The Nigerian film and music industry converged at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, last week as the Artiste Managers Association in Nigeria (AMAN) marked its 30th anniversary with a major awards ceremony that recognised veterans, actors and institutions shaping the creative industry.
The event, tagged AMAN @ 30 Awards 2025, pulled a large audience from across Nigeria and the diaspora. The event was hosted by veteran entertainer Ali Baba, who anchored the ceremony attended by leading professionals across music, film and media.
Five pioneers of Nollywood were honoured in the Outstanding Nollywood Veterans Recognition Award category for their decades of contribution to the film industry. Those honoured were filmmaker Zeb Ejiro, director Teco Benson, producer Fidelis Duker, film promoter Emeka Ossai, and actor and broadcaster Patrick Doyle.
In the competitive acting categories, actress Tana Adelana won the Best Actress award, while actor Nosa Rex emerged as Best Actor.
Veteran epic film actress Ani Amatosero received the Nollywood Icon Recognition Award (Female). Her male counterpart, respected epic film director and actor Ugezu J. Ugezu, was also honoured for his contribution to the genre.
Two younger actors were also singled out for their work on screen. Alex Cross won the Best Role Interpretation (Male) award, while Uche Montana took the Female category of the same award.
A total of 58 awards were presented during the anniversary ceremony, according to AMAN’s global spokesperson, Duchess Onyekaah, who hailed the scale of the event.
“Events of the AMAN @ 30 Awards 2025 were programmed to be the best, and by the grace of God, we did our best. To deliver 58 awards in one night is indeed magical,” Onyekaah said.
The ceremony also included musical performances by the AMAN Five Stars (AFS): Ashams, Azeena, Mkudi, Naffy and Tieniel who performed their collaborative track, ‘Win’, from their debut album Genesis.
Meanwhile, the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN) was honoured for its contributions to the growth and protection of Nigerian music. The award was received on behalf of the society by board member Dr Victor Okhai.
Music artist Uzo, whose new single ‘Afrika Liberation’ is currently gaining attention, used the moment to express appreciation on behalf of Randy Fashek, son of the late reggae icon Majek Fashek.
“Randy extends his heartfelt gratitude to the organisers and all Nigerians and Africans who have continued to support his father’s legacy,” Uzo said.
AMAN was founded three decades and established to support artiste managers while recognising excellence across Nigeria’s creative industries in film, music, and performance. The association says its awards are designed to encourage professionalism and showcase achievements within the country’s entertainment sector and beyond.
