FELABRATION DAY 2: NA,OPPORTUNITY BE THIS O!

Story by Niyi Tabiti

Photos by Toks Ibikunle

The one week long activities marking this year's post humous birthday of afro beat music legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti kicked off on Tuesday 14 October 2008. Yesterday, 15 October was tagged the special ladies night for the great abami eda and there was a large turn out last night till about 3 a.m today. Ashinoye, Weird Mc,Shan George and others performed.Its called Felabration and it is taking place at the new Afrikka Shrine,Ikeja,Lagos.

Last night, one of the performances was done by the young lady in this photo. In the cause of he performance, she asked that two young men who can dance should come and join her on the stage.Before one could shout 'jack!' tow guys came on stage. One of them is the guy dancing with her here. Everything about the young man shows that he had been 'hungry for it' for long.He was later sent off the stage. If not...that guy could have far more than we could have imagined. www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com thinks the guy was 'high' in the realm by the time he stepped on stage.

9ICE BEATS D'BANJ,PSQUARE,FAZE...DECLARED MOBO BEST AFRICAN ACT LAST NIGHT IN LONDON

By Niyi Tabiti

Chief Reporter

History was re-written last night (15 October 2008) in London as Nigerian born rave of the moment musician; 9ice grabbed the MOBO 2008 award as the Best African act. He was confirmed the winner of the award after a fierce contest with fellow compatriots like D’Banj, Faze, Asa and Psquare.9ice became the second Nigerian to have won the award so far.

Other gifted musicians who also competed with him from other parts of Africa included Jua Cali, Magic System,HHP,Wahu and Jozi
In a statement issued by his publicist, Mr.Ayeni Adekunle, he stated that what seems to be like an ordinary lyrics has turned out to be prophetic. The elated publicist who seems to be bubbling like a man whose team has just won a premiership, reminded us how the artiste stated that “don’t doubt me, I will bring home Grammy”, in his song ‘Street Credibility’

9ice has climb the ladder of professional music success in such a way that shows the grammy award he sang about would soon become a reality.

Dehinde Fajana, manager of 9ice said today "The award is coming to Nigeria. It doesn't matter who won. It's an award for all the Nigerian nominees"

Information reaching gistmaster indicates that 9ice is expected back to Nigeria on Friday.He is expected to meet a team of journalists and visit to some selected media houses before jetting out on October 21 for a performance tour of the United States of America.9ice first international exposure was June 2008 when he performed at the fabulous 90th birthday of former South African President,Dr.Nelson Mandela in UK.

LILIAN UGBOEKE, PRETTY MOTHER OF SIX SET FOR MOST GORGEOUS MOM BEAUTY PAGEANT

Story & photos by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

Lilian Ugboeke, a model and groomer is set to host the first ever most gorgeous mom beauty pageant in December 2008 at Lagoon Restaurant,Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. Unbelievably, Lilian is a beautiful mother of six children! (Three boys and three girls)
I remember, the first time I was introduced to Lilian about six or seven years ago by Ronke Apampa,a top presenter and model who resides in London.I was shocked when I learnt she already had 5 children.She still has a lovely figure that could make anyone want to believe she is still single.After doing her first interview that year,i got loads of emails from guys who wanted to date her.
Coincidentally, we were both on Solid entertainment,a morning programme hosted by Patience on Galaxy Television this morning.After mine,she was the next person to come air.
She was very excited about her new project.Lilian disclosed that sponsors are already falling over themselves because of the excellent drive that is being injected into the pageant.She also said planning the event took her three years and now is the time to let it out. The Director of Sleek Production told www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com that the winner would go home with N5 Million Naira, a brand new car and other fringe benefits.
Right now, interested women are already collecting their forms so that they could participate.On the 29th of November, there would be a grand reception for all the contestants.On that same day, they would accomodated for one week to enable them prepare for the contest.She disclosed bikini or any form of indecency would not be encouraged. You can check out her website www.gorgeousmomsng.com you can also reach Lilian via 234-(0)8037259091

Photo 2-Lilian & Patience inside the studio at Galaxy Television,Ikeja,Lagos...this morning.

GISTMASTER PRESENTS RITA DOMINIC THE BEST DRESSED NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS TITLE ON SATURDAY 11 OCTOBER 2008

Nollywood diva, Rita Dominic was the centre of attraction on Saturday 11 October 2008 as www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com hosted her to a lavish reception at A-list celebrity hangout, Swe Bar in Lagos, Nigeria. Rita emerged the best dressed actress after a poll conducted by gistmaster on the internet.
The actress had a filled day as paparazzi serenaded her with camera shots, amidst the glitz, glamour and popping of champagne.
Rita rode in a luxury car provided by one of the sponsors, Mr.Tony Prest, CEO of Prestel communication and owner of NIRE Prest, operators of the hottest luxury boat cruise in Nigeria.Jibola Olubiyi of Swe Bar was on hand to give Rita a warmth welcome into the bar considered as the hottest spot for silver spoons in the country.Tosyn Bucknor, a key partner in the Rita Dominic’s event also got many things fixed, thereby ensuring a grand outing. I must not underestimate the contributions of Cornel Udofia.He was all over the place.
We took her round as she exchanged pleasantries with everyone present at the ceremony. Actress and up and coming singer, Anita Joseph celebrated the actress with her performance to the delight of the guests, which included Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) actress of the year award winner, Kate Henshaw,Michelle Dede,Noble Igwe,Kemi Otegbade,IBAN girls,Abiola Aloba and Rita’s manager, Mildred Okwo.
Rita was elated as she was formally presented to the press as the winner of Nollywood best dressed actress opinion poll. She expressed her joy and optimism that Nollywood would continue to grow. She also disclosed that her late mum influenced her sense of style. Later, there was question and answers session by journalists.
We sincerely thank the Nigerian press for their contributions. Encomium, Punch Newspapers, Champion, City People, First Weekly, News of the People, Global Excellence, The Sun (on Sunday), The Nation, Vanguard Newspapers, Top Celebrities,Werunthings.com, Nicholas Anukanti of Style TV, Quest Television, Showtime Africa (Tee A baba, you are too much), Galaxy Television and others too numerous to mention.Ms.Otegbade of Heartlink,thanks for always being there. Tayo Odusanya, Ayeni Adekunle,Nonye Iwuagwu,Amadi Ogbonaya,Victor Akande, Godwin Onyemachi,Patience… and finally, I thank my wife,TEE for the support.And to all readers,I thank you all!

Photo 1-Rita's manager,Mildred,Victor Akande,Niyi Tabiti and Rita Dominic @the reception for Rita @Swe Bar in Lagos.
Photo 2-Tosyn Bucknor, Dammy and another lady with Kate Henshaw
Photo 3-Mercedes and Michelle Dede@ the reception organised for Rita by GISTMASTER.

Noble Igwe in a pose with Rita Dominic
Some of the guests at the event
Anita Joseph dedicating a song to Rita Dominic.
Niyi Tabiti of Gistmaster,Jibola Olubiyi of Swe Bar,Rita Dominic,Kate Henshaw and Anita Joseph
Kate Henshaw and others doing their thing on the dance floor.

Nonye Iwuagwu of Punch Newspapers,Madam Kemi Otegbade of Heartlink,Rita Dominic, Kate Henshaw and Niyi Tabiti @the best dressed actress presentation to Rita on Saturday 11 October 2008 @Swe Bar.
Presenting gifts from Gene (Tosyn Bucknor), Orekelewa by Tara Fela Durotoye and KU (USA)
Guests
Kehinde Falode of The Nation Newspapers, Abiola Aloba of Encomium Magazine,TEE,myself,Rita and Cornel Udofia Bhaira Mcwizu, past winner of Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO) reality show

Abiola Aloba, Editor,Encomium E-lifestyle and top presenter, Michelle Dede rockin' for Gistmaster/Rita Dominic on Saturday 11 October 2008 @Swe Bar
Miss Tosyn Bucknor, leading partner in the Gistmaster/Rita Dominic event and a friend posing for us
Rita Dominic
...as she steps into the event venue on Saturday 11 October 2008

The car that brought her to the event venue courtesy Tony Prest of Prestel Communication.
Cameras on standby!

Nollywood star actress,Kate Henshaw @Gistmaster/Rita Dominic event on Saturday 11 October 2008 @Swe Bar.

OMENUKO OJEMBA GOES ON SCREEN.

Mr.Charles O'Tudor and Ms.Onyeka Onwenu presenting Omenuko Ojemba logo to the press last week.
Goldie,Dickson Iroegbu (Nollywood director),Charles O'Tudor,Onyeka,Azuh Arinze of Encomium and Charles Okogene of Daily Independent Newspapers.
Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe and other members of the family exchanging pleasantries with Dickson Iroegbu and others.

Story & photos by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

The Nigerian movie industry would soon witness a boost as Lady of songs, Onyeka Onwenu and others planned to shoot a multi million Naira movie tagged ‘Omenuko Ojemba’. www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com gathered that they are still working on the cast since the movie is yet to be shot.
At a press conference hosted last week by Charles O’Tudor, the Principal Consultant of Adstrat and Stratis, the organization handling the brand Oxygenation of the movie, he disclosed that professionalism would be the watch word because the movie would be a pacesetter. Furthermore, she disclosed that they are still working on the cast because the movie is yet to be shot.
On his part, Mr.O’Tudor revealed that banks and state governments are already showing interest in having the movie shot with the highest standard obtained anywhere in the world. “However, Imo State government is the first to sign and seal the deal so far” he said. Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe and other prominent personalities who hail from the lineage of Omenuko were also present at the press conference.
www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com gathered that Omenuko is the timeless epic of a resourceful and courageous man who bounced back despite facing several misfortunes.Igwegbe Odum (OMENUKO) migrated to a foreign land to escape social and economic adversity. In the cause of the sojourn, he did not only carved a niche for himself, he became a pride to his people.Onyeka described him as the first millionaire in West Africa. He lined in the early 20th century.
The movie is intended among lessons to show why human beings should not think they can never be a success no matter the difficulties they are facing in life.

VIRGIN NIGERIA LAUNCHES EMBRAER 190 AIRCRAFT IN ABUJA

Story&photos by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

Virgin Nigeria, a leading air transport company in Nigeria formally launched its new Embraer 190 aircraft into Nigerian airspace on Tuesday 7 October 2008. The event started in Abuja with eminent personalities applauding the initiative of the company. Those who graced the occasion included the President of the Senate, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator David Mark,Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), Honorable Minister of State for Aviation,Mr.Felix Hassan Hyet,Deputy Managing Director (South) of UBA Plc,Mr.Phillips Oduozua and several others.Ofcourse, the Chief Executive Officer of Virgin Nigeria,Mr.Conrad Clifford was on hand as the chief host of the event.
The aircraft is neat and complete with modern gadget to make travelling more interesting.Every passenger has opportunities to view movies or listen to music of their choice while on board.The first on local flights in Nigeria.
After the inspection of facilities by David Mark and other guests, the flight embarked on its official maiden trip to Lagos. http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ observed that the flight was smooth ride yet we got to Lagos faster than most people expected.



Photo shows CEO Virgin Nigeria, Mr.Conrad Clifford,the senate president,Senator David Markand othersmoving towards the Embraer190 aircraft on Tuesday.
CEO Virgin Nigeria,Mr.Conrad Clifford showing the senate president,Senator David Mark inside the aircraft.
Mr.Yemi Oshindero Chief Operating Officer, Virgin Nigeria answering questions from NTA.

FRANK D’NERO READY FOR UK TOUR

Port Harcourt-based act Ibiba Frank Higwe is set to make a mark in the Nigerian music scene as he embarks on a tour around the UK. Song writer, performer and singer Frank D’Nero first hit the music scene in Port Harcourt Nigeria in 2003 alongside the now defunct group “Tuck Tyght Allstars”.

As a member of the group, he was a part of the album ‘Now Official’ which birthed the hit single ‘Suffer market’. ‘It is not like things were not going on well with Tuck Tyght All- Stars, but there is nothing as good as doing your own thing, so shortly after the successful album, I knew I had to move on which I did’ D’Nero commented.

His move further birthed the independent Label D’Large entertainment where he released the 100% mix tape; soon afterwards, he hit fans with the hit single “Kalangolo” which ruled the airwaves for months. Fresh from the success of the hit single, he dropped his full album “Kalangolo” which carries lots of energy along with it. The single from the album “Cure my Craze” is gradually gaining grounds on radio stations nationwide and is finding its way to the top of the charts. ‘The way the album was embraced was beyond my expectation, within the first three months of its release, the album went on to sell over seven thousand copies in the Niger Delta alone, I was amazed because I never expected such a reaction from fans. Then people started calling in from Lagos which I also did not expect’

He got yet another shocker when he was contacted to be a part of MTV base advance warning. ‘Really that was the height. It is not like I am undermining myself, but when I was contacted to partake in the advanced warning, I thought someone was trying to play a trick on me, but here I am, an artiste from the Niger delta being showcased alongside other promising acts in the Nigerian music industry’.

These days, Frank has been busy shuttling between studios and trying to make a mark in the Nigerian music scene. Having worked with the likes of Nigga raw, Mtrill, Timaya and P square. The hardworking act has decided not to relent, and keeps recording songs ‘my passion for music comes from within and I’d attribute my journey this far to hard work and dedication, this is what I have believed in throughout my career both as a producer and now as an artiste’ Frank D’Nero concluded With this acclaimed success coupled with the commitment and passion he holds for music, Roll-a-dice entertainment, a U.K and Nigerian based management label have taken him under their wing.

The label in joint effort with the Tonye Ibiama led Grafton team are putting together the 1st ever UK takeover tour which will feature Frank D’Nero as well as other acts signed to the Grafton label. ‘It is a dream come true for us to be working together with Frank as he is a very talented and focused individual and we are only sure that this will be history in the making” Donald Iro CEO of Roll a dice commented.