The award was presented to the Nigerian singer by a student group.

Samuel Oluwasina

Music sensation and Rich & Famous crooner, Praise Adejo, popularly known as Praiz, has been recognized as the ‘Voice of the Year’ by a student group under the platform of the Student Leaders Alliance of Nigeria (SLAN).

The award was presented to Praiz at the X3M Ideas office in Lagos on Thursday by delegates led by the National Secretary of the group, Tunde Aguntasolo.

The student leaders unanimously agreed to award Praiz for his outstanding performance in the music industry and his inspirational songs, especially Rich & Famous, which encourages young people and spurs them into positive actions.

The Student Leaders Alliance of Nigeria decided to honour Praiz with the award during her three-day national convention, held in Edo State recently. The national convention was well attended by leaders from 118 student organizations across campuses in the country. Each organization had nominated one artiste for the award but after scrupulous screening, only 23 artistes made the final list and Praiz finally emerged the winner.

Earlier, a member of the SLAN delegate and President of the Association of Campus Journalists, Obafemi Awolowo University, Sam Adegbola, had presented the ‘Role Model’ Award to the Chief Executive Officer of X3M Ideas, Steve Babaeko, for his exceptional contribution and remarkable support for young people across the country.

In his appreciation message, Praiz thanked the student groups for presenting him with the award. He promised to do more in appreciation of his fans and assured the student leaders of his unflinching support for their activities.

“I’m glad to have you guys here today and I want to tell you that the popular “Rich & Famous” is just one of my many inspirational songs. My debut album will be out in May and you should expect nothing less from what is presently trending. I owe my success to God, my record label, X3M Music, my family and my fans,” he said.

While reacting to questions from the delegates, Praiz said his childhood was fun as he grew up in Kaduna where his father’s job took them to in 1992. He affirmed that he is not moved by things that are practically not necessary, adding that he has seen a lot.

Praiz also availed himself the opportunity to debunk the speculation that Rich & Famous is similar to Travie McCoy’s Billionaire. He said the two songs are of the same genre and therefore could afford to be similar. He, however, denied he got his inspiration from McCoy’s Billionaire. His inspiration, he said, came from his ingrained desire to do what a responsible son will do for his mother.

“I want to buy my mum a car,” he said.