SMVA 2009:BIGIANO THANK FANS…SAYS “MY BEST IS YET TO COME

By Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter


To many fans of Bigiano, Nigeria's indisputable 'shayo' master,the 2009 Soundcity Music Video Awards (SMVA) is a worthwhile reward for the musician who has indeed paid his dues in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
So it was not a suprise as he clinched two prestigious awards at the elaborate award ceremony, which took place on Saturday 1 August 2009.Only 2face Idibia and Psquare, achieved the same feat of two awards at the ceremony.
Bigiano's video 'Shayo' won him the two awards and it was shot in South Africa. As he fought back tears at the Expo Centre inside Oceanview, the artist told newsmen that he thank God,his fans, his powerful team and everyone that has supported him in the cause of his work all over the world. "The awards is a challenge for me to do more and I promise not to disappoint everyone " he said in an emotion laden voice.
The "you no go fit come my party make you no go shayo" crooner says he would pay them back with some works that is coming up soon. So watch out.

PAUL IK DAIRO RECOVERS FROM CANCER AND OTHER NIGERIA CELEBRITY NEWS

The Nigerian entertainment industry is deeply concerned about the health of one of their own,Paul Play IK Dairo. The news in town is that the musician,producer ,composer and son of legendary musician,IK Dairo,was down with Cancer and had to spend sometime in a South Africa hospital where he was taken to.The news coming from that part of the world indicates that all is well with the Ijesha born musician.

FUTURE NIGERIA 'REPRESENTS' IN LATIVA

The Future Project, Nigeria was, from the 6^th to 12^th of July, selected to represent Nigeria at a youth exchange sponsored by the European Commission in Latvia . The Republic of Latvia is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe – bordered to the right by Russia .

The youth exchange was part of a large scale project, Sharing World Youth Skills, financed by the European Commission and organized by Code International, The Netherlands and Youth Leaders Coalition, Latvia in partnership with organizations from Germany , Italy , Spain , Sweden , Ghana , Cote d’Ivore, Bolivia , Brasilia and Mexico . The Future Project, Nigeria/The Future Awards was the only organisation from Africa .

Participants were aged 18 – 25, and Nigeria was represented by Emilia Asim-Ita, who is TFA’s Marketing Director, and Aninoritse Odeli, who has been a volunteer on the project for two years. The location was the seaside summer camp Abragciems.

The programme involved workshops, exhibitions and study visits on the work that youth organisations are doing across continents. The participants shared experiences, tools and methods – with an emphasis on the place of gender, especially female, in societies.

Each country also got an opportunity to make a presentation on their native lands, and the Nigerian representatives eagerly displayed to other participants bits on Nigerian youth culture, politics, geography, government, and the work that youth groups are doing for the country.

“It’s amazing the misconceptions people still have in parts of the world that don’t have much opportunity to interact with African professionals,” Asim-Ita said, “but beyond just the platform to present a new face for our country, we were struck once again by how similar the work of organisations all over the world are. We were also gratified to see that those youth who are doing change projects properly with structure and sustainability, as opposed to jamborees, manage to succeed despite how difficult it is to secure funding. It was an enriching experience.”

The programme leads to a review exchange in Ghana in the last quarter of this year.

LANRE DA SILVA AJAYI PREDICTS THE ELEGANCE OF SUMMER

Wide eyed fascination, increased amazement, astonishing couturing. These are the terms that invade my mental space when I ponder on the craftmanship that has become Lanre Da Silva Ajayi. In four years, LDA has consistently coutured awe-inpiring wonders via her creations. Ironically, though her collections draw inspiration from the 50's and 60's, LDA's art possess a strong futuristic feel. When you walk into a room or an event, you need not fish for attention in an LDA piece; attention simply clothes you.

At the ARISE FASHION WEEK which was held in South Africa last two weeks, LDA redefined the art of dress making. These inimitable finnese was masterly displayed as LDA painted the intricate elegance of summer in a mixture of bright colours and intricate designs. LDA masterfully paints a picture of elegance redefined, creating unique pieces for unique women of elegance. Even though the fashion week ended a couple of weeks back, the large set of enthralled audience cannot seem to get enough of this collection as her studio at No. 1b, Lanre Da-Silva close, Ikoyi has been flooded with a barraige of orders. 

View these pictures and join the movement of redefined elegance. 

WHO LEAVES KOKOMANSION TODAY? EVICTION FEVER GRIP HOUSEMATES

THE latest victim that will leave the Koko Mansion among the remaining eight girls (Kokolette) will be known today as eviction takes place this evening from 5pm on Koko TV, the channel that broadcasts happenings in Koko Mansion.
Tension has gripped the girls, Shona, Rita, Elizabeth, Victoria, Chinwe, Chidinma, Bolanle and Rekana already. Uncertainty hangs in the air; every contestant is putting final touches to her game plan to remain in D’banj’s mansion for the remaining four weeks.
The dance competition, one of the many tasks the Kokolettes have undertaken since they moved into the mansion last month, was great...Both teams (Blue and Red teams) did very well. It would have been hard to decide which team was going win. But at last, Red team (Chidinma, Rekana, Chinwe, and Lizzy) won. The kokolettes had more than a guest in the mansion this last week. Singer D'jinne was in the house to do what he knows how to do best. The Mamuzee Twins had earlier in the week taught the girls some dance steps while the ‘owner’ of the mansion, Afro hip hop superstar, D'banj was in the house, and had a one on one chat with the girls. He talked about managing their success, and specifically managing the N5million naira prize money (for the eventual winner). The Grotto night club and bar owner, Abiodun Adegoke, was also a guest at the mansion.
There's been a sudden kind of closeness between Shona and Chinwe, strange, but true.
However, the next person to join the evictees, Bidemi, Chioma, Mary and Lillian will be known today when show hostess, Marian Anazodo and D’banj announce the result of votes cast by viewers across the globe.
Koko Mansion that enters its fifth week today has generated a lot of interest among viewers of the reality show being aired on HiTV Pay TV Company.
Koko Mansionrevolves around the quest of 12 beautiful, talented girls that will live in a mansion for eight weeks, to become the ideal Kokolette (wife). The Mansion is situated in an undisclosed area in Lagos. Hip hop superstar D’banj will play a vital role in the oncoming show.
In these weeks, the young women will be groomed and tested in various activities in order to determine the one with the greatest Koko Virtues, worthy of being a wife –a Kokolette.
Some of these Koko Virtues that the viewer that would be the ultimate judge in the intrigue-filled show would be looking out for are: the ability of the Kokolette to cook scrumptious meals, her ability to furnish and maintain the mansion. The Kokolette must also be industrious while being able to take care of the home front; her ability to be respectful and courteous at all times would be put to test. The potential Kokolette must be able to emulate notable women in the society even as she shows the ability to impress the viewers, under all circumstances in order to win the public’s votes to remain in the house among others.
D’banj would among other things, help the public determine who the winner should be. He is currently one of the most eligible single young men in Nigeria and it is believed that the music star will be able to adequately represent most men in the limelight who people assume would not appreciate a complete woman. So, with the help of his friends and associates, the public will know the most tolerant, hospitable and respectful woman in the mansion. D’banj’s entertaining character may also act as a catalyst that will bring out the girls’ true personalities.
The winner of the show will emerge the most sought Kokolette.
The Kokolette must be a beautiful young lady, at least 18 years old; she must be smart and intellectually savvy; she must also possess a fun talent she is willing to explore and definitely a WIFE material. She must be well-cultured with sound domestic training, an absolute diva with the ability to get along with a diverse crowd. The Kokolette must be someone with good moral values, independent and ambitious aside being a creative person.
The Kokolette must also be an excellent host, a very creative person who understands and can get along with the celebrity lifestyle of the hip hop star. A video audition was used by the panel determine the 12 finalists.
Eviction is primarily done by the public and could be based on D’banj’s comments. Every week, there will be a talent show segment where each lady must showcase her talent to the viewers. Talent is an important criterion to be part of the show because it would serve as the platform for each Kokolette to become a celebrity in their own right after the show. However, each week, among the three ladies up for eviction, it would be D’Banj’s prerogative to give Koko Mycine (immunity) to one of the girls. He can only use Koko Mycine once in the duration of the show. “The winner will among other benefits, be crowned Kokolette 1, get a Chris Aires Diamond ring, a brand new convertible car, feature in his next music video You Don Make Me Fall In Love alongside N5 million in cash. Aside that, the winner will be D’Banj’s companion at public events both within and outside Nigeria. She would further emerge as HiTV’s Hi-Babe; that is, Beautiful,
Amiable, Bold and Entertaining. Asides from exploring her talent professionally, she’ll be obligated to get involved in women empowering projects that would especially reinforce the unique role of an African woman in the development of our society-www.gistmaster.com

SOLOMON ALUKO MARRIES YINKA ADIGUN IN LAGOS

By Niyi Tabiti

Former Miss Rasheedat Olayinka Adigun,daugher of Otunba Adigun from Agosasa,Ogun State got married to Solomon Adeniran Aluko Junior, son of Primate Solomon Adeniran Aluko from Ilesha, Osun State at the weekend. Here photo shows the new couple at their traditional engagement,which took place at Balmoral Hall,Oregun,Lagos on Thursday 23 July 2009.The white wedding took place on Saturday 25 July 2009.More details later.

TGIF - LE PETIT MARCHE & EXQUISITE FASHION PARTY

Hey folks, how has the week been for you? Yeah, mine was a blast as well. This weekend is packed full of activities for the quintessential diva, and this time we are going on all the way to the market.

Today on TGIF, we’ve got the most outstanding events for you to look forward to this weekend. “Le Petit Marche”, a unique fashion exhibition which holds every month, holds on Sunday, the 26th of July, at the Gourmet Plaza, Plot 879 Samuel Manuwa Street, Off Ozumba Mbadiwe, V.I. The exhibitors include AMEDE, ACCESORIES PLUS, EDEN, D'HAVEN, CIRCA 64, AIRE, OBSIDIAN, AIMAS, GREY, KOKO, NS 1463, CHILD OF AMOS, LA POOZAH, MARILYN'S PLACE, LA VIVA, VONNE, LAGOS LOOK etc. 

Our very own AMEDE will be displaying her exclusive 2009 collection. Amede’s clothes command attention because they seem to achieve the impossible – beautifully constructed clothing in comfortable fabrics and styles. Her clothes are unmistakably African, with flowing shapes and rich colours, but they are coupled with a modern twist. She adds frills, unusual buttons, beads and sequins, funky high-cut collars, a variety of sleeves and other surprising touches.

ACCESORIES PLUS, the one stop repository for the finest, intricately crafted accessorial pieces will be doing some major sales, offering 50% off all accesories. I am talking everything, bags, necklaces, bangles, purses, bracelets, hair pins, hair accesories etc.

EXQUISITE FASHION PARTY 

Still on Sunday, July 26th, Tewa Onasanya and her team would be hosting the EXQUISITE FASHION PARTY against cancer from 2:00pm - 7:00pm at the African Bar Oriental Hotel, 3 Lekki Road, VI. With just N1000 you also can join the fight against cancer. To pick your tickets, you can call l 01 8987532 or 08098886184 or visit any of the following outlets, 

1.Be There Boutique, 22 Gbemisola Street Off Allen Avenue Ikeja

2.Glee House C125 Ikota shopping complex VGC. 

3.Exquisite office 1607 Omega bank Ave. off Adeola Hopewell Street VI.

4.Make me beauty place 60 Bode Thomas Street Surulere

FANS BLAST MERCY JOHNSON OVER 10,000 DOLLAR DRESS CLAIM

By Niyi Tabiti/gistmaster.com

Nollywood star, Mercy Johnson seems not be in the good book of many of her fans these days.This is because of what they tagged her inconsistent statements. Some of them who spoke with Gist palace, lamented that the Kogi State born actress speaks from both side of the mouth these days. According to them, she even contradict herself in interviews..
Aside denying her relationship with Ibrahim Damuje, the actress has been going about telling people that she bought a dress from South Africa for the equivalent of 10,000 dollar! It is a long white gown that cling to her sexy shape. When we saw her early this year wearing the red type of that same dress, she told us that she bought the dress in Germany and the price was no wear near the staggering amount that she reportedly bought it now.
A senior journalist told gistmaster last weekend that Mercy is trying to be in the big league by force. She is talented and sexy but I wonder why she go about telling people what she is not worth. Do you know that 10,000 dollar is more than a million Naira. So if two clothes in her wardrobe alone cost over 2 million Naira, that means her word rope would be worth more than a 100 million Naira. These girls should stop telling us nonsense”
A fan of the actress told Gistmaster that many international artists wear dresses that are even more expensive but Nigeria is not there yet. "You people help them make noise about what they are not worth.The other day, someone said Omotola Jalade bought a 20 million Naira jeep.I mean, that is a white lie.It is not real man!" said the fan.