Senegal's Akon regularly speaks with his country's President A. Wade

"R&B star Akon is such a huge star in his homeland, he regularly has
telephone conversations with Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade. The singer acts as an ambassador to President Wade on issues relating to young people and after battling initial nerves-he is now able to pick up the phone and talk to the Senegalese leader with ease. He says, “At the beginning, I didn’t know what to say to him. But now I can sit and just go, ‘Yo man, what do you think about this?’ “Right now, we’re rebuilding the schools and the children’s hospitals.
Kids got to be healthy and they got to be smart. Bottom line.” {Panache Report}

Yesterday on 'The Wendy Williams Experience', Wendy said Akon also reportedly makes his millions from his father's diamond trade in South Africa.

Check out Akon with Gwen Stefani--'The Sweet Escape.'

'The Sweet Escape' lyrics. Sing along if you may:

If I could escape I would but, first of all, let me say
I must apologize for acting stank and treating you this way
Cause I’ve been acting like sour milk all on the floor
It’s your fault you didn’t shut the refrigerator
Maybe that’s the reason I’ve been acting so cold?

If I could escape and recreate a place that’s my own world
And I could be your favorite girl (forever) perfectly together
Tell me boy now wouldn’t that be sweet? (sweet escape)
If I could be sweet
I know I’ve been a real bad girl (I’ll try to change)
I didn’t mean for you to get hurt (whatsoever) we can make it better
Tell me boy now wouldn’t that be sweet? (sweet escape)

Akon:
I want to get away to our sweet escape
I want to get away, yeah

You held me down, I’m at my lowest boiling point
Come help me out, I need to get me out of this joint
Come on let’s bounce, counting on you to turn me around
Instead of clowning around, lets look for some common ground
So baby, times get a little crazy, I’ve been gettin’ a little lazy
Waitin’ on you to come save me
I can see that your angry by the way that you treat me
Hopefully you don’t leave me, wanted you with me

If I could escape and recreate a place that’s my own world
And I could be your favorite girl (forever) perfectly together
And tell me boy now wouldn’t that be sweet? (sweet escape)
If I could be sweet (sorry boy)
I know I’ve been a real bad girl (I’ll try to change)
I didn’t mean for you to get hurt (whatsoever) we can make it better
And tell me boy now wouldn’t that be sweet? (sweet escape)

If I could escape
If I could escape
Cause I’ve been acting like sour milk all on the floor
It’s your fault you didn’t shut the refrigerator
Maybe that’s the reason I’ve been acting so cold

If I could escape and recreate a place that’s my own world
And I could be your favorite girl (forever) perfectly together
And tell me boy now wouldn’t that be sweet? (the sweet escape)
If I could be sweet

I know I’ve been a real bad girl (I’ll try to change)
I didn’t mean for you to get hurt (whatsoever) we can make it better
And tell me boy now wouldn’t that be sweet? (the sweet escape)

Akon:
I want to get away to our sweet escape
I want to get away, yeah
[lyrics credit: GwenStefani.com]


Akon will be joining Gwen Stefani on her 'The Sweet Escape 2007' tour.

Thandie Newton Out & About

Thandie Newton
'The Pursuit of Happyness' star Thandie Newton was spotted at a party for the launch of Mulberry for Giles handbags alongside her husband Oliver Parker.

Up next for Thandie is the 2007 film, "Run, Fat Boy, Run." Newton is also in the Eddie Murphy comedy, 'Norbit' which comes out February 9th.

Thandie Newton with her 'Norbit' co-stars Eddie Murphy and Cuba Gooding Jr.

'Norbit' movie trailer


[pic credit: Yahoo!]

Here she is at 'Pursuit of Happyness' premiere with her husband and her co-star Will Smith.

From left to right Trey Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, Thandie Newton, Willow Smith, Trey Smith and Will Smith.

Quick facts about the lovely Thandie Newton:

She's from Zimbia but she was raised in Cornwall, Englad from the age of 11. (Her mother's from the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe and her father's British.)
Her full name is Thandiwe which means, 'beloved.'
She has two daugthers Ripley and Nico.
She credits Nicole Kidman as her close celebrity friend.

[quick facts about Thandie Newton c/o IMDB]
Quick quote from Thandie on her love scene with Tom Cruise in 'Mission Impossible 2':

"It was hysterical. We wanted to make it naughty and fun. When the camera stopped rolling, it was hard to stop laughing."

Feels Good 2 B Home applauds the talented actress Thandie Newton!

Nollywood's own Omotola's record "Gba" leaves her record label BANKRUPT!

Last month word spread that Nollywood actress/singer Omotola's album, "Gba" supposedly got her record label filing for bankrupt.

"That Sound Factory, the recording label that produced Nollywood star actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde’s musical album entitled Gba, has gone under, is no more news. The gist about town now is that the recording label went bankrupt due to the poor sales of the screen diva’s album. City Players gathered that Sound Factory had invested so much on the deal and due to the poor performance of the
album in the market, it could not break even."

{spotted at NaijaRules.com}

Watch Omotola in her singing prime with Rugged Man on her song, "Dance."

Miss Chi Chi and Omotola, October 2006.
I had the opporunity to met Omotola last year during the weekend long Naija indepedence celebration in the city.
Omotola and Feels Good 2 B Home hopes you support her!

Send her some myspace love
http://www.myspace.com/omotolajolade

Carmen Ejogo's recent movie stills

The lovely Naija-British actress Carmen Ejogo.

Carmen is happily married to actor Jeffery Wright.

Here are some recent movie stills of Naija actress Carmen in 2001's "What's The Worst That Could Happen?" co-starring Martin Lawerence.

and in 2000's 'Love's Labour's Lost."
Alicia Silverstone (foreground), Natascha McElhone, Carmen Ejogo and Emily Mortimer in "Love's Labour's Lost."

[pic credit: Yahoo! Movies]


Carmen last appeared in the TV series, "Kidnapped."
Here she is with her "Kidnapped" co-stars Jeremy Sisto, Will Denton, Delroy Lindo, Timothy Hutton, Carmen Ejogo, Dana Delany, Mykelti Williamson.
[pic credit: IMDB]

**click on all images to see bigger!**

Interesting tidbit about Carmen Ejogo via Yahoo!

"Max Beesley. together from c. 1993 to c. 1998; couple
exchanged rings although Beesley claimed not to believe in marriage; no longer
together."

Feels Good 2 B Home applauds Carmen Ejogo's acting skills!

Enjoy urban music reviews with hilarious commentary? Then head on over to my blog roll friend's site, Slyys Urban Music Review. click on teh image to access Slyys Urban Music Review.

Val Sinckler interviews Chiwetel Ejiofor

[pic taken at 2006 Sundance Film Festival for his movie, 'Kinky Boots.']
Val Sinckler talks with actor Chiwetel Ejiofor about his roles in films such as "Kinky Boots", "Dirty Pretty Things" and "Love Actually."

Chiwetel in 'Inside Man' movie still

Ejiofor in 'Four Brothers' movie still

Enjoy funny commentary in a typical Naija style? Then show some love to my new blog roll friend, Naija Vixen. Click on the image to access the sassy blog.

South African actor Presley Chweneyage charged with fraud

Feels Good 2 B Home focus on the good side of Africans/Nigerians in the media but this latest newsbreak is a shocker. South Africa's own Presley Chweneyage supposedly pulled a fast one when trying to switch his FAKE Ivory Coast driver license for a new South African one. Keep reading for the exclusive scoop.

"South African actor PRESLEY CHWENEYAGAE has appeared in court in the capital Pretoria charged with fraud.
The star of Oscar-winning film TSOTSI was arrested last Tuesday (23JAN07) for allegedly attempting to convert a fake Ivory Coast driving licence into a South African one.
The case has been adjourned until 27 February (07) to allow Chweneyagae time to work abroad.
The 22-year-old shot to fame after playing the head of gang of robbers in Johannesburg in Tsotsi, which won Best Foreign Language Film at the 2006 Academy Awards." {Source}

Djimon Hounsou at the 2007 Screen Actors Guild Awards

Djimon Hounsou may have left the SAG Awards empty-handed but he won the best dressed men on the red carpet in my opinion.

Check him out with Jamie Foxx in between commerical breaks.

Earlier today Djimon was in Rome promoting 'Blood Diamond' for its Italian premiere alongside Jennifer Connelly, Leonardo DiCaprio and director Edward Zwick .

Shout out Bella Naija for embracing FG2BH! Be sure to send her blog some love. Check on the image to access Bella Naija...

Keep it lock on FG2BH for exclusive interviews with Naijas in the media---writer Ngozi Osuagwu, M.D. and musician Ka Chi!

UK couple Ben Ofoedu and Vanessa Feltz at 'Arthur and the Invisibles' London Premiere.

Ben Ofoedu with his lady friend Vanessa Feltz at "Arthur and the Invisibles" - London Premiere.

In December 2006, Vanessa Feltz, an English television and radio personality, announced her engagement to Anglo-Nigerian singer Ben Ofoedu, who provided the vocals for Phats & Small's 1999 hit "Turn Around."

Djimon Hounsou--2007 Oscar nominee!

Djimon Hounsou is nominated for an Oscar for best supporting actor.
Actress Salma Hayek, executive producer of 'Ugly Betty' announced the Oscar nominations early this morning at Beverly Hills.
Supporting Actor: Alan Arkin, "Little Miss Sunshine"; Jackie Earle Haley, "Little Children"; Djimon Hounsou, "Blood Diamond"; Eddie Murphy, "Dreamgirls"; Mark Wahlberg, "The Departed."
This is NOT the first time Djimon has been nominated for an Oscar...
He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, for In America, in 2004. That year, with Charlize Theron, a South African actress nominated for her work in Monster, was the first time that two African-born performers were nominated for an Oscar in the same year.' {Wikipedia}
Djimon's Blood Diamond co-star Leonardo DiCarpio was nominated for best actor:
'Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio, "Blood Diamond"; Ryan Gosling, "Half Nelson"; Peter O'Toole, "Venus"; Will Smith, "The Pursuit of Happyness"; Forest Whitaker, "The Last King of Scotland."

Djimon Hounsou and Leonardo DiCarpio in movie stills from their movie, 'Blood Diamond.'
Feels Good 2 B Home congrats Djimon on his recent Oscar nomination!

Introducing singing sensastion Lemar of the UK

Shout out to Slyy of Slyy Urban Music Review for giving Feels Good 2 B Home the scoop about Lemar.

Lemar is NIGERIAN, folks. His parents are of Nigerian descent. His name is Lemar Obika.
His music reminds me of a younger Sam Cooke meets Marvin Gaye. I especially enjoy his single, "Tick, Tock."

Slyy let me know about his mind blowing performance with George Benson for the song, "Give Me The Night." Press play to see what Lemar is working with.

Lemar's Videography

Time to Grow ('Time to Grow' was featured on the same name album back in 2005 and it peak at #9 on the UK singles.)

Dance With Me (This song was released in 2003 and it peak at #2 on the UK singles chart.)

Don't Give it Up ('Don't Give Up' peak at #21 off Lemar's 'Time to Grow' album.)

Someone Should Tell You (Okay I really love this song. His voice reminds me of a raspy Brian McKnight who's one of my favorite R&B singers. 'Someone Should tell You' was released off Lemar's 'The Truth about Love' album and it peak at the #21 position on the UK singles.)

If There's Any Justice

50/50 (This song was released in 2003 off his 'Dedicated' album and it peak at #5)

Quick facts about Lemar

Lemar has won two Brits, three MOBOS and sold 1.5 million albums ('Dedicated' and 'Time To Grow').

His new album features song with Styles P and Joss Stone.

Lemar was born on April 4, 1978 in Tottenham, London, Englad.

His claim to fame was appearing on Fame Academy on BBC Television. His winning renidtions of "Let's Stay Together" by Al Green and singing a duet with Lionel Richie on "Easy" got him noticed back in 2002. Sony signed him to their label imprint, White Rabbit for a five record deal.

Lemar's discography and UK chart numbers

Dedicated (2003) UK #16

Time To Grow (2004) UK #8

The Truth About Love (2006) UK #3

For more info on Lemar, be sure to hit him up on his websites

http://www.myspace.com/lemarmyspace

http://www.myspace.com/lemar

www.sonybmgmusic.co.uk/artist_spotlight/lemar

www.lemar-online.com

Hit up Lemar's Wikipedia page for additonal background info him.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemar

Francis Obikwelu honored in Lisbon, Portugal

Sporting Lisbon honor Francis Obikwelu as their Male Waterford Crystal European Athlete of the Year.

Feels Good 2 B Home wishes Francis congrats!

Happy Birthday Sade!

Yesterday was Sade's 48th birthday. Feels Good 2 B Home celebrates her b'day with the very best of Sade music videos. Simply press play and watch!
Sade was born on January 16, 1959 as Helen Folasade Adu in Ibadan, Nigeria, Africa.

Kiss of Life (live)


No Ordinary Love


Your Love is King


Cherish the Day

Somebody Already Broke My Heart (from her Lovers Rock tour)


By Your Side

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HELEN FOLASADE ADU!!!

Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sophie Okonedo, and Djimon Hounsou at the 64th Annual Golden Globes Awards

Chiwetel Ejiofor at the 64th annual Golden Globes Awards with his female friend. (Feels Good 2 B Home wishes Chiwetel congrats on getting a Golden Globe nomination!)


Actress Sophie Okonedo is nominated for Best Actress in a Television Mini-series or Motion Picture for her role in 'Tsunami, The Aftermath.' (Unfortunately Sophie lost but it wouldn't be too long until she gets both a Golden Globe and an Oscar. The Oscars gave her a best supporting actress nomination for her role in "Hotel Rwanda.")

At your right is Sophie Okonedo at the HBO party following the 64th Annual Golden Globe Awards.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Djimon Hounsou at In Style and Warner Bros. 2007 Golden Globe After Party.

The Church Wedding of Miss Ihenwnna Agomo

Earlier I posted up pictures of Miss Ihenwnna Agomo's traditional wedding now here are complete footage of her church wedding. Enjoy these fun, lively pictures from the Church wedding of Miss Ihenwnna Agomo of Sapele, Nigeria. The bride wore an bias cut white wedding gown. She had her hair in curl bun to the side. The bride's parents Chief Mrs. Fidelia Agomo and Chief Mr. Godwin Agomo were proud to see their baby daughter married a reputable young man. Ihenwnna had moral support and well wishes from her brother Ogechi Agomo and sister Chinyere Egbarin. (all pictures c/o Ogechi Agomo.)

Pictured above: Ihenwnna and her husband making their first walk as husband and wife. Ihenwnna and her husband tearing up the dance floor.

Pictured below: Ihenwnna with her husband, her brother Ogechi and sister Chinyere Egbarin.

Ihenwnna sharing her first kiss with her husband as a married woman.
I'll leave you all with pictures of the bride with her proud parents Chief Mrs. Fidelia Agomo and Chief Mr. Godwin Agomo.

Seen Out & About: actress Megalyn Echikunwoke

Actress Megalyn Echikunwoke at InStyle Luxury Suites at The Four Seasons Beverly Hills.

Quick facts about Miss Megalyn Echikunwoke:

• Megalyn is known for playing Nicole Palmer in the first season of 24 and Isabelle Tyler in The 4400.
• Megalyn's last name is Nigerian and it means "leader of men."
• Megalyn is the daughter of a Nigerian father and a Caucasian American mother.

Introducing new Levi's model Ifeoma

Holly, from the United Kingdom, Marthe, from Norway and Ifeoma, from Nigeria wearing Levi's Capital E Jeans at the 2006-2007 Ford Supermodel of the World Finals kick-off dinner in NYC's Spice Market.

Out & About: Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Sophie Okonedo, and Chiwetel Ejiofor

Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Sophie Okonedo, and Chiwetel Ejiofor at the BAFTA/LA Awards Season Tea Party in Four Season Beverly Hills.

Adewale Akinuoye-Agbaje is known for his roles on TV's "Oz" and "Lost." Get to know Adewale more:

'Akinnuoye-Agbaje's parents are from Nigeria, but moved to London, England, where he was born. He has four sisters and is fluent in several languages, including English, Italian, Yorùbá (the language of his parents' ethnic group), and Swahili. He holds a Master of Laws from Kings College, the University of London, and is a practising Buddhist. The meaning of his name is broken down thus: Ade- the crown, wale- has come home, Akin- warrior, nuoye- of chieftaincy, Agbaje prosperity and wealth.' {source}

Critically-acclaimed actress Sophie Okonedo:

Sophie Okonedo is also nominated for a Golden Globe for a Lead Actress in a Miniseries for her work in Tsunami: The Aftermath. {Get know Sophie Okonedo}

Chiwetel Ejiofor, a BAFTA nominee with his sister.