64 years ago on Oct 1, the great nation of Republic of Nigeria literally dodged the apartheid bullet by gaining independence shortly before discovering vast mineral resources such as oil, among many other things that would have subjected the most populous black country in the world to what their fellow African nation had endured at the hands of their oppressors due to their land serving as home to some of the biggest diamonds in the world. I need not name the countries. Your guess is as good as mine.

Nigerians in diaspora living in New York City and nearby states flocked to the big apple, proudly clad in their beloved countries flag of green and white fineries, took to the iconic Madison Avenue, floats and flags of various sizes in tow. They danced (myself included) in merriment, with pride and joy, enough to attract passersby, who had no idea of what was going on, but instantly felt had the spontaneous inclination to join in on the fun, dancing and waving the Nigerian flags given to them. I’ve never felt more proud as a Nigerian, having covered many a parades here in the city. I felt right at home, amongst my kinsmen, which to me is akin to shouting from a mountain top with immense pride.

The celebration could easily rival any Nigerian wedding, which in itself is iconic and legendary. Nigerians are known to have one of the most elaborate and lavish weddings in the world. The celebration of the Nation’s independence in New York felt more like a week long festivities. Suffice to say, it actually only started few days before, which included a ceremony of Nigeria”s flag being raised in the morning by the bull statue near Wall Street, to the tune of the national anthem with the help of New York City’s Mayor Eric Adams, followed by a sumptuous dinner gala, hosted by the Consulate General Ambassador Abubakar Jidda at the Embassy, the Nigeria House on the actual independence day of Oct 1, and built up to the annual parade the next day. The dinner gala also served as a great opportunity to recognize and award great achievements by Nigerians in diaspora, such as Dr. Philip Ozuah, president & CEO of Montefiore Medicine (who “sprayed” the presenter of his award, OAN President, Tomi Aregbesola, while dancing, several $100 bills!). Others awarded included members of the OAN for their unwaving and selfless dedication to their contributions in keeping the culture of Nigerians alive within the community here in the USA.

The parade, under the auspices of the OAN, the Organization for the Advancement of Nigerians, Inc, with Honorable Judge Olayinka DanSalami at the helm as the Committee Chairman, was previously held at the Dag Hammarskjold Plaza at Turtle Bay, but had to be moved to its current location on Madison Avenue due to an ongoing construction at the previous site. It might have been a devil in disguise because the new parade route ends at the Madison Square Park on 26th street, which also serves as a favorable route for other ethnic group’s parade routes in the city, such as the Persian and Indian Day parades. The location offers a far more visible vantage point at the park, where vendors are set up and could easily be accessible to onlookers who might have never heard about the parade or tried any of the wares offered by Nigeria as a country. Unfortunately, many previous revelers took it upon themselves to go to the previous location out of habit, thus missed out on the occasion.

Nigerians, known for their hardwork, high achievements, resilience and ability to adapt to anywhere and anything, made Madison Avenue a place many would never forget. The affair turned into an Afrobeat outdoor block party. We wouldn’t expect anything less from a Nigerian soiree, considering their the source of the reigning music genre worldwide at the moment. The event unleashed several dances moves from Mayor Eric Adams and the Ambassador himself, who soon tossed aside his ceremonial robe (agbada). They were cutting up! The biggest score of the day was when Nigeran superstar Kcee took over the stage with some of his hits. The increased vibration of energy could be felt several city blocks away. Congratulations to Judge Olayinka DanSalami, Olayinka Sarayi, Tomi Aregbesola, Ibrahim Ahmed, and so many others at the OAN team for pulling this entire operation off flawlessly!

Can we expect this kind of level of excitement and organization going forward? What’s 65th ….dare I say, 70th going to look like? Are we ready? Nigeria kwenu! Nigeria kwenu! Let’s do it again next year! I definitely can’t wait!

Be sure to watch the event’s video on instagram.

Consulate General Ambassador Abubakar Jidda

Mayor Eric Adams

Honorable Judge Olayinka DanSalami

Music artist Kcee

Dr. Philip Ozuah

It was double happiness at the people’s house of NYC last night. Not even the ongoing indictment against Mayor Eric Adams could deter his strong desire to celebrate his beloved African constituents in diaspora. “Africa Day” and Nigerian Independence Day were front and center on his agenda, with one his right hand woman Guinean-American, Aissata Camara at the helm. The Mayor started the auspicious day in the morning with a Nigerian flag raising ceremony in downtown Manhattan, to the tune of the Nation’s anthem. The festivity crescendoed with a lavish bash at the lawn of his official residence uptown. Carefully curated selection of invited esteemed guests feasted on catered/sponsored authentic African cuisines and drinks. The world renowned Jollof Rice was noticeably present and popular amongst the guests. It surprisingly made it into Mayor’s speech, where he cleverly declared (with great risk) the Nigerian jollof as the winner. Taking a job at the world famous never ending “Jollof War” across West African nations.The vibe was exceptionally positive and festive, with guests dressed in their various national attire in honor of the day.

Shortly after the Mayor gave his highly anticipated speech, he made himself accessible to his guests, granting lengthy greetings and photo ops. It was a stark contrast to the Juneteenth celebration months ago in June when he hardly set foot beyond the stage and hopped out behind the curtains and ceased to be seen afterwards. Needless to say, with the ongoing indictment hovering in the air, the African community at large have chosen to stand by him. One of the celebratory citation award recipient of the night, Mr Bakary Camara, was quick to remind the guests of the very first tragedy that rocked the city during the Mayor’s first week in office. The devastating incident was over a dozen Africans killed in a fire in the Bronx. The very same tragedy that saw Cardi B offering to pick up their burial expenses.The debacle touched on some raw nerves in the audience. A great strategy to remind the guests of where to put their political allegiance at his witching hour of need. During his speech, the Mayor jokingly beseeched his beloved Africans to work their little magic in getting him over the troubled hurdles and ahead in the polls, come election day. A perfect comedic timing if I dare say so myself. 😎

The festivities will continue on Saturday on Madison Avenue with the Nigerian Independence Day parade, where the Mayor is expected to participate.

Be sure to watch the event’s video and Mayor’s speech posted on instagram.

The New York edition of the world famous Diner en Blanc last night, was rather tamed compared to the year before, which just about nearly occupied the grounds of Meatpacking District by about 4000 revelers, all clad in white. This year’s edition, situated at the prime landmark of Union Square, was rather intimate in size compared to many editions preceeding it. It sort of brings to mind its glorious infancy years where no more than 2500 or so gathered in a flash at a secret but very public location, to wine and dine under the stars, and cleared out like a ghost in the wind, with no trace, just before the carriage turned into pumpkin by the stroke of midnight… well, in this case by 10pm.

The soirée started of as usual with setting up, participants getting acquainted with each other, nibbling on appetizers before the world renowned napkin wave, which signifies the official start of the event when guests start to dive into their meals. Shortly after, the merriment and atmosphere takes a different turn with the DJ’s music on a much higher decibel and pre assigned art performers peppered around the area. The excitement could be felt blocks away! It went from demure dinner under the stars to “Great Gatsby” like fête outdoors in the heart of the city! The mood and jubilation amongst guests was contagious, electrifying and exhilarating! I didn’t want it to end! I was in my element! Thank goodness the threatening rain held up! Needless to say, it’s a rain or shine event, and I was prepared to dance in the rain. Not even the rain can dampen this parade!

This particular year saw the initiation of a new concept the establishment is experimenting with. The member only fête usually requires participants to bring with them furnitures, meals and decor, but sort to invite influencers and press in a secluded pre setup area known as the “media”, where they were “buttered up” sans having to schlepp in the aforementioned required items. They wined and dined on pre catered meals and top shelf libations. I was privileged and honored to join this “white glove service” section as the only member in the history of the soirée who doubled as a Table Leader and one of the invited esteemed media guest. I have to say, this probably was one of the easiest and fun edition for me! The chosen location was minutes walk for my group’s assigned meeting point, taking part as a media guest allowed me to arrive fresh without having to set up anything of my own besides helping my group and friends to arrive at their spot. I’ve been asked to move up the ladder for years as a Group Leader and I keep shying away from it. I really ought to take them up on the offer, going forward, especially if I’m invited as a media guest again. I can’t imagine a New York night life without Diner en Blanc. It’s fast becoming iconic and an integral part of New York City social fabric.

Be sure to watch the video on instagram

I had the honor and privilege of attending the opening reception of Africa’s Fashion Diaspora exhibition at the Fashion Institute Technology in NYC yesterday evening. The latest fashion installment at the iconic institution is an initiative to explore the way African fashion and styles have helped shape not only black culture in disaspora, but also many others at large. The exhibition includes carefully curated unique creations from decades ago by such designers as Patrick Kelly, now on loan or gifted to the institution, to more recent designs by such talents as Nigeria based designer, Lisa Folawiyo.

Fashion industry luminaries present during the opening included Fern Mallis, Kirschner, Nicole Fischelis, et.al mixed in with affluent fashion magnets and influencers of all ages and racial backgrounds. It’s safe to say, much like music, fashion is universal.

The exhibition, located at the lower level atrium was well detailed in sections of political impact on fashion to tribal influence and regions. Styles ranged from traditional kente, dashiki to modern take on age old fabrics such as the kente and other woven textured materials, reimagined in western culture and styles, while still retaining their deep African roots.

The exhibition is free to the public starting today until December 29, 2024.

Watch the opening reception and exhibition video on instagram

Imagine dining and feasting on sumptuous meals literally like a scene out of a mediaval times movie, with long stretched out table covered with inviting, salivating homecooked meal, enough to feed an entire tribe! This was exactly the case at IRK magazine’s intimate dinner fête at Splashlight Studios in NYC, in celebration of their “Human” issue. This occured during a time in the city where one rarely sees real food in abundance much less a homecooked meal! Yes, that’ll be during fashion week when we count our blessings if a tray of crackers and cheese makes an appearance in the ocean of cocktails at the numerous fashion parties. IRK Magazine begged to differ!

Beatrice Dupire took it upon herself to whip up delicious vegetarian couscous meal, accompanied by top shelf libations and diet pausing desserts. About 100 esteemed guests were treated to live entertainments, which included food artistry demonstration to top off the splendid starry night. Not only were the guests able to get their hands on some of the coveted collectible editions of the hardcopy of IRK (one of which features Sri Lanka’s 1st transgender model on the cover), variety of well blended perfumes were on hand for the picking as well.
When my dear friend Dustin Pittman, the legendary photographer (whose newly released best selling book “New York After Dark” was introduced to the guests) first asked me to accompany him. I didn’t hesitate for a second after he said we’ll be in a room full of people outside of my usual fashion crowd, a fresh take away from my routine during fashion week. I opted to dip out on any other fashion related events I had that night for this dinner fête. Good golly was he right! It was the best decision ever! I felt wealthier in knowledge and connection with people I never knew before. The evening felt like a big family gathering during thanksgiving, where some came as friends, but left feeling like a family.

I’m thankful for the honor and experience, and most importantly for privileged of meeting such cool luminaries such as Mr. Cannon, Patrick Duffy, Rocio Segura, Emilie McGlone, Mark Tristan Mariano, Ekuban Emmanuel, Beatrice Dupire et. al. A superb great time was had by all. Saying goodbye after such a marvelous time was the hardest part.

Watch the event’s video posted on instagram

Alas! I can safely check off a near disaster parade experience in New York City off my bucketlist. I often hear from friends about how dangerous the Labor Day parade could be. Often times, I let it fall on deaf ears, always optimistic and glass half full. Well, today begged to differ. What started off with politicians and dignitaries making their customary walk down the parade… luckily long after their departure, soon turned soar. It proceeded with the usual hard thumping, bumper grinding, dance hall style march down Eastern Parkway. Suddenly, what felt like an avalanche, a stampede of paraders started running upwards the parkway, while shouting at onlookers yet to catch on to what was happening, to RUN! The nosy journalistic instinct in me wanted to run towards the mayhem. A lady running towards me, involuntarily grabbed me to run away from the chaos. The moment I broke free, I couldn’t help myself but to wander towards it. I soon learned later that 6 individuals had been shot and in critical condition, and one unluckily person with gunshot to the head. As the saying goes, the show must go on. The parade resumed to regular programing like nothing happened. Only in New York!

How did it come to this?! I’m still puzzled! The parade itself is starting to take on a more commercial atmosphere with TV stations, banks and insurance companies, et.al, now staging floats of their own to march down the parade route. Just about facing the same fate as the Pride March.

Needless to say, will security be stepped up next year? The NYPD is already breaking at the seams with what looks like excessive presence of police at this particular parade. I now totally understand and appreciate the reason why. I just wonder how much more security would be needed to prevent the unthinkable from repeating itself. Whew! God help us all.

For video reel of the parade, please see it on Instagram .

Mayor Eric Adams

Gunshot aftermath

There’s nothing more rewarding in life than giving as supposed to receiving. A handful of media, fashion and social media personalities from various fields took to the catwalk, flurry little fellas in tow, to strut for a great cause. A benefit spearheaded by Rescue Dogs Rock NYC to aid in the rescue of dogs in need of extra love and care, and could also offer the same to potential new owners in need of.

I came out of modeling retirement, joined by my beloved 6 year old daughter Noa, who to my surprise held her own pretty well doing her solo and first ever catwalk opening the show with her assigned flurry little glammed up diva Paige! I never felt more proud as her mama. I was praying she wouldn’t succumb to stage fright! Noa handled it like a professional. I sashayed out, fan in hand with Cleo dressed as Lana Del Ray in her Met Gala ensemble.

Personalities who walked for the cause, also included multi talented Ty Hunter, Avalon Ashley Bellos, Rachel Pizzolato, Richie Rich, Tania Rubis, Evelyn Sato, Lara Eurdolian, to name a few.
I’m very grateful to many of my dear friends who answered my call, bought their tickets and came out to support! I’ll never forget their generosity to the cause. My beloved tribe Ty-Ron Mayes and Mica Hughes did not let me down either, they certainly brought in the party vibe! 🎊🥳🥂😄

Multiple gratitudes to Chance Spiessbach and his production team for putting this fabulous event together. I think their hardwork paid off, despite the heat! And to all the Sponsors who made it possible as well.

Yours truly included complimentary copies of “The Shoeholic” book in the gift bags. 😎
A great time certainly was had by all.

Be sure to watch the event video reel on instagram!

Avalon Ashley Bellos and Ty Hunter

Lara Eurdolian and her dog Charlie Pompom

Celebrity stylist Ty-Ron Mayes and actress Mica Hughes

“Lady Noa”

Richie Rich

2024 ushered in another successful and trauma free Pride March down 5th Avenue in New York City, considering the current political climate dividing the nation. Opinions, religious beliefs, political alliances, et.al, were all kept at bay for a common cause. Everyone, collectively, subconsciously decided to have one of the best Pride March the city has ever seen! Well… not until the nature up in the sky literally rained on the parade. Luckily, it was towards the end of the festivities. Nevertheless, Revelers didn’t let that dampen the mood. Many came prepared with umbrellas and plastic covers.

The march had a steller of Grandmarshalls which included Michelle Visage, Dashawn Usher, Raquel Willis and Miss Major.

It’s important to point out the very obvious extra security measures the city took in ensuring the event wasn’t interrupted. The usual single lined barricades were doubled up! This hindered a lot of corporate parade participants, who would normally hand out free merchants to onlookers, from reaching their target audience. Many of such merchandise littered the inner barricades placed between them. That was a bit of a downer, especially for young kids who had to struggle in grabbing the items.

Hopefully, a better measure could be in place going forward. Better yet, we hope things would return to the normal and more familiar protocol.

Click on images to enlarge.

The video from the pride march is on instagram.

Juneteenth kicked off without a hitch at the New York City Eric Adams’ humble abode, the Gracie Mansion on the Upper East. The people’s Mayor stood proudly on stage to address the eager guests, who had been pre-selected and pre-screened. He spoke intensely and passionately about the current mayhem disrupting the city, endless crime and protest stemming from migrant housing, unemployment, et.al. Mr. Adams made sure to highlight the main importance of the day, the true meaning and historical significance of Juneteenth. A much needed reminder in today’s grim political climate, if I may say so.

The festivities took place outside on the landmark Mansion’s lawn and a makeshift huge tent, which housed black owned business on the premises as sponsors, ample catered sumptuous feast and libations. Guests were clad in their best looks, many dressed in black owned designers. Yours truly was clad in South African fashion of Indebele print maxi skirt and beaded neck ring with matching bag and finished off with blackamoor pin in the turban.

It was rather disappointing not to see the Mayor mingling with the guests, especially after delivering a state of the union worthy speech. He was whisked away through a secluded black curtained section and was out of sight for the remainder of the event. Many guests were not too pleased about it. Needless to say, with the ongoing unrest happening in the city, it’s understandable why he might have been hesitant. Security was paramount.

Nevertheless, a great time was had by all. Happy Juneteenth! Freedom at last! 🥂🎊

Video from the event can be seen on facebook and Instagram.

Mayor Eric Adams’ full speech is here.

About last night… EPIC! If you could ever identify a flamboyant and vibrant pride soiree as what I’d like to call “Pride Gala”, then Alice and Olivia’s extravagant fête last night would be a proper candidate. The Flag Day event was proudly sponsored by the fun and ever so colorful designer of the brand, Stacey Bendet spared no expense in hosting the annual party. Only this time, she enlisted her beloved friend Paris Hilton to perform her latest single to her esteemed guests. Some of the guests included Nicky Hilton Rothschild, Cuba Gooding Jr., Maia Reficco, et.al. Stacey and Nicky, both made it a family affair with their respective daughters in tow to join in the celebration.

The excitement I felt walking into the vast space of Terminal 5 in NYC and seeing a room full of many people i know as friends and acquaintances, I knew instantly it was going to be a fabulous night. It felt almost like a family reunion, if I dare say so myself. Furthermore, I never felt more proud to be an ally of the LGBTQ community. There’s no better time than now to show our love and support for our queer fellow human beings and beloved friends and families. Yours truly, of course me, wore Alice and Olivia sparkly rainbow sequin cropped jacket and matching pants, complete with my afro combed out. I was indeed in my element! 😄😎

A party wouldn’t be complete without swags and delectable grubs and bottomless libations. Stacey made it even more interesting by including beauty and candy station. Sheer heaven on earth! I haven’t been to a party in a long time where guests get to walk into a makeshift pop up store on site and fill up their swag bags to their hearts content. You can see mine in the video reel posted at the link below. I intend to re-gift most of mine to friends who couldn’t be there. Spread the wealth, spread the love. Happy Pride! 🌈😎❤️🙌🏽

Video reel from the event can be seen on facebook and Instagram.