Lilian Afegbai, popularly known as Lily Afe, has publicly expressed her intense frustration after being omitted from the Best Supporting Actress category for the 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).
Her reaction followed the unveiling of the nominees on Sunday, March 29, 2026. Despite her critically acclaimed performance as “Idia” in Kemi Adetiba’s Netflix series To Kill a Monkey—a role that generated significant social media buzz and praise for her delivery in Pidgin English—she was notably absent from the shortlist.
Key Takeaways from Her Reaction
- “Eat Your Award”: In a series of candid posts on X (formerly Twitter), the actress did not mince words, telling the organizers: “I don’t need a nomination for validation. The truth is clear: nobody trended like IDIA from TKAM last year. Her acting was 100%. You guys can eat your award.”
- A Stinging Omission: While she noted that the exclusion “wasn’t unexpected,” she admitted it still stung, especially as her co-star, Bimbo Akintola, did receive a nomination in the Best Lead Actress category.
- Standing by Her Craft: Afegbai emphasized that her self-worth as an actress is not tied to award nominations. She highlighted the overwhelming “whirlwind of love and support” she received from fans after the series’ release as the true measure of her success.
The 12th AMVCA ceremony is set to take place on May 9, 2026. The Best Supporting Actress category, from which she was excluded, features notable names such as Linda Ejiofor, Bisola Aiyeola, Sola Sobowale, and Funke Akindele.
