A review of Ghana Movie Awards 2015

First and foremost, the show started far behind time. I was not surprised because that has been a character of the Ghanaian - a wild canker that continues to affect our progress as individuals and as a country. Certainly, you cannot blame the organisers for starting the show at that time especially when those to receive the awards started trooping in around 10.30 pm for the red carpet. Probably, if they had come earlier, organisers would have ignored the attendance at that time and commenced the program. The show ended up starting around 11 pm and at that moment, I began wondering what time it will end. Our attitude towards time is just terrible. The earlier we changed, the better. With attendance, as the show progressed, the number increased considerably well.

The show started with a performance from ‘The Two Idiots [General Ntatea and Dr So]’ who sought to stimulate the audience, some of whom had been there since 8 pm. Their act was cool [not so catchy]. They caught the attention of some patrons through a rehearsed and adlibbing performance. Midway through, they completely lost it. The response from the audience was hiccupped. And that was the moment I realised they should have left the stage when the applause were ‘loudest’. The duo left after calling on award presenters to get the actual purpose of gathering done. Some nominations came with a playback while others did not. Well, you may not want to take organisers on because technical hitches do happen. I am not a lightening expert; however, if I say anything bad about it, I will be unfair because in my estimation, what I saw was okay; same as sound.

Unfortunately, some of the winners were not around to pick their plaques neither was anybody sent to take them on their behalf. It was obvious organisers were unaware about the absence. Some presenters of the awards had to ‘receive’ them while at some instances, some actors from the crowd received on their behalf. Some exceptions were Idris Elba and Cary Joji Fuknaga who sent voice notes and scripts to be played and read should they win; Deborah Vanessa who picked it for her brother, Wanlov. Was there any notification of absenteeism? Or perhaps, some had qualms with the organisation and decided not to show up? That is for the organisers and the awardees to answer. Even that, if the organisers were smart, they would have known that the actors and producers who were so unhappy about the nomination list will boycott the night's event. The development in a way marred the show because presenters had to stand there awaiting the receiver only to see a ‘no show’. The absentees included Yvonne Nelson and Rose Mensah (Kyeiwaa) who won Actress in a Leading Role and Favorite Actress respectively.

It took all by surprise when actor, Adjetey Annan performed John Legend’s “All Of Me”. He did exceptionally well. With a melodious voice and some wild dance moves, Pusher, as he is affectionately called, wowed the audience. He was fantastic on the night!

Comedian, Foster Romanus did well only that I felt he has been dwelling on “Imagine Shatta Wale was this, imagine Sarkodie was that…” joke and needed to upgrade.

Unfortunately, emcees for the event, Mawuli Gavor and Hogan on all occasions they appeared on stage told jokes that could barely move people. Their unwarranted jokes were just too much and I wondered why they kept on telling what they considered as 'jokes'. As an emcee, you main duty is to announce the order of events and not to entertain the gathering. The reason why there is division of labour is to give room for all to perform well in their respective fields. It is good to engage the audience through a 'performance' but it should be measured. For me, Hogan’s emceeing skill was questionable. Mawuli was okay.

Comedy act, Parrot Mouth ended the show with a very abysmal performance. He was more of a storyteller than a comedian. Frankly speaking, I never heard a giggle from the crowd. His jokes were dry and raw to tickle you even if you have the highest sense of humour.

How can I forget Kwadwo Nkansah (Liwin) and Funny Face’s contributions? These people on different occasions where they appeared on stage for their awards brought life to the show.

The event was relatively short but I could not feel the excitement. It was boring. I was convinced there was an organisational challenge which negatively affected the show. If due diligence were made, many would not have had the right to be on stage. Perhaps the organisers were trying something new. Who knows? With that said, I believe if organisers will be open to ideas and accept constructive criticisms in good fate, the awards scheme will be one every stakeholder will be proud of.