Magical Night of AMVCA 2016
All over the world, everyone who’s interested in and loves the African movie industry knows that the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs) and the AMAAs are the two major award nights that appreciate and celebrate budding and top players of the African movie industry. Actors, producers, directors, fashion lovers and movie buffs are glued to their TV to watch these events- especially if they are not invited.
And of course, the players in the movie industries and invitees are already working with designers, fashion buyers, stylists and clothiers on what outfit to rock on that day– no blasphemy of Jesus Christ intended, but in the calendar of Nigerian showbiz- this is our Christmas.
Well, I for one started planning late this year, but my magic wand didn’t disappoint me; the notice was too short for my designer to fix a dress for me. And the thought of withdrawing any amount of money above N50,000 from my account to buy a new dress scared the living daylight out of me. A truth you may be shocked to hear. And if l wanted any designer friend of mine to give me a dress or lend me a dress to wear, I could call one or two of them. I was not in the mood, and I hate to shine in borrowed garments. So, I went back to my wardrobe, ransacked it like I was looking for all my life savings, then I saw this polythene bag that had two similar skirts, meant for me and a friend, with a bold face of Marilyn Manroe printed on it. What if I turn this to a dress? I soliloquized. I dashed back to my tailor, I told her I wanted to experiment something. I told her what to do with the two skirts and it came out appealing to me. I don’t know about the next person’s opinion and it is not like I really care anyway. I decided to rock the two skirts-turned to-adress to the African movie ‘OSCARs’. And that is the enigmatic story behind my outfit this year to the AMVCA. I swirled in my two skirt in one dress, walked majestically on the red carpet before entering the venue, I was not only loving my dress, I was so confident in my skin.
That night, for me, Mercy Aigbe Gentry, Funke Akindele, Toyin Aimakhu stood out. These Yoruba actresses are not joking anymore, l liked their presentation and, of course, who rocks the green better than Rita Dominic? Nobody! Only Rita rocks her green loving world. Fairground would be publishing Efemena Tommy Adabamu’s Uberstyle best dressed and worst dressed list for the 2016 AMVCA. Enjoy!
AMVCA TOP WINNERS Recently, the best minds behind African cinematic experience gathered for a night of excitement, entertainment and red carpet glam as the African Magic in association with MultiChoice Africa and, proud sponsor, Amstel Malta, announced the winners of the 2016 edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs).
The show, which was broadcast live on all Africa Magic channels on DStv and GOtv, began with exciting displays on the red carpet, culminating in a spectacular night for African cinema replete with exciting musical performances, comedic displays and emotional speeches.
The event, hosted by the brilliant duo of IK Osakioduwa and South African TV host Minnie Dhlamini, featured excellent performances by artistes, Flavour, Yemi Alade and Zonke, as well as brilliant comic displays by Ugandan humourist, Salvador, and Thomas Gumede from South Africa. A highlight of the evening was the receiving of the 2016 Industry Merit Award by Nollywood legends Sadiq Daba and Bukky Ajayi. An emotional Bukky Ajayi received a standing ovation from the audience who acknowledged her contributions to African film and cinema spanning over 50 years. But I wondered why no gift or monetary packaged was attached to the Merit Award, because I feel these veterans are either retired or partially retired and might not be getting juicy roles anymore to sustain their livelihood. The AMVCA should take a peep into that.
Another big winner of the night was Daniel K. Daniel took home the award for the best actor in a drama category for his role in ‘A Soldier’s Story’. Screen starlet, Adesua Etomi took home the prize for best actress in a drama for her role in ‘Falling’.
A visibly excited Kemi ‘Lala’ Akindoju won the 2016 trailblazer award, and was given a prize of an SUV from JAC Motors.
UBERSTYLE Best Dressed List for AMVCA 2016
Every year, the AMVCA is one event that every movie lover and fashion enthusiast looks forward to. For obvious reasons and the fact that it’s one of the biggest red carpets that brings together our favorite A-list celebrities from all over Africa.
The prestigious awards, which held on March 5, 2016 at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, witnessed an amazing and glamorous series of red carpet stunners. Some showed us how it’s really done on the red carpet while some made up for their red carpet mishaps last year and some failed us this year and made a serious transition, which took them from 100 to 0 in a flash.
Without so much long talks, let us take you on a style story from this year’s winners. So, kicking it off with the female, we present you with UBERSTYLE’s best-dressed women at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards 2016.
TOP 5 Mercy Aigbe Gentry brought to the red carpet “old Hollywood glamour”, wearing a silver dress with beaded embellishment from House of Luminee. For her hair, the star had side up hairdo, silver chandelier earrings and a red purse to finish up this look. This was one look that got everyone talking on social media. She is the best-dressed woman on the carpet without an iota of doubt. From hair, make up with dark lips to dress colour, “hey boy” singer, Toni Tones showed us how it’s done in this amazing pink peplum piece made by Yemi Shoyemi couture.
Year in, year out, Rita Dominic stays slaying like she dresses for a living. The screen goddess and last night’s presenter turned heads when she arrived oozing so much sexiness as always a green sleeveless dress by Elvira Jude with an embellished cinched waist. She added minimal jewelry, black purse and metallic strappy heels that not only finish her look but also added so much oomph to her “light up the room” smile.
Once a beauty queen, always a queen! Osas Ajibade, looked like a real beauty queen in a pink symmetrical cut strapless ball gown by Toju Foyeh. Silver and black earrings, tiny clutch, with her hair swept to the side. She finished the look with her most beautiful accessory, Mr. Gbenro Ajibade. And she was simply flawless.
She didn’t only do well as a host for the night, but Minnie Dlamini also showed off her smoldering shoulders and shinny skin in this pearl detailed dress by South African designer, Gert Johan Coetzee. This is definitely topping our best-dressed list. The media personality and host for the night did justice to this piece, showing just the right amount of skin, minimal make up by Bimpe