Stars Shine at the Maiden Edition of Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards

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