JORDAN KATEMBULA(JK)

Jordan Katembula is a Zambian Musician.
He got his start in a group called New Age. After leaving the group he rose to fame with the massive success of his debut album, the self titled [JK]. This was an instant hit with Zambians of all age groups. Additionally, JK marked the start of a new fusion of western electro pop with Zambian lyrics .His follow up album to this was Helena and on one track he did a duet with one of Zimbabwe's stars, Oliver Mutukudzi.
He has released four albums so far, as of June 2008. His latest album is 'No Pressure' in which again he collaborates on one song with another musician from South Africa namely Hugh Masekela.
His critics argue that his more recent releases borrow too much from Congolese Rumba and lack creativity but that is far from the truth as his music is full of rich lyrics and he sings not only about love like others but about most aspects of life. JK is also a successful businessman and his success has caused so much jealousy from his competitors. in 2010 he did another album called Akapilipili titled after the hit single Akapilipili featuring salma Doldia an upcoming female Zambian artist. The album produced by Digital X, a Lusaka based studio received massive air play with other hits such as Poison and Ona mummy. the video Akapilipili is considered one of the best in Zambia and received good air play on MTVbase and channel O.
What is beyond dispute, however, is that JK played a significant role is shaping today's Zambian music scene. In fact, he released his first album when Zambia's music was losing direction as most young artists at the time where releasing poorly recorded rap and R&B music because of influence of the western music which saturated the market and lack of innovation from the young.
In 2010, his Kapiripiri song featuring Salma Dodia was a major hit and he followed it with Soul Survivor feturing Raydo. He was signed to the Sony Music supported Rockstar 4000 and then became one of the first musicians to be signed on to One 8, an African megagroup.

Jordan Katembula, otherwise known as JK, is currently Zambia's leading musical superstar, lauded as a household name in his home country as well as creating a name for himself across Europe.

The Zambian music industry had taken a severe knock in the 1990s as consumers favoured international flavours and sounds over their local home-grown talent. It took a star of JK's magnitude to change that trend and in 2001 upon releasing his first solo album, he singlehandedly changed the way the Zambian public perceived local music.

JK began his professional career in 1997, performing in several groups including a boy band, until eventually deciding to go solo in 2000. His debut album seemed to be perfectly in tune with what the public wanted and instantly JK was shot to household name status in Zambia, whilst simultaneously raking in respect in the rest of Africa and Europe.

His self-titled debut album included two massive hits for JK, namely 'Nkafikilisha' and 'Balekuzembeleka'. It was the power of these tracks that helped re-establish the Zambian music scene and rekindled the flames in the hearts of African music lovers.

Following the success of his first solo album, JK was nominated for a KORA Award, an African Award equivalent to a SAMA or a Grammy. This award meant his appeal had reached far beyond the borders of his home country and had influenced the African continent too. Being nominated was a reflection of the strong quality of work that JK produced, setting a precedent for all Zambian musicians to follow.

Since that first release, JK has released a further three albums, all of the highest standards and always including his signature sound of Rhumba-meets-reggae-meets-R&B. His music appeals to young and old alike. Apart from great danceable beats, the other magic ingredients are his incredible voice, stage presence and sophisticated choreography. On stage he is mesmerising and engaging, booking out concert halls with sell-out shows across Africa and Europe. Regardless of time, weather or venue, his events are filled to capacity.

JK's star continues to rise and as part of the ONE8 team, he effortlessly lends his signature flair and talent to a much broader audience

HOW TO CHANGE CHILD BEHAVIOUR

Do you want to know how to change child behavior? If so, then you're probably a parent, a sibling or some sort of guardian. I understand your situation.
Children can be quite a handful; and as much as we want them to grow up to be good and kind, there are times when their behavior shows otherwise. The earlier you deal with bad behavior, the better.
Here are some proven ways to change child behavior:
1) Through Effective Role Models
Children learn by copying those around them. If the child you're in custody of shows bursts of violence, that could mean anything from a violent television show or violence at home or at school.
Do what you can to become a positive role model. For example, avoid raising your voice and hitting others (even if it's only playful) in front of the child. Don't expose the kid to violence on television and encourage shows which are conducive to learning positive values instead.
2) Through Honesty And Compassion
One effective way to change child behavior is to call the child out when caught in the act. Instead of reprimanding the kid, however, show compassion.
Tell the child what he did wrong and why it's wrong in the first place. You might think he's too young to understand, but he's probably not. Kids today show a remarkable understanding of life, and it's up to you to lead them in the right direction.
3) Through Reward And Indifference
Everyone understands the concept of reward and punishment. Even children have an inherent knowledge of how this system works. However, in this case, let us use the word indifference instead.
When a child does something good, you may reward him with your choice of prize on occasions (Don't overdo it and don't make it predictable; or else, he might only get motivated to behave because of the prize and not because it's the right thing to do).
But when he exhibits untoward behavior, and doesn't respond to your honesty and compassion technique, the only thing left to do is to ignore him.
I'm not saying you should leave your child alone in the house while you gossip with the neighbors; or worse, have a drink at the local bar. I'm proposing not talking to the child (but still keeping an eye on him) until he eventually apologizes for his bad behavior.
Keep in mind though that this technique is only for kids who are old enough to know that what they're doing is bad.
These are just some of the proven ways to change child behavior. Hopefully, you can find something that you can use best in your situation. Recently, I had a conversation with three guys who let it spill that they test girls on dates. Yikes! They watch how closely we act — way closer than you think — and they judge. The problem, or perception, is that some women think their mere presence on a date is enough, and that they can show up late, place difficult off-menu orders, or just sit there and look pretty. Not that we're all a bunch of divas, but I think even the nicest of us can get a little too comfortable and spoiled in the dating world. Behave how you want, but I'll tell ya, he is watching you. He is watching, and he is THEIR detailed notes.

Engaged Alicia Keys And Swizz Beats Delivers of AHer Baby As Mashonda Reacts

Engaged Alicia Keys And Swizz Beats were blessed with A Baby As Mashonda Reacts The reps for Swizz Beat and Alicia Keys confirmed the rumour that the two stars are planning a private wedding ceremony. The 31 years old Swizz Beats who has two children from his marriage from previous relationship with R n B singer, Mashonda filed for divorce last summer where he claimed his divorce has nothing to do with relationships with Alicia Keys. The two couples have since been photographed out together several times. Mashonda claimed that Alicia Keys broke up her marriage which was going on fine when she replied a tweet posted by Alicia keys on twitter asking “in love, is it better to go for the choice that is smart or the choice that has spark?” as Mashonda replies ‘my concern with Alicia Keys is no longer the fact that she assisted in destroying a family but she has the audacity to make these selfish comments about love and wanting to be with someone even after knowing their situation Mashonda later answered her question “sparks burn everyone, be smart- john Kennedy.”
Swizz beats and Mashonda got married in 2008. 29 years Alicia Keys showed signs of baby bump at charity gala in London when she took the red carpet in a gown to keep her bump in disguise. Both Alicia Keys and Swizz beats are happy as they are expecting a baby. This will be first Alicia Keys child and third child for Swizz Beats

Madonna: Pop Music’s Sexiest

Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone was born on August 16, 1958 in Bay City, Michigan, USA. She is the third of six children in a Catholic family. Her father, Sylvio, also known as Tony, was a design engineer for Chrysler/General Dynamics. Madonna’s mother was of French Canadian descent who died of breast cancer when Madonna was five years old. Tony Ciccone moved the family to Pontiac, Michigan and married one of the women hired to care for the Ciccone household. The adjustment was difficult for Madonna as the eldest daughter.
She had considered herself the “lady of the house” and had received much of her father’s affection and attention.
Madonna acted in school plays in her early school years. As a teenager, she discovered her love and talent for dancing, an activity she pursued under the direction and leadership of Christopher Flynn, her private ballet instructor. However, she graduated early from high school and was awarded a dance scholarship to the University of Michigan. She stayed two years before going to New York City in 1978 with thirty-seven dollars and a wealth of determination and ambition.
In 1981, Madonna decided to go solo and hired manager Camille Barbone of Gotham Records to help her get her singing career on track. Camille showed Madonna how to navigate the male-dominated world of music and helped put together a studio band that accentuated the budding star’s hip style. Friend, Stephen Bray, a musician in her band, wrote her first hit, ‘Everybody’ and Madonna used her brash business style to get the recordings to New York music producer Mark Kamins. Kamins then helped Madonna score a record deal with Sire Records. ‘Everybody’ hit number one on the dance charts in 1982.
This intensity and determination was apparent in her 1985 follow-up album, Like a Virgin, which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Chart and went platinum in a month. She also starred in her first mainstream feature film, ‘Desperately Seeking Susan’ (1985), and performed the soundtrack’s single, ‘Into the Groove,’ which hit No. 1 in the U.S.
By 1991, she had achieved 21 Top 10 hits in the United States and sold more than 70 million albums internationally generating $1.2 billion in sales. Committed to controlling her career, Madonna helped found Maverick Records, a label under the Warner Music Group, in April of 1992. She won a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture and the song, ‘You Must Love Me,’ earned her an Academy Award for Best Music, Original Song.
Achievements
Madonna is the most successful female recording artiste of all time selling over 250 million records (75 million singles and 175 million albums), more than any other female recording artistes.
She has 12 No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Hot 100 Singles Chart, the same number as Diana Ross and The Supremes and behind only Mariah Carey’s 16 among female artistes and also 6 No. 2 singles on Billboard’s Hot 100 Singles Chart, the most for a female artistes, tying her with Elvis Presley for the records plus many more top singles and albums in various figures.
She is also the most successful dance artistes in music history; with 33 No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Club Play Singles Chart, more than twice the number of her nearest rival Janet Jackson. Madonna also has 25 No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Hot Dance Single Sales Chart, more than three times the number of her nearest rivals Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Prince, and Notorious B.I.G.
Madonna was voted by MTV viewers as the greatest music video icon ever on the network’s 25 Greatest Video Stars and named the sexiest recording artiste ever on VH1′s 100 Sexiest Artistes.
In 1986, Madonna received the Video Vanguard Award at the MTV Video Music Awards honoring her for outstanding achievements in the realm of music video.
Madonna is the most successful act in the history of MTV’s Video Music Awards with an all time record 67 VMA nominations and 19 VMA wins.
In 2004 Madonna became one of the five founding members of the UK Music Hall of Fame, joining Elvis Presley, the Beatles, Bob Marley, and U2 as automatic inductees.

Ja Rule is already serving 2 years for weapons possession

Ja Rule has been sentenced to an extra 28 months in prison on tax evasion charges that will run concurrent with his current sentence.
“I was a young man who made a lot of money. I didn’t have the best people guiding me. I made mistakes. Things fell on hard times for me. Things kind of spun out of control” Ja Rule told the federal judge.

DMX Released From Prison

Earl “DMX” Simmons was released from an Arizona prison after serving six months for a probation violation.
“I’m gonna see my daughter, I just got off the phone with my wife. I’m going to see my daughter while the sun is up then I’m in the studio, man” Earl told AllHipHop.com.
DMX has several deals lined up upon his release such as “A new album about to be released, a new video game, touring opportunities, even a new reality show,” says Ms. Walker, the CEO of Built For War Management.?
“He is signed to United Music & Media, a division of WEA, the video game prototype was done by Mojo Bone Studios, and as soon as he gets out, I have a production crew who will fly out to Arizona ready to begin production on his new TV series. There are millions of dollars on the table for him,” she added

FALLY PUPA

Fally Pupa is from the western part of Africa, from a country called Congo, born on the 14th of December 1977 in Kinshasa, Congo. while watching MTV BASE(Africa) i could help but notice his honeyed voice, twisting his waist and wining it in a seductive way, nice dance moves by the way *wink* and singing in his mother tongue (French)... WOWSER!!. His genre: Ndombolo , Rumba , Africa Style .Fally Fally is rocked by music from an early age. Having a Catholic education, he began singing in the choir of the Church. It was part of the Quartier Latin International from 1999 to 2006 before beginning a solo career. I just had to take my time to research this dude online, not cos i saw an eye candy or the fact that he speaks french but his music had this fun, loving tune to it and he was well known in his country and now Africa...So after so much research via internet, music channels i found out that he started his musical career in various small groups in Kinshasa in mid-1990s, including a group called "New City". Nevertheless, Fally soon attracted attention with his honeyed voice and eventually built small groups in his neighborhood including the "New City" or "New Covenant". But it was not until the late 90s, the young artist will include a group of nationally recognized "latent talents" with whom he recorded a first album. Fally became a budding musician, its versatility as a singer, guitarist and dancer.
In the late 90s, a key meeting that will be the beginning of a long climb musical, the one with the Quartier Latin Koffi Olomide. Fally found his place immediately and became a pillar before becoming conductor of the latter. Fally occurs successively on "Attack", "Strike Force", "Effrakata", "State Case" Arab World "and" Danger of Death. " He put his first real song "Forever" on the album Strike Force. It is also known for duets he performed with Koffi Olomide in Effrakata in 2001. (A well known musician /veteran)
So he started his project in juggling work of his album right path and that of his band Quartier Latin, cause death.


In 2006 he presented his first solo album "Straight Path" produced by David Monsoh Obouo of Music (known for having worked with big names in music including African Koffi Olomide, Papa Wemba , DJ Arafat and throwing Douk Saga and JetSet ) .
Mature and full of variety by collaborations Maddy Munan, Krys, Mokobé of 113 or even Ben-J of Neg Marrons.grâce including songs like "liputa", "orgasy" or "sopeka" who are real hits in the Republic Congo and throughout Africa. Its success is evident quickly when it gets a gold record for more than 100,000 copies sold.
The success continues to grow and the artist's career is launched, it a series of concerts, tours, conferences ... with a major landmark April 7, 2007 when the artist happened at the Olympia .
Three years after the release of "Straight Path" Fally Fally returns with a second album of 16 tracks of beautiful melodies Arsenal A2BM . He has also collaborations with his fellow African colleagues J.Martins from Nigeria, Krys and a few others.

MRS OLOLADE MAJEKODUNMI (HOUSE OF DORCAS) SPECTRUM'S STYLE PERSONALITY OF THE MONTH

Fabulous Designer, Mrs Ololade Majekodunmi (pictured above) CEO of the House of Dorcas, first moved to England where she studied software testing and worked for various companies but her true love remained in fashion; she relocated back to Nigeria with her husband in 2004 and checked out bead making, but she found out her true passion was in fashion- she found herself really happy and launched her line officially in 2008.

Her style is young fresh and trendy yet classy at the same time; While she faced the challenges perseverance got her to where she is today and we certainly agree with her style.

THE SHOE D-BANJ WORE TO BETS AWARDS

That's the shoes dbanj wore to BET awards show. Are you feeling the shoes? He wore a pair of Christian Louboutin Mika Raja spring/summer 2011 flats...Its worth $2,395...that's about 360,000 naira...ok bye
This is what popular american blogger,Tracie Egan Morrissey of Jezebel.com wrote on dbanj's dress
"I'm not familiar with Nigerian singer/songwriter D'banj's work, but he's my pick for best dressed. Such attention to detail! His pants look like they were crafted out of some Italian nonna's tablecloth. And those aren't ruffles on his shirt—they're tasseled beads."

MO-HITS LANDS A NEW DEAL

It’s no more news that Kanye west has signed D-banj and don Jazzy. Don Jazzy cleared people's doubt again as he tweeted picture of him with Jayz and kanye west. Report has it that Don Jazzy will be producing two tracks off JayZ and kanye west's collaborative album. Wow! like they really want to put the African feel to their music, and Don Jazzy could do the magic...Kanye west who signed D-banj and don jazzy to his GOOD music label on his birthday has already collaborated with D-banj on the remix of 'Scape goat'. SPECTRUM has gathered exclusively that African Pop acts D'banj and Don jazzy has successfully recorded a new track with their new label Boss Kanye West.

The Track which is a remix of D'banj's smash hit "Scapegoat" has Kanye West Spitting a 16 bar rap as soon as the song starts.

D'banj and Don jazzy have been busy working on D'banj's upcoming album since they moved over to New York, Don Jazzy recently received Production and Additional back-up credits on Jay-z and Kanye"s "Watch the Throne" collabo album.

The song is expected to be presented as D'banj's next single as he strives to break into the American Pop market. Don Jazzy would not need to explain why he spends more time in New York since the joint venture with Kanye West’s GOOD MUSIC. Mo Hits President, Don Jazzy gets his first major production credit and it’s on a record with Jay Z, Kanye West and Beyonce. It is titled “Lift Off” featuring Beyonce, production credit reads: Kanye, Mike Dean, Jeff Bhasker, Q-Tip and Don Jazzy. It is second track off Watch the Throne which would be released August 2, 2011.
It is reportedly been considered as the next single off their collabo album with a video to be released.

BUJU BANTON SENTENCED TO JAIL

Grammy-award-winning star Buju Banton has been sentenced to 10 years in jail in the US for his role in setting up a cocaine deal in 2009. The singer, whose real name is Mark Myrie, was told at Tampa federal court that he must serve five years' probation following prison Previously the Dancehall artist had insisted in court that he had been merely boasting about the deal. Prosecutors conceded he had never put money into a deal or profitted from it. His record Before the Dawn won best reggae album at the Grammy Awards ceremony earlier this year. In February the star was convicted of conspiracy to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute it, along with a further drug trafficking offence and a gun charge. He was acquitted of a fourth charge for attempted cocaine possession It was Banton's second trial - his first ended in September when the jury was unable to reach a verdict. Much of the case hinged on video and audio recordings taken by an informant and by Drug Enforcement Administration personnel. The informant was paid $50,000 (£31,000) after Banton's arrest in December 2009, along with two others One video shown to the jury showed Banton apparently tasting cocaine in a Florida warehouse. Defendant later gave the informant $135,000 (£83,705). He and another man pleaded guilty to drug charges in the case.

GENEVIEVE DUMPS D-BANJ

For whatever it is that has transpired between Genevieve and Nigerian musical icon DBanj, enough is enough and Genevieve wants to end it. The two have finally quarreled and gone their separate ways, an occurrence that was at the instance of the actress.
She is said to be tired of the growing controversies around her name and that of the artiste widely known as the Koko master. Friends claim that she told them that the phenomenon has started taking away points from her career. And in order not to end up as just one of the rungs on the ladder of Dbanj’s success she decided to call it quits with the arrangement that netted her $15,000 as appearance fee in the musical video tagged ‘Fall in Love’
Investigations conducted revealed that though the video shoot served as publicity gimmick for the celebrated romance between them- an affair did transpired. Insiders however insist it was only a fling. Genevieve was said to be all about keeping it very quiet- but the Mo’HIT crew preferred to leverage on it to boost Dbanj’s image as a ladies’ man and the sale of the album, Entertainer.
But when the talks of pregnancy and abortion for the musician by the actress started making the rounds and feasted on by celebrity media, the actress was forced to pull out of the arrangement – with her earning intact. She believes that the new twist to the affair would leave her with the short end of the stick in the deal. Her handlers were said to have convinced her that the image of an irresponsible public figure that would result from the development would make nonsense of whatever credits she has to her name within weeks- hence the collapse of the ‘relationship

FUNKE AKINDELE ACQUIRES A NEW HOUSE

Star actress, Funke Akindele has just consolidated her fortune with the purchase of a Lagos home.
The newly acquired edifice is cited as located within Agbalajobi Estate off Wempco road Ikeja Lagos.
It is labelled a mansion.
Close source revealed that her reason for keeping the goodnews secret is because she’s trying not to be loud about her achievements- to maintain a modest outlook with friends and fans’.

Nigeria’s male designers who clothe the rich and famous

Nigeria's male designers are largely uncelebrated like their female counterparts. However, the fact remains that the story of the fast growing industry is not complete without the contributions of these men who, because of their works, are earning the respect and admiration of fashion stakeholders at home and abroad, writes SPECTRUM


ARENOWN international designer, Ade Bakare was born in Bromsgrove, England, where he spent his early life. After his graduation from the University of Lagos, he returned to England to study Fashion Design at the Salford University College, Manchester where he bagged a Higher National Diploma (HND) in 1990. Thereafter, he went on to work for two internationally known couture designers in London; Victor Edlestein and Christina Stambolian, before setting up his label in 1991.

The Ade Bakare Couture label is aimed at the sophisticated woman, who likes to appear glamorous at all times. His designs capture the true spirit of the feminine form and are designed in a modern way, always giving his clientele something new to look forward to.

The choice designer for many celebrity women in Nigeria, this young man in his 40's, has participated in many fashion exhibitions at home and abroad.

The label has now grown to include other lines such as shoes, bags, scarves and jewelry.

Due to an increasing demand for couture by private clients, Bakare decided to open a new salon on the Grosvenor Street in Mayfair, England to cater for them. The showroom, which was opened in 1997, became a huge success and immediately put Ade Bakare on the international haute-couture map, attracting clients from America, France, Italy, Germany, Nigeria and the Jamaican Islands.

At the Mayfair salon, Bakare's first floral fragrance for ladies called 'Breeze', was launched in 1998, and which now includes a scented candle introduced in 2000 for the millennium.

Bayo Adegbe
He is the young man behind the famous label, Modela Couture. He hit the big stage when he won the 'Designer of the year' award at the Nigerian Fashion Show 2004. With his design style that is overtly high fashion, fanciful and largely feminine, Adegbe is regarded as the King of Haute Couture in Nigeria.

Adegbe's journey into couture circles was not by happenstance. He had five younger sisters who modeled at one time or another, which obviously ignited his interest in the fashion business.

He started out as a model and later a modeling agent and eventually started Modela Agency/Couture Fashion 12 2001 with about 60 models. His formal training started at Nobel Afrique in 1996, where he learnt to cut and sew.
In an interview recently, Adegbe had described his work as pure fun. His words: “I feel at home making costumes for people. I feel very much at home. I don't like to make clothes and look at it as work. I want to look at it like I'm enjoying myself.

“What gives me joy is just to see the person wearing what I made and that person calls me back to say: “Modela, when I wore that dress, it was a stunner as always. Everybody complemented the dress, everybody loved my outfit! That make my day.”

Prince Idowu Oyefusi
An Ikorodu, Lagos State, prince Idowu Akanni Oyefusi is the boss of the label, Nobel Afrik. Early last year, the handsome bloke was inaugurated as the President of the Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN) succeeding Mrs Patricia Agbakwu. With this, development, he became the 4th President and the only male since the association was formed in 1989.

A graduate of the Yaba College of Technology, not a few people were surprised when this talented young man decided to take up fashion as his means of livelihood.

Mudi
With over 15 years of experience in the fashion industry. Mudi has indeed come a long way. Just a few weeks ago, the Delta State-born designer caught many of his colleagues' unawares when he opened a new outlet in Kenya, coming on the heels of the setting up of his first outlet outside the shores of Nigeria in Accra, Ghana.
With a vision to be ranked among the best 10 designers in the world and the very best in Africa, Mudi boasts a large number of celebrity figures in Nigeria as clients. They include famous actor and now a commissioner in Delta State, Richard Mofe-Damijo, ex-footballer, John Fashanu; popular comedian, Okey Bakassi to mention but a few.

Presently, Mudi is, arguably, the number one clothing line for male outfits from casual to traditional outfits.

Adebayo Jones
A London-based designer, his focus primarily occasion, formal wear and wedding dresses. His designs are all about clean lines, expert tailoring and precision finishing.

Described as one of the pioneering African designers in Europe, fashion stakeholders describe Jones as “immensely talented with each of his designs breathtaking and captivating.”

Ohimai Atafo
A quick glance at this young man easily gives him away as a creative mind.
A powerful dresser with an uncanny eye for the minutest details, Atafo works as a Brand Manager at Guinness Nigeria Plc but sees fashion more as his calling.

This good looking guy who detests boasting about himself, prefers his works to speak for him. One of his many celebrity clients is the former Most Beautiful Girl of Nigeria, Omowunmi Akinnifesi, who adorns no one but Atafo's designs for red carpet events.

Frank Osodi
The handsome face behind House of Burnor, Frank Osodi has been in the game since 1989.
He has been a model, choreographer and now a top rated fashion designer and make-up expert. As a make-up artiste, Osodi has handled several television commercials such as Macleans toothpaste, ultra sheen, indomie noodles and others.

He, it was, who designed the outfits worn by Miss Agbani Darego when she won the MGBN and Miss World beauty pageants in 2001.

Okunoren Twins
They are talented twins who however don't look alike. Both graduates of the University of Lagos, the Okunoren twins ran the Okunoren Bespoke from their Ikoyi residence. They are the favourite designers of several celebrity men, especially in the corporate world.

STAR COMEDIAN BASKETMOUTH CLINCH ANOTHER MOUTH-WATERING ENDORSEMENT WITH DANA AIR

Popular comedian, Bright Okpocha, better known as Basketmouth has cornered another mouth-watering endorsement. This time with Dana Air, an indigenous airline.

Handsomely paid as a brand face of Dana Air, Basketmouth has officially started appearing on their adverts and other promotional products.

According to Basketmouth ; It is true I have a deal with Dana Air. We have always had a good working relationship where I do a lot of things for them.

We have formalized the partnership where I am now their brand face”.

We also learnt that Basketmouth would also be enjoying a lot of free services from Dana Air. The airline, for instance, is the official carrier of his production crew whenever he is doing as event outside Lagos.

They may also be on his events roll on banners and other out-door media for the benefit of both parties

STAR ACTRESS STEPHANIE OKEREKE STEPS UP GAME

Pretty screen diva, Stephanie Okereke is no doubt having the best of times in her acting career, the Ex-beauty Queen who was the 1st runner up of the MBGN Pageant in 2002, has continued to wax stronger.

According to source, the Theatre Arts graduate of the University of Calabar recently launched her own online magazine called (Stephanie).

When asked on why she choose to go into publishing, she said”It is my own way of keeping my fans updated on what is happening in my career, the story will be centered on what is happening around me and the way I see events generally. And it is not going to come on hard copy.

It will be strictly online, and for my fans”.

"I'VE STOPPED USING MARIJUANA.2FACE

Innocent Ujah Idibia popularly known as 2face is arguably one of the best musicians to come out of Africa.

In a recent interview, he opens up like never before.

Excerpts from the interview;

When it comes to drugs, I can say I drink Panadol sometimes when I have headache. Or I can take Vitamin C.

Marijuana? Yes, I have tried it before. I tried it and I felt ire.

I don't want to even start encouraging anybody or talking about that. But I am just being truthful. I have done it before.

Cocaine, heroin? I have never taken tried those ones.Never, ever, ever.

I have never taken marijuana to go onstage. It was just for relaxation purpose. But like I said, I don't even want to go there.

So, let's leave that. I just knew marijuana wasn't for me. So I stopped. Because it makes me feel I am in another world.

I stopped using it a couple of years ago. I wouldn't say it was difficult stopping it. It wasn't too difficult.

It was just craziness that introduced me to marijuana. You know how youthful energy used to push one into things like that. In those days; I listened to songs like Rolling down the Street Smoking.

All those songs can influence, if you want to be influenced. It is not for me to advise musicians not to write or sing about drugs.

One thing about art is that you cannot hide reality from it. You cannot hide the truth from it. It is just like movies as well. You are depicting reality the way you see it from your perspective.

So if you say they should not show guns in movies, they should not show the bad guys, you are distorting reality. You must present things the way they are. It's the same thing with music.

Sometimes you want to paint a picture of reality. You can't run away from that. So you say some of these things. It's basically left for kids to hear it, for them to feel it and then resist it and they get stronger.

Because, sometimes the kid you are hiding something from, the day he would discover that thing, it would be worse than the one who has seeing it since.

The thing is just to bring up your kids the right way. Not letting them fear, but let them see the truth, the reality and make their choices by themselves

HIPHOP ACT KAS SET TO DAZZLE GHANAIANS

Fast-rising Nigerian act Kas Shobayo, whose hit song Femile has taken the continent by storm, is set to perform on the 30th of July at the Dome of the Accra International Conference Centre, where American R&B acts Mario and J Holiday will stage their much awaited musical concert.

233 Connect, organizers of the July 30th concert, have announced.Kas is a British-born Nigerian platinum selling artist who has collaborated with artists such as 2face,Ice Prince,MI, and Sir Shina Peters among others.

Apart from Femile, Kas continues to receive massive rotation on rural-urban African radio with songs like'If you wind for me',Edo My Home”,”Kas-a-nova”,Na U” and “Iyawomi”.

The organizers are hopeful that given his vast experience in the industry and rich repertoire of songs, concert goers will get their monies worth.

ENI DURO CROONER, OLAMIDE TO RELEASED HIS ALBUM, RAP-SO-DI ON MARCH 2

I rated Olamide as one of the artistes to watch out for in 20011, and now a date has been chosen for the release of his album. This was a press statement released by his record management, Toni Payne concept.

These days, when you hear someone say Eni Duro, you automatically think of Olamide, Coded Tunes newest and freshest Alternative Rapper. It's not news that the popularity of his hit single Eni Duro has spread like wildfire and it's also not news that he is lyrically tight. Olamide, who is one of the hottest acts now, will be releasing

his much anticipated first album titled "Rap-So-Di" on March 21, 2011. What to expect from the uber talented rapper. Rap-So-di simple tells you this album not conventional yet it's quite poetic. 15 hot tracks as well as a bonus track dedicated to a friend and colleague the late Dagrin promises not to have you skip single track. The album covers topics like his
life, praising God, hustling on the streets, love, and more. Tracks like his street popular street anthem Eni Duro exhibits Olamide's lyrical prowess, Legendary Hustlers featuring 9ice is an inspirational song about getting to the top, Lift him high is a praise song dedicated to the most high reminding us to always give him praise, Gapa is a playful love song about a girl that makes him proud to call her his. These and many more inspirational, lyrically on point tracks make this album one to look out for.

Rap-So-Di will be marketed by Nigeria's foremost music distributor Uba Pacific and will also be available worldwide on iTunes, Amazon and other online retailers. Olamide is currently managed by Toni Payne concepts and signed to Coded Tunes Records. He has a video "Eni Duro" on air and is planning to shoot many more before the end of this quarter.

TOP TETOP TEN THINGS TO DO AND NOT DO AT AN AFRICAN/NIGERIAN WEDDING:

With William & Kate jumping the proverbial broom and 'wedding season' upon us, I really think some things should be said to guide us through this summer. Now for the average American couple wedding events consist of the following a bachelor/bachelorette party, the white wedding followed by a reception. Now for the average African couple, it consists of traditional weddings, engagement ceremonies, introductions and the list can go on, literally. As in the events leading up to an African wedding can fill up an entire week. Now with that said, I have some guidelines for the couples looking to get married and the guests that plan to attend these weddings.

10. GUESTS: Do be prepared to spend money! I do not care if you are not blood relatives to the couple getting married; whether you are collecting aso ebi, buying the couple a gift or spraying the them with dollars that one auntie helped you change, just know that money will be spent. Even if you decide not to spray the couple, if you are anything like me, you will probably end up spraying the lead singer in the live band for praising you.

9. LADIES & GENTS: Throwing the bouquet and garter are ways for the guests to participate in the festivities so, all my single ladies, when the bride tosses the bouquet, do not punch,slap and/or kick the girl beside you out of the way to catch the bouquet because you feel you are next in line to march to the altar. IS IT BY FORCE?! Then awon guys, please do not act as if catching the garter is a death wish, we all know deep down inside you really want to catch that garter. STOP FRONTING and participate a little!

7. COUPLES: When planning on how you will feed your guests, please do consider serving your guests rather than having them line up buffet style. We are not at the school cafeteria! To top it off, Africans can be a bit rough when it comes to lines (meaning they usually do not form one) so why would you want to see a crowd of people surrounding tables, ultimately taking the focus off of you two, THE COUPLE. SAY NO TO BUFFETS!

6. COUPLES (and in some cases THE BRIDAL PARTY): The reception is usually the favorite part for most couples because then and only then can they really let loose. But wait oh, remember this is not the club where you two first met each other so do not grind up on each other. We do not want a peep show of how you will be throwing down during your honeymoon. Yes, you are married now but please let's keep the dance off PG-13.

5. LADIES (particularly girlfriends of the bride): Seeing your friend get hitched is not a small thing so I can understand you would feel the need to be dressed to KILL. You get dressed in your freshly sown aso ebi and now its time for you to tie your gele. But wait, do not tie your gele into a satellite dish just because you are so 'happy' for your friend. I do not care if you are the maid of honor or bridesmaid, if you are not the mother of either the bride or groom, think smaller. You do not want to upstage the bride or the immediate family so in this case abeg use your church mind.

4. GUESTS: If the wedding ceremony and reception is invite only please do RSVP and do so in time. The days of just showing up to that your uncle's daughter's friend's brother's wedding are (almost) gone. I, for one, am all for invite only weddings, it saves the couple tons of money, having less mouths to feed.

3. COUPLES: When the Pastor announces 'you may now kiss the bride'… do not proceed in slobbering down your new husband/wife. This is not the ' SHOW-US-HOW-MUCH-YOU-LOVE-YOUR-SPOUSE COMPETITION' so keep the tongue wrestling for later 'cause there is no million dollar cash prize waiting.

2. GUESTS: *twitter input* When the time comes to spray the couple and the money is flowing like the dollars at your favorite strip club PLEASE do hold your children back from collecting the cash off the floor. I've 'reprimanded' thieving little kids before and I have no problem doing it again. Plus there is nothing more annoying than watching the video of your wedding reception and seeing little Junior pocketing a fistful of singles.

1. COUPLES (especially the BRIDES): Do not stress yourself too much and have fun. I have worked with plenty of brides to know that most of them were two steps away from having an anxiety/panic attack. I understand it is a lot to plan and think about but I honestly feel that's what wedding planners are for, don't be afraid to use them.

BONUS: Africans love to DANCE! I mean in the program we even have a whole section, after the vote of thanks, dedicated to DANCE! DANCE!! DANCE!!! So on that note, do hire a banging DJ and/or a live band that will have your guests literally flock to the dance floor. The last thing you want is for people to complain about the music. Next to food, music can make of break the experience for your guests

Well those are my top ten! I'm sure there are many more but with time I feel we have grown leaps and bounds when it comes to the quality of our weddings. What are some things you think should be addressed when it comes to African/Nigerian weddings?

I LIVE A GOOD AND COMFORTABLE LIFE WITH NO STRESS

Bovi, a comedian believes practitioners need confidence to be successful in this interview with SPECTRUM

what’s your background like?

I was born in the 70s to academic parents; a father who was a lecturer and a librarian mother. I grew up wanting to be on the screen. This interest eventually influenced my career path as I studied Theatre Arts at the Delta State University. I started my career with veteran actor, Richard Mofe -Damijo, before trying my hands on comedy in 2005. My office was co-organising an art exhibition for my friend at Golden Gate Restaurant. Though there was an emcee, the guests needed to be entertained later on. So, I took the microphone from the MC and that was it. What saved me was that the jokes were funny, but I was not a comedian. Ali Baba was among the audience and he encouraged me to keep it up. Not fully persuaded that I could be a comedian, I ignored the encouragement until 2007 when I featured in the TV drama, Extended Family.

What inspired you to become a comedian?

Nothing really; I know I am talented. I have always wanted to be a comedian right from my primary school days. I always made people laugh whenever they were with me. Today, I am not just a comedian, but a professional comedian, professional actor and an entertainer. I have been a comedian for quite some years now, but I became a professional comedian in 2008.

How can you describe the life of comedians?

Actually, I cannot say for others but for myself. I live a good life, a comfortable life without stress. I wake up in the morning; pray to God. I receive calls from people, not ordinary people but excited people. Sometimes I will be very tired and weak, but I always create time to read because I love reading a lot. Whenever I'm less busy, I'm always with my family.

What are the challenges you face as a comedian?

Everybody has his own challenges. For me, I accept any challenges that come my way. I see all challenges as stepping stones and not a stumbling block.

Why do Nigerian comedians like cracking jokes in Pidgin English?

We like cracking jokes in Pidgin because English is not our first language. Our local dialect is our first language and the closest language to our local dialect is Pidgin. We have so many idiomatic expressions that we use in Pidgin that we may not be able to express in English language. Most people understand Pidgin but it's not everybody that understands good English. English jokes are for English people; that is why their jokes can work for them. I can crack jokes with good English and people will laugh but Nigerians enjoy Pidgin English a lot. Moreover, Pidgin English makes your jokes flow well. Speaking Pidgin English is like you are down to earth, you can colour your picture for people to understand you. I have also featured in so many event that I use pure English.

What has been your most embarrassing moment?

My embarrassing moment was when I first started; there were occasions that I went off on stage; I forgot everything I had practiced, it has happened to me once or on two occasions. I was really embarrassed but I did not lose hope. I still put myself together and continued my jokes. Sometimes you crack a joke and people would not laugh. I was saying to myself that is it that the joke is not funny or I did not say it in a funny way. It has to do with confidence. If you are not confident enough, and your joke is funny, the audience will just laugh at you and not the jokes. It has happened to me on several occasions but now, I'm a professional comedian. Once I enter the stage, people will start laughing. I cannot go on stage to crack a joke and people will not laugh. It is not possible. I have a lot of fans, so I need to prepare well so that my standard will not drop.

People say there is a lot of money in comedy. Is that true?

Everything is a process; I will tell you that there is real money in this profession. If you are not making money in what you are doing, in a matter of time, you will make the money. I have been long in this game so I can confidently say that yes, it pays me.

How do you see comedy in the next four years?

I can't really say, but I can assure you that in the next four, five years I will be better than the way I am. I entertain people but I know that in the next four years, I will entertain more people.

AN INTERVIEW WITH ALI BABA

Alleluia Atunyota Akpoborome (also known as Ali Baba) could be regarded as the doyen of Nigeria's stand-up comedy in an industry that has grown bigger over the years. His exploits and success have been a source of inspiration to many other would be comedians. He speaks with SPECTRUM on his life, comedy and other issues. Excerpts:

No doubt, you re-invented comedy in Nigeria. You are regarded as the leader of stand-up comedy and today, many Nigerian youths can say they are comedians owing to your influence. Tell us how you made it particularly at a time comedians were regarded as nonentities?
I tried to work in an organisation, DP Lekki, back then, but it was a futile effort. My salary was N1, 500 for a whole month, but I was already earning between N5,000 and N10,000 per show.

So I left. Growing the business called for sacrifice, when you knew you could do with N2000 but insisted on being paid N10, 000, and the client walked away leaving you with nothing.

Determination helped me build my career to this height. People tried to take advantage of me and they in fact did. Performing without payment just to prove I could do it, or to sell myself to not just a larger market, but a paying one. But we thank the Lord!

How would you describe the journey so far for you?
It was challenging. Especially trying to make people appreciate the act as a service and not just a talent. Till date, some still say, is it not just to make people laugh? But on the whole, its been rewarding.

Did you go through any formal training as a professional comedian? What qualities does it take to be a good and successful comedian?
No. On the contrary, I got into the business by accident. I was into my Religious Studies & Philosophy when I stumbled on it. It takes a lot to be a comedian. And a whole lots more to be a good one.

Do you think stand up comedy requires any formal training or for would- be comedians to go through tutorials under veterans like you?
Yes. Which was why it was hard for early comedians like Yibo Koko, Tee A, Alam Bloo and the likes. This set had no precedence to learn from. So, we made the rules, adjusted as we got on to suit the trends and discarded those rules that made no sense.

Besides the talent, comedians needed to know the ropes of negotiation, timing of a joke, audience reading, client behaviour, networking, mode of payment, discounts and, most importantly, how to make jokes at the drop of a hat.

Since its a profession that requires creativity and sense of humour, do you see yourself retiring from the business completely in the future?
No. Bill Cosby is still doing his thing. That's the beauty of comedy. It's like Law. You get better with age. Unlike sports, retirement may not be the word. Maybe you should say I might just reduce the number of events and diversify my energy and talents in other areas that don't take so much of my time

Can you ever run out of jokes? Or have you been short of jokes before at a show?
It's hard to run out of jokes if you are a thorough-bred comedian. Jokes emanate from the event, past experiences, reading materials, observations, total recall, comparison, etc. Your ability to milk out every drop of laughter is the key to not running out of jokes.

Today, comedians are making it big and very proud of the profession courtesy Ali Baba. But in those days of Baba Sala and the rest, comedians didn't make it like now. What would you say was missing then?
The appreciation level was low or nonexistent in some cases. Priorities change. Time was in this country when teachers were the best paid people. Now that has changed, sadly. What went wrong? Nothing. It was not just the right time.

Besides, when Mohammed Danjuma of blessed memory and I started out, we were not just comedians, we were providing service. That's what people paid us for. The value you brought to an event, though not tangible, makes a great deal of difference. So, it would be right to say we packaged our brand of comedy in line with the times and demands of the events.

You have performed for presidents, state governors and high profile personalities and yabbed them to their faces in your shows, particularly, former President Obasanjo. The first time you did it, how did you feel? Were you scared of being arrested?
No. There is a thin line between being funny and being offensive. Walking the line takes skills, experience, ability to read the audience and the relevance of the show also counts. Obasanjo was not just a president, he is a man with a resounding sense of humour, enough to put some comedians out of work. He can take as much as he can give. Unknown to many, most of the things I said about him were after I had told him in person.

Have you ever been arrested, harassed or threatened in the course of doing comedy before?
Never. Maybe harassed is not the word, let's just say someone may have felt offended. But I put them back in their places. I'm a comedian in the first place, so whatever I say is not supposed to be taken seriously. Sadly, what politicians say are taken seriously and a comedian's joke is a statement of fact!

A guy who had thoroughly laughed at all the jokes I did on the Yoruba and Hausa people had the guts to tell me to stop doing jokes on the Igbo. So, I went back to the microphone and I pointed him out and asked how he felt when he laughed at jokes on other tribes?

Do you think you would have done same in a military era?
Of course. How else can a military era be other than that of IBB and Abacha's? I survived it all. Although, it must be said that democracy gave comedy wings. But what is funny is funny, military or civilian.

Which was your most challenging show? Tell us about your most embarrassing moment if any?
I can't remember. Because a show may look like it would be challenging, but as soon as you get into the flow, its cool running. Embarrassing moments? Why should I tell you?

Your happiest moment?
Too many to remember. But driving pass Bar Beach and NTA gives me great thrills. To think I used to live at that beach and trek from NTA to Palmgrove.

If you had not been a comedian, what other things would you have been?
Broadcaster, public relations expert, writer, footballer, sprinter, copywriter and maybe, a journalist.

Despite your tight schedule, do you make out time to relax? How do you relax and spend your weekends?
Play football, swim, ride my bicycles, watch movies, read a good book, go clubbing or visit friends.

As Nigeria celebrates 50th independence anniversary, what word of advice do you have for Nigerian youths out there?
The youth should call up all their hidden talents. Even handicaps or people with disabilities are doing great things. A full-bodied man wants to be spoon fed! That is wrong and should stop. As we start another decade in the history of our country, I charge our youths to seek, know and explore their God-given talents for their personal good and the good of the nation.

GABONESSE MUSIC GROUP-MOVAIZHALEINE

One of the continents most successful rap stories, ex-pats Movaizhaleine, now residing in Paris, France, have taken the African rap flag and are flying it high across the world for Gabon, and indeed the rest of the continent.

Consisting of two young conscious rappers, Lord Ekomy Ndong and Maat Seigneur Lion, the group, also affectionately known as MH, began rapping together when still at high school - highly influenced by the activism on the continent at the time.

Musically the boys were sucked in by the sounds of reggae bands such as Burning Spear as well as the iconic hip-hop acts like NWA, Public Enemy and KRS One. Living in the heart of Gabon they were also shaped by listening to traditional African music such as Griot Mvett, Sacred Harp and Bwiti.

Strong believers in the rehabilitation of Black history, the duo started rapping about their views and in a short space of time became favourites on radio stations in Libreville. They formed their own independent record label Zorbam produxions and released their first single - a track called Nyabinghi.

In 1998 their first solo album 'Mission A Mbeng' came out and was a ground breaking release for the African rap market, proving to the rappers they could achieve success through music.

In 2001 they released the follow up album 'Mission Akomplie' which boasted collaborations with acts such as Patrick Nguema Ndong, Anthony Gussie, and Annie Flore Batchiellilys.

In 2003 the members took a short break to both release solo albums to great success, but this was by no means the end of MH. They came back hard and fast in 2005 with the album 'On Détient La Harpe Sacrée (Tome 1)', again resulting in a best seller for the group.

Movaizhaleine also organise events that reaffirm the fundamental values of African conscious hip-hop in Gabon. Their annual concert Le Show Dug Pays (the show of the country) is an important event on the local hip-hop scene.

In January 2007, MH assembled their own recording studio named La Foret Des Abeilles (the Drill of the Bees). In late 2007, they released their fourth album 'Tome 2'. MH won the 2008 Video of the Year at the inaugural MTV MAMA Music Awards for their single 'Nous', despite the obvious political message in the track.

A pioneer of the Gabonese hip-hop scene, MH are the longest-standing group in the rap community. With six top selling albums under their belt and more than a hundred spectacular showcases in Africa and Europe, the group are still growing from strength to strength. So joining the One8 team in 2010 was a natural move for these pan-African cultural leaders. After leaving Paradise Entertainment, members of ONE8 Supergroup and AIRTEL Ghana’s brand partners, 4x4, are out with their new video. It's for the first single, Waist & Power, from the upcoming album of the same name. 4x4, which is made up of Captain Planet, DeCODED (formally Abortion) & Fresh Prince, is now under X4 Records.

AN INTERVIEW WITH A.Y

Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY is one of the finest comedians of our time. The multiple award winning stand-up comedian shares with SPECTRUM how he has been able to establish himself in a highly competitive industry.

What have you been up to lately?
Lately? It is rest .I just finished a major show and it was awesome and everything was good. Right now I am thinking of going on a vacation and come back and face other projects. You may wish to know that AY show is a brand now and we are taking it to other states as the public demands . Apart from that, when I come back from my vacation we need to start up a new project … a sitcom called Ay Scribe.

How have you been able to cope with the stiff competition?
The comedy business is getting bigger and better. It puts food on the table and we thank God. But when you talk about competition, I really don't know about competition, I must confess. Anytime I even want to assume that I am involved in any form of competition. Let me say at that point I find myself competing with myself. It's like I am saying AY you have gotten to this level, now it is time to compete with myself at the next level so that anything I do would be better. Generally I can say that the competition has been within myself.

Your take on the copyright law…?
The people you see on television are advocating for rights in terms of their materials, jokes and what have you. It is a good way to solidify the industry. It is a good way for rewarding creative people. People who are able to come out with quality jokes. I think I am going to support such mission because at the moment, there have been cases where people use other people's jokes and material. But so far so good nobody can walk up to me and say we can trace so and so person's jokes to you.

A Governing Council for comedians?
We have always loved to have one but it has not been working for ages. Long before now, the likes of Ali Baba who happens to be like a father figure to everyone of us in the industry had called for something like this to come on board and a lot of people did not pay attention probably because the feeling then was that you are doing your thing, I am doing my thing. But right now a lot of people are getting sensitive with the situation of things, about how their jokes are being used and about how the audience is beginning to perceive comedians.

Now they are beginning to understand the need for us to come together. As a matter of fact, I got an SMS informing me about a meeting where comedians have to come together and think of ways to move the industry forward.

How long have you been in the business?
I always tell people that I am a baby in the business. I am barely four years old in the business of comedy.

Any challenges?
Like I said to you before now, my genre of comedy is something I designed to do on my own. It's not been easy because there are times you have prepared for a particular show and you go there and you see a mixed audience. You need to prepare. If you are working for doctors for instance you need to be medically inclined and be informed.

You don't just go there and do jokes but you need to challenge yourself, you need to learn their language and share their school of thought. So it is sometimes challenging when you are trying to put all these things together. You know comedians are like social commentators and it is always necessary for you able to run your commentaries on things happening around you.

What was your first stage performance like?
I will give it to Made in Warri, because that was where I started. RMD was putting up his Made in Warri together and because I was a part of the planning, I got a sort of compensation. Since I was not a comedian but a Warri boy I was made the MC of the event. So from anchoring the event I decided to play a smart one by way of bringing in one or two jokes.

The jokes were able to stir up an apathetic audience and as a result of that recognition came. But that was not the peak then. I think the big break came when Ali Baba took me to Abuja. Then from back stage someone told him that he saw AY doing some things. Then he told me, you are going to do this on Opa Williams's stage.

That was where I got the opportunity to come out. Lo and behold I got everyone cracking. It was so good that the organizer of the show, Opa Williams, was so impressed that he gave me some money because I wasn't on his bill. Then I started getting involved in most of his shows and that gave birth to the AY brand.

How come you spent nine years in school?
I spent nine years on campus and that wasn't a good story. But I was suffering for something some people in the school decided to punish me for because I didn't place my priority right but I didn't give up. I said to myself that no matter what, I was going to grab my degree. It wasn't that I was failing but everything was intact and it has nothing with cultism.

I started off with music at Delta State University. I put in for Mass Communication but when JAMB printed the result, you know Niger, we really didn't know how M for Mass Communication became M for music. But I wasn't really happy staying in that department. And I stayed in that department for four years. It was in my fourth year that I decided to go and write JAMB again.

A lot of people were like “…is he okay..”, and then I went in for Theatre Arts. So when I was doing theater arts, I had this pretty girlfriend then and some people were picking on her that she should sleep with them. But I would walk straight to their office and say things to them. Without even being attached to any confraternity and I would tell them no, you can't have your way and that got me into a lot of trouble. Suddenly things around me started missing; like my course registration form and all that. I was getting all sorts of punishment until God used a new Dean of Arts, Professor Okala liberated me.

How do you handle a difficult audience?
Every one knows the situation we are going through in the country at present, but it is either we talk about it or we just stay away from it. But it is better when you hit the reality that is affecting them. That is why we see some comedians that would confront them with the mic and say we are not the cause of your problem.

We are only trying to help. You know the only way many people can console themselves as our research have confirmed, is to go for comedy shows. For we comedians, when they are not happy with what is happening at Aso rock, or what they face in traffic or the erratic electricity supply, they rely on us. They want us to talk about it and those who are immune to jokes can't help it when we hit the nail on the head.

Is there any thing like a bad joke?
Yes, there are so many bad jokes. There are jokes that you cannot say at some venues. It depends on the occasion. If you are clubbing for example and you were asked to come and entertain people at the club, you have no business telling them how Jesus Christ held the cross. You want to say things that they would relate with. Because you would agree with me that they are already in the spirit.

It is a form of spiritual realm and you would like to join them in that realm too and do things they can relate with. But you can be at a corporate event of a company where everybody is depending on you the MC to carry everyone along. You can't go to such corporate event with the high caliber people and say things like “if you see that yansh”. They would just turn and stare at you and that would be the last time you would be working for that company. So the ability to say things at the right time, at the right place is very important too. So there are so many bad jokes out there but I have built my brand in a way that you can never pin me with bad jokes.

What is your relationship with Bovi?
Solid. He's a friend and we went to the same university and we were able to connect. We had dreams way back, we always said that one day we would come to this Lagos and make a difference. And good enough it is happening. We are in Lagos and we are beginning to gain a lot of attention. We are happy people. He's a married man with a son and I am married with a daughter. Very soon we will both start running for “second term” in terms of having another baby.

TIWA SAVAGE

So I have been shouting on Twitter about a certain Naija babe that can hit high notes like crazy. “She is the next big thing” is exactly what I twitted and the more I play her songs for people, the more fans she gets (she’ll pay me later). “kele kele love” in the context of the song means “under G love” and she killed it from beginning to the end. I always repeat the 2nd verse because she goes off there (I mean hits the high notes). Tiwa is currently singed to SONY USA Record Label and she has been a background singer for artists like Mary J Blige, STING, George Michael, Kelly Clarkson and Spice Girls. She was also on the X-Factor; the British form of American Idol (yup she’s got video on YouTube). Now I know everyone is eager to listen to the song, y’all go ahead.

AN INTERVIEW WITH W4

Entertainment My Romance With Toni Payne -W4Adewale Adepoju a.k.a W4, ventured into music scene in 2005 after he released his debut album “Temperature”. It was everywhere. In this chat with us, he revealed his romance with Toni Payne's management years back.
Excerpts:

For those who don't know much about W4, let us into your background.

My name is Adewale Adepoju, I am from Orson State, from a family of four, I started appearing in the music scene in 2005 with my debut album “Temperature”. In JSS 2, I indicated my love for music and in 2004, I took the bold step and I thank God today for my decision. The content and my sense of uniqueness in my debut album have taken me to the level I am today and I give a lot of respect to my fans because they are the ones that made me what I am today. I am trying to make 'Mr. Wonder', a more anticipated album so as to appreciate the love they have for me.

What really went wrong between W4 and Toni Payne?

Toni Payne came to the picture through one of 2face's wives, she introduced her to me and we started working. Toni Payne is like a friend and a sister, when we were working, there was no formal or written agreement between us, everything was based on friendship, she is very learned and mature. We were working with good understanding and there wasn't any problem. For the fact that we are no more working as an artiste and a manager does not end our friendship. We share ideas and she might still be my manager (laugh) but not anymore for now.

It was said that you refused to sign under 2face's record label, Hypertek Music, how true is that?

No, 'W4 and Hypertek' I will call it a family business, the CEO of Hypertek Music, 2face Idibia is more like a brother to me and we are very close and work harmoniously together. Even before the birth of Hypertek Music, we've always been together. Having a record label is a very good idea and he felt we could be working together. Similarly, Sound Sultan (Naija Ninja) has involved me in everything they are doing. Kennis Music has also involved me in what they do. Since I joined the industry, I have always had relationships with different producers. Hypertek is a family thing to me and we are still together till date.

Do you have any written agreement with 2face's Hypertek?

I don't have any agreement with any record label and I didn't sign under Hypertek. It is just the love and the likeness he has for me and the kind of music I do that prompted our relationship.

You've been doing a lot of great collaborations without releasing your own singles, how do you react to that?

It is okay, collaboration is part of hype, but what really disturbed me from releasing any single was the challenge I faced after releasing my debut album with the record label (Hypodrum Records). We had some issues which really took my time and that didn't give me enough time to concentrate on my album. I did some collaboration by helping lots of artistes and some artistes helped me too. On the other hand, I was working on re-packaging myself, changing from W4 to W4 (Mr. Wonder) and when you are talking about wonder, you talk about change in everything, because wonder is what everybody wishes and desires. I am really transforming myself to Mr. Wonder.

People assume that, you are so proud and this prompted your career to go solo, what is your comment?

Well, it might not be humble for me to say I am humble, but I am humble, I call myself a cool dude and I don't hate anybody, I do my things as it pleases me, if I am in a position to inconvenience myself for others to be convenient, I do that honorably. But it's normal, some people for the fact that they don't have the opportunity to move close to you would say a whole lot of false things about you. But you don't allow that to bother you.

What are we expecting from W4 now?

As I have said before, I am transforming myself from W4 to W4 Mr. Wonder, 'Mr. Wonder' is the title of my next album. I have now standardized myself, I am just trying to exhibit it in this new album (Mr. Wonder), my next album will be showing the unique part of me, replicating some cultures from Fela Anikulapo Kuti (The Great One); it's a different thing entirely, Mr. Wonder is made up of vocal, lyrics, rhymes, new messages and good music. In the album, I have J-Sleek, Filso production, Spanky, Jiggy Jag and a whole lot of young talented producers.

When should we be expecting MR WONDER?

Yes, the album would be released after my new video, Kontrol. I recently dropped new three singles- 'Kontrol',' Do Something' and 'Sexy Swagger', they are all great tracks, these tracks will be a preface for the album.

Tell us about your love life and how you're coping with your female fans?

We thank God (laugh), my fans made W4, so they are my lovers. My love life is about my fans and music.

Who has been your pillar in this industry?

Firstly, God Almighty, and also to my former label record (Hypodrum music); when I recorded my debut album, 'Temperature', they stood solidly behind me. My story will not be complete without Hypertek Music, Baron Squad (Basket Mouth), Naija Ninja (Sound Sultan), OJB, My Tunes from Brooklyn, Kennis Music and most importantly, my fans. It's been wonderful having great people behind me.

HANA'S HOTTEST MUSICAL GROUP-4X4

4X4 is a rap group made up of the strangely-named Captain Planet, Fresh Prince, and Abortion.

Mentored by hip-life duo Buk Bak (Ronnie Coches and Bright Bling Sparkles), they released their first album 'Siklitele' in 2003, followed by a second album, 'Contestant Number 1', in 2007. The group explain that they choose the name 4×4 because the whole crew was elevated by four minds: Bright, Ronny, Captain Planet and Abortion.

4X4 was initially a duo, later bringing Fresh Prince (Prince Tamakloe) on board to feature on their 2007 hit 'HotGirls.com'. He eventually joined the group permanently to make it a trio. Under the watchful eye of Buk Bak the group have made a massive name for themselves in the Ghanaian music scene.

Abortion, who is a ragga artist, started rapping in high school with a group called Kokorokoo which featured Ghana's premier Akuapem rapper, Pope Skinnie. Captain Planet also started rapping in secondary school with a group called the Wu Clan. He was discovered by Buk Bak after being featured on a television programme called 'Kiddafest' and is the first person to rap in Ghanaian vernacular languages which include Akuapem, Twi, Ga, Ewe, and Pidgin English.

As role models to the youth in Ghana, the members of 4x4 have worked extremely hard to get where they are today. Captain Planet has a degree in Advanced Marketing while Abortion studied his dream career of being an architect at ATTC.

Their example to the youth mixed with their pride for their country also sees 4x4 fit perfectly into the ONE8 African supergroup project. JK'S SA LAUNCH
Sensational singer Jordan Katembula popularly knows as JK launched his 'Akapilipili' Album in South Africa. The album as become a hit on the Zambian music scene. The launch was on Saturday August 28, at Monte Casino in Johannesburg where JK was accompanied by two artistes, Indeed K who recently released her 'Cherubim Chandi' album, and Afunika. JK’s South African fans were ready for the Zambian star and showed up in numbers to see him.

JK was also accompanied Bizzy Wizzy of Klub Vegas, one of the hottest clubs in Zambia, who displayed his skills during the show. JK is expected to tour Zambia to promote his album which has captured many of his local music lovers. Some of the songs that JK performed were 'Ka Pillow', 'Concrete Mixer', 'Kanyimbo', 'Poison' and many more. Other Zambian artistes that have recently been to South Africa for performances include Mampi, Dalisoul, K’Millian, Petersen and Ozzy who is currently promoting his 'Kobili' album,

JK recently released his single 'Akapilipili' song which features Salma Dodia another upcoming Zambian artist. The video for the 'Akapilipili' song is already being played on MTVBase and Channel O. This is JK’s fifth Album.

P-SQUARE AND SON CAMERON

AND ANOTHER PIC

WAJE'S INTERVIEW

I don’t think Waje needs any introduction. She’s one of the most recognizable voices in the Nigerian RnB genre currently and she is yet to release an album. Pretty impressive. I’ve been a fan of Waje since her appearance on P-Square’s Do Me, and so it was somewhat of a thrilling experience actually speaking to Waje on the phone. I was able to steal her away from the studio for 30 miens, and ask her some interesting questions. Her answers were probably some of the most honest and real answers I’ve heard in a while. I won’t ruin it for you so check it out.
SPECTRUM: For the people that don’t know who you are, can you tell us a bit about yourself… A little introduction if you will.
Waje: Ok. Well my name is Waje, surname Iruobe. I’m from Edo state. I grew up in Benin. Well Benin and Enugu. Because I grew up with my mom, I’m more of an Igbo girl than the other part of me. I’m fun *laughs*… Usually describing yourself is rather difficult. I’d rather people do that for me. One thing is sure though, and it’s that I love music, and I’ve made music part of me, so I guess that’s what people use in identifying with me and my music.
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SPECTRUM: So I’ve heard WAJE is an acronym, is that correct? If so can you tell us what it stands for, and how it came about.
Waje: It’s both my name and an acronym. Waje is a short form of my name. My full name is Aituaje, so when I was looking for a stage name, I used the second part of it. I didn’t want to use my English name. You can divide my name into two and get the two parts. My parents sometimes called me Aituaje, but nobody had ever really called me Waje. So I said let me just use Waje, but instead of “U” I changed the alphabet to “W”, and added an acronym to it, so it’s Words Aren’t Just Enough (W.A.J.E)
SPECTRUM: Ahh, nice. That’s very creative.
Waje: I’m feeling like a G right now *laughs*
SPECTRUM: You’re a G now. You think it’s easy to come up with that kind of name *laughs*
Waje: Thank God I didn’t choose Sabrina or Cecelina… *laughs*
SPECTRUM: How did you get into music?
Waje: Well I went to the University of Nigeria (UNN), and while I was in school, I was in the choir. I liked to perform at shows; you know the usual school free shows, and gala nights and such.
One time I was singing in Church, my mentor Mr. Christopher Madubuko, (well he’s like my Godfather rather), was watching me sing, and he was like ‘what do I think about taking this music thing further?’, like signing a record deal and all that. I laughed, and told him that I didn’t think God gave people their talent so that they could be making money out of it *laughs*. I guess I was just a stupid child. Even when I’m saying it right now, I can’t believe that I said that. He pretty much told me to think about it, and started training me, and teaching me pretty important things about music. You know, your stage craft and all that.
One of those times he got me a gig in Enugu, and P-Square came to perform. After my performance, backstage we got acquainted, and they thought, in their own opinion that “Waje you’re a fantastic singer.” I just felt that since everybody says it, then I guess there’s some truth in it, and decided to take it from there.
Audio Response:
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SPECTRUM: For most of us, the first time we heard you on record was on P-Square’s “Do Me.” Tell us how that came up, cos at the time P-square was already a huge act in Africa, and you just pop up on their record.
Waje: So after the show that I met them, ok wait… I used to remix people’s songs a lot. I’d just have my own version of the song. I heard their song Omoge Mi, and thought it would be nice to do my own version. I’ve known J-martins from way back, and we decided to record the song. I did my own version entirely, sent it to them, and they loved it. They were like people had been coming up with different remixes, but this is the first one that they really liked, and asked me if I minded if they put it on their Bizzy Body remix album. I’m like “before nko, I wont mind o. You guys should go right ahead.” *laughs*.
They did that, and when they started working on the Game Over album, they asked me if I wanted to be a part of it. I’m like “Sure Banker” and that’s how it started.
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SPECTRUM: So you competed in the reality series, MTV Africa’s Advance Warning, where you came in second, but captured a lot of fans. How did that help in your career?
Waje: It did a lot for my career. Before the show a lot of people just knew me as some name… actually a lot of people didn’t even know the name sef. People just had different ideas of who this singer was. Some people didn’t know my face, others didn’t my name. I was at home one day, and I got a call telling me that I was part of the competition, and I didn’t even put in for it. I was very excited to say the least.
It was when I was in the house that I recorded my first single, Kolo. After advanced warning, I came out with the single, and people already knew me because they had seen the show, so in terms of promotion and publicity off a brand that people didn’t know initially, it gave me a better foundation, and people were able to say “oh yeah, that’s the face to the name or the name to face.” So it definitely did a lot for me.
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SPECTRUM: This is probably the most common question for musicians, but i’ll go ahead and ask anyways, who are/were your biggest influences currently and while growing up artistically?
Waje: Mine was mostly American. I loved Whitney Houston a lot growing up. They actually nicknamed me Whitney Houston, cos while I was in secondary school, I was on scholarship and that’s because I could sing. I was intelligent but I guess my voice did better for me.
I loved RnB a lot so Boyz II Men and all those peeps. For my naija people, Evi Edna, Mike Okri and those people. I used to look at Mike Okri as the Michael Jackson of naija especially cos of those jerry curls. I was tripped that a naija man would be doing all that. He had very cool songs too. Onyeka Onwenu also cos she was so Beyonce is her time. You remember “dancing in the sun” video. *laughs*.
These are people that basically brought me up musically, and everytime I wanted to be like them and act like them, and treat music like they treated it. You can say they are the reason why I’m doing wh

SPECTRUM: Contrary to what some people might think, you’ve been in the industry for a while. Tell us how it’s been being a woman in the industry that is very male dominated, and how you’ve been able to make it to where you are now?
Waje: I always tell people that it’s a lot of hard work. I think if you approach work as a woman, I think you’re making a mistake by doing that because we’re in a country that is a male dominated environment and society. I don’t care the kind of work you do, it’s not really about just the music industry. Even as a banker or any profession, it’s just the way it is. It really has nothing to do with music being a male dominated profession but every young woman taking her work seriously and taking it the way the guys take it.
I heard about a chick (I wont say any names) that was supposed to be signed with a record label, and one of the members of the record label who is a guy felt threatened, and said well “she’ll get married and have kids etc.” So they feel like to us music is a hobby, and that we don’t take it seriously. They don’t understand that this is a job. If you dey hustle am, the way the guys dey hustle am, it no concern you if you get boobs or you no get. The same way the guys dey take hustle the thing, dey hustle your own, and they’ll take you seriously. Cos eventually everyone wants to identify with who you are because you’re a go-getter. You just go and get it irrespective of your gender.
I guess that’s why I’m here now. Why I haven’t left the industry yet, and that’s why a lot of strong ladies Pomatum, Lami, Kel, Sasha are still here. And we’re not going anywhere.
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SPECTRUM: Recently you’ve gotten a lot of popularity from your song with MI, One Naira, and more especially your role as MI’s “girlfriend” in the skits in his album MI2. How did that come about?
First of all the song. I went to see MI, and he told me he had 2 songs he wanted me to listen to, and afterwards I should chose which one I wanted. I chose “One Naira”…… (line cuts *thanks to MTN* LOL.)
…. He asked me to write the chorus, and I did, and he was like “Waje this is cool, but we want something very very good” so we redid it and we able to get something great.
In terms of being his love interest in the album, he called me up and asked me what I thought about the idea, and I was “go ahead… cool with me.” I really didn’t play a huge part like that.
SPECTRUM: You know it’s funny cos some people on MI’s interview with a radio station, someone asked him if you and him were dating. It was kinda funny but I was like that doesn’t mean they are dating. lol
Waje: they’ll always say stuff *laughs*… they should enjoy themselves.
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SPECTRUM: I realized you speak a lot of Igbo in your songs, more so than any other language I think. Are you fluent in Igbo?
Waje: Yes I am. I lived in Enugu from 2000 – 2006, and my mom is Igbo. She’s from Onitsha… Anyi bu ndi onitsha *laughs*. Igbo women have this thing about taking their kids home every Christmas. I don’t care if she’s married to one hausa guy or a Yoruba guy, an Igbo woman will always make sure her kids know where she comes from, and I guess that’s what she did with us too.
I’m very close to my mom so naturally I started speaking Igbo. That’s the only Nigerian language I speak actually. I don’t even know how to speak my own language.
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SPECTRUM: You don’t need to be a genius to notice that you and Omawumi are pretty close, at least that’s the way it seems. Tell us a little more about your relationship with Omawumi.
Waje: We basically respected and liked each other’s music. One time I went for an interview and she was there as well and I saw her was like “oh… no be you sing that song ‘in the music’” and as I was saying that she was like “no be you sing that one wey demy dey call ‘kolo’.” So we just connected like that and we became friends.
One thing I really admire about Omawumi is the way she handles her work. She’s very focused. It’s the same with people around me, all my friends, Jeniffer Legenu, Munachi, Lami, Kel. These are people that are really close to me in the industry that people don’t know about.
Sometimes we have these chilling Friday dates when we go just sitdown… just us, chilling, gisting and pretty much bonding.

SPECTRUM: So you’ve had massive hits, Kolo, Somewhere, For A Minute, so Inspired. What’s next for WAJE? Videos? An album in the works?
Waje: I just shot the video for “So Inspired” and it’s massive. So i’m hoping to release that soon. I’m definitely coming out with my album, by the second quarter of this year, by the Grace of God. I don’t like giving dates cos you know certain things can happen.
I’ve listened and I’ve made up my mind that this album is gonna come out.
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SPECTRUM: Let’s switch things up a little bit, and get a bit more interesting. When you’re not working on music, what’s your favorite thing to do?
Waje: I’m very lazy. I like to chill at home. I’m not much of an out person. If there’s Disney channel, Thank the Lord. I’ll just chill and watch that.
SPECTRUM: Did you say Disney channel? As old as you are *laughs*
Waje: Yes o. I know it’s a shame… It’s a shame *laughs*. But that’s just me. My brothers try to get me to go out sometimes. Anytime I’m out it’s probably cos I’m excorting somebody. You’ll rarely see me alone out. I guess it’s just not a priority for me. It’s just not my kind of person.
Once there’s light. I’m good to go.
.SPECTRUM: What is you biggest turn off in a guy?
Waje: Green snake in green grass. I don’t think there are other words for that. Green snake in Green Grass. You know some guys that will be there, but they are not there… Ahh… Run o. Pick race *laughs*
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SPECTRUM: If you had just one wish in this world, what would it be? If God said you have this one wish and you have to make it up in 24 hours. What would you wish for?
Waje: I will wish for His Blessing actually. Some people are here to take, and others are here to give, but if you’ve ever given, you’ll find that there’s so much satisfaction from giving. The fulfillment and satisfaction I get when i’m able help someone out is amazing.
2 days ago, I put on twitter, “God Bless me so I can bless others.” I think that’s going to be my only wish. If He blesses me, I’ll be able to bless my family and friends, and even people that don’t know me. And as long as those people live, they’ll be thanking God for me.
Audio Response:
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SPECTRUM: If you weren’t into music, what else do you think you would be doing career-wise?
Waje: I would’ve been frying chin-chin *laughs*… But seriously while I was in school I made money by baking and things like that. So seriously if I wasn’t singing I’ll be doing that or I’ll own a school. I still intend on being a proprietress but maybe in the future.
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SPECTRUM: Random question: Give me the your top 5 songs currently. Like what’s bumping on your mp3 player… besides your work of course.

Waje:
1. Oleku – Ice Prince
2. Give it to me – Dprince
3. Follow You Go – Banky W
4. Of course One Naira… anyday anytime
5. Beef – MI
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SPECTRUM: Ok, last question; What will you say is your goal in music? Like when it’s all said and done, what would you like to have accomplished or be remembered for?
Waje: I think I want to be able to give people the platform to do what they want to do musically. With all the experience I have, and will have later, and with all the grammies I’m going to win *laughs*. By that time I’ll be able to scout for talent and bring them musically. Not a record label or anything like that cos I don’t intend to own a record label.
I don’t know how exactly I’m going to do it, but I want to have the opportunity to do that. Maybe in 2020 or 2025, there’ll be someone that Waje brought in. So that’s what I hope to have accomplished.