MTN Honours Nollywood Legends with ₦5 Million Prizes, Celebrates Nigerian Culture at 12th AMVCA Cultural Day
Lagos was alive with colour, rhythm, fashion, and entertainment on Friday, 8 May 2026, as the city hosted the vibrant Cultural Day of the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). The event drew celebrities, filmmakers, creatives, and culture enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond, united in their celebration of Nigerian identity and artistic excellence.
From the moment guests stepped onto the red carpet, the atmosphere was transformed into a colourful display of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. Guests donned traditional attire ranging from regal agbadas and beaded masterpieces to intricate aso-oke fabrics, turning the venue into a living gallery of Nigerian fashion and tradition. The evening was punctuated by cultural performances, pulsating music, and an abundance of food and drinks, creating a scene that was both glamorous and deeply rooted in tradition.
Many celebrities arrived in stunning traditional ensembles that paid homage to different regions of Nigeria, exemplifying the country’s diverse cultural tapestry. The night was a powerful reminder that Nigerian fashion is not merely worn but performed with pride and artistry.
Among the stars in attendance were Uche Jombo, Mike Ezuruonye, Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi, Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Rachel Okonkwo, Bolaji Ogunmola, Eniola Ajao, Kamo State, Imisioluwa Ayanwale, Scarlet Gomez, and Liquorose, all of whom brought glamour, energy, and star power to the event.
Beyond the glitz, MTN Nigeria reaffirmed its dedication to promoting African storytelling and creative excellence throughout the AMVCA week. A highlight was the preceding AMVCA Icons Night on Thursday, May 7, during which MTN Nigeria honoured four legendary figures in Nollywood with ₦5 million each, alongside plaques recognising their contributions to Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Honourees included Nkem Owoh, Afeez Oyetoro, Patience Ozokwo, and Joke Silva — icons whose work has shaped Nigerian cinema and culture. The event drew applause and underscored MTN’s ongoing commitment to celebrating industry pioneers.
A particularly memorable moment at Cultural Day was when spoken word artist IBQuake delivered a moving performance inspired by MTN’s “See Naija” campaign video. Through poetry, rhythm, and emotion, the performance vividly painted Nigeria’s beauty, resilience, complexity, and spirit, eliciting loud cheers from the audience.
Speaking at the event, Kate Daniels, Senior Manager of Sponsorships and Alliances at MTN Nigeria, reflected on the importance of celebrating Nigerian identity through storytelling and culture. She explained that MTN’s “See Naija” project was designed to inspire Nigerians to tell their own stories from their unique perspectives.
She stated, “For 25 years, MTN has remained deeply connected to Nigeria, its people, and its culture. And if there’s one thing those years have shown us, it is that Nigerian identity does not need protecting; it needs celebrating.”
Ms Daniels added that Nigeria’s challenges are real, but so are its victories, strengths, creativity, and audacity. “We are resilient people, but beyond resilience, we are audacious. We create, we adapt, and we keep going,” she affirmed. Her words resonated with the night’s festive atmosphere, filled with pride, music, dance, laughter, and endless conversations.
The event featured cultural performances, celebrity interactions, premium hospitality, and endless servings of Nigerian cuisine and drinks. Guests danced late into the night, dressed in colours, beads, lace, velvet, and richly woven fabrics — a testament to Nigeria’s thriving cultural spirit on the global stage.
As the night drew to a close, one message was clear: Nigerian culture is not just alive — it is thriving, bold and proud, and shining brightly on the world stage.