On February 11, 2023, the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos buzzed with excitement as the Soundcity MVP Awards 2023 unfolded, delivering a spectacular evening filled with glitz, electrifying performances, and heartfelt moments. Powered by Tingo, the event celebrated the vibrant African music scene, spotlighting both established and emerging talents. Hosted by South African actress Pearl Thusi, the night was a dazzling showcase of artistry, with performances from top African stars like Ghana’s Black Sherif, Gyakie, Arya Starr, Bad Boy Timz, Seyi Vibez, and Ruger. The awards ceremony lived up to its reputation as a premier platform for recognizing musical excellence across the continent.
Honoring Musical Achievements
The 2023 edition featured 15 musical categories, with Nigerian artists dominating by securing victories in 12 of them. Burna Boy, often hailed as the African Giant, clinched the African Artiste of the Year award, reinforcing his towering presence in the global music industry. Kizz Daniel took home the Best Performance/Best Artiste of the Year for his infectious hit Buga, which also earned the coveted Song of the Year title. The awards highlighted the diversity and creativity within African music, celebrating artists who have pushed boundaries and captivated audiences.
Breakthrough Stars and Collaborations
Emerging talents also had their moment in the spotlight. Ruger was named Best New Artiste, while also winning the Listeners’ Choice category for his track Ku Lo Sa, shared with Oxlade. Asake was crowned the New Male MVP, a testament to his meteoric rise in the Nigerian music scene, while Tems secured the New Female MVP award, adding another accolade to her impressive 2022 run. In the collaborative categories, Pheelz and Buju won Best Collaboration for their chart-topping hit Finesse, and Ajebo Hustlers were recognized as the Best Duo, showcasing the power of teamwork in music.
Celebrating Creativity Behind the Scenes
The awards also honored those working behind the scenes to elevate African music. Magicsticks took home the Best Producer award for his work on Asake’s Organise, a track that resonated widely with fans. Similarly, TG Omori won Video of the Year for directing the visually stunning Bandana music video by Fireboy DML and Asake. These awards underscored the importance of production and visual storytelling in shaping the modern African music landscape.
A Touching Tribute
One of the evening’s most poignant moments was a heartfelt tribute to departed artists and their loved ones, including Sound Sultan, Ifeanyi Adeleke (Davido’s son), Rico Swavey, and South African rapper Kiernan Forbes (AKA). The tribute served as a reminder of the fragility of life and the lasting impact of these individuals on the music community, leaving the audience in a reflective mood.
Legend Award and Closing Performance
The Legend Award was presented to Akon, the Senegalese-born, U.S.-based hip-hop star, recognizing his enduring influence on African and global music. The night concluded with a scintillating performance by Arya Starr, whose energy and connection with the audience had fans singing along to every word, capping off the event on a high note.
Voices from the Stars
Speaking to NAN, several artists expressed their gratitude for the platform provided by the Soundcity MVP Awards. Oxlade shared his pride in being part of the event and his hope to return in future editions. Seyi Vibez praised the organizers and sponsors, urging more stakeholders to invest in the growing African entertainment industry. He emphasized the need for continued support to nurture the continent’s talent and expand its global reach.
A Bright Future for African Music
The Soundcity MVP Awards 2023 not only celebrated current achievements but also highlighted the immense potential of African music. With Nigerian artists leading the charge and contributions from across the continent, the event underscored the industry’s vibrancy and its role in shaping cultural narratives. As the night drew to a close, it was clear that the awards had once again succeeded in uniting artists, fans, and industry stakeholders in a shared celebration of creativity.
