This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the music industry.
Here are the accomplished awardees:
MIKE EJEAGHA
DUNCAN MIGHTY
STYLE PLUS
EEDRIS ABDULKAREEM
MERCY CASTILLO
PIRIYE ISOKRARI
AYO ANIMASHUN
PUPA SEENCLEAR
Mike Ejeagha
Mike Ejeagha is a legendary Nigerian highlife musician and folklorist who has spent decades documenting and preserving Igbo culture through his music.
In a surprising turn of events, comedian Brain Jotter breathed new life into Mike Ejeagha’s timeless classic, “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche“, featuring the unforgettable catchy line “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” in 2024.
Mike Ejeagha, a Nigerian music legend, originally released “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche” decades ago. While it remained a beloved classic among nostalgic fans, it had largely faded from the mainstream consciousness.
Mike Ejeagha’s work has helped keep Igbo traditions alive, influencing generations of musicians and preserving the language and culture in an era of modernization.
Duncan Mighty
Known as the “King of Port Harcourt,” Duncan Mighty is a Nigerian musician, singer, and music producer. With a career spanning over two decades, he has released several hit albums and singles, including “Port Harcourt Boy” and “Fake Love.” Duncan Mighty’s unique sound, which blends traditional Nigerian rhythms with modern styles, has earned him numerous awards and nominations. He has significantly impacted the music scene, especially in the South-South region of Nigeria, played a vital role in promoting the culture and sounds of the Niger Delta region through his music.
Style Plus
Style Plus is a Nigerian R&B and pop group. With their smooth vocals and catchy melodies, they became a household name in the Nigerian music industry. Pioneered modern Nigerian R&B, influencing contemporary artists. Styl-Plus introduced a polished, international sound to Nigerian music at a time when local acts were still finding their footing on the global stage. They inspired many contemporary R&B and Afro-pop artists. Style Plus’s hit singles, such as “Olufunmi” and “Call My Name,” have topped music charts and earned him several awards and nominations. Their debut album “Expressions” became a commercial success, solidifying their reputation as trendsetters in the Nigerian music industry.
Abdul Kareem
Eedris Abdulkareem is a pioneer of Nigerian hip-hop, known for his bold and unapologetic lyrics that address societal issues. Abdul Kareem’s contributions to the Nigerian music industry have earned him recognition and respect from his peers. Eedris is celebrated for using his music as a tool for activism, inspiring artists to use their platforms for social change. Despite controversies, his contributions to Nigerian music cannot be overstated. His solo career took off with the release of his album “Pass” (2002) and its controversial hit single “Jaga Jaga,” which criticized corruption in Nigeria.
Released other notable tracks like “Mr. Lecturer,” which addressed issues of sexual harassment in universities.
Mercy Castillo of Casablanca
Mercy Castillo is well-known for her work as a humanitarian, event planner, motivational speaker, and cook. She is the CEO of the well-known Casablanca Restaurant and Sports Bar, which provides both indoor and outdoor catering services.As a chef, Mercy is passionate about crafting unforgettable flavors with creativity, a commitment she shares with her audience on social media.
Mercy Castillo’s energetic leadership at Casablanca Restaurant and Sports Bar has had a huge impact on Port Harcourt’s music and event sector. Casablanca has developed into a premier live music and entertainment venue under her direction, holding a range of events for a wide range of audiences.
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One of the notable events is the “Ladies Night,” which features great music, delicious food, and special giveaways, creating a vibrant atmosphere for patrons. These themed nights have become a staple in the city’s nightlife, attracting music enthusiasts and fostering a lively community.
Mercy Castillo has played a key role in planning cultural festivals that honor the rich legacy of the South- South region in addition to hosting frequent themed events. By showcasing traditional dance, music, and artwork, these events give local artists a stage on which to display their skills and uphold cultural customs. Mercy’s efforts have enhanced Port Harcourt’s cultural landscape in addition to offering entertainment. Her reputation as a significant player in the city’s event business has been cemented by her dedication to supporting music and culture.
Piriye Isokrari
Piriye Isokrari, also known as Peedi Picasso, is a highly acclaimed music executive and entrepreneur who has made significant contributions to the African music industry. As the founder and CEO of The Aristokrat Group, he has significantly impacted the careers of artists, producers, and industry professionals, helping shape the global perception of African music. Under Isokrari’s leadership, The Aristokrat Group has been instrumental in discovering and nurturing some of Africa’s most notable musical talents. The company is best known for discovering and developing Burna Boy, one of the biggest acts in the African music industry today.
Isokrari has worked with many well-known musicians in the African music scene over the course of his career, such as 2face, Wande Coal, and Victor Uwaifo. His status as a major force in Africa’s entertainment industry has been cemented by his in-depth knowledge of the field and dedication to artist development.
His leadership has made Aristokrat Records a powerhouse, setting a blueprint for artist development, strategic partnerships, and global expansion.
In May 2020, Piriye Isokrari announced a strategic global partnership with Universal Music France (UMF), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG). This collaboration aims to discover and develop new African talent, providing artists and songwriters with opportunities to reach global audiences through UMG’s extensive network. Under this partnership, Aristokrat Records’ artists benefit from label services provided by Caroline France and publishing support from Universal Music Publishing Group. This alliance enhances the distribution and promotion of African music on a global scale.
In August 2021, The Aristokrat Group partnered with Boomplay, a leading music streaming platform in Africa, to launch the Open House Series—a four-month mentorship program aimed at empowering and mentoring Nigerian talents. This initiative provided participants with comprehensive courses on songwriting, production, performance, marketing, and brand identity, culminating in a two-week production camp where selected participants collaborated to produce a compilation album distributed by Boomplay.This collaboration underscores Isokrari’s commitment to elevating African music and culture on the international stage, fostering opportunities for African artists to achieve globally
Isokrari’s work continues to shape the African music ecosystem, and his influence extends beyond just record labels, he is actively involved in creating sustainable structures that empower African artists to compete on a global scale. His dedication, innovative spirit, and commitment to nurturing African talent have earned him recognition as a leading figure in the music industry.
Ayo Animashaun is a renowned entertainment entrepreneur and television executive who has revolutionized the Nigerian music industry. Recognizing the need to honor and celebrate musical talent, Animashaun established The Headies (originally known as the Hip Hop World Awards) in 2006.
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This annual award ceremony has become one of Africa’s most prestigious music awards, celebrating outstanding achievements in the Nigerian music industry. In 2022, The Headies expanded its reach by hosting the event in the United States for the first time, reflecting the global rise of Afrobeats and African music. Animashaun launched HipTV, a 24-hour entertainment television channel that broadcasts music videos, entertainment news, and interviews. The channel reaches audiences in 44 countries across Africa and streams globally on various digital platforms, significantly influencing the promotion of African urban culture. Animashaun’s efforts have helped to promote African music globally, putting the continent’s rich musical heritage on the world map.
Through The Headies and HipTV, Animashaun has provided a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talents, launching the careers of numerous successful musicians.Through his various initiatives, Animashaun has contributed significantly to the growth and development of the Nigerian music industry. He has provided platforms for emerging artists, promoted African music globally, and advocated for artists’ rights.
Pupa Seenclear
Pupa Seenclear, a renowned reggae artist, has been honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to the music industry. With a career spanning over three decades, Seenclear has left an indelible mark on the reggae genre, inspiring countless fans and artists around the world. Throughout his career, Pupa Seenclear has been instrumental in promoting reggae music within Nigeria.
His unique style and dedication to the genre have inspired many emerging artists and enriched the Nigerian music landscape. Pupa Seenclear has been active in the reggae scene in recent years. He continued to promote reggae music and worldwide collaborations by doing a live interview with Jamaican-American international reggae musician Hezron on Rhythm FM in Port Harcourt.
To further solidify his position as a mainstay of reggae music in Nigeria, he has also been involved in the local music scene, performing at events like reggae dances at places like Sunmoon Garden in Port Harcourt. Seenclear has been a vocal supporter of social justice, utilizing his music as a vehicle to bring attention to problems that African people face. He has contributed to a number of nonprofits, including as the Reggae for Life Foundation and the African Children’s Education Fund.
Pupa Seencido’s legacy extends far beyond his own music. He has played a pivotal role in shaping the Nigerian reggae scene and has inspired a new generation of artists to follow in his footsteps. His impact on the music industry is a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and a passion for music.
Conclusion
These individuals have made significant contributions to the music industry, and their achievements continue to inspire and influence new generations of musicians. Congratulations to the Lifetime Achievement Award honorees!
