Ice Prince & 2face Nominated for BET Awards 2013

2face and others nominated for BET Awards 2013

Best International Act: Africa
» 2Face Idibia (Nigeria)
» Toya Delazy (South Africa)
» Donald (South Africa)
» Ice Prince (Nigeria)
» R2Bees (Ghana)
» Radio and Weasel (Uganda)

  See Full List Here

Nominees For BET Awards 2013

The Full List of Nominees For BET Awards 2013 is below:

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
» Beyoncé
» Tamar Braxton
» Alicia Keys
» Rihanna
» Elle Varner

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
» Chris Brown
» Bruno Mars
» Miguel
» Justin Timberlake
» Usher

Best Group
» Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
» Mary Mary
» Mindless Behavior
» Slaughterhouse
» The Throne (Kanye West and Jay-Z)

Best Collaboration
» 2 Chainz (featuring Drake) - "No Lie"
» A$AP Rocky (featuring Drake, 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar) - "F---in' Problems"
» French Montana (featuring Rick Ross, Drake and Lil Wayne) - "Pop That"
» Kendrick Lamar (featuring Drake) - "Poetic Justice"
» Justin Timberlake (featuring Jay-Z) - "Suit & Tie"
» Kanye West (featuring Big Sean, Pusha T and 2 Chainz) - "Mercy"

Best Male Hip Hop Artist
» 2 Chainz
» A$AP Rocky
» Drake
» Future
» Kendrick Lamar

Best Female Hip Hop Artist
» Azealia Banks
» Eve
» Nicki Minaj
» Rasheeda
» Rye Rye

Video of the Year
» 2 Chainz (featuring Drake) - "No Lie"
» A$AP Rocky (featuring Drake, 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar) - "F---in' Problems"
» Drake - "Started From the Bottom"
» Drake (featuring Lil Wayne) - "HYFR"
» Kendrick Lamar (featuring Drake) - "Poetic Justice"
» Macklemore & Ryan Lewis (featuring Wanz) - "Thrift Shop"
» Miguel - "Adorn"
» Rihanna - "Diamonds"
» Justin Timberlake (featuring Jay-Z) - "Suit & Tie"
» Kanye West (featuring Big Sean, Pusha T and 2 Chainz) - "Mercy"

Video Director of the Year
» A$AP Rocky and Sam Lecca
» Benny Boom
» Director X
» Dre Films
» Hype Williams

Best New Artist
» Azealia Banks
» Joey Bada$$
» Kendrick Lamar
» Trinidad Jame$
» The Weeknd

Best Gospel Artist
» Deitrick Haddon
» Lecrae
» Tamela Mann
» Mary Mary
» Marvin Sapp

Best Actress
» Angela Bassett
» Halle Berry
» Taraji P. Henson
» Gabrielle Union
» Kerry Washington

Best Actor
» Don Cheadle
» Common
» Jamie Foxx
» Samuel L. Jackson
» Denzel Washington

YoungStars Award
» Gabrielle Douglas
» Jacob Latimore
» Keke Palmer
» Jaden Smith
» Quvenzhané Wallis

Best Movie
» "Beasts of the Southern Wild"
» "Django Unchained"
» "Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap"
» "Sparkle"
» "Think Like a Man"
 
Subway Sportswoman of the Year
» Gabrielle Douglas
» Brittney Griner
» Candace Parker
» Serena Williams
» Venus Williams

Subway Sportsman of the Year
» Victor Cruz
» Kevin Durant
» Robert Griffin III
» LeBron James
» Ray Lewis

Coca-Cola Viewers' Choice Award
» A$AP Rocky (featuring Drake, 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar) - "F---in' Problems"
» Drake - "Started From the Bottom"
» Kendrick Lamar - "Swimming Pools (Drank)"
» Miguel - "Adorn"
» Rihanna - "Diamonds"
» Justin Timberlake (featuring Jay-Z) - "Suit & Tie"

Centric Award
» Tamar Braxton - "Love and War"
» Fantasia - "Lose to Win"
» Miguel - "Adorn"
» Nas - "Daughters"
» Charlie Wilson - "My Love Is All I Have"

Best International Act: Africa
» 2Face Idibia (Nigeria)
» Toya Delazy (South Africa)
» Donald (South Africa)
» Ice Prince (Nigeria)
» R2Bees (Ghana)
» Radio and Weasel (Uganda)

Best International Act: UK
» Marsha Ambrosius
» Estelle
» Labrinth
» Rita Ora
» Emeli Sandé
» Wiley

JONATHAN DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY IN YOBE, ADAMAWA & BORNO STATE

Boko Haram on fire as President Goodluck Jonathan Declares state of emergency for three Northern State in Nigeria. These states are said to have been the major worries of FG as too many deaths toll around the region. The question is will this stop the Boko Haram Group from operating? As many previous and present leaders are suspected to be the major sponsors of the group which names are not unveil.

Some of the reasons are said to spoil the the leadership of President Jonathan. If this continues how will 2015 election be? So we here at Aftereffet Blog, we are pleading those sponsors to seize fire so one can live peacefully.

Sullivan Chime is not dead: Enugu State Govt React

As we earlier told you about fake rumour surrounding Governor Sullivan Chime to be dead  remember we told you to us is a rumour, which we promised to keep you updated as soon as possible  Sullivan Chime’s death; Rumor

Now Enugu state government, Thursday, denied the rumoured death of Governor Sullivan Chime saying the governor was in good health condition.

The state commissioner for information, Mr. Chuks Ugwuoke told Vanguard when contacted on the widespread rumour that Governor Chime passed on in India on Wednesday, said the rumour which he described as baseless, was the handiwork of mischief makers.
Fresh anxiety mounted in the state, Thursday, on account of the speculation as many concerned citizens put calls across to media houses to confirm if what they were hearing about the governor was true.
They cited the reports posted on the social media network, Facebook by some unnamed persons which triggered off the rumour and sought to authenticate the reports.
Vanguard learnt that the peddlers of the rumour is now being sought by security operatives who have already obtained the Personal Identification Number (PIN) of the perpetrator on Facebook website.
The governor, who was seen in Enugu Wednesday, was said to have travelled to Abuja same day on an undisclosed mission.
Ugwuoke described the news of the death of the governor as unfounded as the “governor was hale and hearty.”
He said the governor had no business, health issue or any reason whatsoever to travel to India, vowing that the government would get to the root of the rumour to unmask those behind the incessant posts of such baseless reports on the internet.
A member of the opposition Save Enugu Group (SEG), Ray Nnaji in sharp reaction to the rumour, asked the public to ignore it as it was posted by mischief makers.
Nnaji, also a former commissioner under former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani regretted that those behind the rumours were toying with the life of the governor, adding that Enugu people would not be deceived again by such wicked rumours.
“It is a taboo among the Igbos for people to wish one dead, even if the person is your enemy. These ugly rumours always peddled about our governor by mischief makers must stop. You cannot call that opposition but mischief,” insisted Nnaji.
Nnaji urged the governor not to be distracted by such mischevious insinuations and concentrate in his delivery of democracy dividend to the people of Enugu state.

To all rumour bloggers, beware of the rumours you publish and please, if it is rumour do let people understand for them not to go ahead passing fake information.

Do share with friends on any medium you can to help correct the fake rumour.

Thanks.

In The Aftermath Of Muslim-Copts Clashes Comes A Unity Song # Egypt

Songs are not enough to protect Christians in Egypt as sectarian violence shows its ugly face again in Egypt. It is not the first time and will not be the last unless the president and government take serious measures to prevent it


The last few days have witnessed clashes and sectarian violence between Christians and Muslims. These clashes have killed eight people, most of them Christians, and scores have been injured. Birdshot, petrol bombs and stones were used in these incidents. The two incidents in Khosous, Qalioubiya, north of Cairo, and the subsequent clashes at the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, highlight the plight of Copts in Egypt after the fall of the Mubarak regime.

It should be noted that Copts suffered discrimination during the Mubarak era as well. No one is happy about this, I am not sure who is waging those clashes and massacres--they are a minority that knows how to make a small situation much bigger. It's a sad day, but Egypt son of the South Aly Hussain has a new and short song about the situation calling for unity under the Egyptian banner--we are one people and the Nile belongs to both of us.

I wish those things do not happen and wish people weren't tribal and prone to emotional outbursts. But it takes time, what it should not take is many lives.



Aly Hussain Nheb Baad نحب بعض على حسين

Listen: #Egypt Exclusive: Bahaa' Sultan " Deny we Denak " / " حــــصــريا : بهاء سلطان " دينى ودينك

Bahaa Sultan is a Muslim, he producer and mentor is Christian and they are the best friends in the world. When this team saw the massacre in Egypt and the attacks on one Christina Church, they worked around the clock for a song. They were moved and their song came through to move you.

 His song is about bringing worshipers closer, it's about reconciliation and peace. Trying to bring people together, we are always friends and same kind--let's not be victims for other people. Bahaa does not do the knee jerk songs, he is the apolitical figure, but this time is seems very personal to him. Ramy Gamal wrote the music. Moammad Atif wrote the lyrics.

Starting the song with an interview of an eye witness who saw the incidents and then Bahaa picks it up. This is less of a song and more of prayer to appeal for common sense and reminding people of what brings them together. The footage that accompanies the song help create the mood for this toxic topic, one people, religion should not be a wedge issue.

Bahaa' Sultan " Deny we Denak " / " حــــصــريا : بهاء سلطان " دينى ودينك

Rest In Pease Salah Abdel Ghafour, Iraqi Legendary Singer And Intellectual

He sang in Arabic and Kurdish, this way he is very Iraqi. Not too many Iraqi singers have this kind of appeal, not only does both Arabic and Kurd love this talented and popular iconic singer, they have come to enjoy his singing in any language without regard to politics. His last album was recorded three years ago, and he has a number of unreleased tracks he has been working on. On his final days he spoke about the toxic mode in Arabia and the many tragedies that make it very hard to release new music.

Salah Abdel Ghafour is the folkloric Iraqi voice that gave Iraq one of its most hit songs that have come to define Iraqi music for decades, "Shlonak" This song of his is one of half a dozen songs the entire Iraqi nation knows like they know the back of their hands. He passed away in a tragic car accident in the Kurdish city of Erbil. One thing you need about him, even the Americans and other nationals have come to appreciate his music and his songs. Shlonak was later released in Turkey by a pop-folk singer ibrahim tatlises.

He has released 30 albums, he excelled in doing Iraqi styled songs as well as Folkloric dance songs. His first singing gig was when he was eight years old on the Iraqi TV and radio corporation he chose to perform songs of the mega Iraqi legend Nithem Al Ghazaly in 1961 "Rokin El Howa" Amateur Corner.

In 1973 he would join the national theater group and make his own path. In 1977 he want back to school to study music and composition where he learned to play the violin. He stayed in the music institute for six years perfecting his talent. He would become on of Iraq's finest voices for generations and would inspire droves of young Iraqis to make better music. He was the go to guy of Iraqi Maqam music 

To me, he was one of those artists who refused to objectify women and he spoke about it for a long time--he was very critical of sexualized music videos by many half baked Iraqi talents (for more about his opinions read here). He also released many sport songs for the national teams, and has sang for Palestine. A singer, an intellectual and patriot passes away in an accident, what's not an accident is his talent.


Shlonak - Salah Abdel Ghafour


صلاح عبد الغفور حلوة يالبغدادية.

Listen: Ray J, Releases "I Hit Is First" Track On Kim Kardashia

Ray J, the R&B singer who co-starred in the sex tape with Kim Kardashian that launched her career, has released a  new song called “I Hit It First” about their love affair. He is no different than those jaded boyfriends whose girl goes on to do better things with her life, and then they feel the urge to make comfort themselves by singing how they were the first.


Certainly Kanye West is going to appreciate this.

This is an off the wall and perhaps tasteless, Ray J, the one-time paramour of reality TV sensation Kim Kardashian—who co-starred in the infamous Kardashian sex tape that helped launch the bodacious starlet’s career—has released a diss track called “I Hit It First.”

“If you would’ve come back to me, girl, I know just how you’d do me / And if you would’ve come back to me, girl I know just why you choose me,” he sings. “And if you would’ve come back to me, girl I’ll give you a Jacuzzi / And if you wanna come back to me, girl, we’ll make another movie.”

Kardashian, 32, briefly dated Ray J after her four-year marriage to music producer Damon Thomas ended in 2004. Years later, in Feb. 2007, a sex tape she’d made with Ray J in 2003 was leaked to the Internet. "I Hit It First" will hit iTunes April 9. Kim, for her part, doesn't seem concerned by Ray J's new song. Today (April 6), for instance, she showed off her growing baby bump on her

WATCH: The Drunk Arab Diva Leaked Video Scandal فضيحة نوال الزغبي سكرانه في الفندق

Not a proud moment for me, but this beloved songstress of mine had a leaked video out where some dudes are talking to her and she seems to be out of her element. Watch for yourself. She does have a lot of enemies including a loser for a former husband.

Whoever leaked this video better explain himself/herself. This seems to have been filmed in a hotel where the diva had her guard down, or she might be trying to make it to her room when those guys stopped her and took their shoot. She is a mother and she had a legal battle with her husband over the custody of the children.

It seems that she knows at least one person in this group, and while we have no date on this video, it might have been leaked by her deranged husband. To her credit  she sings so well even with having had too much to drink.

أخر فضايح نوال الزغبي سكرانة


فضيحة نوال الزغبي وهـي سكرانه بالفندق

Nollywood Producer and CEO Of All Stars Movies Production, Chidi Chijioke Set To Wed

 Nollywood producer is set to tie the nut with his girlfriend, Chinonye Okonkwo, on Saturday April 27th, 2013 in Chinonye’s home town of Abagana in Anambra State.

We wish them all the best!
Source: quiqnews.blogspot.com

Pictures: Tuface and Annie Idibia’s Wedding in Dubai

These are some of the pictures of Tuface and Annie Idibia’s Wedding in Dubai. we will bring to you high resolution pictures as soon as possible.

 

Prof. Chinua Achebe died at 82

Chinua Achebe, one of the world’s most celebrated writers/author is dead at 82 According to SaharaReporters who learned that Achebe, was the David and Mariana Fisher Professor of Literature at Brown University. He was born on November 16, 1930. He died in hospital at Boston after been ill for sometimes.

D'banj's Sister "Taiwo Oyebanjo" In Love

D'banj's Sister "Taiwo Oyebanjo" is said to have fallen in love with a Coolfm Guy "Oladotun Ojuolape Kayode" Oladotun proposes to her this evening all the way in South Africa. According to the story, they have been friends for sometime now, but we don't know how long. We wish you guys the best.

“My Oga At The Top” Singer (Lagos State Commandant Obafaiye Shem) Suspended

Obafaiye Shem, the Lagos state commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC) has been temporarily suspended following the now famous “My Oga At The Top” comment which went viral after his embarrassing ordeal at the Channels Television breakfast programme – Sunrise Daily.
Vanguard reports that he was suspended after pressure emanated from the supervising ministry over his conduct at the interview in Lagos.

During the interview, the Lagos commandant could not mention the name of his organisation’s website and the name of his boss whom he referred to as “My Oga At The Top”.

Shem tried to cover up his ignorance of his organization’s website by saying that it would be revealed by his Oga at the top. The video which has gone viral has sparked a T-shirt campaign and a music video. The original video has also been remixed and a game called “My Oga At The Top” has been created by Kuluya.com.

Meanwhile, it has also been reported that Shem’s wife forced her way into Channels TV studio yesterday to protest bitterly to the chairman of Channels, the embarrassment the viral video has caused her family. According to Brimtime.com, she said that her kids were being ridiculed at school by their peers and that neighbours and fellow market women make jest of her daily. She also added that her husband hardly sleeps at night again because of the terrible embarrassment the video has caused him.

Since the video went viral, almost every joke cracked in the country is laced with a tinge of “My Oga At The Top”. On BBM, Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, Radio and TV; you are reminded of the phrase every where you turn. It is no wonder that Shem’s family is now at the receiving end of the taunts.

But then, do you think Nigerians are taking this joke too far? Should we ease off a bit on this joke and let it just rest?

What are your thoughts on his suspension?

Eldee & Wife Had 2nd Child

Eldee and wife are said to have welcome their second child. His wife Dolapo gave birth to a baby girl around 10:08am yesterday in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
This is their second child since married 2008.

8 Years Old Boy Weds 60 Years Old Woman (Pictures & Video)

SOUTH AFRICA: History has been made as a school-going boy tied the knot with a woman who is old enough to be his grandmother.

An eight-year-old schoolboy has married a 61-year-old woman because the ghost of his dead ancestor told him to.


Sanele Masilela tied the knot with Helen Shabangu, who is already married and a mother-of-five.

The boy, from Tshwane, South Africa, said he had been told by his dead ancestors to wed and his family, fearing divine retribution, forked out for a wedding.

They paid £500 for the bride and a further £1,000 for the big day, which was organised in just two months.


The wedding ceremony between the 8-year old boy and the 60-year old mother-of-five took place in Tshwane in South Africa, reported by  The Sun.

The newly-wedded couple have no plans of living together, claims the daily.

The young boy told the daily that his grandfather had wanted him to get married while he was alive. The boy spoke to the daily and admitted that he was quite open to the idea of marrying a young lady once he grows up.

The boy's 45-year-old mother insists that the wedding was just a 'ritual' and 'not binding'.


Dressed in a bow tie and tiny silver suit, little Sanele, the youngest of five children, exchanged rings in front of 100 guests and even puckered up for a kiss.
It's already shocked the community but the family has defended the ceremony, saying it was just a ritual and not legally binding.

Sanele's 46-year-old mum, Patience Masilela said: 'This is the first time this has happened in the family.

'Sanele is named after his grandfather, who was never had a white wedding before he died so asked Sanele to get married. He chose Helen because he loves her.
'By doing this we made the ancestors happy. If we hadn't done what my son had asked then something bad would have happened in the family.
'I didn't have a problem with it because I know it's what the ancestors wanted and it would make them happy.'

The widow, who works at a recycling centre, added: 'I would say that this is not wrong.
'Sanele was fine and he was happy about the ceremony and it was what he wanted. He was happy to get married and very excited.'

Sanele and his bride did not sign a marriage certificate and do not have to live together. Both have gone back to their normal lives.

Sanele today said he hoped he would have a proper wedding to a woman his own age when he was older.

He added: 'I told my mother that I wanted to get married because I really did want to.

'I'm happy that I married Helen - but I will go to school and study hard.
'When I'm older I will marry a lady my own age.'
Despite being old enough to be his grandmother, bride Helen, whose children are aged between 37 and 27, was happy with the arrangement.

Helen, who also works at a recycling centre, said: 'I'm married and have five kids of my own, but I know that this is what the ancestors wanted - and now they are happy.
'It is a ritual. We are just playing now, but it is a sign that he will get married one day.'
Her husband of 30 years, Alfred, 65, said: 'My kids and I are happy.
'We don't have problems with it but some of the community members were shocked.'

See Video Below:

China's New President (Xi Jinping)

China's parliament formally elected heir-in-waiting Xi Jinping as the country's new president on Thursday, completing the country's second orderly political succession since the Communist Party took power in 1949.
The largely rubber-stamp National People's Congress chose Xi in a tightly scripted ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing, putting the final seal of approval on a generational transition of power.
Xi was appointed party and military chief - where real power lies - in November.
The 59-year-old was also elected head of the Central Military Commission, the parallel government post to the party's top military position which he already holds, ensuring that he has full power over the party, state and armed forces.
There was virtually no opposition among the carefully selected legislators to Xi becoming president. Xi drew just one no vote and three abstentions from the almost 3,000 delegates.
Xi bowed deeply and shook hands with his predecessor Hu Jintao upon the announcement of the result, carried live on state television. Xi and Hu exchanged a few inaudible words.
Li Yuanchao was also elected vice president, confirming an earlier Reuters story.
Vice Premier Li Keqiang is set to succeed Premier Wen Jiabao in a similarly scripted vote on Friday.
Hu, 70, relinquished the presidency after serving the maximum two five-year terms.
Hu's accession to president a decade ago marked Communist China's first peaceful transition of power. Violent events such as the Cultural Revolution and the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators had overshadowed previous hand-overs.
Since taking up the position of the much more powerful post of party chief last November, Xi has focused his rhetoric on fighting corruption and promoting austere practices such as banning senior military officers from holding alcohol-fuelled banquets.
Many Chinese hope Xi will bring change in a country that has risen to become the world's second-biggest economy but is marred by deepening income inequality, corruption and environmental destruction left over from the administration of Hu and Wen.
Xi inherits a constituency that is more distrustful of government and well-versed at using the Internet to criticize their leaders.
At the same time, his administration must deal with a slowdown in economic growth, juggle the urgent task of calming a frothy housing market, defuse local government debt risks and wean China off its addiction to investment-led expansion.
Xi will also have to deal with an increasingly provocative North Korea and tensions with the United States, Japan and Southeast Asia.
(Writing by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
Source: www.reuters.com

New Pope Emerges (Jorge Mario Bergoglio)

Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was elected in a surprise choice to be the new leader of the troubled Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday, taking the name Francis I and becoming the first non-European pontiff in nearly 1,300 years.
Pope Francis, 76, appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica just over an hour after white smoke poured from a chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel to signal 115 cardinal electors had chosen him to lead the world's 1.2 billion Roman Catholics.
"Pray for me," the new pontiff, dressed in the white robes of a pope for the first time, urged a crowd of tens of thousands of people waiting in the square below.
The choice of Bergoglio, who is the first Latin American and first Jesuit pope, was announced by French cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran with the Latin words "Habemus Papam" ("We have a pope.")
Francis has became the 266th pontiff in the Church's 2,000-year history at a time of great crisis, with the church under fire over a child sex abuse scandal and torn by infighting in the Vatican bureaucracy.
Although a conservative theologically, Francis is known for his concern for the poor and is expected to bring a radical change of style to the Church leadership, indicated by his choice for the first time of the name of St Francis of Assisi, who died in 1226 after living a life of poverty and simplicity.
He immediately showed the difference from his predecessor Benedict, an aloof theologian, with a gesture of humility, asking the waiting crowd to bless him before he blessed them.
Bergoglio shunned the papal limousine after his appearance on the balcony and chose to take a shuttle bus with other cardinals back to the Vatican residence where they are staying, for an evening meal.
Bergoglio is known as a humble man who leads an austere and sober life without ostentation, travelling by public transport and living in a small apartment outside Buenos Aires.
He is willing to challenge powerful interests and is deeply concerned about the social inequalities in Argentina and elsewhere in Latin America. He has had a sometimes difficult relationship with President Cristina Fernandez and her late husband and predecessor Nestor Kirchner.
Francis has spoken out strongly against gay marriage, denouncing it in 2010 as "an attempt to destroy God's plan".
ARGENTINES JUBILANT
Jubilant Argentines poured into churches, some crying and praying, after the announcement at the Vatican. "This is a blessing for Argentina," one woman shouted on a Buenos Aires street.
"I hope he changes all the luxury that exists in the Vatican, that he steers the church in a more humble direction, something closer to the gospel," said Jorge Andres Lobato, a 73-year-old retired state prosecutor.
The election was enthusiastically welcomed elsewhere in Latin America too.
"We're happy because we have a new pope and because the choice of a Latin American shows that the Church is opening, is now focused on the entire Church. It's not just a church only focused on Europe," said Leonardo Steiner, general secretary of the national conference of Brazilian bishops.
Francis was not among the small group of front runners identified before the election. The Jesuit order to which he belongs was founded in the 16th century to serve the pope. It is best known for its work in education and the intellectual prowess of its members.
The monks at the convent of St. Francis in Assisi were overjoyed at the election of Bergoglio and his decision to take the name Francis for a pontiff for the first time.
"St. Francis still points to the path of humility and evangelical simplicity," said the abbot, Father Mauro Gambetti.
Italian theologian Massimo Faggioli told Reuters: "I don't expect him to change on doctrine, but he is a more pastoral person. It seems that this pope will be more aware of what life is all about."
Faggioli, a professor at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, added: "He will have more room to make his message heard than Benedict did. The papacy needs to have an audience more open to listen to what the pope says. He is not an outsider. He didn't present himself as a reformer with hatchet in hand."
Bergoglio was born into a middle-class family of seven, his father an Italian immigrant railway worker and his mother a housewife.
Replacing Pope Benedict, who resigned last month, he overturned one of the main assumptions before the election, that the new pope would be relatively young.
Bergoglio is the oldest of most of the possible candidates and was barely mentioned in feverish speculation about the top contenders before the conclave.
He is the first non-European pope since Syrian-born Gregory III in the eighth century, and the third successive non-Italian pontiff.
The Vatican said his inaugural mass would be on March 19.
U.S. President Barack Obama said the election of Francis "speaks to the strength and vitality of a region that is increasingly shaping our world."
"PRAY FOR BENEDICT"
In brief remarks from the balcony of St. Peter's, Francis called on the faithful to pray for Benedict and said the Church was setting off on a "journey of fraternity, of love, of trust".
It seemed the cardinal electors "went to the end of the world" to find him, he said.
The Vatican said Francis would visit Benedict soon at his temporary home in the summer papal residence outside Rome.
Thousands of people sheltering from heavy rain under a sea of umbrellas had occupied the square all day to await the decision and the crowd swelled as soon as the white smoke emerged.
They cheered wildly and raced towards the basilica as the smoke billowed from a narrow makeshift chimney and St Peter's bells rang.
The tens of thousands in the square cheered even more loudly when Francis appeared, the first pontiff to take that name. "Viva il Papa (pope)," they chanted.
Front runners at the conclave had included Brazilian Odilo Scherer, and Italy's Angelo Scola, who would have returned the papacy to traditional Italian hands after 35 years of the German Benedict XVI and Polish John Paul II.
The decision by cardinal electors sequestered in a secret conclave in the Sistine Chapel came sooner than many experts expected because there were several front runners before the vote to replace Pope Benedict.
The cardinals faced a thorny task in finding a leader capable of overcoming crises caused by priestly child abuse and a leak of secret papal documents that uncovered corruption and rivalry inside the Church government or Curia.
Francis will head a Church also shaken by rivalry from other churches, the advance of secularism, especially in its European heartland, and allegations of scandal at the Vatican bank.
The series of crises is thought to have contributed to Benedict's decision to become the first pontiff in 600 years to abdicate.
RIVAL TO RATZINGER IN 2005
Bergoglio was a moderate rival candidate at the 2005 conclave to the conservative Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who went on to become Benedict.
Italian media say he impressed cardinals in pre-conclave meetings where they discussed the Church's problems.
Reserved and humble, Francis does not fit the profile of an active preacher that many cardinals had previously said they were seeking. He studied chemistry before joining the priesthood nearly a decade after losing a lung to respiratory illness.
The secret conclave began on Tuesday night with a first ballot and four ballots were held on Wednesday. Francis obtained the required two thirds majority in the fifth ballot.
The previous four popes were all elected within two or three days.
In preparatory meetings before the conclave, the cardinals seemed divided between those who believe the new pontiff must be a strong manager to get the dysfunctional bureaucracy under control and others who are looking more for a proven pastoral figure to revitalize their faith across the globe.
Apart from Brazil's Scherer and Italy's Scola, a host of other candidates from numerous nations had also been mentioned as potential popes - including U.S. cardinals Timothy Dolan and Sean O'Malley, Canada's Marc Ouellet and Argentina's Leonardo Sandri.
But the front runners' list never mentioned Bergoglio.
(Additional reporting by Naomi O'Leary, Catherine Hornby, Crispian Balmer and Tom Heneghan in Rome, Dave Graham in Mexico City, Ana Flor in Brasilia, Nicolas Misculin and Juliana Castilla in Buenos Aires; Writing by Barry Moody; Editing by Keith Weir, Alastair Macdonald and Giles Elgood)
Source: www.reuters.com

Rock Stars Cannot Govern Nor Can They Rule

Rock music is about saying no to the man, it's about defying the powers and the authority. But to run a country, you are given powers and authority to apply the rule of law. Naturally, rock stars do not like rules and did hate to be told what to do.

So while Morsi is trying to run the government of Egypt, its people and institutions, some out there are on the streets protesting. They want him in less than six month to bring miracles, to bring order to a very chaotic surrounding. While he has done a fair share of mistakes, I think the people of Egypt--or the ones protesting in the streets are being too quick to jump the gun. 

I had those thoughts when I was watching the latest live version of Cairokee's popular song "Spread Your Wings", a rock song about realizing one's true call and living their potential. While clever lyrics are to be celebrated, songs do not really run a country. The politics is messy, we can have heroes all we want, but at the end, they will have to take some steps. Those steps will never be approved by everyone. So difference and resentment is a human nature.

What we cannot do is be violent to one another. Like those police in the streets of Egypt beating up protesters  You should not be doing that. On the flip side, thugs and bullies are also on the streets and those should not be mistaken for real citizens who have concerts for the direction of the country. Cairokee is one of many bands that has engaged in making music about dreams and aspirations, I think this is the right time for such bands to make songs about giving peace a change.

I have no doubt in my mind that Morsi loved Egypt and those who support him love her as much. And yes, those who are protesting him believe in Egypt too and care for it. When the dust settle I do not want to see Egyptians bringing destruction to the Egypt we all love.

050 Ft Amir Eid ( Cairokee ) - Efred Gena7ak | إفرد جناحك

"We Are Losing #Egypt" Sings Mohamed Rahim

In any given country there are a vocal group or groups that always lets you know where they stand. And in most country, there's a sleeping giant, the people in the middle, who chose not to take side. Those are the same people who keep the country running, the same people who offer a glimpse of hope in the dark.

One of those voices, that stands in the middle and speaks to all the concerned parties is Mohamed Rahim, the contemporary composer turned singer. Rahim is not promoting one party or another, he just wanted to make it known, Egypt should be number one. I think people might be losing Egypt if they continue bickering in teh streets.

I think they should bicker, in the parliament, courts and in the cabinet  But not in the streets and against one another. This is unhealthy, give Egypt a breathing room. Your narrow sighted demands are chocking the country you claim to love.

Rahim's song is about the people who work, who run the country, deliver the mail organize traffic, deliver babies teach a class, farmers and everyone. Please forget your own interests for a minute  for the sake of Egypt. Our enemies want to see a bloodbath. If Egypt rises, we all rise with it. We sink if it sinks....this is the timely message by Rahim.

Ela Kol El Atraf - Mohamed Rahim الى كل الاطراف المعنيه - محمد رحيم