The Nigeria Entertainment Awards (NEA Awards) were established in New York City in January 2006 to serve the growing African population in North America. It recognizes the contributions of African entertainers to the entertainment industry. The event aims to promote the image and culture of Nigeria. This event has increased the awareness of a new edgy style of African entertainment that has helped promote Nigerian acts to the world. This year the awards have added an AfroSoca category to the nominations.
You may wonder what exactly ‘AfroSoca’ is…it’s come to be known as a fusion of Trinidads’ signature music sound with a strong Afrobeat influence. Songs like Timaya’s “Shake yuh Bum Bum” featuring Machel Montano or Olatunji Yeaarwood’s infectious “Ola” come to mind.
On Instagram in May we were given a glimpse by two soca artistes of the nominees:
The nominees for the Best Afro Soca Artist are Machel Montano, Fayann Lyons, Olatunji Yearwood, and Melly Rose, hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, Teddyson John of St. Lucia, and Skinny Fabulous from St. Vincent. The specific songs that inspired their nominations aren’t mentioned in the announcement, however, total support and congratulations go out to our Soca artists all the same for breaking new ground and spreading our beloved music globally!
The Awards will be held on September 3, 2017 in New York. Log on to the NEA Awards website for more information about the awards and nominees.
Carnival Fete-ish 