The 2025 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) marked a pivotal moment in African fashion, particularly in menswear. More than just a celebration of film and television, the red carpet became a runway of cultural expression, innovation, and fearless style. Nigerian male celebrities stepped away from predictable black tuxedos and embraced bold colors, intricate prints, and alternative tailoring choices that defied conventional norms. The 2025 AMVCA red carpet was a testament to the evolving landscape of men’s fashion in Nigeria. Through these bold choices and innovative designs, they set a new standard for style blending cultural heritage with modern aesthetics and challenging traditional notions of masculinity in fashion.
Desmond Elliott: Challenging Fashion Norms
Actor and politician Desmond Elliott’s choice of a black gown with an elephant motif was one of the most talked-about moments of the evening. This avant-garde ensemble blended traditional Nigerian aesthetics with contemporary fashion, challenging gender norms and sparking conversations about masculinity and style. Was it a stunning outfit? Maybe not, but it definitely got tongues wagging and heads turning for being bold and different.
Akin Faminu: Showcasing Nigerian Craftsmanship
Fashion influencer Akin Faminu’s Deji & Kola tuxedo, featuring red floral embroidery, highlighted the rich craftsmanship of Nigerian designers. The outifit was by far one of the most memorable looks on the AMVCA 2025 red carpet — a brilliant blend of craftsmanship, confidence, and cultural flair which was richly embroidered with deep red and burgundy floral motifs, creating a visually arresting effect. The tuxedo wasn’t just stylish — it was symbolic. This look told a story: a fusion of classic tailoring, Nigerian craftsmanship, and fashion-forward artistry. Akin Faminu’s outfit was not only a red-carpet win, it was a cultural statement. It showed that men’s fashion in Nigeria isn’t just catching up with global standards but actively shaping them.
Bucci Franklin: A Vision in a sleek no shirt ensemble
Actor Bucci Franklin captivated audiences with his stylish fashion statement. His choice of attire was more than just a fashion statement; it was a reflection of his artistic vision and commitment to pushing boundaries. The use of accessories to bring what otherwise might have been a simple outfit sparked became the focal point and elements that brought the elements of his outfit to life. The no shirt choice definitely pushed boundaries and gave a sex appeal
Ebuka Obi-Uchendu: Challenging Fashion Norms
When Ebuka Obi-Uchendu steps onto a red carpet, expectations are high and at the 2025 AMVCA, he did not disappoint. This year, he chose a striking black tuxedo suit detailed with the designer’s name “Mai Atafo” printed in a repeating script motif, paired with a sleek white shirt lapel and a black skinny tie. The look was as bold as it was intentional — a direct fusion of high fashion and personal branding. Rather than opting for a traditional fabric or subtle print, Ebuka wore the designer’s identity, literally and symbolically, turning his outfit into a walking canvas of Nigerian creativity. This wasn’t just a suit; it was a statement about visibility, legacy, and fashion as authorship.
Saga Adeolu: Rich Textures and Regal Confidence
Reality TV star and artist Saga Adeolu brought a bold blend of colour and luxury to the AMVCA 2025 red carpet with a green and blue brocade suit that radiated opulence. The richly woven fabric featured a shimmering interplay of jewel tones emerald and sapphire giving the outfit a regal yet modern edge. The brocade, traditionally associated with ceremonial or aristocratic fashion, was reimagined into a sleek, contemporary silhouette that maintained structure while embracing texture. With an intricate lapel and perfectly twisted to give the outfit the oomph it needs. The suit strikes a balance between drama and sophistication a look that demands attention without veering into excess. He kept the accessories minimal, but his confident posture and easy charisma made the entire look shine. The overall effect was one of confident elegance, the kind that doesn’t need embellishment to make a statement. More than just a fashionable appearance, Saga’s outfit reflected the growing appetite among Nigerian male celebrities to experiment with texture, color, and craftsmanship.
Mike Afolarin: Celebrating Timeless Elegance
Actor Mike Afolarin’s sleek black ensemble, paired with a white shirt and minimalistic accessories, celebrated the timeless appeal of classic menswear. His look resonated with those who appreciate subtle elegance and demonstrated that simplicity can make a powerful fashion statement. The sharp tailoring emphasized clean lines and confidence, proving that sophistication doesn’t always need embellishment. With a quiet charm and poised demeanor, Mike let his composure do the talking — a refreshing contrast amid louder red carpet statements. His outfit was a reminder that elegance, when done right, never goes out of style.
Elozonam: Fearless in Flared Red
Elozonam gave a refreshing and ethereal take on the traditional tuxedo attire commonly seen on male attendees at the AMVCA, a bold red flared suit designed by Jeff Urban Clothing. Vibrant in colour and commanding in silhouette, the ensemble was a high-fashion standout that merged theatrical flair with refined tailoring. The suit featured dramatically flared trousers, offering a vintage-inspired twist on classic menswear, paired with a sharply tailored blazer that delivered strong structure and elegance. What truly elevated the outfit, however, was the intricate floral appliqué delicately placed at the backof the jacket. The flowers, rendered in tonal red with subtle sheen, adding softness and texture, a poetic counterpoint to the bold cut of the suit. Beneath the jacket, Elozonam wore a matching red shirt that maintained a monochromatic aesthetic, allowing the craftsmanship of the suit to shine. He kept accessories minimal, ensuring the outfit’s artistic details took centre stage.
Chimezie Imo: Trailblazer in Bold Red by Fai World
Nigerian actor Chimezie Imo, who took home the prestigious Trailblazer Award last year, also turned heads on the red carpet with an impeccable fashion moment. Known for his standout performances in movies Imo carried that same presence into his wardrobe choices. For the evening, he wore a striking custom ensemble by Fai World, a contemporary brand known for its avant-garde tailoring and fearless use of texture. The suit featured a dramatic blood-red fabric patterned with deep, inky droplets that gave the illusion of movement across the material a bold and emotive visual that resonated with the actor’s intense on-screen performances. The sharply structured tailoring accentuated Imo’s silhouette, while the rich contrast of colour and pattern added an air of sophistication and quiet rebellion. It was a look that walked the fine line between art and attire modern, masculine, and unmistakably memorable.
Yhemo Lee kept things sleek and sophisticated at the 2025 AMVCA, stepping onto the red carpet in black tailored trousers paired with a standout French tweed jacket featuring a subtle yet striking hand motif. The textured fabric and artistic detail added a layer of depth to the otherwise minimalist look, perfectly balancing creativity with refinement. Opting for clean lines and minimal accessories, Yhemo Lee embodied effortless cool, proving that a sharp silhouette and thoughtful tailoring can make just as bold a statement as more extravagant choices.
