Kenyans Shine At AMVCA’s, Bag 4 AMVCA Awards

It was an emotionally charged night full of entertainment, glamour and red-carpet extravaganza as Africa’s biggest film and television stars gathered at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos for the seventh edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs).

Hosted by the duo of Amina Abdi Rabar and IK Osakioduwa, the event was held on Saturday, March 14, and was organized by Africa Magic in association with MultiChoice. The 7th edition of the AMVCAs was also sponsored by Amstel Malta.

The biggest winner of the night was Nigeria. Nigerian thriller ‘Living in Bondage’ walked home with seven awards including Best Overall Movie and Best Director which went to Nollywood legend, Ramsey Nouah. Timini Egbuson won Best Actor in a Drama whilst Toyin Abraham won in the Best Actress in a Drama, both wins for their performances in the movie ‘Elevator Baby’.

One of the highlights of the night was a family affair as a cinematic father-son duo took home awards. The Industry Merit award was presented to the veteran broadcaster, Peter Igho who is best known for his achievements with the Nigerian Television Authority where many of his produced works laid the foundation for the Nigerian film and television industry. Breakout Living in Bondage star, Swanky JKA won the 2020 Trailblazer award.

Kenya was recognized in 4 categories out of the 7 categories where they were nominated.

Best Supporting Actor in a Movie or TV Series – Pascal Tokodi – Disconnect – Winner

Best Indigenous Language Movie/TV Series Swahili – Raveet Sippy Chadh – Subira – Winner

Best Movie East Africa – Plan B – Sarah Hassan – Winner

MultiChoice Talent Factory Award – Promises – MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy East Africa (Details attached)

Promises are moving stories about a boda-boda driver who struggles to raise his children after the death of his wife during childbirth. The film was directed by Casey Lugada & Karanja Ng’endo, produced by Jane Moshi and Fisehatsion Nibret was the Director of Photography (DOP).

When asked about the Promises win, MTF East Africa Academy Director Njoki Muhoho had this to say “This win is a confirmation of the passion, energy, enthusiasm, hard work and teamwork that was exhibited by the team. The MTF East Africa Academy team couldn’t be prouder. May the MTF experience and this recognition by the best in the industry be a catalyst for these young creatives to ignite Africa’s creative industries.”

 Promises was among six films in the newly launched category, which aims to reward excellence in storytelling and provide a platform for alumni of MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Academies in West, East and Southern Africa.

Another highlight of the night was the performance by award-winning African music icon Innocent ‘2baba’ Idibia who performed a medley of his popular songs, whilst talented vocalists Mercy Aghedo, Adeniyi Timilehin Adeola, Ighwiyisi Jacobs also gave special renditions of songs nominated for the Best Soundtrack award.