Dilemma + Chimamanda's 'The Things Around Your Neck'

250 years of Guinness
250 Guests
A night of Greatness
Dresscode: Black with a touch of gold
Date: Sat. 18th July 09
Venue: Jade Palace, V/I

A grand event, and I am one of the 250 special guests. Ha! I'm becoming a VIP! It's not an easy something oh! :-). Watch this space for what yours truly will be wearing to the event!

Dilemma
Ok, to today's post, I got a very emotional email from a reader of this blog who says she needs help desperately. And after reading her mail, I was bewildered. I've heard a lot of issues about relationships and marriages but I've never heard of anything like this before.

It's so complicated I don't know how to explain it but I'll try.

She's a newly wed, she got married sometime this year, and she's currently faced with a huge problem: She says she can't stand her husband making love to her. She says everytime he's on top of her, she feels like throwing up. She says the only way she gets through love making with him is to completely disconnect herself from the act; and to get through the sex, she keeps telling herself, this is my husband making love to me...not a stranger, not a rapist, not a spiritualist, but my husband!

She says she's not frigid because she's had other lovers in the past and nothing like that ever happened with them. Even when she was dating her husband, it didn't happened with him, so she doesn't understand why it's happening now that they are married. She says she loves him and does not understand why she can't stand making love with him.

Ok, like I said, I've never heard anything like this before so I don't even know the first thing to say to her. I'm hoping there's someone out there with an answer for her. I'm thinking it's psychological...what do you guys think?


Let's move on to something else...
Chimamanda Adichie's 'The Things Around Your Neck'
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was at the Silverbird Galleria, Lagos, on Saturday, July 11th 2009 to promote her new book, The Thing Around Your Neck. Published locally by Farafina Books, The Thing Around Your Neck is a collection of short stories exploring the ties that bind men and women, parents and children, Africa and the United States. Searing and profound, suffused with beauty, sorrow, and longing, these stories map, with Adichie’s signature wisdom, the collision of cultures and the deeply human struggle to reconcile them.

Award-winning author of Purple Hibiscus and Half of a Yellow Sun, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has been described as “the 21st century daughter of Chinua Achebe”. The author entertained questions from the crowd about her book, writing and the burden of being slowly identified as Chinua Achebe’s heir(ess).

The event also marked the launch of Farafina Week, a week-long celebration of Farafina Books, offering the best in contemporary African literature, at the Silverbird Lifestyle Store.

Pictures thanks to werunthings.net

Please help our agony sis understand what's happening with her...thanks.

Koko Mansion: Week 2 Summary

Running Out of Life Lines

It's hard to forget all the dancing, singing, and feasting of the previous week, in the Koko Mansion. The Kokolets had been living their lives in the mansion, like participants in a free-for-all rendezvous. But then, they were about to be snapped back to reality. In fact, they felt the foreboding ambience of the mansion like it suddenly became a haunted house where the ghost of impending eviction was stalking its next victim.

Last week's eviction show was a teaser, designed to remind the Kokolets that they were in fact in the mansion, not to feast, but to compete in a virile search for the one Kokolet who embodies the qualities of an ideal Nigerian woman. This time they knew for sure that one lady was going to get evicted from the mansion.

When the second task was delivered it stated that they were expected to design a re-branding campaign to enhance Nigeria?s image. And they did their best to interpret the task.Well, in between preparation and execution of the task, the Kokolets found time to have loads of fun.

Celebrity guests like Denrele, M.I, and Omawumi entertained the ladies on different occasions in the mansion. They also received motivation from an award-winning human rights activist, Dr. Joe Okumakin.The fun ended abruptly as soon as it was time to present their task before the panel of judges both teams did well, but GROUP A was better.

The mansion erupted in excitement as soon as the task result was announced by the governess, who declared GROUP A as the victorious team. Their reward was a date with D?banj and his friends at the fabulous Koko Lounge.

The voting lines had been buzzing throughout the week, as the public struggled to keep their favorite Kokolets in the competition. Even the ladies knew that it was going to be very serious business at the eviction show, since they had no clue as to what to expect this week later on, we'd discover that the Kokolets had been expecting another miraculous all-round saving session from Dbanj.

Finally, the time came for 3 Kokolets with the least number of votes to be paraded before Dbanj for him to determine which two of these ladies deserve to be saved, and which one deserves to be shown the door. Rekana, Chioma, and Lilian were on this eviction hotlist.It was really difficult for Dbanj to make a choice.

But then, he began his summation:
The first Kokolet I am going to save is someone who has shown deep knowledge and pride in her culture, He said before saving Rekana.

It came down to Lilian and Chioma, both very anxious and expectant; sweating as the mood music in the mansion mocked the panting of their heartbeats. Chioma you have shown a deep passion about showcasing your God-given talents in music, he paused, Lilian, your dancing skills have kept a lot of us entertained. I wish I can keep you both. However, one of you has to go. A very ominous silence descended on the mansion for a couple minutes, before Dbanj walked towards both ladies he hugged Lilian briefly, before he announced: Chioma, you're saved take your suitcase back upstairs.

A solitary tear dropped escaped from Lilian's eye. It was also obvious that it was a tough decision for Dbanj to make. But someone had to go, and it wasn't his call really. The public had voted for their favorite contestants.

Later that night, Lilian was joined by Mary, the contestant that took a voluntary exit from the mansion last week, at Volar for the official eviction party hosted by the ace-commedian AY, where they received an amazing red-carpet treatment like celebrity actresses fresh off the set of a blockbuster movie.

This Sunday is yet another eviction show but the looming question is: who will be ejected from the mansion?

You decide. Only your votes can keep these beautiful ladies in the magnificent Koko Mansion.--James Amuta

http://www.kokomansion.tv/

Naija Entertainment News

Ok, let's do a bit of Naija Ent. News. I'm sure you've all noticed it doesn't come as often and as juicy as it used to... I'm just being careful so I don't get punched out in public..lol.

It's not much but enjoy...

Timaya's interview in Encomium by Femi Oyewale

I'm a huge fan of Timaya's music. I think he's very talented. I've never read any interview he granted until now...kinda enjoyed it...maybe you will too. Check it out...

Some people say you are violent, while others allege you are a militant, is it true?

Timaya "I used to have that arrogant look. At times I do it on purpose by 'boning' my face. When people hear of Timaya, they look forward to one matured boy, but if they notice that I am a small boy, they may want to take me for a ride, thus, by my expression, they will think I am tough"

There is the Bisi Ibidapo Obe Saga, we heard you promised to beat her up. What happened?

Timaya "It wasn't really a threat. I only said I will slap her. She lied. I am not forming. I went for AY Live and Ali Baba too was around. I was performing and I requested that a
lady should come on stage to dance with me. She came out by herself and danced with me. After the dance I went to grotto while she left with Princess (the Comedian). (There was then a rumour that they were dating). I was shocked when I read the report. I got her number from Princess and called her, she denied the story. I said let’s go to the press together because I have a girlfriend and our names are at stake. Imagine a Yoruba actress, not even a Nollywood actress”

It was also alleged that she was pregnant
Timaya “That’s not true. She’s in London at the moment”

You are reportedly violent and a militant. A case study was when you almost beat up a photographer
Timaya “How will you feel having a nice time at a club and all of a sudden you saw a flash? I was only being conscious because he was not putting on Encomium tag. I didn’t fight them, I only said, delete it! I told Njamah to pretend as if she was kissing me so as to know who actually took the pictures. He fell for the bait and I seized the camera.

Who is Empress Njamah to you?
Timaya “She’s just a friend”

Timaya is such a character... :)

Moving on...

Louise Priddy weds Mario Bouhard in Lebanon – Adegbola Oni (Encomium)

The celebrated club owner who makes things happen at popular Bacchus Night Club has walked down the aisle with her love of many years, the wealthy Lebanese, Mario Bouhard. Those who know disclose that the wedding took place on Saturday 11th July in far away Lebanon, Mario’s country of origin. Wishing them the very best.

Miss Earth Nigeria
Ibinabo Fiberesima is planning another edition of her beauty pageant, Miss Earth Nigeria. It will hold on August 28 2009 in Port Harcourt. The theme for this year’s pagent is ‘going green’


Aki and Paw paw round off South Africa Tour – Uche Olehi
Abundantly talented actors Chinedu Ikedieze and Osita Iheme are back from their three weeks performance tour of South Africa. The popular entertainers shook the country with performances that attracted thousands of spectators and fans. They will be leaving for Ghana for another round of performance tour.

Lagbaja storms US - Azuh Amatus (Encomium)

The masked one, Lagbaja, is in the US. He travelled to shoot the video of his new double album; Paradise and Sharp Sharp.

Thunder destroys multi-million equipment at MITV - Azuh Amatus

Alhaji Muritala Gbadayanka, the owner of MITV and Star FM, is still counting his losses, following the terrible thunder and rough rain that gripped the city of Lagos some days back. The thunder storm was so heavy it destroyed some equipments worth millions of naira at the station.

Terry G opens studio - Chilee Agunanna

Singer and producer, Terry G, has rounded off work on his new multi-million naira recording studio in the Alagbado area of Lagos. The studio is a multi-functional audio-visual one where songs and commercials can be recorded. He revealed to Encomium mag that the equipments came in from UK, USA and Germany and are the latest version of their different models and that he can now compete with the best studios around the world. The studio will soon be open for commercial purposes.

Naija Best Body Pageant.

It will be a yearly beauty and fashion competition aimed at developing the future of the fashion and beauty industry in Nigeria.

The event in its maiden edition sets out to discover, and promote talented aspiring Nigerian models and fashion designers. We are equally creating awareness and working together to “COUNT MALARIA OUT” for the children of Africa, owing to the fact that 800,000 children die of malaria every year in Africa.

The venue will be the Oniru private beach off Ligali Ayorinde Victoria Island Lagos.
Date is 26th of July 2009.
Time 2pm prompt.

Quote of the day

Culled from Obama's speech to Ghana's parliament, on Saturday July 11, 2009.

"I am speaking to you at the end of a long trip. I began in Russia, for a Summit between two great powers. I traveled to Italy, for a meeting of the world's leading economies. And I have come here, to Ghana, for a simple reason: the 21st century will be shaped by what happens not just in Rome or Moscow or Washington, but by what happens in Accra as well.

This is the simple truth of a time when the boundaries between people are overwhelmed by our connections. Your prosperity can expand America's. Your health and security can contribute to the world's. And the strength of your democracy can help advance human rights for people everywhere."

Weep not Nigerians. Hopefully one day Obama will say the same thing about our country. If only we can get our current leaders to resign, buy a farm somewhere in their villages and leave us alone :-)

One na one day sha!

Later people...

Kisses!

The fall...the injection...

Hey people, hope you all had a great weekend. I had a lousy one. OK, maybe not totally lousy.

You guys won’t believe what happened to me on Friday. Remember I wrote here that I wasn’t feeling very well? I’d been feeling kind of weak and dizzy since last week Wednesday, so on Friday I was coming out of an office building...and I sincerely don’t know how it happened... I know I was weak, or maybe I just wasn’t paying attention to where I was going, or maybe I staggered...oh I don’t know...all I know is that I fell into a gutter.

Yes I fell into a gutter... not my whole body o, just my right leg. And something inside the gutter tore into my flesh. You guys should see the damage to my right leg. My skin came off, the inside flesh was exposed, apart from blood, other things were coming out of my leg...ewww, it was disgusting to look at. Hope no one is eating and reading this post o...lol

Anyway I managed to drive home, thankfully my mum was home, she drove me to a clinic and I got stitched up.

And that was when the fun began.

The thing is this; once you are sick in my house, you call the shots...of course thanks to my mum. She doesn’t play with any form of injury or illness...even if you have boil sef, you’ll be the baby of the house.

So from Friday evening to this morning I didn’t lift a finger at home. I tortured my sisters like crazy...lol. They served me breakfast in bed, made my bed, boiled my bathing water, cleaned my room...If they refused to do anything I wanted, I'll just call my mum. Hahaaa it was so nice torturing them. lol

The only problem now is that I haven't taken my Tetanus injection. Everyone says I must...yeah well, they'll have to tie me up and drug me before I allow them stick any needle in my butt.

I don't think I've ever said this here before...so let me say it. I hate taking injection. HATE is such a strong word huh? Ok, let me rephrase that. I loathe, abhor, detest injection! Hope that's stronger?? If I ever catch the person/people that invented it...God help them...

What the hell!! Shouldn't there be an alternative? Can't I take pills or something? Isn't the pain from the fall enough? Why torture me more? My mum has promised World War 3 at home today if I don't take my injection. Yeah well, better a war than an injection.
lol

Anyway, just thought to let you guys know what's happening with your girl. I'll be alright...that's if I don't take that injection. Someone should please talk some sense into my mum...please. That injection will kill me...I swear!

Feel free to drop comments but please don’t talk to me about taking that injection...I don’t want to hear it. If you’re not taking sides with me on this, then don’t write anything at all...Thanks for your understanding. :-)

Oh by the way, if you see any sexy lady around town with a slight limp and bandage on her hot right leg... it's probably yours truly...*smile*
Later...

Paris Fashion Week

Dany Atarache show at the Paris Fashion week on the 8th July 2009, featuring Nigerian model Bunmi Ademokoya

Bunmi Ademokoya

Photography by Tina Ezenma

I'm not feeling very well so I doubt if I will be blogging this weekend.
But I'll sure catch you guys next week.

Take care and God bless!

ICECAPADE – N4LIFE Entertainment supports SOS Childrens charity

The buzz has been going around in recent months about N4LIFE’s upcoming DAZZLING official launch party, set to be a unique and innovative red carpet event, with an ‘Ice & White’ theme to it.

The event will take on Saturday 18th July, 2009, aboard the Tereza Joanne Boat, Gate 14, King George V Dock, Woolwich Manor Way, London, E16 2QY, from 9pm to 3am.

N4LIFE Entertainment supports the ‘SOS Childrens charity’ http://www.soschildren.org/ and It raised £1,096.00 from ICECAPADE 2008 for the charity. This year they are going a step further and have made 30 limited edition Male & female T.shirts with their unique logo’s ‘NAIJA’ & ‘NAIJA4LIFE’ printed in trendy neon colours.

The Tees can be bought at the launch party for a minimum of just £10.00. All proceeds from the sales will go to ‘SOS Childrens charity’.

Besides the Tee shirts, 10 framed ICECAPADE artwork will also be sold on the night with proceeds all going to SOS Childrens charity. 5 of the pieces will feature the amazing ICECAPADE 2009 artwork, and 5 with the exclusive artwork to be revealed on the night by the illustrator himself Vince Fraser.

Vince Fraser has also signed each of the 10 framed pieces exclusively for N4LIFE Entertainment. They will be sold for a minimum of £45.00 each and all proceeds from the sales will go to the SOS Childrens charity.

Should you wish to donate to this worthy cause you can do so through the N4LIFE just-giving page at www.justgiving.com/n4life or visit the SOS Children Charity’s website at http://www.soschildren.org/ to find out ways you can help.

Tickets for ICECAPADE 2009 are being sold now online at http://www.naija4life.co.uk/ and http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/ or through the following N4LIFE team members: Ace 07944 344 288; Ayo 07710 503 027; Manuel 07951 654 394

CONTACT:
Ace Adegoke
CEO, N4LIFE Entertainment
+447944344288
ace@n4life.co.uk