THE HEADIES CALL FOR ENTRY.

The Headies 2011 (Hip Hop World Awards) has opened it's doors to receive entries for nomination at the prestigious music awards.

Entry requirements are 3 Audio CDs, 4DVDs, 1 Mini DV, Artiste's profile and a portrait photograph (soft copy).

For other submission details and updates on the awards, visit www.hiphopworldawards.com or follow this link ~ http://www.hiphopworldawards.com/2011/04/the-headies-call-for-entry-2

The Jarmzone will also keep you posted.

West African Idols’ Jerrilyn is Back!

Former West African Idol contestant, Jerrilyn Mulbah is set to release her debut singles this weekend after her first public appearance in 2007.

Idols came to Nigeria in 2007 for the first time and Mulbah, a Liberian, was part of the talents that participated in the popular
competition. Beating the odds and scaling through each stage of the televised competition, she successfully made it to the top five phase of the show. Her choice of song for her final performance was
Christina Aguilera's "The Voice Within," an appropriate song title, a true metaphor describing the angel that was speaking inside of Jerrilyn.

The competition produced some of Nigeria's renowned artistes, like Timi Dakolo who emerged winner at the competition and Omawumi who has become a successful bestselling artiste and multi- award winner.
Despite not actually winning the competition, Jerrilyn was extremely overjoyed by the experience. She found a new light that could not be extinguished and her career has remained vigorous ever since.

Jerrilyn Mulbah's history as a child depicts the saying "from grass to grace". She was sold as a child in return for "fish" by her mother's friend to a rebel general. She was reunited with her devastated family two years later. After discovering that her step-father sexually abused her, her mother moved with an early pregnant Jerrilyn to
Nigeria.

The year 2003 was a very trying period for Jerrilyn as she was finding it difficult to adapt to her new environment. She also experienced a hard time; battling with acceptance, and plotting her desired future,
after she got pregnant in a relationship that soon collapsed. It took her mother, and the love of music, for her to cope with the tragedy of her separation from the father of her unborn child and there were more
tragedies on the way: She would later lose her mother due to an overdose of drugs administered by the hospital she was admitted in. Jerrilyn gave birth to her daughter, Kadisa four days after her mother's death and moved to Calabar, Cross River state to live with family friends.

Early this week, the former Liberian refugee and mother of one spoke out for the first time in years. "I have been through a lot of trials in my life. During West African Idols, people tried to bring me down. I've seen disappointment from friends, family and partners. But God has seen me through all. I am moving on and up and now ready to release my debut singles titled "Molejo" and "Mr DJ".

Jerrilyn's road to fame began with her singing an Ode to her late mother and her
greatest wish is to empower the African woman through her music and honor the memory of her late mum by helping others.

"I have worked very hard towards the success of these songs and I am very excited that they are going to be released after a long time since West African Idols and with these songs making waves in the industry; I want to let my fans know that Jerrilyn is here to stay!" an excited Jerrilyn says.

As a tool for change, Jerrilyn's music is enabling her to inspire and empower young women like herself, who have been through similar circumstances to stand for something so that they don't fall for just
anything. Her amazing life story has allowed numerous women, especially those indigenous to Africa, to value their own lives in every way possible.

Making the best out of the platform that "Idols" has offered, Jerrilyn was one of the four co-hosts on a 15 channel syndicated radio program called Zain Hit Zone. Her new singles, "Molejo" and "Mr DJ" were produced by Kiss Music Studios by Meka E. The songs were written by Jerrilyn and Dipo Abdul for Miss Dynamite Entertainment.

Jerrilyn says, "Am working on my debut album which should be released later in the year and I hope to make an impact in the lives of young women who are going through difficult situations and give them hope for the future".

Aberdeen Court Clears Sammie Okposo of Making Racist Remarks

One of Africa's leading gospel star, Sammie Okposo has been cleared of making racist comments in an Aberdeen Restaurant during his honeymoon last year. Okposo was discharged and acquitted of all charges on April 8, 2011 at exactly 11.30am (U.K time) by the presiding judge in Aberdeen court. The judge said all evidences brought against him are insufficient, incoherent and baseless.

The most surprising aspect of the court preceedings was that Okposo wasn’t called upon at any time by the judge to step into the witness box. The judge pronounced his judgement after Okposo’s lawyer, Ms Val Bremmer from Mackie and Dewar Solicitors cross examined the manager and the assistant manager of Jimmy Chung Restaurant and discovered that their testimonies were incoherent.

The statements of both the manager and the assistant manager of the restaurant at the court room were different from their previous statements made last year. The same restaurant manager that accused Sammie Okposo of being violent lost his temper in the court during the cross examination by the defence counsel. He was however cautioned by the judge.

Speaking on his victory over the court case when he returned to Nigeria, Okposo said God has vindicated him. “The Bible says no weapon formed against me shall prosper and every tongue that rises up against me in judgement He shall condemn. How can two people who have been working together in court for ten years confuse themselves in court? I give God all the glory that I have been vindicated and my name was not soiled”.

This is the first time Okposo will ever be involved in a court case over the past two decades that he has been travelling round the world for musical concerts and other engagements.

Okposo was alleged to have caused alarm or distress to Ronny Shui Hung Yung by shouting, swearing and uttering racial remarks at the Aberdeen restaurant last year during his honeymoon. He was also accused of acting in a racially aggravated manner by Scottish Evening Express. Against the ethics of journalism, the paper published the story based on the reports of the restaurant’s manager, whose unprofessional conduct has greatly been criticized, without listening to the other party and the eye witnesses.

The eye witness accounts said the singer with his wife and another couple arrived at the restaurant at exactly 4.30pm in the evening but were not aware that lunchtime ends by 5pm. This led to an argument while the attendant was trying to hurry them out of the restaurant. Witnesses said they questioned the attendant why she had not informed them when they arrived, saying they would probably have waited till 5pm before settling down in the restaurant. An argument later ensued between Sammie Okposo and the manager of the restaurant identified as Mr Ronny Shui Hung Yung over their poor customer service and for harassing his wife urging him to get another job if he is tired of running the restuarant. The manager later called the police that a racist statement had been made against him and when the police reportedly arrived at the scene 30mins after, they arrested Sammie Okposo without any interrogation.

Sammie Okposo’s lawyer in Nigeria, Valentine Emeka Utulu of Johnson Bryant immediately raised a case of personal harassment and aggravation against the restaurant management and the violation of his human rights by the Aberdeen police. The lawyer petitioned the First Minister of Scotland (Minister of Justice) over the unlawful arrest of Okposo. The lawyer copied so many influential individuals like the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, The Queen of England, The Prime Minister of Great Britain, The Secretary General of The United Nations, The Nigerian Ambassador to The United Kingdom, The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Solicitor to The Advocate General of Scotland and The Chairman Federal House of Representatives Committee on Nigerians in the Diaspora.

DAGRIN... A YEAR AFTER

I must confess that I didn't know the right words to use all day, and this has caused the delay of this post, dedicated in loving memory of Dagrin.

I can't really remember the first time I met Dagrin, but I remember when he came to my office (Hip-hop World Magazine) at Ogundana, off Allen with his friend, Lala who was then, signed to Sati Records. They brought two promo CDs - "Nla", a song by Lala featuring Dagrin and "Slow Slow" by Chuddy K. Both songs are still on my list of favourite songs. Well I didn't see for a while but once, he calls me to say what's up and reminded me not to forget him in any project that may concern him. I also remember when "Pon Pon Pon" was released, he had told me he was coming up with some 50 Cents grimy sh*t, produced by Sossick. He didn't bring the CD to me himself, DJ Neptune did. I remember Neptune asking me if I have heard Dagrin's new single, I said yes but not closely... he gave me a copy and to other guys in my office at the time.

I remember when a colleague's brother was marking his birthday at Oniru Beach. She told me Dagrin was the guy's favourite artiste and he'll be very happy to see him at his party. I called Dagrin to know if he was available to hangout that weekend and he said yes. His song, "Pon Pon Pon" was big then, and I'm sure my colleague's brother will never forget that day, like me and a lot of peops at that party.

I still remember the last time I saw Dagrin...Wednesday, April 14, around 3 in the afternoon... hours before the ghastly auto-crash that led him to his early grave. It wasn't too long after he bought his Nissan Maxima. I was teasing him about it, calling him a "Big Boy" while he smiled humbly and blushed in response.

As I gathered then – He was on his way back from an assignment. We got a tip off that he was involved in an accident. We called his manager, Tunde immediately to confirm the story. Tunde concealed information at first, saying it was just a minor accident, "I was in the car with him and a truck driver mistakenly hit his car and damaged his fender but everything is okay now" was Tunde's initial response. However, rumours describing the magnitude of the accident spread further and this compelled us to pressurize his manager who eventually admitted and confirmed the accident.

Dagrin was alone and on his way home (Sunshine Estate, Oko-oba, Agege), after receiving a call that he had a guest waiting for him. We gathered that he kept calling his house asking them not to lock the gate that he was on his way back. Time check relays that he actually ran into a stationary truck 2 minutes after the call and this was around 2am, in front of Alakara Police Station, off Agege Motor road, Mushin, Lagos.

Eyewitness revealed that, minutes before the accident, the truck driver who was carrying cement was negotiating a request of N12, 000 by the men of the police force when they heard a loud bang.

Dagrin was initially rushed to Tai Solarin Hospital (Baba Olosha Bus stop, Mushin), but later transferred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi Araba at the intensive care unit.

Four days later, we gathered that the rapper had undergone surgery and moved to a private wing of the hospital. In between this time frame, rumours spread that the rapper had died but close friends refuted the information stating individual testimonies of seeing and having a word with him at the hospital. Tunde, his manager also granted an interview on TV, confirming that the young dude was responding to treatment and fast recuperating.

We gathered that the rapper had to be tied to the bed because he kept making efforts to move, each time he recognized any of his guests.

Crisis started in the early hours of Thursday, April 22 when the rapper went into coma again. His heart reportedly stopped beating later as the doctors ran helter-skelter to revive him. The recuperating machine was used 9 times on him but to no avail. He died.

Dagrin, full name Olaitan Oladapo Olaonipekun officially started his music career in 2006 with an album titled 'Still On The Matter'. The most popular track off the album was "Rap Rules Anthem" but it was not big enough to register the album as a success.

His sophomore album, "C.E.O" (Chief Executive Omoita), released in 2009, housed hits like "Pon Pon Pon", "Kondo", "Gboro" and "Ghetto Dreams". This album placed him on the path to the top, as he became one of the hottest and most wanted artistes.

His first album was released on the axis of LEO Entertainment while C.E.O was released on his indie label called Missofunyin Entertainment but he later signed a managerial contract with Edlyne Records.

Dagrin died at the age of 26 as confirmed by his father who also signed the official press release earlier released by Black House Media.

Dagrin departed at a time he was supposed to reap the fruit of his hustle in this hard industry of ours… but his legacy remains.

You know his several nick names…you know his songs…some of you knew his pain…you know what it is…but he knew what it was.

Below is my last interview with the late rapper…

JARMZONE'S LAST INTERVIEW WITH DAGRIN (december, 2009)

Jarmzone: Did you make any resolution in 2009 and what is the state of your resolutions in terms of achieving them?
Dagrin: Yeah, I made a resolution this year that I'm gonna drop my much anticipated album and I'm grateful to God that I've been able to do that successfully.

Jarmzone: What is the fondest memory, you have of this season?
Dagrin: My fondest memory this year is still about my latest album, I'm fulfilled.

Jarmzone: What is the thing you dearly hope for in 2010?
Dagrin: Hmmm… I hope to work with more artistes in Nigeria and I'm also hoping to work with the likes of 50 cent and Lil' Wayne

Jarmzone: If Santa ask you to state specifically as possible, what you want for Xmas, what would it be?
Dagrin: Haaaaaa… that should be…. To have more rhymes and word play to rap with

Jarmzone: If you were going to give Jesus a birthday present, what would it be?
Dagrin: I'm going to rap for Jesus and also let him know that I really appreciate what he has done with my life

Jarmzone: Rate this year on a scale 1 – 10?
Dagrin: I'll rate it 5/10, because things are not working as we planned. The global recession really affected a lot of thing, but we still thank God.

Jarmzone: Where would you be on new years' eve?
Dagrin: I'll definitely be jamming with my hommies and after that praise and thank God for a 2009 well spent

Jarmzone: How do you plan to make the world or this part of the world at least a better place in 2010?
Dagrin: My plan is to change the rap industry and let people embrace our local dialect and also to let the whack emceez know that there is no hiding place for them.

Jarmzone: Any regret in 2009?
Dagrin: I don't have any regret, so far.

Jarmzone: What will you not be caught doing in 2010?
Dagrin: I won't want to be caught pant's down with my best friend girl-friend and I don't want to be caught robbing a bank.

Jarmzone: Who's your favourite local artiste of 2009?
Dagrin: 2face is the number one, and a whole lot of other cats

Jarmzone: What philosophy of life do you intend to apply in 2010?
Dagrin: Don't do to me, what I won't do to you

Jarmzone: What did you do in 2009 that you will not do in 2010?
Dagrin: I did nothing bad in 2009 but I'll like to improve in my rapping skills

Jarmzone: How much was the first pay you got in 2009?
Dagrin: (Laughs) I can't really remember at the moment

Jarmzone: Where would you love to visit before 2010 runs out?
Dagrin: I would love to visit all the nooks and crannies of the world

Rest in peace Dagrin…

ANKARA FESTIVAL 2011... COMING THIS AUGUST

Ankara, a traditional African fabric has arguably infiltrated the larger fashion world. Blended with other matching fabrics and with a good design, this fabrics are the fancy of many people.

The appeal of the finished product depends on the creativity, and skills of the designer. Fashion gurus have breathed new life into the fabric through their experience and creativity. Available in alluring designs, Ankara graces catwalks and has won laurels.
Since it is a cotton fabric with different motifs, this Ankara can be used for both formal and informal occasions. A printed outfit with small motifs will make perfect clothing.

This fabric has infinite creative applications like shirts, bags, clothes, dresses etc. Styles, and designs available for this cloth are endless which makes all people; men and women, young, and the aged become glued to it. Ankara has made a come back in a big way with top celebrities wearing modern patterns, and vibrant colors

Ankara posses the capabilities of being able to dye faster and did not get stained much. Due to its virtues, this fabric was considered as a competitor of the Western Adire cloth.

Nigeria, a fashion savvy part of Africa, has taken the fabric, improved them, and has represented it to the world. Nigeria is a big market which has offered vast potential for the manufacture and sales of Ankara. Sadly, smuggling, and unfair trade practices in the nation has affected the local production.

Ankara fabrics have been the desired choice of African women. Due to its affordability, this garment was once considered suitable for under privileged. But with the lapse of time, the fabric found favor with contemporary fashion, and modern styles. Ankara has its own virtues, and looks more graceful when tailored in the right way


As AUGUST 2011 approaches, GET YOUR ANKARA READY!!!

OLUCHI, AGBANI WELCOME NEW STUDENTS INTO NATURES GENTLE TOUCH HAIR INSTITUTE

Ambassadors for Natures Gentle Touch Agbani Darego and Oluchi welcomed new students into the Natures Gentle Touch Hair Institute a few days back. At an induction ceremony at the institute's premises, the international supermodels informed the students on the huge financial opportunities in being professional hair stylists and advised them to make the best out of the opportunities that await them over the course of their training and after. The ambassadors, who have worked with various renowned stylists from all over the world also gave the students tips on how to become successful professionals in the beauty and personal style industry.

Delighted at the opportunity of meeting Nigeria's famous Super-models, the students used the avenue to tap into the experiences of the renowned style icons. There was a question and answer session as well as a one-on-one interaction between the students and the brand ambassadors.

Oluchi and Agbani Darego matched the students curiosity and enthusiasm with their eagerness to share and impact knowledge from their wealth of experience.

Natures Gentle Touch Hair Institute recently admitted a fresh batch of students who upon graduation will earn diplomas in Hair Designing and Artistry. The aspiring stylists came from different works of life and from different places, some as far as Port-Harcourt. Over a period of eight months they would be taught by accomplished hair stylists and instructors from different parts of the world. These instructors would deliver courses that are practical-oriented and rich in the latest hair care technology solutions and treatment.

Since it began operations in 2009, Natures Gentle Touch Hair Institute has trained over 50 hair stylists who have gone ahead to establish successful careers, some of them beyond Nigeria.

The Institute offers courses for both practicing Stylists and those without any prior knowledge in the industry. Those without any previous experience in hair styling are enrolled in the Beginner's Course which lasts for eight months. Internships in A-class salons and fieldwork are part of the program. During theoretical sessions, the students are exposed to hair chemistry, salon management, client care and consultations, while the practical sessions include styling techniques, chemical application, cutting techniques and other subjects.

Short courses for practicing professionals run between 2 days to 4 weeks depending on the program, some of which might include advanced hair cutting, salon management and image management.

The Natures Gentle Touch Hair Institute was established by personal style brand, Recare Limited to bridge the gap in beauty and style knowledge as well as offer a platform to empower individuals with practical skills that will give them a future and enable them to have a life.

Natures Gentle Touch is a multi-award winning hair and scalp solutions provider. In 2010 the Natures Gentle Touch No-Lye Kit Relaxer was named the City People Awards 2010 Relaxer of the Year, while the premium brand was also named the Beauty Brand of the Year at the ELOY Awards.

DAGRIN COMES ALIVE IN RUGGEDMAN'S NEW VIDEO

Late rapper, Olaitan Oladapo Olaonipekun, a.k.a Dagrin takes his role chair again in Nigeria's music scene for the umpteenth time after his painful demise in 2010. This time, he is evoked by Michael Stephen a.k.a Ruggedman - the industrious rapper who is currently hosting Star Quest for the third year (running since two weeks).

In case you don't know, Ruggedy Baba has shot the video for "Emini" featuring Dagrin, off his 'UNTOUCHABLE' album. Fast rising director, James Oludare directed the video to the song which was produced by Kash Eleven.

Fans will bet their heads on this teaser... the bone of contention? - is it actually Dagrin or not? Well, The Jarmzone can authoritatively confirm that the dude you see in this tease-video, is really Dagrin. The highpoint of this project is that Ruggedman had a plan for the album while he was working on it. He knew the songs he was shooting videos for, and he apparently worked towards it. We shall leave you to anticipate, thirst and wait for this video which is cued to drop on Friday, April 22.. exactly a year after Dagrin's death.

Check the teaser "Emini" - Ruggedman ft DaGrin (R.I.P).

Update On Fela! The Broadway Musical.

The much anticipated hit Broadway musical about the life and music of Nigerian performer, political analyst and Legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti will kick off this April 20 to 25. The technical team, lighting team, sound team and production team arrived Lagos last week and the venue, Eko Hotel Expo Centre is being torn apart and re-designed to mimic a real Broadway Theatre with elevated seats and real theatre set.

FELA! (The Broadway Musical) in Lagos is not just a show; it is aimed at uniting Nigerians and Africans in spirit and unity, to serve as a catalyst for cultural revival in Nigeria and to celebrate Fela Kuti for his immense contribution in Nigeria and impact to the world. It's an EXPERIENCE you cannot afford to MISS!

The organizers are inviting STUDENTS and everyone from PORTHARCOURT, ABUJA and other parts from Nigeria to come out for this event. Tickets are already selling at the following places:

ONLINE at www.felainlagos.com (safe and secure)
EKO HOTEL, Victoria Island
THE PALMS, Lekki (Right by the bookstore upstairs)
CHICKEN REPUBLIC Awolowo Road, Ikoyi.
BROWNS CAFE, Ikeja.
CHICKEN REPUBLIC, Bode Thomas, Surulere.
CHICKEN REPUBLIC, E-Centre Yaba.

Ticket Prices
General: N5,000. N10,000. N15,000
VIP: N35,000.
Table Bookings: E-mail: sales@felainlagos.com

A BROADWAY SHOW in Nigeria is a big deal, not only because it's the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa - it's also about Nigeria's own Fela Anikulapo Kuti.