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| Omawumi Megbele |
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| Jude ‘M.I’ Abaga |
Announcing this today, executive producer Ayo Animashaun says the pair have been selected in line with the awards’ tradition of picking talented and inspiring entertainers, to front an awards ceremony that parades some of the continent’s biggest entertainers
Omawumi, 30, came second on West Africa Idol, in 2007. Her success on that show provided a strong foundation for her career, and she hasn’t looked back for a minute. With her debut single ‘In the music’ released in 2008, she established herself as a talent to court, and a singer whose eyes are on the global stage. The success of that single, won her the coveted ‘Next Rated’ prize at The Headies in 2009. The award came with a brand new KIA Optima. Omawumi has moved on to become a remarkably successful singer, actor, performer and philanthropist.
Omawumi’s co-host M.I, has risen from grass to grace, in just about half a decade. And, from a Jos-bred wanna -be, who worked hard to find a niche in the hip hop community, M.I has now become the leading rapper and hip hop ambassador on the continent, with many medals to show for his achievements. The Chocolate City rapper is a multiple winner at The Headies, with his prizes including Best Rap Album and Revelation of the year (both in 2009). He has won a total of 9 Headies, starting from his first surprise win in 2008.
“It’s a very important year for us at The Headies, and for the Nigerian music industry in general’, Animashaun, who founded the awards in 2006 says. “And we found in M.I and Omawumi, two great entertainers who are very passionate about the awards, passionate about their work, passionate about the music business and a great source of inspiration to young, up and coming artistes, because of their peculiar stories climbing up”.
