BN Red Carpet Fab: Mo Abudu’s Ebony Life TV Launch in Lagos

It was all about glitz, glamour and uber sophistication on Sunday 30th June 2013 as media mogul Mo Abudu launched her multi-broadcast network Ebony Life TV.

The event which was hosted by music star Darey Art-Alade and media personality Dolapo Oni, took place at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Celebrities including Lynxxx, Genevieve Nnaji, D’banj, Rita Dominic, Tiwa Savage, Uche Jombo-R, Toolz, M.I. Abaga, Olu Jacobs, Joke Silva, Munachi Abii, OC Ukeje, 2 Face Idibia, Julius Agwu, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Toke Makinwa and Dr. Sid, were spotted at the event.

Steve Forbes, Governor Liyel Imoke and his wife Obioma, Donald and Onarie Duke, Sue Fox and Olusegun Aganga were also specially invited to the occasion.

Inside, there were electrifying performances, a display of creative pieces and the unveiling of the creative team.

BellaNaija Style brings exclusively to you all the most stylish shots from the event. There are also some reviews on the outfits.

DISCLAIMER: There are a lot of photos. If you can’t go through them all, check out the first photos from the event.  🙂

Enjoy!

BN Red Carpet Fab: Mo Abudu’s Ebony Life TV Launch in Lagos
White & Black
Rita Dominic arrived at the Ebony Life TV launch yellow carpet in one of her best looks yet.

Away from all the dramatic frocks, Rita took a simple approach in white and black. Opting for a tousled up do, smoky eyes and nude lipstick, she styled her one shoulder white top and black pencil skirt with a black belt, silver drop earrings, a silver bracelet, a sparkly clutch and black sandals.

OC Ukeje looked sharp at the Ebony Life TV launch on Sunday in black and white.

He styled his white double breasted blazer with a white-and-black polka dot shirt, a black satin tie, black pants, a silver wrist watch and black shoes.

I was really excited to see Nkiru Anumudu at the launch of the Ebony Life TV on Sunday evening, because she always serves some of the best red carpet looks.

And this was no different. Nkiru who posed with her daughter Zina (in a sexy cut-out black dress) chose a white-and-black checkered dress from Marc Jacobs‘ Spring /Summer 2013 collection.

The beautiful high neck piece which features a sheer skirt, was styled with a white-and-black clutch, a gold wrist watch and white heels. Smoky eyes, nude lipstick and wavy blonde locks finished the look.

Chocolate City Records exec Audu Maikori was also seen in black and white. His white double breasted blazer was styled pretty much the same way as OC Ukeje, save for his plain black shirt.

Hosts – Darey Art-Alade & Dolapo Oni

TV personality Dolapo Oni co-hosted the show with music star Darey Art-Alade.

She arrived on the yellow carpet in a lime green strapless dress by upcoming design label, Mi-Le. The dress which features a contemporary draping and a slit in the middle, was styled with pulled-back hair, minimal make-up and gold earrings.

Darey Art-Alade put the D in Dapper as he made his way into the Eko Hotel & Suites on Sunday. He wore a single button black suit, a white shirt, a black bow tie and black shoes.

When you co-host an event, you’ve got to dish out more fashion fabulousity. Well Dolapo gave us two more looks.

I think this was my favourite look of her at the event. She changed into a pretty black-and-white Ms Makor dress, which features a flared skirt. Still keeping her hair and make-up the same, the look was completed with red heels.

Her third and final look of the night was a canary yellow dress.

The dress which features a plunging neckline, covered by a sheer fabric, was accessorized with gold hoop earrings, a selection of gold bracelets and an eye catching pair of gold shoes.

We are not used to seeing Dolapo in pieces like this  – as she often takes a demure approach, so I am glad she shocked us with the dress.

Love it from the front to the Back
Genevieve Nnaji‘s dramatic Deola Sagoe frock was definitely worth a Kodak moment on Sunday evening.

The Nollywood star who opted for a sleek chignon and red lipstick, styled the lace dress which features a sheer skirt and an alluring train, with silver earrings, a silver clutch and black pumps.

Are you a fan of the custom dress?

If you’ve got a body like this, there is surely no crime in flaunting it.

Nollywood starlet Beverly Naya left little to the imagination in a black dress by April by Kunbi. The sequined dress which features a see-through sheer detail from the hip bone and a peekaboo cut on the back, was styled with diamond encrusted earrings and ring as well as a pair of black pumps.

Choosing a top knot, she completed the look with smoky eyes and pink lipstick.

Ruth Osime didn’t let all the pretty-young-things take away all the shine.

She looked resplendent in a royal blue high neck Meena dress which features sequined detailing on the shoulder and waist, a sexy cut-out on the back and an alluring train.

Giving us a taste of the 80s with her chic afro, she accessorized with silver drop earrings, a silver bracelet, a silver ring and a black clutch.

Ladies in Pants
It was Mo Abudu‘s big night – and prior to the event, I anticipated she was going to choose not 1, not 2 but at least 3 gorgeous dresses.

But Mo shocked all by choosing an embellished Deola Sagoe green pant suit through out the event. She styled the outfit which features lace detailing, with silver drop earrings.

What’s your take on Mo Abudu’s look?

A closer look at the appliques on Mo’s pant suit.

Former editor of TW Magazine Kemi Ogunleye chose a one shoulder grey jumpsuit from Mi-Le‘s Autumn/Winter 2013-2014 collection. She paired the piece with gold hoop earrings, an ivory clutch and ivory heels.

Ladies take note, this is how to rock a pant suit. Her black pant suit was styled with a black embellished belt, pearl necklace, silver drop earrings, a crocodile skin green clutch and black shoes.

Coupled Up
Is it just me or are their smiles uncontrollably infectious?

Media personality Toolz and her beau Tunde Demuren were all smiles as they posed for cameras at the Ebony Life TV launch.

Toolz opted for a velvet mustard yellow dress which features gold detailing on the waist and sleeves. She styled the dress by Liam Fashion Agency with a pair of gold earrings, a colourful aquamarine necklace and a silver-and-black coloured clutch.

Tunde decided on a navy suit, a black shirt and black shoes.

We know Julius is the super star in the Agwu family, but it was his wife Ibiere who had heads turning.

Ibiere dressed for 2 (The couple are expecting their second child) in a red strapless chiffon number. She accessorized with drop earrings, a silver-and-gold coloured clutch and gold sandals.

Julius opted for a grey striped suit, a grey waist coat, a white shirt, a black velvet bow tie and black shoes.

Mo Abudu’s Ebony Life TV launch not only pulled some of the biggest names in the Nigerian entertainment industry, but also top Nigerian officials.

Former Cross River state governor Donald Duke and his wife Onarie were one of the many invited guests. Donald Duke chose a black dinner suit, a white shirt, a black tie and black shoes while his wife sashayed down the yellow carpet in a black-and-gold floor length dress.

Music exec Steve Babaeko and his beautiful photographer wife Yetunde were hand-in-hand as they made their way into the Eko Hotel & Suites.

Steve wore a black suit which features velvet lapels, a white shirt, a black Italian tie and black shoes. Yetunde chose a one shoulder embellished blush gown, a multi-coloured clutch and yellow-and-white ankle strap heels.

Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River state looked sharp in a black tuxedo while his wife Obioma opted for a shimmering black-and-gold dress.

Nollywood power couple Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva didn’t stay far away from each other at the event. Joke Silva channeled her Ankara fabness in an embellished dress, while Olu Jacobs wore a navy suit, a yellow shirt and black shoes.

Gospel singer Nikki Laoye made a rare public appearance with her husband Alex Oturu at the Ebony Life TV launch.

Nikki who performed a beautiful rendition of the National anthem at the event, wore a black-and-gold dress from Iconic Invanity. The piece which was recently displayed at the Mediterranean Fashion Week in Italy by the Nigerian design label, was styled with drop earrings and a gold ring.

Alex kept his look simple in a black suit, a white shirt and black shoes.

Model Francis Nwodu and his wife, IB Nwodu who tied the knot in a low key ceremony in February, walked the black carpet together.

Celebrity photographer Kelechi Amadi-Obi posed with his wife Julia inside the hall. He opted for a navy traditional attire, while his wife was seen in a youthful print blouse, navy pants and gold heels.

The Little Black Dress
We’ve missed seeing Uche Jombo on the red carpet, so it was to our delight that she attended the Ebony Life TV launch.

Playing it safe in a simple black dress, the Nollywood star styled it with a light blue coral bead neck piece, a gold clutch and black peep toes.

Celebrity stylist Veronica Ebie-Odeka who styled Genevieve Nnaji, Toke Makinwa, Misi Molu, Dolapo Oni and Zainab Balogun for the event, opted for a black mini dress, which features a slit.

Her look was completed with silver drop earrings and black heels.

Nollywood star Omoni Oboli rocked a black tube dress, which features lace detailing. Curly locks, red lipstick, drop earrings, a gold clutch and black pumps completed the look.

Model Isio Wanogho made her way into the hall in a black peplum top with a plunging neckline and matching black pencil skirt. She accessorized with a black bracelet, a black clutch and black heels.

Style Star
It seems Zainab Balogun wanted to be the belle of the ball, so she chose a pretty, girly dress.

The Nigerian TV personality’s gown which features blush sleeves, a flower detail on the waist and pink tulle skirt was taken from Shakara Couture.

She accessorized with gold earrings and a silver ring. Her signature short cut, smoky eyes and pink lipstick completed the look.

It’s Tiwa Savage. The Nigerian chanteuse glided down the yellow carpet in a sexy cut-out Bridget Awosika dress. She styled the pink dress which features a single as well as an irregular draped strap, with silver earrings.

Smoky eyes, highlighted eyebrows and purple lipstick completed the look.

Once a beauty queen, always a beauty queen. Nigerian modelling entrepreneur Elohor Aisien looked simple-yet-classic in a green jersey Roberto Cavalli dress.

Choosing to let her hair down, she styled the dress with gold bracelets and an Alexander McQueen skull knuckle box clutch.

TV personality Eku Edewor looked beautiful in a grey dress by Clan. Opting for a chic up do and red berry lipstick, she accessorized with a pearl necklace, a silver clutch and a pair of burgundy velvet shoes.

When it comes to Nollywood star Kate Henshaw, 40+ is the new 20.

She chose a one shoulder satin blouse and metallic skirt with a thigh high slit. She accessorized with feather earrings, a gold bracelet, an ivory clutch and black shoes.

I am a tad bit disappointed that Kate didn’t opt for another pair of shoes. A metallic heel or gold sandals would have sold this look very well, but seeing her in that outfit, I doubt if anyone will concentrate on the shoes.

M-Net Africa managing director Biola Alabi showed-off her legs in a one-shoulder silver dress by Tony Ward. She paired the dress with silver drop earrings, silver bracelets, a patterned clutch and sparkly heels.

Toke Makinwa hosted the yellow carpet at the Ebony Life TV launch.

The Nigerian media personality arrived in a pink lace dress by Shakara Couture. She accessorized with silver drop earrings, a green belt and a pair of black Christian Louboutin heels.

She later changed into a more Gothic look. Her lace dress by Tiannah Styling was paired with the same drop earrings and Christian Louboutin shoes. Which of Toke’s looks do you like best?

Having a déjà vu moment? Rising singer Zaina arrived on the yellow carpet in a strapless ivory dress by Iconic Invanity.

Zaina isn’t the first to be seen in this dress. In March 2013, Biola Alabi wore the same dress to the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

Although it had been worn before, Zaina fully made it her own, accessorizing with drop earrings.

Beauty entrepreneur Tara Durotoye added a pop of colour to the yellow carpet in an orange chiffon Virgos Lounge dress. She accessorized with silver hoop earrings, a silver wrist watch, a gold clutch and pink heels.

Yes Tosyn, YES! Media personality Tosyn Bucknor had me swooning with her grey-and-black floor length dress.

She accessorized with drop earrings and a silver ring. Her look was completed with smoky eyes and red lipstick.

I think what makes me love the look is the “I am a Diva” attitude she’s serving on the carpet.

Media personality Oreka Godis arrived in a blue floor length dress by Beatrice Black. She styled her dress with gold drop earrings, a gold bracelet and spiked Alexander McQueen knuckle box clutch.

All Dressed in White
TV personality Adaure Achumba was all smiles on the black carpet in a simple white Calvin Klein dress. She styled her outfit with red beads for her neck, a red tote and red shoes.

Keeping the red drama, she opted for red lipstick.

Celebrity stylist Lilian Unachukwu also chose a white ensemble to the event. She paired her white blouse with a blazer and a sexy cut-out skirt.

Her look was completed with gold stud earrings, a silver necklace and a silver clutch. She added a pop of colour by finishing the look with ankle strap orange heels.

Nollywood starlet Daphne Akatugba was also seen in white.

Suit & Tie
Model/actor Bryan Okwara arrived in an orange double breasted suit by Rhobes. He paired the suit with a green shirt, black shoes and dark shades.

Music star Dr. Sid chose a light blue suit by Mai Atafo Inspired. He styled it with a white shirt and brown shoes.

Rising actor Alex Ekubo opted for an all black ensemble to the Ebony Life TV launch. He styled the Taryor Gabriels dinner suit with a black shirt, black tie and black shoes.

Praiz looked sharp and cool in a Thomas Pink blazer, grey Topman pants and white Gucci sneakers. He completed the look with a silver wrist watch and cool Ray Ban shades.

Rubbin’ Minds host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu arrived at the star studded affair in a black David Wej suit.

Koko master D’banj chose an ivory blazer, black lace shirt, black pants and black shoes.

The Lady in Red
Stylist/fashion editor Ezinne Chinkata truly embodied the lady in red on Sunday evening at the Eko Hotel & Suites.

She took to the yellow carpet in a red vintage spaghetti strap silk dress. Sporting short bangs and a red pout, she accessorized with a red clutch, red heels and a gold bracelet.

Former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria Anita Uwagbale-Iseghohi surely wasn’t one to miss on the black carpet at the Ebony Life TV launch.

She flaunted her fab figure in a red Notte by Marchesa dress which features a dramatic bow detail on the bodice. Sweeping her dark locks to her left, she chose to accessorize with gold drop earrings, a gold bracelet, a gold clutch and gold heels.

Managing Director of Estee Lauder Cosmetics South Africa Sue Fox was also a guest at the star studded affair on Sunday evening.

Sue chose a red long sleeve dress which features a bow detail and a high-low hemline. She accessorized with a blue clutch and black pumps.

Nollywood actress/director Tope Oshin Ogun was a red siren at the Ebony Life TV launch in a chiffon floor length dress. She paired the dress with a white pearl neck piece, a white clutch and silver pumps.

Tiffany Amber‘s “Lily” wrap dress was the it-dress among Lagos most stylish in 2011. Although you may say the piece is so last season, Colette Otusheso who arrived at the event in a red version of the famous piece, made it look oh-so-fresh.

She accessorized with a selection of jewelry, a blue clutch and blue heels. I would have preferred the dress to have been styled with gold heels and clutch, but there’s no denying she looks good.

Events planner extraordinaire Funke Bucknor-Obruthe was also spotted in a red dress. The piece which features lace detailing on the bodice and a figure hugging skirt, was accessorized with drop gold earrings and a gold bracelet.

Her let down locks and red lipstick finished the look.

Lamide Akintobi took to the yellow carpet at the Eko Hotel & Suites in a burgundy dress by Meena.

Designers’ Style
Work it Bridget! If there was one thing the Nigerian designer made clear on the yellow carpet on Sunday, it’s that no one wears Bridget Awosika like Bridget Awosika.

She chose a pink blazer and a pink long shirt from her collection displayed at the 2012 MTN Lagos Fashion and Design Week. She accessorized with gold earrings, a gold bracelet, a black clutch and a pair of black heels.

Nancy Nwadire was also seen on the yellow carpet in one of her label Iconic Invanity’s pieces. The embellished peplum top and skirt was accessorized with a gold clutch and a gold bracelet. Wavy locks and nude lipstick completed the look.

Model turned designer Isi Atagamen arrived in a sleeveless grey lace dress.

Creative director of Tiffany Amber, Folake Folarin-Coker rocked a yellow laser cut net dress to the event on Sunday evening. She styled the dress with silver bracelets and gold peep-toes.

Prints
Actress Kemi “Lala” Akindoju smiled on the yellow carpet in a halter neck print dress by Ejiro Amos Tafiri. The dress which features an embellished neckline and belt as well as a criss cross cut on the back, was styled with gold earrings, gold bracelets and cream pumps.

If you recall, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Munachi Abii and Toke Makinwa wore the same dress

Media personality Susan Younis wore a pink-and-blue coloured mini dress to the Ebony Life TV launch. She paired it with a purple belt, gold jewelry on her ears and hands, a gold clutch and spiked heels.

Red Carpet Black Dresses
For Munachi Abii, it was all about accentuating her toned legs at the event on Sunday. The former beauty queen turned rapper chose a one shoulder black dress by Tiannah Styling.

The dress which features an embellished strap and thigh high slit, was accessorized with a black clutch and ivory heels. Short bangs, smoky eyes and nude lipstick completed the look.

TV personality Stephanie Coker stepped on the yellow carpet in a black Andrea Iyamah dress which features an embellished and leather bodice as well as a long skirt with a side slit.

Pulling her hair back, she accessorized with silver earrings and pair of Giuseppe Zanotti “Firewings” sandals.

Who’s that girl? It’s model Makida Moka. Just like Muna, Makida flashed her long legs in a sheer piece by IamISIGO. She accessorized with gold stud earrings, a gold choker, a gold belt and black pumps.

I am not sure about the black scarf but it was styled well to make her look her age.

Celebrity stylist Ngozi Zed-Eye hit the yellow carpet in a stunning piece by Ms Makor. Her lace fringe dress was styled with a leopard print vintage clutch, Chanel earrings, Dolce & Gabbana rings and Zara heels.

Eunice Efole stole the spotlight in an off shoulder, long sleeve black dress with an alluring train. She accessorized the dress with drop earrings, a silver butterfly shaped brooch (placed on her waist) and a silver clutch.

On air personality Titi Oyinsan made her first red carpet appearance since welcoming twin girls, in a sleeveless black dress.

Media personality Misi Molu chose a black dress which features a sequined bodice and flowing chiffon skirt. She accessorized with drop earrings and sparkly peep-toes.

Trad Style

Sparkles + Shimmers
Media personality Tracy Nwapa dazzled in an embellished gold dress.

On Stage Fashion

Ok, I am not “famzing” but Banky W is one entertainer who knows how to wear a suit. Performing on stage with Tiwa Savage, the “Yes/No” R&B crooner who chose to skip the black and yellow carpet, wore a single button black dinner suit.

His look was completed with dark shades, a black tie and black shoes.

Veteran musician Onyeka Onwenu and songstress Omawumi were a sensational sight to behold while performing on stage at the Ebony Life TV launch on Sunday evening.

Onyeka gave the pretty-young-things a run for their money in a creative Ankara top and A-line skirt while Omawumi shimmered in a gold-and-black dress.

Opting for short wavy locks and red lipstick, Omawumi styled the dress with black sandals.

Fashion icon Deola Sagoe showcased an amazing body of work at the Ebony Life TV launch. The pieces ranged from pretty frocks to dramatic red carpet stunners.

To take a bow after the fashion show, Deola was seen in a stunning Deola Sagoe (of course) piece. The dress which features over sized sleeves and a sequined skirt, was styled with drop earrings, silver and gold bracelets and black heels.

After their mother – Deola Sagoe presented her collection, the young and vibrant Sagoe sisters also unveiled their latest pieces.

One of the sisters walked the stage in an off-shoulder black dress with a thigh high slit while the other opted for a white halter neck dress.

Mr Incredible who also joined a long list of stars who skipped the red carpet, performed on stage in a black single button suit. He paired the suit with a white shirt, a black bow tie, dark shades and black shoes.

Will a star studded show be complete without a performance by 2 Baba? The music star was dressed in all black as he took the stage.

Also following in 2 Face Idibia’s step of an all black ensemble was his protégé Dammy Krane.

Did Seun Kuti pull a Fela Kuti with his outfit?

Star Boy Wizkid was also seen on stage. He wore a leopard print satin shirt, black pants, dark shades, a gold chain and black shoes.

More Red Carpet Looks

Photo Credit: Kola Oshalusi for Insigna | Ifeanyi “Ifan” Michael – Think PR

Interior Decor: No Surprises Events

About Damilare Aiki