Thrills And Bores Of Mobo 2008 As 9ice Wins Best African Act

This year's edition of MOBO awards was held last Thursday with the usual highs and lows for various artistes as 9ice further registers his name in gold.



The sky seems the limit for rave-making Nigerian hip-hop sensation, 9ice. He adds yet another feather to his cap, winning the Best African Act at this year's London's Music of Black Origin, MOBO awards held last Thursday. This latest feat he performed, beating fellow compatriots, Faze, D'Banj, Mo'Hits All Stars, Asa, P'Square, and other African acts like Magic System, Jua Cali, Jozi, Wahu and Hip Hop Pantusula who were all nominated for the category.

28 year old Abolore Akande, a.k.a 9ice has actually carved a niche for himself in the Nigerian, nay the world music scene. On the 27th of June this year, he performed at the Nelson Mandela 90th Birthday Tribute concert, singing Gongo Aso in London and soon after that was made a 46664 Ambassador. At the last edition of the now famous Hip Hop World Awards, 9ice came off as winner of Revelation of the Year award, along with Best Vocal Performer, Male. Later, he went on to be nominated for the Best New Artist at the maiden edition of the Soundcity Music Video Awards. His hit single, Gongo Aso is unarguably, currently the most popular song on radio in Nigeria. But the MOBO award is definitely his biggest 'kill” so far. His unique blend of Yoruba and English lyrics forms a rather unique Afro-Hip Hop which has stuck to his name like a signature. This no doubt, was what gave him the edge over other nominees at the prestigious Mobo award this year.

Like Nigeria's own 9ice, other artistes who got away smiling at the Mobos are: Best UK (Female) Estelle, Best UK (Male) Dizzee Rascal, Best UK (Newcomer) Chipmunk, Best International Act - Chris Brown, Best Reggae Mavado, Best Jazz - YolanDa Brown, Best Gospel Jahaziel, Best Song (American Boy) Estelle, Best R&B/Soul - Chris Brown, Best Hip Hop - Lil' Wayne, Best Video (Bleeding Love) - Leona Lewis, Best Album Spirit - Leona Lewis. The Best Radio DJ was won by BBC Radio 1's Trevor Nelson, while the Best Club DJ went to Tim Westwood. This year’s Lifetime Achievement went to Motown.

Celebrity Takes 2: Aifoyebi wins

Funlola AofiyebiWho would have thought that broadcaster and actress Funlola Aofiyebi is a dancer, or ever imagined her winning a dance competition. But this was the case last Sunday, when Funlola was announced winner of the much publicized reality dance contest, Celebrity Takes 2.

She beat fellow contestants beauty queen Omowunmi Akinifesi to the second position while fuji superstar Wasiu Alabi Pasuma came third. For her effort, sponsors of the contest Skye Bank Plc, gave Aifoyebi a Hummer Jeep and a gold cup.

Ten celebrities began the race, over two months and they were on a weekly, basis evicted by voters, leaving the stage for Aifoyebi, Pasuma and Akinifesi. The show was an initiative of the Spirit of David dance group

Arsenal Need To Be Like Chelsea, Claims Gallas!

Arsenal defender William Gallas, 31, believes that he was made a scapegoat for the Gunners failure to lift any silverware last season.

The French international also admits that Arsenal lack a winning mentality, something Gallas' former club Chelsea had in abundance.

"There was controversy about my captaincy but people had to find a scapegoat as we didn't win any trophies last season," Gallas told the Islington Gazette. "So they talked and talked again about the Birmingham match. Indeed I made a mistake, I must admit I flipped my lid. We should have won that game easily."

He went on to say: "Before Arsenal, I spent six years at Chelsea. That team was capable of getting ugly wins. If we had an opportunity to win a cup, we would never miss it."

"I became imbued with the winning culture, which doesn't exist yet at Arsenal.

"Our game made people dream, but we had empty hands. We have to show a more clinical state of mind," the Arsenal skipper declared.

"I can say we have not seen the Gallas from 2006 this term so far," he added, reflecting on his recent form. "In a few matches, I have not been so good."

"Above all I miss consistency. One match is good, the other one is not so good. However, I am doing everything to get to my best again."

Alan Dawson

Nigeria: Fela Resurrects At 70

Imagine if Fela had been alive, he would have been 70. Now this is a cause to celebrate because Fela is not just anybody; he was Nigeria's version of a human right activist and political maverick, who used his music as a political tool against successive anti-people governments. It would be recalled that his hit album Zombie was a mocking attack on Nigerian soldiers, using the zombie metaphor to describe the methods of the Nigerian military. His songs infuriated the government, setting off a vicious attack against his Kalakuta Republic, during which one thousand soldiers attacked the commune. Fela was severely beaten, and his aged mother was thrown from a window, causing fatal injuries. Kalakuta Republic was razed, and Fela's studio, instruments, and master tapes were destroyed. Fela claimed that he would have been killed if it were not for the intervention of a commanding officer as he was being beaten. His response to the attack was to deliver his mother's coffin to the main army barrack in Lagos and write two songs, Coffin for Head of State and Unknown Soldier, referencing the official inquiry that claimed the commune had been destroyed by an unknown soldier. He later formed his own political party, which he called Movement of the People. In 1979 he put himself forward for President in Nigeria's first presidential elections for more than a decade but his candidature was refused. Until his death, Fela was one Nigerian who made history by openly attacking the government for their injustice. It is for this reason and also for his unique afrobeat kind of music, that the enigma called Fela is being celebrated. The memorial event is tagged Baba @ 70, Felabration 2008 had since commenced on October 14 at the New African Shrine and is due to peak on October 19. The event is an afrobeat extravaganza, a posthumous celebration of Fela's birthday, who would have been 70 years old had he lived till now. Although many people who know Fela's recording from the 1980's and beyond, this show is about Fela at his funkiest, the 1970's. Last Tuesday, there was an exclusive exhibition showing 70, keeping with the theme, original Fela Kuti's vinyl, as well as never-before-seen photographs and some Fela-inspired arts.