This award honours an inspiring young Nigerian business leader between the ages of 18 and 40 who has developed and is operating a successful firm via devotion and passion, as well as exhibiting great entrepreneurial spirits, new ideas, and strategic directions.
Akinboade is a 28yrs old young Nigerian entrepreneur, make-up artist, beauty influencer, brand owner, and trainer. She is the founder and CEO of Moteesignatures (Pty) under which platform she runs a beauty studio in Moreleta Park, Pretoria.
Her company, Moteesignatures offers young and old women training in make-up artistry and also organizes glam sessions and cosmetics sales. The company has trained and empowered over 50 students who have been well equipped to start their businesses since its registration in the last two years. From a very small beginning in 2017, the business has consistently grown an increasing client base many of which are some celebrities within and outside of Pretoria.
Moteesignature is the brand owner of Moteesignature Lashes, a product in which the company has also grown a network of distributors around Nigeria and South Africa. In the last financial year, the business network is reported to be around R500,000.
This category recognizes an outstanding young Nigerian, aged 8-21 years, who has achieved in any area of talent such as in sport, education, craft, arts, entertainment, etc., or has showcased excellent and significant contributions to the community with exceptional talent.
Morolayo is a 5-year-old Nigerian boy- born to a Nigerian father and a South African mother. As early as three years old, Morolayo has shown a keen interest in arts and music. Just 5 years old, he has a full album of a collection of his drawings about animals, places, and people. Morolayo has also several songs composed by him. Morolayo is very proud to be a Nigerian, and he is fond of being called a Nigerian by his friends and the South African side of his family. He is always heard singing Nigerian music and loves to tell his friend that he knows the name of his president- President Muhammadu
The award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated ingenuity, teamwork, passion, and integrity while working with others in business and community service and has had a measurable impact on the community through their work or leadership.
iyanbola Olatayo Muyideen is based in
Bushbuckridge, Nelspruit in the Mpumalanga Province. Bushbuckridge.
Nelspruit where he works as Physical Sciences Educator and Head of
Department of Physical Sciences and Natural Sciences at Alfred Matshine
MSTA. Siyanbola has been involved in assisting slots Nigerians in
Bushbuckridge by providing free accommodation Nigerians that need
accommodation in the house until they are able to fend themselves. He
has also been instrumental in helping a lot of qualified Nigerians to
get employment in Department of Education Mpumalanga Province. Siyanbola
single-handedly founded the Mpumalanga chapter of Nigeria Community
Bushbuckridge in 2015 and the association has remained strong since
then. Siyabola spearheaded a protest letter to the SAPS, Home affairs,
Magistrate, Bushbuckridge Municipality alongside two other comrades when
other Africa nationals were soiling Nigerian name by perpetrating bad
stuff and they were all arrested!
The award honours extraordinary success in postgraduate academic study or research (Master's and Doctorate or Professorship) by a Nigerian in South Africa.
Ayotunde is a scholar, and post-doctoral researcher in the field of sustainable systems and bioprocess engineering with the Institute for Development of Energy for African Sustainability, University of South Africa. In 2018, Ayotunde became the youngest foreign national from the continent (Africa) to bag a doctorate (Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering) from the University of the Witwatersrand. In addition, Ayotunde holds a Masters (MSc) in Biotechnology from the University of Warwick, UK (aged 20) and a Bachelors’ (BSc Hons) in Biochemistry from Bowen University, Nigeria. Wits university has seen a lot of exceptional scholars from everywhere across the globe including a diverse group of international students on the continent Admission to advanced degrees was a privilege owning to the rigorous entry requirements, but only aged 22, Ayotunde secured admission to study towards a doctorate in Chemical Engineering. Daunting as it seemed, the young Nigerian managed to pioneer new thoughts on the existing body of knowledge through his research which focused on integrating sustainable processes for waste biomass conversion to energy and several other high-value commodities. In less than 4 years, the project had contributed to 5 scholarly publications in world-class journals, 4 presentations in scholarly conferences in Spain, Australia, Germany, and South Africa, and a doctoral thesis that was adjudged, by the top 3 experts in process engineering globally to have met conditions and exceeded expectations, leading to the award of a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering in January 2018 at age 26.
This award honors a Nigerian Deejay, model, artist, sculptor, painter, fashion designer, Comedian, illustrator, photographer, or any other professional in the inventive and creative field.
Oluwajenyo is a 22-year-old Nigerian budding model and student in South Africa. He started modeling just before he turned 19. Oluwajenyo has been privileged to participate as a model in over 30 shows in just three years of their modeling career. Some of the major shows he has been featured in include; the South African Fashion Week, AFI formerly Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Bulgari Fiesta, Men's Health Menswear, Absolute Collection for top South African Designers, and international brands such as Maxhosa by Laduma, Rich Mnisi, David Tlale Ephymol, Sheria Ngowi (Tanzania), Hugo Boss, Polo, Superdry, Fila, Woolworths and more. Oluwanjenyo has also shot campaigns for South Africa Airways, MTN, Nokia, Superdry, and Edgars, Odrin. As a model, he has been featured in editorials for magazines such as Them Magazine (Japan), Destiny Magazine (SA), Indie Magazine (intl.), King Kong Magazine (intl.), Legacy Magazine (pan-African) and features in Vogue Italia, Design Indaba, Huf Magazine, etc. Oluwajenyo has worked with top South African photographers such as Louis Daniel Botha, Trevor Stuurman, Stevel Marc, Aart Verrips, and the like.
This award honors promoters and producers of Nigerian music, entertainment promotion, film production, acting, or a Nigerian in any sporting activity who achieved success or a great record in South Africa during the year under review.
This category honours an outstanding Nigerian musical musician who has distinguished himself or herself by a successful song or album, a top-tier collaboration, song/album sales, and a good impact on individuals or the community through his or her musical career. This prize is accessible to all forms of music and genres.
Adetola Olaiya Aina (aka Ola sax) is a charismatic soulful saxophonist who originates from Lagos Nigeria. Although he was primarily introduced to jazz and afro-pop music, his style boasts traces of afro soul. He has developed a unique sound that boasts a kaleidoscope of fresh melodies, eclectic scales, and whimsical harmonies. He has performed in major local and international concerts such as the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival, the World Festival of Black Arts and Cultures (Senegal) and other festivals, private functions (Transet, etc), as a session musician, in several events and as a solo artist. He has also performed in high profile occasions like the inauguration of the South African president Jacob Zuma. He has recorded and performed with the likes of: Sello Galane, Alexandra brass band, Rhythmic element, Jay Hlongwane, Open Mic Productions, Seamless music, McKenzie, Hotstix Mabuza, Freddy Arendse, Thami Mdluli, Thabisa, the world-famous musical The Buddy Holly Story and the Elvis Presley Musical with the Barnyard Theatre, which toured in countries such as Dubai, China and South Africa, to name a few. Ola sax released his debut album titled “Expression” in January 2016. The album is a fusion of the West and South African grooves and is an expression of the smooth sounds that define Ola Aina. It has currently made it on various radio stations in South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, UK and other parts of the world.
Mikky Jaggaz is an outlandish music artist gifted in the genres of dancehall and Afro-pop. Having launched his music career in Nigeria, Mikky Jaggaz moved to South Africa and by 2012, he set up his music label- MJ Records under which he released some of his albums. Mikky Jaggaz's music career got another boost when he was signed by a South African record company –Wicked Era entertainment.
Mikky Jaggaz has
produced many hit songs and has performed in big concerts alongside top-rated
Nigerian and South African artistes such as AKA, Cassper Nyovest, Ice Prince,
Babes Wodumo and DJ Maphorisa to mention a few. Mikky Jaggaz's last musical
tour took him to 15 venues in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town. He recently
released a single with L.A.X (Nigerian Superstar formerly signed under Wizkid's
STARBOY). The song released in April 2019 has enjoyed a lot of downloads on
different digital platforms. Mikky Jaggaz has also released another song with a
popular South African Artist, BLAKLEZ, titled NECESSARY.
Jabar Akinwunmi
Tesleem better known by his stage name T Sleek is a versatile independent
Nigerian singer, songwriter, music producer, and sound engineer. He specializes
in various genres ranging from Afrobeat to Soul, House, Hip Hop, Pop, R&B,
EDM, and Reggae. As an upcoming act, in 2010, he received an award as the
"Most Talented Student" at the "Nigerian University Merit
Awards". T-Sleek made his mainstream debut in 2012, with his single
"Ma Wo Mi" which went viral. Since then, he stayed consistent with
more singles released, which gained him popularity in the music industry with
more fans/audiences. In 2015, he collaborated with Nigerian rapper Ice Prince
Zamani, as a producer on his EP (Trash Can EP). In 2017, after moving to South
Africa, he put together his first body of work (Unmixed Feelings EP) which did
amazingly well. Following the success of the project, he released 2 videos
"Flexin' Is My Hobby" & "GBERA". Both songs went viral
and have since been getting airplay on Majorcable and terrestrial TV stations
across Africa.
The award recognizes a South African individual or group of individuals in the entertainment industry who collaborated with a Nigerian or group of Nigerians to produce hit music, or movie or jointly celebrate the culture, traditions, and arts of both countries.
Alex Adetokunbo Gansallo hails from Lagos State in Nigeria.
He is one of the leading lights proudly flying the Nigerian flag in the South African
entertainment industry as a Film Director, Cinematographer as well as a Film
Editor.
DR. Frank Orji is a proudly Nigerian entertainment professional and businessman based in Johannesburg. Dr. Frank is also the founder and CEO of the Africa Academy of Cinematic Arts (Pty) Ltd. He is also a cinematographer, singer/recording artist, songwriter, and music producer.
As a creative, Dr. Frank plays multiple musical instruments: Drums, Keyboard, bass, etc. With doggedness, Dr. Frank through sheer determination and vision built high-end studios from nothing. His company Goldtape Studio has produced contents for different clients, companies, and individuals from all over has produced content for different clients, companies, and individuals from all over Africa. As a songwriter and a music producer, he has worked with various artists, some in Nigeria and South Africa, and in other parts of Africa on both video and audio promoting African Music. One of the major highlights of Dr. Frank's career and his share of contribution to the entertainment business from a Nigeria American perspective is the establishment of its academy- AACA- a fully accredited training institution cur that recently employed 20 staff members both full and part-time.
The academy provides exclusive training production for reenacting aspiring filmmakers, especially young people. AACA prides itself on its value proposition of taking youth off the streets and giving them skills that empower them to be employers themselves or be employable.
Owolabi Ajele (aka-Mr Cash) is a Publicist and Entertainment Media Entrepreneur. He has a BSc degree in Industrial Mathematics and a Diploma in Public Relations. Owolabi's line of work encompasses Public Relations, Celebrity Procurement, Image Management, Events, Talent Management, and Promotions.
Through his "Project Be Heard" on DASHCITI (a "New Media" Entertainment Media corporation web-based entertainment content) many artists across Africa have been given the opportunity to be heard even outside of Africa through promotions, by harnessing social media with contents of music artists posted on his Dashciti website.
As a talent manager and artist promoter, Owolabi has worked many South African based Nigerian Music artists, Record Labels and DJs such as Frenzy, Bolo J, DJ Sulex, Meggax, Boss, DJ Biggie, Wicked Era Entertainment, FRET ENT and FLO Records. He handled Image Management for: VIP LOUNGE, FANCY B, YM ENT, and Birth Time Entertainment. He has also worked with Bombshelter Entertainment, MOLOKO PRETORIA, SAINT LOUNGE CAPETOWN, VANITY PRETORIA, HAREM. Early 2019, Mr CASH created AFRO-HUB, a night for music artists, dancers, models and fashion houses across Africa to come together and share a platform for the sake of cultural exchange. Mr CASH, have shut down major venues in Gauteng and Cape Town featuring known names in AFROPOP music.
The Excellence in Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Award recognises the active involvement of an organization supporting the Nigerian community or a community project in South Africa or through its partnership with a Nigerian charitable, voluntary, or community organization that has a quantifiable positive effect on the community over the last year/s.
This award recognizes a South African or Non-Nigerian Individual, Association, Organization, or Non-Profit Organization in any field of business or entertainment that has demonstrated excellence in supporting or celebrating a Nigerian, Nigerian Association, Nigerian NGO, or Nigeria as a community or country by showcasing and celebrating them on his/her/their platform so that their voices or their work can be showcased.
Mmatema is a South African vocally gifted award-winning singer and songwriter, affectionately known by her fans as 'the skyscraper, after becoming runner-up in the season 11 South African idols competition. She currently has her record label- Mmatema Moremi Media Productions under which she recorded her first Gospel album; Love Praise Worship and has executively produced her live shows. She has worked with several prominent musicians including DJ Cleo, DJ Tira, Benjamin Dube, Spirit of Praise and so many more. She has also gone on to work on other big productions such as lacing her vocals on Sabc1 'Mzansi FoSho' title song, Sabc3 'The stage is yours' and Trending SA title tracks, portrayed Mariam Makeba in a Soweto theatre production, performing at awards ceremonies; SAFTAs, Crowns and other productions. Mmatema presented the Nigerian Community awards 2017 as cost-host and was dressed by a local Nigerian designer and she still wears the clothes with pride to her events and singing gigs. She has always been an active supporter/friend of the Nigerian community for years. As she also hosted the red carpet in 2014 of the Nigerian year-end carnival in South Africa event that took place in Pretoria as an interviewer. She uses her platform to speak against any type of xenophobic attacks going on and is part of their events no matter what.
The award celebrates the strength and outstanding achievement of an outstanding Nigerian woman in South Africa who stands out in what she does in any field in South Africa in the year under review.
This award category recognizes and honours a non-Nigerian individual based in South Africa married to a decent, honest, hardworking Nigerian. The non-Nigerian partner must be an achiever who stands out in their field and has shown tremendous support for their partner's success, the Nigerian culture, tradition, and way of life.
This award recognizes an outstanding Nigerian top heavyweight achiever who has achieved in no small measure in any field of career and is flying the Nigerian flag high in Southern Africa. The recipient must be a resident of Southern Africa.
The award recognises an outstanding, honest, and hardworking Nigerian Diplomat in South Africa who has been diligent and compassionate to Nigeria and Nigerians in South Africa.
Mrs. Chituru Chendo is a Diplomat and the Minister Consular in charge of Consular Matters at the High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria. She arrived in South Africa in early 2018.
She is an experienced diplomat who has served in a few other countries before her posting to South Africa. She keeps a cordial and professional relationship with Nigerians who she comes across in her daily duties.
Mr. M. Michael Ajose is a Nigerian Diplomat at the High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria, South Africa. He is the Head of Immigration Services at the High Commission of Nigeria. He was posted to South Africa in early 2018 as an Immigration Attache. Since he arrived at the High Commission, he has been able to transform the office professionally as he runs an open-door policy, and is always ready to listen to Nigerians and help out personally in every way he can.
The award recognizes an inspiring, hardworking, and impactful Nigerian politician, a government official at the Federal, State, or Local Government level, or a Nigerian lawmaker who made a significant impact through their program or processes that have positively affected or impacted the lives of Nigerians at home or in the Diaspora.
The person who will win the Business Leader of the Year category will be a Nigerian individual who exemplifies outstanding leadership in business. The person should have achieved positive financial results, increased shareholder value, sound management, proven corporate governance, and demonstrated innovation, together with intangible qualities such as integrity and vision.
This award recognizes personal achievements by a Nigerian business professional who owns a legitimate, and duly registered business entity in South Africa. Someone whose business success and ethics contribute to the positive image of Nigeria in South Africa and who demonstrates outstanding entrepreneurial spirit, strategic business direction, and innovative ideas while inspiring a new generation of upcoming business leaders.
DR. Frank Orji is a proudly Nigerian entertainment professional and businessman based in Johannesburg. Dr. Frank is also the founder and CEO of the Africa Academy of Cinematic Arts (Pty) Ltd. He is also a cinematographer, singer/recording artist, songwriter, and music producer.
As a creative, Dr. Frank plays multiple musical instruments: Drums, Keyboard, bass, etc. With doggedness, Dr. Frank through sheer determination and vision built high-end studios from nothing. His company Goldtape Studio has produced contents for different clients, companies, and individuals from all over has produced content for different clients, companies, and individuals from all over Africa. As a songwriter and a music producer, he has worked with various artists, some in Nigeria and South Africa, and in other parts of Africa on both video and audio promoting African Music. One of the major highlights of Dr. Frank's career and his share of contribution to the entertainment business from a Nigeria American perspective is the establishment of its academy- AACA- a fully accredited training institution cur that recently employed 20 staff members both full and part-time.
The academy provides exclusive training production for reenacting aspiring filmmakers, especially young people. AACA prides itself on its value proposition of taking youth off the streets and giving them skills that empower them to be employers themselves or be employable.
The Inspiring Change Award recognises a remarkable Nigerian achiever based in South Africa who, through unwavering hard work, determination, and dedication, has risen from humble beginnings to attain significant success. This individual has introduced an initiative that effectively supports individuals from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. Their actions uplift those around them and inspire countless others to believe in their potential to achieve, regardless of their circumstances.
Vanessa is a 22-year-old young Nigerian woman who has been
living in South Africa for 10 years. She
works as a graphic designer/ illustrator for a TV Station. In 2017, Vanessa
founded the Queen's Goals; a social initiative that focuses on the mental,
spiritual, physical, and emotional as well as academic well-being of young
female students in High Schools from Grade 8-12. With Queen's Goals, Vanessa
creates a safe space where young queens can feel safe to freely express their
thoughts and emotions and gain support from a network of strong women. Queen's
Goals employs the use of goal setting as a tool to help the girls craft a
better future.
Regularly, Vanessa through Queen's Goals organizes outreach
programs where she makes donations of toiletry and sanitary pads drives, books,
matric dresses, solar lamps, and grocery and food items to schools in rural and
underprivileged areas. Vanessa also organizes and facilitates seminars,
workshops, wellness workshops, and career guidance projects, and invites
influential speakers to inspire and motivate young girls. Through THE QUEEN'S
GOALS programs over 2900+ girls have been impacted.
Every year, The Nigerian Voice Newspaper in South Africa honours an individual with the most prestigious award for Excellence in Public Service for their innovative achievements that have resulted in more effective and responsive public administrations that have impacted members of the public.
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