Mike Aremu back with Sax Appeal

igerian Jazz maestro Mike Aremu, has announced plans to hold the second edition of Sax Appeal, the series of live music show he started last year.

The show, which features lavish musical performances, is a concept designed to encourage quality in the Nigerian music industry and promote the culture of live band performances. Several high profile artistes performed at the first edition of the show in July 2009 including, Tosin Martins, Cobhams Asuquo, MI, Yolanda Brown (from the UK )and The Vision band led by Mike Aremu himself.

"All is set for this year's edition of Sax Appeal and it promises to be one night you will never forget" says Aremu, adding that Sax Appeal 2 will hold at the Shell Hall of Muson Center in Lagos on July 24, 2010 and will feature multiple MOBO award winner Yolanda, talented Nigerian guitarist BEZ and South Africa-based guitarist-performer Kunle Ayo. Aremu is one of Nigeria's biggest saxophonists, who has been able to create a sound that represents both his creative passion and the deep elements of his culture. He has made a fan out of everyone who has seen him perform, living up to his billing as a world class performer.

Aremu started singing at the age of eight, learning various musical instruments, and he has since become a leading saxophonist who has performed at the prestigious 02 Arena in London, won two AMEN awards for Best Instrumental Album and Best Gospel Music Video.

Over the years, the Nigerian entertainment industry has witnessed the emergence of talented and creative people whose talents have done a lot to promote, project and celebrate the uniqueness of the Nigerian culture, people and environment. One of these is Aremu, who was called the "Menace on the Sax" by Urban Jazz World. To UB1 Music, he is "One of the front runners, a world class saxophone player",

Black Grape Productions see him as someone with an "irresistible Sax Appeal" while the Washington post tagged him "Higher powered saxophonist" This year's edition of Sax Appeal will feature talented top performers who will serenade guests with sweet music and deliver an unforgettable experience in what is becoming a Sax Appeal tradition. "Music fans who appreciate the quality of live musical performances will be thrilled by the collection of the finest musicians we are putting together this year" said Aremu. He said it is part of the mission to help position the industry for global relevance and appreciate unique talents who can interpret music with a live audience.

Seun Maduka progresses on Oprah's "Your Own Show" in Atlanta

Nigeria's new TV face and presenter of United States of Nigeria, Seun Maduka, this weekend in Atlanta made the last 50 cut as she hopes to be the next TV star to follow in the footsteps of one of her idols, Oprah Winfrey. Oprah, who is ending her show this September after 25years is teaming up with reality TV producer Mark Burnett (Survivor, The Apprentice etc) on a show searching for the next big TV personality. "Your Own Show: Oprah's Search for the Next TV Star" will air on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) beginning in January 2011.

The concept of the show is to find someone across America who is worthy enough to have his/her own show on TV just like Oprah, and Seun definitely thinks she is worthy. Out of over 12,000 people that showed up for the Atlanta auditions; she remains among the last 50, one of whom will be chosen to go to Hollywood to "present" for Oprah live and direct. Other auditions are in Dallas and Orange County California.

Maduka is currently wrapping up Season 2 of her popular programme, United States of Nigeria (about to start showing on terrestrial television in Nigeria) and is lined up to present a reality series filming across Nigeria soon.

Method Man pleads guilty to tax evasion

Former Wu-Tang Clan member Method Man pleaded guilty to evading state taxes over a four-year period, costing the music star more than $100,000 in fines and fees.

The rapper, 39, whose real name is Clifford Smith, was arrested in October 2009 for owing nearly $33,000 to the New York state government from 2004 through 2007.

His attorney, Peter M. Frankel, said the mistake was caused by a previous accountant, who has since been replaced. "He had business people who were supposed to file, but didn't," Frankel said. "As soon as he found about it, he took responsibility." Method Man ended up paying a total of $106,000 in back taxes, penalties, fines and interest.

"Failure to pay your taxes is not a victimless crime," said Richmond County District Attorney Daniel Donovan. "In these days of massive budget shortfalls and service cuts, tax evasion is a crime against all New Yorkers. Whether you are a celebrity or an ‘Average Joe,' you will be investigated, arrested and prosecuted.

In 1995, Smith won a Grammy for his collaboration with fellow hip-hop artist Mary J. Blige on "I'll Be There for You/You're All I Need to Get By," a remake of a Marvin Gaye hit.

Since parting with Wu-Tang , Smith has appeared in numerous television shows and most recently has been promoting Def Jam Rap Star, a rap-themed video game.

Megan Fox marries in Hawaii

Her career may have hit a rocky patch, but Megan Fox's personal life seems happier than ever.

The "Transformers" actress married her long-time boyfriend, former "Beverly Hills, 90210" star Brian Austin Green, in Hawaii late last week, TMZ.com reported on Monday.

The pair tied the knot during a small ceremony at the Four Seasons Resort on the state's Big Island.

Staff at the hotel were not able to confirm the report, and Fox's publicist did not immediately return an email seeking comment.

Fox, 24, and Green, 36, reportedly got engaged for a second time at the same hotel earlier this month.

They met in 2004, first got engaged in 2006, but called it off in early 2009.

It was the first marriage for both, although Green has an 8-year-old son with actress Vanessa Marcil.

Fox is currently in theaters with the comic-book adaptation "Jonah Hex," which is shaping up to be one of the biggest bombs of the year. Last month, she was suddenly dropped from the cast of "Transformers 3" just as production was about to begin. She last year likened franchise director Michael Bay to Hitler and Napoleon, and said he was "a nightmare to work for." Her high-profile headlining role in the 2009 horror comedy "Jennifer's Body" also fizzled.

Green, meanwhile, has worked steadily in a series of low-profile film and TV projects since the popular teen soap "Beverly Hills, 90210" ended its decade long run in 2000.

Sandra Bullock, Jesse James finalise divorce

Oscar-winning actress Sandra Bullock and her estranged husband Jesse James have filed divorce papers in Texas, ending their nearly five-year marriage after he admitted to infidelity, according to reports on Monday.

People magazine said the divorce papers were filed under seal last week, and that a representative for Bullock confirmed the divorce is final.

Bullock seemed to be on top of the world several months ago when she won the best actress Oscar for playing a tough-talking Texan socialite in the football film "The Blind Side." But only days later her marriage to James was rocked by reports of his cheating.

The two quickly separated and Bullock later revealed that she had adopted a baby boy, for whom she is now caring.

In April, the actress gave her first interview to celebrity magazine People and said she would be filing for a divorce. James, a motorcycle maker and reality TV star, had been publicly linked to at least four other women.