Abuja Alive - This Weeks Hottest …..

I promised to keep the updates weekly so there is enough time to experience amazingness and awesomeness. Thanks to everyone who sent in suggestions and nominations. A big thank you to even those who disagree with us, all join.

So, ill get right to it.

This weeks focus is on the Hottest Place, Event and Upcoming……

EVENT

If you were in Abuja this past weekend, it was definitely a hub of activities. What with all the Concerts, shows, after parties and the like. But one particular event stood out and that’s the one everyone was talking about. The ‘whataboutus’ debate. For those of you who missed it, the presidential aspirants for the april 2011 election were gathered to respond to questions from youths who wanted to know specific plans being made for them. City crawler found the debate to be interesting as the Candidate who showed up were engaged in discussion and banter. We commend Compere of the evening Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and the Moderator of the debate Chimamanda Adichie. They held the Fort remarkably.

PLACE
All the celebrities who where in Abuja on Friday night as well as Abuja Party People Converged at the Latest addition to Abuja Night Life, TABOO. Reports reaching us says that the place has the right amount of everything, good music, crowd with good energy and lovely stylish ladies and celebs always present. Spotted on friday were Banky W, Ramsey Noah and Famous DJ Neptune on the ones and twos. We will go see for out self, but Taboo Taboo Taboo, the place on everybodys lips ….. That’s Hot.

UPCOMING
Except you have been living under a rock for the past couple of months, you will know that the latest buzz is the upcoming election. So just a Friendly reminder/nudge…. This weekend it starts. The Senatorial and house of representative elections hold this Saturday. Where will you be pressing your hand? Please choose wisely who will represent you for the next 4 years and make sure it is someone you can hold accountable. 

P.S Suggestions, Nominations and Comments for or against are welcome, just send an email to whiterabbitconcept1@yahoo.com

HOTTEST!!!!! Whats Hot Right Now....

HOTTEST

What’s HOT right now? The City Crawler Herself put her stamp on the Hottest Places, People, Event and Parties in the Capital.

HOTTEST PLACES RIGHT NOW
 With all the new places cropping up every day, AQUA has managed to maintain its place as a favorite for party goers. With all the Launches, Openings and Album Launches and just recently the much anticipated Video for Wizkid’s Tease Me was shot at this venue. 

I will also recognize CUBANA, often dismissed as being ‘Razz’ whatever, the energy of the crowd is always on point and you are sure to have a good time.

HOTTEST PEOPLE 
Right now I will give it up to MISS HYELADZIRA LAUSHI who just launched her new business, Blue Velvet Marquee. This young lady is a combination of beauty and brains and City Crawler give her props for her enterprising spirit. If you are ever around City Park, you can check out the one of a kind marquee, its an event place we look forward to using. 
Also, Who hasn’t heard of CHI- GURL? Well if you haven’t konk yourself because you are so 2000 and late. Real Name , CHIOMA OMERUAH, this yankee born and bred chick has single-handedly managed to crack us all up with her voice notes. We see her going far as she just recently performed at the Basket mouth Lord of the Ribs Event.

HOTTEST PARTIES 

The 4th Edition of the PLAY SPORTS BAR AND GRILL PARTY held on the 19th of March and it was an all out success, from the red carpet, to the guest who turned up in their uber-stylish attires. Abuja doesn’t dull y’all

HOTTEST STYLE 

Harem Pant are out, Military Jackets are out but one style that seems to be recurring and I suspect the heat for this, are SHORTS and SUN DRESSES. The Guys always refuse to be left out of the style stakes. Abuja stylista’s have dropped the traditional Tie for cravats. A very cool look too.

by Ijeoma Okeagu

p.s If you believe you can make out hottest list or have suggestions, please send a mail to ijokeagu@mtnnigeria.blackberry.com

GIFT IDEAS FOR VALENTINE

I have a saying….. Guys are clueless. Why will anyone in his right senses buy a tool box for his girlfriend on valentines day? And even we ladies can get it wrong some times, you really should be absolutely positively sure before you buy your man a glow in the dark underwear. 

Its understandable anyway. We live very busy lives and our heads are filled with how to make the paper and sometimes it feels like romance is lost, but have no fear, city crawler has not only come up with gift ideas for you, but ill also tell you where in the city of Abuja you can find them…..

*two things though, valentines gifts don’t have to be PRACTICAL just know your partner and personalize. *THE BEST PRESENTS FEEL SPECIALLY CHOSEN FOR THAT PERSON AND THAT PERSON ONLY

                                              THE CC LIST

                                     VALENTINE EDITION

*Perfumes - I FOUND A STORE at the Silverbird Entertainment center that has unbelievable prices on all perfumes. From the celebrity perfumes, to the designer perfumes and of course to the classics. If you are on a budget you can try Perry Ellis for him or for her and if you wanna splurge Creed is a fav for men and any hermes perfume will put a smile on her face.

*Book - Today a reader, tomorrow a leader. If your boo loves to read, then make your way to pens and pages in wuse 2 and pick up a book for him or her. Whether it be Fiction, Biography, Motivational or self –help. If you are on a budget, there are second hand but very good quality books sold @ area 10.

*Sexy lingerie and underwear – always a favourite. But you can be creative with edible underwear or those sexy stripper ones that r for your eyes only. Just be sure to get the right size.

*Personalized mugs and tshirts – Another favourite and you can hardly go wrong with this one……. You can get real cool tshirts from the closet or call Sam of xtramile creations on 08065762310 to hook u up.

*Chocolate – if you want raw, unadulterated chocolate that will not only look good but will delight the senses, please just head to dunes, turn right at the entrance, you cant miss it, I don’t have a sweet tooth and yet I know this place, chai. If you are on a budget there is a sweet shop @ omega center that Gang and Mimidoo are obsessed with…. You can ask then for directions.

*Wine and champagne – I am more of a white wine person but for Valentine you are better off with Red. Ofcourse there is a wide selection to choose from whether you are splurging or not.  Come by Code Bar and we will hook you up with a South African 

*Flowers – they saw Nigerian girls don’t like flowers, I say, you'l be surprised. Just try and make sure the flowers come with a lil something something….. ground floor ceddi plaza and just beside the mango store at SEC. please don’t buy plastic flowers, THAT’S NOT ROMANTIC AT ALL #OKTHANKS

*Ipod – my sisters husband engraved and loaded her ipod with all her favourite songs; brought tears to my eyes. That’s how a practical gift becomes more special, when you personalize it. Inspector gadget store can hook you up with a great ipod because the time is short to order online

*Jewelry – works everytime. But ladies, be sure your man is into that before u spludge on a gold chain that he will never wear, becos it just not him. Ok. If you want gold, head to wuse market, they have variety and the best prices.

*Cake – cupcakes, chocolate cakes, velvet cakes etc, my favourite place is the oven….

*Dinner – important…. Spending time together ALONE just the 2 of you on this romantic day is important. Take her out for a romantic dinner for 2, to any of the fabulous restaurant spread around the city. My favourite restaurant in Abuja is the Oriental Mongolian at the Transcorp Hilton, but if you are on a budget then cook.

*Gift Card - most boutiques areound the city have gift cards, but you can actually get a gift card for your your boo to enjoy a massage or Spa treatment. i recommend bodyline gym for the massage, had one last week and my back has never felt the same.

*Love letter – emails, bb, fb messages, sms, dms, etc the art of writing is slowly dying. A heart felt letter will do what no sms or email can ever do. keep it straight, simple and honest. 

*Proposal – what better present than a promise to share the rest of your life together. But please be absolutely ready before you do this, (Disclaimer: Dont Say City Crawler Said)

So there you have it.

So I killed cupid!

But don’t worry, it’s only a tranquilizer gun that last for a couple of hours, just wanted to give him a taste of his own arrow and for causing all the HOO LA BA LOO that is gonna ensure in the next few days, VALENTINE.

Forget my desgi, I am not Anti – Valentine. After all it’s my birthday(advert for presents) and therefore a special day. It’s just that valentine, like every other holiday has be OVER commercialized and the reason has been watered down till now it only stands for a Female Holiday – aka A day men give women presents. The Men wanted to rebel until the women reminded them about something that they give (R21)

Holidays are very Anti – Single People especially Valentine. Any where you look you literally see red. Red hearts, red clothing, red flowers, red cakes, red teddy’s etc…. I know people that are tempted to lie in all day on valentine’s day and watch TV, but even on TV everything seems to tilt towards Love and Vals, so if you are in Abuja City for the Valentines Weekend/Day, this are the Event happening here that you absolutely cannot miss. You know city crawler will never leave you hanging…..

**Remember that Valentine’s is on a Monday and unfortunately not a Public holiday, so for the Workaholics, Absolute event has been gracious enough to bring you a special valentine party on the 12th of February from 9pm. This is THE Party that will have in attendance Abuja’s Finest. Promises to be a Fab evening with Free Cocktails, Cupcakes, Shisha, Goody bags etc. good thing its not only for couples, even single people looking for a good time can attend.Dress Code is Sexy and Classy and red carpet starts @ 9pm. You can call 08036728308 for RSVP. Tickets are 5k but you can get a table for N100k.

**Treat someone special to a candlelit Dinner for two, Whilst being serenaded by Praise Adejo (Second Runner up for Project fame) and feel your body sway in rhythmic style to romantic beats also featuring spectacular ballet, salsa and tango dances performed by Encore and TrueDanceArt Ticket:Premium : N30,000 for two, includes a three course meal plus a goody bag for the ladies VIP : N 50,000 for two , includes a three course meal, Venue: Niger/plateau hall, Transcorp Hilton Time: 8pm – 11pm. special invitation and flower delivery service directly to that special person, a goody bag and wait for it"an additional surprise gift for the ladies that is too good to resist" Don't wait ! Get your wallet and your phone out and dial 08037110001,ticket sales closes on the 7th of february 2011.Limited tickets available.We've got kissing a booth! 

**This Event is not only for lovers but also for lovers of Fish, Chicken ,Meat. The Lovers Barbeque hosted by BGL Events. Tickets are shockingly cheap, they go for 3k for singles and couples pay 4k. there will be cocktail and mocktails, spring rolls, samosa, cupcakes and cold slaw to go with your choice of dish. The Event holds on Feb 14th @ Tender vine Garden Wuse 2 and the time is from 7pm. If you want more details or require a description or you want to purchase your ticket, please call 08038748224.

*If you missed it last year, you can make up for it because Play is organizing another POOL PARTY. From the gist I heard from last years, well theres no way I am missing this one. So get your bikini body ready for the 12th of February, if you are hydro-phobic like me, no biggie, just know that you will get wet.

*And foremost Abuja Rap sensation YOYE(and that’s his real name) just released a Brand New Single in time for Valentine….. big ups sir.

Finally, you know that Code can never be left out of the Valentine Celebration and we will be giving out Free Wine and Free Cupcakes to every couple who Choose CODE Bar for their Romantic night. For the Singles, we got you back as well, just make sure you come through....

(NEXT POST:Gift Ideas for Valentine.... Spludge or on a Budget)

19:00 WRConcept&YPIBIZ networking Meet....

for those of you who missed the white rabbit concept networking event for young people in business and young professionals, here are some pictures from the event. the event which was put together by white rabbit concept ng had miss mola kalejiaye of blaquestar consult as host. mr taiwo adepoju, a foremost motivational speaker and founder of the 'You got it in you" initiative was the first keynote speaker of the evening and Dapo oyewole a yale world fellow spoke of the buzz of the elections and why its important to vote. cupcakes was provided by little lovelies cupcake(contact:08098136362) and other refreshment was provided by Code Bar, venue of the networking meet.

the turn out was awesome and young people had a chance to interact,network and unwind in a laidback enviroment. there were 2 comedians in the house who thrilled participant with rib cracking jokes so it wasnt all serious all through. at the end of the evening, people were selected by a lucky dip of business cards to recieve the giveaways. in all 6books were giving out to lucky participant. 

a big thank you to all that supported this event in one way or the other. the 2nd networking event is billed to hold in February 2011. watch this space for dates. 

(pictures below) 

ELECTION TWENTY ELEVEN....... My 2cents

Its Election season! And so I sat Glued to NTA as I listen to repetitions of Obasanjo, Obasanjo, Obasanjo. Oophs, sorry that was 2003. Well it was pretty much the same this time; it was a repetition of Goodluck, Dr Ebele, Goodluck. This is Lucky Jo’s (as I fondly call the President) very first ‘Selection’. He has somehow managed to make his way to the top seat without ever being Elected for it. My mom calls it divine intervention; I call it GOOD LUCK (pun intended). Atiku gave a fight but somehow it was Sarah Jubril with her one vote who Trended. You see one vote counts. I’ve got a soft spot for that lady since I heard that she has been running for president since 1992,wow!, talk about perseverance. I just hope she didn’t pay anyone.

Well most of the party primaries are over especially for the Major parties and for those who haven’t gotten the memo yet, the Major Contenders, according to my books are;

• PDP – Dr Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan
  
• Nuhu Ribadu

• 
  Dele Momodu
  

• Mohammadu Buhari 
  

There is a lot more at stake, people are now more aware, you have got to make a conscious decision to go out and vote, and not vote for just anybody, for someone whose manifesto gives realistic deadlines to solving the Power, Unemployment, Security, declining health care and Education problems. Registration to vote starts today 15th Jan to 29th Jan 2011(it might seem like a long time, its not!). Go out, I encourage you and register. And between now and the day of election, read about the candidates, get to know them and don’t select them based on a flimsy whim because truth be told, Nigeria has gone beyond Whims, we need informed decision.

Its best you register nearest to where you live because of restricted movement on Election Day, some will travel to their home towns to register, it’s all good, where ever you cast your vote, you cast it for a good cause.

We will probably see more contenders springing out before the day of Election, well I’ve always believed in Competition and Opposition. Keeps Contenders on their feet.

I am definitely looking forward to the next couple of months, lots and lots of drama; I love drama, as long as they keep it BOMB Free.

Happy Saturday Everyone……

BEST OF 2010 - Spots that Rocked....

without much ado i give you our pick for top 10 spots of 2010........

No.10 : DOME - Previously lost its mojo but made its way back into the game by hosting the Album launch of MI2, still has the bowling alley and the Game room so if you get tired of same ol same ol eating drink and party you can go there for a different kind of fun.

No.9 : A LOUNGE - Lovely venue I must say. People still ask what went wrong, but despite setbacks, A-lounge kept a steady pace all year through.

No. 8: TERMINAL 5 – Anytime I think mature crowd, I think of heading to this spot. They bust into the scene early 2010 and hosted some great events like Pulse, Industry Night and the Hiphop world awards party. 

No.7: SOHO - Soho did not feature much in the scene this year but there is always a steady stream of loyalist that keeps the place rocking hard and their Karaoke always helps to beat Sunday boredom

No.6: E LOUNGE – Quick: take a mental drive down adetokumbo ademola…. What do you notice? Well for one the streets are free of ‘night ladies’ and this is the best thing that happened to this spot because now they sure have a steady stream of responsible and decent fun seekers visiting. Good music, cool ambience, E-lounge sure did good in 2010

No 5: CODE – ok notice that I saved the middle spot for my place so I will not be accused of being biased, let me balance it out, but truthfully speaking, the way this spot evolved from the opening till the end of 2010 was amazing. I spent the most part of 2010 there and I enjoyed every minute. Well mostly because everyone is so warm, it’s like a great big network, where everybody knows your name and you can truly relax . Well friends, fun, laughter , celebration is ultimately what CODE is about.

No.4: KRYSTAL LOUNGE – We are always quick to dismiss k lounge as full of unseemly characters, well this is true, but! where is that one place in Abuja that you can have a combination of good music and full groove on a weekday? Yes! 

No.3: CAFÉ 24, BRITISH COUNCIL ROOF TOP CAFÉ AND SALAMANDER – Still a favorite for the yuppies and the INTL community to hang after work. 

N0.2: PLAY AND AQUA
PLAY –ok we hate the bouncers, yes yes, but I must admit that this spot held it down big time in 2010. They hosted great events and after parties at play and they always get it right with the music. Plus major kudo goes out to the management, Play opened in Calabar on the 19th of December 2010 and from what I hear, its finer than the Abuja one (Abuja ppul lets protest oh). Big ups to the owners.

AQUA – Very few people have withstood the test of time like the fore runner of Aqua nite club. Kudos and we look forward to more in 2011.

No.1: it’s my personal favorite, so I won’t impose it on you. (insert your Numero Uno)

WHAT HAPPENED TO THIS GUYS? 
Quorum
Eden
Basement
Tucano 
(we at city crawler and I am sure most of our readers would like  to know)…..

ON OUR RADAR FOR 2011

Bars, Clubs, Restaurants, lounges are propping up everywhere around the city, we love it. I have big hopes for the following places in 2011 (abeg no fall my hand)….

*Amber – Already doing well so far, and as the Silverbird Entertainment Center records more visitors it means more and more clientele for this plush lounge.

*Platinum Lounge – Silverbird owned lounge, if you want to impress out of town business partners or a lil lady. This is your spot.

*And if you take a drive thru Adetokunbo Ademola, you will notice the work going on at the former excellensio, im uber excited about this one, talk about strategic.

*feedback people, it sure helps!*