Sauti Sol Headlines Gidi Culture Festival
The East African Afro-pop singing sensation, Sauti Sol has promised Lagosians an unforgettable experience at the GidiFest2017. The Easter weekend will definitely be explosive at GidiFest2017 as the group have expresses utmost excitement to visit Nigeria and also to be a part of the festival. Originally from Nairobi, Kenya, the group is known for their popular hit tracks; Nerea, Black Uniform,Sura Yako, Lazizi, coming home and more. The powerful vocalists that make-up the group include: Bien-Aimé Baraza, Willis Chimano and Savara Mudigi. Initially in an acappella group, guitarist Polycarp Otieno joined before they named themselves Sauti. Gidi Fest 2017, is bigger and better, with added features all working together to create that seamless experience of urban youth culture. The organisers have promised to provide an environment to “explore your taste palettes with a wide variety of carefully selected food vendors, enjoy adrenaline pumping activities, and live music set to make your body move.”
GBENGA ADEYINKA GOES LIVE WITH LAFFMATAZZ
Comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka who is known for taking his shows to south western states is back on the scene again with the 2017 version of the city wide show, Laffmatazz. Season seven of the show will take quality entertainment into three cities, Abeokuta, Akure and Ilorin.
Laffmatazz was borne out of a deep desire to bring comedy in its raw form to the people of Western Nigeria. The comedy show has proven to be the biggest of its kind outside Lagos based on the statistics from all the states toured in past years. The show in total has been witnessed by over 50 000 people.
In over six years of its existence, the comedy show has promoted the big names to the local community while also promoting the local community via the Laffmatazz platform and providing an opportunity to network with the biggest stars in Nigeria.
The show convener, Gbenga Adeyinka, one of the popular comedians in Nigeria with the moniker, Grand Comedian of the Federal Republic has promised that the 2017 edition of ‘Laffmatazz with Gbenga Adeyinka and Friends’ will be the biggest and the best. In over six years of its existence, the comedy show has packaged and presented top notch premium comedy entertainment to the people of Osogbo, Ibadan and Abeokuta.
SONIA AIMY DISPLAYS NIGERIAN SPIRIT
Sonia Aimy may have shifted based from Italy to Canada, but her musical prowess remains excellent. The evidence of this is her latest work, Nigerian Spirit. The piece of work shows that her soul truly belongs to Nigeria and African, despite her world outlook.
Nigerian Spirit is the first single from her forthcoming album of the same title, which is expected to hit the market in the coming months. She has released the video of the single, which is making waves across the world through major social and electronic media, including You Tube.
The single is a narrative about Nigeria comments on the religious, socio – cultural, economic, human capital development, political inertia and the damage to both the psyche of the people and the land by Boko Haram insurgents as well as the heavy toll massive corruption and abuse of office have had on the country.
Sonia captures this so well in these lines (lyrics) from the single: ‘‘The reality about my childhood is that there was no Boko Haram, no fake pastors and juju priests. Leaders are even more corrupt now. There is just too much confusion.’’
The Canada – based Nigerian musical artiste took the audience way back to the moral and cultural sanctity of the traditional society, the days where children were taught good morals and etiquette through moonlight tales by their forebears and how all of that have given way to modernity with its attendant cultural influences, which has brought socio – cultural
implosion to the fabrics of the society.
The video of the single aptly captures the sensation and tumbrels of emotions that she wants conveyed so as to drive home the essence of her message. Her voice texture, carriage and pitch and of course with the subdued tonal inflection, all added to the beauty and delivery of this music as she in her sonorous and velvety voice carried through the combination of soulful, afro jazz, highlife, as well as traditional African folklore in the mode of a groit and contemporary music, which have been the hallmark of her music, delivered a world music and performance for the entertainment and didactic purpose of the audience.
SHODEX GARDENS GETS E-LEARNING FACILITY
Shodex Garden, a relaxation hub in Anthony Lagos has become more attractive to fun seekers in more ways than one. The maze of beautiful flowers and sculptural pieces has endeared many but its new e-learning facility is something to experience.
Recently, City Profs Academy set up a new e-library at the Shodex Garden where many children mill around on weekends and holidays. The creation of the e-library marked the 10th year anniversary of the educational institution which had as chairman, Governing board, late Prof. Grace Alele-Williams.
The City Profs Academy is currently being managed by three dynamic men namely Oluwole Oshiyoye, the coordinator; Bright Echendu, the executive secretary and Tony Biyi Boyede of the Theatre Centrik fame who is the creative consultant of the Academy.
At the launch, Olushola Adeleke, MD Shodex Beautification Landmark Ltd, was the cynosure of all eyes as guests arrived in trickles to enjoy the artistic scenery and the eco-friendly ambience of the garden.
In attendance were notable Nigerians such as Chief (Dr.) Ernest Shonekan former Head of State of Nigeria who was represented by Prof.
Kofi Duncan and Alhaji Lateef Jakande the first Executive Governor of Lagos State, and his wife.
The courage of Adekoya, is applaudable. His initiative has transformed the once unsafe under-bridge, Anthony area to a garden of laughter, wonder and artistic expression. In his address, he thanked CPA for the great honour done to him and the Shodex family to witness the twin occasion of the unveiling of the Legacy: Dame Obafunmilayo Johnson Vocational Skill Acquisition Initiative and the official commissioning of the Shodex Garden e-library to commemorate the 10th anniversary of CPA.
Queen Zainab Oyinkansola Adeyinka, Brand Ambassador of the Lizzy Adams Initiative was invited to speak on the challenges of the girl-child. The 11 year-old ambassador unabashedly spoke on the problem and challenges of the girl-child and the possible solutions to it.
GOD’S CHILDREN GREAT TALENT SEASON 7 BECKONS
If the stellar performances of past winners of God’s Children Great Talent (GCGT) reality show recently at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos were impressive, then Season 7 promises to bring more fireworks.
Not a few of the guests gathered at the announcement of the new season were awed by the vocal magic of Sisan Kpere-Diabo (2014 winner), Praise Olorunsuyi (2015 winner) and Onome Enakarakpor (2016 winner). With music and spoken word, they transported their audience into a spiritual realm and received a standing ovation for their outstanding talents.
Known for discovering and rewarding exceptional talents in children and teens from age 5 to 20 years, the show has grown to become a household name in the family entertainment in the country. An initiative of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David Parish,
the show identify and celebrate talents in music, comedy, dance and spoken word.
For its seventh season, the organisers raised the ante by announcing that the reward prize is a N10 million cash prize, a brand new car and management deal worth N250 million naira. Auditions will be held in Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt while registration closes on April 9.
Also unveiled at the press briefing are the host and judges of the season. Ty Mix, Kaffy and Omawunmi are the judges while Uti Nwachukwu and Ayo Thompson returns as hosts.
Speaking on the increase in the reward prize, the organisers revealed that it was to create more awareness of the programme.
“We are really thrilled to be unveiling the 7th season of GCGT. Nigeria has some amazing talents waiting to be discovered and nurtured. It will be of great pleasure to reward the winner of this year’s season finale with the grand prize of N10m, a brand new car and a management deal worth N250m,” said Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, Head of RCCG Apapa Family.
They projected that in the future, one of the winners of the competition will emerge a Grammy winner.
In partnership with the HOW Foundation, this year’s competition will be produced by one of Nigeria’s leading events production company, Livespot, in collaboration with UKbased OHTV and televised on partner stations in Nigeria and UK.
The grand finale will hold in June at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
EFIZZI, NAKENOHS HOST ALL FEMALE ALTERNATIVE MUSIC CONCERT
Efizzi Worldwide Entertainment Company, a leading entertainment company in collaboration with Nakenohs Blvd, a lifestyle mall located within the serene high brow atmosphere of Bank Road Ikoyi, Lagos is organizing an Alternative Music concert on Easter Sunday April 16.
Some of the six selected artistes include Temi Dollface, Falana, Moyeen, Aramide, Evelle and Dania Bada
All the musicians billed to perform at this maiden edition are female artistes whose genre can be classified as alternative music. Explaining the choice of artistes, the promoters described it as a bid to highlight the importance of women in the music industry in Nigeria today. These musicians are markedly bold enough to stray from the norm of contemporary afro-pop music to create a smooth seductive mellow groove of their own. In choosing this music style, the promoters want to reach out to music aficionados who are yearning for a different sound as opposed to the monotonous cacophony that presently pervades our country’s music scene.
INSIDE AZUH ARINZE’S THE CEO BIBLE
Seven years after the release of his first book, ‘Tested and Trusted Success Secrets of the Rich and Famous’, Publisher of Yes International! magazine, Azuh Arinze is set to present to the public his second book ‘The CEOs Bible.’
The book is a compilation of 90 interviews of CEOs in different fields conducted by the author.
A former editor at the Encomium Magazine, Azuh revealed that he has a strong passion for writing and made it a duty to write a book every five years. He however will not like to be described as a commercial writer.
Drawing from his vast experience in journalism, he embarked on his most ambitious project, writing the CEOs Bible. Over 250 interviews were conducted, out of which 90 made it to the printer. They were selected based on the industry, relevance and achievement. Apart from few exceptions, all the CEOs interviewed had at least 10 years life span of running their businesses. The book cut across different genres. “There is something for everyone. We have people in the entertainment industry, medical, politics, public service, even clergymen in this book.”
If you ask Azuh what inspired him to embark on this journey, he will probably tell you that he loved interviewing CEOs, which is the gospel truth. He said he draws a well of knowledge from these individuals who have consistently shown that you don’t need to be a millionaire to be successful.
“Just understand the principles of business. I have been inundated with stories of people who fail in their businesses. So this book is geared towards inspiring young people to be advocates of success, and helping individuals who are seeking practical answers on how to start, sustain and start out in business. Thus, its name the CEO’s Bible because you will find answers and guidelines on how to be successful in your business.”
Some of the people interviewed include the Publisher of City People Magazine, Seye Kehinde; ace comedian Ali Baba; Mavin Crew artiste Tiwa Savage; Brand and Advertising guru Steve Babaeko; politician Jim Nwobodo and Pastor Helen Ukpabio of the Liberty Gospel Church.
The book will be presented to the public on Friday, March 24 at a star-studded event.
KUNLE AFOLAYAN APPOINTED TO BOARD OF LAGOS ARTS AND CULTURE
Prolific filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan has been appointed into the Board of Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture.
In a letter signed by Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, the filmmaker was touted as a man of integrity, selfless service with past records of impressive performances.
“In approving your appointment,” Bello said, “due cognizance has been taken of your integrity, selfless service and past records of impressive performance. I, therefore, have no doubt that you will bring your wealth of experience to bear on your newly assigned responsibility and continue to justify the confidence reposed in you by His Excellency, the Governor.”
Attached to his letter of appointment was a copy of the “Code of Conduct for Political Appointees in Lagos State Public Service which clearly highlights the expectations of Government in respect of the job.
The appointment was effective March 6, 2017.
It was clear from the social media post of the filmmaker, released on Thursday, that he (Afolayan) has accepted the offer.
He said: “It is time to serve the people. I am pleased to announce that I have been appointed as a member of the Board of Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture with effect from 6th of March, 2017.”
The appointment came few days after he wrapped up production of his three new movies; ‘Roti’, ‘Omugwo’ and ‘Tribunal’ – all shot within 40 days, in partnership with Africa Magic.
‘Omugwo’ is due for cinema release on April 7, 2017, while ‘Roti’ and ‘Tribunal’ will be released on June 30, 2017 and July 17, 2017 respectively.
WHOSE MEAL TICKET IS IT?
Award-wining Nollywood actress, writer and producer, Grace Edwin-Okon is out with another thought-provoking flick, ‘Whose Meal Ticket’, starring industry’s best such as Akin Lewis, Ngozi Nwosu, Uti Nwachukwu, Shaffi Bello, Lisa Omorodion, Tana Adelana, Femi Durojaiye and Iyke Nnabuife among others, and having Kehinde Omoru as Executive Producer.
Grace has come of age in the production of ‘edutainment’ flicks, through which she mirrors the society’s different strokes. She noted that this new story idea also came handy, given that Omoru, a nurse, is enamored of educating people on health tips.
“The Executive Producer, Kehinde Omoru asked me to work on the story because she has this idea of making films that have ‘edutainment’ appeal, such that people can watch it and learn a thing or two. And being a nurse, her own area of education is health tips. As a matter of fact, this is the second film I’m making for Kehinde; the first one is called ‘Deeply Cut’, which is about Hepatitis B,” said Grace.
She described ‘Whose Meal Ticket’ as a film “that can be termed as drama with slight use of comedy, even though a lot of people would say when they saw it, they loved it and had a good time laughing because of the characters that we have in the film. It’s an intriguing story. It also has some health tips with regards to diabetes and it also talks a little bit about active charcoal.
“I strongly believe that audiences will love the film. They will sure come out of the cinema laughing, and I really look forward to getting amazing feedbacks from the Nigerian and African audience.” She said.
In ‘Whose Meal Ticket’, Lisa Philips (Lisa Omorodion) is hell bent on regaining her family’s lost glory, encouraged by her mother, Mrs. Philips (Ngozi Nwosu), with the advice of devious wiles and strategies of using what she has to get what she wants.
This is just as Mrs. Disu (Shaffy Bello), wife of the rich and influential Lagos socialite Chief Disu (Akin Lewis) battles diabetes. Testing her blood sugar level daily is painful, effortful and potentially damaging. However, in ‘Whose Meal Ticket’, she does it with ease that dispels the phobia for diabetes, proving that you can suffer symptoms like frequent thirst, frequent urination, slow healing wounds, mood swings and fatigue associated with diabetes and still grasp life with zest.
Life would have been ‘hunky-dory’ with the Disus until Lisa’s push into them opens the curtain to social issues like neglect, jealousy, conspiracy, connivances and duplicity that often plagues the rich.