Kenyan storytellers had a night to remember at the 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), held over the weekend in Lagos, Nigeria.
Among the standout winners was celebrated filmmaker Abel Mutua, who bagged two major awards for his works Untying Kantai and Makosa Ni Yangu.
Mutua, known for his gripping storytelling and relatable narratives, won Best Writing in a TV Series for Untying Kantai, a compelling drama streaming on Showmax.
The series, directed by Phil Karanja, follows King Kantai, a man who loses his life savings to a con after decades of hard work.
Faced with the dilemma of turning in a stash of antipsychotic drugs or selling them to provide for his family, Kantai’s story unfolds in a gripping tale of morality and survival.
His second win came in the Best Indigenous Language Film (East Africa) category for Makosa Ni Yangu.
Also produced under Phil-it Productions, the film follows Nafisa, a young woman who flees her rural home for the city, only to fall into the hands of Saint, a wealthy man battling his own demons.
The powerful narrative explores the silent suffering endured by many women in abusive relationships, made worse by societal stigma and pressure.
Beyond the wins, Kenya was well-represented across several categories with multiple nominations. These included:
Best Movie – East Africa: Click Click Bang (Phil-it Productions), Baba Twins, and Married to Work
Best Supporting Actor in a TV Series: Pascal Tokodi (Disconnect) and James Webbo (County 49)
Best Indigenous Language (Swahili): Subira, Dreamchild, Toy Car, and Click Click Bang
Best Actress in a TV Series: Grace Wacuka (Married to Work)
Best TV Series: Single Kiasi, County 49, and Crime and Justice
The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, first held in March 2013 in Lagos, celebrates excellence in African film and television.
Now in its 11th edition, the event continues to bring together outstanding actors, directors, and producers from across the continent—this year with Kenya firmly in the spotlight.