“I really hope to get nominated and I hope we will also win. This album is my best work. Just like my shows, I make sure that my last album has to be my best album,” he said in a recent interview.

See also:

Jay-Z Is ‘Attempting’ To Talk Travis Scott Out Of Performing At Super Bowl Halftime Show

Jenifer Lewis recites poem to appreciate Rihanna & Cardi B for supporting Kaepernick

This Christmas(2007)

Almost Christmas (2016)

The Best Man Holiday (2013)

See also:

Diana Ross turns 75: Here are 7 of her greatest hits

Diana Ross expresses support for Michael Jackson amidst ‘Leaving Neverland’ controversy

He’s here and he’s perfect!

I consider Africa to be in a league of her own. Her people, culture and habitat are her unique “super powers”. Africa has deep rooted foundations in terms of beliefs, values, norms, culture among other elements. Also, Africans do not take their culture lightly. This is because it is a strong bond that keeps them together and in control.

One of such cultural elements is the African Wedding. It is usually said that the wedding lasts for just a day but the marriage is for a lifetime. Still, a lot is put into making this day a memorable one. It is not just a union between two people but also their families. The family, which is the foundation of the society, is very much valued in the African culture.

As we all know, an important part of any wedding is the dressing. Africa, being rich in culture also translates it to the dressing especially for the “big day”. Here are four selected African tribes/countries and the attires worn for traditional weddings.

YORUBA
The Yoruba tribe is one of the three major tribes in Nigeria. With a total reach of eight (8) states in the country, it also extends to other African countries- Benin and Togo.

A Yoruba Bride
For the Yoruba traditional wedding, the bride’s look consists of the famous “Iro” (blouse) and “Buba” (wrapper). Several materials are used to create the look. They include, “Aso Oke”, lace, cotton and chiffon fabrics. She finishes her look with a head wrap known as “Gele” and “Ipele” worn across her shoulder or around her waist. A lot of care is taken into tying the gele as the fabric is usually styled into beautiful layers. In addition she adds a net material over her head as a veil or covering as she makes her entrance to the wedding ceremony.

Her husband, also in similar clothing material, wears the “Agbada” on “Sokoto” (trousers). He tops it off with a hat known as “Fila” in the Yoruba language.
Both looks are usually accessorized with local beads worn as neck and hand pieces.

A Beautiful Yoruba Couple

XHOSA
Xhosa is traced to the Bantu ethnic group in South Africa. The Xhosa people are situated in Eastern and western Cape, South Africa.
The Xhosa wedding is characterized by a lot of traditions and rituals which include the “Ukuthwalwa”, “Isiduko”, “Ikhazi” and “Ukuyalwa”.
The Umakoti (which is the Xhosa bride) is beautifully adorned in a small tartan blanket worn over her shoulders. This symbolizes how nurturing and caring she is. She wears the “Isishweshwe”- a long printed skirt. This sends a message to other men that she is taken. She is also wrapped in a towel around her upper region as an emblem of marriage. Lastly, scarf made of wool is tied around her waist. This is usually done to conceal her waist and shape and also to shield her fertility. She finishes her look with a black head doek. This symbolises respect for her elders. Her bridal accessories include beautiful necklaces, bracelets and anklets made of beads.

The Umakoti
The Xhosa groom is usually dressed in a white wrapper and an "Ingwaca". The Ingwaca is a little blanket worn over the shoulders of the groom. He finishes his look with neck, head and wrist beaded pieces. Also, the modern Xhosa groom adds a shirt or vest to his look. In addition, the material choices of the couple are using the same which is similar to the Yoruba tribe.

The Xhosa Couple

UGANDA (Bangdana)
The "Kwanjula" (Ugandan wedding) is characterized by lots of music, clapping and dancing. It is not only a family affair (which is usually large in number) but a village affair as well. This is because the members of the village troop out in their numbers to witness the colorful occasion. Who doesn't like weddings?! Lol!
For the wedding occasion, the Ugandan bride wears a "Gomesi" which is a floor-length dress. Now, a lot of effort is put into choosing the right color of the Gomesi. A dark skinned bride will usually opt for a brighter shade of color and vice versa. She adds a colorful sash which is wrapped around her waist. Her outfit is elevated with colorful beaded necklaces, bracelets and anklets.

The Bangdana Bride

Her husband is usually dressed in a suit jacket or blazer worn over a "kanzu".
The Kanzu is a white/cream colored robe or tunic. It is common to the Bangdana men of Uganda as well as Tanzania. It is embroided around the sleeves, abdomen and collar. This embroidery is referred to as "omulela".
In addition, the groom is not usually the only one adorned in this outfit. All the malefigures in his family also wear the Kanzu. Interesting!!

A Ugandan Couple

RWANDA
The traditional Rwandan wedding is one that is fully ground in cultural rites. It consists of a number of cultural practises and ceremonies according to the traditions of the country.
They include; Kuranga, Gufata Irembo, Gusaba, Gukwa, Gutebutsa, Gutinyisha, the wedding day and Gutwikurura.
The bride is dressed in an "Umushanana". This consists of a long wrap skirt and a silk sash drape worn over her shoulder. The Umushanana comes in various colors and beautiful styles. At one glance, it has a striking resemblance to the "Saree" worn by Indian women. I think I need to add that to my wardrobe!!!
The bride glams up her outfit with stunning headpieces, earrings, necklaces and bracelets.

Traditionally, the groom wears a two-piece cloth and goes bare-chest. He pairs with two beaded necklaces and a sisal headgear. But the fashion has evolved over the years. Now, the groom wears a silk shirt with the two-piece cloth. One of the pieces is beautifully draped across the shoulder similar to the bride. He rounds it off with necklaces, cowboy hat, walking stick and local leather sandals.
CONCLUSION
African weddings are super colorful, festive and filled with tons of activities. Wedding planning for these ceremonies will surely be a great feat!!!!
But the heart of it remains beautiful and the family ties make it merrier!!! So, for the newly engaged African couples in diaspora, you can have the traditional wedding of your dreams. All it takes is proper planning and execution. Cheers!!!

Jare Ijalana, the Nigeria-born bella, stormed the internet with her stunning, jaw-dropping pictures. Recently crowned "The most beautiful girl in the world" by Yahoo Lifestyle in 2018, we couldn't agree more!!!!

The African Barbie, as she is fondly called, was scouted by Lifestyle and Wedding photographer, Mofe Bamuyiwa. The Lagos-based photographer described her intention was to shine the light on the great potentials of the little waowser for the world to see.

Mofe Bamuyiwa also reported that she wants the image to speak to her in her older years. She also encouraged Jare to take a similar picture when she's much more older.

Amazingly, she is not the only one with the charming beauty-genes. Her sisters, Joba Ijalana and Jomi Ijalana, are equally beautiful models and stars. They are altogether named the J3 SISTERS.

The launching of the alluring images has kick-started a whole new chapter in Jare's life, career and family as well. Check out the interview made by Legit.ng with her and her family.

Jare has modelled for various famous designers with her sisters. Some of these designers include: Heiress Couture, Princess Ford, Panda London, Loulabelle, Jumia Nigeria amongst others. She has also featured on famous media platforms such as: Daily Mail UK, Yahoo Lifestyle, People.com, Pulse Kenya, Elle Cote D'ivoire and Public Magazine France. "🎶This girl is on fire 🎶"

The 6year old stunner is also set to receive an award at the 3rd Edition of the Child Summit & Award Ceremony at Accra, Ghana on the 7th of September, 2019.

CONCLUSION

Jare Ijalana has taken the world by storm and melted our hearts. We believe that her modeling career will rise to even greater heights if pursued eventually!! We love you JARE!!!

Opray Winfrey has affirmed her commitment to education by donating $1.15million to help less privileged students afford quality education and succeed in College.

She announced this major donation after a talk on leadership at the 17^th annual Maya Angelon Women Who lead Luncheon when she enquired on how much had been raised so far when she learnt the united negro College fund had hoped to raise $1 million at the event for Scholars.  

“I believe in the power of education,” Winfrey mentioned in her speech saying, “There is nothing better than to open the door for someone.”

An announcement of such donation by Winfrey got her a standing ovation and sustained applause by the audience. The entire donation so far had boosted to $2.3 million.

The humanitarian who founded the Oprah Winfrey leadership academy in 2007 for girls in South Africa said some of her graduates also attended colleges and Universities worldwide, which three of them are graduated from Johnson C.Smith University in Charlotte, Winfrey explained.

She also hinted his plan in the month to campaign in charlotte in 2020 for healthier living. This she explained will be part of her nine-city winter arena tour adding that her “Oprah’s 2020 Vision: Your life in focus” wellness event is scheduled for Jan.18 at the Spectrum Centre in Uptown. Oprah also noted that she recalled telling Angelou at the famed poet and civil rights activists kitchen table in Winston-Salem how she believed the South Africa academy will be her greatest legacy. Angelou reproved her, she explained.

“You have no idea of what your legacy is going to be, because your legacy will be every life you touch,” Winfrey mentioned to Angelou.

She ended her speech by giving a charge to the Charlotte audience saying, “Your legacy is how you treat everybody”.

Nigeria and South Africa have Okayed an agreement on issuing 10-year visas to academics, businessmen and frequent travellers.

This agreement was reached after the conclusion of the 9th Bi-National Commission of South Africa and Nigeria meeting in Pretoria, South Africa, which was raised to the level of heads of state of both countries.

According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President-Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, explained that the agreement was reached during a meeting co-chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa.

Shehu noted that this was the first time both Presidents would preside since the elevation of the Bi-National Commission.

He said, “The decision was taken to encourage more people-to-people contacts among citizens of both countries and further strengthen socio-cultural, economic and political relations.

“At the meeting held at the Union Buildings, Presidential Palace of South Africa, the two presidents agreed on early warning signals to nip violence in the bud before it escalates, while taking into consideration the need to share more intelligence and promote stronger partnership in security.

“Both countries also agreed to re-establish the consular forum, which is a structured arrangement where both governments meet regularly, at least twice in a year, to discuss the welfare of citizens.

“The Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, and the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, signed the minutes of the 9th session of the Bi-National Commission.”

During a visit to Pretoria to improve relations between Nigeria and South Africa following xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other Africans, President Buhari urged Nigerians living in South Africa not to forget home.

He termed as embarrassing the recent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and foreigners by South Africans, urging Nigerians in the Diaspora to always remember their country with skills, resources and talents.

The Gullah people are African Americans that reside in the low country region of Georgia. They live in small fishing and agricultural neighborhoods along the Atlantic coastal plain and on the chain of Sea Islands equivalent to the coast.

HISTORY

A large percentage of the Gullah people originated from the regions demarcated for rice cultivation in West Africa. In other words, they are descendants of Africans who were enslaved on the rice, Indigo and Sea Island cotton plantations of the lower Atlantic Coast.

The peculiarities of their enslavement on the remote island and coastal plantations gave birth to a culture entrenched in deep African roots which is quite visible in their food, language, music, arts and crafts and other customs.

CULTURE

The official language for the Gullah people is Gullah Geechee language which is widely spoken across the coastal areas of North and South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. It started as basic form of communiqué among a diverse population of people who spoke different languages. They included African tribal groups, slave vendors and even European slave merchants.

The vocabulary of the language is rooted in both the African and European languages, making it the only distinct African creole language in America. Also, the creole language of the Gullah people is quite similar to the Sierra Leone’s Krio.

In terms of arts and culture, the slavery conditions influenced these societal elements and traditions greatly. For example, the Gullah ancestors engaged mainly in basket weaving, textile arts and making of casting nets for the sole purpose of survival.

Even the style of music revolved around the conditions of slavery that was inflicted on them. Such influences can be various musical genres such as hip hop, gospel, rhythm and blues, ragtime, soul and jazz music.

When it comes to food matters, the Gullah people consume vegetables, seafood, fruits, game. Others include foods imported from Africa and Europe in the time of the slave trade. They include okra, peas, yam, peanuts, sorghum, and watermelon amongst others. They also eat food from the Native Americans such as corn, tomatoes, squash and berries.

It is also interesting to note that rice is the staple crop taken by the Gullah people. African cooking techniques and seasonings are also employed

CONCLUSION

Several celebrities such as Joe Frazier, Chris Rock, Julie Dash, Jim Brown, Septima Poinsette Clark (mother of the civil rights movement) and Gullah Jack all have their roots in Gullah.

Slavery remains an open scar in the history of mankind and sadly the present too. But, we will continue to fight it and bury it forever. Say No to SLAVERY.

In western Nigeria and southern Benin in West Africa, you can find the Yoruba tribe. The majority of this ethnic group is from Nigeria, where they make up 21% of the country's population. One of the first observations made by first time visitors to Yoruba land is the rich, exuberant nature of the Yoruba tribe. In this article, I am going to shed some light on some of the most interesting aspects of the Yoruba.

History of Yoruba Culture

The mythical history of the Yoruba tribe is believed to have begun at Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The Yoruba believe that their ancestor, Oduduwa, came down from a big chain lowered from heaven by God. He also brought with him a cock, a palm kernel and some sand. So, he poured the sand on water, the cock spread it to become dry land. After that, the kernel grew into a tree with 16 limbs – representing the original 16 Yoruba Kingdoms. The famous Yoruba Empire of Oyo sprang up in the 15^th century but at the end of the 18^th century, civil war had broken out. By the 1830s, the empire was conquered by the Fulani who pushed most of the Yoruba further down south where the towns of Ibadan and Abeokuta were eventually founded. By 1901, the British had taken over most of the region now called Nigeria including Yorubaland.

Yoruba Naming Traditions

The Yoruba tribe have a strong belief that people live out the meanings of their names. Therefore, they put in substantial effort into the naming of their children. This is based on a popular Yoruba belief that “One must consider the tradition and history of a newborn’s family before giving such child a name”. Naming ceremonies and rights are usually performed by the eldest member of the family. At the end of the ceremony, the child is given a name by his parents and also, other members of the family are equally allowed to give the newborn a name. It is interesting to note that a newborn may end up with over a dozen names given by family members. Also, each family member calls the child by the name given by them.

The Yoruba believe that some names are preordained – often referred to as Oruko Amutorunwa i.e. names brought from heaven. For instance, when twins are born, they are usually named Taiye and Kehinde meaning the first taster of the world and the second arrival respectively. Other preordained Yoruba names include Idowu (the child that comes after the twins), Abiodun (the child born during a period of festivities), Ige (the child born with his legs out first) and so many others.

The second category of Yoruba names are names given at birth – Oruko Abiso in Yoruba language. They are regular names given according to family traditions, for example Ogundiran (meaning Ogun, a traditional deity, has become a living tradition in the family). Other unique names include Malomo meaning do not go again- usually given to children who are believed to be born only to die young-, pet names popularly called Oriki and so much more.

Language

Traditionally, the Yoruba speak Yoruba language (a member of the Niger-Congo language family). With around a total of 40 million speakers, Yoruba is widely spoken in some parts of West Africa principally Nigeria and Benin. Not only that, the language is also spoken in some communities across Sierra Leone, Liberia, some parts of Europe and the Americas.

Art

The Yoruba tribe possesses one of the most artistic traditions from Africa. They are famous for their sculptures, especially their terracotta and bronze artworks. The Esie museum in Kwara State, Nigeria used to be home to the largest collection of soapstone figures and images in the world. Many of these art works are placed in shrines to honor the gods and their ancestors. Other notable forms of art include bead works, metal works, pottery, weaving of beautiful textiles and other craft work.

Food

The importance of good food cannot be over hyped. Certainly, the Yoruba are no strangers to good food. They have varieties of native dishes amala (from cassava flour), Iyan (pounded yam), fufu (cassava), moin-moin and akara (products of beans), soups like egusi (melon soup), efo (vegetable soup ) and so much more. If you ever get a chance to visit Yoruba land, be sure to try out the local delicacies.

Religion

One of the most important aspects of the Yoruba culture is their love and respect for deities. The Yoruba have a high god called Olorun, and at least 401 deities. They are collectively known as Orisha and for this reason, they have often been compared to the ancient Greeks. They strongly believe in life after death and that the ancestors have some influence on the lives of the living.  The people pay annual homage to the dead at grave sites. Also, masquerades are often invited to funerals because they are believed to carry the spirit of the dead.

Yoruba Weddings

The Yoruba traditional wedding ceremonies are considered a very serious affair. It involves the prospective groom getting the consent of the bride’s parents to marry her. Subsequently, he pays the bride price before the traditional wedding ceremony is observed. Yoruba weddings are well known to involve a lot of dancing, music and merry making.

Law

The legal system in Yoruba land is quite complex. Customarily, government begins from the immediate family. Next is the extended family or clan headed by a chief called the Baale. The chiefs are usually subject to the King called Oba. Most Yoruba speaking countries like Nigeria have embedded the Yoruba customs into their customary laws.

Dance and Music

Perhaps, two of the most beautiful attributes of the Yoruba culture are the music and dance. The Yoruba are well known for their advanced musical and drumming traditions. Yoruba music has heavily influenced music of Trinidad, the Lukumi religious traditions, Capoerira practice in Brazil and even Cuban music. The most prominent types of Yoruba music are Juju, Sekere, Fuji and Apala.

In this article , I’ll be sharing with you ,  Five objects that would shake up your boring Bedroom Life. Now let’s get right into it ;

CANDLES!

Yes ! Candles are sure a mood setter , especially scented ones . Turn off your electric bulbs and spice up your bedroom with candles , enjoy the light and scent it brings . 

INCENSE!

I am writing them with exclamation marks , so you know how serious I am . Incense clear up bad energies and pet your soul. Treat you bedroom to a nice collection of incense and you would wake up happy every day

It is said that all humans have some sort of insecurity in them, both men and women exhibit a certain level of insecurity both in their careers/jobs or their relationships. This article is focusing on the unhealthy insecurity exhibited by a large percentage of Black Men in relationships.

Black Men are seen as symbols of masculinity, strength, sensuality and virility. However, the Achilles Heel is, Black Men seem to be more insecure in their relationships to the point of toxicity. Insecurity deals a big blow to the emotional balance of a relationship. Whilst women enjoy attention, controlled jealousy and possessiveness, Insecurity is however a deal breaker for most women.

Insecurity causes Black Men to question every career move their woman makes, Insecure men seek Validation, Insecure men have extreme trust issues, insecure men are constant control freeks.

There are some arguments that the ratio of graduating black women in the United States are higher than that of black men, black women have more entrepreneurial spirit, more black women are enrolling in college, a lot of married black women in Africa tend to be breadwinners and so on and so forth. These are not enough reason for a Black man to be insecure, as Black men in Africa, America, Caribbeans, Europe, England, Asia are all on the same table of insecurity. 

MBBA is throwing this question out for all of  us to dissect in the comment section; WHY ARE BLACK MEN INSECURE?

#MBBARelationships with @Ada_atm

The three times African Champions- Super Eagles of Nigeria on Wednesday, November 13, returned from a goal down to beat visiting Benin Republic 2-1 in 2021 AFCON qualifiers.
The Team fondly called the Squirrels came to the city of Uyo with big determination of beating Super Eagles of Nigeria having lost their last five meetings against Gernot Rohr’s men.
Benin Republic started the match with a remarkable performance with nice attacking footballs, and it took them only five minutes to score their goal at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
Stephane Sessegnon scored the goal for Benin Republic benefitting from a careless defense from Super Eagles allowing him to beat helpless Nigerian player Daniel Akpeyi.

Nigeria labored to restore parity after conceding in front of their fans which had them wait till the 45th minute before equalizing through one of their top players Victor Osimhen who netted a penalty after a team mate know as Ola Aina
was brought down.
The Benin goalkeeper also skillfully denied the Nigerian player with name Samuel Chukwueze a chance to increase the score line for Nigeria before the half time break.
The visitors came out with another pattern in the second half looking for another goal, but Nigeria's Ekong and Jamilu Collins played a very impressive game for the Super Eagles defense.

Samuel Kalu scored the winning goal for Nigeria in the 62nd minute as Nigeria recorded a maximum three points against Benin republic.
It would also be recalled that super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr's contract with Nigerian Football
Federation (NFF) expires 2020. All indications have shown that there are three rationales that could make him quit his current position when his contract expires.
Rohr has been Super Eagles Manager since 2016.

Ofentse Pitse is the first black South African woman to conduct and own the first ever all-black orchestra, Anchored Sound. The Mabopane-born architect believes her musical gift is a calling; her late grandfather Otto Pitse was also an orchestra conductor and trumpet player. She first played an instrument at the age of 12.

“I was raised to be limitless… [and] I was born an artist.”  These are the words of 27-year-old Ofentse Pitse, a woman who is carving her name into the history books. Pitse is the first black South African woman to conduct and own the first ever all-black orchestra, Anchored Sound. 

She first played an instrument at the age of 12. She grew up in a single-parent home and her mom was always supportive of her endeavors.  She fell in love with sounds from there and was exposed to many types of music,ranging from gospel to jazz. She credits her grandfather as well and believes she is his reincarnation. People have shown their appreciation and enthusiasm for a female orchestra conductor.

“Conducting is a whole different ballgame. You have to have a particular understanding, the mind and the spirit for each and every instrument. You have to have an understanding, you have to do a lot of research.

"You have to have a certain kind of confidence to stand on that podium and lift a baton and conduct people who are looking at you saying, 'but she’s a woman', because they are used to these old men standing in front of them, conducting. You have to walk in there with a certain kind of reverence and confidence.”

Sharon Steele rose from the Ashes like a Phoenix. From a struggling single mom with a felony dealing with a diagnosis of severe depression developed from childhood abuse to a entrepreneur, Sharon’s courage and determination has inspired women and men worldwide and helped countless audiences break through, to discover their own untapped talents and infinite potential.

Sharon didn’t have options base on her choices which led her to become a business owner but not the typical business. The business wouldn’t be solely product base but actually hands on to help individuals that society would normally reject.

• Dantooine. They're on Dantooine.
• He is here.
• Don't underestimate the Force.

1. I care. So, what do you think of her, Han?
2. You mean it controls your actions?
3. Look, I can take you as far as Anchorhead. You can get a transport there to Mos Eisley or wherever you're going.
4. I'm trying not to, kid.

Revenge of the Sith

• Dantooine. They're on Dantooine.
• He is here.
• Don't underestimate the Force.

1. I care. So, what do you think of her, Han?
2. You mean it controls your actions?
3. Look, I can take you as far as Anchorhead. You can get a transport there to Mos Eisley or wherever you're going.
4. I'm trying not to, kid.

Revenge of the Sith

• Dantooine. They're on Dantooine.
• He is here.
• Don't underestimate the Force.

1. I care. So, what do you think of her, Han?
2. You mean it controls your actions?
3. Look, I can take you as far as Anchorhead. You can get a transport there to Mos Eisley or wherever you're going.
4. I'm trying not to, kid.

Revenge of the Sith

1. I care. So, what do you think of her, Han?
2. You mean it controls your actions?
3. Look, I can take you as far as Anchorhead. You can get a transport there to Mos Eisley or wherever you're going.
4. I'm trying not to, kid.

1. I care. So, what do you think of her, Han?
2. You mean it controls your actions?
3. Look, I can take you as far as Anchorhead. You can get a transport there to Mos Eisley or wherever you're going.
4. I'm trying not to, kid.

HERE COMES THE BRIDE! ALL DRESSED IN WHITE!

OUR BLACK MOTHER OF THE BRIDE.

THAT MOMENT REV. CURRY GAVE THE EMOTIONAL SPEECH

THE MOST GOSSIPED ABOUT DRESS TURNS OUT SIMPLE, PURE AND SCULPTURAL

MEGAN MARKLE MAKES HER GRAND ENTRANCE INTO THE CHURCH

DUKE AND DUCHESS OF SUSSEX IN THE ASCOT LAUDAU CARRIAGE.

GRACEFUL DEPARTURE OF THE NEWLY WEDDED ROYAL COUPLE.

HOT ROYAL KISS! AND SO THEY KISSED HAPPILY EVER AFTER.

CELEBRITY AND ROYALTY GUESTS  KATE, DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE, FRIEND OF MEGAN MARKLE'S AND CANADIAN FASHION STYLIST

DURO OLOWU SPRING/SUMMER COLLECTION

DURO OLOWU is a Nigerian born London based fashion designer, he is best known for his innovative combinations of unique textiles and patterns that is inspired by his international background.

GHANIAN/SCOTTISH WEDDING

THE WEDDING

From the bride and groom: “The whole wedding experience was amazing. We loved all of our vendors, but we had the most fun at the reception.  We loved the food, the DJ kept us on the floor dancing and our sparkler exit was the best.”

VENDORS

The 24-year-old just achieved one of the biggest book deals in history which also includes a 7-figure movie deal! Her book #TheChildrenOfBloodAndBone is a fantasy series which she compares to “#BlackPanther, but with magic.” TCOBAB is the first book out of three.

Adeyemi started writing the book series while she was in Brazil teaching and became infatuated with the Nigerian mythology, and says that it’s an integral part of her trilogy. Adeyemi believes that For all of the reasons we love “Black Panther, l, Adeyemi believes we will also love “The Children of Blood And Bone”.

“That’s why the success of [the recent Marvel movie] #BlackPanther has been so significant – black and marginalized audiences have got the opportunity to see themselves also as heroes depicted in a beautiful, inspirational and empowering way, and white audiences get to see new stories told, and it becomes easier for them to picture a black superhero,” she told @TheGuardian. “Imagination is a funny thing – we sometimes need to see something before we can truly picture it.”

Via @Blavity:

“The story features the protagonist Zélie, who is a fisherman’s daughter, zelie is sent on a quest to restore magic to her culture. She is confronted by divine forces and she teams up with unlikely allies. The story is a true reminiscent of other entries into the fantasy genre like “Harry Potter” and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy but this book happens to be based off the real world, too.”

 Lots of places in “The Children of Blood And Bone” were named after Nigerian cities, the characters are portrayed to wear the traditional Nigerian garb and there’s also a spiritual connection to the country which is similar to the ancestral plane in Black Panther.

watch black music, African star diamond platinumz and Omarion in African beauty, watch how Omarion eats Swahili right outa his hands like he was born in Africa.

Forbes Africa, in its 2018 list, and for the first time, had over 90 young individuals in the continent across three industries – Business, Technology and Creative – in the list.

Music stars such as Wizkid, Davido, Sarkodie, Nasty C, Cassper Nyovest, Falz, Yemi Aladealso made the list.

BN Alum and founder of AsoEbiBella Ink Eze, Kene Rapu, Gozie Coker of Coker Creative, and Bidemi Zakariyau of LSF|PR were also listed.

Fashion entrepreneurs Adebayo Oke-Lawal of Orange Culture and Tania Omotayo of Ziva Lagos; beauty entrepreneurs Anita Adetola Adetoye of Anita Brows, Joyce Jacob were also named; actress Beverly Naya also made the list.

See full list below:

Business

Yannick Nzonde, 29, DRC Co-founder ATI Groupe

Leroy Mwasaru, 20, Kenya Founder, Greenpact

Ladipo Lawani, 29, Nigeria Founder, L&L Foods

Emmanuel Ademola Ayilara, 29, Nigeria Founder, LanaWey Investment Limited

Mwiya Musokotwane, 28, Zambia Founder, Thebe Investment Management

Nomvula Mhambi, 29, Zimbabwe Founder, Disruptive Innovation

Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed Falalu, 28, Nigeria Founder, FalGates

Roger Boniface, 29, South Africa Founder, EDISIM

Gilbert Eugene Peters, 29, Zimbabwe Founder, Spidex Media

Sihle Ndlela, 28, South Africa Co-founder, Majozi Bros Construction

Vera Shaba, 29, South Africa Founder, Shaba and Rampling; Green Building Solutions

Thomas Duncan, 28, Namiba Owner, Anticor

Wesley Beneke, 29, South Africa Founder, WCB Construction

Anita Adetola Adetoye, 26, Nigeria Founder, Anita Brows Beauty

Akinwande Durojaye, 28, Nigeria Founder, JustBrandIt; FixMyRide. Co-founder, FueledUp; LashBells

Samuelle Dimairho, 27, Zimbabwe Co-founder, Chengetedzai Depository Company

Joey Friedman, 26, South Africa Founder, LA Group of Companies

Zuko Tisani, 25, South Africa Founder, Legazy Technology Conferencing

Gisela van Houcke, 27, DRC Founder, Zuri Luxury Hair&Beauty

Bidemi Zakariyau, 28, Nigeria Founder, LSF|PR

Zareef Minty, 24, South Africa Founder, ZRF Holdings

Fred Apaloo, 28, Ghana Founder, Villa Grace

Kene Rapu, 28, Nigeria Founder, Kene Rapu

Jack Mthembu, 27, South Africa Founder, First One Adventures

Reabetswe Ngwane, 25, South Africa Co-founder, KreamFields

Anelisa Mntuyedwa, 28, South Africa Founder, Gilbert Civils

Gozie Coker, 29, Nigeria Founder, Coker Creative

Alexander Knieps, 27, South Africa Founder, Printulu

Adam Amoussou, 27, Benin Founder, Amosconsult Group

Nataliey Bitature, 28, Uganda Co-founder, Musana Carts

Technology

Rivo Mhiari, 23, South Africa Founder, Rikatec

Olaoluwa Samuel-Biyi, 27, Nigeria Co-founder, SureGifts. Director, SureRemit

Isaya Yunge, 28, Tanzania Founder, SomaApps Technologies Company Limited

Mahmood Oyewo, 26, Nigeria Co-founder, RubiQube

Kevin Lubega, 28, Uganda Founder, EzeeMoney

Berno Potgieter & Thatoyaona Marumo, 28, South Africa Founders, Domestly

Leonida Mutuku, 29, Kenya Founder, Intelipro

Chris Kwekowe, 25, & Emerald Kwekowe, 21, Nigeria Founders, Slatecube

Phiwa Nkambule, 26, Swaziland Co-founder, Riovic

Sunkanmi Ola, 22, Nigeria Founder, Syracuse Digital

Perseus Mlambo, 29, Zambia Founder, Zazu Africa Limited

Kola Olajide, 26, Nigeria Co-founder, Bridge Labs

Nneile Nkholise, 29, South Africa Founder, iMed Tech

Bamal Namata, 26, Cameroon Founder, Maibeta

Riaz Moola, 26, South Africa Founder, HyperionDev

Leonard Stiegeler, 29, Nigeria. Co-founder, Zanda, Jumia & Director Ringer Africa AG.

Kofi Genfi & Nii Osae Osae Dade, 24, Ghana. Founders, CYST Company Limited.

Juan Pienaar, 27, South Africa. Founder, Apex Media.

Timothy Adeleye, 29, Nigeria. Founder, Optiweb Communications.

Maya Horgan Famodu, 27, Nigeria. Founder, Ingressive.

Abraham Omani Quaye, 28, Ghana. Founder, Farmart.

Melvyn Lubega, 28, South Africa. Founder, GO1.

Huston Malande, 28, Kenya. Founder, Skyline Design.

Cukia Kimani, 26 & Ben Myres, 25, South Africa. Founders, Nyamakop.

Ink Eze, 28, Nigeria. (YAY!! BN Alum!) Founder, AsoEbiBella.

June Syowia, 23, Kenya. Founder, Beiless Group.

Obinna Okwodu, 27, Nigeria. Founder, Fibre.

Abdellah Mallek, 28, Algeria. Co-founder, Sylabs.

Yasmine El Baggari, 25, Morocco. Founder, Voyaj.

Simba Mubvuma, 26, Zimbabwe. Co-founder, Lexware Inc.

Creatives

Thuso Mbedu, 26, South Africa. Actress.

Maria Borges, 25, Angola. Supermodel.

Herieth Paul, 22, Tanzania. Supermodel.

Eddy Kamuanga Illunga, 26, DRC. Painter.

Cassper Nyovest, 27, South Africa. Rapper & Entrepreneur.

Stacey Gillian Abe, 27, Uganda. Multidisciplinary Contemporary Artist.

Yemi Alade, 29, Nigeria. Singer & Songwriter.

Falz, 27, Nigeria. Rapper & Actor.

Orapeleng Moodutle, 29, South Africa. Fashion Designer.

Nomzamo Mbatha, 27, South Africa. Actress.

Kwesta, 29, South Africa. Rapper & Entrepreneur.

Davido, 25, Nigeria. Singer & Songwriter.

Safia Elhillo, 27, Sudan. Author & Poet.

Joyce Jacob, 28, Nigeria. Founder: Joyce Jacob Beauty.

Shekhinah, 23, South Africa. Singer & Songwriter.

Adebayo Oke-Lawal, 28, Nigeria. Fashion Designer. Founder: Orange Culture.

Wizkid, 27, Nigeria. Singer & Songwriter.

Koleka Putuma, 25, South Africa. Poet & Author.

Nasty C, 21, South Africa. Rapper & Producer.

Beverly Naya, 29, Nigeria. Actress & Entrepreneur.

Simphiwe, 27, South Africa. Visual Artist.

Rina Chunga-Kutama, 29, South Africa. Fashion Designer.

Kemiyondo Coutinho, 28, Uganda. Playwright, Actress, Filmmaker & Entrepreneur.

Sarkodie, 29, Ghana. Rapper & Entrepreneur.

Mapeseka Koetie-Nyokong, 29, South Africa. Actress & Entrepreneur.

Sonia Irabor, 28, Nigeria. Writer, Filmmaker & Actress.

Tony Gum, 22, South Africa. Visual Artist.

ANATII, 25, South Africa. Producer, Writer, Director & Artiste.

Sasha Pieterse, 22, South Africa. Actress & Singer/Songwriter.

Tania Omotayo, 26, Nigeria. Model & Entrepreneur.

• Dantooine. They're on Dantooine.
• He is here.
• Don't underestimate the Force.

1. I care. So, what do you think of her, Han?
2. You mean it controls your actions?
3. Look, I can take you as far as Anchorhead. You can get a transport there to Mos Eisley or wherever you're going.
4. I'm trying not to, kid.

Revenge of the Sith

 BLACK DESIGNERS- This is often a question that black people seem to avoid, this is because as black people we are busy making our counterparts rich while we ignore our responsibilities towards uplifting the Black Entrepreneur's power in their industries, As black people we prefer the likes of top white designers and brand owners like, Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, Gap Inc. this is because we believe their designs are more unique and original,  should we call a spade as it is? do we really practice racism against ourselves? While we celebrate and patronize fashion designers from other races we create more wealth for the people who continuously discriminate against the Black Designer and Black model's talent. well, when people discriminate against the black designer's brand while black, they seem to not consider the fact that their black children might pursue a career in fashion sometime in the nearest future as a fashion designer, model, photographer or any other area of their interest in fashion. More reasons why we have to first, change the unjust system and support black designers like Ouigi Theodore, Tracy Reese, Maxwell Osborne, Duro Olowu, Patrick kelly, Stephon burrows, willie smith, Ann Lowe, B Michael and other top black designers not mentioned here.

WAIT!!! One question to ask ourselves, As blacks are we proud of our own styles of clothing or we often love to copy and move with the western trends?

The truth about a fashion industry that touts itself as celebratory of difference, diversity, and inclusion, Black design talent consistently remains, at best, marginalized and all too often plagued by systemic employment discrimination. Let's be clear on this: the established, mainstream fashion design community does not have a diversity problem, it has a “Black people problem.” Within the majority of luxury, contemporary-level and mass-market design studios, talented Black designers are seldom equitably afforded opportunities to attain senior designer, design director, creative director or vice president of design titles. More often than not, they are blacklisted by influential recruiters and hiring managers, resulting in little to no prospects for stable employment or market rate salaries.

Fed up with watching this most blatant form of discrimination thrive while the broader industry capitalizes on Black celebrity associations and the recent uptick in Black casting? We all witnessed when H&M depicted a young Black boy in a hoodie reading “coolest monkey in the jungle”, confirming how recklessly fashion brands with little to no Black leadership utilize images of Black people. (The Swedish retailer has appointed a diversity leader since the incident.) In fashion, timing is everything, and the time has come for the industry to remedy the systemic marginalization of Black design talent.

Our path to working towards a better future for blacks in the fashion industry starts with Blacks as consumers and how they appreciate and patronize the Black designer's brand. And yes!!! it’s time for fashion’s leadership to stop abusing their positions and begin authentically making an actionable and notable commitment to solving the problem of Black exclusion.

We very well know Black designers who have acquired competitive skills professionally but opportunities are still evading them, Within the professional environments of fashion, we rarely encounter a Black face. If any Wherever they work even as team leaders they are consistently making considerably less money than their non-Black counterparts. within the wider industry, we should agree that black people in the fashion industry adhered to the de rigueur code of silence around this issue. Within the community of Black designers, many felt that they had to keep quiet, lest they find themselves cast further into the depths of terminal unemployment. And yes, they also faced various other forms of fashion industry discrimination to boot (ageism, sizeism and class prejudice among them).

"Let's start being Black and supportive to our Black Fashion Designers and Brand owners"

To every African American, there is a living unknown relative in Africa.

 The Louvre Allowed Beyoncé and Jay-Z to Film Their ‘Apes**t’ Video in the Museum

David. Géricault. Da Vinci! They were just a few of the artists Beyoncé and Jay-Z strategically featured in their new “Apeshit” music video — performing under the name the Carters — because they were given private access to the Louvre to groove around whichever masterpieces they wanted. As us plebeians can’t usually get close enough to the “Winged Victory of Samothrace” without being yelled at by another patron to move out of their photo, we couldn’t help ponder to Apollo, the Greek god of the arts: How was the museum able to grant such a big request?

“Beyoncé and Jay-Z visited the Louvre four times in the last ten years. During their last visit in May 2018, they explained their idea of filming,” a spokesperson for the museum told Vulture. (Who could forget their infamous 2014 trip?) “The deadlines were very tight but the Louvre was quickly convinced because the synopsis showed a real attachment to the museum and its beloved artworks.” While the Louvre wouldn’t comment on the monetary figure the couple had to fork over, we should note it’s not inherently unusual for the museum to grant access for entertainment purposes — as detailedin the New York Times, the Louvre typically hosts around 500 shoots a year for film, television, and music projects. And for around $17,500, you too can have private access to the galleries for an entire day.

"Even when you’re upset, use words of love / ’Cause God is love / Allah is love / Jehovah is love / So don’t let your expressions, even of anger / Be confused or misconstrued / Turn them into words of expression / That can be understood by using words of love"

“I was challenged,” she says. “It’s easy for me to just stay angry, but it’s harder for me to choose love.” See Exclusive Photos Below

With the majority of high street fashion campaigns featuring fairly homogenised line-ups of whippet-thin models with “perfect” skin and even more “perfect” bodies, one fashion brand is subverting the aesthetic norm.

Missguided is championing female "imperfections" and "flaws" in its latest campaign, which features models with an array of skin conditions that the online-only label feels authentically reflects its audience.

The inspiring #InYourOwnSkin campaign features six women, one of whom is a plus size model with albinism while another has extensive scars across her arm and back which she acquired as a teenager when she was caught in a house fire.

“I think we are on the way to empowering women a lot more than we used to,” explains Maya, who features in the campaign and suffers from a rare skin condition known as Epidermolysis Bullosa, which affects 5,000 people in the UK.

Maya praised the brand for depicting “real women” and not conforming to stereotypical beauty ideals that are predicated on infallible ideals.

Another model involved is university student Beth, who has psoriasis; this is her first modelling job.

“Beauty to me is about what’s inside, personality, happiness, love and acceptance,” she said.

“Missguided’s latest campaign signifies another bold and fearless move as the brand continues to build upon its globally empowering #KeepOnBeingYou movement,” the brand said in the campaign announcement.

“The campaign’s anti-commercial approach shows the unique positioning of the brand built on inspiring a strong self-empowered message; to embrace your flaws and to not strive for what the world perceives as perfection.Because f*** perfection, it doesn’t exist.”

The latest campaign follows a string of empowering and transgressive messages perpetuated by the label, from body positivity to diversity.

For example, it has regularly been hailed for casting models with stretch marks in its online imagery and leaving the photos unedited.

Meanwhile, in February it unveiled a range of mannequins complete with stretch marks and vitiligo.

Although, the brand was subsequently accused of digitally-imposing stretch marks on its models' bodies by shoppers, claims that the brand vehemently denied.

However, the take-home message of this campaign and others is arguable that in today's fashion landscape, our understanding of what constitutes beauty has never felt more inclusive - and thank goodness for that.