Encomium
ENTERTAINMENT stars were on parade at the third edition of one of the biggest awards in Africa, Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) held on Saturday, March 7, 2015, at the Expo Hall of Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
It was a night of glitz and glamour as many entertainment celebrities from Nigeria and Africa were in attendance. Even music artistes could not be kept away as they witnessed one of the most talked about awards in Nigeria.
33 coveted gold statuettes in 30 categories were given to deserving movie practitioners. However, Nigerian entertainers had an upper hand, sweeping most of the trophies. ENCOMIUM Weekly brings you tit-bits from the event.
THE SPONSORS
African Magic Viewers Choice Awards was proudly sponsored by Lipton, MTN, Payporte, Multichoice, African Magic, Verve, while Amstel Malta was the biggest sponsor. They coughed out N4 million for some categories of awards aside other perks and give-away by the company.
Verve also gave out cash prizes to all nominees of Best Supporting Actor Movie (TV Series).
EKO HOTEL & SUITES WORE A NEW LOOK
Prestigious hospitality home and third time venue for AMVCA, wore a new look on Saturday, March 7, 2015. Right from the entrance of the hotel, guests and nominees were welcomed with a gigantic award plaques. Other smaller ones could be seen around the premises. Pillars of the entrance of Eko Hotel were wrapped in AMVCA stickers.
THE RED CARPET
The event kicked off with a red carpet reception at exactly 6 p.m. Paparazzi did not miss any scene as celebrities pranced on the red carpet before the show commenced. At about 6.45 p.m, event organizers started ushering guests into the hall.
MEET THE HOSTS
Hosting the show for the third time were the pair of IK Osakioduwa and former Big Brother housemate, Vimbai Muntinhin. Their task looked like a piece of cake. The duo had a striking chemistry anytime they stepped on the stage. They were both in their elements. IK could pass for a comedian with the jokes and jabs thrown at intervals. The duo also entertained Africa with performance from Orezi’s hit Shoki. They lightened the stage with their humour, drama and dance steps.
EARLY CALLERS
A lot of celebrities came on time. Funke Akindele, Osas Ighodaro, Basketmouth, Wole Ojo, Uti Nwachukwu, Genevieve Nnaji, were among the early comers.
TIGHT SECURITY
K-Square men were on top of their game. Right from the red carpet to the entrance of the hall, they took charge of the event, making sure only guests with invites were allowed. They were seen at about six entrances.
AT THE AMSTEL MALTA STAND
The proud sponsors of the show, Amstel Malta also had a red carpet stand. Celebrities were lured to talking pictures by the backdrop of the AMVCA plaque built with Amstel Malta can.
OLUCHI ORLANDI
She has not missed an edition of the awards. Nigerian born super model, Oluchi Orlandi graced the red carpet looking chic and trim. The mother of two children came in a flowing gown. She was one of the celebrities who presented an award.
THE LIVE BROADCAST
As usual, AMVCA was broadcast live from Lagos to all DSTV and GoTV subscribers and Telecast live to 50 African countries.
STRICTLY A BLACK TIE EVENT
AMVCA is synonymous with glamorous attire and black tie. Most of the celebrities in attendance complied, stepping out in lovely and cute attires.
HITCHES
The awards recorded few technical hiccups. There were embarrassing pauses and breaks as the event was going on. The stage coordinator was also seen picking dirt from the stage every minute they paused the show.
The hall was not big enough to accommodate guests. Some people stood till the end of the show. Due to poor bar arrangement, drinks were served late. Only latecomers were fortunate to have a glass.
The red carpet was a living hell. Despite one or two fans placed at strategic areas, there were clumsy studio lights oozing great heat. Most celebrities couldn’t wait to take a snap shot nor grant interviews on the red carpet because of the unbearable heat. Apart from that, the red carpet was too narrow and clumsy.
THE INDUSTRY MERIT AWARD
The Industry Merit Award went to late movie maker, Amaka Igwe. While her profile was being read, clips and documentary of her life and times were shown.
The late producer’s husband, Charles Igwe had few words as he mounted the stage to receive the award.
Clips of some of her works from Checkmate, Fuji House of Commotion, were shown.
THOSE THAT PERFORMED
Mavin crew opened the floor with their hit song, Dorobucci. They kept guests on their feet for some minutes. Mavin’s first lady, Tiwa Savage was conspicuously absent. The nine month course she embarked upon must have been the reason.
Popular comedian, Basketmouth thrilled with jaw breaking jokes. He was garbed in a grey suit, white shirt and a black bow tie. He looked sharp.
2Face Idibia also sang, Let someone touch you, alongside Lola Rae, while P-Square rounded off with an electrifying rendition of Shekini. It was a well rounded show.
GOOD TO SEE YOU
Lady Evangelist Eucharia Anunobi graced the red carpet. She was looking glamorous in her flowing black and grey gown. She also has lost some weight. She seemed ready to resume on movie location.
THOSE THAT GOT PRIZE MONEY AND OTHER GIFTS
Steve Gukas, the man who won Best Movie Drama for his movie, A Place in the Stars, was given N1 million and six months supply of Amstel Malta.
Comedian Ayo Makun’s 30 Days in Atlanta won the New Era Award. He also got a luxury inner circle 80-piece diamond studded wrist watch.
Actress Kehinde Bankole, who won Best Actress in Drama went home with a cheque of N1 million and six months supply of Amstel Malta.
O.C Ukeje also got N1 million and six months supply of Amstel Malta. Kunle Afolayan won N1 million, a full year supply of Amstel Malta.
