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AMVCA 2026: Everything to Know About Dates, Categories, Voting, and Key Updates

The road to the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards is officially set, with organisers unveiling early details ahead of what is expected to be one of the big moments for African film and television this year.

Set against a rapidly evolving industry where cinema, streaming platforms, and digital content now intersect, AMVCA 2026 arrives at a time when African storytelling is expanding in both reach and influence. 

The ceremony is scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, on May 9, 2026. As with previous editions, the main event will be preceded by a series of activities that typically shape the build-up, including the announcement of nominees and other industry-facing engagements that extend the awards beyond a single night.

A total of 32 categories will be awarded, covering film, television, and digital content. These categories are split between those decided by a jury and those influenced by audience voting.

The voting system remains hybrid. Submissions are first reviewed by a panel of judges who determine the nominees, after which selected categories are opened up for public voting. Final decisions are then made through a combination of jury input and audience participation, a format that has become central to how the awards position themselves within the industry.

One of the more notable developments ahead of this year’s ceremony is the appointment of Veteran Actress Joke Silva as Head Judge. Her role places her in charge of overseeing the judging process, particularly in categories determined by the jury. 

The official nominees for AMVCA 2026 are expected to be announced on March 29, 2026.

Beyond the awards themselves, AMVCA continues to hold a unique position within African entertainment. In an era where streaming platforms and social media can rapidly elevate content and creators, the awards still function as a more structured form of recognition. 

Note, this article is for informational and editorial purposes only and is not a promotional piece.

2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards: Full Nominees and Winners List

The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards brought together the biggest names in music for a night of celebration, recognition, and unforgettable performances. Hosted at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the event honored artists across multiple genres from pop and hip-hop to R&B, country, and international music. 

This year’s ceremony was marked by standout victories from Taylor Swift, who dominated in multiple categories, as well as Alex Warren and HUNTR/X. 

Below is the full list of nominees and winners from the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards.

Song of the Year

Anxiety — Doechii

Good News — Shaboozey

Love Somebody — Morgan Wallen

luther — Kendrick Lamar & SZA

Manchild — Sabrina Carpenter

MUTT — Leon Thomas

Sorry I’m Here For Someone Else — Benson Boone

Stargazing — Myles Smith

The Fate of Ophelia — Taylor Swift

Ordinary — Alex Warren (Winner)

Artist of the Year

Bad Bunny

Benson Boone

Chris Brown

Jelly Roll

Kendrick Lamar

Lady Gaga

Morgan Wallen

Sabrina Carpenter

Tate McRae

Taylor Swift (Winner)

Pop Artist of the Year

Alex Warren

Benson Boone

Tate McRae

Sabrina Carpenter (Winner)

Taylor Swift

Pop Song of the Year

Golden — HUNTR/X, EJAE, Audrey Nuna & Rei Ami

Manchild — Sabrina Carpenter

Ordinary — Alex Warren

Pink Pony Club — Chappell Roan

The Fate of Ophelia — Taylor Swift (Winner)

Best New Artist (Pop)

Jessie Murph

Myles Smith

Ravyn Lenae

sombr

Alex Warren (Winner)

Duo/Group of the Year

Linkin Park

Maroon 5

Shinedown

Twenty One Pilots

HUNTR/X, EJAE, Audrey Nuna & Rei Ami (Winner)

Best Collaboration

All The Way — BigXthaPlug ft. Bailey Zimmerman

luther — Kendrick Lamar & SZA

Timeless — The Weeknd ft. Playboi Carti

WHATCHU KNO ABOUT ME — GloRilla ft. Sexyy Red

APT. — ROSÉ & Bruno Mars (Winner)

Country Song of the Year

After All The Bars Are Closed — Thomas Rhett

Liar — Jelly Roll

Love Somebody — Morgan Wallen

Whiskey Drink — Jason Aldean

Good News — Shaboozey (Winner)

Country Artist of the Year

Jason Aldean

Jelly Roll

Lainey Wilson

Luke Combs

Morgan Wallen (Winner)

Country Best New Artist

Chase Matthew

Hudson Westbrook

Josh Ross

Zach Top

Ella Langley (Winner)

Hip-Hop Song of the Year

NOKIA — Drake

Outside — Cardi B

The Largest — BigXthaPlug

WHATCHU KNO ABOUT ME — GloRilla ft. Sexyy Red

luther — Kendrick Lamar & SZA (Winner)

Hip-Hop Artist of the Year

Cardi B

GloRilla

Kendrick Lamar (Winner)

R&B Artist of the Year

SZA

Leon Thomas

Chris Brown (Winner)

World Artist of the Year

MOLIY (Winner)

Special Honors & Awards

Breakthrough Award: Alex Warren
Innovator Award: Miley Cyrus
Icon Award: John Mellencamp
Landmark Award: Ludacris

MOBO Awards 2026 Winners List as Wizkid Becomes the Most Awarded African Artist

The MOBO Awards 2026 took place on March 26, 2026, at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, marking a 30th anniversary for one of the most influential celebrations of Black music and culture.

The night was dominated by Olivia Dean, who emerged as the biggest winner, securing three of the most important awards (Best Female Act, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year). 

Alongside the night’s biggest wins, Wizkid reached a historic milestone, becoming the most awarded African artist in MOBO Awards history with seven wins, following his victory in the Best African Music Act category.

Other major winners included Central Cee, RAYE, and FLO, highlighting a strong showing for UK talent across multiple categories. 

See Full Winners and Nominees List

Major Categories – Nominees & Winners

Best Male Act

Central Cee
Dave
Fireboy DML
Headie One
Jim Legxacy (Winner)

Best Female Act

Ayra Starr
FLO
Jorja Smith
Justine Skye
Olivia Dean (Winner)

Album of the Year

Back to the World – Dave
CLB – Central Cee
Frames – FLO
The Art of Loving – Olivia Dean (Winner)
Voyager – Wizkid

Song of the Year

Baby Steps – Ayra Starr
Come Closer – Wizkid ft. Drake
Energy – FLO
Man I Need – Olivia Dean (Winner)
Sunset – Fireboy DML

Best Newcomer

Aylø
Ayra Starr
BackRoad Gee
DC3
Maceo
DC3 (Winner)

Video of the Year

Ain’t Safe – Ayra Starr
Come Closer – Wizkid ft. Drake
Energy – FLO
Man I Need – Olivia Dean
Where Is My Husband! – RAYE (Winner)

Genre Categories – Nominees & Winners

Best Hip‑Hop Act

Central Cee (Winner)
Dave
Headie One
Knucks
Unknown T

Best R&B / Soul Act

Ayra Starr
FLO (Winner)
Jorja Smith
Tems
Victoria Monét

Best Jazz Act

Alfa Mist
Ezra Collective (Winner)
Nubya Garcia
Sons of Kemet
Theon Cross

Best Gospel Act

DC3 ((Winner)
Guvna B
Joel Amadi
Limoblaze
Preye Odede

Best Alternative Music Act

Black Midi
EVERGIB
Georgia
Nova Twins (Winner)
Smerz

Best Grime Act

AJ Tracey
Chip (Winner)
Frisco
Wiley
Yungen

Best Drill Act

Headie One
Kay Flock
M1llionz
Unknown T
Twin S (Winner) 

Best Electronic Act

Bicep
Fred Again..
Jamie xx
Peggy Gou
Sherelle (Winner) 

Regional & International Categories – Nominees & Winners

Best International Act

Cardi B
Gunna
Kehlani
Lizzo
Ayra Starr (Winner)

Best African Music Act

Ayra Starr
Burna Boy
Davido
Rema
Wizkid (Winner)

Best Caribbean Music Act

Beenie Man
Buju Banton
Shenseea
Spice
Vybz Kartel (Winner)

Media & Performance Categories – Nominees & Winners

Best Media Personality

Big Zuu
Charlamagne Tha God
Niko Omilana (Winner)
Sidemen
Tiffany Calver

Best Performance in a TV Show / Film

Damson Idris
Lashana Lynch
Letitia Wright
Tosin Cole
Stephen Graham (Winner)

Technical & Honour Categories – Nominees & Winners

Best Producer

P2J (Winner)
Sarz
Teniola Apata
Jimmy Napes
Don Jazzy

MOBO Lifetime Achievement Award- Slick Rick

MOBO Global Songwriter Award- Pharrell Williams

8 Moisturizing Lip Products Nigerians Swear By for Soft, Healthy Lips

Dry, cracked lips are one of the most common yet overlooked skincare issues in Nigeria. Whether it’s the dry, dusty air during harmattan, constant sun exposure, or even dehydration, your lips are often the first place to show signs of moisture loss.

Unlike the rest of your skin, lips don’t have oil glands. This means they can’t naturally produce the oils needed to stay hydrated. Instead, they rely heavily on external products to maintain softness and prevent cracking. But the issue is that not every lip balm actually works.

Some only give a temporary shine without real hydration, while others contain ingredients that can make dryness worse over time. So, the focus should always be on products that hydrate, seal, and protect.

Effective lip products usually contain a combination of:

Occlusives (like petrolatum and beeswax): These seal in moisture and prevent water loss.

Emollients (like shea butter and oils): These soften and smooth the lips.

Humectants (like glycerin and aloe vera): These draw moisture into the skin.

8 Moisturizing Lip Products Nigerians Actually Use

These are products that are not only effective but also accessible in Nigeria, whether in supermarkets, pharmacies, or online stores.

Vaseline Lip Therapy (Original / Cocoa Butter)

If there’s one lip product almost every Nigerian household has, it’s Vaseline.

Made primarily from petroleum jelly, it works by forming a protective barrier over the lips, preventing moisture from escaping. While it doesn’t add moisture on its own, it locks in existing hydration, making it extremely effective when applied on slightly damp lips.

Carmex Classic Lip Balm

Carmex is one of the most recognized lip balms globally and has built a strong user base in Nigeria.

It contains ingredients like petrolatum and cocoa butter, which help repair dry lips while protecting them from further damage. Many users also notice its slightly medicated feel, which can be soothing on cracked lips.

Nivea Lip Balm (Original Care / Hydro Care)

Nivea lip balms are widely available in supermarkets and pharmacies across Nigeria.

They typically contain shea butter and natural oils, making them lightweight and easy to use throughout the day. Unlike heavier balms, Nivea absorbs quickly without leaving too much shine.

Blistex Intensive Moisturizing Lip Balm

Blistex is known for its more treatment-focused approach to lip care.

This balm is designed for deep hydration and is especially useful during harmattan, when lips tend to crack more easily. Some variants also include SPF, which helps protect against sun damage.

Oriflame Tender Care Lip Balm

Oriflame products are very popular in Nigeria, especially through direct sales networks.

Tender Care is a multi-purpose balm with a thick consistency that stays on the lips for hours. It’s ideal for overnight use, helping to repair dryness while you sleep.

The Body Shop Shea Lip Balm

For those looking for a slightly more premium option, The Body Shop offers a shea-based lip balm known for its nourishing properties.

Shea butter, commonly sourced from West Africa, is rich in fatty acids that help maintain moisture and improve lip texture over time.

Zaron Lip Balm

Zaron is a Nigerian beauty brand that continues to grow in relevance.

Its lip balms are designed with local users in mind, often combining hydration with a subtle tint. This makes them a great option for people who want both lip care and a bit of color.

Kiehl’s Lip Balm

Kiehl’s offers a more advanced formulation compared to standard lip balms.

It includes ingredients like squalane, aloe vera, and vitamin E, which help soothe, hydrate, and repair damaged lips. While it’s more expensive, it delivers deeper nourishment.

Using a good lip balm is important, but habits matter too.

  • Apply lip balm on slightly damp lips to lock in moisture
  • Reapply during the day, especially in dry or windy conditions
  • Use a thicker balm at night for deeper repair
  • Stay hydrated 
  • Avoid licking your lips, as saliva can make dryness worse

Note, this article is for informational purposes only. The products listed are based on general use and availability in Nigeria. This is not a sponsored or paid advertisement, and no brand has influenced this content.

Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 Debuts with 94% on Rotten Tomatoes as Episode 1 Lands on Disney+

Marvel’s Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 has kicked off on a strong note, earning an impressive 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes at launch.

The highly anticipated new season officially premiered on Disney+ on March 24, 2026, with Episode 1 now available to stream, marking the return of one of Marvel’s current running series.

The early 94% “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes reflects overwhelmingly positive first impressions from critics. While scores typically fluctuate as more reviews come in, the debut rating positions Season 2 among the best-received Marvel TV projects in recent years.

Season 2 continues the story of Matt Murdock, played by Charlie Cox, as he faces his most dangerous adversary, Wilson Fisk, also known as Kingpin, portrayed by Vincent D’Onofrio.

This time, Fisk’s influence has grown beyond the criminal underworld and into the political sphere, raising the stakes for Daredevil’s fight.

Unlike binge-style releases, Season 2 will follow a weekly episode schedule, with a total of 8 episodes expected. 

Expect more updates and follow up article from Streamdorm as more episodes roll out. 

Káshìmaawòó — Laycon Delivers a 10 Track Project With Introspective Themes

The release of Káshìmaawòó by Laycon, hasn’t felt like just another drop from the Nigerian Singer and Rapper. It felt more intentional.

After years of navigating fame and artistic identity since his breakout moment, this project comes across as something deeper. 

Laycon first gained national recognition after winning Big Brother Naija Season 5 in 2020.

Entering the show as a relatively unknown rapper, he quickly stood out for his intelligence, relatability, and background. His strong connection with viewers earned him a decisive victory, securing 60% of the final votes and the ₦85 million grand prize.

Following his win, he built on that visibility with projects like Shall We Begin and Bioba, establishing himself as a recording artist with a consistent, message-driven approach.

Káshìmaawòó is a 10-track project that blends hip-hop with Afro-fusion elements, maintaining a steady, mid-tempo sound across its runtime.

Lyrically, the project centers on themes of personal growth, self-awareness, relationships, and everyday experiences. Tracks like “Acceptance” and “Full Circle” lean into introspection, while “Everyday Anthem” and “Oyoyo” introduce lighter, more rhythmic moments.

Official Káshìmaawòó Tracklist

Prelude
Reason (feat. Tytanium)
Oyoyo (feat. Mayolee)
Night and Day (feat. Joeboy & Tytanium)
Full Circle (feat. Tytanium)
Like Father, Like Son (feat. Mayolee)
His and Hers (feat. Fimi)
Acceptance
Everyday Anthem
Àṣẹ (feat. Mayolee)

Káshìmaawòó brings together a mix of vocal features and production contributions that shape the project’s overall sound.

Joeboy appears on “Night and Day,” adding his signature melodic style. Known for his blend of Afropop and R&B, his contribution introduces a smoother, more accessible layer to the project.

Tytanium plays a key role behind the scenes, producing multiple tracks including “Reason,” “Night and Day,” and “Full Circle.” His recurring presence helps maintain sonic consistency across the project.

Mayolee contributes both as a featured artist and producer, working on tracks such as “Oyoyo,” “Like Father, Like Son,” and “Àṣẹ,” where he adds melodic and production depth.

Fimi appears on “His and Hers,” contributing to one of the project’s collaborative moments and representing a newer voice within the lineup.

The project maintains a clear structure, with concise tracks and a steady progression from start to finish.

Within the Nigerian music landscape, where sonic experimentation and global crossover sounds are increasingly dominant, Káshìmaawòó takes a more restrained approach.

The project leans into narrative and expression, aligning with a style of artistry that emphasizes storytelling alongside sound.

Tems Surpasses 40 Million Monthly Listeners on Spotify, Becomes Most-Streamed African Artist

Nigerian singer and songwriter Tems has reached a new career milestone, surpassing 40 million monthly listeners on Spotify and becoming the most-streamed African artist on the platform at the time of reporting.

As of March 25, 2026, Tems holds approximately 40,161,541 monthly listeners, placing her at #112 globally. The figure marks the first time she has crossed the 40 million threshold, solidifying her position at the forefront of Africa’s global music expansion.

Tems’ rise to the top has been gradual but intentional. Earlier in 2026, she was already closing in on the lead, overtaking Tyla who previously held the top spot among African artists with fluctuating numbers between the high 30 and low 40 million range.

By mid-March, Tems had begun consistently leading daily listener charts among African acts, often outperforming established names like Wizkid and Burna Boy in daily streaming figures.

Her catalog has now crossed an estimated 5 billion total streams on Spotify, driven by a mix of solo records and global collaborations that continue to expand her reach.

Tems first gained international attention with “Essence”, her collaboration with Wizkid, later amplified by a remix featuring Justin Bieber. The track became a cultural breakthrough moment for Afrobeats, introducing the genre to a wider global audience and eventually surpassing 1.5 billion streams.

Since then, she has maintained momentum through high-profile collaborations, including “WAIT FOR U” with Future and Drake and her most recent “Raindance” with Dave, as well as solo releases that highlight her signature blend of R&B, soul, and Afrobeats.

Tems’ latest numbers places her ahead of Africa’s biggest streaming heavyweights, including Burna Boy, Wizkid, and rising stars like Rema and Asake.

While these artists maintain massive global footprints with billions of cumulative streams and consistent chart presence, Tems’ current monthly listener count sets her apart as the continent’s leading artist on Spotify, at least for now.

It is worth noting that Spotify monthly listeners are highly dynamic and can shift based on new releases, viral moments, and playlist exposure. Still, crossing the 40 million mark represents a significant benchmark in global streaming.

Bright Osayi-Samuel Found Guilty by Turkish Court Over Trabzon Pitch Invasion Incident

A Turkish court has found Bright Osayi-Samuel guilty of assault following the chaotic pitch invasion that ended a Turkish Süper Lig clash between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahçe in March 2024.

The ruling comes more than a year after one of the most controversial moments in recent Turkish football, when home supporters stormed the pitch after Trabzonspor’s 3–2 defeat to Fenerbahçe, confronting opposition players in scenes that drew attention.

According to the court’s decision, Osayi-Samuel was convicted of “simple assault” for striking a pitch invader during the incident. He was issued a fine of approximately 6,000 Turkish Lira.

However, the sentence has been suspended for five years, meaning the Nigerian international will not face immediate legal consequences unless he commits another offence within that period. The ruling also ensures the conviction will not be permanently recorded, provided there are no further infractions.

The altercation occurred at the final whistle, as tensions spilled over from the stands onto the pitch. Fenerbahçe players were confronted by a group of aggressive supporters, leading to physical clashes.

During the chaos, Osayi-Samuel was captured on video punching one of the invading fans. The player has maintained that his actions were in self-defence, citing the immediate threat posed by the invading supporters and the lack of adequate security at the time.

At the time of the incident in March 2024, Osayi-Samuel was still a player for Fenerbahçe, which explains his direct involvement in the match.

He has since moved on from the Turkish club, leaving in 

The court also handed fines to Osayi-Samuel’s teammates, including Jayden Oosterwolde and İrfan Can Eğribayat, for their roles in the incident.

OnlyFans Owner Leonid Radvinsky Dies at 43 After Private Cancer Battle

Leonid Radvinsky, the billionaire owner of OnlyFans, has died at the age of 43 following a private battle with cancer, according to multiple reports released on March 23, 2026.

A statement from the platform’s parent company, Fenix International, confirmed that Radvinsky “passed away peacefully after a long illness,” noting that his health struggles had not been made public prior to his death.

Radvinsky, a Ukrainian-American entrepreneur, was widely known for his low-profile lifestyle despite overseeing one of the most financially successful digital platforms of the past decade.

He acquired Fenix International in 2018, taking control of OnlyFans before its explosive global rise. Under his leadership, the platform evolved into a multi billion dollar business, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when demand for digital content and creator monetization increased worldwide.

OnlyFans became a major force in the creator economy, allowing users to earn directly from subscribers. While the platform gained prominence for adult content, it also expanded into fitness, music, lifestyle, and other creator-driven industries.

Radvinsky’s ownership of OnlyFans is extraordinarily lucrative. Over the years, he reportedly earned hundreds of millions of dollars in dividends as the platform’s revenue grew significantly.

By the mid-2020s, OnlyFans had become one of the most influential subscription-based platforms globally. Despite this success, Radvinsky remained largely absent from public appearances, interviews, and media engagement.

More details are expected to emerge regarding leadership transition and the long-term future of OnlyFans.

Harry Styles’ Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally. Spends Second Week at No. 1 on Billboard 200

Harry Styles continues his lead run on the charts as his latest album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally., secures a second consecutive week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

Released on March 6, 2026, the project moved 99,000 equivalent album units in its second week, maintaining the top position after a massive opening performance.

The album launched with over 400,000 units in its first week, marking one of the biggest debuts of 2026. The follow-up total of 99K represents a typical second-week drop for a major release but remains strong enough to still hold the lead. 

With this achievement, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally. becomes Harry Styles’ fourth consecutive No. 1 album in the United States. This consistency places him among a select group of artists who have maintained a flawless streak at the top of the Billboard 200 in recent years.

Harry Styles is an English singer, songwriter, and actor who first rose to global fame as a member of the boy band One Direction. Following the group’s breakout, he launched a solo career that has been defined by artistic evolution and commercial success.

His previous albums including Harry Styles (2017), Fine Line (2019), and Harry’s House (2022), have all debuted at No. 1 in multiple countries, producing global hits and earning critical acclaim. Known for blending pop, rock, and retro influences, Harry Styles has established himself as one of the most influential artists of his generation.

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