The Worst and Most Talked-About Dresses from the AMVCAs

Published: May 6, 2026 Last Updated 3 weeks ago by Esther Ejoh

The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) have become more than a celebration of cinematic excellence. Since 2013, this annual event has established itself as the premier night in African entertainment, attracting leading figures from Nollywood, Ghallywood, and beyond. In recent years, the AMVCA has also emerged as Africa’s most closely watched fashion runway.

Each May, as stars gather in Lagos, attention shifts from the awards to the red carpet. The AMVCA red carpet has become a cultural phenomenon, where celebrities, stylists, and designers collaborate to create memorable moments. Social media reacts instantly, fashion critics deliver immediate reviews, and fans engage in lively debates across continents.

Amid this intense spotlight, two categories emerge each year: Best Dressed and Worst Dressed. While the Best Dressed receive praise and endorsement opportunities, those on the Worst Dressed list often face public criticism, online ridicule, and lasting notoriety.

What distinguishes a successful look from a failure is rarely straightforward. An outfit may fall short if it is inappropriate for the occasion, poorly executed, or features unsuitable materials such as low-quality fabrics or ill-fitting designs. Sometimes, a look fails because it is overly complicated, losing its original intent.

The worst-dressed list is not simply about criticism. When viewed critically, it provides valuable insights into fashion, presentation, and self-awareness. It highlights that red carpet dressing is an art form with its own standards: respect the occasion, value craftsmanship, and recognize that simplicity can be most effective.

From 2020 to 2025, the AMVCA has seen a range of fashion missteps. Some were minor errors, such as a misplaced accessory, while others were significant failures that drew widespread attention. Several celebrities have appeared on worst-dressed lists multiple times, indicating ongoing challenges with red carpet style.

Ahead, we compile a list of the most controversial and memorable worst-dressed moments from five AMVCA editions. These are the looks that sparked the loudest conversations, and not for the reasons the celebrities had hoped.

Papaya Ex at the 2025 AMVCA

Papaya Ex earned one of the harshest assessments of the night. No sugar-coating here: “Papaya missed the mark with this look. A true case of ‘what was she thinking?'”

Wanni at the AMVCA 2025

Wanni’s dress had so much going on at the sleeves and the bottom, but sadly, it just did not come together properly.

Critics described it as a classic case of too many ideas competing for attention, with no harmony. The result was visual chaos rather than a coherent statement.

Chris Awudey at the AMVCA 2025

Ghanaian fashion influencer Chris Nunies Awudey’s AMVCA 2025 gown combined strange color palettes and an ill-fitting silhouette, drawing comparisons to a “squashed caterpillar.” Even the homage he tried giving with his outfit wasn’t working at all. The bold risk didn’t pay off, with fans noting it ignored styling basics.

“Chris’s outfit had boring colors and weird combos—total miss,” said a TikTok user. Public feedback focused on how experimentation went awry, sparking memes across platforms.

White Money at the AMVCA 2025

Big Brother Naija star White Money’s AMVCA 2025 appearance featured a cultural outfit with a tall hat, beads, and a staff that fans found more comical than cultural. The ensemble aimed to represent Igbo heritage but came off as exaggerated.

“White Money’s look was like a disgraced pharaoh—I can’t even rate it,” laughed a YouTube commenter. Online opinions stressed it lacked refinement, making it one of the most talked-about misses of the night.

Desmond Elliot at the AMVCA 2025

Desmond Elliot, the Nigerian actor and politician, turned heads for all the wrong reasons at the 2025 AMVCA with an outfit that fans likened to an “elephant in the room.” His massive black skirt-like ensemble, paired with a structured top, evoked images of a dramatic Nollywood villain rather than red carpet elegance.

The look aimed for grandeur but ended up overwhelming, with mismatched proportions and a heavy silhouette that didn’t flatter. Public opinion was swift and savage: one X user quipped, “Bruh pulled up in a massive black skirt like a disgraced wizard in exile. Looked like he escaped from a Nollywood reboot of Macbeth.” Fans on social media echoed this, calling it a publicity stunt gone wrong, with comments emphasizing how it ignored basic styling principles amid the event’s theme of African excellence.

Pretty Mike at the AMVCA 2025

Known for his eccentric style, Nigerian socialite Pretty Mike took eccentricity to new heights at AMVCA 2025. His outfit featured confusing fabric choices and over-the-top accessories that clashed rather than complemented. Aiming for shock value, the ensemble included mismatched patterns and bulky elements that made it look chaotic.

Fan reactions were mixed but largely critical: “Pretty Mike’s look was trying too hard to be viral, but it just ended up being a mess,” noted a commenter in a YouTube review. Social media buzzed with opinions that it pushed boundaries too far without cohesion, landing him on multiple worst-dressed lists for not balancing boldness with sophistication.

Ka3na at the AMVCA 2025

Ex-BBNaija star Ka3na’s “boss lady” vibe at AMVCA 2025 fell flat with a mismatched suit-like dress. “This outfit was a hard no for AMVCA,” echoed fans. Public views highlighted theme misalignment.

Neo Akpofure at the AMVCA 2025

Someone forgot to tell Neo that sometimes, less is more. He showed up determined to send the entire red carpet home with temporary blindness, wearing a head-to-toe sequined two-piece that reflected light like a disco ball on steroids.

And yet, despite the eye-watering sparkle, the look still didn’t land. All that shine, and somehow still no style points.

Pretty Mike at the 2022 AMVCA

This is not surprising, given Pretty Mike’s reputation for wearing disastrous outfits to every red carpet he attends.

To his credit, he at least spiced things up this time by carrying a live kid goat and replicating Alicia Keys’ Met Gala outfit, complete with what can only be described as a lamp shade for a headpiece.

This is not surprising, given Pretty Mike’s reputation for wearing disastrous outfits to every red carpet he attends.

To his credit, he at least spiced things up this time by carrying a live kid goat and replicating Alicia Keys’ Met Gala outfit, complete with what can only be described as a lampshade for a headpiece.

Oyebade-Bimbe-Adedimeji at the 2022 AMVCA

When I saw this gown, I could not help but cry tears of disgust. Where do I even start? Everything was terrible, from the hideous fit to the inexplicable decision to attach paper cutouts shaped like flowers all over the gown.

Simi Drey at the 2022 AMVCA

Simi Drey took heavy inspiration from Kim Kardashian’s Met Gala playbook, perhaps a little too heavily. Channelling the reality star’s infamous balaclava moment, Ifu wrapped her face in fabric and stepped out in a black, curve-hugging ensemble that screamed: “Kim who?”

Unfortunately, the execution lacked the polish and designer pedigree of the original, landing closer to a costume party than couture.

James Brown at the 2022 AMVCA

All hail James of Brownstown. Not to throw shade, but everything about this outfit was genuinely hilarious.

Though there was a valid regency-era concept behind the look, the execution was plain messy—ambition without the craftsmanship to back it up.

Omashola at the 2020 AMVCA

 We all know the coronavirus pandemic was ravaging the earth in 2020, but trying to use it as a style inspiration was a total fail. The outfit, which appeared to incorporate virus-like spheres or protective gear motifs, missed the mark entirely.

A red carpet is meant for glamour, escape, and celebration, not a morbid reminder of a global health crisis. Omashola’s concept may have been attention-grabbing, but for all the wrong reasons.

OAP, Gbemi at the 2020 AMVCA

OAP Gbemi left viewers wondering: what in the world is she wearing? The outfit was a puzzling combination of elements that simply did not work together.

Whether it was a fit issue, a fabric choice gone wrong, or a styling decision that defied logic, Gbemi’s look became one of the most talked-about disasters of the night. Sometimes, less might not even be more. Unfortunately, Gbemi seemed to have missed that lesson entirely.

Harrysongz at the 2020 AMVCA

It appears Harrysong did not get the “you must bring your A-game to any red carpet” memo. His outfit lacked direction, cohesion, and any discernible fashion sense.

We know he was aiming for the Northern traditional avant-garde. But, the result landed somewhere in the middle—nowhere land. When guests are more confused than impressed, the stylist has failed.

Kiki Omeili at the 2020 AMVCA

Kiki Omeili’s outfit failed to leave a positive impression. In a sea of stunning gowns and sharp tuxedos, her look blended into the background and not in a good way. Can we talk about 

The AMVCA red carpet demands boldness, creativity, and confidence. Kiki’s ensemble offered none of the above.

Bisola Aiyeola at the 2020 AMVCA

Former BBNaija housemate and actress Bisola appeared on the worst-dressed list for an outfit that critics described as tacky.

Whether the issue was fabric choice, silhouette, or overall styling, the look failed to meet the standards of one of Africa’s biggest award ceremonies.

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