Ghanaian film legends Fred Nii Amugi and Nadia Buari have been honoured at the 10th Sotigui Awards in Ouagadougou, a ceremony that brought together Africa’s most celebrated actors, filmmakers, cultural leaders, and industry stakeholders.
The event, held at the Canal Olympique and organised by the Académie des Sotigui, marked a decade of spotlighting excellence in African cinema. It formed part of a four-day programme featuring panel discussions, roundtables, masterclasses, film screenings, and a special conference addressing harassment in the African film industry.
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Dignitaries in attendance included Burkina Faso’s Minister of Communications, Culture, Arts and Tourism, Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo; acclaimed filmmaker Apolline Traoré; Coris Group President Idrissa Nassa; Nigerian actor and lawyer Kanoyo O Kanayo; and Director-General of the Sotigui Academy, Kévin Moné.
The ceremony also celebrated seasoned contributors to the continent’s creative landscape, including Rasmane Ouédraogo and Ardiouma Soma of Burkina Faso, and Hamadoun Kassogue of Mali, recognising their decades of influence in shaping African cinema.
For Ghana, the recognition of Fred Amugi and Nadia Buari reinforced the country’s strong imprint on the continent’s film industry. Amugi, widely respected for his decades of powerful screen performances, and Buari, known for her versatility and cross-border influence in Ghana and Nigeria, were both praised for their enduring contributions.
Ghana was represented at the ceremony by Mawuko Kuadzi, international casting director, CEO of MK Casting, and co-founder of the Africa Monologue Challenge. His participation underscored Ghana’s commitment to building deeper creative collaborations across Africa.
Speaking after receiving his honour, Fred Amugi said the recognition affirmed the collective effort behind African filmmaking.
“This recognition reminds us that our work is connected to a much larger movement. African cinema is rising, and I am grateful to have played my part in telling our stories,” he stated.
Nadia Buari described the moment as deeply meaningful. “Our stories deserve every spotlight, and I am honoured to stand among Africa’s finest as we celebrate 10 years of this remarkable platform,” she said.
In an interview, Mawuko Kuadzi highlighted the broader significance of the honours, emphasising that celebrating African talent strengthens continental confidence and unity. Dwomoh-Doyen Benjamin, President of the African Chamber of Content Producers, added that platforms like the Sotigui Awards fuel cultural identity, inspire young creators, and drive economic integration.
Ghana continues to cement its place in Africa’s cinematic future through its actors, producers, casting directors, and major continental projects such as the Africa Monologue Challenge and the upcoming Pan-African feature film to be shot in Uganda, with support from the Africa Prosperity Network.
