Nas celebrates his new record, Hip-Hop is Dead with his wife Kelis, daughter Destiny and father Olu Dara.

Nas recently celebrated his Def Jam debut record, "Hip-Hop is Dead" in ATL's The Velvet Room and New York City's Capitol on December 17th and December 18th. Pictured above is Nas with his wife, singer Kelis Rogers-Jones.
Usher came through to show Nas some support in ATL.

View more pictures from Nas celebration in ATL [here]
Kelis made sure her man look the part at the celebration in New York City.

Nas with his daughter Destiny and wife Kelis

Nas with his father musican, Olu Dara

View more pictures from Nas celebration in NYC [here]

260 Nigerians killed as a result of a deadly gasoline pipeline expolsion

We at Feels Good 2 B Home loves to highlight on the postive side of Nigeria but every now and then we like to bring us all to reality. 260 Nigerians were killed in an pipeline inferno today in Lagos--the former capital. Can we Naijas stop this madness already? Our thoughts and prayers goes out to the victims's family and friends.

"Lagos, Nigeria - A gasoline pipeline ruptured by thieves exploded into a
blazing inferno Tuesday as scavengers collected the fuel in a poor neighborhood,
killing at least 260 people in the latest oil-industry disaster to strike
Africa's biggest petroleum producer. Braving a towering pillar of fire and a
cloud of acrid black smoke, thousands of people in Lagos' Abule Egba
neighborhood surged around rescue workers carrying away charred bodies, hoping
to catch a glimpse of missing relatives. A woman in a yellow T-shirt sobbed
uncontrollably, slapping herself on the face and clawing her own arms in grief
over the devastation of bodies and gutted cars spread around the pipeline.
A senior official for the Nigerian Red Cross, Ige Oladimeji, said his workers
counted 260 dead by nightfall and took 60 injured people to hospitals. "We are
still counting (dead), but there will not be hundreds more," he said.
Residents said a gang of thieves had been illegally tapping the pipeline for
months, carting away gasoline in tankers for resale.
Tapping is common in Nigeria, where many of the 130 million people live in woeful poverty amid widespread graft that makes a handful wealthy in this major oil exporter. A single pilfered can of gasoline sold on the black market can earn two weeks of wages for a poor Nigerian. But tapping also brings frequent accidents.
Earlier this year, 150 people died in a similar explosion in Lagos, and a 1998
pipeline fire killed 1,500 in southern Nigeria.
Tuesday's blast, the worst in years, came after thieves opened the conduit during the night but left without fully sealing it, prompting hundreds of nearby residents to rush to collect spurting gasoline with cans, buckets and even plastic bags, witnesses
said. It was unclear what ignited the fuel just after dawn.
"There were mothers there, little children," said Emmanuel Unokhua, an engineer who lives nearby. "I was begging them to go back."
Unokhua said people had splashed fuel on him seeking to chase him away and also doused a few police officers who tried unsuccessfully to control the crowd." {Source}

Out & About: Seal and Heidi Klum

People magazine spotted Seal with his wife Heidi Klum enjoying their Christmas holiday in Aspen. "Seal and Heidi Klum, who became parents again when son Johan arrived on Nov. 22, check out the snowy streets of Aspen with their little bundle on Christmas Day." {Source}

Out & About: Felix Nnorom with Ramsey Noah and Regina Askia

Feels Good 2 B Home wishes to you and yours a blessed holiday season! Enjoy a special and exclusive treat from Feels Good 2 B Home to you. You wouldn't see this footage ANYWHERE! Much love to Golden Studios Inc.

During the 46th Nigerian Indepedence celebration weekend Feels Good 2 B Home spotted Nollywood actors Felix Nnorom ("This America"), former Miss Nigeria Regina Askia, and Ramsey Noah ("Consequences") out and about.
Felix Nnorom, the photo muscle behind AfricanEvents.com and CEO of his own video/photo agency Golden Studios Inc., with famous Naija actor Ramsey Noah.

For more information on Ramsey Noah, click [here]

Felix also known as Sir Citor with Regina Askia at the parade.

For more information on Regina Askia, click [here]
[pic credit: Golden Studios Inc.]

Vintage Sade: "The Sweetest Taboo"

Vintage Sade: "The Sweetest Taboo"

Press play to enjoy this vintage Sade video throwback.

"The Sweeetest Taboo" was released in 1985 and it peak at #5 on the U.S. charts. The song was featured on Sade's record, "Promise."
"Promise" was released on December 21, 1985. As of today, "Promise" is 21 years old.

"The Sweetest Taboo" lyrics written by Helen Folasade Adu:

If I tell you/If I tell you now/Will you keep on/Will you keep on loving me/If I tell you/If I tell you how I feel/Will you keep bringing out the best in me/You give me, you give me the sweetest taboo/You give me, you're giving me the sweetest taboo/Too good for me/There's a quiet stormand it never felt like this before/There's a quiet storm/that is you/There's a quiet stormand it never felt this hot before/Giving me something that's taboo/(Sometimes I think you're just too good for me)/You give me the sweetest taboo/That's why I feel love in with you (with you)/You give me the sweetest taboo/too good for me/(Sometimes I think you're just too good for me)/I'd do anything for you, I'd stand out in the rain/Anything you want me to do, don't let it slip away/There's a quiet stormand it never felt like this before/There's a quiet stormI think it's you/There's a quiet stormand i never felt this hot before/Giving me something that's taboo/You give me the (you give me, you give me the) sweetest taboo/That's why i'm in love with you (with you)/You give me, keep giving me the sweetest taboo/Too good for me/You've got the biggest heart/Sometimes i think you're just too good for me/Every day is christmas, and every night is new year's eve/Will you keep on loving me/Will you keep on, will you keep on/Bringing out the best in me

Heidi Klum Sans Makeup And Hubby Seal In Aspen

Heidi Klum, with what looks like no makeup on, toted one of her tykes through Aspen while hubby Seal carried her daughter through the snow as the family vacationed for the holidays. [Source]

"America's Next Top Model" alum Nnenna at Sagittarian Affair

ANTM Cycle 6 alums Danielle and Nnenna

America's Next Top Model winner Danielle Evans hit up the Sagittarian Affair with Nnenna.

{spotted @ Concrete Loop}

Chiwetel Ejiofor and Sophie Okonedo scores Golden Globes nominations

Nigeran actors Chiwetel Ejiofor and Sophie Okonedo scores Golden Globes nominations for their movie roles in "Kinky Boots" and "Tsunami, The Aftermath" respectively. Tune in to NBC live on January 17 for the winner. Keep it locked on Feels Good 2 B Home for the latest on Chiwetel and Sophie!
~~

"Actor Chiwetel Ejiofor poses for photographers during a film premiere in New York in this March 20, 2006 file photo. Ejiofor has been nominated for best actor in a motion picture comedy or musical in the 64th annual Golden Globe Awards announced December 14, 2006 for his role in 'Kinky Boots'. The Golden Globes will be presented January 15, 2007." {source}
I hope the Golden Globes recognized Sophie this time around. They snub her for her role in "Hotel Rwanda."

"Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Gillian Anderson, "Bleak House"; Annette Bening, "Mrs. Harris"; Helen Mirren, "Elizabeth I"; Helen Mirren, "Prime Suspect: The Final Act"; Sophie Okonedo, "Tsunami, The Aftermath" {Source}
MY PREDICTION: Sophie Okonedo! This lady should get this. Golden Globes robbed her blind from "Hotel Rwanda" hopefully they'll honor this time around.

Seal shows off his baby boy Johan

Seal & Heidi Klum & son Johan

"Heidi Klum and hubby Seal take a laid-back approach with their newborn son Johan Riley Fyodor Taiwo Samuel (born on Nov. 22), who joins brother Henry, 1, and sister Leni, 2, during a recent family outing in Los Angeles. "It's never boring or quiet in our home, but we are truly blessed to have three healthy children," Klum tells PEOPLE. "This is what Seal and I have always wanted: a home filled with children's laughter."
People magazine just posted up exclusive pictures of Heidi Klum and Seal's new baby boy, Johan. "How can one woman be so lucky? Not only does Heidi Klum have great looks, a hit show (Project Runway) and a hot husband (Seal), but even the birth of her third child was, she says, "easy." On the morning of Nov. 22, Klum, 33, felt her first contraction. She and Seal, 43, headed for a Los Angeles hospital, and by that afternoon she'd had her baby. Johan Riley Fyodor Taiwo Samuel arrived weighing 8 lbs., 11 oz. – and bringing delight to brother Henry, 1, and sister Leni, 2. "Everyone had the biggest smiles on their faces once Johan arrived," Klum tells PEOPLE. And the big siblings are "so helpful," Klum says. "Leni helps us sing lullabies when Johan has trouble falling asleep." Having three kids younger than 3 keeps Klum and Seal, who wed in Mexico in 2005, on their toes. "It's never boring or quiet in our home," she says, "but we are truly blessed to have three healthy children." She adds: "We love that they will grow up close in age," she adds. "This is what Seal and I have always wanted: a home filled with children's laughter." On my blog Feels Good 2 B Home I posted up Seal's happy reaction on welcoming his new son.

Meet actress Sophie Okonedo

Sophie Okonedo is a talented Nigerian/European-Jewish actress most known for her supporting role in "Hotel Rwanda." According to Sophie's IMDB profile she has numerous films in production :
Wonderful World (2007) (pre-production)
Black Water Transit (2007) (pre-production) .... Casey Spandeau
Stringbean and Marcus (2007) (pre-production)
The Martian Child (2007) (completed)
A graduate from the prestigious Cambridge University Sophie has a daughter Aoife with her ex-boyfriend film editor, Eoin Martin. Born on January 1, 1969 Sophie latest TV role is Tsunami: The Aftermath, a made-for-TV movie that highlights the effects of tsunami.

Chris Rock, host of the 77th Academy Awards, embraces Sophie Okonedo, nominated for best supporting actress for her role in "Hotel Rwanda," before the Oscar nominees luncheon, Monday, Feb. 7, 2005, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Winners of the 77th annual Academy Awards will be announced at the Oscar ceremony on Feb. 27th.

Quick facts on actress Sophie Okonedo:

• She was nominated for an Academy Award in the category of Best Supporting Actress in 2004 for her role in Hotel Rwanda.
• In 2005, Okenedo became 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
  "Hotel Rwanda" was Sophie Okonedo's breakthrough role.
  

A review I wrote on "Hotel Rwanda" when it was released:

"Hotel Rwanda- Oscar's gritty reality check"

2/24/05

Blues singer Ray Charles may have swept the Grammy's this February over such live acts as Usher, Alicia Keys and Kanye West, but in the movies, Hotel Rwanda surely raised a few eyebrows with its eye-opening peep into the gritty of the still on-going Rwanda genocide. The epic film stars Don Cheadle from Ocean's Twelve and British-Nigerian newcomer Sophie Okende. Cheadle, with his smooth acting chops similar to Sammy Davidson Jr.'s in his heyday, brilliantly lifted the viewers off the edge of their seats from the opening act to the end. Cheadle recently picked up an Oscar Best Actor nomination for his role in Rwanda. Rwanda's Cheadle is up against Johnny Depp (Finding Neverland), Clint Eastwood (Million Dollar Baby), Leonardo DiCaprio (The Aviator) and Jaime Foxx (Ray). At press time, Rwanda had taken in 14+ million dollars at the box office, but this is nothing compared to the critical praises it has received. Rwanda has been praised and revered as one of the hidden gems in the Oscar nominations. While Ray's lead actor Foxx and Million Dollar Baby's Hilary Swank have been basking in the Hollywood sunlight, Cheadle has stayed true to his form by carrying such an autobiographical tale of a man deemed as a Nelson Mandela to his own people.Nearly eleven years ago, one million Rwandans were brutally massacred in three months. In 1994, the East African country of Rwanda had been embroiled in deadly war between the Hutus and Tutsis, as each group felt superior to the other. Paul Rusesabagina (Cheadle), a Hutu manager of an upscale hotel (hint: Hotel Rwanda), became the Harriet Truman to the Tutsi refugees. The irony of thousands of patrons from around the world traveling to this upscale hotel for the deadly battle can be compared to the irony used in Schindler's List, in which a red rose is the only pure thing left behind the chaotic backdrop. Strong performances by Okende and Cheadle won Rwanda a platoon of prestigious accolades, such as their recent Oscar nomination for Best Actor and their recent win for Best Movie by the Toronto International Film Festival. Arguably one of the few gems in the film industry of 2004, Hotel Rwanda hit an emotional cord through its depiction of the still on-going Rwanda genocide that critics and moviegoers alike are now recognizing. Independently made and directed by Terry George, Hotel Rwanda is a must see film this Oscar season, partly due to its educational value.

Gritty Rwanda is definitely worth the ten dollars at your local box office, but be prepared to break out a few Kleenex and cry.

~~~

On the heels of the succesful "Hotel Rwanda" Sophie was casted in the movie verison "Aeon Flux" of a popular MTV series alongside Charlie Theron.

We at Feels Good 2 B Home applaud Sophie Okendo's acting efforts and wish her all the best!

The Traditional Wedding of Miss Ihenwnna Agomo

Feels Good 2 B Home presents to you the traditional wedding of Miss Ihenwnna Agomo. Miss Ihenwnna Agomo held her Igbo traditional wedding in Nigeria at her parents' compound in Salem. Ihenwnna put all stops to wearing fashionale shirt and skirt Naija style.

Ihenwnna arriving for her tradtional wedding with all smiles!

Ihenwnna receving her father and mother's blessings before she goes out and look for her husband who will drink a flask of palm wine as a sign of their union. This blessing makes their union official.

Ihennwa and her entourage on the hunt for husband hidden in the crowd. Many of the single men in the audience would try to convince Ihennwa with gifts in exchange for her hand in marriage. This is the fun and entertaining part of the traditional wedding.

Ihenwnna giving the flask of palm wine to her husband. If he accepts the wine, their union is sealed by him drinking it.

YES! He accepts!

A smiling Ihenwnna walking with her husband to receive blessings of their union from her parents. This would become their first walk as husband and wife.

Ihenwnna with her brother Ogechi Agomo and sister Chinyere Egbarin and her glamorous entourage made up of her family and friends.

Ihenwnna and her glam squad posing for the camera.

The bride with her parents Chief Mrs. Fidelia Agomo and Chief Mr. Godwin Agomo.

Ogechi with his sister Ihenwnna and his brother-in-law.

The bride with her parents and in-laws.

Ihenwnna and her husband with the mother's league of Salem. Traditionally speaking it takes a village to raise a kid so the mothers came out to support Ihennwa's matrionally union. The mothers would dance in celebration of the new marriage in Salem.

{pictures c/o Ogechi Agomo.}

Regine Fashions benefit 2006

This October in the Big Apple, Nollywood actress and former Miss Nigeria Regina Askia held a fashion show to benefit children in Africa and former Nollywood stars Sir Citor of This America and Ramsey Noah were there as well. Feels Good 2 B Home's own Miss Chi Chi was there to give you all the exclusive scoop. I went backstage to met Ramsey hanging out with a huge entourage of performers from the event. Regina was busy running around backstage making sure each model looked right before they hit the stage. B'Clay hit the stage with Madarocka. When Ramsey came on stage I swear the room rock like New York City was experiencing an massive earthquake. (Knock on wood.) Check me out with B'Clay, Naija hip-hop artist, Ramsey, Sir Citor and Regina. {photo credit: Golden Studios, Inc.}

Honorable African::Akon

Each week I'm going to highlight a Honorable African.

This week I'm focusing the spotlight on Akon who made history on Billboard pop chart history by being the first artist to bump himself out of the #1 spot.
Born Aliaune "Akon" Thiam, Akon is riding off the success of his music career in the hip-hop/rap world. His second record, "Konvicted" has the hits, "I Wanna Love You" featuring Snoop Dogg and "Smack That" featuring Eminem. Akon's a celebrated songwriter, singer and producer---the industry's triple threat. He has worked with tons of artists like One Chance, Chili, Young Jeezy, Gwen Stefani, LL Cool J, Styles P, Eminem and Snoop.

He's cool with Ciara and Rihanna.

His earlier hits, "Locked Up" featuring Styles P and "Lonely" propelled him into pop culture. He recently signed TLC's Rozanda "Chili" Thomas to his record label, Kon Live Distribution. Chili's debut record will produced by Akon, Missy Elliott, Timbaland, will.i.am and will have a guest appearance by T-Boz.


Quick facts about Akon:

His full name is Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam .
He's a Libra {born 10/14/81}.
He's from Senegal.
Speaks English and French.
son of jazz percussionist Mor Thiam
served time in jail for three years for grand theft auto.


Here are Akon's popular music videos:

"I Wanna Love You"

"Smack That"

"Locked Up"

"Ghetto"

"Bananza (Belly Dancer)"

"Soul Survivor"

"Lonely"

Akon's billboard history:
{Akon has made Billboard pop chart history by being the first artist to bump himself out of the #1 spot. "I Wanna Love You" had no choice but to make room for Akon's collaboration with Eminem "Smack That," which, in another first, has taken over the top position on the brand new Hot RingMasters chart.Akon can also be heard on the title track for Gwen Stefani's new album "The Sweet Escape."} [Source]
Akon's coming to Nigeria with LL Cool J:

Akon is also planning a trip to Nigeria according to AllAfrica.com, "Akon, the African star, from Senegal, who is shinning so brightly on the world music stage returns to Nigeria for his second musical performance. His first appearance here was made possible by Mr. Solomon Arueya's Westside Music.
This second visit to Nigeria is under the auspices of Nigeria Breweries Plc organizers of the annual Star Mega Jam. The last time he was here to perform at the Oceanview garden of Eko Hotel, Akon lost his wrist watch when he went too deep into the crowd in a show of affection and love. However, the wristwatch was alter found; showing that it was not a deliberate attempt to disposess him of a valued personal effect.
For Akon who is always proud of his Senegalese heritage and talks about it openly, Nigeria is also a home of sorts. He is always making a show of displaying the Senegalese flag anywhere he goes. At the last World Cup in Germany where the Mountain Lions of Senegal was one of the teams that represented Africa, Akon was in the Senegalese fans zone cheering his home team on.
His co-traveller on this trip, Ladies Love Cool J is coming to Nigeria for the first time.
If the optimism expressed by the two international music acts coming for this year's edition of Star Mega Jam, LL Cool J and AKON is anything to go by, then this year's edition is bound to rock the Nigerian entertainment scene for a long while.
According to LL Cool J, he is looking forward to being in Nigeria for the 2006 Star Mega Jam. "I'm hoping to see a lot of girls because the Ladies Love Cool J. I promise a phenomenal show and I look forward to the shows in Lagos and Benin City."
Get the rest of the article [here]
Be sure to show Akon some love on his myspace page {myspace.com/akon}

If there's a honorable African making it happen in the entertainment business do drop a comment. You might see your request in the upcoming month. ~~Miss Chi Chi