Everything is set for the 18th African Film Academy Awards (AMAA) scheduled for October 30 at Jewel Aeida Hall, Lekki, Lagos.
Famed comedian and MC Funnybone, TV show host Kachi Offia and comedian and actress Chioma ‘Chigul’ Omeruah have been confirmed as the hosts for the awards gala night.
This was stated in a statement from the LOVE TO media director, Tope Ajayi.
Nominees from different parts of the continent, including Uganda, South Africa, Kenya and Ghana, as well as the US, Germany and the UK, have already arrived in Lagos for the show.
One of the nominees, Morris Mugisha, whose film ‘Tembele’ has garnered eight nominations, expressed joy and excitement after arriving in Lagos on Tuesday.
“It’s great to be back in Lagos, Nigeria for AMAA. I hope to collect several awards as our film ‘Tembele’ got ten nominations,” said Mugisha.
Meanwhile, AMAA’s main official host, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, promised the nominees from different countries in Africa and the diaspora to have a good time in the metropolis.
The governor, who has committed to hosting the continental awards show for four years in 2021, reiterated that everything is set for a beautiful and memorable awards show.
On October 25, AMAA organizers announced the headliners for the award ceremony headlined by Juju King legend Sunny Ade, P-Square, Kate Henshaw, Young Jon, Zadok, and Yinka Davies.
Other musical acts confirmed for the award ceremony include Ayo Bankole, Matty, Vintage Band, DJ Kenchello and Gerald Eze.
Similarly, the AMAA’s official media partner, StarTimes Nigeria, reiterated plans to broadcast the award ceremony live on its channels, ST Nollywood Channel 131 and STNollywood Plus Channel 102.
Accumulation of events
AMAA 2022 week-long activities began with prayer sessions at the Agege Central Mosque and the Santo Domingo Catholic Church in Yaba.
This was followed by the graduation of 890 students who were beneficiaries of the African Film Academy’s ‘Film in a Box’ program in conjunction with the Lagos State Government.
The beneficiaries, mainly young people in three different centers: Alimosho, Epe and Badagry, were trained and empowered in the creative industry.
The graduation ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Commissioner of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf.
The week-long activities continued with the TV and radio tour until Friday, when a film and music conference was held at Jewel Aeida Hall, Lekki.
The AMAA fashion show immediately followed the film and music conference in the same place and on the same day.
Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, founder of AMAA, expressed her delight at the activities, saying, “All I can tell you is that AMAA 2022 will blow your mind. It will combine glitz, glamour, and reward for true professionalism and artistry.”
AMAA Show Director and Content Coordinator Kingsley James said the activities heralding the 18th edition of AMAA are an indicator of a special edition in 2022.