Photo: 2face and Asteroid

Above photo is my guy Asteroid with our in-law, 2face Idibia. Nice!!!

Demise of Digital Brass Band: No more business as usual for Joe Akpan and Aniekpeno Mkpanang

If information reaching CONNOISSEUR is anything to go by, then it is no more business as usual for Joe Akpan, and his boss Aniekpeno Mkpanang-the Director of Protocol to the Akwa Ibom state government.

If you were at the 2012 edition of 9,999 annual Christmas Carol, you will observe Joe Akpan’s absence, the renowned musician and his Digital Brass Band was replaced by a 200 man classical choir and a 100 man orchestra.

27th NANS convention: Official election result released

The much awaited official election result of the just concluded 27^th National Convention of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) held from 13^th – 18^th December 2012 in Uyo the Akwa Ibom State capital has been released, putting paid to controversies regarding the election which has been adjudged free and fair. This was contained in a communiqué issued by the apex Nigeria students body which was published on Monday, December 24^th edition of The Nation newspaper and made available to journalists.

Faces at the maiden edition of Community Pulse Newspaper’s Staff Awards

Community Pulse, one of the leading tabloids in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria held the maiden edition of its staff awards on Sunday, 23^rd December, 2012. The event which took place at the tabloid’s corporate headquarters saw three awards given to 2 serving staff and 1 erstwhile staff in a night which was filled with fun and excitement. The event was attended by entertainment stars, media celebs, staff of the company and other invited guests. Below are the pictures…

[Download] Popular comedian, MC Spinosky drops music track ‘Abide W’t Me’

Award winning MC/Comedian / TV n Radio Presenter (Radio Nigeria,Atlantic 104.5 FM,Uyo) and now, Comic Musician drops this fresh and sick Hit from the Blankets of Malaria Fever w't a unique Akwa-Cross flavour produced by Mr. Dehniece. Born in d US, and bred all over Nigeria (Yola,Wukari,Benin City,Uyo), he comes wit a total mix in dis hit as a prelude to his 'Spinosky In-Sanity: Mess and Its Benefits' dropping on Xmas morning.

Iniobong Monday and ex lover, Emem Ndem back together?

Highly rated sports analyst, Iniobong Monday has been spotted with his actress ex lover, Emem Ndem. The duo were spotted having fun as they both attended the novelty football match between E101Magazine Celebrity Showdown champions, Entertainers vs Amaecom FC held on Friday at G.T.C., Ewet. They didn’t spend up to 30 minutes at the event as it seemed too many prying eyes were fixed on them throughout their short stay there. They parted company (don’t know whether it was on mutual consent) over a year ago CONNOISSEUR learnt they have been keeping taps on each other. Emem is currently on NYSC and words from sources close to the duo are rife that they would fancy rekindling their old love and coming back together. 

Fast rising singer, Pattina in tattoo pains

Fast rising songstress, Pattina was recently reeling in the pains of her new tattoo. The sexy long-legged ‘One More’ singer on Wednesday showed off her new tattoo which she pierced on her neck and updated that she was in serious pains. Wonder whether na who send am to go do tattoo. The pains had subsided days after. Check out her tattoo after the cut….

Eko 2012: 10 Reasons why Team Akwa Ibom finished 10th

 

By Bassey Ibiatisuho

 

1.             Late Preparation: The preparation approach Team Akwa Ibom adopted reminded one of Team Nigeria’s ad hoc preparations prior to the London Olympic Games. The team started its close camping less than a month to the commencement of the games and it was obvious they would not stand the likes of Delta, Rivers or Lagos states that started camping three months to the event. In any sporting activities, good preparation is only what brings success and that was evidence in the states that started early as they also did very well.

Broadcast star, Ubon Marcus emerges NANS Vice President

Popular on-air-personality Ubon Marcus is now the Vice President, Special Duties, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). He got the post after emerging victorious at the polls during the just concluded national convention of the apex Nigeria students’ body. With the election held at Uyo Township Stadium on Tuesday, 18^th December, 2012, accreditation of NANS senators for voting began a day earlier. Voting however started in the wee hours of Tuesday morning and ended by 4pm same day.

President Obama is Time's 'Person of the Year'

President Barack Obama has been named Time's "Person of the Year" for 2012. The selection was announced Wednesday on NBC's "Today" show. The short list for the honor included Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani teenager who was shot in the head for advocating for girls' education.It also included Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi and Bill and Hillary Clinton. Obama also received the honor in 2008, when he was President-elect. Last year, "The Protester" got the honor.

Happy birthday Ramsey Nouah

Today, 19 December is the birthday of Nollywood actor, Ramsey Nouah. He was born on this date in 1970. Also today is the birthday of a host of football stars including Karim Benzema (France / Real Madrid),  Alexis Sanchez (Chile / Barcelona), Gary Cahill (England / Chelsea), Iker Muniain (Spain / Athletic Bilbao), M'Baye Niang (France / AC Milan), Ryan Babel (Netherlands / Ajax Amsterdam) and  Miguel Lopes (Portugal / FC Porto). CONNOISSEUR wishes them a happy birthday.

Zambia striker, Katongo voted BBC African Footballer of the Year

Zambia Striker Christopher Katongo voted The 2012 BBC African Footballer of the Year Award. He beats Didier Drogba as well as Yaya Toure. Congrats to him.

Nigeria’s Youngest Editor bags Best Journalist of the Year award

2012 has been an eventful year for me. I have received some awards in the past 12 months and I cherish this one so much because it is coming from a respected voice. On Saturday, 15 December, 2012, the Prime Minister of the Airwaves, Aniekeme Finbarr, in his annual Facebook Awards crowned me the Journalist of the Year. I feel highly elated considering the fact that I was chosen as the best out of an array of very outstanding journalists we’ve got here. Though there is no plaque, statuette or gong to keep for remembrance, the award has a big place in my heart. Big thanks to my ardent followers and fans. Below is Finbarr’s citation about my humble self which was posted in his facebook timeline….

Gov. Yakowa of Kaduna and ex NSA Azazi feared dead in helicopter crash

The governor of Kaduna State, Patrick Yakowa and former National Security Adviser, Adrew Owoye Azazi were earlier today involved in helicopter crash in Bayelsa State. Unconfirmed reports have it that they are both dead as a result of complications from the crash. This is the second governor to be involved in air crash in the space of 2 months as Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State got his brain damaged in the October 25 air crash.

Godswill Akpabio graces cover of debut edition of E101 Plus

A new baby is born in the family of Kartel Media, publishers of the famous E101Magazine. The widely endorsed magazine has a sister publication called E101Plus, an insert for the main magazine. And on the debut edition of the new kid on the block is Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom. The publication which is debuting on Friday, 14 December, 2012 sets to celebrate the Governor Akpabio on his attainment of 50 years of existence on earth. With a nice photoshoot picture directed by renowned photographer and musician, TY Bello, the cover is captioned “The Golden Akpabio”.

Helen Ukpabio’s mum dies of heartbreak after losing 3 sons same day

Evangelist Helen Ukpabio’s mother, Mrs Etim Ukpabio, has passed on months after witnessing the killing of three of her sons on the same day.She also lost a daughter a few days later who died from shock after learning about what happened to her brothers.Mrs Ukpabio’s three sons, Joseph, Charles and Emmanuel Ukpabio (pictured above) were allegedly killed by men of the State Security Service (SSS) on Sunday March 25th 2012 in front of their aged mother, who family members say never recovered from the incident.They say she died a very unhappy woman sometime last month and kept begging people to help her get justice for her children.

Happy Birthday Chinedu Ikedieze and Pasto Goody Goody

This unique day, 12.12.12 is the birthday of great entertainment stars. It is the birthday of Nollywood actor, Chinedu Ikedieze popularly known as Aki and music star, Pasto Good Goody. After the cut, check out what Aki posted on his timeline today and also Goody’s pix when he began ‘hustling’ back in the days in Lagos….

Gazette Editor Manaseh set for the altar weekend

In what would be described as an Xmas nuptial, the editor of Gazette Newspaper, Uyo, Mr.  Manasseh Umoette will be heading to the altar to tie the knot with his most valuable person Miss Dorcas Thomas. A release made available by the information unit of the planning committee indicates that the traditional marriage is billed for Friday 14th Dec, 2012 at Government Primary School 1, Mkpokopro street, Abak Local Government Area while the wedding is billed for Sunday 16th Dec, 2012 at the Apostolic Church, Uruk Uso, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, the reception, the release added will follow immediately at Government Primary School Essien Road, Ikot Ekpene. The general public is invited to the celebrations. Below are pictures from the pre-wedding photoshoot...

New Song: Mya K Ft. Vector - Let Me Breathe [Free Download]

I had told you earlier that my girl, Mya K is coming out with a new single on 12.12.12. She is an 11-year old British-Nigerian pop princess with her latest single titled “For Now” making a hit on air! Produced by UK-based producer Shabach and taken from Mya K’s forthcoming self-titled E.P, “For Now” is an outstanding Pop song that is sure to leave fans and critics yearning for more from the 11-year old triple threat singer, dancer and actress. Mya K is on the news again! This time, she's just dropped a brand new hit titled 'Let Me Breathe' feat. Nigerian rap sensation, Vector! Click http://t.co/UlsicP82 to download and enjoy! 

Photos: 8 year old Miss Amarachi Uyanne becomes first ever winner of Nigeria’s Got Talent

8 year old Miss Amarachi Uyanne on 9^th December, 2012 became the winner of Nigeria’s Got Talent season 1. The event which took place at Bamako Studios, Ikeja, Lagos saw the Benin born dancer clinching the N10m prize ahead of 9 other contestants. Below are more pix from the event.

Happy 50th birthday to Gov. Godswill Akpabio

The most decorated governor has attained a golden age today, 9^th December, 2012. Best wishes from Connoisseur Communications Nigeria (CCN) media conglomerate. Happy birthday sir.

Breaking News: Bush House director of operations, Emma Agbai is dead

I’m numb. I had to beg someone to tell me it’s an April Fool’s joke. Too sad to be true. This is the first time my fingers have refused to type a story for this blog but I had to force them to do it. Emmanuel Agbai, director (S.A) of Operations and Projects at World Win Media, owners of Bush House Nigeria is dead. He had a power-bike accident yesterday in Abuja and died as a result of complications from the accident. I learnt the lady he carried at the back of the power-bike is in a critical condition at the hospital.

Happy birthday Nelson ‘Sombodi’ Nseabasi

Today, December 8 is the birthday of Nelson Nseabasi. The ever smiling dude is the Advert Executive of E101Magazine. Otherwise known as ‘Little Scam’ or ‘Sombodi’, Nelson is one of the progenitors of Still on Streets (SOS). The Etinan born star who was brought up in Lagos is a long standing events person, a manager of so many artistes, and the stand-in presenter of Muzik Alive on AKBC TV. Three years ago, Nelson came up with the widely cherished Orange Carnival and is currently working on birthing Ibom Christmas Carnival. He is an associate blogger at www.wetinhappen.com and the South-South Bureau Chief of Acada Magazine. Check out some of his pictures after the cut.  

Arnold Schwarzenegger returns in Terminator 5 & 6

Here is what The Sun of UK is reporting:

When Arnold Schwarzenegger said "I'll be back" - he really meant it.

The Hollywood star is reportedly returning for two brand new Terminator movies - a decade after he last played the cyborg assassin on the big screen.

[Feature] Celebrating a Bountiful Harvest with Ibom Christmas Carnival

Carnivals have come to stay in Akwa Ibom state, with the one time Green & White Carnival and the annual Orange Carnival leading the pack. Now, Local Government Areas in Akwa Ibom State are beginning to tap into the benefits that abound in tourism promotion and destination marketing using events like carnivals. Towing this line, on Saturday, December 1^st, it was the turn of Ibiono Ibom people to stage a unique Cultural Carnival, this was historic for the people of the biggest Local Government Area in West Africa, quite an admirable number of bands and personalities turned up to honor them, hereby bringing about economic benefits in the lives of the indigenes .

Mikel signs new 5 year deal at Chelsea

Below is what the club posted on its official website but what they failed to state is whether the deal is an improved one (pay package-wise) or not. The 25 year old currently earns 80,000 pounds per week at Stamford Bridge. Congrats to Mikel, and I hope he will get to score goals now apart from the two he got in the FA Cup in his first season.

Iyanya dumps Yvonne Nelson for Tonto Dike?

Information going viral in blogs and other social media platforms has it that ‘Kukere’ master, Iyanya has dumped his four months old relationship with Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Nelson. This is coming on the heels of several tweets by the leggy actress which paints the picture that she has been dumped by her man, leaving her heartbroken. The tweets also suggests Iyanya left her for another actress, fuelling the speculation that it is the controversial Tonto Dike that is now tangoing with the Calabar born dude.

First African-American in Grammy Awards Recording Academy, Pat Akpabio graces E101Magazine cover

The king of the jungle is back. E101Magazine is out with her 7^th edition and it has an amazing personality on the cover. Gospel artiste, Pat Akpabio, the first African American to be inducted in to the Grammy Recording Academy is the celebrity gracing the December edition of the widely endorsed magazine. Wonderful cover indeed.

May K set to release new single, solicits for NMVA votes

“Your girl Mya” (that’s how she says) is set to release a brand new single. Though the title of the single is yet to be made known, December 12^th, 2012 i.e. 12.12.12 has been picked as the release date. The London based half-cast songster is warming up for a visit to Nigeria where she will tour top radio and TV stations in Abuja, Port Harcourt and other big cities in the country as part of the promo of the songs off her soon-to-be-released debut album.

Happy birthday Jackie Appiah

Today, 5 December is the birthday of Ghanaian actress, Jackie Appaih. I met her one-on-one during the year and I must confess she’s got a personality I admire a lot. *Calm*. Wish her a fun-filled 29^th birthday celebrations.

Again, Pasto Goody Goody cuts off dreads

Maybe this is the trend now. The Lagos based musician has cut off his dreads. This is not the first time the veteran crooner has shaved off his dreads in recent years. Meanwhile, he is currently working on a new video.

Mista Xto celebrates marriage anniversary

Today, 5 December marks the 3^rd marriage anniversary of music star, Mista Xto. He married Ana Christopher formerly Uwana Nkantah on 5 December, 2009. Meanwhile, there is another development, a good news. Most of his friends are using his picture on their dp, congratulating him on his…..I won’t let the cat out of the bag yet, maybe in a separate post. Congrats to him. Check out his wedding photo after the cut...

Photos: Identity of ShadeCover CEO’s wife

The CEO of ShadeCover Group, Engr. Donald Bassey a.k.a Don is finally tying the knot and the identity of his wife has been unveiled. Her name is Ime Williams, beautiful chocolate-skinned chic on the pix above. She attended Immaculate Conception Secondary School, Itak, Ikono, Akwa Ibom State and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry at the University of Uyo. The Traditional marriage is going on now at the bride’s family compound in Itoko, Ibesikpo Asutan LGA, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. As you can see in the pix below, Don has already stepped out for the ‘show’. The church wedding will hold at Lutheran Church, 37 Enwe Street, Uyo, on Saturday, 8^th December, 2012. HML to him.

Veteran actor, Enebeli Elebuwa is dead

After battling with an undisclosed illness for several months where he was flown to India for treatment, veteran actor, Enebeli Elebuwa died in the wee morning hours of Wednesday, 5 December, 2012. May the soul of the departed 65 year-old Nollywood legend R.I.P. Amen.

Popular TV host, Uduak Inyang set to quit bachelorhood

On Friday, 14^th December, 2012, popular television presenter, Uduak Inyang will officially quit bachelorhood. He is getting married to his beautiful heartthrob, Enobong Gideon in a ceremony that is expected to be attended by big names in the society. The event will take place at Chief Gideon Asuquo Udo’s country home, Use Ndon, Ibiono Ibom L.G.A, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria by 12.05pm on the above date.

Akwa Ibom Ayaya singer, Mish sacks manager

Mishael Meshach, the singer of ‘Akwa Ibom Ayaya’ popularly known as Mish has sacked his manager. www.CONNOISSEURng.com learnt on good authority from a close source to the hunky dude that Etim Essang a.k.a ETI who served as the Mish’s manager for over a year was relieved of his duties by the popular musician. Our source divulged that the duo have parted ways for some weeks now.

Akwa Ibom born dancer, Flexzee makes it to final of Nigeria’s Got Talent

NIGERIA’S GOT TALENT - After a stiff competition in the zonal stages with over 4,000 contestants and 50 who slugged it out in the semi-finals, Ukeme Boniface, better known as ‘Flexzee’ of Tush Dance Academy has been chosen to compete for the 10million naira as the show comes to an end this Sunday. This was made possible after he was voted into the final amidst stiff competition from 49 others.  Again more votes are being solicited for as the Akwa Ibom born dance wizard battles 9 others to win N10m. Voting commences by 5pm on Sunday 2^nd December 2012. Send 234 to 33685 to vote for Ukeme Boniface.

Messi, Ronaldo and Iniesta make FIFA Ballon d’Or final shortlist

Fifa and France Football have announced that Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Cristiano Ronaldo are the remaining three candidates to win the 2012 Fifa Ballon d'Or. I don’t even know who go for because the three of them were absolutely outstanding in the year.

Happy Birthday Ryan Giggs and Timaya

Today, 29 November is the birthday of two top celebrities – football star Ryan Giggs and Nigerian music artiste Timaya. Giggs, a Welsh born footballer is a legendary Manchester United footballer who is clocking 39 today. Timaya, the self-styled Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa was born on this date in 1977. CONNOISSEUR wishes them a very happy birthday.