The 9th edition of AMAA took place at her birth place, Yenogua Bayelsa state. The Glory Land Cultural center was full to its capacity. With Politicians, stars (old and new), almost all the guild heads and guests from across the world! It was a colourful event! A fine improvement through the years!
The event took off few minutes to 9pm but dragged on till 4am. Over 7 hours, because of long boring speeches by some gov’t officials. Then again the show suffered a bit of technicalities in terms of audio. (For me, AMAA 2012 in Lagos and AMAA 2008 in Abuja are still the best -Technically) Its good to note that the Governor, His Excellency Henry Dickson, stayed through to the End.
AY (comedian), one of the MCs of the event, gave a good performance! But his Co-MC, a Ghanian actress was boring! Waje, was surprisingly a huge bore on stage. She was just screaming into the mic, and kept all wondering. And yes during the getting back to Lagos situation at the airport, Waje threatened the organisers of AMAA, stating that she must get on the Plane (as others were scrambling) or else… As she got a show to perform at. Sure sister na u ooo!
Ok! Timi Dakolo, (that guy can never go broke! – he is always getting jobs) easily stole the show with his solidarity songs. Flavour, who was the last act for the day, was so cool! Of cause AMAA is not a Nigerian affair, other 3 acts from across the the continent also gave a good show. AMAA 2013, was well attended and the organisers must be commended for the credibility of the Awards.
During the hullabaloo of getting guests back to Lagos, it was a huge pity to behold the greed exhibited by some Nigerian Artistes. The organisers chattered 3 planes for this cause, but it wasn’t enough, (it was enough from Lagos to Port Harcourt) because those who came by road and from Zik Zulu’s mother’s burial insisted on joining the flight. Those who initially paid their way and had return tickets, out of their greed, kept it, and rushed for the chattered flight, thereby depriving others, especially foreign guests and dignitaries from boarding! Dakore was even more unbelievable with her actions, as she demanded that her husband (who came to join her from some business trip and even had a return ticket) gets on the chattered flight! As a result, over 70 people couldn’t fly ! Peace (CEO of AMAA) was flustered! And almost in tears! She must be commended for the way she handled the situation. She was personally sorting out tickets for everyone.
We named Fathia Balogun star of the event because in the commotion and fights for seats, she upgraded her ticket to business class, bought tickets for her PA, a fellow actress, a journalist and for someone who was bereaved! The brutally aggressive light skinned, hairy Edo/Delta Producer/Director, who clamored for people to give up their seats so the South Africans won’t miss their flights from Lagos to SA, surprisingly sat back. Even when his senior colleague, Andy Amenechi, President Directors Guild, and others gave up theirs. Na wa oooo.
Still in the heated atmosphere, Chioma Chukwuka quarrelled hard with a female journalist from Vanguard, for allegedly calling her a lousy Igbo Bitch! Chioma went on, raining insults on the lady, even in the turbulent flight to Lagos.
Baby Owl also gathered that the government of Bayelsa state did not fulfill most of the promises they made to the AMAA organisers.
Peace Ayiam Osigwe has done well with AMAA. Next year, AMAA will be 10, and we heard Peace will be stepping down as CEO. Let’s see how that goes. But I think, it might be too soon. Congrats AMAA!
Congratulations to the Late Justus Esiri. He won best Actor ! For the movie- Assassins Practice. Its a long time coming.
Hey! We heard some of the A-listers, who were not present at AMAA 2013, asked to be paid to attend the event! A word of Advise superstars, don’t price yourselves out of the Market!
Baby Owl!
