VIDEO: Keri Hilson does the "Azonto" dance in Ghana

Don't you just love the fact that American artist are starting to realize that they have a global audience and are making long treks across the globe for their fans? Getting in on the fun was "Pretty Girl Rock" singer Keri Hilson who was recently spotted performing in Ghana at the Stand GH concert. She wasn't the only US headliner at the concert- pint size rapper Bow-Wow was also on deck to wow the crowds

So in an effort to incorporate local culture into her routine Miss Keri Baby performed the super popular 'Azonto' dance during her set. Check out the moves below:

This is the CUTEST video you will see all day!

This little kid is BEYOND cute! Check out his banter with the judges on America's Got Talent yesterday.  Isaac Ryan Brown is just too adorable, I hope he makes it far in the competition.

Should Diddy's son give back his UCLA scholarship?

Justin Combs is unlike any of his teenage peers attending college this upcoming semester,  what makes him different is that he is the son to multi-gazillionaire Sean P Diddy Combs. While his family was celebrating his merit based scholarship to UCLA this past weekend, some folks were up in arms about whether or not Diddy's son should have taken the $54,000 scholarship given his father's racks on racks on racks.

The main criticism from most people is that the scholarship is taking away money from other students who actually need it. UCLA responded yesterday by saying:


"There's a misconception out there that somehow athletic scholarships would take away money from low-incomestudents who need need-based aid," school spokesman Ricardo Vazquez said. "That's not the case. Athletic scholarships are awarded strictly on the basis of athletic and academic ability."


So there you have it! It seems regardless of his socioeconomic status Justin would have received the scholarship regardless of his father's wealth or lack thereof. To be honest, I frowned a little bit when I heard about the scholarship because I was also under the impression that was a need based scholarship and not a merit based. The fact that Justin worked for his way to college and earned this honor without sitting on his a** is inspiring. In any event my hope is that after Justin graduates he will give back to UCLA with either his time or money.

Thoughts? Should Justin turn down the scholarship?

Are these women glamorizing obesity?

Plus size writer Gabi Gregg is under scorching hot water after posting pictures of herself in what people are calling a "fatkini" gallery. Not only did Gabi post pictures of herself in a swimsuit she also invited other plus size women to post their own swimwear pictures. Within a few days the pictures were all over the internet with critics harshly slamming the writer for defending obesity.

Gabi Gregg

The New York based writer appeared on the Today show stating her reason for posting the pictures and defending her position saying" I think that's silly..I'm all for health. I think people should really be aware of what they're putting in their bodies and try to get more active. The truth is, we live in our bodies and be happy with happy with the bodies we have right now, regardless of where we are in our journey to health"

Gabi in her super cute swimsuit

Well I hear that Gabi!! I am in full support of women accepting their bodies. Folks please remember that your health is not determined by your size. You could be as skinny as an Olsen twin and have sky high cholesterol. I'm not advocating obesity either, what I am saying is right in line with Gabi. Ladies let's learn to love our bodies regardless of what our size is.

"Fatkini" pics submitted by plus size readers

Gabi didn't get absolute support from all plus size readers with one woman stating " I am a person who is overweight, and has struggled with weight my whole life. I don't think we should glamorize obesity". Interesting!

Plus size reader on xojane.com

I want to hear your thoughts on this issue! Are these women glamorizing obesity or accepting their bodies as is?

Mr. Ugly 2012 crowned in Zimbabwe: "I know that I am very ugly"

Sigh!

Mr Ugly 2012- William Masvinu

A few months ago I posted about an unusual pageant in Zimbabwe called Mr Ugly 2012. I never really thought to follow up on the story until this morning when the newly minted ugly winner was featured on US morning show "Waking Up With Al" . 38 year old William Masvinu garned the title of Mr Ugly 2012 and won $100 in cool cash plus one night stay in a Harare hotel. But peep his reason for entering the pageant:


“I know that I am very ugly and when I heard of this contest I just said the crown is mine,” said Masvinu. “Being ugly is a gift from God and look what this gift has done to me. I am on my way to fame and I now have a few dollars in my pocket. My wife was here in full support and I am really happy.”


I cant take it! I CANNOT TAKE IT! Oh but it gets better! 

Match made in heaven- William and his wife

William's wife was also on-hand for ceremony and this is what she had to say about her husband's victorious win " I know that my husband is very ugly and that is why I supported his participation in this contest,” she said. “Because of his ugliness, I am confident I have been able to keep him to myself since I believe other women would shun him.”


Organizers plan on expanding the pageant and having a Mr Ugly Zimbabwe and a Miss Ugly Harare pageant. WOW! I am speechless.


Thoughts?

Who won the Miss ZimUSA 2012 pageant?

The top 3 from left to right: Thandekile Mellissa Rhodes, Vanessa Mbedzi and Ali'berry Chitseko

Memorial Day just passed in the USA and that can only mean one thing for most Zimbabwean peeps stateside. We have a new Miss ZimUSA!

Vanessa Mbedzi

Meet Vanessa Mbedzi your Miss ZimUSA 2012! She's a beautiful girl, congrats are in order for her! As you guys may or may not know I was a former Miss ZimUSA, I was crowned 6 years ago (YIKES) so I always have a soft spot for the pageant.

BONUS: Check out a short 3 minute clip below summing up the pageant and the results

Zimbabwean Bride Prices: How much am I worth??

I was checking out one of my favorite Zimbabwean sites New Zimbabwe and I came across this interesting chart. For those of that you don't know what bride prices are (known as lobola in my language of Ndebele) in Zimbabwean culture the monetary fees are paid by the groom to his bride's family. From what  I understand, the men pay the money to their soon-to-be in-laws as a token of appreciation for raising his to be wife.

Interesting right?

Well I am from BYO and I was SUPER surprised to find out what my going rate would be. By this bride price chart, my boo would only have to pay $200...the lowest in all of Zimbabwe!! What the what??  Now what I am really curious to find is why the bride prices are so high for women in Masvingo? Someone please explain this to me!

What are your thoughts on dowry? Is it outdated or relevant in today's society?

Kevin Prince Boateng in Vogue PLUS Mariah Carey in Morocco

From left to right- Kevin Prince, Sulley Muntari and Rodney Strasser

One of my favorite soccer players Kevin Prince Boateng is featured in the all-Africa-issue of Italian Vogue.  Swoon! He is pictured above with other big time players- former Inter midfielder Sulley Ali Muntari and Rodney Strasser, an up-and-comer born in Sierra Leone in 1990.

Kevin-Prince Boateng who is of German/Ghanian descent says  "I’m very proud to be half African. If I wasn’t I never would have chosen to play for Ghana instead of Germany. I’ve been to Africa – not often, but when I was there I really enjoyed it", he says. "The problem in Africa is that the potential is there – the whole world saw the excellent organization of the South African World Cup, where everything ran smoothly. All that’s missing is European infrastructure and organization".


Elsewhere across the world..

"Dem Babies" accompanied their mother superstar Mariah Carey on her jet-setting lifestyle to the Mawazine Festival in Morocco this week. The 'Fantasy' singer informed the audience at her concert at that  her children were watching the show from their hotel room. Must be nice!

BONUS: Watch Mariah Carey's full performance in Morocco below

My very first vlog!! Dating, love and relationships: are most men trying to bullsh!t the ladies?

Earlier today I came across a very interesting quote from tennis champ Serena Williams. A heartbroken 'Rena says “I have given up on dating. It just hasn’t worked out well for me. The last relationship just was too much of a heartbreak for me. I just can’t go through that anymore. It was hard. I just have to remove myself from that atmosphere for about the next decade or so. I can’t get involved,” said the 27-year-old. “I’m a really emotional person. I give my all and everything. I do make mistakes.”


10 years is a mighty LONG time. So instead of write down my thoughts about the matter. I decided to do a vlog. Check out the video below, let me know what you think!!

Bonang Matheba's Victoria Falls Fashion Style

I came across these pictures of South African TV and fellow YFM radio personality Bonang Matheba vacationing in Victoria Falls and I just felt compelled to share. If you have never been to Victoria Falls, I beg you..you HAVE to go! This place is beautiful!! I was there in December and had a blast! Check out the pics below:

The hotels in Victoria Falls (on both the Zambia and Zimbabwe side) are SUPER luxurious. Unlike anything you have ever seen. And maybe I am a little biased, I am Zimbabwean after all!!

I think I need to go back to Zim asap! C'mon Zim Tourism board, make it happen!!

Thoughts??

King Bey is back: Pics from Beyonce's Revel show

Jay-Z just tweeted: @S_C_: "I'm gonna say this and then I'm gonna end mine." BEYONCE is the best performer in the world. Period.

Ok then!

Well I take it the show in Atlantic City was good huh? Beyonce's first gig post baby was nothing short of amazing based on what the twitter streets are saying. From what i hear King Bey performed her medley of hits and peppered in tributes to
Donna Summer and Whitney Houston. Check out the pics from the show:

Miss Universe Leila Lopes in Vogue Magazine

Earlier this week I told you about South African songstress Lira appearing in the Italian Vogue Magazine. Now more good news comes out from all-things-Africa mag with the addition of Miss Universe-Angolan beauty Leila Lopes in the glossy Vogue pages. I interviewed Leila this year and girlfriend is GORG! Just stunning person! Check out the haute pics from her Vogue shoot!

Should more women be like Megan Good and be celibate until marriage?

"Think Like A Man" actress Megan Good is known for playing the sexy vixen role in movies but in her real life it seems she's more of a conservative lady. Megan is set to marry preacher/ movie producer Devon Franklin in an upcoming lavish Morrocan themed wedding. In a new interview with Life & Stye she dropped a bombshell about waiting to get it in.


"Our wedding night will be the first time we're actually together," says Megan Good who also stars in Showtime's risqué series Californication.

Really now? This dude is resilient, he's dating one of the hottest women around and waiting it until the wedding day? More power to them both!! And Megan says she knew that Devon was the one because of his unconditional love. "He was willing to be celibate with me for a year," she says. "He loves God, more than I love God, so I don't think there's anything wrong [with him].


This is interesting news to me! I applaud Megan for waiting until marriage. However I wonder if this news is to protect the image of the preacher (Megan will allegedly be the first lady of a  Seventh Day Adventist church) or it possible to think that more women take a cue from Megan and wait until the wedding night to seal the deal?


Thoughts?

Fantasia's Stylist Must Not Like Her

Sigh!

The slit on the side is awful, just horrid!

Who did this to Fantasia? WHO? Why didn't anyone stop the American Idol winner from appearing in national TV in this disastrous catsuit?

To make matters worse this slit goes all the way down to the ankle? No ma'am

no, No, NO!!!

Fanny is too talented for this HOT MESS!

Now why didn't she keep this look on? I think she looks nice here!

 Listen, I am a Fantasia fan and I want to see her do well but her WHOLE look last night was just wrong. The ill fitted suit was such a terrible idea and coupled with the hair and red lipstick? No ma'am! Can someone call June Ambrose for Fanny?

Thoughts??

The Jacob Zuma painting-Art or Inappropiate?

By now I'm sure you have heard or seen the painting of South African President Jacob Zuma with his genitalia out. Quite frankly, I'm not sure what to make of it. On one hand I get this is art and therefore subject to interpretation. After all Zuma is a polygamist made headlines a few years ago by claiming he side stepped HIV by showering after having sex with an infected woman. My question is, is this art speaking to his sexual life or it just plain disrespectful? Speak on it! Thoughts?

Cover Stars: South Africa's sweetheart and America's reality rude girls

Terry Pheto

South African actress Terry Pheto is gracing the June cover of the Marie Claire South Africa Magazine and she looks Terryfic! I love this LV look on her! Designer Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton invited the GORG actress to Paris to take in the city of lights. Here are some of the behind the scenes snaps of Pheto in Paris:

Check out Behind the Scenes video of Terry doing her thang:



SA Peeps make sure you go buy this issue when it hits the stands. We gotta support our black celebs when they make the cover!

Meanwhile stateside TV's bad girls  Kandi of “Real Housewives of Atlanta,” Tamar of “Braxton Family Values,” Evelyn of “Basketball Wives,” and Chrissy of “Love and Hip Hop” (who may not be returning) all showcase their sexy sides in black scantily clad outfits with spilling buxom on the Vibe cover. I'm giving a huge side eye to the "role model" title, in what world? Entertaining yes but no way are they role models. Highlights from the article:

The ladies were just as revealing with their answers, namely Evelyn who blasted Star Jones for boycotting Basketball Wives.
Check out the highlights:

Star Jones started a petition, lashing out against women and violence on reality TV. What’s your reaction?
Evelyn: [Bursts into laughter] I think she’s going to have to get a whole lot of names. Actually, I like the petition and I like the controversy because I’ve learned controversy is good. But I think she’s irrelevant. And she’s using our coattails to get relevant again. Nobody gives a f*ck about her.

Do any of you see yourselves as role models?
Chrissy: I guess if somebody is afraid to speak their mind and wanna stand up for themselves, then yes. I want people to realize that they can have whatever they want. You can be respected in your relationship exactly the way you want to be. It’s up to you to go get it. Some of the stuff is a little heavy, but you’re not going to be exposed to crazy situations in life just by watching reality TV. You can go to the corner store and see crazy shit going on. You can go to school and see crazy shit. Don’t put it all on me.
Kandi: You would never imagine how many people come up to me on the street: “How could you be a part of that? It’s a disgrace to Black people.” I’m on a show called Real Housewives and I’m not married so I guess I represent single mothers out there who are handling their business and trying to take things to the next level. So when people say, “You shouldn’t be on the show, it’s like, “Well, who do you want to go on there? More people you don’t like?”

So you’re saying the producers orchestrated the violence?
Chrissy: Absolutely. They would go as far as telling the new girl, “Chrissy thinks she’s Queen Bee around here so we need you to step up because nobody here has a strong enough personality. We need you to shut it down.” They were feeding people this negative energy from the door. I have no reason to lie.

What surprised you most about the reality TV experience?
Kandi: Being a part of Housewives brought me so many opportunities that I would’ve never imagined. With the Kandi Factory spin-off, it was a dream of mine to be on one of those shows developing artists, and here it is, I [have] my own show.
Evelyn: For me, it was that so many people cared. They’re so emotionally involved and interested with what’s going on in your life. I watch shows but I’m never like, “Let me find this person’s Twitter or Facebook page so I can comment.” Even before the show it just wasn’t me. But people get so emotionally involved with what you’re doing, what you’re saying, what you’re wearing, how you handle this situation, so that surprised me. You think everyone watches TV the way you watch TV.

Well, Evelyn, you especially invoke a lot of emotion. On television, you seem as passionate as your fans are about you.
Tamar: True.
Evelyn: When I first signed on to the show, I said I’m going to be me whether the cameras are on or off. So you’ll see me crying, you’ll see me fighting, you’ll see me happy. You get to see everything. I think I show every aspect of who Evelyn is. Of course people only remember those moments when I happen to be…

Hurling a wine bottle.
Evelyn: Yeah, happen to be throwing a few things. It’s frustrating because, on the other hand, I’ve also done positive things like charities with kids. It’s unfortunate because those things don’t seem to mean anything.
Chrissy: It bothers me [too] because it’s not all of who I am. It’s a part of who I am. It’s also something that I’m working on because who am I to put my hands on somebody else?
Tamar: I just wanna address the biggest misconception with Evelyn. She’s not just beautiful on the outside; she’s a beautiful soul. I believe that people who want to make a difference in our community should be shown [doing so]. Sometimes, with our shows, you only see that [negative] side, but Evelyn will give you the shirt off of her back.
Evelyn: It’s tough because if we were only doing positive things, people wouldn’t want us. But if I say, “Tamar, you’re a stupid fucking bitch,” people love that.
Kandi: That’s because we’re a real life soap opera. You know how your family watched All My Children for 20 years? That’s what we are now.

Check out the full cover story when the issue hits stands next week.

Would consider any of the reality take-no-prisoners ladies role models?