Singer Omawumi Megbele and hip-hop act Jude ‘M.I’ Abaga have been announced as hosts for the 7th edition of The Headies - one of Nigeria’s biggest music awards event.
Executive producer of the awards Ayo
Animashaun announced today that the pair have been selected in line with
the awards’ tradition of picking ‘talented and inspiring entertainers,
to front an awards ceremony that parades some of the continent’s biggest
entertainers’.
‘It’s a very important year for us at The Headies, and for the Nigerian music industry in general‘, Animashaun, who founded the awards in 2006 says. ’And
we found in M.I and Omawumi, two great entertainers who are very
passionate about the awards, passionate about their work, passionate
about the music business and a great source of inspiration to young, up
and coming artistes, because of their peculiar stories climbing up‘.
Omawumi, 30, came second on West Africa
Idol, in 2007. Her success on that show provided a strong foundation for
her career, and she hasn’t looked back for a minute. With her debut
single ‘In the music’ released in 2008, she established
herself as a talent to court, and a singer whose eyes are on the global
stage. The success of that single, won her the coveted ‘Next Rated’
prize at The Headies in 2009. The award came with a brand new KIA
Optima. Omawumi has moved on to become a remarkably successful singer,
actor, performer and philanthropist.
Omawumi’s co-host M.I, has risen from
grass to grace, in just about half a decade. And, from a Jos-bred
wanna-be, who worked hard to find a niche in the hip hop community, M.I
has now become the leading rapper and hip hop ambassador on the
continent, with many medals to show for his achievements. The Chocolate
City rapper is a multiple winner at The Headies, with his prizes
including Best Rap Album and Revelation of the Year (both in 2009). He has won a total of 9 Headies, starting from his first surprise win in 2008.
‘I won my first Headie when no one
knew who I was’ M.I says. ‘It was a big leap for me and my career and I
can say the same for a lot of my colleagues. Several years after, I’m
excited to be here, performing in a very important capacity, along with
my very good friend Omawumi’.
‘You know one of the things over the
years that have been traditionally so great about the Headies awards is
the fact that they do two things well. They merge the aspirational
aspect of entertainment with the inspirational aspect of entertainment.
You take us to the villages, we meet people where they don’t really have
water we’ve done that. At the same time you take people to Brazil. A
young person can look and be inspired and also aspire too,’ he concluded.
Organizers say both acts have already
been getting together, sharing ideas and fine-tuning concepts, along
with The Headies producers, in anticipation of a great show this year.
‘It’s been fun, fun, fun for me‘ an already hyped up Omawumi comments.
The Headies 2012 according to organizers will hold at the Eko Hotel and Suites on Saturday October 20, 2012.
Now in its 7th year, The Headies (also known as the HipHopWorld Awards)
is Nigeria’s premiere honours event for urbane music and hip hop
culture. Produced and presented to match some of the biggest awards
shows from around the world,The Headies annually celebrate deserving
Nigerian music stars, giving honour to whom it is due, and encouraging
many to step up their game in order to enter The prestigious Headies
alumni.
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