Whether you are an actor, a cinematographer, a filmmaker, a media personality or a viewer; one thing is sure, once the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards are approaching, a frenzy descends on entertainment practitioners.
It’s either one is anticipating who the winners of the event will be, what the best dressed (usually Rita Dominic) will wear or who will emerge the night’s biggest flops. However it pans out, it is always refreshing to watch Africa’s most prestigious annual award showcase, in person or on television.
As this writer approached the parking lot of the Eko Hotel and Suites where the event was held, a gridlock had formed all the way through the underground lot and towards the hall.
The crowd – including actors and actresses dressed to the nines – had to come down from their cars to avoid being locked out of the venue (as doors were to be closed at 6:30 pm).
You see, when the organisers of the AMVCA’S say they will begin a show at 7 pm, even our celebrities know that it is set in stone. The notorious ‘African Time’ syndrome doesn’t apply here.
The Overcrowded Red Carpet
The AMVCA’s red carpet is always a must see. As it is with properly scripted shows around the world, organizers ensure that there is ample space for the dozens of cameras, journalists and celebrities to strut through. This year however, the throng of actors and actresses that were packed into the narrow corridor left precious little space for breathing, let alone photo ops. Notice that most of the photos celebs posted on their social media pages were taken in their hotel rooms and the lobby?
Some lady behind me lost her date who had disappeared into the crowd. She kept asking frantically “Please have you seen my boyfriend? He’s wearing a carpet green tuxedo. Jeez, I just lost him and my phone is dead!” She was advised to wait at the entrance or speak to the heavily guarded security men who may help her locate the missing boyfriend.