Somto Bisina
Nigerian filmmaker and director, Kunle Afolayan, emerged victorious at the 9th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) held at the prestigious Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Afolayan’s film, “Anikulapo,” secured the highly coveted ‘Best Indigenous Language’ (Yoruba) award, further solidifying his reputation as a master storyteller.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAmong the top contenders of the night, “Anikulapo” led the pack with an impressive 16 nominations, closely followed by “Brotherhood” and “Shanty Town,” each receiving 11 nominations.
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The Best Overall Movie category featured fierce competition, with films such as Femi Adebayo’s “King of Thieves” (Agesinkole), Funke Akindele’s “Battle on Buka Street,” Jade Osiberu’s “Brotherhood,” Kunle Afolayan’s “Anikulapo,” Kayode Kasum’s “Ile Owo,” Mugisha Morris’ “Tembele,” and Winifred Mena-Ajakpovi’s “Four Four Forty-Four” vying for the prestigious title.
The AMVCA, known as one of Africa’s most prominent entertainment events, drew in a star-studded audience that lit up the black carpet with their dazzling ensembles.
Toke Makinwa, Uti Nwachukwu, Sika Osei, and VJ Adams took on the role of black carpet hosts, engaging and entertaining the celebrities as they arrived for the highly anticipated awards ceremony.
An exciting highlight of the evening was the opportunity for viewers to vote for their favorite male and female celebrities, giving them a chance to choose the best-dressed stars of the night.
This interactive element added an extra layer of excitement and engagement to the event, making it a truly immersive experience for the audience.
The hosts for the evening were popular Nigerian TV and radio host, IK Osakioduwa, and Miss Universe 2019, South African Zozi Tunzi.
Their charismatic presence and seamless camaraderie ensured a smooth flow of the event, keeping the audience captivated throughout the night.
Kunle Afolayan’s win for “Anikulapo” in the ‘Best Indigenous Language’ (Yoruba) category at the AMVCA 2023 further underscores his exceptional talent and dedication to promoting indigenous languages and cultures through cinema.
Afolayan’s work continues to contribute significantly to the growth and recognition of the Nigerian film industry on both local and international platforms.
The AMVCA 2023 edition will be remembered as a celebration of excellence, creativity, and the diverse talents that make African cinema a force to be reckoned with. As the night came to a close, the industry applauded the deserving winners and looked forward to another year of remarkable storytelling and artistic achievements in African cinema.
