What if I told you that you could shop AND have an impact on a child's life? Double jackpot right!?!? That's the mindset that gave birth to Nigerian owned, TS4A- a clothing line dedicated to improving the livelihood and future of children in Africa.
Inspired by the importance of social responsibility while on a trip to Brazil, TS4A founder, Azuka Omesiete found a way to blend his entrepreneurial spirit with his vision for the future generations of Africa;
"TS4A targets the younger crowd. It's a great way to get these kids to be socially responsible- they're giving back on a daily basis".
Launched in October at The Nigerian Independence Day Parade in NYC, TS4A looks forward to bringing more "apparel with a conscience" while raising awareness to help alleviate the problems faced in Africa.
Azuka reminds us that TS4A is not a non-profit organization;
"we're just entrepreneurs trying to do the little we can, with the little we have."
Well they are surely doing a lot! Proceeds from the sales made at the Parade earlier this month benefited children at the Charity Home in Apapa, Lagos :)
Cool concept eh? Well "Keep calm and set P" -
Let's GO --> www.ts4africa.com order your T's today :)
TS4A will be hosting a Thanksgiving Food Drive this year; contact lvb@ts4africa.com for more details.
After receiving about 10 broadcasts this evening, I finally decided to open one and read it...
Just 3 months after the fatal crash that tore through the lives of many Nigerians, claiming 153 lives, the Federal suspension assigned to DANA Airlines has been lifted. Known as Black Sunday in Nigeria, the stories associated with this tragedy are heartbreaking. As the nation continues to mourn, many are surprised to see that after a small slap on the wrist, business with DANA airlines is expected to resume as usual.
Lacking the support from the Federal government, families of the victims are taking matters into their own hands and asking everyone to join the boycott of DANA airlines. Although this will not bring their families back, the hopes are that by standing up for the rights of their loved ones, they can help to save the lives of many in the future.
Thank you Obi Ajuonuma for providing us with a platform to come together, so that our voices may be heard. Our condolences continue to go out to your family and the many families affected by this.
As EME continues their Wizkid Summer Tour, recent concert cancellations have resulted in an uproar specifically on the West Coast. Allegations have been brought against the EME camp as ticket buyers speculate the true intentions of EME and the California promoters (Royal Entertainment). Not knowing who to blame, things officially hit the fan as a leaked DM reached the twittersphere claiming that Banky W allegedly had no intention of ever performing in California, blind sighting everyone (including the promoters). EME and Royal Entertainment have discussed the issue and will move forward positively.
UPDATE- EME reports the tour stop in California was cancelled due to Wizkid's current health status. We pray for a speedy recovery of this young performer!
Royal Entertainment CEO Eche Enziga (@Echecrates) has released this statement:
"Royal Entertainment would like to take this time to apologize for the unfortunate events surrounding the EME tour scheduled for California this weekend. We are saddened by the lack of integrity and respect with regards to this event and we have taken the necessary measures to ensure that our loyal clients and supporters will not be taken advantage of again. We thank the people of California for their support and patience during this time. This experience has taught us lessons that we will continue to apply as we move forward to bring classy events to the California region."
Sunkanmi Kehinde, better known as Sukiyaki is Nigeria’s newest musical playboy to hit the international industry scene. This UK born performer has gained recognition across the pond for his eclectic skills as a song writer, singer and dancer. Currently based in Boston, Massachusetts Sukiyaki is an undergraduate student attaining a degree in Music Production.
He began his music career within the walls of Church in Nigeria where he was a member of the Church Choir and was able to strengthen his vocals. By the age of 15 Sukiyaki received recognition for strength in writing, free-styling at any given opportunity on and off campus. His hit song, "She Wanna" has helped pave the way for his introduction into the music industry in addition to being featured on Duncan Daniels track, "Wine am' low".
His current musical style can be described as afro-dancehall as he applies his energetic and youthful soul into these fast-paced hits. Sukiyaki credits artists such as Michael Jackson, Jay-Z and Sisquo for the development of such an eclectic music style.
Signed under the management of Lexx is Talking Entertainment, Sukiyaki will continue to work with famed music producers to catapult his entertainment career internationally.
For booking, contact; lexxistalking@gmail.com
For information on upcoming shows, appearances and new releases follow the team on twitter:
One of our favorite FAB artists Sauce Kid just took to his twitter page to announce that he is changing his name! Yes, Mr. Oluwasaucekibaba himself is dropping the Sauce, and he is clearly not a kid anymore.
After coining the term 'Sinzu', the Naija based, LA raised, London chillen artist tells FAB that from now on he'll be known as Sinzu... @SinzuSMG. Stating,
"It fits a rebrand which is much needed The Sauce Kid era has come and gone. Sinzu is here now. Sinzu Music Group. It's a new image to blend in (the) USA and UK."
FAB wishes Sinzu continued luck in his musical career, and we look forward to what new music this growth shall reap ;-)
One of my favorite memories of last Summer would have to be the Chicago Skyline and the Water Tower! I always have such an amazing time in such a beautiful city, not to mention the talented MidWestern friends I have out there!
Toks Akisanya of ToksVision just shot an amazing promo video July 4th weekend to promote their website. It looks like everyone had a great time during this 8 hour shoot and I love how dapper my brothers are looking!
This post comes to my FAB dolls in response to a great deal of attention both culturally and nationally on the highs and lows of being a 21st century working woman! Being of African decent, the importance of education, independence and success has always been stressed. However, as some of us enter our career fields we begin to realize the challenges of balancing our careers with 'everything else'.
A coworker recently told me; "It's interesting, because women today have grown up to be just like their mothers AND just like their fathers"
With the challenging economic times, many people are not only relying upon their 9-5 to make ends meet but are often taking the entrepeneural route to invest in or start up their own businesses- aka you now have a second job from 5pm-2am; you are now working weekends; and thanks to technology you are now working at the dinner table, in the bed and on vacation! Many of us have come to accept that; "There's no such thing as a work-life balance, there's work and there's life, there's no balance" (Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook)
But, can we make it work? In response to this article based on a discussion with Alexa Von Tobel (CEO of personal finance company LearnVEST) I decided to make a few simple rules to help me find a balance and would like to share them with my FAB dolls who proudly rock their heels with pant suits!
1. Create a 5 year plan! Make one that is not only career driven but also takes into consideration your personal life. I created a vision board as well to keep me motivated along the way
...This isn't my board, but you get the idea!
2. Find a hobby! Whether it's running, writing, reading or volunteering- find an activity that can keep you grounded and forces you to step away from the 'work' (try to avoid hobbies that are harmful to your health such as drinking or the consumption of copious amounts chocolate!) My mother and I signed up for kickboxing with @TigerSchulmanns at the beginning of the year, it's a great opportunity to bond, relieve stress and get in a great workout!
3. Make a schedule! Just as corporate America functions on the '9-5' concept (even though most of us end up working 8-6) Select a consistent time frame to take care of your investments and additional business ventures, and make sure you close up shop! (switch off the Blackberry) Select a time frame such as dinner time or a day over the weekend to spend time with your family and friends. At that time they should be all that you're thinking about (iPhones are allowed, for instagramming purposes only). It's all about time management and balance! My girls and I take an annual girls trip once a year, we love going abroad especially because none of our phones are on!
4. Live within your means! Half of our stress tends to be financial, and although retail therapy is a great stress reliever, make sure you stay within your budget. Mix and match a few items in your closet instead of buying a new outfit every time you go to a party, accessorize differently, buy transitional outfits that can be worn in any season, AND avoid posting EVERY outfit you wear on Facebook (you can wear it again as long as noone's seen it). But, the main point here is BUDGET! Sit with a financial advisor and create your financial goals, a savings plan and a loans/credit card repayment plan! If you have a significant other, make sure he's on board with your financial plan as well!
5. Take a spiritual journey! I think that we are often moving so fast through life, that we tend to forget to look within and humble ourselves. Whether it's through prayer, meditation or simply taking a moment to appreciate your blessings...Take it all in...Eat, Love & Pray! We learn so much about ourselves when we look internally.
....Not like this.
More like this ....
...Or this...
6. Be present in the moment! If you say you are going to be somewhere, BE THERE! You have to set the boundaries in your life otherwise you will wear yourself out before you can even reap the benefits of your hard work.
Let's try not to be too much like Diane in Tylers Perry's "Why Did I get Married?"
...Clearly I'm still working on this one.
I would never tell my FAB dolls to slow down, because frankly the world is not going to slow down for us. You have to take the time however to draw your own picture as to how you would like your life to look and only you can create the plan to get yourself there. "I think where balance comes from is actually liking your job, because then work blends with play, and play blends with work, and it makes it a lot easier. I feel like I have a life because I really like my job."-Alexa Von Tobel
FAB dolls continue to aim high and base your vision on how you want to live & not on what you've learnt to live with!
Anyone who knew me between the age of 3 - 13 would know that I was obsessed with 2 things; my dancing and my barbies (yes I'm aware that 13 was a lil old to be playing with Barbie). The ultimate girly girl, I remember when my cousin gave my Barbie the Rihanna bob 10 years before its time- and had the guts to tell me the hair would grow back #MajorShade. Anywho, with females like Nikki Minaj and the Bonquiqui's of our world claiming to be 'Barbies' I was excited today when I finally saw Barbie in a new light, a classy, cultural light that is 100% FAB.
Special thanks to UK based photographer Obi, who decided to show case his work with 'Black Barbie & Ken's Nigerian Traditional Wedding'. The pictures are all available on his website. But I must say, not only are these pictures flawlessly amazing, they are quite accurate at depicting the true beauty and essence of a Nigerian wedding.
Thank you once again Barbie for setting the bar high for fabulous weddings! And to the original Ken, I'm still waiting for that call...it's been 12 years already!
My sincerest condolences to all those who lost someone in the tragic Dana Airplane crash. I don't think anyone can sit here (especially after viewing this tribute) and not feel the pain of loss for our grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters and children
In a world filled with chaos; few will truly know peace.
In a world filled with anger; few will truly feel love.
In a world filled with riches; few will truly experience wealth.
And in a world of injustice; few will truly live life.
May the light of those we have lost, continue to shine bright, leading the path to the positive change needed in our homeland
DBANJ on The Rise - Still The Kokomaster - G.O.O.D Music
Yes indeed, hard work continues to pay. Man Entertainment is very pleased to announce DBANJ LIVE on Monday 27th of August 2012 - HMV Apollo London. Dbanj is joined by Davido and the HKN gang.
Davido the self confessed Omo Baba Olowo can no longer be referred to as up and coming. He has fully blown even without having dropped an album yet. With hits such as Back When, Dami Duro and the latest video drop - Ekuro, Davido is proving that 2012 is a fantastic year. The young MTN ambassador is due to drop his first album in July 2012.
D’banj is currently in the UK still promoting his Oliver E, The Oliver EP ended up at #9 on the ITunes Top Singles downloaded charts its first week! He has been working very hard, with so much in the pipeline. This summer has big things poppin. Dbanj will be starring in Kanye West’s new movie - Cruel Summer, so watch this space for our very own Kokomaster.
Least we forget, Kanye dropped by last year, at the Koko concert LIVE in HMV Apollo; will it be more of the same? Will the other Good music acts be supporting their label mate? (John
Legend, Big Sean, Kid Cudi to name a few.....Whatever the case, it’ll be a show not to be missed. Lebeteeeeeeeeeeee!
Watch Dbanj thrill student as at School in Plumstead - London
::And in related Video FAB News::
Davido's brand new video Ekuro:
Dbanj Live is hosted by Dj Abrantee, and supported by May7ven. Tickets available at various ticket outlets, or on www.ticketmaster.co.uk – 07714723230 For more info, please visit: www.dbanjofficial.com
Hope you all had a fabulous Easter weekend! (Don't be ashamed to admit that you went Easter egg hunting; I know I did!)The amount of cookies, chocolate eggs and candy I consumed should be a sin...but I digress. The reason I am so excited today and currently jamming to Fela Kuti on Pandora is because Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 were live in NY!!!!!
Yesterday evening after all the Easter festivities, I ended up in the Big Apple with some of my FAB dolls to see Seun Kuti in concert at the Highland Ballroom! Hands down one of my favorite concerts to date!
"If you can enjoy this music, then it means we are the same" -Seun Kuti, 4.8.12
The band was amazing, the opening act was so good he had me wondering if he was in any way related to the Kuti-Klan! And of course Mr. Seun Kuti himself brought down the full house with his amazing dancers (special shout out to FAB doll Yetunde) and the engaging Egypt 80 band! I don't think I've danced that much in a while, definitely danced my shoes off (literally).
"Same shit, in varying degrees but same shit; look into humanity and the struggle is the same" -Seun Kuti, 4.8.12
It was such a fun way to wrap up the holiday weekend, and definitely had me wondering how my grandmother and her crew tore it up at Fela Kuti concerts back in the day (my grandma can Azonto better than any of you, yesso!) ;-)
"Man has no right to tell nature what to do" -Seun Kuti, 4.8.12
Amidst all of the negative and racially charged incidences of today, it is great to see a shimmer of gold. This golden shimmer is brought to us today in the form of college acceptance letters received by the very proud dapper fellas of Urban Prep Academy!
With 100% of the 2012 graduating class of Urban Prep Academy being accepted into 4 year Universities, they remain committed to their responsibility to themselves, their community and this world. Founded in 2006, Urban Prep Academy is based in Westside, Chicago (yes, the neighborhood is as rough as it sounds)and has clearly set the standards high for college admittance rates.
This is their 3rd consecutive year of having such positive outcomes! Motivated and empowered to contribute to this society, they have successfully climbed a mountain, that only approximately 37% of African American men are able to accomplish. It will be exciting to see how this up & coming generation of brilliant thinkers continues to challenge the status quo in achieving THEIR American Dream!
FAB congratulates the Urban Prep Academy classes of 2010, 2011 and 2012! These young gentleman are an excellent reminder of how much can be achieved when we set our minds to our goals as opposed to our boundaries! If they aren't the definition of F.A.B; then I'm not really sure what is!
In honor of International Women's Day I'm introducing you to one of my favorite dolls, Moiyattu Banya. As someone I have looked up to for almost 8 years now, I am constantly amazed by her achievements, her passion and most of all her vision to empower African women. As the founder and CEO of Mbanya Global Enterprise, Moiyattu is a phenomenal public speaker, leveraging organizations in Africa while touching the lives of all those she meets with her powerful story from her beautiful childhood in Sierra Leone to the personal struggles her family encountered during a time of political turmoil.
On the heels of an inspirational homily by Monsignor Greg, I downloaded Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Leymah Gbowee's book; Mighty Be Our Powers to my nook. This novel took me on a journey that no history book (and I love history) could surpass. In addition to this, it helped me connect to Moiyattu's story, so it was great to share this reading experience with her.
Moiyattu recently told me about her opportunity to interview Leymah Gbowee, and I am excited to bring her coverage of this interview to my FAB readers today!
Happy International Women's Day FAB Dolls!
5 Things Every African Woman Must Know: A Conversation with Leymah Gbowee, by Moiyattu Banya
“For women everywhere in the world, if you are looking for a King, Gandhi or Mandela to solve your problems, you have missed the mark we are responsible for changing our own situations” Leymah Gbowee, 2-28-2012
Question: How would you say your childhood shaped who you are today?
Activism 1:
“At a very young age I learned that you should never back down from any issue in your life”
From Occupy "W"ALL STREET"S" to Occupy Nigeria; if you watched CNN, BBC or even opened your eyes at all in 2011 you would be aware of the mass action protests that have been ongoing globally due to existent socioeconomic inequities in Nation's (developed and developing) where the poverty level continues to rise, engulfing the middle class and creating increased disparities between the have's and the have not's.
While many were still recovering from New Year's festivities, Nigerian civilians were in uproar early this week as news spread that gas prices will be subjected to a 120% increase! Although this will not be the first time Nigerians are protesting the decisions made by the government, #OccupyNigeria has already gained international attention as hope spreads for a peaceful, just and economically sound resolution.
For additional information on Occupy Nigeria visit;
Happy New Year to all of my wonderful FAB readers; new and old! It feels great to be able to continue bringing FABulous news your way! For those of you who are already following me on twitter (@SiSiAbebi) you would know that once in a while I'm guilty of passing up a night out with my FAB dolls so that I can curl up on my couch and watch a good old Nollywood flick......or 2 LOL! It's great to see how far Nollywood has come in the last few years, and I love the comedic dramas!
Ooooh it's the LIGHTS, you blinded by the ACTION, you need that NOLLYWOOD!!!!!!
Well this afternoon after recovering from New Year's festivities, I decided to dig in to another juicy Nollywood film and stumbled upon a new website IROKOtv.com!!! Now, Dolls & Gents, if you love African movies as much as I do, please check them out! They're offering free movies up until June 2012, AND you don't even need to register for an account; simply log on via facebook or twitter!!!
So to my Ini Edo, Jim Iyke, Tonto Dikeh, Van Vicker, Omotola, Osuofia, Mama G, Genevieve and more fans; let me know which movies are your favorite so far! Would love to check them out!!!
Time to go grab some popcorn and soda while I enjoy a relaxing first day of the year! (I'll return to my New Years Resolution of healthy eating in a few hours) Don't you just love days like this!?!?!
