HHWA GULPS HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS

All is now set for the 4th edition of the Hip Hop World Awards.

There are indications that the awards team headed by Ayo Animashaun is leaving no stones unturned in making the awards ceremony a success; ready to do all it takes to beat the standards of last year’s event.

A reliable source disclosed that ‘More than a hundred million naira has been pumped into the mastery of the awards, the organizers are planning to fly the nominees, the presenters, performers as well as showbiz journalists, and they will see to it that they are lodged in one of the best hotels in the FCT’

Also investigations have it that International Conference Center; Abuja- the venue for this year’s awards cost the organizers over 7 million Naira.

Recall that the Hip Hop World Awards team was also responsible for Banky W and Kemi Adetiba’s tour of Brazil and Dubai in February 2009.‘We always look out for individuals who believe so much in themselves and who have all it takes to represent Nigeria anywhere in the world. That’s what we saw in our past hosts, and that is what we see in Kemi Adetiba and Banky W, and we’d do anything to see to it that they get everything they need to do what is expected of them’ Ayo had told news men at a press conference where he introduced Kemi Adetiba and Banky W as hosts of this year’s awards on February 10, 2009.

The honours event, which became the first music awards in Nigeria to give out prizes to winners in 2006 (with cash prizes attached to the next rated category), is also dangling a brand new KIA optima 2008 edition at the winner of this year’s Next rated category. Last year, Mo Hits act Wande Coal went home with a Brand new Hyundai Sonata Sedan for emerging winner of the Next rated category.

The yellow carpet which is usually a display of poise and razzmatazz reportedly cost the organizers nearly a dozen millions in 2008. But going by the size of the International Conference Centre, there are indications that it might cost far more than that this year. ‘The budget set aside for the yellow carpet is huge, so huge you won’t believe it’ our source squealed

When probed further, one of the organizers who craved anonymity discloses ‘The video for the award’s theme song was shot at the Teslim Balogun stadium on Thursday April 23, 2009, and a lot of celebrities were present, Kemi Adetiba was the director, and she was assisted by Wudi and former MTV Base’s Femi Olagbaiye, so you can imagine how much that has been spent’.


Viewers should expect the video on air anytime soon. The video depicts the theme of this years awards ‘a prize to die for’ as there was a boxing ring where two boxers fight to the death for a prize. Banky W and Eldee the Don served as Managers who had placed their money on their individual boxers while MI and Kel encouraged the boxers not to give up.

The song which featured MI, Banky W and Kel was produced by ELdee the Don

When contacted, Ayeni Adekunle, the Media director for the award says ‘Of course HHWA is a big- budget event, and there is no doubt that a lot of resources will be pumped into making it a success, but we can’t disclose any figures. ‘All I can say is that the major sponsors this year are MTN and Lipton tea’ he added.

Inside sources however maintain that this year’s awards will gulp over a hundred million naira, an amount far more than last year’s budget. The organizers are flying and accommodating presenters, performers, the hosts, some select journalists and all nominees. There are speculations that in all, they will be flying and accommodating about 500 people.

Also to be expected are ‘yet to be disclosed guest’ international artistes.

Already tagged ‘a prize to die for’, this year’s awards plaque popularly called Headie is made of pure 21 carat gold, and 19 of the prestigious award will be given out to winners of the various categories. The Headie plaque is designed by ACE Awards in England, an international awards, plaques and trophies manufacturing company based in the UK.

The fourth edition of Hip hop world awards will hold in Abuja, Nigeria at the International Conference Center on May 16, 2009

WHAT WE ARE WEARING TO HIP HOP WORLD AWARDS

The much talked about fourth edition of the annual hip hop world awards is just around the corner, and as it gets closer, the competition is getting stiffer as artistes, industry practitioners and record label owners gear up to storm Abuja with a bang.

The awards for urbane music and hip hop culture is known for its brilliant shot at creating a perfect picture of what a proper red carpet event should look like. Year in year out, celebrities attend the function that has been declared ‘Nigeria’s most organized awards ceremony’ dressed to kill.

‘I would definitely be at my best at this year’s edition of Hip Hop World awards, I saw a presentation the guys at Hip on TV did last year, and any body in his or her right senses will not want to be inappropriately dressed, so this year’s arrow does not hit him or her’ 9ice who is up for six nomination says ‘I would be putting on a suit designed by Macho for the yellow carpet, and another outfit to perform, but you should be rest assured that I will be looking my best on that day’ he concludes

Ruggedman who attended the awards last year dressed in his own label- 20th September wear will also be doing the same this year ‘I’d definitely be wearing 20th September to the event’ he says.

Like Ruggedman, Sasha will be dressing herself to the awards ‘well, eclectic by Sasha will be making my dress, that is who has been responsible for everything I have been wearing to the awards since its inception, and I will be putting on something bright, so it can stand me out and blend with the yellow carpet’ she disclosed.

The event which has been penciled for the International Conference Centre, Abuja on Saturday, May 16, 2009 is usually preceded by a glamorous yellow carpet ceremony, where celebrities will get to show case the designers behind their outfits amongst many other things. ‘My costume for this year’s awards will be designed by Clothesense, I wont step on that yellow carpet not looking good, you can take my word on that’ Banky W, host for this year’s awards discloses.

Known for his good dress sense, prolific producer ID Cabasa says ‘I can’t tell what color I’d be putting on right now, but I’ll unquestionably be putting on a suit, although I have not made up my mind on who is making it. I have an option between Steel’s Needles and Stitches or Macho Martinez’ he says.

Years after a lot of people embraced the red carpet and made it a tradition at events and awards ceremonies, celebrities and invited guests were shocked when they arrived at the Muson Centre to a yellow carpet in 2007. And in 2008, the organizers were on point as they not only covered the whole of Planet one events centre, Maryland with an elaborate spread of the yellow carpet, but the carpet was also branded with the logo of the title sponsor- MTN.

‘I really don’t have a lot of options right here, but I hope to be putting on an outfit made by Steel’ Eldee the Don discloses.

Member of defunct group JJC and 419, MP says ‘I would be putting on a three piece suit by Ozwald Boateng or I might just decide to dress down by putting on a v neck cardigan by Cavali with a fitted shirt inside. To go with that I will have on a black or grey pairs pants, prada shoes and my signature Dolce and Gabanna shades to complete the ‘osamo’ look’

Omawumi on the other hand reveals ‘I will be putting on a Nigerian print that is predominantly orange on the yellow carpet and for the awards, but for my performance, I’d be putting on a white and black African print and its going to be designed by my own tailor’

‘For me, it will be nothing other than Naija Ninja, although I haven’t made up my mind on what I’ll be wearing exactly’ Lyricist Sound Sultan says

When D banj performed at the maiden edition of the awards, he had a towel on and a brigade band in tow. He surprised all and shocked many. Remember 9ice with his native attire on stage last year? ‘Well, all I can say is that as the awards grows, the surprises especially when it comes to dressing gets more and more unpredictable’ Ayo Animashaun, the award’s executive producer says

EYO FESTIVAL LIVE IN LAGOS!

I love calling Lagos the Federal capital of enjoyment because it is the city where things happen!You know here in Lagos, there is nothing like spring or summer..in fact our weather has no name. The major problem we have is electricity power supply but the other ones like Road,refuse etc is being tackled by the able leadership of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola.At least, there is a bit of orderliness in town.The guy is not distracted by oppositions at all. He is focused and we are seeing the dividends of democracy in Lagos.
Last weekend was the colourful display of Eyo in Lagos and i must confessed that i have been attending the festival as a child but none has been so exciting like this one in honour of late legal luminary, Otunba TOS Benson.
Photos: Check me out at the new Tinubu Square,Lagos.
Photo 2 show K1 the Ultimate durning his performance at the festival.

SEX SYMBOL,D'BANJ SETS FOR KOKOMASION...NOLLYWOOD ENDORSES REALITY SHOW

AS the heat of the oncoming reality show tagged Koko Mansion begins to burn, the nation’s film industry otherwise known as Nollywood is the first body to endorse the show being packaged by HiTV, Nigeria and Africa’s fastest growing satellite company.
The Actors Guild of Nigeria through its president, popular actor Ejike Asiegbu, has described Koko Mansion as the biggest thing that will happen in the entertainment horizon this year. The show is expected to begin in June.
Asiegbu in a statement on Thursday described Koko Mansion as a reality show “with good intentions and the fact that a wholly Nigerian company, HiTV, is bringing the show to Nigerians is more heart warming news. Koko Mansion’s objectives are genuine and realistic, many young, eligible Nigerian men are finding the task of getting a good wife Herculean, but with Koko Mansion, most people may find what exactly they are looking for in most women. It is not a hundred per cent chance, but it is the beginning of a solution to a problem and I must commend HiTV and all involved for this initiative.”
The Actors Guild of Nigeria president assures of the body’s support. “Any initiative that will impact on the society, you know that AGN is always in support, so as regards Koko Mansion, I want to assure the organisers that AGN is fully in support of Koko Mansion and if there is anyway AGN could partner with HiTV to further make it a huge success, you can be rest assured that we are here.”
Koko Mansion revolves around the quest of 12 beautiful, talented girls that will live in a mansion for eight weeks, to become the ideal Kokolette (wife). The Mansion is situated in an undisclosed area in Lagos. Hip hop superstar D’banj will play a vital role in the oncoming show.
In these weeks, the young women will be groomed and tested in various activities in order to determine the one with the greatest Koko Virtues, worthy of being a wife –a Kokolette.
Some of these Koko Virtues that the viewer that would be the ultimate judge in the intrigue-filled show would be looking out for are: the ability of the Kokolette to cook scrumptious meals for D’banj and his friends, especially during impromptu visits; her ability to furnish and maintain the mansion. The Kokolette must also be industrious while being able to take care of the home front; her ability to be respectful and courteous at all times would be put to test. The potential Kokolette must be able to emulate notable women in society such as Honourable Abike Dabiri, Nike Osinowo among others even as she shows the ability to impress D’banj, under all circumstances in order to win the public’s votes to be in the house among others.
D’banj would among other things, help the public determine who the winner should be, based on their ability to please him. He is currently one of the most eligible single young men in Nigeria and it is believed that the music star will be able to adequately represent most men in the limelight who people assume would not appreciate a complete woman. So, with the help of his friends and associates, the public will know the most tolerant, hospitable and respectful woman in the mansion. D’banj’s entertaining character may also act as a catalyst that will bring out the girls’ true personalities.
The winner of the show will be emerge the most sought Kokolette and will have full access to D’banj during her tenure.
The Kokolette must be a beautiful young lady, at least 18 years old; she must be smart and intellectually savvy; she must also possess a fun talent she is willing to explore and definitely a WIFE material. She must be well-cultured with sound domestic training, an absolute diva with the ability to get along with a diverse crowd. The Kokolette must be someone with good moral values, independent and ambitious aside being a creative person.
The Kokolette must also be an excellent host, a very creative person who understands and can get along with the celebrity lifestyle of the hip hop star. Most importantly, she is D’Banj’s number one fan. A video audition would help the panel determine the 12 finalists.
There will be no evictions in the first week because the ladies would have to socialise and familiarise themselves with living in a mansion. However, eviction starts in the second week, where two ladies with the least number of votes from the viewers will be ushered out. Weekly evictions begin from the second week till we have our final three ladies. Eviction is primarily done by the public and could be based on D’banj’s comments. Every week, there will be a talent show segment where each lady must showcase her talent to the viewers. Talent is an important criterion to be part of the show because it would serve as the platform for each Kokolette to become a celebrity in their own right after the show. However, each week, among the three ladies up for eviction, it would be D’Banj’s prerogative to give Koko Mycine (immunity) to one of the girls. He can only use Koko Mycine once in the duration of the show. “The winner will among other benefits,
be crowned Kokolette 1, get a Chris Aires Diamond ring, a brand new convertible car, feature in his next music video You Don Make Me Fall In Love alongside N5 million in cash. Aside that, the winner will be D’Banj’s companion at public events both within and outside Nigeria. She would further emerge as HiTV’s Hi-Babe; that is, Beautiful, Amiable, Bold and Entertaining. Asides from exploring her talent professionally, she’ll be obligated to get involved in women empowering projects that would especially reinforce the unique role of an African woman in the development of our society.

www.niyitabiti.com

AT BROWN HEART FOUNDATION ONE DAY EVENT AT IBOGUN,OGUN STATE

By Niyi Tabiti


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It was a long journey to Ibogun, Ogun State but I embarked on it because of Chaste Inegbedion, the founder of the Brown Heart Foundation, a man has done well for himself. Ibogun, the birth place of former President Olusegun Obasanjo is also the host community to the school of Engineering, Olabisi Onabanjo University.

On the way I saw some policemen running after a motorcycle rider. They sighted the ‘Okada’ rider throwing away something away in a nylon bag... immediately he sighted them from afar. So, the policemen thought he was hiding something from them to evade arrest so they went after him.

On getting to the venue of Brown Heart Foundation seminar, It saw many students who had participated in different activities relating to the event. They had a great walk in the morning and there was also a game arcade to enable them relax. Speakers at the event talked about ways to avoid heart failures which results from depression.

In all, it was a nice experience by a young man who wants to immortalize his late father with an annual event like this.

Gistmaster and Muiyiwa Osindero, a popular designer, were part of the speakers and it was a worthwhile experience.

FEMI ADEBAYO + FUNKE AKINDELE = WE DON'T KNOW YET!

Niyi Tabiti

Funke Akindele is no doubt the current champion in the Nigerian movie industry. At least, she has been wonderfully blessed by most award organizers in the country and beyond for her hilarious role in Jenifa, a yoruba movie that portray the fake lives most girls live on campus..showing off that they have opulent background whereas,the opposite is the case.
Funke is not alone,one man who has been seeing her off to most of this functions (He is not an escort o!) is no other person than the handsome Femi Adebayo (son of popular actor Adebayo Salami). A source told us that they are just close but many people are thinking otherwise. They say, Funke is only like egg to a movie producer.Anytime, they appear at functions, Funke's sister is always the one holding Femi to prevent the prying eyes of the public thinking Funke Akindele + Femi Adebayo =hmm...

BEST OF NOLLYWOOD HOSTS BUKKY WRIGHT WITH THE HIT "GREATER THINGS AHEAD FOR NIGERIAN MOVIES"

By Niyi Tabiti

Best of Nollywood, a magazine owned by Seun Oloketuyi, recently hosted a talk of the town birthday for Nollywood fine face, Bukky Wright. it was a delightful evening as stars,friends and collegues of the secreen goddess gave her their affectionate regards and shower Naira rain on her as she took to the dance floor. The event was part of the activities marking the activities of the University of Lagos graduate of Economics.
While speaking with Gistmaster.com Oloketuyi told us that there are greater things to come from Nollywood, people should watch out for it.He noted that the industry is part of our economy and it would be a business suicide if the government should look the other way without giving the necessary supports.
gistmaster.com noticed that Bukky, whom many believed had gone 'sabattical' is fast making her impact felt these days, attending events and showing off her long gowns.