Nigerian rapper Falz wins second acting award

The win marked the second time the artist has emerged winner at the AMVCAs, an awards ceremony conventionally created for the acting industry.

His first win came from his turn as a comedic partner to the actress Funke Akindele in the series Jenifa’s Diary. Later, his triumph as Best Actor in a Comedy was mentioned in the single ‘Bad Baddo Baddest’, where he asked, presumably rhetorically, “Which rapper do you know is having AMVCA?” The song also featured Davido and rapper Olamide.

Falz has spoken about his artistry in the past, refusing to put his music over his acting. “My brand,” he said, “is that of an all-round entertainer. I’m an artist, a musician primarily but an entertainer as a whole. People often miss it.”

His second AMVCA win, this time for Best Supporting Actor, can be seen as an elevation from the earlier award and came for his role as an erring boyfriend to the protagonist in the Nollywood picture New Money.

Receiving the award, Falz reminded viewers of the importance of voting at Nigeria’s next national elections, which come up next year. Following his exit from the podium, the show’s host remarked that his acceptance speech might be the “most serious” Falz has been – a reference to the rapper’s frequent comedic displays both as musician and actor.

Falz also appeared onstage for a performance. Backed by dancers, he performed a couple of songs for the AMVCA audience, including his hit song ‘La Fete’.

Bisola, another artist with music and acting careers, also received an award on the night. The ‘Luchia’ singer was visibly elated at being named the winner of the Trailblazer Award. She also performed a cover of Evanescence’s 'My Immortal' as a tribute to deceased artists.