Veteran actress, journalist and television presenter, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett was honoured with the Industry Merit Award at the 8th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) on Saturday night.

The AMVCA continued its tradition of recognizing veterans in the film industry who have in no small way contributed to the development of the African film and television industry.

The screen doyen admitted to being short of words as she received the AMVCA award that solidifies her status in Nollywood’s Hall of Fame.  She joins other industry stalwarts to have clinched the award. They include Olu Jacobs, Pete Edochie, Amaka Igwe, Bukky Ajayi, Sadiq Daba, Chika Okpala, Tunde Kelani and Peter Igho.

Full of emotions, she described how happy she was to receive the award.

“I’ve lived to carry this. This is a major surprise to me. I’ve been to places but there’s no place like home,” the legendary filmmaker said. Her statement made a case for honouring our legends while they are still alive.

Ajai-Lycett, 81, is renowned for her charismatic acting, wit, grace and eloquence. After she made her acting debut in 1966 in Wole Soyinka’s two-act comedy ‘The Lion and the Jewel’, she went on to become a regular in British sitcoms such as Comedy Playhouse, Angels, Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em alongside Michael Crawford, better known as ‘Frank Spencer’, among others

Her Nollywood portfolio boasts of  watched films and series such as Dazzling Mirage, Oloibiri, Madam President and more recently, King of Boys: The Return of the King.

The content market workshop, a part of activities for the 8th AMVCAs, held on Tuesday, 10 May and featured African film producers, actors, actresses, and industry stakeholders.

The workshop created a platform where industry stakeholders and partners shared best practices and actionable insight on Africa Magic’s content acquisition processes. It provided a platform for filmmakers to showcase authentic local content.

The Executive head of Content and West Africa, Dr. Busola Tejumola, spoke on the need to create a forum that will focus on delivering effective feedback for the purpose of promoting standard content from both ends.

“We love the engagement from this workshop, and it will be exciting to have this twice a year. We need to improve and continually evolve with our production, storytelling, continually receive feedback, and create more industry engagements like this,” she said.

One of the panel sections focused on the integral steps needed for film recognition. The discussion was chaired by Margaret Akoh, Dotun Ojoh, Showmax Nigeria’s Adeola Oluwatobi, and Tayo Adetunji. Emphasis was placed on the need to create quality content, keep up with industry trends, and select suitable platforms that resonate with the filmmakers’ core audience.

The workshop was attended by top industry personalities including Head of Corporate Affairs, MultiChoice Nigeria Caroline Oghuma, and Head Judge for 8th AMVCA Victor Okhai, amongst others.

The AMVCA week will reach its climax on Saturday, 14th of May when the AMVCA award night will hold. The award night will be aired live on Africa Magic channels on DStv and GOtv from 4 pm WAT.

Henry Adams has dropped a hot new single titled, Holiday. 

Music Associates – Obafunshy Record

Download song