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Wednesday, 30 May 2007

Remembering Brenda Fassie


This month marks the 3rd anniversary of African Music legend, Brenda Fassie's death. I am a big fan of her music and thought to remember her on the same month she died three years ago.


Brenda was born on Nov 3 1964 in Langa, Cape Town, South Africa, as the youngest of 9 children. She was named after Brenda Lee, an American country singer. Her father died when she was 2, and with the help of her mother, a pianist, she started earning money by singing for tourists.

In 1981, at the age of 16, she left Cape Town for Soweto, Johannesburg to seek her fortune as a singer. Brenda first joined the group Joy and later became the lead singer for the township pop group Brenda And The Big Dudes. She had a son, Bongani, in 1985 by a fellow Big Dudes musician.

Brenda married ex-convict Nhlanhla Mbambo in 1989 but later in 1991 got divorced. It was around this time that she became addicted to cocaine and her career suffered.



Since 1996 she released several solo albums like "Now Is The Time", "Memeza" and "Nomakanjani?".

Most of her albums became multi-platinum sellers in South Africa.



On the morning of 26 April 2004, Brenda collapsed at her home in Buccleuch and was admitted into the Sunninghill hospital in Johannesburg.

The post-mortem report revealed that she had taken an overdose of cocaine in the night of her collapse, and this was the cause of her coma.

She stopped breathing and suffered brain damage from lack of oxygen.

Brenda died at age 39 on 9 May 2004 in hospital without returning to consciousness after her life support machines were turned off.

She was survived by a son, Bongani

She was voted 17th in the Top 100 Great South Africans.

She has come and gone, but her legacy will always remain with us. Adieu Brenda...we will always love you!

Tuesday, 29 May 2007

Nigeria's new President and Vice-President + Miss Universe

President - Yar'Adua
Umaru Musa Yar'Adua was born in Katsina 1951. He served as governor of Katsina State in northern Nigeria between May 29, 1999 and May 28, 2007 .

Yar'Adua was born into an aristocratic Fulani family in Katsina, his father, a former minister for Lagos during the First Republic, was also the Mutawallen (custodian of the treasury) of the Katsina Emirate.

He started his education at Rafukka Primary School in 1958, and moved to Dutsinma Boarding Primary School in 1962.

He attended Government College, Keffi, from 1965 until 1969, and received a Higher School Certificate from Barewa College in 1971.
Yar'Adua attended Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria from 1972 to 1975, attaining a BSc in Education and Chemistry, and then returned in 1978 to achieve M.Sc Degree in Analytical Chemistry.

His first employment was at Holy Child College in Lagos (1975-1976). He later served as a lecturer at the Katsina College of Arts, Science and Technology in Zaria between 1976 and 1979. In 1979 he began working as a lecturer at Katsina Polytechnic, remaining in this position until 1983, when he began working in the corporate sector

During the Second Republic (1979-1983), he was a member of the leftist People's Redemption Party, while his father was briefly the National Vice chairman of the National Party of Nigeria.

He contested the governorship election of Katsina state under the banner of the Social Democratic Party, but lost to Saidu Barda, an ally of President Ibrahim Babangida.

In 1999, he ran for the same position and won.

In 2000, during his administration as governor, Katsina became the fifth northern Nigerian state to adopt sharia, or Islamic law.

He was declared the winner of the controversial Nigerian general election of 2007, held on April 21, was sworn in on May 29, 2007. He is a member of the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP).

Vice-President - Goodluck Jonathan
Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was born in 1957. He holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Honours in Zoology with a Second class (HONS) Upper division, an M.Sc. in Hydrobiology/Fisheries biology and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Zoology from University of Port Harcourt respectively

He was governor of Bayelsa State between 9 December 2005 and 28 May 2007 .

Jonathan replaced Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who was impeached by the Bayelsa State Assembly after being charged with money laundering in the United Kingdom.

In December 2006, Jonathan was selected as vice presidential running mate to Umaru Yar'Adua for the ruling PDP presidential ticket in the April 2007 elections.

He was sworn in as the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on 29 May 2007 .

He is a member of the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP).



Miss Universe 2007 Pageant


Miss Universe held yesterday May 28th and surprising an Asian woman won...a Beautiful Asian woman...Miss Japan

Miss Japan, Riyo Mori, as MISS UNIVERSE 2007

The judging panel for the 2007 Miss Universe Pageant included....

NBC's "Heroes" James Kyson Lee

NBC's "Deal or No Deal" briefcase model Lindsay Clubine

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo

Rocker Dave Navarro

World and Olympic figure skating champion Michelle Kwan

Fashion designer Marc Bouwer

Novela Star Mauricio Islas

"Project Runway" judge and Elle magazine fashion director Nina Garcia, and

Former Miss Universes Dayanara Torres (1993) and Christiane Martel (1953).

Throughout the two-hour event, contestants from 77 countries around the world competed in three categories: swimsuit; evening gown; and personality interview.

Miss Photogenic - Ana Theresa Licaros - Philippines

Miss Congeniality - Ningning Zhang - China
Top 5
Honey LeeKorea
Ly JonaitisVenezuela
Natalie GuimaresBrazil
Rachel Smith US
Riyo MoriJapan








Prize for the winner
The new MISS UNIVERSE will be crowned with a custom diamond and pearl crown designed by MIKIMOTO, valued at $250,000.
A year-long salary as MISS UNIVERSE.
Personal appearance wardrobe.
A New York City apartment for the year of her reign including living expenses.
Official MISS UNIVERSE pearl tiara, valued at $20,000 from Mikimoto.
A swimsuit wardrobe from BSC Swimwear Thailand.
A year's worth of hair care products and tools from Farouk Systems.
A custom designed wardroe by Tadashi.
A two-year scholarship from The NY Film Academy in New York City valued at up to $100,000.
Ritmo Mundo Jumbo Jet Mystery Dial time piece valued at $30,000.
A shoe wardrobe from Nina.
A national and international multi-media advertising campaign and a complete denim wardrobe from YMI Jeanswear.
A trophy from Rogaska Crystal.
Personal services including a year-long membership to Gravity Fitness and year-long pampering at New York City's John Barrett Salon.
Modeling portfolio by leading New York City fashion photographer Fadil Berisha.
Casting opportunities and professional representation by the Miss Universe Organization.
Extensive travel opportunities with a personal travel manager representing sponsors and charitable partners.
Access to various New York City events including movie premiers and screenings, Broadway shows and launch parties.
Consultation with stylist Billie Causieestko and access to an event wardrobe from leading fashion designers.
Professional public relations media training.
Professional media/public relations representation by Rubenstein Public Relations and Planet PR in New York City.
Year-long dermatology and skin services provided by Dr. Cheryl Thellman-Karcher.
Send me your comments...

Monday, 28 May 2007

John Fashanu Scandal, Liz Benson quote

John Fashanu scandal

There has been a lot of 'talk talk' in Naija that former soccer
star and UN Ambassador John Fashanu got involved in a shady deal with some business partners who later granted interviews speaking ill of John, they basically said Fash the cash deceived them into parting with a lot of cash for a Tyre Protector business deal...long story...

A bitter Fashanu this week granted an interview saying his partners, Titi Onyekweli and Kayode Thomas were only out to tarnish his image "But they are not gonna succeed" he added
Here him...this is interesting...
"Both of them have been threatening my life. Four months ago in central Lagos, Titi roughened me up, but I told my security men not to touch her, that I am a man and could take her beating. I raised my hand for her to beat me and when she was tired she let my shirt go. I don't have any problem whatsoever with Titi. She says she wants her $27, 500 back but that is not correct because I never did any business with her. Apparently, she gave the money to Kayode when they were going out and now that he has left her to marry someone else, she's transferring her aggression to me"

Tyre Protector, according to John Fashanu, is the no 1 sealant in the world. It is non toxic, improoves fuel effectiveness, protects tyres against punctures and blow outs and it's environmental friendly

"You won't believe this, they went as far as telling lies against me to Paul Butterworth (Owner of the Tyre protector). Their paln was to make me loose the franchise but they didn't succeed now they are going to media houses telling lies about me"

The scandal with this story is the talk of town now, but like I said before it's a long story...the short version is, John collected money from some people, these people are now alleging that the business did not go according to how they agreed...their claim is that John collected money from them and promised they would be the only ones with the franchise in Naija only for them to find out he also collected money from other people...

But we've all heard the guy...he said he's not guilty...end of story!

Liz Benson quote

It's no longer news that one of Naija's best actresses Liz Benson is now an evangelist. She recently granted an interview and here are excerpts...

When she got born again
"I got born again in 1996, then people looked at me strangely, because alot of people didn't believe that I could give my life to Christ. I met alot of rejection, shock and disbelief"
On being ordained an evangelist
"I was ordained an evangelist last year in Calabar, by Dr Emma Isong of Christian Central Chapel International, now I go from place to place, preaching. I thought I was moving around with acting before but this is awesome. I never wanted to be a preacher, pastor or even an evangelist, but it happened, glory be to God"

Will she quit acting?

"No! Never! I liken what I'm doing with now with the case of Esther in the bible. God positioned me in the bible for a purpose and the purpose is for the upliftment of the gospel. I'm still going to practice but it is going to be structured to give the gospel of Christ enough room to go around.


On opening her own church

"I haven't received any revelation yet that I should pastor a church. So all I do now is just go around and win souls for God"

Her experiences

"Things changed for me in 2004. So, I stopped doing things that I used to do before. That was when the holy spirit decided to get my attention. This was when I started experiencing near-death experiences , like the robbery, tanker accident, my second daughter's hospitalisation, but God took me out of that"

About John, I love him, I don't care what they say...he GOOD man! Liz Benson, I'm happy she found God. We all need to find him...

What you got to say? Say...!

Nigerian Entertaiment Award

I totally agree with awards. Awards that make sense and has a purpose. People who work hard deserve to be appreciated and honoured...so let the awards keep coming.

One award that just came to my notice is the Nigerian Entertainment Award put together by an organisation in the US.




The event which is scheduled for July 21st is it's second show and the nominees, people in the music, fashion, sports, and movie industry have already been announced...

Here are the nominees for the best fashion designer and comedian



In the film category

Best Actress nominees
Stella Damascus for "Dangerous Twins"
Chioma Chukwuka for "Eagles Bride"
Rita Dominic for "Girls Cot"
Ini Edo for "Kingdom Apart"
Omotola for "Sounds of Silence."

Best Actor nominees
Nkem Owoh for "Osoufia in London"
Olu Jacobs for "Eagles Pride"
Kanayo O. Kanayo for "Desperate Billionaire"
Desmond Elliot for "Games Women Play"
Ramsy Nouah for "Dangerous Twins".

Nominees for best international single and album of the year...


My money is on Lemar and Chamillionaire

Other Nominees are...

Athlete of the Year
Emeka Okafor - Basketball - Charlotte Bobcats (he should win)
Obafemi Martins - Football - Newcastle United
Samuel Peters - Heavy Weight Boxer
Oguchi Onyewu - US Soccer
Ovie Mughelli - Baltimore Ravens



The venue for the event is the Skirball Performing Center in New York City. The Skirball Performing Center is known for its world class theatrical productions.

U.S. residents can vote for their favorite artists at www.nigeriaentawards.com and Nigeria residents can vote via SMS Text Voting. Voting begins on Tuesday May 15th, 2007. Winners will be announced this summer at the Award ceremony on July 21st 2007 at the Skirball Center for Performing Arts, NYU in New York City.

That's it! I hope it's a successful show




Here's a picture of me and Tayo of www.tayoodukoya.com. We met at the finale of Idol WA, at Planet One, Lagos. My first blogger friend. Next is Mrs Somebody...

So what you say, what you say, what you say?

Sunday, 27 May 2007

Events Personels & fitness instructors for you!





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for more infomation call: 234-806-052-1014 or visit
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Miss Universe + Entertainment News + The Opposite House

Happy Children's day! Those of you who have children, please do take good care of them as they are gifts from God!

Tommorrow 28th May is the Miss Universe Pageant, which will hold in Mexico city, I'll post pictures from the pageant for y'all to see. Meanwhile, here are pictures of Nigeria's rep Ibinabo Johnson...

Ibinabo

In her swimwear. I don't like her look in this picture

In her evening wear
In her traditional costume...Does she stand a chance? Not to win of course...just to be in the top ten?

Here also are behind the scene pix of the contestants...













Now to Entertainment News!


Madam Tussauds just created life size replica's of orlando Bloom and Johnny Depp...the resemblance is uncanny

Introducing new kid on the block. 17 year old Lil Mama. I havent heard any of her songs but I hear she's hot!


Actress Scarlett Johansson's new Louis Vuitton campaign. She looks hot! Don't know why Justin choose Jessica Biel over her.


17 year old Jordin Sparks is American Idol winner (She wasn't the best singer in that competition)

Jordin's win is not even the issue with AI, but the fact that 25.2 million viewers tuned in to watch the American Idol performance show on Tuesday night.

That number may seem impressive but it's a huge drop from the same show last season - when 36.3 million viewers tuned in to the finale performance show.

People aren't feeling AI anymore?



One of the world's biggest fashion designers Marc Jacobs now has a Myspace page, which he started just last week!

If you write him, he'll write you back. Isn't that cool?


Eve was arrested for DUI and sent straight to jail. Lindsay Lohan did same and she was asked to pay a fine. It must be great being a white celebrity...

Rumour has it that actress Kerry Washington is gay. Anyone know if that is true?
She was at the Cannes Film Festival with SI Model Noemie Lenoir and now people are saying Noemie is Kerry's lesbian lover? This true? Anyone know?

Also, Mario Winans is said to be dating Cassie. Perfect match I think. He seems like a pretty decent guy

Kerry Washington's dress is-------?

Beyonce looks-----?

+
The Opposite House
Hardcover: 288 pages
· Publisher: Nan A. Talese (June 19, 2007)
· Language: English
. Author: Helen Oyeyemi
Helen Oyeyemi may become the female Wole Soyinka of Nigeria, because of her depth as confirmed by the previews of her latest novel The Opposite House: A Novel (Hardcover)
. Book Description
In a dazzling follow-up to The Icarus Girl, Helen Oyeyemi explores the thin wall between myth and reality through the alternating tales of two young women and their search for the truth about faith and identity. Maja was five years old when her black Cuban family emigrated from the Caribbean to London. Now, almost twenty years later, Maja is a singer, in love with Aaron, pregnant, and haunted by what she calls “her Cuba.” Growing up in London, she has struggled to negotiate her history and the sense that speaking Spanish or English made her less of a black girl. But she is unable to find herself in the Ewe, Igbo, or Akum of her roots. It seems all that’s left is silence. Meanwhile distance from Cuba has only deepened Maja’s mother faith in Santeria —the fusion of Catholicism and Western African Yoruba religion—but it also divides the family as her father rails against his wife’s superstitions and the lost dreams of the Castro revolution.On the other side of the reality wall, Yemaya Saramagua, a Santeria emissary, lives in a somewherehouse with two doors: one opening to London, the other to Lagos. Yemaya is troubled by the ease with which her fellow emissaries have disguised themselves behind the personas of saints and by her inability to recognize them.
Lyrical and intensely moving, The Opposite House: A Novel (Hardcover) is about the disquiet that follows us across places and languages, a feeling passed down from mother and father to son and daughter.
You should also check out her plays in Juniper's Whitening and Victimese (Methuen Drama) (Paperback)
· Paperback: 73 pages
· Publisher: Methuen Publishing (September 2005)
· Language: English
About the AuthorHELEN OYEYEMI was born in Nigeria in 1984 and has lived in London from the age of four. She is the author of the highly acclaimed novel, The Icarus Girl , which she wrote before her nineteenth birthday; The Icarus Girl was short-listed for the 2006 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize. Helen Oyeyemi graduated from Cambridge University in 2006.
A young girl doing great things...such an inspiration...go check out her books.
Anything to say? Please feel free to say.

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