By Ayo Lawal
Lights, camera, accolades! The lights dimmed, the stars shone, and the red carpet rolled out in all its glory for another spectacular edition of the AMVCA’s. With the dust settled, the confetti swept away, and the red carpet (and blue carpet) rolled back up, it’s time to reflect on the highs, the lows, and everything in between from this year’s Award show. Here are ten highlights from the AMVCA.
1. Give Veekee James Her Flowers—All Her Flowers!
Firstly, we have to talk about fashion finesse! When it comes to slaying the red carpet game, one designer reigned supreme at the AMVCA’s—Veekee James. Let me take your mind back to MET Gala 2023, A-list celebrities draped in Thom Browne’s masterpieces, each look a symphony of elegance and edge that left fashionistas everywhere weak at the knees. This can be likened to what Veekee James achieved at the AMVCA’s. She didn’t just make waves; she orchestrated a tsunami of style with her impeccable creations. Veekee James’ collection of eclectic yet sophisticated designs stole the spotlight and became the most talked-about look of the night. Celebrities like Toke Makinwa, Uche Montana, Tommie Adeoye, Funke Akindele, and Osas Ighodaro shone in her designs.
2. Don’t Really Know How To Say This… But This Year Felt More Like An “Award Show”
If you attended the live show, you definitely know what I’m talking about. For someone who has constantly attended the AMVCA’s since 2018, this year felt like I was coming home to a calmer, saner environment—with just the right amount of sparkle. The guest list seemed tighter as if the organisers handpicked the attendees for their love of the craft, their work in the creative/entertainment industry, and the number of their Instagram followers. And let me tell you, it was a breath of fresh air. Sure, the glitterati were there, and the buzz was still alive, but it felt… quieter, in a fantastic way.
3. Ten Years with IK Osakioduwa
For a whole decade now, IK has entertained and delighted viewers with his signature blend of wit, enthusiasm and charm. His ability to connect with the audience and bring out the best in the attending stars has made the AMVCA a highly anticipated annual event. Looking back, we’ve seen him handle everything from technical glitches to emotional acceptance to badly taken jokes that often lead to online prosecution to working and adapting with different co-hosts with consummate ease and professionalism. “As we raise a glass to a decade of the AMVCAs, we also celebrate IK Osakioduwa, whose hard work and brilliance as the host of the award ceremony have been instrumental in the event’s success for the past ten years,” plastered boldly on the Africa Magic Website.
4. The Award Recipient’s Felt More Deserving
Let’s get one thing straight: nobody deserves not to win. But there are those moments when you hear a name announced, and you’re left scratching your head, thinking, ‘How did that happen?’, ‘Did they really earn it?’ ‘Was it just politics at play?’. We have seen this play in previous editions. But this time, as the envelopes were torn open and the names were revealed, there was a collective nod of approval, a unanimous acknowledgement that these were the rightful recipients of recognition—Well, for the most part. Could this be attributed to the AMVCA shifting from a public voting system to a jury-based selection process for its most prestigious awards? Sure, there may have been a few raised eyebrows here and there, a couple of moments where we all paused to ponder the choices. But overall, there was a sense of contentment, a feeling that justice had been served and that each winner truly deserved their moment in the spotlight.
5. “Breath Of Life” !!!
Every year leading up to the AMVCA’s, there’s undeniably a crowd favourite to bag the awards. This year, that film was “Breath of Life.” This powerful film received an impressive 11 nominations across various categories, including Best Movie, Best Director, and Best Lead Actor. Ultimately, Breathe of Life walked away with six wins. Lead actor Wale Ojo finally got his recognition, nabbing the Best Actor award. Adedoyin surprised many with his win for Best Supporting Actor.
Breath of Life showcased the immense talent behind the scenes. BB Sasore was named Best Director, masterfully bringing this poignant story to the screen. The film also won Best Sound, affirming the skills of sound designer Grey Jones Ossai. Now to my favourite award recipients of the night: Chimezie Imo and Genoveva Umeh. As a lead actor in Breathe of Life—the biggest winner of the night—Chimezie Imo fully deserved to take home the Trailblazer award. This prestigious honour is given to an actor with exceptional talent and potential, affirming Imo as an up-and-coming force in Nollywood. He joins a long line of Trailblazer winners who have gone on to become major stars, and there is no doubt this is only the beginning of an illustrious career.
6. Neo Was The Best Dressed Male
Every year, you expect African men to bring it every time to the AMVCA red carpet, and this year was no different. However, amid the sea of impeccably tailored suits and avant-garde ensembles, it was Neo Akpofure who truly stole the spotlight. Adorned in a recreation of British designer Vivienne Westwood’s iconic “Slave to Love” corset jacket from the MAN Fall 1996 collection, NEO exuded an air of effortless sophistication and daring creativity.
7. Genuinely, It’s Hard To Pick The Best Dressed Female
One thing was abundantly clear: the women came to make a statement. From the moment the pictures started crossing our timelines—before they even graced the red carpet—it was evident that each leading lady had brought her A-game in the style department. From metallic gowns to voluminous tulle creations, the ladies of Nollywood dazzled and delighted with their experimental yet elegant ensembles. Statement sleeves, sequined bodices and thigh-high slits added just the right amount of edge and drama. But with so many stunning looks on display, it was difficult to choose just one woman who best epitomised the glamour and grandeur of the night. Is it Nana Akua Addo in a custom Yolo Koonson dress or Osas Ighodaro radiating elegance in Veekee James, the task of singling out a single best-dressed female feels near impossible. Every outfit was a masterpiece in its own right.
8. The Iconic Performances
As the night unfolded, it became clear that the evening was destined to be more than just a celebration of cinematic achievement. It was also about celebrating the heartbeat of Africa through music, each note carrying the weight of history and the promise of the future. Awilo Logomba’s electrifying performance ignited the atmosphere, his rhythms echoing from the heart of Congo—A vibrant tribute to the unity and diversity that define the AMVCA’s and the African spirit. Seyi Sodimu and Shaffy Bello hit us with a blast from the past, performing their 1999 hit ‘Love Me, Jeje,’ making us all feel like we’re back in the good old days. Amidst all of these beautiful sounds, Chike’s poignant tribute to the late Mohbad served as a solemn reminder of life’s fragility and the immortal legacy of artistic brilliance. Other notable night performers included Mr Rodo himself, Adekunle Gold and KCee.
9. Iya Rainbow And RMD Receiving The Industry Merit Award
Amidst the glitz and glamour, two illustrious figures stood tall, their names inscribed in the annals of Nigerian cinema history: Richard Mofe-Damijo, affectionately known as RMD, and the beloved matriarch of the silver screen, Idowu Philips, fondly popularly known as Iya Rainbow. At 62, RMD proves that age is but a number, effortlessly commanding the screen with the charisma and gravitas only a seasoned maestro can provide. His presence is magnetic, his talent transcendent, and his charm eternal. From his breakout roles in classics like “Violated” to his recent tour de force performances in hits like “Black Book” and “Postcards”, RMD continues to redefine what it means to be a leading man. And then, there’s Iya Rainbow, a national treasure whose illustrious career has spanned decades, enchanting audiences with her incomparable talent and indomitable spirit. For many of us, she’s more than just an actress; she’s a fixture of our childhood, a constant presence on our screens.
10. Layi Wasabi Is a Comedic Genius
Nominated not once but twice in the fiercely competitive category of ‘Best Digital Content Creator,’ Layi Wasabi had already cemented his status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of online content. His unique blend of humour, wit, and infectious energy had endeared him to millions of fans across the globe, earning him a reputation as one of the brightest stars in the digital universe.
