After the successful conclusion of COSON AT THE CHURCH, COSON LECTURE and COSON TABLE TENNIS BLOW-OUT; the organisation went further to thrill Nigerians with two major star-studded events: COSON GREEN BALL and COSON AWARDS 2013.
The COSON GREEN BALL was an exquisite event for the most fabulous people which held at the prestigious Muson Centre on the 22nd of May, 2013. Green Carpet started by 6.30pm, and the main event by 8.00pm. Notable personalities in attendance include Dr. Ebenezer Obe who is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. S.A Suhaibu, Professor Edgar Ronning (the Guest Lecturer for the Coson Lecture), Barr. Chris Nkwocha from NCC, Representatives of the Governors of Osun State, Oyo state and Anambra state, Bright Chimezie, Ras Kimono, Princess Ann Inyang, Kenny Saint Brown, Stella Monye, Timi Dakolo, Jeffery Daniels of Cool & the Gang, Representatives of the MD of Diamond Bank, Erelu Keji Okunowo, Mrs Tarja Koskinen-Olsson (International Copyright consultant from Norway), MD Premier records, Mr. Laolu Akins, Mike Enahoro, Mike Okri etc.
The programme kicked off with the Nation’s Anthem which was led by Timi Dakolo. After the recognition of those present, the audience was swept away by a great performance by Ras Kimono. Everyone was all smiles as they sang along to songs they grew up with, topmost of which was ‘Under Pressure’. A Welcome Address was delivered by the Chairman of COSON, Mr. Tony Okoroji who spoke extensively on the aim of the COSON music foundation to be launched. He stated that its purpose is to help old musicians who can’t take care of themselves to get back up on their feet, to cater for families of late musicians, to support education, to provide resources to fight piracy, to improve the environment for investment and to help national economic and local growth. He urged everyone to contribute to making this important foundation a success and thanked Diamond Bank for their continued support.
The Chairman’s address was followed by a performance by Kenny Saint brown, and later on by T.J Sax, an 11 yr old boy who thrilled the audience with his mature and inspiring saxophone musical piece. A speech was also delivered by Evangelist Ebenezer Obe on the formal launch of the Coson Music Foundation which he reiterated is aimed at supporting creativity in Nigeria and to offer assistance to musicians who because of infirmity have to live in misery and abject poverty, and to provide resources to fight piracy and abuse of musicians’ rights. He urged everyone to donate generously.
The programme moved swiftly into the Fund raiser which was anchored by renowned broadcaster of repute, Prince Bisi Olatilo who kicked off the chain of donations with the sum of N1,000,000 (One Million Naira). He urged the invited guests to make donations. The representative of the Governor of Osun State donated an undisclosed amount while that of the Oyo State Governor, donated a token and promised to send more. Diamond Bank stated that its partnership with COSON is continuous. Mike Okri pledged 5% of royalties received by him from COSON to the foundation. More encouragement came from Bight Chimezie, Mike Okri, who sang some of their all time hits, thus sparking up the audience. Donations were made by members of the audience to the many ushers who moved from table to table.
After the fund raiser, there was food and more performances from other musicians. It was a successful event; the crux of which was the launching of the COSON Music Foundation which was the primary purpose of the ball. Also, Mrs Tarja Koskinen-Olsson, celebrated expert and teacher of copyright collective management around the world, was decorated with the Copyright Medal of Honour in Nigeria by the Chairman of COSON which was greatly appreciated by her.
The Grand finale of all the events took place on Saturday 25th of May, 2013 at the New Ball Room of the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos. Red Carpet started at 6.00pm. Stars stormed the red carpet which was draped in silk and were treated to cocktails. Afterwards, guests were ushered into the hall by stunning hostesses. This time around Segun Obe led the audience in a rendition of the National Anthem which was followed by a video on Awoko, the bird that inspired the Coson Award plaque. The plaque was sculpted by a graduate from YABATECH, Dare Adenuga, and is the shape of a special bird called Awoko which is the leading singing bird celebrated in many songs of Yoruba master songwriters.
In attendance were Sir Victor Uwaifo, Mike Okri, Pa Chris Ajilo, Orlando Julius, Victor Uwaifo, Sir Shina Peters, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi, Bright Chimezie, Dayo ‘D1’ Adeneye, Dizzy K. Falola, Sunny Neji, Flavour, Righteous Man, Bracket, Zakky Adze, Queen Ure among many others, Nollywood stars like Fred Amata, Segun Arinze, Patrick and Iretiola Doyle Jennifer Eliogu, Fidelis Duker, Kalu Ikeagwu, Beautiful Nubia, Annie Macaulay Idibia, newlywed Femi Brainard and media personality, Prince Bisi Olatilo among several others.
The event also featured great performances by favourite artistes such as Sunny Neji, TuFace Idibia, Solid Star, Seyi Shay, Iyanya, Waje and legendaries like Victor Uwaifo and Majek Fashek. Below is a concise list of awardees:
Song of the 60s: Joromi by Victor Efosa Uwaifo
Song of the 70s: Sweet Mother by Prince Nico Mbarga
Song of the 80s: Send Down the Rain by Majek Fashek
Song of the 90s: Wonder Wonder by Femi Kuti
Contemporary Afro Song of the New Millennium: Olorioko by Kehinde Akinbode (Alias Kenny Kore)
Contemporary Pop Song of the New Millennium: African Queen by 2Face Idibia & Black Face
Contemporary Highlife Song of the New Millennium: Oruka by Sunny Neji
Contemporary Afro Song of the New Era: Iheneme by 2Face Idibia
Contemporary Pop Song of the New Era: Chop My Money by Peter, Paul & Jude Okoye
Contemporary Highlife Song of the New Era: Baby Oku by Flavour
Overall, the COSON Week 2013 was a huge success; its impact on Nigeria and the entertainment industry will not be forgotten soon. COSON Week 2014 is highly anticipated.
Keep being creative!
©June, 2013 by Lola Agbaje-Williams
Lola Agbaje-Williams is a Legal Practitioner based in Nigeria who is passionate about Intellectual Property, Media and Entertainment Law. You can contact her via her email address: lolaagbajewilliams@gmail.com or Follow on her on Twitter: @lolawilliams02
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