Nigerian Times

Femi Kuti and his band. Nigeria's Femi Kuti's turn to win the much coveted Grammy Awards is yet to come as his second nomination did not make him the winner in the Best World Music Album category won by the Touareg band Tinariwen based in Mali, for their LP Tassili . Their LP beat Femi's Africa for Africa and two other nominees. Tassili Tinariwen [Anti Records] AfroCubism AfroCubism [World Circuit/Nonesuch] Africa For Africa Femi Kuti [Knitting Factory Records] Songs From A Zulu Farm Ladysmith Black Mambazo [Razor & Tie] Tweet

If the shocking news of the death of the famous creator of Soul Train and showbiz impresario Don Cornelius on the first day of February was bad, then the sudden death of Whitney Houston on the eve of the 54th annual Grammy Awards is worse as it has broken the hearts of millions of her fans worldwide. It must have left many of her fellow stars depressed as they gathered at the famous Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, for the biggest musical awards in the world. But as the saying goes, the show must go on and so rap-star LL Cool J hosted the show with a special memorial tribute in honour of Whitney Houston. "Although she is gone too soon, we remain truly blessed by her musical spirit," said LL Cool J. The theatre was shining with galaxy of stars, including Katy Perry, Chris Brown, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Maroon 5,Adele, Jennifer Hudson, Bonnie Raitt, Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars among the celebrities making sure the 2012 Grammy Awards was a night to remember. And the ...

7 Feb 2012 09:00 Africa/Lagos Mary J Blige Joins Forces With Belvedere Vodka and (RED)(TM) to Help Save Lives LOS ANGELES, February 7, 2012/PRNewswire/ -- Award-winning, multi-platinum singer Mary J Blige will be performing at a private pre-Grammy event on February, 9th 2012 to celebrate the partnership of Belvedere [http://www.facebook.com/belvederevodka ], the world's first super premium vodka and (RED)(TM). [http://www.facebook.com/joinred ] (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20120207/510730 ) The exclusive performance will be followed by a private party at Bardot, Los Angeles to help raise awareness around HIV/AIDS and emphasize the need for consumers to unite in support of programs that help eliminate HIV and AIDS in Africa. In winter 2011, BELVEDERE (PRODUCT)[RED(TM)] Special Edition bottle [http://www.facebook.com/belvederevodka ] launched to raise proceeds for the Global Fund(TM) to fight HIV/AIDS. The (RED) [http://www.joinred.com ] inspired packaging will conta...

Nneka Announces March Tour Dates Releases Exclusive MP3 Premiere of “My Home (Coki of Digital Mystikz Remix” on The Fader . It's been over two years since Nigerian-German songstress, Nneka, has toured the United States, and with the upcoming release of her third album Soul Is Heavy she's more than ready to return. Nneka has also just released the Coki (Digital Mystikz) remix of “My Home” (premiered on Fader) which offers listeners a lively rendition of the heartfelt lyrics and powerful vocals derived from the original track. Nneka explains the song as the realization that “there is no peace on Earth until you accept that both bad and good are part of life.” Encompassing a combination of hip hop beats, reggae grooves, brass riffs and African-pop, Nneka's album Soul Is Heavy is a raw and honest window into her beliefs of love, pain, politics and God. The album will be released on February 28th on Yo Mama's Recordings/Decon. Nneka Tour Dates 3/6: Vancouver @ The Biltmore ...

The funniest man in Nigeria, Basketmouth drops first single Where You Dey featuring the popular young hip hop singer Whizkid and also eLDee. I am a fan and I really Digg his hilarious BIG FRIDAY SHOW on MTV Base. Basketmouth whose real name is Bright Okpocha is a native of Abia State in southeastern Nigeria and a graduate of Sociology and Anthropology from University of Benin, UNIBEN, who dropped his certificates to become a stand-up comedian. And he has no apologies or regrets for doing so since that has brought him both fame and fortune as the most bankable comic act in the most populous country in Africa. ~ By Orikinla Osinachi, author of Scarlet Tears of London , In the House of Dogs and other books . Tweet

2Face Idibia, M.I, Jesse Jags, Tiwa Savage, P Square, DJ Jimmy Jatt and others have been signed by Spinlet, Africa's premier digital distribution service. The following is the detailed news release. 27 Dec 2011 20:19 Africa/Lagos Spinlet Signs Award Winning Artists to the Largest Digital Platform in Africa SAN FRANCISCO, December 27, 2011/PRNewswire/ -- Spinlet, Africa's premier digital distribution service, has signed on a significant roster of new artists to the service, making it the largest platform for music discovery throughout Africa. Spinlet has signed nonexclusive agreements with artists being encouraged to sell their music in as many places as possible so the result is creating wealth for the artist and the people who work so hard to bring African music to life. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111227/SF27665LOGO) "Spinlet's goal is to solve the distribution and piracy issues within Africa. Exclusive agreements can offer a unique user experience,...

54th Annual GRAMMY Awards. (PRNewsFoto/The Recording Academy) 16 Nov 2011 13:00 Africa/Lagos Rihanna and Usher Rihanna, The Band Perry and Usher Added to the Stellar Lineup for "The GRAMMY® Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music's Biggest Night®" CBS Entertainment Special Will Announce Nominations for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards® Live from the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE on Nov. 30 Telecast Will Feature a Special Live Announcement Regarding a Historic Band Reunion Set to Take Place on the GRAMMY Stage in February 2012 Following the One-Hour Live Broadcast, Guests Will Be Treated To an Exclusive Concert by The Band Perry. The Band Perry PR Newswire SANTA MONICA, Calif., Nov. 16, 2011 SANTA MONICA, Calif., Nov. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Four-time GRAMMY® winner Rihanna, country music sensation The Band Perry and seven-time GRAMMY winner Usher are the latest performers added to the stellar lineup for "The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music...

SYDNEY FESTIVAL 2012 THIS IS OUR CITY IN SUMMER JANUARY 7-29 SYDNEY, November 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Sydney Festival has announced the 2012 program for its next annual three-week celebration, January 7-29. Sydney Festival is an explosion of exceptional theatre, dance, music, exhibitions, film and talks that takes over the city, celebrating uniquely Australian work as well as welcoming companies from all over the world. The Festival prides itself on its free large-scale outdoor events including concerts and performances and even a ferry race on Sydney’s iconic harbour. Sydney Festival is the most wonderful summer festival in the world – a claim underpinned by the city’s lustre and charisma, making it an ideal showcase for the world's great artists. In 2012, Sydney Festival welcomes back some favourites of Sydney audiences – choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, legendary theatre director Declan Donnellan, the acclaimed National Theatre of Scotland, two-time Mercury Prize winner PJ Har...

SYDNEY FESTIVAL 2012 THIS IS OUR CITY IN SUMMER JANUARY 7-29 SYDNEY, November 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Sydney Festival has announced the 2012 program for its next annual three-week celebration, January 7-29. Sydney Festival is an explosion of exceptional theatre, dance, music, exhibitions, film and talks that takes over the city, celebrating uniquely Australian work as well as welcoming companies from all over the world. The Festival prides itself on its free large-scale outdoor events including concerts and performances and even a ferry race on Sydney’s iconic harbour. Sydney Festival is the most wonderful summer festival in the world – a claim underpinned by the city’s lustre and charisma, making it an ideal showcase for the world's great artists. In 2012, Sydney Festival welcomes back some favourites of Sydney audiences – choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, legendary theatre director Declan Donnellan, the acclaimed National Theatre of Scotland, two-time Mercury Prize winner PJ Har...

This is definitely the most spectacular musical show of the year! Montreal, October 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — The Estate of Michael Jackson and Cirque du Soleil are proud to present tonight the World Premiere of Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour™ in Montreal at the Bell Centre. Proudly presented by Sun Life Financial, tonight’s performance is the kick-off of the world tour which will travel across North America and then the rest of the world. The show was written and directed by Jamie King, the leading concert director in pop music today. MONTREAL, Oct. 2: Katherine Jackson and her three sons, Tito, Jackie and Marlon attend the world premiere of Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour by Cirque du Soleil. Members of the Jackson Family, including Michael’s mother, Katherine, and his three children, along with special guests and generous donors for La Soirée ONE DROP will be on hand to experience this once-in-a-lifetime electrifying production that will combine Michael Jackson’s musi...

Jessica Who, Chelsea Leyland and Diamond Kuts Dove® go fresh(TM) and MTV Bring up-and-Coming Female DJs Center Stage as the Newest Music, Style & Pop Culture Trendsetters Female DJs are the newest trendsetters for what is hot in music, style and pop culture with access to the most exclusive events, from ultra-hip parties and concerts to the front row at fashion shows. To bring this emerging set of style mavens to women... Three DJs give their personal “spin” on what is fresh now ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., August 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Female DJs are the newest trendsetters for what is hot in music, style and pop culture with access to the most exclusive events, from ultra-hip parties and concerts to the front row at fashion shows. To bring this emerging set of style mavens to women everywhere, Dove® go fresh™ Deodorant and Body Mist and MTV are spotlighting three up-and-coming DJs in a new video series titled Dove Fresh Spin. These real women DJs, Jessica Who, Chelsea...

Nigerian Singer, J'odie, released her first video, for the baby-inspired Zouk song which was produced by Phat-E and released at the tail end of 2010. The song exudes innocence and is extremely melodic in its delivery and her style can be described in three words; Soulful, Artsy... Simply African. Artist Summary Genres: Pop / Neo-Soul / zouk Management: +234 803 334 7467 Artist Bio Joy Odiete, popularly known as Jodie, born on the 22nd of June, is a young soulful singer from Nigeria with a personality that exudes African freshness and originality. Being one the favorite finalist in the premier edition of Idols, West Africa, her debut has been anticipated by fans not only in Nigeria, but among other African viewers. Finally, her first single, “Fighter”, is out. “Fighter” was born out of her determination to achieve her musical dream and never to give up. Jodie is a singer, songwriter and jewelry artiste. She loves being African and so keeps her virgin ha...

Tony Bennett is the last person to work with Amy Winehouse. 23 Jul 2011 21:55 Africa/Lagos Tony Bennett Statement on the Passing of Amy Winehouse PR Newswire NEW YORK, July 23, 2011 NEW YORK, July 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Singer Tony Bennett, who recorded the classic pop standard "Body And Soul" with Amy Winehouse at Abbey Road Studios in London this past March, made the following statement upon news of her passing: "Amy Winehouse was an artist of immense proportions and I am deeply saddened to learn of her tragic passing. She was an extraordinary musician with a rare intuition as a vocalist and I am truly devastated that her exceptional talent has come to such an early end. She was a lovely and intelligent person and when we recorded together she gave a soulful and extraordinary performance. I was honored to have the opportunity to sing with her. It had been my sincere hope that she would be able to overcome the issues she was battling and I send my deepest sympathy ...

Christy Uduak Essien-Igbokwe 11th November, 1960 - 30th June, 2011. Nigeria has lost one of her greatest women, the "Queen of Soul", Christy Uduak Essien-Igbokwe, who passed away at about 9.15a.m. Thursday at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Lagos. Popularly known by her maiden name Christy Essien before she got married, she was a great singer who was like a sister to millions of her fans in Nigeria. She was the first Nigerian Queen of Soul music admired and loved by millions of music lovers in Nigeria and other countries. I have been one of her countless fans since her successful acting career as a colourful TV actress in the popular TV comedy series Masquerade of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), playing the drama queen as "Apeno", the wife of "Jegede", played by the late Claude Eke. The television series was created by James Iroha who played the role of "Gringory", one of the houseboys of "Chief Zebrud...