From the Music World to the AMVCA Stage

In recent years, the line between Nigeria’s music industry and Nollywood has become beautifully blurred. A number of music stars and video directors have crossed over into film and television, not just to experiment, but to excel. Even more impressive, some of them have gone on to win at the prestigious Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards, proving that creative talent can thrive across industries.

One of the most notable crossovers is Falz, born Folarin Falana. Known for impactful music projects like Moral Instruction, Stories That Touch, and BAHD, Falz stepped into acting in 2015 when he played the hilarious and unforgettable Sege in Jenifa's Diary, created by Funke Akindele. What started as a supporting role quickly became a standout performance. His portrayal earned him an AMVCA nomination and a win, a moment he later referenced in his single Bad Baddo Baddest with the cheeky line, “Which musician do you know is having AMVCA?”

Falz did not stop there. In 2018, he clinched another AMVCA, this time for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film New Money. With two acting awards under his belt, he firmly established himself as more than just a musician trying his hand at film. He became a respected actor in his own right.

Behind the camera, there are equally inspiring stories. Peter Igho, son of NTA veteran Peter Igho, began his career in music before transitioning into directing music videos. He worked with a wide range of artists including D'banj, Terry G, Faze, Yung L, Aramide, and Sammie Okposo. Over time, he expanded into television and film production, serving as executive producer on popular shows like Once Upon A Time, Judging Matters, Love Come Back, and I Am Laycon.

He later moved fully into directing feature films such as Seven and Suspicion. His transition paid off with multiple AMVCA nominations and two wins, making him the only music video director at the moment with two AMVCA awards to his name. It is a rare achievement and one that highlights the power of evolving creatively.

Then there is Clarence Peters, a household name in the music video space. Having worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, Clarence built a reputation for sharp visuals and strong storytelling. In 2015, he experimented with a short film titled Hex. Years later, he made a bold move into long-form storytelling with the Netflix series Inside Life.

His work on Inside Life earned him the Best Scripted Series award at the 2025 AMVCA, marking a major milestone in his career. The win places him among the few creatives who have successfully transitioned from directing three-minute music videos to commanding full-length cinematic projects.

These stories reflect something deeper about Nigeria’s creative industry. Talent is no longer boxed into one lane. Musicians are becoming actors. Music video directors are becoming film producers and showrunners. And they are not just participating, they are winning.

From studio booths to film sets, from music charts to award stages, these creatives have shown that skill, vision, and storytelling can travel. Their journeys are proof that Nollywood is open to bold reinvention, and the AMVCA stage is wide enough to celebrate it.