Nigeria’s ace comedian and actor Bovi Ugboma and South African screen star Nomzamo Mbatha have been officially announced as co-hosts of the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).
The prestigious awards ceremony is scheduled to hold on May 9, 2026, at the iconic Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, promising another night of glamour, recognition, and celebration of African storytelling.
The duo steps into a role long associated with media personality IK Osakioduwa, who hosted the AMVCA for a decade and became a defining face of the event. His tenure helped shape the awards into one of Africa’s most anticipated entertainment showcases.
Reacting to his new role, Bovi described the opportunity as both exciting and weighty. He noted that the AMVCA stage represents one of the continent’s biggest platforms, adding that he aims to deliver a mix of energy, humour, and “magic” befitting the occasion.
Mbatha, on her part, brings international appeal and industry depth. Widely recognised for her role in Coming 2 Americaand her portrayal of Queen Nandi in the epic series Shaka iLembe—which she also executive produces—her presence underscores the AMVCA’s pan-African and global relevance.
Meanwhile, anticipation continues to build following the earlier release of nominees for this year’s edition. Veteran Nollywood actress Joke Silva has been appointed Head Judge, a move expected to reinforce credibility and uphold the integrity of the awards process.
With a total of 32 categories—including jury-decided, public-voted, and special recognition awards—the 12th AMVCA is shaping up to be a fiercely contested and memorable celebration of excellence in African film and television.