Nicki to judge X Factor?

Simon Cowell thinks Nicki is "fantastic."

The New York Post reports Nicki Minaj is being considered for the judge panel on X Factor USA. A source revealed that Simon Cowell thinks the Queens native is “fantastic.” While the deal is not finalized yet, the source added that the fem-cee would be a perfect fit for the show and could usher in a younger audience. Nicki joins the long list of possible judges including Tommy Mottola, former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger and Cheryl Cole.

So far, only former Island Def Jam Music Group chairman L.A. Reid is confirmed as a judge. 

Rihanna not dating Colin Farrell

According to People magazine, Rihanna and actor Colin Farrell are not dating. Rumors spread when the two celebrities were spotted in Los Angeles at an upscale Italian restaurant. A source told the mag that while they did in fact eat at the same place, both sat separately and explained, “It was absolute coincidence they were at Giorgio Baldi at the same time. Colin was there at a business dinner and Rihanna was across the room.” There you have it.

Bieber’s Never Say Never tops Mj’s This Is It

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Justin Bieber: Never Say Never has earned 72.2-million dollars at the domestic box office so far, passing Michael Jackson's 72.1-million haul for This Is It. Bieber still has a little way to go to climb the list of the top-grossing documentaries of all time. According to Box Office Mojo, Never Say Never is currently at the number three position, around five-million dollars behind March of the Penguins and nearly 50-million dollars short of the all-time record held by Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11, which raked in over 119-million dollars.

Copyright : MTV Base

Chris Brown insists he didn’t leak nude pic

While promoting his newly released F.A.M.E. album, Chris Brown refuted reports that he intentionally leaked his nude picture as a publicity stunt. The “Look At Me Now” singer told MTV News that he only sent the photo to a woman, who he wouldn’t name. He went on to say, “I didn't want to put no pictures out; that's not my intention.” Breezy knows that people would assume he was trying to get promotion, but he stated, “Unless I'm planning on trying to do porn, I don't think I'd want to just leak my wang out to the world before my album comes out.”

Fally Ipupa, 2Face & J. Martins to Headline MTV Live Event

Fally Ipupa, 2FACE and J. Martins are to headline the first edition of MTV Live – MTV’s awesome new live music night that will be taking over Africa during 2011.

On Friday 1 April 2011 at Tribeca in Lagos, MTV Live will see Congolese superstar Fally Ipupa give his first full live set performance in Nigeria, showing more of the star quality that wowed music fans at MAMA 2010, Lagos, in December.  Fally Ipupa will perform a stunning live set with his full band and back-up dancers, including his signature, hip-shaking sensational song ‘Sexy Dance’.

Naija favourite 2Face, who wonBest Male and Artist of the Year at MAMA 2010, will be on hand at MTV Live, showcasing the trademark blend of reggae, R&B and traditional African musical influences that has made him Nigeria’s favourite contemporary musician.

MTV Live will also witness an on-stage reunion between Nigerian R&B star J. Martins and Fally Ipupa as they reprise their 2010 collaboration on the remix of Martins’ monster hit Jupa Remix.

The first edition of MTV Live will be themed around ‘Choose or Lose’, MTV’s voter mobilization campaign, and is designed to inspire and empower young Nigerians to exercise their right to vote ahead of the upcoming April elections. The event will also include an opportunity to see a screening of Rep 4 Naija, the cool music video collaboration between Nigerian musicians eLDee, Sound Sultan, Black Twang, Naeto C, D'banj and M.I.. 

Over on the wheels of steel to keep the MTV Live beats going until dawn will be Naija’s finest DJs including DJ Humility, resident DJ at Lagos based Rhythm FM, Beat FM’s DJ Caise  and Cool FM’s DJ Jimmy Jatt.

Tickets to MTV Live will be available at the door at Tribeca, 62 Adetokunbo Ademola, Victoria Island, Lagos, priced at 5000 Naira.

MTV Live is produced in association with The Beat 99.9 FM.

9 Year Old's Daring Act Saves Sister's Life

Nine-year-old Anaiah Rucker is being hailed as a hero after saving her sister from being hit by a truck last month. Anaiah told The Today Show's Ann Curry today that she didn't think twice before pushing her little sister out of the path of the vehicle as the pair crossed the street in Madison, Georgia to get to the school bus stop.

Anaiah took the hit, instead, and lost a leg and a kidney for her bravery.
"I love her more than anything," Anaiah told Channel 2's Tom Jones of her five-year-old-sister, Camry. Anaiah said it was raining and her sweatshirt hood was covering her eyes as she and her sister crossed the road. The girls' mother, Andrea Taylor, witnessed her older daughter's act of bravery from the porch of their home, where she watches the girls catch the bus each morning.

"I saw the truck and I was like, 'No,'" Taylor told Channel 2. "I seen my daughter kinda snatch my 5-year-old back, and if it wasn't for that, my 5-year-old would have ... I don't think she would have made it." The driver wasn't charged after police decided he was not at fault.
Today, Anaiah told Curry that she doesn't feel she deserves to be called a hero. She said her sister "was too young to be hit like this, and if she got hit she wouldn't hardly be alive. She would be probably gone forever."
Anaiah might also not be alive if it weren't for bus driver Loretta Berryman. Berryman pulled over immediately and started performing CPR on Anaiah, who wasn't breathing. "I instructed her mom to hold her head while I gave mouth-to-mouth, chest compressions," Berryman told NBC News. "As she took a breath, my first thing was, 'Thank God.'"
Taylor recently lost her job and her car. The community held a BBQ to raise funds for Anaiah's medical bills and renovations needed to make her house handicap accessible. Thousands of classmates and Madison residents took to the streets to welcome Anaiah back when she got out of the hospital last week, after a month of care. You can contact United Bank in Madison to donate to a fund to help with the family's medical bills, which is in Anaiah's name.
"Anaiah has a really, really big heart," her mother said. Anaiah's grandmother told the Morgan County Citizen that her first words after regaining consciousness were, "Am I going to chorus today?" She's active in Sweet Home Baptist Church and the Boys and Girls Club in Madison.

E NO EASY to be RECOBAH DEMMAMA SOLDIER

Recobah

Born Ifeanyichukwu Stanley Oguguo, Recobah of Demmama Soldiers from years back has always believed inn determination and has made this his watch word. This is paying off for this humble and gentle star. This Imo State who has been in the music industry for a long while joined the Bayelsa music talent Timaya a.k.a Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa alongside TJ2Solo and Allenian to form the group otherwise known as Demmama Soldiers and ever since then life has turned out to be a dream come true.

With a flair and swag that can only be rivaled by the Egberi Papa 1, Recobah has warmed his way into the hearts of music lovers with his cool and calm demeanor bundled with artistic talent. His sophomore album titled "BIG NAME" set to drop soon has such hit songs like E No Easy, Chilling, Replay and Elevation.

For Recobah its just the beginning of greater things to come. He recently shot a video for his first single E No Easy which would soon be hitting TV Stations.
2011 promises to be a great year for this dreadlocks musical whizkid.

Enjoy his brand new singles E NO EASY & ELEVATION.

E No Easy http://www.sendspace.com/file/k7oxah
Elevation http://www.sendspace.com/file/sm9vjf
Chilling http://www.sendspace.com/file/q0fo2n 

Demmama Soldiers & Timaya

EXCLUSIVE! BRUTAL!!! Rehab Night Club Owner Beat Up Staff Of A Competitor To Unconsciousness

How ironic?! Rapper Ikechukwu fought with a bouncer who refused to ‘recognize’ him and let him into the club with a ‘bottle of alcohol which was not purchased in the club/bar[rehab]‘ and the owners threw a feat – calling him aggressive and painting him black. However, the same individual who asked that Ikechukwu should have acted responsible, threw caution to the wind to do worse recently, a concrete source informed with picture.. Lolu Shodeinde, owner of Rehab used his bouncers to beat Caliente’s staff up. Lolu clubbed in Caliente on Saturday and misplaced his key, he returned the next day evening at 6pm and requested to go into Caliente to look for his key.
He was told they don’t allow visitors during non-club hours. He started screaming, imsisting and called his bouncers to beat the staff up. The electrician tried to explain to him why they could not allow them in and they forced and broke into Caliente and beat two of the staff to coma.
‘These guys were seriously beaten and the other guy’s tooth was removed. And all cos Lolu wanted to look like a big boy in front of some chick whose not even his babe Because she had lost her car key at Caliente earlier on saturday nite.‘ Source added.
Our source concluded thus: ‘Austin Osaka, the electrician who was battered to unconsiousness and Innocent Agbo – the day security whose tooth was knocked out. As of now, Rubby – Caliente has spent 65 thousand naira for staff treatment and and 250,000 naira to replace tooth of one of the staff.

MARCH SPECIAL FEATURE : RETTA

Retta

 When gorgeous looks mix up with unbelievable singing talents, what you have is a package that’s simply irresistible. Call her RETTA, you’re sure to have a combination of raw Nigerian flavor. Born in Nigeria to a musical influence father and Nigerian Nurse mother from Rivers State. Retta, the fourth child of six girls, was one of those kids whose future passion for the spotlight was easily predicted. Growing up in school, Retta always felt out of place with her peers and she was once referred to as a loner. She often stayed in doors to paint pictures of her surrounding by writing songs and singing. Retta always knew that the world will hear her pain, love and heartbreak through her voice. Retta began to develop love for the Arts, moving up from her primary education to high school in Port-Harcourt Nigeria where her family resides. Participating in major shows and events in high-school, that passion began to prove itself as she got more involved in the art of entertainment through music, acting and dance and realized it had become a seemingly significant part of her. Through those early years of her education, even till juggling between decisions on what course to choose after gaining admission into the University of Port-Harcourt, it remained apparent that Ms. Retta had one calling and that calling was her music. With a soulful voice and a mixture of Pop, Her music and sound takes you through a journey of life.This soulful and young singer is here to captivate the world with her unique style. She draws inspiration from the 70’s and 80's music and the likes of Tracy Chapman, Macy Gray and Dido. Also, citing Brandy, Beyonce and Rihanna as her modern day inspiration, you can be sure to get a music filled with soul, vibe and a breathe of fresh air in her sound. Retta was discovered by Joy Tongo in 2008, President of Jton Productions while vacationing in Nigeria. According to Joy Tongo, Retta is the void that is missing in the African female music scene.. She is got the voice of angel, look of a goddess and determination to take her straight to the top.
As she walks into the doors of unveiling that true part of her, the world can expect to see the elements of raw unleashed talents and Retta intends to bring that sensation with her own style. She looks up to her mum as a role model in her life. Retta intends achieving her goals, through self determination, hard work and GOD.”

To download and listen to her songs, follow these links

http://www.sendspace.com/file/q9e5un  (Kolo for You)

http://www.sendspace.com/file/m9pvqs (Would You Be Mine)

With Drake

KOKOMOBILE EXTRAVAGANZA

THE KOKOMOBILICIOUS PROMO IS STILL ON AND LOTS OF KOKOMOBILE BRANDED PRIZES ARE STILL UP FOR GRABS...T-SHIRTS, FACE CAPS, MUGS AND EVEN BRAND NEW KOKOMOBILE PHONES ARE STILL UP FOR GRABS. VISIT www.facebook.com/kokomobile.mobi or call +23414350425 +2348033456712 FOR MORE PROMO INFORMATION. PROMO RUNS TILL THE 31st OF MARCH, 2011

Here is a list of KOKOMOBILE Distributors
Callus Miller Company LTD Suite 5, 8a Otigba Str. off Obafemi Awolowo Str. Computer Village Ikeja, Lagos 08035850210; 

Booster Communicatios LTD Suite 5, 8a Otigba Street off Obafemi Awolowo Str. Computer Village Ikeja, Lagos 08034547130; 

Finest Systems LTD 14 Oshitelu Str. Computer Village Ikeja, Lagos 08061514300; 

Glaceo Communications LTD Suite 5, 8a Otigba Str. off Obafemi Awolowo Str. Computer Village Ikeja, Lagos 08062126711;

Mizbeach LTD 4 Otigba Str. off Obafemi Awolowo Str. Computer Village Ikeja, Lagos 07085478009

 Plus Exclusive @iamdbanj Interview with Mr President on STV. 8.30pm today

 

WizKid Studio Leak....WIZ PARTY

This joint by WizKid  (Holla At Your Boy) leaked on the net a couple hours ago, it’s yet to be completed, It might not be featured on the album though its a sure club banger.

Wizkid sure knows how to get through to his teeming ever growing fanbase. WizKid’s album is set to drop soon and will be available in the next couple of months.

Follow this link to download and listen http://www.sendspace.com/file/98jiai
So lets go for the Wiz Partyyyy!

Why IJE was not nominated for AMAA?

When the list of Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) nominations was released, many may not have noticed the omission of the movie ‘IJE’ on the list but those following the industry with keen interest surely did.

The Nigerian– American movie saw two of Nigeria’s biggest movie exports Genevieve Nnaji and Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, whom many had regarded as rivals, come head to head.

To some, IJE served as that big break the Nigerian movie industry had so longed for. To others, it was beginning of a new era for the African movie industry as a whole. The movie’s near-excellent scripting, writing and production won the hearts of critics and Nollywood movie followers home and abroad. It was well publicized and was part of the first few Nigerian movies to become a box office hit.

Outside the continent, it received several nominations and honours. Some of which include ‘Best Editing’ at the Treasure Coast International Film Festival 2010 and ‘Best International Student Film’ at the Swansea Bay Film Festival 2010.

In fact, IJE is arguably the best Nollywood movie to be released in 2010, but the highly celebrated movie was nowhere to be found on the 2011 AMAA nominations list. Not even a starring role in the movie was nominated. So how could a movie as successful as that be omitted from Africa’s biggest movie awards; the Oscars of the continent?

Of course questions are being asked. And, as our reporters worked the phones over the weekend, what we discovered will surprise you: The producers did not enter Ije for AMAA. Simple.

A source who is familiar with the screening and nomination procedure for the respected award tells us ‘It’s not like the AMAA organizers have anything in particular against the movie, other than the fact that it failed to meet up with the selection requirements‘.

We gathered that AMAA only considers movies that are submitted by right owners and does not compel people to submit movies. It always insists that right owners complete an entry form to submit their movies for consideration.

‘Again AMAA is an award scheme and not a festival where there are appointed curators who prospect films. To be nominated, actors must feature in a movie that is duly entered for, the movie starring them must be seen by the Board of International Juror and must have passed through the five stages of pre-selection, the last being the College of Screeners‘.

In a phone chat, the producer of IJE, Chineze Anyaeze admits the movie wasn’t submitted for reasons best known to her; reasons she termed ‘Professional’.

‘AMAA is something you submit you movie for but I didn’t submit IJE at all. It was just a professional decision’, Anyaeze tells us.

When quizzed further on what informed her (Chinese) decision, the phone call ended abruptly and further efforts directed at reaching her proved abortive.
To see a trailer of IJE follow this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZPHo31IUrQ

The Official AMA Awards 2011 Nominations list

AMAA Musical Concert Night was held at Carnivore Ground in Nairobi where P Square, J martins and other artistes have been billed to perform .see the full nominations list below.The award ceremony will take place in Bayelsa in April 2011.

Best Short Film

BOUGFEN – PETRA BANINLA SUNJO (CAMEROUN)
WEAKNESS – WANJIRU KAIRU (KENYA)
NO JERSEY NO MATCH – DANIEL ADEMINOKAN (NIGERIA)
DUTY – MAK KUSARE (NIGERIA)
BONLAMBO – ZWE LESIZWE NTULI (SOUTH AFRICA)
ZEBU AND THE PHOTOFISH – ZIPPORAH NYARORI (KENYA)
DINA – MICKEY FONSECA (MOZAMBIQUE)
ALLAHKABO – BOUNA CHERIF FOFANA (TOGO)

Best Short Documentary

SYMPHONY KINSASHA – DIENDO HAMADI & DINTA WA LUSULA (CONGO)

NAIJA DIAMOND (Feature on Dr. Rahmat Mohammed) – NFORM LEONARD (NIGERIA)
AFTER THE MINE – DIENDO HAMADI & DINTA WA LUSULA (DRC)
STEPPING INTO THE UNKNOWN – ROWENA ALDOUS & JILL HANAS-HANCOCK (SOUTH AFRICA)
YEABU’S HOMECOMING – JENNY CHU (SIERRALEONE)

Best Documentary

KONDI ET LE JEUDI NATIONALE – ARIANA ASTRID ATODJI (CAMEROUN)
HEADLINES IN HISTORY – ZOBBY BRESSON (KENYA)
CO-EXIST – ADAM MAZO (RWANDA)
STATE OF MIND- DJO TUNDA WA MUNGA (CONGO)
NAIJA DIAMONDS- NFROM LEONARD (NIGERIA)

Best Diaspora Feature

SUICIDE DOLLS – KEITH SHAW (USA)
TESTED – RUSSELL COSTANZO (USA)
NOTHING LESS-WAYNE SAUNDERS (UK)
THE VILLAGE -WAYNE SAUNDERS (UK)

Best Diaspora Documentary

STUBORN AS A MULE – MILLER BARGERON JR & ARCELOUS DEIELS (USA)
MOMENTUM- ZEINABU IRENE DAVIS (USA)
IF NOT NOW – LOUIS HAGGART (USA)
MOTHERLAND – OWEN ALIK SHAHADAH (USA)
CHANGEMENT – CHIARA CAVALLAZI (ITALY)

Best Diaspora Short Film

CYCLE- ROY CLOVIS (USA)
UNDER TOW – MILES ORION FELD (USA)
HABITUAL AGGRESSION – TEMI OJO (USA)
LITTLE SOLDIER – DALLAS KING (USA)
THE NEW N WORD – SOWANDE TICHAWONNA (USA)

PRECIPICE – JULIUS AMEDUME (UK)

Best Film for African Abroad

ANCHOR BABY – LONZO NZEKWE (NIGERIA/CANADA)
IN AMERICA: THE STORY OF THE SOUL SISTERS- RAHMAN OLADIGBOLU (NIGERIA/USA)
MIRROR BOY – OBI EMELONYE (NIGERIA/UK)
AFRICA UNITED – DEBS GARDNER-BROOK (RWANDA/UK)

Best Production Design

TANGO WITH ME
VIVA RIVA
HOPEVILLE
6 HOURS TO CHRISTMAS
MAAMI

Best Costume Design

INALE
YEMOJA
SINKING SANDS
ARAMOTU
ELMINA

Best Make Up

INALE
SINKING SANDS
A PRIVATE STORM
VIVA RIVA
A SMALL TOWN CALLED DESCENT

Best Soundtrack

VIVA RIVA
AFRICA UNITED
IZULU LAMI
INALE
A SMALL TOWN CALLED DESCENT

Best Visual Effects

ARAMOTU
NANI
WHO OWNS DA CITY
INALE
A SMALL TOWN CALLED DESCENT

Best Achievement in Sound

SINKING SANDS
SHIRLEY ADAMS
IZULU LAMI

VIVA RIVA
TANGO WITH ME

Best Cinematography

SINKING SANDS
MAAMI
IZULU LAMI
HOPEVILLE
VIVA RIVA

Best Screenplay

SOUL BOY
SINKING SANDS
HOPEVILLE
SHIRLEY ADAMS
IZULU LAMI

Best Nigerian Film

MAAMI – TUNDE KELANI
ARAMOTU – NIJI AKANNI
TANGO WITH ME – MAHMOOD ALI- BALOGUN
INALE – JETA AMATA
A PRIVATE STORM – LANCELOT ODUWA IMASEUN/IKECHUKWU ONYEKA

Best Film in African Language

ARAMOTU – NIJI AKANNI (NIGERIA)
IZULU LAMI – MADODA NCAYIYANA (SOUTH AFRICA)
SOUL BOY- HAWA ESSUMAN (KENYA)
SUWI – MUSOLA CATHERINE KASEKETI (ZAMBIA)
FISHING THE LITTLE STONE – KAZ KASOZI (UGANDA)

Best Child Actor

SOBAHLE MKHABASE (THEMBI), TSCHEPANG MOHLOMI (CHILI-BITE) AND SIBONELO MALINGA(KHWEZI) – IZULU LAMI
ERIYA NDAYAMBAJE- DUDU IN AFRICA UNITED
JORDAN NTUNGA- ANTO IN VIVA RIVA
AYOMIDE ABATTI- YOUNG KASHI IN MAAMI
BENJAMIN ABEMIGISHA- ZEBU IN ZEBU AND THE PHOTOFISH
SHANTEL MWABI- BUPE IN SUWI

Best Young Actor

YVES DUSENGE (CHILD SOLDIER) AND ROGER NSENGIYUMUA (FOOTBALLER)- AFRICA UNITED
SAMSON ODHIAMBO AND LEILA DAYAN OPOU – SOUL BOY
EDWARD KAGUTUZI – MIRROR BOY
DONOVAN ADAMS – SHIRLEY ADAMS

JUNIOR SINGO – HOPEVILLE

Best Actor in Supporting Role

OSITA IHEME – MIRROR BOY
HOJI FORTUNA – VIVA RIVA
MPILO VUSI KUNENE – A SMALL TOWN CALLED DESCENT
JOHN DUMELO – A PRIVATE STORM
DESMOND DUBE- HOPEVILLE

Best Actress in Supporting Role

MARY TWALA – HOPEVILLE
JOYCE NTALABE – THE RIVALING SHADOW
MARLENE LONGAGE- VIVA RIVA
TINA MBA -TANGO WITH ME
YVONNE OKORO – POOL PARTY

Best Actor in Leading Role

THEMBA NDABA – HOPEVILLE
PATSHA BAY -VIVA RIVA
JIMMY JEAN-LOUIS – SINKING SANDS
EKON BLANKSON – CHECKMATE
ANTAR LANIYAN – YEMOJA
MAJID MICHAEL – POOL PARTY

Best Actress in Leading Role

IDIAT SHOBANDE -ARAMOTU
OMONI OBOLI- ANCHOR BABY
MANIE MALONE – VIVA RIVA
AMAKE ABEBRESE- SINKING SANDS
DENISE NEWMAN -SHIRLEY ADAMS
GENEVIEVE NNAJI – TANGO WITH ME

Best Director

SOUL BOY – HAWA ESSUMAN
SHIRLEY ADAMS – OLIVER HERMANUS
VIVA RIVA – DJO TUNDA WA MUNGA
ARAMOTU – NIJI AKANNI
A SMALL TOWN CALLED DESCENT – JAHMAIL. X. T QUBEKA
SINKING SANDS – LEILA DJANSI

Best Film

VIVA RIVA – DJO TUNDA WA MUNGA (CONGO)
SINKING SANDS – LEILA DJANSI (GHANA)
ARAMOTU – NIJI AKANNI (NIGERIA)
SOUL BOY – HAWA ESSUMAN (KENYA)
HOPEVILLE – JOHN TRENGOVE (SOUTH AFRICA)
A SMALL TOWN CALLED DESCENT – JAHMIL X.T QUBEKA (SOUTH AFRICA)

HABIDA from Kenya with Love

Habida is a rare find. Not often is beauty, style, poise, artistry and a God given talent to compose and sing, all encompassed within one person. However she has all these elements in place and much more. Born in Nairobi, Kenya, this twenty something gem has taken the road less traveled to this point in her budding career. Sometimes, life presents forks in the road. Only the dedicated and determined can converge the two disparate pathways into one lane.

In her hometown, Habida was involved in a small community-acting troupe for a number of years, which further advanced her love for creativity and acting. She also found time to model for the internationally renowned African agency, Kiko Romeo. Thoughts of pursuing her dramatic studies grew, so much so, that in 1998 she made the choice to leave the comforts of her home and study drama abroad, in London, at Lewisham College. Even though she then found herself with two outlets to channel her energy (modeling and acting), her creativity was boundless and it just didn't seem to be enough.

Habida's love for three decades of soul (60-80s) tugged at her spirit. Soon, she found herself trading much needed sleep for extra time writing poetry (which later became the seeds to her self written songs) and taking her singing talent to another level. As one could surmise, she decided to dedicate her time to the written word as well as song compositions, recording a 6-song demo in the spring of 2003. Not one to be complacent, she searched for a way to couple and excel in her two loves, theatre and music.

She then decided to move to Atlanta, the heart of soul and R&B, where she then continued in her path towards musicianship. She studied at Kennesaw State University where she attained a degree in musical theatre. With this under her belt she recorded several tracks with a number of production houses looking for the right deal, wrote and stared in a soap opera as a lead role as well as worked in several TV shows as an extra. She kept up her modeling career as a source of income as well.

In 2007 Habida then saw it fit with all the experience she had gained to move back home to where she was born and to where her parents reside, Nairobi. She then met the renowned producer Robert Kamanzi AKA Rkay and started recording and together produced and released the hit singles 'Sunshine' and 'Kesho'. The relationship spawned and in the first year the song 'Sunshine' which is collaboration with the Kenyan artist Nameless, won the Listeners Choice Awards in 2009 at the MTV Africa Music Awards. Following on from the instant success Habida was then nominated for 3 Awards in 2010 at the East African CHAT Awards, for Best Female Artist, Best Video and Best New Artist, where she took home the Best Video Award.

Now Habida is working on her album which is due to be released before the end of 2010 which includes collaborations with several Kenyan artists. Habida is also keen on diversifying her art which is also why she has and hopes to continue working with producers from different genres an example of this is her collabo with the techno producer currently residing in Germany, Dan Curtin.

Listen to her song on http://www.mtvbase.com/music/artists/habida

HOT GOSSIP (Nigeria’s Oldest Governor’s Sex Escapades with Teenage Girls)

Adamawa’s dictator governor, Murtala Haman Yero Nyako has so far spent over N100million from the state resources on teenage girls for fun and sometimes travelling with them to as far as the United States
and Germany where there will be absolute ‘secrecy’. As a result, according to a very credible insider, two of the governor’s teenage girl friends are now university dropouts as they could not concentrate in their studies because they are always with the governor everywhere he goes either officially or privately.

One of the victims of Nyako’s unbridled sexual life, a seventeen year old Aisha B. Dauda, whose exclusive picture with Nigeria’s oldest governor, seating on his lap in a chartered aircraft to the United States (see photo above) clearly demonstrate how irresponsible Mr. Nyako is and how he has wasted Adamawa’s resources over the years to enjoy himself at a time his people are dying of cholera, malaria, poverty and other curable and preventable diseases.
Bills/expenses of the chartered plane to US, hotel, logistics and money for shopping for Nyako’s fun with his girlfriend was borne by the Adamawa State Government. This exclusive picture with teenage Aisha and many other nudity scenes that were later taken in Nyako’s hotel room had not only exposed the recklessness and lack of moral values of an old man but how he wasted state resources at a very difficult times to ‘enjoy’ himself and destroy the lives of girls old enough to be his grandchildren.
Investigation reveals that poor Aisha whose photo you are seeing with Mr. Nyako could not complete her secondary education due to consistent demand of her services by Nyako. Aisha, who lives at Unguwan Rimi in Kaduna, had spent most of her time travelling to Abuja, Jimeta or the usual foreign trips abroad with her sugar daddy, Nyako to the detriment of her educational career. While he was busy destroying the life and future of Aisha, Mr. Nyako’s children have either graduated, undergoing their masters programme in some of the most expensive schools abroad or working.
Mr. Nyako’s notoriety has earned him the very opposite of a man supposedly responsible to the people of Adamawa, his home state and to his oath of allegiance and office even as his insatiable lust for teenagers remains timeless.
The exclusive pictures in nudity he took with Aisha and some of his other encounters with underage girls in hotels/guest houses in and outside Nigeria speak volume for themselves. Some of these pictures of Nyako’s unbridled sexual life were taken by Aisha’s friend who accompanies them to US. Despite his unrelenting determination to rule Adamawa state by all means Nyako, apart from his age and being among the elders of the North is already married to four wives with children and many grandchildren.
Some of his contemporaries, who are upset with his style of governance, say that Nyako is a highly ambitious and greedy politician, who has sold out his conscience and integrity for President Goodluck Jonathan and thereby betraying the northern agenda based on PDP zoning agreement. Sadly enough, Mr. Nyako is not only one of the most extravagant governors in Nigeria today but one that has legalised corruption by a clique and members of his family through unprecedented looting of the state treasury and saddled with very poor performance.
Nyako is arguably, by this revelation of wanton sexual urge, the worst governor the people of Adamawa ever had and yet the first regime in Adamawa’s history that got higher statutory allocation from the Federal Government, running into billions of naira with nothing in terms of projects to justify the huge allocation.
Mr. Nyako rightly runs what people of Adamawa called government of his family, business associates, in-laws and a few clique. Now that technocrats like Bello Tukur have resigned from his government to contest for the senate, the moral crises for the government will even be worse.
Nyako’s poor performance as governor of Adamawa and his wanton mismanagement of the state resources is still being lamented by the citizens of the Sun Shine State coupled with how he allowed his family members to manipulate the resources of the state through bogus projects and over inflated contracts.
Pundits query why this controversial governor of Adamawa State and unarguably the oldest governor in Nigeria today have resorted to dating teenage girls by using millions of naira from the state resources to attract them and eventually destroy their future.

Bad weather hinders tsunami clean-up, damage assessment in U.S.

Rain and high winds hindered clean-up efforts in coastal communities along the West Coast of the United States and Hawaii after a tsunami triggered by Friday's earthquake destroyed harbors and swept out to sea at least three people and dozens of boats.

The National Weather Service on Saturday canceled tsunami advisories for the immediate coastal areas of central and southern California, while warning residents of continued tidal surges in harbors across the region. But assessment of the damage was just beginning.
Local officials put damage estimates to harbor facilities in the millions in two seaside communities along the Oregon-California border hit hardest by the surge, which originated some 5,000 miles away.
Residents of Crescent City, California and Brookings, Oregon, were spared the extent of devastation wrought in Japan, where the death toll continues to rise and a state of emergency has been declared at a power plant. A tsunami warning was declared in many American jurisdictions minutes after the earthquake hit, prompting evacuations and emergency measures to take effect, effectively minimizing damage.
In Crescent City, surges reached 8 feet Friday when the tsunami came ashore, dragging boats out to sea as some residents were evacuated to higher ground.
By Saturday, they were able to return to their homes, but the harbor was still littered wreckage of boats and docks, said CNN iReporter Kristoffer Strom, head animal trainer and manager of Ocean World in Crescent City.
"The weather was windy with rain, not like the day of the tsunami - that was sunny. I'm sure this will make clean up harder," said Strom, who shot this video of the harbor Saturday. "They are not letting cars in except for people that need to be the to take care of boats or things like our harbor pump. Only people on foot can get in other wise."
Across the border in Oregon, a massive surge destroyed almost all the docks in Brookings Harbor and destroyed boats, causing millions of dollars in damage, according to CNN affiliate KTVL. in Oregon.
"Brookings and Crescent City took the brunt of this on the west coast and as you can see there's millions of dollars in devastation," Sheriff John Bishop with Brookings Police said.
Seven boats were swept out to sea unmanned, and three of them have sank, Bishop said.
Lester Cramer, who lives near the harbor, had just spent thousands of dollars to repair his boat. Now, part of the dock is sticking through it.
"Water came rushing in... boats started swirling around in cirles, tearing everyhting apart," he said.
A brother and sister were lucky to be alive after being swept into ocean as they walked along the coastline in Curry County, Oregon, Oregon State Police said. The two had been camping in the area and were unaware of the tsunami warning.
A California man who had gone to the beach in Del Norte County, California, to take pictures was not so lucky. He had been standing on a sandbar at the mouth of the Klamath River when he was washed away, a county spokesman said. Two of his friends were carried off as well, but were able to return safely to shore.
In nearby Santa Cruz, the surges tore boats off their moorings and rocked them into piers and each other, CNN affiliate KGO-TV reported. An estimated 20-30 boats sunk and hundreds more were damaged. One Santa Cruz County supervisor estimates $14 million in damage.
In Hawaii, Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed a "state of disaster proclamation" that will allow the state to get federal funds to rebuild an estimated $3 million damages to boat harbors, parks, and other property. He said the figure is likely to grow.
The Big Island suffered the most damage, in particular, west and northwest parts of the island, where roads were flooded and a home and several cars ended up in Kealakekua Bay, CNN affiliate KHON reported.
In Honolulu, the 2011 Honolulu Festival went on as planned except for the cancellation of annual fireworks show, out of respect for the victims, affiliate KGMB reported.

Police search Charlie Sheen's house for weapons

Authorities confiscated an antique gun and some bullets from the home of Charlie Sheen after a search, the actor's divorce attorney said Friday. Mark Gross told reporters he did not believe that by having the items his client was in violation of a temporary restraining order taken out against Sheen this month. Gross said no drugs were found and police were courteous during the Thursday night search -- a sentiment authorities echoed about the actor.
"Mr. Sheen was very cooperative and we are done," said Los Angeles police spokeswoman Norma Eisenman.
The actor took to Twitter immediately afterward, informing his 2.5 million followers, "the LAPD were AWESOME. Absolute pros! they can protect and serve this Warlock anytime!!! c."
The restraining order was filed March 1 after Sheen's estranged wife, Brooke Mueller, requested it, alleging that he had threatened to kill her.
"I will cut your head off, put it in a box and send it to your mom," Mueller claims that Sheen told her late last month.
The revelations were in a court document that resulted in a court order that removed Sheen's twin boys from his home.
The restraining order states Sheen cannot possess, have, buy or try to buy, receive or try to receive, or in any other way get guns, other firearms or ammunition.
It came to the attention of the Los Angeles police department that Sheen is the registered owner of firearms, Eisenman said, and the search was conducted to see if any firearms or ammunition were in his possession.
A source close to Sheen told CNN the actor knew authorities were coming to search his home for firearms. Sheen told the source that he had no weapons there. His attorney, Gross told reporters that both he and Sheen were aware beforehand that that the search was going to occur, though Gross did not offer specifics as to when he or Sheen were notified.
The attorney said he did not believe Mueller was behind the tip that led to the search.
Warner Bros fired Sheen from the hit sitcom "Two and a Half Men" on Monday after he conducted a long-running rant against the show's producers.

Warner Bros is owned by Time Warner, as is CNN.

GHETTO DREAMZ -(The DAGRIN Story) - Official Trailer

DA GRIN

Fond Memories by Toscar Roberts

The passing on a soul is often heralded with memoirs and mournful reflections but what matters most is the legacy left behind and the impact on people met during this sorrowful sojourn in life. The main question should be WHAT WOULD YOU BE REMEMBERED FOR?


Have you taught about that? No? Yes?

The painful departure of Dapo Olaitan Olaonipekun a.k.a Da Grin (Rapper NuMero Uno) has brought wails and cries to some....and rejoice to some (HATERS) and funny enough business buzz to some (ALABA). 

Da Grin left an impact on lives in the form of  his Musical Legacy...Re-Birth of a Nu kind of Rap...9ja Rap!!!
 

I know it would inhuman to say we should not grieve but truthfully we should not grieve because there is a bit of Da Grin in all of us and we that are still alive means millions of Da Grin Alive....

I recall our first meeting...he would call me bros and I would b like.."guy its not who is bros but who affects life most.
He affected lives...he gave up comers the belief that nothing is impossible; it all requires consistency and originality.
DA GRIN YOU ARE DEARLY MISSED BUT YOU LIVE IN US ALL.....
Your laughter mostly would always ring in our memories cos it tickles and brings about a smile thereby adding a second to our life span...even in death u still impact on living souls... 

SO LONG THE KING OF 9JA RAP...SAFE JOURNEY...abeg get ready more wonderful joints for the day we'd come over to meet you and hopefully not part again....R.I.P!!!

An excerpt:

"A rising star cut short in his prime.
Today, 22nd of April 2010, Nigerian rapper, Da Grin – real name – Oladapo Olaitan Olaonipekun passed away at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).
23 year old, Da Grin was involved in a ghastly accident during the early hours of 14th of April 2010. According to reports, his car collided with a stationary trailer (heavy duty vehicle), he sustained injuries but was rushed to the hospital.
For days after the accident, goodwill messages flowed from fans and colleagues all around the world. All were hoping that he would recover and proceed with his career.
He had just been nominated for several Hip Hop World Awards and was still billed to perform at his first international show in May 2010 but it was not to be.
Da Grin passed away from reported ‘cardiac arrest’......"

for further details about Da Grin follow these links

http://www.notjustok.com/2010/04/22/breaking-news-da-grin-dead/


http://www.mytruspot.com/dagrin/

Rihanna turns down Bodyguard role

RiRi gets picky over acting roles 

A few weeks ago, Variety reported there would be a remake of the classic 1992 film, The Bodyguard. While it’s unknown who will take over Whitney Houston’s role, we know who has already declined: Rihanna! The pop princess told OK Magazine, “I hate it when singers do singing movies all the time because you can never look at them as anybody else.” She feels that since she is already a singer, portraying a singer would not be a “challenge” and looks forward to “being able to step into somebody else's shoes” in upcoming films.

In related news, Rihanna will appear opposite Liam Neeson in a sci-fi flick called Battleship, which will open next year.

Kanye wins “Stronger” lawsuit 

 

According to AllHipHop.com, Kanye West has gotten a copyright infringement case over his hit song, “Stronger,” thrown out. The rapper was accused of stealing the record from an aspiring producer, Vincent "Vince P." Peters. However, an Illinois judge dismissed the case because he deemed Yeezy’s song not substantially similar to Peters’ song. 

Gaga on new Ice Cream

 

Lady Gaga is getting upset over a pretty unusual ice cream flavor. According to PopEater.com, the pop star’s lawyers sent a letter to an English ice cream parlor to get them to stop calling their new flavor, which is made out of human breast milk, “Baby Gaga.” They make the claim that the owners of the store are trying to “take advantage of her reputation and good will.” Matt O’Connor, the owner, said that claims of his store trying to profit from using her name are “laughable.” Learn more at PopEater.com.

 

BETCHYA DIDN'T KNOW!!!

1) Rapper 6 ft Plus has 15 siblings

2) Actress Bimbo Akintola was once a back up singer for Baba Dee

3) Lyrical Orge was the rapper who became an R & B singer called Faze

4) J Lo was a dancer for MC Hammer

5) Don Jazzy suffers from ophidiophobia (fear of snakes)

6) Teddy Riley invented the form of music called NEW JACK SWING @ age 17

7) Klint Da Drunk studied Fine & Applied Arts @ I.M.T Enugu and suffers from (fear of cockroaches) Katsaridaphobia

Stay Tuned for More....!!!

Rebel leader calls for 'immediate action' on no-fly zone

The head of the interim government in eastern Libya pleaded Wednesday for the international community to move quickly to impose a no-fly zone over Libya, declaring that any delay would result in more casualties. "It has to be immediate action," Mustafa Abdul-Jalil told CNN in an exclusive interview in this eastern opposition stronghold. "The longer the situation carries on, the more blood is shed. That's the message that we want to send to the international community. They have to live up to their responsibility with regards to this."
After the uprising began February 15, Abdul-Jalil was among the government officials who broke with the regime. He has gone on to lead the opposition's National Transitional Council, a 31-member group representing most regions in Libya. The group has met in Benghazi, an eastern town that has become an opposition stronghold.
Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi told a Turkish reporter in an interview Tuesday that the imposition of a no-fly zone would simply unite the Libyan people behind him. "They will be united against the new attempt for occupation and imperialistic interests and it will be clear that they are conspiring against Libya," he said. "It will also be clear that the intentions are to control Libya's oil, choke Libya's liberty, land and people."
Abdul-Jalil's remarks came shortly after Gadhafi's regime announced a reward for Abdul-Jalil's capture, branding him "an agent spy."
In an "urgent" banner on state television, the government said its General Administration for Criminal Investigation was offering 500,000 Libyan dinars ($410,900 U.S.) "for whoever captures and hands over" the "agent spy" Abdul-Jalil, and "another offer of 200,000 Libyan dinars ($164,300 U.S.) for whoever offers information leading to his actual arrest."
In a letter to the U.N. General Assembly, the transitional council asked that it be recognized as "the sole representative of all Libya." It also asked the international community to "fulfill its obligations to protect the Libyan people from any further genocide and crimes against humanity without any direct military intervention on Libyan soil." The letter, which was dated March 5, was made public Wednesday.
The move to target Abdul-Jalil came as Gadhafi fought to advance against rebels who have taken control of many parts of the country. On Wednesday, pro-Gadhafi forces launched fresh attacks on Ras Lanuf, using planes and heavy artillery in an effort to retake the eastern oil city.
Opposition fighters, armed with anti-aircraft guns and Soviet rifles, were outgunned by the heavily armed pro-Gadhafi forces.
CNN's Ben Wedeman reported that an intense artillery bombardment was under way on the western edge of Ras Lanuf, where ambulances lined up to the emergency ward at Ras Lanuf's only hospital to drop off the wounded.
More than 25 people were wounded, said Dr. Ali Al-Bart, at Ras Lanuf Hospital. "It's very bad, the situation is very bad," he said.
Opposition efforts remained, but appeared weak. Ahmed Faturi left his clothing store in Benghazi to carry a SAM-7 surface-to-air missile, but knew he had little chance of hitting a plane with it.
And he expressed little hope that a no-fly zone would ever materialize. "Just talk," he said.
A few days ago, the rebel forces were advancing steadily westward toward Gadhafi's stronghold in the capital city of Tripoli. But that advancement appears to have reversed.
In Ras Lanuf, an oil storage tank to the west was hit in the fighting, though it was not clear who was responsible. Libyan state television reported that "armed groups supported by al Qaeda blew up an oil tank as they withdrew from Ras Lanuf against the advancing Libyan armed forces."
The attack marked the first time since the rebellion began more than three weeks ago that Libya's oil infrastructure has been damaged.
Gadhafi has shown no sign of giving up. On state television, he again insisted Tuesday night that youths misled and drugged by al Qaeda were to blame for the fighting. "For them, everybody's their enemy," Gadhafi said. "They know nothing other than killing."
The speech was recorded earlier Tuesday when Gadhafi addressed a youth group of tribal supporters, urging them to defend Libya from those who envy its standard of living.
"They want to take your petrol," he said. "This is what America, this is what the French, those colonialists, want."
A private Libyan aircraft crossed Greek airspace Wednesday en route to Cairo, Egypt, and the pilot said there were two passengers on board, according to Greek civil aviation authorities. The pilot did not identify the passengers, aviation authorities said. Multiple media reports said the plane landed in Cairo.
The development raised questions about whether Libyan officials may have flown to Cairo.
On Tuesday, an opposition member said Gadhafi was negotiating an exit deal, but other opposition members and the government denied that.
In the fourth week of what has become a civil war, Gadhafi's regime has held on to the capital, while losing control to the opposition in some other areas. Benghazi, in eastern Libya, is an opposition stronghold.
People in some towns in the western part of the country told CNN Wednesday their areas were under rebel control.
In Zuwarah, two sources said the city, which is located between Zawiya and the country's western border, with Tunisia, was surrounded by Gadhafi supporters but most shops and banks were operating normally.
A witness described the scene as tense, with schools, government offices and businesses closed. Demonstrations were no longer being held because, the witness said, "There is no one to protest against."
Two Zuwarah residents said "messengers from Gadhafi" had warned local leaders Wednesday to surrender or face attack.
The "messengers" told the leaders that replacing the pre-Gadhafi regime flag in the city with the government's green flag would be interpreted as a sign of solidarity with the regime, the sources said.
They added that there had been implicit threats against Zuwarah to bomb two nearby facilities: a petro-chemical plant 15 kilometers away and a gas export facility 30 kilometers away.
In Zawiya, two sources said the fighting continued in the city center Wednesday, but to a lesser extent than on Tuesday. They said the opposition occupied the city center, which was surrounded by the military. On the outskirts of the city, pro-Gadhafi rallies were being held, they said.
But Libyan television reported that Gadhafi supporters were celebrating "the liberation of the town from the armed terrorist elements backed by al Qaeda" in the main square.
Access to the city was limited. A witness told CNN she tried to travel from Tripoli to Zawiya but was turned away at various checkpoints.
Communications were so difficult that CNN was not able to talk with anyone in the city. One Zawiya resident, who told CNN she had to make the 40-minute trip to Tripoli to make a phone call, said there had been no electricity in Zawiya for the previous day.
In addition, two medical clinics that were shut Tuesday by the military remained closed Wednesday, she said.
Another source who fled Zawiya Tuesday for the Tunisian border said many bodies in the city lay unclaimed because relatives -- fearing violence -- would not go to graveyards to bury them.
Residents of Zuwarah sent weapons, explosives, and medical supplies via a small boat to Zawiya, the witness said. The man who drove the boat dropped the supplies immediately upon arrival and fled out of fear.
Libyan state TV showed video of government supporters cheering in Zawiya's streets and hoisting the government flag on Wednesday.
Witnesses said fear remained widespread in the capital, where schools were closed. A resident said she called several banks to ask about taking out money but was told that there was a shortage of cash.
Nalut was under opposition control and calm Wednesday, a witness said. In Ajdabiya and Misrata, spokesmen for opposition groups said those towns remained under opposition control and were calm as well.
Two doctors in Misrata said medical supplies were in short supply. More than 80 people remained at Central Misrata Hospital recovering from wounds suffered Sunday in fighting, they said.
Libya's government sought Wednesday to influence international sentiment, announcing that Libya's secretary of state for international relations will travel to Portugal, Greece and Malta on an exploratory fact-finding mission that may include other destinations.
Libya has invited British, French, Dutch and German fact-finding teams to Libya to examine reports of aerial bombardment and massacres. Libya had received no response from any of the invitees.
The decision about whether to impose a no-fly zone is a complicated one, said Nicholas Burns, a former U.S. ambassador to NATO.
"There's no assurance that the imposition of even a no-fly zone would make a decisive difference in the battle," Burns said. "Gadhafi has ground forces. He has artillery, he has a mercenary army. That's 95 percent of the fighting under way in Libya."
And it would not prove to be a panacea, the head of the U.S. Marine Corps told lawmakers Tuesday. Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James F. Amos said that a no-fly zone would do little to thwart Libya's helicopters, which he called "their greatest threat."
A no-fly zone would typically be enforced by fighter jets whose speed and altitude make it difficult to target helicopters, which move low and slow, Amos said.
For its part, Libya said it was not misusing its air force. Any no-fly zone would be tantamount to an act of war, Libyan Deputy Foreign Minister Khalid Karim said Tuesday.
The military, he said, "are taking purely defensive positions; they are not taking offensive ones." He said the Libyan government has asked for international monitors to verify that assertion.
The protests against the 68-year-old Gadhafi began February 15 as anti-government demonstrators sought his ouster after nearly 42 years of rule.
Death toll estimates have ranged from more than 1,000 to as many as 2,000. And the war has forced out 215,000 people, many of them poor migrant workers who have been stranded at both the Tunisian and Egyptian borders, the U.N. refugee agency has said.
While many countries chartered planes and dispatched ships to whisk away their citizens to safety, those stuck at the border are sheltered in cramped, unsanitary quarters with little to eat.
The United Nations' special representative for children and armed conflict, Radhika Coomaraswamy, said her office had received unconfirmed reports of violence against children, "including killing and maiming and use of children as combatants and the denial of humanitarian access."
Valerie Amos, the United Nations under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, called for all Libyan civilians to be protected.
"I am deeply concerned about the reportedly indiscriminate nature of the fighting, and particularly the use of heavy artillery and aerial bombardments," she said in a statement. "We are also hearing reports of hospital closures at the very time when people most need medical care."
The U.N. World Food Programme has initiated a $39.2 million emergency operation intended to provide food to more than 1 million people in Libya, Egypt and Tunisia over a three-month period.
In the latest sign of international solidarity with the Libyan opposition, a group of people entered a home in London Wednesday owned by Saif Gadhafi, the Libyan leader's son who has spoken on behalf of the regime in recent weeks. They could be seen hanging a banner out an upstairs window with a picture of Gadhafi in a red circle with a line through it.

"Out of Libya," the sign says, "Out of London." London Metropolitan police said only the situation was "being treated as a civil matter."

CNN's Ben Wedeman, Whitney Hurst, Nic Robertson, Chris Lawrence, Arwa Damon, Salma Abdelaziz, Jomana Karadsheh and Caroline Faraj contributed to this report

Ill Bliss ft Tha Suspect – Otipo & Omawunmi's Video Premiere -When Breeze Blow

It’s Capital Hill baby!!!

Peep the new joint from Dat Ibo Boi Ill bliss called “Otipo” featuring Tha Suspect.
Track is fiyah! Press play & get familiar!
Ill Bliss ft Tha Suspect – Otipo

In November 2009, Omawumi released unto an unsuspecting world, her debut album which lived up to the hype of her Idols buzz. It was named after arguably the most popular & iconic female superhero in comics – DC’s Wonder Woman (Sexy Amazon with the Lasso of Truth, a pair of Indestructible Bracelets and an Invisible Airplane).

She’s released her 4th single “When Breeze Blow”  off the “Wonder Woman” album.
Also starring Dr Frabz & Waje, the video portrays every element of the song – friendship, deceit, cheating, trust, pain and best kept secrets.
The video was directed by Gini
Her “Wonder Woman Videos DVD” which has a few more unreleased videos is available in most retail stores and is being distributed by Soforte.

If You Ask Me Teaser

 When Breeze Blow

Widespread destruction from Japan earthquake, tsunamis

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• NEW: Official death tolls vary
• Radiation levels more than 8 times normal measured near nuclear plant
• Official death toll is at 184 but is expected to climb
• A 6.2-magnitude earthquake is recorded on western Honshu island

The morning after Japan was struck by the most powerful earthquake to hit the island nation in recorded history and the tsunami it unleashed -- and even as the earth continued to twitch with aftershocks -- the disaster's massive impact was only beginning to be revealed.
Hundreds of people died in the 8.9-magnitude temblor, which was centered near the east coast of Japan. The massive movement caused the formation of 30-foot walls of water that swept across rice fields, engulfed entire towns, dragged houses onto highways, and tossed cars and boats like toys. Some waves reached six miles (10 kilometers) inland in Miyagi Prefecture on Japan's east coast.
Buildings collapsed by the score, and numerous fires were ignited.
Hundreds of people were missing, Japanese media reported, citing local and national police. Tens of thousands of people were displaced, according to Japan's Kyodo News Agency.
Prime Minister Naoto Kan said the "enormously powerful" earthquake had caused "tremendous damage over a wide area."
The quake, which struck at 2:46 p.m. (12:46 a.m. ET), prompted the U.S. National Weather Service to issue tsunami warnings for at least 50 countries and territories.
The epicenter of the main quake Friday was off Miyagi Prefecture, about 230 miles (370 kilometers) northeast of Tokyo, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
Japanese broadcasters showed video of collapsed buildings and reported widespread power outages and transportation disruptions. In Tokyo, rail service was suspended, elevated highways were shut early Saturday and surface streets remained jammed as commuters tried to get to their homes in outlying areas.
Video aired by Japanese broadcaster NHK showed extensive fires in Miyagi and widespread fires in the port city of Hakodate, in the southern part of Hokkaido island in northern Japan. An oil refinery was burning in Chiba Prefecture near Tokyo, according to NHK, and firefighters could not get close enough to fight it because of the heat. And Kyodo News said fires could be seen in extensive areas of Kesennuma in Miyagi Prefecture.
Also in Miyagi, officials reported that a train had derailed and authorities had lost contact with four trains in coastal areas, Kyodo reported, citing the East Japan Railway Company.
And a dam in Fukushima Prefecture failed, washing away homes, Kyodo reported. There was no immediate word of casualties, but the Defense Ministry said 1,800 homes were destroyed.
The National Weather Service sent a warning to 50 countries and territories it said could be affected by the tsunami.
Scores of aftershocks jarred the country Saturday, punctuated by a pair of strong earthquakes in the early morning, including one with a magnitude of 7.1 and another with a magnitude of 6.6.
Japan's trade minister, Banri Kaieda, said a small radiation leak could occur at the Fukushima nuclear plant, Kyodo reported Saturday.
Citing the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency, Kyodo reported Saturday morning that radiation levels more than eight times normal were being measured at a monitoring post near the plant's main gate.
Prime Minister Kan told reporters he would board a helicopter to inspect the plant and the rest of the affected region from a helicopter.
The government had ordered the evacuation of residents nearest the plant as efforts to keep it cool after it was shut were initially hampered.
The confirmed death toll stood at 133, not counting the 200 to 300 bodies -- apparently drowned -- found in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Kyodo said, citing police.
But NHK, also citing police, said at least 388 people were confirmed dead and more than 700 were missing across several prefectures.
Kyodo predicted the death toll would surpass 1,000.
The news agency, citing Japan's defense forces, also said 60,000 to 70,000 people were being evacuated to shelters in the Sendai area of Miyagi Prefecture.
The prime minister said an emergency task force had been activated, and he appealed for calm. The government dispatched 8,000 troops to assist in the recovery effort and asked for U.S. military assistance, according to Kyodo.
A spokesman for the U.S. military bases in Japan said all service members were accounted for and there were no reports of damage to installations or ships.
U.S. President Barack Obama offered his condolences and said the United States was standing by to help "in this time of great trial."
The U.S. Navy initiated reconnaissance flights to map the disaster zone and was moving the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan into position to assist the Japanese government with relief efforts, defense officials said.
Two search-and-rescue teams, totaling more than 140 people, were en route, the U.S. Agency for International Development said.
Images from Japanese media and CNN iReporters showed smoke pouring from buildings and water rushing across fields, carrying away entire structures.
"I wasn't scared when it started ... but it just kept going and going," said Michelle Roberts, who lives in central Tokyo. "I won't lie, it was quite scary. But we are all OK. We live on the third floor, so most everything shook and shifted."
The quake toppled cars off bridges and into waters underneath. Waves of debris flowed like lava across farmland, pushing boats, houses and trailers. About 4 million homes had no power in Tokyo and surrounding areas.
The quake also disrupted rail service and affected air travel. Hundreds of flights were canceled, Kyodo said. Some 13,000 people were stranded at the Narita airport, and 10,000 were stuck at the Haneda airport, the news agency said.
At Tokyo Station, one of Japan's busiest subway terminals, shaken commuters grabbed one another to stay steady as the ground shook. Dazed residents poured into the streets, and offices and schools were closed. Children cried.
Residents said that although earthquakes are common in Japan, Friday's stunned most people.
"This was larger than anyone expected and went on longer than anyone expected," said Matt Alt, who lives in Tokyo.
"My wife was the calm one. ... She told us to get down and put your back on something, and leave the windows and doors open in case a building shifts so you don't get trapped."
Richard Lloyd Parry said he looked through a window and saw buildings shaking from side to side.
"Central Tokyo is fine from what we see, people are calm ... and not going inside buildings," he said.
Such a large earthquake at such a shallow depth -- 15.2 miles (24.5 kilometers) -- creates a lot of energy, said Shenza Chen of the U.S. Geological Survey.
The impact was felt far and wide. In McKinleyville, California, a wave swept three men into the Pacific Ocean as they were reportedly trying to take photos of the incoming tsunami waves, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Two of the men returned to shore, but one remained unaccounted for, said the Coast Guard, which was using helicopters to search for him.
Japanese government officials said large tsunami waves were still a risk to coastal Japan, and they urged residents in coastal areas to move to higher ground.
The tsunami brought waves of nearly 7 feet to a harbor in Maui, authorities said, but other areas reported lower levels.
On the U.S. mainland, wave heights from Alaska to California ranged from under a foot to over 8 feet. The highest measurement, 8.1 feet, was at Crescent City, California.
Tsunamis are a series of long ocean waves that can last five to 15 minutes and cause extensive flooding in coastal areas. A succession of waves can hit -- often the highest not being the first, CNN meteorologist Ivan Cabrera said.
Humanitarian agencies were working with rescue crews to reach people affected by the earthquake and tsunami.
"When such an earthquake impacts a developed country like Japan, our concern also turns to countries like the Philippines and Indonesia, which might not have the same resources," said Rachel Wolff, a spokeswoman for World Vision.
Wolff said her agency is helping people in Japan and teaming up to help others in countries along the path of the tsunami.
The quake was the latest in a series around Japan this week.
On Wednesday, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Honshu, the country's meteorological agency said. Early Thursday, an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.3 struck off the same coast.
Friday's quake is the strongest earthquake in recorded history to hit Japan, according to U.S. Geologic Survey records. The previous record was an 8.6-magnitude earthquake that struck near the Chubu Region near southwestern Honshu on October 28, 1707, that may have killed 5,000 people, CNN meteorologist Sean Morris said.
That quake generated a 33-foot (10-meter) tsunami wave, and some scientists believe the quake may have triggered the eruption of Mount Fuji 49 days later, Morris said.

The world's largest recorded quake took place in Chile on May 22, 1960, with a magnitude of 9.5, the USGS said.

http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2011/03/11/natpkg.tsunami.wrap.cnn

http://edition.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2011/japan.quake/map/

CNN's Kyung Lah, Faith Karimi, Ed Payne, Catherine E. Shoichet, Kevin Voigt and Sean Morris contributed to this report.

Mr Endowed Remix

FELA IN LAGOS

FELA!, the most critically acclaimed new musical of the season, received three 2010 Tony Awards^®: Best Choreography, Best Costume Design for a Musical and Best Sound Design of a Musical!

His story inspired a nation. His music inspires the world. FELA! tells the true story of the legendary Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, whose soulful Afrobeat rhythms ignited a generation.
Motivated by his mother, a civil rights champion, he defied a corrupt and oppressive military government and devoted his life and music to the struggle for freedom and human dignity.
FELA! is a triumphant tale of courage, passion and love, featuring Fela Kuti’s captivating music and the visionary direction and choreography of Tony Award winner Bill T. Jones.
EVERYBODY SAY YEAH YEAH!
FELA! played its final performance on Broadway on January 2, 2011.


FELA! THE MUSICAL WILL BE SHOWING AT THE EXPO CENTER,EKO HOTEL IN LAGOS,NIGERIA BETWEEN THE 20th - 25th APRIL 2011

PRE-BOOKING OF VIP TICKETS, CORPORATE SALES & TABLES STARTS From March 2, 2011 at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

THE CAST AND CREATIVE

Kevin Mambo (Fela Anikulapo-Kuti) two-time Emmy winner for Guiding Light, comes to FELA! from Off- Broadway’s Ruined. Film/TV: Cadillac Records, One Life to Live (recurring), Soul Food (recurring), Any Day Now, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Deadline, Trial By Jury, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Spin City, Family Matters, Freshman Dorm, The Firing Squad, One of Us Tripped. Other NY theatre includes Hoodoo Love (Cherry Lane), Once Around the Sun (Zipper), Roberto Zucco (Empire Theatre Co.), The Last Detail (Lucille Lortel), Fela Is a Weapon (Shrine). Upcoming recordings from Blaz & the 88 Sound, Audio Deluxe, Black Astronauts and Mamborena. Thank you mom for keeping Africa alive in me. Makorokoto.

Patti LaBelle (Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti) “Beautiful” simply does not describe the incomparable force known to the world as Patti LaBelle. As time continues to evolve, the soulful songbird’s name has become synonymous with grace, style, elegance and class. Belting out classic rhythm and blues renditions, pop standards and spiritual sonnets have created the unique platform of versatility that Ms. Patti is known and revered for. Last year, she reunited with Sarah Dash and Nona Hendryx for the first time in 30 years for the critically acclaimed Labelle reunion album, Back to Now. It’s a small wonder that Patti has time for anything else in between recording and touring, but she makes time and the world is oh-so-happy that she does! Patti has her own wig line, The Patti LaBelle Collection, and in November 2008, she released her fifth book and third cookbook, Recipes for The Good Life, and an instructional cooking DVD, In the Kitchen with Miss Patti. The cookbook features recipes and anecdotes that reflect Patti’s philosophy that good cooking and the love of entertaining come from the heart. More recently, Patti introduced a line of signature sauces and marinades called Lady Marmalade and launched a designer bedding collection with Macy’s, Patti LaBelle Home. In addition to her amazing career as an entertainer and entrepreneurial success, Ms. LaBelle’s work as a humanitarian is just as legendary. She remains an advocate for adoption, foster care, Big Sisters and the United Negro College Fund, among many other initiatives. While Ms. LaBelle’s celebrated career is respected world-wide, she has also endured and survived personal strife. Within a 10-year period, she lost her mother, three sisters and best friend to diabetes and cancer. In 1994, LaBelle was diagnosed with diabetes and shortly thereafter became a spokesperson for the American Diabetes Association. The same motivation that had Patricia Louise Holte blossom from a choir member to lead vocalist for Patti LaBelle & The Bluebelles and later Labelle, to a solo artist is the same energy that keeps her fire burning at sixty-six years young.“Each year I grow, and that’s a blessing from God. I do what I can do. I do what I feel God has given me the energy to do, so I just go out there and I do it…It’s not about making money because I don’t need money, but I need to sing. With a voice or without, I’ve got to get on that stage.” And the world is thankful that Ms. Patti’s voice sounds so good to our ears.

Saycon Sengbloh (Sandra Isadore) is thrilled to join FELA! and portray such an exciting woman! Fresh from the hit revival of Hair, her other Broadway credits include Aida, Wicked (“Elphaba” standby), The Color Purple (“Celie/Nettie” standby;). National Tours: Aida (“Aida”), Rent. Regional credits: Hair (Public Theatre), Dinah Was (Alliance Theatre), Soweto! Soweto! (Freddie Hendricks), I Know I’ve Been Changed (Tyler Perry). TV/Film: American Gangster, Across the Universe, Ditchdiggers’s Daughters, Funny Valentines, Law & Order, Prince of Motor City (pilot). Featured vocalist on soundtracks. Saycon’s album, Southern Pin-Up, is available on CD and for download at CDbaby.com and iTunes. www.myspace.com/saycon

Corey Baker (Ensemble) Co-founder of Noir Production and co-artistic director of Ballet Noir. He performed as a principal dancer with Philadanco, and has work with Ballet X, Complexions, Creative Outlet, and Forces of Nature. He also danced with Phildanco, Creative Outlet, Forces of Nature, Ballet X, Complexions, Harlem Opera, Inspirational Ensemble, Ujamma Theatre, FELA! (Off-Broadway), Kug Tut. Presented work: Montreal Fringe, Toronto Street Festival, Jacob's Pillow, Harlem Stage, Riverside Church, Burial Grounds. Songwriter: Stand Boogie Shout, This World of Mine. www.balletnoir.org

Hettie Vyrine Barnhill (Ensemble) is happy to be making her debut on Broadway! BA Columbia College Chicago. Companies: The Just Movement Collective, Balance Dance Theater and The Qrew. Choreography Credits: International Wow Theater, 60x60, Solar One, The Lincoln Center Out of Doors Festival, The Ailey School and Dance Chicago. Awards: Young Artist Scholarship (A.D.F) and The Wiesman Grant for choreographic piece “Homegrown.” Selected Regional Credits: Hairspray ("Lorraine"), Surrender-Off Broadway (Drama Desk 2009 Nominee), LaCage Aux Folles ("Bitelle", "Colette"), Guys & Dolls ("Mimi") and Aida. Other Credits: Second City (Chicago, IL), Black Label Movement (Minnesota, MN), Arroja (Lisbon, Portugal), The Kennedy Center (Washington DC) and Amici (Roma, Italy). HettieBarnhill.com

Chanon Judson (Swing) graduated from University at Buffalo with a BFA in Dance. She's a former member of Urban Bush Women, and currently serves as director for UB2, Urban Bush Women's performing apprentice ensemble. Her credits include Craig Harris's God's Trombones, Victoria's Secret Live,L'Oreal Live and the Michael Jackson 20th Anniversary Concert.

Lauren De Veaux (Ensemble) Broadway debut. Originally from Chattanooga, TN, a graduate of Alabama School of Fine Arts and Howard University School of Engineering. Credits: Mama Kadiatou Conte, Ronald K. Brown, Abdel R. Salaam, George Faison, Anna and Barry VanCura, Dame Sonia Arova and Thor Sutowski. Eternal love to her husband, family and friends for support. www.ladeveaux.com

Nicole Chantal de Weever (Ensemble) St. Maarten N.A, graduate of New York University Tisch School of the Arts, Fairfax Ballet and Motiance. Performed at the Afro Pop Hall of Fame Awards, AUDELCO Awards, Black Film Festival, Dance Africa, West Side Story World Tour and FELA! Off-Broadway. Worked with such choreographers as Katherine Dunham, Bill T. Jones, Joey McKneely, George Faison, Rob Ashford, Maria Torres, Abdel Salaam and Jamel Gaines. Principal on commercials on the Oxygen channel, featured dancer on PBS special Dancing with Life: Katherine Dunham, American Library of Congress Documentary DVD on Katherine Dunham Technique and American Gangster. Performed with such companies as Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, Creative Outlet of Brooklyn, Prophecy Dance Works, Seventh Principles and Ballet Noir. Thanks to my family and friends. NMHRK Ashe. nicoledeweever.com

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Elasea Douglas

Elasea Douglas (Ensemble, Sandra U/S) Broadway debut. Recently appeared in her first one woman show A Role Once Played by Kuba. Featured actor in Hattie What I Need You to Know starring Vicklyn Reynolds. Danced for choreographers Daryl Robinson and Lacey Phillips. Performed in Tobago, WI, and Mexico. She is currently working on her first music project. Special thanks to her Savior Jesus Christ.

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Rujeko Dumbutshena

Rujeko Dumbutshena (Ensemble) is a native of Zimbabwe. Rujeko left in 1992. She has taught dance at prestigious institutions throughout the U.S. and is currently on the faculty at Sarah Lawence College. Rujeko directed conferences, artist in residence programs and cultural tours through Southern Africa. She thanks her ancestors, family, teachers and friends for their unconditional love and support.

Catherine Foster

Catherine Foster (Ensemble) Awards: second place winner of the NFAA. Choreographers and companies: DCYE, Deeply Rooted Productions, Hinton Battle, Darrell Moultrie, Camille Brown, Fred Benjamin Dance Company and Forces of Nature (director Abdel Salaam). Catherine thanks her ancestors and loved ones for her success and guidance!

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Rasaan-Elijah “Talu” Green

Rasaan-Elijah “Talu” Green (Djembe Drummer, Ensemble) was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. At a young age, he exhibited his passion for African percussion music after visiting several African countries. His musical training gained him acceptance in Long Island University's Music Department at age 14. Talu has performed in the Afropop Worldwide Gala, Russell Simmons's Diamond Empowerment Fund Benefit, Dance Africa and FELA! Off-Broadway.

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Shaneeka Harrell

Shaneeka Harrell (Ensemble) performed as a dancer and singer with the Bill T. Jones / Arnie Zane Dance Company and Jawole Willa Zollar’s Urban Bush Women. Harrell was Assistant Choreographer to Bill T. Jones for New York Theater Workshop’s The Seven. She was born and raised in the heart of Miami, Florida.

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Chanon Judson

Chanon Judson (Swing) graduated from University at Buffalo with a BFA in Dance. She’s a former member of Urban Bush Women, and currently serves as director for UB2, Urban Bush Women’s performing apprentice ensemble. Her credits include Craig Harris’s God’s Trombones, Victoria’s Secret Live, L’Oreal Live and the Michael Jackson 20th Anniversary Concert.

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Abena Koomson

Abena Koomson (Vocal Captain, Ensemble, Funmilayo U/S) is a Brooklyn based writer, educator and performer. Her one woman show Cozi Sa Wala (NY IT nominee for best solo performance); "Funmilayo" in FELA! (original Off-Broadway cast); Celebrate Brooklyn 2009 Africa Festival; Urban Voices Inspirational Festival (South Africa). Abena is pleased to make her Broadway debut with FELA!

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Ismael Kouyaté

Ismael Kouyaté (African Chanter, Geraldo Piño, Orisa, Tortured Fela, Ensemble) hails from a family of renowned artists and praise singers in Guinea, West Africa. He performed with Guinea's national companies Les Percussions de Guinea and Les Ballets Africains. In New York, he sings with Mandingo Ambassadors, teaches dance and is honored to make his Broadway debut with FELA!

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Gelan Lambert

Gelan Lambert (J.K. Tap Dance, Egungun, Ensemble) Originally from Miami, FL, of Haitian descent. He is a graduate of The Juilliard School with a B.F.A. in dance. Began his formative training at Dancexchange Inc. and New World School of the Arts. He also trained at The Ailey School, Broadway Theater Project, The Joffrey Ballet School and School of American Ballet. His professional credits include The Martha Graham Dance Company, Sean Curran Company, Fosse (1st National Tour), A Christmas Carol (Madison Square Garden Theater), Encores Golden Boy, NYC Opera's Alcina/Turandot, and a featured performer for Jacob's Pillow Katherine Dunham Tribute conceived and directed by Reginald Yates. He has presented solo concerts at Jacob's Pillow, Stella Adler Studio (Resident Artist), Florida International Univ. and George Faison Firehouse Theater. His awards and honors are: Martha Hill Prize from The Juilliard School, National Foundation for Advancement of Arts-1st Place, Presidential Scholar for the Arts, National Society of Arts and Letters–1st Place and Jerome Foundation Fellow. A principal artist and assistant to Reginald Yates. He has danced the works of Alvin Ailey, Hinton Battle, Margie Gillis, Jiri Kylian, Jose Limon, Donald McKayle, Mia Michaels, Reginald Yates and others. Ayo!

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Farai Malianga

Farai Malianga (Swing) born and raised in Zimbabwe, began his career in African Dance in Colorado with Leticia William’s Harambee Dancers and Drummers and with Musical Director Judy “Fatu” Henderson. In New York he immersed himself in the drum and dance world, studying with creative pioneers Yousouf Koumbasa, Mbemba Bangoura and Ronald K. Brown. He has performed with the masters: Chuck Davis in BAM’s Dance Africa, Reginald Yates (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre), Heritage O.P.; with the companies Harambee, Umoja, The New Jersey Chamber Orchestra, Obediah Wright’s Balance, BSRC, Def Dance Jam and Opus; with the musicians Roy Ayers, Wunmi Olaiya, Manchild Black, and as producer for Melanie Charles, Scott Patterson, Saycon Sengbloh and Nakia Henry. Composition credits include commissioned works for Camille Brown, Karen Love’s Umoja, and Christal Brown’s Inspirit Dance Companies.

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Shakira Marshall

Shakira Marshall (Ensemble) Queens native Shakira received her dance training from E.S.O.T.A (The Edge School of Arts) under the tutelage of Kerri D. Edge, Roger C. Jeffery, Obediah Wright, Cheryl Godineaux, Darell Grand Moultrie, Brandon Ellis and Kevin ‘Iega’ Jeff. Credits: Sophisticated Ladies (Irving St. Rep.), Scandalous People—NY Fringe Festival (MyChurch Prod.), Willy Wonka (Brooklyn College), Michael Peters Tribute (Debbie Allen Dance Academy). A Purchase College graduate, she is honored to be making her Broadway debut with such a riveting show as FELA!  Shakira would like to thank the Creator, her parents and her wonderful family for their continued support and guidance.

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Afi McClendon

Afi McClendon (Ensemble) happily returns to Broadway, where she first was "Little TiMoune" in the Tony-nominated Once On This Island. Off-Broadway: “Nikki” Holiday Heart (Manhattan Theatre Club); “Niki” Taking Control (Playwrights Horizons). Regional: “Nikki” Holiday Heart (Arena Stage), received a Helen Hayes nomination, Best Actress; “Ernestine” Crumbs from the Table of Joy and “Comet” Breath Boom!(Yale Rep). Received an Audelco Award Legacy. Film: “Hilary” Fresh; “Devina” A Spoonful of Sugar. Television: Ghostwriters; Here and Now; Sesame St. Dance: David Dorfman; Nicholas Leichter; Forces of Nature (Abdel Salaam). My true family, Luvu and to the creator, thank you for seeing me through.

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Adesola Osakalumi

Adesola Osakalumi ( Ensemble, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti U/S) joyfully thanks the Creator, the Ancestors and his family. Broadway: Equus, Off Broadway: Sundance Theatre Lab’s Ngwino Ubeho, Eyewitness Blues (NYTW), Jam On The Groove (Drama Desk Nominee). Films include: The Accidental Husband (Didier), Across The Universe, Enchanted, Idlewild, The Great Observer. Choreography: Broadway Bares, the Films School of Rock & Marci X, Commercials include PBS Kids, Old Navy, Halifax Bank, Advil, ESPN as well as commercial voice-over work. A special acknowledgment to the Africa I Dance Theatre/Egbe Omo Nago under the direction of R. Francis. www.adesola.com

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Jeffrey Page

Jeffrey Page (Ensemble) is an Emmy Award nominated director/choreographer and holds a BFA in Dance from The University of the Arts. As an actor/singer/dancer heÂ’s been apart of Eyes, directed by Woodie King, Jr.; Jazz Actors, directed by Ernie McClentock; Black Nativity (Freedom Theater), directed by Walter Dallas; Soul Possessed (Kennedy Center & Atlanta Alliance Theater), directed by Debbie Allen; Brown Butterfly, directed and choreographed by Marlies Yearby; and Shakespeare TheaterÂ’s Oedipus Rex, directed by Michael Kahn. As a dancer Jeffrey has worked with George Faison, Otis Sallid, Rennie Harris Pure Movement, Forces of Nature, Ron K. Brown, and has toured internationally with acclaimed artist Beyonce. Jeffrey was recently accepted as an MFA student at NYU/Tisch.

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Oneika Phillips

Oneika Phillips (Ensemble, Sandra U/S, Funmilayo U/S) From Grenada, West Indies, Oneika holds dual degrees in Dance Performance and Business Management from Shenandoah University, Virginia. Formerly a featured member of Abdel Salaama’s Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, Oneika's theatre credits include the workshop, FELA! A New Musical, “Anita” in the 50th Anniversary International Tour of Jerome Robbins’s West Side Story, directed by Joey McKneely and nominated for The West End's Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival, winning the Theatergoer’s Choice Award in the same category. Oneika is thrilled to return home to the shrine with the FELA! family for her Broadway debut.

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Ryan H. Rankine

Ryan H. Rankine (Ensemble) has performed with Creative Outlet Dance Theatre of Brooklyn, Complexion Contemporary Ballet, Forces of Nature. Credits include: The Wiz (City Center NY), So You Think You Can Dance Season 2 (top 7th finalist) and Int’l Tour, Panasonic, Radio City Christmas Spectacular '08, VH1 Divas 2009. Ryan thanks Mom & God for his Blessings.

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Justin Prescott

Justin Prescott (Ensemble) was born in Houston,TX where he began his dance training at Masters, The Upper Level. From there he continued his formal dance training at Houston's High School for the Performing and Visual Arts where he received the NFAA Silver Award in 2006. Currently Mr. Prescott attends Purchase College (SUNY) Conservatory of Dance where he will receive his BFA in May 2010. Justin continuously thanks the Creator for the gift of dance, and the continuous support of his family and friends.

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Daniel Soto

Daniel Soto (Ensemble, Assistant Dance Captain), born in Brooklyn NY and from a large family, has blossomed to become a respected artist and communal developer. At the age of sixteen, Soto was introduced to the professional world of dance, becoming a company member of Creative Outlet Dance Theater of Brooklyn and later attending SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance. Soto toured internationally and nationally with various dance companies. He feels honored to share the language of art with others and feels blessed with the guidance of great artistic pioneers (Shirley Black Brown Coward, Jamel Gaines, Lakai Worreal, George Fasion) that have molded his career today. Mostly giving thanks to the creator, Soto feels extremely honored to be part of FELA!

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JILL VALLERY

JILL VALLERY (Swing, Dance Captain) is exceedingly beholden to all those who have contributed to her journey. Trained at the Alvin Ailey School, became a national teaching artist for Ailey Arts in Education & Community. Off-Broadway: FELA! Film: Lifted. Dance: Balance Dance Company, Opus Dance Theatre, Prophecy Dance, ADTC. She is grateful to Bill T. Jones, all artists and creators of FELA! and her family. jillmvallery.com

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Iris Wilson

Iris Wilson (Ensemble): dance educator at P.S./I.S. 268Q, co-founder of ItÂ’s Dance, dance school, author of children’s book Boys Dance Too. (www.authorhouse.com). Iris performed nationally and internationally with various dance companies: Opus Dance Theater, Bosou African Dance Company, Dinizulu African Dancers and Drummers, Speak, Haiti Dansco and KaNu. Short Film credits: Earl’s Post Prison Playdate (OGB Productions), Love Train and Coco’s Way (Oreh Productions). A part of the third FELA! workshop and the Off-Broadway run, Iris is happy to return to the cast as it makes its journey to Broadway. This is her Broadway debut. Iris thanks her family and friends for all their love and support. All praises to God. Ase.

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J.L. Williams

J.L. Williams (Swing: J.K. Tap Dance u/s) hails from Los Angeles, CA and is extremely grateful and humbled to go from being a Broadway bartender front of house, to making his Broadway debut in FELA!. National/ International Tours: Magic of the Dance (The Entertainer), 42nd Street (Andy Lee). Regional: Sophisticated Ladies (The Danseur), Five Guys Named Moe (NoMoe), Grease (Danny Zuko). Workshop: Bring in da Noise/Funk Funk U. Television: The Gregory Hines Show and Strong Medicine. Awards: Los Angeles Music Center Spotlight Award, Los Angeles NAACP ACT-So Award. Thanks to the Universe, Ancestors, The Dance Connection Dance Academy, TRC, NCDA, CSUDH, Harbor Conservatory, Dawn McMahan School of Dance, Dance Magic and Jazz Tap Ensemble. It’s possible!

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Aimee Graham Wodobode

Aimee Graham Wodobode (Ensemble) Enthusiastic Broadway Debut! Aimee was part of the original cast of FELA! Off-Broadway. She received her dance training from choreographers Laura Scozzi, Stefanie Session and Christian Bourigault while attending University of Paris XII. When she moved to New York in 2001 Aimee started to study African dance with Abdel Salaam. She has been touring the country with Forces Of Nature Dance Theater for the last four years. In France Aimee has toured nationally with Steffie Session for Reebok and with Opinioni in Movimiento Dance Theater on such renowned stages as L'Opera de Paris Garnier, Le Ballet du Nord, the Theatre of Bakou, Le Theatre de Suresnes Jean Vilar and Le Theatre de Paris. Aimee thanks her Ancestors for guiding her way from Bangui to Broadway. www.aimeegrahamdance.com

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Linda Marvel

Linda Marvel (Production Supervisor) Broadway: PSM for The Little Dog Laughed and 33 Variations starring Jane Fonda. Both Tony®-nominated for Best Play. Off-Broadway: premieres of Sam Shepard’s The God of Hell, Michael Weller’s Beast, Julia Cho’s BFE, Howard Brenton’s Sore Throats and Adrienne Kennedy’s The Ohio State Murders, as well as productions at Second Stage, La Jolla Playhouse, Long Wharf, Center Stage, Olney Theatre Center and Westport. Ms. Marvel is currently the Production Supervisor for Seven, a documentary theatre piece about human rights, with performances in London, France, Los Angeles, Aspen and Washington D.C. Member, Actor’s Equity Association.

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Hilary Austin

Hilary Austin (Assistant Stage Manager) is thrilled to return for her fourth installment of the FELA! process. Other credits include: Off-Broadway: FELA!, My Life As A Fairy Tale, Miss Julie, Blueprint. Regional: Raven Odyssey (Perseverance Theater, Juneau AK). New York: DR.C, Death of a Salesman, Three Sisters, The Apostle Project, Canticle, Blind Mouth Singing, Hair, Rocket to the Moon, Working, All Good Things, The Winter's Tale, Hip Hop Theater Festival. Resident Stage Manager of Theater Mitu.

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Kathy Fabian/Propstar

Kathy Fabian/Propstar (Properties Coordinator) Broadway credits include: Bye Bye Birdie, A Steady Rain, Waiting for Godot, You’re Welcome America, Pal Joey, American Buffalo, Speed the Plow, A Man For All Seasons, Les Liasons Dangereuses, South Pacific, Sunday in the Park with George, The Homecoming, Cyrano de Bergerac, Pygmalion, Old Acquaintance, 110 in the Shade, Talk Radio, Prelude to a Kiss, Spring Awakening, High Fidelity, Barefoot in the Park, Souvenir, Steel Magnolias, Sweet Charity, Match, Fiddler on the Roof, Bobby Boland, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof and Golda’s Balcony. Fabian has created props Off-Broadway with Atlantic Theatre Co., The Vineyard Theatre Co., Manhattan Class Company, Manhattan Ensemble Theatre and The Big Apple Circus.

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Bill T. Jones

Bill T. Jones (Director & Choreographer) is a 2007 and 2010 Tony Award® winner and the recipient of the 2007 Obie Award and 2006 Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation CALLAWAY Award for his choreography for Spring Awakening, the recipient of the 2007 USA Eileen Harris Norton Fellowship, the 2006 Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Choreography for The Seven, the 2005 Samuel H. Scripps American Dance Festival Award for Lifetime Achievement, the prestigious 2005 Wexner Prize, and the Aaron Davis Hall Harlem Renaissance Award. He is also a MacArthur “Genius” Award recipient in 1994, named one of America’s Irreplaceable Dance Treasures by the Dance Heritage Coalition in 2000, and was awarded The 2003 Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize for which recipients are considered trailblazers who have redefined their art and reshaped the cultural landscape. He began his dance training at the State University of New York at Binghamton (SUNY), where he studied classical ballet and modern dance. After living in Amsterdam, Mr. Jones returned to SUNY, where he became co-founder of the American Dance Asylum in 1973. Before forming Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company in 1982, Mr. Jones choreographed and performed nationally and internationally as a soloist and duet company with his late partner, Arnie Zane.
In addition to creating more than 100 works for his own company, Mr. Jones has received many commissions to create dances for modern and ballet companies including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Axis Dance Company, Boston Ballet, Lyon Opera Ballet, Berkshire Ballet, Berlin Opera Ballet and Diversions Dance Company, and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’ The Flight Project. He has also received numerous commissions to create new works for his own company, including premieres for the American Dance Festival, the Next Wave Festival at the Brooklyn Academy of Music and for St. Luke’s Chamber Orchestra. In 1995, Mr. Jones directed and performed in a collaborative work with Toni Morrison and Max Roach, Degga, commissioned by Lincoln Center’s Serious Fun Festival and with Jessye Norman, How! Do! We! Do! which premiered at New York’s City Center in 1999 as part of Lincoln Center’s Great Performers New Visions series. The Breathing Show, Mr. Jones’s evening-long solo, toured for three years, and his second solo show, As I Was Saying…, toured for more than two. He has directed and choreographed for theatre and opera, most recently choreographing Off-Broadway for the New York Theatre Workshop’s production of The Seven for which he was awarded the 2006 Lucille Lortel Award for Best Choreography and for the Broadway musical Spring Awakening, for which he received the Tony Award® for Outstanding Choreography.
Mr. Jones has received honorary doctorates from the Art Institute of Chicago, Bard College, Columbia College, the Juilliard School, Swarthmore College, Yale University, as well as the SUNY Binghamton Distinguished Alumni Award.

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Jim Lewis

Jim Lewis (Conceiver/Book Writer/Additional Lyrics) In 2008, Jim received a Lucille Lortell Award for “Outstanding Musical” for FELA! and two Drama Desk nominations for “Best Book” for both FELA! and This Beautiful City (w/ The Civilians).  Selected works.  B’WAY: Chronicle of a Death Foretold (TONY, Drama Desk nominations), and Dangerous Games (both w/ Graciela Daniele).   OFF B’WAY/REGIONAL: Tango Apaisionado, Ionesco’s The Chairs, Ibsen’s Lady from the Sea.  OPERA/DANCE: Paul Dresher’s The Tyrant, Ballet Hispanico’s Nightclub; Philip Glass's Les Enfants Terribles, PastFORWARD (w/ Mikhail Baryshnikov). DRAMATURG: House Arrest (Anna Deavere Smith), Drawn to Death (Art Spiegelman),; Cymbeline and Waste (w/ Bartlett Sher), Lincoln Center's WOZA AFRIKA Festival.  Previously w/ Bill T. Jones:  Dream On Monkey Mountain, Chapel/Chapter and Still/Here (20th Anniversary Season).

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Antibalas

Antibalas (Arrangements/Musicians) Credited with introducing Afrobeat to a new generation, this Brooklyn-based collective has released four critically-acclaimed albums since forming in 1998, and can been heard on numerous Afrobeat compilations.  Antibalas has performed more than 700 concerts around the world including appearances at the Coachella, Newport and the Montreux Festivals.

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Aaron Johnson

Aaron Johnson (Musical Director) Born in Iowa City and raised on Long Island, Aaron Johnson began studying music at the Mannes Prep program in New York, and continued at The New School, where he now teaches. He has become an in-demand trombonist, arranger, and composer in the New York music scene, and has recorded and performed with such artists as Paul Simon, Medeski, Martin, and Wood, TV on the Radio, The Roots, Wu-Tang-Clan, Angelique Kidjo and Femi Kuti. He joined Antibalas in 2000, and began conducting the band in 2001. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife and sons.

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Jordan McLean

Jordan McLean (Assistant Musical Director) has been active as a composer, band leader, trumpeter and music educator for over 15 years. He has brought his unique performance style to stages and recording studios throughout the US and twenty countries, having collaborated with a multitude of musicians, ensembles and arts organizations. As a charter member of Antibalas he has performed in hundreds of clubs and dozens of the world's major music festivals. He currently leads his “play anywhere chamber ensemble” Piano Music & Song Trio, and is a founding partner of Sound Chemistry Records. Jordan graduated summa cum laude in composition from SUNY Purchase.

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Niegel Smith

Niegel Smith (Associate Director) is the Artistic Leadership Associate at The Public Theater and a founding member of 425D, a directorÂ’s lab. As PERMISO with Co-Artistic Director Todd Shalom, Niegel has co-conceived and staged so you’re one of them now?, this was the only place i knew to go, December 31, Procession and Fallout, mass rituals in public settings. New York directing credits include We Declare You a Terrorist, Rainy Days & Mondays, Maude The Madness, One For The Road and LIMBS: A Pageant. Niegel has received grants and fellowships from Theater Communications Group, the Van Lier Fund, the Tucker Foundation and Dartmouth College. He grew up in the North Carolina Piedmont, fishing with his dad, shopping with his mom and inventing tall-tale fantasies with his two younger brothers.

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Maija Garcia

Maija Garcia (Associate Choreographer) Harlem-based movement artist Maija Garcia is director of Organic Magnetics, a sustainable theater collaborative bridging art forms and borders; creating urban folklore for the future. Garcia’s work has been staged in all of the places she calls home: New York City, La Habana Cuba, Ann Arbor, MI and San Francisco CA—where she earned a degree in sustainable development from the California Institute of Integral Studies. In 2009 Garcia directed Volcano’s Birthrights at 45th St. Theater and the collective experiment, YaYa Dreams a Future at the Coney Island Performance Festival. Touring internationally with Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company since 2005, Maija is blessed to be working with the creative team, phenomenal cast and crew of FELA! An offering of gratitude to the ancestors and family (born and chosen) for your spiritual inspiration… Ase-O!

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Marina Draghici

Marina Draghici (Scenic/Costume Design) Marina was born in Bucharest, Romania. She emigrated to the United States where she graduated from the Yale School of Drama in 1988. Prior to FELA! Marina has collaborated with Bill T. Jones on Dream on a Monkey Mountain (Guthrie Theatre) and 24 Images Secondes (Lyons Opera). Her work has been seen at the Paris National Opera, Zurich Opera, Grand Theatre de Bordeaux, Opera de Nice, NYCO, Edinburgh Festival, Glimmerglass Opera, National Theatre of Prague, Public Theatre, Manhattan Theatre Club and Lincoln Center among many other venues in the US and abroad. Awards: Lucille Lortel, Obie and numerous nominations. Film/TV: The Grey Zone, Heights, Dexter, Twelve and Holding, S.O.P., Rage, The Cake Eaters, Precious: based on Sapphire's novel Push.

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Robert Wierzel

Robert Wierzel (Lighting Design) has collaborated with Bill T. Jones and the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company for more than 23 years including work at the Lyon Opera Ballet; Berlin Opera Ballet and  The Louvre Museum (Walking the Line).  Broadway: David Copperfield’s Dreams and Nightmares.
Off-Broadway: New York Shakespeare Festival/Public Theater, Signature Theatre, Roundabout Theatre Company, Playwrights Horizons. Regional: Chicago Shakespeare, Hartford Stage, Long Wharf,Goodman Theatre, Guthrie Theater, MarkTaper Forum. He has collaborated with Grace  Jones (Hurricane Tour), the composer Philip Glass and  with opera companies of Paris (Garnier), Tokyo, San Francisco,Seattle, Houston, Washington, Chicago and New York. He is the recipient of numerous awards including several Bessie-Dance and Performance Awards for his collaborations with Bill T. Jones.

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Robert Kaplowitz

Robert Kaplowitz (Sound Design) Current projects include a collaboration between Pilobolus Dance Company and Art Spiegelman entitled Still Moving, music and sound for the Chloe Moss play This Wide Night, directed by Anne Kauffman for Naked Angels, and It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Superman at Dallas Theater Center. Other sound design and/or music credits include: John Beluso’s The Poor Itch, Tracy Scott Wilson’s The Story, Lemon Anderson’s County of Kings, plus a handful of others at the Joseph Papp Public Theater; David Adjmi’s Stunning (Lincoln Center 3); Kia Corthron’s Light, Raise the Roof (NYTW); Abbey Spallin’s Pumpgirl (MTC); Adam Bock’s The Thugs (SoHo Rep); and Eric Jackson’s drag adaptation of Carrie (PS122), as well as designs for LAByrinth, 2nd Stage, Primary Stages, The Vineyard, MCC, the Arden, the O’Neill Playwrights Conference, Sundance, PlayPENN. and others. He received an OBIE award for Sustained Excellence in Sound Design Off-Broadway (’06/’07), and an Audelco award for the Off Broadway production of FELA! As much as he loves his work, he loves Kittson and Niall even more.

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Peter Nigrini

Peter Nigrini (Projection Design) has designed projection on Broadway for 9 to 5: The Musical and Say Goodnight Gracie. Other designs include the Grace Jones Hurricane Tour, Haroun and the Sea of Stories (City Opera), Blind Date (Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance), The Orphan of Zhao (Lincoln Center Festival), Notes from Underground (Yale Rep), Angels in America (Fort Worth Opera), Sweet Bird of Youth (Williamstown), Dido and Aeneas (Handel Haydn Society), Biro (the Public Theater). For Nature Theater of Oklahoma: No Dice (2008 Obie Award), Romeo and Juliet (Salzburger Festspiele) and Life and Times (Burgtheater, Vienna). Selected fine art projects include Local Currencies: Diogenes/Barnum, (ICA London/SF MoMA) and Cosmicomics, (Sequitur Ensemble).

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Mungioli Theatricals

Mungioli Theatricals, Inc. (Casting) Currently: Francesca Zambello’s Little House on the Prairie starring Melissa Gilbert (National Tour); Recent tv/film: Nickelodeon; The Entertainer (E!); Broadway/Nat’l Tour: Ragtime, Fosse, Show Boat, Candide, Sunset Boulevard, Kiss of the Spiderwoman, Joseph… with Donny Osmond; Off-Broadway: Jewtopia, Evil Dead The Musical; Marko The Prince, Richard Maltby’s Sixties Project; Disney: High School Musical, Lion King, Aladdin, When You Wish; Regionally: Trinity Rep, Actors Theatre of Louisville; Cleveland Playhouse; Pittsburgh CLO; North Shore Music Theatre; Casting Director Arnold J. Mungioli is a Member of the Casting Society of America, and has been honored with two Artios Awards and the CSA Media Access Award. www.mungiolitheatricals.com

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Richard Kornberg & Associates

Richard Kornberg & Associates (Press Representative) represents Hairspray, Rent, Spiegelworld, New York Theatre Workshop, CanadaÂ’s Stratford Shakespeare Festival, Performance Space 122, Intar, Les Freres Corbusier, dance companies produced by The Joyce Theater, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and MOMIX. Past productions include The Little Dog Laughed, I Am My Own Wife, Death of a Salesman, Fences, American Buffalo.

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Art Meets Commerce

Art Meets Commerce (Advertising, Online Marketing & Website Design) is a new media advertising/marketing company. Clients include FELA! (Off-Broadway and Broadway), Lombardi, Merchant of Venice, A Little Night Music, Promises, Promises, Time Stands Still, Elf, How to Suceed…, Stomp, Burn the Floor (int’l tour) and Nightmare: New York’s Most Horrifying Haunted House. www.artmeetscommerce.net

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HHC Marketing

HHC Marketing (Marketing) Current: FELA!, Jersey Boys, The 39 Steps, The Marvelous Wonderettes, Yank, 20@20, Tony N Tina’s Wedding, BroadwayBox.com, Lunchtix.com, TicketsThisWeek.com, BroadwayInsider.com and TheMenEvent.com. www.HHCmarketing.com

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Walk Tall Girl Productions

Walk Tall Girl Productions (African Diaspora Marketing) is a marketing and group sales company that is dedicated to bringing the performing arts to the widest possible audience. Special emphasis is placed on building new audiences for the theater. Clients include: FELA!, Memphis, The Brother/Sister Plays and Juan and John at The Public Theater, Grammy Award winners Sweet Honey in The Rock, Through The Night www.walktallgirlproductions.com

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Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter

Shawn "Jay-Z" Cartner (Producer) Since 1995, multiple Grammy Award winner Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter has dominated the rap industry and set trends for a generation. Now in 2009 he personifies the American Dream. Founder and chariman of Rocawear, he is also co-owner of the NJ Nets, 40/40 sports clubs, Translation Advertising and Carol's Daughter skin line, as well as a partnership with Iconix Brand Group. After three successful years as president and CEO of Def Jam recordings, where he fostered the careers of international stars, Rihanna, Ne-Yo and Kanye West, Jay-Z entered into a partnership with Live Nation to form Roc Nation. Through Roc Nation, Jay-Z released The Blueprint 3, his eleventh #1 album, putting him ahead of Elvis for most #1 albums by a solo artist. He continues his philanthropic work through his Water for Life initiative and the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation.

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Will Smith

Will Smith (Producer) A two-time Academy Award nominee, Will Smith has enjoyed unprecedented success in a career encompassing films, television and multi-platinum records. For his memorable portrayal of Muhammad Ali in Michael Mann's Ali, he received his first Academy Award nomination, which was followed by his second nomination for the true-life drama, The Pursit of Happyness. Films in which Smith has acted include I Am Legend, Hancock, I, Robot, Independence Day, Men in Black and Men in Black II. Films in which Smith has acted and has also produced along with partner James Lassiter at Overbrook Entertainment include Hitch, ATL, The Pursuit of Happyness, Seven Pounds and The Human Contract.

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Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith (Producer) stars as Christina Hawthrone in TNT's newest medical drama HawthoRNe. The show, which Jada executive produces through her production company 100% Womon, garnered critical acclaim for its first searson. The second season will air in the summer of 2010. Recent films in which Jada has acted inclue Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (as the voice of Gloria), The Women, Reign Over Me, Matrix Reloaded and Matrix Revoutions. Jada wrote and directed The Human Contract and served as executive producer of The Secret Life of Bees. Additionally, Jada's 2005 children's book Girls Hold Up This World was a New York Times bestseller.

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Ruth and Stephen Hendel

Ruth and Stephen Hendel (Co-Conceiver/Producer) Upcoming on Broadway: A View from the Bridge. Previous Broadway credits include: Hamlet, Mary Stuart, 33 Variations, In The Heights (Assoc.), Passing Strange, Legally Blonde, Kiki & Herb Alive on Broadway, High Fidelity, The Lieutenant of Inishmore, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Caroline, Or Change, A Raisin in the Sun, Golda’s Balcony, Frozen, Night Mother, Steel Magnolias, Barefoot in the Park, Metamorphoses. Off-Broadway: Altar Boyz, Our Lady of 121st Street, The Exonerated, Red Light Winter, tick tickÂ…Boom!. Los Angeles: As Much As You Can. Ruth Hendel is on the boards of the LAByrinth Theater, The Play Company and the Yale School of Drama Leadership Council. She is vice-chair, and Stephen is treasurer of the Eugene OÂ’Neill Theater in Waterford, CT. Stephen also serves on the boards of The New Group, The Culture Project, Bill T. Jones / Arnie Zane Dance Company and on the Board of Visitors of the Yale School of Music. Ruth and Stephen have a wonderful family and love them very much.

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Roy Gabay

Roy Gabay/Roy Gabay Productions (Producer/General Manager) Credits include FELA!, The 39 Steps, The Marvelous Wonderettes, The Little Dog Laughed, Metamorphoses, Frozen, A View From The Bridge (Tony Award), How I Learned To Drive (Pulitzer Prize), Wit (Pulitzer Prize), Three Tall Women (Pulitzer Prize).

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Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment (Producer) Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution, operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in more than 130 countries. Sony Pictures can be found on the World Wide Web at sonypictures.com

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Edward Tyler Nahem

Edward Tyler Nahem (Producer) Like seemingly half the Broadway population, Edward Tyler Nahem was born in Brooklyn. After living abroad for many years and missing baseball too much, he returned to New York City. Nahem has been a prominent international art dealer and gallery owner for over 25 years, dealing in Modern, Post-War and Contemporary master works. He serves on the Board of Trustees of BOMB Magazine, is a staunch supporter of The Fresh Air Fund, has actively been involved with several other cultural institutions around the country and is a ceaseless Yankees fan. He is Executive Producer on the recent and highly acclaimed award-winning feature-length documentary on the world renowned Senegalese singer and activist, Youssou NDour: I Bring What I Love. For more than twenty years Nahem has had a keen magnetism toward West African music, including the sounds of Fela Kuti. "Stupefied and mesmerized" upon seeing the Off-Broadway production of FELA! last year, he was magically beckoned to step outside the gallery walls and join the talented FELA! team as a producer. This is his first venture on Broadway. It will be hard to keep Nahem out of the theater or in his seat for this production.

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Slava Smolokowski

Slava Smolokowski (Producer) From music to music! Slava was educated as a musician and went on to form a successful rock band. He then went into business, co-founding Mercuria Energy Group, of which he remains a shareholder. He is now returning to his initial passion for music and the arts and supports and sponsors many music projects in Europe. He is very happy and honored to be part of the FELA! story.

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Chip Meyrelles and Ken Greiner

Chip Meyrelles and Ken Greiner (Producer) are partners in the Art Meets Commerce companies. Their producing credits include Tracy Letts’s Bug, Austin Pendleton’s Orson’s Shadow, Martin McDonagh’s Lieutenant of Inishmore, Ethan Coen’s Almost an Evening and Timothy Haskells’s Nightmare: New York’s Most Horrifying Haunted House, now in its seventh year.

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Douglas Smith

Douglas Smith (Producer) founded Match Point Entertainment, won a 2009 Tony for The Norman Conquests, Boeing-Boeing (Tony, 2008), also Rock 'n' Roll on Broadway and Dealer's Choice in London. Exeutive producer of the films Ira & Abby, (Best Picture, L.A. Film Fesitval and HBO's Comedy Film Festival) and Kicking It (Sundance). Mr. Smith founded and ran Omnipoint Corp., an innovator in digitial wireless cellular. After a three-way merger, OC became part of VoiceStream, which was sold to T-Mobile, in the second largest international transaction in history.

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Steve Semlitz/Cathy Glaser

Steve Semlitz/Cathy Glaser (Producer) Semlitz and Glaser finally make it to Broadway (with Sam's help)! Off-Broadway: tick, tick…BOOM! They are also founding directors of the Migraine Research Foundation, a nonprofit that supports scientific research into migraine's causes and better treatments. We are thirlled to be a part of this amazing production.

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Daryl Roth

Daryl Roth (Producer) is proud to hold the singular distinction of producing six Pulitzer Prize-winning plays: August: Osage County; Proof,; Wit, How I Learned to Drive, Anna in the Tropics and Three Tall Women. Currently, Love, Loss and What I Wore; Vigil, in addition to numerous other award-winnign productions. Love to Steven, my family, Leo and Lucy.

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True Love Productions/Jeanne Donovan Fisher and Laurie Gilmore

True Love Productions/Jeanne Donovan Fisher and Laurie Gilmore (Producer) Broadway: The Norman Conquests, 33 Variations, 13, A Catered Affair, Well, Medea, The Retreat From Moscow. Off-Broadway: True Love, Vienna: Lushaus (Revisited), bobraushenbergamerica, The Tricky Part, Shockheaded Peter, Suitcase, Everything Will be Different, Paradise Park, Coraline. Regional: Rocket to the Moon, Hotel Cassiopeia.

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Susan Dietz

Susan Dietz (Producer) is currently the producing director of L.A.'s Reprise Theatre Company. Broadway: Mail, The Lonesome West, Topdog/Underdog, the revivals of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and Steel Magnolias, Deuce and The Little Dog Laughed. Off-Broadway: The Baby Dance, Adrift in Macao (at Primary Stages), Some Men (at Second Stage).

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Mort Swinsky

Mort Swinsky (Producer) Morton's contributions to Broadway have been honored with twelve Tony Awards®. He has embraced New York and international theatre through his particiipation in more than 80 plays and musicals, including everything from pure entertainment (Spamalot) to through-provoking (Spring Awakening). He has been the recipient of numerous awards for his film and television projects, including Boys Don't Cry and the concert version of Sweeney Todd. Morton is delighted to be associated with Joe Dietch on The Addams Family and David Mamet's Race, as well as the eventful FELA!

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Joseph Deitch

Joseph Deitch (Producer) While Joe is relatively new to Broadway (Blithe Spirit, The Addams Family, Race and A View From the Bridge), he is well versed in delighting his audience. As the founder of Commonwealth Financial Network and a partner in Southworth Golf Development, Joe is devoted to promoting quality and community. He is honored to be part of FELA!

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Knitting Factory Entertainment

Knitting Factory Entertainment (Producer) is a producer, manager and distributor of universal music content, owning and operating music venues across the country. The company encompasses Knitting Factory Presents, Partisan Records, High Adventure Management and Knitting Factory Records, proudly partnering with Kalakuta Sunrise on the current release and distribution of the Fela Kuti music catalogue.

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