Nigeria’s Joey Jaey Wins Lucas’ Best Pop Music Award for “Orekelewa”

Canadian artist of Nigerian descent, Joey Jaey, has secured the Best Pop/Electronic/House Music Video award for his Afrocentric track Orekelewa at the 2024 Lucas Awards, Cuba’s premier celebration of music video excellence.

Joey Jaey, born in Nigeria and now based in Toronto, blends Afrocentric rhythms with contemporary pop and electronic influences, creating a unique musical identity. Though not a Cuban artist, Orekelewa was brought to life through a collaboration with acclaimed Cuban director Amy Prats, whose visionary storytelling perfectly encapsulated the song’s essence.

“Working with Amy Prats and Flora Borrego made this project incredibly special,” Joey remarked. “Their creativity and passion elevated Orekelewa beyond my expectations. I’m honored that our collaboration resonated with so many.”

Premiering in August on prominent platforms like MTV Base Trace and Sound City, the Orekelewa music video has been widely acclaimed, particularly in Africa, where it found a dedicated audience, especially in Kenya. Its international success underscores Joey’s ability to bridge cultures and connect with diverse audiences worldwide.

Reflecting on his win, Joey Jaey shared, “I boarded the plane with zero expectations. Being nominated in four categories was already a win for me. I thought, ‘I’m not Cuban—how could I possibly win?’ Yet, here I am. This award is a reminder to trust your craft and believe in yourself.”

The Lucas Awards, organized by the Cuban Institute of Radio and Television, are Cuba’s most prestigious platform for honoring excellence in music video production. This year’s event showcased exceptional talent from around the world, with Joey Jaey’s victory highlighting the universal appeal of his artistry.

Joey’s journey through 2024 has been remarkable. With a promise to release a new song every last Friday of the month, his relentless creativity and dedication continue to cement his status as one of the most exciting voices in music today.