Wednesday, November 28, 2007

FLICKS OF THANDIE AND SEAL

Wearing a blue taffeta Giles Deacon off-the-shoulder dress, Thandie Newton attended the 2007 British Fashion Awards last night. At the event, Thandie pose with Stella McCartney.





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??

[feels good 2 b home]

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/

[feels good 2 b home]

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

OLUCHI AT VICTORIA'S SECRET SHOW

Seal was not the only Naija representing at the Victoria's Secret show-our girl Oluchi Onweagaba showed the world what she got. According to the newsletter (translation: coupons from shopping there too much) I got in the mail today, the Victoria's Secret fashion show airs December 4th on CBS at 8 PM.





images via ONTD! and Celebutopia

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?

[feels good 2 b home]

Sunday, November 25, 2007

ON THE SET OF THIS AMERICA 2

Thanks to United African Artists, I got invited to take behind-the-scenes pictures of "This America 2". The follow-up to 2005 Nigerian-American film project stars Sir Citor, Bethels Agomuoh, Angelina Ada, Ebbe Bassey, Lady Gold, Rena Anakwe, Away Away, and Oliver Mbamara. Shot at Sam's Food Restaurant in New York City last weekend, filming began at 8 AM and ended around 3PM

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.

[feels good 2 b home]

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?

[feels good 2 b home]

ANGEL LOLA LUV COVERS DECEMBER'S KING

ANGEL LOLA LUV COVERS KING MAGAZINE

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?

[feels good 2 b home]

Saturday, November 24, 2007

LIYA KEBEDE WITH HER FAMILY

Yesterday I celebrated Thanksgiving's Day with my family so I decided to post up these pictures of Ethipian model Liya Kebede with HER close-knit family. On this blog, I posted up pictures of Seal and Thandie with their family so I thought it was only fair to post Liya posing hers. Thanks to Getty Images, Style, and Celebutopia for the pictures.

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?



[feels good 2 b home]

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

CHIWETEL EJIOFOR IS ONE OF PEOPLE'S SEXIEST MAN ALIVE

Golden Globes-nominated actor Chiwetel Ejiofor, who you can catch in "American Gangster" is voted as People magazine's "Sexiest Import" on their annual "Sexiest Man Alive" issue.
Chiwetel Ejiofor is Sexiest Import according to PEOPLE

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"
-----
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"?

[feels good 2 b home]

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

BUZZ ON SEAL, OLUCHI, AND IMAN

The always fashion forward model Iman lit up the catwalk in a black tiered Valentino dress at the 7th on Sale dinner gala to benefit the fight against HIV and AIDS. This charitable event was held at the 69th Regiment Armory in New York City.




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.]


Seal and Heidi at the after-party

Heidi joined her husband on the glitter runway to perform a duet, "Wedding Day"...

Seal sang "Amazing" to Heidi initially.

images via celebutopia.net

Any thoughts?

[feels good 2 b home]

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

SEAL AND HEIDI AT LAX

Seal was spotted at LAX recently with his wife, Heidi Klum. The twsome have been busy promoting their projects. Seal has a new album called "System" out while Heidi has Victoria's Secret fashion gig and her "Project Runway" TV show.


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:


[feels good 2 b home]

OLUCHI AT HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME

The Victoria's Secret Angels received the ‘Award of Excellence’ star outside the Kodak Theater to celebrate the brand’s 25th anniversary. Our girl Oluchi was right there.




This is quite rare-- two Oluchi Onweagba posts back to back!?! WOW!

[feels good 2 b home]

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

OLUCHI WITH VICTORIA'S SECRET MODELS AT LAX

The hype surrounding the upcoming Victoria's Secret fashion show is building up. Our girl, Oluchi Onweagba and Seal's wife, Heidi Klum are right in the midst of the hoopla. Oluchi and Heidi pose for cameras at LAX earlier today.Isn't Oluchi's shoes cute?



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
[feels good 2 b home]

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

INTRODUCING ANGEL LOLA LUV

While surfing my favorite blogs I stumbled across this Trinidadian & Ethiopian video vixen, Angel "Lola Luv" Fershgenet, over at Real Talk NY. Only 21, Angel has been featured in a plethora of urban publications and music videos. Below is Angel in 50 Cent's "I Get Money" video:







images via Hip Hop Video Models*
*Site is NSFW!!!


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.

[feels good 2 b home]

OVIE MUGHELLI IN THE CITY

A few months ago, Atlanta Falcons footballer Ovie Mughelli was in New York City promoting his various projects, including his foundation- The Ovie Mughelli Project. In this clip, Mughelli rang the bell at Wall Street.


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.

[feels good 2 b home]

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

IMAN AT 2007 GLAMOUR WOMEN OF THE YEAR HONORS

Somalian model Iman attended the 2007 Glamour Women of the Year Honors event at the Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center in New York City last night. The statuesque businesswoman wore this azure Donna Karan Fall 2007 gown.



Thoughts on Iman's Donna Karan dress?

[feels good 2 b home]