Atiku, Nollywood Stars, Africa Magic Family, AMAA Awards & More In Emotional Tributes For Late Movie Icon, Amaka Igwe

Since the news of the death of Popular nollywood movie maker and the creator of the popular TV series “Checkmate” and “Fuji House of Commotion,” Mrs Amaka Igwe who reportedly died of an asthma attack Monday night, broke yesterday morning, her colleagues, friends and well-wishers have continued to pour out their hearts on the exemplary leadership and uncommon talent of the woman who not only discovered many great talents but also fostered and inspired many more.

One of her colleagues, Don Pedro Obaseki, Enogie[Isi of Benin Kingdom] could not hide his sorrow as he declared: “We won’t miss you because everywhere we turn in Nollywood we see you! We feel you, Amaka! I remain your friend, even in the afterlife! Your body of work will be an inspiration to many generations.”

Comedian Julius Agwu, whose life was also touched by the famed Amaka, had this to say: “Death visits the wrong home at the wrong time and snatches the wrong person. She gave me my first movie role in Nollywood as Peter, Jnr. in her blockbuster Rattlesnake. May Almighty God grant her family the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss. Rest in Peace, Aunty Amaka.

Top Nollywood actress, Genevieve Nnaji, expressed her grief thus: “This is the darkest day of my entire career. That I believe sums up how I feel right now. Your legacy will live on, Aunty Amaka, I promise you.”

For Kate Henshaw, “a great woman who dared where men tread has passed on! RIP, Aunty Amaka. Our prayers are with you, Uncle Charles.”

According to Stephanie Linus, “I am still in shock. Oh! How we have lost a great one. Rest in Peace, Amaka Igwe.”

Stella Damasus said: “She has gone home. God rest her soul. For the rest of us here, I wonder what the future holds or how long we have. I would rather spend each day working towards my salvation. Death does not have a clock.RIP Aunty Amaka. My prayer goes out to Uncle Charles and the children.“

Alex Eyengho, President, Association of Nollywood Core Producers, ANCOP, wondered why Amaka Igwe should bow to death now.

 “A substantial part of Nollywood and the African motion picture industry is dead with her sudden demise. She was indeed the Duchess of Nollywood. She never did any business outside Nollywood and the Nigerian entertainment industry generally. She gave the indsutry her all,” Eyengho said

However, actor John Njamah, remembered in the sitcom “Fuji House of Commotion” as the notorious Gbenro was discovered by the deceased and John could not hide his feeling.

“Words are not enough to say goodbye to this awesome woman that carved my yesterday and defined my today as a film-maker. Farewell, Mrs Igwe,” he said.

Belinda Effah, a fast-rising Nollywood actress, gave a stirring account of her meeting with the great lady and expressed her emotion: “A lady with a great personality. Her name resonated in the industry such that those that spoke about her revered her. My first encounter was not short-lived at all. I relive the moment all the time because she was able to impact upon me and challenged me not to restrict my acting locally but aim for the sky and become an internationally acclaimed actor.

Also paying tribute to the prolific film maker was the AfricaMagic family. It said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of iconic Nigerian film and TV producer, Mrs. Amaka Igwe.

“The African creative arts industry has lost an admired and respected leader whose vast knowledge, proven business acumen and boundless imagination made an immeasurable contribution to the development and success of our community.

“AfricaMagic extends its sincere condolences to her husband, her children, her family and friends during this difficult time, and will honour Mrs. Igwe’s memory by screening a collection of her most beloved works in the days and weeks ahead.”

In her tribute, the CEO of Africa Film Academy Award, AMAA, Ms Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, said: “I received with sadness this morning the news of the passing away of my big sister and Nollywood icon, Mrs. Amaka Igwe.

“The motion picture industry in Nigeria and Africa will sorely miss this revolutionary who raised the bar of professionalism and artistic excellence early in Nollywood when it was not fashionable.”

Former Vice President and chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC, Atiku Abubakar, yesterday described Amaka Igwe as “a jewel of the Nollywood industry.”

In a statement by his media office in Abuja, Atiku expressed shock at the demise of Mrs. Igwe, who was a major player in the Nigerian movie industry.

 “Amaka (Igwe) was one of the pioneers of the movie industry. Her presence in Nollywood grew to become quite impressive as she amassed a number of well received movies,” Atiku said.