Showbiz
Prestige, Impact: Why AMVCA is the People’s Award Show
By Tutu Akanni
As the 11th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) approaches, public attention, once again, has been drawn to MultiChoice’s consistent excellence and ability to deliver structure and spectacle, especially in contrast to the growing dissatisfaction with other industry award platforms.
Just days after the 2025 edition of the Headies left fans and industry stakeholders disappointed, with confusion marking much of the night’s proceedings, a new conversation has taken over the Nigerian entertainment space.
While the Headies stumbled through yet another year of technical lapses and disjointed programming, attention has swiftly shifted to a platform known for its meticulous execution: Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), set to hold its 11th edition on 10th May.
What is surprising is not just the public frustration with the Headies but the growing number of voices openly calling on MultiChoice Nigeria, the organisers of AMVCA, to take over the management of other awards, including the Headies.
In an industry where spectacle often overshadows organisation, the AMVCA has built a reputation for doing things differently. And as many observed over the weekend, the gap in professionalism and prestige is no longer subtle; it’s glaring.
Over the last decade, the AMVCA has grown into one of the continent’s most influential cultural events. Since its debut in 2013, it has not only celebrated African storytelling with consistency and class but has also contributed significantly to the Nigerian economy. In that time, MultiChoice Nigeria has invested over ₦9 billion directly in the production of the AMVCA, including awards, training, and talent development initiatives.
More than 27,000 jobs have been created as a result of the event and its extended ecosystem, spanning event production, content creation, media, logistics, fashion, and hospitality. The awards have recognised over 300 exceptional
talents across various categories, offering a platform that truly reflects the diversity and dynamism of the continent’s film and television space.
Even more impressive is the over N623 billion channelled into the Nigerian film and television economy through MultiChoice’s broader investment in content and infrastructure, an economic impact that places AMVCA at the centre of Africa’s creative renaissance.
The contrast between AMVCA and the recent Headies could not be more pronounced. While the former struggled to hold the audience’s attention and, in some cases, even manage the basic technical requirements of a live show, the AMVCA has built a legacy of excellence, year after year. From world-class stage design to tight production schedules, transparent nomination processes to glamorous red carpet experiences, every aspect of the AMVCA is marked by intention and execution.
It’s no wonder that public sentiment is leaning heavily in favour of MultiChoice, with the public praising the structure and credibility AMVCA has consistently delivered.
These are not random musings; they reflect a real hunger for higher standards in how we celebrate and elevate African talent.
As the AMVCA returns, it is clear that it has become more than an award show. It is a cultural institution, a symbol of what is possible when investment, planning and passion come together to celebrate creativity. While other platforms grapple with inconsistency, the AMVCA continues to raise the bar, demonstrating that excellence is not accidental but built over time with vision and commitment.
This year’s AMVCA introduces a significant innovation: the ‘Best Music Score’ category.
While this might seem like a small change on paper, it’s a major shift in practice. This move addresses longstanding criticism of music’s critical role in film storytelling. By recognising composers and sound designers, the AMVCA acknowledges the intricate layers that music adds to cinematic narratives, enhancing emotional depth and audience engagement.
The introduction of this category is more than a nod to musical contributors; it signifies the AMVCA’s commitment to evolving with the industry’s standard and recognising all facets of film production. It’s a testament to the awards’ dedication to inclusivity and comprehensive recognition of talent.
Even this year’s nominee list reflects the same spirit of rebirth. While iconic names continue to appear, there’s a visible shift toward rising talents and first-time nominees. In categories like Best Lead Actress and Best Supporting Actor, younger stars like Gbubemi Ejeye and Darasimi Nnadi are taking centre stage. It’s a generational handover unfolding in real time, an intentional celebration of both legacy and new blood.
Behind the scenes, the awards maintain their credibility with a top-tier jury led by FemiOdugbemi, a respected filmmaker and culture advocate, who serves as Head Judge. His decades-long dedication to African cinema adds weight and wisdom to the selection process. The jury includes a mix of professionals across directing, cinematography, writing, and production, ensuring that recognition goes to those who truly deserve it, with fairness and rigour.
But beyond the glitz, what makes AMVCA such a powerful platform is the sense of purpose that drives it. It understands that African storytelling is not just about entertainment; it’s about identity, legacy, and pride. And it treats its audience with respect, understanding that credibility is built not just through applause but through consistency.
In stark contrast, the recent shortcomings of other award platforms highlight the importance of structure and vision in executing events that honour artistic achievements, like the recent fallout from the most recent award ceremony.
Viewers have called out the chaotic sequencing, last-minute venue changes, and awkward stage moments that plagued the event.
In a time when many industries are re-evaluating what excellence looks like, the AMVCA stands as proof that African institutions can lead at a global standard. And it continues to grow, not by accident but by design.
In the final analysis, the question may no longer be how to fix broken platforms but how to replicate what the AMVCA has done right. And if recent conversations are anything to go by, more and more people believe that the answer lies in letting those who understand structure, scale, and purpose lead the way.
Akanni, a culture enthusiast, writes from Lagos
For an average of 72 days, Big Brother Naija becomes a constant part of daily life for millions of Nigerians and Africa at large. Whether they are streaming the 24-hour live feed on their devices during the day or catching up with the drama after the Saturday night party, viewers are completely locked in. The show consistently dominates social media feeds, stays glued to the top of X trend tables, and becomes the main topic of conversation in offices and friendship groups across the country.
Yet, while the non-stop drama and eviction twists keep everyone talking, the real story happens entirely off-camera. At the heart of BBNaija’s massive influence is a fiercely loyal fanbase that does far more than just vote. What starts as simple everyday support for a favourite housemate quickly grows into highly organised, real-world communities. Long after the season ends, these fan bases evolve into tight-knit communities that build lifelong friendships, support businesses, and fund major charity projects.
Beyond the Screen: Strangers Becoming Family
Season 10 housemate Koyin with members of his fan community, the Koyinators.
For members of the “Koyinators”, the fan community dedicated to Season 10 (10/10) housemate Koyin Sanusi, supporting their favourite contestant has evolved into a tight-knit community that crosses borders.
“Koyinators are the best. We are like family,” says Juliet, a long-time BBNaija viewer. “I have made a lot of friends through the community. Everyone is genuine and supportive.”
Juliet had actually planned to retire from active fan groups after supporting Efe in Season 2 and casually following Phyna. But Koyin changed that. “Our shared love for Koyin brought us together, but it is the love and togetherness in the community that has kept me here.”
Violet, one of the community’s administrators, points out that this bond now stretches far beyond Nigeria. “We have members from Ghana, Liberia, and Benin,” she says. “It is amazing how one person can bring so many people together.”
Mobilising for Good
While fan communities are famous for their intense voting campaigns and social media trends, their real impact happens behind the scenes.
The Koyinators regularly step up to support the brands Koyin represents. When he partnered with Minimie Noodles, the fan base organised outreach initiatives, visiting schools to distribute noodles to students. They also mobilised heavily for his Guinness campaign, proving that fan bases can drive real-world commercial value long after a season ends.
More importantly, these groups function as emotional and financial safety nets for their members.
“There was a time a member’s son had an accident, and everyone contributed to support her,” Juliet recalls. “I also experienced that love during a health scare. A lot of people turned up for me.”
For Violet, these moments define the true spirit of the fandom. “The love we show each other is real. It is hard to fake that kind of love.”
Life Lessons Amid the Drama
Despite the show’s massive popularity, critics sometimes dismiss reality television as a mere distraction. However, dedicated viewers see it differently. They view the Arena Games, Head of House challenges, and weekly wager presentations as masterclasses in creativity, teamwork, resilience, and strategic thinking.
“I do not see the show as a distraction,” Violet argues. “It helps me relax. If people call BBNaija a distraction, then they should also call the World Cup a distraction.”
For both Juliet and Violet, what draws them to a housemate is authenticity. They look for contestants who are real, active, and competitive. It provides them with entertainment, stress relief, and a shared experience that brings their own families closer together.
An Enduring Legacy
After ten seasons, Big Brother Naija’s legacy is no longer just about the winners it crowns or the celebrity careers it launches. Its truest impact lives in the communities built around it.
The physical Big Brother House closes its doors after 71 days, but the virtual communities stay open. Long after the cameras stop rolling, fans continue to celebrate milestones together, champion charitable causes, and welcome new friends.
For millions of viewers, BBNaija is no longer just a show they watch; it is a community where they truly belong.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
More than 4.8 million violative videos were removed by TikTok on its platform in Nigeria in the first quarter of 2026, the company’s Q1 2026 Community Guidelines Enforcement Report revealed.
It was disclosed that this number only represents 0.6 per cent of the total number of videos uploaded by the Nigerian TikTok community between January and March 2026.
Analysis showed that 99.8 per cent of the violating content was detected and removed before it was reported by users, while 92.8 per cent of violating content was removed within 24 hours of being posted.
Globally, TikTok yanked off over 184 million videos in the period under review, representing only 0.5 per cent of the total number of videos uploaded on TikTok.
Also, TikTok said it strengthened its anti-spam policy by removing about 118,000 pieces of content in Nigeria under the policy for edited media and AI-generated content (AIGC), while more than 86 million fake accounts were deleted globally.
Further, more than three billion videos have now been labelled as AI-generated content using TikTok’s combination of Content Credentials, creator disclosure tools and invisible watermarking technology, marking a significant milestone in helping people better understand when content has been created or significantly edited using AI.
It no doubt that AI is opening up exciting new opportunities for creativity and storytelling, but as technology evolves, it can also be misused to mass-produce spam that crowds out original creators and undermines trust.
To stay ahead of these evolving challenges, TikTok is testing enhanced detection systems designed to identify accounts dedicated to posting AI-generated spam.
To sanitise its platform, especially as regards TikTok LIVE, efforts have been made to collaborate with local government organisations, such as the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), as well as civil society organisations, ensuring a coordinated and robust response to any potential challenges.
In three months, TikTok suspended 120,000 LIVE sessions in Nigeria for violating Community Guidelines, 40,000 more than in the previous reporting period, proving that the platform has bolstered safety measures.
Globally, more than 58 million LIVE enforcement actions were taken, including the suspension of 50,791,858 LIVE sessions and warnings or demonetisation for 21,966,667 LIVE creators for violating policies.
Warnings serve as an opportunity to educate creators when their content may breach LIVE monetisation policies, allowing them to make necessary changes.
TikTok also emphasises its commitment to keeping the TikTok LIVE experience safe. These efforts include a continuous focus on interrupting violating streams and executing monetisation enforcement actions (both demonetisation and warnings).
TikTok says it remains committed to providing greater visibility into its enforcement efforts through its Community Guidelines Enforcement Reports. As part of this commitment, it has refreshed the design and usability of its reports, making them easier for users to navigate and understand.
Showbiz
Former BBNaija Housemates Reflect on Life, Growth, Success Beyond the Show at Season 11 Media Launch
Big Brother Naija’s evolution from a reality show into a platform for creativity, entrepreneurship and career growth took centre stage at the Media Launch for season 11 on Wednesday, 15 July 2026. Former housemates Uriel, Doyin, Kola and DJ Flo reflected on how the show helped shape their careers while sharing the lessons they have learnt navigating life after reality television.
During the conversation, the former housemates agreed that while Big Brother Naija gave them visibility and opened doors, building successful careers after the show has required intentionality, consistency and a willingness to evolve beyond their reality television personas.
Doyin David from Season 7 Level Up and Season 8 All Stars shared one of the day’s most personal reflections, revealing that her biggest lesson began while she was still in the house.
“One of my biggest lessons actually started in the House. Watching myself back made me realise I did not know myself as much as I thought I did.”
She explained that finding a balance between her personal life and her public brand was a gradual process.
“As for balancing my personal life and my brand, it did not happen immediately after the show. I had to learn along the way, make mistakes, grow from them and eventually find that balance.”
Uriel Oputa from Season 2 See Gobbe and Season 8 All Stars spoke about building a career around wellness, explaining that her passion for healthy living did not begin after the show but became more visible because of the platform Big Brother Naija provided.
“I did not have to find a balance because healthy living is already my lifestyle. It is what I do every day. It is not something I switch on or off because of the entertainment industry; it is simply who I am.”
Flora Chiedo, popularly known as DJ Flo from Season 9 No Loose Guard, emphasised that while Big Brother Naija creates opportunities, success ultimately depends on what housemates do after leaving the House.
“Vision without execution is just hallucination. The show gives you an opportunity, but it does not do the work for you. You have to come out here and put in extra work every day.”
Kola Omotosho, Season 10 10/10 housemate, echoed the sentiment, describing Big Brother Naija as a valuable platform that gave him visibility while stressing that passion, drive and consistency are essential for staying relevant.
“Big Brother Naija gave me visibility, and I am grateful for that. But staying relevant requires passion, drive and consistency.”
The discussion reinforced one of the defining impacts of Big Brother Naija over the years. Beyond entertainment, the show has continued to serve as a launching pad for creatives, entrepreneurs and entertainers, providing contestants with the visibility to pursue careers across different industries. As the former housemates’ experiences have shown, the platform opens the door, but sustained success depends on what each individual chooses to build from the opportunity.
Big Brother Naija Season 11 premieres on Sunday, 26 July 2026, with the live launch show airing from 7:00 p.m. on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family. The season marks betPawa’s debut as the Headline Sponsor, while House of Guinness joins as the Gold Sponsor and Minimie returns as the Associate Sponsor. Hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, the 24-hour live show will air on DStv Channel 198 and GOtv Channel 49. Fans can also watch the show live via DStv and GOtv Stream.
