Friday, May 30, 2014

Mariah Carey takes public transportation in NY plus deets on her album sales!

Singer Mariah Carey knows how to keep us talking! 
The pop diva was in NYC last night & traveled in style to attend a fundraiser for her project entitled Camp Mariah. The 44 year took the subway!

Can you imagine seeing Mimi on the 1 train? I would have passed out.

I'm sure she had MAD security even though in his pic she's with Jermaine Dupri & BET exec Stephen Hill! Nice PR stunt Boo, I am highly amused. 


The star studded soiree was held last night at Chelsea Piers.  Mariah was toasted by the Fresh Air Fund for 20 years of her Camp Mariah in upstate New York. Nice!

In other Mariah news: Yahoo is reporting a bit of bad news for the singer...

'Based on current projections, Mariah Carey'snew album,Me. I Am Mariah…The Elusive Chanteuse, will sell about 55K copies in the week that ends Sunday night. That would be the lowest first-week tally for a regular Carey studio album since Nielsen SoundScan began tracking music sales in 1991'

Damn Gina!

I bought the album and I see why it's hard to like. I literally like only half the album and I'm constantly skipping the other half. I agree with the masses this is not her best work, but I still love you Mimi!

Have you bought her album? Thoughts on it?
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Thursday, May 29, 2014

Lupita Nyong'o to adapt 'Americanah' into a movie!

This is soooooo exciting!

In an interview with Stylist Magazine the author of Americanah confirmed that Lupita Nyong'o has optioned rights for the film version  of the book! Now optioning means that Lupita or her team have purchased the rights to the film adaption in hopes of turning into a movie. They still have find a studio & work out a number of kinks before it makes it onscreen! 


I'm reading the book right now so this news is right on time! Who would you like to see play the lead role? Hmmmm, I think Lupita would be great or even Danai Gurira!
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Monday, May 26, 2014

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia


My friends, I have fallen in love with this place! I was invited here by the African Union for the first ever ARCH summit. It was a grand gathering of artists, musicians, writers and various folks in the world of media. Here are some of my favorite pics thus far:

Afro Power with the woman who spearheaded this campaign- the stunning Simphiwe Dana


Addis is a developing city with lots of excitement & buzz. So much construction here, can't wait to come back next year!
We visited a local market to get some goodies, man it was hectic but fun
Lets talk about the food...
I was never one who was into injera but now..I am HOOKED. So delicious!
And is there anything better than breaking bread with friends? We had a blast!
We were immersed in Ethiopian culture, it's so rich & diverse. This is of course the cradle of civilization. The first human remains were found here almost 3 million years ago!
I actually bought a local CD yesterday, it only makes sense to support the amazing artists here.
The Ethiopian government really rolled out the red carpet for us..I will most definitely be a repeat customer.
See u soon Addis! 😘😘
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Friday, May 23, 2014

NEW GIG: Marlon Wayans to host MTV Africa Music Awards!

Wait a minute! They couldn't get an African host?! Hmmmmm
MTV Base just sent out a press release saying:

Marlon Wayans will be the official host for the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards. 

 

Taking place at the ICC, Durban on 7 June,The MTV Africa Music Awards is brought to you by KwaZulu-Natal Province in association with Absolut and The City of DurbanSouth Africa Tourism is also a partner to the MAMA


Hmmmm what do you think of Marlon as the host? In other news Marlon news, hot off the success of his A Haunted House franchise, Marlon Wayans is teaming up with his buddy Mike Eppsfor the action comedy Any Means Necessary. The film centers on estranged brothers — one a cop, the other a criminal — who are forced to team up for an undercover operation.


That brother is working ain't he? Can't knock the hustle!

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Angela Bassett to direct Whitney Houston Biopic


Oh my, what big shoes to fill!

2 years after her untimely death, Whitney Houston will finally have her story told! It will be directed by Yale University grad-actress Angela Bassett! Who on earth will they get to play Whitney? And Bobby? Like you just can't replicate that voice...

But Angela did great as Tina Turner so if we can trust anyone with this extensive body of work it will be the 55 year old actress. She morphed into Tina for "What's Love Got to Do With It", wasn't she just incredible? Still my fave movie of all time! #EatTheCakeAnnaMae

Here's what Angela said about her directorial debut. 

“I have such regard for both Whitney’s and Bobby’s amazing talents and accomplishments; and I feel a responsibility in the telling of their story,” said Bassett in a statement. “Their humanity and bond fascinates us all. I’m beyond excited to have this opportunity to go behind the camera and into their world.”

I will be tuning in. This movie is slated to premiere in 2015. 
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Thursday, May 22, 2014

Greetings from Dubai & Ethiopia

Hello Friends!

Just dropping in a note to say hello! I am currently in Ethiopia and loving it :) More pics to come soon!

But I had a layover in Dubai and I just wanted to share some quick pics from my brief visit to the beach!



Worlds tallest building


It's a gorgeous place more pics coming soon!

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Thursday, May 15, 2014

Jay Z, Solange & Beyonce put out a statement


I didn't think they would respond but I guess the Carter/Knowles clan was tired of being the no. 1 news story in the world - they finally decided to clear the air. Read it below:

"As a result of the public release of the elevator security footage from Monday, May 5th, there has been a great deal of speculation about what triggered the unfortunate incident. But the most important thing is that our family has worked through it," the statement said. "Jay and Solange each assume their share of responsibility for what has occurred. They both acknowledge their role in this private matter that has played out in the public. They both have apologized to each other and we have moved forward as a united family."

"The reports of Solange being intoxicated or displaying erratic behavior throughout that evening are simply false," the statement continued. "At the end of the day families have problems and we're no different. We love each other and above all we are family. We've put this behind us and hope everyone else will do the same."

Juicy! JUICY!

So here's what I am deducing from this:

1) Solange is not crazy! Now we all want to know what Jay Z did for her to go all Rambo on his behind. Are the cheating rumors true? Is he stepping on Queen Bey? Chile..
2) What does Rachel Roy have to say about this? She is allegedly the woman in the center of all this drama. Word on the street is that she & Jay were displaying some inappropriate behavior. What kind of married man flirts with another woman in the presence of his wife and sister in law?
3) This is too salicious isn't it? Surprised they even put out a statement...

Keep you guys posted on any developments!
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Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Fun Guide to New York City


I have lived in New York now for over 7 years and I have been to most of the places on Taza's list of things to do in NY. While her list is comprehensive , there is so much more to do in the City but this gives you a pretty good guide of what to expect if you're visiting for the first time or if you live here in the Big Apple and just want to spice things up.

Here are some of my favorites

flat iron building (Super cool building)
175 fifth avenue
ace hotel (photobooth, too!) + sumptown coffee (the drinks here are delicious, I was just there on Saturday. Great vibe)
20 west 29th street 212-679-2222
bryant park (they show movies on the lawn on certain summer nights and be sure to check out the carrousel on the south side!)
at 42nd street and 6th 212-768-4242
burger joint (the best little one room burger joint behind a curtain in the le parker meridien hotel. the lines maybe long but it's totally worth it. the burger is mouthwatering) 
119 west 56th street 212-708-7414
I would also add in Times Square. It's a mad house packed with tourists but the lights are def something to see
Check out the full list here

BONUS: Peep the fun video recap below:

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FULL LIST: BET Awards Nominations!

Ok so the big story is that Hov & Bey received ten nominations between the 2 of them but I am way more excited about Mafikizolo earning a nomination! Ahhh I could scream, this is awesome news. Their album "Reunited" was flawless and "Khona" was such a BIG tune! Congrats! 


Mafikizolo is nominated alongside Nigerian Davido, Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania), Sarkodie (Ghana), Tiwa Savage (Nigeria), and Toofan of 

The BET Awards 2014 will be held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, on June 29.  They will then premiere on BET International in Africa on 1 July at 9pm.

And you know I will be on that red carpet right?! Can't wait!!

The complete list of nominees for the “BET Awards” 2014 are:  

Best International Act: Africa

  • Davido (Nigeria)
  • Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
  • Mafikizolo (South Africa)
  • Sarkodie (Ghana)
  • Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)
  • Toofan (Togo)  

Best International Act: UK

  • Dizzee Rascal
  • Ghetts
  • Krept & Konan
  • Laura Mvula
  • Rita Ora
  • Tinie Tempah  

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist

  • Beyoncé
  • Janelle Monáe
  • Jhené Aiko
  • K. Michelle
  • Rihanna
  • Tamar Braxton 

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist

  • August Alsina
  • Chris Brown
  • John Legend  
  • Justin Timberlake
  • Pharrell Williams 

Best Group

  • A$AP Mob
  • Daft Punk
  • Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
  • TGT
  • Young Money 

Best Collaboration

  • August Alsina f/ Trinidad Jame$ - I Luv This
  • Beyoncé f/ JAY Z – Drunk In Love
  • Drake f/ Majid Jordan – Hold On (We’re Going Home)
  • JAY Z f/ Justin Timberlake – Holy Grail
  • Robin Thicke f/ T.I. & Pharrell Williams – Blurred Lines
  • YG f/ Jeezy & Rich Homie Quan – My Hitta 

Best Male Hip Hop Artist

  • Drake
  • Future
  • J. Cole
  • JAY Z 
  • Kendrick Lamar 

Best Female Hip Hop Artist

  • Angel Haze
  • Charli Baltimore
  • Eve
  • Iggy Azalea
  • Nicki Minaj 

Video of the Year

  • Beyoncé – Partition 
  • Beyoncé f/ JAY Z – Drunk In Love
  • Chris Brown – Fine China
  • Drake – Worst Behavior
  • Pharrell Williams – Happy 

Video Director of the Year

  • Benny Boom
  • Chris Brown
  • Colin Tilley
  • Director X
  • Hype Williams 

Best New Artist

  • Ariana Grande
  • August Alsina
  • Mack Wilds
  • Rich Homie Quan
  • ScHoolboy Q 

Best Gospel Artist

  • Donnie McClurkin
  • Erica Campbell
  • Hezekiah Walker
  • Tamela Mann
  • Tye Tribbett 

Best Actress

  • Angela Bassett
  • Gabrielle Union
  • Kerry Washington
  • Lupita Nyong’o
  • Oprah Winfrey 

Best Actor

  • Chiwetel Ejiofor
  • Forest Whitaker
  • Idris Elba
  • Kevin Hart
  • Michael B. Jordan 

YoungStars Award

  • Gabrielle Douglas
  • Jacob Latimore
  • Jaden Smith
  • KeKe Palmer
  • Zendaya 

Best Movie

  • 12 Years a Slave
  • The Best Man Holiday
  • Fruitvale Station
  • Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain
  • Lee Daniels’ The Butler 

Subway Sportswoman of the Year

  • Brittney Griner
  • Lolo Jones
  • Serena Williams
  • Skylar Diggins
  • Venus Williams

Subway Sportsman of the Year

  • Blake Griffin
  • Carmelo Anthony
  • Floyd Mayweather Jr.
  • Kevin Durant
  • LeBron James 

Centric Award

  • Aloe Blacc – The Man
  • Jennifer Hudson f/ T.I. – I Can’t Describe (The Way I Feel)
  • Jhené Aiko – The Worst
  • LiV Warfield – Why Do You Lie?
  • Wale f/ Sam Dew – LoveHate Thing 
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Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Rihanna, Failed Careers and Cheating: Theories Into the Solange vs. Jay Z Fight

Well looky looky, what do we have here?!? Word on the street is that after Solange delivered an ass whooping of epic proportions to Jay Z last week after the Met Gala after party - the pair allegedly went shopping together. Yep you read that right, after the hitting, kicking and screaming Solo and Jay hit the streets of New York City in search of jewelry together TODAY! Nothing to better to heal family drama than a lil bling bling!


TMZ says:
Jay Z and Solange Knowles went looking for jewelry together Tuesday afternoon at a high-end NYC jewelry store ... TMZ has learned.
Our sources says Jay and Solange were in Mr. Flawless, where they were looking for women's jewelry for around 20 minutes.
We're told the pair showed no signs of strife, and looked at gems with Mr. Flawless himself. They looked, but tried nothing on. They left the store without buying anything.
Jay and Solange didn't talk much inside the store ... they pretty much just browsed quietly.

Interesting!

So a lot of people have been asking me about possible theories as to why Solange went off on Jay Z and I decided to round up a few theories. Here's what the word on the Internet street is:

1. Did Solange's friends have something to do with it?

NY Daily News reports that Solange was pissed over being told, by her bro-in-law--that she could not use HIS name to get her friends into the after party.  
“Two of [Solange's] friends, who were not dressed for the Met Ball, showed up at The Standard and caused a scene downstairs. They wouldn't leave and kept name dropping Jay Z. They were pretending they were guests of his and not hers. Management went to Julius (Beyonce's bodyguard) and said there's a problem. Our source said Jay Z soon got wind of it and snapped at Solange, saying “don't use my name. The 27-year-old singer turned sullen and said she wanted to leave the party.....
and the drama continues
2. So Rihanna's name is being tossed around in this mess 
On the way out, Jay Z said he'd be heading to Up & Down on W. 14th Street, where Rihanna was holding her own post-Met Ball bash, a second source said.
Jay's camp had called ahead of time to say he would be coming alone and "didn't need extra security" because Beyonce wouldn't be attending, the source said.
Apparently, that didn't sit well with Solange.
"She seemed drunk and irritated," said a second source. "She said, ‘Why can't you go home?' and to Beyonce 'Why does your husband need to go to the club right now?'" 

Damn Damn! Solo has a point, why did Hov have to roll solo? Why didn't he invite Beyonce? Allegedly. All this is not looking good for the 44 year old rapper

3. Solange was mad at Jay's EXTRA close friendship with Rachel Roy

Apparently the war of words between Solange and designer Rachel Roy has been a long time coming. Bey's little sister is allegedly not comfortable with the "close relationship that RR and Jiggaman have.

Hollywoodlife.com reports


“Rachel Roy came up to [Solange] in a confrontational way earlier in the night,” a source close to Solange tellsHollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY. “But they’ve had a long-standing feud. It turns out this ruined the whole night.”
Rachel and Solange’s heated exchange also led to the “Losing You” singer’s elevator smackdown against brother-in-law Jay Z, according to our insider.
“Solange was defending Beyoncé in the elevator because Solange finds Jay’s friendship with Rachel to be WAY too close for comfort and it makes Solange very uncomfortable,” the source reveals. “Beyoncé also confronted Rachel and said, ‘Don’t talk to my sister like that,’ after [Rachel] confronted Solange.”
Another source has confirmed to HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY that Rachel and Jay Z do have a close friendship.
Bet Rachel Roy didn't know Solo was about that life huh? Now that friendship between Rachel and Jay Z is dubious to say the least. Rachel was once married to Dame Dash- Jay's former partner so I get them being homies but guys how close is too close? Watch it Rachel, don't catch an elevator beat down!

Now this last theory I don't believe at all..AT ALL! Solange's career been stalled..ok not stalled but I don't think she wants the Beyonce level of success. She's talked about that several times..
5. Solange is upset at Jay Z about her 'stalled' career 


MailOnline told how Jay-Z has reneged on repeated promises to help boost Solange boost music career, according to sources. And a family friend today revealed the simmering tensions that has led to the family feud, saying: 'He hasn’t kept his promise to help her. Jay keeps telling her to give him some time and he will sit down and write with her and then get her into the studio but he hasn't done it yet.' The source added: 'Solange's album is coming out soon but there is no buzz about it, which is a bad sign within the industry.'Solange wants a major career like her sister and she's tired of living in her shadow. She's jealous. 'Jay-Z promised he would help take her to the next level but he never found the time to keep his word.'

This is all some crazy issh! All speculation at this point- where is the audio when you need it? From what I understand the security guard who leaked this video earned $250,000 and a gurantee to get his lawyers fees paid for. Cause you know the Standard Hotel is coming after his ass. DRAMA!

P.S Check out talk show's host Wendy William's theory, I am with her all the way:



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Thursday, May 8, 2014

Brenda Fassie Ten Years Later: My top FIVE favorite songs!



I absolutely cannot believe that it's been 10 years since Brenda Fassie passed away. TEN YEARS?! My goodness. I miss her voice more than ever, her music is still so timeless. The lady was clearly ahead of her time.

Let's take a stroll down memory lane as I recount five of my favorite songs(in no particular)  from MaBrrrrrr

1. Vulindela
A Southern African wedding is not complete without the DJ playing this song. It always lights up the dance floor. Such a classic!




2. Wedding Day
Speaking of weddings - this song right here is a pre-requisite at any wedding ceremony. How cute is this video? This song just doesn't get old for me.



3. Nomakanjani
Ahhh friends, this song here- I can't get enough of it. For those that may not understand the lyrics, Brenda Fassie is professing her love for her significant other (loosely translated) she sings..
"Noma bekuthuka
Bethi umubi
Unekhand'elikhulu
Ngikuthanda unjalo"
Even if they curse you
Saying you are ugly
With a big head
I love you the way you are
That's love :)

4. My Black President
She was called the "The Madonna of the Townships" by Time in 2001 so it was no surprise at all when she penned a song called "My Black President" about former South African President Nelson Mandela. They had a very close relationship such that after she overdosed (and right before she passed) - Brenda Fassie was visited in the hospital by Nelson MandelaWinnie Mandela, and Thabo Mbeki,


5. Too Late for Mama
This song used to make me cry as a child. I mean just boo-hoo when it come across my TV screen. The video portrays a woman in the village who get's struck by lightening on her way to fetch water. I mean how you can not cry? Uggh but it's a classic and I had to include it on my list. 

 So that's my list...and there are of course so many MORE classics from the Queen. What are some of your favorites?

Rest in Power MaBrrrrrrr
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Online store for chic 'African' clothing? Sign me up!

You guys know I love me some trendy African attire! So imagine how excited I was to hear that my girl Kelechi was launching a one stop store for African clothing. Friends, all my money is going towards this. Let me just sign my paycheck over to Zuvaa, I mean just look at some of their items:



This is just a small sample of the kind of clothing they have on their site. They have sooooo much more. Make sure you visit their them http://zuvaa.com/shop/  to browse their women's, men's & accessories collection! 

Please come back or send me pics of your purchases! 

Xoxo

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Love my ANC/Mandela dress!

Bought this lil number when I was in South Africa a month ago. I saw it on the streets of Soweto and thought it was too cute to pass up. Don't you just love a FAB print? It's so easy to wear & I wore it a few days ago to run errands in my neighborhood. 

Btw, South Africa's election results will be announced in the next few days. Good luck to the candidates, may the best man/woman win! 
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Monday, May 5, 2014

See Lupita Nyong'o's divisive look at the MET Gala!

You know I am the first person to sing Lupita's praises but tonight was a FAIL. I mean just epic..
The hair & makeup was all wrong! Late designer Charles James was the focus of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s gala. So I guess she was trying to incorporate the theme and all but....no! Just no! 
And that headband? Why Boo!
Listen I know this is the MET Gala & all but c'mon son. Who did this to her?

What do you think of this look? Hit or Miss?


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Friday, May 2, 2014

A Day in my Brooklyn neighborhood!

This past Friday was one full of spontaneity and fun! I went to the gym and met up with my good friend Keith (who's also an amazing photographer) and we decided to do an impromptu shoot on our way back to my apartment.

Check out some of the pics my friend snapped today!



Such a cute neighborhood right?


I was on the phone here with another friend. Multitasking all the way :)








I hope you enjoy the weekend! I'm heading to the Bring Back Our Girls Rally tomm in NYC & I can't wait. I've been floored at the response we've gotten, I hope this helps in raising awareness with the missing Nigerian girls. Such a sad story right? 

On a lighter note, make sure you get outside this weekend & enjoy the sun! 

Xoxo
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© Makho Ndlovu

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