April 28, 2025 – Lagos, Nigeria
The anticipation is building as the highly anticipated 8th Annual Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) gears up to take center stage, celebrating the very best in African film, television, and entertainment. Set to take place on Saturday, May 10, 2025, the event promises an unforgettable evening of glitz, glamour, and recognition of the creative forces shaping the African entertainment industry.
The AMVCAs, which have quickly become one of the continent’s premier awards ceremonies, recognize outstanding achievements in a variety of categories, including Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Film, Best Director, and many others. The awards have grown into a key platform for promoting African culture and storytelling, showcasing a diverse array of talent across the continent.
A Star-Studded Affair
This year’s ceremony will be held at the prestigious Eko Convention Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, and promises to bring together an impressive lineup of celebrities, industry professionals, and fans from across Africa. As always, the AMVCAs will feature a star-studded red carpet, where actors, directors, producers, and musicians will dazzle in their finest ensembles.
Expect a captivating show, with live performances, exciting award presentations, and special guest appearances. Celebrities from both the Nollywood and broader African film industries are expected to attend, with some of the biggest names in entertainment vying for top honors.
Nominations: Celebrating the Best in African Film and TV
This year’s nominations reflect the growing diversity and innovation within the African entertainment landscape. From Nollywood blockbusters to groundbreaking series on pan-African streaming platforms, the nominees span a wide range of genres, including drama, comedy, and thriller, with a strong representation from countries like Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, and Uganda.
Leading the nominations this year is “The Queen’s Rise”, a captivating historical drama that tells the tale of a powerful African queen in the 18th century. The film has garnered 8 nominations, including Best Film and Best Director, with lead actors Ngozi Ezeonu and Femi Adebayo both nominated for Best Actress and Best Actor respectively.
Following closely behind is “Echoes of the Past”, a moving family drama about generational trauma, which has earned 7 nominations. The film’s director, Ama K. Abebrese, is vying for Best Director, and lead actor John Dumelo is competing for the coveted Best Actor award.
On the TV side, the popular South African series “Tides of Destiny” has picked up 6 nominations, while the Nigerian sitcom “Family Matters” is a contender in multiple categories, including Best Comedy TV Show and Best Writer.
A Changing Industry
The AMVCAs also serve as a mirror of the evolving African entertainment industry. Over the past few years, the growth of streaming platforms like Showmax, Netflix, and Prime Video has helped African film and television break into global markets. This year’s AMVCAs recognize the role of these platforms, with several nominated works making their debut on these international streaming services.
Notably, the category for Best African Digital Content has garnered considerable attention, as online platforms and social media have created a new wave of talent and creativity, especially among young filmmakers and content creators. This marks an exciting shift in how African talent is consumed and appreciated worldwide.
Diversity and Representation
In 2025, the AMVCA will continue its commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity. New categories such as Best Indigenous Film and Best Cross-Cultural Production highlight the growing importance of representing Africa’s rich cultural tapestry. The inclusion of languages like Swahili, Zulu, and Yoruba in film and TV productions will be celebrated as the industry continues to embrace its heritage while reaching new global audiences.
This year also brings an emphasis on women in film, with several female directors, producers, and writers among the nominees. The role of women in African cinema has been pivotal in reshaping narratives, and the AMVCAs aim to amplify their voices and contributions to the industry.
The Impact of the AMVCAs
The AMVCAs are more than just an awards ceremony—they are a celebration of African culture, talent, and the power of storytelling. As the African entertainment industry continues to grow and capture global attention, the AMVCAs serve as a benchmark for excellence. The awards bring together industry leaders, influencers, and fans to reflect on the progress made and the work still to be done to elevate African cinema to even greater heights.
With the global film industry increasingly looking to Africa for fresh, innovative storytelling, the 2025 AMVCAs are poised to be a milestone event, heralding the next wave of African filmmakers and stars ready to leave their mark on the world.
Tickets and Viewing Information
The 8th Annual AMVCA will be broadcast live across Africa Magic channels on DSTV and GOtv, with additional streaming available on digital platforms. Fans can also tune in for behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and red carpet highlights on social media using the official hashtag, #AMVCA2025.
Tickets for the event are available for purchase on the official AMVCA website, with special VIP packages offering exclusive access to the after-party and meet-and-greets with celebrities and industry insiders.
As the excitement builds for this year’s awards, one thing is clear: The AMVCAs continue to be the heartbeat of African cinema, shining a spotlight on the stories, talent, and voices that define the continent’s entertainment industry.
