Uti and Helen Paul host JARA on AfricaMagic.

Want to go behind the scenes in Nollywood? Want to get the inside scoop on what’s going on in Nigeria’s vibrant film industry? Want to catch up with your favourite Nollywood stars as they chat about their stellar careers? Then tune in to AfricaMagic as the channel puts Nollywood in the spotlight with its first production, JARA.

The flagship new series is packed with fun news and information, direct from the thriving heart of Africa’s busiest film hub. Screening to DStv audiences every Saturday evening in primetime (6:30pm Nigerian Time), JARA is hosted by two of Nigeria’s hottest stars…popular and sociable Big Brother All Stars winner Uti Nwachukwu and sensational entertainment personality Helen Paul.

Speaking about the debut of JARA, M-Net Managing Director Biola Alabi said the series had been in planning and development for some time. “M-Net has created numerous original productions like Tinsel, Studio 53 and Comedy Club, which have been shown on the AfricaMagic channel.  Further to this, we’ve licensed a lot of African series from producers across the continent. Now we felt it was time for AfricaMagic to have its very own original production, something we developed specifically for this very popular channel and its enthusiastic audience. JARA is the result and we’re very pleased to have the chance to really profile Nigeria’s directors, producers, stars – showing them at premieres, galas, awards shows and at work.”

She continues, “This kind of programming is in demand internationally and is very powerful. We are delighted that we can help facilitate a closer relationship between the world of Nollywood celebrities and their fans across Africa – those viewers who just love the movies and those stars that want to share their experiences with these viewers.”

JARA is filmed on location in Lagos and some of its first inserts have included – a focus on the Bon Awards and the Tima Awards, a visit to the Port Harcourt International Film Festival, a countdown of the top female actresses to watch in 2011 and profiles on producers Tunde Kelani and Lonzo Nzekwe. Guests in studio have already included Ini Edo and Omoni Oboli plus JARA has also included an insert on Desmond Elliot on holiday. Also coming up is an interview with Nollywood legend Ramsey Noah (Saturday January 29).

JARA is re-screened on AfricaMagic every Monday at 11am and Wednesday at 10pm

Thanks to Ameyaw of http://www.ameyawdebrah.com for this gist.

SMVA 2010 WINNERS LIST

The pan-African awards was easily the hottest, most exclusive party anywhere on the continent – with a multimedia package deal that included an international couture show featuring the like’s of South Africa’s Dax Martin and Nigeria Mai Atafo and Tiffany Amber; and then unforgettable performances from Asa, Mo’Hits, R2Bee’s and lots of lush VIP pampering from Hennessey, impressive showmanship from host Uti and powerful production values from technical creative directors Jan Malan Umzingeli Productions.

And while there were multiple category nominations for established pop stars Banky W (7) and P Square(5), the former came away with two nods (Best Male and Viewers choice), and the latter with a single Best Editing SMVA for their video ’Danger’.

And so multiple wins were more modest, Banky (2) and 2Face Idibia (2), with more Nigerian wins (8) than any other country, but with a far greater spread across nominees, with suprise wins for South Africa’s JR as Discovery of the Year and the Hit Producer award for late rapper Dagrin’s creative partner, Sossick.

Social media of course trended SMVA and made it what might yet be the biggest and most entertaining live show ever packaged by Nigerians for the rest of the world.

Here’s a list of winners:

Best Male Video – Banky W for ‘Strong thing’
Best Female Video – Goldie for ‘You Know it’ Ft. Eldee
Best Special Effects – Djinee
Best Editing – PSquare
Best Cinematography – Teargas
Best Hip Hop Video – Jozi
Best Pop Video – 2Face
Best Collaboration in a Music Video – Sarkodie
Discovery of the Year – JR
Best Video – Banky W
Viewers Choice – Buffalo Souljah
Hit Producer Of The Year – Sossick for Da Grin’s Pon Pon
Best Western – 2face
Best Eastern – Wahu
Best Central – Fally Ipupa
Soundcity Fresh Video – Tania Tome