Amstel Malta Box Office 2007 revelation and 2008 African Movie Academy Best Upcoming Actor Award winner, Okechukwu Chukwudi Ukeje, walked away with the trophy for the best actor in a drama in the maiden edition of the African Magic Viewers Choice Award (AMVCA), held last night at the Expo Hall, Eko Hotel & Sites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

O C Ukeje (shown in photo) won the prestigious award via the highest number of votes by viewers of African Magic in his superlative character in the movie Two Brides and a Baby, defeating Kenneth Uphopho (Down and Out), Edward Kagutuzi (The Mirror Boy), Fabian Adeoye Lojede (Jacob’s Cross) and Jafta Mamabolo (Otelo Burning).

With this win Ukeje whose acting career was courted in the rested reality TV show AMBO in 2007, re-enforces his exploits in the African movie industry in so short a time. Although the award did not attract any financial prize, organisers of the event, Multichoice, said that reward is expected to come in the form of increased continental exposure for the winners of themselves and their work and as well as a further entrenching of their statures as film and television professionals of high value. The event, which attracted the cream of the African movie industry, as well as captains of industry, was screened to television viewers in 47 African countries.

Other winners include veteran actor Olu Jacobs, who went home with the industry Merit Award for his contribution to the growth of the movie industry; and Tunde Kelani, who smiled home with the best local language production, Yoruba for the movie Maami. Hafiz Oyetoro, Ghana-born Jackie Apiah and Mercy Johnson were awarded with “Best Actor in a Comedy,” “Best Actress in a Drama” and “Best Actress in a Comedy,” among others.

Launched in September 2012, AMVCA was created to celebrate African film and television talent, both in front of and behind cameras. According to the Mnet Africa Managing Director, Mrs. Biola Alabi, “It is an opportunity to build a pan-African event that is both relevant to industry professionals and vastly entertaining to fans. It has been part of our plan to create a specific event that honours, celebrates and recognises those people who are giving so much of their talent and creativity to ensuring the popularity and evolution of African film and TV.”