I was invited to perform at the 25th annual Divas Simply Singing AIDS benefit at the Montalban theatre in L.A on the 24th of October. The benefit is organised by the award winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph who you will remember if you were a teenager in the 90’s as the mother to Brandy’s character in the sitcom, Moesha. It wasn’t my first time in the US of A but it was definitely my first in Hollywood, so I decided to make a holiday of the experience with my darling daughter in tow!
Day 1
We landed in LA absolutely knackered after a long 12 hour flight that took us through Frankfurt. Expecting to be exhausted, I realised that our travel agent had mixed up the bookings and the hotel wasn’t expecting me in that day! This wasn’t the grand entry we had planned…. A quick call to my manager Godwin Tom in Nigeria, and he in turn made a few calls and in 20 minutes, I was set to go. Before we hit the bed, we rushed in for a quick rehearsal at the Mon Talban!
Day 2
I had only a few hours shut eye before it was time to get ready for the show. I woke up with a small fever! Seriously?! Today when we don ready to shut down Hollywood? No way. This is nothing some prayer won’t fix. So me, my bible and some sure-fire mountain of fire prayers and I was good to go…
My fierce stylist Damilola of Fierce and Modish hooked me up with this vibrant Vlisco print set by Ejiro Amos Tafiri. I have since called it my shutdown outfit because it gave me my first Hollywood standing ovation : D Make up was by Buchi Akpati of The BA Beauty Company who doubled as photographer and videographer for the rest of my trip! I got complements all night long!
The Show
Usually, I handle pre show jitters with some honey and tea and a few words of prayer. I did the same this time around, but the audience looked like a roll call of Ebony and Essence Magazine regulars, I even heard Michael Jackson’s sister was in the audience. When it was time, Sheryl hugged me tightly to herself and shouted Go! Slay! That was all the ginger this Edo girl needed. And slay I did. At the end of my performance, everyone was cheering on their feet. Not a bad way to hit Hollywood ba? God is good.
I made the after performance backstage rounds and got to meet some amazing people. Here is one with Michael’s sister in the middle, the family resemblance among the Jacksons is remarkable. I also did some media rounds like this one with FT TV where Sheryl almost made me cry with her beautiful words.
The After Party
I showed up in this white metallic shift dress by Warehouse and gladiator sandals. I got to meet the super sweet and quiet Jordin Sparks and a few other people. I also got complements on the dress—> a toast to my fearless stylist! Obviously, I love to show my legs when I can so we went to town a little with the pictures! Enjoy!
Day 3
If there is one thing I learnt from LA, it’s that the celebrations never end, so after the show, there was the after-party and after the after party, (get your mind out the gutter) there was lunch… at Sheryl’s. So how do you dress generally for a Hollywood Lunch? We didn’t plan for this.
When in doubt? Go for
My outfit was by xxxx
Day 4
All play and no work, makes ‘Jill’ a broke girl! Today was for meetings. Not your average skirt suit and stiletto heels meeting. Today, I gave them a healthy dose of the exotic African star hits Hollywood. Hat in hand, short print mini dress and flats. Judge me not please. I met a few great people today and saw my fair share of multi platinum records (saying a short prayer)
Day 5
Today is a free day! Yay, at least most of it…. So Emerald and I hit some parts of the town too have a little fun. Warning: A lot of random tourist behaviour
