Entertainment
Aliu Gafar (Esusu) makes best supporting actor category as 2025 AMVCA nominees list drops
Aliu Gafar (Esusu) has been nominated in the Best Supporting Actor category at the 2025 AMVCA Awards, celebrating his standout role
The 2025 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) has revealed its highly anticipated list of nominees, and Aliu Gafar, famed for his role in the Netflix hit, Seven Doors, has secured a nomination for Best Supporting Actor category.
Also read: Toyin Abraham hails AMVCA organisers
This recognition places him amongst the most talented actors in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Gafar’s portrayal of a complex character. Esusu, has earned him widespread praise, and his nomination is a testament to the depth of his performance.
The actor’s unique ability to bring nuance and authenticity to his role has resonated with both critics and audiences, cementing his place as one of the top contenders for the prestigious award.
The 2025 AMVCA nominations were announced on March 23, 2025, and feature an exciting range of talent across various categories.
As one of the most significant events in the African entertainment calendar, the AMVCA is known for recognising exceptional talent in film, television, and other creative fields.
This year’s nominees reflect the evolving landscape of Nigerian entertainment, with a spotlight on emerging talent and established stars alike.
Find the full list of nominees below:
Best Digital Content Creator
Iyo Prosper Adokiye
Maryam Apakagi-Greene
Elozonam Ogbolu, Hoviare Freedom, Chiamaka Uzokwe
Jide Pounds Ibitoye
Ariyiikedimples, Brain Jotter
Best Multichoice Talent Factory Movie
Gone (West Africa)
Everything Light Touches (West Africa)
The Immersive Alarm (East Africa)
Deadbeat (East Africa)
Mwananga (Southern Africa)
Rivals in Time (Southern Africa)
Best Unscripted M-Net Original
Nigerian Idol
Pastor Wants A Wife (Zambia)
Overall Best
Husband Material
The Queens of Kopala
Best Scripted M-Net Original
Uriri
All Mine
My Fairytale Wedding
Italo
The Caller
Kam U Stay
Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa)
Seven Doors
Lisabi: The Uprising
Kaka
Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre
Mai Martaba
Best Indigenous Language Film (East Africa)
The Caller
Makosa Di Tangu
Sabotage
Wa Milele? (Forever?)
Best Indigenous Language Film (South Africa)
Walvis Tale
The Vow
Mwizukanji
Man of Gold
Lukas
Best Indigenous M-Net Original
Mai Shayi
The Caller
Show Me The Way
Ebighi Ebi
Subterranea
Onye Agbata Obim
Amoanimaa’s Era
Best Short Film
Sukari
Brukaci
What Are You Truly Afraid Of?
In Bloom: ‘Afefe’
The Incredible Sensational Fiancee of Seyi Ajayi
Best Supporting Actress
Meg Otanwa – Inside Life
Tina Mba – Suspicion
Ireti Doyle – All’s Fair in Love
Ini Dima-Okojie – Skeleton Coast
Mercy Aigbe – Farmer’s Bride
Omoni Oboli – The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3
Darasimi Nnadi – Aburo
Best Supporting Actor
Gabriel Afolayan – Inside Life
Adedayo Adebowale Macaroni – Lisabi: The Uprising
Aliu Gafar – Seven Doors
Femi Jacobs – Freedom Way
Richard Mofe-Damijo – Christmas In Lagos
Uzor Arukwe – Suspicion
Mike Afolarin – House of Ga’a
Efa Iwara – Princess on a Hill
Best Lead Actress
Chioma Chukwuka – Seven Doors
GbugbemI Ejeye – Farmer’s Bride
Uzoamaka Onuoha – Agemo
Uche Montana – Thinline
Uzoamaka Aniunoh – Phoenix Fury
Hilda Dokudo – The Uprising: Wives On Strike 3
Bimbo Ademoye – Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre
Best Lead Actor
Gideon Okeke – Tokunbo
Bucci Franklin – The Weekend
Femi Branch – House of Ga’a
Thapelo Makoena – Skeleton Coast
Bimbo Manuel – Princess On A Hill
Stan Nze – Suspicion
Femi Adebayo – Seven Doors
Adedimeji Lateef – Lisabi: The Uprising
Best Editing
Inkabi
Christmas In Lagos
Skeleton Coast
Soft Love
Lisabi: The Uprising
Princess On A Hill
Best Cinematography
Yen Ara Asaase Ni (This Is Our Land)
Inkabi
The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos
Skeleton Coast
Soft Love
Lisabi: The Uprising
Agemo
Best Sound/Sound Design
Inkabi
Seven Doors
Freedom Way
Lisabi: The Uprising
Ajakaju: Beast Of Two Worlds
Suspicion
Best Score/Music
Inkabi
Freedom Way
Seven Doors
Soft Love
Skeleton Coast
Best Art Direction
Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre
Christmas In Lagos
Farmer’s Bride
Seven Doors
The Man Died
Lisabi: The Uprising
Best Costume Design
Toyin Ogundeji – Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre
Bolanle Austen- Peters, Yolanda Okereke, Juliana Dede, Gloria Oyu – House Of Ga’a
Oluwatoyin Balogun, Oyeade Adeimpe Adedimeji – Lisabi: The Uprising
Opeyemi Sogeke – Phoenix Fury
Adedamola Adeyemi – Christmas In Lagos
Best Makeup
Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre
Lisabi: The Uprising
Seven Doors
Farmer’s Bride
Clarence Peters’ Inside Life
Suspicion
Best Writing TV Series
Untying Kantai
Tuki?
Roses & Ivy
Cheta’M
Seven Doors
Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre
Princess On A Hill
Best Writing in a Movie
The Weekend
Skeleton Coast
Freedom Way
Phoenix Fury
A Ghetto Love Story
House of Ga’a
Christmas In Lagos
Best Documentary
Walvis Tale
Dundun
O.Y.O (On Your Own)
Women of Salt: The Resilience of Ebonyi’s Women
I Will Remember You
Best Scripted Series
Clarence Peters’ Inside Life
Seven Doors
Princess On A Hill
Cheta’M
Roses & Ivy
Best Unscripted Series
Style Magnate
Skillers The Builders Show)
Ebuka Turns Up Africa
Wa Milele? (Forever?)
Uzoamaka Tries Palmwine
Best Director
Robert O Peters – Skeleton Coast
Norman Maake – Inkabi
Bolanle Austen-Peters – House of Ga’a
Awam Amkpa – The Man Died
Daniel Emeka Oriahi – The Weekend
Femi Adebayo, Adebayo Tijani, Tope Adebayo – Seven Doors
Best Movie
Lisabi: The Uprising
Skeleton Coast
Suspicion
Inkabi
House of Ga’a
Freedom Way
Christmas in Lagos
Farmer’s Bride
Nigerian rapper Ice Prince has credited MI Abaga for mentoring him and teaching him how to rap, attributing his success to the training
Nigerian rap artist Ice Prince Zamani, widely known as Ice Prince, has openly discussed his journey within Nigeria’s vibrant music and rap scene.
Also read: MI Abaga says, Many artistes turning to drug addicts
In a recent interview with Isbaeu, Ice Prince acknowledged his fellow rapper MI Abaga for his pivotal role in his development, stating that MI personally taught him the intricacies of rap and served as his mentor.
During the conversation, Ice Prince affectionately referred to MI as his older brother, revealing that he underwent years of training under MI’s guidance.
He directly attributed his achievements in the industry to the mentorship and comprehensive training he received from MI Abaga.
Ice Prince confidently asserted his abilities: “I can rap on any beat, with anybody, any rapper and I will stand out. I’m not going to have a wack verse on a song. I’m not saying other rappers cannot rap or do their thing but it can’t be said that I’m wack. I was brought up by the best, shout out to MI Abaga. I rapped with MI for years. That’s my big brother, he taught me how to do this and he taught me well.”
The rapper, who rose to prominence following the release of his 2011 hit single “Oleku,” has since established himself as one of the leading figures in Nigerian rap music.
Ice Prince previously shared that his passion for rap ignited partly because he lacked the financial means to pursue further education at university.
This revelation adds another layer to his journey and underscores the significant impact of MI Abaga’s mentorship on his successful career.
Entertainment
CKay concludes recording agreement with Warner Music South Africa, hints at new horizons
International Afrobeats star CKay has officially ended his recording agreement with Warner Music South Africa in a mutual and strategic decision, signaling a new chapter in his career
Renowned international Afrobeats artist CKay has officially concluded his recording agreement with Warner Music South Africa, marking the end of a significant chapter in his burgeoning career.
Also read: CKay’s ‘Love Nwantiti’ becomes highest RIAA certified Nigerian song
The artist, celebrated for his global chart-topping hits such as “Love Nwantiti,” “Emiliana,” and numerous others, confirmed that the decision to not renew his contract was a mutual and strategic one between him and the record label.
Speaking about this development, CKay expressed gratitude for his time with Warner Music South Africa while also expressing anticipation for future endeavors.
“Every journey has a beginning and an end, and my journey with Warner Music South Africa was a very important one which i’m grateful for. Now it’s time for me to explore new energy and new horizons,” the artist stated.
With an impressive track record boasting over 2 billion streams across various platforms and a reputation for propelling Afrobeats onto the global stage, CKay’s next career move is highly anticipated by fans and industry insiders alike.
Sources close to the artist suggest that a major announcement is imminent, and followers can expect a fresh wave of music and a new artistic direction in the coming weeks.
“Every journey has a beginning and an end, and my journey with Warner Music South Africa was a very important one which i’m grateful for. Now it’s time for me to explore new energy and new horizons,” said CKay.
In the previous year, CKay took a significant step in his career by launching his own record label, Boyfriend Music Limited. This venture was co-founded with his long-time friend and manager, Joseph Salubi, indicating a move towards greater creative control and ownership of his musical output.
CKay’s ascent to stardom began with the release of his groundbreaking hit song ‘Love Nwantiti’ in 2019. The track rapidly evolved into one of Afrobeats’ most successful exports, introducing Nigerian music to vast new audiences worldwide.
Following a surge in popularity on TikTok in 2021, the smash hit single achieved remarkable success, eventually being certified 8 times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
‘Love Nwantiti,’ the lead track from CKay’s EP ‘CKay The First,’ continues to hold its record as the most certified Nigerian song in the United States.
Prior to his association with Warner Music South Africa, CKay was initially signed to Loopy Music, which later merged with Chocolate City in 2015.
Under the Chocolate City label, he released his second extended play, ‘CKay the First,’ which featured the global sensation ‘Love Nwantiti.’ In 2021, CKay clarified that he was signed to Warner Music South Africa, marking the beginning of the journey that has now come to a close.
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