BRAVE MAG

LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — Valentine's Day can be a secondary consideration for some in Lagos.

Nigeria Valentine's Day

The Nigerian city of more than 20 million people is renowned for its hustle and bustle, its restless energy and commercial drive — a place where honks from signature yellow passenger buses fill the air.

But Lagos-based rock musician Bianca Okorocha, known as "Clayrocksu," wants people to pause and feel loved as Valentine's Day approaches.

She is taking her music offstage and onto the streets of the city, crooning love songs to random commuters and handing them single-stem roses.

Their faces, first shocked at the encounter, give way to a broad smile as she pulls the strings of her guitar, twanging to James Blunt's "You are Beautiful."

"I am a musician, and we just thought it was a special and nice thing to do for people," Clayrocksu told The Associated Press. "Especially in this time and climate where everything is kind of difficult and all you hear on the news isbad news."

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Since Nigerian President Bola Tinubu came to power in 2023, he has undertakenmajor economic reforms, including the removal of a decades-old fuel subsidy program. The government said the changes would save costs and boost investment, but they have resulted in one of the West African nation's worst cost of living crises in a generation.

The country's deadly security crisishas also worsened the fate of millions, limiting access to farmland in the conflict-battered north, which in turn resulted in a surge in the prices of goods elsewhere, including in the economic hub of Lagos.

But amid the tough times, people like Clayrocksu are bringing joy and color to many across the vibrant city in this season of love.

Barbara Lulu, a Lagos resident, who got serenaded by Clayrocksu and her partner, was going about her day stressed until the rock team showed up.

"First off, this was a very shocking moment for me, because I never expected it. It just kind of happened, and all I can say is yay!" she said.

In a city where Valentine's Day is usually focused on lovers, Clayrocksu said that she wants to change that perception and bring roses to many others.

"People think that Valentine's Day is only about romantic gestures, only boyfriend and girlfriend, husband and wife," she said. "But Valentine is really just about sharing love."

It's quite clear to say thatSabrina Carpenteris leaning all the way into Valentine's week energy. Keeping up with this pre-existing vibe, she recently served a look that was equal parts flirty and fashion-forward. The "Please Please Please" singer made her mark while posing for her own brand, Sweet Tooth, in an off-shoulder micro minidress.

This pink-hued pick worked wonders for Carpenter's frame, while looking just awesome with her complexion. With glossy black heels with contrasting white socks, she turned this simple promotional moment into a full style statement.

Sabrina Carpenter looks ready for Valentine's Day in micro minidress for her own brand

Have a look at Sabrina Carpenter's latest look here:

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Sabrina Carpenter posed like a doll in a pretty off-shoulder dress, which helped her show off her shoulders and collarbone. The pink upper thigh-length dress also helped her show off her curves and elongate her legs.

Further, even the sharp silhouette and playful detailing of the outfit merged pop-star glam with Carpenter's cheeky confidence in black heels, white socks, and minimal accessories, creating just the right look.

Originally reported by Mehak Walia onThe Fashion Spot

The postSabrina Carpenter Wows in Micro Minidress for Her Own Brandappeared first onReality Tea.

Jared Van Der Beek/Instagram

NEED TO KNOW

• Jared Van Der Beek shared a series of rare personal photos alongside his late brother James Van Der Beek

• The news of James' death at age 48 was announced on Feb. 11

• James starred in the titular role in the WB's beloved series Dawson's Creek

James Van Der Beek's brother Jared Van Der Beek shared a touching tribute to the late actor.

On Feb 11, James' wife Kimberly Van Der Beek announced that he had "passed away peacefully" and "met his final days with courage, faith, and grace." The news came three years after James, 48, was diagnosed withstage 3 colorectal cancer.

Jared, 47, shared a heartfeltInstagrampost on Friday, Feb. 13. "There's a special bond that exists between brothers and two days ago, that physical bond was broken," the caption began. "I now know why people call it heartbreak when you lose someone close to you. There is a feeling of devastation and pain that runs so deep in the heart, I didn't know it would hurt so badly."

Jared then said that his brother James was his "person," and "the one I went to for any and all things."

James grew up in Connecticut alongside his brotherJaredand sister Juliana, who are shown in photos in Jared's Instagram post alongside their parentsJames William Van Der Beek Sr.and the lateMelinda Weber.

Jared Van Der Beek/Instagram

"I've looked up to him since I was born. He has never failed to be there for me whenever I needed him. It has been wonderful reading and seeing how he touched so many lives not because of something he did, but because of who he was," Jared's caption continued, adding that James "shared with an open heart and with his wise soul."

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Jared then thanked the public for their support as the family grieves the loss of James. "As painful as this pain deep in the heart is, the healing has already begun with all the outpouring of love, prayers, and support. I truly thank all of you have taken the time to reach out, letting me know that you're there," he wrote, while also extending thanks to "the community" who supported the family first hand in James' final days.

Jared Van Der Beek/Instagram

"James, I already miss your physical being and your words of wisdom over the phone. Yet, I also feel your presence so strongly and I know you will continue to be guiding me. Thank you for living your life with me. I love you," Jared concluded the post.

Jared Van Der Beek/Instagram

After the news of James' death was announced, friends of the family organized aGoFundMe pageto collect donations in James' honor and to "help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children's education." He and Kimberly sharesix kids, daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, and Gwen, 7, and sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, 4.

Less than 48 hours later, the fundraiser has received over $2.2 million.

Jared Van Der Beek/Instagram

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On Thursday, Feb. 12, the organizers said the support has "been a light" for James' friends and family.

"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for showing up for James and his beautiful family," the update on the fundraising page read. "Your kindness has meant more than we can put into words. In the middle of deep grief, your support has been a light. It reminds us that love is real, that community is strong, and that James's spirit continues to bring people together."

Read the original article onPeople