Banky W: ‘No Album From Me Until 9ja Settles Down’

Nigerian R&B singer and EME boss Banky W has pushed back the release of his new album in support of the ongoing nationwide strike.
Mr W was scheduled to release his fourth album ‘R&BW‘ on Valentine’s Day Tuesday, February 14, 2012. But he says he has put a halt on releasing any new materials including singles and videos until ‘things start to look better’.
‘In other news, #R&BW won’t be coming out on Feb 14th. I’ve suspended promoting/putting out new music until after things in 9ja settle down‘, @Bankyw tweeted.
‘Will drop singles and a video after things start to look better, but no more movement on #R&BW music. Some things r more important right now‘, he continued.
Banky W had marched along with protesters on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 from Maryland to the Gani Fawehinmi Park in support of the Occupy Nigeria protest.
The singer’s discography boasts of three previous albums: ‘Back in the Building‘, ‘Mr Capable‘ and ‘The W Experience‘.

SUBSIDY STRIKE: PHOTOS FROM DAY 4

By Victor Obot

DJ Atte, Omawumi and General Pype

The nationwide Labour Strike continued in its fourth day and more Nigerians came out en-masse to join the Occupy Nigeria movement with the sole intention of wanting the Federal government to revert the pump price of fuel to N65 per litre.

Our photographer paid a trip to Victoria Island where protesters including Nigerian entertainers made their way from Falomo to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Headquarters where they expressed their dislike for the station’s shameful coverage of the subsidy debate and protests.

Popular faces at the protest include Nollywood actors Kate Henshaw, Uche  Jombo, Ufuoma Ejenobor, musicians Sasha P, Omawumi, General Pype, Waje, Mr Kool, Ikechukwu, stand-up comic Ali Baba and  DJ Jimmy JATT.

‘We should not give up, we will fight to the end. We voted these people in, we are not their slaves‘, respected politician Pat Utomi said.

Meanwhile, protests continued in other parts of the country – with the numbers in Ojota, lagos, and Abuja totally unprecedented. There is still no sign of when the protests will end as negotiations between Labour and Federal government ended in deadlock tonight.

Check out a few photos below…

Occupy Nigeria: ‘Don’t Betray Our Trust’ Celebs Tell GEJ

Baba Suwe and Kunle Afolayan

‘Day 3 and We Are Not Leaving until Goodluck Answers Us’ read a poster a young boy carried yesterday, Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at the Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota Lagos, on the third day of the on-going Labour strike in reaction to the removal of Fuel subsidy in the country which took effect January 1, 2012.
Just like DAY 1, people gathered en masse to show support for the strike. Tens of thousands…
If anybody thought the attendance at the park on DAY 2 would probably be the highest, they will be surprised to see the number tripled. Yes, tens of thousands occupied the park eager to be heard as each person’s face bore its own frustrated look.
And as expected more celebs and dignitaries made their way to stage to either sing or encourage the crowd or do both…actors, singers, lawyers, doctors…you name it.
‘I never thought Nigerians can stand up against insensitive decisions. We trusted you, that’s why we voted for you, don’t betray our trust Goodluck’, Baba Suwe told the crowd.
The park which was already half-filled as at 9AM kept accommodating protesters as they strolled in even after noon. It was a busier affair at the park; some protesters carrying ‘made-up coffins’ with inscriptions on them, touts causing trouble at different places, food sellers setting up their goods, offering a quick meal, and marijuana sellers making big sales.
Actors Ayo Badmaus, Kunle Afolayan, Yomi Black, Toyin Aihmaku, Babtunde Omidina a.k.a Baba Suwe, Afrobeat acts Femi and Seun Kuti, Sir Shina Peters, pop singers AY.com, YQ, Skuki, Djinee, Fuji acts Saheed Osupa, Obesere, comedians Klint da drunk, Seyi Law and Princess are some of the entertainers who showed up at the protest on day 3.
Others include Segun Obe, Oritse Femi, Omobaba, Zee world, Klever Jay, Art-Quake, and Daddy Fresh who mingled with union leaders, pastors, Imams and lawyers on stage. Pastor Tunde Bakare, Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Garuba Ibrahim popular lawyers Festus Keyamo, Bamidele Aturu also made appearances.
In other parts of Lagos, at the Tafawa Balewa square, and at Falomo on Lagos island, Occupy Nigeria protesters also gathered in their thousands, all sending out same message to the federal government of Nigeria: revert the pump price of PMS to N65, cut excessive government spending, and eliminate corruption from the system.
The mass protest is going on simultaneously across the country, including the seat of power in Abuja. Citizens say they plan to continue today, even as a meeting between labour and government ended without any resolutions yesterday, as the federal government insists there’s no going back on the fuel subsidy removal.
There is no sign of the protesters calling it quits soon…

‘Wasteful Leadership Cannot Make Prudent Investments’ – Fela Durotoye

By Fela Durotoye

Since I got back into Nigeria yesterday, I have heard some preposterous arguments that the removal of the fuel subsidy will be justified by wise investments that will benefit all.

My response has been…How will a wasteful government suddenly realize the genius of prudence and making the right investment decisions simply because there is more money available from oil subsidy removal?

Will there be less graft and bribes involved in process of issuing the road contracts or power contracts?

Have we sought to honestly find every way we can plug wastage in our leaking economy before we ask a feeble populace to carry the burden of corruption and gross ineptitude of a gluttonous few?

Have the Presidency, the State & Local Governments and the Legislature discovered how to travel without a convoy of 20 cars to the airport?

Can the occupiers of these lofty positions act in honour as Barack Obama did in 2010 when he got every member of his cabinet to take a pay cut, starting with himself?

Within his first few days as British Prime Minister, David Cameron led the austerity cuts (upon his assumption) by cutting down his convoy to 2 cars and one outrider. The Members of Parliament in Britain are now only allowed 3rd class train tickets on official travel (as opposed to their traditional first class train ticket allowances). The Mayor of London now rides a bicycle to work.

Leadership by example!!!

How come our ‘leaders’ in government earn so much and still spend so much furnishing the same houses and offices they furnished with our money last year?

Do you furnish your office every year? Why should the President, Governor or Senate President?

Wasteful leadership cannot make prudent investments!!!!! Q.E.D

The change we need is not just policy. It’s in the quality of mind and persons at policy making positions.

That said, how will we effectively deliver sustainable desired-change?

History has taught us that governments increase fuel prices, the people fight, students riot, labour unions strike, and then after a couple of weeks, the government reduces the price but never to its original price…and everyone feels like a winner, but the poor know and experience the reality of the loss. Then we start the cycle all over again with another administration.

God bless everyone who has stood up against this unjust policy. I salute everyone who has risked their lives to Occupy Nigeria with the message that Enough is Enough.

Eedris Assaults Labelmate Jaywon

Seven years after the infamous airport altercation between Eedris Abdulkareem and G-Unit bodyguards, the troubled rapper has been involved in another major fight.
Multiple sources, including eye witnesses, have informed Nigerian Entertainment Today of a physical fight between two Kennis Music acts, rapper Eedris Abdulkareem and singer Jaywon.
Eedris and Jaywon amongst other artistes had attended and performed at a street carnival held in National Bank Estate, Satellite Town on Thursday, December 29, 2011.
Sources say after Jaywon’s performance, his excited fans had followed him to the bus which conveyed the acts to the show.
‘Eedris started insulting him. Jaywon didn’t want any drama, so he decided to get down from the bus so that things wouldn’t escalate’, an insider who would rather remain anonymous tells NET.
We’re told that didn’t stop Eedris from allegedly pouncing on the younger singer and raining blows on him as he stepped out of the bus. ‘Jaywon didn’t lift a hand and by the time Eedris was done, the poor boy had blood stains all over him‘, a source, who claims Jaywon was rushed to the hospital, told us last night.
Jaywon soon took to his Twitter account, saying ‘Funny how people that are supposed to be good role models turn out to be really ‘good’….#SMH’.
‘This iroko tree wasn’t planted by human so no evil shall befall me cuz am covered by the blood of the most high. #SMH’, he continued.
NET’s phone call to Jaywon was answered by the singer’s manager who confirmed that both acts were present at the carnival but says there was only a ‘misunderstanding’. ‘Jaywon is right now in Apapa for a show, he is fine’.
Those aware of the situation insist the unnamed manager is being economical with the truth.
Eedris is not new to brawls. On December 4, 2004, he was in a fight with G-Unit bodyguards aboard an ADC aircraft conveying the performing crew to Port Harcourt for the final leg of Star Megajam 2004. Eedris was occupying a business class seat reserved for 50 Cent.
The incident with 50 cent dented Eedris’ image, he became the media’s punching bag and poster child of irresponsibility. And his career suffered greatly for it.
Eedris did have something to say on his Twitter. ‘Don’t blv evrythn u read… Don’t blv rumours. Stay positive. 1luv’, @idris_Abdulkarm tweeted some hours ago.
‘I have no comments on that matter please’, label mate Capital F.E.M.I told NET in a phone conversation.
‘There was a misunderstanding but everything is under control’, KSB also spoke with NET.
Calls placed to Kennis Music boss Kenny Ogungbe didn’t go through and texts were not replied as at the time of this report.

Rick Ross Cancels Calabar Festival Performance

Rick Ross at Lil Wayne's album release party in August

Those who have been waiting for Rick Ross to make his high profile appearance at this year’s Cross River State ‘Calabar Christmas Festival’ will have their hopes dashed as it has been reported that the rapper has cancelled his trip.

Rick Ross, as announced earlier was supposed to perform at the festival on Wednesday, December 28, 2011. Already fellow Maimi-based singer Sean Kingston had performed at the festival on December 16 at the UJ Esuene Stadium.

Ross’ reps told hip hop news website Allhiphop.com that the Nigerian show has been cancelled due to ‘unfulfilled contractual obligations’.

The reps denied the Maybach Music Group (MMG) boss’ health was the reason behind the latest cancellation. Ross was forced to cancel several shows in October due to a pair of seizure attacks.

‘Rick was very excited to attend this event as it is the biggest festival in Nigeria and he is quite disappointed that he will not be performing’, a rep for Rick Ross said.

‘We aware of the situation and will put out an official statement later today. I can’t say anything for now’, Confidence Tawo, a member of the Events Management Department of the Cross River State Governor’s office told NET over the phone.

The Cross River State Calabar Christmas Festival which is one of Africa’s biggest carnival events kicked off on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 and has featured performances from Sean Kingston, Asa, Seun Kuti, Timaya and a host of other acts.

Diddy Ventures Into Tequilla Business

Entertainment mogul and three-time Grammy Award-winner Sean Combs, better known as Diddy is apparently about to extend his business ventures to include alcoholic beverage Tequila.
The Diddy Dirty Money front liner, whose foray into liquor branding began with popular premium vodka, Ciroc, in October 2007, is set to join hands with a ‘true tequila artist’ to promote the brand.
According to Diddy, ‘There isn’t one particular Tequilla that I love and I’ve been spending a lot of time in Mexico… So in the next year you will see me going toe to toe with John Paul (Jones Dejore) who owns Patron. I’ll be challenging him to make the best, smoothest and most authentic Tequilla in the world‘. The Patron Spirits Company sells more than 2 million cases of Tequila annually.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is reportedly the richest figure in entertainment with an estimated net worth of 500 million dollars according to Forbes latest rankings.

Mandela’s Grandson In Marital Controversies

The first wife of Nelson Mandela‘s grandson is on the move to have her husband’s wedding to a Swazi princess, Mbali Makhatini, annulled on the grounds that the pair is still legally married.
Mandla Mandela, 37, reportedly defied a court order recently placed on him barring him from entering into any protracted civil union while still legally married to Tando Mabunu Mandela, his first wife.
Tando has revealed that legal action is being taken on the controversial marriage which took place Saturday, December 24, 2011, at the Mveso Royal Palace in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.
‘You must remember that both Mandela and his new wife Nodiyala are both in contempt of court, they ignored a court order… I am busy drafting the papers‘, declared Wesley Hayes, legal counsel representing Ms Mandela.
Mandla Mandela, who is a Member of South African parliament, also had his marriage to a woman from the Reunion Islands annulled on the same grounds. He has been at the centre of a lagging divorce case with Tando Mabunu Mandela, his first and only wife, since May 2009.
SOURCE