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The Music & Entertainment Gospel Awards (aka MEGA Awards), was launched in 2013 to recognize and celebrate outstanding performances and exemplary talents in Nigerian gospel music community. The first edition was executive-produced by Footprints Pub. & Media Ltd., a multi-media outfit, and organised in collaboration with the Main Organizing Committee (MOC). It was fully endorsed by Gospel Musician’s Association of Nigeria, GOMAN.
The last three editions held at The Haven (the prestigious 2500-seater event centre in GRA, Ikeja, Lagos) on Fridays, Nov. 8, 2013; Nov. 14, 2014 and Nov. 20, 2015 respectively. All events were well-received and admirably supported with widespread media coverage.
This year’s edition is produced by the newly formed MEGA Foundation, a non-profit vehicle dedicated to the espousal of the vision/mission of MEGAwards. This event holds in the Main auditorium of NECA House, Alausa CBD, behind MKO Gardens, Ikeja, Lagos on Sunday, November 20, 2016, by 4.00pm (MixZone/Red Carpets).
Since October 17, 2016, the public voting process has thrown up exciting participation of Nigerians as they vote for their favourite artistes via www.facebook.com/megawardsng and the awards’ website (www.megawards.org). Voting, which carries 10% of the total aggregate, ends on Nov. 17.
Unlike in the past three seasons, when the number of categories range between 37 (2013) and 33 (2015), this year witnesses a massive cutback to only 18 award categories! During his brief remarks at last year’s event, the award coordinator stated that the selection process has moved away from “Melodic” categorizations of award titles to “Thematic” categorizations. This has substantially reduced the number of available categories, and therefore strengthened the quality and keenness of the process.
Sunday, August 28, 2016 was a night of great music, model fun, extraordinary support and infectious goodwill, when MEFA Foundation was launched and a high-calibre Winners’ Concert held at the Bauchi Hall of NECA House. All the selected past MEGA winners braved everything to perform: Kenny K’ore, Mike Abdul, Eben, Psalmos, Cute Sagay, Aimee and Da’Son.
It was at this occasion that two members of MEGA Foundation’s Advisory Board elected to support the awards by endowing couple of the awards: Dr. Larry Izamoje (Chairman of Brila Group) picked the Vocalist of the Year and Mr. Adeyinka Bakare (MD of De-Potter Nig. Ltd.) chose the Best New Artiste. And out-of-the-blues special guest, Lagbaja surprised all by dedicating one of the major titles, Album of the Year, in honour of Mama Alma Rhom (90), the naturalised American music teacher and Baptist missionary emeritus who has chosen the town of Iwo, in Osun State, as her primary place of assignment… for more than 50 years!
Highlights of the 2016 award show will be the expected appearances of major performers on MEGA stage…they include the immensely talented Lara George and Tim Godfrey. The show will be enriched by the powerfully inspiring music of Monique, Esther Igbekele, Okiki Jesu Fuji, Praise Machine…and some up and coming stars of music and comedy. Fast-rising gospel singer/comic, First Born is also expected to thrill the specially invited guests.
The 2016 anchors follow in the trail of using star-power to run the show’s presentation. Ali Baba (2013), TeeA (2014), Joseph Benjamin & Deji Adenuga (2015). And for 2016: the award-wining duo of young actress, Jumoke Odetola and MEGA 2014 Single Song of the Year winner, Cute Sagay.
As usual, there have been clutches of supporters whose logistical and technical input have been pivotal in making the event possible. Sound and Lights, Stage Set, Performances, Equipment, Airtime (radio & TV), and several Logistics running into millions of naira have been largely donated to keep the dream of making MEGA the most prestigious awards in Africa on course. The much-hailed “megawards app” for Andriod was designed and installed by Benin City-based MousePlusMagic and Proclaim Media; while ArkMusik Int’l (all run by Noah Kbk Momodu) produced all the radio “jingles” played regularly on partner stations (Raypower, Faaji, Brila, Beat, Naija, Classic and Top Radio FMs); including internet radios (Gospotainment and Proclaim)
In spite of the harsh economic conditions, our artistes continue to churn out great works in exulting the Almighty and inspiring His people. This is a major part of what motivates the award organizers to throw in all they’ve got to make the annual event impactful and fulfilling.
