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Two Kenyan productions, all under the umbrella of Philit Productions, headed by Abel Mutua and Philip Karanja have won awards at the just concluded 11th edition Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).
Untying Kantai wins Best Writing
Written by Kenyan comedian Abel Mutua, Untying Kantai, has won an award for Best Writing. The 13-part show, directed by Philip Karanja through Philit Productions, began streaming in May 2024.
In a category dominated by Nigerian shows, Mutua’s show took home the award against:
- Tuki? -Louise Kamwangi (Kenya)
- Roses and Ivy — Biodun Stephen and Abimbola Akinrinbola (Nigeria)
- Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre — Shola Dada (Nigeria)
- Princess on A Hill — Bibi Ukpo, Niyi Adeniji, and Sonia Nwosu (Nigeria)
- Cheta’M — Ifeanyi Chidi Barbara (Nigeria)
- Seven Doors — Adebayo Tijani, Yinka Laoye, and Soyombo-Oluyombo Oluwagbemiga (Nigeria)
According to the show’s synopsis, the series follows King Kantai, is a man who has spent 30 years working hard to provide for his family, only to be conned out of his life savings. In the thick of his mid-life crisis, fate throws him a curveball in the form of a truckload of antipsychotic drugs worth millions. Kantai chooses the latter, putting his life and his family at great risk.
Following the win, Abel Mutua and Philip Karanja released a joint statement thanking their fans for their unwavering support.
“Four years ago, thanks to your unwavering support, we started this film journey. These right here are the fruits of your labour. A true depiction of The Wakurugenzi Effect. 2 nominations both converted into wins. Our region’s flag is up high. Thank you very much @africamagic. Through you, Africa gets to know that the East has something to offer.”
Makosa ni Yangu wins Best Indigenous Language Film (East Africa)
Going for a two for two-for-two win, Philit Productions took home another award for their film Makosa Ni Yangu streaming for KSh. 250 on the Philit platform.
Written in Kiswahili, the film follows a young woman, Nafisa, who leaves her impoverished village for a better life in the city, only to fall in love with a millionaire who hides a dark, abusive nature, forcing her to choose between enduring his cruelty or returning to a life of poverty.
Celebrating the film’s win, Abel Mutua acknowledged the work of the cast and the crew.
“I’m sending a massive shout out to the cast, your performances brought truth and soul to the screen. You carried this story with such grace and power that audiences across the continent felt every moment,” Abel said. “To the crew…you guys outdid yourselves. From pre to post, you are the silent engines that made this machine move. From sleepless nights to last-minute fixes, you showed what it means to be the backbone of greatness.”
Kenya had received a total of 11 nominations.
