Why AMVCA is Africa’s Oscars
Yes I know it’s a weird comparison seeing the age gap between Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) and The Academy Awards (The Oscars) but I’m about to convince you otherwise. Having experienced Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA 2014) first hand in Lagos, Nigeria, I’m of the strongest opinion that these are definitely Africa’s Academy Awards.
There were standout musical performances by some of Africa’s most gifted artists; Chanel O Award winner Davido, acclaimed pianist and musician extraordinaire Cobhams, highlife hit maker Flavour and versatile, vivacious vocalist Waje, superstar red carpet arrivals that set the mood for a brilliant gala event and an impressive line-up of guest presenters but at the end of an incredible night (Saturday March 8), it was the hugely deserving winners of the 2014 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, once again held in association with MultiChoice Africa and Amstel Malta, who fittingly captured the night’s most heartfelt applause.
Davido performing
The auspicious event, skillfully hosted by IK Osakioduwa & Osas Ighodaro (of Big Brother Africa fame) and Vimbai Mutinhiri (of AfricaMagic’s Tinsel), with Eku Edewor and Denrele Edun on the Red Carpet, a veritable galaxy of stars took on guest presenter roles.
It seems the buzz was not only in Lagos as the award was still trending on social media hours after it went down. For instance, did you know that #AMVCA2014 was Trending Topic on Monday 10 for 24 hours in Kenya? As a matter of fact, it was second placed in the Top20 of Kenya’s Trends for Monday 10th.
This only goes to show how popular the awards have become in just two years; which now make us understand the scope of the AMVCA as articulated by M-Net Africa Director for Special Projects Biola Alabi (pictured below),
Biola Alabi
“The award celebrates excellence. We represent everything that’s about Africa.”
Asked about her feelings on AMVCA being compared to The Academy Awards (Oscars), Biola says,
“That’s an amazing statement, it brings joys and pride and we feel complimented.”
Just like Oscars, the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards are more recognized which makes it more prestigious and glamorous.
Compared to the Academy Awards, AMVCA is rather young but it has become so prestigious to win one of these awards.
Further, not only actors and actresses are awarded coveted titles for parts they played; others associated with the films, such as, music arrangers, costume designers, make-up artists, writers among others are recognized for their talents.
Elayne Okaya; winner Best Make-Up
Clearly, just like the Oscars, AMVCAs are not just reserved for actors and directors, but are also bestowed upon an individual or department for excellence in any part of the making of a movie.
Justin on behalf of Christian Almesberger; winner of Best Cinematography in a movie (Nairobi Half Life)
With the AMVCA getting into its 3rd year, the organizers have gone into overdrive and are already talking of bigger and better things to come. According to Biola next year’s awards ceremony will be an improvement of 2014; in fact they already have in mind what to change from Saturday’s ceremony.
“AMVCAs are in itself an evolution and not a destiny.”
Can’t wait for the 2015 “Africa’s Oscars”.
