2020 Essence Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon: Gabrielle Union, Kerry Washington, Genevieve Nnaji on the red carpet!!!

The stars were out for the 13th Annual ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon, which was held at Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills on Thursday. There was so much star power and black excellence at the event. Janelle Monae had fun on the red carpet and so did Jenifer Lewis. And from Genevieve Nnaji, Yvonne Orji to Tomi Adeyemi, and Luvvie Ajayi, Naija was very well represented. Scroll ahead to see who else was there.

Genevieve Nnaji's Red-carpet Look At The Essence Black Women In Hollywood Awards

The Essence Black Women in Hollywood was full of star power, with all our faves, from Yvonne Orji to Billy Potter and Kerry Washington in attendance.

Also at the event was Nollywood star Genevieve Nnaji, looking beautiful in a simple gown and a flawless face-beat on the red carpet.

Check out photos of her from the event:

Genevieve Nnaji Enjoys An Eventful Week In Hollywood!!!

Genevieve Nnaji continues to enjoy herself in Los Angeles. On Friday, the actress was spotted rubbing shoulders with some of Hollywood's finest at the Essence Black Women In Hollywood luncheon. An event that celebrates the diversity of women. The event which took place at the Beverly Wilshere, in Beverly Hill was attended by stars like  Kerry Washington, Gabrielle Union, Alfre Woodard, Tika Sumpter and many more.

 After the event, Genny headed to the Vanity Fair and Lancome Women in Hollywood celebration where she dazzled. She later joined stars like Lulu Wang, MJ Rodriguez, Idina Menzel at the 13th Annual Women in film Female Oscar Nominees Party.

That same Friday, the actress/producer was at The Essence House: Hollywood Edition event, where she spoke on a panel about 'Global Collaboration' in Hollywood with producers Euzhan Palcy and Gina Yashere


See more after the jump!!!

Vanessa Bryant announces ‘A Celebration of Life’ for Kobe and Gianna!!!

The Staples Center, aka The house that Kobe built, will host a public memorial on February 24 to honor Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna Bryant, and those lost in last month’s helicopter crash.The date for the memorial is significant as it reflects the basketball jersey numbers worn by Kobe (No. 24) and Gianna (No. 2). And kobe spent 20-year playing with the Lakers. For the event itself, several high profile people are expected to speak about Kobe but the official list are still being                compiled

See more after the jump!!!

Trump Administration Unveils New Travel Ban On Nigeria And 5 Other Nations!!!

President Donald Trump has signed an order to impose travel restrictions on Nigeria and 5 other countries. What that means is that the US will stop issuing visas for travelers seeking permanent residency from Burma, Eritrea, Kyrgyztan, Sudan, Tanzania and Nigeria. The new restriction comes 3-years after Trump travel ban was first announced which barred citizens from several Muslim nations from entering the US.
This current restriction is not a ban on people visiting the US for temporary stay, such as tourist, businessmen and women, and people coming into the country for medical treatment, but for Nigerians and other countries seeking immigration visas, which includes some family and employers sponsored visas as well as the diversity visa lottery. Under the new restriction, Sudanese nationals and Tanzanians are barred from the diversity visa lottery but can still apply for other immigrant visas.

The move which Trump's senior administration officials say was necessary to protect the US against potential act of terrorism is scheduled to take effect on February 22nd.

Vanessa Bryant Speaks Out For The First Time Since Husband Kobe And Daughter Gianna Perished In Crash!!!

"There aren't enough words to describe our pain right now" Vanessa wrote in an Instagram post Wednesday evening.

It feels so good to hear from Vanessa Bryant, the wife of NBA Legend, Kobe Bryant. The 37-year old  spoke out for the first time since losing Kobe and daughter Gianna in a tragic helicopter crash.

"I take comfort in knowing that Kobe and Gigi both knew that they were so deeply loved. We were so incredibly blessed to have them in our lives. I wish they were here with us forever. They were our beautiful blessings taken from us too soon" she writes, accompanied with a photo of her family’s 2019 Christmas post card. The Instagram post continues with Vanessa thanking the millions of fans around the globe for their love, prayers and support, and stated that her family is 'completely devastated by the sudden loss'. She also announced the formation of a fund to help support the other families who were affected by the crash.

Vanessa has also changed her Instagram profile from private to public, to allow fans access to the many tribute photos of her husband and daughter which gives us all an insight into the bond between the Back Mamba and his little Mambacita. 

See the emotional tribute and more after the jump!!!

Shaquille O'Neal's Son, Shareef Says Kobe Bryant Messaged Him 'You good fam?' Just Hours Before He died In A Helicopter Crash

College basketball super star, Shareef, the son of another NBA legend, Shaquille O'Neal, has revealed that his 'uncle' Kobe sent him a message just hours before he died in a tragic helicopter crash on Sunday morning.

20-year old shared a screen shot of the message on his twitter handle after news of Kobe's death broke.  The screenshot showed that Bryant messaged the young man "You good fam"? at 8:19 Sunday morning.......(Sighs)

Shareef replied :Yeah! Just been getting this work in trying to figure out my next move", adding "How you been" but sadly, he never received a reply.

See all of Shareef's emotional post about his 'uncle' and his 'cousin' GiGi after the jump!!!

Pilot And All Other 6 Victims Of The Helicopter Crash That Killed Kobe And Gianna Has Been Identified***PICTURES***

As the world struggles to come to terms with the sudden demise of  NBA great, Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna (GiGi) in a helicopter crash early Sunday morning, authorities have been able to completely identify everyone on board the ill fated flight. While authorities were still fleshing out the detail of the crash late Sunday night, the one person who was recorded as unidentified, the pilot, has now been been revealed as Ara Zobayan. A well loved flying instructor in the aviation community, who taught aspiring helicopter pilots to fly. He was also described as an instrument-rated pilot, which means that he was qualified to fly in foggy conditions. This level of qualification requires training and instruction beyond that of a standard private or commercial pilot. He was reportedly a close friend of the Bryant family and super star athlete trusted Ara's expertise in flying him and his family always.
 
See more after the jump!!!

Angelique Kidjo Takes Home A Grammy And Gives A Audience Arousing Performance Of “Afirika".......***Video***

International superstar and Africa's music goddess, Angelique Kidjo took home the award for Best World Music Album for 'Celia' at the 62nd Grammy Awards on Sunday evening, making it her fourth win in the category and fourth Grammy wins overall.

Accepting her award, Kidjo took the time to celebrate a new generation of artist from African who are representing the Continent through their music. She also gave props to the once who came before her for their contributions to world music, especially her idol, Celia Cruz.

Here is what she said: 

 "Four years ago on this stage, I was telling you that the new generations of artists coming from Africa gonna take you by storm and the time has come," Kidjo said. "Celia Cruz, for me she's the goddess of salsa. She's the queen of salsa. She is one of those artists that taught me at a young age that my gender cannot define who I am, that I can do everything I wanted to do."

Watch Kidjo's performance after the jump!!!

Alicia Keys' Heartfelt Tribute To Kobe Bryant In 2020 GRAMMY Awards Opening***VIDEO***

Singer, Alicia Keys was the host of the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards that was held at the Staple Center last night. The fifteen times Grammy Award winner kicked of the ceremony on a sober note, paying homage to fallen NBA legend, Kobe Bryant.

 “Here we are together on Music’s Biggest Night,” Keys said somberly. “But to be honest with you, we’re all feeling crazy sad right now because earlier today, Los Angeles, America and the whole wide world lost a hero, and we’re literally standing in here heartbroken in the house that Kobe Bryant built.”

See more after the jump!!!

Red Carpet Photos From Grammys 2020!!!

The greats and goods of music world gathered at the Los Angeles Staple Center on Sunday evening for Music's biggest night, the 62nd Grammy Awards. From Lizzo to Billie Eilish and H.E.R, here is how your favorite celebs hit the red-carpet.

Damn! Orange Coast College Baseball Coach John Altobelli, His Wife And Daughter Are Among Helicopter Crash Victims!!!

Orange Coast College baseball coaching legend, John Altobelli, his wife, Karen and daughter, Alyssa were among the victims in the crash that killed former NBA player, Kobe Bryant.
56-Year old Altobelli better known as Coach Alto was a coach at OCC for 27-years, leading the pirates to four states titles and notching more than 700 wins. He was friends with Kobe. His daughter, Alyssa played on the club team with Gianna. They had flown several times together in the past......Oh dear God! This doesn't make sense but God knows best

 See more after the jump!!!

NBA Legend Kobe Bryant And Daughter Gianna Killed In A Helicopter Crash Alongside 7 Others***PHOTOS***

It's truly a sad day for sports and entertainment world. Basketball great, Kobi Bryant, one of the most magnificent athletes on planet earth, was tragically killed Sunday morning when his private helicopter, a Sikorsky S-76B crashed into a hillside in Calabasas, California, about 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles, killing all nine passengers on board.

The 41-year old NBA legend was traveling to a basketball game with his 13-year old daughter, Gianna, an emerging basketball star in her own right. They were headed to the Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand, one of the premiere sport complexes in the area that Bryant built.  Gianna was going to play and Kobe was going to coach.......Oh, sad! sad! sad!

See photos and more of the duo after the jump!!!

Fast And Rising Nollywood Actress Jennifer Omole Dies At 33!!!

Barely a week into the New Year, the Nigerian Film Industry Nolywood has been hit by a tragedy with the death of a fast rising Nollywood actress, Jennifer Omole.

The 33-year old reportedly passed in Spain on the 3rd of January and was buried the next evening in Vilarejo de Salvanes, Madrid. 

Fellow Nollywood actress, Uche Ogbodo shared the news of Jennifer's passing on an Instagram post on Sunday. Sharing a photo of a burning candle in tribute to her friend, Ogbodo wrote.....On 3rd January My Dearest Friend @jenniferomole Passed On. I’m Hurting Deep In My Heart but Only God Knows Best. Pls Say A Rest In Peace Prayer for My Girl .
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#tribute
#jenniferomole
#restinpeace

See more after the jump!!!

Alex Rodriguez Wrote Jennifer Lopez The Sweetest Note After The 2020 Golden Globes!

The Golden Globes aired last night and Jennifer Lopez attended dressed up like a beautiful luxury Christmas present! She was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for her role in Hustlers, but Laura Dern won for her role in Marriage Story.

Well, Jennifer Lopez may not have won, but Alex Rodriguez was there to support her. He posted a photo of her, writing the sweetest message on Instagram saying,

  “Jen, it doesn’t take a trophy, medal, or plaque to identify a true champion.
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To millions of young women who have watched you and have been inspired and empowered to do amazing things in their lives, you are a champion.
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For countless musicians, dancers, actresses, and performers who have seen and emulate your passion, drive and work ethic to find their own success, you are a champion.
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To your children, your family, your coaches, your staff, and your extended family, you are a champion.
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To everyone whose lives you enrich daily, you are a champion. And don’t you ever forget it. ”

See more after the jump!!!

Adele Hits The Beach In New Photos Taken During Alleged Outing With Harry Styles And James Corden!!!

Adele, James Corden and Harry Styles were caught hanging out together in Anguilla, a British territory in the Caribbean, on Friday. The photos have caused a bit of controversy online, as they gave fans another look at Adele's thinner frame. The "Someone Like You" singer first debuted her post divorce look at Drake's birthday party in October of last year, where she turned head and came off as a completely different person.....She looked absolutely gorgeous. However, it appears like the British songstress just can't win. 

Ever since the new beach photos hit the internet, some people began to say that she looks too skinny and some are wondering whether they should be worried. One fan tweeted...."IS THIS ADELE?!?! someone feed her pls she looks so skinny and not really that healthy .... we should be worrying about her omg."

While fans are pretty much divided on this, some of the tweets and comments are very mean. 

See more after the jump!!!

"We fly first or business class" Sophia Momodu Responds To Davido's Claim That He Flew Her And His Daughter In A Private Jet So They Don't Have To Fly Economy!!!

The shade of it all. Like really, Davido?

So singer, Davido is indirectly shading his baby mama, Sophia Momodu? That's so wrong on all levels. Why do something good if you are going to turn around and make a fool out of yourself? I mean, like, who else do you have to confess to, besides the reverend father? Boy, bye!

So, Davido tried to clear the air amidst rumors of him cheating on his fiance, Chioma with baby mama, Sophia after the two were spotted in Ghana with their daughter, Imade....Oh Lawdy! My thoughts? (Well, since you asked.....lol). I thought the last line "either that or she flies economy" was immature.

Now, here is the story and you can put in your two cents at the end. A few days ago, photos of the singer and his baby mama flying together in a private jet with their daughter went viral on the internet, thereby, sparking the rumor of a possible reconciliation between the former love birds. The 27-year old decided to clear the air but the wordings of his statement did not seat well with Sophia, and she wasted no time in clapping right back.

See more after the jump!!!

Former NBA Commissioner David Stern Dies At 77!!!

The entire basketball community is heartbroken today, as David Stern, the NBA commissioner during the most successful period in the league history dies at 77. The league announced his passing earlier today.

Stern died as a result of the brain hemorrhage he suffered three weeks ago. His wife, Dianne, and their family were with him at his bedside, the NBA said.
May his soul rest in peace. Amen

Barack Obama Names Burna Boy, Rema's Songs As His Favorite 2019 Songs!

Naija stand up!!!!

Former President, Barack Obama has named songs by Nollywood Hip Hop artist, Burna Boy and Rema in his 2019 favorite music playlist.

Obama chose 'Anybody' by Burna Boy and 'Iron Man' by Rema in his favorite music alongside 33 others. This becomes the second time Obama has listed Rema's song in his playlist. In July, he named 'Iron Man' by Rema in his summer playlist. Obama shared the playlist on Twitter via his handle @BarackObama

"From hip-hop to country to The Boss, here are my songs of the year. if you're looking for something to keep you company on a long drive or help you turn up a workout, I hope there's a track or two in here that does the trick" He tweeted

Bobby Kristina Brown's Ex-Boyfriend Nick Gordon Dies At 30 From Suspected Drug Overdose!!!

Damn!

This is such a sad ending. First it was our beloved Whitney Houston, then her lovely daughter Bobby-Kris, and now Nick Gordon. Urgggrrrrrrr, Drugs! 
Multiple media outlets are reporting that Nick Gordon, the boyfriend of Booby Kristina Brown who was found legally responsible for her death, has died. He reportedly died in Orlando Florida earlier today. It was reported that Gordon's brother, Jack Walker Jr shared the news by writing :God, why do I have to lose my brother on New years?, All I can do is cry" He later shared tribute photos of himself and Gordon.

See more after the jump!!!