The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, a highlight of Nollywood’s calendar, has witnessed a growing demand from men on the red carpet to claim their place in fashion discussions. The 12th AMVCA, held on May 9, 2026, at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, underscored a significant shift: the era of men merely “showing up” in a suit is over. Under the theme “Honouring Craft, Celebrating Culture,” the men of Nollywood and Nigerian entertainment showcased conceptual fashion statements that matched the creativity of the women’s styles.
The event was marked by intricate velvet jackets and ensembles inspired by the Dark Samurai, complete with katanas, highlighting a focus on craftsmanship, identity, and visual storytelling. Here is a rundown of the standout best-dressed men at the 2026 AMVCA, showcasing those who not only looked stylish but who also made a statement.
Here are the best-dressed men who live up to the theme at the 2026 AMVCA…
#1. Eme Kanaga in Rogue: 300 Hours of Devotion
Eme Kanaga, winner of the ‘Digital Creator of the Year’ at AMVCA 12, made a remarkable entrance in a custom black velvet ringmaster jacket and wide-leg pants by Rogue, drawing inspiration from Michael Jackson. The ensemble, hand-embroidered with over 20,000 glass beads and crystal stones, took more than 300 hours to craft. Paired with a white bishop collar shirt, the look perfectly balanced theatrical flair with elegance, creating an iconic moment on the red carpet.
#2. Tobi Bakre in Deji and Kola: Yoruba Cool, Fully Realized
Tobi Bakre made a striking appearance at the AMVCA 12, presenting a cohesive and deliberate style. Dressed in an agbada by Deji and Kola, complemented by custom mules and accessories from Frontiers Brand, every aspect of his look was intentional. This ensemble epitomized refined Yoruba cool, grounded in cultural roots and executed with meticulous attention to detail.
#3. Deyemi Okanlawon in Deji and Kola: The Dark Samurai Has Arrived
Deyemi Okanlawon brought a bold vision to the AMVCAs with his “Dark Samurai” ensemble by Deji and Kola. The outfit featured a beaded black and crimson tunic that combined Nigerian craftsmanship with Japanese warrior aesthetics, highlighted by a katana accessory. This daring concept was flawlessly executed, making it one of the evening’s most memorable highlights.
#4. Stan Nze in AmDiddy Empire: The Igbo Odogwu Tradition Continues
Stan Nze embraced the Igbo Odogwu fashion movement with a striking ensemble by AmDiddy Empire. The form-fitting beaded jacket paired with a skirt was both bold and culturally significant, showcasing how traditional inspiration and modern tailoring can coexist harmoniously when worn with confidence.
#5. Akin Faminu in Deji and Kola: Consistently, Undeniably Regal
Akin Faminu, known as one of Nigeria’s best-dressed men, reinforced his reputation at the AMVCA 2026. Wearing an intricately detailed suit by Deji and Kola, he exuded a regal aura with effortless grace, underscoring the polished consistency that defines his style in Nigerian menswear.
#6. Shaun Okojie in Rogue: Botanical Opulence
Shaun Okojie delivered the evening’s most technically accomplished look. His collarless, open-front jacket by Rogue featured intricate gold and bronze beadwork in a botanical motif, anchored by a chocolate-brown satin dress shirt and high-waisted black trousers. The accessories, chosen with precision, highlighted the balance between luxury and restraint, resulting in an impeccably tailored ensemble.
#7. Prince Nelson Enwerem in House of Vieve: The Standard-Bearer Returns
Prince Nelson Enwerem, a Big Brother alumnus, consistently delivers memorable red-carpet moments, and the 12th AMVCA was no different. His suit by House of Vieve, worn with the confidence of a seasoned camera professional, showcased his ability to remain quietly and brilliantly well-dressed.
#8. Chimezie Imo in Fai World: Cobalt Blue Royalty
Chimezie Imo’s deep cobalt blue velvet tuxedo by Fai World was a study in monochrome sophistication. The plush velvet contrasted beautifully with satin shawl lapels and a matching silk shirt, creating a textured dialogue within a single color. A gold brooch added warmth to the ensemble, while relaxed wide-leg trousers maintained a contemporary silhouette.
#9. Larry Hector in Ayo and Styles: Futuristic Formalism
Larry Hector introduced an architectural flair to the red carpet with a structured white jacket by Ayo and Styles. The honeycomb texture and pearl trim led into flared trousers, creating a celestial presence. Paired with a classic tuxedo shirt and bow tie, this look took traditional formalwear into a futuristic realm.
#10. Dike Miracle Chidi in Fai World: Where Tailoring Meets Nature
Dike Miracle Chidi graced the event in a cream mandarin-collar suit adorned with bronze floral embroidery by Fai World. The delicate needlework cascaded down the neckline and arms, while the structured shoulders and wide-leg trousers ensured the tailoring held its ground. The ensemble, finished with dark mahogany loafers, balanced softness with structure.
#11. Samuel Chibuikem Osuji in Deji and Kola: Dandy With a Point of View
Samuel Chibuikem Osuji showcased a unique dandy style with a dove-grey cropped suit by Deji and Kola. The look, featuring oversized peak lapels, a black collar, a magenta-jeweled bolo tie, and polka dot shirt, was a masterclass in retro-modern dandyism. Every detail exuded precision, striking a balance between audacious and refined.
#12. Samuel Banks in OJ Clothing: Asymmetric Masterwork
Samuel Banks impressed with a navy velvet tunic by OJ Clothing, transforming its left side into a canvas of silver and crystal beadwork. The asymmetry was striking yet harmonious, complemented by cream boots that added a modern contrast. Aviator sunglasses and a silver ring completed a look that was both regal and contemporary.
#13. Etim Effiong in Deji and Kola: Victorian Edge Meets Modern Menswear
Etim Effiong brought high drama to the red carpet with a black tuxedo by Deji and Kola. Featuring sharp peak lapels, a cutaway hem, and an oversized silk cravat with an ornate silver brooch, the look combined Victorian influences with modern menswear. The wide-leg trousers and white-tipped shoes added a contemporary touch.
#14. Michael Dappa in P.ARIES: Controlled Chaos
Michael Dappa’s blazer by P.ARIES, featuring aggressive silver and white paint-splatter effects, ruby-red accents, and a pearl-traced asymmetric hem, was a standout. This punk-inspired, meticulously crafted look was completed with dark shades and pointed-toe Chelsea boots, proving chaos can be elegant when executed with precision.
#15. Kola Omotoso in A Modern Africa: The Sculpture of a Classic
Kola Omotoso concluded the list in a double-breasted jacket by A Modern Africa, featuring an oversized wrap-around shawl lapel. The sculptural design was complemented by a silver floral brooch, pocket square, and thick-framed sunglasses. This reimagined classic demonstrated the power of subtly pushing boundaries in fashion.
The Men at the 2026 AMVCA Had A Lot to Offer
From Eme Kanaga’s intricate beaded creation to Kola Omotoso’s architectural tuxedo, the 2026 AMVCA showcased the vibrant evolution of Nigerian menswear. The designs were sharper, the concepts bolder, and the confidence unshakeable, marking a pivotal moment in fashion led by these standout men.
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