Zenith Bank reports 2.9% leap in H1 2019 gross earnings

Zenith Bank has postponed the date for the payout of its 30 kobo interim dividend from the proposed date of 2nd September 2019, to Wednesday 4th September 2019.

This statement is contained in a notification sent by the bank to the Nigeria Stock Exchange.

Reason for the postponement: According to the bank, the date was pushed forward to ensure that all transactions executed on the qualification date of 29th August 2019 are settled and to determine the number of eligible shareholders.

The statement read, “Further to the publication of the Audited Financial Statement of Zenith Bank Plc for the half-year ended 30 June 2019 on 19 August 2019, whereby the Board of Directors declared an interim dividend of 30 kobo per share with a closure of register date of 30 August 2019 and payment of 2 September 2019, the bank wishes to notify the Nigerian Stock Exchange and the investing public that the payment date for the dividend has been changed to Wednesday, 4 September 2019.”

The backstory: Zenith Bank Plc declared an interim dividend of 30 kobo per 50 kobo ordinary share to be paid on Monday, September 2, 2019, to the shareholders whose names appear on the Register of Members as at the close of business on the 29th of August, 2019, according to a Nairametrics report.

Zenith bank

Financial results: The company’s gross earnings went from N322.2 billion in 2018 to N331.6 billion in 2019.

The bank’s Profit Before Tax stood at N111.7 billion on 30th of June 2019 as against N107.4 billion recorded in the same period in 2018.

Profit After Tax stood at N88.9 billion in 2019 as against N81.7 billion recorded in the same period in 2018.

Total assets stood at N5.8 trillion in 2019 compared to N5.9 trillion in 2018.

Understanding dividend: A dividend is a payment made by a company to its shareholders, usually as a distribution of profits. When a company earns a profit or surplus, it reinvests a portion of the profit in the business (retained earnings) whilst paying a portion as dividends to the shareholders.

Distribution to shareholders may be in cash (usually a deposit into their bank accounts) or the issuance of further shares, otherwise known as shares repurchase. But this is usually done if the company has a dividend reinvestment plan.

In other words, a dividend is allocated as a fixed amount per share with shareholders receiving a dividend in proportion to their shareholdings. For the joint-stock company, paying dividends is not an expense, rather, it is the division of after-tax profits among shareholders.

The Champions League Group Stage draw for 2019/20 has been revealed.

Current champions, Liverpool will face Napoli, Salzburg, and Genk in (Group E), while last season’s finalists Tottenham Hotspur, will take on Bayern Munich, Olympiakos and Red Star Belgrade in (Group B).

President Buhari says the 77 Nigerians recently arrested by the US Federal Bureau of Intelligence FBI, for online scam, do not represent the values of majority of Nigerians.

The President broke his silence on the arrest of the Nigerians when he met with leaders of the Nigerian Community living in Japan on the sidelines of the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7).

“Let me also say that there are few Nigerians in the Diaspora that are giving us a bad name by engaging in criminal activities. These Nigerians are a minority, they do not represent the values of our country, and I plead with them to change their ways.

We will not condone any crime whether at home or abroad, and we will also not allow these Nigerians define us as a people with reputation for criminality.” he said

Urging Nigerians in Japan to be good ambassadors of their fatherland, President Buhari said

“I am personally very happy that there are millions of Nigerians all over the world, like you here, who are truly making us proud''.

Describing majority of the over 17 million Nigerians in Diaspora as the face of Nigeria globally and our ambassadors for good, the President noted that many of our Diasporans, like your good selves here today, have excelled in various fields of endeavor, both professionally and individually.

“You have also made significant and overwhelmingly positive contributions to your Nigerian and international host communities. You have continually been a positive bridge between Nigeria and the world. It is not an easy feat and we commend you, salute your courage and efforts.

Japan is at the cutting edge of technology and efficiency, two very important attributes that can play a role in Nigeria and improve our capacity for development,” President Buhari urged members of his audience to continue to contribute their quota by helping to develop their host country and Nigeria as well, adding: “I look forward to your inborn gift, ability, and capacity in taking up this challenge.”

Commending many of them who are already “positively impacting the Nigerian economy through financial home remittances, promoting international trade in Nigerian commodities, our music, culture, tourism, sports, and education, while also helping to establish industries in Nigeria,” the President urged them “to encourage legitimate Japanese entrepreneurs to come and invest in Nigeria.”

According to him

“We are continually working to create the necessary enabling environment for investors to thrive, through improvements in our Ease of Doing Business practices, providing security, diversification of the economy, infrastructure and fighting corruption. We have put in place the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERPG) to put the country on a path of sustained recovery and growth.”

Explaining the rationale for his regular meetings with Nigerians abroad and the establishment of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, President Buhari said:

“As you are aware, I have regularly held town hall meetings with Nigerians in the Diaspora on all my foreign engagements be they in Europe, Asia, America and Africa.

“At these fora, I have always, appealed to our citizens to be our good ambassadors, observe the laws of your host countries, excel in whatever you do legitimately, and also remember us at home (Nigeria). I have established the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission specifically to engage with you, signifying a coordinated attempt by our administration to increase the involvement of our Diaspora in our national development.

“Collectively, your resources, skills, and talents will be a positive force for our country which can help accelerate our national growth and development.”

Imo state government has ordered a citizen’s arrest against Senator Rochas Okorocha, over alleged assault on a government official, Mr Jasper Ndubuaku. 

The Secretary to State Government (SSG), Uche Onyeaguocha, gave the order after the Chairman of the Recovery of Government Properties, Mr Jasper Ndubuaku, was allegedly assaulted at Okorocha’s residence.

Onyeaguocha said that the state had also placed Okorocha on security watch and urged Imo citizens to arrest him and alert the government whenever they find him in the state. A video, trending online on Thursday, captured some thugs beating Ndubuaku at Okorocha’s residence on Spibatt Avenue, Owerri.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Rabiu Ladodo, and SSG confirmed the incident to newsmen at a joint news briefing in Owerri. According to PM News, the commisionner announced that a citizen’s arrest had been declared on Okorocha over the incident. They claimed that Okorocha hired thugs to attack Ndubuaku, who doubles as Special Adviser to Gov. Emeka Ihedioha on Security matters. They said that the Senator representing Imo West would be arrested and prosecuted anytime he enters the state. 

This is happening barely 24 hours after traditional rulers in the state issued a stern warning to Okorocha against disrupting the activities of the recovery team. The commissioner of police said that police would investigate the senator’s involvement in the matter.

Narrating his ordeal, Ndubuaku alleged that he was beaten at Okorocha’s residence and thrown into a gutter by some thugs. He further alleged that he was first held hostage for some hours by the thugs in the presence of security men attached to Okorocha’s residence. He said that the recovery team obtained a court order to search Okorocha’s house.

“We got a court order to recover stolen properties kept in Okorocha’s house and when we got to his house on Thursday, armed thugs attacked us.

There are twenty government vehicles in his house, four Speed Boats, one movable Crain and generator sets, which we went to recover before the incident. “We will not give up the battle, we will go back to his house because the property belongs to Imo government,” Ndubuaku said.

Mr Sam Onwuemeodo, the Special Assistant on Media to Okorocha, however said the recovery committee was attacked by the former governor’s sympathisers and passersby. He said that the recovery team went to Okorocha’s house without a court order, adding that they invaded Okorocha’s residence with no fewer than 50 thugs.

Virgil van Dijk has been crowned UEFA's 2018/19 Men's Player of the Year.

The Liverpool defender beat Barcelona star Lionel Messi and Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to win the award at a ceremony which took place in Monaco, France on Thursday, August 29, 2019

The 28-year-old who also picked up the prize for the UEFA Champions League defender of the year, played an influential role for Liverpool as they won the Champions League and UEFA Super Cup. He also helped his team to finish second place in the Premier League and reached the UEFA Nations League final with Holland in the summer, where they were beaten by Portugal.

After he picked up the prize, he said: "I'm very proud to get this trophy and it's all credit to everyone that has helped me along the way."

The Dutch defender then revealed that he idolised Brazil legend Ronaldinho as he grew up.

He added: "I looked up to a young player as Ronaldinho as he had so much joy in the way he played - with his tricks.

"It was a great feeling to watch him play. "

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson won the award for best goalkeeper, while Frenkie De Jong took home the prize for the best midfielder.

Lionel Messi was crowned the UEFA forward of the year, but was unable to beat Van Dijk to the overall award.

Ibrahim Magu, the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has disclosed that the collaboration between the Commission and the Federal Bureau of Investigations, FBI, has led to the recovery of the sums of $314,000 (Three Hundred and Fourteen Thousand US Dollars) and about N373,000,000 (Three Hundred and Seventy-three Million Naira) from perpetrators of computer-related frauds.

Magu said while the sum of $314,000 had been recovered, the sum of N373m had been traced to various commercial banks by the Lagos Zonal office of the Commission. He also disclosed that the recent joint operations coordinated by the Commission had yielded 28 arrests, adding that 14 suspects had been charged and convicted.

The EFCC Chair further stated that “nine of the suspects are currently undergoing trial, while five are still under investigations. Over 80 cases are still under investigation from the EFCC-FBI joint operations.”

Speaking during a media briefing in Lagos on Tuesday, August 27, 2019, Magu, who spoke through Mohammed Rabo, Zonal Head, EFCC, Lagos, added that, the Lagos zone of the Commission, prior to the collaborative efforts with the FBI, had independently launched a sustained operation on perpetrators of various computer-related frauds.

He said: “From 2018 to date, the EFCC had launched a sustained operation on perpetrators of various computer-related frauds, which resulted in over 200 arrests, 130 convictions and recovery of a large number of exotic cars and properties suspected to have been acquired through the proceeds of crime.

“We had independently launched intensive investigative actions against the infamous Yahoo yahoo boys culminating in various strategic raids and onslaught on their hideouts.

“Our efforts in this regard have recorded tremendous successes leading to a number of arrests, prosecutions and convictions.”

Magu also called on the media to continue to lend its voice to the fight against corruption and economic and financial crimes, saying that “no one has the monopoly of knowledge of how the fight should be fought and won.

“All the critical stakeholders, particularly the media, must continue to collaborate and cooperate with us to make the fight a success.

“I urge you to continue to help us sensitize, mobilize and educate all the critical stakeholders to continue to support the fight against economic and financial crimes. We must collectively strive to achieve the Nigeria of our dream.

“It is very critical for you to understand that you owe the youth that social responsibility of awakening their consciousness to the importance of a noble life devoid of crimes.”

He also reiterated that the Commission would leave no stone unturned towards stamping out corruption and economic and financial crimes from our society.

The United States Embassy in Nigeria says effective from Thursday, August 29th this year, Nigerians applying for tourism, student and business visas will pay an additional $110 (N40, 700) to collect their visa if they are granted. This is asides the N59, 200 visa applicatuon fee.

 According to a statement released by the Embassy today August 27th, applicants seeking the L1 Visa (work permit) will pay an extra N112, 100 if given visas while those applying for H4 Visa (dependency/spousal) will pay an extra N66, 600. The US Embassy adopted the rate of N370/$1 for Nigerians which is higher than both the official rate and the black market rate.

 The Embassy says the increment was done based on reciprocity. It lamented that Americans seeking to come into Nigeria were being asked to pay exorbitant VISA fees by the Nigerian government and after all efforts to make the Federal government reduce the fee proved abortive, they took the decision to increase theirs.

 The new Visa fees come less than four months after the US cancelled the drop box system for Nigerian visa applicants which used to allow Nigerians who have a travel history to the US to apply for visas without going for interviews at the embassy.

The statement reads

“Effective worldwide on August 29, Nigerian citizens will be required to pay a visa issuance fee, or reciprocity fee, for all approved applications for non-immigrant visas in B, F, H1B, I, L, and R visa classifications.

“The reciprocity fee will be charged in addition to the non-immigrant visa application fee, also known as the MRV fee, which all applicants pay at the time of application.  Nigerian citizens whose applications for a non-immigrant visa are denied will not be charged the new reciprocity fee. Both reciprocity and MRV fees are non-refundable, and their amounts vary based on visa classification.

“US law requires US visa fees and validity periods to be based on the treatment afforded to US citizens by foreign governments, insofar as possible.  Visa issuance fees are implemented under the principle of reciprocity: when a foreign government imposes additional visa fees on US citizens, the United States will impose reciprocal fees on citizens of that country for similar types of visas.

“Nationals of a number of countries worldwide are currently required to pay this type of fee after their non-immigrant visa application is approved.

“The total cost for a US citizen to obtain a visa to Nigeria is currently higher than the total cost for a Nigerian to obtain a comparable visa to the United States.  The new reciprocity fee for Nigerian citizens is meant to eliminate that cost difference.

“Since early 2018, the US government has engaged the Nigerian government to request that the Nigerian government change the fees charged to US citizens for certain visa categories.  After 18 months of review and consultations, the government of Nigeria has not changed its fee structure for U.S. citizen visa applicants, requiring the US Department of State to enact new reciprocity fees in accordance with our visa laws.

“The reciprocity fee will be required for all Nigerian citizens worldwide, regardless of where they are applying for a non-immigrant visa to the United States.  The reciprocity fee is required for each visa that is issued, which means both adults and minors whose visa applications are approved will be charged the reciprocity fee.  The fee can only be paid at the US Embassy or the US Consulate General.  The reciprocity fee cannot be paid at banks or any other location.”

The complete reciprocity fee schedule, organized by visa classification, can be found below.

The reciprocity tables displayed on travel.state.gov will be updated to reflect the changes above.

Emmanuel Macron, the President of France has blasted Brazil's president Jair Bolsonaro after he appeared to mock his wife on social media.

Trouble started after Bolsonaro endorsed a sexist Facebook post about France's 66-year-old first lady Brigitte Macron. Bolsonaro's supporter posted a meme mocking the appearance of Mrs. Macron and compared her with Brazil's 37-year-old first lady Michelle Bolsonaro.

He wrote: 'Now you understand why Macron is persecuting Bolsonaro?'

The far-right Brazilian leader, 64, replied: 'Do not humiliate the guy, ha ha,' referring to Mr. Macron.

While at a Monday (August 26) meeting for emergency talks by G7 nations on the fires destroying chunks of the Amazon rainforest, French President Macron, 41, accused Bolsonaro of having a 'colonialist mentality'.

When asked about the post at the G7 summit in Biarritz, France, Macron said that 'Brazilian women are probably feeling ashamed of their president.'

Asked whether the response on social media came from Bolsonaro himself, a spokesman for Brazil's presidential palace refused to comment. But the French Prime Minister hit back saying: 'He said very disrespectful things about my wife, I have great respect for the Brazilian people and can only hope they soon have a president who is up to the job.'

He said Bolsonaro's comments were 'extraordinarily rude', adding: 'What can I say? It's sad. It's sad for him firstly, and for Brazilians.'

Mr Macron added at the press conference in France: 'I think Brazilian women will probably be ashamed to read that from their president.

'I think that Brazilians, who are a great people, will probably be ashamed to see this behaviour.

'And as I feel friendship and respect towards the Brazilian people, I hope that they will very soon have a president who behaves in the right way.'

The dispute comes as Macron announced the G7 counties would release 20 million euros ($22m) to help fight the raging fires in the Amazon.

Serena Williams defeated Maria Sharapova to come out victorious on the first night of the US Open to reach the second round.

The 37-year-old American who has 23 major singles titles took only 58 minutes to humble Sharapova 6-1, 6-1 in the US Open first-round match which took place at the Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday night ( August 26)

After the match, Serena Williams who lost to Naomi Osaka in the 2018 US Open final at the same Stadium, addressed the crowd during her interview with ESPN.

"Thank you for supporting me," she said. "I've said it once, but I've had a lot of tough matches here and a lot of tough losses, but coming out tonight makes it all worthwhile."

Sharapova, 32, who has been plagued by injuries this year said: "This is a very different chapter in my career."

"It's not an easy road. It's never been. But I went through a shoulder procedure about four months ago. To find myself playing at a night match at the US Open with people excited about the matchup, it's a pretty big deal. I'm fortunate to be a part of that.

"It's easy to be discouraged after a match like this. But if I'm personally discouraged, I wake up tomorrow, I don't feel like I want to go out, train, be better, that's more discouraging than the result."

The Federal Government has linked the contract which led to a judgement debt of $9.6billion(N3.5trillion) to the administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan. 

President Buhari has now ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Intelligence Agency(NIA) and the Inspector-General of Police to probe the criminal conspiracy behind the failed contract. 

The government said the contractor, Pocess and Industrial Developments Ltd. (P&ID) did not execute the contract. The government made the clarifications at a joint briefing in Abuja by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alh. Lai Mohammed alongside the Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami(SAN), the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.

Mohammed said: “We have invited you here today to brief you on the recent judgement of a UK Court authorizing Process and Industrial Developments Ltd. (P&ID) to seize 9.6 billion dollars in Nigerian assets, over a contract entered into by the company and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources in 2010. We will quickly run you through the issues at stake as well as what the Nigerian government is doing to stave off any seizure of its assets.

We do hope that by the time we conclude this briefing, the media would have been better informed on  the whole issue, hence will be better placed to inform Nigerians and clear the misrepresentations in certain circles. 

“The judgement that was delivered on Friday, 16  August 2019 is a fallout of the contract purportedly entered into in 2010 between the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and P&ID. Please note that in the 20-year Gas Supply Processing Agreement (GSPA)  purportedly entered into with the P&ID in 2010, the company never performed as agreed.”

Malami also added that the ”contract was designed ab initio to fail. We investigating the criminal conspiracy".

Frank Mba, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, has explained why it took so long for the senior Pastor of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly, Biodun Fatoyinbo, to be invited for questioning over the rape allegations levelled against him by Busola, a photographer and wife of popular singer, Timi Dakolo.

Speaking in an interview with Punch, Mba who confirmed that Fatoyinbo was in their custody, said the police wanted to get statements from several witnesses and then build a solid case before inviting him.

“We have done a whole lot of background investigations and spoken to a whole lot of people before now. It was a deliberate investigative procedure to bring him last. Although we may invite others later depending on how investigations go. We were not in a hurry to bring him because we wanted to have enough background information that would be used in interrogating him. We have done an extensive investigation.” he said

He added that it was too early to determine if Fatoyinbo will be detained.

2019 MTV Video Music Awards held last night, August 26, 2019, at the Prudential Center in Newark.

This year, Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande tied  for the title of most-nominated artist as they received 10 nods each. Billie Eilish got 9 nods and Lil Nas follows with 8.

At the event, Taylor Swift kicked off the main show with “You Need to Calm Down” and the first-ever live performance of “Lover.” Missy Elliott received the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award and performed a medley of her songs, including her new song “Throw It Back.”

Lil Nas X performed his “Old Town Road” followup “Panini.” Lizzo performed “Truth Hurts” and “Good As Hell”.

Megan Thee Stallion opened the pre-show with a performance of “Big Ole Freak” and later performed a medley of “Hot Girl Summer” and “Cash Shit.”

It was indeed a memorable show. Below is the list of winners from last night.

Video Vanguard

WINNER: Missy Elliott

Video of the Year

WINNER: Taylor Swift: “You Need to Calm Down”

21 Savage: “a lot” [ft. J. Cole]

Billie Eilish: “bad guy”

Ariana Grande: thank u, next”

Jonas Brothers: “Sucker”

Lil Nas X: “Old Town Road (Remix)” [ft. Billy Ray Cyrus]

Artist of the Year

WINNER: Ariana Grande

Cardi B

Billie Eilish

Halsey

Jonas Brothers

Shawn Mendes

Song of the Year

WINNER: Lil Nas X: “Old Town Road (Remix)” [ft. Billy Ray Cyrus]

Drake: “In My Feelings”

Ariana Grande: “thank u, next”

Jonas Brothers: “Sucker”

Lady Gaga / Bradley Cooper: “Shallow”

Taylor Swift: “You Need to Calm Down”

Best New Artist

WINNER: Billie Eilish

Ava Max

H.E.R.

Lil Nas X

Lizzo

ROSALÍA

Best Collaboration

WINNER: Shawn Mendes / Camila Cabello: “Señorita”

Lil Nas X: “Old Town Road (Remix)” [ft. Billy Ray Cyrus]

Lady Gaga / Bradley Cooper: “Shallow”

Taylor Swift: “ME!” [ft. Brendon Urie]

Ed Sheeran / Justin Bieber: “I Don’t Care”

BTS: “Boy With Luv” [ft. Halsey]

Push Artist of the Year

WINNER: Billie Eilish

Bazzi

CNCO

H.E.R.

Lauv

Lizzo

Best Pop

WINNER: Jonas Brothers: “Sucker”

5 Seconds of Summer: “Easier”

Cardi B / Bruno Mars: “Please Me”

Billie Eilish: “bad guy”

Khalid: “Talk”

Ariana Grande: “thank u, next”

Taylor Swift: “You Need to Calm Down”

Best Hip-Hop

WINNER: Cardi B: “Money”

2 Chainz: “Rule the World”[ft. Ariana Grande]

21 Savage: “a lot” [ft. J. Cole]

DJ Khaled: “Higher” [ft. Nipsey Hussle and John Legend]

Lil Nas X: “Old Town Road (Remix)” [ft. Billy Ray Cyrus]

Travis Scott: “SICKO MODE” [ft. Drake]

Best R&B

WINNER: Normani: “Waves” [ft. 6LACK]

Anderson .Paak: “Make It Better” [ft. Smokey Robinson]

Childish Gambino: “Feels Like Summer”

H.E.R.: “Could’ve Been” [ft. Bryson Tiller]

Alicia Keys: “Raise a Man”

Ella Mai: “Trip”

Best K-Pop

WINNER: BTS: “Boy With Luv” [ft. Halsey]

BLACKPINK: “Kill This Love”

Monsta X: “Who Do You Love” [ft. French Montana]

TOMORROW X TOGETHER: “Cat & Dog”

NCT 127: “Regular”

EXO: “Tempo”

Best Latin

WINNER: ROSALÍA / J Balvin: “Con Altura” [ft. El Guincho]

Anuel AA / Karol G: “Secreto”

Bad Bunny: “MIA” [ft. Drake]

benny blanco / Tainy / Selena Gomez / J Balvin: “I Can’t Get Enough”

Daddy Yankee: “Con Calma” [ft. Snow]

Maluma: “Mala Mía”

Best Dance

WINNER: The Chainsmokers: “Call You Mine” [ft. Bebe Rexha]

Clean Bandit: “Solo” [ft. Demi Lovato]

DJ Snake: “Taki Taki” [ft. Selena Gomez, Ozuna and Cardi B]

David Guetta / Bebe Rexha / J Balvin: “Say My Name”

Marshmello / Bastille: “Happier”

Silk City / Dua Lipa: “Electricity”

Best Rock

WINNER: Panic! At the Disco: “High Hopes”

The 1975: “Love It If We Made It”

Fall Out Boy: “Bishops Knife Trick”

Imagine Dragons: “Natural”

Lenny Kravitz: “Low”

Twenty one pilots: “My Blood”

Video for Good

WINNER: Taylor Swift: “You Need to Calm Down”

Halsey: “Nightmare”

The Killers: “Land of the Free”

Jamie N Commons / Skylar Grey: “Runaway Train” [ft. Gallant]

John Legend: “Preach”

Lil Dicky: “Earth”

Best Group

WINNER: BTS

5 Seconds of Summer

Backstreet Boys

BLACKPINK

CNCO

Jonas Brothers

PRETTYMUCH

Why Don’t We

Best Power Anthem

WINNER: Megan Thee Stallion: “Hot Girl Summer” [ft. Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla $ign]

Ariana Grande: “7 rings”

DJ Khaled: “Wish Wish” [ft. Cardi B and 21 Savage]

Halsey: “Nightmare”

Lizzo: “Tempo” [ft. Missy Elliott]

Maren Morris: “Girl”

Miley Cyrus: “Mother’s Daughter”

Taylor Swift: “You Need To Calm Down”

Song of Summer

WINNER: Ariana Grande and Social House: “Boyfriend”

Billie Eilish: “Bad Guy”

DaBaby: “Suge”

Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber: “I Don’t Care”

Jonas Brothers: “Sucker”

Khalid: “Talk”

Lil Nas X: “Old Town Road (Remix)” [ft. Billy Ray Cyrus]

Lil Tecca: “Ransom”

Lizzo: “Truth Hurts”

Miley Cyrus: “Mother’s Daughter”

Post Malone: “Goodbyes” [ft. Young Thug]

Rosalía and J Balvin: “Con Altura” [ft. El Guincho]

Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello: “Señorita”

Taylor Swift: “You Need To Calm Down”

The Chainsmokers and Bebe Rexha: “Call You Mine”

Young Thug: “The London” [ft. J. Cole and Travis Scott]

Fashion Trailblazer

WINNER: Marc Jacobs

Best Direction

WINNER: Lil Nas X: “Old Town Road (Remix)” [ft. Billy Ray Cyrus] (dir. Calmatic)

Billie Eilish: “bad Guy” (dir. Dave Meyers)

FKA twigs: “Cellophane” (dir. Andrew Thomas Huang)

Ariana Grande: “thank u, next” (dir. Hannah Lux Davis)

LSD: “No New Friends” (dir. Dano Cerny)

Taylor Swift: “You Need to Calm Down” (dir. Drew Kirsch and Taylor Swift)

Best Visual Effects

WINNER: Taylor Swift: “ME!” [ft. Brendon Urie] (visual effects: Loris Paillier & Lucas Salton for BUF VFX)

Billie Eilish: “when the party’s over” (visual effects: Ryan Ross, Andres Jaramillo)

FKA twigs: “Cellophane” (visual effects: Matt Chandler, Fabio Zaveti for Analog)

Ariana Grande: “God is a woman” (visual effects: Fabrice Lagayette, Kristina Prilukova & Rebecca Rice for Mathematic)

DJ Khaled: “Just Us” [ft. SZA] (visual effects: Sergii Mashevskyi)

LSD: “No New Friends” (visual effects: Ethan Chancer)

Best Editing

WINNER: Billie Eilish: “bad guy” (editing: Billie Eilish)

Anderson .Paak: “Tints” [ft. Kendrick Lamar] (editing: Elias Talbot)

Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road (Remix)” (editing: Calmatic)

Ariana Grande: “7 rings” (editing: Hannah Lux Davis & Taylor Walsh)

Solange: “Almeda” (editing: Solange Knowles, Vinnie Hobbs, Jonathon Proctor)

Taylor Swift: “You Need to Calm Down” (editing: Jarrett Fijal)

Best Art Direction

WINNER: Ariana Grande: “7 rings” (art direction: John Richoux)

BTS: “Boy With Luv” [ft. Halsey] (art direction: JinSil Park, BoNa Kim (MU:E))

Lil Nas X: “Old Town Road (Remix)” [ft. Billy Ray Cyrus] (art direction: Itaru Dela Vegas)

Shawn Mendes / Camila Cabello: “Señorita” (art direction: Tatiana Van Sauter)

Taylor Swift: “You Need to Calm Down” (art direction: Brittany Porter)

Kanye West / Lil Pump: “I Love It” [ft. Adele Givens] (art direction: Tino Schaedler)

Best Choreography

WINNER: ROSALÍA / J Balvin: “Con Altura” [ft. El Guincho] (choreography: Charm La’Donna)

FKA twigs: “Cellophane” (choreography: Kelly Yvonne)

LSD: “No New Friends” (choreography: Ryan Heffington)

Shawn Mendes / Camila Cabello: “Señorita” (choreography: Calvit Hodge, Sara Biv)

Solange: “Almeda” (choreography: Maya Taylor, Solange Knowles)

BTS: “Boy With Luv” [ft. Halsey] (choreography: Rie Hata)

Best Cinematography

WINNER: Shawn Mendes / Camila Cabello: “Señorita” (cinematography: Scott Cunningham)

Anderson .Paak: “Tints” [ft. Kendrick Lamar] (cinematography: Elias Talbot)

Billie Eilish: “hostage” (cinematography: Pau Castejon)

Ariana Grande: “thank u, next” (cinematography: Christopher Probst)

Solange: “Almeda” (cinematography: Chayse Irvin, Ryan Marie Helfant, Justin Hamilton)

Taylor Swift: “ME!” [ft. Brendon Urie] (cinematography: Starr Whitesides)

South African rapper, Nasty C; Nigeria's Davido and Burna Boy lead the nominations for the 6th AFRIMA Awards that has just been released.

The Nominees' List comprises of 26 Continental Award Categories. Nasty C leads with nine nominations followed by Davido with six nominations and Burna Boy with five.

Voting closes on November 22.  See the full list below...