By Sam Phiri –
FRICAMAGIC Viewers’ Choice Awards, (AMVCA) in association with MultiChoice and Amstel Malta, have announced the names of the three hosts for the gala ceremony.
The event that has Zambia’s Nancy Handabile nominated in the Best Supporting Actress category will be co-hosted by IK Osakioduwa, Osas Ighodaro and Vimbai Mutinhiri, all of whom are part of AfricaMagic’s onscreen family.
The awards will be held in Lagos on Saturday March 8 and will be screened live on DStv and GOtv to over 50 countries on the continent.
M-Net Africa’s Managing Director of Special Projects Biola Alabi says, “IK and Vimbai did a tremendous job of hosting the inaugural AMVCAs.
We are confident that with the addition of Osas, this dynamic team will once more keep this exciting and fast-paced live event running smoothly.
With more viewer voted categories, the launch of the New Era Award and a sensational new stage, the latest edition of these awards should be bigger and better.”
Alabi also verified that TV personality Denrele Edun will be working the red carpet as only he can! With a galaxy of African film and TV stars expected to attend the glittering industry showcase, the clock is ticking in the countdown to the 2014 AMVCAs.
For Big Brother’s IK there are many reasons why the AMVCAs are successful.
“Everyone in the industry takes these awards very seriously. People see them not only as transparent, but as trustworthy.
The mileage the show attracts makes it a blessing to be nominated, let alone win. Also, one of my favourite categories is the Trail blazer Award, the continent’s first simultaneous look at new and developing talents. Plus, one of the things I loved last year was seeing the really glamorous outfits,” IK says.
Co-host Vimbai of StarGist says; “From witnessing some of the greatest contributors in African film and TV being recognized for their phenomenal work, to watching fresh faces embarking on new journeys into the industry, the evening is a reminder of how much work, passion and commitment goes into film and TV.
Plus the nominees have helped drive African film into contemporary culture and modernity in so many ways, so it will be great to see who takes the first New Era Award.”
An enthusiastic and delighted Tinsel starOsas says, “I enjoyed every moment of the AMVCA’s last year and I am very excited about this year’s show.
Being in a room full of beautiful African stars celebrating amazing work and knowing it will broadcast all over Africa is nothing short of a blessing and I can’t wait. The AMVCA’s certainly exudes quality and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
In total, 29 awards in 27 categories will be awarded with the recipients of the Industry Merit Award, the New Era Award and the TrailBlazer Award also to be announced.
This year, there are 137 nominations from across 80 productions vying for awards.
Zambia’s actress, Nancy playing Progress in the popular soapy Love Games is the only actress from the entire Southern African region in the Best Supporting Actress category.
The lager than life actress is up against four Nigerians and one Kenyan in the same category. Fans who wish to vote for their favorites in the nine-viewer voted categories shouldn’t delay as voting closes on March 3.
Voting is currently open on the website www.africamagic.tv or via the mobile site on your mobile phone. Voting on the website and on the mobile site is free and you can vote once per hour.
According to the voting pertain obtained by DStv entertainment , voting for the only Zambia actress Nancy Handabile is as simple as texting 4d to +2783142100415.
Remember Nancy stands as the only envoy for the Southern African region and you her viewer have the powers in your hands. If voting via SMS, you can only vote 100 times per telephone number. For more information log on to www.dstv.comand www.gotvafrica.com
