Tiwa Savage Bares it All in Her New Racy Video For – Wanted

Tiwa savage is about turn heads in every corner of with this new Video, WANTED. You’ve all heard Tiwa Savage’s sensational track, Wanted, featured on the Once upon a Time album. Now the Mavin first lady is set to stun you further with a spanking new video released under 323 entertainment.The racy video directed by Moe Musa 

No comments | FULL STORY

Traditional Nigerian hunters want a chance at finding kidnapped schoolgirls

Traditional hunters armed with homemade guns, poisoned spears and amulets have gathered in their hundreds, eager to use their skills and what they believe to be supernatural powers to help find nearly 300 schoolgirls abducted by Islamic extremists.

Some 500 hunters, some as young as 18 and some in their 80s, say they have been specially selected by their peers for their spiritual hunting skills and have been waiting for two weeks in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital and the birthplace of Boko Haram, to get backing from the military and get moving.

With Nigeria's military accused by many citizens of not doing enough to rescue the girls, the hunters demonstrated their skills to an Associated Press reporter on Sunday. Cow horn trumpets echoed eerie war cries from the screaming and chanting men as they twirled knives and swords with dexterity, occasionally stabbing and cutting themselves with no apparent harm. The hunters claimed their magic charms prevented any blood being drawn. They also trust amulets of herbs and other substances wrapped in leather pouches as well as cowrie shells, animal teeth and leather bracelets to protect them from bullets.

The appearance of the hunters from three northeastern states underscores how deeply the April 15 mass kidnapping — and the government's apparent lack of action — has affected Nigerian society. It has spawned demonstrations and a tidal wave of commentary in media including social sites like Twitter and Facebook.

A spokesman for the hunters stopped short of actually criticizing the military. "We're not saying we are better than the soldiers, but we know the bush better than the soldiers," said Sarkin Baka. The hunters said they gathered here at the suggestion of a state legislator.

A military spokesman did not immediately respond to an emailed question from AP on whether it would take advantage of the hunters' local knowledge.

In contrast to the age-old stalking and tracking skills offered by the hunters, U.S. aircraft and camera-carrying drones are searching for the girls. Military teams from America, Britain, France, Spain and Israel with expertise in surveillance, intelligence gathering, counterterrorism and hostage negotiation are also present.

Police say more than 300 girls and young women were kidnapped from a boarding school in the remote northeastern town of Chibok, in Borno state and about 80 miles south of Maiduguri, on April 15. A total of 53 escaped and an estimated 276 remain in captivity, according to the police.

They were driven into the nearby Sambisa Forest, according to witnesses. Unverified reports from two federal senators from the region and Chibok residents quoting villagers in the forest and elsewhere indicated some of the girls may have been forced to marry their abductors and some may have been taken across the border into Cameroon.

Nigeria's military insists that it is diligently searching for the girls and says near-daily aerial bombardments of the forest that began in mid-January were stopped to avoid accidentally hitting the girls.


"Our troops are out there combing the forests and all other possible locations searching for our fellow citizens. International support is also there assisting the process," Mike Omeri, a government spokesman, said Friday.

Some parents of the abducted girls say villagers in the Sambisa Forest tell them they haven't seen a uniformed soldier in the forest.

Pogu Bitrus, a Chibok community leader, said the savannah type openness of most of Sambisa, a national game reserve, should make it easy to survey from the air, though the extremists are believed to have camps in densely forested parts. The insurgents recently bombed the only bridge linking Borno state to Cameroon and Chad, where they have hideouts in mountain caves and another forested game reserve.
Leaders from Nigeria's neighboring countries including Benin met at a French-organized summit this weekend in Paris to coordinate curtailing the insurgency that threatens the region. British, U.S. and European officials also attended.

Meanwhile, the hunters say they are reaching the end of their patience. "We are seasoned hunters, the bush is our culture and we have the powers that defy guns and knives; we are real men of courage, we trust in Allah for protection, but we are not afraid of Boko Haram," said one elderly hunter, Baban Kano. "If government is ready to support us, then we can bring back the girls. But if they are not, they should tell us so that we can disband and return to our homes and family."

No comments | FULL STORY

UK spy plane to Nigeria breaks down

A UK spy plane sent to help search for more than 200 girls abducted by militant Islamists in Nigeria has developed a technical fault, the BBC reported.

It has been forced to land in Senegal for repairs, the Ministry of Defence said.

The plane left the UK on Sunday, joining an international effort to secure the release of the girls.

The Boko Haram group captured the girls from their boarding school in Chibok town in north-east Nigeria on 14 April.

The US military is flying manned and unmanned surveillance aircraft over Nigeria to look for the girls, Reuters news agency reports.

Israel says it has sent intelligence experts and specialists in hostage negotiations to help with the rescue effort.

The BBC's Will Ross in Nigeria says the plane's breakdown is a set-back for the UK government which promised to do all it can to help with the search operation.

Boko Haram says it is prepared to free some of the girls in exchange for the release of its fighters and relatives being held by Nigeria's security forces.

Nigeria's government says it is prepared to hold talks with Boko Haram, but has reportedly ruled out a prisoner swap.

No comments | FULL STORY

PHOTOS: Battle of the Curves: Who Is The African ‘Queen of Curves’?

Beauty comes in many varieties, tall, short, dark, light, petite, plus size and size zero.

Today we celebrate female celebrities with curves and rock them with confidence.

It is a fact that can hardly be denied by anyone worldwide that African women are curvy and well-endowed when it comes to boobs and heavy body, something most African men admire.

We have gathered some of the familiar faces in Africa who have been blessed with curvy body. The images include popular faces from Ghana, South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria whose well-endowed figures got them the headlines and got so many thinking.

Here are some known faces across Africa who are rocking their ‘killer curve’ like it’s going out of style.

photos

No comments | FULL STORY

Kanye To Wed Kim K on 24th May, Wedding To Be Televised

After all the fuss and negotiations, it looks like Kim Kardashian and Kanye West will not be getting married in Paris after all. The attention seeking dou could not secure Versailles for their over the top nuptials and found nothing that satisfied their requirements in the surrounding area. They also ran into a bit of trouble with residency rules in France in order to make the wedding legal.

Now the pair have changed courses all together and decided to have a multi-country wedding destination event.On May 23rd, guests will be treated to a lavish dinner party in Paris the night before the wedding. The next day they will be flown in private jets to Florence Italy, where the couple will finally say their "I Dos'."

Sounds Like Kim and Kanye are sparing no expense for their big day...Scratch that.....the Network is sparing no expense for Kim's second television wedding. They better hope people actually tuune this match made in rating heven........just saying. Watch this space.

No comments | FULL STORY

Controversy Never Works for Me - Jaywon

INTERVIEW

Photo: Jaywon/Facebook

Jaywon

It is not news anymore that popular hip-hop star, Jaywon, who was under the record label of Kennis Music has parted ways with the premier record label after buying out his contract. But the otherwise peaceful separation has left more questions than answers, with music lovers wanting to know why.

Though Jaywon refused to state why, saying "Controversy never works for me". But in this exclusive interview with Weekend Groove, the artiste gives enough clues and opens up on life after Kennis Mucis. Excerpts:

What have you been up to lately?

We've been going in and out of Lagos for a couple of events and it's a new team and it's like a new Jaywon right now. We're just trying to see how we could get new materials out there. I have Tan Na Wole which is more of a freestyle and I have Madantin remix featuring Phyno, Olamide and May D.

Have you released any album this year?

For close to three years now I have not dropped any album but I'm presently working on a collabo album with a friend of mine which is probably going to be out before my own album. But right now, you're going to be getting a lot of singles back to back from Jaywon

The whole controversy with Kennis music, what started it?

It's something I really wouldn't like to talk about. The main thing right now is I'm not with Kennis Music anymore; I'm on my own now. I wouldn't want to talk about anything that happened. That's in the past and I don't want to talk about it. Controversy is not my thing, it never works for me so I just want to do my work and get the songs out to the people. I'm not ready for controversy. I just want to do my thing

Are there any legal issues?

There's no legal issue, I'm on my own and I run my own team. I'm not having any issue with Kennis Music- my contract expired.

You say you are now with your own record label. What's the name?

We have a name already registered but I'm not ready to put it out yet. It's just me and my team and you guys would get to hear more.

Do you think that record labels in Nigerian tend to exploit artistes?

What I think the record labels should know and understand better is that signing an artiste is a partnership. Once you sign an artiste, there should be more of partnership because if both parties are not happy, it won't work.

Nigerian record labels are trying and I won't lie to you, without the likes of Kennis Music in this industry, there possibly won't be much of these other record labels because Kennis Music is like an inspiration to every other record label. Big But for me personally, I think record labels should know tha signing an artiste is a partnership and ideas should be shared. It shouldn't be one-sided because when it's one-sided, there will always be issues.

What's your view of the Nigerian music Industry?

The music industry keeps getting better. What we need more right about now is that unity. Let's just come to realise we are into this business together, we're in the same race. It's our industry and if we don't treat it well, if we don't love ourselves, we would keep having issues. So I think we just need to love ourselves more, come together and be who we are and let's not just fake anything.

No comments | FULL STORY

A Nigerian Can Win Grammy – Dre Sticks

Born Odunlami Oluwadamilare Adediran, Dre-sticks is a talented artiste, sound engineer and music producer.  Presently signed to Beverly Records, Dre Sticks has performed in various notable shows in Nigeria and has also worked with numerous prominent Nigerian artistes, including JJC, Vector, Oyinkansola, Queen Salawa Abeni, Bolade and many other known acts. He sits down with ABISOLA ALAWODE.

Why the name Dre Sticks?

Well, I started music as a little drummer boy in church. As for the stage-name, my birth name is Dare, which I made into ‘Dre’. I got the ‘sticks’ from the drum sticks, so the name ‘Dre Sticks’ stuck.

At what point did you decide to pursue music professionally?

I started music professionally when I got into the university and since then I have not looked back.

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced as a musician in the Nigerian music industry?

You know, basically, the Nigerian entertainment industry is really saturated, so one has to strive to stand-out musically, which is what I’m doing. Also, one has to stand-out financially too (entertainment needs money). Well, in all, I am thankful to God for his blessings all the way.

Your latest single Bamikalo just hit the airwaves and it has got good reception. Tell us more about it.

Bamikalo is a very dance-able song. It is a musical piece I made just to express myself as a good vocalist, producer and instrumentalist. When you hear the song you’ll understand better what I’m talking about. Bamikalo is a statement to the effect that you can make commercial music without compromising good music attributes. The video is also out there on every screen. Just enjoy.

Apart from being a musician, you are also a sound engineer and music producer. How do you combine all these talents?

Being an artiste, a producer and sound/mix engineer shows that Dre Sticks is a real, complete musician. Music is what I do; it’s my way of life, so, combining the three has been fun so far.

What are your thoughts on the future of Nigerian music?

Most definitely, Dre Sticks is part of the future of Nigerian music. I can see a Nigerian grabbing a Grammy soon! We’ve come a long way, as far as music and entertainment are concerned. We are going to get there soon.

Are there any artiste’s you’ll like to collaborate with, both internationally and locally?

I would love to do a song with Brandy, Banky W and Don Jazzy. The list is long, though!

Do you have any musical influences? If yes who are they and why do they matter?

My musical influences from when I started music include Boyz II Men, Lagbaja, Brian McKnight, Fela, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, just to mention a few. I love them because they were and still are real talents, real musicians and you can always find their elements in my music too. I’m talking about Rn’B, Pop, Fuji and Afrobeat.

What’s your ultimate goal as an artiste?

My goal is to be a real, successful musician and a role model. That’s where I find my fulfilment.

What are you up to now and when should fans expect a full-length album from you?

For now, I’m still focusing on my singles. I have both the audio and videos for 5Star and Bamikalo out already. But you can expect a big collaboration soon and some more videos from Dre Sticks. Most definitely, the album is coming through too and it will be from the stables of Beverly Records.

Who is Dre Sticks?

Dre Sticks is a graduate of Urban and Regional Planning from the Federal University of Technology, Akure. He is also a full-time musician and a super music producer.

Any word of advice to your colleagues?

For my colleagues in the music industry, you have to master your craft and keep your game tight. Believe in God, you’ll get there.

And for your fans…?

They’re the true reason why I can’t stop making good music. I have got so much more music to serve you all. Na una be the star wey dey make Dre Sticks shine! God bless you all.

 Stay up to date, follow us on Twitter; @LeadershipNGA

No comments | FULL STORY

Number of missing Nigerian schoolgirls rises

The number of Nigerian schoolgirls still missing from recent kidnappings at a secondary school in Chibok has risen to 276 - 30 more than the previous estimate, police say.

Police Commissioner Tanko Lawan also said the number of girls who escaped from their captors had increased to 53.

Lawan said confusion over numbers occurred because students from other areas were brought into the Chibok Government Girls' Secondary School for final exams last month after other schools in the Borno state were shut because of attacks.

The schoolgirls were abducted by gunmen from the school in Nigeria's Borno state last Tuesday.

"The students were drawn from schools in Izge, Lassa, Ashigashiya and Warabe A. and that is why, after the unfortunate incident, there were various numbers flying around as to the actual number of girls that were taken away," Lawan said.

The army had estimated the number of missing girls at 129 but school officials said more than 200 students were taken during the attack.

Reports this week also indicated some had been forced into "marriage" with their abductors, who paid a nominal bride price equivalent to $12. Other reports that could not be verified said some had been taken across borders, to Chad, Cameroon and to an island in Lake Chad.

Girls who escaped say their captors identified themselves as fighters in the Boko Haram network, though the group has not claimed responsibility for the abductions.

Boko Haram, an armed group whose name means "Western education is sinful", is fighting what it calls Western influence and wants to form an Islamic state in Africa's largest oil producer country.

The kidnappings have fuelled protests in Nigeria's capital Abuja among parents and activists angry at government and security officials' failure to rescue the girls.

Abuja blast

Meanwhile, a blast in Abuja has killed at least a dozen people, witnesses and police sources say.

Thursday's car bombing hit the suburb of Nyanya, close to the site of a morning rush-hour bomb attack at a bus station on April 14 that killed at least 75 people.

Besides the dead, at least 19 people were wounded in the blast, the Associated Press news agency reported, quoting police sources.

Deadly bomb attack rocks Nigerian capital

A correspondent from the AFP news agency reported seeing nine bodies that had been brought from the scene of the attack, while a witness at the same hospital who requested anonymity reported seeing seven more bodies.

Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for the April 14 blast in Nyanya and threatened further attacks.

Thursday's blast came a week before Abuja was due to host the World Economic Forum on Africa, an annual gathering which brings together international leaders, policy makers and entrepreneurs.

Nigeria's government has announced a large security operation to protect the capital during the forum.

No comments | FULL STORY