Entertainment
Mami Wata, Anikulapo Lead As AMAA Unveils Nominations For 19th Edition
Organisers of the Africa Movie Academy Awards, AMAA, have announced the nominees for the 19th edition of the prestigious awards ceremony, themed ‘The Renaissance’.
Africa Film Academy (AFA) board represented by Mr. Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe and the AMAA Jury represented by Mr. Steve Ayorinde, announced the line up of activities for the 2023 edition of the film and movie awards ceremony at a media briefing in Lagos on Thursday.
According to Anyiam-Osigwe, the awards ceremony will be held on October 29, 2023 at The Balmoral Event Centre situated inside Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
He further explained that this edition would redefine the awards ahead of future plans and the 20th edition in 2024.
Also speaking during the briefing, Ayorinde, who represented the president of the AMAA jury, Keith Shiri, stressed that the jury went through a tedious and steadfast process to arrive at the nominees for each of the 26 categories that will compete for the 2023 AMAA coveted plaques.
Ayorinde also said the process, which has always been credited as very transparent by industry heads, began from call for entries submission, to screening by the College of Screeners headed by film critic and journalist, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, followed by its submission to the jury for final nomination after which the official nomination list was unveiled.
During the event, a one-minute silence was observed to honour the late founder and Chief Executive Officer of AFA and AMAA, Peace Ogechi Anyiam-Osigwe, who passed away earlier this year.
C. J. Obasi’s 2023 globally-acclaimed film, ‘Mami Wata’, clinched the most nominations this year with a total of 12 while Kunle Afolayan’s ‘Anikulapo’ got nine nominations, slightly ahead of Izu Ojukwu’s ‘4-4-44’ with eight nominations.
The three Nigerian films will compete in the awards two biggest categories, Best Picture and Best Director, where four other strong films across Africa are competing.
Below is the full list of nominees for the 19th AMAA:
AMAA 2023 Nomination List
1. Efere Ozako Award for Best Short Film
• Lions – Ethiopia
• Riel – Namibia
• Enmity Djinn – Mauritania
2. Jubril Malaifia Award for Best Animation
• Lost – Uganda
• Azania Rises – South Africa • Jabari – Ghana
• Bashorun Gaa – Nigeria
3. Best Documentary
• Africa, Cradle of Humankind and Modern Civilization – Senegal/Canada
• Nightlife in Lasgidi – Nigeria
• Maayo Wonaa Keerol – The River is not a Border –
Senegal
• Ifine (Beauty) – Sierra Leone
• Le Spectre de Boko Haram – Cameroon
4. Ousmane Sembene Award for Best Film in an African Language
• Pusha Pressa Phanda – South Africa •
• Anikulapo – Nigeria
• The Kitara Chronicle – Uganda
• Four Walls – South Africa
• Mami Wata – Nigeria
5. Michael Anyiam Osigwe Award for Best Film by an
African-Born Director Living Abroad
• Talia’s Journey – Senegal/Belgium)
• Golden Stripes – Nigeria/UK
• KOFA – Nigeria/Canada
6. Best Diaspora Short Film
• We Were Meant To – United States
• The Ballad of Olive Morris – United Kingdom
• Fifty-Four Days – United Kingdom
• Raw Materials – Jamaica
7. Best Diaspora Documentary
• Sound of the Police – United States
• Fantastico Negrito: Have You Lost Your Mind Yet? United States
• Black Rio – Brazil
8. Best Diaspora Narrative Feature
• Chee$e – Trinidad & Tobago
• Our Father, The Devil – United States
• The Pastor and the Revolutionary – Brazil
9. Best Achievement in Production Design
• Anikulapo – Nigeria
• Omen – DRC
• Sira – Burkina Faso
• Fight Like a Girl – Rwanda
• Gereza – South Africa
10. Best Achievement in Costume Design
• Mami Wata – Nigeria
• Anikulapo – Nigeria
• 4-4-44 (Four Four Forty-Four) – Nigeria
• Xalé – Senegal
• Omen – DRC
• Sira – Burkina Faso
11. Best Achievement in Make-Up
• Mami Wata – Nigeria
• Anikulapo – Nigeria
• Omen – DRC
• Our Lady of the Chinese Shop – Angola
• Gangs of Lagos – Nigeria
12. Best Achievement in Soundtrack
• Fight Like a Girl – Rwanda
• L’Axe Lourd (The Highway) – Cameroon
• Gereza – South Africa
• Omen – DRC
• 4-4-44 (Four Four Forty-Four) – Nigeria
13. Best Achievement in Visual Effects
• Omen – DRC
• Mami Wata – Nigeria
• The Trade – Nigeria
• Gangs of Lagos – Nigeria
14. Best Achievement in Sound
• Our Lady of the Chinese Shop – Angola
• Sira – Burkina Faso
• Omen – DRC
• Mami Wata – Nigeria
• Xalé – Senegal
15. Best Achievement in Cinematography
• Mami Wata – Nigeria
• Omen – DRC
• Fight Like a Girl – Rwanda
• Talia’s Journey – Senegal/Belgium
• Our Lady of the Chinese Shop – Angola
16. Best Achievement in Editing
• Mami Wata – Nigeria
• Omen – DRC
• Sira – Burkina Faso
• Gereza – South Africa
• Fight like a Girl – Rwanda
17. Best Achievement in Screenplay
• Mami Wata – Nigeria
• 4-4-44 (Four Four Forty-Four) – Nigeria
• Xalé – Senegal
• Fight Like a Girl – Rwanda
18. National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVB) Award
for Best Nigerian Film
• Mami Wata
• Anikulapo
• 4-4-44 (Four Four Forty-Four)
• Gangs of Lagos
• The Trade
• L.I.F.E.
• Brotherhood
19. Best Young/Promising Actor
• Maleek Sanni – Gangs of Lagos
• Jennifer Ewube -L’axe Lourd (The Highway)
• Darisimi Nadi – Obara’m
• Sanou Titiama – Le chant des fusils (The Song of the Rifles)
• Eyiyemi Afolayan – Anikulapo
20. Best Actor in a Supporting Role
• Francis Onwochei – The Trade – Nigeria
• Jeff Jackson Morgianho – Four Walls – South Africa
• Hakeem Kae-Kazim – Fight Like a Girl – Rwanda
• Jimmy Jean-Louis -Rise – United States
21. Best Actress in a Supporting Role
• Uzoamaka Aniunoh – Mami Wata – Nigeria
• Rokhaya Niang – Xalé – Senegal
• Clarck Ntambwe – Fight Like a Girl – Rwanda
22. Best Actor in a Leading Role
• Richard Mofe-Damijo(RMD) – 4-4-44 (Four Four Forty-Four) – Nigeria
• Marc Zinga – Omen – DRC
• Fernando Kamugisha – The Fallen Advocate –Uganda
• Tobi Bakre – Brotherhood – Nigeria
• Justin Murichii – Shimoni – Kenya
• Mike Danon – Sira – Burkina Faso
23. Best Actress in a Leading Role
• Lucie Debay – Omen – DRC
• Ehle Mbali Mlotshwa – Four Walls – South Africa
• Nafissatou Cissé – Sira – Burkina Faso
• Adesua Etomi – Gangs of Lagos – Nigeria
• Nse Ikpe-Etim – 4-4-44 (Four Four Forty-Four) – Nigeria
• Bimbo Ademoye – Anikulapo – Nigeria
• Ama Qamata – Fight Like a Girl – Rwanda
24. First Debut Feature by a Director
• Baloji – Omen – DRC
• Ery Claver – Our Lady of the Chinese Shop – Angola
• Jean Elliot Ilboudo (Le Chant des Fusils)The Song of the Rifles- Burkina Faso
25. Best Director
• Moussa Sene Absa – Xalé
• C. J. ‘Fiery’ Obasi – Mami Wata
• Baloji – Omen
• Apolline Traore – Sira
• Izu Ojukwu – 4-4-44 (Four Four Forty-Four)
• Kunle Afolayan – Anikulapo
• Kgosana Monchusi, Menzi Mzimela, Juvaiś Dunn – Four
Walls
26. Best Film
• Xalé- Senegal
• Mami Wata – Nigeria
• 4-4-44 (Four Four Forty-Four) Nigeria
• Omen – DRC
• Four Walls – South Africa
• Sira – Burkina Faso
• Anikulapo – Nigeria
Blaqbonez criticises Nigeria’s porn website ban, calling it a sign of misplaced priorities, and defends adult content in a post on X
Nigerian rapper Blaqbonez has weighed in on the recent directive by the Nigerian House of Representatives to block access to all pornographic websites in the country.
Also read: Blaqbonez clears the air on age controversy
On Tuesday, the House instructed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the country’s telecoms regulator, to shut down access to adult websites nationwide, sparking a wave of reactions from the public.
Taking to social media platform X, Blaqbonez expressed his discontent with the ban, suggesting that it reflected misplaced priorities.
Using popular adult film star Destiny Mira as an example, the rapper argued that adult films provide a form of entertainment that helps people cope with difficult moments in their lives.
“This country is funny. Destiny Mira, who helps us through tough times, and they want to ban her,” Blaqbonez wrote, sarcastically defending the value of adult content in light of the ban.
Blaqbonez’s post quickly gained attention, with many fans and followers joining the conversation, debating whether the government’s move was justified or if it was an overreach.
While some supported the rapper’s sentiment, others pointed out concerns about the negative impact of pornography on society.
The Nigerian government’s decision to block access to adult content has sparked a wider debate about censorship, personal freedoms, and the role of digital content in the country’s cultural landscape.
Burna Boy receives Platinum SNEP Certification for featured vocals on Dadju’s hit single “Donne-moi l’accord,” marking another milestone
Nigerian superstar Burna Boy has added another major achievement to his already impressive list of accolades, earning the prestigious Platinum SNEP Certification in France for his featured vocals on French-Congolese singer Dadju Nsungula’s hit single, “Donne-moi l’accord.”
Although the collaboration was initially released back in 2019, the track has continued to resonate with audiences, leading to its continued success and recognition.
This milestone is yet another feather in Burna Boy’s cap, further solidifying his position as one of the most sought-after global music features.
The Grammy-winning artist, known for his unique blend of Afro-fusion, has steadily built a global reputation and is continuing to break barriers on the world stage.
In 2025, Burna Boy further strengthened his international presence by earning an RIAA Gold Certification for his track “Alone,” which was featured on the soundtrack for the blockbuster movie *Black Panther: Wakanda Forever*.
His influence within the music industry was further confirmed when he became the first African artist to grace the cover of the newly launched *Billboard France* Magazine, a historic moment for African music.
The Platinum SNEP Certification brings Burna Boy’s total number of RIAA certifications to six, with four of those being solo plaques. This reinforces his reputation as one of Africa’s most prominent global music icons, as he continues to bridge cultures and expand the global reach of Afrobeat and African music.
Burna Boy’s achievements show no sign of slowing down, as his consistent international success proves his ever-growing influence across the globe.
From record-breaking collaborations to prestigious certifications, the “African Giant” continues to make history, one milestone at a time.
Nollywood actress Lola Fanimokun strongly denies affair claims with Oluwadolarz, dismissing accusations from his ex-fiancée Ifeluv
In a strongly-worded statement, Nollywood actress Lola Fanimokun has fervently denied allegations of an illicit affair with popular content creator Oluwadolarz.
The claims were made by Ifeluv, Oluwadolarz’s now-ex-fiancée, who accused Lola of hiding in his bathroom during a recent visit, suggesting a romantic involvement between the two.
The allegations escalated when Ifeluv also accused Lola of having undergone multiple abortions for Oluwadolarz. These claims have sparked a wave of controversy across social media, with many questioning the veracity of Ifeluv’s accusations.
In a public statement issued on Wednesday, Lola responded directly to the allegations, calling them “nonsense” and urging Ifeluv to focus on resolving her own personal issues instead of dragging her into the drama.
Lola made it clear that she would not engage in a public dispute, but felt compelled to defend herself for the sake of her reputation, her friends, and her family.
“I honestly wasn’t going to address this because I have a clear conscience, but for the sake of my friends and family and most especially my brand, I’d like to address these preposterous allegations that are flying around,” Lola said.
“I like to think I’m a very great actress (if I do say so myself), so I don’t have to sleep around for roles, my talent literally speaks for itself.”
Addressing the specific accusation regarding the bathroom incident, Lola explained that she had simply finished shooting a content video behind Oluwadolarz’s studio and needed to clean up.
She clarified that the bathroom in question was actually that of Oluwadolarz’s younger sister, not a private bathroom as Ifeluv had suggested. She expressed disbelief that this key detail had been conveniently left out of Ifeluv’s account.
Lola further dismissed the claims about multiple abortions as “petty” and an attempt to manipulate public opinion. She stated, “Accusing me of sleeping with your fiancé is one thing, lying about multiple abortions just to evoke sympathy is another ball game entirely! It’s extremely petty.”
She also expressed her disappointment in Ifeluv, someone she had once respected, for airing what she described as “pure assumption and misinformation” online. Lola encouraged Ifeluv to focus her energy on addressing her own relationship issues, rather than trying to involve her in the ongoing drama.
“If you choose to air your family’s dirty laundry on the internet, that’s absolutely fine, but please don’t project your insecurities on me and drag me into this mess,” Lola concluded.
This latest public fallout follows a series of personal and professional challenges for Oluwadolarz, who has recently confirmed the end of his relationship with Ifeluv and is now navigating the aftermath of their breakup.
Blaqbonez reacts to Nigeria’s ban on pornographic websites
Mary Gold apologises for role in Ijoba Lande’s marital crisis
Burna Boy earns platinum SNEP certification for collaboration with Dadju
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