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When MAYA Awards Africa 7 Came To Town [Full List Of Winners]

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The 7th edition of the much talked about all youth awards event, MoreKlue All Youths Awards Africa, popularly known as MAYA AWARDS AFRICA, held at the prestigious Lekki Events Centre, Lekki, Lagos, penultimate Sunday.

The 7 hours top-notch event which was hosted by VJ FEMI and BOLA KEYS had well over 1500 youths and entertainment personalities in attendance with top dignitaries present.

Leading the pack of notables was Hon. Shina Abiola Peller, of the Federal House of Representatives, was the Keynote Speaker and VIPs like Hon. Segun Dawodu, Hon. Commissioner of Youths and Sport, Lagos State; Hon. Lanre Oshun of Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon.Tunde Ojo of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbenga Abiola who represented the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt (Hon.) Mudashiru Obasa.

Hon. Niyi Adeagbo, Itesiwaju LG Chairman, Oyo State, Akogun Lanre Alfred, consultant to the Ogun State Governor on Special Duties, Hon. Kazeem Bolanrinwa, Special Adviser on Youths to the Oyo State Governor, DCP Tunji Disu of the RRS LAGOS, PrettyMike, Tana Adelana, Kenny Blaq, CEO of Olatokunbo Foundation, Reps of MTN Nigeria, Adron Homes and many others.

Here are the winners of the 2019 edition

• BUSINESS CATEGORY

CEO OF THE YEAR, MALE

Prince Owolabi Animashaun – CEO, HR Emporiums.

CEO OF THE YEAR, FEMALE

Abimbola Balogun, Co-Founder, Sofresh

YOUTUBER 2019

Sisi Yemmie

INTERIOR DESIGN BRAND

Vintage Deluxe Interiors

CULINARY SERVICES BRAND

Olowosibi Catering Services

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY BRAND

LYPIX

PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHY BRAND

Sniper Ajix / Klassik Images

DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHER

Ayodeji Ogunro

VIDEOGRAPHY BRAND

Samz Visuals

SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIST

Ibadan Pride

BRAND INFLUENCER, DIGITAL

King Pexxie

CONFECTIONARY BRAND

Da Cakes Master

CREATIVE ART BRAND

Procare Multimedia

VISUAL ART BRAND

Mamatee Arts

COSMETICS BRAND

Pop It Cosmetics

MED SPA BRAND

Lholas Place

SKINCARE THERAPY BRAND

MIRA SkinCare

BEAUTY THERAPY BRAND

Kaffy’s Skincare Place

EVENT MANAGEMENT BRAND

Highflyers Events

EVENT MANAGEMENT BRAND (N.B.T)

Stephy Signature Events

AUTO SHOPPING BRAND

JB Autos

C.E.O, PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT COMPANY

Ololade Abuta – Gracias Global Properties LTD

ENTERPRISING YOUTH

Adenike Ogundeji – Bottles ‘n’Roses / Radiance Glow

OUTSTANDING REALTOR

DeChis Global

CEO OF THE YEAR (CLUB/LOUNGE)

Denike Balogun – The Tea Room

HUMANITARIAN SERVICES (FEMALE)

Mariam Onikijipa Belgore – MOB Foundation

HUMANITARIAN SERVICES (MALE)

Seyi Tinubu – Noella Foundation

INNOVATIVE YOUTH, FEMALE (tie)

Wunmi Oguntula – CEO, Chill City NG

INNOVATIVE YOUTH, FEMALE (tie)

Bimbo Ige – CEO, Celeb Beauty Clinic

INNOVATIVE YOUTH, MALE

CEO, Kolaq Alagbo

PERFUMERY BRAND

Layinka Oge

YOUNG PERSON 2019

Nelly Agbogu – NaijaBrandChick

SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR

Israel ‘style bender’ Adesanya – World Boxing Champion

• ENTERTAINMENT CATEGORY

BEST ACTOR 2019

Damilola Ogunsi

BEST ACTRESS 2019

Tana Adelana

MUSIC ACT 2019

TENI

BREAK OUT ACT, 2019 (MUSIC)

JoeBOY

INDUSTRY’s CYNOSURE, MUSIC

Emex

COMEDIAN, ONLINE

The Cute Abiola

COMEDIAN, STAND UP, 2019

KennyBlaq

HIT MUSIC PRODUCER 2019

Rexxie Pon Da Beat

LIVE MUSIC BAND 2019

Awesome Band

DEEJAY

DJ Kaywise

NOLLYWOOD VIEWER’S CHOICE

The Reunion

MOVIE DIRECTOR

Titi Jeje – Ise Ori

LISTENER’S CHOICE

Uyo Meyo – Teni

TV PERSONALITY

Sammy Walsh

ENTERTAINMENT PERSONALITY

Prettymike of Lagos

RADIO PERSONALITY, MALE

Emcee RnB – Naija FM Lagos

RADIO PERSONALITY, FEMALE

Miriam Cole – Kiss FM, Abuja

MUSIC VIDEO DIRECTOR

TG Omori

BEST ACTOR IN TV SERIES

Lateef Adedimeji – Borokini

BEST ACTRESS IN TV SERIES

Wendy Ubakanma – Jenifas Diary

NOLLYWOOD’s NEW BRIDE

Khadijah Ayoade

NOLLYWOOD’s NEW HUNK

ABK Joseph Momodu

BREAK-OUT ACT, 2019 (MOVIE)

Tomiwa Tegbe

SHOW PROMOTER

Lanre Typical

ENTERTAINMENT INVESTOR

CEO Dr. Dolor Entertainment

RED CARPET HOST

Amanda Dara Afolabi

AFRICAN ACT 2019

Davido

• BRANDS CATEGORY

YOUTH FRIENDLY QSR BRAND

Dominos Pizza

YOUTH FRIENDLY BEVERAGE BRAND (NON-ALCOHOLIC)

5Alive Pulpy

YOUTH FRIENDLY BEVERAGE BRAND (ALCOHOLIC)

Jameson

YOUTH FRIENDLY BANK

First City Monument Bank

YOUTH ORIENTED ACTIVATION

The Tony Elumelu Foundation Forum

• FASHON CATEGORY

MALE FASHION BRAND 2019

Apex Clothing

FEMALE FASHION BRAND 2019

ZEE Stitches

URBAN CLOTHING BRAND

D.B Clothings

FOOTWEAR BRAND

Threads & Feet

FASHION TRAINING BRAND

Tolumi Fashion People Academy

JEWELRY/ACCESSORIES BRAND

Tobat Marble

FASHION BRAND (N. B. T)

Reo Stitches

FASHION-PRENEUR (RETAILER) Male

Wear It All Luxury

FASHION STYLIST

KieKie

FASHION STYLIST (N. B. T)

House of Vesta

BRAND INFLUENCER (Fashion, Style & Beauty)

Christiana ‘BerbieDoll’ Kayode

FASHION-PRENEUR (RETAILER) Female

Indulgence Fashion

FASHION-PRENEUR (DESIGNER)

Davey Shapes

FASHION-PRENEUR (RTW)

House of Moesha

ONLINE FASHION STORE

Keisha Wesley Collections

NAIL TECHNICIAN

Prince 4 Nails

MOST STYLISH, MALE

Yomi Casual

MOST STYLISH, FEMALE

Adedoyin Creamyaduke

MAKE UP BRAND

Crystal Looks

MAKE UP BRAND (N. B. T)

RiaGlams

ASOOKE BRAND

Jenrewa Asooke

FABRIC PURVEYOR

Doyinsweets Fabrics

FABRIC PURVEYOR (N.B.T)

Bonike Fabrics

HAIR STYLING BRAND

Ayinke Oge

HAIR BRAND

Cassie Hair

HONORARY AWARDEES

2019 Honorary Award of Excellence for Legislative And Grassroots Representation – Hon. Shina Abiola Peller.

2019 Honorary Award of Natural and Organic Skincare SolutionsProvider – OSEDUDU SPECIAL SKINCARE LTD

 

2019 Honorary Award of Excellence for Fabrics Warehousing – WALEX FABRICS

 

2019 Honorary Award of Excellence for Cosmetics Production & Med Spa – POSHGLOW COSMETICS

 

2019 Honorary Award of Recognition for Humanitarian Ventures – OLATOKUNBO FOUNDATION

 

2019 Honorary Award of Excellence for photography and Multimedia Services – DE-PEERLESS STUDIOS

 

2019 Honorary Award of Excellence for Skincare Production – SAVVVY COSMETICS

 

2019 Honorary Award of Excellence for Community and Grassroots Development – HON. TUNDE BRAIMOH

 

2019 Honorary Award of Excellence for Community and Grassroots Development – HON. TEMITOPE ADEWALE (JAH)

 

2019 Honorary Award of Excellence for Ready to Wear Fashion – RTW BY OLAIDE

 

2019 Honorary Award of Excellence as Outstanding Realtor of the year – BRILLIANT CONCEPTS LIMITED.

 

2019 Honorary Award of Excellence for outstanding efforts in Youth Development – AMB. DR RAYMOND EDOH

 

2019 Honorary Award of Excellence for Outstanding Performance in Acting – MRS. JAIYE KUTI

 

2019 Honorary Award of Excellence for OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN LIVE MUSIC – FEMI GUITAR BAND

 

2019 Honorary Award of Excellence for Outstanding Performance in ICT – MR. TOPE OGUNSEMO

 

2019 Honorary Award of Excellence for SECURITY MANAGEMENT – DCP TUNJI DISU

 

2019 Honorary Award of Excellence for PEACE AND INTER-RELIGIOUS – BABA J. O ODUNMBAKUN

 

2019 Honorary Award of Excellence for Global Showbiz Promotion – PRINCE GEORGE ENTERTAINMENT

 

2019 Honorary Award of Excellence for outstanding performance in real estate – Gracias Global Limited

BIG STORY

“Our Stories Deserve The World Stage” — Dapo Opayinka On Nollywood, Diaspora Filmmaking, And Cultural Legacy

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UK-based bilingual Nollywood actor, MC, and filmmaker, Dapo Opayinka, speaks on his journey from theatre to the big screen, building bridges through storytelling, and what’s next for African narratives in global cinema.

Dapo, you’ve had quite a journey from theatre to film, from Nigeria to the UK. Let’s start with how it all began. What drew you into acting?

Dapo: (Smiling) Ah, where do I start? I think storytelling has always lived inside me. I was that kid who would mimic characters from films or make up my own scenes with cousins during family gatherings. But professionally, it really kicked off at the London Drama School. That place sharpened me. The stage gave me discipline, and theatre? It gave me soul.

Your roles span Yoruba tragedies, British-Nigerian productions, and Nollywood cinema. How do you navigate these different worlds?

Dapo: Honestly, I don’t separate them. They’re all part of me. Being bilingual and bicultural isn’t a balancing act; it’s more like a fusion. Whether I’m Mallam Gaskiya in Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again or Gbonka in The Gods Are Not to Blame, I bring a bit of both worlds to every character. That’s the magic.

One of your standout performances was as Etieno, a Kenyan freedom fighter. What did that role mean to you?

Dapo: That one was special. Etieno wasn’t just a character; he was a symbol. Playing him in Darkest Hour to Victory pushed me emotionally. I had to tap into the spirit of resilience, of struggle; and the African story of fighting for dignity. That role reminded me why I act.

You’ve made quite the transition into Nollywood with titles like Basira in London and Sista Sista. What’s that experience been like?

Dapo: Oh, Nollywood! It’s a whirlwind; but in the best way. It’s vibrant, demanding, and beautiful. Basira in London was hilarious to shoot. And Sista Sista… that one connected deeply with diaspora realities. However, the first movie I ever acted in was Captivated by Toyin Moore. Nollywood is evolving, and I’m grateful to be part of the shift that bridges tradition with modern diaspora stories.

Interviewer: And you’re not just acting; you’re producing also?

Dapo: Yep! I’ve produced four indie films; The Actor, The Passport, Amuwa, and Apeje. Each one is a passion project. They’re stories that reflect our struggles, humour, love… all in our voice. I’m now working on The Telepath, and it’s shaping up to be my boldest yet. Let’s just say… I’m going sci-fi with an African twist.

Ireke was privately screened at Cannes recently. Tell us about that.

Dapo: That was surreal. Cannes is every filmmaker’s dream, and to have Ireke: Rise of The Maroons shown there; even privately, was humbling. It’s a love letter to heritage and identity. The film is a historical drama blended with romance, and it tells a powerful and thought-provoking story about ancestral resistance.

Set in the Bight of Benin and Colonial Jamaica in the 17th century, it follows the uprising of African captives who were unjustly enslaved and forced into brutal labour. But they fought back. The film connects West African cultural roots—like Igbo camouflage and Yoruba resilience—with the legacy of the Maroons in Jamaica. Even Queen Nanny’s origins spark that playful Nigeria-Ghana rivalry!

We’re releasing nationwide in the UK and Nigeria on 25th July, and I honestly can’t wait for audiences to experience it. It’s raw, it’s emotional, and despite the tight budget, it’s a cinematic journey that celebrates the resilience of our people and the bond between Africa and the Caribbean. It’s what African cinema should be—global, grounded, and unapologetically ours.

You’ve also built a name as a charismatic MC. How did that side of you emerge?

Dapo: (Laughs) That came naturally. I love people. I love culture. Being an MC at diasporic events allows me to celebrate us—our weddings, festivals, even protests. It’s about connection. Plus, Yoruba proverbs? Always a hit!

What’s your ultimate goal as an actor?

Dapo: I want to tell our authentic story and promote the richness of our culture. I believe our stories; if told well, are universal. My goal is to connect the African experience with real human emotions that cross language, border, and race. Simple.

You once said, “Our stories deserve the world stage.” How close are we to that reality?

Dapo: We’re closer than we think. Platforms are opening up. Audiences are curious. What we need now is to keep telling the truth—our truth—with quality and pride. The world is watching. It’s our time.

Dapo, thank you. It’s been a pleasure.

Dapo: Thank you! And to every young creative out there: keep pushing. Your voice matters.

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BIG STORY

Dapo Opayinka: UK-Based Bilingual Nollywood Actor Bridging Cultures Through Stage And Screen

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Dapo Opayinka stands as a shining example of a UK-based bilingual Nollywood actor whose personal brand is grounded in versatility, cultural authenticity, and a deep commitment to storytelling.

Trained at the renowned London Drama School, Dapo’s career began on the theatre stage where he honed his craft under the spotlight of British-Nigerian productions.

He brought charisma and depth to his performances as Mallam Gaskiya in Ola Rotimi’s satire ‘Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again’ and as Gbonka in the Yoruba tragedy ‘The Gods Are Not to Blame’.

His role as Etieno, a Kenyan freedom fighter in Lydia Ollets’ ‘Darkest Hour to Victory’, showcased his range and ability to embody characters with historical and emotional gravity.

As a UK-based actor with deep Nigerian roots, Dapo has successfully crossed over into the dynamic world of Nollywood.

His on-screen credits include critically acclaimed titles like ‘Basira in London’ with Eniola Badmus, TY Moore’s ‘Captivated’, and popular streaming releases such as ‘My London Slaves’ and ‘Sista Sista’.

He also starred in the TV series ‘Apostle Do Good’, produced by Toyin Moore and aired on the UK’s first Black entertainment channel, Ben TV on Sky, where he played a lead supporting role that endeared him to a diverse audience.

Known for his impeccable command of both English and Yoruba, Dapo is also a charismatic Master of Ceremonies, making him the go-to host for diasporic cultural and entertainment events across Europe.

Beyond acting, Dapo is a storyteller in the truest sense; an emerging filmmaker who has produced four independent films: ‘The Actor’, ‘The Passport’, ‘Amuwa’, and ‘Apeje’.

Each of these projects reflects his vision of creating socially relevant, culturally rooted stories for global consumption. His current pre-production work on ‘The Telepath’ promises to push creative boundaries even further.

Dapo’s latest screen appearance in the forthcoming film ‘Ireke Movie’, which had a private viewing at the Cannes Film Festival, is poised to take his brand global ahead of its 25 July 2025 worldwide release.

He is not just acting in films; he is helping shape the very identity of UK-based Nollywood.

His growing reputation as a respected creative voice within the diaspora positions him as a key figure in the next generation of African cinematic storytellers abroad.

Dapo’s experience, bilingual fluency, stage presence, and production portfolio make his brand distinct and indispensable.

“As a performer and filmmaker, I believe our stories deserve the world stage. My aim is to connect the African experience with universal emotions through characters that feel real, relevant, and respected,” says Dapo Opayinka.

With a growing body of work and an unrelenting drive to elevate African voices, Dapo Opayinka is not only a UK-based bilingual Nollywood actor. He is a cultural bridge-builder, creative entrepreneur, and bold voice in the future of global African storytelling.

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BIG STORY

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa Endorses Laffmattazz, Says Ondo State Is Safe For Tourism And Entertainment [PHOTOS]

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The Executive Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Lucky Aiyedatiwa has endorsed Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka and Friends.

Governor Aiyedatiwa who received Gbenga Adeyinka, the Grand Comedian of the Nigeria (GCON) on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, expressed his endorsement of the show and said the state is happy to host Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka and Friends at the FMT Events Center, Ala Quarters, Akure on Thursday, June 12.

Governor Aiyedatiwa while pulling his weight behind the comedy event, disclosed that Ondo State is a safe haven for tourism and entertainment, thereby promising to work with the organisers to reel out a successful show.

The ‘Sho Le’ crooner, Sean Tizzle will lead the repertoire of musical performances including Oyomesi, Abbey Awesome, Lekzido, Ruby, Miko Fridan and JP3PLE2.

Talented comedians on the bill are; Omobaba, Bash, Erekere, Baba Alariya, Kojah Kage, ATM, Chi Young, General Olak, Dr Spencer, Dr Arotele, MC Stylo, Taichi, Prince Phelar, Jingle, Wisdom the Mimic Guy, Honda Stevo, Odogwu, Iparipate, Emzuma and Ofak.

According to Gbenga Adeyinka, Red Carpet starts by 3 PM while the main show commences by 4 PM. “Tickets are available online at (https://www.funzweb.com/events/laff-mattazz-about-time-akure-158) and https://shorturl.at/FfVZP. Physical tickets can be purchased at Madigrazz Lounge, (Akure Mall),

Iya Saheed Alamala, Isolo Street, Akure, Madison Restaurant, Akure-Owo Road, Alagbaka and Vintage Royale, Off Airport Road, Oba Ile,” he said.

The show themed ‘About Time Tour’ is powered by FIRS, ODIRS, Omni Blu Aviation and supported by Ondo State and Eleganza Industries.

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