The Nigerian Entertainment Awards were established in New York City in January 2006. The awards recognize the contributions of African entertainers with a special focus on Nigerians.
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, known professionally as Wizkid, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. A prominent figure in the modern-day afrobeats music scene, Wizkid is regarded as one of the biggest and most influential African artists of all time. He began recording music at the age of 11 and released a collaborative album with the Glorious Five (5), a group he and a couple of his church friends formed. In 2009, Wizkid signed a record deal with Banky W's Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E). He later rose to the limelight after releasing "Holla at Your Boy", the lead single from his debut studio album, Superstar (2011), which also spawned the singles "Tease Me/Bad Guys" and "Don't Dull".
The discography of Wizkid, a Nigerian Afrobeats singer, consists of five studio albums, one EP, fifty-three singles, forty-four promotional singles, sixteen guest appearances, six cameo appearances and thirty-three music videos. Wizkid started his music career at age 11, releasing a seven-track collaborative album with Glorious Five entitled Lil Prinz. Wizkid garnered notoriety when he collaborated with Naeto C, Ikechukwu, M.I and Kel. He signed a record deal with Empire Mates Entertainment in 2009. From 2009 through 2011, Wizkid worked on materials for his debut album Superstar (2011). Superstar was supported by the singles "Love My Baby", "Pakurumo", "Tease Me/Bad Guys", "Don't Dull" and "Holla at Your Boy".
Desire is the second studio album by Nigerian singer Iyanya. It was released on 6 February 2013, by Made Men Music Group. The album's production was handled by Tee-Y Mix, D'Tunes, Mr. Chidoo, GospelOnDeBeatz and Young D. It features guest appearances from M.I, Wizkid, D'banj, Emma Nyra, Tiwa Savage, Flavour N'abania, May D, Vector, Tekno and Yung L. The album was supported by six singles—"Kukere", "Kukere" (Remix), "Flavour", "Jombolo", "Ur Waist" and "Sexy Mama".
"Sexy Mama" is a song recorded by Nigerian singer Iyanya featuring Wizkid for the former's second studio album, Desire (2013). It was issued to digital retailers as the album's fifth single on 6 February 2013, coinciding with the release of the parent album, through his label Made Men Music Group. Written by both of the two musicians, "Sexy Mama" was solely produced by D'Tunes. It is a dancehall and dance-inspired track that contains lyrics pertaining to a man's interest in a girl he met at a club.
Oyenike Laoye, known professionally as Nikki Laoye, is a Nigerian recording artist, singer, humanitarian, songwriter, dancer and occasional actress, renowned for her musical expressions and stage performances. As a recording artist, Laoye's music has earned her several awards including The Headies Award in 2013 for Best Female Vocal Performance and the All African Music Awards (AFRIMA) in 2014 for Best Female Artiste in African Inspirational Music. She is also well known for the 2006 hit song Never felt this Way before, the 2013 dance single "1-2-3", the soulful ballad "Only You", which she remixed in 2016 featuring Seyi Shay and the love song Onyeuwaoma featuring Banky W.
The Headies is a music awards show established in 2006 by the Hip Hop World Magazine of Nigeria to recognize outstanding achievements in the Nigerian music industry. The annual ceremony features performances by established and promising artists. It is broadcast live on HipTV to viewers across Nigeria. The first and second editions of The Headies were held at the Muson Center in Onikan, Lagos State. Between 2010 and 2012, the awards were held at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos. Several media personalities in Nigeria have hosted the annual ceremony, including Darey Art Alade, D'banj, Dakore Egbuson, Banky W., Rita Dominic, M.I, Tiwa Savage and Dr SID.
Deborah Oluwaseyi Joshua, known professionally as Seyi Shay, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and actress. In 2008, she became the lead singer for the now defunct pop girl group From Above. The group signed a recording deal with Sony's Columbia Records and was managed by Mathew Knowles' Music World Entertainment company. In November 2013, Shay signed an endorsement deal with telecommunications service provider Etisalat. In July 2015, she signed a record deal with Island Records. In 2015, she signed a two-year endorsement deal with Pepsi. Shay released her debut studio album Seyi or Shay in November 2015. It was supported by the promotional singles "Irawo", "Ragga Ragga", "Right Now" and "Murda", featuring Patoranking and Shaydee. In January 2021, she signed a publishing deal with the French division of Universal Music Publishing Group
The 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards was the 8th edition of the ceremony. It was held at the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts in New York and hosted by Basketmouth.
The 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards took place on 31 August 2014, at the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts in New York City. The eligibility period was from March 2013 to March 2014. In April 2014, the NEA reviewing committee began collecting submissions for the 2014 edition. The deadline for submission was April 30, 2014, and the nominations were announced on May 29, 2014. Tiwa Savage and Davido received the most nominations with 5 each. Don Jazzy, Flavour N'abania and Wizkid all got four nominations each, while Olamide, Patoranking, Chidinma and Oritse Femi followed closely with three nominations.
Ayo is the self-titled second studio album by Nigerian singer Wizkid. It was released on 17 September 2014, by Starboy Entertainment and Empire Mates Entertainment. Ayo was postponed twice due to difficulty in track selection. Preceding its release were the singles "Jaiye Jaiye", "On Top Your Matter", "One Question", "Joy", "Bombay" and "Show You the Money". The album also contains the song "Ojuelegba". Wizkid enlisted Sarz, Shizzi, Uhuru, Del B, Dokta Frabz, Maleek Berry, Legendury Beatz and Spellz to produce the album. Ayo features collaborations with Femi Kuti, Seyi Shay, Yemi Sax, Akon, Banky W., Phyno, Tyga and Wale. It received mixed reviews from music critics, with some commending its production, song arrangement and sound quality, while others panned its lyrics.
The Gidi Culture Festival is an annual one-day music and arts festival that takes place in Lagos, Nigeria. Co-founded by Chinedu Okeke and Oriteme Banigo, it was created in response to a demand from the local youth culture for live, affordable, and accessible entertainment in Africa. The festival provides a venue for live bands, DJs, and musical acts to perform. It also features outdoor activities, local vendors, and artisans. The main show features a line-up of African acts from numerous countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Congo, Kenya, and the United Kingdom. The goal of the festival is to encourage the development of African talent and promote artists both within the continent and into overseas markets.
Legendury Beatz is a Nigerian record producing and songwriting duo, composed of siblings Uzezi Oniko and Okiemute Oniko. Their production style is deeply rooted in afrobeats as well as in several other genres, including hip hop, reggae fusion, moombahton and electro house.
Morihanfen Oluwaseun Oluwabamidele, known by his stage name as Sean Tizzle, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He is currently signed to Wind Vane Music
Tush Magazine is a Nigerian-based glossy full colour magazine which is released quarterly both in print and digital versions of the magazine. It targets the youth market and its contents include articles, coverage and interviews which focus on music, fashion, movie, art, technology, events, relationships, and business. Published by Tush Kingdom Media, Tush Magazine has 22 issues, is printed in English language and is distributed all over Nigeria and on the internet. Tush Magazine also has a Meet and Greet events where personalities featured in each issue give out free autographed copies of Tush Magazine alongside other gifts.
The 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards was the 10th edition of the Nigeria Entertainment Awards. Wizkid won the most awards while Olamide received the most nominations with three across 39 award categories. Kiss Daniel won the Best New Act to Watch award while Praiz won the Best R&B Act award after he toppled the likes of Banky W, Chidinma, Seyi Shay, Timi Dakolo and Shaydee. The award was held at the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, New York City, U.S.A and was hosted by Osas Ighodaro and Ice Prince.
Ayodele Basil, better known as Del B, is a Nigerian (composer) sound engineer, record producer. and songwriter. He is best known for producing Kcee's hit single "Limpopo", which went on to be voted Song of The Year at the 2013 edition of The Headies. In 2012, he produced the single "Shake" by Flavour N'abania, which received critical acclaim among music critics.
Shadrach Adeboye Folarin, professionally referred to as Shaydee, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and vocalist. In 2015, Shaydee was listed on notJustOk's list of "15 Artists to Watch in 2015". He is best known for his hit single titled "Won Gbo Mi", featuring vocal appearance from Wizkid.
Praise Ugbede Adejo, better known by his stage name Praiz, is a Nigerian multi award-winning R&B singer, songwriter, and producer. Praiz's music career hit the limelight after he finished second runner-up at the maiden season of Project Fame West Africa. He is best known for releasing hit singles like "Rich and Famous", "Sisi" and "I Love You". He contributed guest vocals to Bez's 2011 single "That Stupid Song"; the music video for the song mentioned was the first African video to make a world premiere on BET’s 106 & Park. He is currently signed to Cicada Music.
