Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged lived up to its billing as the biggest indoor music party in Nigeria with another exciting night of fun in Lagos at the weekend.
With several other shows this Yuletide in Africa’s entertainment hub, it was obvious that Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged was the show everybody was waiting for.
It was a sold-out concert as Eko Hotel Convention Centre was filled to capacity with its gallery.
The all-Nigerian artistes ensemble was one of the best packaged concerts Lagos has witnessed in a long while.
Grammy Award nominee, Wizkid The StarBoy, as well as Davido, Seyi Shay, Tiwa Savage (all Pepsi music ambassadors), Tekno, PSquare, Adekunle Gold, Omawunmi, Olamide, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello and Falz the Bahd Guy thrilled the audience.
Also on hand were DJ Cuppy, DJ Exclusive, DJ Obi and other top DJs with some of the artistes on parade.
For Lagosians, the Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged was an opportunity to shed off work stress and traffic to turn up fun, turn down loneliness and turn up excitement.
The show was hosted by versatile comedian Bovi.
From the first opening act at 10.30 p.m on December 23 till 5:15 a.m on December 24, there was no dull moment.
Wizkid, who said he had to fly down from the United States a day before against his doctor’s advice “because of the importance I attached to Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged” thrilled the audience with his superlative performance. So did PSquare, Davido, Falz, Olamide and others.
It would have been difficult to choose a clear winner were it to be a contest.
It was no wonder the audience danced and partied all night when Tekno drew the curtain on the show at 5.15 a.m on Saturday. Many stayed glued to their seats.
The highlights of the event were the giving away of iphones and ipads by Pepsi, the lead sponsor. Ace comedian Baseketmouth was also given an award for his contributions to the growth of the entertainment industry in Nigeria.
Managing Director of Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc Mr. Sunil Sawhney said the Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged provided the platform for consumers and music lovers to unwind, have fun and network.
“The therapeutic effect of music in reducing stress and prolonging life cannot be overemphasised, so the Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged beyond the music and fun is also promoting a healthy life style,” he said.
Head of Marketing, Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc, Mr. Norden Thurston said the concert spoke directly to the current Pepsi thematic campaign: Turndown2turnup, as it encouraged everyone to leave their worries, stress, recession or whatever challenges, to imbibe a more positive attitude of happiness, hope and self-belief.
Thurston said Pepsi, through the strategic partnership with Flytime, the organisers of the annual concert, helped families, friends, business partners and associates to bond together and increase their effectiveness.
He noted that the Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged provided up and coming as well as established Nigerian artistes a bigger stage to ply their trade and connect with fans.
Tag: Pepsi
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Pepsi thrills Lagos with Rhythm Unplugged concert
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Pepsi wins iconic brand of the year award
Barely two weeks after winning the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) Poster Awards’ Grand Prix award for its Long Throat campaign, Pepsi has again clinched the coveted award of Iconic Brand of the year 2015 in the soft drink category at the Nigerian Brand Awards held at Lagos Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja.
Insight Communication, Seven-Up Company Plc’s creative agency won the Best Campaign of the year for the Pepsi Long Throat campaign.
These latest awards have reaffirmed Pepsi as a leading carbonated soft drink in the Nigerian market that refreshes consumers across demographics.
Commenting on this award, Head of Marketing, Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc (SBC), Mr. Norden Thurston said, “We are delighted with these awards. It is a testament to the great partnership that exists between SBC & Insight Communications. We would also like to thank our loyal consumers for their continued support.”
The Pepsi Long Throat campaign was launched late last year to introduce the 60cl PET bottle. The 360 degree campaign captivated the market from start to finish by breaking new grounds with an innovative digital kick-off and disruptive communication which created huge consumer buzz and excitement.
Evident by the number of marketing awards the Long Throat campaign has been winning, it is undoubtedly one of the best campaigns Nigeria has seen in a number of years. Not to mention its originality, one drawn from a local insight. Now that’s real creativity!
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Pepsi’s Longthroat wins OAAN’s Grand PRIX
One of Nigeria’s most inspiring brand campaigns in the last 12 months, Pepsi Longthroat, has won the Grand Poster Award at the 10th Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) Poster Awards in Lagos.
The Longthroat creative beat 84 other brand entries to emerge the overall winner of the keenly contested Poster Awards. The brand also came tops in the Non-Alcoholic Drinks Category at the event.
Head of Marketing, Seven Up Bottling Company Plc, Mr. Norden Thurston, said: “The Grand Prix award for the Pepsi Longthroat campaign from a credible body in the marketing communications industry in Nigeria is further affirmation of the creativity and the impact of the campaign. The campaign delighted our consumers and showcased Pepsi as a truly consumer-centric brand.”
OAAN President, Mr. Tunde Adedoyin, described the 10th edition of the Poster Awards as a landmark and special edition aimed at appreciating creativity and a forum for stakeholders in the Marketing Communications industry.
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Improving grassroots football in Nigeria
There are many challenges that confront grassroots football, with money being just one of many. Poor facilities alongside coaching standards and lack of interest have cast doubts over where the future lies.
Many young men and women are hurting as they get shut out by unscrupulous coaches and agents thereby denying them opportunity to play.
It is obvious that thousands of young people are hurting all over our nation by being denied legitimate opportunities to grow into football stars. Talking about it seems to help but we would like to see change happen in our grassroots football here in Nigeria.
Therefore, our hope is that grassroots coaches and agents out there will begin to see the pain they are causing and change their approach towards young talents. Using myself as an example, because I experienced it – After following my friend to his training due to my love for football, I decided to join the academy and after that I still went on to get the necessary things needed for the training.
And after all these we were still asked to pay a sum of 50,000 thousand naira, not minding what the money was meant for, as a young man who loves football a lot, my worry was, how can I afford
such an amount without means of income or salary, which was a very big task.There are more challenges facing grassroots football, unlike the one that after paying some amount to the owner of the academy that turns out to be the coach and promised to fly them abroad but at the end it was of no effect, a good friend of mine was a victim of such injustice.
Scouting for youths age raging from 10-20 years old with largely no income, with the aim of developing them may not be the idea of some profit minded person who set up a football academy. This is the more reason grassroots football has remained largely unscratched and the hidden treasure yet unearthed.
Grassroots football in Nigeria needs to be put together and well coordinated. There should be a better and solid foundation or platform for discovering young talent, while also providing conducive training facilities in order to ensure that the young stars are exposed to football as a profession.
There is every tendency that good sport facilities play an important role in developing local community’s football ,not only developing sporting experience and quality but also sustain and enhance participation to improve general skills.
The issue of sponsorship is something that must be looked at critically if there must be tangible development of grassroots football in the country.
No doubt, sponsorship plays a major role in taking grassroots football to another level, with examples like Copa coca cola, Gulder 5-A side, MTN Street Soccer, Pepsi and so on. A good and well established brand may be interested in sponsorship of your program, if it meets their objective as an organization.
Lastly, if one is setting up such grassroots football, a unique name should be given to it, in order to attract sponsorship, don’t just wake up one morning and give a name that will be so hard to tell what the future holds. Let us not just seat back and deceive ourselves, but to map out a strategy for a solid foundation. I believe by now Nigerians should be more focus, realistic and factual to grassroots football.
There are many challenges that grassroots football face, with money being just one of many. Poor facilities alongside coaching standards and lack of interest have cast doubts over where the future lies.
Many young men and women are hurting as they get shut out by unscrupulous coaches and agents thereby denying them opportunity to play. It is obvious that thousands of young people are hurting all over our nation by being denied legitimate opportunities to grow into football stars. Talking about it seems to help but we would like to see change happen in our grassroots football here in Nigeria.
Therefore, our hope is that grassroots coaches and agents out there will begin to see the pain they are causing and change their approach towards young talents. Using myself as an example,because I experience it. After following my friend to his training due to my love for sports,football to be precise. I decided to join the academy and after that I still went on to get the necessary things needed for the training.And after all these we were still asked to pay a sum of 50,000 thousand naira,not minding what the money was meant for, as a young man who loves football a lot, my worry was, how can I afford such an amount without no means of income or salary,which was a very big. task.
There are more challenges facing grassroots football,unlike the one that after paying some certain amount to the owner of the academy who turns out to be the coach and promised to fly them abroad but at the end it was of no effect,a good friend of mine was a victim to such injustice.
Scouting for youths age raging from 10-20 years old with largely no income,only just for their development may not be the idea of some profit minded person who set up a football academy. This is the more reason grassroots football has remained largely unscratched and the hidden treasure yet unearthed.
Grassroots football in Nigeria needs to be put together and well coordinated. There should be a better and solid foundation or should I say platform for discovering young talent,also providing conducive training facilities in order to ensure that the young stars are exposed to football as a profession.There is every tendency that good sport facilities play an important role in developing local community’s football ,not only developing sporting experience and quality but also sustain and enhance participation to improve general skills.
Another answer to the development of grassroots football is the sponsorship. It plays a major role in taking grassroots football to
another level, with the likes of Copa coca cola, Gulder 5-A side ,MTN street Soccer,Pepsi and so on.They may be interested in sponsorship of your own program, if it meets their own objective as an organization.
Lastly,if one is setting up such grassroots football,a unique name should be given to it,in order to attract sponsorship,don’t just wake up one morning and give a name that will be so hard to tell what the future holds.let us not just seat back and deceive ourselves,but to seat up and map out a strategy for a solid foundation. I believe by now Nigerians should be more focus,realistic and factual to grassroots football. -
Tiwa Savage is still our brand ambassador – Pepsi
Soft drink maker, Pepsi, on Tuesday said Singer Tiwa Savage has not been dropped as its brand ambassador.
The confirmation followed speculations that Pepsi has terminated the image contract with the singer because of the widely publicised cracks in her marriage, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
The Managing Director of Seven Up Bottling Company, Mr. Sunil Sawhney, said on his Twitter account that the singer has not been dropped as Pepsi ambassador.
“I will like to clarify that our relationship with Tiwa Savage is as strong as ever,” NAN quoted Mr. Sawhney as saying on the matter.
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Pepsi stars Wizkid, Tiwa Savage thrill fans at One Lagos Fiesta
Pepsi music ambassadors; Wizkid and Tiwa Savage led the pack of top artistes who ushered fans into the New Year with their performances on the last day of One Lagos Fiesta, a one-week show which replaced the annual Lagos Countdown show.
Thousands of Lagosians had thronged the Pepsi co-sponsored event at several centres in Lagos, as they celebrated 2015 while welcoming 2016 with joy and expectations.
The massive crowd that came were excited as their favourite artistes held them spellbound with mesmerising performances.
Tiwa who was part of the Mavins crew sang from her rich repertoire including ‘Eminado’ and ‘Girlie-o’, her duet with Patoranking which had the crowd singing along. Wizkid who wore wine Safari attire came on stage waving the ‘One Lagos Fiesta’ flag before setting the stage on fire with his popular song ‘Surulere’, which he called the “new national anthem.”
The Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode who sat close to the stage danced all through the night. Ambode thanked Pepsi and other sponsors who have over the years kept Lagosians happy and expectant of a better future with platforms such as One Lagos Fiesta. The Governor promised a better Lagos in 2016 with the cooperation of every Lagosian especially corporate citizens like Pepsi and the other sponsors who have been engaging the youths in constructive activities.
Brand Manager, Seven-up Bottling Company Plc, Mr. Segun Ogunleye said: “Pepsi celebrates the Nigerian youth and supports their passion points such as music and football. One Lagos Fiesta offers a positive way to celebrate last year and welcome the New Year, which is why Pepsi has been sponsoring the event.”
Other artistes that performed were R&B crooner Darey, rap icon Olamide, Timaya, Waje, Simi, Nomoreloss, Sasha, Sexy Steal, DJ Cuppy, Don Jazzy and the Mavins: Dr. Sid, Tiwa Savage, Dija, Korede Bello, Reekado Banks, D’Prince and Chocolate City’s crew with Ice Prince and Jessy Jags.
Gbenga Adeyinka The 1st, the host of the event cracked ribs with AY chipping in a joke or two that made the audience go wild in laughter.
The One Lagos Fiesta was held in Victoria Island, Agege, Ikorodu, Badagary and Epe.
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Trey Songz, Wizkid, others excite fans at ‘Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged’
There was so much expectation from fans of popular American singer, Trey Songz, who landed in Nigeria for the annual Rhythm Unplugged show, sponsored by Pepsi. And sure, the singer did not disappoint his Nigerian fans, who clamoured for more, as the artiste performed at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos last Friday.
But the night was not all about Songz and how he thrilled fans with a medley of 17 songs from different albums. The Grammy Award-winning rapper, songwriter and movie actor also performed alongside Davido to the cheering of the electrified audience.
The fans were further thrilled when Trey Songz announced he would be doing a collabo with Davido.
Another great performer on the night was was Pepsi music ambassador, Wizkid, who got the audience singing along to some of his hits songs. There were also the likes of evergreen group ‘Remedies’; rap talent Olamide, aka ‘Badoo’; MI; Runtown and Lil Kesh, who all gave the audience a scintillating moment.
Mavin Record crew members; Reekado Banks and Korede Bello added more spice to the excitement, while new act, Candy, winner of the Trey Songz instagram competition also got her chance to perform with the big players at the Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged.
The show also got verve from ace comedians Basket mouth, Bovi and I Go Dye who hanchored the show, reeling out rib cracking jokes as they invited each artiste to the stage.
Other comedians at the show include Okey Bakassi, Odogwu, Ajele, Baba K, Kim Josh and Buchi.
“Pepsi’s passion is also the heartthrob of Nigerian youths which is music and football that is why we are sponsoring Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged and COPA Lagos on the same day. Pepsi thanks all its teeming consumers for supporting the brand and this year we are thanking and rewarding our consumers with the ‘Long Throat Bottle’ which is 60cl at the same price as 50cl,” said Managing Director, Seven-up Bottling Company, Mr. Sunil Sawhney.
The event which started in the evening with the Pepsi blue-carpet, extended to the early hours of the next day and had no dull moment as talented disc jockeys such as versatile DJ Xclusive, beautiful DJ Cuppy and old timer, DJ Snoop engaged the audience with an array of sounds from different music genres.
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DAY OF MUSIC, PEPSI AT CORPORATE ELITE
IT was all fun, last Sunday, at the 9th edition of Corporate Elite Concert co-sponsored by Pepsi at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, as several music artistes performed to the excitement of fans.
From its brand ambassador to refreshing cocktail, the Pepsi family joined the razzmatazz as the show went down as one of the top events of 2015.
The audience were held spellbound from start to finish as top artistes, both local and international dished out their evergreen and brand new tones from their rich repertoire.
While thousands were still trying to find their way into the alluring Expo Event Center of Eko Hotel, upcoming artistes: Immaculate, Young Grey, Simi, Shadee etc were rocking the stage with their performances. Immaculate thrilled the single ladies with A Natural Woman, a song co-written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin in the 60s while Simi was comfortable singing her popular song, Jamb Question.
The event took another dimension with the emergence of Nigeria’s king of soul, Timi Dakolo singing Iyawo mi, the song young ladies sang along with so much gusto. Banky W’s Yes No was good enough to maintain the tempo of excitement among the audience who kept asking for more. Mr. Olu Maintain staged a comeback with his popular tone Yahooze, driving audience crazy while Styl Plus was cool and calm on stage with Olufunmi.
Tecno the rising star of Nigerian music took the entertainment notch higher with Baby Palanga and other beautiful songs from his music inventory.
Cobhams Asuquo marked his presence, combining instrument with sonorous rendition of Duro while Nigerian rapper and singer, Mo’Cheddah dished out tunes from her award winning album, Franchise Celebrity.
112 and Jagged Edge, American R&B singers went memory lane, as far back as 1997 spending more time to entertain their fans with 112 singing Anywhere, Dance With Me, It’s Over Now amongst others.
The event reached its climax with the performance of Nigerian superstar, Sound Sultan who kept fans on their feet singingOrobo, Mothaland and Ole. Guests however became emotional and more patriotic when African China stormed the stage with its award winning political song, Mr. President. Everyone joined the superstar to echo the lyrics ‘lead us well’.
Speaking at the event, Managing Director, Seven Up Bottling Company, Mr. Sunil Sawhney described the event as bigger and better with the quality artistes who performed at the concert. He said Pepsi as an international brand is proud to be associated with the Corporate Elite Concert to give its teeming consumers a platform to enjoy themselves and live for now. He noted that the recent signing of Seyi Shay as Pepsi Ambassador was in line with the vision of the brand to encourage young Nigerians to continue to aim high adding that Pepsi is committed to providing opportunities for them to make their dreams come true.
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Pepsi supports Viva Cinema launch
AS Ilorin hosted Nollywood superstars, penultimate Friday, when a new film house, Viva Cinema was opened in the Kwara State capital, Pepsi, once again played the traditional moviegoer’s beverage delight; ensuring fun seekers make the drink their popcorn companion.
The outfit was the second to be established by Viva Entertainment Company in recent time, having initially opened a branch in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Sponsored by Bank of Industry (BoI), the company’s latest cinema house was opened to movie goers amidst a huge ceremony.
The gesture by BoI is part of its ‘Nollyfund’ initiative, whereby an initial of N1.0billion has been earmarked, with a single obligor limit of N50million for individual loans.
Special guests at the event were veteran actor, Olumide Bakare, screen beauty, Moyo Lawal, Muyideen Oladapo, aka Lala, up and coming stars, Chukwudi Rozan and Bukumi Oluwashina.
The city was a beehive of activity after Friday prayers as all roads led to Palms Shopping Mall, venue of the new cinema launch.
Some of the movies watched by excited families and students were movies the guest stars featured in. They include Ayo Mi, Beneath the Veil, Where Does Beauty Go and One Minute Man.
Head of Marketing, Seven-up Bottling Company Plc, Mr. Norden Thurston said: “Pepsi cannot help but get involved when it has to do with music, football or movies because these are the passions of youths and as a youth brand Pepsi will make every effort to meet young people at their passion point.”
According to Mr. Thurston who was represented by Brand Manager, Seven-up Bottling Company, Mr. Segun Ogunleye, “Pepsi has been encouraging young talents by sponsoring Nigerian Idols, a musical reality show for over four years, Pepsi Top 10 Chart Show, Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged and having brand ambassadors in music like Tiwa Savage, Wizkid and Lynxxx.”
General Manager, Seven-Up Bottling Company, Ilorin, Mr. Olutayo Ayodele, speaking on Pepsi’s involvement with the cinema industry said, “Pepsi is a foremost entertainment brand and will always be a part of entertainment whether the platform is sports, music, culture and tourism or the movies.”
Commenting on Pepsi Viva partnership Head of Marketing, Palms Shopping Mall, Mr. Tunji Folayan, noted that, “the partnership between Pepsi and Viva Cinema Entertainment is creating a new concept, which is that “cinema is not only for the rich but for the reach” as we plan to take this experience to as many people as possible.”
Film producer and president of Audio Video First (AVF), Yinka Odunuyi said: “AVF’s 50 Naira story initiative will see 18 movies being shot every year enabling people to watch five movies with families of five for as low as #200. Not even the pirates can offer these and we are partnering with Pepsi and Viva cinema in this initiative to provide jobs for over 900 people every year.
Veteran actor Olumide Bakare, commended Pepsi for consistently supporting the entertainment industry, especially the movie industry and wished other brands could emulate Pepsi. Free Pepsi drinks and pop corn were served as Pepsi refreshed the event.
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Top acts excite at Pepsi Trace Urban party
PEPSI brand ambassadors, Lynxxx, Sound Sultan, Phyno and Olamide, last weekend, led a pack of entertainers who thrilled guests at the Pepsi Trace Urban party, which took place at the Tilt House, Lekki, Lagos.
The show, which had DJ Neptune and DJ Spinall on the steel of wheels, provided a pre-Xmas fun for revelers, treating them to old and new school tunes.
Also at the show, was Presh, a former member of the KC Presh group and Praiz, the Rich and Famous crooner.
Olamide and Phyno used the opportunity to call on other brands to be youth inclined like Pepsi, saying, the youths are the future of any nation. They thanked Pepsi for supporting the music industry and hoped the company continues doing so while encouraging others to emulate the brand.
According to Head of Marketing, Seven-Up Bottling Company, Norden Thurston, “When it comes to youth and talents, Pepsi is committed to supporting platforms that enable gifted young men and women to achieve their dreams in life. Pepsi has credible platforms like Nigerian Idol, Pepsi Top 10 Music Chart, Rhythm Unplugged and many others for music, Pepsi Football Academy, Pepsi Street Cup Tournament and COPA Lagos are some of the sports platforms used to meet the passion point of youths.”
He said the company will continue to support the youth through the different platforms.