The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) has introduced a new category, Best Music Score, for its 11th edition, set to take place on May 10, 2025, in Lagos.
At a press conference on Thursday, MultiChoice executives unveiled details of this year’s event while confirming that 28 categories will be contested.
Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa, at MultiChoice, emphasized the AMVCA’s commitment to showcasing African storytelling on a global stage.
“Celebrating the vibrancy and diversity of African storytelling, we are excited to once again open the doors for talented creatives across the continent to showcase their remarkable work,” she said.
She explained that the awards would be divided into two major segments—non-voting categories, which recognize technical and behind-the-scenes excellence and public voting categories, which allow fans to determine key winners.
“The 11th edition of the AMVCA will honour excellence across 28 categories… The non-voting categories, which recognise craft and excellence, will be adjudicated by a panel of prestigious judges,” she said.
According to her, 18 categories will be judged by a panel, while 10 will be open for public voting on the AMVCA website after the nominee announcement on March 23.
Tejumola also spoke on the growing influence of African storytelling.
“We honor the legacy of African storytelling, ensuring our stories remain in the spotlight for generations to come. Year after year, we are witnessing an explosion of high-quality production from across the continent,” she said.
“African filmmakers are telling bold, diverse, and compelling stories that captivate audiences both home and abroad. Make no mistake, the world is watching.”
The introduction of the Best Music Score category is a major highlight this year.
Head Judge of the AMVCA, Femi Odugbemi, spoke on the significance of the new category.
“With this category, we celebrate the creative professionals whose artistry brings authentic and lucid experiences to our productions,” he said.
He also reaffirmed the AMVCA’s commitment to adapting to the industry’s evolving standards.
“As an industry, we are constantly evolving. The expectations of filmmakers, audiences, and stakeholders continue to rise, and the AMVCA is committed to evolving with them,” he said.
The press conference was attended by industry stars including Saga Deolu, Ireti Doyle, Liquorose, Wanni, Handi, Shaun Okojie, Daniel Etim-Effiong, Efa Iwara, Hermes, Dabota Lawson, Akin Faminu and Adeola Diiadem.
The event also featured stand-up comedy, music by Nigerian Idol season 7 winner Progress Chukwuyem, refreshments from sponsors ONGA and Amstel Malt and a panel discussion with Tejumola, Francis Obiajulu (MD of Amstel Malt), and Adebola Williams (ONGA representative).
This year’s AMVCA will span four days, from May 7 to 10, celebrating achievements in film, culture, fashion and music.
The grand finale on May 10 will be broadcast live across Africa Magic channels, reaching millions of viewers across the continent.
Established in 2013 by MultiChoice, the AMVCA remains one of Africa’s prestigious honors in film and television.
The inaugural ceremony took place in Lagos on March 9, 2013 and was broadcast live across over 50 countries.
