The nominations for the 7th annual Africa Choice Awards have been unveiled, and if the list is any indication, the continent’s creative heartbeat is stronger than ever.
In a stunning display of cultural might, Nigerian talents have swept across the categories, securing a staggering number of nominations in a powerful demonstration of the nation’s dominance in entertainment, fashion, and entrepreneurship. South Africa follows closely, solidifying the two nations as the undisputed titans of Africa’s lifestyle and entertainment industries.
With the theme “Culture Reigns,” this year’s awards, presented by the esteemed Vergeria Life Magazine, are a vibrant celebration of the artists and innovators shaping Africa’s narrative on the global stage. And as the nominations show, Nigeria is writing a bold new chapter.
In powerhouse categories like Male Entrepreneur of the Year, Nigerians secured a remarkable 6 out of 10 spots, a testament to the country’s thriving start-up culture and innovative spirit. The story was similar in the creative fields, with Nigerian stars dominating the Next Rated Male Movie Star and Most Promising Female Movie Star categories, each also claiming 6 nominations. This wave of new talent signals a bright future for Nollywood, an industry already beloved worldwide.
Even in the digital space, the Nigerian influence is undeniable. The country’s content creators, podcasters, and PR agencies showed up in force, with Nigerian names making up half or more of the nominees in categories like PR Agency of the Year (5 nominations), Online Comic Act of the Year (6 nominations), and the highly competitive Podcast of the Year (6 nominations).
This is a story of resilience. In the face of challenges, Nigerian creatives have consistently channeled their energy and passion into producing world-class art. This relentless drive, this “Naija spirit,” has transformed the entertainment industry into one of the nation’s most powerful exports, a source of immense pride and joy that resonates from Lagos and beyond.
As Africa’s most prestigious celebration of on-screen and off-screen talent, the Africa Choice Awards, powered by Vergeria Life Magazine‘s significant investment in continental talent, highlights a cultural renaissance. From Male Movie Star of the Year, featuring heavyweights like Femi Branch and Uzor Arukwe, to Female Brand Influencer of the Year, where Beauty Tukura and Kassia Sule stand tall, the nominations paint a picture of a continent overflowing with creativity.
The public now holds the power, as winners are decided by online votes from fans across the globe.
Full list of Africa Choice Awards 2026 (7th Edition) categories and nominees:
Male Movie Star of the Year
• Vuyo Dabula (South Africa)
• Bonko Khoza (South Africa)
• William Benson (Nigeria)
• Uzor Arukwe (Nigeria)
• James Gardiner (Ghana)
• Femi Branch (Nigeria)
• Bucci Franklin (Nigeria)
• Sphamandla Dhludhlu (South Africa)
• Abdul Khoza (South Africa)
• Thapelo Makoena (South Africa)
Female Movie Star of the Year
• Nomzamo Mbatha (South Africa)
• Dawn Thandeka (South Africa)
• Gail Mabalane (South Africa)
• Thuso Mbedu (South Africa)
• Lilian Afegbai (Nigeria)
• Bambam Olawunmi-Adenibuyan (Nigeria)
• Kgomotso Christopher (South Africa)
• Stella Damasus (Nigeria)
• Enhle Mbali (South Africa)
• Jemima Osunde (Nigeria)
Male TV Star of the Year
• Clint Brink (South Africa)
• Wiseman Zitha (South Africa)
• Ntuthuzelo Prince Grootboom (South Africa)
• Sandile Mahlangu (South Africa)
• Femi Adebayo (Nigeria)
• Maurice Sam (Nigeria)
• Nosa Rex (Nigeria)
• Senzo Radebe (South Africa)
• Jesse Suntele (South Africa)
• Lunga Shabalala (South Africa)
Female TV Star of the Year
• Thembi Seete (South Africa)
• Lunathi Mampofu (South Africa)
• Zenande Mfenyana (South Africa)
• Nqobile Nunu K.G.H (South Africa)
• Gaisang Keaikitse Noge (South Africa)
• Bimbo Akintola (Nigeria)
• Lerato Mvelase (South Africa)
• Natasha Thahane (South Africa)
• Linda Sokhulu (South Africa)
• Scarlet Gomes (Nigeria)
Male Brand Influencer of the Year
• Bokang Chephetsa (South Africa)
• Uyanda Hlangabezo (South Africa)
• Bheki Ndamase (South Africa)
• Saga Adeoluwa (Nigeria)
• Neo Akpofure (Nigeria)
• Ozumba “Ozee” Mbadiwe (Nigeria)
• Sanele Mkhize (South Africa)
• Adriano Cornelius Visagie (Namibia)
• Maps Maponyane (South Africa)
• Samuel “Sooj” Osuji (Nigeria)
Female Brand Influencer of the Year
• Ashley Ogle (South Africa)
• Kassia Ubini Sule (Nigeria)
• Grace Mondlana (South Africa)
• Onyeka Chigbo (Nigeria)
• Mshini Lekwadu (South Africa)
• Sni Mhlongo (South Africa)
• Beauty Tukura (Nigeria)
• Yvonne Godswill (Nigeria)
• Nnenna Mbonu (Nigeria)
• Lethabo Mekoa (South Africa)
Global Impact Creative of the Year
• Henry F.O. Amponsah (Ghana)
• Luyanda Lewis-Nyawo (South Africa)
• Shudufhadzo Musida (South Africa)
• Botlhale Boikanyo (South Africa)
• Tunde Onakoya (Nigeria)
• Siya Kolisi (South Africa)
• Elizabeth Wathuti (Kenya)
• Mikel John Obi (Nigeria)
• Chidimma Adetshina (Nigeria)
• Waka Waka Doctor (Nigeria)
Digital Content Creator of the Year
• Neekah Luxury Beads (Nigeria)
• Moghelingz (South Africa)
• Charity Ekezie (Nigeria)
• Princess Sachiko (South Africa)
• Wode Maya (Ghana)
• Lerato Nxumalo (South Africa)
• Nadia Jaftha (South Africa)
• Tayo Aina (Nigeria)
• MissTechy (Nigeria)
• Ify Mogekwu (Nigeria)
Reality TV Star of the Year
• Sweet Guluva (South Africa)
• Vuyisa Nyauza (South Africa)
• Jojo Robinson (South Africa)
• Jackie Matubia (Kenya)
• Lynne Njihia (Kenya)
• Carey Priscilla (Kenya)
• Dabota Lawson (Nigeria)
• Adeola Diadem Adeyemi (Nigeria)
• Sorisha Naidoo (South Africa)
• Kellyrae (Nigeria)
Viewers’ Choice of the Year
• Rorisang Thandekiso (South Africa)
• Tshepo Pitso (South Africa)
• Londie London (South Africa)
• Anele Mdoda (South Africa)
• WanniXHandi (Nigeria)
• Stella Amarachi (Nigeria)
• Mawhoo (South Africa)
• Noluthando Ngcobo (South Africa)
• Idia Aisien (Nigeria)
• Hellen Motsuki (South Africa)
Male Entrepreneur of the Year
• DJ Sbu (South Africa)
• Theo Baloyi (South Africa)
• Thabiso Dube (South Africa)
• Farooq Oreagba (Nigeria)
• Vusi Thembekwayo (South Africa)
• Onyeka Akumah (Nigeria)
• Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (Nigeria)
• Chuta Chimezie (Nigeria)
• Kennedy Ekezie (Nigeria)
• Seyi Olaniyan (Nigeria)
Female Entrepreneur of the Year
• Bonang Matheba (South Africa)
• Liz Letsoalo (South Africa)
• Mbali Nkosi (South Africa)
• Sarah Langa (South Africa)
• Mihlali Ndamase (South Africa)
• Portia Mngomezulu (South Africa)
• Sibongile Sambo (South Africa)
• Grace Ofure (Nigeria)
• Dr. Yemisi Adeyeye (Nigeria)
• Puseletso Manyaka (South Africa)
Male Young Entrepreneur of the Year
• Mhlonishwa Winston Kunene (South Africa)
• Abiola Adebajo (Nigeria)
• Ayotunde Alabi (Nigeria)
• Darlington Akogo (Nigeria)
• Johnny Malepa (South Africa)
• Kelly Foli (Ghana)
• Ormano Richard Kweku (Ghana)
• Ayobami Akindipe (Nigeria)
• Avian Reece Bell (South Africa)
• John Oseni (Nigeria)
Female Young Entrepreneur of the Year
• Zainab Mohammed (Nigeria)
• AnaC De Melo Gaspar Fone Wah (Mozambique)
• Thembi Shilenge (South Africa)
• Michelle Mabuza (South Africa)
• Silindile Mkhize (South Africa)
• Wendy Linda (South Africa)
• Maambele Khosa (South Africa)
• Candice Chirwa (South Africa)
• Mas’oooda Varachia (South Africa)
• Xenah Nyambu (Kenya)
DJ of the Year
• Kelvin Momo (South Africa)
• DJ Zinhle (South Africa)
• DBN Gogo (South Africa)
• Major League DJz (South Africa)
• Felo le Tee (South Africa)
• DJ Pierra (Kenya)
• DJ Kentalky (Nigeria)
• MS DSF (Nigeria)
• DJ Barbie (Nigeria)
• DJ Dimplenipple (Nigeria)
Comedy Act of the Year
• Tsitsi Chiumya (South Africa)
• Loyiso Gola (South Africa)
• Mpho Popps (South Africa)
• Barry Hilton (South Africa)
• Skhumba Hlophe (South Africa)
• Kansiime Anne (Uganda)
• Teacher Mpamire (Uganda)
• MC Monica (Nigeria)
• Aproko (Nigeria)
• MC Edo Pikin (Nigeria)
Next Rated Male Movie Star of the Year
• Michael Onome Ejoor (Nigeria)
• Neo Ntlaltleng (South Africa)
• Mpumelelo Mpama (South Africa)
• Chike Daniels (Nigeria)
• Thabang Molaba (South Africa)
• Adekanla Desalu (Nigeria)
• Michael Dappa (Nigeria)
• Atandwa Kani (South Africa)
• Somadina Adinma (Nigeria)
• Charles Born (Nigeria)
Next Rated Female Movie Star of the Year
• Ama Qamata (South Africa)
• Shalate Sekhabi (South Africa)
• Angela Thando Sithole (South Africa)
• Zola Ayabulela Mhlongo (South Africa)
• Teniola A. Aladese (Nigeria)
• Constance Owoyomi (Nigeria)
• Sarian Martin Oruene (Nigeria)
• Doris Ifeoma Ifeka (Nigeria)
• Nambitha Ben-Mazwi (South Africa)
• Khosi Ngema (South Africa)
Most Promising Male Movie Star of the Year
• Emeka Eze (Nigeria)
• Thabo Rametsi (South Africa)
• Thabiso Ramotshela (South Africa)
• Thandolwethu Zondi (South Africa)
• Alex Cross (South Africa)
• Sunny Michael (Nigeria)
• Prince O. Idiaghe (Nigeria)
• Nnekwa Tsajwa (South Africa)
• Terrence Ignacious Ngwila (South Africa)
• Daniel Rocky Obiora (Nigeria)
Most Promising Female Movie Star of the Year
• Detola Jones (Nigeria)
• Mamarumo Marokane (South Africa)
• Nirvana Nokwe (South Africa)
• Ayakha Ntunja (South Africa)
• Luyanda Zuma (South Africa)
• Uche Nwoko (Nigeria)
• Ogechukwu Anasor (Nigeria)
• Emmanuella Isioma Iloba (Nigeria)
• Amanda Iriekpen (Nigeria)
• Mojisola Adebanjo (Nigeria)
Makeup Artist of the Year
• Vuyo Varoy (South Africa)
• Nomsa Madida (South Africa)
• Forte Glamour (Nigeria)
• Kim Beautystudio (Nigeria)
• MakoleBeauty (South Africa)
• Thuli_Mua (South Africa)
• Loyiso Lihle Mange (South Africa)
• Bee_The_Makeupaddict (Kenya)
• Face Fab (Kenya)
• Stephy the Make-up Artist (South Africa)
Hairstylist of the Year
• Adefunkeee (Nigeria)
• Yinkz Signature (Nigeria)
• Hlayisani Clearence (South Africa)
• Jayne Stylist (Kenya)
• Gloradiance (Nigeria)
• Hairbyposhclass (Nigeria)
• Hair by Bube (Nigeria)
• Vannitudes Hair Boutique Salon (Nigeria)
• Xquisite Hair (Nigeria)
• Melodie Thiboudois (Mauritius)
Photographer of the Year
• Jabu PIX (South Africa)
• Taff Meda (South Africa)
• Quistar (Nigeria)
• Ayo Makinwa (Nigeria)
• Edos_Artistry (Nigeria)
• Joseph Iso (Nigeria)
• Victor Turay (South Africa)
• Stillzbytrei (South Africa)
• Georgeq (South Africa)
• Sara Waiswa (Uganda)
Hair Brand of the Year
• Ketrays Lush Wigs (Kenya)
• Hairlo Bespoke Wigs & Extensions (South Africa)
• Glammed by Quin (Kenya)
• Adequate Hair Studio (South Africa)
• Omar Luxury Strands (Nigeria)
• Lolaexpress Hair (Nigeria)
• Kaka House of Beauty (Nigeria)
• Darling (South Africa)
• Dark & Lovely (South Africa)
• Londie London Braid (South Africa)
Fashion Stylist of the Year
• Thobeka Mbane (South Africa)
• Kgosi Lesego (South Africa)
• African Marquis (Mauritius)
• Mickeycreates (Nigeria)
• Keketso Nthibane (South Africa)
• Troy Molaiwa (South Africa)
• Julienne (South Africa)
• Shelimasondo (South Africa)
• Nelly Mulandi (Kenya)
• Khanyi M (South Africa)
Fashion Brand of the Year
• Masango (South Africa)
• Malondie (South Africa)
• Imprint South Africa (South Africa)
• House of Vieve (Nigeria)
• D29 (Nigeria)
• Pearls Bridal (Nigeria)
• Beccaneedlesnstiches (Nigeria)
• The Sevon Dejana (Nigeria)
• 5th Ave Fashion (South Africa)
• Tol’thema (South Africa)
Social Star of the Year
• Bontle Modiselle (South Africa)
• Peller (Nigeria)
• Ndoyisile Sibindi (Zimbabwe)
• Chad Jones (South Africa)
• Mihlali Ndamase (South Africa)
• Lasizwe (South Africa)
• Zozibini Tunzi (South Africa)
• Madam Boss (Zimbabwe)
• Oratle Masedi (South Africa)
• Gehgeh (Nigeria)
Online Comic Act of the Year
• Legendary Ben (Nigeria)
• Atlegang Songo (South Africa)
• Farieda Metsileng (South Africa)
• Carpo More (South Africa)
• Godisz Fungwa (Cameroon)
• Skinycomics (Nigeria)
• The Trenchboy (Nigeria)
• Two Glazzes (Nigeria)
• Kevinblak Comedy (Nigeria)
• Gilmoore (Nigeria)
OAP (On-Air Personality) of the Year
• Zanele Potelwa (South Africa)
• Thando Thabethe (South Africa)
• Mo Flava (South Africa)
• Khutso Theledi (South Africa)
• Ndivho Makhwanya (South Africa)
• Nicole Abebe (Nigeria)
• M.I.A (Nigeria)
• Melissa Nnamdi (Nigeria)
• Divine Chidimma Eze (Nigeria)
• Debola Debbie Ajiboye (Nigeria)
PR Agency of the Year
• DNA Brand Architects (South Africa)
• Duma Collective (South Africa)
• Eclipse Communications (South Africa)
• Playmakers (South Africa)
• Chain Reactions Africa (Nigeria)
• CMC Connect (Nigeria)
• BlackHouse Media (BHM) (Nigeria)
• Quadrant MSL (Nigeria)
• Red Media Africa (Nigeria)
• Eminence Global PR (Kenya)
Podcast of the Year
• Open Charts Podcast (South Africa)
• Podcast and Chill with MacG (South Africa)
• Wisdom & Wellness with Mpoomy Ledwaba (South Africa)
• Mindful Mondays with Shudu (South Africa)
• The Honest Bunch Podcast (Nigeria)
• Toke Moments (Nigeria)
• Menisms Podcast (Nigeria)
• The Afrobeats Podcast (Nigeria)
• The Afropolitan Podcast (Nigeria)
• Tea With Tay (Nigeria)
