The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards delivered yet another successful outing, one that continues to resonate across the continent’s film community.
From dazzling red carpet looks to major wins and heartfelt speeches, this year’s awards show was more than a celebration of African creative excellence. It was a meeting point of fashion, glamour, and film, marked by emotional moments, standing ovations, and unforgettable red carpet appearances.
Stars and producers from across Africa arrived in custom designs from some of fashion’s biggest names. For many, turning heads came at a cost, with fortunes spent to stand out. The Convention Centre of Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, last Saturday was packed with stars dressed to outshine one another.
Dazzling on the red carpet
African designers and stylists didn’t just show up at the AMVCA red carpet, they dominated the night with bold creativity and rich fabrics.
For actress Iyabo Ojo, the moment was about making a statement. “It wasn’t just about looking good,” she said. “Nigeria did it again. Our designers and stylists didn’t just show up, they dominated. The tailoring was sharp, the beadwork intentional, and the fusion with modern silhouettes had people talking worldwide.
“From the first guest on the carpet, it was clear this was about making a statement. This is what happens when talent meets pride. No excuses, no waiting for permission. Our designers delivered on every level, and the celebrities wearing their work made sure the world felt it.”
The sentiment echoed across the night. Attendees agreed it was a showcase of extraordinary African fashion, with celebrities bringing style, glamour, and individual flair to the carpet.
Linda Ejiofor, who won both Best Supporting Actress and Best Lead Actress, turned heads in an emerald green couture gown adorned with crystal embellishments and a dramatic flowing train. Subtle African-inspired detailing gave the look elegance and sophistication, earning widespread praise online.
Trailblazer Award recipient, Uche Montana arrived in a dramatic red-and-gold feathered ensemble she described as representing “fire” and “the rising of the phoenix.” Funke Akindele also made a statement in a fitted black couture dress layered with silver stones and textured fabric, an outfit many called “classy and timeless.” Other stars who sparked conversation included Bisola Aiyeola, Tobi Bakre, Osas Ighodaro, and Nelly Mbonu. Bakre channeled Yoruba royalty in a traditional agbada designed by Deji and Kola, complete with a custom brass staff. Osas Ighodaro, a multiple-time AMVCA best-dressed winner, opted for a silver corset gown flowing with hundreds of stones and crystals.
Standing out on the night also was Kanayo O Kanayo, who turned up in royal outfit, which he described as “ripping in godfatherism, old money and tailored mafia” He was styled by Prinz Innovation to represent his on-screen persona of wealthy and stylish. Known for his interpretation of Igbo culture, actor Stan Nze was styled in a black apparel and carried his signature traditional engraved hand fan made with horse skin.
Angolan actress and former beauty queen Lesliana Pereira stepped out in a long black gown featuring a half-butterfly wing embellished with sparkling gold and silver stones and crystals, while Ghanaian fashion icon, Nana Akua Addo reinforced her reputation for dramatic AMVCA fashion with a silver, architectural dress inspired by Cologne Cathedral in Germany. The heavily structured piece included hand-painted window-like details, cathedral-shaped extensions, and matching silver accessories, with members of her team helping to carry sections of the gown. Across the board, the red carpet made one thing clear: African fashion is setting the standard.
Tacha, Shine Rosman, Aishat Mohammed turn heads in navy blue
BBNaija star Tacha and actress Shine Rosman brought navy blue glamour to the AMVCA red carpet, delivering two of the night’s most memorable looks.
Tacha arrived in a custom RayandRoy design, walking alongside her eight-year-old daughter. For her, the outfit went beyond fashion.
“This was my first AMVCA as a Guinness World Record holder, so I didn’t just want to wear a dress… I wanted to wear a message,” she said.
She explained the symbolism: “The pencils on my chest represent artistry, creativity, and the beauty professionals who use their gifts to transform confidence daily. The mirrors symbolize reflection,a reminder for women to see themselves beyond fear, doubt, and insecurity.”
The statement look came with a price. Tacha revealed she sustained minor injuries from the outfit, which incorporated broken glass. The moment echoed her 2024 AMVCA appearance, where she wore an all-white gown reportedly worth $100,000 and adorned with shimmering stones.
Shine Rosman matched the energy in a Weiz Dhurm Franklyn creation. Her navy blue corset bodysuit featured a sheer mesh halter-neck overlay that extended to the knees before flowing into an asymmetrical, feathered train. The dramatic silhouette made her one of the night’s standout looks.
Aishat Mohammed also commanded attention in an Abbas design. She opted for a fitted leather dress with a sweetheart neckline corset and ruffled hem, delivering a bold gothic aesthetic.
“I didn’t come to blend in,” she said. “I came to be remembered.”
Bread outfit causes stir
One of the most talked-about moments of the night came from reality TV star Queen Mercy Atang, who arrived in a gown made entirely from loaves of bread. The unusual outfit instantly drew a crowd on the red carpet, with guests stopping to take photos and satisfy their curiosity. Some were even tempted to taste the bread, reportedly Agege bread to confirm if it was real. Inspired by cathedral architecture, the gown stood out as one of the most daring displays of Nigerian creativity and fabric innovation at the AMVCA.
Etinosa: ‘We’re all winners’
Etinosa Idemudia turned heads on the red carpet in a striking gold outfit accented with blue. Her film “’Osamede” directed by James Omokwe, earned three nominations; Best Director, Best Movie West Africa, and Best Art Direction,but did not take home an award.
“I was nominated, but I’m not sure what happened,” she said. “At the end of the day, I guess we’re all winners.”
Reflecting on the night, Etinosa said the experience had inspired her to keep pushing and improving her craft.
“I’m proud that my film was recognized,” she added. “It’s a reminder that we have to keep raising the bar, improving, and breaking our own records.”
NFVCB boss praises AMVCA’s growth
For the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Hussein, this year’s AMVCA raised the bar, with many stars receiving well-deserved recognition. He also called for continued celebration of industry veterans.
“It was a good outing,” Hussein said. “The organizers keep raising the bar every year, and you could see that many stars received well-deserved validation from the awards this year-that’s exactly how it should be. We need reward systems that bring us together annually to celebrate ourselves.”
He highlighted the Industry Merit Awards given to veteran actors Sola Sobowale and Kanayo O. Kanayo.
“They’ve contributed immensely to the growth of the industry and are still actively involved,” he said. “Unlike those who’ve retired, they’re still in the game, working alongside millennials and Gen Z.”
Hussein described the edition as impressive and said it can only get better.
“The reception was strong.Both the organizers and the creatives want this format to continue as part of the industry’s takeover. We want it bigger and better, and we don’t want it to fade into extinction. This is the 12th edition, and we must keep counting.”
