URU EKE ENDORSES HOUSE OF DORCAS's SPRING/SUMMER 2013 COLLECTION TAGGED 'Demure Indulgence'....

Some would call it a collabo made in heaven. Others would just refer to it as a perfectly symbiotic relationship between 2 great artists. On one side is the future acting great with the gorgeous body Uru Eke, and on the other side is the gloriously talented couturier of note, Lolade Majekodunmi of the House of Dorcas fame. Lolade obviously is the designer here, while Uru is her favourite muse. 

 According to the fashion house, 

Nollywood star, Uru Eke, is demure in the new collection for House of Dorcas (HoD), a label owned by famous designer, Mrs Ololade Majekodunmi. “Demure Indulgence” is fresh, chic and tasteful, with dresses exploring the other side of the conventional woman’s look. “We are ditching the trousers and shorts and running with the wind this summer in these cool colours. It’s all about ruffles and tassels”. This collection accentuates the feminine curves, giving any woman a stylish appearance. As the muse of the label, Uru brings her charm and sense of style to the collection. She’s beautiful, she’s classy, she’s demure…

 MORE GLORIOUS STYLE EXPERIENCE AFTER THE BREAK. CLICK ON READ MORE

MY UNPALATABLE ETIHAD EXPERIENCE

Yours truly had to go to Dubai, the tourist capital of the UAE very recently. Needed a break badly and also had to attend a friend's 40th birthday. Had planned on attending Tuface & Annie's wedding in Dubai, but changed my mind at the last minute, when I heard that the couple were not allowing their pictures to be taken at the wedding ceremony. So not wanting to be one of the Joneses, decided to stay put and go afterwards. Would I be attending the wedding ceremony so I 'll be seen to be a friend or because I needed to be seen working? I decided on the later. 

My visa came a bit late, so couldn't book my flight ticket on time. When I had to, space was only available on Etihad Airways. Which meant that, I 'll have to fly instead to Abu Dhabi, the financial capital of the UAE, then ride a bus shuttle from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. Always in need of adventure, I quickly agreed and got my ticket. Having seen the Etihad Airways advert like a million times, I was expecting a pampering like never before. Reason been that, I had taken Emirates Airline before and totally enjoyed the glorious experience. So my expectations were high. 

Flight was scheduled for the morning, so that by the evening of the same day, I 'll have gotten to Dubai. We left Lagos, a little behind schedule, but we finally left, plane was neat, crew were cool and on board entertainment was A-class, had time to watch Argo and about 2 other films. My total disappointment. Was the food! It would be an understatement for me to say that the food was 'wack', totally tasteless and unbelievably bland. If you are not going to consider that the country you fly to has a say as par cuisine, then make sure that the continental meal served is on point. Have had the opportunity to fly Emirates Airline, Virgin Atlantic, Air France, Turkish Airline, Arik Airline, South Africa Airline, just to mention a few, a couple of times and I have never had any issue, but this time around. I was not pleased at all. 

Thinking that might have been a one off, I thought to give them the benefit of the doubt, at least till my return flight. That particular experience, was even worse. Firstly, had to leave Dubai for Abu Dhabi by the uneventful bus shuttle by 11:30pm for a flight that was scheduled to fly by 9:50am the next day. The journey in the bus took an hour, ten minutes, so we got to Abu Dhabi by sometime after 12am, then we get to wait for the upwards of 8 hours, 30 minutes. Totally painful wait, if one has nothing to do, it can be crazy. The terminal 1 is a very small space, so one can go round in 10 minutes, after the endless wait, we then board and lift off. Again the on board entertainment was great, food time came again and they didn't surprise me, like I thought they should. Blandness and tastelessness, just mildly describes it, the people in charge of making the food need to improve and improve very fast. I spoke to at least 5 others on the flight back to Lagos, who all said the food was terrible. 

Apart from the terrible wait and the bad food. The flight attendants were great and very courteous and the pilot landed the plane, so expertly and without fuss, he must be commended. 

Would I try them again, I think I would think twice, except I know for sure changes have been made. 

Lami Releases ‘Titi Lai Lai’ Teaser on Birthday: “Lami Phillips… Back Like She Never Left”

 Following the release of behind-the-scenes images from the set of her video for 'Titi Lai Lai” produced by S TWO Media, Team Lami celebrates the Afro-soul queen’s birthday with a teaser.

The thirty-second teaser signals the return of the soulful songstress’s with snippets of her arrival on a jet plane and getting pampered before her spectacular performance of “Titi LaiLai” before a star-studded audience.

Shot by Wong Fae Hong and styled by Tiannah Styling which sees Lami in a series of glam rock looks, the video plays host to actors Femi Jacobs and Jumoke Bello, presenter IK Osakioduwa, as well as artists Waje, Kel, Dammy Krane, Praiz, multi-talented singer and OAP Tosyn Bucknor, DJs Sose and Spinall, OAP Bola Sonola.

Due for release in the next few weeks, the video will mark the return of Lami who is back in Lagos to work with producers and promote her new album.

IYANYA SET TO COLLABO WITH NICKI?

Yes oooo, you read the header right. Iyanya and Nicki Minaj to collaborate. That's the unconfirmed rumour in town. That Nigeria's own current music sensation, Iyanya, who has dropped such great hits like ''Your Waist'', ''Kukere'' and whose recent album launch was a success. He is also currently in the USA, we hear might be considering a music collaboration with the uniquely gifted American rapstress/singer, the incredibly talented Nicki Minaj. 

We were very curious to know how true the gist might be, so we placed a call to the music sensation, but he was unavailable as he is in the US. But we got across to someone close to him, who normally should know and we were told that, as far as they know, nothing like the said collabo is in view. So the rumours are unfounded.

We believe them anyway. But we would have loved to see, Iyanya and Nicki, doing ''Your Waist''....................

IYANYA MBUK

NICKI MINAJ

Menaye Donkor Muntari Returns as Africa Fashion Week London Ambassador in 2013

 Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) organisers are delighted to welcome back Menaye Donkor, model, philanthropist and champion of African fashion, as AFWL 2013 Ambassador for the third edition of the fashion event taking place from 1st to 3rd August, 2013.

Africa Fashion Week London 2013 will see over 100 African designers and exhibitors showcasing their designs at the event, taking place in the impressive Truman Brewery space, just off Brick Lane. This years’ AFWL is set to be bigger and better than ever, and will be the largest fashion event in Europe dedicated to African and African-inspired fashion. Organisers are expecting over 25,000 people to attend the event over the course of the three days.

Menaye, who made her debut as AFWL Ambassador at last year’s event, won the Miss Universe Ghana pageant back in 2004. She has since used her international profile to back many causes close to her heart, including supporting talent from the world of fashion in her home country of Ghana and throughout Africa.

Throughout her own modelling career, Menaye has walked catwalks and featured in magazines from North America, Europe and Africa, including in publications such as Vogue, Vanity Fair and Maxim. She continues to use her attendance at high profile events around the world to champion designs both inspired by and made in Africa.  

On her appointment as AFWL Ambassador 2013, Menaye said:

“I am so excited to be chosen as an ambassador for the African Fashion Week London for a second year running and know that it will be the biggest and brightest showcase of the beautiful fashion from our continent to date! Fashion has given us all the opportunity to share our different cultures and styles with the rest of the world and this year I am looking forward to seeing bold and original designs that really define the spirit and creativity of Africa.”

Menaye, who is married to AC Milan and Ghana Black Stars footballer, Sulley Muntari, also runs the Menaye Charity Organisation which provides hundreds of children in her native Ghana with access to free, quality education. Both Sulley and Menaye also support several other education, arts and sports programmes throughout Ghana, the UK and Italy.

Ronke Ademiluyi, the founder and CEO of AFWL welcomed Menaye Donkor Muntari back to AFWL with these words:

“We are delighted to welcome back Menaye as an ambassador for AFWL 2013. Not only a glamorous role model for young African women, Menaye is also a proud champion of African fashion and an inspiration philanthropist. We truly appreciate having her as an ambassador for the second year running and look forward to working with her towards the success of our event.”

Menaye Donkor Muntari will be working closely with Regina Manneh, The Face of Africa Fashion Week London 2013, ahead of the event With Mrs. Fifi Ejindu, the Nigeria-based architect and businesswoman and Yinka Shonibare MBE, the London-based globally celebrated Nigerian fine artist as patrons, this year's event once again promises to be a huge success.

With still a few spaces left for runway and exhibition space, Africa Fashion Week London 2013 is accepting applications from designers who wish to showcase on the runway and/or exhibit their merchandise over the three-day exhibition.

NIGERIAN ENTERTAINMENT CONFERENCE DEBUTS

-      Keke Ogungbe, Kola Oyeyemi, Amaka Igwe, Iyiola Ayoade confirmed speakers

-      Panelists to include: Audu Maikori, Ayo Animashaun, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Kunle Afolayan, DJ Jimmy JATT, Steve Babaeko, Ibinabo Fiberesima, Tolu Ogunlesi, others.

NE Newspapers LTD, publishers of Nigerian Entertainment Today have announced the inauguration of an annual umbrella conference for the Nigerian entertainment industry.

The conference, which will debut on Friday April 26, 2012, ‘is an invaluable initiative needed at this critical time in our industry, to steer the different sectors and associated elements, in the appropriate direction’, according to NET founder Ayeni Adekunle.

Nigerian Entertainment Conference, Ayeni says, will cover all the sectors associated with the entertainment industry. These include Fashion, Music, Movies/Films, and Media. Others are Sports, Arts, IT, Comedy and Events.

‘The conversation has been on for years, conversations about the way forward for the art and business of entertainment in Nigeria. And, since NET was established three years ago, we’ve been at the forefront of efforts to get the conversation going.  Now, it’s time to bring everyone together so we can begin an active process of re-organisation’.

According to statement issued today, NET is working with partners in the media, government, corporates, music, movies and elsewhere to make sure the conference delivers its promise.

To hold at the Eko Hotel and Suites, the first-of-its-kind conference, Ayeni says, will feature sessions on Nollywood, Music, Media, and more, as well as the inaugural NET Honours to reward distinguished practitioners.

The theme of the conference is ‘building the industry of our dreams’.

‘The Nigerian entertainment industry has shown its capacity – if we’ve been able to generate billions of dollars without any visible structures or government support, then imagine what would happen if we’re able to put our house in order? And I say ‘put our house in order’ because no one will do it for us. Not the government, not the ‘corporates’. If it’s ever going to happen, then practitioners will have to be the ones to spearhead it. And it all starts with this conversation’.

As the entertainment business the world over continues to see rapid, shocking changes, with the future of the industry increasingly relying on information technology and new ideas, NET says it’s bringing practitioners in Nigeria together, to ‘study the global trend, understand it, master it, and put it to use – for the benefit of practitioners, consumers, corporates and society’.

Confirmed speakers include Kennis founder and CEO Keke Ogungbe, iconic writer and producer Amaka Igwe, GM Consumer Marketing MTN Nigeria Kola Oyeyemi, and Charterhouse Ghana founder Iyiola Ayoade while the likes of star actress Nse Ikpe-Etim, Headies founder Ayo Animashaun, filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, comedian Tee A, singer-songwriter Darey, entrepreneur Steve Babaeko, recording artiste Weird MC, the iconic DJ Jimmy JATT, National Mirror MD Steve Ayorinde, new media expert Elo Umeh, writer Tolu Ogunlesi, AGN president Ibinabo Fiberesima and Chocolate City president Audu Maikori will serve on different panels. More speakers and panelists will be announced.

The Nigerian Entertainment Conference will kick off activities for the third anniversary of NET, Nigeria’s leading entertainment newspaper which was founded on April 26, 2010.

FOR MORE INFO please follow #NECLIVE | Email: nec@thenetng.com

Ayeni Adekunle Samuel

Founder

+2348033438614, +2348093438614

WHERE IS TOYIN SUBAIR?

 In case many don't know and we doubt that, Toyin Subair is the erstwhile boss and initiator of the wholly Nigerian  competitor to DSTV, known to most as HITV, which is now comatose.  A big shame we dare say.

When Hitv came in, it was a welcome development, as many who had felt that the other cable TV company was just having all the fun to the detriment of the viewers, who felt they were paying 'premium' but not necessarily getting value for their money. So with the advent of HITV, many felt the competition would bring the price down and also allow for more quality bouquet. In the short existence of HITV, truth be told, they gave Dstv a run for their money. AfricaMagic on Dstv developed to such an unprecedented height, the viewers were the lucky for it, Dstv had to develop attractive, alternate programmes to keep their subscribers. Hitv became the new bride, most especially because they had gotten the right to show the most watched program on cable network: that is the EPL (English Professional League). 

Loads and loads of people allover Nigeria, quickly crossed-over and got the HITV dish and subscribed, but instead of the operators of the network to develop other quality programmes side by side the EPL, while the going was good & also make sure to retain the rights to the EPL, something, somewhere happened. Firstly, the other competing brand got the right to the very lucrative EPL, first thing that happened was that, nearly everyone moved back to Dstv, by extension subscription money wasn't coming in again and most of the backers of Hitv weren't forthcoming, so they allowed, a good thing to die. The aftermath was that many of the staff members weren't paid for several months, productivity dropped to an all time low and now, the company is seemingly dead. 

The aftermath of the whole thing saw Toyin seemingly moving out of Nigeria. We don't know the reason(s) behind that decision. We have seen him a couple of times in the UK. He seem to be hibernating for now, whether re-strategizing to come back with a bang! We don't know yet. But we are waiting with bated breaths. When the going was still great and good, Toyin was a designer's favourite. Always looking stylish in colourful outfits, cruising around in his convertible Porsche Carrera 911. Now more in the UK than in Nigeria, we hear his taste for the good life has not abated. Being a close friend of one of Nigeria's richest young dude, in the person of Kola Aluko (the lord of Monaco) seems to have brought back his spirit. We hear, he not too long ago got delivery of another outstanding Porsche, the particular model we do not know yet. But what we hear is that, Toyin cruises around in London in that machine now. 

Hopefully, Kola Aluko might just bail Toyin out of his present predicament (we hear they are very close) and we all might just see the resurgence of a new improved and better run HITV. 

Hopefully........................................

INTRODUCING CHIDINMA OBAIRI- THE SS13 LOOKBOOK

The Nigerian fashion scene is definitely one of the fastest growing in the world. The platform as allowed for loads of very talented Nigerians the avenue for expression. And truth be told, some of these couturiers given half the chance, can rival the best of the best from other climes. One of those that would help to shape the future of fashion in Nigeria is the brand we are introducing in this feature. Known simply as Chidinma Obairi clothing line. Check her out.

Collection Inspiration
Established in February 2012, the Chidinma Obairi clothing line was set up with the intention of providing each customer a unique couture piece conscientiously detailed, timelessly feminine and very sophisticated.

Using a range of fabrics from the very delicate silks to the more rigid African Ankara prints, the brand is such that each collection has a sophisticated level of drama addressed in each piece. This is further enhanced with the use of adornments such as pearls, sequins and crystals.

MORE FABULOUS PICTURES AFTER THE BREAK. PLS CLICK ON READ MORE

WEEKEND GETAWAY BY INI EDO PREMIERED

Congratulations to one of Nigeria's most hardworking actresses, in the person of Ini Edo. On the occasion of the premiere of her new film production titled- Weekend Getaway. We weren't around to see the new film at the premiere, but we heard that the turn out was great and that the film was a good one and that it was very well produced. That's another gong up the sleeve of the gorgeous actress.

We would just want to commend her and wish her the best in her future endeavours, we believe there's still more great things to come from her. However, we would love to confirm from the hardworking actress and now film producer, the truth about the rumour in town that the new production that was shot in its entirety in her home state Akwa Ibom, cost her a whooping 60 Million Naira. And also, if it is true that a certain State Government gave the full financial support.

If it is true, it must mean that certain State Government(s) are really doing their best in support of industry, which is a good sign.  

Thanks, as we hear the truth.

HIGHLIFE AUTHOR LANRE ALFRED LIVING THE LIFE

Writing about the people that makes the world go round, allows one the opportunity(es) to wine and dine with those that count. You can't be writing about the high and mighty and not get allowed the perks of association. 

We caught up with the Group Society Editor of ThisDay very recently in Dubai (where he is putting finishing touches to a book, that means the whole world to him), he was just stepping out of this awesomely gorgeous, blood red Rolls Royce Phantom, we just had to pause and admire, and had to take a picture. His other revelers came in other machines that were equally very stunning, 2 Ferraris and a Lamborghini. Cool one, we dare say. Nothing as good as enjoying the life!!!

BEATING YOUR SPOUSE- another view. BULL'S EYE BY JOSEPH EDGAR

It's another edition of Bull's Eye by our now regular columnist-Joseph Edgar. Just like we promised, his no holds barred write-up would be coming up every week. Readers are free to comment and make their views known on the subject matter. However, the views presented in each write-up are strictly his own. And like we have come to understand, we are all entitled to our views. Remember, first and foremost that it's a free world. For this particular edition, he has chosen a very touchy topic- BEATING YOUR SPOUSE- another view.

Please read.

I plead for a high level of maturity as you read this article. I know this is an emotive issue but I beg to look at the other side, the man's side of this issue. I know I will be literally killed for this article and labelled Satan, but the need for us to flip the other side has become imperative.

I have been made to realise that women are the weaker sex and as such all they have is their 'mouth' hence their inability to fight. We as men are expected to just 'walk away and be a man in the face of severe provocation and taunting.

We are expected to control our 'power' which is brute force, while women are not expected to control their own power which is their mouth and ability to taunt you to death.

This is definitely not a justification for brutality against women. Far from it. I feel it is despicable and barbaric. I hate it and in fact I have been on anger management classes to enable me control my temper. But what needs to be said, is that to help in reducing this matter to the barest minimum, our women folk would just have to do their part. Which is to remain logical in the face of anger, cut the taunting and abuse and also lay off on the provocation.

We are expected to just walk away in the face of severe verbal assault. I tell you by walking away, you would just be building up rage and resentment and the eventual explosion is usually more devastating than, if he had sent a slap at the first instance.

Very few men can walk away or be patient in the face of these verbal assaults. Assaults that have no limits. I have witnessed very severe ones where mothers, sexual orientation, financial status have been clear subjects from the women and I have seen full-grown men wimper and cry and the woman walks away triumphant because the man has been a man by crying.

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GREY VELVET SET FOR 1ST YEAR ANNIVERSARY & OPENING A NEW STORE

It was only a year ago that Grey Velvet first opened up its doors, inviting Lagos into a realm of fashion and a world of style predisposed to the Nigerian designer. Fast-forwarding a year on and the concession is set to celebrate its first anniversary with the launch of yet another store, in the affluent and vibrant heart of Lekki Phase 1.

Showcasing exclusive African designers with cutting edge pieces, the new store is set to feature couture and accessories from the likes of Odio Mimonet, Nkwo, Eki Orleans, Nikki Khiran, Kiki Kamanu, CLAN, Re Bahia, Alter Ego, Isi Brown, Mak Nisy, Ariaba and Emisara. This extension of creativity is aimed to fit right into the modishly inclined island and its “upper east-side” life style. The new store is set to open on Saturday^,April 6, 2013.

Notwithstanding, the Ikeja store will be celebrating its first year anniversary treating customers to drinks courtesy of Baileys. A raffle draw will also be featured, automatically entering every purchaser with the chance to win goody bags of up to N100,000.00. As expected, sales will also be on inviting customers to shop the trends available in store with up to 50% discount off items. Join Grey Velvet in their Ikeja store every day from Good Friday the 29^th of March to the 6^th of April 2013 for the opportunity to win one of the goody bags.

Contact Details

Ikeja: L34 Ikeja City Mall, Alausa, Ikeja

Lekki: Centro Lekki Shopping Plaza, Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1.

M: 08091461658, 08100830894

E: info@grey-velvet.com

T: @greyvelvet

F: www.facebook.com/greyvelvetfashionretail

I: greyvelvetfashionretail

EVA'S PHOTOSHOOT@ AFWL CONCESSION STORE STUDIO 29

Studio 29 boutique, an extension of the highly successful Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) brand is set to open its doors to Lagos fashionistas from Sunday 14th April 2013. The first of a series of concession stores in Lagos, African Fashion Week London, the biggest African themed fashion event in Europe launches Studio 29 as a response to demand for the exclusive pieces featured in its runway events.

Eva Alordiah smoulders in a series of playful and sultry poses in pieces from award winning AsakeOge brand stocked at Studio 29. Wearing limited edition pieces from casual to evening to occasion the gorgeous rapper embodies the spirit of the AFWL brand: fabulous, black and beautiful. Working with bold colors that matched her vibrant personality, the styling team at Studio 29 found Eva’s funky sense of style and easy humor a refreshing choice as fashion ambassador for the first campaign.

 

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