CALLY IKPE: NMVA 2012 WILL SURPASS ALL EXPECTATIONS.

In celebrating the achievements of the Nigerian Music industry, NMVA foreman, Cally Ikpe says Considering the turn of events year-in-year-out in the entertainment sector, the breakthrough and the success of the Nigerian entertainers, it would be right to say entertainment in Nigeria has come of age and has envisioned NMVA for the 6th time it would be holding to surpass expectations with a classy and rewarding award ceremony.

(Q). What is the expectation for this year’s NMVA including side attraction and performances?

Expectations for me are basically to surpass what we did last year in terms of organisation and general quality of the show. We are working to see that the nominees demonstrate considerable presence at the event in terms of performances and otherwise.

It must have surprised you to hear that our event, which has consistently held on Sundays, is now not going to be so, but even more daringly on a weekday, precisely a Thursday.  We are about exploring possibilities, believing a good show will sell any time. You must have heard too that Basket mouth and Tiwa Savage are anchoring this year.

We pride ourselves as the most credible award ceremony because;

(1). Our judgement criteria are openly defined as can be found on the website

(2). Our panel of judges each year are listed in the brochure

(3). Previous relationships with Cally Ikpe or any other organiser do not confer any advantage on any contestant

(4). The judgement criterion varies from technical inputs to efforts and possibly voting

(5). In the past, relatively unknown winners have emerged from different parts of Nigeria in the technical and genre based category.

The most important consideration for the judges is that the work is about a Nigerian artiste and that it observes either or all forms a music video, which is linear, concept or performance. On the whole, it must be fairly interesting.

This year’s theme for the award is PRESERVING CULTURE and it is in furtherance to our efforts at ensuring that things and attitude that are peculiar or common to us are not eroded by the invasion of western cultures as propelled by digital television and the internet. By this, we ensure that videos that seek to promote our values are given prominence; this is because music videos are probably the greatest vehicle that conveys our cultural values to the outside world.

Dr. Paul Orhii, has always shown interest and supported the NMVA since 2010. You may recall that he conducted the induction of Ben Bruce into the hall of fame at 2010 edition. Our partnering this time is on the mutual understanding that the campaign against food adulteration and drug counterfeiting is a moral responsibility for all. We willingly offered our platform for this campaign, believing that entertainment holds the ace in this battle. The relationship has no commercial undertone; rather it is our own contribution to the nation.

(Q). Improvements in Video Quality?

I believe there has been considerable improvement in the general standard of video in Nigeria. People are getting to realise that there is actually no such thing as Nigerian and international stage, but rather just one stage, you either step up or you stay down.  In this wise, we have done very well even though there is still room for improvement and that will come as earnings by our musicians grow too. The exploits of D’banj, Psquare, 2face Idibia and the others speak volume. All time favourite effort for me with regard to videos has been Infinity with Olorioko, Darey Art Alade with Banikidi and P Square with Alingo.  I also do not believe that videos should be laced with sexual scenes to be attractive. A good video is a good video.

(Q). Tomorrow?

Fun and lots of fun is what I expect tomorrow. I will rather people come see what e are putting together than try to explain it.

(Q). Want to be remembered?

I, Cally Ikpe will like to be remembered as one selfless person that laid a great foundation for my generation and the generation next. The world will know too that I did no chicken out, that I held it down till I got result.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6kZH1RvBcY

Nigerian Music Video Awards (NMVA) holds tomorrow, Thursday, December 20, 2012, at the exhibition hall of the Eko Hotel and Suites and will be hosted by singer Tiwa Savage and comedian Basketmouth.

A total of 19 awards are up for grabs, with each category having five nominees.

R&B diva Tiwa Savage leads the list with four nods for ‘Best use of Costumes’, ‘Best Indigenous Concept’, ‘Best Highlife’ and ‘Video of the Year’. The Mavin Records first lady bagged all nominations with her recently released duet ‘Ife wa gbona.

R&B-Pop singer Chidinma follows with three nods for her ‘Kedike‘ video.

Video director Clarence Peters also receives three nods: ‘Best Video director’, ‘Best Cinematography’ and ‘Best Editor’ categories; also for Kedike.

But it’s not just a women’s’ affair. Rapper Illbliss, Ruggedman and Olamide battle for the ‘Best Hip-Hop’ video award while 2face, veteran Ras Kimono, Olu Maintain and General Pype battle for the ‘Best Reggae-Dancehall’ award.