The Banquet Hall of the Oriental Hotel in Lekki, Lagos, recently buzzed with excitement as it played host to the prestigious AFRIFF Globe Awards, a night dedicated to celebrating the rich tapestry of African cinema and culture. The event was a harmonious blend of glamour, laughter, music, and poignant moments, collectively underscoring the current vibrant and impactful status of African creativity on the global stage.

The evening commenced with a captivating start, as the mood was brilliantly set by “Afroculture,” a documentary by music icon Flavour. Described as an eloquent love letter to African creativity, the film immediately immersed the audience in its vibrant, soulful, and rhythmic essence, establishing a celebratory atmosphere that permeated the entire night.

A significant highlight of the night was the presentation of the Herbert Wigwe Award of Excellence. This esteemed accolade recognized individuals who have made monumental contributions to elevating African arts and culture globally. The distinguished honorees included Hollywood luminary David Oyelowo, music legend Flavour, Principal Secretary to the President Hakeem Muri–Okunola, and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, all of whom received resounding applause for their profound influence and dedication.

The array of performances during the event was nothing short of electrifying. A dynamic dance troupe captivated everyone with their intricate moves, while students from Bimbo Akintola’s acting class delivered a deeply moving theatrical piece. Their performance, presented in black minimalist costumes, served as a beautiful and thoughtful homage to the burgeoning new wave of African storytelling, showcasing its depth and innovation.

The heart of the evening truly lay in the awards segment, which meticulously spotlighted the outstanding films and talents that have defined the past year in African cinema. The diverse categories celebrated the breadth of achievement, from audience favorites to critical masterpieces.

Among the celebrated winners were “Son of the Soil” by Chee Keong Cheung from Nigeria for the Audience Choice Awards, and “To Adaego With Love” by Nwamaka Chikezie, also from Nigeria, which garnered the Best Feature Film award, with Brenda Garuba securing Best Screenplay for the same film. The Best International Film honor went to “Pasa Faho” by Kalu Oji from Australia. Zoey Martinson was recognized as Best Director for “The Fisherman,” while Richard Bamgbaye earned Best Male Performance for his role in “Aljana,” and Michelle Lemuya Ikeny was awarded Best Female Performance for “Nawi.”

Further distinctions included “The Travails of Ajadi” by Adeoye Adetunji from Nigeria for Best Animation, and “The Eyes of Ghana” by Ben Proudfoot from Ghana for Best Documentary. “TUKKI: From Roots to Bayou,” a collaborative work by Vincent Le Gal and Alune Wade spanning France, Ghana, Senegal, and the US, won Best International Documentary. “Beyond The Screen” by Peter Fada Osiughwu from Nigeria and the UK was honored as Best Documentary Short. In the short film categories, “The Day The Heart Died” by Russell Oru from Nigeria was named Best Short Film, and “Majini” by Joshua Neubert and Victor Muhagachi from Tanzania and the United Kingdom secured Best International Short Film. Concluding the student category, “The Labyrinth” by Toluwalope Okunade Ebiseni from France was celebrated as Best Student Short.

The memorable night culminated on a high note with an exuberant performance by the Loud Urban Choir, whose upbeat harmonies had everyone dancing. This energetic finale perfectly encapsulated the joyous spirit of an event that championed stories, music, and an unyielding surge of creativity that continually places Africa firmly on the global stage. The AFRIFF 2025 Globe Awards was unequivocally more than just an evening of trophies; it was a profound and vibrant celebration of African creativity—bold, radiant, and beautifully unstoppable.