Desmond Elliot
Kunle Afolayan
Rita Dominic
Tuesday
He’s Back! “Obi Mu O” Crooner Obiora Obiwon to Unveil New Album “Gold Water” in Concert! | Get Your Tickets Now
His new album, “Gold Water” will be launched with a 90-minute Concert on this weekend in Lagos. Guest appearances will be made by Nathaniel Bassey, Frank Edwards, Kenny K’ore, Mike Abdul, Nikki Laoye,ID Cabasa, Jodie, Soluchi, DVD, Alien Nation, Tochi, Victoria amongst others, with a special guest appearance by AliBaba.
Speaking on his journey to this concert and his new album, Obiwon said, “This particular body of work literally took four years to make. Apart from the physical recording, the melodies, lyrics and messages have been authored through the inspiring, joyful and painstaking processes of my life and faith within the period.“
Obiwon marked a season of new beginnings and greater heights earlier this year as he was honoured by theNational Gospel Awards as the Best Crossover Artist, his first ever award in the genre. He is also nominated for two awards at the upcoming Nigerian Gospel Music Awards 2013.
Also reacting to questions on the possible meaning of the album title “Gold Water”, the singer states, “Gold Water symbolizes something awesome, rare, an amazing sight, something unexpected and unusual…water usually signifies cleansing, refreshing and restoration while gold signifies glory and elevation. A combination of both is pretty much the idea.”
The event is supported by Eko Hotel & Suites, Vas2Nets Technologies, BlueMango Interiors and Posh Secrets Wears. Media Sponsors include Cool FM, Wazobia FM, Reel Radio, PraiseWorld Radio, Kingdom Africa, Loveworld Plus, BellaNaija & 360Nobs.
To attend this Concert, fans are urged to visit www.alimemedia.com/goldwater.
About Obiora ObiwonObiora Obiwon announced a full-time gospel music ministry in 2008, following through in 2009 with his sophomore and first gospel album “The Rebirth“. Since then he has consistently impacted the events and gospel music scene with a new sound and “The Rebirth Band”.
The sophomore album became noted for the praise song “F.a.t.h.e.r” and mostly for producing the hit wedding anthem “Obi Mu O“. His 2006 debut “Overture” previously produced the classic ballad “Onyinye“, garnering vocal performance awards at the Nigerian Music Awards and the acclaimed HipHop World Awards both in 2007. Subsequently the R’n’B -singer-turned-urban-gospel-minister also received honours at the 2013 National Gospel Awards for his crossover act, an indication of the growing acceptance of his faith-based transition. He has currently been nominated for Best collaboration and Best Indigenous song for the Nigerian Gospel Music Awards 2013.
After a 4-year major release hiatus, Obiora Obiwon returns in 2013 with a techno-infused HipHop song entitled “Testify”. The up-tempo praise record blazes the trail for the release of a long awaited third album, entitled “Gold Water”.
Get in touch with Obiwon by visiting his website www.reverbnation.com/obiwon | Subscribe on YouTube: Obiora Obiwon | Follow on Twitter: @ObioraObiwon | Like on Facebook: Obiora Obiwon | Call +2348085522545 | Email info@alimemedia.com.
Iyanya at the 2013 Soul Train Awards in Las Vegas | FAB Red Carpet Shots of Jennifer Hudson, Boris Kodjoe, Toni Braxton, Ashanti & More
Iyanya who attended the star studded event with his manager Ubi Franklin, was nominated in the Best International Performance category for his single “Kukere”.
For the event, Iyanya wore his best suit and tie look yet. He chose a black velvet suit, a white shirt, a blue bow tie and black shoes.
Check out photos of Iyanya at the event.
Actor/comedian Anthony Anderson hosted the event.
IK Osakioduwa & Ehiz at the 2013 MTV EMAs in Amsterdam! Red Carpet Photos of Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Swizz Beatz & More
Yesterday Sunday 10th November 2013, IK and Ehiz were present at the awards show. The two media stars were kind to share some photos of themselves at the event.
Check it out!
Saturday
Saka And Wife Olaide Share Their Love Story
It’s been difficult to track down Hafiz Oyetoro. The lecturer-actor-comedian at the centre of the MTN-Etisalat portability drama understands the importance of silence while trying not to escalate an already sensitive and precarious brand war between two giants.
But it was time to break the silence when he clocked 50 recently. And he spoke with OPINION VOICES about his life, family, and more…
How do you feel being celebrated at 50?
I feel so cool. I feel grateful to Almighty God for giving me the grace to reach 50. I know that many people have gone even without reaching the age of 20. 50 years marks a new beginning and I thank God that today I can be alive to see 50.
How did acting begin for you?
As an aspiring actor, when I finished secondary school, I started with a local theatre group in my town, Iseyin. From there, I went to University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University to study Dramatic Artsfor my first degree. I later went to University of Ibadan for my Masters degree in African Studies. I am presently pursuing a PHD programme in Performance Studies at the University of Ibadan. I’m sure you already know that I also lecture in the Theatre Arts Department of the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education. During all that process, I got myself involved in different productions on TV, film and radio. It’s been very interesting so far and I thank God for giving me the grace to increase in my chosen field.
How has the journey been so far?
I must say it’s been quite a ride with so many years of sacrifices. I thank God that he has given me the grace to go through all of the challenges and to achieve the little that I have through these years. I know there is still a lot to achieve but it’s been great journey so far.
How was growing up for you?
I come from a very humble background. I grew up in a village in Iseyin, that’s Oyo State. My parents were farmers. They taught me to be contented with what I have. I am who I am because of the values that they have impacted in me. I just thank God that I’m a different story today.
What would you say is responsible for your recent success?
It is God. God has been very wonderful to me. God has been there for me and my family. He has given me the grace to be associated with great people. More so, I have had the opportunity to be surrounded by people that have added positive value to me life. My family, friends, colleagues, employers and clients, they have actually contributed in one way or the other to who and what I am today.
What are some of the challenges that you have had to go through to get to where you are today?
When you say challenges, to me, they are necessary ingredients to live a better life. Challenges actually make room for people to move further in life, to seek for more value and to grow. Challenges are just mere distractions. That is why I say I am thanking God for giving me the grace to surmount all the challenges, to resist all the temptations and to solve all the crisis of life.
What motivated your porting from Etisalat to MTN?
All I can say is that both brands, Etisalat and MTN are fantastic brands and they are my friends.
Why do you think these telecoms companies have chosen you?
I really don’t know. I was just busy doing my thing and then they came. I believe everybody aspires for good things. We all desire for an elevation in status, but how it may come, we sometimes don’t know. The only explanation I can give is to say that it has been the grace of God.
How much did you get for the MTN deal?
I would not talk about that. I would only talk about that much later at the appropriate time.
Do you think people now celebrate and recognize more for your MTN endorsement than for your acting?
I think it more of what I have been doing and God’s grace. I think it is more of everything. And I’m lucky to have worked with MTN and Etisalat.
How much of an influence has your wife been to your success?
I have a very beautiful woman for a wife. A woman who has made the house my home. Every time I go out, I want to go back home. I always feel happy to go home. She’s always been there for me. She’s more of my friend, my mother, my sister, everything. I thank God who has given me the grace to have a woman who shares my vision. The greatest mistake anybody can make in this world is to marry a woman who does not share in his vision. God has given me that grace to marry a woman who shares my vision. The things I do, I do them without any problem. My home is stable and my job is going on well.
You have featured in many stage and screen productions, which of them do you enjoy working on the most?
Each has its own peculiarities, but if I was to choose, it definitely has to be the stage. On stage, you come alive as you would need to interact with your audience by your acts and convince them with every word you speak and action you take. For the screen, you are just performing for the camera. There’s a lot of work being put into either of them, but personally speaking, stage is my thing.
As a lecturer, do you ever find yourself in a position where your students do not take you seriously because of your comic roles on TV?
My students understand the difference between acting and real life. They are Theater Arts students of course and so they should know better. They know the difference between Saka and Mr. Oyetoro. Saka is the actor, while Mr. Oyetoro is the lecturer. They have learnt to always draw a line between the two.
Now that you are 50, what should your fans be expecting from you?
They should expect more productive and positive contribution to the industry from me. I really want to go into television production. I know there are challenges in making films in Nigeria, but basically I am more comfortable with television production. Already we have started with a television production and we hope to put it on air before the end of this year.
How would you describe the present state of the entertainment industry?
It’s been encouraging. In those days when our senior colleagues started, they were not well regarded. They were seen as never-do-wells but today, things have changed. People are living off theatre. People are living off entertainment. Considering our productions here and there, for about two years now, Nigeria has ranked second in the world in terms of production. That means we are productive. Of course we cannot be compared to Hollywood because of the lack of facilities and the challenges of the environment that we have found ourselves, but I believe that in the next few years, we are going to be there.
Although in the past, commitment in terms of what we produce was far better. These days, commercial values are more of paramount interest, but I believe that as time goes on, we will go back and start to think about content. Our stories are good. We have stories to tell but the way to tell it is our problem. I’m very sure we are going to find the right way to tell it one day.
OPINION VOIVES also chatted with Saka’a wife, Olaide:
How does it feel to see so many people coming out today to celebrate your husband?
I feel excited. I feel great and to God be the glory.
How has the years you have spent together been?
It has been wonderful and God has been with us.
What was the main attraction for your husband?
It is simply love. That was the main attraction and I thank God for everything.
Friday
Mary J Blige & Tiwa Savage Reunite @ Sister's With Soul Concert
Tiwa Savage received high praise from the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J Blige, during her recent performance at the Sisters with Soul concert at the Eko Hotel Expo Centre in Lagos recently .
The recognition from the superstar is a testimony to how far Tiwa, a one-time backup singer for Blige, has come on her musical journey.
Mary J Blige stopped mid-way through her performance to acknowledge Tiwa Savage's presence in the audience then recounted the tale of how they met and worked together, before inviting the “Eminado” singer onstage to join her.
The singing sensation proceeded to belt out a few notes to rousing applause from the audience and a heartfelt hug of appreciation from the Queen.
The reunion of the talented songbirds was a highlight of the successful concert, which featured a coming together of ladies of music; further championing the female movement for world domination.
The recognition from the superstar is a testimony to how far Tiwa, a one-time backup singer for Blige, has come on her musical journey.
Mary J Blige stopped mid-way through her performance to acknowledge Tiwa Savage's presence in the audience then recounted the tale of how they met and worked together, before inviting the “Eminado” singer onstage to join her.
The singing sensation proceeded to belt out a few notes to rousing applause from the audience and a heartfelt hug of appreciation from the Queen.
The reunion of the talented songbirds was a highlight of the successful concert, which featured a coming together of ladies of music; further championing the female movement for world domination.
Burna Boy Performs With His Underwears
Pop Sensation Burna Boy must have had seen Fela! in his dreams or had one blunt too many as he stripped to his underwear while performing at the Afrikan Shrine for the close of Felabration 2013.
Burna Boy took to the stage in a pair of tighty-whities (white pant) as a tribute to 'Abami Eda' as he performed some of his hit singles as well as those of the late great Afrobeat legend
On Monday, 21st October, 2013 saw the ending of the annual celebration of the late great Fela Kuti, Felabration 2013 at the New Afrika Shrine and thanks to Burna Boy, it ended in a blast, no pun intended.
Burna Boy took to the stage in a pair of tighty-whities (white pant) as a tribute to 'Abami Eda' as he performed some of his hit singles as well as those of the late great Afrobeat legend
On Monday, 21st October, 2013 saw the ending of the annual celebration of the late great Fela Kuti, Felabration 2013 at the New Afrika Shrine and thanks to Burna Boy, it ended in a blast, no pun intended.
The annual Ojude Oba festival
The annual Ojude Oba festival held in Ijebu Ode, Ijebu Ode local government area of Ogun State. The GLOBACOM-sponsored festival is an annual occasion where the ancestral lineage of the first converted Muslims of the Ijebu people pay homage to their King, the Awujale, for allowing their ancestors practise Islam.It takes place on the third day of Eid-el-Kabir, displaying the rich cultural heritage of the Ijebu people, and attracting tourists from across the globe and Ijebu indigenes in the diaspora.
The festival witnessed Ijebu sons and daughters including the Baloguns, age-groups (Regberegbes), societies and various groups paying homage to the Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba II, at his newly constructed edifice directly opposite his palace.
Highlights of the event include the parade of the Regberegbes, sounds of gunshots, traditional songs, poems and horses display
© 2013
Obiano Floors Ngige in First Anambra Guber Debate
Chief Willie Obiano, APGA candidate for the November 16, 2013 gubernatorial election in Anambra State proved cynics wrong Friday when he put up a sterling performance that the audience unanimously agreed eclipsed the performance of a far more experienced Senator Chris Ngige of the APC in a debate organised by Silverbird Television for the candidates in Awka.
The APGA candidate who was widely reported to have been recently beaten in a “debate” in the US by the Labour Party candidate, Ifeanyi Ubah, strugged off his underdog status to outshine his rivals in a debate where Ubah, the debate wonder kid, was strangely absent.
The debate which was expected to begin at 4pm was seriously delayed as only Obiano arrived the venue 15 minutes to kick-off time while the APC candidate arrived 45 minutes later when the debate had far progressed beyond the introductory stage to the question and answer session.
The APC candidate's arrival was pointedly noisy as the chants of his entourage disrupted the debate and drew snide remarks and mild protests from the audience who felt that a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria owed the members of his constituency a more decorous conduct.
The conduct of the Labour Party candidate was even worse as Mr. Ifeanyi Ubah who is widely rumoured to have gone broke before the Polling Day with a heavy debt burden and constant harassment by the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), deliberately shied away from the debate.
Obiano's high performance came from his brilliant demonstration of a deep understanding of the current revenue position of the state and his idea of what to do to move the state forward. Reeling out cold facts and statistics, the retired banker held the audience spellbound with his profound understanding of what the state currently generates in internal revenue, how much trickles in from the federal government in monthly revenue and how these monies are distributed to solve the state's development problems.
“I have years of experience in banking. I understand international finance. My running mate, Dr. Nkem Okonkwo has a PhD in monetary economist. When we take a trip to the United Nations and the donor agencies, we know what to say to make them support development efforts in Anambra State. But this is not the same with my good friend, Chris Ngige. If he arrives the UN with his crowd singing his praises as usual, they will chase them out of the hall,” Obiano argued to a thunderous applause.
Chief Obiano's comment was in response to Senator Ngige's untidy claims on the state of revenue generation in Anambra State. Obiano had promptly dismissed Ngige's claims as far from the truth, reminding the audience that they could actually carry out a quick google search on the subject matter right from their seats. The audience saw in Obiano's response the readiness of 21st Century leader who knew that the electorate can no longer be lied to in the manner of the politicians of old.
The APGA candidate also drew a loud ovation with the way he handled the question of his widely reported secret agreement with the National Chairman of APGA to hand the treasury of Anambra State over to him in exchange for electoral victory. Dismissing the document as an effort by his rivals who had been hard-pressed to find a chink in his armour, Obiano argued that after spending 30 years in the Nigerian private sector his signature could be verified in so many public documents and that the signature on the purported agreement had no resemblance with his real signature.
Although Senator Ngige made comical attempts to explain his lateness to the event by blaming it on the bad condition of roads in the state, his performance failed to elicit the applause he had hoped for because people felt offended by his lateness which could not be placed on the poor state of roads in the state.
The APC candidate also drew derisive laughter and chants of “Lie! Lie!” from the audience when in a response to the question of his largely poor performance in the Senate, he announced that he tabled 10 Bills before the upper legislative house.
The debate which was moderated by Uzonna Ononye who hosts Politicalscope on Silverbird television attracted only 4 out of the 6 candidates originally invited to take part with Ifeanyi Ubah as the most prominent absentee.
Other candidates that took part in the debate are Professor Ben Akanegbu of UPP and Godson Okoye United Democratic Party
The APGA candidate who was widely reported to have been recently beaten in a “debate” in the US by the Labour Party candidate, Ifeanyi Ubah, strugged off his underdog status to outshine his rivals in a debate where Ubah, the debate wonder kid, was strangely absent.
The debate which was expected to begin at 4pm was seriously delayed as only Obiano arrived the venue 15 minutes to kick-off time while the APC candidate arrived 45 minutes later when the debate had far progressed beyond the introductory stage to the question and answer session.
The APC candidate's arrival was pointedly noisy as the chants of his entourage disrupted the debate and drew snide remarks and mild protests from the audience who felt that a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria owed the members of his constituency a more decorous conduct.
The conduct of the Labour Party candidate was even worse as Mr. Ifeanyi Ubah who is widely rumoured to have gone broke before the Polling Day with a heavy debt burden and constant harassment by the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), deliberately shied away from the debate.
Obiano's high performance came from his brilliant demonstration of a deep understanding of the current revenue position of the state and his idea of what to do to move the state forward. Reeling out cold facts and statistics, the retired banker held the audience spellbound with his profound understanding of what the state currently generates in internal revenue, how much trickles in from the federal government in monthly revenue and how these monies are distributed to solve the state's development problems.
“I have years of experience in banking. I understand international finance. My running mate, Dr. Nkem Okonkwo has a PhD in monetary economist. When we take a trip to the United Nations and the donor agencies, we know what to say to make them support development efforts in Anambra State. But this is not the same with my good friend, Chris Ngige. If he arrives the UN with his crowd singing his praises as usual, they will chase them out of the hall,” Obiano argued to a thunderous applause.
Chief Obiano's comment was in response to Senator Ngige's untidy claims on the state of revenue generation in Anambra State. Obiano had promptly dismissed Ngige's claims as far from the truth, reminding the audience that they could actually carry out a quick google search on the subject matter right from their seats. The audience saw in Obiano's response the readiness of 21st Century leader who knew that the electorate can no longer be lied to in the manner of the politicians of old.
The APGA candidate also drew a loud ovation with the way he handled the question of his widely reported secret agreement with the National Chairman of APGA to hand the treasury of Anambra State over to him in exchange for electoral victory. Dismissing the document as an effort by his rivals who had been hard-pressed to find a chink in his armour, Obiano argued that after spending 30 years in the Nigerian private sector his signature could be verified in so many public documents and that the signature on the purported agreement had no resemblance with his real signature.
Although Senator Ngige made comical attempts to explain his lateness to the event by blaming it on the bad condition of roads in the state, his performance failed to elicit the applause he had hoped for because people felt offended by his lateness which could not be placed on the poor state of roads in the state.
The APC candidate also drew derisive laughter and chants of “Lie! Lie!” from the audience when in a response to the question of his largely poor performance in the Senate, he announced that he tabled 10 Bills before the upper legislative house.
The debate which was moderated by Uzonna Ononye who hosts Politicalscope on Silverbird television attracted only 4 out of the 6 candidates originally invited to take part with Ifeanyi Ubah as the most prominent absentee.
Other candidates that took part in the debate are Professor Ben Akanegbu of UPP and Godson Okoye United Democratic Party
Nigerian militants raid northern city of Damaturu
Suspected Boko Haram militants have engaged security forces in a lengthy gun battle and raided a hospital in the northern Nigerian city of Damaturu.
Residents told the opinion voices that it was a "big, audacious attack" and that assailants stole drugs from the hospital and drove off in ambulances.
Meanwhile, the military said it had killed 74 suspected Boko Haram militants in a raid in Borno state.
Authorities have recently stepped up their campaign against the militants.
North-eastern Nigeria is the focus of an insurgency by the group that began in 2009 and aims to create an Islamic state.
President Goodluck Jonathan urged the military to up its campaign against Boko Haram five months ago.
Damaturu is the main city in Yobe state, which lies to the west of Borno. It has been calm for more than a year, and there is a large military presence in there.
'Slow response'
Nonetheless, gunfire rocked the city for some seven hours after a group of about 20 gunmen - some in military uniform - targeted the hospital late on Thursday.
Clashes between militants and the security forces spread to other parts of the city. A health worker described seeing a police vehicle ferrying corpses to the mortuary.
The resident who described the attack as "audacious" said the gunfire was heavy, continuous, and loud.
He also said that people in Damaturu were surprised that it had taken the military at least an hour to respond.
Authorities later imposed a 24-hour curfew, and streets were deserted on Friday.
The military raid in Borno state involved "ground and aerial assault" and "led to the destruction of the identified terrorist camps," said army spokesman Lt Mohammed Dole.
Lt Dole said the latest raid had been carried out on Thursday and that two soldiers had been wounded.
Opinion voices reports from Nigeria that it seems surprising that Boko Haram camps are still being found, given all the resources available to the army.
The army's claims about military operations against the group are hard to verify - there has been no mobile phone network in Borno state since the latest offensive was launched.
Nigeria's campaign has been criticised by human rights groups.
Amnesty International said earlier this month that hundreds had died in detention in north-eastern Nigeria, some from starvation or extra-judicial killings.
Saturday
Nigerians unite for Eagles’ victory against Ethiopia
As the Super Eagles file out against the Walya Antelopes of
Ethiopia today for a Brazil 2014 World Cup play-off billed for Addis
Ababa, Nigerians are united in their desire for the team to emerge
victorious.
Virtually every Nigerian (including the players) spoken to on today’s game is optimistic of a victory for the Super Eagles, even as a handful of pessimists, who have called for caution on the part of the Eagles, claim that the worst result will be a draw.
Dwelling on the crucial encounter during the week, three of the Eagles players, Victor Moses, Brown Idedye and John Ogu, affirmed that they would not disappoint Nigerians, noting that the Ethiopians will not be taken for granted being an away game.
For Dynamo Kiev star, Ideye, victory for Eagles would be dedicated to his 25th birthday which was on Thursday, while Moses of Liverpool stated that Nigeria remained African champions as, according to him, the team would consolidate on that feat. Ogu underlined the need for understanding and team work to overcome their host.
During the week, President Goodluck Jonathan demonstrated this show of love and unity for Nigeria by chartering an aircraft to airlift about 200 members of the Nigerian Football Supporters’ Club, who have promised to give the best support to enable the Eagles achieve the desired result.
In the same vein, some former Super Eagles players in the likes of
Clement Temile, Baldwin Bazuaye, Sunday Oliseh, Patrick Pascal and
Monday Eguavoen have also given their word of support for the team. They
urged the players to take advantage of every opportunity that comes
their way to score goals.
Coaches who have also paid their dues in the Nigerian scene such as Christian Chukwu, Ufere Nwankwo, Godwin Izilein and Kadiri Ikhana also spoke to Sports Week during the week, affirming the need for the Super Eagles to do Nigeria proud. They noted that sports, and football in particular, is a major unifying factor for Nigerians.
All said, the expectations from Nigerians are huge, which implies that Coach Stephen Keshi must toady ensure that the right game plan that his wards can interpret is employed to overcome the Ethiopians, who have boasted that only a win against Nigeria is good enough for them.
Virtually every Nigerian (including the players) spoken to on today’s game is optimistic of a victory for the Super Eagles, even as a handful of pessimists, who have called for caution on the part of the Eagles, claim that the worst result will be a draw.
Dwelling on the crucial encounter during the week, three of the Eagles players, Victor Moses, Brown Idedye and John Ogu, affirmed that they would not disappoint Nigerians, noting that the Ethiopians will not be taken for granted being an away game.
For Dynamo Kiev star, Ideye, victory for Eagles would be dedicated to his 25th birthday which was on Thursday, while Moses of Liverpool stated that Nigeria remained African champions as, according to him, the team would consolidate on that feat. Ogu underlined the need for understanding and team work to overcome their host.
During the week, President Goodluck Jonathan demonstrated this show of love and unity for Nigeria by chartering an aircraft to airlift about 200 members of the Nigerian Football Supporters’ Club, who have promised to give the best support to enable the Eagles achieve the desired result.
Coaches who have also paid their dues in the Nigerian scene such as Christian Chukwu, Ufere Nwankwo, Godwin Izilein and Kadiri Ikhana also spoke to Sports Week during the week, affirming the need for the Super Eagles to do Nigeria proud. They noted that sports, and football in particular, is a major unifying factor for Nigerians.
All said, the expectations from Nigerians are huge, which implies that Coach Stephen Keshi must toady ensure that the right game plan that his wards can interpret is employed to overcome the Ethiopians, who have boasted that only a win against Nigeria is good enough for them.
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