Imo to Host Nigerian Music Awards (NMA) 2008

Written by: Ogbonna Amadi .

Members of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) in Imo State have
expressed their delight at the historic opportunity given to Imo to be the first state in the federation
to host Nigeria’s biggest entertainment event, the Nigerian Music Awards.

Preparations by musicians in Imo State for the NMA festivities which will light up the state for the entire weekend of May 23 to 25 have reached fever pitch.

In a letter dated April 10, 2008, addressed to Governor Ikedi Ohakim, signed by the Imo State PMAN Chairman, Dr. Sam Villa Ekeocha and fifteen of the most respected musicians in the state, the musicians’ body wrote.

“The entire members of PMAN, Imo State, Chapter wishes to use this medium to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the honour and pride you have done to the Imo State artistes in particular and the entire Imo citizens by ensuring that the 2008 Nigerian Music Awards is held in Imo State. More amazingly, we know that this is the 1st time that the Award will be held outside Lagos and Abuja”

The Imo PMAN Chapter went on to commend Governor Ohakim for his interest and efforts in the upliftment and promotion of culture and tourism in the state.

Stating, “We are especially excited and filled with great joy and happiness that your laudable programmes of activities and focus towards the realization of the New Face of Imo agenda and the Clean & Green initiative which are aimed at repositioning Imo State as the most peaceful and cleanest state in the federation are beginning to yield fruits”

Among the musicians who signed the letter are Chief Herbert Udemba of the African Baby Party, one of the first musicians ever to be recorded in Nigeria; Chief Soki Ohale, one of Imo’s most respected performing artists who presently holds the position of the state’s Director of Arts & Culture; Nze Dan Orji, a leader of the famous Peacocks International Band and Chief Vincent Okorogu of Ikenga Superstars fame, a former chairman of the Imo PMAN Chapter.

The signatories also include another former Chairman of the Chapter, Kingsley Dallas Anyanwu, the celebrated lead singer of Sweet Breeze; Chief Dan Satch Opara, leader of Oriental Brothers Band; Douglas Chukwueke of Olariche fame and other celebrated stars like Jonel Cross, Dr. Jerry Boifriend and Chief (Mrs.) Esther Osigwe better known as Es Doris of the Nkuta fame. Other signatories are Chief Chris Chikere of Great Heroes Band, Saro Wiwa of Bongo Music, Chima Eke of Obara Eze fame and Chubby of Akwassa Group.

Via: Vanguard