PLAGIARISM:SEE WHAT COMPASS NEWSPAPER IS DOING TO MY BLOG!

In every media organization all over the world, plagiarism is regarded as unacceptable. I know a lot of people who come here to pick stories and reproduced for their newspapers and magazines. Yet, they credit GISTMASTER and by so doing, they also create traffic back to us. I applaud my colleagues from newspapers such as PUNCH NEWSPAPER, CHAMPION NEWSPAPER, PM NEWS,THIS DAY NEWSPAPER, THE SUN NEWSPAPER, THE GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER and others who have at one time tapped into our news/photos resources for their show of professionalism.
However, months back I noticed that Compass, a national newspaper in Nigeria have been using my work without credit. I complained to the reporter, Mr. Hazeez Balogun and he told me it was an oversight. Subsequently, I have noticed that the newspaper have continued to publish my work without credit or renumeration. Last Saturday, my story and photos on Mercy Johnson was published and not a single line of reference that it was from gistmaster.Worst still, they photoshop my name off the photo. I challenge anybody to prove otherwise. It’s highly unprofessional.
They did the same when I did the story on Temitayo George as soon as it was published in September, this same writer took my photo and story, the same with the Anita Baker’s story. Others are my story on Freddie Jackson, the workshop on entertainment industry addressed by Dele Momodu and others, Orits Wiliki story and others. This time, I am we are prepared to take this case up with the management of the company. Then we would decide whether or not they are the one paying their reporter to be lifting work here without credit or permission.
I know what it takes to cover events till late in nights, (spending money, time and taking the risk) yet some people think they can sleep on their bed then the next day, they just copy stories and publish for commercial purposes.

click here to see the original story and photo of Nollywood actress,Mercy Johnson before it was lifted by Compass Newspaper. You can also click here to see the Temitayo George story and photo before it was lifted by Compass Newspaper without reference.I have so many references to make...I mean,its shocking that people can be getting salaries for works done by me!

NAS,NELLY...WYCLEF..ALL IN NIGERIA COURTESY ZONS PR

MERRY XMAS TO YOU ALL

Thanks for being a part of us.We can't appreciate you enough for staying by us. We thank all our advertisers and supporters all over the world. We are still compiling names...when we finish you will definitely know them.The feed back has been most amazing to say the least. Please don't forget that you can advertise with us at a token, you'd think we are doing charity.The beauty here is that your advert will also be linked to your website right here.
Don't forget that Funmi Yusuf Odunaike and I, would be driving the gistmaster.com to a higher level next year.You can also be a part of it. Remember, someone started the ever exciting FACEBOOK network,E!News,AFP,BBC and other global media companies. Today, the young owner of facebook is worth more than some of our so called oil sheik in Nigeria. One day, I see Nigerians using their brain to create such a network.Yes, we can!we just have to believe in ourselves and be ready to make sacrifice.
Merry Xmas to you all!

THE AMAZING STORY OF AYO SHONAIYA,THE NIGERIAN MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT BARON WHO HAS SUDDENLY TURNED HALF MAN,HALF GORILLA

By Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

When I set foot on a magnificent hotel in Lagos last week, a big brother and senior colleague was waiting for me.We have always been in constant touch anytime he is in Nigeria. He clocked 40 recently and he told me that he is ready to go all the way for the Nigerian entertainment. This time, he is bringing a bouquet of concepts that would shake the industry.The entertainment baron told www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com he is ready to jump from tree to tree with spectacular skills that would create excitement.The revolution begins now.
Don’t be alarmed, UK based Nigerian filmmaker and television producer Ayo Shonaiya is not going to attack or bite you, he’s only expressing himself creatively and also promoting his new multi-faceted project called KONG.
KONG is actually an acronym for King Of Nigeria Group, a new entertainment outfit starting in Nigeria in 2009 (the name is from King of my Country, Ayo most popular film). It involves music, television, special events and raves (parties), fashion, comedy and an internet blog. “KONG Nation is a whole movement, not only an entertainment company, it’s like a country where the Blue Gorilla is King”.
So does that mean that Ayo is also the Blue Gorilla? “Yes and no”, says Ayo, “since I just turned 40, I feel I can do anything I want now because my life has just started. Some of my friends now call me A40. A40, Blue Gorilla, I don’t care, as long as you write Ayo Shonaiya on the cheque”.

The parent company for KONG Nation is still the popular and groundbreaking R70 World, Ayo’s UK based company responsible for the early success of BEN TV, the Intro Independence Jam, Stars on the Runway fashion show and many many more including being the former management company for the likes of K1 the Ultimate and D’banj. R70 World was started 12 years ago by Ayo as a film production company but now has developed into the No.1 entertainment brand in the UK for anything Nigerian.

R70 World is from now on focussing on film and television projects. A new reality TV series called ‘United States of Nigeria’ is starting on several stations in Nigeria in January and then there’s ‘Green Shorts’, a short film project to develop new and aspiring Nigerian filmmakers starting in February. KONG’s first offering is a new R&B artiste called Michael who is in the studio recording his first album right now, and he will be officially launched to the public at an event tagged ‘The Birth of KONG’ sometime in March 2009 in Lagos. The event will feature artistes and special guests from the UK and the USA including Naira, a young singer/rapper from Atlanta who’s also going to be under the KONG Music umbrella.

R70 World will open its office in Lagos in January 2009. “I think it’s time we open a full service office in Lagos to complement our other branches in London and Atlanta. Now we have the 3 continent triangle all set to run on full speed” concludes Ayo, or is it the Gorilla we have been talking to? We shall see soon.

LA POOZA LINGERIE FASHION SHOW

FIDELITY BANK PLC SPONSORS LA POOZA LINGERIE FASHION SHOW IN LAGOS NIGERIA ...SUPPORTS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

By Niyi Tabiti


La Pooza a lingerie line in Nigeria, operated by some young ladies had a lingerie fashion show last night (Sunday 21 December 2008) at Expo Centre, Eko Hotel. The event was sponsored by Fidelity Bank Plc. It was a gathering of A-listers . The managing director of the bank, Mr. Reginald Ihejiahi told www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com in a short interview that they decided to sponsor the event as a way of supporting the breast cancer awareness in Nigeria.
We call the event,the more you look, the more you see!

D'banj performed to the delight of the guests just as Omawunmi and Kaffy excited the crowd with their mind blowing performances. But nothing there could be compared to how the models strutted the run way. Ask the guys at the event!

KPANJA EMERGES FACE OF WEST AFRICA FASHION WEEK

Story & photos by Niyi Tabiti
Multi millionaire businessman, Chief Sunny Odogwu, the Yeye Oge of Lagos, Chief (Mrs) Oprah Benson, top fashion designer,Hajia Abah Folawiyo and several other important dignities graced the Face of West Africa Fashion Week which took place on Sunday 14 2008 at Silverbird Galleria.
Taka Kpanja, a former MBGN Miss ECOWAS Queen emerged the winner after the contest involving six other girls. Susan Eyo-Honesty, a fashion designer and deputy editor-in-chief of City People magazine announced the judgment of the panel of judges, which included Remi Osholake popularly known as Remi Lagos and Blessing Egbe, a top model formerly based in South Africa.
The West Africa Fashion Week is being facilitated by Frank Osodi of House of Brunor Creazioni.It is a platform where designers from different parts of Africa come to showcase their work. Other guest included Victor and his wife Funmi Okigbo of No Surprises events, Isaac and Nneka Moses of Goje Africa,top model and presenter,Isio Wanogho and others.

FACE TO FACE WITH A HALF MAN AND HALF GORILLA

Watch out for the exciting story of a Nigerian media and entertainment baron who has suddenly turned a half human, half gorilla. It is the story of KONGNATION, a revolution whose time has come! He had a chat with gistmaster .He lives in Atlanta,Lagos and London (Don't be scared if you live in any of these cities.

NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS,MERCY JOHNSON TELLS GISTMASTER 'I JUST SUFFERED AN HEARTBREAK, I AM NOT PREPARED FOR ANOTHER ONE"

Story and photo by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

Nigerian actress, Mercy Johnson has told www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com on Wednesday 17 December 2008 that she is not ready for a relationship at the moment because she just got out of one that left her weeping.

In the words of the sexy actress, “I am not seeing any body at the moment. My Ideal man is just somebody nice. But for me, dating is out of the line. I just got out of one. We broke up. Specifically, he was living a false life. He was married and I didn’t know because he lives abroad”

The Kogi state born actress stormed the Future Award nominee party held at Swe Bar, Onikan,Lagos in an all revealing dress that got eyes popping out of it sockets. She came with a smart looking management staff of Guinness Nigeria Plc (name withheld) but denied having an amorous relationship with him. She insisted that they both met that afternoon at a Guinness event and they decided to come to Swe Bar together.

Away from the romance, the controversial actress told gistmaster that she is determined to get to the zenith of her career no matter. “We don’t have a box of fame here where you just place your hand and get it done. I honestly want to carve a niche for myself. I want to be known for being in my own world of creativity” she said with so much excitement.

When it comes to the issue of glamour, the sultry Nollywood actress confessed that she is ready to go all the away.

 According to Mercy, fans expect you to be glamorous all the time. No matter the situation. Even if it is burial, people want to see you representing glamour.

For someone who has faced some bad press in the past, Mercy told gistmaster that she has realized that it is a price one has to pay for stardom.

“Usually, the real me, I usually cry, like what somebody wrote about me and some other day, I don’t know. I cry but after time I realize that it is price one has to pay for stardom. People are worried about what you wear, what you eat, who you date” she said.

Concerning her plans for next year, Mercy said she want to be closer to God. She also said she would be unveiling her orphanage kids.

She told gistmaster ”We have this orphanage where I am the sole sponsor. It is called, House of Mercy. So, we are thinking of having a TV show where we bring out the kids. Instead of celebrities going to club where they would spend about 800,000 Naira on drinks, let's spend twenty something thousand Naira, on the kids to have a better life. It is around my area in Badagry. It comprises of not just little kids but adults. 

KONGNATION

THE REVOLUTION THAT IS HERE TO STAY!

ADVERT: INSPIRE MAGAZINE RELEASES DECEMBER ISSUE

Nigerian actress, Chika Ike-Ebireri spoke with Inspire magazine about what she gets up to apart from being on set/location. Motivational speaker, Dayo Olomu also talked about creating opportunities in your love life. On his part, 9ice unveil future plans to bring home Grammy, marriage and parenthood.
The magazine also gives you information on how to vote for nominees at the next Future Award taking place in January 2009.
Kelechi Abiodun Ejelonu, the UK based young publisher of Inspire magazine also have some other exciting materials in the December 2008 issue of her magazine.
The website is www.inspiremagonline.com

Don't miss it!

ZIZI CARDOW SHOWCASES HAUTE COUTURE IN LAGOS ,NIGERIA

Story & photos by Niyi Tabiti

House of Zizi, one of Nigeria's fast growing couture owned by Zizi Cardow, unveil some of her mind blowing collections at Ikoyi on Saturday 13 December 2008. The award winning fashion designer dazzled all with her collections and it was prove that she is still in the game. I promise to bring you more photos from the event.
Other fashion events also took place that same day in Lagos.Yeside Lai-Mohammed of My Q had her Eden Fashion and Friendship Fair at Didi Museum, GIA Lagos owned by Ijeuru Coker had Christmas sales, last Saturday and Sunday. The Christmas fashion sales was done in conjunction with Oheneba, Accra and Renne Q of Accra,Ghana.
I promise to bring you more photos from the fashion show.Here, i brought you some of the guests. The model strutting the runway is Aisha Olu and of course, the photo of Zizi and the models at the end of the show.
The first picture shows one of the guests at the event. The second person is also a guest by name Yewande Peregrino, a make up artist.

IDEA MEDIA SET TO LAUNCH NEXT SUPERMODEL REALITY SHOW IN NIGERIA

By Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

As part of efforts to showcase Nigerian models to the world and upgrade the standard that currently prevail in the Nigerian modeling and entertainment industry, Idea Media, a world class production and entertainment company would be bringing a contingents of modeling directors, scouts,Fashion icons and international groomers for its reality show ‘Making of the next supermodel’ in Nigeria for a first of its kind reality show.
www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com gathered that he making of next supermodel has a broad appeal through edgy competition, fascinating ‘behind the scenes’ footage, nutritional and make-over tips, resort destinations and – most importantly – human interest stories.
While speaking with gistmaster in Lagos, Jennifer Onochie, a UK based image consultant and spokesperson of the reality show said “current standard in the modeling industry is appalling to say the least. That is why Idea Media is connecting interested models to the right international platform towards realizing their potentials. The Next Supermodel is a brand new programme that would excite Nigerians”
The CEO of Idea Media in Victoria Island,Lagos, Mr.Lanre Towolawi affirmed the commitment of his company towards replicating international values in Nigerian models. “Being a supermodel goes beyond having the right shape and size; rather we want to build a league of role model celebrities in our society. Look at what Iman, Angelica Jolie, Naomi Campbell, Oluchi and others are doing by attracting world attention to the less privileged. He also said apart from wonderful prizes, about ten of the contestants would also go home with mouth watering modeling deals from Icon management of Italy and D1 Model Management in the UK.
Thousands of prospective models will enter the competition in five Nigerian cities including: Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. Members of production will narrow the amount of prospective models down to 20 per city. The viewers learn the business along with the models. Some shooting will be done in a studio, but much of it will be done in spectacularly exotic locations. Each week, our judges will score all the models without revealing the winner until the final episode, creating anticipation and sometimes high drama.

The show is extremely entertaining and will expose the viewer to the professional aspects of what the models need to know like nutrition, exercise and attitude. Not only do we see the models learn about runway and fashion shoots, but we will also see them blossom into spokespeople and actors- and learn to create a character for print ads. Most of all, THE MAKING OF A SUPERMODEL: NIGERIA is great TV viewing and will have solid followers
after only one show!
Right now, we gathered the sponsorship drive for the model reality show is moving at a fast speed as a lot of corporate organizations and individuals are interested in the reality show. Nigeria’s flagship daily celebrity news/photo agency, www.gistmaster.com is one of the media partners.

ESTELLA COUTURE SALES 2008 IS ON!

Contact sales@estellacouture.com

ESTELLA COUTURE SALES

ESTELLA COUTURE is giving via sales2008 Runway Couture designs to make room for 2009 Collections. The sizes start from 0-14.Right now, Estella is doing online sales. You can email: sales@estellacouture.com

NIGERIAN MUSIC STAR, 2FACE IDIBIA,PERO SETTLES...HOLD BABY DEDICATION IN LAGOS NIGERIA

By Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

Nigerian music star, 2face Idibia and Pero Adeniyi, mother of two of his children gathered friends and family members to the reception of their son, Justin Agaba Oluwafemi Idibia on Sunday 7 December 2008 at House 1 in Festac Town, Lagos,Nigeria.

The church service was earlier slated to hold that morning at CLAM church in Omole Estate phase 1,Ikeja but last minute change of mind saw it taking place at 2face's church in Festac. Friends and well wishers who has stormed CLAM in the morning had to retrace threir steps.
http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ gathered that Pero and 2face have made up after the initial misundestanding that emerged shortly after she delivered the baby.According to the gist, Pero was said to have confused everyone into believing that she was actually expecting twins for the musician in Barbados.2face and his mum were said to be very unhappy about the development.At that time, gist was even in town they they dont see eye to eye.However, they seems to have settled their differences.
Apart from Keke Ogungbe of Primetime Entertainment and Kelly Handsome, other artistes who graced the occasion are several up and uncoming musicians in Festac and its environs.Karen Igho, an up and coming actress based in UK was also there.As expected, Annie Macaulay and Sumbo Ajaba,two other women in the life of the musician were obviously absent.

Tuface Idibia is described as father of many, yet he is accepting responsibility for all the babies that have been coming his way, some fathers don't!

GET SET FOR THE MEGA GISTMASTER!

We are still cooking it and soon it would be done for you to taste and savour with relish. Well,we are talking about no other thing than the re-branding of Nigeria's hottest gist website- http://www.gistmaster.com/
Remember, we told you sometime ago that it would return in a bigger and better form.This is due to popular demand from Nigerians and non Nigerians who come here everyday to see the latest gist in town.Our ultimate agenda is to use the platform as an effect tool towards drawing positive image to Nigeria. On behalf of Funmi Yusuf Odunaike and I, GISTMASTER assure you that we are ready to take you to the next level!

-Niyi Tabiti

TONI PAYNE DELIVERS BABY FOR 9ICE IN USA

Rave singer 9ice and his wife Toni have received their first baby!The baby, already named Zion, was delivered at 12:43am on Thursday December 4, at Presbytarian hospital, Southern California, United States of America', http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ learnt on friday 5 December 2008.

According to Ayeni Adekunle,the musician's publicist,9ice is currently away in Cyprus honouring a performance engagement, but he received the news of 'Alapomeji junior' with excitement and gratitude to God. ''I'm very happy. And we give God all the glory'' he said.

The singer only recently returned from the US after spending time with his pregnant wife and headlining scheduled gigs.9ice and Toni tied the knots at a private ceremony in Lagos on July 17, 2008.The baby-a boy- weighed 8.3 pounds at birth; and was delivered by Dr. Delshad George.