Dec 30, 2009
BEYOND the customary New Year jam of the early part of the year, the year was not quick in coming alive in the entertainment industry. Activities did not really begin in full-swing in the Nigerian music
industry, but before anyone could note, the commencement of the season a flurry of new works from both established and up-and-coming acts hit the scene.
Top international music events of the year that affected Nigeria comprise the winning of the Britain-based reputable award, Music Of Black Origin (MOBO) by Germany-based Nigerian musician Nneka. Singer Asa also got a similar honour in Paris, France while the year’s ending was marked by the nomination of Nigerian afrobeat music exponent, Femi Kuti for the Grammy Awards 2010. These, as well as a plethora of local and continental platforms where the country’s musicians and music excelled made the scene interesting.
But it still progressed gradually before a momentum picked up towards the middle of the year.
Just as followers of Nigerian music were anticipating what the year has to offer, organisers of The Future Awards, which recognises enterprising young Nigerians, on January 18 at the Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos named Abolore Adegbola Akande (aka 9ice) as the Musician of the Year, while his fellow singer Dapo Oyebanji (aka D’Banj) was decorated with the Young Person of the Year award.
February 20, witnessed a musical concert put together by the United States Mission, Nigeria in collaboration with Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja. It was a night of musical rebirth where two star acts and veteran of both the Nigerian and American music scene, the Grammy Award-winning artiste, Chris Thomas King and the respected Nigerian lady of songs, Onyeka Onwenu treated guests to an outstanding selection of matured lyrics and penetrating rhythm. for more click here