End of an era as Bovi, Nomzamo replace IK Osakioduwa at AMVCA 2026

Nigerian comedian Bovi Ugboma and South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha have been chosen to host the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

This means IK Osakioduwa will no longer host the show after doing so for 11 years since it started in 2013.

The organisers said Bovi and Mbatha were selected because of their strong talent, stage presence, and influence across Africa. In a post on Instagram, they described the pair as a perfect mix of comedy, storytelling, and global appeal.

Bovi is popular for his humour and storytelling, while Mbatha is known for her acting and humanitarian work. Together, they are expected to bring entertainment and a wider African appeal to the event.

The nominees for this year’s awards were announced earlier. ‘Gingerrr’ and ‘The Herd’ have the highest nominations with nine each. ‘To Kill A Monkey’ has eight nominations, while ‘My Father’s Shadow’ has seven.

Veteran actress Joke Silva will serve as the head judge.

The 12th AMVCA will take place on May 9, 2026, at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos.