Laudrup resigns as coach of Real Mallorca

Former Denmark international Michael Laudrup has resigned as coach of Real Mallorca after clashing with the club's board, Spanish media reported on Tuesday.

Laudrup, who took charge at the Balearic Islands club at the end of the 2009-10 season, had expressed frustration with the recent transfer policy, which he felt left him short of forwards.

The club announced on Monday that they had sacked Laudrup's number two Erik Larsen for criticising the board's policies in the Danish media.

"One of the important things in football is the climate in which you work," the 47-year-old Laudrup, a former Barcelona and Real Madrid player, was quoted as saying in local media on Tuesday.

"You can lose or win but you have to enjoy yourself."

Club officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

Laudrup also had stints coaching Mallorca's La Liga rivals Getafe and Russian club Spartak Moscow.

Bigger and better! Nigerian Idol launches Season II... announces Charles Oputa as new judge and Tiwa Savage, Ill Rymz as new hosts

After an electrifying first season that saw the crowning of the first ever Nigerian Idol, Yeka Onka, the global music phenomenon returns to Nigeria for a second season.

Season II of Nigerian Idol is produced by the Optima Media Group (OMG) and Rapid Blue Format. It continues to enjoy the sponsorship of Etisalat, in association with Sony and Pepsi. This year, they have partnered with Beat FM and Air Nigeria which is the official airline of Nigerian Idol Season II.

This was revealed at a media & VIP launch on 28 September 2011 at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos. The event also witnessed an electrifying performance of the hot new single ‘Follow U’ by Season 1 winner, Yeka Onka. The singer was produced by Chocolate City’s Jesse Jags.

"Nigerian Idol will be an even more exciting television experience this season," its executive producer, Rotimi Pedro, said. "The last three shows of NI garnered more viewership, especially
with the youth demographic, than any other music reality show - proving the point of the power of the Idol brand across the globe. We are committed to ensuring that the standards from the past show - in terms of content, production and interactivity are surpassed this time around. This is Idol - it's the real deal."

The cycle of the show remains the same, spanning seven months, the producers have confirmed. The season kicks off on October 7th with auditions in four Nigerian cities - Abuja, Port Hacourt, Enugu and Lagos, where auditions end in November. Nigerian Idol hopefuls simply have to go

to Nigerianidol.com in order to register.

"Based on audience feedback and to enhance the unique Idol experience this season, we've made a few major changes," said

Mr. Pedro. These exciting new changes include, a new judge; musician, former music association president and TV host, Charles Oputa, fondly known as Charly Boy.

The judges' line up however retains songstress Yinka Davies and international choreographer and musician, Jeffrey Daniels who has returned this season. After hotly-contested auditions that featured the brightest across the media and entertainment sectors, new hosts have also been announced and they are rave-of-the-moment singer Tiwa Savage, and VeeJay Ill Rhymz.

"I am very excited to be a part of the successful Nigerian version of this global franchise," Savage said. "I am lucky to have worked in the music industry in America, writing for acts like Jennifer Hudson and to have seen close up what the flagship American Idol has done for amazing talents
like her. I am incredibly thrilled to be part of that magical experience in Nigeria and to be a witness to the creating of a new Nigerian superstar."

There are only winners on Nigerian Idol this season as lead sponsor Etisalat will give premium prizers not just to the winner, but also to the runners-up and others from the Top Ten.

The winner of the show takes home whopping new prizes valued at $100, 000 which includes a management contract, the prize money and a recording contract. The first runner up gets N1.5 million, a Galaxy Tab, Blackberry and iPod; and the 2nd runner up will receive N1million, a Galaxy Tab, a Blackberry and an iPod. Finalists from 4th to 10th place also receive each, N100, 000, a Galaxy Tab, a Blackberry and an iPod.

The show begins airing 4th December, until the winner is announced at a grand gala on April 1st 2012. Nigerian Idol is brought to you by Etisalat, in association with Pepsi and Sony. It is also supported by partners, Air Nigeria and Beat FM.

Photo of the Day: Michelle Obama Spotted Shopping Somewhere in DC

 

Imagine seeing our first lady shopping at Shoprite in Lekki.

BRANDY, THE GAME, D’BANJ TO PERFORM AT MTN PROJECT FAME SEASON 4

The fourth season of the popular MTN Project Fame West Africa reality show is about to kick off and organizers have announced that US artistes Brandy, The Gamewill be performing at the talent show! Also, Nigerian acts D’banj and ex-project fame stars Iyana, Mike Ayansodo, Chidinma and Praiz will also light up the stage as they perform their songs. Veteran disc jockey DJ Jimmy JATT will be on the wheels of steel.
Brandy confirmed her forthcoming performance via a voice drop over the weekend.
‘Hey everybody this is Brandy. I’ll be performing at the opening gala at MTN Project Fame West Africa season four at the Eko Expo Center on Sunday, October 2nd. It’s gonna be fire and my first time in Nigeria, so I’ll see everybody there. Bye’ Brandy delightfully said.
The opening show is set to take place at the Expo Center, Eko Hotel and Suites on Sunday, October 2, 2011.

All Hail the President and First Lady.... Really Love this Picture

Maltina Dance Hall... Pictures From the Grand Finale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trailer for Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton'sJoyful Noise

The two headline this musical dramedy.

Queen Latifah will be trading vocal chops with country music legend Dolly Parton this coming year in themusical dramedy Joyful Noise.

The film centers on the two as dueling choir members of a small town’s gospel choir. Both want their group to win the national choir competition, but have different views on how they should go for the prize. Conflict arises when Parton’s grandson falls in love with Latifah and comes up with an idea to make some changes in the choir.

Jesse L. Martin will star as Latifah’s husband and Keke Palmer will play her daughter.

Joyful Noise will hit theaters in January 2012. Check out the trailer above.

Def Jam Founders to Celebrate New Book

The art book details the label's influence on pop culture.

Def Jam Founders Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin will celebrate a new book titled "Def Jam Recordings: The First 25 Years of the Last Great Recording Label" with an intimate discussion next month. The art book, which was written by Def Jam publicist and hip-hop historian Bill Adler, features stories, artifacts, and iconic images showing how the music label has influenced pop culture over the years.

Simmons and Rubin will be present to explain portions of the book and talk about their experiences as founders of the label. This will be a special treat for the audience as Rubin, who heads Columbia Records, rarely speaks to the public.

The event will be held on October 15 at the Stephen A Schwarzman Building in New York City and will be hosted by the New York Public Library's Paul Holdengraber.

MICHAEL JACKSON’S ELDEST SON TO TAKE STAND IN MANSLAUGHTER TRIAL

(L-R) Dr. Conrad Murray, Prince Jackson

Prince Michael Jackson II, the eldest son of the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, will not only be appearing in court but might also take the stand as the trial of his father’s physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, starts this week.
Prince popularly known by his nickname ‘Blanket’ reportedly told family members that he would ‘take the stand to ensure that justice is done’.
According to TMZ, Prince has already been listed on the list of witnesses for the prosecution. But the court room might be cleared if he is called to the stand. Sources have disclosed that the 14-year-old is nervous and doesn’t’ want to ‘mess up’.
The identity of Prince’s mother still remains unknown, as Jackson till his death claimed that the child was the result of artificial insemination from a surrogate mother and his own sperm.
On June 25, 2009, Michael Jackson died in his Los Angeles mansion as attempts by his personal physician Conrad Murray were unsuccessful when he stopped breathing.

TIWA SAVAGE, ILL RHYMES ARE HOSTS OF NIGERIAN IDOL SEASON 2

Say hello to the new hosts at Nigerian Idol - Ill Rhymes and Tiwa Savage

R&B singer Tiwa Savage and popular Video Jockey Ill Rhymes have been named as the new hosts at the second season of the Nigerian Idol reality TV show. This was made known by Optima Media Group (OMG), organizers of the reality show today Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos.
Tiwa (whose is a product of the X-Factor reality show in the UK) and Ill Rhymes will be replacing season one’s hosts Misi Molu and Anis Halloway. Misi confirmed her replacement today via her Twitter account. ‘Announcement to be made today! I’m no longer the host for Nigerian Idol!!! Really Sux!!! But I’ve gotta move forward and hope for the best!‘, @MisiMolu tweeted.
Also, Audu Maikori who was a judge on the show’s first season has been replaced with popular singer/entertainer Charly Boy. The reason for the switch according toChichi of OMG is that Audu lives in Abuja and would find it quite difficult to attend the shows which will hold in different parts of the country.
This year’s viewership according to Rotimi Pedro, C.E.O of OMG, will increase to nine countries as opposed to five countries in season one.
Also this year’s prize has been increased to a whooping sum of a hundred thousand Dollars which will cover a recording contract. The first runner up will walk away with 2.5M Naira while the second runner up will win 1M Naira.
The show kicks off Tuesday, October 4, 2011.

The Return of Jenifa

The return of jenifa would be at all cinemas from the 7th of october. Watchout for the rebranded JENIFA

Like a Child

by Joyce Meyer -

Truly I say to you, unless you repent (change, turn about) and become like little children [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving], you can never enter the kingdom of heaven [at all].
—Matthew 18:3
Today's verse describes children as trusting, lowly, loving, and forgiving. Just think about how much more we would enjoy our lives and our relationships with God and other people if we would simply operate in these four virtues. Obviously, Jesus thinks these qualities are extremely important because He says we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven without them. We cannot enjoy the benefits of God's Kingdom and maintain bad attitudes at the same time.
When I think about hearing God's voice, I see that being like a child is so important because children believe what they are told. Some people say children are gullible, meaning they believe anything, no matter how ridiculous it sounds. But I don't think children are gullible; I think they are trusting. God certainly doesn't want us to be gullible or naive; He wants us to be trusting. Sometimes we are betrayed by people we love and trust and are tempted to then distrust everyone, but we cannot make everyone pay for what one person did to us.
There are people in the world who cannot be trusted, but there are also a lot of good people and we must refuse to live with a spirit of suspicion.
God is completely trustworthy. All human beings, regrettably, cannot be trusted unconditionally, but God can. God wants you to come to Him like a child, trusting Him completely and believing everything He says to you—because He is totally trustworthy.
God's word for you today: Don't let one or two bad experiences rule your entire life.

eLDee, Tiwa Savage, Banky W set for VIP Nights with Hennessey Artistry!

As part of events surrounding this year’s Hennessy Artistry, Hennessy Nigeria has announced a series of VIP Night club parties starting from September 30, 2011 with Tiwa Savage, eLDee and Banky W leading a pack of Nigerian artistes to major clubs in Nigeria!

Since Hennessy Artistry announced Headliners for this year’s project, it’s been all work and even more play for headliners Banky W, eLDee and Tiwa Savage!
Not long after the theme song for Hennessy Artistry 2011 titled “Toast to the good life” was released, Banky W, eLDee, Jesse Jagz and M.I embarked on a scheduled trip to Cognac, France alongside Hennessy Nigeria’s Communications and Events Manager Tokini Peterside, and Head of Trace Urban Anglophone, Sam Onyemelukwe.
While in France, the artistes were treated to a night in “Chateau de Bagnolet”- a private chateau in Cognac belonging to the Hennessy Family. Banky W, eLDee, Jesse Jagz and M.I joined the likes of Common, The Roots, Ray Charles and Alexander Burke on the list of prestigious guests at the exclusive Hennessy chateau- An occurrence all four artistes playback as “an experience they will never forget”.
Now, starting from Friday, September 30, Tiwa Savage, Banky W and eLDee will headline four exclusive Hennessy Artistry VIP Nights in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. The first of which will hold at Octopus Lounge in Yaba on September 30.
The VIP event will showcase spectacular performances from the headliners as well as some of the country’s finest artistes; all backed by official DJ Caise.
As always, Hennessy’s innovative musical platform not only gives room for vast creativity, but also encourages “The Art of Blending”. This is why this year, one lucky Facebook fan will get to win a VIP Night-Out with the superstars at the VIP event, and hang out with them for the night. The process according to Tokini Peterside, Hennessy Communications and Events Manager is easy “Just visit the Hennessy Nigeria Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hennessynigeria to see how to apply”..
Since inception in 2006, Hennessy Artistry has been able to mix and blend hip and inspirational music from around the world. Artistes that have been involved with the music platform include Kanye West, Pharell Williams, Ne-Yo, Leona Lewis, LL Cool J and Fabulous. .
Currently in its 5th edition, Hennessy Artistry is Nigeria’s most innovative musical platform. The series was first unveiled in Nigeria in 2007. Through the years, it has evolved from a cocktail-mixing contest between renowned bartenders to a battle of DJs and now a platform for experimental collaborations among multi-talented artistes.

Wendy Williams to Host A-List: New York Reunion Show

The gossip talk show queen gets the deep dish from the Empire State’s gay elite.

How you doin'? Talk show host Wendy Williams is gonna find that out and more for Logo.

The Queen of all media will play host to the reunion show for The A-List: New York, featuring popular cast members like Amazing Race’s Reichen Lehmkubi and America’s Next Top Model’'s Mike Ruiz.

In addition, this fall TV viewers will be treated to a new addition to the A-List franchise: The A-List: Dallas. The Lone Star State version will focus on the socialite scene of Texas plus their big dreams and big dramas. And Williams has also signed on to host the Dallas reunion edition when that show concludes.

The two-hour The A-List: New York reunion special airs on Logo October 10 at 10pm/9c and October 17 at 9pm/8c.

The A-List: Dallas premieres October 10 at 11pm/10c.

Lauryn Hill Sued by Stylist

The fashion consultant says L-Boogie skipped out on the bill!

Though we may have side-eyed some of Lauryn Hill's recent fashion choices, one stylist claims the singer never paid for the fancy duds! Fashion consultant Via Davia Vintage filed a lawsuit in L.A. Superior Court, claiming Hill kept some of her eccentric fits back in 2007 without paying a dime.

Allegedly, Hill was only supposed to use the clothes for her European tour, but she kept several items for over three months and was reluctant to return many of the pieces.

Vintage’s lawsuit states she provided Hill "with an entire wardrobe of high fashion items," and the singer agreed to pay a fixed weekly fee, but the angry consultant says Hill paid a small fraction of the cost and only returned 30% of the wardrobe.

Wizkid, Naeto C To Perform At ‘TymeOut with Tee A’ Live Concert

Popular stand-up comedian Tee-A is celebrating the 15th anniversary of his career and plans to do it big. As part of plans to commemorate the decade plus career, Tee-A will be kicking off his ‘TymeOut with Tee A’ live concert series on Sunday, October 2, 2011 at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
Tee-A won’t be alone as he will be joined by some of Nigeria’s finest stand-up comedians such as Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, Holy Mallam, Omo Baba, Tunde Ednut, Headmaster as well as the show’s regulars Princess and MC Abbey.
Music stars set to perform at the concert include pop star Wizkid, rapper Naeto C, pop acts DJ Zeez, Mo’Cheddah, JJC and singer Djinee. DJ Neptune will also be on the turn tables.
‘This is the first in many to come. This is our independence gift to our friends in Abuja’, Tee-A talks about the forthcoming event which takes place a day after Nigeria’s Independence Day.
The event is put together by Tee-A’s First Class Entertainment in partnership with Transcorp Hilton Hotel

Come As You Are

by Joyce Meyer - posted September 26, 2011

(Lead a life) worthy of the [divine] calling to which you have been called [with behavior that is a credit to the summons to God's service, living as becomes you] with complete lowliness of mind (humility) and meekness (unselfishness, gentleness, mildness), with patience, bearing with one another and making allowances because you love one another.
—Ephesians 4:1-2
There is a big emphasis today on spending personal time with the Lord, and rightly so. Unfortunately, many people have been frustrated by this emphasis in teaching. They want to spend time with God, but feel uncomfortable. Some express that they never sense God's presence. Or, they don't know what to do during those times. We must learn to "be" and not always feel that we must "do."
In the verse above we read that we must come with unveiled faces in order to receive the benefit God wants us to have from the New Covenant. To me, this means that when I stop being religious and legalistic and just come to Jesus, when I lay aside all "my" works and begin to see Him, when I allow Him to remove the veil from my eyes, then He and I can enter into a personal relationship that will ultimately change me into His image. More than anything else, we need His presence. He is the only One Who can do anything for us that will be permanent.

JOHN LEGEND PRODUCES NEW FAMILY SHOW

	John Legend’s executive produced family sitcom has been picked up by NBC. The show, Mixed Blessings, reportedly follows “a prominent, black, street-bred hip-hop artist enjoying his single life who discovers that he has a teenage son and decides to connect with him and his white suburban family.” This is the singer’s first venture into television.

BEYONCE WANTS BOY BAND AND NEW LABEL

Who runs the world? Well, Beyonce is looking to run the music industry with the launch of her new label., “I am starting my company, my label. I want to create a boy band.” B added, “I want to continue to produce and do documentaries and music videos. I eventually want to start directing for other artists. Once I know that I have my stuff together and I trust that, I can do it for other artists.” We have no doubt that the boy group will be just as, if not more, successful as Bey’s former group, Destiny’s Child.

Bunmi Koko to Show at Vauxhall Fashion Scout

Considering her showcase during New York Fashion Week’s Arise Collective, Bunmi Koko will join the likes of Preen and Temperley London to show in both New York and London, at Vauxhall Fashion Scout.

A smart move for Bunmi Koko to show at London, giving the brand a bigger audience and a potential market base. For the London show, she is spicing thing up with a collaboration with 12 year old emerging singer Tallia Storm.

Tallia is known as the as the Willow Smith of Scotland, but with a little less edge. The Bunmi Koko team met her earlier in the year at the Scottish Fashion Awards and they couldn’t believe her talent and the fact that she was only 12!
The Bunmi Koko collection would probably be a reprise of the New York show with rich blue colours and a lot of sting detail. We’ve decided to give you a sneak peak in case you haven’t seen it…
 
The huge differnce might be the change of concept the music will give, due to Tallia producing a special song for the runway collection. We bet is it sure to be an entertaining mash up.
The Bunmi Koko show will take place on the 20th of September at the Vauxhall Fashion Scout venue, 8pm.

It’s official! International music brand TRACE Urban TV comes to Anglophone Africa

Founder Oliver Laouchez and Head, Sam Onyemelukwe to launch in Lagos
Nigeria makes another leap in global entertainment reckoning with the official launch of the global TRACE brand in the country this month. TRACE Urban, the company’s #1 international urban music channel has officially set up its offices in Nigeria to reach Nigeria and Anglophone Africa, with a mission to drive the industry with hit music videos, unique content, platforms, and reach.

We are very excited to be on the ground. With this move, which brings the brand closer to the Nigerian and African audience, TRACE is set to increase its playlist of home-grown music videos, but that’s just the beginning. As a Nigerian, I’m proud that this recognises the huge strides the local music industry has made, and the expanded space that is able to now absorb global buy-in and opportunities for artists, advertisers and viewers. – Sam Onyemelukwe, who is Head of Trace Urban Anglophone and was previously Business Development Manager for MTV Base.

The TRACE Urban channel is acknowledged as the most watched in public places all over Africa – and it is already the number one music TV channel in South Africa with a commanding popularity and numerous awards. This move is set to transform the fixture in the African entertainment industry, with a focus on Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa.

Available in the “access” DSTV bouquet available to the largest number of viewers, TRACE Urban is also now spread to local terrestrial channels like Galaxy and NTA in the hub to reach as many as possible with prospects to spread to more parochial channels across Africa. It is also now officially open to the Nigerian market – already welcoming local products and sponsors, including Project Fame West Africa Season 4 and Hennessy Artistry Nigeria. With a focus on hip-hop and R&B music videos featuring international urban hits, TRACE Urban combines top urban music videos, exclusive interviews of urban celebrities and original features related to urban culture including music, fashion, dance, sport, lifestyle and cinema.

Urban culture has become dominant amongst young people across the world, it clearly has earned its own television network. TRACE Urban Anglophone Africa follows in that tradition – it’s an unrelenting focus on urban music and urban culture especially for that 15 – 38 and young at heart demographic of Hip-hop and R&B fans. – Trace Urban

Managed in Nigeria by Entertainment Management Company (EMC), TRACE Urban Anglophone will be officially unveiled at an intimate media and VIP event hosted at the Federal Palace Hotel Lagos on Thursday, 22 September. The event is hosted by the Founder and Managing Director of TRACE, Oliver Laouchez and the Head of Anglophone Africa, Sam Onyemelukwe.

ABOUT TRACE
Launched in 2003, TRACE is a brand and an international media group that provides contemporary music and sports entertainment content to a large and predominantly young audience.  Its core business is original content and pay-tv channels, available in English and French, distributed in over 150 countries through 28 satellites and 200 carriage agreements. These include:

TRACE Urban (HD and SD): A music channel dedicated to urban music and culture.
TRACE Tropical (SD): A music channel dedicated to tropical music and culture.
TRACE Sports (HD): An up close, factual and lifestyle entertainment channel dedicated to sports celebrities (launch in 4^th Quarter 2011)

With the tag-line “We Love hip-hop and R&B” TRACE Urban gives a unique insight into urban music and culture and airs the most popular urban music genres focusing on the latest in R&B, hip-hop, dance, rhythmic pop, reggaeton. Its brand and content is also developed and licenced through all digital and multimedia platforms including web, mobile, radio and events.

For Press and Public Relations:
Red Media (Public Relations | New Media | Youth Marketing)
+234 702 810 1959 or adebola@rednigeria.com
facebook.com/RedNigeria | twitter.com/RedNigeria | www.rednigeria.com

Photos from Guinness VIP 'An Evening With' Roy Keane and Marcel Desailly

 

 

On Monday 19th September at Eko Hotel, Guinness VIP™ organized ‘An evening with...’ two former footballers who have very distinguished careers behind them: Roy Keane, former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland Captain, and Marcel Desailly, former Chelsea and French international.

A lot of their fans in Nigeria, who are GVIP members, had a once in a lifetime opportunity to get up-close and personal with their football idols, who answered many of their questions ans shared life lessons with them. The two football stars also visited Ibaban where more fans met them....

 

Host Charles Anazodo welcomes the duo of Marcel Desailly and Roy Keane

 

 

 

The duo of Marcel Desailly and Roy Keane sharing their life time experiences with the audience