ARIABA LIFESTYLE JEWELRY BOX

ARIABA is a contemporary lifestyle brand, with All pieces carefully hand made by the duo of Caroline Forshaw & Linda Mesrob. Their works are carefully crafted and styled with gemstones, each piece hand crafted to produce wearable Art.

The collection, which has been very popular, consists of neckpieces, earrings, cocktail rings, head chains, toe rings and belly chains. As well as a ready to wear line, they also produce made to order bespoke jewelry as well as wedding jewelry.


CREATIVE DUO-LINDA MESROB & CAROLINE FORSHAW

The countdown to the ARIABA clothing line has already begun!


Here is a peep into their jewelery box of intricate and exclusive collection

Contact-32 Musa Yar'Adua @ strands, v/i- Lagos, Nigeria
Email- ariabaliving@gmail.com

A-Q'S DEBUT ALBUM SELLS 15000-UNITS WORTH. RELEASES FIRST #BLACKFRIDAY FREESTYLE

The 'Names' Rapper released his debut album 'The Past Present and Future' album on the 14th of December. His album which has received good reviews from both print and online media is doing good in sales - putting money in the rapper's pocket and his record label, Hustle Inc's bank account.

Nigerianhiphop.net reviews the album: "All in All AQ Has Delivered one of the Best Hip-Hop Albums  of 2010, Whose Classic nature cannot be denied even by the harshest critics. The Album is Honest, Street, Dark, Lyrical , Humorous, Braggadicious ,Original  and Most Importantly Hip-Hop.What Other Qualities do you need to Label an Album a Classic?? ...and Posterity Would surely Judge him for this Stellar Offering"

"I have a album marketer (AHBU Ventures) that has sold records for every big label in Nigeria but I basically still took on the project with the mindset of an independent artiste. This is all I know, this is my hustle - God blessed hustle with a street team and gigs across town, from Wax Lyrical to Industry Nite with copies of the album" A-Q said. "I can tell you I have made money worth sales of 15,000 CD units." He added.

In celebration and still promoting the album, the rapper would also be giving out music / freestyles every friday via his Twitter account: @ThisisAQ, which he did before his debut album was released last year (last year's Black friday where tracks with complete musical arrangement - verses and chorus but this would just be freestyles). He tagged it '#Blackfriday Freestyle'. The first freestyle where he rapped over Eminem's not afraid instrumental was released today [28 - 01 - 2011].

In the new and first Black Friday freestyle, he raps about his crush on singer Tiwa Savage and reference names of other rappers like Lynxxx,  Rick Ross and CC (Chocolate city)  just after his 'God bless the hustle' opening on the track. While the album might  seem like a mainstream attempt, the lyricist exhibits in this Black friday freestyle - not afraid the very understanding and the technicality in delivery he is renown in the underground Nigeria hiphop circuit.

Digital copies of the album can be bought at Nigerianhiphop.net, Repnaijaartist.com, zoodrums [ with your interswitch card] and soon be available on the Notjustok.com store.

His follow up single, Sold out featuring singer Xtrim would be released in February, just before valentine. It is track dedicated to ladies, to be released just in time as the valentine bug bites.

MOVIE REVIEW: 'OMO GHETTO' BY FUNKE AKINDELE

I love this brilliant movie review by my friend, Jayne Usen.I am sure you will like it too.I have watched Omo Ghetto and i know that Jayne is on point!

By Jayne Usen

Movie title-’Omo Ghetto’

Written/Produced by Funke Akindele

Director-Abiodun Olarenwaju(Abbey Lanre)

Starring Rachel Oniga, Taiwo Hassan, Yinka Quadri, Eniola Badmus, Ronke Ojo and many more

Funke Akindele has succeeded in producing a movie which may well rival her previous hit,‘Jennifa’. Since its release late last year, ‘Omo Ghetto’ has become one of the most sought after movies and has found an appeal which goes way beyond the Yoruba film lovers.Not only is the flick in hot demand, viewers are made to cough out as much as N800 for a copy. This is a far cry from the regular N400 a typical Nigerian movie cost.

Same script, different cast

Nollywood has seen a lot of flicks which have played around the identical twin twist and this movie is not an exception. What this concept does is to create and heighten suspense, which is an element of a good movie. However, Omo Ghetto’s plot is woven around a set of twins who are separated at birth and are living completely different lives. One is a ghetto kid and leader of a notorious female gang, while the other is raised in affluence and has anger issues. The very popular ghetto twin is daring and ridiculously uncouth in her manners while the rich kid’s temper almost results in death of her fiancee , this incidence made her to go into hiding for fear of being jailed. The ghetto twin, alongside her gang, are apprehended on their way to unleash terror on an unsuspecting victim .This marks the beginning of a lot of twists and revelations.

Typical of Nollywood

This movie comes in four discs (A, B, C and D) and contains up to eight different movie trailers in each of the discs. Half of the time, you may find yourself spooling forward to the main movie. The acting is generally on point and I like the portrayal of the ghetto gangsters,it is believable. In a number of Nollywood films, the Police are often portrayed as hungry looking and powerless fellows,with their tattered uniforms , Omo Ghetto did not deviate from this usual potrayal . In the film, the policemen were clad in faded black shirt atop khaki /army green trousers, making look like ‘KAI or Man O War’ officials. The scene where a policeman goes to the ghetto to ask Lefty’s father to show up at the police station is a good example. He looked more like a messenger than a police officer and little wonder that Baba Oni Baba noted afterwards that the policeman was too sluggish to be an officer. This is not good for the image of the force. And yes, the dialogues in some scenes drag on for too long.

Creative Director

Abiodun Olarenwaju (Abbey Lanre), deserves commendation for making us appreciate the beauty in the midst of squalor and poverty in the ghetto, thanks to his camera angles and shots. The opening shot takes the viewer on a journey through life in the ghetto. He brings home the reality of life in areas where people live, eat and breed on one refuse site.

Apart from a lot irrelevant scenes and excessively long party scenes, the acting is top notch. You cannot help but get blown away by the humour embedded in the story line. Funke Akindele portraying two characters (Lefty the ghetto thug and Ayomide, the rich kid) was at her best. Although Akindele is introduced later in the movie, her sterling performance ups the tempo of the film. Veteran actor Adebayo added a beautiful twist to the title ‘Omo Ghetto’. He is very hilarious and displays a lot of local wit,

you are not likely to forget his character in a hurry .His perfect interpretation of his role depicted a lifestyle in the setting of the movie and showed the mentality of a man irrespective of his socio-economic standing. Considering Salami’s reputation, nothing less is expected as he brilliantly lived up to his character.

Characterisation is a major winning element of the movie, for example Bimbo Thomas (Nikky) and Eniola Badmus (Busty) successfully mimic the mannerisms of a typical tout in a ghetto. Another scene expertly handled occurs a few minutes into the film.There is a quick transition from the ghetto to the city as Baba Oni Baba is shown filling his glass with beer before Funke Akindele breaks a flower vase in the city, thumbs up to the editor. Eniola Badmus of ‘Jennifa’ fame also interpreted her role what with her diction and mannerism. Of interest is the clever twist introduced to the plot with the sudden replacement of Ayomide with her ghetto-based twin sister, Lefty,this left lots of people in suspense.

Rated 8/10

The climax of the movie is easy to locate while the suspense comes to play after Ayomide’s character suddenly goes missing and Lefty takes centre stage. One scene you may not forget in a hurry though dirty is the ghetto toilet scene. The girls take turns to relieve themselves and later turn the faeces into little bowls to go and throw at some rival ‘cream/aristo’ chicks. Stingomania artiste, Baba Nee also did a good job on the soundtrack as it is totally ‘ghettoish’!.Yeah you just have to appreciate the camera works in the ‘yo mama battle scene’ where Lefty and her crew display Yoruba jabs that gets you laughing.

The movie subtitling was good and surprisingly had good English ,not the expected the Yoruba English translation which generally tints lots of Yoruba movies .The movie also explored themes of pure love even in the ghetto. The final scene where the twins were shown seated on the same bench, facing each other was brilliant and very convincing. So was the part where they both stand up and walk towards the door.

Riding on the success some of the films Akindele has made in the past, she is fast establishing herself as one artist to watch out for. ‘Omo Ghetto’ is didactic, entertaining and worth seeing a second time.



ONE HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS ALLEGED FRAUD:COURT THREATENS TO REVOKE BAIL GRANTED HUSBAND OF NIGERIA EX BEAUTY QUEEN

By Gistmaster.com

More troubles seem to be piling up for Tom Iseghohi, the millionaire husband of ex-most beautiful girl in Nigeria, Anita Uwagbale. The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja threatened that it might revoke the bail that is currently being enjoyed by Tom Iseghohi and two others.

Tom, who is the former Group Managing Director of Transcorp Plc and two others Muhammad Buba, ex-Company Secretary and Mike Okoli, former Deputy General Manager are standing trial in a case of alleged fraud to the tune of 15 Billion Naira (1 Billion US Dollars). The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) alleged that the three former top shots of  Transcorp used their position to perpetuate money laundering and misappropriated monies to the tune of 15 Billion Naira. The EFCC also alleged among other things that Iseghohi and others commited criminal conspiracy and breach of public trust.

At the resumed hearing on the trial on 24 January 2011, the trial Judge, Mr. Justice Donatus Okorowa said he would be forced to revoke the bail granted the accused persons if they don't stop presenting frivolous applications as a way of delaying the trial.

Gistmaster.com gathered that the lawyer to the accused persons, R O Yusuf had earlier told the court that cases before his clients should be thrown out because the prosecution had not established a prima facie case against them.

EFCC said they have witnesses who are ready to testify. Justice Okorowa has adjourned the case to February 9.

The three accused person s were granted bail in 2009 by Justice Chikere Anuli, the first trial judge in the case.

THE PERFECT CHURCH:RAMSEY NOUAH TURNS PASTOR!

[caption id="attachment_3297" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="Ramsey Nouah, Nollywood actor"][/caption]

In 1984 Wale Adenuga shot his first feature film, Papa Ajasco with
Peter Fatomilola and it was a huge success. In 2009, Ramsey Nouah
played the lead role in Figurine and the movie set box office record
until Ije came. In 2008, Funke Akindele movie, Jenifa set an all time
record in Nollywood as the highest selling movie.

Now, the three record breakers have teamed up together to deliver
another movie, "The Perfect Church" to cinema across Nigeria and Ghana
on Friday, February 29.

Wale Adenuga is producing the flick while top rate actor, Rmasey
Tokunbor Nouah is playing the role of Pastor Benson with almost
impeccable reputation, Funke Akindele, plays the role of Sis Angela,
the choir leader, veteran actor, Olu Jacobs plays the role of
vision-seeing Bishop Williams, Ngozi Ezeonu is the elder, Mrs Ojo with
a secret that will diminish the elderly-reputation of her and that of
her husband, Mr OjoHakeem Rahman.

With star-studded clip, popularity and reputation many are asking if
the coming together of these three ‘giants’ in their own right can
guarantee a cinema success. ‘I am sure the movie will do well
commercial wise even though money was not our objective. We wanted to
shot a movie with strong message and high cinematic standard. We did
everything right and with right cast, the cinema audience will embrace
it’.

As a sign of not leaving anything unturned, the movie will be opening
in all cinema across Nigeria and Ghana at simultaneously, that would
be the first time a movie will be opening same time across the West
African countries.

The Perfect Church is the story of a church with perfect reputation
and holy people with unholy secret. Pastor Benson (Ramsey) presides
over the church, Sis Angela (Funke) leads the choir while Mr and Mrs.
Ojo (Hakeem and Ngozi) are the elders. Their lives are  perfect until
Bishop Williams (Olu Jacobs) comes to deliver a confusing vision. All
hell was let loose and lives and reputation are sacrificed.

ORGANISERS OF NIGERIAN IDOL TO UNVEIL 13 FINAL CONTESTANTS ON SATURDAY

[caption id="attachment_3290" align="alignleft" width="449" caption="Chichi Nwoko - Project Director, Nigerian Idol"][/caption]

By Niyi Tabiti

Latest news gathered by gistmaster.com indicate that the 13 final contestants that would compete for the grand prize of the first ever Nigerian Idol would be presented to the world on Saturday. According to an invitation sent to Gistmaster.com, the unveiling of finalists would be done amidst pomp and ceremony. It would be an exclusive cocktail event. There would be opportunity to mingle with the judges and contestants. Date is 29 January 2011 at the Dream Studio Omole, Lagos. Its strictly by Invitation.

Jeffery Daniel, Audu Maikori of Chocolate city and popular musician,Yinka Daniel are the Judges.

Latest updates on the Nigerian Idol music reality show can always be found on www.gistmaster.com

UNION BANK MD, FUNKE OSIBODU, HON ABIKE DABIRI OTHERS FOR THE FUTURE PRE-AWARD CONFERENCE

[caption id="attachment_3283" align="alignleft" width="180" caption="Funke Osibodu, MD Union Bank Nigeria Plc"][/caption]

Registration is ongoing for The Future Pre-Awards “Do Something” Conference. This is the third edition of the conference and it holds on Saturday, 29 January 2011 at the Main Auditorium of the University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba by 11am.

The awards proper hold the next day at Landmark Events Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

“The 'Do Something Conference' is always an attempt to use the popularity and network of the awards to motivate young Nigerians in whatever field,” said Kenneth Oliko, the awards’ spokesperson. “Young people are always seen to complain about how difficult Nigeria is and the many challenges that they face; but this conference shows them role models who have survived with integrity in spite of these challenges and who have excelled. With this conference, we are leading young people to stop complaining, stop waiting, stop wanting and start acting – to go out and improve their work or businesses, or to make change happen in Nigeria.”

The conference is a rare opportunity for these young Nigerians to meet with high-achieving role models who they would otherwise not have the opportunity to meet. The speakers don’t give lectures – rather, the participants ask them any questions on their minds about how they
succeeded or how they achieved and get real time responses that are practical and useful.

As usual, it promises to be an explosive session with speakers such as

•       Professor Pat Utomi (Director,  Centre for Applied Economics, Lagos
Business School)
•       Abike Dabiri (Member, House of Representatives)
•       Dr. Rasheed Gbadamosi (Former Chairman, Petroleum Product Pricing
and Regulatory Agency)
•       Professor Oye Ibidapo-Obe (Former Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos/President, Nigeria                      Academy of Science)
•       Tonye Cole (Executive Director, Sahara Group)
•       Pastor Tunde Bakare (Senior Pastor, Latter Rain Assembly/Founder,
Save Nigeria Group)
•       Poju Oyemade (Senior Pastor, Covenant Christian Centre)
•       Betty Irabor (Publisher, Genevieve Magazine)
•       Iretiola Doyle (Actress/TV Presenter)
•       Steve Babaeko (Creative Director, 141 Worldwide)
•       Banky W (Musician/Performer)
•       Ayo Animashaun (Founder Hip Hop World Awards and Executive Producer HIP on TV)
•       Debbie Ogunjobi (C.E.O Everywoman)
•       Kemi Adetiba (Director/ TV Presenter)
•       Tosyn Bucknor (Radio Presenter/Writer)
•       Fela Durotoye (Development Strategist)
•       Nicholas Okoye (CEO, Anabel)
•       Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde (Actress/Musician)
•       Peace Anyiam-Osigwe (CEO, AMAA Awards)

• Bukola Adubi (CEO, Miccom Golf Resort)


• Kefee (Musician)


• Tolu Sangosanya (Founder, LOTS Foundation)


• Bode Pedro (CEO, VEDA Technology)


• Frank Edoho (TV Anchor)


• Uche Nnaji (Ouch!)


• John Momoh (CEO, Channels TV)

Tickets are still on sale for N1000 (however for students with ID cards, they go for N500). The tickets are available at any Ouch! shop in Lagos  Surulere, Maryland, Ikota or the Silverbird Galleria - or at the venue of the conference – Unilag Main Auditorium.

Participants who want confirmed seats can however register on www.thefuturenigeria.com.

The event also broadcasts live on the internet! Paradigm Initiative Nigeria is partnering with The Future Awards to endure individuals who for some reason cannot attend the event watch the event live. By visiting www.yrn.me/tfa2011, young Nigerians can connect to the event and enjoy this amazing opportunity.

This event is supported by Access Bank, HiTV and the Miccom Golf Resorts. Official Media Partners are Y! (www.ynaija.com), Cool FM and Wazobia FM.