AMVCAs 2020… glitz, glamour of continental showpiece

Living In Bondage Wins Big
Peter Igho Gets Lifetime Achievement Award

If there’s one thing you can’t take away from the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award (AMVCA), it’s the glitz and glamour that come with the continental showpiece. Right from inception seven years ago, the film award has continued to set the pace in terms of class and caliber of guests that grace event. Though usually hosted in Nigeria, AMVCAs has become a pan-African platform for the celebration of the continent’s rich film culture.

This year, 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, Victoria Island, Lagos for the seventh edition of the award ceremony.

Hosted by the duo of IK Osakioduwa and AMVCA newbie Amina Abdi Rabar, who spiced the evening with their funny commentaries, the event organised by Africa Magic in association with MultiChoice, brought together crème de la crème of the film industry in Africa. And with the introduction of a new category this year – the best-dressed category, which rewards the most stylish male and female on the red carpet for their efforts, you can imagine what the red carpet session looked like; glam!

Sponsored by Amstel Malta, the biggest winner of the night was Nigerian thriller Living in Bondage, which 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; his obviously excited elder sister Dakore Egbuson-Akande presented him with the award. Toyin Abraham won the award for Best Actress in a Drama for her performances in the movie Elevator Baby; same movie that earned Timini his award. Meanwhile, The MultiChoice Academy award went to East Africa for the movie Promises.

However, what many considered the highlight of the night was a family affair, as a cinematic father-son duo took home awards. The Industry Merit award was presented to veteran broadcaster, Peter Igho, who is best known for his achievements with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), 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. Unfortunately for him, no car gift this year.

Aside the live band that held many spellbound with their almost flawless performance of both Nigerian and foreign hits, award winning African music star Innocent ‘2baba’ Idibia thrilled the audience with both his old and new recordings; his entrance was greeted by wild cheers and applause. The Benue State native 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.

In case you missed out on the live broadcast of the event, you can still catch up on all the exciting moments, including the red carpet extravaganza, performances, and emotional award acceptance speeches on the following channels on DStv and GOtv this weekend.