Adekunle Gold, Austin Miles ‘Tekno’ Kelechi, Ini Dinma Okojie, Akah Nnani, Nancy Isime are among nominees unveiled for 12th edition of The Future Awards Africa.
With a total of 105 nominees covering 21 categories including the highly-coveted ‘Young Person of the Year’ award, these young personalities were selected across different sectors such as Music, Advocacy, Media Enterprise, Comedy, Fashion and Design, Sports, Technology, New Media, Professional Service and more.
Other nominees on the list include Ayodeji ‘Wizkid’ Balogun, Eromo Egbejule, Mayowa Tijani, Olive Emodi, Adesewa Josh, Bidemi Kosoko and Simisola ‘Simi’ Ogunleye. Themed Nigeria’s New Tribe, The Future Awards Africa is set to hold on Saturday, 9 December, 2017 at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.
With the mandate to celebrate and accelerate innovation among Nigerians aged 18 – 31, TFAA acknowledges inspiring young people making a difference through social enterprise, social good, and creativity.
The Future Awards Africa has been called the ‘Nobel Prize for Young Africans’, given annually to celebrate innovation, creativity and enterprise amongst young Africans aged 18 – 31. It has produced over 150 winners and over 1550 nominees since its first edition in 2006.
Founded by the Chude Jideonwo and Adebola Williams, TFP is supervised by a Global Board of Advisors drawn from Africa, Europe, North America and the Middle East, including the Coordinating Minister of the Nigerian Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Senior Economic Advisor with the Open Society Foundations, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili; co-founder of ONE, Jamie Drummond and the Chief of Cabinet with the Africa Development Bank, Anne Kabagambe.
Super star musician Ayodeji Balogun popularly called Wizkid, Afropop singer Adekunle Gold and Africa’s best actor Sambasa Nzeribe are amongst 105 young Nigerians that have been nominated for Africa’s biggest youth awards, THE FUTURE AWARDS AFRICA 2017.
The awards which aim that celebrating the innovation and creative prowess of young Africans between the age of 18 and 31, who are making a mark in their fields and endeavors was conceived by two young Nigerians; Chude Jideonwo and Adebola Williams in 2004.
The organisers, released the nomination list for this year’s awards earlier today.
The awards holds on the 9th of December 2017 at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.
Below are the various categories and their nominees:
Category 1: The Future Awards Africa Prize for Acting
Samuel Ajibola, 30
Sambasa Nzeribe, 29
Bidemi Kosoko, 29
Akah Nnani, 29
Ini Dima-Okojie, 27
Category 2: The Future Awards Africa Prize for Fashion and Design
Joseph O. Ike and Ola Akindehinde (JZO Fashion), 31/26
Bisola ‘Ladybiba’ Adeniyi, 25
Paolo Sisiano, 29
Muktar Onifade, 26
Olivia & Sylvia ‘Gozel Green’ Enekwe, 31
Category 3: The Future Awards Africa Prize for Beauty
Singer Adekunle Gold who was among celebrities selected last month to be part of KLM’s Celebs Around Town tour to major tourist cities of the world is missing out on the Manchester leg of the tour.
This was disclosed by actor and movie producer, Kunle Afolayan, in a Faceboook Live video on Sunday though he did not provide any reason for the absence of Adekunle Gold.
“Actually, Adekunle Gold is supposed to be here but for some reason, he couldn’t make it, but I’m right here” said Afolayan in a Facebook Live post which he captioned, ‘Kunle Afolayan live in Manchester courtesy of KLM Nigeria, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.’
Afolayan has also been posting clips of his visits to sights such as Manchester United’ Theatre of Dreams on his social media handles.
Adekunle who is still promoting his debut album, The Gold Album, was supposed to have been on the Manchester trip, the fourth destination of the KLM tour. He, Afolayan, Adekunle Gold, Kate Henshaw, AY and Rahama Sadau were selected to visit different cities of the world by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
The Lagos State Government on Friday said it has concluded plans to climax the Lagos@50 celebrations with a spectacular display of fireworks.
The Government, in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, said the fireworks would be on display at midnight of Sunday, May 28 on the water of Eko Atlantic.
”This is inform the public that there will be a display of fireworks as part of the music and fashion show to round off the 50thAnniversary Celebrations of the State. The fireworks will be on display at exactly 12 midnight at the Eko Atlantic City during the Golden Concert. Residents do not need to panic or nurse any fear whatsoever when they hear the sound of the fireworks as it is only just a symbolic way to draw the curtains of what has been a very splendid and successful celebration of our golden State.”
“Residents who cannot attend the concert can also catch it live on Television as it promises to be a historic and exciting night of fun and maximum entertainment”, Ayorinde said.
The Commissioner also expressed the gratitude of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to the sponsors of the fireworks, Eko Atlantic Nigeria Limited.
The Lagos@50 Celebration, which began on May 27, 2016, has featured series of events and activities to showcase the cultural essence of the State, including Jazz Meets Runway, International Conferences, Arts Exhibition, Film Shows, among others.
50 top artistes who have ruled the Lagos music scene over the years are expected to perform at the concert.
Some of the artistes billed to perform include juju music maestros – King Sunny Ade and Evangelist Ebenezer Obey as well as the legendry Highlife Patriarch, Sir Victor Olaiya.
Other superstars on board are Davido, Phyno, Olamide, Humble Smith, Adekunle Gold, Lil Kesh, Partoranking, ‘Mr Capable’ Banky W, Runtown, Vanessa, MI, Eedris Abdulkareem, Mr. Eazi, DJ Spinall and Waka Music star, Queen Salawa Abeni.
Also expected are star Fuji artistes like Adewale Ayuba, Abass Akande Obesere and Wasiu Alabi (Pasuma Wonder).
The Concert would also feature a fashion show to depict the evolution of fashion in Lagos state.
I AM NOT A SUPER WOMAN, JUST ONE WHO HAS THE KNOWLEDGE THAT MY FAMILY MUST NOT BE SUBSTITUTED FOR THE GLAMOUR.
YOU are currently working on a song with Adekunle Gold, please tell us about it?
Yes, I am currently working on a song with Adekunle Gold. It is an adaptation of Alujanjankijan, one of our old folk songs. The song is to help create awareness about creating more time for the children, not exclusively leaving them at the mercy of caregivers, nannies, house-helps and so on, and not giving up on them even when they seem “bad”. The song also infers on the need for parents to be strong and positive, not giving up on children who seemingly are not doing well because parenting is not an easy task, encouraging them that however difficult it seems, it is rewarding.
Parenting is not only about giving birth to babies and one being called mummy or daddy. It is about nurturing and guiding, which is the most important legacy of parenting.
Why did you pick Adekunle Gold?
I chose to work with Adekunle Gold because his mode of delivery is similar to mine in terms of scale, melodic structure and presentation. His music combines elements of all the genres of our indigenous music, e.g. Fuji, Juju and Apala and delivers in a way that has a crossover effect on all classes of hearing, e.g. R&B, Soul, Hip-hop. Also, his lyrics are not vulgar and are safe for all audience. These are some similarities with my own music.
What has made you stay keyed to your style of music?
I have stayed with my style of music because it is peculiar to me. I did not copy the style from anywhere. It comes from my inside. I open my mouth and that’s what comes out. Then, most importantly, I strive, as much as possible, even in the face of distractions and discouragements to stay close to ‘The Giver’ who owns the template of my destiny.
Will this be your first collaboration?
Yes, this is my first collaboration. And I am not doing it based on the fact that Adekunle is making waves now, no. I have got many, many offers from various artistes, both known and unknown, but I am not a person who is moved by just the popularity and commercial gain of music but the substance it has to offer to the society, and the compatibility of my music and the message of whoever I would collaborate with.
How long did it take to come to the song you wanted to remake?
I had always wanted to do this song, I got the inspiration years ago, but I got the enthusiasm to properly put it in shape when I heard one of Adekunle’s songs on radio. I was attracted by his melodic structure and delivery as I said earlier, and I did more findings about who he is and what he represents.
When you started out, did you see yourself along the way changing your mind on genre of music?
No. I never saw, and still do not see myself changing my mind on the genre of music I do. My music is me. Yes, I studied music in school, but no one taught me how to sing what I sing or the way I sing. It just comes naturally, I am just inspired that way, I receive that way and I give that way; If we say improving and hone my skills to get better, yes, but changing, no.
How have you been managing your home front as a woman and career lady?
My answer to this question has always been, “Balance is everything!” As long as I made the decision to get married and have children, I must put in my best to do well in those roles. I am not a super woman, just one who has the knowledge that my family must not be substituted for the glamour and shining of the entertainment industry which is not reliable anyway. I know my priorities; I have a scale of preference: I am a woman, wife, and mother, before The Sola Allyson.
Can you be categorised as a gospel singer too?
I am a singer who uses my voice and the words of my music to shine the Light of God as the word commands.
You are usually seen in African attires. Is there a particular reason for this?
I am usually seen in African attires because I am an African who is not swept away by western acculturation, who is proud of whom she is, who stands tall where The Almighty placed her in creation and would make the best of it!
Tell us the challenges of indigenous music?
Challenges of indigenous music ke? Everything in life has a process, and challenges abound in whatever we set out to do/achieve. It is how we see and respond to it that matters. As long as one knows exactly what you are made to do and how to do it, challenges are just to keep you awake and alert. I don’t assume everyone would know me and appreciate my music.
No matter how popular one is, there are still some who do not know or identify with what you do. I have been able to understand this and I walk my path, knowing that I would eventually reach those I am sent to. And the journey so far is encouraging, it would get better, I know.
Adekunle Gold’s contract with YBNL expired in December 2016, and there seems to be talks of him renewing it, but nothing more was heard about that intention. But it was later reported that he only signed a management deal with the record label.
Adekunle Gold is said to have deleted all photos of the YBNL label boss from his social media page and further reports indicated that other YBNL artistes and former artistes posted the latest Olamide’s song “Love No Go Die” artwork except the ‘Sade’ crooner who deleted the post few hours after he posted it on his social media page.
Further findings also showed that the artiste who is yet to comment on the new development has removed the YBNL name from the ‘About’ section of his official website, Adekunlegold.com.
One of Nigeria’s female indigenous singers, Sola Allyson, is currently working on her first collaboration with Adekunle Gold.
An adaptation of Alujanjankijan, an old folk song, the new song is aimed at creating awareness in the need to have more time for the children.
According to the singer, “Alujanjankijan, one of our old folk songs, is to help create awareness about creating more time for the children, not exclusively leaving them at the mercy of caregivers, nannies, and house-helps.
“The song is also to help us not to give up on them even when they seem ‘bad.’ The song also infers on the need for parents to be strong and positive, not giving up on children who seemingly are not doing well because parenting is not an easy task, encouraging them that however difficult it seems, it is rewarding.”
On why she decided to do the collaboration with Adekunle Gold, she said, “I chose to work with Adekunle Gold because his mode of delivery is similar to mine in terms of scale, melodic structure and presentation. His music combines elements of all the genres of our indigenous music, e.g. Fuji, Juju, Apala, etc, and delivers in a way that has a crossover effect on all classes of hearing, e.g. R&B, Soul, Hip-hop. Also, his lyrics are not vulgar and are safe for all audience. These are some similarities with my own music.”
She revealed: “This is my first collaboration. And I am not doing it based on the fact that Adekunle is making waves now; I have got many offers from various artistes, both known and unknown, but I am not a person who is moved by just the popularity and commercial gain of music but the substance it has to offer to the society.”
FANS of Adekunle Gold can expect a new song about a lady named Tola which he said, “you’ll hear her story soon.”
The Ariwo Ko crooner disclosed via his Twitter account that the lady in question is a cleaner at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos which he met last November.
“When she saw me, she ran to me super excited and tbh I thought she was going to ask me to “Do something”, after 1 or 2 selfies of course,” wrote Gold.
“Her first few words were “Boda Kunle, mi o fe owo yin, but mo fe so story mi fun yin, ke le fi k’orin”, he wrote in Yoruba, which the singer himself interpreted to English in another tweet, writing, “In English, that is “I don’t want your money, I just want to tell you my story so you’ll sing about it.”
Gold said he was disappointed for assuming wrongly about her.
“While I was filling the immigration form, she told her story,” he tweeted.
“It’s as sad as it is hopeful.”
According to Gold, Tola’s story is captivating.
“So captivating I almost missed my flight. She said it would make her really happy if I sang about it.”
YBNL signee, Adekunle Kosoko, better known as Adekunle Gold, at present at the top of his game. His single,Pick Up, according to reviews, has been rated as the most played song on radio.
The declaration was made public by Play Data Charts. “This wouldn’t have happened without the support of all the Radio stations, media personalities and Djs playing my song steady. I appreciate every single person that requests the song on the radio as well. God bless you all,” the he enthused.
The artiste, who is also gearing up for his new song, Gold, expected to drop this month, will be performing alongside his co-record label artistes at the Apollo Center on October 9, 2016 for the YBNL UK Concert.
Adekunle Gold is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and graphic designer, whose face has been appearing on T-shirts and Caps recently.
THE year 2015 Headies winner and Afrosoul diva Aramide, has dropped the much-anticipated video for Love Me, her latest single featuring YBNL’s Adekunle Gold.
The video, which sees Adekunle Gold play Aramide’s love interest details a love story that everyone who has been in love can relate to, while making those who haven’t been, yearn for love.
The video which was shot in Ikoyi, Lagos by Stanz Visuals, consolidates the alliance between Aramide and Stanz, who was also responsible for her last single “I Don’t Care.”
Aramide however, revealed that initially, she had wanted to do the song alone before her team suggested Adekunle Gold to be co-opted.
“I am happily in love, and I write songs based on my feelings, Writing ‘Love Me’ came naturally, I wanted to do the song alone, but my team suggested I featured Adekunle Gold. I am a very huge fan of Adekunle, My kind of music is real life music, and Adekunle is a real life kind of musician too, so naturally, he was the perfect person to be featured.”
