By Kenneth Atisele
Genevieve Nnaji was the cynosure of all eyes at the just concluded Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The popular actress was on hand to tutor 11 Outstanding Theatre Arts students, selected from Nigerian universities on how to hone their skills and nurture their talents.
It was indeed an exciting time for the students, who had an exclusive date with Genevieve Nnaji, along with other exciting packages like free make-over sessions; all courtesy of Amstel Malta.
The students were selected based on their academic performances across various Nigerian universities including Universities of Nigeria, Nsukka, Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Benin, arrived Lagos the Friday preceding the awards and were treated to an exquisite welcome dinner by the Amstel Malta brand team.
A few hours after, the students were given a grand ride to Eko Hotel, Lagos, venue of the AMVCA Nominees cocktail, where they met with various celebrities, most of who willingly shared useful tips with them on how to better hone their craft.
The morning of the D-Day, the 11 students were interviewed on Cool FM and Beat FM in Lagos. They chatted happily with the OAPs about their experiences as Theatre Arts students and their expectations at the awards.
After the series of interviews, the 11 of them were treated to a make-over session in preparation for the awards, billed to kick-off hours later that evening at Eko Hotels and Suites. Courtesy of the talented artists, the students’ looks were transformed to look every inch like the stars they aspire to be.
Just before heading out to the main event, an excited Genevieve Nnaji met with, and had an exclusive date with the students, during which she gave them a few acting tips and encouraged them with her success story.
And then, the climax of the day: The students happily mingled and chatted with some of their favourite stars on the red carpet. They also got a chance to be interviewed on the red carpet before they were ushered into the hall for the awards proper.
The journey to the AMVCAs was certainly one that will linger in their memories. They thanked the Amstel Malta team for the experience as they returned to their schools the following day.
An emotional Mfoniso from University of Port Harcourt described his experience as amazing. ‘This experience is worth so much that I can’t even express with words. I just wish this never had to end. I’m totally grateful to Amstel Malta for making this happen. This was certainly the best weekend I’ve ever had,’ he said.
Amstel Malta promises to keep encouraging the youths in every way possible to strive to be the best at what they do, just as the brand message says: Be The Best You Can Be.
