Photo credit: Daily post Nigeria

Eniola Olagunju

The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) has now become something more over the years – instead of just being an awards night, it has become a culture in itself. Each year, hosted jointly by Africa Magic and MultiChoice, the AMVCA has been celebrating excellence in television and films across the African continent, rewarding the best of the best in acting, direction, scriptwriting, cinematography, digital content, and much more.

Since its inception in 2013, the AMVCA has evolved into one of the highest-rated entertainment affairs in Africa. It’s a platform that not only honors creative genius but honors African identity, fashion, and storytelling. It brings together every year the biggest stars on the continent in sparkling, culturally-sophisticated clothing. And if you imagine it as the Met Gala of Africa, you wouldn’t be wrong.The 11th edition, which was held between May 7 and 10, 2025, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, stayed true to its tradition — daring, gorgeous, and splendidly African.

A Cultural Night to Remember

The festivities started with the AMVCA Cultural Night on May 9, and what a night it was. A celebration of heritage through and through, the evening was a glorious presentation of African tradition, music, dance, and — of course — fashion. Celebrities wore jaw-dropping traditional attires: from the intricately embellished agbadas to the royal isiagus, and beautiful beadworks to delicate aso-oke. It was an arena of Africa’s vibrant cultures. Designers like Veekee James, Deola Sagoe, Tubo, Ugo Monye, and Toyin Lawani (Tiannah’s Empire) performed magic, producing pieces that blended ancestral influence with modern design allure. The result? An awe-inspiring tapestry of colour, culture, and pride.

Award Night: A Toast to Excellence

The May 10 highlight ceremony was hosted by the ever-high IK Osakioduwa, and the occasion brought together the crème de la crème of African television and film. There was laughter, cheers, tear-jerking speeches, and quite a number of unforgettable wins.

Some of the biggest highlights:

Best Actor in a Drama: Femi Adebayo for Seven Doors — a commanding performance full of depth and emotion. Best Actress in a Drama: Chioma Chukwuka for Seven Doors, cementing her reputation as one of Nollywood’s finest. Best Film: Freedom Way, making an impact with its unapologetic script and stunning photography. Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa): Lisabi: The Uprising, praised for its richness in culture and richness in history.Lifetime Achievement Awards: Nkem Owoh and Sani Mu’azu, honored for their legendary contributions to African cinema.Trailblazer Award: Kayode Kasum, for paving the way and opening up new narratives to Nollywood. Best Digital Content Creator: Iyo Prosper Adokiye, for her comedically engaging skits and creativeness that have taken over the digital platform.The year also saw the introduction of a new category: Best Music Score — an homage to the growing importance of music in films. Tolu Obanro won the first prize for his excellent score in the supernatural horror film Seven Doors.

Fashion and the Theme of Nature

No AMVCA is ever complete without red carpet magic, and 2025’s “Nature” theme coaxed out some of the most original and floor-stopping fashion ever at the event. Best Dressed Female: Liquorose caused tongues to wag in a robotic silver Prudential Atelier gown, bedecked with flowered details and a sculptural headpiece. Best Dressed Male: Akin Faminu was floored in a flower-embroidered jacket by Deji & Kola, paired with a vintage fedora and scarf.Their style didn’t just steal hearts — it stole the Amstel Malta Best Dressed MVP titles and ₦1 million each. Other standouts in style were: Osas Ighodaro in a sea-themed masterpiece by Veekee James, capturing the spirit of water and earth, Ini Edo in a bohemian, floral dress by Tubo, balancing sophistication with a tough, natural edge and Toke Makinwa and Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, both dressed by Swanky Jerry, were statement fashion that screamed luxury, colour, and personality.

Shining a Light on African Designers

This year’s style was not about the celebrities — it was about the designers who made them shine. The designers took Africa’s spirit and infused it into fabric, turning classic designs into modern art.Designers that lit up the red carpet included:Tubo – master of sculpted, refined forms, Veekee James – legendary for high drama and dramatic silhouettes, Deji & Kola – masters of classy men’s attire, Prudential Atelier – where tradition meets ingenuity, Ugo Monye – fusing African heritage with modern style and Tianah’s Empire (Toyin Lawani) – always bold, always unforgettable. Their creativity proved that African fashion is not only thriving — it’s at the forefront.

A Celebration of African Identity

AMVCA 2025 was not merely an awards night; it was a celebration of African identity — who we are as creators, dreamers, and storytellers. From the red carpet splendor to the record-breaking victory, the evening was a celebration of the resilience of African voices and the richness of our cultural heritage. As Nollywood and African creatives get to tell their stories to the world, the AMVCA remains a model of what is possible when talent meets opportunity and when culture is put at the forefront.