On Monday, Grace Bassey, who you might remember as Nollywood actress Belinda Effah, surprised everyone with big news on Instagram. She shared that she joined the U.S. Navy, became a U.S. citizen, and just graduated from Navy Boot Camp!

In her own words:

“First, all glory to God. Last week, I graduated from the U.S. Navy Boot Camp as a sailor and took the oath as a citizen of the United States.”

Nigeria Raised Her. 

Born and raised in Nigeria, Grace first came to prominence through Nollywood, Nigeria’s thriving film industry. Her performances captured the hearts of many as she featured in popular Nollywood productions  like Tinsel, Bambitious, Shallow waters and a lot more. 

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However, her dreams extended beyond acting. She moved to the United States and began pursuing her dream of becoming a sailor. She had to enlist in the U.S. Navy. She summed it up in her post: ‘Nigeria raised me. America challenged me. I stand today stronger and more determined than ever.’

Becoming a sailor was not just a dream- it was carrying on a legacy. In her words “ In honor of my late father– Naval CDR Asido Bassey Effah”. 

 She did not do it just for herself. Grace decided to step into the shoes of her late father, this time on international soil. 

 Leaving behind a successful acting career to embrace the rigors of boot camp requires extraordinary courage. From memorizing scripts to learning drills, the transition demanded mental strength, physical endurance, and an unwavering belief in her purpose.

Conclusion.

Whether she continues in the Navy, explores public service, or even returns to the arts, one thing is clear: Grace Bassey is a force to be reckoned with. A woman of faith, courage, and deep conviction, she’s shown us all that you can change paths without losing direction.

To Grace Charis Bassey, congratulations.

Joy Mojisola Raimi, who was crowned Miss World Nigeria in April 2025, is now in India for the 72nd edition of the Miss World competition. The international pageant is taking place in Hyderabad, and Joy is representing Nigeria among over 140 contestants from around the world.

Joy Mojisola Raimi displaying her Nigerian culture

Joy hails from Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State but was raised in Rivers State. She studied International Relations at the University of Port Harcourt. Outside of pageantry, she’s a professional model and actress with interests in dancing, traveling, reading, and music.

More details from Joy’s dress

Pageant Journey So Far

Her journey in pageantry didn’t start today. In 2021, she won the Miss Port Harcourt City International crown. A year later, she was crowned Miss Intercontinental Nigeria 2022 and went on to represent Nigeria at the 50th Miss Intercontinental Pageant in Egypt, where she won the title of Miss Intercontinental Africa, becoming the second Nigerian to do so since Bianca Ojukwu in 1989.

Joy Mojisola stunning in red

Miss World Nigeria 2025 Event

At the Miss World Nigeria 2025 competition, contestants showcased their elegance in multiple categories including traditional wear, sportswear, and evening gowns. From the initial 37 contestants, the field was narrowed down to 20, and later to five finalists representing Imo, Ebonyi, Abuja, Abia, and Osun. During the final Q&A round, Joy spoke about personal challenges she faced growing up, particularly the absence of her mother and the lack of support from a caregiver. Her honesty and articulation impressed the judges and audience alike.

Joy in her Yoruba cultural outfit

She was crowned by Guy Murray-Bruce, Chief Operating Officer of the Silverbird Group, who commended her for her clarity, intelligence, and leadership qualities.

Joy Mojisola Raimi

What’s Next – Miss World 2025 in India

As the reigning Miss World Nigeria, Joy Raimi will represent the country at the 72nd Miss World pageant set to hold from May 7 to May 31, 2025, at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, India. 

More details of the cultural outfit worn by Miss Joy Raimi

Joy is also the founder of “The Love for Humanity” project, a personal initiative that supports underserved communities. She is particularly passionate about issues affecting women and girls, with a focus on ending period poverty and providing aid to those in need.

With her crown, Joy carries the flag for Nigeria into the international spotlight, ready to show the world what she stands for.

Now that the drama has died down a little, for the 2025 AMVCA let’s talk about this particular time of the year when stars align and Africa’s finest strut their stuff on the most glamorous carpet in African entertainment. The 2025 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards didn’t just bring the heat, it scorched. And the fashion? Darling, it spoke. From earthy art to celestial couture, here’s who served the most unforgettable looks of the night.

Diiadem – The Golden Butterfly

Diiadem at AMVCA red carpet

Diiadem fluttered in like a luxe butterfly goddess in a body-hugging gown encrusted with shimmering gold and brown embellishments. The highlight? Giant beaded butterflies perched dramatically across the bodice and flowing train. The plunging neckline and mermaid silhouette? A moment. She didn’t come to play, she came to dazzle.

Bimbo Ademoye – The Pink Dream

Bimbo Ademoye at AMVCA red carpet

Soft, sweet, and sassy, Bimbo glided in with a dreamy dual-tone pink number. The darker rose bodice hugged her beautifully, while the pastel ruffled skirt brought the drama. Glittering accents at the waist tied it all together, giving us fairy tales and fierceness.

Ini Dima-Okojie – Dark Royalty

Ini-dinma Okojie at AMVCA red carpet

Ini looked like she walked out of a high-fashion fantasy. Her sheer black corset gown featured a bold off-shoulder neckline and sculpted skirt. The pearly accessories added a soft, luxe contrast to the edginess of her dress. Gothic glam? Signed, sealed, delivered.

Nana Akua Addo – White Swan Realness

Ghanaian star Nana at AMVCA red carpet

Yes, the Ghanaian queen came to slay, and we love her, so she stays. Nana wore a show-stopping white masterpiece made entirely of scale-like discs. The headpiece alone? Architectural brilliance. The gown gave a futuristic mermaid in heaven, and honestly, she wins for drama and detail.

Doyin David – Mother Nature, But Make It Fashion

Doyin David at AMVCA 2025 red carpet

Doyin’s earth-toned gown was a wearable sculpture. Crafted from root-like textures with pops of green leaves, she gave a forest queen on a runway. The silhouette hugged her in all the right places while still being avant-garde. Nature chic? We see you.

Uche Montana – Tropical Mermaid Energy

Uche Montana at AMVCA 2025 red carpet

Uche brought color, shine, and flow with a teal sequined dress featuring burnt-orange chiffon drapes. The sheer details, flowing fishtail, and flower-like patterns were a tropical storm in the best way. A look that moved, literally and figuratively.

Mercy Atang – Regal in Gold

Mercy Atang at AMVCA 2025 red carpet

Mercy went full-on empress in a gold-toned gown with geometric beading, dramatic tassel sleeves, and a perfectly matching purse. The standout feature? A glorious flower crown gele-like headpiece. This was luxury with intention, rich, rooted, and regal.

Fun fact: Mercy’s dress was made with over One million golden safety pins. Tell us about creativity at an all time high. 

Mercy Eke – Ice Queen Energy

Mercy Eke at AMVCA 2025 red carpet

In a glimmering, silvery-white masterpiece, Mercy floated onto the scene. Her corset-style bodice, crystal details, and voluminous skirt made her look like a diamond in motion. The glistening backdrop added to the magical, frozen glam effect. Stunning doesn’t even begin.

Mercy Aigbe – Cosmic Royalty

Mercy Aigbe at AMVCA 2025 red carpet

Mercy gave us the moon and the stars, literally. Her gown featured a crescent moon sculpture, a sun-painted bodice, and a starry black skirt. She turned herself into a walking universe. Mercury must be in fashion, because she delivered planetary slayage.

Liquorose – Ethereal Rebel

Liquorose at AMVCA 2025 red carpet

Dressed in sheer cream fishnet with a metallic floral sculpture across the torso, Liquorose looked like a ghostly goddess. The gray head veil added mystery, and the almost-nude illusion had us zooming in. High fashion meets haunting beauty.

Osas Ighodaro – Earth Goddess

Osas Ighodaro at AMVCA 2025 red carpet

Olive, cream, and earthy accents made Osas look like a piece of sacred land. Her gown mimicked landscapes with twig-like headgear giving full-on “Mother of Nature” energy. The details? Chef’s kiss.

Jemima Osunde – Striking in Stripes

Jemima Osunde at AMVCA 2025 red carpet

Jemima went bold in a silver and black strapless gown with a zebra-inspired bodice and voluminous pleated skirt. It was fierce, elegant, and made a solid case for structured glamour. A quiet slay, but a slay nonetheless.

Kiekie – Fairytale Feather Queen

Kiekie at AMVCA 2025 red carpet

Kiekie brought Disney magic with a shimmering silver-blue gown that sparkled like an ice crystal. Sculpted shoulder tendrils added a feathery softness, and her short gray hair made the whole thing feel modern yet whimsical. She glowed, period. The Designer Veekee James really didn’t come to play on this year’s AMVCA looks. 

Akin Faminu – The Rose Detail King

Akin Faminu at AMVCA 2025 red carpet

Akin stood out in a black-and-white suit, with embroidered red roses on one shoulder, elegant, artful, and impossibly clean. The dark glasses and hat tied it all together like the fashion-forward king he is.

Mike Afolarin – Pinstripe Don

Mike Afolarin at AMVCA 2025 red carpet

Mike brought cool, quiet confidence in a double-breasted pinstripe blazer and loose pants. With braids, shades, and a pendant necklace, it was a refreshing break from overdone tuxedos. Smooth operator energy.

This year’s AMVCA red carpet was a feast. From sculpted gowns to nature-themed ensembles and galactic couture, the African stars gave us fashion to remember. One thing’s clear, when Africans do glam, they do it for good. 

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