A budding artiste, John Anekwe, has emerged winner of the 2022 edition of Life Beer’s ‘Hi-Life Fest’, receiving a cash prize of N10 million.
The Brand Manager, Life Continental Lager Beer, Hilson Mbara, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Lagos.
Mbara said Anekwe also got a N15 million music distribution and N5 million in video production deals.
According to Mbara, Anekwe beat Amadi Jane and Kingsley Orji, who finished second and third respectively at the grand finale held on Dec. 18.
“We are pleased to drop the anchor on this year’s edition of Hi-Life Fest after weeks of searching for the next indigenous music superstar.
“It has been a journey laced with fun and excitement as some of the best talents from this part of the world put to show what they are made up of.
“Over the years, Life Beer has consistently done this to bring to the limelight talented artistes striving to accomplish a lifelong ambition of becoming music stars.
“We, therefore, remain dedicated to preserving and promoting the Igbo culture and extolling our ethos of culture, brotherhood and progress,” he said.
He said throughout the show, the budding singer serenaded the audience with his sonorous voice, confidence, and unrivalled stage presence, which are the hallmark of a songster.
“While these qualities set him above other contestants, he warmed his way into the heart of judges with his lyrical dexterity.
“Anekwe’s journey to emerging as the winner of Hi-Life Fest 2022 did not come on a platter of gold.
“He, alongside Amadi Jane and Kingsley Orji, we’re among the 12 finalists who made it through the regional audience which saw at least 10,000 entries from indigenous musical talents who needed a platform to showcase themselves,” Mbara said.
According to him, highlife music icon, Bright Chimezie, and veteran rapper, Mr Raw, were the judges on the show.
