Introducing the new YNaija Series: 30 Days, 30 Voices starting 1st May—See the Daily Line-Up

Gbemi Olateru Olagbegi

 On 1st May, YNaija.com launches a brand new op-ed series called 30 Days, 30 Voices. "Through this monthly series, YNaija.com aims to delve into the hearts and minds of a still evolving generation," says Tolu Orekoya, Subeditor for Y!/YNaija. "We want to know what makes them tick; beyond politics, beyond the economy."This follows the March launch of the highly successful YNaija FrontPage (a daily op-ed series on the site that has presented exciting voices on national issues from the perspective of young leaders)with seven daily columnists.

"As writers, as young Nigerian minds within our borders and beyond, they have incredibly rich and diverse stories to tell. We want other young Nigerians to get a sense of their experiences; what other topics they choose to explore, whether it spans the globe or happens right here at home," says Orekoya says about 30 Days. "These are one-off contributions, and their pieces will centre on their personal experience: a profound occurrence, an opinion on events, reflections on life, living and so much more." 30 Days, 30 Voices will be

Check out Breeze36 Clothing New Footwear Designs

Once again, moving up another notch, Breeze36Clothing has come up with another invention to make your appearance that perfect one.This new set of slippers can come in different colors and can be customized to suit the need of our growing customers. Beach, house party etc Breez36 will make your  precious feet of yours smile.

Follow on Twitter @breezybreeze36 or call 08033598468 for more info

WOMEN FOR AFRICA PRESENTS ‘The Women For Africa Awards UK 2012

 The Women For Africa Awards UK 2012’ on Saturday 19th May 2012 at the Great Hall, Hornton Street ,Kensington, London, W8 7NX.

The inaugural ‘Women For Africa’ (W4A) Awards UK 2012 will take place at The Great Hall in
Kensington and will see a number of deserving women celebrated on what promises to be an
elevating and inspiring evening where Women of African Origin are recognised and celebrated. From
‘Outstanding Mother/Grandmother of the Year’ to ‘International African Woman of the Year’ and
more, the event will celebrate a diverse plethora of female champions.

The final nominees represent countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Congo, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Sierra
Leone and more.

Amongst those to receive recognition awards are Susan Mashibe from Tanzania, who is a FAA

From Enough is Enough (EIE) - Commitment to the Rule of Law Starts Here and Now

In October 2011 when we started engaging various stakeholders on the Fuel Subsidy Scheme, it was clear to us at Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE), that the fraud in the scheme could be exposed and eliminated in other ways without the removal of fuel subsidy.

On Wednesday, April 18 2012, the Ad-Hoc Committee to Verify and Determine the Actual Subsidy Requirements and Monitor the Implementation of the Subsidy Regime in Nigeria presented its report before the National Assembly after two months of investigation. The committee met from January 16 – February 9 2012, and will debate the contents of its report on the floor of the house on Tuesday, April 24th.

Some Highlights

1. N245.96bn was budgeted for subsidy payments in 2011, however the initial official figure of payments was N1.3 trillion; the Accountant-General of the Federation put forward N1.6 trillion; and the Central Bank had N1.7 trillion. The Committee established payments of N2,587.087 trillion as at December 31, 2011, which is over 10 times the amount budgeted. There is also N500 billion in outstanding claims for 2011.

2. A Presidential Directive removed kerosene subsidies in 2009. However in 2011, NNPC paid N310.4

Students' Unite Against Breast Cancer - Pink Pearl Foundation Visit Universities

Awareness in DELSU, Abraka Campus

To empower and enlighten the youth in the fight against breast and cervical cancer, Pink Pearl Foundation launched a university campaign in 2008 and ever since they have not caved in. This year, the campaign was taken to 4 tertiary institutions within the country. These include; Delta State University – Abraka Campus, Delta State University – Anwai Campus, University Of Benin And University Of Port-Harcourt.

Campus Tour, University of Benin

 The campaign featured local presentations which were trailed by an intensive and informative lecture on Breast and Cervical cancer, given by the expertise of the foundation’s medical professional, Dr Ann Ojimba. This was closely followed by a

Dear Artiste: Battle of the Emcees

“#DearArtiste Battle of the Emcees”, a new online competition for young and upcoming rappers has been organized to discover the next generation of rappers in Nigeria. The competition which is a brain child of Fola Folayan, an On-Air-Personality is put together by her pet project, www.dearartiste.com.

The competition which will last for a period of 3weeks, April 22 - May 12, will have a 3 minutes instrumental produced by Tha Suspect of Capital Hill Music, which will be downloaded from www.dearartiste.com, dearartistebattle@gmail.com . The TOP 10 entries which will be selected by a jury will be placed on the Dear Artiste website where people can download, listen and vote for a winner. by interested rappers to freestyle on and submit via email to

However, prizes are only available for the winner and the runner up. The winner, which will be selected

AMAA 2012 WINNERS LIST - Adesuwa, Otelo Burning, How to Steal 2 Million win Big

The 2012 African Movie Academy Awards took place at the Prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites on April 22nd. Hollywood stars who graced the award ceremony in Lagos are Morris Chestnut, Lynn Whitfield, Maya Gilbert and Rockmond Dumbar. Rockmund Dumbar also revealed to everyone at the award ceremony that he traced his lineage and he discovered he is from Africa, Nigeria and he is Yoruba.

The event was hosted by Heroes star Jimmy Jean-Louis and Nigerian Actor O.C. Ukeje. Music performers included Yinka Davies, Asa, EDGE, Philea from Senegal and 2Face.
The big winner of the night was Charlie Vundla’s How To Steal 2 Million with five awards. It picked won for Best Film, Best Director, Supporting Actor (Rapuldna Seiphemo), Supporting Actress (Terry Phetto) and Editing. Majid Michael Ghana, won Best Lead Actor (Somewhere in Africa)  and Rita Dominic Nigeria, won Best Lead Actress (Shattered).

Here is the Full Winners List:
Short film - Braids on a bald head (Nigeria)

Best documentary - African Election (Nigeria/Germany)

Best diaspora feature - Toussaint Louverture (France)

Best Documentary in Diaspora - The Education of Auma Obama (Germany)

Healthy Living Tips from Nigeria Food Industry Awards

Over the past 30 years, the number of overweight children has doubled and the number of overweight teenagers has tripled.

Studies show that individuals who are 20% or more overweight run a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, and some forms of cancer.
The prevalence of diabetes increased by 33% in the past 20 years, due primarily to the increased number of overweight people.

It takes approximately 20 minutes for your brain to know that your stomach is full.

The majority of items in existing vending machines contribute to a variety of health issues including obesity, diabetes and heart disease, as well as behavioral issues such as hyperactivity, fatigue and aggression.

RADIO HIT SHOW (S2 E1): Illegal Music 2 Falls Short Of Expectation!

Sup Folks!
 
When an artist puts out greatness like "Illegal Music 1", it is always a struggle to beat such greatness. Michael Jackson died trying to beat Thriller's record, it never happened. "Illegal Music 2" in my opinion will forever be in the shadow of Illegal "Music 1". That said...

Now fasten your seat belts as we are about to go on full throttle, with the songs reviewed this week.

1) Dammy Krane - My Dear
2) Teeto Ceemos featuring Shank - Go Down
3) M.I featuring Ruby & Show Dem Camp - Heart Of The City
4) Flowsickk featuring K-Switch, Ice Prince & Shank - Low Key (Remix)
5) Muna featuring IBK - Here To Stay

DOWNLOAD: http://www.hulkshare.com/dl/p8c28kqvlk5h/RHS02_ep1.mp3

Wizkid UK tour / UK Artists Press Conference 2012

Watch the clip right here
South East London witnessed an influx of the British based African press core for the official UK press conference for the Wizkid UK tour 2012. The conference was hosted by Cokobar and partners including Phoenix Media and Smade entertainment featuring UK based acts and Dj's going to be sharing the stage with the Afrobeats super star Wizkid. Known UK acts like Mr Silva, Kwams, A-star, 2kris and Afrobeats Djs Unbeatable, Neptizzle and Bayo to name a few came to the event to talk about the upcoming concert,

Hollywood stars claim Eko Hotel and Le Meridien not up to standard, moved to Radisson Blu

We broke the news earlier about Hollywood Actors said Eko hotel is not up to standard and he also said called Eko le Meridien crap too.
Well, here is the update, Morris Chesnut has been moved to another hotel in Raddison Blu, costing 112, 500 per night. The cheapest room in Raddison Blu is 60,000 thousand.
Morris Chestnut said the hotel was crap. Rockmund got angry for a different reason, they were to stay here at Eko while their mothers were to stay somewhere else. He wanted his mum to be at the same place with him and I heard their mothers are in Protea Hotel.

It is rumoured that Ghollywood Actor Majid Michaels has arrived into the country for Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) and he is in Protea Hotel.

Adele, Rihanna, LMFAO, Lady Gaga, Lil Wayne top Billboard 2012 Music Awards.

Adele takes the lead as a nominee in 18 award categories, including Top Artist, Top Female Artist and Top Billboard 200 Artist. "Rolling In The Deep," the lead single from her blockbuster sophomore album "21," places the U.K. singer as a contender in seven song categories.

     
Adele, LMFAO, Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Lil Wayne lead the finalists for the 2012 Billboard Music Awards, which will take place at Las Vegas' MGM Grand and be broadcast live Sunday May 20, 8/7c on ABC.
 
Check the list on Billboard.com
Top Billboard 200 Artist:
Adele
Justin Bieber
Michael Buble
Lady Gaga
Lil Wayne
Top Hot 100 Artist:
Adele
LMFAO
Bruno Mars
Katy Perry
Rihanna

Top Digital Songs Artist:
Adele
LMFAO
Bruno Mars
Katy Perry
Rihanna

Top Radio Songs Artist:
Adele
Katy Perry
Bruno Mars
Nicki Minaj
Rihanna

Top Touring Artist:
Bon Jovi
Taylor Swift
Take That
U2
Roger Waters

Top Social Artist:
Justin Bieber
Eminem
Lady Gaga
Rihanna
Shakira

Jude 'MI' Abaga renews contract with Chocolate City

Jude M.I Abaga has renewed his contract with the record label, Chocolate city. 

Rumour has been going round that M.I is leaving chocolate city after launching his own record label, Loopy Music few weeks ago. The rumour has just been refuted by the contract renewal.

The contract was signed earlier today, though the terms have not been disclosed.

Morris Chestnut and Rockmond Dunbar rejected EKo Hotel, saying its crap

As we all know, its the weekend for AMA Awards. Morris Chestnut and Rockmond Dunbar arrived into the country today.

According to our source, a fan who admired both stars came close and wanted to take pictures with them at the Eko Hotel & Suites where they were to lodge. Rockmond had an angry countenance and didn't look like he wanted to snap with the fan who went to meet Morris who was smiling and snapping. They were hovering around after coming in to the hotel together.

Rockmond was allegedly angry because according to them, Eko Hotel was not up to standards and they were waiting outside the hotel to be taken to another.

'Oh How Dearly I Detest Thee' Stage Play Showing At Terra Kulture

Calling on all art lovers…a play about the Love/Hate relationship between a man and woman Performing Arts Workshop and Studios (PAWS) in collaboration with TerraKulture will brings to you, 'Oh How Dearly I Detest Thee'. Featuring different talented actors, the play is a must watch for every couple and intending couple. The stage play 'Oh How Dearly I Detest Thee' will be showing every Sunday at TerraKulture at 3pm and 6pm. The play is written by Jane Ngo and directed by Kenneth Uphopho. Starring Eyiyemi Rogbinyin, Kenneth Uphopho,Paul Alumona, Seun Kenetebe, this is a play that shouldn't be missed.

Tickets: :N2500
For Sponsorship and tickets call
08037177106 or 08034448812

9ice never Sacked me - Dehinde Fajana reveals

9ice with his former Manager, Dehinde Fajana

The relationship between Alapomeji records head honcho, 9ice and long time manager Dehinde Fajana has come to an end.

Popular entertainment tabloids had earlier reported that Dehinde was sacked by 9ice, but the manager revealed to us on Thursday, 19th April 2012, that he was not sacked although they would no longer be working together.

"For the record, 9ice did not sack me. There was no contractual agreement and if I was sacked, where is my sack letter? At least I would have signed it and I will show you", Dehinde stated.

Mr Fajana who worked with 9ice for up to ten years also revealed that the decision to part ways was by

D'banj signs new record deal with Mercury Music

Photo Credit: Morsi PR

Dapo Banjo Dapo Oyebanjo  'D'banj' who recently parted ways with his former Mo’Hits label partner Don Jazzy has signed with Mercury Records, an imprint in the UK under the Mercury Records Group of Universal Music UK. Mercury Records is a record label operating as a standalone company in the UK and as part of the The sland Def Jam Music Group in the US; both are subsidiaries of Universal Music Group.

Mercury Records lists D’banj on their official website as one of their acts alongside the likes of UK rock

Karen Igho is Engaged!

 The winner of the Big Brother Amplified Reality TV Show 2011, Karen Igho is engaged. She took to her twitter page yesterday to make the announcement. Congratulations Karen!!!

Nigeria's Halima Abubakar Inspires at BBC Centre

It is becoming vivid that Halima Abubakar is not just another talented Nollywood belle, but a change agent who is using her star power to impact the society through her humanitarian endeavours.For those who were present at the B.B.C Center , Oxford street on the 11^th of April 2012, that day was not just an ordinary one, but will remain indelible in their minds.

Brimming with passion for the less privileged children and compassion for the needy, Halima spoke from the depth of her heart on issues around child care, how to adopt and take care of abandoned children , and

The Big Friday Show for April 20th on MTV Base and Silverbird Television

On the all new episode of The Big Friday Show showing on Silverbird Television, hosting the show alongside Basket Mouth is DJ Jimmy Jatt. Playful soul singer Bez was also pranked on the show. You don't want to miss that! Also catch Dencia's interview at the seaside station Rhythm 93.7fm.

Don't miss it showing at 6pm this Friday 20/04/12 on Silverbird television.

You can also catch The Big Friday Show South African Invasion with Basket mouth and guest artist L-Tido. The rapper was also pranked by the BFS crew.  And watch the BFS exclusive interview with Praiz at Rhythm 93.7fm. Catch all this and more on MTV Base (DSTV Channel 322) at 7:30pm (8:30pm CAT) on Friday 20/04/12.

Follow The Big Friday Show on twitter: @BigFridayShow

Source: MTV BASE

Photo Credit: Osahon Asemota

Lagos Aids Walk with Governor Babatunde Fashola, Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kenneth Kaunda on Saturday April 21

Biire Child and Maternal Health Foundation in collaboration with the Lagos State Agency for the Control of Aids (LSACA) and other stake holders, presents the maiden edition of Lagos Aids Walk - a 10 Km HIV/Aids awareness walk.
This "walkathon" taking place on Saturday 21st April 2012, will see political leaders, religious and community leaders, representatives of corporate organizations, civil society organizations, artistes and students walk from Ebute Meta End of the Third Mainland Bridge through Carter/Adeniji Adele Bridge, Lagos where a large human red ribbon will be formed. The Red Ribbon signifies remembrance, care and compassion for those who are still living with the virus and those who have lost their lives to it.

Leading this 10 km HIV/Aids walk awareness is the Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (Executive Governor of Lagos State), he will be accompanied by Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (Former Governor of Lagos

2Face Returns With ‘Buckwyld and Breathless: Away and Beyond’ Concert

Africa’s finest Innocent 2Face Idibia is back with Buckwyld N Breathless, the concert series. This edition,
the third since 2010, affords the musician the opportunity to perform some of his new music as the
concert doubles as an album release concert.

The concert, which is put together by 2Face’s Hypertek Entertainment together with Now Muzik,
is christened Buckwyld N Breathless: Away and Beyond. The event will be a continuation of the
breathtaking production that fans have come to associate with 2Face and the Buckwyld N Breathless
brand. This time around though, guests can expect a slight variation as 2Face will be interpreting more
recent music from off of his fifth studio album Away And Beyond.

The first of the series which held on September 26 2010 was a well-attended concert with fantastic
reviews for the sheer energy and captivating nature of the deliberate performances and the impeccable

Dipp's Face-off interview by @Lanredavies

The second edition of the Factory78tv "Face Off" series is with rising African pop music artiste Dipp. Dipp is a singer/songwriter of the pop genre who hails from Nigeria , he is an artiste known for producing mind blowing music videos were he is seen to dance and perform to international standards. Sitting comfortably atop his home , he shares with F78tv about his music career so far,making and releasing wonderful videos, his comparisons with international stars like Usher and difficulties he has had making Pop music to an African audience. The confident and eloquent Dipp also tells us what should be expected in the nearest future right here on "Face Off" with F78TV

Forbes Magazine's five wealthiest artists - P Diddy Tops List

P Diddy, The HipHop mogul  is the closest to becoming a billionaire, leading the pack with a net worth of $550 million once again beating Jay-Z ($460M) to claim the top spot in a list compiled by Forbes magazine.

Dr. Dre retained the third place spot he took last year while fourth and fifth places on the list were filled by Bryan 'Birdman' Williams and 50 Cent respectively.

P.Diddy has been crowned the wealthiest artist in hip-hop for the second year in a row.


Forbes Magazine's five wealthiest artists:
1. P. Diddy-$550 Million
2. Jay-Z-$460 Million
3. Dr. Dre-$270 Million
4. Bryan 'Birdman' Williams-$125 Million
5. 50 Cent-$110Million

Goodluck Jonathan makes 2012 Time 100 Most Influential People in the World

Meet the most influential people in the world. They are artists and activists, reformers and researchers, heads of state and captains of industry. Their ideas spark dialogue and dissent and sometimes even revolution.

TIME 100: THE LIST
Jeremy Lin,Christian Marclay,Viola Davis, Salman Khan, Tim Tebow, E.L. James, Louis CK, Rihanna, Marco Rubio, Ali Ferzat, René Redzepi, Kristen Wiig, Anthony Kennedy, Novak Djokovic, Ben Rattray, Jessica Chastain, Yani Tseng, Raphael Saadiq, Elinor Ostrom, Samira Ibrahim, José Andrés, Ann Patchett, Dulce Matuz, Henrik Schärfe, Freeman Hrabowski, Maryam Durani, Manal al-Sharif, Anjali Gopalan, Rached Ghannouchi, Barbara Van Dahlen, Ron Fouchier, Donald Sadoway, Hans Rosling, Asghar Farhadi, Sarah Burton, Anonymous, Pete Cashmore, Cami Anderson
Ali Babacan and Ahmet Davutoglu, Ai-jen Poo, Marc Andreessen, Preet Bharara, Robert Grant, Andrew Lo, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Alexei Navalny, Ray Dalio, Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani, Chelsea Handler, Harvey Weinstein, Chen Lihua, Warren Buffett, Alice Walton, Harold Hamm, Sheryl Sandberg, Sara Blakely, Tim Cook, Eike Batista, Daniel Ek, Virginia Rometty, Barack Obama, Goodluck Jonathan. Xi Jinping, Fatou Bensouda, Christine Lagarde, Mario Draghi, U Thein Sein, Ayatullah Ali Khamenei, Mitt Romney, Juan Manuel Santos, Timothy Dolan, Portia Simpson Miller, Mario Monti, Wang Yang, Maria das Graças Silva Foster, Andrew Cuomo, Iftikhar Chaudhry, Mamata Banerjee, Walter Isaacson, Ron Paul, Benjamin Netanyahu, Dilma Rousseff, Erik Martin, Cecile Richards
Angela Merkel, Lionel Messi, Tilda Swinton, Hillary Clinton, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Pippa Middleton, Adele, Matt Lauer, Oscar Pistorius, Claire Danes, Stephen Colbert

ROGUES
Kim Jong Un, Mullah Mohammed Omar and Sheik Moktar Ali Zubeyr, Bashar Assad

Source: Time.com