Banjul, Gambia – The who-is-who in the Nigerian movie industry will be he aded for Banjul shortly as part of the “FAME” project aimed at promoting the movies and entertainment industry in the Gambia.
According to Mr. Moses Nwanze, of the Lexicon communications and FAME international – organizers of the show, the extravaganza was agreed upon after a meeting with the Gambian Vice President, Aja Isatou Njie-Saidy, who was chief guest of honor at an event (Miss Galaxy Africa beauty pageant), which he organized.
He added that he was inspired by the vice president to do something to not only strengthen bi-lateral relations and promote cultural exchanges between the two African countries (Nigeria and the Gambia) but also to help place Banjul on a pedestal as far as movie making on the African continent is concerned.
Mr. Nwanze, a Nigerian, who is partnering with the actors guild of Nigeria and Gomis and Intouch Company, said the project was aimed at capturing the general public and academia, with special emphasis on the tourism industry.
“FAME wants to give the chance to every Gambian to become a movie star and take part in the movie industry, be it as a producer, director, script writer or any other active part in movie making,” he said.
“Every Gambian has a story to tell, so we want people to come out and tell their stories and then get the chance to either act in those movies alongside the Nigerian elites or see their stories being acted out and made into movies,” he said.
Nwanza said FAME Africa would help develop The Gambian movie and entertainment industry by providing a platform for Gambian movie enthusiasts to acquire skills in the area of movie production.
He also disclosed that incentives such as movie contracts and financial packages would be given to the scriptwriters and every other person participating in the project.
Special awards will also accompany the project.
The Nigerian superstars expected in Banjul for the show, beginning 2 December, include Stella Damasus, Jim Iyke, Ramsey Noah, Stephanie Okereke, Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola, Chioma, Desmond Elliot, Hank, Mr. Ibu, and Mama G among others.
