BUZZ ON THANDIE NEWTON

Thandie Newton has been busy juggling her movie career with her two daughters. From attending the Fendi runway show at the Great Wall of China to celebrating Matthew Williamson “10 Years in Fashion Gala”, Thandie Newton has pull in many frequent flier hours from her London home base but her red carpet look never changed.

[from left to right: In a tiered Marc Jacobs dress at the New York premiere of "Run, Fat Boy, Run". Attending the Established & Sons gallery opening in London.]

[from left to right: Dazzling in a purple asymmetrical frock at Kuro black screen party. Wearing a pair of black Givenchy Open Toe d'Orsay pumps at the Hospital Awards.]

[from left to right: In a tie-dye Matthew Williamson dress at the designer's 10th year in fashion business gala. In a yellow strapless Fendi dress and a pair of black patent leather Christian Louboutin slingbacks at Fendi's Fashion Show in Beijing, China. In a black halter gown and her favorite pair of Givenchy heels at the Fendi dinner prior to the show.]

And in related news...
Thandie Newton alongside daughters (Ripley, 7, Nico, 2 1/2) spent the day at Studio City Farmer’s Market in Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon.

The mother of two has been busy filming the Guy Ritchie-directed film RocknRolla costarring Gerard Butler and Jeremy Piven.

[image source 1, 2]

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SEAL & HEIDI FOR VW

One of Feels Good 2 B Home's favorite couples (Seal and Heidi) pose for a VW photo shoot. As reported on earlier the twosome are the face of the car company here in the U.S.

[image source]

The Victoria's Secret model pose with her Grammy-Award winning husband at Studio 4 in West Hollywood. Reportedly Heidi calls Seal "Schatzi" which is a German term of endearment. When the pair held their first joint interview on "Oprah", they reveal that they have a annual wedding ceremony on their May 10th wedding anniversary. Click here to watch Seal perform his comeback single, "Amazing" on Dancing With The Stars.

Thoughts on the pictures?

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BEYONCE GETS HONOR IN ETHIOPIA

R&B powerhouse Beyonce Knowles is still in Ethiopia. On your left is the songstress at the Ethiopian Orthodox Church where she kicked off her world tour last week Wednesday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

It's unusual for a Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church to appeal for the second coming of a female R & B superstar whose messages have no spiritual content other than promoting the temptations and sins of our time that he condemns in his daily sermons. A short list of Beyonce Knowles' song titles are enough to reveal the fact that her songs contain no trace of gospel messages or praises to the Almighty. Crazy in Love, Naughty Girl, Get Me Bodied, Suga Mama, Beautiful Liar and The Last Great Seduction are a few among the many songs that have made Beyonce so popular around the world. When Beyonce was in Addis Ababa last week for the so-called millennium celebration to entertain the rich in poverty stricken city, she was obviously shocked to get a fan from an unexpected corner. No wonder! The Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, His Holiness Abune Paulos, not only gave her a gift but also requested her to come again to Ethiopia to spread her message. Any devout Christian may consider the story itself a fictitious blasphemy but he did it on the record in front of local and international media.

[from Toya's World]

Afterwards, Beyonce visited a school full of her biggest fans...
Via Corner of Beyonce:

While touring in Ethiopia over the weekend, Beyonce stopped at a local school to meet the kids and pose for photographs. About an hour before Beyonce arrived at the school in Addis Ababa, B's security detail reportedly arrived to check for weapons. Soon after, she rolled up with her team and the kids "fell in love" with Jay-Z's girlfriend. They presented her with flowers and did a special dance for her, while wearing their traditional Ethiopian clothing. They also tried to teach her some dance moves. An hour after she left, Beyonce is said to have called to invite the older kids to her concert, setting aside tickets in the VIP section for them.

Thanks Corner of Beyonce for the photos!

Thoughts?

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SEAL REUNITES WITH FOSTER FAMILY ON OPRAH

Yesterday I tune in to watch Oprah Winfrey discuss power couples Seal and Heidi as well as Kay Milli and Stevie Wonder.

For his birthday present last year, Heidi reunited Seal with his foster family who raised him until the age of four.

"I'm sitting in the studio and all of a sudden I start streaming with tears because I'm looking and I'm going 'Oh my god, there's our son. He's just a little darker'.

"Our son Henry sits exactly like that," said the singer.

"You see a picture like that from 40 years ago and it triggers all these memories. I remember that exact jacket that I was wearing."

On the show, the singer then watched a film the Scoolings had made for him.

"Wherever we went, he was always there," HiIlary said in the film.

"He was just like a brother to us and that was it. He was another addition to our family.

"We never treated him any different to anybody else."

Seal with his foster sister

And in related news, Heidi revealed the moment she fell for Seal:

"I met him in a hotel lobby in New York City and he came in just from the gym and I was sitting there and I was, like, wow," Klum tells Oprah Winfrey on her show's Superstar Couples episode set to air Thursday.

Wow, as in Seal was wearing bicycle shorts.

"And I pretty much saw everything," says Klum. "The whole package."

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IMAN AT KEEP A CHILD ALIVE BENEFIT

The ever stylish Somalian-born supermodel Iman walked down the red carpet at the Keep A Child Alive benefit in New York. Iman pose for cameras alongside her rock star husband David Bowie and R&B songstress Alicia Keys.

[images via celebutopia.net]

The fourth annual black ball concert for the non-profit organization "Keep A Child Alive" helps to raise awareness about the AIDS epidemic in Africa that has taken nearly 25 million.

Iman's clearly is using her celebrity platform for the better good. "Keep A Child" has its headquarters in Brooklyn, New York City.

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BLOC PARTY'S FLUX VIDEO

Check out Block Party's latest video treatment for their single, "Flux":

Block Party is an alternative rock band from the UK with lead singer Kele Okereke, who is Nigerian. Here they are performing "Flux" live at Madison Square Garden this past March:

Be sure to visit Bloc Party's myspace page here.

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THE 4400'S MEGALYN ON HER BEAUTY SECRETS

Nigerian-American actress Megalyn Echikunwoke best known for role in the sci-fi series, "The 4400" appeared in a two-spread for the June/July 2007* issue of "Sophisticate's Black Hair" magazine.

Megalyn recently lit up the red carpet at Rolling Stone Magazine's 'Hot List' party, Declare Yourself 2008 Celebrates 18, and Teen Vogue Young Hollywood Party.

On "The 4440" Megalyn portrays a character that is blessed with special gifts and super-human abilities. Read up on Megalyn's character Isabelle Tyler here.

About a month ago, Megalyn and her "4400" cast members talk about their sci-fi show:

[part 2/ part 3/ part 4/ part 5/ part 6]

Megalyn is the granddaughter of a Nigerian tribal leader and she grew up with her Native-American mother on a Navajo Indian reservation.

*[Yes you read that correctly. I finally got my scanner up and running!]


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SWEET MOTHER

Over the weekend I attend a cultural Nigerian dance in Jersey and I was disappointed that the DJ did not play this song:

So I decided to make this 1970s classic by Prince Nico Mbarga, today's throwback video. Isn't this song traditionally played at every Nigerian occasion?

Here's a handful remakes of this song:

Tilda - Sweet Mother


Skepta - Sweet Mother


African China- Sweet Mama

Nothing however beats the original.

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CHARLEY UCHEA'S CLUB FIGHT

Back in August, I reported on Big Brother 8 starlet Charley Uchea checking into anger management classes after a publicized fight with Celebrity Big Brother star Danielle Lloyd. Apparently Charley got herself involved in another cat fight while leaving London's Embassy Club.

[images via Toya's World and Daily Mail]

As you can tell, a handful of Charley and her opponents' hair extensions flew into the air. Some one's ego was hurt in the end, I suppose. Read up on Charley Uchea's Big Brother antics exclusively here.

And in related news, Charley Uchea appeared on "The Weakest Link" where her intellect was tested:

Thoughts on Charley Uchea's catfight?

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PRINCESS TYRA

Van Vicker and Jackie A. Appiah team up once again in the Ghana film, "Princess Tyra". Here's the gist...
Kay (Van Vicker) falls in love with a maid Maafia (Jackie A. Appiah) from his wife-to-be Princess Tyra's Ilugbo kingdom. Problem arises when Kay impregnates Maafia- which is a taboo. This tidbit is just a tip of many plot twists to come. By the time part 2 comes on, the viewers are introduced to Maafia's childhood story line and how much it effects her relationship with Kay.

What kept me watching was the consistent costume change Princess Tyra had. The girl had on a different skirt and blouse each scene she did.

A few of my favorite outfits worn by Princess Tyra...

One thing I wish the characters had was a little bit of soul. The mother of Princess Tyra acted indifferent when she learned Kay got a maid pregnant. I sort of wish the woman would act with a taste of elegance as this child is her first grandchild. Princess Tyra acts as if things should be her way ALL the time. I crack up when she ordered the store manager to have everyone in his shopping mall out so she can shop in peace with her servants besides her. I have to hand it to Kay for putting up with his wife-to-be's over the top antics. I wish the movie show Princess Tyra doing something other than shopping. Princess Tyra could have done a bit of charitable work or given speeches. The slaps in this movie were all types of saucy! I love them! By the end of "Princess Tyra", you'll know that Kay and Maafia's relationship blossom as a result of that ritual foot cleansing bath.

Alright enough with me ranting and raving over "Princess Tyra", I have to applaud the film makers for their polished editing style. Each scene blended in with the other. Continuity was great especially when they told Maafia's childhood story. The DVD features includes an interactive menu and chapter selection. "Princess Tyra 3" ties up all the loose plot lines from "Princess Tyra" part 1 & 2.


Check out the film's trailer here and here. Just in case the links doesn't work...

Thoughts on Princess Tyra?

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MJB VISITS CAPE TOWN

Beyonce is not the only R&B songstress in Africa over the weekend. The self-proclaimed Queen of Hip-Hop Soul Mary J Blige serenaded thousands of South Africans in Cape Town. MJB performed a medley of her hits like "Family Affair", " Share My World", and "Touch It (Remix)" at the Coca-Cola Dome in Johannesburg. Here's what went down:

"...The songstress treated her fans to old favourites like I'm Going Down, Share My World and You Are Everything, but rendered versions of these classics that had not been heard before. Her two-hour performance included motivational words that she said applied to all aspects of her life. "You can't hold a good woman down and I don't let people's opinions of me get me down," said the star as tears streamed down her face. [CONTINUE READING...]

Here's a clip of MJB performing "Touch It" and "Family Affair" in Capetown:

As you can tell, South Africans sang along with the Grammy Award winning singer and they seem to be enjoying MJB's performance. And here's another clip with a handful of South Africans reacting to MJB being in their country. Click here to see the clip.



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BEYONCE VISITS ETHIOPIA

Just last year, I reported on Beyonce's visit to Nigeria where she sang the National Anthem. This time around the R&B songstress and Golden Globes-nominated actress paid a visit to Ethiopia where she performed as apart of her international tour, "The Beyonce Experience".

Here's the scoop via Corner of Beyonce:

Beyonce was greeted and welcomed by Ethiopia's President Girma Woldegiorgis yesterday at National Palace in Addis Ababa. Beyonce's parents were also got the VIP treatment at Ethiopia's National Palace. President Girma briefed Beyonce about Ethiopia's proud history and culture. Beyonce also visited the historical museum located at National Palace. Beyonce's concert was scheduled for October 20, 2007 at the Millennium Concert Hall.

Which African country would you like to see Beyonce visit next?

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CHECK OUT EBOH AJEROH PHOTOGRAPHY

Feels Good 2 B Home in the past year has introduced to the masses talented Nigerians in America like Madarocka, Ka-Chi, Lady Gold, Adaku Okpi, Ngo Okafor, Ovie Mughelli, Ebbe Bassey, and Folake. Do take a moment to enjoy another exceptional example of this upcoming Nigerian to watch for the forthcoming years to come.

*[images via eboh ajeroh photography]

Nigeria-born Pennsylvania-based Eboh Ajeroh is on the cutting edge of contemporary and modern photography. Ajeroh specializes in weddings, portraits, abstract design, and much more.

Ajeroh's motto is "Steady, Aim, Breathe....press the shutter" which is reflective in the *photo collage of his work. One thing I enjoy from his work is the way he brings out the very essence of his subjects.

Contact Eboh Ajeroh via his official website.

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CHIWETEL IN AMERICAN GANGSTER

2006 Golden Globes-nominated actor Chiwetel Ejiofor is teaming up with "Inside Man" co-star Denzel Washington in the upcoming drama film, "American Gangster".

[images via american gangster.net]

In the November 2nd-release, Chiwetel portrays the character Huey Lucas. Chiwetel's influential co-stars are rapper Common, actress Paula Patton (that's Mrs. Robin Thicke to you), Oscar winner Cuba Gooding, Jr., T.I, and Ruby Dee.

"American Gangster" has been hype as the next coming of Denzel's "Training Day"--the movie that got him the Academy Award for best actor. Hype around this film moved hip-hop mogul Jay-Z to create music based off the storyline.

Check out the trailer:

For additional information on "American Gangster", visit its official site here.

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DURO OLOWU'S SPRING 2007 COLLECTION

Naija/British fashion designer Duro Olowu unveiled his Spring 2007 ready-to-wear collection this past September during London Fashion Week.

[images via STYLE.COM]

A favorite of mine's from Duru's collection is the agua green halter gown. I also like the sandals Duro designed for the models to wear. As evident in his Spring 2008 collection and Fall 2007 pieces*, Duro bridges both of his cultures-Nigerian and British into his couture pieces.

Quick scoop on Duro Olowu:
His father is Nigerian (Yoruba descent) and his mother is Jamaican.
His invitation only couture line is sold here.
Olowu gave up his legal practices to pursue his fashion designing career.
Duro currently resides in the U.K.

Be sure to check out Duro Olowu's Fall 2007-2008 collection over at his official site.

Any thoughts on Duro Olowu's Spring 2008 collection?

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SOPHIE OKONEDO'S LATEST FILM PROJECT

Over the weekend while squeezing in my dose of "Sunday Best" and "I Love New York 2", I caught a glimpse of Oscar-nominated actress Sophie Okonedo's latest film project, "Martian Child".

According to the trailer, the movie opens nationwide on November 2nd. Here's the offiical plot summary via IMDB:

Crushed by the death of his fiancée, a writer (Cusack) adopts a 6-year-old boy in an effort to create a family. The boy, who desperately wants a father, is troubled by the idea that he's from Mars.

Check out some stills from the film's trailer featuring Sophie Okonedo:

Sophie Okonedo with her co-star John Cusack

"Martian Child" based upon the David Gerrold novel.
For additional information on the film, click on the screen shot below:

"Martian Child" official website

Quick trivia on Sophie:
The Cambridge University graduate became the first the first black actress since Angela Bassett in 1994 to receive an NAACP Image Award nomination for the same role in which she was nominated for an Oscar. [source: IMDB] The 2005 NAACP Image Awards acknowledged Sophie for her "Hotel Rwanda" supporting actress role.
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SEAL AT PUMPKIN PATCH

Over the weekend, Naija/British soul crooner Seal alongside wife Heidi Klum and their sons Henry and Johan paid a visit to West Hollywood's Pumpkin Patch.

[images via OMG & STAR TRACKS]

Check out this MadTV parody of Seal and Heidi:

The clip pokes fun at the married couple's careers. From the accent to acting, this is one hilarious scene.

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AWINO ON AFRICAN MEN

Kenyan model Awino pinpoint the difference between African-born men and African-American men in a recent interview with "Smooth" magazine:

image removed as requested!
[image via removed!]*
*Black Jack Scanz has pictures of Awino flaunting her Kenyan assets. Click on the source at your discretion!

They’re both good in different ways. African men know how to take care of household responsibilities. They are providers and family men, but American men are better on the romance side.

Hmmm...in a way Awino is right and wrong. Awino can't categorize ALL African men as 'unromantic', though. I've seen some married African men who show their wives how much they care and love them dearly in simple gestures as getting them a gift. One thing I will agree on her is that African men are 'providers'.

Thoughts on what she said? Disagree or agree?

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A YEAR LATER...

Some wanted me to change the background and I did that. Some wanted me to change the template back to the original one. Unfortunately, I can't do that because of technical difficulties. Truth be told, this new template reflects my year of blogging...sort of ever changing. I've wrestled with this template change (as you all patiently can contest to) until I found 'the one.'

In the midst of my birthday celebration two weeks ago I forget to address the fact that Feels Good 2 B Home is a year old! If you haven't noticed there's a new logo which is a picture taken at Regina Askia's fashion show from last year's Naija independence day parade in New York City. What you're looking at is a cake with the Nigerian flag.

A year later I rubbed elbows with some of you that read the blog and some who I admire for their contribution to Afro/Naija lifestyle. Honestly I did not think blogging would last a year or even at this point. I thought by now I'll throw in the towel but thanks to people like you reading I push on.

Thanks for the all birthday wishes!

Thanks for all the positive and negative feedback which are all appreciated. What I said I'm going to cover on this blog last year is what I hope to maintain for the following year or years to come.
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GET TO KNOW FOLAKE

Introducing a new interactive addition to the blog- Naija of the Moment. If you're interested in being one, do send me a e-mail or a myspace message. Here is the very first installment of this new edition...

[image via myspace]

Folake is someone I met when I attended the Oliver Mbamara-directed film "Slave Warrior" premiere over the summer. The girl is well on her way to the big times. Appearing on "Law & Order: SVU" and winning a notable award at the 2007 ReelHeART International Film Festival in Toronto are just a few highlights of Folake's impressive acting career.

Be sure to show The City College of New York alum love and support via her official myspace page here.

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2FACE IDIBIA RECOVERS

Nigerian soul singer 2Face Idibia is recovering after armed bandits left with the "African Queen" crooner with near fatal 22 pellet (bullet) wounds. Here's what 2Face had to say about the ordeal:

“I thank God. I know it’s not luck. The bullet could have hit me somewhere more dangerous. So I really thank God, and I’m really trying to understand what he’s trying to tell me with this incident.

We didn’t know it was robbers. We even thought it was a car trying to ram into us. It was not until I saw the gun, and heard the shot that I realised what they wanted. So I told my guy, let’s find our way o... these guys mean business. I didn’t even know the bullet hit me. It was while we were running, that my left leg started failing me, that I realised what had happened...[CONTINUE READING...]"

At his side were his publicist Ayeni Adekunle and his manager Joice Ize-Iyamu.

However, the fact 2Face was probably shot over some fickle foolishness is just one those things that make me go hmmm....

Props to Naija Girl and Showbiz News for the pictures!

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CHIMAMANDA'S LITERARY THOUGHTS

Award-winning Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie spoke on the Biafra War during a recent panel discussion. The Nigerian civil war (Biafra) that lasted between 1960 to 1970 was a product of tension between the three ethnic groups in Nigeria- Igbo, Hausa, and Yoruba. Biafra is apart of Nigeria's history so in the interview Chimamanda discusses whether or not it should be forgotten.

Youtube user newdawnvideos also focuses on many hard-hitting topics within the African community.

On a lighter tip, Chimamanda also empathizes on the importance of teaching African culture to the younger generation at a recent Harvard University conference.

There the London based writer talked about how Chinua Achebe's novels particulary "Things Fall Apart" shaped her literary writing.

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INTRODUCING CHASITY NWAGBARA

Recorded at The Old Poolhouse in Old Brookville, New York City, Naija singer and composer Chasity Nwagbara worked with pop music's biggest star Jennifer Lopez on the track, "Stay Together."

"Stay Together" is featured on Jennifer Lopez's current album, "Brave". Chasity also co-wrote "Mile in These Shoes". Incidentally "Mile In These Shoes" was use for promo clips of "Desperate Housewives".

So I found all this out after reading the inside jacket of Brave while waiting on line in Target last night. To my surprise there's no website (re: myspace) featuring this upcoming talent that is Chasity Nwagbara. Working for J.Lo is a BIG DEAL and hopefully it'll open doors for Chasity's songwriting career. Chasity already has a publishing development with BMI called "Miss Chas Publishing".

What are your thoughts on Chasity's vocals and songwriting skills?


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DJIMON TO BE A FATHER?

-Djimon with Kimora, Aoki Lee, Ming Lee, and Alicia Keys at Russell Simmons' 50th b'day bash-

Twice Oscar-nominated actor Djimon Hounsou would be delighted to learn that his long-time girlfriend, Kimora Lee Simmons, wants to have kids with him. Here's the scoop...

Friends of Russell Simmons’ ex-wife say she’s trying to get sperminated by boyfriend Djimon Hounsou. Kimora and the chiseled underwear model spent some quality time away from her two kids with Simmons, Ming Lee and Aoki Lee, last weekend at the opening of the Sandals resort in Antigua. Sources there said Kimora “instructed hotel staff not to talk to her directly and only to address her through her assistants.” A rep for Kimora declined to comment on her uterus but said she was very sweet to hotel staffers. [SOURCE]

Can you imagine how much talent this kid would have?! On a side tip, whoever wrote this tidbit up just had to stress that Djimon's a 'chiseled underwear model' and Kimora's diva antics. Things that make me go hmm.....

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NGO OKAFOR RE-CAP

The other day at the bookstore where I picked up two Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie novels, I stumbled across this:

[images via amazon]

And then I realized I keep putting off posting these covers up until now. If you say "Phat Girlz" is one of your favorite movies, you'll notice that torso belongs to Naija model Ngo Okafor!

This past June, I chatted him via myspace and he confirmed that is him. In fact, check out Ngo's exact words:

Thanks. I did those covers quite a while ago and have not seen them.. Thank you
for letting me know. Thanks to you, my team can now put it up on my website - http://www.getingo.com/. Take care and thanks for supporting me.

So if you're interested in the books in question. Ngo is featured on two Brenda Jackson romance books called "Mr. Satisfication" and "No More Playas."

And for the ladies, check out Ngo working what he's known for:

The video might be a little NSFW though.

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