Pan-African stars across television, music, fashion, film, digital content and entrepreneurship honoured as the prestigious awards ceremony prepares to make its South African debut.
Johannesburg’s creative community took centre stage on Africa Day as the Africa Choice Awards (ACA) officially unveiled 120 nominees for its highly anticipated seventh edition, marking a historic first as the celebrated Pan-African awards platform prepares to host its flagship ceremony in South Africa.
The nominees were announced during an exclusive media briefing held at Bryanston Rockets in Johannesburg on 29 May 2026, bringing together prominent media personalities and industry stakeholders to celebrate African excellence across the continent’s thriving creative economy.
Widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading platforms dedicated to recognising talent and innovation, the Africa Choice Awards honour outstanding achievements in television, radio, podcasting, music, film, fashion, beauty, photography, digital content creation, entrepreneurship and emerging creative industries.
This year’s nominees represent a diverse mix of established and rising stars from South Africa and across the continent, including talent from Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Cameroon, Mauritius, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
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Nominees were selected through a comprehensive two-tier process that combined public submissions with evaluations by an independent panel of respected media and industry professionals from six African countries. The ACA panel also conducted extensive continental research, assessing candidates based on merit, visibility, consistency, influence and overall industry impact.
Speaking at the nominees’ unveiling, Puni Modiboa, Managing Director of Mmina Tshipi Integrated Marketing Communication, highlighted the broader vision behind the awards.
“Africa Choice Awards is more than an awards ceremony — it is a continental movement designed to celebrate Africa’s voices, creators, innovators, and cultural influence on a global scale,” said Modiboa.
“South Africa provides a powerful gateway to unite African excellence through media, entertainment, culture, technology, and creative collaboration. We are building a platform that not only recognises talent, but also contributes meaningfully to the growth of Africa’s creative economy, youth empowerment, tourism, and cultural diplomacy.”
South Africa’s nominees reflect the country’s dynamic creative landscape, with familiar names earning recognition across multiple categories.
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Among those shortlisted in the Social Star of the Year category are entertainer Bontle Modiselle and digital personality Lasizwe Dambuza. Radio personalities Mo Flava and Zanele Potelwa will compete for OAP of the Year, while entrepreneurs DJ Sbu, Avian Recce and Mhlonishwa Winston Kunene are among the nominees for Male Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
The television and film categories feature some of South Africa’s most recognisable talents. Bonko Khoza, Vuyo Dabula, Sphamandla Dhludhlu and Abdul Khoza have all been nominated for Male Movie Star of the Year, while Dawn Thandeka King and Kgomotso Christopher are contenders for Female Movie Star of the Year.
In television, nominees for Female TV Star of the Year include Linda Sokhulu, Lerato Mvelase, Thembi Seete and Gaisang Ikitse Noge, while Prince Grootboom, Lunga Shabalala, Clint Brink and Sandile Mahlangu have been recognised in the Male TV Star of the Year category.
The awards also celebrate the growing influence of digital creators and entrepreneurs. Princes Sachiko earned a nomination for Digital Content Creator of the Year, while the Podcast of the Year category recognises the impact of the Wisdom and Wellness Podcast.
Fashion and beauty professionals have also secured their place among the nominees. Categories such as Make-Up Artist of the Year, Hair Stylist of the Year, Fashion Brand of the Year and Fashion Stylist of the Year highlight the individuals and businesses shaping Africa’s style and beauty industries.
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Beyond South Africa, the Pan-African categories showcase the depth of talent emerging from across the continent. Ugandan comedian Kansiime Anne, Kenyan media personality DJ Pierra Makena and Nigerian actress Bimbo Akintola are among the notable names recognised for their contributions to entertainment and popular culture.
The Viewers Choice Award category features Zimbabwean personality Madam Boss, while influencers, entrepreneurs and creatives from Kenya, Nigeria, Mauritius and Cameroon have also secured nominations in various categories.
Organisers have confirmed that the main Africa Choice Awards ceremony will take place in September 2026, with the official date set to be announced in the coming weeks. The event will be hosted in partnership with corporate organisations, fast-moving consumer goods companies and government stakeholders committed to advancing Africa’s creative industries.
Although winners will not receive cash prizes, recipients will be honoured with official Africa Choice Awards trophies and certificates in recognition of their contributions to their respective fields.
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As anticipation builds ahead of the ceremony, organisers have also extended an invitation to corporate partners seeking to align themselves with one of the continent’s most influential cultural platforms. Opportunities remain available across sponsorship, production, broadcast partnerships, cultural diplomacy initiatives and integrated brand campaigns.
The arrival of the Africa Choice Awards in South Africa represents more than just another awards show. It signals a growing recognition of the continent’s creative industries as powerful drivers of economic growth, cultural exchange and youth empowerment.
For the nominees, it is an opportunity to be celebrated among Africa’s finest. For audiences, it offers a chance to witness the stories, talent and innovation shaping the future of African creativity on a truly continental stage.