Showbusiness 2 (1989-05-15) by NewswatchArchivi.ng
The Night the Nigerian Grammys Was Born in 1989
On April 28, 1989, Nigeria's first Grammy-style awards ceremony was born when PMAN hosted the inaugural Nigerian Music Awards Night at Lagos' National Arts Theatre.
1. A Historic Night
On April 28, 1989, Nigeria’s most dazzling talents gathered at the National Arts Theatre in Lagos for a historic moment, the birth of the country’s equivalent of the Grammy Awards.
2. PMAN's Creation
The Nigerian Music Awards Night, organised by the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), celebrated excellence in music and show business, honouring artists in what would become a landmark evening for the industry.
3. High-Profile Attendees
The National Theatre hall buzzed with excitement, nearly two-thirds filled with distinguished guests, including government officials and cultural leaders who came to witness history.
4. Government's Presence
Among notable attendees were Olu Falae, the Secretary to the Military Government; Tony Momoh, the Information and Culture Minister; and Frank Aig-Imoukhuede, the Federal Director of Culture and Archives.
5. The Night's Biggest Champion
Majek Fashek dominated the awards, claiming four major prizes: Best Reggae Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Artist of the Year. A remarkable sweep. Ironically, he was in Ghana, participating in an event organised by Ghanaian leader, Jerry Rawlings.
6. Other Missing Legends
Fellow music legends Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, who won Best Afro Music Artist, and Stephen Osita Osadebe, the Best Highlife Artist, were also absent from the ceremony. Chris Ajilo from Polygram Records accepted Osadebe’s trophy, and Femi Kuti claimed his father Fela's prize.
7. Present Winners Shine
Onyeka Onyenu claimed Best Pop Artist. CBS’s first and only Nigerian artist, Mike Okri, won Best New Artist and Singer of the Year. King Sunny Ade won the Best Juju Artist, Ayinde Barrister claimed Best Traditional Music Artist, and then performed his hit song, Fuji Garbage.
8. Beyond the Music
The awards recognised talent beyond performers. Azuka Jebose Molokwu of The Punch won Entertainment Writer of the Year, while Otu Lemmy Jackson claimed Producer of the Year. Charly Boy also took home Musical Video of the Year for his 1990 album.
9. A Posthumous Honour
In a touching moment, Regina Rex Lawson accepted a posthumous award on behalf of her late husband, Jim Lawson.
Showbusiness 5 (1989-05-15) by NewswatchArchivi.ng
PMAN's Legacy
As dawn approached on Saturday, April 29, 1989, the inaugural awards concluded successfully. The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) had delivered Nigeria’s first Grammy-style celebration, and it was one for the books.
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