2017 has been a good one for the Entertainment Industry in Nigeria. Although artistes complained about lack of funding, they managed to cut their coat according to their sizes. The Next Edition takes a look at some of the major events of the year.
Music Industry
One of the major events that happened was the MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards. MOBO is held annually in the United Kingdom. This year the event honoured Ayodele Ibrahim analogue, popularly known as Wizkid as ‘Best International Act,’ a category he was nominated alongside other popular Acts like Drake, Jay Z, Kendrick Lamar, Cardi B and others. This was a huge honour for young man, which triggered a deluge of congratulatory messages on his success. He was congratulated by the former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as well as President Muhammadu Buhari and a host of others.
At the same event, David Adedeji Adeleke, popularly addressed as Davido was also honoured as ‘Best African Act’.
Tiwa Savage also performed in the Budweiser ‘Made in America’ festival. A line-up that boasted of A list artistes such as Jay Z, J. Cole, The Chainsmokers, Migos, Solange, 21 Savage and others. This was a huge deal for the Mavins star and Nigeria as a whole.
2017 has also boasted of great hits like ‘If’ by Davido, ‘Move’ by Reekado Banks, ‘Ma Lo’ by Tiwa Savage featuring Wizkid & Spellz, ‘Yeba’ by Kiss Daniel and a host of others. The year also saw a step up in the music videos quality.
Not to leave out the ‘beefs’ that has happened this year. P-Square finally broke up! While we hope they get back together in the nearest future, the two brothers went ahead and released songs as solo artists. The beef between Wizkid and Davido is still waxing strong, mainly fuelled by their fans who insist on comparing the two artistes.
LOSSES
The industry also lost a few people like veteran musician, Segun Bucknor who was a journalist as well. Eric Arubayi who was the 2nd runner up in the West African Idol show where Timi Dakolo emerged as winner. He allegedly died as a result of taking expired malaria drugs. He left behind a wife and two kids. Cult Nigerian Musician, William Onyeabor passed on January 16 at age 70. His biggest hit was ‘Better Change Your Mind’.
The second season of The Voice Nigeria was held and concluded this year. Team Timi emerged as winner with Idyl. Great musicians who we look forward to being entertained by them were also produced by the competition.
Lagos State witnessed glitz and glamour as it played host to All International Music Festival, Lagos Music Festival Reloaded, One Lagos Fiesta 2017, MTN Project Fame West Africa, All Africa Music Awards ( AFRIMA), Maltina Dance All, among others.
Based on how 2017 has been, 2018 is shaping up to be an even better year in the music industry. With the international collaborations that have happened as well as the awards, Nigeria and indeed Africa is definitely going to garner even more global recognition.
READ ALSO: MUSIC STARS OF YESTERYEARS: WHAT ARE THEY DOING NOW?
MOVIE INDUSTRY
AY once again dominated the Nigerian Box offices with the success of his movie ’10 Days in Sun City’. He cemented his name in the movie industry as not just an ace comedian but a box office king as well.
This year, the movie ‘The Royal Hibiscus’ was showcased at TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival), which is one of the largest publicity attended film festivals in the world.
This year has also seen quite a few blockbuster movies in our cinemas such as ‘Alter Ego’, ‘Okafor’s Law’, ‘My Wife & I’, ‘Isoken’, ‘Banana Island Ghost’, and a host of others.
The premiere of ‘The Wedding Party 2’ held on December 10, with an Arabian Nights theme. This had in attendance the wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, as well as other dignitaries. There were several other premieres in 2017
The 13th Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) took place in July. The Nigerian historical drama, ’76′ won a total of three awards from the eight nominations the film got. Special recognition was also given to Nkem Owoh. In total, Nigeria took home nine awards.
The Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCA) presented by Multichoice Africa held at the Eko Hotel and Suites in March. The movie ’76′ stole the show winning in Best Movie, Best Actress, Best Costume Designer, Best Art Director and Best Director. The Trailblazer Award also went to Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama, a Nigerian. The TV show, Jenifa’s Diary, also won Best TV show.
Ace director, Kemi Adetiba also put out ‘The King Women’ series on YouTube this year and that enthralled the entire nation and Africa at large. The series features people like TY Bello, Chigurl, Jumoke Adenowo, Rev. Funke Adejumo and a host of others. Kemi Adetiba was featured on CNN: African Voices to talk about the series.
LOSSES
The movie industry also lost a few people like Olumide Bakare, who died after a failed battle with a heart and lung disease. He was 65 years old and famous for his role as Chief Koko in the TV series, Koko Close. Prince James Uche who passed away two days before his surgery in India. He acted in Igodo, Last Kingdom, Coronation and The Councillor. The Yoruba movie industry also lost Toyin Majekodunmi aka Iya Kike in January. Moji Olaiya, another popular Yoruba actress died in Canada barely two months after she welcomed her child. She suffered a cardiac arrest. She’s known for movies like ‘No pains No gains’, Sade Blade, Omo Iya Meta Leyi, amongst others.
With power houses like Mo Abudu moving into the movie scene, only good things can come out of this industry come 2018! Quite a few actresses and actors also took over the jobs of producing and directing.
DANCE
On November 24th, Odumewu Debbie Sumisola who is known as Pinki Debbie, a Nigerian Dancer, broke the Guinness World Record of the longest dancing marathon by an individual. The former holder was a woman from India who danced for 123 hours and 15 minutes in 2010. She danced for 137 hours almost six days of consistent dancing.
Based on how the entertainment industry fared this year, only great things can come in 2018. It will be an interesting year to look forward to.
