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Silver Screen with Tafadzwa Zimoyo

What we all see on television somehow is a bit different from the experience from the auditorium.

Wow what an experience!!!

Over the weekend I was privileged to be among the selected journalists who attended the 4th Edition of Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) held at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, Nigeria.

The ceremony, which was broadcast live on all Africa Magic channels across the continent on Saturday, was hosted by IK Osakioduwa and Minnie Dlamini.

Being a holder of a VIP pass, I witnessed what happened from the start to the end.

Although I was in the auditorium, I later went to the studio to chat with some of the production crew.

What we all see on television somehow is a bit different from the experience from the auditorium.

One thing Nigerians should be applauded for is the way they appreciate art while their creativeness is unique.

The production teams are fast to edit because of resources.

They believe that television has a great impact in our society.

More people easily believe what they see on television.

I remember the words of M-Net chief executive, Yolisa Phahle, that love it or hate it, television is the most powerful form of mass media.

We are not different from Nigeria or South Africa, if I can say, the better when it comes to content.

We may say that everything on Africa Magic is about Nigeria or South Africa, but what would you do if it were you?

To some extent let them monopolise the shows because they have pioneered these programmes and we remain in the background because of our big heads.

Challenge them and see what happens.

If other countries are joining the bandwagon, why not follow suit?

A journey of thousand miles begins with a single step.

Lilongwe’s local film director Joyce Mhango Chavula grabbed the golden horn in the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCAs) for best Southern African movie.

The 2015 production is the first ever locally produced movie to claim an Africa Magic award.

To get the award, the movie beat stiff competition from “Ayanda”, a movie by South African director Sara Blecher and “Tell me sweet something” by Nigeria’s Akin Omotoso.

Chavula, who is also an actress and producer, had a very brief but powerful combination of alphabet letters to deliver.

She said: “This is a first AMVCA for Malawi, thanks to all for voting. We dedicate this to Malawians.”

Mhango’s movie is about a 13-year-old girl who later grows into a beautiful young lady but is still haunted by her past.

With such motivation, we also need to move with times and adapt to changes, yes dramas, series and soapies are entertaining but are we really good at them or we are more into comedy with no relevance?

Again in Lagos, one producer Mike Misome from Tanzania said we should maximise our time and spend it more on what we are good at.

Look how even Hollywood stars work, Arnold Swarzenegger made a name in action, why not try doing the same with our television shows?

At the same time you are not only focusing on brand but giving each other an opportunity to shine.

What these celebrities said made me think of home.

What are we doing to improve the quality of our movies, series, dramas etc so that we do not rush to complain that television is boring and full of repeats?

Are our creative minds not just lying idle?

Producers start working and doing the right thing.

Below is the full list of 2016 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).

Best television series

Winner: Ariyike Oladipo — Daddy’s girls

Best actor in a comedy (movie/TV series)

Winner: Folarin Falana — Jenifa’s Diary

Best actor in a drama (movie/TV series)

Winner: Daniel K. Daniel — A Soldier’s Story

Best actress in a comedy (movie/TV series)

Winner: Funke Akindele — Jenifa’s Diary

Best actress in a drama (movie/TV series)

Winner: Adesua Etomi — Falling

Best Movie — Southern Africa

Winner: Joyce Mhango Chavula — Lilongwe

Best Supporting Actor

Winner: Sambassa Nzeribe — A Soldier’s Story

Best Supporting Actress (movie/TV series)

Winner: Tunbosun Aiyedihin — Before 30

Best Short film or Online Video

Winner: Oluseyi Amuwa — A Day With Death

Best Indigenous Language Movie/TV series — Yoruba

Winner: Abiodun Jimoh and Jumoke Odetola — Binta Ofege

Best Movie — West Africa (drama/comedy)

Winner: Chinny Onwugbenu, Genvieve Nnaji, Chichi Nwoko — Road to Yesterday

Best Indigenous Language Movie/TV series — Igbo

Winner: Paul Igwe — Usekwu Igbo

Best Indigenous Language movie/TV series — Hausa

Winner: Salisu Balarabe — Dadin Kowa

Best Indigenous Language movie/TV series — Swahili

Winner: Single Mtambalike — Kitendawali

Best Movie — East Africa

Winner: Elizabeth Michael — Mapenzi

Best Overall Movie

Winner: Stephanie Linus — Dry

Best Writer of a movie / TV series

Winner: Trish Malone — Ayanda

Best Costume

Winner: Uche Nancy — Dry

Best Makeup

Winner: Louiza Carole — Ayanda

Best Lighting

Winner: Stanley Ohikhuare — Common Man

Best Director

Winner: Akin Omotosho — Tell me Sweet Something

Best picture editor

Winner: Shirley Frimpong — Manso

Best documentary

Winner: Remi Vaughan — Richards

Best Art Director (movie/TV series)

Winner: Frank Raja Arase — The Refugees

Best Cinematographer

Winner: Paul Michaelson — Tell me Something

Best Sound Editor (movie/TV series)

Winner: Marquex Jose Guillermo — Dry

Congratulations to all the phenomenal winners!