Nigerian filmmaker Mildred Okwo has sparked fresh debate about the future of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, suggesting the current edition could be its last.
In a post shared on X on Monday, Okwo expressed skepticism about the continuity of the awards, writing that she would be “very surprised” if the ongoing edition is not a farewell event.
Her remarks come amid broader discussions about the commercial sustainability of the awards, particularly following recent developments involving MultiChoice and its evolving business direction.
In a follow-up post, the filmmaker questioned whether the platform’s new ownership would prioritise an event like the AMVCA, citing concerns about return on investment. According to her, large-scale productions such as the awards ceremony require significant funding, which may not align with the expectations of new stakeholders seeking quicker financial returns.
The conversation is further complicated by reports that Canal+ is reconsidering its level of investment in Showmax, MultiChoice’s streaming service, as part of a broader strategic shift.
Despite the uncertainty, preparations for the 12th edition of the AMVCA are ongoing. Organisers recently confirmed that voting has closed, with winners set to be unveiled on May 9.
In a statement, Africa Magic thanked viewers for participating in the voting process, adding that anticipation is building ahead of the announcement night.
The ceremony will be broadcast live across Africa Magic channels, with the red carpet scheduled for 4:00 p.m. WAT and the main event beginning at 7:00 p.m.
This year’s awards feature 32 categories, including jury-decided and audience-voted honours, as well as special recognitions such as Lifetime Achievement and Trailblazer awards.
Veteran actress Joke Silva is serving as Head Judge for the 2026 edition, taking over from Femi Odugbemi. Organisers have also introduced new categories aimed at strengthening pan-African representation, including awards for Indigenous Language Films in North and Central Africa.
Speculation about the awards’ future follows a major development in July 2025, when Canal+ secured regulatory approval to acquire the remaining shares in MultiChoice. The move is expected to reshape the company’s operations, with increased emphasis on digital expansion.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, industry observers say the long-term viability of high-cost television events like the AMVCA may depend on how well they adapt to shifting business priorities and audience consumption trends.
