SMA Int’l Vote
now browsing by category
Lady Fatima Maada Bio Departs for Sierra Leone-Canada Trade & Investment Show in Toronto

Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio has today departed from Freetown International Airport to attend the Sierra Leone-Canada Trade, Investment & Cultural Show in Toronto, Canada. She will serve as the Distinguished Grand Chief Patron of the event.
The show, scheduled for September 18-20, 2025, aims to strengthen bilateral ties by spotlighting opportunities in trade, investment, and cultural partnership between Sierra Leone and Canada.
As part of her role, the First Lady is expected to deliver keynote addresses and participate in networking sessions with Canadian business leaders, policymakers, and Sierra Leonean diasporans, all in the service of fostering stronger economic collaboration.
Ezekiel Nathaniel Makes History: First Nigerian in World 400m Hurdles Final Since 1987

Ezekiel Nathaniel, the 21-year-old Nigerian hurdler, is turning heads at the 2025 World Athletics Championships after running an electrifying 47.47 seconds in the 400m hurdles semifinals the fastest time across all semifinals.
With that performance, he has become the first Nigerian man to reach the men’s 400m hurdles final since Henry Amike did in 1987.
Already holder of the Nigerian record (47.31s from Chorzów, 2025) , Nathaniel is now being viewed as a global contender. He has specifically warned the established “Big 3” hurdlers that they’ll have to watch out.
Expectations are high: in the final, Nathaniel will aim not just for a medal, but to break more records and cement his standing among the world’s elite.
📌 Sources: Athletics Federation of Nigeria reports, Premium Times, Vanguard, Making of Champions
U.S. Appeals Court Blocks Trump’s Attempt to Remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook

A U.S. appeals court has ruled against former President Donald Trump’s attempt to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, allowing her to remain on the board during the pending legal case. The D.C. Circuit Court upheld a lower court’s decision, stating that Cook’s due process rights were violated as she was not given proper notice or an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
The Trump administration had accused Cook of mortgage fraud, alleging that she misrepresented property ownership before her 2022 confirmation. However, Cook has denied these allegations, and a federal judge previously ruled that the claims did not meet the legal grounds required for her removal.
The appeals court’s decision is significant as it underscores the importance of due process and the legal protections afforded to Federal Reserve governors. The case also highlights ongoing tensions between the executive branch and the central bank over monetary policy decisions.
The Trump administration is expected to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court. In the meantime, Cook will continue to serve on the Federal Reserve Board, including participating in the upcoming policy meeting where interest rate decisions are expected to be made.
Mike Johnson Says Charlie Kirk Killing “Could Be a Turning Point” for U.S., Urges Leaders to Tone Down Rhetoric

Body
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) has said that the recent killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk may represent “a turning point” for the country. Speaking on Face the Nation, Johnson urged public officials and media personalities to turn down the rhetoric and stop framing political disagreements as existential threats.
Johnson warned against the use of extreme labels—such as calling people “Nazis” or “fascists”—noting that such language, increasingly common in political discourse, can embolden those predisposed to violence. He expressed hope that leaders from both sides of the aisle are stepping up to foster calm and responsible speech.
He also described the emotional aftermath within Congress, saying lawmakers feel a mix of anger, sadness, and fear as the country reacts to the targeted attack. The shooter, Tyler James Robinson, was arrested and charged with aggravated murder and other offenses.
Johnson recalled a moment of silence held in Kirk’s honor, and shared that he believes Kirk would have wanted people to move forward “boldly … in love,” rather than descending into despair.
Worship Night in Peterborough – Shalom Ministries International Church

Shalom Ministries International Church Peterborough invites you to a powerful night of worship in God’s presence.
📖 Theme: Your Time With The Lord (2 Chronicles 5:13)
📅 Date: Saturday, 13th September 2025
⏰ Time: 6 PM – 9 PM
📍 Venue: Hodgson Community Centre, Peterborough PE4 5EG
✨ An unforgettable evening of praise, worship, and encounter with God awaits you! Don’t miss it.
📺 Live Coverage: Afrinity Production TV
📞 For more information: Contact Pst. Joy on 07914 945246
#WorshipNight #PraiseAndWorship #afrinitytv
SMA 2025: Full List of Winners and Honorees Announced

The Special Movie Awards (SMA) 2025 took place with great excitement, honoring remarkable talent and contributions in African cinema. This year’s event celebrated not only outstanding film projects but also individual excellence across acting, directing, and behind-the-scenes artistry.
The biggest winner of the night was Insurmountable, which took home:
Best Director – General Bah
Best Feature Film
Best Leading Male Actor – Marklaw Penant Bangura
Best Leading Female Actor – Isata Faith Bangura
Best Editor – General Bah
Best Supporting Female Actor – Gladys Conteh
Coup the Grace won Best Picture and Best Short Film, while Myth of the Gods earned recognition for Best Costumier, Best Indigenous Film, and Best Visual Effects.
Other winners included:
1.Best Documentary – Treasure Woman
2.Best Hair/Makeup Artist – Seven Virgins
3.Best Regional Film – Never Enough
4.Best Supporting Male Actor – Fynface (Never Enough)
5.Best Sound – Heritage (The Ebrimas)
In addition to the competitive awards, SMA 2025 also honored several industry veterans, filmmakers, and institutions for their exceptional contributions:
SMA Veteran Filmmakers Awards 2025
1.Kensteve Anuka
2.Franklin Chika Adim
3.Sheikh Tijan Sonko
4.Akenaton Topper Loborde
5.Abdoulie Samba
6. Saul Jagne
7.Bittaye Mbye
8. Alioune Seck
9.Cornelius Gomez
10.Haddy Nyang
11.Muhammed Nyang
12.Fatima Susan Joh
12.Mansata Marena
SMA Filmmakers & Actors Awards 2025
1.Mariama Colley
2.Charmaine Bangura Jawara
3.Bubacarr Aminata Sankanu
4.Bubacarr Zaidi Jallow
5.Omar Leigh
6.Pa Abdou Waggeh
7.Mariama Jammeh
8.Chris Stephens
9.Kehinde Omotowa
10.Bankole Browne
11.Alex Manneh
12.Hassan Conteh
13.Abdul Karim Kekura
14.Linda I. Odogwu
15.Sandra Luseni-Palmer
16.Kayode John Adeleke
17.Mbye Bittaye
18.Roland Senghore
19.Alhagie Manka
20.Baboucarr Manka
21.Monica Davies
22.Bintou S. Jammeh
23.Abdoulie Khan
24.Mam Demba Ceesay
25.Anna Marie Jabang
26.Chuku ND
SMA – Best Diaspora Actor
1. Sydney Franky Boyle Feury
Postmortem Awards
1.Orukpe Chris Adams (Chrisblacknation)
2.Ebou Waggeh
Special Awards
1.H.E. President Adama Barrow – President of the Republic of The Gambia
2.Africell GSM Company
3.West African Insurance Institute (WAII)
4.Discount Centre Fajara
Other Recognitions
1.WAX Media
2.Nigerians in the Diaspora
3.Glamour Ladys
4.Sierra Leone Nationals Union (SLeNU)
5.State of Mic
The SMA 2025 was a true celebration of culture, creativity, and the continued rise of African storytelling through film.
18 Days to Go! 🎉

The countdown is officially on for SMA 5.0 – Special Movie Awards 2025!
Get ready for a night of glamour, excellence, and unforgettable cinema moments as we celebrate Africa’s brightest talents in the film industry.
📍 Venue: West Africa Insurance Institute, Kotu South, The Gambia
📅 Date: Saturday, 28th June 2025
🕕 Red Carpet: 6:00PM sharp!
🌟 It’s more than an award show—it’s a cultural celebration!
Join the stars, the fans, and the storytellers shaping African cinema.

SMA BREAKING NEWS

SMA BREAKING NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 09/06/2025
PRESS RELEASE: Rescheduling of SMA 2025 to 28th June 2025 Due to Venue Booking Adjustment
Afrinity Productions hereby communicates to the public, nominees, partners, and invited guests that the Special Movie Awards (SMA) 2025 has been rescheduled. The event will now take place on Saturday, 28th June 2025, instead of the previously announced date of Saturday, 21st June 2025.


This adjustment has become necessary due to a modification in the venue booking at the West Africa Insurance Institute, Kotu South, The Gambia, which is beyond our control. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and continued support.
The revised event details are as follows:
🗓 New Date: Saturday, 28th June 2025
🕕 Red Carpet: 6:00 PM Prompt
📍 Venue: West Africa Insurance Institute, Kotu South, The Gambia
We remain dedicated to delivering a world-class celebration of African cinematic excellence and look forward to hosting you at SMA 5.0, now allowing even more time for thorough preparation for an unforgettable evening.
We thank you for your patience and cooperation. Further updates will be provided through our official communication channels.
For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:
📧 info@afrinitypro.com | 🌐 www.afrinitypro.com