A worthy celebration of Africa's growing movie talent

The sixth edition of the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards has taken place and as usual, it was a celebration of the best movie talent Africa has to offer.

The show was hosted once again by IK Osakioduwa and the beautiful South African Minnie Dlamini-Jones. The AMVCA took place at Eko Hotel & Suites. By now, it is clear to see that IK Osakioduwa is the best host in the land.

His perfect balance of professionalism and humour is something all event hosts should aim for. The organizers of the AMVCA should make the host for life because it is hard to see anyone else who can do a better job.

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While award shows are known for starting late, the AMVCA once again showed that it is possible to be punctual. By 7 pm, the show started.

The introductory performance of the AMVCA this year was a dazzling display of South-South Nigerian culture. The dances and the costumes were beautiful and rightly set the tone for the evening's proceedings.

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Even though Governor of Lagos state, Akinwunmi Abode was not around for the event (he recorded a welcome speech), the night was not short of politicians. Controversial politician Senator Dino Melaye was in the house and IK did not fail to give him a humorous jab or two.

Early into the award ceremony, Nollywood movie 'TATU' set the pace as one of the night's biggest winners.

Shot in scenic locations across Lagos and Ibadan, the movie 'TATU' is a contemporary take on the classic African epic adventure story, a fast-paced action drama centred around the conflict arising from a mother’s quest to have a child and all the complications that followed.

The movie features a strong mix of veterans and bankable Nollywood stars such as Segun Arinze Desmond Elliott, Toyin Abraham, Gabriel Afolayan, Rahama Sadau, Sambaza Nzeribe, Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi, Hafiz Oyetoro (Saka), Frank Dunga and a host of others.

The movie took home took home four awards in the Best Sound Editor, Best Lighting Designer Movie/TV Series, Best Make-Up Artist Movie/TV Series, and Best Soundtrack Movies/TV Series categories respectively.

Nigerian singer and actress Bisola won the Trail Blazer Award. She easily had the best acceptance speech as surprise and shock was written all over her face.

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The Industry Merit Award rightfully went to Nollywood giant Tunde Kelani. The iconic filmmaker was not around to collect his award but another legend Segun Odegbami helped him receive the honour.

The AMVCA celebrates the best of African talent in the movie industry. The award for the best overall movie went to '18 Hours', a Kenyan movie. Ghanaian actor Adjetey Anang won the Best Actor category and Kenyan actress Nyce Wanjeri won the Best Actress in a Comedy and TV series for her role in 'Auntie Boss'.

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From the Nigerian perspective, the big winners of the night were Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde who finally won her first AMVCA. She took home the Best Actress in a Drama/TV Series for 'Alter Ego'.

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Actor and fan favourite Odunlade Adekola won the Best Actor in a Comedy award. Also, Jade Osiberu won the Best Director category for 'Isoken'.

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The funniest award presentation has to go to Charles Inojie who re-enacted his viral 'Na dem dey rush us' skit on stage.

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Falz, Adekunle Gold and Bisola all gave lovely performances but the maverick singer, songwriter and producer Cobhams Asuquo got a standing ovation for remixing his single 'One Hit'.

As the curtain falls on another AMVCA, we must remember that this is a celebration of the dynamic movie talent in our continent. It is not yet perfect but it is worth celebrating.