ARETHA FRANKLIN LAUGHS AT BEYONCE'S PERFORMANCE AT OBAMA'S SWEARING IN

Beyonce knowles performing at Obama's inauguration recently

Aretha Franklin has said that she "cracked up" laughing at reports that Beyoncé lip-synched through The Star Spangled-Banner at president Obama's inauguration ceremony.

The 70-year-old singer performed My Country, 'Tis of Thee at Obama's first inauguration ceremony in Washington DC four years ago.

Franklin told ABC News she still thinks Beyoncé "did a beautiful job" at Monday's event but added: "When I heard the news this evening that she was pre-recorded I really laughed. I thought it was funny because the weather down there was about 46 or 44 degrees and for most singers that is just not good singing weather." In fact, temperatures were as low as 40 degrees.

"When I heard that I just really cracked up," Franklin added. "I thought it was really funny, but she did a beautiful job with the pre-record … next time I'll probably do the same."

The soul legend said that she had sung live for her inauguration performance in 2009, because "I wanted to give people the real thing" and that "pre-recording never crossed my mind".

She did admit to lip-synching once previously when she performed The Star-Spangled Banner at a NBA final in 2004.

"I think it's optional really, it's up to the artist," she added.

The ceremony on Monday was held on Martin Luther King Jr Day, which had particularly poignancy for Franklin, who knew the late civil rights leader.

"From the beginning to the end, I was crying throughout the ceremony at different times," she said. "Looking at the history of the president coming to the point he came to, looking to where it came from the civil rights movement to yesterday and I think most of the country was crying."

Beyoncé has not yet commented on the controversy over her performance. A member of the US Marine Corps band initially claimed that the 31-year-old star lip-synched through her performance but a spokesman later issued a statement saying: "Regarding Ms Knowles-Carter's vocal performance, no one in the Marine Band is in a position to assess whether it was live or pre-recorded." 

Peter Okoye Becomes Father to a Baby Girl:

It has been revealed that Peter Okoye of P-Square has become father to his second child with Titilola Omotayo. The excited father said that this time, he has become father to a baby girl.

Peter has been celebrating with his family in San Fransisco where he said that he has named his daughter's name as Aliona. Peter said that his daughter and wife are absolutely safe and fine. "Thank u Lord. Am the new Daddy in town.. And she is so beautiful and adorable. Welcome to the world Aliona.. God is great. Mother and child are perfectly fine", said Peter.

The couple, Peter and Lola, already has a son named, Cameron. It has been found that Lola delivered the baby girl in the United States of America. Peter and Lola fell in love with each other at the time when Lola was working for FK2 Marketing, Lagos.

It was quite late that that affair between Peter and Lola was revealed to their friends. Lola is older to Peter by some years but it has never acted as a hurdle in their love life. It was in 2008 that the couple had their first baby and now they have been blessed with their second baby.
We at silverbird benin wish him a successful fatherhood.

NBC BANS OBSCENE VIDEOS

Due to incessant airplay ban of videos of some popular Nigerian artistes by National broadcasting commission (NBC), it is crucial and imperative that concerns should be raised as this not only cripples the fastest growing industry in Africa, but  also discourages up coming artistes.However, several youths have been taken off the streets by music, making them not just rich and famous, but relevant to mentoring other youths who have lost hope. The effect is not only felt by the industry, but worst hit is the artiste, who perhaps must have relied on that hit as a source of financial freedom. This is nothing but  strangulation of creativity.
Some few years back, same NBC banned the music of a "used to be" popular artistes, KONGA, as well as Zulezoo due to the so called profanity in their songs, ever since these aforementioned artistes have found it difficult to bounce back, reason is they were busy promoting their hit songs, instead of recording other songs. But this should not be the business of NBC.
The question is what are the parameters used in classifying a song as profane?  what is the mental state of the NBC official who listens or monitors? what is the age of the official?
We are in a youthful dispensation, NBC should employ the young at heart to appraise these songs and videos. Kill profanity and not creativity. Below are some of the Videos banned by NBC.

1)           Tillaman Ft Vector       -        Koma roll – contains erotic and              

                                                          suggestive dance steps.

 

2)           Wande Coal                 -        Go low – scenes of nudity in the video 

                                                without a beach scene.

 

3)          D’ Prince                       -        Take Banana contains erotic, vulgar

                                                words and suggestive dance styles.

 

4)         Flavour                           -        Shake –vulgar and suggestive dance

                                       steps.

 

5)           Goldie                           -        Skii bobo – featuring a minor with

                                                suggestive and immoral dance steps.

 

6)           Chuddy K                     -        Chop my dollar features children and

                                                ladies with suggestive and erotic

                                                dance steps.

 

7)           Timaya                          -        Shake your bum bum –erotic and

                                               suggestive dance steps with vulgar  

                                                lyrics.

 

8)           P Square                      -        Alingo - erotic scene at the end

                                                        of the musical video.

We cant assume they dislike the industry or  Nigerian artistes, but regulate the vulgar and unethical contents of most releases by our musicians. This should serve as a caution to most of our acts, to keep their lyrics and videos free of profanity.

NEW COMMISSIONERS ON THE WAY-OSHIOMOLE

Edo state will get fresh commissioners into the state cabinet in February, after clearance by the state House of Assembly, Governor Adams Oshiomhole disclosed this at a dinner organized in honour of the former Commissioners and other political appointees at the Government House, Benin City, yesterday.
According to the Governor, the Commissioners’ list will be submitted to the Edo State House of Assembly when they resume on 28th January and before the end of February, the state executive council will be reconstituted when the list is cleared.
While expressing gratitude to members of his defunct cabinet and other political appointees for their dedicated service which led to the remarkable change in the state, Comrade Oshiomhole said the remarkable change in the state was due to their advice and individual contributions.
“After four years, Edo people are witnesses to the transformation that have taken place in the state which was due to your individual contributions. Even though it was Pius and I that were voted for but it was our collective responsibility,” he noted.
According to him, “my commissioners worked so hard and I wish we could play back the kind of debates that took place at our council meeting. It was characterized with jokes and tension.”
The Governor who disclosed that he was fortunate to have very sound people to work with said he is a very impatient person and as a contract staff he must get result every day.
“My Commissioners and Advisers were the least paid in the country because we tried to save money and they did not get full salary for the month of November when they were relieved of their appointments. I hereby overrule that decision and direct that the November salary must be paid to all concerned,” he added.
The Governor assured labour and the Civil Service that the government will spend money on retraining and the service will be left better.
The former Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Simon Imuekheme who spoke on behalf of the former political appointees said things are moving well in the state because there is a right governor at the helm of affairs.

DJ DARMIX

JOSEPH NTAT a.k.a RED HOT DJ DARMIX

Born into the family of six, presently working for Silverbird Communications Benin as a radio DJ. I bring so much energy and vibes to radio, clubs and other events with my maddest mix that commands you to listen

CLEOPATRA TAWO

Profile:  Cleopatra Tawo:

My name is Cleopatra Tawo from Nigeria. Everyone I know calls me Cleo. I’m easy on the eyes and SERIOUS major fun to be around with…. unless of course am on work mode- what can I say…. am seriously attached to my job cos it’s such an important part of my life.

 I frequently operate on a highly active imagination that oozes with creativity and a large dose of swag that builds momentum for days …. That’s my magic trick.

Am a radio ON AIR PERSONALITY for one of the biggest communication giant in Nigeria, u must have heard of it….. Silver bird rhythm 93.7. Currently I run the programs department in one of the business units situated in a popular city call Benin City. The airwave is my terrain, which is completely and utterly in my control…. It’s my planet and I rule it with a majestic touch.

I have done numerous interviews with mega stars in the music and nollywood industry in Nigeria and aboard.

I totally believe that true success is stress and a big payoff … that’s why I always give my best on the job.

JAMAICAN ACT CHRISTOPHER MARTINS TO VISIT NIGERIA

FESTUS KEYAMO FAULTS HENRY OKAH'S CONVICTION!

Radical lawyer and human rights activist, Festus Keyamo, has picked holes in the conviction of alleged militant leader, Henry Okah, of terrorism charges in a South African court, Monday.
The Lawyer in a statement, said Henry Okah was not given a fair trial and gave indication that the ruling will be appealed. His full statement below:
The decision of the South African Court that convicted Henry Okah this morning of charges relating to terrorism is politically motivated and legally incorrect.
As counsel to Charles Okah and others who are facing the same set of charges under Nigerian Laws, I have been actively involved in coordinating the trials both in South Africa and in Nigeria.
The fundamental flaw in the trial is that Henry Okah was not given adequate facilities and the opportunity to defend himself. This is because after the prosecution closed its case in South Africa, the defence attorneys and my Chambers here in Abuja tried frantically to summon the witnesses of Henry Okah who are based here in Nigeria to testify on his behalf. These witnesses include some government officials.
In this regard, we wrote to the Attorney-General of the Federation who replied and directed that Henry’s counsel in South Africa apply to the court there for an order to secure the legal assistance of the Attorney-General of Nigeria. This was only two weeks ago (please, find attached a copy of the letter from the Attorney-General of the Federation to my office and note that the date on the letter was mistakenly given as 8th January, 2012 instead of 2013.)
Without giving Henry’s counsel in South Africa adequate time and facilities to follow the directives, the South African court foreclosed his opportunity to call witnesses and rushed to convict him. This is a breach of his fundamental right to fair hearing and an obvious attempt by the South African authorities to please Nigeria at all cost. That is why the judgment is nothing but political.
Whilst all Nigerians empathise with those who lost their lives and limbs in the October 1, 2010 bombing, it is wrong to convict anybody for it without due process. Henry has been convicted without due process.
I condemn this judgment and call on Nigerians and the international community to condemn the trial and judgment of Henry Okah whose only offence was his refusal to accept the so-called amnesty offered by the Yar’Adua-Jonathan administration and his insistence on the Niger-Delta controlling its resources.
With the recent condemnation of Jonathan by some militants who initially accepted the amnesty programme, I am sure they now know that Henry Okah was correct not to have accepted the poisoned chalice called amnesty.
The Nigerian government must immediately use all diplomatic efforts to ensure that Henry Okah does not die in a South African prison and for the South African government to grant him unconditional pardon. This is without prejudice to his right to appeal against the judgment.

By Emya Okhide David

GUNMEN KILL 4 POLICEMEN

-- Gunmen overran a police headquarters and a government building in northeastern Nigeria early Thursday, killing four people, including two civilians, officials said.

About 100 gunmen attacked the divisional police headquarters and the local government secretariat in the town of Song, in Adamawa state, police spokesman Mohammed Ibrahim said.

The attackers set both buildings on fire, he said.

The fire spread to a house near the police station, where a 64-year-old woman and her 4-year-old granddaughter died. A soldier and a police official also were killed.

Attacks by the Islamist militant group Boko Haram have been reported in the state before, but the group did not immediately claim responsibility for the attack.

"I'm appealing to members of the public to help law enforcement by providing us with useful information," Ibrahim said. "I want civilians to know that we are their friends and here to protect them."

Last week, gunmen with suspected ties to Boko Haram killed two people and wounded another in an attack in Maiha, also in Adamawa state. The attackers freed 35 inmates from the Maiha prison and set government buildings on fire.

On Wednesday, Nigerian troops clashed with gunmen who attacked in northern Borno state, military spokesman Lt. Col. Sagir Musa said. One soldier and one police officer were killed, in addition to five gunmen who died in the fighting.

CALIFORNIA SHOOTINGS

SHOULD EDO STATE ISSUE TRAVEL BAN TO US?

Some time ago, the United states Government issued a travel ban on Edo state, citing insecurity as an excuse, when some months back, the world witnessed the gruesome murder of 26 school children, who had done nothing to die in that unwarranted manner from a country that prides itself as the chief security of the world, when they can't secure their territories.
Just today, yet another school shootings, is it a warning that the US citizens no longer want education, just like boko haram? please read the story below.

Police: Teen shot 1 student, missed another in California high school

• One student, 16, fired at two students with 12-gauge shotgun, critically wounding one and missing the other at Taft (California) High School on Thursday morning, police say

• Police: Suspect put gun down after teacher and someone else talked to him; wounded student airlifted to hospital

• Below are the latest updates as they come to us. Also, you can read our full story.

[Updated at 3:58 p.m. ET] "What this teacher did was heroic," U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, whose district includes Taft, tells reporters at a news conference there.

[Updated at 3:55 p.m. ET] Classes are expected to resume on Monday, an official said at a news conference in Taft.
[Updated at 3:52 p.m. ET] The teacher apparently was struck in the head by a pellet, but appeared fine, Kern County Sheriff Don Youngblood told reporters.
Besides the student who was shot, a second student – suffering possible hearing damage because the gun was fired close to her – also was taken to a hospital, Youngblood said.
A third student apparently was hurt when he or she "fell over tables" trying to leave the classroom, Youngblood said.
[Updated at 3:41 p.m. ET] The 16-year-old suspect – a student who missed the start of his first class Thursday morning – walked into school in the middle of first period, walked into class and shot a 16-year-old fellow student with a 12-gauge shotgun, Kern County Sheriff Don Youngblood told reporters moments ago.
The shooter then named a second student and fired at that second student, but missed, Youngblood said. The teacher in the class tried to usher students out of the class – there were about 28 students there – and engaged the shooter in conversation, according to Youngblood.
That teacher and another person – a "campus supervisor" – continued to talk to the shooter, and eventually the shooter put the shotgun down, Youngblood said. Police officers then arrested the shooter, Youngblood said.
The student who was shot was taken to a hospital and is in critical condition, according to Youngblood.
[Updated at 3:07 p.m. ET] Officials are preparing to allow the school's students to leave the property and connect with their parents, many of whom have gathered there, CNN's Kyung Lah reports from the scene.
[Updated at 3:05 p.m. ET] Ray Pruitt of the Kern County Sheriff's Office says he doesn't know whether there was any relationship or connection between the shooter and the victim.
[Updated at 2:35 p.m. ET] U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, a Republican whose district includes Taft, released a statement:
"I am deeply saddened and troubled by news of the shooting," it said. "(My wife) Judy and I offer our prayers to the victims, their families and the entire Taft community."
[Updated at 2:19 p.m. ET] A student shot another student with a shotgun Thursday morning at a Southern California high school, said Ray Pruitt of the Kern County Sheriff's Department.
The shooting happened in the science building at Taft (California) High School near Bakersfield, Pruitt said. The wounded student was airlifted to a hospital, and a suspect is in custody, he said.
Earlier, the county's fire department said two people were hurt, though it also said the second injured person had "minor" injuries and refused medical treatment.
Details of what led to the shooting weren't immediately available. Pruitt said he didn't know whether the shooting happened in a classroom. Law enforcement officers were going through the school to "make sure we don't have suspects outstanding," Pruitt said.
Taft is about 25 miles southwest of Bakersfield and 100 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
[Initial post, 2:03 p.m. ET] Two people are hurt and a suspect is in custody following a shooting Thursday morning at a California high school, officials say.
The shooting happened at Taft (California) High School near Bakersfield, the Kern County Fire Department says. One person was transported to a medical center, and a second person – who is said to have suffered minor injuries – refused medical treatment, according to the fire department.
Kern County Sheriff's Department officials were going room-by-room to secure the school, according to CNN affiliate KERO.
Students at the high school "have been evacuated to another area of the campus," the fire department said on its Facebook page.. culled from CNN.COM

KOBE BRYANT'S WIFE SELLS HOME

Kobe Bryant's wife just lost one-third of her real estate portfolio ... unloading one of the three Newport Beach mansions Kobe gave her right after they split back in 2011 ... silverbird has learned.

We broke the story ... Vanessa Bryant listed the 6,000 sq. ft. Newport Beach property back in September for $3.75 million -- and she finally closed the deal this month for $3.22 million.

Kobe and Vanessa purchased the place back in 2003 for $2.65 million. Vanessa's mother Sofia was living in the home prior to the sale.

The house is one of three massive Newport Beach mansions Kobe gave Vanessa last year ... one month after she filed for divorce.

As for the status of Kobe and Vanessa's divorce -- the papers have not been withdrawn ... and one source tells us they're on and off so much it's hard to get a read.

Still, the two were acting pretty coupley in public as recently as New Year's -- maybe 2013 is the year of the comeback.