STAR Gist presenter Vimbai “Miss Vee” Mutinhiri and Big Brother Africa host IK have been named as the two hosts for the first edition of the AfricaMagic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).
Report by Melissa Mpofu
Created to celebrate African film and television talent, both in front of and behind the cameras, the awards ceremony will be held on March 9 in Lagos, Nigeria.
Awards will be handed out at two separate events. The first event will be dedicated to standout technical accomplishments, while the main event will be a glittering and glamorous gala night.
Both events will be screened to DStv audiences across the continent with the gala being screened live. Twenty-eight accolades will be awarded ranging from acting and directing to script-writing and cinematography.
Other fields which will be recognised include editing, make-up, sound, lighting and costuming among others.
In addition, the awards will feature two categories destined to become annual talking points — the Industry Merit Award and the TrailBlazer of the Year Award. Popular actors who were nominated include Osita Iheme, Genevieve Nnaji, Jackie Appiah, Funke Akindele, Bubu Mazibuko, Mercy Johnson and Nolwazi Shange.
M-Net Africa managing director Biola Alabi said IK and Vimbai were chosen because of their experience and passion for African entertainment.
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“IK’s cool, calm professionalism combined with his effortless charm that is clearly a benefit during busy live broadcasts, while the always optimistic and stylish Vimbai’s enthusiasm for lifestyle programming makes her the ideal co-host for what we are confident will be a glittering, glamourous night for African stars, industry insiders and audiences watching at home,” said Alabi.
Speaking on her role at the AMVCAs, Vimbai said she was honoured and excited to be part of the biggest initiative in the African film and television industry.
“I feel there is no better way to pay homage to the outstanding stars we have on this continent than to be a part of the grand occasion to honour each one of them. I am sincerely humbled,” she said. She added that she was expecting to see and hear Africa’s finest putting their best foot forward on March 9.
“The AMVCAs promises to be a night of glamour and excitement, so I can’t wait to see the finest couture on the continent. I’m also looking forward to some hot entertainment. It’s going to be bigger and better than anything we’ve ever seen or experienced . . . I know this for sure!”
Alabi said she was confident that this was an opportunity to build a pan-African event that is both relevant to the professionals in the industry and vastly entertaining to fans.
“It has been part of our plan to create a specific event that honours, celebrates and recognises those people who are giving so much of their talent and creativity to ensuring the popularity and evolution of African film and TV,” said Alabi.
The AMVCAs will be screened live to DStv audiences on Saturday, March 9 at 20:00 CAT on AfricaMagic, AfricaMagic Entertainment and AfricaMagic World.
