The 2026 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards in Lagos State took an unexpected comedic turn when Nigerian comedian Bovi Ugboma and South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha recreated the viral snub moment involving Nollywood stars Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham.
The recreation happened during the hosting segment of the prestigious award ceremony held at Eko Hotel and Suites, drawing loud reactions from the aunce and immediate buzz across social media platforms.
The original incident dates back to March 2026 during the premiere of The Return of Arinzo, a movie by Iyabo Ojo. At the event, Funke Akindele reportedly snubbed Toyin Abraham, an action that quickly went viral and reignited discussions around the long standing rivalry between both actresses.
The situation escalated further when both stars unfollowed each other on social media, fueling speculation about a breakdown in attempts to maintain peace within the Nollywood industry. Iyabo Ojo later added to the controversy by accusing Toyin Abraham of violating an earlier peace agreement reportedly reached with Akindele.
At the AMVCA 2026 stage, Bovi and Nomzamo Mbatha lightened the mood by humorously acting out the moment in a scripted skit, carefully mimicking the expressions and body language that had made the original incident trend nationwide.
While many guests at the event laughed and applauded the performance, the recreation also sparked mixed reactions online, with some users praising the comedy and others arguing that the sensitive industry rivalry should not be turned into public entertainment.
Despite the controversy, the AMVCA segment added to the night’s highlights, reinforcing the event’s reputation for blending entertainment, humour, and cultural moments that resonate across Africa.
The incident continues to reflect the intense public interest in Nollywood celebrity dynamics, where personal interactions often become major talking points in entertainment media and social discourse.
As conversations continue online, fans are divided between those who see the recreation as harmless comedy and those who believe it risks deepening existing tensions within the industry.
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