The Beat FM Hennessy Artistry cypher competition, which ran through September and October, reached its final phase last night, October 18 as Manilapush emerged winner of the keenly contested competition. After weeks of voting for the fan-favourite freestyle contenders, four finalists were selected and hosted at the Beat FM studios in Lagos for the final stage of the competition with Hennessy Artistry 2012 headliners, M.I and Naeto C as judges. After the finalists had one last opportunity to show their prowess, Manilapush real name, Ede Emmanuel beat the remaining three contestants with his super impressive delivery. Finalist, A’pluz also emerged second place earning for himself exciting gifts courtesy Hennessy Cognac and The Beat FM 99.9. “We are proud to have been Hennessy Artistry’s Official Radio Partner for 4 years running, and each year we aim to bring something different to our listeners. This year the cypher competition which we ran through our Lyricist Lounge radio show gave us the perfect opportunity to connect aspiring talents with the Hennessy Artistry music platform.” General Manager, Beat FM, Deji Awokoya says. “The competition between these up and coming artistes has been tough. We have so many talents in Nigeria and Hennessy Cognac is doing a great job at helping these future musicians live their dream. For an upcoming artiste, what could be better than a live cypher judged by hip-hop icons Naeto C and M.I?” said Beat FM OAP, Douglas. During their Beat FM appearance, M.I and Naeto C also gave one lucky caller a surprise gift of two invitations to the exclusive invitation-only Hennessy Artistry 2012 Finale. The winner of the Beat FM cypher competition produced the best third verse for ‘Bartender’, Hennessy Artistry’s 2012 collaboration track which was originally penned by Naeto C, M.I and the producer, Tee-Y Mix. The competition winner will get to attend the Hennessy Artistry 2012 Finale as a VIP guest and will be treated to a once-in-a-lifetime experience backstage with the event’s superstar performances. Since the beginning of the sixth edition of Hennessy Artistry, there has been a display of pure creativity and talent. From the announcement of two heavyweights in the Nigerian entertainment industry as Headliners of the project, to the release of a groundbreaking theme song ‘Bartender’ and music video which has taken over radio stations and clubs across the country and beyond. The Hennessy Artistry train of exciting acts, also visited major cities like Abuja, Calabar, Port Harcourt and Lagos, led by M.I and Naeto C, for the Hennessy Artistry Club Tour. “Nigeria is blessed with amazing talent and one of our needs as an industry is sponsorship and support for upcoming artistes. Hennessy Cognac has really contributed to the growth of the industry through its annual Hennessy Artistry project, but also through many other platforms. I’m very glad to be a part of this great platform which enables us all to continue to support and enjoy good Nigerian music….” Naeto C says.]]>