Evergreens That Will Signpost
Out-gone 2014 Showbiz Scene
Uzo Chikere
The 2014 that has just exited will always be remembered in history as an eventful year as regards entertainment and other related national issues. But looking at the showbiz atmosphere, a lot happened that will for long remain in the memories many a follower of the industry.
Some lost in the game of love, while others gained. Yet there are those who made bold strides in their projects just as there are some who rode the waves making things happen. In events area, the scene was also lively with concerts and award ceremonies propping up celebrities as exceptional in the industry.
About the last event with so much aplomb was the All Africa Music Awards AFRIMA which attracted to Lagos many stars from across Africa in one night and under one roof. In fact, it brought together the best talents from the five regions of the continent to the 2014 main award ceremony held on Saturday, December 27, at the Grand Ballroom, Oriental Hotel, Lagos Nigeria.
Starting from the red carpet to the stage embellishments, Africa’s enduring cultural heritage and creativity were on display at the highly-anticipated awards ceremony that also welcomed guests which included African Union Commission, AUC, officials, government officials from ministries of culture, ministries of trade and industry and captains of industry across Africa.
The ceremony, produced by PRM Africa, a Lagos-based PR, Brand Communication and Event Production Agency, was conceptualised around African cultural themes ranging from the rich Egyptian heritage of the Pharaoh era to the earthy depth of the artistically intricate Benin Kingdom, the folklore and oratory skills of the West Africans and the fierce power of the Zulu Kingdom.
AFRIMA 2014 opened with a dramatic appearance on stage of the 11 feet high ‘Adagbe’ drum; arguably the world’s tallest drum -rhythmically beaten by drummers on stilts while fire breathers brought a fiery glow to the performance. The capacity audience was further awed by the presence of veteran Nigerian culturist and actor, Pa Peter Fatomilola who emerged on stage to chant a litany of prayers and proverbs in Yoruba language.
The event’s 14 ushers wore the Benin queen and Egyptian queen attires –seven apiece, while the 16-man strong security team wore the traditional regalia of Zulu warriors of South Africa to man the event venue and the red carpet area where guests were treated to assorted drinks, finger foods, photo shoots and interview sessions.
The costumes donned by the awards’ hosts, globally renowned African music star, 2Baba Idibia and Togo’s bilingual radio and TV personality, Marisse Akotie, remained true to the cultural concept of AFRIMA 2014. The event’s first music performance by 2Baba saw him wear the royal outfit of a Pharaoh -a ruler in ancient Egypt- to perform his hit single Odi Ya to backing choreography by 54 children representing the 54 countries on the African continent. Marisse, complemented 2Baba in her Egyptian queen outfit as she joined her co-host on stage after his performance for the formal opening of the night’s event.
Other sizzling performances came from top African performing artistes such as Dear Zim from Zimbabwe; Wiyaala from Ghana; Radio and Weasel from Uganda; Bez, TemiDollface, Niyola, Timi Dakolo, Oritsefemi, Davido all from Nigeria among others.
Nigeria artistes also took home the highest number of trophies, 13 in total, with O.B.O crooner, Davido, carting away four of the coveted 29.3 carat gold-plated AFRIMA trophies. 2Baba won the Best African R’n’B & Soul category endorsed by Channel O, while Afrobeat creator, late Fela Anikulapo Kuti received the AFRIMA Legend Award. The legend award was presented by the Head of Culture Division, Social Affairs Department, African Union Commission, Mrs. Angela Martins (who also represented the AUC Chairperson at the awards ceremony) and received on Fela’s behalf by his first daughter, Yeni Kuti. Some presenters of awards for night include Rikki Stein, international adviser of AFRIMA (UK), Kenny Ogungbe (Nigeria), Delani Makhalima (Zimbabwe), Peter Mscheu (Tanzania), OJB Jezreel (Nigeria), Tee Mac (Nigeria), Ahmed Soultan (Morocco), Steve Ayorinde (Nigeria), Davina Green (Zimbabwe), Richmir Totah (Republic du Benin) among others.
Reacting to the awards won by his artiste, Jonathan Sherren has this to say about AFRIMA, “Wiyaala really appreciates this award, we are proud of her and this is a challenge for her to do more and we promise she will live up to it. AFRIMA was bigger than we expected, we will definitely promote AFRIMA in Ghana”. Wiyaala is from Ghana and she won the Revelation of the African Continent and Most Promising Artiste in Africa award.
‘’It was an excellent night. We had fun all the way. Every scene or performance was fabulous. While there is room for improvement, I still find it difficult to believe that this beautiful show happened in Africa. It was awesome! I will definitely make the AFRIMA 2015 with my family and friends”, enthused Emmanuel Satuyi who came from United States of America to see the AFRIMA 2014 in Lagos,Nigeria.
AFRIMA, in partnership with the African Union Commission, is a platform to reward the creative excellence of African talents and provide a platform to showcase the culture of Africa globally. The 2014 awards ceremony was supported by ONE.org, Africa 2.0, Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation. Corporate sponsors are Kenya Airways, Procter and Gamble, Peugeot and Diamond Bank.
Reacting to the awards won by his artiste, Jonathan Sherren has this to say about AFRIMA, “Wiyaala really appreciates this award, we are proud of her and this is a challenge for her to do more and we promise she will live up to it. AFRIMA was bigger than we expected, we will definitely promote AFRIMA in Ghana”. Wiyaala is from Ghana and she won the Revelation of the African Continent and Most Promising Artiste in Africa.
In the area of weddings, some took place that will for long remain in the minds of showbiz adherents. Among them are, Paul Okoye of Psqaure, who got married to his heartthrob, Anita in Port Harcourt, Marvin artiste, Dr. Sid who also got married to his barrister wife, Simi Osomo in Lagos. President Goodluck Jonathan’s daughter, faith also had her big wedding in Abuja while singer Tiwa Savage’s big wedding held in Dubai.
Many industry stakeholders were also blessed with the fruit of the womb, including those who had been waiting on the Lord for a couple of years.
Following nine years of waiting and trusting, ex-Kush member, Toyin Bello aka TY Bello heralded a set of twins on Saturday, October 11, 2014, in the United States of America.
Also, P-square’s manager, Jude and wife, Ify Okoye also became parents last year.
Actress Shola Kosoko Abina also welcomed her baby this year, after waiting for over three years. The Idibias, 2-face and Annie, also ushered in their second child (a girl) Olivia on January 3, 2014, at Atlanta Georgia, USA.
The likes of Mercy Johnson, Damilola Adegbite, comedienne Helen Paul, actresses Uche Ogbodo, Dakore Akande, Olaide Bakare, ex Delta Queen, Sandra Okagbue all became new mums.
There were also some major deaths the year under review. Among them was film maker, Amaka Igwe, whose demise on Monday, April 28, 2014, shook Nollywood and the entertainment industry. She died of Asthma attack in Enugu at 51. She was buried on Friday, June 13, 2014, in Ndiuche, Arondizuogu, Imo State.
Branama queen, Irikefe Don Momoh alias Kefee also gave up the ghost on Friday, June 13, 2014, at Desert Springs Hospital, Las Vegas, USA. She reportedly collapsed on a flight to Chicago in the United States of America on May 28, 2014, forcing the plane to make an emergency landing.
She was rushed into the intensive care unit of Desert Springs Hospital, where she was in coma for 15 days before she eventually died.
Broadcaster, Chaz B whose real names are Charles Bruce Chukwuma died on Saturday, November 22, 2014. He was known for his programme: Sharing Life Issues with Chaz B Monday through Friday at 5.30 to 7.00 p.m on Rhythm 93.7 FM. He died as a result of renal failure.
Actor Clem Onyeka’s life was tragically put out as a result of a stray bullet in a fierce gun battle between officers of the law and armed robbers on Tuesday, October 14, 2014. They were robbing a bullion van in Asaba, Delta State. His death came as a rude shock to the movie industry. He was survived by his wife and three boys.
Taiwo Oshadipe, one of the popular Oshadipe Twins died at 6.30 a.m on Friday, October 3, 2014. She was buried at Victoria Court Vaults, Lekki Epe Expressway, Lagos, without fanfare. She left behind a baby boy, Obama whom she had in July 2013 for a man whose identity is still shrouded in secrecy.
On a resplendent note,Paris-based soul singer, Asa was able to show she wasn’t just a music icon but also a style star to watch at last year’s The Future Awards Africa 2014 ceremony, spotting a gorgeous, exquisitely beaded cape dress from Iconic Invanity’s S/S 2015 Collection which debuted just about five weeks before the event.
The headline act of the night, she performed from her album, ‘Bed of Stone’ for the first time at the awards ceremony, starting with an old favourite, ‘Jailer’ from her previous album; setting the tone for what was to come. She then moved seamlessly into ‘Eyo’, a song based on the melody about the famous masquerade festival in Lagos which got the audience going, most familiar with the tunes of the song.
She ended her set with a crowd favourite from the album, ‘Satan Be Gone’ which provoked rapturous applause before she got into her performance proper.
Uzo Chikere
The 2014 that has just exited will always be remembered in history as an eventful year as regards entertainment and other related national issues. But looking at the showbiz atmosphere, a lot happened that will for long remain in the memories many a follower of the industry.
Some lost in the game of love, while others gained. Yet there are those who made bold strides in their projects just as there are some who rode the waves making things happen. In events area, the scene was also lively with concerts and award ceremonies propping up celebrities as exceptional in the industry.
About the last event with so much aplomb was the All Africa Music Awards AFRIMA which attracted to Lagos many stars from across Africa in one night and under one roof. In fact, it brought together the best talents from the five regions of the continent to the 2014 main award ceremony held on Saturday, December 27, at the Grand Ballroom, Oriental Hotel, Lagos Nigeria.
Starting from the red carpet to the stage embellishments, Africa’s enduring cultural heritage and creativity were on display at the highly-anticipated awards ceremony that also welcomed guests which included African Union Commission, AUC, officials, government officials from ministries of culture, ministries of trade and industry and captains of industry across Africa.
The ceremony, produced by PRM Africa, a Lagos-based PR, Brand Communication and Event Production Agency, was conceptualised around African cultural themes ranging from the rich Egyptian heritage of the Pharaoh era to the earthy depth of the artistically intricate Benin Kingdom, the folklore and oratory skills of the West Africans and the fierce power of the Zulu Kingdom.
AFRIMA 2014 opened with a dramatic appearance on stage of the 11 feet high ‘Adagbe’ drum; arguably the world’s tallest drum -rhythmically beaten by drummers on stilts while fire breathers brought a fiery glow to the performance. The capacity audience was further awed by the presence of veteran Nigerian culturist and actor, Pa Peter Fatomilola who emerged on stage to chant a litany of prayers and proverbs in Yoruba language.
The event’s 14 ushers wore the Benin queen and Egyptian queen attires –seven apiece, while the 16-man strong security team wore the traditional regalia of Zulu warriors of South Africa to man the event venue and the red carpet area where guests were treated to assorted drinks, finger foods, photo shoots and interview sessions.
The costumes donned by the awards’ hosts, globally renowned African music star, 2Baba Idibia and Togo’s bilingual radio and TV personality, Marisse Akotie, remained true to the cultural concept of AFRIMA 2014. The event’s first music performance by 2Baba saw him wear the royal outfit of a Pharaoh -a ruler in ancient Egypt- to perform his hit single Odi Ya to backing choreography by 54 children representing the 54 countries on the African continent. Marisse, complemented 2Baba in her Egyptian queen outfit as she joined her co-host on stage after his performance for the formal opening of the night’s event.
Other sizzling performances came from top African performing artistes such as Dear Zim from Zimbabwe; Wiyaala from Ghana; Radio and Weasel from Uganda; Bez, TemiDollface, Niyola, Timi Dakolo, Oritsefemi, Davido all from Nigeria among others.
Nigeria artistes also took home the highest number of trophies, 13 in total, with O.B.O crooner, Davido, carting away four of the coveted 29.3 carat gold-plated AFRIMA trophies. 2Baba won the Best African R’n’B & Soul category endorsed by Channel O, while Afrobeat creator, late Fela Anikulapo Kuti received the AFRIMA Legend Award. The legend award was presented by the Head of Culture Division, Social Affairs Department, African Union Commission, Mrs. Angela Martins (who also represented the AUC Chairperson at the awards ceremony) and received on Fela’s behalf by his first daughter, Yeni Kuti. Some presenters of awards for night include Rikki Stein, international adviser of AFRIMA (UK), Kenny Ogungbe (Nigeria), Delani Makhalima (Zimbabwe), Peter Mscheu (Tanzania), OJB Jezreel (Nigeria), Tee Mac (Nigeria), Ahmed Soultan (Morocco), Steve Ayorinde (Nigeria), Davina Green (Zimbabwe), Richmir Totah (Republic du Benin) among others.
Reacting to the awards won by his artiste, Jonathan Sherren has this to say about AFRIMA, “Wiyaala really appreciates this award, we are proud of her and this is a challenge for her to do more and we promise she will live up to it. AFRIMA was bigger than we expected, we will definitely promote AFRIMA in Ghana”. Wiyaala is from Ghana and she won the Revelation of the African Continent and Most Promising Artiste in Africa award.
‘’It was an excellent night. We had fun all the way. Every scene or performance was fabulous. While there is room for improvement, I still find it difficult to believe that this beautiful show happened in Africa. It was awesome! I will definitely make the AFRIMA 2015 with my family and friends”, enthused Emmanuel Satuyi who came from United States of America to see the AFRIMA 2014 in Lagos,Nigeria.
AFRIMA, in partnership with the African Union Commission, is a platform to reward the creative excellence of African talents and provide a platform to showcase the culture of Africa globally. The 2014 awards ceremony was supported by ONE.org, Africa 2.0, Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation. Corporate sponsors are Kenya Airways, Procter and Gamble, Peugeot and Diamond Bank.
Reacting to the awards won by his artiste, Jonathan Sherren has this to say about AFRIMA, “Wiyaala really appreciates this award, we are proud of her and this is a challenge for her to do more and we promise she will live up to it. AFRIMA was bigger than we expected, we will definitely promote AFRIMA in Ghana”. Wiyaala is from Ghana and she won the Revelation of the African Continent and Most Promising Artiste in Africa.
In the area of weddings, some took place that will for long remain in the minds of showbiz adherents. Among them are, Paul Okoye of Psqaure, who got married to his heartthrob, Anita in Port Harcourt, Marvin artiste, Dr. Sid who also got married to his barrister wife, Simi Osomo in Lagos. President Goodluck Jonathan’s daughter, faith also had her big wedding in Abuja while singer Tiwa Savage’s big wedding held in Dubai.
Many industry stakeholders were also blessed with the fruit of the womb, including those who had been waiting on the Lord for a couple of years.
Following nine years of waiting and trusting, ex-Kush member, Toyin Bello aka TY Bello heralded a set of twins on Saturday, October 11, 2014, in the United States of America.
Also, P-square’s manager, Jude and wife, Ify Okoye also became parents last year.
Actress Shola Kosoko Abina also welcomed her baby this year, after waiting for over three years. The Idibias, 2-face and Annie, also ushered in their second child (a girl) Olivia on January 3, 2014, at Atlanta Georgia, USA.
The likes of Mercy Johnson, Damilola Adegbite, comedienne Helen Paul, actresses Uche Ogbodo, Dakore Akande, Olaide Bakare, ex Delta Queen, Sandra Okagbue all became new mums.
There were also some major deaths the year under review. Among them was film maker, Amaka Igwe, whose demise on Monday, April 28, 2014, shook Nollywood and the entertainment industry. She died of Asthma attack in Enugu at 51. She was buried on Friday, June 13, 2014, in Ndiuche, Arondizuogu, Imo State.
Branama queen, Irikefe Don Momoh alias Kefee also gave up the ghost on Friday, June 13, 2014, at Desert Springs Hospital, Las Vegas, USA. She reportedly collapsed on a flight to Chicago in the United States of America on May 28, 2014, forcing the plane to make an emergency landing.
She was rushed into the intensive care unit of Desert Springs Hospital, where she was in coma for 15 days before she eventually died.
Broadcaster, Chaz B whose real names are Charles Bruce Chukwuma died on Saturday, November 22, 2014. He was known for his programme: Sharing Life Issues with Chaz B Monday through Friday at 5.30 to 7.00 p.m on Rhythm 93.7 FM. He died as a result of renal failure.
Actor Clem Onyeka’s life was tragically put out as a result of a stray bullet in a fierce gun battle between officers of the law and armed robbers on Tuesday, October 14, 2014. They were robbing a bullion van in Asaba, Delta State. His death came as a rude shock to the movie industry. He was survived by his wife and three boys.
Taiwo Oshadipe, one of the popular Oshadipe Twins died at 6.30 a.m on Friday, October 3, 2014. She was buried at Victoria Court Vaults, Lekki Epe Expressway, Lagos, without fanfare. She left behind a baby boy, Obama whom she had in July 2013 for a man whose identity is still shrouded in secrecy.
On a resplendent note,Paris-based soul singer, Asa was able to show she wasn’t just a music icon but also a style star to watch at last year’s The Future Awards Africa 2014 ceremony, spotting a gorgeous, exquisitely beaded cape dress from Iconic Invanity’s S/S 2015 Collection which debuted just about five weeks before the event.
The headline act of the night, she performed from her album, ‘Bed of Stone’ for the first time at the awards ceremony, starting with an old favourite, ‘Jailer’ from her previous album; setting the tone for what was to come. She then moved seamlessly into ‘Eyo’, a song based on the melody about the famous masquerade festival in Lagos which got the audience going, most familiar with the tunes of the song.
She ended her set with a crowd favourite from the album, ‘Satan Be Gone’ which provoked rapturous applause before she got into her performance proper.
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