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My Father’s Shadow Wins Best Film at AMVCA 12

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My Father's Shadow

By Adedapo Adesanya

Critically acclaimed drama, My Father’s Shadow, emerged as the winner of the prestigious Best Movie category at the 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award.

The win, at the showpiece held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, cements its place among the most celebrated African films of recent years.

The award was received by producers, Ms Funmbi Ogunbanwo and Ms Rachel Dargavel, whose work on the project has continued to attract widespread recognition both within and outside Africa.

Africa Magic described the movie as a production that “delivered on every level: story, craft, and impact,” applauding its artistic depth, emotional storytelling and cinematic excellence. The category was sponsored by Don Julio.

Directed by Akinola Davies Jr. in his feature film debut and co-written with his brother Wale “Tec” Davies, My Father’s Shadow tells a powerful coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s tense political atmosphere during the 1993 election crisis.

The film follows two young brothers navigating the chaotic streets of Lagos alongside their estranged father, a journalist and activist, as the nation grapples with uncertainty during the transition from military rule.

The film, shot entirely on 16mm film, blends intimate family drama with political history, creating a visually striking narrative praised for its authenticity and emotional resonance.

The production stars Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù alongside brothers Godwin and Chibuike Marvellous Egbo, whose performances received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences.

Before its AMVCA triumph, My Father’s Shadow had already achieved significant international success, becoming the first Nigerian film selected for the Official Competition at the Cannes Film Festival, where it earned a Special Mention for the Caméra d’Or.

The movie also secured several global honours, including a BAFTA for Outstanding Debut, recognition at the Gotham Awards and a place on the BBC’s list of the best films of 2026.

FULL LIST OF NOMINEES & WINNERS

Best Digital Content Creator

Emmanuel Kanaga and Sophia Chisom — Leave to Live

BEST INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE (North Africa)

Our Memories

BEST INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE (East Africa)

Inside Job – Kamau Wandug’u et al.

Sayari – Omar Hamza, June Wairegi

Addis Fikir – Leul Shoaferaw [WINNER]

My Son – Isarito Mwakalindile

Kimote – Hassan Mageye

BEST INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE (WEST AFRICA)

The Serpent’s Gift – Winifred Mena-Ajakpovi

Lisabi: A Legend Is Born – Lateef Adedimeji [WINNER]

Labake Olododo – Iyabo Ojo et al.

Aljana – Grace Yakubu

Olorisha – Abiola Adeshina

BEST EDITING

To Kill A Monkey — WINNER

Cordelia

My Father’s Shadow

Landline

3 Cold Dishes

Osamede

BEST DOCUMENTARY

Beyond Olympic Glory — WINNER

The Good x The Bad of Afrobeat

The People Shall

Not Addressing This Anymore

BOU

BEST SHORT FILM

Rise – Jessie J. Rowlands

Fleas – Jordy Sank

Telephone – Fimisinuola Adejonwo

Hussainin – Orire Nwani, Josh Olaoluwa [WINNER]

My Body, God’s Temple – Uzoamaka Power

BEST SCORE/MUSIC

My Father’s Shadow — WINNER

3 Cold Dishes

Osamede

Gingerrr

The Party

MTV Shuga Mashariki

To Kill A Monkey

Best Unscripted M-Net Original

Nigerian Idol (S10) — WINNER (Sulaiman Kassim and Ameke)

Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa

Chapa Chapa My Love

Out N About (Harar)

Undugu

Best Scripted M-Net Original

Adam To Eve

Mother of the Brides

The Yard

The Low Priest (Femi Ogunsanwo)— WINNER

Bobo

Best Supporting Actress

Olamide Kidbaby – Oversabi Aunty

Bisola Aiyeola – Gingerrr

Sola Sobowale – The Covenant Series

Nadia Dutch – Aljana

Amal Umar – The Herd

Juliebrenda Nyambura – MTV Shuga Mashariki

Funke Akindele – Behind The Scene

Linda Ejiofor —The Herd [WINNER]

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Simileoluwa Hassan – The Yard

Lateef Adedimeji – Gingerrr

Gabriel Afolayan – Colours of Fire

Bucci Franklin – To Kill A Monkey [WINNER]

Femi Adeboye – Agesinkole 2

Femi Branch – Red Circle

Uzor Arukwe – Behind The Scenes

Best Lead Actor

Mike Ezuruonye – Oversabi Aunty

Lateef Adedimeji – Lisabi: A Legend Is Born

William Benson – To Kill A Monkey

Kanayo O. Kanayo – Grandpa Must Obey

Khumbuza Meyiwa – Bet I Love You

Uzor Arukwe – Colours of Fire —[WINNER]

Wale Ojo – 3 Cold Dishes

Femi Branch – Red Circle

Uche Montana wins TRAILBLAZER AWARD

Best Series (Unscripted)

The Real Housewives of Lagos S3

Nigerian Idol S10

Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa

Offair With Gbemi and Toolz

Out N’ About (Harar) — [WINNER]

Best Series Scripted — Inimba [WINNER]

Best Director

Akinola Davies Jr – My Father’s Shadow —[WINNER]

Tunde Kelani – Cordelia

James Kalu Omokwe – Osamede

Daniel Etim-Effiong – The Herd

Yemi Morafa – Gingerrr

Asurf Amuwa Oluseyi – 3 Cold Dishes

Best Movie

Gingerrr

The Herd

My Father’s Shadow— [WINNER]

3 Cold Dishes

The Serpent’s Gift

Behind The Scenes

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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Why ZeeWorld Became the Channel Nigerian Women Can’t Stop Watching

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ZeeWorld

When Pragya and Abhi’s complicated love story kept viewers glued to their screens in Kumkum Bhagya, many Nigerian homes were already familiar with the emotional rollercoaster that ZeeWorld dramas bring. From hidden identities and unexpected betrayals to family members standing in the way of love, the show became one of the many dramas that turned ordinary evenings into moments of suspense and heated conversations.

The same happened with This is Fate, where viewers followed the journey of characters like Prachi and Ranbir through love, misunderstandings and family conflicts. Every revelation, heartbreak and reunion became something audiences discussed long after the episode ended.

This is the magic ZeeWorld has created over the years. The channel has mastered a style of storytelling built around emotions Nigerians connect with.

For many Nigerian women, ZeeWorld is not just another entertainment channel. It has become part of everyday routines, family conversations and shared viewing experiences.

Here is why it continues to hold their attention.

Love Stories That Keep Viewers Invested

ZeeWorld understands the power of romance, especially when love is tested. Love is never simple in ZeeWorld’s dramas. Characters have to deal with family expectations, misunderstandings, betrayal and difficult choices before finding happiness. This emotional journey keeps viewers invested because they are not just watching a love story unfold; they are hoping for the characters to overcome every obstacle.

Family Drama That Feels Familiar

Beyond romance, ZeeWorld’s biggest strength is its focus on family. Many of its storylines explore themes Nigerians understand deeply, parental expectations, family loyalty, marriage pressures and the desire to protect loved ones. While the settings may be different, the emotions feel familiar. The mother trying to protect her child, the family fighting to preserve its name or the woman trying to find acceptance are experiences that resonate with many viewers.

Characters Who Become Part of the Conversation

A major reason ZeeWorld has built such a loyal audience is the connection viewers have with its characters. Fans celebrate their favourite characters, criticise their decisions and debate their choices like they are discussing people they know. A storyline from a ZeeWorld drama can easily become the main topic of conversation among friends, sisters or family members.

The Joy of Watching Together

In a world where streaming has made entertainment more individual, ZeeWorld still represents the traditional television experience where people gather around the same screen and share reactions together. It is the channel playing while dinner is being prepared, the show discussed during visits and the reason viewers make sure they do not miss an important episode.

Television trends may change and new streaming platforms may emerge, but stories built on love, family and human emotion rarely go out of style. As long as ZeeWorld continues to tell those stories, it will keep giving Nigerian women a reason to tune in, laugh, cry and ask the same question at the end of every episode.

Don’t miss your favorite Zee World shows on GOtv Ch 30.

To upgrade, subscribe or reconnect, download the MyGOtv App or dial *288#. For catch-up and on-the-go viewing, download the GOtv Stream App and enjoy your favourite shows anytime, anywhere.

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MasterChef Nigeria David’s MasterChef Dream Boils Over

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MasterChef Nigeria David

There wasn’t a dry eye in the MasterChef Nigeria kitchen as fan favourite David bowed out in one of the most emotional episodes of the season, leaving Fads and Favy as the final two contestants standing in the race for the life-changing ₦73 million grand prize.

With the grand finale within touching distance, the Top 3 walked into the kitchen to find an elegantly laid dining table and an exquisite signature dish created by Chef Eros and Chef Stone. After savouring the meal alongside the judges, they received what would become the defining challenge of their MasterChef journey: recreating the dish with absolute precision to earn a coveted place in the finale.

There were no second chances. With Favy’s immunity pin already behind her, all three contestants stood on equal footing.

“Precision is your friend. Panic is your enemy,” Chef Stone cautioned as the clock began to tick.

For Fads, the challenge became her finest hour. Calm, focused and technically brilliant, she delivered a plate that impressed the judges with its flawless execution, balanced flavours and refined presentation. Her performance earned her Dish of the Day and secured her place as the first finalist.

Favy also rose to the occasion, presenting a dish that won praise for its taste and composure under pressure.

David, however, struggled to bring his vision to life. Despite pouring everything he had into the cook—admitting he had cooked with his “last breath”—his risotto lacked the required texture, while his duck fell short on flavour. In a competition where every detail mattered, those small imperfections had enormous consequences.

Standing beside Favy in the bottom two, David waited anxiously as the judges delivered their final decision.

His MasterChef journey had come to an end.

What followed was one of the season’s most unforgettable moments. Overcome with emotion, David broke down as he reflected on how far he had come. Across the room, Favy was so consumed by the moment that she barely realised she had secured her place in the finale.

Yet even in defeat, David’s story found a remarkable new beginning.

Moved by his passion, determination and undeniable talent, the judges described him as “a diamond in the rough” and rewarded his potential with an extraordinary opportunity: a fully sponsored six-month professional training programme at Chef Stone’s Red Dish culinary school, followed by a paid six-month internship at Chef Eros’s Ile Eros restaurant.

It was a powerful reminder that while competitions may end, dreams do not.

Now, the table is set for an unforgettable finale.

Next week, Fads and Favy will go head-to-head in one last culinary showdown for the MasterChef Nigeria title and the life-changing ₦73 million prize.

Two finalists. One kitchen. One final opportunity to create the dish that changes everything.

MasterChef Nigeria airs every Sunday at 7:00 p.m. on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family, with repeat broadcasts on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. on Africa Magic Showcase and Thursdays at 12:00 p.m. on Africa Magic Family.

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This Weekend on GOtv: Nollywood Movies Worth Watching

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This Weekend on GOtv

What happens when one tragic event forces a family to confront secrets they’ve spent years trying to bury? In The Journal, the mysterious death of a family member brings five siblings back together, but instead of finding answers, they uncover hidden truths that threaten to change everything they thought they knew about each other. To catch The Journal, tune in on Africa Magic Showcase Ch 8 on Saturday at 7:15 PM.

Stories like this are what make Nollywood impossible to ignore. Whether you’re in the mood for emotional family drama, romance, suspense or stories packed with unexpected twists, GOtv has a lineup of Nollywood movies to keep you entertained all weekend.

If you’re looking for what to watch, here are some Nollywood movies to add to your watchlist this weekend.

Iya

Some battles don’t happen outside the home. In Iya, a mother is determined to drive a wedge between her son and his wife. She goes to great lengths to frustrate her daughter-in-law, hoping to push her back into the life she once lived, making money from her beauty. It’s an emotional story about family interference, manipulation and the lengths some people will go to get what they want.

Showing on Africa Magic Yoruba Ch 2 on Saturday at 8:25 PM.

One Man

Nkechi and Amara share a close bond as sisters, but poverty tears them apart while they are still young. Years later, fate brings them back together, but their reunion doesn’t go as expected. Instead, a shocking decision threatens to change both of their lives forever. It’s a touching story about family, sacrifice and the unexpected turns life can take.

Showing on Africa Magic Epic Ch 6 on Saturday at 11:05 AM.

Unlucky

Kenny and Nora’s relationship is already far from perfect, but things become even more complicated when Mabel, a brilliant tech enthusiast, moves in next door. What starts as a simple neighbourly connection soon turns into a complicated love triangle that leaves everyone questioning where their hearts truly belong.

Showing on Africa Magic Showcase Ch 8 on Sunday at 10:14 PM.

My Madam And I

Chief Donald and Jifeofor have spent years as rivals, but life has a funny way of changing the script. While the two men continue their feud, their children unexpectedly fall in love. Now they must decide whether love is strong enough to overcome pride, family rivalry and years of bad blood.

Showing on Africa Magic Family Ch 7  on Sunday at 11:05 PM.

Whether you’re in the mood for family drama, romance, suspense or stories packed with emotional twists, GOtv’s Nollywood lineup has you covered this weekend. So settle in and let these stories take over your screen.

To upgrade, subscribe or reconnect, download the MyGOtv App or dial *288#. For catch-up and on-the-go viewing, download the GOtv Stream App and enjoy your favourite shows anytime, anywhere.

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