Charles of Play, Davido, Kunle Afolayan Nominated For Nigerian National Awards

The Nigerian government has announced the nomination of three exceptional young men, Charles Okpaleke, Davido, and Kunle Afolayan, alongside 336 other individuals, for national recognition in the fields of drama and music. These young entrepreneurs have made remarkable contributions that have greatly benefited the nation, and their nominations seek to acknowledge their outstanding achievements. The federal government disclosed the list of esteemed recipients on May 28, 2023.

Charles Okpaleke. Photo George Okoro for Charles Okpaleke

Charles Okpaleke, famously recognized as Charles of Play, is a highly acclaimed Nigerian film producer renowned for his extraordinary ability to transform Nigerian classics into award-winning cinematic masterpieces. His debut film, “Living in Bondage: Breaking Free,” achieved an impressive feat by receiving seven prestigious accolades at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in 2020. Moreover, his creation “Aki and Pawpaw: Epic Run,” inspired by the widely popular 2002 film “Aki & Pawpaw,” etched its name in history as Nigeria’s first game to soar to the top spot globally, garnering an astounding 100,000 downloads on iOS and Play store within a remarkable time frame of under 30 hours. In addition to his creative prowess, Charles Okpaleke is the visionary founder of Play Network Africa, further showcasing his entrepreneurial acumen.

Kunle Afolayan

Kunle Afolayan, a multi-talented Nigerian filmmaker involved in producing, acting, and directing, commenced his Nollywood expedition in 1999 with a notable role in the film “Saworoide.” However, his first venture as a director, “Irapada,” propelled him into the limelight, securing the esteemed Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Film in an African Language. Building upon his success, Afolayan’s latest creation, “Aníkúlápó,” swiftly captivated audiences, becoming the most widely viewed non-English Netflix original film in just 11 days after its debut.

Davido

Davido, whose birth name is David Adedeji Adeleke, has established himself as an iconic Nigerian Afrobeats artist with a massive global fan base. Throughout his career, Davido has achieved remarkable feats, such as becoming the first solo African artist to sell out the prestigious London O2 Arena and taking the helm in producing the acclaimed 2022 FIFA World Cup soundtrack, “Hayya Hayya.” With his songs amassing over 2 billion streams, Davido undeniably solidifies his status as an influential force in the music industry.

The Nigerian National Awards carry immense importance as they honour and commemorate the exceptional accomplishments of individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation. Charles of Play, Davido, Kunle Afolayan, and the other nominees rightfully deserve this prestigious recognition due to their remarkable talent, unwavering dedication, and profound impact in their respective domains.