Saturday, April 28, 2012
Nigerian Actress, Idugboe in Oscar Nominated PBS Drama Series
Sandra Omo Idugboe
Sandra was the first black girl to win the prestigious face of Brighton modelling competition in the UK, as well as the first Nigerian in Diaspora to return home and win the MBGN model crown in 2008, and was honoured with a high achievement award by the Nigerian High commission in the UK. In 2010 she was named Nigeria’s most outstanding model by the Nigerian models achievers Award.
Having done all the international fashion weeks and featured on Gossip TV UK, BBC’s documentary on Black Beauty 2008, Channel 4 UK, SABC 3 South Africa, and numerous commercials, the model turned actress says falling in love with acting was the best thing she gained from being a part of the film. “All I want to do since then is act. I am still a model, modelling is my first love but acting is just the passion that drives me crazy right now.” Sandra has also featured in two Nollywood movies to be released later this year.
This historical film is about the slave ship Meermin, whose fatal voyage tells a lost chapter in the history of the slave trade and one of Africa’s first freedom fighters: Massavana, whose story began 250 years ago when the Meermin set sail from Madagascar carrying slaves to South Africa. However, in a dramatic twist of fate, the ship never made it to its final destination. Instead, one man, who refused to become a slave, led his fellow prisoners in a mutiny and took over the ship. They then ordered the Dutch crew to sail them back home to freedom. But the experienced Dutch sailors deceived the slaves and steered the boat towards Cape Town anyway. When the slaves realized what had happened, a bloody battle with militia on shore left the surviving slaves captives again and the Meermin a sinking wreck.
Slave ship mutiny which was also nominated for an Oscar is an Off the Fence production for THIRTEEN in association with ARTE and WNET.ORG for PBS. Joe Kennedy is Writer/Producer. Katharina Pechel is Producer.
AMAA 2012 - The Glamour And The Thrills
Did
you miss the AMMA? Not too worry. You can watch it here, as iROKtv
brings the event to you right from the red carpet to the very end.
EPL: Mancini Fears United's 'Internal Force'
Manchester City boss, Roberto Mancini
GOAL.COM
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini believes that Manchester United's
stronger team spirit could prove pivotal in deciding the fate of the
Premier League title this season, reports Goal.com.
The Italian's side go into the season-defining clash against its city
rivals just three points behind in the title race, knowing that victory
on Monday would see them go top of the table again, but Mancini remains
cautious on his team's chances, instead choosing to draw attention to
the Red Devils' mental strength.
"For the last 20 years Manchester United have been winning constantly," he told reporters.
"Even when they are coming from behind in the table, they know deep inside they can come back.
"They have this internal force born from all the success they have had.
"Playing often against United has helped our progress and allowed us to
learn. We’ve moved closer to them but they are still better than us.
"They have more experience and that team spirit that we are in the process of building here."
The title race was blown open once again on Sunday when United
dramatically drew 4-4 at home to Everton before City secured victory
away at Wolves.
But Mancini continued to play down expectations, emphasizing that, no
matter what the result of the derby, their rivals have the easier run-in
afterwards and that they still remain favourites.
"We didn’t watch United’s match with Everton because we were preparing for our match with Wolves," the Italian insisted.
"I hadn’t asked to be kept informed on what the score was, so I didn’t
see Steven Pienaar’s goal that made it 4-4 live. In any case, that goal
doesn’t change anything, United still have a big advantage and an easier
run-in.
"They will play Swansea and Sunderland — who no longer have anything to
lose or to gain — and we are facing Newcastle, who are doing very well,
and QPR, who are playing for survival.
"The match against United could end up not deciding anything."
When pressed, though, on whether the club could win the title next
season, Mancini was bullish, stressing how far the club have come in a
short space of time.
"We can be proud of the work we’ve done," he declared. "It’s not 10 years City have been fighting for the title, just two.
"In 2010, we finished fifth and, the following season, we finished third with the same number of points as Chelsea in second.
"We’ve played really well and were top of the league for 28 matches. If
we don’t win the title this season, we will win the next one and have a
lot of success in the years to come."
Messi Too 'Emotional' to Watch Pep Say Farewell
Barcelona forward, Lionel Messi
Barcelona superstar, Lionel Messi said on Friday he felt far too
emotional to face the media glare at coach Pep Guardiola's farewell
announcement, reports AFP.
"I want to thank Pep with all my heart for everything he has given me
in my professional career and personally," the 24-year-old Argentinian
said on his Facebook page.
"Because of the emotions I feel I preferred not to be present at Pep's
press conference and to stay away from the press because I know they
will look for the pain on the players' faces.
"It is something I have decided not to show."
More than 100,000 fans clicked the 'Like' button on Messi's comment to
demonstrate their support and 10,000 left comments, the vast majority
backing him.
Defender Gerard Pique, who left hospital just two days earlier after a
bash to the head during Barcelona's Champions League semi-final defeat
to Chelsea, praised his departing coach.
"Many thanks Pep for giving us so much," he wrote on his Twitter account.
"Four years full of victories, of good times and above all lessons in football."
Only on Monday, the 25-year-old Pique had said he was convinced
Guardiola would stay on as coach because of his love for the club and
the profession.
However the 41-year-old coach announced on Friday he was bringing his
four-year reign over one of the greatest eras in club football to an
end.
"Four years is an eternity as coach of Barca. Time wears everything
down, I feel drained and I need to replenish," said Guardiola, who cited
exhaustion as the reason for his departure.
"I cannot replenish if I coach again immediately, I don't want to."
Barcelona president Sandro Rosell appointed Francesc "Tito" Vilanova, a
former Barcelona player and Guardiola's assistant for the past four
years, as the new coach.
Cesc Fabregas, who returned last year to childhood club Barcelona from
Arsenal, said on Twitter: "Even though I was only with him for one year
it felt like a lot more. For me Pep was my hero as a kid."
The Spain international gave a vote of confidence to Vilanova, who came
through Barcelona's youth ranks as a player before joining other sides,
rejoining the Catalans as a youth coach in 2007.
"For Tito, I wish the best in this new opportunity that football has
given to him. We were together when I was a kid," Fabregas said.
Helen Prest Ajayi's daughter contesting in MBGN 2012 pageant
Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon renew marriage vows
Meet the Hottest DJ on the Wheels of Steel – DJ Caise
Innovative,
entertaining and eclectic are some words that clearly describe music
productions and remixes from the well acclaimed DJ Caise.
His entry into the Nigerian music scene with his creative blend of
local and international sounds to create what he terms ‘GidiHouseMusic’
couldn’t have come at a better time. 26 year-old DJ Caise, real names – Derin Phillips, also goes by the code name ‘Mr Make It Happen’. And he has made ‘it’ happen on several tracks. As a producer, he is known for several hit tracks including Lynxxx ‘International’, and as a DJ, has done some famous remixes such as 2face vs Calvin Harris ‘Implication vs Flashback’ and the M.I. & Waje ‘One Naira’ remix.
The University of Reading graduate is the in-house DJ for the radio station, BEAT 99.9 FM and is signed on as the DJ for Chocolate City, the record label that has artistes such as M.I, Brymo, Ice Prince and more. He is the recipient of FAB Awards 2011 DJ of the Year Award and Dynamix Youth Awards 2011 DJ of the Year. He has thrilled audiences at major shows including MTV Africa Music Awards 2010 and the Big Brother Africa Season 5 and 6.
I heard him before I saw him; a blend of sounds from musicians I couldn’t really place, but the sound was entertaining nonetheless and I was already in a good mood by the time I reached the open doors of his in-house studio. It wasn’t difficult to see that he was a lover of music. We had an interesting conversation as he took me through the journey of how he fell in love with music as a child to when he started out as a DJ in the UK about 10 years ago. And when he played an unreleased remix of two musicians from two continents singing in completely different genres, I was no doubt left in awe.
T.D. Jakes produces film on Winnie and Nelson Mandela
Popular U.S preacher Bishop T.D. Jakes, the owner of TDJ Enterprise/TDJ Independence has produced a film based on South African leader Nelson Mandela and his wife Winnie. The movie is a love story, and features Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson as Winnie and Terrence Howard as Nelson.
Bishop Jakes is the leader of the 30,000-member Dallas-based church ‘The Potter’s House‘, and his production company has been involved in several movies, including ensemble comedy ‘Jumping the Broom‘, and upcoming film ‘Sparkle‘, which stars the late Whitney Houston. The company also has a first –look deal with Sony.
‘Stories like Winnie and A Million
Colours are important historically and socially. Collaborations like
this offer us a unique ability to provide the global community a window
into African culture through the creation of quality content’, said
Jakes.
The film was directed by Darrel J. Roodt
and focuses on Winnie’s efforts and support for her husband and the
entire country during the political turmoil under the apartheid system.
Students unite against cancer
In the quest to empower and enlighten youths against breast and cervical cancer, Pink Pearl foundation has launched a campaign in Nigerian Universities.
The campaign was launched in 2008, and
has been taken to four tertiary institutions within the country this
year. These include; Delta State University – Abraka Campus, Delta State University – Anwai Campus, University Of Benin And University Of Port-Harcourt.
The campaign featured local
presentations, followed by intensive and informative lectures on Breast
and Cervical cancer, given by the foundation’s medical professional, Dr
Ann Ojimba. Four university ambassadors were chosen after a quiz
competition, with each ambassador receiving N10,000 in prize money.
One of the attendants of the event,
Miss Sandra Ogbogold, said she was motivated to attend the campaign
after noticing an irregularity in one of her breasts. Though she knew
about self-examination, she was glad to know more about cervical cancer.
The ambassadors were urged to continue
to spread the word of early detection and cancer awareness to their
immediate family, friends and community. After the lecture at each of
the universities, about 327 students were screened for breast cancer,
with a few of them being diagnosed of either lumps or fluids.
‘It was truly been a wonderful
experience visiting these four Campuses. A few lumps were found after
screening from each school. This year’s Campus Campaign was quite
expository as youth joined the fight against breast and cervical cancer’
Mrs Orode Ryan-Okpu, the founder of Pink Pearl Foundation said.
Friday, April 27, 2012
"Its an attack on free speech" United States on Thisday & Sun Newspaper bombings...
U.S. State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland
United States has condemned the bombing of THISDAY newspaper offices
in Abuja and Kaduna by the Boko Haram sect, describing it as an attack
on free speech.
Reacting to the attacks on Thursday, State Department Spokesperson,
Victoria Nuland, said, “This is an attack not only on innocent people
but on free speech itself in Nigeria and we call for a full
investigation holding those responsible to account.
She said US shares the concerns about the threat that Boko Haram poses,
adding that this was among the reasons that its cooperate so strongly
with Nigeria so that, “the vulnerable populations in the North of
Nigeria can’t be attracted or coerced by Boko Haram."
Also Thursday, the Nigerian in Diaspora Organisation in the America
(NIDOA)- the apex and umbrella organisation of all Nigerians residing in
both North and South America - condemned the attack and described it as
a despicable act of cowardice.
"We stand in solidarity with THISDAY to mourn with the families of
those who lost their loved ones to the cowards", NIDOA said in a
statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Mr. Ganiyu Dada, Secretary,
Chief Gabe Okoye, and PRO, Ms. Zainab Sheni.
While applauding the courage of those patriotic Nigerians who
apprehended suspected bomber of THISDAY Kaduna office, NIDOA said,
"There efforts helped to minimize the damage in that episode, but more
importantly, the SSS now has a culprit to interrogate.”
It urged Federal Government to re-evaluate current state of security with a view to upgrading the efficiency of her intelligence gathering apparatus.
It urged Federal Government to re-evaluate current state of security with a view to upgrading the efficiency of her intelligence gathering apparatus.
Trey Songz loves making music
No release date for Chapter V
Trey Songz has been busy working on his new album titled Chapter V. The
crooner recently shot a video for his new song, “Heart Attack,” which
should be released soon. Trey told us his love for music prevents him
from taking the easy route with his career. Trey Songz recently shot
videos for T.I.’s “2 Reasons” and Waka Flocka’s “I Don’t Really Care.”
He will also be featured on B.o.B’s new album, Strange Clouds, which
drops on Tuesday.
Raising Awareness about HIV/Aids in Lagos! Snapshots of Chidinma, Sound Sultan & JJC at the Lagos Aids Walk & Benefit Concert
On Saturday 21st April 2012, the 10 Km HIV/Aids awareness walk organised by Biire Child and Maternal Health Foundation in collaboration with the Lagos State Agency for the Control of Aids (LSACA) and other stake holders took place.
Lagos residents came out in their hundreds to help support the cause. They walked from Ebute Meta End of the Third Mainland Bridge to Carter/Adeniji Adele Bridge where a large red ribbon was formed. The ribbon signified remembrance, care and compassion for those living with the virus and those who had lost their lives to it. Then they headed to Freedom Park where a benefit concert was held. Although some of the dignitaries scheduled to attend didn’t show up, some of Nigeria’s entertainers including Chidinma, Sound Sultan and JJC came out to support the cause.
Here are some snapshots from the event.
Lagos residents came out in their hundreds to help support the cause. They walked from Ebute Meta End of the Third Mainland Bridge to Carter/Adeniji Adele Bridge where a large red ribbon was formed. The ribbon signified remembrance, care and compassion for those living with the virus and those who had lost their lives to it. Then they headed to Freedom Park where a benefit concert was held. Although some of the dignitaries scheduled to attend didn’t show up, some of Nigeria’s entertainers including Chidinma, Sound Sultan and JJC came out to support the cause.
Here are some snapshots from the event.
Dre & Chidinma
Children also help raise the HIV/Aids awareness
Spreading the message of awareness on the streets of Lagos
JJC with the Lagos Aids Walk Crew
The extradition of Olaniyi Jones Makinde
When the activities of his gang was discovered by FBI in 2010, Olaniyi escaped the US and returned to Nigeria. Unfortunately for him, the US police informed the EFCC about his activities in the US and his wanted status there. The EFCC tracked him down in Nigeria and arrested him.
He's been in Ikoyi prisons since January 2012 where he will be until May 30th where a Federal High Court will hear the extradition request filed by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation against him.
According to the FBI report, aside from stealing from companies and banks, Olaniyi also stole from individuals by assuming the false identity of a sexy white chick named Brenda Stuart, and tricking men into sending money and their account details to him.
Abiola Atanda aka Madam Kofo signature I love
Whenever you meet this Nollywood actress Abiola Atanda popularly known
as Madam Kofo at an event, you are sure to recognize her from her very
bold signature of headtie. Looks good on her though :-)
Adele becomes Britain’s wealthiest musician
- Adele at the BRIT Awards 2012
23-year-old singer and multi Grammy award winner Adele is the U.K’s wealthiest musician, according to the 24th annual survey compiled by the Sunday Times Newspaper.
The survey says the young singer stepped up from her €6m (N12.3bn)earnings in 2011, to €20m (N41.4bn) in 2012.
Her fortune tripled in the past year
after massive sales of her second album ’21′. ‘Adele is been the success
story of the past year by a mile. You only get an Adele once every 10
years. It is a success on a ginormous scale’, Steve Redmonds of the Entertainment Retailers Association said.
The ‘Rich List’, which is based on an
estimate of the minimum wealth of the richest 1,000 people or families
in the United Kingdom as at January of a particular year, also features
22 year old Harry potter star Daniel Radcliffe as the richest actor, with €54m (N1.1trn) as he tops the overall list for youngest billionaires under age 30.
Meanwhile, 27 year old actress/model Keira Knightley, becomes the highest paid model with €30m (N61.8bn), mostly due to her contract as a brand ambassador for Chanel.
Genevieve to star in Chimamanda Adichie's "Half of a Yellow Sun"
- Genevieve Nnaji
Nollywood star actress Genevieve Nnaji will star alongside Hollywood’s Chiwetel Ejiofor and British actress Thandie Newton in the upcoming movie ‘Half Of A Yellow Sun’, a film adaptation of Chimamanda Adichie’s bestselling novel.
According to her publicists from VA-PR,
Nnaji will play the role of Ms Adebayo, another professor who develops a
flirtatious relationship with her colleague Mr Odenigbo (Ejiofor).
The Orange Prize-winning novel is set
during the Biafran war of 1967 – 1970 in Nigeria and peruses the impact
of the conflict through the story of a University Professor (Ejiofor)
and his lover (Newton) her sister, a British ex-pat, and a young
houseboy.
‘Half Of Yellow Sun’ is produced by BAFTA award-winning producer Andrea Calderwood (The Last King Of Scotland) and will be directed by debutant, Nigerian playwright Biyi Bandele.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
University of Ibadan shut down for two weeks over students protest
The students took their protest beyond the school gates and mounted roadblocks around the UI/Ojoo road, causing serious traffic. All efforts to pacify the students failed, as they promised to continue protesting until their demands are met.
Following the two day protest, the University authority has shut down the institution for two weeks with immediate effect. Their reason for closing down the school? To abort the indefinite protest by students and to give them time to fix some of the problems the student complained about.
Davido shows the world he's making millions...calls N10M "lil change"
He's always been one to show off his wealth. Some might even say that his vulgar display of wealth makes one throw up a little. Well, davido has now showed it off literally. The 19year old singer has made sure everyone knows he's made millions, after tweeting his 10million naira cheque picture.
'Great meeting made a lil change' Davido tweeted, alongside the pictureThe tweet didn't go over very well with fans, and Davido later deleted the tweet and he apologized
"Im sorry to those that are offended by the picture I neva knew God would takeme this far nd I got a little carried away!una own sef go come" He tweeted his apology.
Kenny Ogungbe launches TV stations
Popular T.V/Radio host and record label co-owner, Kenny ‘Keke’ Ogungbe recently launched three new TV channels.
One of the stations, Kennis Music Channel, is a 24 hour music, entertainment and events channel, and is presently running on Pay TV provider Startimes‘ Channel 127.
The entertainment mogul started out as a radio DJ in the early 1990s and is today credited, along with his friend and partner Dayo Adeneye, to have built the KENNIS Music label, responsible for many of the country’s biggest acts including 2face, Shina Peters and a host of others.
Oluchi Orlandi @ The Annual New Yorkers for Children Spring Dinner and Dance…Are You Feeling Her Look?
Nigeria’s 1st supermodel Oluchi Onweagba Orlandi last week was one of many supermodels at The Annual New Yorkers for Children Spring Dinner and Dance event at the Mandarin Oriental in New York City.
She showed you can still be sexy and covered up in a yellow top and striped maxi skirt by Wes Gordon. She set off her outfit with lovely yellow accessories and a metallic clutch.
ARE YOU FEELING HER LOOK?
Also at the event were models Jessica White, Veronica Webb,Coco Rocha, Doutzen Kroes and designer Zac Posen.
Oluchi & Jessica White
Oluchi & Veronica Webb
Jessica White, Oluchi Orlandi, Doutzen Kroes, Lindsay Ellingson
ThisDay Attacks: SSS Confirms Five Deaths, Many Injuries
In a press statement, Marilyn Ogar, a Deputy Director of Public Relations in DSS said that Mustapha and another man drove into R9, Kontagora road, Ahmadu Bello Way in a cream-coloured Honda Accord (Academy), registration number AL 306 MKA, at about 11a.m. That address belongs to SOJ Global Communications and Investment Limited Plaza, and houses correspondents of The Sun, Thisday and Moments Newspapers.
She said Mustapha alighted “with a container of Improvised Explosive Device (IED).”
“He was immediately challenged by two gallant Nigerians following which he threw the bomb at them and it denoted killing them instantly,” the statement said. “Subsequently, Mustapha pulled out a pistol and fired several shots in the air in an attempt to escape.
He was however caught and subdued by brave members of the public who refused to be intimidated and handed him over to security forces. Nine persons were injured and are receiving treatment.”
At about the same time, at the premises of Thisday Newspaper in Abuja, another car, a dark green Isuzu Jeep outfitted with bombs, forced its way in, detonated and killed the suicide bomber.
DSS said two other persons were confirmed killed, while five persons were injured.
Extending its sympathies to the families of victims and the deceased, DSS applauded the gallantry and patriotism exhibited by well-meaning members of the public who risked their lives to save others. It hoped that the “new affront” on the media would not deter patriotic reportage of issues that affect the collective interest of Nigerians.
Former Beauty Queen Ibidun Ighodalo Covers TW Magazine’s “Beyond Beauty” April Issue
What a refreshing Magazine cover to look at. One of Nigeria’s leading lifestyle magazine – TW has got us all in awe as the ever gracious and pretty former beauty queen turned entrepreneur – Ibidun Ighodalo is every touch of perfection on the cover of their April “Beyond Beauty” Issue.
The lovely Ibidun who is happily married to Pastor Ituah Ighodalo (Senior Pastor of Trinity House Church) reveals exclusively to TW never before heard details about her role as a beauty queen, her marriage and how faith helps her keep everything in balance.
Nigerian-German music act Ade Bantu also features in the magazine as the Celebrity of the Month. He talks to TW about how music for him is more than just the fame, bling and cars. He also gives an insight into how he tries to give back through various community projects in Ajegunle and Port Harcourt.
This month’s Special Report pages features 4 amazing Nigerian women who have faced and overcome the conventional notions of beauty. They discuss how they have battled personal challenges and have come to embrace their imperfections which makes them more stronger, resilient and truly beautiful everyday.
Just like the issue is tagged Beyond Beauty, Check out some of the photos of their beauty feature.
This issue has hit news stands, ask your vendor for a copy.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
At the Etisalat Masterbrand Launch, Celebrities showed that Etisalat is an attitude, not just a brand name!!
Damilola Adegbite Eku Edewor
Nigeria’s leading telecommunication giants Etisalat, launched its new brand communication campaign with an evening full of attitude, swag and style on the 5th of April.
Celebrity models endorsed the Etisalat Masterbrand campaign by strutting their stuff on the runway. It was fashion on fire as Uti, Lynxxx, Muna, Alex Ekubo, Eva, Damilola Adegbite, Bryan Okwara, Eva Alordiah and many more lit the runway at the spectacular evening where it was definitely proven that Etisalat isn’t just a network, it’s also an attitude.
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