Lagos, Nigeria – The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) transformed the Eko Hotel and Suites into a dazzling spectacle of film, fashion, and cultural expression on Saturday night. Celebrities, filmmakers, and digital creators showcased extravagant designs, with one reality TV star opting for a dress constructed from over 500 loaves of bread, aiming to promote her business.
Fashion’s Extravagant Showcase
The annual AMVCA ceremony, celebrated as a premier event for African film and television, also serves as a significant platform for fashion innovation. This year’s red carpet saw an amplified display of sartorial creativity, with many attendees arriving in elaborate ensembles that demanded attention and assistance from entourages.
Among the most talked-about looks was that of reality TV star Queen Mercy Atang. Her dress, fashioned from more than 500 loaves of bread, was a bold statement designed to highlight her bread-baking enterprise. Accompanied by assistants carrying the unique garment and maidens presenting trays of bread, Atang’s appearance aimed for intentional marketing, as she stated, “What other place is better to advertise my business than the AMVCA?” The design, attributed to Tiannah’s Empire, sparked widespread social media discussion, with some praising it as a literal interpretation of “carrying your business on the head.” However, the use of food also drew criticism, which Atang refuted as a waste.
Ghanaian fashion icon Nana Akua Addo continued her tradition of dramatic AMVCA appearances with a striking silver dress inspired by Germany’s Cologne Cathedral. The architectural gown featured hand-painted details mimicking cathedral windows and was meticulously crafted over several months by designer Abasswoman, reflecting grandeur and artisanal skill.
Actress Uche Montana presented a fiery ensemble of red and gold feathers, symbolizing “fire” and “the rising of the phoenix.” Montana revealed that the look, which included elaborate hand embellishments, was in development since the beginning of the year and represented a significant personal investment, challenging the misconception that celebrity styling is always complimentary.
Awards and Recognition
Beyond the fashion, the AMVCAs celebrated outstanding achievements in African storytelling. Actor Bucci Franklin delivered an emotional acceptance speech after winning Best Supporting Actor for his role as a cybercrime boss in “To Kill a Monkey.” His portrayal, deeply rooted in Benin street culture, resonated strongly with audiences, particularly in the Niger Delta region. Franklin dedicated his award to his late mother.
Actress Linda Ejiofor made history by becoming the first person to win both Best Lead Actress for “The Serpent’s Gift” and Best Supporting Actress for “The Herd” in the same year. She shared her surprise and gratitude, acknowledging her husband’s supportive prediction and her mother’s help in perfecting her Igbo dialect for her roles.
The film “My Father’s Shadow” emerged as a major winner, securing awards for Best Movie, Best Director, and Best Writing. Directed by Akinola Davies Jr., the film, which explores themes of paternal love and loss, had previously made history as the first Nigerian film selected for the Cannes Film Festival in 2025.
Other notable winners included Uzor Arukwe for Best Lead Actor in “Colours of Fire.” Industry veterans Sola Sobowale and Kanayo O. Kanayo were honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards. Kanayo O. Kanayo’s outfit was described as embodying “godfatherism, old money and tailored mafia,” styled by Prinz Innovation.
Diverse Expressions on the Carpet
The red carpet also featured diverse cultural and thematic expressions. Actor Stan Nze showcased traditional Igbo culture with his attire and signature hand fan. Reality TV star Tobi Bakre exuded Yoruba royalty in a traditional agbada and brass staff. Actress and producer Monica Friday adorned her gown with the flags of seven countries, a tribute to a “bleeding world” and a plea for peace.
While the Best Dressed category was removed this year, past winner Osas Ighodaro continued to impress in a Veekee James silver creation. Digital creators also contributed to the glamour with unique cultural and sculpted designs, such as reality TV star OJ Posharella’s multi-layered, colorful outfit topped with a prominent bow.
Looking Ahead
The 12th AMVCAs underscored the growing influence of African cinema and the vibrant, often boundary-pushing fashion that accompanies it. The event highlighted how celebrities are increasingly using their platforms and attire not just for style, but as vehicles for personal branding, cultural commentary, and artistic expression. The trend of “wearing your business” and the elaborate, conceptually driven designs suggest a future where the AMVCA red carpet continues to be a stage for innovative storytelling, both on and off screen.
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