Emerging music sensation, So-Bliss, has won the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Rivers State Campaign Song Challenge, securing the top prize after outperforming ten other finalists in a keenly contested competition designed to showcase the state’s vibrant musical talent.
The event drew the presence of the Leader of the NDC in Rivers State and sponsor of the initiative, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, the party’s State Chairman, Hon. Success Jack, party candidates, senior officials, supporters, and members of the creative community.
Addressing participants after the performances, Chief Lulu-Briggs said he deliberately stayed through every presentation because he wanted to personally experience the depth of talent and determination among Rivers State’s young creatives.
He noted that the competition reaffirmed his belief that the state possesses an abundance of gifted entertainers who have continued to excel despite years of limited institutional support.
Chief Lulu-Briggs expressed disappointment that the state’s latest budget failed to make provisions for the entertainment and creative industry, even though the sector continues to thrive through the efforts of young people who organize concerts, theatrical productions, seminars, workshops, and other artistic initiatives.
According to him, any administration committed to genuine development must prioritize its youthful population by investing in industries where they have demonstrated innovation, enterprise, and creativity.
Sharing his longstanding relationship with the entertainment business, Chief Lulu-Briggs reflected on his investments in Port Harcourt’s nightlife and hospitality sector during the 1990s. He recalled establishing Rachel’s, a London-style pub, before later transforming Illusions at Orazzi from an obscure location into one of the city’s most popular entertainment destinations, attracting celebrities and visitors from across the globe.
He explained that those experiences reinforced the importance of identifying promising talent early and providing the necessary support for growth, adding that the same philosophy would guide his administration’s approach to developing Rivers State’s creative economy if elected governor.
Chief Lulu-Briggs described the campaign song competition as the beginning of a broader strategy to reposition the creative industry through targeted investments, strategic partnerships, and policies that recognize entertainment as a viable contributor to economic growth, youth employment, tourism, and wealth creation.
Congratulating So-Bliss on emerging victorious, he commended all eleven finalists for their remarkable performances and assured them that their talents would continue to receive recognition and support.
He further announced that the winning composition would serve as the official campaign song of the NDC in Rivers State.
In a surprise gesture that drew loud applause from the audience, Chief Lulu-Briggs increased the winner’s cash prize from ₦1 million to ₦2 million. He also awarded ₦1 million each to the remaining ten finalists in appreciation of their exceptional creativity, commitment, and performances.
The competition highlighted the NDC’s resolve to harness the immense potential of Rivers State’s creative sector as a catalyst for youth empowerment, job creation, tourism, and sustainable economic development.
