Entertainment
Biggest Winners, Surprises at AMVCA 2026 [Full List]
The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards 2026 delivered glamour, emotional moments, and major surprises as Africa’s biggest stars gathered at the Eko Hotel and Suites on Saturday night for one of the continent’s most prestigious entertainment events.
The ceremony, which began at 7 p.m., celebrated excellence in African film, television, and digital storytelling, with several Nollywood productions dominating the night.
SEE ALSO: All The Winners From The 2025 AMVCA Awards [Full List]
One of the biggest highlights of the evening was the dominance of “My Father’s Shadow,” which emerged as the biggest winner after clinching Best Movie, Best Director, Best Writing – Movie, and Best Sound/Sound Design.
Reality TV also had a strong showing as “Nigerian Idol” Season 10 won the Best Unscripted Series category.
The awards ceremony was broadcast live across Africa Magic channels on DStv and GOtv, attracting millions of viewers across the continent.
Full List of Winners and Nominees at AMVCA 2026
Best Costume Design
Winner: “Colours of Fire” – Valerie Okeke
Nominees:
“The Serpent’s Gift” – Mary Chukuma
“The Real Housewives of Lagos (S3)” – Deola Art Alade, Darey Art Alade
“Something About The Briggs” – Yolanda Okereke
“To Kill a Monkey” – Ikechukwu Urum, John Joseph Angel
Best Makeup
Winner: “Warlord” – Hakeem Onilogbo
Nominees:
“Behind The Scenes” – Mojisola Imam
“Lisabi (A Legend Is Born)” – Adeola Thelma Bamgboye
“Gingerrr” – Diablaq Artistry
“Abanisete” – Adeola Thelma Bamgboye
“Suky” – Ruth Harcourt
“Labake Olododo” – Adeola Thelma Bamgboye
Best Sound/Sound Design
Winner: “My Father’s Shadow” – Pius Fatoke, CJ Mirra
Nominees:
“Gingerrr” – Tolu Obanro
“Ben Made It” – Vaughan Phillips
“The Party” – Tolu Obanro
“Sebata (The Beast)” – Vaughan Phillips
“The Herd” – Fisayo Adefolaju
Best Writing – TV Series
Winner: “MTV Shuga Mashariki” – Annette Shadeya, Natasha Likimani, Mkamzee Mwatela, Arnold Mwanjila, Makgano Mamabolo
Nominees:
“The Wives” – Donald Tombia, Timendu Aghahowa, Chiemeka Osuagwu
“Our Husband” – Xavier Ighorodje
“Addis Fikir” – Besufekade Mulu
“Baba OH” – Temilola Balogun
“The Party” – Stephen Okonkwo
“Gizat” – Yednekachew Ayne
Best Art Direction
Winner: “Colours of Fire” – Ajamolaya Bunmi
Nominees:
“The Serpent’s Gift” – Zainab Oladupupo
“The Herd” – Omolade Abisola
“Aljana” – Olatunji Afolayan, Gideon Stephen
“Suky” – Victor Akpan
“Inimba” – Thabiso Senne
Best Writing – Movie
Winner: “My Father’s Shadow” – Wale Davies
Nominees:
“The Herd” – Lani Aisida
“Blackout” – Ikenna Okpara
“Cards on the Table” – Shirleen Wangari
“Gingerrr” – Xavier Ighorodje
“Suky” – Isaac Ayodeji
“3 Cold Dishes” – Tomi Adesina
Best Cinematography
Winner: “To Kill A Monkey” – Kabelo Thathe
Nominees:
“My Father’s Shadow” – Jermaine Edwards
“The Herd” – Emmanuel Igbekele
“Finding Nina” – Daanong Gyang
“The Serpent’s Gift” – Emmanuel Igbekele
“Stitches” – KC Obiajulu
“Gingerrr” – Emmanuel Igbekele
Best Digital Content Creator
Winner: “Leave To Live” – Emmanuel Kanaga and Sophia Chisom
Nominees:
“Luxury Koko” – Maryam Apaokagi-Greene (Taaoma)
“The Marriage List” – Destiny Ogie Osarewinda
“The Rate Race” – Benedict Ehimare Oriaifo
“August Meeting Election” – Steve Chuks
“Did I Just Hear Muah” – Akwaman
Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa)
Winner: “Lisabi (A Legend is Born)” – Lateef Adedimeji
Nominees:
“The Serpent’s Gift” – Winifred Mena-Ajakpovi
“Labake Olododo” – Iyabo Ojo and team
“Aljana” – Grace Yachat Yakubu
“Olorisha” – Abiola Adeshina
Best Indigenous M-Net Original
Winner: “Inimba” – Siphosethu Tshapu, Thandi Ramathesele and Yolanda Ndhlovu
Nominees:
“Kukoyi” – David Akande
“Undugu” – Hatibu Madudu
“Out N’ About (Harar)” – Bruk Yibrah
“Kamapala Creme” – Joel Ndugwa
“The Chocolate Empire” – Grace Kahaki and Phillippe Bresson
“Mgbuka” – Eze Izu
Best Unscripted Series
Winner: “Nigerian Idol (S10)” – Sulaiman Kassim and Anneke De Ridder
Nominees:
“The Real Housewives of Lagos (S3)” – Deola Art Alade, Darey Art Alade
“Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa” – Graeme Swanepoel
“Off Air” – Gbemi and Toolz
“Out N’ About” – Bruk Yibrah
Best Scripted M-Net Original
Winner: “The Low Priest” – Femi D. Ogunsanwo
Nominees:
“Adam to Eve” – Lizz Njagah and Alexandros Konstantaras
“Mother of the Brides” – Rogba Arimoro and Bio Arimoro
“The Yard” – James Kalu Omokwe
“Bobo” – Maurice Muendo
Best Supporting Actress
Winner: Linda Ejiofor – “The Herd”
Nominees:
Olamide Kidbaby – “Oversabi Aunty”
Bisola Aiyeola – “Gingerrr”
Sola Sobowale – “The Covenant Series”
Nadia Dutch – “Aljana”
Amal Umar – “The Herd”
Juliebrenda Nyambura – “MTV Shuga Mashariki”
Funke Akindele – “Behind the Scenes”
Best Supporting Actor
Winner: Bucci Franklin – “To Kill a Monkey”
Nominees:
Simileoluwa Hassan – “The Yard”
Lateef Adedimeji – “Gingerrr”
Gabriel Afolayan – “Colours of Fire”
Femi Adebayo – “King of Thieves 2”
Lateef Adedimeji – “Red Circle”
Femi Branch – “Owambe Thieves”
Uzor Arukwe – “Behind the Scenes”
Best Lead Actress
Winner: Linda Ejiofor – “The Serpent’s Gift”
Nominees:
Bimbo Akintola – “To Kill A Monkey”
Ifeoma Fafunwa – “The Lost Days”
Ariyike Owolagba – “Something About The Briggs”
Sola Sobowale – “Her Excellency”
Scarlet Gomez – “Behind the Scenes”
Genoveva Umeh – “The Herd”
Gloria Anozie-Young – “Mother of the Brides”
Best Lead Actor
Winner: Uzor Arukwe – “Colours of Fire”
Nominees:
Mike Ezuruonye – “Oversabi Aunty”
Lateef Adedimeji – “Lisabi: A Legend Is Born”
William Benson – “To Kill A Monkey”
Kanayo O. Kanayo – “Grandpa Must Obey”
Khumbuza Meyiwa – “Bet I Love You”
Wale Ojo – “3 Cold Dishes”
Femi Branch – “Red Circle”
Trailblazer Award
Winner: Uche Montana
Lifetime Achievement Award
Winners: Sola Sobowale, Kanayo O. Kanayo
Best Indigenous Language Film (Central Africa)
Winner: “Mabanda” – Kang Quintus
Nominees:
“Safou (A Gift From Nature)” – Nyasha Makamba
“Golden Spoon” – Egbe Francis Ettabrown
Best Indigenous Language Film (North Africa)
Winner: “Artal Alhanin: Our Memories” – Mohamed Awad and Mohamed Abdulraham Eldouma
Nominees:
“The Omnipresent” – Youssef Ben Khalifa
“The Delivery” – Abdalla Ezyan
“The Hidden Voice” – Houssem Eddine Abdelwahed
“This Is Portsaid” – Abdalla Ezyan
Best Indigenous Language Film (East Africa)
Winner: “Addis Fikir” – Leul Shoaferaw
Nominees:
“Inside Job” – Kamau Wandug’u, Joe Mahinda and Barbara Njeri Maina
“Sayari” – Omar Hamza and June Wairegi
“My Son” – Isarito Mwakalindile
“Kimote” – Hassan Mageye
Best Indigenous Language Film (South Africa)
Winner: “Tlhaho Ya Mosadi” – Naledi Galane, Promise Ramoroka, Ernest Ramoroka and Modipadi Mokgohioa
Nominees:
“Bet I Love You” – Joseph Duke and Keamogetse Modise
“Sebata (The Beast)” – African Entertainers
“Ben Made It” – Thabang Mathuumetse and Thapelo Dikhutso
“Terra of Queens and Kuma 2” – Neo Leonardo Mokoena
Best Scripted Series
Winner: “Inimba” – Siphosethu Tshapu, Thandi Ramathesele and Yolanda Ndhlovu
Nominees:
“To Kill a Monkey” – Kemi Adetiba
“The Yard” – James Kalu Omokwe
“The Chocolate Empire” – Grace Kahaki and Philippe Bresson
“Kash Money” – Grace Kahaki and Phillipe Benson
Best Director
Winner: “My Father’s Shadow” – Akinola Davies Jr
Nominees:
“Cordelia” – Tunde Kelani
“Osamede” – James Kalu Omokwe
“The Herd” – Daniel Etim Effiong
“Gingerrr” – Yemi Filmboy Morafa
“3 Cold Dishes” – Asurf Amuwa Oluseyi
Best Movie
Winner: “My Father’s Shadow” – Funmbi Ogunbanwo and Rachel Dargavel
Nominees:
“Gingerrr” – Ope Ajayi, Bisola Aiyeola, Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, Wumi Toriola, Bolaji Ogunmola and Onyeka Nnama
“The Herd” – Daniel Etim Effiong, Efe Ejukoriem, Ulogo Chukwudi, Kene Okwuosa, Craig Shurn and Ladun Awobokun
“3 Cold Dishes” – Martial Dansou, Asurf Amuwa Oluseyi and Ly Oumar
“The Serpent’s Gift” – Winifred Mena-Ajakpovi
“Behind the Scenes” – Funke Akindele and Wendy Uwadie Imaseun
Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold has addressed widespread online speculation claiming that he and his wife, fellow musician Simi recently welcomed twins, clarifying that the reports are false.
The award-winning artiste made the clarification during a recent interview with Great Day Houston, where he spoke about his family life and creative partnership with his wife.
SEE ALSO: Simi Urges Parents To Raise Independent, Self-Sufficient Daughters
Adekunle Gold described marriage to Simi as both inspiring and creatively fulfilling, noting that sharing a home with another songwriter allows them to exchange ideas and support each other musically.
He also expressed joy about their growing family, hinting at the excitement of raising children who may show interest in music.
However, addressing the viral rumours directly, the singer dismissed claims that the couple had welcomed twins.
“That is just the internet talking. We didn’t have twins, we have a son,” he clarified.
The clarification comes months after the couple announced the arrival of their second child in April, without initially revealing the baby’s gender or name—an omission that sparked widespread speculation online.
Adekunle Gold and Simi got married in January 2019 and welcomed their first child, Adejare, in 2020.
The couple remains one of Nigeria’s most admired celebrity music couples, known for balancing their public careers with private family life.
The desire to create community prosperity and productive engagement for youths has driven Osun State to tap into the two trillion dollar global creative industry economy.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke made the assertion after the massively attended concert organised by his son, B-Red and other music stars at Osogbo.
“The creative sector is a gold mine. It is an area I know holds huge potential for our youth and that is why I personally attended the free concert. I choose to boost the entertainment sector using my family brand which is very big in the Nigerian and global music industry.
“Osun is destined to be the hub of global entertainment. We have all the big stars and the network. An annual concert in Osun will boost local commerce and provide upward movement for local artistes.
“I expect the organisers to build on the successes recorded today. By 2027, a similar concert in expanded format should be held. Osun should become the rallying point of the creative industry, not only in Osun State but across Nigeria”, the governor posited.
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Commenting on the maiden event, the chief organiser and son of the Governor, Adebayo Adeleke (B-Red) expressed happiness that despite the initial rain, the concert was held with massive attendance of music enthusiasts across the state.
“I thank God, my father, the governor, the government of Osun State and all partners for the successful outing. We plan to make it an annual event to feature leading musicians and artists from far and near.
“Personally, my goal is to provide a platform for upcoming artists to be mentored and to be afforded the opportunity to be seen. Our concert is designed to build careers and make a success out of many aspiring youth”, B-Red noted.
The United Kingdom government has denied entry to controversial American rapper Kanye West, blocking his planned return to the European stage ahead of a highly anticipated comeback performance.
According to reports, the artist recently applied for permission to travel to the UK, where he was scheduled to headline the popular Wireless Festival in July.
SEE ALSO:Adidas, Kanye West Reach Settlement, Ending Legal Dispute
However, authorities turned down the request, citing concerns that his presence would not be in the interest of public good.
The decision is believed to be linked to widespread backlash over West’s past antisemitic remarks, which have sparked global criticism and strained his professional relationships in recent years.
The UK government’s move reflects a growing trend of holding high-profile figures accountable for statements considered harmful or divisive.
West was billed to perform across all three nights of the festival, set to take place at Finsbury Park in London, as part of what many fans saw as a major comeback tour.
His absence now leaves organizers scrambling to adjust the lineup for one of the summer’s biggest music events.
While officials have not provided further details beyond the decision, the development has stirred reactions across the entertainment industry, with fans and critics divided over the government’s stance.
As anticipation builds toward the festival, attention now shifts to how organizers will fill the void left by one of music’s most polarizing figures.
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