Actor RAMSEY NOUAH Full Biography,Life And News


Full Name:                   Ramsey Tokunbo Nouah Jr


Date of Birth:              16 July 1973

OCCUPATION:         Actor

MARITAL STATUS:   MARRIED














 EARLY LIFE AND BACKGROUND

Nouah was born in Edo, Nigeria to an Israeli father and a Yoruba mother who hails from Owo, Ondo State. He grew up in Surulere, Lagos and attended Atara Primary School and Community Grammar School in Lagos before heading unto the University of Lagos where he graduated with a degree in mass communication.

Ramsey Nouah started his acting career with a role in Fortunes, one of the very popular television soap operas at the time, in which he played the role of a character named “Jeff Akin Thomas”. Since then, he’s been featured in many Nigerian films. Because he is very fair complexioned,Ramsey Nouahwas chosen to star in many love-related romantic Nollywood movies. He later became very famous for featuring in love-related films – an attribution which earned him the nickname “Lover boy”. Even up to date,Ramsey Noua his one of the most sought after actors in the Nigerian movie industry, as he’s acted in both English and Yoruba movies. In fact, his most recent award, the African Movie Academy Award for the Best Actor in a Leading role came by virtue of his role in a Yoruba movie, “The figurine.”

CAREER AND LIFE

Achievements: Nouah’s acting career kicked off when he starred in the Nigerian TV soap opera Fortunes. Nouah has since then appeared in numerous films starring as the lead role. He has been called “Lover-Boy” for his numerous roles in romantic film. Due to his light skin complexion he was selected to star in several love related romantic films. In 2010 Nouah won theAfrican Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in the Best Picture award winning film The Figurine. Nouah is considered to be one of the most sought-after actors in Nigeria.
He had a fatal accident in year 2006 on his power bike in Lagos island which claims few of his teeth.

In 2012 Ramsey Nouah disclosed, in an interview in Ibadan, that he’ll be quitting active acting very soon as the believes “it’s best to quit when the ovation is loudest.” When asked about his intended next line of business, Ramsey stated that he would subsequently be more active behind the scenes as a movie director. He added that he would still play some roles at intervals, but that those roles must be very exceptional ones that can help propel Nollywood to the next level.

In 2014 He revealed he doesn't have much of a close relationship with his father, and also gushed about his successful longtime marriage which actually is a difficult one for most Nigerian celebrities.
He was featured in the record breaking and award winning popular 2014 movie by comedian A.Y "30 DAYS IN ATLANTA".

RUMOURS AND SCANDALS

He was rumoured in 2009 to be having external affairs that he wasn't paying attention to family anymore.. Marital problems bloggers call it, in which he later debunked.

BRIEF PROFILE BELOW

Marriage Status: Married to Emelia Philips-Nouah
Children: 2
Education: Atara Primary School and Community Grammar School Lagos,and graduated from the University of Lagos with a degree in mass communication.
Languages: English, Yoruba, Ibo
Sports: Boxing, Golf, Soccer, Martial Arts, Swimming, Cycling, Basketball, Tennis
Occupation: Actor, Stunt Director
Awards: 2010 Best Actor in a Leading Role (AMAA) for his performance in the Best Picture award winning film The Figurine. Stage Name: Ramsey Nouah
Place of Birth: Edo State, Nigeria
Parents: An Israeli father and a Yoruba mother [Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria]
Date of Birth: 16 July 1973

Ramsey And Family




Compiled by (TMTN)- Takemetonaija.com

REFERENCES: Bellanaija.com Wikipedia.org Gistus.com Nairagists.com Takemetonaija.com
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Rapper REMINISCE Full Biography,Life And News



FULL NAME:                   Remilekun Abdulkalid Safaru

DATE OF BIRTH:             26th of January, 1981

OCCUPATION:                 Singer,Performing Artist

MARITAL STATUS:        Not Married


INTRODUCTION  

Reminisce and (ALAGA IBILE), is a Nigerian singer, rapper, and song writer from Ogun State. He performs in both English and his native language, Yoruba. He is one of the most popular,succesful and influential rappers in Nigeria.





EARLY LIFE AND BACKGROUND  

Reminisce is a versatile (singer, rapper and a song writer) Nigerian artiste from Ajilete, Yewa South LGA in Ogun state, western part of Nigeria. He was born on the 26th of January, in Kaduna state in Northern Nigeria. In school he listened to various genres of local and foreign music, and performed in school activities. He developed his rapping skills by emulating rappers like Nas, Jay Z and Snoop Dogg. He studied purchasing and supply at Kwara State Polytechnic.

As far back as when he was in secondary school, Reminisce was already performing at various school activities; hardly knowing he was on a path to great things. He always wanted to be a rapper, and he developed his rap skills by listening to, and mimicking major rap legends.Producer ID Cabasa discovered Reminisce alongside other Nigerian music great such as Jahbless, 9ice, Lord Of Ajasa and Olamide. He was given the chance to record his first studio song in 2006 and recorded a hardcore rap album at Coded Tunes, but the album was never released and he decided to focus on his studies and complete schooling.

The Ogun State born rapper once revealed why he talks about various fashion designers in some of his music in an interview.
“Before my music kicked off on the big side, I use to sell shoes at Sabo, Yaba, opposite Next. I own a shop where I sell various designers, but I closed it because of music”.

CAREER AND LIFE

In 2008 Reminisce returned to the music scene, performing a rap verse on a track titled “Bachelor’s Life” off 9ice’s sophomore album titled “Gongo Aso”. His first single, “Ever since”, featured 9ice, and was a story about his life till that moment. His second, “If Only”, was a love song produced by Dtunez, where he showed his versatility as singer and a rapper. Both songs established Reminisce in the Nigerian music scene.

REMINISCE is signed to Edge Records and is also the founder and creative director of LRR Records. Growing up listening to various genres of local and foreign music helped form Reminisce’s versatile musical style.

Reminisce's first album, Book Of Rap Stories, was released on 31 March 2012. He started recording the album since 2010 after linking up with the studio producer Sarz at Edge Records Studios. The studio allowed him to carve a niche for himself and make the album bilingual.

He went on to release the track Kako Bii Chicken, a commercial song which is recognized as the breakout single. After this, other songs like 'If Only', '2mussh' were released. The album was a 13 track album with production credits to Sarz, Legendury Beatz, Joshbeatz, Jospo and PastorChild, The album did well commercially in the southern part of Nigeria.
His second album, ALAGA IBILE, was officially released on 15 November 2013. The album featured acts like wizkid, naeto c, davido, olamide and Sossick. It was an instant breakthrough album, with hit singles like Eleniyan, featuring Wizkid, Fela Daddy featuring Davido, Fantasi and 3rd World Thug. Sossick, who produced 80% of the album, and Reminisce also worked with Sarz, chopstix and Jospo.
The album sold an estimated million copies before the end of 2014. In 2014, Time Magazine named Reminisce as one of seven "world rappers you should meet"
Reminisce's third album, Baba Hafusa, was released in 2015. The Baba Hafusa Album project has already broken barriers and charted unknown territories.
Just recently, Reminisce became the only hip hop artist in all of Africa to have an album debut on Billboard Charts World Music category at no. 12.
With over 400,000 copies sold in Nigeria in 2 weeks and the album claiming the number one spot in iTunes for more than a week – The Baba Hafusa album is already arguably as one of the most successful hip hop albums in Nigerian history.

See what he said when reacting to the perception around social media that his debut  album was a flop
“If you must follow the internet noise then kako bi chicken is not a big song, they said it was rubbish but the song was huge on the street. You know the social media is just where you can say whatever you like. We have bias bloggers in the industry also; they don’t do any research before running the posts. The internet is not really a place to know how your music is doing on the street.

“My album is where I want it to be. The people that meant to buy my album have my album. You don’t expect me to go market my album in Lekki, no, my album was meant for people in Akure, Oshogbo, places people on twitter don’t go. You know most tweeps are based in Lagos and they don’t even buy CDs of their favorite artistes. I have 3 big songs on the album- kako bi chicken, Too Much, If only- coupled with some not too popular ones and with over three hundred thousand CDs sold, mehn, I tried. Remember it’s my first album,” he responded.

Already described as a “genre busting album”, it is a strong contender for album of the year with music critics and fans alike applauding the fusion of sounds to form a unique blend of hip hop, fuji and afrobeats.

Reminisce is a musical icon amongst today’s youth, and an internationally recognized artiste.
In 2014, TIME Magazine named REMINISCE “one of the seven World Rappers You Should Meet”. In 2015 he was also rated among the top ten most influential rappers in Nigeria by T.I.N Magazine.

Reminisce has two kids with her baby mama which he said he is not actually committed to her at the moment but they live with him.

About formalizing his union with the mother of his two kids;
“Yes, we live together. But we have issues with commitment. I think we are not ready for marriage yet. We will formalize things when the right time comes. I am still planning my future because I am not going to be a musician forever.
I will quit music, maybe after a decade. I hope to also study Political Science overseas because I want to go into politics (House of Representatives) at some point as well.”

AWARDS AND ENDORSEMENTS  

Has won numerous awards  including the Headies,The NEA and more
won best rap album of the in 2014 at the NEA


Reminisce signed a multimillion naira endorsemnt deal with Samsung in 2014
He also signed another endorsement deal with Orijin in 2015


RUMORS AND SCANDALS

NO POPULAR SCANDAL






Reminisce And Baby Mama
http://static.pulse.ng/img/gist/origs3291553/4865562117-w644-h429/Industry-Nite-With-Olamide-171-.jpg
Reminisce with Olamide And Others At Industry Night



SOURCES: premiumtimes.ng,wikipedia.org,takemetonaija.com
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Top Ten Richest Pastors In Nigeria 2015


T.I.N MAGAZINE just rated and compiled up a countdown of ten richest pastors in nigeria as of year 2015. The rating was set based on estimated worth by net worth raters like FORBES/RICHEST LIFESTYLE of the nigerian pastors.



              TEN RICHEST PASTORS IN NIGERIA OF 2015





10] Pastor Gbenga Oso

                       http://www.globalnewsnig.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Pastor-Gbenga-Osho.jpg

AGE:                                            unkown

ESTIMATED NET WORTH:      $3 million(2015)

Pastor Oso is the founder of laughter foundation church, came to limelight as the baby making pastor.
This is because dozens of couples who experienced delays in child bearing were said to have been blessed through his ministry with an estimated net worth of $3 million he is unarguably one of the most richest pastor in the country. He's been connected to many controversial and scandalous rumors though.



                                             
9] Pastor W.F Kumuyi

                                    

AGE:                                             74


ESTIMATED NET WORTH:       $4 million(2015)


William Folorunso Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministries, Nigeria. He is also an author of several books.
Kumuyi worked as an education lecturer at the University of Lagos.
His church is the third largest  christian church in the world with hundreds of thousand members.



8] Bishop Mike Okonkwo
                         

AGE:                                           unknown


ESTIMATED NET WORTH:      $4 million (2015)

Dr. Mike Okonkwo is the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM); a versatile man of God with over 30 years of dedicated service unto the Lord. He passionately preaches Power in the Word to a multicultural and diverse audience with over 180 branches in Nigeria and ten countries across the globe. He is an Apostle to this generation, whose life has impacted millions around the world. A father to many, and a pastor of many pastors across the globe, Dr Mike Okonkwo is also a dynamic conference speaker, crusade evangelist, author, television and radio host, a strong and respected voice in Nigeria, and an advocate of balanced Christianity.  

7]  Pastor  E.A Adeboye



               http://www.bellanaija.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Adeboye-NEW-BellaNaija.jpeg

 AGE:                                               73

ESTIMATED NET WORTH:         $7 million(2015)



6] Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor
              


AGE:                                                unknown                             

ESTIMATED NET WORTH:         $9 million(2015)

Papa Ayo Oritsejafor is the head pastor of 20,000 member Word of Life Bible Church, Warri, Delta State, Nigeria. He is the current President of the Christian Association Of Nigeria (CAN) which has given him so much influence across Nigeria including presidential honors. He has preached the gospel round the world for more than 40years and counting. He has a private jet (worth billions of Naira), a private bank, and a private university (Eagles Height University) amongst other lucrative private businesses. He is well known round Africa for his luxurious and lavish lifestyle, expensive clothing and jewelries (including a massive diamond plated cross Neck chain pendant), quality cars, houses and presidential Security/protocol.

5] Pastor Chris Okotie
                    

AGE:                                               57

ESTIMATED NET WORTH:         $12 million.

Pastor Chris Okotie is the head of Household of God Church and has a networth of $8 – $12 Million.
Pastor Okotie first made name as a popular pop musician in the 80s. He later set up the Household of God Church, one of Nigeria’s most flamboyant church with over 5,000 members consisting of Nollywood movie actors/actresses, musicians, and society people.
He has run for the presidency in Nigeria three times and lost each time. He received criticisms from several quarters for insisting that God asked him to contest the elections. The last time in April 2011 he contested under the Fresh Party, a political party he founded.
Pastor Chris Okotie is an automobile collector and lover. He drives a Mercedes S600, Porsche, and several other cars.


4] Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo   
                                    

AGE:                                             63 

ESTIMATED NET WORTH:       $17 million(2015)

Pastor Ashimolowo heads the Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) and has a
reported net worth of $10 – $17 Million. In 1992, Foursquare Gospel Church, in Nigeria, sent Pastor Ashimolowo to open a satellite branch in London. But the Afro style pastor had his own ideas and set up his own church instead. His church is reportedly the largest Pentecostal church in the united Kingdom. In 2009 the church made close to $10 million in profits and reported assets of $40 million. He is reported to earn $200,000 in annual salary. His real wealth comes from various business interests which includes a media company.



3] Pastor T.B. Joshua
                       



 AGE:                                             52             

ESTIMATED NET WORTH:        $25 million.(2015)

Pastor T.B. Joshua (as he is known) is the head pastor at Synagogue Church of All Nations
(SCOAN). He is worth an estimated $15 – $25 Million. Pastor Joshua is famous as Nigeria’s most philanthropic pastor and also the most controversial. He founded SCOAN in 1987 and unlike other pastors has never opened another branch of his church in Nigeria outside the original one in Lagos which is said to accommodate over 15,000 people. Among the rich list of Nigerian pastors he is most popular for his healing powers and gets regular miracle seeking visitors from all parts of the country and beyond. His church has only one branch in Nigeria but currently has branches in Ghana, the UK, South Africa and Greece. He owns Emmanuel TV, a Christian TV network. Most of his wealth is believed to have come through donations and his relationships with the high and mighty in several parts of Africa. He is, for instance, close to Ghanaian President Atta Mills and has entertained several heads of state in Africa at his Synagogue Church.


2] Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
                 http://www.mycelebrityandi.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/213.jpg


AGE:                                               51                          


ESTIMATED NET WORTH:         $70 million.(2015)

Christian Oyakhilome known popularly as Pastor Chris is a Nigerian minister who is the founding president of Believers’ LoveWorld Incorporated also known as Christ Embassy, a Bible-based Christian ministry headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. His church has more than 40,000 members, several of whom are successful entrepreneurs and politicians. His ministry runs several arms including the Healing School, Rhapsody of Realities (a daily devotional with global reach), and an N.G.O called the Innercity Missions as well as three Christian television channels: LoveWorld TV, LoveWorld SAT and LoveWorld Plus.



1] Bishop David Oyedepo

                        http://thisisafrica.me/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2014/08/oyedepo1.jpg


AGE:                                                 60

ESTIMATED NET WORTH:           $180 million(2015)

Bishop Oyedepo is the head pastor and founder of Living Faith World Outreach Ministry (aka Winners Chapel). His estimated Net worth is $150 million. Seen as Nigeria’s richest pastor he founded Winners Chapel in 1981 and has grown it to become one of Africa’s largest congregation. He holds 3 services every Sunday at the Faith Tabernacle touted to be Africa’s largest
worship center. He owns two private jets (some sources say four) and houses in London and the United States.

He owns Dominion Publishing House, a successful publishing company which publishes all his books. His books, incidentally, are all about prosperity and little or nothing more. Some years ago he founded Covenant University, taking advantage of the government’s decision to encourage private individuals and organizations to own and run higher institutions of learning. Covenant University has become one of the elite private universities in the country. Just recently, in another round of licensing by the government, Pastor Oyedepo got himself another license to run another university. Bishop Oyedepo also owns Faith Academy, a high school for the upper class.


NOTE: This list is judge based on no one's  opinion, it is a list  compiled up by T.I.N MAGAZINE by certified wealth raters like FORBES,RICHLIFESTLYE And more. This list is for year 2015 and 2015 alone.

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Singer WIZKID Full Biography,Life And News


FULL NAMES: Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun

DATE OF BIRTH: July 16, 1990

OCCUPATION: Singer: Afrobeat, Afropop

MARITAL STATUS: Not Married








INTRODUCTION

Wizkid (sometimes stylised as WizKid), is a Nigerian recording artist, songwriter and performer. He started his musical career at age 11, releasing a collaborative album with Glorious Five entitled Lil Prinz (2001). In 2009, he signed a record deal with Banky W.'s imprint Empire Mates Entertainment.
His work and contribution to the Nigerian Music Industry has earned him several achievements, including a BET Awards, a MOBO Award, The Headies Awards And more..
He was ranked 5th on Forbes and Channel O's 2013 list of the Top 10 Richest/Bankable African Artists. In February 2014, Wizkid became the first ever Nigerian person to have over 1 million followers on Twitter and still the most followed in twitter.
In 2015 he was rated the 5th most famous person in Nigeria by T.I.N MAGAZINE and also among the top ten most influential Nigerian singers.


EARLY LIFE AND BACKGROUND

Wizkid was born on July 16, 1990 in Surulere, a residential and commercial area of Lagos. He comes from a large family and is the last of six children. In an interview with Tim Westwood, he said that his father has three wives. Wizkid started singing at age 11, releasing a 7 track album entitled Lil Prinz (2001). During an interview with Adesope of Factory 78 TV, Wizkid described his life in a nutshell. He said that he formed a group called the Glorious Five with a couple of his church friends. The group successfully dropped an album prior to dismembering. Wizkid later met OJB Jezreel, a record producer who prevented him from recording for a year. While visiting Jezreel's studio frequently, he watched 2 Face Idibia record Grass 2 Grace and watched Sound Sultan record Jagbajantis. A year later, Wizkid started recording. His first song featured OJB Jezreel. The song was met with great reception throughout Surulere. Wizkid cited Naeto C as one of the people who mentored and coached him while he was 15 years old. Wizkid also told Factory 78 TV that his parents weren't receptive of his music from the onset. He had to work hard and spent lots of time in the studio in order to gain his father's trust. Wizkid has a great relationship with Banky W. He told Factory 78 TV that Banky W was one of the first people that believed in him. He said that he and Banky became friends prior to starting a professional relationship. He co wrote Banky W's "Omoge You Too Much", a song off the The W Experience album. In 2006, he collaborated with Naeto C and Ikechukwu. In 2009, Wizkid became a household name within Nigeria's musical landscape; he was featured on M.I's "Fast Money, Fast Cars" and Kel's "Turn by Turn".

CAREER AND LIFE

In 2010, Wizkid began recording his debut studio album Superstar (2011). On January 2, 2010, he released "Holla at Your Boy" as the album's lead single. The single won the Next Rated category and was nominated for Best Pop Single at The Headies 2011. The music video for "Holla at Your Boy" was nominated for "Most Gifted Newcomer Video" at the 2011 Channel O Music Video Awards.
The music video was also nominated for "Best Afro Pop Video" at the 2011 Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA). On April 2, 2010, Wizkid released "Tease Me/Bad Guys" as the album's second single; it was initially released as a freestyle "Don't Dull", the album's third single, was released on December 6, 2010.

The album, recorded in English and Yoruba, was released on June 12, 2011 by Empire Mates Entertainment. It incorporates elements of R&B, Dancehall, and Reggae. Wizkid collaborated with a wide range of music producers, including E-Kelly, Jay Sleek, Shizzi, DJ Klem, Sunny Nweke, Q-Beats, and Samklef; the latter produced 6 tracks on the album. The album features guest appearances from Banky W, Skales, D'Prince, and Wande Coal. It was initially scheduled for release on February 14, 2011, but was later pushed back. On June 12, 2011, Wizkid hosted an album launch party at the Expo Hall of the Eko Hotel and Suites. The album launch party featured performances by Banky W, Skales, Tuface Idibia, Samklef, Wande Coal, D’Prince, Olamide, eLDee, Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, Lynxxx, and Seyi Shay. Superstar garnered "Best Album of the Year" at the 2012 Nigeria Entertainment Awards, and was nominated for "Album of the Year" at The Headies 2012.

In 2012-2014 Wizkid is currently working on his second studio album Chosen, which is scheduled to be release in 2014. According to MTV Base, the album has suffered from a pushed back release date. Wizkid posted a photo of what is believed to be the unofficial tracklist of his upcoming project. The upcoming album will feature guest appearances from Don Jazzy, Banky W, Femi Kuti, Seyi Shay, Efya, and Olamide. Moreover, the upcoming album allegedly houses 12 tracks. "Jaiye Jaiye" and "Talk" have been released since Wizkid uploaded the aforementioned photo onto his Twitter account. On July 29, 2013, Wizkid released a song titled "Drop" featuring American rapper Wale. The song was produced by Legendury Beatz. There's still no word on whether the song will be on the upcoming album. In addition, "Azonto", the single many people thought was the first single, wasn't included on the aforementioned tracklist. A snippet of the "Don't Dull Remix", featuring Akon, was leaked to the public in 2011.

Prior to announcing plans for a second studio album, Wizkid had plans of releasing a mixtape in April 2013. In an interview with Ok!Nigeria TV at Disturbing London's Headquarters in London, he said that the mixtape would be released in April. He also said that the mixtape would feature Wale and Tinie Tempah. Wizkid later announced that he would be releasing his second studio album on June 12, 2013. In an interview with HipTv, Banky W revealed the album's title, and commented on the delayed album. In addition, he gave an estimated time-frame for the album's release.

On May 2, 2013, Wizkid and Star Boy Entertainment released the album's lead single "Jaiye Jaiye" featuring Femi Kuti. Wizkid told Showtime Celebrity that he collaborated with Femi Kuti in order to prevent people from depicting him as an artist whose lyrics revolve around girls, cars, and materialistic things. "On Top Your Matter" was released as the album's second single on October 26, 2013; it was produced by Del B. The music video for the single was released on February 13, 2014; it was shot and directed in South Africa by Sesan.

In July 2014, Wizkid revealed his collaboration with Barbadian singer Rihanna during a visit to The Beat 99.9 FM studio in Lagos.

After releasing their compilation album Empire Mates State of Mind, EME acts toured the United States. The tour kicked off on July 4, 2012 and ended on September 2, 2012. EME acts performed in several different cities, including Houston, Dallas, Toronto, Vancouver, New York City, Providence, Calgary, Atlanta, Washington DC, and Chicago. Wizkid toured London in 2012 and performed at the HMV Apollo on June 4, 2012. On November 12, 2012, he performed at the BBC Radio 1Xtra Live 02 Academy in Brixton alongside Trey Songz, Tulisa, Kendrick Lamar, and Angel. On October 17, 2013, Wizkid performed at the 2013 edition of Felabration, a yearly concert dedicated to the late Fela Kuti. On November 2, 2013, he performed at the Guinness Colorful World of More concert alongside D'banj, Tiwa Savage, P-Square, Davido, Ice Prince, Burna Boy, Olamide and Phyno, among others. The concert took place at the Eko Convention Centre of the Eko Hotels and Suites. On November 23, 2013, Wizkid performed at the Guinness Big Eruption Concert. Wizkid was invited as a special guest for some shows in Tinie Tempah's tour of the UK in 2014.
Endorsements

In 2012, Wizkid signed a one year endorsement deal with Pepsi allegedly worth $350,000 U.S dollars. He traveled to Beirut, Lebanon with Tiwa Savage for a Pepsi commercial shoot. On May 28, 2013, Premium Times reported that Wizkid signed a one year deal with MTN Nigeria. Moreover, the news source reported that Wizzy's Pepsi contract was renewed for another two years. On October 23, 2013, Bellanaija reported that Wizkid signed an endorsement deal with Guinness for the "Guinness World of More" concert. The concert was held at the Eko Convention Centre of the Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, on November 3, 2013.
The Next Rated prize

Wizkid won the award for "Next Rated" at the 2011 The Headies. In addition to winning the award, he was awarded a 2012 Hyundai Sonata courtesy of the Headies and its affiliates. The car presentation ceremony took place at the Silverbird Galleria in Victoria Island, Lagos. Guy Murray Bruce, Bola Salako, and Ayo Animashaun were present during the ceremony. Wizkid joined the list of past winners, including Aá¹£a, Overdose, Omawumi, Wande Coal, and Skuki.[

On March 5, 2013, Charles Mgbolu (a writer for Vanguard) reported that Wizkid established his label imprint Star Boy Entertainment. During an interview with Silverbird Television, Wizkid told Yvonne Vixen Ekwere that he planned on signing new acts to the label. Wizkid told Showtime Celebrity that he established his own record label in order to give up-and-coming artists a platform to showcase their talent. On April 17, 2013, Wizkid signed Maleek Berry to Star Boy Entertainment. Wizkid and Maleek Berry's work credits include "Lagos to Soweto" and "The Matter", among others. On April 29, 2013, Premium Times reported that Wizkid signed producers Uzezi Oniko and Okiemute Oniko, popularly known as Legendury Beatz, to his imprint. He made the announcement via Twitter. On May 9, 2013, he unveiled photos of himself with the aforementioned acts signed. On August 20, 2013, Wizkid signed recording artist L.A.X to the label. He made the announcement moments after debuting the music video for "Caro", the label's first official single. In an interview with iCR8Media, Wizkid said that Star Boy's first compilation album will drop in 2014. He also said that Maleek Berry will drop an album in 2014.

In February 2013, there were immense rumors surrounding Wizkid's "breakup" with E.M.E. Rumors were primarily derived by fans after Wizkid tweeted a subliminal message and tweaked his Twitter account. Wizkid allegedly moved out of the E.M.E mansion in Lagos and acquired his own home in the Lekki Phase 1 area. Prior to the outpouring of rumors, it was alleged that Banky W pacified fans by assuring them that nothing was amiss. Furthermore, it was alleged that troubles within E.M.E started as early as the E.M.E all stars concert. It was also alleged that money was at the center of the controversy. On February 20, 2013, Information Nigeria reported that Wizkid was allegedly getting 25 percent from every performance, while Banky W and Segun Demuren were getting 50 percent. Osagie, Wizkid's former manager, was allegedly getting the remaining 25 percent. After firing Osagie and hiring Godwin Tom (whom he parted ways with in April 2014), Wizkid allegedly wanted a 50-50 share with Banky W. The source allegedly revealed that Banky W refused to accept Wizkid's proposal. Moreover, it was alleged that Banky W wanted to find a manager for Wizkid who would accept 25 percent. It was also alleged that things started getting sour as a result of both parties disagreement. Furthermore, it was alleged that Wizkid was doing three shows weekly and bringing in close to N24 million monthly. On April 30, 2013, Nigerian Entertainment Today reported that Wizkid and E.M.E reunited after contract negotiations. The news source also reported that Wizkid performed alongside label mates Shaydee and DJ Xclusive in The Republic of Benin.

On June 19, 2013, Wizkid and his management were invited by men from the Nigerian Police Force for questioning. Duping charges were leveled against them by a group of Unilag students. The students claimed that Wizkid agreed to perform at the UNILAG Sports Centre on May 21, for a total sum of N500,000. They also claimed that he didn't show up for the show, and didn't return their money. After conducting a thorough investigation, Police determined that Unilag students were bamboozled by con artists pretending to be affiliates of E.M.E. In the aforementioned interview with Showtime Celebrity, Wizkid commented on the events that transpired after the accusations. He told the media that the police were investigating the case. The masterminds behind the impersonation were later detained by law enforcement agents in Lagos. In addition to duping Unilag students, the culprits set up fake email and social media accounts. Wizkid also elaborated on how one can go about booking him.

On June 15, 2013, Wizkid was involved in a non-life threatening car accident along the Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lekki, Lagos. According to an article posted on Silverbird Television, Wizkid was hospitalized for a minor concussion resulting from the wreck. According to eyewitness reports compiled by MTV Base, Wizkid's Porsche Panamera was spotted speeding down the road; the car's front tires blew out and resulted in the driver of the vehicle losing control and crashing into a road barrier. Eyewitness reports also added that the car's airbag suspension system deployed on impact, shielding Wizkid and the driver instantaneously. At the time of the incident, Wizkid and other passengers in the car were returning from the Soundcity Nokia LumiaBeat Party. The accident allegedly occurred around 3:30am in front of the GET Arena. As a result of the wreck, the car was badly damaged. Pictures of the damaged vehicle surfaced on Instagram and Facebook. Vanguard reported that Wizkid acquired a Porsche Cayenne two weeks after the accident. He posted pictures of his new acquisition onto his Instagram page and tagged the pictures with the caption "#Blessed".

On August 22, 2011, Nigerian Entertainment Today reported that Wizkid fathered his first child at the age of 21. After a thorough investigation, they concluded that Wizkid impregnated an undergraduate student named Oluwanishola Ogudugu. According to their reports, the girl, a student at the University of Legon in Accra, resides in Magodo, Lagos. Moreover, they added that multiple sources familiar with the "baby mama" and her family told them that they knew about the relationship between both parties. When the story broke out, close friends and associates of Wizkid didn't confirm the story due to DNA results that were pending at the time. Wizkid broke his silence on the story in several interviews. In an interview with a Nigerian Entertainment Today editor, Wizkid denied having a child. In another interview held at Ogudu-GRA in Lagos, Wizkid said that he really doesn't want to find himself in that peculiar situation. A week before denying the aforementioned allegations, Wizkid tweeted from his official Twitter handle.

In December 2012, he denied the baby scandal during an interview with Nonye Ben-Nwankwo of The Punch. In October 2013, Wizkid uploaded a picture of he and his 2 year old son, Boluwatife Balogun, onto his Instagram account. The photo confirmed the alleged rumors and allegations that were harbored for 2 years. The photo also vindicated Nigerian Entertainment Today, the news source that first covered the story.

Wizkid is currently dating Tania Omotayo. On February 15, 2013, the two attended Banky W's "The Grand Love Project" concert held at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. The two also made a public appearance at the 2013 edition of Felabration. In July 2013, Omotayo opened up a luxury boutique in Lekki, Lagos. According to Nigerian Entertainment Today, she revealed on Twitter that she knew Wizkid before he fathered his first child. In 2014 they had a few months breakup and later reunited

AWARDS AND ENDORSEMENTS
Awards-
Wizkid awards and nominations
Totals
Awards won 20
Nominations 64

ENDORSEMENTS

In 2012, Wizkid signed a one year endorsement deal with Pepsi allegedly worth $350,000 U.S dollars. He traveled to Beirut, Lebanon with Tiwa Savage for a Pepsi commercial shoot. On May 28, 2013, Premium Times reported that Wizkid signed a one year deal with MTN Nigeria. Moreover, the news source reported that Wizzy's Pepsi contract was renewed for another two years. On October 23, 2013, Bellanaija reported that Wizkid signed an endorsement deal with Guinness for the "Guinness World of More" concert. The concert was held at the Eko Convention Centre of the Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, on November 3, 2013.

RUMORS AND SCANDALS
He really is a scandalous celebrity too many scandals to read.
In 2012 he was said to have been dating an older celeb actress tonto dikeh and was rumored to have been caught on camera doing it with her
he abuses fans on twitter bragging about his wealth and letting them know how poor they are
he was rumored to have gotten in a fight with old label mate Skales publicly
and any more....

FEW PICS:




COMPILED BY: TMTN
SOURCES: wikipedia.org,takemetonaija.com
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Football Star Kelechi Iheanacho Full Biography,Life And News



FULL NAME:                      Kelechi Iheanacho

DATE OF BIRTH:              3 October 1996

OCCUPATION:                  Football Player ( Manchester City)

MARITAL STATUS:         Not Married

INTRODUCTION  

 Nigerian professional footballer who plays for English club Manchester City. He has made appearances for Manchester City U-21 team, and also Nigeria U-17 at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup and Nigeria U-20 at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Iheanacho has also been called up to the Manchester City senior squad for the 2015-16 season.

EARLY LIFE AND BACKGROUND  

Iheanacho has represented Nigeria at youth levels from under-13 upwards. His first experience of a major international tournament was the 2013 African U-17 Championship in Morocco. For Iheanacho, the highlight was a hat-trick in a win against Botswana. He dedicated his goals to his mother, who passed away two months before the tournament. Nigeria reached the final of the competition, where they were defeated on penalties by Ivory Coast. Iheanacho was the second highest goalscorer of the tournament, behind team-mate Success Isaac.
Iheanacho played a significant role in the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he won the "Golden Ball" awarded to the player of the tournament. Nigeria won the competition, in which Iheanacho scored six times, including a goal in the final, and provided seven assists. In the run-up to the 2014 African Nations Championship Iheanacho trained with the senior Nigeria squad, but was released from the squad in order to travel to England to sign with Manchester City. He was part of the Nigeria squad for the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand, and featured in two matche
CAREER AND LIFE  

As a youth Iheanacho represented Taye Academy in Owerri. His performances for Nigeria in the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup led to interest from clubs in Europe. Teams following his progress included Arsenal, Sporting Clube de Portugal and Porto. In December 2013 Iheanacho travelled to England to discuss a move to Manchester City. He signed a pre-contract agreement with the club, stating his intent to formally sign for Manchester City on his 18th birthday in October 2014. In the interim, he returned to Nigeria. As the year drew to a close, the Confederation of African Football (the governing body for football in Africa) named him the Most Promising Talent of the Year for 2013 at the CAF Awards.

IHEANACHO'S CONTROVERSIAL JOURNEY TO MAN CIT - Vanguard
The young lad announced his arrival at the world stage the moment he netted four goals past Iraq in his match at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in the UAE last August. He ended up becoming the Most Valuable Player of the competition as well as the second highest goal scorer.  Kelechi and his team-mates from the beginning of the competition to the end stunned the world with their mastery of the game making Nigerians to now see them as the future backbones of the new Eagles Stephen Keshi was helping to mould.
This prompted the NFF and the sports minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi announce that the boys would be groomed to becoming great materials for the senior national team by ensuring they don’t jump into wrong hands masquerading as agents of clubs around the world.
However, signs that some parents of the players would mislead the boys because of their greed came to the fore in a hilarious chat the NFF president, Alhaji Aminu Maigari and the sports minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi had with one of the parents which veteran sports journalist and CAF/FIFA match commissioner, Paul Bassey published in his column in the Vanguard 2013


Every plea to the parent that his child would be guided to stardom so that the money he is earnestly yearning for will roll in effortlessly fell on deaf ears as he was interested in how much the various governments, local, State and Federal as well as companies and individuals were ready to splash on the players, because as he claimed, he spent a fortune preparing his son to be the good player he turned out to be for the benefit of the country.

Then came the supposed ‘scramble’ for Kelechi and the swiftness with which his father turned a football coach, agent and manager. It is not on record that he had ever done those jobs to be an expert in offering a positive advice to his son.
Those who should know, from Kelechi’s coaches like Nduka Ugbade and Emmanuel Amuneke and ex player of note, Victor Ikpeba, advised that the boy should not be rushed into Europe, especially to Manchester City football club but allowed to hone his skills in lesser clubs in either Belgium or Holland and the senior Iheanacho and the agent would have none of it.
Keshi magnanimously invited Iheanacho and two of his team-mates, goalkeeper Dele Alampasu and Taiwo Awoniyi into the Super Eagles Team B preparing for the CAF African Nations Championship, CHAN holding in South Africa in January and they were already warming their way into Keshi’s with their mature display at training.

In 2014, Iheanacho signed for City. Before the 2014–15 season, Manchester City visited the USA on a pre-season tour. Though still not formally a Manchester City player, Iheanacho joined up with the squad. He played and scored in the first match of the tour, a 4–1 win against Sporting Kansas City.,[ and scored again against AC Milan in a 5-1 win. After the conclusion of the tour, Manchester City arranged for Iheanacho to train with Columbus Crew until mid-October. In July 2015, he was also included in City's pre-season tour team in Australia
Delays in obtaining a work permit meant Iheanacho was unable to play in England until February 2015. He made his debut at under-19 level in a UEFA Youth League match against Schalke 04, but was injured after only 11 minutes. After his recovery, he began to represent Manchester City at both youth and under-21 level in the latter part of the season. He played in the FA Youth Cup final, where he scored, but ended on the losing side after Chelsea claimed a 5–2 aggregate victory. The following week he scored the only goal as Manchester City beat Porto in the final of the 2014–15 Premier League International Cup.

AWARDS AND ENDORSEMENTS
Signed a football contract with one of the world's biggest football club Manchester City in 2013
Won the most valuable player of the FIFA U-17 tournament in 2013

RUMORS AND SCANDALS

No popular scandal.


Iheanacho in playing for MAN CITY
Iheanacho Old Pic
SOURCES: wikipedia.org,vanguardngr.com,takemetonaija.com
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Comedian BASKETMOUTH Full Biography,Life And News


FULL NAME: Bright Okpocha (Basketmouth)

DATE OF BIRTH: September 14, 1978

OCCUPATION: Comedian, Singer,Business Man

MARITAL  STATUS:  Married





INTRODUCTION:
Basketmouth, is a Nigerian comedian,actor and business man. He's referred to as Nigeria's most popular and loved comedian for his comedy skills, he is quite known by many outside the country and has contributed to the growth of Nigeria comedy industry.
He has organized popular stand-up comedy concerts like Basketmouth Uncensored across the globe.
Married with two kids.


EARLY LIFE AND BACKGROUND

Bright Okpocha was born in Lagos, Lagos State , Nigeria but hails from Abia State. He completed his primary and secondary school education in Apapa, Lagos State and then moved on to pursue a degree at the University of Benin, Benin City UNIBEN where he studied sociology and anthropology with his brother, Godwin Okpocha.

In 1991 Bright discovered his skills in drumming, which he did for over 5 years after wards. During his days of being an instrumentalist for his church and a band at that point, he also discovered his skills in rap music and later diverted into that path in 1994. In 1995, he, his friends and brother formed a group called da psychopaths. It had 7 members but they split before they could even release
an album or single. Bright and his brother Godwin immediately formed a group called d oddz and later added a third member (muyiwa osunrobi). Together, they did a couple of shows but couldn’t break through the music industry as their brand of rap wasn’t accepted the.

For one who is regarded as one of the African kings of comedy, being a comedian had always been his lifelong ambition. “I remember a time when one of my friend’s parents asked us what we would like to become when we grew up and I said I wanted to be a comedian. I must have been stupid because the idea only popped into my head and I had been watching too much Eddie Murphy… Instead of me to have said I wanted to become a doctor, lawyer or even politician for that matter, I looked straight into their eyes and said ‘comedian’,” Basketmouth recollects.

As expected, his friend’s parents were shocked. But little did they know that his ambition was made of sterner stuff. This was about 20 years ago, a period when only a few people were really making money in Nigeria by cracking jokes. It was more fashionable to go into more lucrative professions such as medicine or law.

CAREER AND LIFE

After his failure at his first standup comedy show in Uniben he came back after a series of research
on what brand of comedy could sell in UNIBEN; that was the beginning of Basket mouth’s inception and
acceptation into the world of standup comedy.
His professional stand up act came into existence in the year 2001 and his big break came when he met Ali Baba. In 1999, Basket mouth got involved in events management alongside his comedy acts. He and his friend (Bayo
Adekeye) promoted and packaged shows that featured the likes of plantation boiz, remedies, and a host of other artists.

It was during that period that Laff n Jamz was conceptualized.On the 1st of November 2000, the concept came to reality featuring Ali Baba, Paul Play, Teju babyface, mandy, Mr. Patrick and a host of others.

Immediately after Laff n Jamz in UNIBEN, Ali Baba told Bright to come down to Lagos to expose his skills. It was hard to combine studies and standup comedy but it was done. After Basket mouth featured Plantation Boiz in 2000, they asked him to anchor a monthly show that was held at the den in Ikeja. It was during that period that Bright impacted the entertainment industry in Lagos.Things got bigger and better when Bright was invited by Tequila events to perform alongside Julius
Agwu on a tour that hit over 30 higher institutions around Nigeria.

Basket’s emergence in Lagos can be traced back to the year in 2000 when he performed at a concert called hanging with the home boys; his performance wowed the audience and he won their acceptance. He extended his act to the monthly motherland concert hosted by
Lagbaja. Afterwards, Ali Baba introduced him to Opa Williams who then featured him in the now most popular comedy show in Nigeria and beyond (Nite of a 1000
laughs).

The name BASKET MOUTH hit the big screen when he featured in international concerts that witnessed the likes of Joe, Boys 2 Men, Sean Paul, Beyonce, Wyclef Jean, Dru Hill, Akon, Snoop Dogg, Ciara, Chris Brown and many others. His international gig was in Europe (2003) after which he stayed off the foreign scene until his debut performance in Atlanta at the Nigerian Reunion in 2006.

This performance led to series of performances and bookings in the United States and other countries
including South Africa.Back to back through the last 4 years, Bright has won the National Comedy Award for Best Comedian of the year, Best Standup Comedian on the year (2005/6). As a follow upto the growth, he formed a company called humor unlimited (2004), (stage play) -
Devils kiss (2004), and in 2006 took it higher by forming a one man standup comedy show which made history in Nigeria [Basket Mouth Uncensored 1,2,&3].

He later established a consulting/event & Artist management company (Barons World Entertainnment) in 2006. BasketMouth is currently one of the brand ambassadors of one of the leading telecommunications companies in Africa (Globacom) till date, Basket Mouth stands out as one of the names to reckon with in the entertainment industry.

In an interview he said: And he is the first Nigerian to be on the show. So what makes this different or special from his other shows across Africa, Europe and America? “I am doing this show because it is beyond Africa. I am bringing out everything that I have to make Nigeria and Africa proud. As we speak, I have not created a set for the show yet. I am still working on materials. Although not yet finished, but the few ones I have come up with will make them laugh, by the grace of God,” he replies and adds that this was not the first show he would be doing in front of an international audience. “Most people in Nigeria don’t get to see most of the shows I do abroad. I have done other big events; unfortunately they were mostly private (exclusive) shows. I have done the Choice FM
comedy show in the UK, performed at the international congress in Ethiopia, where I was probably the only Nigerian in the building. I am going universal and people will get to see what I do when I perform outside Nigeria.” Breaking new grounds seem to be the norm with
Basketmouth. So after Africa, what is the next step? “The world, I want to take over the world. I
am looking at the American Market. Even comedians in the UK and other places are trying to move down to America. Comedy is universal and I will like to take my act all over Africa, and to every part of the globe.”

Basketmouth also has an interesting back-story. From 2006 to 2009, he performed free for prisoners at the Kirikiri Prison in Lagos. “It was my way of giving back and keeping their heads up. I went as far as Ibadan prison. I want to start doing it again from next year during festive periods.”

Married and blessed with two lovely kids, when asked in an interview how he separates Bright from Basketmouth, especially at home. “That is one part people always get wrong. I am Basketmouth only when I’m on stage and Bright when I’m not on stage. Bright at home is a loving father, husband and a typical homeboy. I play with my kids and wife. She said there is no life in the house when I am
not around. I make my wife and kids laugh, and that is not me being Basketmouth; that is Bright. Bright is also a funny chap but not as funny as Basketmouth. Bright is charming and brooks no
nonsense. I have about three personalities: there is Basketmouth on stage, there is Bright the businessman, and there is Bright the family man I appreciate the three characters. If you come to my house, you will meet Bright; on stage, Basketmouth and in my office, Bright the MD of Baron’s World.”

He has also contributed to the boost in some popular comedians like him; Bovi, Buchi and others.. He supported their comedy career and helped them become more important in the industry like he is.

Basketmouth Will be releasing a rap album that will be featuring many Nigerian music stars on 14th February 2015.

AWARDs AND ENDORSEMENTS
In 2005 and 2006 Basketmouth won the National Comedy
Award and the Best Standup Comedian of the Year.
And many more yearly..

ENDORSEMENTS
Signed A Multi million naira ENDORSEMENT WITH DANA AIR In 2011
Was also said to have gotten a N12m endorsement deal with Surebet
He has also been an ambassador for Glo Ng and his contract was renewed many times

RUMORS AND SCANDALS

Basketmouth has been a celebrity in the industry who had kept himself off scandals but after making a joke about rape on Twitter in 2014 people counted it as a scandal for him even though the joke was misunderstood..
BASKETMOUTH AND FAMILY


http://www.hfmagazineonline.com/wp-content/uploads/buchi_basketmouth_bovi1-500x289.png
BASKETMOUTH WITH BOVI AND BUCHI


SOURCES: takemetonaija.com,wikipedia.org



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Top Ten Most Loved Nigerian Entertainers 2015


T.I.N MAGAZINE Have just rated the ten most loved entertainers  in Nigeria of Year 2015.
the list was judge based on the kind of attention and clamoring people have shown these celebrities of recent.
And this list is not an all time rating, it is strictly for year 2015 and 2015 alone.

                          
                      TEN MOST LOVED CELEBRITIES IN NIGERIA 2015



10] BASKETMOUTH

                                   http://www.basketmouth.tv/thumb/gallery/gallery3.jpg
Basketmouth is a popular Nigerian comedian in fact can be said to be Nigeria's most popular comedian as he's been known to be in the game for so long. Many beleives he is always on top of his game with his many hilarious comedy skills.

He also has a lot of fans in the social media and they  clamor for him a lot even though he seems to piss them off sometimes.

Judging with what we've noticed in 2015 we conclude he is the 10th most loved entertainer of the year.


 9] JIM IYKE





                       

Jim Iyke is a popular Nollywood  actor began acting in 2001. He's one of the highest paid actors in Nollywood., and has appeared in over 150 films.

He's been so controversial all of his career and most especially since he's been dating Ghanaian actress Nadia Buhari many people seem to love him more for that, even though there are rumors they've broken up it is not yet confirmed.
Judging with what we've noticed in 2015 we conclude he is the 9th most loved entertainer of the year.

8] GENEVIEVE NNAJI

                           

Genevieve Nnaji started her acting career as a child actress in the then popular television soap opera Ripples at the age of 8. In 1998 at the age of 19 she was introduced into the growing Nigerian film industry with the movie "Most Wanted".
 She's also been loved by many for a long time  for her  consistency in the movie industry and her pretty face and body.
Judging with what we've noticed in 2015 we conclude she is the 8th most loved entertainer of the year.  

7 ] OLAMIDE
                                    

Olamide, is a Nigerian hip hop recording artist from Bariga, Lagos State. He records mostly in Yoruba, his native tongue. 
His fans always say he is the most consistent Nigerian artist ever, in which he actually deserved to be call that as he hasn't tend to relent since starting his career in 2010 he is also known to be a family man at a tender age many people love him for those reasons.

He is also admired by his fans from the street as he doesn't tend to joke with them he takes them serious and it even shows in his songs, its also been noticed he is quite loved by many ladies.
Judging with what we've noticed in 2015 we conclude he is the 7th most loved entertainer of the year.

6] TONTO DIKEH 

                                        

 Tonto Dike is a Nigerian actress and singer from Rivers State and is of the Ikwerre tribe.

In 2005, she competed against other contestants on a reality TV show called The Next Movie Star; she was the first runner up. Dikeh's appearance on the show was as a means of getting closer to the "big time", she says, and her start in the Nigerian movie industry came soon after.

Tonto dikeh has been quite a very controversial person in Nigeria today as she does crazy things and her crazy fans like her for it. She's been shown a lot of love in the social media and she takes her fans serious too. Tonto is a singer and an actress she often discuss her matters online with her fans.
She is also a known philanthropist and a very passionate type
Judging with what we've noticed in 2015 we conclude she is the 6th most loved entertainer of the year.


5] DAVIDO

                            http://globalvillageextra.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Davido-1.jpg
Davido, is an American-born Nigerian recording artist, performer and record producer. His 2011 single, "Dami Duro", was well-received throughout Nigeria. Along with his elder brother Adewale Adeleke, Davido is the co-owner of HKN Music.
 Davido has got much love from the people this year as he's gotten it since he started his career in 2011, Davido is popularly known to be a rich man's kid,a cute and good looking guy, great singer and a philanthropist. He's got so much love from the public presently.
Davido had a son this same year, making him becoming more of a responsible young man.

Judging with what we've noticed in 2015 we conclude he is the 5th most loved entertainer of the year.


4] MERCY JOHNSON

                                         

Mercy Johnson, was born in Lagos on 28 August 1984, is a Nigerian actress who made her acting debut in the movie, "The Maid" in which she played the role of a possessed house help. Her performance in the movie shot her into the limelight and she has acted in other movies ever since.

Mercy's acceptance by the crowd can be said to be based on two things; she acts in a lot of Nollywood movies and her figure. She's also quite loved by many due to what some people call "Personality"
She once was the most searched person in Nigeria on google in 2013 showing the kind of attention she gets from the public.
Judging with what we've noticed in 2015 we conclude she is the 4th most loved entertainer of the year.

3] OMOTOLA JALADE

                                   

Omotola is a Nigerian actress, singer, philanthropist and former model of an Ondo descent from Lagos, Nigeria. Since her Nollywood film debut in 1995, the leading actress has appeared in 300 films, selling millions of video copies. After receiving numerous high-profile awards, launching a music career, and amassing an enviable fan base, the press has revered the Screen Nation 'Best Actress' as The "African Magic". She is the first African entertainer to receive over 1 million likes on her Facebook page  and she already has over 2million likes on her fb page presently.
Over the years, Omotola has been a pioneer in the Nollywood film industry, successfully becoming the most watched actress in Africa.
Judging with what we've noticed in 2015 we conclude she is the 3rd most loved entertainer of the year.


2] P SQUARE

      http://nigeriamusicbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/psquare-Richest-nigerian-musicians1.jpg

P-Square are a Nigerian R&B duo composed of identical twin brothers Peter Okoye and Paul Okoye. They produce and release their albums through Square Records. They started back since 2002 and they've been shown love right from time, the two brothers are really loved by many both women and men young and old know them and love what they do.

Most people love their style of music and the break dance skills they've got and the sense of them being twins killed it all. Judging with what we've noticed in 2015 we conclude they are the second most loved entertainers as of the moment.


1] DON JAZZY

                    

Don Jazzy, is a Nigerian Multi award-winning record producer, singer-songwriter, musician, co-owner of the popular and defunct record label Mo' Hits Records and current CEO of the Mavin Records label.

Don Jazzy has got all the love from the crowd right from scratch.. Many know him to be a very reach young man and a boss to formal partner D'banj in which he actually wasn't his boss they were partners.

Don jazzy has also got the love from many Nigerian ladies and Men a fact we actually don't understand why, but believe Don Jazzy's acceptance came from the reputations he has, he is quite loved for being generous and many would say he his really Matured.
Jazzy is known to be a type who helps, a very playful type with his fans and a single young successful  man.
Judging with what we've noticed in 2015 we conclude he is the most loved entertainer of the year.

NOTE: List Not Judge Based On Anyone's Opinion, This Is Rating Done By T.I.N Crew For The Entertainers We Know Are Most Loved In 2015.

[DO NOT COPY THIS CONTENT TO ANOTHER WEBPAGE WITHOUT PUTTING A LINK BACK TO THIS SITE.]
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NEW INTERESTING CATEGORIES TO BE INTRODUCED ON T.I.N MAGAZINE




HELLO DEAR VISITORS, IF YOU NOTICE YOU WOULD SEE WE'VE ALREADY ADDED A NEW ACTIVE CATEGORY: "HISTORY/CULTURE" ON T.I.N MAGAZINE A CATEGORY TO SHOWCASE OUR NIGERIAN PRIDE,CULTURE,LEGENDS, HEROES, AND INTERESTING STORIES OF THE PAST AS WE'VE NOTICED A  LOT OF OUR  READERS ALREADY LIKE IT.

AND SO ALSO THE BIGGEST CATEGORY EVER ON T.I.N MAGAZINE IS GONNA BE LAUNCHED LATER THIS MONTH. THIS CATEGORY WILL BE THE BEST AND THE MOST INTERESTING OF ALL THE SECTIONS ON THIS PLATFORM. 

ANTICIPATE!

AND TO YOU ALL SENDING THUMBS UP MESSAGES WE SAY THANKS. BUT YOU ALSO CAN APPRECIATE US BY DONATING OR ENDORSING THIS PLATFORM, LEARN MORE ABOUT THAT HERE
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NIGERIAN HERO: King JAJA OF OPOBO Full Biography,History Battle With The British And Legendary.(pictures)




FULL NAME:                              Mbanaso Okwaraozurumbaa

DATE OF BIRTH:                        1821

REPUTATION:                             KING, NATIONALIST,FIGHTER AND A LEGEND.            

                                       
                                    








                                     DECEASED
                                         (1891)







INTRODUCTION  

KING JAJA OF OPOBO: NATIONALIST, FIRST NIGERIAN RICHEST MAN AND THE MOST ACCOMPLISHED ENTREPRENEUR OF THE 19TH CENTURY WEST COAST OF AFRICA

 Jaja of Opobo (full name: Jubo Jubogha; 1821–1891) was the first known Nigerian richest man, nationalist, a merchant prince and the founder of Opobo city-state which now forms part of Nigeria`s River State. Jaja whose real name was Mbanaso Okwaraozurumbaa was also a savvy political and military strategist, brought to the Bonny Kingdom as a slave, who was perhaps the most troublesome thorn in the flesh of 19th-century British imperial ambition in southern Nigeria.


EARLY LIFE AND BACKGROUND

Jubo Jubogba, also known as Jo Jo Ubam by the Igbo and as Jaja of Opobo, first, by the
Europeans and later by most people, was born about 1821 at Úmuduruõha, Amaigbo village in the Orlu district, now Imo State of Eastern Nigeria (Isichei 1976:98). At birth he was given a native Igbo name Mbanaso Okwaraozurumba and was the third son of his parents, the Okwaraozurumba.
Painting of Jaja of Opobo, anheuser-busch.com
According to different oral sources, Jaja  was sold into slavery in the Niger Delta under circumstances which are far from clear. One version of the oral traditions says that he was sold because, as a baby, he cut the upper teeth first, an abominable phenomenon in traditional Igbo society. Another version claims that he was captured and sold by his father's enemy. Regardless, he was bought by Chief Iganipughuma Allison of Bonny, by far the most powerful city-state on the Atlantic coast of Southeastern Nigeria before the rise of Opobo.
        


To follow the Ja Ja story or, indeed, revolution, an explanatory note is necessary. Until the end of the 19th century, the Delta communities played a crucial role in European and American trade with Nigeria. Acting as middlemen, these communities carried into the interior markets the trade goods of European and American supercargoes stationed on the coast and brought back in exchange the export produce of the hinterland, basically palm oil. As the Delta is dominated by saline swamps and crisscrossed by a labyrinth of creeks and rivers, the canoe was indispensable for trade.
The Delta society was organized in Canoe Houses. A Canoe House was the pivot of social organization and also, notes K.O. Dike, "a cooperative trading unit and a local government institution." It was usually composed of a wealthy merchant (its founder), his family, and numerous slaves owned by him. A prosperous house could comprise several thousand members, both free and bonded, owning hundreds of trade canoes. In this intensely competitive society, leadership by merit - not by birth or ascriptions - was necessary if a house was to make headway in the turbulent, cut-throat competition that existed between houses. Any person with the charisma and proven ability, even if of servile birth, could rise to the leadership of a house, but could never become king. Ja Ja would achieve this, and much more.

Finding young Ja Ja too headstrong for his liking, Chief Allison made a gift of him to his friend, Madu, a chief of the Anna Pepple House, one of the two houses of the royal family (the other being the Manilla Pepple House). Ja Ja was slotted into the lowest rung of the Bonny slave society ladder, that of an imported slave, distinct from that of someone who was of slave parentage but born in the Delta.

As a youth, he worked as a paddler on his owner's great trade canoes, traveling to and from the inland markets. Quite early, he demonstrated exceptional abilities and business acumen, quickly identified with the Ijo custom of the Delta, and won the hearts of the local people as well as those of the European supercargoes. It was unusual for a slave of his status to make the transition from canoe paddling to trading, but Ja Ja - through his honesty, business sense, and amiability - soon became prosperous.

For a long while, Ja Ja turned his back on Bonny politics, concentrating his immense energies on accumulating wealth through trade, the single most important criterion to power in the Delta. At the time, Bonny politics were volatile as a result of the irreconcilable and acrimonious contest for supremacy between the Manilla Pepple House and the Anna Pepple House to which Ja Ja belonged. Coincidentally, both houses were led by remarkable characters of Igbo slave origins - Oko Jumbo of the Manilla House and Madu (after him Alali his son) of the Anna House.

In 1863, Alali died, bequeathing to his house a frightening debt of between £10,000 and £15,000 owed to European supercargoes. Fearing bankruptcy, all of the eligible chiefs of the house declined nomination to head it. It was therefore a great relief when Ja Ja accepted to fill the void. With characteristic energy, he proceeded to put his house in order by reorganizing its finances. Conscious that the palm-oil markets in the hinterland and the wealth of the European trading community on the coast constituted the pivot of the Delta economy, he ingratiated himself with both sides. In a matter of two years, he had liquidated the debt left behind by his predecessor and launched his house on the path of prosperity. When less prosperous and insolvent houses sought incorporation into the Anna House, Ja Ja gradually absorbed one house after another.


LIFE HISTORY AND LEGENDARY WORKS

By 1867, his remarkable success had become common knowledge throughout Bonny. The British consul to the area, Sir Richard Burton, had cause to remark that although Ja Ja was the "son of an unknown bush man," he had become "the most influential man and greatest trader in the [Imo] River." Predicted Burton: "In a short time he will either be shot or he will beat down all his rivals."
Burton's words proved prophetic. Ja Ja's successes incurred the jealousy of opponents who feared that, if left unchecked, his house might incorporate most of the houses in Bonny and thereby dominate its political and economic arena. Oko Jumbo, his bitterest opponent, was determined that such a prospect would never materialize.

Statue of King Jaja


                                 
Meanwhile, two developments occurred in Bonny, serving to harden existing jealousies. First, in 1864, Christianity was introduced into the city-state, further polarizing the society. While the Manilla House welcomed the Christians with a warm embrace, the Anna House was opposed to the exotic religion. Not surprisingly, the missionaries sided with the Manilla House against the Anna House. Second, in 1865, King William Pepple died and, with this, the contest for the throne between the two royal houses took on a monstrous posture.
Three years later, in 1868, Bonny was ravaged by fire, and the Anna House was the worst hit. In the discomfiture of his opponent, Oko Jumbo saw his opportunity. Knowing that the fire had all but critically crippled Ja Ja's house, he sought every means to provoke an open conflict. On the other side, Ja Ja did everything to avoid such a conflict, but, as Dike states, "Oko Jumbo's eagerness to catch his powerful enemy unprepared prevailed."

On September 13, 1869, heavy fighting erupted between the two royal houses. Outmatched in men and armament, though not in strategy, Ja Ja pulled out of Bonny, accepted defeat, and sued for peace with a suddenness that surprised both his adversaries and the European supercargoes. Peace palaver commenced and dragged on for weeks under the auspices of the British consul. This was exactly what Ja Ja planned for. It soon became doubtful if the victors were not indeed the vanquished.
Ja Ja had sued for peace in order to gain time to retreat from Bonny with his supporters with little or no loss in men and armament. A master strategist, he relocated in the Andoni country away from the seaboard at a strategic point at the mouth of the Imo river, the highway of trade between the coastal communities and the palm-oil rich Kwa Iboe and Igbo country. There, he survived the initial problems of a virgin settlement as well as incessant attacks of his Bonny enemies.
In 1870, feeling reasonably secure, Ja Ja proclaimed the independence of his settlement which he named Opobo, after Opubu the Great, the illustrious king of Bonny and founder of Anna House who had died in 1830. As Dike writes:
[I]t is characteristic of the man that he had not only a sense of the occasion but of history… . Kingship was impossible of attainment for anyone of slave origins in Bonny. Instead he sought another land where he could give full scope to his boundless energies.
Long before the war of 1869, Ja Ja had been carefully planning to found his own state. The war merely provided him with the occasion to implement his design.
In naming his new territory Opobo, Ja Ja was appealing to the nostalgia and historical consciousness of his followers while giving them the impression that he was truly the heir of the celebrated king. That this impression was widespread and accepted by most Bonny citizens may be judged from the fact that of the 18 houses in Bonny, 14 followed Ja Ja to Opobo.

To no avail, the British consul tried to coerce Ja Ja to come back to Bonny. Against the admonition of the consul, and in the face of Bonny's displeasure, many British firms began to trade openly with Opobo while others transferred their depots there. By May of 1870, the Ja Ja revolution had driven the death-knell on Bonny's economy. British firms anchoring there are said to have lost an estimated £100,000 of trade by mid-1870. The city-state fell from grace to grass as Opobo, flourishing on its ashes, became in Ofonagoro's words, "the most important trade center in the Oil Rivers," and Ja Ja became "the greatest African living in the east of modern Nigeria."

For 18 years, Ja Ja ruled his kingdom with firmness and remarkable sagacity. He strengthened his relations with the hinterland palm-oil producers through judicious marriages and blood covenants which bound the parties into ritual kingship. He armed his traders with modern weapons for their own defense and that of the state. He thus monopolized trade with the palm-oil producers and punished severely any community that tried to trade directly with the European supercargoes.
In 1873, the British recognized him as king of independent Opobo, and Ja Ja reciprocated by sending a contingent of his soldiers to help the British in their war against the Ashanti kingdom in the Gold Coast (now Ghana). Queen Victoria expressed her gratitude in 1875 by awarding him a sword of honor. It seemed a honeymoon had developed between Opobo and Britain.

Ja Ja's reign has been described as a striking instance of selective modernization. He retained most of the sociopolitical and cultural institutions of Bonny, such as the house system, and stuck steadfastly to the religion of his fathers, arguing that Christianity was a serious ferment of societal destabilization. While recognizing the value of Western education and literacy, he objected to its religious component. Thus, he sent his two sons to school in Scotland but insisted they acquire only secular education. He established a secular school in Opobo and employed an African-American, Emma White, to run it. An Englishman who visited Opobo in 1885 stated that the standard of the pupils in the school compared quite favorably with that of English children of the same age.
The honeymoon between Ja Ja and the British turned out to be meteoric: the ultimate ambitions of the two ran at cross-purposes. Ja Ja guarded his independence jealously, had a tight grip on the interior markets and confined British traders to Opobo, away from these markets. He made sure that the traders paid their comeys (customs and trade duties) as and when due.

But in the 1880s, the clouds of British imperialism were closing in menacingly on Opobo, the overthrow of indigenous sovereignties having been initiated by John Beecroft, the first British consul to Nigeria (1849-54). British imperialism had begun to assert itself forcefully; British officials on the spot were increasingly ignoring indigenous authorities, while British traders had begun to insist on trading directly with the hinterland palm-oil producers. Ja Ja tackled these formidable problems judiciously and with restraint.

In July 1884, fearing German intrusion in the Delta, the British consul, Edward Hewett, rushed to the area, foisting treaties of protection on the indigenous sovereignties. With a veiled threat from a man-of-war, Ja Ja too was stampeded into placing his kingdom under British protection. But unlike the other African monarchs, this was not before he had sought explanation for the word "protectorate," and had been assured by the consul that his independence would not be compromised. Hewett wrote to Ja Ja informing him, inter alia (among other things), that:
the queen does not want to take your country or your markets, but at the same time she is anxious that no other nation should take them. She undertakes … [to] leave your country still under your government; she has no wish to disturb your rule.
At Ja Ja's insistence, a clause providing for free trade in his kingdom was struck off before he agreed to sign the treaty.

The following year, European powers entered into the Treaty of Berlin which set the stage for the scramble and partition of Africa among themselves, without regard to the wishes of Africans. The treaty provided for free navigation on River Niger and other rivers, such as the Imo, linked to it. On the basis of this, the British consul asserted that British firms were within their rights to trade directly in the interior palm-oil markets. That same year, 1885, Britain proclaimed the Oil Rivers Protectorate, which included Ja Ja's territory. Sending a delegation to the British secretary of states for the colonies to protest these actions by right of the treaty of 1884, Ja Ja's protest fell on deaf ears. A man of his word, he was shocked at Britain reneging on her pledge.

Worse times were yet to come as political problems were compounded by economic dispute. The 1880s witnessed a severe trade depression that ruined some of the European firms trading in the Delta and threatened the survival of others. The surviving firms responded to the situation in two ways. First, they reached an agreement among themselves, though not with complete unanimity, to offer low prices for produce. Second, they claimed the right to go directly to the interior markets in order to sidestep the coastal middlemen and reduce the handling cost of produce.
As would be expected, Ja Ja objected to these maneuvers and proceeded to ship his own produce directly to Europe. The British consul directed the European firms not to pay comey to Ja Ja anymore, arguing that in shipping his produce directly to Europe, he had forfeited his right to receive the payment. Once again, Ja Ja sent a delegation to Britain to protest the consul and the traders' action. Once again, this was to no avail.

Under a threat of naval bombardment, Ja Ja signed an agreement with the British consul in July 1887 to allow free trade in his territory. By now, he knew that Britain's imperial ambition was growing rapidly, and he began transferring his resources further into the Igbo hinterland, his birthplace. But as Elizabeth Isichei points out, "he was confronted with a situation where courage and foresight were ultimately in vain."

Harry Johnston, acting vice-consul, a young hothead anxious to advance his colonial career, imagined that Ja Ja would be a perfect stepping-stone to attain his ambition. Arriving at Opobo on a man-of-war, Johnston invited Ja Ja for a discussion on how to resolve the points of friction between Opobo and the British traders and officials. Suspicious of Johnston's real intentions, Ja Ja initially turned down the invitation but was lured to accept with a promise of safe return after the meeting. Said Johnston:
I hereby assure you that whether you accept or reject my proposals tomorrow, no restrictions will be put on you - you will be free to go as soon as you have heard my message.

tourists dressed in traditional Ijaw dress at the Statue of King Jaja of Opobo

But again the British reneged on their pledge: Ja Ja would not return to his kingdom alive. Once on board the warship Goshawk, Johnston confronted him with a deportation order or the complete destruction of Opobo. Nearly 18 years to the day when he pulled out of Bonny, Ja Ja was deported to the Gold Coast, tried, and declared guilty of actions inimical to Britain's interest. Still afraid of his charm and influence on the Gold Coast, even in captivity, Johnston saw to it that he was deported to the West Indies, at St. Vincent Island.



With the exit of Ja Ja, the most formidable obstacle to Britain's imperial ambition in Southeastern Nigeria had been removed. But the circumstances of his removal left a sour taste in certain British mouths. Lord Salisbury, British prime minister, could not help criticizing Johnston, noting that in other places Ja Ja's deportation would be called "kidnapping." Michael Crowder describes the event as "one of the shabbiest incidents in the history of Britain's relations with West Africa." Among the indigenous population, it left a deep and lasting scar of suspicion of Britain's good faith and, for a long time, trade in the area all but ceased.

In exile, Ja Ja is said to have borne himself with kingly dignity. He made repeated appeals to Britain to allow him to return to Opobo. In 1891, his request was granted, belatedly as it turned out: Ja Ja died on the Island of Teneriffe en route to Opobo, the kingdom built with his sweat and devotion. His people gladly paid the cost of repatriating his body and spent a fortune celebrating his royal funeral.
Today, an imposing statue of Ja Ja stands in the center of Opobo with the inscription:
A king in title and in deed. Always just and generous.



NOTABLE TALKS

The story of Jaja recounts a man of servile status hurdling intimidating odds to attain wealth and power, and founding in the latter half of the 19th century the most prosperous city-state in the Delta area of Nigeria. He has rightly been described as, perhaps, the most enterprising and accomplished of all African merchant princes on the west coast of Africa in the 19th century (Fajana and Biggs 1976:137-138). He first traded in Bonny but later founded a new flourishing trading settlement in 1869 in Opobo, a site where he felt he could best control the traditional sources of supply of palm oil in the region (Cookey 1974).
As far as Nigerian nationalist historiography is concerned, Jaja`s greatness could be found in his principled resistance to foreign political control. Indeed, Fajana and Biggs (1976:137) describe Jaja as the first Nigerian nationalist of the nineteenth century. Thus, Jaja’s principled oppositions to British influence in the Niger Delta has largely been interpreted by some historians as the precursors to Nigeria’s nationalist struggles.

Portrait of king Jajah with rappa.  "Joja is resting his arm on a British-imported rattan chair, he wears a small-brimmed hat, and sports a suit jacket and shirt over a 'wrapper' a British-borrowed word describing the cloth that covers the lower half of his body. [...] ...the plaid cloths draped over his right shoulder and on the imported rattan chair are unquestionably Indian madras, a type of cloth the British were trading to the Ijo in large quantities after 1850." (Martha G. Anderson and Lisa Aronson in Schneider, Röschenthaler, Gardi: Fotofieber. Basel 2005. Original English version). Circa 1870-1888

However, Rotimi and Ogen (2008) argued that Jaja just like Nana Olomu of itsekiri`s stiff opposition to foreign penetration and the fierce resistance against British imperialism were essentially informed by their fervent desire to protect by all means their considerable commercial interests. Contrasting Jaja and Nana with their contemporaries such as Sultan Attahiru of Sokoto, Oba Ovonramwen of Benin and Awujale Aboki Tunwase of Ijebuland, to mention but a few, who fought relentlessly to defend the corporate existence and political sovereignties of their respective kingdoms (Crowder 1968:134-136; Oduwobi 2004:34-36; Ayandele 1992: 21), Rotimi and Ogen (2008) concluded that "the wars that Jaja and Nana fought were basically trade wars meant for the protection of their trading monopolies. Hence, their greatest significance lies in their roles as entrepreneurs cum super-merchants and not as proto-nationalists."
Whether Jaja was supporting his business interest by fighting against the British or was genuinely fighting for the total emancipation of Opoboland, the end result was that Jaja succeeded in creating serious troubles for the British imperialist by proving that an African is capable of standing up to any man in whatever field of endeavor, irrespective of their race.
Jubo Jubogba, also known as Jo Jo Ubam by the Igbo and as Jaja of Opobo, first, by the Europeans and later by most people, was born about 1821 in Amaigbo village in the Orlu district of Eastern Nigeria (Isichei 1976:98). Though he was originally an Igbo enslaved person, he became acculturated into Bonny society so successfully that even his enemies agreed that his state was one of the best administered entities on the west coast of Africa during the pre-colonial era (Crowder 1968:119). Apart from his outstanding business acumen, he had a keen understanding of Western values. He was fluent in English and even sent one of his sons to a Glasgow school. He also set up a secular school in his capital and lived in a European-style house, as did his chiefs. Jaja’s secular school was under the tutelage of a Kentucky born African American, Emma White who relocated to Opobo and even changed her name to Emma Jaja (Isichei 1976:98; Ayandele 1966:81). In fact, Crowder (1968:119) states that “Jaja, ruler of a small but rich state, was clearly in the process of modernizing it independently of European rule”. A British palm oil merchant, Alexander Cowan
went to Opobo for Alexander Miller Brother and Company in 1887 and made the following
comments:
"There can be no doubt Ja-Ja was the most powerful potentate the
Oil Rivers ever produced. He was just as shrewd and fore-seeing
as he was powerful…He could be stern, and he was strict, but he
was always just, and the form of government he set up was as near
perfect as anything of its kind could be. Every man had the right
of appeal, and, though in effect his own authority was never
questioned, he conformed to his own rules, and governed through
his council of chiefs (Pedler 1974:74)."

"Opobo: King Jaja's wives." Circa 1870 - 1888. (Niger Delta, Nigeria, Opobo) by John Parkes Decker. A group of women sitting and standing in front of a house. The caption states that these women are king Jajah's wives. Three of the women sitting in the front row wear Western (Victorian) style clothes.

Interestingly, Jaja was a man of prodigious ability with a gifted and telling acumen. Within a few years of the foundation of Opobo, he rapidly drew the palm oil trade away from Bonny in his role as middle-man between the European merchants and the produce sellers in the interior (Pedler 1974:75). He also cleverly aligned with only Alexander Miller Brother and Company at the expense of several other British firms trading in the Niger Delta. This move led to fierce commercial rivalries among the British firms.
In 1884 other British firms apart from Alexander Miller felt that Jaja was profiting unduly at their expense. They thereafter came together and unilaterally fixed the price of produce. Thus,Jaja retaliated by breaking into the export trade, hitherto an exclusive preserve of the European firms. He succeeded in shipping his palm  oil to Birmingham, thereby becoming the first Nigerian direct exporter of palm oil (Gertzel 1962:361-6; Pedler 1974:76). Furthermore, Jaja effectively pioneered Nigeria’s indigenous produce export trade.
He utilized his immense wealth from the palm oil trade to acquire enormous political cum military power to the extent that in 1875 he sent some of his soldiers to help the British during the prosecution of the Ashanti War in the then Gold Coast. For this wonderful support, Queen Victoria showed her appreciation by presenting him with a sword of honor (Fajana and Biggs 1976:138).
Painting of King Jaja of Opobo (1821-91) c.1885 

The trade depression in England from the 1880s galvanized the British traders into assuming that their profits would increase phenomenally if they could checkmate Jaja’s middle-man’s role in the eastern Niger Delta (Isichei 1976:99). In order to achieve this objective, they systematically sought the assistance of the British Consul. Thus, in 1884, Consul Hewett asked Jaja to sign a treaty placing his territory under British protection. Jaja agreed, but only on the condition that the clauses which stipulated free trade and free access to all parts of the territory for Europeans traders should be expunged (Cookey 1974). Consul Hewett reluctantly agreed and deleted the offensive clauses, but a year later the British declared a Protectorate over the territory of the Gulf of Guinea. Apart from frowning at this Declaration, Jaja completely rejected the provisions for free trade (Pedler 1974:76-77 and Fajana and Biggs 1976:138).
Thereafter, the British accused Jaja of terrorism, of organizing armed attacks and of obstructing trade and the waterways. In 1887, the new Vice-Consul, Harry Johnston recommended his deportation which was immediately approved by the British Foreign Office. Johnston later invited him to a naval vessel for discussions and promised that Jaja would be free to leave whenever he wished, but he dishonorably broke his pledge. Jaja was taken to Accra where he was tried. The sentence was deportation for five years in the West Indies. Jaja appealed against the deportation order through the assistance of a British Officer, Major Macdonald who felt that Jaja had been unjustly treated. He won the appeal, and his sentence was revoked but his anticipated triumphal home-coming could not be actualized; he died on the way (Fajana and Biggs 1976:138-9; Pedler 1974:76-7). Lord Salisbury, the British Prime Minister deeply regretted the treatment meted to Jaja, and insisted that in civilized lands, those that deported him would have been tried for kidnapping (Crowder 1968:121).
Jaja’s novel and entrepreneurial prowess is significant in many respects. Though political historians are ready to situate his resistance to British imperialism within the purview of the history of Nigeria’s nationalist struggles, and to underscore the fact that he was the first Nigerian nationalist of the nineteenth century (Fajana and Biggs 1976:137); this present study is, however, more interested in Jaja’s display of a remarkably high quality of economic wizardry and entrepreneurship. As noted earlier, he was daring and adventurous in his decision to ship palm oil direct to England. He also refused to allow British traders any access to his hinterland markets and insisted on levying duties on British merchants trading in his kingdom. At a point, there was complete stoppage of trade with British traders in his kingdom until one British firm,
Alexander Miller, agreed to trade on his terms (Crowder 1968:120; Pedler 1974:76-7).
His trading policies alarmed other British firms trading in the Niger Delta with the exception of Alexander Miller Brother and Company, which prospered and had stations throughout southern Nigeria partly because it co-operated with Jaja. It is, however, instructive to note that the other eight firms that were virulently opposed to his policies ‘ganged’ up to form the African Association which was incorporated in 1889. Hence, it was this African Association and a few other firms that eventually formed the United African Company (UAC) in 1929 (Pedler 1974:1, 78 and 139). Thus, the history of the origins of the UAC would not be complete without adequate reference to the intense commercial rivalries between Jaja and the firm of Alexander Miller who were contemptuously referred to as the agents of Jaja by the other firms, on the one
hand, and the other eight British firms in opposition to Jaja, on the other (Ogen 2006:20).

Jaja in council
Reference: Rotimi K and Ogen O (2008). "Jaja and Nana in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria: Proto-Nationalists or Emergent Capitalists," The Journal of Pan African Studies, 2008 vol.2, no.7.

https://40.media.tumblr.com/6c1e0f9a2a4221188f39d5ee6f43e756/tumblr_miei1rS6bo1s3cno8o1_500.jpg
PHOTO OF SIX WOMEN FROM OPOBO BACK THEN

SEE ALSO GENERAL COMMENTS OF PEOPLE ON KING JAJA ONLINE:


Ladies and gentlemen, there are things I remember about the British colonial aggression in Nigeria which make me feel bad, among the topmosts are the treatments metted out to two powerful kings and their kingdoms- King Jaja of Opobo/Opobo kingdom and the Oba of Benin/Benin Kingdom (someone help me with his name). Whenever I remember these things, I feel like tearing down the British monarchy and sending it to oblivion

#12

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When the British came to Benin kingdom they were shocked to find a very well planned capital city.Already well described both in writing and in sketches by earlier portuguese and Spanish historians and visitors, and acclaimed by all as a world class city.Thus the use of the term BENIN CITY by the Europeans to describe Benin Kingdoms geo-political headquaters as far back as the 15th century.
It was in Benin that the British saw for the very first time major boulevards.The best road in all of Europe at the time was the roman Appian way.The British only had their narrow alley ways that still exist till this day.
Benin Kingdom designed and built its boulevards because of the various dance processions during major feasts and festivals that involved people from all over the lenght and breath of the kingdom,such dance processions usually ended by the people circling round very close to the King's palace which led to the design and construction of the first Ring Road ever built on planet earth-the Ring Road in Benin.The straightness and hardness of the roads in Benin shocked and awed the British. They understudied their discovery and returned to Europe with the new knowledge.
The British also copied bronze casting from Benin Kingdom. They were so carried away with the sophistication and beauty of the artefacts that earlier British Pirates and Buccaneers wrote to the British king and begged to be assisted with state fighting forces to raid the kingdom and loot the artefacts .This was the reason behind the Benin Massacre.The official reason given for Benin Massacre by the British was to help eradicate human sacrifice.This reason was officially accepted for a long time until,Africans started going to Britain to study and found documents where the King approved a fighting force to go and raid Benin for it's wealth.Benin artworks and allied artefacts still abound in British Museums and other European private and public museums till this day.When Nigeria hosted FESTAC the British refused to return the bust of Queen Idia which was the official logo for FESTAC.
European travellers and scholars that visited Benin from Portugal and Spain while Britain was still an irrelevant third world agrarian collection of minor Anglo-Saxon rural settlements described both in writing and in art sketches the great and vast collection of ceremonial and war horses and other tamed assorted collection of wild cats like the bronze cast leopards from Benin that adorns several European Museums;which the King of Benin and other Benin nobility and successful citizens had in abundance.The British government up till this day has remained coldly silent as to what happened to the great wealth of Benin after their state planned and executed raid.
Before the British visited Benin they had no parliament,they only had an absolute monarch.It was in Benin that the British realised the idea of parliament, patterned after the Benin town hall elders meeting system.
Do we remember the University of Timbuktu in Mali. There were also great learning centers,horse stables ,zoos,traditional medical research laboratories and pharmacies (Idumagbo)Arms and armunitions research centers and factories (Idigun or Idumu - Igun)-[quaters where iron and other metals used in warfare and farming were researched,manufactured and knowledge taught and transferred to younger generations,all over Benin Kingdom.After the state planned and state executed Benin Massacre,when all that was important and relevant in Benin were looted and the buildings burnt down, no one remember that these great places and many others ever existed anymore.
The truth of the matter is that modern European advances in science, technology and the arts are based on these stolen treasures.


SOURCES: kwekudee-tripdownmemorylane.blogspot.com,wikipedia.org takemetonaija.com
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