Lagos, Nigeria – May 11, 2025
 

The 11th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) brought together the finest talent in African film and television for an unforgettable night at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos. The event was a celebration of cinematic excellence, fashion, and cultural pride.

A Night to Remember: “Lisabi: The Uprising” Takes the Lead

The night’s biggest winner was the epic historical drama Lisabi: The Uprising, directed by Niyi Akinmolayan and starring Lateef Adedimeji. The film, which delves into the rich Yoruba history of resistance, triumphed with Best Movie and several other major awards:

Best Movie

Best Lead Actor – Lateef Adedimeji

Best Art Direction

Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa)

Best Makeup – Hakeem Onilogbo (Hakeem Effect)

With its stunning visuals and compelling storytelling, Lisabi became the night's most celebrated film.

Rising Stars and Iconic Performances Shine

In other key categories, Robert O. Peters earned Best Director for his direction of Skeleton Coast, while Chioma Chukwuka was named Best Lead Actress for her remarkable performance in Seven Doors.

Gabriel Afolayan and Mercy Aigbe claimed the Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress awards for their outstanding roles in Inside Life and Farmer’s Bride, respectively.

Blessing Uzzi also stood out, winning Best Writing in a Movie for Freedom Way, which, alongside its other accolades, was mentioned as “Movie of the Year.”

Technical Excellence in African Cinema

A spotlight on the technical craft saw some of Africa’s finest creative minds honored in their respective categories:

Best Cinematography: Leo Purman – The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos

Best Editing: Tongai Furusa – Inkabi

Best Sound Design: Suspicion

Best Original Score: Tolu Obanro – Seven Doors

Best Costume Design: Adedamola Adeyemi – Christmas In Lagos

These wins highlight the growing expertise of Africa’s film industry behind the camera.

Indigenous Language Films Take the Spotlight

Celebrating the diversity of Africa's languages, the AMVCA recognized the best indigenous language films across regions:

West Africa: Lisabi: The Uprising

East Africa: Makosa Di Tangu

Southern Africa: Mwizukanji

These awards emphasize the importance of preserving and promoting indigenous languages through cinema.

TV, Streaming, and Digital Content Triumphs

The AMVCA also turned its focus to the world of television and digital content, with the following notable winners:

Best Scripted M-Net Original: My Fairytale Wedding – Chinenye Nworah & Taiwo Adebayo

Best Unscripted M-Net Original: Nigerian Idol (Season 9) – Kassim Suleiman

Best Digital Content Creator: Iyo Prosper Adokiye

Best Writing in a TV Series: Abel Mutua Musyoka – Untying Kantai

Best Short Film: Brukaci

Best Documentary: Mai DùnDún – Ifeoluwa

These awards showcased the breadth of talent in both traditional and new media formats.

Honouring the Legends and Future Trailblazers

The AMVCA honoured the contributions of two African legends with the Industry Merit Award: Nkem ‘Osuofia’ Okoh and Sani Mu’azu, both of whom have made indelible marks on African entertainment. Rising director Kayode Kasum was awarded the Trailblazer Award, recognizing his growing impact on the African film industry.

Red Carpet Fashion: Cultural Pride and Elegance

Fashion was a major highlight of the evening, with celebrities stepping out in show-stopping looks. Liquorose and Prince Enwerem were named Best Dressed Female and Male for their bold fashion choices. Liquorose stunned with an outfit celebrating Yoruba culture, while Prince paid tribute to the Oba of Benin. Both walked away with ₦1 million prizes for their stunning ensembles.

A Landmark Night for African Entertainment

The 11th AMVCAs reaffirmed the growing global impact of African cinema and television. With Lisabi: The Uprising leading the charge, the event highlighted the richness, diversity, and immense talent of Africa’s creative industry, leaving a lasting mark on the continent’s entertainment landscape.