The Nation Newspaper

Category: Victor Akande

  • Maltina thrills Ilorin residents at LaffMattazz

    The memory of the Ileya festival will remain refreshing in the mind of Ilorin residents as Gbenga Adeyinka and other top entertainers stormed the city with the best of music and comedy to mark the holiday.

    The Laffmattazz train which was brought to Ilorin was supported by Maltina brand who had their crew  on hand to deliver their premium malt taste to guests at the show, as well as keep them engaged with games and other fun activities.

    The show which was tagged “Loud In Ilorin”,  held at the Arca Santa Arena in Ilorin and it witnessed the presence of important personalities as well as A-list actors, music artists and comedians. Kicking off at 2 pm the show had performances from the likes of Terry G, Eedris Abdukareem, Majek Fashek, Jaywon, Qdot, Lord of Ajasa, Helen Paul, Omobaba, Princess and other entertainers who the crowd were so delighted to see.

    Read Also: Jagagba thrills Lagos audience

    Gbenga Adeyinka who has been the show’s headliner for the last six years made a grand entrance right after Small Doctor’s performance. He held the audience down for nearly twenty minutes with rib-cracking jokes and the right demonstrations to keep everyone entertained. The last performance of the day came from Reminisce who wrapped things up with some of his well-known hits.

    Fans were totally delighted at the show and the opportunity to mark the holiday in a fun way. A visibly excited attendee, Umaru Salaudeen said;

    “This was a really good show and money well spent. The comedians were on point with their jokes, same as the artistes, especially 2Baba. I am happy I came out to experience it.”

    Oluseun Lawal, Senior Brand Manager, Maltina, expressed delight at the success of the show and the opportunity it gave the brand to engage with consumers.

    “People come for these shows to be with their family and friends and be happy, that’s why we have remained sponsors. It is a great way to connect with our consumers.”

    The Laffmattazz train will continue to Ekiti in October as it celebrates six years of existence and promises to keep delivering the happy moments that its fans crave.

  • 2Baba to headline Nollywood Film Festival Germany

    Leading music star,  Innocent Idibia,  popularly known as 2Baba,  will the main attraction of this year’s Nollywood Film Festival Germany, NFFG, and Nollywood Europe Golden Awards, NEGA, holding at Frankfurt, Germany.

    This was disclosed by the events’ promoter, Cultural Ambassador Isaac Izoya.

    “We are good to go,” said Izoya.

    “The expectations of 2Baba are just beyond my imagination. In living up to those expectations, our team also chooses a well befitting location (Saray Türkuaz Event Center. By God`s grace, we are ready to host both Nollywood and 2Baba/2Face fans across Europe and make them feel superb because the show must go on!”

    NFFG, founded by Izoya is a platform designed for Nollywood (Nigerian/African) film makers to showcase their movies to Europeans and Nollywood fans in the Diaspora, while the NEGA awards is the arm of the event designed to honour Nollywood stakeholders, stars, comedians, and musicians.

    The event which has been in existence since 2014 in Frankfurt, Germany is in alliance with Hessen State Ministry of Arts and Culture, The Ministry of Multicultural Affairs, Nigeria Embassy, Berlin, Germany, the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria – Frankfurt, Germany and of course, the Nigeria Community,  Frankfurt.

    According to the organisers, Lancelot Imasuen’s film, ‘Wede’, will premiere on August 30, 2019 at the Filmforum Höchst VHS Cinema.

    ‘Wede’ exposes the obnoxious and debilitating negative effect of female genital mutilation. In it, a young lady got determined by leading other women to a revolt that saw an age long tradition abolished.

    The festival will end on August 31, 2019 with the Nollywood Europe Golden Awards and Gala-night/After-Party where 2Baba will thrill the audience while comedian Fiddy Ice has been listed to anchor the event. Other artistes who will perform at the event include some Europe-based musicians like Don VS from Italy, Chuks Cbily (Germany), Lilian Dinma from Denmark, Mark Edo the Shaking Shaking Master from Spain, Berlin based Keishera and Ghana top star – Zeal of VVIP (the Afrobeat star that has already done a collabo with 2 Baba) among others. Also in the line-up are DJ Stone and DJ Dee.

    Also listed for a special award is Alhaji Bola Adenekan, a Heidelberg Germany based philanthropist who has singlehandedly equipped and transformed several hospitals in Nigeria as well as offered free health care for high risk treatment with European doctors without borders. Other awardees that are expected to pick up their NEGA awards during the ceremony are Nollywood top director, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, Nollywood diva Rita Edochie, music icon Idibia Innocent Ujah (2Baba, ) in celebration of his 20 years on stage with his manager Mr Omorogbe Efe and Don VS, the present best Nigerian music star in Europe.

  • Phyno shuts down Enugu for hi-life fest semi-final

    Enugu born rapper, Phyno, thrilled audience to a show-stopping performance in Enugu at the Hi-Life Fest semi-final.

    Phyno had earlier met with the Hi-Life Fest quarterfinalists to offer them some motivation during their time in Lagos.

    The crowd, as well as the Hi-Life Fest semi-finalists, were thrilled to have the talented rapper in their midst. His performance featured some of his chart-topping tunes like ‘The Bag’ and ‘Alobam.’

    Following the performance, a guest in attendance who was seeing Phyno perform for the first time expressed her excitement.

    Read Also: Defiant Tekno releases controversial music video, ‘Agege’ showing ‘half-naked’ girls

    “I have heard a lot about his performance but this was better than everything I was told,” she said.

    “Phyno really shutdown the show today and I’m so glad to have witnessed it.”

    The Hi-Life Fest semi-finalists also put in an impressive shift and it was a tough decision to pick four out of the six contestants of the night.

    The four remaining contestants now have a 14-day window to prepare for the final in Onitsha, Anambra State. The grand finale of Hi-Life Fest will see the four remaining contestants go head to head, with the winner earning the grand sum of five million naira.

  • Burna Boy: Earns multiple nominations at AFRIMMA 2019

    Still following his successful year with a recent showing in Beyoncé’s album ‘Lion King’ – A Gift to Africa, Burna Boy has topped the nominee list of the 2019 African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA).

    The singer who is also known as the ‘African Giant’, dominates the roster with multiple nominations while Mali’s Aya Nakamura was a shining light for female artistes and bagged multiple nominations as well.

    Other big names on the nominees list this year also include Wizkid, Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz, South Africa’s Cassper Nyovest, Davido, Yemi Alade, Sarkodie, Fally Ipupa and Harmonize. Also, stars like Kuami Eugene of Ghana, Uganda’s Vinka, Congo’s Ya Levis as well as Cameroon’s Salatiel all earned their first Afrimma nominations.

    The award show will take place in Dallas, Texas on Saturday, 26th of October, 2019 and will honour some of the world’s top African celebrities, artistes, artistes’ managers, producers, video directors, DJs and cultural influencers.

    AFRIMMA is the sole award ceremony in the Diaspora that caters for  all musical genres including but not limited to Afrobeats, Assiko, Bongo, Decale, Funana, Genge, Highlife, Hiplife, Kwaito, Lingala and Soukous.

    This year’s edition of AFRMMA is the 6th and promises to be the biggest edition of the biggest African music awards show in Diaspora. The star -studded event attracts guests from all over the world and from cities within the United States as well as guests and honorees from various African countries.

  • Rema impresses fans with three AFRIMMA nominations

    Mavin star act, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has garnered three nominations  at the 2019 African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA).

    The ‘Dumebi’ crooner was nominated in the ‘Song of The Year’ , ‘AFRIMMA Video of The Year’ and ‘Best Newcomer’ categories of the award ceremony set to take place in Dallas, Texas.

    Rema who has clocked over 50 million streams with his two Eps ‘Rema’ and ‘Freestyle EP’, continues to wow the music industry with his art and craft on the stage.

    Some of the big names on the nominees’ list this year include Nigeria’s Burnaboy, Wizkid, Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz, South Africa’s Cassper Nyovest. Davido, Yemi Alade, Sarkodie, Fally Ipupa, Harmonize also earned their place on the nominees list. Stars like Kuami Eugene of Ghana, Uganda’s Vinka, Congo’s Ya Levis as well as Cameroon’s Salatiel all earned their first AFRIMMA nominations.

    AFRIMMA will take place in Dallas, Texas on Saturday, 26th of October, 2019 and will honour some of the world’s top African celebrities, artistes, artistes’ managers, producers, video directors, DJs and cultural influencers.

    AFRIMMA is the sole award ceremony in the Diaspora that caters to all musical genres including but not limited to Afrobeats, Assiko, Bongo, Decale, Funana, Genge, Highlife, Hiplife, Kwaito, Lingala and soukous.

  • Waje to hold first solo concert

    Singer Aituaje Iruobe who is more known as Waje is excited about her upcoming concert tagged ‘The Red Velvet Experience’ schedule for September 1, 2019, at the Muson Center, Onikan, Lagos.

    The show is her very first own show and Waje said: “For so long, I’ve desired my own show. I’ve honoured so many stages but hungered for a stage that was designed for me, tailored for me.

    “Now it’s here. I’m here to serve you with the best dish #redvelvetconcert

    “Fit for a KING and QUEEN. It’s time baby.”

    Waje who was born in Akure, Ondo State, grew up in Benin City, Edo State.

    Her debut album, the eponymously titled W.A.J.E was released on May 1, 2013 via a live Google+ hangout with fans joining in from around the world, trending globally at no 4 on Twitter. In 2015, she was named one of the top 10 female artistes in Africa by Channel O.

    Waje’s hits include the critically acclaimed sleeper hit ‘I Wish’, Onye ft Tiwa Savage and Coco Baby ft Diamond Platnumz which was Nigeria’s most played song in December 2014. Waje’s recent reggae song’Left For Good’ ft Patoranking debuted at No 3 in Nigeria’s Itunes charts Waje has also collaborated with some of Africa’s biggest acts, churning out smash hit singles like, ONE NAIRA with M.I and DO ME with P Square.

  • Laffmatazz hits Ilorin this August

    Nigeria’s top-notch touring comedy and music show, Laffmatazz with Gbenga Adeyinka and Friends is set to storm Ilorin, Kwara State on August 13.

    The show which kicked-off in Ibadan in April, and recently rocked the city of Akure, will liven up Ilorin in its characteristic tradition of “Sharing Happiness” with Maltina, the lead sponsor of the event.

    This “Loud In Ilorin” themed show will attract some of the biggest stars in music and comedy namely Reminisce, Majek Fashek, 2Baba, Ruggedy Baba, Chinko Ekun, Omobaba, Alariya, Terry G, The Small Doctor, Chi Young, Marina of Comedy, Shete, Akpororo, Funny Bone, Helen Paul, Dr Smile and Peteru.

    Over six years, Laffmatazz has become a comedy platform that is widely accepted in Western Nigeria, breaking the jinx of Lagos being the comedy centre of the nation.

    “We’re always excited to be a part of Gbenga Adeyinka’s Laffmatazz as it is a show that aligns with the brand’s commitment towards sharing unending happy moments amongst family and friends across Nigeria. We look forward to being a part of the event in Ilorin once again,” the Senior Brand Manager, Maltina, Oluseun Lawal said.

    In addition, Lawal remarked that the geographical location of the show for this 7th edition is very important to the brand.

    “The West is very important to the brand and we cannot talk about the West without including the great people of Ilorin. True evidence of happiness is brought to life through laughter and the people of Ilorin are indeed happy.”

    Comedy fans will also have opportunities to win mouth-watering prizes  like goody bags, mobile phones, generator sets and flat-screen televisions in its exciting live game show.

    Laffmatazz has been witnessed by over 50,000 people since its inception. It is arguably one of the best networks of comedians and musicians and the biggest of its kind outside Lagos.

  • ‘Aladi is a campaign against rape and domestic violence’

    ALADI, a short social movie which is currently showing on YouTube, has been described as a campaign against rape and domestic violence.

    This was disclosed by the movie’s producer, Prosper Ogwa, an actor, filmmaker and also the founder of the END Campaign.

    “ALADI is a short film on rape and domestic violence, shot to sensitize the society on this social crisis and the need to break the silence,” Ogwa said.

    “This short film was produced to promote the objective of END Campaign, a social crusade created to put an end to all forms of social crisis from stigmatization, to rape, drug trafficking, terrorism, child abuse and all other forms of crisis.

    “Our tools in achieving a crisis free society are work of art, a unique strategic way to create maximum awareness in the most informative way, reaching more people with craft and stories that touch and teach. We are set to use photography, short films, documentary, poetry and other forms of art to promote the END #ICANSHARE Campaign.”

    The short film starred Queen Adakole Stephen, Oreoluwa Eniobanke Brown, Grace Otoaye and others.

  • 6th AFRIMA: 8157 entries set new submission record

    The 6th edition of All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, in partnership with the African Union Commission, AUC, has received 8,157 songs/videos on its online portal as entry submission closed at 11 : 59 hour (WAT) on Friday, August 2, 2019.

    This year’s submission continues in the record-setting precedent of previous editions amassing the highest number of entries from African artistes, music producers, songwriters, Disc Jockeys (DJs), and video directors among others, since the inception of the biggest music event in Africa.

    The 2019 submissions which opened worldwide on May 15, exceeded the 2018 submissions by 148 entries. Of the 8,157 entries submitted this year, Western Africa leads the pack with 38% of the total entries followed by Southern Africa with 24%. Eastern Africa, Central Africa and Northern Africa have 20%, 14% and 4% respectively.

    Meanwhile, following the end of the 6th AFRIMA entry submission, the 13-man International Jury of AFRIMA arrived Lagos, Nigeria on Wednesday for the week-long adjudication process from Wednesday, August 7 to Tuesday, August 13. The AFRIMA jury’s responsibility involves screening, categorising, assessing, grading and selecting into the 36 different regional and continental awarding categories’ nominees who will vie for the 23.9 carat gold-plated AFRIMA trophy.

    Guided by transparency and fairness, each of the jury members will bring their wealth of experience and professionalism to play and utilize their boundless knowledge of African music, culture, and entertainment, to collectively arrive at artistes and/or recordings on the 6th AFRIMA Nominees’ List that reflects the creative energy and output of African music talents between the music review period of August 1, 2018 to August 2, 2019. After this process is concluded, the 6th AFRIMA Nominees’ List would be unveiled during a World Media Conference scheduled for Wednesday, August 14 at the Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The AFRIMA Jury member occupying one of the slots for Eastern Africa is Tanzania’s Joett, a veteran vocal coach and artiste development manager whose song writing skills earned him registered membership of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). On the other hand is Tabu Osusa from Kenya. The veteran music professional has spent more than three decades in music production and promotion. He has chaired several musical projects within and outside Kenya.

    Representing Central Africa from Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, is Charles Tabu, a Music Executive, with wide experience in artiste management and promotion. Charles has worked with major record labels across the continent including Sony, Universal and Warner. The second jury member for Central Africa is Bob Ekukole, a renowned Cameroonian media and music professional with 29 years of experience in media and broadcasting. He is currently the Director, TV Programmes and Production, Cameroon Radio and Television, CRTV.

    Northern Africa is represented by Omar Essaidi, a Moroccan music programmer and artistic director. He brings to bear his practical experience as judge/juror for several musical contests in Northern Africa.

    Zimbabwean radio DJ and Lawyer, Delani Makhalima, takes up one of the two slots for Southern Africa. The entertainment and media executive has also honed his professional experience in song writing and music composition in the region. Filling the other slot is South Africa’s music professional and concert promoter, Chris Syren who is the co-founder and director of Making Music Productions (MMP), a music production company that has played a vital role in music promotion in South Africa.

    Western Africa representatives include Olisa Adibua, prolific broadcaster, music executive and talent manager from Nigeria and David Tayorault, a Côte d’Ivoire music legend, whose work in the music industry has influenced the jazz, blues, soul, zouk and Brazilian samba genre in Western Africa countries.

    Representing the Diaspora-Europe is Rita Ray, a UK-based BBC Radio 3 presenter, International Music Curator and popular Club DeeJay. Her counterpart representing Diaspora-North America is Hadja Kobélé Keita, a music executive whose career spans experience in Artiste and Repertoire management and Public Relations with Universal Music Africa/Island Africa. The African Union Commission is represented by Angela Martins, the Head, of the Culture Division of the AUC. Mrs. Martins, who is a citizen of Mozambique, is a professional African Culture Analyst and an African music enthusiast.

    Speaking on the 2019 entry submission and adjudication process: Mrs. Angela Martins said: “AFRIMA, the Pan-African initiative and music platform is gaining greater momentum, continental visibility and recognition. This can be verified by the increased number of entries received for its 6th Edition, to be held in November 2019.”

    Also reacting to the entries received for the 6th AFRIMA, Central Africa Jury member, Charles Tabu, expressed excitement that more artistes within and outside Africa were getting more involved in AFRIMA submissions.

    “Once again, we have proof that the talents coming from the Diaspora and from the continent have taken over AFRIMA. It is their platform, their awards and AFRIMA is all about rewarding Africa. As an AFRIMA jury member and an African music professional, I am so proud and amazed to see the number of entries in 2019 surpasses what we had in 2018. This a huge improvement from the 2,025 entries received in the first edition of the awards in 2014. I am waiting to see the quality, creativity and surprise talents we will discover during the adjudication in Lagos”.

    In partnership with the African Union, the awards recognising and rewarding musical creativity and talents of Africans is scheduled to hold in November 2019 during a four-day fiesta of music, glamour, Afrocentricism and entertainment in the official awards Host City.

    The four-day AFRIMA event commences with the Welcome Soiree followed by the AFRIMA Music Village, the Host City Tour, the Africa Music Business Summit, the exclusive Nominees Party and concludes with the live Awards Ceremony. Fans of African music globally can follow along and take part in the AFRIMA 2019 events on social media, live stream on the AFRIMA website, the AFRIMA App and by tuning to over 84 television stations which are AFRIMA partners.

  • Ojude Oba Festival returns with Goldberg

    The 2019 annual Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State is set to take place from August 13 – August 15 at the palace of the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, His Royal Majesty, Alaiyeluwa, Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

    The Ojude Oba (which in English translates to ‘The King’s Courtyard’) is an annual festival held to celebrate the cultural heritage of the Ijebu people. During the celebration, various age groups (popularly known as the Regbe-Regbe), indigenes, their friends and associates, including tourists from far and near all storm the town, adorning colourful costumes.

    The indigenes and visitors also throng the palace of the Oba to pay homage to the revered ruler who is one of the longest-reigning monarchs in Nigeria.

    Read Also: 9 finalists selected for ‘Ariya Repete’ finale in Lagos

    Goldberg Lager, a brand from the stables of Nigerian Breweries Plc brand has pledged its support for this year’s celebration.

    “We are happy to be part of one of the most celebrated festivals in the South-West,” said the Portfolio Manager, Mainstream brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Omotunde Adenusi.

    “It is very unique and important to the people of Ijebu and Goldberg recognizes the legacy that’s behind this celebration.”

    To establish its presence during the festival, the Goldberg brand will be setting up a beer village along with other exciting activities.