Season Greetings to My Readers

Happy New Year to all my readers and followers, you've made 2009 a very special year for me.

Before you start making your new year resolutions, Check this out 

The top 10 New Years Resolutions and Most Broken New Year’s Resolutios from Merinews

Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions

1 Get into shape / go to the gym more

2 Save money

3 Go on a diet

4 Give up smoking

5 Assess work/life balance

5 Learn a new skill

7 Be kinder to myself

8 Give up/ cut alcohol intake

9 Give up / eat less chocolate

10 Clear wardrobe on eBay

Most Broken New Year’s Resolutions

1 Give up smoking

2 Get into shape / go to the gym more

3 Clear wardrobe on eBay

4 Be kinder to myself

5 To go on a diet / Give up or eat less chocolate

6 Learn a new skill

7 To give something back to the community

8 Give up or cut alcohol intake / Join or maintain my

Twitter/Facebook/Blog

9 Assess work/life balance

10 Save money

Now you can celebrate the incoming New Year 2010 and make your list of New Year Resolutions now. Have a prosperous New Year! Happy New Year 2010!

Women's Fashion Trend - Leopard Print Coats

Classy not Brassy!
Leopard print is always in fashion whether it’s a item of clothing or an accessory and personally I wear the odd bit of leopard print all year round, but at the moment the must have leopard print trend is in the form of a vintage coat.

The new collections in our favourite stores on the high street heavily feature the leopard print coat and it seems to be pretty popular with our favourite celebrities such as Alexa Chung, Kate Moss, Mary-Kate Olsen. See pictures above for just how big this has taken off with the fashionista’s.

Leopard Print is a love it or hate it trend an understandably you might hear the words ‘leopard print’ and automatically think ‘Bet Lynch’ but this is so not the case! After reading this I’ll having you thinking more along the lines of classy not brassy!

Leopard prints are no longer considered trashy, as proved by our celebrity fashionistas, and the print coats are a perfect and chic way to keep warm through winter. However, like most trends there’s a trick to pulling off the leopard print coat trend so listen up…

Shorter girls should go for cropped coats or thigh length versions while taller girls can go all out in a maxi length coat if they wish!

As leopard print is such a bold trend I would stay clear of wearing it at the same time as any of the other major detailing trends i.e. lace, sequins etc. Now this would be brassy!

Remember to keep it simple and wear with jeans or leggings in the day, but go wild on a night out and wear it with your favourite LBD. Try accessorising yours with a red or black belt to add instant glamour, show off your waist and give it a better shape.

Killer Party Heels

So a sexy heel is the only shoe you’ll be needing over the party season… and when I say heel I mean a proper heel… The higher the better for this upcoming party season so not a kitten in sight please!
You may have seen the new Alexander McQueen crazy 10 inch heels on the catwalks recently, but I’m not actually expecting you to purchase and strut your stuff in these. I do love killer heels but these actually might kill you!
Take the lead from the heel queen herself, Victoria Beckham, and invest in a pair of killer heels that will take you through to the New Year, although by New Years Day you’ll probably want to wear slippers rather than sky scraper heels!
You can literally wear your heels with any outfit you want from dresses and leggings to playsuits and sequin knickers, just remember one thing… the sky is the limit! You can even inject some colour and brighten up a plain block dress with some vibrant heels like Beyonce and Mary Kate below.

Now I know Victoria Beckham lives in heels and even wears her Christian Louboutin’s to a Lakers game, which personally is a bit much for me, but you don’t have to just wear your heels on a night out… dress down heels with a pair of skinny jeans like Victoria, Audrina Patridge, Blake Lively and Nicole Richie… you’ll look laid back but chic.
So seen as its Christmas you have no excuse not to treat yourself and I personally recommend to go to some stores at StarPlaza sich as VOILE and RIO. The Voile Holiday boutique collection is a lush combination of studs, straps, and ridiculously high platforms and are definitely lush and the Bisou (for example) collection consists of colour, platforms and sequins for perfect party feet!

I'll show you here in this posts, some fabulous shoes which you can't miss them on this season of the year!
Happy Christmas and enjoy!

Don Jazzy Produces Darey's New Album

Darey Art Alade has returned with yet another single titled Stroke Me, a track he plans to include in his next recording. 

Produced by the CEO of Mo Hits Records, Don Jazzy, with support from the Soul Muzik duo of Del B and Password, the song was recently premiered in Lagos, where the singer thanked his fans and the media for their role in his career, starting from his days in the Project Fame Africa house. The event also featured the unveiling of the winner of his TV project, The Most Undareyted Show.

Now moving into a new phase, Darey and his team are hoping to keep fans busy this Xmas, with the new track, which is already generating discourse among music lovers. The full album is billed to be released next year, after an international release scheduled for February 2010. 

Meanwhile, the VCD compilation for Darey’s award-winning videos is set for release. To be marketed by Okeysonic, the compilation will include the award-winning videos, Not The Girl, More, Carry Dey Go and others. 

With big-budget videos, breath-taking performances and chart-topping singles, Darey has finally won the hearts of music lovers, playing at gigs and winning both local and international awards.

Powede Lawerence 18-year old emerges Miss University

Powede Lawerence 18-year old emerges Miss University

POWEDE Lawerence, a 200-Level student of Nursing and Miss Niger Delta University (NDU), has beaten 49 other university queens to emerge the 2009 Miss University/United Nations Nigeria (MUN) in a colourful parade of beauty and brains.

Organised by Visions Innovations and Concepts Ltd in partnership with the Bayelsa State government; the third in the series held at the Glory Land Cultural Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.

Chisom Egwuatu, Miss Anambra State University (ANSU), emerged first runner up, while Adama Onyanta, a 300-Level Biochemistry student and Miss University of Jos (Miss UNIJOS), picked the second runner up position.

Highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of Mrs. Sylva as the Grand Patron of Miss University/United Nation Nigeria Foundation. The African Coordinator of the United Nations pageant, Ms. Syndee Keitte, conferred the award on her.

The Bayelsa first lady urged all the contestants to help spread the message of her cancer awareness project aimed at saving the lives of women.

Shortly after being crowned by the outgoing queen, Miss Aminat Jenny Ayuba of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, the new MUN 2009 burst into tears of joy.

Among the panel of judges that decided the winner were the publisher, Ovation International, Chief Dele Momodu; Executive Vice-President of Conoil Nigeria, Oma Eyewuoma, an engineer; Executive Vice-President MUN Organisation, Miss Tolulope Ademulegun; Miss USA 2007, Mrs. Stephanie Hunt; Mrs. Ginika Tor; Mrs. Mary Manzo; Executive Assistant to the Governor of Bayelsa State, Ms. Julie Donli; Barr. Megan Bozimo; and Mr. John Agha.

The queen will represent Nigeria next year at the Miss United Nations International pageant in the United States and the Miss University Africa pageant in South Africa.

The Future Awards 2009 Season 5 Nominees

The Nominees

Actor of the Year

Omoni Oboli

Gideon Okeke

Mercy Johnson

Kemi Lala Akindoju

Tonto Dikeh

Ali Nuhu

Mercy Aigbe

Nonso Diobi

Best Use of Advocacy

Tunde David (YGC Africa)

Stephen Oguntoyinbo (Talk Village International)

Onodi Daniel Chinedu (Nigerian Youth Association, Benin Republic)

Ndubude Matthew Ekene (Nigeria Youth Fight Against Malaria)

Emmanuel Odiase (Smokefree Foundation)

Chuks Etuka (Will to Survive)

Isoke Aikpitanyi (Casa de Isoke)

Light Up Nigeria

Best Use of Science

• Oteri Ogoghorie (0.1 Seconds Automatic Changeover)

• Akintunde Babatunde (Novel tidal-flow constructed wetland system for wastewater treatment)

• Ify Aniebo (Research in malaria)

• Bade Adesemowo (Power Back Alarm)

• Tosin Ogunrinde (Invention in robotics)

• Okelola Mayokun (Research in climate change)

• Godspower Oboide (Magnetic safety bumpers)

• Kamal Olaleye (Power inverter innovation)

Best Use of Technology

• Bode Pedro (Veda Technologies)

• Ike Orizu (mytruspot.com)

• Olufemi Akande (iWorks)

• Temi Kolawole (Antigravity)

• Uche Eze (bellanaija.com)

• Saheed Adejuwon (DigiWorks)

• GobbleAbba Studios

• Jay Aloysius-Chukwuemeka (Bluelabs LLC)

Businesss Owner of the Year

• Oghenekaro Agono (Tremor Perfect)

• Erefe Fynecountry (Deheney Services)

• Debola Lewis (Yvent Couture)

• Ayo Arigbagbu (Dada Books)

• Hassan Rilwan (Focal Point Publishing)

• Henry Oraika (Motomedia)

• Uyi Omokaro (DM2)

• Sylvester Olusola Adade (Pearl Creations)

Creative Artist of the Year

• Olanrewaju Oluwafemi

• Onyeka Nwelue

• Andrew Esiebo

• Jumoke Verissimo

• Babadeji Ogunnubi

• Adekunle Samuel Owolabi

• Yakaa Celestine

• Richardson Oviebo

Excellence in Public Service

• Dr. Iofarfa Tor-ayin (Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi)

• Emmanuel Etim (UNFPA)

• Jerry Uchechukwu Eze (UNFPA)

• Dr. Idoko Abraham Braimah (General Hospital, Lagos)

• Fatima Zara Modibbo (Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria)

• Dr. Adedayo Osholowu (Lagos University Teaching University)

• Ngozi Iheukwumere (University Teaching Hospital, Ilorin)

• Oluwatoyin Jegede (Engineering Department, University of Lagos)

Journalist of the Year

•Toyosi Ogunseye (The Punch)

• Ruona Agbroko (NEXT)

• Rachel Ogbu (Newswatch)

• Chinedu Iroche (NEXT)

• Segun Adeoye (TELL)

• Amina Alhassan (Daily Trust)

• Afolabi Adekoya (Citypeople)

• Funke Adetutu (BusinessDay)

Magazine of the Year

• Ace

• Soundcity Blast

• The Applause

• Revealed

• Genexx

• Acada

• Dynamix

• Tripz

Model of the Year

• Aminat Ayinde

• Ibukun Jegede

• Olubunmi Ademokoya

•Tayo Ishola

• Warebi Martha

• Isi Atagamen

• Bisi Sowemimo

•Owobowale Ogunlaja

Musician of the Year

• Dare Art-Alade

• Wande Coal

• Banky W

• MI

• Omawunmi

• Rooftop MCs

• Kel

• Psquare

Music Producer of the Year

• Jesse Jagz

• DJ Clem

• JMartins

• K Solo

• Tee Y Mix

• Dokta Frabz

• Terry G

•Dekunzy

On-Air Personality of the Year (Radio)

• Tosyn Bucknor (Top Radio)

• Matse Uwatse (Wazobia FM)

• Toolz (Beat FM)

• Amake and Charles (Hot FM)

• Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi (Beat FM)

• Gbemileke Oyinsan (Inspiration FM)

• Bernie Ark (Cool FM Abuja)

• Chuks Roberts (Cosmo FM Enugu)

On-Air Personality of the Year (TV)

• Yvonne Ekwere (Silverbird TV)

• Cynthia Okpala (MTV Base)

• Adaure Achumba (Silverbird TV)

• Denrele Edun (Soundcity)

• Gloria Ebong (Channels TV)

• Veronica Onuchi (HiSoccer)

• Deji Falope (Street Dance)

• Andre Blaze (Nigezie)

Professional of the Year

• Franklin Ozekhome (Insight Communications)

• Abdularahman Aliyu (Abuja Investments Company Limited)

• Simi Dosekun (Kachifo Limited)

• Ifeanyi Ajuluchukwu (Access Bank)

• Dipo Okuribido (Banwo & Ighodalo)

•Fopefoluwa Adebayo (Goldman Sachs)

• Aneto Okonkwo (Management Consultant)

•Ifunnaya Maduka (Dean of Students, Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls)

Screen Producer of the Year

Dragon Fly Productions

Clarence Peters (Capital Productions)

Tola Odunsi (Storm Productions)

Imoh Umoren (Ultima Studios)

Chuka Ejorh (NeverMachine South Africa)

Yinka Obebe (Nigezie)

Gbenga Salu (Renders & Illusion)

Kenneth Gyang (“Finding Aisha”)

Sportsperson of the Year

• Osaze Odemwingie (Football)

• Vivian Chukwuemeka (Shotput)

• Mikel Obi (Football)

• Ikechukwu Uche (Football)

• Fatima Abinu (Lawn Tennis)

• Obafemi Martins (Football)

• Janet Dung (Athletics)

• Aruna Quadri (Table Tennis)

Style Entrepreneur of the Year

• Muyiwa Osindero (Clothesense)

• Uche Nnaji (Ouch!)

• Tobi Vincent (Alvince)

• Linda Ikeji (Blackdove Comms)

• Ugonna Umeruo (House of Nwaocha)

• Adetola Olateju (Xquizit)

• Biobelemoye Omoniyegha (Labelle’s Touch)

• Funke Ogunde (Phunk Afrique)

Team of the Year

•Africa Youth for Change

• Knighthouse Productions

• Light Up Nigeria

• Yellow Dog Productions

• Salsa Federation in Nigeria

• The Umusu Wives

• Gbagyichild Entertainment

• Glitz Youths

Young Person of the Year

• Ik Osakioduwa (On Air Personality)

• Toyosi Akerele (Youth Advocate)

• Tolu Ogunlesi (Journalist)

• Asa (Bukola Elemide) (Singer/Performer)

• Ify Aniebo (Scientist)

• Qudus Onikeku (Dance professional)

• Stephanie Okereke (Actor/Movie Producer)

• Cobhams Asuquo (Music Producer)

All nominees are Nigerian citizens aged 18-31. For the next two weeks, any complaint about any of the nominees can be sent to nominations@thefuturenigeria.com. After that, no other complaints will be entertained. The two-month judging process begins immediately. Voting, which is 50% of the first stage of the judging process, begins immediately. Voting ends December 31 2009. More information on the nominees and the judging process (including the Central Working Committee report) is on

Grammy Awards Nomination 2010

Beyonce and Taylor Swift lead Grammy nominations with ten and eight nominations respectively.

Song of the Year
Poker Face – Lady Gaga
Pretty Wings – Maxwell
Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) – Beyoncé
Use Somebody – Kings of Leon
You Belong With Me – Taylor Swift

Black Eyed Peas – “I Gotta Feeling”
Bon Jovi – “We Weren’t Born to Follow”
The Fray – “Never Say Never”
Daryl Hall and John Oates – “Sara Smile”
MGMT – “Kids”

Best Rock Album
AC/DC – Black Ice
Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood – Live from Madison Square Garden
Green Day – 21st Century Breakdown
Dave Matthews Band – Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King
U2 – No Line on the Horizon

Best Rap Solo Performance
Drake – “Best I Ever Had”
Eminem – “Beautiful”
Jay-Z – “D.O.A (Death of Auto-Tune)”
Kid Cudi – “Day ‘N’ Nite”
Mos Def – “Casa Bey”

Country Duo or Group With Vocals
Brooks and Dunn – “Cowgirls Don’t Cry”
Zac Brown Band – “Chicken Fried”
Lady Antebellum – “I Run to You”
Rascal Flatts – “Here Comes Goodbye”
Sugarland – “It Happens”

Record of the Year
Beyoncé – “Halo”
Black Eyed Peas – “I Gotta Feeling”
Kings of Leon – “Use Somebody”
Lady Gaga – “Poker Face”
Taylor Swift – “You Belong With Me”

Album of the Year
Beyoncé – I Am…Sasha Fierce
Black Eyed Peas – The E.N.D.
Lady Gaga – The Fame
Dave Matthews Band – Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King
Taylor Swift – Fearless

Best New Artist
Zac Brown Band
Keri Hilson
MGMT
Silversun Pickups
The Ting Tings

Best Female Pop Vocal Performance
Adele - Hometown Glory

Pop Duo or Group With Vocals

Beyonce - Halo

Katy Perry - Hot N Cold

Pink - Sober

Taylor Swift - You Belong With Me”)

Best Male Pop Vocal Performance:

John Legend - This Time

Maxwell - Love You

Jason Mraz - Make It Mine

Seal - If You…

Stevie Wonder - All About The Love Again

www.Grammy.com!