Some of our favorite films could have turned out entirely different. Sometimes the directors simply changed their minds, and sometimes the test audience hated the original ending so much there was really no choice but to change it. Here's how 20 famous movies almost ended. Spoilers abound!

1. DR. STRANGELOVE

The ending to this one is so iconic it's almost impossible to fathom it ending any other way. The ending that was used, of course, was Major T.J. "King" Kong riding a nuclear bomb like it's a bucking bronco, followed by Dr. Strangelove miraculously regaining the ability to walk just as the Doomsday Machine activates and detonates nuclear bombs across the world. But all of this could have been replaced with a massive fight at the Pentagon—a piefight. Everyone in the war room, including the POTUS and the Russian Ambassador, cream each other in the face with pies like they're slapstick vaudevillians. Director Stanley Kubrick ended up cutting the scene because he "decided it was farce and not consistent with the satiric tone of the rest of the film." No kidding.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Wv5omWKXTqE

The year is 2029, Sarah Connor is a happy grandmother, and her son John is a senator. Everyone lives happily ever after. That's great and all, but it didn't leave much room for sequels. The studio preferred dollar signs to happy endings.

3. ROCKY

Stallone’s original screenplay had Rocky accepting money to throw the fight against Apollo Creed—who would have been Jamaican, by the way. Rocky then uses the cash to help Adrian open a pet store. So ... good script editing, there.

4. CLERKS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ERDGH7SpzZ8

Depressingly, Clerks originally ended with Dante getting shot and killed by a robber. Kevin Smith said he ended it that way because he didn't know how to end it otherwise, but when his two mentors informed him that the ending was just a giant downer, he decided to end the movie just before the scene where Dante is killed.

5. I AM LEGEND

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=nGUrIqR4Zh8

Another hopeful ending here. At the end of the version that was released, Dr. Neville heroically blows himself and a bunch of Darkseekers up, saving Anna and Ethan, but giving them the cure before he goes. Critics didn't care for the ending, but perhaps they would have preferred the one where the Darkseekers break into Neville's lab because they're looking for the female Darkseeker he has been experimenting on. Once Neville realizes this and gives the female back, the rest of the mob backs off and Neville realizes that the infected just see him as a murderer of their kind.

6. FATAL ATTRACTION

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=GY_NQK7rJrY

Audiences were bored to tears by the original ending, in which Dan is charged with murder while an Alex voice-over confesses suicide. Bad audience reaction prompted a change to the ending we know now: the famous bathtub shooting. But Glenn Close hated this ending and fought hard against it, arguing that her character was more likely to self-destruct and commit suicide. She even had psychiatrists analyze Alex. They agreed. After three weeks of resisting, she gave in and filmed the ending that was released. The original ending was kept for the Japanese release of the film, however.

7. LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

The 1986 version of this movie-musical was supposed to end with Audrey II killing Audrey and Seymour and taking over New York City. That's in keeping with the off-Broadway ending, which is what the movie was based on. It's said that Frank Oz and most of the actors, including Rick Moranis, much prefer this ending.

8. THELMA AND LOUISE

Only a tiny tweak here, but a fairly significant one—the first ending showed Thelma and Louise's car tumbling all the way to the canyon floor, no doubt getting pulverized in the process. Harvey Keitel's character finds the Polaroid that blew out of the car and looks at it as a helicopter heads down into the Grand Canyon to survey the wreckage. As you probably know, the updated ending is a wee bit more hopeful—we see their car drive off the cliff, but not the aftermath. I suppose there's the chance that there's an awning halfway down the canyon that they bounce off of, cartoon-style.

9. BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID

This one got the Thelma and Louise treatment. Or rather, I suppose, Thelma got the Butch Cassidy treatment. The way it ends now is with Butch and Sundance leaving the house with guns a'blazing, and we hear return fire. But we don't actually see anyone die, leaving the ending slightly more ambiguous than the original, where Paul Newman and Robert Redford got to test their acting chops on a gruesome death scene.

10. CLUE

It had three alternate endings, but unlike these other movies, you could actually see all three of them when the movie was released—as long as you were willing to pay to see the movie three times. Originally, you didn't know what ending you were going to get until you got to that dividing point at the end of the movie, but eventually, theaters started advertising if ending A, B, or C was playing so patrons could see the endings they hadn't seen yet. Rumor has it there was actually a fourth ending as well, but the filmmakers decided enough was enough.

11. RAMBO: FIRST BLOOD

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=GKsJLLaDA-k

When the movie was released on DVD in 2004, it included an alternative ending where John Rambo commits suicide. That would have deprived the world of Rambo: First Blood Part II, Rambo III, and Rambo. You can see what could have been above.

12. THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=OqKWxAmOLaM

In the theatrical ending, Evan travels back in time to prevent himself from growing up with his childhood sweetheart. There’s a “happy” ending where he does the same thing, but gets to ask her out for coffee when he runs into her later in life. There’s a third version of this ending where Evan doesn’t introduce himself when he later meets her, but does follow her down the street, leaving the viewer to wonder if they ever connected or not. And then there’s the ending above.

13. SEVEN

Studio execs preferred an ending that didn’t result in any heads in boxes—or at the very least, not any human ones: Instead of the ending they went with, they wanted to soften the blow by using the head of a beloved family dog instead. Brad Pitt stuck to his guns and said it was Gwyneth’s head or no head—and no film—at all.

14. PRETTY IN PINK

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=-b2_UMVbFCg

Everyone seems to want Andie to end up with Duckie at the end of this John Hughes classic, but the thing is... they tried that. Here’s how it went down: Duckie and Andie walk into the center of the room at prom, the DJ plays David Bowie’s “Heroes,” they dance, and, presumably, our favorite misunderstood misfits are together forever. Everyone involved with the film agreed that the ending was a little lackluster, and test audiences agreed. Hear Jon Cryer talk about the original ending in the clip above.

15. RETURN OF THE JEDI

According to producer Gary Kurtz, the first version of the script included the death of Han Solo during a raid on an Imperial base. Kurtz says that George Lucas was concerned about how Han’s demise would impact merchandising and refused to kill any of the main characters off, which is why the movie ended in a “a teddy bear luau” instead. Kurtz and Lucas went their separate ways after this film.

16. THE PRINCESS DIARIES

Would you have been disappointed if you hadn't seen the fabulous castle the new Princess Mia was headed off to live in? Garry Marshall's granddaughter was. When he showed his 5-year-old granddaughter the film, she was upset that it just ended with Mia agreeing to become a princess. The little girl really wanted to see the castle and the start of Mia's fabulous new life, so Marshall convinced Disney to buy some footage of a European castle, to which they digitally added the Genovian flag. Marshall said it made his granddaughter much happier.

17. BLADE RUNNER

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4fCeH-WnJYM

If you’ve always been disappointed in the voiceover that originally concluded Blade Runner, you’re not alone. Harrison Ford hated it, too. It was later removed from the Director’s Cut. You can see the original ending above, and here’s the alternate ending.

Other ending options included Deckard shooting Rachael, Deckard shooting Rachael because she asked him to, and Gaff chasing Deckard and Rachael as they drive.

18. TITANIC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=o2tYHcXNwAk

Instead of Aged Rose quietly dropping her priceless Heart of the Ocean bauble into the abyss, the original ending had her giving a seriously cheesy speech about life being the only thing that’s priceless. Then she launches that sucker overboard as Bill Paxton laughs maniacally, flashing some dangerously crazy eyes.

19. PRETTY WOMAN

Everyone loves this Cinderella story because there’s a happily ever after. But what if there wasn’t? The original script called for Vivian to receive her envelope of cash as per the original agreement. No one falls in love, there’s no fire escape-climbing, and Vivian ends up back on the streets. “[It was] a really dark and depressing, horrible, terrible story about two horrible people and my character was this drug addict, a bad-tempered, foulmouthed, ill-humored, poorly educated hooker who had this weeklong experience with a foulmouthed, ill-tempered, bad-humored, very wealthy, handsome but horrible man and it was just a grisly, ugly story about these two people,” Julia Roberts has said.

20. ALIEN

Even after the movie had started production, no one knew exactly where Ripley would be when the credits rolled. The script went through multiple rewrites, and multiple finales were written up. One of Scott’s ideas was to have the xenomorph bite our heroine’s head off, then record a final entry in her log—using her voice. Producers thought it was too dark and would only provide additional money for filming if the alien bit it in the end instead.

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Host of Africa Magic’s StarGist, Vimbai, on the 31 July 2014, flew into Nigeria from Kenya to host the Nominees’ Reception for The Future Africa Awards & Summit 2014. The event was hosted by the United States Consulate and held at the residence of the Consul-General, Jeffrey Hawkins.

The effervescent hostess, who also anchored the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards in March of this year was made up by House of Tara International foundation. She had a Tara flawless foundation with Tara- Dual mineral powder, Tara bronzer in DARK and a mineral blush 27. Her eyes were done with omoge and dark contour in FRK palette and to finish off she had on her lips, the Osomote lip liner, adooshe and okenne tube gloss.

Guests at the reception included Nigeria’s A-list set Rita Dominic, Toke Makinwa, Bez, Ice Prince, OC Ukeje, Brymo, Uche Nnaji, Gbemileke Oyinsan, Titilayo Oyinsan, Vonne Vixen, Mai Atafo, Noble Igwe, Fela Durotoye, Ivie Okujaye, Funlola Aiofioyebi, Stephanie Coker, amongst others.

TFAAS 2014 is supported by Microsoft, the US Consulate and the Tony Elumelu Foundation. Official Media Partners are EbonyLife TV, AfricaMagic, Ventures Africa, and Y! Africa. Official Online Partners are MemeBurn, BellaNaija, Premium Times and 360nobs.

The official bloggers for 2014 are Linda Ikeji, Omojuwa, LadunLiadi, Olorisupergal, Ameyaw and NigeriaNewsDesk. Country partners are The Cable, Ladun Liadi Blog, The Trent, Information Nigeria, GidiTraffic, News Wire Nigeria and Pulse.ng.

Cool FM is the host radio station. Channels Television is the host TV station. For more information, visit @TFAAfrica on Twitter or the website www.thefutureafrica.com/awards. The official hashtags for 2014 are #ThisIsAfrica and #TFAAS2014.

The post Africa Magic’s leading OAP hosts The Future Africa Awards Nominees Reception made up by House of Tara (LOOK) appeared first on Aphroden.

The ongoing radio reality show "the fresh out show"  on crowther radio 104.5Love FM Abuja hosted by sugar sugar (@mrsugarbaby) is back with  season 2. This season was on for three(3) months, having each winner of the month been promoted online, the previous winner for season 1(OC NASH) is working on a new song been produced by Abuja’s number #1 producer "Gospelondebeat". And now we have a winners for this season, he goes by JUWHIZ with the song roundabout.

Jamok James Mafai popularly known as Juwhiz is an indigen of Plateau state, born and brough up in Niger state. He is just 16years old, he is a music producer, song writer, dance instructor, singer/rapper and a performer. He started his musical career 6years ago with his parents been very supportive and encouraging to his musical career.Been the winner of the show for this season, he is going to be working with selebobo of the Tripple MG, watch out for that single. meanwhile the next season starts on the 4th of August 2014.

While we await the forth coming single from juwhiz, let's enjoy the song that made him win, it's "Roundabout" by Juwhiz and the songs by the 1st and 2nd runner up, our winners from month 1 and month 2 during the course  of the competition. Download and share your thought. @thefreshoutshow

DIRECT DOWNLOAD LINKS (UNTAGGED)

Juwhiz – Roundabout (Prod by Maleekberry)

http://k007.kiwi6.com/hotlink/ys940oarsa/JUWHIZ_roundabout.mp3

G kase – Jeje (Prod by Niyi P)

http://k007.kiwi6.com/hotlink/g4bu7inj5d/G_kase_Jeje_produced_by_Niyi_p_.mp3

Masphi – Time na olodo (Prod by Blizzy)

http://k007.kiwi6.com/hotlink/qjhsknw5dx/Masphi_Time_na_olodo_Produced_by_Blitzzy_.mp3

The post Juwhiz, G kase,Masphi – The Freshoutshow with sugarsugar @TheFreshoutSHow appeared first on Aphroden.

On this weeks creative genie, we have  a talented professional photographer who is also a Doctor of optometry. She has been in the photography industry for quite some time and she is actually going to take us through her journey . Relax and enjoy as you read through this story...

My name is MADU YAGAZIE a Doctor of Optometry and a professional Photographer based in Lagos, Nigeria.

Doctor Madu Yagazie

I've been fascinated about photography since I was a kid especially because my Dad had a camera and took a lot of pictures of my siblings and I when we were kids. Ofcourse I didn't understand anything about it then, but I definitely remember being fascinated by the camera and pictures. My first camera ever was a Polaroid Cam gifted to me by my Uncle. It was like my best friend...and I felt so sad when the film finished and I couldn't easily buy a new one. My Mum also had a digital camera I would ALWAYS steal and get scolded a lot for it...lol. I got my first kodak digital camera in 2008 with the last £50 I had everywhere! That didn't bother me at all cos that was the best gift I had ever given myself at the time.

So generally i'ld say my passion grew over time even though I didn't realize it. I moved to Lagos for my internship in 2011 and the very first thing on my to-do list was to get a short training in photography, understand how the camera works and take better pictures as a hobby! : ) little did I know that hobby will eventually turn put to be a full time business.

I've had a lot of challenges overtime...God has showed himself soo strong in my life helping me overcome them, even at the present stage of my business. Some of them at the time was - Combining Photography with my profession

- Finances to start up the business
- Managing my business and consistently working hard to improve on my skill and do better with every new project.

it was a HUGE challenge managing the two professions especially because they both require Time, commitment and dedication. I don't even know how I did, it was definitely God working through me. Presently I'm into photography full time while still working out a good plan on how to incorporate my profession into it.

For now I haven't worked with any celebrities yet. When I'm not working I spend time with my Fiancé, my family & friends, watch movies, read books and Hang out with other photographers. My  hobbies includes taking pictures, traveling , cooking, playing tennis.

I would advice future upcoming photographers to  Just Do it! Get a training (no matter how short), Buy a camera you can afford, share your work...no matter how tacky they may be when you start, study works from great masters of art & photography and Practice Practice Practice..

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Hundreds of people are dead as the worst Ebola virus outbreak in history sweeps through West Africa. It began as a handful of cases in Guinea in March but quickly spread to neighboring Sierra Leone and Liberia. Here are nine things to know about what the World Health Organization calls "one of the world's most virulent diseases."

Why does Ebola generate such fear?

Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) describes Ebola as "one of the world's most deadly diseases." "It is a highly infectious virus that can kill up to 90% of the people who catch it, causing terror among infected communities," it says. There is also no vaccination against it. Of Ebola's five subtypes, the Zaire strain -- the first to be identified -- is considered the most deadly. The WHO said preliminary tests on the Ebola virus in Guinea in March suggested that the outbreak there was this strain, though that has not been confirmed.

What is Ebola, and what are its symptoms?

The Ebola virus causes viral hemorrhagic fever, which according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), refers to a group of viruses that affect multiple organ systems in the body and are often accompanied by bleeding. The virus is named after the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire), where one of the first outbreaks occurred in 1976. The same year there was another outbreak in Sudan. The WHO says there are five different strains of the virus -- named after the areas they originated in. Three of these have been associated with large outbreaks of hemorrhagic fever in Africa.

These are the Bundibugyo -- an area of Uganda where the virus was discovered in 2007 -- Sudan and Zaire sub-types. There has been a solitary case of Ivory Coast Ebola. This subtype was discovered when a researcher studying wild chimpanzees became ill in 1994 after an autopsy on one of the animals. The researcher recovered.

Finally, Reston Ebola is named after Reston in the U.S. state of Virginia, where this fifth strain of the Ebola virus was identified in monkeys imported from the Philippines. The CDC says while humans have been infected with Ebola Reston, there have been no cases of human illness or death from this sub-type.

What are Ebola's symptoms?

Early symptoms include sudden onset of fever, weakness, muscle pain, headaches and a sore throat. These symptoms can appear two to 21 days after infection. The WHO says these nonspecific early symptoms can be mistaken for signs of diseases such as malaria, typhoid fever, meningitis or even the plague. MSF says some patients may also develop a rash, red eyes, hiccups, chest pains and difficulty breathing and swallowing. The early symptoms progress to vomiting, diarrhea, impaired kidney and liver function and sometimes internal and external bleeding. Ebola can only be definitively confirmed by five different laboratory tests.

How is it treated?

There are no specific treatments for Ebola. MSF says patients are isolated and then supported by health care workers. "This consists of hydrating the patient, maintaining their oxygen status and blood pressure and treating them for any complicating infections," it says. There have been cases of healthcare workers contracting the virus from patients, and the WHO has issued guidance for dealing with confirmed or suspected cases of the virus.

Carers are advised to wear impermeable gowns and gloves and to wear facial protection such as goggles or a medical mask to prevent splashes to the nose, mouth and eyes. MSF says it contained a 2012 outbreak in Uganda by placing a control area around its treatment center. An outbreak is considered over once 42 days -- double the incubation period of the disease -- have passed without any new cases.

What drugs exist to combat the drug?

Two American missionary workers infected with Ebola were given an experimental drug called ZMapp which seems to have saved their lives. The drug, developed by a San Diego firm, had never been tried before on humans, but it showed promise in small experiments on monkeys.

But rolling out an untested drug during a massive outbreak would also be very difficult, according to MSF. Experimental drugs are typically not mass-produced, and tracking the success of such a drug if used would require extra medical staff where resources are already scarce. ZMapp's maker says it has very few doses ready for patient use.

There are other experimental drugs out there.Tekmira, a Vancouver-based company that has a $140 million contract with the U.S. Department of Defense to develop an Ebola drug, began Phase 1 trials with its drug in January. But the FDA recently halted the trial, asking for more information.

At least one potential Ebola vaccine has been tested in healthy human volunteers, according to Thomas Geisbert, a leading researcher at the University of Texas Medical Branch. And last week, the NIH announced that a safety trial of another Ebola vaccine will start as early as September.  And in March, the U.S. National Institute of Health awarded a five-year, $28 million grant to establish a collaboration between researchers from 15 institutions who were working to fight Ebola. "A whole menu of antibodies have been identified as potentially therapeutic, and researchers are eager to figure out which combinations are most effective and why," a news release about the grant said.

How does Ebola virus spread?

The WHO says it is believed that fruit bats may be the natural host of the Ebola virus in Africa, passing on the virus to other animals. Humans contract Ebola through contact with the bodily fluids of infected animals or the bodily fluids of infected humans.

MSF says that while the virus is believed to be able to survive for some days in liquid outside an infected organism, chlorine disinfection, heat, direct sunlight, soaps and detergents can kill it. MSF epidemiologist Kamiliny Kalahne said outbreaks usually spread in areas where hospitals have poor infection control and limited access to resources such as running water."People who become sick with it almost always know how they got sick: because they looked after someone in their family who was very sick -- who had diarrhea, vomiting and bleeding -- or because they were health staff who had a lot of contact with a sick patient," she said.

Can plane passengers become infected?

While the CDC acknowledges it's possible a person infected with Ebola in West Africa could get on a plane and arrive in another country, the chances of the virus spreading during the journey are low.  "It's very unlikely that they would be able to spread the disease to fellow passengers," said Stephen Monroe, deputy director of CDC's National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases.

"The Ebola virus spreads through direct contact with the blood, secretions, or other body fluids of ill people, and indirect contact -- for example with needles and other things that may be contaminated with these fluids."  He added that most people who have become infected with Ebola lived with or cared for an ill patient.

"This is not an airborne transmission," said Dr. Marty Cetron, director of CDC's Division of Global Migration and Quarantine. "There needs to be direct contact frequently with body fluids or blood."

Travelers should take precautions by avoiding areas experiencing outbreaks and avoid contact with Ebola patients. "It is highly unlikely that someone suffering such symptoms would feel well enough to travel," IATA said in a statement.

"In the rare event that a person infected with the Ebola virus was unknowingly transported by air, WHO advises that the risks to other passengers are low.Nonetheless, WHO does advise public health authorities to carry outcontact tracing in such instances."This means determining who had contact with the affected person.

What should flight crew do if Ebola infection is suspected?

The CDC has issued guidance for airline crews on Ebola virus infections. "As with many other global infectious disease outbreaks, airline carriers, crew members, airports can be very important partners in that front line," said Cetron. "Being educated, knowing the symptoms, recognizing what to do, having a response protocol, knowing who to call, those are really, really important parts of the global containment strategy to deal with threats like this."

The CDC advises that when flight crew members encounter a passenger with symptoms that they suspect could be Ebola, such as fever and bleeding, that they keep the sick person away from other passengers. They've been instructed to wear disposable gloves and to provide the sickened person with a surgical mask to prevent fluids from spreading through talking, sneezing or coughing.

The airline cleaning crew are also instructed to wear disposable gloves, wipe down surfaces including armrests, seat backs, trays and light switches. The CDC says that packages and cargo should not pose a risk, unless the items have been soiled with blood or bodily fluids.

When someone becomes ill on a flight, the captain is required by aviation regulations to report the suspected case to air traffic control, according to IATA. What is the risk of catching Ebola on a plane?

How many cases have there been?

The CDC estimates there have been more than 3,000 cases of Ebola and more than 2,000 deaths since 1976. The last recorded outbreaks before the current one in Guinea were in 2012 -- in Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Uganda outbreak involved a total of 24 probable and confirmed cases, and 17 deaths, according to the WHO, which declared it had ended in October 2012. MSF said the Uganda outbreak had been the Sudan strain, while the virus found in DRC was the Bundibugyo sub-type. Before 2014, the most deadly outbreak was the 1976 outbreak in then Zaire, when 280 of 318 infected people died, according to the CDC. In 2000, there were 425 cases of Ebola Sudan in Uganda, which resulted in 224 fatalities.

 Source: CNN

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The long-running Durban International Film Festival is back and this year it's offering cinema lovers a host of must-see movies.

From Kenyan crime thrillers and Ghanaian romantic comedies to insightful documentaries celebrating the achievements of Nelson Mandela or 20 years of democracy in South Africa, festival goers are spoiled for choice.

Overall, the 35th DIFF includes more than 200 theatrical screenings of local and international productions, including 40 feature-length films, 38 short films and more than 50 documentaries. It is also showcasing a selection of some of the best environmental and wildlife movies as part of the Durban Wild Talk Africa Film Festival.

Here, African Voices highlights some of the films screened at DIFF this year -- the festival runs from July 17 -27; for the full schedule, click here.

Feature films

Veve -- dir. Simon Mukali, Kenya & Germany, 2014

From the award-winning producers of 2012's hit "Nairobi Half Life," comes a new crime thriller set around the khat -- a mild narcotic crop -- industry in Kenya. "Veve" sees popular actress Lizz Njagah take on the character of Esther, the lonely wife of a corrupt local politician who falls for the town's bad boy, Kenzo. Unbeknownst to her, Kenzo is at the heart of a scheme to bring about the downfall of Esther's Khat kingpin spouse.

Difret -- dir. Zeresenay Berhane Mehari, Ethiopia, 2013

A film from Zeresenay Berhane Mehari and executive producer Angelina Jolie, the 99-minute feature is based on a true story which deftly examines the issues faced today by women and girls in rural Ethiopia. Protagonist Hirut is a teenager kidnapped as she makes her way home from school. Tension mounts as she faces the increasing prospect of rape by her male kidnappers. Luckily, the astute young woman manages to steal a rifle and escape, but not before killing one of her would-be rapists. As local justice falls on the side of the male perpetrators, only one person, the head of a local not-for-profit, fights to save the young teen's life.

The Two of Us -- dir. Ernest Nkosi, South Africa, 2014

South African film "The Two of Us" makes its world premiere at this year's DIFF. First-time filmmaker Ernest Nkosi tells the story of a tempestuous sibling relationship between Thulas and Zanele and their lives in the Alexandra township. Burdened by a childhood of observing his sister's abuse, Thulas develops an overprotective need to help his sister which comes to a head when Zanele falls in love with an older man. Themes accessible to an international audience but with a distinctly local flavor, it is a strong directorial debute from Nkosi.

Short films

Living Funeral -- dir. Udoka Oyeka, Nigeria, 2013

A 21-minute short, "Living Funeral" is a powerful story of courage in the face of imminent death. Nigerian director Udoka Oyeka tells the tale of Yvette, a young woman diagnosed with terminal breast cancer who stoutly helps her family come to terms with the inevitable by holding her own mock funeral.

Wegkruipertjie -- dir. Chatre Chafford, South Africa, 2013

"Wegkruipertjie" (which translates from Afrikaans to mean "Hide and Go Seek") is a brilliant stop-motion animation directed by Chatre Chafford. The 10-minute short tells the story of seven-year-old Anna, who is struggling to overcome the loss of her mother during a farm raid. Grappling with intense loneliness, the young girl withdraws into an imaginary world making friends with "Bersie."

Wild Talk Africa

Black Mamba: The Kiss of Death -- dir. Kira Ivanoff, South Africa, 2013

"Black Mamba: The Kiss of Death" cautiously explores the world of one of Africa's most poisonous reptiles, the Black Mamba. Directed by Kira Ivanoff, the 50-minute doco offers a secret insight into an often feared creature trying to find a home to incubate her eggs while avoiding her biggest enemy -- man.

Lady Baboon, dir. Adrian Cale, South Africa, 2014

Meet Rita Miljo, an unusual elderly German woman who lives with 500 baboons. While many see the primates as pests, Miljo has spent decades trying to save them. South African director Adrian Cale tells the story of a conservationist willing to do whatever it takes. A heartwarming insight into protecting "nature's unwanted little people."

Documentaries

Miners Shot Down -- dir. Rehad Desai, South Africa, 2014

An 85-minute documentary brought to life by director/producer Rehad Desai. The film follows the August 2012 Marikana miners' strike in which over 30 employees were gunned down by police while protesting for better pay.

A Snake Gives Birth to a Snake -- dir. Michael Lessac, South Africa & the U.S., 2014

Michael Lessac's latest film follows a group of actors as they embark on a world tour of "Truth in Translation," a play which looks at the "Truth and Reconciliation Commission" established in South Africa after the abolition of Apartheid. As the troop travel through former war-torn lands, including Northern Ireland, Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, the documentary explores the theme of national reconciliation. The highly-anticipated film, which also features new music from jazz legend Hugh Masekela, will make its world premiere at this year's festival.

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Oscar-winning actor and comedian Robin Williams has died at age 63.

According to police in Marin County, Calif., Williams was found "unconscious and not breathing" just before noon Monday inside his home in Tiburon, Calif., following a 911 phone call. He was pronounced dead at 12:02 p.m. after emergency personnel arrived. They added that the actor was last seen alive at 10 p.m. Sunday.

An investigation into the cause of the death is underway, but "the Sheriff’s Office Coroner Division suspects the death to be a suicide due to asphyxia." A forensic examination is scheduled for Tuesday, along with a press conference that will be held at 11 a.m. in San Rafael, Calif.

Williams' publicist Mara Buxbaum told Reporters that Williams "has been battling severe depression of late. This is a tragic and sudden loss. The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time."

His wife, Susan Schneider, said: "This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings. I am utterly heartbroken. On behalf of Robin's family, we are asking for privacy during our time of profound grief. As he is remembered, it is our hope the focus will not be on Robin's death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions."

Added David Steinberg, his manager of 35 years: "Nobody made the world laugh like Robin Williams. My brother, my friend, my soulmate, I will miss you."

Williams, a four-time Oscar nominee, won a supporting actor Oscar for Good Will Hunting for his portrayal of a wise and morose psychologist. He most recently starred in CBS' comedy The Crazy Ones, which lasted only one season. He was nominated for a People's Choice Award for his role as an advertising executive on the comedy, in which Sarah Michelle Gellar played his daughter.

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Talented Nigerian singer, Greene, has released a genre-defying song titled “sweet porero”. The new song has all the makings of a massive hit, and sings about feminine endowment. ‘sweet porero’ is a song describing feminine endowment.Greene delivers his lines expertly and melodiously, to an accompanying melodious rhythm which sure makes the listener dance.

The song directly expresses a clean intention of a man falling in love with a ladies endowment by adoring every piece ofher with the aim of making her his. Greene Iwobi A.K.A Greene (Singer, Songwriter/Composer/Poet, Performing Artiste, Model and a graduate) is solo on his musical career.. He is a native of Ogwuashi Ukwu in Delta State and has always nursed an overwhelming passion for music, and is pursuing it fully.

Listen:

[audio mp3="http://www.aphroden.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/GREEN.mp3"][/audio]
TWITTER
@DUMEXG
DIRECT DOWNLOAD

http://old.hulkshare.com/dl/qfsckvqxuo00

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Timi Dakolo is an award winning R&B/Soul music artist born on January 20, 1981. He hails from Bayelsa State, Nigeria and grew up in the city of Port-Harcourt, where he started his singing career at age of 12, singing in his church choir. Following his win as West African Idol first and only winner; he released his debut album titled "Beautiful Noise" in 2012, receiving great reviews for the work as well as chart successes. Timi Dakolo released another single after his debut album titled "Great Nation" which many have described as the new National Anthem of Nigeria.

Nigeria's King of Soul, Timi Dakolo teams up with awarding winning director Clarence Peter to deliver the official video for his hit song "Iyawo Mi" off his upcoming Album Love and Consequences. The 1970s inspired video was shot in Ogun State, Nigeria with a vintage Mercedes car, time appropriate costumes, makeup and other props.

The video shows the journey of a newlywed couple; played by Timi Dakolo and his wife, Busola through good and difficult times. "I'm really proud of this video," says Timi Dakolo. “I have always wanted to do a vintage video that was fun and features my wife.”Iyawo Mi" was inspired by her so it was just right that she played a part in it. We had an awesome time."

Watch Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvwSzzvP9s0

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MMMG Star, Iyanya has been very busy lately. As part of his 2014 United States Tour, he recently shot a video for the hit single, Mr. Oreo. Named after the global cookie brand (and favourite ice cream topping), Iyanya chose Brooklyn, New York to interpret the unique vocals and rhythm of the song which is one of his credits in the best-selling album, The Evolution.

Iyanya has consolidated his position as one of the leading creative exports with an impressive tour of the United States of America which also featured business meetings, club appearances and event performances. The 2014 US Tour will be rounded off in a few days with official announcements anticipated from the label.

However, one announcement confirmed by MMMG fresh off the tour is the video shoot for Mr. Oreo. Directed by The Mega Boi, the video was shot in an upscale apartment in one of New York’s most populous neighbourhoods.

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Olanrewaju Ogunmefun, popularly known as Vector tha Viper, is an award-winning Nigerian Hip hop artist who has released two studio albums, his debut album "State of Surprise (SOS)" and “The Second Coming”. He won ‘Lyricist On The Roll’ and ‘Best Rap Single’ at the 2012 Headies, ‘Best Rap Act’ at the 2012 Nigeria Entertainment Awards (NEA) and several others. He is the voice behind the Sprite commercial that has aired on most radio stations across Nigeria since 2009.

After one year of creative hibernation, the man some have called Nigeria’s finest lyricist, Vector is ready to offload! The rapper celebrates his 30th birthday today, 7 August 2014 with the release of the very first song produced by Licious Crackit off his mixtape titled #A7.

“It’s been a roller-coaster ride the past one year, learning, working, building growing,” the rapper said today. “Today, as I turn 30, it’s time to be thankful for the blessings of talent, for the love of fans and the goodwill of media and colleagues, and it’s finally time to unload the work of the past one year!”

The song, Where is Vector? is inspired by a trending hashtag of the same name, driven by fans hungry for the talent of the artiste and connecting his own desire to tell his story to the world.

The mixtape will be released at an official launch event in Lagos, September. Vector begins a media tour and will be available for interviews from next week.

[audio mp3="http://www.aphroden.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/02...-VECTOR-WIV-FINAL.mp3"][/audio]

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 Researchers say they've discovered how the deadly Ebola virus disables the immune system. They hope the findings will prove valuable in efforts to find treatments for the disease taking hundreds of lives in Africa.

The current Ebola outbreak in West Africa has killed more than 1,000 people, and the death rate among those infected with the virus is up to 90 percent, according to the World Health Organization. There is no cure for Ebola.

American researchers found that the Ebola protein VP24 disrupts a cell's natural immune response. They said this action is an important first step on Ebola's path to causing fatal disease, according to the study published Aug. 13 in the journal Cell Host & Microbe.

"We've known for a long time that infection with Ebola obstructs an important immune compound called interferon. Now we know how Ebola does this, and that can guide the development of new treatments," Dr. Gaya Amarasinghe, of Washington University School of Medicine, said in a journal news release.

Ebola's VP24 protein prevents interferon's antiviral message from entering the cell's nucleus and triggering an immune response, the researchers explained.

"One of the key reasons that Ebola virus is so deadly is because it disrupts the body's immune response to the infection," Dr. Chris Basler, of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, said in the news release. "Figuring out how VP24 promotes this disruption will suggest new ways to defeat the virus."

Further research on VP24 may lead to ways to prevent the protein from blocking immune response, the study authors said.

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My name is Augustine Okoye was born on 19 October in Enugu,Nigeria,into the family of Mr and Mrs Okoye Benjamin.His parents hails from Ihiala village in Anambra State.He was the second boy in a family that had Four Children.After his primary and secondary education,Okoye Augustine Onyebuchi had his tertiary education at University of Nigeria Nsukka ,Where he obtained B.Sc. in Computer Science . in 1995 before joining Nollywood in 2000. He has featured in over 70 movies and was Nominated for best upcoming actor in Thema Award in the year 2000 for the movie ‘Blood of The Orphan’ and best supporting actor in Encomium Entertainment Award in 2009. -

I AM NOT A GAY AND WILL NEVER BE
For the fact that's i recently play a role in a gay movie dose not make me one. i am straight, i took the role because i want to proof to directors and producers that i can take any role and give my best in it . Fans has been say congrats for a job well done. please gay should stop harassing me because i am not a gay.

The Good news is that,Augustine Okoye on list of actors that will be presenting an Award at NOLLYWOOD AND AFRICA CRITICS AWARDS ( NAFCA ) CALIFORNIA USA. which is coming up in September, his movie ' THE SKULL, and he was nominated Nominated as best supporting actor.

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Ajegunle.org, an initiative of Paradigm Initiative Nigeria (PIN), which connects young people with ICT enabled opportunities to help access better livelihoods, has just completed a Google Web Training for community youths. The training held from 9 to 27 June 2014.

The Google Web Training will give the trained youth a competitive advantage in the job market as the Google Web Academy offers skills and certification that are market driven. 16 out of the 36 registered participants qualified for the training, and were trained on products like Google search, YouTube, Google plus, Google email, Google docs, spreadsheet, presentation, form, chrome, internet safety, Google maps, Earth and Map making. The ICT classes focused on Microsoft Office packages, design tools & the Internet.

By the end of the first week of training, many of the students were already using computers proficiently.

“Before I came in for Ajegunle.org’s capacity building program, I had big dreams but I was not inspired on my own,” says John-beloved Agwanzenini when expressing his experience at the Ajegunle Innovation Centre. “People around considered me a failure because I had been at home for over four years after high school, literally wasting, but in just eight weeks, I am certain that I have made up for those wasted years.”

The entrepreneurship stream was facilitated by industry experts including Ademola Adeoye, Managing Director of Worldclassimpact, Ronald Nzimora, Managing Director of Profit Marketing Systems Limited, David Ekugum of SESEWA Support Services and Bola Akeju of Wecyclers. The life skill sessions were taken by Mrs. Oluwaseyifunmi Walter and Rev. Yomi Olufiade. The students were trained on marketing, finance, managing risks, staffing, social impact, customer relations and writing business plans.

At the end of the training, participants had two weeks of practice and mapping of specific locations using Google Map maker.  Preparations are ongoing for the 2014 Class C session, set to start from 11 August to 26 September 2014.

For enquiries, please call Tope on +234 0803 538 4144 or mail tope.ogundipe@pinigeria.org

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The Wives, a play written by Professor Ahmed Yerima, will be showing at the Muson Centre in Onikan, Lagos in October. It will show on 9, 1o and 11 October, 2014.

The play is presented by The Make it Happen Productions, the same company that produces Open Mic Theatre every other month and V-Monologues in May, 2013.

The play focuses on the intriguing character called Chief Theophilus Gbadegeshin Olowookere, his sister and his three wives, Angela, Cecilia and Tobi.

The cast of the play parades Nigeria brightest acting icons including Joke Silva, Kate Henshaw, Jide Kosoko, Iretiola Doyle, Kemi Lala Akindoju and others.

“We are excited about this play,” says Kemi Lala Akindoju, who is producer of the play and Creative Director of Make it Happen. “These are immensely talented members of cast and the audience is going to leave the play thoroughly entertained.”

“In The Wives, the question ‘can a man keep his most cherished secrets forever?’ is the central theme of the play. There lies a sordid little secret and no one wants to talk about it. It is a dark comedy rich in sensuality and scathing humour.”

The author, Ahmed Yerima was General Manager of the National Theatre of Nigeria and Artistic Director of National Troupe of Nigeria.

For more information about The Wives, visit our facebook page – The Make It Happen Productions. Tickets go on sale from September, 2014.

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Do you have the voice???  Do you have what it takes to be the "Aphro Factor"?  Aphroden proudly presents "Aphro factor" music competition 2014."

How to apply...Record a 5 minutes video of yourself singing your favourite song and send it to aphroden@gmail.com. Then you stand a chance to take home with you the following prizes .

First prize.....50,000
second prize....30,000
Third prize......20,000

and loads of other consolation prizes. Winners will be announced on the Aphroden website (www.aphroden.com), Facebook page and twitter handle.

Entries for submission of musical videos would be opened from 18th to 31st August 2014 while voting will commence immediately after submission of music entries.

Details about the voting would be communicated on the following social media accounts. www.facebook.com/aphroden, on twitter @Aphroden and on Instagram @Aphroden.com. So if your not following Aphroden on our social media accounts, this is the chance for you to like us on facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Terms and conditions apply.

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Jimmy Adewale Amu, popularly known as Cool Dj Jimmy Jatt is a renowned Disc Jockey who is known for setting the pace for Hip hop music in the country and beyond. An icon in the Nigerian entertainment industry, he has helped nurture many deejays amongst whom are Dj Waxxy, Dj Syl-D, Dj Funky J, Mix Master Tee, Dj Osar, Dj Hotega, Dj Tony Blaise, Dj XGee to mention a few. His first single 'Stylee' featuring Tu Face Idibia, Mode 9 and Elajoe enjoyed heavy airplay and the music video stayed on the MTV Africa countdown for weeks.

This earned him several awards like Channel O Africa Music Video Award, Hip hop World Award, SoundCity Music Video Award, Nigerian Music Video Award and Nigerian Music Award nominations. He has an album 'The Definition' which is a mix tape featuring over 50 of Nigerian's best artistes. Dj Jimmy Jatt has a T.V programme called 'Jimmy's Jump Off' currently airing on local and international stations.

Kate Henshaw, Tiwa Savage, 2face Idibia, Banky W, Juliet Ibrahim, Uti Nwachukwu, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and others step out for Dj Jimmy Jatt's 25th Anniversary Celebration.

  
Cool DJ JimmyJatt was cynosure of all eyes as friends and family gathered to celebrate him during the launch of his album “The Industry” which held at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos.

The album “The Industry” is a reflection of DJ Jimmy Jatt's career so far.  The black-tie dinner was star studded and was well attended by his friends in the industry. The event had a roll call of A-list celebrities such as 2face Idibia, Kate Henshaw, Tiwa Savage, Sound Sultan, Dr Sid, Lynxx, Praiz, Ebuka Obi- Uchendu, Vector, Titilayo Oyinsan, Basketmouth, Julius Agwu, Okey Basket, Omawunmi, Ufoma Ejenobor, Mannie, Dotun, Kaylah Oniwu, Vixen Ekwere, amongst others.

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Award winning DJ, DJ Jimmy Jatt has released a promo video in anticipation of his landmark 3-in-1 event holding tomorrow, 17 August at the Intercontinental Hotel in Victoria Island.

The black-tie dinner will feature the launch of his sophomore album titled 'The Industry', his new book and choice performances off the album.

“I am very grateful for this moment, for the love and support from friends, industry players, the media and my fans," DJ Jimmy Jatt said. "We can't wait to celebrate tomorrow!"

'The Industry', which has been called "the biggest collaborative album out of Africa" features 50 of the biggest artistes from two generations. The album - a reflection of DJ Jimmy Jatt's career so far - is executively produced by him, under a new management “GIDIGROOVE MEDIA”. It has 22 tracks while the online version has 23 tracks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QJnRhnkHts&feature=youtu.be

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The magnitude of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa may be far greater than the current statistics indicate, officials from the World Health Organization said Friday.

Patients are flooding treatment centers that have just been opened, and the recorded case and death tolls may "vastly underestimate the magnitude of the outbreak," said WHO spokesman Gregory Hartl, the Associated Press reported.

For example, an 80-bed treatment center that recently opened in Liberia's capital filled up immediately, Hartl noted, and dozens of people lined up the next day to be treated for Ebola.

The latest WHO figures peg the death toll at 1,069, with nearly 2,000 confirmed cases. At this point, Ebola cases have been reported in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria.

In a bit of good news, no new cases have been detected in Nigeria following the deaths of three people in the past month, according to the latest update from WHO.

Experts from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have helped Nigerian health officials with monitoring efforts in that country, and that has kept the number of additional cases down, WHO said.

The CDC is also providing computer software and hardware to the countries hit hardest by Ebola, so officials there can track and analyze the outbreak's spread in real time, WHO added.

And food is being delivered to the more than 1 million people who are now in quarantine zones by the World Food Programme. These zones are mostly located where the borders of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone intersect.

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The drug that could end the HIV pandemic is already here. Branded Truvada, this pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prevents HIV infection by blocking the virus’s ability to replicate. “It’s a big deal,” says Robert Grant, a leading HIV/AIDS investigator at the University of California, San Francisco. “It’s an opportunity for uninfected people to proactively protect themselves.” 

Approximately 50,000 Americans will develop HIV this year. But since Truvada was approved as a PrEP in 2012, only 10,000 patients—or two percent of the 500,000 Americans identified as “high risk” by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—have gotten a prescription for it.

Critics have vocalized concerns about side effects. “People have memories of what it was like to be treated with very high doses of drugs in the 1980s,” Grant says. “That lingers on even though HIV medication is much safer than it used to be.” In fact, Truvada has been used to help treat HIV for a decade. But, as with birth control in the 1960s, the concept of a pill regimen for safer sex was stigmatized, triggering a backlash against so-called “Truvada whores.”

So in May, the CDC laid out clear clinical guidelines: High-risk patients should take a daily pill and get an HIV test every three months. Truvada should supplement, not replace, condoms. Results from a 2012 trial showed that when participants took the pill every day, their risk of developing HIV was cut by 92 percent.

Some still balk at paying for preventative medication, though Truvada is covered by insurance. “Price is always an issue,” says Anthony S. Fauci, an immunologist at the National Institutes of Health. “But if you look at the cost of treatment when someone gets infected, it dwarfs the cost of prevention.”

The next step is coming up with streamlined delivery methods, says Dawn Smith, an epidemiologist at the CDC. A weekly pill or monthly injection could minimize the hassle. And perhaps the stigma, too.

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