Femi Kuti, 9ice to thrill as African film stars arrive in Lagos for AMAA 2024

By Tosin Brown

Legendary Afrobeat musician and instrumentalist Femi Kuti is set to lead an impressive lineup of African performers at the 20th edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).

Multiple award-winning vocalist and songwriter 9ice will also grace the stage, joining over 60 African film practitioners arriving in Nigeria to celebrate this prestigious event.

The awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the Balmoral Convention Centre within the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

In a recent statement from the AMAA secretariat in Ikeja, GRA, Lagos, AMAA’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Tony Anih, revealed that the 20th edition will feature musical performances from some of Africa’s most celebrated artists. Nigeria’s Yinka Davies, Ghanaian singer Adina, and acclaimed Ghanaian guitarist Naird are among the performers set to add vibrancy to the evening.

Commenting on the anticipated festivities, AMAA’s Technical Director, Mr. Kingsley James, emphasized that it promises to be a night to remember. “All hands are on deck to ensure this year’s edition is as special and memorable as ever,” James said, adding that the lineup of musical talent reflects the diversity and brilliance of African music.

“We have an impeccable and African lineup that will captivate attendees,” James continued. “The show will be hosted by Nigeria’s Segun Arinze and Ghana’s Joselyn Dumas. Leading the musical performances will be the legendary Femi Kuti and the ‘Gongo Aso’ star, 9ice.

“Other performers include Yinka Davies, Narh Tettey, Bedwei Kwaku, and Adina Thembi, with DJ Kenchello and the Ebony Band on hand to keep the energy high throughout the night.”

Expected to attend are a star-studded array of African film icons, including Ghana’s Lydia Forson and Jackie Appiah, Kenya’s Kenneth Ambani, Burkina Faso’s Charles Koutou, and Nigeria’s Chinedu Ikeduze, Osita Iheme, Adjetey Anang, Morris Sam, and Zubby Michael, among many others.

Preceding the main event, the Africa Film Academy (AFA) — producers of AMAA — will host African Legends Night on Friday, November 1. This celebratory gathering, set for the Amore Garden in Lekki Phase I, Lagos, will honor African creatives and film stars.

“The 20th AMAA is a monumental occasion, and the AFA board has decided to make this edition unforgettable for African filmmakers, creatives, and everyone who has been part of the AMAA journey,” said Mr. Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe.

“We are committed to making this 20th edition one of the most memorable in AMAA history. It fulfills the vision our late founder, Peace Maria Ogechi Anyiam-Osigwe, held so dearly. Her legacy and dream for the African film industry will be honored as we gather to celebrate the extraordinary talents of African cinema.”