BULL'S EYE BY JOSEPH EDGAR- OMOWUNMI : MY SON ETEKAMBA WANTS TO MARRY YOU.

 When I first saw the flier for Omawunmi’s show I barely noticed it.  Not that I don’t like her or her brand of music, but as a hardworking Investment banker and a die-hard Tuface fan, I did not feel that spending money on Omawunmi would be maximizing my time and resources.

However, as fate would have it, I found myself at the Oriental Hotel venue of the concert. The show like most shows in Nigeria started at exactly 9.30PM instead of the advertised 7PM.  Those of us who came terribly late did not miss anything. I was so miffed and thought about asking for a refund. Yes Tuface and maybe P Square can keep me waiting......, but Omawuni? No o, she never reach that level naaaa.

My anger evaporated immediately she came on stage. She was gloriously electric, the lighting and the stage designs were all world class. All of these dwarfed the initial poor audio quality and prepared me for a magical evening.

MORE AFTER THE BREAK. PLS CLICK ON READ MORE

SIXTH SENSE OPENS NEW FLAGSHIP ON THE ISLAND......

The brand is one of the premier interior decorating companies in Lagos. Some even say it is one of the top 5 best ones in Nigeria. With several branches dotted around Lagos. At a point, there was a branch at Keffi, Ikoyi, then there was the massive one at Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island that got razed by fire, there was also a branch at Victoria Arobieke, in Lekki Phase 1 which has been shut down now,  there is the very big one in Gbagada, just across the brand spanking new massive auditorium of the Deeper Life Church. And then the last branch is the one at the Adeniran Ogunsanya Shopping Complex, Surulere. We hear Abuja, the FCT might soon be in their purview.  
The brand from the little we have heard, has handled several first class, 5-stars projects around the country. The business is owned by the duo of  the incredibly humble and very gifted, Temitope and Adedipo Olagbegi. You know the brand's style by the gorgeous orange butterfly logo you see perching everywhere, mostly on the cars of many of their clients.


The brand's business ethos basically is about helping to make their clients spaces as functional and as homely as possible, especially by working with the 'clients budget' to achieve their desired goals. 

Their new flagship center located at 18, Durosinmi Etti, Lekki Phase, was declared open at the weekend and is on 3-floors. The newly opened flagship, has in stock,  incredibly beautiful and very functional furniture pieces in leather and fabrics, they also stock interior accents and accessories of all kinds like Rugs, Vases, Floor Pots, Throw Cushions, Wall Arts, Wall Papers etc. They are a one stop bus-stop for all your interior needs. Not forgetting that they have several consultants in their employ for as many client's needs as possible.

 MORE PICTURES AFTER THE BREAK. PLS CLICK ON READ MORE

NSE & CLIFFORD SULE'S TRADITIONAL WEDDING

 Better late than never at all. A couple of days back, Thursday, April 4, 2013 to be more precise. One of Nigeria's top actresses, in the person of the former Nse Ikpe-Atim, now Nse Clifford-Sule had her traditional wedding ceremony in home state Akwa Ibom.

One would have thought that what is good for the goose, must also be good for the gander, by that we mean, that since the State Governor, Sir Godswill Akpabio honored another indigene of the state in the person of Anne Idibia, when she had her traditional wedding in the same state, it wouldn't have been out of order to donate another Prado Jeep to another daughter of the State, who has done well and is still doing incredibly well in her chosen field.

Aside from the digression, we heard the traditional wedding was a good one. A very close friend of the elated bride, in the person of the sonorously gifted Waje serenaded the couple as the ceremony went on.

ADIEU! MRS FUNMILAYO OLAYINKA. RIP!!!

 The gorgeous deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Mrs Funmilayo Olayinka, passed on last night after a protracted battle with cancer. Madam passed on at the age of 52. The now late Deputy Governor reportedly gave up the ghost at a Lagos hospital. The former banker who later became a politician, was said to have battled the cancer gallantly before finally succumbing. Ekiti State has lost one of her brightest brains. And it is such a sad loss.


She is survived by her husband, children and aged parents. May the soul of the dearly departed rest in peace.

YOUR LIFESTYLE IN A BOTTLE: CREATE YOUR CUSTOM FRAGRANCE AT MYSTIQUEE BESPOKE PERFUMERY

PRESS RELEASE-

Perfumes are the invincible image of your persona, Mystiquee bespoke perfumery offers you an opportunity to express yourself and that uniqueness by creating your own signature scent through the art of perfumery.

For us it not just about customizing your own signature scents, we also provide a full experience that ensures our clients receive an in-depth knowledge on the history of perfume making, the different classes of scents and all that is involved in the creation of a world-class fragrance that is designed by you. 

We pride ourselves as a luxury brand that caters to people who enjoy and appreciate the finer things of life. Which is why we ensure that all our fragrances are oil based and gotten only from the best gardens in South of France. Each perfume comes in a fine wooden safe keeping box that can be customized with personal messages of your own. 

To ensure that we understand and meet each of our clients’ needs, we offer several services that satisfy their individual desires. Some of our services include; 

Scent Couture – This is a personal perfume creation that is designed for you and by you. This personal creation of your own signature perfume begins with a private consultation where you are made to answer several personal questions in order to help you design your own individual olfactory profile for that scent that defines you. You also get the option of choosing your own personal perfume bottle and label.  

For the Bride and Groom – We provide specialist consultations for the intended couples who are looking for that unique way to express themselves to each other. We offer the option of creating a unisex perfume/fragrance for the bride and cologne for the groom, which guides them through those blends of oils that represent the emotions, love, desire and characters of a successful marriage. 

Birthdays, Anniversaries and Specials Days – We also cater to those who are looking to give that special someone in their lives a touch of elegance by creating a fragrance that expresses how you feel about them and how much you cherish them in your life. 

Corporate Gifts – At Mystique Bespoke Perfumery, we provide expertise knowledge to individual businesses and corporate organizations that are looking for that perfect goodwill gift to present to employees and customers during award ceremonies, anniversaries and other special occasions. 

Private Label Perfumes – If you looking to stand out at your event, we offer you the option of creating your own private label perfumes. With our full service (fragrance, design, pack) option, you can design your own exclusive “Eau de Parfum”. This service also includes meeting your requirements on the type of packaging, quantity, price set and fragrance you want.

At Mystiquee Bespoke Perfumery, we understand that each client’s sense of smell is one that is unique to them. Which is why we try to give each of our clients the control of creating that unique fragrance that reflects their character. 

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WHAT'S UP WITH OMOSEDE IGBINEDION?

OMOSEDE IGBINEDION

If all we hear can be confirmed to be accurate, then one of the daughters of the great Esama of Benin, Sir (Dr) Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion and his Jamaican wife Lady Cherry in the person of the delectably gorgeous Omosede Igbinedion, might be giving the sacred institution of marriage another try.  


Several years ago, the Esama's daughter got married to Prince Aven Akenzua in what was then one of the weddings of the year, so fabulous was the wedding that many flew in from far and wide to attend and see how good money was put to very good use. It was a royal wedding in all ramifications. But alas! Not too long afterwards, just after 2 years of so called marital bliss, it was obvious that the center couldn't hold together again anymore and in spite of all that family, friends and the elders could do, husband and wife had to go their different ways. 

Prince Akenzua, apparently not one for undue attention, seemingly went incognito and not much has been heard about him ever since. His estranged former wife on the other hand, seem to enjoy the glare of press attention. There was the speculation at a point that she was dating the fabulously rich Delta born Ayiri Emami. The unconfirmed rumour then was that Omosede, was going to be Ayiri's 2nd wife. But nothing came out of it. Now another unconfirmed rumour is all about town, the gist is that Omosede is presently head-over-heels in love and might soon be walking the aisle again. 

Who the lucky guy is, we do not know for certain. How truly serious the relationship is? We do not know. But we are waiting with bated breath to either celebrate another big Igbinedion wedding or even a quiet one. 

MY 'MELONS' ARE STILL THE SAME BY FUNKE ADESIYAN

 Read about the melon story and we just had to talk about it. Funke Adesiyan is a well known Yoruba Nollywood star. For some time now, speculations had been rife about her having gone to 'up her ante' in the chest region. Apparently her 'man mountain moore' had been receiving too much attention, making people to speculate. 

So to totally stop the unfounded rumours, she supposedly answered the naysayers recently. 

Hear her ''I still wonder where such stories came out from. I am sure it emanated from some jobless people who see nothing else  about me, but my 'BOOBS'. It is not true of course; it's an imagination of the person that is peddling the rumours. My 'MELONS' are the same, no increase, no decrease, just normal as usual.

We believe her! Truly those melons are natural.

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.

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