NigeriaSat-2 and NigeriaSat-X

Nigeria yesterday, successfully, launched one of the most advanced earth observation satellites (Nigeriasat-2) of its kind that is commercially available in the imaging world into the orbit at exactly 8:12.am Nigerian time in Russia.

Nigeria Sat-X, which was built by Nigerian engineers trained at the same time the Sat-2 was being built as a demonstration that Nigeria can build and launch its satellite was launched alongside NigeriaSat-2.

With the launch of the two satellites, NigeriaSa-1, which has since overstayed its life span in orbit would be replaced.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja shortly after showing the live coverage of the launch site, in Russia to the audience, the project manager of the NigeriaSat-2 and X, Mr. Francis Chizea, said that NigeriaSat-2 and X, have five years life span, just like NigeriaSat-1, and “will continue the work which NigeriaSat-1 is doing, but is more advanced in technology.”

Explaining further, Mr. Chizea, noted that the satellite was designed for five years, just like NigeriaSat-1. “It is still in the orbit functioning and providing images as it used to be. They are two different satellites on their own; Nigeria Sat-2 is a higher resolution satellite, carrying 2.5m resolution camera on board.

“It also has 32m camera on board, because we expect that very soon, Nigeria Sat-1 will expire, and stop working. So to ensure that there is data continuity, we also have that 32m camera in Nigeria sat-2. It is a more advanced space craft. Whatever Nigeria sat-2 is doing in the orbit now is to carry out earth resolution that Nigeriasat-1 has been carrying out for the past 8 years, but with 32m camera, it has better grand meter set, which we never had before. Now, we can have our own high earth resolution data from our grand station whenever we want it.”

On the economic implication of the satellite, he said, it is not just launching of the satellite that matters but to improve the socio-economic life of Nigerians, adding that data from Nigeria-sat-2 will be used for various applications “in agriculture, urban mapping, environmental monitoring, etc. nigeriasat-2 is one of the most advanced satellites of its kind that is in the orbit today.”

Explaining why the satellite is the most advanced of its kind, Chizea pointed out that the Nigeriasat-2 unlike any other satellite can image lots of images, “for example, it can image a still image, under a very low skill which was not possible in Nigeriasat-1. Nigeriasat-2 is very agile, you can image and offload at the same time to the grand station, this is the facility that is not available in satellites of its kind. It can carry out images from security, pipeline monitoring to coastal monitoring, depending on what we have on ground.”

On the Nigeria Sat-X, he said, the space agency is in control of it is, as it is in its early stage operations. He said that SSTL Satellite company in Russia, trained the engineers and as well built Sat-2.

Also speaking, the acting director-general of National Space Research and Development Agency, who is also director of policy, planning and research, Mrs. Augusta Iheanacho, said the agency is particularly delighted because, “it is our engineers that built Nigeria-Sat-X, using Surrey’s facilities far away in the UK.”

She, however, appealed to the federal government, that since Nigerian engineers were able to build and launch Nigeria Sat-X, they should be given all the necessary support to launch same achievement in Nigeria.

“If only we had the critical infrastructure we need to be able to build our own satellite in Nigeria. Like I said, the critical infrastructure will required is the assembling, integration and testing and designing centres, we promise Nigeria, that henceforth, we will be able to build our own satellite in Nigeria, without outside assistance,” she added.

THE TWO ORBIT
Nigeria launched two observation satellites into orbit yesterday, and authorities said they hoped to use the equipment to monitor weather in a region seasonally ravaged by disasters.

Nigeria launched NigeriaSat-2 and NigeriaSat-X into orbit yesterday morning from a Russian launch pad in the town of Yasny, President Goodluck Jonathan said on state-run television.

He described the event as "another milestone in our nation's effort to solve national problems through space technology."

The satellites could have a variety of applications, authorities said, which include monitoring disaster-prone areas in a country that stretches into Africa's Sahel, a belt of land on the Sahara Desert's southern fringe that sees extreme weather conditions. It experiences severe droughts in the dry season and devastating rainfall in the wet season. Floods last year displaced about 500,000 people nationwide, with most of them in the Sahel region.

Authorities said NigeriaSat-2 can detect anything wider than 8.2 feet (2.5 meters), such as cars. That means the satellites also could be used for military and intelligence purposes.

The satellite launch also spotlights Nigeria as a main African player in space technology development, rivaling countries such as South Africa and Algeria, which also have space programs. Despite the strides Nigeria's space technology industry has made in recent years, it remains largely dependent on other nations' technology.

NigeriaSat-X was built by a team of Nigerian engineers and scientists at Surrey Satellite Technology in the United Kingdom, while NigeriaSat-2 was built in collaboration with the UK company's team, said Felix Ale, a spokesman for the National Space Research and Development Agency.

Nigerian officials hope this launch goes better than the country's last. In May 2007, Nigeria launched its first communication satellite, built by a Chinese team and launched from a Chinese pad. NIGCOMSAT-1 was expected to provide phone, broadband Internet and broadcasting services in Africa's most populous country, but it was lost in space just over a year later. Authorities said a replacement satellite will be launched before the end of the year.


THE SATELLITE IS A BLESSING TO AFRICA
Gajere Nduke, director of the National Centre for Remote Sensing (NCRS), says the successful launch of NigeriaSat-2 and NigeriaSat-X is a blessing to Africa. Nduke, in an interview with newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday, said Nigeria would reap the benefit of investing in the satellites.

`Being the first satellite in Africa with this kind of high resolution, I am sure the West African Sub-region and Africa will be able to use it for development,’’ Nduke said. He added that the satellites would help the country to adequately plan its various sectors and be used to outsource its natural resources. The director promised that the centre would make good use of the satellites for the development of the country.

``Because of the high resolution of the satellites, NCRS is going to use it to map Nigeria into 1:25,000 scale,’’ Nduke added. Meanwhile, the Director-General, National Space Research and Development Agency, Dr Seidu Mohammed, has said that the successful launch of the two satellites had consolidated the country’s position as a budding space nation.

Mohammed, in a statement signed by Felix Ale, NASRDA’s Head of Media and Cooperate Affairs, said that defending the country’s sovereignty was not only a political issue, but also scientific. He added that the efforts of young Nigerian engineers and scientists in building NigeriaSat-X had brought a lot of prestige to the country. (NAN)

NIGERIA'S GROUND STATION CAN'T RECIEVE SIGNALS FROM LAUNCHED SATELLITE.
Nigeria launched satellite - Two days after Nigeria launched two satellites into space for security and environment monitoring purposes, indications are that the ground station in the capital city of Abuja lacks the facilities to receive images from one of the satellites.

Two Nigerian-built satellites, NigeriaSat-2 and NigeriaSat-X, were launched Wednesday in Russia, where they were built by Nigerian engineers

But the private Guardian newspaper reported Friday that the ground station in Abuja was equipped only to receive images from NigeriaSat-2 for which it was built, not for NigeriaSat-X.

The implication is that Nigeria will have to rely on the UK-based Surrey Space Technology Ltd for information from NigeriaSat-X.

The paper however quoted Nigeria's National Space Research and Development Council (NARSDA) as saying the ground station can handle information from NigeriaSat-X.

NARSDA spokesman Felix Alle was quoted as saying: “Our facilities can receive images and monitor the operations of NigeriaSat-X. The engineers are currently doing telemetry, a process that involves sharing software with the satellites. The satellites are currently receiving all the software that we are sending to them.”

In 2006, British satellite firm Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) signed a contract with NARSDA for the supply of the NigeriaSat-2 Earth observation satellite, related ground infrastructure and a training programme to further develop an indigenous space capability in Nigeria.

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D'banj has released new single titled oliver twist on Friday, August 12, 2011. The song is produced by Don jazzy as his first official single since signing with Kanye west’s G.O.O.D music.

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Mohits Dr. SiD

It’s the kind of stuff you’d expect from an entertainer. Yet, fans were beyond surprised and excited when Mo’Hits star Dr. SID ended a brief performance at the launch of MTV‘s Big Friday Show last Friday August 5, with a dive in the pool.

The MTV team had transformed the venue, Rehab, in Victoria Island Lagos; erecting an exquisite roof over the pool at Rehab, with the stage right on top of the swimming pool.

And during his performance, SID, a usually calm performer, started taking off his accessories one after the other. Shoes off, wrist watch off, mobile phones out and all – and he joked with fans about jumping in the pool. Of course they dared him!

And the rapper-turned-singer showed he was not joking when he dropped the mic and took a dive. When he came out, it was to a resounding applause. A fan was so impressed he hugged him tight, himself getting drenched in the process.

It was difficult for any other performer, that night, to top SID’s performance – and there were quite some big names, who themselves, delivered impressive sets – Wizkid, Samklef, Ice Prince and others…

The event was hosted by Basketmouth (who hosts the Big Friday Show on STV) and Yvonne ‘Vixen’ Ekwere.

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Danny Young and Terry G

The news going around town now is that self-proclaimed ‘Akpako Master’ and pop star Terry G has allegedly ‘stolen’ his colleague and client Danny Young‘s song and released it as his. Danny Young has come out to accuse the award wining singer/producer claiming Terry G stole his song and reproduced it as his.

Today, Danny Young who still sounded distraught and disappointed, told Nigerian Entertainment Today (NET) in a phone conversation that the story is true. ‘Yes it’s true and I’m getting tired of the whole thing, please speak with my management, they’ll give you all the details’.

And Danny Young’s manager who goes by the name Kay La La, narrated the whole story to NET in a phone conversation.

‘Danny Young had attended an event held at Elegushi beach, Lagos. He met up with reggae singer Rock Steady who was at the time recording his songs and told Young that he would like for him to be on his album. Days later, Rock Steady and Danny Young hooked up and Terry G’s studio where the former was recording. Terry G asked Danny Young to feature on a new song which also featured Rock Steady, they recorded and called it a day.

Weeks later Young visited Terry G and asked him to feature on a song his was recording titled ‘Eli Jah‘ for his upcoming album ‘Rebirth. They played the song in Young’s car and Terry G loved it. He readily wanted to feature on it but suggested he changed a few instrumentation. Being skeptical of the idea, Danny Young decided not to give him the song data. After repeated attempts to get Terry G on the track, Danny Young’s crew got tired of Terry G’s evasions and traveled to Jamaica then Dubai for shows only to see Terry G’s version of the song titled ‘Jah Hailo’ posted on the blogs on arriving Nigeria’.

Danny Young immediately recorded and released his own version and in the second verse is heard accusing Terry G of stealing his song.

Repeated attempts to talk to Terry G and his management proved abortive as phone calls placed through were not responded to. They were also yet to respond to SMS enquiries as at press time.

This wouldn’t be the first time Terry G is getting into messy waters with an artiste over rights infringement. He has, in recent past, been accused of unauthorised copying/sampling. And that’s just one aspect of the many controversies marring his otherwise brilliant career. Off-and-on altercations with the likes of Mallam Spicy, AY.Com, Side One and Kelly Hansome have also fuelled his image as a bad boy – something his management are now keen on washing off….

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From left to right: Don Jazzy, Jay Z and Kanye

When we found out Mo’Hits C.E.O and hitmaker Don Jazzy was signed to Kanye West‘s record label G.O.O.D Music,we were ecstatic and even more elated when it was announced that he was featured as a co-producer in the Jay Z and Kanye West collaboration ‘Watch The Throne‘, a track titled ‘Lift off” which features Beyonce.

Well, ‘Watch The Throne‘ dropped yesterday Monday, August 8, 2011 on iTunes and in stores and as expected is gaining massive buzz especially through the online media. Looking at the digital booklet that comes along with the album, it states Don Jazzy is an additional producer as well as an additional vocalist.

‘Lift off‘ is nothing short of a brilliant song. The instrumentation however overshadows Kanye’s verse even though his energetic delivery should be commended. We’ll give Jay Z his props nevertheless even though he hardly says much. You could bet Don Jazzy is responsible for the chords on the joint! Listen up

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Super Eagles player Obafemi Martins has lost his elder brother Oladipupo Olarotimi Martins fondly called Ladi this morning, Tuesday, August 9, 2011.

The 28-year-old was said to have died of a heart attack at an undisclosed hospital in Ajah area of Lagos State.

Ladi was also a fooball player and played for popular football clubs like Inter Milan, Reggiana and Partizan Belgrade but retired in 2009 from the University of Ado Ekiti football club after continuous heart complications.

He was buried according to Muslim rites this afternoon at the Victoria Court Cemetery, Kilometer 36, Lagos – Epe Expressway, Eputu, Lagos. The burial was attended by a few family members and friends.

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Sam Loco Efe

Veteran Nollywood actor and comedian, Sam Loco Efe is dead. The 66 year-old actor died today on location, in his hotel room in Owerri, Imo State. So sad! May his soul rest in peace...amen.

More details coming soon...






For those that doesnt know or heard of Sam loco Efe:

He is easily one of Nigeria’s most popular entertainers. Chief Sam Loco Efe is a versatile actor, writer and singer. As a trained artiste, Loco Efe at the age of 66 continues to be a trainer and moulder of future leaders especially in showbiz where he has excelled both on stage and screen.

At the just concluded 5th African Film and Television Programmes Expo (BOBTV 2008), held at Sheraton Hotel, Abuja, Sam Loco Efe was the star of the moment. As the receiver of the prestigious award for legendary professionalism as a screen and stage actor, Loco’s name topped the list of the Best of the Best Honours of the BOBTV. But he was not the only artiste who was recognized for excellence. Others include: Umar Farouk ( Kanny wood); Chika Onu (Nollywood); Antar Laniyan ( Film and TV production) and Tony Ikoku (Broadcasting and management).

Speaking from his “ hot seat” as the star of the festival, Sam Loco took time to reveal his choice of acting as a career, his training as an artiste, his challenges and preferences as well as his love life. The veteran actor also disclosed how he could have ended up as a robber if he hadn’t taken to acting.
Loco identified discipline as the hallmark of every actor. He attributed his success in his profession to dedication, discipline and adherence to professionalism.

“ I believe that training starts when one is born and ends when one is dead,” explained Loco, who observed that discipline goes with training in every profession. As a result, no actor can succeed without training and discipline.

His words:” Practice, they say, makes perfect. I sharpen my intellect on a daily basis and this is why there’s hardly any lines or words that I cannot commit to memory even within a short period.”
According to Loco, reading and simplicity have guided his career over the years, such that “ I sell my clothes to buy books…this is why I prefer simple dresses…I prefer to wear simple dresses and read many books.”

On what spurs him into action as an actor, Loco said,” many things put me on whenever I act. Some of these things are a product of the training I received and the environment from which I grew or find myself. But I hate pretenders…people have to be real in their conducts. Today, many people join the acting profession because they want to be famous and this is why they all get it wrong. There is a difference between being a famous actor and being a great actor.”

To Sam Loco, acting is a talent that has to be nurtured through training and this requires that a good actor should not only strive to speak good English, but should also ‘talk’ English the way the native speakers do. He argued that one of the avenues through which an actor wins his audience is by learning how to communicate effectively using English or whatever language that is required. He observed further “ if you are a robber, the chances are that you would be a better robber if you are properly trained.”
Recalling how he wrote, performed and presented his first play for a drama competition on October 1, 1960, Loco hinted that he became a dramatist “through accidental discharge.” He explained with nostalgia how as a secondary school pupil, he was the only competitor whose entry came last but ironically launched him into drama without prior training.

On his dual personality as a man and an actor, Loco said he talks naturally from his heart as a human being but that his personality usually changes the moment he grabs a drama script. But the veteran actor is unhappy that Nollywood today parades more of fashion than acting,”

There is a gulf of difference between fashion parade and acting. Today, there are more stars in Nigeria than the whole of Europe put together. This why our emerging actors lose control the moment they get the impression that they’ve become stars. Majority of our actors today lose control on maintenance of stardom, forgetting that stardom kills creativity,” observed Loco.

Asked about his attitude to wine and women, Loco Efe said: “Whatever gives you pleasure, please do it. I do not pretend on the issues of wine and women but I’ve always learnt to do everything based on my tenacity. I think one is free to do whatever gives him or her pleasure, provided one does not destroy self in the process.”

While explaining the challenges of the stage and screen, the veteran actor said the entire structural design of the artiste is put into use on stage but that the screen requires facial expressions and sometimes, elaborate make-up to achieve desired effects. His deep knowledge of both the stage and screen has earned him success.

On his marriage and love life, Loco was quick to say that he once got married to a woman who later died in the United States. But that he also has children by other women after the death of his first wife. the expressed support for polygamy, saying “ I endorse polygamy. It’s a soft landing cushion to avoid promiscuity and adultery.

Unfortunately, we now avoid polygamy because of Christianity.”
Loco’s main regret so far is the failure to have replaced self by younger actors. He hinted that he isn’t looking for actors who would exactly imitate him, but those who can attain his level of professionalism and discipline as against sacrificing creativity on the altar of commerce and stardom.

He explained, “ very soon I will do partial withdrawal from acting. Since attaining the age of 60, I’ve tried to get myself replaced but it’s been difficult. I will like to be remembered for how many lives I have impacted on positively and how many people I’ve trained …I would have been an armed robber if I hadn’t taken to acting…despite the fact that every human being is an actor.”

A graduate of Theatre Arts from the University of Ibadan, Loco came into limelight when he was voted best actor for his role in Langbodo, Nigeria’s only drama entry for FESTAC ‘77 directed by Dapo Adelugba. Also in 1996, Loco won three awards in the THEMA edition. Some of his popular works include: Picadilly Circus, Sergeant Okoro and Ukwa. He is currently national chairman caretaker committee of the Actors Guild of Nigeria as well as chairman, board of veterans of the same guild.

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Ashley Cole and Jay Z

England and Chelsea football star Ashley Cole and US rapper Sean ‘Jay Z’ Carter are teaming up to open a new restaurant and bar in Central London next year.

The deal which was brokered by entertainment group NVA will see Cole and the Roc Nation boss launch a set of businesses, ‘The 40/40 London’ being the first.

This follows the other 40/40 clubs owned and run by Jay Z in New York, Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

Jay Z who is a sports enthusiast himself and co-owner of NBA basketball team New Jersey Nets will be looking forward to working with Cole as they create ‘a high class standard and lifestyle hangout for urban and trendy folks’.

‘London is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world and the perfect location for our new venue. I’m excited about working with Ashley and NVA Entertainment Group on a range of new projects and The 40/40 London is going to be the hottest place in town’, Jay Z says.

The restaurant will be offering an American-themed menu to its guests and the bar will feature top music acts and DJs. A final decision is to be made in August on where the restaurant/bar will be located as three sites are already under construction.

‘I am delighted to be working with Jay Z. I have grown up listening to his music and now to be doing business with him is amazing and the projects we do will be delivering much needed funds back into sport and music on a local community level as well as helping talented young people get back to work’, Cole says.

NVA has a high profile track-record in sport and entertainment working with the likes of John Terry, Robinho, Usain Bolt and Antonio Valencia

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MTV Networks Africa and Silverbird Television have partnered once again to launch ‘The Big Friday Show’, the brand new Friday night entertainment that will be airing on TV. The new TV show will be premiered on Friday, August 5, 2011 at club Rehab, Victoria Island, Lagos amidst exciting performances from some of the best talents in Nigeria’s Pop scene.

The organizers announced today that popular music acts like Ice Prince, Waje, Dr Sid and Wizkid will be performing on the night and Disc Jockeys DJ Jimmy JATT, DJ Neptune, DJ Smooth and DJ Snoop will be on the ones and twos.

The Big Friday Show which will be airing on MTV Base Block on STV every Friday night will cut across the ‘Naija’ youth culture, combining a high profile host with celebrity interviews, entertainment news, hot music videos of the week, music performance and a summary the week’s trending topics on Social networks. The show will be broadcast from 6pm to 7pm (Nigerian time).

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Acada Blackberry Fever

The third edition of the popular Acada Blackberry Fever  gig is billed to hold on Saturday, August 6.

According to Mr. Biodun Caston-Dada publisher of Acada Magazine, organizers of the event, ‘the essence of the gathering was to afford the users of BlackBerry Phones which constitute mostly of youths and campus students to converge under one roof to have fun bring and also to bring fun lovers together and create a platform for interaction’.

He also stated that the gig will be spiced up by competitions and raffle draws where guests can participate and win prizes like laptops, LCD TVs, mobile phones and recharge cards.

Organizers have also announced that celebrities like 2face, D’banj, Psquare, Asa, Darey, Julius Agwu, Warebi Martha, eLDee da Don, Iyanya, Basketmouth, Yvonne Nelson, Goldie, Rukky Sanda, and Tonto Dike will make appearances. DJs on the wheels of steel will be DJ Jimmy Jatt, DJ Humility and DJ Neptune.

The gig will take place at Chrome in Victoria Island and will be hosted stand up comic Owen Gee, Denrele and Lolar Shon.

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Ludacris and Chaka Zulu

Fans might have to wait a little while longer to see US rapper Ludacris  as the Grammy Award winning artiste’s trip to Nigeria has been cancelled.

It was reported that the ATL rapper who co-runs his label Disturbing Tha Peace Records (DTP) with co-founder Chaka Zulu were to fly into Lagos to launch a TV reality show called  ‘The African Superstar’. A poster circulating around had suggested that Luda had teamed up with media outfits Konnect Afrika and Xtrem Media to host a ‘Disturbing Tha Peace Wit’ Luda’ gig on Sunday, July 31, 2011. A press conference was to hold the next day.

But on the D-day, a press statement was released and circulated via E-mail. It stated that the rapper had unveiled ‘African Superstar’ from Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania. It reads:

‘We sincereley apologize for the inconvenience, but word reaching us from Tanzania just confirmed that Ludacris’ trip to Lagos has been postponed, due to complications with the flight/air traffic flight plan from Dar Es Salaam. The ‘Disturbing Tha Peace Wit’ Luda’-tagged party in Lagos will no longer take place as scheduled. A formal press release follows shortly’.

Repeated efforts to reach the phone number that accompanied the mail prove abortive as it kept hanging up.

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Becca

She might be Ghanaian but her presence in the Nigerian music scene seems to be getting bigger by the metronome. Becca’s music career started around 2007 and at 27, she has worked with some of the biggest African acts such as Hugh Masekela and 2face Idibia. Her debut album ‘Sugar‘ was also released in November of the same year.

Working on her follow up album ‘Naked I Am‘, Becca has already released a couple of singles, ‘Forever‘ being her latest. Becca’s warm and inviting vocals falls on the thumping drums to produce a very African feel. Good music it is…

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Tiwa Savage

Tiwa Savage has gained massive attention in the eye of the public with just two hot singles (and a hot body) as her ‘Kele kele‘ and the follow up singles ‘Love me, love me, love me‘ has moved her into the ranks of the top female R&B acts the country has to offer.

Her new song ‘Leave slow’ might run on a slower tempo compared to her previous works but the younger singer’s vocals captures an essential part of music – emotions. Her eloquent delivery matches with piano laced beat.

‘leave slow‘ might not have the same effect the last two did but it keeps waiting impatiently for her debut.

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Christy Essien Igbokwe

The burial committee for late Christy Essien-Igbokwe yesterday announced the series of events that would lead to the funeral service of the late Lady of Songs, Christy Essien-Igbokwe. At an elaborate news conference held at the Nite Shift Coliseum  34, Salvation Rd, Opebi, Ikeja Chairman of the Burial Committee, Dr. Austin Izagbo joined the deceased’s friends and colleagues to unveil plans to give her a befitting burial

The series of events will kick off with a novelty Match tagged ‘Football Match of The Stars’ on Saturday, September 3, 2011 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos. Music stars collide with Nollywood acts, then another; Team SWAN against Top Entertainment Writers. The football match according to reports released to Nigerian Entertainment Today (NET) would be kicked off by the executive Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Godswill Akpabio.

Slated for Monday, September 5, 2011 is the Christy Essien-Igbokwe Memorial Symposium with the theme, ‘The Artiste in the Socio-Political Development of a Nation’ at the National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, chaired by Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi. Speakers include; Onyeka Onwenu, Prof. Dora Akunyili and Senator Chris Anyanwu. Tuesday, September 6, 2011 will feature all lights at the Nite Shift Coliseum as the Red Carpet Tribute Night in her memory is set to star ‘The Five Divas’ in a Medley of ‘The Best of the Lady of Songs’, to be backed by the Goldtrain Orchestra and hosted by Ken Caleb-Olumese.

Also, the new African Shrine in Alausa, Ikeja will on Wednesday, September 7, 2011 host the Musical Stampede blended with multiple candle light processions around the country. A public lying in state is scheduled for the Entrance ‘A’ of the National Arts Theatre on Thursday, September 8, 2011 followed by service of songs on the same day at the Airways Ground on Oba Akinjobi Street in Ikeja.

Confirming that Igbokwe is indeed to be buried in Lagos, the committee announced that the body of the Lady of Songs would finally be laid to rest at her family residence situated at 43, Talabi Street off Adeniyi Jones Avenue in Ikeja on Friday, September 9, 2011.

And finally, on Sunday, September 11, 2011 there’ll be an ‘Outing Service’, scheduled for Arch Bishop Vinning Memorial Church in Ikeja.

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Winner of the first Edition of Nigeria Broadcasters Awards 2011

The second edition of the Nigerian Broadcasters Awards  is billed to hold on Sunday, October 30, 2011, organizers of the event recently announced in a press statement.

Put together by Reality One Entertainment, the company says its main aim for setting up the awards is to celebrate Broadcasters, On-air Personalities and Deejays who have been shown less concern along the years.

Unlike the inaugural edition, this year’s awards will be preceded by a seminar where stakeholders, veterans and famous broadcasters will be invited to lecture and share their experiences with the younger ones then a novelty match between TV and Radio personalities.

Some of the categories up for grabs this year include ‘Presenter of the Year’, ‘Most Popular Programme of the year’, ‘TV/Radio station of the Year’, ‘In-House DJ of the year’, ‘Fastest Rising Presenter’ and ‘Sport Presenter of the year’.

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KCEE former member of the defunct singing duo KC Presh has come out to release his debut work ‘Now I know‘ accompanied with a video.

The lanky looking singer can boast of over a decade of music experience. Since his gospel singing days to signing with Kennis Music to him and his former adopting the ‘Swagga’ personal, it’s been one hell of an interesting musical journey for him.

Shot in the Balearic Island in Spain, ‘Now I know’ complements the song in the right ways. Featuring him only, the video centers on himself and the beautiful environs.

click here to dowload

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We’ve just been told that Big Brother Amplified season six winner Karen Igho will be arriving Lagos, Nigeria today Thursday, July 4, 2011. And, barring any last minute changes, we’re told she will be accompanied by two other BBA contestants Nigerian Vina and South African Luclay.

Karen and the others will then be hosted at a special welcome party scheduled to hold at club Chrome, Victoria Island, Lagos on Friday, July 5, 2011. It is expected that the gig will feature performances from Nigerian acts as well as tribute from fans.

Karen on Sunday, July 31, 2011 was one the last two standing at Big Brother Amplified reality show and walked away with a $200,000 cash prize

(Singing rather loudly and dancing galala)

‘If you see my mama, hosanna, tell am say o, hosanna, I dey with Karen, hosanna, I no get problem, hosanna!’

‘This is quiet ludicrous; you really should stop. At your age, this foolery is very unbecoming.’

(Gazes at him, ‘side-eyes’ him, increases the volume and quickens the galala)

‘SHAME TO BAD PEOPLE! SHAME TO BAD PEOPLE!! KAREN IS THE WINNER, SHE NO GET PROBLEM, HOSANNA!!!’

‘Much ado about nothing. I don’t see how someone winning Big Brother Amplified has any worthy cause for such extravagant celebrations, I mean; this is something that demands no intellectual investment whatsoever. It’s quite amazing to see the likes of you getting fussy over nothingness.’

‘Thank you! Ode oshi, be there and be speaking English while poverty continues to embrace you like a long-lost friend. Karen has $200,000; do you know how much that is in naira? N32, 000. 000. 00! More money than you have ever seen in your wretched life; and she made it in 91 days. What good thing have you ever done in 91 days of your life, ehn? Tell me na, otondo! And here you were a couple of weeks ago, saying that Karen bought her boobs at ASDA.  (Dramatically rolls eyes, pushes tongue out, slaps buttocks and roars with laughter in quick successions.)

‘I did not opine that she purchased her breasts at ASDA. I only stated, matter-of-factly, that she acquired the said pair of breasts from a source other than God’s holy moulding hands.’

(Clapping like a market woman) Whatever! Shio! What is important is that Karen is now an important person in the world, fake boobs, razzness, biabia or not! Where Karen can enter now, you can’t even go near. She will soon have lunch with Mr. President and rub shoulders with important people while you and your yeye intellectual pretentions will park well for one corner.’

‘I see that this is an important victory for you and those who find fulfilment in such idiocies like locking up 26 young adults in a house for 91 days and rewarding them for doing absolutely nothing meaningful. Do you realise what worthy contributions they could have made to the polity in that time frame if properly engaged? I am nonplussed by the sheer waste of human and material resources that shows like Big Brother encourage. For crying out loud, there’s a war in Libya, a famine in Somalia and an accidental president in Nigeria and you dedicate 3 months of your life to BBA?! One is totally flummoxed by this kind inanity!’

(Puts hands on head) ‘Ah, mo gbe! This boy has gone mad o! Is it on top BBA matter you speak this kind of English? Is your life so sad? Do you find no joy in living? I mean, must everything make intellectual sense? You have issues with a show that has given a child with such an unfortunate past like Karen a second chance?  Where else would someone like Karen have found another opportunity to make something of her life? Isn’t this what this reality shows do, give people a chance at success? There will always be wars and famine somewhere in the world, and we are stuck with our accidental president for at least four years…does that mean we should turn our boxers to bandanas? Or bras to catapults?

‘Oh, blimey! So Big Brother is now an altruistic project that is set up to save the world?  How convenient!  I have got news for you: for anyone to giveaway $400, 000, he/she must have made millions of dollars as profit. That is the way the world works, you simpleton!’

‘Can’t you see that see we just want to have fun sometimes and we don’t need a lecture? Even a former presidential candidate can see that.’

‘Please don’t go there, don’t even get me started on that one.’

‘Don’t go where? Don’t get you started on what?’

‘I think a ‘former presidential candidate’ should actually be someone who contested the elections with the intention to win.

‘Ah, are you saying the former Bashorun was a clown? That he had no plans of winning?  That he knew he would never win but contested all the same?’

‘Are you seriously asking me that question? I’m glad you noticed that the Bashorun garb seems to have been dropped; I guess it has served its purpose. And truth be told, that was a well-written article…but aren’t politicians supposed to be busy doing something…like building a firm base in preparation for the next elections, you know, strategising? ‘

‘And who told you he’s not doing all of that? Bashorun Momodu is beyond those professional politicians whose main purpose in life is to practice politics at all cost, until it begins to yield dividends. He’s a respected journalist and he has gone back to his true calling.’

‘He should please stay with his true calling, whatever that is. To be a presidential candidate one day, however pretentious, and blubber the next day cannot be the stuff presidents are made of. Imagine the sight: He sits in front of the television set watching Karen’s chat room session, his hands on his head and a torrent of tears gushing out of his eyes, in concurrent flow with Karen’s blubbing…no, not presidential at all! I will take accidental Jonah any day.’

‘I am done with you. Surely you are beyond redemption. I pray God has mercy on your soul. To make fun of former Bashorun Momodu’s ability to retain his humbling humanity in spite of his many successes in life is sheer wickedness.’

‘God’s speed. I am equally tired of your convoluted reasoning, if one can even call it that. Humility my black hairy ass!’

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The HEADIES formerly HIPHOP WORLD

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

• MI2 – M.I
• Back From The Future – Sound Sultan
• Turning Point – Dr Sid
• Beautiful Imperfection - Asa
• Unstoppable Int’l Edition – 2Face

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

• Darey
• MI
• D’banj
• Tuface
• Duncan Mighty

SONG OF THE YEAR    
Most popular song released as a single or from an album in the  year under review. Decided by voting

• Oleku – Ice Prince Ft. Brymo
• Only Me – 2Face
• Give It To Me – D’Prince ft. D’banj
• Pop Something – Dr Sid ft. D’banj
• Fimile - Kas

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

• The Way You Are - Darey
• God Hand - Eva
• Rain Drops - Tuface
• Be My Man - Asa

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

• Don Jazzy – “Over the Moon” by Dr Sid, Mr Endowed, Pop Champaign
• Samklef – Don’t Dull, Kilode, Jonzing World, Noni
• J Sleek – Only Me, 2010
• Jesse Jagz – Oleku, Jargo
• Cobhams – The Way you Are, There Is A Cry

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

• Patrick Elis – Holler At Your Boy
• Clarence Peters – You Know It (Goldie)
• Gini – Ko Ma Roll (Mo’Cheddah)
• Mex – Pop Off Selecta (Dipp)
• DJ Tee – Eni Duro (Olamide)

BEST R ‘N’ B SINGLE
Best R&B single in year under review (by single individual or group)

• Only Me – 2Face
• The Way You Are - Darey
• I Gat Money – Femi Ft. Eedris
• For A Minute - Waje
• Oyi - Flavour

BEST POP SINGLE
Best pop single in year under review (by single individual or group)

• Give It To Me – D’Prince
• Pop Champaign – Dr. Sid
• Holler At Ur Boy - Wizkid
• Endowed – D’banj
• Fimile - Kas

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

• Turning Point - Dr Sid
• Beautiful Perfection - Asa
• Back To The Future – Sound Sultan
• Double Dare – Darey
• Unstoppable Int’l Edition – 2Face

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

• Oleku – Ic Prince
• Ten Over Ten – Naeto C
• Boys Are Not Smiling – Terry Tha Rapman
• Eni Duro – Olamide
• She and My Swagga – Ruggedman feat Ice Prince

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

• Untouchable – Ruggedman
• MI2 – M.I
• I Am William – 2Shotz
• African American – Sauce Kid
• Boys Are Not Smiling – Terry Tha Rapman

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

• Modenine – Rhyme Tight
• Ice Prince - Oleku
• MI – Undisputed
• Terry Tha Rapman – Boys Are Not Smiling
• Vector – Get Down

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

• You Know it – Goldie ft Eldee
• Facebook Love – Essence ft Jaywon
• Joor Oh (Remix) – Jahbless ft. Ruggedman, Ice Prince, Durella, Reminisce & Eldee
• Number One – M.I ft. Flavour
•  Oleku – Ice Prince ft. Brymo

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

• Darey – The Way You Are
• Bez – More You
• Femi – Money Money Money
• Timi Dakolo – There Is A Cry

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

• Waje – For A Minute
• Tiwa Savage – Kele Kele Love
• Eva – God Hand
• Ego – Fall In Love

AFRICAN ARTIST OF THE YEAR
None Nigerian category

• Cabo Snoop (Angola) – Windeck
• R2Bees (Ghana) – Kiss Your Hand
• Liquid Deep (South Africa) – Fairytale
• Freshly Ground (South Africa) – Waka Waka
• V.I.P (Ghana) – Away

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

• Noni – Samklef
• Joor Oh (Remix) – Jahbless ft. Ruggedman, Ice Prince, Durella, Reminisce & Eldee
• Eni Duro – Olamide
• Kabakaba – Konga
• Owusagi – Wizboy

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

• Ice Prince – Oleku
• Wizkid – Holler At Your Boy
• Olamide – Eni Duro
• Tiwa Savage – Kele Kele Love

HIPHOP WORLD REVELATION OF THE YEAR
Best New artiste in the year under review

• Dr. Sid
• Mo’Cheddah
• Jesse Jagz
• YQ
• Lynxxx

BEST CONSCIOUS SONG OF THE YEAR
Best positive message oriented and social corrective songs that meet judges requirements in areas of composition, production, concept and acceptability.

• If You Ask Me – Omawumi
• Wild Wild West – M.I
• Only Me – 2Face
• There Is A Cry – Timi Dakolo
• One Day – eLDee Tha Don

HEADIES HALL OF FAME
Special recognition for excellence and outstanding impact to the entertainment industry.

• Chief Raymond Dokpesi

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