Souncity MVP Award sets tone for 2018

In what has been described by many as a perfect way to start the year, Consolidated Media Associates, owners of Soundcity Africa (Television, Radio and Digital), recently treated fun loving Lagosians with loads of entertainment at the Soundcity MVP (Most Valuable Player) Awards Festival.

Staged at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, the event, which brought together celebrities, music stars and stakeholders in the showbiz industry, now replaces the popular Soundcity Music Video Awards, which was finally rested in 2010.

For sure, with huge viewership on its TV channels and listenership on the radio stations (Souncity FM and Urban 96.5FM), the message of the award project was bound to reach a wider audience. At a time when the industry boasts of a few reputable music awards platform that can capture showbiz aptly, SMVP Awards Festival is a breath of fresh air.

While the huge turnout spoke volumes for the organiser’s reach, the massive hall, which was transformed to a showground of sorts, could not accommodate all; there was barely any unoccupied space in the ground floor of the hall. Even the VIP section, which accommodated nominees and celebrities, was packed full.

Nevertheless, the maiden edition of SMVP Awards Festival turned out to be a sacksful outing was a very brilliant show. In fact, it has raised the bar for music award shows. It was also big testimonial to the excellence and professionalism of the CMA helmsman Tajudeen Adepetu. For five days, Adepetu and his team worked tirelessly at the venue to achieve the desired result.

Though there was a dedicated red carpet area right outside the convention centre, the floor of the hallway, as well as the lobby leading to the events hall, were draped in red. Inside, the auditorium was a continuum of glitz and glamour.

The lighting and visual randomisation spread from the screen on stage to the ceiling and walls, creating a fascinating effect befitting of an event of such caliber.

The aesthetically designed stage was T-shaped. This allowed winners of the event to easily waltz into the stage from their seats instead of going through the backstage. Only the performers, host, and award presenters made use of the main entry and exit on stage.

No doubt, Adepetu threw everything into the ring to have a spectacular show. This was largely made possible by three major brands, Guinness, United Bank of Africa (UBA) and Coca-Cola that threw their weight behind the ceremony.
 
Perhaps, Adepetu’s hat trick was the theatrical script that was delicately brought to life on stage.  Each music act that came on stage was a delight to watch, not necessarily because they were better performers but the skilled choreographers who accompanied them showcased pulsating displays. From their costumes to their dance steps, they electrified the atmosphere.

While Nigerian artistes had a good outing at the show, South African rappers EMTee and Cassper Nyovest, and Ghanaian act Sarkodie, who took home the Best Collaboration Award for Pain Killer collaborative effort with Runtown, didn’t fail to excite the audience.

Cassper displayed his hip-hop dance moves as he performed his 2017 hit single Tito Mboweni, while Sarkodie basked in the glory of having the audience singing back the lyrics of Pain Killer to him. EMTee on the other hand got the crowd all rolled up during his rendition of his popular track Roll Up. Other artistes who graced the stage were M.I., Seyi Shay, Yemi Alade, Dice Ailes and Realself and others.

Meanwhile, Davido was the man of the night. Right from his arrival, he caused such a frenzy that his fans ignored the happenings on stage to focus on him. He won the most number of awards for the night.

His 2017 super hit If fetched him two awards for Song of the Year and Video of the Year. He was also the recipient of the biggest award of the night: African Artiste of the Year.

Maleek Berry also took home two awards for Best New Artiste and Best Pop. Olamide and Wizkid took one award each: Listeners Choice and Digital Artiste of the Year respectively.

Tiwa Savage was the only female winner of the night; she took home the award for the Best Female MVP. Other winners of the night include Cassper Nyovest (Best Hip Hop) and Diamond Platnumz (Best Male MVP).