The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards was held on May 9, 2026, at the Eko Hotel and Suites Convention Centre, under the evolving partnership between Canal+ and MultiChoice, bringing together the biggest names in African film, television, and entertainment for a night of celebrating cinematic excellence and storytelling across the continent.

Hosted by Nomzamo Mbatha and Bovi, the ceremony opened with the Best Costume Design category, where Valerie Okeke won for Colors of Fire.
Among the biggest winners of the night was My Father’s Shadow, which secured five awards, including Best Movie, Best Director for Akinola Davies Jr., Best Writing Movie for Wale Davies and Akinola Davies, Best Sound Design, and Best Score/Music.

Colors of Fire also emerged as one of the night’s standout productions, earning three awards, including Best Costume Design, Best Art Direction for Ajamolaya Bunmi and Yakub Oladejo, and Best Lead Actor for Uzor Arukwe.

Similarly, To Kill a Monkey snagged multiple wins, taking home Best Cinematography for Kabelo Thathe, Best Editing for Daniel Anyiam, and Best Supporting Actor for Bucci Franklin.

In the acting categories, Linda Ejiofor earned two awards, winning Best Lead Actress for The Serpent’s Gift and Best Supporting Actress for The Herd.

Other major winners included Hakeem Onilogbo (Hakeem Effect) for Best Makeup for Lisabi, while MTV Shuga Mashariki won Best Writing TV Series.

The awards also celebrated storytelling across Africa’s indigenous language categories, with Lisabi winning Best Indigenous Language (West Africa), Leul Addis Fikir winning East Africa, Tlhaho Ya Mosadi taking Southern Africa, Our Memories, Areal Alhanin winning North Africa, and Mabanda emerging winner in Central Africa.

In television and digital categories, Inimba secured two awards for Best Indigenous M-Net Original and Best Scripted Series, while Nigerian Idol Season 10 won Best Unscripted M-Net Original. Out and About emerged as the winner of Best Unscripted Series, while Leave to Live by Sophia Chisom and Emmanuel Kanaga won Best Digital Content Creator.

The Best Documentary award went to Beyond Olympic Glory by Shedrack Salami, while Hussaini, by Josh Olaoluwa and Orire Nwani, won Best Short Film. MTN also rewarded the winners with a ₦5 million cash prize in recognition of their achievement.

Beyond the awards, the ceremony featured memorable performances from Fave, Tiwa Savage, and BNXN, while Purp (Nigerian Idol Season 10 winner)  delivered a moving memorial performance in honour of industry figures who passed away.

Veteran actors Sola Sobowale and Kanayo O. Kanayo received the Industry Merit Award for their contributions to the African film industry, while Uche Montana was honoured with the Trailblazer Award.

Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also addressed guests during the ceremony, commending Canal+ and the organisers for sustaining the platform and celebrating African creativity.

“If you don’t win tonight, you can win next year because it is not just about winning alone. Even being nominated is a big achievement,” he said, adding that the AMVCA would continue to grow bigger with each edition.

With its blend of entertainment, recognition, and cultural celebration, AMVCA 12 once again reinforced its position as one of Africa’s most prestigious platforms celebrating excellence in African film and television.

At the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs), Interswitch, through its flagship brands Quickteller and Verve, once again reinforced its steadfast commitment to driving the growth of Africa’s creative ecosystem.

As a key sponsor of this year’s awards, Interswitch championed three major categories, each reflecting the depth, richness, and diversity of African storytelling. Quickteller featured as sponsor of the Best Music Score category, recognising the composers and sound designers who bring emotion and depth to visual storytelling, while Verve sponsored both the Best Writing in a Movie category and Best Writing in a TV Series category, spotlighting the writers whose narratives continue to shape culture, influence audiences, and elevate African content on the global stage.

Following a vibrant Cultural Day celebration at Federal Palace Hotel, the 12th AMVCAs held at Eko Hotel, bringing together leading actors, filmmakers, producers, and industry stakeholders from across the continent. Beyond the glamour and recognition, the event underscored a broader shift in the increasing global relevance of African stories and the growing economic potential of the creative sector.

For Interswitch, participation in the AMVCAs reflects a deliberate commitment to supporting platforms that not only celebrate talent but also empower it to thrive. Through its innovative technology and payment solutions, the company continues to enable the seamless flow of value, creativity, and opportunity across the entertainment landscape.

Senior executives from Interswitch were actively involved in the awards presentation, underscoring the company’s sustained support. Dr Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Communications, presented the Best Writing in a Movie category award to Wale Davies for his work in the movie, “My Father’s Shadow” while Franklin Ali, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, presented the Best Music Score category award to Duval Timothy and CJ Mirra for their work in the same movie , “My Father’s Shadow”. The Best Writing in a TV Series Category award also sponsored by Verve was presented to Annette Shadeya, Natasha Likimani, Mkamzee Mwatela, Arnold Mwanjila, and Makgano Mamabolo for their work in the TV Series, “MTV Shuga Mashariki”.

Reflecting on the significance of the partnership, Eromosele highlighted the importance of storytelling both as a cultural force and an economic driver for the continent. She said:

“Platforms like the AMVCAs not only celebrate the creativity and resilience of African storytellers but also amplify the voices shaping how the continent is seen and understood globally. Our continued support at Interswitch reflects a deep commitment to enabling this ecosystem to thrive, by connecting creativity with the platforms, visibility, and opportunities it needs to grow.”

Beyond category sponsorships, Interswitch delivered engaging on-site activations across key moments of the AMVCAs, including the Cultural Day celebration and the main awards ceremony. These activations created immersive touchpoints that connected attendees with the seamless capabilities of Quickteller and Verve, demonstrating how technology continues to enhance lifestyle and entertainment experiences for modern consumers.

As Africa’s creative industry continues to expand in influence and economic value, partnerships between technology providers and creative platforms are becoming increasingly critical. In this context, Interswitch’s involvement in the AMVCAs signals more than brand presence; it reflects a broader commitment to supporting the people, platforms, and systems that sustain the continent’s creative momentum. As the curtains close on the 12th AMVCAs, one message remains clear; African storytelling is not only capturing global attention but also shaping a vibrant and fast-growing creative economy.

By Adedapo Adesanya

Critically acclaimed drama, My Father’s Shadow, emerged as the winner of the prestigious Best Movie category at the 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award.

The win, at the showpiece held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, cements its place among the most celebrated African films of recent years.

The award was received by producers, Ms Funmbi Ogunbanwo and Ms Rachel Dargavel, whose work on the project has continued to attract widespread recognition both within and outside Africa.

Africa Magic described the movie as a production that “delivered on every level: story, craft, and impact,” applauding its artistic depth, emotional storytelling and cinematic excellence. The category was sponsored by Don Julio.

Directed by Akinola Davies Jr. in his feature film debut and co-written with his brother Wale “Tec” Davies, My Father’s Shadow tells a powerful coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s tense political atmosphere during the 1993 election crisis.

The film follows two young brothers navigating the chaotic streets of Lagos alongside their estranged father, a journalist and activist, as the nation grapples with uncertainty during the transition from military rule.

The film, shot entirely on 16mm film, blends intimate family drama with political history, creating a visually striking narrative praised for its authenticity and emotional resonance.

The production stars Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù alongside brothers Godwin and Chibuike Marvellous Egbo, whose performances received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences.

Before its AMVCA triumph, My Father’s Shadow had already achieved significant international success, becoming the first Nigerian film selected for the Official Competition at the Cannes Film Festival, where it earned a Special Mention for the Caméra d’Or.

The movie also secured several global honours, including a BAFTA for Outstanding Debut, recognition at the Gotham Awards and a place on the BBC’s list of the best films of 2026.

FULL LIST OF NOMINEES & WINNERS

Best Digital Content Creator

Emmanuel Kanaga and Sophia Chisom — Leave to Live

BEST INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE (North Africa)

Our Memories

BEST INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE (East Africa)

Inside Job – Kamau Wandug’u et al.

Sayari – Omar Hamza, June Wairegi

Addis Fikir – Leul Shoaferaw [WINNER]

My Son – Isarito Mwakalindile

Kimote – Hassan Mageye

BEST INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE (WEST AFRICA)

The Serpent’s Gift – Winifred Mena-Ajakpovi

Lisabi: A Legend Is Born – Lateef Adedimeji [WINNER]

Labake Olododo – Iyabo Ojo et al.

Aljana – Grace Yakubu

Olorisha – Abiola Adeshina

BEST EDITING

To Kill A Monkey — WINNER

Cordelia

My Father’s Shadow

Landline

3 Cold Dishes

Osamede

BEST DOCUMENTARY

Beyond Olympic Glory — WINNER

The Good x The Bad of Afrobeat

The People Shall

Not Addressing This Anymore

BOU

BEST SHORT FILM

Rise – Jessie J. Rowlands

Fleas – Jordy Sank

Telephone – Fimisinuola Adejonwo

Hussainin – Orire Nwani, Josh Olaoluwa [WINNER]

My Body, God’s Temple – Uzoamaka Power

BEST SCORE/MUSIC

My Father’s Shadow — WINNER

3 Cold Dishes

Osamede

Gingerrr

The Party

MTV Shuga Mashariki

To Kill A Monkey

Best Unscripted M-Net Original

Nigerian Idol (S10) — WINNER (Sulaiman Kassim and Ameke)

Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa

Chapa Chapa My Love

Out N About (Harar)

Undugu

Best Scripted M-Net Original

Adam To Eve

Mother of the Brides

The Yard

The Low Priest (Femi Ogunsanwo)— WINNER

Bobo

Best Supporting Actress

Olamide Kidbaby – Oversabi Aunty

Bisola Aiyeola – Gingerrr

Sola Sobowale – The Covenant Series

Nadia Dutch – Aljana

Amal Umar – The Herd

Juliebrenda Nyambura – MTV Shuga Mashariki

Funke Akindele – Behind The Scene

Linda Ejiofor —The Herd [WINNER]

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Simileoluwa Hassan – The Yard

Lateef Adedimeji – Gingerrr

Gabriel Afolayan – Colours of Fire

Bucci Franklin – To Kill A Monkey [WINNER]

Femi Adeboye – Agesinkole 2

Femi Branch – Red Circle

Uzor Arukwe – Behind The Scenes

Best Lead Actor

Mike Ezuruonye – Oversabi Aunty

Lateef Adedimeji – Lisabi: A Legend Is Born

William Benson – To Kill A Monkey

Kanayo O. Kanayo – Grandpa Must Obey

Khumbuza Meyiwa – Bet I Love You

Uzor Arukwe – Colours of Fire —[WINNER]

Wale Ojo – 3 Cold Dishes

Femi Branch – Red Circle

Uche Montana wins TRAILBLAZER AWARD

Best Series (Unscripted)

The Real Housewives of Lagos S3

Nigerian Idol S10

Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa

Offair With Gbemi and Toolz

Out N’ About (Harar) — [WINNER]

Best Series Scripted — Inimba [WINNER]

Best Director

Akinola Davies Jr – My Father’s Shadow —[WINNER]

Tunde Kelani – Cordelia

James Kalu Omokwe – Osamede

Daniel Etim-Effiong – The Herd

Yemi Morafa – Gingerrr

Asurf Amuwa Oluseyi – 3 Cold Dishes

Best Movie

Gingerrr

The Herd

My Father’s Shadow— [WINNER]

3 Cold Dishes

The Serpent’s Gift

Behind The Scenes