The nominee announcement on Sunday has officially kicked off the countdown to the 12th AMVCAs, and as expected, the conversation is split between celebration and the inevitable debate over who didn’t make the cut. While previous years were often dominated by a few blockbusters with double-digit nominations, the 2026 field is defined by how spread out the talent is. With Gingerrr and The Herd leading with nine nominations each, and To Kill A Monkey following with eight, the race to May 9th is wide open. This year’s list shows a clear shift in how African cinema is being viewed. While the AMVCAs have always stood for excellence, this 12th edition has moved toward a much stricter evaluation of craft that looks past how popular a project is on social media.

Under the leadership of veteran actress Joke Silva as Head Judge, the message from the organisers is clear: the bar for entry has become more specialised. In an era where trending on social media is often mistaken for technical brilliance, the AMVCAs is looking deeper into the structural integrity of the work. This explains the takes currently fueling debates online. While a project might dominate the cultural conversation for months or break box office records, the jury’s mandate, backed by the auditing rigour of Deloitte, is to look past the viral numbers and focus on the technical blueprints. A film can be a massive audience success and still find its lighting, sound design, or screenplay structure measured against a new, more rigorous professional rubric.

Out of the 32 categories this year, 18 are now strictly decided by the jury, including the major Best Lead Actor and Best Lead Actress awards. This change moves the recognition of acting talent away from the emotional pull of public voting and puts it into the hands of industry experts. For the stars and directors who didn’t find their names on the list, it isn’t a comment on their talent, but a reflection of a very tight field where there is almost no room for error. The fact that acting awards now sit alongside technical categories like cinematography and editing proves that the Academy is rewarding the quality of the work just as much as the fame of the person.

As voting opens for the remaining 11 public-choice categories ahead of the May 9th ceremony, the tension surrounding the list is actually a sign of industry health. It proves that the volume of high-quality African storytelling has reached a point where being a fan favourite is no longer a guarantee of a trophy.

By prioritising technical precision over social media sentiment, the AMVCAs are forcing a necessary evolution. On May 9, the statues will be handed out, but the real takeaway from Sunday is that Nollywood has moved into an era where the craft must finally match the hype.

The countdown has officially begun to Africa’s biggest celebration of film and television as the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) gears up for another exciting edition, promising to spotlight the very best of African storytelling and creative excellence.

This Sunday, March 29, the journey kicks off with the much-anticipated nominee announcement, airing live at 7:00 PM (WAT) across all Africa Magic channels on DStv and GOtv. More than just a reveal, the announcement offers audiences a first look at the productions, performances, and creative talents that have defined the past year across film, television, and digital content.

Over the years, the AMVCA has continued to set the benchmark for excellence within the African entertainment industry, celebrating stories that resonate with audiences both locally and globally. From gripping dramas and compelling documentaries to standout performances and technical brilliance, the awards shine a light on the depth, diversity, and evolution of African content. This year’s nominations are expected to reflect the growing influence of African filmmakers and storytellers who are pushing boundaries and shaping narratives that travel beyond the continent.

Adding a fresh and exciting touch to this year’s nominee reveal is Chimezie Imo, who will host the announcement for the very first time. Known for his captivating performances and steady rise within the industry, Chimezie brings a unique blend of charisma, relatability, and passion for storytelling, making him a fitting choice to lead viewers through this significant moment.

The nominee announcement is always a defining moment, sparking conversations, debates, and anticipation across the industry and among fans. It sets the tone for the awards season, as audiences begin to root for their favourites and celebrate the incredible work that continues to elevate African cinema and television.

As anticipation builds towards the main awards ceremony, viewers are encouraged to tune in, be part of the excitement, and join the conversation online as the AMVCA journey officially begins.

A fresh lineup of shows hitting your screen this weekend into April on GOtv, it’s about to be back-to-back moments, gripping plots, unforgettable characters, and follow-up stories that will have you texting your circle, “are you watching this?!” before an episode even ends.

This is your official cue to update your watchlist. Consider this your sign to get locked in. Number one on the list is:

1. Forever Mine – Premieres 28th March

The drama centers on a murder investigation following a Lagos luxurious wedding. A love, betrayal, desperation and murder story. Expect Lagos Lifestyle, grand celebrations and forbidden love that threatens to change everything.

2. Wura S4 – Premieres 30th March

Wura season 4 explores the consequences of Wura’s ruthless actions, with her empire cracking and her family turning against her. Murdering her own daughter comes back to haunt her.

This season is expected to be a high-stakes and dramatic continuation.

3. Dividends – Premieres  30th March

The drama centres on three strangers whose lives become dangerously intertwined through a Ponzi scheme known as “The Golden Bars.”

The series dives into themes of greed, deception, and the temptation of easy money, reminding viewers that “awoof dey always run belle.”

Dividends airs Mondays to Wednesdays at 20:30 on Africa Magic Showcase.

4. Iboju – Premieres April 4th

Iboju is a Yoruba-language crime thriller set to premiere on Africa Magic Yoruba. The series explores powerful themes of survival, secrets, and sacrifice, following ordinary people pushed into difficult choices where the line between right and wrong becomes increasingly blurred.

5. Stripped – Premieres April 19th

The narrative of Stripped focuses on the lives of five main characters dealing with financial pressures and making bold, unpredictable choices. A high-stakes, dramatic storyline involving extreme choices.

This lineup is one you don’t want to miss. Don’t just hear about it, tune in and experience it for yourself. Catch up on GOtv.

To upgrade, subscribe, or reconnect, download the MyGOtv App or dial *288#. For catch-up and on-the-go viewing, download the GOtv Stream App and enjoy your favourite shows anytime, anywhere.