The entertainment industry in Anambra state took another turn, Saturday, with the premiere of “Dis Naija”, an 8-track album by Shadrack Nnanna, popularly known as “SheddyJoe De Entertainer”.

It was a gathering of who is who in the state at the unveiling and launch of the beautiful piece of art by the multi talented singer, stand up comedian, thespian, civil servant and Senior Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Events and Protocol.

The grandiose had in attendance, Governor Soludo, with a retinue of members of the state executive council as well as members of the traditional institution including Igwe MacAnthony Okonkwo, the traditional ruler of Alor Community in Idemili South Local Government Area.

SheddyJoe serenaded the audience intermittently with songs from the album like “God I Praise You, Love Your Neighbour, My World, Swim Like a Fish, “Dis Naija”, “Uri Oma” and concluded with “Jump Reggae” which set the stage on fire and shoock the roof.

Special appearances were made by
Ichie Oku, aka Chokey Man de Comedian, Samthio and DJ Jekky B who sent the arena into a frenzy with his Amili track.

Alex Ogbodo, a quintessential broadcaster with Afia TV moderated proceedings at the fun packed event held at Western Meloch Hotels, Ifite Awka.

Unveiling the album, Soludo represented by Mr Ernest Ezeajughi, his Chief of Staff described SheddyJoe De Entertainer as a bundle of talent who had done well for himself and contributed immensely to his administration.

He said he was impressed by the songs, their messages and stage performance of the artiste adding that SheddyJoe already had an automatic slot to perform when the Solution Fun City and New Government House which were at advanced stages would be inaugurated.

Soludo said SheddyJoe was not just living his dream or entertaining his audience but serving as inspiration to others and contributing to the growth of the entertainment and tourism industry which his administration was paying serious attention to because of the huge opportunities it presents to youths.

Also speaking, Don Onyeji, Commissioner Culture, Entertainment and Tourism said the album launch resonated with what his ministry was doing to position the sector as a major economic driver.

Onyenji said the state government was building a massive one stop shop film village which would make Anambra the most preferred destination for shooting location in the country.

He said SheddyJoe enjoyed full support of the state governor and his colleagues in government, noting that, that was a testimony to the commitment of Soludo led administration to supporting creative minds.

Speaking after the premiere, an emotional SheddyJoe said he was fulfilled that his dream of decades had come to reality.

SheddyJoe called on upcoming artistes to face their future with courage and determination as there would always be challenges

He said his vision was to see Awka become the entertainment hub of Southeast while calling on the private sector to key into the opportunity by supporting you talented youth among them.

“I want to see more youths taking this route, I want to see more album launch, more shows, more beans endorsement and more people becoming economically stable through entertainment.

“That is why I want to thank my principal, Prof. Soludo for his passion to develop the tourism Sector in Anambra, the Solution Fun City which is going to be the largest park in Southeast which he is building is nearing completion.

“He supported me and assured that through the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, the industry will be well supported,” he said.

Ogbodo, the anchor of the event who was a schoolmate of SheddyJoe at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology said the artiste had always had flair and passion for entertainment back in the late 1990s as a student.

Ogbodo said he was happy to be part of the history after two decades when SheddyJoe started nursing the idea.

“We were in Mass Communication department in ESUT together and I know as a star waiting to shine because he is a man of immense talents.

“So, I am not surprised that he did this beautiful songs,” he said