Thursday, September 5, 2013

Rita Dominic: “I’ll Marry the Man of My Dreams” | You Need to Watch This! Nollywood Star on Heartbreaks, Her Career & Possibly Dating Lynxxx

Rita Dominic - September 2013 - Ndani TV - BellaNaija
I love me some on screen Rita Dominic.
The award winning movie star recently sat down with media personality Toolz for an exclusive sit down on the world according to Rita for Ndani TV’s The Juice.
First of all, she looked uber stunning. She speaks on a whole lot including her hit movie The Meeting (Click here for the premiere photos).
Who dares date Rita Dominic, then break her heart? :( The movie star opens up like never before on her relationship status.
Haven been heartbroken twice, Rita says she channeled her energy into building her Audrey Silva Production Company and its first movie.
Toolz - September 2013 - BellaNaija
P.S  Is it just me or does Toolz just keep looking better with each episode. I like how the blue coral beads adds a pop of colour to her white blouse. Please keep this stylist.
Check it out!
The Interview

Rivers State Tourism Development Agency Struts their Stuff at Nottinghill Carnival + Prepares for CARNIRIV 2013

Nottinghill Carnival - BellaNaija - September 2013 (4)The Rivers State Tourism Development Agency (RSTDA) served the world a foretaste of what the Port Harcourt Carnival, CARNIRIV,  has to offer. Staged at the Nottinghill Carnival, London, the Rivers State Contingent put the best of Rivers Culture on display with an amazing float and rich cultural display that excited everyone.
In a welcome address, Executive Director, Zmirage UK, Shabaka Thompson said, “it is a privileged position for Rivers State to be part of the Nottinghill Carnival again this year thereby becoming a prominent Nigerian State to make a distinctive cultural intrusion onto the world stage with the Nottinghill Carnival to showcase an authentic African cultural brand called CARNIRIV.” Speaking further on the initiative, Shaba a one time CEO of Nottinghill Carnival said, not only is the move by Rivers State timely, it is also strategic because CARNIRIV is bringing something unique to the world and also something authentically African and creative. He said, “I am an adopted Port Harcourt boy. I am only waiting for my citizenship. I was invited to CARNIRIV in the year 2010. When I got back, I told my family, I have found where my ancestors came from. It is one place you should be”. Shabaka admonished guests at the occasion.
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Rivers State Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, Nabs Imeagwu (Center) among other Rivers State Indigenes
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CARNIRIV 2013 - BellaNaija - September 2013002Re-echoing Shaba, Rivers State Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, Nabs Imeagwu explained the decision of the Rivers State Tourism Ministry and the Rivers State Tourism Development Agency to use the Nottinghill Carnival as a platform to market the rich culture of Rivers State people to the world saying, “the essence of what we are here to do is to hedge deeper into the platform that has already been established by the Caribbeans to exemplify what other African States ought to be doing to change the narratives about Africa and African culture emphasizing the conviviality of our people and our values.”
In her goodwill message at the event, Sally Sturgeon, Director of the People’s World Carnival, CARNIRIV’s partner troupe at the Nottinghill Carnival said, “we are happy to be partnering with CARNIRIV bringing a carnival of the people of Rivers State on the world stage. This for us is a fulfillment of our vision. We are indeed a people’s world carnival group and we are delighted at every opportunity to showcase cultural diversity to the world.
Nottinghill Carnival - BellaNaija - September 2013 (1)
From left: Chairman, Okrika Local Government, Barrister Tamuno Williams; Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Gogo Levi Charles; Special Adviser to Rivers State Governor on Culture and Tourism, Mr. Iboroma Harry; Chairman, Board of Directors, Rivers State Tourism Development Agency (RSTDA), Deacon Vincent Erinwa and Member, of Board of Directors, RSTDA, Chief John Yowika, at the Notting Hill Carnival
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From left: Nollywood Actor, Bobby Ogoloma; Head of Marketing, Rivers State Tourism Development Agency (RSTDA), Uloma Saya-Braide and Nigerian Entertainer, Basorge Tariah at the River State Stand at the Notting Hill Carnival
The Rivers State Contingent had prominent citizens of Rivers State adorning the different costumes which attracted the attention and following of a mammoth crowd of Nigerians in Diaspora, Jamaicans, Brazilians and people of other nationalities. The contingent included veteran Nollywood Actor and Director General of Rivers State Tourism Development Agency, Dr. Sam Dede, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Nnabuihe Nabbs Imegwu, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Gogo Levi Charles, Special Adviser to Governor on Culture and Tourism, Iboroma Harry, Chairman Okrika Local Government, Barrister Tamuno Williams, Chairman, Rivers State Tourism Development Agency, Deacon Vincent Erinwa and Members of the Board of Directors Rivers State Tourism Development Agency such as Chief John Yowika, Charles Awortu, Joeseph O. Ewuse amongt other prominent citizens of Rivers State.

Share Your Internet & Google Success Stories to Win $25,000 in the Google Africa Connected Competition | Deadline: October 11, 2013

Google - September 2013 - BellaNaija
For those who have been positively influenced by the internet, here’s a chance to share your web journey. Google is calling on entrepreneurs, creators, innovators and web-lovers in Nigeria and across Africa to share their stories of how the web has transformed their lives and work.
Whether you’re a photographer, an entrepreneur, a fashion designer or a community activist, if the internet and Google tools have played an important role in your success, Google wants to hear from you.
In the next five years, 7 out of the world’s 10 fastest growing economies are predicted to be in Africa, and the Internet is playing an important part in this.
Google’s new initiative, “Africa Connected: Success stories powered by the web“, aims to gather the largest collection of inspiring stories about ventures established online by Africans, in Africa. Five successful entrants will win $25,000 each, and will also have the opportunity to work with a Google sponsor over a six-month period.
Affiong Osuchukwu, Google Lead for the Africa Connected Initiative says “Google wants to hear from young, spirited entrepreneurial web adopters in Nigeria and other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa who have a healthy disregard for the impossible and who are using the web and technology to do cool and extraordinary things to rise above their circumstances, change their world, and achieve success. We want to showcase the amazing achievements happening in the new Africa.”
Aspiring filmmaker, cinematographer and editor Amuwa Oluseyi Asurf is one such example. This Nigerian videographer has gone from spending nights in internet cafes, so that he could watch YouTube to teach himself how to edit films, to running a successful film and video production company in Lagos, where he employs 10 people.
His company – Asurf Films is today courted by Nigerian celebrities including Basketmouth, Iyanya, Wizkid, P-Square and Bovi, to film their music/entertainment videos locally and internationally.
“My journey started with a passion to become a filmmaker. Unfortunately, even though I got admission to some good universities, I couldn’t afford to go. Luckily I was introduced to the internet and to YouTube. I discovered I could learn everything I needed to know online. It feels great to have some of the top celebrities in Nigeria inviting me to their projects. This inspires me to want to become even better. I am still on the journey to becoming one of the top names in African filmmaking, and I know the internet will still continue to play an important role.”
The owner and creator of Afrinolly, Chike Maduegbuna based in Nigeria, is another online entrepreneur. Afrinolly is a popular mobile app which lets people across the continent watch short videos on their mobile devices.
This app has transformed Nigeria’s Nollywood film industry by creating a movie trailer platform for new audiences. With over 3 million downloads already since its launch in August 2011, Chike hopes this will create a platform that connects aspiring film professionals with global film industry veterans.
Nigerian judge and radio personality/fashion photographer Temilola Balogun commented, “The internet is truly helping to reshape the story of Africa, and Nigerians are some of those taking full advantage of its power. Whether you are in technology, agriculture, energy, fashion, education, or entertainment, if the web has transformed your life, and you believe your venture can be scaled up, then the judging panel is looking forward to hearing your story.”
Categories for entries include;
  • Education
  • Entertainment
  • Arts
  • Sports
  • Technology
  • Community
  • NGOs
  • Small Businesses
20 semi-finalists will be selected from initial entries to take part in an interview and to produce a short promotional video.
A judging panel made up of Googlers and external judges will then determine the 10 finalists. The 5 winners, in whose lives the web and Google have played a pivotal role, will then be selected by the online voting public.
Log on to AfricaConnected.com for more on the contest.
Submissions are open from August 27, 2013 to October 11, 2013.
The competition will run until February 2014 when the winners will be announced.
Goodluck!

Nigerian Luxury Design Label Iconic Invanity presents its Fall/Winter 2013 Collection Lookbook – “Screen Siren”

Iconic Invanity Screen Siren Collection Lookbook  - BellaNaija - August2013027A while ago we saw the fabulous “Screen Siren“ collection by Nigerian Fashion Designer, Nancy Nwadire of Iconic Invanity rock the Mediterrenian Fashion Week in Italy. Now, we are proud to bring to you the official lookbook.
With this collection, the label aims for the sleek & seductive woman within as the iconic Invanity woman continues on her journey to becoming an inspirational woman. According to the label “She knows who she is from the inside and this reflects in the clothes she wears. She flaunts her curves with muted shine and lustrous textures. With heavily embellished pieces, she dresses like an ornament in public, and she probably runs the show at home. Nails polished, hair fixed, she hits the boardroom….this lady sure knows how to work it no matter the occasion. Think Michelle Obama in fitted leather pants, or a Lagos fashionista in a sultry floor length gown on the red carpet.”
I am loving the vintage look of the lookbook and all the classic Iconic Invanity detailing on the pieces. Now, before you take a look at the pieces and start whipping out your ATM’s, Pieces 11, 12, 14, 16 & 23 are all mine.
View the lookbook below.
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Photo Credit
Photography: LOS
Stylist: Veronica Ebie-Odeka
Makeup: Joyce Jacobs
Hair: Debs
Model: Tansey Coetze
Shoes: La Maison Rosbarbara | Temple Muse
Exclusive stockist: Temple Muse at No.21 Amodu Tijani, Victoria Island, Lagos.
For more info visit www.iconicinvanity.com

Zimbabwe Fashion Week 2013: Zuvva Spring/Summer 2014

Zuvva SS14 Collection Zimbabwe Fashion Week 2013 - BellaNaija - September 2013 (16)
We are still taking a look at the fabulous Zimbabwe Fashion Week 2013 that held from the 28th to 30th of August 2013 & also where Zimbabwean fashion rocked.
Today, we are looking at another great designer – Zuvva. The design label bright red, green, blue and white hes to the runway in flowing gowns, knee length dresses, structured jackets, brights leggings and overcoats.
I liked how each piece looked very differently from the next and the understated simplicity of each piece. But that’s just me, it’s time for our fabulous BN Style watchers (of course I’m talking about you) to tell us what you think.
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Photo Credit: HauteFashionAfrica/SDR Photography