Entertainment
Africa Film Academy calls for submissions ahead of 2024 AMAA
The Africa Film Academy (AFA), the organisers of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), has called for submissions ahead of its 20th edition.
The organisers of the annual award ceremony also unveiled plans and activities for the 2024 edition.
According to a statement, Shaibu Husseni, the director-general of the Nigeria Film and Video Censor Board, will return as the head of AMAA’s college of screeners for the 20th edition.
Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe, the designated CEO of the AFA board, said the decision to unveil the activities ahead of AMAA 2024 was a deliberate move to involve every film practitioner in Africa and the diaspora.
Anyiam-Osigwe said entries in all award categories will end in April.
He said Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos state governor, will return as the host for the 20th edition of the AMAAs.
“This is an avenue to officially end the 19th edition of the AMAAs under the supervision of the Africa Film Academy and begin the journey to AMAA 2024,” he said.
“The 20th edition of the AMAA will serve as a testimony to African creativity as we celebrate and toast not just the Founder Peace Anyiam-Osigwe and her contribution in placing African film and film makers on the global stage.
“But also 20 years of AMAA which showcases the finest in African film and cinematography and has brought the World to appreciate African film and filmmakers.
“AMAA is currently calling for entries in all categories, and this will last till April 2024. We are now accepting submissions for the 20th edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards.
“The Africa Film Academy invites filmmakers to submit their feature, film shorts, animation, and documentary work for consideration in nearly 30 film categories of the awards.
“One of the reasons for creating AMAA is to provide and create a networking platform and avenue for African filmmakers and practitioners to interact while getting rewarded for their creativity, uniqueness, authenticity, and professionalism.
“We are not a popularity contest, we are a professional contest that rewards professionalism across Africa and Diaspora based on Merit and best practice, hence, why AMAA has two faces to it, which is the critical look and judgement of professionalism and the glamorous part.”
Husseini, who spoke on behalf of the jury and college of screeners, said: “We look forward to getting great films from African film practitioners”.
“I would like to reiterate that the country of film is different from the origin of film. We don’t encourage films that don’t have Africans or filmmakers of African descent. Films can be uploaded on the film freeway,” he said.
Entertainment
Adebisi Edionseri, aka ‘Cash Madam,’ dies at 89
A popular socialite and businesswoman, Adebisi Edionseri, popularly known as Cash Madam, has died at the age of 89.
She died after a brief illness on Sunday, January 5, 2025, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, Platform Times reports.
Her passing away was announced in a statement on behalf of the family by one of her children, Dr Adebayo Adebowale.
The statement noted that the renowned businesswoman touched many lives in her family and community, as she was a “shining example of grace, dignity and unwavering faith.”
“With deep gratitude to Allah for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Princess Kadijat Abike Adebisi Edionseri (née Elegbede), who returned to her creator on January 5, 2025, at the age of 89, following a brief illness.
“Her life was a shining example of grace, dignity and unwavering faith. Princess Edionseri touched the lives of many through her wisdom, kindness and dedication to both her family and her community. She taught us the importance of love, resilience, and faith in Allah, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.
“As we grieve this monumental loss, we also celebrate the remarkable life she lived. Her laughter, warmth, and the values she instilled will forever remain in our hearts, guiding us as we navigate life without her physical presence,” the statement partly read.
Following Islamic rites, Edionseri will be buried on Monday, January 6, 2025, by 4 pm at her residence in the Abeokuta Government Residential Area of the state.
Entertainment
Yhemolee, wife welcome baby boy
Yhemolee, the nightlife influencer and media personality, and Oyindamola, his wife, have welcomed their first child together.
The couple took to Instagram on Saturday to share photos from their maternity shoot and expressed their overwhelming gratitude and joy for the latest addition to their family.
They also expressed their deep love for the newborn while describing the baby as “an answered prayer”.
“Psalm 139:13 ‘You made all the delicate inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.’ This journey has been filled with so much love, wonder, and gratitude,” the post reads.
“Our hearts couldn’t be fuller. You are so loved, from the moment we learnt of you, our hearts have been overflowing with joy and anticipation. Every flutter, every heartbeat reminds us of the incredible miracle you are. We are in awe of the love and grace that has brought us to this moment.
“Our precious gift, you are everything we’ve prayed for and more. We are so thankful for this beautiful blessing and the incredible journey ahead as we become a family.”
In a post via Snapchat, Yhemolee revealed the newborn is a boy.
“My life changed for good the moment I held you, boy,” he wrote.
The lovebirds held their court and traditional wedding in August.
Their white wedding took place in September.
Yhemolee proposed to Tayo in July 2024.
Entertainment
Why I regret advocating Mohbad’s exhumation – Iyabo Ojo
Iyabo Ojo, the Nigerian actress, has expressed regret over her involvement in the exhumation of the body of Mohbad, the late singer.
Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, and was buried the following day.
However, on September 21, 2023, his body was exhumed by the police for an autopsy.
In May 2024, the pathologist in charge of the autopsy revealed that the cause of death could not be determined due to the decomposition of his body.
A toxicology report obtained by TheCable in June 2024 showed that Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, was found in his system.
However, it was not in a lethal concentration.
In an interview with Biola Bayo, her colleague, Ojo, who had called for justice in the singer’s death, shared her regrets regarding the situation.
She expressed regret over the delays caused by the exhumation and ongoing disputes within Mohbad’s family.
“I did my best. If I knew Mohbad’s case would turn out this way, I wouldn’t have requested that he be exhumed,” she said.
“He hasn’t been buried till now. The dad says he wants a DNA test done, and I hear the court has granted that now but I hear the dad has conditions again.”
Iyabo Ojo explained that her intention in requesting the exhumation was to facilitate an autopsy to uncover the cause of Mohbad’s death and ensure justice.
She stated that she made efforts to push for investigations, but “various theories and distractions” shifted the focus away from the pursuit of justice.
“I just wanted his body exhumed so they could do the autopsy, find out the cause of his death,” she added.
“I did my best to make sure everyone was investigated but when they came up with different theories, DNA became their target and was more important.”
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