Amaka Igwe facts for kids

Amaka Igwe (born January 2, 1963 – died April 28, 2014) was a famous Nigerian filmmaker. She was also a leader in broadcasting. Amaka Igwe owned Top Radio 90.9 FM in Lagos. She also owned Amaka Igwe Studios. She was known as one of the first filmmakers who started the modern Nigerian cinema. This was the time when movies began to be made on video. She was very important in the film industry until she passed away in 2014. She died from an asthma attack. On January 2, 2020, Google honored her with a special Google Doodle on what would have been her 57th birthday.

Early Life and Education

Uzoamaka Audrey "Amaka" Igwe was born on January 2, 1963. Her parents were Isaac and Patience Ene. She was born in Port Harcourt. Amaka was the fifth of seven children. She was also the fourth of six sisters. Her father called her "GCO" (General Commanding Officer). Her mother called her "Storm" because she was always busy. As a child, she even acted as a Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture.

She went to All Saints School and Awkunanaw Girls High School in Enugu. Amaka was very active. She boxed, played basketball, and was captain of the girls' soccer team. Later, at Idia College in Benin, Amaka started to show her creative side. She taught the Atilogwu dance. She even competed nationally. She also began writing plays and songs.

Amaka Igwe wanted to study law. But the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) offered her "Education and Religious Studies." So, she studied Education/Religion at the University of Ife. This school is now called Obafemi Awolowo University.

After OAU, Igwe worked on a short film called "Barbers Wisdom." She was the director. Then, she went to the University of Ibadan. There, she earned a master's degree in Library and Information Sciences. During her National Youth Service Corps, she traveled as a secretary for the Scripture Union. She also worked at the Anambra State University of Technology. She was an executive director at Eida Information Systems. Later, she focused on the creative industry. She married Charles Igwe in April 1993. They had three children.

Her Amazing Talent

Amaka Igwe was a talented writer, producer, and director. She was also an entrepreneur and a teacher. She helped start modern Nigerian TV drama and film. She became famous for writing and producing the TV show 'Checkmate'. This show won many awards. She also created its spin-off, 'Fuji House of Commotion'.

Her Nollywood movies include Rattle snake and Violated. These films made Amaka Igwe Studios stand out. She also founded BOBTV Exp. She was the founder and CEO of Top Radio 90.9FM. She also owned Amaka Igwe Studios and Q Entertainment Networks. These companies produced high-quality content.

Her Lasting Legacy

Amaka Igwe will be remembered for making movies and TV shows better in Nigeria. She set high standards for her company, Amaka Igwe Studios. She kept these standards even when Nollywood was not taken seriously. She did not lower her quality to become successful. She inspired many Nigerian filmmakers and people around the world.

Amaka believed in God, her family, and doing excellent work. She also valued honesty and tradition. She loved her family very much. She always made sure to be there for them. Amaka Igwe invested in people. Those people are her greatest success. She often told those she trained that she would give them all she had. This was so they could add to their own skills and become even better than her. She never thought she was the only one who could do things. She was dedicated to helping the creative industries grow and last.

Honors and Tributes

Amaka Igwe won many awards during her career. In 2011, Nigeria honored her for her great work. She received the '"MFR"' award. This stands for "Member of The Federal Republic of Nigeria." It is one of the Nigerian National Orders.

On January 2, 2020, Google celebrated her 57th birthday. They did this with a special Google Doodle.

Death

Amaka Igwe passed away in Enugu on April 27, 2014. She died at 8:30 pm. Doctors tried to save her from a severe asthma attack, but they could not. Her funeral was attended by Rochas Okorocha. He was the governor of Imo State at the time. Many famous people from the Nollywood film industry also attended.

Quotes

• "I am an unapologetic commercial filmmaker. I make films to make money."
• "I will give you all I have, so you can add it to what you have and be better than me."
• "By the Special Grace of God."
• "Mr. President, what is Arik Air without an airport?"
• "Nollywood is a global movement."

Filmography

• Rattle Snake 1,2 & 3
• Violated 1&2
• To Live Again
• Full Circle
• A Barber's Wisdom

TV Series

• Fuji House of Commotion
• Solitaire
• Now We Are Married
• Infinity Hospital
• Bless This House
• Checkmate

See Also

In Spanish: Amaka Igwe para niños