Peace Anyiam-OsigweMFR (previously Peace Anyiam-Fiberesima; 30 March 1969 – 9 January 2023) was a Nigerian filmmaker and entertainment executive who was called "the queen of Nollywood films".[1] She was the founder of globally acclaimed film ceremony, Africa Movie Academy Awards. The Guardian documents that she pioneered the screening of Nollywood films at international film festivals.[2] She directed the first music video of hip-hop sensation, P-Square.[2] In 2012, she was bestowed a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic by the Nigerian government for her contribution to the entertainment industry.[3][4] She was also a TED fellow.[5]
Anyiam-Osigwe was born on 30 March.[6] She is from the notable Osigwe Anyiam-Osigwe family in Nkwerre, Imo State. She is the only girl in a family of eight children.[7] She has a degree in Law and political science from Oxford Brookes University.[8]
Anyiam-Osigwe founded the Africa Film Academy, a body that governs the film ceremony since 2005. The award ceremony is reputed to be one of the most recognized awards for Africans in film-making. At the 10th edition, she stepped down as CEO of the AMAAs. In 2015, she began the AfricaOne initiative to commemorate Africans in the entertainment industry.[9]
In 2020, she emerged as the National President of The Association of Movie Producers (AMP). This made her the seventh to hold that post succeeding Mr. Ralph Nwadike.[10][11]
Anyiam Osigwe was the Initiator of 100 films project aimed at improving the quality of films produced in Nigeria.[12][13]
As the President, she worked on building capacity of film producers in the country through seminars and trainings.[14]
Anyiam-Osigwe was an author of written poetry. She had three books to her credit.[5] In an interview with Alana Herro, she described poetry as one of the avenues for expressing her perception and understanding of things around her.[5] Prior to entering the university, she published a magazine, Clicks, specifically written to accommodate the black population in England. Her works are centered on advocacy causes.[5]
Anyiam-Osigwe career on television began with her discussion show, Piece off my mind, that focuses on people's reaction to societal issues that are not regularly seen in the mainstream media.[5] Her talk show was centered on issues of advocacy for individuals that the society usually give little attention or neglected.[5] She cited the African caste system, child trafficking and women equality as areas of interest to her in film and television.[5] At the early stage of music duo, P-Square career, Anyiam-Osigwe was responsible for managing them.[5] In 2016, she stated that she represents Somkele Iyamah.[15]
Her brother, Michael, who was killed in 2014 was the coordinator general of the Osigwe Anyiam-Osigwe Foundation, a non-profit organization that gives back to the Nigerian society.[16] He was also director, Africa Institute for Leadership Research and Development and the consul general of Malawi to Nigeria.[17] Her mother, Dorothy Chinyere Anyiam-Osigwe is a recipient of the Officer of the Order of the Niger honour by the then president, Olusegun Obasanjo for her philanthropic activities in Nigeria.[18] She was separated from her husband.[19]
Anyiam-Osigwe was in a coma since 7 January 2023, and died at St. Nicholas Hospital in Lagos on 9 January, at the age of 53.[20]
