Spotlight on Song of the Year Nominees as Nine States Celebrate Musical Talent at Niger Delta Advancement Awards 8.0

 

Port Harcourt, Rivers State – As the Niger Delta region prepares for the highly anticipated Niger Delta Advancement Awards (NDAA) 8.0, excitement is building ahead of the grand event scheduled for Sunday, February 8, 2026, in Port Harcourt. Organized by JUVENIS Magazine/TV, the awards celebrate excellence across various sectors, with a strong emphasis on promoting positive development, unity, and cultural pride in the nine Niger Delta states: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.

Alexa News Network Limited (Alexa.ng), a leading digital media platform focused on credible and development-oriented reporting, is proud to serve as an official media partner for NDAA 8.0. This collaboration aims to amplify the voices of the region, highlight achievements, and foster greater public engagement through in-depth coverage, nominee profiles, and sensitization on the awards' transparent selection process.

One of the most competitive categories this year is Song of the Year, featuring 15 outstanding tracks from talented artists representing the rich musical diversity of the Niger Delta. These nominees showcase a blend of Afrobeat, highlife, reggae-dancehall, hip-hop, and traditional influences, reflecting the region's vibrant cultural heritage. The category highlights emerging and established voices who have captivated audiences with infectious rhythms, meaningful lyrics, and innovative sounds.

Here are detailed profiles of the nominees, celebrating their contributions to Niger Delta music:

1. Abella – Pyrex Kyddah ft. Duncan Mighty (Rivers)

Emerging artist Pyrex Kyddah teams up with Port Harcourt's iconic son, Duncan Mighty, known as the "Port Harcourt First Son." Duncan Mighty, born Duncan Wene Mighty Okechukwu in Obio-Akpor, Rivers State, is a veteran singer, producer, and songwriter whose versatile style fuses highlife, Afrobeat, and reggae. With hits like "Obianuju" and collaborations with Wizkid and Davido, he has reshaped Niger Delta sound. "Abella" promises to blend Pyrex Kyddah's fresh energy with Mighty's signature depth.

2. E No Ma So – O’fresh (Delta)

O’fresh, a rising star from Delta State, brings authentic Afrobeat vibes. Representing the creative hub of Warri and Asaba, his track captures the resilience and rhythm of Delta's music scene, home to legends like Orezi and Harrysong.

3. Up Iweka – Erigga ft. Phyno (Edo)

Erigga, the street-acclaimed "King of the South," hails from Warri in Delta but is listed under Edo influence. Known for raw pidgin rap and motivational lyrics in albums like The Erigma 2, he collaborates with Igbo rap powerhouse Phyno (Chibuzo Nelson Azubuike), famed for indigenous flows in tracks like "Fada Fada." "Up Iweka" is a gritty anthem celebrating hustle.

4. Chop Life – Challex D Boss (Cross River)

Challex D Boss, a US-based Afro-pop sensation from Yakurr in Cross River, is a songwriter, performer, and former Cross River State Youth Ambassador. With hits like "Deliver" and "Yo Yo," his upbeat "Chop Life" embodies celebration and resilience from Calabar's vibrant scene.

5. Carry Go – Maxi Kabiesi ft. Duncan Mighty (Rivers)

Veteran Maxi Kabiesi, a Port Harcourt-raised singer influenced by early 2000s sounds, collaborates again with Duncan Mighty. Known for tracks like "Ororo," Maxi reflects on his comeback, drawing inspiration from regional icons.

6. With You – Khalif Da Cypha (Bayelsa)

Khalif Da Cypha, a reggae-dancehall artist from Bayelsa, infuses Ijaw elements into tracks like "Ayiba Mbana." His soulful style promotes gratitude and cultural pride.

7. Branama – KayFrizy (Delta)

KayFrizy (Kigho Justine Ofejiro), a DELSU student from Delta, delivers fiery Afrobeat with "Branama," showcasing youthful energy from the oil-rich state.

8. Gold Digger – Leena Martins ft. Kngpntn (Akwa Ibom)

Leena Martins, acclaimed as Akwa Ibom's fastest rapper, brings fierce lyricism. Her collaboration highlights the state's growing hip-hop scene.

9. Suga – Zubby D (Rivers)

Zubby D represents Rivers' melodic Afro-pop tradition, delivering sweet, relatable vibes.

Kasongo – Upper X (Cross River)

10.Upper X adds Cross River's unique flavor, blending rhythms that echo the state's cultural festivals.

11. Dance – Hvntar (Ondo)

Hvntar (Oche Peter), an Afro-fusion artist with philosophy roots, calls for joy and connection in "Dance," representing Ondo's emerging talent.

12. Original – Emarshal (Abia)

Emarshal brings Abia's high-energy sound, emphasizing authenticity in a competitive industry.

13. Gbamgbutu – Fortune Nada (Rivers)

Fortune Nada contributes Rivers' rhythmic depth with an infectious track.

14. Chemanu Ngbe Nga Anwu – Shama Melody (Imo)

Shama Melody (Chima Eke), an Imo highlife bongo master from Ikeduru, sings in Igbo with traditional flair in albums like Motor Mixture.

15. Yahoo Boy – Official (Delta)

Official closes the list with Delta's bold, contemporary edge.

These nominees embody the Niger Delta's musical renaissance, fusing tradition with modern appeal. Voting is open, and public participation will determine winners through transparent processes.

As NDAA 8.0 approaches, the event promises glamour, inspiration, and unity. Stay tuned to Alexa.ng for updates, interviews, and live coverage. The Niger Delta's stars are rising—join in celebrating their excellence!