December 1, 2017: President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the renowned hip-hop artistes, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun (WizKid) and David Adedeji Adeleke (Davido), on their awards at the Music Of Black Origin (MOBO). This was contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina.
President Buhari joined the teeming fans of the artistes in Nigeria and all over the world in celebrating the recognition, which saw WizKid winning “International Best Artiste’’ MOBO award, while Davido picked the “MOBO Best African Act’’.
‘The President affirms that both singers have showcased the rich talents in the country, and brought pride to the nation through their many songs and performances, commending their dedication, hard work and charity works. President Buhari also calls on the upwardly mobile artistes to be cautious and mindful of likely distractions to their careers, urging WizKid and Davido to serve as ambassadors of the country and role models to upcoming musicians.”
“My happiness is tied to the happiness of Nigeria, and when Nigerians break records and take the name of Nigeria to greater heights it exhilarates me.
“Thank you Wizkid for raising Nigeria’s flag high for the positive, not the negative.
“Your emergence as the Best International Act at the #MOBOAwards is a proud moment for Nigeria, and the fact that you emerged over JAY-Z and Drake makes it even more celebratory. WELL DONE.”
Also, Ben Murray- Bruce eulogized Wizkid on his Twitter handle- @ benmurraybruce,describing the feat as ‘one of the proudest moments of his life.’
He wrote: “Dear @wizkidayo, I‘ve been in the entertainment business as an investor since 1980.
“One of my proudest moments for Nigerian music is the day you defeated both Jayz and @Drake, two of the biggest stars in the world, to win the Best international Act at the #MOBOAwards, well done.”
The ace singerDavid Adeleke, a.k.a Davido, also won big at the MOBO Awards. He edged out Wizkid, Mr Eazi, Tiwa Savage, Wande Coal, Maleek Berry and others to pitch the “Best African Act” award.
The MOBO Awards, which started in 1996, is held annually in the United Kingdom to recognise artists of any ethnicity or nationality performing black music. (NAN)