Legendary Afrobeat icon Femi Kuti and award-winning musician 9ice are set to captivate the audience with thrilling performances at the 20th edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). The event promises to be an unforgettable celebration, bringing together over 60 African film practitioners from across the continent to honor African cinema.
The event will take place on Saturday, November 2, at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos. This year’s AMAAs will showcase not only the cinematic achievements of African filmmakers but also the continent’s rich musical heritage, with performances by celebrated African artists such as Yinka Davies from Nigeria, Adina from Ghana, and renowned Ghanaian guitarist Naird.
AMAA’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Tony Anih, recently announced these highlights at the AMAA secretariat in Ikeja, Lagos. He explained that the event is designed to be a cultural spectacle that combines African film excellence with an outstanding lineup of musical talent.
According to Anih, this year’s ceremony aims to stand out from previous editions, offering a unique mix of entertainment, artistry, and African culture. AMAA’s technical director, Mr. Kingsley James, also expressed excitement, noting that extensive preparations are underway to ensure that this year’s edition is memorable.
To further elevate the night, organizers have carefully selected artists whose mastery in African music genres complements the cultural significance of AMAA. James shared that Nigeria’s Segun Arinze and Ghana’s Joselyn Dumas will host the event, adding an intercontinental flair.
Music performances will be led by Afrobeat legend Femi Kuti and hitmaker 9ice, joined by artists like Yinka Davies, Narh Tettey, Bedwei Kwaku, and Adina Thembi. DJ Kenchello and the Ebony band will keep the atmosphere lively, ensuring a night of excitement and celebration for all attendees.
The event will also be graced by renowned African film stars, including Ghana’s Lydia Forson and Jackie Appiah, Kenya’s Kenneth Ambani, and Burkina Faso’s Charles Koutou. Nigeria’s Chinedu Ikeduze, Osita Iheme, and other popular actors from Ghana and Nigeria will be among the numerous stars in attendance. This impressive gathering of talent highlights the significance of AMAA as a platform for African film practitioners to connect, celebrate their achievements, and inspire one another.
Preceding the awards ceremony, the Africa Film Academy (AFA), producers of AMAA, hosted an exclusive event titled “African Legends Night” on Friday, November 1, at Amore Garden in Lekki, Lagos. This event honored African creatives and film stars, further emphasizing the importance of recognizing and celebrating African talent. The night served as a prelude to the main awards and highlighted the Academy’s commitment to showcasing African legends in both the film and music industries.
Mr. Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe, on behalf of the AFA, emphasized that the 20th AMAA is a milestone event intended to honor the vision of the late founder, Peace Maria Ogechi Anyiam-Osigwe. He stated that the board of AFA is dedicated to making this year’s edition one of the best in AMAA’s history, as envisioned by Anyiam-Osigwe. By bringing together African filmmakers and creatives from across the continent, this edition aims to fulfill her dream of a united African film industry celebrated on an international scale.
This landmark event not only pays tribute to African film artistry but also honors Anyiam-Osigwe’s legacy and commitment to uplifting African cinema. With an impressive lineup of awardees, artists, and attendees, the 20th AMAA will not only showcase Africa’s rich cultural heritage but also solidify its reputation as a premier event that celebrates and promotes the achievements of African filmmakers.
