Adeniyi,Makanjuola is a director in Caverton Group where is dad,Chief Remi Makanjuola is the president. He is currently one of the biggest players in the aviation sector in Nigeria. Unlike some of his silver spoon friends who engage in frivolous and wasteful lifestyles, Niyi is bent on carving out a niche for himself beyond the shores of Africa. Little wonder he is now one of the richest young men in Lagos.

The unassuming graduate of University of Essex and University College,London sources disclosed has just landed a lucrative refuse disposal contract. With this goldmine,Niyi who is known to be meticulous is set to change the face of refuse disposal. He is said to have a sizable personal portfolio of diversified interests in a number of publicly listed and private companies in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

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High Chief Owolabi Salis shouldn’t have much to do with Nigeria or Nigerians, because the crust of his business is in the United States of America but his love for his people just wouldn’t let him off the hook. The international lawyer cum businessman has sponsored nothing less than three humanitarian projects for the good of the nation and for Nigerians, whose progress he’s most passionate about.

In the same vein, the Ikorodu born High Chief ly initiated a skill acquisition programme to empower Lagos youths in more than thirty areas of specialization. The programme which kicked off in October last year had over 1600 beneficiaries graduated last weekend.

The project offer beneficiaries skills to live a new life and to be productive to the society.

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It is no longer news that Alhaji Dahiru Mangal has resolved the conflict with Oando PLC thanks to deal a peace deal mediated by the Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II.

If Wale Tinubu was to recall his disturbing moment as the Group Chief Executive of Oando PLC it would be the imbroglio that rocked the high flying up and downstream oil and gas firm with several petitions and alleged negative media campaign which led to embargo on all stock activities by the Nigerian Securities Exchange.

However, owing to his sterling leadership qualities, other shareholders stood by him and he kept flying the flag of the company high.

Now that the storm is over, Wale can now heave a sigh of relief.

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Hajia Titi Atiku Abubakar the prominent wife of the ex-Vice President,Atiku Abubakar and Chairperson, Woman Trafficking and Child Labour,WOTLEF is set to be honoured in the U.S for championing the cause against human trafficking for the past 18 years.

The Osun state born businesswoman is the special guest of honour and special awardee as ‘Africa’s Most Outstanding Woman Leader 2018′. A book titled ’18 Years of WOTCLEF; Fighting the Human Trafficking Scourge in Africa’, will also be launched at the two day event. The book chronicles the immense efforts of the gentle and amiable women leader in her bid to save humanity from itself, despite threats to life and high costs of keeping this initiative alive.

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Toyin,the founder cum President of Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) and wife of Senate President,Bukola Saraki shares a striking resemblance with her daughter, Oluwatosin Halima Olukoya, who got married recently.

Although she is the couple’s first daughter, they look like friends. Blessed with a trim figure which she utilizes optimally in the style department; the mother almost passed for the bride at her daughter’s wedding.

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The creative industry often gets tetchy, especially with conflicts between artistes and their record label, OLAITAN GANIU writes. 

HE history of Nigerian music is filled with disputes between musical artistes and their respective record labels, the case of 2017 is not exempted.

While many issues can lead to feud between artistes and record labels, money is the common cause of many disagreements. Many artistes feel that their recording companies cheat them out of money that is rightfully theirs. This has been a major cause of artistes opting out of their contracts without minding the punishment.

Late last year, rave of the moment, Anidugbe Danie aka Kiss Daniel broke his contract with G-Worldwide Entertainment. In 2013, Daniel signed a deal with G-worldwide own by, Emperor Geezy, and produced hit tracks such as ‘Shoye,’ ‘Woju,’ and ‘Yeba.’ But the artiste felt cheated and decided to opt out.

“All is set for the take-off of ‘Fly Boy I.N.C’ which is my label,” Kiss Daniel tweeted.

“This implies that all activities regarding Kiss Daniel will be carried out under this new arrangement.

“This is an important move for me and I sincerely want to thank the fans who have always been there for me and also the media for their constant support,” he said.

The artists confirmed his exit with the removal of G-Worldwide from his profiles on social media handles replacing it with  the new label.

Of course, G-Worldwide took Kiss Daniel to court but the artiste seems ready.

This cat and mouse between artistes and record labels has been ongoing in the Nigerian music industry for decades.

“Many Nigeria record labels up till today still cheat the artistes by offering them 70/30% deals in favour of the label,” a music producer/songwriter, Shyboi said.

“And they are found with their unfulfilled promises.”

But Tunde Agboola, an artiste’s manager of Tripple D Entertainment, Ikeja has a contrary opinion.

“I pity some of our record label owners, it’s really sad that after spending so much money on an artiste and at the end of the day, he walks out of contracts,” said Agboola.

While recording companies provide a soft cushion for the artistes to focus on their craft, pecuniary gains seems to be pushing more artistes to establish their own record labels.

In November 2016, popular singer/songwriter Harrison Tare Okiri, popularly known as Harrysong announced he was dumping Five Star Music for his own label, Alter Plate, due to differences between himself and the label.

According to reports, Harrysong’s contract to E-Money’s Five Star Music was expected to run till 2019, but the ‘Reggae Blues’ crooner who was earlier signed to Question Mark claimed to have exhausted his contract.

“I am no longer Five Star music artiste,” Harrysong said online.

“My contract with the company has expired and I decided to unveil my new musical platform. I have learned a lot coming from Question Mark, the first record label I have worked with before I moved to Five Star Music. And when the contract expired, I aspired to grow and to express myself in another platform. That’s why I set up the Alterplate and you will see that it is not just a record label, it involves a lot of things. This is a dream I have been nurturing for many years now. I am very grateful to God that it has become a reality.”

But in January, 2017 police reportedly arrested Harrysong on the order of his former record label, Five Star Music.

And a statement signed by Mr. C.C Chris of Five Star Music stated that Harrysong breached his contract with Five Star.

“Five Star Music wishes to state categorically that this reckless breach of contract by Mr. Harry stands contrary to our company’s work ethics and will therefore be pursued to a logical conclusion using the full instrument of the law,” the statement read.

“In setting the records straight, let it be known that before now, the label refrained from instituting any legal actions against him for his blatant breach of contract, just because he was still considered as part of Five Star Music family.”

Slammed with a court case however, Harrysong later apologized and returned to Five Star.

In 2013, rapper Olanrewaju Ogunmefun aka Vector Tha Viper became critical of his label YSG Entertainment after spending four years with the label.

Vector felt YSG did not proactively promote his song and suggested that more professional hands need to be employed in favour of his career. And when Vector personally paid for his promotion as he went for a US trip, the label probably thought of Vector as a threat.

On his return, the record boss accused him of traveling to sign a record deal in abroad. Weeks after his returned, the Lafiaji crooner received an invitation from the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and was issued with a “breach of contract” petition, claiming that he has engaged external hands to work for him.

Vector was arrested on June 10 while he was shooting ‘Ghetto RMX’ video by Shank at Mcarthy Barracks, Obalende, Lagos. He was arrested along with his manager, Michael Umoru, and they were detained from 3pm till 10pm until his lawyers came. The multiple-award rapper suffered though as he forfeited the car and apartment provided for him by the label. However, he gained freedom after he publicly apologized to the label.

Also affected in the artiste/record label melee was popular singer, Olawale Ashimi Ibrahim aka Brymo with Chocolate City headed by Audu Maikori. In 2013, Brymo called it quits with the label, citing the label’s inability to fulfill most parts of their contract.

“Apart from promises and failures, there is no accountability on how my new CD is been sold and distributed,” Brymo said.

“When I released the CD, they promised me it was safe to sell online, but the idea failed and I have to talk to some marketers in Alaba Market because the street market is more important, not everybody can buy online.

“Unfortunately, the CD (album) leaked, and nobody is ready to give me explanation or apologize whenever things go wrong and we have a contract. Sometimes, you will be working hard but someone else, who’s supposed to take the contract seriously, is doing that nonchalantly.”

Chocolate City insisted that the singer breached a five-year contract that required him to release three albums between 2011 and 2016. The company also claimed to invest almost N20 million on Brymo, but failed to recoup up to N3 million.

The ‘Good Morning’ crooner was however, sued for altering the contract terms.

The label also accused Brymo of failure to actualise his career potential due to inability to “follow simple instructions”, insubordination, and active/passive promotion of Indian hemp which caused “serious damages to his brand and that of the plaintiff and other artists in the stable of the plaintiff”.

“The defendant’s active and passive promotion of drugs/marijuana included posting of pictures of Indian hemp/marijuana on his Twitter handle, Facebook or Instagram,” the label said.

“In fact, a major telecommunication company in Nigeria suddenly pulled out of an endorsement deal worth N20 million which the plaintiff was negotiating for the defendant and which would have earned the plaintiff about N10 million.”

Other skirmishes involving record labels and musicians include, Skales and his manager, Osagie who Baseline Records arrested over allegations of fraud, DJ Zeez feud with HF Music, and also Runtown versus Ericmany Entertainment.

Finding a lasting solution to disputes between the musicians and record label owners, popular entertainment lawyer, Akinyemi Ayinoluwa, said music is a high risk for label owners and the artistes.

“Nothing is promised in the music business,” Ayinoluwa said on his Instagram post.

“It is high risk for both parties. Investors sink in huge sums of money and talent keeps faith and surrenders the control of his career for a number of years, with the expectation that he will embrace success someday.

“It is a business; you see value in an artist. You source for funding and human resources, and build leverage relationships to try to make profit from investment made.

“Usually there is an agreement in the document but most artistes will proceed with a gentleman’s handshake. Either party may default in terms agreed to, and for every act of breach there is a consequence. You can terminate the relationship or sue for breach of contract if fundamental enough to pursue a claim.”

Concerning Kiss Daniel’s exit from his record label, Ayinoluwa expressed optimism that “If Wizkid could force an exit from the canopy of EME to a brighter rewarding future, perhaps Kiss Daniel can. Artists always have reasons. With money and fame, they become something else, just like anyone with both.

Like EME, what will happen to G-Worldwide after the departure of its most prized asset? The label going downhill is very likely. It is difficult to break through twice. The owner of the label will be frustrated and might leave the business.”

The post The unending battle inside Nigeria’s music industry appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Since returning back to the country after his incarceration in the United Kingdom, the ex-Delta governor,James Ibori seems to have developed a deep love for partying.  He never shies from social engagement of any kind; with his spouse, Senami and they have rocking high profile shindig together.

These days’ events seem incomplete without the Iboris in attendance and society watchers are speaking in hush tones that it may be the Ogidigbodigbo of Africa’s new past time.

The post James Ibori’s new love appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Nigerian comedian and actor, Damilare Osundare, popularly known as Asiri has launched his first book titled ‘Asiri Mystery.’

The event took place on Sunday, January 21 at Ikeja, Lagos and had in attendance social media influencer, Japheth Omojuwa, Eniola Agbaje, Owen Gee, Aroli, Femi Branch, Niyi Johnson and a host of others.

Speaking at the launch, which was graced by Nollywood practitioners and opinion shapers, the book reviewer, Samuel Olatunji, said the book which had its foreword written by comedy veteran, Alibaba, is coming at a right time.

“Asiri spoke about growing up in Ibadan and going to Bodija market,” Olatunji said.

“The book dwells on discovering your real essence and not being confused about the opinion of other people. The second chapter of this book is very interesting because it is an era where social media is confusing everybody. Discover your true essence and stick by it.”

Also speaking the author said that leadership is lacking in this society.

“I understand that you cannot lead someone if you can’t influence them,” Asiri said.

“And you cannot influence someone if you cannot inspire them. That is why I tagged the book a mobile mentor in the sense that it is your teacher when your teacher is not there, it is your pastor when your pastor is not there. It is your guide when your guide is not there. This book was born out of a passion to inspire. I want to put my thoughts in as many households as possible. It is not possible to do it from the corner of my room. But my book can reach place where I’ve not been to personally. So that is the whole essence of the book.”

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Monologue play ‘Hear Word,’ put together by Ifeoma Fafunwa, staging a second season at the prestigious American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, USA, as stated by the organizer was a sold out with it first two outing.

The play started running from January 26 and will end with a grand finale on February 11, 2018.

The play which had its US debut at the award-winning theatre on Harvard University campus last year is an anthology of monologues which tackles issues affecting Nigerian women today; a collection of generational stories about the political, social and cultural factors affecting and limiting the lives of Nigerian women.

The play is co-written and directed by current Radcliffe Institute Fellow – Ifeoma Fafunwa.

Since its Lagos debut in 2014, the show has continued to sell out seasons both at home and abroad.

The play presented by 10 Nigerian women telling 20 powerful stories in one brilliant show features some of Nigeria’s best stage and screen actresses including; Taiwo Ajai Lycett, Joke Silva, Bimbo Akintola, Ufuoma McDermott, Elvina Ibru, Zara Udofia-Ejoh, Omonor, Rita Edward, Debbie Ohiri, Odenike, as well as master percussionists Blessing Idireri and Emeka Anokwuru.

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A family-centred musical animation, SADE, is a new Nollywood film that is about to take the Nigerian movie audience through a new delightful experience.

While animation genre is a ‘road less-travelled’ in Nigeria, the powerful ensemble of some of Africa’s best actors and singers like King Sunny Ade, Bimbo Manuel, Omowunmi Dada, Norbert Young, Yinka Davies, Gabriel Afolayan, Omolara Ayodele, and others in SADE is about to set a compelling trajectory for young and adult comic entertainment, via a message of ‘tender loving kindness’ that traverses family and the general society.

Created and directed by U.K-based musician and film maker, Miller Luwoye, and produced by the prolific author and speaker O.B.A Owolabi, SADE, which is scheduled to hit the cinema in 2018, is voiced by notable thespians like Bimbo Manuel, Norbert Young, Omowunmi Dada, Gabriel Afolayan, Biodun Aleja, Jude Orhorha, Yemi Shodimu, Judith Audu, Kate Adepegba, Deji Adenuga, and Ngozi Nwosu, while deploying the musical artistry of celebrated icons in crafting a world-standard audio-visual production.

“The entire songs in this movie are originally written for the SADE project, featuring King Sunny Ade, Cobhams Asuquo, Deola Adebiyi, Omolara Ayodele and productions from some of the hottest producers on the scene, including Young John, Ini Dminstrel, Cobhams Asuquo, Kent Edunjobi and others,” says Luwoye.

A Greathouse Entertainment Network production, SADE tells the story of a little girl, Sade and her family who adopt TEJ, a wandering dog and victim of a hit-and-run driver.  Soon, the society discovers that TEJ is not an ordinary dog, hence the race by the ‘powers that be’ to abduct the dog from Sade’s family begins….

Interestingly, the film which is set in Lagos, harnesses current and imminent features of a mega city in an enchanting adventure of entertainment, recreation, and township sensations.

SADE is GREATHOUSE Entertainment Network’s debut feature length movie, synced and directed with finesse of skill and technological, thus, an addition to Miller Luwoye’s dynamic career.

The multi-talented entertainer started his formal music training in jazz studies at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London, and later got a scholarship to study further at the University where he graduated with a 1st class honours degree in Music Performance & Arts Management.

SADE is produced by U.K-based prolific writer, author and speaker O.B.A Owolabi.

As part of the SADE experience in Nigeria, a trailer will be released in February 2018, to be followed by a series of great activations ahead of the cinema release in the second quarter of 2018.

The post SADE: New animation features top Nigerian actors appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Popular Raypower FM radio disc jockery Xsmart has accused policemen attached to Meiran Police Station, Lagos of assaulting him with a cutlass.

Explaining his ordeal, Xsmart said his car was hit behind by another car while he was driving to get fuel when someone called the police who didn’t ask about what happened but instead pounced on him with a cutlass.

‘When did police start using cutlasses?’ he asked.

‘A man hit my car 19th of jan night on my way going out to get fuel, along Meran Command road. And there was a woman who doesn’t know what happened called police officers to come and arrest me.

‘When the accident happened, my car was parked and waiting for traffic officer to come and check what happened. The police men came on mufti and without asking any questions, they started beating me with cutlass and hit me with their guns. I work with Daar communication PLC owner of AIT/Raypower FM. All this happened at Meran police station at Alagbado, Meiran Lagos… As I speak right now, I’m in pain.’

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Gospel music sensations – Midnight crew and Adegbodu twins were guest ministers that thrilled attendees of the New Year programme, Praise Night, which held penultimate Friday at the Christ Miracle Church Mission (CMCM), Ojodu, Lagos.

The all-night programme which held inside the auditorium brought together thousands of worshipers desirous of a great beginning in 2018.

The Midnight Crew came with their twelve-piece band at about past midnight, characteristic of their stage name. Also, the talented Adegbodu Twins made up of  Taiwo and Kehinde Adegbodu sang from their new album titled ‘Mojere’ (meaning ‘I have earned God’s favour’ in Yoruba).

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Nollywood actress and producer Mercy Aigbe is set to produce a new movie titled ’77 Bullets’. The mother of two releasing a sneak preview of the movie on Instagram wrote; “Unfinished…still cooking 77 Bullets. Sneak Peak. Still in the works.”

In the preview, Mercy is seen playing the role of Susan, a deadly thief, who mysteriously appears to a young man, Adesina, threatening and shooting him to death.

In an earlier post, she had written: ‘My New Contemporary Yoruba Movie 77 Bullets…cooking, wait on it’ and posting a cover art of the upcoming movie.

Recently, the actress who disclosed she was on the set of ‘Idakeji’ a movie produced by Shoneye Olamilekan reportedly cleared the air on a picture of her which showed her wearing a police uniform with ‘two’ ranks. The picture which went viral showed her donning the ranks of ‘Inspector’ and ‘Corporal.’ However, she cleared the air, saying, donning both ranks was intentional for comic purpose.

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Davido, Wizkid and Tiwa Savage and Don Jazzy have made the list of the top 50 footballers and entertainers on the African Social Media Power Report released on Friday, January 26, 2018.

Senegalese rapper Akon and Egyptian striker Mohamed Salah are the two most followed Africans on the social media channels – Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

The Power 50 that has a combined following of almost 400million, was compiled by Lagos-based sports communication company, CampsBay Media.

“In a world where social media continues to play a big role, the influence of African entertainers and footballers, the crème of popular culture on our continent, continues to fascinate and that is why we have compiled this list,” said Lolade Adewuyi, chief strategist at CampsBay Media.

“We have tried as much as possible to gather the top African pop and sport stars into the list in order to show their influence across the three key social media platforms of Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. We hope that the Power Report will be an annual ranking to gauge their growing impact as well as enable market planners and researchers to see the possibilities inherent in their influence.”

Personalities from 12 countries are represented on the list with the top 10 places filled by Akon, Salah, footballer Didier Drogba, Moroccan stand-up comedian Gad el Maleh, South African comedian and TV show host Trevor Noah, Cameroonian footballer Samuel Eto’o, Moroccan actor Jamel Debbouze, Nigerian singer Davido and South African actress Charlize Theron.

On the African Social Media Power Report: Top 50 are 13 actors/actresses, 14 singers, nine rappers, eight footballers, four comedians and two music producers/DJs.

The post Wizkid, Davido, Tiwa top Social Media list appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Coming back after being sponsors of last year’s edition, Legend Extra Stout has been announced as sponsors of the 2018 edition of TV reality show Big Brother Naija, which began on Sunday, January 28, 2018.

Tagged ‘Double Wahala’, this season of Big Brother Naija features 20 housemates from diverse backgrounds living together in the same house for 12 weeks and competing for the grand prize of N45 million and a brand new SUV.

Legend Extra Stout is the sole sponsor of Saturday night parties in the Big Brother Naija house, a segment which remains wildly popular with both viewers and housemates, and features some of the best DJs in Africa.

“For the Legend Extra Stout brand, last year’s Big Brother Naija “See Gobbe” was quite rewarding,” said Oluseun Lawal, Brand Manager, Stout, Nigeria Breweries Plc.

“It was a delightful experience for both viewers at home and all the housemates. This year 2018, we are eagerly looking forward to an even more exciting season for our customers with our sponsorship of the ‘Double Wahala’ edition.

“Our goal is to always outdo past performances, and this is guaranteed in the new season of BBNaija. We will be giving out surprise gift packages to viewers who follow the show. There is also the Saturday night entertainment that doesn’t just serve contestants, but also millions of fans watching from their homes. We also plan to host evicted housemates at our Lagos headquarters upon their arrival, and treat them to a proper Legend reception.”

The post Legend extra Stout to sponsor Big Brother Naija Double Wahala appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Tobi Bakre has been crowned the first Head of House in the on-going Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) 2018 reality show.

The housemate emerged winner of the tasks given to all the contestants by ‘Big Brother’, popularly addressed as ‘Biggie’ yesterday.

The head of house challenge was split into two; the first part was carried out on Sunday after the launch while the second part took place yesterday.

After the fake eviction of the six housemates who could not get bed spaces, ‘Biggie’ announced the first task which involved padlocks.

The “ninjas” had entered the house with locks and keys and each housemate was told to pick a key.

The two housemates who could open the locks won Sunday’s task to qualify for the next round of the Head of House tasks.

Ifu-Ennada, who opened the first padlock and Cee-C, who got the second one were asked to keep the keys and the padlocks for the next round of the task.

Yesterday, Big Brother brought together the winners of the first Head of House game with the lucky six who had been part of the ‘fake eviction’.

The coordination skills of the housemates was put to test in the second task, with the mission of building a balloon tower in just 15 minutes, which appeared to be fairly simple.

Tobi emerged as the winner, having built the tallest balloon tower of all.

As part of the treats for the title, ‘Biggie’ also invited `Kabiyesi’ Tobi to choose a housemate to share the lottery bedroom with. Cee-C volunteered to share in Tobi’s luxury.

Passionate about photography and football, Tobi hopes to spend his cash prize on helping friends and acquiring properties should he emerge as the eventual winner of the show.

Tobi, who is the youngest of four siblings, graduated from the University of Lagos.

The post BBNaija: Tobi becomes first Head of House appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Just few weeks after dropping his comeback single, Korede Bello’s ‘Melanin Popping’ has hit the number one spot on music app Boomplay.

The ‘Godwin’ crooner announced this to his 2.9million instagram followers on Sunday with a video showing the single in a Boomplay background.

“#Melaninpopping #mavin records” he wrote.

The song which was dropped on the same day as the video already has 115,000 views on YouTube.

owever, the Mavin artiste is currently working on a new single titled ‘Celebrate’ with his official Dj, Dj Turbo D which will drop soon.

The new single, produced by Young D, is Dj Turbo D’s first single since he pitched his tent with Mavin Records.

The post Korede Bello’s new single hits top spot on Boomplay appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Bruno Mars pulled off a clean sweep of album, record and song of the year categories at the 2018 Grammy awards on Sunday night, upsetting odds-favourites Kendrick Lamar and Jay-Z to take home the evening’s three most prestigious awards.

The 24K Magic singer won all six awards he was nominated for, while Lamar went home with five and Jay-Z, who had the most nominations of any performer with eight, was left empty-handed.

The night reached a towering emotional summit when Kesha, joined by Cyndi Lauper, Camila Cabello, Andra Day, Julia Michaels and members of the Resistance Revival Chorus, performed her ballad ‘Praying.’

The performance was the culmination of a years-long comeback for the singer, who accused the producer Dr Luke of sustained emotional abuse and rape and was involved in a protracted defamation suit with him. Kesha was introduced to the stage by Janelle Monáe, who gave a rousing call for the music industry to do its part in ending sexual abuse: “Just as we have the power to shape culture, we also have the power to undue the culture that does not do us well.”

Lamar, the second most nominated artist of the night, kicked off the ceremony with a medley of songs from his album ‘Damn’. Lamar, who has nabbed a nomination in at least one category for six consecutive Grammys, was joined by Dave Chappelle and Bono, who features on Lamar’s song ‘XXX.’

“The only thing more frightening than watching a black man be honest in America is being an honest black man in America,” said Chappelle, who returned to present Lamar with the award for best rap album, in a preamble to the rapper’s performance.

The ceremony was not without its gimmicks, too, most notably a recorded segment that featured the host James Corden auditioning various celebrities to narrate the audio version of Michael Wolff’s bombshell book ‘Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House.’ John Legend, DJ Khaled, Cardi B and Cher all made cameos, but none were more surprising than that of Hillary Clinton, who read a line from the bestselling exposé aloud, much to the chagrin of the UN ambassador, Nikki Haley.

Former presidential candidate and Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, read alongside Cardi B, DJ Khaled, Snoop Dogg, Cher and John Legend, all took jabs at President Trump.

The comedy skit was set around Grammy host James Corden having the stars audition for a role reading the book in order to win next year’s award for Best Spoken Word Album.

In the pre-taped bit, Clinton’s face was masked at first by the controversial book, but after she lowered it, she was met with a ton of applause.

For Clinton’s excerpt, she read about Trump’s fast food fetish saying, “He had a longtime fear of being poisoned. One reason why he liked to eat at McDonalds. No one knew he was coming and the food was safely pre-made.”

Many of those attending walked the red carpet with white roses to honour the victims of sexual abuse, a piggyback off the Time’s Up pin badges celebrities wore to the Golden Globe awards this month. A group called ‘Voices in Entertainment’, led by Meg Harkins of Roc Nation and Karen Rait of Interscope Records, spear headed the initiative.

“As we are inspired by the #TimesUp campaign, we are encouraging the artists that we work with and our colleagues attending the 60th annual Grammy awards in New York City to wear a white rose to the ceremony,” wrote the women in an email. “We choose the white rose because historically it stands for hope, peace, sympathy and resistance.”

Bringing to an end an evening sprinkled with moments of protest was a powerful performance by Logic and Alessia Cara, who dedicated their song ‘1-800-273-8255’ to those who had attempted or lost their lives because of suicide.

The post 60th Grammys: Bruno Mars, Kendrick Lamar win big; Jay-Z shut out appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Nollywood actress Nora Nkiruka Ugo who died at the weekend has been described by a close associate, Kabat Esosa, as “a calm, quiet girl who did her best for her craft.”

Esosa who is obviously heartbroken by the actress’ demise recalled: “She was an actor on my set of “HUSBANDS OF LAGOS” and a friend of over a decade.”

Esosa who broke the news on a social media forum made up of top film industry stakeholders said the late actress had battled an unknown ailment for a while.

This was just as fellow actress Ruth Kadri recalled that the Ugo was an amiable personality.

According to Kadri who poured out her thoughts on Instagram: “…You were that girl that made my life change. You were that girl that made me laugh a lot you where that girl that I got so mad at. You where that girl that was friend to all.”

Although Nkiruka had been ill, Kadri said she had remained strong towards her last moments.

“I spoke to you last week. You were the strongest sick person I know. I’m hurt by your death. My head still aches. Wish death was a thing that could be undone.” Kadri said.

Apart from featuring in Esosa’s films, the deceased was also a regular face in the television series produced by Emeka Osai, she had featured in Chris Ekejimbe-directed musical video entitled Heavy Weight Champion by Dr. Fresh, featuring 2Face. Nkiruka is seen in the video in a red top and camouflage mini skirt.

“OMG! @ Kris…I sent her to you,” recalled another filmmaker, Madu Chikwendu. “I know she got married few years back…She could not have died of natural causes…She should be in her mid 30s,” he said.

Corroborating his colleagues fond memories of Nkiruka, director Kingsley Omoefe said: “Ha! Ever reliable Nora! Easy going and very friendly. Rest in peace my friend and colleague.”

The deceased last birthday was May 24, 2017 as recorded on her Facebook account. In a ‘Feeling thankful’ mood, she shared a sultry photo, saying “a very big thanks to God Almighty for making me add yet another year to my age. Many people started the race with me but got knocked off half way…but God Almighty made me see this wonderful special day in good health and peace. What more can l say than to ascribe all honour glory and adoration to his holy name. Through Christ our Lord…..Amen…Happy Birthday SupaDupaNora……”

Three months later, Nkiruka who may have been hit by an ailment said on August 10, 2017: “Thinking of resurrecting dat SupaDupa Nora.”

A source told The Nation that the actress may have died of blood clot and severe fibroid.

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The game began in earnest for the 20 contestants who entered the Big Brother House on Sunday, and hitting the ground running was Tobi Bakre, a University of Lagos graduate, who became the first Head of House (HOH).

The next three months is that of a life full of expectations for the 20 contestants who, apart from the total package of N45million (N25million prize money, an SUV among other juicy offerings) will get the rare attention of the world.

Tobi appears to be having this first attention as winner of the tasks given to the contestants by ‘Biggie’. The HOH challenge was split into two; the first part was carried out on Sunday after the launch while the second part took on Monday.  After the fake eviction of the six housemates who could not get bed spaces, ‘Biggie’ announced the first task which involved padlocks.

The coordination skills of the housemates was put to test in the second task, with the mission of building a balloon tower in just 15 minutes. Tobi emerged as the winner, having built the tallest balloon tower of all.

As part of the treats for the title, ‘Biggie’ also invited `Kabiyesi’ Tobi to choose a housemate to share the lottery bedroom with. Cee-C volunteered to share in Tobi’s luxury.

Just as many though the first romance experience would start with this two, Miracle and Nina were the surprise, as the shared the first kiss in Big Brother Naija 2018 House.

They were seen sharing a passionate kiss in the shower, just before the camera could pan away.

Thus, Tobi, Miracle and Nina made the first imprint on this year’s BBNaija.

The much anticipated show kicked off on Sunday with 20 contestants – 10 males and 10 females – who made their first appearance during the opening live show in Johannesburg, South Africa, where they shared the spotlight with show host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu who prodded them on what they will be offering fans in the next three months.

The crowd of Nigerians in the studio, added pep to the night of expectations, as fans were eager to know which celebrity was among the contestants. Nonetheless, the 20, appeared all savvy and ready for the challenges ahead.

The third in the series, this year’s show parades names like Vandora from Edo State; Nina, 23 years old from Owerri, Imo State; Teddy A; and K Brule.

The first instruction from Ebuka was for each housemate to pick a number from the glass bowl. “Look for a bed that matches the number picked and wait for further information, “he said. Hence, the first set of four housemates who are reality show newbies walked into the house together.

After a short interval, the second set of four – Alex 22 years old; Dee-One who said he is in a serious relationship and portrayed some comic traits; Princess,  25 years old; Miracle who is ‘single and available’ – took their turn on stage.

Next was the third set of four. They include Bambam from Ogun State; Ahneeka; Rico Swavey and Bitto.

Ahneeka is ‘going to look for love in the house.’ She says love comes in different ways, and she is just ready to explore. Bambam wants to do everything possible to win, Rico is single and is from Jos, while Bitto who is wearing his mum’s wedding band says it helps him to stay focused.

The ceremony was spiced with music performances by Mayorkun and Kiss Daniel.

The fourth set of four who were introduced as young entrepreneurs include Khloe, a fashion designer; Ifu- Ennada who is looking for drama and madness; Angel, a male with an unusual name and Leo, who says he wants to build low cost housing for his people.

When Mayorkun returned, his hit song, ‘Che che’ made great interval, just as Kiss Daniel’s ‘Yeba’ got many dancing in the live studio, as he closed the show.

The last set of four includes Anto, Cee-C, Lolu, and Tobi.

Although a game of gradual elimination, it is not clear yet how many more housemates will join the show in the twists that are bound to follow.

Tagged ‘Double Wahala’, housemates are expected to showcase enviable personalities as proudly-Nigerian brands.

The three-month period of unscripted drama is being broadcast live to 45 countries from Nigeria through East, West and Southern Africa on DStv’s channel 198 and GOtv’s channel 29.

Nigeria’s online retail store, PayPorte has returned to the show as headline sponsors for the second time.

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