#BBB NEWS| Shareholders Applaud Nigerian Breweries Performance, Approve Dividend [PHOTOS]

Wednesday, 3rd May 2017, Lagos, Nigeria: Shareholders of Nigerian Breweries Plc have lauded its 2016 financial performance and approved the dividend proposed by the Board.

The shareholders who spoke at the 71st Annual General Meeting of the company held in Lagos on Wednesday noted that the company’s performance in spite of the very challenging operating environment, stood out as a shining example for other manufacturers to emulate.

The shareholders stated that the 2016 results and the dividend pay-out are strong signals of the resilience of the company in the face of the apparent challenges of the economy.

Mr. Sola Abodunrin and Chief Shotunde Shopeju, both shareholders, expressed confidence that the company remains in good stead to weather the present storm and deliver good returns to shareholders in the future. “I congratulate the company for remaining strong even in the storm. The shareholders are happy that the company is always coming up with new initiatives to bring good harvest and returns,” Shopeju said.

#BBB NEWS| Barry Hearn: Anthony Joshua Inspires People Like Tiger Woods - He Could Become Boxing's First Billionaire

Matchroom Sport chief Barry Hearn believes Anthony Joshua has the potential to draw new legions of fans to boxing, just as Tiger Woods did with golf.

Joshua, who is signed to Matchroom Boxing, stopped Wladimir Klitschko in the 11th round of their Wembley clash to seal his status as the biggest name in boxing on Saturday night.

The 27-year-old now holds the IBF, WBA and IBO belts, and Hearn believes his stunning performances and likeable persona appeal beyond the boundary of normal boxing fans.

“All sports need flag-bearers,” said Hearn. “The Joshua effect is very similar to the Tiger Woods effect in golf, where people who are not so interested suddenly become interested, where young people become aspirational to follow in someone’s footsteps.

#BBB NEWS| Excitement In Ilorin, Ijebu Ode As Contestants Qualify For Ariya Repete Quarter Finals [PHOTO]

Ten artistes have been selected for the quarter finals  in Ilorin and Ijebu Ode, with five   from each location in the ongoing Ariya Repete auditions held in both cities on April 26 and 28, 2017.

In each location, three Fuji and two Juju artistes with the best performances were selected by the independent panel of judges from ten contestants that were chosen from the audition.

The Fuji artistes that were selected in Ilorin are Morufu Alujo, shola Adeola and Onumama Fausiya while Omolewo Oladele and Yomi Johnson made it in the Juju category.

In Ijebu Ode, Wale Adebisi and Adenike Omoruyi emerged from Juju category, while Omotola Ayinde, Alausa Akande and Oniseesi Afeez were selected from the Fuji category.

#BBB NEWS| Rapper Kevin Gates Sentenced To 30 Months In Jail

Rapper Kevin Gates will be spending the next 30 months behind bars in Illinois for a gun charge.

Gates plead guilty to felony gun possession Wednesday (Apr. 26). TMZ reports that the arrest warrant was initially sent out due to the Islah rapper skipping out on a court appearance.

According to the MC’s lawyer Herschel Rush, Gates’ charges carried “a maximum of 10 years in prison so ‘[we] are very pleased with the result of 30 months.'”

#BBB NEWS| Snoop Dogg Named Celebrity Commissioner for Champions Basketball League

Snoop Dogg has always mixed his affinity for sports with his love for music. Now, The Doggfather will tackle his biggest challenge yet in the sports world as the celebrity commissioner for the Champions Basketball League.

“Snoop Dogg is at the forefront of pop culture and loved by millions across the globe, and has sold nearly 40 million records worldwide,” Carl George, CEO of Champions Basketball League, says in a statement. “For decades he has been an innovator with award winning albums, multiple films, lifestyle products, philanthropic efforts, TV shows and digital ventures — and we are thrilled that he will bring this depth to the League as we launch this summer.”

Adds Snoop Dogg: “Champions Basketball League is a sports innovation for fans. Champions provides exclusive and affordable access to world class basketball for fans. I’m looking forward to collaborating with the organization on unique ways to entertain fans and work with the league to secure celebrity partners in each of the major markets where Champions Basketball League will play this summer. And fans are even able to own their own team, can’t wait to see what ya’ll do with that.”

#BBB NEWS| ‘Power’ Announces Season 4 Premiere Date

They say that it’s a big rich townnnn. Power Season Four will return Sunday, June 25. The last time fans caught up with James “Ghost” St. Patrick he was being taken away in handcuffs by his lawyer ex-girlfriend for a murder he did not commit, and Season Four of the Starz scripted drama picks up right where Season Three left off.

In the 20-second teaser (which would be uploaded later on BBB) fans get their first glimpse of the show’s usual suspects. Tommy (Joseph Sikora) is seen staking out a warehouse and realizes he might not be alone, while Tasha (Naturi Naughton) is dressed in all black walking fiercely into the courthouse with the kids in support of Ghost. (Tariq is safe…for now.)

Kanan (Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson) is holding a gun to someone’s head and Ghost (Omari Hardwick) is wearing an orange jumpsuit and coming to the realization that Angela (Lela Loren) believes he really killed FBI Agent Gregory Knox.

#BBB NEWS| Lil Wayne Renames Young Money To ‘F*ck Cash Money’ [VIDEO]

Lil’ Wayne had some more harsh words to spew at his former family, Cash Money Records. Despite recently stating that he wouldn’t let Birdman bring him down anymore, Weezy told a crowd in Garden City, Idaho that he has a new nickname for his foes.

“We got a nickname that’s aka F*ck Cash Money, how you doing?,” Wayne calmly told his fans as they cheered on with unbridled excitement. He might not be plotting everyday to take Baby down, but mentioning his old label around him probably isn’t the best idea.

Right now, rumors are still circulating about Roc Nation coming to Wayne’s rescue. While the company has yet to confirm their involvement with the Grammy Award winner, Weezy has been quite vocal about his love for the Roc.

#BBB NEWS| Drake To Host First-Ever NBA Awards

Drake first flexed his hosting skills at the 2014 ESPYs but the self-proclaimed “6 God” will be the master of ceremonies, once again, for the first-ever NBA Awards.

The inaugural NBA Awards on TNT will take place on Monday, June 26, at Basketball City at New York City’s Pier 36 at 9 p.m. ET. The ceremony will honor the league’s top performers in categories like Kia NBA Most Valuable Player, Kia NBA Rookie of the Year, Kia NBA Sixth Man Award, Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Kia NBA Most Improved Player and NBA Coach of the Year.

Additional categories that will be voted in by fans and on social media will be announced on Thursday, April 27, during TNT’s Inside The NBA.

Drake’s relationship with the league runs deep. The global ambassador of the Toronto Raptors hosts Drake Night in his native Canada each year and has been a frequent VIP guest courtside as well as the NBA All-Star Games. The “Jumpman” rapper’s hosting gig follows the release of his recent playlist project More Life, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

#BBB NEWS| Subscribers, Visitors Laud Buildcon At Lagos Exhibition [PHOTOS]

Visitors, subscribers and real estate stakeholders have commended Buildcon Global Services Limited, a real estate company based in Lagos, for its commitment to quality and standard in the delivery of its products.

The stakeholders who were present at this year’s CEMCS exhibition in Lekki area of Lagos on Wednesday also lauded Buildcon’s architectural design and focus, particularly on quality and affordability.

Those that have seen the newly built Pracht Gardens Estate located in Ikota area of Lagos particularly praised the company for the state-of-art facilities used in its construction and the layout which they agreed, “shows what a dream home should be.”

Mr. Kenneth Babalola, a Lagos based industrialist who indicated interest in the company's projects, maintained that what he saw at Buildcon’s stand and at Pracht Gardens Estate, is “a testament to the fact that company has skilled architects and competent engineers that can meet subscribers' expectations."

#BBB NEWS| Ariya Repete: First Set of Artistes For Quarter Finals Emerge In Akure, Ibadan [PHOTO]

A total of nine contestants, four from Akure and five from Ibadan, have made it to the quarter final stage of the ongoing Ariya Repete, a talent hunt competition for Fuji and Juju music in the South-West. 

The auditions that produced the winners held in Akure and Ibadan on April 19 and 21, 2017, respectively.

After a breathtaking audition that judged the appearance, composure, creativity, vocalization and stage craft of each contestant, seven Fuji and three Juju artistes were chosen from each city to compete at the selection party, where two winners emerged from each category in Akure, while three from Fuji and two from Juju emerged in Ibadan.

The Fuji artistes that were selected in Ibadan are Aliu Inaolaji, Taiye Akanji and Ashafa Olusola, while the Juju artistes are Oshinbanjo Gabriel and Wale Daniel. In Akure Oladele Damilola and Afolabi Ibrahim emerged from Fuji category, while Osadare Abayomi and Ojo Abiodun emerged from Juju category.

#BBB NEWS| Nigerian Breweries Reports 9% Profit Growth In 2017 1st Quarter

The Board of Directors of Nigerian Breweries Plc has declared a profit after tax of N11.44 billion for the first quarter of 2017. 

The unaudited and provisional results sent toThe Nigerian Stock Exchange shows that the amount represents a 9 per cent increase over the N10.45 billion recorded in the same period in 2016.

According to the results, the Company posted a revenue of N91.29 billion for the period, signifying an 18 per cent increase over the N77.55 billion achieved in 2016.

The results from operating activities improved by 7 per cent from N17.99 billion in the first quarter of 2016 to N19.20 billion in the corresponding period in 2017. Profit before tax grew by 16 per cent from N14.99 billion in 2016 to N17.43 billion in the current period.

#BBB NEWS| Goldberg Begins Expanded Music Talent Hunt, Calls for Audition

“Your Excellency”, Goldberg, has concluded plans for an expanded music talent hunt competition that would encompass Fuji and Juju music under the name Ariya Repete.

Over the last years, Goldberg has deepened its bond with the people of the South West with its talent hunt competition, Fuji t’o Bam and has now decided to include Juju music, the other indigenous Yoruba music genre in this new and expanded platform, Ariya Repete.

According to Emmanuel Agu, Portfolio Manager, Mainstream Lager and Stout brands, “the brand is using the new platform to extend its drive to discover new talents in the two indigenous Yoruba music genres and the move is in line with its commitment to promote the culture and tradition of the people of South West Nigeria. It is therefore calling on talented young men and women who aspire to become the future stars of Fuji and Juju to enter for the auditions.”

#BBB NEWS| Gov. El-Rufai Commends Nigerian Breweries On Contribution To Economy [PHOTO]

The Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai, has commended Nigerian Breweries Plc for its role in the economic development of the state stressing that the company remains the biggest tax payer in Kaduna State.

The Governor, who was at Nigerian Breweries Stand at the just concluded Kaduna Economic and Investment Summit (KadInvest 2.0), said Nigerian Breweries plays a big role in the state as far as investment and economic growth are concerned and remains a concrete testimony of the friendly business and investment environment the state is promoting.

The Governor, accompanied by Chief John Odigie Oyegun, APC’s National Chairman; Kano State Governor, Alh. Umar Ganduje and his Zamfara State counterpart and Chairman of the Nigeria’s Governors Forum, Alh. Abdullazeez Abubakar Yari, as well as the Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, Barrister Ibrahim Hassan maintained that Nigerian Breweries Plc was a shining example in corporate Nigeria and a strategic partner for development in the state given its huge investments and social intervention programmes in Kaduna.

#BBB NEWS| After Meeting Kendrick Lamar, Minister Louis Farrakhan Says “The Cultural Revolution Is On” [PHOTOS]

The leader of the Nation of Islam and Compton’s own chopped it up for the first time Tuesday (April 11). As K. Dot preps for the release of DAMN, Min. Louis Farrakhan posted multiple photos of the duo together on Instagram including one captioned, “I was very honored to meet and talk with my powerful brother and Hip-Hop artist Kendrick Lamar. The Cultural Revolution is On

The religious leader spoke highly of Lamar during a speech in early 2016, saying, “Kendrick Lamar set a new standard [in hip-hop], he freed rappers to come on up. He’s the boss. When the rappers are free to say it like it is and teach their people through music and rap and dance, the cultural revolution is on.”

Pre-order DAMN on iTunes. See photos from their meeting below..

#BBB NEWS| Beloved Comedian Charlie Murphy Dead At 57

Comic, writer, actor and big brother to Eddie Murphy, Charlie Murphy, has passed away on Wednesday morning (April 12), TMZ reports.

Murphy was 57-years-old. According to the outlet, Murphy lost his battle with leukemia while undergoing chemotherapy in a New York City hospital.

While his brother went on to be revered as one of comedy’s biggest stars, Charlie Murphy earned acclaim for his own work. Famously starring alongside Dave Chappelle in the classic Chappelle’s Show Rick James skit, Charlie Murphy also solidified himself as one of the entertainment industry’s most hilarious and respected comedians.

#BBB NEWS| Janelle Monae Supports Women Going On A Sex Strike [PHOTO]

Janelle Monae doesn’t mince words. The singer, scribe, performer and award-winning actress has been vocal about her advocacy for women’s rights, so it’s no surprise the Hidden Figures actress was featured as part of Marie Claire’s “Fresh Face” issue along with How To Get Away With Murder’s Aja Naomi King.

In an excerpt from the issue, which hit the Internet on Monday (April 10), Monae offered her solution on what she thinks might prompt men to be more vocal about women’s rights.

#BBB NEWS| New York Becomes First State To Offer Free Tuition At Public Universities

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo introduced a plan to make public college tuition free for potential students back in January 2017.

Late Sunday night (April 9), his proposition was approved by the Senate. Incoming students starting school in the fall who meet the specific economic threshold may score a free ride to a in-state public college or university.

For the fall of 2017 if a student attends a New York State university and has a family income below $100,000 he or she will be eligible to receive the Excelsior Scholarship. The income cap rises to $110,000 in 2018 and will reach $125,000 for 2019. There is a catch for part-time students to enroll, as only those who take on 30 credits an academic year will be able to use the financial aid.

#BBB NEWS| Drake, Rihanna, Beyonce & The Weeknd Among Top Nominees For 2017 Billboard Music Awards [LIST OF NOMINEES]

No one can tell Drake that 2017 isn’t his year. The numbers simply don’t lie. Drizzy now leads the pack of nominees for the forthcoming Billboard Music Awards. 

According to the nominations list released Monday (April 10), both Drake and the Chainsmokers hold the top spot with 22 nominations. Rihanna trails closely behind with 14 nods, The Weeknd with 13 and Beyonce with eight.

Elsewhere on the lists — which include Top Artist, Top Rap Song, Top Billboard 200 Album, Top R&B Album and more — Frank Ocean, Bruno Mars, J. Cole, Desiigner, Future, Rae Sremmurd, Migos and a host of other radio faves will duke it out for their own award.

Check out the hot categories below, and catch the 2017 Billboard Music Awards on May 21 at 8 p.m. on ABC.

#BBB NEWS| Reckitt Benckiser Celebrates World Health Day With Ogun State, Pledges Commitment To Healthy Nigeria [PHOTO]

Reckitt Benckiser, RB, world’s leading consumer health and hygiene Company has restated its commitment to a clean and healthy Nigeria that will boost the capacity and productivity of the citizens.

The initiative under the “Clean Healthy Naija” programme encompasses a number of steps geared towards awareness creation, education and behavioural change to achieve a cleaner and healthier Nigeria.

Mr. Ataur Rashid Safdar, RB’s Senior Vice President for Africa, who led the RB’s delegation on a courtesy visit to His Excellency, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State last Friday, as part of activities marking the World Health Day, explained that RB’s Vision for Nigeria is where people are healthier and live better.

He noted that Ogun State is very critical to the nation’s development because of its investment friendly climate and policies, which he said can propel the development of the state and the nation at large.

#BBB NEWS| Wale Reveals Release Date And Tracklist For His ‘Shine’ Album!! Check It Out.. [PHOTO]

Long after announcing the album in 2016, Wale has finally confirmed the official release date for his delayed follow-up to The Album About Nothing, his fifth studio album, Shine. He also released the final tracklist, cover art, and gave fans a preview of his new song with Travi$ Scott, “Fish and Grits.”

In 2016, Wale was killing the game with tracks like “My P.Y.T.” and his collaboration with Lil Wayne, “Running Back.” While all of this occurred, he became the proud father to a beautiful baby girl, Zyla Moon. After previously revealing that the album is finally complete, he confirmed that Shine will be released on May 5.

The album will include the aforementioned singles and cameos from G-Eazy, Chris Brown, Major Lazer, WizKid, J. Balvin, and a small variety of different artists from other genres such as Davido, Olamide, and Dua Lipa will be featured on the LP. His daughter, Zyla Moon, will also be featured on the album’s closing song.

#BBB NEWS| WATCH: ‘All Eyez On Me’ Trailer Gives A Brief Glimpse Into Tupac’s Short Yet Impactful Life [VIDEO]

Tupac Shakur was taken from hip-hop more than 20 years ago, but his impact is still as potent and as palpable as ever. Hitting theaters on what would’ve been the rapper’s 46th birthday, director Benny Boom gives fans a sneak peak with a second full length trailer to the highly anticipated film All Eyez On Me.

Starring Demetrius Shipp Jr., who bears and uncanny and almost eery resemblance to Tupac, in the two minute and 30 second clip fans see a young ‘Pac sitting in the audience of a Black Panther meeting, then him in his teenage years witnessing police brutality, the first time he enters the recording booth all the way up to his fame, jail time and unfortunate death.

The star-studded cast working alongside Shipp include The Walking Dead’s Danai Gurira as Afeni Shakur, Kat Graham as childhood friend Jada Pinkett, and Jamal Woolard who plays friend turned foe, Biggie Smalls.

Watch the full trailer below. All Eyez On Me hits theaters on Tupac’s birthday, June 16, 2017.

#BBB NEWS| Suge Knight’s Ex-Wife Speaks On Tupac’s Murder [VIDEO]

After Suge Knight co-signed the Tupac murder theory that was addressed in a recent documentary — which makes a bold claim that Knight’s ex-wife Sharitha Golden and former Death Row Chief of Security Reggie White Jr. planned the attack, which was reportedly a hit aimed for the Death Row conglomerate himself — Golden decided to shut down the rumors and clear the air of any falsehood.

According to TMZ, the 49-year-old claimed the far-fetched theory was untrue. “I’m so damn sick of getting 100,000 calls about this. No way in hell I would’ve murdered Tupac,” she said. “For what reason? This ridiculous theory that I had to get half of Death Row. I already had half of Death Row, America. When Tupac died, what did Death Row become after that? Zero. Nothing. A downfall.”

#BBB NEWS| Dennis Rodman Speaks On The Difference Between LeBron James And Michael Jordan [PHOTO]

The longstanding debate amongst what separates the great from the average athlete across the spectrum will always involve their decision to rest or play when their health is on the line – whether sickness or injury.

Dennis Rodman stepped into CBS Sports’ “Reiter Than You” with Bill Reiter this past Monday (Apr. 4), to discuss this epidemic, using two of the critically-acclaimed “greatest” of their time, Michael Jordan and LeBron James, as examples.

Rodman got straight to the point, stating, “LeBron’s doing one thing that I always said that Michael Jordan never did. He never rested. He played every game. LeBron has the position to do this now, because they need him. The league needs him, and that’s why he’s doing all this crazy s*** now, like b******* and complaining…”

Respective to MJ’s impact on the league, now and during his prime, the Cav’s #23 is arguably the face of the National Basketball Association for the current era of basketball – or at least one of the faces. In this sense, former number 91 is correct.

#BBB NEWS| JAY Z Introduces A New $850 Champagne From Armand de Brignac

JAY Z is introducing a new high end champagne from his beloved Armand de Brignac. Back in 2014, Hov took ownership of the company and helped bring Ace of Spades to popularity in the hip-hop world.

“Jay is a very strong businessman, certainly one that likes to understand what consumers want and here to build the business for the long term,” Armand’s Chief Executive Officer Sebastien Besson told Bloomberg. “He always has a few bottles on hand for a celebration, I know that for sure.”

The upcoming edition of Armand champagne is being called Blanc de Noirs Assemblage Two, aka A2, and is scheduled to hit retailers in the U.S. on April 18. According to reports, the $850 per bottle bubbly features pinot noir grapes picked from the 2008, 2009, and 2010 vintages—with a “refreshing flavor.”

#BBB NEWS| Excitement As Goldberg Excellency Tour Climaxes In Oyo [PHOTO]

After weeks of touring different Southwest cities including Abeokuta, Ilorin, Ikare Akoko, Ado-Ekiti and Benin, the Goldberg Excellency Tourcame to an exciting climax in Oyo during its EXCELLENT NITE on Friday, March 31, 2017.

The event, which held at Dacamca Hotel, Tobacco Area, Oyo, witnessed an influx of indigenes and fun lovers who trooped to the venue to celebrate the Excellent Drummers in town. After a town procession and audition of the drummers, five groups qualified to the final of the Excellent Nite.

Agborako Onibata Ara beat all other groups to the overall prize and went home with Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira. Asamu Ayan emerged the second best drum band and took home One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira while Apeke Ajobata emerged third with a prize of One Hundred Thousand Naira.

Amuludun Group and Omo Ayan emerged fourth and fifth position and went home with Fifty Thousand Naira each.

#BBB NEWS| Suge Knight’s Son Denies That His Father Revealed Tupac’s Killer: “This Is A Terrible Publicity Stunt”

Who killed Tupac? Suge Knight may have solved the mystery behind Pac’s death, but the rumor is already getting blasted as a “publicity stunt.”

Suge Knight’s 21-year-old son and namesake says reports about his father revealing Tupac’s killer are false.

“This is terrible publicity stunt and these are the same ones that want to keep my father locked up,” Suge Jacob Knight wrote on Instagram Tuesday (April 4). “Tryna profit off my dad’s life is sick and he deserves his rights and freedom!”

According to a new documentary, Tupac Assassination 3: Battle for Compton, Suge was the intended target in the drive-by shooting that killed the 25-year-old rapper. Suge’s ex-wife, Sharitha Knight, and Reggie Wright Jr, a former security head at Death Row Records, are the alleged masterminds behind the slaying.

#BBB NEWS| Suge Knight Stands Behind New Doc That Reveals Who Killed Tupac [VIDEO]

After decades of denial and endless conspiracy theories, Suge Knight has confirmed the suspects behind the death of Tupac Shakur.

In an interview with WENN,  filmmakers Michael Douglas Carlin and Richard Bond behind Tupac Assassination 3: Battle for Compton,  claim the former chief of Death Row Records confirmed their theory that his ex-wife Sharitha Knight and former head Death Row Records security chief Reggie Wright Jr. orchestrated the murder of Tupac. Speaking through lawyer Thaddeus Culpepper, Knight claimed it was just the first of many murder attempts the duo have committed against his life.

“When our book, Tupac: 187 The Red Knight, came out and we were working on the movie, we gave the salient points of the book to Thaddeus Culpepper, who read them to Suge Knight,” Bond said. “Suge’s initial response was, ‘Who the hell are these guys?'”

The names have floated around for some time, but Carlin and Bond are solely fixated on the idea in their new documentary. “Culpepper told Carlin individually that not only did Knight confirm the events as portrayed in Compton, which portray Knight was the intended target and Shakur as collateral damage, as true, but also goes on to allege that these 1996 events may have been the first in a history of attempts on Knight’s life, culminating in the recent attempted killing of Knight at the 1OAK Club in Los Angeles, where Knight was shot six times,” a film spokesperson said.

#BBB NEWS| States Battle For 2017 Cowbellpedia Enrollment Top Spot

Friday, 31st March, 2015, Lagos, Nigeria: Out of a total of 51,018 students that sat for this year’s Stage One of the 2017 Cowbellpedia Secondary Schools Mathematics TV Quiz Show, Lagos State topped the enrolment chart with 7,098 candidates, followed by Oyo and Ogun States with 3,833 and, 3,234 respectively.

The enrolment figure represents a 12% growth over the previous year.

Delta State, with 2,282 candidates picked the fourth position for the South-South, while Anambra State with 1,560 candidates was top among the states in the South East.

Kaduna led the North West with a figure of 1,675 candidates while the top spot in the North Central went to Nasarawa which pulled 1,423 candidates. Bauchi state however led the North East enrolment with 878 candidates.

Further analysis of the enrolment shows a total of 26,053 candidates in the Junior Secondary School, JSS category while the Senior Secondary School, SSS category recorded a total of 24,961 candidates. Also the number of online registration increased from 19,604 to 32,096 in 2017 which is a 64% growth over last year.

#BBB NEWS| Nicki Minaj Signs Contract With Wilhelmina Models [PHOTO]

Nicki Minaj has a new deal in the books. The 34-year-old rapper signed a modeling contract with Wilhelmina’s celebrity devision, Vogue reports.

Minaj confirmed the news on Instagram Tuesday (March 28). “Oh yeah that too,” she captioned a photo of the Vogue story. “Honored to be at Wilhelmina.”

#BBB NEWS| Lionel Messi Suspended Four Matches

Lionel Messi was gearing up to take on Bolivia in Tuesday’s CONMEBOL match up, but things changed six hours prior to kick off, the Argentinian magician was informed by FIFA that he will be suspended four matches for his actions late in the March 23 World Cup qualifying match against Chile, where he reportedly insulted an assistant referee multiple times.

After the game, Messi refused to shake hands with assistant referee Emerson Carvalho, and was slapped with a $10,000 fine by FIFA after scoring the winning goal to lead Argentina over Chile 1-0.

The ruling states the 29-year-old will be ineligible to suit up for Tuesday’s (March 28) contest against Bolivia, as well as the three subsequent World Cup qualifying match ups in Argentina’s future (Uruguay, Paraguay and Venezuela).

#BBB NEWS| ‘The Fresh Prince’ Cast Keeps James Avery’s Spirit Alive During Touching Reunion [PHOTO/VIDEO]

One of TV’s greatest families has reunited, leaving us wishing for the old days. On Monday (March 28), the cast of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air spent a little time soaking up the sun at Malibu, California’s Nobu and took a fun group photo fans would gawk over.

Just a few weeks after Will Smith’s bungee jumping video went viral, the actor enjoyed the company of good friends Alfonso Ribeiro, Karyn Parsons, Tatyana Ali, Joseph Marcell and Daphne Reid. “Always amazing to spend an afternoon with my Fresh Prince family,” Ribeiro captioned the photo. “Wishing that James Avery was still with us to make this complete.”

#BBB NEWS| O'Naturals Beauty Salon Recognized For Excellence [PHOTO]

O’Naturals Beauty, the parent company of O’Naturals Natural Hair Salon and O’Naturals Bride, has been recognized for professionalism and excellence in the natural hair styling industry.

The recognition is coming on the heels of their numerous efforts. They are raising the standards of natural hair styling and natural hair care through creative and healthy hair professional tips, advise and counseling.

Christian Nyassa, General Manager, Professional Products Division, L’Oreal, Sub-Saharan Africa visited the office on Saturday, March 25, 2017 where he commended the management for their professionalism in promoting natural and healthy hair styling. “No doubt, O’Naturals is a leader in natural hair styling services in Lagos and indeed Nigeria. Their professional approach at promoting and ensuring the healthiness of natural hair of its various clients is worthy of commendation and recognition,” he revealed.

#BBB NEWS| Goldberg Excellency Tour: DJ Kingsley and Nathaniel Emerge Winner of DJ and Free Styling Competition in Benin City [PHOTOS]

Goldberg Excellency Tour: DJ Kingsley and Nathaniel Emerge Winner of DJ and Free Styling Competition in Benin City.

Disc Jockey (DJ)  Kingsley Amhas and Nathaniel Iyayi, a Rapper have emerged winners of the grand prize of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N250,000) in the Goldberg Excellency Tour competition for DJs and free style artistes in Benin City, Edo State.

The competition in Edo languages which was organized by Goldberg, also known as "Your Excellency," was held at the Play, House, Okhoro road, Benin City, from March 24 to 25, 2017. It was part of efforts at promoting the culture of the people of Edo State in line with Goldberg’s 3-point agenda of culture, respect and enjoyment.

The competition which started with audition of five DJs, thirteen rappers and four singers was later streamlined to five, comprising of a DJ and rapper as a team for the finale on March 25, 2017.

#BBB NEWS| MediaReach OMD Wins Young Lions Media, Nigeria Competition

MediaReach OMD Nigeria, the leading media agency in West Africa, has won the Young Lions Media,  Nigeria Competition and Young Pro Media - West Africa Championship.

With these feats, mediaReach OMD will represent Nigeria at Cannes in June 2017 for the Cannes Young Lions Media - Global Competition.  By winning the 2017 edition of the competition, mediaReach OMD will be representing Nigeria for the 8th time at the Cannes, since 2008.

The competition was open to media professionals below 30 years that represents various media agencies in Nigeria. Nine teams that took part in the competition were given a brief and had little over 24 hours to think, create and submit a media solution that answers the media brief.  Finally, based on the presentations to the Jury which comprises of media communications and creative professionals, the winning campaign was chosen according to criteria used for the international competition.

#BBB NEWS| Promasidor Reward Staff at Long Service Awards [PHOTOS]

As part of efforts at recognising hard work and commitment to duty, Promasidor Nigeria Limited recently rewarded thirty-four staff of the company that have worked for 10, 15, and 20 years at a long service awards ceremony during the weekend.

The colourful event which was held at Promasidor Nigeria was well attended by management staff of the company, amongst whom were the Managing Director, Mr. Olivier Thiry; Chief Operating Officer, Anders Einarsson; Commercial Director, Kachi Onubogu; General Manager, Human Resources, Vitus Ezinwa; Technical Director, Michel Coin; and Head Legal and Public Relations, Andrew Enahoro.

Speaking at the event, Thiry stated that the annual event is in appreciation of those that have served the company with dedication and humility in their various departments.

He said they are worthy to be rewarded in their various capacity, having worked so hard and have risen from their initial status of employment to higher positions. “The company has deemed it fit to reward them with various gifts as they have contributed in their own capacity to the growth of their departments and the company in general,” Thiry affirmed.

#BBB NEWS| Rick Ross Reveals 10th Album ‘Port Of Miami 2: Born To Kill’

Rick Ross’ ninth album Rather You Than Me is only a few days old, but apparently he’s been making moves to plan his next LP.

After celebrating the release of the album with Miami’s 99 JAMZ and Epic Records in Wynwood, the “Idols Become Rivals” wordsmith made his way over to see his boy Papa Keith at 103.5 The Beat yesterday (Mar. 20).

After they spoke about his decade-long legacy in the game, Ross revealed the title of his tenth LP Port Of Miami 2: Born To Kill.

“I’m closing out the tenth with the tenth,” Rozay said. “My tenth album before I close out my tenth year will be Port Of Miami 2: Born To Kill.”

#BBB NEWS| 2016 Fuji T'O Bam Winner, Tope Ajani Releases Album [PHOTO]

CAPTION L-R: Photo shows Adetunji Duyilemi, Area Sales Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Akure; Josiah Akinola, Assistant Brand manager, Regional Mainstream brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc; Tope Ajani, 2016 Goldberg Fuji T'o Bam winner; Conra‎d Okpor, General Manager, IMS/Mainbowl Events, Lagos;  Ibidun James, Nigerian Breweries Sales Executive, Akure during the launch of Tope Ajani's sophomore album, AMBASSADOR, proudly supported by Goldberg Lager Beer in Akure on Sunday.

#BBB NEWS| YouTube Cooking Sensation Felicia “Auntie Fee” O’Dell Has Died

Aunty Fee, the YouTube cooking star best known for her Cooking With Auntie Fee series, has died at age 59. The L.A. native, born Felicia O’Dell was removed from life support at UCLA Medical Center Friday (March 17), days after she suffered a heart attack.

READ: YouTube Sensation Felicia “Auntie Fee” O’Dell Reportedly On Life Support After Suffering Heart Attack

O’Dell’s son, Travis Hunter, confirmed her death on Facebook writing in part, “Thank you for all the prayers and hope, It did all it can do and now God made the decision to take my mother home where its peace & Joy and [I’m] okay with that. She can finally Be happy. Rip Momma Felicia Auntie Fee O’Dell I love you.”

See the full post below.

#BBB NEWS| Chuck Berry, Legendary Guitarist And Rock ‘N Roll Pioneer, Dies At Age 90

Legendary guitarist, singer-songwriter, and rock ’n’ roll pioneer, Chuck Berry, has died at age 90. According to reports, Berry was found unresponsive in his St.Louis home Saturday (March 18) afternoon.

First responders attempted to revive Berry but were unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead at 1:26 p.m. local time.

Born in St. Louis in 1926, Berry took up guitar as a teen, and credited swing artist Louis Jordan and Nat King Cole as two of his musical influences. He was also among the first musicians to be inducted into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame, earned a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and a Kennedy Center honor.

Berry’s extensive music catalog includes hits like “Maybellene” “Roll Over Beethoven” and Johnnie B. Good.”

Earlier in the year, Berry announced the release of his self-titled studio album Chuck.

Check below for tributes to Berry.

#BBB NEWS| OMD Wins Creative Award Contest

Omnicom Media Group’s Agency OMD was awarded the most Creative, Innovative and Effective Agency Network of the Year for the 11th consecutive time by the Gunn Report for Media.

The Gunn Report for Media is the industry standard for evaluating media creativity, innovation and effectiveness.  The report summarizes media agencies’ overall performance from January to December 2016 based on the results of global, regional and national Media creative award contests spanning over 40 markets in the world.

Most importantly, it recognizes the vital role media agencies play in today's highly competitive and fragmented media landscape.

#BBB NEWS| Gov. Amosun, Obasanjo Commend Nigerian Breweries On Backward Integration [PHOTO]

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo have commended the backward integration policy of Nigerian Breweries.

The duo who spoke at the commissioning of the company’s upgraded brewery in Ota, Ogun State  enjoined other corporate organisations to follow the fruitful example of Nigerian Breweries Plc.

At the ceremony, Governor Amosun, who was informed by the Chairman of Nigerian Breweries Plc Chief Kola Jamodu, about the successes the company has recorded in terms of its local sourcing and backward integration agenda, specifically commended the company for the local sourcing of over 50% of its raw materials and 95% of its packaging material.

According to the governor, “It will be in our collective interest for companies in Ogun state and even the entire country to source their materials locally. Backward integration and import substitution is the master key to a self-sustaining economy”. He promised that the government will continue to provide necessary conditions for business to operate smoothly in the state.

#BBB NEWS| Goldberg Fuji T'O Bam: 2016 Winner Set To Release Album [PHOTO]

Tope Ajani, a budding Fuji musician based in Akure, Ondo State is set to release his first album after winning the 2016 edition of Goldberg Fuji T’o Bam.

The album, sponsored by Goldberg Lager Beer as part of the prize for clinching the Wura 1 title in the Fuji T’o Bam contest, will be released on Sunday, March 19th 2017 at the SWAN Hotel, Akure, Ondo State.

Funso Ayeni, Senior Brand Manager, Regional Mainstream Brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc, explains that the album launch will reinforce the brand’s commitment to supporting the careers of winners of Fuji T’o Bam by bringing them to the limelight.

An elated Ajani revealed that Goldberg has been instrumental to his success as an upcoming Fuji artist through the recording deal that came with the prize. This he said has enabled him to launch the album. “I feel elated seeing my dreams come true, and I feel grateful to be crowned the Wura 1 of Fuji music under Fuji T’o Bam from which this great opportunity is coming,” he added.

#BBB NEWS| READ: Ice Cube & DeRay Davis Talk VH1’s ‘Hip Hop Squares’, Tupac & Another ‘Friday’

On Monday night (March 13), Ice Cube unveiled a new version of Hip Hop Squares on VH1. With Cube serving as the show’s executive producer, he hopes to remix the game show, which was on-air for one season in 2012 on MTV2.

Hosted by comedian and actor DeRay Davis, Hip Hop Squares follows the blueprint of the popular TV staple Hollywood Squares. While the format of the program will be similar, Hip Hop Squares will implement a tinge of diversity by nabbing stars from the worlds of music, sports and entertainment.

For the show’s inaugural season on VH1, Cube enlisted a bevy of hip-hop favorites including T.I., Fat Joe, French Montana, Remy Ma, Wale, Machine Gun Kelly to bring the humor and personality to his newest endeavor.

Billboard recently spoke with Ice Cube and host DeRay Davis on the creation of Hip Hop Squares, Tupac’s legacy, their memories from filming Barbershop, Chance the Rapper’s philanthropic efforts in Chicago, and the possibility of another Friday movie.

#BBB NEWS| Students Besiege Registration Portal Ahead of Cowbellpedia Qualifying Exam [PHOTO]

Expectation and excitement heightened amongst secondary schools nationwide as the schools’ representatives besieged the Cowbellpedia Registration Portal to register their students ahead of the qualifying examination for the 2017 Cowbellpedia Secondary School Mathematics Television Quiz Show.

Thousands of students in both public and private schools who have completed their registration process will sit for the examination nationwide on Saturday, March 11th, 2017.

Mr. Festus Tettey, Marketing Director, Promasidor Nigeria Limited explained that like in the previous editions, the Cowbellpedia Secondary Schools Mathematics TV Quiz Show is open to students in JSS 3 and SSS2 from 10 - 18 years of age attending full time Secondary Education in both Public and Private Schools in Nigeria.

While entry into the competition is FREE, Abiodun Ayodeji, Promasidor’s Category Manager (Dairy) enjoined contestants to still avail themselves of the opportunity by registering online at www.cowbellpedia.ng  before the exam date.

#BBB NEWS| Goldberg Excellency Tour: Ayan-Gbayi Clinches Ado Ekiti Grand Prize [PHOTOS]

Ayan-Gbayi Group has clinched the grand prize and emerged the overall best drum band at the Excellency Tour in Ado Ekiti held at Prosperious Hotel and Bar on Friday, March 10, 2017.

After two breathtaking performances by each band, Ayan-Gbayi emerged the best after a close contest with four other groups and went home with Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira.

Ifesowapo Group emerged the second best band and carted away a prize of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira, while Itesiwaju Group emerged the third best band and went home with One Hundred Thousand Naira. Masterpiece Theatre Troupe and Alayande Group emerged fourth and fifth and took home Fifty Thousand Naira each.

Kayode Rahman, leader of the best drum band said the Goldberg Excellency Tour has brought a season of excitement and reward for local talents in Ado Ekiti and expressed appreciation to the brand for supporting traditional acts around the South West with the Tour. According to him, “This is the most rewarding day for us as a band and we cannot hide our excitement for winning this grand prize.”

#BBB NEWS| Nicki Minaj Responds To Remy Ma On “No Frauds” With Drake & Lil Wayne [PHOTO]

Nicki Minaj has hushed her naysayers by simultaneously releasing a club hit and a diss towards Remy Ma at the same time with “No Frauds” featuring Drake and Lil Wayne.

Released Thursday evening (March 9), Nicki Minaj played up her time away from the states in the release of not one, but three tracks. Nicki tweeted, #3PackFromParis with the aforementioned track along with Lil Wayne-assisted track, “I Changed It” and “Regret In Your Tears.”

The songs come after the rapper faced criticism over “ignoring” Remy Ma’s diss track “ShEther.” It’s easy to see the rapper was quietly plotting her response while enjoying the thrills of Paris Fashion Week and reuniting with Drizzy and Lil Wayne last month.

#BBB NEWS| Nicki Minaj Ties With Aretha Franklin For Billboard Record [PHOTO]

The self-proclaimed Queen Of Rap Nicki Minaj has had more appearances on the Billboard Hot 100 charts out of any women in history.

Minaj’s song with Gucci Mane, “Make Love,” debuted at number 78 this week, marking her 73rd entry on the chart. She now shares this record with the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.

#BBB NEWS| Bad Boy Entertainment Documentary To Debut At Tribeca Film Festival [PHOTO]

Sean “Diddy” Combs will unveil the highly anticipated documentary, Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop: The Bad Boy Story, at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City.

According to reports, the Live Nation documentary directed by Daniel Kaufman takes a behind-the-scenes look at the legacy of the label, as well as what it took to produce the two-day concert event at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center last year, which honored the label’s late great MC, The Notorious B.I.G.

“The cameras will also trail Diddy as he tries to wrangle the Bad Boy Family –including Lil’ Kim, Mase, Faith Evans, Mario Winans and 112, among others– for the pair of sold-out shows within a three-week rehearsal period,” wrote Billboard.

#BBB NEWS| Nigerian Breweries Commissions Multi-Billion Naira Ota Brewery Upgrade [PHOTOS]

Nigerian Breweries Plc on Wednesday commissioned its upgraded brewery in Ota, Ogun State as part of its strategic plan to consolidate its leadership position in the industry.

Part of the brewery infrastructure commissioned at the well-attended ceremony included a new PET line, a Water Treatment Plant and a Waste Water Treatment Plant, among twenty one others.

While welcoming guests who included the governor of Ogun State, His Excellency, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief Kola Jamodu, Chairman, Nigerian Breweries Plc, explained that the multi-billion Naira PET line which currently boasts the best technology in the HEINEKEN world was installed to deepen availability of the non-alcoholic product portfolio of the company.

He added that the modern Water Treatment Plant was constructed to ensure the continued excellent quality of the company’s brands while the Waste Water Treatment Plant further contributes to the success of its sustainability agenda of “Brewing a Better World”.

#BBB NEWS| Nike Creates A Hijab That Caters To Muslim Women In Sports [PHOTO/VIDEO]

Nike has recently created a prototype hijab especially made for Muslim athletes, reports CNN Money.

The design will officially make its debut in Spring 2018. The head covering tilted “Nike Pro-Hijab” is made up of a single layer pull of lightweight polyester in dark colors. Additionally, the fabric will have tiny holes, a requirement for hijabs.

According to Nike, the hijab has already been tested out by Emirate figure skater Zahra Lari. “I was thrilled and a bit emotional to see Nike prototyping a Hijab,” Lari said in a statement. “I’ve tried so many different hijabs for performance, and … so few of them actually work for me. But once I put it on and took it for a spin on the ice, I was blown away by the fit and the light weight.”