Kenyans scoop five awards in Africa 'Oscars' ceremony

The Kenyan movie industry hit a new high on Saturday night, only a week after Lupita Nyong’o put the country in the international spotlight after winning the Oscars.

The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs) held in Lagos, Nigeria, on Saturday made Kenya the talk of the continent as local thespians picked awards podium with Nairobi Half Life dominating the movie category.

Kenya got five awards and ranked second after Nollywood movies and became the talking point of the glitzy ceremony after upsetting the traditional film giants in West and Southern Africa.

Barbara Minishi won Best Art Director award as Mohamed Zain and Christian Almesberger claimed the Best Lighting Designer and Best Cinematographer categories respectively thanks to Nairobi Half Life, which also saw Elayne Okaya scoop the Best Make-Up Artiste accolade.

The shocker of the night was Njoki Muhoho’s Mama Duka (aired on KTN) who won the Best Indigenous Language Movie award during the African ‘Oscars’ night.

“I dedicate this award to all those who perished during the Westgate Mall attack. Let the shopping place get back to what it once used to be; a place for fun and a little gossip. I thank Africa for voting for me,” an elated Njoki told the crowd in her acceptance speech. The event broadcast live across Africa on Dstv.

It was a red-carpet affair featuring Africa’s greatest in the film industry and there was no dull moment as top entertainers among them celebrated singers Davido and Flavour made thrilling performances.

The Kenyan presence was heavy with actors Nick Mutuma, Sarah Hasan and Nini Wacera joining the awards presentation panel as Ian Mbugua, David Mulwa, Catherine Kabugi, Edwin Maina, Veronica Waceke, Dorothy Ghettuba and Oyunga Pala stood tall in the VIP section.

The ceremony also featured Nollywood’s finest among them Rita Dominic, Desmond Eliot, Rukky Sanda and Uche Jombo.

“This is our second Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and we are glad the event is now a top platform to reward African actors for their great entertainment role. It is a showcase for African movie makers and a ground to unite Africa in celebration of the film industry,” M-Net Africa Managing Director Biola Alabi said.

“We feel honoured to be referred to as the Oscars of Africa. It is all about a show that Africa can use to tell its own story through movies. The event is growing and in the future, we will consider inviting big Hollywood stars to come and celebrate with us,” she remarked.