The LG K-POP Grand Finale concluded with a flourish, igniting the stage with electrifying performances, jaw-dropping special effects, and the immense talent of the winners. The highly anticipated event, brought to you by LG Electronics, saw some of the biggest names in K-POP compete fervently for the ultimate prize. The energy inside the venue was palpable as an enthusiastic audience cheered on their favorite groups during this unforgettable grand finale.

The competition, held today, showcased a stellar lineup of 80 incredibly talented performers since April who left no stone unturned in their pursuit of glory. This unique event marked a milestone starting from Ibadan, Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt where the hearts and souls of the passionate youths went into giving so much to display their innate talents. For LG Electronics, combining the love for cutting-edge technology with the immense popularity of K-POP music was the main gain. The journey culminated in the semi-finals held in these cities, where 18 exceptionally talented teams earned their place in the grand finale.

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‘femmeforce’, 1st runner-up in the dance category of the lg k- pop 2024 grand finale held at eko hotel and suites, victoria island, Lagos, today.

‘movematics’, 2nd runner-up in the dance category of the lg k- pop 2024 grand finale held at eko hotel and suites, victoria island, lagos

Expressing his delight at the grand success of the event, the Managing Director, LG Electronics West Africa, Mr. Hyoung Sub Ji, “The LG K-POP Fiesta 2024 is a celebration of not only incredibly talented K-POP enthusiasts but also the rich tapestry of global culture. Building on our brand identity, which transcends generations, we would like to develop deeper relations with Gen Z by making their lives better through innovative products like LG XBOOM for immersive sound experiences and meaningful integrated marketing campaigns. With K-POP, we bring them a great multi-dimensional platform that combines the best of audio-visual entertainment and power-packed performances.”

“We are immensely proud to have brought this exhilarating event to life. It was an incredible showcase of talent, passion, and the harmonious blending of innovation and entertainment. LG Electronics remains committed to supporting the K-POP culture and nurturing the talents of tomorrow, most especially our ability to bring to life the bond between Korea and Nigeria.” He added.

L-r: mr. Hyoung sub ji, managing director, lg electronics west africa, hassan fouani, head of marketing, fouani, presenting the cheque to ohwodiasa omamuyovwi ” mamus” 1st prize winner in the music category of the lg k- pop 2024 grand finale held at eko hotel and suites, victoria island, lagos.

Twelve million naira was awarded to the winners – three million naira apiece for placing first in singing and dance. The first and second runners-up in each category received two and one million naira, respectively.

‘Mamus’ of Port Harcourt won first place in the vocal category, while the dance category was won by the group ‘Limitless Supreme 6’ from Port Harcourt. The finalists in the dance category included ‘Femmeforce’ from Lagos, 1st runner up, and ‘Movematics’ from Lagos 2nd runner up.  “In the vocal category, the 1st runner and 2nd runner up included ‘Kcee’ from Port Harcourt and  ‘Shammah’ from Port Harcourt.

In his remark, Mr. Hari Elluru, Head of Corporate Marketing said, “We are grateful to the youth & Gen Z for making the event a grand success. Through our recent global campaign of Life’s Good, we are encouraging customers to have a positive outlook on life & music certainly plays a significant role in uplifting the human spirit. We are deeply grateful for the tremendous interest and love shown by all the participants in the K-POP contest and the enthusiastic audience who attended. K-POP has transcended boundaries, becoming a powerful means of cultural exchange not only within Korea but also with people around the world. We aspire to offer dreams and hope to the youth of Nigeria through the magic of K-POP.

‘kcee’, 1st runner-up in the music category of the lg k- pop 2024 grand finale held at eko hotel and suites, victoria island, lagos

shammah’, 2nd runner-up in the music category of the lg k- pop 2024 grand finale held at eko hotel and suites, victoria island, lagos

The event was seamlessly hosted by V J Adams, an emcee with extensive experience, and was graced by the esteemed presence of Nollywood actors Ruth Kadiri and Susan Peters and judging by Nigerian singer and songwriter Ric Hassani and renowned award-winning dancer Kaffy.

The LG K-POP will forever remain etched in the memories of those present, as a testament to the boundless creativity, talent, and technological excellence that LG Electronics consistently delivers.

All the performances were met with thunderous applause and praise from the judges, solidifying their position as one of the most talented and popular K-POP artists right now.

Canon Miraisha Programme focuses on delivering job opportunities and future livelihoods to young people across Africa through skills workshops, training programmes and enterprise support; The programme has educated more than 7000+ future professionals across the continent, helping them to gain qualifications, secure employment and set up their own businesses.

Canon Central and North Africa, a global leader in imaging solutions, proudly announces the 10^th anniversary of its Miraisha Programme, marking a decade of empowering young Africans through skills development and job opportunities. Since its inception, the Miraisha Programme has achieved significant milestones, including the establishment of 33 partnerships with various organisations, the training of over 7,000 participants, and a target to train 10,000 participants by 2027.

Aligning with Canon’s corporate philosophy of Kyosei, which means living and working together for the common good, the Miraisha Programme fosters job opportunities in Africa by providing workshops for photographers, videographers, filmmakers, and print business owners. The name ‘Miraisha’ is a fusion of Japanese and Swahili, symbolising the programme’s cross-cultural approach.

Since 2014, the Miraisha Programme has worked with a wide range of organisations across Africa, including Kenyatta University, Kenya Film Commission (KFC), Kenya Photography Awards, Yabba College of Technology in Nigeria, Uganda Press Photo Award (UPPA), The NRB Bus, Zebra Productions Kenya LTD, and Lens on Life, PEFTI Film Institute in Nigeria and National Film & TV Institute of Ghana (NAFTI) amongst many other organisations and events. The programme has played an instrumental role in fostering future livelihoods across the African continent.

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“We are excited to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of our Miraisha Programme, which embodies our ongoing commitment to empowering youth and supporting sustainable development across Africa,” says Somesh Adukia, Managing Director of Canon Central and North Africa. “This programme has been instrumental in fostering talent, creating opportunities, and catalysing positive change. As we reflect on a decade of impact, we reaffirm our dedication to nurturing talent and driving societal progress through initiatives like Miraisha.

“Our company’s purpose goes beyond making profits; it’s about serving communities and enhancing people’s lives. We recognise the critical importance of developing skills and promoting livelihoods, particularly in regions like Africa, where growth opportunities are paramount. As the Miraisha Programme enters its second decade, Canon looks forward to expanding its reach and empowering even more young people to pursue their passions and build successful careers in the imaging industry.”

To celebrate this significant milestone, the company has planned a series of activities throughout the anniversary year. These activities include a portfolio review exclusively for photographers residing in Africa, with a specialized focus on documentary and wedding photography. Upon submission, selected portfolios will undergo comprehensive reviews by Canon experts, offering participants valuable insights and constructive feedback.

Chosen individuals will be rewarded with  personalised mentorship, allowing them to refine their craft and further develop their skills under the guidance of seasoned professionals within the industry.

Furthermore, as part of the commemoration, Canon will issue a coffee table book, showcasing the outstanding work and achievements of both Miraisha students and Canon trainers throughout the past decade. This visually stunning publication will serve as a tribute portraying the talents and dedication cultivated within the programme, highlighting inspiring success stories and key projects undertaken by participants.

Additionally, there will be panel discussions conducted in collaboration with Miraisha partners and Canon, focusing on key topics such as the programme’s vital role in addressing skills gaps across Africa. These will serve as a platform for in-depth exploration and exchange of ideas, aiming to shed light on the challenges and opportunities within the industry.  These discussions will also lay the groundwork for the development of future feature articles, providing a comprehensive analysis and commentary derived from the insights garnered during the talks.

The Miraisha Programme will also offer online training master classes conducted by industry experts in both English and French. These sessions, available via social media registration, will cater to passionate photographers and filmmakers, offering invaluable skills development opportunities. Centered on the business aspects of photography, they will empower attendees with the expertise and acumen necessary to either initiate their own ventures or enhance their current business models and strategies.Through a variety of courses, participants will have the chance to dive deeper into their craft, refine their techniques, and acquire new skills under the guidance of seasoned professionals.

Canon remains committed to nurturing young talent and driving positive change in Africa through initiatives like the Miraisha Programme. By providing access to essential skills, mentorship opportunities, and resources, the company aims to unlock the full potential of the continent’s vibrant youth demographic, driving economic growth, innovation, and societal progress.

ExxonMobil and NBA Africa today announced the launch of a new Jr. NBA league in Luanda, Angola operated by PanAfricare, a non-profit organization that seeks to improve the health, education and productivity of African communities. The new league, which features 40 boys’ and girls’ teams for youth ages 16 and under, tipped off its inaugural season on Friday, May 17, at Escola Nº 2055 Quedas de Kalandula with former NBA player Muggsy Bogues in attendance. 

The league, which will reach more than 10,000 youth participants this year through basketball clinics, competitions and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) sessions and culminate with the playoffs and finals in September, will also feature all-girls basketball clinics as part of the NBA’s Her Time to Play initiative, which provides opportunities for girls and women to play basketball and pursue careers in coaching and athletic leadership.   

“ExxonMobil is very proud to work with NBA Africa to leverage the sport of basketball and develop the youth in Angola,” said ExxonMobil Angola Lead Country Manager Katrina Fisher. “Together we will not only grow the game, but will also support personal development of our youth. Just as in STEM fields, where experimentation and collaboration are key, sports teach young individuals the value of perseverance and working together towards a common goal.”

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“Launching a new Jr. NBA league in Angola, where there is a strong tradition and affinity for basketball, will provide more opportunities for Angolan youth to learn and play the game,” said NBA Africa Head of Basketball Operations Franck Traore. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with ExxonMobil and using the game to teach important life skills that have application on the court and in life.”

“The youth are pivotal to Africa’s growth and hold the potential to lead and solve an array of socioeconomic challenges limiting sustainable development in their communities,” said PanAfricare Director of Programs Rachel Ochako. “We are honored to be collaborating with ExxonMobil and NBA Africa to provide a platform for the youth to strengthen their leadership skills and use the game of basketball to further develop their interest in and knowledge of STEM.”

The launch of the Jr. NBA League in Angola follows ExxonMobil and NBA Africa’s launch of a Jr. NBA league in Maputo, Mozambique last month.