The University of Lagos (Unilag) campus burst into colour on Thursday, 14 August 2025, as thousands of students celebrated the 20th edition of the Unilag Carnival — an annual festival of music, dance, art, and heritage that has grown into one of the most anticipated student events in Nigeria.

This year, toothpaste brand CloseUp joined as a headline sponsor, bringing its “Closer Is Better” campaign to life with bold confidence, cultural pride, and a strong dose of youthful energy.

The Vibe Bus and Parade Atmosphere

From the moment the parade began, CloseUp’s presence was hard to miss. The brand’s Vibe Bus, wrapped in red and white and pulsing with music, rolled through campus like a moving heartbeat. Students in elaborate costumes danced beside it as bursts of coloured smoke filled the air, adding to the carnival’s electric atmosphere.

“The energy was contagious — it was about music, laughter, self-expression, and the confidence to connect,” a student participant told NigeriaUpdates.

A Campus Takeover with the CloseUp Booth

Inside the Indoor Sports Centre’s Main Bowl, the CloseUp booth became one of the carnival’s hottest spots. Students gathered around the space to take photos, spin the branded “wheel of fortune,” and enjoy face-painting in vibrant carnival hues.

The red-and-white themed booth blended fun with interactivity, drawing in crowds throughout the day.

According to CloseUp representatives, the goal was simple: to remind young people that “when you feel your best, you connect more deeply.”

Celebration Beyond the Day

As night fell and the carnival grounds grew quieter, the spirit of the day lingered in photos, videos, and shared student memories.

“For CloseUp, being part of the 20th Unilag Carnival was more than sponsorship — it was an investment in a generation proud of their roots, their culture, and the confidence to be themselves,” the brand said in a statement.

A Tradition Meets Bold Branding

The Unilag Carnival, now in its 20th year, has become a cultural staple for the student community. With CloseUp’s presence this year, the event reached new heights of vibrancy, bridging tradition with modern brand engagement.

The company ended the day with its signature message: “Stay fresh. Stay confident. Stay CloseUp.”

Students and fans are encouraged to follow @CloseUpNigeria on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X for bold tips, inspiration, and confidence-driven content.

The first set of performers and honourees for the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) has been announced, with global superstars Alex Warren, Busta Rhymes, J Balvin, Ricky Martin, Sabrina Carpenter and sombr billed to take the stage.

The ceremony will air live on CBS from UBS Arena in New York on Sunday, September 7, and broadcast across Africa on MTV (DStv Channel 130) at 00:00 WAT on September 8.

Hip-hop pioneer Busta Rhymes will receive the inaugural MTV VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award, while Latin music icon Ricky Martin will be honoured with the first-ever Latin Icon Award. The event will be hosted by LL COOL J.

Alex Warren makes his VMAs debut

Singer-songwriter Alex Warren, who has quickly risen as one of MTV’s PUSH artists, will make his VMAs debut. He is also up for Best New Artist, Best Pop, and Song of the Year for his chart-topping hit “Ordinary.”

Busta Rhymes honoured with Visionary Award

Celebrating more than three decades in music, Busta Rhymes will be honoured for his cultural impact. With over 60 million certified sales, 12 Grammy nominations, and seven Top 10 Billboard 200 albums, Busta remains one of hip-hop’s most enduring figures.

“Since his first VMAs appearance in 1997, Busta has delivered a slew of show-stealing moments including a rapid-fire medley to close the 2021 show,” organisers said.

J Balvin and DJ Snake debut explosive collaboration

Latin superstar J Balvin will return to the VMAs stage to perform his latest hit “Zun Zun,” alongside Justin Quiles and Lenny Tavárez. He will also premiere “Noventa” with French DJ and producer DJ Snake, marking Snake’s first VMAs performance.

Balvin, a 13-time nominee, could make history by becoming the most decorated Latin artist in VMA history.

Ricky Martin recognised as Latin Icon

Music legend Ricky Martin will receive the first-ever Latin Icon Award in recognition of his four-decade career that has helped shape global pop culture.

The Puerto Rican star has sold over 70 million albums and won more than 180 awards for his music, acting and humanitarian work.

His VMAs return comes 26 years after his historic 1999 performance, when he became the first male Latin artist to win Best Pop Video and walked away with five awards.

Sabrina Carpenter returns after breakout year

Pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter will also perform, following her breakout success at last year’s VMAs where she won Song of the Year.

Nominated for eight awards in 2025, including Video of the Year for “Manchild,” Carpenter is among the most-anticipated acts of the night.

sombr earns first VMA nominations

Breakout singer-songwriter sombr will make his VMAs stage debut. He is nominated for Best New Artist and Best Alternative for his viral hit “back to friends.”

Production and streaming details

The 2025 VMAs are produced by Gunpowder & Sky with Bruce Gillmer, Jesse Ignjatovic and Barb Bialkowski serving as executive producers.

Paramount+ Premium subscribers will be able to stream the show live, while Essential subscribers will have access on-demand a day later.

Additional performers and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.

Entertainment icon and GRAMMY® Award winner LL COOL J will host the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), set to air live from New York’s UBS Arena on Monday, September 8, at 00:00 WAT on CBS and MTV (DStv Channel 130).

This marks the first time the hip-hop pioneer will host the show solo, after previously sharing the stage with Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow in 2022.

“LL COOL J has been a trailblazer in music and culture for over three decades, and his return to the VMAs stage as host is a full-circle moment,” said the producers.

A legacy of VMAs moments

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee has a long history with the awards show. He first won a Moon Person in 1991 for Best Rap and made history as the first rapper to receive the Video Vanguard Award in 1997.

In recent years, LL COOL J has been part of several standout moments on the VMAs stage, including a star-studded hip-hop 50th anniversary tribute in 2023 and a Def Jam 40th anniversary celebration in 2024 featuring surprise guests Public Enemy.

This year, his single Murdergram Deaux featuring Eminem—off his 2024 album THE FORCE—is nominated for Best Hip-Hop.

Performers and surprises to come

Organisers say additional performers, presenters, and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks. Viewers can follow updates on @CBS, @MTV, and @VMAs across social platforms using the hashtag #VMAs.

The production is led by Bruce Gillmer, Jesse Ignjatovic, and Barb Bialkowski, alongside a seasoned team of award-winning producers.

Sponsors for the 2025 VMAs include BACARDÍ®, Burger King®, DORITOS®, Dunkin’®, and PANTENE.

How to watch

Fans in Nigeria and across Africa can tune in on MTV (DStv Channel 130), while U.S. audiences can watch live on CBS. Paramount+ Premium subscribers will also be able to stream the show live via their local CBS affiliate, with on-demand viewing available afterward.

About LL COOL J

Beyond his VMAs legacy, LL COOL J is a cultural icon, known for his influential rap career, acting roles, and impact on global entertainment. He has continued to bridge generations with his music, including collaborations with top stars like Eminem.

About the MTV VMAs

The MTV Video Music Awards, launched in 1984, remain one of the most watched and talked-about nights in music. The event is famed for its unforgettable performances, groundbreaking visuals, and cultural moments that shape the industry.