If someone ever tells you that Nigerians do it big when it comes to the red carpet, believe them.
I received an invite from Multichoice and DSTV Kenya to attend the fourth Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, 2016, to be held in Lagos, Nigeria (05.03.16). The event was to take place at Eko Hotel, situated in the hustle and bustle of the vibrant Victoria Island, and just a stone throw away from the hotel that I would be staying at – Maison Farenheit.
The day before the awards, a cocktail party was held for all nominees where some of Africa’s biggest film and entertainment stars came together.
If the band from the cocktail party was any sign of what to expect from the award ceremony, it was clear we were in for a memorable night. Not only did they have amazing voices but among the renditions of popular African songs was Sauti Sol’s Shake Yo Bam Bam. And you can rest assured the Kenyans in the house did indeed get up and get shaking.
Saturday’s red carpet glam started and 4pm with Africa’s top stakeholders in the film industry lighting up the red carpet in dazzling gowns and sharp suits. For a fashion lover, this was heaven. Bold colours, delicate, embellished details and statement trains dominated the scene giving the Oscars a run for its money.
The event was hosted by the handsome IK Osakioduwa and South Africa’s sweetheart and TV host Minnie Dhlamini and featured exciting performances from Flavour, Yemi Alade, Zonke and South African comedian, Thomas Gumede. Although it was Uganda’s top comedian, Salvador, who left the entire room in stitches and clapping for more!
One of the evening’s highlights was the receiving of the 2016 Industry Merit Award by Nollywood legends Sadiq Daba and Bukky Ajayi. An emotional Bukky Ajayi received a standing ovation from the audience who acknowledged her contributions to African film and cinema spanning over 50 years.
“For those I have offended, I am sorry. And if you have offended me, I forgive you.” Bukky Ajayi said while accepting her award leaving the room in awe of her grace.
I’ve been to several award shows in my lifetime but this was by far one of the most glamorous events.
Congratulations to all the winners!
Here is the full list of winners:
Best Overall Movie (Africa): Dry – Stephanie Linus
Best Writer of a Movie/TV Series: Ayanda – Trish Malone
Best Costume: Dry – Uche Nancy
Best Makeup: Ayanda – Louiza Carole
Best Lighting: Common Man – Stanley Ohikhuare
Best Director: Tell Me Sweet Something – Akin Omotosho
Best Picture Editor: Rebecca – Shirley Frimpong-Manso
Best Documentary: Faaji Agba – Remi Vaughan-Richards
Best Art Director (Movie/TV Series): The Refugees – Frank Raja Arase
Best Cinematographer: Tell Me Sweet Something – Paul Michaelson
Best Sound Editor (Movie/TV Series): Dry – Marquex Jose Guillermo
Best Television Series: Ariyike Oladipo
Best Actor in a Comedy (Movie/TV Series): Folarin Falana
Best Actor in a Drama (Movie/TV Series): Daniel K. Daniel
Best Actress in a Comedy (Movie/TV Series): Funke Akindele
Best Actress in a Drama (Movie/TV Series): Adesua Etomi
Best Movie – Southern Africa: Joyce Mhango Chevula
Best Supporting Actor: Sambassa Nzeribe
Best Supporting Actor (Movie/TV Series): Tunbosun Aiyedihin
Best Short Film or Online Video: Oluseyi Amuwa
Best Indigenous Language Movie/TV Series – Yoruba: Abidoun Jimoh and Jumoke Odetola
Best Movie – West Africa (Drama/Comedy): Chinny Onwugbenu, Genevive Nnaji, Chichi Nwoko
Best Indigenous Language Movie/TV Series – Igbo: Paul Igwe
Best Indigenous Language Movie/TV Series – Hausa: Salisu Balarabe
Best Indigenous Language Movie/TV Series – Swahili: Josephat Lukaza
Best Movie – East Africa: Elizabeth Michael
