Highlight on the Amvca award show

The 2020 edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) held on Saturday.

The biggest winner of the night was Ramsey Nuoah’s directorial debut, “Living in Bondage: Breaking Free.” The sequel to the 1992 film, “Living Bondage” received accolades in the “Best Cinematographer,” “Best Soundtrack,” “Best Writer,” “Best Movie West Africa,” “Best Director,” and “Best Overall Movie” categories. “Living in Bondage: Breaking Free” lead actor, Swanky J.K.A also received the “Trailblazer Award.”

A major highlight of the 2020 AMVCA was the presentation of the “Industry Merit Award” now known as the “Legend Award” to veteran broadcaster, Peter Igho.

Mr Igho is the brainchild behind several shows of the golden era of Nigerian television in the eighties and nineties. He was at the centre of several prime-time television shows including; “Cock Crow at Dawn,” “Second Chance,” and “Behind the Clouds.” He also adapted regional shows including; “Samanja” from the north, “New Masquerede” (east), “The Village Headmaster” (west) and “Mirror in the Sun” from Lagos, for national broadcast on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). He created characters that became household names and stars such as Pete Edochie from “Things Fall Apart” who are Nollywood icons today. He has handed over the baton to his son Tosin. Tosin Igho is the director of the movie “Seven” and winner of the “Best Picture Editor” award for the movie “Elevator Baby.”

The night also had its fair share of emotional moments. Notably the proud-sister moment of Dakore Akande when she presented the “Best Actor” award to her brother Timini Egbuson and when Chibunna “Funny Bone” Stanley broke into tears whilst receiving the award for “Best Actor in a Comedy.”

With the awards now in its seventh year, it wasn’t without additions. The 2020 AMVCA featured performances from original score and soundtrack nominees. But one cannot talk about the three hour-long event without mentioning the very cheeky yet highly entertaining performance by host IK Osakioduwa and musician and producer, Cobhams Asuquo.