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The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards delivered another spectacular display of African fashion and celebrity culture, as stars arrived in dramatic and theatrical outfits that transformed the annual awards ceremony into one of the continent’s biggest style showcases.
Held at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, the event brought together celebrities, filmmakers and digital creators from across Africa to celebrate achievements in film, television and online storytelling.
BBC reports that this year’s red carpet leaned heavily into extravagant fashion, with celebrities appearing in sculptural gowns, oversized trains, shimmering fabrics and highly conceptual designs that dominated conversations both at the venue and online.
Among the night’s most talked-about appearances was Nigerian reality television star Queen Mercy Atang, who arrived in a dress she said was made from more than 500 loaves of bread.
The outfit, which required several assistants to help carry it across the carpet, also featured two maidens holding trays of bread as part of the presentation.
Speaking to the BBC, Atang said the unusual look was designed to promote her bread-baking business and was intended as a marketing statement rather than a publicity stunt.
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“What other place is better to advertise my business than the AMVCA?” she said.
The outfit was designed by renowned Nigerian fashion designer Toyin Lawani of Tiannah’s Empire, who later wrote on Instagram that she was beginning a trend of “everyone wear your business”.
The appearance quickly sparked debate on social media, with some users praising the creativity and branding strategy while others criticised the use of bread as wasteful amid economic hardships.
Atang, however, dismissed criticism suggesting the outfit promoted food waste.
Meanwhile, Ghanaian fashion icon Nana Akua Addo once again drew attention with an elaborate silver architectural gown inspired by Germany’s famous Cologne Cathedral.
The heavily structured dress featured hand-painted stained-glass style details, cathedral-shaped extensions and matching silver accessories, with members of her team assisting her movement on the carpet.
Her designer, Abasswoman, told the BBC that work on the outfit began in November 2025 and was only completed two days before the awards ceremony.
According to the design team, the outfit was inspired by the grandeur and craftsmanship behind the construction of Cologne Cathedral, with the gown intended to reflect both architectural beauty and artistic ambition.
Over the years, the AMVCA has evolved beyond an awards ceremony into a major platform for African fashion, where celebrities compete not only for trophies but also for viral fashion moments capable of dominating social media conversations across the continent.
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