TARIERE

WWW.TARIERE.COM

2011-03-21T01:26:00.002+01:00

Hello Everyone,

I've realised that some of you don't know that I have my own domain now on www.tariere.com

You know what, it's my fault (silly silly me)! Pls go to the new site....I apologise!

Tari

TARIERE'S Xmas Surprise

2010-12-25T09:22:00.003+01:00

Click HERE for TARIERE's Christmas surprise!!

My Weekend In Pictures (and words)

2010-11-08T22:23:00.014+01:00

Wednesday

I love to share great things I discover with people who I know will truly appreciate them!!

So after Prof-Mummy, my dear friend, Michael was the next person I felt I was indebted to sharing the Special Catfish with!

Michael Tokunbo Akindele of the FUSION Animation Group

Wednesday was the D-day and as the evening settled in for the night, Michael, our friend Oladipo Oladapo and I were seated and ordering the Giwa Special Fish and cold, dark-brown bottles of ...

Oladipo Oladapo, Photographer tres excellent & Head of Production, GENEVIEVE Women's Lifestyle magazine

Needless to say, Michael loved the fish soooo much that between Wednesday and Sunday, he had gone there 4 times!!

Even went without me....Kai!! He just randomly called me and went "Tariiii...guess where I am...Giwa Special Catfish!!"

Tttcchheewwwwww....yeah that's a hiss!!

High on Fish and the euphoria of great friendship, we headed next to Bar Beach for a quick drink and Ocean Therapy, and then finally went to the one place we actually all really have fun...CALIENTE!!

Ruby and her husband were as usual right there to receive us with open arms!! Alright lemme tell you a little something about Ruby...

Hair Stylist, Sari & Ruby Dabbour

She's an EXCELLENT Hostess and in my humble opinion, runs alongside her husband, the HOTTEST club in Lagos!! Well, for now sha...

It was FUN, FUN as usual...

Nnnooo-neeee & I

Linda & Ruby

Our train soon moved...Dipo had to leave though...had an early morning Shoot *sad face*

This guy's name is INDOMIE!! Lol..

Indomie

He's a Night Club Car Watchman. Basically just a bunch of young guys trying to make a buck...they stand outside Night clubs, to find you a parking space and make sure your car is safe while you are inside having a ball!!

Always great to tip them!! BUT NO GIVE THEM YOUR KEYS OOOOO!!! Lol *now pulling my ears Grand-mother style*

Noni (Nnnooo-neee) , Michael & Franchesca

Thursday

Went to Surulere for a quick hair-fix and couldn't resist the lure of this...

Saw the movie 'Takers' with Tones and her Man.

Was suprisingly good despite the fact that T.I (whom I love by the way, so this is in no way beef)and Chris Brown were in it!!

It was a great story; very well knit together sub-stories for all the main Characters!! And it was also very well shot...the Director had some crazy amazing shots in there!!

Tones and I were like bank robbers un-packing the loot by the time we were off-loading all the contraband from inside Tones handbag and underneath my jacket!!

Hehehehe...I love breaking through Cinema Protocol!!

Friday

Was invited to try-out the brand-new Adrenaline Bar at the Four Points ...

I like the lamps that hang from the Bar...

The best thing about the Adrenaline, for me, is the DJ!! The music is very unpredictable but soooooo on point!!

Dapo, Bimbo Adigun & Afolabi

Bimbo & I

Saturday...

...was running around with Stylist day!! My TARIERE Photo Shoot was the next day, so we wanted to make sure every thing was in place!

My official Stylist for the Shoot, Joke Adepase, has completely earned my respect...and loyalty of course, by the commitment, skill and heart she poured into the Shoot.

Was bone-tired...but satisfied, by the end of the day. Only Micheal and Dipo could succeed in getting me off my couch where I had collapsed with the remote in hand!!

Went for a Giwa Special...

Fish Corpses..

Sunday

Photo-Shoot Day!!

By morning, the core Team had gathered and we began all the step-by-step processes to ensure our Shoot was everything we intended...and more!!

By noon, it was off to Obalende for the 1st phase of the TARIERE 'Me & My City' Shoot...

7pm and we were finally done!! Time to relax...the general consensus by the entire Crew was in favor of this venue...

Make-up Artist for the Shoot, Wunmi Otutuloro may have just been declared 'WANTED' for assault on a dead fish by the Underwater Law Enforcement (ULE) agencies...

We discovered Chicken on the Giwa menu!!

**Fact: Chicken is the name used to refer to ALL cooked bird!! Therefore, a cooked pigeon is a .....

Trust Michael to always have such random facts in his possession!! *rolls eyes*

This Designer featured prominently in our Shoot...introducing MEENA...

Uju of MEENA

Uju is the ideal muse for her Brand!! On Sunday, after admiring her outfit for like minutes, I couldn't help blurting out to her, "I hate you...how can you be so freaking STYLISH!!"

She laughed confidently...and she should!!

This group of people made the Shoot happen and I just want to say a very big THANK YOUUUUU to every one of them right here..

Oladipo Oladapo - Photographer
Joke Adepase - Stylist
Wunmi Otutuloro - Make-up Artist
Ebele Ugomma - Make-up
Designers- Sally Bawa, Bridget Awosika & Meena
Uzo Agu - official 'Behind the Scenes' Photographer

Lol..it was so funny 'cos I received Uzo's message asking if she could 'tag' along with us during Shoot to capture 'Behind the Scenes' pics!! even though I was half-asleep, I laughed hard, shouted "But of course!!"... and went right back to sleep, forgetting to reply her *hides face* but she still showed up!!

John Amos - my Assistant (who kept disappearing while we were in Obalende, to catch a Soccer game)
Lawani & Ibrahim - Shoot Drivers

I also want to thank the following people for their support...

Seun Opaleye, Toni Tones, Tonye Ekiyor, Saze Osayande, Prof-Mummy, Ajibola Alfred, Adebayo Oke-Lawal, Dada of REHAB Salon, Accessories to Die 4, and everyone else who contributed in one way or the other into making this a success. Including all those who sent me e-mails volunteering their services for the Shoot!!

Also all the good people of Obalende who cheered us on all through Shoot, as opposed to the hostility and violence we were told we would get from them.

Special shout-out to The Kingpin *high-five*

Monday

I actually bought this just so I could take a picture and send to Tones to piss her the heck off and make her jealous...Lol

This Wednesday, the MTN Industry Nite Special LAGOS will be holding at BAR 10, Saka-Tinubu Street, Victoria Island from 7pm.

It will feature as Guest Speaker, Olakunle Soriyan, a foremost Personal Effectiveness Coach and C.E.O. of STN Group. Special LIVE performances by DJ ZEEZ, WAJE and the super-sexy ELEKTRA!! Host - Olisa Adibua

P.S.- After this post, I am going on an indefinite blogging hiatus. There are a number of things I need to place into perspective, and right now I just feel the need to take time off blogging. Please bear with me and if there is anything I feel you should know during this period, I'll pass the message across somehow. Thanks for understanding and be good!!

Tari

Live from the MTN Industry Nite Special in Ibadan

2010-11-02T11:01:00.013+01:00

The MTN Industry Night Special is a networking Forum for young Professionals, which takes place in different cities around Nigeria. A group of the finest Musicians and a Speaker whose story has the capacity to inspire success stories in the audience, are brought together to make maximum impact on the lives of young, Nigerian Professionals.

On Friday 29th October, 2010, the Industry Nite Train made its way to the ancient city of Ibadan to give the young Professionals in the intellectual capital of West Africa, a taste of the MTN Industry Nite Special experience.

General Pype

Benny Paladin

Myst

We were received with open arms and great enthusiasm as General Pype, Reggae Sensation, Benny Paladin and R & B/Soul crooner, Myst, delighted the audience with quality and exciting Live music.

Showbiz Writer and foremost Media Entrepreneur, Ayeni the Great, whose rise from obscurity (ironically from the University of Ibadan) to celebrated success in his chosen career path, shared his story, which our audience could clearly relate to.

Matthew Ohio, MTN Brand Manager, Osaze Ebueku & Speaker, Ayeni the Great

MC for the Event, Tariere Ekiyor

It was a fulfilling evening by all standards, especially for the audience who went home with armfuls of gifts courtesy MTN. One randomly selected gentleman went home with the grand prize; a Generator!!

Event & PR Specialist, Tara Heckshire

Benny, Pype & John Amos

Toks (Pype's Manager)

Tobi & Ofure

Tobi Okunade & John

Special shout-out to the AMAZING Band!!

Junior

The Lagos MTN Industry Nite Special is holding on Wednesday 10th November, 2010 at No. 10 Bar & Lounge, Saka Tinubu, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The Kaduna edition is billed for the 19th of November at the Mai Hotel, Kaduna.

Humilating Uniforms Anonymous

2010-11-02T02:14:00.004+01:00

I sat one afternoon sometime ago with a group of Security Guards at the gate of an estate in Ikoyi. They spoke; I listened (at first trying to pretend that I wasn’t..not to seem rude)

They spoke of Politics, profiled the different Ethnic groups in Nigeria, and of course, the forthcoming Elections!!

By the way, they will be voting for whatever Candidate whose posters, or other Campaign material is thrust in their faces more. Politicians, Election Strategists, Campaign Managers, and everyone else with a stake, please take note; the race is to the one with the highest Media expenditure!!

But is this really so?!

It’s possible to spend chunks of cash on Advertising and Publicity, but at the end of the day, rake in shreds of dismal failure as your returns. A few Events come to mind as case study, but I shall sharrap!!

It’s the ‘shooting blanks’ principle that plays itself out in those circumstances. Like trying to pitch a new line of Superhero costumes to the Pope!!

Right Product; Wrong Audience

Alright, I don’t really know where I’m going with this, as I am just ranting right now!!

Okay, the Guards!!

They had really nice uniforms, which I couldn’t help complimenting them on. After the ‘thanks’ and squaring of their shoulders to stand taller, I probed further:

"Does it make you work better when you like your uniform?"

“Yes”, Okechukwu replied, “It makes you feel confident and proud of what you do”

I can totally identify.

I immediately felt immense compassion for all the millions of people around the world who have to right now wear Winnie the Pooh, Mighty Mouse..and all those other highly embarrassing uniforms to earn a living!!

My heart goes out to you..remember, the Uniform doesn’t make you, you make it!!

My heart especially, goes out to our resident Men in Black..the underpaid members of the Nigeria Police Force, who have to prowl under the harsh Naija sun to do their job, in a coarse BLACK uniform, and are still expected to perform without collecting bribes (not even for for ice-water)!!

Do you wear (or have you ever had to) wear a uniform you hate? Share with us...

My Weekend In Pictures (and words)

2010-11-01T12:08:00.018+01:00

Monday thru Thursday

Caught this beautiful view from 3rd Mainland Bridge on the way back from a fitting with The Bestie...

My lovely niece, Lande, made me this beautiful butterfly...

Stumbled across these two ladies as I wandered aimlessly around the Palms while awaiting my Dinner Date on Wednesday...it was sooo random, and we had a fun time just sitting on a bench and gisting!!

We even formed ourselves a Girl Clique which we've named 'Eat, Love & Pray'...Lol

Seun Babade (Eat), Nafi (Love) & Tari (Pray)

Later attended the Industry Nite tribute to the great Gregory Isaacs..it was a beautiful evening as usual!!

Tari & Seun

Noni

Noni is South African..I'm sooooo fond of her, I blessed her with this Igbo name...Nnnoo-neee!!

Tari & Michael Tokunbo Akindele of Fusion Animation Studios

I look like a cow in that picture!!

Seun Babade & Michael

Friday

It was finally here..time to get out of Lagos and head out to Ibadan for the MTN Industry Nite Special!!

Our train met at the New Afrika Shrine and from there we took off...

Waved good-bye to the Three Lagos Elders as we headed out...

I settled in for the journey nicely...whatever happened to Lagos-Ibadan being a one-hour journey??!!

We soon caught the first glimpse of Ibadan...*yawn*

It was already dark by the time we arrived at our Guest House...which I have to say was lovely!! It was like being in someone's beautiful home complete with Stewards, a garden and nice Art, situated in a very tasteful neighbourhood!!

I think it's called The Address 21...please, please check it out if you're ever looking for somewhere to stay in Ibadan!! The owner is also a warm, lovely lady and a great Hostess.

We settled in...and soon it was time to head over to the Spider Lounge for the Event...oh I was MC-eeing by the way!!

Folake 'MYST' Kalejaiye

Benny Paladin & General Pype

Philip

Industry Nite's Matthew Ohio & Event & PR Specialist, Tara Heckshire

Tobi & Ofure

Myst, Benny P & Pype

You guys need to pray for me...I actually found myself unconsciously clapping and cheering when the first bottle of Henny arrived our table...

I love the Ibadan crowd!! It was a great event...will have pictures for you shortly...

Saturday

By this time, the Event was over and we were all satisfied with the outcome so we could now truly relax!!

At the break of dawn, a couple of us took a walk around the estate our Guest House was...it was a beautiful experience!! The air was soooo fresh and the homes are lovely!! They had low walls and flower gardens...so unlike Lagos!!

The houses were simple and just nice...I felt like going to knock on a random door and asking them to adopt me!!

We went to bed soon after...I woke up to find these by my bedside...*now blushing*

We all shared a very nice and lazy morning...

Pype

Tara, Tari & Philip

Myst

Soon it was time to head back to Las Gidis...but first, we HAD to make a stop at an Amala Spot..you know how we do on Saturday mornings *wink*

The place was so crowded...apparently, its like THE Amala place in Ibadan!!

So Matthew, God bless him, promplty out-sourced our Amala Acquisition contract...and we could just sit and wait to be served!!

Junior & Myst while we wait...

The Amala (pounded yam for some people) soon arrived...

Matthew Ohio

Moi

It's true what they say..."You haven't eaten Amala until you've eaten it in Ibadan!!"

People in the Amala spot actually thought our entire Crew was from South Africa!! LOL

We hit the road once again for the journey back to Lagos...

Check out this beautiful girl on the Billboard...

What is it with me and all these Cows?!

Pype & Toks, his Manager

Closer to Lagos...

LAGOS!!!!

Went straight to chill with The Kingpin..watched 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice' and 'Prince of Persia' back to back in a private theater!!

Sunday

My Timbuktu's missed me soooooo much that I actually woke up to find Gbolahan on my tummy, waiting for me to wake up...

Gbolly

Major chilling day for me!! Please, please if you haven't gotten a copy of Tuface's 'UNSTOPPABLE' album, by all means do!! The guy is just something else!!

Special shout-out to all the people who are now part of the TARIERE shoot taking place this Sunday: Oladipo Oladapo, Adejoke Adepase, Veronica Ebie of VANESTYLE, Zebra Living, Onyx & Pearl, Saze Osayande, Deola Kamson of DELABIQUE, Wunmi Otutuloro and all the many more that are still signing up as Stylists, Make-up Artistes, Designers (suppling the clothes), and just generally Volunteers to help on that day!!

I am soooooo overwhelmed by the support we are getting and it's getting me all excited!! Thanks guys...I love you ALL.

LIVE from the unveiling of House of Nwocha's ZION Collection

2010-10-27T15:33:00.010+01:00

HOUSE OF NWOCHA rolled the Red Carpets out on Sunday, 24th October for the launch of their ZION Collection at the brand new Four Points Sheraton Hotel in Lagos.

Fashion Enthusiasts in Lagos graced the elegant and very well organised Event in support of Ugonna Omerua, Designer behind the Brand.

TARIERE as usual, has brought a feast for your eyes from the Event...

Designer, MAI, also exhibited some of his work...

MAI Models

The House of Nwocha models' hairstyle is giving me some serious ideas...

Ugonna Omerua, Yvonne Ekwere & Ify

TV Personality, Frank Edoho & MAI Atafo

MC's for the Event: O.C. Ukeje & Ify

Tariere Ekiyor

Tari & Ugonna Omerua

Veronica Ebie of VANESTYLE & Jecintha Powell

Yvonne Ekwere & Tari

Aisha Sheba & Gbemi Phillips

NJ Omerua

MAI Atafo, Ugonna & Ify

Chinele 'Vonne' Nwosu, Latasha Ngwube & Veronia Ebie

Ugonna & 'Debayo Oke-Lawal

Tari & Bibiana Ohio

M.I & Yvonne Ekwere

MAI Atafo & Veno

These group of ladies were soooo HOOTT that someone referred to them as 'Imported Chics'..Lmao!!

'Imported Chics'

Femi Atilade

Efemena interviewing Banky W

Banky W

Efemena & Tari

Eleanor Goodey & Lilian Unachukwu

I was loving these Samurais...

And also...

'Debayo's sandals

'Debayo Oke-Lawal

Tari & Chinele 'Vonne' Nwosu

M.I performing

Tari & MAI Atafo

Ladies & Gentlemen put your hands together for House of Nwocha...

Ugonna Omerua & Model

The 'American' Concept

2010-10-27T02:21:00.002+01:00

A couple of weeks ago, I attended a little dinner party with a few African-Americans and Nigerian-Americans here in Lagos.

The introductions were made, food and drink choices were given to the Waiters, and then we got into the tedious part of socializing: making conversation.

Fortunately, I was the newcomer on the table, so I became the silent (and amused) observer. This group of people was remarkable in the sense that they are doing really great work with a group of young boys in Lagos.

They train these boys in the game of Basketball and provide a standard facility for them to develop the acquired sport. They have really good plans for the kids and were very excited as they traded stories about their escapades in ‘giving back’.

One of them spoke about how excited and in awe the boys are of the fact that an American or group of Americans actually take out the time and come all the way into their part of town to mentor them. Others spoke about how the program allows the boys dream that they too can go and play for the major leagues in America.

Photo-Credit: Lukesegars.com

Commendable as the efforts being made by this group is, I couldn’t help but wonder about a certain aspect of it. It was clear to me that like many Nigerians, these young boys hold the idea of ‘America’ (which to most represent the possibility of attaining the dream being communicated to them on TV) and the West in the highest esteem.

The fact that they are so in awe of their ‘American’ trainer even though for the most part, they don’t understand what he says, reminds me of the way a lot of Nigerians I have come across also view the ‘American concept’.

To a lot of Nigerians, anything foreign (not Nigerian) is synonymous with quality. Western fashion, Western music; Western accents, products, names and even cultures, are exalted above and beyond the indigenous Nigerian ones.

It’s actually only recently that a youth sub-culture spurn out of Entertainment has begun to birth a collective sense of identity in young Nigerians.

‘America’ and the West in a lot of Nigerian minds, holds the key to a better existence; the hordes of people you find laboring under the torturous sun (and rain) daily in search of visas, by any means possible, is a testament to the perception most Nigerians have of the West.

Who can blame these young, aspiring pro-Basketball players, for feeling ‘lucky’ that unlike their brothers, relatives and friends who daily go in search of their big Western break, most times to no avail, the West instead came in search of them.

I’m always the first to celebrate good deeds when I see them; I’m excited about the fact that these kids have found an opportunity to express their dreams and skills. However, I wonder; I wonder about the long-tem effect on the psyche of these boys.

I wonder about the possible outcome of their lives in the event that they have come to associate ‘America’ alone with the terms ‘progress’ and ‘opportunity’. What about the sense of racial inferiority they could possibly develop (if not already)?

‘The road to hell is paved with good intentions’

How do you prevent a noble gesture such as this from further depleting the eroded sense of national identity and pride that is like a cancer in many young Nigerians?

Where is the balance?

My Weekend in Pictures (and words)

2010-10-25T04:43:00.011+01:00

Monday thru Thursday

Had an Interview with on the 'Working Radio' show with Toolz on the Beat 99.9fm!

Tari & Toolz Oniru

The show is produced by Jobberman...a Job Search and Recruitment Agency. We spoke about opportunities in the Creative Industry here in Nigeria, with special emphasis on my craft, Writing.

Simi & Lekan of Jobberman with Tari

Met the most delightful person EVER!! And she's a TARIERE reader toooooo!! *now feeling like someone who has cool people reading her blog*

Kemi Olu-okun, Beat FM Web Administrator & I

Inspired by a good friend of mine, I went in search of some quality Catfish in a certain Barracks here in Ikoyi!!

The place is nothing fancy; in fact I almost caused a scene as I demanded for the Waitress to clean the area where I was going to be seated, before I graced the chair with my bum-bum (Yes! The Diva was officially in the building!!)

But the Catfish is an expedition on it's own...

It was soooo good, my friend whom I went with kept acting like hewas drunk on fish the entire time!! I would never have forgiven myself if I didn't take some back home for Prof. Mummy who is a real Waterside woman that loves her fish!!

I was right...she loved it!! I love my Prof. Mummy!! *now dancing excitedly*

Wednesday: Went to the Spa to..err...it has something to do with South America sha!! My darling Aisha came to show me moral support and from there we went to hang out with a friend of her's.

Aisha Ibrahim

At Aisha's friend's house, I proved once again why my name should probably be changed to Shakira or something...

As in seriously, how could I have drank this entire bottle of Rose all by myself?!

It's actually not my fault, it's LAGOS!! The Bestie, my sister and I actually had a conversation about the fact that practically everyone in Lagos is an Alchie!!

Like really, there's hardly anything to do in this town that doesn't involve booze!! God help us all...say AMEN!!

So on Thursday, like a true Lagos Alchie, I trooped over to Zamunda (yeah..named after Eddie Murphy's kingdom in 'Coming to America') to enjoy the asun (peppered goat-meat), Live Band and ...Booze!!

I'm sorry oh...but where I come from, you are trained never to say NO to FREE Booze!!

Caesario

Ada & Singer, Waje

Shout-out to Caesario and the rest of the Zamunda crew for inviting me and giving me a GREAT time!!

Me

Note that through this entire week, I had been struggling with Malaria!! It finally kicked in mightily on Thursday-Friday and so I had to fight back...

Yeah..I had to take all those drugs!! *sad face* But I've been a good girl and consistently tool ALL!! Not forgetting the Blood of Jesus which Prof. Mummy and Miss Natural soaked me in to be healed!!

Friday

Was all drugged-out through the day...felt better in the evening and went to Hotel Bon Voyage for the usual Friday Live Band & Grill by the Waterfront!!

It was even more exciting as Key-tarist, JAIYE, was performing with the Band!! I was soooooo NOT disappointed!!

Went to hook up with The Kingpin afterwards...had no clue I was going for a Halloween Party, but was pleasantly surprised when I got there...

Yes...this guy came as a White Garment Prophet, complete with his bell which he kept ringing in people's faces!! Lol...it was sooo funny!!

Was also loving the Bartenders, Bouncers and Waiters costumes and make-up!!

..and my Henny glass too!!

Haven't hung out with my Tones recetly, so was super-excited when I bumped into her Man!!

L'erin Davis & I

Made me feel like she was there!!

I love papping the Paparazzi *wicked grin*...

Kola Oshalusi - Event Photographer

Introducing: Water Martini

I tricked The Kingpin into having a sip...when he found out it was water, he told me I just spoilt his entire taste buds by giving him water to drink...Lmao..freaking Alchie!!

The Kingpin has beautiful feet!!

Saturday

Had an Amala craving yet again so went to get some...

When the lady serving the Amala begins to jump up and hug you when you arrive...you know there is trouble!!

May curiosity not kill Tari one day!! I saw this in the pot and asked the lady what it was...she told me and even though I was shocked, I decided to brave it and asked her to give me!!

Goat Heart

Even though we are brutal carnivores in this country, something just felt absolutely WRONG about eating the heart of another of God's creatures!!

That just gives new meaning to the phrase 'Eat your heart out'...as in the poor goat probably had dreams and a future, never imagining that one day, it's heart would be on the menu!!

I couldn't go through with it...Queen (house-maid) gladly did me the honors!!

Greta Timbuktu

This Greta can like to fall my hand!! I always have to remind her to sit proper...

Then once I'm not looking, she goes right back to it!!

I haven't spoken about the Timbuktu's much recently, this is because they've been going through a rather difficult time as a family and I felt it would be intrusive to give you Live Updates!!

But their holding up well, and once all is sorted (soon I hope), I'll give you the Lowdown!!

Sunday

Re-discovered one of my old Secret Places!! Gosh I treally loved (and apparently still do) that place!!

I used to work out of there like on the regular..it was soooo peaceful and inspiring!! I wrote some of my really great work there!

Had a delicious breakfast there which amazingly enough, cost just N500!!

My friend decided to pap me while we were there...

Later went for the Fashion Show by Ugonna Omerua's House of Nwocha line at the Four Points Sheraton...

Ugonna Omerua & 'Debayo Oke-Lawal

(Live from House of Nwocha Show..coming soon)

Special shout-out to Erumu Odiete whose birthday is coming up this week!!

Erumu

Oh..by the way, I got published on 234Next!! Just for fun, you might wanna check out how I've been shredded apart there..Lol

ARTICLE

A major TARIERE photo-shoot is coming up really soon...interested Make-up Artistes, Stylists and Designers should contact me on tariekiyor@hotmail.com let's have FUN!!

Some Updates

2010-10-18T18:15:00.002+01:00

Hello Guys,

Just a few updates of some stuff I've been (and will be doing) outside of this Blog...

Tuesday 18th October: I'll be interviewed on a show called 'Working Radio' on the Beat 99.9fm from 1pm - 2pm. You guys not in Lagos can stream online!!

Also check out my article published on another blog, titled 'CORPORATE SOCIAL IRRESPONSIBILITY IN AFRICA'

Thanks guys...much love!

Tari

The Nigerian Philanthrophic Forum

2010-10-18T17:55:00.003+01:00

The TY Danjuma Foundation is a Private Philanthropy organization with a mission to enhance the quality of life of Nigerians by supporting initiatives that improve access to health and educational opportunities.

With a vision of a Nigeria where all citizens can access affordable quality Healthcare, Education and equal opportunity to realize their potentials, the Foundation works mainly through grants to non-Governmental Organizations, NGOs, and Community Based Organizations, CBO's, in the country.

Since the commencement of their first Grant Cycle in August 2010, about N400m in grants has been awarded or approved for award to Grantees implementing projects cutting across the Foundation’s broad focal areas: Community Health Initiatives; Education Interventions; Poverty Alleviation through Income Generation Initiatives; and, Policy Advocacy in Bauchi, Gombe, Nasarawa, Edo, Taraba, Ondo and the Federal Capital Territory.

The Foundation seeks to encourage affluent Nigerians to adopt a Philanthrophic Culture and as a result has organized The Nigerian Philanthrophic Forum, the first-ever of its kind gathering here in Nigeria.

The primary aim of this Forum is to speak directly to Nigerians on the nobility of giving for the good of all, and the essence of touching lives.

The programme is scheduled to hold in Abuja on the 2nd and 3rd of December 2010, and will feature the Foundation’s Grantees; participants from organizations selected from among those who could not fulfill all the requirements for award of grants under the Foundation’s 2010 Grants Cycle; Corporate organizations such as Guaranty Trust Bank, Procter and Gamble, Tulsi Chanrai Foundation, and the African Women’s Development Fund; as well as key actors from the Civic sector.

TARIERE will also be actively present during this Forum as we share a similar passion for touching lives. Two TARIERE followers who are interested in attending the Forum will receive FREE Registration to participate in the Forum.

Please send me an e-mail on tariekiyor@hotmail.com stating why you want to participate.

Contact the Foundation on +234 70 4306 9156 or e-mail npf@tydanjumafoundation.org for more information

Live from Felabration 2010

2010-10-18T01:15:00.019+01:00

FELABRATION is the annual festival dedicated to the promotion of Afrobeat and African culture and to the preservation of the legend and artistry of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

On the 10th - 17th October, 2010, the New Afrika Shrine, Lagos, Nigeria, played host to Afrobeat and music lovers from all over the world, as they came to pay tribute to the late Fela and also to celebrate the incredible artform which is his legacy.

TARIERE was present at the Shrine on Thursday 14th, and I bring you great moments and sights from what has now become the biggest and most relevant Music Festival in Africa!!

The stage was set for ALL that was going to go down on it...

Sometimes, you couldn't exactly see what was happening on stage...

Great performances ALL evening...and through the entire Festival!!

Femi Kuti & Keziah Jones

Adunni & Nefertiti

Baba Dee performing..

Adunni & Nefertiti

Tari & TV Personality, Yvonne Ekwere

Ibrahim, Sunday Are & Pascal

Nelson Samuel

Photographer, Don Barber

Goke BANTU & Tari

Christopher

Chris, Tolsen, Eric

Benny Paladin

Pharrel, Goke & Tara Heckshire

Mo'Cheddah

Awilo Logomba

Alright this is the point where I give you a little tour of the Inner Chambers of the Shrine...

Shout-out to Abdul for keeping me happy all evening in what he called his 'spirit Zone'...

Abdul

'spirit zone'

Tari & Gabriel Williams

Yetunde & Ify

Tolu Williams & Tobi Okunade

Don Barber & Tari

Rosemond

Wunika Mukan & Duro

Tara Heckshire

Joseph Anthony

Tara & Daniel

Tari & Joseph Anthony

Tari & Sound Sultan

So there you have it...my experience of FELABRATION 2010, which I will carry in my heart for years to come...well, until FELABRATION 2011 tops it I guess!!

Shout-out to the ever-capable TARIERE team!!

Chinedu & John

My Weekend In Pictures (and words)

2010-10-18T00:21:00.023+01:00

Monday thru Thursday

Attended the Island Auditions for the 'This is Lagos' TV series, which held at REHAB Night club in Victoria Island...

There is sooo much Talent in this town...made it all the more difficult deciding who to select and who to tell the dreaded "we'll be in touch" or "Thanks for coming"!!

Kai..in this Industry, you can't afford not to have a thick skin!! Just thinking of how many rejections I have experienced after building so much expectations toward the opportunity, is giving me a headache right now!!

Got my work boots on Thursday evening and headed down to the New Afrika Shrine for FELABRATION!!

Havn't been to the Shrine in about 7years!! I had a BLAST!! ('Live from Felabration' coming soon)

Friday

Mystery: Who has this mysterious stash underneath their bed?!

The Bestie and I had a much-needed BEING session, courtesy Hotel Bon Voyage...it's a time where we basically just CHILL!! Shout-out to Bon Voyage for taking excellent care of us...

Seafood Islander

Surf n Turf

Lunch was an orgasmic experience!! Mr. Vincent, the Chef at Bon Voyage is a master of his art!!

What's happening in this sculpture?

After Lunch, we relaxed and enjoyed each other's company...

Amazing Twilight view from Bon Voyage...

Later dashed home to get ready for my girl, Damilola Olaiya's birthday dinner at Jades' Palace...

Dami cutting her cake..

Dami, Yewande & Moji Awoniyi

Ochuko

Much later, my Egbon and I delightfully stumbled upon a performance by Dede Mabiaku, marking the birthday of Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti...

Saturday

Went to Terra Kulture for a special (and belated) Nigeria @ 50 Music & Poetry Recital!!

I was in awe of the diversity and richness of all our indigenous music, dance and poetry from the different parts of Nigeria!!

Terfa Aondoo from Gboko

Terfa Aondoo was one of the original members of the Nigerian National Troupe first put together by Herbert Ogunde!!

Later went to capture a beautiful Lagos Sunset from one of my new Secret Places...

Lagos is indeed a truly beautiful city!! She is a victim of abuse, and is often misunderstood, yet she willingly shares her beauty with anyone who is willing to look beyond her obvious flaws!!

Oh yeah...and I know because she told me!!

Sunday

Couldn't help admiring one of Mr. Vincent's culinary pieces during the Sunday Brunch at Hotel Bon Voyage...

Pineapple Turnover

Opening soon in Lagos...

I GOT PUBLISHED!!! Check THIS out...

Prayerful Politicking

2010-10-11T19:09:00.000+01:00

In the Church I went to yesterday, the Pastor called out to anyone present who was vying for Political office in the 2011 Elections, to come forward.

They all trooped out...about 10 of them. Some actual Candidates, others representing family members or friends who were contesting.

One guy even represented two of his friends!!

The Pastor asked them to all state their names and what offices they were running for.

I remember flinching when an elderly lady amongst them said she's 'pleading' on behalf of her son who is running for (she wasn't too sure about the particular office)...Senate in the East.

The Pastor asked the Church congregation to stretch forth their hands and pray for them. My hand stayed right where it was and my eyes remained wide open.

Why should I pray for them?!

Because we are in Church? Have they declared 'Why' they are running or what vision they have to change the lives of the people whom they are gunning 'to serve'?

I will pray for God to protect someone who I can see and hear actually has a passion for the people...not for their pockets.

Since when does the fact that someone is sitting in Church make them a good person who is qualified to lead me?! I actually felt somewhat insulted that I was being called on to trade my intelligence for religous sentiment by the Pastor asking me to pray for them to succeed.

If they were all called onto that podium and asked to state their dream for Nigeria or anything that can give me even the slightest insight into their intentions, then all would have been well.

I call on spiritual leaders, or anyone that has authority over any group of people...please use your influence wisely.

If these guys who were being prayed for yesterday do make it to office and start messing up, I seriously doubt we will find them to pray against then.

If you really feel the need to pray, then pray that the Election process is fair and that your vote should count.

Sex Therapy : Help a Brother Out

2010-10-11T09:10:00.000+01:00

I'm still lying in bed right now...very groggy as I write this..but it is an urgent matter so I bring it to you.

A friend of mine is having some issues with his sexual performance...its really getting to him as he feels a sense of being not good enough and desperately wants to change that.

So he woke me up with a very disturbed phone call asking me this question:

What can Men do to become excellent in bed?

Ladies, this question is directed at you...what turns you on? What satisfies you?

Guys, if you're very confidently skilled in that department, please help my guy abeg!!

Let me attempt my own answer with this one pointer: Learn Your Partner's Body - Know What Works...

My Weekend In Pictures (and words)

2010-10-11T00:00:00.012+01:00

Monday thru Thursday

I think I'm being stalked!!

By this young goat...

Seriously, how random is it that I should see the same Kid more than three times on two different days?!

And as soon as it sees me it starts screaming "meeeeehhhhhhhhhh"!! It walks around aimlessly and always crosses the road when I'm coming through...then it takes it's time like I should spend all day watching it cross!!

Anyway, I've decided that if I see it again, I'm taking it home with me!! What kind of name can one give a little goat that feels its hotter than Cossy Orjiakor sef?!

Cossy Orjiakor

I've never been a fan of Thai food until I decided to throw in a little Naija swag to some left-over Thai food I discovered in my fridge while on a Midnight Food Rampage...

I threw in some homemade peppersoup..I'm now officially going to camp outside the Thailand Embassy!! It was an experience!!!

So you all probably know about the Eyo Festival right?! It's the biggest Festival in Lagos where the 'Adimu Orisa', a colorful procession of Eyo masquerades from the various traditional ruling houses in Lagos, make their way through the Festival grounds.

Now here's what the typical Eyo masquerade looks like:

Not too long ago, live structures of the Eyo, with their flowing white robes, were placed at different strategic points on the Island (are they also on Mainland?)...however, not too long after, someone decided to strip the Eyo's of their white robes...leaving them naked!!

CONSPIRACY THEORY : WHO STRIPPED THE EYO'S NAKED?!

So now we are confronted with a bunch of naked Eyo's when driving on Lagos roads. It doesn't help that they look like ancient Samurai about to strike you...

It's the freakiest s#*t ever, especially when driving at night...I feel the Eyo might just pounce on my car and start chasing me!!

Had fun with my boy Jibs, over some pre-Weekend beer and delicious suya...

Friday

Went to Ikeja for a Production meeting with Gbemi Phillips and the rest of the 'This is Lagos' crew...Gbemi and I agreed that we're Ikeja babes at heart!!

Gbemi & I

I grew up and lived all my life until recently, in a tiny estate called Idiroko Village in Onigbongbo, Maryland!!

It was fun times as we toured certain Ikeja spots during the course of our meeting!!

I met this Waitress who was telling me about how a lot of Waiters end up not getting paid at the end of the month because of customers who make orders and then disappear!!

Chika

Please if you do that, you need to STOP IT!! Not nice at all...you're depriving so many people of the reward for their hard-work by that careless (or deliberate) action.

I was feeling Gbemi's tennis shoes on her short dress, which was beyond sexy...it was 'skelsky'!!

Check out Gbemi's 'Hard-On'...

Gbemi's 'Hard-on'

Bayo & Yemi Moraffa

Gbemi Phillips

I decided to start heading back to the Island before I got to the point where I wouldn't be able to make-it anymore!!

Decided to stalk Tones a little...she was hanging out with her friends!! The look on her face when she raised her head at Karaoke and saw me watching her from a little distance, was PRICELESS!!

Hung with her a little, ate a shawarma and said my goodbyes!!

The Kingpin was finally done with all his long-ass meetings and came to pick me up from where I had parked my car.

He still had some business to attend to (note that this was 12 midnight)...so we went together and I sat quietly nursing a bottle of wine while he handled his Biz!!

He was finally done!! We hooked up with his Boys...then the night really began!!

Can you guess where that is?!

We did some major Club-hopping...it was loads of fun!! Bumped into Tones and her posse at some point in the night!

She forcefully tried to make me take off my hat as she said it's making everyone think I'm a Lesbian. When that failed, she asked the Kingpin to tell me to take it off!!

The Kingpin doesn't talk too much, but when he does speak...nothing else needs to be said! According to him, all the chics who were whispering that I'm a Lesbian "should say what's REALLY worrying them"!!

GBOSA...the Kingpin has spoken!!

My hat stayed on...

Saturday

Woke up craving exactly this...

Sexy Amala, ewedu & gbegiri

Chores! Errands!! Lazing!!!

I do my household shopping at a place which has been called the 'Super-Mallam'...it's very small and cramped, not ideal for comfortable shopping at all!!

But I rather go there than all the other fancy stores on the Island, who are ridiculously over-priced!! Even though the Super-Mallam is small and run by a few Igbo brothers, they are very particular about 'quality at the right price'..and never do fakes!!

So something that'll cost let's say, N4000 at Park n Shop, I get exactly the same thing at 'Super-Mallam' for N2500!!

Send me a mail on tariekiyor@hotmail.com if you want the location of my Super-Mallam

Me

Sunday

Promised my friend I'll come through to her Church..was late, but at least half tomato is better than a plateful of gravel!!

We went to the Palms afterward and raided the Bakery...then went to have lunch and 'Safe Sex' in one of the restaurants...

Safe Sex

It was raining gorillas and millipedes by then, so we said our goodbye's and ran under the rain to our cars!!

I sat in my car in the parking lot of the Palms for two hours just reflecting and watching the rain!! Was very enlightened by the time I was leaving!!

Went to the Bon Voyage for some Champagne and blissful chilling!!

Hotel Bon Voyage

Met some guys there who cracked me up with their gist and jokes!!

Bon Voyage directly faces the back side of Kuramo Beach...

Do you know there are people who actually live in those huts on Kuramo?!

Later attended the Review of Dr. Carlos Moore's 'Fela: This Bitch of a Life'

Tunji Lardner & Dr. Moore

Jeremy Weate

Jeremy has a very interesting blog called NaijaBlog

Dr. Moore & I

Bubu of I AM ISIGO & Debayo Oke-lawal of ONYX n PEARL

Alternative Soul Singer, BEZ performing

I love my Palm-wine...

It's FELA-BRATION week people!!!!

King of Afrobeat, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti

Abami-Eda lives on!!!!

When Love is Functionally Selfish

2010-10-06T20:27:00.000+01:00

How do you define when an action is pure or impure?

When it is done out of Love?

By Love I mean when there is no expectation or selfish intention attached to it.

I support someone's cause continuously and they may even feel good within themselves that "this person is there for me".

Sooner or later, I begin to feel slightly disgruntled because of something I should be getting in return for my support. Whether its appreciation, acknowledgement or something bigger, I just want something.

Now, if the motive for my support was purely for the other person's benefit, would it matter so much (or at all) if I get nothing in return for my 'love'?!

Does this mean that even when we would like to believe we are doing something out of love, it may really be more out of the expectation of gain?

I guess the only way in which we can test the purity if our 'love actions' is when they bear no fruit for us and yet we persist in loving.

Hmnnn...when love is functionally selfish!!

Isn't it funny how people know just exactly how to love another when there is something to be gained?!

The guy who wants a girl and knows just the right sort of flowers to buy or will drive her home to Egbeda when he lives in Ikoyi, until he has 'conquered' then the journey becomes all of a sudden, too far.

Or the girl who is docile and submissive to her man up until the magical moment when he says the long-awaited "I do".

If what we practise to be 'Love' is simply a means to a selfish end for us, then let me be the first to inform us all say WAHALA DEY!!!!!

The Oppression of Want

2010-10-06T17:42:00.000+01:00

Everybody wants something.

In the environment in which I live, if you in no way serve even the possibility of bringing to most people what they want, you are cast aside as irrelevant in their minds.

Whether their 'want' is, of material value or in serving the illusion of what they want themselves to be seen or known as, if you can't add to that, then they want nothing to do with you.

One of the greatest liberties I've been given, is the freedom to break free of the prison of 'Want'.

Don't get it twisted, I also have wants. But the way I see it, when your 'Wants' form the basis for all your Interaction and Perceptions, then it becomes Incarceration.

I want to live in a world where who I'm seen to be and what I have doesn't alone determine how I'd be treated.

The gift of finding people with whom you can create a 'Want-free existence' is one I dare to tag INVALUABLE.

Deliver us from the oppression of Want.

Live from INDUSTRY NITE at Saipan

2010-10-04T16:20:00.007+01:00

The weekly INDUSTRY NITE held at Saipan last Wednesday. It was a bumper celebration, with exciting live performances from Sound Sultan & Baba Dee, with the Big Teddi Band.

Sound Sultan performing...

INDUSTRY NITE also played host to these birthday Celebrants...

Olisa Adibua

Bibiana Ohio

Not even an earthquake can seperate some people from their Blackberries...

Noble Igwe

Soundcity's Olamide Adedeji

I love Freebies!! I was generously given a FREE copy of Rooftop MC's new album by him...

Soul Snatcha of Rooftop MC's

Tari & Baba Dee

Obi Asika & Tola Odunsi

Linda & Raja

Banky W

Jimmy & Jason Nwoga

Sound Sultan & Matthew Ohio

I really don't know what I'm gonna do about this N6 person...

Cool FM On-Air-Personality N6 & I

N6 & Adeola Arije

Bime Okpoh, N6 & Bibiana

N6 & Ngozi Omambala

360 Nobs Bims & Obinna

Bime Okphoh & Bimbo Adigun, Designer behind BERYL

Benny Paladin

Ade & Mitchie

Sir Jeff

Classic FM's Chico

So be sure to come for this Wednesday's INDUSTRY NITE at Saipan from 9pm...and be sure to have a 'Crude Oil' while you're at it..or buy me one *smile*

Crude Oil

My Weekend In Pictures (and words)

2010-10-04T11:35:00.021+01:00

Monday through Thursday

Indulged in this traditional delicacy...I hope all these my random, unusual cravings don't put me in trouble one day!!

Isi-Ewu (goat head)

I'm still waiting for someone to explain the Cows in Cow View...sorry..Park View Estate to me...

Nobody does Egusi soup like our House-maid, Queen...

Attended INDUSTRY NITE at Saipan on Wednesday, where I got acquainted with a very curious drink called 'Crude Oil'

I couldn't resist asking the Bartender if they by any chance had 'Resource Control' also!!

Had a Lunch meeting at Cactus on Thursday...why oh why do I love water this much?!

Ordered the 'Cactus Special' fresh Juice, almost jumped off the jetty when I saw what they brought...

Sister, please can I just have a plain ole juice, instead of this contraption you've brought for me?!

I love me my (pronouncing Zohan style) KK-HH-HOMMUS!! At Cactus, they pimp it out a little...Introducing 'Goat-meat Hommus'..

Can never get enough fresh veggies..

Went over to my friend's house in Lekki!! spent the rest of the evening with him, his wife, and their 6-month old baby, who I just felt like kidnapping!! I got the feeling he wanted to be kidnapped by me also!!

They introduced me to a drink called..get ready for this...BALANCE!!! Lmao

After a few hours of Baby Balancing, I was ready to move!! Hmmnn..I suspect my Maternal instinct has started kicking in, cos from there I went to visit yet another baby...

Dante is a little Don-Dada oooo...check out his shoes...

Then it was off to see my sister..couldn't resist the view as usual...

Speaking of family..check out this beautiful image Tones captured of her sister-in-law and nephew...

Friday

INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!!

The fireworks were popping from the Green Concert...

Then chilled at my brand new Secret Place...trying not to be too selfish, I invited some people to come hang-out as well...

Dami Olaiya, Joke, Bunmi & Damola

Me

Smoked some nice Shisha...

Only one word best describes my brand new Secret Place...BEAUTIFULLY PEACEFUL...well, I guess that makes it two words then!

Saturday

Got out of bed early so I could make my Toastmaster's Meeting, which held at the Best Western Hotel in Victoria Island...

The Hurricane was there...

Hurricane in the Middle

Don't let her size fool you..she can knock down any Goliath when she gets behind a podium...

Sneaked out just before the end..my brain was touching for reasons I couldn't put my finger on!! Missed the food...

This dazzling view of Bar Beach beckoned to me as I drove past...

So I parked and walked the Beach!

The Area Boys (or Council..I wonder whose scam it is!) make going to the Beach such a hassle!! You pay to park, pay a toll to walk into the Beach, pay to park your ass on a chair, pay to take shade under a tent...I told them that very soon, they'll be asking me to pay to breathe on the Beach!! Oxygen - N25 for half-breath!!

For all we pay, the Beach still remains dirty as ever..so I wonder where the money goes...

I love Nigerians!! No matter what, we like our FA-JEEEEE!!

I had walked almost a mile (not that I know how miles are measured..I had sha walked far), when I saw him!!

There he was, sweeping the area around his little tent...

For some weird reason, the thought that popped into my head as I watched him was "At the end of the day, we're ALL just Pilgrims on this earth"

Then I wished he would invite me into his tent...to my utmost delight, he called out to me inviting me to come chill in his tent with him!!

I didn't even wait for any further prompting as I dashed over!!

His name is Ras Banjo, and he is a Musician.

A very FINE Musician at that!! And an Intelligent soul with a passion for enriching the lives of everyone he comes across..in whatever way he can.

Ras Banjo shared the music from his Promo cd with me...I shared my blog with him.

I learned soooooo much from Banjo..it's also amazing how much we have in common!! Needless to say, i'm grateful to God for blessing me with a great new friend!!

Ras Banjo & Tari

Ras Banjo took good care of me in his little tent, which we dubbed the 'Tent of Friendship'!! He bought me Lunch and made sure I had no moment of discomfort while I was there!!

Lol @ the t-shirt the boy selling the Bananas was wearing...

We were soon joined by Banjo's friend...

Al-Kareem

Kareem is from Niger Republic..he has a rather interesting World View which he articulates very intelligently!

Ras & Al

*now hiding my face* Ras and I did a little performance together!! We recorded it, but I'm terrified to share it with you!

Ras Banjo and I soon buried his tent in a spot where only he and I can locate...so it wouldn't be hi-jacked by other people looking for shelter on the Beach!! Then we sang some ancient hymns together as he walked me to my car!!

*contented sigh* I couldn't have asked for a better afternoon!!

I had messages from my friend Michael, asking me to come chill with them at a little Barbeque in Ikoyi!!

I was unable to collect pictures of the food to show you, but trust me, nothing beats nicely done CAT-FISH!!

We chilled and gisted until late at night..just about 5 of us!! Was an amazing time...we briefly checked out SLUSH at Marquee and then proceeded to Caliente!!

Saturday was officially the best day I've had in a long while!!

I love Michael Tokunbo Akindele & Oladipo Oladapo....you guys are the ISH!!

TAKE A STAND...SIGN THE PETITION

Sunday

I MADE CHURCH!!!!!!!!!!!

Finally, I've stopped being a heathen and actually got up on a Sunday morning to attend Church!! And I didn't just go....I took another heathen with me!!!

Love you Glory Edozien!!!

Church was really nice!! Pastor Wale Adefarasin threw the floor open so everyone can express their views about Nigeria and how we can all make ourselves personally responsible for taking Nigeria forward!!

There were some very interesting contributions and we all left feeling inspired!!

My dear friend, Uju wanted to buy me Lunch, so I dropped Glory off (she came for Brunch later) and headed to Hotel Bon Voyage on A.J. Marinho Drive in Victoia Island for their Sunday Brunch.

*sigh* The ever-challenging process of deciding what to eat...

Uju ALWAYS has to have her Chapman...

After stuffing ourselves up on plenty of food and gist, we went to the Waterfront to chill!!

Alright..lemme confess...Hotel Bon Voyage is my brand new Secret Place!! They are treating me nicely that's why I'm saying...hehehehehe

Moi

The place is just BLISS!!

Uju Chilkelue

Me

Check out this painting at the Bon Voyage...

Later headed over to Base Lounge for the REGGAE/DANCEHALL NITE

Segun & Jaiye

Jaiye is an Artiste who plays an interesting instrument called the Key-Tar!! I'll soon be attending one of his shows and come and give you the gist.

There were performances from the hottest Reggae artistes as well as mad tunes from D.J's from France...who just take Reggae music to another level!!

Rymzo performing

Guest & Bibiana Ohio

Benny Paladin

CELEBRATE AFRICAN VOICES...SIGN THE PETITION

My Thoughts on the Independence Bomb Blast

2010-10-01T14:38:00.002+01:00

We have all just been saddened by the news of the Bomb Explosions outside the Parade Ground in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, as we celebrate our 50th year of Independence.

For the first time in a while, Nigerians were united in the celebration of something of national value. Everyone has something planned and the mood in Lagos and other major cities, towns and villages around the country has been festive.

And then this sad news that 8 people have been killed in the Blast!

What is this supposed to mean?

Who wants Nigerians to remember this occasion with mourning and gloom?

How are we supposed to react to this?

Are we to cancel all the celebrations we had planned today in honor of the lives which have been lost in this tragedy?

Should we all wear black and adopt somber long faces, forgetting that only hours ago, we were optimistic about our nation’s future?

Is it our civic responsibility to mourn on a day when we should ordinarily be celebrating?

*sigh* Nigeria..why?!

I would have liked to say right now that even though I commiserate with the families of those whose lives have been lost and am deeply sorrowful about their loss, that I refuse to be depressed by this tragedy.

However, I can’t help but wonder how I’d feel if one of those 8 people was my friend or family member.

Would I be so willing to continue the celebration then?

Will we be expressing a form of national Solidarity if we decided to collectively mourn this loss of Nigerian lives OR still go ahead to celebrate in spite of it?

Which of these options will speak well of us as a Nation?

If I were to be Goodluck Jonathan right now, in whose words lies the direction the rest of today (and after) should take for all Nigerians, what would I have said to 'My Fellow Nigerians' at this time?

My question remains: What is supposed to be the mood now after this Golden Jubilee Explosion??

This Weekend - Social Calendar

2010-10-01T11:34:00.003+01:00

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!

As expected, its a Bumper Weekend...here are the list of activities for this weekend, brought to you courtesy 'What's On'....

FRIDAY

----------------

1) THE DISCOUNT WEDDING SHOW LAGOS

A 2-day event and fair of wedding discounts, sales, vendors and shows. One not to be missed.

Venue: Balmoral, Kudirat Abiola Way, Ikeja, Lagos

Time: 10am till 6pm

2) ZEBRA INDEPENDENCE DAY SALES

Zebra offers huge discounts this independence with Items as low as N2000.

Venue: Zebra Creations, 33 Sinari Daranijo Str. VI, Lagos

Time: All Day

3) NIGERIA @ 50 (HITV & OHTV)

HTV, HITV UK and Hi Nolly have partnered to put together a phenomenal celebration of our History, Unity, Diversity and Strengths in an Inspiration and positive all day Television format for Nigerians all over the world.

4) J.D.OKHAI OJEIKERE @ THE CCA LAGOS

'Satorial Moments and the nearness of yesterday' is his most recent exhibition which explores fashion both in traditional and western styles, with images taken at work, at play and during special events.

Venue: Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA), 9 McEwen Street, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos

Time: 3pm; Exhibition runs till October 14th at 6pm

5) THE FANTASY LINGERIE FASHION PARTY

Super packed decadent night of Fun, Passion and Dance with side attractions - Burlesque,Celebrity Djs,Surprise Artist Performances and loads of lingerie clad models

Venue: Zamunda, 32b Ologun Agbaje Str. VI, Lagos

Time: 8.30pm - 5.30am

6) THE GREEN CONCERT

(TARIERE followers who indicated interest in attanding the Concert should pls call John on 07063619002 to find out where to pick tickets from)

An annual event with the sole aim of bringing together the best and the brightest rising stars in Nigeria to celebrate our country, our music and our dance. Featuring M.I, Durella, Ikechukwu, Terry G, Sauce Kid, General Pype, DJ Zeez, Mo’Cheddah, Rooftop MC’s, Skuki, Lara Geroge, Buckwylla, Blacvoiz, and so many more.The music will be blended into a seamless medley by DJ Jimmy Jatt.

Venue: Ocean Garden, Ocean View Restaurant, VI Lagos

Time: 6pm; Tickets: N3,000, N10,000, N20,000

7) BEST OF MADE PARTY

Made Magazine's celebration of their popular issues - meet some of their cover personalities, mingle with Playboy bunnies courtesy of Playboy energy and enjoy music from local artists like Tiwa Savage, Lynxx,and a surprise guest performance.

Venue: Reeds, 190 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos

Time: 9pm - 2.30am

SATURDAY

-----------------

1) THE DISCOUNT WEDDING SHOW LAGOS

A 2-day event and fair of wedding discounts, sales, vendors and shows. One not to be missed.

Venue: Balmoral, Kudirat Abiola Way, Ikeja, Lagos

Time: 10am till 6pm

2) THE PLATFORM

Featuring Rev. Sam Adeyemi, Thelma Ekiyor, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, Mr. Leke Alder, Mr. Opeyemi Agbaje, Prof. Yemi Osibajo.

Venue: Indoor Sports Hall, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos

Time: 9.30am

3) UTC MEAT MART OPENING

Come out and treat your tase buds to the highest quality deli in the country. Mouth watering sarnies et. al!

Venue: Owanbe Mart, Waterfront, Wole Olateju Str. opposite Akin Leigh str. Lekki Phase 1

Time: 11am

4) VIEWING: LANRE DA SILVA-AJAYI'S NIGERIA @ 50 DRESS

A specially designed Nigeria @ 50 dress influenced by culture, fashion, history and inspired by Lagos State.

Venue: Temple Muse, 8 Sanusi Fafunwa Str. VI, Lagos

Time: All Day

5) OLURONBI: THE MUSICAL (NIG @ 50)

Nigeria's first-ever Broadway-style musical, returns to Lagos as part of the Lagos State government's Golden Jubilee Celebrations.

Venue: Saturday, October 2, 2010 Agip Hall, MUSON Centre

Venue (2):Sunday, October 3, 2010 3:00pm & 6:00pm National Theatre , Iganmu

Time: 3:00pm & 6:00pm; Tickets: N1500, N2000, N3000, N5000, N6,500

6) FUNMI IYANDA ON BBC WORLD

Catch Funmi Iyanda on BBC World this Saturday as she hosts a three-part documentary on Nigeria “My Country”.

Venue: BBC World Television

Time: 17:10 GMT

7) DIANA BADA LIVE IN CONCERT

Diana’s music is contemporary with a unique blend of poetry, jazz, hip hop, reggae and afro soul.

Venue: The Life House, 33 Sinari Daranijo Str. VI, Lagos

Time: 7pm - 10pm

8) WATER FOR CHOCOLATE

The popular soulful party is back with the hottest tunes!

Venue: Bambuddha, 21 (Plot 1310) Karimu Kotun Str. VI, Lagos

Time: 8pm - 2am

SUNDAY

---------------

Watch the Heart of the Matter as Wale Adefarasin discusses Post-Amnesty, True Federalism and the Niger Delta with President of the Ijaw Youth Council, Dr. Chris Ekiyor. showing on HiNolly, also Sky Channel 204, at 5pm(GMT+1) this Sunday.

1) J-VILLE XTREME PRAISE PARTY

Featuring Muyiwa Olarewaju & The Riversongz, Tim Godfrey & The Extreme Praise Crew and The Sounds of Heaven.

Venue: The INCUBATOR, COD Church Road, Dideolu Est. VI, Lagos

Time: 7.30am

2) CROSS CULTURE: A SPECIAL COMBINED SERVICE

House on The Rock's special combined service is not to be missed featuring Pastors Paul & Ifeanyi Adefarasin, Chosen Treasure, Sammie Okposo and Mike Aremu

Venue: New Expo Cenre, Eko Hotel, Vi, Lagos

Time: 8am

3) OLURONBI: THE MUSICAL (NIG @ 50)

Nigeria's first-ever Broadway-style musical, returns to Lagos as part of the Lagos State government's Golden Jubilee Celebrations.

Venue: Saturday, October 2, 2010 Agip Hall, MUSON Centre

Venue (2):Sunday, October 3, 2010 3:00pm & 6:00pm National Theatre , Iganmu

Time: 3:00pm & 6:00pm; Tickets: N1500, N2000, N3000, N5000, N6,500

4) THEATRE @ TERRA

While The Monologues go off to Accra, to show off our Independence in theatrical style, Sizwe Banzi takes over till they return to Lagos on the 10th. Watch Sizwe Banzi is dead this Sunday.

Venue: Terra Kulture, Tiamiyu Savage Str. VI, Lagos

Time: 3pm & 6pm

The Green Concert - Celebrating Nigeria's Golden Jubilee

2010-09-29T12:31:00.004+01:00

My beloved Nigeria is turning the big 50 on Friday October 1st, 2010!!!

Preparations for celebration of this Golden Jubilee are underway from street corners to the Presidency!! Needless to say, every Nigerian all around the world should be unleashing their inner party animal to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of our great nation!!

The GREEN CONCERT is perhaps the biggest Independence Day Party which will be holding in Lagos come October 1st. Organised by DuJour Events,a frontline Event Company in Lagos, it is set to feature the richest blend of Nigerian Artistes who will be on ground to tear the roof apart in Celebration!!

M.I, Durella, Ikechukwu, Terry G, Sauce Kid, General Pype, DJ Zeez, Skuki, Lara George and many more of the hottest Artistes in the Nigerian music scene will be on ground to give Nigeria the birthday performances she deserves!!

The legendary DJ JIMMY JATT will be in the building rolling out the hottest party tracks!!

You also don't want to miss the grand FIREWORKS display which will be bringing the Event to a climax!!

Tickets can be purchased from the following locations:

> 160, Awolowo Rd, Ikoyi, Lagos
> Ground Floor, Silverbird Galleria, Ahmadu bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos
3rd Floor, E-Center, Commercial Avenue, Sabo, Lagos.

Regular Tickets cost N3000, VIP - N10, 000 & VVIP - N20, 000

TARIERE will be there and is also offering 7 FREE tickets to the first TARIERE followers to indicate interest in attending!!

My Weekend In Pictures (and words)

2010-09-27T11:51:00.013+01:00

Disclaimer: This 'Weekend In Pictures' is being written with the mother of all hangovers!! So any unnecessary ranting or errors is caused by the intense discomfort I'm in...bear with me...

Monday

Worked out of Base Lounge, Silverbird Galleria!

Tones came to join me to work as well! Somehow...I really dunno how..a bottle of Hennessey was soon on our table to assist us as we worked.

A guy who had come for drinks came over to discuss with us..we ended up debating about Nigeria, the Elections and everything...Tones almost killed me with tension as she challenged all the guy's arguments..I saw it was really getting to him...it's only God that saved us from getting beat up cos I can't fight abeg!!

Tuesday

Worked out of Base Lounge yet again...the Lunch was delicious...

Wednesday

Tones and I attended the Mid-week evening Fellowship of the Waterbrook, at the Oriental Hotel.

We really enjoyed the message, which was about Integrity & Influence.

Hooked up briefly with The Kingpin..he held me hostage for a little bit as I acted as his accomplice in plotting an escape strategy..Lol

I escaped soon and rushed over to the coded Guest House in V.I. to work on a 'Making the Video' script with the Director...didn't finish till after midnight..*yawn*

Thursday

Breakfast

Back to the coded Guest House to wrap up on this Production once and for all!!

BEZ was around...*smile*

BEZ

I really, really like BEZ!! He is sooooo humble and easy to work with!! BEZ has no unnecessary airs about him...just easygoing and nice to be around..I like!

His music is also really great and I'm super-excited about his album coming out soon!!

Headed over to 'The Balcony' so Tones and I could chill and work together...

Then was traumatised by what was going on in this picture which also inspired me to throw a challenge out on Twitter...

I would take whoever (guy or girl) could tell me what's going on in the picture out on a date!

I soon had a winner! So I now had a date for Saturday!!

Friday

I'm very grateful for John, my Personal Assistant and No.1 Foot Soldier!!

Worked on my piece on the MAMA's slogan all evening!! If you don't hear from me on this blog in a long time, know I've been kidnapped or something...LOL

Later went to Base Lounge to make some preparations for the party we were having there the next day...

Then came back home and settled in bed with suya and my new BFF, Sir Richard Branson...

Saturday

Took my sister to REHAB salon on Adeniran Ogunsanya Street in Surulere, so Dada could give her a pimped-out new haircut...

Dada

Dada always has these theories and predictions about me!! This Saturday's prediction was of how he sees me as a woman who just wants to make billions of dollars so that in a few years, I can just relax at home with all my University boyfriends and spoil them with cash!!

Lmao...the guy cracks me the hell up!! Yeah and he delivered as usual on my sister's haircut!

So it was time to meet my date who I had never known or met prior to my Twitter Challenge..I kept my fingers crossed as I got ready..

I finally met him; not bad at all...he was very pleasant and apparently, I had actually met him before on a very random occassion!!

I had been at a party, and this guy comes over with all seriousness, to ask me to be his girlfriend!! I told him there was a process for that, and gave him my blog url...

Fast forward to my Saturday date, and you wouldn't believe that my date was that same random guy!! He actually took me seriously and followed a process...

I took him for the 360Nobs Pool Party at Tribeca...

360's Bims & I

Bims is such a darling *kiss kiss*

Pamela & Koyinsola

Phillip

It was a nice party!! My date and I left and he took me to see what he called one of his favourite views of Lagos.

I suspected I knew where that was..and I was right!! My date and I apparently have a whole lot in common!

Left my date and went home to get dressed for the Party at Base Lounge. He met me there later...

Jesse Jagz & Cool FM's N6

Ere Green & Nuella

I totally enjoy hosting people!! I get sooo much satisfaction in knowing everyone has had a GREAT time!!

Side note to my Date: I had a fabulous time hanging with you on Saturday!! I hope I didn't completely bore you too death...and thanks for your patience as I was seriously on the grind through our entire date!! I enjoyed chilling at your Secret Place..and if it's cool with you, I'd love for us to do that again..and this time, I promise to leave my BB in the car!! *straight face*

Went dancing with The Kingpin afterwards..at a place where we were being fed shooters out of syringes by some scandalous Nurses!! LOL

Sunday

Crawled out of bed to go hook up with my girlfriend who I haven't seen since Queens College!!

We met at the Mall..she had a quick Chapman..

We did some Window-shopping...

I never understand how people can pay tons of money just because they want to be wearing a 'Designer' brand name, even though the quality is s*#t!! I showed my friend some poorly done finishing on these overpriced 'Designer' outfits in the store.

Then we were invited to Lunch by her really nice friend...his Mum's cooking is the ISH!!

Little did I know when I was leaving my house, what I was gonna be in for!! His Mum had us all sit around her Dining Table reading the Bible and sharing her experiences with 'Religion' with us!!

We were there for 4hours!! But I'm not complaining, his Mum is one of the most endearing, straightforward and interesting women I have ever met!! I enjoyed every moment of those 4hours...well, almost every moment!!

I also learned a lot and this was the Bible verse that was stamped on my heart as we left...

"My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life"

Said by Jesus..'them' being every single one of us..regardless of differences...I need to remember this verse more often!!

Dashed home to shower (ooopss!! I just revealed to the world that I'm a dirty girl..Lol..don't let me shock you with more details) and get ready for the TuFace concert!!

Got into my work boots ready for the grind...

So whenever you see me in these boots, know I'm working!! I love My Boo, Tonbara Ekiyor, I stole the boots from her..it's been a Lifesaver!!

Made a quick stop at my Egbon's...he was having one of his legendary Grilling parties...and as always, he never fails to impress me with his spread...

Making the choice of what to eat was tough..but I'm always up for a challenge..

My plate

Then my Egbon laughed his head off at me as I took empty plastic bottles and filled them with Vodka and Cranberry juice, to sneak them into the Concert so I wouldn't have to buy drinks there!!

Abeg abeg are you not aware that there's a Global recession?! I don't have money to go and be buying drinks at no Concert mehn!! *sticking my tongue out*

Left my Egbon's, hooked up with the Bestie, and it was time to assume my role as TuFace's No. 1 Groupie!!

Was pleasantly surprised as The Kingpin was the first person I saw as I approached the venue...was such a random sighting!!

He cracked up as I let him in on the bottles I was sneaking into the Concert!! He said I shouldn't worry, he's done worse...and sipped some of my concoction!!

The Concert was worth all the hype...beyond all I expected!! 2FACE IS THE KING!!

Who could ever have suspected that these drinks were snuck into the venue?! *evil villain laughter*

I love the Bestie...she's always game for naughty activity!! LOL...see the scam we pulled as we kept on reaching under the table to refill our glasses from the plastic bottles under the table!!

Only one guy seemed to be unto us...Lol

Seun Opaleye

Seun & I

..And after the Show is the After Party!!

Call me weird, but I actually enjoy watching The Kingpin in his element...from a distance!! *evil villain laughter*

My friend N6 cracked me up all night with his 'Alanta'!! Yeah and he's the major reason I have a headache the size of the entire East Coast right now!!I think it was payback for what he claims I did to him at the party on Saturday!! *evil grin*

So that's been my Weekend, I hope I have not succeeded in 'Implicating' myself in anyway...IMPLICATED..2Face..get it?! LOL

CELEBRATE AFRICAN VOICES....SIGN THE PETITION

This Weekend - Social Calendar

2010-09-24T16:12:00.000+01:00

This week's line-up of activities, brought to you courtesy 'What's On'...

FRIDAY
---------------------

1) PROJECT DESIREE

See Special Announcement Section for details.

2) THRESHOLDS - AN EXHIBITION

A salon art exhibition hosted by Treasure House Fine ArtsGallery, featuring the works of 12 artists-6 emerging and 6 guest from 24th September to 3rd October.

Venue: Protea Hotel Ikoyi Westwood, 22 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi.
Time: Noon - 7pm

3) BISHOPS COTTAGE FAMILY DINNER

Lots of fun, great company, interesting conversations and mouth watering dishes......all at the Cottage.

Venue: 17b, Bishop Aboyade Cole Str. VI
Time: 8pm

SATURDAY
------------------------
TARIERE & 360 Nobs host an exclusive party for BET Award Nominee M.I, Ice Prince & Jesse Jagz at the BASE LOUNGE, Silverbird Galleria, V.I, Lagos. Sat 25th Sept at 9pm. By Invitation only

1) MONTHLY SPEAKER SERIES

A FREE 90 minute interview with Mr. Olumide Oyetan, CEO of StanbicIBTC Asset Management. This will be an informal networking event for young professionals to interact, ask questions and learn more about career, business and life experiences.

Venue: New Dawn Events Centre. 16/17 Water Corporation Road, off Ligali Ayorinde Street, VI.
Time: 11am

2) SERENDIPITY

A dainty event consisting of fashion, food and fun.

Venue: Victoria Crown Plaza, Victoria Island, Lagos
Time: 12pm - 7pm

3) OLURONBI: THE MUSICAL

Nigeria's first-ever Broadway-style musical, returns to Lagos as part of the Lagos State government's Golden Jubilee Celebrations. EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY UNTIL OCTOBER 3RD where it will be performed at the National Theatre, Iganmu

Venue: Agip Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos
Time: 3pm & 6pm;
Tickets: N2000 (Students & Children), N5000 (General Seating), N6500 (Box Seating) National Theatre - N1500 (Students & Children), N3000 (General Seating)

4) ART AT THE ABUJA VELODROME

The NationalCultural Historical Exhibition to mark Nigeria's Golden Jubilee runs till October 31st.

Venue: Velodrome, National Stadium, Abuja
Time: All Day

SUNDAY
------------------------
Catch This Sunday's exciting episode of the Heart of the Matter with Wale Adefarasin on HiNolly, also Sky Channel 204, at 5pm (GMT+1) this Sunday

1) SOUL TRAIN SERVICE

Redeeming the times @ J-Ville: Church like you have never experienced it. For youth ages 18 - 30+

Venue: The INCUBATOR, COD Church Road, Dideolu Estate. VI
Time: 7.30am

2) RON KENOLY @ THE WATERBROOK

If you are a fan of this widely acclaimed Gospel and Worship musician then you can catch him at The Oriental Hotel this Sunday at The Waterbrook.

Venue: Lagos Oriental Hotel, 3 Lekki Rd. Lekki
Time: 10am

3) YAP & E EXHIBITION AND NETWORKING

A 1-day SALE showcasing a range of products and cutting edge services.

Venue: Ember Creek, 32 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Time: 12pm - 6pm

4) LPM: THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE

LPM bring a bumper edition of their regular monthly market. A veritable banquet for the fashion conscious – an exclusive collection from Nigerian designers as well as the best in accessories and beauty products.

Venue: GET Arena, Oniru Estate, Lekki
Time: 12pm - 7pm

5) 2FACE LIVE IN CONCERT

Hosted by Basketmouth, 2face performs live @ Eko Hotel - said to be the event of the year.

Venue: Eko Hotel & Suites
Time: 7pm - 10pm; Tickets: N5,000 & N20,000 for VIP. Sold at Images and Prints (SILVERBIRD GALLERIA)

'Bars' & The Collective National Psyche

2010-09-23T16:33:00.001+01:00

Tones and I were just having a conversation about 'Bars' in Lagos.

No..not alcohol serving Bars, but iron bars that barricade most homes and general buildings in Lagos and other parts of the country.

The purpose of these bars is to protect the inhabitants of a building from Armed Robbers and other such 'Visitors of the Dark'.

Tones is of the opinion that they are very necessary for every home to have if you want to be safe.

I agree.

However, I wonder about the fact that in this country, we need to imprison ourselves to feel safe.

What differentiates us from the inmates of Rikers Island or Kirikiri?!

Goodluck Jonathan in his Election Speech, spoke about fighting crime and putting punitive measures in place...sounds good!!

But we also need to SEE it happen by feeling safe in our own homes without the ominous prescence of 'Bars'.

I also wonder about how jaded we've become as a people if our illusion of safety is with us behind 'Bars'.

We really do need an overhaul in our collective national psyche. Imagine the state of mind a child who is being delivered right now in St. Nicholas Hospital or at a Maternity Centre in my village, Patani, is being born into.

Please people, let's vote wisely in this Elections.

Our Collective National Sanity depends on it.

LIVE from the Guepard Album Listening Party

2010-09-23T14:35:00.003+01:00

On Saturday 18th September, 2010, GUEPARD Productions held a glamourous Listening Party for their Artistes, J2D & Le Soul, at De Marquee in Victoria Island, Lagos.

It was a celebration of great music from the Guepard Artistes and other established Nigerian artistes.

Lots of Champagne, canapes and amusing moments as we all witnessed the birth of a new sound from the stables of Guepard!

Caroline Danjuma of GUEPARD

KAS

Tari Ekiyor

Model, Isio Wanogho

Faze

Tari, Toni Tones & Caroline

General Pype

Olu Maintain

Tari & Toni Tones

General Pype performing

YES...I'm TuFace's No 1 Groupie!!

2010-09-22T12:50:00.000+01:00

*singing* "You and I were meant to be together baby...Can't you see that you are the only one for me"

Ahhhh...the pleasurable sounds from none other than the most dynamic and in my opinion, most relevant artiste in contemporary Nigerian music.

I have been in a secret love affair with TuFace Idibia since those days of Plantashun Boiz miming in front of a Zmirage lit backdrop on AIT Jamz!!

Of course he knows nothing about our affair...and that's fine with me, but I have stood by TuFace through thick n thin; baby-mama drama and 'Enter the Place'!!

He is one artiste that we have all watched evolve from a sonorous romantic crooner to the powerful and wise Street Philosopher he has become today.

TuFace has faced the demons of stardom and charmed them into becoming his servants! How many young guys could have gone through all that drama in the unkind glare of public criticism, and still come out on top of his game?

TuFace has been beaten, robbed and deprived, yet he came out screaming "NUTTIN DE HAPPEN" and inspiring us all!!

In this day where you see a lot of Artistes trying to conform to the stereotype of what the West expects an African Artiste to be, TuFace Idibia has remained true to his own Evolution and that is something worth celebrating him for.

His music is a collection of African stories; his sound, an expression of what the faceless men and women daily being mis-represented in the World Media are truly about.

TuFace is a living testament of the truth that true Education is about an awakened consciousness; an awareness of what is happening around you at every point in time.

He is in touch with his core; connected to his source...a beacon of hope to anyone who will also walk his path.

I've woken up this morning with TuFace on my mind because I'm excited that come Sunday, I'll be the No.1 groupie at his concert!!

This will be my 2nd TuFace concert...the 1st was a couple of years ago at the MTN XtraPro TuFace Tour.

I'm looking forward to experiencing yet another historical episode in the Making of a Musical Legend.

Let's Go There!!!

My Thoughts on Goodluck Jonathan's Declaration Speech

2010-09-21T19:30:00.005+01:00

In my attempt to be patriotic, I decided to dedicate 20mins of my Sunday evening to the Declaration Speech given by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, on his bid to run for Presidency come 2011.

Certain people usually expect that I'd be actively campaigning for Goodluck for no other reason than the fact that he is Ijaw and I happen to be as well. I’m not even moved in the slightest bit by that and it surprises me that we haven't gone past that way of thinking in this country.

The criteria for me in deciding who to vote for rests on one principle alone: Do I believe in this person?

Whether the Candidate is male, female or confused; Fulani, Efik or Ogoni, all that really matters to me is if I can sense that is there is a heart within that person that actually cares for the welfare of the least Nigerian.

So I finally gave Goodluck a chance on Sunday to make his pitch to me. I have drawn out specific statements from his speech that caught my attention and these are my thoughts on them:

“As you can see from the lower quantities of diesel that you are buying today, power generation has significantly improved.”

Now I must confess I am more than a little worried about this statement. When speaking, you have an idea of the specific audience you are addressing. By this statement, do I assume that GJ is speaking to Industries and those affluent Nigerians who can afford to buy diesel? What about those tons of people who use petrol to power their ‘I better pass my Neighbor’ generators? Or the masses who can’t even afford a generator but have to endure the stifling heat and mosquito bites that accompany a night with no electricity. What about Joseph, who sells frozen chicken and fish in the market and constantly runs at a loss because his goods get rotten due to the absence of power? Has Joseph ever dreamt of one day owning a generator that he’ll be buying diesel for? How many years does he need to toil for to be able to afford that?

Mr. President, who really are you addressing in your speech? Does the entirety of Nigerians in your mind consist only of diesel buying people?

“We saw to it that normalcy began to return to the Niger Delta by ensuring government's fidelity to its promises, and this has helped to stabilize our national revenue.”

What about healing for the physical, psychological and environmental damage that has been suffered over decades by the people in the Niger Delta region? Do you measure success in that troubled region merely by the effect it has on ‘national revenue’?! Enlighten me..I’m just asking...

For the entirety of the first section of this speech and even through the Body, GJ was very vocal in his use of the word ‘I’. This troubles me because Goodluck is simply the face of an administration. The choice of the word ‘I’ as opposed to ‘We’ just makes me wonder if there will arise a day in this country where we will vote for ideology rather than personality. I would feel more comfortable if he had spent time saying what his administration stands for, because let’s face it, Goodluck is not going to be sitting down at a desk in a government parastatal, implementing what he personally believes.

It may be unfair to him for me to even say this, because it’s not his fault that our systems are so rotten, but the profound and continuous usage of the word ‘I’ is always scary in any human endeavor.

“In the circumstances and after a thorough self examination and prayers with my family, I, Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan have decided to humbly offer myself as a candidate in the Presidential Primaries of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, in order to stand for the 2011 Presidential elections.”

The ‘prayers with my family’ bit made me laugh!! At least he’s not clueless about the highly religious nature of his people.

“Our country is at the threshold of a new era; an era that beckons for a new kind of leadership; a leadership that is uncontaminated by the prejudices of the past; a leadership committed to change; a leadership that reinvents government, to solve the everyday problems that confront the average Nigerian.

I was not born rich, and in my youth, I never imagined that I would be where I am today, but not once did I ever give up. Not once did I imagine that a child from Otuoke, a small village in the Niger Delta, will one day rise to the position of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I was raised by my mother and father with just enough money to meet our daily needs.

In my early days in school, I had no shoes, no school bags. I carried my books in my hands but never despaired; no car to take me to school but I never despaired. There were days I had only one meal but I never despaired. I walked miles and crossed rivers to school every day but I never despaired. Didn't have power, didn't have generators, studied with lanterns but I never despaired.

In spite of these, I finished secondary school, attended the University of Port Harcourt, and now hold a doctorate degree.

Fellow Nigerians, if I could make it, you too can make it!

My story is the story of a young Nigerian whose access to education opened up vast opportunities that enabled me to attain my present position. As I travel up and down our country, I see a nation blessed by God with rich agricultural and mineral resources and an enterprising people. I see millions of Nigerians whose potentials for greatness are constrained by the lack of basic infrastructure.

I see Nigerians who can make a difference in the service of their country but are disadvantaged by the lack of opportunities.

My story symbolizes my dream for Nigeria. The dream that any Nigerian child from Kaura- Namoda to Duke town; from Potiskum to Nsukka, from Isale-Eko to Gboko will be able to realize his God-given potentials, unhindered by tribe or religion and unrestricted by improvised political inhibitions. My story holds out the promise of a new Nigeria. A Nigeria built on the virtues of love and respect for one another, on unity, on industry, on hardwork and on good governance.”

Okay at this point, I literally had to stop myself from giving him a standing ovation!! THIS is what we are talking about people!! THIS is what Nigerians need to be hearing right now!!

This is freaking RELATIVITY mehn!! People on the street or in the creeks can damn well relate to this and that’s what Leadership is all about: the people being able to see themselves in whoever they choose to vote for!!

GJ I doff my hat to you on this one!!

“I have come to preach love, not hate. I have come to break you away from divisive tendencies of the past which have slowed our drive to true nationhood. I have no enemies to fight. You are all my friends and we share a common destiny.”

Then he worried me again after this nice paragraph with what I consider to be a contradiction. He has no enemies to fight but later in the speech, he declares:

“We will fight for JUSTICE!

We will fight for all Nigerians to have access to POWER!

We will fight for qualitative and competitive EDUCATION!

We will fight for HEALTH CARE REFORMS!

We will fight to create jobs, for all Nigerians!

We will fight corruption!

We will fight to protect all Citizens!

We will fight for your rights!”

My dear country men and women, give me your support, give me your votes and together we will fight to build a great nation of our dreams!

Emphasis on the continuous usage of the word ‘FIGHT’

Which one is it GJ? I understand that it might be an oversight with word usage, because Corruption and all those other things are actually the enemies, but c’mon Mr. or Mrs. Speechwriter, GREAT job, but the stakes are way too high for oversights.

All in all, this is the first time I’ve ever been inspired by listening to any Politician in Nigeria, well, except one random speech Babatunde Fashola gave at a private event.

Things are looking good for Nigeria I guess! So now the big question: Do I believe?

Hmmnnn..a little more ACTION is all I need to be convinced.

Read the FULL text of his speech here

2010-09-21T01:29:00.001+01:00

Current Location: On my bed
Issue on Ground: Its a life situation...
Current Solution: Hmmnnn...

I'm choking right now!!

I actually can't seem to find the air to breathe!! What have I done wrong?!

I actually could have given the last of the air available on earth to this person if it ever came to that...why does it have to be like this?!

Oh God, you see that even in my thoughts I have been faithful to this person...why is it that they are so ill in their reaction toward me?!

I'm sad...I'm really sad right now...and my heart aches!!

Oh God, you know things that I can never even dream of knowing...

I guess at the end of the day, I can only trust what I know is in my own heart.

I'm scared.

If this is happening now...what does the future hold?

In trust I stand...

Go Team IBB!!!

2010-09-20T19:41:00.004+01:00

Bumped into an interesting group of people at Base Lounge, Silverbird Galleria, Lagos.

They were like the usual everyday young people we know, only that they were boldly proclaiming their support for Former Military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida!!

I couldn't resist going over to speak to them; I was shocked and impressed at their audacity to publicly identify with the One who majority of Nigerians regard as the Enemy.

They claim to not be paid for their support...they say they actually believe in him as the solution for Nigeria!!

In their words, "Let the person who spoilt the country come and fix it by himself"

Alright...and there I was thinking nothing could shock me anymore in this Lagos of mine!!

YES WE CAN: The Femi Olagbaiye Story

2010-09-19T21:29:00.005+01:00

“You either run the local Derby or you run the Olympics. If you decide to go for the Olympics, you have to aim to beat the World record”

This is the story of a man who has chosen to walk the higher path. A man in whose mind there are no limitations, boundaries or impossibilities.

Femi Olagbaiye is the C.E.O of One Entertainment, a 360degrees Entertainment company with interests in Radio & TV Broadcasting, Film, Talent Development and Music Production.

Their flagship channel is One Music, a content-driven music channel which targets an International audience in the U.K USA, Canada, United Arab Emirates and across Africa, providing them with compelling music-based content.

Until a year ago when he set out to explore new opportunities in Nigerian Entertainment, he was the Operations Manager for MTV Networks Africa, managing their entire West Africa operations.

Early Life, Dream VS Passion

Femi Olagbaiye was born into a tight knit family of seven in the city of Lagos, Nigeria. As a child, Femi dreamed of one day becoming a Pilot. He wanted to build planes and fly them. Somewhere in between his fantasies, little Femi would also find time to perform musicals like Sound of Music for his family’s entertainment.

His aeronautic fantasies drove him to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Lagos. However in school, he found himself constantly being active with the promotion of one show or the other.

His path with his mentor, HiTV’s Toyin Subair, first crossed during the promotion of a show the latter had organized in Unilag.

Torn between his dream and his passion, Femi got on his knees and asked God to direct Him in the right path. He clearly heard from God that his path was in pursuing his passion in Entertainment, but Femi was reluctant to give up on his dream, which was becoming closer to fulfillment as he was getting prepared to enroll in Flight School.

He eventually obeyed the prompting of his heart and there was no going back after that.

A Life-Transforming Experience

One specific event in his life was particularly responsible for setting Femi Olagbaiye on the path of Global Excellence upon which he now treads.

As a young Music Producer and Promoter, he was working with a promising young Artiste, who he passionately believed was ‘the next big thing’. He finally got an opportunity to showcase the Artiste’s album to Gbenga Shokefun, a Record Producer and Show Promoter based in the States, who was also a role model and father figure to him.

Mr. Shokefun quietly listened to the album Femi had presented to him, then took out the cd from the music player and right before Femi’s bewildered eyes, broke the cd into two.

He called the album ‘CRAP’ and asked Femi to honestly compare its quality to that of the music being churned out by International artistes. Femi tried to give excuses for his mediocrity by saying that they only had access to limited equipment and were recording from a tiny 2 x 4 studio.

Mr. Shokefun tossed all the excuses aside as being unacceptable and told Femi that no-one actually cared about what he had or did not have, but only about the quality of the final product delivered.

That experience with Gbenga Shokefun changed Femi’s life forever. It woke him up to the realization that he could compete globally in whatever area of Entertainment he was involved in. No longer did he limit himself by trying to make good ‘African’ music that would be all the rave within the continent but nowhere else.

The experience made him from then on, always rate everything he was involved in with the best available, in determining the quality which is satisfactory. He measures all his creative work against Hollywood standards and knows that even when he has met those standards, the challenge will be to go beyond that.

Mr. Shokefun also gave him a book called ‘The Business of Music’ which taught Femi a great deal about being successful in his first love – MUSIC.

Career Journey

His career journey began with Silverbird Communications, when Vice-President, Roy Bruce gave him a job as a Radio Consultant. Even though he had no prior experience in Radio Broadcasting, he was given the crucial task of training and developing the scores of young talent who showed much promise to the future of Broadcasting in Nigeria.

Femi developed training formats out of his head and invested himself in developing the skill of a number of On-Air Personalities who have all risen to become the very best at what they do.

He attributes his ability to successfully train people, to his drive for excellence and a keen ability to analyze and discover what is missing. He also applies this ‘building’ philosophy to his relationships with people, as he is able to see the direction in which each person is headed, and will do everything to make sure they get there.

Femi himself has enjoyed effective mentorship from great Nigerians such as Fela Durotoye, Toyin Subair, Roy Murray-Bruce, Jimi Awosika and Alex Okosi.

From Silverbird, he moved on to MTV Africa, where his first task was as a Talent/Artiste Representative with the primary assignment of finding music videos to air on the Network. The major problem though, was that at the time, there was barely any quality material worth airing on the MTV platform.

At that point Femi had no choice but to begin to understand the basics of Video Production, and work with local Directors in coming up with material which could be played alongside the foreign videos which were being aired on MTV.

Femi later forayed into the Marketing and Sales operations while in MTV, and dedicated himself in this area, such that the MTV operations in Nigeria became the most profitable in all of Africa while he was at the helm of affairs.

Before he left MTV in 2009 he was overseeing all of the corporation’s interests in West Africa, as the Operations Manager, a role yet to be filled since his exit.

His Thoughts on Piracy

Regarding the scourge of Piracy which has eaten deep into the Nigerian Music Industry, Femi Olagbaiye believes that Piracy only flourishes because there is a gap in the market, and piracy fills that gap.

In Femi’s opinion, Piracy can be curbed through Marketing and Volume of a GOOD product, as well as ensuring that the product is also well distributed.

He uses the album of gospel group KUSH as a Case Study, explaining that the Marketing Plan, which he was actively involved in the creation and implementation of, was foolproof and did great in sales, without Piracy.

Mediocrity VS Excellence

Femi expresses the frustration he sometimes experiences working in Nigeria where mediocrity has been embraced by the majority as a culture. Once in a while, he meets people who also aspire to the level of excellence and good quality he aspires to.

Then, he is comforted by the knowledge that he’s not alone in his journey.

He admits that there is immense talent in all the Creative fields in Nigeria, but hardly any skill. Which is why he is passionate about Training and through One Entertainment is starting an Academy which will help people in all aspects of Entertainment to develop a high level of technical and creative skill.

Femi is also a Voice Coach.

Personal Fulfillment

More than anything, what Femi Olagbaiye wants is to be the best at something.

He wants to know that he gave his best at everything and to be a heavily impacting force wherever he finds himself. Satisfaction can only come with the knowledge that he made a difference in lives, projects and every single thing he was ever involved with.

For him, the biggest reward for any investment he makes is for people to be able to say ‘that’s a great job’ and he agrees with them.

God and Spirituality

Femi Olagbaiye humbly declares that God is and has always been the driving force of his life. He believes it is the God in him who does not allow him settle for anything short of Excellent.

He has been in a fulfilling relationship with God since childhood and has come to realize now that no matter how far away from God he strays, he will always return to that godly foundation which is the bedrock of all that he can ever be.

He doesn’t hesitate to extend forgiveness to people who offend him; because he is aware of how much he himself has been forgiven.

Family & Marriage

Family is of the greatest essence to Femi Olagbaiye and he is a strong believer in sacrificial love.

Family to him consists of having people with whom one can be vulnerable, sincere and open. Femi is very particular about Integrity and Trust and can only be comfortable around people who have nothing to hide.

He looks forward to having a family of his own, with a wife who is an extension of who he is. Femi believes that his wife is to be the building everyone sees, while he is the foundation. His ideal woman is someone who will be to him a Supporter, a Fan and a wise Counselor whose opinion can be trusted in the sense that it comes un-condescendingly and without bias.

She is someone who will always be there even when he has badly screwed up and would help him back up when he is down.

She also has to be a Dreamer, as it is only one who dreams themselves that can support another Dreamer.

YES WE CAN

Femi Olagbaiye is a reflection of the New Nigeria. He embodies the spirit of the new generation of young Nigerians who have refused to be limited by the physical, cultural and psychological boundaries which have held us hostage in the idea that we cannot.

His story is an inspiration to anyone, young and not so young, Nigerian and non-Nigerian, who believes they have something to give, not just to their immediate environment, but to the world at large.

The Boundaries are there to be broken; YES WE CAN.

Femi Olagbaiye

My Weekend In Pictures (and words)

2010-09-19T20:05:00.017+01:00

Alright people, I have a confession to make: EVERYDAY is actually a Weekend for me...so I figured I might as well include all the other days in this post:

Tuesday

Hooked up with The Kingpin right after a Production meeting deep inside Victoria Island.

Chilled having drinks and getting our brain cells dulled by Africa Magic. Then kicked his ass so hard at a game of soccer that it still hurts him till this moment!!

Helped him ease the pain out a little by teaching him some of my orgasmic legendary stretching/relaxation exercises!!

Then he took me to a certain Rooftop which has the most beautiful view of Lagos you can ever see!! *nothing but smiles*

I later introduced him to the Juicy Shawarma! He has become an official convert!!

I enjoyed listening to him as he opened up on certain sides of himself I know he'd have rather not spoken about...must have been the juicy shawarma *wink*

Got home in the early hours quite satisfied with what a lovely evening it had been.

Wednesday

Finally attended the mid-week Bible Study in Church after such a long time!! It was very nice and interactive as usual and I was glad I was there!

Later went for INDUSTRY NITE at Saipan where Jamix was launching his album.

Thursday

The flu came down hard on me!!

Worked all day on this piece: YES WE CAN: The Femi Olagbaiye Story

Got hungry as usual at 3am...made myself some microwave Indomie which tasted like processed ass!!

Tried to pimp it out a little by throwing in some carrots...now it tasted like grilled ass!!

CHANGE THE MAMA'S SLOGAN...SIGN THE PETITION

Friday

Went to wrap up a business deal at BASE LOUNGE, Silverbird Galleria.

Then went for another Production Meeting at a coded Guest House in the heart of V.I, where I was introduced to this special homegrown cocktail...

Alomosera (Lol..you wouldn't even believe the combo if I told you..ok..Alomo Bitters & La Casera)

Nobz came through to the Guest House briefly to chat about a project we're working on...

Noble Igwe

He left soon saying he was going home to watch movies and sleep...

Then I hooked up with Tones at one of my secret places...where we literally just spaced out...

Isn't nature just beautiful?!

We laughed our heads-off when some middle-aged guy comes over to meet us holding some cans of beer and saying that 'his daddy' asked him to give them to us!! We accepted and waved thank-you at his 'Daddy'!!

He came back later to tell us that 'his Daddy' wanted our phone numbers!! We asked him to tell 'his Daddy'..who I'm not kidding, had to be nothing less than 70, that we don't roll that far!!

Me

I took Tones through a session of my legendary orgasmic stretching exercises...she was begging for more soon!!

Satisfied Me...happy to bring pleasure

Then we went to Marquee..and who is the first person I bump into..

Noble Igwe

Oh wow!! Movies and sleep my ass!!!

Olamide Adedeji

Banky & I

Amaka & Victoria

Amaechi Okobi

Damola

Dami Olaiya

CELEBRATE YOUR AFRICAN-NESS...SIGN THE PETITION

Saturday - STAND UP 2010 AGAINST GLOBAL POVERTY DAY

As you probably know by now, I'm exploring different Dance Classes here in Lagos. I tried Burlesque and now I've gravitated toward Zumba to see what's going on there!!

Went to Bailamos Dance Studio in Obalende first thing in the morning, for the Zumba Class co-ordinated by Bunmi Olunloyo!!

My mat was Pink!!

I had a BLAST!! Was so out of step with everyone and probably looked like a fool..but it was FUN and touching the right spots in my body!!

Have to find ways to get rid off all this energy *winks*

Bunmi is an EXCELLENT Instructor and a fantastic Dancer..I'm soooo going back there!! My body felt delicious after the Class!!

Went straight to Rehab Salon on Adeniran Ogunsanya Street in Surulere, from there!!

Meet Dada, my super-Diva Hairdresser!!

Dada

Dada is worried for me...he says I'm getting wilder and wilder by the day!!

Had Lunch at home...DAMN it tasted good!!

Later attended the GUEPARD Album Listening party at Marquee..their artistes are J2D & Le Soul

Toni Tones & Caroline Danjuma of GUEPARD

Me

Guest & Hilda (also of GUEPARD)

Tones

Guest Artistes who performed included FAZE, General Pype & KAS

KAS thrilling a Fan while performing

The Kingpin invited Tones & I for a drink...we soon left to go meet him..

Tones

Me

I had such a FAB time!! It was really nice having both The Kingpin and Tones around...he treated us real nice and we all had an AMAZING time!!

Then it was off to check out the new REGGAE/DANCE-HALL NITE at Saipan!! Reggae DJ's from France and Cotonou were in town and it was AWESOME!!

Tobi Okunade

Gosh...I danced like I haven't done in ages!!!! The music was SICK..they were brilliantly giving reggae mixes to contemporary songs we listen to everyday!!! Definitely gonna be there next time!!

I couln't get over how beautiful Tones was looking that day!!

We were joined by a mystery man...

Tones & her Man

L'erin Davis & I

I haven't had as much fun as I did that night in such a long time!!

RAISE YOUR VOICE...SIGN THE PETITION

Sunday

Began the day with some in-bed reading...

Then it was off to Southern Sun hotel for the Sunday Brunch...

Goat-meat/Ox-tail peppersoup..always a great place to start!!

Check out the breathtaking view of Lagos from Southern Sun...

Baffles me how a hotel as big as Southern Sun can have such a tiny pool...

Later went to drop my sister off at the Airport...

My beautiful sisters: Tonbofa Ashimi, Thelma Ekiyor & I

Decided to visit America for the evening myself..*smile*

Worked on this 'Weekend in Pictures' amidst screams and cheers from die-hard American Football fans as they watched football on TV!!

USE YOUR VOICE WISELY...SIGN THE PETITION

Chika Emmanuel - Elite Model Look Nigeria 2010

2010-09-17T17:12:00.001+01:00

SHE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chika Emmanuel

This Weekend - Social Calendar

2010-09-17T15:26:00.002+01:00

Here's this weekend's list of activities brought to you courtesy 'What's On'...

FRIDAY
---------

1) MEGA INDEPENDENCE DAY EXHIBITION ABUJA

This exhibition opened on Thursday 16th September and is tagged 'Journey of our Independence' to commemorate Nigeria's 50th anniversary of Independence.

Venue: Velodrome, National Stadium, Abuja
Time: All Day until October 31, 2010

2) INVISIBLE BORDERS

The Trans-African Photography Project - a one day conference discussing the experiences of the photographers.

Venue: Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA), 9 Mcwen Street, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos
Time: 2.30pm - 5.30pm

3) BOOK PRESENTATION: ONIONS MAKE US CRY

Brought to you by Zainabu Jallo and The British Council

Venue: British Council, 20 Thompson Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos
Time: 2pm

4) FRANJIPANI'S MOMENTS

A photo exhibition presenting Tami Kuboye on her journey through Life, Love & Friendship.

Venue: Sofitel Moorhouse, 1 BankoleOki Lane, off 2nd Avenue. Ikoyi.
Time: 11am - 5pm (until Sunday 19th September)

5) TARUWA ABUJA

Finally the spoken word poetry and live music goes to Abuja!

Venue: The Basement, 16 Adetokunbo Ademola, Wuse2, Abuja
Time: 6.30pm - 9pm

6) BISHOPS COTTAGE FAMILY DINNER

Friday Dins are here again, N3,000 and bring a bottle of your favourite wine. Limited capacity. RSVP early.

Venue: 17b Bishop Aboyade Cole Str. VI
Time: 8pm

SATURDAY
------------

1) X-CLUB SENSUAL SALES

Lingerie, Bath Scrubs, Beddings,Bath Towels, Room Scents, Soaps, Creams, Romantic Getaways, etc.

Venue: Daisy Management Centre, 8 Idowu Martins Street, Off Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
Time: 1.30pm - 5pm

2) SISTA SISTA (5TH EDITION)

Networking, wardrobe and relationship talk, session with Life Coach, Jerome Onipede. Kate Henshaw-Nuttal with homemaking tips, poetry, music by some of Abuja’s finest artistes, laughs with Gbenga Adeyinka and a very special guest.

Venue: The Haven Conference Hall, Maitama, Abuja.
Time: 3.30pm Tickets:N2,000

3) SHOPPING EXPERIENCE ABUJA

Brought to you by Nata’s Insatiable Sensations in collaboration with Adanna’s Collections.

Venue: Adanna’s Colelction Luxury Shop, No. 6 Block 4, Section 4 Garki International Market, Abuja
Time: 1pm

4) POTTERY EXHIBITION

Various pots on display and pottery arrangements.

Venue: National Museum, Onikan, Lagos
Time: All Day until June 2011

5) REGGAE AND DANCEHALL NIGHT

Featuring DJ Highfa (France) and DJ Ras Raheem (Classic FM 97.3)

Venue: Saipan, Bishop Aboyade Cole Str. Victoria Island, Lagos
Time: 10pm

SUNDAY
-----------

THE WATERBROOK FELLOWSHIP PRESENTS 'FLOURISH' AT THE ORIENTAL HOTEL, VICTORIA ISLAND, LAGOS ON SUNDAY AT 10AM. CHURCH JUST GOT FUNKY!!!

1) ALTERNATIVE SUNDAY

J-Ville: Church like you have never experienced it. For youth ages 18 - 30+

Venue: The INCUBATOR, COD Church Road, Dideolu Estate. VI
Time: 7.30am

2) THE DISCERNING PALATE II

A second edition of this cafe style dessert brunch on the green where N1000 gets you all-you-can-sample access to perfectly made cupcakes, muffins, chai tea, sorrell drinks and other carefully selected treats.

Venue: Lifehouse - 33 Sinari Darinijo, Off Younis Bashorun, Off Ajose Adeogun, Victoria Island Lagos
Time: 12pm - 5.30pm

3) THE MONOLOGUES FACE-OFF 2

The V-Monologues versus The Tarzan Monologues starring Kate Henshaw-Nuttall, Bimbo Manuel, Carol King, Soul Snatcha of the Rooftop MCs, Iretiola Doyle,Kemi Lala Akindoju, Katherine Edoho and other talented performers.

Venue: Terra Kulture, Plot 1376, Tiamiyu Savage Street, VI, Lagos
Time: 3pm and 6pm (Adults Only - 17yrs+). Tickets: N3,500

4) ABUJA WRITERS FORUM

Weekly reading and critique sessions.

Venue: 2nd Floor Hamdala Plaza, Jimmy Carter Crescent, Off Area 11 Junction, Abuja
Time: 4pm

2010-09-16T12:23:00.002+01:00

Hello Guys,

Here are the links from my most recent articles on Bella Naija & 360 Nobs:

'THE MAID OF HONOR FROM HELL' - Bella Naija

'A DARING GIRL'S GUIDE TO 'ARRESTING' A MAN' Part 3 - 360 Nobs

'THE 5 THINGS LOVE IS NOT' - Bella Naija

Be prepared to witness some major Tari-bashing as you check them out...LOL

Tari

Live from INDUSTRY NITE at Saipan

2010-09-13T23:29:00.005+01:00

It has become tradition for players in Nigeria's Entertainment Industry, to gather every Wednesday to network while enjoying quality music from the finest Live Performers.

This past Wednesday was no exception, as Artistes, Personalities, Music Promoters and other Stakeholders in Entertainment, attended Nigeria's No. 1 Entertainment Networking Forum, INDUSTRY NITE.

BERYL - Designer

Chico - Classic FM

Twisted Minds

Rapper, Sauce Kid & Asa

Frank 'PAPAS' Okamigbo

Me

INDUSTRY NITE & City People are hosting Jamix's album Release Party, this Wednesday, 15th September, at Saipan Restaurant & Bar, Bishop Aboyade Cole, V.I.

Special Guest Appearances by DJ Jimmy Jatt, M.I., WhizKid, KEL, 9ice, Jesse Jagz, DJ Zeez, Blaise, OD, Ice Prince & many more!!

2010-09-13T15:52:00.000+01:00

Current Location: Hairdresser's
Issue on Ground: Just thinking...
Current Solution: What you think...Lol

A lot of times recently, I've asked myself why the heck I'm giving my time and attention to this MTV 'giving Africa a voice' slogan matter.

As in really, what should I care...and what on this formerly green earth makes me think I can actually make a difference.

Truth is...I don't know.

I realise that nothing may change at the end of the day and I may have just wasted precious time and talent...but then again, I also wonder about myself as a person, if I don't do anything about it.

I was and still am very insulted and disappointed about that slogan being sold on air everyday...but I was just going to share my pain with you guys on the Blog and let it end there.

It was actually an Anonymous reader who gave me sleepless nights by tipping me off to the fact that I can do something about it.

Whoever you are (I suspect someone) I truly appreciate you telling me that...little do you know how you have helped transform my life.

Do you know how much difference it makes to me to know that I can actually DO something about a situation I believe deep in my conscience is wrong?

Everyday on these streets I witness situations...people..that depress me!!

I see little kids hustling during school hours for petty change.

I see young girls being forced to hawk their bodies just to be able to go to school.

I see little boys trading away the possibility of ever growing to become great men, because of an idea being sold to them that they should 'Get rich QUICK or die trying'

Its sad...very sad!! Sometimes, I feel so depressed and helpless about such things, that I retreat within myself to find comfort.

Sometimes I feel so disconnected from my environment that I don't want to see or talk to anyone (except you of course...wink)

I just want to DO something about what I consider to be important. I just want to use what iv been given to create a better world for those to whom I find myself being responsible.

That's why I'm doing this...because I CAN.

Its wrong for people...corporations..whoever, to broadcast lies just because they know they are operating in a country where everything goes. Its just WRONG!!

And I refuse to sit back and accept it.

So yes Tari, this is why its important that you do this...and even if nothing changes about the issue, that's fine cos most importantly, YOU changed...and that's the true meaning of Success.

Nevertheless, I shall keep writing, keep advocating...and hopefully one day, the voice of this obscure Ijaw girl might just be heard!!

But what am I saying...its being heard right now!

Gosh..you guys may never know what you do for me on this Blog...just by being here for me to constantly express ME to.

Thank you and I'll keep praying to God that you yourself experience the invaluable gift which you give to me.

JOIN HANDS FOR WHAT'S RIGHT SIGN THE PETITION
http://www.gopetition.com/petition/38679.html

2010-09-13T14:49:00.000+01:00

Current Location: Hairdresser's
Issue on Ground: Taking another Hair Risk...
Current Solution: Join hands with Blog readers and pray it goes well!!

Sitting here at Rehab, waiting for my Hairdresser, Dada to do his wonders!! I've decided to come back to my natural hair from my lil braids hiatus!!

This time though, iv decided to add a lil spunk to it. Oh Lord, pls let all my hair not fall off..also pls let me not look like a sun-tanned Ram with this look.

Been watchin some TV while sitting here...Michael Jackson story, a brief bio on Eva Longoria...and Khloe Kardashian getting a Bikini Wax (??!!)

I don't remember the last time I sat through watching E!...and now I remember why!

I'm just not enthralled by the irrelevant footage of Celebrity Lifestyle...show me how to make the Network or gimme steps in turning a lil show into a multi-million dollar Global marketing platform..then I'm interested!!

No matter what though, you've gotta give it to these Kardashian bunch! They've really sold us all on the seeming bizzareness of their lives. I say 'seeming' cos what's really so different about how they live?

The only difference is that they have the balls to document it..with a little extra va-va voom!!

LOL...I can literally see the lines of the Script in this Kardashian show!! Nothing about Reality TV is real...lurve it..Lol

Oh Wow...Daily Ten...they still do that show?!

Okay so I could soooooo predict exactly how this episode of 'Khloe & Kourtney' will end right from the beginning!! Knew exactly what they were trying to do from get go!!

Yes..I am feeling very cool with myself right now...Bite me!!

Now off to wash my hair...say a lil prayer for me so I don't go through the BAD hair phase all over again!!

WARNING: This Post May Smell Like FART!!

2010-09-13T03:38:00.000+01:00

"When is it okay to fart in a relationship?"

This question was thrown at me by a fine African-American brother, over champagne and small chops right here in Lagos.

My indifferent shrug and attitude toward his question which seemed to weigh heavily on his mind, was curious to him...so he probed further..

"What would YOU do if you were in a relationship with someone and they be farting?"

At that point I could hold it no longer...

"I've farted in relationships and been farted at..so maybe I'm not the right person to be asking"

His reaction was priceless!!

"So what happened after the Fart?"

I shrugged again, "Nothing...life goes on as normal"

Now, my friend was even more confused!!

LOL...so I decided to throw my dear friend's questions out here at you guys...

When is it okay to fart in a Relationship?

What is the post-Fart life in a Relationship like?

I warned you this post smelled like FART...hehehe

Snapshots From A Lagos PARTY

2010-09-13T00:50:00.008+01:00

Occasion: TOPE JAWANDO's Hen Night
Location: De Marquee Lounge
Date: 10th of September
Time: Midnight-ish

Bride-to-be, Tope Jawando

Aisha Ibrahim (doing her 'freaky eyes') & Ada

Ebele & Wunmi Otutuloro

Tope Jawando & Remi Onibudo

Valerie Dawodu & Ngozi Akintujoye

Wunmi Otutuloro, Tari & Moji

Doyin Ojora & Tope

Amaka

Me

USE YOUR VOICE....SIGN THE PETITION

Guest & Damilola Olaiya

Aisha Ibrahim

Mojisola Osiyemi, Ebele & Wunmi

CELEBRATE YOUR AFRICAN-NESS....SIGN THE PETITION

My Weekend In Pictures (and words)

2010-09-13T00:06:00.008+01:00

Wednesday

I'm sorry...I still can't get over Cow-View Estate...

Yeah we had a looonng ass weekend here in Lagos...it began for me with Prof. Mummy's birthday on Wednesday!!

Lemme share some random details about Prof. Mummy with you right now:

I call her Prof. Muumy cos she has theories and answers for EVERYTHING!!

Her remedy for every single thing under the face of this earth is the BLOOD OF JESUS!! It has never failed her!

Prof. Mummy hates indecent dressing!! She tells anyone dressed indecently around her (suffered most by my sisters and I) that NAKEDNESS IS SHAME!! Her argument for that is that when a mob catches a thief, what's the first thing they do to him/her?!

Prof. Mummy will open her door to even Abacha if he came asking for her help!!

And yes, she's a STRONG woman who gave birth to 8 kids!!!

That's Bade being a little brat!!

Went for dinner turned drinks with The Kingpin later.

Then it was INDUSTRY NITE at Saipan (pictures to be posted soon)...

RAISE YOUR VOICE....SIGN THE PETITION

Thursday

Had a very nice morning watching Tyler Perry's 'Why Did I Get Married Too', with my friend Jibola and his fiancee.

The thickest peppersoup I've ever encountered...courtesy Jibs

Then took Gigi (my chariot/car) to the Spa for a much deserved pampering.

Decided to go on a long walk round an Estate here in Ikoyi while Gigi was getting her groove on!! Sat for a while with the guards at the gate, marvelling at their intelligent conversation.

Then the Bestie came to pick me up from the Car Wash to go for her Wedding Dress fitting.

She had a craving, so we made a stop for this...

Corned-out Seun Opaleye

I later experienced one of those breathless moments as I was called in to view her in the dress....all I can say is that my girl is going to be the most beautiful Bride there ever can be!!

The lovely Miss Opaleye

Stopped for a late lunch at a Tetrazinni outlet...never knew they had it going on there!!

Prof. Mummy's Ijaw indoctrination has started kicking in...I gravitated toward the fish!!

Finally settled for this...

TAKE PRIDE IN YOUR AFRICAN IDENTITY....SIGN THE PETITION

Remember Gbolahan, the newest addition to the Timbuktu clan?! Guy is kinda weird...always seems to be watching...

Gbolahan watching the Timbuktu baby

Then sometimes, he becomes the jovial Uncle Gbolahan...

Are you thinking what I'm thinking?!! Hmmnnnn...

Nevertheless, Exhausted Greta seems thankful to Uncle Gbolahan most times...but I just don't trust him!!

Greta

USE YOUR VOICE....SIGN THE PETITION

Friday

Worked all day!! Emerged at night to attend Tope Jawando's Hen Night

Tope Jawando

But first, had dinner and drinks with my new Arab friends at Villa Medici...

Filet de sole

I have no apologies for being a local Nigerian woman who ALWAYS has to have her pepper with EVERYTHING!!

My Arab friends decided to do the Naija pepper mix with me and paid early for it!! A fire extinguisher couldn't have sizzled the fire in their mouths..LOL

Dessert - Creme Brulee

Left the Hen Night early and cuddled up to watch 'No Country for Old Men' with the Timbuktu's till we all dozed off!!

Saturday

Who wakes up and first thing in the morning, goes to the Salon to disfigure themselves?! Yeah...ME!!

Anyway, I'll spare you that picture...needless to say, I've had to take my braids out FAST!!

Tried to go see a friend in VGC, but that demoralising Lekki traffic wouldn't let me, so went to hang with Tones and her Man instead.

Watched some really crazy movie called 'The Experiment' (I think) with them. Tones was sooo angry at the end of the movie, her Man and I were scared she was going to trash the TV!!

I really appreciate the fact that they go the extra mile to accommodate me and make sure I'm not lonely!!

We hung out on 'The Balcony' later...

Me

Sunday

Spent the entire day doing RESEARCH for the next stage of my plan toward getting the MAMA's slogan changed and reverting the damage done.

Got a breath of fresh air much later and also checked out my favorite Columnist's page...

CELEBRATE YOUR AFRICAN-NESS....SIGN THE PETITION

This Weekend - Social Calendar

2010-09-10T18:52:00.003+01:00

It's a looooonngg weekend here in Lagos, and as usual, we bring you a losting of activities to keep your weekend fun-filled!!

Courtesy Aramide Abe's 'What's On'...

FRIDAY
---------

1) ZEBRA SALE

To mark the holiday season, Zebra is giving a 10 per cent disount on ALL items.

Venue: Zebra Boutique, Life House,
No. 33 Sinari Daranijo Street, V.I.
Lagos.
Time: All Day (Thursday and Friday)

2) PECHA KUCHA NIGHT VOL 2.

PechaKucha Night was conceived in Tokyo in 2003 as a place for designers to meet, network, and show their work in public. It is a non-profit event. Each presenter is allowed 20 images, each shown for 20 seconds each, giving 7 minutes of fame before the next presenter is up.

Venue: A White Space, 58 Raymond Njoku off Awolowo Rd. Ikoyi
Time: 6pm - 10pm Door: N1000

SATURDAY
------------

1) FARAFINA AT THE HUB

Your favourite Farafina titles at up to 50% off all weekend (Friday to Sunday) and a lucky dip for free books.
Venue: The HUB, Palms Shopping Mall, Lekki
Time: All day (10th - 12th September)

2) TOCATINA LIVE

Tocatina Live presents Afro-Jazz Orchestra, Biodun + Batik in a mini concert for the jazz lovers.

Venue: The Life House 33 Sinari Daranijo Street, VI, Lagos.
Time: 6pm. Tickets: N3000 (available at The Life House, Jazz Hole and Quintessence)

SUNDAY
------------------
1) Leadership Sunday at J-Ville

Church, passion and purpose unadulterated......like you have never experienced it. This Sunday features a talk by a seasoned leader.

Venue: The INCUBATOR, COD Church Road, Dideolu Est. VI
Time: 7.30am

2) ELITE MODEL LOOK NIGERIA 2010

This year's exclusive Elite modelling contest promises to be the hottest featuring fashion (Jewel By Lisa, Vonne, Mya, Nkwo, Melissa Odabash), music, celebrities and so much more

Venue: Federal Palace Hotel, Amadu Bello way V/I Lagos.
Time: 6pm Dress: Chic. By Invite Only: Call 0803327875

3) THE MONOLOGUES FACE-OFF 2

The V-Monologues versus The Tarzan Monologues showing for the first three sundays in September.

Starring Kate Henshaw-Nuttall, Bimbo Manuel, Carol King, Soul Snatcha of the Rooftop MCs, Iretiola Doyle,Kemi Lala Akindoju, Katherine Edoho and other talented performers.

Venue: Terra Kulture, Plot 1376, Tiamiyu Savage Street, VI, Lagos
Time: 3pm and 6pm (Adults Only - 17yrs+). Tickets: N3,500

4) ABUJA WRITERS FORUM

Weekly reading and critique sessions.

Venue: 2nd Floor Hamdala Plaza, Jimmy Carter Crescent, Off Area 11 Junction, Abuja
Time: 4pm

Two-Timing Tari : Destiny Fulfilled

2010-09-10T18:19:00.003+01:00

Mr. Classic felt as though all the life had been punched out of him.

He was only vaguely conscious of the pandemonium that was now inside the aircraft. The wind was still rushing in and it seemed like the little plane was struggling for survival. He himself was now on the floor, having been knocked down by a mighty gust of wind.

The Bitch. The fucking crazy, lost, psychotic Bitch!!

Who jumps out of a flying plane?! Even as he was being tossed everywhere by the wind, and felt a slight trickle of blood from where his head had hit against the sharp ledge of a seat, the only thing he could taste was the bitter bile of his life gone sour.

Everything was lost. All he had hoped for, longed for, played a game for his entire life. Out the fucking window!!

From the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of Mr. Smooth lying on his stomach, inching his way slowly against the massive onslaught of wind, toward the aircraft door.

Hatred so intense it felt like a rebirth, overwhelmed him in that instant. All his life he had had to be this person. This person that everyone had to like; this person who wore whatever mask the occasion required of him.

He had to learn to give what people required in order to be accepted. He had to pretend he was a happy guy, when deep inside, he really wanted to destroy every pathetic creature from whom he desperately sought affirmation.

His only opportunity to ever changing that dynamic lay in his ascendance of that throne. Then, he will have been able to control all their wretched minds. They would have done only what he wanted them to do. He would have owned them; made them subject to every beckoning of his being.

Oh how he had longed for the day that would have been. Every moment in his life had been geared toward that goal. The old man had clearly said that the throne belonged to whoever owned the Bitch. Get her lost in your power, and her immense power became yours.

He had been sooo close. But then, there had to be this Smooth bastard contending for her heart as well. A new determination set in, as a single idea was born in his heart. What if the old man was wrong? What if he didn’t need that crazy Bitch to get the throne? Wasn’t the real competition Smooth?

All of a sudden, the wind became like breeze as Mr. Classic found in himself a new reason to live. Who said it was over? He inched toward Mr. Smooth with the agility of a passionate snake. Pity the Bitch had to jump; he had actually loved her.

She was the first person with whom he didn’t have to work to be accepted. It was like she saw Him and yet still loved him. Too bad she had to take an early flight!!

Mr. Classic was now very close to Smooth. What was he trying to do anyway? Was he trying to shut the door? Fucking heroic bastard!! Mr. Classic hurried in his glide; he couldn’t afford to allow Smooth shut the door before he got to him.

He was now just at the feet of Smooth and was ready to give him the unexpected push which will hurl him out of the plane and into the cloudless skies, when Smooth suddenly thrust himself out of the plane and out into the skies.

Mr. Classic was shocked silent for the second time in less than 2mins.

He quickly reached out for the door, struggling with the raging wind, fighting for his own survival. He pulled; the wind caused his feet to give way; he regained his balance and got a firmer grip on the door. He shut it.

Silence filled the aircraft.

Mr. Classic collapsed on the floor, trying to make sense of what had just happened. The bastard had committed suicide!! That was the only logical explanation for a sane man jumping out of a plane.

Wow!! He had been right earlier; the Smooth Fool had actually gotten himself foolishly in love with the Bitch!! Losing the throne and then losing her must have really gotten to him.

Oh well, it’s a good thing he didn’t have to get blood on his hands after all. Now he alone was eligible for the throne. There was no one to contend with him. He will find a way..somehow

But first, he needs to make sure this damn plane lands safely. He rushed into the cockpit..

***********************

Mr. Smooth – 2mins ago

His heartbeat resumed exactly 5seconds after she jumped.

Then he was knocked down by the wind. She is even crazier than I thought. She jumped??!!

Mr. Smooth couldn’t stop the smile that escaped his lips. He found himself slowly moving toward the door. He looked back to see if Classic was alright, he had seen him fall against the ledge of a seat moments ago.

Classic was stirring, so he must be alright.

How long does it take before an object of Tari’s weight hit the ground? As if it matters, what the heck can I do about it anyway?

Trust Tari not to think about the possible outcome of jumping out of a flying plane. Oh, she did think about it alright; the crazoid was ready to die.

She is such a fool; it baffles me how anyone can be so passionate. But how he loved this fool of a woman.

He wondered what her final thought will be if she wasn’t already dead by now. He wondered how she would feel if she hit the ground with no-one there to catch her. He cringed at the thought of her beautiful body being broken to pieces by whatever element broke her fall.

Oh God, why couldn’t I just have loved a normal woman who had no grand expectations of me in her silly head?

For the first time in his adult life, Mr. Smooth felt like he had completely lost control. He had always maintained a disciplined approach to life. From a tender age, he had felt so much compassion for the sufferings of everyone, and the helplessness he felt toward it had made him learn to bottle his emotions with finesse.

He had wanted that throne all his life because only then would he have the power to transform the mind of the world. He will feed them thoughts which will open them up to the unseen good which is resident in every human. He will create a new world order rooted in Love and honor for human life.

He hated himself for using Tari the way he had. His only consolation was in telling himself that she wants the same thing of the world, so will understand. He knew why she was given the gift that could change everything; she was pure.

Smooth carried a great deal of pain in his heart. Pain from the callousness of humanity; pain from the insincerity of friends and ‘loved ones’.

His pain became his shield. It became his armor.

Smooth also carried a lot of anger in him. He was angry at his seeming helplessness toward changing all the suffering he could see. Hence, Smooth mastered the art of Control.

He was the master of his own emotions. It was only with Tari that this was threatened. With her, he wanted to do things he had not thought about since he was a boy. Her open heart and acceptance of the world around her gave her a freedom which Smooth envied greatly.

She was what he wanted to be, but couldn’t bring himself to be.

And now she’s done it again..thrown my entire world out of control. Smooth realized that for once in his life, he had a situation on his hands, and absolutely no PLAN.

With this realization came a certain feeling he didn’t recognize. Something was unlocked somewhere deep inside him. Confused as Smooth was, whatever was happening to him right now felt good.

He let it happen. Smooth immediately knew where he wanted to be right now; where he wanted to be for the rest of his life, even if that ‘rest’ consisted in a fall to his death.

In the same place with the woman of his soul; the heartbeat of his spirit.

He jumped.

Into the skies, into the unknown. He plunged himself through the misty waves of the clouds, blinded to the certainty of all outcomes, but alive in ways he had never known.

***********************

The clouds received him; the winds sprang to action, steering him in the direction they had been instructed. In the same direction which moments earlier, they had carried the Mistress of the skies.

Since the beginning, they had awaited this time; over and over, they had practiced the execution of this particular assignment. The Master had made it clear that even their survival depended upon the success of this assignment.

With pride, they marched through the skies, aware that all other clouds and the winds of the other polars were in awe of their glory, as the chosen ones to bring delight to the Master’s heart.

*************************

Mr. Smooth opened his eyes.

Everything was brand new. The land was green; lush and held the scent of a new beginning.

He stood up and in a moment of appreciation, took in the magnificent beauty of his surroundings. If there was ever a thing as Perfection, this was it.

Then he saw her; no, now THIS was Perfection.

She lay by the brook, the gentle waters caressing her feet as she slept peacefully in the golden haze of the sun. Her loveliness broke his heart, and he wept.

He went over to her, bent and kissed her.

She opened her eyes. What he saw in them would have caused him to embrace Plane-jumping as a hobby. He knew in that moment that death was only an illusion.

This is Life.

She smiled and took his hand. They sat and were united each other.

Mr. Smooth ascended his throne. The old man had tricked them.

The gift was not just in her, but in them. That was the unlocking he had experienced in the plane.

The throne belonged to he who had the gift of Love.

The gift could only have been discovered by he who was willing to give his life, the throne, and everything else, even in the absence of any gain.

He had given his life for this woman; with no certainty of reward at the other side of it.

In doing so, his Destiny had been fulfilled.

LONG LIVE THE KING & HIS QUEEN.

The Kokomaster Syndrome

2010-09-07T12:35:00.003+01:00

A prospective Client and I got talking about the value in Partnerships, over drinks at Base Lounge, Silverbird Galleria yesterday evening.

Not surprisingly, our chief Case Study was none other than the successful partnership between the Kokomaster, D’Banj, and his Producer, Don Jazzy.

My Client was of the opinion that without Don Jazzy, there can be no D’Banj; it’s interesting how he didn’t also see that as being vice-versa.

I instinctively agreed with him when he said that, but on a second note, I actually decided to think about it a little bit more before fully agreeing with him. I will be the first person to say that I’m scared about what might happen to D’banj’s career in the next two years, or even next year.

And I’m terrified of this because as much as I love D’banj, and see him as one of the most distinctive brands to have emerged from the Nigerian Entertainment Industry, he seems to be lacking in the one thing that assures of Longevity in any creative field.

D’Banj lacks quality Content.

I mean check out the ‘Endowed’ single; those beats were MAAADDD!! There is nowhere in the world that you’d hear that song and not want to gyrate!! (LOL..alright I can’t believe I just used that word..’gyrate’)

THE MAMA'S DID NOT 'GIVE AFRICA A VOICE'....SIGN THE PETITION

As much as I thought it was a nicely produced track, I was already tired of it within the first two minutes of listening to it. The lyrics could not engage me and get me wanting to hear the song again. It’s a nice song to have blasting loudly in my car when I want to drown myself in sound, but that’s as far as it goes.

Art and Music is about making a connection with the audience through every piece that is put out. No matter what anyone chooses to say about Tuface, one solid fact is that he never fails to make a connection (except when he's trying to 'Enter the Place') through his lyrics. His Content, most times gets me thinking about whatever he's talking about, whether I have experienced it or not.

The way it seems to me now, is as though it’s only the Don Jazzy end of the D’banj/Don Jazzy partnership that is making any connection right now.

It saddens me that D’banj has completely lost me at this point. I don’t even get excited anymore when I see him endorsing a product or hear that he’s going to be a part of something, because his delivery has become the same monotonous mantra.

And this is one Artiste I truly believed in..and well, probably still do; otherwise I wouldn’t be writing this.

CLAIM OWNERSHIP OF YOUR AFRICAN VOICE....SIGN THE PETITION

So back to my Client’s statement that without Don Jazzy, there can be no D’banj:

The Activist in me was ready to fight for D’banj and say “how can you say that”, but even the arguments I produced in his favor, to counter my Client’s belief, seemed futile.

I said, “But he was in Ikechukwu’s ‘Critical’ track, and he was great in it!!”

Ahhh...but wasn’t that a Don Jazzy again beat?

The only headway I seemed to make was by saying that D’Banj’s verse of Banky W’s ‘Lagos Party’ remix was my favorite of all and that wasn’t a Don Jazzy track?!

But this gets me thinking, just like in Marriage when two have to come together to make a complete single unit, is it possible that in Life and Business, there are just some people whom we will be unable to reach our full potential without?

If D’banj steps up on his lyrical Content today, and decides to walk away from Don Jazzy, would that be the end of his career, just because they split?

But if this principle applies, then how come whether or not Don Jazzy is producing a track for D’Banj, he ALWAYS makes a Touchdown?!

You know what, I’ve actually now convinced myself that it has nothing to do with a Partnership approved by the gods, but more of the strength each person is bringing to the table. If two people in a Partnership are giving their best, then they will do a fantastic job of COMPLEMENTING each other, not Completing as we’d like to believe.

So my dear Client, I disagree with you.

There is a D’banj without Don Jazzy; and vice-versa.

The only way this can be proven wrong is if D’Banj chooses to remain mediocre in his Content; then, he will forever be NEEDY of Don Jazzy to make up for what he lacks.

Kai..Tariere, you can like to take Panadol for another man’s headache!!!

TAKE A STAND FOR THE TRUTH....SIGN THE PETITION

My Weekend In Pictures (and words)

2010-09-06T10:22:00.009+01:00

Thursday

Traumatised my Twitter followers and people at home with my new favorite meal combination!!

Indomie & Efo Riro

Received confirmation from ZAIN and co. that they received letters sent regarding changing the MAMA's slogan...

GET MTV AFRICA & ZAIN TO CHANGE THE MAMA's SLOGAN

Then it was off to theLatin Dance Club for my very first Burlesque lesson...

Burlesque Props

Lol...I learned how to 'Bump n Grind', shut the door of a car by 'popping' my Booty, and also all kinds of 'Shimmies'!!

That was just the Introductory Class...more to come this week!!

Oyinda Fakeye...my Sexy Burlesque Instructor

Friday

Work...and then went to have my hair braided!! If anyone knows a Recruitment Agency for the KGB or CIA...please let them know that the girl in the Salon where I braided my hair will make a great Torture Chamber-Lady!!

Went for my Egbon's birthday party at Base Lounge later!!

Then hung out with 'The Kingpin'*huge blush*

I really enjoyed hanging out with 'The Kingpin'!! It was really nice...we went to the Club together! I've known 'The Kingpin' for quite a bit, but its the first time we'd actually go out together...gosh I'm saying too much already and why the heck can't I stop smiling?!!

The conventional things like how many bottles of Champagne a guy would buy in the Club, or all those other kind of stuff don't really impress me...but I was quite impressed by the 'The Kingpin' that night...with the effect he seems to have on everyone!!

From the Bouncers to the 'Aboki's' selling outside the Club, to even random people driving past the Club, everyone was screaming his name and soooo excited to see him. It wasn't like he was throwing money at them or anything, it was more of a deep RESPECT for him, which I could tell made them respond that way to seeing him.

Hence, I tagged him the name 'The Kingpin'. Anyway, enough of that for now...I'm sure you get the picture...I had a really GREAT time!!

Saturday

Work...went to interview rapper, Ikechukwu for 360 CHAT WITH TARI!!

Ikechukwu & I

Was a lovely Interview...Ikechukwu opened up on many sides of himself he hasn't spoken about before!! Will be out soon...

Then it was off to Terra Kulture to hang out with the girls...

Bella Naija Features Editor, Glory Edozien & Inspiration FM's Wana Udobang

Wana was chairing a Book Review organised by Farafina...we stayed for dinner afterwards!!

That was my dinner...topped it up with Nigeria's Official Drink...

Chapman

Since I've dropped the Pension-starved Prostitute look, we decided to go to Bungalow's!! The same Bouncers threw open the door...so I was right about the hair...they also apologised to me anyway!!

Glory Edozien

We ran into some company there...

Noble Igwe...getting his female swag on!!

Dami Olaiya & Noble Igwe

Dami & MAI Atafo

It was off to KARAOKE from there...

Wana..wrecking the mike

Artistes like Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Usher and many others must have been having seizures from what we were doing to their songs at Karaoke!!

Had some really juicy Sharwarma...did a brief stint at the Industry Nite/Nigeria Entertainment Awards Nominees Party holding at Saipan...then its was off to Marquee..

Saw 'The Kingpin' at some point in the evening...he was looking AMAZING!! *shameless smile*

I couldn't get over this HUGE glass my Hennessey was served in...

Had a really great Saturday with the girls...there is no subject under the sun that we didn't talk about that day!! They all have such intelligent and positive minds! Thanks girls...you've given me soooooo much Blog Content!! *smile*

Sunday

Woke up...had a massive brain touch which made me jump out of bed, grab a few books and head over to one of my Secret places to chill all by myself!!

Well, not exactly by myself...had some company...

Left there after a couple of hours of deep thinking while soaking up the sun and serenity...went to another Secret Place!!

Realised I hadn't eaten anything all day when I got there...but in my brain touch inspired rush, I had no money...well, except this...

So all I could afford was this...

Muffin & Zobo

Fear did not allow me eat that Muffin ooooo!! The thing looked like a weapon of Mass destruction...

Mean-Ass Muffin

As in seriously..you don't wanna be in a Food Fight and the other team has those Muffins as ammunition!!

Anyway, I drank my Zobo and read the newspapers until the Bestie came to rescue me...

I miss Tones, so I was poring over her work in ELAN!! She went to Italy to shoot at a wedding!

Seun Opaleye

We had chicken wings and loads of Palm Wine...

Later lay on mats in the sun as I taught her my infamous Stretching Routine...our bodies felt like we had visited a Pleasure Paradise not too long after!!

So that was my Weekend!! Hope you had a great one too...enjoy your week!! And please if you really do feel anything about the 'giving Africa a voice' MAMA's slogan...change it by signing the Petition!!

SIGN THE PETITION

Yeah and share my 'heart' with as many people as you can!!!

CHURCH Just Got Funky

2010-09-04T02:28:00.000+01:00

TWB – The Waterbrook Church moves to Lagos Oriental Hotel Victoria Island.

Lagos, Nigeria, September 1, 2010.

The Waterbrook Church will now hold its Service at Lagos Oriental Hotel – 3 Lekki Road, Victoria Island Lagos from Sunday September 5, 2010 at 10am.
Speaker – Pastor Tony Rapu
Hosts – Amanda and Dele Balogun.

THE Water Brook is a place without walls or boundaries, where people who have grown weary of the conventional way of doing church seek an environment of freedom to worship God without the perception of being confined by conventional church, religion or age restrictions.

It’s a gathering of diverse minds, backgrounds and opinions but with one thing in common, a thirst and hunger for the Word of God and a desire for a closer walk with the Father.

At TWB, we build up the new generation and guide them through real life issues that we face and how to stay focused on God even when the world seems to be closing in on you.

It’s a new experience in God. It’s a place of teaching, learning, healing, discovery and if you let it, it’s a place of new beginnings. So if you need to break away to be more intense with God, The Water Brook is just the place for you.

2010-09-02T14:44:00.002+01:00

Hello,

Here are links from my latest Bella Naija & 360Nobs articles...

'PREDATORS WITH PROMISES' - Bella Naija

'A DARING GIRL'S GUIDE TO ARRESTING A MAN' - 360 Nobs

Enjoy...

Tari

Two-Timing Tari : In Search of Destiny

2010-09-01T19:41:00.006+01:00

The darkness drew me deeper into its embrace.

There also seemed to be what sounded like the beating of a drum; at first it was faint, then it pounded louder and harder until I shrunk myself from its intensity and forced my way out of its reach.

I tried to crack my eyes open. The light was like a shard of glass cutting across my eyes. I quickly shut them.

Then it all came back to me; the question, the look and then total blackness.

I guess I just got myself a full dose of what they say about Curiosity. The pounding in my head seemed to find that last thought quite funny, and expressed itself in full force.

The mother of ALL headaches.

Suddenly, through the haze, I heard a voice. An excitement perked up within me; oohh I was sooo going to play dead right now!! Let this Mr. Classic squirm in guilt as I make him think he’s killed me.

I quickly swallowed the small smile which was trying to escape my lips. No, I was hearing voices, not a voice.

That’s right, two voices. They seemed kind of muffled before, but were now becoming more audible. In fact, they seemed to be approaching me. I stiffened as much as my numb body would allow me.

One voice was definitely Mr. Classic’s; the other was disturbingly familiar. I leaned my ear in closer..OMG!! It couldn’t be; how, when, HOW??!

This would have been an ideal moment to faint, but unfortunately for me, this wasn’t a Nollywood blockbuster titled ‘Jeopardy in the Air’ and directed by one of the Ejiro brothers!!

No, this was real life and I just found myself stuck on a plane with BOTH my lovers!! I didn’t even need to open my eyes to know that the second voice was Mr. Smooth’s. The instinctively sensual reactions from my body were all the proof I needed.

Why me, oh God?! Hey..but I’m playing dead right now, so I can survive this..at least till we land.

“Get up Tareh!!” the voice was definitely Mr Smooth's, he alone pronounced my name that way.

“Stop playing dead…I know you can hear me”, he continued.

The problem with this Smooth Man is that he knows me too damn well!! Alright, BUSTED..the game’s up!! I drew myself into a sitting position and shielding my eyes with my hands, opened them slowly.

My very first post-unconscious sight was of Mr. Classic and Mr. Smooth, the two men I loved, standing together in front of me. It was the most beautiful picture I had ever seen.

I immediately became glaringly aware of the fact that it was just three of us on the small jet. Oh my goodness, not even my blog is uncensored enough for the sort of thoughts that flooded my mind.

I smiled at them.

Mr. Classic wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. “Do you have any idea how freaked out I was?” he scolded

“Well, that was kind of the idea…next time; you’ll be gentle with a lady” I replied cheekily

Like a force field, the reality of the situation overwhelmed me. How was Mr. Smooth on this plane? Why were they speaking to each other when I was unconscious? My eyes narrowed as I ferociously raised my head to face them, more than ready for a fight.

“I want answers, and I want them NOW!! What the FUCK is going on here?”

Mr. Smooth simply smiled, turned around and began walking toward the cockpit. Spurred by some energy, I sprang up and ran to block his path. I think the wild look in my eyes stopped him from taking even a single step further. I was enraged.

“I said I wanted answers, and someone is going to give me some right NOW!!” I looked from one to the other with what I hoped was my most dangerous look.

Mr. Smooth shrugged, turned his back on me and took a seat.

“What do you want to know?” he asked as he sat down majestically and crossed his legs. I looked over at Mr. Classic, who was smiling sheepishly.

“Mister Smooth!! Never thought I’d see the day…she has you like pudding in her hands!!” Mr. Classic said mockingly.

“First of all, how did you get on this plane?” I pointed accusingly at Mr. Smooth.

Mr. Smooth relaxed in his seat. “I own the plane. I knew you were not going to come for Brunch today, I saw the rebellion in your eyes the last time. So I decided to go on a little ride all by myself. But when I was told someone had booked it for the weekend, I figured I’d just fly the customer myself. Who would have guessed it’d be you, my beautiful angel and your Lover, my good friend here”

Oh nooooo!! So he’d been in there through everything I’d done with Mr. Classic back here. I wondered if there was some sort of CCTV that linked to the cockpit.

Mr. Smooth smiled. “The sounds were good enough for me”

I was determined to be in control; I won’t let him get to me..FOCUS Tari, Focus.

“You guys KNOW each other?!” I knew I wasn’t going to like whatever I heard on this jet, but I had to know.

Getting the information out of them was like pulling a welded tooth, but I eventually did. I threatened, fought, manipulated, flirted, and did everything I knew how and at the end of it all, wondered if I wouldn’t have been better off not knowing.

In summary, Mr. Smooth and Mr. Classic not only knew each other, they shared the same destiny. They had been told by the same person as children, that only one of them can ascend the throne which they both lived to attain. For both of them, it was all about the power, the influence, the eventual domination of the entire airspace and I, poor me, was the pawn each needed to fulfill his raw ambition.

Needless to say, it wasn’t really me they wanted, it was my gift.

They both denied that they had been using me. They had pretended to love me, to guarantee my submission, and then whoever I totally submitted to, would own me, and of course, my gift. I lost the will to live as the truth unfolded before me. I mostly had to dig into what they weren’t saying to figure out the truth for myself. Like the fact that it’s my gift they both wanted.

They needed me, and so were still trying to convince me that they loved me. My heart could only take so much. It was clear that they had both unexpectedly fallen hopelessly in love with me in their quest to ‘own’ me, but I doubted that their love for me superseded their Desire for Domination.

These two men, whom I had given everything; my heart, my body, my passion, had suddenly become strangers to me. Yet as I looked at them, from one to the other, I was overwhelmed by an abiding love for both of them.

My love for them was undaunted by the lies they had given me. I knew in my heart that they were both Kings and I truly wanted them to be all they could be and more. I cursed myself for this gift I’ve been given, which had to place a stake on the possibility of me being truly loved.

Yet they both were still pledging their undying love for me. They claimed they would have loved me whether or not I had this gift which they so desperately needed.

At some point in our lives, we will all be stabbed by the dagger of Necessity. The thrust of the dagger penetrated me in that moment as I stood confused before these two men whom I loved with everything I am.

They both say they love me; they both want what I have; I genuinely love both; I can only give myself completely to one; it has to be the one who truly loves me..

My life belongs to the ONE who with love can redeem it.

There really is only one way to find out if any of my lovers is that ONE..

With the speed of a Cheater, I rushed to the ‘Exit’ door; my quick hands undid the locks. As I pushed the door outward, I heard the heavy footsteps of both men rushing after me, and screaming out my name. I didn’t look back.

I jumped. The rush of the wind pushing on me, as I hurled myself against the empty clear skies.

In search of my own destiny.

Watch out for the conclusion of Tari’s Two-Timing series...

CLAIM OWNERSHIP OF YOUR VOICE..SIGN THE PETITION