Showbiz
Top 5 Movies We Would Like to See Nominated for 12th AMVCA
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.
As African storytelling continues to reach new audiences around the world, a new generation of filmmakers is stepping up with bold ideas, fresh perspectives, and stories that feel anything but ordinary. Helping to drive this momentum is the MultiChoice Talent Factory, which is setting the stage for Young Filmmakers Day ahead of its Awards Night on May 6.
This special gathering is more than a pre-awards celebration. It serves as a bridge connecting aspiring filmmakers with the industry experts who are actively shaping Africa’s creative economy. The focus is clear: create a space where talent meets opportunity, and where ideas are not only shared but refined into careers.
A Space for Audacious Storytelling
With the theme “Audacious Storytelling & Attracting The Right Opportunities,” the event is positioned as a call to action for young creatives across the continent. It reflects a growing shift in African storytelling, one that encourages risk-taking, originality, and authenticity.
From script development to production insights, participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with industry professionals, gaining practical guidance on how to navigate an increasingly competitive film landscape. The conversations are expected to move beyond inspiration into how stories are shaped, funded, and positioned for both local and global audiences.
Building the Next Generation of African Filmmakers
What makes Young Filmmakers Day significant is its intentional focus on access. For many emerging creatives, breaking into the film industry is not just about talent; it is about connection. This initiative seeks to close that gap by placing young storytellers in the same room as decision-makers, mentors, and established creators.
Backed by Canal+ through its investment in creative development across Africa, the program reinforces a long-term vision: to strengthen the continent’s storytelling pipeline and ensure African narratives continue to evolve on global platforms.
How to Participate
Aspiring filmmakers interested in attending are encouraged to register by sending an email to [email protected]. Slots are limited to reinforce the exclusivity and value of direct engagement with industry leaders.
Most people don’t take reality TV seriously, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why. From the outside, it looks like nothing more than fights, chaos, and unnecessary drama. For many, it’s just noise and entertainment with zero substance and absolutely no lessons to take away.
But that’s only if you’re watching on the surface.
Beyond the arguments and plot twists, reality TV is really just human behaviour on display, raw, unfiltered, and often under pressure. And when you pay closer attention, real lessons are hiding in plain sight. Not just about other people, but about yourself too, your reactions, your boundaries, your patience, and your emotional triggers.
Here are a few life lessons reality TV quietly teaches:
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Tolerance Isn’t Just a Buzzword
Reality shows throw together people from different backgrounds, personalities, and belief systems. Naturally, clashes happen. But it also highlights something important: not everyone will think, act, or respond like you, and that’s okay. Learning to coexist without constant conflict is a real-life skill a lot of people are still figuring out.
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Patience Will Save You From Unnecessary Chaos
Some of the biggest blow-ups on reality TV happen because someone reacts too quickly, no pause, no reflection, just emotion. Watching it unfold makes one thing clear: a little patience can prevent a lot of regret. Sometimes, not responding immediately is the smarter move.
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Self-Awareness Is Everything
It’s easy to judge contestants when you’re watching from your couch. “Why would they say that?” “Why are they acting like this?” But if you’re honest, you start to see bits of yourself, too. The impulsiveness, the defensiveness, the need to be understood. Reality TV can be an unexpected mirror if you let it.
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Not Everyone Is Your Friend (And That’s Okay)
Alliances form quickly on reality TV, but they break just as fast. Some people are with you for convenience, not loyalty. It sounds harsh, but it’s real. Not every connection in your life is meant to be deep or long-term. Learning to accept that and not take it personally is a quiet form of growth.
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Confidence Can Take You Further Than Perfection
You’ll often see contestants who aren’t the most skilled still go far simply because they believe in themselves. Meanwhile, more “qualified” people doubt themselves into silence or hesitation. Reality TV constantly shows that confidence opens doors. You don’t have to be perfect to stand out; you just have to show up as you belong.
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The Way You Handle Pressure Defines You
Anyone can seem composed when things are going well. The real test is pressure, deadlines, competition, conflict, and uncertainty. Reality TV compresses all of that into intense moments, and you see clearly who crumbles, who adapts, and who thrives. It’s a reminder that growth often happens in uncomfortable situations, not easy ones.
At the end of the day, reality TV isn’t really about the drama; it’s about people being placed in situations that strip away filters and force real reactions. And once you see it that way, it becomes less about entertainment and more about observation.
So, even if it doesn’t look like it at first glance, shows like The Real Housewives of Lagos, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Love & Hip Hop, and other lifestyle reality series often watched on platforms like GOtv aren’t just about the chaos on screen. They quietly reflect everyday human behaviour and sometimes even offer a bit of self-reflection in the process.
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.
By Dipo Olowookere
Popular Nigerian actor, Lateef Adedimeji, has announced the birth of three boys by his actress wife, Adebimpe Oyebade, also known as MoBimpe.
In a video shared on social media on Friday, the Airtel Nigeria ambassador said his wife had given birth to the triplets before now but had kept the news close to his chest.
“I’ve been quiet… not absent.
“I was building, protecting, and embracing the greatest blessing of my life.
“God gave me more than I prayed for: a woman who became a mother of three, and three kings to call my own.
My world. My responsibility. My legacy. Alhamdulilah,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter, this morning.
At a colourful wedding on December 18, 2021, in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Lateef married his wife, with fans expecting them to announce this news.
I’ve been quiet… not absent.
I was building, protecting, and embracing the greatest blessing of my life.
God gave me more than I prayed for
a woman who became a mother of three, and three kings to call my own 👑👑👑My world. My responsibility. My legacy.
Alhamdulilah! ✨ pic.twitter.com/ZQRXrrG9wO
— Adedimeji Lateef (@TheDimejiLateef) May 1, 2026
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