Ramsey Nouah’s first directorial debut, Living in Bondage was the biggest winner at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) on Saturday night, scooping seven awards including the ‘Best Movie (West Africa)’ and a ‘Best Director’ award for the seasoned actor.
The film had led with 10 nominations prior to the event which held at Eko Hotels & Suites, and it was little surprise that it outshone other movies on the night. Living in Bondage, a sequel to the classic movie of same name, had earned critical acclaim and widespread praise from movie goers when it debuted at the cinemas in November 2019, making N50 million in its opening week.
Living in Bondage: Breaking Free, was written by Nicole Asinugo and C.J. Obasi, and starred industry heavyweights like Kenneth Okonkwo, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Bob Manuel Udokwu, Enyinna Nwigwe, Nancy Isime and Munachi Abii. It told the story of Nnamdi (Swanky J.K.A) and his vaunting quest for the big life, one that he would do whatever it took to realize. Nnamdi’s untamed quest for the quick buck, fast car, easy living, inevitably took him on a perilous journey. It went on to gross over N150 million at the box office.
Living in Bondage won the categories for Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Ramsey Nouah), Best Cinematographer (Movie/TV Series) – John Demps, Best Soundtrack – Larry Gaaga & Flavour – Tene, Best Writer (Movie/TV Series) – Asinugo Nicole & CJ Obasi, Best Sound Editor (Movie/TV Series) – Cristina Aragon, and Best Actor in a Drama (Movie/TV Series) Swankey J.K.A.
Ramsey Nouah was conspicuously absent at the event and could not personally receive his awards, with the movie’s co-producer, Charles Okpaleke explaining that the actor was away on another movie shoot.
Emotions ran high at the event which was masterfully hosted by Ik Osakioduwa and his Kenyan counterpart, Amina Abdi Rabar, with Chibunna ‘Funny Bone’ Stanley breaking down in tears as he remembered his late mom during his acceptance speech for his win in the ‘Best Actor in a Comedy category.
One of the most memorable moments of the night was actor Dakore Egbuson’s presentation of the Best Actor in a Drama (Movies/TV) award to her brother Timini Egbuson, who won his first AMVCA. Veteran broadcaster, Peter Igho received the Lifetime Achievement award shortly after his son, Tosin Igho won the award for ‘Best Picture’, making it the first time in the AMVCA’s 8-year history that father and son would receive awards on the same night.
Toyin Abraham who contested the Best Actress in a Drama (Movies/TV) with Sola Shobowale (King Of Boys), Zainab Balogun (Sylvia), Zainab Balogun (God Calling), and Kate Henshaw (The Ghost And The House Of Truth), could also barely believe her luck when her name rang out from the speakers.
The AMVCA is the biggest stage to celebrate African talents in film and television and many African stars walked home ecstatic and proud.