Archive for October 2010
Q SWYFT (QUINCY ABU) propagates inspirational rap culture
Reality check; how many of you out there would love their young ones to listen to just any kind of Rap Music; did I hear something? Well, for me I would rather censor lots of what’s out there. I recently had the opportunity to listen to some vibes created by an African American and was I impressed.
Quincy Abu who goes by the stage name; “Q SWYFT’ maintains that his passion lies in his love for the challenge and fun of creating music. As an early expression of his creativity, he wrote poetry during his adolescence. His poetry allowed and enabled him to practice wordplay, expand his vocabulary, establish a style that is universal, and appreciate originality.
He has recently expanded his artistic abilities through performances, mix tapes, guest appearances, verses, hooks, and even writing lyrics for other artist. His goal is to be that artist who inspires and educates his fans. In order for this to happen he must stay real, be dedicated, focused, and keep his eyes on the prize because the sky is the limit.
Q SWYFT has an abundant supply of determination, but it is both prayer and faith that will see him through. Trendy Africa caught up with the talented dude and he expressed his love for all types of music including hip-hop, r&b, alternative, rock and rap. Q Swyft adds; “basically as long as it has a good beat and a nice tempo then I can flow with it”.
by Tosan Aduayi for Trendy Africa Media @ 2010
EKO club international completes successful 2010 Medical Mission to Lagos State
LAGOS – Members of the highly active EKO Club international have again devoted their time and services to Lagos State indigenes through its very laudable Medical mission trip. The 2010 Medical Mission has been described as a collective show of service to humanity in the spirit of love which also attracted support from other USA based organizations such as the Nigerian Nurses Association USA amongst others.
The 2010 mission attracted over 50 USA based volunteers who spent about two weeks in Nigeria administering free medical services to a large population of Lagos State indigenes. The mission will be the third by ECI after the 2007 and 2008 editions. The 2010 mission is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo in honor of his tremendous support and dedication to ECI and the medial mission program.
The Lagos State Government under the approval of His Excellency, Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola played host to the medical team. Members of the medical team carried out their services on the sites of the palaces of the Oba of Lagos; Oba Elegushi, Oba Osolo of Isolo and Oba Ojora of Ijora amongst other sites. The medical team had arrived Lagos State Nigeria with medical and surgical equipments, medical supplies and medicines worth tens of thousands of dollars.
One of the major highlights of the 2010 medical mission was the laying of the foundation stone of a proposed outpatient Clinic at Isolo Local Government to be built by ECI. The land was donated by Oba Osolo of Isolo and when completed would be dedicated to the memory of Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo.
Eko Club International (ECI) is a non-profit organization of Lagosians (citizens of Lagos State, Nigeria) in the USA, Canada and Europe.
Current Executive
Zainudeen Popoola-Aromire President
Bissy Gaji Vice President
Collin I. Atobajeun General Secretary
Khairat Animashaun-Ajiboye Assistant Sec Gen
Toyin Ola P.R.O
Kolawole Daniel Treasurer
Toyin Olanrewaju Financial Secretary
Larry Ojo Auditor
Bola Kosoko Social Secretary
Yinka Oluwole-Aina Chief Liaison Officer
Bashir Rahman Chief Whip
photos courtesy of Julie Van-Lare, RN, MSN and Trendy Africa Media, Nigeria
10 things to celebrate and learn about Nigerians
It goes without saying: Nigerians are plentiful. In fact, one in five Africans is Nigerian and they certainly represent throughout the Diaspora. Much of the time, however, the over 150 million Nigerians in the world are unfairly associated with 419 email scams. More often than not, Nigerians are contributing to the international business and cultural landscape in a major and legitimate way. One stereotype that is true is that Nigerians are some of the hardest working people on the planet and they have the accolades to show for it.
This year, Nigeria is celebrating the 50th year anniversary of its independence from the United Kingdom. In honor of this very important milestone, we decided to highlight a handful of the country’s international superstars who have propelled their country into the spotlight and shine as an example of how to thrive creatively and professionally in their respective fields.
Without further ado, here’s our list of 10 very interesting things you can learn from a Nigerian.
1. How to Write a Universal Literary Gem Set in Africa
From the time that Chinua Achebe released his landmark novel “Things Fall Apart” in 1958, Nigerians have continued to make waves in literary circles. The playwright Wole Soyinka won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, and today, authors like Chimamanda Adichie, Chris Abani, Helon Habila, and numerous others have garnered international acclaim for their literary portrayals of African life and identity. Their significant works will continue to shape the perceptions of curious readers worldwide and paint a more balanced picture of West African life.
2. How To Make Art A Weapon for Revolution
The father of Afrobeat has no counterpart. Often referred to as Africa’s James Brown, Fela Kuti not only ushered a new musical genre onto the world stage but used his music as a political weapon to speak out against corruption, military dictatorship and cultural imperialism. The human rights activist died in 1997 and, today, his children Femi and Seun Kuti carry on his powerful legacy through music. His story is currently being depicted on Broadway in the hit musical; FELA!
3. How to Leverage Your Knowledge of Petrol and Start a Multi-Billion Dollar Oil Business
The irony of Kase Lawal’s story is that he left his oil rich country and eventually hit it big in Texas in none other than the oil business. His company CAMAC is one of the largest black-owned businesses in the U.S., generating over $2 billion dollars a year. He founded the company 25 years ago after working as a chemical engineer with Shell Oil Company. It started off as a small agriculture business but expanded into oil in 1991 when Lawal “made a deal with the oil giant Conoco, agreeing to jointly operate and share production from any Nigerian discoveries. Today, CAMAC has offices in London, Johannesburg, Lagos and Port Harcourt, Nigeria and is involved in oil exploration, refining and trading.”
4. How To Bring African Flavor To The International Fashion Scene
Folake Folarin-Coker founded the very successful Nigeria based fashion line called Tiffany Amber in 1998. Despite its very Anglo name, the label’s designs are inspired by Nigerian prints as well as modern Western silhouettes. Folarin-Coker’s market is international and she’s the only Africa based designer who has shown twice in New York Fashion Week. It’s nice to see an African and African-based designer utilizing and promoting the African flavor in fashion worldwide.
5. How to Own a Major Airport In The Country That Colonized Yours
Buying an airport: not something you would think of; would you? Well, Adebayo Ogunlesi certainly did. Nigerians make up a large portion of the immigrant population in the United Kingdom so it’s only fitting that a Nigerian would own the airport through which most of his fellow country men and women arrive in the UK. Ogunlesi acquired the London Gatwick Airport, which is one of the largest and busiest airports in the world, in a deal worth over $2 billion U.S. dollars earlier in the year. The Harvard and Oxford educated Ogunlesi leveraged his years of experience in global finance as one of the leading executives at Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation to launch his own independent investment fund called Global Infrastructure Partners, through which he acquired the airport.
6. How To Make Films on a Budget and Fuel The Movie-Making Powerhouse of Nollywood
Move over Bollywood, it’s all about Nollywood these days. While Nigeria’s $250 million movie industry is not exactly about top grade theater releases, the resourcefulness and budget defying tactics of filmmakers is certainly a lesson for all business-minded hustlers. 200 videos are produced every month, with average budgets ranging from $17,000 to $23,000. Izu Ojukwu and Chico Ejiro are two of the more popular and award winning directors.
7. How To Maintain Your Artistic Brand Effortlessly
When Jay-Z dissed Nas by saying he only has a “one hot album every ten year average,” it was seen as a low blow. But if you’re Sade or, rather, Helen Folasade Adu, that average is indicative of your star power. After all, she only needs to put out an album when she wants to so even though she now puts out albums once a decade, those releases go straight to the top of the charts. The British and Nigerian songstress has managed to do what very few others in the music world have and that is to effortlessly maintain longevity solely based on her talents, not publicity. Everyone from rock lovers to hip hop heads know and appreciate Sade. The music world’s woman of mystery emerged on the scene singing and dancing to her unique fusion of jazz and soul. That combination, along with her deep and sultry voice, has captivated the ears of listeners worldwide. We may be unable to precisely break down the alchemy of Sade’s brand but it’s certainly one worth celebrating.
8. How To Be a “Genius”
John Dabiri, a 30-year-old Nigerian biophysicist and Associate Professor of Aeronautics and Bioengineering at the California Institute of Technology has been named one of the 23 new Fellows of MacArthur foundation for 2010, meaning he receives a $500,000 “genius” grant to do his thing with no strings attached. Mr Dabiri works on a wide range of fields, including theoretical fluid dynamics, evolutionary biology, and biomechanics to unravel the secrets of one of the earliest means of animal locomotion.
9. How to Create and Own Media For Black by Black
Bob and Sheila Johnson made history when they launched the first Black-owned cable network, BET, in the U.S. in 1980 but since then, TV networks dedicated to Black content have been few and far between. In comes Alistair Soyode. The London-based media entrepreneur started the Bright Entertainment Network in 2002 as the first African and Caribbean-focused television channel in the United Kingdom. The channel offers a mix of news, entertainment, and sports, which is supplied to television stations in Nigeria and the UK. The impetus behind Soyode’s media endeavor is promoting positive perceptions of his homeland. He is very actively involved in working with other Nigerians to “re-brand Nigeria from the ground up.”
10. How to Leverage Your NBA Earnings and Keep Your Business On The Low
Professional athletes are notorious for blowing their millions in a short time. Although not the case for all, that tale of financial mismanagement gets exposed in the media over and over again. For Hakeem Olajuwon, it’s quite the opposite. The NBA Hall of Famer and former Houston Rockets center finished off his 18-year professional career and came to be just as well known for his real estate investing skills in Houston. The New York Times praised his savvy approach to home-flipping, stating that “following an unorthodox yet disciplined strategy, he has managed to make as much in real estate in the last 10 years as he did in his 17 seasons playing professional basketball.” On and off the court, the devout Muslim has made his work ethic work for him.
SOURCE – atlantapost.com
Senator Lee Meaba: Patriotism, Protection and National Prosperity
Senator Lee Meaba has distinguished himself through his selfless service in the current administration. His contribution to the national and state economy is embedded in his numerous bills in the Senate.
By far the most enduring legacy of Senator Lee Maeba today is the passage into law, the Act to provide for the Development of Nigeria Content in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry which he sponsored in the Senate.
The Act gives Nigerian independent operators first consideration in the award of oil blocks, oil field licenses, oil lighting licenses, and in all projects for which contract is to be awarded in the nation’s oil and gas industry.
Senator Lee Maeba; Chairman senate committee on Petroleum resources (up-stream) is a man that has show patriotism, has ensured protection and has stood out for the prosperity of the Nation and its Nationals.
The distinguished Senator counts on you for continuity in 2011 as he is prepared to carry on the tasks under the flag of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Vote for a tested achiever, vote for a better Nigeria.
Signed – Bryma Oya (Campaign Committee)
email: justbryma@gmail.com
2011 NIGERIAN FILM FESTIVAL SET FOR HOLLYWOOD
Beverly Hill, CA – Nigerian filmmakers, producers, actors, and fans from around the world will converge in Hollywood, as the Nigerian Chamber of Commerce-USA (NICOCUSA) and River Naija Productions, Beverly Hills host the NICOCUSA Nigerian Film Festival, June 12th -19th 2011.
The NICOCUSA Nigerian Film Festival is established to promote artistic and technological exchange between Nigerian filmmakers and Industry Leaders in Hollywood. The festival is expected to feature over 50 films, alongside premiere galas, panels & symposiums, workshops, music video showcases and other special events.
Screenings for the NICOCUSA Nigerian Film Festival will be held at the historic Regency Showcase theatre. Discounted guests hotel accommodations will be provided by the ultra-chic W Hotel, Hollywood.
With its theme as; “Nollywood at the Box Office” the festival focuses on raising the Nigerian film industry’s standard with regards to production quality, financing, marketing and distribution.
NICOCUSA is a US based business league founded in 2002, which serves as a liaison between business communities and their interests in the United States and Nigeria. Each year, NICOCUSA facilitates lucrative partnerships and contracts between businesses here in the United States and Nigeria, which have created jobs and literally changed the lives of thousands of people all over Nigeria. The NICOCUSA Nigerian Film Festival is now accepting submissions.
. For further information on submissions and registration, please visitwww.nicocusafilmfestival.com.
Elder Tunde and Mrs. Celine Savage mark 30th wedding anniversary
Arlington, TX – Amidst tales of perseverance, struggling times and successes with a blend of emotions, family and friends of Elder Tunde Savage and Wife; Celine gathered to mark their 30th wedding anniversary in Texas.
Members of the Savage family individually gave testimonies about the significance of the days gathering and celebration just as Akin Savage appreciated the love and support his parents had shown throughout the years while emphasising on the importance of upholding African cultural values.
The anniversary coincided with the grandiose wedding celebration of their children; Yetunde and Akin Akanni. The wedding thanksgiving service had held earlier at the RCCG Householdof Faith parish in Arlington which was the followed by the 30th wedding anniversary reception.
Documentary by Tosan Aduayi
Moments at the 2010 Miss Africa Texas Pageant
PLANO, TX – The Courtyard Theater in Plano Texas was alive with exciting and emotional moments at the recently held Miss Africa Texas Pageant 2010. The Hollywood styled red carpet event lived up to its billing as guests and participants arrived in stunning formal wears.
The show organizers; Jennifer Achu-Tangiye (CEO) and Eunice Karanja (President) had spent several months ensuring that all was in place for the successful hosting of the Miss Africa Texas Pageant.
The show hosts included Trendy Africa Television top presenter; Adora Okafor as well as the CEO of BIJOU who both looked fabulous, stunning and leggy; literally.
The contestant s all gave a good account of themselves especially during the talent and bathing suit sessions giving the judges a few head scratching episodes.
At the end of it all, Marilyn Tytler George (From Nigeria) emerged the Winner of the Official Miss Africa Texas 2010-2011. Others who also did great include the following;
The People’s Choice Winner 2010/2n’d runner up – Sonia T. Green
Miss Congeniality 2010 – Diana Mfebe
Miss Photogenic 2010/3rd runner up – Stephanie Ngo-Maa
Miss Humanitarian 2010/ 1st Runner up – Elizabeth Muyu
Miss Spokes Model 2010 – Lorraine Annoh
Miss Multicultural 2010 – Joyce Fajukori
5th Runner up – Amanda Mamunyima
The show also featured comedy by Kwasambwe while other performances included; Naomi Achu, Avinu C, Maureen Ongwae and Little Genny.
Audio Visual Production and photography by Chibuzor Okonta, Executive Editor Trendy Africa Media. Trendy Africa TV presenters(Red Carpet); Andrea Oguntula, Rachael Oguntula, Erinma Onyeri and Geraldine Love Garnett.
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Yetunde Savage and Akin Akanni Exciting Wedding Weekend
ARLINGTON, TX – It’s been an exciting journey for the Trendy Africa crew all the way to the climax of the Savage and Akanni Wedding. First, it was the process of securing the coverage which even had me in Nigeria communicating with the Brides Dad. Then it was the several visits to the Savage Arlington residence.
The remote location photo shoots as well as the in house session gave me a clear insight as to how sweet the couple are. Working with them was really a learning experience especially with reference to endurance and the ability to be extra creative.
Akin and Yetunde are definitely in love as it radiates all over them. Akin who seems to be more on the gentle side really compliments Yetunde who is a creative adventurer. More than fifty guest arrived Texas from across the high seas to witness this colorful and exciting Wedding.
Photos and documentary by Tosan Aduayi for Trendy Africa Media 817 538 2145
Wedding Coordinator – Nosa Oyegun 817 808 2083
Event Decorators – Elegant Affairs 817 239 5636, Inspired Touch Event solution 817 793 6786
Caterers – Sade Raymond 682 225 2472, Kemi Sobo (cocktail) 817 715 0469
Wedding Cake – Sweet Memories Cakes 817 379 3777
Video – Bosfem 817 729 3767
Make-up artists – Lyzadora 361 726 6049, Honeydrops 214 458 3777
OSUN development forum USA fetes members in Dallas
DALLAS – The spirit of Nigeria’s 50th independence celebration was evident at the OSUN development forum USA fundraiser event as members were clad in the “green white green” Nigerian National Color. The forum used the occasion to celebrate it’s 10th anniversary as well as honor worthy individuals in the community for their contributions and service to the development of Osun State in Nigeria.
more photos soon
Attendees were treated to a very modest hospitality on a night were several other events were being held to commemorate the Nigeria’s golden jubilee. Friends and well wishers of Osun development forum however took time out to participate and contribute towards the forum.
Chairman of the Occasion – Mr. Allen Okunnu
Assistant Chairman – Mr. Godwin Ejuwa
Lady Chairperson – Yeye Shewa (Chief) Bukky Williams
Grand Matron – Yeye Meso (Chief) Mrs. Yeside Ayannuga
Matron – Yeye Gbadega (Chief) Mrs. Offioritse Akperi-Maku
Patron – Mr. Kasali Opabola
photo by DSol Photography for Trendy Africa Media.
Janet Faleti 60th and Elijah Faleti 20th Celebration in Dallas
DALLAS – The event was a perfect scenario for a double celebration. While Janet Oluyemi Faleti celebrated her 60th birthday, her son Elijah did the same for his 20th. The day commenced with a thanksgiving service at the Christ Apostolic Church, Mt. Zion in Irving.
The grand reception followed at the all new Oduduwa Hall events center in Grand Prairie where guests turned out in great cultural attires to celebrate with their Sister and brother.
Photo by Chibuzor Okonta, Executive Editor Trendy Africa Media.
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