What went down at NMVA

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The second edition of the Nigerian Music Video Awards held on Sunday November 30. And, although the organisers were able to get corporate sponsorship from Harp Lager beer this year, the event failed to attract major industry bigwigs; just like majority of the winners were not there to personally receive their prizes.

Unlike the debut edition in 2007, when major music industry stakeholders rallied round the organisers, only a sprinkle of relevant practitioners made the awards this year.

The likes of P-square, D'Banj, Ikechukwu, Naeto C, 9ice, Banky W, 2Face Idibia and Olu Maintain were nowhere near the venue. Their absence was a major minus for the acts and their managers as many (including the coordinator, Cally Ikpe) criticized them for favouring foreign events over homegrown initiatives.

Only a week before, the entire industry had momentarily relocated to Abuja, venue of the MTV Africa music awards. A month before, Nigerian acts and allied professionals formed the bulk of the roll call at the Channel O awards in South Africa.

Except for D'Banj and Sunny Neji who were out of town, headlining the globacom tour, and Storm acts — Ikechukwu, Sasha and Naeto C — who were performing in South Africa, most of the other acts were believed to be in Lagos. It remains uncertain why they shunned the event created to acknowledge and celebrate the music video revolution in Nigeria.

Apart from rapper, Ruggedman (best indigenous concept), Rooftop MCs (best mainstream hip hop video), Koffi (best use of Animation), Sammie Okposo (best gospel video) and H-man (best contemporary Afro video), most of the other winners were absent, and there were no representatives to receive their awards on their behalf. They include: P-square (best use of costume, best use of choreography, best Afropop); D'banj and Mo hits (best interpreted video, best video producer); Asa (best special effect); Shank (best reggae/dancehall video) and Banky (best R&B video).

Even radio OAP's IK Osakioduwa (Wildchild) who had earlier been announced as co-anchor, was conspicuously missing.

The absence of the major stars dimmed the shine of the awards, and robbed the event in no small measure.

However, the presence of veterans like Victor Uwaifo, Bisi Olatilo, Tony Okoroji, Bongos Ikwe, Patrick Doyle and contemporary players like Etcetera, Zaaki, Julius Agwu, Darey, Ruggedman, Clarence Peters, Kel, Rooftop MCs, Muma Gee, and Segun Obe was a needed compensation.

Uwaifo and Ikwe were inducted into the NMVA Hall of fame.

Performers this year include: DIPP, Koffi, Segun Obe, Freewindz, Kel and El Ritchie.The organisers gave out awards in 23 categories.