Kenya has recorded a strong showing at the 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA 2026) after securing 12 nominations across multiple categories, marking one of the country’s most notable performances on Africa’s biggest film and television awards stage.
The nominations, announced ahead of the ceremony scheduled for May 9, 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria, highlight Kenya’s growing influence in African storytelling, with local productions competing alongside top titles from Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana and other film hubs across the continent.
The AMVCA awards, organised by Africa Magic in partnership with MultiChoice, are widely regarded as one of the most prestigious recognitions for excellence in African film, television and digital content.
Among the Kenyan entries driving the country’s strong performance is MTV Shuga Mashariki, the Kenyan edition of the globally recognised MTV Shuga franchise.
The series, known for blending youth-focused drama with social issues such as health, relationships and education, has earned critical acclaim for its storytelling approach and regional relevance.
Another standout Kenyan production, The Chocolate Empire, also contributed to the country’s tally of nominations.
The drama series has gained traction for its storytelling depth and production quality, positioning itself among Kenya’s emerging premium television content offerings.
In addition, Kash Money, another locally produced series, was also named among the nominated projects, further strengthening Kenya’s representation in the awards.
While the specific categories for each production are yet to be fully detailed by the AMVCA organisers, the projects are expected to compete in key areas such as acting, writing, cinematography and overall production excellence.
Kenya’s 12 nominations at the AMVCA 2026 signal a broader shift in the country’s creative industry, which has increasingly invested in high-quality film and television production over the past few years.
Streaming platforms, local production houses and regional collaborations have played a key role in expanding opportunities for Kenyan creatives.
This growth has positioned Kenya as a rising player in Africa’s entertainment landscape, traditionally dominated by Nigeria’s Nollywood and South Africa’s film industry.
The AMVCA nominations are widely viewed as a benchmark for continental success, often boosting visibility for productions and opening doors for international distribution deals.
The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in film, television, and digital content across Africa.
The awards combine both jury-based evaluation and audience voting, making them one of the most balanced recognitions in the continent’s entertainment industry.
The 2026 edition features 32 categories, including acting, directing, scriptwriting, cinematography, and technical production awards, alongside special honours such as Lifetime Achievement and Trailblazer recognitions.
Kenyan nominees will face competition from some of Africa’s most acclaimed productions. Nigerian films such as Gingerrr and The Herd have also dominated nomination lists, alongside other strong contenders from across the continent.
Despite the competition, Kenya’s performance has been widely interpreted as a positive indicator of the country’s expanding creative economy and growing talent pool.
The recognition also adds momentum to Kenya’s efforts to position itself as a regional hub for creative industries, alongside ongoing government and private sector initiatives supporting film production, content creation and digital media growt
The winners of the 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards will be announced during a high-profile ceremony in Lagos on May 9, 2026.
