Breaking News:First female UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher dies at 87

Former British Prime Minister, Baroness Margaret Thatcher died this morning at the age of 87 after suffering a massive stroke. Mrs Thatcher was UK's first female Prime Minister, serving from 1979 to 1990, the longest run by any 20th century prime minister.

Her spokesman Lord Bell said: 'It is with great sadness that Mark and Carol Thatcher announced that their mother Baroness Thatcher died peacefully following a stroke this morning.'. May her soul rest in peace...amen.

Janet Jackson Converts To Islam, Quits Music: read more-

Superstar Janet Jackson is reportedly quitting the entertainment industry and is going to leave the country to become a Muslim.

Rob Shuter tells reporters that Jackson is moving to the Middle East and is converting to Islam.

Shuter says that since she married billionaire Wissam Al Mana, she has tired of the grueling entertainment industry.

The pair got married last year in a very private ceremony, according to Shuter, and they want to live a private life away from the paparazzi.

Al Mana, a Qatar native, is involved in his family’s controlled Middle-East-based Al Mana Retail Group.

This is Jackson’s third marriage.

It should be noted that since her brèast was exposed at the super bowl she hasnt been able to redeem her career and it has been downhill for her music and tv shows ever since

Agbani Darego suffers wardrobe malfunction at sister’s wedding

Agbani Darego’s younger sister, Nengi Darego got married on the 6th of April in Port Harcourt to her heartthrob, Chubike Asuzu.

Super hot Nigerian-international model, Agbani Darego was spotted at her younger sister's wedding wearing the above dress which left her boobs spilling out.  Of course the outfit has sparked up lots of negative comments on the social media, you get to see comments like

 

“Agbani what happened to your boobs? Why are they sagging?

 

“Uneven boobs, bad boob job.”  

 

“Is that Agbani with her open breast? Foolish! May be that is why her younger sister got married before her.”

 

Guys what do you think of her boobs? Do you think that the people are being fair or not?

Lol, but really did Agbani Darego have to expose that?

Article:The Insane real estate value

A MUST READ: Celebrities and Their Financial Misfortunes

Over the years in Nigeria, we have seen artiste and sports men who were once living large as a result of their huge income, return to poverty within a decade. NOP observed that this trend is resurrecting again as some musicians and actors that were seen as comfortable few years back now struggle to feed.

This eye-opening piece will tell you why and how these things happen and what to do…

Legendary singer Dionne Warwick has filed for bankruptcy. In a statement last week, her publicist said the singer’s filing was “due to several consecutive years of negligent and gross financial mismanagement.”

Dionne Warwick’s success began in 1962 with “Don’t Make Me Over,” followed by 18 consecutive Top 100 singles. Her repertoire includes “say a little prayer”, “I know I’ll never love this way again” and numerous others. Since she did not write her most famous songs she has not benefited from the significant royalties that songwriters, Burt Bacharach and Hal David did.Even though the singer has worked for over fifty years and sold over 100 million albums and 30 million singles, it is alarming to read that she, at 72 years old, must continue to work hard and give live performances to keep earning to supplement her income from social security and a pension. Dionne Warwick will always be a legend; she is a truly gifted singer, and she leaves a legacy of some of the world’s greatest music.
This is yet another sorry tale that graphically illustrates the far too common “riches to rags” saga [of celebrities]. There are some common threads that run through the reasons why so many high earning celebrities such as musicians, actors, and sportsmen go broke.
Artistes and sportsmen are particularly vulnerable when it comes to their personal finances as they face unique challenges. When the funds start coming in, many don’t realise that they may be earning a lifetime of income within a relatively short time frame. Careers are often brief and uncertain particularly for sports men and women whose careers can come to an end in their 30s or sooner, and one serious injury could cut short a career overnight. Musicians cannot predict the popularity of their music, and an actress doesn’t know which will be her last role. Unrealistic assumptions about future earnings can cloud judgment when it comes to savings and spending.
Don’t neglect your education. It is very easy when the money starts rolling in to view education as a waste of precious time. This is a huge mistake, as the benefits of education will remain long after a career has ended. Many celebrities shortchange themselves by dropping out of school to pursue their celebrity and many more fail to return to complete their education. By getting a qualification, there is a better chance of being able to earn even when celebrity is waning.
Excessive spending is a reason for celebrities suffering financial misfortune. Regardless of whether you make N500, 000 or N50m a year there is the very real possibility of going broke. One Hollywood star is reported to have had 22 cars, four yachts and 15 expensive homes all over the world some of which he never visited.
Along with their large incomes, celebrities, and some Nigerian stars are no different, maintain enormous overheads that include large homes, managers, agents, stylists, publicists, bodyguards, assistants and hangers-on; they are besieged by family members and friends who regularly require assistance. Some are naïve and as they become very popular they fall victim to those who are willing to pander to their celebrity for financial gain. Members of their entourage constantly surround and insulate them from reality feeding their egos. “Untidy” personal lives are also a common feature with multiple relationships resulting in multiple children and the attendant costs of education and upkeep.
A lack of financial knowledge often makes celebrities vulnerable to business owners, financial advisors, bankers and stockbrokers some of whom may take advantage of them and who are eager to help them “invest” their fortunes. Most have never learned the basics of financial management and end up making poor investments and end up losing millions. One must bear some responsibility for not being more vigilant with one’s finances. It doesn’t matter how much money you make; if it is mismanaged or spent frivolously, it will be gone very quickly.
George Foreman appears to stand out from many sportsmen; he turned professional at 20 and displayed much financial acumen relatively early. He put aside about 25 per cent of what he earned at every fight into a pension plan. In spite of his commitment to investing he did expose most of his assets to significant risk in poor investments losing a fortune.
In later years he was to become wealthier than he ever was during his boxing career. In 1999, he sold his name and image to the manufacturer of George Foreman’s Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine for $137.5 million in cash and stock.
When celebrities are in their earning prime, spending rises to meet income levels. When income falls, it becomes difficult to curb expenses quickly enough either because they cannot break the spending cycle, or because they have already committed to large purchases and cannot meet debt payments. It doesn’t take long for one to be broke if income stops and spending continues. Sometimes one may be in denial and may be unwilling to accept the fact that the lifestyle must change. By limiting expensive fixed costs and overheads, one can adjust a lifestyle for the realities of inconsistent income.
One watches with rapt attention, the exciting growth of Nigeria’s entertainment industry, an increasing crop of outstanding musicians, actors and actresses, comedians, producers and directors, sports men and women. A word of caution is important however.

Artistes and sportsmen must plan for what could be an uncertain future by diversifying earning streams, investing and protecting the large sums of money earned today. Do not be complacent. Whether you are a celebrity or a successful business owner, learn from past examples and protect your future to avoid the well-trodden road from riches to rags.

BY ’NIMI AKINKUGBE
(nakinkugbe@punchng.com)

MADNESS:Woman Sleeps With Her Son, Now Pregnant For Him

A woman and her son have done the unthinkable – they have fallen in love with one another. And now they want to marry since the mom, Betty Mbereko is six months pregnant and expecting a child for her son.

“Look, I strove alone to send my son to school and no one helped me. Now you see that my son is working and you accuse me of doing something wrong. Let me enjoy the products of my sweat,” the woman boasted before local authorities.

Mbereko (40), from Mwenezi in Masvingo, who was widowed 12 years ago, has been cohabiting with her first child, Farai Mbereko (23). She confirms that she is six months pregnant and that she has decided it is better to “marry” her son because she does not want to marry her late husband’s young brothers, whom she says are coveting her.

Betty stunned a village court last week when she said the affair with her son had begun three years earlier. She said after spending a lot of money sending Farai to school following the death of her husband, she felt she had a right to his money and no other woman was entitled to it.

Farai said he was more than prepared to marry his mother and would pay off the ilobola balance his father had left unpaid to his grandparents. “I know my father died before he finished paying the bride price and I am prepared to pay it off,” he said.

“It is better to publicize what is happening because people should know that I am the one who made my mother pregnant. Otherwise they will accuse her of promiscuity.”

But local headman Nathan Muputirwa says: “We cannot allow this to happen in our village, this is a bad omen indeed. In the past they would have to be killed but today we cannot do it because we are afraid of the police.” He warned them to break off their marriage or leave the village immediately.

Funny enough, the mother and son chose the advice and have left the village for an unknown destination.

-olufamous.com

I’m not ashamed of following Onyeka Onwenu’s footsteps – Omawunmi

Just as interesting as her music is, Omawunmi Magbele strikes you like a girl next door.  Judging from when she made her debut till date, she has not stopped thrilling her fans with her mind-blowing, soul-stirring songs. It is not for nothing that she is referred to as Onyeka Onwenu of this generation. In this interview with Showtime Celebrity,  Omawunmi takes us into her intinery, her music and personal life which she vowed to keep secret from the world. Enjoy!

What have you been up to lately?
I’ve been working very hard towards my forthcoming concert titled “Lasso Of Truth.”  It’s about showing the real me, as a mother and an entertainer. My  character as a very funny person, the serious side of me, my experiences, my personal and otherwise.

Laso Of Truth  is the title of my second album which has already hit the market. The reason behind the title lies in the fact that my first album was titled “Wonder Woman” and people also call me Oma Wonder. So, Laso Of Truth is a golden rope that could go through the fire yet to be indestructible. For every time, like when people heard the song, “If You Ask Me”, they knew what I said in the song was true. All I’m trying to do is make people to connect to the message I’m conveying through my music.  Basically, that’s what tomorrow’s concert is all about.

Is it going to be a solo concert?
Yes, it’s basically going to be a solo concert. I may have some  music acts like Tuface Idibia, Onyeka Onwenu, Tiwa Savage, Waje, Wizkid, Seyi Shay, Winner of Nigerian Idol, 2012, Mercy, Timaya and Flavour who would  be supporting me on that fateful day. We are trying to tell a story with the concert; all of that will be unveiled on that day. But for every time they come on stage, they are coming to do something with me and also, reach out to their fans.

For how long will the concert last on that day?
It’s going to be a three hour concert  that will have interludes of comedy. We don’t have an MC. I have a desire to package a never- seen-before- concert. And because we have a long list of artistes, each will be coming on stage to do what they know how to do best. It will be holding at the Oriental Hotel.


Does it mean you’ll be working with a band?
Yes, I’ll be working with my band members and most of them have been with me since 2009 .

Bringing Onyeka Onwenu on board is fascinating. Is it because people call you Onyeka Onwenu of this age?

I don’t know why but I imitate her character and  her person. For her to still be relevant till this age is a path  worthy of following. I am not ashamed of following her  footsteps. If there were more female singers of her time  around, you would have seen them featuring on my show. If you listen to my music you would realize that even those who were born before me appreciate them..  So, the first song I performed was her song and it sounded as if it was Onyeka on stage herself and she was so proud of me. And then, she often calls me to do one or two things with me.

What is the making of the  Laso Of Truth  album?
The title of my first album Wonder Woman was as a result of someone who used to call me by that name. But with the Laso Of Truth, a lot of things that happen around me found their way into that album. There are a lot of women who stay in a violent marriage and still pretend as if all is well with them. But right inside of them they are dying in pains.  So, one of the track, I Go Go is saying that if a man doesn’t love me enough to show me love then, I’ll go. It’s not encouraging women to quit marriages but I understand that if you can’t love yourself then, you can’t love someone else. A lot of women can relate to that song and it’s an example of the Laso of truth.

There’s also another  track called Warn Yourself featuring Wizkid. I looked at myself, how can a guy who isn’t my age or my standard walk up to me to ask me for a date. Then,  I’ll tell you no, it can’t work, which is also the truth. In our  country right now, the situation of things are bad, no checks and balances. Just recently, some people were pardoned for crimes they evidently committed. But who Am I to question the decision of Mr. president. Then, there’s a song in my new album titled, What A Bang-Bang. So, I’m tilting towards the conscious side  by preparing our minds for a future reaction because our music will surely live after  we have all gone.

How many tracks does the album contain?
It’s a 12- track album.

You sounded as if  you are gender sensitive?
There’s nothing wrong with becoming a feminist . But that word is too strong to be used like that. I think everybody should have something they are passionate about. So ,I’m passionate about being a woman.

You must be passionate about getting rid of malaria parasite too ?
Oh yes. There are actually some African countries which are free from malaria parasite.

So, what’s your experience like when you toured those African countries with mortein?
Last year, we visited the largest maternity hospital in Kenya where a minimum of 200 children were affected by malaria parasite every week. The reason I embraced that campaign is because children from 1-5 years have weaker immune systems. Why must we always fall sick and buy insecticides when we can prevent malaria by keeping our environment clean and using treated nets which is not costly What are your plans with Mortein this year?

We did a campaign last year. This year, we are going to Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, Rivers, Delta to also sensitize women because I found out that Malaria kills more than HIV. It kills a minimum of five children a day in Africa. So that’s why I’m passionate about it. Some people say “we played your song for mosquitoes they didn’t die(laughs).” It’s not about the song but when you listen to it, it makes sense because if we tidy our environment, we will have a malaria free Nigeria . It’s not impossible to do that.

 You’re fighting against malaria in one of your songs, If You Ask Me when you talked about insects. Is it that consciousness that is growing in you or for commercial reasons?

If it were for commercial reason then, I wouldn’t’have tilted towards the conscious side.  When I carry crosses like these, it’s not just violence against women. I also champion causes for breast cancer, for young people to prepare  their mindset, especially in Nigeria. Every average young man wants to  well-do . Every young girl wants to date very successful people in our society . However, these are all the social issues  I’m  championing because as a musician, our mission is to make sure that even if you are saying ten rubbish, say two good ones . Some of our legendary musicians I try to follow their footsteps include late Mariam Makeba, Onyeka Onwenu, Majek Fashek  who used to be an activist.

There was a show where you performed and the dress you wore  revealed a larger part of your breasts. Was it intentional?

Because I have small shoulders and my breasts are actually beautiful. I tend to wear revealing upper body dresses. But when you are looking into the mirror, you are not as tall as to see how troublesome it could be. That dress has feathers in front of it and before I left my hotel room, I asked someone if the dress was okay and she said yes. So , I wore it to the show and when I was performing at the show, of course, paprazzi took my pictures and they were released, I realised my breasts were practically pouring out of my dress, there was no way I could have put my breasts back .

Going back to where it all started. Statistics show that those who go for talent hunt shows don’t actually make it when they finally get there. Why was your case different?

Everything was in the hands of God. I can’t tell you that I was in the right place at the right time. But I’ll advise young people who are towing that line to  understand that they must work hard, take advantage of every opportunity and everybody is important, no matter how little they look. When I first started out, I had a small book where I used to write artistes numbers and I would call them and introduce myself to them, ask them how they went about their work. I asked questions and made sure I was being seen. Lady Gaga didn’t have a pretty face to go with her voice so she had to go controversial.

In Botton Belle, your fans believe you were materialistic ?
I wouldn’t want to join issues with anybody, because I’ve already sang the song.

 What message are you trying to convey  in Bottom Belle?
That men should appreciate the  opposite sex the best way they can.

 In a men dominated society  like Nigeria, only few strong women  like you can hold their own. How did you do it?

That’s why I said, my own case has the hand of God in it. There are so many ways of selling your music.  If you put a conscious music to the dance hall, before you realize what’s happening, you already have the attention of the audience. Most times, I approach organisers for shows and I also present my music to them. I don’t just sit and complain that I’m getting shows. I try as much as possible to develop myself to the standard where I know my fans always want me to be.
So what has changed about you since you started?
I’m more matured now than before.  My music has also become more matured. I’m also more sensitive because as a younger girl, we were overwhelmed by the youthful exorbiancy. So, in my new album, you would notice that I’m more relax.

But you have your ups and downs?
I don’t like to concentrate on my downs, I can only tell you about the ups.

You’ve been very busy unlike other female artistes, you are married…?
I’m not married

How do you cope with your daughter and your music?
When my daughter was younger, she used to go everywhere with me. My  manager even back her sometimes. When I was pregnant, first of all, I had to cool down. Then, after giving birth, I had to understand that my daughter is my priority. So, I re-arranged my rider. Whenever I travel, I have my nanny with me and if I’m performing in a hotel, I must have a room there and my daughter will be there with me. So, when I come down to perform, after that, I go back to my room.

And my mum helped me a lot. She was with me for close to eight months before she took her leave. And my daughter comes from a very big family from her side and her father’s side. So, everybody makes sure she doesn’t lack affection. And when I work for longer time, if I don’t see my daughter for more than three days, I feel guilty and less productive. So, when I’m going for a show more than five days, and outside the country, I beg them to allow me fly with my daughter.
It’s a wonderful experience to be a mother and I’m grateful to God. It has helped me to be more down-earth and I feel my daughter made me to be more responsible.

But don’t you think people are thinking you’ve been hiding the identity of her father?
It’s not as if I’ve been shielding that aspect of my life. I know fans want me to talk about who I am and who I’m sharing my life with but they should understand that as long as I breathe, I will keep my personal life away from my music. Take one because you can’t take all of me. So sometimes I’m aggressive and shun whoever asks me questions about my personal life. But all I’m offering is my music. I never said it one day that I’m offering my life because it’s only Jesus I can offer my life to.


Culled: Vanguard