Nigeria at 66! The world famous and renowned largest black nation on the planet does not hold back when it comes to celebration of any kind. Well known for elaborate week long wedding feasts, glitzy Nollywood dramas with stately homes and a strong export of high achieving intellectuals in various fields. On behalf of Nigerians in diaspora, the Organization for the Advancement of Nigeria (OAN) make it a priority annually to honor its own by recognizing those who uplift the nation favorably and positively.

The Independence day is on Oct 1, however festivities commenced a day before the scheduled Oct 3 parade, with a sumptuous feast at the iconic glistening tower, the Nigerian Embassy, popularly known as the Nigeria House in New York City. The auspicious occasion of Independence Day celebration also lent itself to a great opportunity to honor and award descendants of the nation achieving the almost impossible in various fields from health, arts, technology, et.al. This year’s esteemed honorees were world renowned artist Shantell Martin, Cardiologist Dr. Oluyemi Badero, Queen Mother Delois Blakely, Afrobeat star Patoranking, and Gbenga Ogunjimi

On parade day, the joy, the excitement… You had to have been there to get a taste of the contagious, exhilarating flavor of happiness, in true Nigerian style. No amount of vocabulary articulation could describe it enough. Denizens in diaspora descended on 2nd Avenue in NYC, with high profile dignitaries such as United Nations deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed, Ambassador Abubakar Jidda, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim and Khalifah Sheikh Ibrahim Tahir Bauchi who came from Nigeria to help lead the way, all roared with thunderous jubilation and sheer pride down the Avenue. That very same energy cost the parade the permit to march down Madison Avenue, a much wider and longer route utilized a year prior, the same route used by just about every other ethnicity in diaspora celebrating their proud heritage in America. Apparently, an American board member of the city’s governing body who issues public event permits had a problem with the “noise” passing through her city block, which ultimately lead to the cancellation of the Madison Avenue route permit this year. The organizers of the parade, OAN, were asked to revert back to their former location on 2nd Avenue, which just reopened after years of renovation. The parade permit was granted for 10 street blocks long and half of the width of 2nd Avenue. Cars were permitted to use the other half while marchers walked along other, essentially side by side. Bicyclist could be seen riding through the parade route, nonetheless.

Few months earlier, OAN made a pitch for the Empire State Building to be lit in the nation’s colors of green and white, much like India did in celebration of their independence. Nigeria was swiftly denied the same privilege. 

As the only African nation in the US with a full scale parade, annually, Nigeria pulls out all the big wigs in their well documented intellectual cabinets to ensure the parade is felt from NYC to California coastline and beyond, no matter the barriers put up against them. Several tribes and professional enclaves, clubs, communities in diaspora from far and wide, gather their members, travel to the big apple to partake in the now highly coveted slots on the parade route. 

Nigeria, a region of over 250 tribes watered down to 3 main branches of Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba showed up and showed out in various distinctive attires attributed to their tribes, adding vibrant hues of colors to the landscape, collectively bringing the occasion to live and to the forefront of the world’s biggest stage. Foreign nationals from the Caribbean community came in full support dressed in their national attires and marched in the parade. 

Despite several set backs the organization faced with this year”s festivities, they worked tirelessly to ensure not a drop of “rain” dampened the parade, the most “holy” of days for Nigerians in diaspora, by pulling off one of the most successful parade festivities to mark the 66th anniversary of the nation’s escape from the clutches of colonial bondage. To an outsider looking in, the festivity was flawless, attendance was bursting at the seams, packed like they’ve never seen it before, many claiming their Nigerian heritage with pride, clad in vibrant green and white attires. Little did they know the affair had a couple of glitches that almost disrupted the entire production, that would have resulted in a cancellation altogether. As if the permit debacle wasn’t enough, on D-day, just minutes before the surprise guest of honor arrived, none other than Mayor Mamdani of NYC, the electricity at the parade finale location, the Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza, which had a grand stage for entertainment and dignitaries to address the crowd, failed to comply! Organizers found themselves scrambling to resolve the situation. After months of romancing the stone to get the Mayor to attend, on the heels of his non appearance at last year’s parade, this was a buzz kill! Mamdani soon showed up to a grand and deafening applause, armed with a blowhorn in hand to address the crowd. The enthusiasm of the eager crowd was so overwhelmingly visible that the pending issue of the electricity failure was hardly noticeable! The guests were overjoyed to see him standing there on the stage dropping bits of pidgin English and acknowledging the musical artists line up. Mayor Mamdani is a man who is no stranger to the music scene having had chart topping hits himself long before he took to politics to become the Mayor we know today.

Nigerian afrobeat stars Patoranking , Runtown and Bnxn (formerly Buju) blessed the affair by lighting up the event stage belting out their hit songs to a plaza full of screaming fans who sang along.

The head honcho, Chairman of OAN, Attorney Olayinka Dansalami received a very surprised and humbling award on stage during the festivities in honor of his almost 40 long years of selfless dedication to the cause of uplifting the nation in disapora.

From afrobeats, healthcare, technology, academics to commerce and everything else in between, Nigerians are well known to have been setting the pace for decades no matter where on earth they find themselves. Be it a janitor or a physician they will make sure they own the establishment or are prominently positioned at the top of the chain in command.

A few non Nigerian spectators felt the need to project vocally their single digit percentage dna claim of being a Nigerian! The euphoria from the festivities was contagious, to say the least!

Having a presence via the parade in the big apple, the world stage is of profound cultural and historical significance. 

The Rollercoaster of near mishaps that almost derailed the D day further emphasized the tenacity and resilience of Nigerians, firmly believing and living their life motto of “Naija no dey carry last!” Where there’s a way, there’s always a will!

The esteemed guests and crowd were oblivious to such nuances. They were seen having superb uninterrupted fun, making connections and long lasting memories.

As the saying goes in Nigeria, “the devil is a liar!” 

Now that the bar is set, we look forward to what next year brings.

Click here to watch the event’s video posted on instagram

Amb. Abubakar Jidda, Amb. Jimoh Ibrahim, NYC Mayor Mamdani and OAN Chairman Olayinka Dansalami

Khalifah Sheikh Ibrahim Tahir Bauchi, Amb. Jimoh Ibrahim and UN Deputy Secretary Gen. Amina Mohammed

Award honoree Gbenga Ogunjimi

Award honoree Artist Shantell Martin

Award honoree Queen Mother Delois Blakely

Amb. Abubakar Jidda and his wife Elizabeth with honoree Cardiologist Dr Cardiologist Dr. Oluyemi Badero

Cardiologist Dr. Oluyemi Badero

UN Deputy Sec. General Amina Mohammed and Khalifah Sheikh Ibrahim Tahir Bauchi

OAN Pres. Tomeio Arowosegbe

Afrobeat Artist Patoranking during a live performance

Patoranking

Runtown

Amb. Abubakar Jidda and his wife Elizabeth with artist Patoranking

Amb. Jimoh Ibrahim and Queen mother Delois Blakely

Det Ibrahim Ahmed

Chairman Olayinka Dansalami shortly after receiving his surprise award on stage

Rap artist Scar the Star

At my favorite spot at the Nigerian Embassy on Award dinner night

I finally had the courage to stomach seeing the looted, highly controversial, highly coveted centuries old artifacts of the Great Kingdom of Benin in present day Nigeria, the Benin Bronze. The very same referenced by Michael B Jordan’s character in the museum scene from the blockbuster Black Panther movie. This was a very hard one for me because of my paternal grandfather’s connection to the looted objects. He was a Prince, a direct descendant of the King whose palace was raided in 1897 by the British military. All these years of traveling in and out of the UK, I’ve never had the courage to set my own eyes upon the royal treasures of my ancestors. Having my daughter in tow did it for me. I felt it as a duty to pass on the oral knowledge & history to the next generation. She might not fully understand the significance yet, but in time, she’ll fully understand the importance of this excursion. I tried hard to hold back tears upon seeing the royal bronze head busts, the bronze plagues, et.al. My emotions ran wild! 😪

I ventured to other parts of the museum to take in other notable controversial artifacts from around the world, such as the Rosetta stone from Egypt, the marble sculptures from Greece, and others from Easter Island, et.al. it’s safe to say the British Museum of a colossal monument housing several looted artifacts, proudly on display for the world to see. Some would counter argue that they’re being kept there to be safe and admired by generations to come. Who could forget the destruction by Talibans/Isis (can’t remember which) of centuries old sculptures in Iraq and Afghanistan not too long ago. Alas! It’s a bitter sweet struggle. I digress. 🙏🏼🙌🏼

Click here to see the video posted on instagram.

Can I get a round of applause please! The celebration of CaringKind Forget-Me-Not gala’s 30th anniversary earlier this week was nothing short of extravaganza, pomp and circumstance! The week long festivities commenced with carefully hand picked committee members and devout supporters of the organization to co-host shopping frenzies, which essentially took over the shopping strip on Madison Avenue. A portion of the proceeds benefited the charity’s mission of assisting caregivers of family members living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. I proudly served as one of the co-hosts and one of the 100 Women of Impact! My dear friend Esther Blair Schiffman and I were assigned to the swanky boutique of Ramy Brook to close out the week long shopping events. Other store participants included Alice and Olivia, Varley, Veronica Beard, et.al. I’m ever so grateful to all the friends who showed and financially supported the cause!

The big gala night took place the next day at the iconic Cipriani where honorees included actress Jane Seymour and long time supporter Tim Walsh from the firm KPMG. Actor David Hyde Pierce once again did the honors of assuming his long standing role as the Master of Ceremony. He literally had a room full of esteemed guests in a chokehold with tear jerk speech that left every pair of eyes wet with his profound heart tugging speech. Jane Seymour’s speech didn’t spare us either. You’d have to be built out of stone not to have been moved by the messages delivered that evening.

The fundraising part of the evening could have rivaled a stock trading battle at the New York Stock Exchange. I thought I could steal the exquisite resort in Roundhill, Jamaica by swiftly raising my paddle twice. I was quickly humbled when the bidding war sent it to the stratosphere! Another in Umbria, Italy had me tuck my paddle sadly between my knees with grinding teeth. The highly anticipated afterparty soon followed… or so we thought. The ongoing NBA finals hoping to nab the NY Knicks a golden moment against the Spurs turned the already congested New York traffic onto its head, especially with the President in town as one of the spectators. The gridlock not only hindered party revelers from easy access to the venue, the guests already in house were enamored with the venue’s jumbo TV screens watching the game! The match literally stole the after party’s momentum. The band was basically left entertaining themselves, as you can see from the reel posted on instagram. The after party would have been the first ever of its kind for the organization, which enlisted myself, and 5 others to co-host the fête. One of which included Montgomery Frazier whose recently deceased better half Ben was honored by the said afterparty. Overall, the week long festivities raised almost $3 million. CaringKind is no doubt one of my favorite charitable organization to support. They do throw one of the meanest party in town during gala season. I’m always happy to heed their call to duty in support of their great cause. Judging by the end of the reel posted on instagram, it’s safe to say I helped close the dance floor with the gorgeous band leader Onye belting out my name out loud through the speakers. I’m happy to report that my fellow co-host and dear friend of mine, the one and only couturier Malan Breton designed and styled my look for the ocassion in a light as feather floor length multilayered, detailed bodice chiffon ball gown with cute satin bow accents. And in true Cinderella form, I dipped out before the carriage turned into uber by midnight! It was indeed a night to remember! Until next time, cheers!

Click here to see the video from the event posted on instagram.

CaringKind President Eleonora Tornatore and honorees Tim Walsh

Montgomery Frazier

Fern Mallis

Jane Seymour

David Hyde Pierce

Gemma Kahng

Malan Breton and Angel Pai

At the Ramy Brook shopping event with Lisa Zari and my co-host Esther Blair Schiffman

No words can describe how much the African Union pulled all the stops to host probably the swankiest feast for the auspicious Africa Day in the big apple. The week long celebration commenced with a flag raising ceremony at Bowling Green, downtown Manhattan, an occasion spearheaded by the incomparable Mr. Len Ejiogu. This event, which will conclude tonight at the African Center in Harlem, would mark the city’s first Muslim Mayor’s Africa Day, being a Ugandan-Indian-American… this celebration is quite significant. Despite Mayor Mamdani’s absence, although he did send a representative, the guests lists rivaled the who’s who of United Nations’ African dignitaries. Just about every African nation’s Ambassadors and esteemed dignitaries were in attendance, all proudly decked out in various fine African attires. The honorable UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed blessed the auspicious occasion with her presence and gave a profound speech that resonated with guests with admiration and tremendous respect. She joined the African Union’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations Ambassador Mohammed Fathi Edrees in cutting the celebratory cake, shortly after, guests dined on a bounty of delicious sumptuous meals from various parts of Africa. The feast looked more like an African Thanksgiving, food was in abundance. I myself greedily navigated two full plates piled high of various vegetarian dishes. Not one person went home on empty stomach. For one night, we forgot about our borders, lines drawn by colonizers, dividing tribes and traditions. As a proud Nigerian myself, I forgot about my own origin and simply morphed with my fellow Africans from all religions, traditions and mindset. It felt like one big family coming together to celebrate diversity, perseverance, tenacity, comradery, and aspirations.

Considering the current political climate we’re experiencing worldwide, this couldn’t have come at a better time. An era we can all appreciate and celebrate our unique cultures and traditions. A time to remind each other not to be divided mentally by lines drawn in the sand. A gentle reminder that a single match stick is easy to break than a bunch of match sticks, every day should feel like Africa Day. I’m so grateful for my community! Thank you Len Ejiogu and all the African Council and African Union team for all that you do!

Click here to watch the event video posted on instagram.

Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival revelers were robbed of the St. Patrick’s Cathedral iconic grand entrance steps this year, thanks to heightened security due to the political unrest casting a blanket all over the world at the moment. Not only was it missing the legendary elaborate floral arrangements at the imposing double doors where content driven influencers and multi generation families gather for pictures and videos, it was barricaded to prevent even a fly from getting near the steps, much less the door! Alas! If there’s one thing New Yorkers know how to do, it’s making the best out of a downer. Not even rain could keep us away from this parade!

Denizens from every sect of religion take part in this decades long tradition. The usual run of the mill with a few new faces showed up and showed out, dressed in their floral and work of art fineries. Some of which took hours, days and months in the making! They certainly weren’t going to let a few rain drops and forbidden church steps ruin their hard work.

As the saying goes, the show must go on, and that it did, one flower petal on bonnets at a time! We had a fantastic and memorable moments celebrating the end of the Holy Week and officially ushering in spring colors and vibes!

Click here to watch the video posted on instagram.

The barricaded main entrance. 😪😭

What better way to recap and reshare my lived experience of having the honor of participating in the innaugural Mothers to Daughters charitable runway show with my mini me daughter? Of course, it’s now a great way to celebrate Women’s History month! The runway show essentially kicked off the New York Fashion Week last month with a bevy of mother and daughter pairing to strut the runway in sponsored designers creations for the great cause. My daughter was in her element having done this before for yet another charity show not too long ago. I was assigned to wear one of the trademark knit dress designs by Kibonen, a Cameroonian brand with sustainable practice making strong waves around the world with her innovative bold graphics knits inspired by her strong connection to her Cameroonian heritage. My dress was of the Nduop fabric from the Bamileke royalty of Cameroon, appropriately named the “The Mafo Dress”.

The ocassion, under the auspices of its founder Francine Mbvoumbo (who also wore the same outfit by Kibonen before swapping for a Pierre Labiche design), supports Mothers to Daughters’ mission to advance women’s economic, intellectual, and social empowerment through intergenerational mentorship and access-building experiences. A great mentorship opportunity to bring closer the gap of connection, knowledge, and awareness between the individuals in need of it.

For visit Mothers to Daughters website to learn more about helping to further their cause.

Click here to watch the runway show and all the behind the scene fun! It felt like a family affair having so many strong beautiful women and daughters backstage preparing and celebrating such a beautiful cause. It certainly was a day to remember.

Mother to Daughter founder Francine Mbvoumbo

Celebrity stylist Ty-Ron Mayes

Artist King Paris and Francine

I don’t know who needs to hear this. When I say slipping into a Malan Breton creation brings out the alter ego in oneself, it’s an understatement. I had the honor and privilege of coming out of model retirement to walk in one of the biggest fashion show production by Malan Breton at New York Fashion Week, essentially trading my usual front row seat for the catwalk. Malan requested I bring in one of my hand fans and add some drama! I knew I had one job… to dramatically glide in my assigned breathtaking light as a feather couture ball gown, finished off with a Mimi Monroe fascinator, and deliver! The attire was fitted to perfection, literally like a glove! I felt like a French court lady getting ready to be presented to the Roi de France! What a remarkable feeling it was!

Suffice to say, Malan Breton and I agreed to be tight lipped about my participation in the show. Many of our friends in attendance were puzzled as to who was the dramatic new model on the scene. The surprise added to the fun and experience. The entire collection, in true Malan Breton classic sharp cuts, was cohesive, and dare I say, some of the men’s tailored suits in his trademark silhouettes can be worn by all sexes, essentially gender fluid. Perhaps I’m speaking for myself, because I want them all. What a splendid night to remember. I’m grateful to everyone who sent their videos and pictures to me, which enabled the reel posted on instagram to happen.

Thanks to Malan Breton for having me and for producing such a spectacular production that is second to none! Bravo Malan! 

 

Thanks to all of these lovely ladies for dressing me backstage. ❤️

The annual Art Party, a fundraiser soiree, hosted by the Whitney Museum of American Art had everyone and their grandmother on the institution’s premises decked out in their fineries, not even frigid temperatures below Alaskan freezing point could keep well heeled, seasoned and jaded New Yorkers at home. The newly crowned Generation Z, New York City’s First Lady, art aficionado Rama Duwaji, stealthly graced the coveted soirée with her presence, flanked by her best friends. Guests mingled and dined on passed hors d’oeuvres, top shelf libations while moving between floors taking in some of the Museum’s ongoing exhibitions. DJs Dare and Raúl de Nieves were on the turn table spinning hits that had everyone on their feet dancing. Esteemed co-chairs were Steven Beltrani, Micaela Erlanger, Martine Gutierrez, Alexander Hankin, Ego Nwodim, Emma Safir. The star studded affair, which included art collectors and patrons such as Martha Stewart were on hand to help usher the swanky fête. The dress code called for the loudest prints and most vibrant patterns to celebrate bold expression in art, style, and sound. It’s safe to say that most did just that while some choice to br more creative and unique. Revelers were gifted items by some of the sponsors, such as Aesop beauty, fragrance and skincare products.

Click here to watch the video of the event posted on instagram.

DJs Raúl de Nieves

Martha Stewart

DJ Dare

After enduring the long winding lines/queue at the Wholefoods supermarket to top up on my groceries in preparation for the incoming snow blizzard about to engulf the East Coast region, I stumbled upon a mass protest on Union Square in New York City. A location well known for hosting many a protest in American history. Tensions were high last night after the breaking news of Congress approving an increase in budget for ICE agency further their cause in the deportation of immigrants from the United States. New Yorkers from all works of life, ages (including babies), races and gender took to the streets to make their feelings known. The turn out is probably one of the biggest politically driven protest in a while. Armed with their various messages on signages, the chants were loud and clear, calling for the demolition of the ICE agency.

It was another smashing success at 70th annual edition of The Winter Show opening night soirée yesterday at the iconic Park Avenue Armory. The week long art exhibition’s opening gala ticket sales has been serving as a charitable endeavor since the 1950s, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the East Side House Settlement, a community-based organization benefitting the Bronx and Northern Manhattan. The proceeds provide unrestricted funds for East Side House’s life-changing educational and workplace development programs which help more than 14,000 people annually.

The affair offered a great opportunity for friends and family to gather and merrily take in great works of art and connect with friends, old and new. I had the best of time celebrating the moment with some of my dearest; Rebecca Moses, who herself is a great world renowned artist, Nicole Fischelis, Steven Rice, Freddie Leiba, Marilyn Kirschner, and the one and only powerhouse Wendy Goodman, who helped make it all happen.

For more than 70 years, The Winter Show has showcased a breadth of works spanning 5,000 years presented by the world’s top experts in the fine and decorative arts. Held annually at the Park Avenue Armory, collectors, designers, curators, and art enthusiasts have gathered to discover works in myriad mediums from paintings, fine furniture, and design, to jewelry, and contemporary ceramics and glass.

Click here to watch the reel posted on instagram about the event.