Nollywood veterans Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva were both conferred with the Lifetime Achievement award at the 12th edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) which in Rivers State.
Although receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award is an opportunity to hug the spotlight, for Joke, it was time to well up. Delivering her acceptance speech on behalf of her husband who was right beside her, the thespian said in tears; “it’s been a difficult ride. I know there are so many people in this hall who know what a struggle it is to be in our industry and to keep going year-in, year-out, and to just keep climbing the mountains. For AMAA awards, thank you very much. I really appreciate. It was so good and unexpected.”
Other recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Awards were Tony Akpsheri of The New Masquerade fame as well as the celebrated Richard Mofe Damijo.
As with Olu Jacobs and Joke Sylva, it was also a time for RMD to get emotional. Crediting his entire career to the grace of God and the influence of people like Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, RMD thanked every young and old person he’s worked with who encouraged him on his journey.
“But, I can’t forget the one person who sacrificed her own fame for me, who opted to be my wife and the mother of my children. I love you for all the sacrifice you have made. I am much better than when she met me. And truly, I cannot be here without you. This one goes to every child that is born in an unknown street in Warri, in Port Harcourt, in the Niger Delta, in Zamfara, anywhere in the world. If you believe, just stay in your lane and never give up. Just like me, from one street in Warri, I am standing here today in distinguished company,” he said.
Among the winners for the night and their different categories were Best Short Film, Meet The Parents (Nigeria/Canada); Best Animation, The Pencil (Burkina Faso); Best Documentary, The Fruitless Tree (Niger); Best Diaspora Short Across The Track (USA); Michael Anyiam Osigwe Award For Best Film By An African Living Abroad, Lambadina (Ethiopia/USA); Best Diaspora Feature, Ben & Ara (USA); Best Diaspora Documentary, Agents of Change; Achievement In Costume Design, Eye of the Storm; Achievement In Production Design, The Cursed One (Ghana); Achievement In Make-Up,Soldiers Story; Achievement In Soundtrack, O-Town (Nigeria); Achievement In Visual Arts, Oshimiri(Nigeria); Achievement In Cinematography, The Cursed One; Achievement In Editing, Hear me Move; Achievement In Screen Play, Tell me Something Sweet; Rivers State Government Endowed Award For Best Nigerian Film, Dry
Others were Best Director, Nana Obiri-Yaboah and Maximilian Clausse (The Cursed One); Best Young / Promising Actor, Zubaidat Ibrahim Fagge (Dry); Best Actor in a Leading Role, Daniel K Daniel (Soldiers Story); Best Actress in a Leading Role, Fulu Mugovhani (Ayanda); Best First Feature Film By A Director, Beyond Blood (Greg Odutayo); Lifetime Achievement Award, Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva, Tony Akposheri, RMD; Best Film, Eye of the Storm (Burkina Faso)
Though the event was almost marred by logistic issues which included a power outage that lasted almost 20 minutes, some of Africa’s finest entertainers were on ground to charge the ambience. While comedy was provided by Arinze Baba, an up and coming artiste who pulled his weight at the event, the duo of Harrysong and Kcee also kept guests entertained. Yinka Davies also brought in a sombre moment when she rendered a song in honour of the departed musician and music producer, Nomoreloss.
