Tuesday, October 21, 2008

HAVING A PARTY ANYWHERE IN NIGERIA? TALK TO COCKTAILS IN AND OUT

When it comes to COCKTAILS in Nigeria, COCKTAILS IN AND OUT is preferred by those who understand the worth of good consumables.Funke Awobokun, the hardworking lady behind the fast moving company said she is ready to give customers offers they can't resist.As a fast moving brand in the cocktail business, she has become the toast of many individuals and corporate organisations.COCKTAIL IN AND OUT has PROVIDED EXCELLENT SERVICES at various events including-
Sahara Energy Christmas Party
Ecobank (TGIF)
President Olusegun Obasanjo 70th birthday
Stanbic Bank Award Night amongst others.
She is reachable @ 41 Falolu Street, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
or call:234 (1) 8533954
Mobile:07038084727,08029990321
In Abuja you can get her @37 Anthony Enahoro Street,Utako District Abuja FCT
Tel:09-8706306
Mobile:08073168682

Monday, October 20, 2008

IN REMEMBRANCE OF FELA ANIKULAPO KUTI:THE MOST INCREDIBLE MUSICIAN OF OUR TIME!

Story by Niyi Tabiti
Photo courtesy:Fela photo Library


Dead or alive, Fela Anikulapo Kuti remains the most enigmatic music phenomenon ever to come out of Nigeria. That is why his post humous birthday celebration has continued to attract thousands of people from all walks of life. This year’s edition is no exception as thousands of ardent music lovers who believe so much in ‘Fela-sophy’, music researchers and fans troop en masse to the new Afrikka Shrine (owned by his son, Femi Kuti) to pay ‘Baba 70’ homage even in death.Starting started on Tuesday 14 and ended on Sunday 19 October 2008.
Of course, it brought alive, the memories of the late ‘Abami Eda’ (The strange man) who lived and sang against corrupt practices in government. He was harassed by security agents, arrested and jailed at different times.So incredible was Fela that he would be remembered as the first Nigerian artiste who composed songs and openely berated military governments in power.Unknown Soldier, one of his popular songs was done after soldiers caused damages that led to his mother’s death durning the military regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo in the 70s.
Beyond Fela’s human rights activism, He was also known to have engaged in open display of ‘Indian hemp’ smoking.Perhaps, the reason why the Afrikka Shrine also went up in flames (lol) as young and old, rich and poor came to smoke that ‘thing’ that make them ‘high!’
He believed so much in African culture and tradition- the reason he changed his name his surname from Ransome-Kuti to 'Anikulapo' Kuti ( the one who has death in his pocket).He prroclaim the african worship of ifa divination and other gods as his own way of life.Known to have married 27 wives the same day before he divorced them in 1986, Fela died in 1997 due to what the family described as illness resulting from infection of the HIV/AIDS.
Today, Yeni, Femi and Seun the children he left behind seems to have taken his foot steps.Apparently, they are aware of the fact that they could only try but not wear the big shoe left behind by their father and mentor.
Dapo Oyebanjo, the Nigerian born musician popularly known as D'banj is one of the few entertainers in the world whose deft moves on stage anchor a similarity with that of Abami Eda but with a fusion of contemporary styles.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

ALL FOR LATE ABAMI EDA,FELA ANIKULAPO KUTI:ASHIONYE PERFORMING AT FELABRATION

By Niyi Tabiti
Photos by Toks Ibikunle


Nigerian born music star and presenter, Ashionye 'jollificate' on stage as she performed at Felabration Day 2 event (15 October 2008). The facilitator of the 'Girl power concert' performed around midnight on Ladies Night as part of activities marking the post humous birthday of music legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti at the New Afrikka Shrine,Ikeja,Lagos.

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.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

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.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

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.





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