As the countdown begins for the 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs), Showmax is taking centre stage with a stellar lineup of nominated shows and stars.
From corporate dramas to romantic entanglements, the streaming platform has delivered a buffet of entertainment, and the AMVCA nominations confirm just how well-fed viewers have been.
With multiple nominations across categories such as Best Supporting Actor, Best Scripted Series, Best Actor, Best Editing, Best Writing, and Best Unscripted Series, Showmax has proven its top position in providing African entertainment. And at the heart of this wave? There are amazing actors who have delivered unforgettable performances over the years on both shows airing on Showmax and original films to watch.
Bimbo Manuel in ‘Princess on a Hill’
Veteran actor Bimbo Manuel is no stranger to commanding the screen, but in Princess on a Hill, he brings something even more formidable to the table. As Moyosore Lawson, the no-nonsense CEO who doesn’t play fair, Manuel delivers a masterclass in power, presence, and intimidation. It’s no wonder he’s snagged his first-ever AMVCA nomination for Best Lead Actor, highlighting his enduring impact on Nigerian cinema.
Manuel has long been a pillar of the Nollywood industry with iconic credits like If I Am President, Breath of Life, Render to Caesar, Shanty Town, and October 1.
Efa Iwara in ‘Princess on a Hill’
Also starring in Princess on a Hill is Efa Iwara, whose portrayal of Ozzy adds just the right dose of complexity and energy to the series. As a key player in the show’s web of corporate ambition and manipulation, Iwara brings nuance, suspense, and unexpected softness to a show filled with sharp elbows and cutthroat deals. Iwara’s performance has earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor, reflecting his growing prominence in the industry.
No stranger to accolades, Iwara has previously been nominated for Best Actor in a Drama at the 2020 and 2022 AMVCAs for his roles in Seven and This Lady Called Life. His growing résumé includes memorable appearances in acclaimed titles like The Men’s Club, Ajoche, Ricordi, Diiche, Rumour Has It, and more, firmly cementing his place as one of Nollywood’s most versatile and captivating talents.
Other nominations for Princess on a Hill include Best Scripted Series, Best Editing, and Best Writing – TV Series. The Showmax original also featured other stars like Norbert Young, Ireti Doyle, Femi Jacobs, Onyinye Odokoro, Efa Iwara, Mimi Chaka, and Andrew Yaw Bunting, among others.
Uzoamaka Onuoha – Agemo
Although Uzoamaka Onuoha is nominated for her prolific role in Agemo, we can’t help but introduce you to the beauty she performed on the James Omokwe-directed series Diiche. Uzoamaka plays her first major role, a dual role that shows her character as two sides of an extreme in a psychological thriller that keeps you at the edge of your seat to the very last episode.
Currently available on Showmax, Diiche is a six-part limited series centred around a high-profile murder investigation involving the death of Nnamdi, the fiancé (Daniel K. Daniel) of the main character, Diiche, who becomes the prime suspect. The show blends elements of thriller, drama, and psychological suspense, with some metaphysical and supernatural themes woven into its narrative.
Uzoamaka Power Aniunoh – Phoenix Fury
Uzoamaka Power has had her best year yet in the industry. Snagging a nomination in the Best Lead Actress category for her role in Phoenix Fury, she has proven that she’s a force Nollywood has to reckon with. From Diiche to Mami Wata, Phoenix Fury and her recent film, Shaping Us, which is currently streaming on Showmax, the actress has given us a range of complex and nuanced characters.
If you’re building a watchlist or making predictions ahead of the big night, these stars are solid picks. They’ve not only captured hearts but also have shown us what Nollywood content can be.
