LL COOL J TO HOST 2012 GRAMMY AWARDS

Seven years with no official host, veteran US rapper, James Todd Smith a.k.a LL Cool J is set to anchor the 54th annual Grammy Awards, which will air on February 12, 2012.

LL Cool J, who is a two-time Grammy winner himself, says he is thrilled to be ‘part of music’s biggest night’ and describes his hosting of the show as a ‘dream come true’.

The 44-year-old has hosted ‘The Grammy Nominations Concert Live’ since its inception in 2008 and this will be his first time hosting the Grammy Awards telecast. Previous hosts of the Grammys are TV host Jon Stewart (2001) and rapper-actor Queen Latifah (2005).

Some of the artists slated to perform are; Kelly Clarkson, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, Nicki Minaj and Jason Aldean.

Top nominees are Adele and Kanye West. Nigerian Afrobeat maestro Femi Kuti is also nominated for the third time in the ‘World Music Category’.

TOSYN BUCKNOR JOINS TOKE MAKINWA AND OREKA GODIS FOR '3 LIVE CHICKS'

What are three ladies who have experience in the field of radio journalism cooking together, one might ask?

Flytime Entertainment is producing a TV show  called ‘3 Live Chicks’ to be hosted by Top Radio 90.9 FM OAP Tosyn Bucknor, Rhythm 93.7 FM radio host Toke Makinwa and former BEAT 99.9 FM radio personality Oreka Godis.

According to Oreka who spoke with NET, the show will simply cater to ‘lovers of African content’ as it explores happenings, events and other rich content from the most entertaining points of view. Viewers will be treated to engaging interviews, thrilling comic moments and honest conversations

Producers say the talk show will first be available for viewing online without any region restrictions after which it will begin to air on TV stations.

LADY GAGA, KATY PERRY PAY TRIBUTE TO SOUL QUEEN ETTA JAMES

Tributes have continued to pour in following the death of notable blues and soul singer Etta James, the latest coming from international pop stars, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry.

Gaga, 26, posted a tweet, declaring that ‘Tonight (January 22, 2012) I will have one whole quart of brandy for Etta.‘

Katy Perry also wrote a short post after hearing about Etta’s death when she tweeted: ‘rest in peace songbird #EttaJames.’

Other celebrities who had earlier paid tributes to the late soul diva include Beyonce, Kelly Rowland and Bryan Adams.

The late soul singer passed away on January 20, 2012 at the age of 73 following complications from leukaemia.

Etta James born Jamesetta Hawkins was an American singer whose style spanned a variety of music genres including blues, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, soul, gospel and jazz.

She gained fame with hits such as ‘Dance with Me, Henry‘, ‘At Last‘, ‘Tell Mama‘, and ‘I’d Rather Go Blind‘.

She had won a number of awards including, six Grammys and 17 Blues Music Awards.

She was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, the Blues Hall of Fame in 2001, and the Grammy Hall of Fame in both 1999 and 2008.

The late singer had 28 albums to her credit, since the start of her professional singing career in 1961.

9ICE'S SOLO CONCERT MOVED TO MARCH 11

Alapomeji boss and Nigerian singer 9ice has officially announced he plans to host his first ever album concert.

The hitmaker who recently released his fourth and fifth albums – ‘Bashorun Gaa’ and ‘Versus’ late 2011 says the album concert will take place at the very popular Expo Hall of the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

‘9ice BGV concert. March 11 2012’, @BASHORUN_9ICE tweeted.

Details are still sketchy for now but fans who have heard the news are already excited.

Even separated wife Toni Payne excitedly tweeted a few days ago ‘Holla at me wit a retweet, if u r coming for 9ice’s Concert on March 11… We must see face 2 face n parry 2geda o.

We had reported earlier, that plans were in the offing, for a solo concert as part of the singer’s efforts to drive himself back into the A-league and reclaim his lost spot.

We’re told the March 11 concert will be produced by Cecil Hammond’s Flytime Entertainment, the same outfit that executed the Wizkid and Psquare solo concerts, amongst many others.

9ice was recently hosted at the weekly Industry Nite on January 18, in commemoration of his 32nd birthday. The gig was attended by a host of celebrities such as Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savage and Wizkid including long-time acquaintances ID Cabasa, Lord of Ajasa and Jah Bless.

'HIP-HOP ARTISTS ARE SCARED TO VISIT AFRICA' - NAS

‘There have been a lot of lies told to American people about what’s going on in Africa‘, African-American rapper, Nasir ‘Nas’ Jones recently said at a press conference held in the US.

The bestselling rapper says his colleagues do not like to visit Africa because they are afraid of the ‘dark continent.’

LISTEN TO NAS AND K’NAAN ON ‘NOTHING TO LOSE’

The award winning rap veteran disclosed that his growing up times was when Jamaican singer, Bob Marley was talking about ‘African Unity’ and that got him interested in his roots. Sharing his experiences on his visit to Africa, he said that the horror stories about Africa is out of this world and pointed out that African – Americans and Africans do not communicate, don’t see a reason to talk and do not get along.

‘I think it’s up to Africans to show us that when we come there, we will be alright. I’ve been in Nigeria and it also made me cry when I saw the living conditions of people there and there’s no connection…’, Nas said.

Nas visited Nigeria when he attended the 2008 edition of the Soundcity Music Video Awards (SMVA) to present the award for the ‘Best Hip-Hop Video’.

Furthermore, he called the attention of hip-hop artists who are largely African Americans saying that they have a role to play in changing the current status quo of the African continent.

NAS ENDORSES #IFNAIJA VOTES

He raised questions about why rock stars like Bono seem to do so much in Africa and hip-hop artists are not. He then encouraged hip hop artists to also do notable things as such, in his words, ‘hip-hop needs to start raising some voices’.

Nas who is born to a Nigerian father Olu Dara Jones, is gearing up for the release of his 10th studio album ‘Life is Good’.

ACTRESS LIZZY ANJORIN BEREAVED

These are sad times for wavemaking Yoruba actress,Lizzy Anjorin.The last few days have been agonizing for this pretty actress.

Reason?She lost her mum three Sundays back and she has been buried according to her last wish.Lizzy is her only child.

Her late mum,Mrs. Bola Anjorin was 70 at the time she died.She’s from Ishaka,Orile,Egbado,Ogun State.

Before she died,she suffered Stroke and she moved to Lagos to live with Lizzy.

The final Burial has been fixed for Saturday March 31st,2012.Mama was survived by Lizzy and her 14 year old daughter.

HALLE BERRY TO GABRIEL AUDRY STAY AWAY FROM NAHLA!!!

Halle Berry has just arrived at court, where she'll ask a judge for an order prohibiting her baby daddy, Gabriel Aubry, from having ANY contact with 3-year-old Nahla until the child endangerment investigation against him is resolved.

As TMZ first reported, the LAPD is conducting a criminal battery and child endangerment investigation after Gabriel allegedly pushed the nanny with Nahla in her arms. And before the alleged pushing, the nanny says Gabriel screamed at her and hurled a racial epithet. In addition, we've learned the L.A. County Dept. of Children and Family Services is also conducting a child endangerment investigation.

TMZ has learned more about what nanny Alliance Kamdem has told the cops. Law enforcement sources tell us ... Kamdem claims Gabriel repeatedly yelled and cursed at her, often while Nahla was present. Kamdem also says it got so bad ... Gabriel would make her sit in a corner in his condo until he called for her.

Kamdem also claims Gabriel often yelled at Nahla, causing the child to cower and cry. And she told police ... when Nahla had a rash he refused to treat it.

Kamdem quit last week after Gabriel allegedly shoved her.

Gabriel's rep tells TMZ, "Anyone can file a police report at any time, regardless of it being accurate."

As for Halle's court appearance later this AM ... we'll be there.

EX-SOCCER STAR VICTOR IKPEBA SET TO RE-MARRY

As Air hostess lover moves in with him

Erstwhile African footballer of the Year and ex-Super Eagles striker, Victor Nosa Ikpeba has found love again.

According to those who should know, Victor's new love is Temitayo Ade, an air hostess with Chanchangi Airline. Pretty and very light skinned, she is in her late 20s and she formerly works with the defunct Virgin Nigeria.

An Abeokuta indigene, she resides at Ogba in Lagos with her family and drives a navy Blue Toyota Avalon car. Those who are close to the beautiful lady informed us that she has benefited immensely from the affair.

Though unconfirmed, insiders alleged that it was the footballer and widower that bought her the car. Also, they said the ex-footballer pampers her so much with cash and attention.

And if what one of the friends of Temitayo told Top News is anything to go by, then the latest love birds may tie the knot before April 2012.
According to those who know their love story well, their paths crossed during one of Victor's trips to Abuja, they met aboard Virgin Nigeria Airline; Temitayo former company.

Though, Ikpeba, a regular visitor of the Nightshift Coliseum at Opebi has been linked with so many ladies after he lost his wife, Atinuke; mother of his children (Magdalene and Christina), he also has a woman in France that had two beautiful young girls for him but he seems to have been struck by the cupid’s arrow of Temitayo.

For now, they have been enjoying a whirlwind romance. Infact, insiders alleged that Temitayo has moved in with him and they're now living under the same roof at Gbemisola Street in Ikeja where Victor has his house. The only thing left is to formalize their union, a source said.

Victor also visits her home in Ogba and he has been known by people in the community, that he has a link with the lady’s family especially Temitayo's mum who has been praying fervently that the widower should tie the nuptial knot with her only daughter this year. And from the way they are carrying on with their romance lately, the wedding bells may soon toll for them.

Victor Nosakhare Ikpeba, once fondly known and addressed as the Prince of Monaco because of his exploits in that part of the world, was married to Atinuke whom he later lost to the cold hands of death. She was diagnosed of cancer.

The Edo indigene whose other siblings are Peace, James, Joy, Iyabo, Micheal, Kayode and Balogun also lost his mother, Mrs. Dora Mubo Ikpeba, aged 6o to death on September 9, 2003.

Insiders alleged that the former Monaco FC, Borussia Dortmund of Germany, Julius Berger of Nigeria player is considering marriage again while Temitayo Ade, who is well known in the circle of some big boys in that past, can't wait to settle down.

TOKE MAKINWA DENIES ENGAGEMENT TALES

Contrary to the ongoing rumours about a quiet engagement ceremony said to have happened between the very gorgeous OAP with Rhythm Fm-Miss Toke Makinwa and her sweetheart of several years- Maje Ayida-one of the sons of the great Super Permanent secretary of yore. Miss Makinwa has come out to deny any of such happening, in her own words lastnite, after we called her to say our heartfelt congratulations, she denied having done any engagement whatsoever & that the rumours was the figment of the imaginations of those carrying the rumours and a total lie.

Having dated Maje now for several years, it would have been a step in the right direction to get engaged, but if that has not yet happened, why lie? According to her and we quote her ''IT IS NOT TRUE''.

Miss Omotoke Makinwa is an On Air Personality with the Rhythm Fm station 93.7, where she anchors the Early Morning Drive program, before doing Radio she had worked briefly at ZenithBank where she had her Youth Service. She went on to say that when truly there is an engagement and by extension plans of a wedding in the offing, she would gladly let the whole world know.

Congratulations anyway in advance.

NOLLYWOOD PRODUCER/DIRECTOR,AQUILA NJAMAH LOSES CAR,PROPERTY TO INFERNO

Unarguably,one of the youngest and brightest Producers/Directors in Nollywood, Aquila Njamah is counting his losses as his house in Festac,Lagos was gutted by fire last week Thursday.

According to information at our disposal,the inferno which started in the morning razed the building,making him to lose his personal belongings including his car,before the fire service came to his rescue.

In a phone conversation,Aquila confirmed the fire incident.

It’s true that my house was razed by fire but it has been taken care of.It’s a spark that led to the inferno.I lost my Highlander Toyota 2011 to the fire incident which started around 6a.m on Thursday,January 19,2012.

UNILAG FINAL YEAR STUDENT, SLUMPS AND DIES ON FOOTBALL PITCH

Rammy Yesufu a final year student of University of Lagos and also a member of the prestigious ABF Football and Social club, Adeniyi Jones, died yesterday while playing football on the pitch. He was said to have slumped, tried to get up but fell back before his friends rushed to him and took him to a nearby hospital. Just as the Nurse laid him down for treatment he gave up the ghost. He will be buried today at VGC.
His friends asked me to put this up, so his friends in other parts of the country can see. May he RIP.

ACTRESS EUCHARIA ANUNOBI ACQUIRES N11M BMW X5

The New Year fuel subsidy removal scourge does not seem to be hitting everybody.People like star actress Eucharia Anunobi are now celebrating.

This is because,the actress has just spent a whooping N11 million to make herself happy this new year.

As you reading this page,pretty Ms. Anunobi who has always cherished BMW cars,has taken delivery of a brand new BMW X5 SUV.

According to the information gathered,she has many months yearned to have this wonder-on-wheels in her fleet.As a result,she has labored tirelessly to purchase the car and finally two weeks back,she took delivery of the new car.

STAR ACTRESS GEORGINA ONUOHA'S MARRIAGE CRUMBLES

News making the rounds says the marriage of talented actress,Georgina Onuoha-Igwegbe has crumbled.

The marriage is done with,said a source,and with the way it is it may not be redeemable.

We reliably gathered that so bad has the situation become that her husband,Ifeanyi Igwegbe,has allegedly abandoned their matrimonial home.

We learnt the couple now lives in two different states in the U.S.

Constant disagreement was given as the major reason the man fled,leaving behind his wife and their two daughters.

It would be recall that the union was contracted amidst controversy then.

All effort to reach Georgina to comment on this issue proved abortive as her number was not available.

ACTRESS BENITA NZERIBE'S SECRET AGONY

At a time the toast of many Producers in the English speaking genre of the Nigerian film industry,Benita Nzeribe can well be described as petite but beautiful.Her command of the script is impressive and she’s a delight to the eye.

The case however is that this particular actress seems to be finding right men for marriage elusive.She was at a time said to be dating a guy simply identified as Biggy,who is based abroad and lives somewhere around Ojodu in Lagos whenever he’s in the country.

Benita was said to be very serious with this guy who,unknown to her,was married,with his family based abroad.

The love story was put on hold when the guy was not forthcoming with marriage proposal.

And now that marriage plan is not in the offing,this has been a source of major concern for the pretty actress,given the fact that many other less endowed skill and beauty wise in the industry are tying the knot.

STEPHANIE OKEREKE AND RITA DOMINIC RESUME THEIR HOSTILITY

If information at our disposal is anything to write home about, then the relationship between two actresses Stephanie Okereke and Rita Dominic has got messier.

The two beautiful and sexy actresses,we gathered have resumed their hostility.

The lastest issue is on who will be the spokesperson at Aso Rock,the city of power of Federal Republic of Nigeria.

We gathered that the two actresses clashed recently when it was reported that for any actor or actress to gain access to the Presidency,the person must go through Stephanie Okereke.

This did not go down well with Rita Dominic,who felt insulted that such a high post should be given to Stephanie.

Whoever thought of such made a mistake.How can I go through her before getting to the Presidency? Rita was said to have fumed.

PHOTO OF THE DAY: D'BANJ AND BIG SEAN