Wednesday, February 2, 2011

MTV collaborates with Nigerian Artistes for Song & Video to encourage Young Nigerians to register and vote to “Rep 4 Naija”


The voter registration process for the forthcoming 2011 Nigeria general elections is still on! With millions of young Nigerians eligible to vote, the youth have tremendous power to choose who will lead Nigeria for the next years. Globally, MTV has used their “Choose or Lose” initiative to encourage young voters to get involved in the electoral process.
Here is a press release from MTV with all the details on the initiative.
MTV has launched its first ever pro-democracy campaign in Africa ahead of the upcoming Nigerian elections. Starting January 2011, the network’s global “Choose or Lose” voter mobilization campaign will be encouraging and empowering young Nigerians to exercise their right to vote.
To maximise youth voter registration for the April 2011 elections, MTV will use its appeal to launch a series of on-air promotional spots on African music channel MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) and on the MTV Base blocks on Nigerian terrestrial TV partners STV and AIT. The promos urge Nigerian youth to determine their future and register before 29 January to ensure Nigeria’s largest ever youth voter turnout.
A key component of the initiative will include the release of a special music video fronted by Nigerian contemporary musicians entitled “Rep 4 Naija”. The track, an upbeat hip hop/R&B number is a collaboration between Nigerian stars eLDee, Sound Sultan, Black Twang, Naeto C, Meaku, D’Banj and M.I. The video for “Rep 4 Naija” was directed by top Nigerian video director Clarence Peters.

MTV’s “Choose or Lose” campaign was designed to inform and empower young voters on the political issues that matter to them most, and to provide a platform for airing their views. First launched in 1992, the campaign has helped fuel several of the largest youth voter turnouts in US history, including in 2004, when it helped inspire nearly 22 million 18-30 year olds to register and vote. The campaign has successfully engaged youth voters in many other countries around the world including Mexico’s 2006 Presidential election. “Choose or Lose” is part of MTVNA’s on-going social responsibility campaign that has spawned initiatives such as “MTV base Meets” – a platform where young people are given the opportunity to interact directly with politicians and get involved.
Commented Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, MTV Networks Africa, “With a huge percentage of the Nigerian population under the age of 24, “Choose or Lose” is designed to remind young people that they should take their civic responsibilities seriously and play a part in determining who should lead them. For Africa to develop, its young people need to secure a future that enables them to achieve their goals and that can only happen with good leadership.”
Nigeria’s independent national electoral commission (INEC) has confirmed that elections, which were initially scheduled for the end of January 2011, are now set for April. The elections for the National Assembly will be held on 2 April, for the Presidency on 9 April and for the governors and state assemblies on 16 April.

2011 Oscar Nominations List Revealed


The 83rd annual Academy Awards (popularly known as the Oscars) nominations were announced on Tuesday, January 25 2011. The annoucement took place at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Los Angeles, California and was made by President Tom Sherak and last year’s Best Supporting Actress winner Mo’Nique.
Leading with 13 nominations is ‘The Kings Speech‘ while popular movie ‘Social Network‘ which has an impressive 7 nominations has been predicted by pundits to win big.
Winners will be announced on February 27th in a ceremony that will be hosted by popular actress Anne Hathaway and one of this years nominee, James Franco.
Best Picture
Black Swan
The Fighter
Inception
The Kids Are All Right
The King’s Speech
127 Hours
The Social Network
Toy Story 3
True Grit
Winter’s Bone

Best Actor
Javier Bardem – Biutiful
Jeff Bridges – True Grit
Jesse Eisenberg – The Social Network
Colin Firth – The King’s Speech
James Franco – 127 Hours

Best Actress
Annette Bening – The Kids Are All Right
Nicole Kidman – Rabbit Hole
Jennifer Lawrence – Winter’s Bone
Natalie Portman – Black Swan
Michelle Williams – Blue Valentine

Best Supporting Actor
Christian Bale – The Fighter
John Hawkes – Winter’s Bone
Jeremy Renner – The Town
Mark Ruffalo – The Kids Are All Right
Geoffrey Rush – The King’s Speech

Best Supporting Actress
Amy Adams – The Fighter
Helena Bonham Carter – The King’s Speech
Melissa Leo – The Fighter
Hailee Steinfeld – True Grit
Jacki Weaver – Animal Kingdom

Best Director
Darren Aronofsky – Black Swan
David O. Russell – The Fighter
Tom Hooper – The King’s Speech
David Fincher – The Social Network
Joel and Ethan Coen, – True Grit

Best Animated Feature Film
How to Train Your Dragon
Illusionist
Toy Story 3

Best Foreign Film
Mexico – Biutiful
Greece – Dogtooth
Denmark – In a Better World
Canada – Incendies
Algeria – Outside the law

Best Original Screenplay
Another Year
The Fighter
Inception
The Kids Are All Right
The King’s Speech

Best Adapted Screenplay
127 Hours
‘The Social Network
Toy Story 3
True Grit’
Winter’s Bone

Best Art Direction
Alice in Wonderland
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I
Inception
The King’s Speech
True Grit

Best Costume Design
Alice in Wonderland
I Am Love
The King’s Speech
The Tempest
True Grit

Best Original Song
‘Coming Home’ – Country Strong
‘I See the Light’ – Tangled
‘If I Rise’ – 127 Hours
‘We Belong Together’ – Toy Story 3

Best Original Score
How to Train Your Dragon – John Powell
Inception – Hans Zimmer
The King’s Speech – Alexandre Desplat
127 Hours – A.R. Rahman
The Social Network’ – Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross

Best Documentary
Exit Through the Gift Shop
Gasland’
Inside Job
Restrepo
Waste Land

Best Film Editing
Black Swan
The Fighter
The Kings Speech
127 Hours
The Social Network

Best Makeup
Barney’s Version
The Way Back
The Wolfman

Best Sound Editing
Inception
Toy Story 3
TRON: Legacy
True Grit
Unstoppable

Best Sound Mixing
Inception
The King’s Speech
Salt
The Social Network
True Grit

Best Visual Effects
Alice in Wonderland
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
Hereafter
Inception
Iron Man 2

Best Documentary (Short Subject)
Killing in the Name
Poster Girl
Strangers No More
Sun Comes Up
The Warriors of Qiugang

Best Visual Short Film (Animated)
Day & Night
The Gruffalo
Let’s Pollute
The Lost Thing
Madagascar, carnet de voyage (Madagascar, a Journey Diary)

Best Short Film (Live Action)
The Confession
The Crush
God of Love
Na Wewe
Wish 143

Omawumi Expects Baby No. 1


By Tomiwa Fawunmi

Mother-to-be Omawumi gets set to rock
It started as hearsays and whispers. But, we can now confirm what many have been trying to know: one of our favourite singer-performers, Omawumi Megbele is pregnant and expecting her first baby.
The West Africa Idols finalist, who has refused to comment on pregnancy rumours that had been circulating for days, stepped out on Wednesday, to do a set of radio rounds, before hitting Tribeca, later in the evening, to deliver an amazing performance at Industry Nite.
Sources that spotted her at Rhythm FM could not hide their shock, when they spoke with me. ‘She’s very heavy; maybe about three to four months gone. Her tummy is giving her away already’, one informant told us.
At Tribeca, she kicked off her performance seated; with her baby bump glaring for all to see. And when she stood up to rock, her signature mini-gown did little to hide the fact that she’s in the first trimester of her pregnancy…
Omawumi has not denied out rightly, the pregnancy tales chasing her around. But she has also not publicly admitted that she indeed is planning to become a mother. But those close to her tell us she has confided in them.
And who’s responsible? No one can say for sure yet. While some fingers are pointing the way of her ex Dokta Frabz, a producer with whom she still enjoys a robust relationship; others say ‘the only man that can put Omawumi in the family way’, is a yet-to-be-named part owner of Lagos club Zamunda.
Repeated efforts to get the singer to comment have proved abortive.
With her second album on the way (a lead single ‘If you ask me’ was only recently released), it would appear all Omawumi would have on her mind right now are songs and lyrics and beats. But, the amazingly gifted entertainer will be willing to add more, in the coming weeks – as she combines ante-natal sessions with a recording schedule that promises to be hectic.
We’re still working to unveil the identity of the man responsible for this blessing. And when we do find him it’ll be nice to know: Is marriage on the cards?
Meanwhile, the glaring bump notwithstanding, Miss Megbele still delivered a great performance at the INDUSTRY NITE held at the Tribeca night club on Wednesday, January 19, 2011.
Her back-up singers and instrumentalists joined her to thrill guests including her mum, Omoni Oboli, Olisa Adibua, Waje, Timi Dakolo, Evelyn Ibru, Dj Jimmy Jatt, Zara, Dj Zeez among others to an evening of music and dance and groove.
The award winning songstress performed songs from her previous and forth coming albums including Enough is Enough, When breeze blow, Chocolata, In the Music, and her emotional single ‘If you ask me’, with everyone including her mum paying rapt attention and hanging on to her every line.

Source: The Net Nigeria.

Darey Art Alade Honoured by City People


City People Celebrity Magazine is set to host R&B Sensation Darey as they put together an exclusive gig at the SS lounge, Victoria Island, Lagos on Sunday February 6 in honour of the iconic musician.
This builds up more anticipation for the release of his double album ‘DOUBLE DARE’ which will hit stores this year.
‘I’m excited about another opportunity to mix and mingle with my friends again; and particularly humbled by the gesture from City People.’ says Darey.
‘Darey has grown over the years, from the young musician and OAP, to a bonafide veteran, an inspiration to many within and outside our country, and a source of pride to us all at a time when the quality of music coming from Nigeria has been a source of concern to all’, City People Publisher Seye Kehinde says.
The event promises to be glamorous and star studded as notable acts such as eLDee, 2face, Waje, Omawumi, Jesse Jagz, Naeto C will also grace the event.

Sasha premiers new single


2010 saw Sasha performing at major events and award shows, sharing stages with International icons, collaborating with Africa’s finest talents, and holding the current title as the FIRST Nigerian female to win the coveted MTV MAMA award for BEST FEMALE 2010, The First Lady of Nigerian Hip Hop has kicked off the new year with two hot singles as the countdown begins for the release of her much anticipated sophomore album “Sasha Speaks“.
The two new singles “Don’t Stop” and “Ma Wo Be” featuring the prolific choc boi Brymo, will be the final promotional releases before her album drops in March 2011.
With the success of the first three singles “Gidi Babe“, “Put It Down” featuring Dama Do Bling and “Making Money” at home and beyond, without a doubt her latest offerings are a testament to her hard work and versatility

Lara George and ID Cabasa features in new vid with Onos


Rising gospel star, Onos says that “music is not just a profession or hobby, music is her life!“. Though she has a degree in French and is a French translator, Onos built her true talent in church. She is a lead vocalist at the House of the Rock Church in Lagos, Nigeria. Onos released her debut album, “Keep Moving” in 2010. One of the most popular tracks on the album, “Tomorrow” features Lara George and ID Cabasa – The video for the song has just been released.
Check out the video and let us know what you think about it!
The video was directed by DJ Tee.

Flowssickk Spits Sick Flows


Flowssickk aka Abiola Aina is an upcoming rapper who’s worked with some of naija’s hiphop heavyweights in the industry… He is currently unsigned but under the bankhead management. Formally an underground battler now ready to get into the mainstream. His most recent joint is a Nu freestyle inspired by a J.cole freestyle to the same beat. Flowssickk was previously heard on Monkey Post, When u come home ft. IcePrince and Dammy Krane‘s I like girls .

Iyanya Set to Release Second Album


With the loss of his mother and only brother, you could say the past few months have been hard for R&B singer, Iyanya. But the first-ever Project Fame West Africa winner is putting all that behind him as he is getting ready for his second body of work.
Iyanya’s two singles are already enjoying airplay on radio stations and in a short while the video to one of them ‘I’m the one’ will hit the screens. He sure is bringing his best out for 2011.
‘It’s been a period of mixed blessings for me – on one hand I’m getting such amazing support for my career, and I’m humbled by the growth I’ve recorded since I won Project Fame in 2008. But on the other hand, I’ve had to deal with the loss of my entire family; my dad, my brother, and my mom. It’s really more than I can handle, but I thank my friends, fans and the media for standing firm by me‘, says Iyanya, who recently signed up with Lagos-based label Buzz Avenue.
Iyanya has teamed up with producers TY Mix, Waz Beats and a few others to create an album that he says ‘everyone will be proud of’.

Asa’s new video : Why can’t we?


Take a sneak peek at Asa‘s upcoming music video “Why Can’t We” ‘behind the scenes ‘
This is her new single off her “Beautiful Imperfection” album.
You can purchase the album from iTunes

Get Ready To Grove And Giggle With Yaw


After staging ‘PO‘, a two casts play which featured Yaw and Koffi and “Private Lies” written by Tyrone E. Terrence, Yaw9ja Entertainment presents ‘Grove and Giggle With Yaw‘.
The project is designed to tour Nigerian universities with Yaw as host. It’s a time out for the university community to meet their favorite radio presenters, artistes like Wiz-Kid, Wande Cole, Ice Prince, M.I, J-Martins, Durella and even comedians such as Basketmouth, Gordons and Mc Abbey.
The first university to be visited will be the University of Lagos on the 27th of January, 2011. Music, comedy and most importantly, maximum security is guarantied.
Yaw is the popular on-air personality at 95.1 Wazobia Fm, an actor, producer, presenter and compere.

With Only 5 Days Left to The Future Awards 2011: The Finalists are Revealed – Find Out Who Made the Cut!


After 3 months of rigorous judging and voting, The Future Awards has finally released its final list five days to the 2011 edition of the awards!
The judging process has gone through a Board of Judges, public voting, an Independent Audit Committee, and back to the Board of Judges – accompanied by the exciting three-month activation of its #IamNigeria campaign.
The campaign has seen the Official Launch of its sixth season in October (which commemorated Nigeria’s 50th independence anniversary by presenting 50 young Nigerians as the Face of the Future), the October/November Town Hall Meetings across the nation and in South Africa and the United Kingdom, the Nominees Reception for Charity in December, and the Get Your Green On! style campaign.
The finalists are mostly three per category and the winner will be unveiled at The Future Awards 2011, which holds on Sunday, January 30 2011 at the Landmark Village, Victoria Island, Lagos. It’s a strictly by invitation event for 1000 exclusive guests, and the Keynote Speaker is Minister for Finance and former Managing Director of Goldman Sachs, Olusegun Aganga.
The event is supported by Access Bank, HiTV, Virgin Atlantic, and the Miccom Golf Resorts. Official Media Partners are Y! (www.ynaija.com), Wazobia FM and Cool FM.
Full profiles of shortlisted nominees are available on www.thefuturenigeria.com. The finalists are below:
ACTOR OF THE YEAR
Mercy Johnson
Ini Edo
Uche Jumbo
BEST USE OF ADVOCACY
Orode Uduaghan (Cancer)
Tola Sunmonu (Agriculture)
Muyideen Salau (Rise Sufficiency)
BEST USE OF SCIENCE
Otejiri Oghoghorie (0.1secs Automatic Changeover/switch off device)
Debo Olaosebikan (Light matter interactions, electro-optics and non-linear optics)
Oluwatoyosi Owoeye (Epidemiological surveys on the incidence and pattern of sports/recreational injuries in Nigeria)
BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY
Iruoye Tolulope (Magic Box)
Mubarak Abdullahi (Aeronautics)
Saheed Adepoju (Encipher Inye Tablet)
BUSINESS OWNER OF THE YEAR
Bode Pedro (Veda Technology)
Toyosi Akerele (Rise Prints Company)
Karo Agono (Tremor Perfect)
COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR
Jedidiah
Seyi Law
Teju Babyface
CORPORATE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Adeniyi Olutayo (Head of Internal Audit, Nestle)
Akintola Olufemi (Brand Manager, Milo)
Tokini Peterside (Communications Manager, GD Netter)
Oye Akindeinde (Chief Information Officer, Compliance & Content Monitoring Nigeria Limited)
Owoeye Oluwatoyosi (Physiotherapist, Lagos University Teaching Hospital)
CREATIVE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Aisha Augie-Kuta (Photography)
Ogunnubi Babadeji (Painting)
Chibundu Onuzo (Prose)
CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Emem Ema (Manager)
Nike Fagbule (Publicist)
Dimeji Alara (Stylist)
Janet Nwose (Manager)
Godwin Tom (Manager)
DESIGNER OF THE YEAR
Bridget Awosika (Bridget Awosika)
Ugoma Adegoke (Zebra Living)
Yvonne Nwosu (Vonne)
EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC SERVICE
Dr. Momoh Rabiu (Lagos University Teaching Hospital)
Emmanuel Etim (Africa Union Commission)
Oladayo Afolabi (University of Maiduguri)
JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Toyosi Ogunseye (The Punch)
Tolu Ogunlesi (NEXT)
Yinka Ibukun (The Associated Press)
MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR
Wow
FAB
Vibez
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Banky W
Naeto C
Da Grin (RIP)
MUSIC PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
J Martins
Sossick
Sazzy (RIP)
ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR (RADIO)
Tolu Oniru -Toolz (Beat FM)
Tosyn Bucknor -Area Mama (Top Radio)
Matse Uwatse (Wazobia FM)
ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR (TV)
Kemi Adetiba (Maltina Dance-All)
Tana Egbo-Adelana (Peak Talent Show)
Yvonne Ekwere – Vixen (Silverbird TV)
SCREEN PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Clarence Peters
Kemi Adetiba
Chineze Anyaene
SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR
Mobolaji Akiode (Basketball)
Vincent Enyeama (Football)
Christiana Nwoye (Wrestling)
TEAM OF THE YEAR
Notjustok.com
Jobberman.com
The Falconets
YOUNG PERSON OF THE YEAR
Nnaemeka Ikegwuonu – Advocate
Don Jazzy – Entrepreneur
Genevieve Nnaji – Actor
P-Square – Artiste
Uche Eze – Entrepreneur
Nneka (Egbuna) – Artiste
Makinde Adeagbo – Innovator
Ojoma Ochai – Intrapreneur
Debo Olaosebikan – Scientist
Blessing Okaragbe – Athlete
* All Young Person of the Year nominees are finalists.