Yemi Osunkoya at Boston Fashion Week...

I totally love this guy's designs. He participated at Fashion Expose, the closing chapter of Boston Fashion Week sometime last month. He's currently in Nigeria for the intoFASHION event. Will let y'all see the pictures as soon as I get them...

For now check out pictures from the Boston show...

Read more about Yemi's Boston show here... http://www.baystatebanner.com/local13-2008-09-25

Here's another upcoming designer that I think y'all need to know about...Yomi Casual.

You can find out more about him here...http://yomicasual.blogspot.com/

Rita Dominic's Best Dressed Party.

It's happening this Saturday at SWE Bar, City Mall Onikan.

Catch y'all there.

More Future Award News
TFA National Tour Moves to Abuja! The much-talked-about National Tour for The Future Awards 2009 has kicked off! Following the spectacular launch of the Awards at a media and VIP event in Lagos, and the unveil of the “i am the future” campaign, the organizers are going around the country to sensitize youths from every corner and at the grassroots about nation building and the country’s future, as well as making sure that nominations for this year’s edition reflect even more the diversity and positive complexity of the Nigerian nation. It would be recalled that The Future.. Awards broke new grounds last year when three of its major winners out of the 15 overall came from the North, and were young Nigerians not based in Lagos. Those winners were Abdulkareem Baba Aminu (Journalist of the Year), ‘Mak Kusare (Screen Producer of the Year) and Ali Nuhu (Actor of the Year). The national roadshows will begin in Abuja and are billed to spread through Enugu, Ibadan, Lagos, Benin and Jos. The Abuja Roadshow, which is billed as a ‘town hall meeting’ where attendees will be able to ask any and every question about the awards, is billed to hold at Nu Rivaz, Adetokunbo Ademola Way, by Amigos Plaza, Wuse 2 at 5pm. It is being held in conjunction with Chocolate City and Cocktails In & Out. Unlike other pre-events of The Future.. Awards, this event is open to the public, though confirmation must be made to 07028101959. It will be recalled that nominations for The Future Awards 2009 opened at 12 midnight on the 1st of October and have been announced to close on the 31st of October 2008. Nominations are via the website http://www.thefuturenigeria.com/.

Finally...If you don't want to be a little sad, don't read this...but you've probably read worse, so check it out...http://www.knbc.com/news/17635113/detail.html.

Photo of the day

Halle Berry has been voted Sexiest Woman Alive by Esquire Magazine.

Without any doubt....

See y'all later

Africa's Top 10 Sexiest Women

The guys who recently gave us Africa's Top 10 sexiest men have come up with the list of Africa's Top 10 sexiest women.
Quite an interesting list...check it out.

10. Genevieve Nnaji - Nigeria
Genevieve is Nollywood's brightest star. She has appeared in countless movies and is also a singer and spokesmodel. She is the face for Lux soap. She released an album titled No More. Genevieve says music was her first love even before acting but it is definately acting that has made her the star she is today. She has played everything from a love interest to a 'shoot em up' chick. Some call her Sharon Stone. We call her sexy.

9. Alek Wek - Sudan

Her skin has been kissed by the sun. She is known on a first name basis all over the world. She single handedly changed the way beauty is viewed when she stepped on the fashion scene a decade ago. We love her because she could have paid big money to change her looks once she made it big and she didn't. She is proud of looking like a Dinka girl. She is proud to be African and to look African and challenges whoever doesn't accept it to keep it moving. Her confidence makes her one very sexy lady.

8.Thandie Newton - Zimbabwe

Thandie proves herself as a contender for an Oscar in every role she takes. It was hard for people to see someone so beautiful play the role she played in the movie Beloved but she did it. She went toe to toe with Oprah Winfrey and Kimberly Elise and came out unscathed. Tom Cruise and Will Smith are just two of her leading men. She went there in Crash and won awards for it. Is there anything she can't do? She makes raising her two children and looking like that very easy. Thandie is one sexy Mama.

7. Miriam Chemoss - Kenya

She is more than a triple threat. This beautiful African Queen is a singer/dancer, model, and a full time actress. She has appeared on the CBS show District and has set her sights on Hollywood. Miriam developed her performance skills as a member of The Mavalletes Revue. She then joined the legandary Soukous Stars Band and held her own as the sole female in the band. Miriam released a new single Rudi this year.

6. Angel Melaku - Ethiopia

She appeared on the cover of Black Men magazine with the words "Angel the New It Girl for 07". She is the video vixen for 2007. She currently stars with Kanye West and T-Pain in the video for Good Life. She has also appeared in videos for Trey Songz, Lloyd Banks, Busta Rhymes, Young Buck, and Young Jeezy. She has set her sights on Hollywood and vows that she won't rest till she gets there!

5. Honorine Uwera - Rwanda

Her lips alone give Angelina Jolie a run for her money. This Rwandan beauty immigrated to Canada in the late 90's. A modeling scout found her and the rest as they say is history. She has graced the runway for Issey Miyake, Emanuel Ungaro, Baby Phat, Richard Chai, Ruffian, Vivienne Westwood and Antonio Marras. She was featured in the Roca Wear Spring 2005 campaign with Naomi Campbell and Karolina Kurkova.

4. flavania Matata - Tanzania

This beauty queen represented her country Tanzania at this year's Miss Universe and she was a top contender. We loved her sass and the fact that she didn't put a wig of long flowing hair on top of her bald head. She looked beautiful bald and she stood out. When asked what the judges should know about her she replied, "I am an electrical technician by profession as well as a top model in my country. I never let anyone define me neither by hair nor clothing as I believe God made me perfect as a pure, natural African woman." Amen to that!

3. Rhian Benson - Ghana

Rhian released her debut album Gold Coast in 2003 to critical acclaim. She won a MOBO award. Her passion for music is in her blood - her grandfather led an accclaimed big band in the 50's and 60's in Ghana. Rhian wrote her first song at age 9. She has the brains to go with her beauty - she was at Harvard when her mother got seriously ill. She left Harvard to care for her mother. Rhian is gearing up for her sophmore release.

2. Tiguida - Mali

This 21 year old beauty from Mali is a rising Model on the French Fashion scene. She has done several photoshoots for Parisians magazines and numerous fashions parades for well renowned names like Elit, Imane Ayissi and L'Oreal. The limitations on black models in France have made her travel to Africa, Italy, and the U.S.A for work.

1.Iman - Somalia

Iman proves that sexy doesn't have to stop. She looks good next to very young girls. She paved the way for all the African models doing big things right now. Let's never forget that. She's been on the covers of Black Enterprise, Ebony, and Vanity Fair lately. Her cosmetics line has ethnic women all over the world looking good. If only we could all look this sexy in years to come!

I don't know most of these women so I really can't pass a comment on whether they deserve to be on the list or not. They are all gorgeous though and I sure agree that Iman is the sexiest African woman alive. She's still got it, even in after fifties.

One question though; what happened to Nonhle Thema of South Africa, Oluchi Orlandi of Nigeria, Mpule Kwelagobe of Botswana (Miss Universe 1999), Agbani Darego of Nigeria, Charlize Theron of South Africa,

And Linda Ikeji of Nigeria?

Just kidding...lol

What do you guys think of this list?

Naija Entertainment + Future Award News

Hi people. I'm fully back now to regular blogging...I hope...lol. We'll do a little bit of Naija news and gossip today, starting with sultry actress Ini Edo. There's been a lot of rumor going round that she is getting married or married or something like it, then there was another rumor that she has not only shuned her wedding but also dumped the husband to be. She spoke to City People's Juliana Orji about it all...
Hear her


Ini "I told you a few backs that my relationship is still intact. Anybody who wrote a story that I have dumped my man will still rewrite it, because I cannot dump my man. Who will I dump him for? I heard they went as far as fixing a wedding date, how can people fix my wedding date for me? I have never mentioned a date to anybody. They kept quoting a particular person who they claim is very close to me, and that the person gives them information about me. I am wondering who this close person to me is who cannot tell them the truth about Ini Edo. I am not married yet and I have not dumped my man. I cannot dump"

Ok, she's spoken...let all the rumors stop now...

Moving on...

Comedian, Omobaba, speaks on his most embarrassing moment.

"The most recent one was at the City People Fashion and Style Awards , where I was selected among the best 10 well dressed men. After a while, someone walked up to me saying, "Hello, are you the champayne guy?" I was short of words. That is one of the reasons I find it difficult to wear bow tie again, especially red and black"
lol...

Basketmouth acquires multimillion naira mansion in Lekki...Afolabi Adekoya - City people magazine

Ace comedian, Basketmouth, has acquired a multi-million naira mansion in Lekki. Sources say the comedian bought the house for about N100million few weeks after he signed a multimillion naira endorsement deal with Globacom. In a chat with Basketmouth last week, he confirmed he bought the house lately but has not moved into it for certain reasons. Asked about the cost and location of the house, he said "Please, make we drop that one for now"

Good for Basket, he works hard enough.

Faze drops new album (Originality)- Afolabi Adekoya

As we await his return from the UK, where he is currently on tour, news has filtered in about his imminent album release cum video premiere. We have it on authority that Faze will be releasing his new album in the first week of October at Planet One, Maryland. The album which will contain no fewer than five tracks from his Independent album, is supposed to include the hit track 'More than a friend'

Ruggedman quits Music - Afolabi Adekoya

This might come as a heart break to many of his teeming fans but the truth is that the talented rapper is quitting music for real.

Hear him

"It is true that I am quitting music and that will be after my third and last album is released. The reason I am quitting music is because I want to concentrate on my record label, Rugged Records, my clothing line and the new artistes I have on my label. I might not want to mention the names of the artistes I have on my label but before the end of the year, their singles will drop. You know I have so much on my hands and I am the one doing all myself, so I need to quit music to concentrate on other things."

For some reason, I don't believe this. Didn't Jay Z pull this on us? Anyway, Goodluck to Ruggeddybaba.

BM PRO launches new beauty range by Moriam Musa (City People Magazine)

Presently surfing in Atlanta enjoying her 9 months course, top make-up artist, Banke Meshida-Lawal has yet again struck another first and this time, it is about a whole new range of beauty primers and skin enhancers. The Hypo-allergic range provides sun screen and anti-oxidants protection and ultra sensitive needs, mattify, smooth, ensure make-up stays on longer and aids in flawless application and finish. Oil free formula with micro diffusers to keep skin looking flawless. Soon to be launched.

So watch out for that.

Super Model Warebi Martha set to launch fashion line...Moriam Musa

Nigerian born, South African based super model, Warebi Martha is set to launch her fashion line here in Nigeria, under the label of Catwalk productions.

This new fashion line will exhibit a whole new vibe of casual wear. With plans of opening soon in Festac Town, Warebi has been making a lot of trips in and out of the country putting things in place.

Wish her the very best.

Wanted!!!

A video production company in Lagos, Nigeria, is looking to hire afull-time video producer. Ideally, the applicant should be young andexperienced in producing exciting TV programmes, documentaries etc. If interested, please send a curriculum vitae to the following email address :imaginari@ymail.com.

Only shortlisted applicants would be contacted.

GRAND ARRIVAL FOR THE FUTURE AWARDS 2009!
- Categories finally expanded from 15 to 20
- Fantastic performances by Omawumi, Rooftop MCs and MI
- Prof (Mrs) Jadesola Akande honoured

You would be forgiven if you thought you were at any of the major Nigerian awards; not just a launch. There was glam, there was glitz, and there was a blinding array of stars as Season 4 of Nigeria’s biggest youth event, The Future.. Awards, was launched in Lagos on the 30th of September.



The venue was rave new place, Studio 868 in Victoria Island and the action started right from the exclusive Nigezie green carpet as cameras clicked away and guests sipped from their cocktail glasses.

The guests were welcomed into the venue by the anchors, Cool FM’s Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi and ace comedian, Jedidiah. Then the show kicked off with comedy and a performance by rave new guitarist, Bez Idakula. This was followed by a special post-humous tribute given by Prof. Pat Utomi in honour of late Board of Trustees member, Prof Jadesola Akande – the award was presented to her son, Debo, by Ms. Bennie Uche.



What followed was a very moving Keynote Speech delivered by the event’s Creative Director, Chude Jideonwo. The, speech, titled ‘Yes We Can’ and which won standing and thunderous clapping ovations traced the story and evolution of The Future Awards over the past three successful years and tied it to the story of this next generation. “In business and technology, music, movies and the media, fashion and beauty, sports and advocacy, comedy and the corporate environment, young people were making such giant strides,” he said, “Why wasn’t the media talking about those ones? Why wasn’t the government trumpeting those examples? Why wasn’t the true story being told that young positive role models were actually in the majority?”

The event saw spectacular performances by Omawumi of Idols West Africa, whose new single, In the Music, got the guests screaming and swaying; ace rapper MI, who ‘set the roof on fire’, and the Rooftop MCs who took it to another level with their mega-hit track, La gi mo.

Unveiled at the occasion during a presentation by the event’s PR Director, Emilia Asim-Ita, were the new logo and the new website. Also unveiled was the ‘i am the future’ campaign which is the theme of the entire media campaign for the awards – TV, radio, print and outdoor; working with brand ambassadors; Gbenga Sesan, IK Osakioduwa (Wildchild) and Tara Fela-Durotoye, who are the only three people to have won twice at The Future Awards.



Nominations were also formally declared open as from 12 midnight on that day: the awards have been expanded from 15 over the past three years to 20, and the judges were unveiled to include Mo Abudu (Moments with Mo), Bolanle Austen-Peters (Terra Kulture), Siene Allwell-Brown (Nigeria LNG), with Dr. Reuben Abati remaining its Chair.

Guests at the star-studded party included Stella Damascus, Michelle Dede, Tara Fela-Durotoye, Bukola Adubi, Toni Kan, Ebuka Obi Uchendu, Funke Bucknor, Soundcity’s Onyinye Igwe, the winners of Nigeria’s Next Top Model with the organizer Joan Okorodudu, Big Brother’s Ofunneka, Najite Dede, amongst others.

The train now moves to the national tours, which will take the Awards team to town hall meetings in Abuja, Kaduna, Enugu, Ibadan, Benin and Lagos to engage the youths at the grassroots.

Nominations are to be submitted via the website and by phone and close on the 31st of October. The date of the Awards proper was also unveiled to be the 18th of January, 2009, in Lagos.

This launch event was held with support from Macleans, Yvent Couture, Zapphaire Events, Nigezie, Total Consult, O’Naphtali, Royal Mega Printing, Wea Concepts, Tremor Perfect, Saheeto, La Bash, and Nigeria International.

Will bring you more news from this prestigious award as it unfolds...

See y'all again soon.

My Birthday Pictures + Hair Beautiful + Adadingbo Press Release + Future Awards

Hi everyone, hope y'all are doing ok. I finally got a new charger...

I told you guys they gave me a surprise party at the office on my birthday. I came back from choreographing a fashion show on that day, after driving in traffic for more than an hour from the Island to the mainland. I was tired and grumpy, only to get to the office to find a few friends and guys I work with screaming HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!.

It was a beautiful time for me...check out some pictures from the party.


Praying...

With some of my models

A tired looking Linda...lol, with our in-house decor guy, Joel


With ex-top model, and one of my best friends, Andy Ogbechi


With Denrele Edun and Odega Shawa

With Andy and George, President of Miss Eastern Nigeria

With my two sisters, Sandra and Benita. Benita is the baby of the house


Some of the guys I work with. My family. From left, Andy Ogbechi, Gbemi Mowarin, Odega Shawa, Oteri Agboro, Myself, My sister Sandra, our receptionist Olamide and Santiago Roberts


With Oteri Agboro, the second funniest guy I know.


With Femi Fowler, the funniest guy ever...


In one of Rukkies dresses. It's actually a dress, but I turned it into a top 'cos damn, as a dress, it's too damn short...

Ok, that's all the picture I have time to upload...

Moving on...check out press releases of up-coming events...

HAIR BEAUTIFUL: Introduces Lagos' First International Wig Party

Ever wanted hair like Mary J. Blige, Beyonce Knowles, Tyra Banks and the whole lot of them?

Attend Hair Beautiful's Lace Front Wig Party on October 5th and you will learn the secrets to the art of the Lace Front Wig.

Hair Beautiful is an international hair company owned by Ireti Dada. Hair Beautiful will be launching its first ever Wig Party in Lagos Nigeria on the 5th of October at Eko Hotel & Suites in Victoria Island from 12 noon – 8pm.

The wig party will be the first of its kind in Lagos, giving women the opportunity to learn more about Lace Front Units, purchase units, ask questions and socialize.

Lace Front Units: are hair extensions that create the illusion that hair is growing out of ones scalp and therefore is one of the most naturally looking extensions on the market.

In the words of Ireti Dada "come to our wig party and learn all about it, you probably would never wear a weave again."

Come and experience quality hair, Remy Human Hair, Brazilian Hair, Malaysian Hair and more.

There will be a varied selection of Lace Units, accessories and Hand Tied Wefts to purchase. For those of you ready to look fabulous for the week ahead, come ready to have your lace units installed in a private suite.

Hair Beautiful believes that you too can have Beautiful Hair…

See you there and be sure to bring a friend!!!!!

For more information on this event please email
hair.beautiful.company@gmail.com
Or phone 08067983216

ADANDIIGBOBEAUTY PAGEANT METAMORPHOSIS INTO AKARAKA FESTIVAL
Adandiigbo Beauty Pageant a high profile, non swimsuit beauty pageant introduced to celebrate the beauty and the virtues of the Igbo maiden, enters its fourth edition in a grand style.

This reputable beauty pageant had its debut in All Seasons Hotel, Owerri in 2005 and was won by Ndidamaka Nwosu. The second edition took place at the exquisite Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt in 2006 and was won by Onyinye Nwosu and the third edition won by Chisom Ibe took place at the prestigious The Balmoral event place in Lagos and now the journey continues to Enugu State at the serene environment of the Protea Nike Lake Resort for the fourth edition slated on 29th November, 2008.
As the pageant journeys to Enugu, the coal city, it now goes as a full festival known as Akaraka Fiesta: a harvest of Igbo arts and culture. This festival which will have the Adandiigbo Beauty Pageant as its grand finale will showcase the rich cultural heritage of Ndigbo. This is with the aim of fulfilling the objectives of identifying things that brings us together as a coherent and integral culture group with a distinct attribute and highlighting this unique paraphernalia in the face of contemporaneous debilitating influence of western culture and its eroding effect.

The success of the Akaraka festival will no doubt keep the Igbo culture refreshingly alive and make it a resounding tourist attraction and destination for all. The festival is billed to highlight all the facets of Igbo life in a nine days carnival. Ndiigbo home, in Diaspora and friends will be opportune to be treated to the celebration of the rich cultural heritage that will rekindle old glamour and set their passion aglow. This will regenerate the pride and trust of Igboness again.
Adandiigbo as part of the carnival will still continue to serve its purpose, which is to provide an avenue for our queen to be an ambassador for our culture, peace, development and also serve as a voice for the young maidens in main stream issues that affect their daily lives as well as building bridges across ethnic divides.

Enugu State, no doubt, will serve as a melting and unwinding pot as the festival holds. The festival which will start with a press conference will also have other activities on a daily basis. These activities includes traditional dance and masquerade presentation, all night music show, Igbo pot, a display of the culinary prowess of the people, arts, historic and pictorial exhibition, fashion parade, weaving and basketry, lectures, awards and so on.

This festival will enhance Igbo distinct perception of life as a continuum, moral control systems, republican attributes, strong religious beliefs, consensus decision making process, commercial inroads and love for agoraic way of life. It will treat the attendant audience and guests to the sights, sounds and traits that are uniquely Igbo. Igbo kwenu!!!

SEASON 4 OF THE FUTURE.. AWARDS KICKS OFF
The Central Working Committee for The Future.. Awards has announced the start of the next season of Nigeria ’s most respected youth event. The website, http://www.thefuturenigeria.com/ has the bold announcement on its page: ‘The Future Awards 2009 unveils on the 1st of October – Get Ready Nigeria’.Christened ‘Africa’s biggest youth awards’ by the London Metropolitan University last year, the 4-month long project which is in its fourth year goes beyond the Awards itself, encompassing the national road shows, and various pre-events and conferences all geared towards inspiring young Nigerians.

Photo of the day...
Nokia Mobile with Camera Phone...at only N150, 000
Check it out....

Ha ha ha...

Naija Entertainment News Next...

Married or Happily Married?

Hi people, still blogging from a cyber cafe...lol. I have a lot to blog about, gist, gossip, issues...etc etc, but there's a limit to what I can do in a cafe, so y'all are gonna have to wait till I get my new charger.

For now there's a question I wanna ask. And it has to do with marriage. Marriage has been on my mind a lot lately....lol, mostly people telling me to start thinking seriously about it...
But the thing is, I just don't want to be married, I want to be happily married, so I got to be 150% sure, right?

So, today I spoke to a few friends about marriage and one of them told me something that I just had to bring here to talk about.

I know there are more unhappy marriages than happy ones, half the people I know aren't happy but someone told me today that the ratio is 90/10 % in favour of unhappy marriages?

I know a lot of people pretend to be happy in their marriages, and for reasons best known to them refuse to walk away, but 90 to 10? It can't be that bad, or is it really?

So here are my questions

1. Do you agree the ratio is 90/10 in favour of unhappy marriages?
2. What's the greatest reason for unhappiness in marriage?
3. Do you agree that infidelity is not the greatest reason for break-ups, rather, lack of communication? or is there something else?
4. Do you also agree that the people we date aren't always the same when we marry them? I.e, people pretend a lot while dating and show their true colour after marriage?

What do you guys think?

On a lighter note...enjoy Naija Proverbs

He who lives in a glass house....... Na im pepe rest
A stitch in time........ dey prevent further tear tear.
Birds of the same feather...na the same mama born dem.
One good turn......... na correct power steering be that.
A bird in hand........ wetin e wan be again if no be barbeque.
Half bread.......... is better than buns.
Journey of a thousand miles....... Ol'boy carry your car go o
He who laughs last........ na big time mumu be dat. Why im no catch the joke at the first time and laugh when others dey laugh?
The patient dog........ Waalahi, Na hunger go kill am.
All work and no play.......Na banker be dat
All play and no work...... Abeg na real life be dat. afterall u no see as u dey happy wen u know say dem go declare plenty holiday soon.

If you don't like this Naija Proverbs, you're allowed to hiss...lol

So tell me what you think about the 90/10 ratio thingy...

I'm so sorry...

'Linda, you said it was your birthday, not that you were going on a vacation. Your blog has been static...GIVE ME A BREAK, UPDATE!!!'
lol
A text I got from an ardent reader of this blog. Some people are obsessed. lol Good thing tho.

So sorry for my absence...been meaning to let y'all know what's going on, but this week's been crazy.

I don't care how busy or tired I am, I always find time to blog, so that's not the reason. What happened was on Sunday when I tried to charge my laptop, I heard this loud noise and smoke started coming out from the sucket. (Power upsurge? surge? or whatever you guys call it). All I know is that the freaking thing spoilt my laptop charger. So I basically can't charge and I really haven't had time to do anything about it until now. I'm hoping to get a new one in a couple of days.

I haven't been on the internet since Sunday, but after numerous phone calls and text messages, I had to find a way to let y'all know what's going on. (I'm actually at a cyber cafe close to my office...)

Will get back to regular blogging in a couple of days...

Moving on, let me officially say that my last birthday was my best ever. They threw a surprise party for me at the office. I knew those guys were up to something, but nothing like what I saw. There was lots of food, drinks, birthday cakes, gifts, even red carpet sef...lol. They invited some of my models, designers, photographers, my closest friends, even Denrele Edun was in on the surprise. Will let y'all see the pix as soon as I sort this charger wahala.

I feel so loved and well appreciated. Plus all the love I got on this blog and Facebook. It's been so overwhelming. Didn't know that many people know or appreciate me.

Wow! Thanks for all the love people. It feels so great to be me right now. I'm feeling so loved.

Another thing, Virgin Nigeria has officially changed their uniforms (pilot, air hostesses, ground staff etc)...they unveiled the new ones designed by Ade Bakare and modeled by my models, yesterday at Jade Palace, V/I. It was a beautiful show, hope I can get pictures for y'all to see later.

And for those wondering about the magazine, I gave it to the printers a week after Style Night 4, in August, and they still haven't delivered it to me. lol...it's not funny but it's better than crying.

On a sad note, I'm sure y'all have heard of the passing of Uncle Yinka Criag...may his beautiful soul rest in peace. Will do a special tribute when I have my computer back.

I gotta to go, just thought to let y'all know that I'm HHH, hale, hearty and happy.

See y'all later and thanks for all the love.

It's my birthday...

Go linda, it's your birthday,
We gonna party like it's your birthday
We gonna sip juice like it's your birthday


(A birthday card from a fan of this blog)

It's my birthday y'all

I think the guys at work have a surprise for me, heard them whispering yesterday but instead of celebrating, I'll be working. Will be at Jade's Place on the Island choreographing a show for Virgin Nigeria. Didn't know they'll fix the first day of rehearsal on my birthday, but a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do.

Working on my birthday...Dear God, give me a life...lol

Thanks to everyone who's sent me birthday wishes via Facebook, text messages, phone calls and the very special someone who sent me the most beautiful gold necklace and ear-rings I've ever seen...at least in real life...lol

Hopefully I'll get more birthday greetings here
So holla at your girl...

Love you all

L

What people will say...

He comes to my office today, asking me to lend him money.

I'm surprised because I know he made a few millions a few months ago after working on a project for almost six months. I remember asking him a day after he got his cheque what he planned to do with the money. He talked about buying shares and I remember saying something about investing.

So here he is two months later asking me to lend him a few thousands. What happened to all your money I ask him.

Well, here's his story. He spent 85% of the money to buy a brand new Jeep (4x4), another 10% to revamp his wardrobe and the last 5% finished a few days ago, so he needs a loan.

Then I ask him why he spent all that money buying a Jeep instead of investing some of it.

His answer leaves me speechless for at least 5seconds.

He says 'well, all my friends drive Jeeps, I have to join the club, besides how else can I show that I have arrived?"

Y'all don't wanna know what ensued after that and no he didn't get any money from me.

But this brings me to my question for today.

Do we humans do half the things we do because of what people say, will say or have said?

Do we get married because the society expects us to be married at a certain age and not because we're ready?

Do we refuse to walk out of a miserable, unhappy marriage because of what people will say?

Do we buy big, fine houses and cars just to impress people not because we really have a need for them? Why do some people have 6/7/8 cars? Is it because they really enjoy collecting cars or because it shows off their wealth?

Do we join a profession just because we think it's prestigious not because we have a passion for it?
'I want to be a lawyer'
'Why?'
'Because lawyers have a lot of respect'

Is that all we are about? Living for other people?

If he had said I bought the car with all my money because I needed it so badly...then maybe, but to say 'How else can I show the world I have arrived'

I don't think you need a car to prove you've arrived but some people don't get it.

So I ask again, do we do half the things we do because of what the society thinks or will say?

So What?

I'm in my 30's and I'm not married...so what?

I have been married twice and my marriages didn't work out...so what?

I've been married for five years without a child...so what?

I have five female children and no male child...so what?

My husband left me for another woman...so what?

I walked out of my marriage...so what?

I have a child and no husband...so what?

I'm dating a younger man...so what?

I don't have a boyfriend...so what?

I'm in my first year in the university when all my mates have graduated...so what?

I graduated with a third class...so what?

All my mates drive cars and I don't have one...so what?

You earn more money than I do...so what?

You have a house and I don't...so what?

I lost my job...so what?

I'm not pretty and curvy...so what?

I limp in one leg...so what?

I'm fat...so what?

I like to dress weird...so what?

You don't like me?...so what?

I have an album out and no one's buying...so what?

I started a business and it collapsed...so what?

I have made a lot of mistakes...so what?

I'm not who you want me to be...so what?

I'm not perfect...so what?

So freaking what? I ask you.

How's my life and the way I choose to live it any of your business?

Most of us don't know how to mind our business, I'm guilty of it sometimes, but it's not about the other person now, it's about you.

To everyone reading this today, no matter what your situation is, I hope when people remind you of it, you're confident enough in who you are to say 'SO BLADDY WHAT?'

Despite your circumstances, the bad decisions you made, wrong turns you took, despite your anger, pain and disappointment, despite your failures and successes, despite what anyone thinks or says about you, I hope that when you look in the mirror, you love the person staring right back at you.

I hope you find the goodness inside of you and wrap it around you to protect you from all the craziness around you.

I hope you don't live in regret.
I hope you don't wish you could change your life.
I hope you don't wish you were somebody else.
I hope you appreciate God's work in your life
I hope you discover who your true friends are.

I hope you find that your strength supersedes your weakness.
I hope you find that you've done more good than bad.
I hope you realise that people carrying bad stories about you don't know shit about you.
I hope you believe in your strength and in your truth
I hope you discover who you really are and master yourself.
I hope you realise you only have one life to live and living it to the fullest is the best way to do it.

I hope you face your fears, because that's the easiest way to gain strength, courage, and confidence in who God has made you.

I hope you love the person you are despite what people say is wrong about you.

If for instance you're attracted to men and you're a man, people like me will talk.
I hope you find the strength inside of you to face me and say 'I like men Linda, so what? SO BLADDY WHAT?"

Have an incredible week everyone.
God Bless
L