Nadia Burai, Lola Ogunnaike, Ngo Okafor and Jackie Appiah Goes Glamorous at the 2011 F.A.C.E. List Awards

April 4, 2011

Face 2 Face Africa held their annual F.A.C.E. List Awards at Broad Street Ballroom in New York City Saturday night to a crowd of young African entreprenurs. After six months of preparation the team at Face 2 Face Africa finally got to see their wildest dreams come to reality. With support of big name sponsors Bronx Net and ARIK backing them, the F2FA crew pulled off a stylish soiree with attendees dressed to the nines. The awards honored five influential Africans in all aspects of media from fashion, music, sports and philanthropic.

Jackie Appiah in a Jil Boutique by Ghanaian fashion designer Anne Marie Adoley Addo green and white ankara mini presented an award. Her accessories were a gift from her mom. She completed her look with a luxe Louis Vuitton clutch. Nadia Burai wore a black velvet low-cut gown made by her mom – her date for the evening. Nadia presented the fashion F.A.C.E. List award to fashion designer Edward Armah. Jackie also confirmed that she is NOT on any of the popular social media platforms – MySpace, Twitter and Facebook!

I sat down next to Nikki Oguinnake of InStyle, Lola Ogunnaike and the evening’s honoree Ngoli Okafor. They were very entertained by the energetic live performance by Kaissa. They cheered for Ngo when he received his award. I have to say that their table was the liveliest one in the building. They danced for their performance and applauded each honoree. Follow them all on Twitter: @catchngo @nikkiogun @lolaogunnaike

The fashion presentations by Aya Morrison, Cote Minou and Kustom Looks got positive feedback from the audience. Nikki Ogunnaike thought that the designs by Cote Minou were stunning! I caught up with Cote Minou founders and designers Maryanne E. Mokoko and Stephanie T. Mouapi. I picked them as the best dressed of the night!

FACE 2 FACE Africa F.A.C.E. List honoree Lilian Blankson gave a moving speech that bought Lola Ogunnaike to tears. Her speech got her standing ovation from most of the evening’s honorees. The host Mpule Kwelagobe, the First ever African Miss Universe, changed three times throughout the ceremony. Her first outfit was by Botswana fashion designer Angelo Lambrou. Visit his official website: http://www.angelolambrou.com/

Miss Face of Africa Tina Cheage came all the way from Texas just for the event. She wore a sequin mini by Mimi. Face 2 Face Africa honoree Bisila Bokoko happily pose in a gold and burgundy number. Miss Edo State 2010 Michelle in a one-shoulder white number pose with Lola Ogunnaike and Ngo Okafor.

F.A.C.E. List Awards 2011 Honorees
Bisila Bokoko (trailblazer)
Angelique Kidjo (entertainment)
Ngoli Okafor (rising star)
Edward Armah (fashion)
Lilian N. Blankson (media)

F.A.C.E. List Awards 2011 Special Guest of Honor
Nadia Burai
Jackie Appiah
Lola Ogunnaike
Miss Universe Mpule Kwelagobe (Host)
Awilo Longomba

Musical Performances
Kaissa
Janelia

Isaac Boateng & Sandra Appiah Chats About Face2Face Africa’s mission with BronxNET Open