Femi Kuti, Tiwa Savage confirmed to perform at the #AMVCAs

Legendary Nigerian Afro-beat King Femi Kuti, joined by his full band, will take to the stage on Saturday, 9 March when the first-ever AfricaMagic Viewers’ Choice Awards is screened live to over 50 countries on the African continent, on DStv.

Destined to be a glam night when the stars of Africa come out to shine, the festivities begin at 19:00 CAT with an exciting, live, one-hour red carpet pre-show to be hosted by massively entertaining television personality Denrele Edun, alongside AfricaMagic hosts Helen Paul and Uti Nwachukwu (Jara), Dolapo Oni and Eku Edewor (53 Extra), Lawrence Maleka (Star Gist) plus Nic Wang’ondu and Sarah Hassan (Mashariki Mix). Join them as they chat to the glitterati making their way into the venue and get a sneak peek at all the hot fashion and fun interviews.

Then get set…the AfricaMagic Viewers’ Choice Awards, hosted by Big Brother’s IK Osakioduwa and Star Gistleading lady Vimbai Muntinhiri kicks off at exactly 7pm WAT, live from Lagos!

The glittering two-hour and 30-minute gala is being held in association with MultiChoice and is headline sponsored by Amstel Malta. And if the entertainment for the night is anything to go by, it’s destined to be a must-watch extravaganza because joining Femi Kuti on the music line-up is gorgeous vocalist Tiwa Savage along with award-winning Kenyan Afro-pop outfit Sauti Sol.

Few can deny the energy and charisma of Femi Kuti in full force and with hits such as Beng Beng Beng, Dem Bobo, Africa for Africa, I Wanna Be Free, Day by Day and Truth Don Die, his credentials and reputation as one of the most iconic African performers of all time has been secured, following in the legacy of his famous father Fela.

Meanwhile, Tiwa Savage has risen to fame fast with her popular singles Kele Kele and Love Me quickly establishing her as an African sensation. Rounding off the trio is the four-member Sauti Sol whose massive debut single Lazizi ignited their journey to the top of the charts where they have stayed thanks to hits such asMoney Lover, Coming Home, Range Rover and Blue Uniform.

There are some other great performers on the music menu as well, but for now AfricaMagic is keeping their identities a surprise. Plus guest-presenters on the night are equally impressive.

Stars such as Chinedu Ikedieze, Desmond Elliot, Fabian Adeoye Lojede, Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi, Gideon Okeke, Genevieve Nnaji, Ireti Doyle, Jim Iyke, Joseph Benjamin, Lizz Njagah, Majid Michel, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Osas Ighodaro, Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD), Rita Dominic and Stephanie Okereke are all expected to take to the stage to present awards.

In addition, a host of high profile guests from industry insiders to leading captains of industry will also attend the highly anticipated event, with a large contingent of guests jetting into Lagos from Southern, East and West Africa, specifically to be present on the night.

With voting for the awards having closed on 3 March, it’s now time for the AfricaMagic Viewers’ Choice Awards, which will be available across five AfricaMagic channels ensuring that all DStv subscribers will be able to tune in regardless of the bouquet to which they subscribe.

M-Net Africa Managing Director Biola Alabi is looking forward to 9 March.

“The AfricaMagic team has been focused and working hard to make it an unforgettable, inspiring celebration of African film success and TV talent. It’s our way of showing just how much we value what our artists, both in front of and behind the scenes, contribute to our lives and the lives of our audiences. Now, together with our generous partners MultiChoice and Amstel Malta, what was first a dream is now a reality. And by screening the AMVCAs on five of our channels at the same time we wish to demonstrate our confidence in this initiative. It will deliver wonderful memories for our nominees, our invited guests and our viewers at home.”

Given that the event will happen just days after a fire damaged M-Net’s Ojota Studios, home to several AfricaMagic shows, just makes the AfricaMagic Viewers’ Choice Awards all the more special says Alabi.

“We had invested widely in the facility, securing state of the art technology, training and up-skilling a wide variety of crews, growing our writers and directors while creating some very special productions. The physical investment will definitely be rebuilt because we are committed to this market. But the emotional legacy of Ojota, the spirit of determination and hope, lives in the fact that we can create an awards show such as the AMVCAs and with it, hopefully a night of magic!”

For more information on the awards, simply log on to the AfricaMagic website.