The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards have always been more than just a celebration of film and television. It is also a large-scale fashion event that captures the attention of style enthusiasts across the continent and beyond. Every year, the AMVCA red carpet becomes its own catwalk, and the 12th edition, held on May 9, 2026 at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, was absolutely no different. Under the theme ‘Honoring craft, celebrating culture,‘ the red carpet delivered a striking display of intentional styling, creativity and bold self-expression.
This year, celebrities and designers embraced bolder silhouettes, edgier concepts and statement-making fashion moments. From bespoke couture to conceptual masterpieces, the red carpet told its own story; one of African identity, haute couture and fearless self-expression. With that in mind, we bring you the definitive look at the best-dressed celebrities at the 2026 AMVCA, ranked not just for aesthetics, but for the thought, craft, and cultural conversation each look sparked.
Here are the most raved about looks that graced the 2026 AMVCA red carpet…
#1. Osas Ighodaro in Veekee James: A Theatrical Opening Statement
If there was one look that set the tone for the entire evening, it was that Osas Ighodaros custom Veekee James creation. The structured corset silhouette was paired with a dramatic fan detail that partially covered her face, the kind of theatrical choice that separates fashion from costuming in the best way possible. A rich brown and red color palette brought warmth and gravitas to the look, while her blonde, wavy hairstyle and glossy red lips completed the look flawlessly. The look felt theatrical yet sophisticated and immediately set the tone for the evening’s fashion story.
#2. Idia Aisien in Ambaosa: the conceptual risk that pays off
Idia Aisien has never been afraid to push boundaries, and at the 2026 AMVCA she went completely unconventional, arriving in a form-fitting dress constructed entirely of wristwatches by designer Ambaosa. The concept immediately stood out on the carpet and the craftsmanship made the unconventional design feel surprisingly cohesive.
#3. Nana Akua Addo in Srushti Patil: The Aquatic Vision
Nana Akua Addo made a powerful cross-continental fashion statement in a piece from The Unbound Collection by Indian designer Srushti Patil. The spiraling off-the-shoulder dress was made up of layered, curved panels that mimicked fish scales, each rimmed with blue, burgundy and black crystal edging and stacked in a continuous line from the neckline to the floor. At the back, the panels fanned out dramatically, reminiscent of a fish fin in full motion. Her fish-shaped beaded handbag tied the aquatic inspiration together with impressive attention to detail.
#4. Laura Ikeji in Lipex Stitches: strength and balance in black
Laura Ikeji arrived in a stunning one-shoulder black dress with a butterfly-inspired wing detail that exploded in shades of red, blue, white and black. The silhouette was fitted and regal, flowing into a subtle train, while silver embellishments carefully traced the edges and high slit. Sleek hair and statement jewelry completed a look that felt both powerful and undeniably red carpet-ready.
#5. Lydia Lawrence-Nze in Maya and Stitches: the blossoming moment
Lydia Lawrence-Nze looked like a living garden. Dressed by Maya and Stitches, she embraced soft elegance with a floral-inspired design that stood out for its grace and understated beauty.
#6. Nini Singh in Sevon Dejana: Blue has never looked so good
The Big Brother Naija alumna commanded the red carpet in a breathtaking blue feather dress from The Sevon Dejana Brand. The feather details added texture and drama, giving the dress a stronger presence on the red carpet.
#7. Uche Montana in Tubo: Rising Like a Phoenix
Uche Montanas Tubo’s red-and-gold-feathered ensemble was reportedly months in the making, and every second of that development time was visible. Describing her look as representative of ‘fire’ and ‘the rising of the phoenix’, Montana, with red-studded stones wrapped around both hands, carried the look with confidence and intensity, making it one of the most impressive appearances of the night. The fact that she also received the AMVCA Trailblazer Award that same night made her entire performance feel like a perfectly scripted moment.
#8. Onyeka Anita Chigbo in Mamadi Couture: nature in full bloom
Onyeka Anita Chigbo kept things lush and grounded in a nature-inspired green dress with layers of colorful flowers from Mamadi Couture. In a sea of metallic and crystal looks, her earthy elegance stood out beautifully.
#9. Nomzamo Mbatha in Veekee James: Couture to the last lash
South African actress and executive producer Nomzamo Mbatha wore a custom Veekee James couture gown adorned with 30,000 eyelashes, a detail that alone announces this as one of the most painstaking looks of the night. Paired with sleek hair styling and flawless makeup, every element of her look was put together with intention and precision.
#10. Chioma Ikokwu in Amy Aghomi: Liquid Gold
Chioma Ikokwu arrived in a gold mermaid dress, completely encrusted with glittering crystals, beads and sequins creating a molten gold effect from head to toe. Intricate, swirling embellishments enveloped the body like streams of light, and the dramatic fishtail hem made every step a statement. The dress’s intricate details and reflective finish created a dramatic effect that stood out even more in motion.
#11. Mercy Eke in Amy Aghomi: Light as material
Grace Eke Amy Aghomi’s crystal-encrusted dress combined water-inspired fluidity with diamond-like sparkle, creating a striking visual effect under the lights. Each crystal placed separately. The result was a look that seemed to move differently with each camera flash.
#12. Toni Tones in Emagine by Bukola: Armor, reimagined
Toni Tones wore a metallic gold strapless dress with a sculpted corset bodice, quilted textures and an oversized architectural hem that ended in dramatic folds that resembled waves or petals. Combined with gold pointed heels and statement cuffs, this was avant-garde fashion at its wearable best; structured, powerful and completely modern.
#13. Queen Mercy Atang in Elegant by Tiannah Styln: Fashion as a billboard
Queen Grace Atang arrived in a dress reportedly made from more than 500 loaves of bread, designed by Toyin Lawani of the realm of Tiannah. She was unapologetic about the intent, calling it purposeful marketing for her bread baking business rather than shock value. Whether it was seen as art or advertising, it quickly became one of the most talked about looks of the night.
#14. Dabota Lawson in Erica Moore: Architecture on the Red Carpet
Dabota Lawson brought structural intensity to the carpet with avant-garde work featuring root structures, glittering velvet and corset mesh, a look that emphasized structure and craft over conventional red carpet glamour.
#15. Doyinsola David in Mamadi Couture: Return to Greatness
Built like armor and shaped into a red carpet dress, Doyinsola Davids fitted metallic dress from Mamadi Couture was a conscious reunion with the designer who had dressed her the year before, and together they created something even more arresting. Copper red hair, gold cuffs and sculptural earrings completed a look that was precise, deliberate and effortlessly impressive.
At the end of the night
Taken together, these looks cemented the AMVCA’s growing influence as one of Africa’s premier fashion and cultural events. Each look reflected a strong sense of concept, storytelling and craftsmanship. And on an evening with the theme of honoring craft and celebrating culture, that’s exactly what we had to do.
—Read also
