Lagos stands still as leading entertainers thrilled at ESA 2014

Opa Williams (m) receiving his ESA plaque from Okey Bakassi and Benita Nzeribe as other entertainers cheer on at the event.

As already anticipated, the bubbly city of Lagos was completely shut down on Sunday, July 27, when the maiden edition of Express Star Awards (ESA) held amid glitz, glamour and grandeur with A-List entertainers, celebrities and leading Nigerians from different walks of life in attendance.

The well-attended event that was celebrated alongside the third anniversary of the nation’s hottest and most sought after tabloids, Entertainment Express and Sunday Express was graciously and professionally anchored by leading Nollywood actor and voice over guru, Segun Arinze.

In fact, not even the heavy downpour that lasted for over two hours could stop celebrities and other invited guests from trooping into upscale Coliseum Events Centre, venue of the double celebrations, situated in the heart of Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos.

The over-subscribed event that saw elated guests and fans of EE/SE coming from all parts of the country, officially kicked off with the black carpet/cocktail sessions at exactly 5.p.m.

SHOWBIZPLUSng gathered that the massive carpet supplied by Abelinis-The Project Intelligent Company afforded stars and guests, (fans) the rare opportunity to mingle and take photographs together without inhibitions.

While this was on, Intercontinental Distillers Limited ensured that some of their popular brands like: Chelsea and Veleta were available at a nearby stand as added refreshment for the cold but friendly evening weather.

Interestingly, the historic evening gathering eventually took a new dimension and moved to the next level when the big doors of Coliseum’s The Arena were flung open for visibly elated guests to come in and soak in the fun and blast of a life time.

The wave making comic trio of Mr. Patrick, Mr. Makati and Elder O, were the first set of entertainers to mount the well lit and beautifully decorated stage to thrill and tantalise guests.

And indeed, they separately cracked ribs with their jokes and jibes before jointly introducing the anchor, Segun Arinze to officially take charge of proceedings for the lovely and fun filled night that equally had DJ Mewsic on the turn table.

Delectable and dazzling J’odie, who was swathed gorgeously in a knee-length gown, was the first female act to rock and wow guests with her exhilarating performance.

The capacity filled hall reverberated when J’odie sang her hit anthem-Kuchi Kuchi.

Amazingly, the hall further erupted as the crazy triplet of De Don, Funnybone and Acapella mounted the stage respectively and enthralled guests with creative and contemporary comedy from their rich repertoire of jokes.

They were closely followed with more electrifying performances from pop star and Go Gaga crooner, Chuddy K and emerging pop sensation, Kesh Ofuobi.

 Precocious kid sensations and music stars, TJ Sax and OzzyBosco further elevated the night of bliss, banter, banger and ballad with their scintillating stage crafts and artistic excellence to the admiration of the guests who responded with standing ovations respectively.

It was another round of unending laughter when new comedy thrillers, Still Pinging hit the stage and threw guests off balance with their special kind of two-some interpretative comedy ministration.

Reigning acrobatic dance group Scatter and Sons added colour and panache to the hugely exciting night with their daring displays, which left many, asking for more.

Meanwhile, in his welcome address, the publisher and editor-in-chief of Entertainment Express and Sunday Express, Mr. Mike Awoyinfa, who was accompanied to the ceremony by his journalism twin-brother and Associate publisher of the above tabloids, Pastor Dimgba Igwe, thanked all for coming despite their busy schedules and heavy downpour.

Awoyinfa, who also graced the epoch event with his amiable wife, further appreciated the guests, especially readers and advertisers, for staying and supporting the papers since its inception, three years ago.

He added that both publications and ESA have come to stay on the nation’s thriving entertainment firmament.

“We thank you immensely for your love and support these past years as we celebrate and rejoice with you today. Keeping reading and advertising with our papers.”

However, the highpoint of the occasion was the cutting of the sumptuous third anniversary cake. This was done by the proud publishers with support from top entertainers led by Chinedu Ikedieze, MFR, famously known as Aki.

Aki was also ornamented with ESA’s Entertainment Ambassador of Africa plaque at the well applauded gathering, for his numerous contributions to Nollywood and entertainment in general.

Otunba Mike Adenuga, the billionaire founder of Glo, was another outstanding awardee at this year’s ESA.

He was decorated and celebrated with the first ever Nigeria’s Entertainment Pillar of the Decade plaque.

According to the Board of Editors of Express Multimedia Limited, publishers of Entertainment Express and Sunday Express, the rare award was in recognition of Adenuga’s matchless contributions to the development and deepening of the economic potentials of the entertainment industry in Nigeria.

Interestingly, telecoms giant, Globacom, which Adenuga founded over a decade ago, also received an ESA trophy as a towering Brand Supporter of Entertainment in Nigeria. Others in this category were: Close Up, Chelsea London Dry Gin and Star Lager Beer.

While Ken Calebs Olumese, the irrepressible Guvnor of Niteshift Coliseum and grandfather of entertainment in Nigeria, was bedecked with ESA’s Lifetime Achievement trophy, for ruling the showbiz scene in the last 25 years.

The duo of Opa Williams and Tope Tedela were respectively honoured and recognized with ESA’s Africa’s Comedy Ambassador and Nollywood’s Rising Star trophies alongside other recipients.

Pastor Igwe, in his vote of thanks, said he was and still grateful to all those behind the success of Entertainment Express and Sunday Express, “especially our readers and advertisers.”

He promised that the tabloids alongside ESA would continue to deliver quality entertainment to Nigerians as a way of showing appreciations for the huge and instant acceptance of both brands.

“It was a great show today, I had fun and seriously look forward to next year’s ESA. You guys have done well and we will keep reading your papers and coming to your awards. ESA is truly a blessing to the nation’s entertainment industry, just like your EE/SE. A very big congratulations to all of you at Express Multimedia,” gushed Maurice Okoro, an elated guest.  

 By AZUH AMATUS