Lagos came alive as the AFRIFF Globe Awards lit up the Banquet Hall of the Oriental Hotel, Lekki. The atmosphere was nothing short of electric, a blend of glamour, music, laughter, and unforgettable moments that showcased just how powerful and exciting African cinema has become.
A Vibrant Opening: “Afroculture” Sets the Tone
The evening opened with Afroculture, a documentary by Flavour that felt like a heartfelt tribute to African creativity. From the very first frame, the room was pulled into a world that was bold, rhythmic, soulful and unmistakably African.
Honoring Excellence: Wigwe Award Highlights
One of the night’s biggest moments was the presentation of the Herbert Wigwe Award of Excellence, celebrating individuals who continue to elevate African arts and culture on the global stage.
The honorees included:
- David Oyelowo – Hollywood actor
- Flavour – Music icon
- Hakeem Muri–Okunola – Principal Secretary to the President
- Peter Mbah – Governor of Enugu State
- Each name drew thunderous applause — a testament to their impact and influence.
Performances That Captivated the Room
The performances were electric from start to finish. A dynamic dance troupe kept the audience spellbound with intense choreography. Students from Bimbo Akintola’s acting class followed with an emotionally rich theatrical presentation in minimalist black costumes, a contemporary nod to Africa’s evolving storytelling tradition.
Celebrating Outstanding Films & Talent
At the heart of the night were the awards, honoring the filmmakers, actors, and storytellers who defined African cinema in the past year. Here are the major winners:
- Audience Choice Award: Son of the Soil — Chee Keong Cheung (Nigeria)
- Best Feature Film: To Adaego With Love — Nwamaka Chikezie (Nigeria)
- Best International Film: Pasa Faho — Kalu Oji (Australia)
- Best Director: Zoey Martinson — The Fisherman
- Best Male Performance: Richard Bamgbaye — Aljana
- Best Female Performance: Michelle Lemuya Ikeny — Nawi
- Best Screenplay: Brenda Garuba — To Adaego With Love
- Best Animation: The Travails of Ajadi — Adeoye Adetunji (Nigeria)
- Best Documentary: The Eyes of Ghana — Ben Proudfoot (Ghana)
- Best International Documentary: TUKKI: From Roots to Bayou — Vincent Le Gal & Alune Wade (France, Ghana, Senegal, US)
- Best Documentary Short: Beyond The Screen — Peter Fada Osiughwu (Nigeria, UK)
- Best Short Film: The Day The Heart Died — Russell Oru (Nigeria)
- Best International Short Film: Majini — Joshua Neubert & Victor Muhagachi (Tanzania, UK)
- Best Student Short: The Labyrinth — Toluwalope Okunade Ebiseni (France)
A Joyful Finale
To close the night, the Loud Urban Choir lifted spirits even higher with vibrant harmonies and infectious energy, the perfect finale to an evening celebrating the heart and soul of African creativity.
A Celebration Beyond Awards
AFRIFF 2025 wasn’t just about trophies. It was a celebration of African stories, bold, vibrant, layered, and beautifully unstoppable. A reminder that African cinema isn’t just rising it’s soaring.
See photos from the event below.
