The Pens Behind the Glory: Writers of AMVCA-Winning Films 2025

While the AMVCAs celebrated stellar performances and bold direction, it's time we spotlight the unsung heroes behind the magic, the scriptwriters. These are the creative minds who built the worlds, wrote the words, and shaped the moments that left us breathless. From powerful short films to groundbreaking series, here are the writers behind the biggest wins at the 2025 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

Best Scripted [M-NetOriginal]: The Fairy Wedding

 Xavier ighorodje

Xavier Ighorodje is an award-winning Nigerian screenwriter known for his work on hit series like Hush, Forbidden, and Ajoche. He co-created and was head writer for Netflix's Shanty Town, and has written over 4,000 minutes of prime time television. His storytelling blends commercial appeal with layered narratives, making him one of Nollywoods most versatile writers. His work also extends to music, having crafted companion material for Burna Boy's Grammy-winning album twice as tall. 

Great Opara

Great Opara is a Lagos-based writer, journalist, and filmmaker whose work spans culture, media, and lifestyle. With a strong interest in themes that resonate with Nigeria’s millennial generation, he has written across formats from journalism and blogs to screenwriting. His contribution to this AMVCA winning project highlights his growing presence in the Nigerian film industry.

 Owumi Ugbeye

Owumi Ugbeye began her creative journey as an actress in the inaugural Nigerian season of MTV's Shuga in 2013. Transitioning to writing in 2018, she has since worked on various projects, including self-producing the feature film No Longer Broken and writing for shows like Love Swap, Becoming The Turners, and Africa Magic's Covenant. Her linguistic skills  fluent in English, French, Itsekiri, and conversant in Yoruba add depth to her storytelling, allowing her to infuse cultural nuances into her narratives

Best Lead Actor, Actress and Best music score : Seven Doors

Seven Doors emerged as a standout at the 2025 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA), securing three major accolades: Best Lead Actress (Chioma Chukwuka), Best Lead Actor (Femi Adebayo), and Best Music Score (Tolu Obanro). The film's compelling narrative, rooted in themes of ancestral transgressions and their enduring consequences, was crafted by the accomplished duo Adebayo Tijani and Yinka Laoye

Adebayo Tijani

Adebayo Tijani is a seasoned Nigerian filmmaker, renowned for his multifaceted roles as an actor, director, and writer. Drawing from his rich experience, Tijani crafts narratives that delve deep into Yoruba traditions and folklore. His previous work, Jagun Jagun: The Warrior, earned him a nomination for Best Writing at the 2024 AMVCAs, highlighting his prowess in storytelling. In Seven Doors, Tijani weaves a tale that explores the timeless repercussions of ancestral misdeeds on subsequent generations, showcasing his ability to blend cultural depth with universal themes.

Yinka Laoye

Yinka Laoye is a distinguished screenwriter with a penchant for narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. Her work on King of Thieves (Agesinkole) garnered her a nomination for Best Writer at the 2023 AMVCAs, underscoring her talent in crafting compelling stories. In collaboration with Tijani on Seven Doors, Laoye continues to demonstrate her skill in bringing intricate tales to life, further solidifying her reputation in the Nigerian film industry. 

Best short film : Brukaci

 Jide Jblaze oyegbile

Jide JBlaze  Oyegbile is the writer, director, and producer of Brukaci, a visually striking short film that won big at this year’s AMVCAs. Known for his bold storytelling and imaginative world-building, JBlaze crafted Brukaci as a fantastical tale where humans communicate through touch and coexist with animals in surreal ways. Speaking with Shock Newsroom, he shared: 

“Being the writer, I am more excited about how I can make the audience believe this story… It’s a world where humans relate with animals and have them crawl in the house, a world where communication can be by touch and one can also see visual experiences of another by placing fingers on the other’s temple.”
His ability to blend fantasy with emotional depth makes him a standout voice among a new generation of African storytellers.

Best Writing Series : Untying Kantai

 Able mutual

Abel Mutua is a celebrated Kenyan writer, actor, and producer with a profound influence on African television and film. He is best known for his compelling storytelling in series and films that often touch on social issues with a mix of humor and drama.

Mutua's recent success, Untying Kantai, won Best Writing (Series) at the 2025 AMVCAs, marking a high point in his career. The series captivates audiences with its nuanced exploration of complex characters and their emotional journeys. Before Untying Kantai, Abel had already established himself as a household name with his involvement in Papa Shirandula, The Real Househelps of Kawangware, and Selina. His work continues to resonate with audiences, and this win highlights his exceptional skill in creating stories that blend humor, culture, and emotional depth.

 Best Writing Movie : Freedom Way

Blessing Uzzi

Blessing Uzzi is a Nigerian filmmaker, producer, and director, celebrated for her compelling storytelling that addresses pressing societal issues. She is the founder of Bluhouse Studios and has directed and produced several impactful films, including No Man’s Land and the award-winning Freedom Way. Freedom Way is a gripping action drama that delves into themes of police brutality, corruption, and the resilience of Nigerian youth. The film premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and went on to win the Special Jury Award at the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF)

Uzzi's work is deeply rooted in authenticity and cultural relevance, often drawing inspiration from real-life events and societal challenges. Her dedication to telling impactful stories has earned her recognition and accolades in the Nigerian film industry.

As Nollywood and other African film industries continue to grow, these writers remind us that every unforgettable scene begins with a blank page and someone brave enough to fill it.