by Chinnie Goldenpen
On Saturday, 9th May 2026, the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewersβ Choice Awards lit up Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. And once again, Africa showed up and showed out.
Fondly referred to as βAfricaβs Oscars,β the AMVCAs celebrate the actors, directors, writers, producers, and craftspeople whoβve shaped African cinema over the past year. From lead roles to sound design, the awards honor those bringing real change to the industry through their work.
What sets AMVCA apart is how deeply itβs rooted in African identity. The 3-day event kicked off with Iconβs Night, then Cultural Night, a deliberate celebration of heritage. Here, on-screen personalities arrive draped in designs that are attractive, stylish, and unapologetically African. Every outfit, stitched by African designers, tells a story of tradition reimagined and the world watches.
Year after year, the fashion becomes a global talking point. Each edition raises the bar with spectacular, creative designs you wonβt see anywhere else.
The awards night itself can easily be recognized as a carnival of fashion. Every dress, every suit, every makeup leaves onlookers stunned. You can tell these outstanding African designers brought their A-game. From exquisite agbadas to sculptural Ankara gowns to royal Isi agu, to coral beadworks, the red carpet became a runway where culture met couture.
This year proved it again: events like the AMVCA showcase to the entire human race the uniqueness and brilliancy wrapped up in the creative minds of African youths. _My Fatherβs Shadow_ dominated the night. Linda Ejiofor pulled a rare double win. Trailblazer Uche Montana represented the next wave. All while legends like Sola Sobowale and Kanayo O. Kanayo were honored.
For African creative designers such as Toyin Lawani, Veekee James, Mai Atafo, itβs an absolute ten over ten minus nothing!
AMVCA isnβt just about Nollywood. Itβs proof that African storytelling, fashion, and craft are not emerging, theyβre leading. When the world tunes in, they see excellence defined on our terms.
Despite the glamour, I think we still need a lot to do in our movies. The stories should reflect current challenges in politics, economy and development. African movies doesn’t take up these challenges.