The 32nd South African Music Awards (SAMA32) brought South Africa’s music industry together at the Sun City Superbowl in the North West on August 15. There were several key moments that stood out during the event. 

Anele Zondo and L-Tido’s Kiss

Photo: Instagram

Anele Zondo and L-Tido shared a kiss on stage while presenting the Best Amapiano Album award. The kiss quickly became a talking point online. The two have been making headlines since confirming their relationship after months of speculation. 

Read Also: Thandiswa Mazwai Wins Four SAMA Awards for Sankofa

Some Major Stars Were Missing 

The absence of major names such as Kabza De Small, Nasty C, DJ Maphorisa and Umafikizolo became one of the talking points at SAMA32. Kabza won Best Amapiano Album but was not there to collect his award, Umafikizolo also missed the ceremony despite winning Album of the Year. 

Tyla’s Speech on Stage

Photo: Instagram

Tyla was honoured with the AfriPure International Achievement Award. During her acceptance speech, Tyla spoke about how she looked forward to attending the SAMAs. She also talked about her South African roots and called for unity in the continent. Tyla invited Cassper Nyovest, Makhadzi and Zee Nxumalo. 

Cassper Nyovest Steps Up as Host

Photo: Instagram

Cassper Nyovest co-hosted the event with Zanele Potelwa. His appointment sparked interest, given his previous disputes with the awards, and he joined Lordkez for a performance. 

From an unexpected onstage kiss to Tyla’s call for African unity, SAMA32 delivered several moments that extended beyond the night’s awards.

The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards 2026 is set to take place in Lagos. This is the 12th edition and it is organised by Africa Magic, under MultiChoice. This year’s edition brings together African filmmakers, and  digital creators. The main show is expected to start at 7:00 pm and will be broadcast live across Africa Magic channels. Veteran actress Joke Silva has been appointed as Head Judge.

Event Date, Location, and Format

Joke Silva: Instagram

The venue is the Exhibition Centre of Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos. It will take place on May 9, 2026. The event features a red carpet segment followed by the main awards ceremony.

Categories

The 2026 edition features about 32 award categories, which include jury decided and audience voted honours. 18 categories are determined by a panel of judges, while 11 rely on public voting. There will be special recognition awards such as Lifetime Achievement and Trailblazer.This year will include new regional categories which includes Best Indigenous Language Film (North Africa) and Best Indigenous Language Film (Central Africa).

Read Also : SAFTA Unveils Full List of Nominees for 19th Annual Award

Nominees

Taaooma: Instagram

Best Lead Actor

• Mike Ezuruonye – Oversabi Aunty
• Lateef Adedimeji – Lisabi: A Legend Is Born
• William Benson – To Kill A Monkey
• Kanayo O. Kanayo – Grandpa Must Obey
• Khumbuza Meyiwa – Bet I Love You
• Uzor Arukwe – Colours of Fire
• Wale Ojo – 3 Cold Dishes
• Femi Branch – Red Circle

Best Digital Content Creator

• Dr Judgina – Situationally Transmitted Delusion
• Elozonam Ogbolu & Genoveva Umeh – Situationally Transmitted Delusion
• Destiny Ogie Osarewinda – The Marriage List
• Emmanuel Kanaga & Sophia Chisom – Leave To Live
• Benedict Ehimare Oriaifo – The Rat Race
• Maryam Apaokagi-Greene (Taaoma) – Luxury Koko
• Steve Chuks – August Meeting Election

Best Supporting Actress

• Linda Ejiofor – The Herd
• Olamide Kidbaby – Oversabi Aunty
• Bisola Aiyeola – Gingerrr
• Sola Sobowale – The Covenant Series
• Nadia Dutch – Aljana
• Amal Umar – The Herd
• Julie Brenda Nyambura – MTV Shuga Mashariki
• Funke Akindele – Behind The Scenes

Best Cinematography

Timini Egbuson: Instagram

• My Father’s Shadow
• To Kill A Monkey
• The Herd
• Finding Nina
• The Serpent’s Gift
• Stitches
• Gingerrr

Best Lead Actress

• Linda Ejiofor – The Serpent’s Gift
• Bimbo Akintola – To Kill A Monkey
• Ifeoma Fafunwa – The Lost Days
• Ariyike Owolagba – Something About The Briggs
• Sola Sobowale – Her Excellency
• Scarlet Gomez – Behind The Scenes
• Genoveva Umeh – The Herd
• Gloria Anozie-Young – Mother of the Brides

Best Director

• Akinola Davies Jr – My Father’s Shadow
• Tunde Kelani – Cordelia
• James Kalu Omokwe – Osamede
• Daniel Etim-Effiong – The Herd
• Yemi Morafa – Gingerrr
• Asurf Amuwa Oluseyi – 3 Cold Dishes

Best Supporting Actor

Femi Adebayo: Instagram

• Simileoluwa Hassan – The Yard
• Lateef Adedimeji – Gingerrr
• Gabriel Afolayan – Colours of Fire
• Bucci Franklin – To Kill A Monkey
• Femi Adebayo – Agesinkole 2
• Femi Branch – Red Circle
• Uzor Arukwe – Behind The Scenes

The AMVCA remains one of the most important platforms for African entertainment. Since its launch in 2013, it rewards excellence in the film and television industry. The 2026 edition continues that legacy with increased audience participation.

The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) announced its 12th edition. Organizers have announced that Nigerian comedian Bovi Ugboma and South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha will co-host the 12th edition, after IK Osakioduwa’s ten-year run as the ceremony’s main host.

Photo: Instagram

The decision to pair Bovi and Nomzamo reflects a shift toward a pan-African celebration. Dr. Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and West Africa Channels at MultiChoice, noted that the duo was selected to bring a refreshed tone to the hosting, showing the range of African film industry.

Bovi, who has previously hosted the AMVCA red carpet, described this promotion to the main stage as a career milestone. In an interview with Sunday Scoop, he said:

“That’s a plus. It’s pretty much the biggest award show in Africa, so for me, it’s a major feather to my heart and a colour to my résumé.”

In his reaction to the news, Bovi said he was surprised.

“I wasn’t expecting it. Considering IK has been the host from the beginning, I was really happy when I got the call. I saw it as a big plus for me.”

Photo: Instagram

Meanwhile, Nomzamo Mbatha, highlighted the importance of the awards in connecting the African film industry, stating she is honored to be part of a night that celebrates “African excellence on a global scale.”

The 12th AMVCA is scheduled for May 9, 2026, at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. While the technical categories are decided by a jury led by Joke Silva, the “Best Digital Content Creator” and other fan-favorite categories remain in the hands of the viewers. Voting is active on the official Africa Magic website and will close on April 26, 2026.

The nomination list is led by 2025 theatrical releases.

“Gingerrr” — 9 nominations.

“The Herd” — 9 nominations.

“To Kill a Monkey” — 8 nominations.

“My Father’s Shadow” — 7 nominations.

“The Serpent’s Gift” and “3 Cold Dishes” — 6 nominations each

Photo: Instagram