Beyonce Dominates MTV VMA After Two Years

By Vanessa Obioha

The ‘Lemonade’ singer returns to the MTV VMA with a staggering 11 nods this year. In 2014, her self-titled album was a major lead at the awards. She scooped four awards out of eight nominations. It is yet to be unknown if she will achieve similar feat this year or probably break a new record. The album’s tracks were nominated in ‘video of the year’, ‘pop video’, ‘female video’, among others.

Closely behind with eight nods is the ‘Hello’ singer, Adele. Kanye West controversial ‘Famous’ is also contending with Beyonce, Adele, Drake and Justin Beiber for the ‘Video of the Year.’ Surprisingly, Taylor Swift wasn’t nominated in the category but with the ongoing drama between her and Kanye West, the rift is far from being settled.

The 2016 MTV Video Music Awards will hold on August 28, 2016 at the Madison Square Garden, New York, USA.

Grammy to Pay Live Tribute to B.B. King

The 15-time Grammy-winning R&B singer will be paid a live tribute by the Grammy Foundation and Grammy Museum on September 1, 2016.

Titled Icon: The Life And Legacy Of B.B. King, the live tribute will be hosted by Scott Goldman, Vice President of the Grammy Foundation and will feature performances from Jimmie Vaughan, Keb’Mo’ and others.

A pre-event VIP reception will be held at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California in addition to the live tribute performances and storytelling by artists influenced by King’s music.

During his lifetime, B.B King released more than 50 albums and was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award in the 1987 Grammys. He inspired various artistes including John Mayer.

The president of the Recording Academy, Neil Portnow described the event as an annual fundraiser to honour a music icon that will feature tribute performances by an array of talented artists that engage, entertain, and enlighten the public.

Proceeds from the event will be used to support the Grammy Foundation and Grammy Museum.

Notorious B.I.G. Comedy Series in the Works

Turner owned-cable network TBS is working on a new series inspired by the late New York hip-hop icon, Notorious B.I.G.’s lyrics.

The half-hour project titled ‘Think B.I.G.’ mirrors the life of a teenager struggled with his misadventures of his city and catering for his daughter and infant son. The teen’s determination to create a better future for himself and his family finds a parallel in the late rapper’s lifestyle. Christopher Wallace grew up in Brooklyn and had his first child at 21. The network revealed that the plot lines will revolve round the rapper’s lyrics.

Coming 20 years after his death, the series is among the first major projects from Turner and Mass Appeal partnership deal.

Mary J. Blige Reportedly Divorcing her Husband of 12 years

News filtered in last week that the ‘Be Without You’ singer is divorcing her husband Kendu Isaacs.

The couple has been together for 12 years.

The union so far did not produce any Netflix .

According to TMZ, Mary J. Blige cited irreconcilable differences as reason for dissolving their marriage.

Isaacs is also Blige’s manager.

MTV Base VJ Search Opens

Thousands of potential new VJs to represent the youth and music channel, MTV Base have another opportunity to showcase their talent. The channel is on the hunt for a smooth-talking, quick-thinking, music-loving newcomer with swag and a big personality to become the stand-out new Nigerian VJ (TV presenter) for the youth and music channel.

For your chance to be the MTV Base star of the future, head down to the 2016 MTV Base VJ Search – Nigeria auditions for your chance to impress the judges and win a 2-year contract with MTV Base worth N20 million.

You could be the one lucky winner walking away with the hottest job in entertainment. The new VJ will become one of the key faces of the music network, hosting programmes on MTV Base. The winner will also interview stars, emcee parties and concerts, walk the red carpet at entertainment events and travel all over the world representing MTV Base.

Auditions will be held at NAF Conference Centre & Suites, Abuja (August 9), De Dome, Enugu (August 12) and the Classique Event Centre, Lagos (August 16).

MTV Base’s brand new VJ will be following in the footsteps of MTV Base veteran Ehiz Okoeguale who won the channel’s second Nigerian VJ search back in 2013, and was transformed overnight from a job-seeker to a bona fide TV star! Ehiz has subsequently hosted a multitude of MTV Base programmes and showbiz events, including the Official Naija Top 10, Word on the Street, and Real Talk, and interviewed stars from Lagos to Amsterdam and Hollywood, including artists like Tinie Tempah, Wale, Jidenna, Davido, Wizkid and Tiwa Savage.

“The most important quality required in an MTV Base VJ is that they should have the ability to communicate with and connect to our audience,” comments Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa. “We’re looking for someone who lives and breathes contemporary youth culture, with a strong personality, and the energy and confidence to build their brand and make a long-term career in the entertainment business.”

The MTV Base VJ Search is open to Nigerian citizens aged between 18 and 25, with fluent spoken English and a valid Nigerian passport. The winner of the MTV Base VJ Search Nigeria will be revealed on September 25.