Monday, August 30, 2010

Dotstar and other artistes shine at Imperial Awards

The Imperial awards have come and gone but the memories will still forever linger on in our hearts and through the slides you are about to see. Thisday crew was on point to bring you the never ending frills and chills placed on the audience by the various artists and performances at the glamorous event from the Shank to the Mo’ Cheddah, the ice’s-iceprince and iceberg slim, the jesse jags, the man-tilla-tillaman and not forgetting DOTSTAR who actually got the party started and got ‘em chics go wild and the boiz jumping…Above all the imperial awards stands tall as the one in a million Awards for The Ivy League High schools! Kudos to the organisers!

here are pics from the event..

























Stars come out to play at Y! magazine launch!



It was an evening of high taste and fine company as RedSTRAT, the content and communication company behind The Future Awards, unveiled an exciting new range of brands for young professionals called Y!

The event, which held at Rehab in Victoria Island Lagos on Sunday, August 15, was anchored by Beat FM’s Oreka and award winning actor, OC Ukeje.

“Y! Magazine will – using the best young Nigerian writers, interviewers photographers, stylists and others - document the lifestyle, issues, trend and personalities that define the character and aspiration of the young Nigerian,” the editor, Chude Jideonwo, a Nigeria Media Merit Award winner who has been Copy Editor with NEXT Newspapers, said.

The magazine features a groundbreaking cover shoot with actress and singer Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde. Titled ‘Omotola is angry!’ the shoot is anchored by the revered photographer Kelechi Amadi-Obi and stylist Dimeji Alara. Other writers for Y! include Adaobi Nwaubani, Tolu Ogunlesi, Wana Udobang, and Onyeka Nwelue.

“Our reader is accomplished, stylish and informed, and is many things at the same time,” Jideonwo said. “He/she understand the language of business and the importance of style. Our reader is independent minded and self sufficient: the upwardly mobile young Nigerian professional securing his/her place in the rapidly changing global village.”

The event featured performances by Freestyle, Jesse Jagz and Mi with comedy from Seyi Law. Selected celebrities also presented to the audience the kinds of young people Y! targets, with a presentation called I am Y! by actor Gideon Okeke, Tosyn Bucknor and MI. There were also readings from the magazine anchored by CNN Journalist of the Year winner Tolu Ogunlesi and designer Mai Atafo.

The magazine was subsequently unveiled – accompanied by fireworks and the pop of champagne – by award-winning author, journalist and communication professional, Toni Kan, who is also a member of the magazine’s Board of Advisers. Other board members include Adesuwa Onyenokwe, publisher of TW, Storm boss Obi Asika and Reuben Abati.

The very first copy of the magazine was auctioned to the highest bidder, won by PR professional, Ande Hembadoon.

The surprise of the night however was the unveiling of a range of Y! brands apart from the magazine – RedSTRAT’s other platforms, which include a TV show (on Channels TV), a radio show (syndicated), a newspaper column (in The Guardian) and an event have all been rebranded to align with the exciting new Y! brand.

“Y! is a multi-platform, 360-degrees media experience - TV, radio, newspaper, magazine, online and event - all targeted at the young professional aged 18 – 35, with an emphasis on the 25 – 35 bracket,” its spokesperson, Kenneth Oliko, said.

Guests included Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Yetunde Babaeko, Julius Agwu, Tee-A, Kaine Agary, Adaure Achumba, Taofeek Okoya, Jasmine Murray-Bruce, designer Bridget Awosika, Lola Maja, Biodun Caston-Dada, Noble Igwe, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, Jasmine Murray-Bruce, Toni Payne, former MBGN Ene Maya, Glory Edozien, Tinsel star Gbenro Ajibade, Terry tha Rapman, Zara, Kayode Oresanya, Wana Udobang, Titi Adelagun, Dimeji Alara, Uche Nnaji, Kunle Snatcha, Tosin Martins, Joseph Benjamin and Adaora Oleh, anchors of MTN Project Fame, amongst others.

The launch event was held in conjunction with Storm 360 and was supported by Nutricima, Rehab, dtalkshop, K2, Yvent Kouture, Digiprints, 12 Baskets, Aphobos Studios, and Nigezie.

Y! Magazine is now available with vendors and in stores nationwide. More information is on www.ynaija.com.

More Pics...














… The Future Awards also launches Y! TV, Y! Radio and others.

LIL’ H: TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL


When we talk about Inspiration and those inspiring, we talk about the likes of Barrack Obama, Michael Jackson, Goodluck Jonathan, etc. but when we talk about inspiring the next generation, we focus our attention on youths and young people who are inspiring their generation and the generation after theirs and are making an impact in the lives of people and the society as a whole. That’s the case of LIL’ H, real names, Ahmed Tawati-Ojeikere. He’s an ordinary kid like every other; you should stay close to him to know what I’m talking about, but with extraordinary attributes. A rapper, who entered the music industry at quite a young age of 14, Lil-h has already started making an impact in the society through his project, SAVE A CHILD TODAY. He has performed at several events such as Rhythm Unplugged, Moments with Mo, The Future Awards and featured in videos of various artists. He spoke with ADA IGBOANUGO on his next step…

IT’S DOTSTAR AND HE’S STICKING IT UP


You might remember the hit song 'stick-up' from your international music channel and maybe a few local ones as it was given massive airplay the moment it dropped. But what stroke me most about his kind of music was the cultural ambience and the smooth infusion of different musical vibe.

though successful now, the start wasn't as rosy. It all started when his father, a hard working Muslim Doctor and Mother, a hard working Christian nurse fell in love, married, moved to London and had a son. Leaving their families, luxuries and comforts back home in Lagos, the New York of Nigeria hoping to find a better life and a hand full of opportunities in the United Kingdom. Co-indecently they named their son ‘Adeshina’, which means ‘God has opened the door...’ Azeez Adeshina Akinpelu, formally known on stage as ‘Dotstar aka Lagosboi’ is a young talented voice from North West London but he has come a very long way from nappies and a baby’s bottle. Growing up in a one bedroom flat in East London’s Hackney Adeshina was forced to manage the small things that he had. His parents were not millionaires but they would do everything to keep Adeshina smiling, buying him pianos, drums, guitars and his very first Michael Jackson Double CD was the start of what lead him to become what he is today. Dotstar’s music conveys a great deal of African influence and this is because of his background. Regularly visiting the motherland to see family and receive inspiration he is extremely proud of his roots. But don’t let Dotstar’s young face fool you, now 18, Adeshina has grown into a matured artist, writing and performing concept and dance songs. He is currently working on his album (Untitled) and his mixtape (Introducing:Lagosboi Vol.1) while promoting his second single ‘She’s Killing Me’. he recently came back to Nigeria and spoke with ADA IGBOANUGO...

MOVIE Review

by Olujimi Ojikutu -follow @jingla on twitter.

I love movies, and I’m sure you do too. Sometimes you might just want to know the best movies to see. I’ll give you a load down of some must watch movies. If you are a Nicholas cage fan and have been waiting for the next big thing from him, then the remake of ‘Bad Lieutenant’ is exactly what you’ve been waiting for. Also Christopher Nolan, the guy behind Batman- the Dark Knight- has a new movie out soon, a mind blowing movie as the critics would call it. Trust us to bring you reviews of other top movies in subsequent editions.


Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call – New Orleans

We’ve been waiting for Nicholas Cage to star in another movie that would really bring out the best in the Cage we knew in Face Off (Remember). After some image drubbing acts in movies like Ghost rider and a certain other movie, Bad Lieutenant might just be the movie we’ve been waiting for.

Directed by Werner Herzog “The Bad Lieutenant: Port Of Call New Orleans,” Nicolas Cage plays a rogue detective who is as devoted to his job as he is at scoring drugs -- while playing fast and loose with the law. He wields his badge as often as he wields his gun in order to get his way. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina he becomes a high-functioning addict who is a deeply intuitive, fearless detective reigning over the beautiful ruins of New Orleans with authority and abandon. Complicating his tumultuous life is the prostitute he loves (played by Eva Mendes).

It promises to be an interesting watch.









Inception


Directed by Christopher Nolan of the Dark Knight Fame and Featuring Leonardo Decaprio (I’m sure we’ve still not gotten Shutter Island out of our heads), this movie promises to be a really cool one. There’s so much Buzz about it already. What is it about? It’s a science fiction that will totally blow your mind away.

Acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan directs an international cast in an original sci-fi actioner that travels around the globe and into the intimate and infinite world of dreams. Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a skilled thief, the absolute best in the dangerous art of extraction, stealing valuable secrets from deep within the subconscious during the dream state, when the mind is at its most vulnerable. Cobb's rare ability has made him a coveted player in this treacherous new world of corporate espionage, but it has also made him an international fugitive and cost him everything he has ever loved.

10th Annual BET Awards, the Winners and the Winners…

Olujimi Ojikutu -follow @jingla on Twitter.

With Two Nigerian Artistes P-Square and MI nominated for the best international Act, the BET awards were sure to get the attention of the Nigerians. Though at the end of the day, none of the Nigerian nominated Artistes grabbed the coveted award, it is a sure signal of the progress Nigerian Music has made over the years. The Years ahead can only look brighter.





The 10th Annual BET Awards, hosted by Queen Latifah, was broadcast live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Drake, Trey Songz and P. Diddy's Dirty Money all performed to a lively audience.

The winner list is as follows:

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)

Let’s wish our Artistes the best next time.

Glitz Bobo

Did you all miss me....? I know you did. This week we’ll be giving you info from Sneakers, Tees, Watches; the new Ipad, to the places you can hang out this weekend- Everything that makes a bobo, a bobo.

The Supra Sneakers

I’m sure of you wouldn’t have heard of the Supra, but if you look closely at those Weezy, Drake, Young Money Videos...Those shiny sneakers you see them wearing are Supra Sneaks. As each second passes fashion gets shinier, crazy, and blingy. We all want shiny things, and well, the Supra Sneaks are Shiny and cool.


From N20,000

Hip-Hop’s new Wrist Toys

Everybody wants one, and I’ve even seen it on a few Naija Artists. They are cool and sometime come in playful colours- which is what art is all about, which explains why Artists and Stars are drawn to the watches. Red man has a G-shock line for example, and the Toy watch can be seen on a lot of Hollywood stars.



From 30,000


From N15,000

Jingla Nation

Sounds like a rock band doesn’t it? But believe it or not, Jingla Nation is the business of T-Shirts. With Presence in the UK, US, France, and Naija, meaning you can buy them here and also outside Nigeria. It’s a clothing movement that reaches Nigerians both at home and abroad. Nollywood did it, the Music industry over killed it, and I think fashion is the next big thing coming out of Naija. Cool designs, Cool T-Shirts, a good cause, and lots of fun T-shirts for everyone.

Perk: Designed in Naija.

You can join Jingla Nation on facebook.



From N2,500



The new Ipad

Definitely the King of the pack, Apple’s foray into the notepad market has come with the buzz known for all apple products, massive media hype, and sleek cut throat design.

But, if you’d ask me I think the device lives up to its hype. Running on the iPhone OS 3, its as user friendly as your iphone can get a much better. This means you can still download your iphone games, ebooks, get access to thousands of i-apps, still have a sleek device with you. The ipads come in 16GB, 32GB, 64GB and range from $499- $699.


Warning: We Plead with Naija Resellers not to overprice this gadget. We know you have to make profit, but think about the masses.lol.





So where do I hang out this weekend?

Ok so a quick one on where you can hit me up this weekend.

GET Arena: Cool Bar, big space, and you can get to Go cart- how about that as perk.

Tribeca: You can get your groove inside or around the pool. If you want to get undivided attention, just jump into the pool.lol.

Rehab: Believe it or not, it’s a really cool place. It has this homely ambience; you might think you were at my crib. J

Aura: Cool place and just right next to Tribeca. Talk about competition. Well, all the better for us.

Insomnia: who does not love insomnia, always the place to wrap up clubbing for a night- for all who agree, say YES!

So my people...catch me next week. Your one, your only, Glitz Bobo. Also remember to pick up a copy of Thisday newspapers everyday- it pays to get informed.

Love you all.