- Safiu Kehinde
“Seven Doors”, an historical drama series by Femi Adebayo, stole the spotlight at the 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) as it swept three major awards to solidify its standout status in Nollywood.
The Netflix movie saw Femi Adebayo won Best Lead Actor for his portrayal of Adedunjoye, the king, in the series with Chioma Chukwuka also claiming the Best Lead Actress award for her role as Amaka, Adedunjoye’s wife.
The series also won Best Music/Score at the event which took place on Saturday at the Eko Hotels, Lagos.
This prestigious event celebrates excellence in African film and television, bringing together the continent’s brightest stars and industry professionals.
The awards ceremony also celebrated veterans Sani Mu’azu and Nkem Owoh with the Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Also going home with a piece of AMVCA was Director Kayode Kasum who won the Trailblazer Award for his fresh, genre-defying impact on the industry.
Speaking at the event, Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa, at MultiChoice, emphasised the AMVCA long-term commitment to the Nollywood industry.
Tejumola noted that the event was a sustainable project that has been evolving over the years to promote the industry’s growth.
“We are committed to capacity building, evolving the industry, producing and distributing the best local content available on the continent.
“The AMVCA continues to evolve every single year, and this edition is special as it spotlights younger artistes who will take the industry forward in the next 10 years,” Tejumola said.
According to Tejumola, the key to keeping viewers engaged is to create content that is relatable and resonates with them.
“The AMVCA has also had a significant impact on the careers of young artistes, with over nine billion Naira invested in the awards over the past 11 years.
“Additionally, the MultiChoice Talent Factory provides young filmmakers with a one-year development programme to hone their skills,” she said.
Other winners are: Best Supporting Actor: Gabriel Afolayan (Inside Life).
- Best Supporting Actress*: Mercy Aigbe, for “Farmer’s Bride”.
- Best Unscripted M-Net Original: Nigerian Idol (Kassim SSulaimana and Anneke De Ridder)
- Best Scripted M-Net Original: My Fairytale Wedding (Chinenye Nworah & Taiwo Adebayo)
- Best Digital Content Creator: Iyo Prosper Adokiye, for “We Listen, We Don’t Judge – Bible Edition.
- Best Documentary: Dundun (Ifeoluwa Fatogun & Ebi Atawodi).
- Best Short Film: Jide Jblaze Oyegbile.
- Best Cinematography: Leo Purman, for “The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos”.
- Best Editing: Tongai Furusa, for “Inkabi”.
- Best Sound Design: Michael Botha, Olaosebikan Okonrende & Dil Chike Ajufo, for “Suspicion”.
- Best Art Director: Soliu Badu Noutical & Ayanmo Yakub, for “Lisabi: The Uprising”.
- Best Makeup: Hakeem Onilogbo, for “Lisabi: The Uprising”.
- Best Costume Design: Adedamola Adeyemi, for “Christmas in Lagos”.
- Best Writing in a TV Series: Abel Mutua Musyoka.
- Best Writing (Movie): Blessing Uzzi for “Freedom Way”.
- Best Indigenous Language (West Africa): Adedimeji Lateef & Adebimpe Oyebade Adedimeji.
- Best Indigenous Language (East Africa): Abel Mutua Musyoka
- Best Indigenous Language (Southern Africa): Cosmas Ng’andwe.