Entertainment
AMAA Rewards Outstanding Stars
Though the 10th edition of
the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) held on Saturday, May 24, 2014 at the Gabriel Okara Civic Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State has come and gone with various awards won and lost, the events of the memorable night still echoe loud and clear in the minds of those who were opportuned to witness the continental awards as well as critics of AMAA.
It was indeed a night of glitz, glamour razzmatazz and unadulterated fun. The event paraded a constellation of stars from the African movie industry, showbiz personalities, government officials and distinguished ladies and gentlemen from all walks of life across Africa and beyond.
The event turned out to be unique in various ways from previous ones. In this edition, new award categories were introduced. They include Madeba Achievement Awards for the promotion of the ideas of late Nelson Mandela of South Africa, President Joyce Banda Achievement Award for women empowerment and Jury special prize for short film as well as first time entries from the three African countries like Mauritus, Gabon and Croatia.
South Africa clinched 10 awards at the event which include Award for Best film of Good Report), Award for Best Director, AMAA Award for Best Actor in a leading Role (mothusi magano: of Good Report), Best Actor in a supporting role (Thapelo Mofeken) Best Young/Promising actor and Achievement in screen play as well as Best Child actor.
Others are: Achievement in cinematography (Forgotten Kingdom), Achievement in sound, Achievement in make-up and Best Animation (Kumba).
Nigeria won 8 Awards which include Best actress in supporting role (Patience Ozukwor-After the proposal) Best film in an African Language(B for Boy), Visual effect (A mile from Home), Best Actress in a leading role (Clarion Chukwura-Apaye), Co-Winner in Best Documentary, Bayelsa State Government Best Nigerian Film endowment award (Accident) and President Joyce Banda Award for Film that promotes women empowerment Award.
Others include Jury special prize for short film. While the lifetime Achievement award went to Kenneth Okonkwo. Mali won in the category of Best Documentary with Nigeria, Kenya clinched the awards for achievement in costume design (Nisisi) and the Madeba Awards. Award for Best Diaspora short film went to Bahamas (Passage).
While Ghana won in Editing (Potomanto), Achievement in production design (A Northern Affair) with Mauritius as winner in first feature film by a director, among others.
The led carpet which commenced at 7.00pm with all the rituals duely observed was indeed a constellation of gorgeously dressed stars from all parts of Africa.
The Bayelsa State Government officials were led by Air Vice Marshal Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd). The Bayelsa State deputy governor who represented the state governor, Hon Henry Seriake Dickson, he also read the governors keynote address.
Others include Mrs Ebizi Ndioma Brown, DG Bayelsa State Tourism board among others as well as the founder of AMAA Mrs Peace Aniyam Osigwe who announced her decision to step aside as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AMAA to assume the office of founder and executive chairman of AMAA to enable her concentrate more on creative endeavours for the organization.
Mrs Anyam Osigwe who announced this in her welcome address seized the opportunity to eulogise some of her departed colleagues in the make believe industry who include Amaka Igwe, Justus Esiri, Enebeli Elebuwa, Sam Loco Efe, J.T. Tom West, Ashley Nwosu and Pete Eneh.
The large audience that attended the event were thrilled by entertainers including top Naija artistes, comedians and professional dancers. Among the artistes were Bayelsa State born Gospel artiste Timi Dakolo, Edge, J. Martins and flavor, while the stand up comedians that thrilled the crowd with their hilarious jokes include Stanley Chibunneaka Funny Bone and MC Aproko among others.
Meanwhile, a critic of the AMAA Awards, Pastor Bannerman Embiowei has condemned the awards. In a recent report made available to The Tide Entertainment, he noted that “the unholy marriage between the Bayelsa State Government and AMMA is now given a lot of Bayelsans some concerns.”
According to him, the Bayelsa State Government has been hosting the AMAA awards for the past 10 years.
He observed that the hosting started since the tenure of the former governor, Alameiseigha who handed over to Goodluck Jonathan, then Timipre Sylva and now Seriake Dickson. He noted that Bayelsans are not known for film production or acting, while states like Anambra, Enugu, Imo and Abia who are the major stakeholders of the Nollywood empire have never hosted the AMAA even for once.
He stressed that about N200,000.000 (two hundred million naira) was raised by the state government from different sponsors who donated money which was used to host the AMAA award this year, but AMAA does not have a single office space in Yenagoa and had never tried to help train youths of Bayelsa to become actors and actresses. So, after raising over two hundred million naira to host AMAA, what next? He asked. According to him the hosting of AMAA is a misplacement of priority, he said if the state government must host AMAA, it must have infrastructure that will help to train youths of the state, roaming the streets on film making music and other areas related to Nollyhood as well as address other areas crying for attention like the peace park.
He maintained that Bayelsa State should not be seen as a state that hosts all kinds of event that has no meaning to Bayelsans, Bayelsans money should not be wasted on frivolities he stressed.
Entertainment
Stephanie Linus, First Black Recipient Of Lennox K. Black Prize
The Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine is a prestigious accolade awarded by Thomas Jefferson University, recognising outstanding individuals.
The actress was honoured with the Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine by Thomas Jefferson University in America in recognition of her outstanding contributions to social activism and impact through her work.
This remarkable achievement, they said, highlights her dedication to societal well-being and marks her as the first Black recipient of this distinguished award.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine is a prestigious accolade awarded by Thomas Jefferson University, recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to the medical field, promoting scientific discovery and advancements.
Named after Lennox K. Black, a Canadian manufacturing executive known for his philanthropic efforts and service on various boards, including Thomas Jefferson University, the prize celebrates excellence in medical innovation and global contribution to health and medicine.
The actress is renowned for her activism and impactful work in areas concerning women’s health and rights, including her efforts to combat issues like fistula and gender-based violence.
According to the award organisers she has been instrumental in bringing about social change through her films and campaigns. They added that her work extends beyond borders, affecting lives and policies internationally, embodying the spirit of the Lennox K. Black International Prize.
On receiving the award, Stephanie expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to using her platform for social good.
“This recognition goes beyond me; it is for all the women and girls fighting for a healthier, safer world. It amplifies our message and our work. It strengthens my resolve to continue advocating for gender equality, social justice, and improved maternal and reproductive health in Africa,” she said
Susan Aldunge, Interim President of Thomas Jefferson University, admired the actress, saying, ‘‘Your ability to educate while humbly addressing the cultural obstacles impeding progress for young women is commendable. Your intelligent, personal take on the necessary human rights changes has deeply impacted all lucky to encounter you. Congratulations once more on this well-deserved award and the acknowledgement of your efforts.’”
Ms Aldunge further said that Thomas Jefferson University, a leader in medical education and research, hosts the award to underscore its mission of improving lives through innovation in health care.
‘‘The university is proud to honour Stephanie Linus, whose work aligns with Jefferson’s values of creativity, collaboration, and compassion in pursuing excellence in medicine and beyond.
“Awarding the Lennox K. Black International Prize to Stephanie Linus celebrates her achievements and signals a broader recognition of the importance of social activism in medicine and health,” she added.
“Her pioneering efforts continue to inspire and effect change, paving the way for a healthier, more equitable world’’.
Stephanie, who was named Chairperson of the Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) for the Best International Feature Film (IFF) category of the Oscars in August 2023, is best known for her 2015 advocacy movie ‘Dry’, which tells the story of a 13-year-old girl whose parents marry her off to a 60-year-old man, with devastating consequences.
Entertainment
‘I’ll Continue To Ask For My Balance’ – Phyna reacts.
Ilebaye’s revelation came just after Phyna had publicly called out the organizers for withholding some of her prizes.
Phyna, who revealed this to Newsmen insinuated that Ilebaye broke the gender code by announcing that she got her full prize money.
She also stressed that she would continue to demand for her balance, stating that she worked hard for the money during the show’s 72-day duration.
“I believe I should at least get what I worked so hard for 72 days. You all suddenly remembered your alert screenshots and IG Live………… Common……one among others is 1BTC which is over 80m in today’s market.
“To those who got their money in full
I’m happy for you. As a poor man’s child, let me ask for my money and other items remaining.,” She added.
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