AMVCA 2026: Fashion, film, star power collide in Lagos tonight
By Benjamin Njoku
After months of preparation and unveiling new ensembles for the big night, African film stars are making their way to Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos tonight for the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, AMVCA.
The awards ceremony to be hosted by comedian Bovi and South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha, promises exciting performances and standout fashion on the red carpet for both in-person guests and viewers at home.
The choice of Bovi and Mbatha marks a notable shift from tradition. They take over hosting duties from IK Osakioduwa’s uninterrupted 11-year run since the awards began in 2013. Osakioduwa, who became synonymous with the AMVCA, is stepping aside after anchoring the ceremony since its inception. Expectations are high, as Bovi and Mbatha brace up to uphold the standard he set.
The night is set to be a spectacular celebration of African cinema, with millions of viewers across the continent tuning in to watch the event unfold.
As usual, this year’s AMVCA features categories including Best Movie, Best Director, Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Supporting Actor and Actress, and Best Picture, among others.
Which film will take home the night?
‘Gingerrr’ and ‘The Herd’ lead this year’s race, each securing nine nominations across acting, directing, and technical categories. Directed by Daniel Etim-Effiong,”The Herd” is a 2025 crime thriller that confronts the insecurities that have haunted Nigeria for decades. Its release sparked controversy in the north, with some youths calling for a ban. The backlash eventually subsided after the film was recognized as a stark, honest portrayal of a crisis the country has long faced. With that momentum, it wouldn’t be surprising to see ,”The Herd” claim several of the night’s top awards.
Not far behind is “Gingerrr,”a sharp blend of comedy and crime produced by four industry heavyweights: Kiekie, Bisola Aiyeola, Bolaji Ogunmola, and Wunmi Toriola. After premiering in London and the U.S, the film has drawn praise for keeping audiences on edge from start to finish. With nine nominations of its own, “Gingerrr” looks set to give “The Herd” a serious run for its money.
Other strong contenders include ‘To Kill A Monkey” with eight nominations, ‘”My Father’s Shadow” with seven across multiple categories, and Funke Akindele’s ‘Behind The Scenes” with five. “Behind The Scenes” the highest-grossing Nollywood film of all time, could still pull off an upset on the night.
This year’s AMVCA features 32 categories in total, 18 decided by the jury, 11 by audience vote, and three special recognition awards, making it a wide-ranging celebration of excellence in African film and television.
Spotlight on Best Actor and Best Actress
The Best Actor category is shaping up to be one of the night’s most competitive. Nominees include Kanayo O. Kanayo, last year’s winner Wale Ojo, Femi Branch, Mike Ezuruonye, and Lateef Adedimeji, all established names, making this race hard to call. But one thing is certain, and that’s that one of the nominees will surely coast home to victory.
The Best Actress race, by contrast, looks more predictable. Linda Ejiofor appears well-positioned to win for her performance in “The Serpent’s Gift.” She’s also a strong contender for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “The Herd.”
That said, the broader Best Actress lineup is stacked. Sola Sobowale, Gloria Anozie-Young, Scarlet Gomez, Genoveva Umeh, Bimbo Akintola, Ifeoma Fafunwa, and Ariyike Owolagba are all in contention, ensuring the category will still deliver plenty of drama on the night.
Dazzling on the red carpet
One of the night’s biggest highlights will be the red carpet outside the Convention Centre at Eko Hotels and Suites, where celebrities will take turns showcasing custom looks from some of fashion’s biggest names. For many stars, turning heads comes at a cost, with fortunes spent to stand out in the crowd.
Last year set a high bar with a mix of avant-garde, traditional, and elegant styles. Ghanaian actress and model Nana Akua Addo stunned in a spinning sculptural dress, while socialite Pretty Mike made waves in a futuristic silver-toned “Andromeda” exosuit that channeled Terminator vibes and quickly went viral. Other memorable looks came from Osas Ighodaro, Doyin David, and Mercy Aigbe, with Nollywood stars embracing bold African couture.
Music, fun as Heineken launches premium ‘House Experience’ in Lagos
By Benjamin Njoku
pix saved: nollypix15(Nigerian Breweries event), 5/5/2026
Lagos was buzzing with celebration and entertainment last Sunday as Heineken launched “A Day With Thibaut,” the inaugural event of its Heineken House Experience.
Held at the iconic Ilubirin, the activation marks the start of a multi-day celebration bringing fans together through sport, music, and immersive premium entertainment.
The day began with the unveiling of a striking Hot Air Balloon by Thibaut Boidin, Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc. The moment signalled the start of a unique fan journey coinciding with the UEFA Champions League semi-finals and the F1 Miami Grand Prix. The event drew senior executives from Nigerian Breweries Plc, alongside influencers, stakeholders, and loyal fans.
Hosted by Darey Art Alade, the evening opened with an orchestral performance, followed by an overview from Uzo Odenigbo, Corporate Affairs Director at Nigerian Breweries Plc.
In his welcome address, Boidin emphasized the ambition behind the experience- from the first-of-its-kind Hot Air Balloon activation to the Formula 1 and UEFA Champions League highlights, all designed to deliver unforgettable, premium moments for Nigerian fans. The entertainment lineup featured an electrifying performance by the Awanjo dancers and a comedy set from Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, who kept the crowd laughing. The Loud Urban Choir maintained the energy with a powerful musical performance that had guests on their feet.
A major highlight was the live screening of the Formula 1 Grand Prix, where fans gathered to enjoy the adrenaline of the race over chilled drinks and curated meals in a vibrant atmosphere.
The night reached another peak when Johnny Drille took the stage, delivering a soulful set of his biggest hits that became one of the evening’s defining moments.
The event closed on a high as Darey Art Alade returned for a memorable performance, followed by remarks from Sarah Agha, Marketing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc., who thanked guests for celebrating premium entertainment in style. DJ Deluxe closed out the night on the decks.
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