Fashion Display At The 2013 BET Awards

This past Sunday the annual BET Awards were held in Los Angeles and all the black and fab folk were out there making it shine on the red carpet.
I was all about the fashion for this years BET’s – I was pleasantly surprised more people made effort this year, by that I mean more ladies looks class compared to the hoodrat look that some recycle every year.
The colour palette semmed to be predominantly white, a lot of black and gold too. I loved the ladies that brought some colour and spunk to the red carpet too , like Naya Rivera (Santana on Glee) & Jordin Sparks.

Here are some of the looks from the 2013 BET Awards.

Ashanti

Paula Patton went for a sexy-slash-conservative look. I kinda like it. She was there to cheer on hubby Robin Thicke as he ‘blurred the lines’

Estelle looked gorgeous. Whoever has been styling her lately needs a raise. Loving the hair and style lately.

LeToya Luckett – this chick always manages to look hot all the time but I wish she could switch up the hair and that red lip.

Michelle Williams looked incredible in this dress. I love, I like , I heart!

Former ANTM contestant Tocarra Jones- this dress is forgettable, she’s keeping the weight off though. Bravo!

Chris Brown and his artist Seyven Streeter, dont know how I feel about this ensemble.

Mya – Yes she still lives & she’s serving hot-spicy!

Lauren London (Lil’Wayne’s baby momma) striking a pose….VOGUE!

Tatyana Ali in Loren Sarbu

Angela Simmons..trying too hard.

Brandy..I love her but this look is very busy like Bree. She could have opted for less heavier looking shoes.

Janelle Monae in Dolce & Gabbana , its the usual get-up. I’m actually beginning to accept it.

Mrs. Cannon in Pavino. I expected less from the DIVA of all DIVAs.

Meagan Good was all busty in blue. she got a lot of flack for that cleavage from Christians who argued that a Pastor’s Wife should dress more conservative. Nithini nina?

Taraji P. Henson & Quvanzhane Wallis – Loved the leather,lace combo on Taraji’s dress.

Laila Ali was in black & gold.

LaLa Anthony – hate this dress, love the shoes. She said she still hasn’t seen her BFF’s daughter North West, Mmmm o maka.

Ciara in Saint Laurent – one of my fave looks, simple and sexy.

Vampire’s Diaries witch Bonnie, Kat Graham wore head to toe Versace straight from the archives.

Glee actress and Big Sean’s girlfriend, Naya Rivera in Emilio Pucci…SEXY!

Lil Mama – I actually like the more girly glamourous look she’s been on. It’s working, now we need to teach you how to pose..dials Tyra Banks.

Amber Rose – I swear she hasn’t worn anything exciting since she broke up with Kanye West. And Nicki Minaj wore this  Versace dress earlier this year on American Idol.

Adrienne Bailon – as much as she annoys me, she looks good. Can’t deal with that cheesy pose though.

Olympian Gabby Douglas looked pretty.

EVE wore a very Moloko/Hush/Taboo ensemble.

Nicki Minaj in Roberto Cavalli – one of my fave looks, polished and flawless.

Nia Long dazzled in gold, there’s  something BASIC about this look.

Jordin Sparks in Clover Canyon – I love the youthfulness of this dress totally appropriate for Jordin. Young, Fresh and New!

BET 2013 WINNERS:

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
Miguel
Best New Artist
Kendrick Lamar
Young Stars Award
Gabrielle Douglas
Best Gospel Artist
Mary Mary
Subway Sportsman of The Year
LeBron James
Subway Sportswoman of The Year
Gabrielle Douglas
Best Actor
Jamie Foxx
Best Female Hip-Hop Artist
Nicki Minaj
Best Male Hip-Hop Artist
Kendrick Lamar
Lifetime Achievement Award
Charlie Wilson
Best Collaboration
Problems, A$AP Rocky featuring Drake, 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar
Humanitarian Award
Dwyane Wade
FANdemonium Award
Chris Brown
Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice Award
Started From the Bottom, Drake
Best Movie
Think Like A Man

Your thoughts?

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Wawela Music Awards

LCentre to attend the first ever Wawela Music Awards courtesy of Southern African Music Rights Organization (SAMRO). I did not know what to expect considering the ‘drama’ that previously surrounded SAMRO.
ast Friday we headed to Sandton Convention
Wawela is a Zulu word meaning ‘to go beyond’. These awards are mainly to honour the talented individuals behind the music (the composers) in different platforms including Film, Radio and Television. Which I think is a great idea because we hardly pay attention to the songwriters/composers, who when you look at it, I think they are the most important.
When we arrived, the venue was already getting packed. I don’t like complaining so I am going to look past all the technical faults and time wasting that took place there because it was their first time hosting these awards, we hope next year all will be on point. It was a nice dinner gala set up, I loved it. However I was not impressed with the fact that before we went inside we were told that we can sit anywhere. Well, we followed instructions and just sat at a table that we chose and the next minute we were told ‘Sorry, you have to move because this table is reserved’. Why wasn’t there a Reserved sign on the table beats me.
Anyway, we got up and started looking for another table. So annoying because it’s really not cool to be walking around looking lost, all eyes come on to you. Thank goodness actress Thandy Matlaila who I think was part of the event organizers, came to our rescue and gave us a table.
Funny enough the table that she told us to occupy, had a huge reserved sign on it, and guess what? the high school naughty kid in me stepped out and took off the sign and threw it under the table. Haai shem there was no way I was going to be ordered to move again. Hehehehehehe. Here are the pictures that our photographer Picay managed to get for us.

Our Hosts for the evening, Azania Mosaka and Gareth Cliff. They did very well, funny but very classy. They knew what type of crowd they were dealing with.

Nick Motsatse, Chief Executive Officer of SAMRO. That day was his last as CEO of SAMRO. He has moved on to other avenues. He is posing here with his wife.

I met the legendary Sizwe Zako for the first time. He is such a humble man la tata. No wonder he is successful.

Another legend that was present and also got to perform for us is Johnny Glegg.

When Lebo M went up to collect his award, he name dropped shem. Yhuuuuuuuuuu!!! The emphasis on ‘My Grammy Award’ to working with ‘Quincy Jones’ hehehehehe.

Actor Luthuli Dlamini also came through looking hot as usual.

Still on the Dlamini’s, I saw singer LeAnne Dlamini as well.

Eish, I’m sorry but I don’t know who this lady is guys. Is it Khanyo Maphumulo? They look alike. If it’s not her then haaai I don’t know.

I was impressed by Daniel Baron’s performance. It kinda reminded me of Westlife.

Solomon Subz Sebothoma and Thandy Matlaila were both there to work. They were all over the place making sure all goes well.

Guys, I am still shocked by Guffy hey. This guy is practically saying NO to aging yazi? He looks very young and fresh. Wow!!!

Reverend Abe Sibiya, he is the Chairman of the SAMRO Board Of Directors.

Mam’ Dorothy Masuka’s acceptance speech for her Lifetime Achievement Award was full of words of wisdom. She gave advise to SA singers and said ‘God gave you the talent to sing. Use it wisely. Stop drinking and smoking that talent away’

Nominee, singer Nothende with her friend and fellow musician Ahmed Sirour. They are working together on tracks for Nothende’s next album.

I still need to know where Black Porcelain has been hiding all along. I never heard of her before these awards. This lady can sing.

Miss Lira’s acceptance speech was just too honest. She said 10years ago when things were tough for her, she survived through SAMRO money. She just couldn’t hide how thankful she was.

When it comes to music events like these then you know Lindelani Mkhize and Zwai Bala will be there.

Best performance of the night for me was by Phuzekhemisi. He delivered ubaba stru. With so much passion even. Look at that kick. Doctor Malinga who?? Lol

The Soil also performed well. Pure, fresh voices.

Mafikizolo did what they do best on stage.

Theo Kgosinkwe’s dance moves, that guy can move. Nhlanhla Nciza’s pants seem to be the IN thing at the moment. Toya DeLazy even rocked them at the BET Awards.

They also joined Mam’ Dorothy. It was amazing to watch.

There was an emotional and teary moment when they played a composition/video of uTata Nelson Mandela showing us his journey and all the work he has done throughout his life. The entire house went silent. I was even shocked by Gareth Cliff who couldn’t speak after watching it because it was that deep. When you look at people like Gareth you wouldn’t think they have feelings. Aza seemed stronger than him after that.
Gareth announced an After Party but I couldn’t attend it. I was too tired. I know some of you will say ‘Kiki you should have attended because we want umgosi’, but trust me when I tell you that there was no chance of umgosi there because of the crowd. What mgosi can one get from legends like Johnny Glegg and Mam’ Dorothy? Lutho shem. Lol!!
A big Thank you to Nosipho Ginindza and the Soul Providers team for inviting us. We had a great time. To the SAMRO family, we appreciate your initiative guys, keep it up.
Just some advise for the next awards. Please give us more entertainment. Those long breaks and silence during the serving of Dinner were not on. That is what kinda spoiled the night a little. Give us a comedian nje to keep us company. Otherwise you guys did very well for first timers. The Nominees were announced on the 21st May 2013 but unfortunately we couldn’t attend.
Here is the list of all the winners.
THE 2013 WAWELA MUSIC AWARDS WINNERS

• Best soundtrack in a feature film or theatric documentary: Philip Miller for Leaving Father
• Best song or composition in a Television Production: Gregory Reveret for Loxion Kulca Roots Best song or composition in a television commercial: Jeramy James Barnard for the Bells commercial
• Best song or composition in a radio commercial: Rene Veldsman for the Shoprite commercial
• Best creative album of the year: Black Porcelain for Invincible Summer
• Songwriter of the year: LIRA Best South African duo/group: Tumi and the Volume
• Best female artist & composer/co-composer: Black Porcelain
• Best male artist & composer/co-composer: Daniel Baron
• Statistical Award JB Arthur

Wawela Inaugural Recognition Awards

• -          Alan Lazar
• -          Mbongeni Ngema
• -          Lebo M
• -          Trevor Jones
• -          Sizwe Zako

Breaking Through the Borders Award Trevor Jones Prolific Catalogue of Works Award Johnny Clegg Lifetime Achievement Award Dorothy Masuku

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Halle Berry marries Olivier Martinez

The couple, who began their relationship in 2010 and became engaged in 2012, are currently expecting their first child Photo: Getty Images Contributor

Berry, 46, and Martinez, 47, tied the knot in a ceremony at the Chateau des Conde in Vallery, according to People magazine.

Guests were seen entering a white tent set up close to a church on the property. After a the ceremony they had dinner, followed by a fireworks display.

Among the 60 guests were the groom's mother Rosemarie and brother Vincent.

The couple, who began their relationship in 2010 and became engaged in 2012, are currently expecting their first child together. The baby boy is due in the autumn. He will be Berry's second and a sibling for her daughter Nahla, who was born in 2008.

The wedding is Berry's third. She was previously married to David Justice in 1993 and Eric Benet in 2001.

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Paula Deen hires new legal team for discrimination suit

(Reuters) - Celebrity chef Paula Deen has hired new lawyers from an internationally known firm to defend her in a well publicized employment discrimination lawsuit, according to court filings.
Deen, 66, who had a multimillion-dollar enterprise built on books, restaurants, television shows and housewares, has lost about a dozen business deals after a deposition surfaced last month in which the TV chef admitted to using the "N-word."
Deen and her businesses will now be represented by Morgan Lewis & Bockius lawyers including Grace Speights, Jocelyn Cuttino and Alexis Thomas, said the court document filed on Thursday. Her former lawyers at Savannah, Georgia-based firm Oliver Maner asked to withdraw as counsel.
A spokeswoman for Morgan Lewis confirmed the move, and an Oliver Maner attorney said via email that the firm would issue a statement tomorrow.
Pharmacy chain Walgreens, department store JC Penney and Sears Holdings Corp, which owns department store Sears and discount retailer Kmart, all said last month they planned to discontinue Deen's product lines.
Scripps Networks Interactive Inc's cable TV channel the Food Network, which aired Deen's cooking shows, was the first to drop Deen. A number of companies have severed ties with the chef, including Caesars Entertainment Corp, which operated Deen-branded restaurants; retailers Target Corp and Wal-Mart Stores Inc; and Danish drug maker Novo Nordisk A/S, which used Deen as a pitchwoman.
The lawsuit in a Georgia federal court involves claims of sexual harassment, and alleges a pattern of racial discrimination against African-American employees in Deen's businesses.
The case in U.S. District Court, Southern District of Georgia is Lisa Jackson vs. Paula Deen, Paula Deen Enterprises et al., 12-cv-139.

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Lady Gaga to release new "ARTPOP" album in November

(Reuters) - Pop star Lady Gaga will release her next album, "ARTPOP", on November 11, a statement on the U.S. singer's website said on Friday.
The 27-year-old "Born This Way" singer - who cancelled part of a tour earlier this year to undergo hip surgery - will release a single from the new album on August 19.
Gaga, whose real name is Stefani Germanotta, calls her fans "little monsters" and will release a social media app ahead of the album on September 1, which the statement said would seek to make connections between music, art, fashion and technology.
"Altering the human experience with social media, we bring ART culture into POP in a reverse Warholian expedition", said the statement, referring to late U.S. pop artist Andy Warhol.
The Grammy-winning singer first rose to prominence in 2008 with the release of her album "Fame" and is well known for her outrageous costumes and provocative music videos.

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Opera singer Placido Domingo leaves hospital in Spain

T

(Reuters) - Opera singer Placido Domingo left a Spanish hospital on Saturday after being hospitalized earlier this week because of a blood clot in his lung, according to a posting on his official Twitter account.
Domingo tweeted "Going home" and posted a picture of himself getting into a car. The 72-year-old Spaniard posted the same message on his Facebook account.
The operatic tenor, who is general director of the Los Angeles Opera, was forced to cancel several appearances due to his illness but is expected to make a full recovery in three to four weeks, his publicist said on Tuesday.
Domingo, who was treated at a hospital in his hometown Madrid, is one of the best-known opera singers in the world and has sung 142 different roles.

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Why Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson named their son Ace Knute

YESTERDAY, Jessica Simpson announced the name of her newborn son - Ace Knute Johnson.

... and Twitter erupted.
Simpson and fiance Eric Johnson's unusual choice of middle name attracted most of the criticism.
The couple reportedly chose Knute in honour of Johnson's Swedish grandfather.
Knute Rockne was also regarded as one of the greatest coaches in American football history.
The child's first name, Ace, which is an unusual, but not unheard of name, means "first".
Some critics on Twitter speculated that Ace would be subject to a lifetime of bullying for his name, with one suggesting he would be nicknames "Ass Nut Johnson".
Simpson was also lambasted 14 months ago for naming her daughter Maxwell, which was described as an "elderly man's name" by some.

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Why Stacy Keibler dumped George Clooney

STACY Keibler has broken it off with George Clooney.

The former wrestler had been dating the Hollywood star for around two years but after months of rumours the relationship was on the rocks, Stacy has reportedly finally called time on it.
"Stacy called it quits," an insider told People magazine. "She wants to have children and a family someday. She knows where George stands on that.
"They talked and they quietly stopped being a couple several weeks ago."
The 52-year-old actor and Stacy, 33, have reportedly vowed to remain friends. They are still in contact and there are apparently no hard feelings about the end of their romance.
"They talk every day. They were friends before they started dating and they'll be friends after. It was a friendly [breakup]," the insider added.
The pair have not spent much time together recently, with their schedules said to be one of the main problems.
George has been in Europe shooting The Monuments Men, while last week Stacy was seen celebrating the July 4 US holiday with stars including Leonardo DiCaprio.
"They haven't seen each other in a while and they've both been working so much, so in recent months, they've started growing apart," an insider explained.
In January it was reported that George was considering ending the romance. He was said to be keen to find someone "more low-key", after growing tired of Stacy's love of the limelight.
"George liked her at first because she wasn't into fame," a source told In Touch Weekly magazine at the time. "Now that Stacy's been around the A-list, she's hooked. George wants someone more low-key."

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Rain is still as popular as before

South Korean pop icon, Rain, was discharged from serving two years of mandatory military service yesterday morning. Despite being away from the entertainment scene for some time, the singer was well-received by a large crowd of fans.
700 fans, including local and overseas followers from Hong Kong, Japan and America, turned up yesterday. These fans made a special trip to mark the actor-singer’s return to civilian life despite his abrupt cancellation of a previously arranged fan meet. Some of them were even close to tears when the star walked out in his military uniform.
Earlier on in January, the 31-year-old K-pop star was confined to his barrack for seven days after being caught for secretly meeting his actress girlfriend, Kim Tae Hee, while he was still on official duty.
Trying to keep a low profile, Rain kept his answers short and avoided sharing details about his punishment when he received interviews yesterday morning. Instead, the pop icon announced his official return to showbiz and his hopes for a career under Cube Entertainment.

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Huang Pin Yuan’s wife to receive S$4.2 million alimony?

Huang Pin Yuan’s marriage with wife, Mi Er, has come to an end after 17 years together, and the couple will share custody of their two children, a 16-year-old son and an 11-year-old daughter. Rumour has it that the veteran singer has decided to leave TW$9,900 000 (an approximate of S$4.2 million) worth of property assets for his ex-wife as alimony.

In view of the veteran singer’s infidelity rumours last year, members of the public cast doubt over Pin Yuan’s reason behind their split i.e., a communication breakdown, and their separation remain a highly debatable topic.
Yesterday afternoon, reporters managed to catch up with Pin Yuan for some answers to his divorce. In response, the 45-year-old singer replied bluntly, “I can’t help it if you don’t accept my side of the story. Thank you all for your concern.”
Following his explanation, Pin Yuan’s manager dismissed all claims about a third party’s involvement in the couple’s marriage and requested for the media to give the singer some time and space to deal with family matters.
His manager added, “Pin Yuan has been very busy with his music after the separation.”

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Wax figure of Rihanna displayed

A wax figure of singer Rihanna is unveiled at New York City's Sacred Tattoo NYC shop July 11, 2013. The full size wax figure of the international pop star will take up permanent residence at Madame Tussauds New York in Times Square

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Veteran pop star Coco Lee back in the spotlight

Coco Lee walks into the room, but her laugh is heard before she comes into view.
The pop star is still buzzing from the day before, which saw her release her new album Illuminate in Beijing after a four-year hiatus.
In a bright pink one-piece pants suit and high heels, the 38-year-old singer is full of energy. She jokes around in front of the camera, posing like an experienced party queen. "The right side of my face looks better," she says, giggling while flashing a big smile.
She is the first and only Chinese-American singer to perform at the Oscars and has been a hit in Asia since 1993, with her unique mix of R&B and hip-hop.
Compared with other female pop singers of her generation, who are best known for gentle love ballads, the Hong Kong-born American singer broke with convention.
She dyes her hair either bright red or blonde and had provocative dance moves.
Part of the excitement surrounding her new album is the fact it is her first release since marrying Canadian businessman Bruce Rockowitz in 2011. Her new songs revel in her new marital status.
Lee's father died before she was born. As the youngest of three daughters, Lee thought she would spend her life looking after her mother.
"Before walking into the hotel, I started crying because I never expected I would get married one day," Lee says about her wedding in Hong Kong.
Her wedding song, I Just Wanna Marry You, has been included in her new genre-defying album.
Besides her trademark dance-electronic music, Illuminate sees Lee dabble in rock 'n' roll and reggae for the first time.
"I always liked rhythmic songs and I listened to Stevie Wonder and Mariah Carey songs," says Lee. "I would imitate their way of singing when I was a kid."
As the title of the album suggests, Lee is enjoying her best time as a singer and a woman. She has put aside complicated vocal techniques and takes a straightforward approach to singing.
Before releasing the new album, Lee was in the limelight as a judge on mainland reality show, Chinese Idol. She says the experience reminded of her of her own days competing in singing contests in the early '90s.
Lee was raised in San Francisco and dreamed of becoming a doctor. After high school she returned to Hong Kong, the city of her birth, for a vacation and entered a singing contest. She won first prize in the contest by singing Whitney Houston's Run to You, and her pop career was launched.
"I would sit there for a whole day, wearing heavy makeup and waiting for my name to be called," she recalls. "But when I performed onstage, I never felt tired and I knew I belonged there."
With nearly 30 albums released in Mandarin, Cantonese and English, Lee was also the first Chinese-American singer to break into the US market.
Her debut English album, Just No Other Way, in 1999 was a hit in the US, and the song Before I Fall In Love was included in the movie soundtrack Runaway Bride. That year, she also performed in Michael Jackson's charity concert Michael Jackson and Friends.
"When I first went to promote my albums in the US, the DJs were not interested at all. They didn't believe a singer from China could sing R&B, so I just sang right away without any accompaniment," Lee says. "Their faces would be frozen for a second, and then they clapped while smiling at me. I knew I'd made it."
Her career highlight was in 2001, when she performed at the Oscars. She says she was just like a fan seeing the big stars on the red carpet, such as Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts.
"But as the curtain went up, I was totally in the zone," she says. "It was like when I performed at the singing contest in 1993. I saw the stage as my own place."
Despite tackling many different jobs in showbiz, such as acting, TV hosting and writing columns for magazines, Lee concedes she feels most at home when singing and performing onstage.
"That's when I feel myself and am myself," she says.

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Elegant Zhang Ziyi attends grand ball

On July, 4, 2013, La Comedie-Francaise welcomed its significant moment in the history.Le Grand Bal De La Comedie Francaise was held for the fourth time. Zhang Ziyi, as one of the most distinguished guest of Le Grand Bal, was warmly welcomed by French celebrities, and also became apart of this important history

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Actress Amanda Bynes' bong-throwing case put off until September

American actress Amanda Bynes, wearing a long blue wig and sweat pants, appeared briefly in court on Tuesday on charges of marijuana possession and throwing a bong out a window and a judge postponed her case until September.
Bynes, 27, made no comment during the hearing but has previously denied the charges of possession, reckless endangerment and attempted tampering with evidence.
All the charges against Bynes, who has made headlines in recent months for erratic behavior, odd posts on Twitter and legal problems, are misdemeanors.
In addition to setting a September 26 court date, Judge Diana Boyar set an August 26 deadline for filing motions to dismiss the charges.
Bynes, who wore a tank top, big sunglasses and false eyelashes in addition to the wig and sweat pants, was rushed out of the courthouse after her appearance.
"All we told her (the judge) was that there was no resolution yet and she gave us a new date," said Ross Kramer, one of Bynes' lawyers.
Kramer said Bynes' team would continue to work with the prosecutors to see if they can reach a resolution to the case.
Bynes was taken into custody in May after police were called to her high-rise apartment building after an employee reported someone smoking marijuana in the building's lobby.
Police said they were directed to Bynes' apartment and smelled marijuana after the actress invited them in. They also saw a bong, which is used for smoking marijuana.
Bynes was taken into custody after she grabbed the bong and threw it out of a window of the 36th-floor apartment, police said.
During a court appearance in May, Bynes' attorney accused police of entering the apartment illegally and said nothing was recovered during the search.
Bynes gained early stardom at the age of 13 when she had her own comedy show on the Nickelodeon television network. She also had a major role in the movie "What a Girl Wants" but has not appeared in a film since 2010 in "Easy A."
Bynes has faced violations for drunk driving and hit and run in the past year and is on probation in California for driving on a suspended license.

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