In this July 20, 2010 photo, Russian councilman Jean Gregoire Sagbo speaks to constituents in his district in Novozavidovo, a village 100 kilometers (65 miles) north of Moscow. People in this Russian town used to stare at Jean Gregoire Sagbo because they had never seen a black man. Now they say they see in him something equally rare _ an honest politician. Sagbo last month became the first black to be elected to office in Russia. (Sergey Ponomarev / AP)

NOVOZAVIDOVO, Russia — People in this Russian town used to stare at Jean Gregoire Sagbo because they had never seen a black man. Now they say they see in him something equally rare – an honest politician.

Sagbo last month became the first black to be elected to office in Russia.

In a country where racism is entrenched and often violent, Sagbo’s election as one of Novozavidovo’s 10 municipal councilors is a milestone. But among the town’s 10,000 people, the 48-year-old from the West African country of Benin is viewed simply a Russian who cares about his hometown.

He promises to revive the impoverished, garbage-strewn town where he has lived for 21 years and raised a family. His plans include reducing rampant drug addiction, cleaning up a polluted lake and delivering heating to homes.

“Novozavidovo is dying,” Sagbo said in an interview in the ramshackle municipal building. “This is my home, my town. We can’t live like this.” [READ MORE ...]

Ivory Coast’s 32 year old Soccer Super Star, Didier Drogba, a striker for England’s Chelsea Football Club and the captain of the Côte d’Ivoire team, has shown the world what’s possible when power and grace fuse on the soccer pitch. He is considered one of the world’s most influential people in the TIME Magazine 2010 100.

Also on the list is Ethiopian super model Liya Kebede who was appointed as World Health Organization’s Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health in 2005. This year, in recognition of her work in this field, the World Economic Forum named her a Young Global Leader.

Read More on TIME.com Website >>

African Vibes magazine is rolling out the red carpet in style to celebrate its fourth anniversary of shining a positive spotlight on Africa and Africans. This year, hosting with Editor In Chief, Amabel Niba is the beautiful actress/filmmaker Tangi Miller.  Miller is best known for the role of the smart, spirited and stylish Elena Tyler on the J.J. Abrams hit show, “Felicity.”

The Miami-native is also a two-time NAACP Image Award nominee for her work on the small screen, grabbing nods in 2002 for “Best Actress in a Dramatic Series” and again in 2005 for “Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie” for her work in “Phantom Force”. She was named as “one of the sexiest stars on television” by TV Guide, and Ebony Magazine dubbed her as one of the “most beautiful people of the millennium.”

She’s set to appear in the upcoming comedy, “Drones,” directed by Amber Benson and Adam Busch, which premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. And this spring, she stars in the romantic comedy, “My Girlfriend’s Back,” co-starring Malik Yoba (Tyler Perry’s “Why Did I Get Married”) with a supporting cast of  award-winning veterans, Guyanese-American  CCH Pounder and Obba Babatunde. Filmed in Miami and Los Angeles, “My Girlfriend’s Back” is an intelligent romantic comedy that chronicles the social and economic rise of Derek Scott (Yoba), and how the arrival of his ex-girlfriend (Miller) changes everything!

As an independent filmmaker, she has produced and starred in several independent films, including ”After School,”  “Hurricane in the Rose Garden,” and “Love … & Other 4 Letter Words,” as well as  the upcoming release, “My Girlfriend’s Back.”

A Conversation with Tangi Miller

AV: Is it true that you weren’t allowed to watch television as a kid?
TM: Yes, my mother felt that television might be a bad influence on me and my brothers and sisters. (She is the eldest of five.)  She just felt like anything that wasn’t edifying God or anything that wasn’t speaking to your spirit in a positive was negative.

AV: How did you get into acting?
TM: Well, I began acting in stage productions while in high school. It was a wonderful outlet. It gave me a chance to release my feelings, my emotions, and have fun at the same time. It became a fun hobby.  I left Miami and majored in the more practical field of marketing at Alabama State University. It wasn’t until I realized that I spent all of my free time acting in theater productions that I decided to pursue an acting career after graduation. I realized that I wanted to figure out a way to make a living doing it because it made me so happy. I continued my studies and got a master’s degree in Fine Arts from the University of California, Irvine.

AV: As luck would have it, you landed one of your first gigs on the hit-show “Felicity,” created by uber-producer-writer  J.J. Abrams. How excited were you to land the job, playing Elena Tyler?
TM: It was a whirlwind because it was my first gig, and it was a BIG job for my first job. I was kind of blown away and thrown right into Hollywood almost immediately.

AV: How was it working with J.J. Abrams?
TM: I was very fortunate to work with such a talented visionary as Abrams, who at the time was very young in his career.  He was very open and welcoming of any suggestions and input. It was a pleasure to work with him. He also  gave me a blueprint of how I wanted to run my own production company, Olivia Entertainment.

AV: Yes, you’ve turned your attention to filmmaking. Why?
TM: I just wanted the chance to tell the stories I wanted to tell.

AV: You’ve produced several films, including ”Hurricane in a Rose Garden,” a comedy, which centers around a Nigerian family. What was that like?
TM: I had a great time working on that film. The film is directed by Ime Etuk with Pascal Atuma, Yun Choi, Oris Erhuero.  It’s a comedy about what happens when the life of  a happily-married couple is suddenly interrupted and turned upside-down because of an unwelcome visit from a very traditional and opinionated Nigerian mother-in-law.

AV: Where does the title of the movie come from?
TM: Pascal Atuma came up with the title. I believe the “hurricane” represents the mother, and the “rose garden” symbolizes the relationship of the couple.

AV:  What message do you hope audiences will gather from the film?
TM: I hope people will see the love that the couple has for one another, and learn that despite cultural differences, we can learn from each other and make this world a better place.

AV: Did you experience any cultural differences working with Nigerians on the project?
TM: Well, yes and no. Ordering lunch on the set was a little different; (she laughs) but as artists, we all  wanted the same thing – a chance to flex our creative muscles.

AV: So what do you enjoy more – acting or filmmaking?
TM: That’s a tough one. I enjoy expressing myself as an actor and bringing life to a character. But, as a filmmaker, I loves taking a concept or an idea and bringing it to life on screen. It’s very satisfying and fulfilling.

AV: You’ve been involved with Africa in many ways including movies and African dance. What is it that draws you to Africa?
TM: I am drawn to Africa because I am African. Yes, I’ve been kissed by America, but there is no question where my ancestors came from. This fact alone constantly draws me to the Motherland. As a dancer, I became deeply entrenched into the African community in Los Angeles, and those connections and ties has brought me even closer to the Motherland.

AV: What are your thoughts on African fashion?
TM: I love the colors and the bold style in many of the designs. I am excited that contemporary African style is making an impact on fashion.  Styling with Western designers mixed with touches of African accessories — or vice versa — brings a new and fresh aesthetics to contemporary African style.

AV: Which designers do you usually wear?
TM: Of course, I have my favorite Western designers. However, in my travels to Africa, I like to buy headwraps and skirts, and incorporate them in my wardrobe. I really enjoy pairing a colorful African accessory with my jeans and t-shirts, blending fabrics for a new interpretation of American style. Since Korto Momolu’s appearance on “Project Runway,” I’ve been really impressed with her point of view on fashion with an African flair.  I also love her jewelry, and will be wearing some of her accessories at the anniversary event. I can’t wait!

AV: What made you decide to host the “I Wear African” runway show?
TM: I love fashion! Plus, I’ve been blessed to participate in various fashion shows – showcasing the designs of African Americans, Latins and Europeans. This is my first time participating in a runway show, featuring African designers, and it’s so exciting and new.

AV: What kind of look will you be going for on the red carpet of the anniversary event?
TM: Well, I haven’t decided on a particular look per se, but I am going to rely on the styling efforts of a designer featured in the “I Wear African” fashion show. I would like to represent today’s African woman – a style that’s global and can be worn by anyone.  I’ve been flipping through African Vibes magazine for inspiration.

AV: What does the “I Wear African” mean to you?
TM: It’s an opportunity to wear, support and celebrate talented African designers and their contributions to fashion.

AV: You have come a long way from the days when you were not allowed to watch television. Since your success in film and television, has your mother changed her opinion about watching television?
TM: Yes, and she’s very proud of me!

To Learn more about Tangi, Visit http://www.tangimiller.com/

Watch a Clip from Hurricane in the Rose Garden: http://www.imdb.com/video/wab/vi690749977/

South African Actress, Charlize Theron today hosted the 2010 World Cup final draws at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).  The 32 teams participating at next year’s FIFA World Cup™ finals discovered their fate at the event.

Although the dates and locations of each of the 48 matches are known for the group-stage games, the kick-off times will be announced shortly, upon conclusion of a meeting between FIFA, the Local Organising Committee and broadcasters.

Group A: South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France
Group B: Argentina, Nigeria, Korea Republic, Greece
Group C: England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia
Group D: Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana,
Group E: Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon
Group F: Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia
Group G: Brazil, Korea DPR, Côte d’Ivoire, Portugal
Group H: Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile

FIFA Reported a recap of the event on their website.

A night to remember
With such an array of stars, the event dazzled from start to finish. After a welcome from Lions Head, the mountain which provides Cape Town with such a dramatic backdrop, award-winning musician Johnny Clegg then performed ‘Scatterlings of Africa’, a song made famous by the Academy Award-winning film Rain Main.

Fittingly, the first speech of the evening came from the man without whom a FIFA World Cup in South Africa would never have been possible, namely the country’s former president Nelson Mandela. The 91-year-old, speaking in a special video message, urged his country to make the most of the opportunity of being the host country. “We must strive for excellence in our hosting of the World Cup, while at the same time ensuring that the event leaves a lasting benefit to all our people,” he said.

It was then time for two special presidents to take to the stage. FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter and South African President Jacob Zuma showed their excitement at the Final Draw and the 2010 FIFA World Cup itself in an entertaining dialogue which lasted for several minutes. Giancarlo Abete, the President of the Italian Football Federation, then handed over the FIFA World Cup Trophy to Mr Blatter, confirmation that the sport’s holy grail is in South Africa and ready to be contested next year.

Portuguese legend Eusebio, born in neighbouring Mozambique, was introduced to the crowd before examples of the ‘Win In Africa With Africa’ campaign were highlighted to the expectant audience. Beninese singer-songwriter Angelique Kidjo then took to the stage to perform her Grammy-nominated song ‘Agolo’.

The first duty of the show’s guest presenter, Academy Award-winning actress, Hollywood producer and proud South African Charlize Theron, was to show off the official 2010 Match Ball, adidas’s Jabulani, a name which means ‘to celebrate’ in Zulu. Soweto’s Gospel Choir, continued the theme of happiness with a lively rendition of Pata Pata before the arrival of Draw Master and FIFA Secretary General, Jerome Valcke, signalled that it was time for the moment of truth.

Some of the assembled coaches will have headed away feeling confident, others concerned by the task presented them here, yet at least all now know what lies in store as they begin their planning and preparation for next year’s event.

FIFA 2010 Final Draws (10)

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Charlize Theron hosts the FIFA World Cup 2010 Draw

Reuters reported yesterday that Chelsea striker Didier Drogba teamed up with U2 frontman Bono to launch an initiative to fight HIV and Aids. On the eve of World Aids Day, sports manufacturer Nike announced a partnership with the “Red” brand and the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria which is designed to coincide with the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. “It was important to me to be involved in the Red campaign because I’m from Africa,” the Chelsea Striker said to a London news conference, “It’s a big honour and pleasure for me to be linked with Bono and try to help him save some lives. Aids and HIV is something that really destroyed Africa, and people don’t really realise how easy it is to save lives – only two pills a day, which is 40 cents.”

Drogba scored twice as Premier League leaders Chelsea beat London rivals Arsenal 3-0 on Sunday and put his goals down to the red laces he was wearing for the game.

“I think the red laces really helped me, especially for the free kick. I was really proud to have a chance to show the laces and after the game people were calling me: ‘Why were you wearing red laces?’ and I had to explain to them.”

The laces will be available around the world from December 1 which is World AIDS Day.

Ever since Kimora and Djimon announced the birth of their son, we have been quite curious about what he looks like. Now we can rest all curiousity as the couple gives us a peak into their lives, sharing pictures of their bundle of joy in OK Week. Kenzo was born Saturday morning, May 30th to the 34-year-old CEO of Baby Phat.

Kimora Lee Simmons Simmons and Hounsou have been romantically linked since March 2007. Though there were rumors that the couple quietly wed earlier this year, the pair has never confirmed the reports.

The former model is also the subject of her own Style Network reality series, ‘Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane.’ She has two daughters, Ming Lee, 9, and Aoki Lee, 6, from her seven-year marriage to hip hop mogul Russell Simmons.

SEE THE STORY ON OK! Weekly Website

SUBSCRIBE TO THE AFRICAN VIBES MAGAZINE

Ethiopian super-model Liya Kebede, who has graced the covers of  Haute Couture magazines like Vogue, and who has walked the runways for Africa Arise and more, has earned spot number 35 on The Giant Top 50 list.

Giant magazine annualy compiles it’s list of the 50 most infleuntial people who are “changing the world we live in and impacting our state of being”. Liya’s nomination is no surprise considering the waves she has made in the fashion industry for the past 10 years.

She was the first black model to represent Estee Lauder and was one of the African  models featured  in the Vogue Italia’s all black issue  in the summer of 2008. Her movie Desert  Flower will be released  soon, and she has signed a deal with US retailer  J.Crew  to have her  children’s clothing line Lem-Lem sold there.

With her work as a global UN goodwill ambassador  for maternal health and other humanitarian works, Liya Kebede is what Giant describes as “the epitome of what a model citizen can be”.

Michael Jackson was pronounced dead on 25th June 09 after paramedics found him in a coma following a panic-stricken phone call from the superstar’s Los Angeles mansion. Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Steve Ruda responded to the alert and arrived at the home in Carolwood Drive off Sunset Boulevard to find the 50-year-old singer collapsed and not breathing. He had suffered a cardiac arrest. He was later pronounced dead that afternoon.

His death comes barely a month before his scheduled come back concertswhich were supposed to be his last. The star announced this a few months before his death saying “These will be my final show performances in London. This is it. When I say this is it, this is it.”

Fans gathered in different places around the country, singing some of his songs.

Despite his eccentric lifestyle and the controversies that surrounded him later on in life, the impact of Jackson on the music industry and on his fans cannot be ignored.

We asked our facebook fans to share their favorite music and memories and here is what some of them had to say.

“We-eh! this is just terrible news. i always thought Michael was immortal. my favourite Michael song? no contest: smooth criminal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ex30DYwQlHU
that is one of the most stylish videos ever. MJ was a genius! may he make the best music with the angels and rest with his ancestors.” – Ngum Ngafor

“Sad sad day for music! Difficult choice as there are a couple of favorites! Given the circumstances, I’d like to say ‘Gone too soon’ but my all time favorites are ‘Remember the time’, ‘Heal the World’ & ‘Man in the Mirror’
His ‘Thriller’ video is groundbreaking & definitely out of this world!!! He rests!!!” – Fen Ngu

“I just love ”heal the world” that song will always remain in my heart. Michael was a great Hero, he thought us how to break,” oh what a world”an empty one at that. Adieu Michael” – Lilian Ebonge Ebango

“My favorite song of Michael is Black and White.This song made me look at Michael as a reformer trying to bring unity among race.I will miss you.May your soul rest in peace.” Atem Isabel

“Well detailed and updated research from authentic sources, tell me that your color change related surgeries are the sole if not major cause of your latter health deterioration. It is a sad thing that others who today have died (in all domains thinkable), would be considered martyrs, but you, though King of pop, would be considered a victim of racial complex! Well ”good” thing the ”fallen” part of your awesome career came when you changed to become ”white”. No offense to the white race, I am not trying to sound racial, but it is as to say, that change was the BIG mistake! You have marked so many, in and out of the music industry. My fav songs (He is a Legend there has got to be more than 1!) are: ”Smooth Criminal”, ”The Girl Is Mine” and ”Speechless”. RIP” – Kenji Mbako

“I pinched myself yesterday, thinking I was dreaming it all. I just want it not to be true. For me the list is endless, but my fav of all is ‘Do you remember the time, that we fell in love’. We will miss you MJ,but you will live in us through your music. Adieu!!” – Pamela Macaulay

View More on our African Vibes Magazine Group on Facebook >>

Omoni Oboli

In the emancipated Hollywood of 2009, you might think that nudity on screen is less of an issue. And to a degree, that’s probably true with fewer performers admitting to hang-ups about baring all. Yet, it’s still a no-no for many stars, including Nollywood new comer Omoni Oboli who recently turned down a Hollywood role as lead lady for $500,000 because the Producer will not remove 3 nude scenes.

“I made it known to him (the Producer) that in my culture, you are only subject to your husband. I truly love my husband. I don’t believe actresses in Nigeria have gone so low to get this kind of pay, but there are some who believe that acting nude can help them get a house in VGC or Lekki; they should, however, think twice” the actress commented to the Daily Trust.

Omoni, who is married and has three kids, is only one of many actresses raising issue with nudity in scripts. Two months ago in London, where Julia Roberts was launching her latest movie, Duplicity, she confirmed to the tabloid Daily Mail that she had rejected a raunchy sex scene with co-star Clive Owen. The Mail decided Roberts also took a swipe at fellow Oscar winner Kate Winslet by criticizing nude scenes involving actresses who have children. “You know it’s not really what I do, so if you are going to ask me to do it, you have to expect it to be toned down,” she told The Mail. “As a mum of three, I feel like that.”

Some still wonder why there should be any controversy at all.

Academy Award winner, Helen Mirren, now 63, was scarcely out of her teens when she first bared all for director Michael Powell and co-star James Mason in the 1969 film Age of Consent, which was recently restored for DVD. “I think I had the honor to do the first full-frontal nudity outside of a porno film,” she proudly remembers.

Rene Russo had no reservations about going nude at the age of 45 for the remake of The Thomas Crown Affair, a movie which featured some steamy encounters with Pierce Brosnan. Cynthia Nixon went the full female Monty in the film version of Rene Russo had no reservations about going nude at the age of 45 for the remake of The Thomas Crown Affair, a movie which featured some steamy encounters with Pierce Brosnan. Cynthia Nixon went the full female Monty in the film version of Sex and the City, but her three co-stars were more reticent. Kim Cattrall, who thought nothing of being naked in the original TV series, had second thoughts at the age of 51. Her nudity was more discreet: in her big scene, her naked body was covered in sushi.

Akon

Blogsites and gossip websites have been buzzing with the news that Akon is about to be a father for the sixth time. The woman carrying his child is not one of his five wives,  but is Susan Owori, the sister of Ugandan fashion designer, Sylvia Owori. She is said to have met Akon in Uganda some time last year where he performed and the two continued the relationship as he flew her into Miami and took her on vacations to London. Rumor has it that she left her long-time boyfriend Da Twinz who was a member of a UK based Ugandan music duo for the R&B Superstar.

Akon has not released a statement to confirm or deny these rumors and seems focused on his career. He just extended his Konvict empire which consists of a record label and clothing line to include Konvinct cosmetics under which he will debut two new signature scents. He also just wrapped up a concert in the United Arab Emirates and a trip to South Africa where he met South Africa’s President, Jacob Zuma. He has been asked to produce the theme song for the 2010 soccer world cup.

Susan Owori on the other hand has been calling herself Mrs Akon since last August. According to an interview she conducted with Ugandan paper, The Monitor, she was quoted as  saying “We have known each other for six to eight years now. We met in London. I think we are now more than friends. I and Akon and his family are tight. Maybe I will be (Mrs Akon)  in future but not yet, may be in a few months time.”