Seal & Heidi at VS Fashion Show 2008

Seal and Heidi were very affectionate with one another just like any couple would be when they attended the 2008 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Miami Beach over the weekend.

Read the full blog post here.

Where was our girl Oluchi?

Photo credits: Gossip Girls via Wireimage

Seal Remakes Otis Redding Classic + Barack's Elected President

Seal did a cover of Otis Redding's "I've Been Loving You Too Long." It's the second soulful R&B-infused single off his upcoming seventh album, "Soul." Damn Heidi Klum is one lucky girl huh? Check it out...

click here if you can't see the video.

Here's the 1965 original written & produced by Jerry Butler and Otis...

click here if you can't see the video.

I think Seal did a fantastic job with making the song his own. "Soul" comes out on November 11th.

My Random Thoughts Shoe Crush:

These bow satin slingbacks from Christian Louboutin have been worn by Jordin Sparks and Jada Pinkett Smith. My shoe crush collection has expanded yet again...

sigh!

This song has become my most played track on my iPOD thanks to 27 Dresses.

"Like A Star" - Corinne Bailey Rae

Afro/Naija News:

Get to know Channel 8's Emma Adiei. [CosWeAfricanWomenAreDoin&DoingItwell]

P-Square's Peter Okoye has a name for his newborn son. [Bella Naija]

Be on the lookout for Afrofab's clothing line. [AfroFab]

Seal offers his own political opinion. [Black Celeb Kids]

Preview Beyonce's new album, "I Am...Sasha Fierce". [Fresh & Fab]

Election Foolery: Obama's Aunt. [Quick's Catch Up]

Rihanna's New Gucci "Tattoo Hearts" AD campaign. [Clutch: The Edge]

Sister Souljah's "Midnight: A Gangster Love Story" is out today! [Real Gossip 101]

First Lady-Elect Michelle Obama wears Narciso Rodriguez at Grant Park. [NY Daily News]

I hope you all voted today! Breaking News: Barack Obama made history by becoming the first African-American man elected President of the United States of America! The 47-year-old Illinois Senator gave his victory/first speech as President-elect at Grant Park. Obama will be sworn in as the 44th U.S President on January 20, 2009. (YES WE CAN!)

Photos: Reuters/AP

Seal & Heidi's NYC Stroll

Seal and his wife Heidi Klum were seen in New York City as reported by JEZEBEL. Seal has a new oldies tribute album named "Soul" coming out which you can read up on here and here.

(You gotta love those sky-high Christian Louboutin boots!) UPDATE: Apparently Seal dressed up as Barack Obama for Halloween. Did you notice the matching Obama pins they have on? Pink is The New Blog has additional photos of the twosome.

photo: Splash via Jezebel.

Random Thoughts:

Mary J Blige and Coco (Ice-T's wife) are wearing my latest shoe crush - Christian Louboutin Bloody Mary ankle boots.

-sigh!-

I'm seriously loving this new Eric Benet song called "The Hunger." BET J's Soul Sessions has this song in constant rotation much to my own satisfaction! Check it out...

"Hunger" is the second single off Eric's current album, "Love & Life." Loves it!

I spotted this recent photo of D. Woods over at Fresh & Fab. The former Danity Kane singer has on red and black African-inspired leggings from American Apparrel's Afrika collection. Bloggers have since criticized the new American Apparel's collection for its controversial ad campaign.

Grab the high-waisted leggings for $34.95.

What's Halloween without MJ's hit "Thriller"?! Can you believe those jeans Ola Ray has on in the video came back into fashion as the fall trend - cropped jeans??! Style reinvents itself indeed...

photos: WIREIMAGE/BEYONCEWORLD/GOOGLE IMAGES

Anyhow do enjoy the video flashback...

Read up on the Thriller Era over at this fan-site!

Afro/Naija News:

• Africans say 'no deal' to $14 million movie studio. [Yahoo]
  
• MJ says no to Jackson 5/Janet reunion. [Billboard]
  
• Get to know ShoutAfriKa. [MYSPACE]

Djimon & Kimora at STK + News

Djimon Hounsou and girlfriend Kimora Lee Simmons were spotted outside STK steakhouse in Hollywood last night. If you look closely you'll notice his CK boxers. Oops did I just say that out loud ...LOL!

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]

SEAL REMAKES SAM COOKE'S CLASSIC

Check out Seal's latest video for his single, "A Change Is Gonna Come." Personally I think he used the video as a means to flaunt his wedding ring. (I'm just joking of course!) Seal remade 11 throwback R&B songs for his upcoming album, "Soul" out November 11th.

If the song sounds familar, that's because it's a remake of Sam Cooke's 1964 Civil Rights Movement anthem .

Which song style did you prefer? (FYI: I'm sticking with the original!) Check out the tracklisting for Seal's "Soul" record via Billboard:

"A Change Is Gonna Come" (Sam Cooke)
"I Can't Stand The Rain" (Ann Pebbles)
"It's A Man's Man's Man's World" (James Brown)
"Knock on Wood" (Eddie Floyd)
"I've Been Loving You Too Long" (Otis Redding
"Here I Am (Come And Take Me)" (Al Green)
"If You Don't Know Me By Now" (Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes)
"It's Alright" (the Impressions)
"I'm Still in Love With You" (Al Green)
"Free" (Deniece Williams)
"People Get Ready" (the Impressions)

Zap Mama collaborated with Erykah Badu on the track, "Bandy Bandy" off Zap's 2004 album, "Ancestry in Progress." If you want to know more about this album, Okay Player has all the answers to your questions.

Related Links/Facts on Zap Mama:

• Zap Mama is a Beligan group led by the Congo-born vocalist Marie Daulne. [Wikipedia]
  
• Add Zap as your myspace friend. [MySpace]
  
• Read up on their updates on Zap Mama official site. [ZAPMAMA.BE]
  
• Zap Mama Fansite!
  
• Zap Mama has collaborated with The Roots, Common, and Talib Kweli.
  
• "Supermoon" the group's latest album was released in 2007. [Amazon]
  
• Marie Daulne on "Bandy Bandy": "Bandy Bandy" is a song about the oppression of a big city, and how to escape it by having a walk, allowing yourself to be astonished by the beauty of nature. [Maybe it's] an ant, a bird or a tree… all these small things. I learned that from my American friends in New York: people who have lived there for a long time, but still feel very close to nature. [credit: ZAPMAMA.COM viat The CDW]

Site to Visit: MRS-O.ORG
Barack Obama's wife Michelle has become the fashionista to watch so it comes as no surprise that she has a large fan base watching her every fashion move. Mrs. O fixes your obsessions with Michelle O's style picks. So I decided to make Michelle Obama Fashion (Mrs. O.org) today's site to visit. The site comes with a tag line that fits with its content: "Follow the fashion of Mrs. O: A regular look at what and who she's wearing."

http://www.mrs-o.org/

My random thoughts:
Only Heidi Klum and Melody Thornton can pull off that fringe Thomas Wylde "Nomad" bag. Don't you agree? This bag is one serious accessory that only the brave ones can rock. Heidi kept her look simple while Melody piled on a million and one trends for her look. I do love Melody's Gucci boots.

Photos: Socalite Life, Splash

While on the topic of Miss Badu, I thoroughly enjoy this vintage cut from her called, "Back In The Day."

disclaimer: my random thoughts are very tongue in cheek as is my twitter page!


Afro/Naija News:

• Check out this Nigerian-inspired clothing company, WeWe. [Fly]
  
• Sneak Preview of Estelle's "Come On Over" (Remix) video. [Stuff Fly People Like]
  
• Thandie Newton covers Black Book magazine. [Thandie Blog]
  
• Grab Michelle Obama's striped H&M dress. [In A Word..Fab]

BORIS AND SEAL TAKE THEIR WIVES OUT TO LUNCH...

Boris Kodjoe and his wife Nicole Ari Parker had a lunch date outside Ron Herman boutique recently. These two are starting to look alike and dress alike, huh? (Wouldn't Nicole's red necklace look nice against your traditional Naija garment?)

UPDATE: Nicole Ari Parker on how she handles women obsessing over her husband, Boris:

In terms of the obsessive love for my husband, it’s really on him. Women really love him and it’s like, I completely understand girl, he’s fine! (laughs) And I love him (<—girl me too!!!)and I know him, so what they’re feeling I feel ten thousand times more. But the real reason that I don’t trip is because of him and the way he carries himself and the way he keeps his priorities straight. All you can ever go by is how your man treats you and how he makes you feel. And Boris makes me feel like the best thing ever and I appreciate him and love him for that. Essence

Photos: YBF/Splash News

Seal had the same idea in mind as Boris when he was spotted with his wife Heidi Klum outside NYC eatery, Da Silvano. (I'm giving Seal a pass for those ashy painted toes he's rocking. I love those gladiator sandals Heidi has on.)

Photos: WIREIMAGE

Dressed up or down, Seal and Boris also look great with their wives, don't you agree?

Barack Obama and his wife Michelle are featured on this week's cover edition of "US Weekly" magazine...

Michelle loves "Sex & The City" and Target???! Too cute! This week is on newsstands Friday but those in New York City can grab a copy TODAY! If you're keeping track, this is the second time Barack has a cover feature for Us.


As I reported on via this earlier post, June is Black Music Month. So enjoy this throwback video from Styl Plus...(press play to find out)

Rants/Thoughts:
1. Why is when you're talking to someone that's IN Nigeria the conversation turns into who can yell the highest? Talk about a fierce migrane!

2. I have two words for you FG2BH readers: Kola Nut! I attended various events where the Kola Nut acknowledgement always seem to bring the good and worse of certain individuals. Not acknowledging a elder during the Kola Nut presentation is like slapping a person silly. Watching a Nigerian male elder not getting acknowledged is pure comedy and all types of wrong. Don't you just love a nice blessing/greeting during the Kola Nut presentation? I always forward to that moment when a elder gives a great speech...

3. Why do certain Nigerians feel it's in their right to educate? For instance, I cannot tell you how irritating to hear a Nigerian man/female tell me [insert your name if this happen to you] 'why did your parents give you a male/female name for?' [Don't you and I know there are MANY unisex Nigerian names? ie. Oluchi.)

disclaimer: Thoughts/rants are in good humor!

Afro/Naija News:

• Kelly Rowland has taken her love for Africa to the next level. [Kelly Rowland Africa]
  
• Get familar with plus-size model Teiko Dornor [LadyBrille]
  
• Comedian Julius Agwu weds! [Bella Naija]
  
• Ebbe Bassey gears up to release her directing debut, "Siri Oko Fo (Mending Fences)" at Cannes. [Ebbe Bassey]
  
• Michelle Obama fulfilled her co-hosting gig on "The View". Click here for more clips. [RedLasso]
  

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]

LIYA KEBEDE IS A CLASSY ACT

When I came across this new AD campaign featuring Ethiopian model Liya Kebede in the May issue of "Essence" magazine, I knew I had to share it all with FG2BH readers.

Liya can be seen modelling for Tiffany & Co- a company made famous by Aubrey Hepburn in "Breakfast At Tiffany's". Liya is the featured model for the luxury brand's Tiffany Celebration rings. Make Fetch Happen has another fabulous scan of Liya posing for Tiffany & Co.

Seeing Liya in "Essence" made me pull out my old copy of her on the cover years ago. (It's April 2004 edition to be exact.) Iman interviewed Liya for the urban publication. The two African models spoke about Liya's rise from being 'a ugly duckling' to a beauty icon. Recap the Liya-Iman interview for Essence magazine here.

photo credit: essence and FG2BH scanner.

Speaking of twosome, Seal and Heidi made it onto People magazine's 'Who Makes More' list. Heidi bought in about $8 million 2007. Her income is largely thanks in part to her business deals with Victoria's Secret, and her two reality TV successes "Project Runway" and German's verison of America's Next Top Model. Seal made $3 million from his album sales, digital downloads and tour dates.

So according to these estimates, Heidi makes more than Seal. As he told the celeb entertainment news publication last year, Seal says, "We don't need any of this. It is not the key to our happiness. Those things are just the icing. It is not the cake."

Rants/thoughts in no particular order:
1. Why is it that when you tell another Naija/African individual your child's latest accomplishments, they then tell you something to top it? I find it hilarious watching two Naijas going back and forth on what 'my child vs your child'!
2. Speaking of which, doesn't that conversation pushes you to do better or step up your hustle? 3. Recycling the same actors and actresses in Nollywood has got to STOP! Any K8 fans here???
4. Will the real G. Nnaji please stand up? Look at G. Nnaji 2 at myspace.
5. There's a Nigerian YouTube that's soooo addictive. (viewnaija.com >>> youtube?!?!)
6. Aren't you excited that Beyonce FINALLY became Mrs. Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter?
disclaimer: rants are all in good fun!


Afro/Naija news:

• LADYBRILLE endorses Miss African USA Pageant.
  
• BLACK HERALD honors the 50th anniversary of Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart".
  
• DAILY MAIL discusses the British soul appeal of Estelle.
  
• PROUD BLACK VOTER wants you to sign up!
  
• XCENTRICPRYNCESS figures out what 70 % of African-American women have in common. BITCHY IN THE CITY rants and raves are a must-read!
  
• NAIJA TO THE CORE has the Naija verison of Eve's "Tambourine".
  POKE NOSING argues the pros of being a Nigerian blogger.

Seal is clearly comfortable being a 'kept' man? Thoughts...