Since countries began to reopen after the COVID-19 brought the world to a halt in 2020, event red carpets have significantly become more interesting. People can gather again, and they have chosen to do it in grand style—the AMVCA, held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, is the latest instalment of that.

Having gone on a one-year hiatus, the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards returned with glitz and glam like never before. It was expected to be culture’s biggest night here in Africa, and the lofty expectations were met and surpassed almost immediately, right from when the red carpet, hosted by Toke Makinwa, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Uti Nwachukwu, and Ghana’s Sika Osei, received its first guest.

Red carpets are usually known for hosting women, especially, in their glory. This year, however, the AMVCA served a more balanced look-book as the men on the night gave the gorgeously-styled women a run for their money. The gala proper was not short of phenomenal. Hosted by multi-talented Nigerian media personality, IK Osakioduwa, and South Africa’s media darling, Bonang Matheba, the event kicked off with a characteristic energetic performance by Mama Africa herself, Yemi Alade. Another standout performance was a mashup by afro-fusion sensation, Rema, and legendary afrobeats musician, Lagbaja, serving as a high point on the night, bringing nostalgia on stage. Speaking of nostalgia, Taiwo Ajai- Lycett’s Industry Merit award win for her contribution to the industry through her role on Tinsel also caused the crowd to erupt in applause. However, the most hilarious moment of the night came after IK Osakioduwa, who had been roasting several Nollywood stars, told the audience that actor, Deyemi, had to become a real estate agent later got a 9-5 because the pandemic affected the film business. Then Deyemi, in a goofy Will Smith improvisation, yelled: “KEEP MY NAME OUT OF YOUR MOUTH!” as he tried to make his way onto the stage.

Big winners at the awards include Funke Akindele (best actress in a comedy, Omo Ghetto The Saga), Osas Ighodaro (best actress in a drama, Rattlesnake), Samuel “Broda Shaggi” Perry (Best Actor in a Comedy, Dwindle), Stan Eze (Best Actor in a Drama, Rattlesnake), Omowunmi Dada (Best Supporting Actress, Country Hard), Odunlade Adekola (Best Supporting Actor, Jankariwo), Ramsey Nouah (Best Director, Rattlesnake), Chukwuemeka “Mr Funny” Emmanuel Ejekwu (Best Online Content Creator, Oga Sabinus), Izu Ojukwu, Okey Ogunjiofor (Best Overall Movie, Amina), to name a few.

The prize transcends movie appreciation as guests were also recognised for their outfits in a special “Best Dressed” award. Nollywood actress, Osas Ighodaro, received recognition as the Best Dressed Female, while model, and Nollywood actor, Denola Grey, won the male category of the award; each carting away 500,000 naira.

Foreign representation was also present as Hollywood veterans; twin sisters Tasha and Sidra Smith, came to grace what will go down as a memorable night.

Kehindé Fagbule
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Self-identifies as a middle child between millennials and the gen Z, began writing as a 14 year-old. Born and raised in Lagos where he would go on to obtain a degree in the University of Lagos, he mainly draws inspiration from societal issues and the ills within. His "live and let live" mantra shapes his thought process as he writes about lifestyle from a place of empathy and emotional intelligence. When he is not writing, he is very invested in football and sociopolitical commentary on social media.