MY AMERICAN EXPERIENCE

Me with Boris, Nicole and Nicole's hairstylist inside our New York Apartment.

When the invitation came from Nicole Ari Parker to join her and husband Boris Kodjoe in New York for their cocktail party to raise funds for their NGO Sophie’s Voice Foundation, my initial response, after the excitement was to turn it down due to lack of funds.  Afterall, how many TV Presenters in Ghana can afford to just up and go to New York, at only a few days notice?  In my excitement, I told those closest to me about this wonderful opportunity.  And as luck would have it, those who I trusted with this news felt it was imperative for me to attend so with their help, I managed to get my ticket and some spending money.  Being New York fashion week, and having a family funeral in the same City, Nicole decided I had to come days before their cocktail so we could “be family.  Hang out and party”.

It was as a result of this that on Thursday 10^th September 2009, I found myself on board a Delta flight to New York.  Ten hours later, I arrived at JFK.  Because Nicole and Boris were attending a family funeral, I had to jump onto a taxi to the apartment they were staying in.  By the time I arrived at the apartment, Nicole had sneaked away from the funeral to come and welcome me.  Embracing me in a warm hug, she was genuinely pleased to see, and I tell you the feeling was mutual.

“Right,” said Nicole,”we’ll go to Ofie’s dad’s funeral reception, then we’ll go to the George Clinton benefit concert.  You do know who George Clinton is don’t you?”

“Of course I do.  But you mean right now?  How much time do I have to get ready?” I replied.

In the fastest time ever, I got dressed and we headed out.  First we stopped by where the funeral reception was taking place. There I reconnected with Boris and met their children and nanny.  After the funeral reception, we took the children back to the apartment and then it was time for fun. Hitting the George Clinton tribute concert I really felt like I was in a different world.  First of all, everyone recognized Boris and Nicole and were drawn to them.  People wanted photographs or just to say “hi” and each time, they both graciously agreed to the request.

The venue was amazing, nothing like we have back home in Ghana. The live music just blew my mind.  But what really got me was the vibe and the people.  I am one for live music.  I absolutely love going to live music shows and am always one of the few people to dance, at least in Ghana.  So imagine my joy when I saw almost everybody up on their feet, enjoying and dancing.  Oh yes, although it felt like a different world, it also felt like home dancing to the music of Big Boi, Dallas Austin and George Clinton himself.  After the show, Boris and Nicole introduced me to a whole heap of people either as “our good friend from Ghana” or “Ghana’s Oprah Winfrey” (this was to be my labels for the rest of my stay).  I met so many influential people including Dallas Austin himself and the man behind hits from Whitney Houston and Boys to Men (the name escapes me  From the show to the after party at the M3.  However, we did not stay long as all three of us were tired.

The next day, Friday 11^th September, Nicole and I had breakfast at a café near our apartment.  Because the apartment in which we were staying was a tiny one bedroom one, Nicole decided she would be happier if she put me in a hotel, so I would be comfortable.  Thus after breakfast, we headed over to my hotel and after settling in, we hit the subway where  Nicole (not knowing I do not understand geography or maths) bought me a street map and tried to show we where we were.  We also planned what we would do for the next couple of days. 

Later that afternoon, Boris and I attended the radio forum at Radio City for the Video Music Awards (VMAs).  What happens at the radio forum is that a number of  TV and radio stations from all across America come under one roof and transmit live, interviewing all the celebrities  

Boris and I were interviewed on MTV aswell as a number of radio stations.   I met Melody of the Pussycat Dolls at the radio forum. She was absolutely lovely (I love the Pussycat Dolls and invited them to perform in Ghana).   From the radio forum, Boris and I made our way to the CBS Studio where he would appear on a live show (106 Parks) for BET.  On arrival, we were welcomed by beefy security men who took us straight to Boris’s changing room.  And I tell you, I wish I could take Ghanaian event organizers / producers to that changing room.  Awaiting Boris was water and other soft drinks, fruits, cakes and biscuits.  Now that is treating a celebrity the way he should be treated.  After hitting the make-up room (where I met the divine make-up artist Unique London (that really is her name) and hairstylist extraordinaire Andre(?) it was time for us to go into the studio for the live broadcast.  On entering the studio, my heart began to pump.  Here I was, in New York in a proper studio setting and all I wanted to do was grab the mic and present the show.  More than anything, being in that studio increased my thirst to work in this industry. The moment Boris was introduced, you should have heard the screams from the studio audience.  Just when I thought they could not scream any more, Boris came bouncing on set.  To say the screams were deafening is an understatement.  Everyone, man, woman, girl, boy was going crazy for Boris (this was to be the norm for the rest of my stay.  No matter where we went, people were just crazy for Nicole and Boris).  After a quick interview, it was out of CBS and back to the apartment for Boris and my hotel for me.  Later that night, I hang out with Boris and his good friend, JB.  We partied hard and did not come home till 4 a.m.  Boris introduced me to Kerri Hillson who performed at the M3. 

Boris and I @ CBS studios

The next day, Saturday 12^th September, we got on the subway to take Nicole and Boris’s children to the museum.  When we got there, Nicole decided to we should leave the children with the nanny to enjoy themselves whilst we did New York.  Boris went off to prepare for their fundraising cocktail which was due to take place on Monday 14^th September whilst Nicole and I hit the streets of New York.  Jumping back on the subway, we went first to Nicole’s former apartment.  As we walked around, she told me stories of how she had moved to New York from Baltimore at the tender age of 17.  She was full of nostalgia and wanted to share her memories with me.  We visited old haunts such as the Dominican restaurant she used to frequent.  There we picked up some good food – Nicole had rice with chicken and salad whilst I opted for rice and beans with Oxtail.  Then it was off to the Apollo Theatre.  Although the theatre was closed, we managed to convince one of the security guards to allow us to enter.  There we touched the famous tree stump that every single artiste touches for luck before performing.  I tell you, it was pure magic standing on the same stage that legends such as Billy Holliday had also once stood on. 

Nicole and I leaning on the famous stump inside Apollo

From the Apollo Theatre it was time to buy some gifts so we hit the shops.  It was here that Nicole convinced me to buy eye shadow (I have not worn any make-up other than lipgloss and mascara for donkey years).  After shopping, we had to hit our respective “homes” and prepare for the night ahead – the Vanity Fair Party.  Also, Nicole and Boris had to pack for an overnight trip to Buffalo where they had been invited by the Mayor to attend a special memorial service. 

Before the party, we had dinner at Twenty One with the winner and runner-up of Germany’s next top model who Boris was trying to introduce to the New York modeling world.  Also joining us for dinner was the rather gorgeous model Galila.  As we dined, actress Nicole Kidman walked in to dine with her group of friends.  After dinner, we made our way to the Vanity Fair Party.  Me, Nicole, Boris and Galila in one car.  On our way, we realized there was no way Boris and Nicole could attend the Vanity Fair Party and still make it to the airport on time, so it was decided that Galila and I would attend the party on our own.  I had arranged for my good friend, Rab Bakari to meet us outside the Vanity Fair Party, so the three of us (Galila, Rab and I) went to the party together.  From there, Rab and I went back to my hotel where I got changed from my glamorous Kiki dress into my jeans before we hit the shrine in Harlem.  There I not only ate good old fashioned soul food (the best rice and lamb sauce I ever tasted) but I danced hard to tunes I remember and loved from the 1980’s.  I cannot remember what time Rab dropped me off at my hotel but I know it was pretty late.

The next day, Sunday 13^th September, despite getting in late, I woke up bright and early, ready to do something.  I called Rab and we decided to see the Empire State building together.  He purchased tickets online and within a few hours of speaking to him on the phone, he was at my hotel, with a take-away of Jollof rice.  After eating together, we hit the subway for the Empire State Building.  All I can say is, thank goodness Rab bought tickets online.  Because the weather was great, it seemed everyone was out that day to visit the Empire State building.  But with our pre-paid tickets, we did not have to join any long queues.  After going through several security checks we made our way to the 86^th floor where the most magnificent view of New York awaited us.  Now, I am not a very “touristy” person but I can say, I sure am glad that I went to see the Empire State building.  Rab had not been there for years so he too saw it with fresh eyes.  After about 45 minutes up there, we descended back to the streets of New York.  We stopped for a drink and whilst chatting, the name of our mutual friend, model Belinda Baidoo came up “I’ll call her right now” said Rab.  When Belinda heard I was in New York, just down the road from her apartment, she insisted we come over.  So back into the subway, this time heading towards the East Village.  I was really happy to see Belinda and we spent hours just chatting, reminiscing about old times back home and planning for the future. Whilst Rab and I ate (with the VMAs showing in the background), Belinda and her friend, another model called Sonya got ready for the night ahead. We were all heading for Jay Z and Janet Jackson’s parties.  Me, with Nicole and Boris, so I had to rush back to my hotel and beautify myself.  A few hours later, Nicole, Boris, their personal trainer Dolvett, their friend theatre director LA and I arrived at Jay Z’s party.  There Nicole and Boris introduced me to the very handsome Djimon Hounson who expressed his love for Ghana.  I was also introduced to Jessica Alba and saw other celebrities such as Jay Z himself, Jermaine Durprie, Kimora Lee Simmoms and two of the Kadahshan sisters.  Later I learned that Mickey Rourke and other stars had also attended.  Outside Jay Z’s party, all mayhem broke loose when the paparazzi spotted Boris and Nicole. Cameras just kept flashing and flashing.  Dolvett, LA and I had such a laugh with the paparazzi who wanted to know who we were “we’re family, we’re family” we kept chanting as the cameras kept flashing.  Finally, we just had to make a get-away so jumped into the first taxi, all of us, crammed into a New York taxi.  Nicole had to lay across us so nobody could see we had overloaded.  That was pretty hilarious.  Because the guys were hungry we stopped at the first place we saw which was still open and serving food.  Luckily for us, we were the only diners.  Whilst we waited for the food, we had a great time, laughing and talking. About an hour later, we had eaten and were ready to go “home” but as luck would have it, some paparazzi had arrived!  After chatting with them, we once more jumped into several taxis to take us to our various locations.  Despite the fact that we did not make it to Janet Jackson’s party, I got to my hotel at 4.30am a deeply happy and satisfied woman.

Djimon Houson whipers in my ears @ Jay Z's party

The next day, Monday 14^th September was THE DAY.  The main reason Nicole and Boris invited me to New York was to attend the fundraising cocktail for their NGO Sophie’s

Voice Foundation.  Since their daughter, Sophie was born with spinal bifida, Boris and Nicole are really interested in telling people about this illness and how to prevent other children from getting it.  Thus the aim of the cocktail was twofold i. raise awareness and ii raise funds.  The event was to take place from 6pm – 8pm at the Hearst Building.  I had arranged with Rab to film me interviewing all the celebrities who would be attending.  So after resting most of the day, I made my way to the Hearst Building at about 5.30pm.  I interviewed so many people including the hosts, Boris and Nicole, actresses Gabrielle Union and  Victoria Powell, singer Kerri Hilson, former basketball  player Charles Barkley (I did not tell him I used to have a crash on him, when I was in my teens), Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte, social butterfly Camilla and her friends.  Sophie’s Voice Cocktail with a Cause was a huge success in terms of attendance, awareness created and funds raised.  Celebrity friends of Nicole and Boris donated themselves for auctioning i.e tennis lessons with Serena Williams and golf with Charles Barkley and Sanuel L. Jackson (separately).  Once again, I thoroughly not only enjoyed myself but met movers and shakers of New York society.  I even got my picture taken on the red carpet.  The event ended around 10.30pm.  But our night did not end there.  A group of about 20 of us went to dinner where the food was delicious and the company / conversation even better.  Once more I returned to my hotel a satisfied woman.

On the red carpet with my fav. actress Gabrielle Union

The following morning, Nicole asked me to move back into the apartment with them as she was missing me too much!  As soon as I woke up, I packed my things and made my way back to them.  Once I had settled in, we hit the streets of New York for the last time.  Whilst Nicole and I shopped, Boris waited patiently with the children.  Then it was back to the apartment to prepare for Kimora Lee Simmons fashion show.  Although the show started late, it lasted for about 15 minutes.  Yep, we waited for an hour (okay we actually did not wait that long as we got there late) for a show that lasted only 15 minutes.  I guess Kimora believes in the slogan quality and not quantity because her clothes were good.  So less than an hour after arriving, we departed, this time for Serena Williams party. We had planned to attend Kimora’s after party but knew it was way too early so decided to go to Serena’s first.  I really enjoyed Serena’s party. The music was right up my alley and the ambience was lovely. As usual, we were in the VIP section with Serena and other celebrities such as Star Jones and comedian Paul Mooney.  We enjoyed ourselves so much at Serena’s party, we did not make it to Kimora’s!

With Serena @ her private party

The next morning was our last in New York.  First Boris flew out at 4a.m to meet with a film director in another State.  Then the nanny flew out at 8a.m to join her family in California. And finally Nicole and I flew out with her children at 10.am for the Atlanta Home. 

What can I say about my New York experience?  Since I was in my 20’s people always told me I would love New York and marvel that I had never been.  Having done New York with Nicole and Boris, all I can say is there is no other way I could have done this city.  Nicole and Boris are two of the nicest people you will ever meet.  Despite their obvious good looks and fame, they are so grounded you forget you are hanging out with celebrities.  Everywhere we went, people would talk about their good looks.  People just wanted to talk to and take photos with them.  From radio presenters to the paparazzi to the man on the street, everyone just wanted a piece of them.  Yet they are so so so grounded it is unbelievable. They are so open and trusting, I even worry for them.  They do not move with an entourage or security but glow in the love of people around them.  Everywhere we went, it was the VIP treatment.  No waiting in queues to enter any clubs.  On entry, we were always directed to the VIP section.  And I guess because I was with Nicole and / or Boris, everyone was so nice to me, all the time.  Strangers would tell me how beautiful I was and compliment me on my skin.  My African clothes and accessories were a hit wherever I went. 

My New York experience?  It could not have been any better.  From New York we flew to Nicole and Boris’s home in Atlanta, where I would spend the next couple of days hanging out with the likes of Dallas Austin in his home.

But hey that is a whole new reflection of an ordinary African woman.