₦airaland Forum

http://himagazine.tv/show_post.php?id=377


Yet again, Tuface Idibia makes Nigeria proud as he bagged 5 nominations, when the Afrotainment Museke Online African Music Award nominees were announced.

'Following a month of exhaustive deliberation with an esteemed Voters’ Academy made up of African DJ’s, bloggers, VJs and entertainment industry figures, the Afrotainment Museke Online African Music Awards are happy to announce the nominees for the second annual groundbreaking awards. The awards are aimed at giving fans across the continent and in the Diaspora a voice and a chance to contribute to the acknowledgement of some of the finest in African musical talent.

Top Nominees
Submissions were received from fans, artists, record labels and management representing the best and a lot of up-and-coming artists from around the continent and the Diaspora. Artists dominating nominations include South Africa’s Freshlyground, Nigeria’s 2Face Idibia, DRC’s Fally Ipupa and Senegal’s Viviane N’dour both all 5 nominations each. As with the inaugural Awards, the submission and nomination process was open to all artists representing the numerous music genres across the continent. See www.moamas.com/nominees2011 for the list of nominees.

Exciting Categories
The second annual Afrotainment Museke Online African Music Awards have come with the introduction of new categories which acknowledge the numerous genres that make up the African music scene. As previously announced, the Voters’ Choice category has been included in order to further engage with the African music fan in acknowledging artists who may not have enjoyed a lot of television airplay due to video submission restrictions, but went on to have an impact on the ground nonetheless. Dance is an integral part of African culture on various levels. The Tribal House category shows love to African-influenced dance genres including Kwaito, Kuduro and Coupe Decale.

The Afrotainment Museke Online African Music Awards are built on the belief in bringing together Africans through music exchange, and as such, the African Collaboration category is aimed at recognising efforts made by artists to collaborate with other artists outside of their own country borders. Now more than ever, African artists are making more and more efforts to collaborate cross-borders and cross-genres, with amazing and increasingly popular results, and Afrotainment Museke Online African Music Awards strongly believe in being proactive about acknowledging and rewarding such efforts.

With the Record of the Year, the Afrotainment Museke Online African Music Awards have taken the lead in paying homage to artists who include in their music themes and lyrics that portray a positive picture of the African continent and exude African pride. Finally, Afrotainment Museke Online African Music Awards know that DJs are an integral part in promoting, dispersing, fusing and creating music. The DJ of the Year category shows respect to DJs across the continent that have played a part in developing their respective genres and also command respect locally and cross-borders.

Voting Process and Awards Show
Fans of African music are invited to take part in the Afrotainment Museke Online African Music Awards by voting for their favourite and artists they feel are most deserving of honours in the various categories from 10 August 2011 until 18 September 2011, when voting will close. Voting will take place on the awards’ website, www.moamas.com. The awards’ show will be hosted and broadcast from Afrotainment’s New York studios on September 24 2011, where African music fans will gather and get down to the beats of some of the most popular African artists as they provide the soundtrack to the celebration of the finest talent that the African continent has to offer.'

For the nominees list, visit www.himagazine.tv

http://himagazine.tv/articles/379/Flying-Eagles-Face-France-In-U20-Quarterfinals


Nigeria will now meet France in the quarterfinal stage, after the French edged past Ecuador with a 1-0 victory. A solitary second-half strike from Antoine Griezmann was the vital difference on a night where each side failed to utilize the many chances they had.

A 52nd minute goal by Edafe Egbedi was all it took to get Nigeria to the quarter final stage of the 2011 FIFA U20 World Cup. While it was a tightly contested game against the young Three Lions side, the goal proved the difference between both sides, at the end of 90minutes.

Speaking with fifa.com after the match against England, , Nigeria coach, John Obuh described the Round of 16 fixture as a tough one, saying the English team gave his boys a good fight.

‘The game was difficult for my players and we did not play as an attacking team. I expected them to play in an organised way but they were trying to attack without any real danger. The only thing that worked for us was the goal, which was enough to go through. Our opponent played a defensive game and they were launching counter attacks. We caused problems for ourselves, and in the next game we must correct the mistakes that we made.’

The Flying Eagles will face France for a place in the semi finals in Cali this Sunday August 14, at 9pm Nigerian Time.

Always check www.himagazine.tv for hot new Nigerian entertainment news.

http://himagazine.tv/show_post.php?id=378



The stars visiting Port Harcourt all acted in ‘Damage’, the Uche Jombo produced movie. ‘Damage’ was premiered in Lagos on the 31st of July 2011 at the Silverbird Galleria amidst a constellation of stars and celebrities. It arrived in cinemas across Nigeria on August 5, 2011 and has since then been getting a lot of patronage from movie goers across the country.

The movie addresses the issue of love and domestic violence in such a manner that has never been seen in a movie before. ‘Damage’ tells the story of a man (Kalu Ikeagwu) and his wife (Uche Jombo) who love each other immensely, but express this affection with violent fights almost on a daily basis, and this has a serious psychological effect on their children.

Visit www.himagazine.tv for the full gist

http://www.himagazine.tv/show_post.php?id=377


Yet again, Tuface Idibia makes Nigeria proud as he bagged 5 nominations, when the Afrotainment Museke Online African Music Award nominees were announced.

'Following a month of exhaustive deliberation with an esteemed Voters’ Academy made up of African DJ’s, bloggers, VJs and entertainment industry figures, the Afrotainment Museke Online African Music Awards are happy to announce the nominees for the second annual groundbreaking awards. The awards are aimed at giving fans across the continent and in the Diaspora a voice and a chance to contribute to the acknowledgement of some of the finest in African musical talent.

Top Nominees
Submissions were received from fans, artists, record labels and management representing the best and a lot of up-and-coming artists from around the continent and the Diaspora. Artists dominating nominations include South Africa’s Freshlyground, Nigeria’s 2Face Idibia, DRC’s Fally Ipupa and Senegal’s Viviane N’dour both all 5 nominations each. As with the inaugural Awards, the submission and nomination process was open to all artists representing the numerous music genres across the continent. See www.moamas.com/nominees2011 for the list of nominees.

Exciting Categories
The second annual Afrotainment Museke Online African Music Awards have come with the introduction of new categories which acknowledge the numerous genres that make up the African music scene. As previously announced, the Voters’ Choice category has been included in order to further engage with the African music fan in acknowledging artists who may not have enjoyed a lot of television airplay due to video submission restrictions, but went on to have an impact on the ground nonetheless. Dance is an integral part of African culture on various levels. The Tribal House category shows love to African-influenced dance genres including Kwaito, Kuduro and Coupe Decale.

The Afrotainment Museke Online African Music Awards are built on the belief in bringing together Africans through music exchange, and as such, the African Collaboration category is aimed at recognising efforts made by artists to collaborate with other artists outside of their own country borders. Now more than ever, African artists are making more and more efforts to collaborate cross-borders and cross-genres, with amazing and increasingly popular results, and Afrotainment Museke Online African Music Awards strongly believe in being proactive about acknowledging and rewarding such efforts.

With the Record of the Year, the Afrotainment Museke Online African Music Awards have taken the lead in paying homage to artists who include in their music themes and lyrics that portray a positive picture of the African continent and exude African pride. Finally, Afrotainment Museke Online African Music Awards know that DJs are an integral part in promoting, dispersing, fusing and creating music. The DJ of the Year category shows respect to DJs across the continent that have played a part in developing their respective genres and also command respect locally and cross-borders.

Voting Process and Awards Show
Fans of African music are invited to take part in the Afrotainment Museke Online African Music Awards by voting for their favourite and artists they feel are most deserving of honours in the various categories from 10 August 2011 until 18 September 2011, when voting will close. Voting will take place on the awards’ website, www.moamas.com. The awards’ show will be hosted and broadcast from Afrotainment’s New York studios on September 24 2011, where African music fans will gather and get down to the beats of some of the most popular African artists as they provide the soundtrack to the celebration of the finest talent that the African continent has to offer.'

Check out the nominations below.


Artiste of The Year
2Face Idibia -Nigeria
Fally Ipupa - DRC
Asa - Nigeria
Maurice Kirya - Uganda
Viviane Ndour - Senegal
Kidumu - Burundi
Professor - South Africa

Male Artiste of The Year
2Face Idibia -Nigeria
Fally Ipupa - DRC
Maurice Kirya - Uganda
D’Banj - Nigeria
Professor - South Africa
DJ Arafat - Cote d’Ivoire
Kidumu - Burundi

Female Artiste of The Year
Nneka - Nigeria
Asa - Nigeria
Viviane Ndour - Senegal
Juliana Kanyomozi - Uganda
Patience Dabany - Gabon
Angelique Kidjo - Benin
Neyma - Mozambique

Group of The Year
Liquideep - South Africa
Freshlyground - South Africa
P-Square - Nigeria
Goodlyfe - Uganda
TearGas - South Africa
Toofan - Togo
P-Unit - Kenya

New Artiste
Cabo Snoop - Angola
Diamond - Tanzania
Ice Prince - Nigeria
Jay Ghartey - Ghana
MoCheddah - Nigeria
L-Tido - South Africa
Wizkid - Nigeria

Best Album
Fabrics of the heart - Liquideep - South Africa
Beautiful Imperfection - Asa - Nigeria
Radio Africa - Freshlyground - South Africa
Progress - VIP - Ghana
African Revolution - Tiken Jah Fakoly - Cote d’Ivoire
MI2 - MI - Nigeria
Presidents d’Afrique - Didier Awadi - Senegal

Most Popular Song
Jukpa remix - J Martins/Fally Ipupa - Nigeria
Oleku - Ice Prince - Nigeria
Sexy Dance - Fally Ipupa - DRC
E no easy - P-Square - Nigeria
African Girls - Castro/Asamoah Gyan - Ghana
Ce magik - Toofan - Togo
Windeck - Cabo Snoop - Angola

Best music video
Bang it all - Paul G - Angola
Moza girl - Dama do Bling - Mozambique
Sama champion - Viviane Ndour - Senegal
Only Me - 2Face - Nigeria
Chicken to Change - Freshlyground - South Africa
My lady - Jay Ghartey - Ghana
Stars fall Down - Parlotones - South Africa

Best African Collabo
Jukpa remix - J Martins/Fally Ipupa - Nigeria/DRC
Toi et ta vie - Yvonne/Dama Do Bling - Kenya/Mozambique
12500 Volts - Dibi Dobo/DJ Arafat/Kamnouze - Benin/Cote d’Ivoire
Bang it all - Paul G/Akon - Angola/Senegal
Kiss your hand remix - R2Bees/Wande Coal - Ghana/Nigeria
Songa mbele - Alpha/AY - Rwanda/Tanzania
Nwa Baby remix - Flavour Nabania/Asem/Stone - Nigeria/Ghana

Record of The Year
Only Me - 2Face - Nigeria
One day - Eldee - Nigeria
Ayamaah - Morale - South Africa
Dans mon reve - Didier Awadi - Senegal
I will sing - Maurice Kirya - Uganda
7 wonders - Bkay & Kazz - Zimbabwe
Bayi yoon - Daara J Family - Senegal

Voter’s Choice
Ma preferee - Omar B - Togo
Landale beat - Kibistone - DRC
So Pwaa - CPWaa - Tanzania
Dancehall Attitude - Lord Kemy - Guinea
Feel me - Rachel K - Uganda
In my head - Jon Germain - Ghana
So in Love - Moh Dediouf - Senegal

Audio Producer
Don Jazzy - Nigeria
Bebe Philip - Cote d’Ivoire
Hermy B - Tanzania
Ulopa - Kenya
RKay - Kenya
37mph - South Africa
Killbeatz - Ghana

Video Director
Clarence Peters - Nigeria
Adam Juma - Tanzania
Ogopa Video - Kenya
Gorilla Films - South Africa
Gelongal - Senegal
DJ Marcel - Mozambique
Jeff Attiogbe - Togo

DJ of The Year
DJ Edu - Nigeria
DJ Black - Ghana
DJ MixmasterBrown - Nigeria
DJ Fully Focus - Kenya
DJ Waxxy - Nigeria
Eric Soul - Rwanda
DJ Fresh - South Africa

West Africa Song
Oleku - Ice Prince - Nigeria
Ce Magik - Toofan - Togo
Kiss your hand - R2Bees - Ghana
E no easy - P-Square - Nigeria
Fima tollu - Viviane Ndour - Senegal
Jukpa remix - J Martins - Nigeria
African girls - Castro - Ghana

North Africa
Ya Ana ya ya Mefish - Tamer Hosny - Egypt
Nzour Nabra - Jalal El Hamdaoui - Algeria
Jokko - Ahmed Soultan - Morocco
Be winner - Fnaire ft Samira Said - Morocco
Whowa - Oum - Morocco
Laayoune Ayniya - Douzi - Algeria
Sahbi - Cheb Bilal - Algeria

Central Africa
Sexy dance - Fally Ipupa - DRC
Ca la - Lady Ponce - Cameroun
Six millions y’a ba souci - Papa Wemba - DRC
Zazou - Ferre Gola - DRC
On vous connais - Patience Dabany - Gabon
Sango - Idylle Mamba - Central African Republic
Nakozanga - Lokua Kanza - DRC

East Africa
Nitafanya - Kidumu - Burundi
Kare - P-Unit - Kenya
Songa mbele - Alpha - Rwanda
Mbagala - Diamond - Tanzania
Gaarsiiya - Ikraan Caraale - Somalia
Haturudi nyuma - Juliana K - Uganda
Kasepiki - Bebe Cool - Uganda

Southern Africa
Windeck - Cabo Snoop - Angola
Kapiiripiiri - JK - Zambia
Fire is low - Freshlyground - South Africa
Mhlomo Wami - TearGas - South Africa
Jezebel - Professor - South Africa
Ilusao - Neyma - Mozambique
Happy song - Fisherman - South Africa

Diaspora Song
Zambezi - Tinashe - Zimbabwe
Voce me da - Clarisse Albrecht - Cameroun
Rebound Chick - Nelson Freitas - Cape Verde
Bien plus fort que mes mots - Kaysha - DRC
Kilimanjaro - Shingai Shoniwa (Noisettes) - Zimbabwe
My love - Tolumide - Nigeria
Zamounda - La Selesao - DRC

http://himagazine.tv/show_post.php?id=376


Nollywood heartthrob, Stella Damasus-Aboderin-Nzeribe will once again grace the screens in Blessing Effiom-Egbe's latest offering ‘Two brides and A Baby’.

'Two Brides and A Baby’ revolves around Kole and Keche, a couple preparing for their dream Nigerian wedding, the perfect opportunity to show off their love and commitment to each other until out of the blue, their lives and everything they’ve planned up to the wedding, take hard knocks. They have fight hard to see their dreams of a happy life together come to fruition.

The movie is Effiom-Egbe's second movie since ‘The Rivals’, which won Best Film at the 2007 New York International Independent film and video festival. Blessing, a former model turned actress, producer and writer understood the need to work with professionals on this movie, thus creating tasteful work. The film was shot by Abdulahi Yusuf, with costume design by Frank Oshodi and set design by Paulette Orizo.

The Teco Benson directed movie showcases talented up and comers on what is fast becoming the new Nollywood. AMAA winners OC Ukeje and Chelsea Eze as well as Okey Uzoeshi, Kehinde Bankole and Heidra Hewatch star in the movie.


Watch the Trailer on www.himagazine.tv

http://himagazine.tv/show_post.php?id=375

Udoka Oyeka and Olufemi Ogunsanwo, come together to create a film about something most of us are familiar with- life in boarding school. ‘The Red House Seven’, is a film built around the boarding school life of TJ.

'TJ is a young man in his late twenties, the first draft of his book titled ZR-7 is long overdue for the publisher to review. He decides the entire draft will be recorded on a tape recorder and only his butler (Alphonso) is an actual witness, he begins to tell his story as the action comes alive.

The story is a classic life of boarding school adventures involving TJ with six of his friends (Rolly-D, Chiedu, UK, Tokunbo, Femi & James) while in JSS 1 (7th grade). The boys are initially shocked by all the hoops they have to jump in order to survive teachers, prefects, wicked seniors, dining hall food, thieves, cutting grass, washing toilets, puppy love and all the other regular experiences anyone in a public Nigerian boarding school would experience. But when TJ and the boys accidentally see a man and two female students in an uncompromising position, what they do with that information is not their only problem in school, but the resulting scandal would change their lives far beyond their wildest dreams.'

The film premieres this friday, August 12th, at the Oriental hotel and releases next week friday, 19th of August 2011.

*Check www.himagazine.tv for the trailer.

http://himagazine.tv/articles/374/Nigeria-Advance-To-The-Quarterfinals-At-U20-World-Cup

Edafe Egbedi put the impenetrable defence of the U20 English squad to the sword last night as he scored a 52nd minute winner as Nigeria edged England 1-0 to advance to the quarterfinals of the Under-20 World Cup on Wednesday.

The under- strength England squad leaves the tournament without scoring a goal in four games. The English made the second round on the back of three 0-0 draws. Egbedi ended their run when he scored from within the penalty area in the first seven minutes of the second half.

The free scoring Flying Eagles, who have won all four of their matches, had many more chances to extend their lead but were denied by the brilliant England goalkeeper Jack Butland. England nearly got back in the game when Matthew Phillips shot over the cross bar, after getting free of the Nigerian defenders.

Under-20 World Cup finalists in 1989 and 2005, Nigeria will either play France or Ecuador, in the quarterfinals.

http://www.himagazine.tv/articles/373/Nigeria-vs-Ghana-Friendly-Rescheduled-For-October


Following the recent London riots and the call-off of the Nigeria- Ghana friendly, both teams have agreed to reschedule Tuesday's cancelled friendly game.

The match is now expected to be played in October, pending approval by their respective football associations. Both players and officials from both countries were immensely disappointed at the cancellation of the game, and seem ready to try again as soon as the opportunity presents itself.

‘We spoke to Nigeria and Ghana, and both countries have agreed that if the FA gives their approval, then the game can be played in October’, said match agent Jairo Pachon.

The high profile friendly match up had to be called off on the advice of the Hertfordshire Constabulary, who informed the vicarage road club, Watford that they could not effectively police the game, following three days of violent rioting and looting which started in Tottenham, London, and rapidly spread to other parts of England.

http://himagazine.tv/show_post.php?id=368

If anyone remembers the early beginnings of Nollywood, we would quite agree that movies back then weren’t complete without Bimbo Akintola and Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey on the bill. The old timers recently starred in a Paul Apel movie titled, ‘90Ninth Day’.

‘90Ninth Day’ is an exciting and captivating story of Engineer Jack (Paul Apel) who was awarded a Power Plant Contract by the Government. This began a chain of treacherous and tragic events for him and his family as Susan (Bimbo Akintola), who lost out of the bid embarks on a blind revenge. In the dangerous triangle is one of Jack's friends, Col. Ben (Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey) whose obsession of becoming an Army General turns him into a psychopath, but for honour Jack's family hangs in the balance. ‘90Ninth Day’ is a film by Paul Tavershima Apel. The Movie also features Orduen Apel of the Unity Bank 12 Ambassadors fame and Stephanie Apel.

Mr. Paul Tavershima Apel is the MD of Papel Apel and also a Filmmaker skilled in Non-Linear Editing and Script Writing. The Abuja based Producer is determined to tell new stories via the film medium and has was the produced the movie ‘The Bond’.

The much anticipated movie Premiers tomorrow, 11th August 2011, at the Silver Bird Cinema, Abuja. Red carpet starts at 5:30pm prompt.

http://himagazine.tv/show_post.php?id=367

While we haven’t gotten all the details from the organizers, sources close to the organizers of the Hennessy Artistry that this year's edition of the popular Hennessy Artistry will kick off any moment from now.

Hennessy Artistry is a musical platform which was launched worldwide by Hennessy in 2006, to celebrate the vibrant multiculturalism of different music genres. The artistry debuted in Nigeria in 2007, with a cocktail-mixing contest between bartenders. A year later, it evolved to a battle among some of the country’s finest DJs, and in 2009, it was a live music contest between five of Nigeria’s fastest rising urban-music artists.

Last year had Ice Prince, Kas, Nneka, MI and Sir Shina Peters who came together to record the song 'Like a Bottle'.

From the speculation going around, there have been talks going on to decide if the acts for this year's Artistry will come from either EME or Chocolate city. We just might see WizKid, Skales, MI, Ice Prince or Banky W fronting this year’s edition.

Watch this space for more information.

http://www.himagazine.tv/show_post.php?id=364

The official Nigerian Corner at the ever annual Nottinghill Carnival, in London will again host an array of stars this year, as organisers announced today, the line up of entertainers who have signed up to fly the Nigerian flag at the world-famous carnival.

Organisers of the festival, Sodium Brands Solutions say hiphop hit-maker Eldee, iconic DJ Jimmy JATT and super-compere Tee A are some of the acts fans should expect to see this year.

Principal Consultant of Sodium Brand Solutions Abisoye Fagade says 'There's no better time than this, to preach and sell the Nigerian brand. And we'll continue to do that at home and abroad, wherever well-meaning people are gathered. We must continue to tell - and show- the world, that there's more to Nigeria than what the world thinks it knows, '

The Nigerian Corner is on Adela Street, off Kensal road, (Harrow End), W10, London. Fagade says other performers will be announced in due time. Last year featured dozens of participants from Nigeria and the UK, including Jimmy JATT, Banky W, Keke and D-One, 9ice, Julius Agwu, AY and JJC.

The 2011 Nottinghill Carnival will hold on August 29. The Nigerian Corner is proudly produced by Sodium Brand Solutions, with support from Reve Entertainment. Other partners include Primetime Entertainment, BlackHouse Media, Nigerian Entertainment Today (NET), Hip TV and Kennis Music.

Now in its 47th year, the Notting Hill Carnival is an annual event held each August Bank Holiday since 1966, the Notting Hill Carnival is the largest festival celebration of its kind in Europe. Every year the streets of West London come alive, with the sounds and smells of Europe's biggest street festival. Twenty miles of vibrant colourful costumes surround over 40 static sound systems, hundreds of Caribbean food stalls, over 40,000 volunteers and over 1 million Notting Hill carnival revellers.

http://www.himagazine.tv/articles/354/Basket-Mouth-Pranks-Audience-At-MTV-Big-Friday-Show-Preview


Last Friday, at the press conference and preview of ‘The Big Friday Show’, put together by hugely popular music channel, MTV Base, members of the media corp had no idea what was in store as an angry intruder made a scene.

The event which held at Avenue Suites, Tiamiyu Savage, Victoria Island was meant to showcase new TV show which had been rumoured to be hosted by veteran comedian, Basket mouth. The press conference started like any would, with the host of the event- MTV jock Cythia Mbanefo - a.k.a C-Von inviting on stage Silverbird boss, Guy Murray Bruce; MTV Networks Africa Executive, Tim Harwood and another MTV executive.


Five minutes into the conference, an angry intruder barged into the venue and charged towards the stage while directing his angry rants at Tim Harwood, shouting 'where is my moneyTim, pay me my money, you've been owing me for over six months now and you can’t keep stalling'. The audience was astounded by the outburst and accusations being hurled at the MTV boss, thus resulting in an eerie silence. The host, C-Von, while wearing a puzzled expression as to how and why the ‘angry man’, got into the venue, managed to step out of his visual range.

Tim and Guy Murray Bruce tried to calm the fellow down as he got on the stage, looking ready to pummel the said owed money out of his debtor. Before the gravity of the situation hit anyone, Tim Harwood was knocked flat on his back by the aggressor. This action woke the audience and guests from the reverie, forcing some capable folks to advance towards the scuffle.


As things were about to turn ugly, Bright Okpocha aka Basket Mouth, stepped in to calm the audience, explaining they had just been pranked. The scene was just a glimpse of what MTV Network Africa's newest programme, ‘The Big Fiday Show’, has in store for its viewers.

‘The Big Fiday Show’, is the edgy new Friday night music and entertainment show from MTV Networks Africa and STV. Airing every Friday night, on MTV Networks from last Friday, 5 August, between 18.00- 19.00 GMT, the show brings fireworks, fun and Nigerian youth culture to Friday night TV. Among the regular slots featured on the show will be: interviews with the hottest Nigerian celebrities; entertainment news and gossip from the digital sphere.

Tim Harwood is the show producer, Basket Mouth is the Anchor of the show and the assaulter was later identified as Seun Fadiran, a member of the production crew.

http://www.himagazine.tv/articles/357/David-Oyelowo-Stars-As-The-Iconic-Martin-Luther-King


Hollywood has discovered another rising Nigerian talent in David Oyelowo as he stars in ‘The Rise of the Planet of the Apes’, as the sinister corporate boss Steve Jacobs. The movie is a re-boot of the famous franchise launched by Charlton Heston in 1968’s ‘Planet of the Apes’.


Perhaps what's more interesting is that Just like the theater-trained Nigerian actor, Chiwetel Ejiofor, who made the transition from the London stage to Hollywood stardom. Oyelowo is set to walk the same path as he takes on his biggest role yet, portraying Martin Luther King Jr., in Lee Daniels’ ‘Selma’.

Oyelowo first attended a youth theatre after being invited by a girl to whom he was attracted. He then studied Theatre Studies for A level and his teacher suggested he should become an actor. After A levels Oyelowo enrolled for a year on an Art foundation course before being funded through training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art by Nicholas Hytner. Having been offered television work Oyelowo left LAMDA before completing the course.

It hasn’t been a quick rise for the actor as he has been an actor for 13 years. Besides the time spent training at LAMDA, he spent three years at The Royal Shakespeare Company and did the spy show for three years.

While the movie is still in development, some have cast doubt over the choice of Oyelowo to play the iconic role which might prove challenging to the actor. ‘What’s daunting to me is not what people will think or say, but it’s about doing justice, not to the icon, but the man. My energy will go into how I in 90 odd minutes encapsulate such an incredibly complex, dynamic, sacrificial, no doubt tormented, conscious-led human being’, said Oyelowo.

‘Selma’ revolves around Martin Luther King, Jr’s historic marches through Selma, Alabama in 1965. It is not a biopic but a depiction of events. The events themselves merit a focused storyline, considering the horrendous results now known as 'Bloody Sunday.

http://himagazine.tv/show_post.php?id=358

Hi Magazine featured celeb and Nigerian singing sensation, Bukola Elemide aka Asa, will headline the Arts Alive festival in Johannesburg next month.

Asa’s road to success wasn’t an easy one as she went against the wishes of her father to enroll in music school. In 2008, she won the Prix Constantin, an annual French music prize awarded to an artist whose album had immensely impressed music lovers that year. Asa has also been signed by Dramatico Entertainment, the record label that also has British soul singer Katie Melua on its books.

Her debut album ‘Asa’, was both socially and politically bold, thus putting her in the spotlight of contemporary jazz. Her sophomore album, ‘Beautiful Imperfection’, is a lot more personal for the singer, even though it is still filled with songs about social challenges in Nigeria and the African continent as a whole.

Speaking in an interview, she said; ‘On the first album, I wrote about growing up in Lagos and the situation and life there…. On this album, I write as a woman who has matured and travelled. It's more personal, rather than general. I'm bringing out my inner feelings.’

The annual Johannesburg Arts Alive International Festival is a project of the City of Johannesburg that gives back to its residents and visitors through a combination of free and accessibly priced arts and culture events.

The project is housed in the Directorate of Arts, Culture and Heritage. Taking place in spring each year and usually running for almost the full month of September, the Johannesburg Arts Alive International Festival covers all seven regions of the City of Johannesburg - with the Newtown Precinct forming the heart of the month-long event.

The festival includes film and theatre shows, the Soweto Wine Festival and stand-up comedy in areas such as Emmarentia, Orlando East, Brixton, Sandton, Eldorado Park, Newtown, Braamfontein and Rosebank. The event holds from September 1-25. Check www.artsalive.co.za for performance dates and more information.

http://himagazine.tv/articles/361/Flying-Eagles-Confident-England-Will-Fall-Tomorrow

Players and officials of Nigeria’s Flying Eagles at the Fifa U-20 World Cup have predicted England will fall to them in the second round of the U-20 World Cup. The fixture is slated to hold tomorrow at the Estadio Centenario at 10:45PM, Nigerian Time.

The free-scoring Flying Eagles laboured to get a 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia to finish top of Group D with the maximum nine points from three matches last Saturday night at the Estadio Monumental Hernan Ramirez Villegas in Pereira, Colombia.

‘Our focus is now on the England game on Wednesday. As much as we respect all the teams left in this tournament, we hope to win to qualify for the quarterfinal,’ said John Obuh after the match watched by over 14,000 spectators.

he England side is missing some top players in Colombia, as their respective English Premier League clubs refused to release them for the competition. England managed to make it through a tough group which also had Mexico and Argentina with three scoreless draws.

The Flying Eagles go into the fixture as strong favourites in the competition.