MICHAEL JACKSON IS DEAD:THE WORLD MOURNS KING OF POP

The statement 'Michael Jackson is dead' as confirmed by CNN today sound more like a 'bomb' as it was devastating!
Shocking details of the last minute spent on earth by Michael Jackson,the man regarded as King of Pop music,has emerged.According to his brother,Randy,he died at UCLA after a cardiac arrest.Michael's California abode would definitely become a tourist haven as people from all walks of life would make it a point of duty to pay homage to the pop idol.MJ was the entertainer,most entertainers had always wanted to be.Michael Jackson Rest in peace.
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

PLENTY OF LOVE AS NIGERIAN DESIGNER, LANRE DA-SILVA SHOWCASES WORK AT THISDAY ARISE AFRICAN FASHION WEEK IN SANDTON,SOUTH AFRICA TODAY

Story & photos by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

It was the turn of another wonderous Nigerian designer today to showcase her work at the Arise African Fashion week in South Africa. Lanre Da Silva-Ajayi did not disappoint the audiance at all.Unlike previous shows, Lanre used six Nigerian models.The list include Bunmi Ademokoya, Oluchi Onweagba,Amaka Chirah,Isi Atagamen,Pauline and Fome.
Nigerian models based in South Africa had earlier complained that they are being sidelined by the designers.
Many of them had planned to boo a Nigerian designer who showcased yesterday because of a comment ,which had earlier been credited to her. http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ learnt the said designer had said she would not like Nigerian models to feature in her show.However, the timely intervention of some people saved the day as they appealed to the models not to do that. The designer later denied the statement. Today, Lanre Da-Silva-Ajayi seems to be the queen of their hearts as they cheer her for not only using six Nigerian models,she also promised to pay them from her pocket.One of the elated models told http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ that Lanre is wonderful person that has the interest of others in her heart.

TODAY AT ARISE AFRICAN FASHION WEEK

Story and photos by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

As we told you, the Arise African Fashion Week has taken off.Models from different agencies are already showing off their swagger at the Sandton Covention Centre in South Africa.So much has been happening and www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com hope to give you all the behind the news,backstage and show photos soon.

ALL EYES ON SANDTON,JO'BURG,SOUTH AFRICA AS ARISE AFRICAN FASHION WEEK KICKS OFF

Now live and direct, the gistmaster.com team is now in Sandton, Jo'Burg,South Africa reporting that the much talked about Arise African Fashion Show has taken off on a smooth note. Models, designers, instructors, journalists,bloggers, photographers and others concerned have arrived South Africa.
The cold here is much but i have got no choice than to adapt for the few days i am going to be here.Great country,I must confess and they have got the strength of style.So much gigantic malls everywhere.Who told you naija babes have big backsides?...the ones in South Africa are far bigger.Well, I didnt look at them per se...just reporting what I saw.lol
Nigerian designers such as Ade Bakare, Eyola,Tiffany Amber,Lanre Da-Silva Ajayi and others are expected to showcase their creativity to the rest of the world at the Fashion Week being organised by African Fashion International in conjuction with ThisDay the publishers of Arise.
Cheers-Niyi Tabiti

THE FRILLS AND THRILLS OF THE NIGERIAN ENTERTAINMENT AWARD,USA

The Nigerian Entertanment Award (NEA) has proved a point- that quality is achievable.Ayo Shonaiya,G-Exploits,DJ TEE,Kasha,Ebun Martins,Shakira and Basorge were some of the people that made it to the colourful event in United States of America.According to a press statement sent to gistmaster.com by UnderDaRock Inc Management and Promotions, sincere appreciation goes to all those that made the ceremony a talk of the town. Photos by Funmi Adesina of Kolure Images.
You can check out the winners on http://www.nigeriaentawards.com/#awp::
You can also view more red carpet photos on http://photos.underdarock.com/thumbnails.php?album=159

AFRICAN TALKING DRUM QUEEN, ARALOLA WEDS PRINCE LEKAN SALIU IN LAGOS NIGERIA

By Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

Prolific singer and African leading female talking drummer, Ara and her fiance of many years,Prince Nurudeen Olalekan Saliu were married last saturday 6 June 2009 in Lagos.The event was a gathering of whomis who in the socity as top celebrities, traditional rulers and dignitaries thronged the Etal Hall, Oregun in Lagos to support to support the couple.
The Oba Bbatunde Rilwan Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos led other Lagos traditional monach to support the father of the groom, Oba Bashiru Saliu, the Oloworo of Oworo. Others present are the Ojora of Lagos, Oba Abadulfatai Aromire,Chief Alex Akinyele, a former minister of information who came ith his wife. Asides friends and well wishers who came from different parts of the world, stars such as Yeni Kuti, Muma Gee, Bisi Ibidapo-Obe and Kefee were also at the function.
One man many would not forget in a hurry at the ceremony was King Wasiu Ayinde with his love tracks.Even those who don't want to love again changed their mind after hearing "I can't just stop thinking about you my love..."
Earlier in the week, the couple had also formalised their relationship at the Oshodi/Isolo registry in Lagos. Unlike the wedding proper, the registry stuff only has three people present,including this reporter.
Please don't ask me about the wedding night,i didn't capture that one o....the couple already have a baby together.Meanwhile, latest information reaching http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ is that they are planning a wondrous time together as a honeymoon package. Paris is one of the destination. Congrats to Ara and her husband!
Photos come on board soon.I have some on my facebook sha!

AFRICAN TOP DESIGNERS SET TO GLOW AT THE ARISE AFRICA FASHION WEEK IN SOUTH AFRICA...TIFFANY AMBER,ADE BAKARE,LISA FOLAWIYO OTHERS FROM NIGERIA

By Niyi Tabiti

The city of Johannesburg, South Africa is set to host one of the biggest fashion shows in the continent of Africa this month. The event, which is being together by African Fashion International is in collaboration with ARISE, a top magazine produced by Leaders and Company, the publishers of THIS DAY Newspapers in Nigeria.The event is scheduled to hold between 12-19 June 2009.
Top designers from all over Africa such as Egypt, Kenya, Ghana Nigeria, Ethiopia, Uganda and Mozambique are expected to be part of the event. From Nigeria, we have top designers such as Folake Akindele-Coker moving the proudly African fashion theme with her label Tiffany Amber, Lanre Da-Silva of LDA fashion, Odio Oseni of Odio Mimoment and Lisa Folawiyo with her Jewel by Lisa accessory.Ade Bakare and Samatha Cole are two Nigeria designers who will fly to the Sun City with their creative designs.

According to a statement from the website of the organisers, Mr.Nduka Obaigbena, publisher of Arise Magazine disclosed that the Arise Africa Fashion Week 2009 would provide an enabling platform for African designers to showcase their creativity to the rest of the world.

http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ congrats Thisday and African Fashion International.Stay glued as we promise to bring you the best of African fashion from ARISE AFRICAN FASHION WEEK.Don't miss it!

LANDORD INSISTS “PSQUARE MUST LEAVE MY HOUSE”

By Niyi Tabiti

Following their disagreement and what close sources regarded as rudeness on the part of Paul and Peter Okoye of the Psquare fame, the owner of their present residence insists they must vacate the residence or face the full wrath of the law. More worrisome was the fact that Jude, the elder brother of the singing duo was alleged to have also insulted the businessman.
Contrary to speculations that the duo of Peter and Paul Okoye of Psquare fame bought the house in Omole Estate, the Landlord has come out to say that it is a rented apartment. They paid 5.1 million Naira for three years but they allegedly went against the tenancy agreement.
The Landlord who has already filed a case against them in court, said he was shocked when he found out that they have broken down a wall in the house to make way for a studio without his knowledge. When he took it up with the twins, he alleged they insulted him so much, using so many unprintable names.
At the moment,http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com we gathered that the Landlord as change his mind over having the singers leave his home without much delay. “If they have money as much as they claim let them go and build their own house in choice areas like Omole or Ajah instead of insulting a man who has done so well for himself.If not,let them go and look for land in Lagos extension (places in Ogun State that is close to Lagos) such as mowe,ofada,Ibafo or Magboro” a source close to the landlord revealed to www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com this afternoon.

NIGERIAN ENTERTAINMENT,MEDIA PRACTITIONERS HONOUR HITV BOSS,TOYIN SUBAIR AT OJEZ

It was tribute without end last Sunday as O’jez Entertainment Centre, National Stadium, Lagos, played host to founder and CEO of HiTV Nigeria, Toyin Subair, in its monthly O’jez Entertainment Forum in collaboration with the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN. From veteran broadcaster and arts patriarch, Ambassador Segun Olusola, highlife music promoter Chief Femi Eso, Nollywood stars Zack Orji, Charles Inojie, Ejike Asiegbu, Chidi Nwakeabia, Emeka Enyiocha, reggae music icon, Ras Kimono, hip hop superstar D’banj among many others, the packed celebrity restaurant, unanimously agreed that Toyin Subair, has done the nation proud with his modest achievement of setting up a proudly Nigerian pay TV station. HiTV’s joint initiative with D’banj, Koko Mansion, also received kudos and endorsement from all the celebrities as well as top personalities gathered at O’jez that evening. Billed to begin soon, Koko Mansion is a reality television show featuring D’banj being facilitated by HiTV. Koko Mansion revolves 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. 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.Ambassador Olusola described Subair as a “young and resilient Nigerian who has done the nation proud.” As the oldest in the gathering, he prayed to God to give him (Subair) more strength to achieve more successes in life. Amadi Ogbonna, Group Entertainment Editor, Vanguard newspapers, showered encomiums on Subair even as he traced his success story from when he was involved in active legal practice. The distinguished guest revealed he was humbled by the show of love for him. He said HiTV was set up sorely as “a catalyst. We wanted to prove that Nigerians can own and effectively run a pay TV as against the disinformation being passed by many people outside.” He said plans have being concluded in the United States, Africa, France some parts of Europe, to get HiTV signals. “We are grateful about that, because we are out to sell Nigeria positively to the world, our purely Nigerian channels, Hi Nolly, Nigezie are what the world will see and view us from a different perspective. And Koko Mansion reality show coming soon, despite what haters say, is going to redefine reality shows in Nigeria. We are not promoting immorality... I would rather enjoin all to wait and see it unfold.” Ejike Asiegbu, president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria reiterated the guild’s support for HiTV and Koko Mansion “because it is a Nigerian company and Koko Mansion is something fresh, that we are all looking forward to.” The evening was made more refreshing with the performance by D’banj and the Evergreen band that dished out refreshing highlife tunes.

-gistmaster.com

Other related stories on kokomasion- D’Banj,HITV takes kokomansion to France,Ghana ,Want to be part of the kokomasion with D'banj?Get your form now!

FROM CAPETOWN SOUTH AFRICA, DAREY 'ART ALADE' RETURNS WITH ANOTHER WONDROUS VIDEO- 'NO STARS'

With amazing vocal talents and unusual hard work, Darey Art Alade sure knows how to bring good music to the table. And with matchless and interpretative videos, he not only drives home his point, but also wins the hearts of Fans and Critics inside and outside Nigeria .
So it is no surprise that his new video ‘No stars’ is winning critical acclaim while the fans are doling out unanimous thumbs up.
‘No stars’ is a brilliant video’ Solomon Shonaiya, COO of Soul Muzik says. ‘it is a sequel to his hit single ‘Not the girl’. The video should continue from where ‘Not the girl stopped, and that is what we have done’
No Stars is the fourth track on Darey’s album ‘Un.DAREY.ted’. The cut comes immediately after the hit single ‘Not the girl’.
Darey explains ‘I had always had it on mind for ‘No stars’ to follow ‘Not the girl’, when the songs were being written which is why it comes immediately after ‘Not the girl’ on the album, I t just captures the whole picture of Darey after break up. If ‘Not the girl’ tells the story of break up, ‘No stars’ pictures the aftermath of break up’.
The video which features Carla, the same model in ‘Not the girl’ was shot in Cape Town, South Africa, and was directed by Mark Hofmeyer, Gwydion Beynon and Robert Hofmeyer of Odd digital Productions the same directors responsible for his previous videos ‘Not the girl’ and ‘More’.
The clips in ‘No stars’ have sequential significance Darey says. ‘There are pictures of me and the girl in the house, and every step I take, or everything I touch, there is an emotional attachment to it, even stuffs as small as a disc, a brush, or even the calendar the good thing is that the audience can relate well to the video as it takes them back to the good old days, merging it with some clips from ‘Not the girl’, and then brings us back to Darey’s state of mind’
With visually rich art design and a skillfully shot story line, the directors portray the story of a post relationship trauma. The video starts with Darey in front of the keyboard. After he gives a brief solo introduction, he goes around the empty house that used to belong to himself and his partner, but everything he sees reminds him of her.
The love and heart break chronicle in the sequel to his hit single ‘Not the girl’ ends with Darey still questing and waiting for his girl to return - all to no avail.

-gistmaster.com

RED BULL STREET STYLE...REMARKABLE TALENT IN BENIN

Red Bull Street Style witnessed its first qualifier rounds this May, at Urokpota Hall Parking, Sizzlers Fast Food Parking and University of Benin at Benin This first qualifying round saw more than 4,500 spectators, all watching young and talented Freestylers in attendance. Each Freestyler had three minutes to display the best football tricks and moves using his feet, knees, lower legs, chest, shoulders and head.
The level of performance was very high and the best freestylers were selected to make it through to the final round that will take place on June 13 at Silverbird Galleria, in Lagos , to compete with the other freestylers selected from Kanu, Abuja and Lagos ’ qualifier rounds. The finalists from Benin qualifier are: Victor Adigwe, Oromoni Bernard, Omorodion Edemkhiota and Princewill Ndukwe.
Freestylers who wish to test their skills have the chance now and can join Red Bull Street Style on June 2nd and 3rd in Kanu. After Nigeria ’s Red Bull Street Style Finals, the top winner will have the chance to participate at the world finals which will take place in South Africa , March / April 2010.
The numerous participants from South American countries, including Brazil , and Argentina to name just a few, seem to be born with freestyle football blood flowing through their veins. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that this year the freestyle football elite from Europe, Asia, Middle East and Africa will play a major role in deciding who will be crowned overall winner of Red Bull Street Style.

-gistmaster.com

D'BANJ,HITV TAKES KOKOMASION TO FRANCE,GHANA

WHEN Koko Mansion, a television reality show being facilitated by HiTV Nigeria, finally begins, viewers in faraway France and Nigeria’s next door neighbour, Ghana as well as other African countries, will have the opportunity of seeing the show being touted as the ‘biggest reality show in Africa live.

This is going to be made possible because, HiTV, the wholly Nigerian pay television company, is among other African channels currently on the French IPTV operator Free, which has introduced a new range of African channels on its platform. Being the first group brought together in the African Premium bouquet, it was developed in cooperation with Thema and comprises nine public and commercial channels from a variety of African nations: two from Senegal ( RTS and 2STV), three from Cameroon, (CRTV, STV2 and Canal 2), the national public channel of Côte d’Ivoire (RTI), the public channel of the Mali (ORTM), the public channel of the Congo (Tele Congo) and the pan-African channel Africable.

HiTV is available on Free as a la carte service.Freebasic TV subscribers can in addition receive the pan-African news and information channel Voxafrica. Also, in Ghana, a deal has been signed between HiTV and Skyy Media for the distribution of HiTV’s flagship channels Hi-Nolly and Nigezie on its platform. It’s founder and chief executive director, Mr. Toyin Subair, in a statement said, HiTV is pleased about this development “especially in light of its new TV reality show featuring D’banj tagged Koko Mansion, being supported by Nigerian Breweries Plc, Jagal Group, that is billed to come up soon on our platform. The implication of this, is that viewers in Africa and Europe will get to see Koko Mansion live as events unfold in the quest of searching for the ideal Kokolette (woman).

We are happy that in just two years, HiTV is moving ahead on a difficult turf such as the pay television’s.” Subair said the arrival of Hi Nolly and Nigezie in France and Ghana, shows that HiTV is leading the pack in showcasing Nigeria’s culture in the area of movie and music. “It is time to take Nigeria’s culture to the outside world, we want the world to know more about us in this period that we are rebranding as a nation. So, what HiTV is doing is complimenting the federal government’s efforts aimed at rebranding our nation.” It will be recalled that HiTV is already in the UK and plans are ongoing to take the pay television channels to other parts of Africa, Europe and America.

Meanwhile, registration is gradually coming to an end in the ongoing race to be the nation’s number one Kokolette. HiTV’s Public Relations Manager, Mr. Justin Akpovi-Esade, said the pay TV company was satisfied with the response from potential Kokolettes. “The response so far has been impressive, but this phase is gradually coming to an end.” He is grateful to all the companies that have come on board to support Koko Mansion, so far, even as he called on other corporate bodies to join in the quest for the number Kokolette in Nigeria. The show is scheduled to hold in a couple of weeks.

-gistmaster.com

THE ULTIMATE SEARCH IS BACK!

Nigerians can’t get enough of the country’s biggest and boldest reality TV show… and so after five brilliant years searching for men and women with intellect, determination and guts: it’s time for the Gulder Ultimate Search 6!

It started at the mysterious Snake Island , and then moved to the meandering cold hills of Obudu. It was also NIFOR, at the very humid forest that houses the Oil palm research institute before we progressed to Shere hills in Jos Plateau State . Last year, the search was for the lost chronicles in Agwu Hills, Mmaku. This year’s search will be set within the undulating plains of the Omodo Forest in Ada , Osun State , and will to stretch man to the very limit of his endurance.

“You ain’t seen nothing yet,” the producers said at the press conference announcing the show last week.

They will be searching for the HORN OF VALOUR hidden in the hands of the beautiful guardian of the forest. It is believed that the secret message on the horn is the only solution that can change the world’s destiny. To find it, these men will battle nature and the wild… is Nigeria ready for this?!

Entry to the Search is free and the selection process will be rigorous and have a national spread. The application form is available on www.gulderultimatesearch.tv

If you want to register, closing date is 11 June 2009, so register now viathe website http://www.gulderultimatesearch.tv; but if you just want all that juicy detail on this year’s show; the website is still the place to go.

The Ultimate Man/Woman who finds the Horn of Valour will exchange it for a cash prize of N7million (seven million Naira), a wardrobe allowance of =N=500,000 and a Brand New SUV. Other searchers will receive cash reward from 500, 000 upwards. And the last woman standing still gets the big N1, 000, 000 reward!

UBA PLC CELEBRATES DEMOCRACY DAY AT AUTO LOUNGE

Story & photo by Niyi Tabiti

UBA Plc, one of Nigeria’s banks set Auto Lounge aglow on Thursday 28 May 2009 when it sponsored the democracy day gig at the popular hangout. The hangout was packed full of fun seekers and bank officials looking for the big spenders in the club to move in to UBA with their huge accounts. The gig was specifically to celebrate the 10 years of anniversary of democracy in Nigeria.
One of those at hangout told www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com the event is another way of networking for more customers, taking their products to would be customers in the cause of having fun. “You know this is the kind of club where you see the real big boys and babes hanging out. Its easier, when they are more relaxed”
It should be recalled that in January 2009, the UBA had the colourful edition of its annual CEO awards.Staff who have distinguished themselves in line of duty were rewarded by the management of the company. Tony Elumelu, the suave Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer the bank was accompanied to the ceremony by his beautiful wife, Awele.
We gathered that the January event was the work of a team, which has the likes of Pamela Shodipo, Eunice Adegulehin, Nneka Iwuchukwu,Ijeoma Aso and others on board.

By Niyi Tabiti

SHOWTIME AFRICA, a company owned by top comedian and showbiz entrepreneur, Tunde Adewale otherwise known as Tee- A, hosted celebrities to the second edition f its annual Old Skool party in Lagos, Nigeria.

The event took place in the classy ambience of Fantasyland, Ikoyi. The music and dressing pattern of the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s of Lagos socialites was the pivot of the ceremony. No one was left out of the fun as many of the guests at comedians and musicians turned out with their exhilarating performances.

Those who showed up at the ceremony, include Bright Ikpocha the comedians known as Basket Mouth, Julius Agwu and wife, Kenny st.Brown, Essence,Bisoye Fagade,Seyi Otuyemi, Ayo Animashaun of Hip Hop World,Sheddy Baba,Dayo of Hip on Tv,Omawunmi,Isio Wanogho,Sound Sultan, Tony Tetuila,Eddy Remedy and others.

The best performer of the night goes to Eddy Remedy, who brought back to life “Mo shako mo’ the song that brought him and other members of the defunct Remedies group to limelight in the 80s.He got the whole screaming with excitement. That mood would have set in the process of reconciliation between the artiste and his estranged wife, Kenny st.Brown, but it was futile at the end. When Eddy was moving the crowd, Tee A tried appealing to Kenny st. Brown just to make her join Eddy on stage but she politely refused.