Tag Archives: United States

Press Release – Nigerian Promoters Association Annual Summit May 25th -27th, 2012, Houston, TX

NPA Annual summit is an annual meeting of Entertainment Administrators who are members and non-members of NPA, such as; promoters, music producers, event planners, record label companies, Artiste managers, Deejays, Entertainment media personalities, film producers, fashion designers, Arts, sports e.t.c., coming together to share ideas and deliberate thoroughly on how to better improve the standard of Pan African Entertainment industry particularly in the North America as a one point agenda by the year 2020. In addition, it should be categorically noted therefore, that the Nigerian promoters Association is not politically oriented and will not give room to be politically influenced by any politician or political party as the case may be.

THE NPA ENTERTAINMENT AWARDS

The NPA 2012 event is planned to be bigger and better holding in Houston Texas U.S.A., from the 25th to 27th of MAY, 2012, of the “Memorial weekend”. The NPA Entertainment Awards is an event to recognize, to celebrate and to further promote the African entertainment exponents based in the United States of America and in Diaspora.

This way more talents will be discovered because of the competition it will definitely create, while the already discovered talents will also have reason to do better to remain relevant in the industry.

NETWORKING VISION

The NPA event is designed to create networking platform where attendees with various ideas will meet and share great ideas among each other. To also preserve African cultural heritage. An Entertainment platform to exhibit and promote various works to both locals and Africans in the United States of America, thus broadening networking beyond boarders business wise and defining new markets for creative arts and Entertainment business.

– Open more entertainment business opportunity to business owners in Africa that are out for partnership with investors in the United States of America.

– A platform to show case African talents and multi cultural diversity to the world at large.

NPA ENTERTAINMENT AWARD CATEGORIES 7 NOMINEES 2012

BEST COLLABORATION WITH VOCALS

Mr. Flint ft Edrino- Bami Jo Baby

A cue ft Oxygen2- Moti Moje

in Houston , TX T-Money ft Tekkno – Waka Waka Girl

Max Pain ft. K-Solo – Waa Tee Eh

Kenny Kay ft MC Skillz-Nigerian Girl

Cap B ft YQ-Workaholic

BEST MUSIC SINGLE OF THE YEAR

Tmoney Jasi1time – I am dagrin

Kenny Kay-Nigerian Girl

Tolu Playar- Halleluya

SLV-Fayawood

Titi-Lokei-Buss my brain

Mr. Flint ft Edrino- Bami Jo Baby

BEST NEW ACT OF THE YEAR

Rukus

Mateo Vic

Kenny Kay

Doggext

SLV

A cue

BEST GOSPEL MUSICIAN

Tahila Praise

Falu phalu

Kate Igodo

Chisom Orji

BEST INDIGENOUS ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Dking Rokan

Melloh Melodious

Dele Thomas

Latunde Silver

Yinka “Mr. Somebody” Quadri

Prince Afolabi a.k.a Oba Ara

BEST R&B ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Rotimi

Meaku

SLV

Koleurz

BEST DEEJAY OF THE YEAR (U.S.A)

DJ Donn

DJPhemster

DJ Obi

DJ Fineboy

DJ Shinski

 BEST REGGAE/DANCEHALL ACT

Popasay

Julian Abey

Fa raw

Cola Man

BEST FEMALE MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Titi Lokei-Buss my brain

Gloria Maduka-Illusion

Nenna Yvonne-Go around Remix

Naira-Ink Dreaming

BEST NEXT RATED ARTIST

Gloria Maduka

Oshine

SLV

Naira

Tmoney

Popasay

BEST PROMOTION COMPANY OF THE YEAR

TribeX Entertainment

Townkrier Entertainment

Ovacommedia

Princess Belemzy Entertainment

Emaginethat Entertainment

Backhome Productions

BEST COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR

Seyi Brown

Pascal Atuma

Nwamilele

Michael Blackson

MC PC Polycarp

BEST MALE MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Tolu Playar-Halleluya

Tmoney-Iam Dagrin

Dking Rokan ft Seinde Jo-Ori

Kenny Kay ft MC Skillz-Nigerian Girl

Mateo Vic-Cinderella

SLV-Fayawood

BEST POP ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Nenna Yvonne

Eno Will

Ajah Onuh

Gloria Maduka

Tolumide

BEST AFRO HIPHOP ARTIST

Tolu Playar

Maxpain

A-cue

Kenny Kay

Oshine

DSP

BEST MALE ACT OF THE YEAR

Oshine

Tolu Playar

DSP Oyinloye

Kenny Kay

SLV

A-cue

BEST FEMALE ACT OF THE YEAR

Naira

Nenna Yvonne

Gloria Maduka

Titi Lokei

Qslimz

Koleurz

BEST RAP ARTIST OF THE YEAR

iLLmyk

Tmoney

Doggext

Cap B

Naira

Qslimz

BEST GOSPEL INSTRUMENTALIST

Abraham Ogunlade

Onome Ovwori

Najite

Agboola Shadare

Vic ‘Mr VSAX’ Oyedeji

BEST ENT. PHOTOGRAPHER

Bode Ojo-Golden Icons

Rasheed Handsome-(HON)

Tunde Majek-Tmaj Photo

Chucks-Media 5 Photographer

Trendy Africa

BEST PROMOTER OF THE YEAR

Harrison Nwozo

Igwe “Ciba”

Olumide Anjorin

Anderson Obiagwu

Adewole Lipede

Bolaji Dawodu

BEST MOVIE PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

Chisom Oz lee

Pascal Atuma

Jj Bunny

Oliver Mbamara

Eva Banks

Papa Gee

BEST PARTY PROMOTER OF THE YEAR

Nkem Oji-Emaginethat Entertainment

Princess Belemzy Entertainment

Vogue Entertainment Group

Shekpe Knights Entertainment

Bolaji Dawodu World Audience Promotions

Yaz Ibekwe-Townkrier Entertainment

ENTERTAINMENT PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

Harrison Nwozo

Emma Agu

Tiwa Works

Marion Amanambu

Lanre Araba

Izzy Obayagbona

BEST ACTOR OF THE YEAR

Pascal Atuma

Chet Anekwe

Rasaq Adoti

Oliver Mbamara

Hakeem Kae Kazim

Valentine Ekweanua

BEST ACTRESS OF THE YEAR

Chisom Oz lee

Jj Bunny

Seun Maduka

Determined Merlisa

Dee Dabira

Eva Banks

BEST MOVIE DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

Oliver Mbamara

John Uche

George Kalu

Boyce Uboh

Pascal Atuma

Stanley Chinedu

BEST MOVIE OF THE YEAR

This is Houston-Jj Bunny

Okoto the Messenger-Pascal Atuma

The return of spade-Oliver Mbamara

Culture TV Series-Oliver Mbamara

BEST INT’L NOLLYWOOD ACT

Funke Akindele

Ini Edo

Mike Ezuronye

Uche Jumbo

Kunle Afolayan

John Dumelo

BEST ENT. WEBSITE OF THE YEAR

Mixmasterbrown-Afrijamz

Ike Orizu-Trusport

Peter Uko-Afrogist.Tv

Emma Agu-Iktune.com

BEST MEDIA PERSONALITY

Harriet T.Arokoyu-AMC-TV

Nikky Roberts-Talk Time Africa

Lamin & Lamide-Sound of Africa

Elizabeth Amani-Lizmani.com

Princess Asha Okojie-Afriqtalk

BEST ENT. BLOG SITE OF THE YEAR

Afriqplace.com

Notjustok.com

Underdarock

Golden Icons

Naijaprince Entertainment

Trendy Africa

BEST FASHION DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

Kachi Designs

Estella Couture

Afrik Couture

Chianu Int’l Fashion

MO’CO’LATEE Fashions

BEST INDIGENOUS INSTRUMENTALIST

Bunmi Omega

Kolade Oyediran

Laja Gbadegesin

Dele Thomas

Isahia Arijo

Alli Mohammed

BEST FEMALE MODEL OF THE YEAR

Nnena Agba

Tracy O’bonna

Kemi Shade

Eeefy Ike

Venessa Obonna

BEST INTERNATIONAL MUSIC ACT

Iceprince-Nigeria

Naeto C-Nigeria

  MO Eazy-United Kingdom

  Cola Man-Austria

Jjc Skillz-United Kingdom

Bez Idakula Set To Take America By Storm

Bez Idakula Africa’s John Legend is set to take  America by storm with his style of music. He’s one artist that sure knows how to promote and brand himself. The name Bez is steadily becoming a household name in the U.S entertainment industry. He recently, kicked off  a U.S tour by showcasing in places such as SOBs in New York, The Apple Store, in Soho. He will be featured as a guest on Society HAE, live radio broadcast on May 22nd, 2012, ending his tour May 23rd at the Shrine in Harlem, New York.

He was also the first African artiste to premiere a music video on BET International’s “106 & Park” for his hit single “That Stupid Song”. When I first heard  his songs of love, vocal prowess and saw his masterful guitar playing, it reminded me of John Legend. This charismatic young man with his five man band plays intimate acoustic. Bez has opened up for international acts like Tuface, Mike Aremu, South African based Judith Sephuma Asa, Angie Stone, Yolanda Brown, Nneka, and M.I.

The video ‘More You’ single is one of my favorite. Bez is a young rising singer, songwriter and guitarist from Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Born on November 10, 1983, Bez makes alternative soul, a combination of soul, jazz and R&B music.He was educated at Loyola Jesuit College in Abuja and Covenant University, where he graduated with a Bachelors degree in Information Technology. Bez is an amazing performer and a talented young man.

I want to say a big thank you to Antonio Ocampo

I want to say a big thank you to Antonio Ocampo for disregarding his bid for the presidency of the world bank. This leaves the contest between Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala and president Obama‘s nominee, Jim Yong Kim. I wish Oprah could read this and tell me how she feels as an accomplished woman who wept the day the day Obama became president of the United states.

This is not about Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, it is about change for the better, change because it demonstrates openness and transparency, change because it is the right thing to do , change because the US ought to allow for an election to the most important institution in the world, the World Bank to be based on merit and set a remarkable example, change because she is the only non-American female who is qualified and Jim Young‘s experience pales before hers.!!

I do not mean his paper qualification, I mean his experience. EXPERIENCE is what the World Bank needs. The developed world seemed more ready to dump ideas and Aids on Africa rather than make Africa a worthy partner in global governance. This has got to come to a screeching halt because the more developed countries we have in the world, the better for World Bank.

I say to the Europe and and those countries that want to blindly follow president Obama , and especially the US to wake up and have rethink. Please do not set a precedent that you cannot defend before generations born and yet unborn.

The out dated practice of having an American only lead the World Bank and a European lead the IMF is absolute nonsense and has no place in today’s fast paced world anymore. The day Obama became President meant that the Americans saw this: change has come and an American who happens to be white must not occupy the WHITE HOUSE, an African American whose father is from Kenyan is qualified to do so. We see his vision and we are ready to follow him.

 

By Princess Gloria Okojie-fritz

The Case for Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has an unmistakable grain of sociopolitical and economical authenticity. An Igbo woman from Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family of Ogwashi-Ukwu. Okonjo-Iweala was educated at Harvard University, graduating magna cum laude with an A.B. in 1977, and earned her Ph.D. in regional economic development from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1981.

Prior to her ministerial career in Nigeria, Okonjo-Iweala left her position as vice-president and corporate secretary of the World Bank Group to join President Obasanjo‘s cabinet as Finance Minister on 15 July 2003, determined to make developing countries play remarkable roles in decisions that affect them instead of being silent observers.

Although some controversy surrounded Okonjo-Iweala’s appointment as Finance Minister, she left that administration at the end of August 2006. On October 4, 2007, World Bank President Robert Zoellick appointed her to the post of Managing Director, effective December 1, 2007.

In 2011, Okonjo-Iweala was reappointed as Minister of Finance with the expanded portfolio of the Coordinating Minister for the Economy by President Goodluck Jonathan. She took a lot of heat, more-so than any other government official for the unpopular fuel subsidy removal policy by the Nigerian government which led to Occupy Nigeria protests in January 2012.

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala left a record of debt-forgiveness, -the only finance minister to have done so. The then senator Obama was very skeptical at the suggestion of debt-forgiveness from the Paris club. She buttressed her opinion with remarkable points and persuasive arguments. The whole was convinced.

This is a woman who poverty motivated to be all she could be; her gender notwithstanding. Obama knows about determination and going for what you believe in, his wife, Mitchell knows that too. I really think president Obama should uphold the American values among which decisions based on merit is one.

CHANGE was the key word President Obama campaigned with. Well, it is time to show that you are ready to change the way the informal agreement which sees an American as the president of the World Bank and a European as the president of the IMF.

This decision has operated since 1940s. Things have changed since then and we all know it. America has block votes in the world bank and America will prove that she is not afraid to say: ‘when the time for change has come, we must bow to it’ This is what your children will be proud of president Obama, this is what your wife as an accomplished woman will be proud of – You stood up to be counted when it mattered the most.

Real power is the ability to retrace your step when no would have been easier. Indeed, it is time that a woman, who is also, a naturalized U.S citizen, an African with a proven track record on international problem-solving skills and happens to be a woman becomes the president of the world bank.

How will you and Mitchell feel if Sasha one day qualified for a position but was told that the position has been informally agreed to be occupied by non-Americans and men? We are talking about her effectively shedding more light on the problems in developing countries.

I believe that she will encourage direct investments, help remove infrastructural problems by enabling funding into infrastructure and above all the electricity problem that has bedeviled Nigeria for so long-popularly referred to as POWER. It is time that Africa as a continent rises.

Nigeria has done so much in terms of securing peace in Africa. We are still faced with challenges even just now. Some international interest groups definitely benefit from the problems of most developing countries. Why can’t we be great as a continent?

Why can’t we be in a position to do business on equal and mutually benefiting terms with the rest of the world? Why must we be notorious for poverty, disease, hunger and underdevelopment? Women have the numerical strength but lack the corresponding positions of higher responsibilities like the men? Men and women are co-partners in governance.

An only woman who is highly qualified in the person of Dr. Ngozi Okojo-Iweala deserves to be the next president of the World Bank.

By Princess Gloria Okojie-Fritz

Two Brides & a Baby USA Premiere and Screening by SnapFlix- Nollywood Cinema Series

THE NOLLYWOOD CINEMA SERIES KICKS OFF IN AMERICA WITH THE PREMIERE OF BLESSING EGBE’S ‘TWO BRIDES AND A BABY’ IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA ON SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012.

Two Brides and a Baby is a must see movie. I really loved the way that this movie was brillantly done by Blessing Egbe, the cast were fantastic.  I love how Blessing was able to bring emotional nuance to her role in the movie.

Following the huge success of Nollywood films in cinemas across Africa and the UK, Movie lovers in the US, Canada and Caribbean can now enjoy Nollywood in American Cinemas courtesy of SnapFlix Incorporated, a distributor of African media content in the USA. The new brand, the ‘Nollywood Cinema Series’ is an ongoing showcase of new breed, top quality Nollywood movies (being referred to as the “New Nollywood”) in Cinemas across major cities in the Americas. The initial lineup of cities for the series include Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, DC/Maryland, Toronto and Kingston, Jamaica.

The series took off in style with a red carpet premiere event of the widely acclaimed, award-winning drama ‘TWO BRIDES AND A BABY’ on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at the Hill Auditorium, Woodruff Arts Center, 1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30309. TWO BRIDES AND A BABY’ is a beautifully crafted romantic comedy drama starring Stella Damasus, Kalu Ikeagwu, Keira Hewatch, O.C Ukeje, Chelsea Eze, Okey Uzoeshi and Blessing Egbe. It is written and produced by model/actress/producer Blessing Egbe and directed by the famous Nollywood director, Teco Benson.

The movie has received rave reviews and has to date received a total 16 nominations from ‘The Best of Nollywood Awards’ 2011, Abuja Film Festival 2011 and AMAA 2012. ‘TWO BRIDES AND A BABY’ also bagged 5 awards at the Best of Nollywood Awards in 2011, including awards for Best Director, Achievement in Sound, New Female Act, Best Screenplay and Movie of the year. The main cast and crew were in attendance and also at an exclusive after party at Cream Ultra Lounge (home of The African Experience) located at 3249 Buford Hwy, Atlanta, GA 30329. More details at www.snapflix.net.

SnapFlix also launches its brand new website WWW.SNAPFLIX.NET. The new website will provide information about Nollywood Cinema Series theater locations in each city, film schedules, show times and box office information for current and future showings of movies from the Nollywood Cinema Series. Visitors to www.snapflix.net will find the new site informative. Site visitors can watch trailers of current and upcoming films, get movie details, share and interact with friends on upcoming films using Facebook and Twitter, buy tickets for upcoming movie premiers and screenings, and get information about Snapflix and the Nollywood Cinema Series.

SnapFlix founders, Deji Eniojukan and Jide Akanbi say “This is a grand landmark for Nollywood and the beginning of a new revolution of film in African Entertainment Industry. We are meeting the entertainment needs of Africans and lovers of Africa in the diaspora, a need for a cinematic presence of Nollywood movies in North America. Launching a structured distribution of Nollywood films to American cinemas is filling a major gap in the industry, this is also key to ensuring the producers and content owners are able to recover quality returns thereby encouraging investment in the Nollywood Industry based on the performance of these quality films in American cinemas.

It’s a big breakthrough and it’s been a long journey, but we are excited about the future of Nollywood and we’re glad to be part of it”. Producer of TWO BRIDES AND A BABY; Blessing Egbe says “There is a proverb that goes ‘when one door closes, another opens’. I am excited that a new door has opened for Nollywood films in the US via Snapflix distribution. These are a new crop of distributors with good intent for content owners. They have unlocked the strong doors of some US theaters and I hope that thousands of Nollywood fans and supporters will walk through these doors to enjoy the selected movies showing in these theaters.

Producers will no longer face the problem of selling their content to some persons who take advantage of the laxity in mainstream distribution in the diaspora. I am happy for the innovation and look forward to the launch. I am even happier that my film is the one that will launch the series, Glory be to God!”

ABOUT SNAPFLIX/ THE NOLLYWOOD CINEMA SERIES

SnapFlix is a distributor of African and Caribbean media based in Atlanta, GA. A media and entertainment company with operations in USA and Africa, we distribute movies via multiple channels including theaters, online rentals and sales, wholesale to retail outlets, and streaming rights sales to legitimate online streaming companies for African and Caribbean content. SnapFlix is the media and entertainment subsidiary of Sinet Technologies Inc. (www.sinettechnologies.com), a global technology and media conglomerate with operations in US,Canada, Caribbean and Africa.

Snapflix’s operation encompasses film/music distribution, motion picture production, motion picture financing, and talent management. As organizers of the Nollywood Cinema Series, SnapFlix brings the new breed of high quality Nollywood/African movies to movie theaters in North America. Visit www.snapflix.net for more information. Fans can also stay updated via social media by following @snapflix on Twitter and by liking the Fan page at www.facebook.com/nollywoodcimenaseries.

SnapFlix Inc – Bringing the world to a big screen near you.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR PRESS INQUIRIES –

Please contact: Tosin Taiwo | Email: tosin@snapflix.net | Phone: 404.418.5400 |

info@snapflix.net |

WWW.SNAPFLIX.NET