Sunday 30 September 2012

Photo: Bishops outraged by image portraying Neymar as Jesus Christ



The Brazilian National Bishops Confederation (CNBB) has criticised a Brazilian sports magazine for publishing a photograph of Neymar being crucified in the same way as Jesus Christ.
Placar, which has become one of the most successful sports publications in Brazil, were using the picture as a metaphor to highlight the criticism the Santos star had been coming under for supposedly diving too often.
The Placar cover, which reads “the Brazilian ace turns scapegoat in a sport where everyone plays dirty”, was inspired by a 1970s issue of Spanish magazine Don Balon, which depicted Johan Cruyff in almost exactly the same way.
In a letter, signed by CNBB president Cardinal Raymundo Damasceno Assis and general secretary Dom Leonardo Ulrich Steiner, the publication has been criticised for “showing disdain towards people’s feelings”.
A statement read: “The Brazilian National Bishops Confederation states that it feels severely outraged with the [photo] montage that is the cover of a sports magazine, where the image of Jesus Christ is seen with the face of a football player.
“We acknowledge freedom of speech as a fundamental principle of our state and [see it as necessary for] democratic co-existence, however, there are known limits for such.
“To ridiculise faith and show disdain towards peoples’ religious feelings by using the disrespectful use of the image of Jesus suggests manipulation and use of editorial resources as a means for commercial ends.
“This is a clear lack of respect that offends the most sacred image for Christians and updates, in a hazardous manner, the well-known resource of gaining attention by provocation.”
An online petition has now been launched against Placar’s use of the image of Neymar as Jesus Christ, which has gained over 7,000 signatures since its manifestation.

Video: Wizkid Performs “Azonto” In Kenya Video




And the winner of MTN Project Fame West Africa 5 is… AYO!





Ayobami Ayoola Ayolola – Ayo for short – has emerged as the 5th winner of music reality show, Project Fame West Africa. The 25-year-old, who is a personal assistant to popular gospel saxophonist, Mike Aremu, came tops ahead of Marvellous, Adetoun and Ella, who went home with the second, third and fourth positions respectively.
Ayo, was a contestant at the first ever Nigerian Idol last year, where he got to the final 12, but he got evicted in the first round of the finals. He now follows in the footsteps of stars like Iyanya, Mike Anyasodo, Chidinma and Monica, who have previously won the competition.

Nigerian firm begins oil drilling in Iraq



Nigerian firm, Afren, said it had commenced oil exploration at the East Simrit prospect (Simrit-3 well), located in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.
A statement by the firm on Friday quoted the Chairman of Afren, Mr. Egbert Imomoh, as saying, “Afren and operator, Hunt Oil Middle East, have commenced drilling of oil at the East Simrit on the Ain Sifni PSC in the region. The Simrit-3 oil well is located approximately 10 km east of the successful Simrit-2 discovery well, and is exploring the eastern extent of the large scale Simrit anticline.”
Imomoh said that Afren recently completed the drilling of Simrit-2 exploration well, which was ultimately drilled to a total measured depth of 3,800 metres and encountered 460 metres of net oil pay throughout Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic age reservoirs.
The company however said that no oil water contact had been established in the target reservoirs, noting that following the conclusion of drilling operations in June, a comprehensive well test programme had started and was ongoing.
It said, “The partners intend to undertake up to 12 separate drill stem tests in total, and announced in July 2012 that the first batch of three DSTs in the Triassic age Kurra Chine formation had yielded an aggregate flow rate of 13,584 bopd of 39° API gravity oil.
“The Simrit-3 exploration well is seeking to demonstrate the presence of oil within the same Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic reservoir intervals at the eastern extent of the Simrit anticline.”
It will be recalled that Afren has 20 per cent interest in the Ain Sifni PSC and is partnered by Hunt Oil Middle East (60 per cent) and the Kurdistan regional government 20 per cent.
Imomoh said, “The drilling and test results recorded till date, have already confirmed Ain Sifni in the Kurdistan region of Iraq to be a world-class asset.

 
 

Lagos: 248 escape death in Qatar Airways plane emergency landing



Director-General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Dr. Segun Demuren and Minister of Aviation, Mrs. Stella Oduah

There was palpable fear at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos Saturday afternoon, as a Qatar Airways plane coming from Doha, the capital of Qatar, made an emergency landing due to a flat tyre.
The pilot of the Airbus A330-200 plane had sent a distress call to air traffic controllers on duty at the airport, telling them that one of his tyres had low pressure.
The aircraft carrying 248 passengers touched down on runway 18R of the airport at about 1:15pm with a burst tyre.
Scores of fire fighters from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Lagos State Fire Service and the Federal Fire Service had been mobilised to the airport.
Rescue workers from the National Emergency Management Agency, Julius Berger among others had also been waiting for the distressed aircraft.
A few minutes after the aircraft made the landed, it was towed to the parking bay of the international wing of the airport.
The panic-stricken passengers were however, unwilling to speak to journalists.
The Information Officer, NEMA, Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye, who led the emergency process on behalf of the agency, told reporters that the agency had received a distress call from airport authorities as early as 10am.
Farinloye added that the aircraft was said to have had a tyre burst on the rear side of the aircraft, a situation that required emergency landing.
He said the agency consequently mobilised and coordinated an emergency landing which included several agencies such as the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Civil Defence Corps.
He noted that the aircraft landed safely.
The Director-General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Dr. Harold Demuren, said the pilot took precautionary steps to land the aircraft the way he did.
He confirmed that the aircraft had low pressure in one of the tyres.
An official of Qatar Airways in Lagos said the airline had no official reaction to the development since the aircraft landed safely.

 
 




















EFCC arrests 24yr old currency courier trying to export N1b cash out of Nigeria



 
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) two days ago arrested one Abubakar Tijani Sheriff, whom it described as a bulk currency smuggler, as he attempted to smuggle $7million out of the country. The EFCC said in a statement yesterday that Sheriff, 24, was arrested at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos en route Dubai, United Arab Emirates, as he boarded his flight.


Following his arrest, he declared that he had a total sum of $4.5million on him but thorough screening and search showed that he was actually carrying $7,049,444, the commission said.  Sheriff then confessed that he was a courier for 20 individuals who hired him to courier the money for them to Dubai.

"Investigations by the EFCC showed that Sheriff is a regular traveller and one of several couriers of illegal cash suspected to be proceeds of crime,” the commission adding that his claims concerning his accomplices are being investigated.

Travellers leaving the country are statutorily required to declare cash in excess of $10,000. However, under the provisions of the Money Laundering Act, it is not sufficient to declare excess cash; the onus is on the person making the declaration to explain the source of the excess cash and the reason for the export.

Abuja RCCG chorister who abducted child arrested in Benin





It is almost one week since a chorister, who goes by the name Comfort Amos absconded with a 9-year-old child belonging to one Mrs. Mariah Toyin Obafemi at the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Wuse 2 Abuja. Daily Post had promised to update readers on the outcome of the search for the poor innocent Mater Tony.
Information reaching our news desk clearly showed that Comfort has been arrested in Benin, the Edo state capital following a tipoff made available to the police. The culprit who had demanded for N2m from Tony’s parents was tracked via Glo network in Benin after her account was credited with the said sum, and she headed for the bank.
Our source had disclosed that the police were contacted immediately Glo got a signal, indicating that she was in Benin. The police who swung into action caught up with Comfort while she was still a distance away from the bank.
Speaking with one of the church Choristers, Mr Segun of Sygmungprints, he said “It’s the work of God. I heard the suspect will be paraded in Abuja tomorrow and all the choir members are happy with the way this matter was handle. Some people are wolves amongst us, and until we have them exposed by God, we will not know. I think the God of Tony is Alive”
Keep an eye on our site for more updates.

Again, Nigerian Idols starts in Grand Style



Nigerian Idols
 
The third season of the reality show, Nigerian Idols, was launched last Wednesday in Lagos. It was another occasion to have past winners of the show, Mercy, Naomi, Stephen, and Joe Blue performed.
Produced by the Optima Media Group, the reality TV show still gets Etisalat continued sponsorship of Nigeria’s version of the world’s biggest reality TV show.
“We are very excited to announce the continuation of our lead sponsorship of Nigerian Idol till 2013, and our desire to continue to empower Nigerian youths and are calling on all youth to be the ‘voice of tomorrow,” said Etisalat’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Wael Ammar.
Also, returning to Idols for another thrilling season are the judges; African-American dancer, singer and Michael Jackson’s personal choreographer; Jeffrey Daniels, veteran singer Yinka Davies, and the Area Father; Charly Boy. On Air Personality, Ill Rhymz also returns as this year’s host.
The prize for this season is 100,000 USD and the elements are thus; N7.5m cash prize, a recording contract worth N7.5m and a SUV.
“This season, we will be expanding our reach from four audition cities to five cities. This is to ensure that a lot more people have a shorter distance to travel to get to the nearest audition centres,” said the project manager; Tiwa Medubi.
The global franchise has produced leading music stars around the world like Reuben Studdard, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, and Nigeria’s Yeka, whose music career has taken off with the release of two well received singles (Follow You and E wa bamijo) and last season’s winner, Mercy, who is making waves with a busy itinery of live performances.

 
 

I breathe, live and sleep in music – J. Martins



Martins
 
For Abia State born Martins Okey Justice, a.k.a J Martins, seven years on stage is no mere feat. From being a performing artiste to also recording his songs, he has proved to be versatile in a rare genre of music
Being a music producer, singer and composer, what has been the motivation?
Music for me is life. I have been into music since I was a child. I didn’t dabble into it. I breathe, live and sleep in music. Then for me, being a musician is very personal. Not just to entertain people, I want to be viewed as an inspiration to people. That drives me and makes me happy.
So, that has made an impact in your life?
Yes of course. It has taught me as a musician, to be playful and remain young at heart so as to be able to make evergreen music that will appeal to all age groups. As a singer, it has made me to understand music. Even as a composer, I understand a lot of talents that I have worked with and know what works in this part of the world musically.
But with your new single entitled, Kpomo, what message are you sending to your fans?
Kpomo is the cow-hide used as delicacy in most local dishes and it’s one of my favourites. I like using catchy phrases in my songs and Kpomo is just one of such. Also, it is a birthday gift to my fans.
Has anyone been able to influence you in this career?
Yes. I have four people that influenced me musically, they are, Osita Osadebe, Nico Mbarga, 2face Idibia and Psquare.
Any plans for a collaboration with any artiste currently?
I am very careful about how I pick artistes for my job. Not everyone can fit into my kind of music. But someday, I would like to do music with international acts like Chris Brown, Shakira and Pitt Bull, just to mention a few.
Did you study music in school?
Ironically, I have an Ordinary National Diploma in Mass Communication from IMT Enugu, and I refused going for internship. So, I decided to go for a degree programme in Business Administration at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology.
How old are you now?
I am in my early 30’s
A lot of people are in music for fame, are you one of them?
No, but you cannot be a successful musician and not be famous. I went into music because I love it. My love for music actually sprung up from my mother. She was a chorister and I was in the choir. She was the choir mistress. There, I learnt a lot about music and started producing. At a point, I decided to record my first song and I delved into it full time. In this career, I have learnt to always learn from my own mistake and never repeat a previous one.
So, why did you release Kpomo to your fans as a birthday gift?
It’s my seventh year as a performing artiste, though I have been around for 13 years as a producer. I just utilised the opportunity to give something to all my fans. They have supported me from the day I decided to do music, and no amount of material gift would have been sufficient to go round. So, I thought of a better way to appreciate them and dedicated it to them.
Where do you see the Nigerian music industry now?
We are on a progressive journey and at the rate we are moving now, we will get there. A few years back, no international artiste would visit Nigeria and ask for a collaboration but today, it’s another story. We have Nigerian artistes clinching international awards.

 
 

How flood swallowed Kogi



A flooded area in Lokoja
 
For Dauda Abdullahi, a 72-year-old man, the loss of his grandson, Abubakar, to the flood on Wednesday remains a great pain to bear. He however says he is grateful to God that he, his two wives and eight other children survived the tragedy.
Abdullahi, who is Chairman, Fulani Traditional Council of Chiefs at Adankolo, Lokoja, Kogi State, says as the flood continued to gather, he instructed his grandson to watch his 10 heads of cattle and avoid the flood. But unfortunately, the flood came through another direction and Abubakar got swept off, together with the cattle.
Before Abubakar’s death, Abdullahi had done the necessary — or so he thought — by relocating his immediate family to the camp last Thursday when his rented apartment at Adankolo became flooded. He says he did not waste time as soon as he noticed the deluge, and he was able to salvage his property and took his family to safety. Despite all this, Abubakar still perished in the flood.
The septuagenarian says, “It’s a house I, my two wives and 10 children had occupied for more than 32 years. But the whole place was flooded. It didn’t collapse before we fled but now, I can’t possibly tell its state. It’s going to be a huge loss to me if it collapses because I did not insure it.”
A widow, Mrs. Salamatu Aminu, says the only house he built through “sweat and blood” has caved in to the flood.
For a woman who lost her husband 15 years ago, leaving her to fend for seven young children, hers is as much a tale of woe. She confesses that it has been hectic, while the flooding feels like a final nail on the coffin.
She laments, “Since my husband died about 15 years ago, I have toiled to bring up my seven children. I tried to train them up to the secondary school level, but the financial resources are lacking. As such, they are not gainfully employed. At a point, I was forced to give up two of the girls to early marriage, thinking that would bring succour, but it has been a forlon hope.
“Now, with the attendant loss that this flood has brought, I am at a crossroads, as my source of livelihood has been swept away. In fact, I’m at a loss as to what to do next. My house that I managed to build where I and my children were staying has been submerged by the flood. I am devastated.”
Another pathetic tale is that of three of the six physically-challenged people who are currently staying at the Relief Camp at St. Lukes Model School, Adankolo.
Their leader, Mr. Abu Ojochogolo, says the six physically-challenged
people currently live in one-room apartment with their families. They are 28 in all. He says he lived in his own house before the unfortunate flood, which swept away his property.
Ojochogolo, a father of four, explains that because of their physical disability, life in the camp has been hectic. For instance, the toilets that serve refugees cannot cater to their needs and he says it should be improved upon. That is aside the fact that it’s been hard for refugees to maintain proper hygiene in the toilets because of the sheer number of users.
Another physically-challenged person, Mr. Destiny Sule, a father of two, expresses appreciation for the official intervention, but urges the government to do more so as to prevent outbreak of epidemic in the camp.
Narrating his experience, he says, “The flood came gradually and later overtook the entire premises. We were evacuated before it started sweeping people away.
Another physically-challenged person, Mr. Godwin Akpa, says it was the immediate intervention of his neighbours that saved him and his family from being swept away. He could not salvage his belongings, however, as he lost all to the furious flood.
“I came here because flood overran my house. I was inside the house when it suddenly became flooded. But for the intervention of my neighbours who heard my shout and quickly evacuated me and my family, we would have been drowned or swept away by the flood. I lost many of my belongings, however. It was only a mattress that I could salvage.”
Another refugee says, “The experience was terrible. I and my family were in the house, and when we woke up in the morning, we saw that everywhere had been flooded. I have eight children and two wives. I came here about five days ago.”
Though the evacuees have their tales of woes, and they say that the camp experience is far from perfect, they are, however, grateful to the government and non-governmental organisations that have been assisting in making the camp habitable.
The majority of them are of the opinion that the government and well-meaning individuals in the society should assist in resettling them in their old communities, as they all have several things in common — loss of the little means of livelihood they all had before the flood, loss of accommodation, however humble, and the desperation to start life anew.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on the Environment and Physical Development, Mr. Ladi Jatto, says the government is on top of the situation and that, that is why it has established three camps in the Lokoja, the state capital, as well as in other affected nine local government areas.
When told that the people had issues with life in the camp, he says no matter the efforts made, people will still complain. But he assures that the government and other officials are doing their best to make the displaced people comfortable.
He says, “Government has been trying to provide relief materials to the victims. You can see they even have two generators here which we always switch on from 7pm. We have over 300 people living in each camp.
“I know we have over 1,000 displaced people in Lokoja, while in Idda, they are about 3,000. The government is trying to make sure that the welfare of the people is taken care of. We supply bread every morning to the camps.
“You can never please everybody, though, and no matter what you do, people definitely must complain. For now we are trying our best.”
Also, the Director of Administration and Finance, Kogi State Government State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Abuh Okee, says it has been hectic for them as they try to manage the situation.
He says, “It is not easy to manage human beings, more so when they are tensed up, frustrated and have gone through a lot of trauma. We understand their psychology and in the present scenario, we appeal to them to be patient. Some of them insult us, but we take it.”
As for refugees’ complaint about the toilet facilities, Okee says, “We have about six toilets. SEMA has been able to provide zinc and wood and we have constructed extra bathrooms. Efforts are on ground to meet the challenges of conveniences. There are plans to provide mobile toilets.
“The feeding is okay, but some people want to make this place their permanent residence because of the provisions. There are unemployed youths among the refugees, and they are the ones complaining.” The Chairman, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Kogi State branch, Mr. Mustafa Allah-Dey, agrees that it has been hectic for the refugees and the peoplein charge of their affairs.
He notes that though the people were sensitised to the impending disaster, many of them ignored the warning.
He discloses that over 332 communities are affected, comprising nine Local government areas namely, Kogi, Lokoja, Basa, Ofue, Igalamiala, Iddah and Ebeja, Ajaokuta and Adankolo.
Also, the head of the security team at the Adankolo camp, Mr. Anthony Dauda, says there is no security challenge in the camp. And the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yomi Awoniyi, while expressing gratitude to the Federal Government and many organisations and individuals who have assisted the state in taking care of the victims, says government is doing its best to make the displaced people comfortable.
He confesses that the government did not envisage the magnitude of the catastrophe when it started.
He explains that over 11,000 people have been displaced, while more than two million have also been negatively affected by the flood.
He says the devastation is colossal and therefore beyond the financial capacity of the state government.
He says, “We are in a situation whereby some LGs have been completely submerged. One of such is Ibaji, which has 23 communities that no longer exist. Basa is terrible, and Omala is completely devastated. But with the support of NEMA, we have cause to be grateful.”
Officially, eight deaths have been recorded, though Awoniyi insists that they are not as a result of the flooding, but the deaths occurred when the boat conveying some evacuees capsized.
Again, two people have been declared missing.
He assures that the state government would look into cases of people with serious cases of loss in the relief camps, with a view to mitigating their ordeals.
He also says the plight of the disabled has been brought to his attention and that the major concern is the use of sanitary facilities.

Saturday 29 September 2012

New Video : Davido - All of You



Pictures Of Tuface's Parents And His Younger Brother



 
Tuface with his mum and dad

Tuface's mum and younger brother Charly


Tuface's mum on the 26th of September celebrated her birthday.
 
What is your take on who TuBaba looks like among his parents?

I’m no longer a child star –Benita



Benita
 
At an age when her peers were still clinging to their mother’s apron strings, Benedicta Okojie, aka Benita, was already performing before audiences comprising highly placed government officials. When her debut solo album, Child of God, was released in 1998, she was only 10.
With four successful albums produced by her dad (Ben King Okojie) and experience acquired from several music festivals, as well as a few local and international laurels to her credit, the young woman has indeed made her mark on the music scene.
At 24 and having graduated as an English major from the Redeemer’s University, Mowe, Benita has clearly come of age.
“I’m no longer a kid star. I make my own decisions from what I’ve learnt from my strict disciplinarian parents. I hope to get married someday to a God-fearing man and lead my children to Christ early in life like my parents did. That early aspect in a child’s life is very important because you could have all the talent in the world, including the brains, beauty, money and awards, but if you don’t have the fear of God in your heart, all your worldly acquisitions and accolades wouldn’t do you any good when the last trumpet sounds,” Benita said.
She is currently working on her own TV programme and recording new songs.

Trybe Records set to spoil artistes



Eldee|
The boss of Trybe Records, Lanre Dabiri, aka elDee the Don, who recently returned from a successful tour of the United Kingdom with Team Trybe, has acquired a Cadillac Escalade limousine to ferry all the artistes signed on to the label to and from shows and events around Lagos and its environs.
Describing his latest acquisition, Dabiri says, “It is a huge investment, no doubt, and the Trybe management’s way of showing class and style by practically treating our artistes like the stars that they truly are.”
Dabiri established Trybe Records in the mid 1990s. It used to be home to rappers Kaboom and Freestyle, who alongside elDee were known as The Trybemen, and Sasha, Dr. Sid, 2 Shotz, as well as a few others.
After almost a decade in the US, Dabiri relocated to Nigeria and formed a new team namely K9 and Sojay, who were winners of the Top Talent Reality show organised by the records company.
 
 

Alex Zitto returns with new CD, video



Alex Zitto
Alex Zitto has recorded a new album and an accompanying video, Many Hearts, in the USA. Eager to cash in on the current boom in the music industry, he is planning to return to the Nigerian music scene soon with his latest works.
Recalling the 1980s and ’90s when he was very active on the music scene, the singer says, “I had fun in those days. But, at a point, some of us felt that we deserved a better deal than we were getting. It was getting crazier each day with endless political logjams and large scale piracy, so much that even the reputable record companies were closing down. It was at this point that I decided to leave the country.
“Well, since I helped laid the foundation that some of today’s artistes out there are jumping on, collecting some fat performance fees, it is only natural for me to return to the scene and get my share of the goodies,” he says with a smile.
 

Still on 5 K1 children


K1 children
 
Wasiu Ayinde-Marshal’s five musical children have different mothers and despite the fact that they live separately in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, they still find time to meet and work together.
The eldest among them is over 30. Musty, Honey B, Sultan, Femi, and Farouk the rapper, live in Canada, UK, and USA, respectively.  While Honey B has already recorded a remix of K1’s Sempe, Sultan has also recorded Talazo Remix featuring K1.
LIFE&BEAT gathered from Honey B, who is the only lady in the group, that Musty, Farouk and Femi would each record a remix of any of their choice of K1’s greatest hits as soon as K1 concludes his ongoing US tour by the end of October.
“Apart from this, we already have a full album with all the songs written, arranged and produced by us. It’s only natural that we individually have to feature our dad in five of the tracks as a mark of respect to the living legend, and we all came  together to do justice to his song titled Legacy, which is a bonus track,” Honey B says.
On what to expect from The Marshals, Farouk the rapper adds, “Good quality music. The album is a fusion of our individual styles, R & B/soul, hip hop rap and pop. We intend to promote the singles first, the album will be released next year.”

PMAN resembles Nigeria where many presidents come to make money – Felix Duke



Felix Duke
 

My music career
My last album is titled Joanna. Before then, Chingalingalin was meant to test how the people would feel about that kind of song. I have other songs that will make up an album. The album will soon be ready. I am just waiting to put some finishing touches to it.
Music promotion
I promote music, too. I take Nigerian artistes abroad for music tours. I have worked with the likes of Sunny Neji. We went for a European tour. I have worked with Black Face, 9ice, Flavour, MC Loph, and many others. We shall embark on a tour of America soon. I am into music business. Everything is a total package. If you limit yourself to singing alone, then you are not really in business. If other people can organise a music show and pay you to perform, what stops you from doing the same?
Competition from younger artistes
My time has not elapsed. Nobody is overtaking anybody. The sky is big enough for all the birds to fly without clashing. I am doing business. This is my profession. I don’t have another profession. The industry is not all about challenges; it is about what you can offer. Music is innate. If you have something inside of you, deliver it so that people can see it. So far, I have never recorded an album that has not been successful. I don’t release albums every year or every two years. I do it every four or five years and each time, it is always a blessing. I have never recorded any album that won’t be appreciated.
Nigerian lyrics
We have many crazy lyrics in the country right now. But it is up to Nigerians to make their choices. If parents should allow their children and wards to listen to such rubbish when they are supposed to be listening to positive songs, who will you blame? People are crying that their children are becoming wayward. But what else did you expect when you failed to censor what they listened to and watched as they were growing up? If you can control what they eat, why can’t you control what they assimilate? Music is very powerful. Through music you can get to God and Satan easily. I have settled for good lyrics. For the artistes, it is left to them. If they want their songs to be evergreen, then they should churn out good lyrics. I know I have good songs. Anywhere I sing, people scream and dance to my song. People like Victor Uwaifo are recognised abroad because of the kind of music he played. People like King Sunny Ade are still there because of the kind of music they play. I have seen artistes that came and left like the wind because they sang stupid songs. It is good to believe in whatever you are doing and you do it well.
Live music bands
Most artistes don’t play with live bands again. They mime their songs and tell the DJ to cue them in. It is affecting them now. You don’t call people like that musicians. I like what Nigerian Breweries is doing with their reality show, Star Quest. They are trying to inculcate the habit of playing with live music bands to young talents. How can you mime your own song on a recorded CD? Who are you fooling? People still pay to come and watch the show. I have performed in past editions of Star Trek and I was paid the same amount of money as those that came to mime on the stage. But from my money, I still paid members of the band their wages, accommodated, fed and transported them. I was doing that because I was enjoying it. I wanted to give people quality show and not to come on the stage and sound stupid. I am a live band man. For the DJs that call themselves singers, they had better think again. Things are changing. If you cannot play any musical instrument, then you are not there yet. Nigerians are getting wiser and they may conclude that you are a mediocrity. I used to be a drummer. I was once rated as one of the best drummers in Nigeria. There is no artiste that I didn’t back-up in the past. I did back-up for Ras Kimono, Daniel Wilson, Chris Hanen and many others. I toured Africa with most of them. I did all that before I recorded my first album in 1996. I was a session man before I became a full artiste.
Why I became a singer
Some people do not have the gift of singing. Some have the gift of playing musical instruments. I was born a singer and an instrumentalist. There is a particular level that you will get to and you will rise as a musician. I grew to the level of owning my own band and releasing albums. I served other people over the years. I wrote songs and when it was time for me to come out, I came out.
Playing reggae music
I was and I am still a reggae artiste. The genre is not dying. What the younger artistes play now is basically reggae, but they call it dancehall. It is just that most Nigerian artistes don’t even know the genre of music they play. You see them sing and rush songs. The song is dancehall. But if you ask most of them, they will say they play hip hop. That is not hip hop. Even at that, hip hop originated from reggae. You play dancehall music and you call it hip hop. That means you don’t know what you are doing and that means you are confused. Most of the music they are doing is reggae dancehall. That means reggae is not dying. We have to create an identity with the kind of songs you do. I am moving with the trend of time. The day you stop that, that means you are dying. I started with root reggae. I started growing and I am following the trend of time.
Dreadlocks
Dreadlock is a thing of the mind. There is something that Jamaicans call dread in the heart. Dreadlock symbolises likeness and meekness. The Rasta man preaches love. I used to wear dreadlocks. I took it off in 1993. My dreadlock was very long. I took it off even before I became a full time singer.
PMAN
I used to be a staunch member of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria. I am still a member. PMAN still exists. It is just that over the years, the association has been badly battered by different people. Many of the past leaders didn’t think of the welfare of the people when they were there. They come in to fill their pockets. But God is intervening. Things will turn around. PMAN’s case is just like that of Nigeria. This country has had different leaders who came in to make money. That is just what happened to PMAN. But we have a new president. His name is Murphy. He is trying to see how he can put things back on track. Many things have gone wrong. We can’t say there is nothing like PMAN. We can’t, because of bad leaders, say there is nothing like PMAN or choose not to be a part of it. Planes crash and people still fly. Accidents occur and people still travel. At the appointed time, things will get better.
My wife is not dead
I never married any wife that died. It was rumoured and even written about that my ex-wife died. When that story broke, we were still together. But those that wrote the story later apologised. I and my ex are separated now. When that news broke, I was in Germany. She had to come out and say she is not dead. She is still alive. I never lost any wife.
Why we separated
I don’t need to tell you why we separated. That is my personal life. The Bible says two cannot work together if they disagree. We couldn’t live together anymore. Two masters cannot live together in the same house. We were married, but we are no longer married. I am in another relationship now and I am happy. I am not married yet.
My relationship with actress Empress Njamah
Who told you that Empress was my date? She is just my friend. I won’t say that she is my enemy. We were not dating each other. I am not talking about it again.
My latest show
The show is all about Nigeria’s Independence. It is a three-day show. We will start on Sept. 29 to Oct. 1. The show is tagged Nigeria Independence Music Beach Carnival. This is the maiden edition. People come out with different ideas concerning the Independence Day celebration. I looked at all this and I found out there is really nothing an ordinary man can relate with. Virtually all the events to mark that day are for the elite and the middle class. The common man is not included in the fun. So I thought of bringing something that all Nigerians will relate with and participate no matter the class, religion or background. There will be the likes of Mr. Raw, Weird MC, Sammie Okposo, Kefee, Tosin Martins, Buchi, Sound Sultan, Pasuma, Shina Peters and many others. There will also be cultural display from Edo State and Lagos State. I don’t have any sponsors, I am just doing it on my own. But most of them promised to be part of it in the next edition.

Friday 28 September 2012

News Update: Pastors Battle Tope Alabi Sex Allegation




The Pentecostal Federation of Nigeria, PFN, has raised a challenge against popular gospel singer, Mrs Tope Alabi, asking her to produce the name of the said Pastors pestering her for sex in order to avoid shame to the body of Christ.

Tope had in a recent chap accused some "Men of God" of pestering her for sex only to change as soon as they discovered she's not that kind of person. 
While reacting to Tope's "blanket" statement a PFN official said, “it is not impossible that a pastor pestered her for sex as she claimed, but she needs to come out and name such an individual in order to teach others a lesson and cleanse the body of bad eggs.

"Making such unsubstantiated claims on the pages of newspapers will not make any impact but rather bring shame to the body of Christ. She knows the proper channel to follow to report something like that.”

As at the time of reporting, Tope is yet to react to the PFN's challenge.

Saudi Arabia Deports 683 Female Pilgrims




The government of Saudi Arabia yesterday Thursday September 27th deported another batch of 512 pilgrims to Nigeria, a day after deporting 171 women.
 
The Saudi government detained and eventually deported these women who went to the country for the 2012 Hajj, because they were not accompanied by approved male guardians which they say is against laid down rules of their kingdom. Over one thousand Nigerian female pilgrims were detained at the Abdul-Aziz International Airport and King Fahd Airport in Jeddah and Medina before they started gradually deporting them into Nigeria via Kano and Sokoto airports
 
Nigerian government yesterday issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Saudi authority to resolve the issue...or... Well, the ultimatum expired today and hundreds of pilgrims are still detained.
 

 

Davido acquires N140 million home in Lekki





And he's just 20. Damn! :-) The music star just acquired a property in Lekki Phase1. I mentioned N140 million because that was what the property was on the market for but I can't say for sure if that's what Davido paid for it. The acquisition of the house was concluded between yesterday and today. The house is close to where his father also has a house in Lekki. #bigboythings. Truely this guy is Omo Baba Olowo(OBO) and making money for himself. Big congrats to him!
 


D'banj on set of his 'Bachelor' video shoot in Atlanta, USA


  
Bachelor is a new single off the Kokomaster's fourth studio album

Wiz Khalifa and Amber Rose cover XXL magazine









 

PICTURES: Amidst Marriage Woes, Zaaki Azzay Cools Off In Paris


Click for Full Image SizeZaaki on his flight to France
For some weeks now, popular Nigerian singer, Zaaki Azzay's marriage was put in public domain when his wife, Hadiza alleged that Zaaki domestically assaulted her. She was reported to have sought help in an NGO named Project Alert, which fights against such issues.

A source close to the singer told our source that Zaaki was in Paris for a show he was invited to. Right now, we learnt that he is back in Nigeria, but not in Lagos at the moment.

Another source close Zaaki divulged to us in confidence that the Benue State-born musician also travelled to France in order to cool off from the marriage saga. Just recently, video of his estranged wife is on the internet alleging that Zaaki force her to abort a pregnancy.

Click for Full Image SizeZaaki with Nigeria's ambassador to France
Click for Full Image Size

Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, anti-Islam filmmaker arrested





A U.S judge ordered the alleged filmmaker behind a video that sparked protests across Muslim countries detained without bond Thursday, saying there was a risk he would try to flee.
Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, the alleged director/producer of “Innocence of Muslims,” appeared in court after being arrested for breaching the terms of his probation for a 2010 banking fraud conviction.
Prosecutor Robert Dugdale said the 55-year-old had allegedly made eight breaches, including making false statements to probation officers and using at least three different names.
Judge Suzanne Segal ruled that Nakoula, who has been hiding since protests erupted over his film, be detained without bond, saying he was a flight risk and a danger to the community.
“The court has a lack of trust in this defendant,” she said.
Concerns have been raised for Nakoula’s safety due to the widespread anger his alleged video has provoked among Muslims, and his hastily-arranged court appearance was held under tight security in downtown LA.
The hearing was closed to the public, but journalists and anyone else interested was allowed to follow proceedings via videoconference from a separate building.
Nakoula — allegedly the real identity behind the pseudonym Sam Bacile, listed as the director of “Innocence of Muslims” — was briefly taken into custody earlier this month for questioning by his probation officer.
He was traced to a home address in Cerritos, south of Los Angeles, after international protests erupted against the 14-minute trailer video posted online.
The film depicting the Prophet Mohammed as a thuggish deviant offended many Muslims, and sparked a wave of anti-American protests that have cost several lives and saw mobs set US missions, schools and businesses ablaze.


Source: Vanguard