Archive for June 2010
Ann and Andrew Wedding Reception in Dallas
Richardson, TX – It was surely a great day of joy and rejoicing as family and friends joined Ann and Andrew Idaho Omowunmi to a grand wedding reception.
Ann is a successful health care practitioner and has worked and lived in Dallas for several years. The easy going loving couple took time to mix with and greet guests who had come out to celebrate with them especially those from New York and beyond. Trendy Africa was on the scene to capture the cute moments.
Photos by Chibuzor Okonta; Executive Editor, Trendy Africa Media
Aby's 40th in Las Vegas: 2 days 3 events
Las Vegas – The pool side welcome reception was a great ignition to a fun weekend. The 56th floor roof top Voodoo lounge disco session revealed great dance steps and created an avenue for relieving the old fun times.
The main event at the Eastside Cannery Casino and hotel was breathtaking. Visit this link for more details soon but in the interim, enjoy the moments of the 2 day 3 event 40th birthday celebrations for Abimbola Jaiyesimi. Your comments will also add value. Cheers.
VIEW AND ORDER MORE PHOTOS HERE
Photo and story by Tosan Aduayi for Trendy Africa Media
P SQUARE begins North American tour with sensational Houston Show
HOUSTON – P Square, BET nominees for international act put up a great show in Houston as they set the stage on high pitch with their electrifying performance. The Houston show which was promoted by BIG A entertainment and CIBA entertainment served as a great start for a series of North American concerts.
Nigerian heart-throbs’ and multi-talented award winning music duo-group, P-Square can easily be labeled as multi-platinum recording artists’, proven to be one of the most promising R&B / Hip-Hop music artists/group out of the Nigerian music scene recently.
The identical twins; Peter and Paul club banger lyrics, upbeat love songs, and movement-inducing sounds are established on their worldwide acclaimed fourth debut hip-hop album titled, Danger, featuring collaborations with TuFace Idibia, J Martins and Frenzy.
Lagos-based CNN reporter, Christian Purefoy recent reports indicate that the album “Danger” received 3 million sales during the first 30 days of hitting the local market in Nigeria
P-Square’s junior studio best-selling album, Game Over, sold 8 million copies worldwide.
P SQUARE’S North America tour dates:
July 2nd, Houston, Texas “Avaya Center”
July 3rd, Angeles, California “Redondo Beach Performing art center”
July 9th, Oakland, California “Historic Sweet’s Ballroom”
July 10th, Minneapolis, Minnesota “MEC event center, Brooklyn center”
July 17th, Maryland “Bowie State university -James Gym”
July, 23rd Toronto Canada
July 24th Jamaica Queens, New York “Club Amazura”
Press Release by JTON productions
Mindy Kalu at 50: from Kansas with love
Kansas – Storm chasing had become a reality or so it seemed. As I exited the home of my host, the sight of thick dark clouds could not be ignored but little was I to know that a two hour rain storm was brewing. This was my first visit to Kansas with an electrifying experience as portrayed by the lightening Stokes that characterised the drive to my hotel.
For Mrs. Mindy Kalu, celebrant of the day, it must have been a great relief to see the sun shining over the horizon hours before her 50th birthday celebration. The party was a manifestation that; “Kansas ROCKS”. The colorful and orderly event epitomized the result of detailed planning. Every item on the event was followed chronologically. Beautiful people, colorful attires and a combination of exciting energy made the event a great one.
Report and photo by Tosan Aduayi for Trendy Africa Media.
Bongos Ikwue: The return of a Music Legend
WASHINGTON, DC – The mercurial legend Mr. Bongos Ikwue has returned to musical creativity after a successful pursuit in estate development. To mark this grand occasion, the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington DC played host to an exclusive listening cocktail on June 15th 2010.
For years, Bongos Ikwue has belonged to an exclusive class of world-renowned musicians such as Sunny Ade, Onyeka Owenu, Sir Victor Uwaifo and Sonny Okosun. His music, a sultry mélange of blues, folk and high life, transcended boundaries through his universal themes of love, humanity and self discovery. Always inspired by the vision of a unified Nigeria , it is no surprise that his new album “The Way It Is” incorporates this message of hope through anthems such as “One United Nigeria” and “Your God is my God”, “Mustapha & Christopher” and “1st of Nigeria”.
The event attracted guest’s representative of the diplomatic corps, corporate authorities, and lifelong fans. Invited guests had the unique opportunity to purchase a 5 CD autographed compilation of the artist’s works. This historical collection comprises all 11 classic albums in stereo, with track listings and artwork as originally released between the years 1973 – 1980. Never before has the entire collection of albums, originally released on LP, been available for purchase.
Bongos Ikwue’s rich history in the professional music industry began in 1967, however his amateur days date back as far as 1959. The founder of The Groovies, Bongos Ikwue became the only man in Nigeria at that time to give modern blues real meaning and new soul. This unique sound of rhythm and blues along with funky dance beats made Bongos instantly popular with a wide spectrum of fans. It was not known at the time that these fans would follow his music and career spanning more than three decades, multiple countries and eleven albums. Many grew up listening to these historical recordings, but since have become scarce in their original true form. Many have written asking for a way to purchase this music that means so much to them so that they could pass it along to other generations.
Documentary by Dami Odetola and Tosan Aduayi for Trendy Africa.
Trendy Africa – Official Media Partner
At the Premiere of "The Figurine" in Dallas
DALLAS – Recent reports have shown an unprecedented record breaking attendance at various screenings of “the Figurine”. Despite the short notice for the Dallas event, a modest response was recorded. It was a great opportunity to see and listen to the very talented director and actor in the movie, Kunle Afolayan.
Phenomenal is the word for a movie that is wholly written and produced by Nigerians in Nigeria. The movie is a clear testimony of the future of Nollywood on the big screen. The two hour flick also features other talented acts including Ramsey Nouah, Funlola Aofiyebi and Omoni Omoni.
Two buddies and a lady; all down on their luck have their lives changed after one of them discovers “Araromire” a mysterious figurine in an abandoned shrine which according to ancient legend bestows seven years of good luck. No one told them about the next seven years….look out for this great movie.
Trendy Africa is a Media Partner.
Kelenna Mbakwe at one
Arlington, TX – Adults and children caught up with much fun as the Mbakwe family of Texas celebrated the first birthday of their son, David Soromkelenna.
The event also doubled as an avenue to praise and thank the lord for numerous blessings on the family in recent times especially the travails of their mum in Nigeria. The Blue Cypress banquet hall venue was overflowing with guests, cuisine and cocktails.
Documentary by Tosan Aduayi for Trendy Africa.
Esther Okunade R.N at 50: Praise Worthy
Houston – The event program clearly spelt it out; “fabulous at 50!” My verdict? no controversy. Esther Okunade R.N arrived the venue of the celebration in a gleaming white limousine and to the delight of family and friends.
The hall was elegantly decorated and was quickly filled with elegantly dressed adults and youths. Family members joined in the memorable fun. Assorted delicacies until the break of dawn and enough for take-away.
Documentary by Tosan Aduayi for Trendy Africa
USA Triumphs in Pretoria; Scores last Minute Goal against Algeria
USA were sitting in third place as the 90 minute-mark ticked by but everything changed in the blink of an eye as Landon Donovan led one last attack. Jozy Altidore squared the ball into the danger zone, where M’Bolhi beat it away, but Donovan was able to latch onto the loose ball and passed it into an empty net, before being submerged among a sea of white shirts. It was the least Bob Bradley’s team deserved, having also had a Clint Dempsey effort disallowed for offside, struck a post and seen Jozy Altidore pass up a glorious opening.
Algeria, who also needed to win to allow a chance of going through, made the more positive start with Karim Matmour unleashing an attempt on goal in the opening seconds before Rafik Djebbour aimed a hooked shot against the crossbar. It was a decent attempt from the centre-forward, who took the ball on his chest, but the woodwork came to USA’s rescue.
South Africa Agog with 2010 FIFA World Cup
The waiting is over. The 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ has begun June 11th 2010 with the tournament hosts taking on Group A rivals Mexico in the magnificent surroundings of Soccer City in Johannesburg, the first match to be staged at this impressive arena.
No host nation has ever lost their opening game in the world finals. Though this is new territory for the South Africans, the Mexicans have had the honor of opening up the competition on four previous occasions (1930, 1950, 1958 and 1970), although they failed to win any of those games
Germany’s most-capped player Lothar Matthaus, the former FIFA World Player of the Year outlined his plans for the future, Germany’s chances at the finals, and what he expects to see at the first FIFA World Cup finals in Africa.
Germany’s most-capped player Lothar Matthaus, the former FIFA World Player of the Year outlined his plans for the future, Germany’s chances at the finals, and what he expects to see at the first FIFA World Cup finals in Africa.
Germany’s most-capped player Lothar Matthaus, the former FIFA World Player of the Year outlined his plans for the future, Germany’s chances at the finals, and what he expects to see at the first FIFA World Cup finals in Africa.
You recently signed up with the biggest Arabic broadcaster Al-Jazeera Sport as a commentator at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Do you see your future in the media?
Lothar Matthaus: I’ll always be involved in football, and it’s true I’ve been busier with media projects than the playing side of the game recently. I’ve been travelling a lot, mainly working on international TV projects. I’d still like to get back into coaching, but I have a very specific vision. Everything would have to be right before I took up a new position. A couple of contracts have been put in front of me and just required my signature, but I was never 100 per cent convinced, and I’m not the kind of guy who takes snap decisions. I’m prepared to wait patiently.
Your former club and UEFA Champions League winners Inter Milan have a coaching vacancy right now. How good are your contacts in Milan?
It’s true that I’m still in touch with Inter, although nowhere near as closely as with Bayern Munich. There’s a new board in Milan, and the folks I knew back then have moved on. By the way, I’d just like to take this opportunity to congratulate Inter on winning the Champions League. They deserved it, even if it was a case of split loyalties for me. As for the job as head coach, I’m a realist. I can’t believe my name’s come up. I’ve won a few trophies, but I just don’t have the track record.
On the eve of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa, what are you expecting from the tournament?
I’m expecting a festival of football, like the one four years ago in Germany. I think we’re in for a peaceful and magnificent World Cup. The finals are taking place in a country where the people are passionate about football. I think the passion will sweep over the field of play from the stands, and vice-versa.
Maradona Returns to Tackle Nigeria
After 16 years, Diego Armando Maradona makes his return to the FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa. The Argentinian bowed out of world football’s showpiece in 1994 after Argentina’s match against Nigeria, a team he now faces as head coach tomorrow in the opening match in Group B.
The Africans, meanwhile, will be looking to avenge the defeat in the final of the Olympic Football Tournament 2008 in China, where La Albiceleste triumphed with a number of players who will be present in Johannesburg. They will be hopeful Swedish coach Lars Lagerback, one of the masterminds behind Argentina’s elimination from 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan™, will help them settle an old score.
The Match
Argentina-Nigeria, Group B, Johannesburg, Saturday 12 June, 16:00 (local time)
Having come through a difficult qualifying campaign, the Argentinians are ready to start afresh in South Africa and, for the third time in a row, an African side will provide their first test – in 2002, they edged out Nigeria in a 1-0 win, while in 2006 they were 2-1 victors against Côte d’Ivoire. Maradona has at his disposal two of the top goalscorers in Europe this season as they look to secure their third consecutive victory over an African side: Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain, who amassed an astonishing 61 goals between them. Starting hopeful Carlos Tevez, for his part, notched up another 22 for Manchester City.
The Super Eagles also struggled during the qualifying phase, although they will be hopeful head coach Lagerback can help them rediscover their rhythm. They will go into this game anxious to reverse the trend of their previous two FIFA World Cup encounters with the Argentinians, in 1994 and 2002, which saw La Albiceleste run out winners on both occasions. They will look to exploit their ‘home’ advantage, and also build on their recent 3-1 friendly victory over Korea DPR.
WORLD CUP TRAVELS IN STYLE
PARIS – The 2010 FIFA world cup is set to travel in a custom designed Louis Vuitton travel case from Paris to South Africa. Top model Naomi Campbell, Louis Vuitton and the Communications director for LV Antoine Arnault posed for photographs at the media presentation of the carry case in Paris.
The travel case made by Vuitton to carry the FIFA World Cup Trophy contained a replica during the presentation to the press. Vuitton was selected by the FIFA as the official designer of the trunk which will carry the solid 18-carat gold World Cup trophy to South Africa.
Photo credit – MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP/Getty Images
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