By Kehinde Ajose
The Headies formerly known as the hip-hop world awards has over the years grown to be not just Nigeria’s most respected award ceremony, but also a hub of inspiration for individuals desirous of an outlet to be encouraged. The consistent hosting of this event against all odds is a testament to the supremacy of staying power over adversity. So while everyone was soaked in the entertainment and excitement at the Eko Hotel Convention Hall, It dawned on me that there are a few lessons that can be gleaned from this epoch making occasion.
Screw Your Goliath
The biggest winners of the night were not the top guns in the industry, rather they were the underdogs, youngsters who years back were nothing but greenhorns in the Nigerian music terrain. Like the biblical David, the likes of Davido, Olamide and Patoraking who were the biggest winners used their sling and a pouch filled with stones to ‘Conquer the ‘Goliaths’ in their industry. Goliath at first glance always seems bigger, more experienced and unbeatable, but the secret weapon of these young music makers is their ability to feel the pulse of the street, innovation, and hunger for success. For every David who had the courage and the will power to take down the Goliaths, there were people telling them it’s impossible to compete with a giant and win. Reekado Banks, Sean Tizzle, Phyno were only upcoming acts previous in the editions of the Headies. Indeed dreams do come true.
Never Under estimate small beginnings
The year 2014 has ended on a good note for the wave making dance hall artiste, Patoranking.The reggae artiste not only clinched three awards ,but also went home with a brand new Hyundai car .A lot of people didn’t know the Girlie O crooner once sold rat killers and was once a brick layer.He made this known when he clinched the Next Rated Awards. According to him,: “If I tell you I was once a rat killer seller, would you believe? If I tell you I was once a brick layer would you believe? But God brought me out of the gutter. My story should inspire you. Don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot make it in life or you can’t achieve anything, I am a living proof of how God can turn around your story in seconds”.
During the show, Toke Makinwa one of the co-hosts took her audience back to the memory lane saying she once emceed the Headies nominees party and also was the red carpet host for the Headies held in 2013.She never knew she would be one of the co hosts for this year’s event. Persistence made the snail reach the ark. Small beginnings are often the pathways to great accomplishments.
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Sir Victor Uwaifo, the legendary high life musician popular for his brilliant guitar playing skills, didn’t fail to wow during his performance. He thrilled the audience to his ever green hit songs. Little wonder, he was inducted into the Headies hall of fame.
In a country where the shelf life of an artiste falls like a pack of card, Sir Victor has remained consistent. Though he was awarded in absentia, 2face Idibia clinched the award in the ‘Best R n B single’ for his song Let somebody love you. It’s obvious these duo keep honing their dexterity. The only time you should stop improving is when you get to the grave. If you ever called to do something related to your chosen craft, you should always knockout your audience with superb performance.Blackky failed to do that when he performed during this year’s Headies. The Limpopo crooner Kcee took his audience above and beyond the expected with his amazing performance of Pull over.
It was a class act. A night when inspiration married entertainment.
Kehinde Ajose is a publicist, talent development coach and author of the book Donjazzified.He helps individuals to discover and develop their talents in order to gain visibility, create wealth and become iconic brands.Follow him on Twitter-@splendidkenny http:Kennisplace.com