Someone stole Lupita Nyong'o $150,000 Oscar gown

People are so bold. Who does this type of sh!t?!

TMZ is reporting that Academy Award winning actress Lupita Nyong'o had her dress stolen on Tuesday. Law enforcement told  TMZ:

".. the dress was taken out of Lupita's room at The London West Hollywood. 

Lupita told cops it was taken from her room sometime between 8 AM and 9 PM Tuesday, while she was gone.  We're told there is security footage that cops are looking at that could catch the culprit right in the act"

The custom Calvin Klein gown is made out of 6,000 white Akoya pearls and is valued at $150,000. 

Where is the thief going to sell this dress? Everyone in the world saw this dress! The Oscars are broadcast to a HUGE audience. Is there a black market for this type of thing? Terrible. I hope the scoundrel gets caught. 

Jessica Nkosi for True Love Magazine

Actress Jessica Nkosi is this March cover girl for True Love Magazine. Her spread is gorgeous, can't wait to read all about her. 

Oh Baby: Naya Rivera announces her pregnancy!

Glee actress Naya Rivera is pregnant! She is expecting her first child with husband Ryan Dorsey!

The 28-year-old revealed the baby news via her Tumblr account.

“Surprise! We’re having a baby! Ryan and I feel so blessed and can’t wait to welcome the newest member of our family,” she wrote on her site.

Mrs Dorsey added a cute “bun in the oven” photo to seal the deal. Teasing fans with the good news Naya tweeted 

“First comes love… then comes marriage… then comes…” 

The news comes right after her ex boo thang Big Sean just happened to release his album today. Isn't the timing just a wee bit suspect? They had a very messy breakup and it certainly does feel like they are always trying to one up each other. Things that make you go hmmmmm.

Congratulations to the happy couple on the exciting news!

Quote of the Day- Tracee Ellis Ross

Black-ish star Tracee Ellis Ross has an amazing mane. We have followed her growth from Diana Ross's gorgeous baby girl to TV's new leading lady. She's been in the industry for a long time and I am almost positive that the no.1 question she get's is if she has any tips for curly girls everywhere. In a new interview with People Magazine she shares

What’s your biggest tip for curly girls everywhere?
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! That’s my favorite thing about the Amla products. They’re all about rejuvenating your hair. They give you the look that you want, but long term, they’re actually helping your hair get healthier.

Read the rest of the interview here. She is right about hydration. It's a must. What do you use to condition your hair?

Danai Gurira shares her fitness secrets

How amazing does Danai Gurira look? The actress is sharing her fitness secrets with Self.com and homegirl is spilling the details on how she maintains her fabulous physique. She tells the magazine:

Taking care of my body, knowing I’ll never get another, is one of my top priorities,” says the 37-year-old, who grew up in Zimbabwe swimming, running track and playing tennis and field hockey. “I’m happiest when I feel strong,” she says. “And I do what I need to do to get there.”

Read more of the interview here

African Women Shouldn't Have Sexual Feelings

Confession: I  haven't watched Fifty Shades of Grey nor do I really plan on seeing it. I know, shocker right? It just doesn't appeal to me. I thought the book was average at best...so it's safe to say that I really have no intention of watching the movie.

I am obviously in the minority here because you all have flocked to the theaters to see it in droves. So far, the movie has grossed over $400 million worldwide in just two short weeks. Considering it only cost $40 million dollars to produce I would say that it's a resounding success.

I won't be the only person not watching the scintillating movie, Kenya and Zimbabwe have allegedly banned the film as well. The East African nation noted that it will not be showing the movie because of the “prolonged and explicit sexual scenes depicting women as sexual slaves”. As much as I don't want to see the flick, that really sucks for the audience that wanted to see it. 

It just seems that African women can't catch a break. Damn sure not as it relates to movies that involve sex and as a matter of fact, they can't even dictate what happens in their very own bedrooms.

Just last week I was reading an article that made me pause and sit my ass alllll the way down. I needed about four, five seconds to calm down after reading it. The author was attempting to help African women out with tips and tricks to convey their sexual desire to their partner without actually stating their intentions. Because saying it would be too obvious. Duh! The author wrote:

“As for women to show explicit desire for sex would make them look vulgar, untrustworthy or just like sex objects only good to play with (not someone worthy marrying)......”

WHAT?!? A woman who explicitly states that she wants sex is not worthy of marrying? I just cant!  What do married people do? Do they not engage in the horizontal polka? Is that not part of keeping the spark alive? This post is not to decry the author of aforementioned piece but c'mon son!

In her TEDEx talk Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie said "we teach girls that they cannot be sexual beings in the way that boys are...” Isn't that the truth? The different views of men and women across Africa have serious social impacts. I've watched footage of angry mobs of men attacking women in Nairobi and Harare simply because of the hem line of their skirts, or so they claim. 

Houston we have a problem!

Women are simply not allowed to have sexual feelings or own their sexuality. Why is society attempting to control what we wear, what we watch and how to express our sexual desire? 

It's important to me that the prevailing notion that African women and sex are just like oil and water... cease with the quickness. With immediate effect. Are women just supposed to be demure, “respectable” and without an opinion? GTFOH with that! I don't claim to have all the answers but what I do know is that we have to change our attitudes toward women. It starts with our children and how to talk to them about sex or sexuality. It doesn't have to be this weird elephant in the room. What we don't discuss in the confines of our own houses later turns right around to haunt us in the street in public view. When does it stop?

Must Read: Zendaya's brilliant response to the Fashion Police attack on her faux locs!

There are some truly ignorant people in the world.

 During tonight's telecast of the Fashion Police’s Academy Awards recap host Guilana Ranic and Kelly Osbourne had some unsavory things to say about former Disney star Zendaya Coleman's hair.

The pair must have lost their minds because they said Zendaya’s beautiful dreadlocks make her look like she “smells like patchouli oil … or maybe weed.”

“I feel like she smells like patchouli oil,” Giuliana Rancic said. “Or weed,” Kelly Osbourne added. 

Zendaya eloquently responded to the Fashion Police remarks referencing prominent African American people with locs. Read it all below:

Shortly after Zendaya's eloquent letter Guilana apologized in a tweet.

This apology is weak as hell. Don't make excuses G. Do "bohemian" people smell like weed and oil? I really wish there was some diversity on that couch. Maybe...just maybe someone would have called that crap out.

Kelly is trying to sidestep the drama tweeting:

But this issue can't be ignored. We need proper apologies from Kelly & Guilana. 

Exclusive Interview: Meet Tswarelo Mothobe, Zimbabwe's Serial Arts Practitioner

Undoubtedly, Bulawayo is the Capital of Arts in Zimbabwe and amicable individuals such as Tswarelo Mothobe makes it easier for one to see right through that. I met Tswarelo back in 2009 when he was still hosting The Lounge an open mic initiative which saw to the growth of many, now, renowned artists. A few years later, the Father of two, lover of Coffee, serial Arts Practitioner and brains behind POT (Poetry on Thursday), is now one of the main forces to reckon with in Zimbabwe. He writes & directs for Award Winning Comedian – Clive Chigibhu and the fresh Comic - Marshal Elando, amongst many others some of whom might not have made it. Because he is a busy man, I had to catch up on the train before it passed by, Here is what he had to say.

Gilmore Tee: What is Poetry on Thursday – POT?

Tswarelo Mothobe: Poetry on Thursday is held every Thursday at the Indaba Book Cafe in Bulawayo since the first week of December 2014. It is a space for poets, poetry enthusiasts and lovers of words. POT is also weed which I don’t smoke by the way. 

Gilmore Tee: Why the need to create such a platform?

Tswarelo Mothobe: It’s not as much of a need as it is a second nature, I have been hosting poetry events since 2006 and this particular one is not defined by the stencils that make up events. It is defined by the audiences who love poetry and is not an issue if we have six audience members, as long as they love and appreciate what poetry is and don’t expect more than that.

Gilmore Tee: Great, who is Tswarelo and where is he coming from?

Tswarelo Mothobe: Tswarelo is a father now and a writer first. I believe literature is the beginning, even Christians believe in the beginning was the word. Everything else is just a necessity of the empty gaps that exist in the arts in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, for example, event organizing. I was a young poet who wanted to perform and there wasn't a platform. So I had to create one so I could get to perform.

Gilmore Tee: Have far apart have your dreams shifted from when you were younger?

Tswarelo Mothobe: When I was 9 years old, I wanted to be a farmer. I thought life revolved around food to eat and if I planted it myself I wouldn't have to buy expensive sh*t food. I guess my dreams have change. Although I was already writing, I just didn't think that could be a dream and let alone a vocation. 

Gilmore Tee: Dope stuff, what are your highlights thus far in the Poetic journey?

Tswarelo Mothobe: In 2009 & 2010, I worked on Poetic Brush with Visual Artist, Fisani Nkomo. The initiative involved great performance & visual artists, and many of my favourite. I met Ian Kamau, Akala, Mandisa Mabuthoe, Mmakgari Dabutha and Don Mattera. I performed alongside poet laureates, and this was just the beginning. I have performed at the Harare International Festival of the Arts, Shoko Festival in Zimbabwe, House of Hunger Poetry Slam and Africa & Art Spoken in South Africa. And of course, the simplicity of Bulawayo as a City is poetry in itself.

Gilmore Tee: Spoken word is known for stirring emotions. Have you ever gotten into trouble through your expressions?

Tswarelo Mothobe: Fortunately I haven’t gotten into any trouble linked to spoken word. I don’t think I can get into trouble because I don’t seek to stir up trouble. It would be unfortunate if I did get into trouble especially for my honesty. You see, old men like me have no business provoking anyone. My core business is honesty and if that spells trouble then that is very unfortunate. 

Gilmore Tee: What is your advice to young Poets?

Tswarelo Mothobe: Read, Read, Read…Write, Write, Write... But, if you are not writing your honesty then you have no business in this, no pun intended.

Gilmore Tee: Why should I attend pot?

Tswarelo Mothobe: Because it’s for you own good.

Gilmore Tee: What other business are you involved in?

Tswarelo Mothobe: I am involved in film making , music production, fatherhood, coffee drinking, theatre direction, photography, graphic design, journalism, blogging and a whole lot of reading and watching cartoons LINK: http://www.msindoo.info/

Gilmore Tee: What are you current Top 5 must listen to?

Tswarelo Mothobe:

1. Mandisa Mabothoe

http://bozza.mobi/CSP/music/Dear%20Light%20by%20Mandisa%20Mabothoe%20%28Botswana%29

2. Ian Kamau

http://iankamau.bandcamp.com/track/05-now-that-im-alone-w-moya-teklu-mereb-hagos

3. Fela Kuti

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q021-VyLzpk

4. Nobuntu

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhlP9jdhfyU

5. Tanga Pasi

https://soundcloud.com/tangapasi/10-ufuna-more

“My work seeks to show the African in a different light. In a manner the world has neglected to see us in a positive, life affirming light. It challenges the African & listener to strive to be a better person to oneself and to another” – A Scribe Called Tswa

Need I say more, for more information on Tswarelo Mothobe, CLICK (https://www.facebook.com/tswarelo.mothobe). Make sure you let me know your thoughts on Twitter @GilmoreTee | Hashtag #OTNGtee which simply means, On to The Next with Gilmore Tee or Visit me on my Facebook Page: Gilmore Tee. Let’s get chatting. 

Africa's Next Top Model Winner Lands 1st NYFW runway show!

After winning the first season Africa’s Next Top Model 21 years old Aamito  Lagum is taking New York City by storm. She walked in her first runway show today and she was absolutely stunning.  

She shared a pic from backstage getting ready for the Richard Chai show.

The Ugandan beauty slayed.

Next up she walked the runway at Tome and Vogue Magazine tweeted the picture shown above out. They called the collection "an approach to real woman's life". Nice!

 Today is day one of Fashion Week so I am sure we will see Aamito walking a number of shows. YES to black girls WERQ'ing it!

Why I'm tired of hearing Lupita Nyong'o complain about fame

I remember the first time I saw Lupita Nyong'o. I was scrolling through a fashion website trying to get the lowdown on what the celebs wore to the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). While mindlessly eye balling the red carpet pictures I did a double take when I spotted HER. Seemingly floating down the red carpet looking like an absolute vision in white. I thought to myself "MY GOD what a beauty"

This unabashedly gorgeous woman with short natural hair, luminous skin and megawatt smile was absolutely stunning. And I knew she had to be African. Call it the motherland intuition but I immediately knew this sister was one of us. She stopped me dead in my tracks. After a quick Google search I realized that the 32 year old was a newcomer on the red carpet scene. Little did I know that she would continue to thrill us by going from strength to strength, killing every single red carpet she stepped on. 

Fast forward to a few months later and Lupita is a bonafied starlet. I mean you know you are a big deal when Oprah sings your praises. Our African gem was now a Hollywood A-lister. A personal highlight for me was when the Kenyan beauty won her very first Academy award. Do you remember her speech? I was weeping the entire time. I heard her loud and clear - our dreams are valid!!

Unbeknownst to me at the time, long before she became America's sweetheart she was doing the damn thing in Africa have starred in a MTV series called Shuga amongst many other accomplishments.

She was the real McCoy, proving that the road to success was paved with hard work - she had been grinding for a long time, how could we not be proud?

Contrary to popular belief it takes more than talent, beauty, intelligence to go from the Yale student next door to America's bankable sweetheart. From the time I spotted her at TIFF to the Academy Awards, Lupita slayed over 60 something red carpet events. She was everywhere! 

The New York Times detailed the "military precision" deployed by Lupita's team that lead to her conquering the red carpet and "burning her image into our collective consciousness". 

Which is why I am bit puzzled by the Oscar winner's thoughts on fame. In the March issue of Lucky Magazine Lupita says "when I don't feel like being famous, I still am". Earlier last year she told Glamour magazine that even though "I did have a dream to be an actress, but I didn't think about being famous". Things that make you go hmmmmm. 

Listen, I get how the Hollywood machine can be overwhelming. But isn't this what her agents, management, stylists fought so valiantly for? Fame is a double edged sword. On one hand you are adored by millions and everyone seemingly wants a piece of you which translates to the paparazzi following at times when you may crave the solace of being anonymous. I hate how harsh the following statement comes across but honestly it sounds like champagne problems to me. Tantamount to saying my fifty dollar bills don't fit in my wallet. I really struggle with having sympathy for actresses that quite frankly have some of the most privileged jobs in the world complaining about being recognized. You get paid for being recognized- that's part of your job! It's the reason why she was able to book major campaigns such for Miu Miu, Lancome and land the highly coveted cover of Vogue.

Here is what it boils down to me, by taking a job in the movie industry where your films will be seen by millions across the world you must be on some level OK with being famous. Your face can't be plastered on every single red carpet. billboard and award show and yet you still complain about being spotted in the bathroom line at  Starbucks. It just comes across as a bit disingenuous. I understand that this may not be her intention but it just reads that way. I am still a huge fan and will continue to support where I can but this constant complaining about the pitfalls of fame has got to stop. 

Top five things to do in Bulawayo!

At times we are tasked to do some work that at that particular moment you do not find inspiration
to start even writing a line about anything. This is one of those times, when I am just flooded with
lots of things to talk about, but I can’t seem to just pick one important topic to write on. While we
are at it, I am going to list one of my top 5 most favourite things to do or to have while in Bulawayo.

National Gallery

1) I am an arty person and one of my favourite places in Zimbabwe is the National Gallery
in Bulawayo, every time I get into that place I end up spending more time than initially
intended. 

This place is one that you go to, to wind up and get to appreciate creatives and
their works.

Dickies

2) I am a big fan of the Homemade Lemonade from the Dickies Coffee Shop, formerly known as
Art Grove. Of course there is a few things that I think went away with the old management,
a lot, but I still appreciate the fact that the lemonade remained behind. Set in the heart of
The National Gallery Building in the hustling city of Bulawayo, Dickies Coffee Shop provides
the ideal ‘hideout’ from the chaos and associated stress that is having a huge impact on the
lives of most Zimbabweans, regardless of colour, age or social standing.

3) While everything else might seem a little fancy, one thing that one should never miss when
you visit Bulawayo, is to have a packet of hot chips or fries from Royal Sunflower. That place is the bomb, if I must say. I clearly remember growing up to the greasy oil of Royal Sunflower chips, till now the place stands firm. A packet of hot chips or fries from this place will rub you
the right way, they are heaven!

4) In the heart of Bulawayo is a little book shop that is located on Fife Street/12th
Vigne Book Shop. Inside is a library that has all these astounding novels that will move you
and mountains too. Maybe I am a little bit stuck up, but the small library is one of those
hidden places that stock all the latest books in town. When I was 14 years old and in High
school, my friends and I used to pass through every Wednesday to get books from there. A
good source of literature inspiration.

5) Growing up, I fell in love with Mpopoma Suburb, the place that produced Zimbabwean
Poet – Albert Nyathi, Fashion Designer – Shadow By Sidumiso and a whole lot of prominent
figures in the country. I grew up in Mpopoma, a place that holds so much memory of my
journey. Every time I have lots of things running through my tiny head, I always get away
there. There is a park I usually chill at and it is refreshing with legit fresh air. When walking
at night, different music from different pubs in the area will bring an uncontrollable smile
on your face. It’s one of the oldest suburbs in the City of Bulawayo; one should take time to
embrace what it has to offer.

There we have it guys, while I am working on an interesting interview you will all read about soon.
I thought I should highlight some of my favourite places, food and things to do in my City of Kings.
Please do tell me your favourite 5 things to do and let us be caring.

Pass on your feedback on Twitter: @GilmoreTee | #OTNGtee and let’s keep it going.

After almost quitting the music industry- Toni Braxton rebounds with a Grammy win!

I am so happy for singers Toni Braxton and Babyface. The pair nabbed a Grammy win for "R&B Album Of the Year" 'Love, Marriage & Divorce'. The album faced Norwegian R&B singer Jarle Bernhoft, jazz pianist Robert Glasper, soul-pop crooner Aloe Blacc and Sharon Jones. Aloe Blacc had a MAJOR year, so this category was really competitive.

Fans of the Braxton Family Values reality show will remember that the 46 year old songstress almost walked away from the music industry citing that the fact that her heart wasn't in it anymore. It was her longtime producer and friend Babyface who persuaded her otherwise. She told the LA Times last year - "I wasn't using my voice — I was using the voice others told me to use. It was a dark period. But [Babyface] was the person who snapped me out of it. He said, 'Toni, you're forgetting you're an artist. Stop being a business manager and tell people your story.'

Such sweet redemption! Congrats Toni & Babyface!

Adrienne Bailon is engaged!

Things just got real for Adrienne Bailon!

Adrienne Bailon revealed today that she's engaged to her boyfriend Lenny Santiago, a Roc nation executive!

In an interview with Latina magazine last year, the former Cheetah girl hinted that she was ready for marriage.

On being ready to settle down:
If by some miracle we started taping The Real in New York tomorrow, I’d marry him, like, right now. I want a family. I see my sister and she’s on her second baby, and I’m like, That’s success. Having a family—I can’t wait for that.

Congrats, A! We're so happy for you! 

Kerry Washington GLAMS it up for InStyle Magazine

Even though the photoshop department did her super greasy...I mean this imagery is all the way off, Kerry Washington is still FAB!!

In Style Magazine sat down with 38-year-old actress Kerry Washington for the March issue for a heart-to-heart chat about motherhood, her red-carpet persona, and what really happens on the set of Scandal. 

The following is a photo excerpt of Washington’s feature, photographed by Jan Welters, peep the pics!

Fab! The March issue of InStyle, hits newsstands Feb. 13! Will you be copping it! I will for sure 🙋🙋🙋

Melody Ehsani x Reebok = HOTNESS!

Designer Melody Ehsani is about to take my whole paycheck. She has collobarated with Reebook to rework the Blacktop Pump and my goodness...it looks amazing!

Dishing on the design process she said "I went in and redesigned the sole and cut some of the extra bulk to be more flattering and feminine.."

I LOVE it! In addition the shoe revamp, Melody teamed up with Reebook to drop a new collection which includes this fashionable Cleopatra cropped leather varsity jacket 

HOT! Here are some of the other pieces from the capsule collection

Dropping on February 13, 2015, you can buy this bomb 💣💣 collection at www.MelodyEhsani.com