By Oghenekevwe Kofi
The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) 2025, held on May 10, 2025, at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, delivered its signature glitz and celebration of African film and television excellence. However, the 11th edition of the awards ceremony was notably overshadowed by a striking trend: the overwhelming absence of award winners.
AMVCA 2025: Winners Missing in Action
Over 90% of the award recipients were absent from the live event, a record number that disappointed both attendees and viewers. Major awards, including Best Movie, which went to Freedom Way by Blessing Uzzi, and Best Lead Actress, awarded to Chioma Chukwuka (Seven Doors), were accepted by proxies. Likewise, Gabriel Afolayan (Inside Life), who won Best Supporting Actor, and Kayode Kasum, recipient of the prestigious Trailblazer Award, were also missing.
Even the technical categories like Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Sound Design had few or no recipients present. This pattern raises questions about the commitment of top talents to what is often referred to as Africa’s Oscars.
Those Who Turned Up
The scintillating Osa Ighodalo was one of the few stars who turned up
The delectable Amanda Iriekpen was sensational at the AMVCA25
Treasure Obasi was one of the standout stars
Is AMVCA Losing Its Prestige?
The repeated absenteeism threatens to undermine the prestige and excitement traditionally associated with the AMVCAS. While it’s understandable that some artists may be away on international shoots or face logistical hurdles, the scale of absence in 2025 has sparked calls for change.
Industry insiders and fans alike are urging the organisers to consider reforms, ranging from mandatory attendance clauses, virtual acceptance options, to adjusting the event calendar to encourage participation.
Notable Wins and Ceremony Highlights
Despite the subdued air, the AMVCA 2025 still managed to spotlight outstanding African storytelling and craftsmanship:
- Best Movie: Freedom Way (Blessing Uzzi)
- Best Director: The Man Died (Awam Amkpa)
- Best Lead Actor: Seven Doors (Femi Adebayo)
- Best Lead Actress: Seven Doors (Chioma Chukwuka)
Freedom Way also clinched Best Music/Score, while Lisabi: The Uprising dominated with wins in Art Direction, Makeup, and Cinematography.
Nigerian Idol Season 9 was crowned Best Unscripted M-Net Original, affirming the growing popularity of reality-based African content.
Celebrating Industry Veterans and New Voices
Legendary actors Nkem Owoh and Sani Mu’azu were awarded the Lifetime Achievement Awards, honouring their decades-long contributions to African cinema. Rising talent Kayode Kasum received the Trailblazer Award, while Iyo Prosper Adokiye received the Best Digital Content Creator award.
Full List of AMVCA 2025 Winners
Major Categories
- Best Movie – Freedom Way (Blessing Uzzi)
- Best Director – The Man Died (Awam Amkpa)
- Best Lead Actor – Seven Doors (Femi Adebayo)
- Best Lead Actress – Seven Doors (Chioma Chukwuka)
Supporting Roles
- Best Supporting Actor – Inside Life (Gabriel Afolayan)
- Best Supporting Actress – Farmer’s Bride (Mercy Aigbe)
Series & Writing
- Best Scripted Series – Inside Life (Clarence Peters)
- Best Unscripted Series – Wa Milele? (Forever?)
- Best Writing (TV) – Untying Kantai (Abel Mutua Musyoka)
- Best Writing (Movie) – Freedom Way (Blessing Uzzi)
Technical Categories
- Best Cinematography – The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos (Leo Purman)
- Best Editing – Inkabi (Tongai Furusa)
- Best Sound Design – Suspicion (Michael Botha & Olaosebikan Okonrende)
- Best Score/Music – Seven Doors (Tolu Obanro)
- Best Art Direction – Lisabi: The Uprising (Solihull Badu Noutical & Ayanmo Yakub)
- Best Costume Design – Christmas in Lagos (Adedamola Adeyemi)
- Best Makeup – Lisabi: The Uprising (Hakeem Effect)
Indigenous & Africa Magic Originals
- Best Indigenous (West Africa) – Lisabi: The Uprising (Lateef & Mo Bimpe Adedimeji)
- Best M-Net Scripted Original – My Fairytale Wedding
- Best M-Net Unscripted Original – Nigerian Idol
- Best Indigenous (M-Net Original) – Zi M Uzo
Shorts & Documentaries
- Best Short Film – Brukaci (Jide Jblaze Oyegbile)
- Best Documentary – Dundun (Ifeoluwa Fatogun & Ebi Atawodi)
Special Recognition & Development
- Multichoice Talent Factory Award – Everything Light Touches (West Africa)
- Trailblazer Award – Kayode Kasum
- Industry Merit Awards – Sani Mu’azu & Nkem Owoh
- Best Digital Content Creator – Iyo Prosper Adokiye
Conclusion: AMVCA’s Future Hinges on Star Participation
As the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards continues to spotlight African excellence, the organisers must urgently address the lack of presence by top winners. With better planning and a commitment to live participation, the AMVCA can reclaim the vibrant energy that once made it the pinnacle of African entertainment.
