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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