By Dipo Olowookere
As a show of support for the growth of African culture and heritage, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has thrown his full weight behind the maiden edition of Hollywood and African Prestigious Awards (HAPAwards).
The paramount Yoruba traditional ruler is set to attend the awards ceremony, which is scheduled for November 18 at the Legendary Alex Theater in Glendale, California.
The event would be used to honour American and African community leaders, international political figures, dignitaries and celebrities in the movies, music and comedy categories.
Organisers of the ceremony said this year’s message is tagged ‘The Eradication of Negative Images Associated with Africa and the Forgotten History’ and will be delivered by Oba Ogunwusi.
HAPAwards promises to celebrate outstanding achievements of artists from various entertainment genres with the vision to continuously combine the richness of African cultures with the beauty of America to promote world peace, the organisers assured.
Founder and Executive Producer of Hollywood and African Prestigious Awards, Ms Tina Weisinger, explained that the event stands to bridge the gap between Africa and the rest of the world.
“By creating this entertainment platform, our goal is to give well-deserved honourees the acknowledgment and appreciation they deserve while spreading positive messages of peace around the world,” Ms Weisinger said.
Other dignitaries lined-up for HAPAwards are His Royal Majesty King Mswati III of Swaziland and head of the Swazi Royal Family, His Royal Highness King (Dr.) Noble Odaifio Welentsi III of Ghana, Chief Osabarima Nana Ansah Sasraku III Mamfehene and Kyidomhene of Akuapem Traditional area of Ghana.
The duo of Michael Adegoke and Dulo Folarin Harris were recently named as host and co-host of the 2017 edition of Hollywood and African Prestigious Awards. Eddie Murphy’s cast of Coming to America, Former WBA Heavyweight Champion Honourable Gerrie Coetzee, Taye Diggs, John Tallichet, Vitalis Ndubuisi, Lionel C. Martin, Collins Archie Pearce and Dr Olusola Oyemade are some of the honourees at the HAPAwards.
Furthermore, activities preceding the 2017 HAPAwards are available on www.hapawards.com as the I Dream For All Foundation puts together a one-week celebration for the foremost monarch of the black race starting 14th of November.
Other events within the week include a Celebrity Painting of the Ooni of Ife by Art Icon Davood Roostaei, Business Roundtable with Stars of Hollywood, an Education Seminar and Workshop for students from the State of California, Yoruba Indigenous Day with the African Community and a Special Session at the West Angeles Church in Los Angeles.
Finally, a VIP Dinner with the Kings will be organized alongside Fashion Extravaganzas to provide designers and vendors a rare opportunity, displaying high-end garments and products to Africa’s renowned Royals.
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