AMVCAs Controversy: The 2024 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards were a dazzling affair. Still, they overshadowed the much-anticipated Nollywood hit ‘A Tribe Called Judah,’ which could not win any prizes and sparked an intense online debate among movie buffs. The debate centered around the film’s snub in major categories and the perceived bias towards other films.
The celebration honored the top stars of African cinema at the opulent Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos. Filmmaker and legendary actress Funke Akindele, who had the idea for ‘A Tribe Called Judah,’ a film that explores the themes of identity and cultural heritage in modern Nigeria, had a tough night.
Although the picture was nominated for numerous awards, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Makeup, Best Writing in a Movie, and Best Lead Actress, it ultimately lost to more deserving competitors. These competitors were chosen based on their exceptional performances, innovative storytelling, and technical excellence, which the judges deemed to be superior to ‘A Tribe Called Judah ‘.
While Campbell Precious’s outstanding work on “Mami Wata” overwhelmed Feyisayo Oyebisi’s outstanding makeup artistry, Tunde Babalola’s moving script for Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti triumphed over Funke Akindele, Collins Okoh, and Akinlabi Ishola in terms of literary sophistication.
Many fans of African cinema believe that Kehinde Bankole’s mesmerizing performance in ‘Adire,’ a film that delves into the complexities of love and relationships in modern Nigeria, which earned her the prestigious Best Lead Actress award, trumped Fuke Akindele’s (also known as Jenifa) powerful representation. Similarly, ‘Breath of Life,’ a film that tackles the issue of mental health in Nigeria, was praised for its sensitive portrayal and innovative storytelling.
The judges nonetheless gave the Best Picture award to “Breath of Life,” despite the fact that “A Tribe Called Judah” earned N1 billion in the first 21 days after its debut.
Also, Demola Adedoyin stole the show in “Breath of Life,” whereas Timini Egbuson’s supporting part was utterly underwhelming.
With an impressive sweep of five awards—Best Picture, Best Sound Design, Best Director (BB Sasore), Best Lead Actor, and Best Supporting Actor and Actress (Geneva Umeh and Ademola Adedoyin, respectively)—’Breath of Life’ stunned everyone, emerging as the night’s undisputed champion. Chimezie Imo, who played a supporting role in the film, was also honored with the Trailblazer Award, adding another layer of prestige to the story.
Passionate admirers are embroiled in a heated debate on social media, questioning whether ‘Breath of Life’ truly deserved its wins or if ‘A Tribe Called Judah,’ a revolutionary masterpiece in its own right, was unjustly overlooked.
One thing is certain as the sun goes down on this year’s Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards: the event’s passionate debates and enthusiastic attendance attest to the lasting impact of African cinema on captivating audiences and sparking passionate debates.
Despite its relative obscurity at the moment, “A Tribe Called Judah” will go down in history as an enduring symbol of the resilience of Nigerian cinema and the rich diversity of African cinema.
