Jane Fonda & Ciara square off in Emilio Pucci!

Despite an age difference of almost 50 years - singer Ciara and actress Jane Fonda share a similar taste for fashion. The celebrities were both spotted rocking a very daring Emilio Pucci gown at recent red carpet events. I have to give this one to Jane Fonda. She's 74 and killin it! She looks amazing! What do you think, who wore it best between the two!?

Happy Friday!!!

I had such a great time at the Maybelline event last night, I just wanted to share this pic with you. Stay tuned for pics and a write up on the Glamazons site!! Hope everyone had an awesome week..wishing you all a brilliant weekend :)

Lady Gaga goes on safari in South Africa!

Lady Gaga is currently onstage right now at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg. Mother Monster has the distinct honor of being the first woman to perform at Soccer City and SELL THAT STADIUM OUT. There are about 100,000+ fans rocking out to her music as I type this. Dang I wish I was there, I can feel the energy coming through from the fan tweets in SA!

Prior to kicking off the show tonight Gaga went on safari and took a few pics. She tweeted "I'm about 10 feet from 13 lions, 2 cubs. I spent about 30 minutes w them and took a nap"
It's so typical of stars to go on safari while in Africa, while that's cool - I also would like for the singer to
showcase the impossibly cool city life in Jozi. Wouldn't that be awesome? Africa is more than just a safari!

Thoughts?

Makho Chats with Miss Universe!

Just last week I had the chance to chat with the MOST beautiful woman in the world - Miss Universe! It was the day before Thanksgiving but I had no issues with trekking up to the pageant headquarters in NYC for one last chat with her before she gives up her title. Leila and I talked about EVERYTHING Hunty, from who she's dating to plans after her reign to even what kind of music she listens to her on Ipod - it was good stuff! I really enjoyed kicking it with the Angolan born beauty queen- it was more like a girlfriend catch up session than an interview. Check out the video and let me know what you think!

INCREDIBLE: Zimbabwean grandmother DELIVERS grandson in car!

This story made my ENTIRE day!  It's not often that you get a chance to write about your kinfolk in a blog entry. You know how people joke that African people all know each other? Well turns out in this case I actually know the dynamic mother and daughter duo in this post, they are close family friends. So what happened? Well watch the clip below to get all the deets.


Hats off to grandma Mrs Mangozhe and daughter Carol Moyo, way to work together as a team :)
Funny lil tidbit:  I was actually in Carol's wedding in Indianapolis a few years ago. She is an awesome person, I'm so happy for her and her family!

Hit Or Miss? Solange wears Boxing Kitten to listening session

Beyonce's little sister can do no wrong in my book. The main reason being that she's Bey sister and you know how I feel about Mrs. Carter. And secondly, Solo always gets high marks fashion from me. She never disappoints. The singer held an exclusive listening session last night in LA for her new album and she rocked one of my favorite designers. Wearing Boxing Kitten the "True" singer was killin' em in her cute and stylish romper. Am I right or am I right? Lol is this look a hit or a miss for you?

Big Brother UK's Makosi FILMS talk show in Nigeria

For most people Zimbabwean born TV personality Makosi is considered a polarizing figure. She made HUGE headlines for her antics on Big Brother UK but now the former contestant has a new trick up her sleeve. When asked about her visit to Nigeria, Makosi revealed to Genevieve Magazine that  "I’m also filming my own TV show Makosi Today which is filmed in surulere"

I heard rumors of her talk show being broadcast in Zimbabwe since she currently lives there. Did you read the sordid details about how she was deported from the UK? So sad!  I wonder what the topics will be on her show, how she will relate with the guests/audience? Think it will be as raunchy as her BBC UK appearance? Only time will tell, will you be watching!

Lady Gaga's DRAMATIC arrival in South Africa

Mother Monster is in the Motherland! The "Born this Way" singer arrived in Johannesburg wearing a black criss-cross patterned top over a gold bustier and a black skirt. Such tame clothing for the risqué singer right? Gaga, is in South Africa as part of her "Born This Way" world tour.

Upon her arrival Gaga warmly greeted the crowd and showered them with waves and kisses. But drama popped off when an overzealous airport official barred her from entering the arrivals terminal where hundred of fans had created a tunnel for her to walk through. The official claims there were too many people and that it was not safe for her. Hmmm if you were there is this how it really went down?

After all the dramz Gaga and her entourage then left the airport with shouts of disappointment from her fans. Ever the devoted artist, Gaga made her team go back so that she could take pics and sign autographs for her little monsters. I gotta respect her dedication! She is scheduled to perform at the FNB Stadium in Soweto on Friday and at the Cape Town Stadium on December 3.

If you are in SA, are you planning on going to any of the shows?

Glow On: Zimbabwean actress Danai looks radiant in new pics!!

I can't get enough of seeing pictures of a certain Iowa born Zimbabwe-raised beauty. Danai Gurira stars in the hugely popular drama "The Walking Dead" which has became the biggest television HIT of this season. Not only is she incredibly talented but the zombie playing thespian has the most enviable skin I've seen in a long time. Doesn't she look GREAT? Not sure what the pics are for, I will update you once I get more info.

Thoughts?

BONUS: In case you missed her Essence feature last month- here it is below! LOVE this!

Are Albino models the next BIG thing in fashion? Meet 2 women defying the odds!

Did you know that in some African countries, people with albinism live in constant fear of being abducted or mutilated? Especially in  East Africa, there is a myth that their body parts make potions and rituals more powerful. You know, I am all about culture but some of these myths, old wives tales and stories have got to go. It saddens me that in 2012 people still sadly believe these inaccuracies about albino people.

Diandra Forrest is signed to Elite Models- one of the MOST prestigious agencies in the world  

I want you to meet two women that are on a mission to change the disturbing stereotypes of what it means to be an albino. Supermodel Diandra Forrest and South African stunner Refilwe Modiselle were born on different continents but the gorgeous beauties share a common goal of changing the face of fashion, one albino model at a time.

The odds of being born an albino are 1 in 20,000

While primping backstage at South Africa fashion week, American born model Diandra spoke to BBC News about the significance of her visit and work in Africa.  "It matters a lot to me to be here, because I want to change the way people see girls with albinism on the continent."

Refilwe Modiselle- South Africa's first working albino model

26 year old Refilwe Modiselle is widely credited as the first working albino model in South Africa. Baby girl was recently selected as the new face of clothing brand Legit's summer collection. Speaking about her monumental feat Refilwe says " The rules that defined what a 'normal' girl should look like have been broken. I'm glad Legit picked me because it's taken fashion to another level.  That they chose to do something different shows how feisty the brand is."

Refilwe is defying the odds

Now, I know you may be wondering 'well this may be nice and all, but what do 2 albino girls in fashion have to do with the plight of albino people in Africa?'. According  Peter Ash, the author of a 2012 report on albinism, change can start in the  seemingly superficial world of fashion. "The main problem we find is that there is an underlying acceptance of violence against people with albinism, because they are seen as sub-human, a representation of the devil, or carriers of a curse. The more positive portrayals of people with albinism the better: it really helps".

I just hope that isn't some sort of fad, you know how fickle fashion folks can be. What's in today is gone tomorrow. Let's hope we can keep this educational train moving all over the world..

Thoughts on the albino models? Do you think their success will have any kind of lasting impact?

NeNe Leakes wears dress made out of 650 $1 bills

I'm thumbing through the current issue of Ebony Magazine with sassy entertainer NeNe Leakes and I just had to pause and get your feedback on one of her outfits. The Real Housewives star is wearing a dress made out of 650 $1 bills by Guillermo couture. Hmmm this screams tacky to me, what do you think..tacky or terrific?

In Defense of Chris Brown: Why Jenny Johnson was wrong!

Pigs MUST be flying, I am defending Rihanna's boo thang - Chris Brown.

Hear me and hear me good, Chris has demonstrated time and time again that he is extremely immature. It all started with the 2009's violent assault on his then-girlfriend-Rihanna, the Good Morning America 'chair throwing' fiasco to most recently dressing up as a terrorist on Halloween. I get it. That man has no chill.

But what happened today caused me to leap up and jump to Breezy's defense. It all started when writer/comedian Jenny Johnson responded to a Chris Brown tweet by saying " I know! Being a worthless piece of shit can really age a person RT @chrisbrown I look old as f--k, I'm only 23

Errr excuse me? What on earth was the 30 year old thinking when she called him a worthless piece of shit? The singer of course responded back with an astounding number of expletives and called her all types of 'ho'. He didn't stop there (I told you he has no chill) he continued on with a barrage of vile comments and ended up deleting his twitter account. Was Chris Brown wrong for his response? Of course! He should have just blocked her. But my question is why was Jenny even tweeting him in the first place? Did she not think that perhaps after 3 years of incessant tweeting that Chris would respond back?

Folks, Jenny has been tweeting this man directly for the past 3 years and writing all types of obscenities and profanities. Who has time for all that? Oh that's right- an internet troll does that. They tweet celebrities just for the sake of attention and internet publicity. Now all of sudden because Chris Brown barked back she now plays the innocent victim? Give me a break! Excuse me for my lack of sympathy for poor lil Jenny.

A few hours ago a Huffington post article titled their version of today's events as "Chris Brown's Vulgar Twitter Attack on Jenny Johnson, Comedy Writer". Please pay attention to the language in this heading. It really sent me over the edge. What HuffPo failed to mention was that Jenny Johnson was the person who started the verbal assault. While we are on the media, let's talk about how we all seem to forget that Sean Penn, Roman Polanski, Mel Gibson (his ex accused him of punching her in the face and breaking her teeth), Charlie Sheen and countless other white celebrity men have all been accused and in some cases convicted of domestic assault. You will recall that Charlie Sheen has had countless run ins with the law and in 1990 that he shot his fiancee Kelly Preston (accidentally he claims) in the arm? Why are so we quick to extend the olive branch to Sheen and not Brown? Why isn't Jenny directing her venom to all the white celebrity abusers?

Let's discuss the elephant in the room - is race a factor in all this? Ab-so-freaking-lutely! If Chris were a white man all would be forgiven. I am sick and tired of how the mainstream media treats him.Yes he hit Rihanna and that was awful, I mean just down right terrible. I can NEVER excuse his behavior. But I will not buy into the thinking that we can now in all take turns in verbally attacking Breezy directly just for shits and giggles. I will not buy into the idea that black men should be the poster children for violence. That offensive and inaccurate stereotype can have deadly consequences, just ask Trayvon Martin's family. This for me is an issue of race-  it all starts with how we look at black men. Enough is enough, I am so OVER this double standard.

I wanna hear from you! What do you think about the media's treatment of Chris Brown- well deserved or over the top?

Elle Varner & Kat Graham wear the same designer but who wore it best?

I'm watching the 2012 Soul Train Award red carpet special on BET right now. Tamar Braxton and Tony Rock are hosting and doing a decent job thus far. Tamar is a lil EXTRA tonight but I guess thats part of the appeal. So while I was watching I noticed that singer/actress Kat Graham was wearing the SAME designer that fellow singer Elle Varner wore at the BET awards red carpet earlier this year. Listen, I'm not sure how I feel about the sparkly flowery Ashish design but I also don't hate it. But what do y'all think? Who wore it best or worst?

Zimbabwe cited as one of the most CORRUPT countries in Africa!

A new report produced by KPMG (one of the largest professional services in the world) has some very bad news for Zimbabweans. Our beloved country has been cited as one of the top four African nations with the highest cases of fraud.

So who rounds out the top four? South Africa has the distinct honor of being no.1, with the highest number of fraud cases. Followed by Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Kenya in fourth position. The four countries are said to account for 74 percent of all fraud cases reported on the continent, translating to $2 billion in the first half of the year.

Damn! Can you imagine if that money was channeled correctly?! I mean that's 2 billion dollars, yikes!

The KPMG Africa Fraud Barometer revealed that the sectors with the highest risk of fraud are government with 55 percent, financial services with 18 percent and consumer markets at 7 percent. Read the whole story here.

Talk to me, is Zimbabwe really that corrupt? Or this issue being blown out of proportion?

Dallas actor Larry Hagman (JR Ewing) has passed away

I used love the TV series 'Dallas' as a child in Zimbabwe! It was one of the first glimpses that I had into America. So it really makes me sad to report that actor Larry Hagman who played JR Ewing has died. He passed away at a Dallas hospital on Friday (November 23) surrounded by close friends and family. Linda Gray’s agent, Jeffrey Lane confirmed Larry‘s death by saying that the actress was at his bedside when he passed away. You may recall that Linda played Larry's wife Sue Ellen on the TV show. Jeffrey also said that co-star Patrick Duffy was also by Larry‘s side. I love how their on screen chemistry translated into life long friendships.

The 81-year-old actor last television appearances were on the resurrected Dallas show, which centered on a new generation of Ewings.

So sad! Were you a Dallas fan?

Oprah spends Thanksgiving holiday with her South African students!!

58 year old Oprah Winfrey maybe worth 2 billion dollars but she's clearly not afraid to throw down in the kitchen. The OWN founder played gracious host on Thanksgiving day to some of the former students from her school in South Africa. The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy had their first graduating class earlier this year and now most of are attending college in the US. So it would make sense that the young ladies spend the holiday at Mam' Oprah's sprawling estate. Doesn't the food look tasty!? How did you spend your Thanksgiving day?

Djimon Hounsou & Kimora Lee Simmons have split!

I really liked Djimon Hounsou and Kimora Lee Simmons as a couple. I wonder what happened between the two!

"Djimon Hounsou and Kimora Lee Simmons have officially separated after 5½ years," the actor's rep told PEOPLE Magazine. "Though never married, they have one child together, Kenzo Lee Hounsou, who is 3½ years old."

In addition Kimora just tweeted this:

There have been quite a few hurtful rumors circulating. The truth is Djimon+I have been separated for some time. We have remained happy, loving, co-parenting friends+family. We all have much to be thankful for. #HappyThanksgiving

Damn! Hollywood unions never seem to last right?!?

17 year old POP princess from Sierra Leone LANDS record deal with Universal!

A*M*E (pronounced Amy) is making history at the tender age of 17. The pint sized pop princess was born in Sierra Leone and lived there until she was 8. Now based in London the singer/songwriter is signed to Gary Barlow of Take That fame’s Universal imprint, Future Records.

Having left Africa at a young age she began discovering different genres including K-pop (think PSY of gangnam style fame) in the UK. She's already penned a no. 1 hit for a Korean group and credits her birth place as inspiration for her unique sound. Can you imagine? An African child prodigy based in London writing K-pop? I LOVE it!!

In an interview with MTV Iggy, A*m*e revealed that she's planning on taking over the world and being the next Rihanna. She says "I want to have good record sales, number one singles and albums and, ultimately, be successful"

A*m*e is the current Elle UK and performed at the Elle UK sessions tonight in London

She's certainly on her way-  having toured with the likes of Jessie J, JLS, The Wanted, Rizzle Kicks, Cover Drive and Olly Murs.


Go Girl! Check out her video color-ri-fic video for' Play the Game Boy' here!

What do you think A*m*e? Is Korean Pop the next big thing? Hey -  it worked for PSY and it sure is catchy as hell!

Thoughts?

CONFIRMED: Kim Zolciak QUITS Real Housewives of Atlanta

When it rains it pours huh? RHOA star Kim Zolciak can certainly attest to that. She is in the midst of a nasty lawsuit involving her parents and now news comes out that she has quit the reality show that made her famous - mid season nonetheless. Kim tells In Touch Magazine "I was eight months pregnant and there was so much drama; I just had to walk. I've taken on so much in the past five years, but this was the final straw. My priority was the child inside me."

The drama popped off over a trip to the Caribbean island of Anguilla, where RHOA co-star Cynthia Bailey was set to renew her vows with husband Peter Thomas. As usual, Kim (who was 36 weeks pregnant at the time) and under strict doctor's orders not to travel, announced she wouldn't be coming, all hell broke loose.

"They couldn't understand why I couldn't go," Kim -- who gave birth to son Kash a few weeks later, in August -- says about her fellow Housewives, unleashing their collective fury. "Fighting is what we're known for, but I've never disagreed with a pregnant woman. It's not one life you're dealing with, it's two."

Kim's co-stars give their side of the story on the Dec. 2 episode. Kandi Burruss says that the cast planned the trip around the dates Kim told them she was initially available, and all the cast members pipe in over Kim giving a laundry list of excuses.

"She's going to come up with every excuse she can possibly come up with," explains her former best friend, NeNe Leakes, who goes on to mimic Kim, saying, "My blood pressure was going up. My hair was shedding. My nails were comin' loose. I couldn't walk."

Still, the decision didn't come easy for the 34-year-old mom of four and wife of Atlanta Falcons defensive end Kroy Biermann, 27.

"I can't say it was easy to end that chapter," Kim says. "After all, I met my husband through this show." I'm sure Kim will have a spin-off show, this will not be the end for her.

For more on Kim's dramatic exit, pick up this week's issue of In Touch, and tune in to The Real Housewives of Atlanta, which airs Sundays at 9 p.m. on Bravo.

Will you miss Kim on the show? Thoughts?

Hot or Hot A** Mess? Miss South Africa's evening gown!

Miss Universe is the equivalent to the Superbowl/WorldCup/NBAchampionships for pageant super fans around the world. The contest will be be held in Las Vegas on December 19 with 88 of the most beautiful women from the entire Universe! As you may know, I will be interviewing the reigning Miss Universe, Angolan beauty Leila Lopes tomorrow at the NYC pageant headquarters. Super excited about that, Leila is so awesome! But just this morning, I came across articles of Miss South Africa Melinda Bam who will competing in the pageant in a few weeks. Seems the blond bombshell released pictures of her evening gown and national gown. Friends, I am underwhelmed by her selections. She is a gorgeous girl but this gown is a little matronly (even with the boob action) I am not digging it. I've judged and competed in pageants, this gown isn't Miss Universe-worthy. Watch how the Brazilian/Venezueleans/PuertoRicand bring it. They don't play around! What do you think of her dress, hot or hot a** mess?

Ugandan Princess marries American beau in a real life fairytale!

Princess Ruth Komuntale tied the knot on Saturday with her African American beau Christopher Thomas in a colorful ceremony at St. John's Cathedral in Fort Portal. Awwww a real life princess? My inner child is so happy right now! 

The adorable couple met two years ago in America and it wasn't until their engagement that the Missouri native became aware of the princess's role in Uganda's Toro Kingdom. This is almost the reverse of 'Coming to America' with a feminine twist! I wonder if she came to the States in search of love or an education? Either way, home girl is winning- she got both!

In DC she was known as a 23 year old American University student but in her homeland her face is constantly on the cover of magazines and newspapers.I wonder how her 30 year old hubby will deal with the instant fame? It shouldn't be too bad though since the couple intends on splitting their time between Uganda and the US.

What would a fairy tale be without a hater? There are some that would prefer the princess marry a Ugandan man but other women see the marriage as love story that gives them hope. That's right ladies, keep your eyes on the prize! Furthermore the princess's parents are on board with the wedding so does it really matter what a few people have to say?

This is just lovely! Cant wait to see more pics!

What do you think of their marriage?

Future Leaders: Meet Kelvin Doe- a 16 year old African prodigy!

Kelvin Doe

Meet 15 year old Kelvin Doe. The young fellow is an engineering whiz living in Sierra Leone. His story is just remarkable! The teenager scours trash bins for spare parts, which he uses to build batteries, generators and transmitters. Completely self taught- he has created his own radio station where he broadcasts news and plays music under the name DJ Focus.

How dope is that? 

Check out the heartwarming video below about his journey and how he ended up at MIT for a brief period this year. 

What happened when I saw R.Kelly last night! He talks Broadway plans, Tyrese, creative process & more!!

R. Kelly being interviewed for E News last night

I got an invite from one of my very good friends a few days ago to attend the NYC screening of 'Trapped in the Closet' starring R.Kelly. To be frank, I cant tell you the last time I watched the 'Trapped in the Closet' series, I may have lost interest around the millionth chapter, I just couldn't keep up with Rufus and 'em! What really got me to consider the offer was that there would be a Q&A with the self appointed 'Pied Piper of R&B'. Having never seen the Grammy award winning singer in person- I couldn't miss out on that opportunity!

From movie to real life - can you believe the two stars are really a couple? Rolando Boyce & LeShay Tomlinson tied the knot after meeting on the set in 2005. They got married in 2008!

The premiere was held at Manhattan's Landmark Sunshine Cinema in NYC. Unfortunately because of the theater rules, we had to check our cell phones in prior to watching the movie. That is such a shame friends because I was literally two feet away  from Rrrrrrr during the post movie chat! So how was the movie/musical series? The whole thing airs on IFC at 9 pm this Friday so you will get your chance to form your own opinion. But I thought it was over the top, insane, coonery at it's best, somewhat hilarious and a Madea movie on steroids. I know. That's a mouthful but that's seriously how I felt. Do with that what you will but that is the best way I can sum it up for you!

R Kelly *Ahem* Sylvester 

After the screening of the almost hour long movie - we had a moderated chat with R. Kelly &  E cutie Alicia Quarles. We had submit our questions in a lil box and I suppose R.Kelly's team and Alicia selected the questions that they wanted R to answer. You can't have the audience asking any random questions, Chile who knows what may come up. One of the first questions someone asked was for R.Kelly to sing his hit song "Bump n Grind". I tell you what, say what you want about the man but R still has it! He had the crowd (and the young woman who requested the song) in a tizzy when he sang the first few lines. It almost turned into a R.Kelly concert!

I'm with one of the stars of 'Trapped in the Closet'

So what other gems did R.Kelly drop in the chat? Here's a quick breakdown

**Well for one, there is talk of taking 'Trapped in the Closet' on Broadway. The singer confirmed that they are in negotiations but fans will get to experience the series live and in person very soon. Interesting!

 ** When asked if any Hollywood actors have expressed interest in being in the 'Trapped in the Closet' movie, R Kelly answered that Tyrese had approached him about a role. No surprises here!

** I'm not sure if it's a compliment or a diss to his family but some of the characters in the movie are based on R's kin folk. Watch the series on Friday and tell me how you would feel if your character was based on Pimp Luscious, it will make for an interesting Thanksgiving dinner.

This beautiful actress plays Rosie the neighbor in the hip-hop opera!

Dressed in a fitted suit, red gloves, sunglasses and prop cigar, I found R. Kelly to be engaging, interesting, flawed and very imaginative. You have to respect a man that is creative enough to come up with something as ridiculous as 'Trapped in the Closet'. He told the enthusiastic crowd that he goes in the booth, plays that background music from the series and comes up with the characters and story line. That's a serious work ethic! In true form- R Kelly closed the chat off by singing his classic song "I Believe I Can Fly", told y'all it was almost like a concert. It was a good time!

Are you a 'Trapped in the Closet' fan? Will you be tuning in this Friday?

Haute!!: Ke$ha wears Nigerian designer on Vibe cover!

Ke$ha recently made history as the first white living solo artist to cover on Vibe magazine. Unbeknownst to me she was rocking a gorgeous black dress from London based Nigerian designer Tsemaye Binitie. How haute is that? What do you think of the lace number? Hot or Hot A** Mess?