Africa Magic Announces 12th AMVCA Edition for May 2026 with Joke Silva as Head Judge
Africa Magic has officially unveiled plans for the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA), with the prestigious ceremony scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 9th, 2026. The announcement was made during a press conference held on Thursday, March 26th, at the MultiChoice Studio in Ilupeju, Lagos, marking the return of one of Africa's most significant entertainment events.
Expanding Continental Recognition Through New Categories
This year's edition introduces notable expansions to the awards' structure, particularly in indigenous language recognition. The AMVCA has added two new categories: Best Indigenous Language, North Africa and Best Indigenous Language, Central Africa. These additions broaden the awards' continental reach, ensuring more African regions receive formal recognition on the prestigious stage.
The 2026 ceremony will feature a total of 32 award categories, with 18 decided by a professional jury, 11 open to public voting, and three special recognition awards covering Lifetime Achievement and Trailblazer categories.
Veteran Actress Joke Silva Appointed Head Judge
In a significant development, veteran actress Joke Silva has been named Head Judge for the 12th AMVCA edition. Silva brings decades of experience both in front of and behind the camera to the judging process, ensuring the awards maintain their high standards of excellence and credibility.
"Beyond the lights, the red carpet, and the applause, there is a deeper story, one of craftsmanship," said Atinuke Babatunde, Executive Head of Content and Channels at MultiChoice West Africa, during the press conference. "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."
Nominations Announcement and Economic Impact
The 2026 nominee announcement is scheduled for Sunday, March 29th, and will air live on Africa Magic channels from 7 PM, hosted by AMVCA-winning actor Chiemezie Imo. This follows the tradition of building anticipation for the main ceremony.
Since their inception in 2013, the AMVCAs have grown into a major economic force in the entertainment industry. Over the past decade, the awards have created over 30,000 jobs across various sectors including production design, screenwriting, and sound engineering, demonstrating the ceremony's substantial economic impact beyond the glamour of the red carpet.
Sponsorship and Broadcast Details
The 12th edition is headlined by Don Julio as lead sponsor, with additional support from prominent brands including Guinness, MTN, Indomie, QuickTeller, Verve, Lush Hair, and several others. The full ceremony will be broadcast across Africa Magic channels, reaching millions of viewers across the continent and beyond.
With expanded categories, experienced leadership in Joke Silva, and continued commitment to recognizing African talent, the 12th AMVCA promises to be another landmark event in the continent's entertainment calendar.
