The African film industry is buzzing with anticipation for the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). Widely regarded as the “African Oscars,” the AMVCA isn’t just an awards ceremony; it’s a high-octane celebration of our stories, our fashion, and the sheer technical brilliance of filmmakers around the continent.

With the call to entry now officially open, all eyes are on the films that defined 2025 and could dominate the ceremony in May 2026. This year also marks an exciting shift with the introduction of new categories, such as Best Indigenous Language – North Africa and Central Africa, signalling a more inclusive era for continental storytelling.

We saw a series of blockbuster releases and record-breaking titles that captured audiences and sparked conversations across the continent. While the jury ultimately decides the nominees, the streets are already talking. Based on the incredible run of films released between January and December 2025, here are a few movies we would like to see dominate the nominations:

To Kill a Monkey

If any Nigerian film broke the internet in 2025, it was To Kill a Monkey. Kemi Adetiba proves once again why she’s at the top of her game, delivering a bold and culturally resonant story full of ambition, moral conflict, and unforgettable moments. Anchored by a powerful performance from William Benson, the film explores ambition, desperation, and compromise in a way that feels deeply relatable to the Nigerian experience. With exceptional production value, a memorable soundtrack, and storytelling that sticks with you long after the credits roll, To Kill a Monkey is a film made for AMVCA recognition across major categories.

3 Cold Dishes

The AMVCAs have always stood for celebrating the very best of African storytelling, and 3 Cold Dishes fits squarely into that tradition. It is a bold, well-told story that centres African women, African realities, and the kind of cross-border narratives that reflect the continent’s shared experiences.

Led by a standout performance from Osas Ighodaro, the film flips familiar narratives by placing women at the heart of a revenge story shaped by trauma, survival, and justice. Directed by Asurf Oluseyi and executively produced by Burna Boy, the film moves across multiple African countries, using its scale to spotlight the realities of human trafficking without losing emotional depth. Its strong storytelling, cultural relevance, and ambition make 3 Cold Dishes one of the most notable African films of late 2025 and a deserving AMVCA contender.

Mother of the Brides

Africa Magic delivers another hit with Mother of the Brides, a Lagos family drama full of heart, humour, and tension. When their father dies without a will, a matriarch has just 45 days to marry off one of her four daughters or risk losing everything to tradition and scheming in-laws. Her mother works tirelessly to keep the family together amid pressure from relatives and society.

The film doesn’t just show weddings and family drama; it also highlights the darker side of titled families in Nigeria, exposing secrets, power struggles, and the lengths people will go to protect their interests. With strong performances from Gloria Anozie-Young, Kalu Ikeagwu, Linda Ejiofor, Uche Chika Elumelu, and Ibrahim Suleiman, Mother of the Brides delivers laughs, tension, and storytelling, making it a clear standout for AMVCA attention.

Baby Farm

Mo Abudu and EbonyLife hit another high note with Baby Farm, a gripping drama series that shines a light on the dark world of “baby factories.” Starring Rita Dominic and Onyinye Odokoro, the film follows a young woman lured into a prestigious Lagos NGO only to uncover a sinister trafficking ring. Heavy, intense, and impeccably executed, Baby Farm combines blockbuster production quality with socially relevant storytelling, the kind of film that has the power to dominate the AMVCA nominations.

My Father’s Shadow

A cinematic landmark, My Father’s Shadow is the first Nigerian film to grace the Cannes Official Selection. Directed by Akinola Davies Jr., the story follows two young brothers reconnecting with their elusive father against the backdrop of 1993 Lagos. With a powerhouse performance from Sope Dirisu, the film is a poetic exploration of family, memory, and a nation on the brink of change. Its visual storytelling, direction, and performances make it a strong contender for technical and acting awards.

From bold, socially conscious blockbusters to intimate, character-driven stories, 2025 was a remarkable year for African cinema. Each of these films shows the range, depth, and ambition of filmmakers across the continent, telling stories that are both locally grounded and globally resonant. As the 12th edition of the AMVCA approaches, we hope these standout titles get submitted and have the chance to be recognised for the impact, creativity, and storytelling they brought to the screen.

After a long day of work, traffic, deadlines, and back-to-back responsibilities, the last thing most people want is more stress. They just want something that helps them relax. Something familiar that helps their mind slow down. For many households, that small moment of calm begins with the TV.

It is the background comfort while dinner is being made, the show you ease into from the couch, or the story that gently pulls you away from the stress of the day. And with GOtv’s mix of drama, family favourites, and everyday storytelling, finding something to match your evening mood is easier than ever.

Whether you want light entertainment or an engaging drama to sink into, these shows make the perfect after-work escape.

Sister Sister – 6:30 PM | ROK 2

Sister Sister follows the intertwined lives of identical twins Nelly and Nora,  two women born of the same blood but shaped by very different experiences. As they navigate Lagos, love, ambition and family expectations, the sisters find that even the closest bonds can be pushed to the brink when secrets, choices, and personal dreams collide.

This isn’t just another family drama. It is a story about identity, loyalty, and the unspoken ties that bind us. With every episode, you’ll find yourself drawn deeper into their world, laughing, feeling their losses, and wondering how far the family can stretch before it  breaks.

Battleground – 5:00 PM | Africa Magic Family

At the heart of Battleground is Chief Kolade Badmus, a man of influence whose drive for success leaves his family entangled in rivalry, secrets and betrayal.

Kolade’s elegant but sharp‑witted wife, Adaora, tries to hold the family together while his second wife, Cissy, navigates her own place in the home. Their children,  from Mayowa to Teni and Ayo, each carry ambitions and wounds that fuel personal battles and fierce emotional stakes.

Battleground tells a powerful story where loyalty is tested, love is complicated, and every family dinner could uncover another buried truth. With strong performances from veterans like Joke Silva and Shaffy Bello and a narrative that feels as intense as real life, this series is the kind of drama that makes you want to close work early and beat the traffic just so you don’t miss it.

Gifted – 8:00 PM | ROK 2

When young Ebele’s parents die suddenly, she’s thrust into a world of hardship, living under the care of an uncaring uncle and his cruel wife. But in the midst of grief and struggle, something extraordinary begins to stir within her.

Gifted is the story of the transformation of a girl who discovers a remarkable ability that challenges everything she thought she knew about herself. As Ebele’s gift begins to unfold, so does a journey of self‑discovery, resilience and unexpected purpose.

This is not a heavy drama. It is emotional, inspiring, and deeply human. Gifted offers a narrative that reassures, uplifts and reminds you that strength often arrives from the most unlikely places.

The Split – 8:30 PM (Thursdays & Fridays) | Africa Magic Showcase

In a busy banking world, three ordinary professionals, Abdul, Harriet and Tola, face pressure that few of us can imagine. A dormant bank account surfaces, tempting them with the promise of the life they’ve always wanted. But what starts as a risky opportunity slowly evolves into moral conflict, betrayal, and decisions that blur the lines between right and wrong.

The strength of The Split lies in its characters, people you quickly grow to care about, fear for, and judge with every choice they make. It’s a slow-burning drama that pulls you in and keeps you daydreaming, counting the days and hours until the next episode.

These shows are more than just TV content,  they are stories with heart, tension, depth and character that make your evenings feel richer. Whether you want laughter and empathy, deep family drama, emotional transformation, or edge‑of‑your‑seat twists, there’s a perfect unwind waiting for you.

Right now, subscribers can enjoy all these and even more value with the We Got You offer, available until 28th February 2026. When you pay for your current package, you’re automatically upgraded to the next package at no extra cost,  giving you access to more channels, more shows, and even more ways to unwind.

To subscribe, upgrade, or reconnect, download the MyGOtv App or dial *288#. You can also stream your favourites anytime with the GOtv Stream App.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Over 1,000 creators, storytellers, innovators, and digital entrepreneurs from across Africa were brought together in Lagos recently for the 2026 African Creators Summit organised by Facebook.

The event was put together by the social networking platform to brainstorm on how to share the future of the continent’s creative economy.

It was also to empower participants with tools and resources to reach wider audiences, build meaningful communities, and earn sustainably from their content.

It was the second consecutive year Facebook is delivering a dynamic creator experience that reinforced its ongoing commitment to Africa’s growing creative economy.

As the platform with the largest network of people who can reach a massive audience, Facebook has always been about connection and continues to empower creators to connect more deeply with actual people and earn real money across all the content formats they share.

Some of the notable creators at the summit were Abiri Tobi Festus (Folagade Banks), Ify’s Kitchen, Nons Miraj, Nancy Umeh, Lolo Mbakara, Broda Shaggi, Gilmooree, Jenni Frank, Cute Abiola, One Khan, and King – Ana, among others.

Commenting on the initiative, the Head of Communications for Sub-Saharan Africa at Meta, Oluwasola Obagbemi, said, “Our presence at the African Creators Summit was about meeting creators where they are, creating meaningful moments of connection, and demonstrating how Facebook empowers creators to succeed.

“Seeing creators engage, share their stories, and create content live at the booth highlights how powerful these spaces are in strengthening Africa’s creator community.

“Creators who haven’t fully explored Facebook are missing out on real opportunities. Over the past few years, we’ve introduced features that support monetisation, audience growth and discovery, and community building, and we’re doubling down on making it even easier for creators who share original and engaging content to succeed.”