Amaka Igwe

Amaka Igwe was a Nigerian filmmaker and broadcasting executive who was the owner of Top Radio 90.9 Lagos and Amaka Igwe Studios. She was recognized as one of the second generation filmmakers who helped begin the video film era of Nigerian cinema. She remained a prominent figure in the industry until her death in 2014 resulting from an asthma attack. She was born in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria, as the fifth of seven children. She studied at All Saints School and Awkunanaw Girls High School in Enugu, where she excelled in sports and cultural activities. She later attended the University of Ife, where she graduated with a degree in Education-Religion. She also obtained a master's degree in Library and Information Sciences from the University of Ibadan. She joined the Nigerian Broadcasting Service as a director and then proceeded to the University of Ibadan, where she obtained a master's degree in Library and Information Sciences. She spent her time during her National Youth Service Corps as a travelling secretary for the Scripture Union. She then worked at the Anambra State University of Technology as an executive director at Eida Information Systems before settling in the creative industry. She married her husband Charles Igwe in April 1993, and had three children. Igwe was an accomplished writer, producer, director, entrepreneur and teacher. She hit national limelight as the writer and producer of award-winning TV soap Checkmate and its offshoot Fuji House of Commotion. Her Nollywood projects include Rattle snake and Violated, which set Amaka Igwe Studios apart in the Video film era of Nigerian cinema. She also organized a TV market annually: Best of the Best TV, the regular fora she held for filmmakers to share ideas and critically assess their productions. Igwe was honoured with several awards and recognitions, including the Nigerian National Order of MFR, which stands for Member of The Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Africa Movie Academy Award for her contribution to the growth and development of African cinema. She was also a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters.