DIVA EXTRAORDINAIRE

I have no better words to describe this woman. Born Yvonne Machaka in Dobsoville , Soweto a while ago, this mama epitomizes true African grace. Like the virtuous woman quoted in the book of Proverbs she receives praise not only from her husband and family- but she is highly respected by the African community.  With a singing career that has bag more praises than the current crops of singers can only dream – this sensation has gone on to break the stereotype of fading with age. While most of her peers have disappeared from the media front, Yvonne continues to stay relevant - decades after the peak of her singing career, putting Africa on the map.

Among her countless achievements is being the UNICEF goodwill ambassador against malaria and yet another credible businesswoman with interests in mining, IT , adult education – amongst other ventures. Her story is truly inspirational. Despite being raised by a widowed mother and falling pregnant at a tender age – she has gone on to make a success of herself in most aspects- culminating into the legend himself - Nelson Mandela - calling her a daughter and  ‘a national icon’.

She rocked the mid 80s and most of the 90s with hits such as Umqomboti- a personal favourite of mine. This song takes me back to my childhood years – beautiful memories.

Do take time to listen to this track and let me know if we still have this kind of thing going on now. Are we as proud of our African heritage like the icons of back then??

All in all words fail me in regard to the legacy this woman has- long live Mama Afrika.

And to top it all – this woman never ages.

all about her here

 http://www.princessofafrica.com/

AWESOME FELICIA

I promised that in May we will look at black and beautiful awesome women who represent fabulous motherhood and who in one way or the other have influenced this life we are in. I grew up in the 90s where the black community was kinda breaking free of of the ills of apartheid and the pain and the drama that came with it. So being seen on tv and being black was major breaking news and I stand in awe of the success that this woman had on welfare tv so to say.

If you know not Felicia Mabuza –Suttle you are obviously from the 2K generation. She hosted a highly acclaimed show by the same name that dealt with issues of the apartheid era and basically got South Africans talking, a very hard hitting and full of controversy debate (mainly because the wounds were fresh and the scabs were yet to dry).  My small mind in those days would not partake of so many of the conversations but definitely was stirred to believe that in this world success has little to do with neither colour nor race.

She represented the “black diamond” image and was/is the personification of style and elegance. Very well educated, she holds various accolades for her work, including being the author of a bestseller among other media and business awards and being a credibly successful businesswoman. She continues to make her mark across shores by hosting a show that celebrates pple who have helped give a true representation of Africa. I believe Felicia somehow laid a foundation for even more black sisters to enter the media world. Now we have the likes of Noleen, Penny having their own talk shows.  To this day  – im not sure if black sisters in the industry can compare to her. But be inspired. The best is yet to come!!!   Hint hint!!!      Here’s to a legend.

 

You can read more on her from here

http://www.feliciainc.com/

PRETTY GIRLS ROCK

Not a great angle of miss Kerry Baby, but i seriously dig this look

• love the dress,
• the sheer fabric
• the colour
• pink nails
• and the sleeves

and #justsaying and singing
All eyes on her, No question that this girl's a 10
Don't hate cause she is beautiful
It's not her fault so please don't trip

PRETTY GAL rocks!!!

IN HONOUR OF OUR MOTHERS

May is a month set aside to honour the women in our lives – particularly our mothers.  So throughout may we will look at the women – black and beautiful - who have changed our lives – an understated tribute to the greatest. So be ready to we wowed.

A long time ago I blogged about my childhood and how much I love my family.  Stealing from the entry - here is what I had to say about my mamas

‘The most beautiful thing about my years as a child is that i knew i was loved. I was raised by a widowed mother with a very large extended family aside - my greatest influence however is my grandmama. God i love this woman. Never in this lifetime have i known a woman so humble and selfless as her. She is not only my mother's mum but ugrand lomama!! Wheneva and everytym i pray the first words that come out is thank you Lord for my mum, grandma.... .This is the woman who instilled in me a caring and loving heart, her deeds foreva inscribed on the tablet of my heart (to be my value system). A woman whose faith has taught me that when all fails , God is there and he is only a prayer away.

 You can read the rest of that entry here

 http://renniemabuya.blogspot.com/2009/08/love-in-my-early-years_17.html

To all the women in my lifetime I salute thee.

CHRIS HONOURS MICHAEL

Im a big fan of sampled music- while being original and coming up with a hit will make one go down the history books - i dont see anything wrong on working some kinda magic to make an even bigger hit. I will admit when i first heard this track it reminded me of SWV the sisters from the  90s with their track ‘Right here’.

As deserving of a good track , in my native Ndebele – ingoma emnandi iyaphindwa.  Chris Brown had a remake of Michael Jackson‘s song ‘Human nature’ and love him or hate him, he did a good job. He dedicated it to the legend-describing him as his biggest inspiration of all time.

ENJOY the video to the song ‘She Aint You’.

ROYAL HIGHLIGHTS

And so the royal wedding has come and gone and we can move on with life. But we cant just move on like nothing happened so quickly i will round up the highlights - my moments of silence.

1. The dress

Like any other female - we all have the dream. I can tell you how  i want to look for my big day –a blow by blow account -from the tuck in of my tummy, the extra inches on the twins, the bouquet , down to the lingerie for the day. Personally im not gaga about her dress- she looked great yes but me being me i would have shown more skin. I love lace and so i give her kudo's for the bodice and that plunging neckline. I also loved the tiara and the diamond earrings- a gift from her parents. Full marks there.

1. The hat affair

2. Color, color color everywhere

For a moment i forgot the UK doesnt have great weather. i loved the different colours of the invited guests

3. My verdict

I will admit that as a beckham fan, I was kinda disappointed with their look for the day. Becks looked delicious and slick in that suit and for me I repeat for me – The hat and the shoes covered up for the bad dress. I thought she would show off that bump. Nothing is as sexy as a pregnant woman’s bump with a warm and genuine smile- off course

Lastly Blue rules