Benue People in the Diaspora appreciate Rt. Hon. Suswam

ATLANTA – In recognition of the remarkable developments physically noticeable in Benue State Nigeria, Benue people in Diaspora deemed it fit to appreciate the current administration under the impeccable leadership of Rt. Hon. Gabriel T. Suswam, the Executive Governor of Benue State.

The event which held in Atlanta Georgia under the auspices of Benue People in Diaspora attracted Benue indigenes and non indigenes alike. Special guests at the event include Samson Siasia; New National coach of the Super Eagles, Dr. Amos Ajoh, Engineer Dave Omakwu, Dr. Abutu and Moses Atom Kpera.

Speakers at the event presented real life differential experiences as witnessed by them during recent trips to the state and generally mentioned that Benue State was one of the safest and modest to visit in Nigeria today. The group presented an appreciation award to Governor Suswam which was collected on his behalf by Dr. Elijah Akper.

The coordinator of the event; Mrs. Jennifer Ehimika appreciated all the attendees especially those that arrived from distant destinations on short notice. In her closing remarks, Mrs.Ehimika emphasised that the forum was non partisan but strictly one that comprises of individuals who recognize the positive attributes of the current administration. She enjoined all Nigerians and in particular, Benue citizens in the diaspora to recognize and extend credit to those in power who sincerely deserve it by virtue of visible evidence.

by Tosan Aduayi for Trendy Africa USA

All the thrills during the "Crazy in Love" movie Premiere

Maryland, USA – Fans and lovers of the new wave of smooth and savvy African movies gathered in Maryland, USA for the epoch premiere of “Crazy in Love” starring Jim Iyke, Danieline Moore, Altorro Black and Crystal Milian. The all new Nollywood flick from the stable of J & J solid media and Mekdoss productions is a combination of thrills, emotions and humor.

‘Crazy in Love‘ is the story of a Lady who falls in love and learns that love can be a blurry mess of confusion, illusion, and loss.  The lead character, Lillian is blissfully in love when something goes wrong and she has a nervous breakdown.  She is committed to a mental institution and has to rediscover herself. As she takes her journey back to sanity, she finds strength within herself and begins to appreciate and love the person she is.

The premiere was hosted by time tested and hilarious comedians; Yvonne Orji and Pascal Atuma and featured exciting moments including the guest appearances of Ramsey Nouah; top Nollywood Actor and cover screen Idol of Trendy Africa Magazine Issue 6 as well as other surprise acts.

 

photos by Obii Okororie for Trendy Africa USA. Trendy Africa Media is an official media partner of the premiere.

A perspective of the much anticipated "Segun Gele" Wedding

LAGOS, NIGERIA – The questions had lingered on quietly for over a year; “Is Segun really getting married?…who is he marrying?…” Well, the wedding between Morenike Oluwafunmilayo Sotunde and Hakeem Oluwasegun Olaleye actually held on the 23rd of December 2010 at the African Bethlehem Cathedral Church in Ebute Metta Lagos.

Earlier in the day and in fulfillment of African tradition, an engagement/traditional wedding held at the bride’s residence in Surulere. As expected, family, friends, clients and fan’s of Segun Olaleye a.k.a Segun Gele arrived from different continents of the world to witness the occasion.

The wedding party later migrated to the UNILAG staff school hall for a grand reception which featured gaily dressed attendees who participated in ensuring that the day was memorable.

Trendy Africa Media was on hand to capture the perspectives of the wedding. We congratulate Segun who has contributed immeasurably to the growth of Trendy Africa Media.

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photos by Trendy Africa Nigeria

Serenade with singer and songwriter; Douyé

The CD arrived just as I embarked on a four hour drive to Houston. The 11 track CD played in loops throughout the journey. It was a perfect serenade from a Nigerian born singer and songwriter for such a journey.

Douyé songs are full of rhythm and soul with a touch of jazz. Beautifully texturing her pure, sultry and smoky vocals, her sensual voice is free and smooth and flows like a melancholy breeze.

Douyé who is based in Los Angeles was influenced by such jazz and R&B legends as Peggy Lee, Ray Charles, Billie Holliday, Stevie Wonder and Sade. The multi-faceted performer began singing in church at the age of seven and quickly began focusing on her future as a professional singer. By age ten, she was expressing her innermost emotions in poetry, which led naturally to her development as a compelling songwriter.

In her mid-teens, she traveled to Europe to pursue her growing musical dreams, and she later immigrated to the United States to study voice at the acclaimed Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California. Douye’ continues to broaden her base of appreciative and passionate fans all over the world.

After graduating from MI, Douyé continued honing her singing, songwriting and musical direction, becoming a prolific writer and performing for audiences at clubs throughout Los Angeles. While working towards her ultimate goal of becoming a recording artist, she hit it off creatively with Terry Haddick, a renowned pop songwriter and producer well known for co-writing Olivia Newton John’s era defining smash “Physical.”

Coming to share a singular vision, Douyé and Shaddick penned the songs that would launch Douyé’s recording career on the newly released, appropriately titled debut album, “Journey”.  The title is a perfect reflection of Douye’s musical and life experiences leading up to her exciting emergence as an independent singer/songwriter. Douyé continues to broaden her base of appreciative and passionate fans all over the world. To this day, she complements her music making with deep passions for writing poetry and collecting primitive art.

View her work at www.douyetheartist.com or www.myspace.com/douyetheartist

For more information, contact Savannah Brown at Betsy Blue Music.

Email; betsybluemusic@aol.com.

Memorable moments at the Carrie and Olawale Cole Wedding

Norman, OK – Great memories never fade as depicted from the following serene moments at the Carrie Ann Duke and Olawale Oladipo Cole wedding which was solemnized at the St. Mark Catholic Church, Norman Oklahoma on September 22nd, 2007.

Mother of the groom, Shade Makinde just would not let the moments of the day slip by into unreferenced historical archives and deemed it fit to contact Trendy Africa media to update the fantastic occasion which in its unique way was characterised by a blend of cultures.

Olawale Cole is a systems engineer for Dell computers while Carrie is a behavioral Health rehabilitation specialist and case manager. The lovely couple met in college and are blessed with a son, Amare William Akinwale Cole. A perfect story for college sweethearts I must say!

Family and guests who arrived to witness the wedding ceremony were later treated to a classy reception with Rosina Dimson handling the affairs as the master of ceremony while Mr. Clay Murdock gave the toast. The three course meal included a mix of continental and sub Saharan cuisine such as seasoned Chicken breast, vegetable medley, ewa agoin and moi-moi.

by Tosan Aduayi for Trendy Africa Media.

DISH Network introduces Pan-African bouquet Special

Dish Network, the USA leading satellite cable company has introduced the “Pan African bouquet Special”, an all new package with 100% African and Pan African content. The event which was put together by the Chido Nwangwu led US Africa media on behalf of Dish Network had as special guest, Nigerian Consulate General Hon. Chudi Okafor as well as African community leaders in Texas.

Program content on the new Pan-African bouquet include Nollywood movies, 24hrs African news, sports, African reality shows and soaps as well as international events featuring Africans. To this effect, Dish network has entered programming agreements with Nigerian based HiTV and New York based Afrotainment media.

The $24.99 per month Pan-African bouquet special comprises of 5 channels which includes; Africa 24, EBS, Afrotainment, Afrotainment Music and HiTV. EBS and Africa 24 are news channels with concentration on specific geographical regions of Africa.

HiTV is a music, movies and lifestyle network showcasing the best of Nigeria. HiTV provides millions of Nigerians a medium for self expression and national pride and is exclusively dedicated to the Nigerian community.

Afrotainment on the other hand is dedicated exclusively to broadcasting top-quality African movies and TV series mainly from Nollywood and other major motion picture houses. Afrotainment presents programs in English and in French.

The Vice President, International programming at Dish Network; Chris Kuelling re emphasised the growing relevance of the Pan-African Nations on the global scene and further stressed his organizations commitment at ensuring qualitative programming from and for the African market.

An Exclusive Chat with Chris Kuelling, VP International programming DISH Network

 

TA – Broader perspective of DISH

We started launching international channels in 1996 and today we have over 200 different international channels in 29 different languages…Chinese Indian, Russian, Arabic, German, Brazilian. The introduction of the Pan African bouquet will serve the African segment. We are very proud to introduce 5 channels on the pan African bouquet package. The way we have done it is to partner with a programmer who has in turn secured the rights to the 5 channels which form the pan-African bouquet.

 

TA – How have you determined content?

We operate 14 different satellites to provide our service in the US. One of these satellites is dedicated exclusively to international. So, part of my job is to determine which channels to carry on the satellite. It’s not unlimited. So decisions are based on which channel and which languages are to be served. By entering agreements with the program provider, we are sure of our program content. There is a lot of illegal content out there and as such the revenues meant for the film makers  and producers  is never accounted for. With DISH, the local movie film maker and producers will be remunerated.

 

 TA- Explain the bouquet special

In order to buy any international programming on DISH, you first have to buy the basic international package which is $10 or any other basic package and then determine which international you wish to add on. The language you wish to buy is an option.

 

TA – Why did it take a while to serve the African Market?

I have just been on this position for 2 years but when I resumed in this office, the first question I asked was that why are we not providing service for the African community. We then hired a marketing specialist who in turn researched for the channels which we are being presenting today.

 

TA – Projections

Giving the demographics of the African community in the USA, I believe that this programming will do really well. We have launched Nationwide and one of our duties at DISH is to help serve the ethnic communities and bring their culture via satellite TV from Africa to their doorstep.

The bouquet special is intended to bring African culture to the homes of DISH subscribers in the USA.

 

by Tosan Aduayi, John Sanchez and Mary Obilana for Trendy Africa Media.

The Lagos sunset tale of a Vorarlberg embroidery master

Lagos Nigeria, the port city on the Gulf of Guinea is on the verge of being tagged the largest mega-city in Africa. Those who try their luck here, come from all over the country as well as neighboring states. They come in search of the “golden egg” or for their share of the “National cake”. Very few are able to manage the hustle.

 

In one of the suburbs around the International airport, Rudi Bösch sits in his office while supervising his embroidery production. It is not easy for him. Bösch is the last owner of the business who tries to update a remarkable history of Vorarlberg Austria as an African fabric product export country.

 

In the 1960’s, Nigeria recognized that Vorarlberg was capable of producing ideal materials for colorful national costumes. These fabrics are adorned during all major family events; baby naming and baptism, weddings, religious holidays such as Christmas, birthdays and funerals.

 

The 57-year-old can remember 25 embroidery producers from Vorarlberg, who then settled in Lagos. Whenever and wherever a grand celebration arises, the top products from Lustenau and surroundings are to be seen. That’s history now.

 

Despite the economic and social adversity in Lagos, Rudi observes that the country is flooded with cheap Chinese goods. He also complains secretly that he receives no help from the local banks. Rudi also documents that his customers do not always pay for ordered goods and regrets that Nigerians now have hardly any money for their celebrations.

 

Rudi, a typical stubborn Austrian does not give up so easily perhaps because he has fallen in love with this country and its people. He really has. After all, he is married to a Nigerian woman.

 

 

As the business diminishes through the years, Rudi Bosch is supported by his friend; Heinz König, an ordained Nigerian chief. In the small village outside of Lagos where the Lustenauer lived from 1976 for 18 years, they have named him “the Chief”; which means more than just a successful integration.

In retirement, Heinz says he was a little bit bored. And somehow as Chief he must look after his people’s affairs. He still knows how to work the old embroidery and sewing machines, which still run well at Rudi´s place. Since the foreman in the factory of Rudi still performs, there is no standing still anymore.

 

Is he the boss at home too? Mr. König smiles, and then he says proudly, “I think so, because otherwise my wife would not let me go.”

 

by Kurier reporters and translated by Silke Jurkowitsch in Austria for Trendy Africa Media.

We say, “THANK YOU!” to our esteemed CLIENTS and viewers of 2010

At Trendy Africa Media, we understand that the terrain out there is characterized by choice, availability and competition. We have over the years (since 2008) built an effective platform to ensure satisfactory customer service.

 

It is on this note that we hereby express our profound appreciation to all that have engaged our services in the year 2010 and prior. We know we are not perfect but you gave us a reason to strive for perfection. Your feedback and sincere comments have helped us to research into best possible ways to further satisfy you.

 

 

We pray that your contributions to the growth of Trendy Africa Media shall be a fruitful blessing that will be reciprocal. We look forward to a continuous and healthy relationship as we consider you an integral part of the family.

Thank you and God bless.

 

NOTICE:

– We are upgrading our products in 2011…albums, frames, photos

– Trendy Africa Magazine will be a priority focus as we begin a transition to the digital era.

– Trendy Africa TV will go full stream on a major International Network.

– We cover INTERNATIONAL EVENTS…Africa, Europe, Caribbean’s.

– We produce CUSTOM published materials…brochures, flyers, magazines

 

 

Look out for more DETAILS.

We appreciate you continuous support in anyway.

 

To the TEAM; MY Wife Winnie, Chibuzor, Braimah, Dami, Obi, George, Ozii, Ada, Lariat, Apalara, Dsol, Helen, Five, Uche, Kayode and all others…thank you for your precious contributions and show of love.

TRENDY AFRICA WAS FOUNDED IN 2004 AND IS AN ACCREDITED AFRICAN MEDIA IN THE USA UNDER THE STATE DEPARTMENT FOREIGN PRESS CENTER. TRENDY AFRICA IS AN OFFICIAL TRADEMARK UNDER THE USA PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

 

At the graduation ceremony of Mrs. Olusenu Abiara

Arlington, TX – The University of Texas at Arlington recently conferred Bachelor of Science Nursing degrees on the class of fall 2010. Mrs. Olusenu Abiara was amongst the proud graduates who bagged the BSN degree. The event held at the imposing Metro Center hall of the Fielder Baptist Church in Arlington.

Mrs. Olusenu Abiara is the wife of the Pastor Isaac Abiara, CAC vineyard of comfort, Arlington, Texas. Below are photo highlights of the ceremony.

photos by Tosan Aduayi

United Airlines begins DC to Lagos flights, Continental plans Houston to Lagos in 2011

United Airlines, a wholly-owned subsidiary of United Continental Holdings, Inc. is celebrating the inauguration of its new daily service between Lagos and Washington, D.C. at a special ceremony at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The inaugural ceremony was supported by a number of VIPs including: the Honorable Fidelia Akuabata Njeze, the Nigerian minister of aviation; the Honorable Adebowale Ibidapo Adefuye, the Nigerian ambassador to the United States, who traveled on United’s first Washington-Lagos flight on Dec. 12; Joseph D. Stafford, U.S. Consul General Lagos; Dr. Harold Demuren, director general Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority; Richard Aisuebeogun, managing director and CEO, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria; Ibrahim Auyo, managing director and Chief Executive, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency; and Charles Duncan, United’s vice president of Sales – Transatlantic, Middle East and India.

 

United flight 990 will depart Washington Dulles International Airport daily at 10:43 p.m., arriving in Lagos at 5:35 p.m. the next day, after a stop in Accra. United’s flights to and from Lagos are conveniently timed to provide connections to and from dozens of points across North America.  At its Washington Dulles hub, United operates approximately 285 daily departures. Flights from Lagos will feature United’s International Premium Travel Experience.  Customers in United First® and United Business® may enjoy more than 150 hours of on-demand entertainment on 15.4 inch personal monitors, connect their iPods via connectivity outlets, relax with fully lie-flat seats and savor world-class cuisine with United’s exclusive menu options. The Boeing 767 features six seats in United First, 26 seats in United Business, and 151 seats in United Economy®, including 74 United Economy Plus® seats with added legroom and more personal space.

 

 

 

Last month another US operator, Continental Airlines also announced that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has approved the airline’s application to offer for sale its planned service between Houston and Lagos.  The service, scheduled to begin in November 2011 and subject to final government approval, will be the first daily scheduled service between the state of Texas and the continent of Africa. Lagos is the 31st destination in Continental’s trans-Atlantic route network.  United Airlines operates more than 3,300 flights a day on United and United Express to more than 230 domestic and international destinations from its hubs in Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Tokyo and Washington, D.C. United operates daily services to the United States from Accra, Amsterdam, Bahrain, Brussels, Dubai, Frankfurt, Geneva, Kuwait City, London, Madrid, Moscow, Munich, Paris, Rome and Zurich. With key global air rights in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and Latin America, United is a founding member of Star Alliance, which overall offers 21,000 daily flights to 1,160 airports in 181 countries. United Continental Holdings, Inc. became the holding company for both United and Continental upon close of the merger transaction. The two airlines will operate separately as they begin to integrate key customer services, marketing activities and airport processes.  

 

Source: Nigeria2day

photos L-R; Carlos F, Jeffrey Devour, Darren Varney