President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated renowned hip-hop artistes, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, WizKid, and David Adedeji Adeleke, Davido, on their awards at the Music of Black Origin ( MOBO ).
President Buhari joined the teeming fans of the artistes in Nigeria and all over the world in celebrating the highly deserved and meritorious recognition, which saw WizKid winning “International Best Artitse” award, while Davido picked the “Best African Act.”
The President, according to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, affirmed that both singers have showcased the rich talents in the country, and brought pride to the nation through their many songs and performances, commending their dedication, hard work and charity works.
President Buhari also called on the upwardly mobile artistes to be cautious and mindful of likely distractions to their careers.
He urged WizKid and Davido to serve as ambassadors of the country and role models to upcoming musicians.
The duo of Wizkid and Davido have done Nigeria proud at the just concluded 22nd Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Award which held on Wednesday night at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, United Kingdom.
Beating other music greats like Jay-Z, Drake, Kendrick Lamar and Traavis Scott, Wizkid carted home the ‘Best International Act’ award while Earlier, Davido, whose ‘IF,’ ‘Fall,’ and ‘FIA’ have trended the airwaves was announced as MOBO’s’Best African Act’ to the delight of Nigerians.
“When Nigeria does well, I cannot help but feel well,” former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan wrote, expressing his congratulations.
“My happiness is tied to the happiness of Nigeria and when Nigerians break records and take the name of Nigeria to greater heights it exhilarates me.
“Thank you Wizkid for raising Nigeria’s flag high for the positive, not the negative. Your emergence as the Best International Act at the #MOBOAwards is a proud moment for Nigeria. And the fact that you emerged over JAY-Z and Drake makes it even more celebratory. WELL DONE. GEJ”
Former vice president Atiku Abubakar also felicitated with Wizkid via social media.
“My young friend, WizKid @wizkidayo beat other big international artists to win one of the world’s biggest music awards,” tweeted Atiku.
“Congratulations.”
Expressing his own delight showbiz enterpreneur and politicia Senator Ben Bruce, described Wizkid’s feat as one of his ‘proudest’ moments.
He tweeted: ‘Dear @wizkidayo, I’ve been in the entertainment business as an investor since 1980 and one of my proudest moments for Nigerian music is the day you defeated both Jayz and @Drake, two of the biggest stars in the world, to win the Best international Act at the #MOBOAwards well done.’
Others including Mo Abudu and Banky W have also congratulated the ‘Ojuelegba’ crooner.
The award ceremony featured performances from the likes of Cardi B, Krept and Konan, Stefflon Don, Yungen and Britain’s Got Talent winner Tokio Myers.
Nigeria’s ace singer David Adeleke, a.k.a Davido, has won the “Best African Act”, at the 2017 edition of the prestigious Music of Black Origin ( MOBO ) Awards.
The 22nd MOBO Awards was held on Wednesday night at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, United Kingdom.
David edged out Wizkid, Mr Eazi, Tiwa Savage, Wande Coal, Maleek Berry and others to pitch the “Best African Act” award.
Nigeria’s star boy, Wizkid who did not disappoint his fans also won the Best International Act, beating top artists like Drake, SZA, Cardi B, JAY-Z and Kendrick Lamar,among others.
On the international scene, English grime and Hip Hop artist, Stormzy, was the biggest winner of the night winning in three prestigious categories – “Best Male Artist”, “Best Grime Act” and “Best Album”.
Dave emerged as the “Best Newcomer” edging out Jorja Smith, Kojo Funds, Stefflon Don, Yxng Bane, and others while “Best Song” went to J Hus for his chart-topping song titled “Did You See.”
NAN reports that MOBO Award show is held annually in the United Kingdom to recognise artists of any ethnicity or nationality performing black music.
See the full list of winners below:
Best Male Act: Stormzy
Best Female Act: Stefflon Don
Best Album: Stormzy – Gang Signs & Prayer
Best Newcomer: Dave
Best Song: J Hus – Did You See
Best Video: Mist – Hot Property
Best Hip-Hop Act: Giggs
Best Grime Act: Stormzy
Best R&B/Soul Act: Craig David
Best International Act: Wizkid
Best African Act: Davido
Best Reggae Act: Damian Marley
Best Jazz Act: Moses Boyd
Best Gospel Act: Volney Morgan and New-Ye
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
Simi, 2Baba, Wizkid, MI, Ycee, Orezi, Tiwa Savage and other African singers have emerged winners at the 2017 edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) held Sunday night at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos
Nigerian act Wizkid, led the winning pack, carting three awards – Song of the Year, Artist of the Year and Best West African Act (Male) – at the event hosted by international star Akon and Sophy Aiida.
Meanwhile some of the winners have already taken to their social media platforms to show appreciation.
This is a big moment for me – Orezi
Orezi, who won ‘Video of the Year’ posted, “This is such a big moment for me, “COOKING POT” BEST VIDEO OF THE YEAR AFRIMA 2017, this just goes to show that God is God, this goes to show that hard work pays, me and my team put in a lot of work in this project from making the audio, album art to making the video.
“Shout out to the producer of the song @tymg_ you are such a talent brother, shout out to @adasacookey for this video, the funny thing is the moment Adasa submitted the final copy of this video to me I knew we were gonna win a lot of awards with this video, so much attention to details, from the cinematography to the dance, choreography @awanjo, costuming, shots, my performance, everything GehnGehn Like James Bond.
“This award is for everyone who have never stopped believing in me I can and will never take you guys for granted, God bless all my fans, my family and my friends”.
I am glad I didn’t settle for less-Simi
Going home with ‘African Songwriter of the Year’, the singer who said her award is a special one, while dedicating the award to Osacar Ackrah appreciate him for not making her settle for less stated, “Dedicated to @oscarackah for never letting me settle as a writer. Luv u man! This category is very special, and I so excited”.
A job well done is always rewarded-Locko (Central Africa)
Cameroun artiste, Charles Arthur Locko Samba, known as Locko, who won ‘Best Central African Act (Male)’, says the award was a proof of a job well done.
“I don’t know how to thank you for having massively voted for me, proof that a job well done is always rewarded. Thanks to those supporting me since the beginning and @mrleo237 because it is also his victory”.
We need more- Eddy Kenzo (East Africa)
Eddy Kenzo, Platinum record seller, who is also BET award winner and Airtel brand ambassador from Uganda, dedicated his award to his country, urging his colleagues to work harder for more.
“Hello my fans and Africa at large, from the bottom of my heart I want to thank you so much for being part of this greatest success. I have had sleepless nights hustling tirelessly to make sure we go an extra mile every time. Winning ‘Best Male East Africa and ‘Best Album at the Afrima, shows how great our God is and how He works in ways we cannot see.
“This is not for me alone but for mother Uganda, East Africa and Africa generally. To all my fellow East African artists, let’s work so hard to get more of these for our continent. Stick to your gun, keep your heads up, look up to God who is the giver of everything am sure you can do far better than me. Thank you Afrima, thank you my lovely fans for making a historical impact for East Africa may God bless you so much thank you”.
Alikiba
“Thank you Africa! You made it possible to win two awards @afrimawards”.
The Federal Government( FG ) says it will provide the needed facilities for the entertainment industry to thrive in the country.
Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said this in an interview on the sideline of the 4th All African Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2017 in Lagos.
He said that the administration of President Mohammadu Buhari, would continue to support the entertainment industry by providing infrastructural facilities.
On the significance of the AFRIMA to Nigeria’s economy and entertainment industry, Mohammed said that in order to encourage the entertainment industry, government would partner with private investors to invest more in the entertainment facilities.
“The entertainment industry is overwhelming in the world right now and in Nigeria we need to do more in providing right atmosphere which is infrastructural facilities for the industry.
“We are not just talking about power sector or water, we are talking about entertainment. We need to be on purpose, build halls that will encourage our artists and musicians.
“We are talking about domestic tourism, domestic market where we can really expose our artists, so this will not only be about government but also private sector to provide the infrastructure.
“On the part of government, we will encourage more private sector and philanthropists all over the world because it is not something we leave to government alone,’’ he said.
Mohammed said that hosting of event such as AFRIMA was another way of generating income for the government because of the tourism factor which could bring more earnings.
“Nigeria is having this event now, AFRIMA 2017, and we are talking about bringing another way of improving our economy through other income.
“We must not forget that Nigeria hosted same award last year and we have to make another positive request for this year so that it can remain in Nigeria.
“We thank the African Union (AU) for this opportunity for accepting Nigeria to host it again this year. We are also grateful to Lagos State government for the support of this award.
“The positive thing about the award is that we have been able to move the music industry from the back corner to the front burner,’’ he said.
Mohammed said that the concentration would not be placed only on agriculture or oil and gas, but also on creative industry as a means of diversifying the economy.
“This means when we are talking about economy, we are not just talking about agriculture, solid mineral or construction but actually more in the creative industry.
“Nigeria already has a very high advantage, and we can see that recently with the awards Nigerian are getting in the industry and most recent of the Wizkid award in U.K.
“This shows the kind of influence we can have in the creative industry which can be positive to our economy,’’ he said.
The minister was the Special Guest of Honour at the Awards Ceremony.
The annual All Africa Music Awards ( AFRIMA ) which Nigeria has hosted since its inception in 2014, is helping to transform the nation’s creative Industry to creative economy.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said at the 2017 Awards night held on Sunday in Lagos.
Mohammed who was the guest of honour at the event said that securing the hosting right for the Pan Africa Music Awards initiative had been beneficial to the nation’s creative industry.
“This Administration has identified the creative industry that is music, films theatre and fashion as a major avenue to diversify our economy.
“What we have seeing tonight is not just entertainment but how the creative industry is transforming into creative economy.
“You can see the huge economic potential that can come out of this endeavour.
“We have the entire world, not just the Africa here today, and more importantly is that it is being beam live all over the world.
“You can see what the government is doing to ensure the creative industry becomes creative economy,’’ he said.
The minister said that as parts of incentives to encourage investment in the sector, the creative industry enjoys pioneer status which allows investors to get a tax holiday.
He assured the Federal Government commitment to creating the enabling environment for the industry to thrive.
Mohammed said that AFRIMA annually provided the platform for talented African musicians to showcase their potentials and be given awards and incentives to encourage them to do better.
He said the Awards should be sustained to propel musicians to take African music to the next level.
AFRIMA which enjoys the partnership and support of the African Union ( AU ) was birth to inspire generations and celebrate African music.
The Awards is designed to promote the distinct rich African music worldwide, by propelling African music to glorious pinnacles beyond the borders of the continent.
Nigeria won the rights above 13 other countries to host the biggest music event in Africa for three consecutive years from 2014 to 2016.
Following its successful hosting of the 2014-2016 editions the AU, again, awarded the hosting right for the Pan African Music Initiative, to Nigeria for another three years (2017-2019).
The 2017 edition held last night was anchored by Damala Badara better known as Akon, an American-born Senegalese singer, songwriter, businessman, record producer and actor.
The event which witnessed host of African stars saw Nigerian acts – Wizkid, Simi, M.I, Tiwa Savage, Ycee, Orezi, 2Baba- all got awards
Of special note was Wiz Kid who took home three major Awards of the night – Song of the Year, Artist of the Year & Best West African Act ( Male )
Africa Music Legend Awards won by Salif Keita, Afro-pop singer and songwriter from Mali was presented by the Minister.
While performing her hit track, ‘YOLO YOLO’, at AFRIMA 2017 on Sunday, Nigerian singer Seyi Shay fell on stage.
Dancing barefooted on the stage set up at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre, Lagos, Seyi, dressed in a black pants and jacket in a light material and a cape, slipped as she moved on the stage.
Though, she deftly stood up and calmly continued her performance which was backed up by four dancers. Seyi would however, say ‘the devil is a liar’ as she completed her performance.
Seyi Shay, whose fall as gone viral was described by many as showing professiinalism, by her quick composure after the accident.
She was among the first set of performers on the night.
Wizkid and Tiwa Savage who were announced as Best Male Artiste Western Africa and Best Female Artiste Western Africa respectively were, as at the time of this report, conspicuously absent at the event.
The show is broadcast live on Dstv and Gotv channels.
Nigerian music Arch-rivals, Wizkid and Davido, may have yet another face-off as nominees at the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2017 scheduled for Nov. 12 in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Wizkid and Davido, two of Africa’s most popular music stars, are up for the Best Male category award in West Africa.
Femi Morgan, the organiser’s spokesperson, said in a statement in Lagos that the event which is to reward the best of African artistes, has led to a massive voting campaigns by nominated artistes.
He said that the artistes would be relying on the love from music lovers to win the 23.9 Carat plaited gold AFRIMA trophy.
Morgan listed other Nigerian music divas on the list to include Aramide, Seyi Shay, Tiwa Savage, and Yemi Alade who will be contending with Ghanaian pop-star, Becca, Malian Grammy Award winner, Oumo Sangare and Senegalese Pop-singer.
Also, Viviane Chidid, to prove which star has the most dynamic voice to win the gold trophy for best Female Act.
According to Morgan, the nominated artistes are pulling up their sleeves to slug it out with their regional and continental music contemporaries and legends at the event.
“Southern African female nominees have some scores to settle at the 2017 AFRIMA Awards.
“Amanda Black and Babes Woduno started a fresh beef at the
South Africa Music Awards23, when Amanda Black beat Babes Woduno to SA’s Best Female Artiste of the Year awards 2017.”
“She might get her rep back if she sweeps all contestants to win the Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa at AFRIMA 2017. Old rivalries in SA might rear its head at the Awards as AKA gets nominated in the same category as Nasty C and Emtee,” Morgan said.
Morgan said, “other stars battling for recognition and rep are SA Jah Prayzah, Legend Jazzist, Hugh Masekela, and Nduduzo Makhatini.
“The Cameroonians divas claim to run the show in the Central Africa region, as five nominated music divas bring to battle their different musical styles to win the 23.9 carat gold award.
“The Gabonese Popstar, Bussine and the Angolan pop queen, Nsoki is in the game to burst their bubble and win the award for their home countries.
“Meanwhile the King of Central Africa will emerge when Angola’s star RnB Sensation, Anselmo Ralph and Hip Hop star, Big Nelo while charges against DRC Makossa star, Fally Ipupa and RnB International Ke Black and Pop Star, Maitre Gims and the Cameroonians Pop artistes, Jovi and romantic RnB singer, Mr Locko.
“Four Tanzanian divas are gunning for the awards for the Eastern region; they include Vanessa Mdee, who won the 2014 AFRIMA awards in the same Best Female Artiste in Eastern Africa category.”
“She is pitched against Tanzanian love singers Feza, Lady Jaydee, and Nandy.
Uganda’s Juliana Kanyomozi is a music big fish who will clash Kenya’s Victoria Kimani despite her West African and East African base,” he said.
He also said that stars performing at the event include Cote D’ivoire’s DJ Arafat, Guinea’s MHD, Nigeria’s Mr Eazi, Runtown, Teckno and YCEE.
AFRIMA is a world-class event that holds annually with live performances from star-studded artistes and television broadcast to 84 countries around the world.
Over 700 African superstars as confirmed by the African Union Commission, AUC and the International Committee of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) will be attending the main events of AFRIMA 2017 scheduled to hold in November.
The event will feature the AFRIMA Music Village, where over 40 music artistes will be performing live.
Other activities are The Africa Music Business Roundtable, AMBR, (November 10), and the Main Awards Ceremony (November 12) at 4PM at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Orgainsers say that music executives and music business brands will engage, brainstorm and network at the Africa Music Roundtable. The Africa Music Roundtable with the theme, ‘Digital Takeover, Shaping the Future of African Music’, will bring together top international music brands, label executives and music artistes to chart a continental strategy for the African music in the digital age.
The annual AFRIMA Awards is in partnership with the African Union to foster economic development and integration on the continent while showcasing the cultural heritage of Africa to the rest of the world. The awards platform achieves this by celebrating and rewarding old and young music talents of African origin. Lagos State is the official host city of AFRIMA 2017 as appointed by the African Union after hosting a successful 2016 edition.
Salif Keita, Fally Ipupa, Femi Kuti, Wizkid, Young Paris, Diamond Platnumz, Sheyi Shay, Bussine, Bebe Cool, 2Baba, Vanessa Mdee, Nasty C, Sarkodie, Fnaire, Eddy Kenzo, Ibitssam Tiskat, Emtee and over 700 African Superstars to Converge in Lagos for AFRIMA 2017
Among the stars expected to grace the event are Salif Keita (Mali), Fally Ipupa (DRC), Femi Kuti (Nigeria), Wizkid (Nigeria), Young Paris (DRC), Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania), Sheyi Shey (Nigeria), Bussine (Gabon), Bebe Cool (Uganda), 2Baba (Nigeria), Venessa Mdee (Tanzania), Sheyi Shay (Nigeria), Nasty C (South Africa), Sarkodie (Ghana), Fnaire (Morroco), Eddy Kenzo (Uganda), Ibitssam Tiskat (Morocco), Emtee (South Africa).
