Behind The Scene! Why The AMAA Could Have Been A Big Disaster

joanngomba

October 16, 2013 2:56 PM

We heard the promises, tasted the sweetness of the hype, and reveled in the eventual beauty that the AMAA unraveled. But what we didn't know, events that hid behind the main plot and threatened the success of the glamour are:

Taking The Gig To Bayelsa: Was it a bad idea? Taking a prestigious event that symbolizes the pinnacle of African screen achievement to the backwaters of Southern Nigeria, where the general perception is one of terrorism, and a penchant for corruption (remember Alameseigha).

The Growing Dominance Of The AMVCA: We all fell in love with the class on display at the recently held Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards. The glitter and stunning attractions had us all wishing it never had to go away until next year. But sadly it did, and the AMAA, it's elder sibling didn't exactly strike us as a once in a lifetime chance to recapture the razzmatazz.

The Feeling Of Political Infiltration: Africa rejoices with every chance she gets to bask in the unity of purpose. The AMAA affords us a platform for this, and so it's not a thing of the abnormal for every country to weigh in with tangible support. But we get the eyebrows raising when a politician takes it upon herself to play Mama Africa. Enter Joyce Banda, the President of Malawi. Jabulani! The strong-willed juggernaut, and an inspiration to feminists took on duties of a hostess, and while we all love a good ceremony, there's a lingering aftertaste of politics meddling with creativity. That doesn't work in any book, and certainly not in the totally fictional AMAA book.

But it came, and left, leaving us all with an impression of success and a feeling of poignancy that Justice Esiri could actually still pull his magic from the great beyond. Kudos to the departed greats!

Goodbye AMAA, we loved you!

joanngomba