Showing posts with label Edition 210. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Edition 210. Show all posts
Monday, 9 November 2009
The need to expand your means
(Biz tool Kids)
BY BRIDGET OLOTU
MANY investment literature pieces advise that we save more and reduce our lifestyle if we want to be rich. While this is good and commendable, my mentor Robert Kiyosaki says it differently.
To be wealthy, you can still save and invest more while not living below your means. You do this by expanding your means.
By expanding your means, you can still save and invest, while living your dreams. This brings us to two vital concepts: Budget Deficit and Budget Surplus.
A budget simply is a plan for the coordination of resources and expenditure. Your budget as a plan can make you become poor or middle class or it can make you rich and wealthy.
Most people operate their lives on a budget deficit rather than surplus. Instead of working to create a budget surplus, many people work to live below their means, which often means creating a deficit.
Budget Deficit: It is excess of spending over income, for a government, corporation or individual. Spending more than you make is the cause of a budget deficit. The reason many people operate on a deficit is because it’s so much easier to spend money than to make it. When faced with a crippling budget deficit, most people choose to cut back on their spending. Instead of cutting back on spending, the smart thing to do is to increase income. This is hard for many businesses and individuals because increasing income seems hard.
Budget Surplus: It is excess of income over spending for a government, corporation or individual over a particular period of time. Many people are living below their means because they don’t have excess income over spending. But if the guy who earns N20,000 a month, gets a side business that fetches him another N10,000, his income has gradually increased to N30,000. His spending can also increase. If this same guy manages to increase his passive income to N20,000 or N30,000 a month, that would place his total monthly earnings between N40- and N50,000. However, the mistake people make when they experience budget surplus or increase in income is that they increase spending and debt and reduce investment. Now, in order to maximise your budget surplus, you need to consider the following:
• Treat your budget surplus as an expense. In your expense, make savings, tithing (or charity) and investing your first priority. For instance, if you make more money, then put the excess into income-yielding assets, tithes (or charity) and savings while maintaining your current level of obligations. You know why? By the time you maintain this process for a long time, your assets would have multiplied so much to produce streams of income that can deliver much more money and quality of life to you.
• Treat your expense statement as a crystal ball. What you spend your money on will define your financial future. If you want to have budget surplus and for a long time, watch what you spend your money on, make sure they enhance your financial and lifestyle objectives.
• Get assets that can pay for your liabilities. I am not asking you to live cheap. I don’t live cheap either. But what my mentor tells me and I want you too to embrace is: whenever you want a necessary or luxurious liability, get assets that can give you the income to acquire that liability. For instance, my mentor wanted a Bentley car worth $200,000. So he called up his broker, who converted his gold and silver shares into $200,000 cash for him and invested it for eight months to generate $450,000 out of which $200,000 was used to buy the Bentley, $50,000 was used to offset taxes on the capital gains and the Commission paid to the broker, while he still had his cash of $200,000. Now, how do we make that happen in Nigeria? It’s going to be hardwork. This is why you have to grow your financial intelligence by coming up with a side business or investment that you are comfortable with and that can help you meet your financial objectives. There is nothing wrong with enjoying liabilities as long as you continue to pay yourself first and purchase them through the income generated by your assets.
• Spend to get rich. When the going gets tough, most people cut back on spending. This is one reason many people fail to acquire and maintain wealth. For instance, in the world of business, when a company’s sales begin to drop, accountants cut back on spending on advertising and promotion. With less advertising and promotion, sales further drop and the problem gets worse. One sign of financial intelligence is knowing, when to spend and when to cut back. When you know you need to make more money, you need to spend more time, money and energy increasing your income.
If you will sincerely work at creating a budget surplus, your life will become richer. That is what budgeting is about – using what you have, even if it is no money, to make you better, stronger and richer.
Olotu is the CEO/Lead Consultant, DEAIM Innovative Resources Ltd., bridgetolotu@gmail.com
What do I live for?
(LIFE COACH)
BY AGBOLADE OMOWOLE
WHY am I here? This seems to be the question that has consumed the minds and thoughts of so many people who are curious about the reason for their existence. The truth is we are all here for a purpose, and only you can unravel the potentials inside you.
Challenges are bound to come. Consciously and unconsciously, people become disenchanted by the myriad of problems they are going through. Even the bad things happening to you know may be signposts to the problem you are created to solve. Remember that Nigeria’s most successful footballer, Nwankwo Kanu, started the Kanu Heart Foundation after he had heart problem.
Don’t be discouraged. There are times people you count on will fail you. There will be times when friends will not be there for you. There will be times you will feel like you can’t make it again. In the midst of your challenges, understand that there is a reason you are here.
You are alive to make the world a better place. Many people started this year with you. Some of them are now dead. But you are still alive for a purpose. When your father had a carnal knowledge of your mother, out of about a million spermatozoa, you ran faster, and fertilised an egg, and came out of the womb after about nine months — for a reason! The fact that you were born is also a proof of the fact that you are important, or else you wouldn’t be here in the first place. You are a dream come true and you can make your dreams come true. You are a bundle of talents waiting to be unraveled.
You are alive to dream big. A sage once counseled that “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” A dream means what you hope to achieve in the future. You are here to dream dreams, and make those dreams a reality.
Dream out-side the box. If you do what others have done, you will be successful, but if you can do what nobody has done, you will make history.
History makers are dreamers. When Barack Obama dared to vie as a presidential candidate, some thought he wouldn’t achieve the feat. But he believed in his dream and against all odds, Obama became the first African-American to become the president of the United States of America. He made history by dreaming big.
You are alive to come up with ideas. In this information age, ideas rule the world. A young woman was in a bus one ‘hot’ afternoon. She was traveling but was uncomfortable because she was thirsty. She thought of the possibility of packaging water in nylon so that people can buy water even they are in the car. Before long, she started a pure water-producing factory and became a millionaire with that idea.
Ideas are powerful. All you need to be a celebrity or a millionaire is one sound idea. If you want to leave your footprint on the sand of time, learn to come up with, and build your ideas. You can fly high in life if you can come up with an idea that solves a problem for others.
You are alive to discover the real you. I understand how it feels like when someone is living in the shadows of another person’s life. You will find yourself unfulfilled. At the end of the day it is not the money you make that will make you fulfilled in life, but following your heart’s desires.
Pay attention to what your heart yearns for. One school of thought says that “the greatest problem we have is that we think that God is outside ourselves.” When you begin to earn from your yearning, you will meet fulfillment along the way. “When we do what we love, offering our gifts and talents, without causing harm to anyone, we are working at the highest level of service for ourselves, those around us, and our planet.”
BY BRIDGET OLOTU
MANY investment literature pieces advise that we save more and reduce our lifestyle if we want to be rich. While this is good and commendable, my mentor Robert Kiyosaki says it differently.
To be wealthy, you can still save and invest more while not living below your means. You do this by expanding your means.
By expanding your means, you can still save and invest, while living your dreams. This brings us to two vital concepts: Budget Deficit and Budget Surplus.
A budget simply is a plan for the coordination of resources and expenditure. Your budget as a plan can make you become poor or middle class or it can make you rich and wealthy.
Most people operate their lives on a budget deficit rather than surplus. Instead of working to create a budget surplus, many people work to live below their means, which often means creating a deficit.
Budget Deficit: It is excess of spending over income, for a government, corporation or individual. Spending more than you make is the cause of a budget deficit. The reason many people operate on a deficit is because it’s so much easier to spend money than to make it. When faced with a crippling budget deficit, most people choose to cut back on their spending. Instead of cutting back on spending, the smart thing to do is to increase income. This is hard for many businesses and individuals because increasing income seems hard.
Budget Surplus: It is excess of income over spending for a government, corporation or individual over a particular period of time. Many people are living below their means because they don’t have excess income over spending. But if the guy who earns N20,000 a month, gets a side business that fetches him another N10,000, his income has gradually increased to N30,000. His spending can also increase. If this same guy manages to increase his passive income to N20,000 or N30,000 a month, that would place his total monthly earnings between N40- and N50,000. However, the mistake people make when they experience budget surplus or increase in income is that they increase spending and debt and reduce investment. Now, in order to maximise your budget surplus, you need to consider the following:
• Treat your budget surplus as an expense. In your expense, make savings, tithing (or charity) and investing your first priority. For instance, if you make more money, then put the excess into income-yielding assets, tithes (or charity) and savings while maintaining your current level of obligations. You know why? By the time you maintain this process for a long time, your assets would have multiplied so much to produce streams of income that can deliver much more money and quality of life to you.
• Treat your expense statement as a crystal ball. What you spend your money on will define your financial future. If you want to have budget surplus and for a long time, watch what you spend your money on, make sure they enhance your financial and lifestyle objectives.
• Get assets that can pay for your liabilities. I am not asking you to live cheap. I don’t live cheap either. But what my mentor tells me and I want you too to embrace is: whenever you want a necessary or luxurious liability, get assets that can give you the income to acquire that liability. For instance, my mentor wanted a Bentley car worth $200,000. So he called up his broker, who converted his gold and silver shares into $200,000 cash for him and invested it for eight months to generate $450,000 out of which $200,000 was used to buy the Bentley, $50,000 was used to offset taxes on the capital gains and the Commission paid to the broker, while he still had his cash of $200,000. Now, how do we make that happen in Nigeria? It’s going to be hardwork. This is why you have to grow your financial intelligence by coming up with a side business or investment that you are comfortable with and that can help you meet your financial objectives. There is nothing wrong with enjoying liabilities as long as you continue to pay yourself first and purchase them through the income generated by your assets.
• Spend to get rich. When the going gets tough, most people cut back on spending. This is one reason many people fail to acquire and maintain wealth. For instance, in the world of business, when a company’s sales begin to drop, accountants cut back on spending on advertising and promotion. With less advertising and promotion, sales further drop and the problem gets worse. One sign of financial intelligence is knowing, when to spend and when to cut back. When you know you need to make more money, you need to spend more time, money and energy increasing your income.
If you will sincerely work at creating a budget surplus, your life will become richer. That is what budgeting is about – using what you have, even if it is no money, to make you better, stronger and richer.
Olotu is the CEO/Lead Consultant, DEAIM Innovative Resources Ltd., bridgetolotu@gmail.com
What do I live for?
(LIFE COACH)
BY AGBOLADE OMOWOLE
WHY am I here? This seems to be the question that has consumed the minds and thoughts of so many people who are curious about the reason for their existence. The truth is we are all here for a purpose, and only you can unravel the potentials inside you.
Challenges are bound to come. Consciously and unconsciously, people become disenchanted by the myriad of problems they are going through. Even the bad things happening to you know may be signposts to the problem you are created to solve. Remember that Nigeria’s most successful footballer, Nwankwo Kanu, started the Kanu Heart Foundation after he had heart problem.
Don’t be discouraged. There are times people you count on will fail you. There will be times when friends will not be there for you. There will be times you will feel like you can’t make it again. In the midst of your challenges, understand that there is a reason you are here.
You are alive to make the world a better place. Many people started this year with you. Some of them are now dead. But you are still alive for a purpose. When your father had a carnal knowledge of your mother, out of about a million spermatozoa, you ran faster, and fertilised an egg, and came out of the womb after about nine months — for a reason! The fact that you were born is also a proof of the fact that you are important, or else you wouldn’t be here in the first place. You are a dream come true and you can make your dreams come true. You are a bundle of talents waiting to be unraveled.
You are alive to dream big. A sage once counseled that “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” A dream means what you hope to achieve in the future. You are here to dream dreams, and make those dreams a reality.
Dream out-side the box. If you do what others have done, you will be successful, but if you can do what nobody has done, you will make history.
History makers are dreamers. When Barack Obama dared to vie as a presidential candidate, some thought he wouldn’t achieve the feat. But he believed in his dream and against all odds, Obama became the first African-American to become the president of the United States of America. He made history by dreaming big.
You are alive to come up with ideas. In this information age, ideas rule the world. A young woman was in a bus one ‘hot’ afternoon. She was traveling but was uncomfortable because she was thirsty. She thought of the possibility of packaging water in nylon so that people can buy water even they are in the car. Before long, she started a pure water-producing factory and became a millionaire with that idea.
Ideas are powerful. All you need to be a celebrity or a millionaire is one sound idea. If you want to leave your footprint on the sand of time, learn to come up with, and build your ideas. You can fly high in life if you can come up with an idea that solves a problem for others.
You are alive to discover the real you. I understand how it feels like when someone is living in the shadows of another person’s life. You will find yourself unfulfilled. At the end of the day it is not the money you make that will make you fulfilled in life, but following your heart’s desires.
Pay attention to what your heart yearns for. One school of thought says that “the greatest problem we have is that we think that God is outside ourselves.” When you begin to earn from your yearning, you will meet fulfillment along the way. “When we do what we love, offering our gifts and talents, without causing harm to anyone, we are working at the highest level of service for ourselves, those around us, and our planet.”
Why They Pray For Chief
(Just Life)
BY OMOLIGHO UDENTA
THEY live in a very nice apartment in this area. Though the rent isn’t cheap, they know that as far as apartments go, they haven’t done badly. There’s water when there is electricity, enough parking space for one car per flat and no trader as neighbour.
Their landlord, chief, has two sons and a daughter, which is all very good but for the fact that they do not seem to have any obvious source of income. The first son is in his mid-30s, the second in his early 30s while the last, his daughter is in her late 20s. None of them has been able to attend any higher institution.
The boys seem to have given up trying. They dress well and sit around chatting with friends, who seem to be in similar situations.
They wouldn’t tell Chief this, but they, the tenants, say that sometimes, strange smells of burning grass or something similar can be perceived in the compound, especially in the early evening before Chief comes back from work.
But it should be mentioned that the girl, Chief’s daughter still is trying, and really very seriously, to get into a university.
She has even gone as far as to get accommodation in one of the female hostels around the university so that she could start to get into the swing of things.
She knows all the in-joints, dresses incredibly well (especially for someone with no obvious source of income), moves with the ‘right’ crowd, and even attends the odd lecture or two. All she needs to be a bona-fide student is just a letter of admission.
NOW, the thing is Chief hasn’t been feeling well lately. No one knows for sure what the matter is with him but he has been doing a bit of travelling and all they get told when they asked after him is that he had travelled for treatment.
They, have therefore, started to pray for Chief because they know that things are bound to change if anything were to happen to him.
Of course, if by some chance, Chief were to have a will, things might be better but he isn’t the kind of person to bother with a little detail like that.
How do they know this, you ask? Well, Chief is an average Nigerian and the average Nigerian does not want to think about his passing on and will, therefore, not write a will.
BUT Chief and the rest of us for that matter need to realise that if you die without a will, state law or relations will decide how your assets are distributed and you’d be surprised to see what they will do to your family. Though creating a will is something most of us would generally prefer to not think about, it has been said that actually sitting down to write one is a fairly painless process.
And I bet that knowing that your loved ones will be provided for should anything happen to you make it all the more worthwhile.
When you don’t leave a will you’re unnecessarily creating problems for your beneficiaries by not making your last wishes clear. No matter your age or financial situation, take care of your loved ones by taking the time to write a will, at least to prove that you really do love them.
omoudenta@yahoo.co.uk
Girls are not smiling either
( Strictly for the young)
BY TOSYN BUCKNOR
WHAT happens when the ladies take over? You know, they say, for today (and today only), we do everything!
We open doors, we frisk guests, we seat people at tables, we do the interviews, we do the singing and the dancing?
What if before the show, some of the biggest names in the industry had sat down in the Smooth Promotions office to have a meeting?
What if all these names were ladies? What if they sat and plotted and strategised and decided to put up the best show this year?
What if they got up from that meeting shook hands, complimented one another’s hand bags, and began to put this show together, each with their own strength?
Well, what if this moved away from the realm of ‘what if’ and into something that happened, is happening, and will happen?
That sounds like, Girls night out?
THE first few editions of Girls Night Out, which were also organised by Smooth Promotions, were fun and different, and quickly went on to become a platform for the discovery of female artistes, presenters/hosts, dancers, and yes, deejays!
Remember the late Deejay Loc Shy?
They were also more than just shows; they were opportunities to help lesser-privileged women, and to celebrate interesting women doing every day things, like the now famous traffic warden(ness) who has, since honoured by Girls Night Out, now been honoured within Lagos, and all over Nigeria. Most recently, she was a guest on Mo Abudu’s show.
WITH this edition, the planning committee, headed by Joke Jaiyesinmi, is planning to take things even further!
From the website, which will be designed by a girl, to the security, stage and lighting, everything this year is by ladies, but for ladies and gentlemen!
Yes, the men are invited... they always were.
And this year, the men will be treated like kings and princes — red carpet treatment for all the men, gift bags containing goodies just for being at the show, and a first class ticket to the best entertainment on offer this year!
The ladies have also promised that every guy who comes for the show has a hassle-free pass to watch football this season!
Sounds like a good deal!
Girls Night Out is scheduled to hold in December, and as has now become tradition, the night will not only be entertaining (we hear the performances are to be specially designed for the show), fun and sometimes crazy (we hear there will be auctions, and a search for the female Dbanj, M.I, and more), but also philanthropically (once again, everyday people will be recognised and pampered, and a percentage of proceeds will go into treating a lady with a medical emergency).
Trust us here at Strictly for the Young, we will keep you updated!
And don’t forget to catch the Tarzan Monologues when it goes head to head with the V Monologues in March 2010!
The play, which featured actors such as Bimbo Manuel, O.C. Ukeje, Kenneth Uphopho, Paul Alumona, Precious Anyanwu, Kanayo Okani, Anike Alli Hakeem and some surprises like Kunle Adeyoola (Snatcha of the Rooftop MC’s).
Well, seeing as Kunle actually acts in Kamson and Neighbours, it shouldn’t have been such a surprise anyway!
I had expected to be entertained. I knew I would laugh, maybe be a bit sad, and possibly get upset. But it had never occurred to me that I would be educated as well!
While we wait and pray for an encore however from Theatre @ Terra, we can watch November’s play; Private Lies!
tosinornottosin@yahoo.com
BY OMOLIGHO UDENTA
THEY live in a very nice apartment in this area. Though the rent isn’t cheap, they know that as far as apartments go, they haven’t done badly. There’s water when there is electricity, enough parking space for one car per flat and no trader as neighbour.
Their landlord, chief, has two sons and a daughter, which is all very good but for the fact that they do not seem to have any obvious source of income. The first son is in his mid-30s, the second in his early 30s while the last, his daughter is in her late 20s. None of them has been able to attend any higher institution.
The boys seem to have given up trying. They dress well and sit around chatting with friends, who seem to be in similar situations.
They wouldn’t tell Chief this, but they, the tenants, say that sometimes, strange smells of burning grass or something similar can be perceived in the compound, especially in the early evening before Chief comes back from work.
But it should be mentioned that the girl, Chief’s daughter still is trying, and really very seriously, to get into a university.
She has even gone as far as to get accommodation in one of the female hostels around the university so that she could start to get into the swing of things.
She knows all the in-joints, dresses incredibly well (especially for someone with no obvious source of income), moves with the ‘right’ crowd, and even attends the odd lecture or two. All she needs to be a bona-fide student is just a letter of admission.
NOW, the thing is Chief hasn’t been feeling well lately. No one knows for sure what the matter is with him but he has been doing a bit of travelling and all they get told when they asked after him is that he had travelled for treatment.
They, have therefore, started to pray for Chief because they know that things are bound to change if anything were to happen to him.
Of course, if by some chance, Chief were to have a will, things might be better but he isn’t the kind of person to bother with a little detail like that.
How do they know this, you ask? Well, Chief is an average Nigerian and the average Nigerian does not want to think about his passing on and will, therefore, not write a will.
BUT Chief and the rest of us for that matter need to realise that if you die without a will, state law or relations will decide how your assets are distributed and you’d be surprised to see what they will do to your family. Though creating a will is something most of us would generally prefer to not think about, it has been said that actually sitting down to write one is a fairly painless process.
And I bet that knowing that your loved ones will be provided for should anything happen to you make it all the more worthwhile.
When you don’t leave a will you’re unnecessarily creating problems for your beneficiaries by not making your last wishes clear. No matter your age or financial situation, take care of your loved ones by taking the time to write a will, at least to prove that you really do love them.
omoudenta@yahoo.co.uk
Girls are not smiling either
( Strictly for the young)
BY TOSYN BUCKNOR
WHAT happens when the ladies take over? You know, they say, for today (and today only), we do everything!
We open doors, we frisk guests, we seat people at tables, we do the interviews, we do the singing and the dancing?
What if before the show, some of the biggest names in the industry had sat down in the Smooth Promotions office to have a meeting?
What if all these names were ladies? What if they sat and plotted and strategised and decided to put up the best show this year?
What if they got up from that meeting shook hands, complimented one another’s hand bags, and began to put this show together, each with their own strength?
Well, what if this moved away from the realm of ‘what if’ and into something that happened, is happening, and will happen?
That sounds like, Girls night out?
THE first few editions of Girls Night Out, which were also organised by Smooth Promotions, were fun and different, and quickly went on to become a platform for the discovery of female artistes, presenters/hosts, dancers, and yes, deejays!
Remember the late Deejay Loc Shy?
They were also more than just shows; they were opportunities to help lesser-privileged women, and to celebrate interesting women doing every day things, like the now famous traffic warden(ness) who has, since honoured by Girls Night Out, now been honoured within Lagos, and all over Nigeria. Most recently, she was a guest on Mo Abudu’s show.
WITH this edition, the planning committee, headed by Joke Jaiyesinmi, is planning to take things even further!
From the website, which will be designed by a girl, to the security, stage and lighting, everything this year is by ladies, but for ladies and gentlemen!
Yes, the men are invited... they always were.
And this year, the men will be treated like kings and princes — red carpet treatment for all the men, gift bags containing goodies just for being at the show, and a first class ticket to the best entertainment on offer this year!
The ladies have also promised that every guy who comes for the show has a hassle-free pass to watch football this season!
Sounds like a good deal!
Girls Night Out is scheduled to hold in December, and as has now become tradition, the night will not only be entertaining (we hear the performances are to be specially designed for the show), fun and sometimes crazy (we hear there will be auctions, and a search for the female Dbanj, M.I, and more), but also philanthropically (once again, everyday people will be recognised and pampered, and a percentage of proceeds will go into treating a lady with a medical emergency).
Trust us here at Strictly for the Young, we will keep you updated!
And don’t forget to catch the Tarzan Monologues when it goes head to head with the V Monologues in March 2010!
The play, which featured actors such as Bimbo Manuel, O.C. Ukeje, Kenneth Uphopho, Paul Alumona, Precious Anyanwu, Kanayo Okani, Anike Alli Hakeem and some surprises like Kunle Adeyoola (Snatcha of the Rooftop MC’s).
Well, seeing as Kunle actually acts in Kamson and Neighbours, it shouldn’t have been such a surprise anyway!
I had expected to be entertained. I knew I would laugh, maybe be a bit sad, and possibly get upset. But it had never occurred to me that I would be educated as well!
While we wait and pray for an encore however from Theatre @ Terra, we can watch November’s play; Private Lies!
tosinornottosin@yahoo.com
Honour comes home
BY TOPE TEMPLER OLAIYA
WHEN Sasha, real name Antonia Yetunde Alabi, was checking in at the Murtala Mohammed Airport Terminal One on the night of Wednesday October, 28; for her flight to South Africa, her attendant had strictly inquired what the short trip was for, “business or pleasure.” With a straight face, she had replied, “Channel O Music Video Awards.” This response immediately elicited a hue of best wishes from the airline staff; “best of luck, please do bring the awards back home for us; Sasha, do us proud; nice one and congratulations in advance.”
With an inner stiffening of resolve that is like a suppressed yawn, the hip-hop act, who was apparently worn out by the immigration procedure, managed to offer “Thanks,” but with a reluctance, ”I hope I win ‘coz I am nominated for just one award.”
Definitely, it was a different Sasha who, as happy as a child who had just learned to walk, jumped on stage at the Carnival City to receive the award for the Most Gifted Female Video.
FOR the winners and organizers of the 2009 Channel O Music Video Awards, the night of October 29, was one that fate shined on Jo’Burg, and brought with it glowing happiness. It was a night Africa’s young and gifted artistes came out in dazzling garb to shine.
From the red carpet, which kicked-off at 7p.m with the spectacle of the cream of Africa’s entertainment scene, to the exquisite dinner at the award venue one hour later, followed by the awards, which climaxed with a groovy after-party that ended in the early hours of the morning, it was a celebration of class and a night not to forget in a long time. Everybody who walked into the award’s venue through the VIP entrance and stepped on the red covering held their heads high for raising the bar in music and video production across Africa.
For Darey Art Alade, one of the award’s trio of double winners, which included Gal Level (Namibia) and Buffalo Souljah (Zimbabwe), he proudly strutted the red carpet with his striking white blazers on a green Naija T-shirt, exuding confidence and giving the artistes’ peculiar hi- five salute. He was not alone, as he led in tow of the contingent of Nigeria’s artistes to the hall, which included J-Martins, Tuface, Sound Sultan, Nneka, Sasha, Naeto C, Bantu, and the nation’s newest entrant to the music scene, winner of Naija Sings, Jon, among many others.
After a plush dinner served with the combination of the continent’s finest cuisine, the awards rolled off when the talented trio of Vuzu VJ Nonhle and Channel O’s own Lungile and KB appeared on stage as the award’s host. In moments, the hall was electrified as men and women who had rocked the entire continent with their forte climbed the stage in turns to either perform or receive an award. Summing it up, everybody, including cheer-leaders, with loud screams of excitement, was on fire.
Darey and his band of double winners, must have been lucky to have climbed the stage twice for the coveted plaque, a further proof of their pulling power with Africa’s music fans and Channel O’s viewers who chose the winners in the 14 categories. Darey was named Best Male and also winner of Best R&B for Not The Girl, a track off his album unDAREYted. His win comes ahead of the third edition of the Nigerian Music Video Awards, where Darey is the leading nominee with six nods.
Darey’s triumph at the event was matched only by the success of both Buffalo Souljah and Gal Level. Their collaboration with Taygrin, for the tune Type of Guy was named Best Duo, proving the unstoppable power of three top African artists working together. Gal Level scored another win on the night when the Namibian duo’s video Touch Me, took the award for Best Afro Pop.Zimbabwean Buffalo Souljah took home last year’s award for Best Newcomer and the 2009 channel O Music Awards again proved fertile ground when his video Judgment was named Best Dancehall for the second year in a row, knocking off Nigeria’s Bantu and other nominees for the award.
Naeto C brought home the fiercely contested Amarula Video of the Year Award for Ki Ni Big Deal off the album U Know My P. It was a sweet victory for the Nigerian rapper who came on stage twice too, but first to receive for Ikechukwu’s Shoobeedoo the Most Gifted West African Video presented by Big Brother host, IK.
Naeto C played an integral part in Channel O’s Emcee Africa II and features, with winner, Cibil Nyte, and other leading rappers, on the track All Round Africa, specially created for the reality talent search.
Accepting his award, Darey had dedicated his first award to all African children who love African music, but when he came back on stage, words seem to fail him. “I was not expecting this,” he began. “First and foremost, I thank God for making this happen, I say a big hello to all my people on Facebook who voted for me, my South African brothers and sisters, shout out to all the nominees, the entire Storm family and my beautiful wife, Biola.”
Sasha’s first word on stage was ‘oh’. “I have been waiting to exhale forever. I want to say a big ‘Thank you’ to Channel O, my family and friends who voted for me. I love you all and just want to say, work hard, pray hard and you will all see your dreams come true.” At Naeto C’s turn on stage, he said, “I feel humbled to be here and I thank God for giving me the talent to be recognized, Storm Records for giving me the platform to broadcast my talent and MNet Nigeria for supporting our careers all the way.”
Indeed the unsung hero of the night would go to Obi Osika, whose record label, Storms 360, produced most of all the Nigerian videos that were honoured.
But the Naija story at Jo’Burg was not about artists clutching award plaques. The duo of Tuface and Sound Sultan nearly caused a dancehall stampede with Enter The Place. Though nominated for Best R&B Video, which Darey won, Tuface brought his charm on stage, adding value and luster in so many ways to his star-studded audience. In like manner, Nigeria’s newest international performer, Nneka, though failed to grab an award after her Heartbeat nomination in three categories, however got the audience to nod their heads, snap their fingers and tap their feet in response to her dexterity on the guitar.
But the moment that brought the roof down was before the presentation of special recognition award to the late Brenda Fassie, who died in 2004, when her son and younger sister in a tribute, performed the evergreen Vulindlel. The famous song led to the release of emotions, many chanted the song passionately and violently, while others could not hold back tears, remembering the times of the great South African born singer. Her son, Bongani ‘Bongz’ Fassie, who is following in his mother’s footsteps, received the posthumous award for his mother.
Hunter of the new giants
Debola Lewis was until recently just another employee working hard to earn his dues, and to learn as much he could. In less than two years, however, through hardwork and talent, he has become a notable name in events decoration in the country. He spoke to the ReDstrat team.
What is events’ decoration to you?
To me, it goes beyond beautifying a venue or being an entrepreneur. It is about being an essential part of someone’s special day. A well-coordinated décor actually connects to people’s emotion of being in a comfortable environment. For me, décor and a job well done, is when my client says thank you, it was beautiful.
Some would say it is unusual to find a man in events’ decoration and one doing so well. Have you always known you wanted to be a decorator?
It is no longer unusual for a man to be a decorator. Funny enough, the men I know (in the business) are doing extremely well. For instance, Mr Akin Ariyo of Open Hands and Mr Demola Majekodunmi of Bosworth Events. I always knew I was about events, but I had no idea I would be a full time decorator. I actually wanted to be an event’s planner, but hey this is it.
Are there peculiar challenges that would have been easier if you were female?
Honestly, I think being a man is actually an advantage. I tend to be more patient with women (who are 80 per cent of my clients) and connect easily with them. I cope with the stress of the business. Sometimes I wonder how the women do it (late night shuttling and all). The myth that says men are more creative at feminine jobs… cakes, clothing, cooking… the list is endless. It’s only a myth though, I don’t know how true (laughter) — for me, it’s still hard work.
What did you study in school and how has it affected you chosen career?
I studied geography at the University of Ibadan. There’s little correlation between my career and my education, so, I can’t say that it has had any effect on decorating at all.
How was it starting up?
Starting up wasn’t as bad as expected. I was already in the industry, so things just fell in place. Not forgetting that He maketh me to walk in the land of green pastures. I didn’t have any financial experience, so I learnt structures and processes on the job. That part wasn’t easy.
Did you get any form of formal training in decorating?
Not exactly a formal training. I had this aunty who taught me balloons and ribbons (back in the days). I used to go with her to decorate whenever I was on holiday. Most of the things I know, I learnt them from observing, trying to create new stuff, and following my instincts.
Does this have anything to do with your training seminar Facing the Giant?
Sure it does. I had the courage to take the bold step, though God backed me and today I have about 10 employees some of who are highly intelligent graduates. I have come to realise that a lot of young people are blessed with innate gifts; but do not have the right platform to harness these gifts into skills. Some even have the right platform, but the fear of unknown torments them. Skill is what will make you sought after. Facing The Giants is a platform where we intend teaching young people to harness their God given potentials, open their minds to environmental possibilities and start affecting the Nigerian economy.
The sole mission is to drive entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
Who are the other facilitators?
We are bringing seasoned events experts such as Funke Bucknor–Obruthe, Tara Fela-Durotoye, Akin Ariyo, TeeA, Leke Adenuga and Akin Tofowomo.
HOW important is decorating in Nigeria and is it something that for instance can be incorporated into schools’ curriculum?
There is at least one event everyday in every state of the country. These events will require one form of décor or the other. Decorating is very relevant; it is a business that adds value to people lives. Brides will always remember their wedding décor forever. More and more people are beginning to join events planning and it is becoming a respected career choice, adding it to the school curriculum is a good idea, for students to have the basic skills just like other vocational studies, instead of playing it by the ear.
Any advice for hopefuls?
Forget about how to make money, think about what drives you, think about how you want to be addressed and remembered. Think about doing something in a different way. These thoughts will guide you into excellence in delivery. When a man is diligent in his duties, he will stand before kings… is where the money is.
COOL
Judges hardly bask in praise, but the judge who decided the Bode George case certainly deserves this one for looking beyond the clichéd and the excusable to look at a new, upright standard for public officials as they are entrusted with public monies. Without a doubt, this judgment will drive fear into the hearts of those public officials who have a liking for dipping their hands in the public till – or sitting by while others do. Nigeria must change if it must progress – and young people have a thing or two to learn from Justice Olubunmi Oyewole.
UNCOOL
There’s so much that is wrong with Nigeria that irked us in the past week– but we don’t want to sound like broken records – at least this week; so we’ll just let others do the talking.
Thefuturenigeria@yahoo.com
Frozen Dreams… where fashion meets art
BY BIMPE ADEBAMBOON Sunday, November 1, Fashion Designers Association Of Nigeria (FADAN), in conjunction with Vlisco, makers of the ‘Hollandais’ Real Dutch wax, staged the first ever FADAN Talent Hunt show.
Held at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, it was the first time in the association’s 20 years history and is the brainchild of FADAN’s president, Prince Akanni Oyefusi, who is popularly known for his label and training school, Nobel Afrik.
With the show, Oyefusi confirmed his interest in young, emerging designers, who, he said, “are the future of the profession.” He points out that Jason Wu, who made Michelle Obama’s Inaugural Ball dress, is just 26 years and has just two years practice.
Two of his former students made it to the top five of the Vlisco Urban Beat competition, which held in February.
THE FADAN show had three parts to it. First was the grand finale of the talent hunt where the 10 finalists wowed the audience with their creativity.
The 10 were picked from over 100 entries across the federation and displayed outfits in three categories namely casual, corporate/cocktail and red carpet.
Vlisco provided all textiles used for the competition from their Java collection and new Frozen Dreams Collection.
The second part of the event was the announcement of the winner of the African Art Foundation art competition also initiated by Vlisco themed Fashion design and fabric. This competition was supported by the Embassy of the Netherlands.
The winner, Richardson Oviebo, smiled home with 500 euros presented by the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Nigeria.
Richardson’s artwork was highly creative. He produced a ‘ginormous’ pair of red and black fantasy platforms from pieces of metal.
The third part was the unveiling of the mesmerising new collection of Vlisco tagged Frozen Dreams. The prints were really breathtaking and were equally shown on beautiful models. People kept wowing and screaming.
The judges for the competition were Adesuwa Oyenokwe TW magazine editor; Funmi Ajila, a designer; Stella Awoh a fashion designer and Talent Hunt project coordinator and lastly Frank Osodi a designer of international stature (remember Agbani Darego in his dress at Miss World)
The winner of the hunt was Elvis Ejimadu, who went home with equipment to set up a mini dressmaking factory, three months scholarship training at Nobel Afrik, an entrepreneurship training programme and an expense paid trip to Paris to show his collection.
The first runner up got the same package but without the trip to Paris while the 2nd runner up got the same package excluding the trip. All the other seven finalists are entitled to the three months scholarship training at Nobel Afrik.
The anchor for the evening was delectable Iretiola Doyle and the event was attended by fashion aficionados and cognoscenti, and also, patrons such as Chief Molade Okoya Thomas, the deputy governor of Lagos State, Princess Sarah Sosan; and the first lady of Lagos, Mrs Abimbola Fashola. Other dignitaries at the event include Yeye Oge of Lagos, Chief Mrs Oprah Benson, Erelu Dosunmu, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa and many others.
beampeh2000@yahoo.com
Study Group plans big for Nigeria, Ghana
By TOPE TEMPLER OLAIYA
STUDY Group, United Kingdom’s largest independent supplier of international students to universities in Britain, has announced the launch of a programme, which will see four of its Bellerbys Further Education Colleges, twinned with institutions in Nigeria and Ghana. The new initiative will enable an exchange agreement in which students and teachers will be given the opportunity to visit and work at their international partner colleges.
Currently, about 80 per cent of Nigerian school leavers have the desire to study in the UK, with 29,109 applications for UK study visas made in 2008. However, only 28 per cent of applications were granted visa by the UK Border Agency. Study Group’s new partnerships will enable more of these students to fulfill their academic ambitions.
James Pitman, Managing Director of Study Group said they are delighted to offer a twinning programme with schools in Africa, which will greatly benefit the academic and student community. “By forging stronger links with colleges in Nigeria and Ghana, students and staff will be able to gain a better insight into each other’s cultures and ways of working. It is just this type of international dimension that places the British education system among the best in the world.”
The programme will see Bellerbys Cambridge twinned with the Zamani College in Nigeria and Achimota School in Ghana. London Bellerbys will be paired with Danbo International College in Kaduna while Bellerbys Oxford will be twinned with Livingspring International School in Nigeria.
John Ogungbero, Principal, Danbo International School said: “I believe that this programme initiated by Study Group, will go a long way in fostering a good relationship between Danbo and Bellerbys, and we look forward to more contacts. It has been an excellent opportunity for students, both on an academic and cultural level.”
Key subjects to be taught at the twin centres include Mathematics and Chemistry. John McDarby, who teaches Maths at Bellerbys London, went to Danbo International School in Kaduna as part of the scheme. He said: “This was my first ever visit to Africa and a truly special experience that I will never forget. As well as teaching students, I also spent a lot of time with the Maths teachers of Danbo College, sharing ideas about teaching and learning about Maths education in Nigeria. I believe that this is an exciting new project initiated by Study Group, which has opened limitless new streams for academic learning. It is also a great opportunity for a broader cultural exchange between the two countries that will reiterate our academic gold standard while benefiting African students in the process.”
New SUG president emerges at RIVCOHSTECH
BY GODSWILL ODEKU
GODSWELL Binyen, a-200 level Environmental Health Technology student of the Rivers State College of Health Science and Technology (RIVCOHSTECH), has emerged president of the Student Union Government (SUG) of the institution after a keenly contested election on Thursday, October 29, 2009.
Polling 399 votes out of the total votes cast, Binyen came ahead of Goodnews Opurum, 200 level Health Information Management, and Chukwundah Mac-Charlie, 200 level Community Health, who polled 326 and 281 votes respectively.
Speaking after the elections, Provost of the institution, Dr. Nnanna Vincent Onyekwere congratulated Binyen and other contestants for losing gallantly, saying he was satisfied with the quality of the election.
Decrying the imposition of candidates by the authorities of tertiary institutions, Onyekwere said such actions create unnecessary problems for the institution and urged election officials to be forthright and resist the temptation to favour one candidate against others.
He expressed optimism that elections could be free and fair where there is no interference by the authorities and attributed the peaceful nature of the elections to the non-partisan posture of the management. “The electorate are the most important people in an election,” the don said while calling on the authorities of tertiary institutions to “stand on the truth as the only thing that will take away tensions.”
Addressing the students after the results were announced, Dean, Students Affairs (DSA) of the institution, Chief Adolphus Ukachukwu, commended the students for conducting themselves properly during the voting process and the election officials for ensuring the success of the election.
Ozuzu Uwitetu Faith was elected Vice President with 421 votes ahead of Akaya Ajulachi Lilian and Kitoye Fabia, who respectively polled 315 and 242. Amadi Kingsley was returned unopposed as General Assistant while Owate Chujor Juliet clinched the post of Assistant General Secretary.
Akani Ikechukwu was returned unopposed as Financial Secretary alongside John Boma Strongface (Treasurer). Other officials are Amadi Richard (Director of Welfare), Romeo Minini (Public Relations Officer), Echem Chivueze (Director of Transport), Bennett Emughibula (Director of Sports), Owo Dickson Owoh (Director of Socials) and Nwuche Mbuchi (Provost).
odekuga@yahoo.com
Industrial unrest looms in varsities
• As NASU, SSANU, NAAT threaten strike
By TOPE TEMPLER OLAIYA
INDICATIONS emerged on Thursday that members of the Non-Academic Staff of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU), and their National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) counterpart, may resume their suspended strike over inability to reach agreement with government.
The trio had three weeks ago suspended their industrial action along with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which shut down academic activities and operations at the nation’s public universities,
This latest development has raised fears of another disruption of academic activities in the ivory towers less than three weeks that students returned to campuses.
General Secretary of NASU, Comrade Peters Adeyemi, told newsmen that there are indications that members and the other two unions could resume the suspended strike.
He blamed the development on the inability to reach agreement with government and reiterated the union’s argument that the issue was not all about emoluments, but funding of the university system, failing and decaying infrastructure, among others.
Some of the contentious issues before the two weeks suspension of the strike, Adeyemi said were “what are the reasons for the award of 20 per cent wage increase to us, 20 per cent increase to another and 40 per cent to another of our colleagues? If they are telling us that our members are essentially junior staff, which is not true, because registrars, bursars and the rest are not junior staff.”
Lions, Lionesses back in the jungle
BY SCHOLASTICA IFEOMA ODUM
WITH the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike over, the country’s universities are now wearing that atmosphere that citadel of learning in the world over is known for — seriousness mixed with fun. The University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka is not different.
The students, who are popularly referred to as lions and lionesses, are now back in school and catching the fun that was missed out in almost four months of academic stalemate.
Not only are many of them reeling out stories of how they enjoyed their ASUU break, some are even showing off in terms of new acquisitions.
The people who are, however, enjoying this return to campus are those engaged in one business or the other on campus, especially the shuttle drivers. They are smiling to the banks once again after being out of business for almost four months as students return en-mass.
Lectures resumed in earnest on Monday, October 26, with students and lecturers having busy schedules as the teachers are working hard to cover for lost grounds.
This is to ensure that syllabuses are covered before December 19 deadline, when every lecture is supposed to end for the semester. This, also, is to enable the students prepare for examination, which is scheduled to commence from January 11, 2010.
The commissioning of the Digital Library, the first of its kind and the biggest in West Africa, has brought so much excitement to the school environment as students can now have easy access to information.
That’s not all; the school authorities are making headway at completing the students’ complex and the putting up of a new building for the department of Sociology/Anthropology as well as the refectory.
The euphoric moment was almost terminated by the rumour that the new Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bartholomew Okolo, had proposed about 57 per cent tuition fee increment by next academic session, but the Students’ Union Government has since refuted this.
STUDY Group, United Kingdom’s largest independent supplier of international students to universities in Britain, has announced the launch of a programme, which will see four of its Bellerbys Further Education Colleges, twinned with institutions in Nigeria and Ghana. The new initiative will enable an exchange agreement in which students and teachers will be given the opportunity to visit and work at their international partner colleges.
Currently, about 80 per cent of Nigerian school leavers have the desire to study in the UK, with 29,109 applications for UK study visas made in 2008. However, only 28 per cent of applications were granted visa by the UK Border Agency. Study Group’s new partnerships will enable more of these students to fulfill their academic ambitions.
James Pitman, Managing Director of Study Group said they are delighted to offer a twinning programme with schools in Africa, which will greatly benefit the academic and student community. “By forging stronger links with colleges in Nigeria and Ghana, students and staff will be able to gain a better insight into each other’s cultures and ways of working. It is just this type of international dimension that places the British education system among the best in the world.”
The programme will see Bellerbys Cambridge twinned with the Zamani College in Nigeria and Achimota School in Ghana. London Bellerbys will be paired with Danbo International College in Kaduna while Bellerbys Oxford will be twinned with Livingspring International School in Nigeria.
John Ogungbero, Principal, Danbo International School said: “I believe that this programme initiated by Study Group, will go a long way in fostering a good relationship between Danbo and Bellerbys, and we look forward to more contacts. It has been an excellent opportunity for students, both on an academic and cultural level.”
Key subjects to be taught at the twin centres include Mathematics and Chemistry. John McDarby, who teaches Maths at Bellerbys London, went to Danbo International School in Kaduna as part of the scheme. He said: “This was my first ever visit to Africa and a truly special experience that I will never forget. As well as teaching students, I also spent a lot of time with the Maths teachers of Danbo College, sharing ideas about teaching and learning about Maths education in Nigeria. I believe that this is an exciting new project initiated by Study Group, which has opened limitless new streams for academic learning. It is also a great opportunity for a broader cultural exchange between the two countries that will reiterate our academic gold standard while benefiting African students in the process.”
New SUG president emerges at RIVCOHSTECH
BY GODSWILL ODEKU
GODSWELL Binyen, a-200 level Environmental Health Technology student of the Rivers State College of Health Science and Technology (RIVCOHSTECH), has emerged president of the Student Union Government (SUG) of the institution after a keenly contested election on Thursday, October 29, 2009.
Polling 399 votes out of the total votes cast, Binyen came ahead of Goodnews Opurum, 200 level Health Information Management, and Chukwundah Mac-Charlie, 200 level Community Health, who polled 326 and 281 votes respectively.
Speaking after the elections, Provost of the institution, Dr. Nnanna Vincent Onyekwere congratulated Binyen and other contestants for losing gallantly, saying he was satisfied with the quality of the election.
Decrying the imposition of candidates by the authorities of tertiary institutions, Onyekwere said such actions create unnecessary problems for the institution and urged election officials to be forthright and resist the temptation to favour one candidate against others.
He expressed optimism that elections could be free and fair where there is no interference by the authorities and attributed the peaceful nature of the elections to the non-partisan posture of the management. “The electorate are the most important people in an election,” the don said while calling on the authorities of tertiary institutions to “stand on the truth as the only thing that will take away tensions.”
Addressing the students after the results were announced, Dean, Students Affairs (DSA) of the institution, Chief Adolphus Ukachukwu, commended the students for conducting themselves properly during the voting process and the election officials for ensuring the success of the election.
Ozuzu Uwitetu Faith was elected Vice President with 421 votes ahead of Akaya Ajulachi Lilian and Kitoye Fabia, who respectively polled 315 and 242. Amadi Kingsley was returned unopposed as General Assistant while Owate Chujor Juliet clinched the post of Assistant General Secretary.
Akani Ikechukwu was returned unopposed as Financial Secretary alongside John Boma Strongface (Treasurer). Other officials are Amadi Richard (Director of Welfare), Romeo Minini (Public Relations Officer), Echem Chivueze (Director of Transport), Bennett Emughibula (Director of Sports), Owo Dickson Owoh (Director of Socials) and Nwuche Mbuchi (Provost).
odekuga@yahoo.com
Industrial unrest looms in varsities
• As NASU, SSANU, NAAT threaten strike
By TOPE TEMPLER OLAIYA
INDICATIONS emerged on Thursday that members of the Non-Academic Staff of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU), and their National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) counterpart, may resume their suspended strike over inability to reach agreement with government.
The trio had three weeks ago suspended their industrial action along with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which shut down academic activities and operations at the nation’s public universities,
This latest development has raised fears of another disruption of academic activities in the ivory towers less than three weeks that students returned to campuses.
General Secretary of NASU, Comrade Peters Adeyemi, told newsmen that there are indications that members and the other two unions could resume the suspended strike.
He blamed the development on the inability to reach agreement with government and reiterated the union’s argument that the issue was not all about emoluments, but funding of the university system, failing and decaying infrastructure, among others.
Some of the contentious issues before the two weeks suspension of the strike, Adeyemi said were “what are the reasons for the award of 20 per cent wage increase to us, 20 per cent increase to another and 40 per cent to another of our colleagues? If they are telling us that our members are essentially junior staff, which is not true, because registrars, bursars and the rest are not junior staff.”
Lions, Lionesses back in the jungle
BY SCHOLASTICA IFEOMA ODUM
WITH the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike over, the country’s universities are now wearing that atmosphere that citadel of learning in the world over is known for — seriousness mixed with fun. The University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka is not different.
The students, who are popularly referred to as lions and lionesses, are now back in school and catching the fun that was missed out in almost four months of academic stalemate.
Not only are many of them reeling out stories of how they enjoyed their ASUU break, some are even showing off in terms of new acquisitions.
The people who are, however, enjoying this return to campus are those engaged in one business or the other on campus, especially the shuttle drivers. They are smiling to the banks once again after being out of business for almost four months as students return en-mass.
Lectures resumed in earnest on Monday, October 26, with students and lecturers having busy schedules as the teachers are working hard to cover for lost grounds.
This is to ensure that syllabuses are covered before December 19 deadline, when every lecture is supposed to end for the semester. This, also, is to enable the students prepare for examination, which is scheduled to commence from January 11, 2010.
The commissioning of the Digital Library, the first of its kind and the biggest in West Africa, has brought so much excitement to the school environment as students can now have easy access to information.
That’s not all; the school authorities are making headway at completing the students’ complex and the putting up of a new building for the department of Sociology/Anthropology as well as the refectory.
The euphoric moment was almost terminated by the rumour that the new Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bartholomew Okolo, had proposed about 57 per cent tuition fee increment by next academic session, but the Students’ Union Government has since refuted this.
Okiy… savouring events in pictures
BY TAJUDEEN SOWOLEFROM his studio, the young photo–artist, Ebiware Okiy, has escaped into the world of culture, sports and sundry political events. He runs what he claims to be a pioneer digital photo studio in Benin, Edo State, but believes that the future of photography is bright.
While taking his guest through his studio, he expressed dissatisfaction on what he describes as public’s wrong perspective of photography. Quite a busy studio – clients, mostly of middle-class could be seen, either collecting large format portraits or transacting other related businesses. “That’s alright, at least some people appreciate the need to engage quality photographers in their social events. But photography goes beyond that,” he argues as he introduces his guests to using photographs to tell events.
Crowd events such as Annual Igue Festival, Benin; Abuja Carnival, FCT, Abuja; Itsekiri Festival; Africa Cup of Nation, Ghana 2008 and ecstatic scenes of the jubilating people of Edo State, when the current Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, was declared the governor of the state.
FROM a degree in Economics at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, his passion for photography took him to Lagos in 2005, where he had a crash programme with the seasoned photographer, Don Barber. The experience, he says, “broadened my perception of photography from social to documentary.”
Beyond the excitement of watching 22 players chasing one ball, the other side of the beauty of the game of football are the fans as seen in Okiy’s captures of two female fans of Black Stars of Ghana, whose costumes and make-ups add a carnival-like atmosphere to the scene. And when that tensed moment of the game – which every fan hates comes up – God is always brought in as a praying Super Eagles fan painted in green did not escape Okiy’s lens.
On that historic day of November 11, 2008, after Oshiomhole was declared winner, Okiy appeared to have laid an ambush for the ecstatic mood of the people, so explained other works, most of which were part of his recent show, A Day In Time held in Benin
From the shots of those with brooms to the mass movement of commercial motorbike riders known as Okada, Okiy thoughtfully captures the scenes while revealing to an extent, the volatile role of youths in a political outburst; which may be outrageous. There was no limit to this expression of joy as it also involved dangerous use of vehicular movements such as riding on lorry bonnets and hanging on step board of buses.
The reactions, Okiy recalls, was spontaneous, so his camera responded accordingly.
“I never really planned to take these shots until I was confronted with the situation,” he recalls, adding that the documentary comes more useful for most people who are cut off from the high-density areas where the actions took place.
During Ghana 2008, fans, particularly Ghanaians, “were very receptive to cameras, in fact always pose for it”
Comparatively, he notes that it is usually a challenge for him taking shots in public here. For example, “Benin people are very unreceptive to camera and could be very violent.”
Most thoughtful of his captures are some looming environmental crisis in flood prone parts of Edo State; two of these raise alarm over how the inhabitants of these settlement are fast losing their homes to flood.
Okiy’s creative sensibility either in traditional or digital finishing tells a story in contextual sense of it.
EVENTS
The Ben Enwonwu 6th Distinguished Lecture, which holds on November 18, 2009, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos, will be delivered by the former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN).
Ornette Coleman… agent provocateur of Avant Garde
(ALL THAT JAZZ)BY BENSON IDONIJE
THE last time I heard about saxophonist and agent provocateur of avant-garde, Ornette Coleman, was in 2007. Then, he was topping the list of 50 top CDS of the previous year.
And as evidenced by this list, which was complied by Jazz Times in the course of its yearly review, backed up with valid statistics as criteria, 2006 was described as the year of the elderstatemen, proving that musical virility does not necessarily equate to youth. Why?
Because, that year, the chart was dominated by veterans and elder jazzmen such as Coleman himself, pianist Andrew Hill and legendary saxophone player, Sonny Rollins in that order, Sonny please, recorded after 9/11, became an overwhelming favourite of critics and fans for sentimental as well as aesthetic reasons for Sonny Rollins. Creating exotic, darkly luminous aural landscapes that inspired the soloists in Time Lines, pianist Andrew Hill made a remarkable impact upon his second coming to Blue Note records. His note choices remained cryptic, his phrase shapes angular and his movements curry. But with Sound Grammar recorded live in Germany, Ornette Coleman made a new and bold statement.
On this album, the inter-locking movement of bassists Tony Falanga and Greg Cohen is very prominent. Denardo Coleman’s drumming is both propulsive and colourful, reflecting many years of experience with his illustrious father. Ornette’s alto is prolific, tireless, characteristically semi-sharp; he briefly switches to trumpet on Jordan and Call on duty and bows the violin towards the end of Song X, the finale.
The acoustic two-bass concept is not without precedent in Coleman’s career. Though unconventional, it follows an internal logic. Falanga plays abstract melodies while Cohen holds down the bottom. Jordan, Call to Duty and Song X are difficult thematic lines that launch into whirlwinds of free-bop intensity. Matador has a rhythmic foundation akin to a samba. Sleep talking and Waiting for you strike a more solemn tone, with some bass lyricism in the lead. And Once only is altogether unclassifiable, a strong example of Coleman’s enduring depth of vision.
It may not be correct to arrogate the pioneering process of avantgarde or its creation to Ornette Coleman, considering the fact that the desire to discover strange horizons and break new grounds was burning in numerous musicians who were working in different directions along their various career paths. Theolonius Monk, Cecil Taylor, Eric Dolphy, Don Cherry, Miles Davis, John Coltrane and even the bass player Charles Mingus were working on theories that tended to take jazz to higher levels of creativity.
The most convenient thing to say therefore, to avoid unnecessary controversy, is that Ornette Coleman is one of the most important and controversial innovators of the jazz avantgarde. And as expected, he gained both loyal and lifelong detractors when he burst on the scene in 1959 because had become fully formed. Apparently, these detractors who find it difficult to come to terms with Coleman’s avant-garde may not be impressed by his recent revolutionary effort in Social Grammar. But they are bound to acknowledge his remarkably high musicianship and technique as a saxophone player and composer.
The impact of Coleman’s revolution came to light in 1959 with what can be described as a fitting endorsement by John Lewis, the pianist and musical director of the Modern Jazz Quartet (MJQ). He gave an interview to an Italian jazz magazine which was subsequently printed in original English in The Jazz Review.
Asked about new trends, Lewis replied that “there are two young people I met in California, an-alto player named Ornette Coleman and a trumpet player called Don Cherry. I’ve never heard anything like them before. Ornette is the driving force of the two. They’re almost twins; they play together like I’ve never heard anybody play together. It’s not like any ensemble that I have ever heard, and I can’t figure out what its all about yet. Ornette is in a sense, an extension of Charlie Parker and the first I’ve heard. This is the real need that I think has to take place, to extend the basic idea of Parker until they are not playing an imitation but actually something new.” In conclusion, Lewis said, “I think that they may have come up with something not perfect yet, and still in the early stages but nevertheless very fresh and interesting.”
Many who read the interview were doubtless intrigued. It was some highly effective publicity for Coleman, and it came at the right time. And coming from John Lewis, a figure of substance and an often astute judge of musicianship, Coleman’s innovation was taken seriously by the jazz scene.
Although the interview was brief, it looked at many aspects of the music and even the situation in which it was being created. Lewis admitted that Coleman’s music is an extension of Charlie Parket, a valid statement which got many critics and jazz devotees thinking.
Parker had established bop in1942, inventing a new style of improvisation which demands creative progression along the chord sequences of songs, selecting notes and phrases which are sweet and appealing. This innovation was adopted by every jazzman irrespective of whatever instrument. Parker was a great influence. It was just natural that 17 years after this revolution, something new should emerge, considering the fact that there is no stagnation in nature, especially as it relates to a musical culture such as jazz which has a significantly unique history behind it.
It was this same spirit of experimentation and search for new ways of approaching the music, in line with the times, that culminated in crossover or smooth jazz which has also become popular. Even though this innovation has tended to water down the music in terms redefining the creative approach which has tended to commercialise the music, this category of jazz has also come to stay considering the fact that when it came in 1972, some of its protagonists were giants of jazz such as Herbie Hancock, who was famous for playing with Miles Davis.
However, Coleman has proved that he is one of the most consistent practitioners of jazz because since 1959, till date, he has not wavered in his resolve, and has not in anyway compromised the purity and validity of the avant-garde music which he strongly believes in.
Coleman’s music has lived survived through the ages till date. Perhaps the most outstanding element in his musical concept is the utter and complete freedom. His musical inspiration operates in a world that is not cluttered by conventional bar-lines, conventional chord changes, and conventional ways of blowing or fingering a saxophone. Such practical limitations did not even have to be overcome in his music, they somehow never existed for him. Despite this or more accurately because of this, his playing has a deep inner logic.
And perhaps the secret of Coleman’s success and the principle that has guided his career to date is the fact that despite criticisms he has always believed in himself and what he is doing. Coleman himself says, “I haven’t read any one yet who wrote about my music. The only person I know that could write about my music would be me. Writers can write about the effects of it. Nobody’s ever written about the music itself; because nobody knows. It’s beautiful for people to be interested and help me, but its much more beautiful whenever something exists, it doesn’t have to be analysed for symbolic meaning, when it exists on its own. You know they put all kinds of stuff in toothpaste, but you don’t try to go out and find what it is. They might put anything in toothpaste. You don’t worry about what they got in it you use it, and that’s it.”
Anyway, by now, the voices of those who said that Coleman was not playing music have been mostly stilled. In a way, he has simply gone to the furthest reaches of what baritone saxophonist and composer Gerry Mulligan implied when he formed his ‘pianoless’ quartet. But his remark “I like to hear a difference between the tune and the improving” has had wider implications than many would countenance. Insisting that “I know enough music and I know enough about the horn to known everything I’m doing,” he returns over and over again to the theme of what is natural. Admitting that he himself is not always “naural” he says, “I think feeling is the only thing that is creative.”
Ornette Coleman has remained true to his highly original vision throughout his career. Technically, he may not be considered a virtuoso because of the controversy he continues to live with, but obviously, he is a giant of jazz.
Lytrule revelations
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AS he hurries into the studio, wearing skinny jeans and dress shirt, with a host of ‘bling things’ around his neck, LytRule hears his manager ask, “What of the journalists coming this morning?”The artiste, who appears upbeat, chirps, immediately, “I have left a note at the reception for them.”
Those words floor the manager, as he had expected the artiste to still hang around for about an hour, rehearsing.
He walks in purposefully, sure of what he’ll do. He stands in front of the microphone and sucks in great gulps of air, his heart pounding in sweet expectations, as he stares at the musical note in his front. He is not distracted by the noise around. After a leisurely flirting with the microphone, he breathes out, “Luv Maga.” He hesitates and considers a new note. He blushes a little and lowers his gaze on the musical sheet.
Trusting what his voice can do, more than the stage-craft, changes his mind and he simply sings in mellifluous blue note. As he sings, he raises his hand above his head, microphone pushed forward. He wants to make sure his performance is up to expectation. Before long, the tempo increases, and with each passing moment, he gains confidence and is gratified. LytRule represents a new roster of self-assured artistes for whom music is a passion and not a fashion.
BORN Akindele Akinyemi Goodness (AKA LytRule) to parents from Ibadan, Oyo State, the new kid on the music bloc will soon roll out an eight-track album titled Luv Maga.
The title track of the album, Luv Maga, was recently presented to the media in Lagos, as a single to enable them have a feel of the captivating and sonorous voice of the artist, who also performed an accapela version of the track.
Looking relaxed after the session, LytRule sits in an empty table of a popular hangout in Lagos. He sits close to the window fixing his gaze on a passing object. A rosy-cheeked girl walks to him and asks him to place his order.
“How has it been?” I ask.
“Great,” he smiles.
He removes the lid of the table water in his front and edges it towards me. He follows this with a glass cup. The order is brought, and silently, he devours the content, urging his guest to do likewise. The moment he is through, something inside of him melts and he breathes: “It’s been a fairly long period of wait.”
The artiste, who classifies his music as a blend of R&B dancehall — Nigerian Swagger. His music is infused with hip-hop and dancehall beats, but remains pleasing to both the old and young. His lyrics have that battle cry voice.
He says he became seriously committed to music when the head of the choir in his church got married and left the church.
“But before she left, she said she had a revelation from God that I should lead the adult choir,” he reflects.
But at that tender age, he was groomed and mentored by his father and other music gifted members of the church, which eventually led to his assuming the position of the adult choir leader.
This was indeed a turning point as it encouraged him to pursue his chosen career path vigorously.
LYTRULE is not new to the music industry, as he has had working relationship with artists such as Lord of Ajasa, Clench, Pastor Goody Goody and a host of others. He has also been a backup singer for some artists during his over a decade contact with music.
“How long have you been on this?” I ask.
“You mean Luv Maga?”
“Yes.”
He looks up and reaches for his phone. He shows his guests a date, then snorts, “it’s taken a sweet time.”
The son of a reverend gentleman and a civil servant mother stresses, “apart from being part of my upbringing, music is a talent from God, which was developed at a tender age of nine, when I led the children’s choir at the Christ Heart Church, Isheri, a suburb in Lagos.” On why he chose the stage-name ‘LytRule’, the artiste explains that the first half of the name ‘Lyt’ was given to him by his classmates in the secondary school while the other part ‘Rule’ was added by his management team, which feels his voice is bound to rule, hence the name LytRule.
THE University of Lagos diploma holder in Mass Communication says he sings about various aspects of love: marital, agape; relationship and other stuff that draw people together because he is an emotional person.
“I am a very emotional person with an emotional upbringing and I try to bring that into my music. I admired the way my parents raised my siblings and I by ensuring that we have the very best they could offer which equipped us to effectively face the challenges of life. This affected me emotionally and I try to release that through songs,” he muses.
LytRule, who also holds a Diploma in Photo Journalism from the Olabisi Onabanjo University Ago Iwoye, Ogun State and a vocal certificate, plays the piano and drum well, which he says is an added advantage in an era where most Nigerian musicians can only qualify as singers.
“Mimers, kind of…you know… DJ… Track 3, no… I mean track 4.”
He adds that he also buys vocals online and rehearses them and promises to bring this wealth of experience to his fans, especially during life performances where they will really have value for their money.
The new kid says he opted for R&B because of his voice and the fact that the blend of music is acceptable worldwide. “Add R&B to dancehall, like I intend to do, and add ‘Nigerian Swagger’ and you will have a blend that will blow peoples mind especially when they are stressed out and need the soothing relief that music brings,” he sings.
The artiste says he intends to make a statement in Nigerian and world music scene between now and the next five years, within this period too, he says he will engage in charity work so that he can give back to the society.
On his perception of the Nigerian music industry, which he has been a passive participant over the years, LytRule says the industry has grown positively over the years with most artists benefiting from it, he, however decries the rate at which music with lurid content is growing. “Our artistes should be wary of what they sing about because of the influence music has on people. We should try as much as possible to discourage the use of explicit lyrics in our songs,” he intones.
OBJazz raps it up!
THERE are some guys who actually love music, and show their commitment to it in intense, meticulous ways – whatever their ages. Objazz is one of them, and beyond the love, he has taken active steps to build his craft, even moving from Abuja to Lagos. When did music start for you?
Actually I started music from when I was really little, like elementary school. Started off playing the acoustic guitar but then my teacher wasn’t really serious so I sort of focused on the keyboards. After a while I began writing rhymes in my diaries and scatting to myself, didn’t know what I was doing then though.
What were you doing before music?
Well considering the fact that I started music so early, I guess I was still discovering myself day to day like everyone else. Before I started music as a career, though, I was always interested in software, mathematics and fine arts.
What made you go into music?
I just found out a couldn’t be myself without music, I tried other jobs but music kept calling me back, you know just like that song ‘every time I try to go something keeps pulling me back me back…”. Also I found out that I had a lot of unique things about the music I always produced, wrote or imagined, it was always different, even without trying. It’s the only thing in this world that always makes me happy – making music.
What kind of music do you do?
Honestly, it’s a fusion of a lot. I love Hip-Hop so much and do a lot of it, Jazz also has a special place in my heart and anything I do always has jazzy notes or syncopations so I’ve been sort of infected with it since birth. I sing a lot too and my lyrics have some depth when I write about conscious topics. So I guess it’s Hip-hop, Jazz and Soul, something like that. Oh yes, with some inherent African influence ,of course.
Tell us about your family
It’s a pretty simple family of six — Dad, Mum and four kids. I’m the first child, in my tribe I would be called the ‘Opara’. My siblings all sing or play an instrument, so do my parents but no one does it professionally but me.
Where did the name Objazz come from and what does it mean?
My real first name is Obinna. A while back I was to perform at an event and I then realised I didn’t have a ‘stage name’, so a friend of mine suggested the name as a combination of my person, my name and my jazz ‘syndrome’ (ha ha), didn’t like it at first but didn’t have an option since the performance was to be in 15minutes. After a while I realized the name is actually cool.
You were in Abuja before – was it for school or what?
I was actually born in Festac Town, Lagos. Grew up there too but in 1999 the family moved to Abuja and so hence my temporal relocation. However, I schooled in the east, at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri. I spent another two years in Abuja after I finished school before moving back to Lagos.
Your studio – why did you set up yours, and what did it take to set it up?
I realised my sound was different and I really preferred to play my keyboards live and create my samples myself so I needed to spend time in my own studio and with a proper workstation keyboard. Also I wanted to dedicate some time to some of the tracks I intend to release much later. Most of all, if I decided to take music seriously a career it was only necessary that I found a way to have a studio of my own. It took quite a lot of patience, my production journey started with sleeping in other people’s studios during my university days, trying to learn everything I could. Browsing the Internet like crazy almost every day so I knew exactly how every single piece of equipment operated. I then started setting studios up for people and got some support from people who believed in me. The support and my gradually increasing income helped me setup what I have today.
What services does the studio offer, and would you say it is lucrative?
Yes it is lucrative. I produce for other artistes and I use very good equipment. I mix and master the tracks there. I also do movie soundtracks as well as adverts and voice-overs so it’s like a ‘one-stop’ shop all audio solutions.
When was your first single ever released and what was it?
It was called Mass Hysteria released in 2006. It was a hip-hop track that featured vocal samples of ‘Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’ and a friend of mine, Ima, who sang the chorus. I topped the charts in Abuja and enjoyed some good airplay.
You have a single on the airwaves now – tell us about it?
It’s called One More Chance. It’s a song I actually did ‘for myself’ initially, I wanted to dedicate a track to myself. I wrote the track at a time when I was really feeling down and depressed. I wanted something I could actually listen to and feel energized again, something bumpy that I could move my body to and get my rhythm back, something I could enjoy performing and most of all something with a great beat. I was really happy when everyone that heard it fell so in love with it. It felt really good because it was actually meant to be another album track initially. Felt like cooking a meal for yourself and everyone that comes around starts digging in because of the taste. I’ve got calls from even outside the country from two other countries from people who heard it on my Internet sites. It’s been on charts and still climbing. Hit Rhythm 94.7 Abuja ‘Hit Song of the Week’ the very day it was released. That particular one was awesome!
What are the other challenges you have faced in this industry?
Well, I’ve always had this unique thing about my music, my sound is really different and so a lot of people tend to always want to ‘advise’ me to do things they feel people want to hear. I’ve always been of the opinion that the listener should choose for himself or herself. My music is a sort of matured, from the production to the lyrics. This comes in with the issue of marketing. Since the Alaba boys currently handle our music distribution, it’s really difficult trying to get them to believe that music that isn’t raggaeton or dancehall can actually sell. I thank God for the times are changing and the listeners are beginning to have their say. Lastly, the major thing that always comes in when you’re running solo without a record label, the issue of resources. From manpower to financial resources, it tends to give you so much more stress to achieve something. Though it forces me to tend to be creative to find some other ways to get things done.
What shows have you performed in?
Quite a couple, from Rhythm unplugged to Malta Guinness events, to the Soundcity Music Festival. To some other private events back in Abuja.
What is your personal vision for your music?
I would love my music to cut across age, race, disposition and gender. Music that would be enjoyed by anyone who cares to follow his heart and is ready to enjoy music for its feeling and it’s message.
Who are your musical role models?
Wow, don’t know if I really have ‘role models’ per say. Everyone has skeletons in their closets, I admire Michael Jackson’s hard work to always be perfect at his craft (RIP), I admire Jay-Z’s ability to balance passion and business, I love Lauryn Hill’s ability to rap and sing and do both very well. So many others…
Which musicians are you feeling in Nigeria at the moment?
I’ve always been a fan of 2face from his first album. I have huge respect for the Mo-Hits crew, they produce good music and Don Jazzy is phenomenal. I like 9ICE’s unique sound and his approach to his lyrics. I also like a Nigerian born, U.K based artist called NAYO, I think her music is excellent, hope to do a track with her sometime.
And where do you see yourself in five years?
Performing and producing internationally; have my own fully blown production label. Also, possibly delve into some music for movies and probably be a tool for the upgrade in our Home made movies’ sound production. Also, I should have like four albums and two mixtapes by then. Of course, with some good money to go with it.
TEETH 4 TEETH
Revealed! Where ‘Ruggedy Baba’ fills his stomach daily
HIP-HOP act, Ruggedman, who is popularly called Ruggedy Baba, does not eat at home. This piece of information is authoritative. Ran into the fast balding act at an eatery on Isaac John, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, recently with a female friend (na female friend I talk o, she fit even be business patna sef, so no get ideas). T4T watched closely as the hip hopper grubbed his food with relish. In case of a rejoinder, the time was 1.30pm on Monday, November 2, 2009. Someone swore it was the third time he was sighting the guy there. Hmm, it is either the eatery food is tastier than madam’s food or dem don take somtin cook the food and the tin don catch Ruggedy Baba (na speculation I dey o). Anyway, he finished his meal and swaggered to his Volkswagen Touareg with the customised number plate Ruggedy, leaving the female friend behind. Me think that was odd. Anyway, you now know where to see your favourite star; wait on Isaac John any midday, you are sure to see Rugged Man coming to fill his stomach.
Ejike Asiegbu’s in Zimbabwe
FORMER president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Ejike Asiegbu, is cooling his heels in Robert Mugabe’s Zimbabwe. He has been in Harare for a month now, holidaying and directing a big budget movie for a wealthy producer. Hmm, Ejike no dey shame, im mates dey go Hawai and Brazil for holiday, na Zimbabwe im see go. Anyway, as the saying goes, bread is better than puff puff, so we commend Ejike’s efforts. At least, im see somewia go holiday na. Nigeria and AGN wahala be wan kpai presido, sorry, former presido before. To God Be The Glory.
Help, Eucharia Anunobi’s addicted to Facebook
EMBATTLED Nollywood actress, Eucharia Anunobi, who is going through a messy divorce case, has perhaps found solace in the Internet. Hardly would you log on to Facebook site and not find UK baby online. In fact, trust T4T, just to be doubly sure, logged on at about midnight recently and there was UK bold and in your face on Facebook. Aunty, we no say na trying times be dis, but please get some sleep.
... And Opa Williams Too
COMEDY merchant, Opa Williams, may have borrowed a leaf from Eucharia as his popular past time now is the Facebook. Was online with Opa on Tuesday and he gladly announced he was in Delta State (I did not ask him where he was before he volunteered the information). The way it took him hours to reply to a message clearly shows dear Opa has difficulties in typing on the laptop keyboard. When peson learn computer for old age, na the result be dat. Keep it up Opa, God is in control.
Segun Arinze’s ‘Jeep’
AS T4T was about leaving the car lot of O’jez last week, a monstrous vehicle was bearing down on him, threatening to swallow his tuke tuke car. T4T was scared and many thoughts ran through the mind. Could a celebrity who got very angry with the way and manner T4T was watching him or her, decided to pay back, in kind? Then at the last minute before a possible collision, the monster, slowed down and pulled alongside my tuke tuke. A grinning face of Black Arrow filled the window on the driver’s side. So, it was Segun Arinze driving that caterpillar he calls a car? Good, I told him his car was not fit to be driven on Lagos roads, he should go the pot-holed filled Ore-Benin road. Geez, the contraption Segun drives about town will surely pitch him against LASTMA officials very soon. So that you know, the jeep look alike monster, is red in colour and it is a pick up van, the type used by Texas Rangers in the U S. This T4T sef sabi America too? Na wa.
Dickson Iroegbu’s New Dressence
SINCE the movie director Dickson Iroegbu got rid of his dreadlocks, he has become born again and all old things passed away. Dickson will be the first to tell you that he has dropped his controversy garb and henceforth, he has advised himself to desist from commenting on issues in Nollywood. Good thinking, because the last time he tried to play Gani Fawehinmi at the Association of Movie Producers’ election, he was beaten into a near state of coma (I no dey dia, na reliable source tell me o o). But this is not the issue, it is, Dickson after scraping his dada (dreadlocks), now spots complete three-piece suit anytime he is coming out of his home. Three nights consecutively, Dickson was spotted at O’jez at about 9pm, decked as one going to a wedding ceremony. Last week Friday night, he was having dinner with two ladies (maybe na business dinner o o), and the director was all suited up. The Chinese rice and shrimps served on hot wooden plate was giving Dickson an uphill task, a task he clinically executed with thick sweat beads running down his face that is now minus the dada. A bottle of wine was displayed openly for all to see. T4T checked his memory card to see if Dickson directed a movie recently, because this newfound wealth is awesome. Keep it up bro, life na for enjoyment.
Agatha Amata’s Birthday Bash
BY the time you are reading this, television talkshow host, Agatha Amata, would have celebrated her birthday yesterday in Ikeja area of Lagos. T4T got an SMS on Tuesday inviting him to the bash. Life is sweet, when there is money, people remember to celebrate their birthdays and to God be the glory, aunty Agatha has made quite a chunk of it recently. Recall I told you some time ago how she angrily gave out her Rav 4 SUV and ordered a Nissan Murano state-of-the-art ride fresh from the factory line? Fine, now a source said the birthday bash was planned as the mother of all birthday bashes. Agatha, I said it before, I am still saying it now: when I grow up, I will like to be like you, so help me God. I will give you dear readers what went down at the gig.
ogbuus@yahoo.com
Okhai goes to Cairo
BY SHAIBU HUSSEINIVICTOR Okhai, Director General of the International Film and Broadcast Academy, Lagos, is on his way to Cairo as President of Jury for the international digital competition for long feature films of the Cairo International Film Festival, the oldest and biggest film festival in the Arab world and Middle East holding from November10 to 20.
The filmmaker, teacher and resource person told Moviedom before he left for Cairo that the assignment would afford him the opportunity to project positively once again everything positive about Nigeria and Nollywood at an international forum and to the Middle East and Arab world…
How it came about
I will have to acknowledge the contributions of the Managing Director of the Nigeria Film Corporation, Mr Afolabi Adesanya, who has tirelessly given his all to the promotion of Nigerian film, film makers and the industry to the outside world. When they wanted a person of integrity and experience, Mr. Adesanya mentioned me, but the presidency of the Jury was entirely their choice. That came later and I was pleasantly surprised.
Any Nigerian movie in or out of competition
I don’t think so. Not really. Or better still, there is none as far as I know. This is recognition for the filmmaker and not for film. The reason is simple; people are spending more time talking than working. We should let our work speak for us. If we spent more time doing quality stuff and promoting it properly in festivals, the movies will generate enough buzz.
The International Film and Broadcast Academy
In the area of capacity building in the Nigerian film and broadcast industry, the International Film and Broadcast Academy has been a pioneer and a major force in lifting the standard of practice and practitioners.
A lot of people may not know this but it is actually Nigeria’s first private film school. It began in 1996 but was officially registered in 1997 with two Americans, Ernest Dunkley and Lloyd Weaver, as lecturers. Other pioneer lecturers include Jimi Odumosu, Lola Fani-Kayode, Paul Emema and Olu Jacobs.
Our ex-students have excelled wherever they are. Some include MNET new direction winners, Kemi Adesoye (Head Writer — Mnet’s Doctor’s Quarters, Tinsel, winner Pan Africa University international script writing competition, writer of the wave-making movie, Figurine, etc) and Oliver Aleoghena, Ehiz Ojesebholo (creator and first producer of Soundcity, Fola Iwajomo (winner, short film night competition of the Lagos Film Society and Goethe Institut with the student short film, Blood On My Hands). The list can go on and on.
We are trainers for organisations such as AIT, Imo State Television, Nigeria Film Corporation, National Film and Video Censors Board, etc. We are also training partners for Deutsche Welle Akademie, the training school of Germany’s national broadcaster. Since last year, in conjunction with them, we have run three courses for over 60 writers, producers and directors in Nollywood and the broadcast industry with resource persons from abroad.
We have done a lot of training with the guilds too including The Association of Movie Producers (AMP), Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN) and the Screenwriters Guild of Nigeria (SWGN). Slowly but surely, the results are showing.
We are not a mass production school. Some have accused us of being elitist but this is not true. We are not in the business of issuing certificates; you must earn it to have it and you must have passion to be admitted. People in the industry know this and that’s why I am proud to say that our graduates are much sought after, even before graduation. They do not bother to look for employment because they are hot and do not even need to work for anyone.
Another thing they have going for them is character— you can be sure of professional excellence, commitment and integrity from them as it is an essential of their training, too. We have a lot of applicants from outside Nigeria applying for admission into the academy.
State of Nollywood
Nollywood is today like an overgrown baby - too big to be called a baby and too young to be called an adult. We grew too quickly and did not have time to go through puberty and adolescence — the period in every life where you learn the most important lessons. Now we have to settle down to go to night or adult school to learn the ropes.
Another thing that has destroyed the industry and this is purely my personal opinion — is the so-called new distribution framework. It is a monumental failure and has succeeded in setting the industry back by at least a decade. You cannot regulate a free market that is informal, whose workings you have no understanding of, and also that the government is not putting anything into.
Even the banks have no interest or understanding of the phenomenon called Nollywood and for anyone to come and impose or legislate how to buy and sell in a system like that beats me. You do not change a winning formula. For whatever it is worth, the success of Nollywood is in its unique homegrown distribution system. This is what people are coming to research from all over the world, not the quality of the films. It has taken us to number two, according to UN statistics; now watch what the figures will be by next year as very few movies are being produced right now as a result of this reckless policy.
All things must be considered when taking decisions like this: employment generation, for instance. Imagine how many unemployed youths we would have had on the streets but for Nollywood, imagine what it has done positively for our image across Africa and the Diaspora world! I think there is a need for all stakeholders to meet again and forge a way forward in the overall interest of the industry.
So when are you due back?
I am due back on November 22, but leave the next day for a one-week workshop for Camerounian filmmakers organised by Goethe Institute, Yaoundé. The workshop aims to promote the exchange and eventually initiate/intensify cooperation between Anglophone and Francophone filmmakers in Cameroun/Nigeria. The Goethe-Institut Yaoundé is organizing the workshop focussing on cooperation in inter-regional cinema industries and it will take place in Bamenda, one of the strongholds of Anglophone Camerounian cinema. I hope by the time I come back, I shall have sensitized more people about Nollywood, AMAA and other opportunities here.
Around and about Nollywood...
London African Film Festival beckons
NEW currents in narrative forms are the special focus of the London African Film Festival 2009, which opens on November 26 and closes on December 3. The organisers announced that they are showcasing debuts by a wide range of dynamic, young film-making talent and the most creative of TV/film practitioners to celebrate the energy that young Africans from all corners of the continent have brought to drama as they embrace the digital age.
The festival launches with screening of a selection of feature films and documentaries including the UK Première of Tariq Teguia’s Inland, Abakar Chene Massar’s Captain Majid, a film that is a metaphor of the disenchanted youth in Chad and the Ethiopian director, Nega Tariku’s film Adera, a story of an Ethiopian refugee’s struggle to survive in Johannesburg.
A selection of the best of AMAA (the African Movie Academy Awards) that include the Nigerian documentary filmmaker, Sani Elhadj Magori’s seminal documentary, For The Best and for The Onion, about one man’s determination to get the best onion harvest in order to marry the love of his life; Wanuri Kahui’s From A Whisper, a superb drama based on the bombing of the US embassy in Nairobi in 1998.
Central to the festival is a major conference entitled, Producing and Distributing African Film in the Digital Era that will hold on Sunday, November 29, in partnership with the University of Westminster Africa Media Centre (AMC) and in association with the Communication and Media Research Institute.
V-1M set to challenge the status quo
V-1M Production, in its quest to promote the virtues of the Nigerian film industry, is coming up with the “development of skill” and creative idea on technological invention through production. The auditioning for the cast of this perfectly synchronised idea will come up on Wednesday, November 11 and the submission of entry closes on November 9.
The audition has Zack Orji as the chairman of its Jury and it will hold at the White House on Toyin Street, Ikeja, by 8:00am.
V-1M production says it is, “bringing sanity to our society, we’ll provide the necessary intelligence and build the required mindset that will transform the people into vibrant entrepreneurs; thus creating various products through the media to enlighten and educate the people and align them with the objectives of being a ‘Good People, Great Nation’.
V-1M production is the initiative of Wemimo Olugbemi, a product of PEFTI and remarkable fashion designer, who believes doing it right is the only alternative to a successful life. She has done well for herself in fashion business and the same she is prepared to inject into the film business.
Babylon Initiative for Nigerian filmmakers
IN a bid to bridge the gap between film cultures of the world, especially between Europe and Africa, Babylon International, in collaboration with the Nigerian Film Corporation, Jos, has launched a new initiative that is intended to link filmmakers across the continent, scheduled for 2010. However, countdown to the main event scheduled for next year has begun with call for (entries) from participants. Entry closes on November 27. Interested participants should visit: www.babylon-film.eu for details on how to apply.
The 2010 programme scheduled to hold in Jos, Abuja and Rotterdam includes, a five-day intensive development workshop for 14 selected projects (seven European, seven African) during the International Film Festival, Rotterdam (January 30 to February 4, 2010) with script consultancy, one-on-one production and marketing analysis, screenings, case studies and network forums.
Similarly, individual mentoring from Babylon experts during the script re-write and preparation phase is scheduled for February and March, 2010. This will be followed by a five-day production lab at the National Film Institute, Jos (April 27 to May 2, 2010) intended to consolidate the script development of each project and provide filmmaking teams the opportunity to workshop scenes from their films, or produce promotional short films based on their feature film materials.
The highpoint of the 2010 programme will be the presentation of projects and their promotional materials at the ZUMA Film Festival taking place in Abuja, the nation’s capital from May, to be followed by onward mentoring and promotion of all Babylon projects.
The Babylon project is funded by the European Union’s Media International and the Nigerian Film Corporation.
African filmmakers will have the opportunity to work with European colleagues on script and story development, production techniques and access to international market place through Babylon’s network of industry consultants, funders, international sales agents and distributors. The objective of this initiative is to provide producers/writers/directors and production teams the opportunity to broaden their access to the international film markets.
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