MEET THE NEW DAMSEL ON THE BLOCK KIKI (@kikiphoenikx)

The Damsel Kiki @kikiphoenikx is indeed musically talented. Starting out as a Model, she is a graduate with a DVM degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Ibadan in 2011.

Her overwhelming love for music led to her abandoning her degree to pursue her dreams in the world of entertainment.

Not initially making music a career is conventional for talents like Kiki, but music caught up with her when she gained admission into the University and had the opportunity to perform at gigs, events and concerts.

With a specialization in Hip-hop/RnB genre, Kiki has the ability to diversify and perform in other genres of music.

 Asides being an artiste, she's also the pioneer and project coordinator of an Oyo state based NGO; RORE Foundation, which caters for children and female adolescents through capacity building and all-round empowerment. 25 years old damsel Kiki represents quality, depth, energy and complete entertainment.

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VIDEO: D’banj – Finally (Teaser)

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MTN project fame Winner AYOOLA [@theAyoola] drops his 7Track EP titled M&M [Miracles & Melodies]

MTN project fame Winner AYOOLA will be dropping his much anticipated EP today titled [Miracles & Melodies] M & M, which is a  7 Track album. Super producers like “ daSuspekt, sagzy, legendurybeatz, masterkraft, DelB and Young D” all worked with ayoola on the M & M EP.

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This has Got to be the best action sequence EVER!! [Watch]

Indians sha…I comment my reserve

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Visitors won’t have to pay £3,000 UK visa bond – British High Commissioner

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Pocock, has said no Nigerian would be asked to pay £3,000 as fee for a British visa.

Pocock said this yesterday when he visited the Nigerian Stock Exchange to ring the closing bell, and to discuss ways in which more British companies can be encouraged to invest in the capital market.

He said, “The visa bond, as it is being called here, is not a £3,000 charge for a British Visa. That is not the case, it is not going to happen now and it is not going to happen in the future. Visa fee, which is what you pay for a visa, will not go to £3,000 or anywhere near it.”

Reports had emerged earlier this year that the British government was planning to implement a new scheme under which some visitors from six commonwealth countries, including Nigeria, would be asked to pay a £3,000 cash bond in return for visitor visas that allow them to stay in the UK for up to six months.

“In the long run, we are interested in a system of bonds that deters overstaying and recovers costs if a foreign national has used our public services,” an unnamed Home Office official had been quoted as saying in June.

The development had resulted in an outcry by nationals of the affected countries.

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Comedian Bovi And Wife Welcomes Baby Girl.....Yay!!!

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Register for the 2nd Annual GIAMA “Screen Icon Search” Competition

Do you have what it takes to be the next Ramsey Nouah, Genevieve Nnaji, Majid Michel or Jackie Appiah? Then the Screen Icon Search (SIS) Completion, brought to you by the Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards (GIAMA), welcomes your participation in a talent showcasing event taking place on the eve of the 2nd annual GIAMA Awards, in Houston, Texas.

The competition promises to be an amazing opportunity to show your talent to some of the pioneers in the industry such as – Emem Isong (Nigeria), Frank Rajah (Ghana), Lancelot Imasuen and Pascal Atuma (USA). The winner of the SIS Competition will be guaranteed movie deals and an Arik Airline return ticket from New York to Nigeria.

TV personality Uti Nwachukwu is slated to anchor the competition.

To participate you MUST register online at www.giamaawards.com, Only the first 75 accepted registrants will gain admittance to the completion. Don’t delay this great opportunity – Register Today!!!

The GIAMA Awards is proudly supported by BellaNaija, Arik Airlines, Nollywood Access, Nollywood View, Bashman Entertainment, Dure Events, Segun Gele, Naijapals, Jaguda, Sturvs and several other organizations listed on GIAMA’s website.

For more informatoon, Follow them on Twitter: @giamaawards | Like them on Facebook: GIAMA Awards | Follow them on Instagram: @giamaawards

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New Media Broad Awards Coming Soon

New Media is increasingly playing a key role in the messaging process of key players in business, government and at even private levels. What used to be an appurtenance is now a necessity for brands that care about how they are perceived. While the use of these tools and forms of communication have become the norm for the most forward-looking organizations, it has become crucial to celebrate those who are not only doing it well but doing it differently without losing their brand essence. 

We believe that recognizing excellence in the use of new media and digital communications today will help raise the ante in the industry for the future. We will be looking forward to celebrating the various entries into the 30 award categories of Broad Awards but most importantly, we will be looking forward to celebrating our people, our culture and our advances in the art of corporate, public and private communication on new media and digital communications.

The Nigerian Digital Communication and Entertainment company, iBroad Group is proud to announce the launch of its award website http://ibroadgroup.com/awards/ iBroad Group’s Broad Awards for New Media. The platform will serveas a unique, user-friendly portal that’d be a digital desk for Broad Awards for New Media applicants. It wouldbe an online communication platform forNew Media mavens, newbies and afro-centric online media fans worldwide.

Over the years, the field of professional communication has experienced a significant change through new media communication, and this has become one of the fastest growing, innovative communication sub-sector for companies, institutions and organizations. In order to advance excellence in the practice and deployment of New Media, to encourage an active exchange among practitioners, iBroad Group has launched an Africa-wide competition for excellence in online communication and social media on a practical level through the Broad Awards for New Media. It will be a fair, transparent and independent competition, with a high-level jury panel formed by leading practitioners who will rate superior online strategies, campaigns and social media tools from across Africa. Furthermore, the academia will for once be recognized in a mainstream award for the outstanding Bachelor and Masters’ thesis dealing with online communication.

To thrill consumers or employees requires a great deal of energy as well as ground breaking ideas. The influence of new media continues to grow, however mobile and viral communication, online events and competitions are becoming increasingly important. Therefore, the Broad Awards for New Media has utilized this experience to create all the categories to meet up with the expectations of the general public, New Media enthusiasts and those with specific interests in the "war for talents" in this arena. We have implemented specific categories that will honour success in the field of online communication. We will honour outstanding achievements at an African level.We will particularly be interested in innovative communication campaigns and technologically outstanding projects that will be submitted to our jurors. Never before has the whole range of online communication been taken into account in a single award, uniting leading communication professionals.

We invite you to compete for the New Media Broad Awards. Become a proud winner of this prestigious award and celebrate your success with your peers. Submit your innovative projects and campaigns in a total of 30 categories online. We are looking forward to receiving your inspiring and pioneering work within the field of online communication.

For us at the iBroad Group, we believe the future is here, hence our excitement in the power and possibilities that could arise from the use of New Media and new tools of social and corporate communications. We believe that the introduction of the awards will usher in a new level of engagement, professionalism and excellence in the field. When we finally gather in Lagos for the awards, we believe that we will be hosting some of Africa’s biggest players in this field. It is time to show how much Africa can do, it is time to show how much Africa has indeed done. We are very much excited about these awards and we believe our excitement will reach new levels when we start receiving your nominations for the various categories.

Please email info@broadawards.com for enquiries and visit www.broadawards.com to nominate your choices. Welcome to the future of New Media, welcome to the frontier of change in Africa, let us celebrate the Broad Awards for New Media

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David Oyelowo to feature in Star Wars 7

British-born Nigerian actor, David Oyelowo has been signed up for the voice cast of the Star Wars Episode 7 animated series being made by Lucasfilm Animation. Oyelowo has starred in a previous Lucasfilm production Red Tails and had a role in Lincoln, which was produced by Star Wars Episode 7′s Kathleen Kennedy.

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Enter the 2014 MTN @Afrinolly Short Film Competition

The MTN Afrinolly Short Film competition is back and the entries are in two categories “Short Movie” and “Documentary”. What are you waiting for, hurry now because entries are open from the 1st of September to the 30th of November. The prizes will be awarded to the top 3 in each of the categories.

Short Movie Category

1st Prize: $25,000
2nd Prize: $10,000
3rd Prize: $5,000

Documentary Category

1st Prize: $25,000
2nd Prize: $10,000
3rd Prize: $5,000

International judges Shortlist Finalists will be chosen between December 1, 2013 – December 20, 2013. Online public voting will be from January 3, 2014 – January 17, 2014 and the final results will be released on January 20, 2014.

For more information on how to enter and what the competition entails, watch this short video clip:

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WACONZY BATTLES MALARIA. LAUNCHES ZERO TOLERANCE PROJECT.

Abia state Born Music power house, Anyanwu Obinna Kelvin popularly known as WACONZY will be launching his Zero Tolerance project on Wednesday the 25 of September 2013 within the hours of 12noon to 2pm at the primary health care center Igbo-Efun lekki lagos, this project is primarily aimed at fighting the menace of malaria in Nigeria.

This event is specifically meant for pregnant women and nursing mothers living within the ETI-OSA local government area. The program details includes health education and hygiene , living in a mosquito free environment, Essence of environmental sanitation and distribution of Long-lasting Insecticidal Mosquito net sponsored and provided by WACONZY.

This project is also supported by ETI-OSA local government and will have in attendance health instructors from the local government, representative from UNESCO, DJ JIMMY JATT, WEIRD MC, CASTON DADA and ADEBANTU. For further information and enquires please mail us info@waconzy.com or call 07037625893.

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2face [@2faceidibia] Collaborates With US Rapper Chingy and @May7ven on the Afrobeats Remix Of "Falling"

US artists are taking more notice of the African music scene. On Saturday night, last weekend, US rap star Chingy announced a collaboration with the legend 2Face and UK afrobeats artist May7ven on twitter. 

Although the song has not officially been released yet in Africa, you can listen to it on Chingy's website www.chingyjackpot.com

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NIGERIAN FILMMAKER, BOLAJI KEKERE EKUN FEATURES IN INTERNATIONAL MUSIC ICON, DIDDY’s “SEAN JOHN FALL 2013” CAMPAIGN

 .… Donates Model Fee To Charity.

Founder and CEO of leading Nigerian media production company, 37thSTATE, Bolaji Kekere-Ekun, has been selected by international design label, Sean John owned by hip-hop icon, Sean “Diddy Combs to represent the ‘International Sean John Man’ in their Fall 2013 campaign titled “I Am Sean John”.

The label, which traditionally uses professional models for their campaigns, has this year handpicked four exceptional young men to promote their  'I am Sean John' campaign.

For the campaign, owner, Sean “Diddy” Combs also known as Diddy, searched internationally for men who embody the brand’s entrepreneurial spirit, men who not only turned their passion into a successful business but are also making a positive difference in the world through their professional, charitable, and personal endeavors. 

Jeff Tweedy, President of Sean John, summed up the campaign and its impact best when he said, “We are excited to launch the ‘I Am Sean John’ campaign and put a spotlight on the different kinds of men who characterize the brand.  It is their image that proudly serves as an example of successful men using their inherent skills to benefit those around them.  We hope to encourage and inspire all men to follow their lead and become the men of I Am Sean John.”

Bolaji Kekere-Ekunthough usually not keen on being in the limelight saw his participation in the campaign as an opportunity to give back to the Nigerian society and has donated his entire model fee to Lagos-based charity, Bake for Change which primarily focuses on giving back to society through activities that positively impact the lives of less privileged youth and older adults in Lagos, Nigeria.

Bolaji who expressed his appreciation for being a part of the campaign said, “I am honored to be a part of the “I am Sean John” Fall/Winter campaign. This just shows that there are people outside Nigeria who appreciate our work and with this, I hope to empower the Nigerian youth to follow their passion and pursue excellence in whatever they do”

Currently 37thSTATE and Bake for Change are working together to plan a new initiative to ensure the donation on behalf of Sean John undoubtedly goes a long way towards educating, empowering, and benefitting those in the Lagos community needing the most help.

Watch the ‘I am Sean John’ Fall campaign video:

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Video: El’Vee – Oga Pata Pata ft. Don Jazzy

Female twin group El’Vee. The song which features Don Jazzy has been buzzing over the past couple of weeks.

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NEXT TO BLOW: Home is where the music is – Ketchup [@iam_ketchup]

Babajide Awoyinfa

He was a young, talented Nigerian yearning to have a career in music in faraway foreign country. He saw the wisdom in leaving Malaysia to come home to Nigeria to play his music for his people. Today, he has no regret. His music career is up and flying. His hit track “Show Me Yuh Rozay” is club favourite and his fan base is expanding at a geometric pace. In this interview, Ketchup gave Entertainment Express the complete lowdown about his career. Read Excerpts Below

How did you come about the name “Ketchup”?

Everywhere I go, I make my presence known, and I have been known to bring life into a gathering. A couple of my friends used to call me ginger, but I didn’t like the name. I wanted something smooth. Then one of my friends said “Men, you be like Ketchup, see as you just dey make things sweet.” It wasn’t funny initially, but after a while I embraced the name. When my friends and I go out, they just sit around in the VIP playing with their phones, while  I’ll step into the limelight and just spice up the place. We all know the huge difference ketchup makes to chips. When music started for me, I thought, since everyone calls me Ketchup, then Ketchup it is.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Onyido Emmanuel Nkemjika.  I am a regular down-to-earth guy. Unlike what people think, I am Nigerian, not Jamaican. I am the first out of four siblings.

What university did you attend?

I started my university education at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife,  where I got a diploma in Local Government Studies, then I went on to study Mass Communications but due to ASUU strike in Nigeria, I had to travel to Malaysia where I furthered my Mass Communication studies at Atlantic College, Kuala Lumpur.

I started singing in Malaysia but then it occurred to me that I couldn’t really project my music properly to Nigerians while resident in Malaysia, so I took the initiative to return home.

Were you able to gain some grounds in Malaysia?

Yes, I was gaining some grounds but people back here in Nigeria didn’t really know me till I came back.  I am of the opinion that any aspiring artiste abroad who intends to make a name for himself in Nigeria should come back home to successfully accomplish this. You need to be at home to feel and understand the kind of music people want to hear.

Looking back at your early childhood, what was your first experience with music?

I have always been a music junkie. I listened (and still listen) to all kinds of music - from R&B to Pop to Country music, from Reggae to Dance hall. I am a music lover, anything goes for me, which is why I am inspired by Magazeen, Ebenezer Obey, Tuface, Shaba Ranks, Bob Marley, Movado, Missy Elliot, King Sunny Ade, Vybez Kartel. You will notice that they all do different types of music.

Has music always been your first love?

No. Music was not my first love, it was actually dancing. I used to dance a whole lot back in high school at Federal Government College, Ijanikin, Lagos, with Wande Coal who is a very good dancer. During the weekly social nights, we would display our stunts and the next school day you’d feel high when other students started talking about your moves. It was basically dance; but dance goes with music. I started by miming people’s songs, rewriting the lyrics etc. Then I didn’t have any special preference for beats - I can dance to practically any song (even to Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On!”). 

I continued dancing even after high school. But I had to calm down because people rarely dance in the university. Nevertheless, I did danced at some parties, and then music came along. I decided to start writing my own songs two years ago when I met this producer, Micah, and I mumbled something into the mic - and you know how these producers are - he did his magic and it made me think to myself “dude you sound good”.  I used to be of the notion that you need mega lessons or take a course before you can sing. I was inclined to write another song, “Nuvo” which Dj Jamjam featured in and it became a hit - everybody liked it. That was when it dawned on me how easy it was. That was how it started. I didn’t have to throw a huge bash or make public declaration before my music career took off.

How would you describe your kind of music?

Normal Afro Hip hop with a touch of Jamaican twist to it.

After you relocated to Nigeria, how did you make an inroad into the music industry?

It has been tough, but it is paying off gradually. I remember those days at Industry Night, when I’d just attend to see how it is done in the Nigerian music scene. No one knew who I was. I was pushed, stepped on. Some people will just step on you, look at you and continue walking. There was even a time when I just released “Show Me Yuh Rozay,” the bouncers at the club won’t let me in. Two weeks later, I visited that same club and my song was playing, the response was unbelievable, and then they started pointing at me. “That’s the guy”.

As an artiste who is already gaining acceptance, what are the basic challenges before you?

Every day I wake up, I pray to God and challenge myself that I don’t want to be a flash in the plan, hence myself and my team keep trying to put things in place for the long term. Ketchup is here to stay, I am not going anywhere.

What is the inspiration behind your club-banging song Show Me Yuh Rozay?

One night, me, my producer and a friend “Y billion” were in the studio and thought to do something different that would get people going wild and before it was morning we had the song ready.

I have been to several occasions when “Show Me Your Rozay” comes on and people that weren’t  drinking Rose or Champagne feel biased and out of place. I didn’t mean the song to be that way. Back then, then some peepz used to ask me “Where is your Rozay”? And I replied them, “Show me your Rozay” as a comeback.

For me, it felt a little too hard at first till the DJs started showing love and it went viral.

What has been the toughest challenge for you as you break into the music industry?

It isn’t easy to come out of Nigeria and gain grounds as an artiste here. You come in all fresh and you think you have arrived, not knowing you have a pile of work right in front of you and the sooner you notice the better. That was really a tough time for me but I am finally getting there.

You came from a rather tough environment, how did you remain positive with so much adversity around you?

I learnt at a very young age that what makes a man is not the number of adversities, but how he handles the adversities. I also learnt that with hard work and prayer, the sky is just a starting point, so I conquered with prayers and hard work.

What lessons did you learn from your upbringing that has helped you navigate the music business?

Character counts - stay humble, be real, and above all never give up, because when it all comes crumbling, all you have is you.

Tell us something exclusive about you

I am not really an alcoholic person contrary to public opinion. I can have a really good night out with my friends without drinking and we will just diss each other and mess around (laughs). It does not always have to be about alcohol. I like girls a WHOLE LOT, especially those with very big hips plus good kissers. I don’t have a particular type because I don’t go with looks but instead I focus on Brains, Hips and the Lips.

Tell us about your record label

I am on PoshHills Entertainment, the same label my producer EmmyACE is signed on to.

When will your album dropping?

I can’t really predict that because dropping an album involves a lot of hard work. I don’t want to drop one and it will be just few people listening to it. I need to work on my fan base and get the love first. I have two albums I’m working on already. It’s just picking the right songs. I write songs and record a lot at my leisure when I am not busy with interviews and other activities.

How can your fans follow you on the social media?

TWITTER: @IAM_KETCHUP.....INSTAGRAM: @IAMKETCHUP.

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UCHE JOMBO DENIES INVOLVEMENT IN FAKE TALENT HUNT

Actress and producer, Uche Jombo, has debunked the rumour making the rounds that she is collecting the sum of Fifteen Thousand Naira (N15,000) from people for a talent hunt.

In a statement Jombo released earlier in the week, she reiterated her commitment to her

career and devotion to her fans. Read Below

The full statement reads, “I am shocked and appalled at the extent some evil perpetrators can go to tarnish my image by impersonating me to collect money from innocent people for a talent hunt I know nothing about. Let me state in clear terms here, I am not in anyway involved in any talent hunt, I am an actor and a producer and I am committed to my trade and career, I will never do anything to destroy what I have laboured for so many years with my own hands. I thank my fans for keeping faith in me, I will never do anything to jeopardize their belief in me, and their support over the years. I promise them that I will continue to work out at my trade and do

everything to promote the industry."

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TEAR RUBBER VIDEO- Top Of The World - D'Banj

Yesterday we brought you the video teaser, its official peeps the video is now out check below to view it

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Video Teaser: Dbanj – Top Of The World

Watch the video teaser for the theme song of the most recently completed African Nation’s Cup "Dbanj’s Top Of The World" is about to debut on SoundCity TV pretty soon, but before that we can catch the trailer to the video here.

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TOKE MAKINWA [@tokstarr] IS BACK WITH "WHY WOMEN HATE EACHOTHER"

This is a must watch for all women, Watch another episode of 'Toke Moment'. On this episode, Toke has a big revelation. "The reason why women hate each other" watch this to find out why women just cannot get along

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GREAT NEWS!!! BlackBerry confirms BBM on Android Saturday, iOS Sunday

A report had  BBM  coming to Android on Friday and iOS on Saturday. It turns out, it was a day off. The Android version will come on Saturday, while the iOS version hits the App Store on Sunday.

BBM was previously exclusive to BlackBerry users, and is much loved by the BlackBerry faithful. But by expanding it across platforms, BlackBerry is looking to take over the likes of WhatsApp, which has garnered more than 300 million users.

BlackBerry has attempted to rebrand BBM as more than a messaging service, positioning it as more of a social network.

It's been a busy day for BlackBerry, which introduced the BlackBerry Z30 smartphone earlier on Wednesday. The Wall Street Journal reported that it may cut up to 40 percent of its workforce by the end of the year.

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Nigerian Student Chibuihem Amalaha Uses Magnets To Prove Homosexuality Is Wrong

A student in Nigeria is claiming he can prove gay marriage is wrong through science - and his scientific "breakthrough" is backed by his university.

Chibuihem Amalaha, who has won awards in his country for reporting on energy science and featured on various national television stations, says he used a magnet experiment to prove homosexuality is "improper".

Amalaha says his "groundbreaking" experiments show the north and south poles of two magnets are attracted to each other while same poles repel each other.

He concludes this “means that man cannot attract another man because they are the same, and a woman should not attract a woman because they are the same. That is how I used physics to prove gay marriage wrong".

Amalaha's "research" has been commended by the University of Lagos, where he is a postgraduate student, and has been told by lecturers he will "win a Nobel prize one day". The interview with the student was published on Nigerian website This Day Live, where his findings appear to be presented as fact.

"A University of Lagos post graduate student, Chibuihem Amalaha, from Imo State has used science to prove that gay marriage is improper among other breakthroughs, writes Charles Ajunwa," the article states. "He talked about his researches and scientific breakthroughs with the confidence of an achiever..

"..And now his works have earned him the respect in the world of science."

South African gay lifestyle website Mambaonline.com slammed the interview, saying it was "absurd".

"It’s debatable as to whether the embarrassing article is more damming of the standard of education at the University of Lagos or of the standard of journalism at This Day," criticises writer Luiz DeBarros. "The uncritical and uninformed article is likely to add to the ignorance and prejudice surrounding homosexuality in Nigeria."

Nigeria's laws on homosexual acts are notoriously harsh; current legislation punishes homosexual acts with up to 14 years in jail, or, in some northern regions of the country, death by stoning.

CHECK ORIGINAL POST HERE

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