NMV awards: Away from the NORM

It was not only for the usual annual celebration of acts, who have distinguished themselves in their various genres and categories in the year, it was also an opportunity for the organisers, Callivision Network Limited, led by Cally Ikpe, to roll out the drums and clink glasses in honour of their continuous dominance in the entertainment space for five unbroken years.

With a theme that was woven round music videos as tools for cultural exchange, it was also an opportunity for stakeholders — directors, producers, cinematographers, editors, directors of photography — to propagate and celebrate Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage in music videos.

Titbits on the event

No red carpet

The venue was at the Zinnia hall of the Eko Hotel and Suites. Instead of the usual red carpet, there was a lengthy green carpet with the logo of the organisers etched all over it. Compering the occasion were Gbenga Adeyinka and delectable former most beautiful girl in Nigeria now rapper, Munachii Abii, who made only a few appearances depicting only one of the tribe’s dressing-the Igbo outfit which she wore for her first appearance.

Dignitaries in the house

Aside from artistes and guests who graced the event, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Dr Paul Orhii made a surprise appearance. He sat through till the end of the show and representatives from the Lagos State government, the Nigerian export import bank, Benue State governor, Suswam Gabriel, and many stakeholders all graced the event.

Shocking revelations

Many already-established acts went home in shock without winning any awards as relatively new and upcoming acts dusted them. With the exception of Goldie, Kennis St Brown and Darey, other heavy weights went home empty handed.

The performances

Ashley Stephanie had on a Beyonce-inspired costume beneath a wrap dress when she emerged on the stage. When she attempted to shed the wrap dress for the next performance, it got caught in her shoe obstructing her dance movements. Rather than allow it mar her performance, she ripped her beautiful and expensive pair of shoes off and performed barefooted. She ended up wowing the crowd with her performance.

Also, there was Harrisong, Wizkid, Dipp and Timi Dakolo, winner of the one and only edition of the West African idols music reality show who was in his elements as he gave a moving performance of his song Cry. Also, Joel Amadi, Tuface’s sing alike and a relatively new comer into the music industry

...and some of the winners are:

Best Afro Hip Hop — Samklef (Molowo)

Best Mainstream Hip hop Video-Vector - Get down

Best Gospel video — Kenny Saint Brown (Mo ti goke)

Best Rhythm/blue video — Darey (I like the way you are)

Best Highlife video — Jodie (Kuchi Kuchi)

Best Afro Beat — W4 (Control)

Best Contemporary Afro video — M.I (Undisputed)

Best use of costume — Darey (Ba ni kidi)

Best use of choreography- T.I.V (Komole) and a host of others.