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Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Dream Counts: A Story Born from Pain, Poetry, and Power

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Dream count

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is back, and it feels like a long-lost friend has finally returned. After more than a decade since her last novel, Americanah, she gifts us

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Dream Counts a book that is as much about storytelling as it is about survival.

This isn’t just another novel; it’s a deeply personal journey, shaped by grief, self-doubt, and the healing power of words.

Why This Book Feels Different

For years, many of us wondered why Adichie hadn’t written another novel. She kept giving us essays, speeches, and short fiction, but something was missing.

Then, she lost her father in 2020. Less than a year later, her mother passed away too. These tragedies silenced her in a way she had never experienced before.

In a recent New York Times interview, she admitted she thought she might never write fiction again. But poetry saved her.

In the depths of grief, she turned to poetry not for publication, but for herself. And slowly, those poems led her back to storytelling. That’s how Dream Counts was born.

What’s Dream Counts About?

This book tells the story of four African women, Chiamaka (Chia), Zikora, Omelogor, and Kadiatou each dealing with love, loss, ambition, and identity. Their lives intertwine in ways that feel both unexpected and deeply real.

Dream count

Dream count

Adichie has always been a master of human emotions, and here, she explores:

  • Sisterhood and female solidarity: How women uplift, challenge, and sometimes betray each other.
  • Diaspora struggles: The balance between longing for home and embracing new worlds.
  • Love, power, and justice: What it means to fight for yourself in a world that tries to silence you.

One of the most talked-about characters, Kadiatou, is inspired by Nafissatou Diallo, the woman who accused Dominique Strauss-Kahn of sexual assault.

Reading Dream Counts Feels Like…

Reading this book is like sitting across from Adichie herself and listening to her tell a story over tea. The words flow effortlessly, the emotions hit hard, and the characters feel like people you know.

Dream count

It’s the kind of novel that makes you pause, reflect, and sometimes even whisper, I’ve felt this before.

There’s pain here, but there’s also hope. There’s loss, but also strength. And more than anything,

there’s the reminder that even in the darkest times, stories still count and so do our dreams.

Why You Should Read It

If you’ve ever loved an Adichie novel, this one will feel like home. If you’ve ever felt lost, it will remind you of your strength.

And if you’ve ever doubted your own voice, Dream Counts will make you believe in its power again.

Chimamanda is back. And she has something important to say.

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The Boy Is Mine Tour: Brandy & Monica—One Stage, 25 Years Later

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Twenty-five years after topping charts with their iconic duet, Brandy and Monica are back with fire—owning the spotlight and taking over like they never left before. Today kickstarts the official ticket sales for The Boy Is Mine Tour, a 24-city celebration spanning North America this fall. If you grew up on those endless R&B hooks and harmonies, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for.

 

Brandy x Monica

From Chart-Topping Duo to Feuding Foes… and Back Again

In May 1998, “The Boy Is Mine” exploded onto the scene, and took the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for 13 whole weeks, selling over 2.6 million copies, and earning Brandy and Monica a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance  . However, tension arose behind the success; rumours were circulated by public opinion and industry pressure, leading to a backstage clash prior to their MTV VMA performance.

During the Verzuz showdown in 2020, the long-dormant relationship was rekindled. In 2024, a remix featuring Ariana Grande provided audiences a sense of nostalgia while demonstrating to both artists that their magic endures.

A Whole-Circle Celebration

Now, Monica and Brandy are back together and unrepentant. As Brandy put it, “This really is a full‑circle moment… honoring where we came from and how far we’ve both come.” Monica echoes this sentiment, calling the tour “a celebration of our history, our impact, and the fans who have grown with us”  .

It’s more than just a concert; it’s a tribute to sisterhood, growth, and legacy.

 

Jamal Roberts X The Boy Is Mine Tour

What You Would See

The 2025 autumn tour opens October 16 in Cincinnati and wraps December 7 in Houston’s Toyota Center—24 arena dates total, with stops from Chicago to Brooklyn.  Expect a dynamic set featuring evocative duets, solo hits like Brandy’s “I Wanna Be Down” and Monica’s “So Gone,” and collaborative moments lit by live band energy  .

Adding spice to the line-up are three special guests: Grammy winner Kelly Rowland, breakout star Muni Long, and freshly crowned American Idol winner Jamal Roberts.

 

Brandy and Monica Reunites “The Boy Is Mine Tour”

Tickets Are Live — Get Yours Now

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Presales launched yesterday (June 26) via artist code BPC, available through Ticketmaster and arena sites.
  • General on-sale starts today, June 27 at 10 AM local time. Don’t wait—the nostalgia engine is revving up fast.

If you’re based in a city on the tour, you’ll want to pull that ticket string early—arenas are sure to fill fast. Whether you were there in ’98 or you fell in love with the remix, this is your chance to sing every note alive.

Why You Can’t Miss This

The Boy Is Mine Tour isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s a milestone. Two of R&B’s greats reconciled, reconnected, and are now ready to grace one stage. With a stellar set list, powerhouse guests, and decades of raw emotion behind them, Brandy and  Monica are remastering a moment that defined a generation.

read this: Queen Bey and Her Little Star: Rumi Steals the Spotlight on the Cowboy Carter Tour

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Still Fabulous, Still Grateful – Chioma Ikokwu Turns a Year Bolder

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Birthdays are special days set aside to celebrate one’s life on Earth. Today is one of those days; we’re celebrating one of the most inspiring and fabulous women in the beauty industry – Chioma Ikokwu, the founder of ChiomaGoodHair. As she turns a year older, we can’t help but reflect on her incredible journey and the qualities that make her truly unforgettable.

ChiomaGoodHair birthday look

ChiomaGoodHair birthday look

ChiomaGoodHair is a name that you probably associate with the hottest hair extension company in Nigeria, yet what you might not know is the origin of the success of its founder. Chioma Ikokwu started off with an interest in beauty and the dream to change the industry. She started the business of Chioma Good Hair with hard work, determination, and with an eye of finer quality and made it a bespoke beauty product as it is today.

ChiomaGoodHair glammed up for her big day

ChiomaGoodHair glammed up for her big day

Still Fabulous, Still Grateful;

So, what’s the secret to Chioma’s success? For starters, her gratitude and humility are qualities that have earned her a special place in the hearts of her customers and fans. Despite her accomplishments, she remains grounded and true to her values. Her fabulous personality, style, and sense of humour only add to her charm, making her a beloved figure in the beauty industry.

In her IG post she wrote “I promise to protect this new version of me with everything I am. Grateful for life and new beginnings. This year didn’t break me. It made me STRONGER!”

Chioma Ikokwu

Chioma Ikokwu

As Chioma celebrates another year bolder, One thing’s for sure – she’ll continue to inspire and empower women through her brand and platform. Here’s to many more years of good hair, good vibes, and fabulousness!

Happy birthday, ChiomaGoodHair! May this new year bring her continued success, happiness, and blessings. Amen.

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The Incredible Rise of Olivia Mmesoma”

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In the ever-evolving Nigerian entrepreneurship society, where persistency is as important as vision, Olivia Ihemeofor – known simply as Oli is directing her life, rewriting the rules her own way. Born on December 31, 2000, Oli’s story from her childhood to building her brand is a testament to strength, passion, and the firm belief that with determination, anything is possible.

Oli’s love for writing and putting words together led her to study Literature in English, a logical decision to nurture an innate passion. “I started writing before getting into college, from primary school,” she shares. This early love for words even translated into a clever side hustle. “I started making money writing essays for my classmates who didn’t do their holidays essays.” Books, she explains, became her sanctuary — “a safe space, an escape from harsh reality” — thanks to her mother, a teacher who encouraged this early love.

Interestingly, Oli initially had gone towards a different path. “At first, I tried to study banking and finance, leaving writing behind, but I dropped off because I wasn’t doing something that brought happiness to me,” she reveals with honesty that speaks volumes. She stressed the important lesson: chasing genuine happiness is key.

And happiness, for Oli, isn’t just found in writing. It’s also found in radiating positivity. “I’ve always been known to light up the room because I find happiness in the little thing no one expects,” she says, a statement that holds up when you meet her. She is also a model — started off modelling for beauty products, and now models her own brand.

Her biggest passion, however, lies in something even more broad: “travelling the world.” For Oli, exploring other cultures, their fashion, and what they stand for — “the world is a very big space.” Her desire to share these discoveries is solid, hinting at future desire to see the world non-stop.

Speaking of which, the genesis of her fashion brand, Via_ng, is as captivating as Oli herself. “I started Via_ng with just five cloths I bought to wear from certain online vendor. I thought, why not post this cute outfit, put my price and go get another one if someone buys because I was really broke that period….”

The entrepreneurial spirit, born out of necessity, shone brightly. “I sold them out in a day and went back to get some more. Within three months, I was able to officially launch it as a brand.”

For Oli, the business is more than just selling clothes. “We have been in business for 2 years now, and it brings me so much joy to see girls on my outfit. The good reviews bring me joy — knowing I bring so much confidence to so many girls out there. In Via_ng our clothes are luxurious and very affordable.” Her commitment to her customers and the confidence she helps them build is evident.

When asked about her inspiration, Oli doesn’t hold back: “Poverty,” she states simply. This raw honesty reveals a powerful drive to create a better life for herself and to empower others. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is equally practical: “Before starting a brand, know your environment.” This keen understanding of her surroundings and market has undoubtedly contributed to Via_ng’s success.

Looking ahead, Oli has ambitious plans for 2025. “In 2025, I’ve been through so much for a girl of my age, so I feel like this is finally the year to call me that girl…. I’ve always longed for financial independence, so this year I’m taking my brand to the next level. Being an entrepreneur in Nigeria is hectic, but we don’t back down in Nigeria, so I’ve decided to bite more than I can chew and chew it at home.”

 

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