16th November, 2011
The 2011 Channel O Music Video Awards held recently in Johannesburg, South Africa will remain a ‘Nigerian Nite’ as the country’s stars gleaned six awards from the annual show.
The award night hosted by the duo of Nigeria’s Banky W and South Africa’s delectable Dineo Moeketsi was held at Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg. Nigerian artistes were nominated in almost all the categories with half a dozen of the diadem, including a Special Recognition Award accorded Mo’Hits star, D’Banj, went three ways.
D’banj also bagged the award for the Most Gifted Male Video Artist with Mr. Endowed (Remix) featuring Snoop Dogg. Other awards for Nigerian stars are: Ice Prince ft. Brymo (Oleku) for Most Gifted Newcomer Video Artist, Darey (Ba Ni Ki Di) for Most Gifted Dance Video Artist, Banky W. ft. M.I. (Feeling It) for Most Gifted R&B Video Artist and Naeto C (10 Over 10) for Most Gifted African West Video Artist.
There are other Nigerian stars with nominations at the award. Out of the 14 categories, 15 Nigerian artistes made the list. They include 2Face Idibia, Asa, Wizkid, Waje, Tiwa Savage, Samklef, J. Martins, Flavour and Jesse Jagz.
Meanwhile, D’Banj who got a deserved award alongside his Special Recognition Honour was not present at the award night in South Africa. A source close to Showbiz Trends said that the Kokomaster was at the Muritala Muhammed Airport, Lagos on the eve of the award in readiness for a journey to the show but was stunned when an economy ticket was handed to him by the award organisers’ representative at the airport. The star, it was said refused to board the plane claiming to only fly first class in tandem with his status as an international artiste.
During the presentation of his award, a recorded acceptance speech of his was screened live for the audience.