Need To Hear: Josephine Oniyama

Looking for something worth listening to instead of whats on the radio these days? Something original? Well, let me introduce you to Manchester, England based singer Josephine Oniyama. Josephine is not a "Pop Tart" as are most of the singers out there today, she sings from the soul and that's what we need to hear more of these days. Josephine's new album "Portrait" will be released on 16 Oct 12 on iTunes and amazon.com, singles are available now.

What we need more of are lyrics with a message, with feeling and song along with beautiful music. Hopefully this beautiful woman won't get obscured by the over hyped singers out today who don't have any real talent, but just the right look and a gimmick.

Josephine Oniyama is a beautiful Afrolista.

To learn about Josephine Oniyama click here and here. Follow her on You Tube.





Photos: Josephine Oniyama

One To Watch: Actress Kelly McCreary of Emily Owens, M.D.

Here's a new actress that we'll see this fall and her name is Kelly McCreary.  McCreary is cast as the character Dr. Tyra Granger on the new show.

Kelly, along with actress Aja Naomi King will be featured on The CW series Emily Owens, M.D. Emily Owens, M.D. premieres Tuesday, Oct. 16 on the network.





Kelly has played on Broadway and has had several roles on television and in movies. Kudos to both ladies on their new roles in an era where negativity is now the norm. It's great to see two women playing professional roles on television for a change which is also our reality.

Photos: The CW

Solange Knowles For ELLE South Africa

The fabulous Solange Knowles will be featured in the November issue of ELLE Magazine South Africa in a stunning editorial shot by renowned photographer Justin Polkey. The editorial will seriously blow our minds and I've got my fingers crossed that she will be on the coveted cover. Kudos to ELLE South Africa on the fashionable coupe.






Follow ELLE South Africa for more here and here.

Photo: ELLE SA/Justin Polkey/E. Alexander/Gallo Images

Solange Knowles For the September Issue of Elle Magazine and Madewell's F/W 2012 Campaign

The September issues are coming out and as usual, they're heavier than ever with several new ad campaigns, fall advertisements and editorials. I have yet to see Vogue's, but Elle Magazine didn't disappoint with stunning editorial's featuring Jeneil Williams and several other models and a cool editorial featuring Solange at her Brooklyn home. 

After posting these photos, I guarantee that the actual ones shot for the magazine will be posted right after these.


Solange's home certainly is a total reflection of her.
 

I must say Solange is literally on a roll, especially since she is the new face of Madewell's FW 2012-13 Ad Campign which has every one buzzing.

Looks like it will be a great collection so check it out at Madewell.com for more info.

Photo/video courtesy of Madewell.

New Music From Negra Li: Tudo De Novo

Tudo De Novo/"All New" is Negra Li's second solo album.

Here's a sampling: 

Negra Li's CD is available on Amazon.









Photos: Negra Li Oficial

Media Mogul Oprah Winfrey Goes Au Naturel For The September Issue of O The Oprah Magazine

Oprah sports her massive Afro on the cover of O The Oprah Magazine's September issue 


“They say a little change never hurt anybody. In fact, I believe that’s an understatement: I’ve found that a little change make a world of difference, and I’m always amazed by how easy it is to brighten things up with a little tweak. (Like, say, wearing your hair au naturel, as I did on this month’s cover.) ~Oprah Winfrey .

Once I saw the cover I smiled from ear to ear. As a woman who has been au naturel for four decades it's refreshing to see more and more women embrace their natural hair texture and wear it with confidence. Sure, some of you will say it's so superficial, but I deal in the superficial and I also "deal-n-truth" on my own terms.

A lot of women look up to celebrities for inspiration and for some kind of validation in the choices that they make when it comes to their appearance, sorry, but that's not my thing. If I like your style, I like your style and I will always have my own personal style and not copy anyone else's.

I've read several blogs dedicated to natural hair who confirm this statement when some write that they'd like to see more prominent women wear their hair in it's natural state in hopes that it would be more acceptable for them to wear a natural hairstyle with confidence and be readily accepted from their peers and co-workers. The problem doesn't lie with your peers or co-workers, the problem is basically an individual problem that goes much deeper than that.

The real problem is that the psychological damage that so many women suffer from will not change a thing until they learn to embrace what they were born with before they look to a society who they think will accept them. The problem actually lies within before another human being will accept you and no one will accept you until you accept yourselves. Stop looking for external forces to accept you and begin to accept yourselves just the way you are. I don't base my life on what other people think of me and women just don't understand how freeing it is to be free from the opinions of others.



Oprah looks beautiful either way she chooses to wear her hair. Rock On Oprah!

Solange Knowles Out and About @ INC International Concept Event

Le Look Du Jour: Solange Knowles @ INC International Concepts Unveils Camila Alves as Brand Ambassador Event. 






Solange has one serious shoe game!


Photos: Jamie McCarty/Angela Pham

Le Look Du Jour: Actress Adina Porter

Actress Adina Porter of HBO'S True Blood attends HBO's New Series 'Newsroom' Los Angeles Premiere.






Photo: Getty Images

Le Look Du Jour: Solange Knowles in Gucci SS/2012 RTW

COO of DKMS Americas, Katharina Harf and Solange Knowles 


I wish that I could find a lone photo of Solange with a front view of her entire look, but this will do. It seems that Solange changed out of her gorgeous Stéphane Rolland gown to attend or possibly DJ the event at the DKMS after party held at Andaz Wallstreet.

She's wearing a GUCCI fringed leather skirt and the silk-georgette bodysuit from their SS/2012 RTW collection.

Two Looks from GUCCI SS/2012 RTW

Those leopard heels give the look that extra Oomph!

Photos:BFA

Esperanza Spalding Made Satchmo Proud!

"On the Red Carpet"

"Missing You Whitney"

I made it home just in time to catch the last part of the Oscars. Viola didn't win, but she's still a winner in my book, and Octavia Spencer brought home the best-supporting Oscar. Esperanza Spalding did a perfect rendition of Louis Armstrong's "What A Wonderful World." Looking angelic in a one-shouldered white gown with her massive Afro serving as a halo, she dedicated a very memorable song to all of those who have worked in front of and behind the scenes in the entertainment industry who have passed on. I think tonight she even won over more fans to her ever growing fan base who appreciate real music.

Le Look Du Jour: Solange Knowles Attends the BCBG Max Azria After Party

Who:Solange Knowles
What: At the BCBG Max Azria and Herve Leger F/W 2012 After Party at Ajna Bar in New York City.
Wearing: BCBG MAX AZRIA S/S 2012.

Le Looks Du Jour: The Premiere of Pariah

The Lovely Kim Wayans

Actresses Adepero Oduye and Kim Wayans

Adepero Oduye, Dee Rees, Kim Wayans

Actress Adepero Oduye

Director Dee Rees

Adepero Oduye

To learn more about the movie Pariah click here.

Photos: Getty Images

Elle Varner pour ELLE Magazine

Sometimes I get lost in the magazine aisles for hours and when I spotted this photo of newcomer, Elle Varner in the latest issue of Elle Magazine, I couldn't wait to post it for all of her fans to see. Elle is certainly becoming one artist to watch.


Photo: ELLE Magazine

Scenes From The Afrika21 Mixtape Project in Planet Brooklyn

Fashion Designer Hekima Hapa at the Afrika21 Mixtape Project recently held in Brooklyn, NY which featured emerging African artists and entertainers. Read the rest at the New York Times.


The event bought out this best in Brooklyn style.


Ethiopian singer, Sheba performed at the event.


Jewelry designer, Alicia Piller wearing one of her unique designs.


Stylist and fashion buyer, Izetta Henderson.


Photos/Source: New York Times