The Mandators, Aniekpeno Mkpanang and Udo Maryam For World Music Day Honours.

 

All is now set for the 2022 edition of World Music Day. Slated to hold on June 21 at Doctors' Mess Uyo, the grand music event will feature performances from a galaxy of music stars.

Penciled down for distinguished excellence awards is reggae legend Victor Essiet aka The Mandators whose musical impact transcends generations. 

The Mandators has sold several platinum records and played in many sold-out stadia in Nigeria and overseas. He is best remembered for his conscious hits Rat Race, Rise to the top, Nation and The people, etc.

Also to be honored is Mr Aniekpeno Tom Mkpanang, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Mr Mkpanang is recognized for his consistency in the organization of the annual Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival which has provided a platform for music acts to climb to global attention since 2008. The Akwa Ibom State Christmas Carols Festival was officially certified by Guiness World Records as the largest of such gatherings anyway in the world in 2014.

The last awardee at World Music Day 2022 is Xylophonist, Udo Maryam. Udo was so good in his craft that he was adopted at age 4 in 1992 by a Former First Lady Of Ñigeria, Maryam Babangida.

Since then, Udo has traversed the world, playing before several heads of state, and showcasing the rich Akwa Ibom cultural heritage through Music.

Speaking with the media, the progenitor of the event, Mr Asteroid Bassey of Space Entertainment Company has urged all well-meaning individuals and corporate organizations to be part of the world celebration of music.

The celebration of music and its significance started in France in 1982 as fete de la musique and is observed every year as a United Nations Event.

The theme for this year's event in Akwa Ibom is Music For Good Governance- a call for music acts to be part of leadership recruitment process.

World Music Day is Supported by PMAN AKS, DJs Association Of Ñigeria, Akwa Ibom Artistes Forum, Gospel Artistes Forum, Association Of Dance Practioners in Nigeria, Association Of Akwa Ibom Recording Artistes, Office Of Special Assistant to AKSG on Entertainment, Akwa Cross Entertainment Movement and other Entertainment groups.