Amidst glitz and glamour, City People Entertainment held its prestigious 2019 music awards on Sunday, November 3 in Lagos. Tagged celebrating the new stars in the music industry, the event didn’t disappoint on all fronts as the crème-de-la-crème of the Nigerian music industry stormed the event. There was maximum entertainment, stand-up comedians added fun to the atmosphere while veteran musicians and fast-rising stars took the audience from the present to the past and back to the venue. You would not like to be told the story but peradventure you missed it, DAMILARE SALAMI (08155134152) was there and he brings you some juicy details of all that went down on the night, enjoy.
SIDEWALK LOUNGE WAS THE VENUE
The event was determined to be fun all the way as the popular Sidewalk Lounge in Victoria Island, Lagos hosted all the stars and their teeming fans. From about 3:00 pm, Sidewalk Lounge had started looking like a mini-pilgrimage as people were trooping-in in their numbers to grace the very special occasion. Decorated in red and white colours, Sidewalk Lounge was transformed into a beautiful ambience and the crowd as at that time of the day was incredible.
TWO DJS ROCK THE SHOW
Not many music awards can give you a combination of two high profile Disc Jockeys (DJs) on the same floor but City People did it. DJ Khayslay is popular in today’s entertainment industry. He has his regular show at Bukka Hut Lounge in Lekki but also performs at major shows and events across the country. He was one of the DJs that manned the wheels of steel on the night of excellent music performances by various artistes. She goes by the name OreoluwaSeriki but every other person calls her DJ Rainbow, She is one of Naija’s fastest-rising female DJs. The young, beautiful and energetic “Dj Rainbow” isn’t a novice in the entertainment industry as she professionally started DJ business in 2010 and obviously a master of her craft. Her performance on the night has definitely positioned her nicely before the top guns in the Nigerian music industry.
JONLIZ RECORDS STORM RED CARPET
Jonliz record is a household name when it comes to music management in Port Novo, Benin Republic and is gradually taking over the market space in Nigeria. It is an international firm of business and music promotion. Officially established in Nigeria and in Benin, JONLIZ Records helps artists in the organization of their career, so as to make them become superstars of African and International Music. JONLIZ Records has been producing, promoting and exporting African music over many years. The record label was one of the most visible guests at the 2019 City People Music Awards storming the venue with some of its topmost staff members. The red carpet simply went agog when Prince Olaniyi Karonwi, the MD/CEO JONLIZ Records arrived with a huge entourage. Others who came with him include Karonwi Oluwaseun, CEO WinlasNig Ltd., Mr Bamidele, HOD Marketing, Mary Oladejo, Secretary, Mr Talabi Michael, Media Manager, Mr.Kayode Mayungbe, HOD Logistics, Mr Aluko Seyi, HOD IT, Mr Babalola Sheriff, Editor.
MCS PLUTO, SHOGBE ANCHOR EVENT
MC Pluto is not a novice when it comes to event anchoring and stand-up comedy. His game has been lit from the word go and he never disappoints his ever-expectant audience. He appeared on the stage with a dazzling orange suit and white shirt and opened the show with rib-cracking jokes that set the atmosphere ablaze even from the word go. MC Shogbe is a fast-rising stand-up comedian who ran the event with Pluto. You can assume that he got his stage name from his look. He is indeed (Shogbe) a Yoruba phrase that inferred that something or someone is very slim. His performance undoubtedly overshadowed his tiny looks as he equally rocked the show to his best capacity.
AREWA MUSIC STARS CAME ALL THE WAY
Not minding the distance, major music acts in the northern part of Nigeria were already at the venue even before the show started. Speaking with City People, the Arewa Music stars revealed that they are always motivated to go any part of the country whenever City People Entertainment is involved because there is no platform in the country that celebrates northern musicians as much as City People does. All the way from Kaduna, Kano, Gombe and Adamawa, some of the Arewa music stars that represented the northern music genre include Amos Iyere aka Miles, Emmanuel Eghagara aka Osharey, Ismail Abdullahi aka Bmeri Aboki, Nelson Iyere aka Enlino, and one of Arewa music topmost producers, Don Hada.
DON SYLVESTER RECORDS’ GLAMOROUS ENTRY
Chief Don Sylvester Nweke, Founder/CEO Don Sylvester Records was sighted at the Sidewalk Lounge entry with his team members. It was a royal entry considering the large crowd that walked behind Don Sylvester himself, but for their manner of dressing that portrayed them to be showbiz stars that they really are. Maxi Yo, Dare 90s, Kay West, Lynxx Nwueba, Donald, Tyler, DON CHURRY, K LARGE, JAY RU are some of the major talents under his management.
FAST-RISING ACTS OPEN FLOOR
The show officially started with fast-rising stars proving their worth to the audience and also selling themselves to the record labels and management companies already seated. This was simply because this edition of City People Music Awards was designed to celebrate the new talents in the music industry. Muda, a fast-rising act and Burna-Boy’s look-alike opened the floor. His carriage, character and energy no doubt sold him out as he made many fans cheer him after his performance. Other fast-rising acts that performed on the night areVickyFresh, TJ Thunder, and rhymes hero, First Kid. Although First Kid’s rhyming skill appeared to be his selling point, he also displayed some musical intelligence with his voice.
MAXI YO IN A DIFFERENT WORLD
They call her MaxiYo, a name most likely not known by many yet but trust us, she wrote her name on the heart of many rap music lovers courtesy of City People Music Awards platform. Her appearance on the stage may not look as big as her performance was but hearing her from a distance, you would have thought it was Missy Elliot that was on the mic. Maxi Yo didn’t limit herself to the stage; instead, she took her music and dance step down to her fans wherever they were seated within the lounge. The highpoint of her performance was her attempt to make City People Publisher, Dr Seye Kehinde dance to her music. She eventually succeeded because SK moved his body to her rap music.
BABA KEKE OGUNGBE, ID ON THE STREET STORM EVENT
The revolution in the Nigerian music industry that birthed different international opportunities for the new acts that are making waves today can be traced to the efforts put in by Kennis Music owned by Kenny Ogungbe. In the days of Primetime Jamz, Keke, D1 and ID were the trio that made things happen… It was glorious for many of the new stars in the house to share the same table, the same venue with these living legends. Many could not hide their feelings as they were spotted all over the brothers taking selfies and exchanging contacts.
MC PLUTO CHANGES ATTIRE
“This suit is making me feel like a pastor”. That was MC Pluto’s statement as he took permission to change his dazzling looking suit to something more “suitable”. Coming back upstage, MC Pluto was looking great in his blinging black on black attire. This is more like it! He exclaimed as he mounted the podium.
HERE COMES ANOTHER LEGEND, ADIGUN ALAPOMEJI
Gongoaso crooner, Adigun Alapomeji, popularly known as 9ice was greeted by the tunes of the song that gave him his big break even from the red carpet. His intention was actually to sneak in, he retorted but there is no way a star of his degree would sneak into an event organized by Nigeria’s premier soft-sell magazine, City People. Dressed in a simple native outfit, 9ice was seen off to his VIP seat by the ushers but not without his teeming fans struggling for a snapshot with the superstar.
DJ KHAYSLAY, MC PLUTO In Comic War
It was really a comic war between DJ Khayslay and MC Pluto as they both had a call and response jokes session. Wondering how that went? MC Pluto would throw a comical question at DJ Khayslay and every time he does that, Khayslay often responds with a short song or voiceover that perfectly answers the question. The audience had laughed out their ribs before MC Shogbe came in to rescue the situation.
SIR SHINA PETERS IS GAME
Afro Juju legend, Sir Shina Peters who recently celebrated his 60th birthday also came to celebrate and be celebrated on the night of unexplainable musical fun at the Sidewalk Lounge. Popularly known as SSP, Sir Shina Peter’s arrival required a standing ovation and it was duly given to him by MC Pluto and the entire audience. He majestically walked in, greeted his fans, and a warm hug with SK before he was led by the ushers to his reserved VIP seat.
CRAZY MC MARIO’S LAUGHTER PILLS
MC Mario is a popular OAP on Jordan FM. Give it to him, this young dude is good at what he does and the audience had more than what they bargained when he handled the mic. He brought a different flair entirely to the show. Starting with Baba Keke, 9ice and others, his jokes revolved around people and events which brought out the creativity in him, unlike other comedians who will climb the stage with stereotyped and rehearsed jokes. The audience requested for more but time wouldn’t permit Mario to make them laugh louder than he already did.
BABA KEKE, JONLIZ RECORD BOSS PRESENT FIRST SET OF AWARD PLAQUES
To open the floor of award plaque presentation in an event of this magnitude, no other celebrity than the legend himself, Kenny Ogungbe who has made several stars in the industry would fit-in. He was accompanied by another silent achiever in the industry, Jonliz Record boss, Prince Olaniyi Karonwi. Those who received their plaque from this duo are Alexis Promotion UK which won the International music promoter of the year, Seye Pounds of Sound City FM, as the male OAP of the year, Arewa music promoter of the year which went to Panash, Arewa song of the year won by (Arewa) a song by Pennywealth. Yaf records won the Arewa best record label of the year while Miles was named the Arewa most promising male artiste. The Arewa Reggae Dancehall Artiste of the year award went to Osharee while Divadi was named Arewa.
SIR SHINA PETERS HONOURED
Sir Shina Peters may not be known by many children of this generation but he definitely rocked the showbiz world during his time and he is still doing so but in a very classy manner. His evergreen Ace album bagged the 2019 CPMA recognition award after 30 years. SSP proved that he is still very much in the game as he performed his ace album for several minutes before dropping the mic.
PRETTY MIKE OF LAGOS IS ENTERTAINMENT PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
Lagos male celebrity, Pretty Mike was named the entertainment industry personality of the year. He appeared in a simple but classy white-gold plated designer shirt. Pretty Mike of Lagos was well received by his ever-cheering female fans. He stole the show amidst some delectable angels who were all over him as he walked down the podium after receiving his plaque.
PROSPA OCHIMANA WINS GOSPEL ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Prospa Ochimana is a popular gospel artiste in Nigeria. The Kogi-born Minister was nominated for City People’s Gospel Artiste of the Year in 2018 but lost out. He became very popular in the gospel music scene for his single “Ekwueme” and he eventually won this year’s edition. He is the convener of the yearly Festival of Grace concert.
SSP/ DON RECORDS BOSS PRESENT NEXT AWARDS
The next set of awards were presented by the legendary Sir Shina Peters and Don Sylvester Records (DSR) boss, Chief Don Sylvester Nweke presented the next set of awards to the following winners; Female music artiste of the year. Others are Arewa music best promoter, Isa Madaki (MDK), ZakkyAzzay got the 2019 CPMA recognition award. Classic was named Arewa artiste of the year. Cubana got the nightclub of the year award while Base One got the 2019 CPMA recognition award.
DJ BIG N DEDICATES AWARD TO KEKE OGUNBE
DJ Big N is a Nigerian hip hop DJ. As part of Mavin Records, DJ Big N has supported several of the label’s top-billed acts, including supporting Tiwa Savage on her first American tour. He has released several Mavin themed mixtapes, including the “Mavin All Stars” mixtape, the ‘Surulere Mixtape Volume 1’, and the “ENERGY Mixtape”, among others. His choice as the winner of the 2019 CPMA DJ of the year cannot be contested as members of the public voted for him massively. DJ Big N didn’t mince words after receiving his plaque from Keke Ogungbe and Olaniyi Kartonwi. “Baba Keke you are my inspiration, I am dedicating this award to you because you have made a lot of stars including myself,” he said.
JONLIZ RECORDS BOSS’ WIFE ROCKS ACE ALBUM WITH SSP
Mrs OluwaseunKaronwi is the CEO Winlas Nig Ltd., and the wife of Jonliz Records Boss, Prince Olaniyi Karonwi. She became an instant superstar as she damned all protocols, climbed the stage and rocked the ace dance step with Sir Shina Peters himself. From the way she accurately got the steps, you could tell that she had danced it so well when she was much younger and Afro Juju was in vogue.
Young Artistes Are Disrespectful, 9ice Blasts
Adigun Alapomeji after receiving his 2019 CPMA recognition award blasted young artistes for being ‘disrespectful’ to elders. 9ice was obviously infuriated by the way and manner young acts of today live their lives recklessly and refuse to pay accolade to the people that paved the way for them in the industry. Recounting how Keke Ogungbe and Kennis Music helped his career, and brought him to the limelight. 9ice was awarded for his hit track, Gongo Aso.
BOYE BEST SAYS I AM FULFILLED
Boye Best is one of the most celebrated Juju musicians in Nigeria today. He is popular for his energetic performance and sonorous voice. Boye Best won the 2019 CPMA Juju artiste of the year and while he received his plaque, he said “this is a dream come true for me. Today I am fulfilled. I know some people want to drag the City People Music Award in the mud but I can tell you that it is a prestigious award. I also want to say that I am fulfilled standing by Keke Ogungbe. I remember those days in UI when we used to buy tickets to see music stars under Kennis Music and Keke Ogungbe himself but today, I am sharing the stage and microphone with him.
2019 CPMA WAS LIVE ON RADIO
Do I need to tell you that the 2019 CPMA was live on radio? Yes, it was broadcast live on Kennis 104.1 FM. The legendary Keke Ogungbe himself made the announcement after his radio station emerged the winner of the radio station with best showbiz content. Only a few awards in Nigeria can be said to be broadcast live on radio, which is to show the acceptability the CPMA has received over the years.
BABY LOVE’S SHORT DINNER GOWN
Baby Love eventually emerged the winner in her category. She won the artiste manager of the year but that was not the talking point for her. Her talking point was the beautiful short dinner gown she was adorned with. Every time she took a walk around, she left the men around her jaw-dropping. A beautiful hardworking woman with a to-kill-dress will definitely leave any man wanting more.
Eleniyan Performs ‘Yahoo LawonOremi’
Here is one song currently disturbing the streets and it’s titled “Yahoo Lawon Oremi” by a buzzing indigenous pop musical artist, Eleniyan. He sent the crowd wild when he mounted the podium with his lyrical rhymes and also made them feel the groove with his ‘gbe body e’ dance steps. Eleniyan is no doubted a rave of the moment because virtually everyone in the audience sang along with him as he performed.
PRETTY MIKE, EMMANUEL MENSAH PRESENT THE NEXT SET OF AWARDS
Pretty Mike of Lagos and Emmanuel Mensah who came all the way from Ghana for the 2019 CPMA were saddled with the responsibility of presenting the next round of awards. Ken Dickson won the best new act of the year and was proudly presented with his plaque. TG Omori, who directed the popular music video, Totori won the best video director of the year for his creativity in the video while Urban TV won the music channel of the year. BJ Production was named the Music Video Production outfit of the year while T Classic’s ‘nobody fine pass’ won the popular song of the year.
FAST-RISING ACTS CLOSE THE CURTAIN
Just the way it opened, the event closed with performances from different fast-rising acts. Some of them are Boom Box, LOC, Kiss Boy and G4. Their performances were lit and the audience was not tired despite the fact that the event already ran into the dead of the night.
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