BB Sasore’s ‘Breath of Life’ Dominates AMVCA with Multiple Wins

For the second time, a film produced and distributed by a streaming platform clinched the Best Overall Movie at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). ‘Breath of Life,’ an Amazon Prime Video Nigeria Original, took the award at the 10th edition of the AMVCA, which took place last night at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The film, executively produced by BB Sasore and Derin Adeyokunnu, won in several categories, including Best Director for Sasore, Best Lead Actor for Wale Ojo and the Best Supporting categories with actor Ademola Adedoyin and actress Genoveva Umeh taking the awards in the respective categories.

Kehinde Bankole, acclaimed for her peerless role in ‘Adire,’ clinched the Best Lead Actress award, marking her second win at the AMVCA.

However, despite its high budget, ‘The Black Book,’ a Netflix hit, only secured the award for Best Editing, while ‘Mami Wata’ won in the Best MakeUp category.

‘Jagun Jagun’ emerged victorious in two categories: Best Indigenous Language (West Africa) for Femi Adebayo and Best Costume Design for Lola Awe.

The talented actor, Chimezie Imo, was awarded the Trailblazer Award.

Emotional about his win, Imo, during his acceptance speech, reminded his colleagues of perseverance, signing off with “My name is Chimezie Imo, I’m an actor, see you at work.”

This year, the awards had two honourees for its iconic Industry Merit Award: the popular actress Esther Idowu Philips (Iya Rainbow), and Richard Mofe-Damijo better known as RMD. Astonished by the recognition, it took a while before Philips found the right words to express her gratitude.

“I thank God I’m still alive,” she said, dedicating the award to her husband and children.

Although he missed out on the Best Lead Actor for the third time, the Industry Merit Award was a recognition of his talent and contribution to the industry in the past three decades.

Stunned but composed, RMD appreciated both the young and old producers, directors and other crew members he had worked with.

Hosted by the witty and charismatic media personality IK Osakioduwa, AMVCA 10 was also a showcase of memorable musical performances.

From the legendary Congolese Awilo Longomba to the nostalgic Shaffy Bello and Seyi Sodimu’s rendition of ‘Love Me Jeje,’ as well as Chike’s performance of ‘Egwu’ featuring the late singer and rapper Mohbad. Other notable performers of the night included Adekunle Gold and KCee.

Vanessa Obioha