The 2020 edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) held on Saturday.
The biggest winner of the night was Ramsey Nuoah’s directorial debut, “Living in Bondage: Breaking Free.” The sequel to the 1992 film, “Living Bondage” received accolades in the “Best Cinematographer,” “Best Soundtrack,” “Best Writer,” “Best Movie West Africa,” “Best Director,” and “Best Overall Movie” categories. “Living in Bondage: Breaking Free” lead actor, Swanky J.K.A also received the “Trailblazer Award.”
A major highlight of the 2020 AMVCA was the presentation of the “Industry Merit Award” now known as the “Legend Award” to veteran broadcaster, Peter Igho.
Mr Igho is the brainchild behind several shows of the golden era of Nigerian television in the eighties and nineties. He was at the centre of several prime-time television shows including; “Cock Crow at Dawn,” “Second Chance,” and “Behind the Clouds.” He also adapted regional shows including; “Samanja” from the north, “New Masquerede” (east), “The Village Headmaster” (west) and “Mirror in the Sun” from Lagos, for national broadcast on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). He created characters that became household names and stars such as Pete Edochie from “Things Fall Apart” who are Nollywood icons today. He has handed over the baton to his son Tosin. Tosin Igho is the director of the movie “Seven” and winner of the “Best Picture Editor” award for the movie “Elevator Baby.”
The night also had its fair share of emotional moments. Notably the proud-sister moment of Dakore Akande when she presented the “Best Actor” award to her brother Timini Egbuson and when Chibunna “Funny Bone” Stanley broke into tears whilst receiving the award for “Best Actor in a Comedy.”
With the awards now in its seventh year, it wasn’t without additions. The 2020 AMVCA featured performances from original score and soundtrack nominees. But one cannot talk about the three hour-long event without mentioning the very cheeky yet highly entertaining performance by host IK Osakioduwa and musician and producer, Cobhams Asuquo.
Similarly, there were a few slip-ups. Due to poor time management, the end of the awards ceremony was rushed. It did not allow winners like Swanky J.K.A to enjoy their moment. More so, for a seventh edition one did not except such shoddy styling of the female host, Kenyan media personality, Amina Abdi Rabar. Not that the event organisers can be held responsible for that, it’s just sad because it detracted from an otherwise excellent delivery from Amina.
Here’s the full list of 2020 AMVCA winners:
- Best Makeup Category – Lilian Omozele Paul (God Calling)
- Best Costume Designer – Dimeji Ajibola (Ratnik)
- Best Picture Editor – Tosin Igho and Byryan Dike (Elevator Baby)
- Best Sound Editor (Movie/TV Series) – Cristina Aragon (Living in Bondage)
- Best Lighting and Designer (Movie/TV Series) – Cardoso (God Calling)
- Best Cinematographer – John Demps (Living in Bondage)
- Best Documentary – Beverly Naya (Skin)
- Best Soundtrack (Movie/TV Series) – Larry Gaaga and Flavour (Living in Bondage)
- Best Writer (Movie/TV Series) – Asinogu Nicole and CJ Obasi (Living in Bondage)
- Best Indigenous Language (Movie/TV Series) Swahili – Raveet Sippy Chadha (Subira)
- Best Indigenous Language (Movie/TV Series) Hausa – Muhammad T. Finisher (Tuntube)
- Best Indigenous Language Movie/TV Series Yoruba – Yewande Famakin (Alubarika)
- Best Indigenous Language Movie/TV Series Igbo – Victor Iyke (Nne)
- Best TV Series Drama/Comedy) – Anis Halloway (Truth)
- Best Short Film or Online Video – Bola ‘Enigma’ Akanbi (Thorn)
- Best Multichoice Talent Factory Film – Promises (East Africa)
- Best Movie Southern Africa – Dalitso (Abraham Kabwe)
- Best Movie East Africa – Plan B (Sarah Hassan)
- Best Movie West Africa – Living in Bondage (Steve Gukas)
- Industry Merit Award – Peter Igho
- Best Supporting Actress in a Movie or TV Series – Gloria sarfo (The Perfect Picture: 10 Years Later)
- Best Supporting Actor in a Movie or TV Series – Pascal Tokodi (Disconnect)
- Best Actress in a Comedy (Movie/TV Series) – Funke Akindele (Moms At War)
- Best Actor in a Comedy (Movie or TV Series) – Chibunna “Funny Bone” Stanley (Smash)
- Best Actress in a Drama (Movie/TV Series) – Toyin Abraham (Elevator Baby)
- Best Actor in a Drama (Movie/TV Series) – Timini Egbuson (Elevator Baby)
- Best Dressed Male – Mike Edwards
- Best Dressed Male – Mercy Eke
- Trailblazer Award – Swanky J.K.A
- Best Director – Ramsey Noah (Living in Bondage)
- Overall Movie – Living in Bondage
