E-PRAISE BLOGSPOT.COM: June 2015

Tuesday 30 June 2015

Chicago Gospel Music Awards Honor Mavis Staples, Rev. Maceo Woods and Apostle Richard D Henton

The second annu

al Chicago Gospel Music Awards will present lifetime achievement awards to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Mavis Staples, Gospel luminaries Rev. Maceo Woods and Apostle Richard D. Henton in addition to honoring Chicago Gospel singers, songwriters and musicians in eleven categories on Friday, June 19th.

Performances will come from Bishop Larry Trotter and the Sweet Holy Spirit Combined Choirs, Stellar Award winner Tiff Joy, Paul Porter, Chicago Mass Choir and a special performance by the Thompson Community Singers Reunion Choir with special presentations from BET host Dr. Bobby Jones, Bebe Winans and Maurette Brown Clark.

Gospel Duo AsOne Makes Stunning Debut

Individually, Lisa Wr

ight and Theresa Bailey have enough credits to set up shop as a writing machines anywhere on the planet. It was their coming together, however that set them on a new path. Lisa was fully involved in the process and making plans to record a solo project. At the behest of her producer, she met with 2012 GMA Immerse Female Songwriter of the Year winner Theresa Bailey to come up with some new material. Upon hearing the musical collaboration, Lisa’s producer was blown away. The end results gave credence to the undeniable fact that the sovereign God had orchestrated this meeting and set these two minstrels on a divine path. AsOne was born.
Now knowing God was in the plans, Lisa and Theresa fully accepted the call and mandate to be shining examples of the message of reconciliation through the power of Jesus Christ. “You have to come to the conclusion that you can do nothing in and of yourself”, states Lisa. “We are here and we are open and ready to be used by God as an interracial duo to impact and bless the nations.” Their sights are set on tearing down boundaries and racial divides to minister the love of God to a hurting world. Fueled by the April release of their ever popular praise anthem and radio single Hero, their 8 song self titled disc produced by Paul Wright hits stores on Tuesday, June 23rd. The CD presents a diverse musical offering drawing from both ladies musical experiences and influences. In addition to Hero, the listener is treated to stellar work from the ladies alongside Lamar Campbell’s Spirit of Praise Choir, Take 6’s Mark Kibble and rapper Da TRUTH.

Pastor Shirley Caesar Honored In Hollywood

Multiple Grammy winner Pastor Shirley Caesar was recently announced as a 2016 recipient of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She is the 4th Gospel artist to receive the prestigious honor. Eone VP/GM Phil Thorton shared these sentiments: “Entertainment One Music congratulates Pastor Shirley Caesar on this monumental achievement as an honoree on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for 2016! What a great blessing to be selected for this honor. Pastor Caesar’s incomparable style, personality and lifelong dedication to ministry have continued to impact and influence so many fans around the world, and we are thrilled to celebrate her upcoming 50-year anniversary and deliver new music to come.”

Smokie Norful Receives Top Honors at 2015 ASCAP Awards

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers held its 28th annual Rhythm and Soul Awards honoring the songwriters and publishers of the most performed songs on the charts.
In the Gospel category, top honors went to Bart Millard for I Can Only Imagine (as recorded by Tamela Mann). Other award recipients include Smokie Norful (who performed his composition No Greater Love during the evening), William McDowell for Withholding Nothing, Erica Campbell for Help and David Bratton for Every Praise (as recorded by Bishop Hezekiah Walker). A full list of Gospel award recipients can be found here: 2015 ASCAP Top Gospel Songs

Christon Gray Signs With Fo Yo Soul

Fo Yo Soul Recordings/RCA announced the signing of WLAK group member and writer, singer, rapper, and producer Christon Gray. In 2014, Gray’s solo album, School Of Roses, debuted in the top 5 on Billboard’s R&B albums chart.
“Christon is one of the most exciting, young voices in urban music today,” says Kirk Franklin. “We are thrilled to be able to partner with him to cultivate his influence in the flourishing Christian Hip Hop market and to expand his platform into the mainstream.”

Martha Munizzi Records New CD

June 26th is the date

set for the live recording of GRAMMY-nominated, Stellar and Dove Award-winning inspirational artist Martha Munizzi at Miami’s Metro Life Church. Israel Houghton will return in the producer’s seat for this project along with guest appearance from Anthony Evans. The recording becomes a family affair as the Munizzi children join their mom for this praise and worship experience.

Donnie McClurkin Honors Andrae Crouch During BET Awards

RCA Inspiration recording artist Donnie McClurkin will pay tribute to Gospel Music legend Pastor Andrae Crouch during the 2015 BET Awards on Sunday, June 28th. The show will air live on BET. Check your local listings for time and channel information in your area.
McClurkin marks 9 years as host of his syndicated Donnie McClurkin radio show as well as getting in gear for the July 19th premiere of the popular BET Sunday Best singing competition. This season’s All Star Show features popular contestants from previous years.

Dottie Jones & Angela Winbush Join Richard Smallwood For Anthology Live

RCA Inspiration is in full prep mode for the release of Anthology Live, the highly anticipated 15th CD from Gospel Music maestro Richard Smallwood The two disc set pairs Smallwood with his celebrated ensemble Vision and features memorable cameos from former Richard Smallwood Singers Dottie Jones (He Won’t Leave You) and R & B song stylist Angela Winbush.
“After nearing the 40 year mark of being in ministry and doing music as a profession, I am elated about this latest work ANTHOLOGY LIVE,” says Smallwood of the release. Anthology hits stores and digital outlets on June 29th.

Lil Kim up-close

The 40 year old rapper seen heading to an after-party after the BET awards last night. She's looking better than ever! Motherhood agrees with her!

The queue at Ojota BRT Lane today. Photo Credit: @Ayam_Cqncer

Nicole Scherzinger spotted kissing her new man, a 23yr old footballer

I thought Nicole, 37, left Lewis Hamilton, 30, because he wasn't ready to settle down? What is she then doing with a man 14 years her junior? 4 months after ending her 7-year relationship to Formula One champion, Nicole Scherzinger has finally moved on. She's now dating footballer Pajtim Kasami, 23, who plays for Fulham. The two were photographed smooching yesterday while enjoying a sunshine break in Greece, where she went to celebrated her birthday. More photos after the cut...

AY delivered a remarkably exciting Father’s day edition of AY Live on Sunday 21st June 2015 at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

The event which was powered by Maltina and proudly supported by Peak Milk, featured the best of comedy and musical performances just as was seen at the Lagos edition, which held on Easter Sunday. On Sung were Raving Artistes Like: MI, Phyno, Reekado Banks, Dammy Krane, with Amazing Comedy performances by : AY, I Go Dye, Helen Paul, Akpororo, Elenu, Ushbebe, Acapella, Pencil and Ajebo.

Kim's reclusive brother, Rob Kardashian's 10 year High school reunion took place on Sunday 28th June, 2015 but he skipped the reunion. However, a letter he wrote to his future self in 2005 that had his name on it with a handwritten note that read: 'If I don't show please give this to my sister Kim' was at the event.

Kafayat, a presenter on Rainbow 94.1FM says she looks like Gabrielle Union. You agree?

FG-Okonjo-Iweala spent $2.1bn without approval

The National Economic Council, chaired by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, on Monday accused former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, of spending $2.1bn from the Excess Crude Account without authorisation.

“We looked at the numbers for the Excess Crude Account. The last time the former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, reported to the council, and it is in the minutes, she reported by November 2014 that we had $4.1 bn.

Both legal and oil experts have advised that the Nigerian independent oil operators should be considered first in the award of Oil and Gas contracts. Nigerian service companies should also be considered for contracts and services in line with the local content law just as they called for subsidy removal.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has executed the chief architect of the new international Pyongyang airport...This news comes after he was pictured touring the building with his wife last week.
According to reports, the architect was executed because Kim didn’t like the design.

Fast-rising Nollywood sensation Daniel K. Daniel (a.k.a DKD) who was recently nominated for the 2015 Afrifimo Awards and Film/Music Festival (AAFMF) Best Upcoming and Best Supporting Actor Categories for his role in the movie “Bambitious” was a major feature at the recent premiere of Mummy Dearest, an exciting new Nollywood family comedy/drama, which premiered on Thursday 25th June 2015 at the Filmhouse Cinemas, Spar Port Harcourt Mall in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

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Kylie Jenner gets a passionate hug from boyfriend, Tyga

Big sister Khloe Kardashian shared the photo of three of them getting their sandwich hug-on on her instagram page and captioned it 'a Michael sandwich'. Tyga's real name is Michael Ray Nguyen-Stevenson. She must approve. More photos after the cut...

Lol. The comment from the teacher is even more hilarious to me! Oh dear...lol.

APC insists on Deputy Senate President Ekweremadu's removal

APC says Deputy Senate president Ike Ekweremadu who is a member of PDP must be removed from office. Senator Ekweremadu who was also the deputy senate president in the last administration, was elected deputy senate president during the controversial senate leadership election on June 9th which produced Senator Bukola Saraki as Senate President.

A member of the ruling party who spoke on condition of anonymity with Punch, said Ekweremadu serving as deputy senate president will adversely affect President Buhari's administration.

Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe has challenged US President Barack Obama by asking his hand in marriage. His comment comes at the back of the legalization of gay marriage in the US by the Supreme Court.

During Mugabe's weekly radio interview with Zimbabwe’s national radio last Saturday, he said:

“I’ve just concluded since President Obama endorses the same-sex marriage, advocates homosexual people and enjoys an attractive countenance thus if it becomes necessary , I shall travel to Washington, D.C. , get down on my knee and ask Obama’s hand. I can’t understand how these people dare to defy Christ’s explicit orders as our Lord prohibited mankind from sodomy.''

The Federal government yesterday June 29th constituted a four-man committee to probe NNPC over N3.8 trillion unaccounted for by the corporation in the last three years. According to the Edo state governor, who is part of the 4-man probe committee, investigations by the federal government show that NNPC made N8.1 trillion from 2012-2015, paid N4.3 trillion to the federal government and withheld N3.8 trillion which the management of the corporation have not accounted for.

The probe panel was constituted by the National Economic Council which was inaugurated by President Buhari yesterday June 29th

C'mon Mrs Danjuma, you know I like you but c'mon babe, 28? Lol. Caroline has been married for about 10 years, before then she was a popular actress and had been in the entertainment scene for a while, you mean to tell me you were like 14 when you were featuring in movies, music videos and got married at 17? Well, if you say so. Many don't believe her though. They are insisting she's about 34. See the argument on her page after the cut...(she has since deleted so I couldn't get much)

John Legend's wife, Chrissy Teigen has been named one of the 10 sexiest supermodels on social media. Chrissy, who went topless for the magazine, revealed she prefers posing naked than in clothes.

She told the publication: ‘The most uncomfortable I’ve ever been on set was having to model coats. I actually am better in less clothing.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo arrived Abidjan, Cote D'Ivoire for the launch of West Africa Energy Leaders Group today June 30th. Continue to see more photos..

This happened around the Muson Centre/TBS area of Lagos a few minutes ago. The bus driver was stopped for a traffic offense and as LASTMA and VIA officials tried to seize his bus, he went under it and refused to come out, causing traffic on the road. Don't blame him though. That's his source of livelihood. See more exclusive photos after the cut...

Lol. How many of you ladies would do same?

Can you see the naked people hidden in these scenes?

You can't spot the humans in the background, can you? Talented Swiss artist Filippo Ioco, 47, uses water-based paints, raw pigments, clays, dirt, and foods to paint naked bodies and camouflage them into their surroundings. Filippo travels around the world to create his art and spends between one and eight hours to set up each photograph. See the amazing results after the cut...

The actor and politician is currently in the US on the set of a movie. Here are some behind the scenes photos from Atlanta and NY film sets. More exclusive pics after the cut...

Liberia has been hit with a fresh case of Ebola. According to the Liberian Deputy Health Minister, Tolbert Nyensuah, a 19 year old man died of the deadly virus. And they are saying it's possible he infected close friends or relatives before he died.

"A new case of Ebola has been reported in Margibi County. The person has died and was confirmed positive before death. He has been buried" Nyensuah said

Family members of the deceased have been quarantined so as to stop the spread of the virus. Liberia was declared Ebola free on May 9th by the World Health Organization. A total of 11,207 people died from Ebola in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone since the outbreak began in December 2013.

Award-winning Poet, Titilope Sonuga, is Intel She Will Connect Spokesperson for 2015

After performing her thought-provoking and stirring poem at the swearing-in of President Buhari on May 29, 2015; a historic moment for the country and the first time a poet had ever been invited to perform at a Nigerian inauguration ceremony, Titilope Sonuga achieves another first. She has been named the first Intel® She Will Connect spokesperson in Nigeria.

The award-winning actress arrived Kenya for a homecoming tour to a rousing welcome. The visit is termed #LupitaHomeComing which kicked off a few hours ago with a press conference.

This is is her first official visit since winning an Oscar in 2014. Lupita Nyong’o will be charging Sh10, 000 per person at a gala dinner she will be hosting next week. The gala dinner tagged "An Evening with Lupita" is part of the itinerary in her homecoming tour in Kenya.

Although the 10k Kenyan money goes to charity (Elephants conservation efforts) some Kenyans are bashing the organisers over it. Will bring that later, for now see more photos after the cut...

The long queue as seen this morning. Hope CBN extends the deadline. Another photo after the cut...

No fewer than 100 people were killed after an Indonesian military plane, C-130 Hercules carrying 113 passengers crashed into Medan, the third largest residential area in Indonesia.

According to Indonesia's Air force chief, Air Marshall Agus Supriatna, the pilot told the control tower that the plane needed to turn back because of engine trouble. "The plane crashed while it was turning right to return to the airport," Supriatna said.

Last minute rush around Nigeria...more photos after the cut...

Are you stuck and don’t know how to further your education or your career? Tired of working a stressful 9-5 job with an even more stressful boss? Ready to move on with your life & your business?

You need to register for a course at UK Skin Care Academy! The team from the Academy will be at the Palms Mall (Shoprite) in Lekki this coming Sunday 5th July andthey would love to meet you and answer all your questions.

Press statement from the office of the Senate President..

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki today (Tuesday 30th of June 2015) gave assurance that there would be no delay in the confirmation of ministerial nominees once the list is sent to the legislature by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Senate President while receiving the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Denys Gaver, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office, said it was to ensure that the suspension of plenary does not disturb serious government business like the screening of ministers that he has continued to reiterate the fact that the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly will resume plenary when there is any urgent matter of national importance.

Professor Attahiru Jega officially bowed out of office as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC today June 30th. He was appointed chairman of the electoral body in 2010 and has conducted two elections, the 2011 and 2015 elections. Professor Jega has handed over to Mohammed Wali, a national commissioner of the electoral body from Sokoto state.

Nigerians have taken to twitter to celebrate him. #CelebrateJega is the No.1 trending topic in Nigeria this morning. See some tweets after the cut...

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Onyx Godwin just sent me photos of himself and his girlfriend. Lovely couple. More pics when you continue...

Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o is currently in Kenya and this weekend she will be hosting a dinner that will cost Ksh10k to attend. (The money will go to charity). I don't know how much that is in Naira but apparently it's a lot of money because Kenyans dragged both Lupita and the organisers of the dinner on Twitter. Below are some hilarious comments.

@masaku_ If i pay 10K to meet Lupita she better tie her father to a chair and shave his beard as I watch.
@makodingo: 10k for a night with Lupita? She better be sitting on an elephant hugging its tusks & whispering “Your dreams are valid” to each patron!

Lol @telling elephants 'your dreams are valid'. See more tweets after the cut...

Governor Ambode today visited Chief of Naval staff, Rear Admiral Usman Jibrin at Defence at Headquarters in Abuja. More photos after the cut...