The Nigerian Entertainment Awards[1] were established in New York City in January 2006. The awards recognize the contributions of African entertainers with a special focus on Nigerians.
The following are the current categories as of 2016.
Musical categoriesedit
Best Album of the Year
Hottest Single of the Year
Best Music Promoter
Best New act of the Year
Gospel Artist of the year
Indigenous Artist of the Year
Best Pop/R&B artist of the Year
Female Artist of the Year
Male Artist of the Year
Best Rap Act of the Year
Music Producer of the Year
Best Music Video of the Year (Artist & Director)
Best Collaboration
Most Promising Act to Watch
Diaspora Artist of the Year
African Male Artist of the Year (Non-Nigerian)
African Female Artist of the Year (Non-Nigerian)
Film categoriesedit
Best Supporting Actor
Best Actress in a Lead Role
Best Supporting Actress
Best Director of the Year
Best Picture of the Year
Best Short Film of the Year
Best Actor of the Year (TV)
Best Actress of the Year(TV)
TV Show of the Year
Actor of the Year (Non-Nigerian)
Actress of the Year (Non-Nigerian)
Best Picture (Non-Nigerian)
Other categoriesedit
Entertainment Personality of the Year
Entertainment Executive of the Year
Best OAP
Funniest Comedian of Year
Disk Jockey of the Year (Male)
Disk Jockey of the Year (Female)
Disk Jockey Collaboration of the Year
Disk Jockey of the Year (Non-Nigerian)
TV Presenter of the Year (Lifestyle)
Fashion Model of the Year
2006-2008 NEA Awardsedit
2006 NEA Awardsedit
The first edition was held at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at the University of Maryland, College Park on July 28, 2006, and was hosted by comedian Michael Blackson. The event featured performances by Sauce Kid, Sammy Okposo, and Mike Okri. Tuface Idibia and Banky W were amongst the winners of the first edition.
2007 NEA Awardsedit
The second edition was held at the NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts in New York City in June 2007 and was hosted by comedian Julius Agwu. The 2007 edition featured performances by Banky W, Iceberg Slim, Blak Jesus, and Mike Aremu.
Winnersedit
Best album of the year – Grass 2 Grace (Tuface Idibia)
Hottest single of the year – "Why Me" (Dbanj)
Best new act of the year – Tosin Martin
Indigenous musician of the year – Lagbaja
Best collabo of the year – P Square & Weird Mc (Bizzy Body Remix)
Best afro pop act of the year – Dbanj
Gospel artist of the year – Sammy Okposo
Neo afrobeat artist of the year – Femi Kuti
Best international album of the year – Return Of The King by eLDee
Best international single of the year – "Capable" (Banky)
Best international producer of the year – Mic Tunes
Best international gospel choir rccg – Jesus House, DC
Music producer of the year – Don Jazzy
Battle of U.S. Based DJS – DJ Zimo
U.S. Based entertainment promoter of the year – Big Moose Entertainment
Athlete of the year – Obafemi Martins
Fashion designer of the year Nigerian – Fabrics & Fashion
Funniest comedian of the year – Julius Agwu
Best international actor – Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje
Best international actress – Adetoro Makinde
Nollywood best actor – Ramsey Nouah (Dangerous Twins)
Nollywood best actress – Stella Damasus Aboderin (Dangerous Twins)
Nollywood best director – Tade Ogidan (Dangerous Twins)
2008 NEA Awardsedit
The third edition was held at the NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts in New York City in June 2008 and was hosted by actor Raz Adoti (Amistad) and Tatiana from the 2007 season of Big Brother Africa. The 2007 edition featured performances by Dekunle Fuji and Tosin Martin. The event also featured Ramsey Nouah and supermodel Oluchi's presentation of the Best Actor Award to actor Olu Jacobs.
Winnersedit
Best Album of the Year: ASA by Asa
Hottest Single of the Year: "Yahooze" by Olu Maintain
Best International Single of the Year: "Spray Me Money" Remix by Oladele ft. Eldee
Best International Album of the Year: Chapter XIII by Keno
Best International Producer of the Year: T Money
Best International Music Video of the Year: "Wetin Man Go Do" by Amplifyd Crew
International Event of the Year (presented to a promoter): NRC Reunion
Best World DJ: DJ Humility
Best Comedian: Basorge
Best Film: Blessed Among Women
Best Actor: Olu Jacobs
Best Actress: Kate Henshaw
U.S Based Promoter of the Year: Tribe X Entertainment
2009-present NEA Awardsedit
2009 NEA Awardsedit
In 2009, the fourth edition of the NEA Awards was held at Howard University's Cramton Auditorium in DC. The event was hosted by comedian Basorge and co-hosted by actresses Omoni Oboli and Ebbe Bassey. The event also featured performances by YQ, Midnight Crew, Toba Gold, Bigiano and J Martins.
Winnersedit
Best album of the year – Entertainer (D’Banj)
Hottest single of the year – "Good Or Bad" (J Martins)
Best new act of the year – M.I.
Gospel artist of the year – Midnight Crew
Music producer of the year – ID Cabasa
Best rapper – M.I.
Best music video of year – Not The Girl (Darey)
Best international artist – Iceberg Slim
Indigenous artist of the year – 9ICE
Best international producer of the year – Dapo Torimiro
Event of the year – This day/Arise NY fashion week by This day
Best world DJ – DJ Neptune
Best comedian – I Go Die
Best actor – Jim Ikye
Best actress – Funke Akindele
2010 NEA Awardsedit
The 2010 edition was held at the third edition was also held on September 18, 2011, at the BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center in New York and was hosted by Singer Omawumi. The event featured performances by Lara George, Jesse Jagz, Omawumi, MI and Tuface Idibia. Lara George, Jesse Jagz, Omawumi, MI and Tuface Idibia also all received awards at this ceremony.
Winnersedit
Best album of the year – CEO (DaGrin)
Hottest single of the year – "Free Madness" (Terry G)
Best male music video of the year (artist & director) – "Implication" (Tuface) Godfather
Best female music video of the year (artist & director) – "Today Na Today" (Omawumi) Kemi Adetiba
Best actor in a film/short story – Jim Iyke (The Shepherd / Dream Maker)
Best actress in a film/short story – Nse Ikpe-Etim (Reloaded)
Best director – Kunle Afolayan (The Figurine)
International event of the year (to a promoter) – Arise Fashion Week New York
Entertainment personality of the year – Keke and D1
Best actress in a TV series/reality/game show – Genevieve Nnaji (Guinness Ultimate Survivor Celebrity Edition)
Best collaboration with vocals – "Kefee" ft. Time
Best international artist – Wale
Best international producer of the year – Kid Konnect
Best actor in TV series/reality/game show – Gideon Okeke
Best on screen personality (people’s choice award) – Denrele
Best TV series/reality show/game show – Tinsel
Best radio personality – Olisa Adibua
Best comedian – A.Y
Best world DJ – DJ Xclusive
2011 NEA Awardsedit
The seventh edition was held on September 2, 2011, at the Symphony Space Sharp Theater in New York and was hosted by comedian Julius Agwu and actress Funke Akindele (aka "Jenifa"). The event featured performances by Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, Waje, Sound Sultan, Sam Klef and MI. Lara George, Ice Prince, Waje, Sam Klef and MI all took home awards at this ceremony.
Pan African Artist or Group of the Year – Fally Ipupa
Best US-based Male Artist of the Year – Rotimi
Best US-based Female Artist of the Year – Naira
Best Actor in a Film/Short Story – Ramsey Nouah (A Private Storm)
Best Actress in a Film/Short Story – Omoni Oboli (Anchor Baby)
Best Picture (Producer) – Inale (Jeta Amata)
Best Directing in a Film/Short Story – Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen/Ikechukwu Onyeka (A Private Storm)
Best Actor in TV Series/Reality/Game Show – Frank Edoho (Who Wants To Be A Millionaire)
Best Actress in TV Series/Reality/Game Show – Damilola Adegbite (Tinsel)
Pan African Actress of the Year (Film/Short Story) – Jackie Appiah
Pan African Actor of the Year (Film/Short Story) – Chris Attoh
Comedian of the Year – Gordon
Best World DJ – DJ Obi (Boston)
Entertainment Promoter of the Year – Tiwaworks (Atlanta, US)
2012 NEA Awardsedit
The seventh edition was held on September 2, 2012, at the New York University Skirball Performing Arts Center in New York and was hosted by AY the comedian and actress Funke Akindele (aka "Jenifa"). The event featured performances by Brymo, Seyi Shay, Ice Prince, Vector, Waje, Banky W., Skales, WizKid. Appearances were made by Don Jazzy, Davido, Vivian Ndour, D'Prince, Sarkodie, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Uche Jumbo, Susan Peters, and Juliet Ibrahim.
The 9th year the Nigeria Entertainment Awards celebrated and honored members of the Nigerian entertainment industry in New York, at the NYU Skirball Center for Performing Arts. Performances included those of Wande Coal, Praiz, Oritsefemi, the 'Sekem' master MCGalaxy, and the crowd pleaser ShattaWale. Also on stage were Patoranking, who performed his popular song "Girlie O", and Skales with his new single "Shake Body".
Hosts for the night Bovi and Funke Akindele kept the audience entertained with jokes, while Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi worked the audience by interacting and asking questions to keep them engaged and even more involved in the show than in years past.
Winnersedit
Music categories
Best Album of the Year - Baddest Boy Ever Liveth (Olamide)
Hottest Single of the Year - "Pull Over" (Kcee ft. Wizkid) / "Aye" (Davido) (tie)
Best New Act of the Year - Patoranking
Gospel Artist of the Year - Frank Edwards
Indigenous Artist of the Year - Oritshe Femi
Best Pop/R&B Artist of the Year - Tiwa Savage
Female Artist of the Year - Tiwa Savage
Male Artist of the Year - Davido
Best Rap Act of the Year - Ice Prince
Music Producer of the Year - Del B
Best Music Video of the Year (Artist & Director) - "Rands & Naira" (Emmy Gee & Nick)
Best Collaboration - "Gallardo" (Runtown Ft. Davido)
Most Promising Act to Watch - Ayo Jay
Diaspora Artist of the Year - L.A.X
African Artist of the Year (Non-Nigerian) - Shatta Wale
Film categories
Best Actor in a Lead Role - Tope Tedela (A Mile from Home)
Best Supporting Actor - Yomi Fash Lanso (Omo Elemosho)
Best Actress in a Lead Role - Funke Akindele in Agnetta (O'Mpa)
Best Supporting Actress - Genevieve Nnaji (Half of a Yellow Sun)
Best Director - Desmond Elliott (Finding Mercy)
Best Picture - Half of a Yellow Sun
Other categories
Entertainment Personality of the Year - Denrele Edun (Channel O)
Entertainment Executive of the Year - E Money (Five Star Music)
Best OAP - Yaw (Wazobia FM)
Funniest Comedian of the Year - Bovi and baske mouth tie
World DJ - DJ Spinall
Best entertainment blog - Bella Naija ...
2015 NEA Awardsedit
The 10th edition of the Nigeria Entertainment Awards was held on Sunday, the 6 September 2015 at the NYU Skirball Center for Performing Arts, New York. Nollywood actress Osas Ighodaro and Chocolate City artist, Ice Prince, anchored the successful event.
The sold-out event was attended by many celebrities, including Pasuma, Jerry Wonder, Kevin Lyttle, Fally Ipupa, DJ Abass, Juliet Ibrahim, DJ Cuppy, Sunkanmi, Ayojay, Emma Nyra, Bimbo Thomas, Ruth Kadiri, Destiny Amaka, Sonia Ibrahim, Chiney Ogwumike, Gbenro Ajibade, Jimmie, Maria Okan, Swanky Jerry, Mimi Onalaja, Tjan, and Toby Grey.
Performances included those by Yemi Alade, Praiz, MC Galaxy, Eddie Kenzo, Sheyman, Jaywon, Niniola, Mr. 2Kay, KAVHS, and Simi.
The show also had some industry business executives in attendance, such as Howie T (Baseline Records), Ayo Shonaiya, Jason Oshiokpekhai (Delta Airlines), Kobi Brew-Hammond (Arik Air), Dan Petruzzi (OkayPlayer), Abiola Oke (OkayAfrica), Chetachi Nwoga (Chibase), Jason Kpana (Tidal), Briant Biggs (Roc Nation), Roslin Ilori (Mtech), and Suilemana (Right Ent).
Also in attendance were prominent Nigerians from politicians to businessmen, including Hon. Demola Seriki, Comrad Timi Frank, Chief Terry Wayas, and Bankole Omishore.
Winnersedit
Music categories
Album of the Year: Thankful (Flavour)
Hottest Single of the Year: "Ojuelegba" (Wizkid)
Male Artist of the Year: Wizkid
Best Best Music Pro Of the Year: Fredoo Perry
Female Artist of the Year: Yemi Alade
Best Pop Artist of the Year: Davido
Rap Act of the Year: Olamide
Best R&B Artist of the Year: Praiz
Best Collaboration of the Year: "Bad Girl Special" Remix (Mr. 2 Kay)
Best Dance Live Performance: MC Galaxy
Best Music Video of the Year (Director): Unlimited L.A
Best New Act to Watch: Kiss Daniel
Indigenous Artist of the Year: Pasuma
Diaspora Artist of the Year: Styleez
Gospel Artist of the Year: Tope Alabi
Most Promising Act to Watch: Simi
Music Producer of the Year: Shizzi
African Artist of the Year (Non-Nigerian): Eddie Kenzo
Afrobeat Artist of the Year: 2face Idibia
Film/TV categories
Actor of the Year (indigenous films): Adekola Odunlade
Actor of the Year (Nollywood): Gabriel Afolayan
Actress of the Year (indigenous films): Toyin Aimakhu Johnson
Actress of the Year (Nollywood): Ruth Kadri
Actress of the Year (Nigeria in Hollywood): Adepero Oduye
Actor of the Year (Nigeria in Hollywood): Chiwetel Ejiofor
Actor of the Year (Africa): Majid Michel
Actress of the Year (Africa): Sonia Ibrahim
Film Director of the Year (indigenous films): Olanrewaju Abiodun
Film Director of the Year (Nollywood): Kunle Afolayan (October 1)
Film Director of the Year (Africa): Alex Konstantaras
Film of the Year (indigenous films): Alakada
Film of the Year (producer, Nollywood): October 1
Film of the Year (producer, Africa): Shattered Romance
Entertainment TV Programme of the Year: Jenifas Diary
OAP of the Year: Dotun (Cool FM)
Comedy Act of the Year: Bovi
2016 NEA Awardsedit
The 2016 Nigeria Entertainment Awards is the 11th edition of the Nigeria Entertainment Awards. Hosted by Richard Mofe Damijo and Ebbe Bassey, the event was held on September 4 at the BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center in New York City, U.S.
Winnersedit
Music categories
Album of the Year: Eyan Mayweather (Olamide)
Hottest Single of the Year: "Mama" (Kizz Daniel)
Song of the Year: "Pick Up" (Adekunle Gold)
Afropop Artist of the Year: Kizz Daniel
R&B Artist of the Year: Seyi Shay
Rap Artist of the Year: Olamide
Gospel of the Year: Frank Edwards
Dancehall Artist of the Year: Ketchup
Indigenous Artist of the Year: Flavour
Alternative Artist of the Year: Aramide
Best New Act to Watch: Adekunle Gold
Most Promising Act to Watch: Mr. Eazi
Diaspora Artist of the Year: Ayojay
Best Collaboration of the Year: "My Woman, My Everything" Patoranking ft Wande Coal
Best Live Performance of the Year: 2Baba
Best Music Video of the Year (Director): "Unlimited L.A" Emergency (Dbanj)
Africa Male Artist of the Year (Non-Nigerian): Shatta Wale
Africa Female Artist of the Year (Non-Nigerian): Efya
Music Producer of the Year: Masterkraft
Film/TV categories
Lead Actor of the Year: Joseph Benjamin (Rebecca)
Lead Actress of the Year: Fathia Balogun (Ishanna)
Supporting Actor in a Film: Sambasa Nzeribe (A Soldier's Story)
Supporting Actress in a Film: Osas Ighodaro (Gbomo Gbomo Express)
Film Director of the Year: Frankie Ogar (A Soldier's Story)
Best Picture of the Year: Ishanna
Best Short Film of the Year: Bloody Taxi (Folasakin Iwajomo)
Best Actor of the Year (TV): Folarin Falana (Jenifa's Diary)
Best Actress of the Year (TV): Abimbola Craig – (Skinny Girl in Transit)
TV Show of the Year: Skinny Girl in Transit
Actor of the Year (Non-Nigerian): Abraham Attah (Beast of No Nation)
Actress of the Year (Non-Nigerian): Nuong Faalong (Freetown)
Best Picture of the Year (Non-Nigerian): Beast of No Nation
Other categories
Female Disc Jockey of the Year: DJ Mystelle
Male Disc Jockey of the Year: DJ Gravpop
Disc Jockey Collaboration of the Year: DJ Kaywise ft. Oritse Femi – "Warn Dem"
Disc Jockey of the Year (Non-Nigerian): DJ Gravpop DJ Slick Stuart & Roja
Music Executive of the Year: Don Jazzy (Mavin Records)
OAP of the Year: Tisan Jeremiah Bako (Raypower FM)
TV Presenter of the Year (Lifestyle): Daala (Ovation)
Comedy Act of the Year: Basketmouth
Fashion Model of the Year: Mayowa Nicholas
Online Comedy Act of the Year: Emmanuella
2017 NEA Awardsedit
The 2017 Nigeria Entertainment Awards is the 12th edition of the Nigeria Entertainment Awards. Hosted by Singer Emma Nyra, the event was held on November 25 at the Symphony Space Peter Sharp Theater in New York City. The show featured performances by Olamide aka Baddo and also in attendance was Superstar Davido and his protege Mayorkun. Also in attendance were many notable names including Seyi Shay, Young Paris, Dremo, Sheyman, ID Cabasa, DJ Enimoney, Danagog, Dotman, D12, and many others.[3]
Winnersedit
Music categories
Album of the Year: Glory (Olamide)
Hottest Single of the Year: If (Davido)
AfroPop Male Artist of the Year: Davido
AfroPop Female Artist of the Year: Seyi Shay
Rap Act of the Year: Olamide
Best Music Promoter & Blogger: Prince Fredoo Perry
Best Music Video of the Year (Director): Meji Alabi (Yolo, Seyi Shay)
Best New Act of the Year: Mayorkun
Indigenous Artist of the Year: Phyno
Best Promising Act Of The Year: Kaptain Kush
Diaspora Artist of the Year: Jidenna
Inspirational Artist of the Year: Sinach
Most Promising Act to Watch: Deshinor
Music Producer of the Year: Krisbeatz
African Male Artist of the Year (Non-Nigerian): Toofan
African Female Artist of the Year (Non-Nigerian): Becca
Film/TV categories
Best Actor of the Year: Ransey Noauh (76)
Best Actress of the Year: Funke Akindele (A Trip to Jamaica)
Supporting Actor of the Year: AY (A Trip to Jamaica)
Supporting Actress of the Year: Kehinde Bankole (The Dinner)
Film Director of the Year: Steve Gukas (93 Days)
Best Picture of the Year: The Wedding Party
Best Lead Role in TV: Oreka Godis (Our Best Friend's Wedding)
Best Lead Role in Film (Non-Nigerian / Africa): Korto Davies
Best TV Show: Big Brother Naija
Other categories
Nigeria Youngest Promoter of the Year: Prince Fredoo Perry
Best Disc Jockey of the Year: DJ Prince
Diaspora Disc Jockey of the Year: DJ Phemstar (U.S.)
Africa Disc Jockey of the Year: DJ Slick Stuat & Roja (UG)
Entertainment Executive of the Year: Tobi Sanni Daniel
OAP of the Year: Big Tak (Urban FM)
TV Presenter of the Year: Seyitan (The Sauce)
Best Comedy Act of the Year: Woli Arole & Asiri
Photographer of the Year: Kelechi Amadi
2018 NEA Awardsedit
The 2018 Nigeria Entertainment Awards was held on November 10, 2018, at The UDC Performing Art Center, Washington, DC.
2019 NEA Awardsedit
The 2019 Nigeria Entertainment Awards was originally scheduled to take place outside of the U.S. for the first time in Johannesburg, South Africa in November 2019 but was cancelled due to escalated cases of Xenophobia.
2020 NEA Awardsedit
The 2020 Nigeria Entertainment Awards was originally scheduled for Fall of 2020 but due to the COVID19 pandemic, the Awards was rescheduled for 2021.
Executive teamedit
Current Executive Producers:
Tope Esan
Cosmas Collins
Azeem Jolasun
Previous Executive Producers:
Linda Ofukeme (2006-2006)
Joy Tongo (2006-2008)
Belinda Nosegbe (2006-2008)
Seun Tagh (2006-2009)
Dolapo OA (2006-2009)
Martin Fayomi (2006-2015)
Referencesedit
^Abimboye, Michael (31 May 2013). "Nigerian Entertainment Awards announces 2013 nominees". Premium Times.
^"NEA Winners". Bella Naija. September 2, 2013. Retrieved April 21, 2014.
^"Davido and Olamide Were the Big Winners at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards". 27 November 2017.