KINGS AND QUEENS OF FASHION TO CONGREGATE FOR FAB NIGHT OF STYLE!SEE DETAILS

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FAB Magazine, Nigeria’s leading international fashion journal, is about to throw the biggest bash Lagos has ever seen - FAB Night Out. The all colour, all gloss international fashion and lifestyle publication has teamed up with lush label VLISCO to bring fashion lovers an unprecedented night of fun and festivity.

Celebrities from the world of fashion, music and entertainment, drawn from all over Africa, and several fashion cities in the world, will head to Lagos this weekend to be part of a star-studded black-carpet event holding at The Landmark Village, Victoria Island on Sunday December 5.

Publisher Babajide Familusi tells us hip hop veteran Eldee has already signed up to perform, just as Sasha, Bez and Mo'Cheddah have freed up their tight schedules to thrill guests at FAB Night Out.

The main dish of the night, however, is the FAB fashion show, showcasing exclusive designs from VLISCOs latest fabric collection; Gallery Of Poems by Nigeria's own Lanre Da Silva-Ajayi and celebrated designer MAI, Ghanaian label Jil Couture and budding Nigerian talent from the UK, Re Bahia.

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As If that is not enough, 25 FAB Awards will be given out on the night, recognizing the most FABulous fashion and lifestyle brands in Africa.

FAB Night Out will be hosted by comedian Tee A and TV host Yvonne ‘Vixen’ Ekwere!

FAB Magazine is a high-end Quarterly Fashion and Lifestyle print magazine with 80% African Content, sold in the UK, Nigeria, South Africa and Ghana; with plans to launch across Europe and America by 2011.

The magazine which plans to celebrate the fabulous essence of African fashion is intended for the young, aspirational, urban professional men and women and those aspiring to be like them.

The Magazine is the first of its kind in the African Market targeting both male and female making it a unisex fashion and lifestyle magazine.

‘‘Guests can look forward to a night of endless drinks, dancing and shoulder-rubbing with some of fashion and music's finest, so dress daring and arrive on time’’ Familusi, himself a designer known for his amazing bespoke suits, says.

Born January 25th, 1978 and raised in Lagos, Familusi is believed to be a reincarnation of His grandfather who was a tailor and passed away a few weeks before He was born. In 2001, when he was 23, he discovered his interest in making his own clothes having traded in clothing and accessories for a few years. Mostly self-taught, the young designer used his background in the Sciences to do research in Fabric, Fit and Finishing to create winning pieces - and the first shirt he ever produced was mistaken for a Jermyn Street product! With the applause and exclamations that came from clients, friends and family, the brand was born; and Exclamations Couture has since focused on setting the standards for the tailoring of Shirts and Suits in Africa.

FAB pioneered the production of these to the same exacting standards obtainable in the United Kingdom studying the works and production processes of the ancient craftsmen and designers on Jermyn Street and Savile Row.

THE HEAT AND THE HITS OF MTV AWARDS 2010:SASHA,JMARTINS,PAUL G, JOIN PERFORMERS LIST

[caption id="attachment_2447" align="alignleft" width="320" caption="Sasha getting set for 2010 MTV Africa Music Award in Lagos"][/caption]

Lagos/Johannesburg, 29 November 2010: MTV and Airtel have revealed more fantastic performers for the red hot MTV Africa Music Awards with Airtel (MAMA).  Joining the stellar line-up of performers at MAMA 2010 on 11 December 2010 will be Sasha (Nigeria), Barbara Kanam (DRC), Sarkodie (Ghana), Radio & Weasel (Uganda), Paul G (Angola), The Parlotones (South Africa), J.Martins (Nigeria) and Diamond (Tanzania).

Nigerian hip hop queen Sasha and Congolese singer-songwriter Barbara Kanam (DRC) are both hot contenders in this year’s “Best Female” award category, while Sarkodie - representing Ghana in the “Best Anglophone” category - is hoping to emulate fellow countryman Samini’s 2009 win for “Best Live” performance.  Ugandan dancehall chart-toppers Radio & Weasel are challenging P-Square (Nigeria), P-Unit (Kenya) and Teargas (South Africa) for the “Best Group” crown.  Angolan rapper Paul G is competing in the “Best Anglophone” category while South African indie rock heroes The Parlotones and Nigeria’s composer-producer-performer J.Martins are both doing battle for “Best Video”.  Diamond, the celebrated R’n’B artist from Tanzania is pitched against Muthoni (Kenya), JoJo (Gabon) and Mo Cheddah (Nigeria) for the MAMA “Brand:New” award.

Among the many guest presenters gracing the podium at the Eko Expo Hall on 11 December will be Nigerian comedian Julius Agwu and South African ‘It Girl’ and socialite Khani Mbau.

Sarkodie (Ghana), Sasha (Nigeria), Diamond (Tanzania), Paul G (Angola), Barbara Kanam (DRC), Radio & Weasel (Uganda), The Parlotones (South Africa) and J.Martins (Nigeria) join previously announced performers Rick Ross (USA), P-Unit (Kenya), Jozi (South Africa), Wande Coal (Nigeria), DJ Arafat (Ivory Coast), 2FACE (Nigeria), Daddy Owen (Kenya), Banky W (Nigeria), Fally Ipupa (DRC), Teargas (South Africa) and Cabo Snoop (Angola).

For more news about the MTV Africa Music Awards with Airtel, visit www.mama.mtvbase.com or mtvmama.mobi, or follow MTV base Africa on Twitter and Facebook.

The MTV Africa Music Awards 2010 is sponsored by Airtel in association with MasterCard.  Other partners supporting the MTV Africa Music Awards with Airtel include Arik Air and the Lagos State Government.



The nominees for the MTV Africa Music Awards with Airtel are:

Best Video Fally Ipupa - Sexy dance (DRC) P-Square f/t J. Martins- E No Easy (Nigeria) The Parlotones - Life Design (South Africa) Banky W - Strong Ting (Nigeria)	Brand:New Mo Cheddah (Nigeria) Diamond (Tanzania) Muthoni (Kenya) JoJo (Gabon)
Artist of The Year 2 Face (Nigeria) P-Square (Nigeria) Jozi (South Africa) Fally Ipupa (DRC)	Song Of The Year D'Banj - Fall In Love (Nigeria) Liquideep - Fairytale (South Africa) JR - Show Dem (South Africa) Banky W - Lagos Party (Nigeria)
Best Anglophone Sarkodie (Ghana) Wande Coal (Nigeria) Daddy Owen (Kenya) Big Nuz (South Africa)		Best Francophone Fally Ipupa (DRC) Awadi (Senegal) DJ Arafat (Ivory Coast) Ba Ponga (Gabon)
Best Lusophone Lizha James (Mozambique) Paul G (Angola) Cabo Snoop (Angola) Dama Do Bling (Mozambique)		Best Group P-Square (Nigeria) Radio & Weasel (Uganda) Teargas (South Africa) P-Unit (Kenya)
Best Female Sasha (Nigeria) Lizha James (Mozambique) Nneka (Nigeria) Barbara Kanam (DRC)		Best Male 2 Face (Nigeria) Fally Ipupa (DRC) Black Coffee (South Africa) Wande Coal (Nigeria)
Best International Rihanna (USA) Drake (USA) Eminem (USA) Rick Ross (USA)

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors

To vote for your favourite artists in the MTV Africa Music Awards with Airtel, go to www.mama.mtvbase.com or www.mtvmama.mobi. Airtel mobile subscribers in Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Burkina Faso, Congo B, Gabon, Madagascar, Niger, DRC and Chad can also vote for their favourite artists in selected categories via SMS.  To vote for Artist of the Year SMS AY to shortcode 6262 followed by the name of your chosen artist; to vote for Song of the Year SMS SY to shortcode 6262 followed by the name of your chosen song; to vote for Best Anglophone Act SMS BA to shortcode 6262 followed by the name of your chosen artist; to vote for Best Francophone Act SMS BFR to shortcode 6262 followed by the name of your chosen artist; to vote for Best Lusophone Act SMS BL to shortcode 6262 followed by the name of your chosen artist; to vote for Best Group SMS BG to shortcode 6262 followed by the name of your chosen artist; to vote for Best Female SMS BF to shortcode 6262 followed by the name of your chosen artist; to vote for Best Male SMS BM to shortcode 6262 followed by the name of your chosen artist; to vote for Brand:New Act SMS BNA to shortcode 6262 followed by the name of your chosen artist. Vote online or on your phone and you could win a trip to the MAMAs, Nokia phones and more. (For terms and conditions and call tariffs go to www.mama.mtvbase.com).

DESIGN EXTROVERT PRESENTS:BROKLYN BLINGS (BB)

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A one day super sale featuring acclaimed luxury T shirt Designer Ayodeji Ajidagba, showcasing his latest and greatest designs.

Expect massive markdowns and discounts on all apparel including new lines from the 2011 collection. This sale and show is a prelude to establishing a permanent presence in Nigeria and will feature both Men’s and Women’s collections in a range of sizes and colors.

Expect to be wowed and amazed at his range of 3Dimensional T shirts with plenty of gems, studs, crystals, aluminum and cabochons embedded and embellished on the T shirts.

Also featuring a range of preppy POLO shirts and T shirts direct from the manufacturers:

GUESS – USA

AEROPOSTALE – NYC

BLUENOTES – CANADA



DATE: Sunday December 12, 2010

VENUE: TAE: 15B Oduduwa Way, Ikeja GRA, Lagos

TIME: 12 Noon –7PM

ABOUT THEDESIGNER - Ayodeji Ajidagba

Ayo started out by hand embellishing T shirts with oversized crystals, semi precious jewels and gems and then wearing them to underground parties and raves while living in Toronto Canada. Quickly, he had a loyal following and people started asking for customized and personalized T-shirts. Soon, demand became so great that what began as a small business five years ago has blossomed into a full fledged T shirt line with agency and sales representation in Canada, USA and the UK.

A different kind of designer - passionate about design, style and originality. What makes Ayo different? OK, for starters, his clothing designs are handmade and he uses unusual and stunning materials like crystals, rubberized embellishments, leatherette, aluminium and treated wood on T-shirts, Polo shirts and Vests. He hand embellishes, attaches and sew these remarkable and visually arresting 3D adornments to create wearable pieces of art.

Secondly, he  limits each design to just a few pieces and sometimes there is just a one-off piece because his designs are never mass produced. According to Ayo....I create a new design, put it up for sale and when it’s gone, it’s gone.

Because of his background in interior design and luxury furnishings – facilitated by enrollment in  Design Courses at the Centennial College, Toronto and then the prestigious Etobicoke College of Arts, He  attends the various major international design shows for inspiration and insight into the design world as a whole. This enables him respond quickly to trends and work with new and interesting materials, fabrics and embellishments.  His T shirts are not the “normal” run of the mill printed piece of clothing. That’s too easy. Rather, he uses material and embellishments that would not be out of place on a piece of hanging art.

Pushing the boundary of design has never been an option, it is the only way.

HEY!FUTURE AWARDS UNVEIL NOMINEES FOR YOUNG PERSON OF THE YEAR

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The Central Working Committee for Nigeria’s most respected youth event, The Future Awards, has decided to unveil the long list for the biggest award, Young Person of the Year, one week before schedule!

“We are very excited by what we have come up with this year – so excited that we have 10 names on the list this rather than the usual 8,” says Shade Ladipo, a member of the committee. “And we thought we should share that excitement!”

All the nominees for Young Person of the Year have been taken out of the various categories as always and identified as trailblazing role models for young Nigerians,” Ladipo said. “They are all winners, and so they will all be given plaques like last year. Also, they will not go through the 4 stages of judging for the awards, only one stage for voting and one stage for judging since all of them are finalists and will be so recognized at the awards.

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“They have all been contacted and we are incredibly proud of them. You will be inspired.”

THE YOUNG PERSON OF THE YEAR NOMINEES:
1.      Genevieve Nnaji, 31                                 – Actor

2.      Nnaemeka C. Ikegwuonu, 28                   – Advocate

3.      Uche Eze, 26                                            – Entrepreneur
4.      Psquare, 29                                              – Artiste
5.      Ojoma Ochai, 29                                      – Intrapreneur
6.      Michael Ajere (Don Jazzy), 29                  – Entrepreneur
7.      Nneka, 29                                                 – Artiste
8.      Debo Olaosebikan, 25                             – Scientist
9.      Blessing Okagbare, 22                             – Artiste
10.  Makinde Adeagbo, 25                                – Innovator



[caption id="attachment_2436" align="alignleft" width="350" caption="actress Genevieve Nnaji"][/caption]

Genevieve Nnaji – Actor

Genevieve Nnaji is an international star, representing the very best that Nollywood has to offer, and one of the best faces that the country can present to the world. The 31 year old multiple-award winning actress, who has been so credited on CNN and Oprah, is a global role model.

Nnaemeka C. Ikegwuonu – Advocate

Nnaemeka Ikegwuonu, 28, has received global acclaim for his work with communities in South-eastern Nigeria where he has promoted sustainable agricultural development and environmental conservation beneficial to rural poor farmers, with recognition that includes becoming a Laureate of the Rolex Awards for Enterprise – Young Laureates Program 2010.

Debo Olaosebikan – Scientist

25 year old Olaosebikan (also a rapper under the stage name Levelz!) is currently completing a PhD in Physics at Cornell University where he is working on the world's first silicon laser with Dr. Michal Lipson, one of the world's leading Nanophotonics pioneers, groundbreaking research that will introduce the world to an era of much more faster computer processes.

Psquare – Artiste

Across Africa, the 29 year old twin brothers Peter and Paul Okoye have become huge superstars showing what Nigeria is capable of, winning everything from the $1 million Kora All Africa Music Award prize to a multi-million naira telecom endorsement deal.

Nneka - Artiste

No one saw her coming! 29 year old Nneka Egbuna arrived in Nigeria from the world and soon went back to conquer it, becoming one of Nigeria’s most prominent global voices, winning the BET Awards and performing across the world.

Don Jazzy - Entrepreneur
Born Michael Ajere, the almost mythical Don Jazzy is a now-legendary Nigerian music entrepreneur. With Mo-Hits, the 29 year old has done nothing less than revolutionized Nigerian music and the capacity of the Nigerian music industry, creating a string of stars including D’banj, Wande Coal, Dr. Sid, and D’prince.

Ojoma Ochai – Intrapreneur
Ojoma Ochai has distinguished herself with a storied career at the British Council, rising through the ranks to become, at 29, the Assistant Country Director for the international culture organisation, becoming a powerful symbol – in a country with a now-pervasive celebrity culture - that one can stay within and still shine bright and make a mark.

Blessing Okagbare – Athlete

22 year old Okagbare has been referred to as one of 2010’s most important athletes in the continent. A long and triple jumper and short sprinter, the Olympics medallist scored a 100 m/long jump double at the NCAA Women's Outdoor Track and Field Championship for University of Texas at El Paso, and won the Nigerian 100 m title in 2010.

Uche Eze – Entrepreneur
Known by her famous brand, Eze is a pioneer in every sense of the word. BellaNaija.com is now the gold standard for online media and others can now do it because the 26 year old dared to quit her job in Corporate Nigeria to champion New Media innovation – becoming a TEDAfrica Fellow in the process, and featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show and on CNN International.

Makinde Adeagbo – Innovator
Facebook has changed the world, and 25 year old Adeagbo is one of its front runners. A Software Engineer with the company for four years, amongst other things the whiz-kid is famous for being part of a 2-man team responsible for reducing over 1 MB of Javascript to 2 KB, making the site load twice as fast worldwide.  Nominees in the 20 other categories will be unveiled on Monday, December 5, and voting on all categories will begin immediately on that date. More information on the nominees is available on www.thefuturenigeria.com. We can’t wait!

LA GIRL SOFIYA IMOSE ROMANCES FINANCIAL GURU,DENIES DATING TUFACE

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Niyi Tabiti

Guess who have landed the big fish? Trust gistmaster.com to always be right on time with the gist about what is going on in town. Impeccable sources hinted gistmaster.com that Sofiya Imose, the Los Angeles, California based media consultant is having a sizzling romance with a Nigerian based financial expert.

The fellow, according to those who are in the know, works with a financial institution that regulates other financial institutions and he is based in Abuja. No one could say much about the guy but we heard he is loaded and widely traveled too.

Sources told gistmaster.com that the two lovebirds met about two years ago but they didn't start dating until 8 months ago. Perhaps, this is one of the reasons,Sofiya is also flying in from her US base to be close to her man.

For now, no one could say whether or not there is marriage proposal yet. All we get is that the two are happy together.

Sofiya, who was the PR consultant for the blockburster hit, Ije  movie premiere in Lagos is always a regular face at most high profile event in town.She is said to have also done PR/Advertising for clients such as MUD cosmetics,Mannequin Magazine, MC Larry D,Imose Concept.

However, there is also gist in town that the United States born lady has something in common with Nigeria's international music act, Tuface Idibia. When gistmaster.com got across to her, she denied dating Tuface.

"I have seen him at occasions but that does not mean I am dating him. People have called and even sent me text messages on the same issue." she said. Adding that she does not know where the rumour emanated from in the first place.

RUFF 'N' TUMBLE® LAUNCHES NEW BRAND & OPENS 2 NEW OUTLETS

A new wave of change has hit the children’s fashion industry with the introduction of NaijaBoysZ®a new brand by Ruff ‘n’ Tumble®. The new brand was revealed to journalists during a press conference at the company’s corporate Headquarters recently.
According to Mrs Adenike Ogunlesi MD, Ruff ‘n’Tumble,‘NaijaBoysZ® caters to the unique fashion sense of today’s young adults, celebrating the colourful iconoclastic fashion sense of Nigeria’s emerging youth.

NaijaBoysZ® is a Hip urban clothing range for young boys from ages 8-16. It incorporates the use of classic fashion items such as Jeans wear, interpreted into the new age ‘slim fit’ and ‘super skinny’ cuts.

The NaijaBoyZ® brand also features‘ slim fit’ shirts, tops and accessories such as mufflers and hats for the trendsetting NaijaBoysZ® look. The new brand is part of a special 2010 Christmas collection.


For the young female adults, from the age of 8 to 16 years, Ruff’n’Tumble has created the trendsetters collection. This collection is creative, fun and very detailed. It allows for the individual expression of personal style.


Ruff ‘n’ tumble also announced the opening of two new outlets in Port Harcourt and Surulere, Lagos. The new Surulere outlet is located within the new Adeniran Ogunsanya shopping Mall while the Port Harcourt store is strategically located within the Genesis Centre in Port Harcourt GRA.


This brings to five the total number of outlets nationwide. The aggressive outlet expansion drive is in line with Ruff ‘n’ Tumbles renewed commitment to ensuring customer convenience. Adesua Okhipo, Business Manager Ruff ‘n’ Tumble Surulere outlet said that the outlet has an array of trendy male and female children’s clothes catering for babies from ages 0-3, Junior between the ages of 3-7 and trendsetting young adults from ages 8-16. The outlet opens on November 20th 2010 and offers a special introductory discount on selected items to the first few customers.



3-8 YRS OLD

BABY

NAIJA BOYZ

3-8 YRS BOYS

TRENDSETTER

Ruff ‘n’ Tumble is Nigeria’s foremost integrated manufacturer and
retailer of children’s apparel with outlets carrying its own brands as
well as other brands. Outlets are located in Ikoyi, Surulere, Ikeja,
Port Harcourt and Abuja.

Prices are from =N=1,950. Discounts are available on selected items.

Website. www.ruffntumblekids.com

Follow Ruff ‘n’ Tumble on twitter and facebook.

TODDLER BOYS

TODDLER GIRLS

OGBOR OGBOI WEDS JONATHAN OKHAI MIKE AKHIGBE IN LAGOS

Yesterday was indeed the dawn of new beginning for Ogbor Ogboi and her man, Jonathan, son of Nigeria's former Chief of General staff as they got married at the City of David parish of Redeemed Christian Church of God in Lagos. click here to see more photos and full story
 Don't forget, we our official blog www.gistmaster.com is the place for live reports!