mercredi 15 octobre 2008

CHANNEL O MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS: AND THE WINNERS ARE… October 2008 Africa’s leading music channel CHANNEL O, available in over 40 countries on DStv, lived up to its promise of a bigger and better Channel O Music Video Awards at a glitzy awards ceremony that celebrated some of the biggest names in the music industry across the continent. Hosted by Channel O VJs KB Ngakane and Nonhle Thema, the

Bellanaija.com

I always feel guilty when I haven't blogged for at least three days...I've just been having such...a week.

Nothing to really blog about today, just stopping by to hi to everyone and also tell y'all that our all time favourite Naija blogger, Bella Naija, now has a new website. It's so fine, so international, so informative and on it's way to being Africa's number 1 music, style, movie, tv and beauty website.
I'm so proud of her. The time, money and effort required to manage a website is no joke.
Check it out here http://www.bellanaija.com/
I don't know who the girl behind bellanaija is, but I'd sure love to meet her some day. If not for her, there would be no lindaikeji.blogspot.com
Many thanks to Bella.

Moving on... Kachifo Limited, publishers of the Farafina Imprint, would like to invite you all to a book reading and book signing session.

Eghosa Imasuen, author of To Saint Patrick will be reading at Bambuddha Restaurant/Lounge bar, 21 Karimu Kotun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos at 4pm on Saturday, October 18, 2008.

To Saint Patrick and other Farafina publications will be available at the venue. The first five people to arrive the venue will get free copies of the book!

I've never been to a book reading, I think I'll check this out. See some of you there!

And remember
"Dream like you will live forever
And live like you will die tomorrow"
James Dean - Actor

Will get you Naija Entertainment News tomorrow
Cheers everyone

samedi 11 octobre 2008

Peter Okoye now a Father

Lola Omotayo delivers baby boy for Peter Okoye - Azuh Arinze (Encomium)

Peter Okoye, one of the twin brothers that make up rave singing group P-Square, is a now a father. His lover, Lola Omotayo blessed him with a baby boy on Friday September 26th 2008 in the USA. Mother and son are doing great and are expected in the country before the year runs out. The baby's father is said to be very happy.
Congrats to the new parents.

Halle Berry's fragrance

Halle Berry, lauched her new fragrance, Halle, in New York recently.

Joke of the day
Boy sends letter home to his father 'Dear dad, situation in school critical, suicide contemplated'
Father replies 'Dear son, situation at home more critical, suicide approved.'
LOL
Photo of the day

Mariah and her husband, Nick Cannon. I'm really rooting for this guys

Quote of the day
'Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time who never loses any. It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing.'
Thomas Jefferson
That's it, not much huh? lol
Will get better next time
See y'all later...

vendredi 10 octobre 2008

To Saint Patrick

INTRODUCTION
Kachifo Limited, publishers of Farafina Books, Farafina Educational and Farafina Magazine, is proud to announce the release of their latest fictional novel: To Saint Patrick. The novel is a gripping and courageous debut from Eghosa Imasuen, one of the next generation of great Nigerian writers.


SYNOPSIS
It's the year 2003 in an 'alternate Nigeria,' a prominent member of the NPN political party, veteran journalist Chief Johnson, has just been murdered. Two small time crooks are found with a bag full of his bloody clothes. They will take the fall to assuage the public, although some evidence suggests they may just be innocent... Is it politics as usual?
To Saint Patrick rewrites Nigerian political history, presenting the reader with a series of 'what ifs': what if Major-General Murtala Mohammed had survived the 1976 attempt on his life, and had run for a 2nd term?; What if Babangida was simply on the sidelines—an honourable gentleman?; What if our democracy was healthy?
A beautifully written tale of adventure, sci-fi, intrigue, and a dash of love, To Saint Patrick is a must read.

REVIEWS
"To Saint Patrick is a novel that – on the strength of the originality of its premise alone, not to mention the beauty of the telling – has created a new class of Nigerian literature to which will belong all books bold enough to attempt to imaginatively stoke the controversial fire that is Nigerian history."
- Tolu Ogunlesi, Author, Listen to the Geckos Singing from a Balcony
To Saint Patrick is available in major bookstores, and from Farafina at 25 Boyle St, Onikan, or http://www.kachifo.com/. Its recommended retail price is N1000
Be back in a bit with more news...

mardi 7 octobre 2008

Yemi Osunkoya at Boston Fashion Week...

I totally love this guy's designs. He participated at Fashion Expose, the closing chapter of Boston Fashion Week sometime last month. He's currently in Nigeria for the intoFASHION event. Will let y'all see the pictures as soon as I get them...

For now check out pictures from the Boston show...











Read more about Yemi's Boston show here... http://www.baystatebanner.com/local13-2008-09-25

Here's another upcoming designer that I think y'all need to know about...Yomi Casual.



You can find out more about him here...http://yomicasual.blogspot.com/

Rita Dominic's Best Dressed Party.

It's happening this Saturday at SWE Bar, City Mall Onikan.
Catch y'all there.

More Future Award News
TFA National Tour Moves to Abuja! The much-talked-about National Tour for The Future Awards 2009 has kicked off! Following the spectacular launch of the Awards at a media and VIP event in Lagos, and the unveil of the “i am the future” campaign, the organizers are going around the country to sensitize youths from every corner and at the grassroots about nation building and the country’s future, as well as making sure that nominations for this year’s edition reflect even more the diversity and positive complexity of the Nigerian nation. It would be recalled that The Future.. Awards broke new grounds last year when three of its major winners out of the 15 overall came from the North, and were young Nigerians not based in Lagos. Those winners were Abdulkareem Baba Aminu (Journalist of the Year), ‘Mak Kusare (Screen Producer of the Year) and Ali Nuhu (Actor of the Year). The national roadshows will begin in Abuja and are billed to spread through Enugu, Ibadan, Lagos, Benin and Jos. The Abuja Roadshow, which is billed as a ‘town hall meeting’ where attendees will be able to ask any and every question about the awards, is billed to hold at Nu Rivaz, Adetokunbo Ademola Way, by Amigos Plaza, Wuse 2 at 5pm. It is being held in conjunction with Chocolate City and Cocktails In & Out. Unlike other pre-events of The Future.. Awards, this event is open to the public, though confirmation must be made to 07028101959. It will be recalled that nominations for The Future Awards 2009 opened at 12 midnight on the 1st of October and have been announced to close on the 31st of October 2008. Nominations are via the website http://www.thefuturenigeria.com/.

Finally...If you don't want to be a little sad, don't read this...but you've probably read worse, so check it out...http://www.knbc.com/news/17635113/detail.html.

Photo of the day

Halle Berry has been voted Sexiest Woman Alive by Esquire Magazine.
Without any doubt....

See y'all later

dimanche 5 octobre 2008

Africa's Top 10 Sexiest Women

The guys who recently gave us Africa's Top 10 sexiest men have come up with the list of Africa's Top 10 sexiest women.
Quite an interesting list...check it out.

10. Genevieve Nnaji - Nigeria
Genevieve is Nollywood's brightest star. She has appeared in countless movies and is also a singer and spokesmodel. She is the face for Lux soap. She released an album titled No More. Genevieve says music was her first love even before acting but it is definately acting that has made her the star she is today. She has played everything from a love interest to a 'shoot em up' chick. Some call her Sharon Stone. We call her sexy.

9. Alek Wek - Sudan
Her skin has been kissed by the sun. She is known on a first name basis all over the world. She single handedly changed the way beauty is viewed when she stepped on the fashion scene a decade ago. We love her because she could have paid big money to change her looks once she made it big and she didn't. She is proud of looking like a Dinka girl. She is proud to be African and to look African and challenges whoever doesn't accept it to keep it moving. Her confidence makes her one very sexy lady.

8.Thandie Newton - Zimbabwe
Thandie proves herself as a contender for an Oscar in every role she takes. It was hard for people to see someone so beautiful play the role she played in the movie Beloved but she did it. She went toe to toe with Oprah Winfrey and Kimberly Elise and came out unscathed. Tom Cruise and Will Smith are just two of her leading men. She went there in Crash and won awards for it. Is there anything she can't do? She makes raising her two children and looking like that very easy. Thandie is one sexy Mama.

7. Miriam Chemoss - Kenya
She is more than a triple threat. This beautiful African Queen is a singer/dancer, model, and a full time actress. She has appeared on the CBS show District and has set her sights on Hollywood. Miriam developed her performance skills as a member of The Mavalletes Revue. She then joined the legandary Soukous Stars Band and held her own as the sole female in the band. Miriam released a new single Rudi this year.

6. Angel Melaku - Ethiopia
She appeared on the cover of Black Men magazine with the words "Angel the New It Girl for 07". She is the video vixen for 2007. She currently stars with Kanye West and T-Pain in the video for Good Life. She has also appeared in videos for Trey Songz, Lloyd Banks, Busta Rhymes, Young Buck, and Young Jeezy. She has set her sights on Hollywood and vows that she won't rest till she gets there!

5. Honorine Uwera - Rwanda
Her lips alone give Angelina Jolie a run for her money. This Rwandan beauty immigrated to Canada in the late 90's. A modeling scout found her and the rest as they say is history. She has graced the runway for Issey Miyake, Emanuel Ungaro, Baby Phat, Richard Chai, Ruffian, Vivienne Westwood and Antonio Marras. She was featured in the Roca Wear Spring 2005 campaign with Naomi Campbell and Karolina Kurkova.

4. flavania Matata - Tanzania
This beauty queen represented her country Tanzania at this year's Miss Universe and she was a top contender. We loved her sass and the fact that she didn't put a wig of long flowing hair on top of her bald head. She looked beautiful bald and she stood out. When asked what the judges should know about her she replied, "I am an electrical technician by profession as well as a top model in my country. I never let anyone define me neither by hair nor clothing as I believe God made me perfect as a pure, natural African woman." Amen to that!

3. Rhian Benson - Ghana
Rhian released her debut album Gold Coast in 2003 to critical acclaim. She won a MOBO award. Her passion for music is in her blood - her grandfather led an accclaimed big band in the 50's and 60's in Ghana. Rhian wrote her first song at age 9. She has the brains to go with her beauty - she was at Harvard when her mother got seriously ill. She left Harvard to care for her mother. Rhian is gearing up for her sophmore release.

2. Tiguida - Mali
This 21 year old beauty from Mali is a rising Model on the French Fashion scene. She has done several photoshoots for Parisians magazines and numerous fashions parades for well renowned names like Elit, Imane Ayissi and L'Oreal. The limitations on black models in France have made her travel to Africa, Italy, and the U.S.A for work.

1.Iman - Somalia
Iman proves that sexy doesn't have to stop. She looks good next to very young girls. She paved the way for all the African models doing big things right now. Let's never forget that. She's been on the covers of Black Enterprise, Ebony, and Vanity Fair lately. Her cosmetics line has ethnic women all over the world looking good. If only we could all look this sexy in years to come!

I don't know most of these women so I really can't pass a comment on whether they deserve to be on the list or not. They are all gorgeous though and I sure agree that Iman is the sexiest African woman alive. She's still got it, even in after fifties.

One question though; what happened to Nonhle Thema of South Africa, Oluchi Orlandi of Nigeria, Mpule Kwelagobe of Botswana (Miss Universe 1999), Agbani Darego of Nigeria, Charlize Theron of South Africa,
And Linda Ikeji of Nigeria?
Just kidding...lol

What do you guys think of this list?

samedi 4 octobre 2008

Naija Entertainment + Future Award News

Hi people. I'm fully back now to regular blogging...I hope...lol. We'll do a little bit of Naija news and gossip today, starting with sultry actress Ini Edo. There's been a lot of rumor going round that she is getting married or married or something like it, then there was another rumor that she has not only shuned her wedding but also dumped the husband to be. She spoke to City People's Juliana Orji about it all...
Hear her


Ini "I told you a few backs that my relationship is still intact. Anybody who wrote a story that I have dumped my man will still rewrite it, because I cannot dump my man. Who will I dump him for? I heard they went as far as fixing a wedding date, how can people fix my wedding date for me? I have never mentioned a date to anybody. They kept quoting a particular person who they claim is very close to me, and that the person gives them information about me. I am wondering who this close person to me is who cannot tell them the truth about Ini Edo. I am not married yet and I have not dumped my man. I cannot dump"

Ok, she's spoken...let all the rumors stop now...

Moving on...

Comedian, Omobaba, speaks on his most embarrassing moment.

"The most recent one was at the City People Fashion and Style Awards , where I was selected among the best 10 well dressed men. After a while, someone walked up to me saying, "Hello, are you the champayne guy?" I was short of words. That is one of the reasons I find it difficult to wear bow tie again, especially red and black"
lol...

Basketmouth acquires multimillion naira mansion in Lekki...Afolabi Adekoya - City people magazine

Ace comedian, Basketmouth, has acquired a multi-million naira mansion in Lekki. Sources say the comedian bought the house for about N100million few weeks after he signed a multimillion naira endorsement deal with Globacom. In a chat with Basketmouth last week, he confirmed he bought the house lately but has not moved into it for certain reasons. Asked about the cost and location of the house, he said "Please, make we drop that one for now"
Good for Basket, he works hard enough.

Faze drops new album (Originality)- Afolabi Adekoya

As we await his return from the UK, where he is currently on tour, news has filtered in about his imminent album release cum video premiere. We have it on authority that Faze will be releasing his new album in the first week of October at Planet One, Maryland. The album which will contain no fewer than five tracks from his Independent album, is supposed to include the hit track 'More than a friend'

Ruggedman quits Music - Afolabi Adekoya
This might come as a heart break to many of his teeming fans but the truth is that the talented rapper is quitting music for real.
Hear him
"It is true that I am quitting music and that will be after my third and last album is released. The reason I am quitting music is because I want to concentrate on my record label, Rugged Records, my clothing line and the new artistes I have on my label. I might not want to mention the names of the artistes I have on my label but before the end of the year, their singles will drop. You know I have so much on my hands and I am the one doing all myself, so I need to quit music to concentrate on other things."
For some reason, I don't believe this. Didn't Jay Z pull this on us? Anyway, Goodluck to Ruggeddybaba.

BM PRO launches new beauty range by Moriam Musa (City People Magazine)

Presently surfing in Atlanta enjoying her 9 months course, top make-up artist, Banke Meshida-Lawal has yet again struck another first and this time, it is about a whole new range of beauty primers and skin enhancers. The Hypo-allergic range provides sun screen and anti-oxidants protection and ultra sensitive needs, mattify, smooth, ensure make-up stays on longer and aids in flawless application and finish. Oil free formula with micro diffusers to keep skin looking flawless. Soon to be launched.
So watch out for that.

Super Model Warebi Martha set to launch fashion line...Moriam Musa

Nigerian born, South African based super model, Warebi Martha is set to launch her fashion line here in Nigeria, under the label of Catwalk productions.
This new fashion line will exhibit a whole new vibe of casual wear. With plans of opening soon in Festac Town, Warebi has been making a lot of trips in and out of the country putting things in place.
Wish her the very best.

Wanted!!!

A video production company in Lagos, Nigeria, is looking to hire afull-time video producer. Ideally, the applicant should be young andexperienced in producing exciting TV programmes, documentaries etc. If interested, please send a curriculum vitae to the following email address :imaginari@ymail.com.

Only shortlisted applicants would be contacted.


GRAND ARRIVAL FOR THE FUTURE AWARDS 2009!
- Categories finally expanded from 15 to 20
- Fantastic performances by Omawumi, Rooftop MCs and MI
- Prof (Mrs) Jadesola Akande honoured

You would be forgiven if you thought you were at any of the major Nigerian awards; not just a launch. There was glam, there was glitz, and there was a blinding array of stars as Season 4 of Nigeria’s biggest youth event, The Future.. Awards, was launched in Lagos on the 30th of September.



The venue was rave new place, Studio 868 in Victoria Island and the action started right from the exclusive Nigezie green carpet as cameras clicked away and guests sipped from their cocktail glasses.

The guests were welcomed into the venue by the anchors, Cool FM’s Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi and ace comedian, Jedidiah. Then the show kicked off with comedy and a performance by rave new guitarist, Bez Idakula. This was followed by a special post-humous tribute given by Prof. Pat Utomi in honour of late Board of Trustees member, Prof Jadesola Akande – the award was presented to her son, Debo, by Ms. Bennie Uche.



What followed was a very moving Keynote Speech delivered by the event’s Creative Director, Chude Jideonwo. The, speech, titled ‘Yes We Can’ and which won standing and thunderous clapping ovations traced the story and evolution of The Future Awards over the past three successful years and tied it to the story of this next generation. “In business and technology, music, movies and the media, fashion and beauty, sports and advocacy, comedy and the corporate environment, young people were making such giant strides,” he said, “Why wasn’t the media talking about those ones? Why wasn’t the government trumpeting those examples? Why wasn’t the true story being told that young positive role models were actually in the majority?”

The event saw spectacular performances by Omawumi of Idols West Africa, whose new single, In the Music, got the guests screaming and swaying; ace rapper MI, who ‘set the roof on fire’, and the Rooftop MCs who took it to another level with their mega-hit track, La gi mo.

Unveiled at the occasion during a presentation by the event’s PR Director, Emilia Asim-Ita, were the new logo and the new website. Also unveiled was the ‘i am the future’ campaign which is the theme of the entire media campaign for the awards – TV, radio, print and outdoor; working with brand ambassadors; Gbenga Sesan, IK Osakioduwa (Wildchild) and Tara Fela-Durotoye, who are the only three people to have won twice at The Future Awards.



Nominations were also formally declared open as from 12 midnight on that day: the awards have been expanded from 15 over the past three years to 20, and the judges were unveiled to include Mo Abudu (Moments with Mo), Bolanle Austen-Peters (Terra Kulture), Siene Allwell-Brown (Nigeria LNG), with Dr. Reuben Abati remaining its Chair.

Guests at the star-studded party included Stella Damascus, Michelle Dede, Tara Fela-Durotoye, Bukola Adubi, Toni Kan, Ebuka Obi Uchendu, Funke Bucknor, Soundcity’s Onyinye Igwe, the winners of Nigeria’s Next Top Model with the organizer Joan Okorodudu, Big Brother’s Ofunneka, Najite Dede, amongst others.

The train now moves to the national tours, which will take the Awards team to town hall meetings in Abuja, Kaduna, Enugu, Ibadan, Benin and Lagos to engage the youths at the grassroots.

Nominations are to be submitted via the website and by phone and close on the 31st of October. The date of the Awards proper was also unveiled to be the 18th of January, 2009, in Lagos.

This launch event was held with support from Macleans, Yvent Couture, Zapphaire Events, Nigezie, Total Consult, O’Naphtali, Royal Mega Printing, Wea Concepts, Tremor Perfect, Saheeto, La Bash, and Nigeria International.

Will bring you more news from this prestigious award as it unfolds...

See y'all again soon.