THE TROPHY |
A few nights ago, watched by audiences
in 47 African countries, the nominees for the first-ever AfricaMagic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs) were revealed during a
special edition of lifestyle program 53 Extra. Held in association with MultiChoice, and
headlined sponsor Amstel Malta, the AMVCAs recognizes and rewards excellence in
African film and TV.
Announcing the
nominees were stylish Eku Edewor and Dolapo Oni, joined by Jara co-hosts Uti Nwachukwu
(Big Brother All Stars winner) and Helen Paul, Biola Alabi (M-Net Africa MD),
Femi Odugbemi (AMVCA Executive Judge), Lizz Njagah (Kenyan soap and reality
star) and Edem Vindah (Media and Public Affairs
Manager, Nigerian Breweries PLC).
Also in studio was the elegant AMVCA trophy!
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Encompassing 28 awards in 26
categories, the AMVCAs includes 6 categories where viewers will vote for
winners and 18 more technically focused categories where winners will be selected
by an expert industry based judging panel (judges will be announced at a later
date).
This judging panel will also
select the rising star TrailBlazer of the
Year, and the Industry Merit
recipient, a veteran industry professional whose long term contribution will be
honored.
And ensuring the awards
specifically recognize outstanding achievement, the AMVCAs did not name
nominees in two categories (Best Documentary
and Best Online Video) as the
nominee selection team had preferred to award certificates of encouragement
instead to all entrants.
Understanding that there will
be a great curiosity about the initial selection team responsible for the
nominees list, the nomination announcement show revealed their identities. They are Allison Triegaardt, Armand-Guy de Beer, Bongiwe Selane, Deborah
Odutayo, Ebou Waggeh, Eileen Sandrock, Njoki Muhoho, Phad Mutumba and Richard
West. Together this expert
team has an extraordinary range of experience and an impressive passion for the
art of African storytelling. More info on these accomplished individuals is
available at www.africamagic.tv.
Joining this nominee
selection team in January was the accounting firm SizweNtsalubaGobodo, who will also verify all winner results
going forward.
M-Net Africa MD Biola Alabi
says, ““We want the AMVCAs to be transparent, credible, respected and fair. So
we selected people to the nominee selection team who embrace this philosophy.
We will do the same when selecting the industry judging panel that will pick
winners in certain categories. We know that everyone associated with these
awards must be diligent and conduct themselves with integrity during what are challenging,
tough processes. At this time, I must also say that we are truly delighted with
the list of nominees and we wish them all well. Roll on March, we couldn’t be
more excited about the big night and promise TV audiences an event to
remember!”
However, the focus of the
night was the nominees and leading the way was South African hit Otelo Burning
with 14 nominations while Nigeria’s brilliant The Mirror Boy grabbed 11, just
in front of Man on Ground, another powerful Nigerian offering which garnered 9
nominations.
Other titles scoring multiple
nominations included Perfect Picture (8), Two Brides and a Baby (7), Maami (5)
and Skeem (5). In total, there were 110 nominees chosen from 43 different
productions from countries as diverse as Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South
Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
Meanwhile, some of the most
eagerly awaited categories also boasted high profile nominees.
In the category for Best Actress in a Drama, the nominees
are Bubu Mazibuko, Genevieve Nnaji, Nolwazi Shange, Funke Akindele and
Jackie Appiah while in the Best Actress
in a Comedy category Funke Akindele, Lilian Esoro and Mercy Johnson are all
in the running. In the Best Actor in a Drama category, the
nominees are Fabian Adeoye Lojede, O.C Ukeje, Kenneth Uphopho,
Edward Kagutuzi and Jafta Mamabolo. Nominees for Best Actor in a Comedy are Hafiz Oyetoro, Kunle Bamtefa, Bovi
Ugboma, Francis Odega and Ikhide Isaac.
And in the Best Movie Overall category are Skeem (Tim Greene), Man on Ground (Akin Omotoso, Fabian Adeoye Lojede, Hakeem
Kae-Kazim and Rosie Motene), Jozi King
(Jamie Ramsay), Otelo Burning (Sara
Blecher) and The Mirror Boy (Obi
Emelonye).
MultiChoice Africa CEO, Nico
Meyer congratulated all the nominees: “Well done to all the selected nominees.
The AfricaMagic Viewer’s Choice Awards recognises your hard work, passion and
dedication to your trade. The contribution you have made into the development
of the African film and television industry is very significant and tonight we
honour your role. Keep up the good work and we wish you all the best for the
big announcement of winners in March.”
Speaking for the sponsor Adedoyin Owotomo (Brand
Manager Amstel Malta) said,
“At the core of the Amstel Malta brand is the
conviction that everyone has what it takes to be the best. The brand therefore
believes in providing platforms that not only give opportunity to young
talented individuals but also inspiration. AMVCA is a platform that recognizes
and celebrates the best in the movie and TV industry; a platform of inspiration
to encourage young talents in the industry to ensure they make smart choices
that will show their originality and that they are unique and discerning
individuals that deserve to be recognized and rewarded.”
Now, while the judges
deliberate on the non-viewer voted categories, viewers can also
start casting their votes for the 6 all-important viewer voted categories.
Voting begins tonight (January 28) at 23:00 CAT and closes at midnight CAT on
March 3, 2013. Viewers can vote via WEB, WAP or SMS so visit www.africamagic.tv to find out more.
And keep watching the
AfricaMagic channels which will profile the nominees over the next few weeks to
ensure you know who’s who! Remember the
first- ever AfricaMagic Viewers’ Choice
Awards will be screened on DStv and GOtv on Saturday March 9, live from
Lagos. So get ready to check out the
fashion on the red carpet, to hear the winner’s speeches and of course, to
celebrate great African talent!
1 comment:
simply stopping by to say hello
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