The 11th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) that held Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, dazzled audiences across the continent.
The prestigious awards ceremony, organized by MultiChoice through its Africa Magic channels, celebrated outstanding achievements in African film, television, and digital content creation, bringing together a galaxy of stars, filmmakers, and industry professionals in a night filled with glamour, cultural pride, and cinematic excellence.
A Vibrant Kick-off with Cultural Day
The AMVCA 2025 festivities began on Friday May 9, with the vibrant Cultural Day event, setting the tone for the awards weekend. Attendees showcased exquisite traditional attire, blending African heritage with the elegance of the film industry.
Notable celebrities were in attendance, including BBNaija stars Wanni x Handi, Fairme David, Saga, Liquorose, and Nollywood icons Mercy Aigbe, Adedimeji Lateef, and Mo Bimpe, stole the spotlight, captivating audiences with their style and presence.
Red Carpet and Awards Night Extravaganza
On Saturday, the red carpet opened at 4:00 PM WAT, hosted by the charismatic IK Osakioduwa, who also emceed the main awards ceremony that began at 7:00 PM.
The event was live-streamed on GOtv and other platforms, showcasing African fashion and charisma, with attendees dazzling in bespoke designs that celebrated the continent’s rich cultural tapestry.
This year’s AMVCA featured 28 categories, including 18 judged by industry professionals and 10 determined by public voting.
A new category, Best Music Score, was introduced to honour the work of composers and sound designers, further highlighting the diversity of talent in African entertainment.
Major Winners and Standout Moment
The night was a triumph for Nollywood, with two films, Seven Doors and Lisabi: The Uprising, dominating the awards.
Seven Doors is a historical drama series directed by Femi Adebayo (with Tope Adebayo and Adebayo Tijani as co-directors), clinched three major awards, and 11 nominations, including:
Best Lead Actor: Femi Adebayo
Best Lead Actress: Chioma Chukwuka, whose riveting performance cemented her legacy as one of Nollywood’s most versatile performers.
Lisabi: The Uprising, produced by Lateef Adedimeji, emerged as a breakout winner, securing three major awards in technical categories.
The film’s powerful storytelling and production quality earned it widespread praise, stealing the spotlight as a cultural and cinematic milestone.
The Trailblazer Award went to Nigerian film director and producer Kayode Kasum, recognized for his innovative and genre-defying contributions to Nollywood.
Kasum, who recently directed Reel Love and Nigeria’s first live-action animated film, was celebrated for his fresh perspective and impact on the industry.
Other Awards, like the Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to veteran actors Sani Mu’azu and Nkem Owoh, honouring their decades-long contributions to African cinema.
Their emotional acceptance speeches resonated with the audience, highlighting the enduring legacy of Nollywood’s pioneers.
Other notable winners included Mercy Aigbe, who also claimed a prize, further solidifying her status as a Nollywood powerhouse.
The full list of winners, showcased a diverse range of talent, from established stars to the emerging ones.
Celebration of African Storytelling
The AMVCA 2025 was more than an awards show; it was a vibrant celebration of African storytelling, creativity, and cultural heritage.
Spanning four days of events from May 7 to May 10, the program included activities honouring industry pioneers, young talent, and the art of African cinema.
The introduction of the Best Music Score category and the recognition of technical achievements underscored the AMVCA’s commitment to evolving with the industry.
Social media buzzed with excitement, with various posts capturing the anticipation and joy of the event. Fans praised the seamless organization, the star-studded line-up, and the emotional highs of the awards night.
Looking Ahead
The 11th AMVCA has reaffirmed its position as Africa’s leading stage for honoring cinematic brilliance. The industry looks forward with excitement, anticipating another year of groundbreaking storytelling and remarkable performances.
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