Friday, 11 October 2013


The actress talks Broadway's Romeo and Juliet.


Condola Rashad
Condola Rashad is taking Broadway by storm as the lovelorn Juliet in Romeo and Juliet. The gorgeous actress, who stars opposite Orlando Bloom in the production, is earning rave reviews for her portrayal of Shakespeare's most famous female character.

In our exclusive video, we talk to the two-time Tony nominee about the racial undertones of this version of Romeo and Juliet, 50 Cent's crush on her famous mother, Phylicia Rashad, and her views on interracial relationships. As the luminous actress tells us, "it's all about the love."

Plus, given Shakespeare's tendency to cast male actors to play the female parts back in the day, we ask Rashad to tell us which male celebrity she would want to play her.  Check out the interview below.
Romeo and Juliet is currently playing for a limited engagement at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway in New York City

John Palermo offends Yeezy, Kim Kardashian, Anderson Cooper and more.


Kim Kardashian, Kanye West

Hollywood is no stranger to controversy, but producer John Palermo took it too far this week when he posted a series of rude, racist remarks on his Facebook page. Palermo, who was once Hugh Jackman's partner and produced films like X-Men Origins: Wolverine, called out Kanye WestAnderson Cooper and TV host Julie Chen in his bigoted commentary on pop culture and entertainment news.

"There goes the neighborhood!!!" the Los Angeles native posted upon reading that Kim Kardashian and West had purchased a mansion in tony Bel-Air. "It looks like a Poor Persian Palace, where's Kris Jenner when you need her?! #MoneyCantBuyADumbN****Class"

In response to an article about Anderson Cooper attending the opening of his boyfriend's gay bar, he simply typed: "#SmellsLikeLubeAndHIV."

Of Julie Chen, the Chinese-American daytime talk show host, who is married to CBS chief Les Moonves and recently admitted having eyelid surgery to help her career, he wrote: "I'm crazy about Julie Chen!!! Now that her eyes are finally open, she should leave Monster Moonves."

Palermo's Facebook page has since been taken down, but the producer isn't keeping a low profile in the wake of the controversy. Instead, he is doubling down on his comments, claiming they were made to raise awareness about prejudice in Hollywood: "Maybe people [who take offense] will look in the mirror and say, ‘When was the last time I called Les Moonves and asked for an African-American to play opposite me?'"

The producer's last major film credit was 2012's Drive, starring Ryan Gosling, and he claims to now be taking a "sabbatical" from his career. We'd like to think that with views like these, he'll never work in this town again.


Possible mass withdrawal from Hague-based court being debated at two-day African Union summit in Ethiopia's capital.

The summit is to be held at the African Union headquarters in the Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa
African leaders have begun a two-day meeting to discuss the continent’s relationship with the International Criminal Court among other issues.
The first meeting on Friday, dubbed the extraordinary session of the executive council of the African Union, is to be followed by the session of the assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital and headquarters of the continental bloc.
The two-day summit is expected to be attended by Sudanese President Omar al Bashir, who has been indicted by the ICC on war crimes charges and genocide in Sudan’s war-torn Darfur.
The AU has demanded that proceedings against Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta linked to the 2007-2008 post-election violence be dropped.
Kenyatta faces crimes against humanity along with his Vice President William Ruto, who is already on trial at the Hague, Netherlands.
The meeting is also expected to discuss a possible mass withdrawal from the ICC, although leading African figures, including Kofi Annan, the former UN secretary-general, and retired Archbishop Desmond Tutu, have urged African leaders not to withdraw support.
In his opening speech at the summit, Ethiopia's foreign minister slammed the ICC for its "unfair" and "totally unacceptable" treatment of Africa.
"The manner in which the Court has been operating, particularly its unfair treatment of Africa and Africans, leaves much to be desired," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told ministers and delegates at the opening of the meeting.
Kenyatta's bid

Many African countries, whose leaders have complained that the ICC only targets Africans, are signatories to the Rome Statute which set the stage for the formation of the court.
Al Jazeera's Malcolm Webb, reporting from Addis Ababa, said only a handful of countries were advocating a withdrawal from the court.

He said countries like Nigeria did not have a problem with the court while South Africa had not decided on pulling out.
Thirty-four African states are signatories to the Rome Statute.
The summit comes as Kenyatta launches a fresh bid to have the ICC case against him stopped.
He cited "serious, sustained and wide-ranging abuse on the process of the court carried out by" three witnesses against him in collaboration with the court’s investigators, according to Kenya's Daily Nation newspaper.
Kenyatta alleges his witnesses have been intimidated or interfered with to change their testimony "for reward", the newspaper said.
In an application made late on Thursday, the daily said, his defence team wants the judges to either stop the case permanently or hold a hearing where the issue will be resolved conclusively before his trial begins on November 12.
Kenyatta's lawyers have said that if it is found that those involved abused the court process, "it would necessitate a permanent stay of the proceedings".
In July two witnesses who were due to testify in Kenyatta's trial withdrew over security concerns, the ICC said.
The court also dropped a third witness's evidence, saying it it did not consider it necessary.
Fatou Bensouda, the ICC's chief prosecutor, has previously accused Kenya's government of not protecting witnesses


Dbanj is obviously still in love with Genevieve..He said his plan for Hollywood in a movie called Banga Lee staring Genevieve.

He opened up in an interview with Jayne Augoye  of Punch ..Excerpts below

Apart from the fact that she is my friend, she has been a part of my success. There is no way you are going to tell my story that Genevieve’s name will not come up because she featured in my biggest song of all time, Fall in Love. So if E True Story comes to Nigeria to interview me, she will definitely be called upon to tell my story.I would love to have Genevieve as my wife.  We never can tell what God plans for us in the future. I have studied her and I realised that anyone that has her as his woman has found himself a treasure. Just like the Bible says, any man who finds a wife, finds a good thing.

ON REMAINING RELEVANT
“So much has happened in the last 18 months and I am very thankful to God. By the Grace of God, I have remained relevant for nearly a decade in the music industry and I have released hit songs every year. Also, I am glad that I have been chosen to headline the Hennessy Artistry this year. This is one brand that understands the importance of aligning with the entertainment industry.

My career is barely 10 years old.But with the success I have achieved so far, it feels like three decades already. Within my first 10 years as a musician, I have recorded the biggest song and shot the most viewed music video of all time, ‘Oliver Twist’. I must say I am humbled and getting ready to take over,”

On DONJAZZY
If I say I don’t miss Don Jazzy, I am lying. I have spent the better part of my career with him. I was married to him in a way (laughs). So I miss everything about Mo’Hits: the family, the movement, and the vibe of being in the studio with him. I miss the jokes and the arguments, but I have since keyed into the notion that nothing can stop a moving train.

Nevertheless we can always do music together. The track, ‘Top of the World’ was produced by a Grammy Award Winner. The songs ‘Finally’ and ‘Don’t Tell Me Nonsense’ was produced by my producer while ‘Oliver Twist’ was produced by Don Jazzy. So, why won’t I have him on my 10 years anniversary album?

On his success
I have never said I am a musician; I am an entertainer. Some people say I can pick up a microphone and become a comedian. Therefore nobody should come and ask if I want to go into acting because they should know I am already an actor. It depends on when the right script and concept lands in my hands.

“For now, I am concerned about achieving new things and breaking new grounds. By the time I enter Hollywood, I believe that I’ll become as successful as I have been as a singer. The movie titled ‘I am Banga Lee’, starring Genevieve, to be released in 2014, won’t be a bad idea


Dbanj is obviously still in love with Genevieve..He said his plan for Hollywood in a movie called Banga Lee staring Genevieve.

He opened up in an interview with Jayne Augoye  of Punch ..Excerpts below

Apart from the fact that she is my friend, she has been a part of my success. There is no way you are going to tell my story that Genevieve’s name will not come up because she featured in my biggest song of all time, Fall in Love. So if E True Story comes to Nigeria to interview me, she will definitely be called upon to tell my story.I would love to have Genevieve as my wife.  We never can tell what God plans for us in the future. I have studied her and I realised that anyone that has her as his woman has found himself a treasure. Just like the Bible says, any man who finds a wife, finds a good thing.

ON REMAINING RELEVANT
“So much has happened in the last 18 months and I am very thankful to God. By the Grace of God, I have remained relevant for nearly a decade in the music industry and I have released hit songs every year. Also, I am glad that I have been chosen to headline the Hennessy Artistry this year. This is one brand that understands the importance of aligning with the entertainment industry.

My career is barely 10 years old.But with the success I have achieved so far, it feels like three decades already. Within my first 10 years as a musician, I have recorded the biggest song and shot the most viewed music video of all time, ‘Oliver Twist’. I must say I am humbled and getting ready to take over,”

On DONJAZZY
If I say I don’t miss Don Jazzy, I am lying. I have spent the better part of my career with him. I was married to him in a way (laughs). So I miss everything about Mo’Hits: the family, the movement, and the vibe of being in the studio with him. I miss the jokes and the arguments, but I have since keyed into the notion that nothing can stop a moving train.

Nevertheless we can always do music together. The track, ‘Top of the World’ was produced by a Grammy Award Winner. The songs ‘Finally’ and ‘Don’t Tell Me Nonsense’ was produced by my producer while ‘Oliver Twist’ was produced by Don Jazzy. So, why won’t I have him on my 10 years anniversary album?

On his success
I have never said I am a musician; I am an entertainer. Some people say I can pick up a microphone and become a comedian. Therefore nobody should come and ask if I want to go into acting because they should know I am already an actor. It depends on when the right script and concept lands in my hands.

“For now, I am concerned about achieving new things and breaking new grounds. By the time I enter Hollywood, I believe that I’ll become as successful as I have been as a singer. The movie titled ‘I am Banga Lee’, starring Genevieve, to be released in 2014, won’t be a bad idea


Dbanj is obviously still in love with Genevieve..He said his plan for Hollywood in a movie called Banga Lee staring Genevieve.

He opened up in an interview with Jayne Augoye  of Punch ..Excerpts below

Apart from the fact that she is my friend, she has been a part of my success. There is no way you are going to tell my story that Genevieve’s name will not come up because she featured in my biggest song of all time, Fall in Love. So if E True Story comes to Nigeria to interview me, she will definitely be called upon to tell my story.I would love to have Genevieve as my wife.  We never can tell what God plans for us in the future. I have studied her and I realised that anyone that has her as his woman has found himself a treasure. Just like the Bible says, any man who finds a wife, finds a good thing.

ON REMAINING RELEVANT
“So much has happened in the last 18 months and I am very thankful to God. By the Grace of God, I have remained relevant for nearly a decade in the music industry and I have released hit songs every year. Also, I am glad that I have been chosen to headline the Hennessy Artistry this year. This is one brand that understands the importance of aligning with the entertainment industry.

My career is barely 10 years old.But with the success I have achieved so far, it feels like three decades already. Within my first 10 years as a musician, I have recorded the biggest song and shot the most viewed music video of all time, ‘Oliver Twist’. I must say I am humbled and getting ready to take over,”

On DONJAZZY
If I say I don’t miss Don Jazzy, I am lying. I have spent the better part of my career with him. I was married to him in a way (laughs). So I miss everything about Mo’Hits: the family, the movement, and the vibe of being in the studio with him. I miss the jokes and the arguments, but I have since keyed into the notion that nothing can stop a moving train.

Nevertheless we can always do music together. The track, ‘Top of the World’ was produced by a Grammy Award Winner. The songs ‘Finally’ and ‘Don’t Tell Me Nonsense’ was produced by my producer while ‘Oliver Twist’ was produced by Don Jazzy. So, why won’t I have him on my 10 years anniversary album?

On his success
I have never said I am a musician; I am an entertainer. Some people say I can pick up a microphone and become a comedian. Therefore nobody should come and ask if I want to go into acting because they should know I am already an actor. It depends on when the right script and concept lands in my hands.

“For now, I am concerned about achieving new things and breaking new grounds. By the time I enter Hollywood, I believe that I’ll become as successful as I have been as a singer. The movie titled ‘I am Banga Lee’, starring Genevieve, to be released in 2014, won’t be a bad idea


Dbanj is obviously still in love with Genevieve..He said his plan for Hollywood in a movie called Banga Lee staring Genevieve.

He opened up in an interview with Jayne Augoye  of Punch ..Excerpts below

Apart from the fact that she is my friend, she has been a part of my success. There is no way you are going to tell my story that Genevieve’s name will not come up because she featured in my biggest song of all time, Fall in Love. So if E True Story comes to Nigeria to interview me, she will definitely be called upon to tell my story.I would love to have Genevieve as my wife.  We never can tell what God plans for us in the future. I have studied her and I realised that anyone that has her as his woman has found himself a treasure. Just like the Bible says, any man who finds a wife, finds a good thing.

ON REMAINING RELEVANT
“So much has happened in the last 18 months and I am very thankful to God. By the Grace of God, I have remained relevant for nearly a decade in the music industry and I have released hit songs every year. Also, I am glad that I have been chosen to headline the Hennessy Artistry this year. This is one brand that understands the importance of aligning with the entertainment industry.

My career is barely 10 years old.But with the success I have achieved so far, it feels like three decades already. Within my first 10 years as a musician, I have recorded the biggest song and shot the most viewed music video of all time, ‘Oliver Twist’. I must say I am humbled and getting ready to take over,”

On DONJAZZY
If I say I don’t miss Don Jazzy, I am lying. I have spent the better part of my career with him. I was married to him in a way (laughs). So I miss everything about Mo’Hits: the family, the movement, and the vibe of being in the studio with him. I miss the jokes and the arguments, but I have since keyed into the notion that nothing can stop a moving train.

Nevertheless we can always do music together. The track, ‘Top of the World’ was produced by a Grammy Award Winner. The songs ‘Finally’ and ‘Don’t Tell Me Nonsense’ was produced by my producer while ‘Oliver Twist’ was produced by Don Jazzy. So, why won’t I have him on my 10 years anniversary album?

On his success
I have never said I am a musician; I am an entertainer. Some people say I can pick up a microphone and become a comedian. Therefore nobody should come and ask if I want to go into acting because they should know I am already an actor. It depends on when the right script and concept lands in my hands.

“For now, I am concerned about achieving new things and breaking new grounds. By the time I enter Hollywood, I believe that I’ll become as successful as I have been as a singer. The movie titled ‘I am Banga Lee’, starring Genevieve, to be released in 2014, won’t be a bad idea


Dbanj is obviously still in love with Genevieve..He said his plan for Hollywood in a movie called Banga Lee staring Genevieve.

He opened up in an interview with Jayne Augoye  of Punch ..Excerpts below

Apart from the fact that she is my friend, she has been a part of my success. There is no way you are going to tell my story that Genevieve’s name will not come up because she featured in my biggest song of all time, Fall in Love. So if E True Story comes to Nigeria to interview me, she will definitely be called upon to tell my story.I would love to have Genevieve as my wife.  We never can tell what God plans for us in the future. I have studied her and I realised that anyone that has her as his woman has found himself a treasure. Just like the Bible says, any man who finds a wife, finds a good thing.

ON REMAINING RELEVANT
“So much has happened in the last 18 months and I am very thankful to God. By the Grace of God, I have remained relevant for nearly a decade in the music industry and I have released hit songs every year. Also, I am glad that I have been chosen to headline the Hennessy Artistry this year. This is one brand that understands the importance of aligning with the entertainment industry.

My career is barely 10 years old.But with the success I have achieved so far, it feels like three decades already. Within my first 10 years as a musician, I have recorded the biggest song and shot the most viewed music video of all time, ‘Oliver Twist’. I must say I am humbled and getting ready to take over,”

On DONJAZZY
If I say I don’t miss Don Jazzy, I am lying. I have spent the better part of my career with him. I was married to him in a way (laughs). So I miss everything about Mo’Hits: the family, the movement, and the vibe of being in the studio with him. I miss the jokes and the arguments, but I have since keyed into the notion that nothing can stop a moving train.

Nevertheless we can always do music together. The track, ‘Top of the World’ was produced by a Grammy Award Winner. The songs ‘Finally’ and ‘Don’t Tell Me Nonsense’ was produced by my producer while ‘Oliver Twist’ was produced by Don Jazzy. So, why won’t I have him on my 10 years anniversary album?

On his success
I have never said I am a musician; I am an entertainer. Some people say I can pick up a microphone and become a comedian. Therefore nobody should come and ask if I want to go into acting because they should know I am already an actor. It depends on when the right script and concept lands in my hands.

“For now, I am concerned about achieving new things and breaking new grounds. By the time I enter Hollywood, I believe that I’ll become as successful as I have been as a singer. The movie titled ‘I am Banga Lee’, starring Genevieve, to be released in 2014, won’t be a bad idea

Miley Cyrus's saucy twerking has won her
a very indecent proposal after the former Disney star was
offered to go one step further and shoot a porn movie in
return for a million dollars.
However, the racy 20-year-old wouldn't have to get too
down and dirty for her pay cheque as adult film firm
GameLink simply want the Wrecking Ball singer to direct
hardcore sex scenes for them.
The proposal submitted for Miley's consideration offered
her full 'creative control'.
The firm's vice president, Jeff Dillon, wrote to the We
Can't Stop singer:
"[You've] become an empowered young woman that is
unapologetic about your lifestyle, especially when it comes
to expressing your sexuality … you are the ideal choice to
show the world your vision as an artist in the world of
adult entertainment."
Alluding to Miley's spat with Irish singer Sinead O'Connor
- who dubbed Miley a pop prostitute - the firm added:
"We at Gamelink feel this gives you a chance to finally
show the world you are not a little girl anymore, and you
won't bow to the pressures of the likes of Sinead
O'Connor, who is jealous of your success."