YES INTERNATIONAL AWARDED MOST PROMISING SOF SELL MAGAZINE!

writes Desmond Ike

Azuh Arinze recieves award from Ejiro Okhurame

Barely three months after it's debut, Yes International Magazine, edited by one of Nigeria's finest journalist and former editor of Encomium weekly magazine, penultimate week was awarded, most promising soft sell magazine of the year at the just concluded, 5th  Media Niteout Awards. The magazine which slogan is more than just a soft sell, have done great  in terms of quality reporting and first class interviews. Speaking with the Editor-in-chief, Mr. Azuh Arinze recently in Lagos Nigeria, he emphasized that the ethics and values of journalism and quality reporting in the country seem to be going down the drain, and as such, Yes International have come to rekindle and bring back the lost glory in Nigerian journalism. Also awarded at the event were City People's fashion and style Editor, Bola Akinboade,  Fashion writer of the year, Dayo Badmus of Nigerian Pilot Newspapers, entertainment writer of the year, among others.

Bola Akinboade receives award from Akeem Raman

Yes International first hit  news stands on June 21, 2011 and have since then kept the flag flying. Stay tunned, as Yes International celebrate it's first 100 days, come September 29, 2011.

Nnadi Dumkene, flaunts Yes award

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ADUNNI BANKOLE SURVIVES HEART ATACK

There is sure a moment of Joy in the household of the Bankole’s, as one of their own, Chief Mrs. Adunni Bankole survived a severe heart attack which occurred last week Thursday, September 15, 2011.

The incident which saw the amiable hardworking step mum of ex-speaker, of the house of representative, Dimeji Bankole being rushed to a nearby private hospital, who after analyzing her state of health, referred her straight to Lagos state University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH,    were she was revived, was said to be put under control after several hours of intense effort by medical practitioners in LASUTH. The Iyalode, as Aduni Bankole is fondly called among her circle of friends as you read this is still at LASUTH, where is said to be responding to treatment.

Adunni Bankole is among the movers and shakers of today’s society scene and is happily married to the Oluwo of Egbaland, Chief Alani Bankole .

-Desmond Ike 

OMOTOLA DEBUNKS ACCIDENT RUMOUR...says I'M Blessed and Totally Fine

Omotola Jalade-Ekehinde

Writes Desmond Ike
Just few hours after midday, today, September 17, 2011 came this shocking and disheartning rumour, that Diva, Omotola Jalade Ekehinde was involved in a fatal car accident. Not long after the rumour passed around, did panic and tension grippe everyone about the true state of the actress, who have put in over a decade in the make believe industry.
For the sake of clarity,  when contacted, Omotola took to her Twitter account, @realomosexy and Tweeted, 'Those of you who come alive and enjoy hearing bad news, caution yourselves. I am blessed and totally fine'.

To further authenticate that  Omosexy, as she is fondly addressed, was hale and hearty, her PR company, Bigsam Media, few minuites after Tweeted, 'Omotola Jalade Ekeinde is very okay. Hale and hearty. She's in Lagos not Abuja, not involved in any accident as 'rumoured'. Thanks 4 d love

While it's yet unclear, how the whole rumour generated, but it is believed that some mischief makers who perhaps are jobless are responsible.

Users of Social networking sites such as, facebook and Twitter especially, are hereby advised to make good use of the medium for broadcasting authentic reports not baseless and alarming ones like the above mentioned.

NOLLYWOOD WELCOME ONYI ALEX ...I AM NOT A LESBIAN -Onyi

Onyii Alex

The second largest  movie producing industry in the world, Nollywood, is set to witness a reform, with the impressive rising profile of delactable, fast rising  actress ONYII ALEX.

 her debut into Nollywood was in her first movie, 3some in, August 2010

The beauty and brainny actress who also have movies like,  'Miss Fashion, Fashion Parade, Dirty Dancers, My Dying Day, Over The Moon and ofcourse the hottest movie on sale right now 'Sweetest Fruit to her credit, in this brief chart REPORTNIGERIA, adressed the issue of lesbianism on her recently.  'I'm not a lesbian, I dont knwo why people keep associating me with lesbianism. I might have played some dirty roles in movies, but thats far from reality, it's in the movies, she explaines'. 

Onyii Alex whose impressive profile in Nollywood is credited to Veteran producer/director, Vera Kanu, her role model,  who will stop at nothing, to make roles available for her in blockbuster movies like the afore. 

Onyii Alex have had the opprtunity of working with senior coleagues like, TONTO DIKE, MUNA OBIEKWE, Ghanain actress, MAYIER JOHANNESS. Once again, watch out for Onyii Alex, as she stares in  VERA KANU's forthcoming   movie,  'BEATIFUL EVIL and FACE of EVIL.

OAP MATSE QUITES WAZOBIA FOR NIGERIA INFO

Wazobia OAP,  Matse Uwatse we heard have  quit  Wazobia FM.

The news of her departure from Wazobia Fm was broke by Matse on her Twitter, on Saturday, September 17, 2011 and had eversince not stopped amazing her numerous fans and colleagues according to our source. She tweeted via her handle @Matse1 at 10:18am: ‘Pips! I’m no longer with 95.1 Wazobia FM. I want to thank U for the unconditional love U’ve shown me. I really appreciate U’all. God bless’.In response to a message to the award winning OAP, she said I’m moving on to something else, something that I always wanted to do’. She went on, ‘It’s not about salary, it’s about growth. It’s been four amazing years, it’s time for me to grow.’

Matse’s Twitter profile suggests she has gained employment at a new radio station called with 93.9 Nigeria Info. NET gathered that the new radio station is run by owners of Cool FM and Wazobia FM.

The OAP also confirmed her new job status. ‘Yes, I now work at 93.9 Nigeria Info, the station is more like CNN or BBC on radio, it’s all about news, talk shows etc’. Matse also tells us she will be dropping the ‘Pidgin English’ and resume speaking in English language.

Matse whom we heard has been promoted in her new place of work, have our best of wishes to this.

MC LOPH, ONLY SISTER DIE IN AUTO CRASH

This is yet another season of grief for Nigerian entertainment industry.
Barely have the remains of late singer Christy Essien-Igbokwe settled and we’re confronted with another death. Eastern rapper, MC Loph is death.
MC Loph, whose real names are, Obiajulu Kenneth Nwaozor, made his way to fame after releasing a  the remix edition of  Late Osita Osadebe’s ‘Osondi Owendi’.
following the information within our reach, the singer was said to be driving down to the East along the Benin/Ore road when, his automobile crashed early Wednesday, September 14, 2011.
Loph was in the company of his sister and fiancée who was supposed to become his bride in a few days after. His bride-to-be survived the accident while his only sibling died.
Multiple sources including a certain Andy Bello, who was scheduled to be at the quiet traditional wedding of the late rapper at the weekend, confirmed the accident. We’re told Loph died on the spot.
According to his close friend Soso, who spoke with the late singer less than 30minutes before the accident, MC Loph was indeed on a journey to the Eastern part of the country. ‘I’m really shocked. I just spoke with him less than thirty minutes before an FRSC official called me. Then a policeman too called to confirm. I don’t believe this'.
Soso was the first to be called by officials about Loph after the accident since his number was the deceased’s last dialled.
Radio presenter, Yaw who broke the news on Twitter said in a phone conversation that he was informed by a fellow church member of the deceased. ‘He’s an only son and he has an only sister. They were travelling together with his fiancée for his traditional wedding this weekend oh!. His sister died too but the fiancée broke her arm. His phone is still with the FRSC. The last time I asked I was told his (late) sister’s husband was on his way to the scene of the accident‘.
The late rapper is said to have recently put pen to paper with a record label that presented him the car he was driving when he had the accident. His last public appearance was at Capital Oil boss, Ifeanyi Uba’s 40th birthday which held at the Eko Hotel and Suits, Lagos on Sunday, September 4, 2011. According to Yaw who invited Loph to the event, he came late so he couldn’t perform. ‘Niga Raw and I still talked about him yesterday. In fact Loph told me that Sunday that his new single would be ready on Monday (three days ago) and that he would bring me a copy but he didn’t before his trip. In fact, it’s really sad’, he concluded.
Singer KC Okonkwo formerly of KC Presh said over the phone, ‘I’m crying. I’m tired of we losing young entertainers.’
We have not been able to reach family members, close relatives or law enforcement agents for a confirmation of the incident. The deceased’s phone, which, according to Yaw, has remained in the possession of law enforcement agents, is currently switched off.
Torrents of messages pouring in from colleagues on social network Twitter and BlackBerry Messenger make it impossible not to grieve
Entertainment personalities have taken to Social networks to express their grief. The first was popular OAP Yaw who took to his Twitter account to express his grief as he tweeted ‘Death wetin happen ooooo, MC Loph…’.
Ruggedman followed God you alone know the beginning (of) all man. I can’t question you but can only be happy about the good times Mc Loph spent on earth’. Goldie added ‘I just heard that Mc Loph of Osondi Owendu fame has passed. I hope to God it’s not true. The deaths in our industry are becoming scary sha.’
Sound Sultan too tweeted ‘Rest in Peace my brother Mc Loph ..a good friend of mine ‘Just Heard about MC Loph.. Really SAD!!! *tears in my heart* As some celebrate Birthdays, some mourn Deaths @ the same time.. #IronyOfLife‘, comedian, Jedi tweeted.
Obiwon went down memory lane with his own tweet ‘Met you @ my 1st stage act when I was 17,now you’re gone.Adieu MC Loph.I pray your family finds supernatural strength to endure this tragedy‘.
MC Loph who is known to rhyme in Igbo dialect started rapping from his secondary school days in the East. He attended the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
He is credited with two albums ‘Wrekognize’ and ‘Hands up’ which spurned the hit song ‘Osondi Owendi’ featuring fellow Eastern singer Flavour. Both albums were released under EastSyde Records. The rapper before his death worked with other acts like Flavour, Blackface, Faze, Mr. Raw, and a few others.

TERRY G ESCAPES JOS BOB BLAST

To say that entire house of Ginja, headed by crooner Terry G have a reason to offering a healtfelt thanksgiving to God will mean reciting the known.
The Akpako master escaped the last twin bomb blast which exploded at about 8:30pm of Sunday September 11th, 2011 at West of Mines area of Jos near the Joseph Gomwalk House, the tallest building in Jos. Also located in the neighbourhood are the state-owned newspapers, a popular chicken joint and housing estate.

Terry G who disclosed these at a hangover party at the popular Ibari Ogwa village that played a host to all the globacom crew, stressed that he was to be in Jos at the popular chicken joint, but due to change of date, he had to front for the globacom show that held in Owerri.

Speaking on the same vein is the Nigeria scintillating comedian, 2 Can Talk who also confirmed that “Terry G was invited for a show in Jos, he stated, we got an invitation from the glo management and we had to head for Owerri. And when I called him up for performances, he gave me his phone and took the microphone; shortly after there came an alert about the bomb blast. And that was immediately he climbed the stage”,.

The unanswered question on the lips many remains, 'who will restore peace to our once peaceful plateau'?

U- TUNEZ REDEFINES GOSPEL MUSIC WITH MOVING TRAIN

The duo of Rekoh and Ugee, better addressedvas U- TUNEZ by friends and colleagues, penultimate week launched into the Naija music market. The highly anticipated and much talked about gospel album titled The Moving Train was officially launched at Bar Continental, located on Isaac johns street, G.R.A Ikeja Lagos.
U-tunez is a group of two young talented and creative minded musician Uwem Anthony Udoh with stage name, Rekoh and Okereafor Ekezie Ugochukwu, stage name, Ugee both started their music carrier as Instrumentalists, four years ago at Christ Embassy.

The album Moving Train can boast of hit tracs like Do something and Oluwa tise, with the videos toppping the chart on TV stations across the country.

DURELLA FEATURES FEMI KUTI IN BACK 2 SENDER

Durella collaborates with Afrobeat Legend Femi Kuti on this new tune “Back 2 Sender”. This song was recently recorded at the “Afrika Shrine” as part of Femi Kuti’s efforts to support younger Nigerian musicians (we’re told a Femi Kuti and Duncan Mighty collabo is also in the works).
Durella is working on releasing a new album titled “Back/Better/Bada”. Expect more heat from him in the very near future. For Femi Kuti, he is gradually living his dreams of becoming a hip-hop and rap artist, all the best.

MODE 9-WE DEY GRIND IT FEATURING SUSPECT

Modenine is fierce on this new video for the song “We Dey Grind” featuring Suspect and R-Cube. Nigeria’s best lyricist continues to defy the odds by remaining relevant in the game and churning out proper hiphop songs and not conforming to the pop market demands.
“We Dey Grind” will more than likely appear on Mode9′s “Commercial Break” album. iCan’t wait! 
Video Directed by Clarence Peters.

S2DB UNVAILS SLEEQ AND JUMABEE

An Abuja based Music label –Sleeq To The Bone(S2DB)  says come 17 of September 2010 it will change the land scape of the Nigerian music industry with the launch of its two leading acts  Jumabee and Sleek.

The two brothers who have been into music and event planing for over eight years have recorded  different levels of their career.

Jumabee who has recorded and released Sugar Banana was voted best new act in Benue State at a music award organized by Benue State Government in 2010. As his ‘Sugar Banana’ track saw him perform a good number of shows at the last edition of Glo Naija. Sleeq who doubles as the CEO of Sleeq has been involved in music and event promotions for years and will be teaming up with Lagos street wear designer Nack to stage a fashion and music concert in the Federal Capital on the 17 of August.

Speaking on why he signed his younger Brother to his label Sleeq had this to say ‘music runs in our blood and it is what we have always wanted to do, but after a few bad experiences with different  producers, promoters and record labels we decided to put our act together and begin our own label, because the talent and blood we share will help us look out for each other and live our dream ‘

Jumabee and Sleekqare first cousins of Kennis music signing Jaywon.

EXCLUSIVE: EGO OMALICHA ESCAPES GHASTLY MOTOR ACCIDENT

Sultry singer,  Ego Omalicha is counting herself the luckiest soul on the surface of the earth after she escaped without a crash in auto accident that would have claimed her life early on Monday morning.

The Question Mark act that was driving from Victoria Island to Ogna area in Ikeja to keep an appointment with music video director Akin Alabi had the bad experience on third mainland bridge in Lagos Nigeria. Our witnesses say Ego who was driving to the mainland in the company of her Manger Esse cannot tell till this moment how the front tyre of her Honda CRV detached from the car.

As the tyre spat off it took a God’s grace and some calmness to control the car and bring it to a halt.

When we got in touch with Ego on phone she had this to say, “I was going to Akin Alabi, to attend the production meeting that will help us shoot the video of my new single” alcohol”, when the front tyre of my car disengaged and ran across the road, it was only God that helped the car from straying into the ocean. I am still in shock just help me thank God.”

Did Ego sustain any injury and what is the next step for her? We inquired. I  am very fine nothing happened to me, my manager Esse is also fine. For my music nothing can stop me. I am attending the production meeting tomorrow because I am ready to give the video of my new song-“alcohol the very best of me.” She concluded.       

–Odu Black 

BEHOLD THE NEW COVER OF YES INTERNATIONAL! MAGAZINE

Now on new stands. Get a copy now!

British King of Fashion storms Nigeria …Rides into Lagos in style, hosts maiden Int’l luxury trunk show

HISTORY is about to be rekindled in Nigeria’s fashion industry come September 28 in Lagos, as Francis Udom and Bunmi Olaye a.k.a., Bunmi Koko, Nigerian award-winning fashion experts in London, friends of Prince Nduka Obaigbena, The Duke, Publisher of ThisDAY newspapers and President, Nigerian Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), a household name in couture garments and evening wear with a feel of Nigeria/Scottish culture in Europe and America will showcase their talents.

150 top celebrities ready for the show

In an exclusive interview with our correspondent, Bunmi Koko explained that as at today, his management has received assurance from 150 top celebrities in the political circles, business sector and entertainment industry that are ready to witness the ‘magic of his trends,’ in Lagos. His words: “It is a world class fashion show for the elites in the Nigerian political, business, entertainment sectors who appreciates the power of style, elegance and panache.” 

High Expectation for the event…

The event will include a seminar on “how to be successful in the creative industry” and talks with our Nigerian born Creative Director, Bunmi Olaye – “From college to runway” and how you can too. This is designed to help and encourage those people wanting a break into the creative industry and also help people understand about the industry.

There will be a talk/session by International Colour Coach – Alexandra Agboke (Former London’s West End Star who starred in the hit musical “The Lion King” and has a vision to help women worldwide discover and fulfill their destiny). A very special guest who will also be in attendance is Senator Florence Ita Giwa, to be assisted by Theodora Ibekwe, an upwardly rising entertainment specialist.

Also on the agenda will be Private Bunmi Koko Bridal and Couture Consultations (For Brides, Bridesmaids and Mother of the Brides with 30% discount on all orders placed).

The brands new Bridal designs produced ahead of the Royal Wedding of HRH Duke of Cambridge and HRH Duchess of Cambridge after Bunmi was invited to give comment on the ITV Royal Wedding Coverage and presenting her designs for The Royal Bride will be shown. Please see www.bunmikoko.com

As well as this, there will also be exclusive champagne receptions, canapes and an exclusive chance to purchase from the Bunmi Koko collections with discount on ready to wear stock available at the time, up to 50% off. There will also be a final trunk show/sale in the evening open to guests. The sale will feature items from all three Bunmi Koko collections, Geishas Reform, Matriarchy and Kaleidoscopia.

Due to the huge demand for this rare chance, these appointments will only be available on a first come first served basis. Tickets for this exclusive high profile fashion experience are £100 only. This includes access to all day Bunmi Koko event.

Registration

·         You have to be registered by email through our Event Management company – events@eagleandthistle.com, by stating your full name, contact address and telephone numbers etc

·         A ticket of £100 or equivalent in Naira or dollars for this exclusive event is non refundable

·         A proof of payment, a valid ticket and a proof of identity at the door before entry

Early reservation is recommended. Please contact Danielle Jennings - press@eagleandthistle.com for reservation forms. Venue details and sponsors will be announced in mid September

Show train moves from New York, to South Africa & Nigeria

Koko, acclaimed by Western press for his exotic designs and prestigious press coverage further New York is presently playing host to his exquisite designs, while the fashion train will berth in South Africa by September 23 and move to Nigeria just five days later in a show that will be a talk-of-the-town for a long time to come.

Background of Bunmi Koko

Bunmi Koko is an international award winning luxury fashion and lifestyle brand based in London with a Nigerian/Scottish heritage. They specialize in ready to wear and couture garments for bridal and eveningwear and special corporate gift designs.

Designs for Michelle Obama, Nelson Mandela, Others

Bunmi Koko has rocked the fashion world with highly acclaimed fashion shows and prestigious press coverage. His designs have also caught attention of numerous celebrities and fashion icons including First Lady Michelle Obama, Her Royal Highness, Duchess of Cornwall, The Duchess of Cambridge and Nelson Mandela.

Bunmi Koko was also invited by His Royal Highness, The Prince Of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall to represent Africa at a reception held to celebrate West African Culture at the St. James palace on 20th July, 2011.

Most recently Bunmi Olaye, Creative Director at Bunmi Koko, was requested to join the panel during the ITV Royal Wedding Coverage to discuss the fashion of the day and most importantly, to comment on the most anticipated dress of the decade, the wedding dress of the new Duchess of Cambridge.

Fashion History

Based in London, the brand designs stem from Bunmi's and Francis’ Nigerian/Scottish heritage. Bunmi Koko also stresses “diversity and inclusion” as part of their mission statement. The joint work of Bunmi and Francis has resulted in the creation of Longitudinal Caissons: a new method of creating tubular silhouettes in fabric. In addition to that, print technology is a key strength and unique selling point for the brand. This is due to the fusion of Bunmi’s fashion skills and Francis’ engineering skills, resulting in innovative and structured designs which caught the attention of a growing number of celebrities including former Spice Girl Mel B, Michelle Obama, members of Destiny's Child, top fashion writers like award-winning Fashion Director of The Telegraph, Hilary Alexander. In the second year, The Bunmi Koko brand became one of the most talked about emerging brands.

The profile

Bunmi Olaye was born in Nigeria and came to the United Kingdom (UK) to study at St Margaret's School, Bushey in Hertfordshire. Her first fashion degree was an undergraduate foundation course at Wimbledon School of Art where she gained a National Diploma in Art & Design. She went straight on to study Fashion Promotion at the Kent Institute of Art & Design, which led to her working as a fashion stylist and illustrator in London. Bunmi then went on to work for luxury companies such as Anne Fontaine, Harrods and Prada before going back to study at the London College of Fashion, where she undertook the FdA Styling & Photography course.

She also ventured off to take a Fashion Design & Marketing Degree at the University of East London, where she was awarded a special prize for Female Entrepreneurship in 2010 and currently appointed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Patrick McGhee, as their ambassador for Female Entrepreneurship. Whilst studying, she made clothes for individual clients, most notably former Spice Girl - Mel B and in her sandwich year, she worked with couture designer Allison Rodger and Alexander McQueen and the luxury fashion brand Louis Vuitton under the LVMH group. While in Aberdeen, Bunmi Olaye met Scottish based engineer, Francis Udom (CEO) and their union inspired them both to start Bunmi Koko. Bunmi is now the Creative Director of the luxury brand, Bunmi Koko.

Where to track the works of Bunmi Koko

Below are some of the websites you can visit to track the electrifying works of this great Nigerian nominated as finalists for The Scottish Fashion Awards for Retailer of the Year along with many other celebrated awards such as Winner of Emerging Designer at the African Fashion Awards 2010 and voted into the Power List 2011 – nominated as finalists for The Scottish Fashion Awards for Retailer of the Year along with many other celebrated awards such as Winner of Emerging Designer at the African Fashion Awards 2010. He was also voted into the Power List 2011 – Britain’s 100 Most Influential

Black People sponsored by J.P. Morgan. The links are: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCek8tnSrbo, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gKF6Of09II&feature=related, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fepELnRpTA0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHmslwvJGjk

Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week contract

As a result of these huge achievements, Koko has been given a show slot in Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week to showcase the new marine inspired collection which will be unveiled on September 15, 2011.  According to Koko, “We will be showcasing this collection in both London and Paris too, which is an extremely exciting opportunity for us to be invited to such prestigious events.”

For the records, just last year, his fashion house showcased ‘Matriarchy collection’, after the huge support his firm received. They were honoured to receive a personal invite to meet with Nelson Mandela at his private home in Johannesburg, which led them to collaborate with the United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP). The UNWFP was introduced to them by Josette Sheeran, Executive Director of WFP with the initiative to ‘Fill the Cup’, which his firm championed.