Sierra Leone Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA), Hon. Sidie Yayah Tunis has informed the Media and Entertainment Stakeholders about the staging of the first, National Entertainment Awards, (NEA) 2017 which will take place in 29 April 2017 at the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown
During a joint press briefing, the Minister explained that the
event aimed at promoting the image and rich culture of Sierra Leone through
entertainment.
“The National
Entertainment Awards (NEA) 2017 is geared towards recognizing the contributions
of our indigenous and international Music, Sports, Comedy, Film, Fashion,
Tourism and Cultural Heritage” the
Minister said. He reaffirmed that the said award would also act as a stimuli to
shy away our entertainment stars and their fan base groups from violence and
riotous conduct. He maintained that it is very difficult for our local stars
and talents to express their God-given talents in an open field today in the
country.
“The talents are meant to bring us together
and not to divide us” the
Minister said.
The Minister maintained that LAKE Production and MTCA have decided
to seek stakeholder’s collaboration, support and sponsorship in a bid to stage
the 1st National Entertainments Awards in Sierra Leone.
“When I looked at the
categories, this is like combining the Grammy Awards and the Oscar Awards
together with sport awards, which require a lot of effort and time’’ the Minister said. He emphasized that the
standard and quality of the NEA award must be as good as those in other
countries.
Mr. Alhaji K. Tarawally, CEO of LAKE Production Entertainment
Company, disclosed that the said event would be a glamorous celebration of
artistry, ingenuity, creativity, honoring excellence in Sierra Leone film making,
music, sports, and comedy and cultural heritage. He said that nomination will
start on 15th February, and close on March 1st, 2017.
“There are forty (40)
categories including five (5) Lifetime Achievement Awards that will be
available for nomination, and all nomination will close on March 1st 2017’’ the CEO confirmed.
Mr. Mohamed Jalloh, Director of Tourism, said that the 1st
National Entertainment Awards will serve as a platform to promote local talents
in the different categories of entertainment within the entertainment industry
in Sierra Leone. The Director urged members of the private sector to usher in
their collaboration and support so as to ensure a successful outcome of the
said event. “We really want the private sector to promote this
event because they stand to enjoy the advantage, when our music is played
internationally, we will attract international recognition,’’ the
Director said. He further thanked all personalities present for their support
in promoting the entertainment industry through Tourism, Culture and heritage.
Statements were also made by several stakeholders from the
entertainment industry including the President of All Stars-Collabo, the
President of Film Council-Michael Kargbo, Desmond Finney, Mohamed Murtala,
Mohamed Murtala and several others.
Notably, this year NEA will attract
participation from the diaspora and all facets of the Sierra Leone community.
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