BREAKING NEWS !!!!! DEATH OF THE AFRICAN MUSIC LEGEND OLIVIER NGOMA

Oliver N'Goma (born 23 March 1959, dead 7 june 2010) was a Gabonese Afro-zouk and reggae singer and guitarist. Nicknamed "Noli," he was born in Mayumba in south-west Gabon in 1959. He is best known for his 1989 song Bane, which was popularized by Radio Africa N.1 and Gilles Obringer
Oliver N"Goma was born in Mayumba, in southwest Gabon, on March 23rd 1959. His father, a teacher, was reputed to be the best harmonium player in the area and he got young Oliver started on it at age 8.

In 1971, the family left Mayumba for the capital, Libreville. There, Oliver studied accountancy at the technical lycée. He very quickly joined the school band, Capo Sound, where he became a guitarist. Playing everywhere, from formal balls to dances, Oliver learned about appearing on stage, playing with the group African or international standards.

But Oliver wasn"t all that keen on his accountancy studies, preferring to devote himself to his two passions: the cinema and music. He began collecting musical instruments, put together a little home- studio and cherished a secret ambition – to become a professional musician. But it was towards his other passion, filming, that fate led him: he was hired as a cameraman by Gabon TV"s second channel, and went to Paris for training in 1988. During a long winter spent in Paris, he added the finishing touches to some outlines he"d done back home. One day, he met Manu Lima, one of the best director-producers on the Afro-Parisian scene, ex-leader of Cabo Verde Show, and a man who has helped the careers of many great African artists take off. The tunes that Oliver brought him interested Manu, and he handled the artistic direction of Oliver"s first record. The album, which included the song BANE, finally came out and enjoyed modest success, but then it got more air-play – thanks especially to Radio Africa n°1, Gilles Obringer on RFI - and BANE became a big hit in 1990, all over Africa, in France, as far as the French West Indies, where even today a party isn"t a party unless there"s BANE on the turntable.

The song BANE is one of those major hits belonging to modern African music, just like MARIO by Franco, BRIGADIER SABARI by Alpha Blondy, ANCIEN COMBATTANT by Zao, or again KWASSA KWASSA by Kanda Bongo Man. Manu Lima was influential in forming Oliver’s sound and introducing danceable rhythms.

Another track from the album, ICOLE, was also a huge success; BANE, the album, became one of the biggest sellers in the history of African music. Oliver travelled to the great African capital cities, where he"d been invited to come and sing his song, and was welcomed like a head of state. Since 1990, no other song has measured up to BANE, whether in hit parades or people"s hearts.

Strengthened by all this success, and keeping a level head, Oliver went quietly back to work, knowing that everybody"s hopes were up for the second album due out. He continued to work with Manu Lima, and together they began recording at the end of summer "95. In mid-December 1995, the album ADIA came out, a blend of sophistication and teeming rhythm...

With BANE, Gabon and Africa discovered a new star. The follow up album, ADIA, also proved to be a huge success, with sales of over 40 000 units. The album also features two bonus remixes of “Lina” and Muendu” – more Afro-Zouk than ever! Since ADIA, Africa has adopted the heady swing of the West African Zouk. With a little help from a Cuban arranger, Oliver prolongs his success with his newest album SEVA. SEVA presents rich African melodies and zouk rhythms that are great for dancing. With SEVA, South Africa is introduced to a new world music star! He received due recognition from the SA music industry, by being nominated for the Best African Artist at the South African Music Awards 2002.

HE GOES BY STEVEN KANUMBA THE AFRICAN RISING MOVIE SUPER STAR FROM TANZANIA

I come from a Christian family of 3 children; 2 girls and I the only boy to Mr. & Mrs. Charles Meshark Kanumba.
My ambition to become an actor started since I was in schools. I admired other actors from different groups inside and outside the country. I started acting in church, people appreciated with my performance that motivated me to work hard. After completion of my secondary education I joined Kaole Sanaa Group where I met professional actors and teachers from College of Art in Bagamoyo. The group helped me to build up my career of Acting for a period of 1 year. I also got a special training from University of Dar es salaam supervised by Dr. Nyoni (PhD) for about 3 months. The training enlightens me further to work in Soap Operas/Series. The achievements I got made me to excel in the career. The audience attracted with my performance that made me work even harder and become successful.
I have acted numerous movies and associate myself in film industry. Many movies have been sold out and more are on sale and others still on pipeline (new movies). I have received number of Awards as achievement in acting like “Best Actor Tanzania”. I have been travelling outside the country and meet actors and actress that inspire me to learn new things and experiencing different life in the career.


I worked with Nollywood from Nigeria, where we made about five movies with famous actors from Nolllywood. It was my first experience working with actors from outside Tanzania. I visited famous areas in United States of America such as Hollywoond where many celebrities live and Warner Bros Pictures, Universal Studios and Disney Land where actors make their movies. The tour widened up my skill in the career, I met different actors and other people in movie industry in Orlando.
I would like to thank God, for having made everything possible in my work. I realized how true this gift of acting is for me. You given me the power to believe in my passion and pursue my dreams. I could never have done this without the faith I have in you, the Almighty.
To my beautiful loving mother (Flora) For the first time in this age, I am speechless! I can barely find the words to express all the wisdom, love and support you've given me; I am eternally grateful, I Love You Mommy.

My deepest gratitude to my executive Producer for his encouragement and guidance and patience demonstrated during my work,
Sincere thanks to my Adviser, Mr. Mtitu G. Game and His Wife for their entireness supervision. My sisters Sharifa Kalala (USA), Sanura Hussein (in Denmark), I want to thank them for all their help, support, interest and valuable hints on my work.
I am deeply indebted to Chrissant Mhengga, Dr. Nyoni, Directors, Producers, Artist and all friends whose advises makes my work possible, and all my Fans all over the world

CALL HIM TAIO CRUZ (ADETAYO AYOWALE ONI LE-ERE) THE BRITISH -NIGERIAN SUPER STAR

Taio Cruz born Adetayo Ayowale Onile-Ere; 23 April 1983) is a British singer-songwriter, occasional rapper, and music producer.
Cruz was born in London, England, to a Nigerian father and a Brazilian mother. He attended Christ's Hospital in West Sussex. He is also the founder and C.E.O. of Rokstarr Music London, which in 2006 released his debut single I Just Wanna Know. Also in 2006, he signed a joint-venture partnership deal with Universal Music Group Companies, US-based Republic Records and the UK branch of Island Records. In the UK, Cruz has worked with artists including Pedro Cruz, Omar, Tinchy Stryder, and Will Young. He is most notable for singing "Break your Heart."

In 2008, after years of writing songs for other artists including Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears and Pussycat Dolls he released his debut album Departure. Written, arranged and produced himself, it achieved initial success in the UK and earned him a MOBO Award nomination. In October 2009, he released his follow up album Rokstarr in the UK, which failed to chart as well as his debut but eventually sold more copies. It included his UK and US number one single "Break Your Heart". In March 2010 he released "Break Your Heart" as his debut US single
Cruz was featured on Tinchy Stryder's breakout single "Take Me Back" which peaked at number 3 in the UK Singles Chart. According to Cruz's official MySpace blog, as of 1 January 2009, Rokstarr Music London officially changed its name to Rokstarr Entertainment Division and abbreviated to R.E.D Inc. Cruz also modified his US deal by leaving Republic Records, instead opting for a signing with Island Def Jam Music Group's Mercury Records.

Since then he has been working on his follow up album originally titled T.W.O. (This Way Out) but later changed to Rokstarr. It was released on 12 October 2009 through R.E.D Inc/Island Records and Is entirely written and produced by Cruz, with co-writes and co-productions predominantly with UK producer Fraser T Smith. The album's lead single "Break Your Heart" was released on 14 September 2009 and reached number 1 in the UK where it stayed for 8 weeks. The single spent 6 weeks in the top 10. It also reached the top spot in the U.S. for one week according to the Billboard. Cruz has worked on Tinchy Stryder's album. He also wrote a song on Cheryl Coles album 3 Words He has also contributed to JLS's self-titled album.

On 1 September 2009, the brand Rokstarr which is closely associated with Cruz, launched. The fashion and accessories brand has a focus on sunglasses. Musicians such as Kanye West, Shontelle, Keri Hilson and Kelly Rowland all have been seen wearing a pair. Speaking in October 2009 to R&B writer Pete Lewis, Cruz stated: "There's a load of US celebrities that are all rocking the sunglasses already – Kid Cudi, Justin Timberlake, Kanye West... Then in the UK we have The Saturdays, JLS, Daniel Merriweather – who've all been twittering and writing on their blogs how much they love them. So yeah, it's definitely my new album 'Rokstarr' and the fashion brand that are my two main focuses at the moment.

Meanwhile, speaking again to Pete Lewis, in April 2010 Taio revealed: "We're currently looking to expand the brand and possibly go into things like watches. I've also got a new subsidiary of Rokstarr called 'Rok By Rokstarr'. And we've just started doing things like jeans and T-shirts, and stuff that more of the fans of Taio Cruz can buy. Because with Rokstarr in itself being so expensive, a lot of the kids out there who want to buy Rokstarr things can't. So we're bringing in stuff that's a little bit more High Street and more affordable."[9]

Taio Cruz has writen/produced songs for many artists such as Usher, Leona Lewis, Sugababes, Cheryl Cole, Ke$ha, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Pussycat Dolls, Kylie Minogue, and Alexandra Burke. He also writes and produces all of his own work including his number 1 hit Break Your Heart'.

BISHOP DAVID OYEDEPO ONE OF THE WORLD GREATEST PIONEER OF CHRISTIANITY

David O. Oyedepo, affectionately called Papa by his followers (born September 27, 1954) is a Nigerian Christian author, Preacher and the founder and Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church World Wide also known as Winners Chapel and its affiliated International churches known as Winners Chapel International, with headquarters in Ogun State, Nigeria. He is also the senior pastor of the acclaimed Faith Tabernacle,a 50,000 seat church auditorium reported to be the largest church auditorium in the world by the Guinness Book of Records. The Winners Chapel network of churches is present in over 300 cities in all states of Nigeria, as well as in over 63 cities in 32 African Nations, Dubai, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.Oyedepo has been seen as one of pioneers of the Christian charismatic movement in Africa and has been referred to as one of the most powerful preachers in Nigeria.

EARLY LIFE AND HISTORY

On September 27, 1954 David Olaniyi Oyedepo was born in Omu Aran, Kwara into a religiously mixed family: his father,Ibrahim,was a Muslim healer and his mother,Dorcas,was a member of the Eternal Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement (C&S), a branch of the Aladura movement in Nigeria. David was “born again” in 1969 through the influence of his teacher, one Ms. Betty Lasher, who took special interest in him during his high school days. He studied architecture at Kwara State Polytechnic and worked briefly with the Federal Ministry of Housing Corporation in Ilorin before resigning to concentration on missionary work. Oyedepo also gained a Ph.D in Human Development from Honolulu University, Hawaii, United States of America.

According to him, he received a mandate from God through an 18 hour long vision in May 1981 to 'liberate the world from all oppression of the devil through the preaching of the word of faith'. This is the inaugural vision that led to the
founding of the LFCWW, first called Liberation Faith Hour Ministries, in 1981. Two
years after, on 17 September 1983, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, ordained David and his wife, Florence Abiola Akano (now known as Faith Abiola Oyedepo) to become pastors also officially commissioned the newly started church of Oyedepo. Five years after, Oyedepo was ordained a Bishop.

Oyedepo's church started in Kaduna, but moved to Lagos, the former capital of Nigeria in September 1989 to start a new branch of His Church, after receiving an instruction from God to reach out to the population in Lagos. This Church has gone on to become the International head quarters of His Church.Due to the increasing flow of people into His Church with crowds spilling over to adjacent roads, and on decks of uncompleted buildings nearby and people standing for hours to listen to His teachings, it became necessary to search for a larger place.This led to the building of the renowned Faith Tabernacle.

CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

The teachings of Oyedepo has put him in the category of what is commonly called the Word of Faith Movement. He has referred to principal exponents of the Faith Movement such as Kenneth Copeland, Gloria Copeland,the late Kenneth Hagin, T.L Osborn, Smith WigglesWorth as well as renowned Nigerian preachers Enoch Adeboye and the late Benson Idahosa as mentors.

The teachings of Oyedepo are grouped under a range of topics called '12 pillars of faith', which include: Faith, The Word, Prosperity, the Holy Spirit, Praise, Consecration, the Supernatural, Wisdom, Prayer, Success, Vision and Healing.[21] The Overall focus of His teachings centre around Faith in God's, Prosperity and Miracles.He teaches that faith in the word of God is the key to a life of God's blessings and security of the works of the devil.He teachings on prosperity are aimed at empowering people to live free from poverty, particularly the African continent. He describes his own teaching on prosperity as “covenant software for programming yourself into victories and triumphs." His Church (Winners Chapel) also operates a Bible training programme known as Word of Faith Bible Institute for members and non-members alike to develop knowledge of Christian principles and to develop leaders and future pastors.This institute is run in major branches of the Church.

Oyedepo who operates like the “Chief Executive Officer” of a conglomerate,is the President of David Oyedepo Ministries International (DOMI). DOMI is the umbrella organisation comprising Living Faith Church World Wide (a global network of churches), World Mission Agency (WMA); the global missionary arm of the church's operations, Dominion Publishing House; the publishing arm of the church, Covenant University, and the Social Development Missions projects (made up of hospitals, maternity homes, schools, etc.

Oyedepo is also a strong critic of corruption in Africa as a whole and poor leadership in government

EDUCATION ENDEAVOURS
Oyedepo's socio-economic endeavours include founding educational institutions based on Christian principles for primary, secondary and tertiary stages of formal Education to empower the young generation,develop the human capacity and improve the educational system in Nigeria and Africa. This has led to the establishment of kingdom heritage model schools in different cities in Nigeria for primary education, Faith Academy; a missionary full boarding secondary school and Covenant University.Covenant University was opened to students on October 21, 2002 and was adjudged to be the best private university in Nigeria as of 2005

WINNERS CHAPEL INTERNATIONAL IN NIGERIA

YVONNE CHAKACHAKA THE SOUTH AFRICAN SINGER AND SUPER STAR.

Yvonne Chaka Chaka (born Yvonne Machaka in 1965) is a South African singer.
Dubbed the "Princess of Africa", Chaka Chaka has been at the forefront of South African popular music for 20 years. Songs like "I'm Burning Up", "I'm in Love With a DJ", "I Cry for Freedom", "Makoti", "Motherland" and the ever-popular "Umqombothi" ("African Beer") ensured Yvonne's stardom.
One of her songs also features in the opening scene of the 2004 movie Hotel Rwanda.
Chaka Chaka was born in Dobsonville in Soweto. She became the first Black child to appear on South African television. In 1981 "Sugar Shack", a talent show, introduced her to the South African public.

Chaka Chaka started singing at 19 in 1985 when Phil Hollis of Dephon Records discovered her in Johannesburg. Shortly after, her debut album "I’m in Love With a DJ", sold 35,000 copies, and the title track became an instant hit.

Songs like "I'm Burning Up", "I Cry for Freedom", "Sangoma","Motherland" and the ever-popular, "Umqombothi" immediately ensured Chaka Chaka's status as a star on South Africa's mbaqanga music scene.

Chaka Chaka had it tough growing up. Her father died when she was 11 and her mother, a domestic worker, brought up three daughters on her meagre 40 Rand a month salary.

She has two diplomas from the University of South Africa, one in adult education, another in local government, management and administration. She also studied speech and drama at Trinity College, London, qualifying in 1997.

Releasing hit after hit, Chaka Chaka's subsequent award winning albums include "Burning Up", "Sangoma", "Who’s The Boss", "Motherland", " Be Proud to be African", "Thank You Mr DJ", "Back on my Feet", "Rhythm of Life", "Who's got the Power", "Bombani ( Tiko Rahini), "Power of Afrika", "Yvonne and Friends" and "Kwenzenjani".

Chaka Chaka owns a limousine company together with her husband, Dr Mandlalele Mhinga, has her own music label and her own production company. She teaches literacy part time at the University of South Africa, sits on several boards of charitable organisations and NGOs, and serves on the board of the Johannesburg Tourism Company.

Throughout her illustrious career Chaka Chaka has met people like Nelson Mandela (singing at his 85th birthday party), the Queen and Oprah Winfrey.

Chaka Chaka's continuing legacy as "Princess of Africa" is a testament to her connection to everyday people as well as royalty. Whether she is performing for Kings and Queens, Presidents and First Ladies or corporate concerts; she always returns to those she loves - her fans and family of listeners in South African cities, townships and rural areas.

"Mama Africa", Miriam Makeba describes her as "She’s my baby!", Hugh Masekela adds that Yvonne is "my mad niece". Legends Dolly Rathebe and Dorothy Masuka describe Yvonne's music as "something that all should listen to".

When asked who she admired most, Chaka Chaka said "My mother because she has always been there for me. My mother raised three daughters single-handedly on a domestic worker's salary. That took great courage and strength. She is my mentor and hero. When I was born in 1965 in Soweto, it was during apartheid, and those were extremely difficult times. My dad was a great musician who could never realize his dream. He died when I was 11 years old. I inherited my talent from both parents, so music has always been in my blood. When I was little I would strum an empty tin and blow into a broom stick pretending it was a microphone. I sang in church choirs. I loved singing. I am blessed that I achieved my destiny, and been able to accomplish what my father could not."

KOLO HABIB TOURE THE AFRICAN SOCCER SUPER STAR FROM IVORY COAST

Kolo Habib Touré (born 19 March 1981) is an Ivorian professional footballer who is currently playing his club football for Premier League club Manchester City and is the current club captain, and also plays internationally for the Ivorian national football team. Touré is a central defender. He is the older brother of FC Barcelona midfielder Yaya Touré and Al-Ittihad's Ibrahim Touré.

Touré has played for Côte d'Ivoire since 2000. His debut was in April 2000 against Rwanda. He played in all five games for the Côte d'Ivoire as they finished runners up to the hosts in the African Cup of Nations in Egypt in January 2006.

He was named in the 23-man squad taken by coach Henri Michel to the 2006 FIFA World Cup and made his first appearance in a FIFA World Cup on 11 June 2006 in Côte d'Ivoire's 2–1 loss to Argentina. He has scored two goals for the Ivory Coast in his 76 caps to date, both headers against Gabon (H) and Tajikistan (A) respectively.

Touré, a practicing Muslim, lives with wife Awo, daughter Sania and son Yiassin . He is the older brother of FC Barcelona midfielder Yaya Touré and Al-Ittihad striker Ibrahim Touré.

CALL HER SNAKE GIRL, NOKULUNGA BUTHELEZI A PHENOMENAL STAR FROM SOUTH AFRICA

Her nickname is Snakegirl - and just one look at her extraordinary stage act reveals why.

The 18-year-old contortionist, who dresses in a snakeskin costume, is amazing audiences with her incredible poses and eye-watering gyrations.

Nokulunga Buthelezi is so naturally flexible that her mother found her asleep one day when she was three - with her legs tucked behind her neck.
Six years later, the young girl from South Africa joined a touring circus in the United States and is now a major star of Afrika! Afrika!, a £4.2million extravaganza opening at the O2 arena in London on January 17.

Nokulunga, whose name is shortened to Lunga for the stage, achieves seemingly impossible positions with ease, then ratchets up the act with excruciating twists and turns.

The performer, who now financially supports her mother, grandmother, aunts and cousins, said: "There are so many kids out there in Africa with talent, but I had something different.
"My mum saw someone doing acrobatics and they mentioned that there were auditions for an American circus. She took me along and they were impressed.

"When I went to America, I did not even speak English and I had no chaperone, just a tutor for my education. It was tough at first but my family supported me because they knew I was following my dreams."

HE GOES BY 2FACE IDIBIA THE AFRICAN ARTIST AND SUPER STAR FROM NIGERIA

Innocent Ujah Idibia (born in Jos, Plateau State) best known as Tuface Idibia is a Nigerian hip hop musician and songwriter. He was a member of the defunct R&B/hip hop group Plantashun Boyz. He is currently in a long-term relationship with reality tv star, Makosi Musambasi.

CAREER

Idibia hails from Okpokwu local government area and from the Idoma ethnic group in the southern part of Benue State, in central Nigeria. He attended Mount Saint Gabriel's Secondary School in Makurdi, Benue State. He schooled briefly in the Institute of Management & Technology, IMT, Enugu, one of the country's foremost higher institute of learning where he did his preliminary National Diploma course in Business Administration. Though, he didn't finish but would hone his skills in music by performing in shows and parties organised by the IMT and some other schools like Enugu State University of Science & Technology, Enugu (ESUT) and University of Nigeria Enugu Campus (UNEC).

His major breakthrough in the IMT was composing and singing the jingles in the famous radio show GB Fan Club in Enugu State Broadcasting Services (ESBS) in 1996. He then relocated to Lagos and joined up with his ex-IMT mate BlackFace to form Plantashun Boyz. He started calling himself "2Face" in 1996. "The name to me just refers to the outside and inside: when you first see me you see the outside but when you get to know me, you see the inside" he said in an interview with the BBC.

His award winning hit track African Queen was used as the sound track of the 2006 comedy film, Phat Girlz . This made him even more recognized internationally.

The Plantashun Boyz came together briefly in 2007 to record an album which they titled 'Plan B'.

He also released a promotion album in 2008 which has spawned a hit Enter the Place which was written by Churks though one of his least successful hits ever, did well in some charts. The Promo CD is said to have faced distribution and sales problems, going unnoticed in some areas of the country. It has led to the shift of the release date of the album from 2008 to 2009 instead of the proposed release date announced in 2007. Tuface is currently working on an upcoming album titled 'Implications' though the date of release has to be announced

AWARDS HE WON

# MTV Europe Awards 2005 - Best African Act
# MOBO Awards 2005 - Best African Act (Nominated)
# MOBO Awards 2007 - Best African Act (Won)
# Channel O Music Video Awards 2005 - Best Male Video and Best African Video (both for "African Queen")[5]
# KORA Awards 2005 - Revelation of the Year
# Hip Hop World Awards 2006 - Special Recognition Award
# 2006 Channel O Music Video Awards - Best African Pop ("Ole")
# 2006 Channel O Music Video Awards - Best African West ("Ole")
# Nigeria Entertainment Awards 2006 - Special Recognition Award. Nigeria Breakthrough Artist of the Year
# Nigerian Music Awards 2008 - Album of the Year and R&B Song of the Year (Won)
# World Music Awards 2008 - Best Nigerian Act (Won)
# MTV Africa Music Awards 2009 - Best R&B