The nominees for this year's Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA) have been announced ahead of the ninth edition of the prestigious event.
Kunle Afolayan's Netflix Original, Anikulapo, emerged as the star with 16 nominations, followed by Jade Osiberu's action thriller, Brotherhood with 11 nominations.
Chinenye (Chichi) Nworah’s Shanty Town also received 11 nominations. They are; Dimeji Ajibola for Best Director; Walter Odhiambo for Best Lighting Designer, Jonathan Kovel for Best Cinematographer; Olalekan Isiaka for Best Art Director; Chidi Mokeme for Best Actor; Nse Ikpe -Etim for Best Actress; Ini Edo for Best Actress; Jaysynths & Hotkid for Best Sound Track; Maryam Ndukwe & Hakeem Effects Onilogbo for Best make up; Kolade Morakinyo for Best sound Editor; Bunmi Fashina, Tiannah Empire and Secrets of April for Best costume Designer.
Reacting to the multiple nominations, Nworah said, "Recognition for one’s creative work comes with a great feeling. It feels good that Shanty Town bagged ten nominations. This shows the depth of work, sleepless nights, talents, creativity, and other resources put together to produce the masterpiece. Shanty Town is part of my journey to tell a local story with global artistry. With Shanty Town, I tried to create a departure from the norm. And we are happy with the results coming out. Creating a project like Shanty Town took a lot of money, and it stretched my co-executives and me, but seeing the positive global acceptance turned that stretch into joy."
The hit series was released on Netflix in January, 2023 to wide acclaim. Produced by Nworah and directed by Dimeji Ajibola, the six-part series follows the story of three Lagos-based hustlers who unite to wage war against the biggest and most ruthless crime ring in the state.
The star-studded cast includes Richard Mofe-Damijo, Chidi Mokeme, Ini Edo, Nse ikpe-Etim, Sola Sobowale, Shaffy Bello, Ali Nuhu, Uche Jombo, Mercy Eke, Nancy Isime, Zubby Michael, and Peter Okoye (Psquare).
Shanty Town is currently streaming in 190 countries exclusively on Netflix.
Watch the trailer: