300 People, Places, Things & Events That Shaped 2009

1. NMVA- the Nigerian Music Video Awards packaged by Callivision returned to reckoning in 2009, entering its third year and determined to improve on the bad outing of 2008, the organizers introduced a public voting system, got Ghanaian based Entertainer Samini to perform at the show, and had a hitch free show…..
2. Notjustok– www.notjustok.com was the number one place to go to when surfing for the latest Nigerian music in 2009. The site took internet plugging to a new level, attracting audiences en masse , attempting high level e- Commerce and serving as a one stop shop for sampling, sharing and downloading contemporary Nigerian Music.
3. Nigezie- Nigeria’s urbane music channel continued as one of the favorites of music lovers in 2009, they introduced new programs (Crunch, Ghetto Fabulous and afro centric) expanded their reach on terrestrial TV and debuted on Sky 204 UK
4. Nneka– Little known around Nigeria, Germany- based singer Nneka shocked many when she emerged the 2009 Best African act at the MOBO (music of black origin awards). She became the third Nigerian artiste to achieve the feat following in the heels of 2face Idibia and 9ice in 2007 and 2008 respectively
5. Nottinghill carnival- The annual event held in London reputed to be the best street party in the whole of Europe will certainly not be complete without the Nigerian community. The Nigerian corner that was banned by British authorities in 2007, returned this year in full of colour and pomp with a host of Nigerian entertainers on display: Dj Jimmy Jatt, DJ Zeez and Gbenga Adeyinka.
6. Obesere- Earlier in the year, there was talk of the Fuji star signing a deal with Kennis music but the purported deal didn’t see the light of day. Obesere eventually put pen to paper for Stingomania records, before the year ran out…
7. Ocean View– This strategically located restaurant near the Lagos Lagoon played host to the 2009 edition of the SMVA amongst other top entertainment shows.
8. OD – These days, fans can be forgiven for their surprise at OD’s new look: crisp three-piece suits, Slim ties, blazers on boot-cut jeans and 100% cotton shirts – a far cry from the days of spotting baggy jeans and oversight T-shirts. Apart from a change in dress sense, the talented rapper also changed record labels (He’s now with X3M music) and is currently working on the release of a new album containing hit singles ‘got to love me’, ‘if I catch you’ and ‘Alujo’.
9. Omawumi– Winner of the Hiphopworld awards 2009 next rated category made headlines for different reasons this year; Winning a brand new car at the HHWA, flaunting her romance with her producer Dokta Frabz, several award nominations and the release of her first album ‘Wonder Woman’
   
10. Oniru Beach- The private beach located at the tail end of Ligali Ayorinde on Victoria Island is fast becoming a regular for carnivals, shows and different outdoor parties. It was the most visited beach in 2009 mostly on weekend with fun-seekers thronging to have a nice time and see their favourite artistes.
11. Osaze Odemwengie– The toast of millions of Nigerian football fans. The half-caste striker distinguished himself in the striking role for the Super Eagles enroute an unconvincing 2010 world cup qualifying campaign. His sheer determination and commitment saw him win the footballer of the year at the AIT football awards
    
12. Oscars- The 81^st annual Academy Awards held on February 22, 2009 at the Kodak Centre Los Angeles California. Known for glitz and glamour, the awards continued to set new values and looks likely to be remembered for the celebration of first-class movies…..
13. Ovation Red Carol- The ovation Red Carol was loud this year- and was loud for a purpose. The Magazine’s annual Christmas bash featured music industry’s who is who, taking over Lagos for a whole night and remaining the talk-of-the-town the days that followed.
14. Pasuma– After 25 years of building a fulfilling career, which actually started on the streets of Mushin, Lagos, Fuji Star Wasiu Alabi Odetola popularly known as Pasuma Wonder rolled out the drums in October to celebrate.
15. Paul Play– Son of legendary musician Ik Dairo gave the music industry a huge scare when he was rumored to be undergoing a Cancer operation in South Africa. It was to later emerge that the talented Rn B singer only had an operation to remove cancerous tissues from parts of his body. The R n B veteran has since returned to Nigeria.
16. Pencil Leg Jeans- The Pencil leg jeans rocked 2009, gone are the days when any gentleman putting on the Pencil jeans was tagged ‘Gay’. This year Celebrities and Models alike contributed to the Pencil jeans trend!
17. Pen war– The Pen they say is mightier than the sword, and 2009 further explained that. Two major incidents highlighting the power of the pen in 2009 cannot be ignored. First was ‘the Hiphop generation’ versus Reuben Abati of the Guardian , while the second was between Efe Omorogbe and Ayeni the Great. Good thing the pen war didn’t go out of hand…..
18. PROTOOLS: Step aside analogue studios. 2009 is the year of digital productions. Gone are the days when musicians stormed studios with 30-man bands, to produce a record. These days, all you need is a song book, a producer, a console, and a PC loaded with all the production software money can buy. Be it reason, protools, fruity loops or any other song making, editing or graphics software, they’re the reason most of the top directors and producers are still in business.
19. Piracy– The hydra-ended monster plaguing the industry continued growing out of control giving practioners, stake-holders, artistes and fans alike more sleepless nights while the government watched without interest at the plight of Nigerian musicians.
20. Planet One– The hotel and entertainment centre restructured this year, ‘deleted’ the ‘events place’ from its list of offerings and redirected its service priorities. Yet, the Shaka Momoh-owned facility remained relevant all year –
21. Pleasure P- The singer received three Grammy nominations for his solo debut; but he had child molestation charges to battle with.
22. Project fame- The MTN-sponsored talent show entered its second season, with Mike Anayasodo emerging winner.
23. Psquare- The ‘dangerous twins’ continued their domination of Africa in 2009. They filled more halls and stadiums that any act in their category. Plus, they caused some drama too – at the Guinness 250 Lagos gig!
    
24. Pype- the dancehall kid went wild in 2009: inking a deal with storm 360, sharing the stage with Sean Paul; performing at the MAMAs, and pushing his own solo materials to the top of the playlists..
25. Questionmark- The troubled label dragged the bull by the horn – embarking on new signings, and kicking off an online journal.
26. Ramsey Nouah- His Contemporaries have since slow down; overtaken by young talents who are eager to please. But Ramsey Tokunbo Nouah is still on full throttle, racing ahead, aware that he is in for a Marathon- Not a 100 metres dash. If you are in doubt, please take a trip to the cinemas and see Mr. Nouah earning our respect with his roles in ‘The Figurine’ and ‘Guilty Pleasures’
27. Ras Kimono- Nineties’ reggae star Kimono returned home and attempted picking up his career from where he hung it. Did it work out?
28. Resignations– Folks keep moving! In 2009, Gbemi and Olisa left the cool station for beat FM; Diamond and Dizzy moved from Hip TV, Kemistry parted ways with Inspiration FM, and nearly a dozen workers threw in the towel at Soundcity (including Michael Oyeyiola)
29. Rita Dominic- The actress commissioned her biography, got into bed with Nokia and Globacom, and hit a dozen-and-one locations, to show she still deserved the ‘top actress’ title
    
30. Rita Isoken– The Koko Mansion finalist got fans glued to the reality show; emerging the star of the show, even though she didn’t win the top prize
31. Red- Now the camera of choice for cinematographers shooting for the big screen, The Red One records at unbelievable resolutions (up to 4096 horizontal by 2304 vertical pixels)
32. Remi Abiola- The Yoruba actress passed on on July 28, after undergoing treatment for an undisclosed ailment in a New York hospital
33. R.Kelly- The R&B bad-good-bad boy had been recruiting fans in Nigeria for decades. He came home to harvest his year – and left a good – no, great – impression. Then, did you listen to his new album ‘Untitled’; and that naughty single ‘pregnant’?
34. Rhythm unplugged- Flytime Promotions throws one of the biggest, wildest gigs in Nigeria’s entertainment calendar. With an endless roll call of headliners, and not-to-be-ignored TV campaigns, Unplugged gets thumbs up from fans, and industry insiders….
35. Rihanna- OK! We’ll all remember 2009 as the year Rihanna got ‘beaten’ by ex-boyfriend Chris Brown and the year she eventually finished taking off her clothes.
    
36. Robbery attacks- The chronicle of 2009 will be incomplete without highlighting the robbery attacks of 2009. The likes of Gbenga Adeyinka, Lord of Ajasa, Jimmy Jatt and Gbemi Olateru Olagbegi fell prey to Armed robbery attacks this year. …
37. Rooftop MCs- Make up your mind whether they’re taking gospel music into the world, or taking the world into gospel music. But the duo of SoKleva and Soulsnathca keep rocking hard and meshing unbelievable musical elements together.
38. Romances- New romance stories crept up in 2009, and while many led to marriage and babies, some broke up and others are still on…….
39. Ruggedman- the Lagos-based rapper continued his dissing game with colleague Mode 9; moved homes, got himself new auto toys, and broke up with his partner Isio…
40. Rumours- So, we were told that DJ Jimmy JATT passed on; that Azadus gave up the ghost; that Tunde and Wunmi Obe retired from music; that Nkem Owoh was beheaded in Europe; etc etc… Rumours! That’s what they were…And, boy! Are we still thanking God!
41. Sasha- Nigeria’s busiest female rapper showed why she’s the first lady of rap: an endorsement deal with Annabel mobile, a collabo with Dama do Bling, a Channel O awards, and back-to-back videos that’s making our mouths water, in anticipation of her second album ‘Sasha Speaks’…
42. Segun Arinze– after enduring years of separation from his first wife, Arinze gave marriage a second shot; tying the knots with his lover Julie. Then, he got involved in the AGN politics, which is still right now, brewing…
43. Seun Kuti- Fela’s last kid has grown from boy to man. And, while still leading his father’s band, he found time to push his own album – he debuted late last year as a solo act in his own right…
44. Slangs – Just like last year, some of our favourite slangs this year came from the lips of music stars. ‘kele’, ‘tile’, ‘yes boss’, ‘free me’
45. Silver Saddih – Gifted to a fault; but yet to find favor with fans, the singer tumbled and nearly fell this year – spending months behind bars in Kirikiri, following a deal gone sour
46. Soforte– Step aside Alaba – there’s a new set of guys willing to distribute and market our music – without asking for an arm and a leg! Soforte got thumbs up all year-long; for plunging in head-on, and demonstrating that the problem of distribution can be solved – if stakeholders stop paying lip service to available solutions and start to act…
47. Soundcity– the urbane music channel became the first outfit in its category to get a slot on DSTV. Since SC debuted on March 1, Nigerians are now tuning to Channel 327 on the DSTV bouquet, just as Soundcity is improving programming, and trying hard to retain the relevance of its music video awards
48. Sound Sultan– The lanky poet is yet to get that big break; but he continues to get love and respect from fans and critics. Sultan moved into a new home his year, settled down with his partner Farida, and rocked some of the biggest stages on the continent (courtesy of the hit singles ‘enter the place’ and ‘bush meat’)
49. SMVA- 2009 wasn’t too good a year for Nigeria’s biggest music video awards; but the organizers managed to pull it off – even attracting foreign acts Wyre and MIMS…
50. South Africa- The criticisms got heavy…. But Africa’s Europe remained the number one point of call of Nigerian acts in search of great music videos
51. Star mega jam- The annual musical concert sponsored by Nigerian Breweries executed its 10^th edition, inviting Ludacris and Busta Rhymes to party.
52. Star Quest- we stayed glued to our TVs for weeks, hyping and voting for our fav bands, and enjoying rich, live music. And as the show drew to an end, it was obvious ‘The Pulse’ would walk with the prize…
53. Strip clubs- Oh, sorry! But you mean you didn’t know stripping and pole dancing and lap dances are now on the menu of Lagos night life? Come, on! Where have you been?!
54. Stella Dimoko-Korkus- for celebrities and those close to them, the fear of SDK, Encomium’s god of gossip, is the beginning of wisdom. Period. (But she has a message for them: if you don’t want me to write it, don’t do it)
55. Stephanie Okereke- She’s put car crashes and failed relationships behind her. The actress-producer is on full throttle; getting her groove back as she penetrates Hollywood (with her ‘cross-industry’ movie ‘Through the Glass’) and ‘brings’ the New York Film academy to Nigeria
    
56. Storm 360– The Obi Asika-led label lost its prized act Ikechukwu to Mo’ Hits. But, with Sasha, Naeto C, GT the Guitarman still calling the label home, it didn’t look like there was plenty to worry about. Then they signed the dotted lines with Pype, Tosin Martins and Sauce Kid…
57. SWE bar- The top Lagos lounge was the preferred hangout for music stars and comedians all year. You want to run into MI or Tee A or Banky W on a night out? Head to Swe and you’ll see how easy it is…
58. Taylor Swift– long before she clocked 20, last week, Miss Swift had attained full maturity – beating Beyonce to win the best female video at the MTV VMAs; hitting the headlines worldwide and amassing global sympathy after Kanye West infamously interrupted her acceptance speech; and going ahead to secure eight nominations for the 2010 Grammy awards…
59. Tayo Odueke– This Yoruba movie actress had a quiet year until the recently when she made news with the tragedy of running a toddler over with her SUV. The case which has gained massive public outcry has left the actress devastated.
60. Tee A- The comedian did it again with his ‘ol’ Skool’ themed party; then he resumed recording for his rested TV show. Late in the year, he took his entrepreneurship several steps further by establishing ‘Tyme Out’, a restaurant, bar and lounge on Lagos mainland
61. Terrakulture- If you are bored on a Sunday evening, Terrakulture is the right place to be to thrill yourself to world class stage plays…. The location also served as a place for major events in 2009
62. Terry G– Terry G is trying to make ‘wild life’ fashionable. But while we’re yet to know if it’s working or not, Mr. Amanyi is getting crowned by the streets, emerging as one of the biggest surprises of 2009
    
63. Terry tha Rapman- gifted but under-celebrated, the SWATROOT rapper went on rampage in 2009 – partnering with Stereoman for the fantastic ‘Ekwe’ remix, and joining colleague OD for the hit track ‘if I catch u’
64. The New Afrikan Shrine- Femi Kuti’s ‘home’ is a major attraction for visitors keen on digging deep into the mystery of afro beat and its creator Fela Kuti. And for Lagos residents, It’s the go-to place, for regular afrobeat sessions (and marijuana too!)
65. The Most Undareyted show– R&B giant Darey Art Alade picked up random wannabes from different Lagos hoods, and gave them a chance to sell their talents on national TV. The show aired on Soundcity last quarter, and winner Bokwylla was announced early December.
66. The Future Awards– in its 4^th season and still going on strong. The brainchild of three young people has raised the bar as far as youth awards are concerned. This year, they went on a nationwide tour in preaching patriotism and getting ready for the next edition of the award coming up next year.
67. THISDAY– Nigeria’s leading newspaper gave the world the first international fashion magazine from Nigeria, Arise. They shocked the world within international fashion shows; and broke the ‘R.Kelly-will-not-come-to-Nigeria’ jinx. As 2009 prepared to shut her eyes, The THISDAY peace concert was still rocking Nigeria’s Niger Delta…
68. The experience 09- The Experience is a Yearly Gospel Concert held towards the end of every year in Lagos Nigeria Featuring Various World Class Gospel Artists Like Don Moen, Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklyn, Mary Mary, Donnie McCluckin, and a host of Other Top Gospel Artists
69. The Figurine– Kunle Afolayan sure knows his onions when it comes to movie making. He showed his collages in Nollywood they are not on the same page when he produced Figurine. The movie which has gathered both local and international acclaim is one of the best in the history of Nollywood. Tell me am wrong……………
70. The Keyboard– Any producer worth his onions would tell you that the keyboard is probably the most important musical instrument for any aspiring producer to learn how to play.
71. The Pulse- the 2009 Star Quest winners got overwhelming love from fans, and radio jockeys. And their debut single ‘so te’ became an instant favourite. The lucky six had hip-hop veteran Busta Rhymes spitting on a remix of the song; and when he visited for Star Megajam, they wined and dined with him; rocking the stage together and shooting a promo video for the single
72. Tiger Woods– The golf great managed to emerge the PGA player of the year. But he’ll mostly be remembered for his nasty car crash, and the epic episodes of adultery and philandering that’s threatening to destroy his achievements of the past two decades…
    
73. TI- the Grammy-winning rapper was sentenced on March 27, for ‘illegally possessing’ machine guns and silencers. He only got ‘a year and a day’, after prosecutors were impressed with his post-arrest behavior. Otherwise, he faced almost 20 years. He was released late December.
    
74. Timaya- Timaya cemented his romance with the fans. But he earned the wrath of the media and critics, for – amongst many other things – lying about his romance with actress Empress Njamah, placing the HHWA plaque on his crotch, fighting in a Lagos church, and assaulting a photographer…
75. Tinsel- The MNET soap entered its second season this year, unleashing more romance, intrigues and drama – and amassing amazing audiences across the continent
76. Tony Okoroji- The former PMAN president is in the thick of the collecting society brouhaha; and a supporter of the anti-piracy war. So, it was not surprising when he launched his book ‘Copyright, neighbouring rights, and the new millionaires’ on April 28…
77. Tonto Dike– The Port Harcourt girl is taking over Lagos; convincing fans and critics, with each passing role, that she was born to face the cameras…
78. Toolz- Tolu Oniru is gradually becoming a cherished OAP; with her daily mid-day shows on The Beat 99.9 FM.
79. This Is It– It was meant to be the comeback concert for the king of pop. It ended up being a movie-documentary on his last encounter with the stage; the final curtain call…
80. Tosyn Bucknor– Miss Bucknor revived her music career towards the end of the year. But what made her rock our world in 2009, was her daily breakfast show on Top FM. The multi-talented lady made razz cool again. And she went straight up – on our fav OAPs list
81. Trybesmen re-union- the trio of ElDee, Freestyle and KB swallowed the beef, and got together for the hip hop world awards stage in May. And they took us all down memory lane…
82. TMZ- the world’s leading celeb blog is king in a community where Perez Hilton, media takeout, OMG, and other top blogs occupy the chieftaincy… in doubt? Ask around for who broke the news of MJ’s collapse and eventual death…
83. Twitter- wars, atomic bombs, microchips, crude oil, aeroplanes and more have altered our lives and how we’re conquering the world. Who ever thought a day would come when a micro-blogging service would change our lives and reduce communication to 140 characters? Answer: The men who founded Twitter!
    
84. T.W.O- The beloved showbiz couple scared us for a minute – when we heard they were quitting music! But it was all rumours. And as if to console us, they dropped fresh cuts and videos, and promised to release a new album…
85. Uche Nwaezeakpu- The 21 year-old Economics graduate emerged the sixth winner of Gulder ultimate search, after 21 grueling days in the ‘jungle’…
86. Umar Musa Yaradua– The President is still recuperating in a Saudi Arabia Hospital, and we are sure everyone including Nigerian Entertainers wish him well. But, who was it that started that ‘Snail’ Joke?
    
87. Under -17 world cup– Switzerland emerged winner in the 13^th edition of the cadet championship held in Nigeria between October 24 and November 15
    
88. Usain Bolt– They say lightening doesn’t strike twice on the same spot. Not true for Usain Bolt. The Jamaican sprint star is not a respecter of records – and he broke them at will all year…
89. Waje- She’s no longer the back-up girl for Peter and Paul. Waje has since graduated from the Psquare academy; and she’s on a mission to master her own art.
90. Wale– 25 year-old Victor Olubowale Akintimehin finally released his debut album for Interscope records. ‘Attention deficit’ (which sold over 28,000 copies in the first week of release) is his fourth public material – having earlier released three mixed tapes prior to getting a deal.
91. Wyclef Jean- The Haitian visited Africa for the umpteenth time, taking over the MAMAs and leading it back into reckoning. The preacher’s son ‘officially adopted’ Sound Sultan as his ‘cousin’, and collaborated with him on ‘king of my country’…
92. Wale Adenuga- The respected TV producer continued his tradition of family drama, and it was no surprise when the Federal Government honored him with an MFR (Member of the order of the Federal Republic) award…
93. Wande Coal– The Mo’ Hits wonder kid provided the soundtrack of 2009; setting the clubs on fire with a string of hits : bumper to bumper, taboo, you bad, se na like this, ‘s’ope’ and more…
    
94. Wazobia FM- at a time when most stations are desperate to employ OAPs with American accents, Wazobia came on the scene and adopted the pidgin language. Now, they’re easy contenders for FM station of the year…
95. Whitney Houston- With Bobby Brown, and the drugs parties now behind her, Ms Houston attempted a comeback this year. America likes comeback stories, but somehow, it didn’t look like Whitney got it right yet… Maybe next year?
96. Wole Oguntokun- The blogger, journalist and playwright is emerging as one of the saviours of live theatre in Nigeria. His partnership with Terra Kulture is giving loves of the stage cause to heave a sigh of relief – with the Sunday-Sunday plays, and special drama series…
97. Yaw– He’s the last guy you’d expect to make it big on radio. But Steve Onu has transformed from a stutterer on TV show Flatmates to the darling of radio fans…
98. Youtube- And you thought TV was the most powerful medium in the world?
99. Yes media- we’re still trying to figure out their game plan – but the start-up label splashed heavy funds on concerts and promo tours; hitting Lagos, Abuja, Accra, London and the US within the year.
100. Zeez– The singer-producer-DJ got away with a track many would have considered vulgar. He won a HHWA for ‘best street hop’, won fans nationwide, and established himself as a media darling of sorts.

…….With Additional reporting by Joy Isi Bewaji and Abiodun Ogundairo

WATCH OUT FOR OUR SPECIAL NEW YEAR FEATURE : 65 TOP PEOPLE AND STUFF TO WATCH OUT FOR IN 2010.