EVENTS

Most Influential People of African Descent under 40 honored in New York City

Published

7 years ago

October 3, 2017

FAB.NG

Most Influential People of African Descent

Grandson of Nelson Mandela, Ndaba Mandela, hosts the evening with MIPAD Class of 2017, along with famed Brazilian actress Taís Araújo and Stephanie Busari of CNN Africa.

Closing out the 72nd Session of the UN General Assembly week by recognizing the Most Influential People of African Decent (MIPAD). MIPAD, a global civil society initiative, honored high achievers of African Descent under the age of 40 from over 48 countries worldwide. Notables and key power players came together from around the world in celebration at the prestigious, One UN Millennium Hilton Hotel in New York City.

In support of the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent 2015 – 2024 the evening with MIPAD Class of 2017 recognized and celebrated the contribution of 200 high achievers, 100 inside Africa, 100 across the African Diaspora in four categories; Politics and Governance, Media and Culture, and Religion & Humanitarian endeavors in-line with the 1st pillar of the UN international decade of recognition. Selected based on their political clout, business acumen, social media following and humanitarian endeavors, 200 honorees made up the four categories. Well known African names such as Akon from Senegal, South African hip-hop artist AKA, renowned actors like David Oyelowo (Nigeria) and Lupita Nyongo (Kenya), soccer star Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast), super model Alek Wek (Sudan) and there are also those with ancestry links to Africa such as Olympic star Usain Bolt (Jamaica), singing sensation Beyoncé (US), award winning movie actors and power couple Lazaro Ramos and Tais Araujo (Brazil), Ding Hui (China) who is notable as the first black athlete to be selected for a Chinese national sports team, and many more from around the world. Keynote speaker, Honorable Timothy E. McPherson Jr., Minister of Finance, Accompong Jamaica and Chairman, International Door of Return Committee urged the honorees and African’s worldwide to return to excellence. “Today, we recognize individual excellence going forward, it is critical that we all embark on the pursuit of collective excellence once associated with people of African descent. As a leader within the maroon community from Jamaica and across the Diaspora, we are here to support with this movement MIPAD has started.”

Mireille Fanon-Mendès, UN Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent, in her speech titled, an international decade for people of African descent, so what? Emphasized the importance of everyone, governments, civil society, regional and international organizations, to join hands in making the decade a success because there is no hierarchy in humanity, the success of the decade is our collective responsibility, she concludes. T

he premium event showcased the achievements of the 2017 honorees who represented more than 48 countries crisscrossing the globe coming to New York to make a business and social connection with their counterparts. This power networking event between 100 of the best and brightest based inside Africa and 100 based in the Diaspora is set to ignite an extraordinary collaboration between Africa and the Diaspora.

The founder of MIPAD, Kamil Olufowobi stressed the strategic importance of MIPAD as a “vehicle to build a progressive network of civil society actors who come together and support the implementation of the UN International Decade for People of African Descent”. He further added that “this global initiative presents an opportunity for honorees to mirror their successes in new markets by connecting with their counterparts in the same sector with similar track record of success towards making Africa great again and o yes we can!”

“Our honorees transcend race with their achievements in media, music, movies, fashion and sports impacting popular culture the world over… changing the narrative about Africa and its Diaspora by highlighting our excellence worldwide,” Olufowobi concluded. Currently, it is estimated that there are approximately 200 million people who identify as being of African descent who live in the Americas. There are many millions more who are spread across the world outside of the African continent. The promotion and protection of human rights of people of African descent has been a strategic priority for the United Nations. The International Decade for People of African Descent proclaimed by General Assembly resolution 68/237, and to be observed from 2015 to 2024, provides a framework to elevate and acknowledge the significant accolades achieved by people of African descent around the world.

To see who made the 2017 global list, please visit, http://www.mipad.org/nominate

STEPHANIE Busari

Miss Africa-USA

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EVENTS

Nigeria Selects “Mai Martaba” As International Feature Film (IFF) Contender For 2025 Oscars

Published

7 days ago

October 30, 2024

Reporter

Mai Martaba as international feature film contender | fab.ng

The Nigerian Official Selection Committee has selected the epic Hausa film, Mai Martaba as its contender for the International Feature Film (IFF) category at the 97th Academy Awards. The Committee announced in an official statement that they selected the film to contend for the Oscars because of its theme and visual appeal.

“The Nigerian Official Section Committee (NOSC) selected the film for its relevant theme of diverse voices in decision-making and inclusive leadership and its visual and technical appeal,” the post said.

Acclaimed director Prince Daniel produced and directed the epic Hausa film “Mai Martaba.”

The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) has selected as its contender for the International Feature Film (IFF) category at the 97th Academy Awards. The NOSC announced this decision in an official statement, praising the film’s powerful themes and visually captivating qualities.

“Mai Martaba” explores the complexities of power, love, greed, and betrayal within the context of an ancient African kingdom. The film presents a transformative tale that challenges conventions and celebrates female leadership. Notably, it offers a fresh perspective on the region’s rich cultural heritage.

The NOSC’s voting members are an impressive roster of industry luminaries. They include award-winning filmmaker and NOSC Chairperson Stephanie Linus. Victor Okhai, the President of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN), is also a member. Veteran actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is on the committee. Former DGN President Andy Amenechi is a member. Yibo Koko, a theatre practitioner, is on the committee. Writer/director Izu Ojukwu and prolific film producer Emem Isong are also members.

Additional members include Ali Nuhu, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC). Kene Okwuosa, the Co-Founder and Group CEO of Filmhouse Cinemas, is a member. Director Dimeji Ajibola is on the committee. Writer/director Jude Idada is a member. Director John Njamah is on the committee. Actress/polyglot Meg Otanwa is a member. Producer/director Blessing Effiom Egbe is on the committee. Actress Ijeoma Grace Agu is a member. Journalist/film critic Victor Akande is on the committee.

“Mai Martaba” was filmed in Daura, Katsina State, Nigeria.

The film tells the story of an ancient kingdom that experienced a trade boom through the Trans-Saharan trade exchange, but then faced a fierce internal power struggle among the powerful Agadashawa ruling clan, leading to its downfall.

The film was released theatrically in Nigeria and also selected for the prestigious Septimius Awards in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

The NOSC’s 15-member committee unanimously voted “Mai Martaba” as their top choice to represent Nigeria in the IFF category at the 97th Oscars.

The IFF Executive Committee will now determine the next stage for the film’s journey to the prestigious awards ceremony, which will be held on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood, Los Angeles, and broadcast live to over 200 territories worldwide.

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Get more updates here.

EVENTS

Angélique Kidjo Submits “Joy” Feat. Davido For Record Of The Year At 2025 Grammys

Published

4 weeks ago

October 7, 2024

Reporter

Angélique Submits 'Joy' feat. Davido for 2025 Grammys | fab.ng

The Recording Academy is preparing for the 67th Grammy Awards, which will take place on February 2, 2025, in Los Angeles.

As the awards season approaches, artists have begun submitting their projects for nomination consideration. Among the many entries is the five-time Grammy Award winner Angelique Kidjo. Angelique has officially submitted her latest track, “Joy,” featuring Nigeria’s superstar Davido, for consideration in two categories: Best African Music Performance and Record of the Year.

Angelique Kidjo has also submitted “Sunlight to My Soul,” featuring the Soweto Gospel Choir. Diane Warren wrote the song. It was for Best Global Music Performance and Song of the Year.

“Joy” marks the second collaboration between Angelique Kidjo and Davido, who previously teamed up for the hit song “Na Money” in 2023.

Angelique Kidjo and Davido are leading the charge among Nigerian artists.

REMA

Rema — Best New Artiste
HEIS — Album of the Year, Best Global Music Album
“Benin Boys” ft. Shallipopi — Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Best African Music Performance, Best Music Video
“OZEBA” — Best Global Music Performance

TEMS

Born In The Wild – Album of the Year, Best Global Music Album, Best Engineered Album, Best Non-Classical.
Love Me Jeje – Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best African Music Performance, Best Music Video
Burning – Best R&B Performance, Best R&B Song
Free Fall – Best Melodic Rap Performance
No. 1: Best African Music Performance (W/Tyla)

ARYA STARR

The Year I Turned 21 — Album of the Year, Best Global Music Album
Commas: Record of the Year, Song Of The Year, Best African Music Performance
Bora Bora: Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Best Global Music Performance
Hýpe: Best Global Music Performance
Goodbye: Best Music Video
You’re Hired: Best Global Music Performance
Big FU: Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

ASAKE

MMS — Best African Music Performance (with/Wizkid)
Lungu Boy — Album of the year, Best Global Album
Active — Recording of the Year (with/Travis Scott)
Zlatan “Bust Down” Ft Asake — Best African Music Performance
Ayrastarr “Goodbye” Ft Asake — Best Music Video
Sarz, Gunna, & Asake “Happiness” — Best Music Video

Below are the key dates to know for the Grammy’s season:

Sept. 16, 2023 – Aug. 30, 2024: Product Eligibility Period
July 8, 2024 – August 23, 2024: Media Company Registration Period
July 17, 2024 – August 30, 2024: Online Entry Period
Oct. 4, 2024 – Oct. 15, 2024: First Round Voting
Nov. 8, 2024: 67th GRAMMY Awards Nominations
Dec. 12, 2024 – Jan. 3, 2025: Final Round Voting
Feb. 2, 2025: 67th GRAMMY Awards

Check out more updates here.

EVENTS

Future Awards Africa 2024: Layi Wasabi, Genoveva Umeh & Tunde Onakoya Among Nominees

Published

1 month ago

September 23, 2024

Reporter

The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) 18th edition nominees | fab.ng

The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) has announced the nominees for its 18th edition. This continental platform celebrates young African excellence.

“Celebrating the Great and Daring” serves as this year’s theme. TFAA highlights extraordinary individuals across Africa who have overcome challenges and made significant community impacts. The nominees represent visionary entrepreneurs and innovative creatives. They embody the brightest minds and boldest talents reshaping young African identity today.

The nominees’ list covers 23 categories. These include education, law, professional services, entrepreneurship, agriculture, technology, photography, acting, and music. Notable nominees are Mary Edoro, Isaac Olayiwola (Layi Wasabi), Tunde Onakoya, Yinka Ashogbon, Chimamanda Chukwuma Pearl (QING MADI), Daniel Etiese Benson (BNXN FKA Buju), Femi Aluko, and Genoveva Umeh.

Distinguished professionals form the jury. These individuals have excelled in their fields and serve as role models. Key jury members include Laide Adetutu, Obinna Okerekeocha, Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho, Tega Oghenejobo, ID Cabasa, Ikenna Ogbudikpa, Yemisi Akinbobola, Paul Onwuanibe, Olumide F. Makanjuola, Omoyemi Akerele, and Ifeoma Okonkwo.

Ayodeji Razaq, Executive Director of TFAA, commented on this year’s nominees. He expressed pride in unveiling a group that exemplifies the best of the continent. Razaq highlighted their audacious vision and groundbreaking accomplishments. He noted the honour of celebrating their contributions and anticipates their future transformative work.

The 2024 edition promises an exciting journey through innovators’, disruptors’, and visionaries’ stories. These individuals embody the daring spirit defining Africa’s next generation of leaders. The event will reveal the 23 award winners from the complete list of nominees.