HOW GRINGORY OF TV DRAMA SERIES, NEW MASQUERADE DIED

Encomiums continue to pour for James Iroha,the creator of rested TV drama series, New Masqurade. The veteran actor died yesterday at the age of 69. He lost to the battle to ill health after he reportedly went blind for years.
 Gringory is from Amokwe in Abia State, Nigeria. One is sons, Uche Iroha is a fine artist and one of Nigeria's leading photographers.

DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES CAST TO GIVE EVIDENCE AS NICOLETTE SHERIDAN DEMANDS 4 MILLION POUNDS FOR WRONGFUL DISMISSAL

The stars of Desperate Housewives are lined up to appear in court as former cast member Nicolette Sheridan seeks to prove she was wrongfully fired from the hit series.
Teri Hatcher, Marcia Cross, Eva Longoria and Felicity Huffman have all been named as witnesses in the trial that starts in Los Angeles today.
They have been called as witnesses for the show's creator Marc Cherry who is accused of sacking Sheridan after she accused him of striking her in the face over a script disagreement.
Sheridan is seeking $4m in lost income after she was killed off in the series in 2009.
The 48-year-old star was one of the original cast members of the series which has proved a worldwide hit but ends its eight year run later this year.
The British born star claims she was fired from her role as man-eater Edie Britt after she spoke up about Cherry's alleged assault during rehearsals.
She had originally wanted $20m after filing a lawsuit claiming wrongful termination, sexual harassment, emotional distress as well as assault a battery.

Witnesses: Creator Marc Cherry is calling the members of the cast as his witnesses in the trial, seen here Housewives Felicity Huffman and Eva Longoria

HOW OIL BARON's DAUGHTER,OMOBOLANLE BATTLES ESTRANGED HUSBAND OVER KIDS

 From the cradle, Omobolanle Akinruntan,the beautiful daughter of  Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan,the Olugbo of Ugboland,Ondo, had everything at her feet, courtesy her aristocratic background. However, like the saying,’life is not a bed of roses’. Ironically, matrimony has not been that   blissful for her. Years of marriage to Ayo Fanowopo, which produced two children, Ayodele  Olayinka Fanawopo and Oluwademilade Fanawopo, was like living in hell. UrbanlifeNG.com, was reliably informed that her life, in the UK, where they both lived, with the children,was full  of physical abuses and blackmail from the Ayo,who later instituted a divorce proceedings.Unfortuntely for him, the custody of the children were given  to Mobola, with only visitation rights.Thereafter,he became more frustrated and dangerous, he stopped catering for the welfare of the family,telling the court, he had no job.In order to save herself from hardship, Mobola, had to relocate to Nigeria with the children. Although,divorce they say is  not  honorable to any woman,she could not withstand  living  with the pains of a loveless marriage.So on getting to Nigeria,she also instituted a  proceeding to dissolve the sour   marriage  at a Lagos Customary Court in 2010.The crisis however,reached the zenith, on the morning of February 2^nd,2012,when the father of the children, reportedly  snatched the children on their way to school.UrbanlifeNG.com,pieced that, with efforts of her family,the distraught, lady was able to secure the release of the children, from the British High Commision,where Ayo, took them for deportation .Subsequently,she has since gone underground in fear of reprisal from bitter former partner.Through her lawyer,she has been able to contact relevant Nigerian and British authorities over the matter.Her statements,we gathered  threw a lot of putrid accusations,that might nail Ayodeji Fanawopo.

ADEBOYE'S BIRTHDAY:70 HOURS OF PRAISE BEGINS AT RCCG CAMP

The 70 hours of praise by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) kicked off yesterday at the Redemption camp,Lagos-Ibadan expressway. The 70 hours of praise is part of activities leading to the march 2012 holy ghost service and the 70th birthday anniversary of the general overseer, Pastor E.A Adeboye. Various singers from different RCCG churches have been leading the praises. Popular gospel singers are expected to be part of the activities.
 The monthly holy ghost service of the month of march will start on thursday 1 March 2012 instead of Friday. It would end on Saturday.

OMOTOLA COVERS MANIA MAGAZINE MARCH COVER

  Omotola is on the cover of March 2012 of Mania magazine.According to the editors of Mania magazine, it is now a monthly publication. Get a copy fast!

LATEST NEWS:IBORI PLEADS GUILTY AT UK TRIAL

 By Saharareporters

Former Governor James Onanefe Ibori of Delta State today entered a guilty plea at his money laundering trial at a Southwark Crown Court in London, the UK.

Mr. Ibori’s admission of guilt closed the chapter on arguably the most dramatic judicial and political saga involving a Nigerian public official in recent years. 

 Today’s development came as a stunning finale to one of the most phenomenal money laundering and fraud cases spanning seven years of an intensive manhunt. That drama ended as the once powerful former governor, who loved to be flattered with his flamboyant nickname of Odidigborigbo of Africa, avoided an exhaustive and revealing trial by deciding to admit to his massive money laundering activities during his two-term run as governor.

A source with the Crown Prosecution Services in the UK told SaharaReporters that, with today’s plea, Mr. Ibori faces up to 10 years in a UK prison at his sentencing. The former governor will be sentenced after the completion of the trial of his accomplice and financial advisor, Elias Preko, a Ghanaian national. Mr. Ibori, a graduate of the University of Benin, today’s admission of guilt ends a

CHOCOLATE CITY SIGNS A NEW ARTIST…AND IT’S A GIRL!

The multi award winning record label, Chocolate City, is home to some of the music industry’s top house hold names, such as M.I, Jesse Jagz, Iceprince, and Brymo.

With the rapid growth of the label and increasing success of artist management, Chocolate City has proven to be a hub of talent exploitation, and manifestation.  It is no surprise that a lot of youth, internationally and locally, have reached out to be signed to the label, in hopes of achieving their dreams.  So far, Chocolate City has an all-male cast as its line up, and the general public have bugged the label to sign a female act.  Chocolate City, known for setting trends, decided to bide their time, and look out for the girl that possessed qualities of a Choc BOI – Bold, Original, Innovative.

In came a young lady, full of energy and enthusiasm who welcomed the opportunity of being featured along-side, award winning Africa’s rapper numero uno, M.I on

LATEST NEWS:DBANJ TRAVELED ON SPACECRAFT AND LANDED ON THE MOON

 Our good friend, Dapo Oyebanjo popularly known as Dbanj took a spacecraft and landed on the surface of the moon while the subsidy protest was going in Nigeria that was the reason he didnt hear about the protest.He was out of this world!

Sounds unbelievable? Well, hear what he told Saharareporters

 "I did not know anything what was happening in Nigeria durning the protests,because I was out of the country,I was in the UK working on my album,making good music for my fans.Check your records, you will see I wasn't in the country at that point,so i didnt know anything about it"
  When the interviewers probed futher telling the kokomaster that there were protests in London too, Dbanj shot us another laughable answer. Hear him "I didnt know anything that was happening in London about the fuel protest.I am not a politician..." lol
  Abeg,someone needs to teach Dbanj how to answer questions. It was

WHAT JENNIFER LOPEZ WORE TO THE OSCARS

Jennifer Lopez-Hot and chic! She was looking so fabulous at the 2012 edition of Oscars award. Lets call the tweeting, facebook rocking, as thousands of people around the world click the share buttons to spread the news of JLO's wondrous dress.However, when she was on stage presenting with Cameron Diaz, buzz was everywhere that she suffered a wordrope malfunction.Whatever the situation, the American Idol judge had

YOUNG PIZZY OUT WITH 'RUMOUR HAS IT'

Art is a multi dimensional process which would explain the huge
variety in its outcome. When it comes to music, the various genres are
obvious evidences of the process.
And within these genres, various styles, pattern or approach have been
employed to making enjoyable and marketable music.
Young Pizzy a rapper who has overtime never relented in dishing out
good songs, Is back again after dropping a hit song "Make You Clap"
which features Hakym The Dream, This Time With A Very Creative Song
Titled "Rumour Has It" Which Is A Cover To Adele's Rumour Has It, And
It Is A Perfecting Rendition As The Song Was Covered Flawless.

Young Pizzy is a quadruple threat - recording artiste, producer,
songwriter and video director.
Who was born to a father who was a showbiz promoter and artiste
manager. His birth names are Agbambu Prince

TIMAYA BUYS BENTLEY-SHOW OFF AS KING OF ENTERTAINMENT IN SOUTH SOUTH

Unlike Duncan Mighty who recently came out to deny the news that he bought a Rolls Royce ,close friends of Timaya, another south south based musician are insisting that he just took delivery of powerful Bentley car that would send tongues waging. Timaya (real name Alfred Enetimi Odom) who is currently in America to perform at various shows was said to have paid millions of Naira for the car. 

 Someone told gistmaster that that Timaya went for the Bentley to show off to Duncan Mighty his main competitor in the South South that he is far ahead in luxury."You know Duncan was said to have sponsored a fake report that he bought a Bentley but later denied it. Now, Timaya is for real"
 In one of his songs, Duncan Mighty had said , he thanked God because the likes of Timaya, J Martins,Bracket and others are emulating his style. 
On his alleged rivalry with Ducan Mighty,Timaya had this to say in an interview he granted sometime back "Duncan Mighty is my man and we are friends. I will be travelling to Port Harcourt and I will surely see him when I get there. He was with me throughout the Christmas period and we had fun together"
"So how can you say he has taken over my kind of music? The press has a way of making people quarrel, because they carry stories that are not true sometimes. Some of them don’t even do researches about their stories; they just pick up their pen and write rubbish. How can they say he took over my music, those days that I use, to perform in shows, they pay me 1.5million naira but now I don’t take that kind of amount again.  So tell me if I don’t agree to perform won’t they call in the next person that is available that will go with that amount?"
-By Niyi Tabiti

EX GOVERNOR JAMES IBORI TO ENTER A PLEA BARGAIN DEAL WITH LONDON MET POLICE

Baring any unforseen circumstances, the former governor of Delta State, Nigeria,Chief James Ibori, who is standing trial for corruption and money laundering charges in the United Kingdom would enter into a plea bargain deal with the London Metropolitan Police.
 A plea bargain is a situation where the accused his made to forfeits his assets with minimal jail sentence (Just as the case wiith former governor of Edo State,Chief Lucky Igbinedion who forfeited assets and money to the EFCC. He was sentenced to just six months in jail )
 Latest news from sources close to Chief Ibori shows that the deal might be finalised this week.
 A court of law in UK had earlier sentenced Nkoyo, wife of the ex governor to to 5 years in jail on 22 November 2010.
Just recently, a Nigerian businessman and lawyer, Chief Wale Babalakin was interrogated by the EFCC over suspicion in a case that involving Mr. Ibori
 
  

DENCIA BERI BERI

I like this and want to share with you guys

TRIBUTE:PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE @ 70

 In this masterpiece, Ayodele Ale, a journalist and lawyer paid glowing tributes to Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye as he marks his 70th birthday

"Everybody prays to attain old age. And the celebration of the 70th Year of one’s existence on earth is, no doubt, an opportunity to roll out the drums and clink glasses. But when the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch A. Adeboye, had the annual thanksgiving service with his pastors on Jan 8, 2012 at the Redemption Camp, along the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway, he shocked the gathering.

The cleric told the gathering that whoever was organising any birthday bash for him either in Nigeria or abroad was on his own

Adeboye said he had already told the Almighty God what he wanted: more souls for the kingdom of God and 70,000 children for those who want children among the congregation. He counselled that instead of wasting money, such funds should be donated towards the development of Redeemers University, which he said was desirous of moving to its permanent site.

Yet, there is every cause to celebrate a man who has

HOW SUNDAY TIMES JOURNALISTS NAILED AMOS ADAMU IN BRIBERY SCANDAL

 Nigeria's former FIFA member Amos Adamu has lost his appeal against a three-year ban over World Cup bid bribes.
The ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has confirmed the FIFA ban and even said that the sanction was 'relatively mild given the seriousness of the offence'.
Adamu was banned by FIFA's ethics committee following a Sunday Times investigation when he was secretly filmed by journalists, posing as lobbyists, asking for 800,000 US dollars to influence his vote for the 2018 World Cup.

CAS said in its ruling: 'The CAS panel stressed that it was of crucial importance that top football officials should not only be honest but should evidently and undoubtedly be seen to be honest.
'With respect to the behaviour of Dr Adamu, the CAS panel was comfortably satisfied that he was far from actively and unambiguously refusing the improper offer set forth by the alleged lobbyists.
'In conclusion, the CAS arbitrators considered that the sanction imposed by FIFA was not disproportionate and was even relatively mild given the seriousness of the offence.'
It is the first time CAS has been called on to rule on a sanction by FIFA's ethics committee.
Mohamed Bin Hammam, the former FIFA member banned for life last year for bribery, has also appealed to CAS and the hearing will take place on April 18 and 19.

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2106040/Amos-Adamu-loses-appeal-year-FIFA-ban.html#ixzz1nMxNpsUP

BETH MODELS BOSS ELIZABETH ELOHOR OPENS BOUTIQUE

Isior Elohor Aisen the boss at Beth Models and Elite Model look Nigeria is now in into shoes and clothes marchadizing business. 
 Gistmaster gathered that sheis taking the business very seriously. Part of her office on Raymond Njoku street in Ikoyi has been turned into a boutique where friends and interested members of the public come to shop.
A close friend of Elohor hinted that she

FRUTOPIA BOSS LAIDE DARAMOLA MARKS 30TH BIRTHDAY

Laide with mum

Laide Daramola the creative and hard working boss of Frutopia recently marked her 30th birthday in Lagos, Nigeria.
  Aside catering for  a lot of high class events, Laide is also into other line of businesses. 

For Laide who has always been there for most of her friends at their own social gatherings, she was showered with so much love by friends who made it to her event.Baba Tee, who recently got married to London babsed socialite and media personality, Yetunde Oduwole was the MC at the event and he cracked people up with his hilarious jokes.
 Yewande Peregrino of Beyond Faces was the make up artist.
-By Niyi Tabiti
 

Baba Tee

ASA SET TO DRAG FORMER LABEL OWNER KELVIN LUCIANO TO COURT OVER RELEASE OF HER SONG 'DOWN WITH ME'

 The battle line is drawn between Asa and her former music label owner, Mr. Kelvin Luciano Gabriel over what the former tagged the infrigement of her intellectual property.Only the court of law can settle the matter, Asa said through her rep.
In an email sent to gistmaster.com this afternoon,Asa's rep disclosed that they will take every legal means to secure what belong to them.
Read the email below
 "It has come to our attention that a certain Nigerian Chronotech Limited (a CD factory) based in Lagos Nigeria is preparing to go into commercial production of a purported Asa music production titled ‘Down On Me’.

The music production was purportedly authorised by Question Mark entertainment in partnership with marketer/ distributor MacKings Limited.

We wish to state categorically that Asa was not involved in this production in any form and the artiste's team is very shocked by this misrepresentation from Question Mark entertainment or MacKings Limited, two organisations with which she has no relationship whatsoever.

We also take this opportunity to notify individuals and

MOST TALKED ABOUT ACTRESS :MERCY JOHNSON LEADS...!

 Who is Nigeria's most talked about actress?We asked this question some days back and even went ahead to have a poll on it.We have had text messages, emails and even the poll is on the side bar of this blog.
Four actresses who made the final four on the list are
Mercy Johnson,Genevieve Nnaji,Omotola and Ini Edo. So far,  Mercy is leading the pack, followed by Omotola. We want to know what you guys think about the actress who is generating the biggest interests among movie fans.
At the moment, we are also doing our findings through various entertainment writers from various magazines, newspapers,bloggers,TV and radio presenters.
-Niyi Tabiti
gistmaster.com

LAGOS BILLIONAIRE, WALE BABALAKIN ARRESTED,DETAINED BY EFCC

  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) last week arrested and briefly detained Wale Babalakin, a Lagos-based businessman, on charges of facilitating money laundering by former Governor James Ibori of Delta State.

The EFCC detained Mr. Babalakin overnight last Saturday and subsequently granted him administrative bail.

A source close to suspect, a lawyer whose company owns the new wing of the Ikeja domestic airport, told SaharaReporters that Mr. Babalakin was “shaken when the EFCC came for him,” adding that the businessman quickly contacted his political sponsors to arrange his “administrative” release.

When SaharaReporters called EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, he confirmed that the anti-corruption agency arrested Mr. Babalakin and detained him

NEW YORK TIMES:THE FULL REPORT ON DBANJ AND MOHITS PERFORMANCE AT IRVING PLAZA

 By JON CARAMANICA

 There was talk of kokolets all Sunday night at Irving Plaza. D'Banj, the Nigerian pop star who was headlining the show, boasted, "I have too many kokolets around the world." Later on he wondered, "Can I get two kokolets that can dance better than my dancers?"

If it seemed like D'Banj, one of the quickest-rising stars in Africa, has a one-track mind - kokolets, in his lingo, are beautiful women - that wasn't far from the truth. As a style, his was as monomaniacal in focus as Miami bass, one lusty come-on after the next.

He is at the forefront of an emergent style loosely called Afrobeats by some, a mélange of hip-hop, R&B and other traditionally urban sounds with elements that hark back to older African styles.

In practice on Sunday all that meant was that D'Banj, backed by

GM CONSUMER MARKETING MTN NIGERIA, KOLA OYEYEMI MARKS 45TH BIRTHDAY IN LAGOS

Kolawole Oyeyemi-GM consumer services MTN

Lynda Saint Nwafor-Chief Technical officer

TV Presenter, Aisha Falode

Tony Udenze

It was to a cheering crowd that Kolawole Oyeyemi, GM Consumer Marketing; MTN Nigeria launched his new book, “Wealth without Theft” at the Grand Ballroom, Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Guests included top bosses from the telecommunications, advertising, marketing and PR industries.
Starting out with a lush cocktail session, guests were treated to an impressive recitation by the poet, Sage and a performance by popular saxophonist; Sax Dude. There was also a surprise documentary on the celebrant made by friends and family.
After the book was launched, it was reviewed by Mr. Lolu Akinwunmi (Chairman, APCON and Prima Garnet) and later, different guests said a few words about the author and made private donations to the book.
Notable faces at the Saturday, February 18 event include, Mr. Felix Omoikhoje Ohiwerei (Chairman, ARM Funds) who was also the chairman of the event, Mr. Udeme Ufot (Group chairman, SO&U Saatchi), Mrs Lynda Saint Nwafor (Chief Technical officer), Jimmy Awosika (CEO, Insight Communication), Saint Obi, ID Ogungbe, Fela Durotoye, Ayo Animashaun, Jedi, Rotimi Pedro, Kelvin Orifa, among other guests.

Also present

NIGERIAN BILLIONAIRE BATTLES BRITISH WIFE OVER $21 MILLION DIVORCE PAYOUT

A wealthy Nigerian-born, British-based oil baron has been granted permission to use Nigerian tribal law to appeal a $21 million divorce payout to his former British wife, the Telegraph has reported.

Michael Prest, the 50 year-old founder of Nigerian energy trading firm Petrodel Resources, split from his wife in an acrimonious divorce in 2008. During a British High Court hearing on the divorce in October last year, the presiding judge ordered the tycoon to pay his former wife cash and assets worth over $20 million.

  

 However, Prest has applied to appeal the court’s decision on the grounds that his Petrodel’s assets do not belong to him, but are held in trust for his children,

WHY MY ROMANCE WITH ACTRESS TOYIN AIMAKHU CRASHED -BOYFRIEND

  Kunle Soyombo, a socialite and boyfriend of actress Toyin Aimakhu has confirmed that they are no longer dating. 
  In an interview he granted recently, the Ogun State born Kunle disclosed that they parted ways because Toyin was cheating on him. He alleged that the escapades of the actress was glaring to close friends and he had to call it off because she was not ready to make amends with her wayward lifestyle.
When asked if he would go back to the relationship he disclosed that he would rather become a reverend father than be in a romance with Toyin again

LATEST NEWS:BOBBY BROWN CONFIRMS HE WILL PERFORM THIS MARCH IN NIGERIA

New Edition to perform in Lagos and Port Harcourt, as Bobby dedicates gig to Whitney

Lagos| Nigeria It’s official! - Grammy award winning American musician Robert Barisford Brown (Bobby Brown) is coming to Nigeria for the first time ever. And he’s making the trip with his pop group New Edition!

The R&B Singer, Song writer and dancer confirmed his appearance for the high budget concert organized by R28 events in an audio statement released on Monday from his base in America. The concert is scheduled for Friday March 9 in Lagos and Sunday March 11, in Port Harcourt.

In the audio message, Bobby Brown confirms he’d be in Nigeria in March “We’ll be rocking the stage live in Nigeria live on March 9 and 11. Don’t you dare miss it.”

This is the first time New Edition will be performing in Nigeria, a city where they have millions of fans and followers.

According to their management, the former group members will travel to Nigeria with a

FASHION PROMOTER LEXY MOJO EYES TO ADDRESS UNITED NATIONS SEMINAR

Following his continuous contribution to the development and growth of

global fashion, Lexy Mojo Eyes, President/CEO of Legendary Gold Limited

has been invited as a VIP Guest Speaker at the United Nations – Commission

session on the 2nd of March in New York. He will be addressing a seminar

on ‘Empowering Creative Rural Women through Enterprise Development and

Global Fashion Opportunities’

This is coming after the very successful hosting of the Nigeria Fashion

Week November 16th – 19th, 2011. The event organized in collaboration with

the Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the World Fashion

Organization hosted 42 designers and 39 Exhibitors from 22 countries.

The United Nations seminar is being co-ordinated by TCF Global, Belmont

BEC and BPW International and is an accredited event being ran during CSW

NGO Sessions. TCF Global and Belmont BEC are non-profit community

TOBI EXCITE NIGERIAN CELEBRITIES

If the buzz around the movie, TOBI (a Nigerian flick shot in New York) is anything to go by, then the Nigerian movie industry might be on the verge of witnessing one of its most exciting cinematic episodes since the days of Ije and Unwanted Guest.

It therefore hardly came as a surprise when Nigeria’s flamboyant singer, Muma Gee recently expressed her unreserved anticipation and excitement towards watching the movie.

The gorgeous singer and recently made this known in a chat with Simply Samad noting that she was glad the countdown to the premiere had begun.

Previously, Mr. Nigeria 2007, Bryan Okwara had equally

WHO IS NIGERIA'S MOST TALKED ABOUT ACTRESS?

 
Gistmaster is doing a search on who is Nigeria's most talked about actress. In the 90s, the award would have gone to someone like Liz Benson or Regina Askia. From those that i have asked so far, the four contenders in this category are Mercy Johnson,Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola and Ini Edo.
  We have a poll running by the side bar, you can click on your favourite actress.

EX-BEAUTY QUEEN VANNESSA EKEKE SHOOTS DOCUMENTARY FILM ON DELE GIWA

To many Vannessa Ekeke should be refered to as an ex-beauty queen because she is still as pretty as ever.Graceful and elegant, Vannessa won Miss Commonwealth organised by man about town, Venat Omigie some years ago.

 The reason much has not been heard about Vannessa is because she has been busy abroad studying  Documentary, Film and History at the University of Syracuse. When we got in contact with the former Miss Commonwealth, she disclosed that she has been busy with a project that will indeed give her great joy when it is finally released to the public by October 2012.      However, she sent us a 'rough' trailer of the documentary film entitled ' A General's Burden'
  The film is in honour of veteran journalist, Mr. Dele Giwa,who was murdered through a letter bomb by unknown persons more than two decades ago. In her words, Vannessa told gistmaster that the film is the story of Dele Giwa and the circumstances that led to his death.

-By Niyi Tabiti
  

MONEY RAIN FOR IMOKE TONIGHT AT TRANSCORP HILTON, ABUJA

  Today, there would be a gathering of business moguls and policians at the Congress Hall,Transcorp Hilton, Abuja at  the fundaraising ceremony in honour of  former Governor of Cross Rivers State, Mr. Liyel Imoke. The event according to information available to gistmaster, would starts at 7 P.M under the chairmanship of Chief Tony Anenih,a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).Senator Victor Ndoma Egba, a legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) is the Chairman of the Fundraising Commitee.

Mrs.Imoke

Mr.Imoke

 Trust,money bags are expected to raise funds toward the return of Mr. Imoke and Barrister Effiok Cobham's to government house after they were sacked by the Supreme Court.The gubernatorial election comes up very soon.

I have attended the fundraising events for some state governors in the past (I remember i attended the one for Dr. Bukola Saraki in 2003) and its usually very interesting when you hear the Billionaires donating millions upon millions of Naira for the purpose of making their friends win election so they can get patronage later yet some of them (NOT ALL), have done nothing to improve the lives of the less priviledged.

-Niyi Tabiti

  

ARISE AFRICA FASHION WEEK DESIGNER LIST OUT

Due to the phenomenal response to participate in the much anticipated, ARISE Magazine Fashion Week, which last year hosted 5,000 guests, 51 designers, 81 models, 5 musical acts over three days – ARISE organisers have announced that it will return to Lagos in March 2012, only this time it will feature 77 participants from 6 continents – including designers as far away as India, the Caribbean, USA, Europe and Africa.

The ARISE Magazine Fashion Week – Lagos 2012 fashion extravaganza will run for an extended period of SIX days from Tuesday 6th March to Sunday 11th March 2012 in THREE tents on the grounds of the luxurious 5-Star Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, Nigeria.

The much-anticipated designers selected to participate include:

Adama-Paris (Senegal/France), Amine Bendriouich Couture and BS (Germany/Morocco), Amrapali (India), Angelo Van Mol (Belgium/Ghana), Be-Grey (Nigeria), Bestow Elan (UK/Ghana), Bridget Awosika (Nigeria), Buki Akib (UK/Nigeria), CHICHIA (UK/Tanzania), Christie Brown (Ghana), CLAN (Nigeria), David David London (UK), Davida (Nigeria), Duaba Serwa (Ghana), Ejiro Amos Tafiri (Nigeria), Eki Orleans (UK/Nigeria), Frank Osodi (Nigeria), Funlayo Déri (UK/Nigeria), Gavin Rajah (South Africa), Gloria Wavamuno (Uganda), HOUSE of DIVAS (Nigeria), House of Farrah (Nigeria), House of Nwocha (Nigeria), ICONIC INVANITY (Nigeria), Imane Ayissi (France/Cameroon), Jacob Kimmie (UK/South Africa), Jewel by Lisa (Nigeria), Kastle Designs & Treasure

INTERVIEW WITH BINTA SHUAIBU,MTN/BRITISH COUCIL DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

In this interview with Binta Shuaibu, the winner of MTN/British Council designer of the year, she opened up about her strong passion for fashion, her rising profile and how women can be stylish without having to expose their body. You can click here to see the photos and read the interesting interview 
 To become a successful fashion designer, like Binta,find fashion related courses in online technical schools

-Niyi Tabiti
niyi@gistmaster.com

WOMEN CAN BE CONSERVATIVE YET STYLISH-BINTA SHUAIBU,DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

Binta Shuaibu is the Creative Director of Vintage Colette (VC), a Kano based fashion house. She believes a woman can be conservative yet stylish, beautiful and very fashionable. Shuaibu won the MTN/British Council Young Designer Award for 2011 at the recently held MTN Lagos Fashion and Design Week in November last year. In this interview she shares her passion for fashion and other things. (Excerpt)

What does the word fashion mean to you?

Fashion means three basic things to me; comfortable, artistic and stylish. Fashion is a personal self expression that reflects the radiance from within one’s individuality.

How would you describe the Nigerian fashion industry as it is today?

The Nigerian fashion industry has really improved over the decades and is still on the verge for more improvement. Nigeria is a country with a lot of talented and creative minds. The last decade has unveiled a lot of potentials from the Nigerian fashion industry featuring in the most famous fashion shows in the world.

What are the kinds of fabrics you work with?

Most times I work with silk, cotton and some other fabrics but usually Nigerian, African and western fabrics.

What is your personal style?

My personal style is simple and artistic.

Tell us a little about your background, education, career and how your fashion career started?

I am an indigene of Gombe state but was born and raised in Kano State. I attended St. Louis primary and secondary schools in Kano. I studied Biochemistry and also had my Cisco certified networking academy course from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. After serving in FCT I got married and moved back to Kano where I enrolled at Alliance francaise and obtained an equivalent degree certificate in French language. I then enrolled for a Masters course in International Affairs and Diplomacy (MIAD) at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria which I completed earlier last year that is 2011.

My fashion career was something that started as a hobby from the age of eight when I watched the late Maryam Babangida on television. I began sketching and my fashionable parents also helped me with styling my wardrobe and dressing smartly from a tender age. At the age of 13, my mum sent me to a tailoring school at the women’s centre in FCT for a three month course. I didn’t like the classes because I preferred the cookery classes and also because I was the youngest in the class and was constantly teased by the other women that my parents sent me there because they had plans of marrying me off as soon as I completed my secondary school. They teased me and said I was going to be a tailor in the future. I hated going for the classes.

I eventually continued to sketch as a hobby for myself, family and friends but stopped after a while because people thought my designs were too eccentric. Later on, after having a baby I decided to continue without worrying so much about what others thought. I simply focused on what I felt from the inside and put it down on a piece of paper.

Asides fashion and designing what are your other interest?

Before auditioning for the MTN LFDW, I only worked as an event planner and also did some creative writing. I was asked at the audition how I joggle all that up with family life and my designs too. It is quite simple actually for me because everything I do is creative and I get inspirations from all over. Life itself is also creative from my own perspective. Fashion design is something I have always done effortlessly but I now intend to take it up as a full career and give it my best shot.

What would you say inspires your work, that is, your designs?

I derive my inspiration from the simplest things to the most complicated. It could be architectural, nature based, art or lifestyle.

How do you keep fit?

My personal regimen for keeping fit is dieting and a high metabolic rate which by the way I think is genetic. The combination of these two things helps me keep in shape.

What is your area of specialisation in fashion designing and why do you focus on that aspect of designing?

My area of specialisation at the moment is haute couture. It a bit complex while putting together because of the amount of detailing involved in creating one dress but it’s something I am passionate about and well worth it at the end. I absolutely love it.

Why do you feel you can make success out of a career in fashion and just how confident are you about this?

I am very confident that I would make a wonderful career out of the fashion industry because I am hardworking, and also a perfectionist. From the age of 8, my primary school teacher thought me a poem by Mamman J. Vasta that ended with the words ‘from beginning to end must leave nothing pending’. I have always entwined these words into my daily life and career as a human being, the results have always left me with a smile on my face.

Vintage Colette is the name of your fashion label, when and how did you come about the name?

Vintage Colette is the brand name I came up with for my design house which infuses the use of Vintage designs with contemporary concepts to make any woman between the ages of 19-55 feeling comfortable, stylish and sexy without revealing too much. A woman can be conservative yet stylish, sexy and fashionable without indecent exposure.

What is your take on love, marriage and relationship?

I think it’s best to be married to your friend and someone who deeply understands you. Love is an important ingredient in the equation but in the long run it’s those two things that keep a relation or marriage going.

Locally and internationally, who are some of the people you consider your role models?

Late Maryam Babangida, my parents, Ituen Basi, Coco Chanel, Balenciaga, John Galliano, Elie Saab, Karl Lagerfeld and Oscar de la Renta.

How do you unwind?

I hang out with my close friends and family. Sometimes we go to the movies but generally I enjoy hang outs with my family and close friends.

How do you balance your personal life, home and family with your job?

The same with every woman with an ambitious drive, it’s hectic, but I’m neither the first nor the only woman in this position. I enjoy the full support of my family on this job, adjusting might be tough initially. If there’s anything I’ve come to learn in my few years of experience is that eventually things work out and you’ll reap the fruit of your labour.

What are your dreams and aspirations for Vintage Colette?

You can bet I’m already dreaming big because the journey towards a wonderful career has just begun. My vision is that in a few years from now Vintage Colette would be on all the continents in the world and it all started from the MTN Lagos Fashion and Design Week 2011 competition.