NAIJA VIXEN...

News Corner:
Aviation in Naija seems to be doing well this year with atleast 3 potential attacks being averted this year alone and another such security breach was averted on Tuesday night when a man with a gun and 50 rounds of ammunition was arrested inside a London-bound British Airways plane at the Murtala Muhammed Airport few minutes to its take-off.The man, whose identity was not disclosed was said to have beaten the various security checks at the airport and was comfortably seated when an eagle-eyed security agent inside the plane arrested him and handed him over to the airport security.

Another Nollywood actor Tochi Uche Odobuta was arrested @ at Muritala Mohammed International Airport last Friday for attempting to smuggle about 1.336kg of cocaine into London where his wife and kid are based.All eyes and ears on him and the courts to see where he gets let off the hook as easily as Hafsanat Taiwo Akinwande aka Yetunde Wunmi.

9ja Events:




Toni Payne hosts another edition of Nigeria International.....gotta luv this chick!...also watch out 4 d rendition of the national anthem...

4 Laffs:
A compilation of some of the worst auditions @ West Africa Idol:watch out 4 d Fela wanna be....lol


Miss Jocelyn: Black hair in the rain:


Innovate the Runway 2007






Innovate the Runway 2007
Featuring Celebrity Host, Eva Pigford
Host: Eva Pigford, ANTM
Type: Music/Arts - Performance
Time and Place Date: Saturday, April 14, 2007
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Goucher College : Krashaaur Auditorium
Street: 1021 Dulaney Valley Road
City/Town: Towson, MD
Contact Info Phone: 443.878.8778
Email: rinniss@goucher.edu

Description
This will be the BIGGEST Fashion Show of the year! Don't miss it!

Support the fight against Cancer!

%10 of the proceeds will be donated to" The Breast Cancer Foundation" in Towson Maryland

$10 General Admission Call 443-878-8778 For Tickets Today!

Tickets are available online HERE


BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY!!!!


Nite of thousand laffs: dis is a very old one tho....
gotta lov dis dude:


i go die n Omo Baba:


Kanu Present's SHINE:



Kanu Heart Foundation presents "SHINE:The Ultimate Talent Show" this summer for which auditions for the U.K's finest Singers,Rappers,Dancers,Models and Comedians takes place this Saturday (31st Of March) @ Wembly Point. The audition's open to under 21's and prizes are as follows:
Singers and Dancers stand the chance of winning Record and Management deals and feature on the to-be-released single "Shine"
Dancers win a Management deal,training sessions with Pros and star in video for "Shine"
Models win a contract with MAHOGANY MODELS (who are also sponsors of the show) and a place in the finals of the "Top Model Of Colour 2007" competition
Comedians win a Management deal and a chance to perform at a top Comedy club and feature in the "Shine" video.
Auditions start at 12pm @ Wembly Point,
21st floor,1 Harrow Rd,
Wembly,Middlesex.HA9 6DE

To Confirm your attendance; send your Full Name, Date of Birth, Talent and Contact Details to any of the email addresses:

www.myspace.com/shinetalent
info@kanuheartfoundation.co.uk
shinetalent@hotmail.co.uk

Visit the Website for more info.

from the otha side:
ms kelly is back...i luv dis song, but not so much 4 d video, anyways....hia it is

B-yaunce..Kitty Kat

Freakum Dress:

Have a goooooood wknd guys!!!

Labels: weekend digest

Hello everyone,it's that time again...Interview time and for your reading pleasure,
we have got the man behind "Kosibah Creations" -- Yemi Osunkoya!!!


Yemi "Kosibah" Osunkoya is a bridal couture, evening and formal daywear designer whose designs are known for accentuating the female form,creating a beautiful hour-glass silhouette for anyone who wears his outfits.His work has won him many awards including "Fashion Personality of the Year 2000", "Designer of the Year 2002" at the Mahogany Wedding Award, and "The Highly Commended Award" at the National Wedding Show 2002 where he was the only black designer showcasing his collections.
He has dressed stars such as Alesha Dixon lead singer of the now defunct "Mis-Teeq",BBC's Angela Griffen, Sheila Ferguson of "Three Degrees" and Helen Fraser of ITV's "Bad Girls" to name a few. Let's not bore you with all our witterings,read on for the interview!!!


Naija Vixen: Can you give us a little bit about your personal background? What kind of family unit did you grow up in and how it was growing up?

Yemi Osunkoya: I am the third of four boys born to my parents, the late Professor Babatunde Olusiji Osunkoya and Mrs. Beryl Cosiba Osunkoya. I had a very happy childhood spent in the relative tranquillity of the University of Ibadan campus where we lived, as my father worked at the University College Hospital. I attended primary school at the senior staff school, University of Ibadan where my interest and talent for drawing was nurtured and encouraged. I went on to attend International school Ibadan where I obtained my O Levels.

Naija Vixen: Before the birthing of the "Kosibah" line, what were you into fashion
wise? And how did you come about the name?

Yemi Osunkoya: From a very early age, I had been making very detailed drawings of human figures. I would be taken to weddings by my parents and on my return I would create detailed drawings of the entire bridal train (even down to the ‘bump’ in the stomach of the bride in some cases!). I guess this is where the seed of my passion for Bridalwear was sown. I was encouraged greatly by my parents, especially by my mother who would take my latest artistic efforts to show her colleagues in the Midwifery Department in the University Hospital. It is the love, firm belief in me and unshaken support given to me by my mother that shaped my decision to name my label after her as a tribute. Cosiba is the Day Name given to a girl born on a Sunday in the Republic of Benin, where my mother’s family originally comes from. I changed the spelling to Kosibah.

Naija Vixen: How did you get into fashion design?

Yemi Osunkoya: After a year of A-Levels, I decided to pursue a career in Fashion Design. I was very fortunate to have forward thinking parents who supported this decision, but insisted I took a University Degree first before going on to study fashion. I was admitted to Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (then known as University of Ife) under the J.A.M.B. scheme where I later obtained a BA Degree in Fine Art, majoring in Textile Design. While I was there, I started designing outfits for friends and family, using local tailors to make up the designs and even staged fashion shows on Campus. It was in my first year at O.A.U. that I met Adebayo Jones, who was already a student there and we have been very good friends since then.

Naija Vixen: Were there any celebrity or fashion trends/inspirations that helped your
creative visions begin?

Yemi Osunkoya: My creative vision was greatly inspired by the über glamorous Diana Ross, of whom I’ve always been a great fan. That’s why my gowns have a very glamorous and ‘Red Carpet’ slant to them.

NV: When was the Kosibah brand officially created and what were some of the
first moves made? Was there any schooling or self-training involved in the process of you getting Kosibah Clothing launched?

Yemi Osunkoya:I later came to the UK and studied Fashion Design at the Paris Academy School of Fashion, Oxford Street, London, where I obtained “A” grade Diplomas in Couture Women and Menswear.

I completed my courses in the early nineties during the height of the recession. As no Design Houses were clamouring to hire me, despite scores of letters sent out, I decided with the generous input of cash from my mother, to set up Kosibah Creations officially in September 1991 from premises in a converted warehouse off the Gray’s Inn Road, W1. Leading up to my official start date, I went on a Government sponsored course in Business Planning, Marketing, Taxation, PR etc. and this was very helpful in emphasizing the business and administrative aspect of running a fashion Label.

NV: Many people think brands are overnight successes which are almost never the
case. What were some of the doubts and struggles you had, that you look back and probably could have avoided possibly?

Yemi Osunkoya: The fact that I set up Kosibah Creations without any bank loan or financial backer (aside from my mother) and without previously working for any designer, meant that the early years were extremely challenging and I would probably advise any young designers planning to go into the industry to do it differently. That’s one of the reasons I have been giving work placements to fashion students for years to show them the realities of the industry while still studying or just after graduating where they face the chicken and egg situation of no one hiring them because they have no experience and unable to gain experience because no one wants to hire them! But focus, determination to succeed, hard work and most importantly my love for creating figure enhancing gowns that play such a significant part of a woman’s special day kept me going during the difficult times.

NV: What was your big breakthrough?

Yemi Osunkoya: After a few years of designing both Women and Menswear, I came to the conclusion that I did not find Menswear artistically challenging and at the same time, I realized my designs were more suited to Bridal and eveningwear because of the time-consuming Couture techniques I used in their creation. In 2000, I was commissioned by the Drama Department of the BBC to design and create a bridal gown to be worn by the British actress Angela Griffin for the mini-series “Baby Father” later aired in October 2001. That same year, I dressed 3 cast members of the ITV series Bad Girls for the National Television Awards where the show won best Drama Series and the whole cast went on stage to accept the award.

NV: You are mainly into Bridal couture, formal daywear and evening dresses...but
would you ever consider branching out into say, casual wear?

Yemi Osunkoya: I believe very strongly in identifying an area of expertise and sticking to it and doing it extremely well. I have established my reputation in Couture Bridal and Eveningwear and therefore I have no plans to branch out to casual wear. I intend however to explore the possibility of designing accessories such as shoes, bags, jewellery etc. under the Kosibah Creations label, but made by experts in those fields.

NV: Who would you like to dress that you haven't yet?

Yemi Osunkoya: Gosh! There are quite a few and they sometimes change, but I’d love to dress Oprah Winfrey. Her figure very much suits my designs which are aimed at women with curves, a strong sense of style and an appreciation of the amount of work that goes into making a Couture gown, and of course the exposure would be priceless.

NV: I know that your business keeps you on the move, so where are your favourite places to travel to? What's the most historically interesting place you've been to?

Yemi Osunkoya: If I had to choose then I’d have to say Egypt, where I visited Luxor and Cairo. I saw the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and the Valley of the Kings. It was very difficult to comprehend that you were standing next to and in some cases touching things that were thousands and thousands years old.

NV: If you were not a designer, you would be a...?

Yemi Osunkoya: If I were not a fashion designer (though I find that almost impossible to imagine because I’ve known what I’ve wanted to do from such an early age), I guess I’d be a fashion stylist because I have a very clear vision about how a whole look can be put together from head to toe, or a Fashion Illustrator.(boring, but the truth).

NV: Splurged first pay cheque on...?

Yemi Osunkoya: So long ago, I can hardly remember, but most likely shoes as they are my weakness.

NV: Currently Reading...?

Yemi Osunkoya: ‘A day late, A Dollar short’ by Terry Macmillan. I’ve read ‘Waiting to exhale’ and ‘How Stella got her groove back’ both which I very much enjoyed.

NV: Muse...?

Yemi Osunkoya: Again this tends to change, but at the moment I’d say Halle Berry.

NV: Who is your favourite designer, living or dead?

Yemi Osunkoya: Anthony Price – In the 70’s and 80’s he was the master of sculpting the body with his use of internal corsetry in gowns.

NV: When is your next show coming up and where will it be showcased?

Yemi Osunkoya: I’m participating in the Mahogany Bridal Show this Sunday (March 25th) at the Barbican Exhibition Centre. My gowns will be on the Catwalk and I’ll also have a stand. After that, my next show is the Black & White Fashion Show in Slovenia in May on the invitation of the Slovenian/ Nigerian Association and the Nigerian Ambassador to Hungary.

Naija Vixen: It is well appreciated you took the time to do this interview, Yemi, is there
any message you would like to deliver to the on-line readers?

Yemi Osunkoya: I’d like to thank anyone that took the time to send in questions. To any Brides-to-be in Nigeria, I intend to be visiting Lagos at regular intervals where I would be able to have consultations and take orders for Bridal gowns and also do toile fittings (the brides would have to visit the UK to try on and collect the final garment). I will be in Lagos in April from the 23rd till the 30th. Consultations would be by appointment and you can contact me through my website.
Naija Vixen: Good luck with all your future endeavours...you deserve it!!!

Yemi Osunkoya: Thank you Naijavixen and keep up your excellent Blog.

**Much thanks n Love 2 Kosibah 4 takin his time out 4 this...n to all y'all reading this......hav a fab week!!**

Labels: Interview

Update : The "Stars on the Runway" show has been postponed yet again,check the new flyer below for the new date and more details...it better be worth all this postponing oh!!!




To answer the questions about the show,we have got the official press release from Blueprint Events who are the organisers of the shows,more e-flyers and more promo pictures to feast your eyes on.So far it looks like a well-organised show with proper photoshoots being conducted to pick the shortlisted girls for the grand finale on April 27th.

Thanks to Sandra Walbert-Powers @ BluePrint Events and Charlotte Kibbles Photography for the pictures and press release!

(2 enlarge, click on the flyers..4 where n wen n otha lil details)
Their Official Press Release:
"Blueprint Events and Show Production begins their search for the 2007 Nigerian Next Top Model which would end in a grande finale before a live audience of 2000 ticket holders and millions (across Europe and Africa) of satellite viewers."
"This event is a new hybrid contest.A fantastic and viable platform designed to find top models that will be worthy ambassadors of the most thriving, successful and vibrant black community in the world today – Nigeria.
It supports the wider rebranding efforts currently underway as the country positions itself in deed, actions and interactions as the ‘Heart of Africa’.


A radical departure from previously conceived notions of ethnic minority modelling and pageant competitions, it is a pacesetter and it injects much needed quality, vibrancy, professionalism and va-va-voom showmanship into proceedings!
It is a show that tells it as it is – that indeed good things can and do come out of Africa! Nigeria especially!
This competition is open to any aspiring or experienced Nigerian model that is still looking for that big break/platform from which she can take off."

"What we are looking for is not just facial beauty, we look for stage presence, performance, grace, carriage, eloquence and intelligence.
Top Model is about diversity, exoticism, beauty, intelligence, pride and glamour.
It is about redefining African and ethnic beauty.
We identify talents and position them for great things. We realise dreams and make tangible promised benefits.
Through our efforts we renegotiate a new identity of the African as urban yet cosmopolitan; and in so doing, secure Africa a place on the world's fashion map"
--Sandra-Walberta Powers – Event Convenor and Creative Director of Blueprint Events.

The Winner Gets:
•Worldwide recognition as the Nigerian Top Model 2007 and featured on TV, Radio and Print advertising campaigns and fashion promotional campaigns and events.
•Featured in prominent ethnic and mainstream UK magazines.
•The opportunity to be showcased as the ‘Face of New Nigeria’ as part of the ongoing ‘Heart of Africa’ rebranding campaign
•Opportunity to take part aboard the CATWALK THE WORLD Charity Fashion Event in Johannesburg South Africa


•Sessions with award winning professional photographers in order that enviable professional model portfolios can be put together
•A cash prize of £1000
•Wardrobe maintenance for the year
•A working holiday trip to Nigeria as part of the worldwide exposure campaign to work aboard UNICEF projects in Nigeria with young children
•Free spa weekend
•Editorial spread and photo shoot courtesy of the very excellent Diamond Touch Magazine and top class couturier
•Make up sessions with a leading makeup artist to the stars - MINK Cosmetics
•Several styling sessions with award winning hair stylists.
•Free nail and body care maintenance for the whole year courtesy of Harriet Stein – Beauty Inn – London
•Plus many other prizes.


More info about "Blueprint Events":

"A creative event management company that specialises in large scale quality productions and events. Our vision is to create a promotional platform that celebrates our unique urban identity, and our way of life.
We are ably experienced in attaining and exceeding the needs and expectations of clients and patrons alike with our keen eye for detail, professional demeanour and strong work ethic.

We are quietly nurturing a solid reputation to fortify what is already a very strong and dynamic presence in the world of events, entertainment and fashion promotion through this current project.
Together with the help of our valued sponsors and partners, we aim to provide a platform and a service which all are proud to be associated with.
A platform, which works for our sponsors commercially and assists in their commercial sustainability.
Build it and they will come - this is the challenge we have set ourselves.
If we can meet our obligations to sponsors, models, the greater Nigerian public and designers by building a world-class shell or platform from which they can operate, then the designers will deliver what only they are capable of delivering - the genius within, the creativity. The models will transform on and off stage – morphing and changing forms as befits the multitude of roles that they have to undertake. The audience and public in attendance will feel pride and satisfaction for a job well done.

This genius or talent exists in abundance in and it is our vision to expose as many designers as possible as well as the new generation young models coming through the ranks who deserve the opportunity and exposure."

It's always good to see people working for the greater good of our people and for that Blue print Events get our votes anyday!!!

Video Of The Day:
Mad Melons and Mountain Black - "Black Na God O"

Say what you will,but you gotta luv the video and song...make up ur mind bout it tho!!!


Hav a great day!!!

Sorry...blogging has bin real slow 4 d past two weeks...but we are back now...we think...;-)

Nigeria's Next Top Model:
Yeaaaa....its about time, we didnt hear bout this show till recently....NIGERIA'S NEXT TOP MODEL(NNTM???)...Tho the registration process is ova...here are some promo pics from the show....... (click on the pictures to enlarge)

Something about this picture m just nt feeling at all.....

This one is way better...



Seems like its really African oriented...but lookn gorgeous...


Anyways,the flyer for the event is below and so are details for the show which is taking place next month...Friday,April 27th 2007 to be exact...@ ASSEMBLY HALL, HAMMERSMITH TOWN HALL,KING STREET,LONDON.From 7:00pm - 11:00pm



NIGERIA'S NEXT TOP MODEL...This is not a show to be missed as there promises to be be many top magazine editors and "A-list" celebrities(both naija and non-naija) in attendance.DJ Blacknights wuld be playing the best in hip-hop, bashment, makosa, funky house.There will also be a fashion show and loadsa surprise acts.
TICKET OUTLETS:
D'DEN, 4T4, MAMA CALABA, TINUBU SQUARE, OR BUY ONLINE: STELLATICKETS.COM,
Or call 0208 970 2617, 0207 386 2634.
Visit website for more info HERE

We are most definitely hitting this one...SHULD BE FUN!!!!


More Easter Parties Flyers:






And my personal favorite...not that im going,but i want to sooooo see pics from this event!


And today at Dj Abass' weekly clubfest @ Club NTYCE,there will be an appearance from one of "NOLLYWOOD's" fynest...still very hush-hush about who it is...but they've promised it would be worth your while if you attend...Club's located @ 38 wellington Str.,SE18,London. Text 07956374473 for guestlist and first 100 people get a NaijaPopMixTape...ooohhh!!!!;-)

RUMOR HAS IT:
Rumor has it that Sanna Lathan and Nigerian NFLer Wale Ogunleye are prolly kickin it...they'v bin spotted twice togetha.Once, at a Miami party and also @ Virgin Islands together for the grand opening of Yacht Haven Grande in St. Thomas:

(click to enlarge)...n shout out to YBF on this one!

STARS ON THE RUNWAY:
m sure some of y'all r tired of my rantings about this event....anyways its has bin moved 4ward yet AGAIN!, n Nnenna has bin added to the long list of Celebrities modelling.....


VIDEOS OF THE DAY:
West Africa Idol is really burnin up...there just somethin about this particular performance...he(ERIC) totally changed the song and made it his own.....


This woman(Ibitoru) is just damn energetic....lol


She didnt make it to the top 10..but she gave me goosebumps...its LARA! she def can SAI-NG!


Y'all can check their website to view the auditions and all of that,n Bella blogs about it every monday.

Hip Hop World Awards Update:
The second edition of Hip Hop World Awards held last Saturday, 17th of March, 2007 at the Muson centre in Lagos and it was a fun night all around with awards for almost everyone and brilliant performances ;-) but the highlight of the night was Paul Play winning four awards!!!He described winning the awards as "This must be the finest moment of my career" and we think so too...he definitely deserved it with this album.Anyways full list of winners below:

Best R&B Album -- Paul Play
Album of the Year -- Paul Play
Recording of the Year -- Paul Play (Forever)
Artiste of the Year -- Paul Play
Best Rap Album -- Freestyle (Free at Last)
Best Rap Single -- Mode 9 (Cry)
Best Pop Album -- Weird MC (After the Storm)
Jaiye Aboderin Next Rated award (Most promising talent) -- OD
Best Music Video -- P-Square (Temptation)
Best Reggae/Dancehall Album -- Baba Dee (Versatile)
Song of the Year -- D’Banj (Why Me?)
Best Collabo -- Jazzman Olofin & Storm All Star
Best Male Vocal Performance -- Obiwon (Onyinye)
Producer of the Year -- Cobhams Asuquo
Outstanding African Act -- V.I.P
Hip Hop World Revelation 2006 -- Soul E
Hip Hop World Hall of Fame -- Edi Lawani

Random News:
Who knew that comedian "Basketmouth" was actually a rapper first?.He was in a rap group called "The Psychopaths" (insert all snide remarks here...lol). They used to perform at small gigs at their kirikiri neighbourhood in the mid 90s...i wuld hav luvd to see him perform...he's great at comedy tho,so i suppose raps loss shey?

Thats all folks! 4 u guys in this part of the world....Time changes on Sunday so we loosing an hour...ie same time as Naij!!..have a nice weekend!

Labels: weekend digest

Hey everyone,hope you all had a guud weekend?Well as promised last friday,we've got pictures from the ThisDay 12th Annual Awards which had Diana Ross and Lemar as headliners and also Pictures from the Vagina Monologues(play)...but first the ThisDay Awards...



Anyway,had a look at the pictures and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at most of the fashion outfits...dont get me wrong,there were still some "WTF OUTFITS" ;-) but on the whole they tended to keep it simple and gorgeous...maybe cos they are the "Grown and Sexy" set!Enuff talking...happy viewing!!!


VAGINA MONOLOGUES:

JOKE SILVA (theres just sumthn bout this woman i just love..


RITA DOMNIC...hmm ha skin is FLAWLESS..n it looks like shes lost weight??


KATE HENSHAW-NUTTAL(in brown)






Easter Parties:

Yep it's party season again!(lyk we needed an excuse...)but anyway,party flyers have been flying left, ryt and centre so decided to update you guyz...just a few for now...will put up more in our next post...details et al on flyers














Thanx 4 d emails regarding the'KOSIBAH' interview...kip it coming till wednesday. the addy is naijavixen@hotmail.com. i have a feeling this is a great week...so have a great one y'all.....