BIOLA ALABI RESIGNS AS MD OF MNET & SET FOR NEW ROLE IN THE BRAND

BIOLA ALABI

WANGI MBA-UZOUKWU & BIOLA ALABI

That the very gorgeous fashionista & hardworking former MD of MNET Africa, 'Biola Alabi resigned as the boss as the boss at the brand must have sent shock waves down the spine of those in the entertainment industry and all others. Many were wondering about what could have happened that necessitated the abrupt resignation. We here at MM were one of those that had wondered aloud about what could have happened just a few days to the AMVCA. 

According to our findings from an inside source, the resignation has been in the offing since late last year. The lady who had joined the company since 2008 had by 2013 finished her tenure in the company, so had wanted to bow out while the ovation is loudest. But she had been prevailed on to remain for a bit longer to conclude some of the projects she had taken on but were not yet completed. 
According to our inside source, a couple of changes have happened in brand as of recent. The MNET Africa operation has now been split into 2, West Africa & East Africa. The West African operation which Nigeria is under would now be overseen by Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, while the East Africa operation would be overseen by a yet to be named person. 

Wangi had joined the brand sometime in late 2012 as the first ever regional director, West Africa for MNET. Before taking up the position at Mnet Africa, Mrs. Mba-Uzoukwu had worked with such organizations as Coca Cola & Airtel Nigeria, where she was said to have performed meritoriously.

Mrs. Biola Alabi who during her nearly 6 years reign in charge and had turned the company totally around, we hear though has resigned as the brand's MD, would still be engaged to the brand now as a consultant on special projects, the likes of the hugely successful Amstel Malta sponsored AMVCA, the Big Brother Africa franchise etc. 

It was during Biola Alabi's stint as the MD MnetAfrica, that AfricaMagic was totally revitalized, repackaged, reshaped and expanded. It grew to become 8 channels,Yoruba, Hausa,Ibo etc & also became a 24 hours channel. It was also during her time that the likes of Africa Entertainment etc came on board.

That she did well as the MD of MnetAfrica is an understatement, she's left a massive mark that who so ever would take over from her or as taken over from her would find very daunting to outperform. 

Here is the official press statement from MNET about Biola Alabi's new designation- 

Biola Alabi - M-Net Africa Managing Director: Special Projects
M-Net wishes to confirm the strategic evolution of M-Net Africa MD Biola Alabi's role with the pan African broadcaster. Having served in this role at M-Net Africa for five highly successful years during which time she brought her well-honed business perspective and creative insights to one of Africa's biggest entertainment companies, she has taken on a new strategic role with the organization, that of Managing Director: Special Projects.  In this capacity her portfolio now focuses primarily on the broadcaster’s flagship productions including but not limited to  the AfricaMagic Viewers’ Choice Awards, the popular reality super series Big Brother Africa and several exciting new initiatives.  Meanwhile, reflecting the broadcaster’s rapid growth in the market, M-Net has named Mrs Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu as its first Regional Director, West Africa.

 

STYLE 101 AT THE AMVCA 2013-THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE OUTRIGHT UGLY

OUTFIT BY APRIL BY KUNBI

OUTFIT BY BRIDGET AWOSIKA

Away from every other thing about the maiden or inaugural edition  of the AfricaMagic Viewers Choice Award 2013. It was the first ever edition of what should turn out to be one of the best thing to happen to movie and entertainment in Africa. Like someone said, this is our own OSCARS, so we all should support to get to the highest level. Nigeria should be commended for being the host of the first show. Though there were little technical hitches here and there, the organisers still delivered on all points. Kudos to them for a job well done.

We are sure this is one of the biggest events hosted in Lagos, Nigeria for a while now. 1500 guests from all the different sectors came. The Federal Government was ably represented by the Ministers of Petroleum Resources (Diezanni Allison-Madueke), For Culture & Tourism (Chief Edem Duke) & For Trade & Investments (Olusegun Aganga). Curiously the host state, Lagos was missing in action, no State Governor, and we didn't hear of any representatives. 

Away from all of that and to how our stars, celebrities etc did on the style stake. Not wanting to talk too much, some of these stars/celebrities seem to have come to the understanding of their shapes, sizes, body contours very well, so they always make sure to dress to accentuate their best features. Style-wise, some seem to have a good understanding of the number one rule of fashion and watchword; Simplicity, while others still need to go to school to learn or something. When you try to do too much or take on what's not your forte, you just go terribly wrong. 

Let's just check out some of the one's we saw, Genevieve Nnaji, our ever gorgeous actress seem to define the word simplicity in every facet, either she's absolutely good by herself or her stylist must be very good. She first wore a simple well cut, white outfit that was made for her by one of Nigeria's fastest growing and most impressive designers in a while, Bridget Awosika. It was a sexy, yet very functional dress;  which showed just a hint of the chest, without being vulgar. For her change of outfit, she wore what we have tagged as ''yellow like gold''. The colour seems to be one of the colours of the season and it takes the bold to wear it, as there's a thin line between getting it well and missing it. Never knew, Genny had such nice curves on such petite frame. Outfit was by April by Kunbi, a Nigerian label owned by New York trained Kunbi Oyelese. 

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LIVE AT THE AMVCA NOMINEES BRUNCH EVENT

GENEVIEVE NNAJI

UGONNA OMERUO

LINDA EJIOFOR & UGONNA OMERUO

Date was the the last day of the month of February 2013. That is, February 28, 2013. Time for all to gather was 11am. Venue is probably one of the best and most beautiful boutique hotels in the country, the Wheatbaker Hotel, 4, Onitolo Street, Ikoyi, Lagos. The organisers had tagged the event '' an exclusive Brunch in honoring the selected AMVCA's nominees, sponsors and stakeholders in preparation for the AMVCA 2013 and boy, was it a classy event. 

We believe organisers of awards and other shows should take a cue from Mnet and learn to package their events with such class, precision and colour. For those who arrived at the event before the time, there was a short interview session and paparazzi time, as photos of the guests were taken, then straight to the bar where juices were served and one could have a little demonstration of the good benefit of massage, done for free by the experts from Clear Essence Spa. 

Not too long afterwards, the mingling guests were ushered into the breakfast room of the Wheatbaker Hotel. Guests included several of the nominees and some other guests and a few media personalities. We saw the ever simply classic Genevieve Nnaji, who always looks effortlessly chic, we totally loved her combo, which she finished off with a very classy black Christian Louboutin Pigalle pumps, she is one of the awards nominees, other award nominees that were in attendance were- Ariyike Oladipo, Frank Osodi, Nkiru Nwauzor, Teru Ekuerhare, comedian Bovi Ugboma, Taiwo Atigogo, screen veteran Kunle Bamtefa, another veteran Tunde Kelani, O.C Ukeje, delectable Lilian Usoro, the very pregnant Blessing Effiom-Egbe, Kalu Ikeagwu, Udoka Onyeka, Biola Popoola, Regina Chukwu & Funke Akindele-Oloyede. 

Apart from these nominees there was a sprinkling of a few other people, 'the ever gorgeous MD of  Mnet Africa/AfricaMagic, 'Biola Alabi was there also, wearing a very classy 'Roland Mouret' timeless Orange dress, we can bet it was 'made to measure' for the very stylish & highly intelligent lady, it totally defined what we understand body con dress. Also there was the MD of MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr. John Ugbe, who later gave a short opening speech, welcoming all to the brunch, also in attendance was Femi Odugbemi, celebrated and award-winning writer/filmmaker, who also gave a short speech as one of the jurist that selected the films for consideration, it's very obvious from the way he spoke that he loves his art so much and is a brilliant chap.

We can't but mention that we saw Ugonna Omeruo, the Creative Director of her own fashion design label, House of Nwocha. As she's known to always do, she was looking impeccably stylish, in her black top, done up to her neck and that eagle brooch like a bow on the neck, atop that gorgeous skirt and finished off with a red stilettos was a delight to look at, also there was Moriam Musa, the MD of Morsi Pr. The Masters of the ceremony, were Tinsel's Gbenro Ajibade and the sweet looking Linda Ejiofor, both were in character has they guided the proceedings with much aplomb. 

It was a fun morning/early afternoon meeting and you all need to see the sweet invitation package for the main event set for March 9, 2013. We were part of the beautiful happening and we have got pictures for your viewing delight.

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AFRICA MAGIC VIEWERS CHOICE AWARDS 2013- THE OUT & ABOUT AT THE UNVEILING OF THE NOMINEES

GENEVIEVE NNAJI

UCHE JOMBO-RODRIGUEZ

Monday, January 28, 2013 was the D-date,  the event was the unveiling of the nominees and categories for the maiden edition of the AfricaMagic Viewers Choice Awards 2013. Venue of the event was the Porsche Center, which seems to be the venue of choice for some A-class events nowadays. The AMVCA 2013, is a collaboration between AfricaMagic and Multichoice Africa, the idea is to encourage the best in the movie industry all over Africa, by acknowledging and encouraging their hardwork in their various fields. Actors/Actresses, Producers, Directors, Make-up Artists and others involved in the movie industry are being duly recognised, so kudos to the organizers. 

On Monday night, the nominees were unveiled and even the trophy that would be won by the winners in the various categories. In all, there would be 28 awards in 26 categories. Viewers would have the opportunity to chose their winners in 6 categories, while 18 other categories would have experts in the industry choosing the winners. Awards would also be given in 2 other categories namely-Trailblazer of the Year & the Industry Merit Awards, the latter which would be given to a worthy veteran of the movie industry.  Nominees in 2 categories- Best Documentary & Best online Video, were not named on the night and the reason given was because the nominee selection team prefers to award certificates of encouragement to all the entrants in the 2 categories. 

The night of the unveiling was fun-filled as many of the industry's practitioners from around Africa were in attendance.  As with all things organized by AfricaMagic, it was a classy affair, it was an opportunity for many to network amidst a very convivial atmosphere. 

Some of those we saw at the event were the likes of  our favorite actress of all time Genevieve Nnaji, Ini Edo, Omoni Oboli, Uche Jombo-Rodriguez, Doris Simeon, Saheed Balogun, Iretiola Doyle, Damilola Adegbite, ex-Miss Black USA Osas Ighodaro, Emem Isong, Chidi 'GQ' Mokeme, Uti Nwachukwu, Funlola Aofiyebi-Rahmi, Julius Agwu, Ashionye Ugbo, veteran Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Tewa Onasanya, Tunde Kelani, Gbemi Phillips, Kunle Afolayan, Emem Ema, Karen Igho, Goldie, O. C Ukeje, Abiola Segun-Williams, Dolapo Oni, Lala Akindoju, Femi Brainard, Rukky Sanda, Ibinabo Fiberesima, Jide Kosoko, Kalu Ikeagwu, Segun Arinze, Paul Okoye, Alex Ekubo, Anita Boyd, Styl Plus duo, Teco Benson, Tunde Kelani, Gideon Okeke, IK Osakioduwa, Olisa Adibua and many others. 

All the pictures were personally taken by Abiola Aloba, for MM. Use without permission is frowned on.

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AMVCA FULL NOMINEES LIST & CATEGORIES

Check out the full nominees list for the upcoming AMVCA 2013 set for March 2013. All the categories also revealed. It's an AfricaMagic packaged awards showcase celebrating the best in the continent and it is supported by MultiChoice Africa. Check out the 24 categories and start voting. 

 BEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA

MOVIE	NOMINEE
Man on Ground	Bubu Mazibuko
The Mirror Boy	Genevieve Nnaji
Otelo Burning	Nolwazi Shange
Maami	Funke Akindele
Perfect Picture	Jackie Appiah

BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY

MOVIE	NOMINEE
The Return of Jenifa	Funke Akindele
Clinic Matters	Lilian Esoro
Dumebi the Dirty Girl	Mercy Johnson

AMVCA'S TROPHY UNVEILED AS THE NOMINEE'S LIST IS ALSO RELEASED

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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THE STARS SHINE DOWN AT THE LAUNCH OF AFRICAMAGIC & MULTICHOICE AFRICA'S NEW INITIATIVE

ABIOLA ALABI & JOHN UGBE

 At two gala events held last night, in Lagos and Nairobi, AfricaMagic and MultiChoice Africa presented their latest joint initiative THE AFRICAMAGIC VIEWERS’ CHOICE AWARDS. The exciting announcement was made during a special episode of the popular AfricaMagic magazine show Jara, which is screened to DStv audiences in 47 countries across the continent.

Created to celebrate African film and television talent, both in front of and behind the cameras, the Awards will feature several special categories in which viewers will decide the winners directly, alongside several professionally judged categories.

In total, 28 awards in 26 categories will be awarded ranging from acting and directing to script-writing and cinematography. Other fields which will be honored include editing, make-up, sound, lighting and costuming among others. In addition the awards will feature two categories destined to become annual talking points – the Industry Merit Award and the TrailBlazer of the Year Award.

Awards will be handed out at two separate events to be held in March 2013 in Lagos – the first event will be dedicated to standout technical accomplishments while the main event will be a glittering, glamourous gala night. Both events will be screened to DStv audiences across the continent with the gala being screened live.

In order to ensure that the awards are transparent, fair and credible, AfricaMagic has recruited leading and respected industry veteran Femi Odugbemi to take on the role of executive judge and has confirmed that all the awards will be verified by an independent auditing company to be appointed shortly.

Commenting on the Awards, M-Net Africa Managing Director Biola Alabi is confident that this is an opportunity to build a pan-African event that is both relevant to industry professionals and vastly entertaining to fans.

“It has been part of our plan to create a specific event that honors, celebrates and recognizes those people who are giving so much of their talent and creativity to ensuring the popularity and evolution of African film and TV. And to do this in partnership with MultiChoice illustrates the level to which both companies value this industry and are willing to invest in its future.”

She went on to say, “Following the successful launch earlier this year of an expanded line-up of AfricaMagic channels, we are now totally focused on these Awards. We are aiming to create a platform that showcases and supports the film and television community, while simultaneously entertaining and engaging viewers. While we are aware that there are challenges ahead we are committed to the success of this initiative as we truly believe it will contribute positively to the efforts of filmmakers from Lagos to Nairobi, Lusaka to Kampala and all across Africa.”

ABIOLA ALABI & RAMSEY NOUAH

BIOLA ALABI, OSAS, MAJID & MAYO

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