http://www.turenchi.com/ Nigerian News. en-us BN exclusively announced that Agbani Darego had been chosen as the new global brand ambassador for Natures Gentle Touch. Now the official campaign image has been released. One word – Gorgeous!___________________________________________________________________________________________ BN Bytes Little nuggets of news specially whipped up by the BellaNaija Team. BellaNaija Sat, 05 Mar 2011 20:00:10 +0000 http://www.turenchi.com/links/59716-BN-Bytes-Agbani-s-Official-Ad-Campaign-Image-for-Natures-Gentle-Touch?dest=out http://www.turenchi.com/links/59716-BN-Bytes-Agbani-s-Official-Ad-Campaign-Image-for-Natures-Gentle-Touch?dest=out The African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) hosted the 2011 AMAA Awards Nominations Night in Nairobi, Kenya on Friday 25th February 2011 at Ole Sereni Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. The event was hosted by Nollywood star Rita Dominic and Kenyan Actor Kenneth Ambani. Nollywood and Ghollywood stars definitely were on their A-game – they all looked amazing! Check out photos below. Click back soon as BN will be bring you more photos from the AMAA Kenya festivities including the concert featuring P-Square.What the Stars Wore Rita Dominic looked dazzling in a floor-length red dress by young designer, Datari Austin. With her long locks swept to the side, Rita’s look quintessential is movie star glam! BellaNaija Sat, 05 Mar 2011 20:00:09 +0000 http://www.turenchi.com/links/59715-The-Stars-Dazzle-at-the-African-Movie-Academy-Awards-AMAA-Nominations-Night-in-Nairobi-View-the-Glam-Photos?dest=out http://www.turenchi.com/links/59715-The-Stars-Dazzle-at-the-African-Movie-Academy-Awards-AMAA-Nominations-Night-in-Nairobi-View-the-Glam-Photos?dest=out As the 2011 Nigerian General Elections approach, various advocacy groups and non-profit organizations are taking action and encouraging eligible Nigerian to “make their voices heard” by voting during the elections. Voting numbers relative to the number of eligible Nigerians were unimpressive during the last general election in 2007, therefore it is important that we do not let this happen again!“My Vote Fit Change Naija” is a short film directed by Alex Mouth and produced by Kingsley Bangwell as part of a non-partisan citizen-led initiative by the Youngstars Foundation in partnership with Julius Agwu Foundation for Youth (JAFFY). The project is funded by National Democratic Institute (NDI). BellaNaija Fri, 04 Mar 2011 23:00:09 +0000 http://www.turenchi.com/links/59704-BN-Exclusive-World-Premiere-Julius-Agwu-Adaora-Ukoh-2Shotz-star-in-My-Vote-Fit-Change-Naija-Watch-It-Now?dest=out http://www.turenchi.com/links/59704-BN-Exclusive-World-Premiere-Julius-Agwu-Adaora-Ukoh-2Shotz-star-in-My-Vote-Fit-Change-Naija-Watch-It-Now?dest=out After two weeks of intense voting and heightened excitement, Sowambe announces the winners for the first-ever Sowambe Awards for Social Media. Sowambe is simply an acronym for – Social Web Addicts in Media, Business and Entertainment. In the Yoruba language, ‘sowambe?’ means “are you there?”. So we’re asking: Are you there? Are you in the social media space? Are you a social web addict? BellaNaija Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:00:15 +0000 http://www.turenchi.com/links/59703--lightupnigeria-Nmachi-Jidenma-Wild-Fusion-Banky-W-honoured-as-Sowambe-Announces-Winners-for-their-first-ever-Social-Media-Awards?dest=out http://www.turenchi.com/links/59703--lightupnigeria-Nmachi-Jidenma-Wild-Fusion-Banky-W-honoured-as-Sowambe-Announces-Winners-for-their-first-ever-Social-Media-Awards?dest=out For the past few years, Stephanie Okereke has been quietly doing great work with her campaign to educate and raise funds  for surgery to treat Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF). Cases of VVF are especially prevalent in Northern Nigeria where due to certain traditions, poverty or family pressure which forces hundreds of girls get married and have children in their early teens before their pelvis is well developed and ready to handle childbirth.According to the Fistula Foundation, BellaNaija Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:00:17 +0000 http://www.turenchi.com/links/59702-Stephanie-Okereke-talks-about-her-VVF-Charity-Campaign-on-MNet-Africa-Magic-s-Jara?dest=out http://www.turenchi.com/links/59702-Stephanie-Okereke-talks-about-her-VVF-Charity-Campaign-on-MNet-Africa-Magic-s-Jara?dest=out Building on momentum from a mass voter registration drive, a coalition of several youth empowerment groups and blogs are calling for the first-ever presidential youth centered debate in Nigeria. Looking ahead to the April elections, the debate would focus on the key issues affecting a critical voting demographic, with the age group of 30 and under representing 70% of the population.The debate will be a direct conversation with Nigerian youth, inviting presidential candidates to answer questions posed by young Nigerians, at home and abroad, via social media networks including Facebook and Twitter, text messages and phone, about key topics of concern. For the first time, the candidates will have platform to share their agenda with the nation in a live-televised format, laying out specific and concrete solutions. The debate is tentatively scheduled for the last week of March 2011. BellaNaija Fri, 04 Mar 2011 14:00:25 +0000 http://www.turenchi.com/links/59701-Youth-Organisations-Ask-Nigerian-Presidential-Candidates-What-About-Us-?dest=out http://www.turenchi.com/links/59701-Youth-Organisations-Ask-Nigerian-Presidential-Candidates-What-About-Us-?dest=out My Sunday started simple enough. I had a fantastic time at Church and then stopped over at my uncle’s place to exchange hugs with him and my aunt. That’s when I got a call from my homegirl, Wana Wana. Apparently we had been invited for a barbeque somewhere on the island and she thought we should attend.As I write this, I am surrounded by men, listening to samples off a new artist’s album and there is no barbeque chicken in sight. Since, I am not the Music Editor for Bella Naija, I couldn’t help but wonder how I managed to get myself into this skillfully set trap and at the same time I am shooting Madam Wana Wana daggers from the corner of my eye! Admittedly, she too has been trapped into this make believe barbeque, so we both decide its best to sit and listen politely. In my attempt to become comfortable with my surroundings, I find my breathing has become somewhat restricted and its not because the stench of cigarettes has now permanently ingrained itself into my braids, rather its due to the words coming out of the dark boy standing right in front of me. BellaNaija Fri, 04 Mar 2011 13:00:10 +0000 http://www.turenchi.com/links/59700-Change-your-Style-?dest=out http://www.turenchi.com/links/59700-Change-your-Style-?dest=out Virgos Lounge can definitely be counted amongst the fast emerging African brands. Three fashion savvy ladies were able to transform a simple business idea into a brand that offers vintage garments crafted to the sensibilities of the contemporary woman – It’s classic elegance demonstrated through a modern silhouette.We’ve seen the brand consistently deliver, gradually paving their way and marking their name in the international fashion scene. As you know, our job at BN Style is to keep our readers in the loop of all Fabulous Fashion, and a new collection by the inspiring trio, is something we ought not to ignore. BellaNaija Fri, 04 Mar 2011 09:00:11 +0000 http://www.turenchi.com/links/59699-Virgos-Lounge-Unveils-Peacock-Collection-for-Spring-2011?dest=out http://www.turenchi.com/links/59699-Virgos-Lounge-Unveils-Peacock-Collection-for-Spring-2011?dest=out The profile of Nigeria’s movie industry – Nollywood keeps rising. Nollywood stars have millions of fans across the globe. The industry certainly deserves media support and there is a strong demand from fans for every single detail on the stars and their movies.MNet’s Africa Magic Channel has produced its first-ever original series – JARA – “The flagship new series is packed with fun news and information, direct from the thriving heart of Africa’s busiest film hub. Screening to DStv audiences every Saturday evening in primetime (19.30 CAT), JARA is hosted by two of Nigeria’s hottest stars…popular and sociable Big Brother All Stars winner Uti Nwachukwu and sensational entertainment personality Helen Paul.“ BellaNaija Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:00:13 +0000 http://www.turenchi.com/links/59689-MNet-celebrates-the-launch-of-JARA-The-Nollywood-TV-Show-hosted-by-Uti-Nwachukwu-Helen-Paul?dest=out http://www.turenchi.com/links/59689-MNet-celebrates-the-launch-of-JARA-The-Nollywood-TV-Show-hosted-by-Uti-Nwachukwu-Helen-Paul?dest=out We bet many of you wondered how D’banj and Don Jazzy hooked up with Snoop Dogg…Well now you can find out the person behind the connection which resulted in arguably the most exciting musical collaboration of the year so far.International jeweller, Chris Aire introduced the pair in Los Angeles and the rest is history…D’banj also shares teasers on possible future international collaborations for Don Jazzy. BellaNaija Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:00:11 +0000 http://www.turenchi.com/links/59688-BN-Bytes-Behind-the-Scenes-with-D-banj-Snoop-Dogg-The-Chris-Aire-Connect-More?dest=out http://www.turenchi.com/links/59688-BN-Bytes-Behind-the-Scenes-with-D-banj-Snoop-Dogg-The-Chris-Aire-Connect-More?dest=out Nigeria’s musical ambassador Asa is doing us proud as always! She was nominated in the Best Female Act at the 2011 Victoires de La Musique (The event is an annual French award ceremony that recognizes the best musical artists of the year – it is one of the most prestigious music events in France – Basically, the French “Grammys”). The event took place on the 1st of March 2011 at the Palais des Congres in Paris, France. Asa was nominated alongside Vanessa Paradis, Yael Naim and Coeur de Pirate. Although Asa did not win her category, she totally stole the show when she rocked the stage.We totally adore Asa’s outfit, she rocked a beautiful yellow aso-oke jacket by Nigerian fashion design label, Kemkemstudio. She paired the jacket with black leather skinnies, a blue pillbox hat and perfect quirky touch – a pair of bedazzled cat eye glasses. Love it! BellaNaija Thu, 03 Mar 2011 20:00:11 +0000 http://www.turenchi.com/links/59687-BN-Bytes-Asa-performs-at-Victoires-de-La-Musique-2011-Rocks-the-Stage-in-Kemkemstudio-See-the-Photos-Video?dest=out http://www.turenchi.com/links/59687-BN-Bytes-Asa-performs-at-Victoires-de-La-Musique-2011-Rocks-the-Stage-in-Kemkemstudio-See-the-Photos-Video?dest=out We human beings have advanced beyond our years. We put a man on the moon, found new methodologies to enhance fertility, and today we can replace faulty organs through transplant procedures. We are indeed the dominant species of the universe! Unfortunately, while we have undoubtedly been able to subdue most hindrances to our existence, it is in our personal relationships with one another that we have failed to advance.Really, human relationships have not advanced beyond the normal nursery school play ground issues, the only difference is our ego’s are now much bigger and even more fragile. “Gossip”, “slander”, “false accusations”, “mistreatment”, “group seclusions”, are just some of the issues we have taken with us from primary school right to the office. The problem with having these issues in the office environment is many fold. Most of us spend at least 2/3 of our lives at work, and the income we receive is usually all we have to support ourselves and our family. So working within unpleasant circumstances can easily translate to a poor quality of life for many. Plus, in our increasingly unstable economic climate, where once thought solid multinational companies have crumbled with less than a weeks notice, it becomes even more necessary to hold on to our current means of employment. BellaNaija Thu, 03 Mar 2011 15:01:14 +0000 http://www.turenchi.com/links/59686-BN-Feature-How-to-Survive-Office-Politics?dest=out http://www.turenchi.com/links/59686-BN-Feature-How-to-Survive-Office-Politics?dest=out ??Daniel D’Humorous Live! ?Daniel D’Humorous is back redifined! Billed to perform is a crack line up of MI, BasketMouth, Julius Agwu, Gordons, Buchi, Senator, Osama, FunnyBone, Prince Hezekiah, Romeo, Funky 4, IBE All Stars, Porsh Kayana, Mr Nanas, Dantonio, Mayola, Danas, and more!n at The Hotel Presidential Field Of Music.. Date: Sunday 6 March 2011 Time: Venue: Hotel Presidential Tickets: N3,000 (Regular) N10,000 (VIP) N20,000(VVIP), N200,000 (Tables).. For more information and bookings, please call 08037026414. __________________________________________________________________________________________ The Cost of Living @ Terra Theatre@Terra presents, the world premiere of “The Cost of Living”, a one-act play about a bungled kidnapping during which an American hostage and his Nigerian abductor learn about the value of life. Written by Sefi Atta and directed by Nick Monu, the play will be performed every Sunday in March. Date: Sunday 6 March 2011 Time: 3PM & 6PM Venue: Terra Kulture, Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos Tickets: N2,500 __________________________________________________________________________________________ Real Estate On Air! Real estate ON AIR, a 30-minute weekly radio show which opens doors for buyers, sellers, investors, developers and anyone with yearning for property related information makes its debut. Tune in every Monday from the next! Date: Monday 7 March 2011 Time: 12 Noon Venue: The Beat 99.9 FM and Classic 97.3 FM __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ African Fashion, Beauty and Arts week Titlas Inc. is delighted to invite you to participate in the First Edition of the African Fashion and Beauty Show, Dubai 2011. Date: Wednesday 2 March 2011 to Friday 5 March 2011 Time: Venue: The Dhow Palace Hotel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Visit www.titlas.com for more information. __________________________________________________________________________________________ BellaNaija.com is not responsible for the organization or further promotion of these events, neither do we have a stake in their sales or popularity.Inclusion in “Events This Weekend” is Free. Contact – adsales @ bellanaija.com if you will like your event to be included. Note that BN reserves the right to choose which events are featured. “Pay to attend” parties attract a fee. BellaNaija Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:00:13 +0000 http://www.turenchi.com/links/59685-Events-This-Weekend?dest=out http://www.turenchi.com/links/59685-Events-This-Weekend?dest=out Woah! The list includes Nigeria’s hottest female rappers – Sasha, Muna, Mo’Cheddah, Eva, Blaise along with Zee and DJ Mewsic. The track is a remix of Tha Suspect‘s track – “I No Send You”. Check on it.Listen to Tha Suspect – “I No Send You” (Remix) featuring Sasha, Muna, Eva, Mo’Cheddah, Blaise & Zee BellaNaija Thu, 03 Mar 2011 09:00:19 +0000 http://www.turenchi.com/links/59684-Tha-Suspect-The-Femcees-I-No-Send-You-Remix-featuring-Sasha-Muna-Eva-Mo-Cheddah-Blaise-Zee?dest=out http://www.turenchi.com/links/59684-Tha-Suspect-The-Femcees-I-No-Send-You-Remix-featuring-Sasha-Muna-Eva-Mo-Cheddah-Blaise-Zee?dest=out Recare Cosmetics International, owners of beauty brands Natures Gentle Touch and HairSavvy, have signed Ex-Miss World and International model Agbani Darego as a global brand ambassador. As part of the multi-year contract, Agbani is to appear in advertising campaigns, in addition to participating in the company’s  sponsored philanthropic activities.“She is a talented woman and a role model to many which fits in with Natures Gentle Touch brand values” said Chika Ikenga, CEO of Recare Limited Africa. Ikenga noted that Darego would represent a number of products across the company’s portfolio.”She is also internationally recognized and that is an important link for us to have, since we are a global brand. She truly embodies the spirit of the Natures Gentle Touch philosophy“. BellaNaija Thu, 03 Mar 2011 09:00:17 +0000 http://www.turenchi.com/links/59683-BN-Exclusive-Miss-World-2001-Agbani-Darego-joins-supermodel-Oluchi-as-a-global-brand-ambassador-for-Natures-Gentle-Touch?dest=out http://www.turenchi.com/links/59683-BN-Exclusive-Miss-World-2001-Agbani-Darego-joins-supermodel-Oluchi-as-a-global-brand-ambassador-for-Natures-Gentle-Touch?dest=out Farafina Trust will be holding a creative writing workshop in Lagos, organized by award-winning writer and creative director of Farafina Trust, Chimamanda Adichie, from June 23 to July 2 2011. The workshop is sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc. Guest writers, including the Caine Prize Winning Kenyan writer Binyavanga Wainaina, will co-teach the workshop alongside Adichie.The workshop will take the form of a class. Participants will be assigned a wide range of reading exercises, as well as daily writing exercises. The aim of the workshop is to improve the craft of Nigerian writers and to encourage published and unpublished writers by bringing different perspectives to the art of storytelling. Participation is limited only to those who apply and are accepted. BellaNaija Thu, 03 Mar 2011 08:00:09 +0000 http://www.turenchi.com/links/59682-2011-Farafina-Trust-Creative-Writing-Workshop-with-Chimamanda-Adichie-Binyavanga-Wainaina-Apply-Today?dest=out http://www.turenchi.com/links/59682-2011-Farafina-Trust-Creative-Writing-Workshop-with-Chimamanda-Adichie-Binyavanga-Wainaina-Apply-Today?dest=out The buzz, the speculation, the lobbying, the drama, the preparation, the collections… The ARISE Magazine Fashion Week is at the top of the priority list for just about every African fashion designer based at home and in Diaspora. It has been about two months since BellaNaija.com exclusively confirmed that the event would be taking place from the 10th to 13th of March 2011 in Lagos, Nigeria. Now ARISE has released the complete list of designers and schedule for the fashion week via their parent company’s website – www.thisdaylive.comIt is set to be a thrilling fashion experience “spiced” with music from international stars including D’banj, Naeto C, Darey alongside Keri Hilson, Estelle (who is of Sierra Leonean parentage) and finally Tinie Tempah who will close the show – Tinie Tempah is one of the hottest musicians on the UK scene, he recently scooped 2 BRIT awards and has scored a series of No 1 singles on the UK Charts. Tinie (Real Name: Patrick Chukwuemeka Okogwu) is of Nigerian parentage and this will be his first performance in Nigeria. BellaNaija Wed, 02 Mar 2011 23:00:11 +0000 http://www.turenchi.com/links/59672-Tinie-Tempah-Keri-Hilson-Estelle-join-Africa-s-Top-Designers-at-the-ARISE-Magazine-Fashion-Week-in-Lagos-See-the-Schedule-List-of-Designers?dest=out http://www.turenchi.com/links/59672-Tinie-Tempah-Keri-Hilson-Estelle-join-Africa-s-Top-Designers-at-the-ARISE-Magazine-Fashion-Week-in-Lagos-See-the-Schedule-List-of-Designers?dest=out … And Ali-Baba, seeing as the 40 thieves had done, stood before the huge impregnable rock. Remembering the two words the leader of the 40 thieves had ominously uttered, he raised his voice and looked up in supplication.“…Open sesame…” BellaNaija Wed, 02 Mar 2011 20:00:22 +0000 http://www.turenchi.com/links/59671-Open-Sesame?dest=out http://www.turenchi.com/links/59671-Open-Sesame?dest=out As you expect, BN Weddings will be bringing you a comprehensive feature on Kevin Chuwang Pam and Elizabeth “Liz” Gupta‘s wedding. In the interim, here is an overview of Kevin & Liz’s remarkable love story and a glimpse of their wedding photos from family and friends.How Kevin & Liz Met The couple met in 2009 while they were both housemates in the Big Brother Africa Revolution house. During the show, Kevin developed a crush on Liz, though nothing concrete happened while the show was on, the love between the Nigerian rapper and the Tanzanian actress blossomed after the Big Brother Africa show ended. BellaNaija Wed, 02 Mar 2011 20:00:18 +0000 http://www.turenchi.com/links/59670-Big-Brother-Africa-s-Kevin-Chuwang-Pam-Elizabeth-Gupta-tie-the-knot-in-Abuja?dest=out http://www.turenchi.com/links/59670-Big-Brother-Africa-s-Kevin-Chuwang-Pam-Elizabeth-Gupta-tie-the-knot-in-Abuja?dest=out In October 2006, we published a stunning photo spread featuring Funmi Iyanda – Click HERE to view. The spread was from SLEEK Magazine, a periodic lifestyle and fashion print publication.For 2011, the magazine has reviewed its format and relaunched as a glossy weekly publication. Media professionals have often noted the gap in the Nigerian magazine market for a glossy weekly publication a la OK! Magazine, US Weekly, Heat etc… BellaNaija Wed, 02 Mar 2011 20:00:17 +0000 http://www.turenchi.com/links/59669-SLEEK-Magazine-relaunches-as-a-Weekly-Glossy-Ohimai-Atafo-Lisa-Folawiyo-Frank-Edoho-Genevieve-Nnaji-cover-the-new-issues?dest=out http://www.turenchi.com/links/59669-SLEEK-Magazine-relaunches-as-a-Weekly-Glossy-Ohimai-Atafo-Lisa-Folawiyo-Frank-Edoho-Genevieve-Nnaji-cover-the-new-issues?dest=out