by Sola Fasasi

The 2011 edition of Africa’s biggest youth event kicked off at about 5pm on the 30th of January 2011, as guests began to make their way into the Landmark Village, lighting up The Future Awards’ trademark green carpet. They were met by the wonderful hosts of the Y! Red Carpet – Adebayo Oke-Lawal, Makida Moka, Ifeanyi Dike Jr. and Bubu Ogisi – who welcomed and engaged them, put them at ease and sent them off into the marquee to have a wonderful evening.

The beautifully lit hall was literally bursting at the seams with the inimitable energy of youth. From the rendition of the national anthem to presentation of the final award, The Future Awards 2011 was an exciting mishmash of riveting performances, outstanding personalities and inspiring speeches. Guests were thrilled to watch M.I, Banky W, Chase, Tosin Martins, Genevieve Nnaji, Tomi Odunsi, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and a troupe of other top Nigerian entertainers light up the stage, as the hosts of the awards Yvonne Ekwere, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Dolapo Oni and Dr Sid – dolled up and dapper in outfits by MAI, Bridget Awosika and Ouch! – effortlessly took the show from one climax to another. At the end of it all, it was clear that everyone who attended went home feeling a renewed sense of hope and a desire to achieve greater heights. Mission accomplished!

But there’s more. As guests enjoyed the evening, the Y! team – emissaries of the new High Priest of Nigerian youth culture – were on a mission: ‘Cover The Future Awards from unanticipated angles. Search all corners and catch unexpected moments. Leave no stone unturned’. So we took strategic positions and we watched, we snapped – and yes – eavesdropped where necessary!

A little bird overheard a few praying hard for green carpet malfunctions, but thankfully their prayers bounced right off the pearly gates, as the green carpet session and the ensuing award show couldn’t have gone more smoothly. We must confess however, the team did catch some priceless, comical moments!

Pictures tell the best stories, especially when those captured in them are not aware that they are being photographed! So beyond the clichéd Green Carpet poses, our team went the extra mile – to catch the funny, the quirky, the unexpected. We present ‘Take 2! The EXCLUSIVE candid shots’ – a ‘SideView report’ – from The Future Awards 2011!