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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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Masterchef Nigeria Top 5 Pressure Sends Derry Home

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Masterchef Nigeria Derry

The heat was high, the flavours were bold, and the pressure was sizzling as the Top 5 home cooks on MasterChef Nigeria were tasked with re-imagining beloved Buka classics in a challenge that demanded they cook with serious “street in their step.”

Joining the judges in the MasterChef kitchen was the well-known and much-loved Chef Bukie Akinmade, who brought her expertise, warmth, and deep love for Nigerian food culture to the judging table.

For this challenge, the contestants had to prepare two dishes inspired by the vibrant energy, flavours, and soul of Nigerian street food and Buka-style cooking. But this was not just about recreating familiar favourites. The home cooks had to turn humble food into fine dining elevating everyday classics while still keeping the heart, spirit, and authenticity of the street alive.

For Derry, the mission was personal. She was determined to let tradition and tribe shine through her food, but unfortunately, her dishes did not land the way she had hoped. The judges felt that her execution did not meet the standard required at this stage of the competition, and after a tough cook, Derry became the next contestant to leave the MasterChef Nigeria kitchen.

Joining Derry in the bottom three were Favy and Fads.

Favy, who still had the immunity pin, was confident in the dish she presented and chose not to use it. However, her undercooked Dubai Pistachio Puff Puff came back to bite, landing her in the danger zone.

Fads also found herself under pressure after serving two starter-style dishes. Time got the better of her in the kitchen, leading to a shocking moment when she accidentally put her hands into hot oil. The incident startled the judges and Fads herself, but she pushed through with determination and made sure her food reached the plate. In the end, the judges were impressed with how well her chicken was cooked, and she was declared safe.

While some contestants struggled to find their rhythm, David and Isabella rose to the occasion and served the strongest dishes of the day.

Although Isabella’s dish was simple, the judges felt that she truly understood the brief and successfully took her food to the streets while giving it the elevation the challenge required. Her flavours, concept, and execution impressed the panel and earned her a place among the top cooks of the challenge.

David, however, brought both flavour and fighting spirit to the plate. The judges were particularly impressed with the look of his dishes, as well as the balance and depth of flavour in his street food classics. His ability to elevate familiar favourites while staying true to the heart of the challenge made him one of the standout performers of the day. David’s fighting spirit paid off as he walked away with Dish of the Day.

MasterChef Nigeria continues next week as the Top 4 battle for a place closer to the ultimate title.

The remaining contestants will be challenged to create two Afro-Italian dishes, with a major prize on the line for the winning dish. As the finale draws closer, every plate matters, every second counts, and only the strongest cooks will survive the heat.

The show airs weekly on Sundays at 7 pm on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family with rebroadcast on Wednesdays at 6 pm on Africa Magic Showcase and Thursdays at 12 pm on Africa Magic Family.

Produced by Primedia Group, MasterChef Nigeria is supported by a strong coalition of leading Nigerian brands, including headline sponsor Power Oil, alongside Indomie, Dano Milk, Malta Guinness, Sonia Tomato, Kiara Rice, Golden Penny Flour, Golden Penny Sugar, Golden Penny Garri, Golden Penny Semolina, Golden Penny Chocolate Spread, and Golden Penny Wheat.

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Entertainment Non-Stop: Movies and Shows to Watch on GOtv This Week

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My Period Stories DStv

A renowned professor races across Europe in a desperate bid to stop a deadly virus that could wipe out half of humanity.

In another gripping story, a teenage girl already battling anxiety suddenly finds herself fighting for her life when a ruthless serial killer begins hunting her through the woods.

Elsewhere, two operatives who should be on the same side realise they’ve both been deceived, forcing them into an uneasy alliance in a dangerous world of crime and betrayal.

That’s the kind of tension GOtv is serving up this week.

It’s a lineup that moves from fast-paced thrillers to intense drama and even stories rooted in everyday realities, giving you something different depending on your mood. If you’re looking for what to watch next, here are the movies and shows airing on GOtv this week.

Inferno
Thursday | 22:05pm | Movie Room Africa

Robert Langdon finds himself pulled into a deadly race across Europe after waking up with no memory and a virus-threatening conspiracy unfolding around him. With the help of Dr. Sienna Brooks, he follows a trail of cryptic clues tied to Dante’s Inferno, all while a global catastrophe looms if they fail to act in time. It’s a high-stakes thriller where every second counts and nothing is what it seems.

You Can’t Run Forever
Saturday | 20:00 pm | M-Net Movies 3

A young girl battling anxiety becomes an unexpected target when a ruthless serial killer begins hunting her through the wilderness. What starts as fear quickly turns into a raw fight for survival as she’s forced to rely on instinct, courage, and sheer will to stay alive. With J.K. Simmons leading the tension, it’s a gripping survival thriller that doesn’t let up.

2 Guns
Friday | 23:55 pm | Studio Universal

Two operatives who’ve been unknowingly working against each other suddenly find themselves on the wrong side of a dangerous double-cross. With both the law and criminals closing in, they’re forced into an uneasy partnership to survive the chaos they’ve been dragged into. Packed with action, betrayal, and sharp chemistry between Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg, it’s explosive from start to finish.

She Was Never Here
Wednesday | 11:25 am | Africa Magic Showcase

Ralph thinks he’s securing a better future when he gets his fiancée Bianca a chef job at his boss’s home. But behind the opportunity lies a secret deal Bianca makes to earn more money, one that slowly begins to unravel trust, love, and everything they’ve built together. It’s a tense domestic drama where ambition and loyalty collide.

My Period Stories
Saturday | 09:00 am | Africa Magic Family

A podcast-style series that opens up conversations around menstrual health and reproductive rights through interviews, personal testimonies, and real discussions. By blending storytelling with lived experiences, it breaks silence around topics often left unspoken and encourages honest dialogue in a relatable, accessible way.

From Hollywood blockbusters to meaningful conversations that reflect real-life issues, GOtv continues to deliver a diverse mix of entertainment that speaks to every kind of viewer. Whether you’re watching alone or with family, this week’s lineup guarantees something worth your time.

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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What Gen Z Wants From Entertainment Today

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What Gen Z Wants

For Gen Z, entertainment has become social, interactive, and deeply tied to culture. A good show doesn’t end when the credits roll; it lives on through memes, group chats, reaction videos, and trending conversations online. The same goes for music, reality TV, and increasingly, live events that bring people together in real time.

This generation doesn’t simply consume content. They participate in it. They want moments worth sharing, stories worth discussing, and experiences that make them feel part of something bigger.

This is what entertainment looks like for Gen Z, it’s no longer just about watching, it’s about participating. And nowhere is this more obvious than during the FIFA World Cup.

For previous generations, football was largely a one-screen experience. You sat in front of the television, watched the match, and discussed it later. Gen Z does things differently. They’re watching the game while texting friends, checking player stats, posting reactions on X, and scrolling through TikTok for instant highlights all at the same time. The match itself is only part of the experience.

The real entertainment lies in the shared moments: predicting scores in group chats, celebrating last-minute winners, debating refereeing decisions, and creating memes before the post-match analysis even begins.

That is why live sports continue to hold such power in today’s entertainment landscape. In an era where almost everything can be watched on demand, live football remains one of the few experiences people still want to consume in real time. Nobody wants to be the last person to know a goal has been scored.

The World Cup, in particular, has evolved into more than a sporting event; it is now a global cultural moment. Fans aren’t simply supporting teams, they’re joining conversations, participating in trends, and sharing experiences with millions of people around the world.

Convenience matters too. Gen Z expects entertainment to fit seamlessly into their lifestyle. Whether they’re watching from home, catching a match on the go, or switching between devices, flexibility is now part of the viewing experience. This is why platforms like DStv and GOtv continue to remain relevant during major tournaments, with SuperSport’s live coverage making it easier for fans to stay connected to the action wherever they are.

But beyond convenience, Gen Z wants one thing above all else: moments. The unexpected upset. The breakout star. The last-minute winner. The scenes that dominate timelines and become part of internet culture. Because for Gen Z, entertainment isn’t measured by what they watch, it’s measured by what they experience and few experiences deliver that quite like the World Cup.

To make football’s biggest moment even more accessible, MultiChoice has introduced special World Cup bundle offers across DStv and GOtv ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada. From June 1, 2026, new customers can get a full decoder kit plus a one-month subscription for ₦15,000 on either platform.

The offer is aimed at helping more Nigerians stay connected to the tournament, which will feature 48 teams and 104 matches. Through SuperSport, viewers will enjoy full live coverage of all games, dedicated 24-hour World Cup channels, expert analysis, highlights, multilingual commentary including pidgin, and flexible viewing options on TV and streaming so fans don’t miss any moment of the action.

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