FOLAKE COKER SHUTS DOWN TIFFANY AMBER

We have not been able to confirm for sure whether it’s for refurbishment or otherwise, but from the little information we could gather the Palms Mall located Tiffany Amber flagship might have been shutdown totally. 

We are hoping that after this write-up, either Folake Folarin-Coker who is the Creative Director of the award winning Fashion/Lifestyle brand or the PR Company handling her account would be nice enough to inform us, about what's next. But knowing, Mrs. Coker very well she might not say anything. What we can tell all of our readers for free right now is that the former store at the Palms Mall just directly opposite the MANGO Franchise has been shut down and already the Mall owners are on the lookout for a new tenant to take over that particular space.  

One other thing we are hearing is that brand might be moving to another smaller space at the same mall, though like we earlier said, we have not been able to fully confirm what's up, but as soon as we have the full details, we would be informing you all. 

The fantastic and award-winning fashion/lifestyle brand was launched about 14 years ago (1998) in Lagos, Nigeria. Folake is one of the very gorgeous daughters of the Parakoyi of Ibadan, a noted Billionaire, who owns the conglomerate known by all as Modandola Group of Companies, with business interest spanning Maritime, Properties and Manufacturing. 

Folake's brand-Tiffany Amber is the only African based fashion label to have shown twice at the New York Fashion Week till date.  She was the Fashion Designer of the Year at the Arise Africa Fashion week, Sandton, South Africa. 

BISOLA DEJONWO DROPS BABY BOY!!!!!

Better late than never. Joy intermingled with gratitude to God in the households of the Dejonwo's/Okoya's & Tokan recently, when Bisola the gorgeous niece of Multi-Millionaire industrialist Chief Rasaq Akanni Okoya gave birth recently to a bouncing baby boy in faraway United States of America. Bisola is the eldest daughter of Wosilat Seriki one of the wives of Chief Demola Seriki and the only sister of Chief Okoya- the philanthropic industrialist. Baby daddy is Bisola's beau of some years now- Jide Tokan, the young dude is said to be involved in the Oil & Gas sector of the economy.

Bisola is the owner of Bake House, a bakery and pastries company located at Ikota, along the Lekki-Epe expressway axis. Mother and baby are said to be in very good health.  

Fusion Artiste Ace is back with Show Me What You Got!! (SMWYG)

Ace Makes a Comeback Mid- July with New Single‘Show Me What You Got’!

Fusion Music Recording Artiste Ace is back! This time, he is looking to score once more as he has officially returned to heat things up with his latest release Show Me What You Got(SMWYG). He swings a hot one with this jam and tops it all with some thrilling beats from master beat maker Shizzy all skilfully blended into a seamless flow. His style of music coupled with his smooth and expressive voice has made Aceinto such a fine artiste. His music is straight from the heart and hits you right between the eyes. The hotly anticipated single which promises to be a chart buster hit the music stands today the 13^th of July 2012 and will be available for free download on www.acemusic.tv from today.

Ace who was  born Chuks Austine performed the unreleased single at the Celebrity Basketball 2012 and also recently at the popular weekly Spinlet and Trace/Urban weekly Industry Nite at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos. His introduction to the Nigerian public as a performer was at the Sound City Urban MusicBlast Concert where he wowed an unprepared audience with his stage performance and craft. He shared the stage with the African-American artiste Mims (This is Why I’m hot), Jozi of South Africa, most of Nigeria’s foremost artistes and a few more African acts. He also performed  in the 2009 Face-Off Celebrity Basketball competition which featured top-notch Nigerian musical acts including; 2face, P-Square, Darey, 9ice, Wande Coal, Sauce Kid and Banky W. He has performed in various shows since then in different cities including Johannesburg and London. He also made an appearance and performed on Youth Expressions a popular positive youth show on SABC international TV in 2009.

Ace already has 3 singles to his credit, ‘Lalale Friday’ which has a video, ‘The Ace is Here’ and ‘Je Ka Lo’. His preferred genre is Fusion Music which is simply fusing and merging various genres motivated by ‘everyday life’, party sounds and general positive vibes. He blends Pop music, Afro Pop and Hip Hop music in several eclectic combinations ranging from vocals right down to a fresh combination of instruments creating a harmonious confluence of words and melody. Combine this visionary approach to music with an energetic and charismatic personality, ability to dance, top notch fashion sense, proper exposure and refined manners and what you have is a breath of fresh air in theNigerian music industry. Ace who is now signed to Glitterati Records is presently on tour with the Samsung/Spinlet activation Nationwide Campus Tour which will hold in 10 cities for 10 weeks starting from the 7^th 

of July.

JIMMY'S JUMP OFF live 2012

Was this a Party? Was it a showdown? Or was it a concert? To really say what it was, then it's all of the above and more. The best Deejay from this side of the Universe-DJ Jimmy Jatt- Africa's Numero Uno pooled together some of the best of the best in the industry. Think of any name that pulls the weight in the disc jockeying business and they were all present. DJ Humility, DJ Sose, DJ Xclusive,DJ Snoop da Damager, DJ Waxxy, DJ Neptune, DJ Spinall, DJ Xgee, DJ Tony Blaze, DJ Big N & DJ Caise . It was the annual DJ's concert and this year's edition, makes it the 2nd in the series and this was tagged ''the Special Summer Edition'' and special it was. 

Date was July 1, 2012, venue was Get Arena, Lekki, and Time was 6PM. All the top people from the entertainment industry and more were in attendance and the deejays rocked the house in no small measure, all showcasing their unbelievable skills on the wheel of steel to the delight of all. It was a night to remember and already everyone is calling for an encore, saying it should be a regular showdown for the benefit of all, not an annual that is few and far between.

MM was on ground to cover the very colorful event for your viewing delight. ENJOY!!!!!!!

VIVIAN OKAFOR

VZ AKA MUKULU GIRL

WANDE ATUNRASE

W4

STEPHANIE AFOLABI

YETUNDE OYEBOLA

SOUND SULTAN

PLENTY MORE PICTURES AFTER THE BREAK, PLEASE CLICK ON READ MORE

HOW BEST TO SAY SHUT THE F... UP- BY CHRIS BROWN

Many didn't give him a chance in hell to get to where he is right now. After the uproar and condemnation that followed his misbehavior- beating up his then girlfriend- Rihanna after an argument. He was roundly condemned for doing such and deservedly so, but many didn't think he could overcome that terrible time. 

So what did our guy do, instead of stewing in his guilt, after apologizing for his demons, he focused all his energy on work, doing what he knew best to do, singing, dancing and acting (performing). Now the result is visible for all to see, hits upon hits, awards upon awards. The past 2 years should be declared ‘Chris Brown's Years’ and deservedly so, we just hope he would be able to keep up the momentum.

His new album titled-Fortune has just been released and it debuted at Nos. 1 in the US and not just that, we hear it is sitting at the top of several charts, ruling the airwaves. Not only does he have the US in his pocket, we hear that the UK and Netherlands have also followed suit. He also has the Nos. 1 R and B/ Soul Album on iTunes in 22 countries and counting. 

We commend the dude, for being able to rise above his demons and making a success of his life, so far and if we may ask, are we already seeing the HEIR-apparent to Michael Jackson's king of pop crown? This dude is an unbelievable dance machine, though no one yet can lay claim to that one in a billion voice.

ISIO WANOGHO IS BACK WITH A BANG!!! SHE REMINISCES ON THE PAST DECADE & POINTS US TO THE FUTURE

TYRA BANKS DOPPELGANGER

HOT FLAMENCO DANCER!!!TAP! TAP!! TAP!!!

  The last time we spoke to you was a while ago, you were still in Milan, Italy then. We hear you are back, how was your sojourn abroad, what was the experience like and what were you doing while there?

Hi! It’s good to be back. Living in Europe was great. I did lots of traveling, made many friends. As you know, my primary reason for traveling was for my M.Sc. and to get business partners for my Design Company, which I hope to launch in 2013/2014. I have achieved both. Italy was lovely. Great food, fascinating culture and great people. I got to learn Italian and picked some Spanish as well. I loved it there.

     

We heard in the last few years, you graduated in flying colors, you have also gone on to do your master's, many wouldn’t have expected you were such a brilliant student. Tell us about it?

Hahhahhaaa! I guess you are referring to the fact that I graduated from UNILAG with a 4.21 CGPA and have 4 diplomas in Fashion Design, Italian Language, Computer Studies and Etiquette/Public Speaking respectively. Well, what can I say; I am a model that loves to read.

I love to study. Perhaps I am lucky, because I choose fields that I love and have interest in, so it never gets “boring” or overwhelming for me.

And my parents were very big on time management, so I picked up the multi-tasking gene from my teenage years. My first diploma (Computer Studies) was before I got into UNILAG. The second was from Poise Finishing School (Etiquette & Public Speaking) while studying for my B.A. After graduation I got another in Fashion Design, and the last one in Italian Language while studying for my M.Sc.

     Do you still model; if so it’s been a decade in the business, if not, in what area are you still involved in the modeling business?

A few years ago, I was offered a job by a corporate firm. While considering it, I asked the female boss (who had been in entertainment in the past) why she transitioned from that to her current job. She told me something that stayed with me every day since then. She said that a time would come in my life when I had to move from being the “entertainer”, to the one who was being “entertained”. It was a brief but excellent wake-up call.

I don’t model so much anymore, truth be told. Although I really love being on stage and in front of the camera, I would probably take one of 10 modeling jobs that are offered to me now. Not because I think they’re not good enough, but because my interests now are much more diverse. I have my Design, Corporate PR, TV presenting and most recently Luxury apartments marketing.

Last year I modeled in Vienna and Milan, and I just got signed on as the face of the new TURA beauty products (which is a purely antiseptic product now), via Bunor Creazioni (Frank Osodi’s) Modeling Agency so that’s exciting. To celebrate my 10^{th anniversary} as a model, I am working with Fashion Photographer and Painter Isaac Emokpae for a highly creative portfolio. I have been Emokpae’s muse for about 6 years now, and he is responsible for most of my images that have been released in the past.

...IS THIS NAOMI OR IS IT CLAUDIA OR IS IT IMAN

What majorly are you into now and why that particular business?

Currently I am the Creative Director of EmaajPR; a Corporate PR firm… we deal with corporations, governmental bodies and international brands that wish for a presence in the Nigerian market.

Like I said earlier in 2013/2014- My Italian business partners and I would (hopefully) launch our Design firm, which will cater for modular interior-architectural design and offer fashion design consultations to existing fashion brands and designers.

With iGroove Radio, I would have an online fashion segment for up-and-coming models, and I would be sharing knowledge acquired over my 10-year career as an African Model.

There are other projects I’m working on which will be unveiled in time.




FULL INTERVIEW & MORE PICTURES AFTER THE BREAK. JUST CLICK ON READ MORE

OBI EMELONYE DELIVERS LAST FLIGHT TO ABUJA

The award winning director and producer of one of the highest grossing Nollywood movies of 2011, The Mirror Boy, Obi Emenloye is back in the news with new flick, Last Flight to Abuja.

 After the critical acclaimed and commercial success of The Mirror Boy, Obi Emelonye who won the Creative Person of the Year Award by The Sun Newspaper embarked on the Last Flight To Abuja project, a movie which focused on the ills of our Aviation industry.

Fans’ favourite, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, the very firm, Jim Iyke, Hollywood and Nigerian actor, Hakeem Kae Kazeem, Jide Kosoko, Ali Nuhu, Anthony Monjaro, Celine Loader, Uru Eke and a host of others took part in the movie that has already opened in the UK cinemas.

The movie recently premiered at the Troxy Theater in London, with star actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Jim Iyke and others in attendance; the London premiere was dedicated to the memory of the victims of the June 3^rd air crashes with the name on the manifest replacing the end credit of the movie.

In a first of its kind in Nollywood, Last Flight to Abuja reveals extensively, the daring mid-air difficulties that stare most Nigerian commercial passengers in the face and how in this instance the fictitious Flamingo Airways plane is forced to make an emergency landing which leads to very devastating consequences.

The movie will premiere on Friday, August 3 in Genesis Deluxe Cinema, Lekki, and Lagos and will also be in cinemas across Nigeria on the same day.

The premiere is proudly sponsored by Diamond Bank.

Synopsis: A set of everyday Nigerian travellers’ board the last Flamingo Airways flight scheduled to fly from Lagos to Abuja on a fateful Friday night in 2006. The plane cruises at 30,000 feet, tranquil and on schedule. But like a bolt out of the blue, through a mixture of human error, technical failure and bad luck, the plane rapidly develops major faults that send it teetering on the brink of disaster. As the pilots fight with the controls of the stricken plane, a series of flashbacks unravel the twists, turns and leaps of fate that put each passenger on the fateful flight. Young lovers, an elderly couple, a corporate party, a sportsman on the threshold of greatness; all the passengers are caught up in the nightmare scenario and sense the final moments of their lives approaching.

For pictures, please visit The Facebook page www.facebook.com/lastflighttoabuja.

You can also visit the Twitter handle @lastflightfilm

OMOTOLA JALADE-EKEINDE

CELINE LOADER

PHILANDERING BOYFRIEND-ALI NUHU

THE FLIGHT CREW

MORE PICTURES AFTER THE BREAK, PLS PRESS ON READ MORE

SOME CONGREGATIONS DO HAVE THEM- A WRITE UP OLUMIDE IYANDA OF THE DAILY INDEPENDENT

PASTOR KRIS & EX-WIFE STEPHANIE

I was a few months into my employment as a correspondent with Saturday Punch in 2001 when Pastor Chris Okotie announced his separation from his first wife, Tina, after 15 years of marriage. The announcement was made during the week when all soft sell magazines had gone to bed. Given thatSaturday Punch was one of the very few newspapers with a strong bias for soft stories back then, I was sure of a scoop that would tickle our readers’ fancy.

There were no Facebook, Twitter, Blackberry and other forms of social media ‘scourge’, so I knew I was sitting on a story that would make soft sell journals curse their production schedule the week after. Soft sell journalists were actually the first set of people to learn about the divorce. Okotie actually called some of them and broke the news to them personally. That way, he was able to take some of the thunder out of their reports. I got my scoop back then from one of the reporters who attended the informal press parley he had to say he had kissed Tina goodbye.

My page had been passed for that week, but I felt it could be recalled to accommodate the latest from the Household of God. Excitedly, I walked to my editor with my exclusive story in one hand and pictures in the other.

My excitement soon disappeared when my editor told me that a divorce was not something to be excited about. I still can’t tell if he said that because he felt pity for the couple or didn’t want to disrupt our production schedule that week. All I remember him telling me was that when I get married I would understand how painful it is for two people who once loved each other to walk away. With that brief lecture, he sent me back to the newsroom and I watched in horror as celebrity journals feasted on the story the week after.

True to the words of my former editor, I now understand better the challenges that couples go through even with all the love and affection in the world. I also know that there are days when husband and wife question their union wondering how they got into this “mess” in the first place. I must also say that I never stopped thinking about Pastor Okotie’s marital scorecard.

The man who traded pop music for the pulpit when he found Christ in 1989 proved to be second time unlucky with marriage when he announced his separation from his wife of four years, Stephanie Henshaw, during the service at his church on Sunday, June 24. Unlike what happened with Tina nine years ago, the news immediately went viral as soon as the announcement was made. Members who were in church that day sent the messages to their friends and followers on new media platforms.

MORE AFTER THE BREAK. PLEASE CLICK ON READ MORE

CONNIE MADUBUKO IS DEAD

Pastor Connie Uzoamaka Madubuko, the gorgeous wife of well respected Man of God behind the Revival Assembly Ministries International - Apostle Anselm Madubuko is dead. The fiery Pastor was said to have slumped and given up the ghost last night. Her doting husband from the little we could gather was on apostolic mission abroad, when the sad occurrence happened. 

Madam gave no inkling whatsoever that she was going to die, as she was said to have being hale and hearty, before slumping and her subsequent death. She was 54 as at the time of her death.  According to some sources the cause of death is said to be Cardiac Arrest.

Pastor Connie was married to her Husband for 28 years, having married the Man of God, in August of 1984 & they have 3 kids-a boy and 2 girls.

May her good soul rest in peace. 

LATE PASTOR CONNIE UZOAMAKA MADUBUKO

APOSTLE ANSELM MADUBUKO

MRS. NIKE OSHINOWO-SOLEYE SNAGS MULTI-MILLION NAIRA DEAL

Sometimes when some doors gets shut at you, it might be the reason(s) why some better doors get opened. If all we hear is anything to go by, then Ex-Beauty Queen, Chief Mrs. Adenike Oshinowo-Soleye whose franchise contract with the Miss Nigeria Beauty Pageant organizers was not renewed, might have recently gotten a multi-million Naira deal with the Government of Cross-River State.

The deal from the little we could gather is for the former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria-1991 and now former Pageant Director to help plan and organize the UN World Tourism Organization Event which is upcoming later in the year. Some are speculating that about #100 Million Naira might have exchanged hands, we are not so sure about that figure, but as soon as we get better details we would most definitely inform you all. 

NIKE SOLEYE STILL SO HOT AT 44 YEARS OLD

STYLE MANIA JULY 2012 EDITION ROCKS- NNEKA THE SONGSTRESS COVERS NEW ISSUE

The duo of Ace Photographer- Kelechi Amadi-Obi and stylist extraordinaire Dimeji Alara have done it again. The July 2012 edition of their Magazine, known to all as StyleMania has hit the newsstands and it has gotten everyone salivating. 


The days of just dropping nonsense in the name of a publication is long gone, now its world class all the way. First class picture quality, same with the quality of publication and write-ups. For anyone to make a head way now, you must be on top of your game and have in your repertoire things that would keep your audience (readers) continually titillated.


The July edition of StyleMania delivers to the readers the award winning Songstress of note-The incredible Nneka, looking seriously gorgeous, the issue is tagged the 'fearless issue' & it also features the season's best trends and other regulars. It's a must-read and you all need to get a copy. 

 MORE AFTER THE BREAK. PLEASE CLICK ON READ MORE

2012 NAFCA Awards Nominees: The Full List

DR. VICTOR O. OLATOYE

GOVERNOR BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA-SAN

PRESIDENT YAHYA JAMMEH

'Damage,' 'Unge’s War', 'Timeless Passion', Bianca & Treacherous Heart run away with this year's noms — don't miss the show Sunday, Sept 16, at 4 p.m. ET/PT at Carolina Theater, Durham North Carolina USA!

www.africanoscar.com/nomineeswinners2012

NOLLYWOOD & AFRICAN FILM CRITICS' AWARDS (NAFCA)

The ceremony has been a tradition within Nollywood USA for the past one year.

The Nollywood & African Film Critics' Awards, also known as NAFCA, is an accolade bestowed by the Nollywood Film Critics USA the official movie review organization for Nollywood and African movies to recognize excellence of professionals in the African film industry, including directors, actors, writers and humanitarians. The annual formal ceremony started September 16, 2011 in the beautiful Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA.

Nollywood & African Film Critics' Awards is one of the most prominent award ceremonies in North America for the African movie industry and the only awards to boast of African movie stars and filmmakers from around the world under one roof for the greatest African movie awards event in North America. Nollywood & African Film Critics' Awards is from a professional organization to help improve the African film industry’s image and promote Nollywood and African movies worldwide and also help as an award of merit for distinctive achievement in the African movie industry.

Nollywood & African Film Critics' Awards are considered the highest U.S. A. based awards honoring excellence in African filmmaking.

Dr. Victor O. Olatoye, the founder and the CEO of Nollywood & African film Critics’ Awards commenting on this year’s NAFCA Nominations, “We received over 200 films from African filmmakers worldwide and we are very proud of our filmmakers for the significant improvements we continue to see as we review the films. NAFCA 2012 is going to be our biggest award to date and we are partnering with the North Carolina Museum of Art here inthe United States and over 50 members of the press, (prints and online) to help spread the good news.

This year we have new and improved categories we feel are needed based on our research within the industry, such as Lifetime Achievement in Cinema and Theater. We also have some dignitaries who will be honored at NAFCA 2012 such as Governor of Lagos State Nigeria, Honorable Babatunde Raji Fashola and  Honorable Yahya AJJ Jammeh, President of the Republic of The Gambia

Dr. Olatoye also added, “This year’s entries in 40 major categories are judged against a stringent set of registered movie star ratings standards”

I want to personally thank all the filmmakers for their trust and support. I also want to congratulate all the nominees for their hard work, it was not an easy process, but we appreciate the opportunity given to us

“Nollywood Film Critics USA changing the African film industry, One Movie Review At a Time”

AWARDS CATEGORIES

Best Film

1.  Damaged

2.  The Professor

3.  Anchor Baby

4.  Treacherous Heart

5.  Unge’s War

Best Comedy

1.  Madam Landlord

2.  Basketmouth

3.  Timeless Passion

4.  Eletan

5.  Joni Waka

 more after the break, please press on read more

YOUNG DESIGNERS AWARDS 2012 READY TO EXPLODE

THE YOUNG DESIGNER AWARDS APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR YOUNG FASHION DESIGNERS BETWEEN 9-25 YRS AND THE RADICAL DESIGNER AWARDS FOR DESIGNERS ANY AGE OVER 21 YRS.

Britain’s Young Fashion Designers will get their moment in the spotlight at this October’s 2012 FDC Young Designer Awards. Fashion Designers and Craft makers Network will be hosting the 2012 Young Designer Awards Ceremony at the Novotel Hotel St Pancras London. Applications are now open for young fashion designers to enter the awards.

This year our Young Designer Awards are asking designers to produce one innovative garment and to pay homage to the brilliant fashion designer Alexander McQueen by researching his work and take inspiration from his deigns that are considered works of art. A lucky award winner up to ages 25 will be offered the fantastic opportunity to debut a collection in New Jersey Fashion Week and The Fashion Designers Expo Week based in Florida.

“Fashion Designer Expo Florida” is an exciting Fashion Week designed to show the world new fashion superstars, showcasing the best emerging talent from all over the world, FDE Florida offers the excitement and exposure that emerging fashion talent need, from extravagant runway shows to lavish parties.

           

New Jersey Fashion Week is offering Fashion designers, Jewellery designers and Accessory designers including Milliners an opportunity to participate in New Jersey Fashion Week. NJFW provides a platform for exceptional emerging fashion talent to present their seasonal collections on a global scale to the industry, media and consumers. New Jersey Fashion Week Producer Donnella Tilery says “I am honoured to collaborate with Joanna and the FDC Young Designer Awards to showcase these incredibly talented designers in the American Market.”

Joanna Marcella the founder of the FDC Young Designer Awards says “Our unique selling point is that our event recognises young multicultural design talent and catapults young fashion designers right on to the international fashion stage.”

The Radical Designer Award is targeted at fashion designers who are any age over 21 yearsand have a collection. One of our winners will also be offered a showcase at New Jersey Fashion Week in the USA this is a great opportunity for the more mature designer.

Joanna Marcella continues “One of the most important aspects of being a Radical designer is showing your art to the world. This helps gain fans, buyers and eventually gets designs in boutiques and retailers.” The FDC Young Designer Awards has been growing from strength to strength and its reputation has reached all corners of the globe, any young designer who would like to be part of this great project can now apply to come on board. Designers who have drive, ambition, are talented and very committed, can enter by contacting Joanna Marcella email: youngdesignerawards@hotmail.com Mobile: 07940 647 102

AMIEE WARD'S DESIGN 2011- FDC YOUNG DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

HERANI ETHIOPIA'S DESIGN