If I had to describe the BET Awards weekend in one word – I would use comedian Kevin Hart’s new saying “TURNT UP”. Talk about a hectic weekend full of fun, excitement and lots of celebrities. No lie, I had to cancel my early morning flight on Tuesday just I could get a few more hours of sleep. It was that intense. Woe is me right? Not complaining at all, I had one of the best experiences in my red carpet life in LA. So let’s dish about what happened while I was in the city of Angels…
After my long 6 hour flight from New York to LA on Friday night the first party I attended was held on Saturday afternoon. It was held by Atlantic Records and was one of those industry parties where folks only talk to who they know until they get a nice buzz going. Then all bets are off and everyone turns into chatty Cathy.
At the party I saw singer Trey Songz, (who looked like he just rolled out bed to attend the event) Tyrese, singer Sveyn and Love and Hip Hop stars Stevie J and Joseline. While I was at the day party a little birdie told me that Serena and Venus’s sister was there. Now I am not a tennis fan but my boo LOVES Serena so I just had to meet the sister.
Lyndrea Williams not only works with her famous siblings on their empires but she also writes songs – most recently she penned a few tracks songs on Kelly Rowland’s new “Dirty Laundry” album. She told me that she was there to mingle and meet other people in the music biz, great to see her not just resting on her sisters accomplishments.
After that day soiree, I headed over to BET President Debra Lee’s pre BET Awards dinner. I was covering the red carpet for Stargist on Africa Magic so I had to arrive a bit early. So let me tell you this funny story that happened while I was on the red carpet waiting for Destiny’s Child member Michelle Williams to come over and talk to me. I was getting my questions together when I just happened to eavesdrop and I heard something that made me feel so bad for Michelle. The really slim and gorgeous singer was chatting with another outlet when they mistakenly referred to her as Kelly. Eish friends. It was a tender few seconds. Michelle handled the situation like a champ and corrected the person interviewing and vented in frustration to a friend that was standing next to her that that people always do that to her. The interviewer apologized profusely but at that point the damage was done, Michelle didn’t totally flip out but you can tell Bey’s “sister” wasn’t too happy about it. She kindly wrapped that interview up and shimmied on over to me and we talked for a good minute. Watch out for that interview soon, we chatted about her how she chills with Kelly and Bey, her trip to Nigeria, dealing with the haters and deets on her new album. I have a new level of respect for Michelle, she has such a warm heart.
Also at the same party- I chatted with Real Housewives of Atlanta star NeNe Leakes. Fresh off her million dollar wedding NeNe was glowing, looking every inch of the “rich bitch” that she claims to be. While she was talking to me about her nuptials that were captured for her Bravo spin- off show “I Dream Of NeNe” I couldn’t stop staring at her ring. I mean just look at it. Talk about MASSIVE, Greg really must have wanted to win her heart back.
Also at the same event, I saw former “Fresh Prince of Bel Air” star Tatyana Ali. Muhle right? She didn’t know the name of the designer that she was wearing so I had to look at the tag while she was in her dress. Talk about capturing a red carpet moment!
Also at the event was actor Leon (yes he only goes by one name) who was flirting extra hard.
He is cute but I gotta man so ladies holla at him. He is single and ready to mingle! I also yakked it up with another former Destiny’s Child member Letoya Luckett who was looking extra hot in Versace. You know she is starring in a new Queen Latifah show “Single Ladies” alongside South Africa’s own Lesly Brandtt. Letoya told me that Lesly’s makes her try all these exotic foods and she that she can’t wait to visit Africa. She was super cute.
The event featured celebs such as Tyrese, who spoke highly about Tata Nelson Mandela, Laila Ali, Lisa Leslie, Elle Varner and celeb trainer Jeanette Jenkins. After the red carpet I was so exhausted and to leave the event cause I had to prep for the BIG day. The 2013 BET Awards
I never know what to wear for the awards show so I usually try to stick with something bright. It makes me stand out on the red carpet making it easier to attract the celebs. So I ended up going with this orange Rachel Roy dress (she is Damon Dash’s former wife), getting my hair done in a Janelle Monae kinda style and opting for a more vibrant make-up look. More on the singer later though…
On the red carpet I definitely wanted to talk to Toya DeLazy and Donald. As a fan of both of their music I was bummed that neither one of them won but happy that they were at least recognized. I got to hang out with Donald a lil bit after the event but I managed to snap this pic of Toya on the red carpet.
Her outfit was cute right? I thought it totally summed up her style.
I also got a chance to meet the beautiful Mokgadi from Grazia Magazine, she was also working the red carpet. Don’t we just love her gold dress and killer shoes? She looked all kinds of haute!
On the red carpet I talked to J. Cole, Nelly, Kenya Moore, Kat Graham and Mya.
How I love Mya!
I am 90′s R&B fan so I was really excited to see Mya back on the scene doing her thing. She told me that she is not single and that she likes a “God fearing man that can cook” among many other characteristics. I snapped this pic with her on the red carpet.
After a few hours in the LA heat, we were escorted into the press room. After resting my paws for a bit a I decided to walk around the venue and there I saw a tall and lanky Chris Brown running to hit the stage to win an award. In addition to Breezy, I bumped into gospel singer Kirk Franklin who I had interviewed on the red carpet along with this beautiful wife.
Now friends, I won’t say anything bad about Kirk’s face but something is going on with him. His speech was even a bit off-ish, I am praying that everything is OK health wise with him
So after watching the awards show I decided it was time to crash a few parties. I had a press pass for a Chris Brown after party but there were a few parties happening in close proximity to where the venue is so I decided to hit those up first. On my way to the Marriott which was merely a few stone throws away I froze in my steps when I spotted singer Janelle Monae.
I made a beeline over to her and professed my admiration for her. She surprised me by telling me how she thought I was pretty and I almost passed out! Now if only I get some of that Cover girl money she’s making – I will be a happy camper. We snapped this pic together and it was just a full circle moment cause I remember being in the hair salon just a few days ago telling the stylist to give me a Janelle Monae type of ‘do. It was a sweet moment. I really had a great time! I can’t wait to get back next year!
P.S I never quite made it to the Chris Brown party, we got lost trying to get there.In the meantime check out this brief video below to hear what celebs had to say about Nelson Mandela on the red carpet!
By @MakhoNdlovu