Solving the puzzle that has become Kogi

It has become imperative that I share my thoughts on the “Kogi Situation” beyond the plenty talks I do at the table of men. The way states in Nigeria gain prominence always alarms me, which shouldn’t be for someone who believes that any and everything can happen in Nigeria. I do not need any rhetoric on this platform to talk about the events leading to the election; Audu’s death, his history with governance in the state and governance there in general. I also do not need to remind you all of the rumours that Jagaban must have poisoned Audu (or had a hand in his death) so as to pave way for the Yoruba originated Faleke to become governor. I personally think that is preposterous as I am certain the Jagaban is smarter than that.
Hon James Faleke first came to my knowledge in 2011 when he was elected as a House of Representative member representing Ikeja federal constituency. He also won re-election in March 2015. Before that he was the executive chairman of Ojodu Local government, which bordered my LG- Ifako Ijaiye LGA. I didn’t know much of him those years or maybe it was my almost lack of total negligence of what I called local politics.If it wasn’t at least about state politics, I didn’t seem to care.
Recently, and I mean as recent as the last election, I saw a school bus, offering children in our local government free rides to school in our neighbourhood and had also earlier noticed a well-designed and beautiful structured office in our LGA on College Road, Ifako. I was impressed at the thought put into showing yourself as a rep of the people at the federal level. How much he came to achieve for the people is beyond me, but somehow years later, he rose to be a running mate to a two-time previous governor of Kogi State, who was looking to make history to be governor the third time at the age of 68.
What really interests me though is the connection to the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In my home, in Ogba, I was privileged to see a lot of the big boys of politics in Lagos, including the Jagaban, our amiable former governor, BRF and all the governorship candidates in the last 2 or 3 elections, who came to visit a certain Chief Akande. An elder statesman who has long been a godfather and political mentor of many political heads within Lagos state. I remember wishing I could just walk over to his compound when all these men were present and just sit there to listen to what they were saying.
Faleke, from the Yoruba speaking Kabba province of Kogi State, is regarded as Tinubu’s answer to increasing his power in “his regional politics” especially at a time when many believed he couldn’t translate his influence to the national level with General Buhari. The Kogites are mainly seen as two groups if I am correct- the Igalas (south western affiliation) and Ebira (northern affiliation because of their roots from Taraba state) and also Okun people.
Faleke was the perfect addition to Audu’s royal claim to the state, a combination to win sympathy and votes from most constituencies. It is believed that in Faleke, a man who grew all the clout he knows in politics as a Lagos politician under the watchful eyes of the Lion of Bourdillon, would one day rise to governor and join in the company of ‘Baba’s boys” who became governor. This all makes sense.

It starts to lose sense though when a few group are now pointing fingers at Tinubu for killing Audu. Why kill him on the day of the election? Why not kill him when in office that the constitution clearly allows for Faleke to take over as governor? Why not do the most patient and intelligent thing of waiting for 4 years by which time Audu would have been 72 years of age and you get Faleke to run as governor and would likely emerge as governor?
I do think that the Jagaban is too smart for such immature move of meddling so low as ending Audu’s life for Faleke’s promotion or any other motivation. I will leave us all to think through this and make your own opinion or be patient till the truth comes out. It surely will one day.
It would be wrong of me not to talk about what I make of the decisions of INEC in Kogi and that of the APC in appointing a new candidate. I am of the opinion that INEC did the right thing in going ahead with the supplementary election. The decision by the APC to run a new primary though by the APC could play into the hands of Wada and PDP. It might have been better to pick the candidate who came second in the primaries. I am of the opinion though that whichever party loses would go to court to fight their loss and I look forward to how this logjam is solved. INEC perhaps should have gone to the Supreme Court for a better interpretation of the constitution instead of taking the words of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, who is an APC government appointed official.
Lastly, as at the time of writing, I hear that the APC has succumbed to the cry of many Kogites who believe Muhammed Audu should take over his father’s vacated seat. I do not know how much of a wise decision this is, if true- as I do not know his experience. Luckily famous social media “runz girl” @empresssugabelly didn’t name Muhammed amongst Prince Audu Abubakar’s sons – Mustapha, Kabir and Bashir and their friends who once took turns in sleeping with her. Whatever the truth, by this time next the paint on the drawing would have dried.

THE COMEBACK, THE HEADIES AND OTHER MADNESS

It has been three years since I last posted on my blog. Its time I get back on it. Personally, I miss the opportunity to express myself as this was my most comfortable platform. I also apologise sincerely those who were ardent followers of my writings and contributed to the over 5000 pageviews, 140 comments in the 90 posts since inception. There will be much more to read and share from here on. My solemn promise. The frequency cant be guaranteed but I will ensure there is stimulating content to keep you coming back. You know how we do now. The days of MC Kamikaze, Club 22, Club Doneh...Ottawa days....Fun times.

Moving on swiftly, the Headies released the nominees list for the 2015 edition and I would say there is nothing surprising as to who made the list and of course Olamide got the highest nominations. This time around though, Wizkid also got a high number of nominations and I am certain he would take at least one home, a change for the man who hasn't taken home silverware in a while. I have posted the list below and also gave my predictions(in BOLD AND RED) as to the winners. I haven't listened to the albums nominated, and ignored them as it would be unfair to judge something I have not listened to. We will come back here after the final event and appraise my judgement. Please read below:- 
 
1. BEST RECORDING OF THE YEAR

A non-voting category for the best single recording by an artiste or group in the year under review.

1. Ojuelegba – Wizkid

2. Eyo – Asa

3. Wish Me Well – Timi Dakolo

4. Bez – There’s A Fire

5. Cobhams – Do the right Thing

2. PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

An individual responsible for producing the most acclaimed song or album in the year under review.

1. Don Jazzy – Godwin (Korede Bello)

2. Mastakraft – Wiser (Flavour)

3. Young John – Bobo (Olamide)

4. Shizzi – Fans Mi (DavidO)

5. Legendury Beatz – Ojuelegba

6. Cobhams – There’s A Fire (Bez)

3. BEST MUSIC VIDEO

A voting category for the best conceptualist, best directed and most exciting video in the year under review.

This award goes to the video director.

1. Jamb Question (Simi) – Mex

2. Crazy (Seyi Shay) – Meji Alabi*

3. The Sound (DavidO Feat. Uhuru & Dj Buckz) – Sesan

4. Katapot (Reekado Banks) – UnLimited LA

5. Baby Jollof (Solid Star Feat. Tiwa Savage) – Clarence Peters

4. BEST R&B/POP ALBUM*

A category for the best R&B/Pop Album in the year under review (by single individual or group).

1. Bed of Stone – Asa

2. A.Y.O. – Wizkid

3. King of Queens – Yemi Alade

4. Rich & Famous – Praiz

5. Double Trouble – Psquare

5. BEST R&B SINGLE

A category for the best R&B single in the year under review (by a single individual or group).

1. Heartbeat – Praiz

2. Baby Daddy – Iyanya

3. Say You Love Me – Leriq ft. Wizkid

4. Do the Right Thing – Cobhams Ft. Bez

5. Wish Me Well – Timi Dakolo

6. BEST POP SINGLE

A category for the best pop single in year under review (by single individual or group)

1. Ojuelegba – Wizkid

2. Collabo – P-Square Feat. Don Jazzy

3. My Woman, My Everything – Patoranking Feat. Wande Coal

4. Woju – Kiss Daniel

5. Godwin – Korede Bello

6. Bobo – Olamide

7. BEST REGGAE/DANCEHALL SINGLE

A category for the best Reggae/Dancehall single in the year under review (by single individual or group).

1. German Juice – Cynthia Morgan

2. Sanko – Timaya

3. My Body – Solid Star Feat. Timaya

4. Daniella Whyne – Patoranking

5. Cheques and Balance – Burna Boy

6. Bad Girl Special (Remix) – Mr. 2Kay feat. Cynthia Morgan & Seyi Shay

8. BEST RAP ALBUM*

A Non-Voting Category for the Best Album By A Rap Artiste Or Group In Year Under Review.

1. Baba Hafusa – Reminisce

2. Street OT – Olamide

3. Chairman – M.I.

4. Above Ground Level – Modenine

9. BEST COLLABO

A voting category for the best R&B, Pop or Hip-hop collaborative track (including cameos).

1. Local Rapper – Reminisce Feat. Olamide & Phyno

2. Hold on – Joe El Feat. 2Face Idibia

3. Bad Girl Special (Remix) – Mr. 2Kay Feat. Cynthia Morgan & Seyi Shay

4. Shoki (Remix) – Lil’Kesh Feat. Olamide & David O

5. Do The right Thing – Cobhams ft. Bez

6. Sisi – Praiz ft. Wizkid

10. BEST RAP SINGLE

A voting category for a single (released on-air) recording of a rap.

1. King Kong – Vector

2. Bad Belle – M.I

3. Bank Alert – Ill Bliss

4. Local Rapper – Reminisce Feat. Olamide, Phyno & Stomrex

5. G.O.D – T.R

11. BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (MALE)

A non-voting category for the single male artiste with the most outstanding vocal performance on a single song or album.

1. Praiz – If I fall

2. Shaydee – High

3. Timi Dakolo – Wish Me Well

4. Cobhams – Do The Right Thing

5. Bez – There’s A Fire

12. BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE)

A non-voting category for the single female artiste with most outstanding vocal performances on a single song or album.

1. Waje – Coco Baby

2. Aramide – Iwo Nikan

3. Asa – Bed of Stone

4. Simi – Tiff

5. Yemi Alade – Duro Timi

13. NEXT RATED

This category is a voting category for the most promising upcoming act in the year under review.

1. Reekado Bankz

2. Kiss Daniel

3. Cynthia Morgan

4. Korede Bello

5. Lil’ Kesh

14. HIP HOP WORLD REVELATION

A voting category for the best new artiste in the year under review.

1. Praiz – Rich n Famous

2. Yemi Alade – King of Queens

3. Skales – Man of the Year

15. LYRICIST ON THE ROLL

A non-voting category for the Rap Artiste with the best lyrical depth and performance on a single song or album.

1. Ill Bliss – Bank Alert (remix) Feat. Ice Prince, Eva Alordiah & Phyno

2. Vector – King Kong

3. Reminisce – Baba Hafusa

4. G.O.D – T.R

16. BEST STREET-HOP ARTISTE

A voting category for the artiste whose songs are inspired by the streets. Such song should captain lingua, which may also be originated by the artiste and popular on the street.

1. Reminisce – Skillashi

2. Olamide – Bobo

3. Small Doctor – Mosquito Killer

4. Mastakraft feat. Olamide, CDQ and David O – Indomie

5. Falz The Bad Guy Feat. Yemi Alade & Poe – ello Bae

17. BEST ‘ALTERNATIVE’ SONG

A voting category for the artiste whose songs reflect any form or style of music which falls outside the mainstream of recent or past popular musical trends.

1. Di’Ja – Awwwwww

2. Bez – There’s A Fire

3. Asa – Satan Be Gone

4. Adekunle Gold – Sade

5. Ugovinna – Rain On Me

6. Simi – Tiff

18. ALBUM OF THE YEAR*

A voting category for the best album (solo or group) in year under review, that meets judges requirements of excellence (Songwriting, production, rendition and promotion) and acceptability (Sales and popularity).

1. Rich n Famous – Praiz

2. King of Queens – Yemi Alade

3. Street OT – Olamide

4. Chairman – M.I.

5. A.Y.O. – Wizkid

6. Double Trouble – P Square

19. ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

Most critically and commercially adjudged artiste in the year under review. Overall most successful artiste for the year under review.

1. Olamide

2. David O

3. Wizkid

4. Yemi Alade

5. P-Square

20. SONG OF THE YEAR

A voting category for the most popular song in the year under review.

1. Ojuelegba – Wizkid

2. Godwin – Korede Bello

3. Kiss Daniel – Woju

4. Olamide – Bobo

 21. AFRICAN ARTISTE

A non-Nigerian award category for an individual African artiste or group with the most outstanding achievement, impact and infiltration into the Nigerian music scene in the year under review.

1. Diamond Platnumz

2. Cassper Nyovest

3. Sarkodie

4. Uhuru

5. AKA

HALL OF FAME

Special recognition for excellence and outstanding impact to the entertainment industry.

2Face Idibia

Lastly, I want to ask a question. 

How long can you drive in Lagos before getting a scratch on your car OR Is it possible to drive in Lagos for 1 year without a scratch on your car?

Let me know your thoughts please.

Thanks and until next time.

 

The craze

It has been an absolutely fantastic past week. From Thursday, Feb 26th to today, March 5Th, it has been awesome. I can argue I have had more fun packed weeks but there was something different about this one. Maybe it was the buzz and hype of NEPA, or the visit of old friends, making news friends, knowing a friend more, or a full sum of all these things and more. This last week I realised the importance of friendship, the joy of brotherhood and true meaning of joy from deep within. Those who know me though, could argue that my week past was culminated by the eventual victory and goal scoring of my beloved Arsenal, my perennial underachievers but soul mate.
First of all, it was NEPA and the arrival of old friends, the running around, a feeling now seeming very familiar. NEPA, in itself was off the chain. I'm sorry I did not tell you what NEPA was: Never Expect a Party like this Again, a party in its fourth year of running and still very much a mainstay as one of the city of Ottawa's most hyped and attended event. It did not fail this year, as attendees will tell you. From the magnificence of the Carleton Rideau Raceway where it was held, to the kind of red carpet entrance only the Oscars can claim to better, paparazzi flashing cameras everywhere, the most outstanding combination of Disc jockeys from the city alongside one of North America's hypiest DJ in Dj MightyMike from Atlanta and of course the beautiful people who came to this party in the most glowing of outfit and eye catching beauty and class. It cannot be explained with words. I personally had excess fun, had my dance, my time at the door, making sure the party was not disrupted by anyone. I really do not want to drag on with this, I will let pictures speak for themselves.
Visit the web link below to have picture access to NEPA 2009:The re-invention

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Ottawa-ON/C-INEN-Organized/26142906860?ref=ts

Arsenal Football Club of England, recorded their first league victory in 5 matches, after 4 consecutive scoreless draws, and it was a welcome victory, praying it becomes the platform for success for the rest of the season and maybe beyond. The manner of the victory was meant to be expected but with Arsenal these days, one can never be too sure.



I can tell anyone who cares to know confidently that I'm NOT the kind of person some individuals have been painting me to be. I really would not care to make any comment on this, but had to because I feel I have let some people who expect more of me down or people who didn't expect to see me with such a behavior, down. I am innocent and will tell you I am not different from the Seun you know. I believe someday the truth will come out and if in truth, you care to know what happened or hear my side of the mind bugling note, you can always do that as I am in no way what it depicts. I will fully say I'm very sorry and apologetic to all parties involved, and I mean all and very willing to work things out with anyone, as far as they are not letting their personal agendas go ahead of them and cloud their judgment, reasoning and pride.
I love women, for who they are and that will never change.

I am saying a lot but I had to say something.

MC kamikaze, the name I carry with me when I'm either emceeing at an event, or hyping a DJ or something else to do with entertainment will be heard at a couple of places live between this day and the next week.
First around the corner, is "Unforgettable African Fest", organized by Central African Students Association at Carleton University. I will alongside Dj E.A.I & Dj Chiggzy at the New Bayou on Friday March 6th. Please come out and support CASA's fund raising initiative for only $5.








Next up is "Back to Origin (B20) by the Ottawa University Nigerian Students Association on March 7th at the Tabaret Hall of their campus. The event will be a combination of an information forum, a banquet dinner (lots and lots of Nigerian cuisine) and excitement performances such as a comedy drama depicting the African culture. Other performances include a fashion show, one mic event, special dance performances and many more. The main focus of the event will be on spreading an awareness of the on-going situations in Nigeria. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets will be sold at the Uni center in the University of Ottawa on Friday this week, Tuesday and Thursday of next week from 9am - 4pm. For further information, please contact IBK (613) 875 2425 or Abu (613) 265 6511 .

The most anticipated event of the year is finally fast approaching. The immiment arrival and performance of Eldee, The Don is here.
When: March 13th
Time: 9PM - 2AM
Place: Barrymores
Price: Regular: CAD$30.00
V.I.P: CAD$50.00



Brought to you by T.I.M.E entertainment
Hosted by MC kamikaze {Alariwo of Ottawa}

What Drives Men

Just thought this was an interested read from Steve Harvey's new book: "Act like a lady, think like a man". I think it something that might interest others, so I thought I give you a quick hint into what it is about.

There is no truer statement: men are simple. Get this into your head first, and everything you learn about us in this book will begin to fall into place. Once you get that down, you'll have to understand a few essential truths: men are driven by who they are, what they do, and how much they make. No matter if a man is a CEO, a CON, or both, everything he does is filtered through his title (who he is), how he gets that title (what he does), and the reward he gets for the effort (how much he makes). These three things make up the basic DNA of manhood -- the three accomplishments every man must achieve before he feels like he's truly fulfilled his destiny as a man. And until he's achieved his goal in those three areas, the man you're dating, committed to, or married to will be too busy to focus on you.

Think about it: from the moment a boy is born, the first thing everyone around him starts doing is telling him what he must do to be a real man. He is taught to be tough -- to wrestle, climb, get up without crying, not let anyone push him around. He is taught to work hard -- to do chores around the house, get the groceries out of the car, take out the trash, shovel the snow, cut the grass, and, as soon as he's old enough, get a job. He is taught to protect -- to watch out for his mother and his younger siblings, to watch over the house and the family's property. And he is especially encouraged to uphold his family name -- make something of himself so that when he walks in a room, everybody is clear about who he is, what he does, and how much he makes. Each of these things is taught in preparation for one thing: manhood.

The pursuit of manhood doesn't change once a boy is grown. In fact, it's only magnified. His focus has always been on, and will remain on, who he is, what he does, and how much he makes until he feels like he's achieved his mission. And until a man does these things, women only fit into the cracks of his life. He's not thinking about settling down, having children, or building a home with anyone until he's got all three of those things in sync. I'm not saying that he has had to have made it, but at least he has to be on track to making it.

This is certainly how it worked for me. I'll never forget how disappointed, frustrated, and unhappy I was when, in my early twenties, I was laid off from the Ford Motor Company. I was already a college dropout, and now, without a job, I hardly had enough money to take care of myself, much less a family. This left me unsure of my future -- what I was going to do, how much I was going to make, and what my title would be. The titles "college graduate" and "Ford inspector" were gone; having no job pretty much meant that my chances of bringing home a good paycheck were zero; and I hadn't a clue how I was going to make money. It took me a while to find my footing. I dabbled in various jobs: I owned a carpet cleaning business; I sold carpet; I sold Amway products, the Dick Gregory Bahamian Diet, and ALW Insurance and Commonwealth Insurance. It was madness what I was doing to try to get my life together. Finding someone serious to settle down with was the absolute last thing on my mind.

Then, one night a woman for whom I used to write jokes encouraged me to go to a local comedy club and sign up for amateur night. See, I knew I was funny, and I made a few dollars -- very few dollars -- writing material for up-and-coming local comedians who were trying to find their way into the industry. But I hadn't a clue, really, how to go about getting into the business for myself. Still, this woman saw something in me and told me to take the stage.

So I did. And I killed. I won $50 -- which today may not seem like a lot of money, but when I was broke at that time, it felt like $5,000 -- for telling jokes. I also was guaranteed another fifty dollars if, as the winner, I opened the following week's amateur night competition. The next day, I went to a printer and spent fifteen dollars of my winnings on business cards that, along with my phone number, read: Steve Harvey. Comedian. They were flat and flimsy and didn't have any raised lettering, but those business cards announced that I was Steve Harvey (who I am), and that I had a special talent in comedy (what I do). How much I was going to make remained to be seen, but at least I had the "who I am" and the "what I do" lined up.

If men aren't pursuing their dreams -- if we're not chasing the "who we are," the "what we do," and the "how much we make," we're doomed. Dead. But the moment that we figure out the puzzle and feel like our dreams are taking shape, new life breathes into us -- it makes us vibrant, enthuses, and animates us. From the moment I became a comedian, I stepped onto that stage ready to be the very best.

Even today, no matter how tired I am, no matter what is going on in my life, I am never late for work, and I've never once missed a gig. Why? Because when I wake up, my dream is in check; I'm living it out live and in color every day, whether it's on the radio during the Steve Harvey Morning Show, or on television with my various projects, or onstage, during my Steve Harvey Live shows. Who I am is certain -- I'm Steve Harvey. What I do is certain: comedy. And how much I make is right in line with what I've always wanted for my family and me

Women deserve to be appreciated

I just sat back the other day and thought to myself,"Women were created to withstand a lot of pain". Before you behead me and put my head on a platter in front of all the women of the world, let me explain my reasoning. With my christian beliefs, women were created by God to act as man's companion. The woman though were punished and cursed to go through pain in childbearing and all that...Fast track. Also women endure pain even during sex[actually especially when losing their virginity]and men just lay back and enjoy. The tears they roll when a relationship is going sore is not one to forget...the sleepless nights they endure days when we guys are behaving like ass-holes et al.Now women will see what I mean now.Don't you?
This made me realise that as men or boys, we should do a lot more to show these women or girls that they are much more appreciated and loved. We want to give them less to cry about, less to have sleepless nights over, and more nights to remember. The patience they exercise with our many demeanors must be emulated and appreciated. Both single men and engaged ones should adore women the way they should, though I have to say the women that have given up on men must decide to forgive us and live life more freely. Enjoy life, express yourself, and be strong. I personally,love you all. I mean ladies who hate me, those who could care less, those I have had dealings with, will have dealings with, I am dealing with, friends with, whatever be the relationship as far as you deemed a lady.The pain every women is/has gone through is not going unnoticed, I promise you from today and you will forever be the cornerstone of any good thing. Ladies, be careful too, to ensure you demonstrate love, patience, understanding in the most trying of times, as every man deems his woman has his home, in that just like home, you will always come back because there is no place like that.Likewise, you will always come back to your woman, whatever it is that comes over you to make you misbehave...