KING WASIU AYINDE MASHAL CELEBRATE 52 YEARS ON PLANET EARTH

By Niyi Tabiti

Widely travelled King of contemporary fuji music, King Wasiu Ayinde Anifowoshe celebrated his 52nd birthday anniversary last week in Lagos, Nigeria. As expected of a man of his caliber,it was a full house as all the 'arabambis' starting from Otunba Wasiu Alabi Pasuma and others stormed the wedding. Top socialites such as Sati Ramon,MC Musiliu Oluomo (Often described as the richest Area Boy in Lagos),Bolaji Saheed popularly known as Basia,top journalist, hospitality consultant cum movie producer,Femi Davies,Lgospel artiste,Lanre Teriba aka Atorise, and many others graced the occasion.

It was Naira rain non-stop!!

AMERICAN CASTING DIRECTOR & BEAUTY CONSULTANT,LA SHAWNNA STANLEY ARRIVES NIGERIA FOR THE MAKING OF NEXT NIGERIAN SUPERMODEL CASTING

Hundreds of Nigerian models hoping for international career opportunities took a bold step forward yesterday as they stormed ADRAO International School, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos, venue of yesterday's screening of 'The Making of Next Nigerian Supermodel' in Lagos Nigeria.
In a fashion that tends to showcase Idea Media -the organization behind the vision - living up to its reputation, they flew scouts from different parts of the world to Nigeria. The screening ends on Monday 9 March 2009.
Ms. La Shawnna Stanley, an American and CEO of Ethnicity Model Management said Nigerian models are beautiful and her company is willing to assist a great deal with international exposure.” From the moment i stepped into this country, I know that we have so many beautiful ladies and the people are hospitable" she said.
She disclosed that that her first time in Africa was when she visited the Gambia But she finds Nigeria more beautiful and bigger.
According to Kechi Okpala, "Ms. Stanley has been at the vanguard of redefining beauty through her agency, Ethnicity Models & Talent. There her expertise has acquired a priceless database of exotic ethnic diverse women she has cultivated since the last 10 years. Her client list includes the top in urban fashion and entertainment like Pepsi, P. Diddy, Vibe Magazine, Crème of Nature, Donald Trump, Akon, MTV and Hype Williams to name a few"
Jennifer Onochie, a London based image consultant financial advisor disclosed that Nigerian has got a lit of raw talents and what they need is just the right push to be on the internal scene like many of their counterparts.
On his part, Lanre Towolawi, the CEO of Idea Media told niyitabiti.blogspot.com that they are not going to compromise international standard and professionalism. We are in Nigeria to deliver and we will surely deliver. "This is just the starting point" he affirms.

Photo: Nicholas Anukanti of Style TV,La Shawnna Stanley of Ethnicity Models Management USA,Jennifer of Sui Generis UK and Elie Sara,MD of SCOA FOODS.

YOUNG ACHIEVERS ROCK AT THE FUTURE AWARDS WINNERS PARTY!

For the third year, the Miccom Golf Hotels and Resorts in Ada, Osun State, hosted The Future Awards Winners Party from the 20^th to the 22^nd of February 2009.

The Winners Party is a novel idea by the exclusive sponsors, Miccom Resorts to celebrate the winners of the awards for an entire weekend – as the weekend getaway at the resort is one of the prizes that the 20 winners of the award are entitled to. However, over the years it has evolved into the authentic event after party – where winners, nominees, partners, sponsors and media let their hair down and celebrate the success of the event, and the awardees.

The group left Lagos on Friday the 20^th of February – where they were immediately welcomed by the CEO of the Resort, Bukola Adubi, with an Arrival Dinner at its multipurpose hall, and a barbecue party immediately after.

Straight from Aerobics classes the next day, guests were feted with breakfast at the golf course, and a trip to some of the tourist sites in the state including the Ada Lake, and the Erin-Ijesha waterfalls. Guests returned to enjoy the delights of the resort – including the golf course, swimming pool, and its wireless internet amongst others, whilst preparing for the party proper which held on the evening of Saturday, the 21^st at the Resort poolside.

The formal dinner, which was hosted by ace female comedian, Lepacious Bose alongside Chude Jideonwo of RedSTRAT (organizers of the awards), saw performances by new R&B sensation, Dipp and from upcoming comedian, MC Shakara. Guests also watched a 10 minutes re-cap of the last edition of the event and then were able to give feedback and discuss the fallouts of the event. The winners were then presented with their other prizes at the dinner. After the dinner, guests danced far into the night.

Guests at the event, which was covered exclusively for television by STV Entertainment, included songstress Ego Ogbaro and her husband, Niyi, marketing guru Seun Soyinka, Kunle Snatcha of the Rooftop MCs, Soundcity’s Denrele Edun, The Intern’s Abosede Alimi, and winners including Mosunmola Umoru (Business Owner of the Year), Funke Adetutu (Journalist of the Year), Uche Nnaji (Style Entrepreneur of the Year), Bamidele Odufuye (Best Use of Technology), Emmanuel Etim (Best Use of Advocacy), Dr. Adedayo Osholowu (Professional of the Year), amongst others.

From the month of March, the most important stage of the project kicks off immediately after this, as the organizers begin the Post-Award seminars, where the award winners are taken round secondary schools and universities across the country to inspire young Nigerians directly – sharing their experiences, success secrets, and answering questions from students and youths about their life and work.

“This is perhaps the most important stage of the process,” the PR Director, Emilia Asim-Ita explains, “The Future Project is an all-encompassing youth experience that continues all year round – everything that engages young people can be found in this project and the various platforms are arranged in a way to sustain the attention of the youth, while we continue to emphasise our message of hope and change and the fact that Nigeria’s future – beyond clichés - is bright. Winners from D’banj, Funke Akindele, Cobhams Asuquo amongst others are already confirmed to join the train - and we are very grateful that beyond the glow of their personal achievement in winning this award, they see clearly and key into our vision to join hands towards lifting our generation. Change can come to Nigeria – and The Future Awards is proud to be at the forefront of this re-generation.”

The Future Awards is Nigeria’s biggest and most respected youth event; with a mission to present to the country and to the world, achieving young Nigerians who are proof of the nation’s bright future. The 4^th edition, which held on Saturday the 17^th and Sunday the 18^th of January 2009, was yet another soar-away success, with the keynote address delivered by Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

PASUMA,PLANET 1 PLANS THE BIG BOYS AND BABES SHOW AT PLANET ONE + ALBUM LISTENING PARTY FOR SAGE AND CITY PEOPLE HOST O4KASIBE EXPONENT, DJ ZEEZ!

This year's good friend would be good for many fans of top fuji musician,Pasuma, Popular event center Planet One in conjunction with Wasiu Alabi Pasuma and AO21 media will be having an Easter concert which is expected to be the biggest concert during this Easter period. Tagged an exclusive Easter concert with Pasuma Wonder for the big boys boys and girls, the marketing manager of planet one Miss Anu Adewale told music gist that “we are very pleased to work with Pasuma to bring some kind of life to planet one. Why we are really interested in going into conjunction with Pasuma is because there is no promoter involved and him knowing what he wants, it is a show exclusively for certain set of people such that we are not expecting more than 200 crowd. He is a very popular and talented artiste but the fact remains that he is loved many people and we look forward to doing more things with him.”
Pasuma on the other disclosed that he is more than happy to have been able to seal a deal with planet one to do the show “the good Friday concert was conceived by my management company AO21media and this is very different because we are targeting the real big boys and girls who for one reason or the other have not been able attend our shows. We are selling just 200 tickets and once it’s finished we will admit no more crowd. It is going to be best you have ever seen of Pasuma. Beyond this show I look forward to partnering planet one for many other events” Meanwhile my Fuji talent show OHUN is still cooking up and if things work out well I will be involving planet one” Ticket for the Easter concert will be on sale from March 23 at planet one .


ALBUN LISTENING PARTY AND MEDIA PARLEY FOR SAGE

Its presently the most anticipated musical event and the guest's list keep getting better and better.
THE ALBUM LISTENING PARTY & MEDIA PARLEY of SAGE now will hold on sunday 8th of march 2009 @ lydos cafe/bar, akin adesola opp adeola odeku junction, victoria island. Lagos, Nigeria

The sophomore spoken word/songspeak album of the sage is entitled Twinkle Twinkle SuperStar..the event will also witness performances by album guests and naija neo soul upcoming stars.
For more information about the event, and also for coverage of the event(media guys, ) please call: 07032327450, 07039071760.

CITY PEOPLE ENTERTAINMENT HOSTS DJ ZEEZ TO A GRAND RECEPTION
9ICE PQUARE MI BIGIANO E T C TO PERFORM
OMO BABA AND PRINCESS to Compere


Good Friday would certainly be good for the fans of top fuji musician,Pasuma.On April 5 all roads lead to Planet 1 Maryland Lagos as City people entertainment a subsidiary of city people media group publishers of city people weekly fashion and style digests and city people quarterly hosts wave making hip hop act dj zeez to a grand reception. Popularly referred to as 04KASIBE, DJ ZEEZ is being acknowledged because of his ability to make a statement for himself within the short period he came to the limelight.
According to the publisher of City People magazine,Dr Seye Kehinde, "DJZEEZ is one very humble singer and am pleased that the profile of the young man has grown from strength to strength. Looking back to when he released his first single SAME NI one would know that he is a promising act that will blow peoples mind . Last year, he captured my heart when he dropped his new single 04kasibe, which was followed by the release of his album.I gathered it sold thousands of copies within weeks of it release. At City people entertainment, it is our style to help
an artiste grow and this is just the least we can do to support him”.
On his part,DJZEEZ said “I am very pleased that City People will be hosting me and sometimes I just look at myself and wonder why they have taken so much interest in me. I respect the organization so much and this is not because they are hosting me now but because it in their tradition to support the Nigeria music industry. Before I blew big I have been performing at their shows and it is not because my name is everywhere they are hosting me .I have become part of City People and I appreciate the support they have given me all along”
The event which is expected to have top showbiz personalities in attendance will be anchored by the duo of omo baba and princess while 9ice pquare MI Ruggedman Kelly Handsome bigiano and others would be guest performing artiste

2nd MALTA GUINNESS ‘STREET DANCE’ COMPETITION HITS TOWNS

By Niyi Tabiti

Last Year, www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com covered the first edition of Malta Guinness Street Dance in different states in Nigeria.It was great fun seeing young Nigerians with great potentials coming out to realise their dreams. The second edition is almost here and Malta Guinness brand has already announced they plan to take the contest to great heights this year.

According to Guinness "The excitement and ‘Top of the World’ feelings which characterized the debut of the Malta Guinness ‘Street Dance’ competition, last year, will again be pervading the whole country, this year, as the multi award winning non alcoholic brand, Malta Guinness, from the stable of Nigeria’s foremost beverage company, Guinness Nigeria Plc. Malta Guinness announces the launch of the second edition of the highly successful celebration of Nigerian dance talents.

Malta Guinness street dance is a concept which the brand organized to find the best dancers in Nigeria and give them the opportunity to dance their way to the very top of the world, it’s the search for Nigeria’s newest street dance talent following the runaway success of last year’s competition

As a listening brand, the 2009 edition will be bigger and broader with the brand extending the excitement and color of the second edition, which will be hitting the country in March, with the number of regional activations growing to seven from five last year.

This edition of the Malta Guinness, ‘Street Dance’ competition will start with regional events holding in the following cities namely: Jos, where the event is expected to kick off in March and then Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, Benin, Enugu Owerri, Ibadan and of course Lagos where different dance crews will be contesting for a shot to be the Nigerian ambassadors on the world stage as well as a chance at the over 13 million naira available in cash money through the competition.

We expect a minimum of 80 crews of 6 (male and female) from the seven cities and its environs which will host the Malta Guinness Street Dance Competition, who will battle through the screening stages to get a slot among the 10 regional finalist who will in turn do street dance Naija style at the regional finals for a ticket to be a the national event which is slated for June in Lagos. Nigeria’s street dance champions will then step unto the world stage in Kenya against 8 other countries including, Ghana, Tanzania, Cameroun, Kenya, USA, UK, Asia and France.

Last year, Soul Quest, the highly creative and entertaining dance crew from Kaduna emerged the national winner and represented Nigeria in the Pan African competition, which Nigeria hosted closing in second place at a keenly competitive event, the call was so close that the Naija team got a ticket to be at the world event.

The international event this year is scheduled for Kenya and we call on all Nigerians to step unto the plate and support the emerging Nigeria team as we step out to teach the rest of the world how to dance!!

From 9^th March 2009 dance crews of six people in Jos and all the other host cities can go to the designated recruitment centers where leaflets and demonstration videos will be available to give more information on what is needed to take part.

Our judges this year remain our very own Kaffy, Wale Rubber and Frank who are dance authorities and they will be taking this show on the road from March until the curtain drops.

The challenge is out on the streets for the “most incredible crews out of Naija” to enlist in the search for the champions of dance in Nigeria and key elements of the judging criteria will include, creativity, originality and Relevance to NAIJA. Dance crews that prove they are the smoothest movers and shakers will be selected to represent Nigeria at the International Finals, which is coming to Africa for the very first time in 2009. Dancers will be flown to join counterparts from the United States, Europe and Asia for a vibrant contest where only one crew can take the Malta Guinness Street Dance Internationals title. This competition will truly showcase the best in Nigerian dance talent to the world.

This year’s entrants will enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience as they seek fame and fortune by dancing to the top of the world. Dance crews will stand a chance to win a chunk of the 13 million naira in cash prizes, get the opportunity to work with Nigeria’s best dance choreographers and professional stylists, take home exclusive merchandise, delicious tasting Malta Guinness and a DVD of their performances on stage.

Malta Guinness will be celebrating the energy and vitality of Nigeria’s dancers with an exciting entertainment showcase bringing 13 weeks of exciting TV programmes to our television sets at prime time showing on NTA network, AIT network, Galaxy amongst others, giving every Nigerian the opportunity to cheer their favorite crew to the top of the ladder. Audience members will also have the chance to show their support for their favorite dance crew as they watch Nigeria’s brightest stars begin their path to stardom.

More so, this year’s edition is beautifully spiced with an exciting national consumer promotion giving consumers millions of more reasons to share goodness as they win FULL crates of Malta Guinness instantly by collecting 5 crowns marked M.G.S.D.A meaning Malta Guinness Street Dance Africa. 8 families get a chance to enjoy the good life at a fully paid weekend trip for four at the prestigious protea hotel Lagos and the big one an all expense VIP trip to Kenya for 4 to see the international finals and also visit the safari. Other consolation prizes include Ipods, home theater systems and LCD TV sets.

Malta Guinness is the Nigeria’s premium soft drink that energizes you to feel your best. With a uniquely great taste and packed with the finest quality natural ingredients, vitamins, iron and nutrients to provide that top of the world goodness, Malta Guinness ensures that you have that ‘Top of the World’ feeling.

For further information on Malta Street Dance Africa go to www.mgstreetdanceafrica.com

PRESS RELEASE:ZAIN SPONSORS AFRICA'S LARGEST CULTURAL FESTIVAL (FESPACO) ...BI-ANNUAL EVENT SEEKS TO ENHANCE AFRICAN CINEMA LOCALLY AND ABROAD

Zain, the leading African and Middle East mobile operator announces its sponsorship of the popular Pan African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO) held in Burkina Faso. The bi-annual festival is the biggest regular cultural event on the African continent and it focuses on African film and African filmmakers. First held in 1969, this year is the 40th anniversary of FESPACO and runs from 28 February to 7 March, 2009 beginning with a large opening spectacular in Stade du 4-aout, the national stadium in Ouagadougou.
The festival has evolved into an internationally recognised and respected event not only on the African continent but in the world at large. Specifically for African film industry professionals offering them the chance to establish relationships, exchange ideas, and ultimately promote their work, FESPACO’s overall aim is to “contribute to the expansion and development of African cinema as means of expression, education, and awareness-raising.”

Speaking about the sponsorship, Zain’s Chief Commercial Officer Tito Alaiaid “We are very excited to be part of such a huge initiative. This sponsorship is directly in line with Zain’s commitment of supporting and promoting local arts and culture throughout Africa. We believe in the potential Africa possesses in this area and will continue to do all we can to help support individuals and groups involved.”
Zain is the exclusive sponsor of the festival. Within the sponsorship package Zain will be the exclusive supplier of mobile phone services for the festival as well as branding at the stadium for the opening and closing ceremonies and in a large tent at the cultural centre where the movies will be projected.
Over the years Zain has sponsored many cultural and educational events across the African continent such as the historic international concert celebrating Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday in London, sponsorship of the first MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs), and through a partnership with Ericsson and the Earth Institute they have signed a deal to provide mobile communications and internet connectivity to the Millennium Villages Project which covers up to 400,000 people in 10 sub-Saharan African countries. Additionally, Zain sponsors the popular televised university game show Zain Africa Challenge which reaches an audience of millions across eight countries on the continent.
Also coinciding with the 20th anniversary for the African Film Library of Ouagadougou, this year’s FESPACO has "African cinema: tourism and cultural heritage" as the theme. The official competition is open to feature films, short films and documentaries and is exclusively reserved for African and diaspora films. The diaspora competition is reserved for feature films made by filmmakers from the diaspora. Additionally Zain in partnership with RFI and BBC, is sponsoring a special prize worth two million CFA francs (US$4000) will be given to the winners
This year the festival will pay tribute to Ousmane Sembene, doyen of African filmmakers and pioneer of FESPACO, who passed away on 9 June 2007. He was one of the pioneers of African movie industry and a regular of FESPACO endeavouring to promote FESPACO and to unite filmmakers across the continent for the development of African cinema.

PHOTOS FROM STAR ACTRESS, INI EDO WHITE WEDDING IN HOUSTON,TX,USA ON SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2009

Story: Niyi Tabiti
Photo Credit & acknowledgment: Segun Gele, Angela Igbinadolor Cooper & Elizabeth Erhumwusee

Contrary to news report that Nollywood star actress and her man, Phillip Ehiagwina are still planning to hold their white wedding, authoritative sources hinted gistmaster that the ceremony had indeed taken place in Houston, United States of America last weekend!

The Pre-wedding party and wedding proper took place on 27 and 28 of February 2009 respectively. At present, Ini is still having a swell time with her man in Houston as felicitations continue to pour for the newly married couple.

Sources hinted that few friends of the Nollywood actress such as Oge Okoye an Emem Isong were at the event to support one of their own.

Their traditional carnival like traditional wedding ceremony had earlier taken place in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria (Click here to read Ini Edo is pregnant)
The wedding appears to be the final nail needed to seal their relationship, which went through turbulence over allegations and counter allegations of infidelity between Phillip and his ex-wife, Ruth Okoro.
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