AMVCA 2025: ‘Lisabi: The Uprising’ and ‘Seven Doors’ Shine Bright at a Star-Studded Night in Lagos
The 11th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) lit up Lagos on Saturday night, celebrating the power, passion, and creativity of African film and television. Among the night’s top winners were Lisabi: The Uprising and Seven Doors, both of which left an indelible mark with multiple wins and unforgettable storytelling.
Lisabi: The Uprising stole the spotlight with four major wins, including:
Best Make-up – Hakeem Onilogbo (Hakeem Effect)
Best Art Direction
Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa)
Costume & Visual Appeal
Meanwhile, Seven Doors captivated audiences and critics alike, clinching the Best Score/Music award with Tolu Obanro’s hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, proving that sound remains one of the soul-stirring elements of storytelling.
🌟 Other Highlights:
Best Supporting Actress went to beloved Nollywood star Mercy Aigbe for Farmer’s Bride, while Gabriel Afolayan earned Best Supporting Actor for his role in Inside Life — both praised for their emotional depth and range.
Kayode Kasum, a fast-rising visionary in African cinema, received the coveted Trailblazer Award, signaling a powerful vote of confidence in the new generation of storytellers.
Nkem Owoh and Sani Mu’azu were honored with the Industry Merit Awards, a fitting tribute to their legacy in shaping Nigeria’s cinematic journey.
💬 Opinion: AMVCA 2025 — A Night That Celebrated Roots and Revolution
What made this year’s AMVCA unique wasn’t just the glitz, but the strong representation of indigenous storytelling. Films like Lisabi: The Uprising didn’t just win — they reclaimed African history, heritage, and cultural power. The dominance of regional language categories further showed that Africa's diversity is its cinematic superpower.
The rise of filmmakers like Abel Mutua Musyoka (Untying Kantai) and Blessing Uzzi (Freedom Way) also proves that African writers are daring to challenge narratives, tell personal truths, and redefine what “mainstream” looks like in African film.
As the AMVCA torch continues to shine, one thing is certain — African cinema is not just evolving; it's erupting into the global spotlight with purpose and pride.
🎬 What was your favorite moment from the AMVCA 2025?
Join the conversation with #AMVCA2025 #AfricanCinema #LisabiTheUprising #SevenDoors #NollywoodStars #AfricaOnScreen.