YETUNDE AYENI- BABAEKO TO UNVEIL 'THE MYSTERY OF ITAN'

Praying Mantis

Nigerian photographer, Yetunde Ayeni-Babaeko will present a mindblowing collection of black and white photographs detailing African mythology. The exhibition title, ITAN is translated from Yoruba to mean, story or the process of telling stories.

In her characteristic manner, she shares several age-old myths; expanding or editing, paraphrasing or translating to emphasize or de-emphasize basic elements of the story.

Yetunde insists that her purpose is not only to entertain, but to encourage her audience to read about the gods and ‘poke’ into our traditions.

 

Works will be presented as photography prints mounted on Di-Bond. They will be hanging from the ceiling which will give the whole exhibition a cutting edge.

The exhibition holds on November 3^rd at Porsche Center, Akin Adesola, Victoria Island, Lagos from 4.00pm. ‘Itan’ will run from November 3 to November 23, 2012.

ACCLAIMED PHOTOGRAPHER, YETUNDE AYENI- BABAEKO SET TO HOST ART EXHIBITION.

…unveils the mystery of ‘Itan’

LagosINigeria: Leading contemporary Nigerian photographer and artist, Yetunde Ayeni-Babaeko presents a stunning collection of black and white photographs engaging African mythology. The exhibition title, ITAN is translated from Yoruba to mean, story or the process of telling stories.

In her characteristic manner, she retells several age-old myths; expanding or editing, paraphrasing or translating to emphasize or de-emphasize basic elements of the story.

Here the artist insists that her purpose is not only to entertain, but to encourage her audience to read about the gods and ‘poke’ into our traditions. ‘It’s true that we go to church, but there is a part of you that you cannot deny. There is something in you that is hiding there; that you were brought up with, but within the hustle and bustle of Lagos, it went into the background.’

Works will be presented as photography prints mounted on Di-Bond. They will be hanging from the ceiling which will give the whole exhibition a cutting edge.

The exhibition holds on November 3^rd at Porsche Center, Akin Adesola, Victoria Island, Lagos from 4.00pm. ‘Itan’ will run from November 3 to November 23, 2012.

Jim Iyke set To feature In New Reality Show

One of Nollywood's sexiest actors, Jim Iyke is in the news again, but this time not for obvious reasons.

Iyke is currently working on a reality TV show that will be called 'Jim Iyke Unscripted'. Jim Iyke Unscripted is a joint production from African Magic and Oh Africa TV worth a reported $1.5million. The show is expected to air for a year and will cover all aspects of the star's life.

The Nigerian movie star who have won several laurels started his career in 2001.

He also has a charitable foundation  for Children with special Disabilities.
The show will be syndicated on channels around the globe.

There are conflicting reports about the number of casualties from the suicide bomb attack on worshipers at St. Rita's Catholic Church in Ungwan Yero, Kaduna, capital of Kaduna State.

 An official of the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) confirmed that at least 8 people were dead. NEMA's figure contradicted initial claims by the Kaduna State Police that only the suicide bomber died in the suicide bomb attack.

They also some furious worshipers pursued and killed a few bystanders following the suicide bombing attack.

A security source in Kaduna confirmed that some other people were attacked and killed immediately after the terror attack.

Reverend Father Anthony Zaka, the deputy communications director of the media center at the Catholic Archdiocese of Kaduna said the bomber must have done enough checks at the church to determine how to cause maximum carnage. He disclosed that the attacker rammed his car through the wall and inside the church before the explosion. He stated that five worshipers died on the spot and that four of the seriously wounded parishioners died at the hospital within the last one hour. He expressed fear that the casualty figures would rise in the coming hours and days.

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has condemned Sunday's suicide bomb attack on a Catholic Church in Kaduna.

The President, who was extremely saddened by the explosion, described it as "barbaric, cruel and uncalled for."

A statement by special adviser to the President (media and publicity), Reuben Abati noted that the apparent objective of the criminal and unpatriotic elements and forces behind the attack is to set back the progress the Administration has made in the fight against terrorism in the country. 

The President however, expressed confidence that the war against terrorism would become more unrelenting as the nation would never give in to the forces of terror and retardation.  He added that the persistence of messengers of evil will not prevail over the will of the government and the people to secure peace and safety.

The President commiserated with the Catholic Church, family and friends of the victims of the bombing, assuring them that government’s resolve to deal with the threat of terrorism remains strong.

Taraba Governor Flown Abroad

 Taraba State Governor, Alhaji Danbaba Suntai who was injured after a plane he was flying crashed in Yola, Adamawa State has been flown abroad for treatment.  The Governor who was first treated in a hospital in Yola was moved to the National Hospital, Abuja. He was however flown out of Nigeria on Saturday.

He was moved out of the National Hospital around 3.30 pm on Saturday. He was accompanied by security men and top government functionaries from Taraba State. He was quickly moved into a waiting air ambulance which took off around 4 pm. There are speculations that he is being flown to Germany for more intensive treatment.

However, more questions are asked about his aides who were on the flight with the governor, if they are part of those flown abroad for treatment.

TEE A TO DEBUT WITH SPECIAL LIVE EDITION OF TYMEOUT WITH TEE A

One of Nigeria’s pioneer stand-up acts, Tee A, has finally released details for his hugely anticipated concert Tymeout With Tee A .

The Lagos-based comedian-entrepreneur announced that the special live edition of his famous TV show Tymeout With Tee A will hold in Lagos on Saturday December 1, 2012.

Tee A says the concert will take the mold of the proper show – with exciting live performances, comedy skits, mock interviews, revealing interviews, giveaways and exciting surprises no one can predict.

Tymeout With Tee A is one of Africa’s most loved variety TV shows, showing all over the continent, as well as in Europe, Asia and the Americas. Made popular by Tee A’s rich, bold and revealing celeb interviews, as well as the hit segments with MC Abbey and Madam Princess, Tymeout With Tee A has won numerous awards within the country and abroad, remaining consistent through the years.

And the celebration this year, will prove to be the biggest ever – with A-list entertainers already signing up to be part of the show.

Explosion strikes Catholic churchin Kaduna

A suicide car bomber detonated his explosives Sunday at a Catholic church holding Mass in northern Nigeria, injuring a number of worshippers, officials and witnesses said.
The attack happened in the Malali neighborhood of Kaduna, a city on the dividing line between Nigeria’s largely Christian south and Muslim north where religious rioting has killed hundreds in recent years. The car tried to force its way past the gate at St. Rita’s Catholic church just before it exploded, witnesses at the church said.
Yushua Shuaib, a spokesman for Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency, also said initial information suggested the attack was by a suicide bomber in a car. He said “a number of casualties” had been taken to local hospitals, but could not give a specific number.
Police officers and soldiers surrounded the site of the blast. Security officials could not be immediately reached for comment.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, which comes as the Muslims in the nation are celebrating the Eid al-Adha holiday in Nigeria. In recent days, rumors have circulated that the radical Islamist sect known as Boko Haram, which is responsible for hundreds of killings this year alone, might try to launch an attack during the holiday. The sect has demanded the release of all its captive members and has called for strict Shariah law to be implemented across the entire country. However, the group, which speaks to journalists in telephone conference calls at times of its choosing, could not be immediately reached for comment.
The sect has used suicide car bombs against churches in the past, most noticeably a 2011 Christmas Day attack on a Catholic church in Madalla near Nigeria’s capital. That attack and assaults elsewhere in the country killed at least 44 people. An unclaimed car bombing on Easter in Kaduna killed at least 38 people on a busy roadway after witnesses say it was turned away from a church.
After the April 2011 presidential election, protests in Kaduna over Christian Goodluck Jonathan winning quickly turned into ethnic and religious violence that saw hundreds killed in that state alone.

President Goodluck Jonathan recently embarked on a tour of Nigerian states affected by flooding and came back with a shocking discovery that some 25% of Nigerians are entirely displaced by floods.
These photos were taken in four states namely: Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers by state house photographers during Mr. Jonathan's visit to the affected areas.

Prof Achebe's memoirs...blogger's perspective

I was tempted to join the fray concerning Chinua Achebe's latest book, "There Was A Country: A Personal History of Biafra".  But was fascinated by the piece by my friend and former colleague, Ufoma Egbamuno. I have been opportune to read the first chapter and already salivating to devour the entire ala carte.
 My worry, however is the outburst by people over Achebe's mention on Yoruba's political god (apologies to Ayodele Obajeun) on his role in the civil war. Why I refuse to write for or against anyone, I was so excited to read Ufoma's article on his blog. And i want to advice those fanning the embers of disunity to read it, so that we can move forward as people.

And like he said let's look at meritocracy not mediocrity of what Achebe memoirs is all about.
Happy reading...
http://ufuomaegbamuno.blogspot.com/2012/10/nigeria-and-much-ado-about-nothing-my_6015.html   

Kanye West Top Honours at BET HIP HOP AWARDS 2012

Kanye West retained his throne at the BET HIP HOP AWARDS, winning an impressive 7 awards, including Best Live Performer and Producer of the Year, at the seventh annual awards held
in Atlanta, Georgia.  2 Chainz had a great night too, taking home
three trophies, including the People's Champ Award and Rookie of the
Year as well as performing at the show.  Rick Ross beat heavy-hitter
Jay-Z for MVP of the Year, but Hov's business acumen earned him the
Hustler of the Year title.

The BET HIP HOP AWARDS premieres across Africa on Saturday 13 October


Kendrick Lamar provided the biggest upset of the night, when the
rookie rapper bested veterans Nas, Jay-Z and Kanye West for Lyricist
of the Year, while Drake and Lil Wayne earned the top spot in the
Video of the Year category for their "HYFR" clip.

Hosted by US funnyman Mike Epps, the BET HIP HOP AWARDS delivered an
exceptional night filled with Hip Hop’s biggest stars and highly
anticipated performances.  Wiz Khalifa opened the show with a
performance of “Work Hard / Play Hard” featuring Juicy J and Young
Jeezy accompanied by a live band.

GREEN AND WHITE GROOVE RETURNS...DJ JIMMY JATT, KENNIS ALL STARS TO PERFORM

As Nigeria clocks 52 on Monday October 1, Encomium Weekly and Primetime Entertainment are rolling out the green carpet for the annual Green and White Groove.

The famous independence party, put together to celebrate Nigeria and Nigerians has become one of the most important events on October 1. And the organizers say it promises to get even better this year - with more star performances, higher celeb attendance, a new, improved venue, and thousands of patriotic Nigerians coming out to celebrate their country.

Publisher, Encomium magazine, Kunle Bakare assures it is going to be the biggest, most exciting party celebrating the most populous Nation’s independence anniversary.

Publisher, Encomium, Kunle Bakare

Already confirmed for the Monday October 1 event are superstar DJs Jimmy JATT and Vinnie, as well as the Kennis Music All Stars.

‘We’re having a dance and a party’, says Primetime’s Keke Ogungbe who adds that the event will be broadcast live on the Kennis Channel on Startimes.

The Green and White Groove will hold between 4 and 10pm on Monday October 1, at Anchor Event Place, Agidingbi, in Ikeja, Lagos. ‘Lagos will rock for six hours uninterrupted on Monday’, adds Keke’s partner Dayo Adeneye.

Guests, the organizers say, are drawn from pillars of comedy to giants of music and movies, serious professionals to incorrigible activists, super stars, uncommon entrepreneurs, to proud, positive Nigerians in all fields.

M.I AND NAETO C IN FIRST-EVER PERFORMANCE

It promises to be a sweat-soaking time as two of Nigeira's favorite rappers, M.I and Naeto C make their very first Hennessy Artistry club appearance at Deuces Nightclub.

This will be the first time both rappers will perform the Hennessy Artistry theme song to an exclusive audience since the release of the track and video in August.

The invite only event promises to be a classic experience for music fans and lovers of the Hennessy brand. The event will also see Hennessy Artistry supporting acts; DammyKrane and Burna Boy perform alongside M.I and Naeto C.

M.I and Naeto C were announced as headliners for the annual music initiative, Hennessy Artistry on July 20, 2012. Both rappers then went ahead to release the historic Hennessy Artistry collaboration track, “Bartender”. The video for the hit track directed by Clarence Peters has gone on to dominate playlists on TV platforms in Nigeria and beyond.

Mr Incredible and Omawumi to host 'The Headies'

The organizers of ‘The Headies’ have picked Singer/ song writer Omawumi Megbele and foremost rapper/producer M.I Abaga as host for the 7th edition of  awards.

the pair were selected in line with the awards’ tradition of picking ‘talented and inspiring entertainers, to front an awards ceremony that parades some of the continent’s biggest entertainers’.

For Omawumi in 2008 she released her debut single ‘In the music’ which caught across the globe and won “The Next Rated” award in 2008 Hip-Hop award which is now referred to as The Headies.

The Chocolate-City rapper a total of 9 awards at The Headies.

The event which is one of the most anticipated events in the entertainment world started in 2006, as Hip-Hop award and in 2011 was later changed to The Headies.

The Headies organizers said this year’s event will hold October 20, 2012, at the Eko Hotel and Suites.

D’Banj Causes Stampede at London Concert …Opens British Singer Rita Ora’s first UK Tour

Dbanj and Rita

Africa’s quintessential pop star, D’banj gave yet another stunning performance at the opening leg of Rita Ora ’s first UK tour at The Scala  in Kings Cross, London to a sold out crowd.

The wildly enthusiastic crowd sang along with the multi-award winning entertainer, soaking in every minute of his electrifying set, and showing the Nigerian-born international star sincere love - many of them had kept vigil the night before in hopes of seeing him live.

21 year old British singer, Rita Ora, who was performing at her first headline concert, could not contain her excitement at D’banj’s performance. She tweeted “D’banj is killing it!!!! Guy’s I’m coming. I can’t wait to see all your faces!!!

D’banj, is currently enjoying an immensely successful international career and is billed to also tour the UK and US in the coming weeks.

IYANYA, GETS PRANKED ON THE BIG FRIDAY SHOW! ...Tinsel's Gbenro Ajibade storms show

Iyanya

The Big Friday Show, Nigeria’s favourite weekly entertainment programme will once again thrill loyal viewers as some of Nigeria’s top celebrities will grace this week's exciting episode.

This week, fast-rising act, Iyanya, joins the list of stars who have been pranked on the popular TV show. Other entertainers who have been pranked include Wizkid, D’ Prince, Skales, Karen Igho, DJ Humility among other acts.

The eleventh episode of The Big Friday show will also feature Tinsel star and model, Gbenro Ajibade, as this week’s celebrity guest.

As usual, bubbly Vlogger, Stephanie Coker will keep us up to speed on what’s new in the local and international entertainment scene on the Vlog segment of the show.

 In this week’s line up, lucky GLO subscriber, Folawiyo Oladejo gets to meet with celebrity guest of the week, Gbenro   Ajibade of Tinsel on the MEET ME segment. Upcoming act, DI-TWENI will also face an enormous   challenge –one that he must surmount- in order to lift his budding career to the next level.

Basketmouth and Gbenro

Hilarious and much loved segment, DR LOVE a.k.a The Official Pimp Daddy of Hearts, will give free advice to all on his specialty: love and relationship issues. This week’s episode will definitely get you rolling with laughter as Dr Love (Basket Mouth) “drives a very important point home” on love issues. You don’t want to miss it.