On Sunday, August 6, 2017, first edition of the much anticipated City People Music Awards held in Lagos amid St. glitz and glamour. The Music Awards which was recently separated from the hitherto City People Entertainment Awards to unbundle the all encompassing entertainment sector that had held for about 8 years, proved to be a right step in a right direction. Considering the high turnout of guests, who stormed the event venue, 10 Degrees Events Centre, Plot A2, Billingsway, Oregun Industrial Estate, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos. The duo of popular rapper: Rugged Man and TVC presenter, Honey Pot, anchored the event as they engaged stakeholders and participants from the moment they stepped into the hall till the end. City People’s SAHEED OJUBANIRE brings you the flow of the well-organised event.
THE HALL’S TWO SECTIONS
Obviously, as a way to manage the space in the hall and ensure it accomodated as many guests who came for the event as possible, there were two sections of sitting arrangement for guests. One section from the half of the hall towards the stage was arranged in banquet format and was reserved for artistes from different genres of music and some special guests, while the other half behind was arranged in rolls of chairs facing the stage. And the tables at the section that had them were covered in white; the chairs were either covered in golden yellow or black.
THE STAGE STANDS OUT
As it is done in any major awards event, the stage was on a platform high enough for everyone to see from any part of the hall where people were sitting despite that there were still big plasma television screens,hoisted at strategic points relaying activities on the stage to those who might just decide to watch from the screens. The stage, which had a beautiful background inscribed with graphic letterings: City People Music Awards 2017 with two projector screens to relay activities on the stage, flanking the background in the mid-part, carrying the inscription, coupled with the lighting beaming on the stage that portrayed the event in grand splendour which set the tone of the Awards night.
THE AMBIENCE WAS WELCOMING
As guests were stepping into the hall, the smiling beautiful ushers in knee length black gowns directing them to where to sit, as the courtesy of beckoning of the muscular, but well-trained bouncer bouyed guests confidence and feeling of being in a secured hall made the ambience a welcoming one to all, as guests took their seats to enjoy the evening at the event. And while DJ Drex was on hand to dish out assorted popular tunes by Nigerian artistes, a talented live music band, Platinum Blazer Band, was also on hand to serenade the audience with not only live but lively music.
POPULAR COMEDIAN, OMO JESU WAS GOOD
To set the event’s ball rolling, there was a session called pre-event, which was anchored by a popular comedian and an on air personality, Omo Jesu. The humour merchant, who looked debonair in his red blazer of white pants threw many rib-cracking banters at guests, pumping up the to joviality of the atmosphere before he started calling on stage a number of up-coming artistes to showcase their raw talents. The artistes he called included: Models, Double E, Biolly Kin, MC Goodness and Ereke, and they all gave a good account of themselves, while their performances lasted.
RUGGED MAN AND HONEY POT WOWED GUESTS
After the performances by the up- coming artistes, it was time for the main event to take off and the main hosts in the persons of Rugged Man, who looked dapper in his grayish blazer on black pants and Honey Pot, who cut a very stylish image in her very long frilled ensemble, stepped on stage to play host to the event. The two started off, throwing banters at each other before calling on the Publisher of City People magazine, Dr. Seye Kehinde, to give his welcome address.
THE PUBLISHER’S ADDRESS
In his trademark manner when called to perform such a duty of Welcome Address on stage, Dr. Seye Kehinde was very short but sharp in his remarks. He welcomed everybody to the event before quickly going into why the music part had been separated from the hitherto City People Entertainment Awards, which he said was to give room for more genres of music to compete for awards. He added that the movie part of the Entertainment Awards would also be holding soon. He promised the guests a fun-filled evening.
THE HOSTS RECOGNISE PERSONALITIES Present
After the publisher’s address, the hosts of the event came back on stage to identify and recognise some personalities on seats. They included: Femi Sowolu, Raskimono, Patrick Doyle, Street Billionaires, Pretty Okafor, Chief Tony Okoroji, Salawa Abeni, Art Quake, and some recently concluded Big Brother Naija ex-House mates, Gifty, Uriel and Bassey.
FIRST SET OF AWARDS PRESENTED BY BIODUN AND RADEKE KUPOLUYI
To present the first set of awards, media personality, Mr. Biodun Kupoluyi and his beautiful wife, Radeke, were invited on stage. And they presented Fuji Artiste of the Year Award, which was won by Sule Alao Malaika, who came had but left at that time, so the plaque was picked by one of his guys, who was in the hall, Life Time Achievement Award for Mr. Femi Sowolu was picked up by the winner and Queen Salawa Abeni picked her Life Time Achievement Award .
SALAWA ABENI PERFORMS WITH SON
Immediately after she picked her Life Time Achievement Award, Queen Salawa Abeni’s hip-hop artiste son, Big Shef, joined his mum on the stage and together they gave an exhilarating performance of her “Gentle Lady Ni Mi” song to the delight of the audience. It was one performance that charged up and raised the tempo of the atmosphere before the Kupoluyis returned on stage to continue presentation of awards.
BIG BROTHER NAIJA Ex-HOUSE MATES, COCO ICE, GIFTY, URIEL AND BASSEY GET AWARDS
Big Brother Naija ex-House mates, Coco Ice, Gifty, Uriel and Bassey who were in attendance were called on stage together to pick their Recognition Awards presented by Mr. Biodun Kupoluyi and his amiable wife. After the presentation and their responses, Coco Ice, who is an artiste, dropped some rap punch lines that thrilled the audience before they left the stage.
COMEDY AND
MUSIC INTERLUDE
After the presentation of the first set of awards MC Crazy Legs, came-up to crack exhilarating jokes centered on his physical challenge, which makes him to limp. And after him, a string of musical performances by Odyssey, We Flow and Teddy Momodu, Kaffy, the dancer’s husband who is now a singer himself that ended the session of performances, added colour to the evening.
Presentation
Of SECOND SET OF AWARDS
To present the second set of awards, Patrick Doyle and Hon. Hadijat Oladapo were invited on stage. They presented Special Recognition Award for the Best Long Standing Group/Duo, which was picked by Adex, Kenny Ogungbe, while Kennis Radio crew picked Lifetime Achievement Awards for its contribution to the growth of music industry. Ogungbe, however, remarked that Lifetime Achievement Award was his first ever. Special Recognition Award for Dotun Omotoye, Lifetime Achievement and Award for Chris Ubosi while the Most Outstanding Music Institution Award that went to COSON was picked by Mr. Chinedu Angors. Pillar of Music Award was given to Chief Tony Okoroji, which he personally picked amid retinue of COSON excos. Female On Air Personality of the Year Award was won by DJ Butter, Television Station with Best Music Content (Cable) won by AMC and Music Legend Awards went to Majek Fashek, who picked it before giving an exciting performance that rounded up the set of awards. Daniella, a female hip-hop artiste, performed immediately after him.
RUGGED MAN IN DIFFERENT OUTFITS
Coming back on stage, Rugged Man had changed into a casual grayish long sleeves top on a matching jeans trousers, while Honey Pot was still in the same dress as before. They both recognised Tiwa Savage and Small Doctor,who just stepped into the hall. They called on Junior Boy, who gave a good account of himself with his musical performance. And immediately after that a comedian, Barrow T. Blaze, was called to perform and he delivered his jokes very well. Rugged man recognised the presence of Felix Duke and Asha Gangali before the next set of awards.
PRINCESS TOYIN KOLADE AND OONI’S SISTERS, PRINCESSES FOLASHADE AND ADESOLA PRESENT 3RD SET OF AWARDS
The trio of Princess Toyin Kolade, Princess Folashade and Princess Adesola were invited on stage to present the third set of awards. And the awards they presented included: Female Artiste of the Year Award won by Tiwa Savage, who personally picked it and revealed that she got her first ever award from City People. The Juju Artiste of the Year Award was won by Mega 9’9, who picked it himself, Television Station with Best Music Content (Terrestrial) Award was won by TVC. Music Band of the Year Award was won by Sugar Band, Online Television with Best Music Content Award was won by Flip Tv, while the VJ Award of the Year was won by VJ Adams, who declared that it was the first award he would be picking personally. The Most Enterprising Artiste of the Year Award was won by Myro, Special Recognition Award for ten years in the industry went to MI Abaga. It was picked by a representative The Radio Station with Best Nigerian Music Content (Urban) Award was won by Classic F.M; Lifetime Achievement Award was won by Tajudeen Adepetu picked up for him by VJ Adams, Music Website of the Year Award won by Ace World; Online Radio with Best Music Content Awards was won by Radio Afriacana, Best Music Programme on TV Award was won by Entertainment Splash; DJ of the Year (Female)Award was won by DJ Lambo; Most Promising Act of the year Award was won by Dot Man, Best New Act of the Year Award went to Myro, Best Music Cover (Indigenous) Awards was won by Mayorkun (Tonight, a Nonso Amadi Cover), Radio Station with Best Nigerian Music Content (Indigenous) Award was won by Faaji F.M., Best Music Cover International Award was won by Terry Apala (Shape of You, Ed Sheeran Cover) and Islamic Artiste of the Year Award was won by Rukayat Gawat.
RUKAYAT GAWAT PERFORMS
She stormed the awards with her band men and gave an exhilarating performance on stage after receiving her award. She won the Islamic Artiste of the Year Award, Rukayat Gawat, . Her performance that evening gave credence that she merited the award as the best in her genre. And after her, Gospel/Juju star, Lanre Teriba, better known as Atorise capped up the performances of the day with his electrifying performance that later drew the curtain on the event.
ABOUT FINGER KING’S SUPPORTIVE ROLE
It is worthy to add that the grand master of the game, when it comes the business of serving small chops and cocktail at high-octane events, Finger King, supported the awards with complementary small chops. Guests could not resist the aroma of their finger-licking foods, which wafted and pervaded the whole space of the hall. And when they began to serve, the taste was completely irresistible. It was a proof that they are ahead of others in the business.
CHOCOLATE CITY TOO
Considering the fact that they are one of the largest record labels in Nigeria, the Chocolate City Family were present at the event as sultry singer, Ruby Gyang and the Street Billionaires came out to represent the label.
KEKE OGUNGBE AND THE KENNIS’ FAMILY
The entire Kennis Family had much fun during the event as they came out en-mass to celebrate, wine and dine. Among the crew, Kenny Ogungbe and his sister, Kenny Saint Brown were spotted. Also, Kennis FM Radio’s programme hosts, Funmi Jinadu and DJ Butter were also present.
TIWA SAVAGE WINS ARTISTE OF THE YEAR Award
In a stunning Bodak Yellow outfit, made by Funke Adepoju, Nigerian singer, Tiwa Savage turned heads at the City People Music Awards in Lagos. She also went home with the Female Artiste of The Year Award.
CLUB RUMOURS
Honoured
Nigeria’s leading night club shut down its operation in Ikeja to be live at the City People Music Awards last week. The club owner, Dotun Omotoye popularly known as Dotun Rumors was also honored at the event. Club Rumors members of staff were on ground with their branded T-Shirts and casket of drinks flowed all through the event.
penalty crooner, SMALL DOCTOR, wins Awards
Popular street act, Small Doctor, was present at the City People Music Awards. The singer, who didn’t stay long was, however, another winner for the night.
BUDDING ACT, MYRO, WINS BIG
Masterpiece Act, Myro, was one of the major winners of the night as he went home with 2 Awards out of 3 nominations. He won the Most Enterprising Act of the Year Award and the Best New Act of the year award.
HONEYPOT GOES FROM CO-HOST TO WINNER
Olayemi Ogunwole popularly known as Honey Pot bagged an award at the just concluded City People Music Awards as The Best Music Programme On Television. She was the Host of the event and she stood out alongside Ruggedman.
NINIOLA AND HER LOVELY APPEARANCE
Niniola Apata, stage name “Niniola”, has kept a steady pace in the industry since her emergence at the 2013 Project Fame Competition. Her signature dance moves and vocal range have set her apart from the average female singers out there. The beautiful singers was looking so hot at the event as she warmed up for her performance.
DJ LAMBO & MI GOT CELEBRATED
Sunday, the 6th of August, 2017 the annual prestigious City People Award held at 10 Degrees event center, Ikeja. The Night saw Chocolate City Music pick up two plaques. Firstly, for his contribution to the Music Industry, MI was presented with a “Lifetime Achievement Award” to mark his 10 years in the industry. Following shortly was DJ Lambo who came above her peers in the Best DJ Female category.
VJ ADAMS CAME THROUGH
SoundCity Television Video Jockey, VJ Adams came through to the event and he sure was looking sharp in his Black suit. The award winning VJ bagged the VJ Of the Year Award at the event and also stood in for Sound City Owner, Mr. Tajudeen Adepetu, who also got honoured at the event with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his remarkable contributions to the growth of the Music Industry.
BBNAIJA’S URIEL SLAYS AT CITY PEOPLE MUSIC AWARDS
The BB Naija housemates have been slaying left and right since they got out and Uriel looked hot at the event. The Singer and Payporte Ambassador posted several photos of herself on Instagram as she attended the City People Music Awards. As it turned out, she and fellow housemates, Bassey and Gifty were honoured for their contributions to entertainment. Uriel who is a wig maker and makeup artist happened to do her hair and makeup herself and we think she did okay.
AKIIN SHUGA AND HIS BAND WIN BIG
It was a double celebration for Shuga Band as they won the Band of The Year and their owner; Akiin Shuga also got honoured at the event for his remarkable contribution to the growth of the music industry over the past 19 Years.
DJ DREX AND DJ KENTALKY ON THE WHEEL OF STEEL
The event had two DJs thrill guests with good music as DJ Drex played during the Performance into the show while DJ Kentalky of Naija FM also scratched on the turn table.
ABOUT THE MINDBLOWING STAGE
Many guests commended the beautiful stage used for the event. It had a set design and a screen that showed what was going on around the hall. The set designer is Oyinloye Makinde of Ztanxe Limited ( a set designing company), while the media displayed and screens were provided by MSL 360 Ltd (multimedia screens). The stage was supplied by Mega 99 Organisation. They also supplied the instrument used for live performance. As for the Canmeras, AMC was visibly present.
PARTYNEED WOWED THEM
The decoration of the hall was simply mindblowing. It was done by one of the leading decoration companies in Nigeria right now called Partyneed. Alhaja was on point and her Manager Moses spent sleepless nights to actualise the lovely black and yellow decoration.
WHO CO-ORDINATED THE EVENT?
That the event went smoothly was due to the grace of God and the efforts of Wale Oluwaleimu, a guru in the entertainment business. For close to a month the ebony complexioned guy who has been in the entertainment sector for over a decade had worked behind close doors with the organisers to deliver a world class event. He runs Event & Entertainment Consult Ltd (Event Managers & Consultants).
ATORISE ENDED THE SHOW
Not many people know tha Gospel singer, Lanre Teriba popularly called ATORISE has stepped up his game. He has. And we can tell you that for free. Atorise who bounced into the hall towards the end of the show looked trendy and yuppie in tee shirt and snikers. And when he began to perform all the women were on their feet for 2 hours non stop as he delivered different hot numbers.
WESTERN LOTTO TEAM STORMED THE SHOW
Before the event started a few staff of Western Lotto company had come in to set up. The new Lotto company branded the tables and had its flexis and banners all over. It was a good thing they came, as many of the guests signed up with them. 4 of their top Managers later came on stage to educate the guests on the beauty of Western Lotto.
OONI’S SISTERS ADDED COLOUR
Everyone knows Ooni of Ife‘s 3 sisters, Princess Folashade, Adesola and Adebimpe. Two of them came for the event. Princess Folashade Fadairo looked regal in white. So also Princess Adesola. Princess Adebimpe could not make it. They were on stage for about 30 minutes giving out awards to winners.
WHEN PRINCESS TOYIN KOLADE ATTENDS EVENT
Once woman who changes the tempo of parties and events, whenever she breezes in is Princess Toyin Kolade, the leading freight forwarder in Nigeria. She is a great supporter of Entertainment in Nigeria. And she has been a pillar of support for so many music acts and actors. She came for the Music Awards with her group of friends numbering about 25 and they added colour to the event. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves as they danced to the various songs from different acts.
MAJEK FASHEK STORMED THE EVENT
Midway into the event, came in living legend, Majek Fashek who thrilled guests with some new numbers. He was ushered intot he hall by his Manager, Mr. Omenka Uzoma Day aka Uzo who is the MD/CEO, Miracle Day Management (MDM). He is a Music & Business Consultant Manager to the legendary Majek Fashek, who is about to celebrate 30 years on stage. The celebration comes up on 10th September 2017 at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos.Majek came with his full band of about 30 members.
RUGGEDMAN & HONEPOT LOOKED STUNNING
Not many people know that music star, Ruggedman is a very stylish guy. He is. He infact has a fashion label that is doing well. He stormed the event in a designer suit and changed 5 times. He came with a fashion stylist. The same thing with Honeypot who looked sexy in her very revealing red dress which was stunning. The very busty lady wore a dress that accentuated her big boobs. She changed twice.
AN ARRAY OF COMEDIANS
The event witnessed an array of comedians like Koffi, Headmaster, Bash, Funny Bone.
MUMA GEE, LONGTIME NO SEE
One lady who stood out in the crowd at the event was Muma Gee, who now lives in Lagos. For very many years, she’s been living in her home state, Rivers. She came looking stunning.
NIGERIAN BREWERIES SUPPORTED EVENTS
A million thanks to Nigerian Breweries which supplied the drinks. The leading bear company provided guests all their products to drink, from Beer to Malt.
FAAJI FM & RAY POWER FM’S POWERFUL TEAM
Talk of 2 radio stations that very visible at the event and Faaji FM & Raypower FM will be mentioned. FAAJI FM won an award. FAAJI FM won The Radio Station with the Best Nigerian Music Content Award (Indigenous). Although the GM of the station, Dr. Ambrose Somide could not make it acting GM Ibiyemi Olufowobi led a powerful team. Mrs. Olufowobi is the Director, Network. The event was transmitted live.
MERCY AIGBE’S HUSBAND, LANRE GENTRY CAME
Lanre Gentry, the husband of Actress Mercy Aigbe was at the event and he danced to Atorises music. He was very lively and chatted with friends.
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