Veteran Nollywood actress Idowu Philips, popularly known as Iya Rainbow, and actor Richard Mofe-Damijo, commonly referred to as RMD, were honored with the prestigious Industry Merit Awards at the 2024 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
Additionally, Kehinde Bankole secured the Best Actress title for her role in the film “Adire,” while Wale Ojo clinched the Best Actor award for his performance in “Breath of Life.”
The event, marking the 10th anniversary of the AMVCA, took place at the Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos on Saturday. Hosted by renowned broadcaster and master of ceremonies Ik Osakioduwa, the AMVCA recognizes outstanding actors and filmmakers from across Africa for their remarkable performances and storytelling.
Expressing her gratitude upon receiving the award, Iya Rainbow, visibly elated, thanked God for granting her the opportunity to witness such a momentous occasion.
She said, “I thank God that I am still alive to receive this award. I dedicate this award to the almighty God, my creator, my husband, my children, and all my fans.”
Receiving the award, celebrated actor, RMD said the award was completely unexpected.
He said, “This is completely unexpected. This is for every actor out there. I am very privileged to be alive to receive this award. This is to all the actors and producers I have been blessed to work with. Thank you.”
Additionally, Bakole expressed delight as she received another AMVCA. Back in 2015, Bankole had secured the Best Lead Actress Award for her captivating performance in ‘October 1,’ directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Kunle Afolayan. This marked her first nomination for the award and established her as the third actress to win in that category.
Upon receiving the Best Actor award for his role in the movie “Breath of Life,” Ojo broke into a Yoruba gospel song as he expressed gratitude to his family and fans for their support.
“God is alive. Halleluyah!” he said. Continuing, he added, “I thank God for this award; I am grateful.”
Also celebrating a significant win for the night was the young and talented actress Genovevah Umeh, who secured the Best Supporting Actress accolade for her performance in “Breath of Life.” She surpassed renowned actresses like Joke Silva, who portrayed a supporting role in the film “Over the Bridge,” and Fathia Williams for her role in “Jagun Jagun – The Warrior.” Other nominees in the category included Eliane Umuhire for “Omen,” Tana Adelana for “Ijogbon – Chaos,” and Ejiro Onojaife for “The Origin: Madam Koi Koi.”
Another notable victor was Adedoyin Demola, who clinched the Best Actor in a Supporting Role award for his portrayal in “Breath of Life.” He outshined competitors like Alexx Ekubo for “Afamefuna,” Itele D Icon for “Jagun Jagun,” Gregory Ojefua for “This is Lagos,” and Timini Egbuson for “A Tribe Called Judah,” among others.
Furthermore, “Breath of Life” not only secured the Best Director award but also emerged triumphant in the Overall Best Film category at the ceremony.
Meanwhile, “Jagun Jagun” claimed the Best Indigenous Film (West Africa) award, triumphing over CJ Fiery Obasi’s “Mami Wata” and other contenders.
Full List of Winners
- Best Makeup – Campbell Precious (“Mami Wata”) – Winner
- Best Art Direction – “Over The Bridge” (Abisola Omolade) – Winner
- Best Costume Design – Lola Awe (“Jagun Jagun: The Warrior”) – Winner
- Best Writing TV Series – “Volume” – Winner
- Best Writing in a Movie – “Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti” (Tunde Babalola) – Winner
- Best Sound Design – Grey Jones Ossai (“Blood Vessel”) – Winner
- Industry Merit Award
- Idowu Philips (Iya Rainbow) – Winner
- Richard Mofe-Damijo – Winner
- Best Lead Actress – Kehinde Bankole (Adire) – Winner
- Best Lead Actor – Wale Ojo (Breath of Life) – Winner
- Best Multichoice Talent Factory Movie – Her Dark Past – Winner
- Best Scripted Series – Itura – Winner
