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Popular Movie Producer Icon, Amaka Igwe sadly passed on last month (28 April 2014) after an asthma attack in Enugu, Nigeria, where she had gone with her husband for pre-production of a new Igbo soap (as confirmed by Mr. Agility Onwurah, Chairman, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Abuja). However, she will forever be remembered as one of the few early contributors to the Nigerian Movie Industry (Nollywood), being an accomplished writer, producer, director, entrepreneur and teacher.
Background
Her love for the arts started as far back as her high school days at Idia College Benin City where she reportedly organised several variety shows; directing and acting in stage plays and teaching the school dance. After studying BSc. Education/Religion at University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), she proceeded to the University of Ibadan for her Masters degree in Library and Information Services and thereafter for her NYSC programme where she partook in several theatrical productions as a member of the NYSC drama troupe. After her NYSC she had the opportunity to learn about TV from the Enugu State Broadcasting Service and with the burning desire for production, she developed her first major script which captured the heart of Nigerians- Checkmate. This soap which was inspired by Lola Fani Kayode’s Mirror in the Sun, focused on several relevant themes such as the Osu caste system and Polygamy, and also provided a platform for several Nigerian Actors to be integrated into Nollywood.
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Amaka Igwe in her early years
Photo: Mubi
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Movies
Her most successful productions include Rattle Snake, Violated, Forever and the all-time family comedy series- Fuji House of Commotion. She also produced a short film with M-NET titled A Barber’s Wisdom- in 2002. To refresh your memories, you can view clips from the following movies:
Achievements
Amaka Igwe was a member of the International Board of Trustees for AMAA (African Movie Academy Awards) and until death continued production as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Amaka Igwe studios, (CEO) of Top Radio 90.9 FM and the newly-launched Q Entertainment Networks. Her husband, Charles Igwe successfully applied his banking experience to the business aspect of the Awaka Igwe production company.
She was also the pioneer of BOB TV (Best of the Best TV) Expo, an annual event which reportedly facilitates audio-visual content trade, production deals, international skill transfer and drills for African Producers. Furthermore, she held an annual university challenge- a film competition for Nigerian Undergraduates with the winning award of the Raymond Dokpesi prize in film.
She has received notable awards such as the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) life time achievement award, having created numerous best-selling works, contributing immensely to the growth of the current Nigerian Movie Industry. Igwe's first major production, "Decrees of Fate”, won four awards at the National Festival of Television Programmes in 1988. Listen to her speech on Nollywood delivered at the inaugural edition of the Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NEC) held on Friday, April 26, 2013, here
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| Photo: NET |
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| Amaka poses with awards |
For actor Bimbo Manuel, Amaka Igwe would forever be in icon. As divulged in an article by The Vanguard , Manuel stated that he had started working with her from Checkmate where he got the name Nduka; and later on, having been impressed with his creative ingenuity, she called him to work on Fuji House of Commotion. According to him, the most foremost lesson learnt while working with Amaka was her ability ‘to make the characters live up to their billing.’
Another testimonial of the platform created by Amaka’s work was given by Bob Manuel-Ndokwu in another Vanguard article , where he categorically stated that while he was on the set of Checkmate, Kenneth Nnebue, Chairman of Nek Video Links, spotted and invited him to be part of the movie Living In Bondage [1992], the success of which directly led to what is now known as Nollywood. He further stated: “I credit Amaka Igwe with providing me the platform that elevated me to be a celebrity today in the entertainment industry, worldwide, with lots of awards to show. She was a star maker!”
Former Vice President and chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) Atiku Abubakar, also expressed his shock and condolences by describing Amaka Igwe as ‘a jewel of… Nollywood...’. He also reiterated the fact that her productions Checkmate and Fuji House of Commotion regularly held families spellbound; and also that it is to the credit of people like her ‘that the movie industry has continued to play a crucial role in the economy of the country both in job creation and revenue generation.’
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| Photo: Bella Naija |
Survived by her husband of 21 years, three children, and an aged mother, she will always be remembered. As noted by former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, the death of Amaka was not only a blow to Nollywood, but to the country at large. The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), in a tribute to this legend, described her demise as a national tragedy and urged the Federal Government to immortalise her by renaming the Nigerian Films Corporation, Jos, after her.
It is hoped that the new generation of directors, writers and producers will follow her example by training and creating platforms for the stars of tomorrow. This will undoubtedly secure the future of Nollywood.
Drop in on the Youtube Fuji House of Commotion channel, have some laughs and leave some comments as we celebrate this industry icon.
Update: As confirmed by a representative, 'Amaka Igwe will be buried on Friday 13th June 2014 at Ndiuche Arondizuogu in Imo State, her marital home.'
References:
Lola Agbaje-Williams is a Legal Practitioner who is passionate about Intellectual Property, Media and Entertainment Law. You can contact her via her email address: lolaagbajewilliams@gmail.com or follow on her on Twitter: @lolawilliams02
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