Kenyans win big at the 2018 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards

It was a big night for Kenya in Nigeria on Saturday, after bagging a total of 6 awards during the 6th Annual Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCAs).

The movie 18 Hours, which was inspired by true events won a total of 3 awards including Best Overall Movie in Africa (Phoebe Ruguru), Best Movie East Africa (Phoebe Ruguru) and Best Picture Editor (Mark Maina).

Nyce Wanjeri, popularly known as Shiro on the comedy Auntie Boss was declared the best actress in Africa. She could not hide her shock after she beat some of the big names in Nollywood to be named Best Actress in a comedy and TV Series.

Other Kenyan Winners include Denis Maina Wanjohi whose documentary “The Flesh Business” was declared the Best Documentary and Sarika Hemi Lakhani for her movie “Supa Modo” which bagged the Best Indigenous Language movie or TV series.

Speaking after the event, MultiChoice Kenya Managing Director Eric Odipo congratulated the winners for their hard work and win.  

“Kudos to all the winners for their high-flying achievement in Africa. We are proud to know that Kenyan content has come of age and can compete globally and in Nollywood. At Multichoice, our role is to enrich lives. As Africa continues to change rapidly, the entertainment industry is ever more relevant. We are using our influence and resources to play a positive role in Africa, helping to grow Africa’s people and creative industries into vibrant, economic powerhouses,” said Odipo.

As expected, the crème de la crème of the African film, TV and entertainment industry turned out on the famous AMVCA red carpet and the show, which was hosted by the returning duo of IK Osakioduwa and Minnie Dlamini started with an electrifying performance by the critically acclaimed Niger-Delta dance troupe, Seki.

Other performances of the night include renditions by famous singer-producer Cobhams Asuquo, and Nigerian opera singer, Omo Bello who performed together with her orchestra. Nigerian rapper Falz also thrilled on the night, even as he won the ‘Best Supporting Actor in a Drama’ award.

Another highlight of the night was when renowned Nigerian cinematographer Tunde Kelani was presented with the Industry Merit award, a decision that was well received by the audience as evidenced by a prolonged standing ovation. In the same vein, the Trailblazer Award was given to Bisola Aiyeola in recognition of her growing impact in the African film and TV space.

The crowning of the night was the announcement of Phoebe Ruguru’s ’18 Hours’ as the Best Overall movie, a fitting tribute to an event that featured many other Kenyan winners.

“Congratulations to all winners! Kenya showed we are the pride of Africa and we’re proud of the contribution we make to keep our communities entertained, and our business has grown hand-in-hand with local economies by forging long-term partnerships with film-makers and entrepreneurs,” said MNet Channel Director, East and Southern Channels, Timothy Okwaro.