FINALLY CHIDINMA READY FOR DEBUT ALBUM

Chidinma, the petite singer with the strong voice who captivated the hearts of millions and became the first female winner of MTN Project Fame in the Season 3 edition of the highly popular music talent show is set to drop her highly anticipated debut album.
Already the talented and widely- loved singer has released her first single Jankolikoko featuring veteran pop star Sound Sultan. Within a short space of its release the song is already getting rave reviews from music critics all over the country and has been getting steadily increasing airplay from radio stations nationwide. The song has that instant replay factor which will make you keep playing it over and over again.
“I am happy about the positive response towards my new single. Project Fame really taught me on how to be a total artiste and it was what I have learnt that I am putting back in my song. Jankolikoko is just the tip of the iceberg. I am improving my craft everyday” says Chidinma.
Chidinma broke into limelight and entered the history books after she won perhaps the toughest edition of MTN Project Fame having to battle her way to the top prize amongst stiff competitors such as the Ghanaian wonder kid Kesse Frimpong who many had tipped to win; Eyo, Ochuko and others. For all her hard work and growth as a singer and performer Chidinma took home a brand new Toyota RAV4, 2.5 million naira and a record deal.



Since her groundbreaking win, she has been hard at work burning the mid night candle at the studio and working with some of Nigeria’s most talented songwriters and producers. She has already worked with the likes of super-producer Cobhams Asuquo who gave the world Asa, Naeto C’s hit producer Tee-Y Mix and the godfather of contemporary highlife J. Martins. The petite singer also has plans to work with brilliant producers and songwriters such as Suspect, eLDee the Don and Omolara Ayodele.
“Right now I am in the studio with really talented artistes, songwriters and producers. I am putting a whole lot of energy into my first album because the expectations are high. I not scared but challenged to produce an album that will reflect who I am artistically as well as make an impact in the Nigerian music industry” says Chidinma about recording her first album.
The video of Jankolikoko will be directed by none other than Nigeria’s number one music video director Clarence Peters. If the success of past winners of Project Fame is anything to go by then Chidinma should be the next big pop star we should look out far. The first winner of Project Fame, Iyanya has gone on to become a household name since 2008 while the winner of Project Fame Season 2 is steadily climbing the charts and is set to drop his own debut album.
Chidinma’s yet-to-be-titled album will be available in all major outlets and stores nationwide as well as on the internet.

NOLLYWOOD STARS IN NAIROBI FOR AMA PARTY

Nairobi will be hosting the Africa Movie Academy Awards nominations party on February 25-26 at the Laico Regency Hotel and the biggest Nigerian and Ghanian movie stars will be in attendance.
Practitioners from all the participating countries of the awards scheme are expected to converge on the East Africa nation for the announcement of the 2011 AMA nominations.
Some of the stars who have confirmed attendance include Rita Dominic, Mercy Johnson, Ini Edo, Mike Monsuruye, Jackie Appiah, Lynda Forson, Kate Henshaw Nuttal and Mike Ezeronye among others.
In a statement released by the Director of Administration of the award body, Mr. Tony Anih the Nairobi event is being planned to connect with the East Africa block that comprised about eight countries which include Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Malawi, and others. He comments: “East Africa has made very strong showing and presence in AMAA since we started particularly in the last three editions. Apart from submitting films for the awards film makers and allied practitioners from these countries have come to Nigeria to attend the awards.



“The AMAA secretariat felt it is time to make them have a feel of the award by taking the Nomination Night to them and thereby increasing the AMAA brand visibility in that region of Africa. Nairobi is central to East Africa and it is the economic hub of the region. It will be easy for people in East Africa to come to Nairobi. It will be a great Night,” he added.
Another feature of this year’s nomination Night is a concert that will follow it on Saturday February 26 at Carnivore Gardens in Nairobi featuring P-Square, J. Martins and other top artistes from Kenya and South Africa. According to Mr. Anih the concert will be an icing on the cake for the nomination adding that the footprint of AMAA will be so visible in East Africa after the two-legged events that participation in the award from the region will double in subsequent years.