On Saturday, March 13th 2020, the most prestigious film awards in Africa for Africa, the seventh edition of the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards held at Eko Hotel and Suites at Victoria Island Lagos.
Hosted by IK Osakioduwa and Amina Abdi Rabar, the event saw a number of unforgettable moments. Some heartwarming moments had us shedding a few tears, some others had us holding our sides in uncontrollable laughter.
Here are ten unforgettable moments of the 2020 AMVCA’s
- Cobhams Asuquo and Ighiwiysi Jacobs rendered a tear-jerking duet of Stay With Me – Cobhams and Jacobs delivered a beautiful duet in honour of all the people that the industry had lost. In Cobhams’ own words, ‘This song is written for those who now sleep’. The song performances at this year’s AMVCA were all picked from the soundtrack of the various nominated movies.
- Ebuka steals the show with his Okija reveal – Larry Gaga was nominated alongside Flavour for Best Soundtrack in a Movie/TV Series, which he won. Gaga was not available to pick up the award, but Ebuka received the award on his behalf. The Big Brother Naija host stole the stage with his burst of energy and his revelation that he and Larry are from Okija. According to him, ‘You have always heard bad things about Okija, Gaga and I are from Okija. And we are taking over tonight.’
3. When host IK and Cobhams rendered a cover of Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out loud, to roast some Twitter users who had insulted IK on Twitter for some comment he made. The duet made for a very hilarious moment with IK advising his naysayers to ‘go hug a transformer’, all with a beautiful rhythm and nice melody.
4. Funny Bone’s heartwarming dedication – Chibunna ‘Funnybone’ Stanley was nominated in the Best Actor in A Comedy (Movie or TV Series) category, for his role in Smash. He won the award and was already emotional as he climbed the stage to pick up the award. He dedicated the award to his mother, his ‘biggest fan’ whom he had lost a couple of months earlier.
5. Bola ‘Enigma’ Akanbi won 1 million naira for his short film Thorn. The category for the Best Short Film or Online Video award, had a one million naira gift prize attached. It was an inspiring moment when Bola Akanbi, a young filmmaker won his first award for his first nomination, as well as a cash prize.
6. The biggest shock of the night might perhaps be King of Boys’ failure to pick up an award in any of the categories it was nominated in. KOB was nominated in the Best Actress in a Drama (Movie or Series) with Shola Sobowale in that category, Toni Tones was also nominated in the Best Supporting Actress in a Movie or TV Series category. It was also nominated in the Best Costume Designer Movie or TV Series and in the Best Make-Up category. The movie did not win in any of the categories it was nominated, this came as a big surprise.
7. Peter and Tosin Igho Made AMVCA history – Father and son won awards on the same night, this would be the first time members of the same family will be winning awards at the same time, at the AMVCA.
The Industry Merit Award went to Peter Igho a veteran broadcaster and producer. Peter Igho shot and produced the series, Cockcrow at Dawn, and played vital roles in bringing other series such as New Masquerade, Samanja, Village Headmaster, Things Fall Apart, and Behind The Clouds to Nigerian homes. Tosin Igho, his son, won the Best Picture Editor award for his work in Seven.
8. Timini Egbuson scores his first AMVCA win, in a coveted category. First time nominee, Timini Egbuson scooped up the award for the Best Actor In A Drama (Movie/TV Series). In a surprising twist, his sister Dakore Akande was the presenter for that category of awards. It was a truly beautiful moment when Dakore’s face lit up with joy at the sight of her brother’s name. Timini was nominated alongside Ramsey Nouah, Gabriel Afolayan, Swankey JKA and Efa Iwara.
9. Toyin Abraham reveals that she was seven months pregnant while shooting Elevator Baby – Toyin Abraham who was nominated in the Best Actress In A Drama Movie/TV Series, and who eventually won the award, shared that she was heavily pregnant during the filming of the movie. This made for an even sentimental win, and she dedicated the award to her baby.
10. Living In Bondage owned the night – the movie with the highest number of wins for the night was Living In Bondage. The movie won the Best Sound Editor Movie/Tv Series, Best Soundtrack Movie/Tv Series, Best Overall Movie (West Africa) and Best Director, winning four awards in total. The highest number for any project nominated.
This year’s AMVCA’s was definitely one for the books. This year’s award recorded iconic fashion moments, history being made, several emotional moments, as well as some shocking award wins/snubs.
The ante for the award has been upped, we can’t wait for what is in store for next year.