In celebration of the socio-economic, technological, cultural, and political achievement of women and International Women’s Day, University of Southampton hosted a lecture with Mfon Ekpo– founding partner and an Executive Director of the John Maxwell– as the keynote speaker.

Titled, Southampton Inspiring Women: International Women’s Day and hosted by Vice President (Operations) of the University of Southampton, Wendy Appleby, the series celebrated some of the most inspiring women from Southampton’s own academic and alumni community who have recorded notable success in a variety of sectors both nationally and globally.

Mfon Ekpo, the keynote speaker, is an award-winning human behaviour, performance coach, author and alumna for her contribution to leadership, innovation, her support for Women in Tech and international award-winning work in transforming mindsets through coaching across Africa.

Other speakers included:

· University of Southampton Academic & Alumna Dr Nisreen Alwan MBE, a British–Iraqi public health researcher and an Associate Professor of Public Health at the University of Southampton. Nisreen was named amongst other inspiring and influential women from around the world in the BBC 100 women 2020 list. She was also awarded an MBE for services to Medicine and Public Health in the Queen’s New Year Honours 2021 on her research on Long COVID during the COVID19 pandemic.

· Alumna Lorna Tilbian dubbed the “Queen of the media”, was formerly the Executive Director and Head of Media at Numis Corporation PLC. With a distinguished career, having been ranked No.1 Media Analyst by Institutional Investor and Thomson Reuters Extel from 1987-2012, Lorna has served as a Cabinet Ambassador (an Ambassador for Creative Britain) for the Department of Culture Media & Sport. She now sits as the Chairman of Dowgate VCapital Stockbrokers and on the boards of Finsbury Growth & Income Trust Plc, Euromoney Institutional Investor Plc, M&C Saatchi Plc and Rightmove Plc.

The 60-minute lecture held on Tuesday 8 March 2022, International Women’s Day

Lagos, 10 March 2022: Nigerian singer-songwriter, Temilade ‘Tems’ Openiyi has been announced as a nominee in the Global Music Star category for the 2022 edition of the slimiest Award show ever, the Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards. The award show is taping live from Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, and will premiere on NickToons DStv Channel 308 on Wednesday, 13 April 2022, at 13:30 WAT/14:30 CAT.

With her remarkable global hits and outstanding performances and collaborations, Tems has been raking in award after award, and it appears she may be adding the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Award for Global Music Star to her growing list of accomplishments soon.

“Tems reminds us of why we set out on a journey to reimagine, reshape and rebrand Africa,” said Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Paramount in Africa. “African stars like her are living proof of the rich and diverse talent that exists in Africa. Elevating African talent on a global level is the heartbeat of our brands.”

“Shining a light on talent on our continent will continue to be part of our vision. We are glad that today, we can spotlight the body of work of a vibrant African talent like Tems.”

Tems is nominated alongside English best-selling music artiste, Adele; Latino fan-favourite, Camilo; Australian singer and record producer, Tones and I; Asian boy band, BTS; European superstar, Rosalía and North American sweetheart, Olivia Rodrigo. “We have long believed that African creatives such as Tems have the power to put the continent on the map and we’re excited to see this vision coming to life. Her nomination as Global Music Star for Nickelodeon’s Kid’s Choice Awards is evidence that African creatives have what it takes to take on the global stage and more importantly to share African stories with the world, in this case through music. We are proud to be a part of this through offering a platform for creative showcasing and we wish Tems all the best at the awards,” said Georginah Machiridza, Executive Head Content Strategy & 3rd Party Channels at MultiChoice.

Alongside the Global Music Star Category, the 2022 Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards boast other categories, including Favourite Breakout Artiste, Favourite Music Group, Favourite Music Group, Favourite Movie Actor, Favourite Female TV star and Favourite Reality show, amongst others.

Other African categories for the 2022 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards and details on how Africans can get involved and vote will be announced in the coming weeks. Visit KidsChoiceAwards.com for more information.

Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards 2022 is sponsored by The LEGO® Group, the Kirby and the Forgotten Land™ game, Lunchables, and Olive Garden®.

Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards 2022 is produced by Nickelodeon Productions and overseen by Ashley Kaplan, Executive Vice President, Nickelodeon & Awesomeness Unscripted & Digital Franchise Studio; Paul J Medford, Vice President, Unscripted Current Series; Luke Wahl, Vice President, Unscripted Creative; and Jennifer Bryson, Vice President, Production, Tentpoles, Events & Music & Specials. Michael Dempsey serves as executive producer, with Magda Liolis, Andria Parides, Kathryn Rickey and Greg Sills serving as co-executive producers. The show is directed by Glenn Weiss.

Netflix has announced that the MTV Shuga full library is now available for streaming on their digital platform. The Pan-African series initially launched in Kenya and has since expanded into Nigeria, South Africa, and Cote D’Ivoire. The show’s success includes two seasons in Kenya, four in Nigeria, two in South Africa, and two in Cote D’Ivoire; all of which are now available on Netflix.

MTV Shuga is a multiplatform edutainment campaign initiative from the MTV Staying Alive Foundation that has integrated pop culture, trending music, and youthful storytelling to positively impact and change behaviors of young people for over a decade. A 2017 study by the World Bank proved that viewers of the television drama were twice as likely to test for HIV – while the show’s storylines, touching on HIV prevention, gender-based violence, safe sex, and more, have educated a growing fan base across the world since the show debuted in Kenya in 2009.

“We’re thrilled that Netflix is taking the full MTV Shuga series. Not only does it give the Netflix audience the chance to see some of the biggest actors across the continent – including Lupita Nyong’o and Thuso Mbedu – starring in several MTV Shuga series; but it also allows us to reach a brand new and wide audience with our proven behavior-changing content for the continent’s youth”, said Georgia Arnold, Executive Director at MTV Staying Alive Foundation and Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility, at Paramount.

Fan favorites and star power across the series include familiar Pan African talent from Kenya: Lupita Nyong’o (Ayira), Nick Mutuma (Leo); South Africa: Thuso Mbedu (Ipeleng), Mamarumo Marokane (Dineo), Ayanda Makayi (Sol); Nigeria: Tomiwa Tegbe (Wasiu), Jemima Osunde (Leila), Timini Egbuson (Tobi); Côte D’Ivoire: Ange Eric N’Guessan (Daniel), Soukeïna Koné (Rubi) and several other notable characters.

Memorable musical artists supporting the series with vibrant music include musicians from Kenya: Madtraxx, P-Unit, and Nameless, Nigeria: Tiwa Savage, Vector Tha Viper, and Larry Gaaga; South Africa: Nasty C, Kwesta and NdunaRoyal; Côte D’Ivoire: Zeynab, Serge Beynaud, and Big Tyger.

“MTV Shuga continues its commitment to contribute to improving and inspiring behavioral change at the grass-roots level by reflecting authentic social issues

impacting young Africans through storytelling. We welcome the partnership with Netflix and we believe we will collectively work together to build stronger communities and encourage deep and meaningful conversations amongst the youth”, says Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Paramount.

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a severe problem plaguing African communities, with the country experiencing high levels of violence against women and children. MTV Shuga: What Makes a Man, produced in partnership with the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, Meta Africa and UNFPA is a documentary series seeking to spark sustained conversation that drives meaningful action. MTV Shuga What Makes A Man premieres exclusively on MTV Base (DSTV Channel 322) Tuesday, March 1st at 21:30 CAT & Wednesday, March 2nd at 22:00 WAT.

The MTV Shuga documentary series What Makes a Man is executive produced by and features star of MTV Shuga Down South Ayanda Makayi. The issue of GBV is close to Ayanda’s heart having portrayed the character of “Sol” on the hit MTV Shuga Down South series whose character is a perpetrator on the show. In this powerful 3-part documentary series, Ayanda asks himself the question “What Makes a Man?”, and having recently become a new father he seeks to set an example to his son.

“This has been a long time in the making and quite a personal project for me. I am incredibly proud to not only have starred in this documentary series but to have executive produced it as well. ‘What Makes A Man’ won’t end the epidemic of GBV but we’re hoping this is the start of a long road ahead of uncomfortable questions and conversations. The biggest outcome for me from this entire journey has been self-reflection and I hope we evoke the same for all Africans,” says host and executive producer Ayanda Makayi.

MTV Shuga: What Makes a Man tackles the subject of GBV as a collective societal issue that can only be solved if everyone unites in the fight against it. The documentary includes notable South Africans including TV personality and activist Andile Gaelesiwe, musician Big Zulu, rapper Maglera DoeBoy, MTV Base Culture Squad Member Uncle Vinny and radio personality Bujy Bikwa. The documentary series explores the question of What Makes a Man engaging people from all walks of life across the country.

Monde Twala, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Paramount Media Networks Africa and MTV Staying Alive Foundation Board member commented “MTV Shuga has been at the forefront of using the power of storytelling to address social issues, and to drive meaningful change within communities around the continent. We have seen this with our MTV Shuga series and this documentary seeks to address gender-based violence. Along with our partners, we are committed to continuing to use our platform

and content to inspire behavioural change, engagement and real action in the fight against GBV.

MTV Shuga: What Makes a Man docu-series seeks to leave the audience asking questions, recognising that we are all part of the issue and equally so a part of the solution. By asking ourselves “What Makes a Man?” we are learning and unlearning harmful behaviours that are going to be fundamental towards starting conversations that will drive meaningful change.

“We hope that our audience watch the show, reflect on the current climate of the GBV epidemic and start to think about positive changes we need to make individually to create a society where we each feel safe, irrespective of our gender. Through support from various funders, namely UNFPA, META, the US Diplomatic Mission to South Africa and the South African Presidency’s Gender-Based Violence Fund Response 1, MTV Shuga: What Makes a Man will be extended into community outreach through peer education. It is through this interpersonal intervention where we aim to see a shift in attitudes and behaviour.” Commented Yvonne Diogo, MTV Staying Alive Foundation Country Director.

The premiere episode of MTV Shuga: What Makes a Man is set to take viewers on an emotional and reflective journey that will spark dialogue on the epidemic of GBV, the root causes and how men and South Africans can end GBV. Host Ayanda Makayi emotionally opens up to his unborn son on the man and father he hopes to be. Ayanda also engages on issues such as bullying and how they can manifest in unhealthy and dangerous behaviours that can lead to gender-based violence. With the understanding that the issue of GBV is one that affects our immediate communities, Ayanda journeys to his home engaging his mom on the issue and speaks to pupils at his former high school on what really makes a man.

Be sure to catch the riveting MTV Shuga What Makes A Man docu-series premiering exclusively on MTV Base (DSTV Channel 322) Tuesday, March 1st at 21:30 CAT & Wednesday, March 2nd at 22:00 WAT.

Zedcrest Group, a new-age financial solutions powerhouse, is sponsoring the 16th edition of The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) to support and celebrate young leaders who are shaping the culture, defining trends, and creating new opportunities across the continent.

According to the Group Managing Director of Zedcrest, Mr. Adedayo Amzat, CFA, the decision to sponsor Africa’s biggest youth awards organized by The Future Project is a demonstration of the company’s commitment to supporting initiatives that drive the acceleration of transformational growth in Africa.

“As a youth-driven company, TFAA’s brand essence reflects what the Zedcrest Group brand stands for – excellence and impactful innovation. For more than a decade, TFAA has celebrated the wealth of talent and amazing work African youth deploy every day in not only driving economic growth but in touching lives positively in their communities. This is very commendable and at Zedcrest, we are very delighted to support The Future Project on this journey”, said Mr. Amzat.

Zedcrest Investment Managers (ZIMVEST), the asset management firm of Zedcrest Group, is offering five Zimvest App users the opportunity to attend the ceremony. To qualify for the VIP ticket, existing and new users of the app are required to save or invest a minimum of N20,000 on the Zimvest App on or before Thursday, February 17th, 2022. For more information on the challenge, follow @zimvestapp on all social media platforms.

The 16th edition of the awards –themed “Celebrating Challengers and Builders”– will be held on February 20, 2022, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. It will also be televised live on Channels TV, Hip TV, and Wazobia TV. To stay up-to-date, follow @zedcrest and @zimvestapp on all social media platforms.

MTV Base today announced Nigeria’s number one candy brand, TomTom, as the official sponsor of the new season of MTV BASE CYPHER which premieres on Sunday, 27 February 2022, at 19:00 WAT.

Tagged ‘Freshman Class’, the all-new season (third in the sequence) is set to feature series of thrilling rap battles, amongst different teams, with winners to be determined by the viewers.

Speaking about the TomTom sponsorship of the show, Category Manager, Morolake Emokpaire, says that “Through the MTV Base Cypher, we are connecting the TomTom’s essence of giving consumers the clarity of voice and confidence for expression with the passion point of millions of Nigerians, music. Having kicked off our IMC campaign (Breathe For It) last year, sponsoring the MTV Base Cypher is just one of the many activities we have in store for TomTom. As a music genre that is fun, vibrant, refreshing and edgy, Rap is an integral part of the Nigerian music culture. It embodies the lyrical uniqueness and expressions of individual talents, and that’s something we connect to as a brand.”

Base cypher is a short form that caters to the rap culture and gives performers an opportunity to share their truth. This season’s MTV Base Cypher’s ‘Freshman Class’ will see Africa’s best young, up and coming rappers paired up into various groups for a friendly face-off and a chance to win the grand prize of one million naira.

The Country Manager, Paramount Africa, Bada Akintunde-Johnson, said, “Nigeria’s music industry is brimming with refreshing talent. So far, we have seen hip-hop, soul, afro-pop, afro-fusion and similar genres of music flourish. MTV Base launched the Base Cypher to ensure that while engendering an enabling environment for music artistes, no genre is left behind.”

“Rap culture has blossomed in Nigeria, and we have quite a number of quality lyricists seeking global platforms like MTV Base to showcase their talent to a wider audience. Through the Cypher, we want to give budding artistes the visibility they need to ‘blow’”, he continued.

To catch all episodes of MTV Base Cypher ‘Freshman Class’, tune in to MTV Base DStv Channel 322 and GOtv Channel 72, every Sunday at 19:00 WAT starting 27 February 2022. You can also follow @mtvbasewest across all social media platforms for more exciting

scoops from the show and join the conversation using the hashtags #TomTomxMTVBase and #MTVBaseCypher.