The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) is an annual ceremony established in 2013 to celebrate the best in African film and television. Among the awards presented at the ceremony is the Trailblazer Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement by an actor or actress in the previous year.
The Trailblazer Award is given to individuals who have made a significant impact in the African film and television industry within a short period.
Since its inception, the award has recognized several talented and deserving individuals who have contributed to the growth of African cinema.
Let’s take a look at the recipients of the AMVCA Trailblazer Award from 2013 till date.
In 2013, the first recipient of the AMVCA Trailblazer Award was Ivie Okujaye, a Nigerian actress who gained prominence in the industry through her exceptional performance in the movie ‘Alero Symphony.’ Since then, she has continued to star in several other movies and television series.
In 2014, the award went to Michelle Bello, a Nigerian filmmaker best known for her directorial debut, ‘Flower Girl,’ which was a commercial and critical success. Her work has helped to promote African cinema on the global stage, and she continues to inspire and mentor aspiring filmmakers.
CJ Obasi, a Nigerian filmmaker, won the Trailblazer Award in 2015 for his debut feature – a zero-budget film called ‘Ojuju.’ The film premiered at the Africa International Film Festival in November 2014, where it won the award for Best Nigerian Film.
In 2016, the award went to Kemi Lala Akindoju, a Nigerian actress and producer, known for her exceptional performances in movies such as ‘Dazzling Mirage’ and ‘The CEO.‘
Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama, a Nigerian actress, received the award in 2017 for her outstanding performances in movies such as ‘93 DAYS,’ where she played one of the surviving doctors who caught Ebola in Nigeria.
Bisola Aiyeola, a Nigerian actress and singer, was recognized with the Trailblazer Award in 2018 for her outstanding work in the entertainment industry. She gained prominence as a finalist in the reality TV show, ‘Big Brother Naija,’ and has since gone on to star in several movies and television series.
In 2020, Swanky JKA, a Nigerian actor, was recognized with the Trailblazer Award for his exceptional performance in the movie ‘Living in Bondage: Breaking Free.’ He has since gone on to star in other notable movies and television series.
The most recent recipient of the AMVCA Trailblazer Award is Teniola Aladese, a Nigerian actress and casting director who has appeared in several movies and television series. She received critical acclaim for her roles in various stage productions and was recognized for her outstanding achievements in 2022.
As we conclude, the AMVCA Trailblazer Award is an esteemed acknowledgment of exceptional talent and accomplishments in the African film and television industry. Every year, the award recognizes deserving individuals for their significant contribution to the growth and advancement of African cinema.
As we eagerly anticipate this year’s edition of the AMVCA Trailblazer Award, which actor or filmmaker do you think will be the next deserving recipient? Share your thoughts in the comments below
