Zagg always radiates infectious energy that has you vibing even before you know it! — and that was what happened at the 2023 Africa Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) opening ceremony, which held on the 18th  May at Balmoral Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Right at the center of the event was Zagg Energy+Malt, Nigeria’s premium energy drink, creating light and vibe while celebrating and promoting Africa’s creatives and talents. 

Utilizing a series of complementary Afrocentric events, the energy malt drink brand successfully magnified the AMVCA vision of celebrating African stories, culture, heritage, and of course, stars.

With several nominees, judges, industry experts, and stakeholders in attendance, the opening night was the perfect start to the three-day event as Africa’s greatest creative minds gathered to enjoy the allure of creativity, talent, and uniqueness of the African movie industry.

The ceremony had earlier promised an exhilarating lineup of events, and Zagg indeed helped deliver it! The energy malt drink brand went all out for the AMVCA opening night, wrapping the entire event with the ‘Zagg kind of energy,’ from the rich display of food and culture to the showcase of innovative talent.  

Featuring music performances from top celebrities, the event spiraled from a mildly anticipatory atmosphere to one of all-out glitter and glam as top personalities across Africa rode elegantly into the event center.

The atmosphere Zagg brought to the opening night was an undying light of excitement and incredible energy that made waves, lasting the entire event.

Zagg Energy has set the pace, and fans are excited to see what more the energy drink brand has in store!

The three-day line-up of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs) formally flagged-off on Thursday with a memorable opening gala and cultural night. Premium malt drink and proud headline sponsor of this year’s awards, Amstel Malta, definitely took things up a notch, spotlighting the best of Africa’s cultural heritage and ingenuity at the event which held on at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Guests were treated to a spellbinding fusion of music, dance, delectable cuisine, and uproarious comedy, creating an immersive celebration of entertainment and culture that enthralled everyone in attendance.

The standout attraction of the night was the mesmerizing raffia-branded Amstel Malta Tunnel and Amstel Nest where guests not only savored the refreshing taste of Amstel Malta and cultural cuisines but were also treated to a captivating cultural sensory journey. The brand’s commitment to creating unforgettable memories shone through, ensuring that the event was an authentic celebration of the very best in the industry.

“The African creative industry has experienced tremendous growth in the past decade. However, the industry’s intense saturation has made it difficult for creatives who haven’t found their way to the spotlight to have their art appreciated. Therefore, at this year’s Awards, Amstel Malta (and by extension, Nigerian Breweries) — is saying, “It is time for the spotlight.” noted Francis Obiajulu, Senior Brand Manager, Amstel Malta, Nigerian Breweries at the event.

“As we have done over the past nine years, we are exceedingly proud to partner with the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards to shine the spotlight on the wonderful masterpieces created by established and upcoming creatives.” he added.

The event was hosted by the dynamic duo of Daniel Etim-Effiong and Nancy Isime, who took centre stage, effortlessly captivating the audience with their charm and wit.

As the festivities continue, anticipate the upcoming Fashion Runway, where avant-garde designs will grace the catwalk, the Digital Content Creators segment, which highlights the innovative work of content creators, The Nominee Gala where all the nominees will be recognized and, of course, the Main Awards, where the most exceptional talents step into the spotlight.

For more highlights on the 9th AMVCA edition, follow Amstel Malta on social media (@amstelmalta) and follow conversations using the hashtag #AmstelMaltaAMVCA9.

Global Peace Ambassador and world-renowned humanitarian, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has arrived in Nigeria for the Culture Festival, a global event themed Vibrant Africa: The Rising Rhythm.

The Festival aims to build a compassionate and harmonious society by connecting Nigerians together through song, dance, meditation, and dialogue. Previous editions were held at Global level that was attended by Presidents, Prime Ministers, Diplomats, Dignitaries, Spiritual Leaders, Social Activists, Artists, and people of all races, religions, and political stances together in the spirit of global unity and vibrant celebration.

Set to be hosted at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos 19 – 22 August, 2022, the event will also mark the 41st anniversary of the Art of Living Foundation. The Foundation is the world’s largest holistic wellness and humanitarian organisation, with the single motive to create a stress-free and violence-free society through fostering individual well-being and societal development.

Over the next few days, the founder of the Art of Living Foundation, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravishankar will also meet with several dignitaries, personalities, including key representatives in the business community, which is aimed at initiating dialogue with local stakeholders to explore avenues of bringing peace.

Leveraging local initiatives such as ‘I Meditate Africa’ and ‘Voice of Africa’, Art of Living has reached over 2.3 million Africans and united 22 African countries through peace campaigns. The Foundation has been teaching Happiness and Youth Leadership Training Programs in Nigeria for more than 10 years, and has impacted thousands of people in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, Kaduna, Abuja, Enugu and Delta States.

Photo caption: (L – R) Akshay Jain, Founder, The Happiness Center; Mrs. Harsha Varyani; Dev Varyani, Group Chairman, Vista Group Africa; Gurudev Sri Sri Ravishankar, Global Peace Ambassador, and Founder, Art of Living Foundation; Nitinchandra Nandekar, Managing Director, MediaReach OMD and Dinesh Rathi, MD/CEO at Lagos Free Zone, Tolaram Group as the peace envoy and global humanitarian arrived Nigeria for the Culture Festival on Thursday.

The Art of Living Foundation has officially launched The Happiness Center, in an event presided by the Global Peace Ambassador and founder, Art of Living Foundation, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, among other guests and dignitaries.

Located in Victoria Island, Lagos, the Center aims at promoting holistic wellness and mitigating lifestyle-related disorders through Yoga, Meditation, and natural therapies. It is founded on the guiding principles of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar that defines health as “a disease-free body, quiver-free breath, stress-free mind, inhibition-free intellect, obsession-free memory, an ego that includes all, and a soul which is free from sorrow”.

The Happiness Centre also offers programmes and courses, including ‘the Happiness Programme’ where breathing techniques and mind relaxation are taught. It harnesses the power of yoga, breathing exercises and meditation combined with essential lifestyle changes to achieve emotional and mental balance, along with vibrant physical health.

According to the Managing Director, The Happiness Center, Lagos, Akshay Jain, “Happiness is a state of mind, and a calm, focused and blissful state of mind is the key to unlocking a full potential. When the mind is stressed, it shrinks the consciousness. But when you are happy, it is expanded. At The Happiness Center, one is first taught the techniques to relax the mind, followed by emotional control”.

“We achieve it by combining the specific benefits of the ancient knowledge of Ayurveda, yoga, breathwork, meditation, herbal and natural remedies that are uplifting and revitalizing”, he confirmed. “Our qualified team offers the best herbal, Nigerian and Ayurvedic treatments along with breath workshops and dietary consultations”.

Ayurveda, meaning “science of life”, is an alternative medicine system that has been in existence for over 5, 000 years originating from India. It is acclaimed to be one of the oldest holistic healing systems in the world.

Speaking at the event, the Oniru of Iruland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II, commended the foundation for its focus on bringing peace and happiness into the lives of Nigerians. “The Art of Living Foundation has recorded tremendous success at improving relations across world communities, eradicating violence and spreading peace and happiness. The Happiness Centre remains one-of-a-kind globally, and we are all delighted for the remarkable impact it will have in Lagos State”.

The launch of the center forms part of activities leading to the Culture Festival, a global event organised by the foundation to celebrate culture and unity through music, dance, and meditation on 21 August, 2022. During the global humanitarian and founder’s first visit to Nigeria, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will also initiate dialogues with prominent dignitaries and distinguished business leaders to explore avenues of bringing peace in the country.