JAWS ACTOR DIES AT 75, 2008 GRAMMYS, AMY’S CLEAN SWEEP….

Blog writing in this country can be a pain in the as@#, really, cos apart from the fact that u have a lot of things competing for your time, u also have to contend with the inconsistencies of the almighty PHCN. If not for the love I have for writing, I swear I will hang my pen right now! But that will break a lot of hearts so I have to reconsider; after all, I am a rare kind of sweet heart…lol. But seriously though, NEPA or whatever they call themselves have been giving me a hard time and that is why I have been finding it difficult to update this space in a while. Today, I prayed hard and after a lot of casting and binding, I eventually get to talk to you…God is great, aint he? lol.
I will be starting with a bit of bad news though; another actor has died in Hollywood! I can’t help but wonder what keeps killing them in that place, Nollywood…I think its time to come closer to God o! Roy Sneider recently died at the ripe age of 75. a lot of us might not remember this talented man, but how can anybody forget the man that fought with sharks in that Hollywood box office smash hit – Jaws. According to reports, Scheider died at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences hospital in Little Rock, hospital spokesman David Robinson said. The hospital did not release a cause of death. However, hospital spokeswoman Leslie Taylor said Scheider had been treated for multiple myeloma at the hospital's Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy for the past two years.
He was nominated for a best-supporting actor Oscar in 1971's "The French Connection" in which he played the police partner of Oscar winner Gene Hackman and for best-actor for 1979's "All That Jazz," the autobiographical Bob Fosse film. However, he was best known for his role in Steven Spielberg's 1975 film, "Jaws," the enduring classic about a killer shark terrorizing beachgoers. May his soul rest in peace.
Now to the main gist, 2008 edition of the Grammy’s, the 50th in history was held recently and as usual, it was all glitz and glamour. The surprise for me however was the clean sweep of awards by troubled Amy Winehouse. Sometimes, I think it is just unfair for someone as talented as she is to be going through all that she is going through right now but as a philosopher once said, there are some roads one has to walk through, not because you will enjoy the walk but because it is inevitable. I wish that girl pulls through all her troubles and faces her career squarely. Here is the bit of news about the awards, list of winners and some pictures. Enjoy…

Amy Winehouse won five awards, including Record Of The Year and Song Of The Year for her now-prophetic "Rehab," while Kanye West took home four, including the Best Rap Album award for Graduation, though Album Of The Year eluded him for the third time. That award went to longtime jazz great Herbie Hancock for his tribute to Joni Mitchell, River: The Joni Letters. Other top winners included gospel star Karen Clark-Sheard and Bruce Springsteen with three trophies each.
But the talk of the night was a live satellite performance by Winehouse, whose troubled personal life has been the talk of the music industry. She received a visa to enter the United States too late to perform on the show in Los Angeles, and was beamed in live from a London studio

Amy on big screen from London during the awards

West receiving his award

Rihanna

Beyonce and sister Solange on the red carpet

Chris Brown looking fly on the red carpet

Alicia Keys
Tina Turner performing on stage

Usher and Quincy Jones

List of Nominees and the eventual winners

Record Of The Year (Award to the Artist and to the Producer(s), Recording Engineer(s) and/or Mixer(s), if other than the artist.)
IrreplaceableBeyoncéBeyoncé Knowles, S. Smith & Stargate, producers; Jim Caruana, Jason Goldstein & Geoff Rice, engineers/mixersTrack from: B'Day[Sony Urban Music/Columbia/Music World Productions]
The PretenderFoo FightersGil Norton, producer; Adrian Bushby & Rich Costey, engineers/mixers[Roswell/RCA Records]
UmbrellaRihanna Featuring Jay-ZKuk Harrell, Terius "The Dream" Nash & C. "Tricky" Stewart, producers; Kuk Harrell & Manny Marroquin, engineers/mixersTrack from: Good Girl Gone Bad[Def Jam]
What Goes Around…Comes AroundJustin TimberlakeNate (Danja) Hills, Timbaland & Justin Timberlake, producers; Jimmy Douglass & Timbaland, engineers/mixers[Jive/Zomba]
Rehab (Winner)Amy WinehouseMark Ronson, producer; Tom Elmhirst, Vaughan Merrick, Dom Morley, Mark Ronson & Gabriel Roth, engineers/mixersTrack from: Back To Black[Universal Republic Records]

Album Of The Year (Award to the Artist(s) and to the Album Producer(s), Recording Engineer(s)/Mixer(s) & Mastering Engineer(s), if other than the artist.)
Echoes, Silence, Patience & GraceFoo FightersGil Norton, producer; Adrian Bushby & Rich Costey, engineers/mixers; Brian Gardner, mastering engineer[Roswell/RCA Records]
These DaysVince GillJohn Anderson, Guy Clark, Rodney Crowell, Diana Krall & The Del McCoury Band, featured artists; Vince Gill, John Hobbs & Justin Niebank, producers; Neal Cappellino & Justin Niebank, engineers/mixers; Adam Ayan, mastering engineer[MCA Nashville]
River: The Joni Letters (Winner)Herbie HancockLeonard Cohen, Norah Jones, Joni Mitchell, Corinne Bailey Rae, Luciana Souza & Tina Turner, featured artists; Herbie Hancock & Larry Klein, producers; Helik Hadar, engineer/mixer; Bernie Grundman, mastering engineer[Verve]
GraduationKanye WestDwele, Lil Wayne, Mos Def & T-Pain, featured artists; Warryn "Baby Dubb" Campbell, Mike Dean, Eric Hudson, Brian "Allday" Miller, Nottz, Patrick "Plain Pat" Reynolds, Gee Roberson, Toomp & Kanye West, producers; Craig Bauer, Bruce Buechner, Andrew Dawson, Mike Dean, Anthony Kilhoffer, Greg Koller, Manny Marroquin, Nottz Raw, Tony Rey, Seiji Sekine, Paul Sheehy & D. Sloan, engineers/mixers; Vlado Meller, mastering engineer[Roc-A-Fella Records]
Back To BlackAmy WinehouseMark Ronson & Salaam Remi, producers; Tom Elmhirst, Vaughan Merrick, Dom Morley, Gary Noble, Derek Pacuk, Matt Paul, Mark Ronson, Gabriel Roth & Franklin Socorro, engineers/mixers; Stuart Hawkes, mastering engineer[Universal Republic Records]

Song Of The Year (A Songwriter(s) Award. A song is eligible if it was first released or if it first achieved prominence during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.)
Before He CheatsJosh Kear & Chris Tompkins, songwriters (Carrie Underwood)Track from: Some Hearts[19 Recordings/Arista Nashville; Publishers: Big Loud Shirt Industries, Mighty Underdog Music/Sony/ATV Cross Keys]
Hey There DelilahTom Higgenson, songwriter (Plain White T's)Track from: Every Second Counts[Hollywood Records/Fearless Records; Publisher: So Happy Publishing]
Like A StarCorinne Bailey Rae, songwriter (Corinne Bailey Rae)Track from: Corinne Bailey Rae[Capitol Records; Publisher: Global Talent Publishing]
Rehab (Winner)Amy Winehouse, songwriter (Amy Winehouse)Track from: Back To Black[Universal Republic Records; Publisher: EMI Music Publishing]
UmbrellaShawn Carter, Kuk Harrell, Terius "Dream" Nash & Christopher Stewart,songwriters (Rihanna Featuring Jay-Z)Track from: Good Girl Gone Bad[Def Jam; Publisher: Peer Music]

Best New Artist (For a new artist who releases, during the Eligibility Year, the first recording which establishes the public identity of that artist.)
Feist
Ledisi
Paramore
Taylor Swift
Amy Winehouse (Winner)
Best Female Pop Vocal Performance (For a solo vocal performance. Singles or Tracks only.)
CandymanChristina Aguilera[RCA Records]
1234FeistTrack from: The Reminder[Cherry Tree / Interscope Records]
Big Girls Don't CryFergieTrack from: The Dutchess[A&M Records]
Say It RightNelly FurtadoTrack from: Loose[Geffen]
Rehab (Winner)Amy WinehouseTrack from: Back To Black[Universal Republic Records]

Best Male Pop Vocal Performance (For a solo vocal performance. Singles or Tracks only.)
EverythingMichael BubléTrack from: Call Me Irresponsible[143 Records/Reprise]
BeliefJohn MayerTrack from: The Village Sessions[Columbia/Aware]
Dance TonightPaul McCartneyTrack from: Memory Almost Full[MPL/Hear Music]
AmazingSeal[Warner Bros.]
What Goes Around...Comes Around (Winner)Justin Timberlake[Jive]

Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals (For established duos or groups, with vocals. Singles or Tracks only.)
(You Want To) Make A MemoryBon JoviTrack from: Lost Highway[Island/Mercury]
HomeDaughtry[RCA Records/19 Recordings]
Makes Me Wonder (Winner)Maroon 5Track from: It Won't Be Soon Before Long[Octone/A&M Records]
Hey There DelilahPlain White T'sTrack from: Every Second Counts[Hollywood Records]
Window In The SkiesU2Track from: U218 - Singles[Interscope Records]

Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals (For a collaborative performance, with vocals, by artists who do not normally perform together. Singles or Tracks only.)
Steppin' OutTony Bennett & Christina AguileraTrack from: Duets: An American Classic[Columbia]
Beautiful LiarBeyoncé & ShakiraTrack from: B'Day (Deluxe Edition)[Columbia/Sony Urban]
Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On) (Winner)Robert Plant & Alison Krauss[Rounder Records]
The Sweet EscapeGwen Stefani & AkonTrack from: The Sweet Escape[Interscope Records]
Give It To MeTimbaland Featuring Nelly Furtado & Justin TimberlakeTrack from: Timbaland Presents: Shock Value[Mosley/Blackground/Interscope Records]

Best Pop Instrumental Performance (For solo, duo, group or collaborative performances, without vocals. Singles or Tracks only.)
Off The GridBeastie BoysTrack from: The Mix-Up[Capitol Records]
Paris Sunrise #7Ben Harper & The Innocent CriminalsTrack from: Lifeline[Virgin Records]
Over The RainbowDave KozTrack from: At The Movies[Capitol Records]
One Week Last Summer (Winner)Joni MitchellTrack from: Shine[Hear Music]
Simple PleasuresSpyro GyraTrack from: Good To Go-Go[Heads Up International]

Best Pop Instrumental Album (For albums containing 51% or more playing time of INSTRUMENTAL tracks.)
The Mix-Up (Winner)Beastie Boys[Capitol Records]
ItaliaChris Botti[Columbia]
At The MoviesDave Koz[Capitol/EMI]
Good To Go-GoSpyro Gyra[Heads Up International]
RoundtripKirk Whalum[Rendezvous Entertainment]

Best Pop Vocal Album (For albums containing 51% or more playing time of VOCAL tracks.)
Lost HighwayBon Jovi[Island/Mercury]
The ReminderFeist[Cherry Tree/Interscope Records]
It Won't Be Soon Before LongMaroon 5[Octone/A&M Records]
Memory Almost FullPaul McCartney[MPL/Hear Music]
Back To Black (Winner)Amy Winehouse[Universal Republic Records]
Best Dance Recording (For solo, duo, group or collaborative performances. Vocal or Instrumental. Singles or tracks only.)
Do It AgainThe Chemical BrothersTom Rowlands & Ed Simons, producersTrack from: We Are The Night[Astralwerks]
D.A.N.C.E.JusticeGaspard Auge & Xavier de Rosnay, producers; Gaspard Auge & Xavier de Rosnay, mixersTrack from: †[Downtown/Vice/Ed Banger]
Love TodayMikaJodi Marr, John Merchant, Mika & Greg Wells, producers; Greg Wells, mixerTrack from: Life In Cartoon Motion[Casablanca/Universal Republic Records]
Don't Stop The MusicRihannaStargate, producer; Phil Tan, mixerTrack from: Good Girl Gone Bad[Def Jam]
LoveStoned/I Think She Knows (Winner)Justin TimberlakeNate (Danja) Hills, Timbaland & Justin Timberlake, producers; Jimmy Douglass & Timbaland, mixersTrack from: FutureSex/LoveSounds[Jive/Zomba]

Best Electronic/Dance Album (For vocal or instrumental albums. Albums only.)
We Are The Night (Winner)The Chemical Brothers[Astralwerks]
†Justice[Downtown/Vice/Ed Banger]
Sound Of SilverLCD Soundsystem[Capitol Records/DFA]
We Are PilotsShiny Toy Guns[Universal Motown]
Elements Of LifeTiësto[Ultra Records]

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album (For albums containing 51% or more playing time of VOCAL tracks.)
Call Me Irresponsible (Winner)Michael Bublé[143 Records/Reprise]
Cool YuleBette Midler[Columbia]
Trav'lin' LightQueen Latifah[Verve]
Live In Concert 2006Barbra Streisand[Columbia]
James Taylor At ChristmasJames Taylor[Columbia]
Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance (For a solo vocal performance. Singles or Tracks only.)
TimebombBeck[Interscope Records]
Only Mama KnowsPaul McCartneyTrack from: Memory Almost Full[MPL/Hear Music]
Our CountryJohn MellencampTrack from: Freedom's Road[UME/Universal Republic]
Radio Nowhere (Winner)Bruce SpringsteenTrack from: Magic[Columbia]
Come OnLucinda WilliamsTrack from: West[Lost Highway Records]

Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals (For duo, group or collaborative performances, with vocals. Singles or Tracks only.)
It's Not OverDaughtry[RCA Records/19 Recordings]
Working Class HeroGreen DayTrack from: Instant Karma - The Amnesty International Campaign To Save Darfur[Warner Bros.]
If Everyone CaredNickelbackTrack from: All The Right Reasons Special Edition[Roadrunner Records]
Instant KarmaU2Track from: Instant Karma - The Amnesty International Campaign To Save Darfur[Warner Bros.]
Icky Thump (Winner)The White StripesTrack from: Icky Thump[Third Man/Warner Bros.]

Best Hard Rock Performance (For solo, duo, group or collaborative performances, with vocals. Singles or Tracks only.)
Sweet SacrificeEvanescenceTrack from: The Open Door[Wind-up Records, LLC]
The Pretender (Winner)Foo Fighters[Roswell/RCA Records]
I Don't Wanna StopOzzy OsbourneTrack from: Black Rain[Epic]
Sick, Sick, SickQueens Of The Stone AgeTrack from: Era Vulgaris[Interscope Recods]
The PotToolTrack from: 10,000 Days[Volcano]

Best Metal Performance (For solo, duo, group or collaborative performances, with vocals. Singles or Tracks only.)
Nothing LeftAs I Lay DyingTrack from: An Ocean Between Us[Metal Blade Records]
Never Ending HillKing DiamondTrack from: Give Me Your Soul...Please[Metal Blade Records]
Aesthetics Of HateMachine HeadTrack from: The Blackening[Roadrunner Records]
RedemptionShadows FallTrack from: Threads Of Life[Atlantic]
Final Six (Winner)SlayerTrack from: Christ Illusion[American Recording/Columbia]

Best Rock Instrumental Performance (For solo, duo, group or collaborative performances, without vocals. Includes Rock, Hard Rock and Metal. Singles or Tracks only.)
The Ecstasy Of GoldMetallicaTrack from: We All Love Ennio Morricone[Sony Classical]
Malignant NarcissismRushTrack from: Snakes & Arrows[Anthem/Atlantic]
Always With Me, Always With YouJoe SatrianiTrack from: Satriani Live![Epic/Red Ink]
Once Upon A Time In The West (Winner)Bruce SpringsteenTrack from: We All Love Ennio Morricone[Sony Classical]
The Attitude SongSteve Vai

Best Rock Song (A Songwriter(s) Award. Includes Rock, Hard Rock & Metal songs. For Song Eligibility Guidelines see Category #3. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.)
Come OnLucinda Williams, songwriter (Lucinda Williams)Track from: West[Lost Highway Records; Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane Publishing/Lucy Jones Music]
Icky ThumpJack White, songwriter (The White Stripes)Track from: Icky Thump[Third Man/Warner Bros.; Publisher: Peppermint Stripe Music]
It's Not OverChris Daughtry, Gregg Wattenberg, Mark Wilkerson & Brett Young, songwriters (Daughtry)[RCA Records/19 Recordings; Publishers: Surface Pretty Deep Ugly Music, G Watt Music/EMI April Music, Warner-Tamerlane Publishing, Floating Leaf]
The PretenderDave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Nate Mendel & Chris Shiflett, songwriters (FooFighters)[Roswell/RCA Records; Publishers: M.J. Twelve Music, I Love The Punk Rock Music, Living Under A Rock Music, Flying Earform Music]
Radio Nowhere (Winner)Bruce Springsteen, songwriter (Bruce Springsteen)Track from: Magic[Columbia; Publisher: Bruce Springsteen]

Best Rock Album (Vocal or Instrumental. Includes Hard Rock and Metal.)
DaughtryDaughtry[RCA Records]
RevivalJohn Fogerty[Fantasy]
Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace (Winner)Foo Fighters[Roswell/RCA Records]
MagicBruce Springsteen[Columbia]
Sky Blue SkyWilco
Best Alternative Music Album (Vocal or Instrumental.)
Alright, Still...Lily Allen[Capitol Records]
Neon BibleArcade Fire[Merge Records]
VoltaBjork[Elektra/Atlantic]
Wincing The Night AwayThe Shins[Sub Pop]
Icky Thump (Winner)The White Stripes[Third Man/Warner Bros.]
Best Female R&B Vocal Performance (For a solo vocal performance. Singles or Tracks only.)
Just FineMary J. Blige[Geffen]
When I See YouFantasiaTrack from: Fantasia[J Records/19 Records/S Records]
No One (Winner)Alicia Keys[J Records/MBK Entertainment]
If I Have My WayChrisette MicheleTrack from: I Am[Def Jam Recordings]
Hate On MeJill ScottTrack from: The Real Thing[Hidden Beach Recordings]

Best Male R&B Vocal Performance (For a solo vocal performance. Singles or Tracks only.)
WomanRaheem DeVaughn[Jive Records]
B.U.D.D.Y.Musiq SoulchildTrack from: Luvanmusiq[Atlantic Records]
Because Of YouNe-Yo[Def Jam Recordings]
Future Baby Mama (Winner)PrinceTrack from: Planet Earth[Columbia/NPG Records]
Please Don't GoTankTrack from: Sex, Love & Pain[Blackground/Universal Motown]

Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals (For duo, group or collaborative performances, with vocals. Singles or Tracks only.)
Same GirlR. Kelly Featuring UsherTrack from: Double Up[Jive]
Disrespectful (Winner)Chaka Khan Featuring Mary J. Blige[Burgundy/Sony/BMG]
Hate That I Love YouRihanna Featuring Ne-YoTrack from: Good Girl Gone Bad[Def Jam Recordings]
BabyAngie Stone Featuring Betty Wright[Stax]
BartenderT-Pain Featuring Akon[Jive]

Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance (For solo, duo, group or collaborative performances, with vocals. Singles or Tracks only.)
Walk A Mile In My ShoesOtis ClayTrack from: Walk A Mile In My Shoes[Echo Records]
All Night LongRandy Crawford & Joe SampleTrack from: Feeling Good[PRA Records]
In My Songs (Winner)Gerald LevertTrack from: In My Songs[Atlantic]
I ApologizeAnn NesbyTrack from: This Is Love[Shanachie/It's Time Child Records]
I Am Your ManRyan ShawTrack from: This Is Ryan Shaw[Razor & Tie Entertainment]

Best Urban/Alternative Performance (For solo, duo, group or collaborative performances, with vocals. Singles or Tracks only.)
Make A BabyVikter DuplaixTrack from: Bold And Beautiful[BBE]
That’s The Way Of The WorldDweleTrack from: Interpretations: Celebrating The Music Of Earth, Wind & Fire[Stax]
Daydreamin' (Winner)Lupe Fiasco Featuring Jill ScottTrack from: Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor[1st & 15th/Atlantic]
FantasyMeshell NdegeocelloTrack from: Interpretations: Celebrating The Music Of Earth, Wind & Fire[Stax]
DreamAlice SmithTrack from: For Lovers, Dreamers & Me[BBE Records]

Best R&B Song (A Songwriter(s) Award. For Song Eligibility Guidelines see Category #3. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.)
Beautiful FlowerIndia.Arie & Joyce Simpson, songwriters (India.Arie)[Universal Republic Records; Publishers: Gold & Iron Music Publishing, WB Music Corp.]
Hate That I Love YouMikkel S. Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen & Shaffer Smith, songwriters (Rihanna Featuring Ne-Yo)Track from: Good Girl Gone Bad[Def Jam Recordings; Publishers: EMI April Music, Sony/ATV Tunes]
No One (Winner)Dirty Harry, Kerry Brothers & Alicia Keys, songwriters (Alicia Keys)[J Records/MBK Entertainment; Publishers: Lellow Productions/EMI April Music, Book Of Daniel Music/EMI Music Publishing, D. Harry Productions]
TeachmeIvan Barias, Adam W. Blackstone, Randall C. Bowland, Carvin Haggins, Johnnie Smith II & Corey Latif Williams, songwriters (Musiq Soulchild)Track from: Luvanmusiq[Atlantic; Publishers: Nivrac Tyke/Universal Publishing, Latif Music/Universal Publishing, Tetra Grammaton/Universal Music Publishing, Melodic Piano Productions, HC 1030 Publishing]
When I See ULouis Biancaniello, Waynne Nugent, Erika Nuri, Kevin Risto, Janet Sewel & Sam Watters, songwriters (Fantasia)Track from: Fantasia[J Records/19 Records/S Records; Publishers: Breakthrough Creations/EMI April Music, S.M.Y. Publishing/Sony/ATV Tunes, Break North Music/Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Wayne Writers/Sony/ATV Tunes, J. Sewell Publishing, Golden The Super Kid Music]

Best R&B Album (For albums containing 51% or more playing time of VOCAL tracks.)
Funk This (Winner)Chaka Khan[Burgundy Records]
Lost & FoundLedisi[Verve Forecast]
LuvanmusiqMusiq Soulchild[Atlantic]
The Real ThingJill Scott[Hidden Beach Recordings]
Sex, Love & PainTank[Blackground/Universal Motown Records]

Best Contemporary R&B Album (For albums containing 51% or more playing time of VOCAL tracks.)
KonvictedAkon[SRC/Universal Motown]
Just Like YouKeyshia Cole[Confidential Records/Geffen]
FantasiaFantasia[J Records/19 Records/S Records]
East Side StoryEmily King[J Records]
Because Of You (Winner)Ne-Yo[Def Jam Recordings]
Best Rap Solo Performance (For a solo Rap performance. Singles or Tracks only.)
The PeopleCommonTrack from: Finding Forever[Geffen]
I Get Money50 CentTrack from: Curtis[Shady/Aftermath/Interscope Records]
Show Me What You GotJay-ZTrack from: Kingdom Come[Roc-A-Fella Records]
Big Things Poppin' (Do It)T.I.[Grand Hustle/Atlantic]
Stronger (Winner)Kanye WestTrack from: Graduation[Roc-A-Fella Records]

Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group (For duo, group or collaborative performances of Rap only. Singles or Tracks only.)
Southside (Winner)Common Featuring Kanye WestTrack from: Finding Forever[Geffen]
Make It RainFat Joe Featuring Lil WayneTrack from: Me, Myself & I[Terror Squad Entertainment]
Party Like A RockstarShop BoyzTrack from: Rockstar Mentality[OnDeck/Universal Republic Records]
Int'l Players Anthem (I Choose You)UGK Featuring OutKast[Jive]
Better Than I've Ever BeenKanye West, Nas & KRS-One[Nike]

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration (For a Rap/Sung collaborative performance by artists who do not normally perform together. Singles or Tracks only.)
I Wanna Love YouAkon Featuring Snoop DoggTrack from: Konvicted[SRC/Universal Motown]
Kiss, KissChris Brown & T-Pain[Jive]
Let It GoKeyshia Cole Featuring Missy Elliott & Lil' KimTrack from: Just Like You[Confidential Records/Geffen]
Umbrella (Winner)Rihanna Featuring Jay-ZTrack from: Good Girl Gone Bad[Def Jam Recordings]
Good LifeKanye West Featuring T-PainTrack from: Graduation[

Best Rap Song (A Songwriter(s) Award. For Song Eligibility Guidelines see Category #3. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.)
Ayo TechnologyNate (Danja) Hills, Curtis Jackson, Timothy Mosley & Justin Timberlake,songwriters (50 Cent Featuring Justin Timberlake & Timbaland)Track from: Curtis[Shady/Aftermath/Interscope Records; Publishers: 50 Cent Music Publishing/Virginia Beach Music/Danjahandz Music/WB Music Corp./Tenman Tunes]
Big Things Poppin' (Do It)Clifford Harris & Byron Thomas, songwriters (T.I.)[Grand Hustle/Atlantic; Publishers: Crown Club Publishing/Warner Chappell Music, Fresh Is The Word]
Can't Tell Me NothingAldrin Davis & Kanye West, songwriters (Kanye West)Track from: Graduation[Roc-A-Fella; Publishers: Very Good Beats/Hip Hop Since 1978]
Crank That (Soulja Boy)Soulja Boy Tell'Em, songwriter (Soulja Boy Tell'Em)[Collipark/Interscope Records; Publisher: Element 9 Recordings]
Good Life (Winner)Aldrin Davis, Mike Dean, Faheem Najm & Kanye West, songwriters (J. Ingram & Q. Jones, songwriters)(Kanye West Featuring T-Pain)Track from: Graduation[Roc-A-Fella; Publishers: Yellow Brick Road Music/Eiseman Music/EMI Blackwood Music/Please Gimme My Publishing/Careers BMG Music Publishing, Warner-Tamerlane Publishing]

Best Rap Album (For albums containing 51% or more playing time of VOCAL tracks.)
Finding ForeverCommon[Geffen]
Kingdom ComeJay-Z[Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam Recordings]
Hip Hop Is DeadNas[Def Jam/Columbia/The Jones Experience]
T.I. vs T.I.P.T.I.[Grand Hustle/Atlantic]
Graduation (Winner)Kanye West[Roc-A-Fella Records]
Best Female Country Vocal Performance (For a solo vocal performance. Singles or Tracks only.)
Simple LoveAlison KraussTrack from: A Hundred Miles Or More: A Collection[Rounder]
Famous In A Small TownMiranda LambertTrack from: Crazy Ex-Girlfriend[Columbia Nashville]
Nothin' Better To DoLeAnn Rimes[Curb Records]
Before He Cheats (Winner)Carrie UnderwoodTrack from: Some Hearts[19 Recordings/Arista Nashville]
Heaven, Heartache And The Power Of LoveTrisha Yearwood[Big Machine Records]

That's it today folks, lets hope NEPA will allow me do this again tomorrow...till then take care and be good!

Happy Birthday to the Awodunmilas, Brando dies and Arsenal bounces back!

Hey! It’s the start of a new week, thank God its Sunday. Good morning to y’all and how was your weekend? Tomorrow is a Monday so I guess u are already preparing for a busy week ahead. Guess what? It’s the last week of January 2008, how time flies! Before u bat your eyelids, the year is gone and you will be whaaaaathef@uk! So folks, if you‘ve got anything lined up for this year, the time to start is now cos time sure does not wait for no one. A word they say is...u can finish that.
I slept a lil late today (a bro is entitled to some well deserved rest...abi?). I went for a small birthday gig of a colleague yesterday so my weekend wasn’t entirely uneventful. Taiwo (my colleague) and Kehinde (her twin sister) Awodunmila had their party at Barcelos, Silverbird Galleria and for me, it was refreshing to meet all the new faces (especially that of pretty girls). I was so stuffed that I practically had no space in my tummy for even water! I really had a nice time. This is wishing Teespice and Kenny Miller a happy birthday and many happy returns. Taiwo, pls o! Call me again next year and lets do it again...abi? they say awuf no dey run belle...(lol)
To other stories this morning, death has struck again and this time though not an actor but the son of Hollywood legend Marlon Brando of the Godfather fame. According to reports, Christian Brando, the troubled eldest son of Hollywood icon Marlon Brando, has died at the age of 49, media reports said on Saturday. The New York Post and People magazine both reported on their Web sites that Brando, son of the late screen star and Welsh actress Anna Kashfi, had died of complications from pneumonia. "His body was totally compromised," Brando's ex-wife, Deborah, told People. "He'd lived so hard ... this is just so sad."
His father, Marlon Brando, considered one of the greatest actors of his generation, won Academy Awards for his acclaimed roles in On the Waterfront and The Godfather. He died in 2004 at the age of 80.

From what I heard, the guy was certainly no chip from the old block, but it is sad all the same. May he rest in peace.

I wanted to give some details of the Gbenga and Moji Obasanjo’s scandal as I read them in the Nigerian press but I was slowed down by my attorney. His reason; the case is still in court and it will an offence to comment on an in-court issue without attracting the contempt of the court. So u see why I can’t talk about it. As a young man, I need to listen to my lawyer often or else...am sure u love me and will not be too keen on seeing behind the bars... lol.

For all you Arsenal fans out there, well, yesterday’s game was a nice one. It certainly feels good to be winning again after the midweek shocker at White Hart lane. Right now, it seem like Adebayor can do no wrong. That guy is firing on all cylinders, (he has scored 18 goals so far) and we hope it continue for a while too.

We need to keep the pressure on Sir Alex and his boys and if we are to do that, we need Ade and other members of the team to be at their best. For the fans, u sure are supporting the best club in the world. I can’t imagine myself supporting any other club. It just will not werk for me!

Can you imagine? Despite all the campaign against smoking, all the warnings of dying young and all. Look at what this guy is doing. I mean, what more can I say?

Hey guys, I think I have to go now cos I need to prepare for the week ahead, it is sure going to be a hectic one. Do take care of yourselves and have a wonderful week ahead of you. Catch y’all tomorrow, till then, stay outta trouble and be good.

The Naija Spirit, Angie Jolie pregnant and Rambo 4 is out...

A very good morning to you, thought I wasn’t going to be around over the weekend but alas, plans have changed and u are stuck with me for the next two days...lol. Hope u had a nice week? If not, don’t despair, cos another one is coming right at u and u had better make it nice. Anyway, I know someone who is not likely to have a very good weekend. Super Eagles coach, Berti Vogts must be wondering what kind of ill luck befell his team in their last match. This weekend is going to be a very thoughtful one for him indeed. The team had a goalless draw in their second group game with the team from Mali. So right now, our chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals of the African version of the World cup lies in the hands of the Elephants of Ivory-Coast in the last round of group matches, how vintage of the Nigerian team.
It seems we Nigerians have perfected the art of leaving our fate in the hands of someone else. If u look closely around u, this trend permeates every sphere of the Nigerian life. Look at the Nigerian telecoms industry, if not for the ingenuity and doggedness of Chief Mike Adenuga, the GSM sector would have been in the hands of total strangers (at least technically). MTN and Celtel are both non-Nigerian companies, yet the nation has the largest and fastest growing telecoms industry in Africa. Isn’t that a bit funny? The Chinese, Koreans, Lebanese and the South Africans have literally taken over the nation’s economy and yet nobody is ringing the alarm bells, why? Because we love others to do our job for us. It got to point in our recent past when the governance of the country got so unbearable; a writer promptly suggested that we get a foreign president. That is the Nigerian spirit!

Let nobody blame the Super Eagles German tactician, he too has caught the bug. Let’s pray that Ivory Coast beats Mali, so that the Super Eagles will have a shot at the knock-out stages...abi? What else is there to do?

Just recently we were talking about celebrity pregnancy, well, I am pleased to announce to u that Angelina Jolie has joined the elite club of soon-to-be-mothers celebs. Infact, the news making the rounds is that she is expecting a set of twins, Na wah o! Star magazine is reporting that Jolie cancelled a long-scheduled trip to Europe because she’s knocked up. With twins! “Brad and Angelina are absolutely ecstatic,” a source said. “But I still think there will be more adoptions to come.” There are also reports that Angie has been making visits to the OB GYN office of the doctor who helped Nicole Richie through her recent pregnancy.

I wish her safe landing.

Also, for lovers of the T.V series, Lost, Season four is ready and it is to premiere on January 31st. I am yet to even see season three, but for those of you who have, you now have something to look forward to.

Still on T.V, ageless Sly Stallone has pulled another one on us, Rambo 4 is out and it premiered this week in Las Vegas. Honestly, I just can’t comprehend this guy. Just when I thought he will throw-in the towel and start thinking of how he will handle his grandkids, he comes out with another block-buster of the Rambo legend. From what I read and the little preview I saw of the film, it has Stallone written all over it, with its characteristic non-stop adrenaline pumping action. I guess he will never stop until he drops dead.

He is indeed a legendary actor.

So folks, that's it for today. There will be a Sunday special for y'all tomorrow, so keep ur fingers crossed. Have a swell weekend...

A graduate at last, Heath is dead plus, Amy back in rehab

Wassup people, wutz happening? There was some celebration in my life yesterday that I hardly had the time to sit for 5minutes not to talk of writing. I officially became a graduate of the University of Lagos yesterday. Actually, I had thought I would scribble something but, as usual with everything in Nigeria, my connectivity messed up at the very last moment and I did not have the time to get it fixed before I left to sort out some convocation issues. The ceremonies were hitch-free but very stressful, there was severe traffic hold-up around the Yaba-Akoka axis so much that parents and well wishers had to park their cars and make use of Okadas to get to the campus. It however went well and as a pal would say, “that is the end of a chapter” in our lives. The next chapter has already started and believe me, it looks a lot harder than the just concluded one. But God pass them...abi?
While i was AWOL, a lot has happened around the world.

But let me start by saying we will all miss Heath Ledger who died 22nd of January, he was a Hollywood actor. It’s really sad the way young actors are dying these days. He was rumoured to have died as result of drug overdose, very sad indeed.
According to reports, Ledger was found dead Tuesday afternoon in a Manhattan apartment. Pills were found near the body, and reports speculated he was disconsolate and had been battling a heroin addiction. Ledger was found dead Tuesday afternoon in a Manhattan apartment. Pills were found near the body, and reports speculated he was disconsolate and had been battling a heroin addiction. Ledger's publicist said the death was an accident. Police said that a rolled up bill found in Ledger's apartment was being sent to the police crime lab for testing.They noted that such bills sometimes indicate drug use but said that no illegal drugs were found in the apartment. However, a mix of both prescription and over-the-counter pills, including sleeping aids and anti-anxiety medication, were found in his bedroom and bathroom. The initial autopsy Wednesday to determine how Ledger died was inconclusive, and additional tests were required to determine the cause of death."The autopsy was inconclusive. We have to do further testing including toxicology and tissue testing. Neither cause of death or manner of death has been concluded. We expect additional results in 10 days to two weeks," New York City medical examiner spokeswoman Ellen Borakove told People Magazine.” Heath, rest in peace.


Amy is in the news again, this time; the gist is that she is back in the rehab again. “Amy decided to enter the facility today after talks with her family, record label management and doctors,” Universal Music group said in a statement. Winehouse who is nominated for six grammies for her acclaimed ‘Back to Back’ album, seems to be as famous as her drug problems. "Amy is the most talented and important musical artist of her generation and has made huge strides on her road to recovery," the statement said. "Amy is the most talented and important musical artist of her generation and has made huge strides on her road to recovery," the statement said. Let’s hope this would finally solve her problem cos she stands the risk of being a wino for life.

Also, the messy details of Gbenga and Moji Obasanjo’s divorce are coming to light but I will serve u all the juicy details next week.
I going to be outta town this weekend, but I will be back with a bang on Monday. Hope u guys have a smashing weekend ahead, cos I intend to have one myself. Ciao

Sorry Eagles lose yet again, Fatherhood with the Doggfather, Facebook U.K probe and lots more

“Good morning my neighbours...”
“Fcuk u!”
Yes...yes, fcuk u too!
Do u remember this dialogue? It is from a very popular American movie, infact in my opinion, one of the greatest movies of all time, ‘Coming to America’, starring the very humorous Eddie Murphy and others. Well, a very good morning to y’all, hope u had a splendid night rest cos I sure did. It so good to be alive!
I am in good mood today, despite the fact that Super Eagles were defeated yesterday by Didier Drogba and his men. Eagles lost their first game 1-0 after a very dull and uninspiring game in Sekondi (somewhere in Ghana...). I am not feeling bad not because i don’t want the Eagle to win but because in my opinion, they did not deserve to win. The Ivorians were not particularly spectacular, but the Eagles were notably worse! They were playing like they were nursing a bad hangover after a drinking binge the night before. There was no creativity in the middle of the pack like what we were used to have during the days of our mercurial former skipper, Jay Jay Okocha. They just kept knocking the ball around so much that u get the feeling they had no idea of what they wanted to do with it. Just when I thought the game was probably going to end in draw, the Elephants stuck. Salomon Kalou, the Chelsea striker took on what looked like our entire defence and slotted home their first goal of the tournament. I wasn’t surprised, if we were not scoring, someone had to.
All hope is not lost however, we can still qualify if we buckle-up and win our next two games which by the way, is not going to be an easy task. Mali is going to be a tough nut to crack and the boys from Benin are no pushovers either. Let’s keep our fingers and hope for the best. I predicted a 2-1 win for the Eagles and I goofed! (lol). I guess I still need some schooling if I want to be a good soccer analyst, but honestly I don’t think I really care. I am good in some other things... that u don’t want to know about lol!
Enough of football. To other issues this morning, I caught an episode of Snoop Dogg’s new reality show, Fatherhood on T.V over the weekend and it was really cool. For those of us who have not seen the other side of Snoop apart from what we see on stage or in music videos, it was very revealing. I also got to know that despite his notoriety, Snoop actually has a close-knit family; a very beautiful wife, Shante, and three lovely kids to go with it, unbelievable isn’t it? Most hilarious, however, was the part where Snoop squared up with David Beckham on the football pitch, he was pathetically out of his element. The concept of the show is a good one and indeed very funny.
Nollywood’s delectable actress Ini Edo declared recently in an interview that she only wears skimpy clothes on set and do not wear it when she is not acting. Hear her “I don’t wear skimpy dresses when I’m going out, even if it’s a party. I prefer trousers. I can’t remember the last time I wore a skimpy skirt to a party. I would rather wear a pair of jeans trousers. I’m not very good at wearing short skirts and being conscious of the way I sit, I prefer to wear something that I would feel comfortable in. Yes I wear skimpy skirts in movies, but it’s only because of the characters that I play. I hardly wear skimpy skirts in real life.”
That’s a pity, if u ask me. That sweet figure all wrapped up in clothes...what a waste!
I read a disturbing news about the U.K probe of popular urban and youth website, Facebook over privacy issues. According to the news, Facebook's data protection policies are to be investigated by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), after a user complained that they were unable to fully delete their profile after terminating their account. Currently Facebook users who wish to remove their profile are given the opportunity to deactivate their account. However, although the information from deactivated accounts is no longer accessible, it remains on Facebook's servers so the account can be reactivated at a later date. According to Facebook, this is in "full compliance with UK data protection law" and the social-networking site says it does not use the information from deactivated accounts. "We take the concerns of the ICO and our user's privacy very seriously and are committed to working with the ICO to maintain a trusted environment for all Facebook users and ensure compliance with UK law," said a statement from the site. Facebook advises its users to "log in and delete all profile content" but this concerns the ICO as it can be a very laborious process.
I know a lot of Nigerians are users of Facebook, I am myself so I just felt u should hear about this. As for me sha, nothing do me cos i no get anything to hide. Anybody wey wan check my profile content can go right ahead lol.
So folks, i gotta run, but I will be back so join me tomorrow same time, same station for another wonderful package of the programme... come to think of it, I will certainly make a very good T.V/ radio personality. Soundcity, STV and the others... watch out for the newest kid on the block! lol.
Do have a wonderful day today and make sure u make someone smile, it is worth the trouble.

Announcement...I’m back, Nig vs CIV and some Hollywood gossips!

Sorry folks for the rather long and unexpected break on this space. I am really sorry. I guess I underestimated the amount of work I had on my hands and the when it eventually dawn on me, I was kinda overwhelmed. But I am back now and that is all that matters. This is my first write up this year so I guess I might just start with a Merry Xmas and a HAPPY NEW YEAR and a ‘hope u had a swell yuletide season’ start-up line. But I am sure u have had enough of all that already, so let’s just dig in!
The main thing that’s happening right now is the ANC. Not the famous political party in South Africa, far from it, it is African Nations Cup hosted by Ghana. The foremost African soccer fiesta kicked off yesterday and the opening match saw the hosts struggle to beat a very determined Guinean side. Personally, I think the final score line of 2-1 in favour of Ghana was very flattering considering that the Syli stars of Guinea matched their Ghanaian counterparts in almost every department of the game. But that’s soccer for u; it is not exactly mathematics so it is highly unpredictable.
Today, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will try the Elephants of Ivory Coast for size. Most Nigerians have been expressing doubts over the ability of the current crop of Super Eagles players to bring back the much coveted trophy but I was telling a pal over the weekend that although their chances are not as bright and we would have wanted, most Nigerian teams have the habit of performing well when least expect them to and I somewhat feel that is going to happen in this competition. What do you feel? Do think the Super Eagles have what it takes to bring back the trophy? Send in your comments.
For today’s match however, I strongly believe that the Eagles have what it takes to overcome. The Ivorian side, no doubt is a strong team infact one of the strongest in the tournament but they can be beaten by a very hardworking and determined side. I believe in the Super Eagles and I am a patriot (lol) so I predict 2-1 score line in favour of Nigeria. Who do you think will win and by what goal margin?
To other news now, Eddie Murphy and his two-week old bride Tracy (Babyface’s former wife) have called it quits. That was pretty fast if u ask me! I guess they were just not made for each other (lol). Other gists now, Beyonce is likely to be on stage at this year’s Grammys coming up next month. Can’t wait to see that sexy body...lol!

There are rumours that delectable actress Eva Longoria and our most beloved Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas are pregnant, No be me talk am o!
According to reports, Longoria and her husband Tony parker sparked pregnancy rumours afters he was spotted with a slight weight gain in her stomach area. Fergie and her new fiancé Josh Duhamel are also rumoured to be expecting their first child after they were given a pair of baby shoes. According to some media reports, Duhamel received “a pair of baby Crocs sandals for his future baby.”
Still on celebrity pregnancies, according to media reports, singer Britney Spears and her 35-year-old photographer boyfriend Adnan Ghalib were shopping at the studio city store together Monday night and Spears scanned the shelves of pregnancy tests paying more attention to the stuffs than was necessary.
Why is there so much ado about nuthin? Why is every body getting excited because Fergie or Eva or Britney is going to have a baby? Is it so strange that celebrities desire what every one of us will also desire at some point in our lives? Britney Spears is pregnant... so what? I am not a celeb, so maybe that is why i can’t just understand what all the hulabalo is all about.
Well I guess that is all there is for today. I heard the recently held Future awards at the Muson centre was a smashing success. Thumbs up to the organisers, we want more of stuffs like that.
Once again, i apologize for the rather long break in transmission... it was due some technical hitches, but all that is resolved now so u will be stuck with me for some time to come. Got to go now folks... catch y’all tomorrow
NB: Don’t forget to give all your support and prayers to the Super Eagles today.