Wednesday, November 28, 2007
FLICKS OF THANDIE AND SEAL
And I would never guess Thandie has two children as she is so petite!
images via I'm Not Obsessed, Daily Mail
Check out this Volkswagen advertisting campaign featuring Seal with his wife, Heidi Klum:
AD spotted at Sandra Rose
Here's a few thoughts that ran across my mind when I caught this picture over at the site of our good friend Sandra Rose: Why is Seal posing like he's Superman?? Anyone wondering why Seal's 'car' is dirty and Heidi is clean like I am??
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BOOK TO KNOW: LETTERS TO MY SISTERS
"Letters to My Sisters: Plain Truths and Straightforward Advice from a Gynecologist" by Dr. Ngozi Osuagwu
Reading is an activity I exercise from time to time as a therapeutic experience. One book I recommend to Feels Good 2 B Home readers is "Letters to My Sisters".
Nigerian and African women, in my opinion, sometimes don't speak about their health-related issues to one another but Dr. Osuagwu's cautionary tale breaks down that wall. "Letters to My Sisters" is similar to that one crucial talk a female would have with their role model or mother. Only 128 pages long, "Letters to My Sisters" is a easy read and has a friendly conversational tone.
Spearheaded by Ben Posah Books (a publishing company lead by Nigerian engineer in New Albany, Ohio), "Letters to My Sisters" is quickly becoming a underground book success as Wendy Williams and MC Lyte are its famous readers.
"Letters To My Sisters" is available via Ben Bosah Books.
For additional information on this book, do visit:
http://www.myspace.com/benbpen
http://www.myspace.com/letterstomysisters
http://www.letterstomysisters.com/
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Tuesday, November 27, 2007
OLUCHI AT VICTORIA'S SECRET SHOW
As a bonus treat, check out Oluchi from last year's show:
Since she married to designer Luca Luca and she's with Victoria's Secret and L'Oreal, what other brand do you want Oluchi to model for?
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Sunday, November 25, 2007
ON THE SET OF THIS AMERICA 2
actress Olivia as the nurse with Sir Citor
Ebbe Bassey, Lady Gold
Lady Gold, Bethels Agomuoh
Oliver Mbamara, Lady Gold
comedian Away Away, musician Emperor Adichie (who produces the music in the film), Pastor Emma Obi, Eric Chifunda
Oliver, Sir Citor, and Bethels co-directed the sequel to the 2005 film, "This America". Big thanks to Golden Studio Inc and African Film Company for the invite.
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INTERVIEW WITH CELESTINA ALADEKOBA
Naija beauty Celestina Aladekoba is an aspiring dancer who I introduced to Feels Good 2 B Home readers back in April. Twenty-three year old Aladekoba has worked with some of the entertainment industry's big-name celebrities like Usher, Prince, 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Brandy, Raven Symone and countless others. At the peak of her success, Aladekoba juggled her college education as a music education bachelor's degree student at University of Southern California with her modeling and pageant gigs. (For the record: Miss Junior America was the only pageant Celestina participated in and her cameo in Beyonce's "Naughty Girl" video didn't make the final cut. These little tidbits is besides the point as Celestina is one to watch within the thriving Nigerian-American entertainment community.)
Her dancing style caught the attention of the music video industry and it wasn't before long 50 Cent nicknamed Celestina, "Matrix" for her back bending dance move. Today Celestina Aladekoba has under her belt a cameo in the popular iPOD + iTunes commericals, Ford Fusion AD campaign, and appearing in the Jennifer Lopez-produced MTV series, "Dancelife". In addition to this, Celestina has appeared on TV shows, "American Dreams" and "That's So Raven". The California-based starlet has danced and acted in Usher's Yeah! video, Prince's "Musiology" and "Black Sweat" videos, Brandy's "Who Is She 2 U" video and Lloyd Banks' "On Fire" video.
In the interview, Celestina reveals a dance workout DVD she'll release with her "Dancelife" cast members, her favorite Prince song, lack of Nigerian support, a few of her favorite things, and the moment she fell in love with dancing. I added images throughout the interview of Celestina's career highlights.
Describe your Prince experience. How was it like working with one of the music industry's influential men?
Working with Prince is awesome. My first time working with him was back in 2003 and I was his lead girl in the "Musicology" video. I was the girl dancing on the box in the red dress. Upon meeting him he said “thank you” for doing the job and I was thinking, “Are you serious?!?! No thank you!!!"...(laughs).
Were you a fan of Prince's prior to working with him? If so, what's your favorite song by him?
I love a number of his songs. [In fact] one of my many favorites is “Kiss.” “Kiss” is one of those songs that will have you whipping your hair and feeling like you’re the “It Girl” in the video. But what do you know- years later I’m labeled the “It Girl” ….wow!
Many fans know you from the Jennifer Lopez-produced MTV show, "DanceLife". How would you describe your dancing style? When did you begin dancing?
I started dancing when I was a little girl in my room. I didn’t start professional training until I was almost 18. I’m a natural performer. My style of dancing incorporates African Dance, Dance Hall, Samba, Hip hop, and of course a hint of that natural femininity that appeals to the audience.
Your signature move is "Matrix Move". Will you say your dance style is more of a combination of your Nollywood or American heritage?
I lived in Nigeria for about 4 years. My cousin and I used to dance to some reggae songs and we would try to see who could “flex” back the farthest. I was also involved in some of the cultural dance performances we had in school (in Nigeria) and there were moves that required you to do some back bending. I think my flexibility in my back and leg strength needed to hold myself up was built during that time, so when I watched the movie “The Matrix” I decided to try the move at a party and hence it all began. I was one of the dancers in Lloyd Banks’ video “On Fire” featuring 50 Cent. The video was directed by Jessy Terrero and 50 Cent. So when I did the move, 50 started calling me matrix. I did a number of live shows with G-unit where I would bust out “The Matrix” and everyone kept calling me ‘matrix.’ Hence, I was nicknamed “Matrix.”
Do you still associate yourself with dancers from "Dancelife"?
Yes, I still hang out with my “DanceLife” buddies. In fact Jersey, Staci and I are coming out with a Dance Workout DVD.
How has life changed for you after your "DanceLife" experience?
First and foremost I give the credit to God Almighty! His favor put me in the position to be casted on the MTV’s "Dancelife". And yes, since "DanceLife" life has changed. Before Dancelife people recognized me every now and then. Now I’m recognized a lot more often. The show has helped in opening up doors in different areas. Professional dancing was my route into the entertainment industry just like J.Lo. I have always had my goals of delving into the other parts of the industry. I am a performer so whether its acting singing, hosting, or dancing. I love to perform and Dancelife has really helped with pushing my career forward. From red carpet events to gifting suites…hey hey now…(laughs).. I must say I get a lot more free stuff now.
According to your biography, you're a college graduate. (For the record, Celestina acquired a BS degree in Music Business and a minor in Philosophy from University of Southern California). How hard is it juggling your career with education? Was there a point where you have to choose between the two?
Juggling school and my career was hard. I remember being on the set of Usher’s video “Yeah” and whenever we had down time I was doing homework. I would have to email my professors my papers when I was on the road. I must say that I had some pretty awesome professors. But please believe I had to have my work in on time just like everyone else. I just had to communicate with them and make sure my assignments were emailed before a certain time. I did forgo jobs and not go to auditions that I had a high chance of booking due to school. If the job required me to be out of town for more than a week and I sometimes didn’t even bother auditioning. My education was important and USC is not cheap…(laughs). I did have one professor give me a ‘C’ in the class because I was absent a lot even though I had A’s on my midterms. A few professors would try to give me a hard time but communication was always key and going to their office hours when you missed class showed commitment.
As a young Nigerian-American woman, do you feel pressure rom your bi-cultural heritage to do well? Do you feel like you have to be a role model?
I personally would not call them pressures because it comes with the territory. When you are in the eye of the public you are in the position to inspire someone. Even people who are not in the eye of the public’s are in such a position because someone is always watching you. In my industry there are a lot more people watching. The one thing that I do realize that comes with my Nigerian background is our lack of support of entertainment careers. I am constantly being told that I inspire a lot of young Nigerian women who want to pursue careers in entertainment. Sometimes it seems that my success, as well as other Nigerian entertainers, are paving the way for upcoming young Nigerians to gain more support. I am not saying that we Nigerians don’t support one another but it seems that our parents tend to steer us towards being doctors, and tend to look down on entertainment careers. I understand that our parents want us to be stable, but we need to remember that stability comes from God regardless of one’s career.
And here are a few of Celestina's favorite things...
Movies: "X-Men"; "The Pursuit of Happiness"
Color: Orange family
Place to Shop: A new spot I like is the “Girlie Store” on Santa Monica and Gardner
Nigerian dish: If I say eba and egusi, I might get major props…(laughs)
Book: The Bible and the children book- "The Seventh Princess" by Nick Sullivan
Fun: I like laser tag
Special thanks to Celestina for the interview! Be sure to keep in touch with this young, aspiring Naija-American star (Celestina Aladeoka) via her official myspace: http://www.myspace.com/celestinalive
Additional Celestina Aladekoba links:
Up Close & Personal with Celestina
Celestina's IMDB profile page
Celestina in Life & Style magazine
Dancelife's Buzznet group page
Be sure to support Celestina in the upcoming film, "Charlie Wilson's War" which stars Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts!
Thoughts on the interview?
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ANGEL LOLA LUV COVERS DECEMBER'S KING
Angel "Lola Luv" is the December cover girl for "King" magazine. In the behind-the-scenes video that Real Talk NY has, Angel discusses her acting and mentoring ambitions. The Ethiopian-Trinidad native will star in the upcoming Wendy Williams film project.
Be sure to visit Real Talk NY for the behind-the-scenes video! Clearly, Angel Lola Luv isn't afraid to flaunt her curves. Thoughts on the cover shot?
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Saturday, November 24, 2007
LIYA KEBEDE WITH HER FAMILY
Liya and her daughter (Raee) at the 'Baby Buggy Bedtime Bash' hosted by Jessica Seinfeld, wife of Jerry Seinfield at New York own The Waterfront on May 22, 2007. (FYI: Liya had her daughter back in August 2005.)
Liya backstage at Michael Kors fashion show with her daughter, Raee. (Liya gave her daughter behind-the-scenes scoop on what the effort it takes into running a fashion show.)
Visit here to see my earlier post of Liya at NYC Fashion Week.
Liya with her fiance businessman husband, Kassy Kebede, who she calls a very secure man.
Liya was voted on the Forbes "Top 15 Supermodels" list. Check out the clip from the show below:
Thanks to Ladybrille and my Feels Good 2 B Home readers for wishing me a good Turkey Day. I am thankful for all the comments and e-mails you all send on a day to day basis. :)
What were you thankful for as you ate your dinner yesterday?
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Wednesday, November 21, 2007
CHIWETEL EJIOFOR IS ONE OF PEOPLE'S SEXIEST MAN ALIVE
Here's the article that I type out for Feels Good 2 B Home readers:
Sexiest Import
CHIWETEL EJIOFOR
AGE: 30
SEE HIM IN: Ridley Scott's "American Gangster"
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The London-born actor has appeared in films such as "Amistad", "Love Actually" and "Children of Men". And though pronouncing his name may be a challenge (it's Chu-wet-el Edg-e-o-for), his sex appeal is easily defined.
1. Confidence "Knowing yourself, taking care of yoursel and liking yourself is sexy. It tkaes work to really feel at peace with yourself, but when you do, you shine more."
2. Quirkness "People used to tell me I have a slight bounce when I walk, which some people used to find comic. I just sort of bounce into the next moment!"
3. Sweetness "I'm totally into chocolate brownies at the moment. It's completely out of control. At some point, it's got to stop. There's going to be some intervention going on."
Congrats to Chiwetel! First Entertainment Weekly is recognizing his hard work and now PEOPLE. It wouldn't be long until Chiwetel gets a magazine cover.
I have to say that I like the fact he broke down the correct pronounction of his name in the interview. If you haven't already seen "American Gangster", do go see the film as it's an excellent drama.
Do you agree with "People" magazine's decision to make Chiwetel their "Sexiest Import"?
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Tuesday, November 20, 2007
BUZZ ON SEAL, OLUCHI, AND IMAN
Our girl Oluchi, earlier this month, attended the 23rd Annual Museum Of The Moving Image Black Tie Salute, which honored actor Tom Cruise. (I'm loving her blue Luca Luca dress. Oluchi's a lucky girl who married a fashion designer...so there's no need for her to go shopping.)
Last month, Oluchi Onweagba caught the Black Eyed Peas concert in Lagos, Nigeria. Backstage, Oluchi pose with Fergie, Will.i.am, and Naija artist Dbanji.
NaijaGal has additional pictures from the event.
Seal and Heidi has eyes for another at the 2007 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Hollywood. FYI: Heidi wore a black Herve Leger mini-dress on the 'pink' carpet. [These two sure know how to use their relationship for publicity reasons but at the same token doesn't come across as media hungry.]
Heidi joined her husband on the glitter runway to perform a duet, "Wedding Day"...
images via celebutopia.net
Any thoughts?
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Wednesday, November 14, 2007
SEAL AND HEIDI AT LAX
Click here to check out Seal and Heidi's "People" magazine shoot. Did you notice how the background music is Seal's new song, "Amazing". Speaking of music, check out this live performance clip of Seal singing "Kiss From A Rose" in Mannheim:
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OLUCHI AT HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME
This is quite rare-- two Oluchi Onweagba posts back to back!?! WOW!
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Tuesday, November 13, 2007
OLUCHI WITH VICTORIA'S SECRET MODELS AT LAX
from left to right: Candice Swanepoel, Michaela Kocianova, Jessica White, Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Marija Vujovic, Adriana Lima, Selita Ebanks, Izabel Goulart, Alessandra Ambrosio, Miranda Kerr, Marissa Miller, Heidi Klum, Oluchi Onweagba, and Noemie Lenoir
The 2007 Victoria's Secret fashion show airs on CBS television network on December 4. Visit here for additional pictures. In the meantime, check out this clip from her Sports Illustrated swimsuit photo shoot:
image source
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Wednesday, November 07, 2007
INTRODUCING ANGEL LOLA LUV
Born in Ethiopia, Angel's modeling career with her management team, Style Entertainment Company took off within 8 months. Be sure to show this upcoming model love over at her myspace page.
Hopefully, Angel might use her modeling career to expand upon lucartive marketing opporunities. With the right vocal coach and career moves, Angel can be the next generation of fellow Ethiopian model, Iman. Reportedly, Angel has fulfilled former video vixen Melyssa Ford's spot.
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OVIE MUGHELLI IN THE CITY
It's always great to see talented Naijas using their celebrity for a good cause. And he makes Feels Good 2 B Home's Naija of the Moment.
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Tuesday, November 06, 2007
IMAN AT 2007 GLAMOUR WOMEN OF THE YEAR HONORS
Thoughts on Iman's Donna Karan dress?
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