Speaking with J.K. Obatala, on the rooftop of the Safron Hotel, Ikeja, Dr. Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe — a digital systems expert—touches on a diversity of timely topics. Foremost, is his vision for the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) ceremony, as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and plans to build an AMAA Convention Centre.

How did the Awards ceremony go, in your estimate?
Happily, the second edition, under our leadership, measured up to Anyiam-Osigwe expectation. Naturally, we believe every AMAA is great! But last year’s ceremony had a laudable mix of private sector business and the creative industry. We also had a lot of international guests. That, needless to say, was quite gratifying.

You head a different administration, from that of your late sister, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe. What changes, are you introducing?
Conceptually, there is always this disconnect, between AMAA as a “Nigerian” brand and AMAA as a “global” brand. So, we want to emphasize, that AMAA is not about “Nigeria’ or “Nollywood”. We want to focus our attention more on getting people to understand the importance of AMAA to Africa and the global creative economy—and as a product they can embrace. One concern, which stars from the U.S.A. expressed, for example, was that, while they loved the AMAA experience, they thought more could be done to emphasize the importance of AMAA, and what it is doing, to Blacks beyond the continent.

What, in your opinion, is the importance of AMAA?
Well, one way to answer that question, is to think of where the Nigerian creative industry was, before 2005—when AMAA started up—and where it is today, in terms of international exposure and acceptance. In doing so, you might want to trace the trajectory, to date, of the current major stars of Nollywood and those on the continent, generally, who have been successful, at AMAA Awards. Those who’ve won AMAA—whether it’s for “Best Film,” “Best Director,” “Best Costume,” “Best Animation,” or whatever—have begun to benchmark their creative qualities against others, on the international stage.

What new programmes are you introducing?
Among other things, we’re doing an audit of some of the challenges AMAA has faced, over the past 20 years—in terms of infrastructure, logistics, etc. This includes international travel and destination and certain challenges of visiting countries. That’s something Peace Spoke extensively about—about Africa being open to Africans. It’s better, now. But it’s still a challenge. Governments need to improve the visa experience, for example, to make it easier to move around. Constant travel on the continent is expensive. Those involved in the airline business, need to improve the connectivity between various African countries and find a way to bring down the cost. Hotel infrastructure is improving. But it’s not there yet. And, of course, cost is through the roof; and when you look at the economy, the impact is real. So, I would say “visa,” “travel” and related logistical challenges are there.

I understand you’re planning to build an “AMAA Convention Centre”. Do you see that as part of the solution?
Yes. That is what we’re looking at, as part of our vision for AMAA—one of the big things we’re planning to do. But it’s something we need to think through properly; so, the design will reflect the brand’s iconic status. Aesthetically, we want a structure that all creative professionals of African descent, and lovers of African film, generally, can be proud of. It will have the look and feel that is expected by international stars, irrespective of culture or country. We know the number of hotels, on average, in key cities like Lagos, Abuja and other parts of the country. We believe the establishment of a Convention Centre, would complement AMAA’s activities and help position it for future growth.

Where, is your new Convention Centre going to be constructed?
I can’t say, at this point. The location must meet certain logistic and psychological criteria. For example, air access is key. The land space must be adequate. It should also have aesthetic appeal.

Is there a schedule, time-wise?
Not yet. The Convention Centre, is not something that would be handled entirely by AMAA. We hope to attract investors, in the project.

What is your travel regime like, from one AMAA, to the next?
Our Gala is normally held on the last Sunday in October. But we did it last year, in November, due to logistical issues. AMAA’s road regime begins, with the international festivals and film previews. This involves travel and hosting, at events like the Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF) in Los Angeles, the Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (Fespaco), Cannes Festival in France, the Toronto International Film Festival of Canada, the New Yok Film Festival, etc. Again, AMAA tries to have a presence, at most of these events. But, like they say, charity begins at home. So, we want to make sure we also expand awareness of AMAA on the continent—particularly in Francophone Africa.

Hence, we are looking at Fespaco, as an opportunity to expand our discourse with the French Speaking countries, who send delegations there. That’s something the team is working on, now…

When you say the team is “working” on it, what do you mean?
They’re liaising with creative professionals, from the Francophone states. We want them to give us a framework of what is required, for AMAA to have an active presence. FESPACO is in February. So, the proposals are currently being formulated.

Are you collaborating, with other African film festivals?
We’re not collaborating with any other festivals. However, we’ve been holding internal deliberations, to decide what would have value for AMAA and whoever we are seen to collaborate with. Some of our Jury members, for example (because the Jury is quite diverse, internationally) have brought to our attention, the need for AMAA to have an increased presence and participation in some of the film festivals.

What is your budget?
That’s confidential. Yet, I will say this: AMAA has a minimum, when it comes to spending. But it has no cap—no limit. It’s the messaging we want to accomplish, with every event, that determines our expenditures. Take the Gala event, for example. We may want to have international comperes (masters of ceremonies). That calls for a different budgetary outlay than if we were using local comperes. It all depends. Then again, a lot of the associated expenses, are not under AMAA’s control. An example, would be the cost of airline tickets and hotel room. So, everything is dependent on the prevailing market.

I noticed that you had extensive meetings, with the Jury. What do you talk about, during these meetings?
The Jury always gives us their feedback on the Gala event. They remind us, repeatedly, that AMAA is an award ceremony—not a show. That always creates a conflict with guests, who want to be entertained. We are thus impelled, to keep AMAA interesting and entertaining, without losing sight of its essence. I think we succeeded. Our U.S. guests, for example, said AMAA compares with anything they’ve seen; and promised to inform other Hollywood stars, about it.

Who was the opening dance act? They were very good.
That was Yinka Davis—an accomplished creative musical star. Before the start of the event, she shared with us that she was going to do something exceptional—and she did. The audience loved it! Last year, our theme was, “Africa To The World”. That is what informed the selection of Yinka to open and Femi Kuti, to close the show. We wanted it to be authentic to Africa. Historically, the Kuti family has always been Afrocentric and international.

By way of trivia, I interviewed Femi, in Port Harcourt, after he broke away from his father’s band. He was just 24. The interview was published in The Benin Observer, where I worked at the time. We called it, “Out Of My Father’s House”!
That’s very interesting!

Do you watch the winning AMAA film entries? Or do you rely entirely on the judgement of the Jurors?
As for the movies the Jury judges, we don’t interfere with that process. They operate completely independent of executive management.

There were quite a number of participants, from Ghana and Kenya. What measures are AMAA taking, to ensure a broader cross-section of countries, next edition in 2025?
We are looking at two initiatives which, we think, might help to broaden the cross-section of AMAA participants. One is to resume the practice of sending out film scouts, as part of the selection process. Secondly, we will intensify our awareness campaign. This will entail messaging online, using both traditional media (like television), and digital platforms as well as Interviews, such as the one we’re having. AMAA must, perforce, avail itself of the creative industry platforms and institutions that will add value to our messaging: Not just in Nigeria but on the continent, in Europe, Asia, the South Pacific, the U.S.A. and elsewhere. Right now, for instance, we have our regional coordinators in East Africa, English-speaking West Africa and Francophone Africa. Burkina Faso is the Francophone node, while our West African coordinator is in Ghana.

You have coordinators, based in those areas?
Correct. Correct. They were responsible for bringing the delegations that came, last year. We also have a coordinator in South Africa. We are now looking to get coordinators in North and Central Africa, as well. Hopefully, we can get that done within the first three months. We have feedback, that they are just waiting to hear from us. We’re anxious for North and Central Africa to come onboard—because we want to get AMAA closer to the people.

A major part of your travel budget, then, is apparently devoted to keeping in touch with these regional Coordinators?
I mean, definitely. You can’t have regional coordinators, that you’re not in touch with! The idea, is they should tell us what they need, and we will, in turn, share with them, what we would like them to do. So, it’s win-win. Whatever messages AMAA is putting out, compliments what regional coordinators are doing locally, in their respective regions. That way, you don’t have any negative feedback.

This is your second year, as head of AMAA. How are you adjusting? Have you had any surprises?
I just see myself as a team leader. Because we’ve always been involved with AMAA, from inception. The only difference now, is that I’m out front, instead of working from behind the scenes—in support of Peace, who was driving the process. Now, the family is providing support for me. But we have an excellent team, that is helping us do what we do. I’m just the person that people see. There is a team behind me.

Are you developing commercial products?
The product we’re working on, at the moment, is 20 years of AMAA’s experience. We want to put it in a digital format, because people are utilizing digital content. We hope to benefit, financially, from this, as part of our internally generated revenue.

How do you relax—when you want to get away from people like me!?
I think everyone should have a way to escape, at least psychology. You know, things they enjoy doing. I do exercises. I take my walks. So, I am conscious of wellness. I also love listening to music—especially classical music.

Who are some of your favourite composers?
I like Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Beethoven. You know, the kind of music you can play at any time, that doesn’t disturb what you are doing. I also like “old school” music—traditional blues, 80s soul music, etc.

I’m surprised!
Well, life is about evolving and adapting.

What is your religious faith?
Well, I come from a strong Catholic background. So, I do go to church. I believe in prayer. I believe in doing things right. I believe in the right moral values. That’s how we were raised—by my late father and my mother, who is still going strong.

How do you react, when people compare your policies with those of your sister: You know, “Peace would have done this. Peace would have done that, etc.”?
I always tell people that “Peace was Peace. I am myself”. What she has done is great; and nobody can take that away. But I’m not here to replicate what she’s done. Instead, we have to build on her legacy, to sustain and grow the brand. Then too, if Peace were here, she would be the first to tell you that whatever it is people think she has accomplished, couldn’t have been achieved without support from the family.