MTV BASE TO UNVEIL VIDEO FOR SHUGA FEATURING BANKY W, WIZKID OTHERS ON MARCH 16

MTV Base and the MTV Staying Alive Foundation have announced the long-awaited release of the music video of Shuga, the hit track by Banky W featuring WizKid, Bon'eye and L Tido.

The video for the upbeat single will premiere on Spanking New on MTV Base (DSTV Channel 322) on Friday 16 March 2012 on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) and will be simultaneously unveiled at a VIP screening of Shuga: Love, Sex, Money in Lagos' Silverbird Galleria on Friday evening. The music video will also be aired on the Big Friday Show on STV in Nigeria on Friday night, and will subsequently go on 'A' list rotation on MTV Base.

The music video, directed by Clarence Peters and shot on location in Kenya, features Banky W and his fellow artists as well as footage from the 6-part sex- and-relationships TV series, that has been captivating audiences on MTV Base and other broadcasters across the continent since it premiered on 14 February. The four artists came together after MTV Base and the MTV Staying Alive Foundation commissioned them to create the track to promote the TV series. The audio track of Shuga was released in February 2012.

Featuring a cast of red-hot African actors and an Oscar-winning directing team, Shuga: Love, Sex, Money boldly addresses sexual health topics head-on, bravely confronting taboo topics such as rape and sex-for-gifts, told through the lives of realistic characters and emotional situations drawn from real life. Shuga’s compelling storylines are being broadcast on TV and radio stations around the world, revealing the tangled love lives of characters such as Baby, Leo, Dala, Ayira, Femi, Violet and Kennedy, among others.

Commented Georgia Arnold, Executive Director, MTV Staying Alive Foundation, “The track of Shuga and the involvement of artists like Banky W, WizKid, Bon'eye and L Tido has already attracted many new viewers to the Shuga TV franchise. We are certain that this brilliant music video will continue to extend the appeal of Shuga, and enable us to disseminate Shuga's message of safe sex practice and responsible behaviour even further.”

To watch the music video for Shuga, tune into MTV Base from Friday 16 March or watch it at www.mtvbase.com. For more information on Shuga: Love, Sex, Money log onto www.shuga.tv. To share your thoughts on Shuga: Love, Sex, Money, add #Shuga LSM or #ShugaNaija to your tweets.

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SHUGA LIMB FOUNDATION REPOSITIONS

Polio surely chose the wrong victim several years ago when it struck the little Akin Tofowomo. The then polio stricken little boy has grown to become a walking man on a mission to eradicate limb deformity in Nigeria, through Shuga Limb Foundation (SLF), a non profit foundation doggedly committed to individuals with limb defects, founded by Shuga Band, the classy and topmost music band in Nigeria.

Despite its constant growing list of beneficiaries, Shuga Limb Foundation is yet to tire; rather, the foundation is been repositioned to serve people with limb challenges better. A new website www.shugafoundation.org has been designed to make the foundation more visible and to make it better and easier for people to access its services. The foundation has also increased the number of its staff so as to increase its capacity for service.

Founded in 2009, the core objectives of the foundation is to provide assistance to less privileged persons with limb defect, whose deformities can be orthopedically managed with the use of callipers and prosthesis. Beyond donating callipers and prosthesis to such persons, Shuga Limb Foundation goes further to rehabilitate and empower beneficiaries through counselling and training.

President of the of Shuga Limb Foundation, Akin Tofowomo speaking on the new developments said, ‘having once been unable to walk, I can easily relate with the pain of those in that state, more so, the joy that leaps from the eyes of the Shuga Limb Foundation beneficiaries, is highly satisfying. These reasons put together constantly motivate us to want to do more’.

Shuga Limb Foundation at the moment is been funded by a percentage of Shuga Band’s income, which obviously may not cater for all the foundation’s needs, but Akin Tofowomo said, ‘getting people to support the foundation will be great, it will help us reach out to more people and give more limb to the limbless, we are open to it.’

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SHUGA BAND IS INTACT

It has come to our attention that some faceless individuals have been going about media house planting false stories that the highly respected and nationally-acclaimed band in Nigeria, Shuga Band has broken up with members moving out to start a new band.

We would not have bothered to dignify this with a response but for two reasons: reputable newspapers and journalists are beginning to take this as gospel truth without confirmation from us. Two, so that lie will not become the truth and the truth taken as lie.

For clarification purposes, the esteemed clients of Shuga Band and the public should note that no notable members of the band has left in the last three years or recently as reported. Secondly, the supposedly 'notable' member of Shuga Band said to have left to start his own band has never been a member less being 'notable'. He was just a fringe session man who gets to play with the band to keep body and soul together. How he became a 'top member' on whose shoulder the good fortune of the band rests as reported and planted by his publicist is now a wonder. And this person in question has not played with Shuga Band in the last three years. Within, these three years, Shuga Band has performed for President of the Federal Republic, Governors, at Mike Adenuga's daughter wedding and many notable events.

We know the game being played, these people are trying to sell their brand with the name of established and highly respected band, Shuga but we would like them note that it is totally out of character to push their brand by trying to pull Shuga Band down. Especially when they know that the CEO of Shuga Band would have gladly given his blessings and support has he has always done if such had been requested of him. It is a known fact in the industry that Shuga Band supports other bands especially those established by past members of the band. This is a dirty game of trying to pull established brand down or drag it to a media/dirty fight to give publicity to the said new band. We enjoin members of the press to do thorough investigations and make necessary enquiries and not be tool of propaganda in the hands of people with 'pull him down syndrome.'

We have detailed our lawyer to exploit every available legal means and appropriate channels to address these issues. He'll be getting in touch with the affected newspapers. Please, don’t hesitate to contact us for any enquiries. Our lines are opened to members of the press as always.

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2 Face, Ali Baba, Jimmy Jatt, Weird MC, Shuga Band... all set for ‘KOGA’

The ball of entertainment in Nigeria for 2011 will be set rolling on January 2nd as 2 Face, Jimmy Jatt, Alibaba, weird MC, Shuga Band, Blaise, will be launching Nigerians into another year of astounding entertainment at the launch of KOGA.

Set to take place on January 2^nd 2011, at 2, Bolaji Street, off Kudirat Abiola Way, Alausa, Ikeja the launch of KOGA promises to be one of the best non-yuletide entertainment events of the decade. Starting by 4pm with a networking powered red carpet event, KOGA launch promises to be star studded.

The event that will be hosted by Ali Baba and Chioma of Silverbird Television, will be taking its audience through the transition of entertainment in Nigeria from the 60s till date.

A mini fashion show showcasing the creativity of Shakara is one of the side attractions slated to take place at the launch of KOGA

KOGA is a total entertainment company that comes in 2011 with the ‘Power to Entertain’ and they are set to unleash this power in every possible way. It runs businesses that include a record studio, record label, Audio production, TV content aggregator, production house (film, video and event), publishing company, live events studio, events centre that can seat 2,000, relaxation lounge and bar, TV and radio studios and more.

KOGA is also involved in social responsibility reflected in KOGA Foundation. This foundation visits orphanages but does not limit her charitable activities to visiting orphanages alone, the foundation looks out for people in the community that are in need and they render help to them.

Speaking on KOGA, Idris David Saibu the producer for KOGA said ‘what we hope to achieve with KOGA is that people will no longer have to go to different places for different things, we looked out for entertainment needs and decide to give a solution to some of them. These entertainment solutions are what we packaged together into the entertainment place called KOGA.

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CELEBS THUMB UP SHUGA BAND

Akin Tofowomo led Shuga band in recent times has become the most talked about band in Nigeria. Their presence at parties is not just for the entertainment value that the band brings, it is also the class brand the band brings to an event. Shuga Band has become a statement

A roll call of some of the high profile personalities they have performed for is the likes of Mike Adenuga, presidents, Governors, blue chip companies, media houses, in recent times Shagaya’s son’s wedding amongst others.

Speaking on why Shuga Band has become the most talked about band; celebrities have this to say.

Gbenga Adeyinka, a foremost comedian said ‘the band versatility is what stands it out. Akin Shuga as Akin Tofowomo is fondly called and Shuga Band is another name for versatility, style and true professionalism. His band is ever punctual and they’ll keep the party rocking. I’ve done quite a number of gigs with him and his band and every time, I see freshness in the band. I am proud that this band is Nigerian’ he concluded’.

Elsie Oluku, CEO of Shakara and Yanga clothing said, ‘the band is special because there are albums to its credit’.

Moyo Aderemi, a public relation expert said ‘timing and singing ability is what the band has going for them. They actually sing very well, they happen to come at the right time when wedding and corporate events were in vogue and they have remained number one ever since’.

Jerome Onipede speaking on shuga said ‘I think it is their captivating style, Akinloye’s leadership and the way the band adds a uniqueness to well known songs. Last but not the least; Shuga band appeals to all generations and they can perform any genre of song.

Mo Abudu said, ‘I think what makes it unique is the fact that the band appeals to people of all ages. The oldies flavour is particularly wonderful’.

Dr Chidi Onwudiegwu said ‘ Shuga Band work to hone their craft, its not just business for them. All the details and elements are in place; just compare their diction and pronunciation to that of others in the same metier’.

Tolagbe Solye said 'Akin Tofowomo aka SHUGA is unique and his personality has rubbed on Shuga Band. Akin no doubt has a passion for music and God has granted and enabled him with a talent, making his type of music cut across all ages and times. Akin is the toast of all parties and if you are lucky to have locked him in early enough you are set to have a hot gig for a party.

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What makes Shuga Band a class band in Africa

Seeing the Akin Tofowomo led Shuga Band performing on same stage with KSA at Bola Shagaya’s son wedding made an onlooker wonder why a band was still needed since the King of World beat was also on stage.

One of the guests laughed, looked back and said ‘a classy gig is not complete without Shuga Band’. That sums it up.

That is what the Shuga brand has become. It is not just for the entertainment value that the band brings that gets it invited, it is also the class brand the band brings to event. A real society or high octane event is not complete without the presence of Shuga Band. What Shuga has become now, is a statement of class.

You’ll recall that earlier in the year Shuga Band was the only band at the engagement and wedding ceremony of Bella Adenuga, the daughter of billionaire, Mike Adenuga. The Adenuga’s wedding had many hip hop stars and KSA on stage but Shuga had to be there because of its unique blend of delivery and class brand.

At Afromedia 50th anniversary, Shuga Band was also the closing act for the night. Aside, Afromedia, Shuga band is the first band of choice among corporate Nigeria for corporate gig, weddings and other events.

Away from the business circle, Shuga has seen it all in the political circle. He was a regular caller at Aso Rock in the days of President Olusegun Obasanjo and he also played at the fund raising for Jonathan. His resume of governors’ clients keeps increasing by the day.

So, why is Shuga such a premium brand in the land among event organizers and society people? “Its unique delivery” so says Samuel Olatunji, a foremost entertainment writer in Nigeria . ‘The delivery of the band is second to none. You need to see them when they perform. The band has something for every audience. For the elderly, the band is a perfect choice, for the upwardly mobile, they fit in’ he concluded.

Gbenga Adeyinka, a foremost comedian said the band’s versatility is what stands it out ‘Akin Shuga as Akin Tofowomo is fondly called and Shuga Band is another name for versatility, style and true professionalism. His band is ever punctual and they’ll keep the party rocking. I’ve done quite a number of gigs with him and his band and every time, I see freshness in the band. I am proud that this band is Nigerian’ he concluded’.

Elsie Oluku, CEO of Shakara and Yanga clothing said, ‘the band is special because there is an album to its credits’.

Moyo Aderemi, a public relation expert said timing and singing ability is what the band has going for them. ‘They actually sing very well, they happen to come at the right time when wedding and corporate events were in vogue and they have remained number one ever since’.

For Ope Banwo, a lawyer and entertainment entrepreneur, the band is the ‘go-to’ band for VIP and celebrities. ‘The band has been able to position itself as the go-to band for top level parties by VIPs and celebrities because of its wide repertoire of old songs and its classy presentations.

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