Ukeje, Okujaiye, Amstel Malta Brand Ambassadors, Win Big At Inaugural AMVCA
A highly elated Ukeje showered encomiums on the Amstel Malta brand in his acceptance speech. "I'd like to thank Amstel Malta for giving me the platform to be on this stage accepting this prestigious award today. It means a lot to me because the fans actually voted for the winners in this category. I won Amstel Malta Box Office in 2007; and I am grateful for that platform."
- (1888PressRelease) March 13, 2013 - Okechukwu Chukwudi Ukeje and Ivie Okujaiye shone brightly among the galaxy of movie and TV stars that converged at the Expo Hall of Eko Hotel for the first edition of the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards. While Okeje carted home the highly coveted 'Best Actor In A Drama' plaque for his role in the movie Two Brides And A Baby, Okujaiye was bestowed the 'Industry Trail Blazer' award.
Incidentally the two fledging thespians were past winners of the now rested Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO) reality TV show. Okeje attained national prominence when he emerged winner of the 2007 edition of AMBO. This earned him a lead role in the movie, White Waters, for which he won the highly coveted 'Best Upcoming Actor' award at the 2008 edition of the African Movie Academy Awards.
Okujaye emerged the AMBO winner in 2009. As part of her prize, she played the lead role in the movie, Alero's Symphony.
Ukeje edged out Fabian Adeoye Lojede (Jacob's Cross), Kenneth Uphopho (Down & Out), Edward Kagutuzi (Mirror Boy) and Jafta Mamabolo (Otelo Burning) to emerge the best actor in drama.
Okujaiye was also short of words when she was announced as the winner of the 'Industry Trail Blazer' of the inaugural AMVCA. The category is a special recognition category. She commented that she did not realise her efforts in film making were being noticed. According to her, two of her films have been directed by popular actor, Desmond Elliot, while she was currently working on a short film.
Amstel Malta, the premium low sugar malt drink from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc, is the headline sponsor of the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards. Speaking at the post-event press conference, Mr. Walter Drenth, Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, described the inaugural edition of the AMVCA as one of a kind. He lauded the efforts of the African television and movie practitioners for the immense growth and development witnessed in the sector.
On Amstel Malta's decision to sponsor the AMVCA, Mr. Drenth said: "The industry is developing; you can say that it is the time to celebrate the efforts of the practitioners. We are deeply pleased to be at the forefront of this spectacular event that celebrates truly talented individuals whose valuable contribution to the African film and television landscape is immeasurable. When we heard about AMVCA at Nigerian Breweries Plc, we said this is something that we want to associate with and this is something we would like to support. And we chose Amstel Malta as the brand to support the AMVCA because a lot of the values which have been reflected tonight are also the values shared by the Amstel Malta brand."
Mr. Drenth added: "The Amstel Malta brand's pay-off is Be The Best You Can Be. Over the years, Amstel Malta has provided a platform for budding talents to leverage on for growth in key areas of entertainment. So as a brand, it is very important that we celebrate, recognise and give support to talented individuals because we believe they deserve the platform. What we've seen tonight is a fantastic show and we are very happy just to be a part of it."
Mr. Drenth added that the Nigerian Breweries would also support the 2nd edition of the AMVCA.
Other winners of the AMVCA were Nigeria's Mercy Johnson, who emerged Best Actress In A Comedy for her role in Dumebi - The Dirty Girl; Ghana's Jackie Appiah who won Best Actress In A Drama for the movie Perfect Picture and Nigeria's Hafiz Oyetoro who carted the Best Actor In A Comedy for his part in HouseApart.
Olu Jacobs was also recognised for his contributions to the African movie industry and was presented with the Industry Merit Award.
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