The 2018 edition of The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) held last night, Sunday, December 16, at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.
The award ceremony saw in attendance dignitaries from various walks of life who came to celebrate in the crowning of Nigeria’s New Tribe who, according to the organisers, are “a resilient, innovative, impact-driven and knowledgeable class of Nigerians who are motivated and inspired by the need to drive changes in their societies.”
The hosts, Tobi Bakre and Bolanle Olukanni, kicked off the show by inviting to the stage the duo of Isaac Geralds and Arese Emokpae who performed a drum-laced version of the National Anthem. Comedian Forever came on next to have the audience holding their sides. There was also a poetry performance by the poet and writer Caleb Adebayo.
“Courage is needed in our society today because without it we will continue to manage. Go beyond your comfort zone,” he admonished the crowd.
There were musical performances from Falz, Teni, Mr Eazi, Ric Hassani and Timi Dakolo, and the hugely talented comedian Kenny Blaq rounded off comedic performances with rib-cracking jokes.
One of the stars of the night, Ken Nwadiogbu (nominated for Prize for Creativity), expressed gratitude to the organisers for recognising visual art.
“Visual artists are also celebrities but you hardly see them recognised,” he said. “This nomination shows that you can be something in visual art: you can be famous, you can be rich, you can be popular, you can be influential.”
Nollywood actor Taiwo Gasper Okeowo said it is of “great importance to recognise future leaders of this country who are doing great because when you recognise the future leaders it makes them know that they’re doing something right.”
He also charged the government to create platforms through which young Nigerians putting the country’s name on the map of the world can be recognised and encouraged.
“They (government) should support them financially, empower them in their spheres of career,” he said.