It has been 10 long years of the African Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA10) and while the fashion was too die for (cos fashion designers, stylist, tailors and makeup artist finish work today) the event once again leaves an awkwardness in the industry and clearly rest the ongoing debate that judging certain categories is way better than the voting process which the Awards had held on too for a long time.
Does that mean it ceases to be the Viewers Choice, maybe time will tell.
Traditionally, the AMVCAs have relied on viewer voting to determine the winners in various categories. This approach has its merits, as it allows fans to have a say in who takes home the coveted awards. It also creates a sense of engagement and excitement among viewers, as they eagerly await the results of their favorite categories.
However, as social media influence rose, BBN and reality shows became widely phenomenal, and Africa Magic introduced different programming content drawbacks to this approach came up. One of the main concerns was the potential for bias and strategic voting. Viewers may vote based on popularity rather than merit, leading to undeserving winners. This can be particularly problematic in categories where the nominees are not as popular as the others in the category.
Another issue was the lack of transparency in the voting process. While the organizers of the AMVCAs had assured us of the voting is fair and impartial, there is always the possibility of manipulation that can undermine the integrity of the awards and diminish their credibility.
That been said, this year, the organizers were determined to right the wrong and correct the notions we had. This year, certain categories were handled by a panel of judges to determine the winners, and they did not disappoint. This is not a new concept, even to the AMVCAs as they have always even had judges. Judges are selected based on their expertise and knowledge of the industry, and this year’s panel was headed by Femi Odugbemi.
It was good to see the acts I rooted for getting the much deserving accolade, if it had gone another way, maybe my article would have also changed (LOL), but being that it is 10 years, I am happy AMVCA organizers brought that rule back.
I would have love to do a what worked and what didn’t, but nah! AMVCA needs to pull some guys who love the industry and what to see it thrive together and cut us a cheque. IK after 10 years wow… If he worked in a corporate organization, he would have gotten a long service award. I love IK (and I am not taking food from his mouth), and I know the other comperes have not stood up to his style, but what happened to being innovative?
That stage and or backdrop (lawd have mercy), felt like a lecture theatre and then the choice of Eko Hotel (it can be argued I know) why me!!!
At the end of the ceremony, the only thing we take out of the event in its totality is the Fashion! The speeches don’t move us much, again I am not talking about acts crying, the winners, we could have had a heated debate about that, and it might still come but the fashion, ah, we cannot argue with that, the celebrities came, they ate and left no crumbs! Ahan!
While the African Magic Viewers Choice Awards has celebrated its 10th year, I think it is time to consider alternative approaches to the way the event is organized. It is also time for the Film industry to have many more awards than just ‘the one’. I know Africa Magic has invested and spent a tidy sum, but they now feel like judge, jury, and executioner.
It’s time to think and see how we can introduce a couple more awards that would award the acts doing great in the field. We need to ensure that we have more organizations celebrating the best of Nigerian, talent in a fair and unbiased manner.
Who is with me 😊
