Showmax Original Untying Kantai shines at the 11th AMVCAs

Showmax Original Untying Kantai emerged victorious at the 11^th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, scooping the Best Writing TV Series gong and asserting East Africa’s dominance.  

The awards ceremony, held at the prestigious Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, celebrated the best in African film and television, honouring Untying Kantai for its outstanding storytelling, remarkable performances, and impactful production quality. 

Reacting to the win, Phil It Productions’ Phillip Karanja, who served as director, said: “What an honour to see Untying Kantai take home the award for Best Scripted TV Show. As one of the directors of this powerful story, I’m incredibly proud of the entire team that poured their hearts into every frame. This win is a testament to what happens when vision meets collaboration and none of it would be possible without the incredible team behind the scenes and in front of the camera. Huge shoutout to Africa Magic and Showmax for championing African stories and giving us a stage to shine on. And to the fans, thank you for riding with us. You are the real MVPs!” 

Series writer Abel Mutua added, “I couldn’t be prouder to have headed the brilliant writing team behind this powerhouse of a show. Massive shoutout to Africa Magic and Showmax for creating a platform that celebrates African storytelling at its finest. This win is not just ours, it’s a win for every dreamer, every writer, every creative across the continent grinding to tell our stories with truth and heart. To the entire Untying Kantai cast and crew, thank you for the magic. To the fans, this one’s for you!” 

Watch the trailer for Untying Kantai

Untying Kantai is a 13-part dramedy series that follows Kantai (Benson Ojuwa, County 49), who stumbles on a lucrative but illegal business opportunity, and against his better judgement, dives headfirst into a world of danger and deceit. 

The show also stars Kalasha Award winner Pascal Tokodi (Selina), Kalasha Award nominee Blessing Lung’aho (Bwana Chairman), Kora Awards winner Silayio (Nafsi), Sanchez Ombasa (Faithless), Francis Ouma (Volume), Keith Chuaga (Jiji), Andrew Muthure (Mother-in-Law), Mercy Mutisya (Kina), Dennis Mugo (Tahidi High), and Mary Mwikali (Second Family). 

The Phil It Production duo also won in the Best Indigenous Language Film (East Africa) category for 2024’s Makosa Ni Yangu. 

Over and above these wins, Showmax was also nominated for its groundbreaking Kenyan sci-fi Subterranea in the Best Indigenous M-Net Original category for Brian Munene and Likarion Wainaina.  

First held in March 2013 in Lagos, the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards continues to bring together outstanding actors, directors, and producers from across the continent, this year with Kenya firmly in the spotlight. 

For the full list of winners across all categories, please visit the AMVCA Season 11 page here: http://www.africamagic.tv/AMVCA