The prestigious Dallas International Yoruba Movies Awards (DIYMA) has bestowed the special “award of excellence” on the multi-talented and cross-over actor Lateef Adedimeji for his outstanding performance in the movie “Ayinla”.

Kogberegbe couple, the CEOs of DIYMA, presented the award on Wednesday, 25th January 2023, during a “Meet & Greet” event organised in honour of the celebrity couple- Lateef and Adebimpe Adedimeji in Dallas, Texas, United States of America.

According to the organisers of the awards, “DIYMA recognises outstanding crafts and celebrates same as the opportunity presents itself. The interpretation and representation of late Ayinla Omowura (eegunmogaji) in the eponymous musical film presents a rare nostalgic experience that only the professionalism of Lateef and Dr Tunde Kelani can offer.”

Speaking further, the CEOs challenged the Yoruba indigenous filmmakers to do more in promoting the indigenous language film because language is critical to cultural identity.

“On our part, we shall continue to support the Yoruba film industry in our little way. We believe strongly in the industry. We understand that promoting our language is key to preserving our culture. And our culture is the only indisputable commodity we can sell to the world’s admiration.”

In his remark, Lateef Adedimeji expressed his happiness for the harvest of awards that “Ayinla” is attracting months after it was released. “I am proud and happy that ‘Ayinla” keeps getting the recognition and the accolades that it deserves. Thank you so much, Dallas International Yoruba Movie Awards (DIYMA). God bless you. Okay, guys, let us keep working; more to come”, he said. Adedimeji Lateef will be officially honoured at the DIYMA award night, set to take place on 25th June 2023 in Lagos, Nigeria.

Directed by the foremost cinematographer in Africa, Tunde Kelani, “Ayinla”- an eponymous musical genre film on the late Apala musician, Ayinla Omowura, was produced by Jade Osiberu and grossed 92 million naira from the cinema exhibition only.

The DIYMA awards, now in its third edition, celebrate the outstanding performances of actors, producers, and filmmakers in the Yoruba movie industry and provide a platform for recognition and growth. This year, DIYMA is proud to announce an increase in cash prizes, with winners receiving between N100,000 Naira and N300,000 Naira, depending on the category.

DIYMA invites producers, actors, and filmmakers to submit their movies for consideration before the closing date of 27th February 2023. Eligible movies for this award must have only been uploaded on YouTube in 2022.