The Eko Hotel and Suites glittered on Saturday night as the African Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs) brought together the cream of the crop in African entertainment. Veteran presenter Ik Osakioduwa steered the ceremony, which dazzled audiences with a night of glamour, excitement, and recognition for outstanding talent.
The red carpet was a runway of stunning fashion statements. Celebrities and guests arrived in style, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening. A highlight was Neo Akpofure and Venita Akpofure, cousins and former Big Brother Naija contestants, who turned heads with their top honours for best dressed. Their attire, inspired by their Delta heritage, was a bold expression of Delta culture’s opulence and elegance.
The night belonged to “Breath of Life,” the film that dominated the awards. It garnered a staggering 11 nominations and walked away victorious in four categories. Genovevah Umeh emerged as Best Supporting Actress, while Demola Adedoyin took home Best Supporting Actor. The film’s lead, Wale Ojo, was recognized as Best Lead Actor, and BB Sasore received the prestigious award for Best Director.
The AMVCAs also celebrated the rising star Isaac Ayomide Olayiwola, better known as Layi Wasabi, for his skit “Medical Negligence and Copyright Infringement,” which won Best Digital Content.
Here’s a closer look at some of the other winners:
- Makeup: Campbell Precious (Mami Wata)
- Art Direction: Abisola Omolade (Over The Bridge)
- Costume Design: Lola Awe (Jagun Jagun: The Warrior) (Note: This category might have been a mistake in the original list)
- Writing – TV Series: Volume
- Writing – Movie: Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (Tunde Babalola)
- Sound Design: Grey Jones Ossai (Blood Vessel)
- Editing: Antonio Ribeiro (The Black Book)
The ceremony acknowledged excellence in various filmmaking aspects, including:
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- Indigenous Language Films (Regional): West Africa: Jagun Jagun (Femi Adebayo)
- East Africa: Ormoilaa Ogol (The Strong One)
- South Africa: Motshameko O Kotsi
- Documentary: Lobola, A Bride’s True Price?
- Cinematography: Over The Bridge (KC Obiajulu)
The night wasn’t just about movies. Television productions were also recognized, with awards for:
- Indigenous M-Net Original: Irora Iya
- Digital Content: Olayiwola (Layi Wasabi)
- Short Film: Broken Mask
- Unscripted M-Net Original: Nwuyee Bekee (Foreign Wives)
- Scripted M-Net Original: Slum King
Individual Acting Accolades:
- Supporting Actress: Genoveva Umeh (Breath of Life)
- Supporting Actor: Demola Adedoyin (Breath of Life)
- Lead Actress: Kehinde Bankole (Adire)
- Lead Actor: Wale Ojo (Breath of Life)
Special Awards:
- Trailblazer Award: Chimezie Imo
- Industry Merit Award: Idowu Philips (Iya Rainbow) & Richard Mofe-Damijo
The Biggest Wins:
- Multichoice Talent Factory Movie: Her Dark Past
- Scripted Series: Itura
- Unscripted Series: Gh Queens (Season 2)
- Director: BB Sasore (Breath of Life)
- Movie: Breath of Life
