10 exciting highlights from #AMVCA7

The seventh edition of the Africa Movies Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) was held at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, Nigeria and as usual, the event attracted some of the biggest filmmakers on the continent.

Hosted by previous Big Brother Africa host, IK Osakioduwa and Kenyan media personality, Amina Abdi Rabar, the AMVCAs are available for replay on Showmax, as well as all the red carpet moments that left us gasping for air!

Here are 10 exciting highlights from the seventh AMVCAs.

1.The hosts for the night

The MCs of any event play a huge role in its success, and in many ways, #AMVCA7 owes its seamless flow to the duo of IK and Amina. The pair had great energy and delivered witty dialogue, dressed in beautiful outfits, all of which kept the audience entertained.

2. The choreography from Dance Na The Main Thing (DNTMT)

The show kicked off with a dance piece from Nigerian dance group, DNTMT and what was even more interesting was that all the songs the group performed were nominees for Best Soundtrack. They also topped things off with a dialogue from Kemi Adetiba’s King of Boys which was also a nominee in several categories including Best Director and Best Movie.

3. Beverly Naya’s Best Documentary win

It was with great excitement that Iretiola Doyle presented the Best Documentary award to fellow actress, Beverly Naya. Through the years, Beverly has made a name for herself as an actress in Nollywood, and last year she took a slightly different direction by producing a documentary focused on black skin and the effects of bleaching which fetched her the award. Recalling the scepticism she’d faced in her journey while giving her acceptance speech, Beverly said: “they said to me ‘Can we stop making Beverly Naya happen’, here I am, thank you, Jesus”.

4. CJ Obasi’s mother takes the stage for her son

It was both an emotional and funny moment when C.J Obasi’s mother took to the stage after her son was announced as the Best Screenwriter award winner for the movie Living in Bondage alongside Nicole Asinugo. Despite the fact that she didn’t get the chance to give a speech, she broke into a song and dance even as she was being ushered off the stage.

5. IK Osakioduwa and Cobhams Asuquo’s skit

Another standout moment from the show would be the skit from IK and Cobhams. Backing IK’s vocals with his piano, the duo delivered a hilarious skit that included paying tribute to Nollywood veterans, as well as poking fun at the likes of AY’s Merry Men and Naira Marley.

6. The return of Big Brother Naija stars

Big Brother Naija season 4 stars made quite the appearance at the AMVCA awards much to the delight of their fans. Kicking things off was Seyi Awolowo who presented the Best Art Director award alongside Unbroken actress, Debbie Felix. Sir Dee, Diane and Venita also all presented various awards. However, the ultimate BBNaija 4 moment emerged when Mercy and Mike won the Best Dressed Male and Female awards respectively.

7. Peter Igho and son both win awards

Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) veteran, Peter Igho and his son provided one of the most emotional moments of the evening when both father and son picked awards. Peter was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award and he was accompanied on stage by his son, Tosin who had earlier gotten the Best Picture Editor award for his movie, Seven. 

8. Stanley ‘Funnybone’ Chibuna wins Best Actor Comedy award

It was an explosion of emotions as comedian Funnybone was announced the winner of the Best Actor in a Comedy award. The funnyman was accompanied on stage by his mentors, Julius Agwu and Yaw as well as an entourage of comedians and well-wishers. While delivering his acceptance speech, he broke down in tears as he recalled the passing of his mother.

9. 2Face Idibia reminds us why he’s regarded as a living legend

2Face reminded us of the veteran he is as he performed a medley of his hit songs including his latest single with Wizkid, ‘Opo’. Performing alongside a live band, he got the crowd rocking to his songs as he weaved through the audience.

10. Dakore Egbuson Akande presents Best Actor award to her brother, Timini

The highlight of the night was when Nollywood actress and Ultimate Love co-host, Dakore, announced the winner of the Best Actor award. Visibly shaking as she opened the envelope, Dakore screamed out her brother’s name and in turn, Timini excitedly took to the stage to receive the award from his older sister, culminating in one of the most emotional moments of the evening.  

Watch the AMVCAs on Showmax, as well as all the red carpet moments.