By Victor Enengedi
Last weekend the entertainment industry was agog as actor/producer/director, Fred Amata celebrated his 50th birthday in Lagos. The event saw the gathering of the entertainers particularly from the movie sector all paying tributes and respect to the man who has made a significant impact in the Nigerian movie industry.
The highlight of the series of events which was scheduled to mark the birthday of the Delta State-born actor was the White Tie Dinner held at the Shell Hall of the MUSON Centre on Saturday, May 18, 2013.
Anchored by the team of Wazobia’s OAP, Yaw, Dancehall artiste, Baba Dee and comedian, D-Don, the guests were delighted by the 30 minutes excerpts of Fred Agbeyegbe’s play ‘The King Must Dance Naked’ performed by Fred Amata and an ensemble cast which included Kate Henshaw, Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey, Paul Adams, Jude Orhorha and Francis Nwochei.
In his remark, the President of the Association of Movie Producers, Nigeria, Zik Zulu Okafor described Fred as ‘an enigma and an embodiment of creativity’.
Friend and colleague, Segun Arinze, said he had nothing but respect for the celebrant as an accomplished actor. ‘For years Fred and I have been friends, and I respect him for being a lover of the arts and a thespian of repute that has impacted greatly in the lives of so many people’, Arinze said.
Patrick Ferife, who represented the Governor of Delta State, Emmanuel Uduaghan presented Amata with a gift of a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) on behalf of the government for a piece of land in a government residential area (GRA), Asaba, Delta State.
Fred who could not help expressing his excitement at the large turn out of guests at the event said that he believes that his life is just beginning at 50. ‘I am so very honoured that this much people would come out to celebrate with me. Fifty years is a lot, and from what you have seen here today, I have decided to return back to my roots which is stage productions. So, expect more from me.’
Earlier on, soft sell magazine, City People, had hosted the thespian to a celebrity party tagged ‘An Evening With Fred Amata’ at Abibiz Restruant and Lounge, Victoria Island where he was honoured with a ‘Lifetime Achievement award’.
And on Wednesday, May 15, a novelty football match tagged Celebrity Charity Challenge’ took place as fans and spectators were thrilled to a square-off between ex-Super Eagles players, led by Jay Jay Okocha and Fred Amata’s side which comprised of entertainers in general. The match which held at the Campus Square Stadium, Lagos ended 4-3in favour of the ex-Super Eagles’ side.
Although Amata’s exs were conspicuously missing from the events, his children, Oreva and Stephanie and his new beau, Mor Okonkwo were however by his side to celebrate with him. The celebration is scheduled to conclude this week with an all star visit to different charities to spread gifts and goodwill.