13th May, 2024
By Taiwo Okanlawon
Ossai Success, Senior Special Assistant on media former Delta governor, Ifeanyi Okowa has berated veteran actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), over his choice of outfit for the 2024 AMVCA.
Damijo, who was honored with the ‘Industry Merit’ award at the event, was adorned in a purple agbada — a flowing robe traditionally worn by the Yoruba men — headpiece and traditional neck beads.
Reacting in a video shared on Facebook, Success, who was the senior special assistant on media to Okowa, criticised the actor for “not representing the Urhobo culture”.
He added that the 62-year-old “messed up” for not “promoting” his own culture especially “on a global stage” like the AMVCA.
“Uncle RMD, truthfully, you messed up by wearing Yoruba attire to the AMVCA. You are an Urhobo man and as an Urhobo man, we expect that you showcase the Urhobo culture for the world to see on that kind of global stage,” he said.
“How do the young ones want to be proud of our culture when the old people do not encourage them? People are asking why I called him out on his AMVCA dressing. I am not against RMD, I love him so much.
“But the thing is he is an Urhobo man from Delta state, so I expected him to dress in an Urhobo attire to showcase the rich culture as a proud Urhobo man. The old should be the ones encouraging the young ones to showcase, emulate and be proud of their culture.”
The 10th edition of AMVCA took place at the Eko Hotel & Suites and was hosted by IK Osakioduwa for the tenth time consecutive year. Toke Makinwa, Uti Nwachukwu, and Adams Ibrahim, aka VJ Adams also returned as red carpet hosts.
Breath of Life, a 2023 Nigerian drama film executively produced by BB Sasore and Derin Adeyokunnu, won the best Movie award at the African Magic Viewers Choice Award (AMVCA).
The film was written and directed by BB Sasore and produced by Eku Edewor.
The movie defeated others such as Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Over The Bridge, Blood Vessel, A Tribe Called Judah, The Black Book and Mami Wata to emerge winner.