, from Pret-a-Porter to Couture Fashion. This event goes beyond the efforts to support Fashion and Music, it also provides opportunities for philanthropic growth through the Music Meets Runway Foundation, as a percentage of proceeds raised from tables sold at the event will be donated to a chosen charity organizations to encourage young students to follow their dreams as most of their schools are plagued with infrastructural deficit common to the Nigerian educational system.

Jennifer Olize producer of the show states: "I have very high expectations for the show this year. If you enjoyed the show last year, you are guaranteed a better experience this year. With this year's new additions and concept we plan to make the show more trendy, fierce and over the top. From the designers, music artists, models and people in attendance, MMR 2012 will surely create a greater impact this year’.

Application to showcase for this amazing event is NOW OPEN. Interested designers should send in their work to designers@musicmeetsrunway.com or before Friday, August 31, 2012.

Requirements For Designer Participation

1. Lookbook pictures of your most recent collection

2. A comprehensive biography/designer profile

3. One headshot/portrait picture

4. Contact details, which should include: Phone numbers, Email and Website addresses

Note:

Our MMR team will oversee the entire model casting and production of the show.

Check out all the Performances, Runway, Red carpet and video highlights from MMR 2011 on the website: www.musicmeetsrunway.com

For Sponsorship please email: sponsorship@musicmeetsrunway.com

We look forward to you being part of this exciting project.

For all press, media & designer participation enquiries, contact:

Ono Bello

Lead PR Consultant & Project Manager- MMR 2012

PR UNO & OnoBello.com

M: +234 (0) 705 810 8738

Email: press@musicmeetsrunway.com

JENNIFER OLIZE

NO PORSCHE CAYENNE FROM D-BANJ

Contrary to the tales going on about town that D-banj gave out a brand new Porsche Cayenne SUV as a wedding present to fellow musician Naeto C at the weekend. We can tell you for free that the rumors is just like it is, tales by the moonlight. This is not saying that he cannot afford to buy the said car for himself, but we were wondering why he could have been so magnanimous. We hear it was someone very close to him (someone in D-banj’s camp) that gave head to the rumors.

We can tell you for free or better still that the Porsche Cayenne SUV was given to the couple by Dumebi Kachikwu, incase you are wondering what the connection is all about, Dumebi used to be married to Naeto C's immediate elder sister-Somachi and they have 4 kids between them and from the little we know about Dumebi, the guy is very MADE, he is said to have being the one who bought D-Banj his first ever BMW 3 Series, some bird even whispered into our ears that he facilitated the very first oil deal, D-Banj ever got, not only that we also heard, that after the break-up of the Mo'Hit's crew, it was Dumebi who stood by D-Banj and gave him #30 Million Naira to hold body. So D-banj being a superstar and also a close friend of Dumebi who is his backbone, was given the honor to present the car to the gorgeous couple.  

A lot of people had been wondering why D-banj would give a fellow star a  car rated to cost between #15 to 30 Million Naira depending on the model (Cayenne tiptronic S-#15,681,300, Cayenne S-#18,594,000, Cayenne S Hybrid-#19,767,800, Cayenne GTS-#20,808,000 & Cayenne Turbo-#30,429,800, we couldn't get the price for the Cayenne Diesel), just like that. Is the money flowing so much now, its now best spent like a drunken sailor?

VANE STYLE: to launch Show Room

International stylist, Veronica Ebie-Odeka is a familiar face to all in the fashion, entertainment and lifestyle industry. She has established herself as one of Nigeria’s A-list stylists and the go-to person for the creation of signature style, personal shopping, wardrobe consultations, makeovers, fashion and an extended array of styling work.

In 2010, Veronica launched her styling agency “VANE-STYLE” to the African fashion industry. Her styling outfit offers services such as celebrity styling, personal and luxury shopping, styling for fashion shows, wardrobe detox and rebuilding, wedding style consultations, designer brand consultation as well as corporate etiquette and grooming seminars.

VANE-STYLE boasts a strong client list of celebrities and socialites and has also styled major fashions shows, magazine covers and talent shows.

Veronica Ebie-Odeka is set to open the first Designer/Stylist collaboration showroom in Nigeria. The VANE-STYLE SHOWROOM is located on 71, Raymond Njoku Street, Ikoyi, Lagos. She has scoured various local and international sources to offer clients the best designer clothing and accessories.

The VANE-STYLE SHOWROOM will create a perfect platform for clients to receive styling and shopping services from Veronica, ensuring that they look their best at a reasonable price.

The showroom will deliver current trends, high-end fashion and is open to individuals, designers and stylists.

Designers are also given the opportunity to have buyer access to their collections. It also gives an opportunity for their pieces to be used by stylists looking for clothing and accessories to style major editorial shoots, advertorial campaigns and celebrity red carpet events and for editors reporting on the latest trends and featuring articles on up and coming designers.

For more information and enquiries please contact business@vane-style.com

VERONICA EBIE-ODEKA

MEN!!! KIM K ROCKS!!!

Seriously we don't know how others see it. But for us, we think Kim Kardashian rocks. This shape real or pneumatic (some allege the bum was done), but we still think it is the bomb, no matter what.  No wonder Kanye West is hooked. Check it out. 

NICOLE & NAETOCHUKWU CHIKWE'S WHITE WEDDING

This gorgeous couple in the eye of the world, especially the Igbos have been married for a few months now. According to the Igbo tradition once the Igba Nkwu (Traditional Wedding) is done it is as good as anything. But being whom the couple are, many still believed until the Pastor joins together, there’s still that little yet undone. 

So yesterday, July 21, 2012, at the Catholic Church of the Divine Mercy, Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, NaetoChukwu Chikwe better known by all as Naeto C, The only MC with the MSc took as his beloved wife the former Nicole Chukwueke, who was a part time model at a point, to love, to cherish, in richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, for better, for worse, till death do them part. Naeto's beloved mom, is the former Transport Minister who later became the Aviation Minister  Dr. Mrs. Kemafo Nonyerem Chikwe,  the Nigerian Ambassador to Ireland, while Nicole's dad is the Chairman/CEO of Germaine Autos Limited. 

For fear that fans and many uninvited alike, might storm the nuptial ceremony, Naeto had preferred to keep the event on a down low and strictly amongst friends and family members. Even at that we were able to get a few pictures of the ceremony for our readers viewing delight. Check it out. We saw many top Nigerians at the ceremony, some of whom were Former President of the Country Chief Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo, the MD/CEO of Emzor, Stella Okoli, Mr. Wale Babalakin, MD/CEO of Fidelity Bank PLC, Reginald Ihejiani, even Mr. Endowed or is it Oliver Twist or now Oyato D-banj was there and many other guests. We particularly love that Beautiful, Black Rolls-Royce that was the couple's carriage. 

A very big congratulation to the gorgeous couple, loved that light blue suit worn by Naeto. May their love last forever. 

NAETO & NICOLE

THE GROOM'S MEN

CHIEF OLUSEGUN AREMU OBASANJO

AINA GIWA-AMU

D-BANJ

THE ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM

PLENTY MORE PICTURES AFTER THE BREAK FOR YOUR VIEWING DELIGHT.

SILVERBIRD SENDS OFF DAMIETE CHARLES-GRANVILLE TO THE MISS WORLD PAGEANT 2012

DAMIETE-CHARLES-GRANVILLE

The organizers of the most prestigious beauty pageant in Nigeria, The Silverbird Group had a small but fantastic send off party, for the country's representative at this year's Miss World 2012 competition coming up in China. Miss Damiete Charles-Granville, who was the 1st runner-up at the 25th Anniversary edition of the MBGN pageant this year in Benin, Edo State, was chosen to represent Nigeria at the Annual World Competition, because Isabella Agbor Ayuk, had chosen instead to go serve her country (she's chosen to do her National Youth Service now, rather than postpone it). Isabella would instead be representing Nigeria, at the next Miss Universe pageant, coming up at a date not yet confirmed later in the year.

The party's venue was the former Cubes Bar, inside the Silverbird Galleria and on hand to celebrate with the Queen, who had represented Rivers State at the MBGN, were some of the other contestants namely Miss Abuja-Ifeoma Umeokeke, who incidentally clocked 22 years old, on that Tuesday, July 17, 2012, remember she was the contestant everyone was rooting for on the day of the MBGN in Edo State.  Ifeoma is going to be representing the country at the next Miss Tourism competition later in the year.  Also around on that day was Miss Kwara, Tomilayo Salami, who is the Face of Select Pro Cosmetics, there was also Miss Taraba, Grace Onuoha, who had won the Miss Amity Prize at the camp, being the friendliest of the Queens. It was obvious on the day of the party, why she won that particular prize as she had warmth that was very inviting to all. Though, the queen came a bit later than schedule, she didn't disappoint at all, as her entourage included a few friends of hers who were gorgeousness personified.  There was a bit of chit-chat by the organizers introducing the Queen, who later gave a very brief response, telling all about how she's matured and is rearing to go to China, to bring back the coveted crown.

There was much to drink and munch and then those who wanted to dance had the floor to themselves, if the queen and some of the others were to partake in a dance competition, we can attest to the fact that they would win hands-down.  The organizers later surprised the other queen-Ifeoma Umeokeke with a very beautiful birthday cake, which was so tasteful, everyone asked for many helpings. 

Damiette Charles-Granville, 24 years old, Born in 1988, has already left Nigeria for her trip to inner Mongolia, China, for the Miss World pageant 2012, the Grand-finale of this year's competition is set for August 18, 2012. The 5foot, 9 inches former model, is so confident about doing very well at the World Pageant. Many are already praying for her to do the country and the continent proud again, just like Agbani Darego did a few years back. Enjoy our coverage of the send off party. 

The organizers of the most prestigious beauty pageant in Nigeria, The Silverbird Group had a small but fantastic send off party, for the country's representative at this year's Miss World 2012 competition coming up in China. Miss Damiete Charles-Granville, who was the 1st runner-up at the 25th Anniversary edition of the MBGN pageant this year in Benin, Edo State, was chosen to represent Nigeria at the Annual World Competition, because Isabella Agbor Ayuk, had chosen instead to go serve her country (she's chosen to do her National Youth Service now, rather than postpone it). Isabella would instead be representing Nigeria, at the next Miss Universe pageant, coming up at a date not yet confirmed later in the year.

The party's venue was the former Cubes Bar, inside the Silverbird Galleria and on hand to celebrate with the Queen, who had represented Rivers State at the MBGN, were some of the other contestants namely Miss Abuja-Ifeoma Umeokeke, who incidentally clocked 22 years old, on that Tuesday, July 17, 2012, remember she was the contestant everyone was rooting for on the day of the MBGN in Edo State.  Ifeoma is going to be representing the country at the next Miss Tourism competition later in the year.  Also around on that day was Miss Kwara, Tomilayo Salami, who is the Face of Select Pro Cosmetics, there was also Miss Taraba, Grace Onuoha, who had won the Miss Amity Prize at the camp, being the friendliest of the Queens. It was obvious on the day of the party, why she won that particular prize as she had warmth that was very inviting to all. Though, the queen came a bit later than schedule, she didn't disappoint at all, as her entourage included a few friends of hers who were gorgeousness personified.  There was a bit of chit-chat by the organizers introducing the Queen, who later gave a very brief response, telling all about how she's matured and is rearing to go to China, to bring back the coveted crown.

There was much to drink and munch and then those who wanted to dance had the floor to themselves, if the queen and some of the others were to partake in a dance competition, we can attest to the fact that they would win hands-down.  The organizers later surprised the other queen-Ifeoma Umeokeke with a very beautiful birthday cake, which was so tasteful, everyone asked for many helpings. 

Damiette Charles-Granville, 24 years old, Born in 1988, has already left Nigeria for her trip to inner Mongolia, China, for the Miss World pageant 2012, the Grand-finale of this year's competition is set for August 18, 2012. The 5foot, 9 inches former model, is so confident about doing very well at the World Pageant. Many are already praying for her to do the country and the continent proud again, just like Agbani Darego did a few years back. Enjoy our coverage of the send off party. 

IFEOMA WAS MISS ABUJA

TOMILAYO SALAMI-FACE OF SELECT PRO, VIXEN EKWERRE & IFEOMA UMEOKEKE

LOADS MORE HAPPY PICTURES AFTER THE BREAK.  CHECK OUT THE QUEENS DANCING. PLEASE CLICK ON READ MORE