::green imagination::

the reactive mafia called the Presidency

2011-12-06T16:57:00.002+01:00

This has to be my first critical post directed at the GEJ administration. I realize that blogging about my thoughts would make very little or no difference to the status quo.

In my opinion foresight or vision is one of the major requirements of leadership, its no longer news that majority of Nigerians voted for the current administration 'cos they wanted a departure from the recycling of the political mafia that existed, and at that point GEJ seemed to be a safe alternative.

"But you see the problem with forcing a person into power especially when it is apparent that the individual is not ready equates to walking on a broken ankle before it is fully healed".

The government of President Goodluck Jonathan has been a largely reactive one. The caliber of advisers he has also chosen to surround himself with makes me ashamed of being literate. Well as the saying goes any organization is a reflection of its leader, more often than not quality leadership has very little to do with the quality of education a leader has, its either you've got it or you aint got it. Almost every major issue since the re-election of the present administration has been reacted to from the terrorism, to gay rights, to the rape toll free helplines, to fuel subsidy removal, the economy, it is quite apparent that POLITICS is a major priority above every thing else.

These people in my opinion all have too much power, time and money on their hands that pressing social issues have never been a priority. Having foresight has alot to do with seeing potential challenges and having a backup plan to fix them.

But then again what do i know, all we ever do in this country is talk, talk and talk. from the government officials and their elaborate but empty speeches, to the youths and their blackberries, to the very loud but weak youth advocacy groups to the noisy bloggers online, all we do is talk.

For as long as everybody's business remains nobody's business, my patriotism will keep hanging by a thread.

~gd

the expert manifesto

2011-11-18T11:05:00.000+01:00

(via The Expert Enough Manifesto | Expert Enough)

Love is not enough...

2011-11-05T11:14:00.000+01:00

Remember that popular definition of Love that says: " Love is a feeling you feel you never felt before" ok now FORGET THAT! Yeah! you read that right. As far as the concept of marriage and relationships go, Love is never enough. It may sound like I'm about to put out a collage of psychotic ramblings but the plain truth is: genuine Love as we should know it cannot exist without a clear recognition of weaknesses in our partners- which as far as I'm concerned is the starting point of Love.

Love alone is never enough to guarantee a happy marriage or relationship, for the sake of being crucified before i rest my 'keys', When i say Love i do not in any way refer to the God kind of Love (Agape) which is a whole new level of perfection which also only God can give, I refer to the form we share as humans & which has evolved into a diverse mix of dilution. In its purest form Love can only inspire a healthy level of patience and tolerance & affection that becomes happiness over a period and subsequently bliss. As far as i can tell any one who writes about Love being the only requirement for bliss is a scam artist.

I rarely write about subjects like this but from my experience in relationships it all starts with certain attributes, or characteristics which can be experienced at face value, and then moves on to who we are essentially, it is by understanding what our strengths and weaknesses are we can then embark on that journey called Love which by the way is not a destination. There is no such thing as Love at first sight. The former concept is at best a heightened sense of attraction which could evolve into the real form of Love. I can only love you if I can live with and be happy with helping you over come your weaknesses. Its not just about the good looks, the fabulous boobs and ass its a lot more of the internal mixed with a little of the external.

Patience, Wisdom, Strengths, Weaknesses, Tolerance, Affection and loads of other factors are compulsory ingredients of relationship Bliss, but above all God's Grace. It is that grace that makes a man do dishes with his spouse, that makes a woman nag less, that makes a woman turn her spouse away with wisdom while he stays faithful despite.. so when i say Love is not enough, this is what i mean.

~gd

@gozzim

Osinachi: The Nigerian Born Production Genius (Joe, ciara, pitbull, wale prod. credits)

2011-10-26T10:15:00.001+01:00

so last night while trying to fall asleep i decided to listen to the new Joe album 'The good, The Bad, and The Sexy'-great album by the way, and while i was at it i made a very interesting discovery..

Meet Osinachi Nwaneri, the Nigerian born super producer one of the many Nigerians in the diapora doing big things. With production credits for the likes of ciara,wale, joe, pitbull,pussycat dolls, Dawkins&Dawkins among others, this versatile production genius seems all in a class by himself.

Osinachi produced two tracks on the new Joe album ('Losing' & 'slow Kisses') and has proven beyond reasonable doubt that he is definately a force to reckon with. As further proof of his genius, he currently works with one of the world's best when it comes to music production: Darkchild. Word on the wire is Osinachi was signed back in the day within 24 hours after Rodney Jenkins CEO of Darkchild listened to his samples. So I realise technically being born in the US he may not count as one of ours as the industry bias goes but hey that Ibo name still screams Green white Green.

cheers to green greatness!

~GD- @gozzim

License to Rob

2011-10-13T13:29:00.000+01:00

I haven't made a blog entry since my last meeting with the Russian Billionaire friend. Unfortunately i would have to narrate the concluding part of my previous post in the near future, this minute i am saddled with the burden of how impossible it seems to reduce the 'legal thieves' that pose a huge danger to us which is the Nigerian Police. Like they say Karma's a bitch, its such a hard thing to find successful policemen that have accomplished extraordinary feats in life. The billions of curses heaped on them collectively in their day to day robbery of helpless citizens is probably the cause.

I don't believe in stereotyping, but i do make exceptions to this principle every once in a while for example, its no news that a majority of Nigerians are quite STUBBORN, and as a result its hard to fix certain things like corruption, and indiscipline. In my honest opinion the easiest language a majority of us understand is FEAR. when all logical and intellectual options have been fully explored and we are still faced with the demoralizing sight of uniformed men killing, and oppressing the masses they are supposed to protect, it becomes wise to adopt a more viable solution which is fear.

I would never subscribe to violence or terrorism in any form or shape but what do you do when faced with the choice of killing or be killed? Fear and cowardice is an integral part of the Nigerian Police training if we use this it just might yield the much desired solution to this problem of legalized bribery and extortion.

If i were a 'lunatic' i would issue a public statement, with an ultimatum to the NP to desist from the indirect encouragement of corruption after which i would initiate a maiming/killing campaign of every police officer caught in the act. But I'm not..

Lessons from my Russian Billionaire Friend - I

2011-09-13T16:37:00.000+01:00

Last night i met a Russian billionaire, and don't even ask me how...lol apparently after spending about 25mins with him i also became a billionaire.- don't believe me? then read on.. As i have learned true wealth is measured in time and not in currency as riches. that said when you picture the so called 'billionaires' in our beautiful country and take to heart that earlier definition we then come to the conclusion that there is a huge scarcity of wealthy men within our shores.

'In reality the amount of time a man can can consistently maintain his current standard of living if he stops earning, is a clear indication of how wealthy he is. The term wealth is therefore relative.'

According to my Russian billionaire friend, "being wealthy is indeed a state of the mind, it all starts in the mind. it is the very reason a wealthy man can afford to get into his Jaguar XJ or gulf stream jet in the morning without actual cash in his pocket, cause within him there is a subtle confidence that he can never get stranded. After taking years of calculated risks you soon get into the realization that the fastest way to make financial progress is to be untethered to material things. luxuries are mostly a means to an end, they provide comfort and were made for man's use and not the other way round."

these were words from my new friend shortly after we met, after he was introduced to me by a young Nigerian CEO, we kind of got into a discussion about Kasparov- on time world chess grand master, and then to Russian politics and finally I asked him why it is that Russia has too many young billionaires, this is what brought about the lesson i will be sharing in these series. For the next two days of his stay in Lagos, we had interactions that blew my mind. I will go into more details in my next post but be prepared to live dangerously.

finally

2011-09-08T12:48:00.001+01:00

I finally found a way around mobile blogging guess i stopped being a cave man. :-)

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

wisdom according to drake!

2011-08-30T13:54:00.000+01:00

pay attention to his wristwatches. he definately buys what he will use... :0)

Get Paid to shoot your Videos & Quit Robbing Yourself!

2011-08-30T10:24:00.002+01:00

as far as i'm concerned the most paid entertainer/celebrity in this country aint worth sh*& in comparison to their counterparts in the developed world. It might be worthy of note that the expensive cars, houses and bling flaunted in videos and movies don't neccesary come from album sales. So if you as an artiste intend to be able to afford a bentley from money paid to you by alaba or the likes of notjust ok then you must be high on some cheap battery water.Have you ever wondered why a very tall Travie McCoy would ride in a mini cooper in the Billionaire video featuring Bruno Mars? Ching! Ching!!

Clearly while the likes of Jayz and Kanye get paid by Daimler to destroy a Maybach in a music video, our indigenous artists have to 'pay' to drive a Mustang or use bottles in their own videos. That my friends is the difference between our psyches.

"with CD sales plunging as downloading (both legal and illegal) soars, more music artists and record labels should use their videos to make money rather than to simply promote an album"

#goodnews

as TV producers blur the lines between the commercial breaks and entertainment content and as more of our entertainment content is exported to the world via MTV, Channel O and the likes it makes even more sense now to cash in on the windfall of 'advertainment'. So the next time you have to shoot a music video as an artist or a Movie as a director and you ever consider using anything from a V.S.O.P bottle, to a blackberry smartphone do it with the consciousness that you are ripping yourself off and YOU OUGHT TO BE GETTING PAID FOR IT! especially if you have attained a certain level of success as an artist.

* we can help you get paid MORE for doing what you love.

-gd

twitter: @gozzim

cold fire!

2011-08-29T20:29:00.000+01:00

i recall a few years ago while back at school, i made a trip every month to attend a very popular inspiration session in V.I hosted by a foremost motivational speaker. a friend of mine and I would come all the way and head back to school all 'fired up' 'cos we had supposedly heard and rubbed shoulders with the wealthiest & most influential motivators within and outside Nigeria.

In my honest opinion if i had to do it all over again i would probably have been satisfied with just one of those sessions, subsequently i would go on to read volumes of inspirational books all 'cos i thought i would hit it big along the line.

"what good is getting all fired up, if you cannot transfer that fire or passion to a meaningful project?"

If you are in the habit of networking you would agree with me that sometimes its not worth meeting people especially if they won't remember you the next time you meet. The best way to keep you networking memorable is to be known for a form of unique project/feat. It doesn't matter how many seminars you attend, or how many books you have read or will read, to attain a certain level of relevance you must apply your self positively to whatever passions you nurse.There will never be a perfect time to do anything meaningful.

START SOMETHING NOW!

~gd

expensive experiments

2011-08-27T17:19:00.001+01:00

we all nurse dreams and aspirations but what good is a dream when it stays in your head. every dream that has ever been fulfilled took some level of perspiration on the path of the dreamer. waiting for the perfect situations is usually the biggest hindrance to making dreams a reality. any wise man will tell you to be open minded and dream big but also be humble enough to start small. In reality not all dreams are meant for every season, someone once gave me a very smart advice when i tried to go into a certain kind of business to:

"weigh my options as far as my dreams and business plans were and be sure to choose if i was going to start a viable business venture or an expensive experiment".

in summary be open minded enough to dream big without bothering about financial or social constraints, and be humble enough to start small in accordance with your social reality without second guessing yourself. Its the only way any meaningful progress is made.

Have a fab week ahead!

~gd

the Nigerian brand of terror!

2011-08-26T14:26:00.002+01:00

a few years ago i recall telling a friend that it will be quite a while before Nigerians ever attempt to blow themselves up, apparently i couldn't be more wrong. yet again for the wrong reasons the international media from NYtimes, BBC, AP, down to the the gossip rag Bossip has its spotlight on us. for some weird reason Mutallab triggered the down trend of terror in Nigeria. the incident at the U.N building now means that in addition to our huge and shameful challenge of underdevelopment we now have to deal with terrorism too. unfortunately our brand of terror is even more senseless.

The Corporate SCAM called Sponsorship!

2011-08-24T20:50:00.000+01:00

sometimes i wish there was a more effective way to enforce sponsorship contracts in Nigeria asides from the courts. Its a huge baffle why corporate entities consciously sign sponsorship contracts with the intention to default on payment. a popular electronics giant out of Korea is especially making it a habit. the general misconception in our country that sponsoring an event is doing the promoter a huge favor is absolute B.S. If concerts where particularly easy and cheap to put together, every fool with a few bucks would be an event promoter.

All this 30% before event and 70% after business is the new SCAM from corporate entities. My advise to anyone planning an event that requires sponsorship: " get as much of your money as you can from the sponsor before the event, preferably at least 80%". I will leave it here for now.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes- Lessons in Leadership.

2011-08-22T09:48:00.000+01:00

Last night, i had the unique privilege of seeing this exceptional movie. I did go out of my way for this only because critics rated the movie 82% on the tomato meter. During experiments to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease, a genetically-enhanced chimpanzee uses its greater intelligence to lead other apes to freedom. What this synopsis doesn't mention is how there exists unique twists that make the overall story line a must watch. Directed by Rupert Wyatt and starring James Franco, this movie indeed details how true leaders come to life. It also further exposes the striking similarities between humans and lower primates. This movie gets 4-G stamps from me. some of the leadership lesson i learnt from this movie are outlined below:

Any one passionate about his grievances could make a good leader
Leadership has very little to do with size or stamina its all in the mind.
2 key ingredients of effective leadership are charisma & Patience
people don't really care how much you know until they know how much you care.
Loyalty of followers must be earned through genuine concern and the meeting of the needs of potential followers.

The Wrestling Fiasco

2011-08-21T18:23:00.000+01:00

In my entire life i have never witnessed the colossal waste of money like i did last Friday night. The UPWF wrestling championship was a total waste of money by the organizers especially after 98% of the seats where empty. Once again we learnt how failing to plan automatically implies planning to fail. The event which featured 18 wrestlers from the U.S to include:

shelton Benjamin, Meringue Warrior, Ray Mysterio, Bobby Lashley, among others was scheduled to start by 4pm but did not start until almost 10pm especially after the wrestling ring from the US only arrived at 8pm. word of advise to event organisers NEVER EVER base your planning & funding of your event on TICKET SALES, and if by any chance you do at least sell tickets 2months in advance.

circuittatoo

2011-08-13T11:00:00.000+01:00

This Epidermal Electronic System (EES) consists of circuits which could contain electrodes capable of measuring brain, heart and muscle activity in the same way an EEG does now, transmitting this data wirelessly to your doctor.

well SOME CALL IT TECHNOLOGY, I SAY THE BIBLE MENTIONED ALL THIS, AND THIS IS HOW ITS STARTS.

OTIS- Sliced Maybach to be Auctioned for Charity

2011-08-13T10:42:00.000+01:00

yesterday i seriously doubted the ability of JayZ and Kanye West to actually slice up a maybach like they did in the OTIS video off the watch the throne album. I WAS VERY WRONG! as the sliced up maybach used in the video was real and the word on the wire is that the sliced maybach is to be auctioned to raised funds for charity (to ease suffering in EAST AFRICA). By the way that car costs about $400,000. FINANCIAL ARROGANCE!! I guess i just did what they wanted- talk about their opulence. but its for a good course.

~gd.

THOR (3D)- my review

2011-05-09T17:13:00.001+01:00

THOR 3D directed by Kenneth Branagh is indeed an extra ordinary blend of a good storyline, action scenes and breathtaking sound & special 3D effects.

The movie which features Chris Hemsworth ( as thor), Natalie Portman (as Jane Foster), Anthony Hopkins (Odin the god) and Idris Elba (Heimdall the gate keeper) is indeed a good movie, Although through out the movie i couldn't help but notice the Hammer which bears a striking resemblance to SANGO's staff a Yoruba god who coincidently is also the god of Thunder according to Yoruba mythology.

THOR is a marvel comic adaptation which is based on the universal god of thunder depicted in the marvel comic series and it tells the tale of the banishment of THOR by his father who is a wise & peace loving king. It also tells an unclear and an unfinished love story between THOR and Jane. The movie which opened over the weekend has so far earned $66million at the box office.

This movie is worth the time and the little inconvenience of the 3D glasses and gets 4-G stamps from me.

FELA! my experience from behind the scenes II

2011-05-05T16:09:00.000+01:00

as promised in my previous post the following are the more shots from behind the scenes:


back stage

lighting setup & testing

cast & crew cocktail welcome reception

As i mentioned in my last post also I am already working on the next big project, and every day that passes my passion brings me closer and closer to an opportunity for adrenaline rush.

FELA! my experience from behind the scenes I

2011-04-28T20:03:00.001+01:00

The last few weeks have been pretty amazing for me. as a PR consultant i have worked on various accounts but none has been as exciting as working behind the scenes of FELA! This is obviously my first post in the last couple of months and its all cause i had to immerse my self in the spirit of the multi awarding winning broadway musical FELA!.

Bringing a broadway musical to Lagos especially when the theatre culture in Lagos is for shit seemed counter intuitive at the time. But what we had going for us was the identity of the Legend Fela anikulapo kuti on whom the broadway musical was based. So after all the pr/media campaign the stage, sound, lighting and projection equipment started to arrive from New York and south africa. The entire cast and crew from the Broadway show numbering over 72 people also arrived. Over my next posts i will upload pictures from behind the scenes. From this point i will let my pictures do the talking:

In my next post i will bring you back stage access. It gets better just before we concluded FELA! i got wind of the fact that i might work on another exciting project. The magnitude of this will blow your mind.

Yeezy wants mohits

2011-03-01T16:30:00.000+01:00

i woke up to the tweet above. at first i thought it was some kinda prank, but apparently its a real as yeezy's verified status. fresh from the whole snoop dog mohits euphoria, it seem to me that the world has not had enough of our Ngerian style of music. I am anxious to see what they come up with.

TONY® AWARD WINNING SENSATION FELA! MAKES HISTORIC ARRIVAL IN LAGOS, NIGERIA APRIL 20-29, 2011

2011-02-28T10:04:00.001+01:00

The hit Broadway musical about the life and music of Nigerian performer and political activist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti is scheduled to be performed in his home town of Lagos, Nigeria making it the first Broadway show to be performed in Sub-Saharan Africa.

FELA!, the landmark Broadway musical, which won three Tony Awards (Broadway’s highest honor) including Best Choreography (Bill T. Jones), is coming to Lagos from April 20^th to 25^th. It will be performed at the prestigious Eko Hotel’s New Expo Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. This critically lauded musical will star its original Broadway cast with Sahr Ngaujah reprising his Tony-nominated role of Fela Kuti with music provided by the internationally renowned Antibalas as well as other members of the New York City Afro-beat community.

Concurrently with the Broadway production, FELA! opened and triumphed at London’s Royal National Theater for a three-month sold-out run. That production was nominated for three Olivier Awards, London theatre’s highest honor, including Best Musical, Best Actor (Sahr Ngaujah) and Best Choreography (Bill T. Jones). This Nigerian engagement will be the first since the closing of the Broadway and London productions and the NTLive performance which was broadcast to in 370 cinemas worldwide.

The aim of FELA! in Lagos is to unite and connect Africans in spirit and unity, to serve as a catalyst for cultural revival in Nigeria, and to celebrate Fela Kuti, for the contribution he has made to Nigeria and the world. FELA! depicts the true story of the legendary Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, whose soulful Afro beat rhythms ignited the spirit of empowerment and cultural awareness in a generation. It is a tale of courage, passion and love featuring Kuti’s captivating music and the visionary direction and choreography of Tony Award winner, Bill T. Jones. FELA! in Lagos is being produced by a Nigerian production company, Broken Shackles in conjunction with Lagos State Government.

Upon its Broadway opening Ben Brantley of The New York Times wrote, “There should be dancing in the streets. The hot (and seriously cool) energy that comes from the musical gospel preached by the title character of Fela! feels as if it could stretch easily to the borders of Manhattan and then across a river or two. There has never been anything on Broadway like this production." The New York Post’s Elisabeth Vincentelli cheered, “There’s enough energy to short circuit Con Ed.” David Cote of Time Out New York, in giving it 5 stars (out of 5) raved, “Fela! is more than a musical; it’s an ecstatic phenomenon." And Jennifer Farrar from the Associated Press exclaimed, “An exuberant celebration!”

The English critics were equally effusive after the London premiere of FELA! One critic, Baz Bamigboye of The Daily Mail, summed up the critical sentiment with his review saying FELA! is a “groundbreaking show that shook Broadway and London’s Royal National Theatre to the rafters. Getting Brits to get on their feet and ‘get loose’ as Bill T. Jones puts it, was a rare feat. FELA! pulled it off by sheer exuberance and theatrical showmanship. At the same time, FELA! explored the soul of an artist and the darkness of a government that tried to block what Fela’s beam exposed.”

In addition to rave reviews from critics, FELA! has also won numerous awards and received standing ovations from such personalities as Mick Jagger, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Spike Lee, Ben Okri, Janet Jackson, Denzel Washington, Professor Wole Soyinka, Robert De Niro, and Hugh Jackman. First lady Michelle Obama, former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and President Obama’s Head of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano are but three of the dignitaries who have embraced this show.

Bill T. Jones, director and choreographer of FELA!, was recently honored with the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts award along with Sir Paul McCartney and Oprah Winfrey. The Kennedy Center Honors are awarded annually for exemplary lifetime achievement in the performing arts. FELA! also won two Astaire Awards for its cast and choreography.

FELA! on Broadway was conceived by Bill T. Jones, Jim Lewis and Stephen Hendel. Its producers include the entertainment legends Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter and Will & Jada Pinkett Smith.

A spokeswoman for Broken Shackles suggests that “with a series of media partners and sponsorships, FELA! in Lagos will be the most talked about show in Nigeria for years to come. We have created sponsorship, branding and advertising opportunities for those who wish to be a part of this historic theatrical event.”

For sponsorship, advertising opportunities, please email sponsorship@felainlagos.com

For more information on FELA! please visit http://www.felainlagos.com

For all press and public relations matters please email pr@felainlagos.com

For more information on ticketing and group sales please email tickets@felainlagos.com

Oleku: was the video worth the wait?

2011-02-17T12:22:00.000+01:00

You may recall that a few weeks ago this video was leaked online and later taken down on the request of chocolate city. As at the time of this post i must have seen this music video about 4 times to form an objective opinion.

The video which was directed by mex of Pixel Chaos makes me wonder if this director would ever settle for more live shots. In my honest opinion i think the music video was more about graphic effects and transitions than story telling. Granted Oleku is simply a feel good song but this video kind of dampens the hype of this hit track.

This video in my final opinion does not do the song enough justice at least not as much as the safe video did Safe by M.I justice. but then again its just my opinion...

53rd Grammy Awards: what went down

2011-02-14T11:57:00.003+01:00

It was a colorful affair at the 53rd annual grammy awards last night. In anticipation of the awards i personally had to sleep through the day just to stay awake for this one. First stop was E! tv where the coverage of the red carpet was unparalled form the expensive ice, to the fabulous designs, and wierd hair dos it seemed like there would be no end to all the glamour.

The enigmatic lady gaga obviously dominated the red carpet with out even walking on it as she was carried in encased in a a semi transparent egg. The event was pretty exciting as it featured performances from Usher, Justin Beiber, Ceelo Green, Bruno Mars, B.o.B, Mick Jagger, Gwyneth Paltrow amonst others.

The highest point of the event for me was performances from Usher, Justin Beiber and Jaden Smith together and the performances by Bruno, B.O.B and Monae. I also loved Ceelo Greens performance save for his costume. In all it was an awesome experience. See below for a list of winners.

***********

Winners

***********

1. Album of the year – Arcade Fire, The Suburbs

2. Record of the year – Lady Antebellum, Need You Now

3. Song of the year – Need You Now (Lady Antebellum, performers)

4. Best new artist – Esperanza Spalding

5. Best female pop vocal performance – Lady Gaga, Bad Romance

6. Best male pop vocal performance – Bruno Mars, Just the Way You Are

7. Best pop vocal album – Lady Gaga, The Fame Monster

8. Best traditional pop vocal album – Michael Buble, Crazy Love

9. Best electronic/dance album – La Roux, La Roux

10. Best solo rock vocal performance – Paul McCartney, Helter Skelter

11. Best hard rock performance – Them Crooked Vultures, New Fang

12. Best metal performance – Iron Maiden, El Dorado

13. Best rock song – Angry World (Neil Young)

14. Best rock album – Muse, The Resistance

15. Best alternative music album – The Black Keys, Brothers

16. Best female R&B vocal performance – Fantasia, Bittersweet

17. Best male R&B vocal performance – Usher, There Goes My Baby

18. Best urban/alternative performance – Cee Lo Green, F*** You

19. Best R&B song – Shine (John Legend and the Roots)

20. Best contemporary R&B album – Usher, Raymond v. Raymond

21. Best rap solo performance – Eminem, Not Afraid

22. Best rap song – Empire State of Mind (Jay–Z and Alicia Keys, performers)

23. Best rap album– Eminem, Recovery

24. Best female country vocal performance – Miranda Lambert, The House That Built Me

25. Best male country vocal performance – Keith Urban, Til Summer Comes Around

26. Best country song – Need You Now (Lady Antebellum, performers)

27. Best country album– Lady Antebellum, Need You Now

28. Best contemporary jazz album – The Stanley Clarke Band, The Stanley Clarke Band

29. Best Americana album – Mavis Staples, You Are Not Alone

30. Best contemporary blues album – Buddy Guy, Living Proof

31. Best contemporary folk album – Ray LaMontagne and the Prairie Dogs, God Willin' & the Creek Don't Rise

32. Best classical album: Verdi: Requiem (Ildar Abdrazakov, Olga Borodina, Barbara Frittoli & Mario Zeffiri; Chicago Symphony Orchestra; Chicago Symphony Chorus)

33. Best Female R&B Vocal Performance- Fantasia, Back To Me

34. Best R&B Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocals- Sade, "Soldier of Love"

35. Best R&B Album- John Legend & the Roots, Wake Up!

36. Best Gospel Performance- Bebe and Cece Winans

37. Best Gospel Song- “Its what i do” Kirk Whalum and Lalah Hathaway

38. Best Dance Recording- “Only girl in the world” Rihanna

39. Best Traditional Gospel Album- Patti Griffin

40. Best Contemporary R&B Gospel album- Bebe and Cece Winans

Final destination2

2011-02-13T15:53:00.000+01:00

This has to rank as my favorite horor(*well i think semi horor) movie of all time. I always had the impression that if you wanted a good story line in a movie, horors movies where the last place to turn. I dare say that the director of this movie has got a very twisted mind and a keen attention to details.

From the visually disturbing scenes, to the creative patterns by which each of the major casts where haunted by death,it is apparent that this is an amazing movie to watch.

The movie directed by David R. Ellis, stars Ali Larter and A.J Cook who both play individuals who cheated death by having premonitions through which they were able to save lives except that the survivors begin to die in mysterious ways after the said premonitions, which prompts them to stick together for survival

The downside to this movie for me was: after such an intense script I would have expected a more dramatic end. In conclusion this movie gets 7 G-stamps from me out of 10.

HCODE tops lists of artistes to watch out for in 2011(*with free download links)

2011-02-04T14:16:00.000+01:00

Friday, 4^th February, 2011

Indeed this prolific artiste and super producer is in a class of his own when it comes to making quality music. At just 24 years of age he has produced spectacular African artistes which include Vector, Tuface, saucekid, funbi, zara, taio amongst others, HCODE has also been involved in hybrid sampling productions of projects by American producer ‘the dream’-fancy which has received rave reviews.

As far as I can tell ‘blackberry Pins’ are supposed to be personal right? Apparently not for some celebrities, imagine what happens when an artiste decides to compose a song with his real Blackberry pin. We have heard lots of songs about blackberries, but this particular track: 210DBFF1 by this prolific artiste HCODE trumps them all as this track is bound to grow on you quickly. Asides from the fact that its his real pin, the 210DBFF1 song is a feel good, woman pleasing track that is already heating up mobile devices and online blogs. Exactly five hours after release via BB broadcast and online HCODE has received over 748 blackberry messenger add requests, if you are still in doubt I’ll advice you judge for yourself: http://bit.ly/gcSptU .

As further proof of his diversity as an artist, HCODE also teamed up with soul singer TAIO (the real Nigerian born) to produce the track REMEMBER. This track is indeed a classic R&B song that reviews the past and present of most celebrities. We would recall that some months ago HCODE released his first official single IWO NI a hybrid afro-techno track which featured VECTOR. Finally in an attempt to reach to his U.K fans HCODE released the single ‘ONE CLUB TO ANOTHER’ a feel good club banger which is a fusion of core hip hop and garage style of rap.

There is no doubt that HCODE is bound to catch the eye of award committees across Africa, the U.K and the US this year.

alternative download links:
REMEMBER - HCODE ft TAIO
http://bit.ly/gg6FAr

210DBFF1 - HCODE
http://bit.ly/gcSptU

ONE CLUB TO ANOTHER - HCODE
http://bit.ly/hojQxu

IWO NI - HCODE ft Vector
http://bit.ly/hnz5Jf

for Bookings & Media enquiries contact:

gossim daniels (swagcraft^® media)
holla@swagcraft.com
+234 706 2929 222

website: www.playhcode.com
twitter: @gozzim @iamhcode

2011: my first post

2011-02-03T15:04:00.000+01:00

my long hiatus has been more about brain storming and hibernation to a certain extent. I must confess that alot has happened to me and around me in the last 33 days of 2011. For starters my life changing decision to wrestle my creative descretion from self imposed captivity is worthy of mention.

The beginning of every year is generally believed to be dull, but it sure has not stopped governments from being (ala tunisia) toppled, or on going street protests in Egypt, Yemen, and Jordan. It has also not stopped great award shows like the Golden Globes, Oscars & grammys soon to happen and The Furture Awards back home.

This year for me is definately a life changing one. The absence of my boring weekly routine is yet to be missed by me plus i got the rare oppurtunity to see The Tourist, despicable me, The Town amongst others.

At this point before i come off as a 'blabber' i would like to welcome you all to the fabulous 2011, and RIP to the people that have lost their lives in the Tunisian and Egyptian protests.

SUSPEKT- Release Party

2010-12-14T11:44:00.000+01:00

This Thursday, 16th December, 2010 its SUSPEKTS album release party at JADE PALACE- (Volar by Vuitton). The list of celebrity guests is massive-(think any artiste that is currently relevant in the music industry). The events starts at 6pm and you are welcome to attend as long as you've got your =N=5,000 gate fee.

THE EXAM- undoubtedly my best movie of the year ****

2010-12-14T10:16:00.001+01:00

"...its not about what he said you know?..its about what he didn't say..."

***this would rank as my favorite line in this movie.

In the last 12months i have seen lots of spectacular movies, but none compares to this awesome movie i had the rare privilege to see last nite- THE EXAM.

This movie combines share genius and simplicity. In concept only the movie PHONE BOOTH comes even close.

The entire 1hr 34mins of this movie is set in one location - a room. 8 individuals after haven scaled preliminary tests are assembled in a room and given 80mins to write a final test. After several instructions from the invigilator the test commences only for the applicants to flip their sheets and discover blank pages. They must think out of the box to provide the required answer.

The movie stars Luke Mably, Colin Salmon, Jim Mistry among other fresh faces. The movie was written, directed and produced by Stuart Hazeldine.

Lame as it may sound, but this is the kind of movie you finish watching and feel so good about within and get all sorta positive ideas out of.

Its the 14th of December, and this is undoubtedly my movie of the year.

5 G-stars to this movie.

-=MTV Africa Music Awards 2010=-, LAGOS**UPDATED

2010-12-11T13:03:00.002+01:00

So it all goes down tonite! The MTV Africa Music Awards is expected to be a real adventure. a few weeks a go it was the SMVAs and the crowd was wild. I expect total chaos outside the venue as thousands make their way to the Eko Hotels and Suites Venue of the MTVBase MAMA 2010. Rick Ross, T-pain, Eve, 2face, Sasha are some of the artistes scheduled to perform at the event tonight.

As at last night, TRIBECA venue for the after party of the MAMAs 2010 was shut as the crew were tryna sort out the club for the maddest party of the year. 'Fingers Crossed'

THE WINNERS!
Best Anglophone - Daddy Owen (Kenya)
Best Francophone - Fally Ipupa (DRC)
Best Lusophone – Cabo Snoop (Angola)
Artist of the Year- 2Face (Nigeria)
Best Female – Sasha (Nigeria)
Best Male – 2Face (Nigeria)
Best Video - Fally Ipupa (DRC): “Sexy Dance”
Best Group – P-Square (Nigeria)
Brand New Act – Mo Cheddah (Nigeria)
Best Performance – Big Nuz (South Africa)
Song of the Year – Liquideep (South Africa): “Fairytale”
MAMA Legend – Miriam Makeba (South Africa)
Best International – Eminem (USA).

Bet Big, Win Big -=TAKERS=- the movie

2010-12-11T12:41:00.001+01:00

...this is not the way we do things gentlemen, its too fast, its too rushed...-A.J #this has got to be one of my best lines from the movie.

at the start I was disappointed at the lack of precision of the 'operation'. Then as if that was'nt enough the slip ups of these so called TAKERS got worse.

But without doubt my best part of the movie has got to be the Chris Brown/ Cop chase scene. His acrobatic s where off the hook. It could pass for a good movie so i would give the movie 3 G-stars. The movie stars Matt Dillon, Paul Walker, Idris Elba, Jay Hernandez, Michael Ealy, Tip 'TI' Harris, Chris Brown, Hayden Christensen, and Zoe Saldana

Its action packed and enjoyable especially at the cinemas.

Soundcity Music Video Awards Winners

2010-11-21T12:04:00.001+01:00

1. Best Male Video (Banky W) – Strong Ting – Nigeria
2. Best Female Video (Goldie) – You Know It – Nigeria
3. Best Choreography (Dama Do Bling) – Moza Girl – Mozambique
4. Best Special Effects (Djinee) – Overkillin’ – Nigeria
5. Best Editing (P Square) – Danger – Nigeria
6. Best Duo Or Group Video (Deep Level) – We Run The City – South Africa
7. Best Cinematography (Teargas) – Mhlobo Wami – South Africa
8. Best Hip Hop Video (Jozi) – Wild Life – South Africa
9. Best R & B Vide0 (Mike Anyasodo) – Fine Fine Lady – Nigeria
10. Best Pop Video (2Face Idibia) – Implication – Nigeria
11. Best Collaboration In A Music Video (Sarkodie Feat. Sway & Jayso) – Lay away – Ghana
12. Discovery Of The Year (JR) – Show Dem – South Africa
13. Best Video (Voting) (Banky W) – Strong Ting – Nigeria
14. Viewers Choice (Voting) (Buffalo Souljah) – Ezandlha Phezulu – Zimbabwe
15. Hit Producer Of The Year (As Used In A Music Video) (Sossick/DaGrin) – Pon Pon Pon – Nigeria
15. Best Western (2Face Idibia) – Nigeria
16. Best Southern (PRO) – South Africa
17. Best Eastern (Wyre) – Kenya
18. Best Central (Fally Ipupa) – DR Congo
19. Soundcity Fresh Video (Tania Tome) – Nhi Ngugu Haladza – Mozambique

The Me-naissance Group announces the release of its revolutionary smart phone application (TMGapp).

2010-11-19T13:08:00.000+01:00

Lagos, Nigeria- 18^th November, 2010

The Me-naissance Group, a mobile content and application development company Headquartered in Nigeria today announced the release of its First product: TMGapp.

TMGapp is a creative mobile application for smart phones set to change the way smart phones are used around the world. With a fusion of productivity and entertainment, the application is designed to make life easier for its users. The application currently has six (6) modules which include:

1. Around you (with the aid of GPS, find out the nearest ATM, Bar, Bank, restaurant etc)

2. TMG messenger (TMGM is a platform independent Phone-2-Phone messenger chat application)

3. Sports (view live scores, sports news, league tables around the world amongst others)

4. News (Find out the Latest showbiz & business both Locally and Internationally)

5. Cinemas ( Find out movie listings in cinemas near you, and view top box office ratings)

6. Weekend planner (The fastest way to find out the entertainment spots for the weekend)

TMG recently secured technical partnership with a very reputable Swiss based software developer with extensive experience within the Blackberry, Nokia OS, I-phone and Android platforms for the UK, EU and US Markets. This is sure to ensure that integrity of the application is maintained. In the words of the Chief Executive Officer Mr. Muyiwa Omosa:

“The idea behind this product was borne out of the quest to improve the way we accessed information in this country and also because I wanted one for myself. When I was faced with the option of coming back home after completing my undergraduate and postgraduate studies in England to get a job, I was very reluctant as I’d just got the iPhone which had loads of amazing and cool applications that just made life more exciting and easy.

I thought of how useless this amazing smart phone would be if I moved back home as I wouldn’t be able to fully utilize its functions. One morning after a lot of pressure from the parents, it finally came to me. If you want something you don’t wait for people to do it for you, as Africans we are used to the world going 10 steps ahead before taking our first. With a lot of hardwork and the Grace of God we have succeeded in providing you with this really cool and revolutionary product.” The Initial release of the TMGapp is available for free download at the link below.

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION FREE HERE: http://www.tmgapp.com/7/7/Download/Download.html

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/TMGapp/174928265857913?v=wall

Website: www.tmgapp.com

For Further Enquiries

gossim daniels

The Bobby Taylor Company

prafrica@bobbytaylor.ca | +234 706 2929 222

Extending the JAY-Z brand. (The Hits Collection Vol. 1)

2010-11-10T10:32:00.000+01:00

If there is anything i appreciate about the average American superstar hustle, it is their creative use of brand extensions. You see for them commercializing the fame and success is actually the big money spinner.

Unlike the average African artiste who earns revenue more from shows than album sales, the artists in the developed countries engage in extensive franchising and licensing deals. I believe strongly that the top class Nigerian celebrities are gradually positioning themselves for this already.

JayZ the current King of Hiphop in my books and in most others anyways launched a website http://www.jayzhitscollection.com recently in anticipation of the release of the Jay-Z hit collection.

The Hits Collection Vol. 1: Collectors Edition Box, which includes Jay's autograph laser–etched on endcaps with platinum sound 40mm audio driver and inline mic for use with the included Skullcandy x RocNation headphones, crafted from stainless steel and aluminum, and comes with a poly carbonate, protective carrying case. Also included is a 100-page bound photo book with rare photos and numbered linen covered box with a debossed Jay-Z "DIAMOND" logo, a deluxe linen covered case with debossed Jay-Z "HANDS" LOGO. Included is a double CD with rarities and 32 pages of rare photos.

MTV's 2010 HOTTEST MCs IN THE GAME

2010-10-26T11:54:00.000+01:00

2010 HOTTEST MCs IN THE GAME

1. Eminem
2. Jay-Z
3. Kanye West
4. Drake
5. Rick Ross
6. Nicki Minaj
7. Lil Wayne
8. Waka Flocka Flame
9. B.o.B.
10. Ludacris

DAREY

2010-10-21T15:50:00.001+01:00

Darey recently released two singles from his forth coming untitled album:

Don't let me know >>DOWNLOAD
The way you are >>DOWNLOAD

In my opinion the album will definately be worth every bar. The untitled album also has inputs from Jesse Jagz, Ikechukwu, Dr. Frabz, & Naeto C

money talks, bullshit walks

2010-10-20T11:12:00.002+01:00

As the popular saying goes: "money talks, bullshit walks".. well bullshit can only take you as far as getting an oppurtunity to prove yourself. The thing about such a strategy is for the smart people while bull shitting their way to the top they make conscious effort to have some level of substance, On the other hand the fools only stick with the bullshit so long and sometimes get so fortunate to be ontop only to come crashing down like a pack of cards.

So you have a hit single on rotation, or you have a traffic driving blog or website 'cos you offer juicy gossip and unravel scandals, or for some it may be your role in a movie that blew up.... which ever the case, people aint as stupid as they seem.At some point they would realise how much of an air bag you are.

Finally in a sea of huge potential and talent, bullshitting is a hard job, in a sea of mediocres its pwetty easy...

do what you love<<>>love what you do

2010-10-16T16:02:00.002+01:00

illustration by ugmonk

The thing about doing what you love for a living is it never feels like work. I believe the best way to find successful balance is when you get paid to do something you love. There is obviously a place for delayed gratification when one's passion is discovered & The fact that you are passionate about what you love won't make you mind doing it for free and doing it so well that your passion eventually speaks for you.

Finally when you have achieved that state of public recognition doing what you are passionate about you get the right to place whatever premium you want on that passion. "Don't sell yourself short"

MOHITS in collaboration with FELA ON BROADWAY

2010-10-15T09:57:00.002+01:00

MOHITS in collaboration with FELA ON BROADWAY present FELABRATION CELEBRATION on Sunday, October 17^th at the New Afrika Shrine (NERDC Rd, Agidingbi Ikeja) at 5pm.

MOHITS Stars (Dbanj, Don Jazzy, Dr. Sid, Wande Coal, Da Prince and more) will be live on stage celebrating the life of the Legendary Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

This event ‘FELABRATION’ was born to celebrate Fela’s music, life, fashion and all the many truths he shared with his fans in his music and life.

For more information visit www.felabration.net

BigBrother Allstars Finale 17th Oct. 2010

2010-10-14T14:01:00.001+01:00

Come sunday the 17th of October it will be exactly 91days and the final day of the BigBrother Allstars. The $200,000 question is who will be the winner? Personally asides from Mwisho & Munya i do not think any of the last 5 housemates have worked as hard in terms of entertainment and public show of 'stupidity' (no malice).

In my opinion, Tatiana who was evicted last sunday deserves that price more than anyone as she has been so entertaining from her terrible use of english, slangs like: FUUUuuGU, to her sexy dances, and strip teases she has found her own unique way to stay interesting. Uti on the other hand, my home boy whomi should be rooting for but SERIOUSLY REFUSE to root for has been nothing but just there in a flat kinda way, probably the best entertainment we have had from him are his constant bullying and insults to his fellow housemates which to me is a huge turn off.

You all will agree with me that as far the winning formula is concerned Kevin Chuwang pam has that. Call him pretentious and fake.. it has worked for him, and in all honesty i would have expected Uti to top Kevin's performance. Sunday will tell.

Chilean Miners: getting trapped underground could be a blessing.

2010-10-13T09:35:00.001+01:00

This picture got me thinking about the things we take for granted in life. Being confined to a such dark space with 33 other people is no joke. Not even the housemates from Bigbrother Africa would have the faintest idea what this ordeal must have felt like for the chilean miners. I believe the guys from the popular TV reality show had the hope of at least $200,000, but these 33 miners only had the hope of 3 drills slowly making their way down in a little over 2months and the hope of at least rescue.

But like in every challenge there is an upside the miners even before their rescue have already been offered book deals, movie deals amongst other perks like all expense paid trips.One thing is certian their lives have been changed forever and they have assumed full celebrity status. I bet in the next few weeks it will be lots of lights, cameras and action.

Even with all the perks above i would not give up the surface of the earth for the dark space though.

~gd.

ASA >>bEAUTiFUL iMperFection+Video Update

2010-10-04T15:29:00.001+01:00

If there was such a thing as a template for blowing up inernationally as an artist, that would be Asa. Born Bukola Elemide, Asa is set to release her sophomore album titled Beautiful Imperfection after the overwhelming success of her debut album. Asa is currently signed to the french record label: 'naive' and would release the said album on the 25th of Oct., 2010.

***also the video for the single be my mine is below

Dreams can be a hard Nut to crack...

2010-09-29T17:08:00.001+01:00

I must admit: making dreams come through is hard. Living in an enviroment like ours where there is too much for too many, but few people hoarding all that much resources it can also be very discouraging. so many young people try so hard to get into the labour market and then try so hard to get out of it once in.

The ancient mould of getting a degree or two and getting a good job... doesn't really cut it these days since almost everyone in the labour market has a degree, doesn't it make any sense for you to stand out in some way?

As much as it feels like things are not right or you do not have enough to make your dreams happen, there is only one important fuel required of you: PASSION. It is the fuel that keeps you going when that required capital ain't forth coming or when doors of potential are slammed in your face.

A word of advice to you no matter how bad things look, keep your dreams alive in your heart & mind cos it will always give you hope; secondly spend 40-70% of your time everyday thinking and doing at least a few things about that dream and watch the power of positive attraction help you make that dream a reality.

na my own be that.
~GD

The Social Network (The facebook movie)

2010-09-29T14:39:00.000+01:00

Ok so this right here is some good ish. I have waiited so long for this movie to finally be at the cinemas...from the reviews this has got to be awesome. Rotten Tomatoes a premium movie review site has give this movie a %100 rating. Thats something that doesnt happen often on there. Not even avatar got a 100% rate on that site. Enjoy the trailer. The movie opens to the Gneral public on the 1st of october, 2010.

Blackberry Playbook

2010-09-29T12:10:00.000+01:00

seriously!
is this really the ipad killer?

Top 5 Record Labels in Nigeria.

2010-09-23T10:26:00.006+01:00

12 years ago i was never a fan of the then mediocre Nigerian Music industry. Somewhere along the line their was a subtle revolution in the industry which saw us getting liberated from the NTA like mould which the industry was forced into over the years. Back in the days when we had the likes of SONY, and other international record companies things were fine especially for artist like Fela who its was said of that were it not for the life the legend led he would have been amongst the richest artist in the world as at the peak of his career.

Today the industry has grown in leaps and bounds, artists fall broadly into two key categories, the commecially conscious artistes and producers and the evergreen artists and producers (Asa, Cobhams). But like JayZ said the numbers don't lie. Not every one in our generation giveas a sh&t bout the quality of music they shake their rumps to. So the following list without out disrespect to the members and the independent artists should give you an insight into the major players in order of public appeal and number of past hit albums:

Kennis Music (Remedies,2face, Edris Abdul Kereem, Kenny saint brown, Azadus...)
Trybe Records (Eldee, da trybe, sasha, 2shotz, timi, blaise, freestyle, kaboom, dr sid etc.)
Mohits Records (D'banj, Wande Coal, Dr. Sid)
Storm Records (Dare (*then) Naeto C, Sasha)
Chocolate City (M.I, Jesse Jagz, iceprince)

*Now pls don't misunderstand me, this is in terms of number of hit artistes they have released in the last 15 years.

Now what do you all think.

Eldee tours the UK sept 24th -Oct 8th

2010-09-22T17:48:00.003+01:00

Big boy eLDee the don is set to tour the UK in the coming weeks. The tour basically is to promote the 'is it your money' mixtape. For details on venues and tour date see below:

LONDON

Official Launch Party
CLUB ZANZIBAR
291 Kirkdale road
London
September 24, 2010

CARDIFF

CODE NIGHT CLUB
Millenium Plaza
Wood street,
Cardiff
CF10 1NL
September 25, 2010

ABERDEEN

KOROVA BAR
Bridge street,
Aberdeen AB11 6JL
September 30, 2010

MANCHESTER

NEW EXCLUSIVE BAB-E-KNYBAR
103 Queens road, Cheetham hill
Off Cheetham road,
Manchester
M8 8UT
October 1, 2010

NOTTINGHAM

UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM
Portland Building Ballroom,
University Park
Nottingham
October 2, 2010

LIVERPOOL

PAN AMERICAN CLUB
Britannia pavillion,
Albert dock
Liverpool
L3 4AD
October 8, 2010

Sound City Music Video Awards (SMVA) 2010 Nominees List.

2010-09-17T12:19:00.001+01:00

Hey! its that time of the year again. The Nominees list for the Soundcity Music Video Awards (SMVA) is out. This list obviously expresses the fact that once more soundcity has broadened its scope to include more of Africa. I bet in a few years The SMVAs would be global in the real sense. The awards is scheduled to hold on the 20th of November, 2010 at The Expo Hall, Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Vote for your favorite artistes HERE

Best Male Video

1. Lay Away - Sarkodie - Ghana
2. Implication - 2face Idibia - Nigeria
3. Continua Assim - Don Kikas - Angola
4. Strong Ting - Banky W - Nigeria
5. Zambesi - Tinashe - Zimbabwe
6. Pon Pon Pon - Dagrin - Nigeria

Best Female Video

1. Without You - Airis - Nigeria
2. Estilo Xakhale - Lizha James - Mozambique
3. Don’t Leave Me - Ibiyemi - Nigeria
4. You Know It - Goldie - Nigeria
5. Moza Girl - Dama Do Bling - Mozambique
6. Fire - Becca - Ghana

Best Choreography

1. Who Born The Maga - Wande Coal - Nigeria
2. Sexy Dance - Fally Ipupa - D.R.Congo
3. Strong Ting - Banky W - Nigeria
4. Moza Girl - Dama Do Bling - Mozambique
5. Ready To Go - Styl Plus - Nigeria
6. You Got Me Like - Curtiz - Namibia

Best Special Effects

1. Catch Fire - Zaaki Azzay - Nigeria
2. Party Time - Jozi - South Africa
3. Fairy Tale - Liquid Deep - South Africa
4. Overkilling Djinee Nigeria
5. Show Dem Jr South Africa
6. Ginger Your Swagger Kc Presh Nigeria

Best Editing

1. Owo Ati Swagger (Rmx) - Cartiar - Nigeria
2. Sexy Dance - Fally Ipupa - D.R.Congo
3. Danger - Psquare - Nigeria
4. Lagos Party - Banky W - Nigeria
5. Mhlobo Wami - Teargas - South Africa
6. Moza Girl - Dama Do Bling - Mozambique

Best Duo Or Group Video

1. Tell Me Nothing - Show Dem Camp - Nigeria
2. We Run The City - Deep Level - South Africa
3. Danger - Psquare - Nigeria
4. I Think I Like Am - V.I.P - Ghana
5. Mhlobo Wami - Teargas - South Africa
6. Ready To Go - Styl Plus - Nigeria

Best Cinematography

1. Fire Is Low - Freshlyground - South Africa
2. Favourite - Stella Mwangi - Kenya
3. Strong Ting - Banky W - Nigeria
4. E No Easy - Psquare - Nigeria
5. Mhlobo Wami - Teargas - South Africa
6. Zambesi Tinashe Zimbabwe

Best Hip Hop Video

1. Pon Pon Pon - Dagrin - Nigeria
2. Tell Me Nothing - Show Dem Camp - Nigeria
3. Lay Away- Sarkodie - Ghana
4. Put It Down - Sasha - Nigeria
5. Moto - Taygrin - Malawi
6. Wild Life - Jozi - South Africa

Best R & B Video

1. Let You Know - Darey Art Alade - Nigeria
2. Be Happy - Yvonne - Kenya
3. Strong Ting - Banky W – Nigeria
4. Don’t Leave Me - Ibiyemi - Nigeria
5. Addicted - Urban Reign - South Africa
6. Fine Fine Lady - Mike Anyasodo - Nigeria

Best Pop Video

1. Nzewuwo - Toniks - Uganda
2. Overkilling - Djinee - Nigeria
3. Love Zone - Jon Germain - Ghana
4. Implication - 2face Idibia - Nigeria
5. Sweet Mistake - Samini - Ghana
6. Today Na Today Omawumi Nigeria

Best Collaboration In A Music Video

1. We Are Africans (Africa Rmx) - Jjc Ft. Femi Kuti, Kel, Eldee, Ay.Com, Mo Money, Ragga Remi - Nigeria
2. Somebody- D’black Ft. Kwabena - Ghana
3. Sample (Rmx) - Terry Da Rapman Ft. Stereoman, Pherowshuz - Nigeria
4. Lay Away - Sarkodie Ft. Sway & Jayso - Ghana
5. Owo Ati Swagger- Cartiar Ft. Dagrin, Terry Tha Rapman - Nigeria
6. Wonberi - Knighthouse Ft. Sauce Kid - Nigeria

Discovery Of The Year

1. If You Want Me - Mo’ Cheddah - Nigeria
2. Fairy Tale - Liquid Deep - South Africa
3. Gbon Gbon Gbon - Jaywon - Nigeria
4. Fine Fine Lady - Mike Anyasodo - Nigeria
5. Show Dem - Jr - South Africa
6. Pump It Up - Jesse Jagz - Nigeria

Best Video (Voting)

1. Moza Girl - Dama Do Bling - Mozambique
2. Strong Ting - Banky W - Nigeria
3. Danger - Psquare - Nigeria
4. Fire Is Low - Freshlyground - South Africa
5. Overkilling - Djinee - Nigeria
6. Zambesi - Tinashe - Zimbabwe

Viewers Choice (Voting)

1. Pon Pon Pon - Dagrin - Nigeria
2. Lagos Party - Banky W - Nigeria
3. Party 101 - Tear Gas – South Africa
4. Safe - M.I - Nigeria
5. You Bad - Wande Coal - Nigeria
6. Ezandlha Phezulu - Buffalo Souljah - Zimbabwe

Hit Producer Of The Year (As Used In A Music Video)

1. Safe - M.I - Nigeria
2. Show Dem – Jr - South Africa
3. Implication - Jay Sleek / 2face Idibia - Nigeria
4. Pon Pon Pon - Sossick / Dagrin - Nigeria
5. Sexy Dance - Fally Ipupa - Dr Congo
6. Bumper 2 Bumper - Don Jazzy / Wande Coal - Nigeria

Best Western

1. Adiouza - Senegal
2. Psquare - Nigeria
3. Samini - Ghana
4. 2face Idibia - Nigeria
5. Emmerson - Sierra Leone
6. Wande Coal - Nigeria

Best Eastern

1. Wahu - Kenya
2. Wyre - Kenya
3. Amani - Kenya
4. Marlaw - Tanzania
5. Xod - Uganda
6. Nameless - Kenya

Best Southern

1. Pro - South Africa
2. Dj Cleo - South Africa
3. Black Coffee - South Africa
4. The Dogg - Namibia
5. Lizha James - Mozambique
6. Proverb - South Africa

Best Central

1. Fally Ipupa - Dr Congo
2. Ba’ponga - Gabon
3. Barbara Kanam - Dr Congo
4. Jumo Selesao - Dr Congo
5. Nadege Mbadou - Gabon
6. Awilo Longomba - Dr Congo

Soundcity Fresh Video

1. Mr. Endowed - D’banj - Nigeria
2. Believe - D-Black - Ghana
3. Critical - Ikechukwu - Nigeria
4. Nhi Ngugu Haladza - Tania Tome - Mozambique
5. Mali Debout - Mokobe - Mali
6. Beautiful Music - Rotimi - Nigeria

*list courtesy of 234next.com & SMVA official website.

M.I quits Music: PR stunt or True Story

2010-09-16T15:00:00.002+01:00

I have struggled for almost a week with stories of M.I leaving music for acting. As much as i believe in the full exploitation of artistic brands, it bothers me: one because i have been a fan from the very beginning, two because i had the rare privilege to work as part of his PR team back in the days. The following statement has further escalated the rumors:

“I think its time for me to try something new, I’ve loved music all my life but its time to try something new. Acting is something I’ve always had a passion for and I think its time for me to tap into that area…”

Haven given the whole idea some thought, (though it may be a fact that he was in a movie) i couldn't help but think of artistes like kanye west and 5ocents who have been known to stretch creative limits to stand out. My honest opinion is this: " as much as i would like to believe the stories, i still think a greater part of rumors is a publicity stunt for the upcoming album"

whipping willow's hair...

2010-09-11T00:38:00.000+01:00

apparently genes carry a lot more than physical human attributes. A few months ago we celebrated the debut of Will Smith's son Jaden Smith on the entertainment in the movie Karate Kid. We ain't even over the movie yet and we have WILLOW SMITH a 9year old daughter to the Power couple (Will & Jada) being signed to JayZ's ROC NATION record label. Willow's first single 'whip my hair' is pwetty hot right now.

She was interview by Ryan Seacrest recently:

Beyonce's Birthday Island

2010-09-09T10:16:00.000+01:00

Apparently the best birthday gift to give your woman now is no longer diamonds but wait for it: an ISLAND. Well as beyonce turned 29 a few days ago and the gifts came pouring in, we heard of Lady Gaga's interesting gift to Beyonce which was a diamond whip and then people were like: O yeah? Gaga just outdid Jay. But in his Royal Flyness after like he put it in his own words in Hot Toddy: "Upgrading to King Louis the Thirteenth" by having Queen B in his Life, Jay-z bought his Queen an ISLAND for her birthday.

As much as i love Jayz ...i have to say he has just made things pretty difficult for young dudes like me self by raising the bar on best birthday gifts.

Check out the Island:

FRESH VIDEO: I am William

2010-09-03T10:51:00.001+01:00

Fresh video from 2shotz for the 'I am william' single off his forth coming album. ENJOY! By the way this video brings out M.I's production prowess.

::KoKo Mobile::

2010-09-01T10:25:00.003+01:00

As far as brand marketing is concerned in Nigeria, no single celebrity has been able to fully maximize their brand like Mr. Endowed.

After a series of TV commercials he came out with the koko water idea, then with his collaboration came koko mansion. Well at this point the rumors which started some time ago and made real by his Music videos is about to become a reality. Word on the wire is that D'banj will launch KOKO MOBILE in collaboration with Globacom Nigeria Ltd.

I guess we have to keep our fingers crossed.

Pictures from Notting Hill Carnival 2010

2010-08-31T17:59:00.002+01:00

If you have been following this blog you would have noticed some safety tip for the Notting Hill carnival that came up last week in London. Here are some pictures from the green angle:

Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Tolu Crown & Friend

Dj Abass

9ice

Kenny Ogungbe & Dayo Adeneye (D1)

Banky W.

Tee A.

*All pictures courtesy of Tolu Crown

White Collar S02

2010-08-27T17:14:00.002+01:00

After Prison break this series currently ranks as my second favorite. Its amazing fusion of criminal investigation, humor, Style and Intelligence simply makes you long for more. As at the time of this post i have seen 7 episodes of the second season and i just can't get enough. This series is one i definately want to get on DVD worth every minute of my time.

What makes this series different from other criminal investigation series is that for a change we get to appreciate criminal investigation from the mind of the criminal and best of all the resulting effect of the LAW and aCriminal working together. Its definately a must watch a huge G stamp!

Notting Hill Carnival 2010- 29th-30th Aug, 2010- Safety Tips

2010-08-27T14:46:00.003+01:00

Its the notting Hill carnival weekend in London. I realise that about a quarter of the Nigerian entertainment industry would be at the carnival. The tips below should help protect you:

If you see an unattended bag or package please report it to the nearest Police Officer or a member of the Public Safety team immediately.
Arrange to meet friends and family before entering the Notting Hill Carnival area. Have a set meeting place in case you lose family or friends.
Ensure arrangements for your return journey before leaving for the Notting Hill Carnival.
Go with the flow of the crowd. Keep aware, pickpockets will be attracted to the large crowds
Don’t bring your valuables or wear expensive jewellery.
Keep your belongings with you at all times.
Don’t carry too much cash or credit cards.
To avoid congestion, arrive and leave early.
Drink Plenty of Water.
We recommend you use a disposable camera.

FRESH VIDEO: Eldee-OTA MI

2010-08-27T12:25:00.003+01:00

Finally Brand new eLDee video for the single (OTA MI) from the mixtape "Is it your money Vol.1". check out the video:

For more on Eldee:
iTUNES: http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/eld...
TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/eldeethedon
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/pages/eLDee/2...
REVERBNATION: http://www.reverbnation.com/eldee

Shampoo-Mocheddah f. Chuddy K

2010-08-26T18:40:00.002+01:00

Songs like this keeps me optimistic about the Nigerian Music Industry. I believe in terms of quality the music industry is doing a lot better than Nollywood.

Mr Endowed [official Video]+D'BANJ

2010-08-16T16:31:00.003+01:00

Alas the video for the waist twisting, back breaking, and heart pumping hit single Mr. Endowed by D'banj is finally out. The video is kinda illarious and super hero themed.
>>Enjoy

Bez- More You

2010-08-13T09:02:00.002+01:00

>>Big Brother 5 Allstars

2010-07-11T16:17:00.006+01:00

its exactly 7 days to the start of season 5 of the No.1 hit reality TV show. If you enjoyed season 4 (The revolution) you best get set for season 5. There were no official auditions this time around as the 5th season would see past housemates welcomed back into the house.

I.K the Nigerian OAP who anchored the 4th season has been confirmed for the 5th season, which would see the winner walking away with $200,000. Asides from this facts very little has been revealed about any twists as has been the practice in the past. But it has been announced by Biola Alabi of mnet that viewers would be able to access at least 2 different feeds of the show using the OK button.

Well what can i say?... we simple can't wait for July 18th, 2010. I intend to keep you updated here.

tracking @MI_ABAGA at the BET AWARDS 2010

2010-06-28T08:54:00.005+01:00

pictures courtesy of Audu Maikori (Choc City)

>>BET AWARDS 2010 results

2010-06-28T08:06:00.003+01:00

Here are the results for the BET AWARDS 2010:

Best Female R&B Artist: Alicia Keys

Best Male R&B Artist: Trey Songz

Best Gospel: Marvin Sapp

Best Female Hip Hop Artist: Nicki Minaj

Best Male Hip Hop Artist: Drake

Best Group: Young Money

Best New Artist: Nicki Minaj

Best Collaboration: Jay-Z & Alicia Keys - Empire State of Mind

Video of the Year: Beyoncé featuring Lady Gaga - Video Phone

Best Actress: Mo'Nique

Best Actor: Idris Elba

YoungStars Award: Keke Palmer

Best Movie: Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire

Subway Sportswoman of the Year: Serena Williams

Subway Sportsman of the Year: LeBron James

Viewers Choice Nominees: Rihanna featuring Young Jeezy - Hard

Centric Award: Monica

Best International Act: Dizzee Rascal (UK)

>>Mo' Cheddah

2010-06-18T07:07:00.004+01:00

Hot on the heels of a Hip-Hop World nomination and an MTV Base promo deal, the prolific hip pop artiste, Mo’Cheddah drops her new hit single titled “Ko Maa Roll”, off her soon-to-be-released debut album The Franchise Celebrity.

The song comes as a sequel to her recent hit debut ‘If You Want Me’, which is already enjoying heavy rotation on radio stations across the nation; with the video blazing hard on local and Cable TV stations

With a heavy traditionally influenced beat, a catchy hook “Ko Maa Roll” which simply translates to “Let it Roll” and the distinctive voice of Mo’Cheddah, Knighthouse, in collaboration with Producers ‘Legendary Beats’ deliver a track that is sure to dominate radio and clubs everywhere.

The talented, young artist will release her highly anticipated debut album at the end of August 2010.

One day -Eldee New Video

2010-06-17T14:01:00.004+01:00

Eldee the Don has delivered another surgicaly composed video for the track: One Day. Nice feel to the video with alot of industry celebrities. Enjoy it:

Deaths over Worldcup.

2010-06-17T13:27:00.004+01:00

Somali Islamists killed two people and arrested over a dozen others for watching the World Cup on Television. On Sunday and Monday, the militants from the Hizbul Islam group raided houses in the Mogadishu district of Somalia, which resulted in 2 deaths and 35 arrests.

Hizhul Islam and Al Shabaab groups control a large amount of the region and enforce a strict interpretation of Islam which bans sports, music and dancing. This is the first time that the World Cup has been held in South Africa, and some Somali residents have continued to watch the event regardless, using makeshift satellites and tuning into local FM stations.

Courtesy: hiphopwired

HCODE-iwo ni ft. VECTOR * BANGIN TRACK

2010-06-14T08:10:00.003+01:00

Fresh Video from TUFACE-ONLY ME

2010-05-26T17:30:00.001+01:00

This video was directed by clarence peters. Splendid black and white feel.

::Mr. ENDOWED::

2010-05-25T10:08:00.005+01:00

Hey! Its Don Jazzy again...lol DBANJ drops another hit on us Mr. Endowed, following his recent multi-million dollar international recording contract signing. Enjoy, download and contribute to making it a certified hit.

DOWNLOAD HERE>>

BET Awards Nominees

2010-05-19T11:25:00.004+01:00

The BET Awards will take place live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 27th at 8 PM Eastern.

VOTE HERE

2010 BET Awards nominees:

Best Female R&B Artist
Beyoncé
Mary J. Blige
Melanie Fiona
Alicia Keys
Rihanna

Best Male R&B Artist
Chris Brown
Raheem DeVaughn
Maxwell
Trey Songz
Usher

Best Female Hip-Hop Artist
Ester Dean
Lil’ Kim
Nicki Minaj
Rasheeda
Trina

Best Male Hip-Hop Artist
B.o.B
Drake
Fabolous
Jay-Z
Ludacris

Best New Artist
Justin Bieber
Melanie Fiona
Nicki Minaj
Wale
Young Money

Best Gospel
The Anointed Pace Sisters
Kirk Franklin Presents Artists United For Haiti
Tamela Mann
Marvin Sapp
Vickie Winans

Best Group
Black Eyed Peas
Clipse
Diddy-Dirty Money
New Boyz
Young Money

Best Collaboration
Beyoncé featuring Lady Gaga – “Video Phone”
B.o.B featuring Bruno Mars – “Nothin’ on You”
Drake and Trey Songz – “Successful”
Drake featuring Lil Wayne, Kanye West and Eminem – “Forever”
Jay-Z and Alicia Keys – “Empire State of Mind”
Trey Songz featuring Fabolous – “Say Aah”

2010 BET Awards nominees:

Video Director of the Year
Benny Boom
Gil Green
Anthony Mandler
Chris Robinson
Hype Williams

Video of the Year
Beyoncé featuring Lady Gaga – “Video Phone”
B.o.B featuring Bruno Mars – “Nothin’ on You”
Melanie Fiona – “It Kills Me”
Jay-Z and Alicia Keys – “Empire State of Mind”
Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West – “Run This Town”

Viewer’s Choice
Beyoncé – “Sweet Dreams”
Jay-Z and Alicia Keys – “Empire State of Mind”
Monica – “Everything to Me”
Rihanna featuring Young Jeezy – “Hard”
Trey Songz f/ Fabolous – “Say Aah”
Young Money featuring Lloyd – “Bedrock”

Best International Act
Kojo Antwi (Ghana)
Chipmunk (UK)
Dizzee Rascal (UK)
Estelle (UK)
Hip Hop Pantsula (HHP) (South Africa)
K’NAAN (Somalia)
M.I. (Nigeria)
P-Square (Nigeria)
Corinne Bailey Rae (UK)
Sade (UK)

Centric Award
Melanie Fiona
Maxwell
Chrisette Michele
Monica
Sade

PSQUARE>>E NO EASY- (New PSQUARE video)

2010-05-17T15:39:00.003+01:00

INTRODUCING HCODE!

2010-05-17T12:57:00.005+01:00

We would like to introduce to you HCODE, a fabulous Music Producer and Artist out to redefine music in Nigeria. We are not saying this simply because we have the privilege of working with him, but because his style of music is the kind that gets us a pamanent spot on the international music radar.

****************************************************

To download for free his lead single iwo ni ft. Vector pls follow this link:: DOWNLOAD-IWO NI *LINK1
DOWNLOAD-IWO NI *LINK2

****************************************************

Also to become a fan and learn more about HCODE follow this link::
http://bit.ly/ajf3vu

We hope you download the track and enjoy it, and also visit HCODE's fanpage and hit the like button.

You could also follow HCODE on twitter: @iamhcode

NB: The Video for the song would soon be released.

#The Armani Hotels and Resorts

2010-05-08T12:32:00.011+01:00

welcome to Dubai the city of spectacular views, grand openings and one place where the affluence of a few pushes intellectuals beyond their limits.

Five years in the making, repeatedly delayed by financial and then natural disaster, the city’s most hotly anticipated

hotel finally opened last week. The ARMANI HOTEL yeah u read that right the world famous designer Giorgio Armani finally stretched the limits of the luxury lifestyle his brand is known for world over.

Exclusively housed in the distinctive Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, the Armani Hotel Dubai is the first of a series of hotels, resorts and residences designed by Giorgio Armani to be opened around the globe and marks fashion maestro Giorgio Armani’s debut in to the world of hospitality. Defined by its unique location, highest standards of aesthetics and service excellence, the Armani Hotel Dubai is the most exclusive destination in the city.

Adding to the claustrophobia of this spectacular too good to be true hotel, everything is decked out in dark wood. There are no door handles and the doorbells and room numbers are set flush into the walls. It’s sleek and it’s smooth, but the over-riding impression is more of a walk-in closet than a hotel corridor.

>>who born the maga video wande coal ft. Kswitch

2010-05-08T12:17:00.003+01:00

The Grand Conspiracy (did he know exactly how long he had to live)

2010-05-06T11:00:00.006+01:00

I must confess that my believe in the fact that most things are not what they seem is unwavering. The news of the death of our President and Commander In Chief (President Umaru Yaradua) stirred up some very heated argument about grand conspiracies which were birth at the end of former President Obasanjo's tenure.

The summary of the cause of the argument was this:

1. Was President Yaradua aware of his eminent demise such that he was a part of the power sharing conspiracy?

2. Did President yaradua just die on the 5th of May, 2010 or he had been dead for some time before the final announcement.

3. Was President Obasanjo a corrupt leader?

The issue got so flogged that all sorts of angles were exposed which only made me wonder....

In my opinion there will always be two classes of people.

1. Those who watch the news happen.

2. Those who make the news happen.

As a PR consultant i realise that not everything we read on the pages of newspapers or watch on the news are entirely true. As a specie that thrives on appearance, we would go to any length to scheme, lie, tell half truths, omit, twist and even kill to make appearances favor us as a people. The history books are full of such records:

we all know of Prof. Wole Soyinka's reputation in the international community but yet in our national history books he was accused of profiting illegally from the National Road Safety Corps funds. Does that make him a corrupt man.?

As i understand it the world is in a constant state of balance and any disturbance of any sort cause the world to attempt a correction of the disturbance in the long run (take global warming for example).

So then you ask me was President Obasanjo a corrupt leader? and my answer to you is this. President Obasanjo is only as corrupt as President Clinton (former US president), or President Bush, or even President Obama. As a leader who desires to be seen as an effective leader i understand that certain measures have to be taken to ensure the peace & stability of of a nation.

of all the governors, senators and political heads in the country at that time Yaradua was hand picked and for balance Goodluck Jonathan was also selected to deputise. Frgive me when i say that nothing happens by accident. Call it divine arrangement, but i will tell you that even though my statements make not make sense right now, some hidden truths would not remain within the walls of the Presidential villa forever. On the day the the walls of Aso Rock decide to speak the 2 decade old hiddens truths which have reflected off it, then would realise that there is more to news headlines than meets the eye.

May God grant our Late President Eternal rest.

~gossim

>>Blood and Oil- The Niger Delta Movie

2010-04-26T17:14:00.007+01:00

Writing about the Niger Delta crisis is something i have avoided for a long time but after seeing this movie:
Blood and Oil written by Guy Hibbert and directed by David Artwood. I have gained some considerable insight into the Niger Delat Complexity.

Like it or not i believe this movie somehow is a fair assessment of the situation maybe not in total alliance with the fictional plot of the movie but in the message. From the local dialects and pidgin english used to the locations and cast (not toattly) the Blood and Oil movie produced for the BBC is a must watch.

Mark Unwin is one of four employees of Krielsen International oil company captured by militant group MEND
whilst they are working in Nigeria his wife Claire flies out with Alice Onuko, Nigerian-born,British-raised P.R. consultant for Krielsen. When the women arrive in Port Harcourt they are told a ransom has been agreed - as is the norm since MEND depends on ransoms to fund itself.

However when civil rights worker Keme, acting as go-between, escorts the women to the handover place they find only the corpses of Mark and his co-workers. Next day Claire meets a journalist who tells her the men were killed by the Nigerian government after their release by MEND and he is himself later found dead.

She also learns that he was having an affair with Angel, a prostitute,whom she confronts but who is whisked
away in a car before she can say anything. Alice is equally shocked to find that her father has made his money less than scrupulously from oil.
Keme is jailed but Alice levers Tunde,the police chief, into releasing him despite Tunde's efforts to silence her.
Keme takes Alice and Claire deep into the jungle to meet MEND leader Ebi who swears that Mark's murderers were Nigerian officers under Tunde and his men,who staged the massacre to blame MEND.

I could go on and on but this movie is better appreciated when watched.

>>Dagrin

2010-04-23T09:13:00.006+01:00

Enough has been said about Dagrin the car crash and finally his death. I believe its very natural for people to say lots of positive things about the dead. But in all the comments i have read or heard about Dagrin's death there is one very common factor, the fact that Dagrin was a very likable person. If you had a very bad day that left you frowning all the way, a chance meeting with Dagrin would at least calm ur nerves simply cos he was always smiling plus his goat styled laughter was easily recognizable by all.

In such a short period his explosion was felt by all what if his career then lasted over 50yrs what would he have done?

In my opinion, I think for someone who survived that long after such an accident, Dagrin shouldn't have been kept at LUTH. For God's sake whatever happened to the Reddingtons and St. Nicholas's in this country. I think for some reason the medics may have been sloppy in some way. I do not wish to be insensitive to the pain felt by every one right now, but i just wonder, if Kanye could survive Jaw reconstruction after a more ghastly accident, and 50 did also wande coal did, would it have been too much to give Dagrin some better medical attention?

I realise nothing we can ever say or do can bring him back, but one thing is certain we won't have another Dagrin. I sincerely desire Eternal rest for Olaitan (Dagrin). Find below a freestyle by Dagrin over the pon pon pon beat. This is a clear picture of his kind of person off stage.

>>Road Trip

2010-04-19T10:44:00.006+01:00

All Aboard! nah....this aint the old steam train conductor. Seeing that i am still crazy in love with my team Barcelona couldnt resist this post. That most major airports in Europe are closed is no longer news.

The catalans got on a road trip Sunday to make their champions league game on tuesday against InterMillan. Here are some pix of the team on this road trip.

Obama got a Grammy!

2010-04-16T08:57:00.006+01:00

How much really does one have to have to be the most powerful man in the world. Obama recieved an income of $5.5mill and paid bout $1.8mill in taxes. But in contrast to what all them celebrities like beyonce, JayZ, 50cents etc.earn Obama's income is but a shadow of theirs & ordinarily Obama wouldn't even be a match.

But of course being commander in chief has its perks...lol. Obama, a former law school instructor and U.S. senator, became a millionaire a few years ago through sales of his 1995 memoir "Dreams From My Father" and his 2006 political book, "The Audacity of Hope." He earned about $4 million in royalties in 2007, the year he launched his presidential campaign.

Sales included his audio versions of the books, for which Obama won two Grammy awards in the spoken-word category. Power as it seems is in the american context is beyond bank balances as is the case in Nigeria. Its more about the people's believe in an individual.

#10 (Ten) Steps After Kelly Hansome Disses U.-by M.I

2010-04-14T10:23:00.002+01:00

Couldn't help laughing when I read these Tweets by M.I. (Mr. Incredible) which he titled:

Please endeavour to savour the humour

#1: (ten steps after kelly hansome disses u): Remember.. You are still beautiful.. And God and ur parents love you still..

#2 (Ten steps after kelly hansome disses you): Listen to song over and over till you know all lyrics and can appreciate artistry in song

#3 (ten steps after kelly hansome disses you): attend recovery group of artists recuperating after their own disses, eg..mohits, terry g etc

#4 (10steps after kelly hansome disses u): wear fake mustache for a month, disguise self, song is prolly so hot and everyone will know it!!

#5: (ten steps after kelly hansome disses you): write open apology to kelly hansome, post on www.360nobs.com sayng sorry 4 being succesful

#6 (ten steps after kelly hansome disses you) promise world 2 grow taller; seek out height doctor, or taller shoes e.g goth shoes 4rm camden

#7 (ten steps after kelly hansome disses you): collect all future awards saying.. I don't deserve this..is kelly handsome here(he is not!)

#8 (ten steps after kelly hansome disses you) rewrite fast money fast cars.. Calling it.. Fast money fast cars; the fab life of kelly hnsme!

#9 (ten steps after kelly hansome disses you): refer to show promoters as 'Maga' making phrase maga don pay.. Relevant and correct to self!

#10 (ten things to do after kelly hansome disses you): wonder why 'kelly rowland' is dissing you and why she sounds like a nigerian man

credit goeas to Ohimai for making this available.

>>lars lagerback

2010-03-04T09:57:00.005+01:00

ok! so thats the guy... Lars Lagerback. The New Nigerian Coach, they say he was employed for his humility & Professionalism. Time will tell. as far as i know he was co-coach of the swedish national team that 'refused' to qualify for the same world cup Amodu qualified for without lossing a match.

Honestly i have no problems with his engagement, but @ =N=39million a month this dude better produce results. I understand he was also on the team that wooped Nigeria at the world cup, and he detailed the strategy used to woop the eagles back then to the NFF team that interviewed him. Obviously he has lots of experience on our weaknesses.

One thing is for sure, he will bring DISCIPLNE, and SOUND JUDGEMENT. Players will also be selected on merit.

>>Lebron James

2010-03-04T08:38:00.005+01:00

what is it about this guy that makes top celebrities all over want to please him. This 25 year old cleveland cavaliers basketballer rumored to be worth about 29million dollars as at November 2009 is indeed the future of basketball.

Ordinarily i wouldnt have bothered bout posting this save for the fact that when i woke up this morning i couldnt help but notice the new Mary J. Blige -STRONGER official music video. which was dominated by clips of James' career. This is just after the recent Forever video by drake which had similar clips.

There must be something about this guy, he has been in lots of movies, TV series and music videos. the guy is like a magnet of some sort. I gues it all comes with being a successful NBA superstar.

here is the drake video:

Knighthouse Streetscriptures VOL.1>>

2010-02-26T10:21:00.004+01:00

Due to be released online on the 3rd of March, 2010.

The album features the finest names in the hip-hop world such as Mode 9, ill Bliss, Terry da Rapman, M.I, Kel, Saucekid, Blaise, Nyore, Mo'Cheddah, 4^th Republic, Sasha, Rooftop MCs, Loose Kaynon, Tha Suspect just to mention a few and even celebrity director Clarence Peters makes an appearance. The album also features celebrity media personality Bigtyme (Rhythm fm).

#Lightupnigeria Advocacy Video

2010-02-19T10:19:00.000+01:00

10 Nigerian artistes to watch out for in 2010

2010-02-18T17:09:00.006+01:00

2010 the magical year for Nigerian Music. Something huge is about to happen. For one i am pretty sure that the grammy committee would listen to at least one of these artistes, not just 'cos 2 of them have the US in them but 'cos they are fabulous. I also added a hot list of smoking producers that will dominate 2010. Trust me this is more than my opinion. More so most of them have been underground for way too long ...but lets just call them Rookies. They all drop albums in 2010 hopefully.

~Artistes
#iceberg slim
#iceprince
#jesse jagz
#skales
#vector tha viper
#pype
#Bez
#M.I (boy's still on fire with M.I2)
#Rukus

~Producers
#don jazzy
#jesse jagz
#sarz
#Dockta Frabz
#cobhams

If u had GOODLUCK what would your cabinet look like?

2010-02-17T14:24:00.002+01:00

Ok here people here is a little excercise us all:

" imagine you've got so much GOODLUCK in ur system and some day you find yourself as the President of the federal repulic of Nigeria. What would your cabinet look like. TO do this right i have list below key cabinet positions just think of all the good and effective people we still have in Nigeria anybody and just fill in your picks "
for example here is my list:

Vice President-
Minister for Foreign Affairs- Prof. Wole Soyinka
Minister of Power & Steel- Adams Oshiomole
Minister of Information- Jimi Agbaje
Chief of Defence Staff- Brig. General Bubar Marwa
Attorney General of the Federation-*
Inspector General of Police- Nuhu Ribadu
Minister of Finance- Tayo Aderinokun
Minister of Tranport- Gov. Babatunde Fasola
Minister of Culture & Tourism- Donald Duke

so here's how it works just copy the list below and fill in the blanks:

Vice President-
Minister for Foreign Affairs-
Minister of Power & Steel-
Minister of Inofrmation-
Chief of Defence Staff-
Attorney General of the Federation-
Inspector General of Police-
Minister of Finance-
Minister of Tranport-
Minister of Culture & Tourism-

Basketmouth 100 percent - Lord of the Ribs

2010-02-16T14:07:00.004+01:00

OK ITS OFFICIAL OURS BOYS ARE ON RAMPAGE AGAIN. BASKET MOUTH(Bright Okpocha) HOSTS HIS FIRST SHOW AT THE O2 ARENA IN LONDON. THE EVENT WHICH HOLDS ON SUNDAY THE 21ST OF FEBRUARY 2010, WOULD FEATURE ARTISTS SUCH AS: M. I, YEMI SAX, BANKY W., ELDEE.

OBI MU O

2010-02-09T09:58:00.001+01:00

IT took a while but its finally here.

Future Awards 2010

2010-02-06T15:30:00.010+01:00

In a few hours the 2010 edition of the fure awards will take place at Muson Centre, Lagos Nigeria.
Check back here for the year's winners.

Hosts: Naeto C, Munachi Abii

==============================UPDATE=============================
>>>RESULTS IN::

Young Person of the Year: Ify Aniebo

On-Air-Personality of the Year (Radio): Mase (Wazobia FM)

On-Air-Personality of the Year: Andre Blaze (Nigezie)

Musician of the Year: M.I.

Music Producer of the Year: Jesse Jagz

Magazine of the Year: Sound City Blast

Actor of the Year: Kemi Lala

Best Use of Advocacy: Tolu Sangosanya (Dustbin Estate Children)

Best Use of Science: Ify Aniebo

Best Use of Technology: Bade Adesemowo(Bincom)

Business Owner of the Year: Debola Lewis(Yvent Couture)

Journalist of the Year: Ruona Agbroko(NEXT)

Excellence in Public Service: Fatima Zara Modibbo

Creative Artist of the Year: Adekunle Samuel Owolabi

Team of the year: African Youths Unite for Change

Style Enterpeneur of the Year: Linda Ikeji (Blackdove Communications)

Sportsperson of the year: Janet Dung

Screen Producer of the Year 2010: Kenneth Yang (Finding Aisha)

Model of the Year: Warebi Martha Ebigbabor

Professional of the Year: Ifunnaya Maduka (Dean of Students, Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls)

BLINDSIDE MOVIE

2010-02-05T10:09:00.010+01:00

I must say that this movie deserves a mention.
Blindside had me so teary eyed, just for that its got a g-stamp on it, This movie summarizes what good moview should look like. The storyline features Michael Oher, an offensive lineman who plays for the Baltimore Ravens of the NFL.

The film follows Oher from his impoverished upbringing, through his years at Wingate Christian School, his adoption by Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, and on to his position as one of the most highly coveted prospects in college football.

Blindside stars Sandra Bullocks who has so far won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama and Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role both for the Blindside movie.

The movie which was released in 2009 and was shot on a Budget of $29 million was directed by John Lee Hancock who also co wrote the script with the original author of the book Michael Lewis.

This is definately a must watch.

Official Website:: www.blindsidemovie.com

maga no need pay

2010-02-05T09:42:00.000+01:00

GRAMMY AWARDS

2010-02-01T08:24:00.010+01:00

Results at the grammies, i had the privilege of watching the proceedings on the red carpet and the live show. It was indeed awesome

Album of the Year: Fearless, Taylor Swift

Record of the Year: "Use Somebody," Kings of Leon

Song of the Year: "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," Beyoncé

New Artist: Zac Brown Band

~POP

Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: The Black Eyed Peas, "I Gotta Feeling"

Pop Vocal Album: The E.N.D., The Black Eyed Peas

Female Pop Vocal Performance: Beyoncé, "Halo"

Male Pop Vocal Performance: Jason Mraz, "Make It Mine"

Traditional Pop Vocal Album: Michael Bublé Meets Madison Square Garden, Michael Bublé

Pop Collaboration With Vocals: Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat, "Lucky"

Pop Instrumental Performance: Bela Fleck, "Throw Down Your Heart"

Pop Instrumental Album: Potato Hole, Booker T. Jones
Rihanna, Mos Def, Jay-Z Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images

~R&B

Female R&B Vocal Performance: Beyoncé, "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)"

Male R&B Vocal Performance: Maxwell, "Pretty Wings"

R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: Jamie Foxx and T-Pain, "Blame It"

Traditional R&B Vocal Performance: Beyoncé, "At Last"

R&B Song: "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," Beyoncé

R&B Album: Blacksummers' Night, Maxwell

Contemporary R&B Album: I Am...Sasha Fierce, Beyoncé

~RAP

Rap/Sung Collaboration: "Run This Town," Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West

Rap Performance by a Duo or Group: "Crack a Bottle," Eminem, Dr. Dre and 50 Cent

Rap Song: "Run This Town," Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West

Rap Album: Relapse, Eminem

Rap Solo Performance: Jay-Z, "D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)"

Urban/Alternative Performance: India.Arie and Dobet Gnahoré, "Pearls"
Taylor Swift Michael Caulfield/Getty Images

~COUNTRY

Country Album: Fearless, Taylor Swift

Female Country Vocal Performance: Taylor Swift, "White Horse"

Male Country Vocal Performance: Keith Urban, "Sweet Thing"

Country Song: "White Horse," Taylor Swift

Country Collaboration With Vocals: "I Told You So," Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis

Country Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: Lady Antebellum, "I Run to You"

Country Instrumental Performance: Steve Wariner, "Producer's Medley"
Kings of Leon Steve Granitz/Getty Images

~ROCK

Rock Album: 21st Century Breakdown, Green Day

Solo Rock Vocal Performance: Bruce Springsteen, "Working on a Dream"

Rock Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: Kings of Leon, "Use Somebody"

Rock Song: "Use Somebody," Kings of Leon

Hard Rock Performance: AC/DC, "War Machine"

Metal Performance: Judas Priest, "Dissident Aggressor"

Rock Instrumental Performance: Jeff Beck, "A Day in the Life"
Lady Gaga John Shearer/Getty Images

~DANCE

Dance Recording: "Poker Face," Lady Gaga

Electronic/Dance Album: The Fame, Lady Gaga

~TRADITIONAL/ALTERNATIVE/WORLD

Alternative Music Album: Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, Phoenix

Americana Album: Electric Dirt, Levon Helm

Bluegrass Album: The Crow/New Songs for the Five-String Banjo, Steve Martin

Traditional Blues Album: A Stranger Here, Ramblin' Jack Elliott

Contemporary Blues Album: Already Free, The Derek Trucks Band

Traditional Folk Album: High Wide & Handsome: The Charlie Poole Project, Loudon Wainwright III

Contemporary Folk Album: Townes, Steve Earle

Hawaiian Music Album: Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar, Volume 2, Various Artists

Native American Music Album: Spirit Wind North, Bill Miller

Zydeco or Cajun Music Album: Lay Your Burden Down, Buckwheat Zydeco

Reggae Album: Mind Control—Acoustic, Stephen Marley

Traditional World Music Album: Douga Mansa, Mamadou Diabate

Contemporary World Music Album: Throw Down Your Heart: Tales From the Acoustic Planet, Vol. 3—Africa Sessions, Béla Fleck

New Age Album: Prayer for Compassion, David Darling

~VISUAL MEDIA

Short Form Music Video: "Boom Boom Pow," The Black Eyed Peas

Long Form Music Video: "The Beatles Love—All Together Now," Various Artists

Spoken Word Album (Includes Poetry, Audio Books and Storytelling): Always Looking Up, Michael J. Fox

Musical Show Album: West Side Story

Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media: Slumdog Millionaire

Score Soundtrack Album tor Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media: Up, Michael Giacchino

Song Written for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media: "Jai Ho" (from Slumdog Millionaire), A.R. Rahman, Sukhvinder Singh, Tanvi Shah, Mahalaxmi Iyer and Vijay Prakash

Instrumental Composition: Married Life (from Up), Michael Giacchino

Instrumental Arrangement: "West Side Story Medley," Bill Cunliffe

~GOSPEL

Gospel Performance: "Wait on the Lord," Donnie McClurkin featuring Karen Clark Sheard

Gospel Song: "God in Me," Mary Mary featuring Kierra "KiKi" Sheard

Rock or Rap Gospel Album: Live Revelations, Third Day

Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album: The Power of One, Israel Houghton

Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album: Jason Crabb, Jason Crabb

Traditional Gospel Album: Oh Happy Day, Various Artists

Contemporary R&B Gospel Album: Audience of One, Heather Headley

~LATIN

Latin Pop Album: Sin Frenos, La Quinta Estación

Latin Rock, Alternative or Urban Album: Los De Atras Vienen Conmigo, Calle 13

Tropical Latin Album: Ciclos, Luis Enrique

Regional Mexican Album: Necesito De Ti, Vicente Fernández

Tejano Album: Borders y Bailes, Los Texmaniacs

Norteño Album: Tu Noche Con...Los Tigres Del Norte, Los Tigres Del Norte

Banda Album: Tu Esclavo y Amo, Lupillo Rivera

~JAZZ

Contemporary Jazz Album: 75, Joe Zawinul & the Zawinul Syndicate

Jazz Vocal Album: Dedicated to You: Kurt Elling Sings the Music of Coltrane and Hartman, Kurt Elling

Improvised Jazz Solo: "Dancin' 4 Chicken," Terence Blanchard, soloist

Jazz Instrumental Album, Individual or Group: Five Piece Band—Live, Chick Corea and John McLaughlin Five Peace Band

Large Jazz Ensemble Album: Book One, New Orleans Jazz Orchestra

Latin Jazz Album: Juntos Para Siempre, Bebo Valdés and Chucho Valdés

~CLASSICAL

Engineered Album, Classical: Mahler: Symphony No. 8; Adagio From Symphony No. 10, Michael Tilson Thomas and San Francisco Symphony

Producer of the Year, Classical: Steven Epstein

Classical Album: Mahler: Symphony No. 8; Adagio From Symphony No. 10

Orchestral Performance: Boston Symphony Orchestra; Tanglewood Festival Chorus, Ravel: Daphnis et Chloé

Opera Recording: Britten: Billy Budd, London Symphony Orchestra; Gentlemen of the London Symphony Chorus

Choral Performance: Mahler: Symphony No. 8; Adagio From Symphony No. 10, Laura Claycomb, Anthony Dean Griffey, Elza van den Heever, Katarina Karnéus, Quinn Kelsey, James Morris, Yvonne Naef and Erin Wall; San Francisco Symphony; Pacific Boychoir, San Francisco Symphony Chorus and San Francisco Girls Chorus

Instrumental Soloist(s) Performance (With Orchestra): Prokofiev: Piano Concertos Nos. 2 & 3, Philharmonia Orchestra

Instrumental Soloist Performance (Without Orchestra): Journey to the New World, Sharon Isbin

Chamber Music Performance: Intimate Letters, Emerson String Quartet

Small Ensemble Performance: Lang, David: The Little Match Girl Passion, Ars Nova Copenhagen & Theatre of Voices

Classical Vocal Performance: Renée Fleming, Verismo Arias

Classical Contemporary Composition: Higdon, Jennifer: Percussion Concerto, Jennifer Higdon

Classical Crossover Album: Yo-Yo Ma & Friends: Songs of Joy and Peace, Yo-Yo Ma

Surround Sound Album: Transmigration, Robert Spano, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Choruses

~CHILDREN

Musical Album for Children: Family Time, Ziggy Marley

Spoken Word Album for Children: Aaaaah! Spooky, Scary Stories & Songs, Buck Howdy

~OTHER

Comedy Album: A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!, Stephen Colbert

Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s): "Quiet Nights," Diana Krall

Recording Package: Everything That Happens Will Happen Today, David Byrne and Brian Eno

Boxed or Special Limited-Edition Package: Neil Young Archives Vol. I (1963–1972), Neil Young

Album Notes: The Complete Louis Armstrong Decca Sessions (1935-1946), Louis Armstrong

Historical Album: The Complete Chess Masters (1950-1967), Little Walter

Engineered Album, Nonclassical: Ellipse, Imogen Heap

Producer of the Year, Nonclassical: Brendan O'Brien

Remixed Recording, Nonclassical: "When Love Takes Over" (Electro Extended Remix), David Guetta featuring Kelly Rowland

i-solation, ipad & apple

2010-01-29T10:01:00.006+01:00

i-solation

It is no longer news that Apple has announced the 'ipad' its latest product offering. But what may come as news to some is the fact that Apple Inc. as an entity is managed like a cult-in translation, its management aint that different from the chinese government in style.

Now before you conclude about this article, this is not a bashing of Apple Inc. management style, but an analysis of how Apple Inc. led by Steve Jobs has used the concept of isoloation to better its lot.

The use of excessive divide and conquer techniques, oaths of secrecy by staff, isolation (of the industrial design team) has partly been responsible for the revolutionary success of Apple.

Following the announcement of the apple ipad this wednesday, mixed reviews have greeted the product but one that has caught my eye is the fact that 3 other brands are laying claim to the trademark 'ipad' claiming apple had no right to use their registered trademark. This i blame on isolation. A company that is very much in the system would know what the industry pulse reads.

Now here's the issue. A few years ago some dedicated BMW customers protested to the management of BMW that they up their industrial designers such that the newer models of the brand would be more sleek and very intune with the times, In responding the management announced that their brand was not for the masses and that if the protesters didnt like their cars they shouldn't buy them. Which as far as concerned was a BIG slap to customers. Finally when reality of dwindling sales hit years ago the latest specs of BMW cars would attest to the fact that they had to cave in to the pressure from customers.

For a very long time the process of bringing new products to the market which include market research, sampling and testing have been grossly ignored by Apple, and they have gotten away with this so much because for some reason they have a genuis as the VP of Industrial Design who keeps coming up with irrestable designs that work.

its been said that The Industrial Designers @ Apple led by Jonathan Ive work out of a secluded cove with in the Apple Inc. campus and they report directly to the CEO Steve Jobs directly who also is the only one that has direct access to the work enviroment of the designers. These designers are made to sign NDA's to ensure non of their desings are ever leaked. Apple does not do public BETA testings-PERIOD!

This strategy helps drive all sorts of rumors and industry speculations about expected apple product. Th online tech media fabricates all sorts which in turn transcends to good hype and PR for the potential product. This is how it worked with th iphone. And this in my conclusion is about the cheapest way to market Apple products: WORD OF MOUTH.

In summary my ramblings are simple: the concept of isolation is a two edged sword as much as it works best for brands like Apple that have been strategically placed which causes them to force products on its customers without asking customer opinion, it could also backfire just like it would soon become apparent.

The 'ipad' was over hyped and expectations became very high... but in the end Uncle Steve would learn again that the CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT. plus how long will it take Apple to realise that the day they lift the AT&T caveat off iphones they would see maximised global sales. Well i guess they better have a good reason...