2008 is over and done with but let’s look back at what a great year it presented notable Africans in the entertainment world.
Wedding of the Year – Thelma Golden Duro Olowu. These two quietly tied the knot on January 2nd and she (re: Artistic Director of the Studio Museum of Harlem) wore a dress designed by her husband to be.
Best dressed females in 2008 – Thandie Newton, Lola Ogunnaike, Iman, and Estelle. These four dominated the red carpet with their flawless couture, laid-back looks. Don’t you agree?
Best dressed male in 2008 – Idris Elba. For the world premiere of his film, “RocknRolla”, Idris dressed the part…and he even show their support for President-Elect Obama. Like many Elba followers, I cannot wait to see his leading man status in the upcoming Beyonce thriller, “Obsessed.”
Best dressed couples in 2008 – Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker, Djimon Hounsou and Kimora Lee Simmons. These two couples always dressed the part but maybe Djimon and Boris’ modeling career past had something to do with that undeniable confidence.
Best editorials in 2008 – Nnenna’s Jil Sander Fashion mag shoot, Alek Wek & Liya Kebede for ARISE, Iman & Alek for Italia Vogue, Oluchi & Ugo’s Vogue Moment. From the historical All-Black Vogue Italia issue to Nnenna’s Jil Sander shoot, 2008 had many great editorials. Alek Wek, Naomi and Liya pose for the Africa Issue of ARISE magazine in African-based couture looks.
Fashion designer of 2008 - Project Runway finalist Korto Momolu. Second best on a top fashion TV show wasn’t so bad…thanks to Ms. Momolu’s drive.
Best TV Moment – 2008 MTV Africa Music Awards. The long awaited first ever MAMA was held in Lagos with a star-studded attendance from Hollywood to Nollywood. To this day the blog post became the most viewed on FG2BH!
Actress of the Year – Sophie Okonedo. Oprah was impressed by how well the Oscar nominated actress (Sophie) disguised her British accent to act in the “Secret Life of Bees” alongside Jennifer Hudson, Queen Latifah, and Alicia Keys.
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Actor of The Year – Chiwetel Ejifor. Chiwetel went to become a two-time Golden Globes nominee + OBE recipient by 2008.
Icon Gone Too Soon – Miriam Makeba. Mama Africa passed away doing what she loved most – singing.
Reality TV star – Fatima Siad. Best known for her appearance on “America’s Next Top Model”, Fatima went on to compete in the spin-off “Modelville.”
Model of The Year – Oluchi Onweagaba-Orlandi. Oluchi flaunted her post-baby figure for a new Sports Illustrated spread. She also got her son Ugo Orlandi into her modeling career via a recent Vogue photo shoot.
Political figure – President-Elect Barack Obama. Obama went on to become the first African-American elected President of the United States of America. January 20th is Inauguration Day!
Writer of the Year – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Her novel “Half of A Yellow Sun” got her the prestigious Orange Prize and critical praise from Chinua Achebe. (Have you check out Chimamanda’s Latest Short Story yet?)
Male Eye Candy – Ngo Okafor
Athlete of The Year – Osi Umenyiora (The NY Giants Defensive End won BIG time at the year’s Super Bowl.)
Song of the Year – “If She Knew” by Lemar. Comeback of the Year -Seal’s “Soul” album
Needs to Comeback in 2009 – Sade
Ones to Watch in 2009: Nigerian bloggers, Lady Gold, Dr. Ben Igwe’s “Against The Odds, and Chasity Nwagabara.
Photos: AP, Getty, Wireimage, Linda Ikeji Blog
Filed under: Alek Wek, Barack Obama, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Duro Olowu, Estelle, Fashion, Fatima Siad, Ghana, Idris Elba, Iman, Kenya, Korto Momolu, Liya Kebede, Lola Ogunnaike, Music, Naija, Newsstand, Oluchi, Osi Umenyiora, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, THISDAY Africa Rising, Uncategorized
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