AMVCA 2016 And Also Paraded The Best Of Musician,

•From left: Adesua Etomi, Daniel K Daniel, Stephanie
Linus, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, Regional Director, Africa
Magic, West Africa and Yolisa Phahle, CEO Mnet and
Kemi Lala Akindoju after the Africa Magic Viewers
Choice Award held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria
Island ... at the weekend
It was an emotional moment for Nollywood actress and
filmmaker Stephanie Linus as her movie, Dry, was
named Best Overall Movie at the recent Africa Magic
Viewers Choice Awards held at the Eko Hotel and Suites,
Victoria Island, last Saturday.

The ceremony, which held yesterday hosted the who-is-
who in the Nigerian movie industry.

The ceremony kicked off at about 4pm with a red carpet
which was graced by some of Nollywood’s finest. After
all the razzmatazz of the red carpet, guests were soon
settled in to witness what has come to be regarded as
one of the most prestigious award ceremonies in Africa.

From the keenly contested to the not so prominent
categories, the award ceremony had a surprise for the
crowd that turned out to witness it.
But it wasn’t just about movies, the AMVCA 2016 also
paraded the best of music, interspersed with comedy
from artistes drawn from all over Africa. Highlife
crooner, Flavour N’abania and his Nigerian counterpart,
Yemi Alade were among the artistes whose
performances kept the audience on their feet. Yemi
Alade, together with her dancers added energy and the
much needed verve necessary for an event of such
nature.

As the award categories were reeled out, it was clear the
movie lovers were in for a surprise. Although, it wasn’t
quite unexpected for Funke Akindele’s Jenifa’s Diary to
clean out the Best Actor in a Comedy (Folarin Falana)
and Best Actress in a Comedy (Funke Akindele)
categories.

What was really surprising was the relatively unknown
Daniel K Daniel clinching the Best Actor in a Drama for
his role in A Soldier’s Story, beating the likes of Mike
Ezuruonye, Majid Michael, Van Vicker, Segun Arinze and
Blossom Chukwujekwu to the game.

Another category that left guests wondering was the Best
Actress in a Drama which was won by Adesua Etomi for
her role in Falling. Etomi took down big wigs in the
industry; Genevieve Nnaji (Road to Yesterday), Mary
Lazarus (Don’t Cry for Me), Belinda Effah (Stop), Fulu
Mugovhani (Ayanda) and Nse Ikpe-Etim (The Visit) to
emerge winner.

Another very emotional moment for attendees was the
moment when tribute was paid to Nollywood’s fallen
heroes. Among those honoured were Peter Bunor,
Mufatau Sanni, Tosin Badmus, Prioye Sokunbi, Mike
Odiachi, Olumide David, Saleh AGM, Aisha Dankano, and
Benson Wanjau.

More emotions poured in when the moment came to
present the 2016 AMVCA Legendary Merit Award. The
award went to Bukky Ajayi and Sadiq Daba, both
veterans of repute. Sadiq was not around to receive his
award, but Bukky Ajayi who made it to the ceremony had
to be wheeled in.

“There are some of you that I might have offended;
please forgive me. There are some people who offended
me, I have forgiven you. Thank you very much. I am very
happy, from the bottom of my heart. Do not mind that I
am crying. I do wish to stand up, but if I stand up, I will
fall down. You all standing for me? Thank you very
much. I am very grateful and I feel very honoured,” a
tearful Ajayi said, rounding her speech up with the peace
sign to the applause of the audience.

Among other winners at the prestigious award were Akin
Omotosho (Best Director), Trail Blazer Award (Kemi
‘Lala’ Akindoju), Best Movie (West Africa) – Genevieve,
Chinny Onwugbenu and Chichi Nwoko (Road to
Yesterday), Best Art Director, Frank Rajah (The
Refugees); Best Television Series, Ariyike Oladipo
(Daddy’s Girls); Best Short Film or Online Video, Oluseyi
Amuwafo (A Day With Death), Best Lighting Designer,
Stanley Ohikhuare (Common Man); Best
Cinematographer, Paul Michaelson (Tell Me Sweet
Something);  Best Sound Editor, Jose Guillermo (Dry) and
Best Picture Editor (Shirley Frimpong-Manso, Rebecca).