The Observer has learned that Kanye West, the multi-platinum rapper and Twitter super-user recently sent representatives to the Persian Gulf region to scout locations for a short film. The project, which will take a form much like his 30-minute “Runaway”—a hybrid art film and music video starring model Selita E. Banks that premiered on MTV in October, 2010—is to be filmed in March.

Sources tell The Observer that Mr. West sent members of his team to meet with film companies and government officials based out of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Doha Qatar to explore the idea of a production. A number of local municipal officials and film companies are said to be engaged in what was characterized as a heated bidding war for the contracts involved in bringing Mr. West’s vision to life.

“In Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Doha all of the film initiatives are government controlled,” one source involved in the talks explained. “A bidding war is going on between various government entities and private investors to fund the film. There’s pretty intense rivalry here between Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Qatar. They all want to claim the film as their own and take credit for generating the publicity.”

Part of the reason for the excitement? The story—plot details of which were not divulged by one source “out of respect for Kanye’s ambition”—was conceived by the rapper explicitly to take place in the Gulf. He is said to have fallen in love with the region after a concert performance last year in Abu Dhabi.

The rapper is now based in London and has been working on a fashion line as well as a new album with artists on his record label.

Earlier this month he also had a meeting with the software team behind Angry Birds – the addictive app that even David Cameron plays to pass the time.

 A source said: “Kanye met the Angry Birds creators at a late-night meeting in the capital.

“It was his idea. They brainstormed ideas and talked about ways they could work together.”

Last year Angry Birds firm Rovio turned down a buyout offer said to be worth more than £1billion, so it’s no surprise that Kanye wants to get involved.

Now, according to his tweets, all he needs is “managers, doctors, scientists, teachers, car designers, lawyers and bankers”.

“Help simplify and aesthetically improve everything we see hear, touch, taste and feel…We need to take what Michael Jackson felt and Mcqueen and Steve Jobs and we need make things better..When me and Jay toured… ever night I peered into the audience astonished by the different walks of life that came to support us..The adrenaline is running… I don’t know if I can even get to sleep now… From Wall street to the London riots to Chicago murders..I sit everyday and ask what can I do to make a difference…I know this is not a very rapper thing to say but I haven’t bought a new car or piece of jewelry in about 2 years..There are so many broken systems from the economy to school systems jail systems… we need experts for this..We need scientist and top world designers to directly affect governments..”.

This is what Kanye West tweeted few hours ago about the launch of his new design company called DONDA with the intent to create “products and experiences” for people.. The company will have 22 different divisions, including architects, graphic designers, directors, producers, social media experts, publishers, nutritionists, scientists, doctors, lawyers, teachers, A&R’s, etc..A brand new adventure for Mr West? If anyone would like to reach out email his company at contactDONDA@gmail.com

Via: LivinCool.com

There might be a second The Throne album coming in the 2012, but it also appears that Kanye West has some new solo material in store for us. Less than one week after wrapping the Watch the Throne tour, Yeezi has debuted new material during his Christmas party in London last night. During his first-ever DJ set, ‘Ye played music from his next solo album and tracks from the G.O.O.D. Music compliation album which is set to drop next year. G.O.O.D. news indeed.