POP ICON MADONA SEEKS PARTNERSHIP WITH FIRST LADY's "BEYOND ZERO" INITIATIVE

She may be the Queen of Pop, one of the greatest solo artistes in music history and her entry into Kenya (a country that loves music) should have been a big deal, but it wasn’t.

She virtually sneaked into Kenya, announced her presence via photo-sharing platform instagram to her over 7.8 million followers and went on to partner the first lady of Kenya in her ‘Beyond Zero’ campaign.

According to a release from the presidency, Madonna will work with first lady Margaret Kenyatta’s ‘Beyond Zero’ initiative ‘‘in scaling-up maternal and child health programs as well as initiatives against gender violence.’‘

‘‘Madonna, one of the most influential women in contemporary music said her foundations, managed by the Global Philanthropy Group, will work with Beyond Zero in scaling-up maternal and child health programs as well as initiatives against gender violence, the release further stated.

Speaking at the State House in Nairobi, Madonna intimated that her team had similar dreams as that of Mrs Kenyatta, and that they are bounded by protection of women and children.

The release added that, ‘‘Madonna is in the country to explore practical programs that have a transformative impact on vulnerable groups, especially women and children.’‘

Madonna described the Beyond Zero initiative as an amazing movement and a natural partner for advocacy, to break the code of silence around gender-based violence through education and awareness building.

Her pledge to work with the Beyond Zero initiative comes days after Melinda Gates, the co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation expressed similar interest to partner with the Beyond Zero initiative, to ensure access of quality health for Kenyan women and children.

 

American based Cameroonian motivational and inspirational afro-pop singer; Eddy Bee, has released the visuals for his new single.

This one is titled ‘Thank You.’ It is meant to uplift your spirit with a message that would initiate an attitude of humility and gratitude in your heart.

The video was directed by American based video director: MT Muna.
In the words of Eddy Bee: “At every level of your journey in life’s wilderness,
genuine worship will give you a gracious heart and a gracious heart will take you
further.”

Eddy Bee- Biography

Eddy Besong AKA Eddy Bee AKA Mr R&B is a talented Cameroonian R&B/Afrobeat artist with a diverse blend and style of music. Music has basically been a part of Eddy since he was as young as he can remember. As a young student in Sasse College, he was known for his singing prowess as part of a boy group/choir. Moving to the United States further brought out the passion for singing and making great music and melodies. He has been in the music scene since 2009, releasing a mixtape in 2010 as part of a trio group called Avinu C including Naomi ‘The Queen of Bamenda’ Achu and H ‘The Hot Spitter’ Bolo. The Mixtape "The Camerican Dream" had great reviews among local critics and Eddy Bee soon continued a solo career. 

In December 2014, Mr R&B released his first official single and Video after completing his graduate degree. The result was a smooth R&B/AfroR&B/Afrobeat blend titled "I Want To Marry You" which was an instant favorite among local DJs and wedding playlists. The video for the single was shot in Atlanta, Georgia in a beautiful state park complete with waterfalls amid lush autumn colors, beautiful dancers and models. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5getERw9Vc 

On May 30th 2016 he released his second single titled "Thank You" which is currently in rotation. It is meant to uplift your spirit with a message that would initiate an attitude of humility and gratitude in your heart.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quXJMcGjHg8 

He is currently working on his debut album slated to be released later this year titled "The Eddy Bee Show". The album will draw on the diversity of the artist's music style consisting of a blend of African, World, Gospel and American R&B music. The album will also feature some surprise collaboration with certain artistes. It will be a pure representation of GOOD MUSIC!! 

Keep up with Eddy Bee on social media:

Click below to watch and be inspired:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?XJMcGjHg8

School drop-out; Stanis, ready to become Cameroon's rap king as he signs record deal with Calabash Music Group.

Cameroon's new international music label, Calabash Music, has announced the signing of its first hip hop artist, StanisBorn Chi Tata Stanislas in Bamenda, in 1988, Stanis 'Le Dragon' is a Buea-based guitarist, rapper and singer from a family of five.

Stanis' music can be described as Afro-trap.He attended primary and secondary school in Yaounde and Douala , which has enabled him to express himself and sing perfectly in English and French. But he was forced to drop out of University of Yaoundé 2 (Soa) because of financial difficulties.

Having nothing to turn to, he poured his emotions into music, and started recording demos in Buea. One of his songs fell in the hands of Cornel, a South African based Cameroonian music
producer signed to Calabash Music.

The A&R committee at Calabash auditioned his music and were impressed by his versatility, singing and rapping ability, inimitable rhythms and hard punch lines. After a couple of meetings at Calabash Music offices in Akwa Douala, a deal was reached
with Calabash Music’s A&R, Wax Dey.
Stanis joins Calabash Music raring to take over the Cameroonian hip hop scene.

“Calabash Music is really excited to have such a talented rapper on board - we shall move swiftly to release material we are working on because Cameroon is hungry for new talent that can be sold to the world.", says Clarisse Ndinge, Calabash Music publicist.
"I write my music with the help of a guitar, but my rap music is very commercial-oriented. I make music for the masses and I'm ready to take over. My team is fire. Cameroonian hip hop
will not be the same after Stanis - so watch this space", says Stanis.

RENOWNED NIGERIAN NOVELIST AND POET ELECHI AMADI HAS PASSED AWAY

Nigerian novelist and poet Elechi Amadi has passed away after an undisclosed illness. He was 82.

According to local media, he died after a protracted illness on Wednesday in Port Harcourt. His most famous book is The Concubine which also happens to be his first published novel in 1966.

The Concubine is widely used as a literature study book in African schools. Amadi who came from a science background, also authored other books including The Great Ponds (1969), Sunset In Biafra (1973) and Isiburu.

He studied physics and mathematics at the University of Ibadan.

Amadi belonged to the circle of renowned Africa writers, such as the late Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka among others.

President Buhari in paying homage to the novelist said his passing ‘is as much a loss to Nigeria and Africa as it is to the world’. He eulogized Amadi as a man who ‘dedicated his life to values of peace, equality, dignity and the reading culture in Nigeria.’

LIVERPOOL SIGNS CAMERONIAN INTERNATIONAL JOËL MATIP

Following Eric Bailley’s Manchester United move, another African has joined a high flying English Premier League side. Cameroonian Joel Matip is the latest signing for Liverpool.

The Mersyside outfit signed the Indomitable Lions player officially on July 1 after a February 2016 pre contract announcement. He joins on a free transfer from German side Schalke.

The club have confirmed that Matip has been allocated the No.32 jersey for the 2016-17 season. Matip wore the No.32 jersey during his time at the Bundesliga club.
Previous players to have donned the shirt at Anfield include Bolo Zenden and, most recently, Cameron Brannagan.

He has featured 27 times for Cameroon since he made his debut in 2010 and has a single goal to his credit. He was part of the Cameroon team that played in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. He played two games at the tournament and scored against Brazil.

In an interview with the club website, he said; “I was happy [at the thought] that I could maybe be a part of this next season. I am very excited to play at Anfield. It will be a very special feeling. I can’t wait to go down Anfield Road and into the stadium – I can’t wait for it!”

He is expected to play a major role in the upcoming season for Liverpool, who were losing finalists in last seasons Europa League and also failed to secure a top four spot for the coming season.

THE FALLEN PATRIOTS FOUNDATION

One of the greatest tragedies when Cameroon loses a soldier, is the family behind that soldier, and the son or daughter who loses their hero. It is true most of the time these families are well taken care of by the government; however, the goverment can't do it all; we as responsible citizens can do our tiny bit to add more value to their lives . The Fallen Patriots Foundation under the head of Laura Ndiwane (president) is aimed at raising funds to educate the children of Cameroonian soldiers who have died fighting against the terrorist  group Boko haram in the Northern part of the country.

At least 125  soldiers have died leaving behind close to 450 children without a parent and full parental support. These children need our support in order for them to achieve the dreams their parents had for them. If you  contribute in the education of these children, you will be appreciating the selfless sacrifices of their parents in your own little way. The  funds raised will be used to grant school scholarships to these children and will also be used to buy school materials like books, pens ,  pencils, uniforms, school bags etc for the coming school year in August. This assistance will go a long way to support these  children/families psycho-socially. Support these children today so that posterity will not blame us of not doing anything for these orphans.

For infomation on this please contact the followings:
Laura Ndiwane
Judith Maiphe Ndiwane Traore

Ethiopian 1st Airline in Africa to Receive Airbus A350XWB

Ethiopian 1st Airline in Africa to Receive Airbus A350XWB and First in the World to fly it in African Skies
28 June, 2016.

Ethiopian Airlines, the fastest growing and the largest African airline, stands as 1st Airline in Africa to take delivery of Airbus A350XWB on 28 June, 2016, in Toulouse, France.
Ethiopian is proud to be the first airline from Africa to take delivery of the A350 and excel in offering its passengers the ultimate travel experience on-board this aircraft ahead of other carriers. Ethiopian is also pleased to make all Africans proud by being the first airline in the world to fly this ultra-modern airplane in the African skies.

Ethiopian A350 XWB was built for passengers comfort and well-being. Wider seats in both Business and Economy classes, the lowest twin engine noise level, advanced air conditioning technology and full LED mood lighting enhance the comfort while reducing fatigue after a long flight.

"The fact that we are ushering in another first to Africa in a span of four years is an affirmation of our continuing pioneering role in African aviation. It is also a testimony of our commitment to give our passengers the very best travel experience, with the latest industry products and services. On behalf of all my colleagues at the Ethiopian family, I am delighted to see Ethiopian
to continue making Africa First in Aviation Technology," said Tewolde Gebremariam, Group CEO of Ethiopian.

All seats are fitted with the latest high-definition touchscreen personal monitors and a higher
selection of movies, television series and audio channels. Inflight Wi-Fi connection will be made
available on this aircraft in the future. Passengers with smart devices can connect to the world
while others can use the smart individual touch screens on their seats when the internet service
goes operational.


The A350XWB’s innovative technology improves performance in operation. Its revolutionary
airframe and simplified systems have optimized fuel burn, maintenance costs and reliability,
and its engines have the lowest carbon dioxide CO2 emissions of any in the wide body
category.


Ethiopian has ordered 14 Airbus A350XWB aircraft and will continue receiving the remaining
13 soon constantly raising number of Airbus aircraft in the fleet ensuring the extra comfort.

Source/Press Release: FabafriqMagazine

Twitter: @Fabafriq

Instagram: @fabafriq

www.fabafriq.com

Nigeria mourns 23-yr-old youth achiever who drowned at US waterfall

The tragic death of Nigerian student and youth achiever, John Paul Usman who drowned over the weekend at Virginia’s Cascade Falls in the United States has left his country in shock.

Many colleagues and friends as well as sympathisers of the final year student of the University of Ilorin and president of the UNESCO Clubs in Nigeria couldn’t hold back their sadness about his tragic death.

Tributes and messages of condolence have flooded his Facebook page as well as on Twitter. Source: www.africanews.com

John Paul Usman was selected for the 2016 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, a flagship programme of President Obama, among a thousand young Africans who have established records of accomplishment in promoting innovation and positive change in their organizations, institutions, communities, and countries.

He was hosted with 25 other fellows from 21 countries early this month in the United States by the Virginia Polytechnic University for a six-week intensive civic leadership training course at the university’s Language and Culture Institute.

On Saturday, John Paul Usman went on a hike among 18 fellows accompanied by two university staff members towards the 66-foot waterfall near the university.

According to local media reports, he fell into the water and after he was retrieved, bystanders performed CPR on him for about 30 minutes before his death.

“Our thoughts are with John Paul’s family in this difficult time. We are devastated by this tragic event,” Don Back, the director of the Institute where Usman was studying said in a statement released by the University.

The United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria as well as the fellowship programme released statements mourning his death and extending condolences to his family.

Source: www.africanews.com

Dangote wants 50% of Nigeria's crude refined internally by 2021

Africa’s richest man disclosed in an interview with Reuters News Agency on Friday (June 24) plans to open Nigeria’s first private oil refinery estimated at a cost of $12 million dollars with the funds to be pooled from multiple sources. Aliko Dangote during a press briefing after touring the construction site of his refinery expected to begin operations in 2019.

“Our target is that in the next five years or so from now, we hope and we believe that half of Nigeria’s crude will be refined and exported rather than just exporting crude to go and create jobs elsewhere.”

He was accompanied on the tour by Nigeria’s vice president Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, and Akinwunmi Ambode, governor of Lagos State, where the refinery is being built and a number of key federal level ministers.

The refinery, which would be complemented by petrochemical, gas & fertilizer projects by Aliko Dangote at Lekki Free Zone (LFZ) in Lagos is expected to be completed in 2018 but start operations the next year.

The Governor of Nigeria’s commercial hub said “Firstly, there is a refinery project that is ongoing, second there is a petrochemical project that is also ongoing. There is pipeline transfer project that brings gas from Bonny down to Olokonla and down to Lekki and then the fourth one is the fertilizer project all in one location.”

Isabel dos Santos out of state oil firm

Pressure continues to mount on Angola’s Isabel dos Santos, to step down from her position as the head of Sonangol.

The latest call comes from renowned Angolan human rights campaigner, Rafael Marques, who has asked the country’s attorney general to revoke the appointment of Africa’s richest woman.

He accuses the president Jose Eduardo dos Santos, Isabel’s father, of acting unconstitutionally by firing the board early this month, and putting his daughter in charge of the state energy firm.

“The appointments as a consequence of these reforms that are underway, are also unconstitutional because they are illegal. The president uses his decrees, his powers to award state contracts to his families,” he said.