Pop sensation, David Adedeji Adeleke, better known as Davido, has been named as the ‘Most Influential African Artist of the Year 2015’ by FORBES.
In a long list of global stars known for their exemplary roles in pushing beyond boundaries in their craft, the HKN Gang lead honcho was named the most influential act in Africa for the year 2015.
A record label owner housing acts such as Shina Rambo, B.Red and Deekay, Davido shot into prominence in 2011 following the release of his hit single ‘Dami Duro’. Since his debut, Davido has numerous awards such as The BET award, Kora award, Channel O Music Video award, two MTV Africa Music awards, 5 Headies Awards and Ghana Music award among others to his name......read more here: /p3BIWs-72S

Sonorous singer, Yemi Alade has joined the growing list of global celebrities who have a mobile app to their name.

Few minutes ago, the ‘Johnny’ crooner announced the official launch of her mobile app named ‘Yemi Alade’ ahead of the release of her sophomore album ‘Mama Africa’ on the Android platform.

While announcing the new mobile application which is the first of its kind among Nigerian music stars, Yemi Alade shared a screenshot of the app on Google Play Store. She captioned it; “No need to use up your data anymore…with this app..you might just catch me in the bathroom it’s personal like that! ! its NOT the usual Download now. #DoAsIDo #YemiAladeApp #YemiAladeCollection”.

...read more here: /p3BIWs-72D

Urban music and lifestyle channel, MTV Base has named rave of the moment, Olamide ‘Badoo’ Adedeji has its Hottest artiste in Nigeria for the year 2015.
Olamide was announced the hottest artiste for the year 2015 following a two day intense debate the panel on the MTV Base TV special #BaseNaijaHottestArtist, which includes popular broadcaster, Olisa Adibua, DJ Spinall, Omalicha, Do2dtun, Shade Ladipo, Osagie Alonge and and VJ Ehiz.
Earlier in the year, Olamide released a joint album with Phyno entitled ‘2 Kings’. Few weeks ago, he also dropped his fifth studio album christened ‘Eyan Mayweather’ which has received positive reviews... read more here: /p3BIWs-725

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdcwMtJluCQ

It has been almost 20 months since April 2014 when news of the mass kidnap of girls from Government Secondary School in Chibok, North East Nigeria by terrorists came to light. This is one of the most mysterious cases of mass disappearance in human history as the girls, it seems, have just disappeared without a single trace.
Since then, all efforts to find and rescue the girls have proved abortive. The Nigerian military so far has not been able to find these girls. International rescue efforts called in as a result of the worldwide brouhaha generated by the girls’ disappearance has also proved unsuccessful. Since the Chibok girls, hundreds of other kidnapped villagers including women and children have been found and rescued and many continued to be rescued. As recently as mid October 2015, there were reports of about 350 captives being rescued by the military, but not this group of girls.
More poignantly, President Buhari, who rode to victory based on his condemnation of the past government's seemingly lackadaisical attitude towards this issue seem to have lost interest. Buhari promised to bring these girls back home as soon as possible once he gets into power. So far, there are no reports of any efforts to achieve this goal since his inauguration in May 2015.
No one in Nigeria is talking about the Chibok girls anymore.
President Buhari and his government are no longer talking about the Chibok girls or making any references to them as a government priority. The Nigerian military are no longer talking about the Chibok girls nor are they providing updates about rescue efforts. Once in a while, the founders of Bring Back Our Girls campaign led by Oby Ezekwesili organises meetings at Unity Square in Abuja with a handful of people attending and then it is silence – until another low key activity happens – in comparison to the first few months or so when rallies were held on a daily basis in Abuja and other cities. The Nigerian media are no longer talking about the Chibok girls – no features, no articles and no coverage. Even the whole world which was incensed by news of the disappearance has gone quiet about the Chibok girls.
This turn of events has left many people bewildered. Questions are being asked about the reality of Chibok girls with an increasing number of people expressing doubts that girls were kidnapped in the first place. Cynics go as far as describing the case to be a politically motivated effort by the then opposition party to discredit the then government of Goodluck Jonathan. Others claim that girls were kidnapped but not as many as the numbers being peddled about by the media.

Read the concluding part here: /p3BIWs-722

Few hours after tales of the crack in Nollywood actress, Uche Iwuanyanwu and hubby, Geoffrey Nnannah’s marriage went viral online, the actress has swiftly refuted the break up claims.
Speaking with E-RAVE through her publicist, Bola Aduwo, the thespian claimed that her marriage is still very intact and her little son is alive and doing well. “Nothing is wrong in her matrimonial home and the little boy is alive as we speak. The reports that went rife on social media was the handiwork of mischief makers who are bent on throwing stones into a glass house”.
“When she saw the reports, she was in tears due to the lies that it contained. Her husband is based the UK and not in the USA as reported and he is currently with his family in Nigeria. The young girl is doing well in her chosen career (Nollywood) and these malicious stories flying around in the media space with no iota of truth in it is very bad,” she added.
You will recall that it was earlier reported on different media platforms that Uche Iwuayanwu was chased out of her matrimonial home by her hubby few months after their talk of the town marriage. The crack in the union was reportedly related to an alleged sex tape which the hubby stumbled upon from his base in the United Kingdom.... Read more here: /p3BIWs-71X

The 2015 edition of the annual youth and student awards, All Youths Behind Awards (AYTA) better known as Behind Awards held on Sunday, December 6, 2015 at the Lamboghiny Event Centre, Lekki, Lagos.
Put together by TDA Multimedia, the awards in its 7th edition witnessed the attendance of popular faces such as Former Oyo State Commissioner of Youths and Sports, Hon Dapo Lam-Adesina, Doris Simeon, Seyi Law, Jaywon, Ushbebe, Still Ringing, Jumoke Odetola, Caroline Danjuma, and many others.
See photos from the event here: /s3BIWs-26976

The 2015 edition of the annual youth and student awards, All Youths Behind Awards (AYTA) better known as Behind Awards held on Sunday, December 6, 2015 at the Lamboghiny Event Centre, Lekki, Lagos.
Put together by TDA Multimedia, the awards in its 7th edition witnessed the attendance of popular faces such as Former Oyo State Commissioner of Youths and Sports, Hon Dapo Lam-Adesina, Doris Simeon, Seyi Law, Jaywon, Ushbebe, Still Ringing, Jumoke Odetola, and many others.
Winners on the night include comic act, Ushebeb who clinched the award for the ‘Best Youth Act’ in Comedy, singing sensation, Korede Bello, Jumoke Odetola, Gbolahan Adetayo and many others.
The annual Behind Awards seeks to spotlight, encourage and reward hardworking and outstanding personalities below the age of 32 who have made an appreciable and value-driven impact in the past 12 months as it concerns the country, Nigeria.
Top celebrities such as Rachel Oniga, Seyi Law, Sean Tizzle, Seyi Shay, Gbenro Ajibade, Damola Olatunji, Korede Bello, Ehiz, among others have been past winners of the Behind awards.
See the full winners list here: /s3BIWs-26964

The much awaited 10th anniversary edition of The Future Awards Africa held at the Intercontinental Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos, yesterday, December 6, 2015.
Hosted by award winning singer, Darey Art-Alade and media personality, Bonang Matheba, the event was well attended by top dignitaries, business executives, top celebrities, major stakeholders in different sectors of the industry, and more.
In attendance were popular figures such as Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, former Minister for Education, Oby Ezekwesili, Abimbola Adebakin, Peace Hyde, Mai Atafo, Sesan Sobowale, Chude Jideonwo, Adebola Williams, DJ Jimmy Jatt and more.
Others were top actor, O.C Ukeje, D’banj, Omawumi, Timi Dakolo, Illrhymes, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Alexx Ekubo, Adunni Ade, Yomi Casual, Uti Nwachukwu, Toke Makinwa, Linda Ikeji, Ushbebe, Gbenro Ajibade, amongst others.
See photos from the event here: eraveng.com/2015/12/07/photos-from-the-future-awards-africa-2015/
/p3BIWs-6Y0

Diminutive rapper, 2Shotz has been accused of battery and domestic violence by his wife of 2 years, Precious. The wife who is formerly based in Ireland met 2Shotz on social media (Twitter) before walking down the aisle in 2013.

According to leaked messages between Precious and a friend that surfaced online few minutes ago, 2Shotz allegedly assaulted her on different occasions which prompted her moving out of their home to avoid more violence.

Sharing one of her terrible experiences, Precious said that “On one occasion we were driving and he was talking to me about my make up...I told him there were better ways to address me than name calling and he just slapped me”. Precious also claimed 2Shotz is yet to pay her bride price after years of marriage.

It will be recalled that 2Shotz was first accused of physical abuse by ex-girlfriend, Beverly Osu which led to a bitter public debate in different sections of the media and Nigerian blogosphere.

Efforts to contact 2Shotz for comments on the allegations is still ongoing as at the time of filing this report.

Read more of the conversation here: http://eraveng.com/2015/12/03/2shotz-wife-accuses-rapper-of-domestic-violence-battery/

Nollywood actor cum filmmaker, Elvis Chucks is currently on set of a new TV series christened ‘Happy Family’.
Starring veteran actors such as Alex Usifo, Liz Benson, IK Ogbonna, Helen Paul, Gbenro Ajibade and more, the series focuses on the challenges in upholding a happy family against all odds, living together as one, and appreciating the moral and values of a good family.
See photos from the set of the series here: http://eraveng.com/?p=26541

Top Nigerian celebrities and other socialites attended the annual comedy concert, Tyme Out with Tee –A which held yesterday, Sunday November 29, 2015 at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
In attendance at the event were popular faces such as former First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, Nigerian Football Federation President, Amaju Pinnick, Majek Fashek, Sammie Okposo, Basorge Tariah Jnr, Sound Sultan, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Seyi Law, Gbemi Olateru Olagbegi, DJ Spinall, DJ Caise, DJ Big N, and many others.
Guests and other fun seekers were treated to different musical performances from music acts such as Sound Sultan, Koker, Adekunle Gold, Zaina, and more.
See photos from the event here: eraveng.com/2015/11/30/fab-photos-from-tyme-out-with-tee-a-concert/

Popular Nigerian celebrities such as 2face Idibia, Basketmouth, Bovi and more turned out for the Naija FM Comedy and Concert held at Muson Center, Lagos, on Saturday, November 21, 2015.
Other notable celebrities in attendance include comic act, Tee A, Wande Coal, Seyi Shay, Kcee, Harrysong, Francis Odega, Skiibii, Mr. 2kay, Koffi, Funnybone, Sexy Steel, Yung6ix, and more.
See more photos from the event here: http://eraveng.com/2015/11/25/top-celebrities-attend-naija-fm-comedy-concert/

Delectable Nollywood actress, Lillian Esoro has inked an endorsement deal with a manufacturing firm, House of Lunettes. The deal we gathered was signed yesterday, Tuesday, November 24, 2015.

The news was shared on photo sharing app, Instagram by Lillian’s hubby, Ubi Franklin. Followers and well wishers of the actress have since flooded Ubi’s timeline with different goodwill messages.

Lillian Esoro now becomes a brand ambassador of House of Lunettes, a premium store for designer sunglasses.

Top Nollywood actor, Odunlade Adekola has joined the growing list of top celebrities who have welcomed a bundle of joy in the year 2015.

The talented thespian and wife, Ruth Adekola welcomed a bouncing baby boy – their fourth child - on Monday, November 23, 2015 in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Odunlade Adekola joins popular celebrities such as Duncan Mighty, Tiwa Savage, Kash 11, D’Prince, Timaya, DJ Neptune, Omawumi, and many other who all welcomed a bundle of joy in 2015.
Source: eraveng.com/2015/11/25/odunlade-adekola-welcomes-newborn/

Delectable actress, Toyin Aimakhu whose 2 year union with Nollywood actor, Adeniyi Johnson crashed few months ago is allegedly set to have a wedding introduction with her new lover, Seun Egbegbe.
The actress and and her lover, Seun have been an item since the former made her debut in the film industry through a theater group Seun Egbegbe was also part of.
ERAVE earlier reported the sizzling romance between the lovebirds (Toyin and Seun) which Seun also confirmed in a recent interview with popular lifestyle magazine, Global Excellence. "We may decide to marry. It has been awesome in my life within the short period of time Toyin and I have been together again. Even for Toyin herself, her career is on high tempo. I’m sure we are meant to be together as partners.”
The latest indication to the romance saga is the alleged recent visit of the lovebirds to Toyin Aimakhu’s family which reportedly got the consent and backing of Toyin's parents. This we scooped kick started the planning of a low-key family introduction.
It is however not open to members of the public if Toyin Aimakhu and her estranged hubby, Adeniyi Johnson have officially pulled the plug on their legally-bound marriage.
Efforts to reach the camp of Toyin Aimakhu for comments proved futile as at the time of filing this report.
Source: http://eraveng.com/2015/11/24/toyin-aimakhu-lover-reportedly-plan-wedding-introduction/

Sultry singer, Victoria Kimani was the cynosure of all eyes during her performance at the recently held African Music Concert in South Africa.

Held on Saturday November 21, 2015 at Nasrec Expo Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa, the event had in attendance top music stars from different parts of the continent.

Check out her performance in pictures here: eraveng.com/2015/11/23/victoria-kimanis-african-music-concert-performance-in-photos/

Multiple award winning music act, Iyanya has been announced as an ambassador of his native state, Cross River.
The ‘Applaudise’ crooner was unveiled as an ambassador by the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade yesterday, November 22, 2015 during the official unveiling of the 2015 edition of the annual Calabar Carnival.
It was gathered Iyanya’s appointment comes with an office in the state, a brand new car and a monthly remuneration.
Source: eraveng.com/2015/11/23/iyanya-pop-star-becomes-cross-rivers-state-ambassador/

Fresh from signing an endorsement deal with milk manufacturing brand, Nunu Milk, popular actress, Omoni Oboli has been named the ‘Entertainment Person of the Year 2015’ by one of Nigeria’s dailies, The Sun Newspaper.
The thespian who made her directorial debut with the film, ‘Being Mrs. Elliot’ takes over the position previously held by popular hitmaker, Don Jazzy.
Since her debut in Nigeria’s entertainment scene, Omoni Oboli has appeared in different Nollywood films with several accolades to her name.
Her recently released flick, ‘The First Lady’ starring faces such as Alexx Ekubo, Yvonne Jegede, Osita Iheme, Joseph Benjamin and more is currently the highest grossing Nollywood movie of the year.
Source: http://eraveng.com/2015/11/19/omoni-oboli-named-entertainment-person-of-the-year/

Singing sensation, Korede Bello matriculated at the prestigious Nigeria Institute of Journalism, NIJ today, Thursday, November, 19, 2015. The event held at the premises of the NIJ located at Ogba, Lagos.
Few minutes ago, the ‘Godwin’ crooner took to Instagram to share photos from the event. He captioned it “Going back for my HND. #StayEducated #NIJ”.
It was gathered the Mavin Records act will study Mass Communication for his Higher National Diploma (HND).
See more photos here: http://eraveng.com/2015/11/19/korede-bello-returns-to-school-matriculates-at-nij/

Music star cum producer, Olanrewaju Ojikutu better known as KASH 11 has joined the growing list of Nigerian celebrities who welcomed a bundle of joy in 2015.
It was gathered the rapper’s wife, Adesola Onikoyi was delivered of a bouncing baby girl earlier today, Thursday, November 19, 2015 at Lagos Island maternity hospital, Lagos.
The rapper joins the likes of Duncan Mighty, Tiwa Savage, Omawunmi, DJ Neptune, Timaya, D’Prince, and many others who welcomed a newborn in 2015.
It will be recalled KASH 11 and Adesola had their Nikkai ceremony on Sunday, October 25, 2015.
Source: http://eraveng.com/2015/11/19/music-act-kash-11-welcomes-baby-girl/

Award winning dancehall star, Duncan Mighty has joined the growing list of Nigerian celebrities who welcomed a bundle of joy in 2015.
4 months after his talk-of-the-town wedding with his longtime girlfriend, Vivien, the ‘Ahamefuna’ crooner welcomed a bouncing baby boy, today, Thursday, November 19, 2015.
Duncan Mighty took to photo sharing app, Instagram to share the news with his followers. He wrote:
“God I praise your holy name for this blessing and honour added to me today. And to my wife am short of words chai nne, thank you, thank you. It’s a baby boy, Praise the Lord”.
Duncan Mighty joins the likes of Tiwa Savage, Omawunmi, DJ Neptune, Timaya, D’Prince, and many others who welcomed a newborn in 2015. It will be recalled that Duncan Mighty and Vivien tied the nuptials in July 2015.

Source: http://eraveng.com/2015/11/19/duncan-mighty-welcomes-newborn/

The organizers of the annual Nigerian Music Video Awards, NMVA have released the nominees list for the 2015 edition of the awards.
In its 9th edition, top Nigerian music stars who scored nominations across different categories of the award include rave of the moment, Olamide, HKN Gang frontline act, Davido, Yemi Alade, Wizkid, and more.
See the full nominees list here http://eraveng.com/2015/11/17/nmva2015-olamide-wizkid-more-score-nominations-full-list/

Top Nigerian celebrities such as EME frontline act, Banky W, Toke Makinwa and many others attended the much anticipated wedding of popular media personality, Tosyn Bucknor and her boo, Aurelien Boyer held yesterday, November 16, 2015.
Hosted by popular comic act, Tee A, Chigul and Olugbenga Wyse, the event held at Landmark Events Centre, Oniru, Lagos.
Other attendees at the event include Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Dammy Krane, Falz, Ayeni Adekunle, Ubi Franklin, Toolz, Skales, Chris Ihidero, Olori Supergal, Oreka Godis, Adebola Williams, Kore Brown, and many more.
See some photos from the event here eraveng.com/2015/11/16/banky-w-toke-makinwa-falz-more-attend-tosyn-nucknors-wedding/

It was amidst pomp and pageantry that the 2015 edition of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, held at the Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos yesterday, Sunday, November 15, 2015.
In its second year, the music awards have in attendance top music figures, socialites and other stakeholders from different industries such as Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kenny Ogungbe, 2face Idibia, Cobhams Asuquo, ID Ogungbe, Reggie Rockstone, Olamide, Diamond Platnumz, AKA, Cassper Nyovest, and more.
Others include Adewale Ayuba, Dayo Adeneye, Olisa Adibua, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Timi Dakolo, Brymo, Igbo Koko, Yaw, Adekunle Gold, Kiss Daniel, Sauti Sol, Stonebwoy, Vanessa Mdee, Charlotte Dipanda, and many more.
See photos from the event below.

See more photos here http://eraveng.com/2015/11/16/photos-from-afrima-awards-2015/

The 2015 edition of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, held at the Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos yesterday, Sunday, November 15, 2015.
In its second year, the music awards have in attendance top music figures, socialites and other stakeholders from different industries such as Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kenny Ogungbe, 2face Idibia, Cobhams Asuquo, ID Ogungbe, Reggie Rockstone, Olamide, Diamond Platnumz, AKA, Cassper Nyovest, and more.
Others include Yaw, Adekunle Gold, Kiss Daniel, Sauti Sol, Stonebwoy, Vanessa Mdee, Charlotte Dipanda, and many more.
Tanzanian music act, Diamond Platnumz emerged the biggest winner of the night after he won the most coveted prize of the ‘Artiste of the Year’ beating Nigerian music stars, Olamide, Yemi Alade, Wizkid Davido and others to the award. The ‘Bongo’ crooner also scooped the awards for the Best Male in Eastern Africa and Song Of the Year awards respectively.
Sonorous singer, Yemi Alade emerged winner of the Best Female Act West Africa category while Olamide scooped the award for the Best Male Act West Africa.
R’n’B star, Darey Art-Alade, Praiz, Adekunle Gold, and Kiss Daniel also won different categories on the night.
See the full winners list here http://eraveng.com/2015/11/16/afrima-2015-olamide-yemi-alade-diamond-platnumz-more-win-full-winners-list/

Foremost actors, Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva celebrate the 30th anniversary of their union today, November 16, 2015.
In celebrating renewing her vows, Joke Silva shared a lengthy post via photo sharing app, Instgram few minutes ago.
Read her post below.
‘And it has loaded. 30 years ago on November 16, 1985 we said ‘I Do’. It is a day of thanks To our Heavenly Father for all those who made those 30 years doable.
My late mum and dad, Chief Afolabi Silva and Dr. (Mrs) Abimbola Silva. They both tried to be fair, but mum was most times in Olu’s corner and dad leant towards mine. My late sisters-in-law, Mama Shomolu and Mummy Ibadan.
My late brothers in-law Papa London and Papa Fermi, all of them so protective of me, God in his wisdom has called you home. Your blessing will not decrease. We miss you all. My sisters Bisi Silva and Toyin Olawoye, nudging us to get married those many years ago. Sister Buki& Uncle Laolu Akintobi ..Bunmi Tejumola Faith Eboigbe my warriors. Chisom Ezoke daughter sister friend… Sinmi Adesanya supporters no matter what..
Moji Olagbegi pastor in the house…Bunmi and Soji Oyinsan besto of life you never held your punches from either of us and made sure we made it work...Lola Fani-Kayode there from the beginning…taking me by the scruff of the neck and shaking me until I found my way back to my Lord Jesus..
Our Son’s Olusoji and Olugbenga our Jewels God bless you. May you both find bone of your bones and in the words of my favourite hymn at the moment ‘Oh God beyond all Praising…We thank you for these 30 years. May only death do us part and may our love in all its ramifications wax stronger. Thank you all for the good wishes and prayers. God bless you’.
Source: http://eraveng.com/2015/11/16/may-our-love-wax-stronger-read-joke-silvas-30th-wedding-anniversary-vow/

Fresh from the successful premiere of her slapstick entitled ‘First Lady’, multiple award winning actress, Omoni Oboli has penned a new endorsement deal with milk brand, Nunu Milk.

http://eraveng.com/2015/11/13/omoni-oboli-becomes-nunu-milk-brand-ambassador/

Award winning hitmaker, Don Jazzy tops the list of popular celebrities who are present at the ongoing traditional wedding ceremony of Andrew Esiri and Sakenim Pedro-Egbe in Port Harcourt. Other attendees at the wedding include Tosin Martins, Asa Asika and many more.
Andrew Esiri is brother to singing sensation, Dr. Sid who is also a member of the Mavin Records.
See more photos here http://eraveng.com/2015/11/13/don-jazzy-tosin-martins-more-attend-andrew-esiri-sakenims-traditional-wedding/

Top Nigerian celebrities attended the traditional wedding ceremony of popular comic character, Akpororo and his heartthrob, Josephine Abraham yesterday, Thursday, November 12, 2015.
The event had in attendance popular faces such as Sammie Okposo, Sexy Steel, Lanre Makun, Yomi Casual, and many more.
Akpororo and Josephine’s much anticipated white wedding is scheduled to hold on Saturday, November 14, 2015 at Eagles Club, Surulere, Lagos.
It will be recalled the lovebirds consummated their union legally at the Ikoyi Registry, Lagos on Wednesday, November 5, 2015.
See more photos here http://eraveng.com/2015/11/13/top-celebrities-attend-akpororos-traditional-wedding/

Known for his keen attention to details, the President and Executive Producer of the prestigious All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, Mike Dada is an astute professional who has carefully worked himself into attaining principal status in Nigeria’s mainstream Public Relations sector.

In this interview with ERAVE correspondent, Idris Aina, the AFRIMA President addressed the issue of cultural degradation among the African race, the challenges involved in staging an awards ceremony for Africans, among other sundry issues.

What are the plans to stage a memorable event for AFRIMA this year?

The plans are fundamental principles of planning but the truth is, it all started immediately we finished the awards last year. AFRIMA is an all year round event and we have been to different countries across the continent attending conferences and other capacity development programmes which are part of the build up for the proper event. The aim is to ensure everyone involved is given good hospitality and that we put out a world class show that is representative of Africa.

AFRIMA is supported by the African Union. How easy was it conveying an award conceived in Nigeria to the continental stage?

Was AFRIMA an idea thought in Nigeria? My answer is Yes and No. Yes because the root of the idea is from Nigeria and No because the other members of the team that have contributed to its growth are also from different parts of Africa. We have professionals in the media industry, music and entertainment, production industry, public relations and advertising who are members of our international committee. These people are CEOs of various organizations but are part of the team who put in ideas, policies and strategies to ensure the sustainability of the idea. What differentiates AFRIMA from other awards is that it’s not a one man show. We just have to put a face to it and I am only lucky to be the producer and President for a while.

Building it across Africa and the continent has not been easy. There are immigration, finance, transportation, sponsorship and other issues that have affected one way or the other. But for us, we are committed to do it and build a brand for our people to understand the vision and its mission. The media budget alone is on the high side and there are plans to take the AFRIMA campaign across Europe and America because the idea is to communicate the strength of Africa to the rest of the world using the platform of entertainment, culture, arts, and tourism.

AFRIMA has grown into a global brand as an award that represents the African race. What will you point at as the uniqueness that helped metamorphose it into an award accepted by all?

I am flattered to hear that AFRIMA has grown into a global brand but that was the idea from the onset. For us, we know we are still building the brand and plan to take it to a level where people will be glued to their TV sets to watch the award globally. Building it from the scratch has not been easy and in reality, nothing comes easy. We understand what differentiates an ordinary man from an extraordinary one is the capacity to overcome challenges. There are a lot of challenges putting together an award for the African race but we have to do something. We are committed within ourselves as regards where we intend to take AFRIMA to and I must say we are currently on the right track.

Read more of the interview here http://eraveng.com/2015/11/13/mike-dada-afrima-is-the-answer-to-africas-demand-for-a-grammy/