What Else is On?

R.I.P Michael Jackson - a true legend. What is happening to the music industry? :(

Like a friend said --

• Who else could have sold over 700m copies (total album/singles sales)?
• Who else could have their album spend over 80 weeks in theUS Top 10?
• Who else could sell 500,000 concert seats in just 4 hrs?
• Who else could have an album sell 5million copies & be said to have flopped?

"Micheal, last nite felt like 9/11 Why? Because the whole world collectively mourned again. WE LOVE YOU" --

I guess Michael' Jackson's time had come to achieve his purpose and live for 50 years. Read more about the death of Michael Jackson here and his bio here R.I.P

MADE presents Charity Event - Celebrities on the Runway (26th June)

A night of celebrities, fashion and music courtesy Made Magazine.

A host of Nollywoood celebrities will be modelling styles from popular designers. They include Genevieve Nnaji, Stephanie Okereke, musical artists D'Banj, Banky W, MI, Shank, Tosin Martins, GT and many more.

Outfits modelled will be from Nigerian designers Dakova, Jewel By Lisa, MAI, Exclamations, Zebra , House of Divasand Phunk Afrique.

Regular Tickets are available at Chicken Republic outlets (VI, Ikoyi, Lekki) from Sunday 21st June 2009

VIP table seats N30,000 - For VIP table seats please Call 08033029708
Front row seats N15,000
Regular seats N5,000

The aim of this event is to identify with the less privileged and proceeds will go to Bethseda Homes

D'Banj's Unusual 29th Birthday Celebration.

The Koko Master took a philanthropic turn on his birthday which was on the 9th of June, visiting a children's hopsice and donating food items, toys and a lump sum of money. He also gave out scholarship grants to three top students at Dowen College. D'Banj, whose original name isDapo Oyebanjo also stunned the students at Dowen College with a five star performance! His birthday ended at Koko Lounge, top hot spot in Lagos. Happy Birthday D'banj.

Watch out for the first Koko Mansion showing on June 28th at 3pm! Exclusive to HiTV

Goldman Sachs Women's Enterprise & Leadership (WEL) Program

Zain Africa Challenge

The Zain Africa Challenge is a fast-paced question and answer programme featuring outstanding students from across continental Africa. For Season 3, thirty-two universities from eight countries will compete for the prestigious Zain Trophy and prizes for their universities and themselves.

Zain grants to the universities and participants from the National Qualifying Tournaments through the International Championship total nearly $1,000,000 USD. Grants include cash sums, educational materials and travel.

Broadcasting Schedule for the Zain Africa Challenge for Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia

In Nigeria, during the program, watch out for the viewer questions and send your answer to 33996 for NTA and 33971 for AIT to stand a chance to win Zain USB Data Cards with N1000 worth of internet usage, ipods and N3,000 free airtime.

The more entries you submit the more your chances of winning! Visit http://www.zainafricachallenge.com/




Nigeria's Next Super Model

The First Screening for the 3rd Edition of NNSM with 30 hot models picked for the first round. There will be a further eviction exercise in August where all 30 girls would be camped and engaged in different types of activities. They will be further shortlisted to 16 girls who will then go into the grand finale in October at Tinapa in Calabar.

More info at http://nigeriasnextsupermodel.com/about.html


Kel's Long Awaited Debut

Up and Coming Female Rapper Kel has completed her long overdue album and as I mentioned last week she launched it on Friday June 19th, 2009.

The album features contributions from Shank, Dare, M.I., Jesse Jags, Ill Bliss and several others. It hit stores on the 22nd of June and contains 19 tracks. According to Kel, it is a reflection of passion and sacrifice.

Check out a video of one of her songs here
http://www.notjustok.com/2009/06/21/video-kel-ft-alaye-may-d-too-fine/

Charles Novia's Unusual Reality Show

Famous Nollywood Writer and Producer, Charles Novia returns to the centre stage with a new reality show that will have 25 winners. It is tagged, Charles Novia Screen Test and is aimed at discovering star actors and actresses and giving them fantastic opportunities. Charles is the man behind The Bridesmaid, Caught In The Middle, Real Love, When Love Dies and many others.

Forms for the reality show are on sale at all Zenith Bank brances across the country for N5000. The stamped teller must be presented on the day of audition at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos. The audtion process will last three days.

Le Petit Marche - click here for more details and check out the June Sale info on Facebook!

Malta Guinness Street Dance Africa - Lagos Finals 09

A competition where street dance groups are selected and shortlisted to the finals (in a few words than one) across the country. The Finals will be held at

Venue: The Aquatic Hotel, Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos

Date: Sunday, June 28th 2009

Time: 4pm

Visit: www.mgstreetdanceafrica.com/

Other Events Coming Up.........

• ReBirth Collection Launch 2009

• D'banjs "KokoConcert"

• BasketMouth LIVE!! O2 ARENA LONDON FRI 10 JULY!! HILARIOUS!! WILD & RAW!!!

• Le Petit Marche- ABUJA

• NNENNA OKORE - “OF EARTH... BARKS AND TOPOGRAPHY”

• Banky W

• Le Petit Marche in Abuja

• Careers in Africa

• Hunch

• Celeb News - Johnny Depp and R. Kelly

Hmmmmmmmmm Watch This Space........

What's On: Nnenna Okore and so on.....

Arts, Culture and Entertainment

Nnenna Okore Exhibition at Goethe Institut

Nnenna Okore, the talented and internationally acclaimed sculptor and installation artist, returns to Nigeria to hold her first major art exhibition beginning June 20th, 4pm, at the Goethe Institut in Lagos.

Nnenna often uses materials found in urban environments. Her artworks reflect the way that natural and man-made materials evolve, decay and transform, while other pieces can take on the character and flowing shape of traditional woven cloths or elements of nature. She has received several awards and residencies worldwide, and has been exhibited in several prestigious galleries and museums including the Museum of Art and Design, New York and the October Gallery, London.

The German Cultural center, the Goethe Institut are her hosts for this show presented by Kachifo Limited, publishers of Farafina Books. The show runs at the Goethe Institut from June 20th until July 10th. Learn more about this artist by logging on to www.nnennaokore.com, or by contacting the organisers at info@kachifo.com.. Venue is the Goethe Institut

Designer Launch Showcase at Temple Muse

Temple Muse is a Luxury Lifestyle Store in Lagos, Nigeria. It prides itself on being ahead of trends and having a multitude of luxury brands.

Tomorrow, it will be hosting a designer showcase with new lines from designers such as Zebra and Jewel by Lisa. Venue - Temple Muse, 8 Sanusi Fafunwa Street, Opp. Toyota Showroom, Victoria Island

Kel's Album Launch

Female rap artist, Kel will be launching her album tonight here in Lagos. Look out for more info on Kel's Album

Theatre @ Terra this Sunday

.....Showing Death and The King's Horseman (Venue - Terra Kulture)

RISE - World International Youth Day 2009

Visit Risenetworks.org

Rise is a network which aims to revitalize values by inculcating positive behaviour in the representatives of the future and also to create a springboard for young, unsung, uncelebrated heroes to explore their talents and express their creative voices. There will be a National Event starting with Lagos on Saturday 20th June 2009 to celebrate the World International Youth Day.

From One of Our Sponsors: Free Makeovers!!

If you are in the UK, call Ola now for your free makeover!!

What's On: Storm to Mohits?

Strictly Entertainment

Ikechukwu moves to MoHits Records

Stories about famous rapper/singer Ikechukwu leaving record label, Storm Records have been circulating the entertainment industry. It has now been confirmed that he has moved to MoHits Records. It is very surprising as he just released an album under the Storm Record label a couple of weeks ago - Killz zone.

Killz, as he is commonly known, said the decision to leave Storm was mutual and both parties came to a common ground on the decision. Here's wishing Ikechukwu more success in his career from this big move.

R. Kelly to perform at July's ThisDay Music Festival 2009

R. Kelly will be perfoming in Lagos for the ThisDay Concert on the 3rd of July (read more here).

This is very interesting, considering R. Kelly refused to fly by plane since Aaliyah's death. Guess he's overcome that fear. Looking forward Kells!

Salsa Saturdays at Opium

Opium (formerly known as Jazz Sessions) is hosting The Latin Dance Club (TLDC)'s salsa night. This is open to everyone who wants to learn to dance Salsa.

The Venue is Opium, 871 Ozumba Mbadiwe str. Victora Island, Lagos

Date: Saturday, 13th June, 2009. Time - 7pm to 12pm

Try not to miss this steamy salsa experience.

Swe Bar @ 5

There will be a line up of guest artists performing at Swe Bar tonight to celebrate its 5th year anniversary. Starts such as Wande Coal, Banky W., Lami Phillips, El Dee and Jessy Jacks will be part of the line up tomorrow night from 6pm.

Venue: Swe Bar and Lounge, 2nd Floor, City Mall, Onikan Lagos
Date: Saturday, 13th June, 2009
Time: 6pm till late
Dress: Black OR White

Happy 5th Birthday Swe!!


Nigeria Heritage Concert

A concert hosting a line up of underground artists TONIGHT! At Oniru Private Beach. Featuring the likes of Terry G, Sound Sultan, Igho and Danagaog.

More information here

GATE FEE: N1500


Banky W out and about

Apart from performing at Swe tomorrow, Banky will also be hosting a launch party at Bacchus later on at night, tomorrow. This is all in a bid to launch his new album. He is launching two singles tonight - Strong Thing and Lagos Party. His Official launch party took place last Saturday at Caliente and was said to be a blast.

If you're a fan of Banky W's don't miss this Naija for Life artist tonight alongside Omawumi, El Dee and Shank!!

Fashion Auction House hosts CHICONOMICS

Date: Sunday 14th June 2009
Time: 3pm to 6pm (live auction begins at 4.30pm)
Venue: Saipan now Buddha Bar, 7 Bishop Aboyade Cole, Victoria Island

In February, the Fashion Auction House was launched at ‘Mint Condition - Saipan’ with a debut collection of 150 luxury and vintage items for auction. This time around, at ‘Chiconomics’, a free, cocktail-assisted, invaluable lesson in the art of shopping with the brain and budget of an economist will be offered.

40 of the edgiest, chic-est designer handbags and shoes will be up for offer at wallet-friendly prices. Please visit www.fashionauctionhouse.com to see the catalogue which consists of - Chloe, Stella McCartney, Marni, Mulberry, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Bottega… The list goes on. *The live auction will begin at 4.30pm prompt. Pre-bids can be submitted from 3pm on the day.*

Naija To The Core is now 'Nigeria: What's On?!'

What's on in June!

Entertainment

The Koko Lounge Launch

The new Koko Lounge, commonly known as KL started up by D'banj, Cecil Hammond and Baba Ikazoboh at the Silbervird Cinemas and Mall, Yaba launches tonight. The new lounge is something to check out but I presume it's targeted at the kokolettes!


Koko Mansion

Koko Mansion is a reality TV show Exclusively aired on HiTV from the 1st of June. It comprises of12 girls who will reside in a state-of –the-art mansion in Lagos City, while living lavishly as any Kokolette should.

During these weeks, the young women will be groomed and tested in various Diva tasks and activities in order to determine the one with the greatest Koko Virtues. Don’t get it twisted! A Kokolette is a “Fully endowed woman with intellectual property” likened to the “Betty Irabors” and “Nike Oshinowos” of today. ~ hmmmmmm ~

The show will exclusively portray the true lifestyle of the principal character – D’Banj as a celebrity with a lot of razzmatazz. The Kokolette who emerges as the winner will win:

• A Chris Aire Diamond ring

• A brand new convertible car
• N5million

Most importantly, the winner will be D’Banjs Kokolette for one full year and will be his companion at public events both within and outside Nigeria.

Visit the Koko mansion website @ http://www.kokomansion.tv


The GLO Lafftafest

The GLO Lafftafest is an entertainment and relaxation platform for Glo customers to ease off the stress of work and city life. It is a form of rewarding Glo's loyal customers and features acts such as Baketmouth, I Go Die, Klint Da Drunk, P Square, Durella, etc. It is a monthly event showcasing comedy, music and drama for Glo customers. This month's Lafftafest will be happening on Sunday the 7th of June at the Event Place, Planet 1, Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos.

Entry criteria

Use a minimum of N2500 airtime in the last 30 days to qualify for a raffle draw.

Winners in the draw will receive an sms from Glo informing them once they have used the minimum airtime to qualify.

The winners will be asked to send ''GLO LAFFTA FEST'' followed by the customers phone make and model (e.g. Nokia E71) as a text message to 35001

Each text message costs N100

Customers are sent text messages once they have exceeded N2500 airtime usage and asked to respond to the text if they wish to enter for the raffle draw. Once the winners are selected, another text* is sent to the winners with the venue of the show, the entry code and the time the show would commence. *winners are advised not to delete the text message sent to their phones, containing their entry code.

The experience is always thrilling! Read about last month's Glo Laffta Fest here

Arts & Culture

Theatre @ Terra

Presents:

The 3rd Annual Season of Wole Soyinka

Every Sunday in June!

Featuring-

The Lion and The Jewel- June 7 & June 14

Death and The King's Horsemen- June 21 & June 28

Produced by Wole Oguntokun, every Sunday in June at Terra Kulture, Tiamiyu Savage St, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Time- 3pm & 6pm

Tickets- N2000

ISOKAN - Togetherness

An exhibition of paintings, & sculptures.

By Iponri Studios

GRAND OPENING: 6^th of June, 2009 at 4pm prompt

Exhibition continues until Thursday 11^th of June 2009

VENUE: TERRA KULTURE

PLOT 1376 TIAMIYU SAVAGE STREET , OFF AHMADU BELLO WAY

VICTORIA ISLAND , LAGOS

Specialist

'Girl Talk'

Let's Talk again
On: 6th June
At: 10b Ikoya Avenue off Queens Drive off Macpherson, Ikoyi
At: 2pm

The girls are going to have a great time! Come prepared!

STAY TUNED!

It has been a long long time since I last updated. I presume I was burnt out by trying to blog with Nigerian Internet bandwidth, work balance, settling back in Nigeria, not having a keen interest for Nigerian news now that it is all around me, not really sure what it is ,but overall I think the blogging thing was for a season and it would be inadequate to just remain stagnant without trying to aim for the skies in whatever you do. So, as much as I enjoy sharing information, I have been looking for ways to take the whole thing to the NEXT LEVEL and all I can say is......STAY TUNED!


There will no longer be blog entries but instead, this will be more like a What's On page, until I identify what exactly I want to do with this (other things in the pipeline). So to all the people who kept asking when I would update again or whatever happened to my blog! It's still here!

Welcome to - Nigeria: What's On?!

:o)

What's On This Week?

Sefi Atta Book Reading



Sefi Atta, renowned Nigerian author of Everything Good Will Come, will be in town to promote her two latest releases, Lawless & Other Stories and Swallow. There will also be readings by Toni Kan Onwordi, author of Night of the Creaking Bed and Karen King-Aribisala, author of Our Wife and Other Stories. It promises to be a fulfilling evening for everyone...

Date:	Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Time:	5:00pm - 7:00pm
Location:	British Council, Thompson Avenue, Ikoyi

Le Petit Marche




A piece of Portobello in Lagos...

For those who enjoy a stroll down the busy Portobello road, the energy and noise from customers haggling in the market stalls and the aroma of hot dogs and corn-on-a cob and shopping for less...you would love Le petit Marche. This is a new age market with goods varying from vintage clothing and Bric à Brac, to Art, retail clothing and greeting cards. The market will be open every last Saturday of the month starting on the 28th of February 2009 at The Jazz Sessions, from 9am till 6pm

The Line includes goods from:

• O by Obsidian
• CaxtonAlile Cards
• Buki De La Zaria bags and leather goods
• Rukky Frocks
• Trak apparel by Bisola Kamson
• Vintage clothing and accessories by The Lagos Look
• Art by Ivie’s
• Retail clothing, cocktails dresses, accessories etc.

	Email: wonuolaodunsi@gmail.com
	Location: Jazz Essions, Ozumba Mbadiwe Str. V/I Date: Saturday 28th February, 2009 Time: 9am - 6pm

Boutik Yurok!

One day boutique, women's and men's fashion, featuring hip and trendy collections from some of Africa's hottest young designers; Lanre DaSilva Ajayi (LDA), Jewel by Lisa (JBL), Okunoren Twins Bespoke, Oheneba (Accra) and others.
Casual wear- shirts, jackets, hot summer dresses, cool tops & fun tees, the latest jeans and unique accessories.

Date: Sunday, 1st March 2009
Time: 12pm - 6pm
Location: Terra Kulture



Friday Nite Laff

Date:	Friday, February 27, 2009
Time:	6:00pm - 10:00pm
Location:	Magnolia Hall, City Mall Onikan Lagos

Media forum on Youth, leadership, patriotism and National Development

This media forum will address the call made by former UN Secretary General Mr. Kofi Anan at an awards ceremony in Nigeria, that young people need to be given opportunities to take leadership positions. It will also address sundry issues relating to the barriers to youth leadership.

Venue: Abuja, Nigeria

Date:	Thursday, February 26, 2009
Time:	10:00am - 2:00pm

Can A Book Change A Life?

Is there a book inside you? Can a book change a life is in conjuction with the Federal Ministry of Education




Date: Friday 27 Feb - Saturday 28 Feb
Location: Terra Kulture



Poetry Potter

Date:	Saturday, February 28, 2009
Time:	2:00am - 7:00am
Location:	ROTUNDA HALL, NATIONAL LIBRARY, YABA

Eden



Eden classes are a refresher course and soft introduction into uncovering the secrets of looking and feeling beautiful. The classes are short no more than 3 hours and will focus on key aspects of looking and feeling beautiful.

The first class will take place on the February 28th and will commence with the Make up Refresher course. The cost of attending the classes is N5, 000

The instructors are professionals as well as individuals who have been identified as possessing an unusual knack regarding their subject matter. So please indicate interest by sending an email to edenclasses@gmail.com.

Date:	Saturday, February 28, 2009
Time:	10:00am - 1:00pm
Location:	Victoria Island

Phone:	08022220065
Email:	edenclasses@gmail.com

VideoBytes

Two great videos for you

1) Agolo by Angelique Kidjo (Flashback)




2) Beyonce Academy Awards 2009 Performance

What Was On?

Hi guys....Last Weekend was hectic! Here is a run down of the goings on:

Vlisco Urban Beat Fashion Event




Location: Expo Centre, Eko Hotel

Genre: Fashion



Girl Talk




Location: Terra Kulture


Genres: Women, Relationships, Christianity



Ikechukwu's Album Launch (Killz Zone)





Location: Volar, Jade Palace

Genres: Hip Hop, Album Launch



Change-A-Life



Location: Federal Palace Hotel

Genres: Charity, Fundraiser, Television



A Table For Two



Location: Calvary House Church, Dover Hotel, Lekki


Genres: Relationships, Christianity, Mixer, Food and Drink


Bake House Bakery



Location: Ikota Shopping Complex, VGC

Genres: Food and Drink, Social


Sizwe Banzi is Dead




Location: Terra Kultre


Genres: Theatre, Arts



Tocatina and Kaftans

Location: Bambuddha

Genres: Fashion, Lifestyle, Music


Book Club Meeting



Location: Posh Cafe

Genres: Literature, Social

Fantastic February!

The year is flying by (literally) with all sorts of mixed news. I have to say the first headline will be Chris Brown's arrest/charge for allegedly beating up a female.

WHAT? He's only 19


Culled from concrete loop:

"The singer voluntarily turned himself in to be questioned and according to TMZ, he was arrested and charged with one count felony criminal threats. His bail was set at $50,000, which he paid and was subsequently released.

Officials declined to identify the injured party in the alleged assault, although they eventually did and the victim was Barbados' Robin Fenty and Hollywood's very own pop star, Rihanna! Brown’s court date is scheduled for March 5th.

As stated, Chris Brown and his reported girlfriend Rihanna both cancelled their scheduled Grammy appearances and performances Sunday night (8th February)."

HIS PRESS RELEASE STATEMENT

"Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired. I am seeking the counseling of my pastor, my mother and other loved ones and I am committed, with God’s help, to emerging a better person. Much of what has been speculated or reported on blogs and/or reported in the media is wrong. While I would like to be able to talk about this more, until the legal issues are resolved, this is all I can say except that I have not written any messages or made any posts to Facebook, on blogs or any place else. Those posts or writings under my name are frauds.” [concrete loop]

As reported, Chris was charged with one count felony criminal threats (more charges could be added after the DA is finished reviewing the case) and is expected to attend court on March 5th in Los Angeles. The 19 year-old has hired popular defense attorney, Mark Geragos to represent him.

Anyway, we may as well divert our attention for now until we hear more on the story. Change-A-Life is an initiative started by Funmi Iyanda, created to intervene in the lives of people when they need it the most. The project focuses on people with potential at their lowest point of need. On the 21st of February 2009, the Change-A-Life project will be formally institutionalised as Change-A-Life foundation and will be aired on NTA between 7 and 9pm on that day.

The project, which began in January 2002 has the support of the former governor of Lagos State Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Grants were awarded to close to 70 people for N10,000 each for educational and micro-business projects.

A source says --"Change-A-Life is about people, regardless of gender, ethnicity or religion. It’s about changing the face of humanity one person at a time.”

With the continued assistance of the Lagos State Government, the project has evolved into a family support scheme for exceptional young children from one-parent homes. Over the years, the project has affected 150 children and over 3000 people with its scholarship and health care support services.

In its 6th year, Change-A-Life, formerly an arm of New Dawn with Funmi Iyandai s being launched as a full-fledged organization able to accommodate more deserving youth and families with exceptional potential.

As we all know, sustaining such an organisation is no small feat, especially in capacity and development areas.



In order to expand its scope and accommodate more exceptional youth and their families, Change-A-Life will be formally institutionalized in partnership with the Lagos State Government.

The organisation calls on all Nigerians to support it by volunteering their time, effort and financial contributions. The activities and values of the scheme is traditionally showcased in an annual January 1^st LIVE TV special to begin the year on a note of giving and society building. However, we can still catch the launch on NTA NEWS this Saturday between 7 and 9pm.

Testimonials/Stories

Papa Samuel

Mr. Odoakor or Papa Samuel as he is fondly referred to found himself jilted by his wife and left to care for a two-year old son. Refusing to leave his son in the care of relatives, Papa Samuel decided he would take care of his child himself. Unfortunately his salary as a security guard was not enough to support his family. They soon lost their home and began sleeping on the streets. Samuel began hawking pure water to supplement his father’s tiny income.

Even in the face of these extenuating circumstances, Samuel was able to maintain very good grades at school. His brilliance at school, as well as his father’s determination not to shirk his responsibilities impressed everyone at Change-A-Life. Samuel was consequently put on scholarship, his school fees and needs paid for by the programme. Change-A-Life was also able to take care of their housing expenses. Samuel is writing his WAEC exams. He no longer has to hawk pure water and can now concentrate on schoolwork. Papa Samuel, supported by CAL, is currently enrolled in AA driving school, giving him the foundation he needs to embark on his new career.

Baby Faith’s Story

A Good Samaritan brought in an abandoned baby to the studios of New Dawn with Funmi Iyanda. The old lady found the baby the railway lines in Mushin not far from where she lived. The baby was immediately taken to Strong Tower Mission and shortly after developed all sorts of health complications. A few weeks later, tests confirmed the baby was HIV positive. Workers of CAL and Strong Tower Mission, not knowing whether he would survive, named the baby Faith and was instantly put on antiretroviral drugs.

As compensation for her charitable act, the old lady who brought in Baby Faith was given a place to stay and a grinding pepper mill to enable her fend for herself. What is noteworthy is that the first time she tried to report a missing child to the police, she was locked in jail for two days. Yet when faced with the same situation twice, she did not hesitate to help again.

Please get involved and make a positive impact, no matter how small. Mentorship and internship opportunities are also available in the organisation to provide further support for scholarship beneficiaries

Thanks,

Change-A-Life contact: Eniola Harrison (08057710212)

Funmi Iyanda - fiyanda.blogspot.com