March 2013 ~ SEE THE WORLD

Sunday 24 March 2013

10 celebrities we can’t get enough of….

From the red carpet to the after parties, there are some celebrities that are simply on track at all times when it comes to fashion. With the awards season approaching, you never know what they could come up with next. These celebs always step up their fashion A-game. They are always a delight on the red carpet, they never disappoint when it comes to dressing all the way up, whether it’s one shoulder or strapless, these selected ten fashionistas wear them well.

Tiwa Savage

From all her classy red carpets dresses to her darling baby doll dresses and little clutches, she always looked refreshingly sweet. We can’t wait to see more of her pretty style in 2013

Tiwa Savage

How P-Square shut down Malawi

03:28 News No comments

Located in the southeast part of Africa, Malawi is rarely known for its night life, clubbing and staging of musical concerts. But last weekend, the story was different as the country erupted into a frenzy of excitement following the presence of Nigeria’s pop duo, Psquare who stormed there to thrill their fans.

Psquare were in Malawi to headline a concert organised as part of the activities that preceded the hosting of this year’s Africa Movie Academy Awards nomination party which held last Friday, at the Bingu Wa Muntharika International Conference Centre, in Lilongwe, Malawi. Of course, the concert proved to be one of the greatest outings embarked upon by the duo in recent times.

As early as 3 pm, the Lilongwe Golf Club, venue of P-Square’s ‘Experience it’ concert was filled to the brim. It was the first time a concert of this magnitude would be organised in the shores of Malawi, and this, to many Malawians, was an important show, and a major breakthrough for Joyce Banda-led civilian government. Not only did the concert bring excitement and relief to the faces of over 50,000 Malawians, who thronged the venue, it equally showed how Nigerian music is accepted across the borders of east African countries.

I didn’t know ‘Things Fall Apart’ would be published – Achebe

02:57 Gist No comments

Things Fall Apart is one of the most successful books on the surface of earth and it was China Achebe’s most successful work.In this extract from his latest book, ‘THERE WAS A COUNTRY, the late writer stated that when he was writing the book he did not know whether it would be published or not.

A major objective of becoming a writer was to challenge stereotypes, myths, and the image of ourselves and our continent, and to recast them through stories – prose, poetry, essays, and books for our children. That was my overall goal.

When a number of us decided to pick up the pen and make writing a career there was no African literature as we know it today. There were of course our great oral tradition – the epics of the Malinke, the Bamana, and the Fulani – the narratives of Olaudah Equaino, works by D.A. Fagunwa and Muhammadu Bello, and novels by Pita Nwana, Amos Tutuola, and Cyprian Ekwensi.

Across the African continent, literary Aficionados could savor the works of Egyptian, Nubian, and Carthaginian antiquity, Amharic and Tigrigna writings from Ethiopia and Eritrea; and the magnificent poetry and creation myths of Somalia. There was more – the breathtakingly beautiful Swahili poetry of East and Central Africa, and the chronicles, legends, and fables of the Ashanti, Dogon, Hutu, Kalanga, Mandingo, Ndebele, Ovambo, Shona, Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Tutsi, Venda, Wolof, Nhosa, and Zulu.

Olive Schreiner’s nineteenth-century classic story of an African Farm and works by Samuel Mqhayi and Thomas Mofolo, Alan Paton, Camara Laye, Mongo Beti, Peter Abrahams, and Ferdinand Oyono, all preceded our time. Still, the numbers were not sufficient.
And so I had no idea when I was writing Things Fall Apart whether it would even be accepted or published. All of this was new -there was nothing by which I could gauge how it was going to be received.

Writing has always been a serious business for me. I felt it was a moral obligation. A major concern of the time was the absence of the African voice. Being part of that dialogue meant not only sitting at the table but effectively telling the African story from an African perspective – in full earshot of the world.

Late Prof Chinua Achebe

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60 killed in Kano bus park bombing

16:48 News No comments

By AbdulSalam Muhammad
KANO—About 60 people were feared dead, yesterday evening, in Kano when a suicide bomber attacked a bus park located at Sabon Gari, a predominantly Christian quarters.

The blast reportedly destroyed several buses while soldiers and policemen cordoned off the area after the blast.

The Chairman, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Kano, Chief Tobias Idika told Vanguard on phone that, “the incident occurred around 5.00 pm when activities at the park were at their peak. So far we have counted 60 human bodies burnt to ashes from five luxury buses affected by the blast. Eye witnesses gave conflicting accounts of how the explosion occured.

KANO BOMBING—Victims of the Kano suicide bombing and some of the affected buses yesterday as smoke billowed from the bus park.

An account said “the blast occurred as five fully loaded buses were moving towards the exit gate at the park when an unidentified individual driving a Golf Volkswagen car in an opposite direction rammed into the buses resulting in an explosion. The suicide bomber died instantly.”

According to Chief Idiaka , “all the five buses have been reduced to ashes by the impact of the blast, and scores of others with high degree burns have been taken to Government hospital. Casualty figures might rise if what I have seen so far is anything to go by.

“We saw it coming and we informed the relevant authority to provide security for us in Sabon Gari but it fell on deaf ears”, he lamented.

Idika who was in tears further said: “ I cannot comprehend that human lives can be wasted like this; it is a horrible scene to behold and the fire service are trying their best to put off the inferno within and around the park”.

Another eyewitness told Vanguard that “an Improvised Explosive Device went off in one of the five buses going out of the park by 5.00pm”, adding that ”there are heightened fears that none of the passengers survived the blast.”

The Sabon Gari blast triggered pandemonium in the state capital as shops were hurriedly shut down in fear of possible looting by hoodlums.

The Joint Military Taskforce confirmed the blast. Spokesman of the Military outfit, Captain Ikediche Iweha told Vanguard that “we have moved in to the scene of the blast and we are trying to restore confidence to forestall looting.”

Captain Iweha explained that “we have invited men from Fire Service Department to put off the fire triggered by the blast and dozens were down by the impact of the blast. Our priority now is to secure the area and we do not have the casualty figure because we have not started counting. Investigation has commenced on the incident and that will reveal what happened, and how it happened”.

Jonathan condemns blast

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has condemned in strong terms, yesterday’s bomb blasts in Kano. The President said the barbaric incident will not deter the Federal Government from its strong-willed determination to overcome those who do not mean well for this nation. He said the Federal Government will not be stampeded, for any reason whatsoever, into abandoning its unrelenting war against terrorists in the country.

President Jonathan reassured Nigerians and foreigners in the country that the Nigerian Government will continue to do all that is required to ensure the safety of lives and property, including continued collaboration with local and international partners and stakeholders to check the menace of terrorism.

He commiserated with the victims of the Kano explosions, their families and friends, and assured the KanoState government of the Federal Government’s continued support.

Prof Chinua Achebe is dead

16:39 News No comments

Professor Chinua Achebe, one of the world’s most celebrated writers, is dead.

Achebe who was based in the United States had been hospitalised in recent days in Boston, Massachussets where he passed away at 82 years.

Chinua Achebe

Professor Achebe was best known for his classical novel ‘Things Fall Apart’ which is the most widely read book in modern African literature. He also authored several novels, short stories and poems.

His last book, ‘There was a Country’; A personal history of Biafra, was published last year. He was a professor at Brown University in the United States since 2009. More details later…

Achebe In The Eyes of The World: Bearing Witness, With Words by New York Times

16:36 No comments

“If you don’t like someone’s story,” Chinua Achebe told The Paris Review in 1994, “write your own.”

In his first novel and masterpiece, “Things Fall Apart” (1958), Mr. Achebe, who died on Thursday at 82, did exactly that. In calm and exacting prose, he examined a tribal society fracturing under the abuses of colonialism. The novel has been assigned to generations of American high school and college students — my college dispatched a copy to me before my freshman year.

In many respects “Things Fall Apart” is the “To Kill A Mockingbird” of African literature: accessible but stinging, its layers peeling over the course of multiple readings.

“Things Fall Apart,” its title taken from William Butler Yeats’s poem “The Second Coming,” has sold more than 10 million copies and been translated into some 45 languages. Time magazine placed it on its list of the 100 best English-language novels from 1923 to 2005.
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World Cup Qualifier: Oduamadi rescues Eagles from Kenyan jail

16:29 No comments

By PATRICK OMORODION, Calabar

Harambee Stars of Kenya were three minutes away from causing a major upset in African football, but Nnamdi Oduamadi spared the Super Eagles the embarrassment of losing the 2014 World Cup qualifying match at U.J Esuene Stadium in Calabar.

Nigerian fans who had expected another goal feast were put on the edge of their seats as the minutes ticked away even as the Eagles missed the few chances they managed to create. But the entire nation had Oduamadi to thank for not missing the last minute opportunity that fell on his path. He zipped in a re-bound on the dot of 90 minutes to bring the game level. There was no celebration as the Eagles players and their coaches seem drained by the encounter.

Nigeria’s Victor Moses struggling for ball possession in the World Cup qualifier against Harambee Stars of Kenya yesterday, the game ended 1-1.

Frustration had set in after the Eagles failed to find the back of net in the first 15 minutes of the game. This was the result of a resolute defending by Kenya, they refused the Eagles space to make their ball possession count in the vital area. And during a counter attack move in the 36th minute, Elderson Echijile was adjudged to have fouled Victor Wayama at the edge of the box. Francis Nyambura gave Nigerians nightmare when he curled home from the edge of the box, Vincent Enyeama had no answer.

At the break the Eagles took the fight to the Kenyans, but they had no clue to unlocking the Harambee defence. Nyambura almost made it two for Kenya, after another run. But his shot rolled lazily off mark.

Obafemi Martins who had a subdued match almost got the equalizer, but his header was deflected over the bar and after this he was replaced by Ahmed Musa. Sunday Mba who was also unanimous in the midfield was replaced by Odumadi. Victor Moses made way for John Ogu and these changes brought more verve to the Eagles attack.

After the match, the Kenyans protested that the Botswana referee John Bondo added additional minutes after regulation time and this enabled the Eagles to equalize. The Harambee Stars players did not remember that during the match the referee had cautioned them for time wasting.

Kenneth Omeruo who emerged the man of the match stated that it was hard match. He got 5,000 dollars for his effort, while goal scorer, Odumadi was also rewarded with 5,000 dollars by Tom Tom.

“It was not an easy game. We were confident that we were going to beat them, but this was not to be. We created a lot of chances but we couldn’t put them away,” said Omeruo.

In the other group B qualifier Malawi beat Namibia at home to bring their points haul to five. Nigeria remain on top of the group on goal difference.

Leaked online, here’s P-Square featuring Lagbaja titled – Unlimited. Listen up

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SAMINI, SARKODIE, MAJID MICHEL, AND KESSE ON THE BIG FRIDAY SHOW GHANA SPECIAL

19:47 Gist No comments

This week's episode of the Big Friday Show will feature Ghanaian stars Samini, Sarkodie and Majid Michel; as well as upcomer Kesse.

Following the long line of Ghana's finest stars who have graced the award-winning show, Ghanaian artiste, Samini will be this week's studio guest talking to host, Basketmouth about his career. He'll also answer questions from fans.

This week's episode will also feature BET award winner, Sarkodie who pays a surprise visit to a fan, Nana Sakyi Djan planned by Nana's friend and lucky Glo subscriber, Sharon Manor.

Popular Ghanaian actor and ladies' man, Majid Michel, will get pranked on the show. Tune in tonight to watch the BFS crew play a fast one on the Ghanaian super star.

Upcoming act, Kesse, will be given this week's studio challenge. Find out if he completes his task and gets the chance to promote himself on the show.

Benedict XVI: 10 things about the Pope's retirement

19:53 No comments

Pope Benedict XVI's resignation on Thursday - the first by a Pope for more than 600 years - is forcing the Vatican to consider some unusual questions. Here are 10 answers. 1. Name and title He will be

known as Pope emeritus, or Roman pontiff emeritus, the Vatican announced on Tuesday. He will also continue to be known by his papal title of Benedict XVI, rather than reverting to Joseph Ratzinger, and he will continue to be addressed as "Your Holiness" Benedict XVI - in the same way, for example, as US presidents continue to be referred to as "president" after leaving office. "Emeritus" is a Latin word meaning "retired", from the verb "emereri" - to earn one's discharge by service.

2. New home: Benedict XVI will leave the Vatican by helicopter before he resigns at 20:00 (19:00 GMT) on Thursday, but he will return in about three months to a new residence - a former convent known as Mater Ecclesiae - in the south-west corner of Vatican City. Reports suggest Vatican gardeners will continue to cultivate a 500 sq m organic fruit and vegetable garden there - the Pope is said to enjoy marmalade made from its oranges. Meanwhile - as Mater Ecclesiae is refurbished - he will stay in the papal residence at Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome.

3. His clothing: The Pope emeritus will continue to wear papal white - rather than the black of an ordinary priest, or the red of a cardinal. However it will be a simple cassock, with none of the flamboyant hats and vestments he revived during his papacy (prompting the Wall Street Journal to ask "Does the Pope Wear Prada?") He will be giving up his trademark red shoes, wearing instead brown shoes handmade for him by Mexican craftsmen during a visit to the country last year.

4. His ring: The papal gold ring, known as the fisherman's ring, will be smashed with a specially designed silver hammer when the Pope leaves office. No change here from normal practice. "Objects strictly tied to the ministry of St Peter must be destroyed," the Vatican says. His personal seal will also be defaced.
5. His duties: Benedict XVI will have no further administrative or official duties. He will not participate in the conclave to elect his successor (nor will any cardinal over the age of 80), though, since he appointed 67 of the 115 men who will take part in the conclave, his influence will be felt. Senior Catholics have also been re-reading speeches made by Benedict XVI before of his retirement for any hints about the qualities he believes his successor will require.

6. Life in retirement: Announcing his resignation, the Pope said he would spend his time praying for the Church. His elder brother, Monsignor Georg Ratzinger, has also said Benedict would be happy to advise his successor, if required. Writing and studying also seems likely to be on the agenda - Benedict had a library of 200,000 books installed in the papal apartments when he was elected in 2005. He also enjoys playing the piano and watching old black-and-white comedies - and he loves cats. At least one, Contessina, is known to live at Mater Ecclesiae.
7. Social media: Benedict XVI's Twitter accounts (@Pontifex and its eight different language versions) are expected to be terminated when he steps down. The Pope is expected to utter his final tweet along with his final general audience on Wednesday - saying goodbye to the 2.5 million followers he has gained since opening his account late last year. Whether he will take the papal iPad on the helicopter is an open question.

8. Golden parachute: Modest as Benedict XVI's retirement plans may be, as a bishop he will retain the Vatican's generous private healthcare policy and is likely to have recourse to the doctors who currently manage his medical treatment. It's possible he will continue to be cared for by the small group of German nuns who have looked after him during his papacy. As a pope has not retired for 600 years, there's no precedent for a papal pension plan, but Canon law requires each diocese to look after the welfare of retiring clerics. Rome will doubtless take good care of its Pope emeritus.

9. Georg Ganswein: Benedict XVI's personal secretary, Archbishop Georg Ganswein - the photogenic face seen in the background of a million photographs - will stay in this post. However, he will also keep up his role as head of the papal household for Benedict's successor. He will be the servant of two masters.

10. Infallibility: It's a widely held misconception the Pope is infallible in everything he says and does. In fact, the First Vatican Council of 1870 ruled a Pope's rulings are infallible only when they are made "ex-cathedra" - as part of a doctrinal statement about the Church. Benedict XVI never invoked this privilege (and in fact only one infallible statement has been made since 1870). When he resigns as Pope he will no longer be able to make ex cathedra statements. (BBC)