Who
are the funniest actors in Africa?
The AfricaMagic Viewers’Choice
Awards held on Saturday may have provided an answer to this question.
Although there are some upsets, the emergence of Afeez Oyetoro, aka
Saka, as the Best Actor in Comedy is one that many people will not
bother to contest.
While the judgement is based on his role in House Apart,
Saka’s exploits in various films, TV dramas and adverts in recent times
have paved the way for his victory. What, however, surprises some
viewers is the victory of Mercy Johnson over Funke Akindele, who many
have now associated with comedy based on her performance in Jenifa.
The fact is that the award is based on the role that each of them played in specific films– Johnson in Dumebi the Dirty Girls.
Other big winners at the event held at the Eko Hotel include Ghanaian Jackie Appiah (Best Actress – Drama) for Perfect Picture, and his compatriot OC Ukeje (Best Actor – Drama) for Two Brides and a Baby.
The Best Supporting Cast in a Drama went to Uganda’s Matthew Nabwiso for A Good Catholic Girl and Kenya’s Maureen Koech for Lies That Bind. The prestigious award for Best Director went to Akin Omotoso for Man on Ground.
The announcement of the winners of the hotly-contested Best Movie
Overall and Best Television categories produced a big ovation of the
night, with Otelo Burning and The XYZ Show scooping top honours.
The AMVCAs, held in association with
MultiChoice and sponsored by Amstel Malta, sought to recognise Africa’s
best film and television talent in a glittering three and a half-hour
ceremony was hosted by Big Brother’s IK Osakioduwa and StarGist’s Vimbai
Muntinhiri.
Managing Director, M-Net Africa MD Biola
Alabi, said, “It has been a wonderful night. Fantastic performers,
glittering fashion, deserving winners; it has been a night of huge
excitement and emotion. Most importantly, it’s been a true celebration
of African film and television, a fitting platform for the stars of our
continent, both in front and behind the cameras.”
