TIPTOPSTARS

CEAThe United States metropolitan city of Maryland has just hosted what observers describe as the most spectacular African diaspora event of the year, even before 2012 rounds off. The much-talked about and anxiously awaited Cameroon Entertainment Awards, CEA has taken place, registering a relieving success. CEA 2012 has now entered the annals and would be mentioned forever as one of the most unifying initiatives that happened abroad.

The Day

As early as 5.30pm Saturday, the first celebrities hit the red carpet leading them to the CEA mural wall, awaited by fans and friends desiring to have snapshots with them. As the Cramton swelled with gorgeously-looking guests, hostesses made sure they welcomed VIPs upon stepping down from the luxurious cars that ferried them to the Howard campus.

It’s 9pm Maryland time! “Good evening ladies and gent…..” A soul-searching voice announcing the start of the maiden edition of the Cameroon Entertainment Awards reminded guests that the CEA event was indeed a reality. The MCs introductory statements which in most parts explained why the crowd had gathered followed by an initial interlude of spectacular dance which served as a perfect opener for a deserving event like the CEA. Then Executive Producer Maybelle Boma unveiled the other side of her by gracing her own event with Hosanna, one of the tracks in her second album scheduled for promotion in the coming weeks.

Alternating, music performance and award of prizes characterized the rest of the evening. Just to mention a few (TIPTOPSTARS will publish the entire list of winners in subsequent updates), the prize of best male actor went to Kang Quintus. The laureate had just flown into town for that purpose and was on hand to receive his trophy.

Taka Tanni bagged home while Naomi Achu went home an award richer with the best female artist award. X-Maleya retained the price for best album while Vivian Ndour, the Senegalese song diva pocketed the best Pan African artiste award. Vivian’s West African counterpart J. Martins grabbed the people’s choice prize.

Two of the day’s major awards went to Capitol Staff and internationally trained Lawyer Angelle Kwemo (Humanitarian Award) and Dr David Njie Makonge (Grand Honoree). Each laureate spoke with emotion and saluted the CEA initiative. They promised not to lie on their laurels, but to keep the flames of whatever thing they do burning. Usual, TIPTOPSTARS saw beyond…

Big names aplenty

For one thing, guests to the CEA will forever remember the event for giving them a chance to meet the men and women who have been ticking the entertainment clock. The stars showed up in their numbers. We spotted film producer Agbor Gilbert coming all the way from Buea. He was clad in a shiny brown jacket and a fashionable red neck tie. The producer of Pink Poisson starring Jim Iyke smiled all evening.

TIPTOPSTARS also set eyes on Mairo Sanda (in blue), Bih Nathalie (in black), Adele-Clarise of BAAM (in something like yellow and coming all the way from Cameroon), Pridine (in green), Kang Quintus (in black-red), Taka Tanni (in green), Trina Takoh (in flying blue), Pandita Eta Njoh (in black), Syl Anim (in her usual NW designs), producer Abraham Takoh, etc.

Up the stage

For three hours, the stage CEA stage was kept alive with music and dance performance that was slotted in to salute victories scored by laureates. The following took to the stage: Vivian Ndour, Naomi Achu, Mbu Gaps, Kaissa, Myra Maimoh, Luxland, Michelle, Enoch, DTM and Paco. These singers moved the audience and sent waves of excitement across the hall as they skillfully presented the art they know best.

Back stage stealing the show

The success of the CEA inaugural could be associated with the performance of the people at the back of the stage. There is little doubt about that. For once, organizers experienced an indefatigable stage director – a courageous female who clinched onto perfection and provided a much needed professionalism to the event. Meanwhile, the sound engineers (with a dexterous female among them) rattled the buttons intelligently to facilitate the task of the DJ (regularly described during the event as the maestro).

TIPTOPSTARS prominent

For a rare occasion, the entertainment portal, TIPTOPSTARS promoted itself. It’s Editor and long-time entertainment reporter distributed the online magazine’s promo cards to guest at the CEA. “Oh, I read you guys and like what you’re doing,” said a regular TIPTOPSTARS visitor. Several other guests praised the magazine for the good job it’s been doing. Meanwhile the TIPTOPSTARS logo shined on the photo backdrop.

We shall come back to other details of the event.

Affaire, a suivre… with official pictures from the event

pictures courtesy fb: Ellan, BrinsImage