Do you want to know the whole truth about the just concluded AMVCA 2015' The whole truth and nothing but the truth' Who came in with who, who wore what, who she is suspecting are dating, best dressed, worst dressed' Who made the celebs clothes and the list goes on. Azuka Ogujiuba is back with another one. And trust me guys you know her articles are always a blockbuster. ENJOY in capital letters.Fake baby bumpWhen your friends erroneously start congratulating you on being pregnant just because of your newly acquired careless 'puff-puff' weight, you should discern that 'water don pass garri'. My good friend, Gloria Ojeikhoasaw me at the entrance of the Expo centre of Eko Hotel and Suites, VI, Lagos, were I was waiting for her so we could walk in together to savour the night. After we exchanged pleasantries because we had not seen each other in a while, she said. 'Oh girl congrats, as you don get belle o', bewildered by the remark, I swiftly responded, 'l am not o'. But was I happy with that observation' No. Do I utterly blame my friend who made a sincere comment' It just means l am still fat or maybe still adding, again l started regretting how l abused food on my last summer trip to the states. How l turned that Starbuck drink called 'Frappuccino' to my water. How l would seat on the dining table and devour every food my lovely sister- in-law cooked or brought home. I must confess l ate like a glutton, l ate so foolishly and stupidly. I wanted to taste every new thing aunty Amina brought home. We all know how it is when you are abroad especially in America; how everything they sell to you is large, secretly l kept consoling myself that l will shed weight once l am back home. Now it looks like all the food are still finding my body so peaceful an abode to grow and multiply.Back to the matter, now in Wizkid's tone. I'm unapologetically a lover of the red carpets, that is where you see, access, dissect and give a verdict to every beautiful and ugly outfit worn to the occasion. And now it is African Magic Viewers' Choice Awrads (AMVCA)2015. And 'FAIRGROUND' was there roving, blinking, sniffing, laughing, admiring and also wondering if some of the guests actually left home without looking fellowshiping with their mirrors. To this end, please let's enjoy this ride.The HostsThe 2015 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards(AMVCAs) was held in association with MultiChoice Africa and Amstel Malta. The hosts were IK Osakioduwa and Vimbai Mutinhiri, now these guys were fantastic that night, there was never a dull moment with IK on stage and l fell in love with Vimbai style of presentation, she is what l refer to as black, proud and beautiful. These days when a lot of ladies want to bleach or tone their skin, l wonder how they manage with the present heat. Anyway Vimbai did her job effortlessly well, the crowd obviously loved and flowed with her, and all the outfits she wore sat so well on her silhouette frame and l wished my big belle was as flat as hers.The Gold Statuettes and the EventThe third annual AMVCAs ceremony presented 33 coveted gold statuettes in 30 categories, tabulated and verified by auditing firm SizweNtsalubaGobodo and were telecast live to 50 African countries watching on DStv and GOtv on all Africa Magic channels. The event saw outstanding achievements in African film and TV recognised with awards also presented to CJ Obasi as the TrailBlazer of the Year while the late renowned filmmaker, Amaka Igwe was honoured with the Industry Merit award. The winner of the trailblazer award walked away with a luxurious diamond studded watch, courtesy Chris Aire. The coveted New Era award was given to Ayo Makun for his exceptional talent.Kunle Afolayan- Man of the momentNow let me practice some 'famzing' here, my paddy for wahala jungle, Kunle Afolayan was the man of the night, he was the biggest winner, undoubtedly the Nigerian psychological thriller, October 1 produced and directed by him scooped nine awards, including Best Movie and Best Director and Best Actress (Drama) award for Kehinde Bankole. Kehinde's hair and wedding outfit was not appealing to the eyes at all. The coloured hair style and her badly cut dress with a side bogus veil made her look like a white cock. Kehinde sack your stylist, biko, except you styled yourself o. He would later invite me to his office for launch to celebrate with our usual ogufe (goat meat), gbegiri and ewedu. Afolayan did look like a winner that night, a proud African and down to earth guy.He was born into cinematography, his father Ade Love, the legendry movie producer will be so proud wherever he is. His 'goons' like Bisoye Fagade, Adekunle Ayeni, we call one Yinka Lagbaja, Kingsley James and his new bride, Ayo Animashaun were in the building to support their own.Other winnersOther notable winners included Nollywood romantic drama, The Meeting which nabbed five awards including Best Movie (Comedy) award for Rita Dominic and Mildred Okwo, Best Actress (Comedy) and a Best Actor (Comedy) award for Femi Jacobs. The choice of the night's winners fell to respected judges drawn from the African film and Television industry. The winners of the closely contested categories included The Meeting for Best Movie (Comedy), A Place in the Stars for Best Movie (Drama), Femi Jacobs for Best Actor in a Comedy (Movie/TV Series), a Best Actor in a Drama (Movie/TV Series) award for OC Ukeje in Confusion Na Wa while Rita Dominic walked away with the Best Actress in a Comedy (Movie/TV Series). Kehinde Bankole scooped the Best Actress in a Drama (Movie/TV Series) award while Blossom Chukwujekwu walked away with the Best Supporting Actor (Movie/TV Series) and Linda Ejiofor won the Best Supporting Actress (Movie/TV Series) award.Stellar performances of the nightI like all the artistes that performed that night, but that did not stop Mr. BOREDOM from taking a front row seat right inside the hall, apart from all the razzmatazz which trails such event, it sometimes gets boring maybe because it is a live event, even the Oscars does have that trail sometimes. Maybe the guests were tired of the artistes who performed that night, the only thing that felt refreshing on stage for me was Don Jazzy and the Marvin babies, Dija, Korede Bello and Reekado Banks, l get bored so fast and can be impatient l guess. Toward the end of the event when Don Jazzy came on stage and joined P-Sqaure to deliver the song 'COLLABO' the atmosphere became alive and that was when l realized people loved the song like me, l wriggled a bit and was scared of falling because my shoes were a bit tight.There was nothing wrong with the artistes who performed it was just that l think an upcoming act could also have performed that night. I have a feeling if Kiss Daniel had performed 'WOJU' that night, some magical moments could have encapsulated the hall. You see why l keep harping on patronising upcoming acts' They should be given such platforms to display their talent and such exposures help their career to grow fast.It was also possible that during the event, some viewers were wowed by performances by Osas Ighodaro, the Mavins Crew, Tuface Idibia and Lola Rae, Diamond Platinumz, and P-Square who rounded off the event, it could have been possible too that the performances that night- to many might be unforgettable.The Wangi brilliant remarksWell, l remember vividly that Biola Alabi initiated the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards in September 2012, the first official announcement was held at the Avenue Suits and the eventually the maiden edition was in March 2013. I looked out for Alabi just to see what she would be putting on to the awards this year. She is quiet glamorous and sophisticated. I don't know if there was any official explanation on why she had to step down from her position suddenly. I still don't understand the kind of coup that took place before we could all say Jack Robbison in the media Alabi was far gone and Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu took over, just like Alabi who l know to be a workaholic and an aggressive woman, who knows her onions when it comes to whatever she is involved in.She is the M-Net West Africa Regional Director, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, that evening she paid tribute to both the winners and the nominees saying; 'Each year we have hosted this event, it has become more evident that Africa has truly carved its own mark and identity in the global film and TV industry. Tonight's event recognised all the talented individuals who continue to grow this industry. We're very honoured that we could reward them for their exceptional work. A special thank you to our partners MultiChoice Africa and Amstel for their continued support in making sure that African talent is well and truly recognised in style.'MultiChoice Africa, CEO Nico Meyer added his congratulations to the winners and nominees of the 2015 AMVCAs saying: 'It's been an honour for us at MultiChoice Africa to be part of this event that celebrates the best in African film and television. The amount of talent and exciting productions we've witnessed tonight keeps inspiring and motivating us to continue to deliver quality programming to our DStv and GOtv subscribers on the Africa Magic channels.'Why do Nigerian stars shun AMAAWhen l saw all the big stars in Nollywood all glammed up for the award night, l kept wondering why they all stopped attending AMAA which is being organised by a Nigerian, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe. Why don't they come out like this, support and attend her event' Anyway, I'm just thinking aloud. OC Ukeje gave kudos to Peace and happily announced to the hall how she sponsored his first trip to the Berlin film festival. And Kunle Afolayan did same thing when he came on stage to receive his awards, he showered encomium on Peace too but l noticed the female actors hardly recognised her contributions to their career or the industry, is there something that we don't know or they just can't be bothered'Love Alert- Could Tonye & Praiz be dating'The way Tonye & Praiz walked in made me stare hard at both of them, they were spotted holding hands at the AMVCA 2015 red carpets and chatted like people who just found love encrusted with diamonds in the deep ocean. They arrived together the venue and both looked happy hand in hand and super fashionable. Could this be a blossoming relationship' Well, your guess is as good as mine. The 'Ari Belema' Singer, Tonye, looked glamorous and made us green with envy in this flowing Tafetta Empire cut fish-tail dress by Nigerian designer, Elvira Jude. She styles her Emerald green dress up with a pair of heels, minimal jewellery consisting only of dropping earrings and goes for her signature stylish pixie cut carefully put together for the evening by celebrity hair stylist, Wondrous. Her look is completed by glam smokey eye make up done by top artist, Lola Maja. 'Rich and Famous' singer, Praiz equally impressed and complemented Tonye's look in a floral monochrome blazer paired with a white shirt, and black tailored trousers. He finished up his look with a red pocket square, a black hat and matching shoes. I like and think they look great together.Omoni and Nnamdi OboliSometimes when you attend an event and it gets to the boring segment, you tend to chat with friends on your black berry phone, that was my situation when l heard a whisper ' How can he come dressed like that' l looked up quickly, l realized it was Omoni Oboli's hubby Nnamdi that was the topic. But really why would he attend such an event dressed like her driver or let me say it mildly her PA' Omoni was decked in her yellow and black evening gown, walking in front of her husband majestically while he walked behind carrying her goody bage given by Amstel Malter. If he was properly dressed for the event they would have looked like another power couple. He wore a black shirt over a black pant, his humble demeanor and amicable attitude cannot be ignored, he is obviously a complete gentle, a loving and a supportive husband who loves to be casual all the time beside his pretty glamorous wife but biko, he should also learn to respect dress codes of events. I didn't say he should wear a Gucci or a Billionaire jack, we have great designers like MAI ATAFO, Okunoren Twins, Jasonporshe bespoke, McMeka, Clothes Sense and many others, they could knock together a nice tuxedo or a bespoke suit for him. My darling sister try look into oga's wardrobe when he is attending such glamorous events with you. After the event when he gets home he can throw the suit in a trash bin, or he can dump it in an obscure corner of his wardrobe.Ik Ogbonna and SoniaI love seeing lovely and happy couple in love and that is just because l love romance. I like Ik and his Columbian pregnant girlfriend, their baby will be so pretty when he or she arrives, l call such babies 'Vanilla Ice cream baby' they both looked cute so of course their baby will definitely be cute. They came out ready for the night especially with their outfits. I loved Ik's Jasonporshe jacket and pretty Sonia's baby bump rumbled out from her dress. I wish them all the best.The Fashion RendezvousThe star-studded ceremony also included Africa's finest, clad in stylish gowns and suits to rival any fashion ramp. Some of the Africa's film and television stars who took to the red carpet amidst the flashlights and interview ready camera crews included Genevieve Nnaji, Uti Nwachukwu, Linda Ejiofor amongst others. I love the carpet o, maybe part of my vain nature plays another role there.We are all aware that when an event like this approaches which is like our consolation after the Oscars, everybody is getting ready with their outfits, makeup, stylists are running helter skelter, the artistes are apprehensive maybe even tensed about what to wear.I had different options, l had designers who offered to make outfits for me to wear for free, maybe because l have published their look books on my fashion file column which is published every Saturday in THISDAY newspapers.I did agree to some of the offers, but last minute, l changed my mind, when l strolled into Yaba market like l do sometimes to buy my thick pomo and crabs which l use for my okra soup, I noticed a fabric that looked so similar to a skirt l have at home. My friend, Rita Latinwo gave me as a gift when l visited her in London last year. The next day l was back in Yaba market, l took my skirt there to be sure the fabrics were not the same. Immediately, l bought two yards and off to my tailors, one of the designers called me to find out when l will come for the fitting. I told her l have changed my mind that l have a fabric l was taking to my tailors now, she insisted l bring to her, but l thought about the distance and still was not ready to go. l told her that there would be another time.By the time my tailor finished my halter neck top and l appeared on the red carp, l felt so happy and in love with me. Why l am saying all these is because it is high time our stars really started patronising African designers. Be original with your creativity, be yourself and stop trying to look or be like someone else or an American star who does not know you exist.Ini Edo and the Ralph Lauren dressNow, l am not saying she should not wear the same Ralph Lauren dress Lupita Nyong'o wore to the Golden Globes in 2014, but not exactly the copy. If you are so in love with the dress, you are such a super rich star- wear the real thing. You could have changed the color from red to green or yellow, or alternate the style like Rita Dominic did when she also copied Gweyneth Paltrow long cape dress to the Oscars in 2012. Stephanie Coker in 2013 at the Headies Awards copied exactly the red dress by Azzedine Alaia that Rihanna wore to the Grammy Awards in 2013. On the red carpet she claimed that the outfit was designed by Mai Atafo but l heard from a reliable source that Mai did not design the dress for her, so who did'Before Ini Edo left her house, what did she see in the mirror' Did Ini Edo style herself or someone did and who could that be' What on earth made her feel you could wear a loop earring on a subtle exotic glamorous evening dress' Or is Lupita her role model or muse, even at that, she has to explain the shift in cape on her own Nigerian made Ralph Lauren dress, biko. And her two-tone colored hair did so much damage to the outfit , l will just drink my Orijin and pretend l didn't notice that hairstyle which brings to mind Iyanya's song, 'Ekate wants to dance' and yes Ekate has finally come to Lagos.Even the cream jump suit Stephanie Coker wore to the pre cocktail awards party was created out of Solange Knowles wedding dress, but this time around there is a great difference.Can Nigeria stars start being original with their looks for a change' I know you all aspire to be actors in Hollywood or be another Julian Rancic on the red carpet, but originality is the best land for discovery. Patronise your Nigerian designers who are even ready to give free clothes or even the upcoming designers biko, maybe next time, Ini Edo should seek advice from Genevive Nnaji and Kate Henshaw about the Nigerian designers who made the dresses they wore to the awards, their make-up artistes and hair stylists were awesome.Susan Peters in her nest or is it a cage'It will be so arduous to ignore what Susan Peters wore to this event, it will be mean not to discuss her outfit, did she truly leave her home that way' I can imagine what everybody around her thought that night as she made her grand entry at the Expo centre, was she trying so hard to make a style statement' I guess she wanted to stand and be the cynosure of all eyes at the event, yes she succeeded but ended up turning herself to the circus clown of the event.What shocked me most was how comfortable she pretended to be in the outfit especially with heat in the hall, l wore a halter neck that was airy but l still felt hot let alone Peters who buried herself in a massive white tiered cape, her hair was packed in a form of a pony tail in a rubber looking tiara, now l'm not sure her earrings had like a bling-bling chain accessory. I heard Peters and Aduni Ade were styled by Toyin Lawani and did you guys see what Toyin wore to the awards, how elegant she looked and her clients a big mess'(SMH) and gulping my Orijin because my favorite drink Bailey's was not available.Sometimes when l stared hard at Peters she reminded me of Big Bird in Sesame street series. She kept parading in the hall and l saw people giggle, whisper or look so shocked at her strange outfit. Susan Peters felt so cool in that outfit that maybe her look sometimes like a hen that is about to lay eggs especially when she seats down.Madonna, Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga who enjoyed wearing crazy and dramatic outfits to big events are tired of being suffocated by their dramatic costumes in the name of showbiz, Lady Gaga wears normal dresses these days, and Miley Cyrus is tired of clothes and goes around practically naked, with what Aduni Ade and Kendra Etunfuru wore, maybe next year some guests might attend the award practically naked after all Rihanna and Amber Rose had done so, why can't they'Fairground best dressed list1-Betty Irabor2-Dakore Akande3Busola Dakolo4-Genevive Nnaji5-Kate Henshaw6-Rita Dominic7-Funke Akindele8-Ono Bello9-Lala Akindoju10-Oreka Godis11-Seyi ShayFairground Misses1-Susan Peters2-Keyinde Bankole3- Kendra Etunfuwa4-Adunni Ade5-Belinda Effah6- Eku Edewor red carpet outfit by I.A.M.I.S.I.D.G.O7-Yvonne 'Vixen' Ekwere8-Zoe Chinaka9-Damilola Oke10-Ezinne AsinugoThe men did so well in their appearances but Alex Ekubo's coat of many colors still makes you want to scream, l just can't place it yet despite the fact that it sat so well on him.Shina Peller, the owner of Quilox night club wore a billionaire jacket that night, l guess the most expensive jacket in the hall that evening. l wanted to be sure it was the real thing, l got closer to him, l asked him if it was the authentic one or a copy' He was courteous enough to show me the label, 'me sef gan, l taya for myself, hehehehehe this my gbeborun sha, God will deliver me o'.
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