CNN Rates Thisday Music Festival Among Worlds Best

Source Naija rules, Bamidele and Bolanle, 7th November 2009

America’s globally respected cable channel, Cable News Network (CNN), has rated THISDAY Music Festival among the best in the world.

In an article entitled “A Guide to the World’s Best Music Festivals” which is on its website, CNN describes the festival as the biggest in Africa.

“The THISDAY festival in Nigeria, launched in 2006 by the editor-in-chief of THISDAY newspaper, Nduka Obaigbena, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the end of slavery, is the biggest music and fashion festival in Africa,” it said, while rating it No. 6 in list of the top 12 in the world.

It highlighted the fact that Obaigbena said: “The festival is meant to highlight the positive progress being made in Africa, and find sustainable solutions for the continent’s problems.”

CNN also acknowledged that some of the world’s biggest artistes had been showcased at the event over the years.

In 2006, the list of artistes that performed represented the who-is-who in world music, namely Jay-Z, Beyonce, Snoop Dogg, Ciara, Busta Rhymes and En Vogue.

In 2007, international artistes such as UB40, Kelly Rowland and Rihanna also performed.

Last year’s concert, with the theme “Africa Rising”, showcased Jay-Z, Rihanna, Usher, John Legend and Chris Brown.

It was a four-city tour, covering Abuja, Lagos, Washington DC and London, where Seal, Chris Agulera and Yossou N’Dour performed.

Nigerian stars have also stolen the stage to showcase their talent to the world – 2Face Idiba, Olu Maintain and Usher have received rave reviews performing at the THISDAY Music Festival on the international scene.

This year, American R&B legend, R. Kelly, performed at the festival in Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa, as well as in Abuja and Lagos.

Below is the full list as published on CNN’s website: Bonnaroo, Tennessee, U.S.; Glastonbury, Somerset, England; Rock Al Parque, Bogota, Colombia; Roskilde, Denmark; Exit, Novi Sad, Serbia; THISDAY Music Festival, Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria; Fuji Rock, Naeba, Japan; Lollapalooza, Chicago, U.S.; Bestival, Isle Of Wight, England; Parklife, Australia; Woodstock, Cape Town, South Africa; and Sunburn, Goa, India.

via nigeriamusicmovement.com