Why I fought 9ice —Ruggedman

How did you come up with the name, ‘Ruggedman?’ Was it a nickname?
Funny enough, it is not a nickname. I actually gave myself that name when I was in secondary school due to my love for comic books (Spiderman, Batman etc.). I just wanted a name that was different. At first, my name was Soul MC but I then realised that there were so many MCs (Young MC, Fab MC etc.). Paul Play and I then decided to go with Ruggedman.

Controversy between you and 9ice?
I have always been a very outspoken person. I believe we are all adults. You cannot flog me and I cannot flog you. The most we can do is talk to each other and I would tell you the truth rather than deceive you. I am a musician and my music is always for a reason. Music is a form of expression. When I did Ehen, I did not do it out of spite or to cause trouble, it is just how I express myself and tell the truth. The one I did for 9ice was even more personal because his song caused a rumour that was attacking my character and image and I would not take that lying down. I decided not to go exchanging words with him. I am too old for that. I admit I talked about all the things I did for him in the song, but I did not say all those things because I was trying to act like God or showing off. I only said those things in case he has forgotten or he is pretending to have forgotten. I want people to know things that happened between us. It is music. It is not just between me and him. He already wrote a song about me and I also decided to do the same. I wanted people to know that these are the personal things, good things that have happened between me and him so for him to throw all that away just because he wants to sell CDs, too bad.

Do you think the both of you would ever resolve your differences?
Well, resolved or not, I have moved on. This is 2011. All I wanted to do was clear my name. I would never be so evil to go after my friend’s wife considering the fact that I was the one that introduced them. The sad part was that 9ice never said anything about me and his wife in the song. He was referring to an ex-girlfriend. The song was about his past experience, even before he met his wife but a lot of people misinterpreted the whole thing. The only thing he did wrong was not coming out straight to admit that the song was about a past experience. If he had done that, the whole issue would not have gone this far. I do not know why he kept quiet, but right now, I don’t care. I have moved on. Anyone that wants to keep saying anything about Ruggedman and Toni Payne, that is their business.

Tell us about your clothing line.
It is called 20th September Wear. It is named after my birthday. I was born on September 20th. I have been on it for a while but I have slowed down right now because I am checking out some things. I am doing some research on the clothing but soon I would be back in full force. My clothes are mainly casual wears, street wears etc. The clothes reflect me. It reflects the street. Bottom line, I would just say they are street wears for male and female. I had a fashion show a few years back. I showcased a lot of clothing- jerseys, shirts, jackets, jeans etc. Right now, I want to concentrate on just the male and female T-shirts. I want to make it proper and amazing. I intend to start with that before moving on to other things.

Any other projects?
I have artistes coming out under Ruggedman Records. My new album came out a month ago titled Untouchable and I have songs in that album featuring artistes like Flavour, MI, 2Face, Psquare, and the late Da grin. The album is under Ruggedman Records. It is marketed by Obaino. From what I hear, it is the highest selling album right now.

Why I fought 9ice —Ruggedman

How did you come up with the name, ‘Ruggedman?’ Was it a nickname?
Funny enough, it is not a nickname. I actually gave myself that name when I was in secondary school due to my love for comic books (Spiderman, Batman etc.). I just wanted a name that was different. At first, my name was Soul MC but I then realised that there were so many MCs (Young MC, Fab MC etc.). Paul Play and I then decided to go with Ruggedman.

Controversy between you and 9ice?
I have always been a very outspoken person. I believe we are all adults. You cannot flog me and I cannot flog you. The most we can do is talk to each other and I would tell you the truth rather than deceive you. I am a musician and my music is always for a reason. Music is a form of expression. When I did Ehen, I did not do it out of spite or to cause trouble, it is just how I express myself and tell the truth. The one I did for 9ice was even more personal because his song caused a rumour that was attacking my character and image and I would not take that lying down. I decided not to go exchanging words with him. I am too old for that. I admit I talked about all the things I did for him in the song, but I did not say all those things because I was trying to act like God or showing off. I only said those things in case he has forgotten or he is pretending to have forgotten. I want people to know things that happened between us. It is music. It is not just between me and him. He already wrote a song about me and I also decided to do the same. I wanted people to know that these are the personal things, good things that have happened between me and him so for him to throw all that away just because he wants to sell CDs, too bad.

Do you think the both of you would ever resolve your differences?
Well, resolved or not, I have moved on. This is 2011. All I wanted to do was clear my name. I would never be so evil to go after my friend’s wife considering the fact that I was the one that introduced them. The sad part was that 9ice never said anything about me and his wife in the song. He was referring to an ex-girlfriend. The song was about his past experience, even before he met his wife but a lot of people misinterpreted the whole thing. The only thing he did wrong was not coming out straight to admit that the song was about a past experience. If he had done that, the whole issue would not have gone this far. I do not know why he kept quiet, but right now, I don’t care. I have moved on. Anyone that wants to keep saying anything about Ruggedman and Toni Payne, that is their business.

Tell us about your clothing line.
It is called 20th September Wear. It is named after my birthday. I was born on September 20th. I have been on it for a while but I have slowed down right now because I am checking out some things. I am doing some research on the clothing but soon I would be back in full force. My clothes are mainly casual wears, street wears etc. The clothes reflect me. It reflects the street. Bottom line, I would just say they are street wears for male and female. I had a fashion show a few years back. I showcased a lot of clothing- jerseys, shirts, jackets, jeans etc. Right now, I want to concentrate on just the male and female T-shirts. I want to make it proper and amazing. I intend to start with that before moving on to other things.

Any other projects?
I have artistes coming out under Ruggedman Records. My new album came out a month ago titled Untouchable and I have songs in that album featuring artistes like Flavour, MI, 2Face, Psquare, and the late Da grin. The album is under Ruggedman Records. It is marketed by Obaino. From what I hear, it is the highest selling album right now.

p-square mansion photos

Egyptian names his first-born daughter ‘Facebook

A young Egyptian man has decided to call his first-born daughter Facebook in a tribute to the social media site’s role in his country’s political revolution.

Proud father Jamal Ibrahim, who was swept up in enthusiasm over the revolt against President Hosni Mubarak, gave his daughter the unorthodox name to express his thanks for developments in Egypt since anti-government protests started on 25 January, according to Egyptian newspaper Al-Ahram.

The girl’s full name is Facebook Jamal Ibrahim, and family and friends have reportedly gathered around the newborn to express their continuing support for the revolution that started on Facebook.

Egypt is home to five million Facebook users - the highest number in the Middle East - and the website was instrumental in galvanising civilians for peaceful protests that eventually toppled Mubarak.

Following the President’s resignation on 11 February, graffiti artists scribed 'Thank you Facebook' on walls across Cairo.

During the uprising, thousands of Egypt-themed groups and pages appeared on Facebook, and the military government even started using the site to try and reach out to Egyptian youth.

A whopping 32,000 groups and 14,000 pages were created in this time.

Facebook has received many gifts from young people who were overjoyed by both her arrival and her inventive name, reports Al-Ahram.

Aproko Exclusive: Toni Payne Dump 9ice For This Slim Guy

Toni Payne must have a thing for slim guys, Its been a year since separation from 9ice who they had a child together, Zion.




For weeks now, Toni has been getting tongues wagging, with many asking questions about who the man the artiste manager has been displaying on her BlackBerry is. A picture of herself and a slim tall gentleman hugging passionately, looking into each other’s faces like lovers has been her ‘display picture’ on her BlackBerry phone for days; finding its way into many hands, especially curious friends eager to know if the young woman is happily in love again…. This is surely an upgrade for TP, Body no be firewood my sister Interesting to see this unfold, Write! Hayam reading it reading ***** in 9ice's voice***

Exclusive Photos Of Omotola Jalade At The Grammy Awards 2011

History was made yesterday as Nollywood diva"Omotola jalade Ekehinde becomes the first Nollywood actress to walk the Grammy awards red carpet courtesy of her New international management "Bishop Entertainment consult & Bungalo/Universal records.

Tuface Idibia opening a night club in Festac?

That's according to gist flying around town. The club supposedly will be called Hypertek Lounge and will be located at 1st Avenue, Festac town. Sources say the singer has already bought the property where the club will be located. The club will have a bar, a restaurant, a dance arena, and a VIP lounge and should be ready before the end of the year.

Genevieve Nnaji pregnant for dbanj?

This is the cover of news of the people magazine published in Lagos Nigeria this week. One of the major stories talked about the story of pregnancy rumour trailing star actress, Genevieve Nnaji.

In recent times, there have been speculations that she was dating D'banj. Personally, I heard this pregnancy tale about two months ago from a close source in the Mohits camp...but did not give it much thought, but for it to surface again, and this time on tabloids, hmnnn....only time will tell, after 9months ....

CONFUSION OVER DUNCAN MIGHTY'SMOVE TO MO'HITS

Stemming from the widespread speculation that Port Harcourt based Nigerian singer Duncan Mighty has been signed to Mo’Hits Records; the label boss Don Jazzy has debunked the claim on the social networking site Twitter.

Despite Don Jazzy’s denial, the talented singer who’s riding on the success of his second studio album ‘LEGACY’ insists that the star studded label has employed him as a sound instructor, sound engineer and producer.

‘Yes I was just signed to Mo’Hits Records as a Sound instructor, Sound engineer and Producer. Not as a recording artiste but not that I can’t do songs with Mo’hits. My major job is studio work’, he tells NET.

However, the Mo’Hits crew manager, Sunday Are who spoke to us on the phone also played down talks of any concluded deal with the South-South star artiste.

‘He has not been signed to Mo’Hits. He’s about to be signed, but if he says he’s been signed already, whatever ’, Are says.

When the king of South-South as Duncan is fondly addressed was confronted with the fact of Don Jazzy’s denial, he refrained from giving further details, stating he would like to confirm.

‘I’m here with them. Let me confirm that’, he said hurriedly.

Our effort to reach Duncan Mighty afterwards was futile as his phone rang to no answer for several minutes.

Source: (www.thenetng.com)

MO'CHEDDAH LANDS MULTI-MILLION NAIRA ENDORSEMENT DEAL

Inside sources have informed NET that petite singer/rapper Mo’Cheedah may be on the verge of sealing an endorsement deal with a respectable Hair care product in Nigeria – the deal running into the sum of five million Naira (N5M).

Modupe Oreoluwa better known as Mo’Cheddah who is just 20 years old, in the past year moved up the radar in the speed of light, commanding much respect with her art; grabbing several nominations, awards and amassing massive airplay on radio and TV stations.

‘She’s about the biggest and most trendy mainstream female act now that can appeal to the hair care brand’s target. The company has been eyeing her for a while now and as it is now, I think the deal is almost done‘, an insider tells NET.

Source: (www.thenetng.com)

MODUPE OZOLUA GOES SHIRTLESS ON DEBUT COVER OF KELECHI AMADI'S MANIA MAGAZINE

Mania Magazine launch took place at the Federal Palace Hotel on Sunday, 20th February 2010. Mania Magazine is published by Kelechi Amadi-Obi. It was attended by celebrities like Kate Henshaw, Designer Deola Sagoe, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi and actress Rita Dominic.

The debut cover which would be on stand in April features Modupe Ozolua without shirt on the cover. Why Modupe Ozolua should interest you? She claims to help people “achieve an admirable weight, attain the best standard of beauty and be fashionable without regard to age”

She is the CEO of Body Enhancement limited and founder and president of Body Enhancement Annual Reconstructive Surgery (BEARS) Foundation in Nigeria.

The magazine was on sale at a launch price of 5,000 naira but would be on sale in stands come March for a thousand naira.

DJ ZEEZ PART WAYS WITH EDLYNE RECORDS.

Information reaching us suggests that ‘O4kasibe’ singer and producer is no longer signed to Edlyne Records. The parties parted ways on good grounds as it was the record label boss that broke the news earlier in the week saying: ”Both parties felt it is time to move on.”


DJ Zeez was signed to Edlyne in 2008 with his hugely successful album ‘O4kasibe’ having hits like ‘fokasibe’, ‘Bobee fc’ and the soccer inspired ‘Omoge manchester’. New singles from the singer would be released shortly taking the artiste’s label imprint.

PASUMA IN SEARCH OF THE NEXT FUJI STAR

In a quest for discovering new talents in Fuji music, popular musician and Fuji star Wasiu Alabi better known as Pasuma has started a new reality TV show titled ‘Ohun’.

Auditions for the show which will take place in June, will be held in four cities; Ikeja, Ibadan, Akure and Ilorin. After auditions, the grand finale will then be held in August.

‘’Ohun’ was initiated by management company AO21 Media in November 2008 but for one reason or the other we could not kick off till now. There are quite a lot of music talent shows but all seem focused on Hip hop, Pop and RNB and no one is paying attention to Fuji music. Fuji music is the most popular indigenous music in Nigeria but what happens when my generation stops singing? There are quite a lot talented young men out there who want to sing Fuji music but since no one is encouraging them, their talent is just wasting away. Over the years I have wondered if someone will ever think of doing a Fuji talent show. Rather than wait, I have taken up the responsibility to contribute my own quota to the growth of Fuji music. I am optimistic ‘Ohun’ will open doors for more Fuji talent shows and the more credible shows like ours the better it is for the industry’, Pasuma expressed.

‘Ohun’ a Yoruba word when translated to English Language means ‘Voice’, but the Fuji star explained that it meant more than that going on to include sound, melody, beat and rhythm were also induced in its meaning.

I DROPPED OUT OF SCHOOL FOR KOKO MANSION' – RITA ISHOKHEN

The name Rita Isoken Igbinedion may not be instantly familiar, but Rita Koko Mansion would definitely ring a bell. If not for anything; at least for all the grammatical bombshells she detonated while the TV reality show was on. Till now, many still have her hilarious scenes on Koko Mansion on their mobile phones – it’s even all over YouTube.

Igbinedion may not have emerged the winner of Koko Mansion but her ‘outstanding’ use of the English Language stole the shine from the winner who has since gone into obscurity.

In this interview with NET, Rita confesses that her English Language deficiency can be blamed on her bumpy educational background. Interestingly, while preparing to start her University education; she is looking forward to hosting her own TV show this year (EDUCATING WITH RITA).

QUE: You became popular through the Koko mansion platform, how did you get on the show?

ANS: I got to know about Koko Mansion through a family friend when I just had my hair cut. He told me it was D’banj‘s show; quite similar to the Big Brother Show and he would like me to be involved. I told him I wasn’t interested in stardom and couldn’t even afford to purchase the form that cost N5000. So I went on to tell my best friend who gave me N7000 and said I must participate in the program. I headed straight to GT Bank to purchase the form, filled and returned it. I was later informed that I had been selected for the auditions and was to report to Lagos. I was a little discouraged because I had never been to Lagos or known anything about the City, but I was told my flight had been booked so I just gave it a try. When I got to Lagos, they came to pick me at the airport. I can’t lie to you. I was very happy. I didn’t even know that the other girls were there with me, I thought I was the only one they came to pick. The next day I saw different people when I went for the interview before I was finally selected among the housemates. So I went back home to prepare; but they never got back to me for almost three months. I almost gave up again. I even called them but they never responded. I then made up my mind that if they really wanted me, they would call me. The day I deleted their number from my phone was the day they called me.

QUE: Take us through your Family background?

ANS: I was born on March 3, 1990. I’m from an average family of eight and we all live in Benin, Edo State. I am the fourth child of six children and the last girl. My family consists of three boys and three girls.

QUE: how about your Educational background?

ANS: I dropped out of school when I was in SS3 in order to participate in Koko Mansion. At the end of the show, I went back to write my SSCE exams. So hopefully this year I would be admitted into Igbinedion University, Okada to study Political Science.

QUE: After Koko Mansion, what have you been doing?

ANS: I have been working on my project.

QUE: What Project?

ANS: It’s going to be a reality TV show tagged ‘EDUCATING WITH RITA‘.

QUE: What exactly is it all about?

ANS: It’s just a show where Rita would be trying to educate young ones out there. The production would start soon but there is no definite time and date yet because we’re still trying to sort out many things, hopefully this year things should start off. I don’t want to reveal too much about it now.

QUE: Did you release any song titled ‘Call the EFCC’ Immediately after Koko Mansion?

ANS: No, I didn’t release any song; it was all pranks made by some set of people. I don’t even know how to sing.

QUE: Aside the Reality Show, do you have plans for any other aspect of entertainment?

ANS: No, not really but for now it’s just the show that is on my mind.

QUE: Since you’ll be resuming at the University this year, don’t you think it would clash with the Show?

ANS: Those are part of the things we are working on. By the time we’re through, there won’t be any clash and it will surely work out. There will be no distractions.

QUE: Even the winner of Koko mansion ‘Bolanle’ did not gain as much popularity as you did, why is this so?

ANS: I think it’s because of the way I presented myself out there because I’m from a responsible home. Secondly I think it’s because of all the ‘EFCC under Yahoo Yahoo’ that I said which was recorded as a video and spread all around. Since then people have been curious to know who Rita is.

QUE: Many people who watched Koko Mansion noted you for grammatical blunders like ‘Nigeria are not safety enough‘ and ‘EFCC under Yahoo Yahoo’. Was that the best way you could express yourself?

ANS: That was not the best way I could express myself. Most times it was due to pressure. That ‘EFCC under yahoo yahoo‘ line that I said was not meant that way. There was a chart drawn on the board which had EFCC written under Yahoo Yahoo, so when one of the instructors asked where I got EFCC from I said ‘EFCC is under yahoo yahoo‘ as shown on the board. People were just screaming without knowing what actually went down. When I even saw the video, I was like this is not me; I never said all that but right now I no longer care.

QUE: Did you feel discouraged at any point in time?

ANS: No, why would I? I was just expressing myself. Since I know I have a future that lies ahead of me, why would I be discouraged?

QUE: Recently, your grammatical blunders were transferred to Twitter with several retweets. Don’t you agree that they may be correct in regarding you as a semi-illiterate?

ANS: Well, I agree with what anyone says. Even if they say I’m a complete illiterate, I agree. At the end of the day what matters is who Rita is going to be not what she was. Is she going to be a good mother? Is she going to a good role model to the youths? Is she going to be an ideal woman These are qthe things that matter the most. As for the tweets, I don’t even own a twitter account; maybe it’s just someone playing pranks. People can say whatever they like. I don’t givwe a f**k.

QUE: What could you attribute all your grammatical blunders to?

ANS: I think it’s because I stopped school for a while.

QUE: How are your sibling’s educational background compared to yours?

ANS: I think they are far better than me because they’re really trying. My younger ones are still in secondary school and my elder ones have all graduated from the University.

QUE: The purpose of Koko Mansion was to identify an ‘Ideal Nigerian’ woman. Even though you eventually lost out, do you think you fit that position?

ANS: I fit the position then and more so now, I think I still do but I’m still learning. The only problem I had was my education, but as for other aspects I am an ideal woman.

QUE: What were the lessons you learnt during your stay in Koko Mansion?

ANS: I learnt a whole lot. Before I didn’t know how to comport myself, I didn’t know how to talk to people because I am a shy person but now I can do all these confidently. I also learnt how to dress well; as you can see I’m putting on a white top, a white footwear should never go on it. I’m a much better person now than before.

QUE: Was there any scuffle between you and anyone in the house, then?

ANS: Yes it was between me and a girl called Isi. She wasn’t even a member of the house; she just came for a visit. I can’t really remember what exactly happened but I know she insulted my parents and referred to me as an illiterate at several instances. I initially kept quiet but when it was becoming continuous I had to reply her, because I would not have anyone insult my parents in my presence. It was after a while I discovered that she was just visiting.

ANS: Of all the housemates, which of them do you miss and why?

QUE: I don’t actually pray to be like anyone of them; I intend to be better than them.

ANS: Most of them were pretending to be perfect but they are not who they claim to be. But I can remember that I learnt a lot from Bolanle (winner). She was my very good friend. I just tried to ignore most of them. If they like me, fine, and if they don’t like me, I don’t care either. I prefer to be shot than see you reign insults on my family. Even if I get married now, I can’t even give my husband the right to insult my younger ones not to talk of my parents.

QUE: Among those that visited the Koko Mansion, which of them had the greatest impact on you?

ANS: I learn a lot from Bukky, the Yoruba actress and Funke Akindele who was just hilarious. They both taught me how to be responsible in the home.

QUE: Do you have a boyfriend?

ANS: I had a boyfriend then but I no longer have. I’m single and not searching. We broke up few months before the Koko Mansion but since I got back, he’s been begging me that he wants me back. As a lady I’m trying to prove hard to get. I may eventually give him a chance but I haven’t decided.

QUE: What does he do?

ANS: While we were together he was serving but he just concluded his Masters program. He was my first boyfriend.

QUE: Despite your grammatical blunders, if you had the chance of returning to the Koko Mansion, how would you react?

ANS: I went there the first time and survived so if I go a second time I would still survive. So, I have no fears.

GINO'S BACK (+ NEW SINGLE DOWNLOAD LINK)

The Man|The MC|The Music

For rap music lovers, this is more than good news. After a brief hiatus from the rap game, rapper Gino is back in with a new single titled “I’m So Fly” feat. YQ and Naeto C.

In 2005, Gino revolutionized the game when he dropped his instant classic video ‘No Be God’ and later released his debut album
(which many regard as being one of the best rap albums in Nigeria) Pain Plus Work. The album also generated another hit Farabale which was a club hanger.

While many thought the rapper took time off, he was actually in the booth taking his time to record a body of work that will be rated flawless. With such high standards it is said that Gino has scrapped songs worth two albums. Now satisfied with what he has, the C.E.O of MOBB Records is finally set to drop his highly anticipated sophomore album.

Kicking his re-entrance is this new single which was produced by the numerous Awards Producer of the Year*, Sossick.

Gino’s second album is scheduled to drop later in the year.

Download Link- http://hulkshare.com/74kz70aky4z0

DAREY DUETS WITH CHAMILLIONAIRE

As R&B star, Darey gears up to release his double disc album in a matter of days, NET has exclusive news that the popular R&B singer-songwriter has collaborated with Nigerian American rapper Chamillionaire to record a remix to one of his singles.

Sources say Darey, who’s enjoying massive on-air support for his singles ‘The way you are’, ‘Sisi eko’ and ‘Ba ni kdi’, has recorded a remix of ‘The way you are’, with the Grammy award-winning rapper Chamillionaire who even spiced up his lyrics with Yoruba language.

‘They hooked up on the internet’ an insider tells NET. And it is believed it was Cham that contacted Darey.

Born to a Nigerian father, 31 year-old Chamillionaire (real name Hakeem Seriki) is an American rapper mostly known for his monster hit ‘Ridin’’ (featuring Krayzie Bone of Bone Thugs n Harmony) which earned him the Video Music Awards in 2006, and a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 2007.

Critics say the remix with Chamillionaire might very well see Darey who is an ambitious singer, launch his career and presence into the global scene as he has already announced plans for a 2011 UK release, followed by a US project.

‘The Chamillionaire collabo was not planned at all, it came as a surprise. The ones we were really planning are still in the pipeline. Once these come through, and we have a go-ahead, we’ll definitely let you know…’, one of his associates tells us.