NEA is turning 10!

jonathan

May 7, 2015 4:19 PM

This year, the organizers of NEA Awards will host the 10th edition of the Awards. Here's how it all started.

In July of 2006, the first edition of the Nigeria Entertainment Awards (NEA) took place in Washington DC, USA.

The Award which was established to recognize the contributions of Nigerian and African entertainers to a new target market but instead of hosting the Awards in Nigeria which would have been the obvious choice, the organizers decided to launch it in North America with the hope that the Award will help spun and project Nigerian culture to an international audience.

Since then the Award show has been held primarily in New York City, the mecca of the entertainment industry.

Many people still question the organizers motives and why the Awards is held outside the shores of Nigeria. But one thing remains clear; NEA Awards has been very instrumental for African entertainers. It has allowed African entertainers to increase their profile in North America thereby creating demand, which today, has set the premise for many US tours and international appeal for Nigerian entertainment.

This year, the organizers of NEA Awards will host the 10th edition of the Awards.

On June 11th, 2015, the organizers will announce the nominees for the 10th edition of the show and that should get the industry buzzing.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT NEA AWARDS:

First Edition Held: Washington, DC on July 28, 2006.

Host of First Edition of NEA Awards - Michael Blackson, ironically a Ghanian comedian that spent some time in Nigeria.

Most NEA Nominations: Wizkid with 12 nominations

Most NEA Wins: Davido with five awards.

Most Appearances as Host: Funke Akindele has hosted the event for three years.

Host City: New York has been the venue for seven editions.

jonathan