Entertainment
2026 AMVCA: Full Nominees List, Hosts, How to Watch Live and Major Highlights
The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards 2026 is set to hold tonight, May 9, at the prestigious Eko Hotels & Suites, bringing together the biggest names in African film, television, and digital entertainment for one of the continent’s most anticipated entertainment events.
Organisers of the annual awards unveiled nominees across 32 categories, sparking intense competition among actors, filmmakers, producers, and content creators from across Africa.
This year’s edition introduces two new categories — Best Indigenous Language Film (North Africa) and Best Indigenous Language Film (Central Africa) — in a move aimed at expanding continental representation and celebrating Africa’s diverse storytelling cultures.
Veteran Nollywood actress Joke Silva was earlier announced as the Head Judge for the 2026 edition, succeeding filmmaker Femi Odugbemi.
Bovi and Nomzamo Mbatha to Host 2026 AMVCA
For the first time since the awards began in 2013, longtime host IK Osakioduwa will not anchor the show.
Instead, Nigerian comedian Bovi Ugboma and South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha have been unveiled as co-hosts for tonight’s ceremony.
Organisers say the duo will bring a fresh pan-African appeal, combining humour, entertainment, and glamour for viewers across the continent.
How to Watch the 2026 AMVCA Live
The live broadcast of the AMVCA will air across all Africa Magic channels on DStv and GOtv, including:
- Africa Magic Showcase
- Africa Magic Urban
- Africa Magic Family
- Africa Magic Yoruba
- Africa Magic Hausa
- Africa Magic Igbo
Fans can also stream the event live via the DStv Stream App.
Event Schedule
- Red Carpet Show — 5:00 PM WAT
- Main Awards Ceremony — 7:00 PM WAT
The red carpet is expected to feature top celebrities, fashion statements, and exclusive interviews before the awards presentation begins.
Top Contenders at the 2026 AMVCA
This year, Gingerrr and The Herd lead the nominations with nine nods each.
To Kill A Monkey follows closely with eight nominations, while My Father’s Shadow secured seven nominations.
Among the most competitive categories are Best Lead Actor, Best Lead Actress, Best Director, Best Overall Movie, and Best Digital Content Creator.
Some Major Nominees
Best Lead Actor
- Lateef Adedimeji — Lisabi: A Legend Is Born
- Mike Ezuruonye — Oversabi Aunty
- Kanayo O. Kanayo — Grandpa Must Obey
- Wale Ojo — 3 Cold Dishes
Best Lead Actress
- Sola Sobowale — Her Excellency
- Bimbo Akintola — To Kill A Monkey
- Genoveva Umeh — The Herd
- Linda Ejiofor — The Serpent’s Gift
Best Digital Content Creator
- Taaooma
- Steve Chuks
- Elozonam Ogbolu & Genoveva Umeh
AMVCA Continues Growing Across Africa
The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards remains one of Africa’s biggest entertainment platforms, recognising excellence in acting, directing, production, writing, costume design, cinematography, and digital content creation.
With tonight’s ceremony expected to attract millions of viewers across Africa and beyond, anticipation continues to build over who will emerge as the biggest winners of the night.
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