FAB Events: The AMAA 2012 - Awards, Performances and Highlights

The 2012 African Movies Academy Awards took place on the 22^nd of April at the Expo Hall, Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The night was one of entertainment, fun and excitement as Africans came together to celebrate the art of film-making.

The event was hosted by Jimmy Jean-Louis and OC Ukeje. CEO of the AMAA Jury, Asantuwa Olatunji welcomed the guests and expressed her enthusiasm about African movies. “as Africans, we should tell our own stories in our own ways and in our own words” she says.

Jimmy Jean-Louis and OC Ukeje (hosts)

Osantuwa Olatunji - CEO AMAA Jury

The evening was kicked off by singer, Yinka Davies who gave a very impressive performance that got guests moving their feet and set the perfect mood for an amazing evening.

The first award for the night went to Braids on a Bald Head (Nigeria) for Best Short Film, an award which was presented by actor, Patrick Doyle. Florence Ita Giwa then presented the prize for Best Documentary to African Election (Nigeria/Germany). Actor, Emeka Ossai emerged next and he presented an award for Best Diaspora Feature to its recipient, Toussanat Louverture (France). He also presented the AMAA for the Best Diaspora Documentary which went to The Education of Auma Obama (Germany). President of the Association of Movie Producers, Zik Zulu Okafor came out to present the award for Best Short Film in Diaspora to White Sugar in a Black Pot (USA).

At this point, there was also a performance from singer, Edge and he wowed the audience with some cool dance moves and upbeat music.

Singer, Edge

Producer, Zeb Ejiro then presented the award for Best Animation to The Legend of Ngog Hills (Kenya), and award for Best Film by an African Living Abroad which went to Mystery of Birds (USA/Nigeria). The movie, Phone Swap, took home the award for Achievement in Production Design; an award which was presented by Funmi Iyanda and the prize for Achievement in Costume Design went to Adesuwa (Nigeria).

Funmi Iyanda presenting an award to the producers of Phone Swap

The prize for Achievement in Make-up was presented by Kate Henshaw and the movie Shattered (Kenya) was its recipient.

Senegalese singer, Vinea also took to the stage with her dance troupe and rendered the much-loved African dance and music, leaving the audience mesmerized and impressed. She also performed a song made specifically for the AMAAs.

Vinea's performance

TV personality, Olisa Adibua was there to present the award for Best Soundtrack {to Alero’s Symphony (Nigeria)} and Achievement in Visual Effects {to State of Violence (South Africa)}. Veteran actor, Ejike Asiegbu then came out to present the Achievement in Sound award to State of Violence (South Africa). The South African movie, Otelo Burning claimed the prize for Achievement in Cinematography and How to Steal 2 Million took home the award for Achievement in Editing.

Ejike Asiegbu presenting an award

Music sensation, Asa then rocked the crowd and lifted everyone’s spirit as she performed her hit songs Bimpe and Jailer, a performance which got everyone singing along in no time.

Asa in performance

Asa

The next award was for Achievement in Screenplay which went to Ties That Bind (Ghana) and 2011 Mr. Nigeria, Deji Bakare gave out the prize for Best Nigerian Film, an award which went to Adesuwa. Best Film in African Language went to State of Violence (South Africa). Nollywood’s Chinedu Ikedieze presented the award for Best Child Actor which was received by Tsepang Mohlomi (Ntwe) for his role in Otelo Burning. Award for Best Young Promising Actor given to Ivie Okujaye (Alero) of Alero’s Symphony and presented by Lydia Forson.

Mr Nigeria 2011 presenting an award

Chinedu Ikedieze announcing the winner for Best Child Actor

Chinedu Ikedieze presenting the award for Best Child Actor to Tsepang Mohlomi

Lydia Forson announcing the winner for Best Young Promising Actor

The final performance was by Nigerian superstar, 2Face whose stellar performance of his songs One Love, Brother and Implication was got crowd roaring and screaming for more. The audience’s favorite indeed.

2Face in performance

2Face

The prize for Best Actor in a Supporting Role went to Rapuldna Seiphemo (Twala) of How to Steal Two Million. Hollywood’s Lynn Whitfield then emerged to present the prizes for Best Actress in a Supporting Role (to Terry Pheto – How to Steal 2 Million) and Best Actor in a Lead Role (Majid Michael – Somewhere in Africa). The most anticipated award for the night which was the award for Best Actress in a Leading Role was presented by Rockmond Dunbar and received by Rita Dominic for her role in Shattered.

Majid Michael

Rockmond Dunbar to present Award for Best Actress in Leading role

Rita Dominc getting a hug from Nse Ikpe-Etim after being announced winner

Rita Dominc takes home the award for Best Actress in a Leading Role

The award for Best Director went to Charlie Vundla for How to Steal 2 Million and the award for Best Film also went to the same movie.

The final award for the evening was the Special Jury Prize which was given to Man on Ground (Nigeria/South Africa).

The event left everyone feeling proud to be African and honored to share the experience with other Africans who put in a lot of efforts into making the African Movie industry what it is today. With the eighth edition boasting of this much awesomeness and fabulousity, we just can’t wait for a chance to be a part of the next one.