THA CHILL ZONE

PHOTOS FROM DAT TRACE THANG PARTY

2012-04-03T12:43:00.000-07:00

Here are pictures from Dat TRACE Thang party held on Friday 30th March, 2012 at Harbor Point, Victoria Island. It was done in conjunction with HP, ABSOLUT and PEPSI.

REMEMBERING DAGRIN (The Documentary)

2012-04-02T05:52:00.001-07:00

DAGRIN AND GINI

This April marks the second year anniversary of Dagrin’s death and to commemorate this, the director of his only solo video, Gini, is set to release an authoritative and informative documentary of the young rapper’s life.

CHRISTY ESSIEN-IGBOKWE'S FIRST SON, OBIORA, WEDS

2012-01-02T03:51:00.000-08:00

Obiora and Onyinye Igbokwe

After surviving the shock of losing their beloved mother some months ago, two of the four biological sons of the late Lady of Songs, Chief Mrs. Christy Essien-Igbokwe, recently got married.

The first to go was Chinwuba “Kaka” Igbokwe, the second son who is a music producer. He got married to Miss Chioma Ebubedike on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral, GRA, Ikeja , Lagos while the first son, Obiora Chukwuemeka, an architect, recently got married to Miss Onyinye Madubobi, an engineer, who hails from the Okpuno Village, Otolo Nnewi in Anambra State. The Traditional Wedding had taken place in the wife’s village on Monday, September 19, 2011 while the white wedding held on Friday, December 30, 2011 at St. Faith Church, Awka Anambra State.

Here are pictures some pictures from the wedding..

THE WHITE WEDDING OF MUMA GEE & PRINCE EKE IN WORDS & PICTURES

2011-12-28T03:17:00.000-08:00

MUMA GEE PLANS TRIPLE WEDDING CELEBRATION

2011-12-01T01:50:00.001-08:00

MUMA GEE'S WEDDING IV

MUMA GEE & PRINCE EKE

The forthcoming wedding ceremony between the Afrotastic Diva, Gift ‘Muma Gee’ Uwame and Nollywood actor, Prince ‘Eklips’ Eke will be an elaborate triple celebration.

The first stages would be double Traditional Wedding ceremonies on Tuesday, December 20, 2011. Starting at 10am, Muma Gee’s hometown of Odiabidi, Upata Kingdom, Ekpeye Land in Ahoada East LGA of Rivers State would witness the first Traditional Wedding Ceremony. This first ceremony will be the final stages the Traditional Wedding Ceremony which began in that town in 2010. It would be held in the compound of Dr. Ukachukwu John Uwame.

On that same day, at 4pm, the compound of Chief Athanasius Nwankwo Eke in the town of Umuota Umuhu, Ngor Okpal Local Government Area of Imo State will come alive as the party would have arrived their gates. It would continue far into the night.

The White Wedding would then come up on Friday, December 23 in Port Harcourt at the Recovery House, 36, Uyo Street, Off Stadium Road by Bereton School, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State. It will be officiated by Reverend Ugochukwu Unachukwu.

The Invitation Cards containing details of both the Traditional and White Wedding have already started going out to friends, colleagues and well wishers.

While the excitement of her weddings continued to build up, Muma Gee did not let down her musical oars. She is far gone in the preparations for a new album which would be released next year. The first single, “Port Harcourt is Back,” has been released and the video, directed by her husband, Prince Eke alongside Ak-One and Frank Macaulay, a renowned cinematographer was shot a few weeks back across locations in Port Harcourt.

You can follow Muma Gee on Twitter: @realmumagee

Or facebook: facebook/mumagee’s fans

MC LOPH IS DEAD+INTERVIEW+CRASH PIX+REACTIONS

2011-09-14T07:46:00.000-07:00

MC LOPH

The Nigerian Entertainment Industry has just recorded another fatality. "Osondi Owendi" crooner, MC Loph (Nwaozo Obiajulu) died on the Ore road while on his way to the east. He was purportedly on his way to his own Traditional Wedding and was with his fiancee. A Road Safety Official confirmed it on the phone that the Igbo Rapper has passed away.

VIMBAI, KIM AND MILLICENT LEAVE THE BIG BROTHER HOUSE

2011-07-24T11:20:00.000-07:00

VIMBAI

KIM

MILLICENT

Ladies and Gentlemen, we are into the last week of the Big Brother Africa Amplified and these people won’t be coming with us. Zimbabwe’s Vimbai, Kim from Zambia and Kenya’s Millicent.

Remaining in the house for the final week alongside Nigeria’s Karen and Vina and Sharon O of Uganda are South Africa’s Luclay, Malawi’s Lomwe, Ethiopia’s Hanni and Zimbabwe’s Wendall.

Vimbai went out first after losing the standoff with Lomwe. Kim didn’t survive her faceoff with Wendall and Millicent was the victim when she, Hanni and Luclay stood up.

There will be no nominations tomorrow as next Sunday is the final day of the show. You are now voting for the winners. This year’s Big Brother Africa will have two winners who will each walk away with $200 000.

THE TROUBLED LIFE OF AMY WINEHOUSE

2011-07-24T03:22:00.000-07:00

AMY WINEHOUSE

I somehow expected this particular artiste not to last long and I believe many other music lovers also did. But it's a tragedy nonetheless and it's a fact that the music world has lost one of its most passionately soulful voices. Winehouse's struggles with drugs and alcohol were often in the public eye and even addressed in her own music, like her best-known hit "Rehab."

Throughout her colorful, troubled life, Winehouse fought many demons: addiction, an eating disorder, and a particularly tumultuous love life.

Read how Yahoo News is reporting after the cut...

FOTOSPEAK: ASHIONYE'S CUTE BABY

2011-07-21T07:13:00.000-07:00

Singer Ashionye made an appearance a few weeks back with this bouncing baby dude – the first offspring of her union with Carl Raccah. He is christened Ashioma. Isn’t he cute?

2011 MTV VMA NOMINEES

2011-07-21T07:11:00.000-07:00

KATY PERRY

MTV has just announced the nominees for the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards. Katy Perry leads the pack with an impressive nine nods, including Best Female Video and Video of the Year for "Firework." Adele and Kanye West tied with seven nominations, while Bruno Mars managed to grab four nods including Best Male Video for "Grenade." In addition, Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Lady Gaga, Eminem, Beastie Boys, Chris Brown, 30 Seconds to Mars, Pitbull, Tyler, The Creator; Foster the People; and Manchester Orchestra all received at least two nods each. Be sure to tune in to the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards when they air live from the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, August 28th at 9 PM (Live Eastern/Tape delayed Pacific).

AND THE NOMINEES ARE…

continue from under here...
Read more »

Asa performs at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival!

2011-07-21T07:09:00.000-07:00

ASA

Last week, Nigeria’s premier jazz and soul export Asa joined an exclusive league of musical greats, as she performed at the 44th edition of the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival. Since renowned Swiss Claude Nobs founded the event, it has become an annual gathering place for lovers of jazz from all over the world.

more after the cut..

MBGN 2011: My Report

2011-07-18T02:35:00.000-07:00

BEHOLD OUR QUEEN!

THE FINALISTS

It's happened for sometime now and I did this report then but forgot to put it up until now. Sorry about the lateness, but still read through and drop a comment.

The 24th edition of the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) beauty pageant held at the Expo Hall of the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday, June 25, 2011. It was contested between 34 beauties from 33 states of the country and the Federal Capital, Territory, Abuja. More than 20 of them, including the FCT delegate, were of Igbo extraction and there are just five core Igbo states in the country.

Continue after the jump..

IDOL, ERIC ARUBAYI DROPS DEBUT ALBUM

2011-07-18T02:27:00.000-07:00

ERIC

It was an evening of celebration at SS Lounge Victoria Island, Lagos on the 14th of July, 2011 at the much anticipated debut album launch of Eric Arubayi of West African Idols.

More down here...

NAIJA GIRLS INTO FINAL STRETCH AS BERNADINA, ZEUS AND MUMBA LEAVE BIG BROTHER'S HOUSE

2011-07-18T00:17:00.000-07:00

DEM NAIJA GALS!

BERNADINA

ZEUS

MUMBA

ZEUS GRABS THE BOOBS!

Our girls Karen and Vina made it into the final weeks as the stays of Namibia’s, Bernadina, Botswana’s Zeus and Zambia’s Mumba in the Big Brother Africa Amplified house came to an end. They were evicted yesterday leaving behind ten housemates into the stretch of the show.

Bernadina left first. On stage, they showed her the highlights of her stay in the house and those who nominated her. Initially she thought Vimbai was one of those who had nominated her but in the end it was Hanni and Luclay. She threw her fuse at Luclay which was not to communicate with his relatives for the next week.

Zeus followed. Zeus had broken down after yesterday's Saturday dance wondering how those close to him will interpret his relationship with Nigeria's Karen in the house. IK called him the most faithfull man in Botwana as they showed him his highlights in the house which included the popular photo scene of him holding the firm boobs of Ghana's Confidence. He was very surprised to see Wendall and Luclay nominate him, but took the nominations of Vina and Vimbai familiarly. His fuse for a Housemate to wear a floral swimming hat for the week went to Wendall for his betrayal.

Mumba was the last housemate to leave the house on Sunday. Her fuse was one housemate to walk backwards for one week and this unfortunately went to Luclay who already had the one of not talking to his relatives.

Karen and Kim cried rivers as events unfolded. Today, the housemates will again be nominating each other and the housemates who poll the highest will be up for possible eviction. Nigeria's Vina is the current Head of House and this practically guarantees a spot into the final week of the competition. She is also guaranteed $10 000 which every Housemate would get apart from $200 000 each for two winners.

How Africa voted:

• Bernadina: 1 Vote – Namibia - Her country

• Zeus: 2 Votes – Botswana and South Africa.

• Mumba: 3 Votes – Zimbabwe, Zambia and Angola.

• Vina: 4 Votes – Nigeria, Ethiopia, Rest of Africa and Ghana.

• Lomwe: 5 Votes – Malawi, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and Mozambique

(Note that the votes are from the countries in support of the housemate; the nominated housemates with the least number of supporting country leaves.)

LAMI ADOPTS ORPHANAGE

2011-07-17T12:54:00.000-07:00

LAMI AND ORPHANAGE OFFICIALS

One of the highest expressions of social responsibility and love for humanity is in the adoption of another human being who maybe in no way related to you as your own child, sibling or parent. Soul singer, Lami Philips, definitely took things to a different level when in a spontaneous act of kindness, she adopted an entire orphanage.

Located in Makoko, just off the ever busy Adekunle road in the university town of Akoka, Lagos, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Motherless Babies’ Home has existed for more than 25 years and grown to become one of the most prominent orphanages in Lagos. But just like all other similar institutions, it has had to cope with numerous challenges and survive on the goodwill of the public and help from a few other quarters. Thus, after visiting the home and seeing the situation on ground, Lami was so touched that she decided to adopt the entire orphanage as her pet project.

Lami, who was appointed a UN ambassador in 2010, spoke briefly on the development. “I have been seeking to support a specific cause in the society and have considered a number of institutions. But when I visited the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Motherless Babies’ Home, Makoko and shared experiences with the kids, my heart settled on them.”

The adoption is done through her NGO BeTheChange and she intends to use her large circle of friends to raise the much-needed funds to ensure that the children get a better life than the one they are presently forced to. Her activities would include monthly gigs whose proceeds would go towards the upkeep of the place and she also hopes that other celebrities, especially those with NGOs would come on board or take up similar causes in the society.

2FACE AND THE RISE OF THE PHOENIX

2011-07-17T12:21:00.000-07:00

2BABA

The more recent life of Nigeria’s most celebrated contemporary artiste is about to be released in a documentary. Entitled, THE RISE OF THE PHOENIX, it basically chronicles the last two years in 2face’s career. The reissue of the UNSTOPPABLE album; his experience at the 2010 World Cup; the One8 project; 2face Live at Eko Hotel; the 2face and Mario concert in London; the various causes he is involved in and the various awards he has won in that period.

The production dwells on the triumph and rejuvenation of 2baba after the various scandals and controversies that trailed him after his initial success as a solo artiste. It looks at what is arguably the second part of his career so far; his recent successes and metamorphosis to become one of the biggest names in African music at the moment. This is akin to the legend of the Greek mythical Phoenix bird which initially lived for 500 years then burnt itself to ashes and from those ashes arose another phoenix.

It would be produced by BUCKWILD Media and would be available for commercial release within the next month. There would also be a syndicated broadcast of the documentary as a TV special on selected TV channels just before the full release on CDs.

SAMMIE OKPOSO GETS INTERNATIONAL RECORD DEAL; MARRIAGE CLOCKS 1!

2011-07-17T10:04:00.000-07:00

SAMMIE AND OZIOMA OKPOSO

The international market is coming! That should be the song on the lips of Nigerian artistes at the moment as foremost Gospel act, Sammie Okposo, becomes the latest Nigerian musician to sign a deal with an international record label. This comes on the heels of the groundbreaking deal recently signed by the MO’ HITS and Kanye West’s GOOD MUSIC in the USA.

Sammie has just been signed on by the TATE MUSIC GROUP (TMG). The record label which is based in Oklahoma, USA is a subsidiary of TATE PUBLISHING- a family owned Christian company. Their book publishing interests provides them with added funds which give them an upper hand among similarly owned companies. A statement on their website reads: “(we are) … eager to partner with you to produce, market and distribute your music. Smaller independent record labels usually have limited resources. However, because of our book publishing division, we already have successful relationships with companies like Ingram, Borders, Hastings, Apple's iTunes store and others. Your music will get nationwide exposure and be available for purchase in nearly every store and website where music is sold.”

Speaking on the development Sammie, whose own Nigerian label, ZAMAR ENTERTAINMENT, runs the career of West African Idol top ten finalist, Jodie, expressed his joy at the latest development in his career. “I am very grateful to God for his goodness towards me. Good things will continue to come the way of African music because we work very hard and our artistes are good at what they do. My deal with TMG will provide me the opportunity of having my new album, THE STATEMENT, reproduced by Grammy award winning producer, Kevin Bond and released to the international market. Also a number of international collaborations are being lined up for me,” an ecstatic Sammie revealed.

In other developments, the United Nations ambassador has moved into a new home and office in Lekki while his latest video, “I Go Dance,” directed by the young and upcoming T-Frizzle, has been released. His marriage to former Miss Ozioma Mkparu clocked one on July 1, 2011.

ZAAKI SEARCHES FOR TRUE NIGERIANS...

2011-07-17T08:51:00.000-07:00

ZAAKI AZZAY

TRUE NIGERIANS: HEROES OF OUR TIME, that’s the newest project of musician, Zaaki Azzay. The venture which has taken the artiste into the world of television revolves round the country, Nigeria, hence the name, TRUE NIGERIANS: HEROES OF OUR TIME.

The programme, just like the name indicates, is centered around some of the most notable characters that have existed both on the Nigerian public and private spheres. It celebrates them through unique interview sessions that reveal very interesting and hitherto unseen parts of their lives that would both entertain and educate. They would also be made to undertake tasks or put in situations not normally associated with their persons.

Some of the characters that have been on the programme so far include former president Olusegun Obasanjo who sang for the audience; Barrister Festus Kenyamo swept a large compound; Professor Pat Utomi cooked while an unknown fisherman in a rural village who had his children in the university was removed from his environment and flown to the TRANSORP HILTON, Abuja for experiences which were entirely new to him and may never have come his way anytime soon.

It is through the portrayal of scenes and character like these that Zaaki aims to provide new role models for young Nigerians and encourage them on the path of honest living to achieve their goals in life. He further states that he intends to organize seminars and workshops where these outstanding Nigerians will lecture Nigerians on the principles of success and patriotism. “I have recorded episodes that would run weekly for six months and more is still going on. I hope that Nigerians would learn some good things from the individuals showcased on the programme,” Zaaki added.

DRUMMER GIRL, ARA, SEPARATES FROM HUSBAND

2011-07-17T08:16:00.000-07:00

ARA AND HUBBY, NURUDEEN

Drummer girl, Ara, has joined the growing list of Nigerian celebrities without their husbands. She, last week, released the belated announcement of her separation from her husband of just two years.

According to her, she and her husband, Prince Nurudeen Olalekan Saliu, have been separated since January this year but had somehow withheld the announcement till now. “We’ve been separated since January,” a statement from the musician read. “But because I do not want rumours to start flying… all my friends and fans need to know what’s happening to me, I think it’s right to set the records straight once and for all on this. We’re no longer together and we’re both happy. We’ve both moved on.”

She went on to add that she is single again but not searching at the moment. “I’ve taken this decision very painfully; and it’s particularly a tough and sensitive time for me and my son. And I plead with my friends and fans to put us in their prayers at this period,” she concluded.

The couple married on Thursday, June 4, 2009 at the Isolo Registry and had their son a few weeks after. Rumour has it that the reason for their separation is not far distanced from wife battering and domestic violence and this post on her facebook wall more or less confirms it: “When I am down, I look for someone to show love n care to, someone I probably would never see again. I don’t know how I survived d last 7months people. Through my pain, the abuse, tears, the betrayal…I thank all those I have been of help to, in heeding ur calls, my broken heart is mending. I thank those who have helped me help others, God will continually lift you all…I thank God for making me His instrument. I thank God for my son!”

CALLY IKPE LOSES FATHER

2011-07-17T07:44:00.000-07:00

CALLY IKPE

The CEO of CALLYVISION NETWORK, Mr. Cally Ikpe, is in deep mourning right now. His beloved dad succumbed to the cold hands of death in the early hours of Thursday, July 14, 2011. He was aged 67 years and had been diabetic for a while but the family had carefully and successfully managed it up until the time of his death.

Pa Simon Ikpe who was based back home in Gboko, Benue State. He is survived by his wife and six children among who is Mr. Cally Ikpe whose CALLYVISION NETWORK produces LIVEBEATS and the Nigerian Music Video Awards (NMVA).

When I called Cally last week, he was already on his way to Benue State. “We accept God’s will in everything,” he said. He also added that though no burial arrangements were in place yet, that the family would abide by the tenets of the Roman Catholic Church which his father is a staunch adherent.

CRACK YA RIBS TO HIT ABUJA!

2011-07-17T07:27:00.000-07:00

Julius Agwu

The first installment of this year’s CRACK YA RIBS is set to hit the capital city of Abuja on Sunday, July 31. It will hold at the THISDAY DOME and would feature artistes like Okey Bakassi, Ice Prince, Basketmouth, I Go Dye, Flavour, Funny Bone, Tiwa Savage, Senator, Dan DHumorous, Osama and Lynxxx.

According to the host of the show, Julius D’Genius Agwu, the organizers have put in lots of effort into this year’s show in order give the people resident in Abuja quality entertainment. “For the people that have been part of Crack Ya Ribs in Abuja in the past, they can testify to the standard of the show in terms of quality entertainment and we don’t intend to rest on our oars. Aside our lineup of entertainers for this year’s CRACK YAR RIBS, there will be lots of surprises. We are introducing something that has never been done before in Abuja. You just have to be there on July 31 to see for yourself.”

As usual, Aero Contractors, which is the official carrier of the Abuja show and also one of the leading airlines in Nigeria, will be flying the entertainers from Lagos to Abuja.

Crack Ya Ribs has held in different parts of the world including London and America and has become one of the biggest annual concerts in Nigeria. It celebrated its tenth anniversary last year.

THE NEW FACE OF PMAN

2011-07-17T07:11:00.000-07:00

PREDDY WISE

The developments in Nigeria’s premier house of music, the PERFORMING MUSICIANS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (PMAN) seems to have finally taken a positive form. This comes in the shape of the brand new executives earlier elected for the association and their resolve to take the body forward. Headed by Mr. Wisdom Okoduwa (Preddy Wise) and assisted by Ms. Yinka Davies and Mr. Soki Ohale, they have declared their readiness move forward from the various controversies and disputes that have trailed PMAN for a long time now.

CHRISTY ESSIEN-IGBOKWE FOR BURIAL ON SEPTEMBER 9; ENDOWMENT FUND TO BE MANAGED BY ZENITH BANK

2011-07-17T06:06:00.000-07:00

CHRISTY ESSIEN-IGBOKWE

The remains of Nigeria’s Lady of Songs, Christy Essien-Igbokwe, would be buried in Lagos on Friday, September 9, 2011. This is according to a release from the burial committee which was inaugurated shortly after her death.

The committee is chaired by former Delta State Commissioner for Sports, Dr. Austin Izagbo and has a number of other sub-committees including Finance, Publicity, Ceremonial, Welfare, Security, Special Duties and Logistics which have been charged with handling the specifics of the burial ceremony.

A “Christy Essien-Igbokwe Endowment Fund” is also to be set up in her honour. It will handled by the Finance sub-committee which has constitutional lawyer, Mr. Fred Agbaje; Mr. Marcel Ikedudu, a retired banker; Dr. Patrick Igbokwe, member of the Igbokwe family and Mr. Mike Ejezie as members. The account will be managed by Zenith Bank and all contributions and donations towards the burial activities will be deposited there.

YOUNG ACTS THRILL 'AT ONE MIC NAIJA 2'

2011-07-17T05:44:00.000-07:00

Nikki, Koffi and Kel

It was a beautiful festival of live music at the second edition of ONE MIC NAIJA, which held on Sunday, June 26 at Browne’s Café, Ikeja GRA, Lagos. Young upcoming artistes grabbed the opportunity presented them on a live stage with both hands and delivered some very remarkable performances with a live band.

Of the performers on the night, gospel crooner, Nikki Laoye, was the most senior and she delivered smoothly numbers from her first album, ANGEL FOR LIFE. Her performance which was to have come later in the evening was brought forward to allow her leave for the launch of Pastor Paul Adefarasin and the Chosen Treasure’s album launch holding on the island. Yemi Alade and Suzzy followed beautifully in the singing genre, both raising masculine temperatures in the building with some ‘smoochy’ moves. Slim T, Efa, Five Mics and Base One, who delivered on Nikki’s song, did the rap duties. Comedian, Koffi, also dropped some well received comic lines while rapper, Kel and former Tribesman, KB hosted.

The show was launched in April to provide a platform for upcoming music acts to showcase their skills with a live band on a stage. Last month’s edition had performances by Pope, 19th Street, Clay and many others. The June edition was supported by hair care giants, SOULMATE, who provided gift packs for every attendee. Next edition comes up in August.

MORACHI RETURNS

2011-07-17T05:33:00.000-07:00

MORACHI

The entertainment industry sure has missed him and the creativity that revolves round his work but Morachi has finally returned to the Nigerian music scene. The artiste who single, “Hapuya Like That” is back with a bang and his new works reflect that.

Recently at the Industry Nite which held in his honour at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Morachi launched his brand new video ‘Ibu Onye’ which was directed by upcoming director, Beryls. It features several elements of traditional Nigeria and relates his eastern roots. A 150 year-old tortoise, two ostriches, a python were on the list of characters.

On the night, he also performed for the first time, his new single, ‘Bend Down Touch Your Toes’ featuring Lynxxx of the ‘Utunu’ fame.

Speaking to me afterwards, Morachi registered his joy at once again taking centre stage on the Nigerian music scene. ‘I am very happy to find my way back into the Nigerian music industry. I thank everyone who came out to support me, most especially my mom, for all the love and support she has shown me.” He also revealed that he is at an advanced stage of work on his new album which should be out this year.