Amvca 2025: A Night Of Culture and African Excellence
By Osuolale Oluwatomilayo
On a warm evening in Lagos, Nigeria, the heart of Nollywood pulsed with the rhythm of celebration, glamour, and sheer creative brilliance as the 11th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) returned in full force. What began in 2013 as a bold step to honor the very best in African film and television has now become the continent’s, or maybe our continent's, most anticipated and revered awards show. Since its inaugural ceremony, the AMVCAs have stood as a beacon for recognizing and rewarding excellence across acting, directing, writing, cinematography, and now, digital content creation.
This year’s ceremony, broadcast live across all Africa Magic channels, reaffirmed the AMVCA’s status as the crown jewel of African entertainment awards. As Lagos played host to this cultural spectacle in May, the city transformed into a canvas of elegance and high fashion. The red carpet sparkled under the lights, as celebrities, filmmakers, digital creators, and media executives arrived in jaw-dropping ensembles that lit up social media for days. It wasn’t just an event, it was an exhibition of African pride, talent, and the unrelenting spirit of storytelling.
The evening was more than just a glamorous affair, it was a celebration of the African narrative in all its forms. From historical epics to contemporary dramas, indigenous-language films to experimental shorts, the awards reflected the diversity of voices that define the continent’s creative output. Each nominee carried with them the dreams of millions, and while not everyone could go home with a trophy, the spirit of unity and achievement was palpable throughout the night.
The award for Best Multichoice Talent Factory was proudly taken by Everything Light Touches from West Africa, showcasing emerging talent and reinforcing the power of storytelling in shaping perspectives. Meanwhile, My Fairytale Wedding stood out as the Best Scripted M-Net Original, a testament to the evolving quality of African-made television. The power of local language cinema was also celebrated, with Lisabi: The Uprising, starring Adedimeji Lateef and Adebimpe Oyebade Adedimeji, earning the title for Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa).
In a moving nod to grassroots storytelling, ZI M UZO by Nnodim Chigozie earned the award for Best Indigenous M-Net Original, underscoring the role of indigenous narratives in preserving cultural identity. The night was also generous to Chigozie, who returned to the stage for Show Me The Way, claiming yet another win in the same category, an undeniable highlight for his career.
When it got to exceptional acting, the spotlight shone brightly on some of Nollywood’s most cherished talents. Gabriel Afolayan’s compelling performance in Inside Life earned him the Best Supporting Actor title, while Mercy Aigbe’s role in Farmer’s Bride brought her the Best Supporting Actress award. But it was Seven Doors that truly dominated, with Femi Adebayo and Chioma Chukwuka winning Best Lead Actor and Best Lead Actress respectively. This follows the two awards Femi Adebayo won in 2024 for the movie Jagun Jagun. The film’s haunting score, crafted by Tolu Obanro, also earned accolades, along with its emotional resonance and powerful storytelling.
The technical categories weren’t left behind. The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos stood out with Best Cinematography, capturing Lagos in ways never seen before, while Inkabi took home Best Editing, and Suspicion was awarded for its superb sound design. Art direction and visual aesthetics were rightfully recognized, with Lisabi: The Uprising once again standing tall for its attention to visual storytelling, winning in both Art Direction and Make-Up.
The costume design of Christmas in Lagos by Adedamola Adeyemi earned the award for Best Costume Design, a nod to the importance of visual flair in creating believable, compelling characters. Meanwhile, writers continued to be the unseen heroes of the night, with Blessing Uzzi’s Freedom Way receiving Best Writer (Movie), and Abel Mutua Musyoka’s Untying Kantai clinching Best Writing in a TV series. In the world of nonfiction, the documentary Dundun by Ifeoluwa Fatogun and Ebi Atawodi took home the trophy, demonstrating how powerful real stories can be when told with depth and care.
Television series lovers were thrilled as Inside Life, the scripted series directed by Clarence Peters, drew attention for its bold direction and compelling storyline. In the unscripted space, Wa Milele? (Forever?) captivated the audience and critics alike, reflecting the AMVCA’s growing embrace of reality content. Directing prowess was also acknowledged, with The Man Died by Awam Amkpa receiving nods for its cinematic excellence.
The new generation of storytellers was not left out either. Iyo Prosper Adokiye stood tall as the Best Digital Content Creator, reflecting how platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram are redefining the way Africans consume and create content. As part of the night’s most emotional moments, the Trailblazer Award went to Kayode Kasum, a filmmaker whose creative risks and artistic growth have inspired a new wave of African directors. Industry veterans Sani Mu’azu and Nkem Owoh were also honored with the prestigious Industry Merit Awards, well-deserved recognition of their lifelong contributions to African cinema.
As the night unfolded, emotions ran high. Winners clutched their golden statuettes with pride, their outfits almost as dazzling as their achievements. Tears, laughter, and powerful speeches filled the air, as artists thanked families, fans, and collaborators who made their journeys possible. The fashion alone, regal gowns, modern takes on traditional wear, and boundary-pushing designs, was enough to warrant its own awards ceremony. It was clear that this wasn’t just a night for accolades, but a space where identity, heritage, and innovation collided on a global stage.
The 2025 AMVCA proved yet again that the African entertainment industry is not merely growing, it’s thriving. From intimate shorts to sweeping epics, each entry echoed a larger truth. The truth that African voices matter, and their stories deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated. As the curtains close on a night of music, fashion, and history-making moments, one thing remains certain, the future of African film and television is not just bright, it’s unstoppable.
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