Fred Amugi and Nadia Buari Celebrate at 10th Sotigui Awards in Burkina Faso

Honoring Excellence in African Cinema

Accra, Nov 18 – At the 10th Sotigui Awards held at the Canal Olympique in Ouagadougou, Ghanaian screen icons Fred Nii Amugi and Nadia Buari were honored with distinguished accolades. This event marked a significant milestone in celebrating a decade of excellence within African cinema.

The ceremony, organized by the Académie des Sotigui, was part of a broader four-day program that included panels, masterclasses, roundtables, film screenings, and an opening conference focused on addressing harassment in African cinema. The gathering brought together Africa’s top actors and industry leaders to recognize outstanding contributions to the film industry.

High-profile attendees included Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Communications, Culture, Arts and Tourism; acclaimed filmmaker Apolline Traoré; business leader Idrissa Nassa, President of the Coris Group; Kanoyo O kanayo, renowned Nigerian lawyer and actor; and Kévin Moné, Director-General of the Sotigui Academy.

In addition to Fred Nii Amugi and Nadia Buari, other notable contributors to African cinema were recognized. These included Rasmane Ouédraogo and Ardiouma Soma from Burkina Faso, as well as Hamadoun Kassogue from Mali, for their long-standing influence in shaping regional film industries.

Fred Nii Amugi, known for his decades of celebrated performances, remains one of Ghana’s most respected actors. Nadia Buari continues to captivate audiences across Ghana and Nigeria with her versatile roles and international appeal.

Mawuko Kuadzi, representing Ghana at the ceremony, is an international casting director, CEO of MK Casting, and co-founder of the Africa Monologue Challenge. His presence highlighted Ghana’s commitment to strengthening continental collaboration through film.

After receiving their honors, Fred Amugi expressed gratitude: “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.”

Nadia Buari shared her feelings: “This moment is special to me. Our stories deserve every spotlight, and I am honoured to stand among Africa’s finest as we celebrate 10 years of this remarkable platform.”

Mawuko Kuadzi, CEO of the Africa Monologue Challenge, emphasized the significance of the awards: “Every recognition of African talent strengthens our collective confidence as a continent. When icons like Fred Amugi and Nadia Buari are celebrated, it sends a simple message across Africa: our stories matter, and they have the power to unify us.”

Dwomoh-Doyen Benjamin, President of the African Chamber of Content Producers, echoed these sentiments: “Awards like the Sotigui are investments in Africa’s identity and development. When veterans are honoured, young creators gain courage. When nations come together to applaud one another, unity moves beyond slogans. This is how culture drives integration, economic opportunity, and a shared sense of destiny.”

Ghana is emerging as a central player in Africa’s cinematic future. From its actors, producers, and casting directors to projects such as the Africa Monologue Challenge and the upcoming Pan-African feature film to be shot in Uganda, with the Africa Prosperity Network (APN) serving as Associate Producers, the country is helping shape a unified African creative narrative.