Murray-Bruce urges stakeholders to explore Nigeria's tourism potential

 

The Vice President, Silverbird Group, Guy Murray-Bruce

Awards

Lagos, Nov. 19, 2013. The Vice President, Silverbird Group, Guy Murray-Bruce, on Tuesday, urged stakeholders in entertainment sector to explore the huge potential of Nigeria's tourism industry.

Murray-Bruce made the call at a news conference in Lagos on the forthcoming Caribbean American African Nations (CAAN) Awards in Bayelsa on Dec. 22.

``Nigeria’s entertainment industry needs a lot of exposure and we are using every opportunity to bring people to Nigeria and show them what we have.

``We are doing this to showcase Nigeria in diverse light and make other climes stop seeing us as a country where good things do not happen.

``Our focus remains the aspiration to promote our arts and culture, upcoming and established musicians and stakeholders in music sector to rub minds at CAAN.

``It covers the interests and needs of artistes, managers and promoters, and spot light some hottest artistes not only in Nigeria but Africa, Caribbean and North America.

``It is a perfect platform to mix and blend the different cultures, music that originally came from West African background,’’ Murray-Bruce said.

Murray-Bruce said that CAAN would be a place to network and take people’s career to the next level with delegates from all over the world.

``This platform will offer something for everyone with focus on entertainment,’’ Murray-Bruce said.

The Public Relations Officer, Bayelsa State Tourism Development Agency, Mr Thomas Perli, said that the security of everybody would be guaranteed during the event.

``One can work around the state freely and there will not be any harassment.

``There are closed-circuit television cameras everywhere and nothing will happen to anyone.

``Aside that, we are doing all we can to help make it a success because we want to promote our tourism sector to rank among the best in the world, '' he said.

22 awards are to be contested for at the CAAN music awards initiated by Silverbird Group Company and Inspiro Productions.

The event will also be used to honour 100 best-selling artistes from all over the world and it is leveraging on Silverbird's 30 years of entertainment

 

Infinity Group says its songs have touched many lives positively

Infinity Group during the launching of their recent Album ``Beyond Infinity’’ at a colourful concert held at Household of Love, Ajah, Lekki, in Lagos.

 

Infinity Group during the launching of their recent Album ``Beyond Infinity’’ at a colourful concert held at Household of Love, Ajah, Lekki, in Lagos.

 

 

Infinity Group during the launching of their recent Album ``Beyond Infinity’’ at a colourful concert held at Household of Love, Ajah, Lekki, in Lagos.

 

Pastor of  the Church, Household of Love, Rev. Yinka Yusuf, launching the Album at Aja Lekki, in Lagos.

 

 

The Infinity Group looking on as they are being advised.

 

Infinity Group during the launching of their recent Album ``Beyond Infinity’’ at a colourful concert held at Household of Love, Ajah, Lekki, in Lagos.

Music

Lagos, Nov. 26, 2013. The leader of Infinity Musical Gospel Group, Joseph Okougbo, on Tuesday, said that the group had received responses from many people on how its songs had touched their lives positively.

He said in Lagos that ``if you want to pass a message across fast, music does it’’.

``They tell us how they got inspired and how they are uplifted and generally blessed when they hear us perform or listen to our songs,’’ Okougbo said.

According to him, music is a very strong and powerful tool that should be used to send messages across to people for easy understanding.

``People learn habits and form opinions faster through music than any other tool because it happens subtly and subconsciously’’.

``Some of our songs just generally put you in a happier mood when you hear them.

``Some inspire you, make you see life from a positive angle and make you go all out to give your best to the society.

``While some draws you closer to God in worship and reverence,” he said.

Okougbo, however, said that it took the band five years to come up with the album, ``Beyond Infinity’’, because some people in the group left.

``After our debut '`Olori-Oko’', we had several challenges and we wanted to do a good job with it.

 ``Although we did a test run of a seven-track album titled ``The Seven Laws of Infinity’' in 2011 but we withdrew it after a while,’’ He said.

The Infinity Group of ``Olori Oko’’ fame released their 11-track album named ``Beyond Infinity’’ in Lagos recently.

The event had in attendance the Senior Pastor of Household of Love Church, Rev. Yinka Yusuf and his wife, Rev. Mrs. Rose Yusuf, Mrs Data Okorodudu of JD7.

Mr. Kelly John-Ajeh, Mrs. Ndidi Obioha (Enthyst), Mr. Jegede Paul and Mrs. Aboaba, Mr Olufemi Olumide and Mr Toni Olumide of  Practivate.

There were also ministrations from PITA and Doris Dumah. The new album which contains songs like ‘The Anthem’ featuring Cobhams,  ‘Ife’ featuring Provabs is a follow-up to the success of their  ‘Olori-oko’ album.

There are also songs like ‘Prayer Song’, ‘I am’, ‘Press on’ and ‘Wade’ which was produced by Wole Oni in the thirteen track album.

Ace photographer urges government to establish training centers for youths

 

Pa Okhai Ojeikere, veteran photographer at his exhibition at the Omeka Gallery, Ikoyi

 

 

one of the photo on exhibition at the Omeka Gallery, Ikoyi

 

 

Tomoaki Nakano, photographer coordinator, south Africa and Pa Okhai Ojeikere

 at the Omeka Gallery, Ikoyi 

 

 

one of the photo on exhibition at the Omeka Gallery, Ikoyi

 

 

 

one of the photo on exhibition at the Omeka Gallery, Ikoyi

 

 

 

Photography

Lagos, Nov. 12, 2013 Pa Okhai Ojeikere, a veteran photographer, on Wednesday urged the three tiers of government to establish photo studios to help train youths in photography.

Ojiekere, 83, said in Lagos that photography was an alternative source of income and employment for all citizens, especially the youths.

``We do not have to go far in looking for ways to train our youths when we have lucrative business like photo in Nigeria.

``My association has been urging the government to help us out in providing centres where youths can be trained.

``A lot of youths are adapting to it. The ones interested are really coming in large numbers and they are interested and learning fast, because they know it pays.

``Nobody is at a lost if he or she took to photography. It is not a useless job.

``With the age of commuter it is easier for them to do this things now, so we don’t need to go far to help this children,” he said.

He observed that most government officials wanted to be photographed but they do not want to know how it can be used to help the youths grow.

``They can build studious and equip them, but they are not active in it.

``They like seeing themselves and their pictures in newspapers but they do not care how it is done.

``They see photographers as nobody but it tells a lot of stories and can be kept for a long time.

``I believe that when they become aware of how serious it is to help the youths through this medium, they would help.

``We made a lot of representations to government but they seem not to care, but I pray with time they would understand its priority. Our union talked but nothing has been done,” he said.

The veteran photographer, who said he had trained more that 200 photographers, disclosed that photography has paid him.

``I cannot say photography had not paid me; I talk photo, l sleep photo and live photo. I use it in training my children and most of them had graduated.

``Photography is a lucrative job, it is a paying job, the only thing is to be dedicated, disciplined and remain focused; the sky is their limit,” he said.

The octogenarian said that he attended only the Saint Bernard Catholic Primary School.

``I did not go to any high institution and I did not learn photography anywhere.

``I started photo business since 1950 and started holding exhibition since 1974; I have been all over the world.''

He, however, said that cameras were expensive just as any equipment used in making money is very expensive.

``That is why it is very expensive; you cannot get it cheap, what one do to promote the goodness of the society and others is on the high side.

``I have not had regret been in photo business either, and I have exhibited my photos in Nigeria, French Cultural Centre, Lagos Museum, South Africa, Senegal, London Geneva and Amsterdam.

 

Tomoaki Nakano, photographer coordinator, south Africa, noted that a lot of countries are involved in arts and photo exhibitions to create awareness.

 

``Even in South Africa, a lot of exhibition had been going on, and most times with other countries.

 

``It is good for Africans and the people involves in it to sell what we Africans have to the rest of the world".

 

``Photo speaks a lot and tell its own stories to the people of the world,",

 

 

 

 

 

More pictures at the exhibition of the photograph at the Omenka Gallery.

 

Olaiya, idibia collabo ``baby mi da" launched by premier music

2face-Innocent Idibia and Dr Victor Olaiya answering questions from the media at the launch of their ``collbo" by premier music

 

 

2face-Innocent Idibia and Dr Victor Olaiya

 

 

Annie Idibia watches as her husband and Dr Victor Olaiya take questions from the media

 

 

Victor Oliya, Veteran Musician, 2face-Innocent Idibia and Wife Annie Idibia at the launch of ``Baby mi da"

 

 

Music

Lagos, Oct.22, 2013 A veteran musician, Victor Olaiya, on Tuesday, urged the youths in the music sector work in partnership with older musicians as Innocent Idibia (2face) had done to promote evergreen music.

Olaiya said in Lagos at the launch of his musical collaboration with Innocent Idibia, (2Face) by Premier music recording company.

He said that highlife helps to develop the mind and brain of people, because its lyrics make meaning to an average person.

``The music is more about our culture and arts and our culture should be maintained and be promoted.

``The lyrics are crafted and articulated to bring out the good, the bad and the ugly in the society.

``Teach lessons and also correct the things we are not getting right.

``Highlife is more of African and youths should endeavour to do more collaboration as 2face had done so that they don’t loose touch,” he said.

Olaiya opined that highlife is a lingua-franca of Nigeria, so ``we should do more of collaboration with these evergreen musics, because it is understood by all.

He however said that ``Youths like 2face are keying into highlife, so the next generation is beginning to do that but we want more to be done.

``We have started the dream and that is marrying the younger musicians with the older ones, with 2face in the lead, we will immortalize highlife,” he said.

The veteran noted that 2face is very talented, respectful and highly gifted and has the qualities.

``His humility is baffling and such a young talented person, listens when given instructions”.

A musician, Innocent Idibia (2face), said it was an honour to sing along side the veteran.

``His music is evergreen and I felt we should not allow the music to die. It was great working with Olaiya and I learnt a lot from him during the ``collabo”.

Idibia stressed that Olaiya is paving way for the new generation to continue where they stopped, I am copying it, to take it to the next level”.

He said that why he chose to collaboration with Olaiya in ``Baby Mi Da” is because it is one of his wife’s favourite songs.

He further said that he would like other artistes to collaborate with other great artistes to keep the legends alive

 

Art enthusiast says it will speed up nation's development

Dance steps of SARO the Musical

 

 

Play of SARO the Musical

Some dance steps from SARO the Musical

 

Some dance steps from SARO from SARO the Musical

 

Some dance steps from SARO from the Musical

 

Bolanle Austen-Peters, created SARO the musical.

 

Clips of the media preview of SARO the musical, a Broadway Theatre showcased in Lagos

 

 

Lagos, Oct. 22, 2013 Mrs Bolanle Austen-Peters, the Chief executive Officer (CEO), Terra Kulture, says the country’s development will speed up if Nigeria appreciates and uses its arts and culture properly.

Terra Kulture is a Nigerian Cultural Centre set up to promote the richness and diversity of Nigerian languages, arts and culture.

Auten-Peters said in Lagos that every sphere of ``our lives hang on creativity, and it will  help the country to grow.’’

She spoke against the backdrop of the forthcoming Broadway production, titled: ``SARO the Musical” which she created and produced.

Austen-Peters said ``we have to open a lot of doors for creativity and encourage those willing to take steps to make it happen.

``We have to showcase, teach, and appreciate what we have in the area of arts, culture, music, dance and other performing arts to be able to progress.

``That is why we need facilities to be able to create these things and make people look inward for the country’s development,” she said.

The CEO said that for sustainable development to be effective, Nigeria needed to tap more deeply into the Nigerian culture and arts.

``Culture will help Nigeria’s progress as it does to other climes.”

Austen-Peters stressed that Nigeria do not need any importation of other nation’s cultures and arts because ``we have it in abundance”.

``All we need do is to improve on our culture appreciation and tap into it for solving our myriad problems.

``We are going to make Nigeria proud with this production both within and outside the country.

According to Austen-Peters, ``I want to showcase Lagos as a land of opportunities where a lot of people came in and become a success story.

``Lagos also has its culture and heritage sites that have many good histories,” she said.

The show is scheduled to hold from Oct 25 to Oct. 27 in Lagos.

 

 

Artist advocates use of art to improve bilateral ties among nations

Fast , Furious, Dudes Nigeria and Rock Fry, Cameroon, doing their art at the media briefing of Ijodee coming Festival

 

 

 

Fast , Furious, Dudes Nigeria and Rock Fry, Cameroon, doing their art at the media briefing of Ijodee coming Festival

 

 

 

 

Dayo Liadi and Nneka addressing the media on their forthcoming of Ijodee annual festival known as TRUFESTA

 

 

Festival

Lagos, Oct. 22, 2013 Mr Adedayo Liadi, the Chief Executive Officer, Ijodee Dance centre (IDC), said on Tuesday that dance culture is a platform to improve bilateral ties between and other countries.

Laidi said in Lagos that dance art is an avenue for dancers to collaborate, network and share ideas with Nigerians, Africa and other artistes around the world.

He spoke against the backdrop of his forthcoming Five days Festival, ``TRUFESTA”, a dance art with other nations from Oct. 23 to Oct. 27.

He said: ``It would create an artistic link that promotes peace, mutual understanding and cordial relationship among African dancers and other artistes from other parts of the world.

``It will continually, create a working relationship and space for all dancers both at home and abroad to connect and work together and reach out to one another even after the festival.

``It would continue to renew excellence and encourage the spirit of togetherness and creativity,” he said.

The dancer said that managing young talents was his priority for the growth of the industry.

``We need to encourage and showcase different styles of dances from Nigeria and other different continents for the awareness and benefits of our society.

``It would help in creating job opportunities for the young and upcoming dancers and choreographers.

``We need to move the Nigerian dance art from where it is now to the international mainstream,” he said.

Liadi stressed that the festival would provide good platform for upcoming and professional Nigerian dancers to research, collaborate and create other dance arts.

``It will help them discover new ideas and techniques, which is what the festival is created for.

The festival will open avenues for dialogue between the dance artistes and choreographers to update ideas on how to better themselves.''

Liadi has choreographed many works, including ``Always sanitary pad 8 hours no check check”; ``Olori Oko, musical dance video by Infinity”, and ``The 8220 Time Korea”.

According to him, Nigeria, Senegal, Cameroon, Korea, China and Germany are among other countries expected to feature at the festival.

 

 

Felabration created in honour of Fela, says daughter

 

Felabration

Lagos, Oct. 16, 2013 The first daughter of the late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Yeni Kuti, on Wednesday said that Felabration was created to honour her late father.

Kuti said in Lagos that it is ``our annual musical arts festival to commemorate the life and times of the late Fela''.

According to her, this is because of his contributions to the music and arts industry in the country.

She said that the whole concept of Felabration originated from her in 1998, in order to keep the legacies of Fela alive.

 Felabration had been an annual week-long musical event since 1998, except in 1999, when it did not hold, due to logistics challenges.

Kuti said that the celebration had attracted thousands of visitors to the ``New Afrika Shrine’’, from all over the world.

``They just want to see what is happening in the shrine, the music and what Fela stands for.

``Felabration has also attracted many high class musicians from all parts of the world,” she said.

Kuti said that Fela’s post-humous birthday had also become part of the week-long music festival.

``The festival always included diverse activities; from schools’ debate for Lagos State schools, to photo exhibitions, street carnivals and dancing.

She, however, said that as a musical event, the festival was highly important to everyone that cared about Fela and afro-beat music.

``Although, afro-beat has its peculiar style, other genres of music have their own style too”.

She said that many musicians blended their music these days and made meanings out of the music.

``What matters is for a song to make meaning and for the people to also enjoy it,’’ Kuti said.

Fela was born in Abeokuta, Ogun, on Oct. 15, 1938.

He went to London in 1956 to study music at the Trinity College of Music.

In London, he formed a band known as Koola Lobitos, playing a fusion of Jazz with West African Highlife in 1963.

Back in Nigeria, he built his shrine called Kalakuta and and named his band, ``Africa 70”.

Felabration, which commenced on Monday, Oct. 14, will end on Sunday, Oct. 20.