Amaka Igwe

Amaka Igwe
Born Uzoamaka Audrey Igwe
2 January 1963
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Died 28 April 2014 (aged 51)
Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria
Years active 1980s–2014

Amaka Igwe (2 January 1963 – 28 April 2014) was an award-winning Nigerian filmmaker and broadcasting executive. Igwe was the owner of Top Radio 90.9 Lagos and Amaka Igwe Studios, and is recognized as one of the second generation filmmakers who helped begin the video film era of Nigerian cinema. She remained a prominent figure in the industry until her death in 2014.

Early life and education

Uzoamaka Audrey 'Amaka' Igwe was born to Isaac and Patience Ene on 2 January, 1963 in Port-Harcourt. Igwe was the fifth of seven children, and the fourth of six sisters. She was known as 'GCO' (General Commanding Officer) by her father and 'Storm' by her mother because she was always busy with some activity. As a child she acted as a Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture.

She studied at All Saints School and Awkunanaw Girls High School in Enugu. She boxed, played basketball, and was captain of the girls' soccer team. During her A-Levels at Idia College, Benin, Igwe began to explore her creative side. She taught people the Atilogwu dance, and competed nationally. She also began writing plays and songs. Amaka Igwe wanted to study law, but officials of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) offered her "Education and Religious Studies (Theology)" instead. Hence, she studied Education/Religion at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University).

From OAU, Igwe jointed the MNET short celluloid film "Barbers Wisdom" as director and then proceeded to the University of Ibadan, where she obtained a master's degree in Library and Information Services. She spent her time during her NYSC Youth Service as a travelling secretary for the Scripture Union, and procured an M.Sc. in Information Science. She then worked at the Anambra State University of Technology and as an executive director at Eida Information Systems, before settling in the creative industry. She married her husband Charles Igwe in April, 1993, and had three children.

Talent

Igwe was an accomplished writer, producer, director, entrepreneur and teacher. A pioneer of modern Nigerian TV drama and film, she hit national limelight as the writer and producer of award-winning TV soap ‘Checkmate’ and its offshoot ‘Fuji House of Commotion’. Her Nollywood projects include Rattlesnake and Violated, which set Amaka Igwe Studios apart in the Video film era of Nigerian cinema. She founded BOBTV Exp.,[1] and was the founder and CEO of the Lagos mainland-based Top Radio 90.9FM station, the quality content production powerhouse Amaka Igwe Studios and Q Entertainment Networks, and DSTV channel.[2]

Honors

Igwe won a number of awards during her career. In 2011, Nigeria recognized her substantial efforts and immense contributions to the creative industry by awarding her with the Nigerian National Order of '"MFR," which stands for "Member of The Federal Republic of Nigeria."[3][4]

Death

Igwe died in Enugu on April 28, 2014 at 8:30 pm,[5] after efforts failed to save her from an asthma exacerbation. Her funeral was attended by Rochas Okorocha, the governor of Imo State, as well as personalities from the Nollywood film industry.[6]

Filmography

TV series

References

  1. ↑ BOBTV ends fest akunyili assures fund
  2. ↑ Renowned Nollywood movie producer dead
  3. ↑ "Nigeria: National Honours Awards 2010 and 2011 - Economic Confidential". 2011-11-10. Retrieved 2016-08-18.
  4. ↑ List of Nigeria national honours
  5. ↑ Adekunkle, Edwina. "Amaka Igwe Biography". Online Nigeria. Retrieved 27 April 2016.
  6. ↑ Atisele, Kenneth. "Tears and Sorrow as Amaka Igwe is Laid To Rest". thenet.ng. NET News. Retrieved 27 October 2016.

Bibliography

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