Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards Returns for 12th Edition

The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), Africa’s most prestigious film and television event, is set to return for its 12th edition, continuing its legacy of not just celebrating creative excellence but also driving significant cultural and economic impact across the continent.

As the awards build towards its star-studded ceremony on Saturday, May 9th, 2026, Africa Magic convened a press conference today, Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the MultiChoice Studio in Ilupeju, Lagos, to officially set the stage for one of the most anticipated editions yet.

Since its inception in 2013, the AMVCAs have become a cornerstone of Africa’s creative economy, fostering job creation, revenue generation, and industry growth. Over the past decade, the awards have invested significantly in events, training, and logistics, creating over 30,000 jobs across various sectors, benefiting professionals from production designers and screenwriters to sound engineers and artisans. Above all, it has remained a stage for stars and talent behind some of Africa’s most celebrated films and television shows to shine their brightest, ensuring their work is seen, honoured, and remembered.

Atinuke Babatunde, Executive Head of Content and Channels, MultiChoice West Africa, spoke to the significance of this edition at today’s press conference.

According to Babatunde “beyond the lights, the red carpet, and the applause, there is a deeper story – one of craftsmanship. The writers, the directors, the editors, the designers, the technicians – the many hands and minds that shape the stories we love. This year, we are being as intentional as we’ve always been about recognising that ecosystem of excellence.”

The 12th edition of the AMVCAs introduces key changes that deepen its pan-African reach and commitment to equitable representation.

This year’s edition expands its Indigenous Language categories with the introduction of Best Indigenous Language – North Africa and Best Indigenous Language – Central Africa, a landmark step in ensuring that Africa’s diverse languages, regions, and creative voices are more fully celebrated on a continental stage.

Speaking further, Atinuke Babatunde said “we are celebrating culture – in all its richness, and authenticity. From Lagos to Nairobi, from Dakar to Johannesburg, African stories continue to reflect who we are, how we live, and how we connect with the world.

With this, the 12th AMVCA will feature 32 award categories in total, including 18 jury-decided categories and 11 public voting categories, alongside 3 special recognition awards for Lifetime Achievement and Trailblazer.

This edition also marks a significant appointment in the awards’ judging process.

Veteran actress and one of Nollywood’s most enduring figures, Joke Silva, has been named Head Judge for the 12th AMVCA, bringing with her decades of experience both in front of and behind the camera.

The 12th AMVCA is proudly headlined by Don Julio as lead sponsor, marking a continued evolution of the awards into a premium, culturally influential celebration of African excellence, creativity, and craftsmanship.

The Head of Marketing Africa Partner Markets, Segun Ogunleye said, “At Diageo, we are driven by a simple but powerful purpose, to celebrate life every day and everywhere. Moments of joy, culture, creativity and connection sit at the heart of everything we do, and there are few platforms that embody this as authentically as the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.”

This edition of the AMVCAs is also proudly sponsored by Guinness, Singleton, Onga, Johnnie Walker – Blonde, Johnnie Walker – Blue, Johnnie Walker – Black, Orijin, MTN, Smirnoff Ice, QuickTeller, Verve, Indomie, and Lush Hair.

The highly anticipated nominee announcement is slated for Sunday, 29 March 2026, airing live on Africa Magic channels from 7PM and hosted by AMVCA-winning actor Chiemezie Imo.