Run Down!!!

Info from the Past week or two:

9ice gets married to Toni Payne (they were actually on the cover and the main story of City People last week).

D'Banj Album Launch @ The Expo Centre, Oceanview - Friday 25th and Saturday 26th. Our governor and ex-governor attended the launch. Meanwhile, D'banj is such a good entertainer! It's Don Jazzy Again! Check out info on The Koko Foundation here.

Sound of Heaven

DStv and ONE Gospel recently hosted Nu Sound's Sound of Heaven Gospel event at the Muson Centre in Lagos, Nigeria. The incredibly successful event marked the first of many promotional partnerships between the Channel and the massive Nigerian Gospel industry.

Also speaking of the MUSON Centre, Opera-singing soprano, Chinwe Enu performed their last month. Read more about her here or visit her blog








J Factor Auditions

The 1st round of auditions were held this past weekend and the weekend before.The final round of auditions for entry is this coming Saturday, August2nd 2008. To find out more about J-Factor and to see last year's J-Factor competition check out the website and the video. Michelle Mckinney-Hammond is one of the judges btw.

Naeto-C Album signing at The Palms, Lekki on the 13th of July - a few other new rappers on the scene performed, not bad.

Nollywood: Games Men Play Reloaded and Where Oceans Touch Double Premier at The Civic Centre, July 13th

In the words of Emem Isong and Vivian Ejike, both top moviemakers and producers of the blockbusters entitled "When the heart lies" and "Games Men Play-Reloaded", the historic premiere took place in Lagos at The Civic Centre on Saturday the 13th of July with tickets at N10,000 each.

Imagine,two movies, sixteen super stars, one venue and one screen. This movie which stars Desmond Elliot, Ramsey Nuoah Jnr, Van Vicker, Monalisa Chinda, Ini Edo and a host of other stars was jointly produced by Emem Isong and Desmond Elliot. When the Heart Lies stars Desmond Elliot and Omotola Ekehinde who acts as a singing sensation. More here!

Review

Thisday Fashion & Music 'Africa Rising' Festival Coverage

Interesting theme.....what they mean here is Africa is no longer becoming a place of aid but a place of investment :o)

It all happened in Abuja and Lagos last weekend (11th and 13th July respectively). The Nigeria line-up of stars included: Tyson Beckford, Jay-Z, Usher, Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown, Rihanna, Fat Joe, Chris Aire, Naomi Campbell, Oluchi, Alek Wek, Ozwald Boateng, Deola Sagoe, 9ice, Basketmouth, Shank, Ikechukwu, D'banj, Wande Coal, 2Face, Don Jazzy, Jay Jay Okocha.

In pictures....

(a) The man himself, Thisday's CEO Nduka Obaigbena with Fat Joe in Lagos

(b) Naomi planting a tree in Abuja

(c) Mary J. Blige in Lagos - Polo club (dont know about that outfit gurll) (d) Usher performing in Abuja (we thought he was not returning to Lagos??)

(e) Tyson Beckford visiting an orphanage in Lagos

(f) Jay-Z and Rihanna performing in Abuja

We are guessing Beyonce couldn't make it because of her BUMP?!

Nduka, Naomi and Ozwald Boateng promoting the festival in the states


In words...

The star-studded lineup of performing artists and stars, this world-class festival is designed to communicate positive images of Africa by showcasing the renaissance of Africa's music, fashion and the arts. The continent's culture will be on full display as patrons will live the true African experience.


Venues:

July 11 - THISDAY Dome - Abuja, Nigeria
July 13 - THISDAY Center - Lagos, Nigeria
Oct. 14 - Royal Albert Hall - London, England

CONFIRMED DC HEADLINERS: Seal, Tyson Beckford, Naomi Campbell



In video...


Abuja

Naomi launches the festival tour

In reference - Thisday news, Facebook and Bella Naija

Stephie in Hollywood!



Stephanie Okereke now helps raise awareness about vesico vaginal fistula – an increasingly prevalent and traumatic medical condition among females on the African continent, particularly in places like The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Liberia. She is also face of L'Maj cosmetics Hollywood/Beverly Hills based L'Maj!



Nigerian football conmen exposed (watch video)



Jobs n Stuff.....

Group Company SecretaryCompany Secretary/ Legal AdviserManager, Legal ServicesAssistant Manager, Legal Services. The person must have at least 7years Post Bar Experience (Manufacturing Background, is an added advantage). If you know anyone who is interested in a career move and fits the description above, kindly forward your CV to Ms. Obembe at OObembe@antal.com

Broadcasting Professionals

Aimed at senior broadcasters from developing countries working in both the public and private sectors, the scheme will bring a select group of broadcast professionals to the UK for 2 weeks from 20th - 31st October 2008. This will be the 13th such group we have brought to the UK since 1996. During this time a highly intensive and varied programme is set up, tailored to meet the interests of those selected to participate. It is a unique opportunity for the fellows to share ideas and experiences with each other and their UK counterparts, and to develop new goals. This is also a rare occasion for senior people in the UK media to learn about broadcasting issues and experiences from around the world.
More information at:
http://www.owbt.org/pages/Fellowships/apply.html

The deadline for receipt of applications in London is Friday 22nd August 2008 at noon (GMT).

07.07.08

Monday was the 3rd year anniversary of the 7/7 London bombing.

See the story here.

Also, in relation to the unfortunate event, a project titled The Forgiveness Project has come about. Click here to read the stories including that of Marie Fatayi-Williams, mother of Anthony Fatayi-Williams who was killed in the bombings - R.I.P

Nigeria for Obama??

As cute as this sounds, I just find it all very amusing. Nigerians put together a 4000 strong fundraising campaign to support Barack Obama last weekend at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja

Their notion is that the funds raised will be sent to the OBAMA campaign office as their own way of showing support for OBAMA since they are not eligible to vote as they are Nigerians based in Nigeria and not in America. - Is that right....

.....is that right? I dont think we have finished campaigning for each other but hey, who knows what Obama's plans for Nigeria will be if he is elected president :)

The Buzz

New music videos, click to watch.

Olu Maintain's Karmakazee -

Mo Hits Records' Pere -

Mo Hits Records' Close to you -

Etcetera's Life for you -

Pheel's God dey -

Naeto-C Press Release - see below

Blogville Idol 2008

Blogville Idols 2008 is here! Itt started yesterday and will go on till the 23rd of July. Check it out here

Two Nigerian Websites to check out:

- Luxury on Water

- Nigerian Circle

NAYO on the cover of July's True Love!

NAYO (N-áá-y-Ò) of Nigerian descent (culled from Odunayo) is really doing things....her album African Girl has also been included in Virgin Atlantic's inflight music programmes and magazine.

You can buy her album here and a copy of true love here.

Needed The Break.......

Hello Everyone,

I took a month off! To re-acclimatize, rejuvenate, replenish, rebuild, reform, re-whatever and it's really helped. Sometimes we need to do that (although I've done that a time too many) Congratulations on successfully reaching the month of July!

See Below for some Refreshing Infotainment:

Picture of the week :o)

UK Apprentice Winner pulls a sickie on his first day at work! (Not impressive)

Los AngelesWorld Affairs Council welcomes UN Ambassador D'banj.



The Los Angeles World Affairs Council is an organization that promotes greater understanding of current global issues and their impact of Southern California by inviting authoritative, influential figures in world affairs to Los Angeles and providing them an open form.


Today, July 1st, a high profile dinner will be held in Beverly Hills (Beverly Hilton Hotel) and speaking at the dinner tonight will be His Excellency Samir Sumaida’ie, Ambassador of Iraq to the United States.

Samir Sumaida’ie was an activist opposed to Saddam Hussein’s Baathist Regime for many years while living in exile in London.

In August 2004 he was appointed a member of the Iraq Governing Council and in April 2006 he became Iraq’s ambassador to the United States.

Ambassador Dapo Oyebanjo (DBANJ) has been invited to meet His Excellency Samir Sumaida’ie today at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

Dapo will be attending this dinner with his United Nations Title, Ambassador for Youth Peace.

Dapo Oyebanjo remains the first and only Nigerian to be given this United Nations title and he plans to do some goodwill during his short stay in Los Angeles California.


Student Fraudsters embezzle N34million [link]

Three students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, have been arrested by detectives of the Nigeria Police Special Fraud Unit (SFU), Milverton Road, Ikoyi.

They allegedly withdrew about N34 million fraudulently from a People’s Bank account through the automatic teller machine (ATM). The fraud was detected at the Benin branch of Access Bank Nigeria Plc.


Click here to listen to the official reunion mixtape of DJ Dee Money and DJ 3k

CAREERS IN EUROPE EVENT

If you want to boost your career and are looking for the best international jobs, apply now for this prestigious Event.

More than 30 blue-chip companies represented by more than 200 recruiters will be recruiting for positions throughout Europe over the two-day event, consisting of interviews, company presentations and career coaching. It provides a unique opportunity for you to meet with leading HR Directors and Senior Business Representatives from various organisations.

This invitation-only Event is tailor-made for university graduates or early-career professionals who are fluent in English and in at least one other European language.

You will receive an invitation only if you are selected by at least one of the participating companies.

Application deadline: October 26, 2008
Application on www.careersineurope.com/brussels


Fashion Nigeria

On July 11th in Abuja & 13th will Deola Sagoe showcase her new special designed collection for Africa Rising with Supermodels Naomi Campbell, ALek Wek, Oluchi etc. Male collection from Ozwald Boateng

Music performances from Jay Z, Usher and Rihanna.

To see this spetacular fashion show Live come for the African Rising Music and Fashion show in Washington August 1 and London October with the same models and Male collection from Ozwald Boateng.

This Friday

First Fridays Lagos

First Fridays Lagos is proud to present ourJULY NETWORKING EVENT

Date: Friday July 4th, 2008

Time: 6 - 10pm

Venue: SAIPAN, 7 Bishop Aboyade Cole Str, VI

Sponsors: Aquitane Oil and Gas

Dress Code: Business casual (no jeans or tee shirts)

Admission is free with complimentary business card (N2k Otherwise)