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It was a night to remember, both for the guests, organisers and artistes who turned out in bespoke garb worthy of a music award ceremony. The venue was the New Connaught Rooms in Central London , and the occasion was the maiden edition of the Nigerian Music Awards held on Saturday, August 12^th 2006.  

In attendance were Nigeria ’s Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr Frank Nweke who used the occasion to urge Nigerians to always strive to project a positive image for the country.

Dr (Mrs) Doyin Abiola praised the award organisers for their foresight, while veteran broadcaster Soni Irabor who coordinated the Nigerian side of the event said the time has come for Nigerian artistes to take their place on the world stage.  

The event organiser Biodun Olusesan, who also owns Radiant Glow cosmetics described the night as a fulfillment of a dream. He said that next year’s event will be hosted in Abuja – Nigeria .

Ace footballer John Fashanu who flew in from Nigeria , his new base said the award night was not just about losing and winning but also about showcasing Nigeria ’s music talents. For Veteran musicians, Sonny Okosun and Sir Victor Uwaifo, being invited to the event was already a big honour.

In her own words, budding R and B artiste and Miss Nigeria 1993 – Janet Gabriel said the award night was one of the best she has attended in years.

Other Nigerian stars spotted at the event having a good time included Nollywood super babes Dolly Unachukwu and Victoria Okri (nee Inyama), Yemi Osunkoya of Kosibah Creations, the Kennis music duo- Kenny Ogungbe and Dayo Adeneye (D1), Olisa Adubua, African China, JJC and the 419 Squad, MBGN Ecowas 2006, Taka Kpanja, Kunle Bakare of National Encomium magazine, Mayor Akinpelu of Global Excellence magazine and Alistair Soyode of Ben television etc.

Chief Gabriel Igbinedion who served as the royal father of the day lent a touch of tradition to the event with his regal robes.   

The award winners on the night are: Sunny Neji's Oruka (Ring) - Song of the Year and Highlife Artist of the Year. D'Banj saw off Africa 's best artiste, Tu Face to claim the Artiste of the Year award. The late Afrobeat King, Fela Anikulapo Kuti beat both Sir Victor Uwaifo and Ebenezer Obey to the Lifetime Achievement Award. Sir Victor Uwaifo’s Joromi however beat both Prince Nico Mbarga's Sweet Mother, and King Sunny Ade's Syncro System to win the Evergreen Song of the Year award.

Yinka Ayefele was the surprise winner in the Juju Artiste of the Year category, while Pasuma Wonder won the Fuji Artiste of the Year award.

Ara and the JJC & 419 Squad were named the PMAN (Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria) Artiste of the Year and the UK Urban Artiste of the year respectively.

Kenny Ogungbe and Dayo Adeneye’s (D1) Kennis Music beat other promoters such as Blacknight and Storm to win in the Music Promoter of the Year category.

P-Square, though conspicuously absent beat off stiff opposition from Styl Plus and JJC and the 419 Squad and carted away three awards. Their album Get Squared was named the Album of the Year; it also won the Music Video of the Year award and also the Best Group of the Year award.  

Djinee was named the Best New Artiste of the Year and ID Cabasa, the Producer of the Year. The Gospel Artiste of the Year award went to Sammy Okposo.  

Other winners include Paul Play Dairo - the R &B Artiste of the Year and Ruggedman -Hip Hop Artiste of the Year. Marvellous Benjy One beat troubled African China in the reggae category to win the Reggae Artiste of the Year Award. DJ Abass won the Music Journalist of the Year award while Diya Ojo was named the UK Indigenous Artiste of the year.

The NMA 2006 co-sponsors MTN Nigeria emerged the winner of the Music Supporter of the Year award.

Nnamdi Ogbu, an Abuja based entrepreneur said he enjoyed every part of the evening and is already looking forward to next year’s event billed for Abuja . In all, it was a night to remember, and a showcase of what is good about Nigeria and her people.

Coming soon on NVS – NMA 2006 video reports

August 2006. info@uchenworah.com