ta ta 2009...... last post of the year

My favorite author and mentor is Paul Arden, he propagates finding the possibility, being the difference and looking beyond rules and limitations to achieve the greatest potential. He was one of my best discoveries of 2009. Every year since the beginning of time, a new discovery arises that shapes that year, that decade, that century or maybe even the way we live. 2009 was no different. We had beautiful music, we experienced spell bounding events and some individuals put themselves on the race to change history. We applaud all of these. In 2009, the CITY CRAWLER BLOG was born, to cater to people living in Abuja, people who intend to move here or people who are interested in the capital city for any purpose at all. So before I bore you with blab la bla, it’s the last day of 2009, so in city crawler style, we want to recognize what shaped 2009 for us and alert all those in our Radar for 2010 that we are watching. Enjoy

Abuja was previously considered dull and lifeless especially when it came to the entertainment scene and night life, but in 2009 it experienced an awakening of sorts that is quickly catching on. The capital became a hub for international and national workshops and conferences, and in 2009 major events both corporate and entertainment were held in Abuja for the first time. Some examples are the Faceoff Celebrity casket ball match in entertainment circuit and Etisalat’s 1 year anniversary in the corporate circuit. On the recreation/nightlife scene we saw the birth of lounges and clubs settling in comfortably Eden, Aqua, Cubana, A lounge with the most recent being terminal 5. Café 24 also opened to the public as the first 24 hours café in Abuja. We sure hope they live up to their name in 2010, well we are watching. Big ups to kiss fm which launched in September, 09 09 09 to be precise, and in a space of 4 short months have taken Abuja by storm and warmed their way into the hearts of Abuja people. And with recognizable voices like Dooshima and Gang we were able to quickly empathize with them.

On the foreign scene, Barack Obama was sworn in January and made history as the first African American to be sworn in as President of the United States. Michael Jackson passed in and a legend died. And for the first time since Big Brother Africa started, a Nigerian won the prize money after 90 days under our thorough scrutiny. Big ups Kevin, you are on our radar for 2010. Also on city crawler radar for 2010 is the Young Bright Minds(YBM) series, but I’m not giving this one away, wait and find out.

I did a lot of clubbing and networking and socializing in 2009, I don’t have any favorite place but I do have a soft spot for Eden VIP because they always play my favorite songs. Favorite party song of 2009 was ‘I got a feeling’ by the Black Eyed Pea and ‘free madness ‘ by terry g (yea sue me), later in the year Daneo’s ‘Party Hard’ came along, im gonna be rocking this in 2010. My best chill out song was birthday sex for no particular reason and a song I want to hear more of in 2010 is ‘today na today’ by omawunmi.

In 2010, look forward to more info, more ratings, more listings, more gossip, more news and more gists on all the socialites on our radar. This is my last post for 2009 people, see you in 2010.

#wisdom from the City Crawler – the ability to shape your own future lies in your own hand.

BITTER SWEET,PLEASURE PAIN - blast from 2008

(I wrote this in 2008 but it still get alot of comments and alot of what i said still applies to 2009,so i decided to share it with you. i hope you enjoy reading it as much as i enjoyed writing it. enjoy.)


In 2008 I will achieve my perfect weight, get my perfect job, find the perfect man, buy the perfect house and car and settle down to a perfect life’’. That’s the ending I would have gone with if I was in charge of the planet, but all any of us get to be in charge of is who we are in our own stories. In this story I want to say, Don’t torment yourself with regret! You know them, ‘I shouldn’t have spent all that money on .....’, ‘I should have ....’ What can I say? Fantasies fade, plans unravel, things change, and we grieve for the past as if the past were a fallen friend. But for all our coulda, woulda, shouldas, we should be keenly aware that we are on borrowed time.

This knowledge should make us sit up and take notice of every bittersweet second. When time is of the essence, you pay attention, you splurge on things u consider, well, splurges, you don’t let anything, anything at all, go unspoken, you watch, you memorize, you love a little harder.

In 2008, I watched, I gave and took, I read and travelled, I tried and failed, I despaired and rallied, I protested, I partied, persevered. And though I did not find ‘the one’ I found one that loved and loves in a world that love doesn’t come easy (JESUS). I found a sea of people and some of them I’m priviledge to call friends. I should name names but instead ill say ‘Lucky me’.

To 2008, thanks! You thought me life is joy and sorrow, hand in hand. And that, my friends, is all I know. That and this, I’ll see you in 2009.

ABUJA'S HOTTEST BACHELORS OVER 30 on our Radar...

I have entrusted myself with the responsibility of making the most out of the Capital City of Nigeria. Ill leave all the dull stuffy information to Daily Trust and focus on giving you something to relax and read and feel very much at ease (I just rhymed). I had a lot of fun writing this particular blog, and I thank everyone who contributed. I am lucky to have encountered most of this young gentlemen and I must say one trait they have in common is that they are ‘Doing Something Thriving’. It’s easy to argue that you belong on this list but weren’t recognized, CC apologizes but extensive research went into this and we appreciate your interest. This isn’t only for the ladies though, for the men too, so they will know that most of the time it’s not just having money that put you on our radar. Enjoy…









ABUJAS HOTTEST BACHELORS OVER 30– YOUNG, SUCCESSFUL BUT STILL SINGLE,(WHY OH WHY?)
(In No Particular Order)

TOCHUKWU ONYEMELUKWE
I will probably get hanged for putting this young sir on this list, reason being that he is getting hitched to his miss in approximately 2 weeks, but I couldn’t resist, seeing that he has been on our radar for a while. Nominee of Future Awards Business Owner of the year 2009, but our opinion says it has come a lil too late. He has been successfully running COTEK Technology for the past 4 years and has assured the security of luxury cars in Abuja and around the country. But since he is taken, we won’t dwell on him.

ADEGBE OGBEH
Managing Partner, 1Number, this dynamic gentle man has provided a service we at CC can’t live without, Short codes to get movie informations, disseminating information and lots more. Young, handsome and intelligent and son of former PDP chairman Audu Ogbeh, this bachelor has no intention of going into politics. He loves 80s music, TV series Boston Legal and he reads magazines from the back page, strange yeah, but we love him still.

ABUBARKAR TAFAWA BALEWA
Mr Abu’s passion is contagious. Publisher and Editor in Chief of Mode Men Magazine and CEO of Mode Elements store. He is the grand – son of THE Abubarkar Tafawa Balewa, he pioneered indigenous male magazines and Mode Men always honors their own at the end of every year at their Mode Men of the year awards which just held a few weeks ago with winners like actor Van Vicker and Kojo Williams.

BASIL UDOTAI
Notoriously private which adds to his appeal. Managing Partner of Technology Advisors and former Cyber Crimes Commission boss, he has been able to successfully start and run a ‘blue ocean’ law firm which is no mean feat. This unilag and uni of Brussels graduate has been called to speak all over the country because of his expertise and understanding of the present technological landscape. We are surprised a little lady hasn’t snagged this one, apart from being intelligent he is very good looking.

TYENG GANG
I’m sure he was suspicious when I bombarded him with black berry messages to ask him if he is up to 30, but he has been on our radar for a while. His business is entertaining the world through music and infotainment and he is really good at it, so good in fact that it fetched him a Future Awards plaque for On-Air Personality in 2008. He has a very good sense of humor and is always ready with a cool come back. Catch him on kiss fm and ‘hear’ for yourself.

ELVIS OKPALEKE
Lawyer turned Play Sports Bar and Grill owner. Love him or hate him, this tall dark and handsome gentleman took the Abuja social scene by storm a year ago when he launched his club/lounge. His interest magazine, film, music, food, travel and women little wonder that he is in the business of entertainment, fun and lifestyle.

AMARA NWAKPA
Ondo born, Product Manager with Galaxy Backbone but that’s not his claim to fame, he has taken his LIGHT UPNIGERIA initiative as far as CNN. Intelligent and engaging, this driven young sir is very much interested in the development of Nigeria and is positive that we will get there. We recognize him and we are firmly behind his efforts while sneaking peeps at his cute ass.

OTHER BACHELORS OVER 30 ON OUR RADAR
Robert Elebor – soho lounge
Stanley vandu – vaya
Hassan ahmed – SA, vice president
Nuhu kwajafa – Food for 1 Million
Shifi emoefe - Musician , Style plus

ABUJAS HOTTEST NIGHT – CLUBS. YAY AND NAY FACTORS

ABUJAS HOTTEST NIGHT – CLUBS. YAY AND NAY FACTORS

I think I’m nocturnal, maybe I was born in the PM cos I love the night. And there is an added beauty to the night in Abuja because it is lit up with beautiful streetlights which gives it added glow. If you happen to be like me, or maybe not, then I recommend this places to you. Enjoy…

TERMINAL 5
Yay Factor – it’s new
Nay Factor – it’s new

AQUA
Yay factor –
Nay factor – hotel clubs need the ‘ladies’

CUBANA
Yay factor – it’s beautiful
Nay factor – if you weren’t into Ibiza, you won’t be into Cubana

PLAY
Yay factor –high energy, invigorating club experience
Nay factor –much ado about getting in (this can also be a YaY)

SAFARI NIGHTCLUB
Yay factor – you can clinch a big biz deal there cos of their high profile customers
Nay factor – it’s a hotel club, the ‘ladies’ again

TUCANO
Yay factor – sophisticated (if I may) caters to a higher class audience
Nay factor – losing its mojo

SOHO
Yay factor – fun clubbing experience guaranteed
Nay factor – sausage fest

KRYSTAL LOUNGE
Yay factor – music is spot on
Nay factor – its krystal lounge

BLAKES
Yay factor – live band, which is a nice touch
Nay factor – a little too much like excellensio

EDEN
Yay factor – lovely ambience, array of cocktails (barman is very good at mixing)
Nay factor – location, location, location

BASEMENT
Yay factor – well located, good size and very groovy
Nay factor – I don’t quite get the DJ

WINE SHOP
Yay factor – cheaper, open air, see and be seen
Nay factor –anything can happen – security

EXCELLENSIO
Yay factor – you can get anything, ANYTHING , from here at anytime
Nay factor – Abuja’s major red light district after zone 4

WINE BAR
Yay factor – sleek lounge, lovely interior + u can look down on the street
Nay factor – its is beside excellensio(tsk tsk)

LIVE ( we lost the owner, may he rest in peace)

ARISTOTLE
Yay factor – use to be hot
Nay factor – lost its mojo

ROMA
Yay factor – they have a large array of stuff, food, drinks and it’s well located
Nay factor – its almost always empty –they need to do more

A LOUNGE
Yay factor – lovely décor, adequate parking space, lovely dance floor
Nay factor – location, its inside dabras – people cant seem to get over that.

Lets hear it For KEvin.....

I’m not going to pretend that my meeting Kevin, the first Nigerian to win the BBA prize money was a calculated city crawler move, it was a fluke. I guess I can say the universe was on my side, putting me in the right place at the right time.

I’m a literary buff. I might not write the most fantastic of books like Teju Cole, or spin rhymes for Poems like El Jo, but I write what I write, and I’m lucky people pay attention, call it frivolous chatter or ideal city gossip but my followership rises because of a need for escapism. I blab, let me now write.

I was rooting for Kevin from the moment he entered into the BB house. I have an eye for entertainers and I knew that this chap was made for TV and he had found his platform. Through the 90 days that was spent in the house, Kevin ‘alanta ed’ his way into our hearts, he was the most entertaining housemate and he was constantly repping his country, he just had to win. He was up for nomination several times, but Africa recognized and kept him in the house and eventually, victory.

Fame and Fortune.

After the Teju Cole Book reading, I was torn between going for drinks with the literary bunch, but I opted out so I could attend one of my best friend’s birthday party instead. Talk about right place at the right time. I entered the venue and saw a crowd of people, some women even had nicely sewn Ankara uniforms and I was wondering, ‘all this for Victor’? But I was told that Kevin Chuwang Pam, winner of 200k USD was in the house. At this point I will apologize to my blog followers cos I couldn’t get a statement from him but I was lucky to get a picture and that’s enough for now.

There is a welcome party for him tomorrow night in Abuja. People, let’s make him feel welcome cos this young man’s career deserves to Blow. Sadly, I must add that I don’t envy him; he has big decisions to make. From now on he will have sucker – ups, hangers - on, wanna bes, people who will promise him all kinds of things, book deals, Magazine covers, Record Deals etc but I hope he is a wise business man and he takes his time to understand the industry because in the words of a fellow jostified, Mr Incredible (MI) ‘money slow to enter……money quick to go’

Lets hear it for Kevin!!!

I Did it for the Kids..... And the Photo OP

Sunday! Restful ,chilling day. I usually spend all day and all night at home watching TV in bed and catching up on the phone with friends. But this Sunday was different, cos I knew I had to make the CC charity event. I’m a sucker for children, just say ‘it’s for the kids’ and you totally got me. Dressed up and found my way with the help of Farrah, beautiful editor of style and grace magazine and my event date. I hate to blog about personal stuff so ill fast forward to event proper.

Photo ops, smile smile camera. celebrity sightings, but I found out that I left my camera battery charging at home, so the blackberry camera had to do.

The part of the evening I enjoyed the most was Leone performance, never heard of him before but it was nice also the soulful Lindsey who sings and brings tears to my eyes. The other performances just sounded like a lot of noise, unrehearsed. I loved the poetry bit especially Eugenia Abu’s 1st poem. The twins, who presented the art work for auctions, were ‘beautiful piece of work’, good call choc city. So money was raised and it is going to a good cause.yay.

Now for the juicy bit, the event had, Wande Coal, MI, jesse jags, black solo, ice prince of the Hennessey artistry fame, tyeng gang of kiss fm, Ekene the poet with his beautiful baby which I have a crush on, I decided to move around a bit, and see if I can get any gist from the celebs. None at all, their groupies (all male) were reluctant to let anyone near them so ….

I happened to get a lil minute with Mr. Incredible himself, and the following conversation ensured
IJ – hi Mr. incredible, can I ask u a question for my blog?(smiling widely)

MI – ok, go ahead (looking suspicious but smiling)

IJ – so I always ask people I interview, what cant I ask you?

MI – Ummm , who am I %$#&ing?

IJ – Ohhh k (laughing) so who are you *#&*king???(Straight face)

MI – nobody!! (Eyeing me suggestively, lol)

IJ – ok, so if this (rap) fails, what’s plan B? As in if u weren’t doing hip hop what will u be doing?

MI – (thinking deeply, I read his thoughts and it was saying probably nothing, this is it mehnnn) I would probably be a pastor.(yea rite)!!!

Thank you Mr. Incredible, I lean in to kiss his cheek and he sits on my hand – his very big a%$ on my hand, well the hand survived sha.

The rest of the event, I will leave the press to give. But I must say the most used phrase of the night was ‘for the kids’ so cc its over to you guys…..

CELEBRITIES ON OUR RADAR.....

CELEBS ON OUR RADAR

*Wande Coal – He Is The Most Googled Nigerian Artist + We Hear He Favours Pink Boxers

*Banky W – The W Experience, Out Monday The 14th Of December…

*Donjazzy – IDJA (Rumoured To Be Secretly Married)

*Dare Art Alade – Just Because


*Tuface – If There will Be Any Baby In 2010

*Style + - Cos They Got New Stuff Out

*Kevin(BBA) - $200,000(N36,000,000) Need I Say More

*MI – We Want To See Him Beat The First Album, It Will Be A Feat Cos It Was So Fantastic

*Suliat – Will There Be A Jenifer Series???

*Rita Dominic – (Clears Throat) When Will U Marry?(Runs And Hides)

*Kel – hmmmmmmm

*Clarence Peters – Will U Finally Win An Award For Your Fantastic Videos?

*Nkenna – How Is She Even On This List????????????

*Eldeethedon – His Mixtape Is Coming Out, Cant Wait

*tyeng gang - cos he is the hottest voice on abuja radio

*RMD - DElta 2011??????????????????????????



theres more where this came from..... if u have a question u want answered or a rumour youve heard or just something you want to know, let the city crawler know, she got the scoop....