No Retreat, No Surrender As Nigerian Music Industry Celebrates 'No Music Day' On September 1

 

The leadership of Nigerian Music Industry Coalition which is a coalition of the key national associations in the Nigerian music industry has said there will be 'No Retreat, No Surrender' in its fight against the massive abusive of the rights of Nigerian musicians and stakeholders in the music industry. The coalition made the call during the unveiling of the activities of this year's 'No Music Day'; an event which is held on September 1 of every year to focus attention on the widespread infringement of the rights of composers, song writers, performers, music publishers and other stakeholders in the Nigerian music industry.

Speaking to a cross section of Nigerian journalists in the coalition's headquarters in Lagos on Monday of this week, Secretary of Association of Music Business Professionals (AM.B-Pro), a member of the Nigerian Music Industry Coalition, Mr. Efe Omorogbe said, "Music is our business, we will protect it with everything we have. We will not let anyone or any organization destroy all that we have labored so hard to build. This is the focus of "No Music Day'. The theme of this year's celebration is "Keep the Music Alive" and this is a call to the government of our great nation, Nigeria and to all lovers of good music to join the Nigerian music industry in solidarity to put an end to the blatant abuse of our rights which in itself is a threat to creativity."

As part of activities of 'No Music Day 2013', the coalition as usual has requested all broadcast stations and the major users of music across the country not to broadcast music between the hours of 8am-10am on Sunday September 1, 2013 as a mark of solidarity with the nation's creative industry being devastated by massive copyright infringement. All stations sympathetic to the plight of the music industry are being requested to dedicate the time belt to interviews, documentaries, debates and discussions that focus on the rights of creative people and the state of intellectual property rights in Africa's most populous nation. Newspapers and magazines are also being encouraged to do special features on the industry to mark the day.

Also, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) will host an "Open House" on September 1, 2013 at the society's headquarters in Opebi for journalists who may wish to update themselves with the activities of the Nigerian Music Industry. Various officers and top members of the society will be on hand to interact with journalists and grant interviews.

Speaking on 'No Music Day', Engr. Sharon Wilson, President of Music Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (MUPMAN) said, 'No Music Day is a day the music industry in Nigeria comes together to say enough is enough to the incessant abuse of our rights. It is a day we put all our energies to call the attention of the Nigerian government and all lovers of music to support the music that makes them happy. For too long, musicians in Nigeria have been deprived of their rights but we are glad that with the advent of COSON, things are beginning to look up and there will be no stopping us until we get to the place of our dreams'.

Also speaking on No Music Day, 2013, President of Music Label Owners & Recording Industries Association of Nigeria (MORAN), Hon. John E. Udegbunam said, "No Music Day for us at MORAN is an important one. It is our strong desire to see our music industry function the way it should and we will remain committed to the objectives of No Music Day. We appeal to all who use our music in their businesses to 'Keep the Music Alive' by obtaining the appropriate license from COSON for the music they use."

It will be recalled that the first 'No Music Day' was held on September 1, 2009 bringing to an end the one week hunger strike campaign embarked upon by Nigerian artistes from across the country in condemnation of the abuse of their rights.  SOURCE

Miley Cyrus stole Gaga's outrageous performance crown.

 

New York (CNN) -- Lady Gaga has taken the MTV Video Music Awards stage covered in (fake) blood; wearing a dress made of meat and as her male alter-ego, Jo Calderone.

But at the 2013 MTV VMAs, Miley Cyrus stole Gaga's outrageous performance crown.

While Gaga came equipped with multiple costume- and wig-changes on her side, Cyrus took over the stage with gigantic, dancing bears and more twerking than viewers at home probably knew what to do with.

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The 20-year-old pop star stepped out onto the stage a ball of energy, wearing a fuzzy gray leotard, as her hit single, "We Can't Stop," played. An animated and uninhibited performer, Cyrus' dance moves were a clear departure from her "Hannah Montana" days. (Meaning, they involved a crotch grab or two.)

6 memorable moments from the VMAs

When she reached the end of her song, the singer stripped down to a flesh-toned latex bra and matching underwear and began to perform "Blurred Lines" alongside Robin Thicke.

With Cyrus acting as Thicke's back-up singer and personal dancer, featured guest stars 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar went largely unnoticed.

"Miley better get a ... pregnancy test after all of that grinding," joked comedian Kevin Hart during the show.

Miley Cyrus upholds MTV VMAs tradition

Full Story: SOURCE

Chief Willie Obiano emerged the winner of APGA G.C: Valentine Obienyem

Gov. Peter Obi (2nd left), raising the hand of Chief Willie Obiano (2nd right), after he emerged the winner of APGA Gubernatorial Congress at the Women Development Centre, Awka, yesterday. With them are Gov. Obi’s wife, Margaret (1st left) and the Chairman of the Convention Organizing Committee, Chief Martin Agbaoso (1st right)

Marijuana smoker’s experience

Unknown to people, there are many hidden nutritional values in the mostly condemned Marijuana. While  majority condemn its intake,   many youths see that as the only source of inspiration with many nutritional values.

For a 24 year old Nathaniel , an undergraduate of  Nnamdi Azikiwe University, who is in Lagos because of the ongoing ASUU strike, he started smoking Marijuana at the age of 20 when he gained admission into the higher institution. His first experience  when he smoked it still remains evergreen in his memory, that he felt he can never be normal again.

“The first day I smoked Igboo is one of the days I cannot forget in a hurry. I had a friend, who is an addict in smoking. So, one day when we hung out with some friends, after drinking, he brought the wrap and told me that if I take this, it will clear the alcohol I took and it will make me look and appear very smart. So, after much conviction, I decided to try it. I first drew the first smoke inside, they clapped for me and said that was the way to do it, that I should take it gradually.

Marijuana
Marijuana
I never knew when I finished almost one wrap alone. When I was done with that, it was obvious to me that I was in for a big trouble. It was as if they added an extra flesh on  one side of my skull. My skull was going towards one direction. I felt as if there was gutter all over the road and I started leaping.

My friends started laughing but when they noticed the thing was getting out of hand, they grabbed me, sat me down in one place and prepared a very big bowl of garri without sugar for me. After drinking the garri,  I was still hungry.

I felt very weak and slept off and woke up in the middle of the night. When I woke up the next day, I was feeling very hungry as if I had been starving for more than one week. I ate like never  before and I slept off again. When I woke up, I was very happy. Everything around me made me laugh. Even when you cursed me, I would laugh over it,” he recalled.

According to Nathaniel, though his parents were  seriously against his consumption of Marijuana, he made them to believe that, he felt so comported and understood everything he read whenever he smoked.

“It was not easy making my parents see reasons why they should allow me smoke, though  I never did that in their presence. For me to read and understand well, I must smoke. Even when I want to go in for any examination, I must smoke so that I will remember all that I have read and be able to put them together well. I am in my third year now and I made good grade.

So, smoking has never stopped me from reading and passing my examinations. If I am about to write an exam and I have not smoked, I’d feel I have not read. So I don’t seem to believe it when people say that  Marijuana is not good for health. But if you know it does not work for you, stop smoking it,” Nathaniel advised.

As against the belief of most people that Marijuana is very bad to health, Peter, has a point to prove. To Peter, the best medicine a depressed man who lost appetite could take is Marijuana. He is one of the people that used to believe that Marijuana is not good until he confirmed from a medical practitioner that most sleeping drugs that also boost appetite are produced with a higher percentage of that.

“ I strongly disagree that Marijuana makes people mad, it is all lies. If you take it the first two to three times and you cannot stand it, I will advise you to quit.

It is very good and highly medicinal. I started smoking at a very tender age and up till now, I am still intact, I am even better than some people that do not take it. Whenever I want to be in my best mood, I normally go for that. I talk less when I smoke and I think more. You can’t say I have quarrelled with you after smoking, why would you not want me to smoke since it is good for my own health?, ” he said.

Peter also insists that as far as he is concerned, he doesn’t think anything can make him not to do his thing.

While some seem to applaud this weed, Kunle, a graduate of Lagos State University, LASU, has a different side to this story. He strongly believes that behind every big crime committed in an area, you’d find out that most perpetrators of the crime are Marijuana smokers and in most cases, they smoked before executing their crime. In his words,

“ Why would a normal man  tell me that Marijuana is good for health when most criminals are smokers of marijuana. Though I have not tasted that before , I know and people around me know that Igboo inspires people to think about crime, it has no positive inspiration,” Kunle cautioned.

According to Kunle, if there is a way to stamp out the intake of this weed, we are going to find out that there will be higher rate of responsible youths.

“Many youths are out of school because they joined their friends in taking what they know is not good for their health. Generally, smoking is not good for health. I have this young and vibrant dude in my village, he is one of the boys I respected so much. But, where is he today?

He now walks about the village mad, no thanks to Marijuana. When he started this earlier, everybody in the village were against that.He was warned to desist from  it, but youthful exuberance led him to that. Now he has ruined his future. I will advise youths to stay away from that. It has no nutritional value. Anybody that says Igboo is good for health is a liar. Parents should warn their children to desist from this act.”

Teenage boy stowed away in Arik flight to Lagos

The teenage boy

BENIN -THERE was confusion Saturday at the Benin Airport and in what seems to be a serious security breach on a local flight, as a teenage boy stowed away allegedly in the tyre hold of an Arik Aircraft from Benin to Lagos.

The Aircraft with registration number, 5N-MJG Flight 44, left Benin Airport at 9am for Lagos. Top officials of the Edo state government were on board the airline. Passengers aboard the airline were shocked when security agents found the teenager at the Lagos Airport after the aircraft landed.

Though none of the officials at the Benin Airport agreed to comment on the issue, but  Vanguard observed that the teenager whose name is yet to be ascertained may have entered the airport through the Akenzua road axis due to lack of perimeter fencing at the Airport.

Arsenal trash Fulham 3 – 1

Lukas Podolski claimed a brace as Arsenal kicked their Premier League campaign into gear on Saturday with a 3-1 win over Fulham at a sodden Craven Cottage.

Arsene Wenger’s side were beaten at home by Aston Villa on the season’s opening day, but they beat Fenerbahce 3-0 in mid-week in the first leg of their Champions League play-off and carried that momentum into Saturday’s game.

Heavy downpours in west London made for a saturated playing surface, but it did not stop Arsenal taking the lead in the 14 minute when Olivier Giroud gathered a low shot from Aaron Ramsey and stabbed the ball past Fulham goalkeeper David Stockdale.

Podolski made it 2-0 four minutes before half-time when he side-footed home after Stockdale saved from Theo Walcott, and the Germany forward sealed victory in the 68th minute by gathering a pass from Santi Cazorla and arrowing a shot into the bottom-right corner.

Darren Bent pulled one back for the hosts in the 77th minute, tapping in a low cross from Dimitar Berbatov to mark his debut with a goal following his loan move from Villa.

“It’s never easy to play way or win away and we did it in a convincing way,” Arsenal manager Wenger told BT Sport.

“We had a disappointing result against Villa and it was important to respond, and we’ve had two convincing wins, first against Fenerbahce and again today here.”

Roberto Martinez will experience his first competitive home game as Everton manager later on Saturday when his new side welcome West Bromwich Albion to Goodison Park.

West Brom striker Nicolas Anelka will not feature after he was granted compassionate leave following the death of his close friend, the agent Eric Manasse.

Newcastle United will attempt to bounce back from their 4-0 thrashing at Manchester City when they take on West Ham United, while the late game sees Villa tackle Liverpool at Villa Park.

On Sunday, City visit Cardiff City and Tottenham Hotspur host Swansea City, before the first major head-to-head meeting of the campaign on Monday, when Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea travel to champions Manchester United.

flights resume at Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu today

With the commencement of flight operations by the Ethiopian Airlines at the recently upgraded Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu today, businessmen and other travellers from all the states of the South East as well as Edo and Delta now have the option of making their international travels through Enugu, rather than far away Lagos and Abuja airports as has previously been the case.

This much was the position canvassed by the General Manager, Corporate Communication, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Yakubu Dati, while reacting to questions on the development. According to him, the operation of Ethiopian Airlines into Enugu will be the satisfaction of an enduring call from the people of the South East who have for many years clamoured for an international airport for the zone, which they believe will reinforce the resourcefulness of the people, who are known for their entrepreneurship  and trade.

Akanu Ibiam International Airport , Enugu terminal building inset Governor Sullivan Chime
Akanu Ibiam International Airport , Enugu terminal building inset Governor Sullivan Chime
Continuing, he noted that, henceforth, businessmen and other travellers from Enugu, Aba, Abakaliki, Onitsha, Owerri, Umuahia and as far as Asaba and Benin will be saved the distress of travelling for hours to Lagos and Abuja to board international flights, trips that are sometimes fraught with problems, including dangers on the road as they fight for time to catch their flights to international destinations.

“Many of the passengers have lost their goods on transit as they convey them from these cities to their final destinations on their arrival from their overseas trips,” he said.

Dati who went at length to explain the level of work done at both the domestic and international airports noted thus:  “The Jonathan administration has fulfilled its promise of giving every part of the country equal opportunity to develop and realise its dreams. Few months ago, the President unveiled the domestic terminal at the airport and also laid foundation for the building of international terminal, which work is in progress.” He went down memory lane to disclose that the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu was designed and built by former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme at the age of 26, adding that it is historical that his vision of many years ago is now being fulfilled.

“This Minister of Aviation has shown her determination to actualise the goals of the aviation master plan which the Jonathan administration has pegged its transformation agenda which objectives include giving every part of the country and every citizen the opportunity to grow to his full potential. With the international flight operations at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, a novel opportunity has been given to the people of the South East zone to expand their business horizon without stress and the inconveniences of having to travel far to board international flights,” he said.

This same optimism was also shared by former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani. According to him, it’s a new chapter of social and economic development not just for the state but for the entire South east region.

Nnamani who would not hide his pleasure at what has happened said thus: “This is a milestone for Enugu and we cannot down play it. Remember that Enugu was the capital of the old Eastern Region. So this development would open up not just Enugu but other surrounding areas.” Commending the efforts of the Aviation Minister, he said: “This project had been in the budget of several administrations.

I commend the Jonathan administration for making this a reality and the Aviation Minister for bringing to pass the dream of several administrations. Planning is good but when it’s not funded, it remains just that -planning. It’s a good development indeed,” he noted again as he rang off.

For Mr. Clement Udegbe, a Lagos based lawyer, the idea and action is very welcome. And like Oliver Twist, he asked for more. “It remains to give the South East zone a seaport that is worth their while, and Rail linkage to all state capitals in the South east. I don’t fly always because of costs. I am more on the road, and the roads are a big challenge”.

Travel expert, Ikechi Uko described the operation of international flights from Enugu airport as opening up a business hub which was latent in the past and predicted that other airlines from the Middle East and Africa would soon start operation from Enugu, thereby making the Coal City a sub-hub for international commercial flights for business.  So, as operations begin today, the months ahead would tell if there would be continued songs of joy.

Monalisa Chinda and Lanre Nzeribe break up: FOA Exclusive

After dating for almost a year and a half, actress Monalisa Chinda and business man Lanre Nzeribe 

have called it quits and this is authoritative. According to sources close to the actress, 

Monalisa walked out of the relationship about a month ago. Why they really broke up is of course 

only known to both of them but we know there was a lot of disagreement about a business venture 

they were to start together. Monalisa and Lanre were working on a magazine called Monalisa before 

their break up. They already got an office at Chase Mall on Adetokunbo Ademola street in VI, 

employed staff and even worked on the first edition of the mag before they went their separate 

ways. More to come...

Ben Affleck to play Batman in 'Man of Steel' sequel

I know, right? Ben Affleck as Batman? Warner Bros. announced yesterday Thursday August 22nd that Ben Affleck will take over Christian Bale's role as Batman in the sequel to the Superman movie "Man of Steel." which will be released in 2015.

Just like some of you, millions of Batman fans are against him playing the role and have asked Warner Bros to drop him or they will boycott the movie.

There's already a petition on Change.org for Warner Bros to drop Affleck; a petition that already has over 10,000 signatures. What do you think of Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne? See what others think..

 Lol. The petition...

 

This casting move is only okay if Matt Damon plays Robin

Gotham isn’t Boston

Tonto Dikeh's father comes through for her

Tonto posted this pic of herself and her father on her instagram page and talked about him coming through for her. She wrote:

"He really doez look cluelezz,He iz ma Mother n Father**Shoutout to d buziezt mozt lovin Papa Eva for cominthru**#MaKing #MaBaby #MaLife #Love #Tnx4BindereMom/Da

I didn’t have sex with Beverly – Angelo

Though it is widely believed that the South African housemate, Angelo, had sex with the Nigerian housemate, Beverly, in the ongoing Big Brother Africareality show, the dreadlocked guy has denied it. He said they were ‘just kissing’.

Speaking to Saturday Beats on the phone earlier in the week, after being evicted from the show, Angelo said, “We didn’t have sex. We talked about it. There were some things I said I wasn’t going to do in the house. I respect my mum so much.  Before I got into the house, there were things I told my mummy I wasn’t going to do. I wasn’t butt naked. It looked as if we were having sex in that bathtub. We were just kissing. I couldn’t take advantage of Beverly because I respect her so much.”

Respect is not the only thing Angelo has for the Nigerian lady. Angelo also confirmed that he is in love with her and intends to pursue the relationship.

“We will try and work things out and see how we can make our relationship work. At the same time, I hope the people of Nigeria don’t hate Bev.  I would love to come to Nigeria and experience Nigerian culture and take lots of pepper,” he said.

Now that he is out of the house, so many people feel the South African will go back to the girlfriend he left behind before BBA. But he said he wasn’t in any relationship before he got into the show.

“I didn’t have a girlfriend before I got into the house, but I had someone I told to wait for me so that we would see what would happen when I get out of the house. I will be focused on what I want to do as a person and then focus on my relationship with Bev and see where we will take it to,” he said.

No matter his feelings for Beverly though, Angelo said he hopes Melvin, the other Nigerian housemate, comes out tops in the show.

“Melvin is very humble and he is not a selfish person. I wish he wins. I think he is a stronger competition than Beverly,” he said.

Meanwhile, the show ends tomorrow with Elikem, Cleo, Dillish, Melvin and Beverly as the finalists.

Doctor warns Vast of Bracket group to Stay away from unprotected sex,

Vast and Smash became popular with their hit banger, Yori Yori. As such, it was a big blow to his fans when the story that he was diagnosed with cancer hit the newsstand.

Some pictures of him looking very ill went viral and the singer said the development saddened him.

“When the picture leaked, we were not happy initially. I was very skinny but when I saw the response from the fans, I was shocked. I did not know people liked me that much. Trust me; there was a female fan that said that if I died, she was going to die. I nearly cried and said God, if you save me, I would make these people one of the happiest people on earth. That was why I went to the studio and began singing like I never did before. I took myself back to the days when we sang ‘Yori Yori’,” he said.

Recounting how it began, the dark-skinned singer said he thought it was fever. It was when they went to London for an extensive test that they knew what was wrong with him.

The young man narrated his ordeal.

He said, “It all started when we went on an American tour and I started feeling feverish. I found myself taking my bath with hot water even on a very hot day. That was when I started noticing something was wrong. I noticed that whenever I drank alcohol, the fever would come in an aggressive way. I eventually went to a hospital in London. The doctor told me not to worry that everything would be fine. He said to start the treatment, they would have to do something that would allow them take something from my spine. It was a very painful procedure.”

He told Saturday Beats that there were times when he felt like he was dying.

“There was a time that I felt I would die. My only fear was that I was not close to God. I was afraid that if I died, I would not make it to heaven. We musicians have a particular lifestyle. You may plan to be upright, but when you go into entertainment business, it would change you. I was regretting that I was not close to God. I did not want to go to hell. I felt so happy that I survived,” he said.

Assured that he is healed, he said that at the end of the treatment, he did a blood test and they said he was okay. The singer told Saturday Beats that the treatment cost him about £58,000. He was supported by some close friends like P-Square, KCee, Flavour and a London-based friend, Ugonna, who offered them both accommodation and about £30,000.

 “After the treatment, I did two other tests and the doctors confirmed that I was okay. After three months, I am meant to go for a PET scan. I could remember that before the treatment, we had a meeting and agreed that we had to bring £50,000. After the seventh chemotherapy session, the whole money finished. They had to send more £8,000 into the account I was using. The last time I went to withdraw money, what was left there was £120. So I used about £58,000,” the singer said.

 He told Saturday Beats that the doctors warned him to stay away from unprotected sex for about three months. They said if he impregnates a girl, the baby may not form normally as he still has residues of the chemotherapy in his system.