If Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, were a stock traded on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, it would cost a fortune to acquire even a single share. Such is the massive appreciation in the governor’s popularity since he took over the running of affairs in the Gateway State. Little wonder power brokers, captains of industry and celebrities are getting set to celebrate him as he turns 60.

Friends and associates of the two-term governor are prepared to shake the earth in ensuring that the welfarist governor has a diamond jubilee to remember, especially as this is likely to be his final big celebration before he vacates office next year.

The dude from Ogun Central is one of the rare souls whose popularity has enjoyed meteoric rise on the back of their people-oriented policies. Elected to the Senate in 2003, he became the governor of Ogun State at the second attempt in 2011 and easily won a second term four years later.

Under him, Ogun State has transformed from a relative wasteland to a land brimming with opportunities for investors.

The post All set for Amosun’s 60th birthday appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Ibadan-born actor, producer and director, Saidi Balogun, who was recently made Health Ambassador by the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, spoke to OLAITAN GANIU on his almost three decades career, plans for the new year and other issues.

It’s a New Year, what are your plans for the year?

My plan for the New Year is simple, it’s to move on, do my work the way it should be done. I have been made the ambassador of health and my association, The Golden Movie Ambassador of Nigeria (TGMAN) takes it to the next level, actualize her real vision. And, my job going to locations regularly and producing movies for people to see, bring out the creativity in me and show to the whole world to see and champion some campaign on the things that are going wrong. May God be with us.

We see less of Yoruba movies showing in cinemas. As a veteran in the Yoruba movie sector, what is responsible for this?

Let’s get one thing clear, movie has no language. Movie is a moving picture. So, if you call me Yoruba actor, I just answer not to make you think I’m arrogant. I am a moviemaker, I am an entertainer. Secondly, as for Yoruba films not going to cinemas, we are coming there gradually; if we can start by doing it for six states, I mean the Yoruba-speaking states, and then have the movies subtitled for non-Yoruba speaking audience… Possibly the Yoruba moviemaker have not looked much into that area and I am sure, it is not only Yoruba movies that are not in cinemas. I was really shocked when I got to Kogi State and saw a lot of Igala and Ibira films.

Could you recall the first major movie you featured in?

The first time I faced the camera – I think that was in 1978 at NTA. It was a television programme. The first movie I featured in was in Kwara State then. That was a long time ago, I can’t remember the year, it was a cellulous film that never saw the light of the day. I think it was in 1984. That’s what I can recall for now.

As a popular actor, do you have plans to venture into politics?

I would say, yes and no. Being a good actor doesn’t mean I may have a good sense of government but if the Lord says yes, I can never say no. However, for now, I don’t think so; it might be in the future.

How do you rate the present political leaders?

I will say one thing, and I would want my fans out there to please pardon me, those who also watch my films should pardon me. But truth must be told, it is the masses that turned politicians to businessmen. It is the masses that empower politicians to play us like Ludo or chess game. Why, a man wants to contest for a political post, and you did not ask for his legacies; where is he coming from? Before contested, he started giving you rice, doing drama, and giving you money. You were collecting his money. It is obvious he is only investing the money. He is going to make back is money and even make extra. So, where do you want development to come from? Before we chose our next leader, let’s look at their legacy. Let’s give the youth the chance to rule. Let’s stop collecting money and rice from politicians.

Who is Saidi Balogun off the screen?

Off-camera, I am a normal person, I do what God has sent me to do and I find joy helping others. I so much believe in helping others and I thank God.

As a handsome man, have you ever been sexually harassment by a female fan before?

Handsome or no handsome, a lot of actors, a lot of known faces and a lot of celebrities would’ve been so harassed at one time or the other. So, I have, but God is always in charge and I thank God.

How much will you charge to act nude?

To act nude, I can never act nude. That is a different field entirely, they have the porn actors, we have the comedians but for me, that is not my line. Maybe in my next world, for now that’s not my line. For 10billion I can’t do it.

Do you ever regret choosing acting as a career?

I’ve never regretted being an actor. An actor is like a messiah, we are like prophets, we remind people of the past, show them today and make them see into the future. So, I thank God even with or without money, I thank Him for who I am today.

How favourable is the Bank of Industry loan to Yoruba movie sector?

BoI has tried; they won’t come and knock your door. You go there with your proposal; if it is good they will support you. There’s no sentiment. It has nothing to do with one tribe or the other, if you like go there with Calabar film, once they see it can fly, you give them good proposal they will support you.

Recently, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed set up a review committee for the MOPPICON bill. How has this helped the filmmakers?

Alhaji Lai Mohammed is one of the most listening Ministers, we have free access to him at any time, but the MOPPICON thing is sad, we spent months, days, sleeping at job, sitting and putting heads together, writing these things out. The committee has worked; it’s left for my honourable minister to see to its approval.

At times, I feel like crying to know that a film producer will only get 30% while the cinema house gets 60 or 70% of the proceeds from a film.  At the end of the day, the producer will run at a loss. We must have a structure. We are begging, and I am sure the minister is listening. He is a good man. I stand by him any day because he has contributed a lot to the industry. He will surely be remembered for his positive impact.

As the president of Golden Movie Ambassadors in Nigeria, what is the aim and objectives of this association?

The primary goal of Golden Movie Ambassadors of Nigeria is to rebuild and restructure the movie industry. Our members should be able to have a gain of being an association not just sitting down to talk.

How do you think that actors can enjoy quality health services?

Recently, the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, headed by Prof. Temitope Alonge made me the ambassador on health, not for my name sake, it is for me to work out a pact with my association. We will work together to look into our health matters and prepare for the future. Therefore, when there is any health issue, we won’t be seeking for public help, left and right.

How would you feel if you get a role in a Hollywood movie?

Everybody prays to step into the highest level. If I have a role in a Hollywood movie, I will be happy and will thank God. That is a funny question though, I am proud of who I am, I am black and proud, but I will be happy.

As an actor who acts both in English and Yoruba movies, which of these sectors is more rewarding?

Both are rewarding, depending on how you package yourself. Like I said, a movie has no language. Yoruba and English movies are both rewarding, it all depends on your presentation. If you invite me, I see both as equal and I charge for it. It is a moving picture that is what I charge for. So, it depends on you, it has nothing with one language or the other. As for me, they are both equal, and I charge depending on what I want to do.

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Prince Fatiu Akiolu does not carry any air around himself as the son of the Oba of Lagos and does not want to ride on the king’s shoulder.

In his 30s, Fatiu, who schooled abroad and returned to the country in 2008 to start his own establishment, is the Principal Consultant and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Regno Medial Limited, a Lagos-based advertising agency. Sources said he always hides his identity, preferring to carve a niche for himself.

The post The other side of Fatiu Akiolu appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Since her emergence on Nigeria’s social circle several years ago, Yeye Ladunni Akin-Olugbade, pretty wife of Prince Bolu Akin-Olugbade, the Aare Onakakanfo of Owu Kingdom, has continued to make statements with her captivating dress sense and humility.

The Master’s Degree holder in International Law and Diplomacy behind upscale boutique, ‘Steppin-Out’ boutique, on Opebi Road, is passionate about what she wears and sunglasses. Though she is publicity-shy, she can never be missed in a crowd.

It is worthy to note that Yeye and her equally stylish and Rolls Royce-loving businessman husband, Prince Bolu Akin-Olugbade, marked their 37th wedding anniversary last December.

The post Ladunni Akin-Olugbade still holds the ace appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Celebrity photographer, Toyin Sokefun- Bello, fondly called TY Bello, is 40.

‘The land is green’ crooner celebrated the milestone in faraway Dubai. Not only this, the birthday girl got a gift she has been longing for; a partnership with Canon.  Excited about the gift, the mother of twins posted on the instagram’ I have fantasised about this for the longest time and it really is a dream come true and I look forward to the amazing collaborations together.’

The post TY Bello rocks at 40 appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

These are definitely the best of times for popular gospel act, Biodun Ajanaku, and better half of Idowu Ajanaku, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.

Since the news of his elevation to Senior Adviser to Lagos State governor broke out, the elated singer who studied Mass Communication at the University of Lagos and also has a Master’s degree in Public Relations and International Affairs took to the social media to celebrate her hubby and also pray for him to succeed in his new assignment.

The lovable couple have always been supporting each other’s endeavour. Idowu attended the 2017 edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards with his wife, despite his busy schedule. They were the cynosure of eyes as they stuck to each other like glue throughout the event. While Idowu has been credited for working fastidiously to manage the public reputation of Ambode, Biodun is a popular Jazz gospel singer who was under the tutelage of Dr. Odukoya of Mountain of Fire and Miracles, before she branched out on her own. With songs such as Tofunmi, Joshua, Thank God, among others, she has continued to rule the airwaves.

The post Biodun Ajanaku’s happy moment appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Chioma Madubuko, the Company Secretary, Dangote Salt Plc, has been a staple on the social scene. In her 50s, nothing in her look suggests she is a grandmother. Petite and light skinned, she remains one of the matriarchs of high society. The lawyer and former banker has slowed down. She is noted for choice attires and matching accessories. Her appearance at gigs always leaves mouth wide open.

When not working, she is passionate about interior designing and decoration, as well as gardening.

The post Abiodun Chioma Madubuuiko’s passion appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

While alive, Ray Mike Nwachukwu’s  professional gamut ranged from broadcasting to print journalism, advertising and music production and criticism. But on Tuesday, January 16, his life’s music stopped as he died in a Lagos hospital after a brief illness. He was 71. He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.

An old boy of Government College Ughelli, in present day Delta State, he rose to prominence on the Nigerian broadcasting space, working with elite artistes and bands of that era. He worked as presenter before delving into advertising and music production.

At LINTAS Advertising where he was a Senior Producer, he produced commercials, jingles and voice-overs. Some prominent jingles he did include the 25th and 40th Nigeria’s independence jingles.

Ray-Mike also created ARR-EM, one of Nigeria’s earliest state-of-the-art recording studios and he was responsible for producing hits like ‘Time Na Money’.

In later years, he opened his production outfit in Surulere, Lagos. A highlife aficionado, he presented ‘It’s Time For Highlife’, a music programme on Classic FM he hosted with Bukola Ogunrinde.

“I am always willing to help people who want me and who feel I can be of benefit to them and that’s why this programme I do on Classic FM makes a lot of sense to me,” he said in a 2014 interview.

Already, people have started paying tributes to the late music producer.

‘I didnt know this would be our last time together last December,’ wrote Jimi Disu on Facebook on Wednesday, posting a picture he took with the ace broadcaster.

‘RIP Uncle Ray Mike Nwachukwu.’

Another Facebook user, Gboyega ‘Afrologic’ Oyedele also wrote: ‘How sad. May his soul rest in peace.’

The post Media guru Ray Mike Nwachukwu dies at 71 appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Rotary International District 9110 has appointed the Managing Director of the Shuga Entertainment, Mr Akinloye Tofowomo (popularly known as Mr Akin Shuga) as its Ambassador for polio eradication.

Accepting, Shuga promised to deploy the best of his resources to make a success of the opportunity given to him.

“Partnering Rotary will definitely give an edge of winning because polio is a scourge and nothing will be more acceptable than its total eradication,” Shuga said.

“It is the war we have to fight.”

Ogunbadejo said Shuga would assist Rotary to drive advocacy and push for funds to prosecute the war against polio.

“It is a huge responsibility which he volunteered to do this for us,” he said.

“He wants to let people that they should immunise their children, that having polio is not the end of one’s life.”

Shuga, the founder of Shuga Band, is a graduate of Berkley College of Music, Boston, Massachusetts, United States. He suffered polio when he was five years old .

The post Akinn Shuga unveiled as Rotary polio ambassador appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Notable filmmaker and communications expert Don Pedro Obaseki has asked the authories to ban the trending song, ‘Science Student’ by Olamide, claiming the song ‘eulogises’ drug abuse.

The celebrated filmmaker made this assertion in a recent video which has also been circulating on social media.

“My name is Don Pedro Obaseki and I’m driving on Third Mainland Bridge now, just coming from work in Lagos,” he said, beginning the video.

“I just came across a video that is trending stupendously online and it is a video by Olamide. Olamide Adedeji, you know, Badoo. And this one is called ‘Science Student.’

“I want to beg the Nigerian government, I want to beg the National Broadcasting Commission that if we have any sense of decency left. I’m driving and I can’t help it in this traffic when I heard that song. A song, that ‘Science Student’ song is encouraging our children to mix all forms of drugs. He’s speaking in Yoruba, yes, so you may not really get the import of what he’s talking about. He’s encouraging the children to take Tramadol. He’s encouraging the children to do ‘Monkey Tail.’ That is, he is eulogising all forms of illicit drugs and making it trendy.

“Our nation is a nation on its knees. So, for us to now have a boy as popular with a huge followrship,  a huge opinion moulder like Olamide aka Olamide Badoo or Olamide Adedji, to put up a song that will be to a large extent, be an opinion moulder to the way children see themselves. We must ban this song. This song must not be allowed to hit the airwaves or any kind of wave.

“Not stopping there, for his so much celebration of what is bad about drug abuse, we should, the Nigerian government or the authorities, NDLEA, EFCC, whatever, should please save the minds of Nigerian kids. It’s enough that they walk the streets, every one of them proteting against the system in one way or the other. They do that with Rastafarian hair, Hare Krishna skull, Marxist beards, turning their fez caps the wrong way round and sagging trousers. For them now to be celebrating the use of codeine, he use of Tramadol, Skoochie – all are embedded in Olamide’s song.”

He also urged Nigerians desirous of a positive change for the country to share his video.

“I beg you, if you are a parent, share this. If you’re someone with a conscience, share this. If you’re someone interested in the future of this country, where our youths are already a beggarly bunch, share this because Nigeria cannot right now be at the end of the devil’s spoon. My name is Pedro Obaseki and I beg Nigerians to do the right thing.”

He however added that Olamide’s star appeal be harnessed for the good of the youth.

“We should get hold of Olamide and make him the ambassador of good behaviour for children because we cannot be buying his record and clicking on his links  only for our children to be the ones at the receiving end of his apostate pronouncements and crusade,” he said.

“This is enough. Enough is enuogh. I don’t only speak as a Nigerian, I speak as an investor in the Nigerian entertainment content sector. God bless Nigeria and please let’s beg Olamide to pull that video down and change that song. That is a song that is going to be a nail on the coffin of the future of our children. God bless Nigeria.”

While no ban is yet out, Olamide’s song has continued to trend as the artiste has continued promotion of the song.

The post Ban Olamide’s ‘Science Student’, says Don Pedro Obaseki appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Despite the fact that some people have dissed his new and trending song, ‘Science Student,’ saying it promotes the use of hard drugs, hip hop act Olamide has called on all to support the fight against drug abuse.

He took to his Instagram page to declare his stance against drug abuse, urging others to emulate him.

“Since the release of #ScienceStudent, the support has been massive,” he wrote.

“As you are all sharing, dancing, singing along to this relatable music of mine, I want you all to take some time to reflect on the subject, say no to drug abuse.

“Don’t abuse alcohol; stop mixing what you don’t know about. Live responsibly and drink responsibly. Don’t aspire the ‘highness state’ but a state of purpose fulfilment and passion discovery. Together let’s put an end to drug abuse and save as many lives as possible. The video will be out soon and I can’t wait for you all to see it.”

While several of Olamide’s lyrics have been the subject of condemnation, the singer continues to thrive.

Following the release of ‘Science Student’, a filmmaker and communications expert, Don Pedro Obaseki, had called for the banning of the song in avideo which went viral, saying it ‘eulogised’ the use of hard drugs.

Also, actress Kemi Lala Akindoju also condemned the trend of promoting and encouraging hard drugs and substances in the name of dance and music.

Though Lala did not mention any particular artiste, it is likely she was referring to Olamide’s ‘Science Student.’

Despite these and other criticisms, ‘Science Student’ is still trending online as many dancers upload their efforts at trying to produce the perfect one minute video that aptly depicts the lyrics of the song.

The post Olamide speaks against drug abuse as critics bash ‘Science Student’ appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Ahead of the movie premiere set for the cinema from February 9th, 2018, producers of Wetin Women Want (WWW), Ultimate Communications, have announced a N25, 000 cash reward for whoever is able to make a ‘reasonable’ representation about what cwomen really want through a video contest.

According to a statement by Abiodun Jimoh, writer and director of the movie, fans are asked to make a 60-second video, stating what in their opinion, women want from men in relationships.

“We want ladies to make one minute video telling us what they want from men in their relationships and marriages,” said Jimoh.

“The men too are not left out; we want them to also make a minute video detailing what they feel women want from men. The person with the most convincing explanation gets a N25K cash prize and will also be invited to the premiere of  ‘Wetin Women Want’.

“The movie is an expose on what women want in a relationship and the confusion that comes with understanding the needs of women. ‘Wetin Women Want’ is not a regular Nollywood movie of romance but a movie that delves into managing relationship and depicting what women want in various fashions.

“We have made a very good movie. We have put into consideration the fans that will part with their hard earned money to watch this movie and we believe that we have created magic that can keep them glued to their seats at the cinemas till the end credits roll in,” Abiodun Jimoh expressed optimism on the opportunities the movie has at the cinema.

According to Jumoke Odetola, one of the cast, “the movie opens the human mind to a lot of the dynamisms of women. It is beyond expectation, a loving woman wakes up one morning and becomes a monster. And you begin to wonder what went wrong.”

WWW, which was produced by Seun Oloketuyi, parades actors like Daniel k. Daniel, Katherine Obiang, Oge Okoye, Mercy Aigbe, Adaora Ukoh, Anthony Monjaro, Jumoke Odetola, and others.

The post Producer of WWW to reward fans ahead of movie premiere appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

The need for stories of the girl child has been given a boost as Sahara Group presented Asharami Speaks gathered stakeholders in the movement for giving voice to the girl child in Lagos last Wednesday.

The event which held at Four Points by Sheraton, Lagos had as topic for discussion, ‘Enhancing Girl Child Empowerment Through the Medium of Film.’ The partnership being implemented under Sahara Group’s Grooming Film Extrapreneurs initiative targets empowering 90 girls aged 13 and 19 in three African countries – Nigeria, Ghana and Cote D’Ivoire – in the art of film making.

Among discussants at the session include young filmmaker and girl-child activist, Zuriel Oduwole, Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, Social Entrepreneur, Dakore Akande, Screen Actress and Amnesty International Ambassador and Rita Dominic, Screen actor and producer. Others are Ramsey Nouah, Screen actor, producer and director, Bodunrin Sasore, film director and screenwriter, Stephanie Busari, a producer and journalist with CNN Africa and Jade Osiberu, film director and screenwriter

Also present was Sahara Group’s Executive Director, Tonye Cole.

The programme, which started on January 8 ended on Wednesday, January 17.

Speaking on the event, Oduwole said she was hopeful of the project’s success.

“I like the fact that Sahara Group sees some value in what I am doing with Girls’ Education across the world, and just like the African proverb, if you want to go fast, go alone, and if you want to go far, go together,” Oduwole said.

“I think I have gone very fast in the last five years, since I started my project at age 10.

Head, Corporate Communications, Sahara Group, Bethel Obioma, explained that the project is expected to drive the advocacy message for girls’ rights, highlight key issues affecting girls across the three African countries and equip the girls with the foundational skills required to become film makers.

“Our hope is that the initiative would inspire and replicate Zuriel’s success amongst other girls her age in Africa,” he said.

“Above all, Sahara Group is particularly passionate about the fact that the project would give traction to ongoing conversations and interventions geared towards the pursuit of Gender Equality and Quality Education, being Goals 4 and 5 of the Sustainable Development Goals.”

The post Sahara advocates girl-child awareness through film appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Nollywood actress Empress Njamah, has dared two media houses to provide a proof of a story insinuating that she feels offended when younger men woo her.

The actress refuted the statement credited to by a popular newspaper, from which  a blog took its reference.

Reacting to the story which has gone viral, the actress and humanitarian took to her Instagram on Monday to address the issue.

Njamah who said was not stupid to have made such comment, claimed she only spoke about her charity works and beauty tips.

She said the statement credited to her by the news media defames her  character.

“…If you cannot produce proof of how you came about how I said the above statement I will take this as an outright defamation of character and demand and apology. Journalists should understand that they wield a magic wand in the name of what they write and care has to be taken not to mare the characters of the people they write about especially when we take out time to grant them interviews. The masses can consume anything you give them regardless of the truth in the publication,” she said.

In a chat with The Nation, the actress revealed that the said blog reported that the statement was extracted from an interview done with the newspaper.

“I never granted such interview. I have done a disclaimer on my page and demand an apology from them. And they haven’t done that yet. And the so called guy that I granted the interview has no prove to show that I said that… We are taking the case up and I am actually going to sue …”

The post Empress Njamah demands apology from media appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Nollywood actress, Queen Blessing Ebigieson will on February 14 honour widows of  fallen soldiers in Lagos through her widows empowerment initiative, Queen Blessing Foundation.

Holding on February 14, 2018 at the hall of Command Day Secondary School, Ikeja Army Cantonment, about 1, 000 widows are expected to benefit from the initiative.

The Nation gathered that monetary support will also be given to some lucky few to start up small businesses.

The fifth edition of the Valentine Special has the theme, ‘Celebrating the Widows & Aged Mothers of Our Fallen Military Heroes’ will also serve as the foundation’s 10th anniversary.

“We are celebrating the widows and mothers of our fallen heroes in the Air Force, Army and Navy this year and it promises to be a special one,” she said.

“I am passionate about widows and aged women as their prayers go high up into heaven.”

Last year, Okpella community, the country home of the quintessential actress hosted the last widow empowerment and it was a huge success.

The post QBF to honour widows, mothers of the military on Val’s Day appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Slon Records signee, Olawale Michael Ogunleye, artistically known as Jumbo, has dropped a new song titled ‘Omo Boy.’

The afro-song, a motivational song which is currently enjoying airplay on some radio stations was produced by Mystro Beat.

The ‘Omo Boy’ crooner who holds Dbanj, Olamide and Davido as role models has set a target for himself to be the next superstar with his style of afro-pop.

Jumbo, who is in his early 20s started music as a chorister, and professionally kicked off with studio production in 2011. He currently has three singles – ‘Good Life’, ‘Oreke’ and ‘Ariya’ – to his credit ditto.

Jumbo who studied Computer Science at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) recently signed with Slon Records and penned a management deal with M4 Synergy limited.

The post Jumbo out with ‘Omo Boy’ appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Rachel Morrison broke one of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ longest-running, most unfortunate streaks, becoming the very first woman ever to be nominated for the award for Best Cinematography for her work on Netflix’s ‘Mudbound.’

Cinematography which involves camerawork was the only technical category in which the Oscars had never nominated a woman. It is one of the few categories that have been around from the very first ceremony in 1928, and Morrison’s gorgeous images, full of richly colored skies and all manner of mud-streaked colors, are a wonderful new addition to the list of nominees.

The post Woman breaks record as Best Cinematography Oscar nominee appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

The Recording Academy has announced that the 60th Grammy Awards will take place at New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Sunday, January 28, 2018, with the telecast to be broadcast live on CBS, marking the first Grammy telecast in New York City since 2003.

The 60th annual GRAMMY Awards will mark the 46th consecutive year that CBS will broadcast the show, and the network has a commitment in place to host it through 2026.

In a new interview with Melinda Newman for Billboard, Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow discussed several factors involved with the Grammy telecast’s return to Madison Square Garden for the first time in 15 years.

“From the time the 45th GRAMMY Awards ended in 2003, I was always thinking about when it would be good and appropriate for us to go back to New York, said Portnow.

“Not only because that’s what we’d done [before], but if you think of half of the Academy’s membership being east of the Mississippi, it always made sense that we’d figure out how to go back.”

Though the Academy’s membership includes representation in Chapter cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Chicago, and Miami, taking the GRAMMY Awards telecast back east has financial implications, not only relating to the telecast but the Academy’s slate of GRAMMY Week events.

“The reality is that it’s a major undertaking in many respects,” said Portnow.

“One is that we’re West Coast-based so it means moving essentially a majority or good portion [of the staff] back east. No. 2 is the weather. No. 3 is reinventing not just the Grammy telecast, but the whole week we’ve developed. It’s way more expensive to do anything in New York.”

Though the Grammy Awards are slated to return to Los Angeles in 2019, Portnow says that the organisation’s focus is the milestone 60th telecast.

“Even as we speak there are things that are left to be done, ironed out, and figured out, in terms of going back to Los Angeles, I think that’s a topic for the other side of this adventure, said Portnow.

The show will be hosted by comedian James Corden for the second year running. Red carpet coverage will begin in the lead-up to the awards show, before superstars such as Elton John, Miley Cyrus and the rock band U2 take the stage at the New York City ceremony.

Pop singers Lady Gaga and Pink, rapper Childish Gambino and country group Little Big Town are among the artists slated to perform. Broadway stars Patti LuPone and Ben Platt are also expected to take the stage.

Some of the other stars who have been announced include R&B singer Bruno Mars, rapper Cardi B, and Latin artists Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee.

DJ Khaled is set to take the stage with pop superstar Rihanna and singer Bryson Tiller, according to the Recording Academy.

Eric Church, Maren Morris and Brothers Osborne, who all performed at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas prior to the mass shooting, last October, will collaborate on a tribute for victims, killed at live music events in the last year, according to the Recording Academy.

Jay-Z is up for eight awards: Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Rap Performance, Best Rap/Sung Performance, Best Rap Song, Best Rap Album and Best Music Video.

Kendrick Lamar and Bruno Mars have seven and six nominations, respectively. Childish Gambino, Khalid, No I.D. and SZA all have five each.

The post New York City to host 2018 GRAMMYs 15 years after appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

The highly anticipated third edition of Africa’s biggest reality television show, Big Brother Naija, premieres on Sunday, January 28, 2018 by 7pm Nigerian time.

Organisers say viewers on DStv can catch the show on channel 198 while GOtv viewers can tune in to channel 29 to catch all of the excitement, as contestants battle for the grand prize of an SUV and N45million worth of prizes.

The premiere follows weeks of excitement as auditions for the show held across different regions in Nigeria. Big Brother fans were also treated to nostalgic fun as housemates from the second edition gathered for a special reunion show broadcast exclusively on DStv and GOtv.

Speaking on Big Brother Nigeria’s return, the General Manager, Sales and Marketing for MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho, said: “Without a doubt, this promises to be the most exciting edition of the Big Brother franchise on the African continent. The last edition of Big Brother Naija was incredibly successful and we see just how much the show continues to resonate with fans in Nigeria and around the continent. We can hardly wait for Sunday, and we guarantee not only that our viewers will enjoy the premiere show, but that they will stay tuned for three months until the show’s finale when the winner is revealed.”

The post Big Brother Naija returns Sunday appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Legendary trumpeter and anti-apartheid activist, Hugh Masekela died on Tuesday, aged 78.

In a statement, his family said ‘Father of South African jazz’ “passed peacefully” in Johannesburg “after a protracted and courageous battle with prostate cancer.”

They described him as “a loving father, brother, grandfather and friend” who would be “forever in our hearts.”

They said details of his memorial and burial services would be released later.

Masekela who was given his first trumpet when he was 14 used his ‘Soweto Blues’ to confront apartheid.

South African President Jacob Zuma said Masekela’s death was “an immeasurable loss to the music industry and to the country at large” and said: “His contribution to the struggle for liberation will never be forgotten.”

Affectionately called ‘Bra Hugh’, Masekela was born in the South African town of Witbank in 1939. He was inspired to learn the trumpet after seeing Kirk Douglas play Bix Beiderbecke in the 1950 film Young Man with a Horn.

He persuaded one of his teachers – the anti-apartheid crusader Father Trevor Huddleston – to buy him an instrument, promising to stay out of trouble in return.

In 1960, aged 21, he left South Africa to begin what would be 30 years in exile from the land of his birth.

Under the tutelage of Dizzy Gillespie and Louis Armstrong, he was encouraged to develop his own unique style. And in 1967, he performed at the Monterey Pop Festival alongside Janis Joplin, Otis Redding, Ravi Shankar, The Who and Jimi Hendrix.

The following year, his instrumental single, ‘Grazing in the Grass,’ topped the charts in the US and became a worldwide hit.

In the 1970s, Mr. Masekela toured sub-Sarahan Africa and began a partnership with the Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, who had recently pioneered the genre known as Afrobeat. He also worked with the exiled South African saxophonist Dudu Pukwana and began fronting the Ghanaian group Hedzoleh Soundz.

Masekela returned to South Africa in 1990 following the release of Nelson Mandela, whose freedom he had called for in his 1986 anthem Bring Home Nelson Mandela.

In June 2010, he performed at both the opening concert of the Fifa World Cup and the tournament’s opening ceremony in Soweto’s Soccer City with Femi Kuti.

Reacting to the legend’s passing, Femi Kuti posted a picture of both of them at the event and captioned it ‘Good memories RIP Mr. Hugh.’

Masekela was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in 2008 and in the last months of his life campaigned that men should go for regular cancer check-ups.

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