#ETISALATPRIZE2014: ANGELIQUE KIDJO, WOLE SOYINKA, DAREY, NIKE OSHINOWO, KUNLE AFOLAYAN, MAI ATAFO, OTHERS STAND UP FOR ETISALAT PRIZE FOR LITERATURE WINNER, SONGEZIWE MAHLANGU (PHOTOS)

... As Angelique Kidjo, Wole Soyinka, Nike Oshinowo, Others Celebrate Winner. 

Lagos|Nigeria: South African author Songeziwe Mahlangu has been named winner of the 2014 Etisalat Prize for Literature competition. 

The Cape Town resident won the prize for his stunning debut novel 'Penumbra,' a dystopic story of the life of an underachieving young man suffering from mental illness in post-apartheid South Africa. 

In an action-packed finale at Intercontinental Hotel in Lagos, the 30 year-old writer was named as the winner ahead of fellow South African Nadia Davids and Nigerian Chinelo Okparanta.

The CEO of Etisalat, Mathew Willsher, awarded him the sum of £15,000 and an engraved MontBlanc pen. In addition Songeziwe will attend the prestigious Etisalat Fellowship at the University of East Anglia where he will be mentored by Professor Giles Foden. 

A visibly emotional Mahlangu thanked his publisher and his mother for giving him a platform and believing in him. When asked what he would use the money for, he commented, "I will use this money to support myself for the next two years while I keep on writing." 

The 3 final shortlisted books, Penumbra, Happiness like Water and An Imperfect Blessing were brought to life with pulsating re enactments directed by Ifeoma Fafunwa, one of the best directors in Nigeria with a string of successfully directed plays under her belt including the V- monologues. The re enactments were done by a crop of very talented Nigerian Actors led by OC Ukeje, Bimbo Manuel, Bimbo Akintola and a team of very fantastic new actors.

Angelique Kidjo later closed the show with breathtaking performances of her all time-hit songs including Wobolombo, Agolo, Eva, Mama Africa among other hits. She also featured the Winner of the Etisalat sponsored Nigerian Idol season 4 winner, Evelle who had earlier performed her hit song, Kilimanjaro.

Notable guests include renowned Nobel Prize for Literature winner, prof. Wole Soyinka, Hakeem Belo- Osagie, President of the Association of Nigerian Authors. Prof Remi Raji-Oyelade, poet and former president of the Association of Nigerian Authors, the Iyaoge of Lagos, Chief Opral Benson, Odia Ofeimun, Award winning actor, Kunle Afolayan, Nike Oshinowo, Darey Art Alade and Kelechi Amadi-Obi. 

Other guests include Reze Bonna, Sam Onyemelukwe, Tolu Ogunlesi, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, Bantu, Hauwa Mokan, Kemi Lala among many others. 

Mahlangu now joins Zimbabwean NoViolet Bulawayo as the second winner of the annual pan African prize that promotes the work of published first time authors.

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THE GROOVE IS BACK!

Word on the street is…there’s going to be another Gulder Club Ultimate here in Lagos!

The star-studded ‘Ultimate clubbing experience’, is another one of Gulder’s thrilling innovations, and with features like magical displays, aerial dancers and DJ battles, it’s usually a scene of wonder.

Since its debut in 2013, the event has been attended by celebs like Phyno, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Frank Edoho, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Lamide Akintobi, Tee A, Burna Boy, Denrele Edun, Kunle Afolayan and a host of others.

In fact, it was at the Lagos edition of Gulder Club Ultimate that award-winning actress Genevieve Nnaji was seen on the arms of the Koko Master D’banj, sparking all those relationship reports.

So what can we expect this time around?? We actually don’t know, it’s all still a big secret. But rumor has it that the King of RnB, Darey ‘Art’ Alade is billed to grace the stage.

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DAREY ART-ALADE LOOSES COOL ON NATIONAL TV

The first episode showcasing the first group of the Top 30 contestants of Africa’s No 1 music talent show, Nigerian Idol that aired on Sunday, March 23, 2014 saw Multi-talented entertainer and King of R&B, Darey Art-Alade lash out at a contestant after a woeful performance.

Royal George, a contestant from Benin performed Rihanna’s all time hit song, ‘Diamonds.’ Aside from having pitch issues, George also made a mess with the lyrics of the song.

“That was a royal mess,” said a disappointed Darey. “Messy lyrics, pitch issues, you know you didn’t do well,” he added.

Too harsh or words well said, what is your take on Darey’s reaction?

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58-YEAR-OLD MAN AUDITIONS FOR NIGERIAN IDOL SEASON 4

Age restriction definitely has no hold on Mr Bassey Lawrence.

The 58-year old trader, came prepared for the Nigerian Idol auditions in Calabar but his aim wasn’t to be the next Nigerian Idol but for an opportunity to gain exposure.

With his rendition of a personal composition and the aid of his guitar, the judges were pleased with outburst of joy and enthusiasm.

“Your rendition may not be what we are looking for in Nigerian Idol, but you have come out for the world to know you and I am sure that your goal has been accomplished,” said Dare.

Catch all the fun and excitement as the city of Lagos takes the stage this weekend as Nigerian Idol airs the final auditions on HIP TV, AIT, STV, Various Startimes Channels, DRTV Warri and CRBC Calabar. 

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DEDE MABIAKU, DAREY ART ALADE AND NNEKA EGBUNA UNVEILED AS NIGERIAN IDOL SEASON 4 JUDGES - As exciting first episode debuts on TV this Saturday

Africa’s no 1 music reality show, Nigerian Idol, is set for another mind-blowing season as it revealed three sensational top entertainers as judges for its fourth season. Afro-beat legend; Dede Mabiaku, award winning signer/songwriter; Darey Art Alade and Nigerian-German singer-songwriter; Nneka Egbuna were unveiled as this year's judges to the delight of the audience at a star-studded media launch which held on Wednesday February 25, 2014 at Rhapsody Lounge in Victoria Island, Lagos. The multi talented Ill Rymz continues his reign as host for the third time on Nigeria Idol. Rotimi Pedro, C.E.O Optima Media Group emphasised that the all-star panel comprising Dede Mabiaku, Darey Art Alade and Nneka Egbuna fully reflects the passion, synergy and true commitment to talent that has strongly resonated in Nigerian Idol in over three years of dominance of the Nigerian entertainment scene.

 “The 4th season of Nigeria Idol will be an even more exciting television experience as we have three brand new judges this season. The last three seasons of the show garnered enormous viewership, especially with the youth demographic, more than any other music reality show - re-emphasizing the power of the Idol brand across the globe.” The C.E.O confirmed. Nigeria's king of R&B, Darey Art Alade, will be offering his wealth of experience as one of Nigeria's most versatile performers and notes that, "It promises to be one of the most exciting highlights of my career. "You're literally watching stars unfold and discover their greatest potential.

It's an extremely exhilarating and profound period for us all- judges and performers." “I'm looking for the things that separate the true artiste from all others: diction, ability to own a song, exceptional and rare talent and I know I'm going to find it on the Nigerian Idol stage.” Exciting highlights at the launch party included a sneak preview of season 1-3 of Nigerian Idol. This was followed by Yeka Onka, Nigerian Idol season 1 winner, who dazzled the audience with an acapella version of “Hello” by Lionel Richie, Mercy Chinwo season 2 winner performed her song “Testimony” while Nneka, judge for Nigerian Idol season four rendered an acoustic sample of her song “My Home” to rousing cheers from the audience.

 Moses Obi-Adigwe stole the night with an outstanding performance of “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley and his song “Number One” as he seduced the crowd to the sound of his soulful voice. Guests in attendance were Ayo Animashaun, Sam Umukoro, Enitan Denloye, Moses Obi-Adigwe, Mercy Chinwo & Yeka Onka winner of the first and second edition of Nigerian Idol and many others. The grand prize is N7.5 million, a Galaxy Tab, a Blackberry, an iPod and a brand new SUV car. The first runner up gets N1.5 million, a Galaxy Tab, Blackberry and iPod; and the 2nd runner up will receive N1million, a Galaxy Tab, a Blackberry and an iPod. In addition, each of the finalists from 4th to 10th place will also receive N100, 000, a Galaxy Tab, a Blackberry and an iPod. Nigerian Idol season 4 is sponsored by Etisalat Nigeria with support from Pepsi. Nigerian Idol Season 4 will debut this Saturday March 1 on NTA(6-7PM), STV(9-10PM), ONTV, SOUNDCITY, SUPERCREEN TV(5-6PM), OODUA TV (7-8PM), WAP TV (9.30-10.30PM), AMC(8-9PM), DRTV WARRI(10.30-11.30PM) & HIP TV(9.30-10.30,PM)

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DAREY WOWS LAGOS AGAIN… DELIVERS UNFORGETABLE PERFORMANCES WITH KELLY ROWLAND AT LOVE LIKE A MOVIE 2!

Just like last year, the second edition of Love Like A Movie will remain in the minds of many as the biggest and most innovative concerts of our time.

The event, which is put together by King of R&B, Darey Art Alade held on Saturday, February 15, 2014 at the Eko Hotel & Suites Oceanview Grounds. The jaw dropping show which featured International music star, Kelly Rowland left everyone spell bound with some of the most epic theatric displays ever witnessed in Nigeria.

With performances from former Destiny’s child member, Kelly Rowland, guests could not help but scream for more as they chanted Kelly’s name after she performed hit songs off the Destiny’s Child platinum tracks like Motivation, Bump Like This, Survivor, Jumpin, Independent woman among many other monster tracks.

Darey Art Alade was not left out in the fun as he opened the show coming down from the sky in a disco cube. Also later performing hit songs like Special Fever, Lady in Red, Just Like A Movie and other tracks, guests marveled at the unforgettable scenery that followed every performance for the night.

“I’m so grateful to everyone who came out for Love Like A Movie 2. I’m overwhelmed by the love and support my team and I have received so far and we cannot wait to blow your minds next season!” Darey said after the show.

Other big performers for the night include Soul Muzik signees, Mo Eazy and Zaina who showed great talent and energy as they premiered their new tracks, Sarewagba and Raggabomi.

With other pulsating performers from Waje, Tiwa Savage, Eva, Muna, Timi Dakolo, JJC, ariel dancers among others as well as multi concept costumes and a 250 feet crane, guests went home full of life and in full anticipation for Love Like A Movie 3.  

Notable faces at Love Like A Movie 2 include international singer, Brandy, Managing Director, UBA, Phillip Oduoza, MD, Nigeria Breweries, Nicholas Verveldi, Former Cross River State First Lady, CEO, Sahara Group, Tonye Cole, Mai Atafo, Dede Mabiaku, DJ Jimmy Jatt, DJ Spinall, Sound Sultan, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, Sasha among many others.

Love Like A Movie 2 was sponsored by Etisalat and refreshed by Fayrouz.


SEE MORE PHOTOS (HERE)

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