Lagos: ‘Seven Doors’, an historical drama series by Femi Adebayo, has triumphed at the 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), winning three major awards, solidifying its standout status in Nollywood. Femi Adebayo won Best Lead Actor for his portrayal of Adedunjoye, the king in the series. Chioma Chukwuka also claimed the Best Lead Actress award for her role as Amaka, Adedunjoye’s wife. The series also won Best Music/Score.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the 11th AMVCA took place at the Eko Hotels in Lagos. This prestigious event celebrates excellence in African film and television, bringing together the continent’s brightest stars and industry professionals. The awards ceremony also celebrated veterans Sani Mu’azu and Nkem Owoh with the Lifetime Achievement Awards. Director Kayode Kasum took home the Trailblazer Award for his fresh, genre-defying impact on the industry.
Speaking at the event, Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa, at MultiChoice, emphasised th
e AMVCA long-term commitment to the Nollywood industry. Tejumola noted that the event was a sustainable project that has been evolving over the years to promote the industry’s growth. ‘We are committed to capacity building, evolving the industry, producing and distributing the best local content available on the continent. The AMVCA continues to evolve every single year, and this edition is special as it spotlights younger artistes who will take the industry forward in the next 10 years,’ Tejumola said.
According to Tejumola, the key to keeping viewers engaged is to create content that is relatable and resonates with them. ‘The AMVCA has also had a significant impact on the careers of young artistes, with over nine billion Naira invested in the awards over the past 11 years. Additionally, the MultiChoice Talent Factory provides young filmmakers with a one-year development programme to hone their skills,’ she said.
Other winners included Gabriel Afolayan as Best Supporting Actor for ‘Inside Life’, and Mercy
Aigbe as Best Supporting Actress for ‘Farmer’s Bride’. Nigerian Idol won Best Unscripted M-Net Original, while ‘My Fairytale Wedding’ took Best Scripted M-Net Original. Iyo Prosper Adokiye was named Best Digital Content Creator for ‘We Listen, We Don’t Judge – Bible Edition’. Dundun by Ifeoluwa Fatogun and Ebi Atawodi won Best Documentary, and Jide Jblaze Oyegbile received Best Short Film.
In technical categories, Leo Purman won Best Cinematography for ‘The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos’, and Tongai Furusa won Best Editing for ‘Inkabi’. Michael Botha, Olaosebikan Okonrende, and Dil Chike Ajufo were recognised for Best Sound Design in ‘Suspicion’. Soliu Badu Noutical and Ayanmo Yakub won Best Art Direction for ‘Lisabi: The Uprising’, with Hakeem Onilogbo taking Best Makeup for the same film. Adedamola Adeyemi won Best Costume Design for ‘Christmas in Lagos’.
Abel Mutua Musyoka was recognised for Best Writing in a TV Series, and Blessing Uzzi took Best Writing (Movie) for ‘Freedom Way’. Adedimeji La
teef and Adebimpe Oyebade Adedimeji won Best Indigenous Language (West Africa), Abel Mutua Musyoka won Best Indigenous Language (East Africa), and Cosmas Ng’andwe won Best Indigenous Language (Southern Africa).