First-ever D-Blaze Entertainment Awards gala dinner holds successfully in London

HUNDREDS of Nigerians gathered to celebrate the first-ever D-Blaze Entertainment Awards (Dbema) in London over the weekend that saw the handing out of honours to 24 artists who have excelled in the UK diaspora community.

At the event which took place at the Old Stratford Town hall in east London, a variety of entertainers were honoured with plaques in recognition of their services to the industry. Among those who attended the event were dignitaries like the former mayor of Hackney Susan Fajana-Thomas and the ex-chairman of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (Canuk), Chief Bimbo Afolayan, who both handed out awards to the recipients.

Dbema founder Prince Tade Olusile, said: "We have a thriving and vibrant entertainment industry among the UK diaspora community and we decided to launch this initiative to recognise and celebrate them. Looking at the calibre of those who were honoured, we hope that this will also serve as an inspiration to young up and coming artists."

Among the winners of the night were PSA Omoba, Best African Gospel Act; Maio Jore, Best Male Gospel Act; Euphemia Chukwu, Best female Gospel Act; Vera, Best Female Act; Abi Megaplus, Best Gospel Act; Teekaysax, Best Jazz Act; Kul H, Best Male Act and BMystireo, Best male Newcomer. Others included Gold, Best Female Newcomer; Caril Jiani, Best R & B Soul Act; She Baby, Best Song; Sophy-Yah, Best Gospel Video; DJ Mind D Gap, Best DJ; Danny Erskine, Best producer and Feyisara, Best Juju Act.

Others were Don Nice, Best Comedian; Glory Kings, Best female Gospel Newcomer; Ras King Bobo 1, Best Male Newcomer; Adasnoop, Best Indigenous Female Art and KT L'Amour, Best Costume in Indigenous Music. Also awarded on the night were Evans Ilekanma, Best Promoter; Jade Benjamin, Best New Discovery of the Year; Ayan de First, Best Indigenous Make Act and DJ Osajatt, Best International DJ.

In an night that featured entertainment, music and an array of African cuisine, there was a live performance from Deoba Authentic. He treated guests to a rendition of his smash hit Lagbo Tiwa and a few other tunes.

Other community leaders who were also on hand to present awards included publishers Femi Okutubo and Mike Abiola and veteran broadcaster Princess Moradeun Solarin. According to Prince Olushile, now that the first event has held successfully, Dbema should become an annual feature in the diaspora social calendar.