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Source: Socialsciencespace.com

Ironically, the saying, ‘never judge a book by its cover,’ seems applicable to every other facets of life except in book publishing where a book is usually judged first of all by its cover before efforts to read it. The cover design of a book is the first attraction the reader is drawn to before proceeding to peruse its contents. Therefore, it is often expected for a cover design (front cover especially) to speak volumes before the actual volumes of the book are read. Here are a few tips for you to note as a writer/publisher: The Literal Concept: literally, let the design be a reflection of the entire idea of the book which is also in harmony with the title of the book. Abstract: you may also decide to create a vague idea with your design especially in a situation where the book in itself expresses something profound. Image of the author can as well be enlarged on the front cover in a biographical or autobiographical writing displaying a certain mood depending on the tone of the book. Imaginative or Fantasy: in this case, the reader is challenged to imagine or fantasize about the cover design to create an entirely new world from the original story line. This could foster inspiration for a new piece altogether. Textual Expression: the textual preference of the book cover should also be in agreement with the statement assumed by the writer, that is, bold, italics depending on the immensity of the expression intended. Humour can also be adopted to give a picturesque view of the book especially if it is a satire. Know any helpful tips I left out? Share them with me in the comment box! By Azeez Sanusi

The post 6 Basic Concepts of Book Design appeared first on Aphroden.

aphroden7

Here are the top 20 songs from before 2000. Let's see if you can remember them, a little nostalgia wouldn't hurt, I think. Yes, it won't! 1. King Sunny Adé - Ori Mi Ja Funmi (1980) He is of royal background and started his career with a highlife band. It was once said that : "If you come to see Sunny Adé live, you must be prepared to groove all night." He has a lot of amazing tracks to his credit like 'Eri Okan', 'Ma Womi', amongst others. 2. Veno Marioghae - Nigeria Go Survive (1984) This Afro disco song was released by the Delta indigene detailing Nigeria's potentials alongside the problems, all in hope that 'Nigeria go survive one day'. 3. Blackky - Rosie (1991) Of all songs by Blackky, this one happens to be the best. It was played at night clubs very often with the lyrics like : "Can I have a dance? Rosie? Ah ah! My friends are watching me. Rosie? Ah ah! They will laugh at me, ah ah! 4. Daddy Showkey - Diana (1999) Popular Ghetto king and Galala master dropped this juggernaut heat which people fell in love with. 5. Mosorire - IK Dairo (1999) Dairo was a skillful composer and Juju artiste and composed this in the early 90s. The song became very popular and was re-made by his son, Paul Play Dairo. 6. Felix Liberty - Ifeoma (1989) Felix was born into a family of music and was signed into Kris Okotie's label a few years over. In 1989, he released this song about a girl he wanted to marry - Ifeoma which enjoyed airplay. 7. Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe - Osondi Owendi (1984) He was one prolific bandleader from Anambra. He is known as 'Osili'. He was popular for the Igbo highlife and stayed active till death. 'Osondi Owendi' which means 'It pleases others, it displeases others' is said to be the biggest selling record in the history of Nigeria and has been remade by a host of artistes. 8. Dr Victor Olaiya - Omo Pupa (1982) He's the 20th child in a family of 24. Both parents were in music - father was a church organist, and his mother a folk singer. Olaiya was tagged 'Evil Genius of Highlife' after holding an audience at Ibadan. He recently had a remix to 'Baby Jowo', an original song of his with 2Face Idibia. 9. Evi Edna Ogholi - Happy Birthday (1989) "Uh-eh, I wish you happy birthday Uh-eh, many many many happy returns" There was hardly any birthday party without that song being played and even up till date, it is played at most parties. Evi is Isoko from Delta state and is said to be in France now. 10. Oliver De Coque - Identity (1980) Oliver hails from Nnewi in Anambra State and got his musical break at 17 playing the ekpili, a traditional instrument. Oliver has over 73 albums including hit tracks like 'Mbiri ka Mbiri', 'Ogasi Amaka' and others. 11. Mike Okri - Time Na Money (1988) 'Time Na Money' is still today used to teach the modern day child on the importance of time. A part of the song says : "Time na money, make you use your time well Money no dey come from heaven, do better thing money go come. Na true wey I dey tell you" 12. Sir Shina Peters - Afrojuju (1989) Father of popular music director, Clarence Peters, Sir Shina is well known for his juju music which is still widely played and enjoyed at Yoruba parties and events. 13. Sir Victor Uwaifo - Joromi (1969) Even today, 'Joromi' is still played and used in advertisements. Sir Uwaifo has 12 golden records to his credit. 14. Christie Essien-Igbokwe - Seun Rere (1981) "Omo mi seun rere, ti adara oh (x2) Omo mi gbo temi, ti adara oh." The song is an instructional one, from a mother to her children telling them to take heed to her words. 15. Onyeka Onwenu - Iyogogo (1992) Elegant stallion, glorious diva.. Onyeka Onwenu's voice remains as golden as ever. Remember watching Iyogogo on NTA? Good memories. Onyeka was a judge on Glo X-factor this year and is doing great. Apart from 'Iyogogo', she did 'Ekwe', 'One Love' and some good ones. 16. Nico Mbaga - Sweet Mother (1976) This song lives on and on. Your mother does something exceptional and you find yourself singing the lines of this song for her. "Sweet mother, I no go forget you. For the suffer wey you suffer for me eh If I no sleep, my mama no go sleep....." 17. Fela Kuti - Water E No Get Enemy (1975) The list wouldn't have been complete without Fela Kuti. His band, his dancers made watching him life worth it. The late Fela has a lot of amazing tracks to his credit such as 'Zombie', 'Lady' and others. 18. Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson - Love Me Adure (1972) This one tells the tale of a man who's obsessed with 'Adure' and wants her to love him back. Old time great classic, I tell you. 19. Sunny Okosun - Which Way Nigeria?(1984) This song was written by the great songwriter to help Nigeria find herself and to make Nigerians save their motherland before it 'dies'. 20. Bobby Benson - Taxi Driver (1950s) This one goes way back. Is there any popular song from before 2000 that isn't here? Share it with us in the comment box! By Franklin Ugo

The post 20 before 2000: The Hottest Nigerian Songs Before 2000 appeared first on Aphroden.

Davido signing -

The editors at Y! today announced award winning hit artiste, producer and label boss, Davido (real name David Adeleke) as the first ever editor-at-large for its cool new brand, Teen Y! "The choice was simple really," said Tinsel actor Ifeanyi Dike Jr, who is supervising editor for Teen Y! "Who is the all-time, anywhere-in-the-continent coolest teen symbol? It's the guy famous as 'Omo Baba Olowo'. There's no one in the market as successful, as hardworking, as iconic. Added Daphne Akatugba, who is contributing editor: "Teenage trendsetters everywhere know Teen Y! as the only hotspot for fashion, lifestyle and all the stuff that matters; Davido mirrors that X factor perfectly. We are excited to work with him over the next three months, and beyond." The announcement was made this afternoon at the corporate office of the Teen Y! parent company, RED in Lagos, Nigeria where it was also confirmed that he will be the brand ambassador for two quarters and will have a column on teen.ynaija.com. Present were the crew from Davido's record label, HKN as well as the editors at Teen Y!, and its sister company Y! The editor-at-large works with the Teen Y! team on each edition of the magazine and online; ensuring it is aligned to trends, the culture and the ideas that matter for teenagers in Nigeria, and across the continent. He also leads its brand ambassadors - including student editors and school club presidents - and holds the position for a maximum period of six months, renewable at end of term. The artiste who started singing at age 11 and set up his own record label, HKN was in company of label mates B red, Shina Rambo, Danagog and manager Kamal Ajiboye. Launched formally in January 2013, Teen Y! launched its cool new website teen.ynaija.com on October 1. It's first magazine edition will hit the streets with a downloadable online edition on 10 December, 2013. Follow @TeenYNaija on Twitter, /TeenYNaija on Facebook, or email editor@teen.ynaija.com.

The post Davido announced as the first Editor-At-Large of TEEN Y! Magazine (PHOTOS) appeared first on Aphroden.

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This is to inform all fans and followers of Aphroden that the entry submission and selection process for the 2013 writing competition has ended. The voting process which was earlier scheduled will now commence on Monday the 25^th of November 2013. However, due to the large volume of entries we got, we have decided to narrow down the selection to the best 5 entries we received. The voting process will start from Monday the 25^th through to Friday 29^th. Winners of the competition will be announced by December as they are expected to walk away with 35,000 naira, 25,000 Naira and 15,000 naira cash prize respectively. Voters are encouraged to follow our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages for details. As earlier published, interested persons were required to provide the concluding paragraphs to a short story we uploaded on the site, to provide their unique registered aphroden username, a photograph picture and a short bio of themselves. We sincerely apologise for the delay which was largely due to the huge number of responses we received as we have made provision to engage more judges in our subsequent editions. Thank you Signed, Management

The post Aphroden’s Writing Competition 2013 (an update) appeared first on Aphroden.

Source: joeyo.org

Sometimes, the best form of expressing an idea or communicating an intention and even giving advice could be through the adoption of quotations. The great physicist, Albert Einstein, employed this form of writing severally in his life time where he even described some of his scientific breakthroughs in quotes. The following are some of the famous quotes describing the world of literature, hilariously expressed but with deeper meanings if you can go past the humour: "A writer has nothing to say after the age of forty. If he's clever enough he knows how to disguise that fact." Georges Simenon "Writers should be read, but neither seen nor heard." Daphne du Maurier "Some editors are failed writers, but so are most writers." T S Eliot "I like thin books because they balance tables, leather volumes because they can strop razors, and heavy books because they can be thrown at the cat." Mark Twain "A bad review is even less important than whether it's raining in Patagonia." Iris Murdoch "The secret to writing is to go through your stuff until you come on something you think is particularly good, and then cut it out." P G Wodehouse "Having been unpopular in high school is not just cause for book publication." Fran Lebowitz "For a man to be a poet, he must be either in love or miserable." Lord Byron "Writing would be a wonderful occupation except for the paperwork." Peter de Vries "The best impromptu speeches are the ones written well in advance." Ruth Gordon "The possession of a book often becomes a substitute for not reading it." Anthony Burgess "You can start changing the world with a pen and the back of a bus ticket." Pat Ingoldsby By Azeez Sanusi

The post 12 (Humorous) Quotes for Writers appeared first on Aphroden.

Source: albanypoets.com

Almost everyone has that one friend (or even more) who’s interested in being the next Wizkid or the next Davido, or whoever they look up to. Most times, they’re in your mentions on twitter telling you to retweet one mixtape/song they released or they’re texting you to help with the hype on these songs and share to all your friends and everyone you come in contact with. Some of these friends of yours have decided to drop their education aside and focus solely on making music (which is at their own detriment) hoping that someday ‘their star will shine’ as they often say. Now, there are things these upcoming artistes need to know and do in order to become successful in the music industry.

Here are 5 tips to help the upcoming musician grow from grass to grace

1. Start This is first to correct the notion that you need millions to start a career in music. Of course, you’ll need the money but as an upcoming artiste, you’ll need to be known first and appreciated. Nobody wants to see a video of some newbie on TV with the hottest video vixens but wack lyrics. So first things first: let the internet be your friend. Start from Hulkshare and Youtube and spread your stuff out to people. A good number of websites are willing to put up good music for free (just shoot us an email: aphroden{at}gmail{dot}com).

2. Build your online presence

Social media is the key to online music promotion for musicians. Invest in a bio, image and name that adequately describes your brand. Oh and of course, it is important to reply your fans when they give you (good) feedback about your work.

3. Be creative It is important to consistently churn out quality music. Put your hundred percent into each song like it's your only song. Consistency is the biggest problem in the Nigerian music industry; you really don't want to become like that one musician who was hot and had like 5 minutes of fame. 4. Stop and find the problem if it’s not working A huge problem many upcoming musicians have is self-deception. After pouring your all into your music, it is important to gauge your audience's reaction to your art. Don't keep giving people folk when they want jollof music. out more. Surround yourself with people who will give you honest feedback about your music and be able to take the truth gracefully. Also, be willing to rebrand/start all over again when your music doesn't meet up to standard.

5. Agreement is Agreement Promises should be kept not broken. You are bound by what you have freely signed and I cannot overemphasise that you should study whatever proposals/agreements that come to you. You may have one or two people approaching you to become a brand face/perform at a show/sign to a record label, study well and don’t put your signature on just any piece of paper.

Hope to hear your name and your new songs soon!

By Franklin Ugo

The post 5 Surefire Tips To Help You Become A Successful Musician appeared first on Aphroden.

Uzo 2

[caption id="attachment_5328" align="aligncenter" width="540"]

Source: www.ninasubin.com[/caption] Born November 5, 1982 in Washington, D.C. (U.S.A.) to Dr. Ikemba Iweala (neurosurgeon) and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (renowned economist and current Finance Minister of Nigeria), as the 1st son of 4 children. Iweala attended boarding school at St. Albans School, Washington D.C. and Harvard College at Harvard University; earning an A.B. in English and American Literature and Language with honours in 2004. Uzodinma has cited Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart as a major influence on his literary career. He also listed Ayi Kwei Armah’s “Two Thousand Seasons” and “The Famished Road” by Ben Okri among his other major influences. He has shown preferences to writing on the floor (‘as long as it’s carpeted’), and he writes everything by hand on journals or sketchbooks; before he then proceeds to type it, edit it and read it aloud to people. Uzodinma usually writes 2 hours a day, either late at night or early in the morning. [caption id="attachment_5329" align="aligncenter" width="555"]

www.newyorksocialdiary.com[/caption]

His senior thesis in Harvard, while he was under the tutelage of the celebrated Caribbean novelist Jamaica Kincaid, birthed his debut novel, “Beasts of No Nation” (2005). This novel was inspired by an article about the conflict in Sierra Leone he read while he was in St. Albans School. The novel has won him numerous awards which include: the Hoopes Prize and Dorothy Hicks Lee Prize for Outstanding Undergraduate Thesis, 2004, the New York Public Library's 2006 Young Lions Fiction Award, the Sue Kaufman Prize from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the 2006 John Llewellyn Rhys Prize. In 2007, he was named as one of Granta Magazine's 20 best young American novelists.

His passion for public health issues has driven him to volunteer at a refugee camp in Bauchi State (Nigeria), and advise Kofi Annan, Jimmy Carter (former U.S. President) and Nelson Mandela as part of Virgin Unite’s Elders Initiative. He’s also served as executive editor of Nigeria-based Farafina Magazine and will soon launch “Ventures”, the first pan-African business magazine, with his uncle. His hobbies include playing the jazz piano and the saxophone, photography, listening to music (any genre will do) and designing clothes – which he developed after he was jilted. 2011, Uzodinma graduated from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and wrote a nonfiction book about Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS crisis, Our Kind of People: A Continent’s Challenge, A Country’s Hope (2012). He is currently a fellow at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University. His debut novel, Beasts of No Nation, which depicts a child soldier in an unnamed African country, has been announced for adaptation into a movie that will star British actor Idris Elba, and American director and film writer Cary Fukunaga as its director. He is working on his next novel, – set in Washington, DC, in the months leading up to a terrorist attack – and on two multimedia projects, one about Timbuktu (Mali) and one about violence in post-conflict sub-Saharan Africa. Written by Olusola Agbaje

The post Aphroden Spotlight: Uzodinma Iweala appeared first on Aphroden.

national assembly fascism in nigeria

The threat by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to demolish the New People’s Democratic Party’s (New PDP) Headquarters in Abuja may well be an exemplifier of a seeming trend towards official intolerance of the opposition in any form. Viewed against some antecedents involving the breakaway faction of the PDP, the actions and utterances of some public officials in recent times connote more than a mere insistence on the rule of law. Rather, they suggest an evolving hidden agenda, to emasculate government’s perceived enemies. The only way to disabuse the mind of the public in this regard is for government to check the excess of its officials and stop the emerging trend. The ‘official sin’ of the New PDP, according to Senator Bala Muhammed, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who ordered the demolition, was that the party’s faction allegedly violated the Abuja master plan by converting the said building into a party secretariat, whose original plan was for residential purposes. The action, in the judgment of the minister, contravened the Land Use Act and would not be tolerated. The sudden awakening of the FCT minister adds troubling twists to the saga. Given the distortions that have apparently been brought to bear on the master plan of Abuja, the source of his new inspiration for urban renewal cannot but provoke genuine concerns. Ironically, his new-found energy is targeted at legally acquired private properties that his ministry and the police are supposed to dutifully protect. As a party, the PDP is not an ardent respecter of the rule of law. Its invocation of the rule, therefore, naturally triggers suspicion of Nigerians who feel that such proclamation should be taken with a pinch of salt. The party has a penchant for seeking to kill an ant with a sledge hammer, and for not coming to equity with clean hands. The question is whether the demolition threat against the secretariat of the New PDP has anything to do with the violation of the Land Use Act, as claimed. Is the threat not connected with the internal crises rocking the party, which have split it into the old and the new PDPs? Notably, the party had before the threat embarked on unlawful security surveillance and disruptions of lawful meetings of the splinter group on several occasions, most notably at the Adamawa State Governor’s Lodge and Kano, a property belonging to the Kano State governor in Abuja. A Divisional Police Officer in Abuja had the effrontery to badge into a meeting of the governors, ordering them to discontinue and vacate the venue, failing which he would deploy maximum force to stop them. This itself smacks of indecency and official recklessness, with grave implications for democratic stability. The fact that these are happening under a supposedly democratic government is dangerously worrisome. If unchecked, such executive high-handedness poses grave danger to the delivery of democracy in all ramifications; particularly the fundamental human rights of Nigerians. The extremism of the government in dealing with its political enemies, real or imagined, infringes on the rights to freedom of association and assembly. It could also degenerate to anarchy, and complicate the already parlous state of national security. That this new phase of political intolerance is being funded by taxpayers’ money makes it all the more vexatious, as evident in the fact that the principal actors in this ugly orchestration are all in the employ of the Federal Government. The Nigeria Police and the FCDA are particularly blameworthy. The FCT minister, with the active connivance of the police would appear to be the arrowhead of the current onslaught against perceived detractors of government. The minister and all those involved in these democratic assaults need to be reminded that the FCT belongs to all Nigerians, irrespective of political and ideological inclinations. Its status must be kept federal and sacrosanct in all ramifications. President Jonathan also needs to call his officials to order. It is most unlikely that these travesties are taking place without the tacit or express knowledge of the government. The only way he can claim otherwise is by taking concrete steps to stop the degeneration. So far, by pretending not to know, or by looking the other way, the President has not acted gracefully on this matter. The time to do so is now bearing in mind that Nigerians have in the past successfully resisted attempts to enthrone fascism in the country. Source: The Guardian

The post The Emerging Face of Fascism in Nigeria appeared first on Aphroden.

Source: Bellanaija.com

Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan is Nigeria’s 14th head of state and current president, but that’s all common knowledge. It’s also common knowledge that he originally came into office after the former president fell ill. Here are some lesser-known things worth learning about. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="512"]

Source: channelstv.com[/caption] 1. Jonathan was born to a family of canoe makers Jonathan was born in what is now Bayelsa State to a family of canoe makers. In the oil-rich Niger Delta region, this was a somewhat unusual occupation, and Goodluck made the even more rare decision not to follow in his parents’ footsteps. 2. His middle name means “God’s wish” Jonathan’s middle name, Ebele, means “God’s wish,” suggesting his parents had pretty high expectations for him from the get-go. I mean, if your name is Goodluck God’s wish, you've got some high hopes to live up to, right? 3. He has a Ph.D in Zoology Which might be a bit of an oddity for a sitting head of state. But Jonathan began with a bachelor’s degree in zoology, and followed up with an master’s in hydrobiology and fisheries biology and a Ph.D in zoology from the University of Port Harcourt. Who knows, maybe the Nigerian presidential office has a ton a pets! 4. He worked as an environmental protection officer before taking office Among other things. Before entering into the political arena in 1998, Jonathan worked as an education inspector, a lecturer, and more memorably as an environmental protection officer. It was in this latter capacity that he stepped into the public light, serving as a watch dog on many corporations in the country. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="400"]

Source: thenet.ng[/caption] 5. Jonathan seems to have a penchant for being in the right place at the right time It’s common knowledge that he assumed the presidency following then-President Olusegun Obansajo’s illness, but that wasn’t the first time he had to lead. In 1999, he was deputy governor for his home state of Bayelsa when the governor was impeached on corruption charges. Jonathan moved into the open position, beginning his more illustrious political career. 6. His fedora is one of his more memorable signature features The fedora has character, but a former U.S. ambassador made the unfortunate comment that Jonathan lacked charisma and possessed an “underwhelming personality,” a slip of the tongue uncovered in the WikiLeaks scandal. 7. As vice president, he kept a low profile but was instrumental in several key moments One of Jonathan’s niche roles was as a negotiator with his fellow Ijaws. He managed to help forge an agreement with militant groups in the Niger Delta to stop a rash of violence and encouraged them to lay down their weapons in exchange for amnesty, a move celebrated both by his administration and by citizens country wide. 8. Jonathan tried to ban the Nigerian national soccer team after a poor showing at the 2010 World Cup After the Nigerian soccer team didn’t progress past the group stage at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Jonathan tried to implement a two-year ban on the team’s participation in international competition. He later backtracked due to pressure from FIFA, but it was pretty clear he wasn't pleased with the performance. 9. Jonathan became the first sitting Nigerian president to have his own Facebook page Jonathan launched his Facebook page in June 2010 to help better interact with the Nigerian people. He used it as a platform to announce his run for office in 2011, which would represent his first actual run for political election. 10. His wife has been investigated on money laundering allegations Though she was never found guilty or convicted of any wrongdoing, Jonathan’s wife, Patience, was investigated by an anti-corruption committee in 2006. It was alleged she had tried to launder more than $13 million, but the evidence wasn't strong enough for a conviction. Source: AFK Insider

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aphroden7

It's been a roller-coaster kind of week and we've never looked forward to the weekend more than we did on Friday. Here's hoping you had a restful weekend making memories with family and friends and if you didn't, you have another chance next weekend to make it right. As you put your feet up to plan for the coming week, we'd like for you to check out great stuff by our amazing team of writers on our site this week! 9 Nigerian Books Adapted to Movies

Serena's Diary: Medical Matters

The 9 Things Genevieve Nnaji Would Tell You About Herself

Photo Exhibition: Face to Face by Maeva

Winter Trends 2

The Evolution of Nigerian Dance (From Makossa to Skelewu)

Orin's Story: Full Moon Fever

Atiteh's Talk: The Gnawing Silence 2

15 Things You May Not Know About Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

[caption id="attachment_5256" align="aligncenter" width="634"]

Source: interviewmagazine.com[/caption] The Afro-Dutch Writer: 20 on Chika Unigwe [caption id="attachment_5280" align="aligncenter" width="634"]

Source: theafricanstreetwriter.com[/caption] 6 Basic Concepts of Book Design [caption id="attachment_5292" align="aligncenter" width="634"]

Source: Socialsciencespace.com[/caption] 20 Before 2000: The 20 Hottest Nigerian Songs Before 2000

Aphroden's Writing Competition 2013 (An Update)

5 Surefire Tips to Help You Become A Successful Musician [caption id="attachment_5282" align="aligncenter" width="634"]

Source: albanypoets.com[/caption] Aphroden Spotlight: Uzodinma Iweala

Enjoy the rest of your evening!

The post On Aphroden This Week appeared first on Aphroden.

DolceHorizontalaa

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How to be a successful nollywood actor

Choosing a career path in Nollywood is a bold decision and being successful in the industry is an unrealistic goal for the fainthearted. The competition for films roles with producers/directors continues to grow daily. Therefore, one must have extraordinarily skills/qualities to hit jackpot. The following tips can be helpful for young starlets and people seeking to create a niche for themselves in the film industry:

Should possess at least a degree in Performing or Theatre Arts, Literature, English language, History, Social Sciences, Business, etc, from recognized universities or high institutions.
Show strong character and behaviour.
Be familiar with current trends in media for film projects auditioning.
Possess the ability to good speak any of major languages (Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa) fluently because their dominance of the industry.
Be photogenic, trendy and camera friendly.
Possess strong capabilities for learning, master scripts and adapt to roles in films projects easily.
Have an excellent team spirit for overall success of films projects.
Possess the ability to work under pressure and beat deadlines.
Be able to handle paparazzi, press and media attention properly
Always be on the lookout for reputable directors/producers in the industry.

Above all, prayer they say, is the master key that unlocks every door. Never stop working hard; you could be the next Nollywood Superstar! By Abraham Alfa

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magic ent

We bring you one of the leading youth event managers who has managed to build an impressive portfolio over her run so far both in Africa and in the UK! We caught up with the founder, Uju Nneji, and some members of her team at a beautiful park in London and had a ball with them. It was indeed a fun day and we had a blast working together as you will see from the video! Watch, enjoy and share! FOLLOW VENDREDITV Bringing the youth to the forefront!

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We have seen professionals of all sorts grace the beautiful continent of Africa, but none so impressive as the practitioners in the field of art, representing the continent on the world stage. A new generation of writers is being polished everyday and is regarded as the hope for future generations. We must therefore not forget the contributions of earlier writers who laid the foundation for the progress of today. Among these legends is Mariama Bâ (born in Dakar, Senegal on April 17, 1929) who is regarded as one of West Africa's best exports. A Senegalese author and feminist who wrote in French, Mariama was raised a Muslim but eventually came to criticise what she perceived as religion-inspired gender inequality. Mariama was raised by her grandparents who did not believe that girls should receive formal education. Her struggle for education informed her writing, both fictional and critical. She later married a Senegalese member of Parliament, Obèye Diop, but divorced him and was left to care for their nine children. Her life and work were all about issues such as gender relations, power and inequality, as well as the ways in which such issues were framed and affected by African and Islamic cultural beliefs. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="261"]

Source: Bookedallweek.wordpress.com[/caption] She wrote her first novel 'So Long a Letter' in 1981 where she used the raw material of her life to create a narrative which-- due to its resemblance with the experience of other African women-- is widely regarded as a seminal feminist text. Called "the most deeply felt presentation of the female condition in African fiction", this short book was awarded the first Noma Prize for Publishing in Africa in 1980. Bâ died a year later after a protracted illness before her second novel, Scarlet Song, on August 17, 1981 which was published in 1986. Since her death, academics and other readers have come to appreciate the peculiar power and contribution of Bâ’s writing, as well as her political legacy. Even though she composed her work in French, it has been translated into many different languages, and is read and studied worldwide. By Azeez Sanusi

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One Mic Naija, the bi-monthly live music showcase event that connects fans with artistes is back this December with rave of the moment Sean Tizzle set to perform alongside Yemi Alade and Skales. Other acts include Rapper AT, Nigerian Idol 2013 winner, Moses, and Rap duo, Show Dem Camp. This festive edition tagged "The Turn Up Edition" will hold at Ember Creek on December 8, 2013 and will be hosted by Kel, Kunle Bello and Kore Brown.

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for the love of leather

I'm sure by now you've realized leather isn't just for rock stars, biker chicks and rebels any more. I'm also aware that this realization doesn't necessarily make you any less wary of the trend. I say it's time to break out of the restrictive mindset holding us back and embrace leather as the versatile and fun (albeit edgy) fabric that it is! Leather comes in a variety of colours and can be luxe when worn correctly. Leather is the trend of the season! I can’t let you sit back and allow it pass you by because it’s a bit uncomfortable to wear sometimes and a bit on the pricey side. Want to incorporate leather into your wardrobe this season? Here are a couple of ways how. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="236"]

Source: Pinterest[/caption]

In love with leather? Then a leather moto jacket should definitely be a wardrobe staple and your go-to coat this season. A moto jacket instantly adds flare and drama to your daytime outfits and shows off your tough-girl, edgy side on a night out.

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Incorporating leather into your wardrobe is definitely a brilliant idea, but you don’t want to over-do it. The easiest way to pull this off is with accessories: a) You could carry a leather clutch or larger bag b) Leather belts will do the trick as well. c) Make a big statement with jewelry with small leather accents. - a studded leather cuff bracelet or a necklace or pair of earrings with a touch of leather should do it.

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I love booties!!! I’ve ordered several leather ones to rock this season. I can’t get enough of them, mostly because they’re a really nice and subtle way to add a pop of leather to virtually any day or night look. I guess is should also point out you can’t go wrong with almost any other leather shoes. Looking to make a statement? Then opt for a bolder, more edgy look by choosing leather shoes in unique colors or stud embellishments.

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I understand that sometimes you want to be subtle sometimes, and I appreciate this. I really do. To do this with leather, look for clothing with just a hint of the material. When shopping, look out for shirts and sweaters that have leather accents either in the capped sleeves, elbow-pads, pockets or even in the collar. Dress shopping? Go for those with leather paneling down the sides or those adorable ones with peplum embellishments.

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This one is for the ladies who don’t care about the potential slight discomfort and just want to make a massive statement. Your options are limitless - leather skirts, high-waisted shorts, faux leather leggings and leather dresses. It’s always easier to go with black leather, but why not be more outlandish this season? Shop items in a deep red leather or another haute color. It’s important to remember that you should only have one or two really big statement pieces in this material in your closet and also, try not to accessorize you leather outfits with more leather.

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Source: Pinterest.com[/caption]

Let leather pants replace your skinny jeans this season. Leather pants add edge to your look whether it’s day or night and give you a break from the contemporary jeans. If you’re not a fan of skinny, you can opt for looser fits as well.

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For the working ladies who want to try this trend out at work but aren’t really sure how, the answer to your question is – Skirts. Try leather pencil skirts in colors other than black for a classy look and even skater skirts in leather will do the trick for you as well.

Choosing to add a touch of leather to your everyday style will definitely enhance your look. As always, remember that whichever way you choose to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe it should be fun, fit your personality, make you feel confident, daring and even a little bit rebellious. Yeah, I said it. By Coco Anetor-Sokei

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Source: partiesforpennies.com

For the love of fiction, Orin's story continues this week with Chapter 9 . You can read the first few chapters here I am six months gone. Pregnant. I am learning to put Tiwa and his drama behind me so much that I do not mention the ‘episode’ to a soul. Not even Amaka. It is June 23 and it is Sunmade’s birthday. Friday. I was in the kitchen a minute but I had to sit for awhile. I have a heartburn. I gulp down my antacid then help myself to a bar of Twix ignoring the doctor’s advice to avoid chocolate. I might as well pack weight while I can afford to. Lolu, my mother and my mother-in-law are in the kitchen. Sunmade, his brothers, Farajinmi, Jide, and some of his friends are in the living room watching a match. Arsenal and Manchester United. Sunmade is the only Manchester fan in this group. I do not know the scores but I know Jinmi shouts “this Arshavin na bastard” every five minutes. The game will end soon I think. I rub my tummy fondly as my offspring kicks. He has been doing this often these past few days. Restless I guess. The doctor says our baby will survive if I go into premature labor at this time. With intensive care of course. It is 5.00. Amaka is not here yet. She called earlier to say she will be coming with a bunch of people from the office. Knowing Amaka, it will be a full house soon. “Orin are you hungry?” My mother asks. “A bit.” “The amala is ready. Shey you will have it with some egusi soup?” “Yes ma.” The older Mrs MacGregor trots out of the kitchen with a tray of freshly made spring rolls and places it beside the cake. She smiles at me. “Feeling better love?” “A bit.” I giggle “Is he still restless?” “He’s calmer now.” “Just like his father. Sunmade kicked all day and all night!” She sits on the arm of the chair in front of me. “I had it a little easier with the rest.” My mother sets my meal in front of me and shuffles back into the kitchen before I can thank her. I think Lolu’s on the phone; I can hear her laughing. “Where’s Sunmade’s dad?” “Oh he should be here any minute.” She frowns at her watch, a beautiful string of gold. “He had to pick up some wine from Shoprite.” The game ends and the men come towards the dining. “I swear that Wenger has some spiritual problems.” “Na today? I tell you say na Man U go win today.“ “Oga make we hear word jor.“ My husband and the other men always have their animated conversations in Pidgin English. “Mama bomboy” Jinmi says to me “which name we go give your pikin na?“ “Roman.” I respond. My mother-in-law nods her approval. “I think that’s a beautiful name.” She adds. “Ehn ehn! You no like South African?” Sunmade mocks and helps himself to a spring roll. The other men laugh. “The name no bad na, guy.” Michael, one of his friends, says. “I don dey hear say you be gay before but I no believe am.“ I giggle helplessly. “You dey craze “ “Your mama“ “Sunmade!” His mother exclaims. “I hope you won’t be using all this bad language when the baby arrives.” “Nah mom, I won’t.” He grins stupidly at her. Lolu comes in with a bowl of salad. “Lolu how far?” Emeka says. “I dey.” She smiles at him. “Guy no dey greet my sister. We no want gay Ibo boy for our family“ “This guy go soon slap you.” Jinmi chips in “No think say because today na your birthday you go dey do anyhow. They go just beat you finish for here.“ I shake my head and continue with my meal. It will be an interesting evening.

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davido-skelewu

November has been a great month for Nigerian musicians so we rounded up the very best for lovers of Nigerian music. Counting down from 5 to 1, here are the hottest songs in Nigeria this week! 5. Eminado - Tiwa Savage feat Don Jazzy

Popular Nigerian musician, Tiwa Savage, has had a pretty decent year tying the knot with her sweetheart and manager, Tunde Balogun just last weekend. Savage had Nigerians addicted from her debut single Kele Kele Love and has remained a favorite on Nigerian music charts since then. The video for 'Eminado' (meaning 'goodluck charm') was shot recently with Savage giving us more reasons to fall in love with her sultry voice and winning smile. Number 5 is Tiwa Savage's goodluck charm for the week! [audio mp3="http://www.aphroden.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/09-Eminado-ft-Don-Jazzy.mp3"][/audio] 4. Surulere - Don Jazzy, Dr Sid

Dr Sid, from the defunct Mo'Hots Crew is not getting a pedicure this month at all! Sid and Don Jazzy easily steal the number 4 spot today with this feel-good party jam. Don Jazzy put his Midas touch on this track making it the kind of song you listen to while you drive through Lagos in your BMW Convertible with the top down. Bonus reason this is hot right now: Don Jazzy speaks Yoruba on this track. Winning! [audio mp3="http://www.aphroden.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Dr-Sid-Ft-Don-Jazzy-SURULERE.mp3"][/audio] 3. On Top Your Matter - Wizkid

We love what Wizkid did with Highlife on this song! His lyrics are ~~weaker than normal~~ weak but put Wizkid's voice on a great highlife beat and you can do no wrong in my eyes. People, look no further, we have the perfect jollof music for owambe parties in Lagos. [audio mp3="http://www.aphroden.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Wizkid-On-Top-Matter-Jaguda.com_.mp3"][/audio] 2. Skelewu - Davido

This sat comfortable as number 1 the first few weeks it was released and even now it's still a jam! Davido went into the studio with the intent of making a club jam and he did it effortlessly with Skelewu. Even if you can't do the funny Skelewu dance, you can bob your head, tap your feet and get away with it as long as you like the song. Not like you're spoiled for choice considering the fact that it stays in your head long after you've heard it. Behold, number 2! [audio mp3="http://www.aphroden.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/01-Skelewu.mp3"][/audio] 1. Pull Over - Kcee ft Wizkid

Just when we thought Kcee couldn't come up with lyrics more ridiculous than on his Limpopo track, he gives us Pull Over and we love him for it. This song has everyone dancing (or attempting to dance) once you get past the lyrics. Sitting comfortably in the number 1 spot: Pull Over! [audio mp3="http://www.aphroden.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/PULLOVE.mp3"][/audio]

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hacker jp

World famous DJ Hacker is back with a new mixtape featuring YungSix! No need to worry about assembling different songs for your next party. DJ Hacker brings you the very best Afro Hip hop, Dancehall, Rap and Pop songs in one mixtape!

Download, Listen and Share!

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aphroden5

Titilayo Olurin ended her short story, The Gnawing Silence, last week and begins Room 36 this lovely Wednesday afternoon. Do read, share and leave us a thought in the comment box. Enjoy! The room was at the end of a long, narrow corridor. On its door, a fading brown panel hinged to a rusty frame, was the number 36 painted ominously in red. As the porter opened it, the carved number six, which had previously hung awkwardly next to the three, fell to the floor with a thud. He hesitated for a moment, looking down at the wooden figure, before reaching for the light and fan switches, conspicuously placed on the wall by his left. Then, he stepped aside for the new occupant of the room. Tola hadn’t expected much of a cheap hotel room but was surprised at what she saw. A small bed stand, a chair that dangerously stood on wobbly legs and a stool on which was placed a small Television that looked little more than a contraption, were all the furniture in the room. Drab window curtains made the room look rather gloomy, and the rug, a pale gray colour which barely covered the center of the room, was just as drab. The floor, the part uncovered by the rug, was a similar fading terrazzo to that in the corridor. It was dirty, extremely so. Someone had attempted to mop it but had only succeeded in smearing it with more dirt and grease. There was a square shaped plank in the space where the air-conditioner should have been and the fan, rotating dangerously low, sounded like it had known better days. She noticed a pair of blue jeans sprawled on the bed that was devoid of pillows and assumed that its owner was the previous occupant of the room. If it was still there, then she didn’t need a soothsayer to tell her that the bed sheet hadn’t been changed or the room cleaned. The porter must have followed her gaze, for he immediately rushed to the bed and picked up the jeans. “I apologise. The cleaners forgot to pick it up.” “They also forgot to change the bed sheet, didn’t they?” It was more of a statement than a question and was heavily laden with sarcasm. The bed sheet, light pink linen with yellow flowered- patterns, might have been beautiful if there weren’t obvious smudges on it. “I’ll make sure it’s changed,” he said in a soft, even soothing voice. He spoke in a quiet yet clear manner. She could tell that he wasn’t that young, probably in his mid-forties. He wasn’t tall either, just a little taller than she was. He was fat – at least, by her standards - with stout arms. His face, a perfect oblong, was a contrast to his stout body, and his eyes were so narrow they looked like slits on a ragged doll. His best features were perhaps his pointed nose and the dimple on his left cheek that deepened each time he spoke. In his uniform, a worn out but clean purple short sleeved shirt and black trousers, he looked neat and his finger nails, she observed when he handed the keys to her, were clean and neatly manicured. “Is there anything else, ma?” he asked, as he turned to leave. She shook her head. “No, nothing. Just the bed sheet.” “Yes, Ma’am,” he nodded and left the room in long strides, probably the longest his short limbs could take. If she wasn’t too tired, she would laugh at the irony of this man, who was at least a decade older, saying “ma’am” to her. But she was tired and as soon as he shut the door behind him, she headed for the adjoining bathroom. The repugnant odour of both air-freshener and disinfectant hit her nostrils even before she pushed the door open. Like the bedroom, the bathroom was an ugly sight. Patches of rust and dirt were in and around the bathtub; the toilet bowl, which was nearly falling to pieces, was grimy with a few flies buzzing around it; and the original colour of the sink had disappeared beneath layers of brown and greenish mould. Any hope of a late night bath was quickly dashed. “You must do something about this room. It’s awful,” she complained to the porter when he returned with the clean bed sheet. “Ah, madam!” he laughed pleasantly, “I am not in a position to do anything about the room. I’m just a poor errand boy.” Although she wasn’t exactly in a mood for it, she tried to find the humour in his words. “Well, thank you,” she said, handing him a 50 naira note, one of the two she had left on her. Payment for the room had drained her of everything she had, and yet, it was unbelievably like something from a nightmare. She blamed herself for rushing to pay without first checking out the room – not like she really had any choices. It was the only hotel within the neighbourhood. At least, she’d get some sleep now that the bed sheet had been changed, she consoled herself. But that was not to be. As soon as she began drifting off to sleep, scurrying movements began from under the bed. Stiffening, she cocked her ears to be sure she was hearing right. The movements stopped fleetingly and resumed almost immediately. She sat up with her knees raised to her chin and her eyes wide with fear. Then, she squeezed her eyes shut hoping that it’d somehow make the noise disappear, and when it didn’t, she started to pray silently. “Oh lord, I’ve been through too much today already…..” she began feverishly, scarcely believing the ridiculousness of her words. It was also hard to believe that the shriek that filled the room minutes later came from her. By Titilayo Olurin

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