The 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), held on May 10, 2025, at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, was a dazzling celebration of African cinema, television, and digital storytelling. The star-studded event, hosted by the charismatic Ik Osakioduwa, brought together the continent’s brightest talents for a night filled with glamour, emotion, and well-deserved recognition.
This year’s AMVCA honored works released between January 1 and December 31, 2024, across 28 categories, blending 16 non-voting, 10 audience-voting, and two special recognition awards—Lifetime Achievement and Trailblazer. The red carpet, kicking off at 4 PM, was a spectacle of African fashion, with celebrities like Mercy Eke, Nana Akua Addo, and Laura Ikeji stunning in ethereal white, gold, and silver gowns, while others, like Blaqboi Victor and Prince Nelson Enwerem, paid homage to their cultural roots with regal tribal attire. The cultural night prior set the tone, showcasing vibrant displays of African heritage that flooded social media platform X with pride and admiration.
On the awards front, Lisabi: The Uprising and Seven Doors emerged as the night’s biggest winners, sweeping multiple categories. Femi Adebayo delivered the evening’s most heartfelt moment, breaking down in tears as he accepted the Best Lead Actor award for his riveting role as Adedunjoye in Seven Doors, beating out strong contenders like Gideon Okeke (Tokunbo), Stan Nze (Suspicion), and Adedimeji Lateef (Lisabi: The Uprising). The Best Lead Actress race was equally fierce, with Chioma Chukwuka and Uzoamaka Aniunoh standing out for their powerful performances in Seven Doors and Phoenix Fury, respectively, though the winner sparked heated debates online.
Films like Skeleton Coast, House of Ga’a, and Freedom Way also shone brightly, earning nods for Best Movie and Best Director, while Farmer’s Bride was praised for its stellar production and acting. The awards weren’t without controversy—X posts buzzed with criticism, calling the event “boring” and pointing to teleprompter issues, absent winners, and perceived “politics” in selections. Some users rated the show a mere 3/10, citing poor presenter rehearsals and a lack of energy, while others lauded the creativity and fashion on display, dubbing it a “standout event.”
Performances by Johnny Drille, Fido, Serotonin, and Kunmie added soulful vibes, though some felt the tribute to departed industry icons was marred by poor camera work. Despite the mixed sentiments, the AMVCA 2025 reaffirmed its status as Africa’s premier entertainment platform, celebrating the resilience, creativity, and diversity of the continent’s storytellers. As one social media user on X put it, “AMVCA is part fashion week, part film fest, and all-out fun,” encapsulating the night’s electric spirit.
