Today at #Labaf2019 #Day1
Today we break ground at the Lagos Book and Art festival ( LABAF) as we celebrate a collective of writers, poets, conversations and activities in what could easily be the biggest literary festival in Nigeria.
If you are still trying to make up your mind on whether you should attend, here’s the exciting line-up for Day 1 to give you an idea of what to expect.
Cardi B To Make First Ever Appearance In Africa At Livespot X Festival!
Rapper To Perform in Lagos and Accra
December in Nigeria is always a big deal! Nigerians get excited about so many things. For some people, it’s the holiday spirit, the break from work or even the trips to their hometowns. But what excites people the most are the music concerts and events that take place all over the country.
Detty December (As it’s popularly called), this year, promises to be mind-blowing as Livespot X, the entertainment division of Livespot360, is set to bring the queen of rap music, Cardi B to Lagos for the Livespot X Festival (LXF).
For the first time in history, the sensational rapper, Cardi B is coming to Africa and Lagos, Nigeria is the place to be on December 7, 2019. The superstar rapper will also be making a stop in Accra, Ghana on the 8th for day two of the festival.
The rapper and media sensation has three albums under her belt, several awards and three records (“Be Careful”, “Ring” and “Bartier Cardi”) that have gone double-platinum in the space of two years. Talk about an impressive career.
Her music and lifestyle have made her a bonafide celebrity and her fans are sure to be wilding when she arrives Lagos. It’s certain that Cardi will thrill her fans with a killer performance of back to back hits.
LFX 2019, promises an experience like no other. The 1-day event is scheduled to have gates open by 5 pm and sources say it’s set to be the biggest show in Africa this year.
Livespot X Festival (LXF) will feature an exciting mix of incredible live performances; music, quality sound, great lighting, illusionists, top DJs, food, drinks, festivities, and an immense all-round experience that promises to live up to the expectations accustomed to Livespot360.
So, if you are searching for events to attend this December, look no further, because all roads lead to the Livespot X Festival! Okurrrrrrrrr!!
Tickets are on sale at www.livespotnation.com
Burna Boy Wins ‘Best Africa Act’ Award at 2019 MTV EMA’s
Serial hitmaker Burna Boy has been announced as the winner of the Best Africa Act award at the 2019 MTV EMA’s. Burna who was nominated alongside fellow Nigerian, Teni the Entertainer, South Africa’s Prince Kaybee and Nasty C, Harmonize from Tanzania and Togo’s duo TooFan, took home the prestigious award at a star studded event held in Seville, Spain on Sunday, November 3rd, 2019.
With his 2019 MTV EMA win, Burna Boy joins an exclusive list of Nigerian superstar artistes who have won the much coveted international honour. Past Nigerian winners of the MTV EMA Best Africa Act award include 2Baba Idibia, D’Banj, Tiwa Savage and Davido.
Alex Okosi, Executive Vice President and Managing Director for Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa) and BET International commented: “African music continues to make significant contributions to global entertainment and culture. We are proud of and congratulate Burna Boy from Nigeria for winning the Best Africa Act at the 2019 MTV EMA which showcases and celebrates the best talent from the world.”
The 2019 awards show opened with pop superstar Dua Lipa delivering the first global stage performance of her new song “Don’t Start Now,” joined by a massive yellow wall of dancers. Following the performance, show host Becky G appeared in her first of many costumes to partake in a hilarious bilingual dialogue with herself that was a nod to the outstanding year in women-led and Latin music.
22-year-old Kevin Doe from Sierra Leone who is a self-taught engineer and entrepreneur was recognised as one of the 2019 MTV EMA Generation Change Award winners. The “MTV EMA Generation Change Award” returned a second year to elevate and empower the fearless, original young people who are changing the world using music, creativity and innovation. Five dynamic changemakers from around the globe were presented with the award during the “2019 MTV EMA” red carpet pre-show. The winners are among a generation of young people who are tackling the world’s toughest problems – including, climate change, economic imbalance and racial injustice.
South African TV Personality and rapper Boity Thulo walked the 2019 MTV EMA’s Red Carpet in Seville Spain. She joined Impulse winner Alice Matabane and BFF on an experience to remember after winning their Impulse competition on MTV Africa (DStv channel 130).
Highlights from the show included MTV EMA Host Becky G teaming up with Senegalese-American superstar Akon for the first global performance of their reggaeton smash “Como No.” The duo rolled down the runway-like stage on gliding carnival floats. The procession was marked with an explosion of colour, 54 dancers and a blend of instruments in a standout moment.
Legendary rock group Green Day delighted thousands of hardcore fans with an epic performance of their new single “Father of All” and punk classic “Basket Case.” The first-ever MTV EMA Rock Icon winner Liam Gallagher closed the show with a breathtaking performance of his new single “Once” and anthemic hit “Wonderwall” complete with string instruments and a band. The moment was a nod to Gallagher’s classic rock and roll style.
Additionally, MTV celebrated all the local EMA winners from different countries around the globe, from Nigeria, Spain to Latin America and Nigeria. Thirteen of the winners in attendance from their home countries were brought onto the stage for a tremendous in-show moment that showcased a truly global celebration of talent.
See complete list of winners and performances below:
FULL LIST OF “2019 MTV EMA” WINNERS
*indicates winner
BEST AFRICA ACT
*Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Prince Kaybee (South Africa)
TooFan (Toga)
Nasty C (South Africa)
Teni (Nigeria)
Harmonize (Tanzania)
BEST VIDEO
Ariana Grande thank u, next
Billie Eilish bad guy
Lil Nas X Old Town Road (Remix) ft. Billy Ray Cyrus
Rosalía, J Balvin Con Altura ft. El Guincho
*Taylor Swift ME! ft. Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco
BEST ARTIST
Ariana Grande
J Balvin
Miley Cyrus
*Shawn Mendes
Taylor Swift
BEST SONG
Ariana Grande 7 rings
*Billie Eilish bad guy
Lil Nas X Old Town Road (Remix) ft. Billy Ray Cyrus
Post Malone, Swae Lee Sunflower
Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello Señorita
BEST COLLABORATION
BTS, Halsey Boy With Luv
Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus Old Town Road (Remix)
Mark Ronson, Miley Cyrus Nothing Breaks Like a Heart
*Rosalía, J Balvin Con Altura ft. El Guincho
Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello Señorita
The Chainsmokers, Bebe Rexha Call You Mine
BEST NEW
Ava Max
*Billie Eilish
Lewis Capaldi
Lil Nas X
Lizzo
Mabel
BEST POP
Ariana Grande
Becky G
Camila Cabello
*Halsey
Jonas Brothers
Shawn Mendes
BEST LIVE
Ariana Grande
*BTS
Ed Sheeran
P!NK
Travis Scott
BEST ROCK
*Green Day
Imagine Dragons
Liam Gallagher
Panic! At The Disco
The 1975
BEST HIP-HOP
21 Savage
Cardi B
J. Cole
*Nicki Minaj
Travis Scott
BEST ALTERNATIVE
*FKA Twigs
Lana Del Rey
Solange
twenty one pilots
Vampire Weekend
BEST ELECTRONIC
Calvin Harris
DJ Snake
Marshmello
*Martin Garrix
The Chainsmokers
BEST PUSH
*Ava Max
Billie Eilish
CNCO
H.E.R.
Jade Bird
Juice WRLD
Kiana Ledé
Lauv
Lewis Capaldi
Lizzo
Mabel
Rosalía
BEST WORLD STAGE
Bebe Rexha Isle of MTV Malta 2019
Hailee Steinfeld Isle of MTV Malta 2018
*Muse Bilbao, Spain 2018
The 1975 Lollapalooza Paris Festival 2019
twenty one pilots Lollapalooza Paris Festival 2019
BEST LOOK
*Halsey
J Balvin
Lil Nas X
Lizzo
Rosalía
BIGGEST FANS
Ariana Grande
Billie Eilish
*BTS
Shawn Mendes
Taylor Swift
BEST US ACT
Ariana Grande
Billie Eilish
Lil Nas X
Lizzo
*Taylor Swift
BEST UK ACT
Lewis Capaldi
Dave
Mabel
Ed Sheeran
*Little Mix
EMA GENERATION CHANGE HONOREES
Alfredo “Danger” Martinez, 33, Mexico
Shiden Tekle, 20, UK
Lisa RanRan Hu, 20, China
Kelvin Doe, 22, Sierra Leone
Jamie Margolin, 17, USA
FULL PERFORMANCE LIST
Dua Lipa – “Don’t Start Now”
Mabel – “Don’t Call Me Up”
Niall Horan – “Nice to Meet Ya”
Akon feat. Becky G – “Como No”
Green Day – “Father of All,” Basket Case”
Halsey – “Graveyard”
Ava Max – “Torn,” “Sweet but Psycho”
Rosalía – “Di Mi Nombre”
NCT 127 – “Highway to Heaven”
Becky G – “24/7,” “Sin Pajama,” “Mayores”
Liam Gallagher – “Once,” “Wonderwall”
Adedokun reads from new book, The danfo driver in all of us.
Author of Ladies calling the shots, a book profiling leading female filmmaker in Nigeria will on Monday join about 20 other authors at Book Trek, the opening event of the Lagos Book and Arts festival, LABAF. The event holds at Freedom Park, Lagos at 5pm
A statement issued by the Lagos based public relations practitioner informed that Adedokun will be reading from his new book, The danfo driver in all of us.
Released recently on the Prima imprint of Narrative Landscape Press, the 250- page book is a collection of articles written by the author on various national platforms including The PUNCH, thecable.ng, and premiumtimes.com. These articles, according to Adedokun derive from his reflections on various aspects of national life over the past six years.
Foreword to the new book was written by Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism and former Editor of The PUNCH, Mr Gbemiga Ogunleye who testifies that: “ This collection of essays is a testimony to the author’s passion for change in the country,” and that the author passes his message without being magisterial, thus earning the respect and confidence of the reader.”
New Stage Play “AREMU”
depicts the colourful life of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo
Emerging production powerhouse, The Duke of Shomolu Productions have just signed a production agreement deal with the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Foundation to co-produce and deliver to the global stage an exciting and historic new Play- Aremu
AREMU is the depiction of the very colourful life if influential international Statesman and former Nigerian President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo
The Play which was written by erudite Professor Ahmed Yerima will take the audience from the iconic Obasanjo’s birth through the struggles of his peasant upbringing to the epoch rendering of his later life capturing the highs and lows of the life of this great International Figure.
The story tells the story of Nigeria but from the life of Chief Obasanjo who some say remains arguably one of the most Influential Nigerians alive.
According to the Executive Producer and Executive Chairman of Duke of Shomolu Productions, Mr Joseph Edgar, AREMU will amongst others throw up the values and ethics that guide the life of this celebrated global figure with the sole aim of bringing them back to the forefront of public discuss as we commence the tedious task of rebuilding not only our Nation but also repositioning the Black Mans place in global discuss.
On his part, Dr Ayo Aderinwale who is the Deputy Coordinator of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Foundation and who will also double as the Co-Executive Producer, AREMU would further push the vision of its principal subject, feeding off his larger than Life personality to properly situate his message within a resurgent global context.
Over 1m people globally are expected to see the play and it will premiere March 2020 on the occasion of Chief Obasanjo’s Birthday in Abeokuta where dignitaries both international and global including visiting Heads of State and Governments would have the privilege of previewing the play.
The Play will tour four major Nigerian Cities- Abeokuta, Lagos, Abuja and PortHarcourt and from there touch 10 African Cities before berthing in Europe and America.
LABAF2019 SPECIAL:
Wole Soyinka: Timeless Memories: Elastic Effects.
An illustrative Art, Video Installation and Installation Project; A Wole Soyinka at 85 Celebration Project.
The life of Wole Soyinka has been a subject of discourse for many years now, from his early childhood in Abeokuta, to his early days at the University College, Ibadan (Now University of Ibadan), the formation of the Pyrates Confraternity, his most active early days as a writer, the formation of the FRSCS, his days as an activist, the NADECO/Abacha days and also his life as a global citizen of the world.
This exhibition Project seeks to understand and showcase from the perspective of the Icon, 20 most important defining moments that led the young boy who grew up in Abeokuta to become the enigma we all revere today. These have to be the Wole Soyinka moments that have defined him in every way, and allowed us to see him for who he is today.
The Exhibition is the grand finale of the WS@85 Celebration that started in July this year, and also part of programs for the 21st Edition of the Lagos Book and Arts Festival (LABAF).
Akinwándé Oluwo̩lé Babátúndé S̩óyinká; (Born 13 July 1934), known as Wole Soyinka, is a Nigerian playwright, poet and essayist. He was awarded the 1986 Nobel Prize in Literature the first African to be honoured in that category.
Soyinka was born into a Yoruba family in Abeokuta. In 1954, by he attended Government College in Ibadan, subsequently University College and University of Leeds in England. After studying in Nigeria and the UK, he worked with the Royal Court Theatre in London. He went on to write plays that were produced in both countries, in theatres and on radio. He took an active role in Nigeria’s political history and its struggle for independence from Great Britain. In 1965, he seized the Western Nigeria Broadcasting Service studio and broadcast a demand for the cancellation of the Western Nigeria Regional Elections. In 1967, during the Nigerian Civil War, he was arrested by the federal government of General Yakubu Gowon and put in solitary confinement for two years. He was released in 1969 and left Nigeria, not to return until after a change of government in 1975.
A father, grandfather, Soyinka is a cultural and literally Icon. A wine connoisseur and a global citizen. He was decorated with ‘Order and Merit of the Commander’s Rank’ by President Moise of Haiti in February 2018. At the age of 85 Oluwole Soyinka is not showing signs of slowing down as a writer and an activist.
Exhibition Style:
Art Pieces: These 20 moments would be captured in 20 colorful illustrative art works that best capture the energy, works that best describe the event/period captured. The art works would be finally printed – most likely on canvas, they will be colourful, brilliant and their effect will be spontaneous when viewed.
Video Installation: The Narrative around the 20 defining moments would also be captured in s short film which would be premiered during the Exhibition. The Short film titled: Kongi’s Effect- Timeless Memories: Elastic Effects would feature archival videos such as the appearance of Wole Soyinka during the aftermath of the 1965 Saga, as well as other never seen videos of the Nobel Laureate in his private home in Ijegba, Abeokuta.
The Idea behind this exhibition project is to create a conscious form of dialogue and discourse on a fresh perspective around Wole Soyinka and also most importantly infuse the use of Technology as a means of expanding the scope of knowledge and interaction around the man we all call “WS” or “Kongi”
Date: November 4th at the Kongi’s Harvest Hall, Freedom Park Lagos.
Exhibition Opening Time: 4; 30 PM.
The Exhibition Project is Produced and Curated by: Oludamola O Adebowale.
The Exhibition Project is proudly supported by ASIRI Magazine, CORA-LABAF, Freedom Park Lagos, and WSICE.
Watch Episode 1 Of The Brand New Season Of MTV Shuga Naija
Shuga fans, we have exciting news! Your favourite TV series is back!
After what we can all agree was a long wait, award-winning TV show, MTV Shuga Naija is back for its fourth season, and if this first episode is anything to go by, we’re in for a drama and suspense-filled season.
Tobi is in love! 😉 Faa is still trying to prove her innocence and get the press to leave her alone. And whew, Diana seems to still be up to no good.
We are being introduced to some really interesting new characters and we can’t wait to see their stories unfold in the new season of MTV Shuga Naija.
Watch the first episode below.
Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlZkGnsjqcU
