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Wizkid, Linda Ikeji Clash Again At 2016 MAMA

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By Modupe Gbadeyanka

In early 2016, Linda Ikeji and Wizkid were at loggerheads due to a story published by the former on her popular platform, www.lindaikejisblog.com about the latter being threatened with an eviction notice at his rented house in Lagos.

It took the intervention of the Lagos Police Command to settle their differences after Ms Ikeji reported the singer to the police over an alleged threat to her life.

Months after the fight was settled by the police, Wizkid and Ms Ikeji will lock horns together at the 2016 edition of the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA), which holds in Johannesburg later in the year.

They have both been nominated in the Personality of the Year category of the awards alongside Pearl Thusi, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang (Gabonese footballer) and Caster Semenya (South African Olympic gold medallist).

In the nominees list, Wizkid, Cassper Nyovest, AKA and Sauti Sol led the pack with an impressive nine nominations among them.

The MAMA is in partnership with Joburg Tourism, Absolut Vodka, Google, MTN and DStv.

Fifty MAMA nominees including artists and achievers from 18 countries were revealed in nine key music and lifestyle award categories by Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa and MTV Base (DStv channel 322) at a star-studded reception at Constitution Hill, Johannesburg, South Africa last night.

At the front of the field is Nigerian star Wizkid with three nominations including nods in Best Male, Best Collaboration and Personality of the Year.  Next in line with two nominations each are AKA (South Africa), Cassper Nyovest (South Africa) and Sauti Sol (Kenya).

The hotly contested Best Hip Hop category sees MAMA nominations for Emtee and Riky Rick of South Africa, who’ll be going head to head against Nigeria’s Olamide and Ycee, and Kiff No Beat (Ivory Coast).

An epic battle of the bands is in store in the Best Group category where Ghana’s R2bees face off against Kenya’s Sauti Sol, South Africa’s Mi Casa, Navy Kenzo from Tanzania and Togolese duo, Toofan.

The second round of nominations, comprising 7 additional award categories, including Artist of the Year, Best Female, Listener’s Choice, Best Breakthrough, Best Francophone, Song of the Year in partnership with Google, and Video of the Year, will be revealed at the Hard Rock Café, Lagos, Nigeria during Road to MAMA – Lagos 2016 (2 October 2016).

No nominations will be revealed for the MTV Base Reimagined award, and MAMA Legend.

Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa, Mr Alex Okosi, while commenting on the awards, stated that, “The MAMA celebrates Africa’s incredible young musicians and trailblazers by breaking down barriers, driving engagement, and highlighting the continent’s rich and abundant talent.

“It’s an honour to be able to salute their achievements at MAMA 2016, and we offer our congratulations to all of the nominees as we look forward to the most exciting and diverse MAMA yet.”

Voting for MAMA 2016 opened at 10pm on Wednesday, September 21, at www.mtvbase.com and affiliated Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Additionally, fans can vote for Best Group and Best International Act from 21 September by simply searching for “MTV MAMA” on Google, with each Google account allowed 5 votes per category per day.

Google voting for Best Breakthrough and Song of the Year will open on 2 October. Voting in all categories closes at 10:59pm on October 19, 2016.

Guests at the MAMA 2016 nominations party were entertained with sizzling performances by Mi Casa, Nathi, Riky Rick, Shekinah, Khuli Chana and Lizha James, while DJs PH, Major League DJz, Tha Duchaz, Prince Kaybee and DJ Snypes kept the dance-floor packed to capacity.

The event was attended by a host of artists, celebrities and other glitterati, while MTV Base VJ Sandile and Nomzamo Mbatha were on point at the MAMA podium.

MAMA 2016 NOMINATIONS (PART 1)

Best Male

AKA (South Africa)

Black Coffee (South Africa)

Diamond (Tanzania)

Patoranking (Nigeria)

Wizkid (Nigeria)

Best Live

Cassper Nyovest (South Africa)

Eddy Kenzo (Uganda)

Flavour (Nigeria)

Mafikizolo (South Africa)

Stonebwoy (Ghana)

Best Group

Mi Casa (South Africa)

Navy Kenzo (Tanzania)

R2bees (Ghana)

Sauti Sol (Kenya)

Toofan (Togo)

Best Collaboration in partnership with Absolut

AKA feat. Burna Boy, Khuli Chana & Yanga – “Baddest” (South Africa/Nigeria)

DJ Maphorisa feat. Wizkid & DJ Bucks – “Soweto Baby” ((South Africa/Nigeria)

Nasty C feat. Davido, Cassper – “Juice Back Remix” (Nigeria/South Africa)

Patoranking feat. Sarkodie – “No Kissing” (Nigeria/Ghana)

Sauti Sol feat. Alikiba – “Unconditionally Bae” (Kenya/Tanzania)

Best Hip Hop in association with MTN

Emtee (South Africa)

Kiff No Beat (Ivory Coast)

Olamide (Nigeria)

Riky Rick (South Africa)

Ycee (Nigeria)

Best Pop/Alternative

Desmond & The Tutus (South Africa)

LCNVL (South Africa)

Shekinah (South Africa) / Kyle Deutsch (South Africa)

Timo ODV (South Africa)

Tresor (DRC)

Best Lusophone

C4 Pedro (Angola)

NGA (Angola)

Lizha James (Mozambique)

Nelson Freitas (Netherlands/Cape Verde)

Preto Show (Angola)

Personality of the Year in association with DStv

Caster Semenya (South Africa)

Linda Ikeji (Nigeria)

Pearl Thusi (South Africa)

Pierre Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon)

Wizkid (Nigeria)

Best International

Adele (UK)

Beyoncé (USA)

Drake (Canada)

Future (USA)

Rihanna (Barbados)

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via [email protected]

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More Than TV: How GOtv Empowers Local Businesses to Retain Customers

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In today’s competitive landscape, customer experience is paramount for any thriving business. Throughout Nigeria, entrepreneurs are recognising that ensuring customer satisfaction is as crucial as driving sales. The age-old adage remains true: a satisfied customer is a paying, returning customer.

Businesses across various sectors are constantly seeking innovative ways to boost customer satisfaction, whether through exceptional service, friendly interactions, or even the content displayed on television. While this last detail might appear trivial, it can significantly impact the experience for many small business owners.

The Importance of Engaging Content

Imagine sitting in a quiet waiting room surrounded by outdated magazines compared to being in a lively barbershop where a thrilling football match is on, or a bustling restaurant where patrons can catch up on the evening news while they wait for their meals. The contrast is striking: one scenario feels tedious, while the other is vibrant and engaging.

For local businesses, the objective extends beyond merely passing the time. It’s about turning those waiting moments into enjoyable experiences. When customers are entertained, they lose track of time. A ten-minute wait for a haircut seems to fly by, and a lengthy salon appointment becomes much more pleasant when a captivating Nollywood drama or a trending reality show is playing.

The Ripple Effect on Your Bottom Line

Entertainment plays a crucial role in shaping customer perceptions of a business. A friendly and inviting atmosphere encourages patrons to linger longer, spend more, and return frequently. It also fosters patience during minor delays. Over time, these positive experiences cultivate customer loyalty and generate valuable word-of-mouth referrals, which are essential for the growth of small businesses in Nigeria.

This is where GOtv for business transcends mere background entertainment. It becomes an integral part of a deliberate customer experience strategy. With its wide array of local and international content, GOtv enables businesses to create memorable and inviting environments that customers will cherish and recommend.

Making It Work for Your Business

For small business owners managing tight budgets, adding entertainment can seem like an unnecessary cost. GOtv, however, provides a practical and affordable solution. Its packages are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing businesses to choose content that matches their audience and operations, whether it is a neighbourhood barbershop, a small restaurant, or a community viewing centre.

Sports bars can stream live Premier League and AFCON matches, bukkas can play Nollywood films or music channels, and salons can keep clients engaged with lifestyle and reality shows. GOtv’s affordability means the cost of subscription can easily be offset by the increase in customer retention and repeat visits.

Some businesses even turn their GOtv programming into marketing opportunities, offering match-day discounts, themed events, or special viewing nights. These ideas not only attract new customers but also encourage existing ones to return.

The Bigger Picture

At its core, this goes beyond just television. It emphasises the importance of detail in competitive markets, where success hinges on every facet of the customer experience. From the quality of service to the ambience within your establishment, each element influences how customers perceive and remember your business.

While having GOtv available does not substitute for excellent service or fair pricing, it enriches the atmosphere and fosters a deeper connection with customers. For numerous local business owners, it has emerged as a small yet impactful tool for cultivating loyalty and enhancing community engagement.

By transforming routine visits into memorable shared experiences, GOtv empowers small businesses throughout Nigeria to do more than simply entertain their patrons; it plays a crucial role in encouraging repeat visits and customer retention.

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Canon Supports Nora Awolowo’s Racket Queen Short Film

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By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A new short film shot by a Nigerian filmmaker, Ms Oreoluwa Racheal Awolowo, otherwise known as Nora Awolowo, has received the backing of the leader in imaging technology, Canon.

The film, Racket Queen, shot entirely on the Canon EOS C400 cinema camera, was screened in Lagos recently with several stakeholders in attendance, including journalists from across arts, culture, entertainment, business, and technology publications, as well as other filmmakers, peers, and Canon’s creative network.

The production was a testament Ms Awolowo’s creative excellence, visual storytelling finesse, and technical mastery, with her work speaking powerfully for itself.

Canon said it partnered with the filmmaker because her work aligns with its Innovation, Customer, and Employee Experience (ICE) strategy, which focuses on innovation, customer empowerment, and long-term partnerships.

By enabling filmmakers with cutting-edge imaging technology, Canon reinforces its position as the go-to brand for professional videography in Nigeria and across Africa.

“At Canon, we believe in the power of storytelling and the importance of equipping creators with the right tools to express their vision.

“Our collaboration with Nora on Racket Queen reflects how technology and artistry come together to elevate filmmaking in Africa.

“We’re proud to continue empowering creators and building a thriving creative community across the region,” the B2C Business Unit Director for Canon Central and North Africa, Mr Rashad Ghani, said.

The Canon EOS C400, designed for professional filmmakers, played a pivotal role in capturing the film’s striking visuals and emotional depth, showcasing Canon’s ongoing commitment to supporting the region’s creative community with advanced imaging tools.

The company used the event to feature a soft launch of its new EOS C50, an entry-level cinema camera designed to empower emerging filmmakers.

Compact yet powerful, the C50 expands Canon’s professional cinema lineup, making high-quality production more accessible to new creators.

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Content Creators Must Develop Clear Personal Brand Identity—Nitro 121 Boss

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By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Content creators have been advised to go beyond aesthetics or trends to focus on value, purpose, and agility.

This advice was given by the chief executive of Nitro 121, Mr Lampe Omoyele, during his keynote address at the UBA Business Series held last Thursday at the Tony Elumelu Amphitheatre in UBA Head Office, Marina, Lagos.

At the event themed Content that Converts: Building Influence and Driving Growth Through Strategic Marketing, he said, “You can create something out of what appears to be nothing.”

He also charged content creators to aim to make a difference by developing a clear personal brand identity and remain consistent in delivering messages that resonate with their audience.

The UBA Business Series, held every quarter, brings together some of Africa’s most dynamic digital entrepreneurs and influencers to discuss the secrets behind building impactful online communities.

At this last edition, it featured an impressive line-up of digital entrepreneurs and content creators, including Digital Creator and Actor, Elozonam Ogbolu; Digital Health Educator, Chinonso Egemba (Aproko Doctor); Kenyan Actress and Media Entrepreneur, Catherine Kamau; Content Creator, Nasiru Lawal (Nasboi) and Digital Influencer, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, who was also the moderator of the event.

“For the younger creators here, my best advice is this: please prioritise your growth. As a creator, the moment you become famous, you no longer move at your own pace; you move at the people’s pace. It is therefore important to ensure you grow consistently and then overtime, the recognition and the money begins to roll in,” Nasiru Lawal stated.

Re-echoing this, Elozonam Ogbolu said, “Content creators have to engage their audience with proper storytelling, because brands are always out to carefully choose their creators. For the brands, you must pick your influencer or ambassador very deliberately and work together over time to grow. That is when you will see a proper return on investment.”

In his submission, Chinonso Egemba, said, “If you’re building a business or doing content creation, treat content creation as a business. When you treat it as a business, it needs proper structure. Otherwise, it won’t last. If you don’t put structure in place, you’ll end up responsible for everything, and that leads to burnout. You have to build structure, because if you want longevity, structure is very essential.”

For Catherine Kamau, “What I realized is I have a community that keeps me grounded, and that’s family. When you get famous, you tend to forget where you come from, you know, social media is an illusion and you start assuming that it is your real family until bad things happen to you. So please remember the real people in your life, because fame can get to your head, but those are not the people who are going to have your back when things go south.”

While welcoming the participants, the Group Head of Digital Banking at UBA, Mr Kayode Olubiyi, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs across Africa through knowledge-sharing and capacity-building initiatives such as the Business Series.

On her part, the Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Ms Alero Ladipo, praised the management of the lender for organising conversations like this because of its positive impact on the economy.

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