FATIMA SIAD'S ESSENCE MAG SHOOT

Fatima Siad of "America's Next Top Model" Cycle 10 fame has a well-placed photo shoot inside the November 2008 pages of "Essence" magazine. So I wanted to share the scans with my fellow FG2BH readers...

Fierce! Now all she needs to grab is a major national AD campaign or a major fashion magazine cover because in the model world exposure is exposure.
photos: Andrew Gee for Essence

Tyra Banks decided to launch a new spin-off reality series called, "Modelville" which featured five former "ANTM" contestants (Bianca Golden, Renee Alway, Lauren Utter, Fatima, and Dominique Reighard). The show aired on The CW on October 8th. The winning prize is a $50,00 one-year contract as beauty empire Carol's Daughter spokesmodel.

Check out a sneak preview via Top Model Gossip:

I'll definitely tune in this week to catch up on the hoopla!

My random thoughts:
So this latest style trend Geek black shades are all rage thanks to Charley Uchea from "Big Brother", Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams. But do YOU love it?

photo source: wireimage. myspace.com/myspeccs

Watching D'Angelo pour out his heart and soul on this track....

...makes me forget about this and this. Anyone else hoping for him to come back with a even bettter sound???

Beyonce's "If I Were A Boy" video caused a blog frenzy over the weekend. She stripped down her over-the-top persona and went with the flow. So do you like it or not?

In her own words via Billboard: "It's kind of like 'Freaky Friday'," Beyonce tells Billboard of the concept behind the "If I Were a Boy" clip, where she plays a police officer. "In the beginning of the video, my husband makes me breakfast and he's excited about it, and I kind of don't have time to eat. As a police officer, I have a male partner and the video goes through our days. My husband's at work and has attractive girls flirting with him but he declines their advances. I have a guy flirting with me, and I flirt back."

disclaimer: all fun and random thoughts are meant in good humor!

Speaking of Charley, she has a favorite thing just like Oluchi, Akon, and Seal. Charley simply cannot get enough of her black and brown leather satchel. Can you tell?

So do you have a favorite thing you can't be without?

photo credit: WENN

Afro/Naija News:

• Boris Kodjoe is hosting a party in Nashville. [ Fab Glance Nashville]
  
  
• Nigerian Artists received the most nominations for the 1st ever Africa MTV Music Awards. [Singers Room]
  
  
• Nigeria's Independence Day Celebration in Atlanta. [Bombchell]
  
  
• Obama Fashion: Hot on the Paris Runways. [Hip Candy]
  
  
• Designer Junya Watanbe gets inspired by African designs. [Ariztos]
  
  
• Chet Anekwe is the new contestant for ESPN Dream Job. [Four2One]
  
  
• How to remove hair envy at the workplace. [Hair Azara]
  
  
• MTV Africa Nominees 2008 [Jamati]

SEAL PERFORMS ON 'AMERICAN IDOL' SEASON 7 FINALE

On the season 7 finale of "American Idol", our favorite FG2BH celeb Seal performed with Syesha Mercado his hit, "Waiting for You" which you can check out below:

Seal truly treated Syesha as though she was only person in the arena, huh? Check out the proof in the photos...

Heidi is one lucky individual. Anyhow, check out the original verison of Seal's "Waiting for You"....

Seal also did something few male celebs did. He wore the same tee shirt (rather outfit) to two different events. So you already know what that means. Seal has a favorite thing!

Seal, Heidi and their son Johan were seen picking up some lattes at their local Starbucks in Beverly Hills...

Photos: FYB, FLYNET

Rants:
1. Since many people love Naija films how long do you think it'll take for a Naija film to be turn into a successful TV show? I would absolutely love if "Sharon Stone' turns into a sitcom! (This rants sounds like a dream, right??!!)
2. Can our Naija superstars please wear some designer stuff??!?
disclaimer: all rants are in good humor!

Afro/Naija News:

• Check out these trendy green accessories [Boutique Mix Fashion]
  
  
• Find out where Nayo will perform at next. [Naija To the Core]
  
  
• If you love Nigeria you need to check out this informative site. [Motherland Nigeria]
  
  
• Do you call your Naija father sir? If so, visit here. [Naija Blog]
  
  
• Check out new music from P Square. [Bella Naija]
  
  
• Beyonce has a daughter [Proud Naija Wife & Mother]
  
  
• This must-see video rebrands Lagos, Nigeria. [Ladybrille]

ESTELLE'S STYLE RUNT

UK hip-hop recording artist Estelle has a strong penchant for a black jacket. This tidbit is a style runt that I noticed Estelle held onto ever since she stepped out to Pepsi Stuff Concert with John Legend.

[ESTELLE @ PEPSI STUFF LAUNCH IN NYC]

Since then, Estelle hasn't hung up on her love for a black jacket - leather, cropped, loose, or form-fitting. So it's safe to assume, Estelle has found her favorite style thing.

Estelle sat down with Angie Martinez of Hot 97 to talk about American Boys, her fanny and her bum:

[video spotted at Estelle's Official Blog]

In related news the cover art for Estelle's American debut, "Shine" surfaced online. So far, Estelle dropped the singles, "Just a Touch (Wait A Minute)" and "American Boy" featuring Kanye West.

On her new ablum, Estelle worked with big-name producers such as Will.I.Am, Wyclef Jean, Mark Ronson, Cee-lo, and Swizz Beatz. Below is the confirmed tracklisting for Estelle's "Shine" record:

"Wait A Minute (Just A Touch)" (featuring Will.I.Am)
"No Substitute Love"
"American Boy" (featuring Kanye West)
"More Than Friends"
"Magnificent" (featuring Kardinal Offishall)
"Come Over"
"So Much Out The Way"
"In The Rain"
"Back In Love"
"You Are" (featuring John Legend)
"Pretty Please" (featuring Cee-lo)
"Shine"

Estelle recently performed "American Boy" on BBC Radio 1's 'Live Lounge'. With each performance of this song, Estelle adds her spin to it. I'm loving the acoustic feel she did this time around:

[video spotted at That Grape Juice]

The "American Boy" singer also attended the 2008 Capital Awards, where she pose with Craig David:

Keep your browser locked on Estelle's official myspace page: myspace.com/estelleonline for additional updates!

Photos: WIREIMAGE/HOMESCHOOL/AMAZON.COM

AKON'S FAVORITE THING

Akon has something in common with model Oluchi and actor Boris Kodjoe--wearing a favorite accessory of their own to various red carpet events. Akon's favorite thing is a yellow track jacket with the colors of his country, Senegal, incorporated around the neck and pockets. The jacket also has the word, KONVICT, splastered across the front of the jacket.

Events Akon rock his favorite thing at:
Gwen Stefani "Sweet Escape" Tour - May 20, 2007
Power 105.1 FM at Planet Hollywood in New York City February 8, 2007
MTV's "TRL" - February 8, 2007

Of course, Akon rocking his favorite thing concept is meant for you to laugh! Well, I hope it worked! Do e-mail me your thoughts at feelsgood2bhome@gmail.com

And in related news, Akon's brothers are coming to a TV set near you with their new reality series, 'My Brother's Keeper.' Akon on the show's concept:

"Whenever I’m not in Atlanta, they go out posing as me and everyone believes it’s actually me. It’s so crazy, because everyone seriously believes it’s me. They are going around getting VIP treatment, girls, free food at restaurants, free everything and everybody is falling for it. It’s a real life thing, which has got really out of hand in Atlanta, so I decided to take the situation and make it into my advantage by making a reality TV show out of it. They get my life, all the perks without having to put in all the hard work I do. I’m constantly working so I can’t live it, but they are out there living it."

The million dollar question is---will you be tuning in?!

And in related news, check out the video treament to Akon's reponse to the underage bump n' grind fiasco, "Sorry, Blame It On Me":

Is the video necessary at this point?

[feels good 2 b home]