Veteran Nigerian movie stars, Kanayo O. Kanayo and Sola Sobowale, have won Industry Merit Award at the 2026 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, AMVCA.

The moment Sola Sobowale was announced as the Female recipient of the #AMVCA12 Industry Merit Award 😍😍😍😍 pic.twitter.com/uXSbwa2ogg

— Nollywood Citadel (@Nolly_Citadel) May 9, 2026

The duo were honored with the awards on Saturday night during the 12th edition of the AMVCA awards ceremony held at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos state.

The awards recognised their decades-long contributions to the Nigerian movie industry and their impact as two of Nollywood’s most respected screen icons.

Receiving the award, Shola Shobowale, who appreciated the organisers and her fans, specially appreciated her children for making motherhood an easy journey for her and her career.

“I want to specially thank God Almighty for keeping till this day to have this. I thank my children. Thank you to all my colleagues. I thank my fans because without you ‘Ko si Shola’ (there’s no Shola) It truly is an honour”, she said

On his part, Kanayo O. Kanayo used the moment to speak against xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

Kanayo O Kanayo and Sola Sobowale win Industry Merit Awards

They both are legends of the industry

Sola was celebrating her daughter's wedding last week … Today she is an AMVCA winner pic.twitter.com/7nB3FwT2gz

— Metro Naija (@metronaija) May 9, 2026

Sola Sobowale says thank you to Almighty God for seeing this day , for giving her life , her children and all her fans🥺❤️ pic.twitter.com/Ya3nR3zkma

— ‘Mide (@LookingForMide) May 10, 2026

Kanayo O. Kanayo and Sola Sobowale ❤️ #AMVCA12 pic.twitter.com/4Ilul45Oqr

— NOTJUSTOK (@NOTJUSTOK) May 10, 2026