Pasuma crowned King of Fuji

Abass Akande Obesere, the Paramount King of Music, PK1st and National President of Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria (FUMAN), has crowned top Fuji musician, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma King of Tungba music.

The crowning which was witnessed by some top Fuji acts and other prominent musicians took place on Friday July 13, 2012 during a musical show organized by Lagos Weekend Television inside its Agidingbi premises in Ikeja, Lagos when Ologbojo as Obesere is fondly called declared Pasuma king during a joint music performance.

Before the crowning, the FUMAN chairman asked the crowd if the artiste is worth the title and he was greeted with a noisy scream in acceptance.

While giving reasons for his action, Obesere said Pasuma deserves the title as he has contributed immensely to Fuji music. In his words, he said: “When you call someone a king, there should be paraphernalia of office around him, and Pasuma really has it. He is a king of his own.”

Pasuma before now appeared to be a prominent figure in the Arabambi family, a Fuji musical group founded by Fuji star, King Wasiu Ayinde where Pasuma holds sway as vice.

And with the crowning, especially coming from the stable of Obesere - an arch-rival of the Fuji maestro, music fans could be well in for a fresh showdown as the two top Fuji icons may rekindle their age-long feud.

Eva denies contract with Vodafone

Weeks after being rumoured to be contracted to telecoms giant, Vodafone, which her management described as false rap sensation, Eva has come out herself to state categorically that she is not affiliated with any brand.

 "I am not affiliated to any brands or company at the moment and the news making the rounds that I am on the bill of Vodafone is false." Eva said recently to a group of reporters.

In another development, her management team “3UD” also recently issued another statement debunking another rumour that the rap queen was recently appointed as brand ambassador for fashion label "House of Nwocha" describing the rumour as unfounded.

“We strongly refute such claims and wish to state that it is unfounded. Eva Alordiah is not contracted or affiliated with any brand at the moment.” The statement read in part.

The young rapper and entertainer is currently working on new projects as well as promoting her video entitled "High".

Star set for Osun Osogbo

Poised for its annual thrill, Star lager brand is creating another platform for tourists and fun seekers at the 2012 Osun Osogbo Festival through the hosting this year’s edition of the Osun Osogbo Star Beer village.

The month long event, which will be held alongside the Star sponsored Osun Osogbo Festival, is expected tosee consumers of the brand enjoying performances from various musical artistes as well as winning fantastic prizes.

Explaining the concept behind the Star Beer Village, Omotunde Adenusi, Brand Manager – Star, Nigerian Breweries Plc., stated that the activation was conceived to give consumers of Star, a unique experience. “The Star Village is actually a place where people are going to enjoy the unique experience of Star.  Star is a brand that engenders excitement, fun and connectivity amongst friends. It is an opportunity for old friends to meet and people to make new friends. That is what the Star Beer village is all about,” he explained.

Omotola hypes Last Flight to Abuja

Top Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has tipped the new Nollywood flick, Last Flight to Abuja to go places.

Omotola, it was gathered was pleased with the positive review the movie got in the UK, ‘’I am totally pleased to hear that it has been rated in four star by Odeon cinemas, UK; it's a testament to the faith, perseverance and hard work. Thank God, this is only the beginning."

Last Flight to Abuja (LFA) was produced by Obi Emelonye, the producer of Mirror Boy, a film that received several awards last year. Obi Emelonye’s new movie features a delightful slew of other superstars and fast rising acts like Jim Iyke, Hakeem Kae Kazeem, Ali Nuhu, Jide Kosoko, Celine Loader and a host of others.

Artistes rally for Felabration!

15 years after the death of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, his children, and indeed the entire music industry is poised to keep his memory, hence the annual musical concert tagged Felabration. This year, the stage appears set again for another explosive week-long potpourri of activities that remind all about the ideals of the man called Fela in all spheres of human life.

At the New Afrika Shrine, Tuesday, artistes and show promoters gathered at a press conference to announce plans for this year’s event. Yeni Kuti assured all that Femi and Seun will be around this year to add pep energy to the show. It would be recalled that last year, the two biological children of the late sage were out of the country when the show held. But the spirit of Fela which had been able to garner surrogate children kept the show alive, such that Femi and Seun were almost not missed.   

Femi Esho, the oldest man in the Felabration culture, is optimistic that the concert is the best think to sustain the memory of Fela. A member of the planning committee, Olajide Bello, revealed that the theme for this year is Africa; Center of the World. He said the concert derives its theme every year from the popular songs that Fela did when he was alive.

He said Lagos state is among the various sponsors of this year’s concert, and that state has supported the initiative with cash.

This year’s Felabration is expected to be a 7-day of unadulterated music every night. Screens will be provided to beam event to all. Other pre activities include schools debate, and symposium. Bello said this was so because Fela was, apart from music, a great intellectual when alive. He was said to have lectured in well over 25 universities. Topic of the schools symposium, he said, is Corruption and The Next Generation. The music concert is expected to follow the symposium for the next six days, with a promise of Alicia Keys, Fali Pupa, and other foreign artiste to be on ground.
The Felabration week partners include Center for Contemporary Art, Terra Culture, Ayo Bankole Center in Surulere. There will also be a Fela Book Festival where books that he made references to will be on display. And apart from converting his Kalakuta Republic into a museum, a carnival with large floats is expected to run through Ikeja and environs.

This year is the second edition of the Senior Secondary Schools debate will run under the theme; Social Media in Africa, Good or Evil? Judges for the debate which will include private and public schools in Lagos include Funmi Iyanda, Jole Silva, and Dr Faloye among others. Defending Champion is Vivian Fowler Memorial Secondary School, winner of the debate last year.

Nominees for Future Awards unveiled

Oraganisers of youth inclined The Future Awards have released the nominees List for all 21 categories in the 2012 edition of the scheme.

According to the organisers, who say voting has started in earnest; the votes by SMS take only 50% of the second stage of judging. “So winners are not selected by voting popularity - there is a 4-stage judging process involving a Board of Judges and an Independent Audit Committee. There is also a one-week period for members of the public to make complaints about any of the nominees to the awards Central Working Committee (CWC).
All the nominees, according to Chude Jideonwo, who is Executive Director of The Future Project, will be celebrated at an invitation-only media and VIP Nominees Reception on Saturday, August 4, 2012 - where they will also be inducted into the elite The Future Alumni Network. The Reception is also a yearly charity fundraiser - and this year, the event will be raising money for the Down Syndrome Association of Nigeria, a pioneering advocacy platform for children with Down's Syndrome.

The list include Don Jazzy, Davido, Ladi Delano, Linda Ikeji, Toju Foyeh, and Gossy Ukanwoke.

Faithia Balogun, Opeyemi Aiyeola are friends again!

These two actresses are said to be back on talking terms after about seven years of malice against each other. Reports say a popular marketer had been at the center of their quarrel.

Opeyemi Ayeola who relocated to the UK to be with her husband is back and will be spending some time in Nigeria before she goes back.