Airtel, MTV Boost Nigeria’s Economy with 2010 MAMAs
Lagos, Nigeria; December 08, 2010: The economy of Nigeria is set to receive a major boost from the leading mobile operator, Airtel and MTV as international and African music stars, entertainment promoters, music enthusiasts, Airtel customers from 15 African countries and other delegates from across the world storm the Lagos this week for the 2010 MTV Africa Music Awards with Airtel.
The event, which is arguably the biggest musical celebrations in Africa, is scheduled to hold in Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos State, has attracted a lot of guests from across the world. The show will feature top international and African artistes and will be hosted by US hip-hop artist and actress, Eve.
MAMA with Airtel will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2010. The activities of guests for the music event are expected to significantly result in upsurge of commercial and tourism activities.
International guests are expected to fill several hotels, storm shopping malls and visit local markets to buy items in addition to visiting top tourist destinations across the Lagos metropolis during and after the period of the event.
Already, both Airtel and MTV have made reservations in several hotels in Lagos while booking has been made in a number of recreational centres and places with strong tourists appeal to give the guests a wonderful experience in Nigeria.
This comes as the Lagos State government has assured the organisers of the event of adequate security and the usual hospitality of Lagos people. Speaking at a media event in Lagos, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lagos State, Opeyemi Bamidele assured that plans are in top gear to ensure adequate security, smooth traffic flow & control and efficient emergency response system through-out the duration of the event.
Hesaid Lagos State is ready for the upsurge of activities just as he stated that the State is very prepared to host the stars and music lovers that will troupe into the city for the event.
Already, guests have started arriving for the event as the Airtel team in Nigeria have received delegates from Burkina Faso and are currently awaiting other delegates from 14 African countries including Ghana, Kenya, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Gabon and Malawi.
Other countries expected are Madagascar, Niger, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Aside Airtel customers visiting from African countries, MTV will also play host to several music stars, artist managers and top celebrities across the globe.
Brand Communication Manager, Airtel Africa, Obinna Aniche said the mobile operator is glad to make contribution to the growth of the economy of Lagos State and indeed the entire Nigeria. He also underscored the role of the fifth largest telecommunications company in development of the entertainment industry in Africa. “We are happy to be associated with a platform that recognizes and celebrates the rich musical heritage that positively depicts culture from across Africa. We at Airtel are committed to supporting our artistes through various initiatives that showcase the pool of talent in the great nation of Africa”, he said.
The MTV Africa Music Awards with Airtel premieres on MTV base (DSTV Channel 322) on Saturday 18 December at 19.00 CAT, with repeats on Sunday 12 December at 08.00 CAT and 14.00 CAT. Further programming relating to MAMA 2010 includes: Road to MAMA – Tanzania (TV Premiere Thursday 16 December @ 19.00 CAT); Road to MAMA – DRC (TV premiere Friday 17 December @19.00 CAT) and What Went Down 2010 (TV premiere, Sunday 19 December @ 21.00 CAT).
USA hip hop star Rick Ross, Kenya's P-Unit, South Africa's Jozi and Nigeria's Wande Coal will join DJ Arafat (Ivory Coast), 2FACE (Nigeria), Daddy Owen (Kenya), Banky W (Nigeria), Fally Ipupa (DRC), Teargas (South Africa) and Cabo Snoop (Angola) are on the performer roster for Africa's most exciting music event.
Previous editions of the awards were held in Abuja, Nigeria and Moi International Centre, Kenya.