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The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards was filled with glamour, emotional speeches, memorable fashion moments, and major wins that celebrated the growth of African cinema.
Held on May 9, 2026, the prestigious award ceremony brought together filmmakers, actors, producers, and entertainers from different parts of Africa.
However, despite the excitement that surrounded the event, fans could not help but notice the absence of several major Nollywood stars whose presence usually adds extra excitement to the night.
One of the most talked-about absentees was Funke Akindele. The actress dominated conversations online before the award night because her blockbuster movie Behind The Scenes received four major nominations.
The film had already broken records at the Nigerian box office after reportedly grossing over ₦2 billion, making many fans believe it would secure one or more major awards during the ceremony. Surprisingly, the film went home without a win after losing the Best Movie category to My Father’s Shadow.
Funke’s absence became even more noticeable when hosts joked about a viral “snub” moment involving her and Toyin Abraham earlier in the year.
Another celebrity fans hoped to see was Genevieve Nnaji. Widely regarded as one of the greatest actresses in Nollywood history, Genevieve’s absence from public events has become increasingly common over the years.
Despite staying away from the spotlight, she remains one of the most admired personalities in African entertainment.
Her elegant fashion appearances and calm personality have made her a favorite among fans, and many expected her to make a surprise appearance at the AMVCA. However, the actress once again maintained her private lifestyle and skipped the event.
The absence of Tobi Bakre also raised eyebrows among fans and entertainment lovers. Tobi has become one of the most recognizable faces in modern Nollywood, especially because of his strong acting performances and unique red-carpet fashion style.
As a former Best Actor winner and one of the industry’s most stylish celebrities, many expected him to be among the stars who would light up the red carpet. Reports later suggested he may have missed the ceremony because of international filming commitments.
Likewise, Nancy Isime was another notable absentee. Nancy is often considered one of the biggest attractions on the AMVCA red carpet due to her bold and creative fashion choices.
Whether as a host, actress, or presenter, she usually brings energy and excitement to the event. Her absence sparked several conversations online, with many fans wondering if she was busy with projects outside Nigeria or simply taking a break from public appearances.
Veteran actor Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, was also absent from the event. Over the years, RMD has built a reputation as one of Nollywood’s most respected actors and style icons.
His classy appearance and support for younger actors have earned him admiration across generations.
While the event honored several industry legends, fans still felt his absence deeply because of the prestige and elegance he usually brings to such ceremonies.
Another actress fans missed was Mercy Johnson-Okojie. Known for her versatility and comic brilliance, Mercy Johnson remains one of Nollywood’s most loved actresses.
Although she has focused more on family and business ventures in recent years, her fans still hoped she would attend the award show. Her absence left many viewers disappointed, especially those who have followed her successful acting career for years.
Finally, Adesua Etomi-Wellington was another star missing from the glamorous night. Together with her husband, Banky W, she is known for creating memorable red-carpet moments at entertainment events.
Fans often look forward to seeing the couple’s stylish appearances and chemistry. Without Adesua at the AMVCA, many felt the ceremony missed some of its usual excitement and charm.
Although the 2026 AMVCA was still a successful celebration of African storytelling and entertainment, the absence of these major stars reminded fans of the important role celebrity presence plays in creating unforgettable award-night moments.
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