For over a decade, the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards has stood as the continent’s biggest film and television awards platform. Now, it is expanding its scope in a way that brings even more of Africa into the spotlight.

This year, two new categories have been introduced: Best Indigenous Language (North Africa) and Best Indigenous Language (Central Africa). They now sit alongside existing categories for West, East and Southern Africa, creating a full five-region structure for the first time.

This change speaks to where the AMVCA is headed, not just as an entertainment event, but as a truly pan-African platform. The languages in these new categories, including Arabic dialects, Berber, Lingala and Sango, are widely spoken across their regions. They are the languages people use in their everyday lives to tell stories, express emotions and share culture. Giving them recognition on a stage like the AMVCA matters.

Across countries like Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Chad, Cameroon, the Central African Republic and Congo, the film and television industries have been growing steadily, even if they do not always get continental attention. For filmmakers in these regions, being included in the AMVCA is more than just a chance to win an award. It brings visibility, credibility and a sense that their work is being seen.

There is also a cultural angle to this move. Films made in indigenous languages help keep those languages alive. By recognising these works, the AMVCA is reinforcing the idea that telling authentic stories in native languages is important and valuable.

Beyond recognition, this expansion also creates room for connection. Filmmakers from North and Central Africa now have a stronger presence on the same platform as their peers from West, East, and Southern Africa. This opens the door for collaboration, shared ideas, and creative exchange across the continent.

African cinema has always been rich in diversity, but it has not always had a single platform bringing it all together. While these two new categories will not fix everything overnight, they are a meaningful step forward.

This development comes as the 12th edition shapes up to be highly competitive. There are 32 award categories in total, including 18 decided by judges and 11 open to audience votes. There will also be special recognition awards, including Lifetime Achievement and the Trailblazer Award.

Veteran actress Joke Silva will serve as Head Judge, taking over from Femi Odugbemi.

Nominees were announced on March 29, 2026, hosted by actor Chimezie Imo. As expected, Nigerian films dominate the list. Gingerrr and The Herd lead with nine nominations each, followed by To Kill A Monkey with eight and My Father’s Shadow with seven.

Actors like Sola Sobowale, Uzor Arukwe, and Lateef Adedimeji earned nominations in multiple categories, while Genoveva Umeh received her first Best Lead Actress nomination.

At first glance, adding two categories to a list of 32 may not seem like much. But in the bigger picture, it shows a shift. The AMVCA is slowly becoming what it has always set out to be a platform that reflects the full diversity of African storytelling.

The kitchen is set, the stakes are high, and the journey to culinary greatness is about to begin for the ten diverse home cooks competing for a staggering N73 million prize on MasterChef Nigeria.

Not only will this dynamic mix of contestants from across the country showcase their passion for food and exceptional talent on the life-changing cooking show, but they will also make television history as the first-ever group vying for the coveted MasterChef Nigeria title.

The much-anticipated inaugural season of MasterChef Nigeria, the local adaptation of the world’s most renowned television cooking competition format, will premiere exclusively on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family on Sunday, April 26, at 7 pm.

Although united by a shared ambition to shine on the country’s biggest new culinary stage, these ten home cooks bring a tapestry of backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences to the kitchen – each shaped by personal journeys that influence how they cook, create, and connect through food, while also showcasing Nigeria’s richness and gastronomic heritage.

The MasterChef Nigeria contestants are:

• David Emmanuel (24, Magboro) – A content creator whose humility and determination are shaping an extraordinary culinary journey.
• Demi Akingbe (30, Ikoyi) – An entrepreneur and food content creator bringing an eclectic style, creative flair, and visually striking dishes.
• Derry Nnonyela (29, Ikeja) – A finance admin coordinator whose passion for food is rooted in heritage and fuelled by ambition.
• Fads Segun (29, Lagos) – A renewable energy expert whose cooking style is modern and health-conscious, combining fresh ingredients with purposeful intention.
• Favy Bessan (26, Shomolu) – A content strategist whose cuisine reflects her fearless, imaginative, and deeply driven character.
• Isabella Adediji (38, Ikeja) – A managing director and seasoned media personality, ready to tell Nigeria’s story through her cuisine.
• Loye Oyedotun (31, Abuja) – A corporate lawyer who cooks with confidence and heart—bold in his choices, driven to grow, and determined to make every dish count.
• Margaret Akpan (42, Lagos) – A domestic staff member grounded in tradition, driven by purpose, and inspired to uplift others through soulful food.
• Pearl Agbajem (30, Lekki) – A cloud kitchen manager cooking towards a brighter future with love and resilience.
• Preye Fadase (34, Lagos) – An entrepreneur and food vendor whose vision, discipline, and deep respect for tradition turn everyday food into memorable experiences.

As these home cooks step into the iconic MasterChef kitchen, they will face high-pressure tasks designed to test not only their cooking skills but also their resilience, innovation, and ability to rise above the heat. Their creations will be evaluated by esteemed judges Chef Eros and Chef Stone.

Viewers can expect intense challenges, unexpected twists, and dishes that push the boundaries of creativity while staying rooted in Nigerian flavours.

With its unique blend of compelling storytelling, passionate participants, and culinary excellence, MasterChef Nigeria is poised to redefine food-focused television entertainment in the country.

This world-class production from the Primedia Group is backed by prominent Nigerian brands, including headline sponsor Power Oil, alongside Indomie, Dano Milk, Malta Guinness, Sonia Tomato, Kiara Rice, Golden Penny Flour, Golden Penny Sugar, Golden Penny Garri, Golden Penny Semolina, Golden Penny Chocolate Spread, and Golden Penny Wheat.

The thirteen episodes of MasterChef Nigeria will premiere exclusively on Sundays at 7 pm on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family (starting 26 April). Rebroadcasts will air on Wednesdays at 6 pm on Africa Magic Showcase and Thursdays at 12 pm on Africa Magic Family.

By Dipo Olowookere

An ace sports journalist, Mr Temisan Okomi, has died after a brief illness, reports indicate.

The foremost broadcaster with Classic FM Lagos was said to have passed away in his sleep in the early hours of Friday.

Before his demise, he was active on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, commenting on the UEFA Champions League match between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, and even reposted a post from Classic FM.

His sudden death has thrown the sporting community in Nigeria into mourning, as he was very active and friendly with many of his professional colleagues.

According to reports, the deceased, a die-hard Arsenal fan, became sick midweek but breathed his last at the weekend.

The cause of his death has not been known as of the time of filing this report, but many have expressed shock over his passing.

“Temisan Okomi was full of life. He was intentional about putting young people on, and he played his part in helping to get a number of people’s careers started who have themselves gone on to do some extraordinary things.

“Life is what it is. He lived a full life and was never shy of taking a stand whenever he needed to.

“His passing comes as a rude shock. May his soul rest in peace. @temiokomi was one of us, and I wish he had stayed a little longer to witness his @Arsenal lift the EPL trophy. But God knows best,” Japhet Omojuwa said.

Mr Okomi, who graduated from the University of Uyo after finishing from the Nigeria Military School, Zaria, once presented a sports programme on LTV 8 with Mr Godwin Enakhena and Emeka Nwani.