The 2025 edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) dazzled audiences across the continent as it celebrated excellence in African film and television. Among the biggest winners of the night was Lisabi, the critically acclaimed historical drama that swept three major categories, solidifying its place as one of the year’s most impactful productions.

Held at the prestigious Eko Convention Centre in Lagos on Saturday, May 3, the awards ceremony brought together a vibrant mix of movie stars, directors, producers, and fans in an evening filled with glamour, emotional speeches, and powerful storytelling. Hosted by media darling Nancy Isime and Ghanaian actor Mawuli Gavor, the event marked its 11th edition with unforgettable moments and standout wins.

Lisabi’s Big Night

Lisabi, a film rooted in the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people and inspired by the legendary Egba warrior Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala, dominated the night with wins in three key categories:

• Best Overall Movie

• Best Director – Adebayo Tijani

• Best Indigenous Language Film (Yoruba)

The film’s producer, Kemi Adeyemi, accepted the award for Best Overall Movie with a heartfelt speech dedicated to African storytellers. “This story has lived in our hearts for years. Telling Lisabi’s story was not just about entertainment; it was a journey into our history, our pride, and our strength as Africans,” she said.

Director Adebayo Tijani also expressed gratitude to his team, stating, “Bringing Lisabi to life took courage, patience, and a deep respect for our culture. Thank you to the viewers and the AMVCA for recognizing our work.”

Other Major Winners

While Lisabi stole the spotlight, other productions and performers also left with well-deserved accolades:

• Best Actor in a Drama – Stan Nze (Breach)
  Stan Nze delivered a gripping performance as a conflicted politician in Breach, a role that drew both critical acclaim and popular support.

• Best Actress in a Drama – Bimbo Ademoye (Holding On)
  Bimbo Ademoye’s emotional portrayal of a young widow navigating life and loss earned her a standing ovation and her first AMVCA win in this category.

• Best Supporting Actor – Gabriel Afolayan (The Price of Peace)
  Gabriel Afolayan impressed the jury with his compelling interpretation of a war veteran battling PTSD.

• Best Supporting Actress – Bisola Aiyeola (City Love)
  A fan favorite, Bisola brought humor and heart to her role as a no-nonsense big sister in City Love.

• Best Comedy Movie or TV Series – Mama Knows Best
  The hilarious family comedy, led by veteran actress Patience Ozokwor, captured the hearts of viewers across Africa.

• Trailblazer Award – Genoveva Umeh
  Recognized for her rising influence in the industry, Genoveva Umeh was awarded the Trailblazer Award for her stellar performances in multiple projects over the past year.

Red Carpet Highlights

The red carpet was a fashion spectacle of its own. Celebrities turned heads with bold styles, elegant gowns, and culturally inspired attire. Notable mentions include:

• Bimbo Ademoye in a flowing gold ensemble by Tubo.

• Denola Grey in a shimmering black agbada with modern cuts.

• Osas Ighodaro, whose red velvet gown with a high slit earned her the unofficial title of “Best Dressed.”

Fashion aside, the red carpet also served as a platform for stars to reflect on the growth of the African entertainment industry.

Industry Recognition and Audience Involvement

This year’s AMVCA once again blended public voting with industry-based jury selections, ensuring a balance between fan favorites and technical excellence. Viewers across Africa participated through online voting, SMS, and social media engagements.

Dr. Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and West Africa Channels at MultiChoice, emphasized the importance of the AMVCA platform in pushing African storytelling forward. “The AMVCAs are not just about awards; they are about celebrating the talent, vision, and resilience of filmmakers across Africa,” she noted during her address.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 AMVCA proved once again that African cinema is not just evolving—it’s thriving. From gripping historical dramas like Lisabi to laugh-out-loud comedies like Mama Knows Best, the diversity and depth of stories coming from the continent continue to resonate with local and international audiences alike.

As the curtains close on this year’s edition, filmmakers and fans are already looking forward to what the next year holds. With more co-productions, streaming opportunities, and global recognition on the horizon, African film is undoubtedly on an unstoppable path.