Nigeria Entertainment Awards 2007

The 2nd annual Nigeria Entertainment Awards [NEA] took place in New York City on July 21st 2007. The show, hosted by Julius Agwu--NEA 2007 Funniest Comedian of the Year, was reportedly a success inspite of a few glitches--one of which was starting the event almost 3hrs after schedule. The event saw a convergence of Nigeria's movie, music and fashion stars and their fans from the USA and Nigeria. Performances included the beautiful & talented singer Adama, passionate gospel artist Sammy Okposo and R&B sensation Banky, among others.

Nigeria's fashion style stars Super Model Oluchi Onweagba-Orlandi, Agbani Darego [Ex-Miss World] and Lola Ogunnaike [former New York Times Style writer now CNN's Entertainment Reporter] were also in attendance. Blessing Efiom, Nollywood's writer/actress and producer whose movie "The Rivals" debuted in the New York International Independent Film and Video festival was also present.

Winners included D'Banj --who won Hottest Single [and] Best Afro Pop Act of the Year; 2Face Idibia--Best Album of the Year with his "Grass2Grace" album; Lagbaja--Indigenous Musician of the Year; RCCG--Best International Gospel Choir; Don Jazzy--Music Producer of the Year; Obafemi Martins--Athlete of the Year; Adewale Akinnouye-Agbaje--Best International Actor of the Year; and Stella Damasus Aboderin--Nollywood Best Actress. The event producers promise to air the entire event on Nigerian and American televisions, soon. Meanwhile, check out some pictures from the event.

Sammy Okposo: 2007 NEA Gospel Artist of the Year Supermodel Oluchi and Agbani Darego

Tolumide: 2006 NEA R &B Female Artist of the Year Bola Ariya: 2007 NEA U.S. based Entertainment promoter of the year, nominee.
We 3 Entertainment: The trio Steve Sugunro, Tosin Ola & Alfred Ali, 2007 NEA U.S. based Entertainment Promoter of the Year nominees. L-R: Julius Agwu, Sammy Okposo & Mike Aremu at the Night Gala event.

First photo: CNN Reporter Lola Ogunnaike