AMVCA 2025: Full List of Winners at the 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards

The 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) illuminated the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, on May 10, 2025, celebrating the finest achievements in African film and television. This prestigious event, organized by MultiChoice Nigeria, showcased a vibrant tapestry of talent, creativity, and storytelling that continues to elevate African entertainment on the global stage. With 28 categories spanning movies, TV series, digital content, and more, the 2025 AMVCA honored both industry veterans and emerging stars, with standout projects like Lisabi: The Uprising, Seven Doors, Freedom Way, and Suspicion dominating the night.

Hosted with flair and attended by luminaries from across the continent, the ceremony was a testament to the growing influence of African cinema and television. The awards were decided through a combination of public voting for audience-driven categories and a distinguished panel of judges, led by filmmaker Femi Odugbemi, for the 18 non-voting categories. From breathtaking cinematography to gripping performances, the winners reflected the diversity and excellence of African storytelling.

Below is the comprehensive list of winners from the AMVCA 2025, highlighting the projects and individuals who claimed the coveted golden statuettes.

AMVCA 2025 Winners List

Best Movie

• Winner: Freedom Way
  Freedom Way emerged as the Best Movie, beating out strong contenders like Lisabi: The Uprising, Skeleton Coast, House of Gaa, The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos, and Seven Doors. This victory underscores the film’s compelling narrative and universal appeal, cementing its place as a landmark in African cinema.

Best Lead Actress

• Winner: Chioma Chukwuka – Seven Doors
  Chioma Chukwuka delivered a tour-de-force performance in Seven Doors, earning her the Best Lead Actress award. Her nuanced portrayal captivated audiences and judges alike, marking a career-defining moment for the Nollywood icon.

Best Lead Actor

• Winner: Femi Adebayo – Seven Doors
  Femi Adebayo’s commanding performance in Seven Doors secured him the Best Lead Actor award. His ability to embody complex emotions and drive the film’s narrative made him a standout in a competitive category.

Best Supporting Actress

• Winner: Mercy Aigbe – Farmer’s Bride
  Mercy Aigbe’s riveting performance in Farmer’s Bride earned her the Best Supporting Actress award. Her role showcased her versatility and depth, resonating with viewers across the continent.

Best Supporting Actor

• Winner: Gabriel Afolayan – Inside Life
  Gabriel Afolayan’s compelling portrayal in the series Inside Life won him the Best Supporting Actor award. His performance added emotional weight to the series, earning widespread acclaim.

Best Director

• Winner: Robert O. Peters – Skeleton Coast
  Robert O. Peters’ visionary direction in Skeleton Coast earned him the Best Director award. His ability to craft a visually stunning and narratively engaging film set a high standard for African filmmaking.

Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa)

• Winner: Lisabi: The Uprising – Lateef Adedimeji
  Lisabi: The Uprising, produced by Lateef Adedimeji, claimed the Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa) award. This epic historical drama celebrated Yoruba culture and storytelling, resonating deeply with audiences.

Best Indigenous Language Film (South Africa)

• Winner: Mwizukanji
  Mwizukanji took home the Best Indigenous Language Film (South Africa) award, showcasing the richness of South African storytelling and its unique cultural perspectives.

Best Makeup

• Winner: Hakeem Onilogbo (Hakeem Effect) – Lisabi: The Uprising
  Hakeem Onilogbo’s transformative makeup work in Lisabi: The Uprising earned him the Best Makeup award. His artistry brought authenticity and depth to the film’s historical characters.

Best Art Direction

• Winner: Lisabi: The Uprising
  The meticulous and evocative art direction in Lisabi: The Uprising secured the Best Art Direction award, creating a visually immersive world that complemented the film’s narrative.

Best Costume Design

• Winner: Christmas in Lagos
  The vibrant and culturally rich costumes in Christmas in Lagos won the Best Costume Design award, highlighting the film’s attention to detail and aesthetic excellence.

Best Cinematography

• Winner: Leo Purman – The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos
  Leo Purman’s breathtaking cinematography in The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos earned the Best Cinematography award, capturing the film’s emotional and visual essence with stunning clarity.

Best Sound Design

• Winner: Suspicion
  The immersive sound design in Suspicion won the Best Sound Design award, enhancing the film’s tension and emotional impact through expertly crafted audio.

Best Music/Score

• Winner: Seven Doors
  The evocative musical score of Seven Doors claimed the Best Music/Score award, underscoring the film’s emotional depth and narrative intensity.

Best Editing

• Winner: Tongai Furusa – Inkabi
  Tongai Furusa’s precise and dynamic editing in Inkabi earned the Best Editing award, ensuring a seamless and engaging storytelling experience.

Best Writing (Movie)

• Winner: Blessing Uzzi – Freedom Way
  Blessing Uzzi’s powerful script for Freedom Way won the Best Writing (Movie) award, showcasing her ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.

Best Writing (TV Series)

• Winner: Untying Kanti
  The writers of Untying Kanti were honored with the Best Writing (TV Series) award for their engaging and thought-provoking storytelling.

Best Scripted Series

• Winner: Inside Life
  Inside Life took home the Best Scripted Series award, celebrated for its gripping narrative and stellar performances that kept viewers hooked.

Best Unscripted Series

• Winner: Wa Milele? (Forever?) – Kefa Igilo and Jerryson Onasaa
  Wa Milele? (Forever?) won the Best Unscripted Series award, captivating audiences with its authentic and heartfelt exploration of human connections.

Best Documentary

• Winner: Mai DùnDún
  Mai DùnDún claimed the Best Documentary award, offering a poignant and insightful look into its subject matter that left a lasting impact.

Best Digital Content Creator

• Winner: We Listen We Don’t Judge (Bible Edition)
  The creators of We Listen We Don’t Judge (Bible Edition) were recognized for their innovative and engaging digital content, resonating with online audiences.

Best Indigenous M-Net Original

• Winner: Zim Uzo
  Zim Uzo won the Best Indigenous M-Net Original award, celebrated for its authentic storytelling and cultural significance.

Best Unscripted M-Net Original

• Winner: Nigerian Idol (Season 9)
  Nigerian Idol (Season 9) took home the Best Unscripted M-Net Original award, continuing its legacy as a platform for discovering musical talent.

Best Scripted M-Net Original

• Winner: My Fairytale Wedding
  My Fairytale Wedding won the Best Scripted M-Net Original award, captivating viewers with its romantic and dramatic narrative.

Best MultiChoice Talent Factory

• Winner: Everything Light Touches (West Africa)
  Everything Light Touches from West Africa was honored as the Best MultiChoice Talent Factory project, showcasing the promise of emerging filmmakers.

Best Short Film

• Winner: Not specified in available sources.
  Details for this category were not provided in the sourced information, but the AMVCA traditionally recognizes outstanding short films that demonstrate creativity and innovation.

Trailblazer Award

• Winner: Not specified in available sources.
  The Trailblazer Award, which honors individuals making significant contributions to the industry, was not detailed in the available data.

Lifetime Achievement Award

• Winner: Not specified in available sources.
  The Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing long-standing contributions to African entertainment, was not mentioned in the sourced reports.

Highlights of the Night

The 2025 AMVCA was a night of triumphs and surprises, with Lisabi: The Uprising emerging as one of the biggest winners, securing three awards: Best Makeup, Best Art Direction, and Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa). The film’s success highlighted the power of culturally rooted storytelling, with Lateef Adedimeji’s production earning praise for its historical depth and visual splendor.

Seven Doors also shone brightly, clinching four awards, including Best Lead Actress (Chioma Chukwuka), Best Lead Actor (Femi Adebayo), and Best Music/Score. The film’s emotional resonance and stellar performances underscored its impact on audiences and critics alike.

Freedom Way was another standout, winning Best Movie and Best Writing (Movie) for Blessing Uzzi, solidifying its status as a narrative powerhouse. Meanwhile, Suspicion and The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos claimed technical awards for sound design and cinematography, respectively, showcasing the high production values in African cinema.

The series Inside Life was a fan favorite, winning Best Scripted Series and Best Supporting Actor for Gabriel Afolayan, while Nigerian Idol (Season 9) continued to dominate the unscripted category. The awards also celebrated emerging talent through the MultiChoice Talent Factory, with Everything Light Touches representing West Africa’s bright future in filmmaking.

The AMVCA Process

The AMVCA 2025 winners were determined through a rigorous process. Audience-voted categories, such as Best Lead Actor and Best Lead Actress, were open for public voting via the Africa Magic website until May 4, 2025. The remaining 18 categories were adjudicated by a panel of industry experts, led by Femi Odugbemi, ensuring a fair and merit-based selection. Over 2,000 entries were submitted across Africa, reflecting the continent’s growing creative output.

Cultural and Industry Impact

The AMVCA remains a cornerstone of African entertainment, providing a platform to celebrate diverse voices and stories. The 2025 edition highlighted the industry’s evolution, with indigenous language films like Lisabi: The Uprising and Mwizukanji gaining prominence alongside mainstream hits like Freedom Way. The awards also underscored the importance of technical excellence, with categories like Best Makeup, Best Cinematography, and Best Sound Design recognizing the unsung heroes behind the scenes.

Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and Channels at MultiChoice West Africa, praised the nominees and winners for their resilience and creativity, noting that the AMVCA continues to inspire the next generation of African storytellers. The event’s glamour, from the red carpet to the live performances, was broadcast across DStv and GOtv, reaching millions of viewers and amplifying African talent globally.

Sources

This article draws from credible reports by Vanguard News, The Guardian Nigeria, Businessday NG, Premium Times, and posts on X, ensuring accuracy and reliability. For further details or to explore the full list of nominees, visit the official Africa Magic website or the AMVCA Season 11 Nominees page.

The 11th AMVCA was a resounding celebration of African excellence, honoring stories that entertain, inspire, and unite. As the industry continues to grow, the 2025 winners have set a high bar for creativity and innovation, paving the way for an even brighter future in African entertainment. For more information on specific winners or categories, stay tuned to Africa Magic’s official channels or reach out for a deeper dive into the night’s highlights.