'SHUT DOWN ALABA MARKET' TONY OKOROJI TELLS FG

The Chairman, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Chief Tony Okoroji, has called on the Federal Government to shut down the popular Alaba International market in Lagos.

The COSON boss said this while speaking at a media conference held at the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) in Lagos on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 where six suspects arrested during a midnight raid of the market were paraded.

Okoroji explained that every attempt to get the market association at Alaba to curb the amount of copyright infringement in the market proved abortive as warnings have fallen on deaf ears.

Several pirated products, machines and other equipment used in the illegal trade were also seized in the recent raid.

‘The Commission is ready to pursue the pirates day and night until Alaba market is cleaned up. All those who are bent on stealing the fruits of other peoples’ sweat will have to face the new Nigerian Copyright Commission which is bent on “enforcement, enforcement and enforcement’, NCC Deputy Director, Enforcement, Mar. A. A. Amodu said.

‘We do not have anything against the people doing legitimate business at Alaba International market but the good people have been tarnished by the criminals in their midst and the market association continues to protect them. While young Nigerian musicians and actors are working day and night to produce great works, these criminals are busy reaping where they did not sow. This wicked act must be stopped to encourage the creativity of our youths who are doing the nation proud’, Okoroji said.

Meanwhile, Okoroji is still pushing for criminal sanctions against broadcasters of unlicensed music in the Nigeria. Okoroji made the call at the recently held one-day Workshop on the Reform of Intellectual Property Laws in Nigeria put together by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

Okoroji reminded the audience that piracy is not just the unauthorized reproduction of CDs, music cassettes and other carriers of content but includes the unlicensed broadcast of music and sound recordings and the unauthorized offering of such content on the internet.

‘It has become necessary for the nation to think of providing special courts to deal with intellectual property cases because of the specialized training required by the judges who must resolve the very complex issues that surround IP matters. While that might be in the longer term, special judges of the Federal High Court may be designated to handle IP cases while the use of experts to resolve thorny issues has become absolutely essential’, Okoroji said.

In January 2011, COSON wrote a letter to president Goodluck asking him to revoke the licenses of popular radio stations Cool FM and Wazobia FM claiming the company went against the nation’s broadcast code.

TIGER WOODS SAYS "GOOD MORNING AMERICA"

Fresh from an injury over the weekend, Tiger Woods was back in action this morning (March 15) as he made an appearance at “Good Morning America.”

The PGA pro was in the house to debut his brand new video game “Tiger Woods PGA Tour ’13” and he even fielded some questions from host Robin Roberts.

Regarding his physical health, Tiger shared, “It’s good now. I took some days off. I’m going to start hitting golf balls tomorrow. All the swelling is gone, stiffness is gone, and I’m excited to get back out... Hopefully I’ll be ready for next week.”

And Woods is hoping his strong playing as of late will translate into a few wins in the months ahead. “I have to be consistent. I’m starting to get there again. It’s just a matter of making the right putts at the right time.”

US UNVEILS GENTLE IMMIGRATION DETENTION FACILITY

US is going to reform its immigration detention process by making it gentler for immigrant detainees.

From now onwards, immigration detention center in Texas will no longer resemble a jail. Rather, it will be a reformed facility by US ICE. It will include a gym, a library, a courtroom and a soccer field.

There will be a medical center having facility for round the clock medical services for immigration detention center inmates.

Those staying in immigrant detention center will be non-violent offenders not having involvement in any serious crime.

Immigrant detainees will get the facility of calling their family or friends and their families will also be allowed to visit them.

SIR SHINA PETERS TO TOUR WITH 2FACE, TERRY G, DAVIDO, 20 OTHERS

Veteran Nigerian Afro-Juju singer Sir Shina Peters is embarking on a three-State tour titled the ‘Sir Shina Peters Tour 2012’. The star musician who is enjoying some shine time again, after years of being on the low, is hoping to renew his pact with fans and create a build up for the release of his new CD.

And he’s not alone on the tour – we’re told big names like 2face, Banky W, M.I, Naeto C, 9ice, Davido, Wizkid, Ice Prince and Terry G will join him for concerts scheduled in several Nigerian cities.

Others include Sound Sultan, W4, Sasha, Zeez, Ras Kimono, Lord of Ajasa, Jah Bless, Art Quake, Side One, Rayce and LKT.

And to supply the best of music will be popular disc jockeys DJ Jimmy JATT, DJ Neptune, DJ Humility.

The first set of  concerts will be held in Lagos, Ijebu-Ode and Ibadan. Tour dates are yet to be announced.

Shina Peters over the last year has been the toast of show across the country, performing at the MTN Power of Ten Concert and The Headies. He was also featured on the Hennessy Artistry theme song in 2010.

J COLE TO HEADLINE BIG BROTHER AFRICA 7 LUNCH

The 7th edition of M-Net’s most watched reality series, Big Brother Africa, is already eliciting anticipation and excitement among fans, as it reveals new thrills leading to its May 6 return to TV.

Apart from the fact that this year’s show will see contestants doubling up to enter the series, with the prize money for one winner pegged at $300, 000, organizers have revealed more pleasant surprises in their kitty.

Already, M-Net and series producers, Endemol say the launch of this season of the show, which is called ‘Big Brother Stargame’, will feature performances from major hit-makers, led by Grammy-nominated American rapper J Cole.

‘One of the main reasons for the success of Big Brother, in Africa and abroad, is that it creates its own stars from the minute housemates step into the spotlight,’ says M-Net Africa Managing Director Biola Alabi.

‘Of course, we’re thrilled that we can kick off Big Brother Stargame with an international star whose incredible talent is making him one of the hottest names in music today. J.Cole is fast becoming a superstar, an amazing artist who is taking the world by storm. We are very pleased that he will be performing for the very first time in Africa on our stage!’

With J.Cole’s visit facilitated by Los Angeles based One Entertainment (which facilitated Busta Rhymes’ appearance last year), the 27-year-old star is scheduled to perform three songs, to be revealed closer to the time, at the launch of Big Brother Stargame. He will also be filmed for a special insert on Channel O during this time talking about his work, life and ambitions.

Born in Germany, Jermaine Lamar Cole, popularly known as J. Cole, was raised in North Carolina and is now based in New York. He is signed to Jay Z’s influential Roc Nation record label, which also represents songstress Rihanna, and his debut album Cole World: The Sideline Story has gained him worldwide attention. Determined, creative and gifted, the producer/rapper has collaborated with Beyonce, Trey Songz, Missy Elliott, Drake and Elle Varner among others. He’s also appeared on Jay Z’s Blueprint 3 album on the hip hop anthem ‘A Star is Born.’

YAW AND OWEN GEE PRRSENT "APRIL FOOL" SEASON 4

The stage is set for the 4th season of YAW live on stage, an annual presentation by Yaw, the WAZOBIA FM star presenter. The new project is coming on the heels of his last show, LAST MOLUE, a play considered to be one the best that graced the stage in 2011.

The comedian tells us ‘April fool’ is a satirical play that deals with socio-political and socio-economic situation in Nigeria.

The two character play will feature Yaw alongside one of Africa’s best comedians, Owen Gee.

‘April fool is centered on all the recent happenings in the country, that is, the good, the bad and the ugly, with experiences put together in a dramatic form and in a more humorous pattern to entertain and educate Nigerians without been offensive to any authority or personality’.

‘Obi Martins, a young, talented and versatile play and film director wrote the play to remind Nigerians of our experiences so far’, he adds.

The show is slated for Sunday April 1, 2012, at the Muson Centre, Onikan Lagos.

Special attractions include appearances by Davido, JMartins, Ice Prince, 9ice, Flavor, Brymo and others.

HAVE YOU SEEN THE OBAMAS' WEDDING PHOTOS?

Yesterday was the First Lady's 48th birthday (she and the President celebrated at BLT Steak near the White House—delicious!), which got us browsing the First Family's Flickr feed. Have you seen this photograph of the Obamas on their wedding day? The couple married in Chicago in 1992—the President donned a crisp tuxedo and Michelle, ever the style icon, wore a lovely off-the-shoulder gown with a sweetheart neckline. Beautiful! To see more off-the-shoulder dresses

9 SIGNS YOU MIGHT BE DEPRESSED

1. Depressed Mood

In children and teens, depression also may present as an irritability. Depression may be indicated when a person feels extremely sad most of the time, nearly every day during at least a 2 week period. A depressed mood may be observed by others or expressed by the individual.

2. Diminished Interest in Activities

Strong feelings of apathy or an inability to experience pleasure in most previously-enjoyed activities, along with a depressed or irritable mood can indicate depression. In a person who is depressed, these feelings are present most days during at least a two-week period.

3. Unexplained Weight Loss or Gain

Significant (more than 5 percent of body weight in a month) unintentional weight loss or gain, or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day may be a sign of depression. Children who are depressed may fail to make expected growth-related weight gains.

4. Insomnia or Extreme Sleepiness

A person who is depressed may have difficulty falling asleep or may wake frequently during the night. Excessive sleepiness nearly every day for at least 2 weeks also may be a sign of depression.

5. Psychomotor Symptoms

These signs of depression are characterized by unintentional and purposeless motions, like pacing, hand-wringing or hair-twirling, or by a noticeable slowing of the thought process, emotional reactions or movement. Psychomotor agitation and psychomotor retardation observed by others nearly every day for at least 2 weeks may indicate depression.

6. Fatigue

Unexplained feelings of fatigue or a lack of energy nearly every day for a period of at least 2 weeks can be a sign of depression. Depression-related fatigue is not associated with another cause, such as an increase in physical activity or another medical condition.

7. Feelings of Guilt or Worthlessness

Excessive or inappropriate guilt or strong feelings of inadequacy can signal depression. In a person who is depressed, these feelings occur nearly every day and can be extreme enough to be delusional. Guilt is not merely self-reproach or related to being sick.

8. Diminished Ability to Concentrate

A sharp decrease in focus or concentration can be a sign of depression. People who are depressed often notice an inability to think clearly. In some cases, a lack of focus is observed by others, such as family members, friend or co-workers.

9. Suicidal Ideation

About 60 percent of people who are depressed have recurring thoughts of death and roughly 15 percent commit suicide. A person suffering from depression may have frequent thoughts of suicide, develop a plan for committing suicide, or attempt suicide.

SEVEN COMMON SYMPTOMS OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Ulcerative Colitis affects the inner lining of the rectum and colon, causing it to wear away in spots and leave ulcers.  This wear and tear on the digestive tract can cause severe abdominal cramping, pain and even nausea.

During an Ulcerative Colitis flare, patients often report bloody diarrhea, sometimes containing pus or mucus.

Some patients report a feeling that they have little warning before they need to have a bowel movement, making it difficult to get to a bathroom in time.

During an Ulcerative Colitis flare, some people are awoken during the night due to frequent bowel movements.

Ulcerative Colitis hinders the body's ability to absorb both nutrients and calories.  As a result, people with UC often have nutrition deficiencies and can struggle to keep maintain a healthy weight. 

Many people experience dehydration during an Ulcerative Colitis flare.  It is impoartant to try and drink as much water as possible during a flare to avoid dehydration.

Each patient will experience Ulcerative Colitis in a different way and on a different schedule.  It is important to keep track of the frequency and severity of each symptom to help minimize both the number and severity of UC flares.

The temptation for people with Ulcerative Colitis and other bowel disease is to eat a bland diet which is often low in nutritional value.  Instead, one should strive for varied diet high in vitamins and minerals while paying attention to which particular foods cause flares.

I REACHED OUT TO CHRIS BROWN... 'CAUSE HE'S HOT - RIHANNA

 Screw the brutal, face-smashing beating in 2009 ... Chris Brown is the HOTTEST R&B artist out right now -- which is why Rihanna says she reached out to CB to collaborate on two new songs.

Rihanna called Ryan Seacrest this morning on KIIS FM, explaining her choice to record two duets with the man who brutalized her three years ago -- "I reached out to him about doing ‘Birthday Cake’ because that’s the only person that really -- it made sense to do the record. Just as a musician -- despite everything else -- that was going to be the person."

She said, "I thought about rappers, and I’ve done that so many times, and the hottest R&B artist out right now is Chris Brown. So I wanted him on the track."

It's not personal ... it's business ... right?

BOBBI KRISTINA IS THAT AN ENGAGEMENT RING ON YOUR FINGER?

Whitney Houston's daughter was sporting an interesting piece of jewelry on her ring finger during her PDA-filled stroll with her "adopted" brother this week ... a big, fat ring.

As we previously reported, Bobbi Kristina and Nick Gordon finally went public with their relationship this week ... holding hands and kissing during a lunch date in Atlanta.

Now, with rumors swirling about a possible engagement ... the massive ring on Bobbi's finger isn't doing anything to hint otherwise.

Congrats ... maybe?

I'M NOT COMMITTING INCEST - BOBBI KRISTINA!

Whitney Houston's daughter Bobbi Kristina isn't fazed by her granny's accusations she's committing incest by hooking up with her "adopted" brother -- telling friends, she's gonna do what she wants ... no matter what.

Sources close to BK tell TMZ, the 19-year-old finally 'fessed up to her close buddies ... she and 22-year-old Nick Gordon are dating -- ten years after Whitney unofficially adopted the boy because he was having problems at home.

TMZ broke the story ... Bobbi's grandma Cissy Houston saw the video we posted -- showing Bobbi and Nick holding hands and kissing on a lunch run in Atlanta this week -- and told a close friend, "What [Bobbi and Nick] are doing is incestuous."

But Bobbi couldn't care less -- telling friends ... she doesn't give a damn about what Cissy thinks about her controversial relationship ... and because Nick's not her blood brother, she definitely doesn't consider it incest.

As one source put it -- Bobbi "can't please everyone, so she is going to please herself by doing what she wants to do for once."

As for the maybe engagement ring Bobbi was wearing -- we're told she's been mum on what it means ... but cryptically told friends, she and Nick ARE planning a trip to Vegas in the near future.

SUSAN YUSUF'S BURIAL DATE ANNOUNCED

 Susan Yusuf AKA Suzy Q was the high flying owner of former happening joint-Club SQ who was murdered in a dastardly manner close to 2 months ago- February 10, 2012 to be precise by her 'errand boy' who on the same day in his bid to escape plunged to his own death.

Her family members and numerous friends have still not been able to come to terms with her untimely death and even the gruesomeness of the death. Like we said in our last write-up, underground investigations is said to be ongoing clandestinely to unearth the motive(s) behind the murder or like some have tagged it-assassination.

And like we already promised, we would make sure to report any new discovery as soon as we hear of any.

The lady's last journey to mother earth would commence by next Thursday- March 22, 2012 as the wake-keep would be at her former Club venue Club SQ on 147a,Youniss Basorun Street,off Ajose Adeogun, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Next day- Friday, March 23, 2012 she would be committed to Mother Earth at the Victoria Court Cemetery, Lekki-Epe Expressway, by Mayfair Garden at about 11A.M.

The late Susan is her mother's only child and would be missed by many. She was said to have being a fantastic daughter and a very good friend to those she was close to. Her mom, who lives abroad and who she used to communicate with on a daily basis, is presently around for her daughter's burial.

May her soul, rest in God's bosom.

MR UNIVERSE NIGERIA 2012 LAUNCHES

Qhue Concept and Urbanmen ENT yesterday announced plans to host an annual men’s pageant  called ‘Mr Universe Nigeria’.

The producers say there’s hoping ‘to give Nigerians the biggest annual event on the Nigerian calendar, boasting of an array of sensational contestants, creative directors, music artistes and renowned brand sponsors’.

Full details of the competition are yet to be made available, but we’re told  Mr Universe Nigeria is an annual event holding in different Nigerian cities.

‘It’s a chance to be proactive rather than reactive to Nigeria’s tourism potentials on the global level’, the organisers say.

The debut edition kicks off in Lagos from June 4, with  25 of Nigeria’s ‘sexiest and most intelligent young men’ competing

J MARTINS JOINS NOW-MUZIK

Pop-highlife singer-producer Martins Okey better known as JMartins has signed a management deal with power house, talent management company Now Muzik.

Martins joins the likes of 2Face Idibia, T.W.O, Sunny Neji and Timi Dakolo who are also signed to the management company.

‘Basically, JMartins needs a management team that can plan his itinerary and tours and engagements. We had a meeting and we just hit it off right away. He’s a super talented artiste’, says Tony Anifite, COO of Now Muzik.

Martins who has released two albums ‘Get Serious’ and ‘Elevated’ is set to release his third installment ‘Selah’ (which is Hebrew for ‘Pause and think’) in a few weeks. The album according to his new management will contain 12 tracks.

‘The bar has been raised. So I believe it is time for us to pause and think on ways to generally up our game’, says Martins.

The singer tied the knot with his wife fiancée Nnezi Diana Mbila in January 2012.

NICKI MINAJ'S PINK BIKINI-CLAD "STARSHIP" BEACH SHOOT (PHOTOS)

 

Flaunting her curves on the Aloha State set, Nicki Minaj was busy putting together material for her "Starship" music video on Wednesday (March 14).

The 29-year-old hitmaker was decked out in a pink bikini, pink heels and a green hairdo as she rolled around in the sand while on location in Oahu, Hawaii.

Having arrived in the scenic island locale the previous day, Miss Minaj tweeted, "The kids @ the airport were like: waikikiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!! I bust out laughin."

She later added, "Can't wait 2get on set. Dem male modelz iz poppinton #starshipsvideo."

"Starship" is one of the songs included in her upcoming sophomore album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, which is set to be released on April 3rd.

Expecting big things from her latest effort, Nicki recently told MTV, "April 3 is gonna be a doozy. It's gonna be crazy. It's gonna be important for just hip-hop culture and pop culture. It's gonna be very big."

NAS RELEASES SINGLE COVER FOR "THE DON"

 Nas reveals the cover art for his new single "The Don."

Nas has revealed the cover art for his new single "The Don," premiering tonight on Funkmaster Flex's show on Hot 97.

The single, assumed to be off his upcoming untitled album, comes in the wake of his previous street single "Nasty." It is currently unclear when the LP will release.

Production duo Da Internz recently spoke on the album, likening it to It Was Written in terms of style and lyricism.

“This Nas album is not the Nas that is just like, This is cool. This is cute,” said Tuo. “This is the Nas like really, ‘I’m trying to tear the skin off your face.’ He’s not playing around. Nas is taking you back to the lyrics and concepts like It Was Written.”

RICK ROSS SIGNS ENDORSEMENT DEAL WITH REEBOK

Rick Ross is the next Hip Hop star to sign an endorsement deal with Reebok.

Ever since Run DMC rocked adidas Superstars without the laces, sneakers have been a major part Hip Hop culture. Now, Reebok is strengthening the ties between kicks and music with a new endorsement deal with Rick Ross.

According to Nice Kicks, Rozay has officially joined forces with Reebok for an endorsement deal. Collaborator and fellow Reebok signed artist Swizz Beatz broke the news over Twitter, which the Bawse confirmed on his own timeline. 

This isn't the first time that Ross has linked up with Reebok. This past summer, Rozay, Meek Mill and Swizz Beatz released a remix to "Tupac Back," titled "Reebok Back," in promotion  of Swizz's line of Reebok Kamikaze shoes.

ERIC SERMON SAYS HIP HOP LACKS MUSICAL BALANCE

Erick Sermon weighs in on the Hip Hop industry at large, saying there's no balance of music.

Erick Sermon has never been one to bite his tongue when it comes to his thoughts on Hip Hop. Now, the Green Eyed Bandit weighs in on the industry at large, saying that Hip Hop has lost its sense of artistsic balance.

In a recent interview with ThisIs50, the EPMD/Def Squad double threat said that the mainstream market has become overly saturated by one single style of Hip Hop. The legendary Sermon explained that this lack of sonic balance in the industry is hurting new artists' chances at breaking into the game and achieving success.

"Right now, like I said before, I think that we don't have a balance in the industry," he explained. "I'm not claiming to be the mad rapper neither, I feel like right now we just have one side. You have people like 50 [Cent] and [Lloyd] Banks…and Lupe Fiasco who fought so hard to get that Hip Hop to where [they] wanted it to be so [they] can do what [they] wanted to do and [they] won that way…we don't have a balance right now, everything's one sided. All the new Hip Hop kids who want to rhyme and the producers who want to make beats…they feel there's no place for them because no one's picking them up. I feel like there is a lane that needs to be filled up and somebody needs to open their mouths so we can get creativity and balance back in music."

SNOOP DOGG BECOMES PART OWNER OF WOMEN'S FOOTBALL TEAM

Snoop Dogg purchases shares in a Lady Arena Football League team.

Snoop Dogg's passion for football is well-known. A renowned Pittsburgh Steelers fan, the Doggfather has also formed a successful Snoop Youth Football League.

Now, Snoop has become a part owner of the Los Angeles Riderettes, a Lady Arena Football League (LAFL) team.

The league has teams in New Orleans, St. Louis, Kansas City, and Houston, and its season will begin in May.

The league will have eight-on-eight games of women in lingerie uniforms competing in full-contact football.

Snoop hosts his annual Snooperbowl championship for his youth league annually.