SOCCER STAR, KANU NWANKWO SET TO RELEASE MOVIE, BOOK

Africa’s most decorated football player, Kanu Nwankwo has joined the ranks of global figures whose compelling stories have been immortalized on the silver screen (i.e. Pele, Muhammed Ali, Maradona and Mike Tyson). But Kanu takes it a notch further as his feature is to be released simultaneously with his biography, after the World Cup in South Africa. Kanu considers this movie and book to be his heartfelt gift to Nigeria on her fiftieth anniversary, to Africa and indeed the world. This was contained in statement made available to gistmaster  today by James Amuta, the project publicist.



Titled Lion Heart: The Kanu Story, the movie is a documentary feature, directed by BBC London-trained Nigerian director Bayo Awolaja, and produced by Neil Oyenekan (Dragons Den Nigeria, Taking Sides, 2002, UK). The Executive Producers include Kanu Nwankwo, Lighthouse, IBST Media, Worldwide Management Ltd. and Connect Marketing. The movie is currently being filmed in Nigeria, London, Amsterdam, the USA, South Africa and India, and has a plot that chronicles Kanu’s inspiring rags to riches story from a unique perspective that delves into his journey into the world of soccer from his humble beginnings in Owerri, to his struggle with a near fatal heart condition at the peak of his football career, to his heart surgery in Cleveland, Ohio, and back to his tribulations and triumph at Arsenal, Ajax, Portsmouth etc. In addition to his exploits on the football pitch, the movie also unveils one of the most recognizable UNICEF ambassadors as a mentor, business man, husband, and friend. According to the Lighthouse Productions CCO, “ this film isn’t just about Kanu the footballer, we intend to reveal the Kanu story through interviews with all the world renowned players , coaches, administrators, including his wife, his child-hood friends, his doctors and those people that played very important roles in his life – it’s going to be a three dimensional documentation of Kanu’s story according to Kanu, his fans, and his critics too – it’s definitely going to be compelling and well –balanced, because we intend to highlight the challenges he’s encountered and how he overcame them, in order to inspire many young Africans with his exceptional story of hope, determination and success”


Explaining the plot a step further, the film director, who used to work with BBC Wales, added that “it’s not just about Kanu and his story, but Lion Heart: The Kanu Story is a film with a strong message that will greatly touch audiences across the globe, because despite the fact that his role as a great sportsman is emphasized, yet the salient themes in the movie revolve around determination, overcoming tribulations, triumphing over life-threatening obstacles and circumstances in life to soar to heights of iconic greatness”


Kanu expressed his excitement when he spoke about the project, saying, “I’m a very private person, but it has been a very interesting experience to watch my colleagues, team mates, coaches, doctors, fans, friends and family telling my story in a very passionate manner – this movie humbles me – I can see the aspects of my life that the world identifies with, and it’s not easy to open up your life to the world, but then it is very noble to do so in order to inspire those who wish to do the things you have done – at least so that they can see how you did it”


But why do we have to wait until after the World Cup to see this movie? And to this Kanu replied, “the producers have been working tirelessly for a very long time now, but I believe this World Cup should be part of the film, whether I play or not, I definitely want the experience to be part of the film…”


Lion Heart: The Kanu Story is scheduled for a global premiere in September, but so far the film parades an excellent cast of renowned footballers from some of the teams Kanu Nwankwo has played for, alongside coaches, and revered FIFA officials, all passionately telling the story of a true African icon in more than 4 languages.


An official movie trailer, posters, and snippets from the projects have been scheduled to be leaked to the media soon. Also, an interactive website is also in the works, and fans can participate in fun trivia for a chance to win a front row seat at the London premiere of the movie, with lots of other interesting goodies.

WHERE WILL U TO BE THIS WEEKEND ?

ONE DAY SALES @ LEILA FOWLER

Leila Fowler biggest One Day inventory clearance event
Everything, YES EVERYTHING is on sale up to 60% discount off.
Date- One day only 21 February 2010 from 12am – 7pm

Address- 215B Etim Inyang Crescent, Victoria Island
Lagos, Nigeria


TRUE LOVE VALENTINE SPECIAL



The True Love Team invites you to a fun filled and romantic evening to celebrate valentine with lots of music, flowers and wine to go around. Entertainment would be provided by Teju Babyface and fashion by Ituen Bassey. There would be attracive prizes be won.

Date: Saturday, February 20th

Venue: Eko Hotel Banquet Hall, Adetokunbo Ademola Street. Victoria Island, Lagos

Time : 4pm – 9pm

Ticket: N15,000

For registration call Jennifer on 08087184121

Limited seats available

STRUCTURED SHOULDERS

Here are a few trends that inspire me this season. So stay tuned, as I plan to write about them over a series of weekly posts. The first is the Structured Shoulder.



This season accentuated shoulders are back. Once a staple look during the 80's, today's version is just as dramatic but a lil bit softer.Their use is particularly associated with clothing of the early 1940s and the 1980s.In the beginning(1930 to be precise), they were shaped as a semicircle or small triangle, and were stuffed with wool, cotton or sawdust. They were positioned at the top of the sleeve, to extend the shoulder line.






Come 1940, After World War II began in 1939, women's fashions became increasingly militarised. Jackets and coats in particular, were influenced by masculine styles and shoulder pads became bulkier and were positioned at the top of the shoulder to create a solid look. Dresses, too, were made with shoulder pads—soon the style was universal, found in all garments excepting lingerie but tapering off later in the decade after the war was over and women yearned for a softer, more feminine look.



During the 1950s and 1960s small padded shoulder pads appeared only in women's jackets and coats.



In the 70s, the structured shoulder look did not, however reach mainstream acceptance, and so the popularity was relatively short lived.





































During the early 1980s there was a resurgence of interest in the ladies' evening wear styles. Before too long, these masculinized shapes were adopted by women seeking success in the corporate world. As the decade wore on, shoulder pads became the defining fashion statement of the era, known as power dressing and bestowing the perception of status and position onto those who wore them. They became both larger and more ubiquitous—every garment from the brassiere upwards would come with its own set of shoulder pads. To prevent excessive shoulder padding, velcro was sewn onto the pads so that the wearer could choose how many sets to wear. By the end of the era, some shoulder pads were the size of dinner plates. It was inevitable that as the cycle of fashion turned, they would lose favour in the early 1990s.





Now i ask, Did the '80s ever really leave?Glance around in a crowd and chances are you'll see someone still wearing leggings or sporting a bi-level haircut.



How to rock the look

Retro-inspired fashion never really means that anything goes: acid-wash jeans, legwarmers, fringed boots and other fads of the decade are best left in the '80s.

Instead, try a small dose of '80s party-girl or preppy in your wardrobe. A clutch bag here, a gold chain belt there. Maybe even a bit of big hair. Just remember not to do the look head-to-toe unless you have an unerringly deft hand at styling.



Victoria Beckham, rocking the look

10 SIMPLE STYLE RULES

We are sometimes intimidated by fashion. Especially, with all the “must have” fashion rules going round. Well here are a few tips to enable you navigate fashion with a few easy-to-remember style tips.


-Update in Small Doses
Not sure wide jeans are for you? Try jeans with a bit of flare instead. Head-to-trendy looks ridiculous.

-If You Think You're Too Old, You Probably Are
When your gut feeling tells you that a trend is too young for you (and you're not Madonna, Cher or Demi), you'll never really feel comfortable in it.

- Dress Out of Your Age Group
Go with how fashion makes you feel about yourself. If you feel great in a mini and you're 55, then go for it. If you prefer pantsuits and you're 22, then wear 'em.

- Black Clothes Always Look More:
• Expensive
• Flattering
• Sophisticated

- Don't Buy Junk to Save Money
Cheapo, just-to-be-buying-something items are almost always a bad investment (unless you're 18 with a great body). Remix existing clothes, alter your hair, makeup and accessories or borrow something from your best friend's closet until the financial situation brightens.

- Trends Have a Short Shelf Life
Fashion fads are a blip on the fashion timeline. One season everyone is sporting black leggings under mini dresses, the next they are wearing pants. There's nothing wrong with dabbling in 'It' bags or must-haves, but remember that they'll only be hot for a short time.

- Leave Your Look for a While
Ultra-conservative? Explore new looks -- maybe a lacy shirt with peeks of skin -- or prints (try leopard for a bit of wildness). Downtown diva? Try a girly knee-length skirt. Play, have fun, remember that style should work for you, not the other way around. You'll probably go back to your look after experimenting, but with a new approach.

- Don't Sacrifice Professional Image for Fashion
Strappy, see-through, extra-tight or downright sleazy styles won't ever do your career any favors, regardless of your career path. Many fashion spreads will trumpet high slits, plunging necklines, sheer and a plethora of inappropriate looks in the name of "femininity." But sexy doesn't cut it for 9 to 5.

- You Are About Much More Than Just Fashion
Put much more thought into your reading repertoire, spiritual nourishment and personal relationships than your wardrobe. An inner peace and glow will never go out of style. Even designer Kenneth Cole says "To be aware is more important than what you wear."

- You're the Boss!
If you love it, look great in it and can afford it, buy it. Yes, it's really that simple!

MY DESIGNER HAUS - RENEE Q

RenéeQ tees are really fun pieces, rocking the African fashion scene and beyond. Their bespoke style tees, reflects a bold and stylish “You “. Their fresh infusion of bright and luscious colours coupled with the intricate patterns of African fabrics, evolve in a unique styles that’ll make you feel RenéeQ gorgeous! Scan thru our mini catalogue as reneeQ brings you the evolution of the Afro Diva!all the way from Ghana.







Address
RenéeQ, Olooti Lane (behind Syriatex), Labone
POBox AC8 Arts Centre
Accra -Ghana

Tel
+233 24 200 1000
+233 26 200 1000
+233 28 200 1000
+233 21 777 926

PHOTOS FROM 2010 FACE OF AFRICA CONTEST IN NIGERIA

By Niyi Tabiti

News Editor/Gistmaster

Nigerian business tycoons, fashionistas, fashion photographers and style editors from various capitals of the world converged in Lagos on 18 February 2010 for the much talked about M-Net Face of Africa.
By the time the event was over, Lukando Nalungwe a contestant from Zambia was declared the winner. Lukandio beat ten other contestants from different parts of the world to achieve the feat.
The 2010 Face of Africa won a $50,000 dollar cash prize, three years modeling contract with O Modeling agency, South Africa, Free Iman make up supply,HP laptop and a wristwatch worth $5,000
All eyes would be on Lukando as she is expected to be Africa’s modeling ambassador. www.gistmaster.com she would be in New York later in the year for the Arise Africa Magazine fashion show. Zenith would also give her $5,000 for shopping.
Chinelo Offor, one of the two contestants from Nigeria didn't do badly as she was considered in the top five category.

The Judges was made up of Iman, one of Africa's forerunners in the international modelling business,Nduka Obaigbena, the Fine Artist and publisher of Thisday Newspapers,Helen Ennings, the Editor of Arise Africa Magazine,Megan Kruger, a Director with the Shine Group and Josie Borian, the first South African born Supermodel.

Lukando who is still studying for a certificate in Business Administration expressed her gratitude to the judges and optimism that she would not just be another winner but one with a great difference.

She also told journalists after she was declared winner that her consistence and relentless attitude brought her this far.

As expected a lot of glamour and razzmataz took over the event, which has so many of Nigeria's aristocrats in attendance.

The first M-Net Face of Africa took place in 1998 in South Africa.Nigeria's won Oluchi Onweagba won the compeition. Today, she is an icon in the international modelling and fashion show business.

First pic:Winner (middle) and other contestants rejoicing after Lukando was declared winner
Pic 2: Lukando

Pic 3:Helen, Editor of Arise Magazine

Pic 4:Mo Abudu, a talk show host and businesswoman

Pic 5:Lanre Da Silva Ajayi a top Nigerian fashion designer pulling through on the runway with models at Face of Africa 2010

Pic 6 and 7-two contestants from Zimbabwe

NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS UCHE JOMBO DENIES ABORTING SIX MONTHS OLD PREGNANCY...SUES FOR 100 BILLION NAIRA!

Popular nollywood actress, Miss Uche Jombo has denied a media story that she had recently undergone an abortion at the advanced stage of 6months for a certain Okechukwu Uche. According to news monitored on a website, Nollywooduncut.com , Uche who was most upset, denied the allegations vehemently.


“How can I abort a 6 month pregnancy? It is a bloody lie! I do not know how someone can wake up in the morning and his plan is just to destroy others with his poisonous pen!”

“ I can not tell you how this story has affected me emotionally and psychologically but I have handed the matter over to my lawyer and it is in court now!”