Nigerian superstar Joeboy gifted a brand new PS5 Slim to Kasozi Ezra, an 18-year-old gamer who emerged as the best EA Sports FC 24 player in Uganda.
This was during the singer’s Lavida Rave concert on Saturday, July 27, at the Lugogo Hockey Grounds.
Ezra triumphed in an Esports FC 24 tournament organised by Fique Game Solutions, one of Uganda’s leading video game stores, in conjunction with NBS Game Plus, the country’s only video game television show, and the Lavida Rave concert.
Joeboy, an avid gamer himself, had previously promised to give a platform to the best video gamer in Uganda when he visits the country for his Lavida Rave show.
While presenting the PS5 to Ezra, the ‘Likkle Riddim’ hit maker addressed the audience saying, “Apart from me being a fantastic musician, one thing I love is video games. I’ve been playing video games since I was three years old, and they have always been part of my life.”
“So today, on behalf of my Ugandan people, Lavida Rave, and Fique Game Solutions, I’m presenting this beautiful PS5 Slim to Ezra.” Joeboy added, igniting cheers from the crowd.
The PS5 Slim, valued at UGX 2.5 million, was provided courtesy of Fique Game Solutions.
The tournament drew over 100 participants from various video game stores across the country, and featured a knockout and elimination format.
The top 20 players who advanced played against eachother live on NBS Sport’s Game Plus show on July 13, where the ultimate 10 winners earned tickets to the Lavida Rave concert.
At the concert, the final 10 gamers faced off, and the five winners, along with the best loser, proceeded to the quarterfinals.
From there, three winners and the best loser moved on to the semifinals, culminating in a final match that was showcased live on the concert’s big screens.
Kagimu Shafik, the director and proprietor of Fique Game Solutions, explained the inspiration behind the tournament.
“When we heard about Joeboy coming to Uganda and knowing that he is a gamer, we had to organise a tournament for all the gamers in Uganda, with the winner receiving a PS5. We’ve had over 100 players competing since the start of the tournament,” he said.
Ezra’s victory is particularly noteworthy as he dethroned Kid Musa, a gamer who had won the competition for the past three years, the former defeated the latter in the semi-finals.
Reflecting on his win, Ezra said that experience, having started playing video games at the age of 10, and confidence enabled him win this year’s competition.
“I started playing video games in 2016 and have a lot of experience. I was very confident that I was going to reach the final and win the PS5. I felt pressure at times, but since I’m used to these situations, I can play well under pressure,” he said.
Danze Edwin, the host of NBS Game Plus, which airs every Saturday on NBS Sport, expressed pleasure in collaborating with Fique Game Solutions and Lavida Rave.
“It was a great opportunity for NBS Game Plus to work with Fique Game Solutions and Lavida Rave on an event where thousands of people could see us doing what we love.”
He highlighted how the Joeboy concert provided a significant platform for gamers to gain visibility.
“The Lavida Rave was a big opportunity for Ugandan gamers to be seen. It showed that gaming is more mainstream here in Uganda than most people may think,” he said.
Looking ahead, Danze, who is also the Chief Marketing Officer of Next Media and General Manager of Next Com, said, “The future is bright. We’re going to organise more of these competitions. We just need more companies and brands to come on board and support this Esports agenda that we’re on.”
Farouk, aka Black Beard, the match official for the tournament, highlighted the positive impact of gaming on the youth.
“Playing FC 24 prevents the youth from engaging in crime because it keeps them busy. It also helps them relieve stress, instead of using drugs and alcohol.”
“Playing video games offers the youth opportunities to earn money through tournaments like these. The business side of gaming is also very profitable,” he added.
Catch the details of the Lavida Rave concert and the gaming competition on this Saturday’s episode of NBS Game Plus, airing from 9-11 am on NBS Sport.
