Thrills Of The African Film Awards In London

By David Ajiboye

The 13th African film Awards formerly referred to as the Afro Hollywood Awards has come and gone but the memories linger on. The awards came barely eight days after the first African-American won the US presidential election. President-Elect Barack Obama predicated his campaign message on change and hope. According to him, the change we need and the change we believe in are most important constructs that must now move the world forward.

Perhaps it was this change element that was preeminent in this year’s African Film Awards ceremony, which took place on the 12th of November, 2008. First the venue was changed from the traditional West End Hilton Hotel where the award has always been in the past. This year the venue was at The 02 (indig02), in North Greenwich London, an unfamiliar terrain for black events. But the event was full of glamor and glitz. What with the beautiful faces of film stars, politicians, VIP guests and a coterie of supporting musical artistes who accompanied the entertainers, the show can be regarded as a huge success.

Ace comedienne, Princess Adekoya, ably supported by veteran actress Binta Ayo Mogaji Oduleye made the show lively by her hilarious, and sometimes acidic comedy. Guests who attended the show attested to her ability to actually make people giggle and laugh at themselves. From the start to finish it was a lively atmosphere and even the most serious-minded individual would have fallen under the spell of laughter.

CEO of the African Film Awards, Mike Abiola said the show had come of age and would like to thank those supporters of the awards who have made it a successful journey this far. Mike Abiola who is also the publisher of the African Voice Newspaper was however full of praises for the talented artists and art patrons who made this year’s event despite the difficulties. For the umpteenth time, he informed the audience about the concept of the African film awards, which among other things, is to promote the image and culture of Africa and celeberate the growing film industry, and showcase the achievement of the professionals. Emphasizing that the event presents a vehicle for corporate communication.

The awards ceremony was a huge success as more than 1000 Londoners from all works of life, hue and color thronged the magnificent 02 architectural edifice. As early as 8:30 pm, the venue has been besieged by enthusiastic fans who wanted to see screen idols especially the Nigerian film stars they have watched in the Nigerian home videos.

Veteran actress Golda John, the UK event coordinator, said the turn out for the event on a Wednesday was a testimony to the strength of the African Film Award as a brand. She enjoined corporate sponsors to take advantage of the popularity of the awards.

In recent times the Nigerian movie industry has become very popular within the diapora and film stars have become household idols. We have the likes of Richard Mofe-Damijo, Desmond Elliott, Bob Manuel Udokwu, Ramsey Nouah, Patience Ozokwor, Liz Benson, and producers such as Tunde Kelani, Tunji Bamishigbin and a host of other talented personalities in the film industry.  It can be rightly said that the Nigerian film industry has come of age.

This year’s awards featured an array of musical stars, such as Olu Maintain, MaY 7, Komoblastic, Mr. Solek and the latest wave making gospel music sensation Caleb Alalade. The entertainers all put up electrifying performances.

The highlight of the event came when Olu Maintain created the scintillating atmosphere that wowed the audience. About two months ago, he brought the former US Secretary of State Collin Powell on stage to dance to his YAHOOZEE music at the Royal Albert Hall during the African Rise Festival. But this time around, Olu Maintain (full name, Olumide Edwards Adegbulu) caused a great stir when he rocked the audience with his YAHOOZEE dance music, which rounded off the show.

As the audience went berserk, one of his female fans joined him on the table dance just after the African music icon was pronounced winner of the Most Promising Musical Act. Among the VIPs who graced the show were Minister of Trade and Economic Matters at the Nigerian High Commission, UK; Ambassador Garba Zakari and his wife, who represented the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK; Director-General Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Olusegun Runsewe; Former Mayor of Newham Council; Mrs. Joy Laguda, Cllr Elisabeth Tinuke Davies, Cllr Tayo Situ, Barrister Godwin Okri and his wife, Victoria who just gave birth to a baby girl; Mrs. Stella Ideh of Bantuway Foods and Miss Lakie of Colourful Radio.

Otunba Segun Runsewe, Director General of Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) was presented with an Outstanding Recognition Award for the promotion of tourism in Nigeria with his introduction of Satellite Navigation Aid into Nigeria. Award was sponsored and presented by Diaspora Organisation UK.

Another outstanding award this year was presented to O.T Fagbenle, a RADA trained actor who is recognized for roles from Doctor Who to Hollyoaks and Agatha Christe’s Miss Marple. He burst onto the scene in a series of fantastic stage performances of Romeo and Juliet as Mercutio in a national tour culminating at the Hong Kong Arts Festival. Later that year, he was awarded M.E.N. Theatre Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in Six Degrees of Separation.

In October 2006, Fagbenle was greeted with critical acclaim for his performance in Trevor Nunn’s Tony Award winning world premiere of Porgy and Bess The Musical.

Following Cab Calloway in the opera and Sammy Davies Jr. in a feature film, O.T. Fangbenle played the infamous role of Sportin’ Life at the Savoy Theatre in the West End of London.

Roll call of Awards recipients:

Uche Jumbo                         Best Actress, English Film

Fathia Balogun                     Best Actress, Yoruba Film

Saheed Balogun                   Best Actor Supporting Role, Yoruba Film

Bisi Ibidapo                          Best Actress Supporting Role, Yoruba Film

Awilo Longomba                  Africa’s Most Outstanding Musical Act

Olu Maintain                        Most Promising African Musical Act

Mike Ezuruonye                  Best Actor, English Film

Binta Ayo Mogaji Oduleye   Veteran Artiste of the Year

Yemi Solade                        Best Actor, Yoruba Film

UK Most Outstanding Nollywood Actor:

Erick Nwadinobi                 Best Actor, English Film

Rotimi Aberuagba               Best Actor, Yoruba Film

Special Recognition Award:

O. T. Fagbenle                    Stage and Film in the UK

Otunba Olusegun Runsewe Tourism Development