By Tina Davies – The spectacular evening of glamour, comedy, music, awards ceremony and dinner of the 23rdAfrican Film Awards 2019 that took place in London on Saturday 2ndNovember has been documented in the annals of the Entertainment Hall of Fame.
Film stars from right: Cordelia Emeh, Yemisi Banjoko, Mohammed Naoman and Juliet Ibrahim
The 23rdAFA 2019 was an electrifying experience for guests and remarkable achievement for all recipients.
The night kicked off with melodious music from DJ California ushering in the duo comperes of Keni and Kalisha appearing on stage decked in their full traditional and contemporary regalia respectively to welcome the array of guests to the prestigious and pioneering annual awards ceremony.
The highlight of the evening was when most of winning actors, actresses and filmmakers delighted by their wins took to the stage to thank family members, friends and directors. In her acceptance speech, Veteran actress Remi Oshodi was emotional and she dedicated her awards to her late champion, daughter Elizabeth Ayomikun Oladayo who was a sickle cell sufferer.
Sponsors, supporters and attendees will forever be remembered as part of the history making prestigious ceremony aimed at encouraging filmmakers to tell our unique stories, growing audiences for our cinema and building Africa’s global film icons.
Most guests who turned up in their sparkling and glamorous outfits were ushered to their seats in the banqueting hall after a session on the red carpet and canapés reception at the arrival foyer by team of young, vibrant hostesses from Arins – Angels. While, Rostaleah Catering Services treated guests to a five star catering and sumptuous dinner.
The 24th African Film Awards will be returning to London on Saturday 7thNovember 2020.
Arrival: Nigeria High Commissioner, His Excellency, Justice (Rtd) George Adesola Oguntade CFR, CON and his amiable wife Chief (Mrs) Modupeola Oguntade.Seated: Nigeria High Commissioner, His Excellency, Justice (Rtd) George Adesola Oguntade CFR, CON and his amiable wife Chief (Mrs) Modupeola Oguntade with Bank Hastrup. Standing: Princess Golda Abiola and Prince Mike AbiolaPrince Mike Abiola and Princess Golda AbiolaActor Yomi Fabiyi with a guestPrincess Toun Adenuga (second from right) with guestsVeteran actress Remi Oshodi with a guest
From right: Dr. Sunday Popoola with Dr. & Mrs Roseline Sanni AjoseFrom left: Prof. Rotimi Jaiyesimi with Dr. & Mrs Abbey AkinoshunDr & Mrs Dayo OlomuFrom right: DJ Abass with a guest and Rita OdigieFrom left: Dr. & Mrs Malcolm Benson, a guest, Dapo Opayinka and Toyin MooreFrom left: Princess Golda Abiola, Fatima Washa Abdullahi, Rahama Sadau and Mohammed NaomanFrom left: Chief Bimbo Folayan, Otunba (Dr) & Choef (Mrs) Dapo Williams, Stanley Osude and Chief (Mrs) OladimejiCllr. Donatus Anyanwu, a guest and Felicity OkoloFrom right: Adrian Ogun, Phillip Jarman and guests
From right: Prince Golda Abiola, Juliet Ibrahim and Stella Bantuway
Comperes: From left: Kalisha Johnson and Keni OgunlolaFrom right: Chief (Mrs) Modupeola Oguntade and Princess Golda AbiolaNigeria High Commissioner, His Excellency, Justice (Rtd) George Adesola Oguntade CFR, CON with Prince Mike Abiola (right) and Prof. Rotimi Jaiyesimi (left)From left: Chief Ayo Oyebade and wife HrH Theodora Oyebade with guestsMr & Mrs Fred Aseroma
Mr & Mrs Abiodun EkerinDuro Lawal and a guestFrom right: Pastor Olumide Adebayo, Pa Samuel Solarin and Mr & Mrs DerbyFrom right: Olori Timi, Kim Dada and Chinwe AnukaFrom right: Mrs O Benson and Madam Grace UdourisiMrs Lola Okutubo and a guestStanley Osude and guests
From second left: Arin Fehintola with Arins AngelsFrom right: Pastor Olumide Adebayo and Pa Samuel Solarin
Alhaji Jamilu Yakasai and sister
Remi Oshodi and Ruke Amata
Mr & Mrs Abiodun Ekerin present Moses Ssebandeke with the Best Best Short Film (Diaspora)From left: Fatima Washa Abdullahi winner Best Actress (Hausa Language), Mohamed Naoman winner Best Short Film Son of Janitor and Rahama Sadau Outstanding Actress of the Year 2019 (Kannywood).From right: Doyin Ola, Arin Dehinsilu and Abigail Akano
