The 11th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) took place on Saturday night in Lagos, Nigeria, drawing some of the biggest names in African film and television to celebrate excellence across the industry.
Hosted by IK Osakioduwa, the ceremony recognised winners in 28 categories, including a new one — Best Music Score.
One of the biggest winners of the night was Lisabi: The Uprising, a historical drama produced by and starring Lateef Adedimeji. The film, which tells the story of an Egba farmer’s resistance against the oppressive Alaafin of Oyo in the 1800s, won Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa), Best Art Direction, and Best Makeup. Adedimeji and his wife, Adebimpe Oyebade, who also starred in the film, dedicated the wins to God and their team.
Despite Lisabi’s strong showing, the coveted Best Movie category went to Freedom Way, directed by Afolabi Olalekan. The 2024 action thriller, produced by Blessing Uzzi, takes on themes such as police brutality, corruption, and youth oppression in Nigeria. It beat other major contenders like Skeleton Coast, Suspicion, and House of Ga’a.
Netflix’s supernatural series Seven Doors, created by Femi Adebayo, also had a strong night. The show, which follows a cursed monarch, won Best Lead Actor (Femi Adebayo), Best Lead Actress (Chioma Chukwuka), and Best Music Score (Tolu Obanro).
Veteran actors Nkem Owoh and Sani Mu’azu were honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards, while director Kayode Kasum received the Trailblazer Award for his growing contributions to African storytelling.
The night was lit up with performances from Nigerian Idol Season 9 winner Chima, Johnny Drille, and viral sensations Fido, Kunmie, and Serotonin.
Here are some of the key wins from AMVCA 2025:
Best Movie: Freedom Way
Best Lead Actor: Femi Adebayo (Seven Doors)
Best Lead Actress: Chioma Chukwuka (Seven Doors)
Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa):Lisabi: The Uprising
Best Makeup: Lisabi: The Uprising
Best Editing: Inkabi (Tongai Furusa)
Best Costume Design: Christmas in Lagos
Best Supporting Actor: Gabriel Afolayan (Inside Life)
Best Supporting Actress: Mercy Aigbe (Farmer’s Bride)
Best Music Score: Tolu Obanro for Seven Doors
Best Digital Content Creator: Iyo Prosper Adokiye
Best Documentary: Mai DùnDún – Ifeoluwa
Best Short Film: Brukaci
Best Scripted M-Net Original: My Fairytale Wedding
Best Unscripted M-Net Original: Nigerian Idol (Season 9)
The 2025 AMVCA highlighted a bold new era for African cinema and television, celebrating the stories that continue to redefine the continent’s creative landscape.
