I REGRET NOT STUDYING JOURNALISM – PROMISE ETIM

Promise Etim is the head of Corps Members Orientation Broadcasting Service (OBS), Anambra State. He studied Agricultural Engineering at the University of Uyo. He is observing his primary assignment at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University(UNIZIK) FM, Awka. JASPER DADA (his colleague) met him.

What lured you to journalism and broadcasting?

My passion for journalism and broadcasting started in my second year at the university, when  my friend Ini-obong Monday and I analysed the  FIFA 2006 World Cup with Mr. Tony Saviour at NTA 12, Uyo.

But you read Engineering. Won’t you practice your profession?

It is the most quintessential profession in the world, but my passion for journalism has almost drawn my attention off it. Someday in the future, I will practice the profession.

What are the challenges you face as a leader?

There is no easy task in life as far as I am concerned. Leading people has not been easy but we have been able to meet up the demands of people, helping the needy and reaching out to the less privileged.

Do you have any regret?

Yes. Not studying Journalism or Mass Communication at the university is my biggest regret.

What influenced your sport analysis?

One man actually lured me to sports and football to be precise. His name is Jose Mourinho. I always marvel at his antics and tactics on and off the pitch.

What is your future plan?

With increased passion and flair for broadcasting, I am heading for a postgraduate programme in Mass Communication or Journalism after my service year. I am also looking forward to have stint at Brila 88.9 FM, Onitshabefore the end of the year.

Source: The Nation

EXCLUSIVE: ETIGHI DANCE UNITY DANCE IN PICTURES (2)

CONNOISSEUR brings you the second batch of pictures from the Etighi Unity Dance held on the 23^rdof December, 2011. 

FRANK OKON VS AKPABIO: CASE ADJOURNED AGAIN

The on-going court battle involving the sitting Governor of Akwa Ibom, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio and Engr. Frank Okon over the PDP primaries that were held on 15 January, 2011 has been adjourned again.
   The case which was heard today by Justice Kafarti was adjourned to March 6, 2011.

Hamid El Shari And Mostafa Shawki New Single

Soccer fans should not expect to be murdered when all they are seeking the thrill of a game, not being chased down by thugs. More than 70 soccer fans have been murdered in cold bold at the stadium.

This is a slow song where the guitar meets the mellow voices of two singers, Hamid El Shari and Mostafa Shawki who also composed the music. This song offers sincere condolences for the families of the fallen young men and women.

حميد الشاعرى ومصطفى شوقى علاء و أنس اهداء لشهداء التراس اهلاوى

The Egyptian Version of Bridesmaids Will Stink

The movie that I hope no body pays to see, from Ghada Abdel Razik, the most hated female in post Mubarak Egypt who keeps making an idiot out of herself. she just won't take a break, every time she opens her mouth, you know we will get some stupid comments from her about other people.

While I loved the American film Bridesmaids, and so did millions of other people, it looks like being out of idea inspired the director to rip of a page form this hilarious movie and use a similar poster.

The thing with Ghada is not only her vocal support for the regime and its leaders--she has led protests against the Jan 25th revolution, badmouths other actors and directors. Aside from that, she looks 6o years old, but always take up parts for young people meant to be in their late 20s.

Here's a nother shitty sha'abi song that helps to sell this bad excuse for a movie.
اغنية اسامة الحسينى - ابو الليل | من فيلم ركلام 2012

Hind of Bahrain 2012 Pop Gulf Album

She is the embodiment of of what typical old school men in the Gulf fear, a good looking women who can sing and knows that she can make it out there. She does not see herself in a traditional role, and does not dress like she is one of millions of women in the Gulf--no disrespect.

She is a regional celebrity, and her media appearances on various TV stations are many. But now we are here to talk about her pop gulf album. Released just few days ago with Rotana and offering 14 track. 14 tracks are complete new songs takes ages to do in this age and it must have cost a fortune.

This is no award wining album, but I can tell serious thoughts have gone into it and Hind really challenged herself trying to find her groove back. In between romance, blues, and giddy dance she lives.

01 - Ta7adany
02 - Ya Ahl Alkher
03 - Men Alby
04 - Gebo Habiby
05 - Tesawy Tawayeqhom
06 - Jalsit Habayeb
07 - Bel Hadawa
08 - Wesh Mawdo3ak
09 - Domeny
10 - 3aned
11 - 7aga ghareba
12 - A7ebokom
13 - Aks Yady
14 - At7adak

The Anti-Politicians Palestinian Song By Dari

He is a Palestinian who is funny in Arabic and likes to sing. But his humor is directed toward life full of ironies. Politicians, and leaders whom no one follows. He is a sarcastic fellow.

This is one song that mocks those figures and sticks it to them, but also it's about us and how little do we know.

أنا مش سياسي، أحمد داري. I am not a politician, Ahmad Dari

Lebanese Bruno Preceded Bruno Mars

He has that classical warm voice when accompanied by Piano he can do wonders. This guy is back this year with a music video accompanied by his muse Cynthia. This couple seems to have a monopoly on their own images, they perform together and tend to reveal a love story that goes beyond music.

He leads, and she is there to support, but her supercharged personality is hard to miss.
Bruno - Ana El Majnoun / برونو - أنا المجنون

Joe Massoud - Kezzabi / جو مسعود - كذابه Pop Sucks

If I start this blog post when "this is not a terrible song", then you know Joe Masoud is not going to be happy with the review. But this is a manly song from a guy who is anything but handsome. He is the hard working male with muscles. And she is a babe that knows her affect on men.

I do not get the picnic part, like he might be poor, but he still can whop a good picnic with lots of picnic food. Roa liked his voice and thinks he really sounds good, so there;s that. I do not find the music original or interesting. However, I would give this song a B.

Joe Massoud - Kezzabi / جو مسعود - كذابه

AFCON: DROGBA’S MOM COOKS FOR SUPPORTERS

Clotilde Drogba

The mother of Cote d’Ivoireinternational, Didier Drogba has been cooking for the national team supporters at a makeshift restaurant she set up near the fans’ village in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, where the Elephants are playing their Group B games.

Clotilde Drogba, who personally does the traditional home cooking of fried plantain chips, pepper soup, white rice, tomato sauce and attieke, said it was her contribution to nation at the tournament by feeding the supporters so they could have enough strength to cheer the team to final victory, reports AFP.

Every match day, some 60 members of the national committee of the Elephants supporters (CNSE) queue up with empty bowls to collect food free off charge from the mother of the most influential Ivorian player, before heading to the stands to sing and clap.

Drogba

AKON FACILITATES P-SQUARE’S COLLABORATION WITH USHER RAYMOND

Psquare

American Rhythm and Blues singer and super star, Usher Raymond would be collaborating with Nigerian duo-P-Square.

The twin who were busy in U.S a while back with the project which would include a video, would have their next single featuring the American singer many have compared them to.

Konvict Music led by Akon reportedly made the collaboration possible.

KANU NWANKWO AND WIFE, AMARA EXPECTING BABY NUMBER 3

Former Super Eagles captain, Kanu Nwankwo is going to be a dad again! The most decorated African player and his wife Amara, are reportedly expecting their third child.
The pregnancy, we gathered is in Its early stage. Kanu and Amara married in 2004 and have two boys together.

Ebn Masr - Ghada Ragab ابن مصر - غادة رجب

Ghada Rageb is one of those super awesome singer whose perfect vocals and sincere emotions make the perfect combination any diva can wish for. Having said that, Ghada has never been a commercial success. I know she has been upset with that fact as not many production companies pursue here.

Therefore, as of this year she seems to have moved her base to Beirut and released a Lebanese song. The cool thing about Ghada is her ability to do so many Arabic dilect so well too--including the Libyan dialect.

Here's a song of hers about the children of Egypt, it's a soft song for the love of Egypt, reminding all Egyptians to comeback home to their beloved country that neeeds them at this important juncture.

Ebn Masr - Ghada Ragab ابن مصر - غادة رجب

Not Bad For An Amateur Palestinian Singer

Haitham Othman won't be making any records anytime soon, he won't be a big ticket item. He is one of dozens of Palestinians entertainers for are in it as a pastime. Those are the amateur entertainers.

He is an older guy, so he is not in it for the dancing girls. So what does he do? Not much, his song that gives you both a virtual and audio tour of Palestine. He plays a tour guide and names the Palestinians cities and things to eat / do there.

The song is about being positive and having a good outlook. But he says it all as if he wishes Palestine has no occupation. The title suggests, I wish to see my own country. The images form various Palestinian towns and villages are heartwarming.

His voice is decent, at times, you can tell it could benefit from some training, but who are we kidding, this is Palestine, nothing is perfect.
نفسي ادخل بلدي - للفنان هيثم عثمان

Julia Botrus 2012 Album "Yawman Ma" Available

Julia comes home this year! The singer that has one of the finest voices in Arabic music that does contemporary and classical songs with ease has just made her album available for purchase. If you are looking for some pop and computer generated music, you are out of luck.

But if life size stories, live orchestra wrapped in a voice of an angel attracts you then, this is the album to check out. We have heard at least 5 songs of this 9 songs album--I have yet to confirm that this is the official release.

In some internet forums one of the song was released "Atlaq Tiranak" was used in a propaganda video for the Syrian army as far as we know the artist has neither approved of the video nor condemned it. It's bad enough the song is titled "Open Your Fire"

01 Ya Mashallah
02 Shu Hal Helw Feik
03 Sawad El Leil
04 Yawman Ma
05 Alou Mshina
06 Atlaq Tiranak
07 Maqawem
08 Music 1
09 Music 2

جوليا بطرس - أطلق نيرانك لا ترحم

KUDIRAT ABIOLA'S MURDER:AL-MUSTAPHA SENTENCED TO DEATH BY HANGING

A Lagos High Court sitting at Igbosere on Monday convicted Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, the former Chief Security Officer to the late Head of State General Sani Abacha and Lateef Shofolahan over the murder of of Kudirat Abiola, the wife of the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election, Chief Moshood Abiola. The accused persons have been sentenced to death by hanging.

Mrs Abiola’s Murder case is adjudged to be the longest criminal trials ever experienced in the nation’s history, lasting more than 12 years with five successive judges during which time the accused persons were held in detention. This time in prison calendar is equivalent to 20 years.

The prosecution led by Lawal Pedro had accused Al-Mustapha of ordering Sergeant Barnabas Jabila (Sgt. Rogers), who was then a member of both the Strike Force and Body Guards – military units within the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja, to kill Mrs Abiola.

The wife of the eminent Businessman and politician was shot dead on June 4, 1996 along the Lagos/ Ibadan Expressway, Lagos toll gate, opposite Cargo Vision, Ikeja in Lagos.

The prosecution also accused Mr Shofolahan, who was said to be Kudirat’s protocol officer, to have revealed the deceased’s itinerary to her assailants. According to the prosecution, Mohammed Abdulof was alleged to have driven the car Jabila and Sholohan used to trail and killed Mrs Abiola.

Mr Shofolahan, however, denied that he ever worked for Kudirat in any capacity throughout her lifetime.

The prosecuting lawyers in their 34-page final written address, at the close of the trial on November 10, 2011, urged the court to convict the two accused persons as charged.

However, Al-Mustapha’s lawyer, Olalekan Ojo, in his 112-page written address, said the prosecution’s evidence was not supported by law. He urged the court to acquit and discharge his clients.

                                                                                                                                Source: Channels TV
 

Carol Saker Channels Najat Al Sagheerah

This is an old school song that got a makeover by Lebanese diva Carol Saker (Saqr) becasue her father asked her to sing it. This is an Arabic gem that was sang by Najat Al Sagheera and the music composition was done by Mohammed Abdelwahab--there's no bigger legend.

Carol has always had that kind of sharp voice that can take any shape she wants to take. The song was recorded in 1960, only to be re-recorded by Carol and her husband--who is a music producer. Carol has injected a bit of herself and emotions in this masterpiece.

Evidently her father was obsessing over this song over their Christmas break--so he asked his daughter to do a cover, he even called in his son in law to help out. Days later we have a new old song that lives up the moment. Carol did not struggle with the song and breezed through it. This is not an easy song, it's a work of poetry where timing is important.

كارول صقر - "أيظن" by Elaph - إيلاف

Adel Mahmoud Asks His Sweatheart To Take It Easy

Adel Mahmoud is one of the few stars that I have nothing ill to say about. He seems so perfect and so good at his craft. He is doing the music thing for art, not for money. He is no lazy either, but he does not chase journalists to write about him.

That's why his mellow romantic style feels real! When I read about his latest single, more than a week ago, I was excited for a dose of Adel Mahmoud. And now that I have heard the track, I am glad I waited, it was well worth the wait.

حصريا / عادل محمود - خف علينا 2012

The Juiciest Arabic Entertainment News Is Here

1. Elissa supports and prays for Egypt, she also shared a photo of hers wearing the Egyptian flag in solidity.
2. Nancy Ajram has won for the third time the World Music Award after rumors have circulated that Nawal El Zogby has been granted the award. Most Arab entertains seem to have nothing good to say about this award--only those who have won it come to defend it.
   
3. Tamer Hosny is in the defense once again, this time about his US / Canada tour. This is a pre set concert and the tour been planed since a year ago. He is even arguing that had he not performed, the US State Department will have issues with his visa. In the meantime half a dozen Egyptian activists protest the concert across the street from the venue in NJ.
   
4. Marwa Nasir cancels her Beirut concert and delays her upcoming album in observance of the mourning state Egypt has been reduced to at this moment.
5. Egyptian singer Mohammed Hamaki has finally found his mojo and criticized the army rule of Egypt via his twitter account. He even went to Al Ahly club and offered condolences for the victims--he is a supporter for the red team.
6. Mohammed Foad has canceled his planned concert in one of Egypt's most popular park in the wake of the soccer massacre.
7. Egyptian actor Khalid El Nabawy is back on the streets leading the protests, and asking for new fresh candidates for the presidency.
8. Haifa Wahbe calls Samir Sfier, Lebanon's hottest composer a man who is not longer one and should seek medical attention in hormone therapy. Sfier picks on Haifa on most of his media appearances left and right. Haifa has offered harsh criticism of Raghib Alama who had previously said that his son does not like Haifa Wahbe! Hiafa called him out on bring his son into his father's public feuds.
9. Fadel Shaker has some crazy words for other singers, Yara--is a money grubber who is always looking for a way to make some extra cash. Ramy Ayash is a rusty piece of scrap metal, Who the hell is Maya Diab, what has she done to win female entertainer of the year! Someone should ask Warda to wear a head cover and go on a hajj, she is a legend.
   

Activists Greet Tamer Hosny's US Tour With Rage!

It's not secret that Tamer Hosy has made a lot of enemies throughout his career, but out of those enemies no one hates him more than the activists. As Egyptians are slaughtered in the streets of Egypt, Tamer had a tough decision to make.

Hold his concerts in the States and Canada or can them? He has already canned them last year and this makes it harder to cancel once again. And there's a lot of money at stake that goes with the promotion and the costs of the tour. Still some people are upset with Tamer. The activists were waiting for him in New York and New Jersey with singed protesting his concert during those hard times in Egypt.

They even has signs to shame the star. Here's a video of the Egyptian activists--Jersey is the home of many of them. They chanted against Tamer and the military rule. It's worth mentioning that the DC concert went just fine with no incident.
Calling him, the singer for the ruling power--the police and the army. I think there's some truth to that.

Tamer had to get into the theater with police protection as more and more people have joined the protest against the singer according to Elaph.
نشطاء نيويورك ونيوجيرسي علموا علي تامر حسني

Kicking It Around Ehab Tawfik And Pals

Ehab Tawfik is the business of being Egyptian. He has even found a new dude who can really sing and sound like Mohammed Mounir--Ahsraf Salem is the name. these two guys are bringing back unity to the front of the dialogue.

the ones goes for those Egyptians who want nothing more than unity, they are not necessary opposed to change, but first and most they want unity of the people. The song is titled "Join Me", this is a song that makes it clear, there are many opinions and diversions, but when it comes to country, all Egyptians are united or at least they should be.

This is a surprise song from Ehab Tawfik who has kept away from politicking in his country ever since Mubarak has left the building.

اغنية ايهاب توفيق و اشرف سالم - انضم لينا | جديد 2012

EXCLUSIVE: ETIGHI UNITY DANCE IN PICTURES

Etighi dance has got amplified to a level that it has got both national and international appeal as it has penetrated boundaries and has been used in top rated music videos. Many versions of the dance such as Etighi Boko Haram, Etighi Afang, Etighi Facebook, Etighi 2go etc were on display at the Etighi Unity Dance organized by Nature Udoh and the Gang during the yuletide period. 

Visit CONNOISSEUR again soon to view the second part of the pictures.

NEW POLICE IG LOSES WIFE

Hajiya Maryam Abubakar, wife of the recently appointed Acting Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Dikko Abubakar is dead.

   She died in a hospital in Kanoafter battling with cancer. May her soul RIP.

050 Band And Egypt's Soccer Massacre

Nothing 050 Band has done before can beat this song in boldness. This is a song that comes from a big caring heart that has been turned into an angry soul in light of the recent events.

For me, the lyrics are the winners, the vocals are alright, but nothing outstanding. The rap is a plus. However, the rage is called for and it's directed toward the army rule in Egypt

050 Ft Modyrap / زيروخمسين ومحمد اسامه - حداد (يسقط حكم العسكر )