Entertainment
Headies 2013: MTN Ambassadors Dominate Awards
The headies has for a
long time been described as Nigeria’s most prestigious awards ceremony, formerly known as Hip Hop world awards.
However, the year 2013 was a good year for Nigerians musicians, particularly those with brand ambassador deals, international collabos, sell outs and awards both local and international. There exploits have not only given them their international recognition but stupendous wealth.
Communication giant MTN proved itself as the best entertainment brand in Nigeria as the company stole the show at the Headies awards held at the Eko Hotels recently.
Davido, Iyanya, harrisong, praize and Kcee won awards in several categories making MTN the brand with the highest awards at the Nigeria’s reputed musical awards.
Davido carted home with two awards for best RnB/Pop album and hip hop world revelation both as a result of the success of his album titled OBO. Davido who burst scene in 2012 was a commercial success in 2013 with over whelming record sales and down loads on MTN caller Tunez. Harrison won the most down loaded caller tunez award for his tribute song to late Nelson Mandela, had over a million down loads within 48 hours of release on MTN caller Tunez platform.
This is to confirm the brand’s commitment to assisting artistes in maximizing their gains and curbing piracy by providing a viable electronic distribution channel for original works. It was reported that in recognition of the artistes ingenuity stars like Femi Kuti, will be performing at the grammies awards courtesy of MTN.
Also MTN project fame graduates, Iyanyanya and praises were awarded Artiste of the year and best vocal performance respectively Kcee, another MTN Ambassador won the award for the song of the year, the song; Lam popo was the title song of the year 2013 which became a national anthem of sort amongst the Nigerian Youths.
With the foregoing it is clear that the headies awards did justice to MTN’s contributors to the Nigerians Entertainment industry in 2013. Considering the rate of concerts, shows and the depth of passion connected to these activities, the brand’s activities, the recognition could not have come at a beter time than this. For instance MTN lond in Naiga which was held across the major geo political zones of Nigeria succeeded in entertaining not less than 5 million Nigerians in Lagos , Ibadan, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ilorin and Owerri where the brand ambassadors featured.
It is said that the achievement recorded by the company is more of a tip off the iceberge considering what the companies are planning to do this year.
However, the year 2013 Edition of the Headies has received more knocks than kudos more than ever before. The event which held at the oriental hotels Lagos and beamed live on national and local television stations had more than its fair share of flops.
Traditionally to hold annually on May , last year’s Edition was held in December, the change of date did not go well with many.
The combination of Dr. Sid and Tiwa Savage as compares was another disaster as their delivery was stilted several times during the show and it was obvious that quests were bored stiff. All these were compounded by the many technical hitches ranging from loss of audio out put to nominees names not showing on the scream, even at the event, presenters missed their way of the stage.
Worrisome and suspicious is the fact that the winners came in through the back stage an indication that they have already known the result before it was announced.
Virtually every section of the awards came under criticism on twitter and blogoshere but the event has been held, losers and winners have emerged and MTN rules the wards.
Entertainment
My Relationship With Davido Beyond Money, Gossip -Cubana Chief Priest
Popular businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest, has said that his relationship with singer Davido is beyond money and gossip.
He stated this in a recent interview with BBC Igbo.
“Davido is my friend. He is my in-law; he married Chioma who is from Imo State where I hail from.
“So the relationship I have with Davido is beyond money and gossip,” he said.
DAILY POST reports that Chief Priest disclosed via his Instagram page that his outfit for the wedding of the singer, Davido and his wife, Chioma, in Lagos on Tuesday cost seven million Naira.
The socialite recently appreciated Davido for not “discarding” Chioma.
He stated that the DMW boss has made Imo State proud by choosing to marry from the state.
Entertainment
Simi Joins Kenya’s Anti-Tax Protests
Nigerian singer Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has lent her voice to the ongoing anti-tax hike protests in Kenya.
The Tide’s source reports that Kenyan youths are marching against tax hike in widespread demonstrations tagged ‘RejectFinanceBill2024.’
Five people were shot dead and dozens wounded after police clashed with protesters who stormed the parliament building in Nairobi on Tuesday, according to Amnesty Kenya.
Reacting via her X handle on Tuesday night, Simi declared her support for the demonstrators.
She stated that “it is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights.”
The singer wrote, “I stand with the people of Kenya. It is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights. Godspeed and Strength. [Hash tag] RejectFinanceBill2024.”
In a series of other posts, she wrote: “Wow. When you’ve had enough, the fight is almost inevitable.
“African leaders- have not you done enough?
“I can’t wait for the day Africa is not a weapon fashioned against Africans. All of this amazing Black power and human resource, but the majority are not likely to thrive unless they run.”
Entertainment
Davido, Zlatan, Others In Attendance At Asake’s Atlanta Concert
Famous Nigerian Afrobeat singer, Davido was spotted among other top artistes at Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour concert in Atlanta, Georgia.
Asake’s performance at his sold-out show at the 17,000-capacity State Farm Arena in Atlanta began on August 16, 2024, and is set to run for 10 days.
In a trending video on social media, Davido appeared backstage with American rapper Quavo to support Asake during the live performance.
Other musicians in attendance included Nigerian hitmaker Zlatan and American rapper Russ Millions.
The Tide’s source reports that Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour is set to cover six U.S. cities, where he will headline notable venues including Madison Square Garden in New York, the Toyota Center in Houston, and the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Asake’s tour comes just days after the release of his latest hit, ‘Lungu Boy,’ which features several superstars, including Wizkid, British rappers Central Cee and Stormzy, Travis Scott and Brazilian singer Ludmilla.
‘Lungu Boy’ set a new record for the biggest opening week on Spotify Nigeria, garnering 18.9 million streams in its opening week and breaking the previous record of 14.4 million streams held by Davido’s ‘Timeless.’