A Tribe Called Judah” Snubbed at AMVCAs: Mixed Reactions Trail Surprise Loss

The 2024 African Magic Viewer’s Choice Award, held at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos on Saturday, was a night of celebration and unexpected outcomes.

One of the biggest surprises was the failure of Funke Akindele’s movie “A Tribe Called Judah” to secure a win, despite being nominated in five different categories.

Directed by Funke Akindele, “A Tribe Called Judah” made history as Nollywood’s highest-grossing movie, with over one billion naira in domestic theaters. The movie was nominated alongside “Breath of Life” and other movies, and it was expected to win most, if not all, of the categories it was nominated for. However, “Breath of Life” swept most of the awards in different categories, leaving “A Tribe Called Judah” standing in the shadows.

The outcome has sparked mixed reactions from Nigerians, with some taking to Twitter to express their feelings. Some felt that Funke Akindele was snubbed by AMVCA, and that “A Tribe Called Judah” should have won the award since it was such a big hit in 2023. Others agreed that “Breath of Life” deserved the award, although most of the awards were jury-decided and not based on the viewer’s choice.

Despite the debate, one thing is undeniable: “A Tribe Called Judah” has left an indelible mark on the Nollywood industry. Its audacity, emotional resonance, and cinematic brilliance will continue to captivate audiences. The dispute is a powerful reminder that while acclaim in the arts comes and goes, genuine artistry finds a way to be recognized that endures beyond the confines of prizes.