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YEAR IN REVIEW
(JULY 2016 – DECEMBER 2017)
BEST RECORDING OF THE YEAR
A NON-VOTING CATEGORY FOR THE BEST RECORDING (THAT MEETS THE JUDGES REQUIREMENTS OF EXCELLENCE; SONGWRITING, PRODUCTION, RENDITION) BY AN ARTISTE OR GROUP IN THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW.
- BUTTERFLIES – OMAWUMI
- HALLELUYAH – FUNBI
- PONMILE – REMINISCE
- HEAVEN – BANKY W
- JOROMI – SIMI
BEST POP SINGLE
A CATEGORY FOR THE BEST POP SINGLE IN YEAR UNDER REVIEW (BY SINGLE INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP).
- MAD OVER YOU – RUNTOWN
- ALL OVER – TIWA SAVAGE
- YEBA – KISS DANIEL
- ISKABA – WANDE COAL AND DJ TUNEZ
- IF– DAVIDO
- FIA – DAVIDO
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
AN INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBLE FOR PRODUCING THE MOST ACCLAIMED SONG OR ALBUM IN THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW.
- (FALL, MAMA) KIDOMINANT
- (ISKABA, MALO) SPELLZ
- (IF, RARA) TEKNO
- (MARADONA, COME CLOSER) SARZ
- YAWA, VIRTUOUS WOMAN- MASTERKRAFT
BEST REGGAE/DANCEHALL SINGLE
A CATEGORY FOR THE BEST REGGAE/DANCEHALL SINGLE IN THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW (BY SINGLE INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP).
- LOVE YOU DIE – PATORANKING FT. DIAMOND PLATNUMZ
- DANCE – TIMAYA FT. RUDEBOY
- HOLY HOLY – 2BABA
- ROCK YOUR BODY – BURNA BOY
- COME CLOSER – WIZKID
- SOFA – KISS DANIEL
BEST RAP ALBUM
A NON-VOTING CATEGORY FOR THE BEST ALBUM BY A RAP ARTISTE OR GROUP IN YEAR UNDER REVIEW.
- 27 – FALZ
- TRIP TO THE SOUTH – ERIGGA
- EL HADJ – REMINISCE
- THE PLAYMAKER – PHYNO
- THE GLORY – OLAMIDE
- ROSE – AQ
BEST R&B/POP ALBUM
A CATEGORY FOR THE BEST R&B/POP ALBUM IN THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW (BY SINGLE INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP).
- SOUNDS FROM THE OTHER SIDE – WIZKID
- TIMELESS – OMAWUMI
- SIMISOLA – SIMI
- GOLD – ADEKUNLE GOLD
- IJELE THE TRAVELLER – FLAVOR
- THIS IS ME – NINIOLA
BEST MUSIC VIDEO
A VOTING CATEGORY FOR THE BEST CONCEPTUALIST, BEST DIRECTED AND MOST EXCITING VIDEO IN THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW. THIS AWARD GOES TO THE VIDEO DIRECTOR.
- MA LO – TIWA SAVAGE FT WIZKID (MEJI ALABI)
- FOCUS- HUMBLE SMITH (CLARENCE PETERS)
- COME CLOSER – WIZKID (DAPS)
- BEEN CALLING – MALEEK BERRY (MEJI ALABI)
- YOLO – SEYI SHAY (MEJI ALABI)
- LIKE DAT – DAVIDO (DAPS)
BEST R&B SINGLE
A CATEGORY FOR THE BEST R&B SINGLE IN THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW (BY A SINGLE INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP).
- TONIGHT – NONSO AMADI
- FOLASHADE – PRAIZ
- LET ME KNOW – MALEEK BERRY
- ROMEO & JULIET – JOHHNY DRILLE
- LOVE YOU BABY – BANKY W
- SMILE FOR ME – SIMI
BEST COLLABO
A VOTING CATEGORY FOR THE BEST R&B, POP OR HIP-HOP COLLABORATIVE TRACK (INCLUDING CAMEOS).
- MA LO – TIWA SAVAGE FT WIZKID
- TEMPER REMIX – SKALES FT BURNA BOY
- JUICE – YCEE FT MALEEKBERRY
- NO FORGET – ADEKUNLE GOLD FT. SIMI
- COME CLOSER – WIZKID FT. DRAKE
BEST RAP SINGLE
A VOTING CATEGORY FOR A SINGLE (RELEASED ON-AIR) RECORDING OF A RAP SONG.
- YOU RAPPERS SHOULD FIX UP YOUR LIVES – MI
- SOMETHING LITE – FALZ FT YCEE
- LINK UP – PHYNO FT. BURNA BOY, M.I.
- UP TO YOU – SHOW DEM CAMP FT FUNBI
- ME VERSUS ME – ICE PRINCE
BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE(MALE)
A NON-VOTING CATEGORY FOR THE SINGLE MALE ARTISTE WITH THE MOST OUTSTANDING VOCAL PERFORMANCE ON A SINGLE SONG OR ALBUM.
- PERFECT WOMAN – FAZE
- FOLASHADE – PRAIZ
- ROMEO & JULIET – JOHNNY DRILLE
- TONIGHT – NONSO AMADI
- LOVE YOU BABY – BANKY W
BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE)
A NON-VOTING CATEGORY FOR THE SINGLE FEMALE ARTISTE WITH MOST OUTSTANDING VOCAL PERFORMANCES ON A SINGLE SONG OR ALBUM.
- IN THE AIR – WAJE
- GONE FOR GOOD – SIMI
- JOWO – ARAMIDE
- SARO – NINIOLA
- WHERE’S THE LOVE – NIYOLA FT. ADEKUNLE GOLD
- BUTTERFLIES – OMAWUMI
NEXT RATED
THIS CATEGORY IS A VOTING CATEGORY FOR THE MOST PROMISING ACT IN THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW.
- MALEEK BERRY
- MAYORKUN
- DICE AILES
- JOHNNY DRILLE
- ZORO
HIP HOP WORLD REVELATION
A VOTING CATEGORY FOR THE BEST NEW ARTISTE WITH A DEBUT ALBUM ADJUDGED TO BE OUTSTANDING IN TERMS OF ARTISTIC QUALITY AND IMPACT WITHIN THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW.
- NINIOLA
- ADEKUNLE GOLD
- MR. EAZI
- REEKADO BANKS
LYRICIST ON THE ROLL
A NON-VOTING CATEGORY FOR THE RAP ARTISTE WITH THE BEST LYRICAL DEPTH AND PERFORMANCE ON A SINGLE SONG OR ALBUM.
- YOU RAPPERS SHOULD FIX UP YOUR LIVES – MI
- POLITICAL SCIENCE – AQ
- LIQUOR NIGHT – BOOGEY
- INDUSTRY NITE – ERIGGA
BEST STREET-HOP ARTISTE
A VOTING CATEGORY FOR THE ARTISTE WHOSE SONGS ARE INSPIRED BY THE STREETS. SUCH SONG SHOULD CAPTAIN LINGUA, WHICH MAY ALSO BE ORIGINATED BY THE ARTISTE AND POPULAR ON THE STREET.
- PENALTY – SMALL DOCTOR
- WO – OLAMIDE
- SAI BABA – CDQ
- SHEPETERI – IDOWEST FT. DAMMY KRANE, SLIM CASE
- PASS THE AGBARA – SKUKI
- LEGBEGBE – MR REAL FT. IDOWEST, KELVIN CHUKS, OBADICE
BEST ‘ALTERNATIVE’ SONG
A VOTING CATEGORY FOR THE ARTISTE WHOSE SONGS REFLECT ANY FORM OR STYLE OF MUSIC WHICH FALLS OUTSIDE THE MAINSTREAM OF RECENT OR PAST POPULAR MUSICAL TRENDS.
- MONEY – ADEKUNLE GOLD
- RADIO – NONSO AMADI
- ROMEO & JULIET – JOHNNY DRILLE
- PONMILE – REMINISCE
- FUN MI LOWO MI – ARAMIDE FT. SOUND SULTAN £& KOKER
- LAGOS BARBIE – BANTU
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
A VOTING CATEGORY FOR THE BEST ALBUM (SOLO OR GROUP) IN YEAR UNDER REVIEW, THAT MEETS JUDGES’ REQUIREMENTS OF EXCELLENCE (SONGWRITING, PRODUCTION, RENDITION AND IMPACT).
- SIMISOLA – SIMI
- GOLD – ADEKUNLE GOLD
- KLITORIS – BRYMO
- IJELE THE TRAVELER – FLAVOUR
- SOUNDS FROM THE OTHER SIDE – WIZKID
- THE PLAYMAKER – PHYNO
ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
MOST CRITICALLY AND COMMERCIALLY ADJUDGED ARTISTE IN THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW. OVERALL MOST SUCCESSFUL ARTISTE IN THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW.
- DAVIDO
- WIZKID
- OLAMIDE
- SIMI
- TIWA SAVAGE
SONG OF THE YEAR
A VOTING CATEGORY FOR THE MOST POPULAR SONG IN THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW.
- PENALTY – SMALL DOCTOR
- WO – OLAMIDE
- IF- DAVIDO
- YEBA – KISS DANIEL
- MAD OVER YOU – RUNTOWN
- FIA – DAVIDO
AFRICAN ARTISTE
A NON-NIGERIAN AWARD CATEGORY FOR AN INDIVIDUAL AFRICAN ARTISTE OR GROUP WITH THE MOST OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT, IMPACT AND INFILTRATION INTO THE NIGERIAN MUSIC SCENE IN THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW.
- SARKODIE
- CASPER NYOVEST
- NASTY C
- SAUTI SOL
- VANESSA MDEE
HEADIES’ VIEWER’S CHOICE
A VOTING CATEGORY TO AWARD THE FAN’S FAVOURITE ARTISTE WITH THE MOST DIGITAL TRACTIONS (DOWNLOADS, VIEWS, STREAMS) IN THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW.
- COME CLOSER- WIZKID
- IF- DAVIDO
- WO -OLAMIDE
- MAD OVER YOU – RUNTOWN
- YEBA- KISS DANIEL
- YAWA -TEKNO
INDUSTRY BRAND SUPPORTER
THIS IS TO SAY THANK YOU TO BRANDS THAT HAVE MADE THE MOST IMPACT IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY IN THE LAST 3 YEARS. AN AWARD TO RECOGNIZE BRANDS WHO ARE SUPPORTING THE INDUSTRY AT A TIME WHEN OPPORTUNITIES ARE SCARCE
- MTN
- PEPSI
- GLO
- HENNESSY
- FIRS
- NIGERIA BREWERIES
- LAGOS STATE
BEST PERFORMER
A NON-VOTING CATEGORY FOR THE ARTISTES WHOSE STAGECRAFT, SHOWMANSHIP AND PERFORMANCE ROUTINES ARE EXCEPTIONALLY CONCEPTUALIZED AND EXECUTED IN THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW WITH CONSIDERATION OF LIVE PERFORMANCES.
- FLAVOUR
- FALZ
- M.I.
- 2BABA
- YEMI ALADE
- TIWA SAVAGE
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR:
A VOTING CATEGORY FOR THE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR WHO HAS HAD A SUCCESFUL YEAR MUSICALLY, WITH THE ABSENCE OF AN ALBUM IN THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW.
KIDI
AIR BOY
TENI
JUNIOR BOY
PERUZZI
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
KAFFY
HALL OF FAME
CHRIS UBOSI
To vote for your favourite artistes in any of the voting categories, click here!
Abuja
Mercedes G63 Kills Six Cows in Abuja Highway Crash
A luxury Mercedes-Benz G-Class G63 AMG was involved in a late-night crash on a major highway in Abuja, killing six cows and sparking renewed concerns over road safety and enforcement of grazing laws in the Federal Capital Territory.
The incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Monday,
according to eyewitness accounts, when the high-speed SUV collided with a herd of cows that had reportedly strayed onto the roadway. A video circulating on social media shows the aftermath, with the white cows lying across the dark highway as traffic officials worked to manage the situation.
As of the time of filing this report, there were no confirmed injuries to the driver or any passengers in the vehicle. Unverified reports on social media suggested that the SUV sustained only minor damage despite the severity of the collision.
The accident has reignited debates over the continued presence of cattle on major roads in Abuja, despite the 2017 ban on open grazing introduced by the Federal Capital Territory Administration. The policy was designed to curb frequent clashes between herders and communities, as well as prevent traffic disruptions and accidents caused by roaming livestock.
Residents and road users have repeatedly raised concerns about the enforcement of the grazing ban, noting that cows are still often seen along highways and within urban areas of the capital. Monday night’s crash is the latest in a series of such incidents, highlighting ongoing gaps in regulation and compliance.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the crash or confirm whether any action will be taken regarding the presence of the cattle on the highway.
WATCH VIDEO
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Jobs
Job Vancancy: Moniepoint Job Vacancies in Abuja and North Central Nigeria
Leading Nigerian fintech company Moniepoint has announced six new job openings across Abuja and several states in the North Central region, expanding its workforce in compliance, technical operations, sales, and security management.
The vacancies cut across multiple departments, reflecting the company’s continued growth in agent banking, SME solutions, and digital financial infrastructure services.
Available Positions
Field Risk & Internal Control Officer (North Central)
- Team: Compliance
- Location: FCT, Nigeria
The role focuses on monitoring operational risks, enforcing internal control standards, and ensuring compliance across field operations in the region.
Apply Here
Hardware Engineer
- Team: Advanced Technical Operations
- Location: FCT, Nigeria
Successful candidates will handle hardware installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and technical support for field operations.
Apply Here
Implementation Officer (North Central)
- Team: Moniebook Business Management Tools
- Locations: Benue, Plateau, FCT
This role involves onboarding merchants and ensuring smooth deployment of Moniepoint’s business tools across assigned regions.
Apply Here
Inbound Sales Officer (Abuja)
- Team: Moniebook Business Management Tools
- Location: FCT, Nigeria
The position focuses on handling inbound customer inquiries, converting leads, and supporting sales growth for Moniepoint business solutions.
Apply Here
Regional Lead, Corporate Security (North)
- Team: Moniepoint MFB
- Locations: FCT, Kano
The role oversees corporate security operations, risk prevention strategies, and protection of company assets across northern Nigeria.
Apply Here
Regional Lead, Field Risk & Internal Control (North)
- Team: Compliance
- Location: FCT, Nigeria
This leadership position is responsible for coordinating regional risk management teams and strengthening internal control systems.
Apply Here
The hiring drive comes as fintech companies in Nigeria continue to expand their physical and digital operations across underserved regions, particularly in agent banking and SME support services.
Moniepoint, one of the fastest-growing fintech firms in the country, has steadily increased recruitment in technical, compliance, and field operations roles over the past year.
With these openings, Moniepoint is strengthening its presence in Abuja and northern Nigeria while scaling its financial services infrastructure across the country.
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Business
Nigerians Slam Moniepoint CEO Over ‘Talent Quality’ Remarks Amid Hiring Debate
Comments by Tosin Eniolorunda, CEO of Moniepoint, have sparked a heated debate online after he questioned the quality of Nigeria’s talent pool while discussing his company’s hiring challenges.
Speaking at the The Platform Nigeria on May 1, Eniolorunda said the fintech firm had advertised over 500 vacancies since 2024 but struggled to find qualified local candidates. He revealed that by 2025, the company reversed its local-only hiring policy due to the shortage.
“I used to feel Nigerians are really bright… but we are still struggling to find Nigerians to fill those roles. They don’t meet global standards,” he said, attributing the gap to factors such as social media distractions, cybercrime, hookup culture, and weaknesses in the education system.
Backlash and Counterarguments
His remarks triggered swift backlash from Nigerians, particularly within the tech community, with many accusing local companies of failing to invest in talent development.
Critics argued that unlike global firms, Nigerian tech companies rarely offer structured, paid internship programs or training pipelines to groom young professionals. Some pointed to examples of international companies like Oracle Corporation, where internships and early talent programs serve as entry points into full-time roles.
Others shared personal experiences of being rejected by local firms despite strong resumes, while noting that Nigerian professionals continue to secure roles in global companies such as Amazon.
A recurring sentiment online was that many Nigerian companies demand “global-standard talent” but are unwilling to offer competitive compensation or career development opportunities.
Industry Perspective
Supporters of Eniolorunda’s stance, however, pointed to the realities of scaling a fast-growing fintech company in a competitive global market. They cited brain drain, limited specialized skills, and increasing demand for top-tier expertise as genuine challenges facing Nigerian startups.
Analysts say the controversy highlights a broader issue within Nigeria’s tech ecosystem balancing expectations between employers and job seekers, while addressing gaps in education, training, and remuneration.
The debate mirrors ongoing tensions around talent development, compensation, and hiring practices in Nigeria’s fast-evolving tech sector.
As companies expand and compete globally, the question of how to build, retain, and fairly reward talent is likely to remain a central issue.
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News
Outrage as Soldier Assaults Journalist Over Traffic Dispute in Lagos
A Nigerian soldier has allegedly assaulted a journalist, Fakoyejo Olalekan, during a traffic control operation in Lagos State, triggering widespread public condemnation after video footage of the incident surfaced online.
The clash occurred on May 2 near Pleasant Event Centre in Ikeja, where personnel of the Nigerian Army were reportedly directing heavy traffic.
According to eyewitness accounts, the altercation began after Fakoyejo remarked to passengers that a soldier’s handling of a motorcyclist had caused an unnecessary delay. The comment allegedly angered one of the soldiers, who ordered everyone out of the vehicle.
The situation escalated when the soldier reportedly slapped and shoved the journalist, and briefly reached for a piece of wood before bystanders intervened to prevent further escalation.
Video clips circulating on social media show at least two soldiers involved in the confrontation. During the incident, Fakoyejo’s phone screen was also seen shattered on the pavement. No serious injuries were reported.
The footage has since triggered widespread criticism online, with many users calling for accountability and questioning the conduct of military personnel during civilian traffic enforcement duties.
As of May 4, the Nigerian Army had yet to issue an official response despite being tagged in multiple public complaints and posts about the incident.
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News
Outrage as DSS Arraigns Chidiebere Justice Mark Over Alleged Cybercrime, Military Incitement
The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday arraigned Chidiebere Justice Mark, popularly known as Justice Crack, before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on a three-count charge bordering on cybercrime and alleged incitement against the military.
Mark was earlier arrested by the Nigerian Army over a viral video and accompanying statements he shared via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, @JusticeCrack, in which he reportedly alleged inadequate feeding of Nigerian soldiers.
According to the charge sheet, the defendant is accused of knowingly circulating false information intended to provoke public annoyance, ill will, and hatred among citizens.
Details of Charges
Count One alleges that on April 28, 2026, Mark disseminated information on social media regarding poor feeding conditions of Nigerian Army personnel, which authorities claim he knew to be false. The offence is said to contravene Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended).
Count Two states that the accused published a viral video and statements about the Nigerian Army that triggered widespread negative reactions and were likely to cause fear and a breach of peace. This charge is brought under Section 59 of the Criminal Code Act.
Count Three accuses Mark of attempting to commit a felony by circulating what authorities described as derogatory content about the Army, also linked to potential public unrest, punishable under Section 509 of the Criminal Code Act.
Court Proceedings
Presiding judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, adjourned the case to May 25, 2026, for trial and possible hearing of a bail application. The court also ordered that the defendant be remanded in DSS custody pending further proceedings.
Public Reaction
The arraignment has sparked widespread reactions across social media, with civil rights advocates and concerned citizens debating issues around freedom of expression, national security, and the limits of online speech in Nigeria.
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