After more than a decade as the face of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, AMVCA, IK Osakioduwa has officially stepped aside, marking the end of an era and ushering in a fresh chapter for Africa’s biggest celebration of film and television.
For the first time since the awards debuted in 2013, the AMVCA stage will be anchored by new hosts, with Bovi and Nomzamo Mbatha unveiled as co-hosts for the 12th edition scheduled to hold tonight at Eko Hotel and Suites.
Osakioduwa’s departure marks one of the most significant changes in the history of the awards. Across 11 consecutive editions, he became synonymous with the AMVCA brand, earning widespread acclaim for his wit, stage presence, and ability to command one of Africa’s most glamorous entertainment events. His tenure played a major role in shaping the identity of the awards as Nollywood continued its rise on the global stage.
Organisers said the choice of Bovi and Mbatha reflects a renewed vision aimed at blending humour, storytelling, and pan-African star power. Bovi, regarded as one of Nigeria’s biggest comedy exports, is expected to bring energy and spontaneity to the stage, while Mbatha arrives with international recognition from projects including Coming 2 America and Shaka iLembe.
“The AMVCA stage is one of the biggest in Africa, and I don’t take that lightly,” Bovi said following the announcement, promising viewers “energy, laughs, and magic” on the night.
Beyond the hosting shake-up, this year’s ceremony is shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions yet. Films such as The Herd and Gingerrr lead the nominations with nine nods each, while To Kill a Monkey and My Father’s Shadow remain strong contenders in major categories. Veteran actress Joke Silva is serving as head judge for the 2026 edition.
Away from the awards, the AMVCA red carpet has grown into a cultural spectacle of its own, with celebrities using the platform to showcase bold African couture and avant-garde fashion. Last year’s event generated massive online buzz after striking appearances from Nana Akua Addo and Pretty Mike went viral across social media.
With a new hosting duo, fierce competition across top categories, and expectations of another unforgettable red carpet showcase, tonight’s ceremony promises both nostalgia and a bold new chapter for African entertainment.
