By Ayomide Adams
THE Nollywood industry is an ever-evolving hall of stars and newbies that has spanned over more than three decades of existence. It has evolved from Traveling Theater, to experimental take 1! take 2! Cut cameras- shooting for the screen. It is a digital age now and no doubt, one of the biggest movie industries in the world is characterized with a series of advancement. Cheers to the future!
However, one cannot regard this advancement without reference to the first school of film producers and actors to whom their experimental culture might have inspired the taste of the Nollywood art paving way for emergence of creative artistes who have continuously changed the game from an era to another.
If an art is superb, should one not celebrate its excellence? This question and many more reasons would be the propelling force behind the birth of an award platform such as Best of Nollywood (BON),- an annual film event that applauds the essence of creativity in the film industry. BON Awards, a platform which concluded her recent edition on Saturday, December 8, 2018 doubled same night as commemoration of her10years anniversary.
The awards night was held at the famous Kakanfo Inn, Ibadan. Following a late proceeding of the red carpet glitz and glamor, the show was declared opened by Segun Arinze and then anchored by Helen Paul who established a great and warmly connection with the audience.
After an opening address from the Executive Director, Seun Oloketuyi, the presentation of the awards unfolded as notable individuals in the entertainment industry emerged in pairs to announce winners in each category.
What we saw at BON Awards
Great lighting and scenery! The set was simple just as the combination of the lightnings that one could enjoy the ambience that the stage breathes. The two display screens on each side of the stage served as the oracle’s eye to peer into excerpt of scenes for each movies and actors nominated.
However, if two people are going to share the same stage in order to announce winner in an award category, a microphone would not be enough. Hence, the stage manager should make adequate provision for a second or more mic where necessary. Some of these people couldn’t vibe well as they were sharing a mic. It is all in their expressions and spontaneous reactions!
“Osun Sengede” or “Osun Sengese” What? For a movie nominated in more than three categories, someone should have observed the error in the movie title and do proper justice. We must pay attention to little details.
And yes, the Nollywood actors and socialites present came to steal our hearts away with their dress sense. The outfits of Bimbo Thomas, Fathia Williams, Mercy Aigbe, Nkechi Blessings, Jaye Kuti, Dayo Amusa and some others were stunning, they had our eyes popping.
The men such as Femi Adebayo, Yemi Solade, Muyiwa Ademola, Nosa Obaseki represented for the sweet men association.
Dear BON, please accord a real time updates of events as they unfold on your social media platforms. This is the culture! It deserves a bigger hype in this digitalized age. We want to follow activities online like we are in the hall. Can you consider a live stream of this event on a local station too? A mainstream award of this magnitude should attract more discussion and public opinion in the news.
After small chops, cold drinks and cocktails that were made available to everyone, it is incredible that the BON organizers gave us a blissful night with thrilling performance from Nigeria artist, 9ice- dishing out his evergreen hits from street credibility, party rider, photocopy and more.
The art and cultural troupe gave us a feel of our culture blended with modern day swags in their dances too. It was a great night!
Finally, as BON Awards bade farewell to Oyo state, we look forward to a greater show next year in its next destination !