BY STEVENS MUENDO in LAGOS
After emerging the shocker upset in Africa’s biggest film awards night, the emerging Kenyan movie industry hit a new high on Saturday, only a week after LupitaNyong’o put the country on international spotlight.
The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards held in Lagos, Nigeria, on Saturday made Kenya the talk of the continent as local thespians dominated the winners’ podium with Nairobi Half Life dominating the movie category.
Kenya got five wins and ranked second after anNollywood movies dominance but however became the talking point of the glitz ceremony after upsetting the traditional film giants in West and Southern Africa.
Barbara Minishi won the Best Art Director award as Mohamed Zain and Christian Almesberger claimed the Best Lighting Designer and Best Cinematographer categories respectively thanks to Nairobi Half Life, which also saw ElayneOkaya scoop the Best Make-Up Artiste accolade.
Even as Nairobi Half Life pulled the upset, the shocker winner of the night was NjokiMuhoho of the KTN aired Mama Duka who won the Best Indigenous Language Movie award during the Africa’s ‘Oscars’ night.
“I dedicate this award to all those who perished during the Westgate Mall attack. Let the shopping place get back to what it once used to be; a place for fun and a little gossip. I thank Africa for voting for me,” an eleatedNjoki told the crowd during her acceptance speech during the ceremony that was transmitted live across Africa through the M-net Dstv channels.
It was a pomp red-carpet affair featuring Africa’s greatest in the film industry and there was not a single dull moment as top entertainers among them celebrated singers Davido and Flavour made thrilling interludes.
The Kenyan presence was heavy with actors Nick Mutuma, Sarah Hasan, NiniWachera joining the awards presentation panel as Ian Mbugua, David Mulwa, Catherine Kabugi, Edwin Maina, Veronica Waceke, Dorothy and Oyunga Pala stood tall in the VIP section.
The ceremony also featured Nollywood finest among them Rita Dominic, Desmond Eliot, RukkySanda and UcheJombo.
“This is our second Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and we are glad the event is now a top platform to reward African actors for their great entertainment role. It is a showcase spot for Africa movie makers and a ground to unite Africa in celebration of the film industry,” M-Net Africa managing director BiolaAlabi said.
“We feel honoured to be referred to as the Oscars of Africa. It is all about a show that Africa can tell its own story through movies. The event is growing and in the future
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