10 things you probably didn’t know about Nelson Mandela

1. Mandela’s tribal nickname is “Rolihlahla,” meaning “Troublemaker.” Other accounts translate Rolihlalhla to mean “to pull a branch from a tree,” which, of course, is something only a troublemaker would do. It was his teacher, Miss Mdingane, who gave him the English name “Nelson,” much to the relief of journalists everywhere when he became famous. 2. Mandela was expelled from university after less than a year. After finishing boarding school, Mandela headed to Fort Hare Missionary College. Less than 12 months later, he was expelled from college for helping to organize a strike against the white colonial rule of the institution. One might call this foreshadowing. 3. The United Nations decreed his birthday as Mandela Day. In 2009, the U.N. declared Mandela’s birthday, July 18, as Mandela Day to mark his contribution to world freedom. The holiday calls on individuals to donate 67 minutes to doing something for others, reflecting the 67 years that Mandela had been a part of the anti-apartheid movement. 4. Mandela is often referred to as Madiba, his Xhosa clan name Mandela is a member of the Thembu, a Xhosa clan, and is often referred to by his clan name, Madiba. It is a sign of the incredible diversity of people and languages in South Africa. The country has 11 different official languages. 5. Mandela’s father had four wives, and Nelson is one of 13 children Mandela’s father, a local chief and councellor to the Thembu king, died from tuberculosis when his son was 9. Before that, he fathered 13 children by four wives, four boys and nine girls. After his father’s death, Mandela was put under the guardianship of Jongintaba, the Thembu regent. 6. Mandela has received more than 250 awards for his accomplishments Among these awards is the shared 1993 Nobel Peace Prize with F.W. de Klerk, the last president of the apartheid government of South Africa (he too is widely credited as an instrumental force in ending apartheid). Additionally, Mandela has received more than 50 honorary degrees from international universities worldwide, became the first honorary Canadian citizen in 2001, and received the last Lenin Peace Prize from the Soviet Union. 7. Stevie Wonder dedicated his 1985 Oscar for “I Just Called to Say I Love You” to Mandela After Stevie accepted his award in honor of Nelson Mandela, the government-owned South African Broadcasting Corporation banned Stevie’s music from the airways. It wasn’t until Mandela was elected in 1994 that Stevie was finally allowed back in South Africa 8. Mandela outlived his two oldest sons Mandela had six children, but tragically lost his two oldest sons. Thembi died in a car crash at age 25. Mandela was in prison at the time of the death and was unable to attend the funeral. Another son died of AIDS in 2005 at age 54. While Mandela’s administration was criticized for not doing enough to fight the AIDS epidemic in South Africa, he established the Nelson Mandela Foundation in 1999 following his retirement to help fight the spread of AIDS. 9. Mandela ran away from home at age of 19 When his guardian tried to arrange a marriage, Mandela ran away from home in 1941 and headed to Johannesburg. He began to work as a night watchman at Crown Mines, but was fired after it was discovered that he was the Thembu regent’s runaway. 10. Mandela spent his first night after being freed from prison in Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu’s home Tutu had his helpers prepare his own favorite meal of chicken curry, rice and green salad, followed by rum raisin ice cream and custard.

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Lagos Comic Con 2014, ‘Integrating cultures through creativity and arts’

The Lagos Comic Con, Africa’s first and only comic convention is set to host the crème de la crème of the creative and entertainment industry at this year’s edition. The event has grown from just an industry event to one that accommodates all things creative in Visual arts, animation, gaming, technology, music and film.

The event in its third edition promises to grow bigger every year with greater participation of brands and enthusiasts from home and abroad. With the support of corporate organisation’s like Nigeria’s number one instant noodle, Indomie Instant Noodle who are our Major Sponsor for 2014, WACOM NIGERIA, EASY TAXI, Cytech, Iread Africa and many more, this year’s event will offer more excitement and lots of prizes for competitions within the event.

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MTN Project Fame’s unbeatable milestone in UK, US, Canada and Africa

One would be right to affirm that consistency, creativity and professionalism have been the hallmark of the ongoing MTN Project Fame 7.0. Little wonder why the TV broadcast and online channels of the show have gathered a huge global followership in such a short span.  About a week ago, the cumulative views on YouTube hit a stunning figure of 4.7 million. A breakdown of the statistics shows that 1.7 million was recorded this season, with a large chunk of the traffic coming from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.

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Kerry Washington Flashes Wedding Ring, Costars React to Her Marriage

Washington, 36, completed her look with Christian Louboutin heels, Vhernier earrings and a Nancy Gonzalez bag. As expected, the notoriously tight-lipped star didn't share any details regarding her June 24 wedding. The actress did, however, praise show creator Shonda Rhimes for making diversity a priority on the primetime ABC hit. "Our show is diverse in terms of gender, age, sexual orientation, in terms of ethnicity, in terms of religion," Washington told Us Weekly. "That, to me, is really one of the things that's special to me."

During the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards in L.A. Sept. 22, Washington will compete in the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series category against Connie Britton (Nashville), Claire Danes (Homeland), Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey), Vera Farmiga (Bates Motel), Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men) and Robin Wright (House of Cards). "It's pretty extraordinary what's going on," Washington admitted. "I feel really grateful for the show. I love celebrating with the whole cast together."

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In addition to celebrating Washington's first-ever Primetime Emmy Award nomination, the stars of Scandal are also celebrating the actress' recent nuptials to Asomugha, 31. "I'm just thrilled for her," said Tony Goldwyn, who plays her married love interest, President Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III. "She's so happy!"

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Though Washington keeps her personal life private, Goldwyn revealed that he "sensed [a wedding] was on the way." The actor also told Us he will refrain from sharing marital tips with the newlywed. "Having been married for a very long time, I'm knowledgable enough to know that I can offer her no advice!"

This article originally appeared on Usmagazine.com: Kerry Washington Flashes Wedding Ring, Costars React to Her Marriage

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Hot photos: Pregnant Kelly Rowland strips for Elle magazine

First time soon to be mum Kelly Rowland stripped for Elle magazine and talks about raising a child in the spotlight. When asked what kind of celebrity mum she will be, Kelly replied;

"I just plan to play it by ear. Everybody has their normal. And sometimes, award shows are a part of that. I have girlfriends who have that experience, and they'll say 'You know, I just really didn't want to be without my child today.' And it's just that simple. It's about finding your normal, whatever that may be."

See more photos after the cut...

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