D'BANJ,9ICE,PSQUARE OR TIMAYA ? WHO WINS ARTISTE OF THE YEAR TITLE +LIST OF NOMINEES FOR HIP HOP WORLD AWARDS 2009

The organizers of annual Hip Hop World award has released the list of nominees for the 2009 edition. Enjoy

HHWA1 ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Best album (solo or group) in year under review that meets judges’ requirements of excellence (in every realm: songwriting, production, rendition, promotion and acceptability (sales, popularity)

ENTERTAINER
Artiste - D’Banj
Producer(s) - Don Jazzy
Record Label - Mo Hits Records

GONGO ASO
Artiste - 9ice
Producer - ID Cabasa, Puffy T
Record Label - Alapomeji Records

PARADIGM SHIFT
Artiste - Mode 9
Producer(s) - Kraftwork, Jonah D Monarch, Wazbeat, Light house, Jesse Jagz
Record Label - Red Eye Music

TALK ABOUT IT
Artiste - M I
Producer(s) – Jesse Jagz, M.I, Kraftwork
Record Label – Chocolate City

UNSTOPPABLE
Artiste – 2Face
Producers – J Sleek, Mic Tunes, Chakademus & Pliers, R Kelly, Sharks, Ozzy, Wayne Mc, Jiggy Jegg, B. Howard
Record Label – Hypertek Records


HHWA2 ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Most critically and commercially adjudged artiste in the year under review Overall most successful artiste for the year under review.

D’BANJ
OLADAPO DANIEL OYEBANJO JUNIOR

PSQUARE
PETER AND PAUL OKOYE

TIMAYA
INETIMI ALFRED ODOM

9ICE
ABOLORE AKANDE


HHWA3 SONG OF THE YEAR
Most popular song from an album in year under review. Decided by voting

“FALL IN LOVE”
Album- ENTERTAINER
Artiste- D’banj
Producer - Don Jazzy
Record Label - Mo Hits

“INCASE U NEVER KNOW”
Album - MUSIC BUSINESS
Artiste – 2Shot ft. Timaya
Producer – Terry G
Record Label – Umunamu Records

“GONGO ASO”
Album- GONGO ASO
Artiste - 9ice
Producer - ID Cabasa
Record Label - Alapomeji Records

“GOOD OR BAD”
Album - GET SERIOUS
Artiste - J Martins ft. Timaya and P-Square
Producer - J Martins
Record Label - Don Family Records

HHWA4 RECORDING OF THE YEAR
Best single recording (on-air only or released) by artiste or group in year under review. Originality and production very essential

“STREET CREDIBILITY”
Album - GONGO ASO
Artiste - 9ICE FT. 2Face
Producer – Id Cabasa
Record Label - Alapomeji Records

“NOT THE GIRL”
Album – UNDAREYTED
Artiste - Dare Art Alade
Producer - Tee-Y Mix
Record Label – Soul Muzik

“MITCHELL”
Album – ETCETERA
Artiste – Etcetera
Producer – Etcetera and Jo’kaynie
Record Label – X3M

“CAN’T DO WITHOUT YOU”
Album – UNSTOPPABLE
Artiste – Tuface Ft. Melissa Briggs
Producer – Mic Tunes
Record Label - Hypertek Music


HHWA5 PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
The individual responsible for producing the most acclaimed album in the year under review. His CV for the year includes top notch tracks and production credits no one can fault.

TEE-Y MIX
Album Title – YOU KNOW MY P
Artiste - Naeto C
Song Title – “KI NI BIG DEAL”

DON JAZZY
Album Title- ENTERTAINER
Artiste – D’Banj
Song Title – “FALL IN LOVE”

ID CABASA
Album Title – GONGO ASO
Artiste - 9ice
Song Title – “GONGO ASO”

TERRY G
Album – MUSIC BIZNESS
Artiste - 2 Shotz
Song Title – “IN CASE YOU NEVER KNOW”

JESSE JAGZ
Album – TALK ABOUT IT
Artiste – M.I
Song title – “SHORT BALCK BOY”


HHWA6 BEST MUSIC VIDEO (AWARD GOES TO DIRECTOR)
Best conceptualist, best edited, best picture, best directed and most exciting video in year under review as voted by fans and decided by the jury.

ALFONSO DORMUN
Album Title – BIG BOY
Artiste - eLDee
Video Song Title – “BO SI GBAN GBA”

JUDE OKOYE
Album Title - GAME OVER
Artiste - P Square
Video Song Title – “ROLL IT”

DJ TEE
Album Title - CV
Artiste – Mo Hits All Stars
Video song Title – “PERE”

IGHO
Album Title – GET AWAY
Artiste - Igho
Video song Title – “NAIJA BOY”


HHWA7 BEST REGGAE/DANCEHALL ALBUM
Best reggae or dancehall album in year under review

GIFT AND GRACE
Artiste - Timaya
Producer(s) - K Solo, Akeem D’Beat, Jeggs, Spankie, Terry G,
Record Label – Dem Mama

ME MUSIQ AND I
Artiste – Blackface
Producers – George Nathaniel, Blackface Naija, Terry G, Pro-Kessy, Henry Hope,
Record Label – Loud Houz Entertainment

ICHIBAN
Artiste - Chakka Da’ Souljah
Producer(s) - Del B
Record Label - Premier Music

MY SHINE
Artiste – Black Solo
Producer(s) - Jah Mix, Zeeno Foster, DMM
Record Label - Kiss Music

HHWA8 BEST R ‘N’ B/ POP ALBUM
Best R&B or pop album in year under review (by single individual or group)

ENTERTAINER
Artiste- D’Banj
Producer(s) - Don Jazzy
Record Label- Mo Hits

UNSTOPPABLE
Artiste – 2Face
Producer(s) – J Sleek, Mic Tunes, Chakademus & Pliers, R Kelly, Sharks, Ozzy, Wayne Mc, Jiggy Jegg, B. Howard
Record Label – Hypertek Records

ETCETERA
Artiste – Etcetera
Producer(s) – Etcetera, Jo’ Kenny, Mr Daz, Chris Yakub
Record Label – X3M

GONGO ASO
Artiste- 9ice
Producer(s) - ID Cabasa, Puffy T
Record Label- Alapomeji Records

MR CAPABLE
Artiste - Banky W
Producer(s) - ID Cabasa, Music Men
Record Label - Empire Mates Entertainment


HHWA9 BEST RAP ALBUM
Best album by a rap artiste or group in year under review

TALK ABOUT IT
Artiste- M I
Producer(s) - M I, Jesse Jagz, Kraftworks
Record Label- Chocolate City

PARADIGM SHIFT
Artiste - Mode 9
Producer(s) - Kraftwork, Jonah D Monarch, Wazbeat, Light house, Jesse Jagz
Record Label- Red Eye Entertainment

SECOND TURNING BY THE RIGHT
Artiste - Lord Of Ajasa
Producer(s) - ID Cabasa,
Record Label – Oti Po Ju

YOU KNOW MY P
Artiste - Naeto C
Producer(s) - Tee-Y Mix
Record Label - Storm Records

HHWA10 BEST COLLABO
Best R&B, Pop or hip hop collaborative track (including cameos) in year under review

“STREET CREDIBILITY”
Artistes – 9ice FT 2Face
Producer – ID Cabasa
Record label- Alapomeji Records

“LE FENU SO”
Artistes - Lord Of Ajasa FT 9ice
Producer – ID Cabasa
Record Label- O Ti Po Ju

“GOOD OR BAD
Artistes - J Martins FT Timaya AND P-Square
Producer – J Martins
Record Label- Don Family Records

“E FI MI SILE”
Artistes - YQ FT Da Grin
Producer – Dr. Frabz
Record Label- 2 Koncept Entertainment

“BUSH MEAT”
Artistes - Sound Sultan FT 2Face & W4
Producer – J Sleek
Record Label- Naija Ninja


HHWA11 BEST RAP SINGLE
Best single released on-air recording of a rap song

“SAFE”
Artiste(s) – M I ft Djinee
Producer – M.I
Record Label- Chocolate City

“TALKING TO YOU”
Artiste(s) – Mode 9 ft Banky W
Producer – Banky W
Record label- Red Eye Music

“WA WA ALRIGHT”
Artiste(s) – Kel
Producer – Suspect
Record Label- Capital Hills Records

“KINI BIG DEAL”
Artiste(s) – Naeto C
Producer – Tee-Y Mix
Record Label- Storm Records


HHWA12 BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (MALE)
Single male artiste with most outstanding vocal performance on a single song or album

DARE ART ALADE
Album Title - UNDAREYTED
Record Label – Soul Muzik
Producer- Cobhams
Song Title - “NOT THE GIRL”

BANKY W
Album Title - MR CAPABLE
Record Label - Empire Mates Entertainment
Producer- Muzik Men
Song Title - “DON’T BREAK MY HEART”

ETCETERA
Album Title - ETCETERA
Producer- Etcetera and Jo’Kaynie
Record label – X3M
Song Title- “MICHELLE”

WANDE COAL
Album Title - FROM M TO M
Producer- Don Jazzy
Record Label – Mo Hits
Song Title- “TABOO”


HHWA13 BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE)
Single female act with most outstanding vocal performance on a single song or album

OMAWUNMI
Album Title - WONDER WOMAN
Producer - Cobhams
Record Label – Wonder Woman
Song Title - “IN THE MUSIC”

NIKKI LAOYE
Album Title - ANGEL 4 LIFE
Producer - Cobhams
Record Label – Wahala Media Entertainment
Song Title - “NEVER FELT THIS WAY BEFORE”

WAJE
Album Title- BREATHLESS (Unreleased)
Producer - J Martins
Record Label – Dome Records
Song Title- “SOMEWHERE”


HHWA14 NEXT RATED
Most promising upcoming officially unreleased act in the year under review

YQ
Track Title – “E FI MI LE”
Record Label – 2Koncept Entertainment

MP
Track Title – “PASA PASA”
Record Label – Lime Lite Records

KEL
Track Title – “WA WA ALRIGHT”
Record Label - Capital Hills Records

D’JINEE
Track Title – “LADE”
Record Label – Polar Media

OMAWUNMI
Track Title – “IN THE MUSIC”
Record Label – Wonder Woman


HHWA15 HIP HOP WORLD REVELATION
Best new artiste in the year under review

M I
Album - TALK ABOUT IT
Full Name – JUDE ABAGA
Record Label – Chocolate City

BANKY W
Album- MR CAPABLE
Full Name – BANKOLE WELLINGTON
Record Label – Empire Mates Entertainment

NAETO C
Album- YOU KNOW MY P
Full Name – NAETOCHUKWU CHIKWE
Record Label – Storm Records

NIKKI LAOYE
Album- ANGEL FOR LIFE
Full Name – NIKKI LAOYE
Record Label – Wahala Media Entertainment


HHWA16 AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR (NON NIGERIAN CATEGORY)
Special award for an individual African artiste with the most outstanding album and astonishing achievements in year under review

BUFFALO
“BUBBLE YOUR BUMZ”

TINNY
“I DEY KOLO”

DOGG
“CAN YOU FEEL IT”

WITNESS
“ZERO”

HHWA17 LYRICIST ON THE ROLL
Rap Artiste with best lyrical depth and performance on a single song or album

MODE 9
Album Title- PARADIGM SHIFT
Record Label- Red Eye Music
Song Title - NINE

M I
Album Title - TALK ABOUT IT
Record Label - Chocolate City
Song Title – TALK ABOUT IT

LORD OF AJASA
Album Title - SECOND TURNING BY THE RIGHT
Record Label - O Ti Po Ju
Song Title – ESA LO BA DE

DAGRIN
Album Title – CEO (Unreleased)
Record Label - Satty Record and Mi So Fun Yin
Song Title - PON PON PON


HHWA18 BEST STREET HOP
The most popular street-hop single in year under review

“E SA LO BA DE”
Artiste- Lord Of Ajasa

“PON PON PON”
Artiste- Da Grin

“04 KA SI BE”
Artiste- DJ Zeez

“E FI MI LE”
Artiste-YQ

“COLLABO”
Artiste- DeeBee


HHWA19 HIPHOP WORLD HALL OF FAME
Non competitive category

GRAND MASTER LEE
PHILLIP TRIMNELL

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.