Too Light or White to be African? Why I support Thandie Newton..

 

Late last week while perusing my online gossip sites for the latest celeb scoop, I read the news that actress Thandie Newton is slated to star in the film adaption of Chimanda Ngozi Adichie award winning book Half Of A Yellow Sun. Almost instantly my twitter timeline went berserk at the news of an online petition against the decision to cast Thandie (a biracial woman) as a Nigerian Igbo woman.  The petition urges the production company to reassess the casting of Miss Newton and replace her role with an authentic dark skinned Igbo woman. 

Thandie Newton

The petitioners write:

Igbo people, like any other people range in physical characteristics as well as complexion. However, the majority of Igbos are dark brown in complexion. Igbo people do not look like the bi-racial Thandie Newton. Thandie Newton is an accomplished and talented actress in her own right. However, she is not Igbo, she is not Nigerian, and she does not physically resemble Igbo women in the slightest.

This is an extremely touchy subject and I almost understand where the petitioners are coming from. As a dark skinned woman trust me when I tell you I’ve experienced many bouts of ignorance from other people in regards to my skin color. I can’t walk down the street without film, print and TV bombarding me with message “that if ain’t white it ain’t right”. However that being said, I strongly disagree with this petition.

Thandie may not be Nigerian or Igbo but she is an African woman. Newton is the daughter of Zimbabwean mother and a British father. She actually lived in Zambia and moved back to the UK at the age of 11. Furthermore she is an actress, she is not playing Thandie Netwon.  A talented actor/actress  has the ability to research, embody and take on the spirit of any role. I question the origins of the petition. Why didn’t this petition exist when Sophie Okenedo was cast in a lead role Hotel Rwanda? She’s also biracial, where was fury then? Better yet Idris Elba is in talks to play Nelson Mandela in a film adaption for Madiba’s life. Are we mad that he’s not from South Africa since he was born in the UK?

Let me remind you that the film also stars Chiwetel Ejifor who also belongs to the Igbo tribe. Ejifor an accomplished actor in his own right was born in London to Nigerian parents. Are we going to protest the fact that Ejifor was born in London and not Nigeria? Where does the line of African authenticity start and begin?

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

The truth of the matter is that Igbo women come in all shades of color, some as light as Thandie. Why do we as black folks/Africans feel the need to slice and dice blackness? When will we stop with the black on black racism? Or in this instance, African on African racism? A commentator on a popular site posted:

In fact, growing up in Nigeria, the term Igbo yellow was often used to refer to the fact that many Igbos are in fact light skinned. To be honest, Thandie could stand next to a few Igbo women I know, who are not biracial and her skin tone would match theirs.

My people, let’s not kid ourselves here, this is a Hollywood flick. Thandie is a great actress and highly recognizable by both UK & US audiences. Nominated for many film awards, it’s no brainer that she was cast as a lead actress. in my opinion this is a step in the right direction for Hollywood, way better than casting Terrance Howard and Jennifer Hudson in a Winnie Mandela movie. At least Thandie is half African and is a very accomplished actress. Let’s give her a chance and stop with the negativity. I for one am waiting with baited breath to see the movie.

This week's Sit Your A** Down Award goes to...

Yes it's only Monday, but the sheer absurdity of comments made by State Senator Stacey Campfield from Tennessee earn him the distinction of the Sit Your A** Down Award for the week. Maybe even for the whole month.

When asked about the origins of HIV/AIDS this is what the Senator had to say:

"My understanding... is that virtually, if not completely impossible, to contract AIDS outside of blood transfusions through heterosexual sex. It's virtually impossible," Senator Campfield said 

Virtually impossible?!? Say what now? What kind of misinformation is this man spreading? How did he get elected? Did he even graduate from high school? Of course we all know HIV and AIDS can most definitely be spread through heterosexual unprotected intercourse.

When asked about this comments in a separate interview Stacey proved his ignorance even more by saying::

"A lot of people trying to gloss over and say it's an every person disease but really it's just those high risk people that are most likely to contract or spread that disease The odds of a regular man getting it from a regular woman are very low," he said.

When asked, "What do you mean by 'regular?'"

He said, "someone who is not from Africa, someone who is not a homosexual, someone who is not an IV drug user, someone who is not sleeping with someone who is one of those things."

So let me right this right, because I am from Africa, I am # 1 not regular and #2 a risk to infect someone with HIV? What a moron. HIV/AIDS does not discriminate. There is so such thing as regular person, no-one is exempt from getting this disease. Of course there are precautions that one can take (condoms, a monogamous relationship, not sharing drug needles or doing drugs at all) but it can ultimately happen to anyone. The Senator's backwoods way of thinking is appalling, how is he even still in office?

Check out what your fave SA celebs wore at the J&B Met 2012

Known as South Africa's most prestigious horse race the J&B Met is also a reason for SA's celebrities to show off their Sunday's best.  I love seeing the colorful attire that the celebs rock at the race.  I rounded up a few twitpics of what your favorite celebs wore today, the theme for this year was "Made different"

Bonang Matheba

South Africa's "It Girl" Bonang Matheba was the best dressed in my opinion. I love this look on her, she knows exactly how to dress for her body type, she looks great.

O-Access host Dineo Moeketsi

I love the color of the dress but I'm not 100% sold on the fit. It looks the dress should be a tad bit tighter. She's gorgeous girl but I'm not a huge fan of this look.

Singer Chomee in red

Hlelo & Ntando Masina

Reality show stars twins Hlelo and Ntando wore these patent leather looking red jumpsuits. I can't do leather in the summer. Isn't hot as heck in Capetown right now? Great bodies but the outfits..yikes!

TV personality Jo-Ann Strauss

Singer Le-Ann Dlamini, Somizi, Theo and I believe AKA woldwide

Random tidbit. Le-Ann is married to a distant cousin of mine, record exec Sipho Dlamini. LeAnne is the black & gold sequin dress. Cute.

TV presenter Lorne Maseko

Uyanda Mbuli

Socialite Uyanda Mbuli was spotted in this cutesy gold dress rocking her trademark red bottoms. How is she able to afford all those Louboutin shoes? I'm asking all the wrong questions, if you got it flaunt it!

Uyanda with Somizi

Uyanda also hammed it up with Somizi. His white outfit is well..made different. If he likes it, then I love it!

Somizi with the twins

Former Miss South Africa Vanessa Carreira with her hubby

I love the simplicity of Vanessa's nude dress, she looks great. Wish I could see her shoes!

That's it folks, what do you think of every one's looks?

What Makho Wore Today- Jan 27,2012

Uhura on left and Makho on the right

So today I thought I was looking all fly in my red dress and red jacket. I woke up this morning with inkling to dress up and brighten up in this dreary New York weather.  After being seen by a few folks, one of friends joked that I looked like Uhura from Star Trek. Since I am no fan of the TV/ film franchise I had no idea who that was. It was until after I looked her up and instantly took it as a compliment. I was pleasantly surprised, she's super fly! .

My red dress is from Zara and the boots are from Banana Republic.Hope you dig it!

Too ugly for a beauty pageant? Meet the 2012 Miss Zim contestants

Nyaradzo Jere

Photos of the contestants for the Miss Zimbabwe 2012 pageant surfaced online recently and the images sent shock waves through the Internet. You can view all the of the photos of the contenders for the Miss Zim 2012 crown over at Zimbojam. People are being especially cruel in my opinion, with a published article taking aim at these young ladies saying "As for this selection of girls, no amount of make-up or camera angels could make them attractive"

Barbara Kanyongo

Listen I will go ahead and say it. These women are in Zimbabwe and therefore are not afforded the luxuries that we have here in America. They don't have the best when it comes to skincare, hair and clothes. All these factors make a huge impact on how the contestants look. Remember that when you see images of other titleholders they are airbrushed to death and barely look like that in real life.

Letwin Muropa

 Most South American countries take pageants seriously. The young women there groomed at very young ages to be titleholders and the government injects a serious amount of cash into the pageant industry. Let's not forget that most of the titleholders you see on the national and international stage also get a ton of plastic surgery.

Heroine Langalanga

I think the girls are all beautiful and each one of them equipped with the right products could go very far. It's really mean to say that as the article here suggested "those girls should not be found anywhere near a beauty pageant"

Sasha Maidei Kasengwa

Can we spread a little love to these women? Remember they reading the hurtful comments that people are saying about them. If you feel that passionately about the pageant, instead of calling the girls names how about sending them the BEST image stylists, hairdressers, pageant coaches, designer dresses and money to get these young women up to par After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.Stop the hate.

Thoughts?

Look of the day - Solange

This must be one of my favorite pictures of Solange ever! She looks effortlessly beautiful. I believe this picture was taken in her Brooklyn apartment, read more of the story here. I love her sense of style, it really works for.

Quote of the Day - Tim Gunn

"I haven’t had sex in 29 years, Do I feel like less of a person because of it? No.”

Gunn tearfully recalled how the 'intense' and abrupt breakdown of a relationship caused him to give up sex.

'He was impatient with my sexual performance,' Gunn said. I’m a perfectly fulfilled person… but it’s very psychological,' he added.

That's heavy! I applaud his bravery for sharing such a personal story. But 29 years?? Maan

Defying the marriage odds: 5 shocking celebrity couples making it last

Who else was surprised to hear about Heidi and Seal's divorce? I didn't see that one coming at all. Seriously! Based on their red carpet appearances and candid pictures, I thought they were the handful of celebrity couples, in it to win it. Guess we were all wrong about that. Well not everyone in Hollywood is breaking up. In fact some couples that I thought would break up are defying the odds. Check out my top 5 couples that are shockingly still together.

1. Khloe and Lamar Odom

When these two tied the knot in 2009, I gave them days not even weeks or months to split up. Fast forward to 2012 and the couple is still going strong. I am eating my words. With a successful TV show, soaring career and plenty of endorsement deals, Khloe and Lamar seem to be silencing all the critics. I still cant believe this one...

2. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie

 When they started dating in the public eye, I really didn't think they stood any sort of chance. Angelina was known for being a heart breaker, y'all remember that red carpet interview she gave a few years ago with then love Billy Bob revealing that the couple had just finished doing the "deed" in their limo. Scandalous! Well 15,000 adopted children later the couple is still going strong. To be honest with you, I've warmed up to the idea of the two of them together. They are not married yet, but I wouldn't be surprised if wedding bells rang soon for the actors. Only time will tell if they make it for the long haul.

3. Nick and Mariah Carey

Welp, Morrocco and Monroe's parents are not playing the break up game, they are the epitome of defying the odds. When this May December couple first got together a few years back in , I called immediate BS on this union. Nick had just proposed in a grandiose affair to supermodel Selita Ebanks and Mariah was just...well being Mariah. So when they got married in 2008, I just knew it would last all of 72 days. Well surprise, surprise..the Cannons are still happily married. 

4. LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian

Now these 2 are the very definition of cheatin' asses, these two take the cake. Dare I say over Brad and Angelina? Singer LeAnn Rimes met her husband actor Eddie Cibrian on the set of a LifeTime movie, while they were both married to other people. Deciding to fore go all common sense and decency the pair took their onscreen chemistry into real life despite being both married.  Im still on the fence about these two. Yes I am totally judging them but I dont see Eddie staying with LeAnn for the long haul. Yo no se!

5. Alicia Keys & Swizz Beatz

You know a lot of these couples on this list share this  pesky cheating trait. Case in point Swizz and Alicia. Y'all already the story, the darling of R&B Miss Keys met Mr. Beatz while he was married (but separated) from his ex-wife Mashonda. Details are fuzzy on when the couple actually started dating but let Mashonda tell it, Swizz was dipping on both sides when he started his courtship with Alicia. The couple is now married and they have a toddler not to mention Swizz's 2 other kids from.... 2 other women. Alicia is better than me, I couldn't do it. 

So that's my list of celebrities couples that are still solid as a rock despite the odds...thoughts?

Quote of the Day - actress Cynthia Nixon

Openly gay Sex In The City actress Cynthia Nixon was asked recently whether being gay was a choice or not. Her answer is interesting....


"For me, it is a choice. It doesn't mater if we flew here or we swam here, it matters that we are here and we are one group and let us stop trying to make a litmus test for who is considered gay and who is not."

Hmmm can one choose to be gay? I'm not so sure..thoughts?

Look of the day- Kelly Rowland

Singer Kelly Rowland is giving me everything in this picture! She is just radiating, ain't she? Kells was snapped on the red carpet for the BET Honors this past weekend. She is reigning supreme in this sexy purple dress but I especially love the contrast of the blue shoes.

Thoughts?

Losing the Miss New York USA pageant was the best thing that ever happened to me!!

Makho competing at the pageant

The top 5 contestants vying for the Miss New York USA 2008 title had just been announced, I was one of the lucky finalists and you cant even imagine how excited I was. There were 160-plus ladies competing that year so having my name called was a BIG freakin deal! My heart was beating so fast that I'm sure the entire audience heard it. I had been praying for this moment to happen and now I was literally one step away from being crowned Miss New York USA! My dreams were finally coming into fruition!

Top 5 Miss New York USA 2008

Well, we all know how the story ends, I didn't win the pageant.

I walked away with the first runner up title in the pageant and even though that was something that most people would be proud of, I was honestly disappointed. Gutted is more like it. How was it possible that after all this money, working out, training and preparation...I lost! Don't get me wrong I was happy for the winner but I also wanted to win. BADLY. It took me a few months to get over that hurt and disappointment of not attaining the crown.

Let me tell you story that my friend Marshana told me that finally helped me get over losing. Do you know who Christy Ficthner is?

Christy Fichtner

Nope? I didn't think so. This young woman from Texas was Miss USA 1986 and also the first runner at the Miss Universe pageant. Coincidentally Halle Berry was also a contestant from Ohio at the Miss USA 1986 pageant and lost to Christy Fichtner. Miss Berry was also given the consolation prize of being the first runner at the Miss USA pageant. You have to be a BAD chick to beat out one of the most beautiful women in the world in a beauty pageant! So hats off to Christy!

Halle Berry & Christy Fitcher

But where is Christy now? Who really won that pageant that night? As a matter of fact, I would venture to say who is winning in life right now?

Halle Berry on the cover of People Magazine

Marshana and I have now coined this the first runner up effect. Here's why I am grateful now that I lost the pageant that night in Albany. Being the first runner up made me realize that nothing is guaranteed. You can be so close to your dreams but still be so far away. After the pageant I really to do some self reflection about what I wanted to achieve from being Miss New York USA. When I went back to the drawing board, I discovered that I still could be successful in what I wanted in life. Winning would have meant opening so many doors for me in the entertainment industry. But quite frankly I realized I could still become a success story do that without the Miss New York USA pageant. I believe in the pageant system and some of the friendships I have forged there will last a lifetime. But I believe in myself even more. The lesson is for me is you don't win everything you seek out in life, but you always have to remember what your end goal is and always strive to reach for that. Losing made me work 10x harder for anything I really want in life and so that end I really won that night in Albany.

Quote of the day - Madonna. The one thing Madonna has never done!

In an interview with U.S. TV network ABC, Madonna was asked: ‘What was the last meal you cooked entirely by yourself’ and replied: ‘I don’t think I’ve ever cooked a meal entirely by myself.

Wow! WOW! Imagine having never cooked a meal ever? Must be nice to be Madge!

Madonna also admitted that her son David Banda, six, helps out with the cooking as do all her staff - but she won’t get involved in the kitchen. In an outburst Madonna said "But I do everything else! Do I have to do everything?"

Alrighty then...

Oprah's school graduates it's first class!

How beautiful is this picture? 


Mam Oprah was on hand to see the first graduating class from her Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy in South Africa. All 72 girls are heading to college with some of the students US bound. 


"I have never been more proud," an emotional Winfrey said, "to know, to grow, and to call myself 'Mom Oprah" to you girls."


It took 6 years and 40 million dollars but Miss Winfrey made it happen. Is there anything Oprah cant do?


Congrats to the girls! 

Issues with your in-laws? 5 ways to build a bridge and get over it!

Someone once said to me "the best mother in law, is a dead mother in law". I gasped in horror and laughed at the same time at this statement. This sentiment obviously speaks to the usual discourse between couples and their significant others families. This intricate relationship between you, your beau and his/her family can be an interesting one to say the least. I however don't believe in approaching a situation like this with a negative view. I think it is totally plausible that you can develop meaningful relationships with your boo's family. Now don't get me wrong there are some crazy in laws that just make it downright impossible to get along with them. This article is not about the crazies, this only applicable to people that have an ounce of common sense. I cant fix crazy!

Remember you don't have to be BFF (best friend's forever) with them but you can still have decent relationships with them. So ladies and gents I present to you my 5 tips for getting along with the in-laws:

1. Speak to them
When you are with your boo and his family it's totally expected that you ask about his relatives lives, as a matter of fact I strongly encourage it. People love to talk about themselves, what better way to find out about someone than having a conversation about work, school, vacations, pop culture etc. Of course a conversation is a 2 way street so make sure you leave room to drop interesting tidbits about yourself. This however, is not the time to wow them with stories of your legendary pot smoking days - keep the conversation appropriate to your audience.

2. Don't act like a b*tch
No need to be stuck up and pretentious around his family. Just relax and be yourself. So for example, if everyone in his family knows that you are die hard vegan, no need to freak out when they break out the ribs, sushi and pulled pork sandwiches. People have differences, it's totally cool to have your opinion and different lifestyle but try not to judge people on seemingly minimal differences.


3. 3 sides to every story
So your boo told you all about his mooching Auntie. All she does is ask for money and when its time to pay the money back home girl is always missing in action. I ask you remember this, there are 3 sides to every story. His side, her side and the truth. What you are hearing is your partner's side of the story. You don't know the relatives side of the story so try not judge her and write her off based on third party information. At the end of the day you should form your own opinion and judge her based on your interactions with her.

4. R-E-S-P-E-C-T
R-E-S-P-E-C-T find out what it means to me. I know you have heard the Aretha Franklin song and my friends I'm here to tell you no truer words have been spoken. Respect is a fundamental part of life that everyone should be given. His or family members deserve the respect given to strangers. Smile and say hello. Look at people in their eyes. Be genuine. All these tips go a long way in gaining people's confidence and trust.

5.Is it worth it?
At the end of the day, you have to ask yourself if it's worth it. By worth it I mean, are you willing to step outside of your box and develop a meaningful relationship with your in-laws? Is this relationship really that meaningful to you, that you will do anything to see it succeed? If you can truthfully answer yes then I would suggest you start reaching out to your in laws, building a bridge and getting over it.


Thoughts? Do you have in laws? How do you get along with them?

Look of the day - Tika Sumpter

Tika Sumpter

Actress Tika Sumpter looked amazing on the red carpet of the 'Red Tails" premiere. I love this Nicole Miller number on her, werk Tika!

Is this Michael Kors ad Insensitive? Racist? Or Much Ado About Nothing?

Another day, another controversy..

Designer Micheal Kors is being labeled a racist by some for his new ad featuring super stylish white people on safari and black people being used as the props or extras in the photographs. Folks are up in arms claiming the ads reflect the fashion industry's need to produce images with "imperialistic undertones". Someone even wrote on Facebook "Colonialistic, imperialistic and a statement of the continuing mindset of black vs. white. So what else is new?"

Hmm interesting...what do you think? Insensitive? Racist? Or Much Ado About Nothing?

Funny or Offensive to African Americans? South African comedian Trevor Noah on Jay Leno

Hilarious South African comedian Trevor Noah was on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno recently and his brief stint on the show has tongues wagging. Trevor hit a few hot buttons during his stand up by saying the following things about black folks in America:

"America has the credit rating of a black man"

"..It's funny that you guys call them African Americans, which is funny cause they are not actually African"

Hmmm peep the rest of the video below and tell me if you think his stand up is funny or offensive?

Sh*t that Americans say to Africans

So by now I am sure you have caught wind of the online parodies that ridicule the stupid questions that people often ask one another. My favorite is Sh*t that White Girls Say...to Black Girls

In honor of those parodies, please check out my list of S*ht that Americans say to Africans:

1.       Your English is so good..when did you learn the language?

2.       When did you start wearing regular clothes?

3.       How did you get to America? Like  a boat or a bus? I’m confused..

4.       Who is the President of Africa?

5.       So like, did you have any pet lions growing up? Oh what about monkeys? I’ve seen those on the Discovery Channel before..

6.       African booty scratcher..

7.       How do I pronounce your name again?

8.       This is my African friend Makho..

9.       You know, don’t take this the wrong way..but you really don’t look like an African

10.   I usually don’t get along with Africans but you are not like the other African people

11.   Is it true that all Nigerians are crooks?

12.   What part of Nigeria are you from?

13.   Do you speak Swahili?

14.   So did you enjoy living in a hut in Africa?

15.    I have African friend called ----do you know her?

16.   Is it safe to go to Africa?

17.   Is it safe for white people to go to Africa?

Did I miss anymore dumb a** statements? Which ones would you like to add to the list?

George Clooney & Viola Davis Cover 'EW'

This picture just warms my heart. Check out George Clooney and Viola Davis on the cover of US publication EW. I saw "The Help" and Viola did a fantastic job,tables will get turned over (by me of course) if doesn't get the nomination.

For more from George and Viola, visit EW.com!

Top 5 places to hang out in Bulawayo

During my almost 3 week stay in Zimbabwe I had plenty of time to check out the local scene. From clubs, restaurants, lounges & pubs there was no stone I left unturned in my quest for the social pulse of the city. So listed below are my top 5 places to kick it in the City of Kings. 

1. Horizon Night Club

Horizon Night Club

Situated neatly in the city center Horizon is the place to be at. It’s on top of the Pioneer building and boasts a lovely view of the city. There is a pool that you can take a dip in if you are feeling frisky plus you can’t beat the reasonable drink prices and wonderful ambiance. The music is always pumping and while I was there I had the chance to check out world famous DJ Black Coffee. The decor is very up market featuring extra comfy couches and hard wood chairs all over the bar.

2.   Dickies Restaurant

Now this was my spot!!

Dickies

Friends, I was at Dickies almost every single day, I would venture to say the staff knew me by my first name by the time I left Zim. This place has the best sadza and fish in town.

Sadza & fish! Yummy..my mouth is watering looking at this picture!

All their other dishes are on point as well but every time I think about the fish my mouth just begins to salivate. I mean the food is just bursting with flavor!! The food comes out very quickly and the staff is extremely friendly. 

Interior of Dickies

The Dickies I frequented the most is the one close to the Rainbow Hotel. As an added bonus you are allowed to bring in your own alcohol to wash down your tasty meal. #Winning


3. BAC (Bulawayo Athletics Club) 
This was my back up spot if I couldn’t make it to Horizon. It’s  your normal bar but it was always packed every time I went there. They play excellent house, hip hop and r&b music. They have an outdoor area as well but I never made it out there cause I wanted to stay close to the dance floor. The bar situation was a little crazy which meant you could wait a while to get your drinks but overall this is another cool kick it spot.

4. Rainbow Hotel

Rainbow Hotel

Rainbow was a hang out spot for me and my beau. We would hit up the bar on the first floor and kick it in that area. The staff is very friendly here and the drinks are also very reasonably priced. There is a TV that is usually playing sports and you can always overhear interesting conversations with the bar patrons. Or if you also interested in couple time over a nice glass of wine with your significant other then this is the place to check out. 

5. Royal Sunflower

Royal Sunflower

I am a serious foodie, I have an intense and no holds bar love affair with food. This place right here satisfied my foodie cravings on a daily basis. The must have item on their menu is the chips loaded with vinegar and salt plus the Russian sausages. Talk about downright delicious! Dickies would be my lunch spot and Royal Sunflower would be my dinner spot. On a daily basis. It’s a small wonder I didn’t gain a ton of weight.

So there you have it folks, that’s my list of top places to hang out in Bulawayo. Did I miss any spots