8 AMVCA-nominated shows to binge this weekend

Nigeria’s biggest film and television award show, the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA), is upon us and you know it’s about to be lit!

This year, the organisers announced a week-long programme that included the Showmax-sponsored Digital Content Creators brunch, which had some of Nigeria’s most influential content creators in attendance, including Mr Macaroni, Taooma, Kie Kie, and Elozonam, among others.

As we count down to the awards night on Saturday, 14 May, we bring you a list of AMVCA-nominated shows you can binge on Showmax.

Venge

The Africa Magic series follows the life of Bibi, a young entrepreneur whose life is completely altered when she becomes the primary suspect in a money-laundering and murder case after she is set up by her fiancé.

During her incarceration, she is consumed by her desire for vengeance and will stop at nothing to ensure that her fiancé and his cohorts pay for their atrocities.

The series stars Uzomaka Aniunoh as Ibiba (Bibi) Darego and has been nominated in the category of best Africa Magic Original Drama Series.

Dilemma

Dilemma is a fan fave for all the right reasons. The drama series follows the life of Kaineto Anolue, an innocent young girl who is thrust into a fast-paced life of immense power, wealth, and violence after she murders her brute of a husband.

Kaineto has to make many sacrifices on her journey to power and success, and is fiercely protective of the ones she calls family, stopping at nothing to protect her own.

The series stars Treasure Johnson and Ghana Jollof star Joselyn Dumas as younger and older Kaineto respectively, and has been nominated in the category of Best Africa Magic Original Drama Series.

Watch Dilemma and thank us later!

Unmarried

Sex and the City meets The Bold Type would be our take on describing Unmarried to the uninitiated.

Unmarried follows the lives of Kamsi (Folu Stormz), Nengi (Venita Akpofure), and Funbi (Enado Odigie) as they help each other navigate careers, relationships, and life in general. Our favourite on-screen trio, as we fondly call them, are friendship goals and we are here for all of it.

The three-season series is as captivating as it is relatable and we absolutely love how salient issues that affect women are highlighted on the show.

The series has been nominated for the Best Africa Magic Original Drama Series so if you needed one more reason to check out the show, you got one.

The Rishantes

If you loved Halita, you’ll definitely love The Rishantes.

The spin-off, which premiered in 2021, follows the life of Halita, who is now a fully-fledged member of the Rishante clan. Her aunt, Matilda, has re-established herself as a competent politician and her father, Ade Rishante, handles the Rishante empire.

With new loved ones and a whole new family, as well as a handful of enemies, the battle to retain market dominance is fiercer than ever.

Also nominated for the Best Africa Magic Original Drama Series, Rishantes is certainly worth the watch.

Movement Japa

Naira Marley sure knew what he was saying when he sang “japa, japa, ja lo Canada” because we all know someone who has either japa-ed, or is planning to japa.

Even more interesting is the way the series Movement Japa beautifully captures the struggles of young Nigerians who are constantly trying to leave the country.

Set in Lagos, the series highlights the salient realities of emigration and how only a privileged few can afford to leave. Unfortunately, the less privileged have to make the treacherous journey through the Sahara desert and are often forced into a life of prostitution or crime to pay their way.

Starring talents like Gideon Okeke and Sambasa Nzeribe, this relatable series has been nominated for the Best Africa Magic Original Drama Series.

With these few points of ours, we hope we’ve been able to convince you that Movement Japa should be on your watchlist!

E.V.E

You know how there are some people who aspired to become lawyers just because they watched Suits? We dare say E.V.E is Nigeria’s answer to the hit legal drama.

If you’ve ever seen one of those Nigerian movies where all they do in court is shout “objection”, then you’ll have a better appreciation for E.V.E.

E.V.E is a drama series set in Lagos, Nigeria, and follows the trials and tribulations of Ezinne Veronica Ezenwa (aka E.V.E), a young female lawyer, who is trying to build her career and reputation while dealing with the prejudices faced by professional women in typical African society.

Nominated for the Best Africa Magic Original Drama Series, E.V.E should be on your watch list if you love legal drama series.

Riona

Fan favourite Riona is a thrilling insight into the world of pre-colonial Itsekiri kingdom.

It follows the life of King Otokun, who tries all that he can to avert the fulfilment of a prophecy that spells doom for him – his life is to be claimed by a child born under the rising of the dark moon.

However, destiny is not in his favour, as Tsema and Aghan, two children both born under the dark moon, wind a complicated path on their way to fulfil the prophesy foretold.

Starring talents such as veteran actresses Elvina Ibru and Najite Dede as well as Mimi Chaka and Frank Konwea, Riona has just the right dose of culture to keep you excited for the AMVCAS.

Enakhe

Set in modern-day Benin City, Enakhe tells the story of Epa Iwinosa, father of Enakhe and leader of “the association of friends” also known as “the table”, a small brotherhood that rules the underworld in Benin.

Epa took to crime after his friend’s child died due to a lack of funds. It also tells the story of Enakhe, who is kind, unassuming, and ignorant of her father’s dealings. Enakhe is unfit for a life of crime but in spite of this, she is destined to rule after Epa, who is unexpectedly killed.

Enakhe is nominated for a Best Africa Magic Original Drama Series award.