Lupita Nyong’o Allegedly Snubs South African Actress
Lupita Nyong’o is still having the best year ever! However, not everyone seems to be happy for her. South African actress, Terry Pheto, used to be on good talking terms with Lupita, but things changed after Lupita’s Oscar win.
The Kenyan actress was in talks with Terry to play the lead in a movie that Terry is producing. They used to correspond on email and the correspondence stopped after the Oscar win.
When contacted for comment about the speculation Terry’s agent Wesley Mark and her manager Busi Sizani didn’t quite agree on what exactly happened. (more…)
Nia Long is the New Face of Elizabeth Taylor’s White Diamonds
Actress Nia Long is the new face of Elizabeth Taylor’s White Diamonds Lustre perfume – making her the first person to front the fragrance other than the classic Hollywood actress herself. Long, 43, announced her brand ambassador role on Instagram with the caption, “My beauty secret to make sure I always dazzle and shine on the red carpet @ElizabethTaylor White Diamonds Lustre #DiamondsInABottle #Spon.” The mother of two, famours for her TV roles in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Third Watch, said of the fragrance in a press release: “Elizabeth Taylor said White Diamonds was her ‘Diamonds In A Bottle,’ and that’s what Lustre really is to me – Lustre just adds that extra sparkle. I personally love the juicy pear and raspbetty notes in Lustre – it gives it a fresh, fruity feminine touch.”
I’m so excited for her! Check out a throwback ad for White Diamonds featuring Ms. Taylor after the break. (more…)
Sauti Sol Nominated for 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards
MTV Base yesterday revealed the nominees for the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs). This is a spectacular awards show and music celebration, taking place in South Africa for the first time on 7 June 2014. Held at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC), the awards will air live across the continent at 21:00 CAT on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) and MTV (DStv Channel 130). Kenya’s very own boy band, Sauti Sol, have been nominated in the Best Group category. Reacting to the news, the group had this to say:
Female Kenyan singer Amani is also nominated in the Best Collaboration category for her song Kiboko Changu, which features Ugandan group Radio & Weasel. Another Kenyan nominee is Oscar winning actress Lupita Nyong’o who is nominated in the Personality of the Year category.
The MAMA nominations in full: (more…)
Diddy Tops Forbes’ Hip Hop’s 5 Wealthiest Artists List
Sean “Diddy” Combs ranks No. 1 on this year’s Forbes Five list of hip-hop’s wealthiest artists with an estimated fortune of $700 million, an increase of $120 million over his net worth last year. The change comes largely from the addition of Revolt TV—the new, music-focused, multi-platform channel of which he’s the majority owner—to his already-hefty portfolio. “Right now my focus is Revolt and making it the number one, most-trusted, most credible worldwide brand for music,” he told FORBES in a recent interview. “And to get Revolt to be the quintessential definition of real time. I think that’s the future.”
Diddy is also set to give this year’s commencement speech at Howard University, his alma mater (although he eventually dropped out). Diddy will also receive an honorary degree for being a trailblazer in his field. Last year, after he donated $250,000 to The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship, he told the aspiring, young business owners:
I understood that it was being an entrepreneur, I understood that that was my career path. Being an entrepreneur means freedom, it means independence. It means being invested and believing in myself.[…]I did the research and did the work to make sure that I was a master in whatever category I went into, too. If I went into apparel, I wanted to know everything about that. I went into spirits, so I knew everything about that. I’m starting Revolt, and I’m still learning on that one. [Laughs] But it’s about starting a brand, which I’m a specialist at.
I think it’s easier now [to start a company]. Over the years, entrepreneurs — people take it as a serious career and respect entrepreneurs, because they’re risk takers. Now people celebrate entrepreneurship.
Before, it was just, ‘That guy’s crazy! He needs to get a real job!’
Hot Trend Alert: Alexander Wang’s Parental Advisory Top
Mrs. Carter is currently enjoying some well deserved fun in the sun with her husband and daughter after her whirlwind tour. She recently posted the above flick of Alexander Wang’s Parental Advisory Top. The $1,000 top was a signature piece in Wang’s Spring 2014 collection. Wang’s instantly iconic Parental Advisory logo ruled his Spring 2014 runway, paying homage to the Nineties. It’s definitely a must-have for this season. Celebs who have been spotted in it include, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Khloe Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Jourdan Dunn and Lily Allen. Check out how some of your faves rocked it and tell us who rocked it best. (more…)
Taraji Henson Covers April Issue of Upscale Magazine
43 year old actress, Taraji P. Henson, is looking absolutely amazing on the cover of Upscale Magazine this month. And look at those eyebrows! Fierce!!! For the shoot Taraji wore a Nicolas Jesbran jeweled romper. I’m loving it!
In this issue, the sexy mom of a 19-year-old son talks about what happened after her Oscar nomination, her real friends and being a black actress in Hollywood:
On what happened after her Oscar nomination and Tyler Perry: “People were like, ‘you just get nominated for an Oscar and the first movie you do is a Tyler Perry film?’ Well, it’s not like Scorsese called me! Tyler was the only call i got the day after the Oscars. And he gave me a quote. Up until then, I had no quote. I was getting paid pennies to do movies. Tyler treated me like a queen.” (more…)
Kelly Rowland Shares Her Beauty Tips
Kelly Rowland is one busy lady. The ex Destiny’s Child singer, who is working on her fifth studio album, has just been named as the Caress Fabulista for 2014! What I need to know is how she keeps her skin looking so smooth and glowing. The major Unilever brand will feature Kelly in their promotional efforts through this year. She’ll be sharing her favorite fashion trends and the latest news on their fine fragrance body washes on the Caress Facebook page.
Kelly recently took a break to chat with The Powder Room about her beauty routine, how she gets ready for a show – and what product is always in her purse.
How long does it take for you to get ready for a show?
It takes me about an hour to get ready. Maybe a little bit more if I’m trying to get focused and really hone in on the energy that I’m about to give out on stage and to the fans. The process is really easy. I actually do my own makeup.
What’s the one product you couldn’t go on stage without?
I just love a lipstick or gloss that’s not going to have my hair stick to it. That is very irritating. But I like to switch up my lip glosses every now and then, just to try a new color. I think your fans like to see you change up your look.
Hot Trend Alert: Boyfriend Jeans
Thank God for boyfriend jeans. Finally we can stop struggling to pour ourselves into skinny jean, and slip on denims that are comfortable, and don’t make us suck our tummies in to the point of passing out. In a nutshell, it’s either literally a pair of guy’s jeans, or a pair of jeans that looks and fits like it was borrowed from a guy – loose fit, low rise, cuffed hems.
If the look is executed correctly, you can even come off looking sexier than you would in skinnies. All you have to do is pick a pair that fits and flatters you and match it with a variety of cute tops. For the desired sexy vibe, boyfriend jeans should be loose but fitted across the hips, and narrow and tapered in the leg. If your jeans are short enough, you won’t need to roll up the cuffs. But if they’re super long, you’ll need to cuff the bottoms. Roll them above your ankles if you’re wearing heels, or just below if you’re wearing flat sandals. Having your jeans drag along the ground is never a good look. (more…)
Naomi Campbell Covers April Issue of Shape Magazine
These older models are snatching wigs all over the place! Earlier I shared with you images of the gorgeous Iman in Scene magazine. Then today, I stumble on the April cover of Shape Magazine with none other than the amazing 43 year old Naomi Campbell. She’s looking amazing in a black Moschino swimsuit. She looks as flawless as she did when she first started modeling 30 years ago. In this issue, she chats about her struggles, success, and slim-body secrets.
On dealing with racism in the modeling industry: “I learned if you don’t accept no for an answer, you often get a yes.”
On her diet:“I don’t believe in starving myself. I’ve never done it, and I never will. I’m even more active when I’m juicing, doing both yoga and Pilates every day.”
On quitting smoking:“People told me that cigarettes are harder to quit than alcohol. I didn’t believe it, but you know what? It is harder.” (more…)
Iman for Scene Magazine
58 year old supermodel and supermogul Iman is featured in the current issue of SCENE magazine. Photographed by Douglas Friedman, Iman proves that she’s still got it! When I grow up, I want to be her. In the interview, she talks about modeling and her expanding business empire.
On how she became a pro at modeling: “Through the years, I’ve learned what works for me. Most importantly, I can see in my head the final shot, so the objective is to create something original and modern, to serve the photographer’s vision. I learned on the job. I paid attention to details. I looked at old photographs. And I made sure that I had control over my image. I’ve always believed that images are a model’s currency. So I always wanted to have some control and have a say about my images. What I know is that photography and the business of images is a mirror in which we see ourselves—who we are and who we can be. Beauty is a powerful commodity, and its currency is identity.” (more…)
Solange Knowles for Harpers Bazaar
Solange Knowles has struggled to emerge from the shadow of her sister Beyonce’s success with her unique musical sound and sense of style. Her new colourful photo shoot for Harpers Bazaar, shot by Julia Noni, reflects her amazing sense of non-conventional style. In the interview with the mag, she talks about getting into the music business, working on her new album, and gives insight into her personal life and relationships.
On working on her new album: “I figure there’s no better way to buckle down and finish it than to be as far away from everyone as possible, cell phone and computer behind. I’m not very good at writing songs when I have a lot of clutter in my mind.”
On her parents’ thoughts on her getting into the music business: “My parents constantly tried to talk me out of being an artist,” she says. “They had gone through the whole journey with my sister and just wanted me to have a normal teenage life.” (more…)
Our Top Ten Oscars Red Carpet Looks
Congratulations are in order for red carpet queen Lupita Nyong’o! Not only did she win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in 12 Years a Slave, but she also emerged tops in our top ten Oscar fashion looks this year! Fashion houses were literally falling over themselves trying to get her to pick them to dress her for the Oscars. Lupita chose to go with a beautiful baby blue custom Prada gown with a plunging neckline. Lupita, who has become a firm fashion favourite over award season, said she chose the gown as it reminded her of the blue Nairobi sky. She accessorized with Fred Leighton jewelry. The headband caused quite a few ripples on the red carpet. It remains to be seen whether the headband trend will catch on. (more…)
Gabrielle Union Opens Up on How She Dealt with Rape Ordeal
Gabrielle Union opened up about how she overcame being raped at gunpoint aged 19 on The View yesterday, saying that she chose not to be a victim. The Being Mary Jane star sat with The View hosts Whoopi Goldberg, Jenny McCarthy and Sherri Shepherd, and talked about this very difficult period in her life. Ms Union had taken a summer job at a Payless shoe store in California, and was just closing up when a man robbed the shop and sexually assaulted her at gunpoint.
Sherri: You were raped at gunpoint and you went through a period of time when you felt like the victim, and rightfully so. And you had an epiphany where you decided you didn’t want to be that anymore. I want to know what happened when you had that epiphany.
Gabrielle: I got sick of people letting me off the hook. Because being a victim is so comfortable. People give you attention, people are nurturing…they’re basically the way you’ve always wanted them to be your whole life without something bad happening. So when something catastrophic happens in your life, everyone rallies around you and you’re getting all the attention and love and support that you always wanted, but it’s not for something positive. And I hated that. I hated feeling like a victim. I hated the cloak of victimhood. And I realized that they were gonna allow me to be a victim and not succeed, and not achieve any of my goals or not step outside of the box. It makes you lazy and I wanted that cloak of victimhood off. And I was like I wanna embrace being a survivor. (more…)
Sharon Stone Shares Struggles With Ageing in Shape Magazine
56 year old Sharon Stone graces the March cover of Shape Magazine in a bikini no less!!! The star who turned into a sex symbol at 22 when she starred in Basic Instinct shares her struggles with how she looked as she aged. She says that when she reached her 40s she locked herself inside a bathroom with a bottle of wine and wept as she examined her ‘face in the magnifying mirror’. She then decided to focus on aging gracefully rather than fading into the youth-obsessed standards of beauty. I love the fact that she’s trying to live a healthy life and isn’t falling into the trap of excessive plastic surgery (which she touches on in the interview). She also shares details on how she stays in shape, and her diet:
On Current Standards of Beauty: “This idea that being youthful is the only thing that’s beautiful or attractive simply isn’t true. I don’t want to be an ‘ageless beauty.’ I want to be a woman who is the best I can be at my age. We’ve got 400,000 girls with beachy blonde hair, the same nose, gigantic lips, implants in their cheeks, and little Chicklets for teeth. Are they really prettier?” (more…)
Hot Trend Alert: Sheer Lace
I’m super excited about the sheer lace trend that’s hit the red carpets lately. Not every trend seen on the runway gets a chance to shine when the actual clothing season arrives. However, trends always get a popularity boost when celebrities take a shine to it. Beyonce looked absolutely amazing in her sheer white Michael Costello lace gown at the 2014 Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on January 26 in Los Angeles. The next morning, designer, Michael Costello, woke up to more than 400 text messages from friends and family, all sending their praises of the handmade look. “There are three layers to the dress — a white lace, a nude illusion mesh, and another layer underneath it with magical fairies, holding up all the flowers — I’m sorry, I’m bad at dress descriptions!” Costello told Pret-a-Reporter, still in disbelief. “I love to design things that have that element of whimsical, and that element of almost nakedness. I love nakedness.”
Check out a few other celebrities who are working the look magnificently. (more…)
Kenya’s First Mockumentary Exposes Dark Side Of NGOs
People have always wondered what impact, if any, NGOs have on the people they presume to help. Africa, as a whole, is practically infested with NGOs claiming to do this or the other. But are they making any positive impact?
The Samaritans is a new comedy TV series from Kenya, about an NGO that literally does nothing. The new mockumentary series, produced by Kenya-based Xeinium, profiles the fictitious relief organization Aid for Aid whose ambiguous mission is to “save Africa.” The show’s characters, who work out of a Kenyan field office, have no idea what that mission entails or how they’re supposed to go about fulfilling it. But what the characters do succeed in doing is exposing the dark underbelly of the nonprofit world. The show explores how funds are often wasted on extraneous expenses and how ill-equipped college grads are sent to spearhead major campaigns they can’t handle, “Samaritans” creator Hussein Kurji told Africa is a Country. For example, one character named Scott is an Ivy League graduate whose only prior experience in Africa was a six-week internship in Casablanca, Morocco, according to the show’s Kickstarter site.
Kurji told Africa is a Country that he was inspired to develop the show because there are more than 4,000 NGOs registered in Kenya and far too many untold stories exist from these groups. (more…)
Angela Bassett Glams Up for Ebony March 2014 Cover
56 year old actress and Yale graduate, Angela Bassett, seems to be aging like fine wine. After tearing up the red carpet at the Golden Globes this year, she’s the cover girl for the March 2014 issue of Ebony magazine. The actress looks stunning in a Michael Kors dress while her makeup is soft and flawless with a dark lip. She’s wearing Fashion Fair Cosmetics Perfect Finish Concealer and Perfect Finish Illuminating Powder.
In this issue, the American Horror Story: Coven actress offered some advice to aspiring actors, including how to keep going in difficult times: (more…)
Lupita Nyong’o Feature in Glamour March 2014 Issue
Hollywood It girl, Lupita Nyong’o is snagging magazine covers and fashion features all over the place! Glamour Magazine’s March 2014 issue will not be left behind and features Lupita in their Beauty editorial captioned “Superstar Beauty” with makeup ideas and inspirations gotten from Lupita’s beauty book. I love the bold use of colour. Dark skin doesn’t mean you can’t get adventurous with colour! This issue hits news stands February 11th. (more…)
Vanity Fair’s 2014 Hollywood Issue
For the 20th annual Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue, the magazine celebrates a year of spectacular film with a group of distinguished actors. The cover, a three-panel foldout by Vanity Fair contributing photographer Annie Leibovitz, features Oscar nominees Julia Roberts (August: Osage County), Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave), Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club), and Lupita Nyong’o (12 Years a Slave), as well as Idris Elba (Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom), George Clooney (Gravity), Michael B. Jordan (Fruitvale Station), Naomie Harris (Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom), Brie Larson (Short Term 12), Chadwick Boseman (42), Margot Robbie (The Wolf of Wall Street), and Léa Seydoux (Blue Is the Warmest Color).
One of the most striking things about this particular cover is how refreshingly diverse it is. Fully half of the 12 actors featured are people of color, including two of the four people on the front fold of the cover (i.e., the part that actually shows when the magazine is on the newsstand). That’s a welcome contrast to the Vanity Fair Hollywood Issues of years past, including 2010, when all nine cover models were Caucasian; 2011, when the publication saw fit to include just 1.5 people of color out of fifteen stars; and 2012 and 2013, when the non-white actors were relegated to the inside cover. (more…)
Nairobi Restaurant Week 2014
Restaurant week has been a proven tradition amongst many major cities around the World including Cape Town, London, New York and Tokyo. 2014 will see Nairobi’s astounding restaurant scene added to this list. The innaugural Nairobi Restaurant Week will take place from the 30th of January (that’s tomorrow!) until the 6th of February 2014. A full 8 days for you to try as many restaurants as you can. All participating restaurant menus are priced at either Ksh 1250 or Ksh 1750 and include all taxes. Bookings are not compulsory. However, it is always a good idea to make a booking especially if you intend to have your meal at peak business hours.
You can browse through the different menus available from participating restaurants at Eat Out Kenya. From these menus, I’ve come up with my top 5 list that I just have to try. Automatically eliminated were those that did not have a dessert on the menu. Also taken into consideration is the number of options provided and value for money. And, because I am a full blooded Kenyan, there must be some sort of meat based entree. I also had to consider the reviews each restaurant has to whittle down the list to 5. There were so many great options. So my top 5 picks, and their menus for restaurant week are: (more…)
T.I. and Tiny Call it Quits
This past weekend saw rapper T.I. and his wife Tiny throwing subliminal shade on Instagram. Clifford “T.I.” Harris, Jr., 33, posted the above message which fans took to mean he was breaking up with his wife of 4 years, Tameka “Tiny” Harris, 38. Part of the message reads: “Dis da 1st day of da rest of my life!!!! IG in da last 24hrs my life has changed!!!! No details necessary…. Just try & accept da change. Cuz it IS upon us.” Hours later, Tiny posted an image on her Instagram page that read: “It ain’t nothin to cut dat bitch off.”
According to SandraRose.com, the couple reportedly split on on Saturday shortly after arriving in Los Angeles to attend the 56th Annual Grammy Awards. T.I. was so distraught by the break up that he canceled his appearance on Sunday night’s live telecast of The Grammys where he was nominated for 3 awards. (more…)
Alexandre Vauthier Couture Spring 2014
I’m really impressed with Alexandre Vauthier’s Haute Couture Spring 2014 collection. Braided leather added edge and texture to his body-hugging looks, while macramé tops and dresses — some were entirely knotted from hand-woven ropes — gave off an ethnic flair. Vauthier also experimented with sisal; the lightweight, malleable fabric helped him work undulating shapes on short ruffled dresses. More straightforward were looks done in a new Neoprenelike fabric made from waxed jersey. So light, it gave a stone-embroidered varsity jacket a shirtlike quality. Vauthier paired it with a white poplin shirtdress to great effect.
There’s alot of sex appeal, edginess and baring of skin. He even has some rather risqué see-through jumpsuits! I think he celebrates the female form so perfectly. And, it’s not hard to imagine yourself in his creations. Just inspires you to let your inner sexy diva out! So, I’ve compiled a few of my favourite looks from his collection. Enjoy! (more…)
Ciara: My Pregnancy is a Blessing
Finally last year’s worst kept secret is out. Ciara is pregnant with rapper, Future’s baby! She stopped by The View earlier this week to formally announce the good news. When my time comes, I can only hope that pregnancy looks half as good on me as it does on Cici! We really have to hand it to her. Most women would have a difficult time having a baby with a man who already has three children from three different women, but the singer is actually handling the complicated terrain with grace. Future’s first child — a son, now 11 years old — was mothered by Jessica Smith, who recently demanded more child support from the rapper. Future has also reportedly fathered children with two other women named Brittni Mealy and India J. Ciara has actually reached out to — and met up with — Brittni and India.
After confirming her pregnancy on The View, she made her way over to Huffington Post Live where she sat down for a one-on-one chat with social commentator Marc Lamont Hill. The mommy-to-be was glowing with positivity as she dished on her new pregnancy and the baby’s gender. She also dished on bonding with the monthers of Future’s kids, finding love and her maternity style.
On her pregnancy: It really is a blessing. It’s the most exciting time in my life. I’m really excited, like a little kid. You know when the kids are getting ready for Christmas and you can’t wait to see what’s under the tree? (more…)
2014 Will be Breakout Year for Female Entrepreneurs
For a little January inspiration, let’s take a look at Forbes’ Most Powerful Female Entrepreneurs List released last year. Although I’m a bit disappointed that not a single African woman made the list, I’m still happy that women worldwide are shaking things up in this male dominated world. According to Forbes, 2014 will be a breakout year for women entrepreneurs (and they list 11 reasons why). The number of $10-million-plus women-owned firms increased by 57% — a growth rate nearly 50% more than $10-million-plus firms overall.
On the list was Sara Blakely, (pictured above), the founder of SPANX. At 29 Blakely invested her entire life savings, $5,000, trying to come up with something flattering to wear under her white slacks. Six months later the one-time Disney World ride greeter and door-to-door fax machine salesperson found her new line of shaping underwear named one of Oprah Winfrey’s Favorite Things. Since then Blakely has taken Spanx from a one-product wonder sold out of her Atlanta apartment to a powerhouse with $250 million in annual revenues and net profit margins estimated at 20%. (more…)
AMARIE ADHIS 