The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) is a yearly recognition event organized by MultiChoice to honor remarkable accomplishments in the television and film industry. The first-ever AMVCA ceremony took place in Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria on March 9, 2013, and was broadcasted live in over 50 countries.
Amidst growing excitement, nominees were unveiled in March where eligible entries for the awards included films and TV series that have been aired in the preceding year. AMVCA aims to celebrate the exceptional creativity, which showcases the diversity and inventiveness found in African film and television. The award show is made up of 27 categories: 16 non-voting, 9 audience-voted, and 2 recognition categories (Trailblazer and Lifetime Achievement Awards).
Movies like “Over The Bridge,” “Mami Wata” and “Breath Of Life” emerged as frontrunners among the nominated movies.
The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards are recognizing skits too. It really shows the diverse talent out there. The AMVCA Awards have definitely expanded their scope beyond just movies! It’s great to see that skits are now included as well. This shows that the AMVCA recognizes and appreciates the talent and creativity in various forms of entertainment.
Skits have become increasingly popular, especially on social media platforms, and it’s fantastic to see them getting the recognition they deserve. It adds a whole new dimension to the awards and allows for a more diverse range of content to be celebrated. I think it’s a wonderful way to showcase the incredible talent in the industry.
The AMVCA platform gives visibility to everyone from well-known faces to people climbing the ladder and those that have been toiling for years without recognition. This year, just like the years before, amidst talented nominees, several individuals are experiencing the thrill of their very first AMVCA nomination. Some people that have made it to the spotlight from this year’s nominations are:
Ibrahim Yekini
Ibrahim Yekini, also known as Itele D Icon, is an actor, producer, and director who started performing in 2000. He has appeared in numerous films, such as the well-known “Omo Ghetto: The Saga” and “Jagun Jagun (The Warrior),” in which he portrayed the warrior Gbogunmi. For this latter film, he was nominated for his first AMVCA in the Best Supporting Actor category. In the Best of Nollywood Awards in 2019, he was named the best actor for his performance in the movie “Return of Kesari,” which he also produced.
Levi Chikere
Levi Chikere, a gifted actor and singer, is up for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as Legbe in “Blood Vessels.” In the film, he is one of six youths escaping a town that has been completely destroyed by political unrest and oil pollution. Unaware of the dangers ahead, they stow away on a ship loaded with stolen crude oil and set out on a treacherous journey across the Atlantic.
Layi Wasabi
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Layi Wasabi has not one, but two AMVCA nominations in the Best Digital Content category for his skits “Medical Negligence” and “Copyright Infringement,” which highlight the talents of creators who captivate audiences with exciting, inventive, and entertaining content. This category was added in 2021. In the movie “Medical Negligence,” a woman seeks legal redress for medical negligence, and Lawyer Layi helps her navigate the complicated legal system. Layi Wasabi addresses copyright infringement in her exploration of a rapper’s world of intellectual property rights, “Copyright Infringement.
Ropo Ewenla
Ropo Ewenla, a broadcaster, culture consultant, and producer, has taken on diverse roles in movies including Dr. Grillo in “Citation,” Officer in “Cordelia,” Asohun Oba (the voice of the King) in “Anikulapo,” and “Anikulapo: The Rise of the Spectre.” His performance as Ayorode in “Over The Bridge” led to his initial AMVCA nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
David Ezekiel
David gained recognition for his portrayal of Abbey in Moses Inwang’s movie “Blood Vessels”, where he depicted Oyin’s lover. Their relationship and subsequent pregnancy sparked anger from her father. His performance has earned him a nomination for Best Lead Actor at the AMVCAs.
Adaobi Dibor
Adaobi has been nominated for the Best Lead Actress award at the AMVCAs for her role as Oyin in the film “Blood Vessels.” Oyin, who is Abbey’s girlfriend, is confronted by her furious father due to an unplanned pregnancy.
Ejiro Onojaife
She was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress AMVCA for her heartbreaking role in “The Origin: Madam Koi-Koi.” She is a talented actress who has appeared in movies like “Brotherhood,” “Domitilla,” “Blind Date,” and “When The Living Is Dead,” directed by Jadesola Osiberu.
As the curtains close on the anticipation for the 2024 AMVCAs, we’re on the edge of our seats, eagerly awaiting the celebration of African creativity and talent. This year is especially thrilling with the introduction of the skit-making category, shining a light on the continent’s vibrant and innovative content creators. From the razzle-dazzle of the red carpet to the heartfelt acceptance speeches, the AMVCAs promise to be a night of inspiration and glamour, honoring the stories that connect us all.
