Katy Perry to Headline Obama's Inaugural Kids Ball

The entertainment industry played a key role in President Barack Obama's successful quest for a second term, and it will be out in force to help the First Family celebrate it's official beginning later this month.

The Presidential Inaugural Committee announced Friday a star-laden entertainment lineup, headlined by Katy Perry, for "the Kids' Inaugural Concert" on Saturday, Jan. 19, and for the official Inaugural Ball the following Monday. Both are slated for the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden are the official hosts of the children's event, which will highlight both the Obama and Biden families commitment to honoring people in the military and their families. The musical talent already set to perform at the two inaugural events now includes Alicia Keys, Brad Paisley, Far East Movement, fun., members of the cast of Glee , John Legend, Marc Anthony, Mindless Behavior, Nick Cannon, Smokey Robinson, Soul Children of Chicago, Stevie Wonder, and Usher.

The organizing committee already has announced that Beyoncé, Kelly Clarkson, and James Taylo r will perform at the actual Inauguration ceremony on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol earlier in the day on Jan. 21.

"We are honored and excited to have such a diverse,talented group of musical guests joining Americans from across the country to celebrate the 57th Inauguration," said Steve Kerrigan , President and CEO of the Presidential Inaugural Committee in a statement released Friday
On Monday, Jan. 21, the President and First Lady willcontinue a Bush Administration tradition and host a second inaugural event, the Commander-in-Chief's Ball for members of the U.S. military, including active duty and reserve service men and women, Medal of Honor recipients, and wounded warriors and their spouses.

Destiny Child And Justin Timberlake Are Back

Destiny's Child and Justin Timberlake have both announced plans to release new tracks.

Beyonce Knowles announced today the Nineties girl group famous for songs like Bootylicious and Survivor is planning a comeback.

She shared the news on her website with a black and white picture of herself, Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland superimposed over the letters "DC".

"I am so proud to announce the first original Destiny's Child music in eight years! - Beyonce," she wrote.

The singer included a link to pre-order the group's newcompilation album, Love Songs.
The record includes the ladies' greatest romantic hits and one new track, entitled Nuclear.

The song has been produced by Pharrell Williams.
It is the first release from Destiny's Child since their 2004 album Destiny Fulfilled.
The trio catapulted to fame in the Nineties and began pursuing their own solo projects in 2000.

Kelly Rowland is scheduled to release her fourth solo album, Year of the Woman, later this year. Michelle Williams released her third in 2008, and went on to star in Aida on Broadway and Chicago on London's West End.

Beyonce is scheduled to release her fifth solo album in April and although she is now married to rapper Jay-Z and gave birth to a baby girl last year she shows no signs of slowing down.

The singer will also headline America's Super Bowl halftime show on February 3.
News of Destiny's Child's forthcoming album has sparked rumours Kelly and Michelle might join her onstage but the ladies have yet to confirm if there's any truth to those reports.

Timberlake is also set to release new material soon. The 31-year-old superstar has concentrated almost exclusively on his acting career over the last few years.
But today, he posted a video on his website that showed him walking into a studio, putting on headphones and saying: ''I'm ready.''

Timberlake hasn't made an album since 2006's Grammy-winning FutureSex/LoveSounds.
In the video, Timberlake is also heard saying that he obsesses over his music and doesn't want to put music out that he doesn't love - and that you have to wait for music you love.

The video ends with a countdown to midnight Sunday. Timberlake - who recently married longtime girlfriend Jessica Biel - has been in several movies, including TheSocial Network, Bad Teacher, Friends With Benefits and last year's Trouble With the Curve.
FutureSex/LoveSounds, which won four Grammy Awards, launched three No. 1 hits and sold more than 4 million units in the United States.

Ghanian Rapper, Sarkodie Launches Clothing Line

I sincerely admire African entertainers who are always on the look out to expand their brand and make extra money from their celebrity status.
However, this does not mean I should not consider how viability of some of the enterprises these African entertainers pursue in the world of business.
With a chain of struggling Ghanaian celebrity clothing lines, Sarkodie is ready to hit the markets with his clothing own line-Sark Collections.
Last year, we saw the likes of John Dumelo, Prince David Osei and several other Ghanaian celebrities launching their clothing lines.  How far have they gone with these clothing lines? Is anyone even buying them?
Am I the only one who has realized that, the celebrities themselves (owners of these clothing lines) hardly wear anything from their own lines?
Apart from them wearing stuff from their clothing lines the first month of the launch, hoping to tell people what they are wearing, they never go back to them.
There are several enterprises that celebrities can venture into to make extra money. But it seems our African celebrities are not picking those ventures which are profitable in our African market.
Jay-Z , Diddy and others have clothing lines which are doing great. Does that mean Sarkodie should also launch one?  To me, No…This is because Sarkodie belongs to a different market and his fan base is totally different from those named above.

Justin Bieber Beat The Hell Out Of His Bodyguard

Justin Bieber beat the crap out of one of his Israeli bodyguards ... and berated the former soldier after a disagreement ... this according to a new lawsuit.

Biebs -- who's 5'7" and MAYBE 130 lbs -- is being sued by Moshe Benabou, an ex-member of the Israeli army.

According to Benabou -- who claims he worked for the singer from March 2011 to Oct. 2012 --  JB berated him and punched him in the chest multiple times during a disagreement about how to handle a member of Bieber's entourage.

Benabou is seeking unspecified damages for assault and battery -- and more than $420,000 in unpaid overtime.

But sources in Bieber's camp tell gistbank.blogspot.com. Moshe is nothing more than a "disgruntled employee looking for money." They say the claim that Bieber struck him is "absurd."

As for why Moshe was fired, our sources say he told multiple lies including a big one -- that he had worked closely with Justin Timberlake before being hired by Bieber.

Our sources say it was discovered that he never worked for JT a day in his life.

You may recall, Benabou was the guy who got into a physical confrontation with a photog at LAX back in February. After a brief struggle, both men fell to the ground ... and Benabou landed a pretty solid punch while the pap was being restrained by another person.

Oprah Winfrey's Interview With Lance Armstrong Going Globally

Discovery Networks has set a global simulcast for Oprah Winfrey’s 90-minute exclusive with banned cyclist Lance Armstrong, both online and through Discovery channels internationally, the company said Friday.

Indicating the importance Winfrey and Discovery Networks are placing on the exclusive, the interview, airing in the U.S. on OWN, will be streamed live on oprah.com globally at the same time, on Jan. 17 at 9pm, EST.
OWN channel is a joint venture between Winfrey's TV production firm Harpo and Discovery.

A statement from Discovery Networks said the interview, Oprah Winfrey and Lance Armstrong: A Worldwide Exclusive, will see Armstrong “address the alleged doping scandal, years of accusations of cheating, and charges of lying about the use of performance-enhancing drugs throughout his storied cycling career.”
Internationally, the special will air the same night on Discovery Channel across Latin America and will roll out in other international markets across Europe, Middle East and Africa beginning Friday, Jan.18 and over the weekend on Discovery Channel, TLC, DMAX, Real Time and Home & Health.

It will air on Jan. 18 on Discovery Channel and TLC in Southeast Asia, and across Asia-Pacific, just hours after its U.S. airing. In Australia and New Zealand it will air on Discovery and Discovery Home and Health.
Winfrey speaks with Armstrong at his home in Austin, Texas in the only interview since the seven-time Tour de France winner was stripped of his titles and dropped from millions of dollars in endorsement deals.
The fallout for Armstrong came after the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency released an extensive report accusing the renowned cyclist of doping throughout his career.  Armstrong was given a lifetime ban on competing professionally. Late last year, Armstrong resigned as chairman of the foundation he created, Livestrong, which has raised hundreds of millions of dollars in the fight against cancer.

Snoop Dogg Dodges Questions About Indian Gang-Rape Incident

Snoop Dogg has landed in Mumbai for his first India visit, which will see the rapper perform in the western city of Pune near Mumbai on Friday, and in Gurgaon near Delhi on Sunday.

At a press conference in Mumbai Thursday, Snoop Dogg was asked by a reporter from news network Times Now to comment on the recent brutal gang-rape of a young woman in Delhi who later died. Considered one of the most horrific crimes in India in recent memory, the incident has sparked outrage and street demonstrations across the country, as well as inspired leading Indian celebrities to voice support for the rights of women on social media. The protests have also turned violent, leading to the death of a policeman.

Referring to the “current situation in the country” following the incident, the reporter started to ask her question to Snoop Dogg but was cut short by a member of his management.
“I should be allowed to put my question to him; it's up to him if he wants to answer that or not,” said the reporter.
“Let's ask a different question please,” came the reply from his representative as Snoop Dogg remained silent.
Perhaps invoking past criticism and claims of misogyny in the rapper's lyrics, the reporter then asked: “How will he adapt his  music to the [current] sensibilities of the Indian audience?”
The question was ignored and passed over.
Wearing shiny Rastafarian-tri-colored sunglasses, Snoop Dogg arrived two hours late, but patiently answered questions on everything from his first India visit and his fascination with Bollywood to his recent rechristening as Snoop Lion by a Rastafarian priest in Jamaica.

“India is beautiful! It is everything I expected it to be. The scenery and people are beautiful here,” he said.
Following his first collaboration on a Bollywood track for 2008's Singh Is Kinng with top Indian actor Akshay Kumar, the rapper said he was looking for more future projects.
“I love Bollywood. I would most definitely want to do something again. I had fun with Akshay Kumar in Singh is Kinng, and I am looking forward to doing it again,” he said adding, “I am looking forward to meeting many producers here. If any Bollywood directors would love to have me in a movie, I am ready. I am a fan of Bollywood music and dance. It is a great time to do some more work here.”
The rapper has also been tweeting invites to his concerts to Bollywood stars such as top actor Shah Rukh Khan and leading cricket players such as Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag.
“I need to hit up the O.G. (original gangsta) Amitabh Bachchan – come thru my show 2nite sir!”, he wrote in a tweet hailing the Bollywood icon, who makes his Hollywood debut this year in the upcoming The Great Gatsby.
“Hey Snoop, Wudve luvd to but I'm in LA finishin my album! I'm sure you'll kill it in india! Next time for sure. Show some desi (homegrown) love people!”, actress Priyanka Chopra tweeted in her reply to the rapper's invitation.
Chopra recently released her debut single “In My City” from her upcoming international album to be released by Universal Music/Interscope.

Similarly, actor Akshay Kumar also tweeted his RSVP: “Snoop, I'd love to come brother but I'm shooting. Please come home for some Indian fried chicken when you come to Mumbai :)”
Meanwhile an exclusive party hosted Thursday night by Adidas Originals was attended by Bollywood celebrities, including actor Ranveer Singh.
Snoop Dogg's India tour is organized by Mumbai-based promoter Indigo Live and will include classic hits from the rapper's Death Row Records era produced by Dr Dre along with newer tracks.
Promising at the press conference that his shows will be the “best party”, he added, “I will have a good time in Pune and then I will be going to Delhi. People here have been waiting to see me perform.”
The events will see a variety of Indian artists opening for the rapper, such as Mumbai-based hip hop group Bombay Bassment performing in Pune, and Reggae Rajahs, Delhi Sultanate and Begum X opening the Gurgaon show.

New Pics Of Oge Okoye

TONTO DIKE SPEAKS ON DBAN'J SIGNING RUMOR

There Is No Profit In Lesbianism - Nollywood Actress, Biodun Okeowo

Curvaceous actress, Biodun Okeowo, who hit the limelight in the flick, Tolani Oshirin, is one of theglamorous actresses rocking the Yoruba movie sector at the moment with her uncommon talent and irresistible sex appeal.
Apart from featuring in many films, she has also made her mark as a producer with seven films to her credit.
On December 15, 2012 she premiered her much talked about movie, Omo Butty (Pampered Child), where she brought Fuji musician, Wasia Alabi, popularly known as Pasuma to thrill the guests.
Unfortunately, her action was misinterpreted, as she is romantically linked to the Fuji star. In this exclusive interview, she opens up on her relationship with Pasuma. She also talks about her career, her lifestyle, marriage and sex
Enjoy:
How did your journey into the movie industry begin?
I started acting as far back as 2006. I started training with the Ray Eyiwunmi Organisation and since then, I have been on my own.
What made you choose acting as a career?
Acting has been an integral part of my being.I have always loved the practitioners in the movie industry. Even when I was very young, I was part of the drama group in my Church. It was from there, I started sharpening my talent in acting. The Eyiwunmi Organisation later became the platform through which Ilaunched myself into the movie world and so far, I thank God for my humble achievements. Besides, WhatI studied in school had a bit of theatrical touch.
I studied Communication Arts from Lagos State University and I guess that helped in some ways.
So far, would you say, acting has been good to you?
Yes, acting has been good to me. It has opened doors for me. It has also brought favour to me in some quarters.
They say, there are caucuses in the Yoruba movie industry such as the Odunfa caucus, The Abeokuta crew and the rest. Which one of these groups do you belong to?
Like I said before, I emerged from the Ray Eyiwunmi Organisatiom. But now, I'm a freelance actress.
What movie gave you, your break?
"Tolani Osinrin" gave me my break and I was happy playing a major role for the first time in my own movie.
Which movie has been most challenging to you and why?
I've not been challenged theatrically. But I'm looking forward to having one.
Why are you not featuring in English?
I'm not afraid of delving into the English sector but the thing is, I've not been invited or given the opportunity but if the opportunity surfaces I'll gladly accept. At my level now, you don't expect me to be begging for a role,do you?
What do you consider before taking up a role or accepting a script and have you ever had to reject a script and why?
Yes, first and foremost I look at the storyline. Second, the plot and third, the director. Yep, I've rejected scripts. I reject scripts that are not well baked and perfectly detailed. That is why I don't feature in anyhowmovies. I've made such mistakes in the past and it really affected me. But Glory be to God that brought meback on my feet. So now I don't just act all movies.
I scrutinise scripts very well before taking them on.
What are the challenges of being an actress and a producer at the same time?
When I talk about films I have featured in, I have lost count but on my own I have produced seven movies. Starting with 'Tolani Oshirin', 'Okanjua', 'Oke Irapada' and others. Producing one movie in a year, it's so tasking being an actress and a producer at the same time. Because you have to deal with several different issues at the same time.
Combining the two, means one needs to contend with monetary issues and good interpretation of roles,to make the production a successful one .
Which of your movies has been most successful and why?
Oh, it is very hard for me to say because all the films produced by me are good but if I have to really stick myneck out I'll give it to 'Ife Nsiere' (Love is Crazy) but I truly believe my best is yet to come. I think people love 'Ife N Siere' because it deals with contemporary issue oflesbianism.
What inspired your doing 'Ife Nsiere (Love is Crazy)' and what is your response to some criticising the film as being a little bit raw?
I got the inspiration to write Ife Nsiere' because lesbianism has become the order of the day which is fast gaining ground to the detriment of this generation.My aim really is to preach against this Sodomic act and also to tell people that not all that glitters is gold. The movie is not raw. And if viewers believe so, we did it to pass the message clearly and because acting is make-believe, we have to make it real and believable.
I want people to know that there's no profit in lesbianism. I want to also fault this common saying thatlove is crazy; love's not crazy, neither is it blind. I want people to also know that marriage is meant to be preserved. House wives shouldn't just jump to conclusion when, maybe, they see lipstick stains on their husband's clothes and think that he's had something to do with another woman.
What are you working on now and what is the story?
Presently, I've just shot 'Omo Butty(Pampered Child)' and it has even been premiered and is making tour of cinemas right now and it is expected to remain a big hitthroughout the first part of 2013.
I will be going on location soon to shoot another movie to be called 'Ore (Friends)'. 'Omo Butty' is about a spoilt child.
Are you in any relationship and are you considering getting married?
Yes, I am in a very serious relationship leading to marriage in the most quiet way.
What would make you marry a man now, what doyou really want in a man after two kids?
Because there's no glory for a queen who's got no king. Our society doesn't accept an unmarried woman as a responsible woman. God knows his plan for me and what's the best for me in terms of the type of man to marry.
I am a woman and every woman needs a man to be complete.
What's your idea of sex generally and
As a beautiful woman you must be getting so much pressure?
Sex is good, and it should only be done between married people because sex is an oath. Its not something that should be done with numerous partnersor done for the fun of it. It is like marriage, sacred and pure.
As for the pressure, may be temptations will come your way but it is left to the woman to control herself and be who she really wants to be without compromising her beliefs.
There is a whisper of a gist that something of a hot romance is brewing between you and Pasuma?
Where did that emanate from? It is laughable. I laugh because people are it again. Pasuma is a brother, a friend, and a very nice person to me too.
Pasuma knows my man very well so where did this unscrupulous rumour emanate from that I'm dating him. Can't people see closeness in different sexes and see it as platonic only? Local mentality is what I'm seeing in such rumour.
Please rumour peddlers should go and find jobs to do.
What is sexiest about Biodun Okeowo?
Well, being sexy means different things to different people. But I think my shape, especially my hips are thesexiest part of my body.
Is it true that most actresses are flirts and this is largely responsible for their not being able to hold on to marriages?
Well, I cant speak for others. But Biodun Sofuyi Okeowo is not a flirt. That, I can stand tall to say anywhere.

A Picture Of EME First Lady, Niyola Without Make-Up

You can tell a woman is confident when she posts pictures of herself make-up free.

EME first lady Niyola posted the picture above on Instagram with the caption ' Lazy lazy lazy '.
Is the gifted singer still a hottie? That's a big YES from us!

Funke Akindele Set To shoot ‘Everybody loves Jenifa’ in Canada and UK

Looks like there is more to be seen from the Jenifa series.

After the huge success recorded from the Jenifa series, Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele - Oloyede may be hitting the set soon for a new sequel. The movie, we gathered will be titled 'Everybody loves Jenifa ' and will be shot in Jamaica and UK.
The actress let out the hint during a recent interview on Channels TV .

gistbank.blogspot.com tried to reach her PR rep for details about the movie but we're yet to get a response to our text.

Alao Akala Bites Off Journalist Ear

Ogun State Police on Wednesday arraigned a 50-year-old man, Alao Akala before an AbeokutaMagistrates' Court for allegedly biting off the left ear of a journalist, Saheed Ganiyu.

Ganiyu's ear was bitten off when he was investigating the background of late political god-father of Kwara politics, Dr. Olusola Saraki.

Another journalist, Rasaki Olayiwola was also reportedly hit on the head with a camcorder stand by the accused.

Police Prosecutor, Sunday Eiagbejiale told the court that the accused committed the offence on January 3, 2013 at Ago-Ika in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Eiagbejiale told Magistrate Matins Akinyemi that the accused attacked the two journalists who were carrying out their lawful duties without just cause.

He said " Akala attacked the journalists when they were on a research mission into the background and origin of late Saraki who was reported to have claimed to be from Abeokuta.

"Akala bit off Ganiyu's left ear, causing grievousharm and hit Olayiwola on the head with a camcorder stand. `"It will interest this court to know that the journalists were in Abeokuta from Ilorin to research the claim that Chief Olusola Saraki was from this town.

"As an indigene, I was giving them the lowdown of how the late Saraki was related to Abeokuta, when theaccused came mid-way into the interview, broke the camera and turned the venue upside down."

The prosecutor added that the accused also "maliciously damaged" the journalists' camcorder valued at N300,000.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened Sections 355, 335 and 451 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun, 2006.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to thetwo-count charge of assault and unlawful damage.

Akala, who was not represented by any counsel, pleaded that he thougth the journalists were prospective buyers invited to inspect his family property where the incident took place.

Magistrate Akinyemi granted bail to the accusedin the sum of N140,000 with two sureties in likesum and adjourned further hearing to March 3.

New Video | Gud Gal – Sound Sultan

Peter Of P-Square Buys N435Million House In San Francisco

P-square fans there is now a Squareville Villa in San Fransisco! The 1st branch of Squareville home of pop group P-Square and brother Jude Okoye opened in 2010 in the Ikeja area of Lagos, and as a reflection of how well the boys are doing in their career, Peter one half off the group dropped $2.75 Million dollars on a house in the Northern California city of San Fransisco!
Don’t bother with your calculators that’s N435 Million Naira!

Ice Prince Buys New House

Chocolate City’s Rapper, Ice Prince revealed on twitter, that he just moved into his own house…although details of the house has not been disclosed yet.Check his tweet out