Showbiz
Celebrating African Cinema: AMVCA’s Growing Influence in Global Entertainment
The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), often compared to the Oscars, has evolved beyond a simple awards ceremony into an influential platform boosting African cinema’s global visibility. As the 11th edition approaches, the AMVCA continues to highlight African filmmakers’ work, helping to position Africa’s cinematic output as a significant force in international entertainment.
Initially established to showcase Africa’s diverse storytelling traditions, the AMVCA has grown from a regional event into one of the most anticipated events on the global film calendar. This increased prominence reflects the growing recognition of Africa’s cinematic quality and originality. The AMVCA brings together a wide range of African filmmaking talents, enhancing the event’s global recognition. As African content expands on streaming platforms like Showmax, the awards provide filmmakers with access to broader international audiences.
While the comparison to the Oscars speaks to its prestige, the AMVCA’s true value lies in showcasing authentic African stories and talent. Celebrating both established and emerging creative voices, it creates a space where African filmmakers receive recognition for their contributions to global cinema. This is particularly important as African stories gain traction on the international stage.
Recognition from the AMVCA extends beyond trophies, opening doors to new opportunities and global collaborations. Past winners have seen their careers blossom through international film festival invitations, co-productions, and global distribution deals. The award serves as a validation that elevates African filmmakers’ work to the international stage.
A key strength of the AMVCA is its recognition of the full spectrum of industry talent. The awards highlight not only actors and directors but also the technical experts- cinematographers, editors, sound engineers, costume designers, and music composers- emphasising African cinema’s diverse talent pool. The addition of the best music score category further acknowledges how original compositions enhance storytelling and emotional impact in African films.
As African films increasingly appear on global platforms and receive critical acclaim, the AMVCA has become an industry cornerstone. With its 11th edition approaching, the awards’ role in recognising and celebrating African cinema remains vital. By recognizing excellence across all filmmaking aspects, from visual storytelling to musical composition, the AMVCA provides a comprehensive platform for honouring the complete artistic vision behind each production.
The global entertainment industry is paying attention, and the AMVCA ensures that African cinema is not just part of the conversation but actively shapes it. This evolution from a regional awards show to a globally recognized institution demonstrates the growing influence of African cinema and the diverse talent emerging from the continent. Through categories like Best Music Score, the AMVCA continues to elevate all components that make African storytelling unique and compelling on the world stage.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Popular musician, Mrs Iyun Janet Oluwatoyosi Ajilore, otherwise known as Saint Janet, has died.
The singer, known for her explicit lyrics, was said to have died in the early hours of Sunday, August 2, 2026, after a brief illness.
Her demise has thrown some of her admirers into shock. Some of her fans and colleagues have started to send their condolences.
The Highlife musician, who is also fondly called Mama Yabis, rose to fame after her controversial Faaji Plus featured lewd lyrics and was banned multiple times by regulatory bodies like PMAN and the Lagos State House of Assembly.
However, this did not stop her from performing at private events, as she was loved by some who were moved by her guts and electrifying live performances, energetic stage presence, and unique style of engaging audiences through satire, humour, and socially unfiltered commentaries.
The battle of the sexes continued in Big Brother Naija Season 11 as the gentlemen claimed victory in this week’s wager task presentation, while the ladies fell short in a debate centred on the age-old question: Nature or Nurture?
From the start of the season, Biggie split the House into two teams, with the ladies and gentlemen to compete against each other in key challenges, including wager task presentations and arena games. For this week’s wager, the teams were assigned opposing sides in a Nature versus Nurture debate, with the gentlemen arguing that inherited traits have the greatest influence on who people become, while the ladies defended the idea that people are largely shaped by their upbringing, environment and life experiences.
After both teams presented their arguments, Biggie declared the gentlemen the winners of the wager. While announcing the result, he admitted that neither team delivered an outstanding performance, noting that the House is still in its “honeymoon phase” and that he was selecting a winner based on the stronger overall presentation.
Despite his reservations, Biggie singled out Nomy, Neche, Chimsom Chuka, Cassi and Gerard for their standout contributions, praising their confidence, delivery and commitment during the task.
With one team victory secured, the rivalry between the ladies and the gentlemen continues to heat up, and the competition is only getting tougher.
But that’s not the only thing viewers have to look forward to this weekend. All eyes are now on the Saturday night party and Sunday’s live show, where the mystery surrounding The Gambit will finally be revealed. Tune in from 7:00 p.m on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151 and GOtv channel 8) and Africa Magic Family (DStv Channel 154 and GOtv channel 7) to find out who The Gambit is and what it could mean for the game as the twists in Big Brother Naija Season 11 continue to unfold.
Keep up with all the drama, twists and surprises on DStv and GOtv, or stream the show live on DStv Stream and GOtv Stream.
School is out, and for many parents, the summer break comes with one familiar request: “Can I watch TV?” While screen time can be a great way for kids to relax and enjoy their holidays, many parents also worry about finding shows that do more than just keep their children busy.
The good news is that TV time does not have to mean endless hours of random entertainment. Summer break is the perfect opportunity to introduce kids to shows that fuel their imagination, encourage teamwork, inspire creativity, and teach valuable lessons while they enjoy exciting stories.
From a construction pup leading a team of builders to a young superhero squad protecting their city, this summer’s lineup is filled with adventures that will keep children entertained while giving parents peace of mind about what they are watching. Here are five shows worth adding to your kids’ summer watchlist.
Rubble & Crew (Nick Jr.)
Everyone knows Rubble as the construction-loving bulldog from PAW Patrol, but in Rubble & Crew, he takes centre stage. Alongside his family members, including Wheeler, Mix, Charger, Motor, and Auntie Crane, Rubble forms a construction crew in the growing town of Builder Cove. Together, they build everything from bridges and playgrounds to schools and community spaces, showing children how teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving can turn big ideas into reality. New episodes air every weekday, with a special weekend lineup on Nick Jr, GOtv Ch 81.
The Patrick Star Show (Nickelodeon)
Patrick Star is known for being SpongeBob SquarePants’ lovable and hilariously clueless best friend, but this time, he’s the star of his own show. Living with his quirky family, including his parents Bunny and Cecil, his adopted sister Squidina, and his eccentric Grandpa Tentacles, Patrick hosts an unpredictable variety show straight from his bedroom. Every episode is packed with outrageous adventures, wild imagination, and the kind of silly humour that keeps kids laughing from beginning to end. Catch new episodes daily, with weekend highlights on Nickelodeon, GOtv Ch 87.
Best & Bester (Nicktoons)
Best and Bester are twin siblings with one incredible ability, they can transform into almost anything they can imagine. Whether they’re becoming superheroes, animals, or everyday objects, the duo use their shape-shifting powers to tackle challenges around their neighbourhood while learning about friendship, confidence, and embracing what makes each person unique. Their colourful adventures are full of creativity and surprises, making every episode feel fresh and exciting. New episodes air every day, with reruns over the Weekends on Nicktoons, GOtv Ch 86.
Big City Greens (Disney Channel)
When Cricket Green moves from the countryside to the bustling city with his dad Bill, older sister Tilly, and Gramma Alice, everyday life becomes one big adventure. Cricket’s curiosity and fearless personality often land the family in funny situations, while Tilly’s imaginative outlook and Bill’s determination to keep everyone together create plenty of heartwarming moments. Big City Greens blends humour with family values, making it just as enjoyable for parents as it is for kids. New episodes air daily on Disney Channel, GOtv Ch 92, with reruns over the weekend.
Spidey and His Amazing Friends (Disney Junior)
Peter Parker may be young, but when he teams up with Gwen Stacy (Ghost-Spider) and Miles Morales (Spin), they become an unstoppable superhero trio. Together, they protect their community from familiar Marvel villains like Green Goblin, Doc Ock, Rhino, and Electro, proving that courage, kindness, and teamwork are every hero’s greatest superpowers. Filled with exciting action and positive lessons, Spidey and His Amazing Friends is a favourite for young Marvel fans. New episodes air every day on Disney Junior, GOtv Ch 82, with weekend reruns for anyone who misses an episode.
With fresh episodes airing every day and reruns over the weekend, these shows offer something for every young viewer this summer. Whether your child loves superheroes, imaginative adventures, laugh-out-loud comedy, or stories about family and friendship, there’s always something worth tuning in for.
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.
