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By Vivian Onyebukwa
All is set for the 9th edition of Pan African annual Music Fashion Runway (MFR) event scheduled for Saturday 2nd December, 2023 at Naval Dockyard, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island Lagos.
The theme for this year’s edition is, “Empowering The Creative/Corporate Mix To Align Infrastructural Development And Growth In Creative and Entertainment Sector”.
Pan African Music Fashion Runway, known as Nigeria’s most influential fashion brand, is a cultural showcase platform blending contemporary Pan African designers, international runway models, cutting edge fashion with live music excellence. It is simply a celebration rich African cultural heritage.
In a conference to announce the upcoming event, NMO Management Limited Group Managing Director/CEO, Dr Ngozi Omambala, said “We are proud to present Pan African 9th annual Music Fashion Runway, Hybrid (physical and online) edition and Game Changer Africa Acknowledgement Award (GCAA). The Creative and Entertainment sector has gone through seismic changes to become absolute force of nature. Growth has been unprecedented yet its infrastructure development lags behind exposing weaknesses and vulnerabilities of youth creatives seeking to carve out careers without support or protection”.
Dr Omambala stated that as Chairperson of Creative and Entertainment sector at Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), she is filled with pride and joy to represent such a vibrant and dynamic industry, create structures that serve long term interests of empowering creatives against a very harsh economic climate.
She promised that MFR 2023 will retain its signature contemporary/cultural showpiece experience, and will be streamed live via their social media platforms as was last year’s successful event, which again opened the pioneering fashion and music platform to a global virtual international audience of exceeding 10,000 watching live. “This year’s hybrid edition will still embrace our international online fan base as well as physical guests at this stunning location. Our priority as always is to produce a first class event of live music excellence, whilst showcasing the most cutting edge Pan African fashion, established designers and international runway models”, Omambala said.
In his comment, the Deputy President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gabriel Idahosa, stated that the entertainment industry represents one of the biggest and best opportunities in creating jobs for young people.
According to him, LCCI is providing a platform to give young talents technical, management and financial empowerment needed for their upscaling.
The Game Changer Africa Acknowledgement (GCAA) Award platform program at MFR honours trailblazers and pioneers; recognizing their significant contribution in the creative industry. Past recipients include, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde (Best Actress AMVCA), Global icon and movie legend, Kunle Afolayan, Legendary Film Director, Lanre Da Silva, Iconic fashion designer, and late Wale Aborderin, Former Chairman Punch Newpapers, Philanthropist.
Others include Maki OH: Amaka Osakwe – Worldwide Brand fashion designer, (Michelle Obama, Kerry Washington, Lupita Nyong’o, Beyonce, and Lady GaGa)
In 2020, Guy Murray-Bruce President, Silverbird Group was also honoured.
Kelechi Amadi Obi, World renown photographer, and Linda Ikeji billionaire blogger, among others were honoured at different times during MFR.
Also, Music Fashion Runway for the third year in succession, selects exceptional model Ambassadors to shine light and inspire. For instance, Victoria Eze has risen to walk international runways with her unique and ‘Runway Ready’ striking features. Winner MFR Model of year Award 2022, she features in campaign visual 9th annual Pan African Music Fashion Runway MFR and Game Changer Africa Acknowledgement Award GCAA alongside MFR favourites past award recipients Mayowa Adedugbe, Oyindamola Okufuye and super star runway model, Nelson Oghenekewe.
The GBT Music Fashion Runway online Model Search 2023 as with last year, will select two upcoming models who will be given a once in a lifetime opportunity to kick-start their modelling careers by walking the MFR 2023 catwalk.
The NMO Management Golden Break Through (GBT) audition platform, is a youth empowerment and social responsibility talent hunt initiative which supports upcoming creative talent.
The Creative Director of XA Model Management, Ovo Ogufere described it as an awesome journey so far. “For the past 9 years, MFR has been looking at those who are already in the music and fashion industry. We have also been able to discover new talents in the younger generation to bring them and encourage them to music, fashion, arts, films, and the media.
He described Nigerians as super talented, creative, and entertaining especially the youths. “The youths need a platform to showcase their God-giving talent. It takes a lot of hard work, talent, and encouragement in the fashion industry sector. Nigerians are good in fashion and entertainment and most African companies are looking for good leadership and we cannot afford to go beyond excellent. So, for every edition, we will have to go higher and stronger in the MFR edition”.
Also speaking, Nelson Oghenekewe, a fashion and runway model recalled how MFR has helped him over the years to change his life. “MFR has changed my life in so many areas and given me the opportunity to be a model in the sector and bring out my talents in fashion, modeling, and ability to become a great person in the industry and life”.
