South African actress, producer and human rights activist Nomzamo Mbatha commanded attention at one of the continent’s biggest entertainment events as she co-hosted the highly anticipated Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
The 2026 ceremony was presented by Bovi Ugboma and Nomzamo Mbatha, two influential figures whose contributions to film, television and business continue to shape Africa’s entertainment landscape.
Held on Saturday, 9 May 2026, in Lagos, the annual awards celebrated excellence in African film and television. While the evening honoured outstanding talent, Nomzamo also captivated audiences with five remarkable fashion statements, each inspired by a distinct artistic vision.
Nomzamo Mbatha Opens The Night In Veekee James Couture
Nomzamo’s first appearance of the evening featured a custom creation by acclaimed designer Veekee James, setting the tone for a night filled with bold and imaginative couture.
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She then changed into a striking second gown designed by House of Dova. The label described the futuristic look, writing: “House of Dova presents SUSTAINABLE COUTURE for the host @nomzamo_m In a world of advanced technology, where the line between real life and Al grows thinner, this dress is an ode to technology of new and old as seen in details; fused with hand-beaded structures, capacitors, panels, wiring, and circuit boards…”
TUBO Butterfly Dress Leaves Nomzamo Mbatha Emotional
For her third outfit, Nomzamo wore a bespoke gown by TUBO, featuring intricate beadwork and a mechanised butterfly motif.
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The fashion house wrote: “It is our honour to dress Nomzamo Mbatha (@nomzamo_m ) in TUBO Bespoke as she hosts the 2026 AMVCA Awards Nomzamo’s custom look was designed and embellished by hand in our studio, and finished with a mechanised butterfly detailing. For the woman who is always in motion.”
Moved by the effort behind the design, Nomzamo responded: “My well of gratitude will never run dry! Every bead, hand-stitched to the finest detail with little to no sleep… and then the butterflies in constant motion… my word woman!”
Emagine By Bukola And House Of Marvee Complete The AMVCA Fashion Journey
Nomzamo’s fourth ensemble was created by Emagine by Bukola. Sharing the inspiration behind the gown, the designer recalled: “The first thing Nomzamo said when she first saw the piece was: ‘Heart.’ And somehow, that became the entire story.
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“What began as an exploration of anatomy through thread, paint and texture has become a reflection of something deeper: the intricacy of creation itself. For ‘You knit me together in my mother’s womb… I am fearfully and wonderfully made.’”
For her final appearance, Nomzamo stepped out in a dramatic custom design by House of Marvee.
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The brand explained: “For the AMVCA 2026, @nomzamo_m wore a custom House of Marvee creation that explored the tension between instinct, survival and transformation through couture. We drew inspiration from the thermal imprint of the human body as seen through the eyes of a serpent an abstract heat signature traced across the silhouette in molten tones of ember, sapphire and gold.
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“Encasing it are iridescent scale formations, crafted to feel almost preserved, as though nature itself had been reimagined into ornament. The result is a striking visual dialogue between predator and prey, strength and vulnerability, man and nature.”
Nomzamo Mbatha’s five carefully curated looks turned her hosting duties into a celebration of African fashion artistry, with each designer bringing a unique concept to one of the entertainment industry’s most glamorous nights.
