Stars dazzle at the prestigious award ceremony

BBC One's Holby City star Jimmy Akingbola picks up BEFFTA BEST TV ACTOR award

BEFFTA awards celebrated Europe’s biggest night for black and ethnic actors, fashion designers, models, film makers, musicians, Dj’s, art directors and more at the prestigious 3^rd annual BEFFTA awards in London. The great event that attracted thousands of guests from as far USA, Sweden, France, Germany and all parts of UK recognised and celebrated the achievements of black personalities in showbiz.

Among the winners on the night was singer Dionne Reid as best female act, Wretch 32 as best male act, Kitoko as best male designer and more. Meanwhile honorary awards went to Barbara Blake who flew in all the way from Jamaica to pick up BEFFTA Female Lifetime Achievement award for her contribution on British television as the first black woman television personalities on British TV in the UK. Male Lifetime achievement award went to the legendary designer Adebayo Jones who has been in the fashion industry for nearly three decades producing the most luxurious collections. Adebayo Jones has mentored several younger designers in his many years as an industry professional. BEFFTA Creative personality went to none other than the most sought after hairstylist Angela Plummer who has contributed immensely with her creative hair designs.

Got to dance TV winner Akai left the audience wanting more of his dance moves as he picked up BEFFTA young achiever award at the end of her dance session. “I’m very happy and deeply surprised to pick up this award, I wasn’t expecting it, thank you”, said Akai in complete shock on stage surrounded by him mother and father. Meanwhile Got to dance finalised and choreographer Turbo was a very popular act on the night.

The glamorous award ceremony hosted by Pauline Long who is the founder and owner of the brand BEFFTA and co-hosted by motivational speaker and TV presenter Sama Ndango. This award ceremony is special as it embraces various talented individuals in many genres, most of these people work behind the scenes and are hardly celebrated. I hold this project very close to my heart as it’s main purpose to give back and inspire more people to achieve highly, said Pauline Long.

The international award ceremony is planning a string of events in 2012 including a BEFFTA UK festival, the first annual BEFFTA Africa and the 2^nd annual BEFFTA USA . The events are supported by The Afro News weekly newspaper as one of their main media partners.

For more information and full list of BEFFTA UK 2011 winners visit www.beffta.com