After sweeping Nigeria's NET Honours 2019, with numerous trophy, wins based on national polling results, Tiwa Savage is ready to make her splash on the Global stage. Say what you will about the commercialization of music in the 20th cent. and beyond, but those who love Afrobeats took an interest long before it became a commodity.
As of this week, Nigerian phenom has been snapped up by Universal Music Group in what they're calling a "global recording dealing" similar to the contracts signed by WizKid and Davido not too long ago. In addition to the big three garnering the interest of the big multinationals, Warner Music Group recently struck a deal with an entire Nigerian music factory, the "Chocolate City" label based out of Lagos (with offices in Abuja and Nairobi, Kenya). Tiwa Savage expressed her delight in a message issued to the international press.
“My biggest goal is to make Africa proud,” said Savage in a statement. “I’m so excited for this moment and I’m thankful to [UMG CEO] Sir Lucian Grainge and my new UMG family for their belief in my dreams. I’m looking forward to this next chapter in my career and I’m more ready than I have ever been."
As for the NET Honours gala that took place late last month, the following is a rundown of who in Nigeria is gaining the most attention on social media. It's no secret Nigerian spend a lot of their downtime on the Internet, so these polling results reflect the popularity dynamics in the more urban sections of the country.
NET Honours 2019 Winners
Most Searched Male Musician – Wizkid
Most Searched Female Musician – Tiwa Savage
Most Popular Male Musician – Wizkid
Most Popular Female Musician – Tiwa Savage
Most Popular Actor – Jim Iyke
Most Popular Actress – Mercy Aigbe
Most Searched Actor – Odunlade Adekola
Most Searched Actress – Mercy Aigbe
Most Popular Couple – Davido and Chioma
Most Popular Media Personality -Tosyn Bucknor (RIP)
Most Searched Media Personality – Ebuka Obi-Uchendu
Most Popular Person – President Muhammadu Buhari
Most Popular Comedian – Alibaba
Most Popular African Celebrity – Juliet Ibrahim
Most Popular Global Celebrity – Kim Kardashian
Most Popular Event – Big Brother Naija 2018
Top Big Brother Naija Star 2018 – Tobi Bakre