Joke Silva Leads Africa Magic Judges For 12th Edition Of AMVCAS

 

Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) on Thursday, officially kicked off its 12th season with a press conference at the MultiChoice Studio in Ilupeju, marking the return of what is widely considered the continent’s most prestigious celebration of film and television.

Scheduled to culminate in a star-studded gala on Saturday, May 9, this year’s edition aims to reinforce the awards’ role as a massive driver of Africa’s creative

economy and cultural exports.

Since debuting in 2013, the AMVCAs have evolved into much more than a night of glamour.

The initiative has been a catalyst for industry growth, contributing to the creation of over 30,000 jobs across production, technical, and artisanal sectors.

At the unveiling event, Atinuke Babatunde, Executive Head of Content and Channels for MultiChoice West Africa, emphasized that this edition focuses heavily on the “ecosystem of excellence” that exists behind the scenes.

She noted that while the red carpet captures the public’s imagination, the true story lies in the craftsmanship of the writers, directors, and technicians who shape African narratives.

In a move to further its pan-African mission, the 12th edition introduces significant changes to its category structure. For the first time, the awards will feature Best Indigenous Language categories for North Africa and Central Africa.

These additions are designed to ensure that the continent’s vast linguistic and regional diversity is authentically represented on a global stage.

The total award count now stands at 32 categories, consisting of 18 jury-decided honors, 11 public-voted awards, and three special recognitions, including the Trailblazer and Lifetime Achievement awards.

Adding to the prestige of this year’s cycle is the appointment of veteran actress Joke Silva as the Head Judge.

As one of Nollywood’s most respected figures, Silva brings decades of experience to the judging process, ensuring a high standard of professional scrutiny for all entries.

The awards also welcome back a robust lineup of corporate partners, with Don Julio serving as the lead sponsor.

Segun Ogunleye, Head of Marketing for Africa Partner Markets at Diageo, expressed that the partnership aligns with a shared purpose of celebrating African creativity and connection.

The journey toward the May ceremony continues this weekend.

Fans and industry stakeholders across the continent are eagerly awaiting Sunday, March 29, 2026, when the official nominees will be announced.

AMVCA winner, Chiemezie Imo, will host the reveal and will broadcast live on all Africa Magic channels.