Encomium
The 2014 edition of arguably the most consistent and cause-driven music video awards in Nigeria – the Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA) is billed to hold on November 26, 2014 at the prestigious Eko Hotel Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Now in its eighth year, the awards show has consistently rewarded artistes who have excelled in the art of music video making.
In an interview with ENCOMIUM Weekly, the awards’ organizer, Cally Ikpe, spoke on the plans to make this year’s NMVA best yet…
What do you have in store for this year’s NMVA?
Another opportunity for Nigerian musicians to be honoured, I mean those who did very well in the art of music video making. We have 23 award categories this year.
Nominations have already been put out and artistes are now battling to outdo each other in the various categories. As it’s consistent with us; we have also this time remained cause-driven by devoting the show to deepening the consciousness for a violence-free environment. The theme of the event is A WORLD WITHOUT VIOLENCE. This is a thumb down to all forms of violence like insurgency, robbery, rape, etc. We reckon also that lewd scenes and denigration of women in videos and movies are also acts of violence. We are fixed on discouraging all such acts.
Will this year’s edition of the NMVA be better than previous ones?
We are hopeful that this year’s event will be remarkably different from the previous ones. This is anchored on the general improvement in the industry ranging from vocal prowess, stage craft, stage technology and other factors. It will be better experienced than explained.
How do you plan to achieve this?
Our technical team is set and eager to make a statement.
What’s the thinking behind the choice of the venue (Eko Convention centre)?
Eko Hotel has always hosted the NMVA from inception except for the 2013 edition that held at Muson centre. It’s been a partnership that has proven to be quite great. Besides, Eko hotels is about the best event venue available in Nigeria presently.
The NMVA has always had A-list hosts, so who is (are) the host(s) for this year’s edition?
A very unlikely host this time. First time you will see the person in that capacity. It is however premature to hint at this point. Please, give us a little time to tidy it up.
What inspired the choice?
We are just trying to bring something new to the table.
How is the NMVA different from the very many other awards shows in the Nigerian entertainment industry?
The NMVA is the first ever video awards in Nigeria, the most credible, most consistent and always cause driven. It is about the only music awards that give the technical hands i.e. directors, editors, cinematographers, costumiers etc a chance to shine alongside musicians on the big stage.
Watching a brain child grow gives a sense of worth and fulfillment. Would you say you are satisfied with how far the NMVA has come since inception?
Yes, in almost all spheres except in the area of sponsorship. I reckon too that it is not a situation peculiar to us; many great brands have gone under on that account. There is hope, though.
Slightly away from the awards now, what’s your assessment of the Nigerian music industry this year?
It has been a very competitive year; no one act has dominated the scene for long. Nobody is guaranteed prime spot, if you blink, you go down. In all we have been technically very great.
What’s your opinion on the artistes we have currently?
An overwhelming number of them possess the capacity to be world greats. They, however, need to pay attention to lyrical depth. It’s not all about commercial hits; there is a tomorrow that reckons more with depth than commercial success.
– MICHAEL NWOKIKE
