Nicole's Gossip
Sunday, 6 May 2012
LADY GAGA SPLITS WITH VAMPIRE DIARIES STAR....
Lady Gaga has reportedly split from The Vampire Diaries star Taylor Kinney. The pair are said to be taking "a break" from their ten- month romance as the Marry The Night hitmaker embarks upon a 110-date world tour. Talking to US Weekly, a friend said: "There's just no room for anything else... Her work is all-consuming." But according to a source, Kinney "was never that attentive to her". The insider added: "Taylor was all about himself, a typical actor, and didn't completely get Gaga." However, according to the mole, the relationship was never going to be a long one: "She loved that she got this guy who everyone thought was hot! But it was never going to last." Kinney and Gaga were first linked in September 2011 following the singer's split from long-term boyfriend Luc Carl the previous May. Speaking about their break up last summer, Gaga said: "I've really never loved anyone like I loved him. Or like I love him… That relationship really shaped me."
BELLA NAIJA'S SATURDAY INTERVIEW WITH THE FIRST LADY OF RAP, FASHIONISTA.. ITS SASHA!
Sasha, real names Anthonia Yetunde Alabi is fondly referred to as “The First Lady of Nigerian Hip Hop” and for good reasons too. She shot into the limelight in 2001, at a time when Nigerian music didn’t have as much acceptability as it does now, but has remained steadfast in her career and has grown in huge leaps as one of Nigeria’s few female rap artistes. While in her first year studying Law at the University of Lagos, she caught the attention of music producer, eLDee and got her first record deal with Trybes Records. There she released hit tracks like “Emi le Gan”, “Work It”, “Oya” and her first album “Finally Here”. Now signed on to Storm Records, Sasha has continued to remain relevant and has blossomed into one of the biggest female brands in Africa. She is the recipient of several awards including Most Promising Female in Africa at the 2004 KORA Awards. Sasha is also the Creative Director of her own fashion label, Eclectic by Sasha which has recently emerged into a retail line. Stepping into Sasha’s apartment left me in no doubt of her deepest passions at first glance – fashion and music. Her apartment was neatly arranged with clothes from her fashion label displayed on a row of hangers and on a mannequin hung an unfinished gown which was already taking shape beautifully. Music, which was the platform that brought her into limelight was not relegated to the background as she proudly displayed her awards. We had a long chat on how she broke into the music industry over a decade ago and her interesting journey ever since. You’ve been keeping a low profile lately on your music career. What have you been up to recently? I took some time off to work on my clothing label, Eclectic by Sasha, to get the retail line out properly and the machinery working. I also have other branches of the retail line that I’ve been working on. I’ve created two fragrances of which one would be released before the end of the year. I also have a book which I’ve been working on and it’s an extension of my upcoming album, ‘Sasha Speaks’. A book? That’s interesting. Tell me about it… It has poetry and lyrics. Rap is rhythmic applied poetry. I’ve always had a love for poetry. I want people to be able to appreciate the lyrics that go behind the music as opposed to just music on beat. You mentioned something about fragrances. Are you coming out with your own line of perfumes? Yes. The first fragrance is called Eclectic. I mixed a note with Mystique Perfumery and I’m very excited about the smell because we worked over a period of five months going back and forth. Now I’ve learnt everything about base notes and top notes. I went through a whole process before I decided on the fragrance and I’m very happy with what I have now. The Early Years You are known in Nigeria as the “first lady” of hip hop, being one of the first few female rappers in the country. Tell me about your journey to this title… It really started as a hobby. I’ve always performed, danced or mimed since I was a toddler. I know that sounds very cliché but it is the truth. A couple of my friends when I was growing up were really into music, a group of boys, and I used to hang out with them a lot. Somehow, we got into the studio and I got my first experience of performing with an actual team. A friend also gave me the number of eLDee the Don and I called him up and I got a record deal two days after that and that is how I got signed so it became a professional job. eLDee must have been quite impressed. Tell me exactly how you got the record deal with Trybes Records back then… He initially asked me to freestyle but I don’t freestyle and I told him “I can’t freestyle but I can free write” and he said “what does that mean?” I said “give me a beat and I’ll write a verse and a chorus right here” because I had given him my demo and he didn’t like it. So I wrote my verse and I wrote my chorus and I left and two days later, I got a contract in my email and the rest they say is history. Out of all the genres of music, why Rap? People ask that question a lot but it’s what you are given that you use. I didn’t put my hand in some lottery and pick rap. It’s a God-given talent. It came natural to me. I had to learn to hone my skills and learn how to use it properly. Rap chose me. You’ve spent a long time in the industry. Some people come in and we hear of them for one or two years and they disappear but you’ve been in it for over a decade. How have you been able to keep up for so long? It’s the grace of God. I don’t have a formula. It’s just the confirmation of my dream that I’m in line with the purpose that God has for me because if you are doing what you are supposed to be doing then he is going to keep upholding you. What was the initial attraction for you; was it the fame or the money? It was just something that I was generally inclined to. My family is very musical so I grew up listening to all sorts of musicals, Sound Of Music, Jackson Five… and being the last of eight children, there was always some party or some ways to express myself. For me, it was just like stepping on to a bigger stage and I’ve always had this inner conviction that I have a message and I have to make a mark on my generation. Was it lucrative right from the very start? Anybody that says it was would be lying. The industry has grown in leaps and bounds from when I started till now. The fact that someone can release a song now and the next day in London, in America, everybody has heard it is a huge leap. When I was with Trybes Records, eLDee used to pay these street hawkers to carry our CDs. Then, nobody wanted to listen to Nigerian songs, let alone pay for it. The main thing is you have to be passionate about it first. It’s not a clear cut money-making scheme but it’s definitely very viable if it’s done properly. Did you grow up listening to a lot of Rap Music? It’s really strange. When Destinys Child started out, I was in secondary school and I used to be so excited and everybody would be asking “I thought you say you rap”. People expect you to listen to a particular kind of music but unfortunately, I’m not one of those people. I’m the cheesiest rapper you can find. I love R&B music. If I could sing, I would sing Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Brandy. But for rap music, the first real rapper that I got into was Tupac and I totally fell in love. Choosing music as a career must have been met with resistance for most parents around the time you started. But you chose an even different path, Rap. What were your parents’ initial reaction when you decided to Rap professionally? There was never an intial reaction because there was never a point when I came home and said “You know Mummy, I think I’m going to be a rapper”. It wasn’t new to anybody at home and when I started going to the studios, it was with my family friends so everyone knew. I remember when I wanted to do my SATs, it was about the same time I was starting my studio sessions so I took my SAT form money and paid for a studio session. My Mum was livid. But I always wanted to study Law and I didn’t move away from that so it wasn’t like I said I wasn’t going to school anymore. As a lady, did you feel odd, venturing into a field that wasn’t really common amongst Nigerian female musicians? It didn’t feel odd. I was used to being the only girl around the guys. I’ve always done a lot of things that were more male oriented so I felt right at home. Was it tough to get your music accepted into the mainstream of the Nigerian music industry when you started out? I’ve been blessed, I can’t lie. Fortunately for me, being on Trybes Records was a blessing. When we did the ‘Oya’ video, it blew up. People had never seen anything like it. We were speaking English, Yoruba and Pidgin mixed together; it was very fresh. The only challenge was that I was introduced to criticisms for the first time in my life and when my first album came out ‘Emi Le Gan’ it went bunkers. The acceptance was very overwhelming. Who were the artistes that inspired you, local and international? The artistes that inspired me at that time were Tupac, TLC, MC Hammer, Kris Kross, Fugees. Plantashun Boiz, Trybesmen, Tina (she’s late now). There was Blacky, Ese Agese, so many people that made Nigerian music look like so much fun. The Change Maker I understand you started you started recording songs even before you got into the University. Why did you choose to study Law? I’ve always wanted to study Law. I used to watch this series then ‘Jake And The Fat Man’. I got fascinated watching him in the court room, which really inspired me. I wanted to be a voice in my generation and I felt like for my voice to be respected, I needed to be part of the Law enforcement. After graduating, did you go on to Law School? No. I might anyway but I’ve already done some online courses on Mediation and I’m definitely looking into Alternative Dispute Resolution because I have a huge interest in that. The lyrics of your songs usually have insightful meaning. You sing about prostitution, AIDS, love, confidence… What informs the kind of songs you write? I just generally feel like everything should have a message. I feel if you have three minutes to say anything, at least say something worth listening to. When you look around this generation, you’d see that there are so many things that we take for granted but when we become leaders, we’d realize that these things we didn’t nip in the bud are actually serious so I feel I should use my music as a medium to say something. You were an active voice during the fuel subsidy protests in Lagos earlier this year, joining in the street protests. What informed that decision? At the time the subsidy was removed, I had started my fashion business and I was very affected by the fuel pricing. Until recently, my generation has been very complacent, we just complain, we don’t act but when I saw a group of young people, groups like Enough Is Enough, I felt like I needed to be out there. The first day, I missed the Ojota one but I went to Falomo and we were just about 20 people but by the fifth day, we had grown into thousands, marching around and it was very liberating to see that people were beginning to take control of their future. Do you have any plans to go into politics? I don’t think so. I just want to be a voice; I’m always going to speak my mind. You sort of paved the way for other female rap artists since your debut into the industry. How do you feel about rap music in Nigeria now compared to when you started out? To be honest, I think that there was a lot more creativity going on then. Everybody was just passionate about the music. There was a lot of intelligence then. I’m not saying there isn’t any now. If you hear someone like M.I. or Naeto C rapping, you’d see that there is a lot of intelligence in that but the songs are not as structured as they were back then. Nobody is trying to prove anything anymore because Nigerian music has sort of established itself. The difference is that music is more relaxing now, people are making happier music. The Fashionista Let’s talk about your fashion label, ‘Eclectic by Sasha’. When did you start designing clothes? I had always designed stuff for myself even while in school and people used to order when they saw my designs on me. I made clothes for students from other Universities. From then, I styled people for TV shows, award shows, red carpets so it has been bespoke for a long time. Who or what inspired you to go into fashion? My mother. When I was growing up, she had a fashion line called Poise Fashion. I had Barbie dolls and I used to take small pieces of cloth and make small clothes for my dolls and that is how the interest started. When I got into music and needed specific clothes for my videos like clothes for a Traffic Show or something like that, of course I couldn’t find such clothes to buy so I had to go to the market and start buying fabric to make stuff for myself. You’ve now crossed over from Bespoke fashion to building a Retail Line. How did this come about? The business side of it started officially in December 2011. I stocked at L’Espace. We started with a hundred items and we’ve had a good run so far. Retail has always been my dream. I’ve always wanted to be like Nigeria’s H&M or Nigeria’s Forever 21. I love retail fashion because I think fashion is something that helps you express yourself and I don’t think you have to break the bank to look good. And that is where Eclectic comes in. We have versatile clothing but at affordable prices. How affordable are your clothes? Very affordable. Really? How much is this dress you are wearing right now? This dress is just N11,000 Are all your clothes locally made? Yes. Ever since you made your fashion label known to the public, you’ve been placed under higher expectations with respect to the way you dress to public events. How have you been able to meet these expectations? I personally don’t live for anybody. I know it sounds a bit selfish but I think once you please God and you’re happy with your inner self, everything else will fall into place. Personal Interests & More What do you spend most of your time doing now, music or fashion? I juggle both. Even while I was establishing my fashion business, I haven’t stopped recording. I was in Kenya for a couple of weeks in March, recording for the album. I’ve already released about seven singles off the Sasha Speaks album and there is more to come. You have been romantically linked with Naeto C in the past. Was it a rumour or were you two actually in a relationship before? It was definitely a rumour. So who is the spark in your life now? I really don’t talk about my personal life But there is someone… I didn’t say that. I think it’s best to concentrate on what I’m selling which is the clothes, the music, and positivity. There is another round of rumours going round now that you are pregnant… I am so not pregnant. From the time the person ‘speculated’ it till now, I should be about five months pregnant if I was said to be three months pregnant then. I don’t think a baby is something you can hide and I don’t think it’s a bad thing. My mother had eight children so if I have a baby now, I think I’m old enough to have one, old enough to be in a relationship, old enough to be married so I don’t think any of these are things you should hide. But obviously it is better to be married before you have a child, it’s only proper. The only baby that I have right now is Eclectic by Sasha. Speaking of which, how old are you? I’m 28 but my next birthday is this month. What is the most disapproving comment someone has made about your designs? A while back, someone tweeted a picture of herself wearing one of my designs and there were comments of how it was a copy of one of H&M’s designs. I should be offended but I was actually flattered because what I have is a retail line and anyone who is familiar with retail lines would know that there are trends on the runway and designers or retail companies do their own versions of these trends and make them affordable for people. How far do you intend to take Eclectic by Sasha? I’ve been advised to take my designs to the runway but for now, I’m just focused on making Eclectic by Sasha a household name. We are going to release an online store from where anybody can order from around the world. We cater for sizes from 6 to 16. We are trying to go national and then international.
25 YEAR OLD MISS ISABELLA AYUK WINS THE MBGN PAGEANTRY!
Congrats to 25 Year Old Beauty Queen Isabella Ayuk who represented Cross River state as she was crowned as the 2012 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria just a few minutes ago. The 25th anniversary of the MBGN pageant took place at the Best Western Hotel in Benin, Edo State. The event was hosted by Toke Makinwa and Chris Okenwa. Despite stiff competition from crowd favorites, Miss Abuja – Ifeoma Umeokeke and Miss Rivers – Damiete Charles-Granville; Isabella emerged as the winner as she was chosen to represent Nigeria in the 2012 Miss World competition in Mongolia while Ifeoma Umeokeke will represent Nigeria at the Miss Tourism International Pageant and Damiete Charles-Granville will represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe pageant. As with 2011 winner Sylvia Nduka, Isabella Ayuk is an experienced beauty pageant contender as she had previously contested for the 2004 Miss Nigeria crowd. The 2012 MBGN receives a cash prize, a brand new Toyota Corolla from the Edo State Government and a N1,000,000 Cartier watch from Polo Limited. 2012 MBGN Prizes Best Traditional Outfit – Miss Cross River – Isabella Ayuk Miss Photogenic – Miss Edo – Mary Omoye Omobhude Miss Amity – Miss Taraba – Grace Onuoha Miss La Casera – Miss Gombe – Antonette Igebu Face of Select Pro – Miss Kwara – Tomilayo Salami
Thursday, 3 May 2012
SAUCE KID DEBUTS NEW HAIRSTYLE!! Are you feeling it?
Hardcore rapper Sauce Kid aka Sinzu aka Saucekibaba last night debuted his new haircut on microblogging site twitter, and he’s channeling Mary J Blige and Posh Spice with his fierce bob complete with blonde highlights and a middle parting. U better Werk! I no fit shout…it’s different to say the least…If he likes it I love it! Bet
MISS WORLD LEILA LOPES AT AVENGERS PREMIERE.., HAWTE OR NOT?
Check out current Miss World, Angolan Leila Lopes at the Tribeca Film Festival of Avengers …I think she looks super stunning and this would be how to stay fashionable yet casual when going to a red carpet premiere. Fabulous! The African beauty is rocking a cream colored long- sleeve jumpsuit, which she paired with celeb fave Christian Louboutin Exagona Sandals (yours, if you have $1,095 to burn). She finishes off the look with a gold necklace and a white/gold watch. Pure Class! Do you think she looks HAUTE or NOT
TUFACE IDIBIA SECRETLY MARRIES ANNIE MACUALEY IN PRIVATE CEREMONY..
super star Tuface Idibia secretly wed his girlfriend of 12 years/mother of one of his 6 kids Annie Macualay, yesterday in a Private Registry ceremony in Lagos. This came after the The Introduction ceremony which she’s also reporting to have held on May 1,2012 at Annies mother’s house in Ajah, a suburb of Lagos. Both ceremonies were only witnessed by close family members and is being kept very quiet (well until now) Congrats to these two! We wish them nothing but the best. Tuface isn’t holding back with his love for Annie…during his ‘Buckwyld and Breathless‘ concert, on Monday April 30th in Lagos, he surprised Annie by bringing her on stage during his performance of African Queen, sang to her on bended knee, handed her flowers and placed Benin traditional beaded crown (used mainly for Brides and royalty) on her head.
GAME ON! 7 AFRICAN CELEBRITIES,INCLUDING NIGERIAN POP ARTISTE GOLDIE TO BE AT THE BIG BROTHER STAR GAME!
With less than 3 days to go before the start of Big Brother StarGame on AfricaMagic Entertainment and DStv channel 198, the game has well and truly begun. Today (Thursday May 3), just 24 hours after three images of the newly designed house were revealed, came Biggie’s latest surprise…the news that 7 celebrity housemates would be part of the seventh season of Africa’s biggest reality TV show. With a USD 300 000 winner prize on the table and a new format that sees contestants doubling up to play, the 91 day super-series was already shaping up to be exciting entertainment but this latest twist could take the game to an entirely different level. But just who are the stars who will make their entrance when the show launches on Sunday May 6 at 20:00 CAT? Each a dynamic go-getter with headlines to prove their fame, if these seven personalities are not already continentally famous, then in a few days, they definitely will be: • Stylish entertainer, stand-up comedian and television pro DKB from Ghana (26) • Tough, talented rap icon Prezzo from Kenya (32) • Award-winning songstress Lady May from Namibia (25) • Boldly dramatic pop music sensation Goldie from Nigeria (28) • Famed socialite, model and businesswoman Barbz from South Africa (34) • Unforgettable, highly successful R&B diva Mampi from Zambia (25) • Unique and hugely popular, soulful musician Roki from Zimbabwe (27) For now, the names and ages of the celebrities is all that Big Brother has revealed. How they will play the game or fit into the doubles theme, still remains to be seen. One thing’s for sure…they are certainly going to bring a star-studded appeal to STARGAME! Commenting on the series, M-Net Africa MD Biola Alabi is pleased with the response it is getting. “It’s super to see the high level of interaction STARGAME is getting from fans, media and viewers. The guessing around who the housemates will be; people trying to work out what Biggie is planning; the rumors and the speculation; it all adds to the excitement. It’s great for the show to get this type of support from the Big Brother community who really do engage with it, even before it starts on air. I want to thank them and promise that we’re working hard to deliver a great series.
GLEE STAR DENIES PREGNANCY RUMOURS FOLLOWING COLLAPSE..
Glee star Amber
Riley has been forced to deny rumours that she is pregnant after she
collapsed on the red carpet earlier this week. The actress, who plays
Mercedes Jones in the hit TV musical series, dismissed claims that her
fainting was the result of pregnancy, diabetes or diet pills. Taking to
Twitter, she clarified: "Let me stop the rumour mill right now. I'm not
pregnant! Yes I'm black but I don't have diabetes. "I don't starve
myself to fit clothes; I buy clothes to fit ME not vice versa, I DO NOT
DIET; I eat right and exercise! I love myself waaaay more than I like
my career. "I would never ever put myself in harm's way to mirror any
"image". Come on ppl. Get a life. I did get a great laugh this morning
reading allthe BS though lol."
BEYONCE REVEALS BABY WEIGHT SHIFTING DIET SECRET...
Beyoncé has revealed the
secrets behind her amazing weight loss following the birth of baby Blue
Ivy in January 2012. Contrary to popular belief, the Love On Top singer
did not put herself through a brutal training regime or a crash diet
after the birth of her first child, and instead chalks her
transformation up to sensible eating, gentle exercise and breast
feeding. "I lost most of my weight from breast feeding and I encourage
women to do it; it's just so good for the baby and good for yourself,"
she told People magazine. "I counted calories. I worked out maybe three
to four times a week. I did a lot walking in the beginning and now I'm
running. But I had to work my way up. I couldn't just go right from
being pregnant to running." Beyoncé did admit, however, to having a
beauty pampering regime prior to the birth. "I did have a fresh eyebrow
wax," she confessed. "I got my nails done, I got my feet done, had my
hair done and I had my little lip gloss. "I didn't feel that I looked
beautiful during birth but who does? After being pumped with all those
fluids and gaining so much weight. I barely recognised myself. But
after many hours of labour I couldn't care less about anything but my
child. I didn't care how I looked."
STAR ACTRESS PATIENCE OZOKWOR TAKES SON TO COURT...
Reports say that popular
Nollywood actress, Patience Ozokwor otherwise known as Mama G is in a
legal battle with her son, Chuka. The actress was reported to have
taken Chuka to court to stop him from claiming his father’s inheritance
as the Igbo tradition demand of him as a first son. Trouble started
when against his will, Mama G forced one lady named Ada on Chuka after
Mama G made him dump his former girlfriend, Joy who Mama G said wasn’t
good for him. When Mama G felt Ada was growing wings, after both Chuka
and Ada falling in love with each other years after, she called Chuka
to end his relationship with her, a move he kicked against. This led to
a tug of war between mother and son as Mama G was bent on her wish
done. Matter was said to become worse when Mama G realized that Ada was
pregnant for Chuka. Mama G reportedly threatened to deal with Ada but
both lovebirds have solidified their union by going to court to marry.
She was said to have taken the matter to some family members but lost
to her son. She also lost in the customary court some weeks ago where
she sought court’s injunction to deny Chuka from claiming some of his
father’s properties as the first son. Mama G’s husband died some years
ago. Mama G’s second and favourite son, Nduka is set to wed later this
month. She has sworn to make it one of the biggest in town.
2FACE A LIVING LEGEND!
One thing’s for sure, 2Face Idibia is a living legend. And, trust me when I say – this isn’t all hype but mere fact. If you disagree with me though, that just shows that you didn’t get “Buckwyld & Breathless” at 2Face‘s concert on Monday. Not only was it graced by an A-List of Nigeria’s Celebrities (Senator Florence Ita-Giwa was in attendance) but 2Face blew our minds with his stunning stage presence, energy, performance, stunning vocal prowess, props, dance crew and stage set up for each song that left the entire audience ecstatic and at 2Face‘s mercy, singing along the whole time. I even surprised myself when I knew all the lyrics to songs like “Nfana Ibagha” & “True Love”. He arranged the concert into segments, performing songs from “For Instance” to “Outside” as the mood deemed fit and took us on a glorious journey of 2Face‘s artistry. Coupled with an impeccable performances from Timi Dakolo, 2Face did not relent in proclaiming the message – “I Believe In Nigeria” to get us warmed up for what he had in store. After making a stunning entrance in a cage prop singing to “Free” in a pseudo-Aladdin outfit, the concert only got better with more surprises here and there (Plantashun Boiz, Sir Shina Peters, Dencia‘s Silhouette Romance scene and much more) and with D.N.M.T. (Dance Na D Main Tin) backing him up on stage, 2Face showed Nigerian artists the real way to handle a concert. Other artists who performed include M.I, Vector, Naeto C, Sound Sultan, W4, Kween, Rocksteady and so many more outstanding performances astounded fans on the stage that night. Trust me, if you weren’t there, you missed the best concert Nigeria has ever had till date. OK! may be I’m exaggerating just the tiniest bit, but 2Face has surely set the pedestal for other artists to climb to. Very few artists manage to stay consistent in their careers, needless to say, trump or surpass themselves over time but 2Face manages to make us fall in love with him and his music time and time again. So, with all that said, here are a few songs from the International Superstar, 2Face Idibia, off his “Away & Beyond” album. “Omo T’Osan” features production from Kas; “Bother You” features the presence of one of Nigeria’s rap maestros, Terry Tha Rapman while on “Omo No Dulling”, 2Face calls on two of his Hypertek soldiers, Dammy Krane & Rocksteady. Enjoy! P.S. Did I mention that 2Face was singing in Akwa Ibom like it was his native tongue? Or that he surprised us by bringing Annie Macauley onstage for “African Queen”? Or the hot girls taking showers on stage to his new single “Dance In The Rain”? Well, so much happened; I doubt I can say it all but I do hope I painted an excellent picture for you. 2Baba, I hail!
D’banj speaks about Don Jazzy, Mo’Hits and how he plans to build DefJamAfrica [THE NETNG INTERVIEW]
Nigerian musician, D’banj recently granted an exclusive interview to Nigerian Entertainment Today where he spoke on his relationship with Don Jazzy and how he is building Def Jam Africa following his recent signing to GOOD Music by Kanye West. The interview which delves into many areas from the personal to the professional reveals many aspects of his relationship with his label mates and former Producer, Don Jazzy. Check out some excerpts of the interview below. On how he got signed by Kanye West I pulled up with my entourage at the Emirates first class lounge in Dubai. We were returning from Scott Tommey’s birthday. I came down with Bankuli, my P.A. Chuchu, and my business manager Chidi. My entourage was large and I was looking fly. One of the hostesses ran to me with a Kanye West placard. I said I’m not Kanye o – then I told my guys ‘Kanye is around so no dulling.’ Chuchu and Bankuli spotted Kanye walking in to check in. They went to him and he said we could come over’. ‘As they came, I had my iPad with me, and my headphones. First thing Kanye said was ‘I like your T-shirt’. I wore a Zara T-shirt and a D&G ring. He liked my appearance and said he’d give me 5 minutes. I told him ‘I played with you in Nigeria during NB PLC Star Megajam. I’ve done a song with Snoop and we’re going to shoot the video now. I’d like to play you my songs.’ I played Oliver, Scapegoat, and Fall in love. He was dancing. He removed the headphones and said ‘I don’t mean to sound rude, but if anyone has to bring you out in the states, it has to be me, not Snoop. He asked when I was going to be in the US, and I told him I was going there that day. Then he asked who my producer was, and I said Don Jazzy. He said ‘come with him.’ Three months later, D’banj, Don Jazzy and their crew were in New York, where, according to D’banj, it took almost forever before they could establish contact with Kanye. ‘It was only an email address he gave us at the airport. So when we got to NY, we sent several emails but got no response. Not a single one.’ ‘Then we met someone that knew someone that knew another someone and we got another email address. We sent several messages again, no response. Then Bankuli sent a final one saying, ‘we have been in New York for some time and sent several emails. We have waited long enough and are now on our way to do the Snoop Dogg video’ And then the reply came. ‘Sorry to have overlooked your earlier emails. Mr. Kanye would like to meet with you tomorrow.’ ‘We didn’t believe it. Don Jazzy, who had been reluctant all along, still did not believe it. Even when we got there (Wyclef’s studio) the next day, he stood outside. When Kanye came I went to call him ‘Oya come now, come play am the music now’. It was difficult to believe it was real and it was happening. Then when Kanye came in, with the GOOD music acts, I was like, ‘wow’. From there everything happened fast. Next they were meeting Jay Z, making a presentation to LA Reid (At Electric studios), and discussing contracts. But while the label offered him a traditional recording contract, D’banj opted for a joint venture agreement structured to guarantee three things: retaining full control of his materials in Africa, signing Don Jazzy on board (on behalf on Mohits USA), and, he says, bringing the Universal/Def Jam imprint to Africa. On his relationship with Don Jazzy You know, we were like fishes out of water, in this new system, starting all over again, like when we returned home in 2004. I got him a place in the US, set up a studio there, just so he’d be comfortable and be able to work without going to hang around the studios. In one year Jazzy did not make a song. I said, maybe you want to go back to Lagos, you’ll get inspiration there?’ I was all about the work, I wanted us to make this happen, so we can bridge that gap and create a path for Africa. But Jazzy wanted us to go back home. And I understand. He’s my friend, my brother’. ‘But I never expected him to do what he did.’ He said to me in July last year ‘Let’s scatter Mohits. He told me there are two captains – two captains cannot be in a ship. I was like ‘that’s not possible, this is a marriage’. He said ‘then this marriage is no longer working’. I said then let’s go for counseling; I asked, so what happens to our children?’ On why he is focusing on foreign markets To whom much is given, much is expected. Look at Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Jay Z, Kanye West, these people take it to the max, take it to where they believe that they can push it to. In the first instance, coming back to Nigeria with Jazzy was because I was a risk taker. And I wouldn’t say I’m throwing everything away. I would say I’m putting everything back in, in order to rip into the future. I get a broadcast from Tonye Cole everyday. He says when you tell people this your vision, know that it’s not for you alone – it’s for everyone. It’s like what Fela did. If what I’m doing doesn’t work, but sows that seed that will germinate in three, five years, it means my name will be written in gold. On public perceptions about him since he got signed by Kanye West Obviously people will say stuff – but this is me. I can’t keep up with everyone, no matter how much I try. But I understand where I’m coming from. I cant forget my roots – all the interviews I had yesterday, I was ‘bigging up’ DJ Abass, he gave me my first show in London. You saw me giving Jazzy props in my interview earlier. That’s me. If I was arrogant I wouldn’t have been the one even chasing Jazzy around since he told me last July that he wanted to scatter Mohits. Last time I saw him was on February 19 at Irving Plaza. He didn’t support the show, and he only came on stage when SID and Wande were performing. I wanted peace. And even my mom, who had supported us from beginning, who gave us the house we stayed in (in Michael Otedola estate, Lagos), the Previa bus we used and paid forTongolo video, spoke to his parents last December; ‘this is what your son said o’. I remember my mom saying to me, ‘if you guys have been together all these years, and no wahala, then if you need to part, I hope there’ll be no wahala.’ She was very particular about that. I had enough proof to have come out and speak; this thing has been on for a long time, and we’re in April now. But I don’t want to cause any wahala. I don’t want to spoil anything. I don’t want trouble. Right now, I just want to be able to move on and do my business.’ On how he plans to build Def Jam Africa I’ve always thought of how I can be a useful vessel to the industry. A friend and colleague always says to me: ‘D’banj, you’re the Jesus Christ of the industry.’ So having ran Mohits for nine years, I already had plans of how we could blow Mohits up. I had plans of expanding, and most especially, bringing hope to that 11 year-old kid somewhere in Africa who may never have had the opportunity to get signed to major labels’. ‘So it was not really just about me. There’s a big market in Africa. I said to them, ‘I’ve sold millions of records in Africa, we’ve done millions of hits with CRBT, and I’ve run the most successful label on the continent. You take care of the US, but let me take you to Africa.‘ And I’m happy to tell you that we’re doing that. D’banj’s album will be the first under Universal/Def Jam Africa, and we’re already putting all the structures in place’. ‘I’m a businessman.’ I learnt from my mom, who’s a very successful businesswoman. So having run and funded Mohits for nine years, I knew we had to move to the next level. And everything we wanted was happening. Finally we could take African music to the world.’ Culled from http://networkedblogs.com/wMrc6
KANYE WEST AND KIM KARDASHIAN TALKING MARRIAGE ALREADY!
Kim Kardashian and her new boyfriend Kanye West have reportedly begun "talking marriage", despite only having dated for just over a month. According to Us Weekly, the new couple - who went public with their romance last month at the opening of Scott Disick's New York restaurant - are serious about their fledgling romance and have discussed making a long-term commitment. A source said: "[They] are talking marriage... She wants to be with him as much as possible. They really know and love each other." The insider also claimed that reality TV star Kardashian will join West on his tour with his Watch The Throne collaborator Jay-Z. Rumours that Kardashian and West were dating first surfaced in April 2012, after the 32-year-old made a special trip to France to see Kanye West's fashion show at Paris Fashion Week in early March.
CHERYL COLE: ''I am a woman and i like sex!"
Cheryl Cole has admitted that she fancies Prince Harry, likes sex and also revealed that she's broody. Speaking to GQ magazine, the 28-year-old pop singer also bemoaned the lack of men in her life, adding that she missed being intimate with someone, admitting frankly: "I am a woman and I like sex." The 3 Words hitmaker also opened up about her desire to have children, saying: "I'd love kids. I'm obsessed with babies. I know that is what I was put on Earth to do - to be a mother." And speaking about her crush on the young Royal, Cole revealed that she thinks he's "amazing", but expressed her concern at being labelled a cougar should they ever go out - despite being only a year older than the Prince. "Me and his dad are as thick as thieves and I knew Harry before I knew his dad so we've met a few times... I think he's amazing and I think you can relate to him because he's made mistakes." She added: "He's cool. Although, I think I would be Cougarville in that relationship. I would be in Cougarville." Cole is set to release her new single Screw You next month and contrary to reports, the Geordie star has insisted that it is not about ex-husband Ashley Cole or even former X Factor colleague Simon Cowell, who unceremoniously dumped Cole from The X Factor USA last year after just a few days. Speaking about her forthcoming release, Cole said that the song is not "autobiographical" and added: "It could be directed at whoever you want it to be directed at." Cole's long-time collaborator and friend, Will.I.Am recently said that Cole being a judge was a "waste of talent". The outspoken star, who is currently a judge on the hit BBC talent show, The Voice UK, spoke out in support of his friend, saying: "Cheryl is a great artist and a great performer and I think the world needs that. Music is what got us here... If you're not singing any more or writing songs then you've abandoned your base. Cheryl Cole to me is not Kim Kardashian or Paris Hilton."
WHY I GOT MARRIED IN PARIS..Stephanie Okereke
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Stephanie Okereke |
Nollywood star, stephanie okereke Idahosa got married last weekend in paris france .Her union with Linus Idahosa has been tagged “wedding of the year” by many fans. Stephanie disclosed to Genevieve magazine why she chose paris.“It’s the ambience fairy-tale like. It is reminiscent of culture, of peace and love; something away from the chaos we get used, something fresh, new and different”.she said. Stephanie said she is happy at the moment “I’m happy. It’s a beautiful feeling to be in love and be with the one person you wish to spend the rest of your life with”.She also disclosed how her career has influenced her taste in a man “Lol! I guess you just want the best out of life when you are open to experiencing life in all its beauty. I want a man that is not threatened in the least; one who has his own pursuit, and there’s a connect between what we do. Respect is key”.
GET READY FOR ''The African Kings Of Comedy''
A unique comedy and music show featuring
Basket mouth, I Go Dye, Okey Bakassi, Tiwa savage, Wizkid, 2face,
Flavour and more in lagos...“The African Kings of Comedy” – a one of a
kind exciting comedy show featuring some of Africa’s most talented
comedians taking place on Saturday 26th May 2012 at the Eko Hotel &
Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. Now, the relentless organizers have
revealed the world class comic acts that will make you and I laugh all
night long and they are Basketmouth, IGoDie, Bovi, Buchi, Okey Bakassi,
IGoSave, Loyiso Gola, Ndumiso Lindi, Daliso Chaponda, Eric Omondi, Sim
Card and a host of others. What’s a night of comedy without music?
Delivering the best of music on the D-Day are Flavour, 2Face, WizKid,
Eldee D Don, Tiwa Savage, Davido, Chocolate City Boiz, W4, Vector, Bez
and Mo’Eazy. This show organised by Baron’s World Entertainment in
conjunction with Trace Urban, is one event that will definitely make
headlines in Nigeria, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as
possible. Date: Saturday 26th May 2012 Time: 6 PM Venue: Expo Centre,
Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos Ticket Prices: Regular N
10,000 comes with a 50% Discount for students with I.D | VIP N 30,000 |
Table N 1 Million Ticket Locations: All Access Bank Branches in Lagos
Contact: For more info and general enquiries, Call 08055555121 |
08072001613 | 08030830308 | Log on to www.BasketMouth.tv
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