President Goodluck Jonathan, today, formally launched the N50 commemorative notes and non circulating coins, as part of activities to mark Nigeria’s 50th independence anniversary.
The new note is expected to exist side by side with the old one, while the coins will serve as souvenirs during the anniversary.
The launch was done during a brief Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, which lasted for just about 48 minutes, and was presided over by the president.
While speaking at the occasion, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, stated that the new note, which is designed to commemorate the anniversary, is obviously the same with the circulating N50.
The only difference, he noted, is the addition of the 50th anniversary logo, a gold iridescent band, and a goodwill message written in varnish.
“The new note will circulate side by side with the existing N50 polymer notes. While some of the commemorative coins are produced in 22 carat gold, others are gold plated silver.” - Courtesy NEXT
Filmmakers across Africa can now submit entries for the seventh edition of the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), organisers have said.
A statement from the Africa Film Academy (AFA), which organises the annual film festival, disclosed that the 2011 awards ceremony will hold on April 9.
Interested filmmakers should submit feature, short, documentary, and animation films for the 30 categories of awards available.
Tony Anih, director of administration of AFA, disclosed that organisers decided to invite entries early to encourage filmmakers who are still working on their film to finish before the deadline of December 31.
“The 2011 awards is for films produced and released between December 2009 and December 31, 2010. Late entry will close January 7, 2011. But we have always encouraged filmmakers to avoid the late rush by submitting their works ahead of time,” he said.
Films to be submitted for the awards must be a director’s cut and must not contain adverts, stated Anih. He added that feature films must not be more than 120 minutes, while short films must be 50 minutes.
The synopsis, list of credits, marketing stills, filmographies of the directors and producers, 10 DVD copies, proof of right to submit, and year of copyright must also be indicated on works to be submitted.
Filmmakers in the Diaspora are also not left out as AFA has announced the Best Africa Film in the Diaspora and the Best Diaspora Short Film Awards categories.
To mark the 50th Independence Day anniversary of Nigeria, MTV base is going Naija-crazy with a dedicated weekend of Nigeria. It will be a celebration of contemporary Nigerian music with a special ‘I Love Naija’ themed long weekend running from 1-3 October.
I Love Naija will see MTV base paying tribute to Naija’s finest contemporary musicians with a schedule packed top-to-toe with Nigerian music, artists, interviews and more. Highlights of the ‘I love Naija’ weekend will include the following:
* A special Naija-themed edition of DJ Takeover, hosted by Naija legend DJ Snypes, official DJ to 2Face. Premiering on Friday 1 October at 22:00 CAT, DJ Takeover Nigeria sees DJ Snypes deliver his own mash-up of the finest Naija music videos from the last 5 years.
* Story of SeUn Kuti – an intimate portrait of one of Nigeria’s most intriguing music stars (15:45 CAT on Sunday 3 October)
* Leaders of the Nigerian Nu Skool – an MTV base special focusing on the Nigerian hip hop scene at 21:00 CAT on Sunday 3 October
* A rundown of Naija’s Top 20 Best Videos – 18:00 CAT, Saturday 2 October
* A look back at the 2007 MTV/MTN VJ search which launched Cynthia Okpala to TV fame
* A retrospective on BNC Fashionably Loud, the fashion-and-music spectacular on Sunday at 22:00 CAT
* Classic episodes of MTV base Spotlight featuring Styl Plus /Positive Black Soul and 2FACE/Lebo Mathosa.
For MAMA fans anticipating the 2010 awards in Lagos, there will also be a screening of the 2008 MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain from Abuja, Nigeria on Saturday 2 September at 20:00 CAT, and a glance back at the Road To Mama – Lagos on Sunday 3 September at 19:00 CAT.
Later in the month, Naija music fans can look forward to the premiere of a mammoth new music collaboration featuring Dbanj, Eldee, Naeto C, MI, Wande Coal and Banky W on an as-yet un-named track commissioned specially by MTV base and produced by Eldee. The music video of the track, directed by Clarence Peters, will air exclusively on MTV base for a month starting mid-October.
Last but not least, from mid-October, MTV base will also debut Base Select, a hot new interactive weekly request show hosted by MTV VJ Cynthia C-VON Okpala.
Three years after her groundbreaking debut album, Asa is set to release her second work come October 25th. The album is titled Beautiful Imperfections and features 12 tracks listed below:
1. Why Can’t We
2. Maybe
3. Be My Man
4. Preacher Man
5. Bimpé
6. The Way I Feel
7. OK OK
8. Dreamer Girl
9. Oré
10. Baby Gone
11. Broda Olé12. Questions
The pictures for the album cover were taken by award-winning French fashion photographer and music video director, Jean Baptiste Mondino. He is popular for shooting videos for Madonna, Lenny Kravitz, Keziah Jones as well as Sting.
For all ya'll waiting for this time you need not wait no more, MY LAGOS ENT. can authoritatively tell you of the official release of TIMIX's single just close your eye's
TIMIX is one of Nigeria's youngest rapper, who appeared in the scene late 2009 and ever since his appearance he's been working on puting out a formidable single/mixtape cum album as learnt from his management.
just close your eyes features NOSA, a gospel and conscious act whom hit Nigerian and foreign airwave with the song; always pray for you.
TIMIX was in 2009 introduced to the micworx team by beneath ogbeiwi of the project fame acaademy, hence he has been produced by smyl & bigfoot @ (micworx) and managed by blanks creation.
as we speak the timix promotional CD has made its official break on major radio and media outfit all around Nigeria...
Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie speaking at the TEDGlobal 2009 conference ties in quite nicely.
She starts by telling a story about how as a child all the books she read were from the US and the UK, and so when she started writing herself, everything she wrote was about “white people with blue eyes, snow, apples, and the weather.” Adichie goes on to relate how her college roommate had pretty warped expectations for her (like “How did you learn to speak English so well?”).
What I love about this talk is the way in which it really brings home the danger of assuming things are they way we alone have experienced them, and the perils of generalizing.
It’s disturbingly common to hear people talk about Africa as though it were a single country or even a small state. Those who think for a second know that this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, Africa is both the second-largest and second most-populous continent on Earth—besting even North America. What this means is that there is incredible diversity of ethnicity, religions, languages, climate, population density, modernity, and politics (among other things) across the region. For instance, Lagos, Nigeria—the location of Fela Kuti’s Shrine nightclub (and the setting of much of FELA! on Broadway)—has a population that nearly rivals New York City (and even a not-too-dissimilar skyline to boot!).
So, stop and think before you write Africa off as a big jungle where dark-skinned folks dance around naked with bones in their noses. Cause it’s not. And you’ll look like an asshole to anyone who knows better.
If you like the talk she gave above, definitely check out Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s recently-released book of short stories, The Thing Around Your Neck.
This following story shows how Fela had a lot of integrity and always stood for the truth. This happened in the early 80s when Fela was going on his first Italian tour. The Italian Communist Party who were paying for his tickets invited him. Before they left Nigeria he had a meeting with everyone that was traveling, 70 of them, and said no one should carry igbo (that is, grass or marijuana). Everyone acknowledged this information.
The next day they were to board the plane and everyone except Fela had arrived at the airport. Anyone who knew Fela well knew he was late for everything and if you said, “Fela you are late,” he would say, “If I was late, I would be in the cemetery.”
I digress, back to my story. Everyone had checked in and had boarded the plane. In those days, there was no fear of terrorism, so when Fela did not get to the airport in time they sent everyone off the plane but the the luggage remained.
Fela was getting to the airport and when he saw the plane taking off without him, he could not believe it. The Airlines were more flexible then so their tickets were endorsed to go on KLM and they took the next flight out to Italy.
Meanwhile, I had gone ahead and was waiting for them at Malpensa Airport, when the Promoter found out Fela and the others were not on the plane but their luggage was, he said he would wait for the luggage while I went ahead to the house.
While I was waiting in the house, ID (one of the Young African Pioneers)* called to say they were in Amsterdam and would be coming in later if they could get a flight, then disaster struck. The promoter called from the airport to say 47 kilos of igbo had been found in Fela’s group luggage, and I should warn Fela to go straight back to Nigeria if he called. I was in shock. The promoter had a large igbo tree growing in his flat. He promptly told his wife to destroy it. He made my cousin and I, who had been staying at his place, leave because the police would be looking for anyone with the surname “Kuti.” I was so young then, I was so scared, but I knew Fela would never have done that.
When Fela found out what had happened, he could not believe it. He promptly assembled the whole group and asked them who had packed 47 kilos of igbo. Some confessed to having little amounts of it in powder dispensers, toothpaste tubes, things like that. Fela exclaimed he was not looking for a little igbo mixed in with powder, he was looking for 47 kilos! While the people argued back and forth, one of Fela’s wives heard some others whispering suspicious things, warning each other not to confess, and generally acting quite guilty. She said, “Fela, I’m hearing some things that I can’t understand here, I think you should question these people.” Fela called them to him and questioned them. They confessed that an American girl, Susan, who had been abandoned by her husband and was living in Nigeria, (and whom Fela had helped support and was trying to help get back to the United States) had given some of the wives eight suitcases lined with grass. Fela found this unacceptable. He called Susan and questioned her. Susan confessed everything to Fela. What she did not know was that my mother had planted a recorder under the bed and got the whole confession on tape.
Once Fela had that confession on tape, he said he was going to Italy. The promoter tried to dissuade him, but Fela did not agree. When the group got to Italy, they were thoroughly searched by police but they let everyone go to the hotels. (We were staying in two separate hotels since Fela had missed the flight.) We had our first show that night. The next morning, the police raided us. They searched all our rooms and manhandled some of us. Fela was in his room with one of his wives when they got there. Fela refused to put any clothes on and did not allow the wife to dress up either. His wife accepted a towel offered to her by the police, but Fela insisted on going completely naked since that was how they found him. They jailed Fela for seven days and the rest of us had to stay in a hostel. It was terrible, but Fela stood by his guns and insisted it was not his grass. He gave them the tape with Susan’s confession on and in the end they let him go and arrested Susan. We were in the papers every day, wandering around Italy for a month, selling Fela’s CDs to get money to eat as the authorities had seized our passports.
If you are wondering if Fela stayed naked – yes he did – he said later that he was Shakara,** but one of the prison wardens realized he was cold and gave him some clothes!
The point of that story is that he knew he was innocent and rather than run away like a coward he chose to face the music and became one of the if not the most popular African Artist in Italy till date.
Needless to say the communist party dropped Fela. Susan was released after a couple of weeks and was sent back to the States. What made me proud of Fela was that he stood by his guns.
~Femi Kuti
* A group of young African minds formed and registered by Fela to change the political climate in Nigeria.
It's still the Nigerian music industry, and it's yet the hit maker sideone, once again this new entrant into the list of hit makers have proven to fans that his first single 'one by one' was'nt a fluke. Haven shot his first video with Dj tee'sideone decided to pitch his tent with clarence peters, the prolific and highly dominating video director as far as music video's in Nigeria is concerned.
Hi, I’m J.J. Brown, an official FELA! Ambassador, and this is the story of how I became a part of the prestigious FELA! family: A few months ago my best friend Danny got married, and I was honored to be his best man. He is a serious drummer and a fan of the fine arts, but he had only ever been to one Broadway show, so I thought it would be a fitting surprise to him for all the groomsmen to take him to sit front row at FELA! on Broadway.
Our trip to the Eugene O’Neill theatre the night before his big day was a huge success, as he was thoroughly impressed with the energetic portrayal of Fela’s life story. For me, it hit home even harder . . . as an urban music producer, I pride myself on originality through creativity, and that famous chant, “Original No Artificiality” stuck with me well beyond the next day’s proceedings.
I’m a newlywed as well, and a few weeks later it was my new mother-in-law’s birthday. I once read that an experience makes far more of an impact than a traditional physical gift, so I came up with the idea of taking her and my father-in-law to the show.
I was back in the Eugene O’Neill theatre, which has been successfully re-imagined as Fela’s famed Afrika Shrine Nightclub, for my second viewing of this phenomenal production. The next day I received an email about the FELA! Ambassadors program, a grassroots campaign to promote this award-winning production.
I spend a large portion of my time promoting the artists I work with, in an attempt to make the general public aware of creative frontrunners, who work hard to change the current landscape of cookie-cutter celebrities. To put it plainly, my parents filled my childhood with an uncanny amount of exposure to the notable happenings on the Great White Way, and pairing that with my current career, I felt compelled to join a situation that would put me right in the middle of spreading the word for a cast and crew that has every right to be heard. The Tony Awards did their part in recognizing this powerful artistic force, and so could I, given the chance. I jumped at the chance to be a part of the FELA! Ambassadors program.
I have now seen the show a few more times, I’ve met the cast and the show’s producers, and I can honestly say that there has never been a group of more genuine artistic folks who have found the respect they deserve on the world’s premiere stage. From the sound engineers, to the dancers, to the spotlight operators, this show is comprised of amazing people who not only do a proper service to Broadway, but also to the legacy that the late great Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Fela, “he who carries death in his pouch” has earned his place on the Broadway stage. His spirit will never die.
Now another music legend, Ms. Patti Labelle, is joining the cast as Fela’s mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti.
Do yourself a favor and experience this life-changing event! You can use my discount code FEAMB05for steep ticket discounts.
Chidimma Ekile has emerged winner of the keenly contested season 3 of the MTN Project Fame.
She was announced winner on Saturday at the competition's finale, which took place at the Optima Studios in Lagos, Nigeria.
Ghananian, Kesse Frimpong, emerged 1st runner up, with Eyo Eminue grabbing the 2nd runner up spot, while Yetunde Orijah was named 3rd runner up.
Surprisingly, Tolu Aadesina and Ochuko Ogbu-Sifo, who were crowd favourites, came fifth and sixth respectively.
With this win, Chidinma Ekile becomes the 1st female winner of the MTN Project Fame music reality show. The business promoter and student drives away with a Toyota Rav4, 2.5 million naira, and a record deal.
Kesse won a Toyota Corolla and 1.5 million naira; Eyo, whose win came as surprise to many, won a Toyota Yaris and a million naira; while Yetunde, aka Omo Ibadan, won a million naira.
The star-studded finale saw a scintillating performance by Mo Hits artist, Dr Sid, who performed his hits; "Pop Champagne" and "Something about You" to the delight of the audience. The search for the winner of the MTN Project Fame West Africa started 10 weeks ago with 18 hopefuls vying for the coveted star prize.
Past winners of the reality show, which began three years ago, include Inyanya Mbuk and Mike Anasodo.
The movie red carpet premiere will be on September 29th , 2010 at the Genesis Deluxe Cinemas at the Palms. A few of the invited guests areObi Asika(CEO Storm Records), Naeto C, Sasha, Sauce Kid, YQ, General Pype, Richard Mofe Damijo, Rita Dominic, Patrick Doyle, Sammy Okposo, Jafextra, Jedi, Basket Mouth, Lynxx, IKON, Dj Tee, Dj Neptunes, Tosin Matins, J Martins and many more stars. The film will begin showing AT THE GENESIS DELUXE CINEMA IN LEKKI AND OZONE CINEMA IN YABA FROM OCTOBER 1ST 2010.
Shot in the US, and first premiered in April, 2010 in Bethesda, Maryland, D’Comeback is set to be showing in Nigeria from October 1st 2010, after the exclusive premiere on September 29th. The movie is a fusion of dance, drama, action, romance and comedy loosely based on the biblical character David with a modern twist. It showcases the life of David, who through extraordinary leadership is able to influence the lives of many and gain their support and devotion. The film reveals that the biggest challenge of man is the fight within, against his own lust and pride. According to Prominent Cease Entertainment (PCE) the producers of the movie, the aim of the outfit is to produce good movies that will pass a positive message to the people. Prominent Cease Entertainment is an entertainment company with a Christian foundation and a focus on bringing acclaim to the Nigerian and broader African Entertainment industry. The company is involved in scriptwriting, acting, music production, animation, marketing and business strategies.
The soundtrack by PCE Crew (a talented group of artists currently taking the Nigerian Music Industry by storm), contains hit songs like “komole and elevate.” (look below this post for sample tracks).
DANGEROUS MEN is a thriller by GuGu E. Michaels, an accomplished filmmaker who has worked as a director and producer on a number of commercial and independent projects including the feature films "Thugz", "Repentance" and "Dangerous County". He has also helmed a number of campaigns for retailers like Cadillac, Lamborghini and Porche. Prior to co-founding New Era Pictures, Michaels served as president of Dallas based Redrumm Records and worked with such artists as hip hop giants UGK.
DANGEROUS MEN will start showing at Silverbird Cinemas from October 15, 2010.
Nigeria's brand new dancehall sensation 'PASHA' will this october thrill his audience at the prestigious koko-lounge, @ the silverbird e-center yaba. He would be featuring alongside friends at thewax lyricall hosted by rapper loosekaynon.
The event have in the past seen many A-list Nigerian act grace it and this indipendence edition comes with a lot of flair and some lyrical dancehall pageantry.
Pasha's lyrical style and demeanor cum patois evolve the new jamaican dancehall.
Interest to note that pasha is currently under the Micworx production team.
Nigerian movie producer and director, Lancelot Imasuen, is set to premiere his latest work, “Home In Exile” in Benin City, Edo State on September 26. According to Imasuen,”Home In Exile reveals the inherent selfish nature of man.
It exposes how humans extol tradition when it favors them and abhor it when it comes against us. The movie also exposes how selfish humans can get in acquiring wealth while relegating need for human development to the back ground”. The event will be hosted by the Edo State commissioner for arts and culture, Abdul Oroh and supported by the Edo state House of assembly through its representative, Patrick Osayimen.
D'Comeback hits Nigeria cinemas
D'Comeback, a movie produced by a group of Nigerians based in the United States, hits the cinema on October 1st. D'Comeback showcases the life of David, who through extraordinary leadership is able to influence the lives of many and gain their support and devotion.
Shot on location in the US, D'comeback was produced under Prominent Cease Entertainment, an outfit with a Christian foundation that focuses on bringing acclaim to the African entertainment industry. According to Wale Odusanya, spokesperson for Prominent Cease Entertainment, "As Africans in the Diaspora, he says, we seek to bring critical acclaim to the African movie industry by producing movies that go against the current norm: our movies will have good sound quality, interesting story line, good acting and send a positive message to our community".