Photos: FAME via FYB
While reading the October 28th edition of "Metro" newspaper, I stumbled across this one interesting photo. Before I even got to the photo caption, my eyes popped at the man's hairstyle! Now that's a fan/stan!
Yaya Toure, with the word "Obama" shaved into his head, hands out "Obama" t-shirts and pamphlets to residents in the Ivory Coast, Africa. "I know that people from the Ivory Coast don't vote in the U.S., but it's a way for me to explain to them who [Obama] is," Toure said.
source: Metro NY
In my spare time I've been reading Dr. Ben Igwe's latest novel called "Against The Odds." so you already know I had to make this book - FG2BH's Book to Know! Here's the summary straight from publisher African Hertiage Press:
Undaunted by hardship, a determined widow, Uridiya, arranges a wife of her choice for her western-educated only son. Hardly did she know that her son, Jamike, had fallen in love and gone ahead to marry a foreigner against her wish and the expectations of his village and its
people. In a show of love, loyalty and commitment he rejects the arranged wife to the disappointment of his mother and the community. Can his defiance succeed against all odds?
Set in an Igbo village in Eastern Nigeria from the late 1950's to early 1970's and in the United States in the early 1970's, the author adroitly and sympathetically handles the powerlessness of the widow in rural
African societies and the generosity of the human heart in altruistic people who give so that individuals and society may benefit. It addresses with candor and sensitivity the problems of race, human sexuality, cultural disengagement and the role of love in blurring the 'color line.' Against the Odds is an evocative story with spellbound intensity.
I laughed at Jamike wrapping up a long oversized belt around his tiny waist at the age of 12. I smiled at the momentary silence Jamike received when he said he was married already. His poor mother! The story is a great read for all and I highly recommend it to all FG2BH readers!
photo: African Heritage Press
UPDATE: Check out Seal's tribute to Obama called 'A Change Gonna Come.'
Seal has a tribute album named "Soul" coming out on November 11th. Check out the official cover artwork for the album below.
Seal on what to expect on "Soul":
"Someone once said '...the album will sound like the time you had making it'... Never before has it been as true as in the process of recording this record," Seal said. "Although David and I had been acquaintances before, we'd never quite managed to work together. Upon doing so, I was quick to realize that I was in the presence of true greatness. I've worked with a lot of producers before, but never have I come across anyone as naturally gifted and knowledgeable as David. If you are fortunate enough to have that combination, then you find that the album-making process tends to go very swiftly, making this the smoothest and most enjoyable album I have ever made. And if you are exceptionally fortunate, you find yourself also having made a great friend. I cannot thank him enough."
spotted at Star Pulse.
Random Thoughts:
Tuesday was video premiere day for T.I., Rihanna, Mariah Carey and Christina Aguilera.
"Keeps Gettin' Better"
"Live Your Life"
"I Stay In Love"
Which videos did you love or not?
Speaking of music, are you checking for new music from Akon? His upcoming album, "Freedom" drops on December 2nd.
Check out the behind the scenes action taken from Akon's "I'm So Paid" video set...
Nick from World Star Hip-Hop posted up this news clip of the world's oldest woman. The South African lady is -drumrolls please- 134 years old!
A great deal has been made over this photo composite of Iman then and now:
photo: TMZ
I say the woman aged gracefully!
My fashion crush of the moment - Yves Saint Laurent platform tribute pumps! Heidi Klum, Jennifer Lopez, and Ashley Olsen have worn these gray suede pumps in the past.
-sigh!-
Is it a crime to NOT wear a traditional Afro/Naija outfit at a wedding?!
Did you know that Tyler Perry's current girlfriend Gelila Bekele is from Ethiopia? Jamati recently placed her on their top 10 Sexiest African women in 2008 list.
The scans I posted up with Idris Elba, Sophie Okonedo and Oluchi had to be taken down. Sorry for any misunderstandings!
DISCLAIMER: all random thoughts are meant in good humor!
Afro/Naija News Update:
- Get ready for L'Uomo Vogue - the African edition. [The Cut]
- Michelle O's $337 J. Crew outfit at Leno. [Mrs. Grapevine]
- One-of-a-kind Cabbage Patch dolls made for McCain, Palin, Obama, and Biden. [PopEater]
- Top 10 Sexiest African Men in 2008. [Jamati]
- Angel Lola Luv in Ace Hood's "Ride" video. [World Star Hip-Hop]
- Stephanie Okereke's latest film premiere in L.A. [Ladybrille]
- New music from Lemar: "Hello Heartbreaker". [SoulBounce]
- Wale feat. Duffy: "Warwick Avenue (Mikey Mike Remix)" [OkayPlayer]
- Diddy gets his twin girls into the political hoopla. [Urban-Hoopla]