Finally, AMAA comes to Lagos

For the first time, Lagos will have a feel of the Africa Movie Academy Awards live this year as plans have been concluded to stage the 2011 edition in the nation’s former capital on April 22.

Barely a year it was held in Abuja, AMAA has been associated with Bayelsa State, where it was held in the past seven years.

AMAA’s Chief Executive Officer, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, said in Lagos on Wednesday that although Bayelsa government was still behind the awards, its Lagos counterpart and corporate organisations that comprise Airtel and Lufthansa were set to inject a breath of fresh air into it.

She said the enlarged space and increased security that Lagos provides makes it a better location.

According to her, there is pressure on AMAA’s management to move it out of Nigeria so that other people can feel it, noting that out of about 180 nominees, only 48 are Nigerians while others are either from other African countries or the Diaspora.

“We are happy to have Lagos State Government and Airtel on board and other sponsors like Arik Air, Lufthansa, Bayelsa State Government who are still behind us. It is a big year for AMAA as we turn eight and there will be lots of films from several countries in the world and other areas of excellence for which AMAA is known,” she said in a statement.

Airtel management has also expressed delight at being part of the frill, with its Head of Brands and Communication, Mba Uzuokwu, saying the partnership would further grow the industry.

He said, “We are delighted to partner with AMAA as it is a platform for us to contribute to the growth of the African movie industry. The coming together of the two brands is significant in many ways and goes to show the interest of Airtel as a brand that connects with its customers.”

Apart from a bevy of African movie stars that will converge on The Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, venue of the awards, Hollywood stars that include Morris Chestnut, Lynn Whitfield, Maya Gilbert and Rockmund Dumbar will be present as special guests. Exciting Senegalese music star, Vivian, will also join

While Haiti-born Hollywood star, Jimmy Jean-Louis and O.C Okeje will host the awards, its Head of Screening, Shuaibu Husseini, said members of the jury would be on ground from April 15.