AMVCA 10: Is This RMD’s Year?

Vanessa Obioha

By Sunday, the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) would have been held and winners basking in their victory. Will the dynamic Nollywood actor Richard Mofe-Damijo be among those in the spotlight?

The actor is in the race for the Best Lead Actor for his role in the Netflix historical film ‘The Black Book.’ RMD as he is fondly called took on the character of Paul Edima, a former hitman turned deacon who avenges the death of his son. For his enigmatic role, RMD once again finds himself as a contender in the Best Lead Actor category alongside Wale Ojo (Breath of Life), Stan Nze (Afamefuna), Marc Zinga (Omen), Gideon Okeke (Egun), Daniel Ezekiel (Blood Vessel), Lateef Adedimeji (Jagun Jagun – The Warrior) and Gabriel Afolayan (This is Lagos).

Like most of the nominees in this category, this is RMD’s third leading nomination at the AMVCA. Last year, he was nominated in the same category for his feature in ‘Four Four Forty Four’ and also in 2017 for ‘Oloibiri.’ RMD is yet to win an AMVCA despite being one of the most revered actors in Nollywood.

Although he wears many hats including a politician having previously served as a commissioner of culture and tourism in Delta State, RMD has remained dedicated to his craft, walking back into Nollywood after his political tenure as if he never left. Since his return, the actor has played different roles in films and series such as ‘The Wedding Party (1&2), ‘God Calling,’ ‘The New Normal,’ and ‘King of Boys: The Return of the King,’ among others.

With the AMVCA now operating as a non-voting category for acting, RMD’s extensive three-decade-long career and his status as one of Nollywood’s greats may tip the scales in his favour. He serves as a mentor to the younger generation who aspire to fill in his shoes someday.

Should he emerge victorious on Saturday, May 11, when the AMVCA will be held, he would undoubtedly cement his position as Nigeria’s leading prince of the silver screen.

As fans eagerly await the outcome, one can’t help but wonder: Is this finally RMD’s year to shine? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain – RMD’s legacy in Nollywood is already etched in the annals of cinematic history.