Thursday, August 9, 2012

Forget the Olympics… Naija music loud in Notting Hill

Forget the Olympics… Naija music loud in Notting Hill


9ice-Carnival
FROM the preparation stage, up till the opening ceremony of the ongoing London Olympics, Nigerians all over the world were hopeful that, perhaps this would be one of the best outings for Team Nigeria. But as the games progressed, it became obvious that winning medals at international games such as the Olympics more than child’s play. While Nigeria is still struggling to register on the medals’ table, countries such as China, United States of America and host, Britain, who had proper preparations, are currently topping the medals table.
From table tennis to boxing, canoeing, athletics, basketball and other minor sports, it has been a woeful outing for Team Nigeria, though there are still hopes of picking something from wrestling, long jump and Taekwando, where the captain of Team Nigeria, Chika Chukwumerije, is expected to show leadership
For the country’s sports administrators, this is obviously the right time to start looking at areas where Nigeria could have competitive advantage and develop those areas of sports. Of course, if smaller countries with little resources such as Jamaica and Granada could win medals at the games, Nigeria, a country of over 150 million people with rich human and natural resources, has no excuse for not competing effectively with the likes of Britain, China, United States and the rest.
However, for Nigerians in the United Kingdom, who had eagerly waited for the opportunity to fly the country’s green and white flag high in the Queen’s land, all hope is not lost yet as Nigerian artistes and showbiz personalities are set to hit London in full force for the 2012 Notting Hill Carnival, the largest street carnival in Europe holding on August 27. At least, showbiz remains one area where Nigeria cannot be faulted.
Based on the list from Sodium Brand Solutions and Reve Entertainment, organisers of the Naija Corner at the carnival, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Kayswitch, Praiz, Mr. Solek and fast rising star Davido will be hitting London to thrill fans with the best of their hits. Stand-up comedians such as Princess, Gbenga Adeyinka 1st and Tee A, who are currently fine-tuning their jokes ahead of the show that will see Naija colours on display, will support them.
In a chat with the Executive Producer of Naija Corner, Abisoye Fagade, the young entrepreneur assured that plans have been made to bring together some of the biggest names in Nigerian showbiz industry to deliver 100 percent entertainment to fans at the authentic Nigerian corner on Golbourne Road W10 (Intersection of Golbourne Gardens and Hazlewood Cresent - Nearest landmark: Trellick Tower).
“It’s the Olympics year and a special one at the Notting Hill carnival. Nigerians will proudly join the rest of the world in the spirit of friendship and joy, as we fly the green-white-green high and show the world our culture and values, using our rich music, comedy, fashion and arts.”
While urging Nigerians to put the Olympics’ disappointments behind and join in the celebration, Fagade said, “this is another opportunity to celebrate the Naija spirit on the streets of London. We encourage Nigerians and lovers of Nigeria to come out in bright Nigerian fashion on Monday August 27, as we gather for this year’s carnival; it’s going to be fun and we look forward to it.”
The Naija Corner is supported by Encomium Weekly, BlackHouse Media Group, thenetng.com, Digiprints, Primetime Africa, Hip TV, Yes International, Alexia, Emblue, E24-7, Aquila Oil, Core Media, Nigezie, Playcentre, Acada, First Class Entertainment, Nigerian Entertainment Today and EME Records.
Conceived in 1964 as a way for Afro-Caribbean communities to celebrate their own cultures and traditions in the United Kingdom, the Notting Hill Carnival, which takes place every August Bank Holiday weekend on the streets of London, is an amazing array of sounds, colourful sights and social solidarity. At the roots of the Carnival are the Caribbean carnivals of the early 19th century, a particularly strong tradition in Trinidad, which was about celebrating the abolition of slavery and the slave trade. The very first carnival was an attempt to showcase the steel band musicians, who played in the Earls Court of London every Weekend.
Today, Nigeria has become a major force in the yearly carnival, with the Naija Corner hosting some of the best Nigerian stars on stage, including the likes of Banky W, 9ice, Julius Agwu, DJ Abbas, AY, Gbenga Adeyinka, Funke Akindele and others.

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