It was lights, camera, action at the 2014 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards which kicked off at the Eko Hotel with all of Lagos’ paparazzi on the red carpet. Africa’s stylishly dressed guests were interviewed by Eku Edewor and Denrele for Dstv’s Studio 53. Their efforts were complimented by the fashion police team; Uti Nwachukwu (Jara) and Isabella Akinseye (Dstv.com) as well as Mashariki Mix hosts Nick Mutuma and Sarah Hassan. It was a plethora of big bold African designs as well as chic delicate contemporary pieces for the ladies. The gentlemen on the other hand mainly played it safe with black but the few who dared to be different stood out in white and blue suits with a dash of colour.
Biola Alabi, MD, Special Projects said, “The 2014 AMVCAs is a big celebration for the best of Africa.” She thanked Amstel Malta for their support and said that the AMVCAs would continue to recognise and reward African filmmakers for their hard work.
Hosted by IK Osakioduwa, Osas Ighodaro and Vimbai Mutinhiri, the show opened with a riveting musical performance from the cast of Kakadu. Barabara Minishi started off the winners’ roll call with Best Art Director award for her work in Nairobi Half Life. Other winners included Dr Gilbert Chigbo (Deadwood); Walter Waltbanger Taylaur (The Wages) and Amarachuku Onoh (Mother Tongue). The best comedy acts went to Funke Akindele (The Return of Sheri Koko) and Osita Iheme (The Hero). Coincidentally, both acts were nominated more than once in their category. Elvis Chucks’ A Wish won Best Movie Comedy.
To add to the glitz and glamour of the night, the audience were entertained with performances from top Nigerian musical acts; Bez, Flavour, Davido, Waje and Cobhams. The star studded event had the crème de la crème of Nollywood and Ghollywood in attendance including Genevieve Nnaji, Majid Michel, Mercy Johnson, Ramsey Nouah and Kate Henshaw.
In the drama category, Frank Rajah Arase’s The Groom’s Bride won Best Movie while Nse Ikpe-Etim and Tope Tedela were voted best acts.
The winning streak continued for Nairobi Half Life which picked up awards in Best Make-up Artist and Best Cinematographer. Flower Girl’s brother and sister duo (Jigi and Michelle Bello) picked up awards for Best Writer of a Comedy and Trailblazer which included a Hyundai car. Bikiya Graham-Douglas made it a third for the movie with her Best Supporting Actress award.
Osas and Vimbai took time out to wish all the gorgeous women a Happy International Women’s Day. It was also the birthday of Multichoice Nigeria Managing Director John Ugbe, who presented the New Era Award (which came with a free holiday to Dubai) to Rita Dominic.
Africa was well represented with Zambia’s Love Games winning the Best Television Drama. In the Indigenous categories, Mama Duka (Swahili), Komfo (Yoruba) and Habib (Hausa) emerged winners. Also making the 2014 AMVCA winners’ list were Chiemela Nwagboso (Costume Design), Desmond Elliot (Best Supporting Actor), and Obi Emelonye and Luke Corradine (Best Sound Editor).
However, the biggest winners of the night were Shirley Frimpong Manso (Best Writer of a Drama, Best Video Editor, Best Director) and The Contract (Best Picture). In honour of his contributions to the growth of the Nigerian film and TV industry, Pete Edochie was presented with the much coveted Industry Merit Award which came with a Hyundai jeep. The award was received on his behalf by his son Yul Edochie. The show ended with another colourful and energetic performance by the cast of Kakadu.
Story: Isabella Akinseye
FULL LIST OF WINNERS
Best Movie 2013: Shirley Frimpong-Manso, Yvonne Okoro & Ken Attoh – The Contract
Best Movie Drama: Frank Rajah Arase – The Groom’s Bride
Best Movie Comedy: Elvis Chucks – A Wish
Best Movie Director: Shirley Frimpong-Manso – The Contract
Best Actress in a Drama: Nse Ikpe-Etim – Journey to Self
Best Actor in a Drama: Tope Tedela – A Mile From Home
Best Supporting Actress: Bikiya Graham-Douglas – Flower Girl
Best Supporting Actor: Desmond Elliot – Finding Mercy
Best Actress in a Comedy: Funke Akndele – Return of Sheri Koko
Best Actor in a Comedy: Osita Iheme – The Hero
Best Television Series Comedy/Drama: Catherine Phiri – Love Games Episode 6
Best Short Film: Walter “Waltbanger” Taylaur – The Wages
Best Documentary: Dr. Gilbert Chigbo (Narrator) – The Deadwood
Best Indigenous Language Movie/Series (Swahili): Njoki Muhoho – Mama Duka
Best Indigenous Language Movie/Series (Yoruba): Mercy Aigbe – Komfo
Best Indigenous Language Movie/Series (Hausa): Abba Muko Yakassai – Habib
Best Online Video: Amarachukwu Onoh – Mother Tongue
Best Writer (Drama): Shirley Frimpong-Manso & Hertey Owusu – The Contract
Best Writer (Comedy): Jigi Bello – Flower Girl
Best Cinematographer: Christian Almesberger – Nairobi Half Life
Best Art Director: Barbara Minishi – Nairobi Half Life
Best Sound Editor: Obi Emelonye & Luke Corradine – Last Flight to Abuja
Best Video Editor: Shirley Frimpong-Manso – The Contract
Best Lighting Designer: Mohammed Zain – Nairobi Half Life
Best Costume Design: Chiemela Nwagboso – The Kingdom
Best Make-up Artist: Elayne Okaya – Nairobi Half Life
Industry Merit Award: Pete Edochie
Trailblazer Award: Michelle Bello
New Era Award: Rita Dominic
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