12th AMVCA Scheduled for May 9, Joke Silva Appointed Head Judge

The organisers of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards have revealed that the 12th edition is set for May 9, 2026, with celebrated actress Joke Silva appointed as the Head Judge for the ceremony.

This announcement was made by Africa Magic on March 26 during a press conference held at the MultiChoice Studio in Ilupeju, Lagos, where they disclosed additional details about the awards, including the nomination date and the introduction of new categories.

Initiated in 2013, the AMVCA has evolved into one of the largest entertainment events in Africa, celebrating excellence in film and television while significantly contributing to job creation across multiple sectors of the industry.

For the upcoming 2026 edition, the organisers are adding new Indigenous Language categories, such as Best Indigenous Language, North Africa and Best Indigenous Language, Central Africa, as part of their efforts to improve representation across the continent.

The nominations for this year's awards are set to be announced on March 29 and will be broadcast live on Africa Magic channels.

This year's ceremony will feature a total of 32 categories, with 18 decided by a jury, 11 subject to public voting, and three special awards, including the Lifetime Achievement and Trailblazer awards.

At the event, Atinuke Babatunde, Executive Head of Content and Channels at MultiChoice West Africa, emphasized the overarching vision behind this year's ceremony.

"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," she remarked.

The 12th edition will be prominently sponsored by Don Julio, along with notable supporting brands such as Guinness, MTN, Indomie, Quickteller, Verve, and Lush Hair.

The live nomination show is set to be hosted by actor Chiemezie Imo, paving the way for what the organisers have described as another significant celebration of African storytelling.