Last week, the city of Lagos, precisely Eko Hotel and Suites, was evaded by stars and key players in the African film industry for the much anticipated Africa Magic Movie Viewers’ Choice Awards. The night was to honor those who have excelled in the business (backed by popular votes). The Awards night was preceded days earlier by a launch which attracted some old and known faces like Jackie Appiah, Genevieve Nnaji, Rita Dominic, and Nadia Buari among others.
Like the Oscars and Emmys, the event began with a Pre red carpet show hosted by African Magic Host Helen Paul (also a standup comedian) and Uti Nwachukwu (Jara), Dolapo Oni and Eku Edewor (53 Extra), Lawrence Maleka (StarGist) plus Nic Wang’ Ondu and Sarah Hassan (Mashariki Mix).
The African filmmakers took to the red carpet in grand style. Many chose to stick to their roots by rocking beautiful designer gowns and apparel by some of Africa’s finest designers. The red carpet event was the hallmark of the show as many of the stars came all out for the event (one feature which had been absent in previous African Movie awards shows). This goes to prove that indeed African show business has come of age. The real stunner of the event was Genevieve Nnaji who managed to pull off two beautiful designer gowns by Bridget Awosika on the same day.
The main event was hosted by Big Brother IK Osakioduwa and Stargist's Vimbai Mintihiri. The night was also brought to life with some beautiful refreshing music from Legendary Nigerian Afro-beat King Femi Kuti and his band, Iyanya, Tiwa Savage and Ghana’s soulful songstress Efya. The high point of the show was when the winners of the show took their turns on stage in their well-rehearsed acceptance speeches.
Majid Michel, Desmond Elliot, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Richard Mofe Damijo( RMD), Stephanie Okereke Linus were on hand to give the awards away to their respective winners.
Movie stars also present there include Mercy Johnson, Jim Iyke, Funke Akindele, Tunde Kelani, Olu Jacob, Oc Ukeje,Liz Benson, Akin Omotosho, Damilola Adegbite and many more.
Click here to view more pictures from the event!
Below is the full list of winners that night:
Best Actor – Drama (Movies/TV)
OC Ukeje – Two Brides and a Baby
Best Actress – Drama (Movies/TV)
Jackie Appiah – Perfect Picture
Best Supporting Actor – Drama (Movies/TV)
Matthew Nabwiso – A Good Catholic Girl
Best Supporting Actress – Drama (Movies/TV)
Maureen Koech – Lies that Bind
Best Actor – Comedy (Movies/TV)
Hafiz Oyetoro – House a Part
Best Actress – Comedy (Movies/TV)
Mercy Johnson – Dumebi the Dirty Girl
Best Costume Designer
Ngozi Obasi – The Mirror Boy
Best Short Film
Ngendo Mukii – Yellow Fever
Best Writer – Comedy
Tim Greene – Skeem
Best Sound Editor
Michael Botha & Joel Assaizky – Man on Ground
Best Movie Director
Obi Emelonye – The Mirror Boy
Best Lighting Designer
Dave Howe – Otelo Burning
Best Art Director
Anita van Hemert & Chantel Carter – Otelo Burning
Best Movie (Comedy)
Tim Greene – Skeem
Best Picture Editor
Aryan Kaganof – Man on Ground
Best Movie (Drama)
Akin Omotoso/Fabian Adeoye Lojede/Hakeem Kae-Kazim/Rosie Motene – Man on Ground
Best Local Language Movie (Yoruba)
Tunde Kelani – Maami
Best Local Language Movie (Hausa)
A. Ali/Hafizu Bello – Faida Nura
Best Local Langauge Movie (Swahili)
Sameer Srivastava/Sanjni Srivastava – The Ray of Hope
Best Writer (Drama)
Obi Emelonye/Amaka Obi-Emelonye – The Mirror Boy
Best Television Series
Godffrey Mwampembwa/Marie Lora-Mungai – The XYZ Show
Best Cinematographer
Paul Michelson – Man on Ground
Best Make-Up Artist
Jacqui Bannermen – Otelo Burning
Best Movie
Sara Blecher – Otelo Burning
Industry Trailblazer Award
Ivie Okujaiye
Industry Merit Award
Olu Jacobs
