Nominees List for the Inaugural Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards

On Saturday 20th October 2012, the inaugural edition of the Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards (GIAMA) will take place in grand style at the HBU, Morris Cultural Arts Center, Dunham Theater, 7502 Fondren Road Houston, Texas 77074-3298, USA.

As we all wait to see what our favorite movie stars will be spotted in, check out the recently released nominees list. Some of the movies nominated for the biggest award category – Best Motion Picture, include Mr. & Mrs. starring Joseph Benjamin and Nse Ikpe-Etim, I’ll Take My Chances starring Ini Edo, Bryan Okwara and Jide Kosoko, Somewhere in Africa and Two Brides & A Baby.

Other big categories include African Film Best Actor, where Majid Michel, OC Ukeje, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Joseph Benjamin and Hakeem Kae Kazim will battle it out to win the award, African Film Best Actress with Ini Edo, Jackie Appiah, Nse Ekpe Etim, Stella Damasus and Nadia Buari will go head-to-head, GIAMA Humanitarian Award and Best Cinematography.

Speaking on the nominations, a Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards committee said surfing through the enormous amount of movies that were submitted for the GIAMA, most especially those that were produced in the Diaspora, was quite challenging to watch. However, there were a few movies that stood out and are worthy of being applauded and rewarded. Some of the movies include Bianca, Secret Past, The Mechanic, Paparazzi, Black Money and a few others. This is a clear indication that movies in the Diaspora, especially in the United States, continue to improve over time.

Top Nigerian actor/Fashion designer Jim Iyke has been announced as this year’s host.

Full List of Nominees
AFRICAN FILMS
Best Motion Picture

• Unge’s War
• Man On Ground
• Somewhere In Africa
• Mr. & Mrs.
• Two Brides & A Baby
• I’ll Take My Chances

Best Drama Film

• Brides Groom
• In the Cupboard
• Kokomma
• Somewhere In Africa
• Two Brides & A Baby
• Enemy Of the Family

Best Actor

• Majid Michel – Somewhere In Africa
• Jimmy Jean-Louis – Sinking Sands
• OC Ukeje – Two Brides & A Baby
• George Davidson – Dangerous Men
• Joseph Benjamin – Mr. & Mrs.
• Hakeem Kae Kazim –  Man on Ground

Best Actress

• Ini Edo – In the Cupboard
• Jackie Appiah – Deadly Affair
• Nse Ekpe Etim – Mr. & Mrs.
• Stella Damasus – Two Brides & a Baby
• Yvonne Okoro – Single 6
• Nadia Buari – Hands of Time

Best Comedy Act

• Okon Lagos – Ime Bishop Umoh
• Wisdom of Thomas – Funke Akindele
• Dumebi – Mercy Johnson
• Okon Lagos – Monalisa Chinda
• Eletan – Lilian Bach

Best New Actor

• Leo’ Uche – Unge’s War
• Uti Nwachukwu – In the Cupboard
• Bryan Okwara –  I’ll Take My Chances
• Bobby Michaels – Facebook Lovers
• Eddie Watson – Single 6
• James Gardener – Brides Groom

Best New Actress

• Keira Hewatch – Two Brides & A Baby
• Nana Akua Amoah – Single 6
• Belinda Effah – Kokomma
• Zita Galega – Single 6
• Ama .K. Abebrese – Sinking Sands
• Joy Orie (JJ Bunny) – Trapped in the Game

Best Supporting Actor

• Alex Ekubo – In the Cupboard
• Okey Uzoeshi – Two Brides & a Baby
• Van Vicker – Hands of Time
• Frank Attus – Trapped in the Game
• Leo U’Che – Dangerous Men
• Yemi Blaq – Sinking Sands

Best Original Screenplay

• Sinking Sands – Leila Djansi
• Unge’s War – GuGu Michael
• In the Cupboard – Desmond Elliot
• My Life, My Damage – Uche Jombo
• Two Brides & A Baby – Blessing Egbe
• Single 6 – Pascal Amafo

Best Supporting Actress

• Chelsea Eze – Two Brides & A Baby
• Biola Segun Williams – In the Cupboard
• Yvonne Nelson – Trapped in the Game
• Martha Ankomah – Somewhere in Africa
• Lilian Ini Ikpe – Kokomma
• Chisom Oz Lee – Timeless Passion

Best Indigenous Film (Native Language)

• Unge’s War
• Eletan
• Okon Lagos
• Idomo
• Kokomma
• Udeme Mi

Best Film Director

• Two Brides & A Baby – Teco Benson
• Kokomma – Tom Robson
• Somewhere in Africa –  Frank Rajah Arase
• In the Cupboard – Desmond Elliot
• Hands of Time – Van Vicker
• Deadly Affair – Phil Efe Bernard

Best Film Producer

• GuGu Michaels – Unge’s War
• Kwame Boadu – Somewhere in Africa
• Emem Isong – I’ll Take My Chances
• Chinwe Egwuagu – Mr. & Mrs.
• Abdul Salam Mumuni – Brides Groom
• Blessing Egbe – Two Brides & A Baby

Best Costume

• I’ll Take My Chances
• Brides Groom
• Somewhere in Africa
• Unge’s War
• Two Brides & A Baby

Best Sound

• Deadly Affair
• Sinking Sands
• Somewhere in Africa
• I’ll Take My Chances
• Unge’s War
• Brides Groom

Best Cinematography

• Unge’s War
• Man on Ground
• Brides Groom
• Sinking Sands
• Two Brides & A Baby
• Deadly Affair

GIAMA Humanitarian Award

• Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde – Omotola Youth Empowerment (OYEP) Foundation
• Nana Ama Mcbrown – Nana Ama and The Mcbrown Family Foundation
• Van Vicker – Van Vicker Foundation
• Juliet Ibrahim – The Juliet Ibrahim Kidney Cancer Foundation (JIF)
• John Dumelo – John Dumelo Foundation
• Monalisa Chinda – Monalisa Chinda Sunshine Foundation

DIASPORA FILMS
Best Film – Diaspora

• Bianca
• Secret Past
• The Entrapped
• The Mechanic (Who is the Man)
• Black Money
• Paparazzi

Best Actress – Diaspora

• Sanu Kalu – Scarlet
• Divine Shaw – Black Money
• Maureen Esealuka – Bianca
• Amaka Morghalu – Faithfulness
• Syr Law – The Entrapped
• Seun Maduka – The Mechanic (Who is the Man)

Best Supporting Actress – Diaspora

• Susan Peters – The Entrapped
• Nancy Agyapong – DSK Unauthorized
• Charmaine Turpin – Bianca
• Summer Angel – Tears of My Joy
• Wins Tina Taylor – Scarlet
• Ify Efy – The Mechanic (Who is the Man)

Best Actor – Diaspora

• Chet Anekwe – Bianca
• Van Vicker – Black Money
• Pascal Atuma – Secret Past
• Ramsey Nouah – Exposure
• John Dumelo – Scarlet
• Tchidi Chikere – When Heaven Smiles

Best Supporting Actor – Diaspora

• Olalekan Akintude – Black Money
• Oscar Atuma – The Mechanic (Who is the Man)
• Mohamed Bah – Secret Past
• Koby Maxwell – Paparazzi: Eye In The Dark
• Curtis John Miller – Grey Focus

Best Film Director – Diaspora

• Robert Peters – Black Money
• Ab Sallu - Secret Past
• John Uche – Bianca
• Pascal Atuma – The Mechanic (Who is the Man)
• George Kalu – Faithfulness
• Bayo Akinfemi – Paparazzi: Eye In The Dark

Best Film Producer – Diaspora

• Secret Past – Mohammed Bah
• Bianca – John Uche
• The Entrapped – Wendy Bangura
• The Mechanic (Who is the Man) – Pascal Atuma
• Paparazzi – Clarice Kulah/ Koby Maxwell
• Black Money – Chris Ikpefua

VIEWER’s CHOICE
Best Male Act

• John Dumelo
• Ramsey Nouah
• Majid Michel
• Desmond Elliot
• Van Vicker
• Jim Iyke
• Mike Ezuruonye
• Yemi Blaq

Best Female Act

• Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde
• Mercy Johnson
• Nadia Buari
• Genevieve Nnaji
• Uche Jombo
• Jackie Appiah
• Tonto Dikeh
• Ini Edo

Best Film Director

• Kunle Afolayan
• Frank Rajah-Arase
• Desmond Elliot
• Pascal Amanfo
• Tunde Kelani
• Teco Benson
• Phil Efe Bernard
• Tom Robson

VIEWER’s CHOICE – DIASPORA
Best Male Act

• Tchidi Chikere
• Pascal Atuma
• Chet Anekwe
• Hakeem Kae-Kazim
• Oliver Mbamara

Best Female Act

• Sana Kanu
• JJ Bunny
• Veeda Darko
• Seun Maduka
• Merlissa Determined

VIEWER’s CHOICE – HOLLYWOOD
Best Male Act

• Idris Elba
• Samuel L. Jackson
• Denzel Washington
• Kevin Hart
• Will Smith
• Don Cheadle
• Isaiah Washington
• Djimon Hounsou

Best Female Act

• Meagan Good
• Kerri Washington
• Lynn Whitfield
• Queen Latifah
• Halle Berry
• Taraji Henson
• Princess Monique
• Sophie Okonedo 

source: bella naija 

Private sector gas plant to boost Nigeria’s power generation by 1,000mw

A multi-billion naira gas project that will boost power generation in Nigeria by 1,000 Megawatts, would be ready for commissioning by the end of the year.
The project is being executed by a consortium of private investors which include Frontier Oil Limited, Gulf Energy Nigeria Limited and Septa Energy Nigeria Limited, in Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.
Briefing the Akwa Ibom Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, in Uyo on Wednesday, the Chairman of Frontier Oil Limited, Chief Odoliyi Lolomari, said that the plant had the capacity to produce two million cubic feet of gas.
Lolomari, who led management teams of the three companies, said that the 62-kilometre gas pipeline from Esit-Eket area to Ibom Power Plant and Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria, ALSCON, all in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, would also be ready.
The chairman described the plant as an important project and a major milestone in the life of Frontier Oil Limited.
Responding, Akpabio thanked the companies for the successful completion of the project.
“When the history of the gas project is written, it would be stated that it was done during Akpabio administration,” the governor said.
Akpabio said that the project was strategic to the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan in the power sector.
“This is a practicable step by the private sector to look into gas flaring; Akwa Ibom is proud to partner with you on this project.
“We will continue to encourage you. We will encourage every private industry, at least one in every local government area, to create employment opportunities for our children.
“We have set aside funds to encourage the private sector to establish the industries. The oil and gas industry should also invest in other sectors, particularly the agro-allied industry.”
The governor lauded the cordial relationship between the companies and the host communities and urged on them to create employment opportunities for indigenes of the host communities.
The Managing Director of Frontier Oil Limited, Mr Dada Thomas, said that the company had made substantial progress in the ongoing Uquo Field development and construction of the gas plant.
He requested President Goodluck Jonathan, through Akpabio, as well as notable players in the power and petroleum sector, to witness the inauguration of the projects.

source: sweet crude

Nigerian government to launch $15 million (N2.4 billion) ICT venture capital fund

Mrs. Omobola Johnson

The Government of Nigeria is set to launch a $15 million venture capital fund to fund high potential businesses in the Information & Communications Technology (ICT) sector.
The National   Information Development Agency (NITDA) is expected to commit about $3.6 million in funding while the rest of the funds would be raised from the private sector.
In a meeting with the press yesterday, the country’s Information and Communications Technology Minister, Mrs. Omobola Johnson said:
“The fund will be managed by independent fund managers who would, working with the ICT incubation team, will identify projects or initiative that we believe are great ideas that will be commercially successful. We will use those capital venture fund to fund them because there is no collateral we are taking a risk.
She continued:
“We use those capital development fund to fund the development of those ideas until they get a commercial viability. Basically, the reward is when they get a commercial viability and you sell them off or you do an IPO like they do with Facebook and all those companies where the returns go to the investors and the fund. The fund is initially $15 million and as we get more successful we will raise additional money. But the anchor investor in that fund is going to be Federal Government.”
As access to funding has oft been cited as one of the major factors militating the success of Nigerian ICT startups, the move is a welcome one in the country which is currently one of Africa’s leading ICT markets.

source: cp-africa

SABMiller opens $100m Nigeria brewery

SABMiller opened its first greenfield brewery in Onitsha, south-eastern Nigeria on Thursday as the London- and Johannesburg-listed company moved to consolidate and grow its position on the continent.
"Work began on the Onitsha site in 2011 following an investment of over US$100-million, making it the largest single investment in Anambra State for almost 20 years," SABMiller said in a statement.
"Over the past five years we have invested over $1-billion in Africa," said Mark Bowman, managing director of SABMiller Africa. "Today's opening is an indication of our commitment to increase our capacity further and to consolidate our position on the continent while contributing positively to the local communities in which we operate."
According to Business Day, more than 90% of Africa's $11-billion beer market is controlled by four big brewers, SABMiller, Heineken, Castel and Diageo - all drawn by the continent's rapid economic and population growth.
Producing 1.9-million litres of beer a day and employing some 900 people, South African Breweries' Alrode, Johannesburg brewery is the largest in the country.

The Onitsha brewery brings SABMiller's total number of sites in Nigeria to four, having first entered the market in 2009 through its strategic alliance with Castel.
Nigeria is Africa's second-largest beer market and is growing at around 6% per annum. However, average per capita consumption is still relatively low at around 10 litres per year, compared to an average of around 60 litres in Africa's largest beer market, South Africa.
SABMiller's portfolio of brands in Nigeria includes Grand Lager, Trophy Lager, Castle Milk Stout, Castle Lager, Eagle and Redds.
The new brewery will commence production of beer and malt with an annual capacity of up to 500 000 hectoliters.
Immediate direct job creation will see 180 local people employed, with that number increasing to approximately 450 as production volumes grow.
"Local raw materials such as sorghum and maize will be used where possible, supporting the local economy and the government's efforts toward poverty eradication and job creation," SABMiller said.
SAinfo reporter

Anambra now an oil producing state

President Jonathan has formally designated Anambra State of Nigeria as an oil producing state.  This announcement was made by the President at the commissioning of Orient Petroleum’s Anambra River Production Facility in Aguleri-Otu. The state joins other oil producing states in Nigeria such as Rivers and Bayelsa State among others.
At the commissioning, the President remarked:

President Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Emeka Anyaoku and Governor Peter Obi at the Commissioning

“History is not just being made in Anambra State, but in the whole country. Orient has made a mark by partnering the government to come out with this revolution. This will give investors, both within and outside our country, the confidence to invest in our sedimentary basins.
“As a nation, we should not continue to think that we will be exporting crude materials. Our farm produce, we want to send them abroad in crude form; our crude oil, we send abroad. The people who add value to these products make more money than we do.”
He stated further: “Those in the oil industry should not be thinking only about how to export crude oil; they should add value to the crude oil. Why can’t we export petroleum products to every part of the world? Why should we import petrol, kerosene, diesel and aviation kerosene or jet fuel when we are supposed to add value to our crude oil and export the refined products to make more money?”
Chief Emeka Anyaoku who serves as Chairman of Orient Petroleum said at the commissioning it is no longer acceptable for Nigeria, which is one of the largest producers of crude oil in the world, to remain one of the biggest importers of refined products.

Nwokorie wins Nigeria’s second gold medal in powerlifting at Paralympics games

Nigeria’s female weight lifter, Ivory Nwokorie, has won the gold medal in the women’s 44kg power lifting at the on-going Paralympic games in London.

Nwokorie celebrating her medal at the third Fazaa International Para-powerlifting Championship in 2010

Nwokorie beat Cigdem Dede from Turkey, who won the silver medal, while Lidiia Soloviova of Ukraine claimed the bronze medal.
Nwokorie, last year won bronze in the 44kg category at the third Fazaa International Para-powerlifting Championship in Dubai, to qualify for the Paralympic Games in London.

source: channels

An Evening With Coca-Cola Holds In Lagos To Celebrate ‘A Billion Reasons To Believe In Africa’

Omawumi

The evening of August 30th, 2012, was one of elegance, glitz and glamour as employees of Coca-Cola Nigeria held an in-house launch of its resonating wake up campaign themed ‘A Billion Reasons to Believe in Africa’. The event which was part of the activities lined up to herald the consumer launch of the much anticipated campaign, . showcased the unique flavours of African culture and served as a foretaste of what to expect at the ‘Evening with Coca-Cola’ billed for September 6, 2012.
The in-house event kicked off to music and dance and a display of contemporary African fashion and style. The highlight of the evening was the live performance by Omawunmi’s of her hit track, “If You Ask Me”. The songstress was at her energetic best as she rendered other popular tunes to the admiration of the audience. Reiterating what the campaign was all about, and what consumers should look forward to at the September 6 event, Brand Manager Colas, Coca-Cola Nigeria; Mr Olufemi Ashipa stated that ‘A Billion Reasons to Believe in Africa’ is more than a campaign; it is a reawakening of African pride and the celebration of Africa taking its pride of place in world affairs. From music, to the arts, to innovation and fashion, to academia sports, there are a billion reasons to believe in this continent and its wonderful people, starting of course with the passionate and self-driven people of our great country Nigeria”.
‘A Billion Reasons to Believe’ which is an extension of Coca-Cola’s global Open Happiness campaign sees happiness in the context of everyday occurrences in our society, from good friends, to that stranger who gave you a helping hand when you least expected it, to the happiness that comes from sharing an ice cold bottle of Coca-Cola with family and friends; it reminds us of the beauty that we have around us; and which the world has recognized.
Speaking during the event, Managing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Kelvin Balogun, said the campaign reflects Coca-Cola’s long term view of Africa – as a continent in renaissance with a compelling growth story over the last 10 years and credible growth opportunities into the foreseeable future. “By 2020 there will be one billion Africans. Each one of us carries immense potentials and represents a reason to believe in the continent. This campaign is a celebration of Africa and its people by a brand that knows it like no other, by virtue of our long history on the continent and our unmatched footprint across its lands.
Consumers can participate in the campaign by sharing some of their reasons to believe and personal stories of optimism, passion and belief in Africa on the Coca-Cola Nigeria Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/cokenaija). Users of Twitter can also send a tweet to @Coca-Cola_NG. The best stories and tweets will win gifts including VIP invites to to the main event, ‘An Evening with Coca-Cola’
scheduled for September 6, 2012 at the Harbour Points Victoria Island. The event promises to be a relaxing evening of entertainment bringing to life some of the billion reasons to believe in Africa through a celebration of the arts, entertainment and contemporary culture.

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…source: jaguda

Hijacked tanker with 24 Russian seen on Nigeria water

A tanker hijacked off the West Africa country, Togo, with 24 Russian crew on board was spotted near Nigeria on Wednesday, officials said, after an attack that saw pirates exchange fire with security forces.
“We are making frantic efforts to establish communications with them,” said Kabir Aliyu, a spokesman for Nigeria’s navy, after Tuesday’s hijacking of the Greek-owned oil tanker off nearby Togo.
“As at this morning about 8:30 am, it was 62 nautical miles south from Lagos, but so far no communication with them up till now.”
A Togolese military spokesman also said the ship had been spotted off Nigeria.
Early Tuesday, pirates exchanged fire with security forces and hijacked the Energy Centurion in the latest attack in the region, the International Maritime Bureau said.
The Isle of Man-flagged vessel, which was carrying gas oil, was seized 17 miles off the coast of the Togolese capital Lome, where it had reportedly been anchored, said Noel Choong, head of the IMB’s piracy reporting centre.
The hijackers exchanged fire with a Togo navy patrol boat that answered a distress call but managed to elude the patrol by steaming off aboard the tanker, Choong said.
Choong and the vessel’s Athens-based operator, Golden Energy Management, said they suspected the pirates were after the tanker’s gas oil cargo — often the cause of such attacks in the Gulf of Guinea off West Africa.
Pirates typically unload the fuel cargo onto another ship before eventually selling it on the region’s lucrative black market.
The Malaysia-based IMB has repeatedly warned ships plying the Gulf of Guinea to be vigilant and called on authorities to step up patrols, last year saying the region was emerging as a new piracy “hot spot”.
The area has seen at least 36 attacks, including several hijackings, kidnappings and killings, so far this year.

source: sweet crude

Falconets Cruise o semi-final with extra-time goal

The Nigerian ladies dominated the first hour but were unable to breakthrough until Oparanozie’s header from Ugo Njoku’s, cross in the 109th minute at Tokyo’s National Stadium.
The Falconets, who were the runners-up at the 2010 tournament, will next face the winner of Friday’s quarterfinal between the United States and North Korea on Tuesday.
Mexico had a chance to take the lead, but Yamile Franco hit the crossbar with an angled free kick in the first period of extra time.
Host, Japan faces South Korea in the other last-eight match later on Thursday. Defending champion Germany takes on Norway in Friday’s quarterfinals.
The Falconets made much of the early running and appeared to have a crucial early goal, as Francisca Ordega’s shot deflected past goalkeeper Cecilia Santiago on the quarter-hour, only for the offside flag to be raised for an earlier infringement.
Almost immediately Oparanozie forced Santiago into a sprawling save as Nigeria looked to turn the screws in the late afternoon heat.
With far more possession in midfie,Falconets were inching their way closer to breaking the deadlock and Oparanozie rattled the crossbar with her shot eight minutes before the interval.
The always dangerous Sofia Huerta, scorer of three goals in the tournament, made a rare incursion into the Africans’ penalty area just before the break, to provide some impetus for the Mexicans.
However, the one-way traffic continued immediately upon the resumption, much to the delight of a large and buoyant group of Nigerian supporters, whose tunes and singing resonated around the National Stadium throughout the match.
Approaching the hour mark Santiago again thwarted the Africans with an important block from Gloria Ofoegbu’s effort, and then again a few minutes later from Oparanozie.
Mexico slowly started to make an impression and enjoyed a rare sight of goal midway through the second half, only for inspirational skipper Nayeli Rangel to push her back-post header narrowly over.
Nigeria’s midfield play became less cohesive and Mexico could have won it in injury time as a corner looped onto the crossbar.
A fairly disjointed period of extra time was enlivened only on a few occasions, notably by Mexico’s Yamile Franco hitting the bar with an angled free-kick.
With the match starting to swing back Mexico’s way, it was Nigeria who conjured a winner, with Oparanozie looping a perfectly executed header from Ugo Njoku’s cross over a stranded Santiago.

source: channels

Nigeria Grabs first Gold In Paralympic

The medal that eluded Team Nigeria during the London 2012 Olympics came tumbling on Thursday as Nigeria’s Paralympians begun their quest for medals and also to redeem the image of the country as a super power in sports. Team Nigeria’s outing at the main Olympics was colourless.

Yakubu Adesokan of Nigeria celebrates setting a new world record and gold in the Men’s 48kg Powerlifting on day 1 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at ExCel on August 30, 2012 in London, England.

Yakubu Adesokan struck the goldmine yesterday in a refreshing manner in Powerlifting where he also sent the World record crashing with his amazing 178 kg lift in his men’s 48 category which was over three times his body weight.
Adesokan’s feat was celebrated by the country’s flagbearers in London yesterday as they hoped to win more medals.

source: vanguard

U.S. lists Nigeria, Brazil, China, as priority nations

The U.S. has listed Nigeria, Brazil and China as priority nations on its visa application following a surge in consular demands, Mrs Patty Neary, a consular officer, said on Wednesday.
 
Neary told newsmen in Abuja at the country’s Embassy weekly briefing that more than 40,000 visa applications had so far been processed in Nigeria this year.
She said that the figure represented 11 per cent increase over the 2011 fiscal year.
Neary said 75 per cent of the applications were for tourist visas, while 25 per cent accounted for student, business and official visas.
She said that a majority of the applicants were granted visas.
The consular officer warned applicants against patronising touts and expressed the Embassy’s commitment to continue to provide consular services to Nigerians, and as well reduce the wait time. 

Happy Birthday Michael Jackson!

Known as the most successful entertainer across the world, Michael Jackson was born on August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana.

P-Square For Lion Larger Summer Festival in Zimbabwe

Top Nigerian duo P-Square will headline this year's Lion Larger Summer Festival scheduled for October 13 at Glamis Arena. The R&B group made up of identical twin brothers Peter and Paul Okoye is set to invade Harare after several failed attempts to bring the duo by local promoters. Delta Beverages, through their Lion Larger brand, have inked a contract with P-Square with help from an unnamed Zimbabwean events organisation.

The Herald Entertainment understands that while the paperwork including the clearances are still to be finalised, the P-Square deal is as good as done.

"The signing of the deal had nothing to do with earlier reported efforts to bring P-Square," an official said.

The official also said the supporting acts will be announced in due course and that P-Square will bring a live band.
The twins are known for their close resemblance to American R&B superstar, Usher Raymond.

To those not in the know, P-Square is making heatwaves on both the airwaves and in club with chart toppers that includes "Chop My Money", "Beautiful Onyinye" featuring Rick "The Bawse" Ross of Maybach Music and lately "She's On Fire".

The duo produces and releases their albums through Square Records. In December 2011, they were also signed to Akon's Konvict Muzik label. In May 2012, they also signed a record distribution deal with Universal Music South Africa.

But as the duo's popularity firmed so did controversy.

One of the biggest criticisms is that the duo are reported to handle most of their production/beat making in house. The band has been criticised for their habit of sampling Western songs and popular hits in their records. The duo has since denied the allegations saying technically they reconstruct the drum patterns, chord progressions or lyrics of the sampled songs as against actually cutting parts of the song and directly sampling into their production. This accounts for the largely electronic feel of their sound.

Some of the songs which have been called up on this account include "Get Squared", "Game Over", "Danger" and others.

According to Wikipedia, P-Square began at St Murumba Secondary School, a small Catholic school in Jos, Nigeria. Identical twins Peter and Paul joined their school music and drama club where they began singing, dancing and miming songs by MC Hammer, Bobby Brown and Michael Jackson. They later formed an acappella quartet called "MMMPP" (M Clef a.k.a. Itemoh, Michael, Melvin, Peter and Paul).

Drawing inspiration from their music idol Michael Jackson, they began break dancing, formed the group called "Smooth Criminals" in 1997. They dropped M Clef from the group "MMMPP" which later was changed to "MMPP". Their artistic talent and precise dance routine made them household names in the city of Jos, where they performed at school functions and other occasions.

Later in 1999, Peter and Paul returned to music school to develop their skills on keyboard, drums, bass and rhythm guitar. Their work includes the soundtracks for a number of films like "Tobi", "Mama Sunday", "Moment of Bitterness" and "Evas River".

Later in 1999, they applied to the University of Abuja to study Business Administration. The Smooth Criminals disbanded when its members left to various other universities.

Peter and Paul formed their own group, variously called "Double P", "P&P", and "Da Pees", until they eventually settled on "P-Square".

They are managed by Bayo Odusami a.k.a. Howie T, a seasoned concert promoter and the CEO of Adrot Nigeria Limited.

In 2001, P-Square won the "Grab Da Mic" competition, and hence Benson & Hedges sponsored their debut album, titled "Last Nite", which was released under Timbuk2 music label. P-Square was also nominated as "Most Promising African Group" in the Kora Awards three months after the release of their debut album.

In 2005, P-Square released their second album, "Get Squared" under their own label, Square Records. The video for the second album held the number one position on the MTV Base chart for four straight weeks.

The group has performed alongside international artistes like Ginuwine, Sean Paul, Akon and Busola Keshiro.

Late in 2007, they released their best selling album so far, "Game Over". In 2009, P-Square released their fourth studio album, "Danger". The album features collaborations with 2face Idibia, J Martins and Frenzy.

The first single called "Danger" is a hip-hop song with cutting synths and a frog bass baseline similar to an Eminem song. The video affirms this with the presence of clowns and staggered movements in front of the camera reminiscent of comical videos by Eminem.

"On 4 April 2010, P-Square was named the Artist of the Year at the KORA All Africa Music Awards in Ouagadougou, Burkina-Faso while they were in London for a Concert at the Troxy, and they will receive a whopping sum of $1 Million Dollars as the Award Winners, in Ebebiyin City.

"They have the highest video views online on their official YouTube. They have also done so many charitable works for Nigeria and Africa in general."
Source: The Herald

Miss Rwanda Back and Better!

 

Three years ago, the Miss Rwanda pageant was the biggest thing on the entertainment scene. Beauty and glamour was all about the event, but the colourful function disappeared out of sight since December 2009.

Now the beauty pageant is back. The search for Miss Rwanda event is scheduled to kick off in up-country towns, starting off in the Southern Province, followed by Western Province on July 21 and Eastern Province on July 28, while in the Northern Province; beauty pageant will take place on 4 August and City of Kigali on 12.

The grand finale will be held on September 1, 2012 in Kigali.

All the five provinces will be represented by three contestants (winner, first and second runners-up), to compete at the national level.

Speaking to The New Times yesterday, Protais Mitali, the Minister of Sports and Culture, said that the event is expected to cost more than Rwf120 million including the gifts to the winners.

"Miss Rwanda had taken time without taking place because we were still soliciting for partnership and sponsorship from several institutions, "he said.

He noted that, they have got so many partners, including Bralirwa, the country's largest beverage maker, Rwanda Development Board, Rwanda Development Bank, National Youth Council and the National Agriculture Education Board.

"But we have several other sponsors and more are still coming onboard".

This year's Miss Rwanda beauty contest will be held under the theme "Beauty with Purpose unifying Rwandan Beauty and Culture".

The last time Miss Rwanda was held, it was in 2009 when Grace Bahati was crowned Miss Rwanda on December 18. She is currently pursuing her studies in the United States.

Among the prizes she was awarded included US$10,000 in cash from Hooters, a brand-new Suzuki worth Rwf24 million, and a fully financed trip to the United States by Atlanta based novelist, Elizabeth Dewberry.

The 2012 winner will participate in different social and cultural events, either in the country or abroad as well as participate in international beauty contests including Miss Africa and Miss World.

"The overall winner will walk away with a car most probably but it will depend on the donations we will get from our sponsors," Mitali noted.

The Miss Rwanda Beauty contestants are supposed to be Rwandans by nationality and staying in the country, aged between 18 and 24 years old, have a minimum height of 170cm, fluent in Kinyarwanda language and English or French.

They should have no criminal record, not married, pregnant and have completed at least six years of secondary education, and they should as well posses a recommendation letter from their villages where they come from for easy identification.



"We wish the event to be held annually but it will depend on the capacity and the support we will get from our partners but we want to promote it, to ensure that it becomes a yearly event," the minister said.






Meet the contestant:

Laetitia Mumporezi

Age: 22yrs

Occupation: University student

Languages: Kinyarwanda, English, Swahili

Representing: Kigali

Ariane Murerwa

Age: 20yrs

Occupation: University student - 1st Year

Languages: Kinyarwanda, English, French

Representing: Southern Province

Carmen Akineza

Age: 20yrs

Occupation: University student

Languages: Kinyarwanda, English, French

Representing: Eastern Province

Annick Umwamikazi

Age: 21yrs

Occupation: University student

Languages: English, French, Swahili

Representing: Western Province

Ange Uwamahoro

Age: 20yrs

Occupation: Completed High School

Languages: Kinyarwanda, English, Swahili

Representing: Northern Province

Source: The New Times

D'banj's Oliver Twist featured in an international ad campaign for a popular rum

Dapa Olabanjo the kokomaster is once again a proud young man as his blazing hot single Oliver Twist is featured in an international ad campaign for a popular rum drink in the UK.

The song produced by Don Jazzy in the then Mo'hits era runs as a background song in the 32 seconds ad.

Neither D'banj or anyone from his camp has disclosed the amount involved. Nonetheless, the feat should keep the handsome entertainer smiling for a really long time.

In an interview published in April (Not Vanguard) D'banj had been called the likely Nigerian act to conquer the world with his music. You may say he is likely on his way to achieving that feat.
Source: Vanguard

Good Morning America co-host Robin Roberts to undergo bone-marrow transplant

Ray Tamarra/Getty Images

 

Good Morning America co-host Robin Roberts, who previously battled breast cancer, was recently diagnosed with MDS, a rare blood and bone-marrow disorder. She announced yesterday that this Friday will be her last day on the set before she begins a medical leave of a few months, during which she'll receive a bone-marrow transplant from her sister.
From the Huffington Post:

On Monday, she announced that she will be checking into the hospital next Tuesday, September 4. "I'll begin the process," Roberts said. "It still takes about 10 days after being admitted because there are some things you have to go through before the transplant actually occurs."
She explained that she dropped her dog KJ off with friends over the weekend because she will be extremely susceptible to infection after the procedure.
Roberts had previously said that she would be taking leave for the surgery at the end of August. Her co-hosts and the "GMA" crew will be sending her off by paying tribute to "Robin's journey" throughout the week.

We wish Roberts the best and look forward to seeing her back on TV soon.

source: the root

50 Cent Looking for sole distributors of his energy drink SK

Rapper 50 Cent is looking for business partners from Africa, Kenya included, to be the sole distributors of his energy drink SK in their respective countries.

SK, which stands for Street King, is an energy drink developed by the musician and businessman to not only provide a body boost, but also raise cash for starving populations in Africa.

"Giving back to hungry children with every shot we sell is only part of the story. I've been fortunate enough to travel across Africa, and one thing I've learned is that it is filled with vibrant, young entrepreneurs who are eager to cultivate a sustainable business sector that will fuel growth for their future. That's why I'm giving African entrepreneurs the chance to bring SK to their country," said the rapper in a statement.

50 Cent was recently in Kenya, where he visited schools in Somalia and Kibera, Nairobi that were documented by a TV crew that he was travelling with.

His intention is to choose a partner in every country in Africa, to work closely with him on marketing and selling the brand in their respective state.

"Everyone thought that we would expand immediately to Europe or South America. But if you know SK, you know the vision has always been to support my roots in Africa," he said.

"I've had so much interest coming from Africa since I've launched SK. That's why I'm opening up submissions to entrepreneurs across the continent to become distribution partners."

If interested in purchasing SK Energy and becoming a distribution partner in your market, log onto http://africa.skenergyshots.com.

Source: Capital fm (Nairobi)

WE WERE JUST ACTING: K SOLO & WIFE

 
After accusations, claims, counters- claims and a well publicized fight between producer/ singer Solomon

Oyeniyi, better known as K Solo and his wife Kikelomo, the couple have reunited, saying the whole drama was a publicity stunt.

Kikelomo, who granted several tabloid interviews, accused K Solo of battery, claiming he once beat her so severely, she had a miscarriage. She also claimed to have been subjected to constant battery for varied
reasons while the marriage lasted.

However, K Solo always denied all the allegations, claiming he never laid hands on his wife, and releasing his latest album ‘Mr Pedigree’ during their public spat.

In an interview with Channels TV, the couple came clean. ‘Nothing really happened, we were just having fun’, Kikelomo said. K Solo, on his part, said ‘I’m a showbiz person, If I don’t do singing, I can do acting. What you guys actually saw was acting. A lot of people were taking Panadol for another man’s headache. But on the long run it was getting bigger and I was enjoying it because you know, places I’ve not received calls from in a while’.

And as to why the couple pulled the prank, K Solo and Kikelomo said it was just a test. ‘I used it to know who my good and bad friends are. She (pointing to Kikelomo) also used it to know her true friends.’

Meanwhile, Kikelomo, who is now pregnant, used the opportunity to apologize to all those who fell for their ‘prank’, ‘Thank you to everybody and also to all those we got to, like my mother-in-law because I broke into her house with the police and all that, it was part of the thing.

And also my sister-in- law… I just want to tell them I’m sorry about all that and I’m sorry for going to the
press’.

However, the couple failed to explain the photos showing multiple bruises sustained by Kikelomo, which
circulated on the internet.

K Solo and Kikelomo say they plan to shoot a home video about the prank titled ’Lobatan‘, saying it
will be a comedy, and will feature Nollywood actors Odunlade Kolade and Funke Akindele.