Haven Africa ®

Much Ado About Lagos

2011-10-20T16:08:00.005+01:00

Picture this...you wake up in the morning feeling perky or at least grateful that you...woke up, take a shower, put on your work clothes, have breakfast, dash out the door, jump into your brand new car and drive off before you know it, you are stuck in traffic for at least an hour...darn it! You are late for rehearsal, just then, an okada (motor bike) which is trying to manoeuvre through a tight space between your car and another motorist scratches your car in the process. The sound from the side of the car is long and frightful, like nails on a chalkboard...your heart sinks, before you have time to look out to check your car, the okada’s sped off on the sidewalk, chasing pedestrians off the path. What a f%^&ing shitty morning as you yell out GIVE ME A BREAK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! As you look to the heavens.

With the recession, no one can afford to incur any extra bills. Staring at the damage, i couldn’t help but think how screwed i was. Boy! Would i love to line up some okada’s up side by side and use my car as a bowling ball....score!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! don’t get me wrong, though i will never use them, they are quicker and cheaper to get you to your destination, but do they have to be a bloody menace? I once saw a family of four (mother, two kids, a baby strapped on back plus the driver) on one okada and the other day a man with a windscreen balanced on both his head and the driver’s head.

I mean, people are poor yes, but that doesn’t excuse the lack of common sense! A taxi ride cost a minimum of N500 (depends on distance to destination), bike ride maybe N100 or N150 how much would it cost the owner to re-purchase that windscreen if it breaks? Or hospital bills if any of those kids end up hurt in an accident? COME THE F&^% ON PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just at that moment i noticed the commotion in front, i leaned forward to get a closer look and there it was, the okada which scratched my car, toppled over with both passenger and driver on the ground. The passenger gets up frustrated and flings his helmet on the floor and walks off. i burst out laughing. With a grin from ear to ear, i let out a loud sigh and said; ‘God is good’...and then leaned forward again to make sure they weren’t badly hurt...leaned back, this time with a sigh of relief –traffic began to move

Amidst dealing with irresponsible creatures, traffic, chaos and unimaginable humidity, the air is stale filled with exhaust fumes and dust from all the construction work going on on the island. By the way, when will the Lekki road / toll gate be completed? Reduce our misery by one iota i beg of you.
More traffic up ahead. Perfect. I began looking around whilst sat in traffic and before too long, street vendors / hawkers blocked my view. These people stand by your window (even if u turn your gaze away so you are not bothered) pressing their goods – mobile top up cards, magazines, chewing gum, games, even puppies.

Another street vendor comes across with a magazine that caught my eye. I wind down slightly to ask the price. After being quoted some ridiculous price, i say to him “don’t worry, just looking” BIG MISTAKE. He angrily snatched his magazine from my hand and insulted me. As he was insulting me i wound up my window, closed my eyes, pictured heaven and began chanting in my mind; ‘i’m covered with the blood of Jesus’. MEHN! THE DAY IS GETTING BETTER ALREADY I THOUGHT.

Finally get to rehearsals, only to find my actors sat at a corner (they should have been at least be an hour into rehearsals.) some were sprawled, some were reading scripts. The manager of the venue was at his desk, legs crossed and reading the sports section of a newspaper. Trying not to yell i calmly asked what the problem was and without looking at me said there was no diesel for the generator. ‘so all the money paid for the use of this place is for what??’ he looked up at me and said ‘Madam, no be me get PHCN’

Back in the car, taking long deep breaths, i sped to the nearest petrol station. Starring at the long queues at the station, i packed my car across the road, and dashed across with a 50 litre empty gallon in hand which i collected from the ‘manager’ at the venue. As expected, it was rough. The hustle was way more than i could handle. I noticed the mechanic i used a week ago at the corner, went to him and pleaded with him to assist me. He agreed after he saw a shinny N1000 note brought out the ‘better’ side of him. Gave me the money for diesel and the gallon, pointed to where the car was parked and casually went to sit in my car with the radio on. Forty minutes later, he signalled to me from across the street and told me to bring the car round. I started the engine and what should take less than five minutes to make turn took twelve because of the traffic. Eventually, i got there, got my diesel and was on my way back to the rehearsal venue.

Without wasting any more time, as i was late for a meeting with one of the companies sponsoring the show, i got the security guard to see to the generator and warned him that i knew how long 50 litres would last to use it wisely if not, i’d report him and his sluggish manager to the owner. I told the play’s director to keep an eye on it.

Back on the road, meeting after meeting i looked at my watch, 4:45PM, i had a throbbing headache. All i could envision was my warm comfortable bed and pillow. I decided to head home. Usually a journey from Ikoyi to Lekki shouldn’t take you more than 30 minutes without traffic, but err...this is lagos we are talking about right? Got home at 6.50PM. Immediately i rushed to my room and crashed on my bed. One question kept playing over and over in my head as i drifted off to sleep; why am i here?

A couple of hours later, i got up and took quick shower and made some dinner. I turned on the TV and there he was, the governor of lagos running some campaign. It wasn’t the campaign that annoyed me but what he said at the end...’Eko oni baje o’ ....which sort of translates to Lagos is not bad or will never be bad. At that point if my mind were a censored movie all you’ll hear is beep beep beep beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep!!!

When you see a Nigerian smile, thats pure magic. For him / her to crack a smile having to contend with, traffic, heat, no light, no petrol, rude people and incompetent staff e.tc, that truly is pure magic.

Brothers & Sisters

2010-01-22T17:19:00.008Z

As search teams wind down efforts to find survivors amongst the rubble in Haiti, CNN’s Sanjay Gupta has reports that tons of relief aid are still sitting on tarmacs and warehouses with no one to shift them to the people.The quake struck on January 12 2010 at 4:53 p.m.

The 7.0 magnitude quake's epicenter hit just 10 miles west of Porte-au-Prince and its 2 million inhabitants. 3 million people are now in need of emergency aid after major earthquake. The major quake sent 33 aftershocks ranging in magnitude from 4.2 to 5.9

I had the privilege of interviewing one o f the world’s biggest artistes – Wyclef Jean – a proud Haitian. He is one of the rare celebrities i can truly say he has a kind heart and soul, very caring and down to earth. A few days ago, i watched this kind soul pour out his heart and tears for his country which has been ravaged with devastation. Being the person that i am, before too long, tears welled up in my eyes and i wept as i felt his pain.

Yes, Haiti isn’t in Africa, but i urge fellow Africans to please come to the aide of our brothers and sisters in Haiti and give generously. Donate all you can financially, even if its old clothes, shoes or food. They desperately need our help. There are several organisations which you can contact including Wyclef’s organisation yele Haiti which would ensure that donations would get to the people of Haiti.

Other organisations include:

•The American Red Cross is pledging an initial $200,000 to assist communities impacted by this earthquake. They expect to provide immediate needs for food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support. They are accepting donations through their International Response Fund.

•Clinton Bush Haiti Fund is being run by former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton and was created at the behest of President Obama. They oversee the CBHF through their respective nonprofit organizations, the William J. Clinton Foundation and Communities Foundation of Texas. One hundred percent of the donations made to the Clinton Foundation go directly to relief efforts. Ninety-nine percent of the donations made to the Communities Foundation of Texas go directly to relief efforts.

•Haitian-born musician Wyclef Jean is raising funds for emergency earthquake relief through his nonprofit organization Yele Haiti. Text YELE to 501501 to give $5 to the fund. Yele Haiti came under scrutiny this week for potential improper allocation of funds. Wyclef Jean responded to these accusations on Saturday on YouTube and again on Monday in a press conference.

•UNICEF has issued a statement that "Children are always the most vulnerable population in any natural disaster, and UNICEF is there for them." UNICEF requests donations for relief for children in Haiti via their Haiti Earthquake Fund. You can also call 1-800-4UNICEF.

•Operation USA is appealing for donations of funds from the public and corporate donations in bulk of health care materials, water purification supplies and food supplements which it will ship to the region from its base in the Port of Los Angeles. Donate online at www.opusa.org, by phone at 1-800-678-7255 or, by check made out to Operation USA, 3617 Hayden Ave, Suite A, Culver City, CA 90232.

•Save The Children has launched an emergency relief effort for Haiti. Donate to their fund to provide medical attention and clean water to children and families. Text "SAVE" to 20222 to donate $10 to Save the Children for Haiti earthquake victims.

•International Medical Corps is assembling a team of first responders and resources to provide lifesaving medical care and other emergency services to survivors of the earthquake. The IMC previously helped recovery efforts after September 2009's earthquake in Sumatra, Indonesia, and the massive 2005 earthquake in Pakistan. Donate to the International Medical Corps through their 24-hour hotline at 800-481-4462

•Ben Stiller's Stillerstrong campaign will be temporarily diverting all donations to support the Haiti relief effort.

•Partners In Health reports its Port-au-Prince clinical director , Louise Ivers, has appealed for assistance: "Port-au-Prince is devastated, lot of deaths. SOS. SOS... Temporary field hospital by us at UNDP needs supplies, pain meds, bandages. Please help us." Donate to their Haiti earthquake fund.

•As a UN Special Envoy to Haiti, Bill Clinton appeared on CNN on Wednesday to ask for further assistance in bringing relief to populations on the ground. You can donate through the Clinton Foundation or text HAITI to 20222 to donate $10.

•Mercy Corps is sending a team of emergency responders to assess damage, and seek to fulfill immediate needs of quake survivors. The agency aided families after earthquakes in Peru in 2007, China and Pakistan in 2008, and Indonesia last year. Donate online, call 1-888-256-1900 or send checks to Mercy Corps Haiti Earthquake Fund; Dept NR; PO Box 2669; Portland, OR 97208.

•Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres is now asking donors to give to their general unrestricted fund, to ensure that any surplus donations they receive can be put to good use anywhere in the world. Below is a statement from the organization:

We are incredibly grateful for the generous support from our donors for the emergency in Haiti.
MSF has been working in Haiti for 19 years, most recently operating three emergency hospitals in Port-au-Prince, and is mobilizing a large emergency response to this disaster. Our immediate response in the first hours following the disaster in Haiti was only possible because of private unrestricted donations from around the world received before the earthquake struck. We are currently reinforcing our teams on the ground in order to respond to the immediate medical needs and to assess the humanitarian needs that MSF will be addressing in the months ahead.
We are now asking our donors to give to our Emergency Relief Fund. These types of funds ensure that our medical teams can react to the Haiti emergency and humanitarian crises all over the world, particularly neglected crises that remain outside the media spotlight. Your gift via this website will be earmarked for our Emergency Relief Fund.
•Direct Relief is committing up to $1 million in aid for the response and is coordinating with its other in-country partners and colleague organizations. Their partners in Haiti include Partners in Health, St. Damien Children's Hospital, and the Visitation Hospital, which are particularly active in emergency response. Donate to Direct Relief online.

•Oxfam is rushing in teams from around the region to respond to the situation to provide clean water, shelter, sanitation and help people recover. Donate to Oxfam America online.

•The UN World Food Programme (WFP) is gathering all available resources to deliver food to the newly homeless and impoverished in Haiti. Donate now to help bring food to those affected as quickly and efficiently as possible. One simple way to help is to text FRIENDS to 90999 to give $5 to WFP's relief efforts.

Drew Barrymore recently recorded an appeal to Americans to donate to the WFP

Let us open our hearts to the cries of Haiti and give generously.

Thank you and God bless.

World Cup 2010 Group and Schedule

2009-12-04T19:07:00.003Z

GROUP A

15.00, Friday, June 11
South Africa - Mexico
Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg

19.30, Friday, June 11
Uruguay - France
Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

19.30, Wednesday, June 16
South Africa - Uruguay
Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria

12.30, Thursday, June 17
France - Mexico
Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane

15.00, Tuesday, June 22
Mexico - Uruguay
Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg

15.00, Tuesday, June 22
France - South Africa
Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

GROUP B
12.30, Saturday, June 12
Argentina - Nigeria
Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg

15.00, Saturday, June 12
South Korea - Greece
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth

15.00, Thursday, June 17
Greece - Nigeria
Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

19.30, Thursday, June 17
Argentina - South Korea
Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg

19.30, Tuesday, June 22
Nigeria - South Korea
Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban

19.30, Tuesday, June 22
Greece - Argentina
Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane

GROUP C

19.30, Saturday, June 12
England - USA
Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg

12.30, Sunday, June 13
Algeria - Slovenia
Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane

15.00, Friday, June 18
Slovenia - USA
Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg

19.30, Friday, June 18
England - Algeria
Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

15.00, Wednesday, June 23
USA - Algeria
Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria

15.00, Wednesday, June 23
Slovenia - England
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth

GROUP D 1

5.00, Sunday, June 13
Germany - Australia
Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban

19.30, Sunday, June 13
Serbia - Ghana
Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria

12.30, Friday, June 18
Germany - Serbia
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth

12.30, Saturday, June 19
Ghana - Australia
Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg

19.30, Wednesday, June 23
Ghana - Germany
Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg

19.30, Wednesday, June 23
Australia - Serbia
Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit

GROUP E

12.30, Monday, June 14
Holland - Denmark
Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg

15.00, Monday, June 14
Japan - Cameroon
Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

15.00, Saturday, June 19
Holland - Japan
Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban

19.30, Saturday, June 19
Cameroon - Denmark
Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria

19.30, Thursday, June 24
Cameroon - Holland
Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

19.30, Thursday, June 24
Denmark - Japan
Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg

GROUP F

19.30, Monday, June 14
Italy - Paraguay
Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

12.30, Tuesday, June 15
New Zealand - Slovakia
Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg

12.30, Sunday, June 20
Slovakia - Paraguay
Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

15.00, Sunday, June 20
Italy - New Zealand
Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit

15.00, Thursday, June 24
Slovakia - Italy
Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg

15.00, Thursday, June 24
Paraguay - New Zealand
Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane

GROUP G
15.00, Tuesday, June 15
Ivory Coast - Portugal
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth

19.30, Tuesday, June 15
Brazil - North Korea
Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg

19.30, Sunday, June 20
Brazil - Ivory Coast
Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg

12.30, Monday, June 21
Portugal - North Korea
Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

15.00, Friday, June 25
North Korea - Ivory Coast
Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit

15.00, Friday, June 25
Portugal - Brazil
Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban

GROUP H

12.30, Wednesday, June 16
Honduras - Chile
Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit

15.00, Wednesday, June 16
Spain - Switzerland
Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban

15.00, Monday, June 21
Chile - Switzerland
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth

19.30, Monday, June 21
Spain - Honduras
Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg

19.30, Friday, June 25
Chile - Spain
Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria

19.30, Friday, June 25
Switzerland - Honduras
Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

This Thing Called...

2009-11-16T16:00:00.003Z

Have you ever been in love? Love is any of a number of emotions and experiences related to a sense of strong affection and attachment. The word love can refer to a variety of different feelings, states, and attitudes, ranging from generic pleasure ("I loved that meal") to intense interpersonal attraction ("I love my husband"). This diversity of uses and meanings, combined with the complexity of the feelings involved, makes love unusually difficult to consistently define, even compared to other emotional states.

As an abstract concept, love usually refers to a deep, ineffable feeling of tenderly caring for another person. Even this limited conception of love, however, encompasses a wealth of different feelings, from the passionate desire and intimacy of romantic love to the nonsexual emotional closeness of familial and platonic love to the profound oneness or devotion of religious love.

Love in its various forms acts as a major facilitator of interpersonal relationships and, owing to its central psychological importance, is one of the most common themes in the creative arts

Biological models of sex tend to view love as a mammalian drive, much like hunger or thirst. Helen Fisher, a leading expert in the topic of love, divides the experience of love into three partly overlapping stages: lust, attraction, and attachment. Lust exposes people to others; romantic attraction encourages people to focus their energy on mating; and attachment involves tolerating the spouse (or indeed the child) long enough to rear a child into infancy.

Lust is the initial passionate sexual desire that promotes mating, and involves the increased release of chemicals such as testosterone and estrogen. These effects rarely last more than a few weeks or months. Attraction is the more individualized and romantic desire for a specific candidate for mating, which develops out of lust as commitment to an individual mate forms. Recent studies in neuroscience have indicated that as people fall in love, the brain consistently releases a certain set of chemicals, including pheromones, dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, which act in a manner similar to amphetamines, stimulating the brain's pleasure center and leading to side effects such as increased heart rate, loss of appetite and sleep, and an intense feeling of excitement. Research has indicated that this stage generally lasts from one and a half to three years.

Since the lust and attraction stages are both considered temporary, a third stage is needed to account for long-term relationships. Attachment is the bonding that promotes relationships lasting for many years and even decades. Attachment is generally based on commitments such as marriage and children, or on mutual friendship based on things like shared interests. It has been linked to higher levels of the chemicals oxytocin and vasopressin to a greater degree than short-term relationships have.

What to do about it.

1. Say it. When you say the words "I Love You", they should carry with them the desire to show someone that you love them, not what you simply want to feel. When you say it, make sure you really mean it and are willing to do anything for that special person.

2. Empathize. Put yourself in someone else's shoes. Rather than impose your own expectations or attempt to control them, to understand how they feel, where they come from, and who they are. Realize how they could also love you back just as well.

3. Love unconditionally. If you cannot love another person without attaching stipulations, then it is not love at all, but deep-seated opportunism (one who makes the most of an advantage, often unmindful of others). If your interest is not in the other person as such, but rather in how that person can enhance your experience of life, then it is not unconditional. If you have no intention of improving that person’s life, or allowing that person to be themselves and accepting them as they are, and not who you want them to be, then you are not striving to love them unconditionally.

4. Expect nothing in return. That doesn't mean you should allow someone to mistreat or undervalue you. It means that giving love does not guarantee receiving love. Try loving just for the sake of love. Realize that someone may have a different way of showing his or her love for you; do not expect to be loved back in exactly the same way.

5. Realize it can be lost. If you realize that you can lose the one you love, then you have a greater appreciation of what you have. Think how lucky you are to have someone to love. Don't make an idol of the person you love. This will place them under undue pressure and will likely result in you losing them.

6. Never stop loving. Even if you have been hurt before you should not stop giving love.

First things first

• You must love yourself before you can love another.
• There is always the risk of getting hurt, but that's part of letting yourself
fully love and trust someone. Being hurt could be long-lasting and could hurt more
than anything in the world.
• Realize what you have while you have it, and care for the person you trust.
• If something comes to an end, try to let go rather than holding on; it's for the
best.
. The idea of love is fueled by childhood fantasies. The love shown in movies, as
obtainable as it may be, is rare to say the least.
• You just may find your soulmate sooner than you intended.
• If you feel any doubt of the love your partner has for you, make sure that your
suspicions are grounded in reality. If you hurt your partner as a result of
undeserved mistrust, he/she may end up doubting both your love for them and theirs
for you.
• Don't ask for love. You should receive love because your partner wants to give you
love, not because you want it from your partner.
• Do not force love. It will come in good time—perhaps not with the person you
initially want, but love definitely will come if you are willing to share it with
someone.

The Quintessential Ade Bakare

2009-10-19T01:12:00.012+01:00

If you ask me to describe Ade Bakare in three words, they would be - calm, poised and intelligent...needless to say, he is very creative and down to earth.

Ade Bakare’s collection can be described as feminine classics with a touch of modernity with strong influences from architecture and color. He is celebrated for his gazar and organza sweep coats which are unique to the house and ultra feminine and luxurious.

Born in Bromsgrove, Midlands, England, Ade has always had a flair for fashion from an early childhood, “I used to sketch a lot" he says. "My mum must have recognized the early signs and encouraged me further by buying me international fashion magazines. Also then, when we came back to Nigeria and lived in Lagos, Vanguard newspapers used to show photos of the couture collections in Paris, which was very inspiring.” he adds.

“After finishing from the University of Lagos, I went back to England and studied fashion design at the Salford University College in Manchester.”

While at Fashion College, he had to do a placement with a fashion house. “My placement was with Arabella Pollen. She designed ready to wear and was popular with Princess Diana and the British Sloane set. Her clothes were tailored with vivid colors. After college, I then worked with Christiania Stambolian and Victor Edelestein both were couture designers and I gained valuable insights to the couture industry.”

Ade Bakare started selling his collections twice a year, Spring/Summer and Autumn / Winter to boutiques such as Chic of Hampstead, Adele Davis of Bond Street, Lucienne Phillips of Knightsbridge and Ambers of Amersham amongst others in various parts of England, Esher, Guildford, Scotland a\and the Channel Islands.

The collections were classic dresses with a touch of modernity using fabrics such as wools, gazar silks, laces and crepes.

Due to constant demand by private clients for his exquisite designs, Ade Bakare opened his MayFair salon on Grosvenor Street to cater for the increasing demand. This drew a wider range of clients also of a higher profile establishing him as one of the couture designers patronized specifically for the Ascot, Heneley and Christmas ball seasons. Ade Bakare was able to use his prolific skills in designing clothes, jewellery, bags, hats and shoes to great advantage.

In 1998, the Perfume Breeze was created, inspired by his early childhood along the coastal shores of West Africa.

Bride’s magazine selected Ade Bakare as one of the influential designers in London which came as no surprise to the talent who while in Manchester came 2nd in the National Students Bridal Awards in 1998. He also placed in the Brides Magazine annual competition in 2000 Hearts Desire Category. He has won quite a few awards in England and Nigeria where he currently opened a boutique in Victoria Island in Lagos, Nigeria. He maintains his London studio where he works on new designs and manufactures.

Ade Bakare writes articles on fashion for newspapers and magazines, Lectures on fashion at institutions and is currently working on a movie called “a place in the stars” as the costume designer. The movie is being produced by renowned producer Mr. Steve Gukas.

He is constantly invited to show his glamorous collections all over the world, such as Vienna in 1995, New York in 2004, Cape Town and Durban in 2005/6, Jamaica in 2006 and Sierra Leone in 2006.

In Lagos, Nigeria in 2007 he established “The Young Designers Creative Competition” which is in its 2nd edition to encourage new talent in Nigeria. It holds annually in March. When asked if there were any other initiatives in Nigeria which nurture creative talent in the fashion industry he replied "I believe the FADAN Association promotes the talents of designers and supports them through the Government to show their clothes abroad. However, there is still a huge gap in terms of talent shows which specifically aim to nurture new unidentified talent in Nigeria is still almost non-existent. When we started the YDCC in 2006, there was nothing of the kind but now there are quite a few. The British Council held a similar event in 2007 and vlisco fabrics staged another early this year. One hopes they understand and appreciate the purpose of such shows."

The objective being to find and nurture talent and not create boundaries that make it difficult for the common person to participate, after all, talent lies in the hands of all of us and is not an elitist claim. The YDCC is open to anyone with a creative flair. Though the age is limited to 18-25 so we can identify the more mature individual who is eager to make a start in design. No entry fees are required and we give the selected finalists the monies to make the clothes that are shown.

The current economic recession affected most industries around the world, but Ade Bakare Couture seems to be thriving, when asked if he had been affected he said "I started the business in 1991 in London right in the middle of a global recession. I once read that if you started in hard times it toughens you up to ride any storm."

Spring 2010 Collection

Seal & Heidi Klum Welcome Baby Lou

2009-10-13T21:31:00.004+01:00

Supermodel Heidi Klum and her singer / songwriter husband Seal (real name Henry Olusegun Olumide Adelo Samuel) welcomed their new baby daughter on October 9th and named her baby Lou Sulola Samuel.

Seal, released the following statement Monday night: "It's difficult to imagine loving another child as much as you love your existing children," Seal writes. "Anyone who has a family will tell you this. Where will one find that extra love? If you love your existing children with all of your heart, how then can one possibly find more heart with which to love another?" "On Friday, Oct. 9, 2009, at 7:46 p.m., the answer to this question came in the form of our fourth child and second daughter," he continues. "Lou Sulola Samuel was born, and from the moment she looked into both of our eyes, it was endless love at first sight. She is beautiful beyond words and we are happy that she chose us to watch her grow over the coming years."

This is their third child together and Heidi's fourth.

I wish them all the joy, luck and happiness in the world.

MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) 2009 Winners

2009-10-12T23:53:00.006+01:00

Best Male

2 Face (Nigeria)
HHP (South Africa)
D’Banj (Nigeria)
Nameless (Kenya) – Winner
Da L.E.S. (South Africa)

Best New Act
M.I. (Nigeria) – Winner
Shaa (Tanzania)
STL (Kenya)
Bigiano (Nigeria)
Rhythmic Elements (South Africa)

Best R&B
2 Face (Nigeria) – Winner
Darey Art Alade (Nigeria)
Loyiso (South Africa)
Beyoncé (USA)
Akon (USA)

Best Hip Hop
M.I. (Nigeria) – Winner
A.Y. (Tanzania)
Zulu Boy (South Africa)
Jay-Z (USA)
Kanye West (USA)

Best Female
Kel (Nigeria)
Amani (Kenya) – Winner
Lira (South Africa)
Zamajobe (South Africa)
Lizha James (Mozambique)

Best Performer
P-Square (Nigeria)
D’Banj (Nigeria)
Samini (Ghana) – Winner
Nameless (Kenya)
Blu*3 (Uganda)

Best R&B
2 Face (Nigeria) – Winner
Darey Art Alade (Nigeria)
Loyiso (South Africa)
Beyoncé (USA)
Akon (USA)

Best Group
P-Square (Nigeria) – Winner
Blu*3 (Uganda)
Gang of Instrumentals (South Africa)
Mo Hits Allstars (Nigeria)
Gal Level (Namibia)

Artist of The Year
2 Face (Nigeria)
D’banj (Nigeria) – Winner
Lira (South Africa)
HHP (South Africa)
Nameless (Kenya)

Best Alternative
Green Day (USA)
Coldplay (UK)
Cassette (South Africa)
Zebra & Giraffe (South Africa) – Winner
Aking (South Africa)

Best Video
2Face – Enter The Place (Nigeria)
XOD – I Want You Back (Uganda)
HHP – Mpitse (South Africa) – Winner
Da L.E.S. – We on Fire (South Africa)
Wahu ft Bobi Wine – Little Things You Do (Kenya).

US President Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize

2009-10-12T13:44:00.006+01:00

President Barack Obama says he's honored to win the Nobel Peace Prize, but says he isn't sure he's done enough to earn it.

Appearing in the Rose Garden Friday, Obama acknowledged he was "both surprised and deeply humbled'' to win the award.

He said he does not "view it as a recognition of my own accomplishments,'' but rather as a recognition of goals he has set for the United States and the world. Obama said, "I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many transformative figures that have been honored by this prize.''

The Norwegian Nobel Committee honored Obama citing "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples,'' including outreach to the Muslim world and attempts to curb nuclear proliferation.

The stunning choice made Obama the third sitting U.S. president to win the Nobel Peace Prize and shocked Nobel observers because Obama took office less than two weeks before the Feb. 1 nomination deadline. Obama's name had been mentioned in speculation before the award but many Nobel watchers believed it was too early to award the president.

"Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world's attention and given its people hope for a better future,'' the committee said. "His diplomacy is founded in the concept that those who are to lead the world must do so on the basis of values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world's population.''

The committee said it attached special importance to Obama's vision of, and work for, a world without nuclear weapons.

"Obama has as president created a new climate in international politics. Multilateral diplomacy has regained a central position, with emphasis on the role that the United Nations and other international institutions can play,'' the committee said.

Theodore Roosevelt won the award in 1906 and Woodrow Wilson won in 1919. Former President Jimmy Carter won the award in 2002, while former Vice President Al Gore shared the 2007 prize with the U.N. panel on climate change.

The Nobel committee received a record 205 nominations for this year's prize.

In his 1895 will, Alfred Nobel stipulated that the peace prize should go ``to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between the nations and the abolition or reduction of standing armies and the formation and spreading of peace congresses.''

Unlike the other Nobel Prizes, which are awarded by Swedish institutions, he said the peace prize should be given out by a five- member committee elected by the Norwegian Parliament. Sweden and Norway were united under the same crown at the time of Nobel's death.

The committee has taken a wide interpretation of Nobel's guidelines, expanding the prize beyond peace mediation to include efforts to combat poverty, disease and climate change.

Obama's UN Speech
Mr. President, Mr. Secretary-General, fellow delegates, ladies and gentleman: it is my honor to address you for the first time as the forty-fourth President of the United States. I come before you humbled by the responsibility that the American people have placed upon me; mindful of the enormous challenges of our moment in history; and determined to act boldly and collectively on behalf of justice and prosperity at home and abroad.

I have been in office for just nine months, though some days it seems a lot longer. I am well aware of the expectations that accompany my presidency around the world. These expectations are not about me. Rather, they are rooted - I believe - in a discontent with a status quo that has allowed us to be increasingly defined by our differences, and outpaced by our problems. But they are also rooted in hope - the hope that real change is possible, and the hope that America will be a leader in bringing about such change.

I took office at a time when many around the world had come to view America with skepticism and distrust. Part of this was due to misperceptions and misinformation about my country. Part of this was due to opposition to specific policies, and a belief that on certain critical issues, America has acted unilaterally, without regard for the interests of others. This has fed an almost reflexive anti-Americanism, which too often has served as an excuse for our collective inaction.

Like all of you, my responsibility is to act in the interest of my nation and my people, and I will never apologize for defending those interests. But it is my deeply held belief that in the year 2009 - more than at any point in human history - the interests of nations and peoples are shared.

The religious convictions that we hold in our hearts can forge new bonds among people, or tear us apart. The technology we harness can light the path to peace, or forever darken it. The energy we use can sustain our planet, or destroy it. What happens to the hope of a single child - anywhere - can enrich our world, or impoverish it.

In this hall, we come from many places, but we share a common future. No longer do we have the luxury of indulging our differences to the exclusion of the work that we must do together. I have carried this message from London to Ankara; from Port of Spain to Moscow; from Accra to Cairo; and it's what I will speak about today. Because the time has come for the world to move in a new direction. We must embrace a new era of engagement based on mutual interests and mutual respect, and our work must begin now.

We know the future will be forged by deeds and not simply words. Speeches alone will not solve our problems - it will take persistent action. So for those who question the character and cause of my nation, I ask you to look at the concrete actions that we have taken in just nine months.

On my first day in office, I prohibited - without exception or equivocation - the use of torture by the United States of America. I ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed, and we are doing the hard work of forging a framework to combat extremism within the rule of law. Every nation must know: America will live its values, and we will lead by example.

We have set a clear and focused goal: to work with all members of this body to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al Qaeda and its extremist allies - a network that has killed thousands of people of many faiths and nations, and that plotted to blow up this very building. In Afghanistan and Pakistan, we - and many nations here - are helping those governments develop the capacity to take the lead in this effort, while working to advance opportunity and security for their people.

In Iraq, we are responsibly ending a war. We have removed American combat brigades from Iraqi cities, and set a deadline of next August to remove all of our combat brigades from Iraqi territory. And I have made clear that we will help Iraqis transition to full responsibility for their future, and keep our commitment to remove all American troops by the end of 2011.

I have outlined a comprehensive agenda to seek the goal of a world without nuclear weapons. In Moscow, the United States and Russia announced that we would pursue substantial reductions in our strategic warheads and launchers. At the Conference on Disarmament, we agreed on a work plan to negotiate an end to the production of fissile materials for nuclear weapons. And this week, my Secretary of State will become the first senior American representative to the annual Members Conference of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.

Upon taking office, I appointed a Special Envoy for Middle East Peace, and America has worked steadily and aggressively to advance the cause of two states - Israel and Palestine - in which peace and security take root, and the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians are respected.

To confront climate change, we have invested 80 billion dollars in clean energy. We have substantially increased our fuel-efficiency standards. We have provided new incentives for conservation, launched an energy partnership across the Americas, and moved from a bystander to a leader in international climate negotiations.

To overcome an economic crisis that touches every corner of the world, we worked with the G-20 nations to forge a coordinated international response of over two trillion dollars in stimulus to bring the global economy back from the brink. We mobilized resources that helped prevent the crisis from spreading further to developing countries. And we joined with others to launch a $20 billion global food security initiative that will lend a hand to those who need it most, and help them build their own capacity.

We have also re-engaged the United Nations. We have paid our bills. We have joined the Human Rights Council. We have signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We have fully embraced the Millennium Development Goals. And we address our priorities here, in this institution - for instance, through the Security Council meeting that I will chair tomorrow on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, and through the issues that I will discuss today.

This is what we have done. But this is just a beginning. Some of our actions have yielded progress. Some have laid the groundwork for progress in the future. But make no mistake: this cannot be solely America's endeavor. Those who used to chastise America for acting alone in the world cannot now stand by and wait for America to solve the world's problems alone. We have sought - in word and deed - a new era of engagement with the world. Now is the time for all of us to take our share of responsibility for a global response to global challenges.

If we are honest with ourselves, we need to admit that we are not living up to that responsibility. Consider the course that we are on if we fail to confront the status quo. Extremists sowing terror in pockets of the world. Protracted conflicts that grind on and on. Genocide and mass atrocities. More and more nations with nuclear weapons. Melting ice caps and ravaged populations. Persistent poverty and pandemic disease. I say this not to sow fear, but to state a fact: the magnitude of our challenges has yet to be met by the measure of our action.

This body was founded on the belief that the nations of the world could solve their problems together. Franklin Roosevelt, who died before he could see his vision for this institution become a reality, put it this way - and I quote: "The structure of world peace cannot be the work of one man, or one party, or one Nation.... It cannot be a peace of large nations - or of small nations. It must be a peace which rests on the cooperative effort of the whole world."

The cooperative effort of the whole world. Those words ring even more true today, when it is not simply peace - but our very health and prosperity that we hold in common. Yet I also know that this body is made up of sovereign states. And sadly, but not surprisingly, this body has often become a forum for sowing discord instead of forging common ground; a venue for playing politics and exploiting grievances rather than solving problems. After all, it is easy to walk up to this podium and to point fingers and stoke division. Nothing is easier than blaming others for our troubles, and absolving ourselves of responsibility for our choices and our actions. Anyone can do that.

Responsibility and leadership in the 21st century demand more. In an era when our destiny is shared, power is no longer a zero sum game. No one nation can or should try to dominate another nation. No world order that elevates one nation or group of people over another will succeed. No balance of power among nations will hold. The traditional division between nations of the south and north makes no sense in an interconnected world. Nor do alignments of nations rooted in the cleavages of a long gone Cold War.

The time has come to realize that the old habits and arguments are irrelevant to the challenges faced by our people. They lead nations to act in opposition to the very goals that they claim to pursue, and to vote - often in this body - against the interests of their own people. They build up walls between us and the future that our people seek, and the time has come for those walls to come down. Together, we must build new coalitions that bridge old divides - coalitions of different faiths and creeds; of north and south, east and west; black, white, and brown.

The choice is ours. We can be remembered as a generation that chose to drag the arguments of the 20th century into the 21st; that put off hard choices, refused to look ahead, and failed to keep pace because we defined ourselves by what we were against instead of what we were for. Or, we can be a generation that chooses to see the shoreline beyond the rough waters ahead; that comes together to serve the common interests of human beings, and finally gives meaning to the promise embedded in the name given to this institution: the United Nations.

That is the future America wants - a future of peace and prosperity that we can only reach if we recognize that all nations have rights, but all nations have responsibilities as well. That is the bargain that makes this work. That must be the guiding principle of international cooperation.

Today, I put forward four pillars that are fundamental to the future that we want for our children: non-proliferation and disarmament; the promotion of peace and security; the preservation of our planet; and a global economy that advances opportunity for all people.

First, we must stop the spread of nuclear weapons, and seek the goal of a world without them.

This institution was founded at the dawn of the atomic age, in part because man's capacity to kill had to be contained. For decades, we averted disaster, even under the shadow of a super-power stand-off. But today, the threat of proliferation is growing in scope and complexity. If we fail to act, we will invite nuclear arms races in every region, and the prospect of wars and acts of terror on a scale that we can hardly imagine.

A fragile consensus stands in the way of this frightening outcome - the basic bargain that shapes the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty. It says that all nations have the right to peaceful nuclear energy; that nations with nuclear weapons have the responsibility to move toward disarmament; and those without them have the responsibility to forsake them. The next twelve months could be pivotal in determining whether this compact will be strengthened or will slowly dissolve.

America will keep our end of the bargain. We will pursue a new agreement with Russia to substantially reduce our strategic warheads and launchers. We will move forward with ratification of the Test Ban Treaty, and work with others to bring the Treaty into force so that nuclear testing is permanently prohibited. We will complete a Nuclear Posture Review that opens the door to deeper cuts, and reduces the role of nuclear weapons. And we will call upon countries to begin negotiations in January on a treaty to end the production of fissile material for weapons.

I will also host a Summit next April that reaffirms each nation's responsibility to secure nuclear material on its territory, and to help those who can't - because we must never allow a single nuclear device to fall into the hands of a violent extremist. And we will work to strengthen the institutions and initiatives that combat nuclear smuggling and theft.

All of this must support efforts to strengthen the NPT. Those nations that refuse to live up to their obligations must face consequences. This is not about singling out individual nations - it is about standing up for the rights of all nations that do live up to their responsibilities. Because a world in which IAEA inspections are avoided and the United Nation's demands are ignored will leave all people less safe, and all nations less secure.

In their actions to date, the governments of North Korea and Iran threaten to take us down this dangerous slope. We respect their rights as members of the community of nations. I am committed to diplomacy that opens a path to greater prosperity and a more secure peace for both nations if they live up to their obligations.

But if the governments of Iran and North Korea choose to ignore international standards; if they put the pursuit of nuclear weapons ahead of regional stability and the security and opportunity of their own people; if they are oblivious to the dangers of escalating nuclear arms races in both East Asia and the Middle East - then they must be held accountable. The world must stand together to demonstrate that international law is not an empty promise, and that Treaties will be enforced. We must insist that the future not belong to fear.

That brings me to the second pillar for our future: the pursuit of peace.

The United Nations was born of the belief that the people of the world can live their lives, raise their families, and resolve their differences peacefully. And yet we know that in too many parts of the world, this ideal remains an abstraction. We can either accept that outcome as inevitable, and tolerate constant and crippling conflict. Or we can recognize that the yearning for peace is universal, and reassert our resolve to end conflicts around the world.

That effort must begin with an unshakeable determination that the murder of innocent men, women and children will never be tolerated. On this, there can be no dispute. The violent extremists who promote conflict by distorting faith have discredited and isolated themselves. They offer nothing but hatred and destruction. In confronting them, America will forge lasting partnerships to target terrorists, share intelligence, coordinate law enforcement, and protect our people. We will permit no safe-haven for al Qaeda to launch attacks from Afghanistan or any other nation. We will stand by our friends on the front lines, as we and many nations will do in pledging support for the Pakistani people tomorrow. And we will pursue positive engagement that builds bridges among faiths, and new partnerships for opportunity.

But our efforts to promote peace cannot be limited to defeating violent extremists. For the most powerful weapon in our arsenal is the hope of human beings - the belief that the future belongs to those who build, not destroy; the confidence that conflicts can end, and a new day begin.

That is why we will strengthen our support for effective peacekeeping, while energizing our efforts to prevent conflicts before they take hold. We will pursue a lasting peace in Sudan through support for the people of Darfur, and the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, so that we secure the peace that the Sudanese people deserve. And in countries ravaged by violence - from Haiti to Congo to East Timor - we will work with the UN and other partners to support an enduring peace.

I will also continue to seek a just and lasting peace between Israel, Palestine, and the Arab world. Yesterday, I had a constructive meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas. We have made some progress. Palestinians have strengthened their efforts on security. Israelis have facilitated greater freedom of movement for the Palestinians. As a result of these efforts by both sides, the economy in the West Bank has begun to grow. But more progress is needed. We continue to call on Palestinians to end incitement against Israel, and we continue to emphasize that America does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements.

The time has come to re-launch negotiations - without preconditions - that address the permanent-status issues: security for Israelis and Palestinians; borders, refugees and Jerusalem. The goal is clear: two states living side by side in peace and security - a Jewish State of Israel, with true security for all Israelis; and a viable, independent Palestinian state with contiguous territory that ends the occupation that began in 1967, and realizes the potential of the Palestinian people. As we pursue this goal, we will also pursue peace between Israel and Lebanon, Israel and Syria, and a broader peace between Israel and its many neighbors. In pursuit of that goal, we will develop regional initiatives with multilateral participation, alongside bilateral negotiations.

I am not naïve. I know this will be difficult. But all of us must decide whether we are serious about peace, or whether we only lend it lip-service. To break the old patterns - to break the cycle of insecurity and despair - all of us must say publicly what we would acknowledge in private. The United States does Israel no favors when we fail to couple an unwavering commitment to its security with an insistence that Israel respect the legitimate claims and rights of the Palestinians. And nations within this body do the Palestinians no favors when they choose vitriolic attacks over a constructive willingness to recognize Israel's legitimacy, and its right to exist in peace and security.

We must remember that the greatest price of this conflict is not paid by us. It is paid by the Israeli girl in Sderot who closes her eyes in fear that a rocket will take her life in the night. It is paid by the Palestinian boy in Gaza who has no clean water and no country to call his own. These are God's children. And after all of the politics and all of the posturing, this is about the right of every human being to live with dignity and security. That is a lesson embedded in the three great faiths that call one small slice of Earth the Holy Land. And that is why - even though there will be setbacks, and false starts, and tough days - I will not waiver in my pursuit of peace.

Third, we must recognize that in the 21st century, there will be no peace unless we make take responsibility for the preservation of our planet.

The danger posed by climate change cannot be denied, and our responsibility to meet it must not be deferred. If we continue down our current course, every member of this Assembly will see irreversible changes within their borders. Our efforts to end conflicts will be eclipsed by wars over refugees and resources. Development will be devastated by drought and famine. Land that human beings have lived on for millennia will disappear. Future generations will look back and wonder why we refused to act - why we failed to pass on intact the environment that was our inheritance.

That is why the days when America dragged its feet on this issue are over. We will move forward with investments to transform our energy economy, while providing incentives to make clean energy the profitable kind of energy. We will press ahead with deep cuts in emissions to reach the goals that we set for 2020, and eventually 2050. We will continue to promote renewable energy and efficiency - and share new technologies - with countries around the world. And we will seize every opportunity for progress to address this threat in a cooperative effort with the whole world.

Those wealthy nations that did so much to damage the environment in the 20th century must accept our obligation to lead. But responsibility does not end there. While we must acknowledge the need for differentiated responses, any effort to curb carbon emissions must include the fast-growing carbon emitters who can do more to reduce their air pollution without inhibiting growth. And any effort that fails to help the poorest nations both adapt to the problems that climate change has already wrought - and travel a path of clean development - will not work.

It is hard to change something as fundamental as how we use energy. It's even harder to do so in the midst of a global recession. Certainly, it will be tempting to sit back and wait for others to move first. But we cannot make this journey unless we all move forward together. As we head into Copenhagen, let us resolve to focus on what each of us can do for the sake of our common future.

This leads me to the final pillar that must fortify our future: a global economy that advances opportunity for all people.

The world is still recovering from the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. In America, we see the engine of growth beginning to churn, yet many still struggle to find a job or pay their bills. Across the globe, we find promising signs, yet little certainty about what lies ahead. And far too many people in far too many places live through the daily crises that challenge our common humanity - the despair of an empty stomach; the thirst brought on by dwindling water; the injustice of a child dying from a treatable disease, or a mother losing her life as she gives birth.

In Pittsburgh, we will work with the world's largest economies to chart a course for growth that is balanced and sustained. That means vigilance to ensure that we do not let up until our people are back to work. That means taking steps to rekindle demand, so that a global recovery can be sustained. And that means setting new rules of the road and strengthening regulation for all financial centers, so that we put an end to the greed, excess and abuse that led us into disaster, and prevent a crisis like this from ever happening again.

At a time of such interdependence, we have a moral and pragmatic interest in broader questions of development. And so we will continue our historic effort to help people feed themselves. We have set aside $63 billion to carry forward the fight against HIV/AIDS; to end deaths from tuberculosis and malaria; to eradicate polio; and to strengthen public health systems. We are joining with other countries to contribute H1N1 vaccines to the World Health Organization. We will integrate more economies into a system of global trade. We will support the Millennium Development Goals, and approach next year's Summit with a global plan to make them a reality. And we will set our sights on the eradication of extreme poverty in our time.

Now is the time for all of us to do our part. Growth will not be sustained or shared unless all nations embrace their responsibility. Wealthy nations must open their markets to more goods and extend a hand to those with less, while reforming international institutions to give more nations a greater voice. Developing nations must root out the corruption that is an obstacle to progress - for opportunity cannot thrive where individuals are oppressed and business have to pay bribes. That's why we will support honest police and independent judges; civil society and a vibrant private sector. Our goal is simple: a global economy in which growth is sustained, and opportunity is available to all.

The changes that I have spoken about today will not be easy to make. And they will not be realized simply by leaders like us coming together in forums like this. For as in any assembly of members, real change can only come through the people we represent. That is why we must do the hard work to lay the groundwork for progress in our own capitals. That is where we will build the consensus to end conflicts and to harness technology for peaceful purposes; to change the way we use energy, and to promote growth that can be sustained and shared.

I believe that the people of the world want this future for their children. And that is why we must champion those principles which ensure that governments reflect the will of the people. These principles cannot be afterthoughts - democracy and human rights are essential to achieving each of the goals that I have discussed today. Because governments of the people and by the people are more likely to act in the broader interests of their own people, rather than the narrow interest of those in power.

The test of our leadership will not be the degree to which we feed the fears and old hatreds of our people. True leadership will not be measured by the ability to muzzle dissent, or to intimidate and harass political opponents at home. The people of the world want change. They will not long tolerate those who are on the wrong side of history.

This Assembly's Charter commits each of us, and I quote - "to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women." Among those rights is the freedom to speak your mind and worship as you please; the promise of equality of the races, and the opportunity for women and girls to pursue their own potential; the ability of citizens to have a say in how you are governed, and to have confidence in the administration of justice. For just as no nation should be forced to accept the tyranny of another nation, no individual should be forced to accept the tyranny of their own government.

As an African-American, I will never forget that I would not be here today without the steady pursuit of a more perfect union in my country. That guides my belief that no matter how dark the day may seem, transformative change can be forged by those who choose the side of justice. And I pledge that America will always stand with those who stand up for their dignity and their rights - for the student who seeks to learn; the voter who demands to be heard; the innocent who longs to be free; and the oppressed who yearns to be equal.

Democracy cannot be imposed on any nation from the outside. Each society must search for its own path, and no path is perfect. Each country will pursue a path rooted in the culture of its people, and - in the past - America has too often been selective in its promotion of democracy. But that does not weaken our commitment, it only reinforces it. There are basic principles that are universal; there are certain truths which are self evident - and the United States of America will never waiver in our efforts to stand up for the right of people everywhere to determine their own destiny.

Sixty-five years ago, a weary Franklin Roosevelt spoke to the American people in his fourth and final inaugural address. After years of war, he sought to sum up the lessons that could be drawn from the terrible suffering and enormous sacrifice that had taken place. "We have learned," he said, "to be citizens of the world, members of the human community."

The United Nations was built by men and women like Roosevelt from every corner of the world - from Africa and Asia; form Europe to the Americas. These architects of international cooperation had an idealism that was anything but naïve - it was rooted in the hard-earned lessons of war, and the wisdom that nations could advance their interests by acting together instead of splitting apart.

Now it falls to us - for this institution will be what we make of it. The United Nations does extraordinary good around the world in feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, and mending places that have been broken. But it also struggles to enforce its will, and to live up to the ideals of its founding.

I believe that those imperfections are not a reason to walk away from this institution - they are a calling to redouble our efforts. The United Nations can either be a place where we bicker about outdated grievances, or forge common ground; a place where we focus on what drives us apart, or what brings us together; a place where we indulge tyranny, or a source of moral authority. In short, the United Nations can be an institution that is disconnected from what matters in the lives of our citizens, or it can be indispensable in advancing the interests of the people we serve.

We have reached a pivotal moment. The United States stands ready to begin a new chapter of international cooperation - one that recognizes the rights and responsibilities of all nations. With confidence in our cause, and with a commitment to our values, we call on all nations to join us in building the future that our people deserve. Thank you.

HARRISONG - Gears Up To Take Nigeria By Storm

2009-08-27T11:44:00.009+01:00

Whilst i sat in Question Mark's studio, waiting for the artist i was going to interview, i looked at the picture frames of the artists; ASA, Mode 9, Nnenna e.t.c which hung on the walls, i couldn't help but wonder if Question Mark was indeed Nigeria's answer to Motown records because they have produced seasoned recording artists which at that moment, left no doubt in my mind that soon their new protege - Harrisong, whom i will be interviewing shortly, would soon have his name up in lights.

Moments later, Harrisong bursts out of the studio into the office with a huge smile on his face and respectfully ushers me into the studio to begin the interview.

H.A: How did you come up with the name HarriSong?
Harrisong: My name is Harry Okiri, the song is the calling, the reason why I am here today and why i am going to be there tomorrow

H.A: What type of music genre would you say you belong to?
Harrisong: I do Afro- Hip Hop Dancehall

H.A: How would you describe Afro Hip Hop Dancehall?
Harrisong: Afro is my root which is African, where we have percussions. The Hip Hop is what we get from the western side (Overseas), the dancehall is Nigerian Konte kind of music. I love my dialect, so that’s the reason for the whole fusion.

H.A: Tell me about you?
Harrisong: Harrisong is about the music. I am 24 years old from Delta state, I am Ijaw speaking, first son of Mr & Mrs Dennis Okiri, I love music, been doing it professionally for more than fifteen years, i grew up in Port Harcourt , was born in Warri, I came to Lagos three years ago, I am a writer, producer, vocal coach, i play the piano and acoustic guitar, I am not into music because of the money, it’s what i do...a passion of mine, I grew up singing in my mom’s choir.

H.A: At what age did you decide that this is what you want to do and nothing else?
Harrisong: I grew up seeing my mom sing, she was a choir mistress in the church, I’d go with her and sometimes want to correct her by saying ‘do it this way or that way’ (laughs), and she’d say no, you listen, you are just a ten year old boy. She always encouraged me though. I remember when she’d sit at her desk writing music, I’d also give her my own opinions on the lyrics. She encouraged me to join the children’s choir which I actively participated in, be it singing or writing songs or playing the instrument. I later became the musical director for my church.

H.A: What church / denomination do you belong?
Harrisong: White garment...celestial church.

H.A: Did you study music at university?
Harrisong: No i didn’t. It ‘s just something i grew up with and was coached by my mom and learnt off other talented musicians.

H.A: We’ve heard about your mom, what about your dad, was he happy with your career choice?
Harrisong: My dad wanted me to be an engineer but my focus was really on music which he wasn’t really too happy with. But today, he appreciates me as an artist, he hears my music everywhere and i think he’s quite impressed so far.

H.A: There’s a song on your album called ‘Yekelem’, tell us about it. What is Yekelem?
Harrisong: Yekelem is a gospel track, it means praise God. It speaks about where I am coming from and what i have been through. So when you hear and feel the beat and dance to it, it’s all about praising God.

H.A: There’s a phrase on another track called ‘can I?’ the phrase is Mugu twenty. What is that?
Harrisong: (laughs) in the song ‘can I’, I was just trying to express my love and feelings...(sings) can I be your one and only? Can I be the one to love and understand you? Can I be your mugu twenty? Can we hook up after mugu 19?

H.A: So you don’t mind being the mugu?
Harrisong: I don’t mind...(laughs)...I don’t mind my position because I love her.

H.A: What if she gets rid of you to make way for Mugu twenty-one?
Harrisong: (laughs) no she won’t.

H.A: In that case then, would you say that song is about real love or infatuation?
Harrisong: No! (laughs) its real love, Mugu twenty-one will not exist.

H.A: Were you with another record label before coming to question mark?
Harrisong: Yeah, I was with View Finders but nothing quite came out of that union. I was with them for about 5 years though I had a contract with them for 3. Nothing was released though tracks were recorded

H.A: How has your career changed since signing with Question Mark Records?
Harrisong: Wow! A lot. HarriSong is a fine tuned artist now. I’m in all the papers, a lot of people are interested in my life, companies want to endorse. I give thanks to God and question mark for helping me.

H.A: What do you hope to have accomplished by the end of the year?
Harrisong: I would have had two new videos on air, hope to be at the top of the charts on radio and tv stations because now I am appreciated and loved by Nigerians which gives me a target.

H.A: What is your target?
Harrisong: To be number one.

H.A: And in five years? Where do you see yourself?
Harrisong: (smiles) the whole world would be testifying about HarriSong.

H.A: How would you describe your style?
Harrisong: Cool, deep and smart. My music is R&B, Jazz and Afro Hip Hop Dancehall

H.A: Which artist would you compare yourself to?
Harrisong: A fusion of R Kelly and Usher.

H.A: Where does the dancehall come in?
Harrisong: It comes from my roots

H.A: Which artist inspires you?
Harrisong: First is my mom, then picked from the former Plantation Boys, R Kelly, Kirk Franklin, I did vocal exercises with Timberlake and Sisqo.

H.A: You practiced with Timberlake and Sisqo?
Harrisong: (laughs) no I meant I practiced their vocal style of singing while listening to their music

H.A: Do you have any live performances coming up?
Harrisong: I am performing at O’Jeez at the National Stadium on Friday the 28th of August, in London next month, I have a couple of shows lined up also shooting the ‘Can I?’ video there. Towards the end of the year, I am one of the supporting artist for the Keri Hilson and Ludicrous concert.

H.A: Is your album out yet?
Harrisong: It will be out in December and there’ll be a launch.

H.A: What would you like to say to your fans?
Harrisong: I love my fans and I need them. I thank them and I ask that they pray for me, ‘cos I’ll be putting a lot of things together to make them smile and I thank them.

SMVA 2009

2009-07-28T18:13:00.003+01:00

Sound City Music Video Awards (SMVA)will be held in Lagos on the 1st of August 2009. Hosting the show will be Dare Art Alade. SMVA honours talented upcoming artists and hit record producers. The award categories and nominees are;

Best Male Video
• Gino – Farabale
• Naeto C – Kini Big Deal
• Igho – Naija Boy
• Shank – Too Late
• Banky W – Capable Remix
• 9ice – Party Rider
• eLDee – Bosi Gbangba

Best Female Video
• Sasha – Only One
• Goldie – Shift
• Weird MC – Riranwo
• TY Bello – Ekundayo
• Kel – Waa Wa Alright
• Nikki Laoye – Never Felt This Way

Best Choreography
• Freewindz – Like That
• P-Square – Roll It
• Dipp – Dangerous
• Goldie – Shift

Best Special Effect Editing
• Mo Hits All Stars – Ten Ten
• Dipp – Dangerous
• P-Square – Roll It
• Omawunmi – In The Music
• Brymo – Sorty
• H-Man – Ndoli Ndoli

Best Duo/Group Video
• Mo Hits All Stars – Pere
• P-Square – Roll It
• Kentro World – Kama Kazee
• KC Presh – Shokori Bobo
• GXploits – Bolu Moru

Best Cinematography
• Bigiano – Shayo
• eLDee – Bosi Gbangba
• Sasha – Only One
• Tuface Idibia – Enter The Place

Best Hip Hop
• Str8buttah – Last Standing
• Mode9 – Hip Hop
• OD ft. Sound Sultan – No Be Today
• Gino – Farabale
• DJ Jimmy Jatt ft. Sasha, Blaise, Kemistry & Bouqui – Too Much

Soundcity Fresh Video
• Bouqui – Morile
• Ikechukwu – She Makes Me Go (Shoobeedoo)
• GXploits – Tear Rubber
• Morachi – Boomskolo
• Steel – South African Girl

Soundcity Viewers Choice
• 9ice – Street Credibility
• Weird MC – Riranwo
• Tuface Idibia – Enter The Place
• Bigiano – Shayo
• Ikechukwu – Wind am Well
• D’banj - Suddenly

Best Collaboration in a Music Video
• J Martins ft. Timaya & P-Square - Good or Bad
• Tuface Idibia ft. Sound Sultan – Enter The Place
• 2shotz ft. Timaya – In case you never know
• Klever Jay ft. Danny Young – Koni Koni Love
• Ayzee Yo ft. Tuface Idibia – No be small thing
• DJ Jimmy Jatt ft. Sasha, Blaise, Kemistry & Bouqui – Too Much
• Ikechukwu ft. D’banj – Wind am Well

The SMVA award ceremony is sponsored by Glo.

The Badagry Historical Resort Development Project Nigeria

2009-07-25T16:40:00.003+01:00

The Jackson clan can’t stay away from controversy. Jackson brother Marlon is the latest to get a hit. The former member of The Jackson 5 has decided to build a slavery theme park in Nigeria. It will also be the site of the Jackson 5 memorabilia collection.

Marlon got involved with the $3.4 billion Badagry Historical Resort Development Project in Badagry, Nigeria. The city once was a hub of the slave trade, making it the perfect place to build, according to The Motherland Group:

“A Badagry Historical Resort Development Project of Nigeria in essence can become the newly desired and sought-after vacation destination of the world.”

A TMG executive continued the explanation:

“The Jackson family had been looking for a place to site their memorabilia collection for some time. We visited the site of the slave port in Badagry and Marlon turned to me and said, ‘Let’s put it here, this is right.’ It’s such an emotional place, and I think we all felt that it was the right place to have the Jackson family memorial.”

Marlon was in Lagos, Nigeria, on Wednesday, July 22 and had an interactive session with journalists at the press centre of the International Airport. He was received by former Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) presidents, Tee Mac Omatshola and Bolaji Rosiji.

Tee Mac also intimated journalists of plans to stage a major charity concert which will be held on Michael Jackson's birthday, August 29.

"It is going to be one of a kind African affair; a gathering of major African and Nigerian artists. It is basically to celebrate the life and achievements of one of the world's greatest entertainers. Proceeds form the event will be channelled to major charities around the world as advised by Marlon."

Mandela At 91

2009-07-18T22:45:00.007+01:00

One of the world's most popular political leaders, former South African president, Nelson Mandela, has turned 91. In South Africa his birthday has become Nelson Mandela Day, a day of service.

Nelson Mandela is celebrating his 91st birthday at home in Johannesburg today with a visit from President Jacob Zuma and the whole executive of South Africa’s ruling African National Congress.

The South African government has called on its citizens to spend 67 minutes of their time on this day in service to the less fortunate and the marginalized.

The number 67 represents the number of years the former South African president has spent fighting for freedom, including 27 years as a political prisoner of the former apartheid regime. Mandela fever has gripped the nation as people visited convalescent homes, prisons, hospitals and clinics to make a difference in the lives of others.

The former president met more than 90 well-wishers, including former First Lady and ex-wife Winnie Mandela and former Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda, in a marquee erected in his garden, Mandela’s foundation said in an e-mailed statement.

Mandela spent 27 years in prison for seeking to overthrow the apartheid state and emerged to become president after the nation’s first all-race elections in 1994. Since retiring in 1999, he has become increasingly frail and has scaled back his public appearances, spending some time raising funds for charities he established.

Obama In Ghana

2009-07-12T21:05:00.004+01:00

The question of why Barack Obama has chosen Ghana rather than Kenya, his father's homeland, or Nigeria, Africa's giant, for his first trip to Africa as President of the United States, is exercising newspapers from Nairobi to New York.

Nairobi's Daily Nation said Monday that "in skipping Kenya, the first African American president is signalling that he puts political values over ancestral allegiances."

Although the Nation quoted Kenyan foreign minister Moses Wetang'ula as denying that Obama had snubbed the country, it also referred to recent U.S. criticism of the country's struggling coalition government.

"Mr Johnnie Carson, President Obama's top Africa official, recently made a stop in Nairobi where he delivered a stern warning to President [Mwai] Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga to get the reform process on track or face unspecified sanctions," the Nation reported.

In Lagos, This Day carried a harshly-worded opinion piece from 'Jibola Asolo, a Nigerian lawyer based in Britain, saying that the failure of the first black U.S. president to stop over in the world's most populous black country "should really serve as a moment of reflection for us as a nation. It should shame us as a people."

But, wrote Asolo, Obama's decision should not be a surprise.

"The reality is: on the world stage Nigeria is not ready to play ball. We, as a nation, are still stuck on stupid while other countries are buckling down and taking the issue of good governance seriously. This considered, the President of America would be hard-pressed to grace our land with his presence in light of the joke that is Project Nigeria."

In the U.S., the New York Times reinforced the African commentary.

In a report based on unnamed White House sources, it said that "A year after Kenya exploded in political violence, it remains a tense and unsettled place. Ghana, by contrast, is an outpost of democracy and civil society in a volatile region."

The Times quoted a senior official as saying that ideally Obama would have preferred a longer trip to Africa. But time constraints meant that such a trip would have to wait until later in his tenure.

"So his advisers agreed to tack the quick Ghana stop onto the end of his Russia-G-8 trip to at least get a marker down before too much time passed," said the paper.

And, in a reflection of how difficult it is to get yourself onto the agenda of an American president, the Times quoted the official as saying Ghana offered an opportunity to promote important values even on a one-night visit: "We have limited time and we tried to figure out where we could get the most out of limited time," the official said

Personally, i think President Obama should visit more African nations on this ocassion - especially Nigeria because it's not just about tapping people on the back that do good but also give encouragement to those who are struggling to make a difference plus a huge number of Africans residing in the US turned up to support & vote for him during the elections. Think it's only fair.

President Obama's Speech in Ghana

Good morning. It is an honor for me to be in Accra, and to speak to the representatives of the people of Ghana. I am deeply grateful for the welcome that I've received, as are Michelle, Malia, and Sasha Obama. Ghana's history is rich, the ties between our two countries are strong, and I am proud that this is my first visit to sub-Saharan Africa as President of the United States.

I am speaking to you at the end of a long trip. I began in Russia, for a Summit between two great powers. I traveled to Italy, for a meeting of the world's leading economies. And I have come here, to Ghana, for a simple reason: the 21st century will be shaped by what happens not just in Rome or Moscow or Washington, but by what happens in Accra as well.

This is the simple truth of a time when the boundaries between people are overwhelmed by our connections. Your prosperity can expand America's. Your health and security can contribute to the world's. And the strength of your democracy can help advance human rights for people everywhere.

So I do not see the countries and peoples of Africa as a world apart; I see Africa as a fundamental part of our interconnected world - as partners with America on behalf of the future that we want for all our children. That partnership must be grounded in mutual responsibility, and that is what I want to speak with you about today.

We must start from the simple premise that Africa's future is up to Africans.

I say this knowing full well the tragic past that has sometimes haunted this part of the world. I have the blood of Africa within me, and my family's own story encompasses both the tragedies and triumphs of the larger African story.

My grandfather was a cook for the British in Kenya, and though he was a respected elder in his village, his employers called him "boy" for much of his life. He was on the periphery of Kenya's liberation struggles, but he was still imprisoned briefly during repressive times. In his life, colonialism wasn't simply the creation of unnatural borders or unfair terms of trade - it was something experienced personally, day after day, year after year.

My father grew up herding goats in a tiny village, an impossible distance away from the American universities where he would come to get an education. He came of age at an extraordinary moment of promise for Africa. The struggles of his own father's generation were giving birth to new nations, beginning right here in Ghana. Africans were educating and asserting themselves in new ways. History was on the move.

But despite the progress that has been made - and there has been considerable progress in parts of Africa - we also know that much of that promise has yet to be fulfilled. Countries like Kenya, which had a per capita economy larger than South Korea's when I was born, have been badly outpaced. Disease and conflict have ravaged parts of the African continent. In many places, the hope of my father's generation gave way to cynicism, even despair.

It is easy to point fingers, and to pin the blame for these problems on others. Yes, a colonial map that made little sense bred conflict, and the West has often approached Africa as a patron, rather than a partner. But the West is not responsible for the destruction of the Zimbabwean economy over the last decade, or wars in which children are enlisted as combatants. In my father's life, it was partly tribalism and patronage in an independent Kenya that for a long stretch derailed his career, and we know that this kind of corruption is a daily fact of life for far too many.

Of course, we also know that is not the whole story. Here in Ghana, you show us a face of Africa that is too often overlooked by a world that sees only tragedy or the need for charity. The people of Ghana have worked hard to put democracy on a firmer footing, with peaceful transfers of power even in the wake of closely contested elections. And with improved governance and an emerging civil society, Ghana's economy has shown impressive rates of growth.

This progress may lack the drama of the 20th century's liberation struggles, but make no mistake: it will ultimately be more significant. For just as it is important to emerge from the control of another nation, it is even more important to build one's own.

So I believe that this moment is just as promising for Ghana - and for Africa - as the moment when my father came of age and new nations were being born. This is a new moment of promise. Only this time, we have learned that it will not be giants like Nkrumah and Kenyatta who will determine Africa's future. Instead, it will be you - the men and women in Ghana's Parliament, and the people you represent. Above all, it will be the young people - brimming with talent and energy and hope - who can claim the future that so many in my father's generation never found.

To realize that promise, we must first recognize a fundamental truth that you have given life to in Ghana: development depends upon good governance. That is the ingredient which has been missing in far too many places, for far too long. That is the change that can unlock Africa's potential. And that is a responsibility that can only be met by Africans.

As for America and the West, our commitment must be measured by more than just the dollars we spend. I have pledged substantial increases in our foreign assistance, which is in Africa's interest and America's. But the true sign of success is not whether we are a source of aid that helps people scrape by - it is whether we are partners in building the capacity for transformational change.

This mutual responsibility must be the foundation of our partnership. And today, I will focus on four areas that are critical to the future of Africa and the entire developing world: democracy; opportunity; health; and the peaceful resolution of conflict.

First, we must support strong and sustainable democratic governments.

As I said in Cairo, each nation gives life to democracy in its own way, and in line with its own traditions. But history offers a clear verdict: governments that respect the will of their own people are more prosperous, more stable, and more successful than governments that do not.

This is about more than holding elections - it's also about what happens between them. Repression takes many forms, and too many nations are plagued by problems that condemn their people to poverty. No country is going to create wealth if its leaders exploit the economy to enrich themselves, or police can be bought off by drug traffickers. No business wants to invest in a place where the government skims 20 percent off the top, or the head of the Port Authority is corrupt. No person wants to live in a society where the rule of law gives way to the rule of brutality and bribery. That is not democracy, that is tyranny, and now is the time for it to end.

In the 21st century, capable, reliable and transparent institutions are the key to success - strong parliaments and honest police forces; independent judges and journalists; a vibrant private sector and civil society. Those are the things that give life to democracy, because that is what matters in peoples' lives.

Time and again, Ghanaians have chosen Constitutional rule over autocracy, and shown a democratic spirit that allows the energy of your people to break through. We see that in leaders who accept defeat graciously, and victors who resist calls to wield power against the opposition. We see that spirit in courageous journalists like Anas Aremeyaw Anas, who risked his life to report the truth. We see it in police like Patience Quaye, who helped prosecute the first human trafficker in Ghana. We see it in the young people who are speaking up against patronage, and participating in the political process.

Across Africa, we have seen countless examples of people taking control of their destiny, and making change from the bottom up. We saw it in Kenya, where civil society and business came together to help stop post-election violence. We saw it in South Africa, where over three quarters of the country voted in the recent election - the fourth since the end of Apartheid. We saw it in Zimbabwe, where the Election Support Network braved brutal repression to stand up for the principle that a person's vote is their sacred right.

Make no mistake: history is on the side of these brave Africans, and not with those who use coups or change Constitutions to stay in power. Africa doesn't need strongmen, it needs strong institutions.

America will not seek to impose any system of government on any other nation - the essential truth of democracy is that each nation determines its own destiny. What we will do is increase assistance for responsible individuals and institutions, with a focus on supporting good governance - on parliaments, which check abuses of power and ensure that opposition voices are heard; on the rule of law, which ensures the equal administration of justice; on civic participation, so that young people get involved; and on concrete solutions to corruption like forensic accounting, automating services, strengthening hotlines, and protecting whistle-blowers to advance transparency and accountability.

As we provide this support, I have directed my Administration to give greater attention to corruption in our Human Rights report. People everywhere should have the right to start a business or get an education without paying a bribe. We have a responsibility to support those who act responsibly and to isolate those who don't, and that is exactly what America will do.

This leads directly to our second area of partnership - supporting development that provides opportunity for more people.

With better governance, I have no doubt that Africa holds the promise of a broader base for prosperity. The continent is rich in natural resources. And from cell phone entrepreneurs to small farmers, Africans have shown the capacity and commitment to create their own opportunities. But old habits must also be broken. Dependence on commodities - or on a single export - concentrates wealth in the hands of the few, and leaves people too vulnerable to downturns.

In Ghana, for instance, oil brings great opportunities, and you have been responsible in preparing for new revenue. But as so many Ghanaians know, oil cannot simply become the new cocoa. From South Korea to Singapore, history shows that countries thrive when they invest in their people and infrastructure; when they promote multiple export industries, develop a skilled workforce, and create space for small and medium-sized businesses that create jobs.

As Africans reach for this promise, America will be more responsible in extending our hand. By cutting costs that go to Western consultants and administration, we will put more resources in the hands of those who need it, while training people to do more for themselves. That is why our $3.5 billion food security initiative is focused on new methods and technologies for farmers - not simply sending American producers or goods to Africa. Aid is not an end in itself. The purpose of foreign assistance must be creating the conditions where it is no longer needed.

America can also do more to promote trade and investment. Wealthy nations must open our doors to goods and services from Africa in a meaningful way. And where there is good governance, we can broaden prosperity through public-private partnerships that invest in better roads and electricity; capacity-building that trains people to grow a business; and financial services that reach poor and rural areas. This is also in our own interest - for if people are lifted out of poverty and wealth is created in Africa, new markets will open for our own goods.

One area that holds out both undeniable peril and extraordinary promise is energy. Africa gives off less greenhouse gas than any other part of the world, but it is the most threatened by climate change. A warming planet will spread disease, shrink water resources, and deplete crops, creating conditions that produce more famine and conflict. All of us - particularly the developed world - have a responsibility to slow these trends - through mitigation, and by changing the way that we use energy. But we can also work with Africans to turn this crisis into opportunity.

Together, we can partner on behalf of our planet and prosperity, and help countries increase access to power while skipping the dirtier phase of development. Across Africa, there is bountiful wind and solar power; geothermal energy and bio-fuels. From the Rift Valley to the North African deserts; from the Western coast to South Africa's crops -Africa's boundless natural gifts can generate its own power, while exporting profitable, clean energy abroad.

These steps are about more than growth numbers on a balance sheet. They're about whether a young person with an education can get a job that supports a family; a farmer can transfer their goods to the market; or an entrepreneur with a good idea can start a business. It's about the dignity of work. It's about the opportunity that must exist for Africans in the 21st century.

Just as governance is vital to opportunity, it is also critical to the third area that I will talk about - strengthening public health.

In recent years, enormous progress has been made in parts of Africa. Far more people are living productively with HIV/AIDS, and getting the drugs they need. But too many still die from diseases that shouldn't kill them. When children are being killed because of a mosquito bite, and mothers are dying in childbirth, then we know that more progress must be made.

Yet because of incentives - often provided by donor nations - many African doctors and nurses understandably go overseas, or work for programs that focus on a single disease. This creates gaps in primary care and basic prevention. Meanwhile, individual Africans also have to make responsible choices that prevent the spread of disease, while promoting public health in their communities and countries.

Across Africa, we see examples of people tackling these problems. In Nigeria, an Interfaith effort of Christians and Muslims has set an example of cooperation to confront malaria. Here in Ghana and across Africa, we see innovative ideas for filling gaps in care - for instance, through E-Health initiatives that allow doctors in big cities to support those in small towns.

America will support these efforts through a comprehensive, global health strategy. Because in the 21st century, we are called to act by our conscience and our common interest. When a child dies of a preventable illness in Accra, that diminishes us everywhere. And when disease goes unchecked in any corner of the world, we know that it can spread across oceans and continents.

That is why my Administration has committed $63 billion to meet these challenges. Building on the strong efforts of President Bush, we will carry forward the fight against HIV/AIDS. We will pursue the goal of ending deaths from malaria and tuberculosis, and eradicating polio. We will fight neglected tropical disease. And we won't confront illnesses in isolation - we will invest in public health systems that promote wellness, and focus on the health of mothers and children.

As we partner on behalf of a healthier future, we must also stop the destruction that comes not from illness, but from human beings - and so the final area that I will address is conflict.

Now let me be clear: Africa is not the crude caricature of a continent at war. But for far too many Africans, conflict is a part of life, as constant as the sun. There are wars over land and wars over resources. And it is still far too easy for those without conscience to manipulate whole communities into fighting among faiths and tribes.

These conflicts are a millstone around Africa's neck. We all have many identities - of tribe and ethnicity; of religion and nationality. But defining oneself in opposition to someone who belongs to a different tribe, or who worships a different prophet, has no place in the 21st century. Africa's diversity should be a source of strength, not a cause for division. We are all God's children. We all share common aspirations - to live in peace and security; to access education and opportunity; to love our families, our communities, and our faith. That is our common humanity.

That is why we must stand up to inhumanity in our midst. It is never justifiable to target innocents in the name of ideology. It is the death sentence of a society to force children to kill in wars. It is the ultimate mark of criminality and cowardice to condemn women to relentless and systematic rape. We must bear witness to the value of every child in Darfur and the dignity of every woman in Congo. No faith or culture should condone the outrages against them. All of us must strive for the peace and security necessary for progress.

Africans are standing up for this future. Here, too, Ghana is helping to point the way forward. Ghanaians should take pride in your contributions to peacekeeping from Congo to Liberia to Lebanon, and in your efforts to resist the scourge of the drug trade. We welcome the steps that are being taken by organizations like the African Union and ECOWAS to better resolve conflicts, keep the peace, and support those in need. And we encourage the vision of a strong, regional security architecture that can bring effective, transnational force to bear when needed.

America has a responsibility to advance this vision, not just with words, but with support that strengthens African capacity. When there is genocide in Darfur or terrorists in Somalia, these are not simply African problems - they are global security challenges, and they demand a global response. That is why we stand ready to partner through diplomacy, technical assistance, and logistical support, and will stand behind efforts to hold war criminals accountable. And let me be clear: our Africa Command is focused not on establishing a foothold in the continent, but on confronting these common challenges to advance the security of America, Africa and the world.

In Moscow, I spoke of the need for an international system where the universal rights of human beings are respected, and violations of those rights are opposed. That must include a commitment to support those who resolve conflicts peacefully, to sanction and stop those who don't, and to help those who have suffered. But ultimately, it will be vibrant democracies like Botswana and Ghana which roll back the causes of conflict, and advance the frontiers of peace and prosperity.

As I said earlier, Africa's future is up to Africans.

The people of Africa are ready to claim that future. In my country, African-Americans - including so many recent immigrants - have thrived in every sector of society. We have done so despite a difficult past, and we have drawn strength from our African heritage. With strong institutions and a strong will, I know that Africans can live their dreams in Nairobi and Lagos; in Kigali and Kinshasa; in Harare and right here in Accra.

Fifty-two years ago, the eyes of the world were on Ghana. And a young preacher named Martin Luther King traveled here, to Accra, to watch the Union Jack come down and the Ghanaian flag go up. This was before the march on Washington or the success of the civil rights movement in my country. Dr. King was asked how he felt while watching the birth of a nation. And he said: "It renews my conviction in the ultimate triumph of justice."

Now, that triumph must be won once more, and it must be won by you. And I am particularly speaking to the young people. In places like Ghana, you make up over half of the population. Here is what you must know: the world will be what you make of it.

You have the power to hold your leaders accountable, and to build institutions that serve the people. You can serve in your communities, and harness your energy and education to create new wealth and build new connections to the world. You can conquer disease, end conflicts, and make change from the bottom up. You can do that. Yes you can. Because in this moment, history is on the move.

But these things can only be done if you take responsibility for your future. It won't be easy. It will take time and effort. There will be suffering and setbacks. But I can promise you this: America will be with you. As a partner. As a friend. Opportunity won't come from any other place, though - it must come from the decisions that you make, the things that you do, and the hope that you hold in your hearts.

Freedom is your inheritance. Now, it is your responsibility to build upon freedom's foundation. And if you do, we will look back years from now to places like Accra and say that this was the time when the promise was realized - this was the moment when prosperity was forged; pain was overcome; and a new era of progress began. This can be the time when we witness the triumph of justice once more. Thank you.

Africa & The World Bids Farewell To A Legend

2009-07-08T10:06:00.017+01:00

Yesterday, 7th July 2009, over a billion people around the globe tuned in to watch the memorial cermony of the legend Michael Jackson.

The ceremony didn't just celebrate his life, it also opened our eyes and revealed to us all who the King of Pop really was.

He was a Philanthropist but above all a beloved father and to his kids, he will be greatly missed.

The ceremony was well attended. 17,500 tickets were issued to fans via a lottery system which over a million people applied for. celebrities turned out in numbers to pay their last respects. Stevie Wonder, Lionel Ritchie, Mariah Carey, Usher sang songs from his albums, Queen Latifa, Brooke Shields, Berry Gordy, Magic Johnson, Rev. Al Sharpton all gave tributes to the King of Pop.

Michael Jackson's eldest daughter touched the hearts of millions when she bid a tearful farewell to her father at his memorial service Tuesday in a rare public appearance.

With her brief speech, 11-year-old Paris Jackson also shocked the event's organizers, who said her appearance was not a planned part of the star-studded tribute to the King of Pop at Los Angeles' Staples Center on Tuesday.

"Ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine," she said, fighting back tears as relatives consoled her.

"And I just want to say that I love him so much," she said as she burst into tears and sought refuge in the embrace of family members.

For many watching, Paris' appearance marked a rare glimpse of a child who has spent most of her life shielded from the public.

Born to two mothers -- Jackson's ex-wife Debbie Rowe and an unidentified woman who reportedly served as a surrogate -- Jackson's three children lived and traveled the world with him, their faces often covered by veils and masks when appearing in public.

In its execution, the speech appeared to be a surprise to those onstage and off.

"It was a surprise they were there. All of us who know them were delighted they were strong enough to come and feel this love and great outpouring for their dad," said Kenny Ortega. "We would've never expected that they had the strength. It was beautiful."

"So to see Paris come on in such an emotional moment and obviously give her heart out to her father was very, very touching."

Others saw the tribute as a whole as Jackson's final legacy to his children.

"There are those I feel in years to come, will try to distort him to his children ... and not understand that the real challenges that Michael Jackson had to seriously face and did face and make a difference," Rev. Al Sharpton said.

"And I thought it was very important to put in context for his children what he dealt with in history and what he was able to do."

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee displays House Resolution 600 honouring Michael Jackson, that she recently introduced and is pending in the U.S. House of Representatives, as she speaks during the memorial service for Michael Jackson at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
It's still so unreal that MJ is no more. He was the greatest entertainer that ever graced the face of this earth. He had a big heart and without a doubt, will be sorely missed by all.

Like Maya Angelou said in her poem;

Beloveds, now we know that we know nothing,
now that our bright and shining star
can slip away from our fingertips
like a puff of summer wind.

Without notice, our dear love
can escape our doting embrace.
Sing our songs among the stars
and walk our dances across the face of the moon.
In the instant that Michael is gone,
we know nothing. No clocks can tell time.
No oceans can rush our tides
with the abrupt absence of our treasure.

Though we are many,
each of us is achingly alone,
piercingly alone.
Only when we confess our confusion can we remember
that he was a gift to us and we did have him.

He came to us from the creator,
trailing creativity in abundance.
Despite the anguish,
his life was sheathed in mother love, family love,
and survived and did more than that.
He thrived with passion and compassion, humor and style.
We had him whether we know who he was or did not know,
he was ours and we were his.
We had him, beautiful, delighting our eyes.

His hat, aslant over his brow,
and took a pose on his toes for all of us.
And we laughed and stomped our feet for him.
We were enchanted with his passion because he held nothing.
He gave us all he had been given.

Today in Tokyo, beneath the Eiffel Tower,
in Ghana's Black Star Square.
In Johannesburg and Pittsburgh,
in Birmingham, Alabama, and Birmingham, England

We are missing Michael.
But we do know we had him,
and we are the world.

Mandela foundation leads South Africa tributes to Michael Jackson

2009-07-02T10:00:00.009+01:00

The foundation of South Africa's anti-apartheid icon, former president Nelson Mandela, on Friday joined music fans worldwide in expressed its sadness at US popstar Michael Jackson's death at the age of 50. "The Nelson Mandela Foundation regrets the untimely passing of Michael Jackson. His loss will be felt by his fans worldwide," the statement read.

Jackson met Mandela in 1999 and made a donation to the Nelson Mandela Fund for Children.

Two years earlier, during his "HIStory" tour, he played a concert in South Africa's port city of Durban.

Radio stations in South Africa played Jackson's songs throughout the morning as fans phoned in to express their shock at the death of the singer and philanthropist, who co-wrote the charity song We are the World with fellow singer Lionel Richie in aid of Africa.

One radio presenter noted a South African woman had sung backing vocals on the star's Liberian Girl hit.

"The world has lost one of its greats," South Africa's Independent Newspapers lamented.

Amid the frenzy of confusing and conflicting information that has followed the death of Michael Jackson, Wednesday began with clarity on two fronts. The day ended, however, with more questions than answers.

A federal law enforcement official said Wednesday night that the Drug Enforcement Administration had joined Jackson's death investigation, once again fanning speculation that drugs may have been involved in the pop icon's passing.

Earlier in the day, the Jackson family said they would not hold a public or private viewing of his body at Neverland Ranch, as had been reported. They didn't indicate where else or when such a ceremony would be held.

And though Jackson's will, made public Wednesday, placed his entire estate in a family trust, the document that described the trust was not filed in Los Angeles Superior Court.

"He was such an enigma in life, why would we expect him to be anything different in death?" said Antoni Devon, a Jackson fan who huddled with other music lovers at a makeshift memorial for the singer outside Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

DEA joins investigation

Two law enforcement officials separately confirmed the DEA probe, saying agents would look at various doctors involved with Jackson, their practices and their possible sources of medicine supply.

Neither official wanted to be identified because they could not comment publicly on the matter.

Officially, a DEA spokeswoman referred questions to the Los Angeles, California, police department -- which would not confirm the involvement.

"We routinely offer assistance to any agency regarding the Federal Controlled Substance Act," said Sarah Pullen of the DEA. "However, at this time, we have nothing further to comment about the death of Michael Jackson."

Speculation about the role of drugs has been swirling since Jackson died on June 25 at his rented estate in Holmby Hills. The cause of his death, at age 50, was pending toxicology results.

On Wednesday, police released a car belonging to Jackson's cardiologist, Dr. Conrad Murray. They had impounded the vehicle Friday, saying it might contain evidence -- possibly prescription medications.

Police did not say whether they found anything.

Murray's lawyers issued a statement, asking the public to reserve judgment about the cause of death until the coroner's tests are complete.

"Based on our agreement with Los Angeles investigators, we are waiting on real information to come from viable sources like the Los Angeles medical examiner's office about the death of Michael Jackson," the statement said. "We will not be responding to rumors and innuendo."

The comments were in reaction to a claim by a nutritionist who said Jackson suffered from severe bouts of insomnia and pleaded for the powerful sedative, Propofol, despite knowing its harmful effects.

"I told him this medication is not safe," said Cherilyn Lee, a registered nurse. "He said, 'I just want to get some sleep. You don't understand. I just want to be able to be knocked out and go to sleep.'"

Will nominates Jackson's mother as kids' guardian

Meanwhile, details of Jackson's will -- written on July 7, 2002 -- showed that the singer estimated his estate to be worth at least $500 million.

In it, he nominated his mother, Katherine Jackson, as the guardian of his three children.

If his 79-year-old mother is not living, "I nominate Diana Ross as guardian," Jackson stated.

Singer Ross, 65, is a lifelong friend of Jackson's.

R.I.P Michael Jackson
1958 - 2009

Car of the Month: The 2009 Mercedes C300

2009-06-23T10:28:00.006+01:00

The Mercedes-Benz C300-Class, redesigned for 2009, sits pretty in the centre of this genre of luxury cars.

It comes mighty well-equipped at that level with V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, 16-inch alloy wheels, power sunroof, dual-zone climate control, 8-way power front seats, 8-speaker sound system with auxiliary input and Bluetooth capability, leather multi-function steering wheel with tilt and telescoping functions, automatic halogen headlight, trip computer and all the ambiance you expect from a Mercedes. Trunk space is respectable at 12.4 cubic-feet.

The interior has been exquisitely redefined. We first notice the quality materils – plastics, wood, and leather along with just enough aluminium trim to punctuate the entire visual statement. Seats are firm and generous. Sporty metal pedals announce themselves on the floor. The dedicated German engineers obviously paid great attention to ergonomics as well. The shifter slides through its various positions as smoothly as a warm knife through butter. A slick system for hiding the navigation/audio control screen has it tuck into the upper centre of the dash like a shy turtle slipping into its shell each time we turn off the car. I found the navigation system not too bad but there were a few functions that stymied me as I fumbled through the set up.

Suspension is a sophisticated fully independent design all around with a 3-link strut system in front using an anti-dive geometry and a 5-arm system in the rear with substantial stabilizer bar. Our 3,500-pound test car has the sport suspension calibration and we found it pleasantly firm. Drivers more used to domestic sedan suspension tuning might find it disconcerting but it certainly offers a feeling of control and precision.

Safety features on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300 are extensive. Lots of airbags, chassis dynamics, designed-in crumple zones, seat belt pre-tensioners, and all the usual stuff make this car as safe as anything in its class.

When shopping for a classy small ride in this category I recommend you include the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300 in your search. Prices start from approximately $35,000 so see your nearest car dealer about it.

H.E.I.S.T Collection

2009-06-18T12:48:00.015+01:00

Haven(Africa) has teamed up with ByLauriele & Keona Designs for our HEIST collection. H.E.I.S.T basically is all about the bling-bling. T-shirts, bandanas, shoes, trainers, jeans, tracksuits and accessories embedded with swarovski crystals.

Collection of Scarves

Trainers

Tracksuit

The Jewelry collection

Accessories

For further information on where and how to purchase, please contact +234 8089890816 or email heistcollection@gmail.com

Zanzibar

2009-06-15T22:46:00.008+01:00

Zanzibar urban / west Tanzania is an archipelago of islands in the Indian Ocean, just off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa. Zanzibar's brilliant white beaches lapped by the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean provide the perfect place to relax, soak up the sun and take a break from some busy sightseeing.

Paradise Beach

The two main islands most people visit are Zanzibar and Pemba. Zanzibar is popular with tourists because of its wonderful beaches and the interesting, well-preserved, Stone Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The islands have a rich history due to their geographic location, as many cultures and civilizations have plied its shores for spices and slaves.

The Arabic influence remains the strongest to date, with Islam being the predominant religion on the islands. Although part of Tanzania, Zanzibar is semi-autonomous and the people elect their own government.

Some of the best beaches include Nungwi beach on the North Coast; Bwejuu beach and Jambiani beach on the South East coast. All of these beaches have accommodations that should suit all budgets. For those looking for more up market fare, Mnemba Island is gorgeous.

Since Zanzibar is a fairly conservative Muslim island, many people wonder what's appropriate to wear. On the beach, normal swimwear is perfectly acceptable and you'll be able to buy some nice sarongs while you're there. But when traveling around, visiting Stone Town or any of the Spice plantations, you should wear loose, comfortable clothes. Women should wear a skirt below the knee or loose trousers and a t-shirt (with sleeves, not a tank-top). Men should wear shirts with shorts or long trousers. Since the weather is hot all year round, sunscreen and sunglasses should be part of any outfit.

Mnemba is a private island in the Indian Ocean and part of the Zanzibar Archipelago. The island offers the best snorkeling in Zanzibar (and that's saying something) and you can also watch whales, see dolphins and swim with whale sharks. Best of all, for the romantics out there, there are only 10 cottages on the island which make up the Mnemba Island Lodge.

Mnemba Island Lodge is owned exclusively by CC Africa.

Conservation Corporation Africa (CC Africa) is Africa's leading luxury safari company and one of the most comprehensive safari operators with exceptional lodges and safaris in Africa's most breathtaking wilderness locations.

Each cottage in the Mnemba Island Lodge has its own veranda and is hidden in the shade of a tropical beach forest. A palm-covered walkway leads to an en suite bathroom with shower and basin. Dine on fresh lobster at night on a table set up on the beach for you alone.

Zanzibar is indeed paradise on earth.

Sleek 2009 (Lagos)

2009-06-04T13:47:00.008+01:00

Sleek Models

Matthew Mensah, Natalie & Andy Ogbechi

2008 West African Idol Runner UP

Naeto C & Andy

Amede Designer, Offiong, Kate Henshaw Nuttal & Ifeoma Williams

Mr. Mensah

P Square

Nino Fashions

Pictures provided by Tina Ezenma. Contact: www.tynaezenma.com

2009-06-01T11:24:00.001+01:00

The Pink Ball 2009

2009-05-25T17:22:00.013+01:00

It was a huge turnout and a parade of Nigerian dignitries. Everyone turned up in huge numbers to give their support to Betty Irabor who is the founder of Genevieve magazine in Nigeria and host of The Pink Ball 2009.
The Pink Ball is a yearly event which promotes breast cancer awareness and also raises funds for treatment and purchase of equipments such as mammograms. This year, the event took place at The Expo Centre in Victoria Island Lagos on the 23rd of May. Big names like the first lady of Zamfara state - Aisha Babangida, first lady of Lagos state – Mrs Fashola, and Doyin Abiola attended.

Former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke made his presence felt by rocking the house along with his band ‘The Bodyguards’ playing seventies and eighties funk tunes.

Tiffany Amber also set the runway alight with her beautiful collection of Haute Couture gowns.

Millions of Naira was raised on the night with donations given by generous Nigerians. A single donation of N10 million (approx. $58,000) was donated by a prominent Nigerian(director of Gernaip) towards the purchase of mammograms for hospitals. POLO Nigeria also donated an exclusive ladies wristwatch which was auctioned off. One of the directors of Anabel Mobile purchased the watch for an outstanding N800, 000 (approx. $4600). In total, more than N12 million was raised on the night.

Music was provided by De Clique who gave their own rendition of 'Stand up' (stand up to cancer anthem by Beyonce and other artists) and The Ebony Band also performed.
For those who have been affected by cancer - directly or indirectly, they know the importance of events like these. I congratulate Mrs. Betty Irabor as the event was a success. Its time the whole world participates and STANDS UP TO CANCER!

What not to wear?

2009-05-20T18:35:00.005+01:00

Less is more? Oh yes...more than our eyes can afford!! if you've got it (good figure) flaunt it if not COVER UP LADIES.

P.M.T (The Pre-Menstrual Terrorist)

2009-04-29T10:36:00.003+01:00

Who told you to do that? Why are you standing there? Can’t you do anything right dammit!!!!!! Ladies, do you remember the feeling? When you feel nothing is going right because you think you aren’t good enough, you then begin to cry uncontrollably for no good reason, any little thing or flaw irritates the life out of you, you feel like everyone hates you so you reciprocate the hatred on anyone and everyone then suddenly you stop for a moment to look at your calendar. Oh yes mami, it’s that time of the month. Fellas, it’s time to bid farewell to the sweet, sexy mama you know (at least for 2 days or so) because Cruella Deville is out to get cha.

It is not exactly known what causes pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS or PMT). Common sense indicates it must somehow be linked to the fluctuating levels of female hormones experienced after ovulation. But the subtleties of why some women are more affected than others are not understood.

Around 90 per cent of menstruating women get advance warning of an approaching period because of physical and/or psychological changes in the days before their period begins.

For most women the symptoms are mild, but a small proportion finds their symptoms so severe they dread this time of the month.

The terms ‘mild’ and ‘severe’ in respect of PMS are arbitrary, but relate to the extent of disruption to your home and work life that's attributable to the monthly cycle. About a third of women say PMS significantly affects their life, with 5 to 10 per cent classifying their PMS as severe.

Normal fluctuations in hormone levels are responsible for some of the symptoms most commonly associated with the monthly cycle, such as bloating, breast tenderness or headaches.

Women who suffer from PMS may possibly have a lower than normal level of a certain chemical in their brain (serotonin), which may explain some of the non-physical symptoms such as irritability, depression and mood swings.

PMS is not caused by any underlying abnormality with the pelvic organs.

TREATMENTS

There are many treatments for PMS, most of which have some short-term benefit. However, few provide relief for longer than a few months.

Treatment will depend upon the nature of the symptoms and their severity.

For many women, simple changes to diet and lifestyle, reducing alcohol and caffeine intake and cutting down on cigarettes will make the monthly symptoms more bearable. Your GP can give you guidance in this.

A suitable diet sheet is available via the National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome (NAPS) at www.pms.org.uk.

Non-Hormonal Treatments

Vitamin B6

This is also known as pyridoxine says Dr. Philip Owen. 'It is commonly recommended for mood swings and irritability. There is some scientific support for its use for mild symptoms, but you need to be careful not to take too high a dose. It is advisable to consult your doctor before starting treatment.'

Evening primrose oil (EPO)

Capsules of EPO can be helpful in alleviating premenstrual breast pain in some women. However, the evidence in favour of its effect is slight and it has been withdrawn from NHS prescription for this reason.
Bromocriptine and cabergoline

Bromocriptine (eg Parlodel) and cabergoline (Dostinex) reduce the output from the brain of a hormone called prolactin. Prolactin is the hormone that stimulates the breasts to produce milk.

These drugs may be useful if premenstrual breast pain is a major symptom, but their long-term use should be avoided.
Diuretics (water tablets)

Diuretics (water tablets) may give relief from ankle swelling. They will not relieve abdominal bloating, which is not caused by fluid retention but by relaxation and distension of the muscle in the wall of the bowel.

Diuretics need to be prescribed by a doctor and should only be taken for a few days each month in the lowest of doses.

Antidepressants

There is much enthusiasm for the use of a class of antidepressants called SSRIs (eg Prozac) in the treatment of severe PMS where the symptoms are mostly depression, mood swings, irritability, etc.

The results of treatment are often dramatic and are supported by scientific studies. Side effects can sometimes be a problem. Discussion with a GP or specialist is essential before starting treatment.

The Nigerian Songbirds

2009-04-28T09:51:00.009+01:00

ASA

Their 'soulfulness' in their music could be compaired to Tracy Chapman, Indie Arie or Norah Jones. Their voices have the tendency of taking you on a journey through lyrics; a rare skill not many artists possess. ASA and Ayo are leading Nigerian artists we must pay attention to in 2009. Their music don't just entertain, they convey a message of hope.

Asa has not only been nominated for both the “Artist of the Year” and the “Best Female Act” at the 2008 MTV Africa Music Awards, but was also nominated for the “Best African Act” at the 2008 MOBO Awards beside trailblazing artists like Estelle and Dizzee Rascal. Born in Paris but Nigerian-raised, Asa is a product of two Nigerian parents who, when she was only two, returned back to settle in the “New York City” of Nigeria–Lagos.

As a child growing up with a music lover for a father, she listened to Fela Kuti, Sunny Ade, Bob Marley, Aretha Franklen, Marvin Gaye, Lagbaja, and Ebenezer Obey. It was obviously time destined for her to answer to her musical call. Drawing inspiration from all the artists that she listened to growing up, Asa started connecting all the elements that make her the trailblazing artist she is.

So often mistaken for the great India Arie because of the neo-soul swagger she carries and her intoxicating guitar playing skills she has shared the stage with notable greats such as like The Nubians, Tony Allen, Doctor L, and Manu Dibangu. She has also starred as the opening act for Akon, Beyonce, and John Legend.

AYO

This African beauty of Nigerian and German heritage, Ayo’s music is the kind that creeps up and envelopes you in warmth.

Ayo’s album is an eye opener. Her falsetto and guitar strums seem innocent at first listen but on further inspection reveal a lot on pain, love and laughter. She is playful in Life is real and loving in Only you. A sure hit Help is coming is a hopeful ode to struggle.

Car of the Month: 2009 BMW 7 Series

2009-04-21T12:59:00.009+01:00

There's a certain section of society that's rich enough to purchase this beauty, while the other section would be envious enough to pull out all their life's savings and live on air and water just to get in on the action.

The new 2009 BMW 7 - series is a masterpiece.

Its weight-saving measures have shaved about 120 lbs thanks largely to increased use of aluminum in the body as compared to the previous generation car despite the new car carrying more standard equipment. Another detail change meant to improve fuel consumption by reducing drag is a flap in the grille that eliminates unneeded airflow.

Four-wheel steering will be included on the 7-Series option list, with an all-wheel drive option slated to be offered in a few years. The rear wheels will turn in the opposite direction as the front ones at speeds below 35mph, and will turn up to three degrees in the same direction as speeds climb above that.

A new active chassis management system BMW calls IMS will give users the choice of Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport Plus settings, changing settings such as shock settings, steering effort, gear change speed and smoothness, and the sensitivity of the stability control system.

A new night vision system promises to increase safety for pedestrians. The new system will be able to detect human presence in front of the vehicle and then flash a warning symbol on the display. Moreover, the system will be able to tell if a pedestrian is in the road or safely on the sidewalk, although it's not clear how the system can differentiate the two.

The new system is so advanced, it's also able to read speed limit signs and warn drivers when they are driving too fast. However, this feature will only be available in Europe for the time being. A lane departure warning system will notify drivers of cars in their blind spots via a vibrating steering wheel and a message on the dashboard-mounted screen, which now grows to 10.2 inches from 8.8.

This car can hit 100mph in just 17.7 seconds thanks to the 242bhp and 398lb ft.
The big BMW will also be keeping an eye on your speed during inclement weather. The camera can detect fog or rain, and will warn drivers when they are approaching an unsafe speed. (Remember, drivers, this car's safety device can only warn you about the dangers around it's left to you to heed the warning signs. The car does not control you, you control the car!)

Whatever happened to Winnie Mandela?

2009-04-20T01:29:00.011+01:00

Mrs Winnie Nomzamo MADIKIZELA-MANDELA, dubbed by the British Broadcasting Corporation as 'Africa's Evita' was wife to former South African president Nelson Mandela.

Born September 26th 1936 in Bizana South Africa, Winnie married Nelson in 1958 despite her father's objections. When Nelson who was head of the ANC was arrested, she actively continued the fight against apatheid and for the release if her husband. The former First Lady was popular among her supporters who fondly referred to her as 'Mother of the Nation'

After Mr Mandela's release in 1990, relations between the couple gradually cooled and they divorced in 1996 on the grounds of her adultery. She appeared before the Truth and Reconciliation Committee in 1997, where she had to defend herself against allegations of murder and assault of 14-year-old activist, Stompei Seipei Moketsi, who was kidnapped by her guards and later found murdered. Initially, she was convicted and given six years in jail, but she appealed and was given a suspended sentence and given a fine.

In May / June 2008, Winnie criticized the anti-immigrant violence that began in Johannesburg and spread throughout the country, and blamed the government's lack of suitable housing provisions for the sentiments behind the riots. She also apologized to the victims of the riots and visited the Alexandra township.

She also offered her home as a shelter for an immigrant family from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She warned that the perpetrators of the violence could strike at the Gauteng train system

In March 2009, the Independent Electoral Commission ruled that Winnie Mandela, who was selected as an ANC candidate, can run in the South African general election, 2009, despite having a fraud conviction. She secured fifth place on the ANC's electoral list for the South African general election, 2009, behind party president Jacob Zuma, current President of South Africa Kgalema Motlanthe, Deputy President of South Africa Baleka Mbete and finance minister Trevor Manuel. An article in The Observer' suggested than her position near the top of the list indicated that the party's leadership saw her as a valuable asset in the election with regard to solidifying support among the party's grassroots and the poor

The elections take place on April 22nd 2009.

Putting Sexy Back Into Africa: The African Ambassadors

2009-04-19T16:10:00.007+01:00

"Africa is sexy and people need to know that," The New York Times quotes Bono as saying. "We've got to get better at telling the success stories of Africa in addition to the horror stories."

A country cannot promote itself. People do. Amongst all the horror stories there must be some good in it and out of it right? You cannot talk about supermodels without naming Iman, Liya Kebede, Oluchi, Alek Wek and so on. These African godesses are simply divine in their own rights. Apart from being catwalk beauties, these women give back to their societies. Iman is a celebrity spokesperson for Keep A Child Alive and is associated with other charities like Action Against Hunger, Keep A Child Alive and 21st Century Leaders. The Liya Kebede foundation was set up reduce maternal newborn and child mortality and to improve the health and wellbeing of children and mothers around the world.

Alek Wek is a member of the U.S. Committee for Refugees' Advisory Council, and is helping to raise awareness about the situation in Sudan, as well as the plight of refugees worldwide. As one of the most high profile international models of Nigerian origin, Oluchi Onweagba tries to serve as a role model for other aspiring talents in the west African country, especially young girls. She volunteers her time and her image for such NGOs as LEAP Africa and NIPRO

Other artists include; Chiwetel Ejiofor, Djimon Hounsou, Akon and Adewale Akinnuoye -Agbaje to name a few.

Akon's charity work includes Clothes Off Our Back and Hip-Hop Summit Action Network. The Senegalese also has his own charity for underprivileged children in Africa called Konfidence Foundation. Djimon Hounsou supports SOS Children’s Villages which takes action for children as an independent, non-governmental and non-denominational social development organisation by providing family-based care for children who have lost their parents or can no longer live with them.

We appauld these artists for the charity work and hope a lot more people (famous or not) follow in their footsteps to make not just Africa, but the world a better place.

Mode Men Black Night 3 Runway Pictures

2009-04-08T01:53:00.001+01:00

How to Solve A Problem Like Global Warming

2009-04-07T13:34:00.006+01:00

Global warming is real. I can't remember the weather being like this at least in Lagos. From noon, you can actually pour cooking oil on the ground and fry chicken on it. No jokes. It is that hot and i don't remember it being this hot. Back in primary school when hamattan season still existed, we'd carry our jumpers / sweaters to school to keep warm. Now, if only kids be allowed to go naked, they would be ever so grateful. Take a look at the global warming picture (above) of underwares, what do you think the underware for 00's (new millenium) should be? I know...non existent! even polar bears want to rip their skins off.

Congestion is also a factor. There are too many people, cars, buildings etc. where did they all come from?

I think global warming will be solved if man reproduced less and adopted more instead.The more wasteful humans there are the more energy & natural resources are being consumed, more buildings go up, every inch of space will be used, congestion e.t.c women around the world should have a maximum of 2 kids for the next 10yrs at least. If u already have 2 or more, congrats it's time to quit. There are loads of kids in care seeking good homes. I know when celebs like Madonna and Angelina Jolie come to Africa to adopt kids the critics always sharpen their blades but what is it they are doing wrong? Nothing. If anything they should be applauded and more people should follow their lead.

It is not just about family planning and going green. Amongst other things, governtments should look for ways to improve infrastructure in other states /cities and give incentives to people to relocate to reduce the concentration of people in one area i.e Lagos, NY, london. At this point good paying jobs would be a start.

Grill It Like Foreman

2009-04-03T14:50:00.003+01:00

Obesity is a problem not just in Africa, but around the world. It is only advisable and wise to examine your diet and make a few adjustments that could go a long way. For instance, don't fry food, instead steam or grill it. Grilling removes excess fat from meat whilst sealing in the flavour.

Some might even argue that grilling foods cause cancer as Benz Pyrenes which are carcinogenic particles are found on charred foods. This evidence remains inconclusive at the moment as tests were carried out on lab rats fed only on burnt food. Now, unless one is a bad cook who tends to burn food everytime the chance of getting cancer from your grilled burger or kebab is very slim.

Thanks to George Foreman's Lean Grill Machine, grilling couldn't be easier or convenient and might i add hip. you can grill like a pro without breaking a sweat.

Tip

Fatty foods are best for grilling because they stay juicy (even when most of the fat has been sucked out ) over high heat. Fish and chicken, are so lean, tend to dry out on the grill so you will have to keep an eye on it. Set a timer to remind you. also, leave the skin on chicken. it serves as a protective sleeve against heat plus non of its fat would be absorbed underneath.

So as the weekend approaches, the sun's out (hope not scorching as you don't want to be grilled by the sun too), whip out your grill, call some friends over and just chill with some grilz...

African Gems

2009-04-03T13:08:00.004+01:00

There is an old saying which states that 'A good name is better than gold'. This morning i was quite happy to read that there are more people who share my vision.

Two Nigerian sisters who hope to change the bad stereotype / perceptions of Africa by touring the continent and documenting its good news stories. Chioma and Oluchi Ogwuegbu's journey across Africa started at the end of last year in West Africa.
By the end of this year they hope to have changed people's perception of a place still called by some the "Dark continent" through their website www.CelebrateAfrica.net.

The sisters freely admit that they did have some concerns about their mission at the beginning. It is an ambitious goal - as the notion of the continent is that littered with corrupt governments and plagued by civil war and natural disaster. We all know the histories, every country (not just in Africa) has had their fair share of bad leaders and wars.

No country is perfect. Look at America, two terms with George Bush not only destroyed the image of the States globally but ruined the world economy. one thing that still stands firm is the spirit of its citizens; their faith in the country. Amidst all the disappointment, most US citizens if not all are proud to be Americans. why can't that same force reign in Africa? Be proud Nigerians, Ghanaians, Angolans, Zambians, South Africans, Kenyans e.t.c

For example in Burkina Faso, one of the poorest countries in the world, they discovered the beautiful Cascades de Karfiguela waterfalls and breath-taking rock formations in the Domes de Fabedougou which geologists say date back 1.8m years.

The reason for this promotion is not just to entice the hearts of foreigners but to appeal to our fellow Africans to change their thinking to order to embrace our country, our continent.

So, i applaud you sisters, and i pray more of us begin to rise above all the negativity for the good of our continent.