From its humble beginning in 2012 when it held its first edition that saw superstars like Reekado Banks and Korede Bello and others emerge, the No 1 music award for up and coming artistes in Nigeria is back with its 8th edition.
As usual, it began with the call for musicians across the country to submit their entries for consideration, at the end of which we received over 2000 entries and screened to only about 500 candidates, who then voted to become the finalists of the award.
The President of the award, Mr Paul Oghoghorie has this to say “Top Naija Music Awards has been the stepping stone of many upcoming musicians in the country. Despite the fact that we have no sponsors, in our little capacity, we have been able to keep the programme going. What marvels us is the interest that the programme gets from year to year. It’s an award that upcoming musicians desperately want to clinch in order to add value to themselves.”
In times past, winners have enjoyed immense benefits from winning the award. From enjoying free promotional music packages from the company, Top Africa Music Limited, to enjoying perks from people in and out of the industry. One of the past winners got a support fund of N5million when the winner presented his awards to the former Governor of Ekiti State during a music performance. Another winner signed to a UK record label after winning the award.
Some of the notable fast rising musicians nominated in the 8th edition include, MOZITO nominated in the Best Afro Pop Category; BJCOMPUTA nominated in the Best Indigenous Song category, Jinad, Best Street Single Category; OZ LEVELZ, Next Rated Revelation and EP/Album off the year; COMFORT BENJAMIN, Best Gospel Music Video; JAHBOISARZZY, Best EP/Album of the Year; JULIANAH, Best Gospel Music; OLAMZY, Best Lyrical Exploration/Lyricist; SKOPY LONKY, Next Rated Act Revelation and Best Sound Recording; DAVICTIM CACTUS, Best Music Video, FEMZY, Best Street Single amongst others.
The finalists of the award will be announced on December 1 2021, winners will be announced on December 23, 2021 while the award presentation ceremony will take place in Lagos on Jan 9, 2022.