GOVERNMENT BANNED FUELING POVERTY DOCUMENTRY WINS AT AMAA 2013

   Despite its ban on April 8, by The Nigerian Film and Censors Board NFVCB, on condition of being highly provocative and having tendency to incite and encourage public disorder and undermine National security, irrespective of this the organizers of the African Movie Academy Awards on Saturday night in Bayelsa State, the President own state declared the film, Fuelling Poverty, Winner of the Best Documentary of the 2013 edition.

   It event hall turned elated as crowd showers applause for the pronouncement, in an event which has top government representatives in attendance , including the Minister of Tourism and Culture, Edem Duke , The Bayelsa State Government , Seriake Dickson, and other government . The film which prevailed over other films in its categories including Gun to Tape(South Africa), Give Me Back My Home(Kenya) and other  two Africa films.  

   The film which was produced by Ishaya Bako in partnership with Open Society Initiatives for Africa (OSIWA), from which has warranted a directive from NFVCB with the order that Bako should desist from distributing the film, which has attracted wide spread critism from different media including the viral response it received from the social media with a popularity of over five thousand viewers on Youtube.

   This year’s edition of AMAA referred to by industry pundit as Africa Oscar is tagged “Africa One” is the 9^th edition has other winners including Lifetime Achievers Award given to Pete Edochie, Tunde Kelani , Enem  Isong , Kanayo O Kenayo, Kenneth Okonkwo, while Late Justice Esiri won Best Actor in a leading Rol, while Florence Masebe went away with Best Actress in a leading role, while “ Heroes and Zeroes” by Niji Akande swept award .The award was hosted by Comedian Ayo Makun and British/Ghanian television presenter  Ama K.Abebrese. 

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LISTEN WELL, OUR NONSENSE MAKES SENSE -BANNY “OGIDIGA”

  Olayinka Abaniwonda popularly known as Banny  Fasta Foster, is an artiste who has carved a niche for himself with his hit banger “Oskambo” . He sings Afro hiphop/ dancehall. In this interview with OREDOLA ADEOLA he bares his mind on the controversy surrounding dancehall music and his deal with the makers of the popular liquor; OGIDIGA.

WHY DID YOU DO THE SONG OGIDIGA?

  I actually did the song for its end users on the street and not necessarily to advertise it. My intention was clear, as I did the song for my fans that love taking the liquor; its acceptance was exhilarating, although I was not consulted by the brand to do this. The whole story started when I accosted my friend to a restaurant, the order was made and I was served the drink, at first, I dropped it but I was persuaded that it is good for health which I tried and found it nice.It was out of this fascination that I got the inspiration to write a song about it.Today the song has become a popular everywhere

HOW MUCH WERE YOU PAID TO DO THIS SONG?

 The brand owners were the first to call me when they heard the song and the impact it was making, I have since been invited by the management of the brand, and so far, in all fairness, they have accepted me as their own, we are in good working relationship and as far as I am concerned they have tried. Till date, I have always enjoyed regular supply of their products and consistent consultations. I don’t want to be too rigid about my deal with them but I have a cordial relationship with them.

WOULD YOU AGREE THAT YOU ARE AN OPPORTUNIST WHO USES THE COMMERCIAL SONG TO ATTRACT ATTENTION FOR YOURSELF?

BANNY

  OGIDIGA is not the song that brought me to limelight, I have other good songs that had fared well in the market, and my songs have been on the mix-tapes for so long and have been accepted. Before I even thought of writing Ogidiga, I was already doing well, so I won’t agree with the insinuation that the song made me, I did OSKAMBO where I featured Zee-World, that was about four years ago, that came out more popular and brought me fame than Ogidiga. I have been in the game for a very long time so I am not a new player in the industry. My name BANNY OSKAMBO SOLDIER is a revered name on the street especially in the dancehall music circuit.  I am not an opportunist to have used that brand to reach the music market it came as a coincidence. OGIDIGA was a slogan that was trending then and I had to flow with it.

YOU MUST BE IN THE CLASS OF ARTISTES THAT “SHINES THEIR EYES BEFORE PERFORMING TO IDENTIFY SAME. OR …..?

  There is no point denying anything. As an artiste I don’t smoke but I drink. For those who get fired up by drinking that is and not mine, I don’t believe in getting stimulated with alcohol before coming on stage. The taste of a drink is a “tasty thing” for anybody who derives pleasure in it. I really don’t support taking something before performing, a natural and talented artiste should be alert anytime to perform without a stimulant. Music is natural and performers should be natural too. Music is a way of life, if you listen to my lyrics I sing about what is trending around me, I relate with my community.

 ARE YOU AWARE THAT DANCEHALL MUSICIANS LACKS LYRICAL CONTENTS COMPARED WITH OTHER GENRES?

  I won’t accept that, from my own perspective music is all about bringing your own style and relating with the people. Dancehall is my style and I have never lacked lyrical contents. Listen to it and there is always a message about the society. There is always a message, what I advise people is that they should not see dancehall music as trash, they should listen to the lyrics, the nonsense you feel we sing makes much sense if you listen closely to our songs

GENERALLY, WHAT IMPACT HAS MUSIC CREATED ON YOUR LIFE?

  Music being a universal language that everybody can comprehend, makes sense, as long as the sound and progression rhymes, people tend to flow with it, example is Awilo’s Makossa song became a club banger few years ago, not all Nigerians understood what he was singing but they related with it well and it was a vogue and later became part of us.

  Music has positively added value to my way of life. I enjoy the respect everywhere I go, people paying my bills and really wanting to do things with me, the respect is overwhelming. If not for music our society would have become something else.

WHAT WAS YOUR GROWING-UP DAYS LIKE?

Banny Performs on Stage

  I grew up from a disciplined and educated home, and they impacted well on their children. The love for music started in my early days in 2003 in the Polytechnic parents wanted me to be a graduate, the acceptability for music was so low, so when I crossed to the University of Lagos , I started introducing it exclusively to them and they ended up giving me the opportunity because of the respect they got from  the street anytime people notice they are my parents. I studied Industrial Management. But all the same they still persuade me to practice what I learnt in school and my resolve is that I would rather prefer a music management outfit.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS?

  I want to fully go into music because all the while I have been practicing other things. I am still a civil servants working with a particular local government. Financially i want to have a base and own my record label, as the existing record labels are not faring well in terms of treating artistes well, I would do well protecting the interest of the artistes than the people who are currently dictating the trend. Music Management will thrive, if it is handled by professionals.

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ARMY BOOTED THREE MALE TOURISTS OUT OF SAUDI ARABIA- FOR BEING TOO HANDSOME

  Saudi Arabia's Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vices deported three men, all delegates from the United Arab Emirates in town for the Jenadrivah Heritage and Cultural Festival , because the commission was afraid women would get naked and writhe in the streets at the very thought of throwing themselves on these tempters.

  That, or as some are speculating, because Saudi Arabia wanted to punish the UAE for allowing one of their provocative lady artists to attend the fest.

   Cops in the ultra-religious state arrested the hunks - from the neighbouring United Arab Emirates - at a cultural festival in the Saudi capital Riyadh.

  Officers from religious police force, the Mutaween, reportedly feared local women would find the fellas irresistible and be tempted break the country's strict laws.

  Saudi women have to stay covered up at all times and are banned from speaking and interacting with men who aren't their relatives.

  Sexual contact with a man outside marriage is punishable by whipping and sometimes even death.

   

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CONTROVERSY TRAILS MANDELA’S CHILDREN KIM-STYLED REALITY SHOW

 Swati Dlamini and Zaziwe Dlamini-Manaway.Mandela

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  Amid growing controversy over attempts by Nelson Mandela's children to capitalize off his legacy, two granddaughters launch Kardashian-style reality show.

  In the first few minutes of South Africa’s newest reality TV show, Nelson Mandela’s granddaughters squabble about a boyfriend, berate a shop assistant and visit their grandfather’s jail cell on Robben Island.

“It’s all part of being a Mandela,” one of the young women says.

South Africans appear to disagree, widely ridiculing the Kardashian-style show when it premiered Wednesday night, depicting the luxurious lives of Mandela granddaughters Swati Dlamini and Zaziwe Dlamini-Manaway.

Nelson Mandela

But it shows the growing controversy over attempts to make money off the now-frail Mandela’s famous name. While the 94-year-old anti-apartheid hero recovers at home following his latest hospitalization for pneumonia, his progeny are stepping up the battle for control over the Mandela legacy — and the limelight.

Mandela retired from public life in 1999 and was last seen in public in 2010. He has married three times, and has three surviving children, 17 grandchildren, and 12 surviving great-grandchildren.

Apart from the reality TV show, the two granddaughters run a clothing line called LWTF — or Long Walk to Freedom, after the title of their grandfather’s autobiography.

The clothing line is a selection of otherwise uninspiring T-shirts bearing Mandela’s image and signature, along with the “Long Walk to Freedom” catchphrase.

“The brand stands for or represents making people strive to be better,” a mission statement says. “The Mandela Brand is a credible brand that people trust across the globe and we feel that all people from all walks of life want to be associated with the Mandela brand.”

Tukwini Mandela and her mother, Makaziwe, recently launched the House of Mandela Wines at a trade fair in Florida — and have themselves drawn criticism from other members of the Mandela family, who feel it is inappropriate to associate Nelson Mandela with alcohol.

An editorial in South Africa’s Sunday Times newspaper titled, “Greedy hands in the Mandela cookie jar,” criticizes his children and grandchildren that “have begun circling Mandela’s purported wealth, each avariciously determined to extract financial gain from a man who not only has meant so much to our country, but is a positive global symbol.”

“The open bickering in the Mandela family is shameful, given the frailty of the former president,” the editorial said.It is downright embarrassing to witness how a man to whom this country owes an untold debt and who is known as the father of our nation is being torn apart by those closest to him.”

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SAGGY PANTS BANNED IN FLORIDA

        

 Pants on the ground? Pull them up fast if you’re in Louisiana’s Terrebonne Parish, where a new law bans the low-slung, undies-exposing jeans look popularized by hip-hop culture.

Terrebonne Parish City Council of Florida on Wednesday  prohibits people from wearing pants, the council put a ban on the longstanding fashion trend that hang below the waist in public, exposing underwear or skin,

 The ban states that violators of the new ordinance, a $50 fine could come into play as well as doing community service. It was almost a unanimous vote; one that came down to an 8-1 vote. Terrebonne Parish Councilwoman Beryl Amedee was the only member who voted against the ordinance, claiming it violates Americans’ constitutional right to free expression. There have been other bans for saggy pants in six Louisiana cities, as well as one in Florida and Georgia.  

The ban, approved on Wednesday was expected to be signed into law this week, targets the public wearing of pants and oddly skirts that hang “below the waist” and “expose the skin or undergarments.” Violators will be spanked with fines: $50 for the first offense, $100 for the second, and $100 plus sixteen hours of public service for each subsequent offense.

“Hopefully, it’ll get these young men to pull up their pants,” council member Russell Hornsby

Hornsby’s colleague John Navy proposed the ordinance, and explained to Yahoo! Shine that many constituents had called upon the council to do something about what has apparently become a widespread saggy pants problem. The ban was approved at an April 10, 2013, Parish council meeting by a vote of 8-1 and is expected to soon be signed into law by council president Michel Claudet.

Navy, though, said he did not know why the approved law said “below the waist,” and seemed confused by that wording when asked about it. “My understanding was that it was below the butt. I need to look at that again,” he said. “If it’s below your butt and underwear is showing, that’s not proper.”

But, Hornsby added, “The problem is our young men are emulating prisoners. It sends a sign that you’re available for sex. It’s a bad example to set.”

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MOVIE LOVERS SET FOR “ROAD TO STARDOM

            

  Road to Stardom will soon hit the stands according to the management of entertainment outfit, Platinum Kreations which said that it is throwing its weight behind it because of its richness in all facets of life.

   Creative Director of PK, Onwuka Onyekao, who was also the Production manager on set, “For us at PK our passion is to create world-class TV content and manage artistic talents.Our company that has been behind the success of many TV contents and talents in Nigeria, we decided to involve our creative talent in the movie because it contains what it takes to go places.

   Road to Stardom has an unusual plot, the storyline is also built around real life events of artistic Talent and the hurdles they go through before  making it to the top. The movie features Moji Olaiya, Ayo Badmus, Florence Gbenga, Mike Abdul , Sam Clef, Jedi Baba, T-banks and many others. The organisation partnered with White Horse Movement to produce the must watch talent movie.

“Road to stardom is the story of a talented youngstar(Emmanuel) born into an average Nigeria family, lost his dad and was soon left to face the challenges of life with his jobless mother and siblings. He encounters different hurdles as he decides to rely on his music talent to fend for himself and family. The story is spiced with intrigues, betrayal, heartbreak and struggle for survival,amidst all Emmanuel pursues his dreams to its heroic conclusion

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TOLU ONIRU TO HOST NIGERIA X-FACTOR

                     

   Popular On Air Personalty at urban radio The BEAT FM Tolu ‘Toolz’ Oniru has been chosen as the host of the show. X Factor sponsored by Nigeria Telecommunication giant, Globacom in a new reality TV singing competition designed to discover new talents which are open to all ages, sex and styles.

   Judges for the show will be Chocolate City rapper and Loopy Music C.E.O ‘M.I’ Abaga, Ghanaian Hiplife legend Reggie Rockstone and veteran Nigerian singer Onyeka Onwenu.

Already audition has kicked off in different regions of the country

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IS SHE STILL THE EVANGELIST WE KNOW?

                     

 Nollywood actress turned Evangelist, Evang. Eucharia Anunobi, was caught recently at a evebt recently where she dressed like a street girl. She has been telling who ever cares to listen that she has changed her old ways since she was ordained an Evangelist in a Lagos church.

  Eucharia Anunobi , a single mother after her divorce with her estranged husband, Mr Charles Ekwu  few years ago. This stunning thespian who acted in the film Glamour Girls, is really experimenting on her old ways, we wonder if this is in an effort to hook up with her future husband which she has been fervently praying  for.

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   Ara-Loba  a charity concert with command performance of  a stage play, ADE-IRE(The tragedy of Absolute Power) written by Ahmed Yerima  will hold on Friday 19,April 2013, at the main auditorium of the University of Lagos. It is an annual event in celebration of culture and creativity, and is at its sixth edition, Legendaire Theatre is co-presenting.

   According to Tony Biyi Boyede, the director of THEATRE CENTRIK, “This event started about six years ago with the name ARA’N BADA and now ARA-LOBA.  From its inception, the event in the past few years has grown from just a little celebration into a grand style event in terms of attendance and participations, from about two hundred to over two thousand audience and still growing to become a household event”.

   “If government does not create a befitting avenue for creativity, and if our society does not give encouragement to talent, then we will create a platform to express our talents, as well as develop our skills with the aim of celebrating our root,” he added.

  Ara-loba as a charity concert opens the door into the celebration of creativity and culture. It is also billed to feature Adunni Nefretiti, Green creatives, Wale Lampejo, Awoko, Pelumi Omo-Baba, Mechelin, Ebele the flutist, and DjSammy.

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AFRICAMAGIC ‘UNSCRPTS’ NOLLYWOOD HUNK, JIM IYKE!

For those who love or loathe him, James Ikechukwu Asomugha, aka Jim Iyke,  remains a superstar. And this he has demonstrated in many facets of life. Now, for the first time ever, he is inviting DStv audiences into his world to get to know the man behind the headlines, thanks to his new reality TV series  JIM IYKE: UNSCRIPTED!

From April 18, by simply tuning in to AfricaMagic Entertainment, you can get an up close and exclusive look into his glamourous yet controversial life. Join the famous actor as he promotes his latest movies while delving into the competitive world of men’s fashion and follow him as he manages the demands that come with his huge popularity, busy schedule and outspoken personality.

Filmed in Lagos, Abuja, Accra, Houston, Dubai, Nairobi, Amsterdam and London, a new episode of JIM IYKE: UNSCRIPTED will be screened every Thursday (5:30/8:00 PM)  for 13 weeks.

Talking about the series,  the star of many movies says, “its no holds barred, unscripted and untamed”. Meanwhile series producers iFactory Live, Greyology Inc. and OH Africa describe JIM IYKE: UNSCRIPTED as very real, giving fans a free pass into Jim’s life. Executive producer Michael Djaba says, “Yes his image has sometimes been described as ‘Bad Boy’ but beneath it all, he’s as real as any celebrity can get and fans are in for one roller coaster ride”.

Meanwhile M-Net Africa Managing Director Biola Alabi is confident that like the man himself, the show will be another must-watch.

“Jim Iyke attracts attention on a daily basis and we’re definitely pleased that we’re in a position to screen his exciting new reality series. He’s such a talented individual who is not afraid to take risks, to speak his mind, to blaze his own future. His charisma, talent and energy are undeniable and his fans want to see more of him! So make sure you tune in weekly to see what drives his success, what determines his reactions and what defines his choices.”

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MAMA AWERO’S  50 YEARS ON STAGE……

My Parents Wanted Me to Join Customs

Madam Lanre Hassan Adeshina (Mama Awero) is one name that no one can ignore in the Nigerian showbiz industry having been there from its inception and still waxing strong. Fifty years on, she shares her experience, challenge and success with OREDOLA ADEOLA. In this interview.

HOW IT ALL STARTED 

   Hmm… it all started at a tender age, when I was in school, St’ Peters School, Lagos. I was raised in a polygamous home; I really do not have a stable academic stay in a particular school, as I kept switching from one school to the other until I finally concluded my studies at Christ Cathedral School. I started acting with a group called YOUNG STARS CONCERT PARTY right from my secondary school days.

   In 1963, at Christ Cathedral School, Lagos, I met the late Ojo Ladipo, as at then the rivalry was much as I usually challenged him to come and see our performances, which I used to brag about being of better standard and perfection than what his group offered. In 1964, we teamed up to form a formidable group called OJO LADIPO THEATRE GROUP. Initially we were functioning without a leader and we noticed there was no regulation and organizational structure, so we decided to conduct an election that produced Ojo Ladipo, as the team leader. It was after his death in 1978, that we had to change the name to AWADA KERIKERI, the group was made up of veterans, pressure was mounted on me to lead the group,since I was the eldest, an offer which I turned down, I informed them that leadership of a team of that magnitude would succeed when  handled by a man, so I was given the opportunity to select and  I chose Mr Adebami Salami(Oga Bello). The choice of Adebayo Salami as the leader turned out to be an excellent idea as he showed some leadership traits which boosted our career as he solely sponsored our event poster with his first bicycle allowance, he was paid as a staff of Federal Ministry of Works and Housing. The success of our performance at the play “THE MADAM” at Lover’s Hall was credited to his benevolence. The lesson I learnt from that action was that no matter the effort one puts on anything, one would end up reaping the fruits immensely. I received Adebayo Salami‘s application to join Ojo Ladipo Theatre, he paid to join the group with one pound one.

PARENTAL SUPPORT

  At the early stage of my career, my parents did not encourage me to take acting as a career as parents would want their children to join the force or paramilitary. They wanted me to join Nigeria Customs Service, but since I was passionate about acting, fortunately through divine intervention and interest shown by Professor Wole Soyinka on my career, having discovered my talent as a scout in an audition he conducted. My guardians who had thrown out my luggage out of their apartment, received a letter from Prof. Wole Soyinka, which came to them as a surprise as it turned out to be a turning-point in my career.

  This condition therefore, made them change their mind.  Prof. Wole Soyinka conducted the audition, and I was shortlisted for a scholarship to take a year course in acting and from there one could get a direct entry into the University of any choice in the country. The programme was structured to accommodate us, it was like a Diploma.  I owe my versatility today to the programme, this I would say the programme is reason why I find it easy to switch from one role to the other today.

HUSBAND’S SUPPORT

In the early days of my career, I married a man who did not endorse my acting career, albeit I was an actress when he met me. It was difficult for him to reckon with what I do, he suggested that I drop the job, but with the help of God, the Late Art Alade and Adediran had to sit him down and convinced him on the nature of job that I do, convincing him into realizing that it won’t in anyway affect our marriage. I was confronted with several challenge, the pressure was so severe when I was with Ojo Ladipo, who managed to convince him further, fortunately, he eventually allowed me. I made him realize that if he truly loves me, he should show it by loving my career. I respected him a lot, usually all men would not allow this but since he respected and trusted me, and I did too, I was able to cope with pressure from men. There was a proper understanding between us

ACHIEVEMENTS

 God  enables all forms of achievement , and what brings me joy is the fact that I am accepted by everybody, in every way both outside and within the country, I exhibited  high sense of humour which of brings joy to people.  It is always chants of “Awero, Awero, Awero” from one place to the other, the joy is unprecedented.

ANY REGRET

 I do not have any regret, the only regret I had was when I lost my child in 1974, she was in custodian of my parents and a message was sent to me in the location so I had to rush down. I also lost another one at the funeral of Ojo Ladipo, we slept at the deceased’s place, the next day, I woke up but my child couldn’t. When confronted with things of this magnitude, you would kind of see reasons to rethink and eventually drop the interest for the job but what could I have done? I summoned courage and fledged on, I couldn’t have changed my mind both as the deed has been done. I had to pray to God the giver of life to watch over my other children. This is the only regret

NOLLYWOOD AT TWENTY

The celebration of “Living in Bandage” as the first home video is totally contradictory. Some of our stage plays were also recorded into the video even before the emergence of the acclaimed pioneer film. Some of our stage plays which we put on videos were not commercialized; there were some videos that existed before this time, what about those films produced by Baba Ogunde and Ogunmola, Oyin Adejobi and co? Where do you want to place these ones? I personally do not believe that Nollywood celebrated today is 20. As a practitioner, it is far beyond that, if Alade Aromire’s jobs which were shot a long time ago could be carefully put into consideration he should have claimed the glory.

GREATEST JOB

All my jobs are the greatest, as God richly blessed my jobs. I can’t really say there is a job which is the best. I ensured that I put my best in all that I do and I it is why I have moved this far. Sincerely all my films are the best and my greatest.

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I BELIEVE MY DISABILITY IS A PLUS FOR GREATNESS – MAN OF GOD(M.O.G)

Prince Emmanuel Benson(M.O.G) and his parents

 The intriguing life of Prince Emmanuel Benson a.k.a Man of God (MOG) who was born with disability remains a miracle to behold. This gospel artiste, writer and a motivational speaker recently opened up on his life, dreams and visions. In this interview with OREDOLA ADEOLA , excerpt.

WHO IS MAN OF GOD

My name is Prince Emmanuel Benson Okungae, I was born 33 years ago into the family of Engr. Benson Okungae, a retired Senior Officer in the Nigeria Airforce, from Edo State. The challenges of birth which I refused giving up on made me who I am today. I have lived to prove skeptics wrong as I have been doubted in a number of occasions especially from birth over my ability to survive this condition. For almost seventeen years I was deaf and dumb, my parents informed me that one of the medical doctor in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, confided in them that I will be useless for the rest of my life and he advised them to go and throw me out or abandon me in the village, against all odds they stood by me with the believe that I can change, because they have the fear of God. I was reduced to an object of pity and sometimes cruel mockery.

HOW DID YOU WITNESS THE TRANSFORMATION IN YOU

  It was God’s grace and intervention that I am talking and sitting today, surprisingly one day, I just discovered that I could talk and could also hear, on a fateful day when my father was returning home from a course in Germany, my brothers and sisters were welcoming him and shouting in excitement ‘ Daddy O yo yo ! , everybody was surprised that I could talk too as I joined them in rejoicing the arrival of my daddy. Since then I gained that strength to do what I am today doing as I could move from places to place without being helped, I have also been witnessing major changes in my body. My desire for education made my parents to register me in a primary school which I attended. I attended Air Force Primary School , Kaduna, where I was born, but upon my arrival to Lagos I made efforts to return to school but most schools I approached rejected me on the ground that I am far more intelligent than other children and some said they couldn’t cope with my condition.

  Later my parents made effort at registering me into a special school, but after several attempts and interviews  which I passed , the school authority rejected me also as they claimed that they would find it so difficult taking me from one place to the other on staircases most times. Since then I took to learning personally at home, after I discovered that if care was not taken I will end up not being educated I personally trained myself academically by reading books and studying very hard, though it was difficult but I had to do it as I had no choice.

HOW DID YOU DISCOVER YOUR TALENTS

Today I am happy and fulfilled, because I can write and read through self-help. It is this passion that ignited the talent in me, as I started writing books myself, I have written three books. It was after this venture that I discovered the urge to express myself further in singing, as I have the feelings that if I could put what I write down into songs, I could be better fulfilled by expressing my views to my target audience who may not have gotten the opportunity to see my books.

“ I remembered vividly when I told my daddy, that I wanted to release an album, he asked me to go and sit down, noting that who would like to listen to a crocodile voice like mine? I got fired up and I decided to make that dream happen. After a successful attempt at recording my first album, I asked my father to take me to the studio this I never informed him of where we were going to but when he got to the studio, the studio engineer played the song for him, he couldn’t believe it so he started weeping, ever since then, he has been my backbone in all i do.  Musically, I have composed over hundred songs with three albums to my credit which include, THE SYMBOL OF LOVE, MY DESTINY AND CHRIST IN ME THE HOPE OF GLORY. Today, I have moved my talent further by ministering in different places, especially in the church that I attend; The Redeem Christian Church of God, I have the support of my Provincial Pastor, who gave me a note to all the churches under the province where I was allowed to minister”.

WHAT ARE YOUR CHALLENGES IN LIFE

Being where I am today has been tasking going by my transformational story, I have been faced with so many challenges especially in the music career, as quite a lot of people did not believe in me at first, but I later learnt to forge ahead as I have always been challenged whenever I got discouraged. I recount the challenge I faced when I was planning to record my first album, I was able to raise  N100,000 for the project which was later stolen by my personal assistant, he  was asked to go to the bank and pay the sum into my bank account, because the bank  would not allow wheel-chair into the banking halls. I also had lot of challenge in mobility as I don’t have a car to move me around for major outings, since my father’s Jalopy 504 car broke down. I have also been looking for marketers who would assist in the distribution and marketing of my works.

WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY

I am always full of joy each time people walk up to me that they have been blessed by my ministrations, both in books and songs as well as the churches I go to for presentation. I have received a lot of testimonies of life encounters and blessing in my mail account telling me how people got blessed by my ministrations and I am always praying to God to give me more grace to continue this mission.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST WISH IN LIFE

Hmm , they are numerous but I want the love of my life to come back, I mean my fiancé who left me on the condition that her parents are against our union as they can’t afford giving her to a man on a wheel-chair, although, It was obvious this is against her wish but there was nothing she could do about that, we actually met in an eatery , where she picked interest in me and ever since she has been a source of inspiration to me as she monitored most my financial transactions and infact she is instrumental to the completion of my sound studio , I knew she loves me but the pressure from her parent was so unbearable for her, I strongly have a feelings that she would come back to me someday.

My other wish is the desire to see Pastor E.A Adeboye, I required two things from him if given the opportunity, a blessing and touch for the special grace to continue on my ministry and the need to help endorse my albums. This I believe would go a long way to fulfill my purpose in life. I have made several attempts to reach Baba Adeboye but all effort proved abortive those who would have helped in this capacity usually end up promising me and never do.

HOW DO YOU RELAX

 Each time I am bored I will come down to the studio and start listening to music, and this the studio which I built with the loan I got from someone, and at every point in time I tried paying back, because I can’t afford to keep begging people who owns studio for job as often time they discourage me, whenever I want to do production, i also relax in the company of some of my friends who would come around to spend time with me, so I want to say I really don’t get easily bored.

SO WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS

 I run a ministry called “True Life Worshipper Music Ministry” that God is using in saving souls. The vision is to make people realize that God is looking for true worshippers (John 4:23) also to reach-out to people who have ability in them to come together to reach out and save souls for Christ. I have dedicated my musical studio for the opportunity to give them exposure as well as benefit of recording their songs. I am working on a TV programme with the aim of showcasing my past ministrations for people to watch. Life has not been a bed of roses despite all the challenges I have come out strong and I believe I can be much greater; I want people to see me and appreciate God because I know God has done it and is still doing it.

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TUNDE JOSEPH SEALS SECOND YEAR SHOW

E-Zone Africa has once again celebrated one of its fast rising contemporary Afro-hiphop artistes, Tunde Joseph, on Good Friday. Tunde Joseph was joined by his colleagues in the music industry to celebrate his sixteen years the professional radder.

The show which was tagged ” Tunde Joseph and The Malaikas On The Run-Way”, took the form of Music Meets Run-way concept, where Fashion designers and Artistes  strutted the run-way to showcase their talent and creativity to the audience. The event took place at Jlounge, Jabita Hotel, Awolowo way,Ikeja and was attended by Alh. Teju Kareem, Chairman Z-Mirage, Chief Imarah Okpako, Chairman Eagle-Eye, Mr. Kola Jimoh(Kola Expo) including other special dignitaries as well as friends and fan of Tunde Joseph.  .

The event according to his manager Mr. Oredola Adeola, this event being the second edition after the successful debut last year Easter, is specifically aimed at reaching out and connecting with fans of Tunde Joseph who have stayed with him in the last few years and getting entertained in a live performance to retain his relevancy in the music industry. The show also enabled his fans to have a feel of some of his latest singles as well as celebrating his Malaika Island initiative.

The fashion segment of the show which added colour and glitz to the whole event, had E-Zone Africa’s models, showcased Adunni Oge’s latest designers wears. Adunni Oge, known for his creative use of local fabrics to make unique designs in gowns and men wears using range of vibrant colours, excited the audience with his best collections. Some of the artistes present had swell time in performing their favourite songs, artistes included, Banny “The Ogidiga Maestro”, Tiana Ice, Tbanks, Flex-Man amongst other wannabes.

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NIGERIAN IDOL 3 Moses, Debbie Rise Sing Their Hearts Out as Nigerian Idol 3 Climaxes … Banky thrills audience

 Lagos, Nigeria, 09 March, 2013, Sunday night opened with a first-time ever duet performed by the two final contestants in the Etisalat sponsored Nigerian Idol Season 3, Debbie Rise and Moses the top 2 performed Cyndi Lauper’s Time after Time and went on to perform three songs each. Guest judge on the show was King of Nigerian Soul music, Banky W.

It was an emotional moment, as friends and family members of the two contestants were present to cheer the duo. Moses’ sister, Rhoda, was spotted by the show’s Host, Ill Rhymz, during the show while close friends swarmed around Debbie backstage, after performances.

The ultimate icing on the cake was a performance by Banky W. He performed his latest hit single, Yes/No, while also commending the contestants for making it this far. “The fact that you both have come this far means that you guys have done well. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. What matters is what you do when this season is over. Remember that, take it and do the best you can with it,” Banky W said, after watching performances by Moses and Debbie Rise.

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WILLIAMS COSBY LASHED OUT ON AMERICAN PARENTS

Dr. William Henry "Bill" Cosby Jr, 76 years old American comedian, actor, author, television producer, educator, musician and activist. A veteran stand-up performer, has lashed out on parent who would rather tolerance their children than giving them sound education. This is according to him

  “They're standing on the corner and they can't speak English. I can't even talk the way these people talk:

 Why you ain't, Where you is, What he drive, Where he stay, Where he work, Who you be...

  “And I blamed the kid until I heard the mother talk. And then I heard the father talk. Everybody knows it's important to speak English except these knuckleheads. You can't be a doctor with that kind of crap coming out of your mouth. In fact you will never get any kind of job making a decent living. People marched and were hit in the face with rocks to get an Education, and now we've got these knuckleheads walking around.”

  The lower economic people are not holding up their end in this deal. These people are not parenting. They are buying things for kids. $500 sneakers for what? And they won't spend $200 for Hooked on Phonics. I am talking about these people who cry when their son is standing there in an orange suit.

  Where were you when he was 2? Where were you when he was 12? Where were you when he was 18 and how come you didn't know that he had a pistol? And where is the father? Or who is his father? People putting their clothes on backward:

  “Isn't that a sign of something gone wrong? People with their hats on backward, pants down around the crack, isn't that a sign of something? Isn't it a sign of something when she has her dress all the way up and got all type of needles [piercing] going through her body? What part of Africa did this come from? We are not Africans. Those people are not Africans; they don't know a thing about Africa.

   “I say this all of the time. It would be like white people saying they are European-American. That is totally stupid. I was born here, and so were my parents and grandparents and, very likely my great grandparents. I don't have any connection to Africa, no more than white Americans have to Germany, Scotland, England, Ireland , or the Netherlands . The same applies to 99 percent of all the black Americans as regards to Africa. So stop, already!  With names like Shaniqua, Taliqua and Mohammed and all of that crap. And all of them are in jail. Brown or black versus the Board of Education is no longer the white person's problem. We have got to take the neighborhood back. People used to be ashamed. Today a woman has eight children with eight different 'husbands' or men or whatever you call them now.

   “We have millionaire football players who cannot read. We have million-dollar basketball players who can't write two paragraphs. We, as black folks have to do a better job. Someone working at Wal-Mart with seven kids, you are hurting us. We have to start holding each other to a higher standard. We cannot blame the white people any longer.'

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