London Metropole Hotel standstill for Nigerian artistes
By David Ajiboye
Dakore Egbuson (r) receives Best Actress
(English) Award from one of the
representatives of Virgin Nigeria in the UK.
Nollywood
stars were the
envy of all at the just concluded African Film Awards 2007 held in London on Saturday, 27th October at the London Hilton Metropole.
A number of African film talents were rewarded for their contributions to the growing influence of the African film industry.
The award of excellence in film, arts and culture had more Nigerian artistes in attendance.
Acclaimed as the third largest film-producing nation in the world had its professionals dominating the list of award recipients. The actors shone and confirmed that their works are not only seen across the globe but are fast becoming household names as well.
The African Film Awards, formerly known as Afro Hollywood Awards is Africa’s most prestigious film awards and its scope has been expanded, hence it’s rechristening to embrace and reward excellence in world films.
The organisers of the awards have used this year’s ceremony to unveil its new gong Nzumah, which is a 24 carat gold plated half face of a strong determined African woman which represents strength and wisdom.
Nzumah is sculpted by Fowokan (George Kelly), a renowned Black British sculptor and poet .
George Kelly is one of the foremost modern sculptors working in Britain of African Caribbean origin whose works are on display at leading museums across the world.
According to the awards UK coordinator and co founder, veteran actress Golda John, “Fowokan’s art piece represents strength and wisdom, which expresses the heart and soul of the awards initiative. A 24carat gold plated hand crafted masterpiece. It is a collector’s item”.
Clem Ohameze receiving his award
as the Best Actor (English)
Films from Mali, Ghana, Burkina Faso and South Africa have historical content but Nollywood films are increasingly more popular in the continent and in Europe among the diaspora and especially within the British African Caribbean community. The films are used as regular content by television stations across Africa. This explains why the screen stars are well appreciated and adored by their teaming fans.
The glitz and glamorous event was well attended by high profile guests that showered appreciation and support to the actors and actresses as they filed out to receive the accolade.
The awards ceremony paraded arrays of stars from the British Film and Television industry. Among them were former head of the British Film School, Stephen Bayly, TV personality and star of Little Miss Jocelyn on BBC, Jocelyn Esien, Linda James, Executive Director of the Wales Film Council, Charles Thompson of Screen Nation and many more.
Prominent corporate organisations included Virgin Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc, Guinness Plc, SAO Solicitors, Femade UK Ltd, Bantuway Food Ltd, Ashosh Services, Ben tv, CANUK, Zenith Club, Club 87, Charles Ete Solicitors, Islington Adoption Agency and Mayor of London who supported the awards as part of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Bi-centennial 2007 and Black History month.
The event was organised by the African Voice, newspaper, Britain and supported by Ben Television, Sky 194 and Minaj Broadcast International (MBI).
The Editor- in -chief of African Voice Newspapers and founder of the awards, Mike Abiola said, “This is a historic year for us, as we have come out with a new identity and a new branding. The new image is a challenge to us to continue to build bridges with African films”.
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