Introduction

The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) has officially opened its call for entries for the 12th edition. MultiChoice, the organizer of Africa’s premier entertainment awards, announced that submissions are now open from January 11 to February 15, 2026. This year’s edition promises to be the most inclusive yet, with new award categories and a renewed focus on celebrating Africa’s diverse languages, regions, and creative talent.

Whether you’re a filmmaker, content creator, or producer, the AMVCA offers a continental platform to showcase your work and gain recognition for excellence in storytelling, performance, and production. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about the 2026 AMVCA, including eligibility, new categories, submission steps, and practical tips to maximize your chances of success.

Key Points

Background

What Is the AMVCA?

The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) is an annual awards ceremony that honors outstanding achievements in African film, television, and entertainment. Established by MultiChoice, the AMVCA recognizes excellence in storytelling, acting, production, and technical craft across the continent.

Since its inception, the AMVCA has become one of Africa’s most prestigious entertainment awards, drawing attention from industry professionals and audiences alike. It serves as a unifying platform that celebrates Africa’s rich cultural diversity and creative talent.

Why the 12th Edition Matters

The 12th edition of the AMVCA marks a significant milestone in its evolution. With a commitment to Pan-Africanism and cultural preservation, the organizers are expanding the awards to include more regions and languages. This edition aims to provide equitable representation for all African creatives, ensuring that voices from North and Central Africa receive the recognition they deserve.

Analysis

Expansion of Indigenous Language Categories

One of the most notable changes in the 2026 AMVCA is the introduction of two new indigenous language categories: Best Indigenous Language – North Africa and Best Indigenous Language – Central Africa. These additions underscore the AMVCA’s dedication to linguistic diversity and cultural preservation.

Previously, the awards featured categories for West, East, and Southern Africa. By including North and Central Africa, the AMVCA now covers all five regions of the continent, making it a truly pan-African celebration of storytelling.

Focus on Premium Cultural Platform

The partnership with Don Julio as the lead sponsor signals the AMVCA’s evolution into a premium cultural platform. This collaboration aims to elevate the awards’ profile and highlight the sophistication and craftsmanship of African entertainment.

Don Julio’s involvement brings additional resources and visibility to the ceremony, helping to amplify African stories on a global stage.

Commitment to Excellence and Inclusivity

The AMVCA’s structure includes a balanced mix of jury-decided and audience-voted categories. This dual approach ensures that both industry expertise and public opinion shape the awards, maintaining credibility and engagement.

The inclusion of lifetime achievement and trailblazer awards further emphasizes the AMVCA’s commitment to honoring both legacy and innovation in African entertainment.

Practical Advice

How to Submit Your Entry

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure your work was broadcast or publicly screened between January 1 and December 31, 2025. Feature films must have been shown in cinemas, on linear TV, or on streaming platforms.
2. Gather Materials: Prepare a full preview copy of your work as it was screened or broadcast. Ensure the quality is clear and complete.
3. Visit the Portal: Go to the official AMVCA submission portal. Create an account if you don’t already have one.
4. Complete the Form: Fill out all required fields, including category selection, contact information, and work details.
5. Upload Your Work: Upload the full preview copy and any additional supporting materials.
6. Submit Before Deadline: Ensure your entry is submitted by February 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM (local time).

Tips for a Successful Submission

• Choose the Right Category: Carefully review the category descriptions and select the one that best fits your work.
• Highlight Unique Aspects: In your submission, emphasize what makes your work stand out, especially if it represents an underrepresented region or language.
• Ensure Quality: Submit a high-quality preview copy. Poor audio or video quality can affect the judges’ perception.
• Follow Guidelines: Adhere to all submission guidelines to avoid disqualification.
• Prepare Supporting Materials: Include a synopsis, cast and crew list, and any relevant press coverage.

Maximizing Your Chances

• Promote Your Work: Build audience engagement through social media and other platforms to boost your chances in audience-voted categories.
• Network: Connect with industry professionals and past nominees to gain insights and support.
• Stay Updated: Follow the official AMVCA channels for announcements and updates leading up to the ceremony.

FAQ

Conclusion

The 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) represents a significant step forward in celebrating Africa’s diverse creative landscape. With the introduction of new indigenous language categories and a commitment to pan-African representation, the AMVCA continues to evolve as a premier platform for African storytelling.

For filmmakers and content creators, this is an opportunity to gain continental recognition and contribute to the rich tapestry of African entertainment. By following the submission guidelines and highlighting the unique aspects of your work, you can maximize your chances of success.

Mark your calendars: submissions are open from January 11 to February 15, 2026. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this landmark edition of the AMVCA.

Sources

• Vanguard News – AMVCA: Organisers announce call to entries for 12th edition
• MultiChoice Official Website – MultiChoice
• Africa Magic Official Website – Africa Magic