Afrikan Post
September 2011
Page 31
Koby Maxwell Won The ‘Best Reggae African Music’ Award The 2011 World Music and Independent Film Festival (WMIFF) was held on Saturday August 20th 2011 at the Capital Hilton Hotel in Washington D.C. Hundreds from all over the world gathered to attend the 2nd anniversary of this monumental event. Film makers, Producers, Directors, musicians, artists, actors, actresses, and the list goes on came together on this day to Honor those in the Music and Film industry who have left a lasting impression within the past year. The event began as early as 10:00am when the celebrities, performers, nominees, and guests began to arrive and were greeted with a heart-warming Red Carpet aligned with photographers, news media, radio personnel and cheering fans. After the swarming press or maybe more appropriately referred to as the ‘paparazzi’, got their fill of interviews, photographs, and autographs, all the nominees were escorted to their seats into the luxurious event room lit up by elegant chandeliers. As the opening remarks were made, the anxiety in the room grew by every minute that passed by. Without further delay, the categories were announced. They included ‘Best Short-Film’ ‘Best Documentary’ ‘Best Feature Film’ ‘Best Music Video’ ‘WMIFF People Choice Awards-Music Videos’, ‘WMIFF People Choice Awards Movie Trailer’ and the category list went on. The focus on this day was on one individual. An individual who is no stranger to the music world. This individual has been fighting for African music and representing the nations, and he is definitely making a mark in the music industry. Soon-to-be known on a national and international scale, this gifted bass player, singer, lyricist and composer brings a unique music mix blended with a taste of Europe, a twist of America and a squeeze of Africa that’s all stirred up to create a colorful and powerful sound of Fusion. His name is Koby Maxwell, and he was recognized by his peers on an international scale on this day.
Koby Maxwell Accepting His Award
Koby’s acting debut in the critically acclaimed Nollywood USA movie "Paparazzi: Eye in the Dark, which he starred in, alongside Van Vicker, Syr Law, Chet Anekwe, JJ Bunny, Tchidi Chikere and others, was employed by the experience of an American Filmmaker Tim Wilson aka “Black Magic Tim”, who was nominated for the ‘Best Cinematographer’ category on this day for the movie Paparazzi. Paparazzi: Eye in the Dark is a 2011 romantic mystery film which focuses on an aspiring photographer Rich Amarah (Van Vicker) who dreamed of making his fortune through his art, but found the life of being a sneaky paparazzi spy to be more lucrative. By selling pictures to the national newspapers, he has the opportunity to rub shoulders with the rich and famous. Superstar Ghanian recording artist Mr. Maxx (Koby Maxwell) was at the top of the paparazzi food chain and Rich's appetite for success leads him into a whirlwind of chaos when he accidentally films the "scoop of the century". This event not only becomes the newspapers’ biggest exclusive but threatens his very survival as he alone holds the images to the city’s biggest murder mystery. Both Koby Maxwell, and Tim “Black Magic” were nominated for their roles in this film. Tim, was nominated for ‘Best Cinematographer’ for paparazzi, and Koby Maxwell for ‘Best Reggae African Music’. Tim Wilson Won the ‘Best Cinematographer’ Award, and Koby Maxwell Won the ‘Best Reggae African Music’ Award. The Cast from Paparazzi: Eye in the Dark took home the golden trophies. Applause filled the room when Mr. Maxwell stepped on stage to give his speech, and an ovation was given when he stepped off. When asked how he felt about winning the award, Mr. Maxwell said “It is an honor to be nominated, but a glory to win” Many other reputable names in the industry were present to receive awards, from state dignitaries, to A-list Hollywood Celebrities that flew in to attend the event. No time to go through the list of celebrity sightings, because it was an event you had to see for yourself to believe. The 2011 World Music and Independent Film Festival was history in the making for Koby Maxwell, and all those trying to succeed in the industry. Congratulations to both Mr. Tim Wilson, and Mr. Koby Maxwell.
Demond Elliot and Koby Maxwell
Kobymaxwell.com
www.itunes.com/kobymaxwell