Lisabi Wins AMVCA Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa)

Lisabi, starring Lateef Adedimeji and Mobimpe, secured the Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa) award at the 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). The ceremony took place on Saturday, 9 May 2026, at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos.

The award was presented to Lateef Adedimeji, who used the moment to acknowledge his wife, Mobimpe. The actress gave birth to triplets a week earlier, marking the couple’s first children after five years of marriage. “This award is dedicated to the woman who made me chase my dream. The woman who gave me my three kings,” Adedimeji said in his acceptance speech.

Lisabi’s win represents a consecutive achievement for the film. Media Talk Africa reported that the picture also claimed the Best Indigenous Language Film category at the 2025 AMVCA, making it the first back‑to‑back winner in that segment. The film, a period drama that explores the life of the eponymous Yoruba hero, has been praised for its authentic use of Yoruba language and cultural motifs, aligning with AMVCA’s focus on promoting indigenous storytelling.

The AMVCA, now in its 12th edition, continues to highlight African cinema across a range of categories, with the Best Indigenous Language Film award spotlighting productions that preserve and elevate local languages. Lisabi’s repeated success underscores the growing audience appetite for regionally grounded narratives that combine high production values with cultural depth.

Industry observers note that the film’s consistent recognition may encourage more filmmakers to invest in indigenous language projects, potentially expanding the market for locally produced content both within West Africa and internationally. As the awards ceremony concluded, organizers signaled that the next edition will further broaden its categories to include emerging digital formats, reflecting changing consumption habits.

Lisabi’s dual victories at the AMVCA reinforce the film’s status as a benchmark for indigenous language cinema and suggest a sustained trajectory for African storytellers seeking both critical acclaim and audience engagement.