Thursday, April 3, 2014

Africa Movie Academy Awards 2014 Nominees

Les enfants de Troumaron (The Children of Troumaron) in French with English subtitles from Mauritius is a leading contender for AMAA 2014 Award for Best Film film. The film is an adaptation from the award winning screenwriter Ananda Devi's novel "Ève de ses décombres" and directed by Harrikrisna Anenden and Sharvan Anenden. My favourites are these ones I have highlighted.
 ~ Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima.
 

The following is the complete list of the nominees for this year’s Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) announced at Emperor Palace Hotel, Johannesburg, South Africa on Wednesday April 2, 2014.

AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE

 Uche Jombo

Uche Nnadili – B for Boy
Linda Sokhulu – Felix
Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha – Accident
Clarion Chukwura – Apaye
Uche Jombo Rodriquez, Monalisa Chinda and Daniella Okeke – Lagos Cougars
Joselyn Dumas – Northern Affair

AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

Zenzo Ngqobe is a South African actor best known for his starring role as Stone Khuse on the television soapie Rhythm City. He is also well known for a supporting role in the 2005 Academy Award-winning Tsotsi. Zenzo has also appeared in the TV hospital dramas Jozi-H and Hillside, and has performed in the stage productions Township Stories and Cards. In 2013 he took over the role of Cyril in the SABC2 sitcom Ga Re Dumele and he is the main actor in The Forgotten Kingdom (dir. Andrew Mudge, 2013).

Zengo Ngqobe – Forgotten Kingdom
Kanayo Kanayo – Apaye
Mothusi Magano – Of Good Report
Joseph Benjamin – Murder At Prime Suites
Adjatey Annan – Potomanto
Majid Michel – Brother’s Keeper

AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR BEST FILM


Children of Troumaron – Mauritius
Potomanto – Ghana
The Forgotten Kingdom – South Africa
Of Good Report – South Africa
Accident – Nigeria

EFERE OZAKO AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR BEST SHORT FILM
Haunted Soul – Kenya
Siriya Mtungi – Tanzania
Dialemi – Gabon
New Horizon – Nigeria
Nandy l’orpheline – Mali
Living Funeral – Nigeria
Phindile’s Heart – South Africa

AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY
Hamu Beya- The Sand Fishers – Mali
Portraits of a Lone Farmer – Nigeria/Denmark
Kushaya Ingagasi – South Africa
Daughters of the Niger Delta – Nigeria
Sincerely Ethiopia – Ethiopia

AMAA 2014- BAYELSA STATE GOVERNMENT ENDOWED AWARD FOR BEST NIGERIAN FILM
Apaye
B For Boy
Accident
Murder at Prime Suites
Omo Elemosho

AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Desmond Elliot – Finding Mercy
Thapelo Mofekeng – Felix
Yomi Fash-Lanso – Omo Elemosho
Aniekan Iyoho – Potomanto
Tshamano Sebe – Of Good Report

AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR BEST DIRECTOR
Harrikrishna & Sharvan Anenden – Children of Troumaron (Mauritius)
Shirley Frimpong Manso – Potomanto (Ghana)
Andrew Mudge – The Forgotten Kingdom (South Africa)
Jamil X.T Quebeka – Of Good Report (South Africa)
Teco Benson – Accident (Nigeria)

AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR BEST ANIMATION
The Hare and the Lion – Burkina Faso
Thank God its Friday – Morocco
Leila – Nigeria
Khumba – South Africa
The Brats and Toy Thief – Mozambique

OUSMANE SEMBENE AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR BEST FILM IN AN AFRICAN LANGUAGE
The forgotten Kingdom – South Africa
B for Boy – Nigeria
Omo Elemosho – Nigeria
Onye Ozi – Nigeria
Ni Sisi – Kenya

AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR BEST DIASPORA SHORT
Passage – Bahamas
Heaven – USA
Tickle Me Rich – Trinidad and Tobago
Red – USA

AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR BEST DIASPORA DOCUMENTARY
Finding Samuel Lowe: From Harlem to China – USA/CANADA
Freedom Summer – USA
No Bois Man, No Frad – Trinidad and Tobago
Through the Lens Darkly : Black Photographers and the Emergence of a People – USA

AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR BEST DIASPORA FEATURE
Tula The Revolt – Curacao
AZU – Venezuela
Kingston Paradise – Jamaica
Retrieval – USA

AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN PRODUCTION DESIGN
Northern Affair – Ghana
Of Good Report – South Africa
Ni Sisi – Kenya
Good Old Days: Love of AA – Ghana
Apaye – Nigeria

AMAA 2014 ACHIEVEMENT IN COSTUME DESIGN
Good Old Days: Love of AA – Ghana
Apaye – Nigeria
Omo Elemosho – Nigeria
Ni Sisi – Kenya
The Forgotten Kingdom – South Africa

AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKE-UP
A Mile From Home – Nigeria
Apaye – Nigeria
Once Upon A Road Trip – South Africa
Felista Fable – Uganda
Potomanto -Ghana

AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUNDTRACK
Once Upon A Road Trip
Onye Ozi- Nigeria
Felix
Of Good Report- South Africa
Potomanto- Ghana

AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN VISUAL EFFECT
A Mile From Home
Omo Elemosho- Nigeria
Secret Room -
Ni Sisi- Kenya
Of Good Report- South Africa

AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND
Felix-
Northern Affair -
Nothing For Mahala-
Of Good Report- South Africa
The Forgotten Kingdom -

AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY
Once Upon A Road Trip
Good Old Days: Love of AA
Of Good Report
The Forgotten Kingdom
The Children of Troumaron

AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN EDITING
Of Good Report
Accident
Once Upon A Road Trip
Potomanto
Felix

AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN SCREEN PLAY
B For Boy
Of Good Report
Accident
Potomanto
Felix

AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR BEST CHILD ACTOR
Tobe Oboli – Brothers Keeper
Lebohang Ntsane – Forgotten Kingdom
Hlayani Junior Mabasa – Felix

AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR BEST YOUNG/ PROMISING ACTOR
Evelyn Galle Ansah – Good Old Days: For the Love of AA
Petronella Tshuma – Of Good Report
Tope Tedela – A Mile From Home
Kitty Phillips – The Children of Troumatron
Shawn Faqua – Lagos Cougar

AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Vinaya Sungkur – The Children of Troumaron
Patience Ozokwo – After the Proposal
Marie Humbert – Potomanto
Barbara Soky – Brothers Keeper
Lee-Ann van Rooi – Of Good Report

AMAA 2014 AWARD FOR BEST FIRST FEATURE FILM BY A DIRECTOR
Roberta Durrant – Felix
Chika Anadu – B for Boy
Andrew Mudge – Forgotten Kingdom
Harrikrishna & Sharvan Anenden – The Children of Troumaron
Dilman Dila – Felista’s Fable
Joyce Mhango Chavula – No More Tears

PS:
The jury headed by Mr. Steve Ayorinde decided that there will be no nomination this year for the AMAA 2014 Award For Best Film By An African Living Abroad category.


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Marriott International Completes Acquisition Of Protea Hospitality Group; Becomes The Largest Hotel Company In Africa



BETHESDA, Md. and CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) today became the largest hotel company in Africa according to published information, and nearly doubled its presence in its Middle East and Africa region to more than 160 hotels and 23,000 rooms as it completed its acquisition of the 116-hotel Protea Hospitality Group (PHG), based in South Africa.  Marriott now operates or franchises more than 4,000 hotels in 79 countries.  [For additional images and b-roll visit: http://postspots.com/d/j/39d6ba852b.]


At the same time, Marriott said that its pipeline of new hotels in the Middle East and Africa, including Protea's pipeline, is now more than 65 hotels and 14,300 rooms, including more than  20 hotels and 3,000 rooms in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Marriott's new Protea portfolio consists of 10,148 rooms in seven African countries including South Africa.  The company now manages, franchises and leases hotels across the Protea Hotels brand (103 hotels), comprising a full and diverse range of outstanding hotels and resorts; the award-winning lifestyle boutique Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! (2 hotels); and the superior deluxe African Pride Hotels collection (11 hotels).  In addition to its industry-leading 79 hotels in South Africa, Marriott's Protea portfolio also has 37 hotels in Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

Arne Sorenson, Marriott International's president and chief executive officer, said, "Today marks a new beginning.  We can now officially say 'molweni!' (Xhosa), 'sawubona!' (Zulu) and 'hello!'  to South Africa and 'welcome!' to our approximately 15,000 new associates at both managed and franchised hotels across Protea's portfolio.  We look forward to integrating the superb Protea team into the Marriott International family, and together, to work toward new opportunities for growth and advancement throughout  South Africa and the continent."

Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director of Marriott International's Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, said, "Today is the culmination of months of highly productive collaboration between Protea and Marriott International teams.  We are delighted that such a tremendously dedicated, talented and effective team, which has been so well-led by Protea Chief Executive Officer Arthur Gillis, is now joining the Marriott International family.  With the addition of Protea's regional knowledge, expertise and infrastructure, we are incredibly well-positioned to continue growing in one of the fastest expanding economic markets in the world."
According to the World Bank, Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to grow at a more than 5 percent pace through 2015.

Mr. Kyriakidis said that Mr. Gillis will become Non-Executive Chairman, Africa Development for Marriott International, focusing on exploring opportunities for new African hotel growth for all of Marriott International's brands.  In addition, Mark Satterfield, currently chief operations officer for Marriott International's MEA region, will relocate to Cape Town, Protea's headquarters, to act as business leader overseeing the integration of the two companies.  He will continue to report to Mr. Kyriakidis.
As previously disclosed, Marriott paid approximately 2.02 billion rand, or approximately US $200 million at current exchange rates, which represents roughly 10 times anticipated pro forma 2014 calendar year EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) excluding transaction costs.
As part of the transaction, the previous owners of Protea Hospitality Group created an independent property ownership company that retained ownership of the hotels PHG formerly owned, and entered into long-term management and lease agreements with Marriott for those hotels.  The property ownership company also retained a number of minority interests in other Protea hotels.  Marriott now manages approximately 45 percent of Protea's rooms, franchises approximately 39 percent, and leases approximately 16 percent.
Marriott expects that the Protea portfolio will be available for booking on Marriott.com or via Marriott International's Global Reservations Centers toward the end of May, and the hotels will join the Marriott Rewards guest loyalty program at a later point, to be announced.  Until then, please go to www.Proteahotels.com for reservations.
Marriott does not expect the Protea acquisition to have a material impact on 2014 earnings.


Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR)  is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with reported revenues of nearly $13 billion in fiscal year 2013.  Marriott International operates and manages hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts, which, in total, comprise more than 4,000 properties in 79 countries.  There are approximately 330,000 employees at headquarters, and at managed and franchised properties.  Marriott is consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business operations, which it conducts based on five core values: put people first, pursue excellence, embrace change, act with integrity, and serve our world. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.
Note on forward-looking statements: This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws, including our expectations for opening new hotels in Sub-Saharan Africa, Protea's anticipated proforma 2014 EBITDA and EBITDA multiple; and the dates we anticipate that PHG's hotels will be available for booking on Marriott.com and begin participating in Marriott Rewards, and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including supply and demand changes for hotel rooms; competitive conditions in the lodging industry; relationships with franchisees and property owners; the availability of capital to finance hotel growth; the time needed to implement new technology systems; and other risk factors that we identify in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K.  Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply in this press release. We make these forward-looking statements as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

IRPR#1
Video - http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/PRNA/ENR/FX-MM94853-Protea-Fire-Ice-Broll.mp4
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140401/MM94853-INFO-a
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140401/MM94853-b
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130531/PH23900LOGO
 
SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.
CONTACT: Felicia McLemore, (301) 380-2702, felicia.mclemore@marriott.com; Tom Marder, (301) 380-2553, Thomas.marder@marriott.com

Apr 01, 2014




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Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Fair and White Gold Celebrates African Beauty as New Brand Ambassadors Are Crowned

The Miss Fair and White Gold beauty queen Dimoke Tiana posing with her brand new Nissan Rouge SUV.
Dimoke Tiana a third year philosophy undergraduate of UNIBEN emerged the overall Fair and White ambassador. Tiana, an Indigene of Aguata L.G.A in Anambra State was emotion struck while being unveiled as the brand ambassador. Tears freely cascaded down her cheeks while she was being handed the keys of her brand new Nissan 2013 Rogue. Tiana also went home with a diamond studded Russian Jewel crafted Swarovski wristwatch. 
 
The first runner up, Uba Chikosolu Uzondu.

Fair & White Gold Celebrates African Beauty
~ By Ingram Osigwe


Chairman of Bozac Continental Limited, Sir Patrick Chibueze and Lady Chinyere Chibueze.

It was a night of colour, glamour and glitz with the crème de la crème of society in attendance. Indeed the ambiance of the civic centre, in Victoria Island Lagos was electrifying and the audience thrilled on the night of Friday March 28, 2014, when Fair & White Gold Range of Cosmetics products were launched and the brand ambassadors unveiled among the high profile dignitaries who gathered at the Civic centre for the event include Director General of NAFDAC, Dr, Paul Orhii, IT Guru and Chairman of Zinox computers, Leo Stan Ekeh,Chairman , Embassy Pharmacy, Pharm Nnamdi Obi, Chairman Neros Pharmaceuticals, Chief Poly Emenike, Hon(Barr) Uzama Okpaleke, MD, Ginpat Aluminium,Chairman & MD of Green Life Pharm, Obiora Chukwuka & Ebere Obi,Publisher of Encomium magazine,Kunle Bakare, among others. Stake holders in the fashion and beauty industry were also there. The pack was led by foremost cosmetologist and Iya Oge Opral Benson, Foremost Fashion Designer, Hajia Abba Folawiyo, former NTA Big Girl, Barrister Grace Egbagbe, Nollywood actress,Uche Jombo, Toyin Alakiu, and Kemi Adewunmi . Labo DERMA Group France was represented by their CEO/PRESIDENT, Mr. Xavier Tancogne and Ms Marie Helene Girard of Yelen Paris. Captains of industry like, Chief Ben Amuta, Benneks Group of companies, Chief Ben Chinemelum, Chinbell Industries and Chief Bego Uluabuike graced the occasion.



Hajia Abba Folawiyo presenting a cheque to 2nd runner up, Miss Loveth Awode.
 
Chairman of Bozac Group, Sir Patrick Chibueze and Hajia Abba Folawiyo.



Brand Ambassadors posing with President/CEO of Labo. DERMA Paris, France, Mr. Xavier Tancogne.
Chief Opral Benson. 
Happy beauties at the event.

The Highly Elated CEO of BOZAC conglomerate, Patrick Chibueze, in his welcome address, paid glowing tribute to BOZAC partners and manufacturers of Fair & White, Labo Derma of France for its rigorous research which culminated in the production of the brand. BOZAC which is also Labo Derma’s representative in Nigeria and sole distributor of Fair and White Gold, Chibueze assured, will work hard to ensure that the product dominates the Nigerian Market. The BOZAC boss said that the Fair and White Range meets the aspiration of the Nigerian woman who desires a glowing skin. Representatives of Fair & White Gold at the event were full of praises for Bozac and pledged that the company will continue to strategically partner with BOZAC. The Trio of Egbagbe, Benson and Hajia Folawiyo were on hand to masterfully unveil the brand ambassadors.


Barrister Grace Egbagbe and Ndidi Obioha.
Chief Opral Benson and Dupe.
Nollywood diva Uche Jombo.
Beauty queen Dimoke Tiana, the 2014 Brand Ambassador and Mr. Ingram Osigwe.

Dimoke Tiana a third year philosophy undergraduate of UNIBEN emerged the overall Fair and White ambassador. Tiana, an Indigene of Aguata L.G.A in Anambra State was emotion struck while being unveiled as the brand ambassador. Tears freely cascaded down her cheeks while she was being handed the keys of her brand new Nissan 2013 Rogue. Tiana also went home with a diamond studded Russian Jewel crafted Swarovski wristwatch. The first runner up, Uba Chikosolu Uzondu an undergraduate of open university won a diamond studded Russian crafted wristwatch, 250,000 while second runner up, Loveth Sade Awode a model and student of OAK fashion school Lekki, got the same wristwatch, 150,000. Mrs. Benson congratulated the winners and urged them to be good ambassadors of Fair and white Gold.
The evening featured surreal musical performances by Akin Shuga and his band, popular comedian Dauda and other A-List Stand up Comedians as well as the famous Ohafia war dance. Aficionados and connoisseurs of good wines and champagne had a Good Friday night treat and bar tenders kept the guests busy with constant supplies.



The Brand Ambassadors. 
Vivian Obi. 
Victoria Opara.
Valerie Olakojo.
Tosin Igbenoba.
Tonia Madueke.
Tonia Akajiobi.


Fair and white gold range comes in a line of exceptional skin care formulae with focus on different aspects of the beauty of the African woman. With the launching, supermarkets and stores across the country will have the products.


Beauty queen Dimoke inside her brand new car.
Tina Scott. 
Susan Eyo-Honesty.
Duchess Jenamy.
Dupe Ajayi.
Elizabeth Onyebuchi Osule.

It is true that Nigerian’s cosmetics market is saturated with a plethora of skin products, the entry of Fair and White Gold in the fray will no doubt cause a major upset as regard consumers’ loyalty. This is because excellence and efficacy are part of the hallmark and Unique Selling Position (USP) of the brand. Besides, Fair & White Gold ranges of products do not leave a hole in your pocket. It is cost effective and can be afforded by a broad spectrum of consumers across income strata.

Dr. Paul Orhii, Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).  
Popular Nollywood actor,singer and MC,Kingsley Ogbonna popularly called Dauda.
Chioma.
Chima Mbadugha and Tony Okafor.
Chika Anolue.
Chief Uche Obiakor, Hon (Barrister) Uzama Okpaleke and Chief Emeka Uzoetuo and Ede Azia. 
Chief Okey Anolue (Afunwa) with his pretty wife Chika.

The presence of NAFDAC DG at the event bears huge testimony to the fact that Fair & White Range underwent rigorous test set by the relevant regulatory authority, NAFDAC, and received a clean bill of health

The BOZAC boss expressed optimism that with their efficacy and affordability, the products will tremendously enjoy consumer’s loyalty.

~~~~~~~~~~~
Ingram Osigwe is the Media Consultant to Bozac Group.



 
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Monday, March 31, 2014

AfDB Approves US$ 125 Million Line of Credit to Zenith Bank for On-lending to SMEs




TUNIS-BELVEDERE, Tunisia, 28 March 2014 / PRNewswire Africa / - The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a US$ 125-million Line of Credit (LOC) to Zenith Bank PLC (Zenith) for on-lending to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria.

This 4th LOC to Zenith approved by the AfDB's Board of Directors on Wednesday 26 March 2014 in Tunis, will enable Zenith gain access to long-term foreign currency funding to generate additional lending to its SME clients operating in various sectors of the Nigerian economy including agriculture and agribusiness, transportation and manufacturing.

In approving the LOC, the Board of Directors underscored the fact that the SME sector represents a strategic pillar for Nigeria's quest to modernize and improve its economy while diversifying away from the heavy dependence on the oil industry.

According to the Nigerian Federal Office of Statistics, SMEs account for 97% of all businesses in Nigeria, contributing 50% of employment and output in the non-oil sector. This compares unfavorably with many peers, reflecting a relative underperformance of the SME sector in Nigeria. One of the major impediments to SME growth and development is limited access to bank credit and despite the various widely documented positive reforms to the banking sector since the crisis in 2009, access to credit for the SMEs is still severely constrained. The proposed LOC will therefore contribute to filling this critical financing gap.

The LOC aligns with the renewed strategy of the Government of Nigeria to revitalize the economy by developing its SME sector. It also aligns with the AfDB's country assistance strategy to support private sector led growth in Nigeria. Furthermore, it is consistent with the AfDB's strategy to support SMEs through sound and reputable financial intermediaries. Finally, it aligns with the AfDB's new inclusive growth priority by supporting SMEs in critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.

SOURCE African Development Bank (AfDB)

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