MOVIES
AMAA 2024: “The Weekend” & “Jagun Jagun” Take Home Major Wins
Published
4 months agoon
By
Reporter
The 20th edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) took place yesterday, November 2nd, 2024, at the Balmoral Convention Centre in Ikeja, Lagos.
This year, the AMAA 2024 ceremony honoured first-time winners and celebrated the best in African cinema. This brought filmmakers from across the globe together under one roof.
Notably, Nollywood actor Segun Arinze and Ghanaian actress Joselyn Dumas hosted the event. In addition, legendary Afrobeat musicians Femi Kuti and Yinka Davies performed, adding a unique flair to the ceremony.
A line-up of pan-African artists, including Narh Tettey, Bedwei Kwaku, and Adina Thembi, further entertained the audience.
Leading the jury, filmmaker and curator Dorothee Wenner, along with a distinguished panel, reviewed the nominated films, recognizing exceptional talent and storytelling in African cinema.
Among the major highlights in AMAA 2024, the Nigerian-directed drama “The Weekend” dominated the evening. It won the “Best Film Award” for both Nigeria and Africa.
Furthermore, Femi Adebayo won the “Best Actor in a Supporting Role” award for his performance in the historical thriller “Jagun Jagun.”
Notably, after receiving seven nominations, the film also claimed awards for Achievement in Visual Effects and Make-up.
Meanwhile, Elsie Abang earned “Best Actress in a Supporting Role” for her performance in “KIPKEMBOI.” Likewise, Michell Lemuya claimed the “Best Young Promising Actor” award for her role in “NAWI.”
In the leading roles category, South Africa’s Zolisa Xaluva took home “Best Actor in a Leading Role” for his work in “The Queenstown King.”
Similarly, Ghana’s Jackie Appiah won “Best Actress in a Leading Role” for her performance in “Red Carpet.”
Continuing the list of accolades, “Letters to Goddo,” directed by Harry Bentil, won the “Best Feature Film by a Director” award. Meanwhile, Jahmil X.T. Qubeka earned the “Best Director” title for his work on “The Queenstown Kings.”
In recognition of lifelong achievements, the Academy presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to notable filmmakers Souleymane Cissé from Mali, Nacer Khemir from Tunisia, and Haile Gerima from Ethiopia.
Additionally, Alain Gomis from Senegal and Gabon, along with Zimbabwean author and filmmaker Tsitsi Dangarembga, received special recognition awards in AMAA 2024 for their valuable contributions to African cinema.
See the full list of AMAA 2024 winners below:
Efere Ozako Award for Best Short Film
- The Last Shoe Maker (Uganda)- WINNER
- Seben (Mali)
- Dear Future Wife (South Africa)
- Isolated (Nigeria)
- Joia (Angola)
- Strike A Blow And Die (Malawi)
- Don’t Call Me Beautiful (Ghana)
- Sins Of A Father (Zimbabwe/USA)
Jubril Malafia Award for Best Animation
- Heavy Crown (Libya)
- Counter Punch (Kenya) – WINNER
- Journey of the Legend (Cameroon)
- Hadu (Nigeria)
- Between Paya and Koulou (Senegal)
- Oya (The goddess of gods) (Nigeria)
- Set Pieces (Sudan)
Best Documentary
- A Quand L’Afrique (Congo Brazzaville)
- The Night Still Smells of Gun Powder (Mozambique) – WINNER
- The Return Train (Mali)
- Gateway To Dreams (Cameroon)
- Rainbow Nation (South Africa)
- Dela- The Making of EL-Anatsui (Nigeria)
- Donga (Libya)
- Rising Up At Night (DRC)
Diaspora Best Short Film
- The Neighbourhood Alert (USA)- WINNER
- Bottled Up (Jamaica)
- The Golden Boy (USA)
Best Diaspora Documentary
- The Wu Tang Clan: Live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre (USA) – WINNER
- A Rising Tide (USA)
- Colour (USA)
Diaspora Best Narrative Feature
- Outlaw Posse (USA)- WINNER
- Mickey Hardaway (USA)
- Love After Holidays (USA)
Michael Anyiam Osigwe Award for Best Film by an African Living Abroad
- Out Of Breath (Nigeria/UK)
- Orah (Nigeria/Canada)
- Isolated (Nigeria/UK)
- Under The Hanging Tree (Namibia/UK)- WINNER
- Kipkemboi (Nigeria/ Canada)
Ousmane Sembène Award for Best Film in an African Language
- Makula (Uganda)
- Jagun Jagun (Nigeria)
- The Queenstown Kings (South Africa)- WINNER
- Kaka (Nigeria)
- Eskhalemi Sikantombella (South Africa)
- Unheard (Uganda)
- Out of Breath (Nigeria)
Achievement in Costume Design
- The Beads
- The Weekend
- White and Black
- Jagun Jagun
- The Queenstown Kings
- Mai Martaba- WINNER
- Out of Breath
Achievement in Make-Up
- The Weekend
- Nawi
- Letters to Goddo
- Out of Breath
- Jagun Jagun – WINNER
- Anjola
- White and Black
Achievement in Visual Effects
- Kipkemboi
- Jagun Jagun- WINNER
- Under The Hanging Tree
- The Weekend
- Bokwagter
- Out of Breath
Achievement in Soundtrack
- The Weekend
- Under the Hanging Tree
- The Queenstown Kings
- Orah
- Mojisola
- Red Carpet
- Boda Love – WINNER
Achievement in Sound
- A Smile, A Wink and a Tear
- The Weekend
- Under the Hanging Tree
- The Queenstown Kings- WINNER
- Boda Love
- Kipkemboi
- Boda Love
Achievement in Production Design
- Orah
- The Queenstown Kings
- The Weekend
- Jagun Jagun
- Kipkemboi
- Makula
- Out of Breath- WINNER
Achievement in Cinematography
- The Weekend- WINNER
- Nawi
- Kipkemboi
- Letters to Goddo
- This is Lagos
- The Queenstown Kings
- A Smile, A Wink and A Tear
Achievement in Editing
- Under The Hanging Tree- WINNER
- The Weekend
- This is Lagos
- Nawi
- Kipkemboi
- The Beads
- Anjola
Achievement in Screenplay
- Under The Hanging Tree
- The Weekend- WINNER
- Letter To Goddo
- This is Lagos
- Boda love
- The Queenstown Kings
- Out of Breath
National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) Award for Best Nigerian Film
- The Weekend- WINNER
- This is Lagos
- Afamefuna
- Jagun Jagun
- Mai Martaba
- A Smile, A wink and a tear
- Out of Breath
Best Young/Promising Actor
- Michell Lemuya (Nawi)- WINNER
- Likhona Mgali (The Queenstown Kings)
- Agape mngomezulu (Orah)
- William Dias (Bokwagter)
- Kofi Adu-Gyamfi (Tejiri)
- Ruby Akubueze (She)
- Fatima Muhammed (Mai Martaba)
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
- Sandile Mahlangu (The Queenstown Kings)
- Ochungo Benson (Nawi)
- Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey (The Weekend)
- Ikechukwu Onunaku (This is Lagos)
- Lucky Ejim (Orah)
- Solomon Fixon Owoo (Letters to Goddo)
- Femi Adebayo (Jagun Jagun) – WINNER
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
- Meg Otanwa (The Weekend)
- Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa (The Queenstown Kings)
- Elsie Chidera Abang (Kipkemboi)- WINNNER
- Tessa Twala (The Queenstown Kings)
- Bukunmi Oluwashina (White and Black)
- Somkele Iyamah-Idhalamah (Orah)
- Chioma Akpotha (Mojisola)
Best Actor in a Leading Role
- Zolixa Xaluva (The Queenstown Kings)- WINNER
- Gabriel Afolayan (This is Lagos)
- Duncan Murunyu Mungai (Boda Love)
- Nenesenor Abloso (Letters to Goddo)
- Bucci Franklin (The Weekend)
- Femi Jacobs (Anjola)
- Chidi Mokeme (Out of Breath)
Best Actress in a Leading Role
- Girley Jazama (Under The Hanging Tree)
- Oyin Oladejo (Orah)
- Unati Faku (The Queenstown Kings)
- Uzoamaka Aniunoh (The Weekend)
- Laura Pepple (This is Lagos)
- Jackie Appiah (Red Carpet)- WINNER
- Efe Irele (A Smile, A Wink and A Tear)
Debut Best Feature Film by a Director
- LETTERS TO GODDO (Harry Bentil)- WINNER
- RISING UP AT NIGHT (Nelson Makengo)
- SHE (Seun Richards)
Best Director
- Daniel Emeka Oriahi (The Weekend)
- Kenneth Gyang (This Is Lagos)
- Jahmil X.T Qubeka (The Queenstown Kings)- WINNER
- Perivi Katjavivi (Under The Hanging Tree)
- Lonzo Nzekwe (Orah)
- Harry Bentil ( Letters To Goddo)
- Izu Ojukwu (A Smile, A Wink and A Tear)
Best Film
- Under The Hanging Tree
- The Weekend- WINNER
- This is Lagos
- A Smile, A Wink and A Tear
- Orah
- Letters to Goddo
- The Queenstown Kings
Lifetime Achievement Award
- Souleymane Cisse (Mali)
- Nacer Khemir (Tunisia)
- Haile Gerima (Ethiopia)
Special Recognition
- Alain Gomis (Senegal/Gabon)
- Tsitsi Dangarembga (Zimbabwe)
Get more updates here.
You may like
-
Daniel Oriahi’s “The Weekend” Officially Selected For BFI London Film Festival
-
Daniel Oriahi’s “The Weekend” Makes ₦8M In Its First Weekend
-
Lateef And Bimpe Adedimeji’s Starts Cultural Film Venture ‘AL Notions’
-
Nollywood Stars Show Up In Style For The “Jagun Jagun” Movie Premiere
-
American Singer, The Weeknd To Sue Wizkid And Artistes That Trademark “Starboy”
-
Singer The Weekend Cut Ties with H&M Over Racially-Insensitive “Coolest Monkey” Ad
MOVIES
Nollywood Director, Kemi Adetiba Teases King Of Boys 3
Published
1 month agoon
January 9, 2025By
Reporter
Nollywood director Kemi Adetiba has revealed that another instalment of King of Boys will be released on December 25, 2025. She made this announcement on her birthday through an Instagram post.
“KOB Army…. ARISE!!! It’s time…. We MOOOOOOOVE. Signed: Your General. #KOB3 #TheBeginningOfTheEnd #DettyDecember25 #KAV25,” she said.
Earlier in 2023, director Kemi Adetiba commenced pre-production for the next instalment of King of Boys.
Alongside this, she hinted at the upcoming releases of “To Kill A Monkey” and “Welcome to the Fourth.” This new King of Boys instalment, subtitled “The Beginning of the End,” will feature a blend of familiar faces and exciting new characters.
The feature-length film will make its debut in cinemas on December 25, 2025. This groundbreaking series centres around Alhaja Eniola Salami, a powerful businesswoman and philanthropist embroiled in a high-stakes power struggle.
The first film, released in 2018, captivated audiences with its compelling narrative and exceptional performances. Its sequel, “King of Boys: The Return of the King,” premiered on Netflix in 2021.
The original film boasted an ensemble cast, including the formidable Sola Sobowale as Eniola Salami, alongside Nse Ikpe-Etim, Jide Kosoko, Adesua Etomi, and Richard Mofe-Damijo.
READ ALSO: “Everybody Loves Jenifa” Become The Highest Grossing Film of All Time
Kemi Adetiba’s career began as a radio presenter at Rhythm 93.7 FM, where she hosted the popular shows “Soul’d Out” and “Sunday at the Seaside.”
During this time, she anonymously shared her remixes on platforms like Spotify and SoundCloud under the pseudonym “Hule.”
Transitioning to television, Adetiba became a prominent figure on Mnet, producing and hosting popular shows such as “Studio 53” and “Temptation Nigeria” alongside Ikponmwosa Osakioduwa.
She also hosted the Maltina Dance All reality show for three consecutive seasons.
After achieving on-screen success, Adetiba pursued her passion for filmmaking. She enrolled at the New York Film Academy to hone her filmmaking skills.
This decision led to international recognition for her work. Her short film, “Across a Bloodied Ocean,” was showcased at the 2009 Pan African Film Festival and the National Black Arts Festival.
Her directorial debut, “The Wedding Party,” a romantic comedy, premiered on September 8, 2016, as the opening film of the City-to-City Spotlight at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
MOVIES
“Everybody Loves Jenifa” Becomes Nollywood’s Highest-Grossing Film Of All Time
Published
1 month agoon
January 8, 2025By
Reporter
Nollywood filmmaker Funke Akindele has achieved a historic milestone with her latest film, “Everybody Loves Jenifa.”
The film has officially broken box office records, surpassing the ₦1 billion mark to become the highest-grossing Nollywood movie of all time.
This groundbreaking achievement was announced by FilmOne, the film’s distributor, on their official Instagram page.
“Everybody Loves Jenifa” has officially hit a historic ₦1.466 billion and counting at the box office, making it the highest-grossing film of all time! A massive THANK YOU to our incredible audiences in Nigeria and Ghana for making this dream a reality. Your support is everything. On to even greater heights! Still showing in cinemas near you—experience the magic on the big screen,” the statement read.
Akindele continues her reign as a dominant force in Nollywood with this latest triumph.
“Everybody Loves Jenifa” achieved this remarkable feat in less than two weeks, further solidifying her legacy of box office successes.
Last year, her film “A Tribe Called Judah” made history by becoming the first Nollywood film to surpass the ₦1 billion mark, firmly establishing her as the queen of Nigerian cinema.
In 2023, Akindele’s “Battle on Buka Street” also achieved record-breaking success, surpassing the previous record set by her own blockbuster, “Omo Ghetto: The Saga.”
The “Jenifa” franchise has transcended the realm of a mere movie series, evolving into a cultural phenomenon.
Akindele first introduced the iconic character “Jenifa” to audiences in the 2008 Yoruba-language film “Jenifa,” captivating viewers with her wit and charm.
The character’s popularity skyrocketed with the 2015 launch of “Jenifa’s Diary.” Interestingly, the series is a beloved television series that seamlessly blended humour with valuable life lessons.
With “Everybody Loves Jenifa,” Akindele elevates the character to new heights. She delivers a heartwarming and comedic story that resonates deeply with fans.
The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast, featuring Funke Akindele as Jenifa, Folarin “Falz” Falana as Sege.
Also, Jackie Appiah, Nancy Isime, Stan Nze, Bisola Aiyeola, Patience Ozokwor, Chimezie Imo, and Isaac Olayiwola (Layi Wasabi) brought life to the movie.
Check out more movie updates here.
MOVIES
FG To Premiere TV Series, “Hidden Riches” On Mining Sector On January 25
Published
1 month agoon
January 8, 2025By
Reporter
Nigeria’s Federal Government will launch an ambitious television drama series focused on the nation’s mining sector, premiering “Hidden Riches” on January 25, 2025.
The Solid Minerals Development Minister, Dele Alake, unveiled the project Tuesday. He describes it as a creative exploration of Nigeria’s vast mineral resources and their transformative potential.
Take 7 Media has produced this groundbreaking series under the directorial vision of Bem Pever and Nwamaka Chikezie.
The drama will occupy a prime-time slot on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) network, airing every Saturday from 8:05 pm to 8:30 pm, reaching viewers across the nation.
“Hidden Riches” weaves together multiple storylines, following a diverse cast of characters including miners, political figures, environmental activists, and ordinary citizens.
These characters navigate the complex landscape of Nigeria’s mineral wealth. Also, it confronts challenges and seizes opportunities as they interact with the nation’s underground treasures.
The series delves deep into the intricate web of politics, power dynamics, and personal ambition surrounding Nigeria’s mineral resources.
Through its dramatic narrative, the show illuminates the mining sector’s potential as a crucial driver of economic diversification and sustainable development. It aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for reducing Nigeria’s dependence on oil.
A talented ensemble cast brings these stories to life. It features acclaimed performers Sydney Diala, Lara Owoeye-Wise, Iveren Antiev, and Alex Jibrin.
Their performances help spotlight the human elements within Nigeria’s resource management challenges and opportunities.
Minister Alake emphasises that beyond entertainment, “Hidden Riches” serves a vital educational purpose.
I am pleased to announce the debut of a TV drama series, “Hidden Riches,” which aims to uniquely tell the story of the complexities and potential of Nigeria’s mining sector.
Featuring a stellar cast that includes Sydney Diala, Lara Owoeye-Wise, Iveren Antiev, Alex Jibrin, among… pic.twitter.com/OZaQObzjUs
— Dele Alake (@AlakeDele) January 7, 2025
The series aims to inspire Nigerian citizens to engage actively with the mining sector. Further, it fosters an understanding of its role in building a sustainable economic future.
Through compelling storytelling, the show highlights how solid minerals could serve as a pivotal alternative revenue stream for Nigeria’s economy.
Check out more movie updates here.
Latest


Samsung Galaxy S25 Series Sets The Standard Of AI Phones As A True AI Companion
Samsung Galaxy S25 series sets the standard of AI phones as a true AI companion …Pioneering the multimodal era with...


5 Things To Expect In Afrobeats In 2025
Afrobeats is poised to reach unprecedented heights in 2025 as Nigerian music continues its remarkable global ascent. The genre’s explosive...


Here Are The 7 Most Ancient Countries On Earth
The oldest countries in the world stand as remarkable testaments to human civilisation, each containing landscapes and monuments that narrate...


Why Self-Reflection Is More Important Than Resolutions
Millions of people embark on a yearly ritual: they sit down with a notebook and pen, eager to craft a...


Nollywood Director, Kemi Adetiba Teases King Of Boys 3
Nollywood director Kemi Adetiba has revealed that another instalment of King of Boys will be released on December 25, 2025....


John McEnroe Says He Can Be The Commissioner Tennis Needs Amid Doping Crisis
Recent doping controversies involving top players have not damaged tennis’s reputation, but John McEnroe believes that appointing a single commissioner...


“Everybody Loves Jenifa” Becomes Nollywood’s Highest-Grossing Film Of All Time
Nollywood filmmaker Funke Akindele has achieved a historic milestone with her latest film, “Everybody Loves Jenifa.” The film has officially...


FG To Premiere TV Series, “Hidden Riches” On Mining Sector On January 25
Nigeria’s Federal Government will launch an ambitious television drama series focused on the nation’s mining sector, premiering “Hidden Riches” on...


Qing Madi Delivers A Soulful Performance Of “Favourite Pyscho”
Rising Afro-RnB sensation Qing Madi launches into 2025 with a mesmerising performance on the prestigious COLOURS platform, showcasing her latest...


Taiwo Awoniyi’s First Goal Of The Season Seals Nottingham Forest’s Win Over Wolves
Taiwo Awoniyi made a triumphant return to Premier League action. He scored in stoppage time to help Nottingham Forest crush...
-Ad-


