The buzz around the 2024 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) is real—and Showmax Nigeria is right at the heart of it. With eight nominations spread across six competitive categories, the streaming giant is proving once again that it’s a powerhouse for premium African storytelling.
Whether it's gripping drama, thought-provoking themes, or culture-rich narratives, Showmax's original productions are clearly setting a new benchmark in the African film and television industry.
Let’s dive into the standout titles that have everyone talking.
🎬 Princess on a Hill: A Modern Power Tale
Helmed by directors Abiola Sobo and Tolu Ajayi, Princess on a Hill follows Zara Osara (played by Onyinye Odokoro), an unlikely heroine who gets thrust into corporate warfare after winning a reality TV show. The plot unfolds with boardroom backstabbing, personal evolution, and high-stakes drama.
The show landed multiple nominations, including:
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Best Scripted Series
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Best Editing
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Best Writing – TV Series
Plus, Bimbo Manuel and Efa Iwara received nods for Best Lead Actor and Best Supporting Actor, respectively.
🌒 Cheta M: When Love Meets Spiritual Turmoil
Returning for its second season, Cheta M—directed by James Omokwe—delves deeper into the turbulent romance between Adanna and Nnanna. Set against a backdrop of spiritual conflict and political tension, this epic tale explores what happens when love is tested by forces beyond control.
Nominations:
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Best Series (Scripted)
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Best Writing – TV Series
Starring Kingsley Nwachukwu and Oluchi Amajuoyi, this series continues to stir emotions with each new weekly episode on Showmax.
💍 My Fairytale Wedding: Charm, Chaos, and Complicated Love
In this limited four-part series directed by Dimeji Ajibola, My Fairytale Wedding examines the lives of three women navigating romance through modern-day superstitions. Moji, played by Ini Edo, uses 'kayanmata' (traditional love charms) in her quest for “happily ever after”—but is it love, or just illusion?
The all-star cast includes Ramsey Nouah, Daniel Etim-Effiong, Kanayo O. Kanayo, and Shaffy Bello, blending light-hearted moments with sharp cultural commentary.
☎️ The Caller: Radio Turns Deadly
The Caller kicks off with what seems like a routine talk show but quickly spirals into a nerve-wracking standoff. A scorned soldier hijacks the airwaves during a live infidelity-exposé segment, holding his family hostage. Host Koki Mandla must keep him calm—or face a tragic outcome on live radio.
Featuring Nice Githinji, Brenda Mwai, and Joe Kinyua, this thriller snagged nods for:
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Best Indigenous M-Net Original
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Best Indigenous Language (East Africa)
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Best Scripted M-Net Original
🚺 Italo: A Raw Look at Human Trafficking
Italo doesn’t shy away from heavy themes. Directed by Rogers Ofime, it follows three women—Itohan (the trafficker), Esosa (the escaped victim), and Omotola (a restless teen)—each affected differently by the grim world of human trafficking.
Blending heartbreak with resilience, the series explores their intertwined fates and emotional aftermath. Angela Eguavoen, Frankincense Eche-Ben, and Henry Iyobosa Legemah headline this gritty drama, which earned a nomination for Best Scripted M-Net Original.
🤼♂️ Uriri: Wrestling with Fate in the 14th Century
Set in pre-colonial Urhobo land, Uriri is a visual treat steeped in rich history. The story centers on Ogaga, a legendary wrestler facing an inner battle against destiny and demons. His journey is one of courage, love, and self-discovery.
With stellar performances by Seun Ajayi, Osarehia Oronsaye, and Philip Asaya, the show earned a nod for Best Scripted M-Net Original.
👗 Style Magnate: Fashion Meets Fierce Competition
If fashion is your passion, Style Magnate is your go-to binge. This unscripted competition series brought together 20 emerging fashion designers, all vying for a game-changing prize: ₦100 million in rewards, including ₦10 million in cash, a three-month internship, and a stylish new apartment.
Under the mentorship of Nigerian fashion icon Mai Atafo and style principal Yolanda Okereke, the competition was as fierce as the outfits.
Nomination:
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Best Series Unscripted
Other Noteworthy Showmax Nominees at AMVCA 2024
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Best Unscripted M-Net Original: Husband Material, Overall Best, Nigerian Idol Season 9, Pastor Wants A Wife
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Best Indigenous M-Net Original: Onye Agbata Obim, Mai Shayi, Amoanimaa’s Era, Zi M Uzo, Subterranea
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Best Series Unscripted: Wa Milele
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Best Indigenous Language (East Africa): Wa Milele
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Best Writing – TV Series: Untying Kantai
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Best Scripted M-Net Original: Kam U Stay, All Mine
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Best MultiChoice Talent Factory: Deadbeat, Everything Light Touches, Gone
As the 11th AMVCA fast approaches, Showmax Nigeria’s impressive lineup is undeniably raising the bar. With storytelling that blends culture, creativity, and cutting-edge production, it’s clear that African cinema is not just evolving—it’s thriving.
So, whether you're a fan of historical dramas, heart-stopping thrillers, or modern-day romances, these Showmax Originals are worth adding to your watchlist. And who knows? Your next favorite binge might just be one award away from making history.