Beyonce is queen of Grammy Awards

Pop star Beyonce has won six Grammy Awards at the prestigious US music ceremony in Los Angeles. Going into the night with 10 nominations, her awards included song of the year and best R&B song, both for Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It).

Twenty-year-old country star Taylor Swift picked up four prizes, including the coveted album of the year title. The Black Eyed Peas, Jay-Z and Kings of Leon all picked up three trophies each, while Lady GaGa and Eminem won two.

Beyonce's haul set a new record for the most Grammys won in a single year by a solo female performer, and takes her career tally to 16. Her other awards this year included best contemporary R&B album, best R&B female vocal for Single Ladies and best traditional R&B performance for At Last, which she performed at President Obama's inauguration.

She also won best pop vocal performance for Halo. Accepting that trophy, she said: "This has been such an amazing night for me and I'd like to thank the Grammys. "I'd like to thank my family including my husband, I love you," she said, referring to rapper Jay-Z.

Michael Jackson's children Paris and Prince accepted a lifetime achievement award on behalf of the King of Pop, who died last June. "Daddy was going to perform this year," 11-year-old Paris told the audience. "He couldn't perform last year. Thank you and we love you daddy."

The Black Eyed Peas won best short video for Boom Boom Pow and best pop performance by a duo or group with vocals for I Gotta Feeling.

Jay-Z's track Run This Town, featuring Rihanna and Kanye West, was named best rap song and best rap/sung collaboration, while he also picked up best rap solo performance for DOA (Death Of Auto-Tune). Fellow rapper Eminem, meanwhile, won best rap album for Relapse and best rap performance by a duo or group for Crack A Bottle, his comeback collaboration with Dr Dre and 50 Cent.

French dance star David Guetta won an award for best remixed recording for When Love Takes Over. "Finally the DJ culture and the dance culture is growing in America," he said.

BBC

Book Feature: Nona David – Feddie Girl

As a prospective novelist, I believe that I know what a grand novel can be. Feddie girl, by Nona David is a well plotted novel with real stories précised from a background of Nigeria. Having grown up in Nigeria, there are many untold stories on the streets and households of Nigeria that would astound the world. The British colonial masters once said, ‘we have no stories because they were never written.’ Today, our stories are now wholly written and constructed and Nona David has showed it again in her novel- Feddie Girl.

Although I didn’t attend a Federal school in Nigeria, but I now understands what it is to be called a ‘feddie girl.’ For those of you who attended Federal Government colleges in Nigeria, this novel should be a must read!

Book Title: Feddie Girl: The Hilarious Adventures of an American Teen in a Nigerian Federal School

Author: Nona David

Publisher: Bernard Books Publishing, Ohio, USA [ https://bernardbooks.com ]

Publication Date: February 2010

FEDDIE GIRL is an international adventure/thriller about the experiences of an American teenager in a Nigerian (West Africa) boarding school. This novel offers a unique reading experience--witty, fun, and exhilarating. The masterful suspense, action, and sub-plot will curl your toes, keep you reading all night, and leave you thirsting for more.

Back Blurb:

Carlotta Ikedi (A.k.a Feddie Girl) has never liked school. Not in California. Not in Oklahoma. When her exasperated parents ship her off to boarding school–in West Africa–Carlotta faces a life, culture, and existence unlike anything she’s ever known.

School rules and regulations, rising bell, lights-out, manual labor, inspections, dining time, prefects, punishments, mean bunkmates, and visiting days–it’s all here. But author Nona David takes Carlotta’s story a step further when her adventures lead to unfortunate incidents that threaten to drive her American family into the clutches of infidelity and organized crime.

Reviews and praise for "Feddie Girl":

~ I highly recommend the memorable and intriguing book Feddie Girl: The Hilarious Adventures of an American Teen in a Nigerian Federal School by Nona David, as a coming of age tale that takes on fairy tale proportions. Author Nona David weaves a fine story of character, friendship, and triumph over adversity. --Wayne Hulbert

~ FEDDIE GIRL is an adventure that will have you laughing until tears roll down your face, gasping in shock, or shaking your head back and forth, unbelieving what is happening. Character building, world development, and seamless writing have Nona David on the path straight to the top. --Wendy Hines

~ It is interesting to learn of the different cultures and behaviors, especially of teens. The colorful characters will keep you turning the pages, and I enjoyed the very fitting ending. --Jill Page

{The full reviews and Excerpts of the novel are given on https://bernardbooks.com/gpage.html }

Author Bio (Also available on https://bernardbooks.com/profile.html ):

Nona David currently lives with her husband in Cincinnati Ohio. She has a passion for foreign cultures and zeal to visit new places, learn new languages, and experience new things. Her background, friends, and experiences in Nigeria, West Africa is the major influence for her debut novel, FEDDIE GIRL.

Nona loves to read and believes every reading experience should be fun and exciting. Her target audience is mainly females between the ages of 13-55; and anyone who simply enjoys reading quality fiction.

Where to purchase:

1. From the Publisher: https://bernardbooks.com/links.html
{Currently offering a 'Buy one Get One FREE' Promo}

2. From Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com

3. Also available in Nigeria

Artist feature - Nneka

Nneka is one artist that inspires me. Her songs are always lyrically rich and you will definitely press the replay. I remember the first time I heard one of her hit tracks from YouTube 'Africa,' and I knew she could be the next Lauryn Hill? Nneka was not a popular name in Africa, when compared with likes of D'banj, P-square and others. But, that ended on the night of 2009 MOBO awards; she clinched the Best African Act Award.

Reelblack sat down with Nigerian recording artist NNEKA on the eve of the release of CONCRETE JUNGLE, her first collection of songs to be released in the US. In this exclusive clip, she ruminates on the power of music and the meaning behind her work. Already touted by Rolling Stone, Nneka is an artist to watch in 2010. Camera by Craig Carpenter. Special thanks World Cafe Live.

Nneka's timely and poignant song, "The Uncomfortable Truth" has been named as iTunes' Single Of The Week offering the track as a free download starting today through February 1st. The song is the lead single from the singer/songwriter's US album debut Concrete Jungle, which will be offered exclusively on the iTunes Store during that same time period for just $6.99.

Click on image to buy album

Having released three previous albums in Europe and beyond, Nneka's music has been heard and loved by hundreds of thousands of fans across the globe. Admirers within press and music circles continue to grow. In a recent blog entry, Perez Hilton introduced Nneka to his readers explaining that her music "is a gift to the world."

Having been declared by both Spin and Rolling Stone as one of the best new artists in 2010, Nneka is set to bring her message of hope and truth to the United States while embarking on her upcoming Concrete Jungle Tour on January 27th. Her first US release stands as an offering of love, hope and optimism dedicated to the people of Warri & the Niger Delta of Nigeria, and the US is ready to embrace that message and it's messenger with open arms.

Nneka's first US album, Concrete Jungle will also be available on iTunes exclusively this week for $6.99.

Concrete Jungle Tour Dates
  Jan 27        San Francisco, CA @ Red Devil Lounge
  Jan 29        Los Angeles, CA @ Hotel Cafe
  Feb 2         New York, NY @ S.O.B's (Official Release Party)
  Feb 3         Performance on David Letterman
  Feb 4         Cambridge, MA @ Middle East
  Feb 5         Philadelphia, PA @ World Cafe Live
  Feb 6         Baltimore, MD @ Sonar Club Stage
  Feb 8         Birmingham, AL @ WorkPlay Theatre
  Feb 9         Atlanta, GA @ Vinyl
  Feb 11        Nashville, TN @ 3rd & Lindsley
  Feb 13        St. Louis, MO @ The Gramophone
  Feb 14        Chicago, IL @ Double Door

www.worldcafelive.com www.nnekaworld.com Nneka's music available on Itunes and Amazon.com

IJE - the Journey (Official Trailer)

Format: 35MM
Directed and Produced by: Chineze Anyaene
Produced by: Paula Moreno
Director of Photography: Keith L. Smith

Starring:
Genevieve Nnaji
Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde

Cast:
Odalys Garcia
Ulrich Que
Jeff Swarthout
Clem Ohameze

Judge awards ₦100m damages to Uzoma Okere

Justice Opeyemi Oke of the Lagos High Court sitting in Igbosere has awarded ₦100 million in damages to Uzoma Okere who was assaulted by four officers of the Nigerian Navy on November 3, 2008.

Ms. Okere sued Rear-Admiral Harry Arogundade, the four naval ratings in his convoy whom she said beat and stripped her on the stated date, when she refused to leave the road for the convoy.

As part of the judgement, the court also asked the respondents to write a letter of apology to the claimants, which must be published in at least four newspapers within one month of the judgement.
***

Source: 234next.com

This is a positive news from Nigeria. At least nobody is above the law in Nigeria. The high court should also make decision on our presidency.

Quote of the Day

“You are the one responsible for your own image. America is not going to start saying good things about Nigeria! Nigerians have to say good things about Nigeria!” 

--Tuface Idibia

The world's SECOND pregnant man

A trans-gender couple have revealed they are expecting their first baby in a month’s time. Scott Moore - thought to be only the second ‘pregnant man’ to go public - is due to give birth to a boy in February, with husband Thomas by his side.

The couple were both born girls and have undergone surgery to transform their sex.

Expecting: Scott Moore, pictured with husband Thomas, is due to give birth next month to a boy. The couple - who were both born as girls - live in California

Scott, 30, who is legally married to Thomas because he still has a female birth certificate, says he is eagerly looking forward to giving birth. They have decided to call the child ‘Miles’.
‘We know some people will criticize us but we are blissfully happy and not ashamed,’ Scott said.

The couple, from California, already have two children - Gregg, 12, and Logan, 10 - who Thomas had with a previous female partner.

Complete News

Boom! Avatar Beats Titanic

Immediately I saw this movie on 3-D, I knew it will beat Titanic's record soon.

If the HMFIC should lose on Oscar night, at least he'll have another $1.843 billion in box-office receipts on which to dry his tears. Early yesterday, moviegoers with nothing better to do on a Monday helped James Cameron's Avatar beat James Cameron's TitanicAvatar has Titanic's international record beat by $50 million, which means it's still $50 million short of that movie's domestic one (though that record, too, should fall sometime this week). If you're wondering just how much raised-priced ticketing played a role in all this, the answer is a lot: Avatar is still only history's 26th highest-grossing domestic movie with inflation factored in. Even so, with these dollars, Cameron can just make Zoe Saldana an Oscar himself out of unobtainium. History's top-grossing film worldwide, as it stands.

OJO MADUEKWE ON BBC'S HARDTALK (FULL VIDEO)

 Ojo Maduekwe is Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs.

HARDtalk - Chief Ojo Maduekwe Nigerian Foreign Minister @ Yahoo! Video

Video: D’Banj – Fall In Love

 I believe this is not the Official Video.
Texts from Notjustok's blog:
Sesan (official Mo’Hits Director) just reached out and these are his exact words
“LOL… wow!

I’m seeing this for the first time.
I think some guys over in South Africa shot this!  

The official version is coming soon

Manchester City Ready £100 Million Offer For Liverpool Star Fernando Torres

The tabloid claims that City chiefs are prepared to exploit the current financial difficulties at Anfield in order to tempt the Spaniard to Eastlands.

If the deal went ahead, 25-year-old would also become the first Premier League star to net £200,000 a week in wages should he join City.

The club's owners are reportedly so impressed with new manager Roberto Mancini, that they are willing to back him with a massive marquee signing should he steer City to a top four finish and Champions League football next season.

Should Liverpool fail to reach the much coveted Champions League places this season, then City could well try to tempt Torres with the attraction of playing in Europe's top club competition.

Torres has been in scintillating form at Anfield ever since he arrived in July 2007 from Athletico Madrid. Liverpool's number nine has scored 12 goals this season and 50 in just 63 Premier League starts.

Goal.com UK

Football pictures from Africa

Argentinean football Diego Maradona is greeted on Tuesday by South African children during a visit organised by World Cup organisers to a school north-west of Pretoria.

Angolan football fans watching their country play from a barber's shop.

Africa's football fever at the on-going Nations Cup.

Pictures from BBC

Kanye and Amber

A candid set of Kanye and Amber during Paris fashion week. I don’t know exactly what show they are leaving in these pics.

 

 

 

Talk With Funmi Premieres

We're delighted to announce the launch of TalkWithFunmi.com and doubly excited to be able to finally announce the air date for Talk with Funmi.

The website at www.TalkWithFunmi.comis about more than just the TV show. Yes you'll be able to get access to all the latest exclusive clips, sneak previews of the show and watch full episodes online. TalkWithFunmi.com is also a community, a community of like minded travelers in life, and like all good communities it allows you to share with your friends.

A Nigerian just won an international award; The New Yorker is the first site to publish it. There's a crisis in Jos--and there it is--'Nigeria is on fire' only in The London Times. Our offshore president has been away on an 'unconstitutional' sick leave, and he thinks the only 'appropriate' avenue to talk to over 150 million Nigerians is the BBC.

 The colonialists first said we didn't have a story because it wasn't written. But that's not true, we had our storytellers; we had children gather every evening to listen to folktales and sing songs. Those were our stories. Things have changed; our stories are now written but here is still the question--for how long will we allow our stories be told by others? For how long will a story coming from outside the continent make it look real? When will Africans start telling their own stories?

Talk With Funmi will premiere exclusively on DSTV's Africa Magic channel at 7pm on February the 7th 2010. So cancel your appointments and prepare to watch an entirely new type of programme.

Timi Dakolo feat. Jesse Jagz – I Love You (Video)

Brand new video from West African Idol winner Timi Dakolo feat. Jesse Jagz. Loving it. Vid is directed by Bobby Boulders and features cameo appearances from Zara, Ice Prince & Lami. Pretty funny at some points. Enjoy!!

Directed by Bobby Boulders ,Styling Yetude Alabi and Hauwa Mukan
Cast: Timi Dakolo, Jesse Jags,Ice Prince,Zara,Lami

 

Artist Feature: “Brand New Day” by Jumbo Aniebiet

Born in his native country Nigeria, Jumbo Aniebiet who goes by the stage name Jumbo moved to the United States in 2003 to pursue his passion - Music. The multi-talented artist, like every kid in his neighborhood, wanted to attend college someday and become an engineer. He learned how to play the Harmonica at age 6 under the tutelage of his father, who also is a song-writer. Even his fathers musical influence could not derail his dream of going to college.

Jumbo began performing with numerous Afro-Soul artists like South Africas Huge Masakela, and Nigerias Queen of Soul Yinka Davis.  He finally stepped into the music scene with the release of his debut album this summer titled Brand New Day- a move which will thrill his growing fans across the music world.

 The album is a stunning creating laced with a fusion of Soul, R&B, Hip-Hop, Jazz and Gospel. Against a backdrop of exquisite eloquence, high-energy guitar playing, melodious vocals and heartfelt lyrics, the thirteen track album delivers a riveting combination of rhythmic tinge that bears testament to his African roots.
The album release marks, marking a huge stage in the career of the multi-talented singer-songwriter, who is mostly known for his ability to play the trumpet.

Jumbo has said of his work: African music, now more than ever, has gained notoriety around the world. In an era where Hip-Hop and R&B are rooted firmly in African music, I simply borrowed from that to provide a different dimension to African Music. It shows that our kind of music is adaptive. It is here to stay and I am proud that I am able to tell my own story in a different way using the foundations laid by the likes of Fela Kuti and todays artists.

"Music ascends me to a place where I can tough Gods design for me. The sound of my trumpet brings me to my mothers presence. Though she is long gone before I could show her what Ive become, my music keeps me close to her. Music is something spiritual. Through music, I can channel pain and joy; my regrets, disappointments and hope to something positive."

Visit his website for more about him and his album

Rich kids joyriding in Abuja City

I was amazed when I saw this video, in a country where more than 70% of the population live less than a dollar a day. You will be surprised that joyriding exists in Abuja like in many other cities of the world. But how could people afford to indulge in such a dangerous senseless act in Nigeria, a country where majority of the people live in poverty. 

Video: Tosyne – This Party

Full extended version Of the east London playerlistic finest Artist Named Tosyne's aka Koko. Most anticipated Official Music video called "This party" 2009 has been sweeping the city of London for the past few weeks.  Watch out for this extremely talented artist with his flawless flows and swag..
Video directed by Full Clip Films

ALSO

Video: Femi – Never Felt A Love

 Femi Adeyinka is a US-based Nigerian R & B artiste that’s now signed to Kennis Music. 

 

deleted

I deleted this post due to high traffic it is getting from Google search!

A Race Against Time

 The title gingers expectations for a straightforward film with a few scenes, minimal diversions and an organic plot but these are dashed after two hours of a highly enjoyable flick. Maybe if Tim the landlord (Kenn Taylor) had allowed Obinna (Lucky Ejim) to swallow his cocktail of pills in the opening scene (Lucky Ejim) perhaps it would have boiled down to a simple denouement. But fortunately both trade favours ushering the audience into a black hole of lies, incest, deception and familial intrigues. This is not left to them alone as a sprinkling of stars litter the film.  

 The plot revolves around Obinna- one of the numerous Nigerians in Canada seeking greener pastures. He has been given 30 days by the immigration authorities to leave the country or risk being deported. His leaving will amount to failure as his impoverished family in Nigerian have invested all they had in his foreign sojourn in the hope that the garb of poverty will be lifted from their backs- A ray of hope which came after his father’s sack from the railways and his endless search for a job that never came.

 Sadly the hopes have given way to a string of unfortunate events, the latest being his discovery of his girlfriend hopping into bed with another man. This caps his misfortunes and he decides to end his woeful existence. He is on the verge of killing himself when his dilemma comes to the attention of his chain-smoking Canadian landlord during a routine demand for the month’s overdue rent and both strike a deal that will benefit both of them.

RIHANNA ON RESCUE MISSION FOR NIGERIAN ATHLETE

America pop queen, Rihanna has announced her involvement to help get a bone marrow donor for a Nigerian born athlete in the United States of America. Seun Adebiyi the athlete who is getting Rihanna’s love and sympathy at this time is a Yale Law graduate. He was recently diagnosed of leukaemia and as such he would be prohibited from competing in the 2014 Winter Games.

Adebiyi forwarded a letter to Rihanna stating his deplorable situation. Also, he wanted Rihanna to assist by using her superstar status to get peoples attention to his condition. Immediately she received the letter, Rihanna reportedly sent words that she would be interested in getting him all the support he needed to bring smile back to his face.

Rihanna was born 21 years ago in Barbados. She moved to America when she was 16 to pursue her music career under Evan Rogers. She launched her career big time when she got a contract with Def Jam after a several tests with then head, Jay-Z.


Today, the award winning artist who once dated co- music star, Chris Brown, has launched big time into the American Entertainment industry. At the moment, she is head over heels in love with Matt Kemp, a baseball player. Her song ‘Umbrella’ was for many weeks on top charts all over the world. She has performed in different parts of the world including Nigeria.

(click to watch a video of Seun’s plea)

Quick facts on Seun Adebiyi

• He graduated from Yale Law School in June 2009.
• He was born in Nigeria 26 years ago.
• He is vying to become the first Nigerian to compete in the winter Olympics
• He was diagnosed of the ailments last year after graduating from law school
• He currently undergoes chemotography at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New-York.
• Lymphoblastic lymphoma is a form of cancer that affects the lymphoid tissue which includes the lymph nodes, spleen and other organs of the immune system.
• Stem cell Leukemia is a progressive malignant disease of the blood-forming organs marked by distorted proliferation and growth of Leukocytes and their precursors in the blood and bone marrow.
• Both conditions lead to death.

Joseph Yobo and Adaeze Igwe speak on their love

Adaeze Igwe and Joseph Yobo spoke exclusively with Abiola Aloba of Encomium magazine about their love story.

We would like to know your love story. How did you guys meet? Was it love at first sight?

Joseph Yobo “I think it was love at first sight. After we met, we became friends and later we found out we had something special and strong for each other. It was not one of those frivolous affairs. We knew we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together. I believe I fell in love first and made the first move. But maybe she had fallen first and only just pretended not to be. But later she confessed.

Adaeze Igwe “When we first met, he kept staring at me that I almost thought there was something wrong with my outfit. Apart from that I can not really explain how it happened because we were both at how fast everything has happened.

Some have speculated that pregnancy might have been the reason for the quickness and hush nature of your wedding. Could they be correct?

Joseph Yobo “When I came to Nigeria for the summer, I had only intended to stay for a short time as I usually do, but then I met Adaeze and we fell in love. So, I spent the whole of my summer holidays in Nigeria, which I’ve never done before. To show how serious my intentions were, I even met with her family to assure them that she was in safe hands. Her mom immediately approved the relationship so we took it further from that moment onwards. It was never because of pregnancy. We have always talked about having a child together and had even joked on how beautiful the baby would look. But we could not do the wedding before now because of the nature of my job and also because of Ada not being around as she had a tight schedule in school. We wanted it special and the night of December 31, 09 was the only time all our family members were going to be around. After the date, I am going to be very busy at work till July 2010.

Adaeze Igwe "I can’t understand why that speculation would come up. I know in this modern world, people don’t get married because of pregnancy and apart from that, I am still very young to rush into marriage because of pregnancy. Meanwhile we had concluded other forms of marriage before the church wedding, though we had kept that to ourselves.

Some are of the opinion that Adaeze might still be too young and not experienced enough for the rigours of matrimony.

Adaeze Igwe “I don’t think I’m too young to get into marriage. I know that by the grace of God, I can handle it. Age is only but a number. I have realised since I met Joseph that he is all I want in a man and he’s my best friend. So there’s nothing to worry about. We learn every day.***

texts from Linda Ikeji

Nigeria Comic Strip

Cartoon Credits to nigeriansfornigeria

VIEW POINT: The Nigerian Market Place

I recently watched an American football game in a large stadium filled with sport loving Americans. The excitement and passion I saw on everyone’s face strained me in trying to understand the game. The referee blew his whistle almost every 10 seconds. Either a rough tackle or some other fouls had been committed. I wondered how Americans enjoyed the game with all the regular stops. Even though I didn’t enjoy the game because I couldn’t understand the rules on a short time, the American unifying strength I observed during the game unexpectedly entertained me. I began to wonder if these weren’t the individualist Americans. The serious minded people I would see in the street and that cared about pursuing personal goals. At the field of play, they were collective for fun and to win. My American friend that invited me paid for my bottles of beer at the pub. His team won, I know. On usual days, we must individually pay for our beers. I later explained to him about the different Americans I saw during the match. His answers marveled me and there I began my thoughtful journey back to Nigeria. ‘The American football is a unifying metaphor in America. It unites all kinds of America no matter your individual pursuit or achievement,’ he said. 


I began to think of Nigeria, the country I grew up loving. What would I call the Nigerian metaphor? Ask any Nigeria this question; her/his answer would quickly be ‘soccer’. I can’t forget the lovely Nigerian people on the day we won the Olympic gold in Atlanta. People, who weren’t interested in the soccer game, couldn’t overlook the celebration of Atlanta 1996. But in determining a metaphor for a country, I would credit football to the British who brought the game to us. Football has a long tradition in Europe. Football has a long tradition in Europe. It is more than a century old in the European continent. In the European history, the game brought the idea of a friendly travel from one location to another. Even till today, football clubs and their fans travel from one city or country to another. Is that travelling passion for sports present in Nigeria? My answer will be ‘no’. READ MORE


Photo originally uploaded by Alun John

Joseph Yobo and Adaeze Igwe's wedding pictures

Super Eagles Vice Captain and Everton FC defender, Joseph Yobo and former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, Adaeze Igwe are married. They got married on New Year's day, January 1, at about 3.30 a.m. at the Evangelical Bible Outreach Ministries International (EBOMI) Prayer City, Jos, Plateau State.

The low-key wedding was attended by only a few close friends and family members of the couple and Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang and top government officials. Enjoy pictures below. Picture credits to Linda ikeji