Fever grips Africa … as 2018 AMVCA holds tomorrow

AMVCA 2018
The cinematography in Africa, though yet to achieve top-notch status, with the proliferation of movies and to a large extent, according to critics, lacking content, has become one of the most successful industries in the continent and the world.

What cannot be disputed is that film production has immensely improved and can only get better as producers and movie studios are progressively competitive in ways that are changing the negative perceptions about a formerly mediocre industry.

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So, with more professional crews, richer stories and state-of-the-art equipment, the audience base for Nigerian and African movies is expanding. This advancement is observable in continental awards like the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). Initiated in Lagos on 9th March 2013, broadcasting live in more than 50 countries, it is an annual award that recognises and rewards distinction in the Africa’s television and film industry. Eligible entries are films and TV series that have been aired on DStv channels in the previous year. AMVCA, which is presented by Multichoice, Africa recognises outstanding productions, filmmakers, actors and technicians in categories like acting, directing, scriptwriting, cinematography, short film or online video, soundtrack, costume designing, sound and lighting and so on.

This year’s edition is the sixth. The films with most nominations were Tatu (12), Alter Ego (10), Isoken (6) Banana Island Ghost (4) Potato Potahto (4) and Children of the Mud (4). Past winners of Best Overall Film are Sara Blecher’s Otelo Burning (2013), Shirley Frimpong-Manso’s Contract (2014), Kunle Afolayan’s October 1 (2015), Stephanie Linus’ Dry (2016) and Izu Ojukwu’s 76 (2017). Speculations and predictions are heating up online and across virtual discussions.

Which movie will join this list come Saturday? Which ones will rake the highest number of awards? Although final decisions are left to the judges (headed by Debbie Odutayo), it should not come as surprise if the likes of Alter Ego, Tatu, Isoken and Potato Potahto eventually find their ways into the answers of these questions. By the way, the diversity and pan-African scope of AMVCA will be even more interesting in the coming years.

It is impressive seeing 11-year-old Mariam Kayode rub shoulders with screen queens like Omotola Jalade Ekeinde (for Alter Ego) and Lilian Echelon (for Black Rose) as she is a nominee for Best Actress for her lead role in Children of Mud. She is definitely one of the youngest, if not the youngest, AMVCA nominees so far and the possibility of her winning in the category is really worth anticipating.

As the award ceremony is a day away, there are certain things of interest to watch out for. It has been reported that there will be performances by big names like Falz, Adekunle and Cohbalms Asuquo, SEKI traditional dance troupe, award-winning Nigerian soprano, Omo Bello, ex-Big Brother Naija housemate, Bisola Aiyeola among others

With the voting period officially closed, all is now set for the 2018 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs) holding at the Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos tomorrow.   The AMVCAs is the biggest celebration of film and television talent across Africa and promises to be even bigger with top contenders from across the continent vying for honours in the voting and non-voting categories.

Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, Channel Director, Africa Magic said, “We are delighted to once again celebrate outstanding achievements in the African film and television industry on the platform of the AMVCAs. As always, we promise a night filled with exciting and stellar performances led by some Africa’s biggest names in the music industry. Our viewers at home will not miss a moment of the event, as they can tune in to all Africa Magic channels to see who wins the coveted AMVCA titles.”

The awards will once again be co-hosted by South African media sweetheart, Minnie Dlamini-Jones, and Nigerian on-air-personality, IK Osakioduwa. For two years, the lovely duo have thrilled guests and viewers as hosts of the AMVCAs with their brilliant synergy, charm and infectious wit. The 2018 AMVCAs is brought to viewers across the continent by Africa Magic in association with MultiChoice Africa and the sponsors, Airtel and Konga in partnership with Lagos State government.