Remembering Dagrin: His Life, Death, Legacy

Wednesday April 22, 2015 will marks five whole years since Olaitan Oladapo Olaonipekun better known as Dagrin passed away.

How he died:

Dagrin died at 6:00PM on Thursday, April 22 - exactly eight days after he was involved in a ghastly accident in front of Alakara Police station, off Agege motor road, Mushin, Lagos.

The late rapper’s car, a Nissan Maxima 2008 model ran into a parked lorry in front of Alakara Police station, Mushin. He was initially admitted at Tai Solarin Hospital, Mushin before he was transferred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Idi Araba where Doctors made serious efforts to save his life.

He was admitted at the Intensive Care Unit and operated upon, and later moved to the private wing of the hospital where he died! Doctors at the Lagos State Teaching Hospital LUTH said he survived nine attacks before he finally gave up during the 10th attack. The nation was thrown into mourning; those who didn’t know the rapper Dagrin were forced to (Like me, I didn't know him till he passed on).

His early years:

He started rapping about the age of 14. Dagrin would be at every Hip-Hop show in Lagos, trying to get a three-minute spot on stage’.

Dagrin struggled for years, hopping from one studio to the other, in a quest to record a music album. It took a few years for the struggling act that had been desperately looking for financial support to seal a record deal. In 2006, he released his debut ‘Still on the Matter’ under LEO Entertainment which was mildly received...

His relationship with his Parents:

Dagrin allegedly had a strained relationship with his father, Comrade Olaniyi Abolaji Olanipekun but he was very close with his mother Mrs Olanipekun.

His lovelife: Before his death, Dagrin had also broken ties with his girlfriend Chichi. The couple had dated for seven years but Chichi kept pressuring for more than a mere commitment, friends of the couple say. ‘Dagrin at that time wasn’t ready for marriage so he let her go’, online reports disclosed.

3years after his death:

Three years after, things seem to have changed, Dagrin’s death suddenly inspired a whole lot of rappers to hit the studio spitting in Yoruba language. Now we have the likes of Olamide, BaseOne, Tipsy, Jyhbo, Seriki obviously inspired by the general himself Barack O’grin.

The Dagrin Documentary:

In April 2012, Video director GINI released a documentary ‘Remembering Dagrin’, to mark the second anniversary of the rapper’s death. The one-hour plus clip featured never-before-seen clips and images of Dagrin. It also contained interviews with individuals that crossed the path of the young man and contributed to his rise to fame in the Nigerian music industry.

The one who received all the attention isn’t here to see it… Dagrin toiled and toiled, touched the tip of success and was going for the gusto only to lose it all in the most shocking of ways…

May his soul rest in peace....

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Biggest Fashion Brands In Nigeria And The People Behind Their Success.

Deola Sagoe 
Fashion Brand~ Deola Sagoe



She is one the pioneers of contemporary Nigerian fashion, she made a name for herself by designing her mum’s label Odua for ten years. And launched her eponymous brand in 2008, which is now a household name in Nigeria. She was one of the first designers to make Nigerian fashion modern, she started off with couture and has since branched into menswear, jeans and polo. She is known for her glamorous couture pieces, the name Deola Sagoe is synonymous to fashion in Nigeria.


Folake Cooker
Fashion Brand ~ Tiffany Amber



Tiffany Amber was founded by Folake Coker who is still the head designer of the brand. Tiffany Amber redefined the modern Nigerian woman through its feminine pieces. Folake Coker and Deola Sagoe belong to the same era in Nigeria’s fashion history and have both enjoyed international success. Tiffany Amber is the ultimate luxury chic, using the finest fabric to create glam pieces for the creme de la creme. The first Tiffany Amber collection was shown in 1998 and the brand is still a contender in Nigerian fashion.

Ade Bakare
Fashion Brand ~ Ade Bakare



Worthy fashion frontier, Ade Bakare has always been one to look to for the perfect classiclook . Classic with a modern twist is one of the best ways to describe every one of his pieces. The London based designer who is passionate about fashion has also been a part of promoting laudable fashion labels in Nigeria by establishing projects such as the Young Designers Creative Competition. Ade Bakare has been in the business since 1991.


Harvey Aggrey-Orleans
Fashion Brand ~ Eki Orleans



Every designer has their strong points, special talents which always serve as some form of trade mark and visual as well as mental symbol of a brand. For Eki Orleans, it is in the way creative director Harvey Aggrey Orleans implements her knowledge of colours, textile and fashion design. Her designs have graced the pages of top global magazines, newspapers, journals and media houses such as The Guardian, CNN Harper’s Bazaar, The Financial Times, Drapers and Arise Magazine. Harvey gets are inspiration from her surroundings, everything is some form of inspiration even butterflies. The Eki Orleans designs are gotten from memories of Harvey’s growing up years in Nigerian, a part from her German ancestry and also her African origin .The Eki Orleans brand has been presented on several runways around the world in places like London, Paris, Cannes and Johannesburg.

Lisa Folawiyo
Fashion Brand ~ Jewel by Lisa



Jewel by Lisa is at the helm of the Ankara( African prints) craze. Creative director Lisa Folawiyo re- invented the Ankara fabric and made it modern , African print has never been the same since then. JBL is one of the most popular Nigerian designer at the moment, you cannot mention Nigerian/ African fashion without throwing JBL in the mix. The brand’s signature aesthetics is the craftsmanship involved in manipulating prints into luxurious pieces.

Fioye Akinsola, Oyeyemi Wemi-Akinsola and Nike Ajanaku.
Fashion Brand ~Virgos Lounge

Founded in 2008, this vintage inspired brand is one to always make a wearer stand out. Targeted at spoiling fashion lovers and trendy folks with exceptional pieces, their love for embellishments always give distinct characteristics to everyone of their outfits which cannot be mistaken for any other. One thing I have observed about Virgos Lounge pieces is that they are never boring.

Isoken Ogiemwonyi
Fashion Brand~ Obsidan



The Obsidian label was launched in 2009 by Isoken Ogiemwonyi who is also the co-founder of multi brand store, L’Espace and Le Petit Marche, Nigeria. The Obsidian brand appeals to every woman who likes to express herself in a variety of ways without restrictions. The label is definitely one to watch out for when shopping for the perfect outfit.

Frank Oshodin
Fashion Brand ~ Frank Oshodin



This is one of the top Nigerian fashion brands, he is also an industry veteran. Having being in the fashion industrysince 1989, starting out first as a model, then as model manger to being a make-up artist, his ability to mesh vintage with modern plus retro is like no other. Specialised in bridal and bridesmaids garments, Frank Oshodi is one of those few whose work speaks for them. A benchmark designer for upcoming fashion labels, he is a favourite among the elegant creme de la creme. One of his popular pieces is the deep v neck green dress Agbani Darego wore when she was crowned Miss World in 2001.

Duro Olowu
Fashion Brand ~ Duro Olowu



He is one of the few Nigerian designers who have successfully been able to put Nigerian fashion on the world’s map. making his in the London fashion scene in 2004, Duro Olowu has been able to establish a strong niche for himself in the Nigerian fashion sphere and the world over. His genius works have earned well deserving awards such as the designer of the year British fashion awards. His works have also attracted prominent clients like Michele Obama, Linda Evangelista and Uma Thurman to his label. with well defined cuts and brilliant use of prints and colours, he is able to present irresistible collections that make the fashion mind to marvel.

Ohimai Atafo
Fashion Brand ~ Mai Atafo



Coupled with his good looks, Ohimai is a very talented menswear and bridal designer who has changed the way Nigerian men look in suit. Although he is widely known for his well cut suits and bridal gowns, he also dabbles in women’s wear. The brand Mai Atafo inspired is known for its sartorial classical approach to menswear, from tuxedos to just T-shirts. Mai Atafo designs for the dapper men with trust funds or good jobs.


Tsemaye Binitie
Fashion Brand ~ Tsemaye Binitie




The contemporary brand made its debut in the Arise Magazine Fashion Weekin Lagosin 2012 and since then, we have had nothing but genius crafts from the designer . It is almost impossible to stream line what type of woman the label is best suited for because it appeals to every style and fashion preference; there is a piece for every woman. Plus, it is very rare to see a Nigerian designer brilliantly combine fabrics and textures together making an entire ensemble appear effortlessly done.

Tiwa Sagoe, Teni Sagoe & Aba Sagoe
Fashion Brand ~Clan



Clan is the hobbyhorse of 3 sisters all daughters of notable fashion designer, Deola Sagoe.
A look at works from the brand and it is clear that the label is for the fresh, young and confident fashionistas. Their love for fashion and the whole business of fashion cannot be far fetched as these trio are daughters of notable fashion designer Deola Sagoe. The cheerful and vibrant feel in each creation cannot be mistaken for any other. The brand appeals to my major personal sense of style.

Davida Okpara
Fashion Brand ~Davida




Davida Okpara is a veteran fashion designer designer who loves the LBD and is skilled in tailoring them. Hardly would you come across a collection without those Little Black Dresses. The designer is less into the up-to-date-keeping-up-with-trends type of fashion. She knows and understands the female body so well, it is like every piece is made for every female.


Ejiro Amos Tafari
Fashion Brand ~ Ejiro Amos Tafari 



You cannot successfully compile a list of top influential Nigerian designers without including Ejiro Amos Tafiri. The designer extraordinaire has had her internship at high up fashion houses like Tiffany Amber,Out of Africa and Zizi Ethnic, all of which have given her the right boost and expertise to be able to launch her label and she has not failed at bringing out what can be considered together with the best of clothing.


Emmy Collins 
Fashion Brand ~ Emmy Collins



This is one of the not so many fashion rebels who have been able to deliberately ignore fashion status quo. It the prints, fabric, pattern and colors, all mixed together in very unusual designs to produce remarkable works. The London based designer exudes all forms of cool.
MODEL IN EMMY COLLINS


Fatima Aliyu Garba
Fashion Brand~ House of Farrah



This is a luxury brand that appeared in the Nigerian fashion scene in 2004, although under another label (ABFAB) and since then it has gone through brand restructuring (Zain) until finally settling for House of Farah. The label is owned by Fatima Aliyu Garba. In my opinion, the label does better as an accessories brand more than a clothing brand. Also producers of male clothing, however the accessories are the real deal.



Kiki Kamanu
Fashion Brand~ Kiki Kamanu




Kiki Kamanu isn’t your everyday designer, think Vivienne Westwood. The Kiki Kamanu brand is very individualistic and not as stuck up as most brands. It’s fun, quirky and youthful. It is also one of the few ethical fashion brands we have in Nigeria and stands for fair trade. Kiki Kamanu is the go to brand if your style is hippy chic and you don't really care.


Buki Akib
Fashion Brand ~ Buki Akib

It is rather rare to see a female men’s wear designer produce highly commendable masculine pieces, but Buki Akib sure knows how to do her job well and she knows how to always put on a show with her designs. Her ‘fela collection’ which she showed at the L’oreal Paris show in London is one of my favourite collection yet. Traditional, Modern African, edgy and stylish are a few words I presume would describe Buki’s style as she infuses all these qualities in every one of her designs. She just recently introduced a bag line which goes to show that there are no limits to what this designer can take on.


Lolade Majekodunmi
Fashion Brand ~House Of Dorcas


It is always a feminine affair when it comes to pieces from HOD. The brand is definitely for women of style who know how they want to be perceived by society. Spotted many times on the red carpet, HOD stores are go to places for red carpet events.

West Ham reduce ticket prices after record television deal

West Ham have become the first club to announce they will reduce season ticket prices as a result of the Premier League's record television deal.

Sky and BT Sport have paid £5.13bn for live Premier League television rights for three seasons from 2016-17.

West Ham's cheapest adult season ticket that season will cost £289, down from between £620 and £940 for the 2014-15 campaign.

The 2016-17 season will be the club's first at the Olympic Stadium.

West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady said: "We have always said that the move to our magnificent new stadium would be a game changer for West Ham.

"It was a chance to increase revenue, invest in the team and improve our performance on the pitch, but without putting an extra financial burden on the supporters who already come to watch every home match.

"This announcement proves we have kept our promise."

Although the cost of season tickets at West Ham are rising for the 2015-16 season by a maximum of 5%, they will fall again for the following campaign as the new television deal begins.

The Olympic Stadium will have 19,000 more seats than the 35,016 at West Ham's current home, Upton Park.

The club is paying £2m a year to rent their new ground.

If they are still in the Premier League in 2016-17, the club say their cheapest adult season tickets will cost £289, which means fans will pay £15.20 for each of their 19 home league games.

All season tickets for under-16s will be cut to £99 - or £5.21 per match.

These banners appeared at Selhurst Park during the Crystal Palace v Arsenal match in February

Since the television deal was announced, there have been protests at a number of Premier League clubs, including Crystal Palace and Liverpool, as supporters vent their anger at the cost of watching football.

BBC Sport's Price of Football survey showed that 15 of the 20 Premier League teams offered cheaper 2014-15 season tickets than West Ham.

Manchester City had the cheapest tickets at £299.

Malcolm Clarke, chairman of the Football Supporters' Federation, has called for more clubs to drop ticket prices.

"Any reduction is welcome, so two cheers for West Ham for that," he told BBC Sport.

"But before we give them three cheers, we await to see what they do about price categories, what they do about away fans and what they do with ordinary admission.

"We're hopeful this is the first of many moves by the clubs to significantly reduce ticket prices. We will definitely keep up the pressure to ensure it happens.

"Now the other clubs have a year to respond, so let's see who can offer the lowest season ticket in a year's time."

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said: "West Ham's announcement is further evidence that Premier League clubs do offer stretch pricing and think about providing opportunities for families and young people when considering ticket offers for their fans."

Premier League football in the capital in 2014-15
Club	Cheapest season ticket	Most expensive season ticket	Cheapest match-day ticket	Most expensive match-day ticket
All figures from BBC Sport's Price of Football calculator
Arsenal	£1,014	£2,013	£27	£97
Chelsea	£750	£1,250	£50	£87
Crystal Palace	£420	£720	£30	£40
QPR	£499	£949	£25	£70
Tottenham	£765	£1,895	£32	£81
West Ham	£620	£940	£20	£75

Plaintiffs Seeking To Stop Buhari Make U-Turn

Plaintiffs in two of the three pending suits challenging the eligibility of the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to contest in the March 28, 2015, presidential election have been withdrawn.

Justice Adeniyi Ademola who is presiding over the matters at the Federal High Court in Abuja subsequently struck out the matter after the plaintiffs indicated their intention to withdraw the suits on Wednesday.

READ ALSO: Buhari’s Disqualification Will Bring Great Chaos – APC

Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) who is representing one of the plaintiffs told the judge on Wednesday that his client decided to withdraw his suit to afford the incoming government time to focus on the “enormous task” of governance.

When the second case which was filed by Max Ozoaka was called, his lawyer, Dr. Chike Amobi, also adduced similar grounds for withdrawing the suit.

With the Wednesday’s development, the remaining pending eligibility suit against Buhari is the one filed by Ayakeme Whiskey (FHC/ABJ/CS/68/15).

As of the time of filing this story, no date has been fixed for the hearing in the pending suit.

Buhari, who contested on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, was on April 1 declared winner of the election, defeating the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party.

The complainants had filed the suits challenging Buhari’s eligibility, asking the court to declare him ineligible to contest in the election on the basis of his alleged failure to submit his certificate of academic qualifications along with his Form CF001 to the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The plaintiffs claim that Buhari’s failure to submit his certificate of academic qualifications contravened provisions of sections 131 and 318 of the 1999 Constitution and section 31(3) of the Electoral Act, 2010.

READ MORE: http://www.naij.com/425892-plaintiffs-seeking-to-stop-buhari-makes-u-turn.html

'Rise Above Petty Issues' - Kashamu Responds To Tinubu

A Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and Senator-elect, Buruji Kashamu has called on Nigerian politicians to rise above petty issues and be democrats in not just words but also in deeds.

Kashamu was reacting to statement by the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, who accused him of being a pretender, Vanguard reports.

The senator-elect had a few days ago, showered praises on Tinubu over his role in the recently-concluded general elections. In response, Tinubu had taken a swipe at him, saying, he does not need praise-singing from someone who bought his election victory and is wanted in the United States for drug related offences.
Not happy with Tinubu’s response, Kashamu in a statement released on April 21, Tuesday, said he was shocked by the unwarranted attacks against him.

According to him, he was not singing Tinubu’s praises but was only being a true sportsman and thought it wise to congratulate those who won the 2015 general elections.

The statement reads: “My attention has been drawn to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reaction to the innocuous congratulatory messages that I sent to him and other leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“First, I must say that I doubt if the statement was approved by him. However, if it was, I must state that I am taken aback by the unwarranted attacks against me as if we were still campaigning. It is unbecoming of someone of his stature and calibre.

READ ALSO: Ogun Youth Warn OBJ Against Attacking Kashamu

“It is high time politicians and leaders rose above petty issues and raise the bar in constitutional democracy. We should not just be democrats in words but also in deeds. We should play politics without bitterness.

“It is on record that no Nigerian politician has taken former President Olusegun Obasanjo to the cleaners even as a sitting President like Asiwaju Tinubu did. Yet, Chief Obasanjo forgave him. As for me and Baba Obasanjo, he remains my father and leader, just as I am his son and follower. At no time did I abuse Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

“As a true party man, I campaigned vigorously for my party and its candidates. Now, the elections are over, and as a true sportsman, I thought I should congratulate those who won.

“Short of any praise-singing, what I said in the congratulatory message that they chose to react to a week after it was published was that there was no way anyone can wish away the achievements of Asiwaju Tinubu in the nation’s political annals, particularly in Yoruba land. Part of the message also reads: ‘Although I now belong to the opposition, your achievements transcend political divides and I am not ashamed to publicly acknowledge them. I salute your courage, commitment, doggedness, forthrightness and tenacity of purpose even in the face of daunting opposition and challenges. By your sheer wit and unwavering commitment to democratic ethos, true federalism and economic prosperity, you led the Alliance for Democracy (AD) from a one-party state to a regional party, and now a national party that is about to form the government at the centre.

READ ALSO: Kashamu Shunned Presentation Of Certificates Of Return

“How do these translate to praise-singing? Are they not facts of history that I merely adumbrated?

“He accused me of purchasing my election with money, the appropriate forum to prove that is the election petitions tribunal and not the pages of newspaper.

“On the U.S case, I wish to state for the umpteenth time that the United States as the bastion of democracy and the Rule of Law would not lend itself to any form of abuse of the fundamental human rights of an innocent soul, especially one that has been arrested, tried and freed by its most trusted ally – the United Kingdom.

“I am not running from any trial. All I have asked is for the relevant parties to follow due process – if they believe that I yet have a case to answer.”

Kashamu added that no one should play God, saying, “I believe in the supremacy of the almighty Allah who frustrates the signs of liars and makes fools of diviners. ’I stand with the almighty Allah Subhana Wa Tala. He is the protector of all humans. He is my refuge and shield.”

US officials have insisted that Kashamu ought to be jail instead of the senatorial seat and they have reportedly started fresh moves for his extradition to face drug trafficking charges on American soil.

Kashamu had filed a complaint to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) through his lawyer, Mr. Ajibola Oluyede, accusing former president Olusegun Obasanjo of being behind these moves.