SPECIAL FEATURE: NIKKI LAOYE LOSES DAD AND SHE'S STILL "STANDING"!!!

Well, like they say...life is in seasons. Sometimes you laugh and sometimes you cry. One person who can tell you how this truly feels is top Nigerian female recording artiste, Nikki Laoye.
Shortly after announcing her engagement to her beau, a dark cloud rears its head as Nikki lost her father, Prince Olushola Isaac Laoye on the 3rd of August, 2011, right on the eve of his 60th birthday.
A real shocker it was as plans were in gear for a lil family gathering on his birthday, only for Prince Laoye to pass on few minutes to midnite. It alls runs more deeply for Nikki as she was the one driving him to the hospital that night as complications in his health occured from the liver condition he had been dealing with for sometime now.
The firm and strong woman she is, Nikki made sure his birthday (which he had been looking forward to earnestly) was still celebrated that day, with the cutting of his cake, party decor and hats worn by the children even while they mourned as well.

Wasting no time, decision was made to lay her Dad to rest as soon as possible and this was done exactly 2weeks after on the 19th of August at her parents' church, Okota Baptist Church, Isolo where her Dad served as the Head of the Maintenance Department, using his skills as an Engineer to keep the house of the Lord intact.

Her dad's favourite, Nikki took charge of most of all the proceedings (Yup, Brave Nikki singlehandedly handled the arrangements for her father's embalment and chose her father's casket).
At the funeral service, she boldly sang "Joy Comes" , one of her songs from her debut album, "Angel 4 Life"(this had been her Dad's favourite song on her album) and with the support and help of close friends & family,she ensured that her father,Prince Laoye was given a very befitting farewell.

Speaking to Nikki about this recent loss, she had this to share: (Be inspired)

"Watching my father die and not being able to do anything about it was a moment i would never forget for as long as i live.  I had prayed and fasted ceaselessly for his complete healing and at that moment, it was obvious that God was telling me to let go. That this is the way God  wanted it to be. For him to come home and rest from it all. That's hard, i tell you. But like i had always told God, "Daddy, He's your son, take care of him" and now God has made the best decision for his son.

Going through this part of life called Death has opened my eyes to so much beyond the norm, nothing scares me anymore and i have moved to another level of understanding of life.

I couldn't cry at his gravesite, instead, in the disbelieving glare of all present, i took my stance as the priest over my household,stood over his grave and holding my mum and brothers' hands, i prayed for us all. Even i, am amazed at my own strength and i know its God's, really.
Jesus has indeed been our strength, people look at us and they are amazed that we lost him just a month ago 'cause we are still the way we are- full of life, laughter and joy. It's nothing but the grace of God which sustains us and keeps us this strong.

I just thank God for my father's life. He was a very strong man. He held out for so long, fought like a great soldier even till the very end and am glad God gave him to us for all these years. He was never bedridden for a day and stayed as humorous as ever, always making everyone around him laugh with his usual jokes and pranks. He's in a much better place and he's completely whole now..that's our joy, even though we miss him tooooooo much.
We are all so close that now we definately feel like a part of us is missing"

A very close knit family is Nikki's. Laughter, joy and a constant share of love is all you see whenever you are around Nikki, her three brothers and parents. And losing Daddy hasn't changed that one bit, as now they remain even much closer as she and her siblings surround their mum with all the love and care she needs at this time.

Nikki remains a woman of great courage and everyone around her is greatly encouraged by the strength she shows forth in this season of her life. From her words alone, you are inspired to stand no matter what you're going through in your own life.
Now gathering momentum, Nikki prepares for her sophomore comeback into the music industry and yes, she will be back with a bang.
Y'all better run for cover cos she's smoooooooking!!! READY! AIM!!.....don't say we didn warn ya....
Stay Tuned!!!


Note: We at WahOLAAA and Wahala Media Entertainment applaud our very own first lady and we want you to know,Nikki...that we love you and WE GOT YOU!!!

TOLU ODUKOYA IS "GIFTED & PROUD" AND SO ARE YOU!

A family of amazing talents is that of the Odukoyas. Taking over from where their mother left off, in a different way, Jimmy aka Pastor J and Tolu, who are both amazing hiphop and R&B artists, have veered into the world of music, with her same intentions of speaking the good news but this time, via their richly filled sounds.
After featuring in her brother's first single, "Show Yourself", Tolu Odukoya, the beautiful first daughter of late Pastor Bimbo Odukoya has released the video of her own first single, "Gifted & Proud" featuring the veteran music icon, Onyeka Onwenu.

With Cameo Appearances by her siblings and popular top Nigerian Artistes such as Bouqui, Nikki Laoye, Zakee Adzee and more, this lovely ballad, which speaks of her experiences after the loss of her mother, is bound to be a great song for everyone.
In her own words, she says

“This song is about my journey after I lost my precious mother and to encourage you to be proud of the gift God has deposited in you..No one is without a gift what’s yours?”  - Tolu Odukoya.

You would certainly experience that touching moment when short videos of Late Pastor Bimbo Odukoya show up in one or two scenes of the video.
A great icon that Nigeria will never forget.

The song was produced by Wole Oni and Video directed by TOLUccI (who is also a gospel artiste himself)
Cameo Appearances by: Bouqui, Pastor J, Nikki Laoye, Zakee Adzee, LizaC, VivienStephen, Provabs, Psalm Ebube, Tolazee, Simply Mike, Mix Master J, Hibeekay, Motola, Tee-Kay Campbell.

Watch Tolu Odukoya's video right here on waHOLAAA! and be reminded that you are Gifted & Proud ...

PS: Is it just me or does Tolu, of of all her siblings, bear the closet resemblance and has the same wide smile of her mother? Just thinking sha.

Enjoy the video!!


Video Directed by TOLUccI

Beyonce's Pregnant with Destiny's...Ooops! i meant, Jay-Z's Child

"Somebody's on the way o...biggy biggy bouncing baby"...a popular song line usually sung in Nigeria to playfully announce the noticed baby bum of friends or family and now i sing that for the Queen Bee herself- BEYONCE KNOWLES-CARTER, now pregnant with husband Jay-Z's baby.
This is coming right after the successful launch of her latest album titled "4" with hit singles "Run the World-Girls", "Best Thing I Never Had". Her pregnancy was confirmed at the MTV Video Music Awards which held in August, when Beyonce stepped up on the red carpet, clutching her belly during foto shots.
In no time,  MTV tweeted "OMG Beyonce just made a huge announcement on the #vma carpet! #baby!!!!!", and her reps confirmed the happy news shortly thereafter.
During the night, She performed "Love on Top" in a sparkly purple blazer, maternity pants and gravity-defying heels and while telling the crowd, “I want you to feel the love that’s growing inside me", she rubbed her belly some more.

We really look forward to seeing the beautiful creation from Beyonce's belly(though people been whispering that if its a girl, hope she won't have daddy's looks...LOL!)
Congrats Bee.

'Spartacus' star, Andy Whitfield dies of lymphoma at 39

Andy Whitfield, who played the title role in the hit cable series "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," has died at age 39, according to representatives and family.
Whitfield died Sunday in Sydney, Australia, 18 months after he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, manager Sam Maydew told the Associated Press.

"On a beautiful sunny Sydney spring morning, surrounded by his family, in the arms of his loving wife, our beautiful young warrior Andy Whitfield lost his 18 month battle with lymphoma cancer. He passed peacefully surrounded by love. Thank you to all his fans whose love and support have help carry him to this point. He will be remembered as the inspiring, courageous and gentle man, father and husband he was."Whitfield's wife Vashti said in a statement.

Andy Whitfield — who was born in Wales and moved to Australia in 1999 — was a virtual unknown when he was cast as the legendary Thracian slave in "Spartacus," a role made famous by Kirk Douglas in the 1960 Stanley Kubrick film.

The series proved a breakout hit for the Starz network and made waves with its graphic violence and sexuality.Whitfield appeared in all 13 episodes of the first season that aired in 2010, and was preparing to shoot the second when he was diagnosed with cancer.
While waiting for Whitfield's treatment and expected recovery, the network produced a six-part prequel, "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena," that aired earlier this year with only a brief voiceover from the actor.
But in January after Whitfield's condition grew worse, the network announced that another Australian actor, Liam McIntyre, would take over the role.

Starz President and CEO Chris Albrecht said in a statement -"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Andy Whitfield," "We were fortunate to have worked with Andy in 'Spartacus' and came to know that the man who played a champion on-screen was also a champion in his own life."

Whitfield's previous credits included the lead role in the angel movie- "Gabriel" 

as well as appearances on the Australian TV shows "Packed to the Rafters" and "McLeod's Daughters."

99.9 Beat FM's Program Director, Olisa Adibua got Colleague to "FEEL THE BEAT"

Just as Top Nigeria Radio Station, 99.9 Beat FM's slogan says "FEEL THE BEAT"...an employee therein, Dewunmi certainly did as his senior colleague Olisa Adibua assaulted him a couple of days ago.
A lot has been said about this issue and a basic description of what transpired was that Olisa Adibua, who is the Program Director for Beat 99.9 Fm and Naija FM and an OAP on Beat 99.9 Fm ,came back to the office from the industry night event which he attended, found Adewunmi Oyekanmi, who is the overnight news editor at Beat Fm, sleeping on the couch and attacked him.
The young university undergraduate decided to catch some rest after doing his duties as a night news editor. Prior to the incident, he had be warned by Olisa not to sleep on the couch in the office, and on this fateful early morning, he decided to catch a few winks.
Blows, Kicks was the wakeup call received by Dewunmi as Olisa descended on him and even smashed his phone on the ground, trampling it with his heel.

Olisa also ripped his shirt off his body and kicked him off the premises of the office by 3am in the morning. Dewunmi was at the security post when members of staff resumed at dawn. 

Hmm!! And as this story streamed out to as many as heard it, loads of angry comments have poured out all over the internet against Olisa Adibua.


Olisa Adibua, Programmes Director of Beat FM

Presently, the management of Beat FM have released press statements as well as Dewunmi.
Read Dewunmi's statement below
My Official Statement -Adewunmi Oyekanmi
My name is Adewunmi Oyekanmi, news editor with the Beat 99.9 Fm.
An incident occurred at my work place within the early hours of the 8th of Sep 2011 between myself and another member of staff which has been blown out of proportion in the media.
I have been wrongfully quoted in various blogs and magazines, but this will be my first official statement and the last, so please disregard anything you might have seen, heard or read.
The incident in question has been dealt with to my satisfaction by the Management of Megalectrics, operators of The Beat 99.9 Fm, in a swift and conclusive manner.
The member of staff (Mr Olisa Adibua) with whom I had the altercation with, has duly apologized most sincerely and I have accepted, based on the fact that since I started working at the station, my relationship with the said party has always been cordial and friendly.
In reference to a purported conversation between myself and an undercover reporter, I’d like to state categorically that I have never had a phone conversation or granted any interview to any media or reporter.
What transpired was an internal matter which was leaked into the public domain to create division within our corporate entity. I refuse to be used as a pawn or be labelled ‘the voiceless or oppressed’.
Megalectrics, the operators of the beat 99.9fm employed me in the capacity of news editor in July 2010, and ever since I have had no cause to complain about the working environment, my colleagues or superiors. We operate an open system where everyone is free to speak their minds, regardless of rank of hierarchy. Once again, I’d like to reiterate that the matter has been resolved and the member of staff has apologized for the altercation we had.
In conclusion, I would like this issue to be extinguished so I can get back to my normal every day life, as the recent publications and rumors circulating have put a strain on my family and private life.
I would like to thank the management and staff of Megalectrics for the swift and decisive response to the matter. I would also like to thank everyone who showed concern. I’d like to reassure you that I am okay and in good health as is confirmed by my attached photo.
These are my final words on the subject.
Thank you very much and God bless.
Olisa has rendered a public apology statement as well on the radio stations' website.


Click here for Olisa's public apology statement:
http://www.thebeat99.com/story.php?sno=2181


 Click here for Beat FM's official press release:
http://www.thebeat99.com/story.php?sno=2180

Everyone deserves a second chance and we do hope this doesn't happen again to Dewumi or many others out there at their places of work, no matter what their offence is.
Violence is not the way to solve any issue at all.
It is well with you, Dewunmi and hey, if it aint working for you no more, just BEAT IT outta there. 

And Nigerian Entertainment Award 2011 goes to....

After a beautiful night of glamour, music and fun with top Nigerian comedian, Julius Agwu and Naija's favourite gal, Jennifa aka Funke Akindele standing as one of the anchor's for this year's edition of the awards at The Sharp Theater, Symphony Space, New York on Sunday September 4th, another hit list of winners were announced in each category amidst cheers and fanfare.
We say a big congratulations to all winners.
PS: The best moment of the night was the dance-off between the hosts Julius and Jenifa, in which Jenifa "dusted" Julius. Also the following hillarious interactive moment with the crowd as Beyonce's Run The World tune played in the background is a moment to remember.

Read this-

Funke: Who run the world?
Crowd: GIRLS!!

Julius: Who run the girls?
Crowd: BOYS!!

Funke: Who born the boys?
Crowd: GIRLS!!!

LOL!!  Y'all didn see that coming right!! trust Jenifa to do her thang. The whold hall erupted into uncontrollable laughter. What a night with such fun and beautiful performances by the Choc Boiz, Waje, SamClef and more.
Another NEA Award year rolls by and soon enough, 2012 would beckon.
Catch up on all the winners for this year's edition

Full List of the 2011 NEA Awards Winners:
After weeks of voting, anxiously waiting and with over 8,900 votes, the winners of the 2011 NEA Awards are as follows:

MUSIC
-       Best Album of the Year – MI2 (MI)
-       Best International Artist – Nneka
-       Best Music Video – Eni Duro directed by DJ Tee
-       Best New Act – WizKid
-       Best Pop/R&B – Waje
-       Best Rapper – MI
-       Best US Female Act – Naira
-       Best US Male Act – Rotimi
-       Best in Gospel – Lara George
-       Hottest Single of the Year – Oleku (IcePrince)
-       Best Indigenous Artist – Duncan Mighty
-       Most Promising Act – Jhybo
-       Music Producer of the Year – Sam Klef
-       Pan African Artist – Fally Ipupa

FILM
-       Best Actor in Film – Ramsey Nouah
-       Best Actor in TV – Frank Edoho
-       Best Actress in Film – Omoni Oboli
-       Best Actress in TV – Dami Adegbite
-       Best Film Director – Lancelot Imasuen
-       Best Picture – Inale (Jetta Amata)
-       Pan African Actor – Chris Attoh
-       Pan African Actress – Jackie Appiah

OTHER
-       World DJ – DJ Obi
-       Best Comedian – Gordon
-       Entertainment Executive – Audu Maikori
-       Entertainment Promoter – TiwaWorks