Lagos, Nigeria – The highly anticipated Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) kicked off its ninth edition with a captivating opening ceremony and cultural night at the Balmoral Center, Federal Palace Hotel. The event, hosted by Daniel Etim-Effiong and Nancy Isime, showcased the richness and diversity of African culture, drawing A-list celebrities adorned in their stunning traditional regalia. Here’s a glimpse of the enthralling highlights from the cultural and opening night.
The event commenced with a mesmerizing fire show, featuring fearless fire spitters who astounded the crowd with their daring acrobatics and scintillating displays of heat. The audacious and exhilarating performance set the stage for a thrilling evening of entertainment and celebration.
A vibrant array of dance showcases took center stage, with representatives from various tribes such as Efik, Tiv, Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa. Each dance crew presented their unique cultural movements accompanied by traditional music, providing attendees with the opportunity to learn and appreciate the diversity of African dance forms.
The headline sponsors, Amstel Malta, arranged a special performance that left guests captivated. Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Avala, took to the stage in a short drama filled with meticulously choreographed dance moves, while a cast member channeled the spirit of the legendary Fela Kuti, delivering a memorable cover of Fela’s iconic song, ‘Zombie.’
The hosting duo of Daniel Etim-Effiong and Nancy Isime dazzled the audience with their wit and charm, ensuring an engaging and laughter-filled evening. Daniel’s hilarious roasts and playful banter kept the guests entertained. Notably, popular media personality Elozonam Ogbolu became the subject of his jest, as Daniel playfully praised his attractiveness and humorously speculated that he must be using ‘African magic’ to maintain his youthful appearance.
To celebrate the attendees’ exquisite traditional attires, Nancy and Daniel organized a ‘best dressed’ competition. The participants, including Big Brother’s Saga Adeolu, Sandra Essien, Elozonam Ogbolu, Juicy J, Liquorose, Boma, and Africa Magic’s ‘Itura’s’ Bola Stephen, showcased their impeccable fashion sense. Venita Akpofure, a former BBNaija star and actress, and Yemi Cregx, an ex-housemate from Big Brother Titans, emerged as the winners in the best dressed female and male categories, respectively.
The energy soared to new heights during the ‘Parte after Parte’ celebration, as celebrity hype man Do2Dtun took over from Nancy and Daniel, igniting a vibrant party atmosphere. Do2Dtun’s expert command of the crowd had everyone, from A-listers like Ramsey Nouah and Mercy Aigbe to regular guests, hitting the dance floor and showcasing their moves, creating an unforgettable moment of pure joy and revelry.
The festivities of the AMVCA continue with the MTF training, digital content creators day, and the nominee gala and runway show. The pinnacle of the event will be the main awards night on Saturday at 7 pm, where this year’s deserving winners will be crowned. The prestigious awards show will be broadcasted across all Africa Magic channels, bringing the excitement and recognition of African film and television talent to audiences across the continent.
The ninth edition of the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards has undoubtedly set the stage for a remarkable celebration of African creativity, culture, and entertainment, showcasing the continent’s rich tapestry of talent and artistry.
