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Tag: Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards

  • AMVCA 12 Celebrates African Storytelling, Talent, and Cinematic Excellence

    AMVCA 12 Celebrates African Storytelling, Talent, and Cinematic Excellence

    The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards was held on May 9, 2026, at the Eko Hotel and Suites Convention Centre, under the evolving partnership between Canal+ and MultiChoice, bringing together the biggest names in African film, television, and entertainment for a night of celebrating cinematic excellence and storytelling across the continent.

    Hosted by Nomzamo Mbatha and Bovi, the ceremony opened with the Best Costume Design category, where Valerie Okeke won for Colors of Fire.
    Among the biggest winners of the night was My Father’s Shadow, which secured five awards including Best Movie, Best Director for Akinola Davies Jr., Best Writing Movie for Wale Davies and Akinola Davies, Best Sound Design, and Best Score/Music.

    Colors of Fire also emerged as one of the night’s standout productions, earning three awards including Best Costume Design, Best Art Direction for Ajamolaya Bunmi and Yakub Oladejo, and Best Lead Actor for Uzor Arukwe.

    Similarly, To Kill a Monkey snagged multiple wins, taking home Best Cinematography for Kabelo Thathe, Best Editing for Daniel Anyiam, and Best Supporting Actor for Bucci Franklin.

    In the acting categories, Linda Ejiofor earned two awards, winning Best Lead Actress for The Serpent’s Gift and Best Supporting Actress for The Herd.

    Other major winners included Hakeem Onilogbo (Hakeem Effect) for Best Makeup for Lisabi, while MTV Shuga Mashariki won Best Writing TV Series.

    The awards also celebrated storytelling across Africa’s indigenous language categories, with Lisabi winning Best Indigenous Language (West Africa), Leul Addis Fikir winning East Africa, Tlhaho Ya Mosadi taking Southern Africa, Our Memories, Areal Alhanin winning North Africa, and Mabanda emerging winner in Central Africa.

    In television and digital categories, Inimba secured two awards for Best Indigenous M-Net Original and Best Scripted Series, while Nigerian Idol Season 10 won Best Unscripted M-Net Original. Out and About emerged winner of Best Unscripted Series, while Leave to Live by Sophia Chisom and Emmanuel Kanaga won Best Digital Content Creator.

    The Best Documentary award went to Beyond Olympic Glory by Shedrack Salami, while Hussaini, by Josh Olaoluwa and Orire Nwani, won Best Short Film. MTN also rewarded the winners with a ₦5 million cash prize in recognition of their achievement.

    Beyond the awards, the ceremony featured memorable performances from Fave, Tiwa Savage, and BNXN, while Purp (Nigerian Idol Season 10 winner)  delivered a moving memorial performance in honour of industry figures who passed away.

    Veteran actors Sola Sobowale and Kanayo O. Kanayo received the Industry Merit Award for their contributions to the African film industry, while Uche Montana was honoured with the Trailblazer Award.

    Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu also addressed guests during the ceremony, commending Canal+ and the organisers for sustaining the platform and celebrating African creativity.

    “If you don’t win tonight, you can win next year because it is not just about winning alone. Even being nominated is a big achievement,” he said, adding that the AMVCA would continue to grow bigger with each edition.

    With its blend of entertainment, recognition, and cultural celebration, AMVCA 12 once again reinforced its position as one of Africa’s most prestigious platforms celebrating excellence in African film and television.

  • Then vs. Now: How AMVCA Has Evolved Over the Years

    Then vs. Now: How AMVCA Has Evolved Over the Years

    The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards have long stood as one of the most prestigious platforms celebrating excellence in African film and television.

    From its earliest editions, it has consistently brought together the continent’s brightest talents, setting a strong standard for recognition, storytelling, glamour, and cultural pride.

    Today, that foundation has only continued to expand and strengthen.

    The AMVCA has grown into an even more expansive and dynamic platform, bigger in scale, richer in competition, and more diverse in expression while continuing to provide a stage where established icons and emerging voices are celebrated side by side.

    Then: A Strong Foundation of Excellence and Recognition

    In its early years, the AMVCA reflected the structure and growth of Nollywood and African storytelling at the time, an industry already rich in talent, creativity, and established stars.

    Winning an AMVCA was always a mark of excellence, a recognition of outstanding work within a highly respected ecosystem of filmmakers, actors, and creatives.

    Categories were structured around key pillars of storytelling, and while the industry has continued to expand over the years, the awards have consistently celebrated excellence across both on-screen and behind-the-scenes contributions.

    From the beginning, recognition has always leaned toward quality performances, strong narratives, and industry-defining work. The excitement was never limited, it was rooted in celebrating the best of African cinema.

    The Shift: Expansion, Structure, and Industry Depth

    As African film and television continued to evolve, the AMVCA naturally expanded in scope to reflect the growing depth of storytelling across the continent.

    In recent editions, the awards featured over 30 categories, split between jury-selected and audience-voted awards,  reinforcing a balanced structure that reflects both critical excellence and audience engagement.

    What this evolution truly highlights is how deeply layered African storytelling has become.

    Cinematography, editing, sound design, costume, and production design have all become highly competitive and widely celebrated categories, sitting alongside acting and directing as essential parts of the storytelling process.

    Films like Over the Bridge, Mami Wata, Breath of Life, Brotherhood, and Eyimofe (This Is My Desire) have not only been recognised but have stood out for their artistic ambition, technical excellence, and contribution to the growth of African cinema.

    At this level, the AMVCA continues to do what it has always done best: recognising and rewarding craft in all its dimensions.

    Now: A Platform Reflecting a Growing and Diverse Industry

    In recent editions, the AMVCA has further strengthened its role as a platform that reflects the full spectrum of African entertainment.

    One of the clearest developments is the continued spotlight on emerging talent through dedicated recognition categories such as the Trailblazer Award, which highlights rising stars making a notable impact in the industry.

    Categories like Best Digital Content Creator also reflect how storytelling has expanded across platforms, embracing the evolution of content creation in today’s digital era.

    Across recent editions, younger actors and filmmakers continue to share the stage with industry veterans, reflecting the depth and continuity of talent within the African entertainment space.

    At the 2025 edition, for instance, talents such as Genoveva Umeh and Chimezie Imo stood alongside established industry figures, while the Trailblazer Award continued its tradition of recognising emerging excellence. Digital creators were also acknowledged, reinforcing the AMVCA’s alignment with the evolving media landscape.

    Even in 2023, names like Tobi Bakre and Broda Shaggi reflected the dynamic nature of modern African entertainment where film, television, and digital culture intersect seamlessly.

    Across all these moments, the AMVCA remains consistent in its purpose: celebrating excellence in all its forms while reflecting the continuous growth of African storytelling.

    The Experience of Watching: A Journey Through Time

    Reading AMVCA history feels like moving through the evolution of African cinema itself.

    Earlier editions reflect the strong foundations of structured storytelling and established excellence. Middle years highlight expansion in scale, ambition, and creative depth. Recent editions reflect a more global, refined, and experimental expression of African film and television.

    Across this journey, one thing remains consistent, excellence has always been the standard.

    The experience moves from familiar faces to exciting new recognitions, from predictable narratives of success to more layered and competitive storytelling moments, and from national recognition to wider continental and global relevance.

    Today, the AMVCA stands not as a shift in purpose, but as a continuous reflection of a growing industry, one that has always celebrated the best of African creativity and continues to do so at an even greater scale.

    If the early AMVCAs celebrated stars, the current editions continue to celebrate legacies in motion.

    And perhaps that is the real story, not a change in direction, but a steady expansion of excellence, recognition, and impact across African cinema.

  • AMVCA 12 Unveils Head Judge, Sponsors and Return of Icons Night

    AMVCA 12 Unveils Head Judge, Sponsors and Return of Icons Night

    The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards ushered in its 12th edition on Thursday with a press briefing at the MultiChoice studio, convening media, industry leaders, and key stakeholders in a vibrant atmosphere charged with anticipation. The gathering drew prominent figures including Joke Silva, Ireti Doyle, Linda Ejiofor, and Ibrahim Suleiman, alongside former Big Brother Naija stars, reinforcing the cultural significance of the moment.

    With over 2,000 entries submitted, this year’s edition marks a significant milestone in the continued growth of AMVCA, reflecting the rapid expansion of Africa’s film and television industry. Over the years, the awards have evolved into a leading platform that celebrates African culture, elevates authentic storytelling, and provides a stage for both emerging and established talent across the continent.

    A major highlight of the announcement was the unveiling of Joke Silva as Head Judge for the 12th edition, a move that reinforces the credibility and prestige of the awards. Speaking at the event, she noted, â€śWinners will be judged based on the strength of storytelling, directing, performance, sound design, and other key categories,” emphasizing the awards’ commitment to excellence and creative integrity.

    The return of the highly anticipated Icons Night was also confirmed, signaling a renewed focus on legacy within the industry. Reintroduced to honour veterans and pioneers, Icons Night serves as a nostalgic and meaningful tribute to the individuals whose contributions have shaped the African entertainment landscape, bridging generations and celebrating enduring impact.

    In addition, sponsors for this year’s edition were unveiled, including major brands such as Don Julio Tequila, MTN, and Onga, alongside other key partners aligning with the vision and cultural significance of the awards, further highlighting growing corporate confidence in the power and influence of African storytelling.

    As anticipation builds, audiences are encouraged to tune in for the live nominee announcement scheduled for Sunday, 29 March 2026, 7: 00 PM (WAT) across all Africa Magic channels on GOtv and DStv and to actively participate in the voting process once nominees are revealed.

    With momentum now building and excitement steadily rising, the AMVCA continues to position itself as the defining moment for African film and television, a celebration of creativity, culture, and excellence as the continent counts down to one of its most prestigious nights in entertainment.

  • AMVCA: ‘I Was Joking’, Kunle Remi Clarifies Viral Comment Amid Debate on Award Process

    AMVCA: ‘I Was Joking’, Kunle Remi Clarifies Viral Comment Amid Debate on Award Process

    Nollywood actor Kunle Remi has clarified that his recent social media comment comparing the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards to the Academy Awards (Oscars) was made in jest, following widespread reactions online.

    The conversation began after the actor shared a video from the 2026 Academy Awards (Oscars), where Michael B. Jordan was seen having his award engraved shortly after his win. In his initial reaction, Remi suggested that winners at the AMVCA do not receive their plaques immediately, a claim that quickly gained traction across multiple media platforms.

    However, in a follow-up video posted shortly after, the actor dismissed the comparison as a joke, noting that he is aware of how the AMVCA award process works.

    “I was just messing around, and it was all a joke,” he said, adding that people had taken the remark more seriously than intended.

    He reaffirmed his respect for the platform, describing the AMVCA as the only African awards show comparable to the Oscars.

    “AMVCA is the only African show you can even compare to the Oscars,” he added.

    The actor also confirmed his involvement with the awards, noting that he will be present at this year’s edition and is actively working on it.

    “I’ll be at this year’s AMVCA, in fact, I’m working with them on this one.”

    The exchange has since drawn attention to how awards are handled at the AMVCA. Winners receive their plaques on stage immediately after being announced and are subsequently directed to a designated media room, where engraving stations are set up to personalise each award in real time.

    The engraving process is completed on the night of the event, with winners finalising their plaques while also engaging with the press through interviews, photography, and official media documentation.

    Industry sources familiar with the production confirm that this system has been consistently implemented across previous editions, with visual documentation from past ceremonies showing the engraving process and post-win media interactions.

    The clarification comes amid ongoing conversations about production standards across global award platforms, as African film and television continue to gain wider international visibility.

  • Kemi Omotosho: Taking Charge at MultiChoice Nigeria After a Defining Era

    Kemi Omotosho: Taking Charge at MultiChoice Nigeria After a Defining Era

     As the first female CEO of MultiChoice Nigeria, Omotosho inherits both a milestone and a demanding brief, writes…

    Earlier this week, MultiChoice Nigeria announced the retirement of its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe, and the appointment of Kemi Omotosho as his successor.

    It is a baton handover that closes one long chapter and opens another at a time when the operating environment has become more complex. Omotosho steps into the role as the first female CEO of MultiChoice Nigeria, bringing with her over two decades of experience across Sub-Saharan Africa. Her career has been shaped less by headline moments than by long exposure to scale, pressure and challenging markets.

    She takes charge of one of the Group’s second-largest, dynamic and volatile markets at a moment when the local business climate has tightened. Economic data arrives in gloomy bursts. Consumers are cautious. Costs are high. Competition is louder and global. This is not a season for comfort.

    Until her appointment, Omotosho was Regional Director for Southern Africa at MultiChoice Group, with full profit and loss responsibility for a portfolio across seven high-value markets, English and Portuguese-speaking. It was work carried out in the thick of currency volatility, inflationary pressure and changing viewing habits. Exactly the sort of conditions that tend to uncouple weak assumptions very quickly.

    That experience sits on a solid training base. Omotosho began with a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Ilorin, later adding an Executive MBA from Lagos Business School. Over the years, she has passed through executive and leadership programmes at INSEAD, IESE Business School, Duke Corporate Education and Harvard Business School, alongside MultiChoice and Naspers leadership tracks designed for senior decision makers. More recently, she completed the MultiChoice Top Leaders Programme at the Gordon Institute of Business Science and served as an executive member of The Boardroom Africa, while also mentoring within the MultiChoice Africa Advancing Women Programme. The through line is clear. A steady investment in judgement, governance and performance rather than flash credentials.

    Professionally, she has moved comfortably across depth-wise from a professional perspective and breadth-wise from a general management and countries’ perspective. Known for achieving synergy across functional units, people who have worked with her often describe a style that values clarity, speed and judgement. Keep what works. Fix what bends. Drop what breaks.

    She will be building on the foundation laid by her predecessor, John Ugbe, whose relationship with MultiChoice Nigeria began in 1998 and took him through almost every layer of the organisation. When he returned in 2011 as Managing Director, Nigeria’s pay television market was opening up. That year saw the launch of GOtv, a move that widened access and reshaped the company’s mass market reach.

    Under his leadership, the business expanded steadily in size and presence. In 2013, the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards were created, giving African film and television a formal platform for recognition. That same year, the Abuja office was commissioned and DStv Explora launched in Nigeria. By 2014, initiatives such as GOtv Boxing Night, BoxOffice on DStv and Africa Magic Showcase reflected deeper local engagement and a broader content mix.

    Ugbe also oversaw a push into empowerment and digital transition. He launched a variety of economic empowerment initiatives, including the Canvassers and GOtv Sabimen schemes which launched in 2016, and these have since created work opportunities for over 15,000 Nigerians. In 2017, DStv Now, now DStv Stream, entered the Nigerian market alongside the return of Big Brother Naija after an eleven year break. His appointment as CEO in 2018 aligned with the launch of the MultiChoice Talent Factory, a fully funded skills programme for young professionals in film and television.

    That momentum continued. Showmax launched in Nigeria in 2019. A purpose-built Big Brother Naija house and studio rose in Lagos. In 2020, the company committed ₦1.2 billion to COVID 19 response efforts through sensitisation campaigns, cash support and PPE donations. Ugbe later became Chairman of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria and, in 2023, launched The Nigerian Broadcasting Awards.

    By the time he retired, MultiChoice Nigeria had grown to 11 branches nationwide, expanded GOtv coverage to 52 cities, won over 50 local and international awards, and intensified initiatives in local creative development. Productions linked to Big Brother Naija, AMVCA and Nigerian Idol were credited with creating more than 25,000 jobs in five years.

    Demonstrating MultiChoice’s structured succession planning, Omotosho’s task now is to carry that legacy into a more dynamic phase of the market cycle. Her brief covers strategy, profit and loss, cash management, governance and regulatory relationships, with responsibility across DStv, GOtv and digital platforms. The emphasis will be affordability, simplicity, value for money and keeping customers at the heart of everything MultiChoice does.

    It is a change in tone as much as timing. Ugbe leaves behind a business defined by reach, visibility and institutional weight. Omotosho steps in shaped by markets where resilience mattered as much as growth. The footing is firm, but the road is narrower. How she balances that inheritance with the realities of today’s Nigerian media economy will shape the next chapter.

  • AMVCAs Impact on Revenue Streams, Market Expansion for African Content

    AMVCAs Impact on Revenue Streams, Market Expansion for African Content

    The thrill of the recently concluded 10th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) might be winding down after a 2-day celebration aimed at recognizing outstanding talents in Africa’s film and movie industry. However, the positive impact of this prestigious event will resonate for years to come. The reason is clear: the AMVCA has and will persist in fostering a positive influence on the African film industry and the Nigerian economy as a whole.

    AMVCA has made substantial economic contributions that continue nourishing and nurturing the African film ecosystem. According to the first impact report of the annual awards published in 2023, over 27,000 jobs have been created by the AMVCA since its inception in 2013. The report also states that over 3,000 direct and indirect jobs are created each year during the award ceremony. These include jobs in event management, set design, art direction, technical crew, fashion design, makeup, hair, photography, public relations, and more.

    The 10th AMVCA saw a lineup of A-list sponsors such as Amstel Malta, Pepsi, and Onga Seasoning, including first-time sponsors such as Martell and Nivea. Their contributions to the event, including their showcase on the Cultural Day, contributed not just to the ambiance and reputation of the event but also resulted in job creation creating a multiplier effect. The 10th AMVCA had 18 sponsors who in one way or another employed no fewer than 10 people to make their presence at the Cultural Day and Award Night a success.

    Apart from the obvious employment contributions, AMVCA has also acted as a significant catalyst for economic growth in Africa’s film industry. The direct sector beneficiaries include actors/actresses, filmmakers, screenwriters, cinematographers, editors, production designers, sound designers/engineers, composers, marketers, and so on.

    Another remarkable impact of the AMVCA is the increased recognition and exposure of African films on the global stage. This has created new opportunities for co-production, collaboration, and distribution deals with major players in the film industry. This has also resulted in a surge of production activities, leading to income generation from actors, filmmakers, crew members, and supporting industries such as catering, logistics, equipment rentals, stage building and management, etc.

    African designers, musicians, and artists have also found new avenues to showcase their talents thanks to the positive ripple effect caused by the ever-growing influence of African films on the international community.

    The AMVCA has over the years played a significant role in the promotion of tourism and destination marketing across the African continent. Apart from the stories the nominated films portray, the viewers are also exposed to Africa’s cultural richness and historical landmarks, sparking the curiosity and interest of potential tourists.

    The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards continues to move on an upward trajectory in its mission to showcase the richness of our cultures and talents to the world through African films. Looking ahead, there is an anticipation for increased commitment towards accelerating the socio-economic impact of the sector. This entails fostering talent, broadening industry exposure, and attracting investment.  With Africa currently contributing only 1% to the global creative industry valued at $2.2 trillion, there is a pressing need for stakeholders to support the AMVCA to bridge the financial disparity between Africa and other continents.

  • 10th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards Kicks Off This Weekend

    10th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards Kicks Off This Weekend

    The lineup of activities for the 10th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) begins on Friday, May 10, 2024, with the Cultural Day event. The Cultural Day event will formally kick off the series of activities preceding the Award Night on Saturday, May 11.

    Dr. Busola Tejumola, Executive Head, of Content and West Africa Channels, MultiChoice West Africa, expressed her excitement about the upcoming event, stating that the award ceremony has enjoyed immense growth and recognition since its inception in 2013.

    “The 10th edition of the AMVCA represents a significant milestone in our journey to celebrate African talent and creativity. This year’s edition celebrates a decade of excellence in African cinema and television. As we prepare to mark this momentous occasion, we look forward to honouring the incredible contributions of filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals who continue to inspire and entertain audiences across the continent and beyond.”

    The 10th AMVCA will see winners emerge from 25 categories comprising 16 non-voting, 9 audience voting categories, and recipients of 2 recognition awards – Lifetime Achievement and Trailblazer Awards.

    Sponsored categories include Best Lead Actor and Actress categories, sponsored by Verve and Quickteller respectively, the Best Movie, Best Digital Content Creator, and Best Indigenous Africa Magic Originals categories sponsored by Amstel Malta, and the Best Director category sponsored by Martell. MTN sponsors the Best Short Movie category, and the Best in Cinematography category is sponsored by TECNO, while the Best Unscripted M-net original and Best Writing TV Series categories are sponsored by Indomie.

    The Cultural Day event will feature musical performances and special cultural presentations. The award night will see the return of IK Osakioduwa as host and live performances by talented music stars.

    The Award Night will air live on May 11 on all Africa Magic channels on DStv and GOtv, starting from 4 pm WAT.

    The tenth edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards is brought to you by Africa Magic in association with MultiChoice, with Amstel as the headline sponsor, and tactical sponsors Pepsi, Promasidor and Martell. Other sponsors include TECNO, Hypo, Supa Komando, Interswitch, Tiger Beer, MTN, Indomie, and Nivea.

  • Africa Magic Set to Unveil Nominees for Eighth Edition of AMVCAs

    Africa Magic Set to Unveil Nominees for Eighth Edition of AMVCAs

    On Saturday, 19 March nominees for the eighth edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards will be unveiled in a special broadcast on all Africa Magic channels on DStv and GOtv from 9pm WAT.

    Nollywood actors, Adesua Etomi-Wellington and Daniel Etim-Effiong, will announce the nominees in all 33 categories for this edition.

    Executive Head, Content and West Africa Channels, MultiChoice Nigeria, Dr. Busola Tejumola speaking on the broadcast said, “We received a good number of quality entries from across the continent for this edition of the AMVCAs and we are pleased to reveal the final shortlist of nominees, which we are confident embody the excellence the awards is renowned for”.

    For this edition, Africa Magic announced a new category for Best Online Social Content Creator and the return of the Best Africa Magic Original Drama Series and Best Africa Magic Original Comedy Series bringing the total number of categories to 33. 12 categories will be open to viewers’ vote and 21 decided by the AMVCA panel of judges headed by veteran filmmaker, Victor Okhai. Some of the other categories include Best Movie in Southern, East and West Africa, Best Director and Best Cinematographer.