Stephanie OKEREKE and Linus IDAHOSA - BEST WEDDING VIDEO EVER

What a beauty couple they are. This video is sure gonna make you feel like wedding.

(VIDEO and MP3) SEAN GEORGE: Party Tonight

Olatunde Oluwaseun George a lover of music, He started as a choir at the age of 6 in African Church and he learnt how to play guitar and keyboard in His primary school. Due to His passion for music, he was bought a keyboard by His dad. All through his secondary school he was always around music and his passion for music was unprecedented.
While he was in the University he formed a group with his friend called KASMEN an acronym of Kunzlle and Sean. He recorded so many songs with the group and performed alongside great Nigerian artistes like P-SQUARE, 2FACE, DJ ZEEZ, 9ICE on campus. He received many awards while on campus and he was awarded the best artist for two consecutive years with the group.
The accounting graduate of the University of Ado Ekiti (UNAD) plans to combine accounting with music which is his passion.
In the early 2011 KASMEN decided to go solo due to personal reasons, while Sean decided to pursue his musical career as a solo artiste. He added George to his name which we all know as “SEAN GEORGE”.
Sean George is currently working in the studio and he has recorded many songs from his yet to be release album. Presently he is promoting two singles titled Party tonight and Odun gan. The video for party tonight is now enjoying air play on several TV stations across the globe.
Follow him on twitter @iamseangeorge and facebook Sean George

Source: @IamGiddyK
sean george party tonight.mp3 - 4shared.com - online file sharing and storage - download

Group set to start pornography movement in Nigeria

LAGOS, - A German-Nigerian firm, AgroVulce says it will start a recruiting and structuring process into launching Internet and Movie pornography in Nigeria very soon, Ascology News can confirm.


The group indicated its readiness to launch a major pornographic website only featuring Nigerian porn stars and productions as well as get involved in local porn movie productions; a selection process is on the way to select and recruit cast members and porn actors, it said.
   
The AgroVulce group says it will partner with foreign investors in their bid to achieve a sustainable growth of the sector in the longest period of time. It also cited claims that most ‘African American’ porn cast members are Nigerians, further adding that Nigerian girls who travel outside the country to engage in illegal occupations (specifically prostitution) could earn ‘honest’ living in the country.

In a press statement retrieved by Ascology News, its publicity director, Emma Okoye said, "We believe in the right to unlimited freedom and the freedom of Nigerians to watch whatever increases their morale, spirit, energy and positivity."

"Although we are aware of the moral challenges that face us in a country like Nigeria, but we hope to spearhead the industry despite the challenges ahead  and we are sure of overcoming them especially when you consider the fact that 70% of online users between 18-34 visit porn sites at least a month" Okoye added.


According to experts, the porn industry is estimated at $20 billion worldwide despite growing challenges for global restraints and actions against the industry and a total stamp on child pornography.

A legal expert speaking to Ascology News, Thomas Oluwole-Coker said such a move will meet high legal and technical challenges in Nigeria.

"This is surprising because be it Porn made in Nigeria or outside Nigeria, society in general frowns as such and the law is against it. The technical aspect that surrounds the legal aspect is that there is no adequate law preventing pornography in Nigeria as it is alien to us in the first place." Thomas Oluwole-Coker said.

"Still on the technical aspect, if you produce a porn movie (Nigerian or Foreign) it cannot be sold publicly as that is illegal, but if sold privately and Nigerians are involved, such person faces absolute scorn, condemnation and social stereotype in typical Nigerian society”.

The demand for online pornography is without doubt huge and magnanimous as site publishers rake in an estimated $1.2 billion annually. Sex.com sold at $13million in 2010 was listed as the most expensive domain name of all time according to online statistics from Compete. Porn.com was listed third (3rd) on same list and was sold at $9.5million in 2007.

The group however gave no further indication on its proposed plans and refused to divulge information on selection processes of cast roles or on any of its implementation plans.

D’Banger [Jarmeu] – The Last ft Bon Jazzy [Kiddominant] [Scapegoat LMAO! Cover] this is CRAY!!!

This is a jonzing song from Jarmeu (D’banger) and Kiddominant (Bon Jazzy) addressing the present D’banj and Don Jazzy situation, LMAO version of D’banj’s scape goat, y’all gotta listen to this.
download

D’banj and Don Jazzy News goes on American hiphop site

The typical pull-him-down trait of Naija is playing out in this D'banj-Jazzy fued. Just some hours ago, an American hip hop website published this. Why can't Nigerian support each other on the way to the top? Or maybe we just love pulling one another down. Its a shame

"Why I Got Married In Paris"-Stephanie Okereke

 Nollywood star,stephanie okereke Idahosa got married last weekend in paris france .Her union with Linus Idahosa  has been tagged  "wedding of the year" by many fans. Stephanie disclosed to Genevieve magazine why she chose paris.
      "It’s the ambience  fairy-tale like. It is reminiscent of culture, of peace and love; something away from the chaos we get used, something fresh, new and different".she said.
    Stephanie said she is happy at the moment  "I’m happy. It’s a beautiful feeling to be in love and be with the one person you wish to spend the rest of your life with".
   She also disclosed how her career has influenced her taste in a man "Lol! I guess you just want the best out of life when you are open to experiencing life in all its beauty. I want a man that is not threatened in the least; one who has his own pursuit, and there’s a connect between what we do. Respect is key".
    Stephanie  concluded by telling what women really want in marriage"Love, peace, security. A man to share your dreams with. One who truly respects you and sees beyond just your beauty but your true essence. A real man with real values".

Nollywood star Ramsey Nouah quits acting

Popular Nollywood actor, Ramsey Nouah has revealed that he is quitting acting after being in the field for about 20 years, although he noted that he is not abandoning the movie industry entirely.
Ramsey hinted that he would go into directing.
“I think I’ve had my fair share. To my fans and loved ones, I know they’ll always want to see me on screen but as they say,It’s best to leave when the ovation is loudest.
“I want to leave a very strong legacy. I believe I have left a very strong imprint in that line.
“There’s no possible way you can mention ‘Nollywood’ without mentioning Ramsey Nouah.” Ramsey Nouah said in an interview with nigeriafilms.com.
“I’ll be going behind the scenes. I’ll still be acting a bit here and there, but it will phase out for directing eventually.
“For a while now, I’ve not really been on the screen, and that’s because I don’t want to act just because I want to be on TV.
“I only want to be associated with the kind of movies that are poised to take the industry to another level, which is where we are headed now. Plus, I want to focus on working behind the scenes.”
Ramsey has starred in several movies such as Private Storm, Dangerous Twins, Figurine which won him an award as best actor in a leading role at the AMAA 2010.

Nigerian movie industry you mean?
Well, to me, there is only one movie industry, and that is the Nigerian one. That’s my opinion, of course, because I know a whole lot of people are targeting Hollywood. But for me, I’m not keen on getting into Hollywood. I’m of the opinion that ‘Nollywood’ will get to a point where it will be very big sometime soon. Don’t forget, most of the people targeting Hollywood are doing so because of the pay, and then maybe the fame on a much bigger stage. For me, however, I think the fame I already have on the platform of ‘Nollywood’ suffices.
Are you quitting acting?
I think I’ve had my fair share. To my fans and loved ones, I know they’ll always want to see me on screen, but as they say, it’s best to leave when the ovation is loudest. I want to leave a very strong legacy. I believe I have left a very strong imprint in that line. There’s no possible way you can mention ‘Nollywood’ without mentioning Ramsey Nouah.
So what’s next for you?
Well, I’ll be going behind the scenes. I’ll still be acting a bit here and there, but it will phase out for directing eventually. For a while now, I’ve not really been on the screen, and that’s because I don’t want to act just because I want to be on TV. I only want to be associated with the kind of movies that are poised to take the industry to another level, which is were we are headed now. Plus, I want to focus on working behind the scenes.
Source: nigeriafilms.com

Nollywood stands still as Chidi Mokeme weds tomorrow

Tomorrow, Saturday, April 28, all roads will lead to Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan, Lagos, venue of the nuptial of leading Nollywood hunk,  Chidi Mokeme as he ties the knot with his heartthrob Jean Olumba, the lucky woman he has vowed to spend the rest of his life with.

Dubbed:  “Another Nollywood Wedding of the Year”, it would continue with a lavish reception at nearby upscale Muson Centre, where specially invited guests would be treated to variety of victuals by the newest couple.

In the  invite specially crafted in oriental and Arabian designs, with burgundy as the dominating colour alongside a touch of Gold, which elated Mokeme described as the ‘King’s invite’.

Its content reads: “With joyful heart, the families of Mr. Augustine Olumba and Mrs. Agnes Olumba and Mr. Geoffrey Mokeme(Late) and Mrs. Angelina Mokeme, request the pleasure of your company at the solemnization of holy matrimony of their children-Jean and Chidi… Card strictly admits.”

The long awaited wedding is said to have come to many, especially his colleagues and associates, as a big surprise, based on what they described as Mokeme’s attitude towards serious commitments.

Fondly called GQ by close pals and colleagues, the revered pioneer member of Nollywood hails from Oba, in Idemili LGA of Anambra state.
The tall, handsome, baritone-voiced and amiable young man with over 100 movies to his thespian credit recently clocked 40.

WHY WE ATTACKED THISDAY – BOKO HARAM via PREMIUM TIMES

The extremist sect, while claiming responsibility for Thursday’s attacks, says more bombings are coming the way of the media

The Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad, popularly known as Boko Haram, says it attacked THISDAY Thursday to send a strong message to the media that it would no longer condone reports misrepresenting it in the press, or blaming it for acts it knows nothing about.

Abul Qaqa, spokesperson for the sect told Premium Times, in an exclusive interview, that his organisation was fed up with the deliberate misinformation being peddled about it in the Nigerian and foreign media.

“We have repeatedly cautioned reporters and media houses to be professional and objective in their reports. This is a war between us and the Government of Nigeria; unfortunately the media have not been objective and fair in their report of the ongoing war, they chose to take side,” Mr. Qaqa said.

He identified three instances where he claimed his group was deliberately misrepresented by the media. The first, according to him, was the rumour of his capture by the Nigerian intelligence agencies.

“Some reporters are aware that I am Abul Qaqa, they know my voice through our long interactions and they also know the role of Abu Darda who heads the enlightenment committee and sometimes facilitates interviews; yet they (media) go by the unsubstantiated view of government that Abul Qaqa is in custody and I am the new spokesman or number two,” he said.

Premium Times had continuously reported that Abul Qaqa was not arrested contrary to reports and that it was Abu Darda, another member, that was arrested.

The second misrepresentation, according to Mr. Qaqa, was the reporting on the kidnappings of foreigners in the Northern part of Nigeria.

“Another issue was the recent kidnappings in the north; we were clear with our position as a group during a teleconference with reporters but we were shocked the next day when newspaper headlines added a lot of things which I never said during that interview.”

The third example, Mr. Abul Qaqa said, is the mistranslation of the video the group posted recently.

“Another example is the recent video posted on YouTube by our Imam; I challenge every Nigerian to watch that video again. There is no place our imam either said he will crush President Jonathan or issued an ultimatum to the government in Nigeria; but nearly all papers carried very wrong and mischievous headlines.”

When asked why THISDAY appeared specifically chosen for the attack, Mr. Qaqa said THISDAY’s “sins” are more grievous.

“It is not only THISDAY that has been engaged in negative media campaign, fictional stories and constantly promoting fake stories by the JTF to give an impression that they are making headway against us yet there is no time the media investigated further as an objective and responsible bystander in this war.

“But the sins of THISDAY are more,” he said.

“They once insulted the Prophet Mohammed in 2001 and we have not forgotten. They recently said our Imam executed me which is false. Here I am speaking to you, I am alive and healthy.”

Expect more media attacks

The group’s spokesman further warned of more attacks on the media.

“We have just started this new campaign against the media and we will not stop here, we will hit the media hard since they have refused to listen to our plea for them to be fair in their reportage,” he said.

Mr. Abul Qaqa also said his group would give further information on biases by the media.

“In the coming days we will give details and instances where the media have not been fair to us and why we are going to attack them as well.”

Media should be neutral

“The media in Nigeria are not a problem to us if they will do their job professionally without taking sides,” Mr. Abul Qaqa said.

“But each time we say something, it is either changed or downplayed. But when our enemy says something even without logical proof, it is blown out of proportion.”

“We have repeated asked some reporters to retract some stories or even give us the right of reply but none of these requests were given to us.”

Via Premium Times

Nicki Minaj Interview With James Barr - Capital FM

Hey peeps check out this Capital FM interview

Newly Released Pictures of Genevieve

She is the finest blend of old and new in nollywood. She proved it in all these shots.

why you should never take nude pictures of yourself

It seems like there's a trend now. Some of you might have seen naked photos of Nigerian girls splashed all over the internet; from Twitter to Facebook to blogs. Some girls apparently take naked photos of themselves with their phones, they lose the phones, some people find it and threaten to expose the photos if they don't pay a certain amount of money. This BB chat, exclusively obtained by CKN Nigeria, is between student Miss Solaja (her nude photos are online) and the person who found and exposed the photos.

Shouldn't this be a crime? And dear girls, stop taking naked photos of yourselves...it might get in the wrong hands.

JJC 419 SQUAD LAMBASTS D’BANJ “I EVEN GIVE YOU GIRL, 419″ (INTERVIEW TEXT)

Okay this is the ish right here, I watched this video on Nigezie.com where JJC just said the worst that could be said about anyone really but this time about D’banj. While he tried to be nice to Don Jazzy, he actually said a few not so cool things about him too but D’banj was at the end of the missiles. I was so jobless I had to write out the words for you – I was actually very tired and cut 2 hours out of my planned 5 hour sleep to do this but if you enjoy reading it then it’d be worth it. Make sure you see the video though. The D’banj-Don Jazzy war just got expanded because even Wande Coal was “implicated”

Interview below unedited:

What’s up this is JJC, aka Mr. skills, aka baba gbogbo won (means “their father”), yes, this is what you call the exclusive and the reason it’s the exclusive is because I don’t normally talk about this but today I saw an article on the internet which absolutely took off the gag. I developed Big Brova which got signed to Sony and then blew up then started doing JJC then I started 419 Squad which was a squad of people that was speaking Yoruba and rapping and singing. Along the way, MP brought a guy called Dbanj to my house and D’banj came as normal up and coming artiste will normally do “baba please, your name, you are big, please, help me.” Yeah, of course, like the mugu, mumu button activated JJC, I introduced him to my band, what can you do? He sang, I said “argh, that’s not really goo” and I said “hey duh, the harmonica that you play is really good, let’s work on that one and develop your style. Along the way another guy called Kas “fimile” brought Don Jazzy to my house. Don Jazzy at that time was playing for Solek as a piano player and all that tungba music stuff in London. And D’banj and Don Jazzy now was working with me. The thing that upset was the article said that they were working 4 years and didn’t get anywhere. You tell me where you could be? I took all of them to Womag which is the biggest African world stage there could be. We were performing at every show and anything that was happening JJC and 419 was doing it. We were the top of the game and a lot of people can actually testify to that. What are you crying about? I didn’t pay you to come and perform? You were nobody, nobody knew you so why would I pay you to come and perform? I was giving you an opportunity, giving you a platform to come and perform so I don’t understand that. Number two, the article said something about how I cheated Don Jazzy. Don Jazzy?! Cheated Don Jazzy? How come Don Jazzy didn’t say that for himself?


Wande Coal “implicated”

You tell me what he said that I cheated him. I taught him how to produce which made him Don Jazzy that he is today. I used to pay him a thousand pounds every month in 2004, which was almost 250k for being a trainee.

Now I come back to Nigeria to come and do Awooof and I see Don Jazzy, D’banj. Don Jazzy was even talking to me, D’banj was carrying himself like a super star. Yes he has made something of himself and salute to the music that Don Jazzy made, salute to the lyrics that Don Jazzy wrote cos I know from Mobolowowon all the way all the way na me and Don Jazzy write am. Now the rest of the songs that followed I’m sure Don Jazzy wrote it. And if na lie let me hear, even Wande Coal don tell me say na Don Jazzy and him dey work for the records. (at this point implication by Tuface plays as a picture of Wande Coal is shown and I could not but wonder what that’d mean as he now has to grant his own interview)

…and now what, because you are Mr. D’banj eh eh koro koro ko ko you think you are God, you call yourself Jesus of Nigerian music. I paid them to learn how to become better themselves so that you can become someone big and then you turn around and be slandering my name? ki lo nse e now?! (what is wrong with you now?!)
You have the mouth, the mouth, to say it after you don eat my food, sleep in my bed, eh eh (as he places his right hand on his head as if to say “I don suffer.” I even give you girl, you are the one that was the bad seed in the box and then and that’s so obvious. You know what, truth is truth, if you wanna hear the truth it’s truth, listen I am against 419 squad, that’s JJC against 419 squad. Now within my team, people like “Dbanj? And whatever they were other names were 419ners and I didn’t accept it that’s why we had so many clashes. The reason why we even wrote the song “Mobolowowon” was because he was running from the police. Yes, it’s good to glamourize and make it all fun but the reality was it was affecting his career. Now when he came to Nigeria he did good job based on one thing, the fact that Don Jazzy was standing behind him. If D’banj wants to mention my name he should just say “thank you.” Because truly you will not have the Fela swag if not for me. You will not have the right beats if not for Don Jazzy, you will not have lyrics if not for all of us. So when you hear our name or anyone say “what about JJC, what about D’banj eh Don Jazzy you should go “Ah, those guys, na babas” that’s all I ever ask from you. All I ever ask from you is respect.

D'banj gets Twitter's verification: Others

Nigerian artist, Dbanj has joined the list of world super stars, celebrities and online personalities to don the official verification badge of social media site, Twitter.


The artist, whose Twitter verification was first hinted at during an interview with a magazine outfit on his recent rift with friend and co-owner of the Mo'hits record label, Don Jazzy joins a host of other (incidentally very few) Nigerian superstars like Nneka, Asa, Rotimi, footballer, Osaze Odemwinge and just recently, model Oluchi.

Twitter's verification policy requires that users have a minimum 50, 000 followers and must be globally recognised before application could be considered.

Twitter's verification policy could ordinarily be an easier feat when highly accredited firms, agencies or organisations represents such individuals as many personalities with far less than the 50, 000 followership mark have been endorsed by Twitter yet the likes of Nigeria's Pastor Chris Oyakhilome who boasts of over a million followers, artists Banky W, Eldee, WizKid, Naeto C, P Square (Peter) and producers Don Jazzy who all have over 100, 000 followers are yet to be verified.

The social media site highly recommend accounts be verified so as to protect its top users from the demerits of hacking which has become a negative global online phenomenon.

Nigerian Personalities such as multi-award winning artist, Tuface Idibia, P-Square (Paul), Don Jazzy, and Professor Wole Soyinka have all fallen victims to the men of the hacking world. Incidentally newly verified artist D'banj, claimed his accounts were illegally accessed prompting him to take steps that his international and global moves (as spilled on a recent interview) are nothing to be swept aside.

David Oyelowo Taking Hollywood By Storm

david

david

 David Oyelowo is a british born Nigerian actor now taking hollywood by storm .David began his stage career in 1999  after attending London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.He was offered a season with the Royal Shakespeare Company playing roles in Ben Jonson's Volpone, as the title character in Oroonoko.
   He made history in 2000 when he became the first black actor to portray an English monarch for the Royal Shakespeare Company when he played the title role in a production of Henry VI Parts I, II and III.
   David starred in the BAFTA award winning series "SPOOKS/MI:5" playing Danny Hunter.  He won the Royal Television Society Award for Best Actor and was also nominated for a BAFTA .

david on the set of red tails

                        

   David made his US debut in two HBO productions, the Kenneth Branagh directed "As You Like It" in August 2006 and as the lead in the mini-series "Five Days," for which he won the Satellite Award for Best Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television for his performance. In 2008, David starred in the acclaimed adaptation of the Alexander McCall Smith novel "The No.1 Ladies Detective Agencies" directed by the late Anthony Minghella.

   As a successful actor in his homeland of England, David Oyelowo's talent made it easy for him to break into America's film industry. His radiance in some of the UK's best plays and TV series helped him land roles in movies like Red Tails, Derailed, The Help and The Last King of Scotland. The award-winning thespian has even starred in a few indie films and will appear in several upcoming Hollywood hits, including Steven Spielberg's Lincoln, One Shot alongside Tom Cruise and Paperboy, opposite Nicole Kidman and Matthew McConaughey.

cuba gooding, david oyelowo, anthony heminway

David is married to Jessica Oyelowo who is also an actress



Filmography

A sound of thunder
Derailed
As you Like it
The last King of scotland
chess
A raisin in the sun
 Rise of the planet of the apes
The help
selma
"96 minutes" to be in theatres April 27
Red Tails
Lincoln


  David was recently honoured at the PAN African film Festival which held in Los Angeles.

Exclusive: Don Jazzy responds to D'banj - 'I wish you well son'

Nigerian producer, President and CEO of the Mohit's Record label, Don Jazzy has spoken out on the recent wave of attacks by artist, singer and former (if correct to say) Vice President of Mo’hits, Dapo "Kokomaster Dbanj" Oyebanjo.


In an exclusive telephone interview with Ascology News, Don Jazzy started off by saying he never wanted the issue to become this messy, even as he was aware of the way and manner social media has changed the way people view issue surrounding the lives of celebrities; a reason he said was why he's always cautious of what he says and the interviews he grants to the media.

Both industry power-weights have been at loggerhead over alleged multiple financial disagreements, discrepancies involved in the signing of artist Dbanj into Kanye West’s Good Music record label, Don Jazzy’s lackadaisical attitude, Dbanj’s alleged public irresponsibility among other differences and conflicts that popped up between both.


"I want to be clear on something that I'm not interested in going into the debates of whatever Dbanj has said, be it through an interview, the press, social media or whatever. People should try and understand that these are very difficult moments for me and I need my space, time and moment to carry on with my life and the production of good music which is what fans have known me for a very long time". Don Jazzy said.

The iconic producer, whose famous introvert and quiet lifestyle and personality as garnered him an enviable amount of fame, respect and magnanimous swag in Nigeria’s entertainment scene, staunchly dismissed claims by Dbanj buying houses, cars and properties for the Mo’hits boss and fellow artists, calling it “laughable and not worth responding to this early morning” claiming that quick thinking fans know his individual worth and personal financial worth of each artist at Mo’hits.

The Mo’hits boss was however very cautious and even more diplomatic in blaming, accusing or countering accusations attributed to Dbanj in various interviews, saying many of those things could not have been said by the Dbanj and he isn't surprised when Dbanj claimed his accounts were hacked and also not further surprised when his (Dbanj) publicist released a statement denying some of the statements attributed to him; specifically during the interview with Ebony Magazine that Dbanj owns Mo’hits. Incidentally, Ebony Magazine are yet to release a public apology as earlier released by D'banj's personal manager and the 'I own mohits' part of the interveiew still not excluded as of filing this report.

The Mo’hits boss further said in the unlikely event he decides to let the public knows his own side of the story, there is the tendency for his statements to be misconstrued and manipulated by mischief makers who he blamed use few accurate information to manipulate the public into believing things that never existed (a hint that the alleged email exchange is partially true or totally untrue); an ironical situation he hinted would force him to rather keep mute on the issue and let it die a natural death.

"When this whole thing started, I felt people needed to know what’s happening and in all civility, maturity and wisdom, I made those less than 140 words tweet in 3 separate lines, now see where it has led me to. Mohits is a family and Dbanj is like its son and families do quarell. Expecting me to come out and start countering accusations by one of my best friends ever while accusing him also in the process doesn't justify my guilt or my innocence or that of his, He (Dbanj) however has a right to his opinion to grant interviews to whoever he wishes to grant interview to, I won't stop him and won’t stop anyone who wants to believe whatever he says either", he said.

In further attempts to get the Mo’hits boss talking, he was adamant but rightly so, reminding us of how those famous tweets confirming an apparent rift in the Mohits house got him into the messy situation as we see today.

 

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the end of a long era and the beginning of a new one..Some of the rumours you have all heard recently are sad but true...The way forward now is to make sure I keep bringing you guys more of the beautiful music y’all love to dance to....And to end d old era I will b donating the proceeds of my production catalogue from day one till date to five charity organizations. Thanks. IDJA”

 



PHOTO David Livingston/Getty/AFP: Recording artist D'banj attends the 5th anniversary "Creme of the Crop" post BET Awards Dinner Celebration at Mr Chow in Beverly Hills, California.


"Really, if I start responding to every single accusation, then the ‘lazy’ person I’ve been called would come out, and the ‘Fake’ person I am according to critics would obviously come out since I'm not a talkative and you the media know that, I want the handwork of my music productions and the proceeds of good music at Mo’hits to speak for itself, so asking me to comment on issues like this, I really am not just interested, personally my advice to fans is to concentrate on good music from Mo’hits and huhh....well even from Dbanj himself, music is what we were made to create and not controversies", he added.

It was not immediately clear the positions of other artists at the Mohits house at the time of filing the report as label members Wande Coal, Dr Sid and D’Prince have all been short of economical with their opinions on the rift between their bosses.

As for Wande Coal who in an although diplomatic, yet paradoxically intended tweet to Dbanj said “God please don’t let the success you have given me get to my head to the extent that I will forget my humble beginnings”; the artist has however deleted the tweet shortly after – another debatable scenario which Dbanj sarcastically accused Don Jazzy of personally tweeting.

The multi-award winning music producer however said he wishes artist, Dbanj all the best in all he aspires to do even as he (Don Jazzy) begins a rebuilding, restructuring process.

D'banj takes shot at Asa & Nneka

In the now widely read interview where he spoke about the split, D’banj is quoted as saying thus: ‘Other labels were springing up. So if we could conquer America, London when no one had done it before. Most of our people stop in Germany, or Paris. But this is America, this is the big league; it makes us the strongest, the biggest. We had already made the money. And who best to introduce me to the rest of the world? Kanye did not want to change anything about my music, my style of dressing, or my brand. It is God’s favour. But Jazzy was and is very scared. Something had worked for eight years, so he wanted to maintain the status quo. People are afraid to try new things.’
The entertainer could only have been referring to Asa and Nneka when he made mention of Paris and Germany. Asa is signed to a France based label, Naive and Nneka is partly German – where she relocated to when she was 18 years of age to live with her mother who is German.

Davido Apologises For Posting N10m Cheque Online

Up and coming artiste and brand ambassador, Davido has apologised for posting a cheque of 10million naira online yesterday.

The teenager yesterday afternoon posted on micro-blogging site, twitter, the cheque with an accompanying tweet, “Great meeting, made a little change.”

After he posted picture of the cheque, some fans descended on him saying such act was childish of him.

He later apologised to them on twitter when he tweeted hours later.

“I’m sorry to those that were offended by the picture. I never knew God would take me this far and I got a little carried away. Una own sef go come,” Davido tweeted.

This is not the first time Davido would be getting into the news for the wrong reasons.

Earlier this year, he was a victim of pictures on bed with a groupie. Days later, pictures of Davido with a girl went viral online.

What girls want these days

I am not a relationship expert; well except you want me to give you tips on client-customer relationships, then I may be able to spin off one or two pointers.


Today however, I would like to reel out some of the things that swim around the mind of women when they are about to pick a guy to settle into a relationship with.

You must have thought it was all about your fancy clothes, car and wallet? Well all that plays an important role but believe it, women are deeper than that nowadays. 

The points below illustrate this:

1.    Tall, dark and handsome is still a desire but if you are short, fair and look like Gollum (from ‘Lord of the Rings’), fear not. Just possess a very large bank account and wallet.

2.    Care. Women want men that care for them, the kind that will massage their feet after a long day of trekking with heels, run a bath for them and maybe even make dinner.

3.    Men who mind their business. Women like men who don’t try to form familiar or invade their space. You don’t have to know all her friends and make small talk about them.

4.    Are you a man that uses make up? Yes? Then we have a problem. When you begin to line your eyebrows, dye your hair and maybe even apply a little mascara, she begins to wonder who the woman will be in the relationship.

5.    Don’t be a critic. If you are privileged to eat her food, do not criticise it no matter how bad it is. Even if the Jollof Rice tastes like tomato struggle, just smile and show appreciation. This is very important, especially if you don’t know how to cook either.

6.    You know that things many guys do (especially the ones from Eastern Nigeria), that Michael Jackson thing where you grab your crotch? Yes. Don’t do that.

7.    Sometimes, it’s good to lie. When she asks you what you studied in school, pick one of the masculine courses like Engineering, Maths, Banking etc.

8.    A sense of humour. Women want a man that can laugh, not some serious zombie looking dude. But be careful, you have to have genuine humour not the type that laughs at the kind of dry jokes cracked on IK’s comedy show. She also wants this because she will vex you a LOT but your sense of humour ought to help.

9.    Mystery. You don’t have to tell her your entire life history; that just seems needy. Let there be some mystery about you. For instance, don’t tell her that the scar on your left arm came as a result of falling from the swing when you were a kid. Tell her it’s from a dark past you don’t want to remember. You see? She’ll be in awe.

10.    Responsibility. That’s part of a relationship. Women want a responsible man, not necessarily the one that comes home at 7pm, doesn’t smoke or drink; BUT the one that is responsible for his bills...and hers too.

11.    Be dumb sometimes. Women don’t want a man that knows it all. It is okay to have opinions but do not show how intelligent you are all the time. It can be frustrating.

12.    Don’t be too friendly. Women see their men as trophies and don’t like when you become too friendly with other women. They like the feeling of having something others want...but can’t have.

13.    The most important. Never talk about her weight unless you’re saying she’s lost some.


These listed pointers are results of a well conducted research.

What boys want these days

I do not state these as facts but as mere results of research conducted. Today, we shall delve deeper and look at the flip side of the coin. The things men consider before making their move.

1.    Composure. No matter what you may think or have heard, guys do not want any gangster chic, they don’t want a woman who will break a bottle on another’s head because they know that may be their head someday. A composed lady has better promise.

2.    Beauty. We really aren’t so crazy about how you look. All we are saying is if you lack boobs and hips, try to make sure it’s only one and make up for it somehow. A beautiful brain is an example of a great asset.

3.    Culinary skills. Guys marry women that can cook and date those that can’t. Try and perfect your Egusi and Afang soup making skills. This is a valid plus in your resume.

4.    Don’t believe what you watch on Africa Magic, we don’t want a domineering woman. If you cannot be submissive, we cannot wear trouser with you and fight for who is the man of the house.

5.    Talking about Africa Magic, if you are one of those women that sit around all the time and have watched 90 per cent of all their movies, then the probability of a good man finding you is low.

6.    We fear women that watch Africa Magic because we assume you that is your citadel of learning. Who wants a woman who has over 3 babalawos’ phone numbers?

7.    Manners. That head tapping thing you do when your weave is overdue? Stop it. Hasn’t anyone told you it makes you look like a drug addict craving her next fix? Or are you trying to accelerate the flow of blood in your brain? Stop it.

8.    Education. We don’t like when women have all these strange degrees such as Journalism and Medical Genetics. Please stick to Law, Accounting and mostly Home Economics. Thanks.

9.    While still on education, please do not go beyond a first degree. Why go for a Masters when we already intend to make you the Mrs? Too many university degrees makes us feel like lesser beings.

10.    Sex. We will really appreciate it if you have a non-existent sexual life/thoughts before we meet. Let us be the ones to teach you from our experience.

11.    Independence. We don’t like our women listening to Beyonce. Remember her tracks like ‘Single Ladies’, ‘Independent Women’, and ‘Girls Run The World’? What kind of brain washing is that? So if you must listen to music, don’t do any of these new songs, do Cyndi Lauper, Dolly Parton, etc.

12.    Carriage. Guys want women who carry themselves well. This means we don’t want you looking like the Michelin man or all these Christian mothers.

13.    Still talking of carriage, when we go out please respect yourself. Even if there’s no food at home, don’t wipe the plate clean. When we go to parties, please all this grinding and ‘lepa on the floor’ dance steps should be reserved for when we get back home.

14.    Guys do not like hairnets, wrappers and late night egg masks on the face. Thanks in advance.

We must remember that a lot of truth is said in jest. I wish you all the best as you make your choices.

 

Kelvin Igbodo

Congratulations Majid Michel….

Congratulations to Majid Michel for winning ‘Best Actor in a Leading Role’ at this years AMAA (Africa Movie Academy Awards) -for his role in Somewhere In Africa….You can keep up with all of Majid Michel’s fabulous happenings via his new website at:http://www.majidmichelonline.com/

Asa’s N700m lesbianism suit resumes hearing on Thursday

The on-going ‘Bukola Elemide & Another VS Dockland Communications Services’ N700m lawsuit between Nigerian soul singer Asa and weekly publication News of the People is set to resume this Thursday, April 26, 2012.

On Thursday, February 23, 2012 a Lagos High Court presided by Justice A.J Coker adjourned the case to April 26 after the claimants Bukola ‘Asa’ Elemide and her manager Janet Nwose were missing in court.

The 29-year-old, who was represented by her legal counsel Abraham & CO. stated that their client (Asa) was indisposed, although the defendants counsel Yinka Muyiwa opposed the claim, insisting that the singer was in France, performing.

Asa had slammed the lawsuit against the Loye Hamzat-owned celebrity magazine on November 22, 2010, after they published an article portraying the musician as a homosexual. But, through its counsel, the publication says they have done no wrong, as they culled the story from an online publication.

We are however unclear if Asa and her manager will attend the court hearing although she is back in the country. The singer recently performed live at the 12th edition of the African Movie Academy Awards which was held Sunday, April 22, 2012.

‘You’ll have to speak with our reps on this please’, Asa’s manager Janet Nwose replied when NET asked if Asa would attend the hearing.

And when we contacted her reps at RED Media, an exec Adebola Williams, said ‘We’ll get back to you on this’.

Asa’s Counsel Abraham & CO. has however assured that they will be in court even though they aren’t sure if Asa will be present.

SSS detains Van Vicker – Uche Jumbo Intervenes!

Nollywood diva Uche Jumbo recently saved the life of Ghanaian actor Van Vicker from the hands of SSS.

Van Vicker who was in Nigeria briefly for a movie shoot was identified with prop guns by the State Security Service (SSS).

The star said he had reached a point in his career where he felt he needed items to look as real as possible in his movies.

Some sources revealed how and what went down to Bola Aduwo of Nollywooduncut, After Van Vicker had passed all security checks, he entered the plane and while in the plane his attention was called to identify what he had in his luggage.

He identified that they were prop guns, the security persons at the airport were not convinced and said they have to get their experts in ikoyi to check this out. That was how Van was whisked off to the SSS office in Ikoyi where he eventually passed the night.

Just before Van was about to enter the SSS Office, he had the presence of mind to contact his wife and a fellow actor, Uche Jombo who at that time was attending the AMAAs.

He bbed his situation to her and described where he was, Unfortunately for him because of the noise at the event and her low battery, she did not see the messages till the following morning.

When she did Uche quickly sprang into action and began to pull strings,Van was later released but without his prop guns.

How Female Rapper, Kel Lost N70m For Alleged Snobbish Act

According to what Nigeriafilms is reporting, If there is one human behaviour people don’t like to be associated with, it is definitely going to be the snobbish act.

But this act, as we were told, has allegedly made Nigerian female rapper, Kel forfeited a 70 million naira worth endorsement deal. By now, she would have been N70m richer.

According to this gist relayed to Nigeriafilms.com, when a consultant got an invitation from a friend to attend
Banky W’s birthday party which was held few weeks back, he hurriedly told his friend that he should be able to have a meeting with the artiste or book an appointment with her.

This he concluded after he was hinted about Kel’s availability at the party, since he has been trying his luck all this while to track her down.

But it was a different ball game when he finally set his eyes on the young lady who was avoiding him at any given time.

“I don’t know if she thinks I’m one of her stalker or what, I kept approaching her with so much respect but she kept snubbing me.

I felt embarrassed and move out of the premises before my actions get misunderstood by anyone,” the consultant told Nigeriafilms.com

We also gathered that he has been trying to get across to Kel through her manager Osagie but the latter’s case was nothing to write home about, as she continue postponing their several appointments.

Kel was recently dropped as the brand ambassador of Soul Mate hair cream. She has been fighting to revive her music career.

Kelechi popularly known as Kel performed at the Afro Beat Festival in Apollo Hammersmith in London on the 28th August 2011

Naked Madonna picture to sell for thousands

A nude picture of Madonna is expected to sell for thousands at auction.

The photograph was taken for but never used in the singer’s controversial 1992 book ‘Sex’ – in which she posed for a series of X-rated photographs – and will go under the hammer at Bonhams’ auction house in New York next month for an expected £5,000.

The snap, taken by photographer Steven Meisel, shows a topless 32-year-old Madonna reclining in bed while smoking a cigarette.

The sale will come as a blow to the 53-year-old pop superstar who has previously claimed she has never been able to put the erotic tome behind her.

She said: “I hope that’s not the only thing that I’m identified with – taking my clothes off. I have done other things. There’s a lot more to Madonna than taking your clothes off.”

However, she has also defended the book as a part of her “development” as an artist.

Madonna previously said: “When I published ‘Sex’, that was a subject that I was interested in exploring. And to me they’re both reflections of who I was and who I am now. It’s a, you know, kind of development of me.”

Kenny Ogungbe steps out with more T.V channels

On air-personality and radio host Kenny Ogunbe is getting set to launch three new Tv channels.

The star some weeks ago launched one of the channels; he called it Kennis Music Channel 127, a 24 hour entertainment, music and event station.

Kenny Ogunbe founded the popular kennis Music Record with his friend and partner Dayo Adeneye popularly called D1 in the late 90s.

The record label has produced great talents like Tuface Idibia, Kenny St- Best, Essence, Jay-won, Goldie amongst others.

Kim and Kanye waxing strong

Kanye West accompanied Kim K and her whole family to the opening of Kourtney's boyfriend Scott Disick's restaurant, RYU, last night

DENTAL TIPS FOR LADIES

Hello ladies, in my opinion as a beautician, the best make up accessory is a great smile. And to have a great smile, you need to take good care of your teeth. Hope you enjoy the post that follows.

BRUSH YOUR TEETH
This must be done thoroughly at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Make sure you brush on all sides of your teeth and get your tongue. You can ask your dentist(s) for a demonstration. It is best to do this before you go to bed, as your mouth does not have the same salivary protection when you are sleeping.

FLOSS
You also need to use dental floss as it helps to clean plaque between your teeth

USE MOUTH WASH
Find a fluoride mouthwash (emphasis on fluoride). Fluoride mouthwashes help to strengthen tooth enamel. For ladies with kids, teach them between the age of six and twelve good rinsing skills to prevent swallowing. For every fluoride oral product you buy, learn to follow the directions on the bottle or packet as the case may be.

VISIT YOUR DENTIST
This should happen at least every six months and every time that you have a problem with your teeth. Schedule a professional cleaning with a registered dental hygienist. Like someone noted in a website, “visit the dentist twice a year and be an ‘informed health care consumer’ and pay attention to what is going on”.
Be at liberty to to ask your dental hygienist any probings at each visit! They won’t bite you.

FURTHER TIPS
-Use teeth whitening products so make your teeth whiter and stronger.
-Whenever you wear lipstick, be sure to use a clear gloss over it to make your teeth appear
whiter.

NEW: Davido – Throw Way ft Shank & Wande Coal

Something new from Davido filtered online few hours ago, according to him this song was recorded before his “Back When” single, good music this is still.

download

Introducing: Ifunanya Obiora, the most beautful Igbo girl 2012

Chioma Ifunanya Obiora is Adandiigbo 2012. Pretty babe! Congrats!

Micheal Jackson's Hologram To Tour With Jackson 5

A hologram of Michael Jackson could appear alongside the Jackson 5 in future tours, according to reports.
   The idea of the singer appearing in virtual form was suggested after Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg performed alongside a hologram of the late rapper Tupac Shakur at the Coachella Festival in Los Angeles.
        Michael's brother 'Jackie' told The Uk Sun that he could see the singer, who died in 2009, being resurrected in the same way.
'It could have been Michael - absolutely,' he said. 'Wouldn't that be wonderful?
'As a matter of fact, we had the same idea two years ago for Michael's Cirque du Soleil show.'

    However a source told the paper that while such a tour could potentially be 'the most lucrative of all time' it would take a lot of planning.

LOUIS VUITTON SPRING 2012 HANDBAGS

Diamonds are girl's best friend, so are LV bags. These are some of the Louis Vuitton 2012 spring collection, giving fashionistas opportunity to accessorize in colours. Take a closer look at these brilliant totes and shoulder-bags to add refinement to your wardrobe.

The signature LV logo decorates these head-turning bags in order to stay loyal to the tradition of the fashion house. Marc Jacobs succeeded in breaking away from his wild and youthful design policy to furnish the style armada with ultra-femme and beautifully tailored handbags. The talent of this outstanding designer is reflected by the series of Louis Vuitton accessory collections drenched in sensuality and high class glamor.Pick the most flattering bag designs according to your outfits. The hottest transparent and boxy LV bags will suit both semi-formal and casual apparels. However, if you want to stay inventive and original, you can experiment also with the sporty chic schoolbag designs which can be easily embedded into your urban sportswear ensembles. Pastel satchels along with hip shoulder-bags will help you update your wardrobe and nail down the ladylike style trend.

WORLD EXCLUSIVE: ‘How Don Jazzy betrayed me’ – D’banj

By Ayeni Adekunle

d'banj

‘There’s an important person in that building, right?’ the cab driver asked. ‘Important musician?’

I nodded, too tired to let any curious driver drag me into a conversation.

He got the message and left me alone the entire drive from Canary Wharf to the London Marriot Hotel, in Grosvenor Square.

Then, as I got down to get my suitcase from the trunk, he gave me a knowing look, smiled, and said ‘are you the musician?’

‘Of course not’, I said to him, smiling this time. ‘The musician is in Canary Wharf, his name is D’banj’.

Silence. Confused look.

‘D’banj?’

Yes, D’banj. He’s big in Africa. You know ‘Oliver Twist?’

Silence again, then as his final ‘no’ came, I said ‘Google him.’

It was 4am on Saturday, April 21. I arrived in London eight hours earlier, and had spent almost all of that time chatting with D’banj, in his first interview with a Nigerian newspaper in a long time, and his first interview on the Mo’Hits brouhaha.

London is D’banj’s town. He’s performed there over and over, his single ‘Oliver Twist’ is on the A-list at Choice FM, and enjoys heavy rotation on other stations. A day before I came, he spent hours doing interviews at the Universal offices in Kensington. Some might hail D’banj as the man championing the gospel of ‘Afrobeats’ across the world. But, just like the cab driver, London does not yet know D’banj.

As we walk into the Choice FM building in the afternoon on Saturday, there are no heads turning or fans gazing. In fact, his lawyer, Elias, who wore a pair of loud snakeskin boots, attracted more attention than D’banj.

Who leaves a zone where they’re comfortable and celebrated; where they’re established and successful, for a place where no one seems to give the slightest care?

D’banj, that’s who.

The 31 year-old entertainer has spent nearly two years building structures he hopes will help take his music to new markets in Europe, and especially America. This move, he believes, cost him his friendship and business relationship with his long time partner Don Jazzy.

‘I’m a risk taker’, he says. ‘Life is all about risks. But you must never endanger yourself. I don’t endanger myself, which is why, even though I’m here, I’m still in Nigeria all the time, performing’.

With incredible energy, and the kind of passion that endeared everyone to him when he first moved back to Nigeria in 2005, D’banj says his deal with Kanye West is a case of ‘preparation meets opportunity’.

‘I pulled up with my entourage at the Emirates first class lounge in Dubai. We were returning from Scott Tommey’s birthday.  I came down with Bankuli, my P.A. Chuchu, and my business manager Chidi. My entourage was large and I was looking fly. One of the hostesses ran to me with a Kanye West placard. I said I’m not Kanye o – then I told my guys ‘Kanye is around so no dulling.’ Chuchu and Bankuli spotted Kanye walking in to check in. They went to him and he said we could come over’.

‘As they came, I had my iPad with me, and my headphones. First thing Kanye said was ‘I like your T-shirt’. I wore a Zara T-shirt and a D&G ring. He liked my appearance and said he’d give me 5 minutes. I told him ‘I played with you in Nigeria during NB PLC Star Megajam. I’ve done a song with Snoop and we’re going to shoot the video now. I’d like to play you my songs.’ I played Oliver, Scapegoat, and Fall in love. He was dancing. He removed the headphones and said ‘I don’t mean to sound rude, but if anyone has to bring you out in the states, it has to be me, not Snoop. He asked when I was going to be in the US, and  I told him I was going there that day. Then he asked who my producer was, and I said Don Jazzy. He said ‘come with him.’

Three months later, D’banj, Don Jazzy and their crew were in New York, where, according to D’banj, it took almost forever before they could establish contact with Kanye. ‘It was only an email address he gave us at the airport. So when we got to NY, we sent several emails but got no response. Not a single one.’

‘Then we met someone that knew someone that knew another someone and we got another email address. We sent several messages again, no response. Then Bankuli sent a final one saying, ‘we have been in New York for some time and sent several emails. We have waited long enough and are now on our way to do the Snoop Dogg video’

And then the reply came. ‘Sorry to have overlooked your earlier emails. Mr. Kanye would like to meet with you tomorrow.’

‘We didn’t believe it. Don Jazzy, who had been reluctant all along, still did not believe it. Even when we got there (Wyclef’s studio) the next day, he stood outside. When Kanye came I went to call him ‘Oya come now, come play am the music now’. It was difficult to believe it was real and it was happening. Then when Kanye came in, with the GOOD music acts, I was like, ‘wow’.

From there everything happened fast. Next they were meeting Jay Z, making a presentation to LA Reid (At Electric studios), and discussing contracts. But while the label offered him a traditional recording contract, D’banj opted for a joint venture agreement structured to guarantee three things: retaining full control of his materials in Africa, signing Don Jazzy on board (on behalf on Mohits USA), and, he says, bringing the Universal/Def Jam imprint to Africa.

‘I’ve always thought of how I can be a useful vessel to the industry. A friend and colleague always says to me:  ‘D’banj, you’re the Jesus Christ of the industry.’ So having ran Mohits for nine years, I already had plans of how we could blow Mohits up.  I had plans of expanding, and most especially, bringing hope to that 11 year-old kid somewhere in Africa who may never have had the opportunity to get signed to major labels’.

‘So it was not really just about me.  There’s a big market in Africa.  I said to them, ‘I’ve sold millions of records in Africa, we’ve done millions of hits with CRBT, and I’ve run the most successful label on the continent. You take care of the US, but let me take you to Africa.‘  And I’m happy to tell you that we’re doing that. D’banj’s album will be the first under Universal/Def Jam Africa, and we’re already putting all the structures in place’.

‘I’m a businessman.’ I learnt from my mom, who’s a very successful businesswoman. So having run and funded Mohits for nine years, I knew we had to move to the next level. And everything we wanted was happening. Finally we could take African music to the world.’

Just like the lyrics of the song, D’banj was an Oliver Twist. Here’s a guy who had conquered a continent; was sitting on the top three list, and making more money than anyone else in his category. D’banj was a big player in Nigeria, where there are over 150 million people; a big player in Africa, with over 850 million people. But he wanted to play big globally, with 7 billion people to grab from.

And that’s where the problem started. ‘Don Jazzy was no longer comfortable. You know, we were like fishes out of water, in this new system, starting all over again, like when we returned home in 2004.   I got him a place in the US, set up a studio there, just so he’d be comfortable and be able to work without going to hang around the studios. In one year Jazzy did not make a song. I said, maybe you want to go back to Lagos, you’ll get inspiration there?’ I was all about the work, I wanted us to make this happen, so we can bridge that gap and create a path for Africa. But Jazzy wanted us to go back home. And I understand. He’s my friend, my brother’.

‘But I never expected him to do what he did.’ He said to me in July last year ‘Let’s scatter Mohits. He told me there are two captains – two captains cannot be in a ship. I was like ‘that’s not possible, this is a marriage’. He said ‘then this marriage is no longer working’. I said then let’s go for counseling; I asked, so what happens to our children?’

Don Jazzy wanted Mohits, D’banj says. And that happened on April 16, 2012 – after months of a bitter feud, characterized by accusations and counter accusations, widespread speculation, leaked emails and failed reconciliation attempts.

‘You can see he has signed already’, he said, showing the agreement with Don Jazzy’s signature. ‘I have full rights to my catalogue and full ownership of my Koko Holdings, while he has full ownership of Mo’Hits, including the artistes and liabilities.’

Already judged guilty in the court of public opinion, and publicly disowned by his own boys Wande Coal and Dr SID, D’banj says he’s sad, but not bitter. Does he feel kind of lonely, alone in the cold?  ‘Asking me if I’m lonely because Wande or Jazzy has left me is like asking my first sister if she’s lonely now – she has two kids now, lives in Canada. Don Jazzy is still my brother – we just had to move on. We’ll still work together in future, same with my boys. In fact, just this week, he sent me the remix to Oliver Twist that we’re releasing in the UK on May 14. All the interviews I’ve had here, I kept hyping him. It’s already in my system – you know me, I’m a one-way soldier.  Jazzy is a very quiet person. Loyalty is key. My loyalty still lies in the friendship I had with him. He was cheated by JJC, and I was present. I swore never to cheat him. But I’d like to think our visions became different.

‘It was clear when we met that Jazzy wanted to be the biggest producer, I wanted to be the biggest African entertainer, not the biggest singer. I had my mind on money. In order to say I’m the biggest, I had to be the richest. So for a very long time, he was on the back end. He respected my act, I respected his music judgment. Every meeting that brought us money I went for. I’d say I need to confirm from Don Jazzy because that was the agreement, even though I knew it was my decision. First Glo deal was $500,000. That Landcruiser jeep was because of my demands. It was because of the skill and exposure that I used to bargain. I’m a businessman’

‘People say I’m less talented, I was known as a jester in the JJC squad. I’d make everyone happy and play the mouth organ, but I knew what I wanted. I decided to give Don Jazzy power in 2007 when we realized that after four years, they did not recognize us as a record label. We had signed artistes and done all this work. So we restructured, and restrategized. So I told him to chill, so he can be more respected and be the don. I’m older than him by one year, yet I respected him like a don. I remember when he came out at Ali Baba show, I knelt down for him, so people would say he’s the baba. All the talking in my ears and all, it was an arrangement. All the Soundcity advert and all, he did not tell me anything. It was all an arrangement.’

With his UK publicist Vanessa Amadi taking notes nearby, his manager Bankulli interjecting every now and then, and several legal documents surrounding us, D’banj spoke passionately of his former partner in the same way a man might go on about a cherished and respected, but estranged, lover. He’s on his sixth cigarette, and thinks the room is stuffy, even though no one complains. So he opens the sliding glass for ventilation. ‘Jazzy did his part’, he says, sitting down again and looking me in the face. ‘He made the music for nine years. But nothing stops him from making for twenty more years. We could have changed the formula. Why didn’t he want to change the formula? It was time to expand the business, Mohits was Motown reloaded. We always knew we would expand, he always said I had more swagger than anyone else he knows, And I know he’s one of the best producers in the world; we wanted to make Mohits the biggest in Africa. Other labels were springing up. So if we could conquer America, London when no one had done it before. Most of our people stop in Germany, or Paris. But this is America, this is the big league; it makes us the strongest, the biggest. We had already made the money. And who best to introduce me to the rest of the world? Kanye did not want to change anything about my music, my style of dressing, or my brand. It is God’s favour. But Jazzy was and is very scared. Something had worked for eight years, so he wanted to maintain the status quo. People are afraid to try new things.’

‘But’, he tells me, still maintaining eye contact while lighting another cigarette, ‘I’m not afraid. I’m a vessel that God is trying to use to help the industry. I’m a bridge. Once in a few years, one artiste comes from the UK to run the world, none has come from Africa. Fela was the closest. It’s been my own dream; I made my name from Nigeria, unlike Seal, Wale, and Tinie Tempah.  And I want to bring Universal, Def Jam and all to Nigeria. So if I can build that bridge, then we’re good, because it will give hope to the boys in Asaba, in Oshogbo that this thing is possible.’

The day after our Canary Wharf interview, we meet up at Highbury Islington, where he’s shooting a documentary and the promo for the Oliver Twist competition for the UK. D’banj’s new crew: Semtex (a white A&R rep from the label), Bankuli and Vanessa, are on the ground, working with the production team. ‘This is why we’re here o. This is the work’, he says as he invites me into the dressing room.

‘And when people say why am I not talking, this is why. I’m focused on making this happen. It’s more important for me to make sure I don’t disappoint all those who have invested in me; all those who believe in me and are supporting the movement, than to be fighting over who’s right or wrong. Even now that I’m talking to you, I don’t even know if I should be doing this interview.’

It’s very unexpected that D’banj – the super aggresive D’banj – is speaking in this manner. He has fought many battles, cut off many former friend-associates, ignored the Nigerian media, and reportedly humiliated several Mo’hits members, including Ikechukwu and Dr SID. Temperamental, often impatient, and vocal, those who know him will tell you the D’banj they know, is not the one that’s speaking.

So I ask:

The perception is that you’ve become arrogant, unreachable, proud. You’re not the D’banj we used to know; not the D’banj I used to know – and most people in the media will say this is true

Obviously people will say stuff – but this is me. I can’t keep up with everyone, no matter how much I try.  But I understand where I’m coming from. I cant forget my roots – all the interviews I had yesterday, I was ‘bigging up’ DJ Abass, he gave me my first show in London. You saw me giving Jazzy props in my interview earlier. That’s me. If I was arrogant I wouldn’t have been the one even chasing Jazzy around since he told me last July that he wanted to scatter Mohits. Last time I saw him was on February 19 at Irving Plaza. He didn????t support the show, and he only came on stage when SID and Wande were performing. I wanted peace.

And even my mom, who had supported us from beginning, who gave us the house we stayed in (in Michael Otedola estate, Lagos), the Previa bus we used and paid for Tongolo video, spoke to his parents last December; ‘this is what your son said o’. I remember my mom saying to me, ‘if you guys have been together all these years, and no wahala, then if you need to part, I hope there’ll be no wahala.’ She was very particular about that. I had enough proof to have come out and speak; this thing has been on for a long time, and we’re in April now. But I don’t want to cause any wahala. I don’t want to spoil anything. I don’t want trouble. Right now, I just want to be able to move on and do my business.’

That’s surprising, because when the leaked emails emerged, revealing private email conversations between the estranged partners, all fingers pointed at D’banj. Don Jazzy, a likeable celeb and social media addict, didn’t have anything to prove. D’banj was the one who looked bad, and, understandably, would want to make a move that could earn him public sympathy.

‘The signing (away of my shares in Mohits) was already being discussed before April 16. If I kept quiet from January till now, what would it benefit me to leak anything? Remember all the stuff about my password and all? We know where that was from, I really wouldn’t want to think it was from him, my brother, but it could be from anywhere, but I don’t want to call anyone’s name’

But were the emails forged?

Everything in those emails were facts. And I don’t even think the mails favoured me in any way. It’s not the exact mails that were sent and signed, but there were elements of truth in the mails that were published.’

Why did you tell Ebony you own Mohits?

My mom advised me not to speak. And the interviewer took it out of context. I co-owned Mohits.  We registered the business in 2004, and we owned it 50:50. So I spoke about that, but the interviewer took it wrong and the fans put pressure on them and they corrected it.

How about Sahara Reporters?

I never wanted to have any interview. It was on the eve of my US show. I was told I should do the interview, because they’re very troublesome. I had to do the interview for the sake of my show the next day. I was guaranteed that there’d be no politics questions. I had not been in the country. And I had been under pressure.  Sadly, when that happened and I was being attacked in the media, none of my guys came out to support me.

Looking at all this, what are your regrets?

The truth is that if nothing went wrong, you’d have still heard all this good news and Mohits would take the glory, I didn’t come out in eight years to say anything. Everyone made their contributions. There were no issues, as long as it worked. My mistake was thinking that we were one. People don’t question their brothers and sisters.

How do you feel about Wande Coal and Dr. SID taking sides with Jazzy?

I won’t be too quick to judge Wande Coal. I hear it was Jazzy that tweeted those Wande tweets. I don’t know how true that is, but I know he had our social media accounts. As at a month ago, I couldn’t access any of my accounts. My password was changed on Twitter and Facebook. Then Universal intervened. I’m about to be verified on Twitter now. I’m not really a social media person, so it was Don Jazzy and some of our other guys that were running it. Wande himself knows the truth. He cannot talk to me like that. The whole Mohits knew who ran the label businesswise. They knew who to come to when they needed to get money out, after we recorded the album. Who knows the factory where Dansa was made? But you will know the marketing manager. The car he’s driving, I bought him a brand new Prado from Phyllis and Moss after he crashed the car he won from Hiphop World awards. I bought six Range Rovers last year. I bought D’Prince an LR 3 last year, he crashed it, then I bought him a Range, and it’s true that I bought two Bentleys. Because of Jazzy. But after July last year, after the issue with Jazzy, I bought myself the Aston Martin.

You bought that? I thought that was a gift?

I bought it.

How were you able to fund all that?

In the last nine years, there are a few people and corporate bodies that God has helped me build relationships with, either individuals or banks, or even corporates that are involved in the growth of the industry. I’ve enjoyed their support, and even now that we’re going global, we’re pooling the funds together from all these places.

Could you possibly be Nigeria’s richest pop star? A billionaire?

Vanity upon vanity. Money is material. In terms of what we’re doing, you’ll call me a Trillionaire, because this vision is too big for only me. With the help of the industry, the government, people like you Ayeni, we will not only be billionaires, but trillionaires, and not just me, but every little kid that has same talent like Beyonce, or Nicki Minaj. And with the standard of the UMG worldwide, we can pass people out from our own Universal Music Group Africa, Universal Def Jam Africa, and everyone should jump on this ship with us. It’s not the Titanic.

There’s been a lot of confusion – what label exactly are you signed on?

My album comes out under my label/GOOD Music/Island Def Jam. I’m funding the D’banj album, in America, through GOOD Music/Island Def Jam. GOOD Music is Kanye West who is co-executive producing with me. The deal comprises of Island Def Jam, in US. But in UK, it is under Mercury. My first single will be released in Europe on May 14. My work will be released in Africa through Universal/Def Jam. We don’t have these structures in Africa, and they’ve seen how much money they’ve lost. They’ve seen what I’ve done with Mohits. I made my pitch to them; I’ve made them realize how much they were losing in the African region. Over 150m Nigerians, over 800m Africans. 2% of that is 8.5m. They were not making anything except from S.A, which has been the US of Africa. So we will be launching this label in Ghana, in partnership with Vodafone, launching in Nigeria in partnership with MTN. Def Jam Africa will be up soon; Kenya, SA, and North Africa will follow.

Why are you risking all this? What if you burn your fingers and lose everything you’ve worked for?

Lose out?  Well, I am happy I even have something to risk. To whom much is given, much is expected. Look at Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Jay Z, Kanye West, these people take it to the max, take it to where they believe that they can push it to. In the first instance, coming back to Nigeria with Jazzy was because I was a risk taker. And I wouldn’t say I’m throwing everything away. I would say I’m putting everything back in, in order to rip into the future. I get a broadcast from Tonye Cole everyday. He says when you tell people this your vision, know that it’s not for you alone – it’s for everyone. It’s like what Fela did. If what I’m doing doesn’t work, but sows that seed that will germinate in three, five years, it means my name will be written in gold.

Some people have tried this before you, unsuccessfully. Do you have doubts and fears  sometimes?

My last album was in July 2008 – no album in four years and I know what I still command in those four years. The momentum for me to be able to do this is because I see how much it took me, I saw the benefit, it’s God, and the favour of the relationships we’ve built. Plus, I don’t take no for an answer, I don’t take negativity. It will work in Jesus’ name. If not, I wouldn’t have landed in the UK and hear Oliver Twist on the radio. Nor would I be in the mainstream media with them saying I’m pioneering afrobeats. I said to them ‘Oh hell no, that’s Fela’s music. Fela is the legend.’ So I pray to God – I beg my fans, it‘ll be good to do half a million downloads. It’s possible, it’s a different market. Platinum in UK is 300,000. I believe with the support of my people in Redding, Coventry, Dusting, Hackney, Thamesmead, Abbeywood, we can do it.’

And so, as I say my goodbyes and flag down the cab that’ll take me to Heathrow Airport, I can’t help thinking out loud: should one man sacrifice the wishes of the collective on the altar of ambition and material wealth? But then, what should be expected of the man whose dreams and ambition grow beyond those of other – possibly myopic-  members of the collective: should an individual sacrifice his personal desires; derail his destiny, so to speak, in the interest of the collective?

In all of this, faithfulness and loyalty have been brutally murdered. And the jury is still out on who pulled the trigger.

In all of this, faithfulness and loyalty have been brutally murdered. And the jury is still out on who pulled the trigger.

Source:Nigerian Ent. Today.